Cracking The Commander (DJ x Commander)

CHAPTER 23

While Ranger was recovering well, Scout had lingered around the guy for longer periods. One evening, as Commander was ready to say goodnight, the two realized they couldn't find Scout anywhere.

"He's usually in his room. That boy better not be sneaking out," Commander worried. "What if he's hurt?" He fiddled with his coat buttons, which he had hastily put on while searching for Scout. It was clear how much of an impact Ranger's situation had on him.

"He couldn't have gone far." DJ slowly rubbed Commander's arm, feeling a sigh of exhaustion bubble in the back of his throat.

DJ had been dragged all over the base — from the kitchen, to the dorms, back to the kitchen, the lobby, everywhere. Everywhere but the infirmary. It didn't cross Commander's mind to check there, since Ranger must've been asleep and he hated to bother the man.

"Did we check Minigunner's dorm?" Commander asked, only to be shut down instantly.

"Baby, we checked about five times already." DJ watched as Commander paced side-to-side, almost feeling dizzy at the speed. "How about the infirmary?" The idea came to him like a blessing in disguise. He really just wanted to go to bed, but the missing Scout issue was clearly more important.

Commander's eyes lightened up. "You're right. He's been around Ranger a lot. M-Maybe he went to go change his dressings...so late in the evening." DJ couldn't reply before once again he was pulled across the base, his arm was seriously getting sore from the tight grip Commander had.

The two approached the medical room with heavy steps, of which had paused the moment they recognized the open door, light spilling out from the crack.

DJ received a strange glance from Commander. "Scout?" Commander then trudged forward, a big brow raised.

He watched as Commander peeked inside — only to gasp softly.

"What? Is he okay?" DJ asked rather loudly, feeling worry bubble in his chest upon Commander's reaction. He promptly received a harsh SHH! "S-Sorry!" A whisper-yell.

"Look." Commander's worried tone morphed into one of fondness, and a grin crept up on his lips. DJ also rose an eyebrow before carefully stepping over to the smaller man. He leaned in and lo and behold:

The two were fast asleep. Scout's head rested on Ranger's lap, soft snoring leaving his lips. His hands were folded under his head, painting a very cute picture of serenity. Ranger, on the other hand, had his head leaned back against the bed's shitty headboard, mouth tight in a line. But he was certainly asleep — tired eyes closed and breathing soft and slow.

"The kids are asleep."

Huh?

DJ smiled, eyes squinting ever so slightly downwards at an oblivious Commander.

"The kids?" He inquired. "You're talking like they're ours."

Commander's eyes visibly boggled, cheeks turning bright red, and mouth snapping closed.

"I didn't mean it like that," Commander snapped softly. "Let's- Let's just leave them be. Give me a moment." The flustered leader stepped in front of DJ, and carefully, oh, so carefully, made his way into the infirmary.

DJ didn't move, feet firmly set where they had been this whole time. He just watched fondly.

Commander plucked a thin blanket from the storage closet, unfolding it and examining it for any holes. Once it was perfect enough (considering the budget cuts...the team didn't have many luxuries, especially not comfortable issued blankets for the medical room), he quietly walked over and draped it over Scout's sleeping form.