Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

There was a man feared for his domineering voice. A tone so flat, it could match your heartbeat— a glare so sharp it could make your skin bleed.

Commander: was his name. Or a codename really. But behind it all, he was a man that manipulated strategies and conquered the battlefield. His vision has failed no one, and his hand has not failed to raise his allies into victory.

Words into reality, Commander was not all that. Sure, he was intimidating and a single command would force your body to turn and obey but in all honesty Commander was just a short dude that knew how to make things right. He knows what to do, he understands his pros and cons and thus gives him an advantage in the fields.

Everyone in the castle would be pleased to be blessed with the presence of Commander. Some say his aura inspires the people to stay motivated and train harder than ever— all these overwhelming insights were one of the reasons Commander stood in his office more than in the public eye. He admired his comrades; his fellow teammates, but sometimes he hoped that they treated him like one of them— not as someone to fear, and someone to obey, but someone to talk to, and someone to befriend.

It got lonely when everyone only obeyed you from the principles of fear and the consequences that came along when the deed was not done— rather not consequences, but the aftermath of an overthinker. Commander wanted to show a rather soft side to his friends, but they deny his solace and warm heart most of the times.

'Ranger, I can fix your weapon if you'd like.'

An instance when Ranger's weapon was damaged along the fall.

Ranger would plea; "No, Comm. I got it! I wouldn't want to waste your time!"

A sigh. A boring one.

Commander would reminisce the times he offered his service as a way of expressing his gratitude, only for it to be denied every single time. The leader would keep thinking of ending all these acts and just be the apathetic ruler they aspire him to be— but honestly, Commander wasn't all that. He longed for a bond. A genuine one.

—

A knock scratches along the wooden door, before bursting into a short rhythm.

Commander raises a brow to the wooden entrance, his body stopped doing whatever it was doing as his eyes gazed at thw door. He didn't remember assigning a schedule to meet anyone, or nor has anyone requested to meet him. However, in his lonely thought, Commander was willing to talk with anyone. Even if they were annoying.

"Come in." Commander says.

The knock twists and the door would open, revealing the Electroshocker, a man slightly shorter than Commander.

Out of everyone that would have come to meet him, the nerdy scientist was the last one on his thoughts. Commander continued to write on his papers, and his eyes followed after. "Come in." He says, this time a rather soft voice in hopes it didn't inspire any fear on the smaller man.

Electroshocker walked into his office, pushing the door behind him with a light kick from his heel. "Comm, could I speak to you?" He mumbles. "About something?"

Commander stops writing. He clicks his pen shut and settles it amongst his papers. Supporting his elbows on his desk, his fingers acted as a stool for his chin. "What seems to be your concern? Can- could I be of assistance?" The man subtly shakes his head during the mid-stutter.

"Remember that giant music guy?"

Commander's thoughts ran to Gladiator and Mini, but then Electroshocker mentioned music, and the two men in his list immediately dissipated. "Ah, DJ. How could I forget?" He smiles, one devoid of joy. "What about him?"

The scientist opened his mouth, but no sound seemed to come out. It took awhile for Electroshocker to compose himself before placing his hands at the desk of Commander's table. This perked up the leader's interest.

"I'm sorry DJ—" He mumbled, not like Commander could hear. "But!—" He inhales, a rather long one as his face contorts. "DJ and the others are planning to celebrate your birthday and they told me to not tell you but I just couldn't hold it in!" The man pants after speaking without a single pause.

Commander mused. 'A party?' he thinks. "Electroshocker, I'd be surprised if that were to happen. But in five years of my time, the team has never planned to celebrate my birthday," Commander's eyes naturally dimmed at the scientist, who took it as an offensive look and immediately pulled his hands away from the table. "Because I tell them not to."

Electroshocker was in a paradox of trust and work ethics. On one hand, his friends would never lie, and Commander would never lie. Two negatives would have made a positive, but the scientist could only think of another variable on why it was that way. "But-"

Commander cuts him off with a sharp exhale from his nose. "I appreciate you tattle taling, but everyone would know they would be in trouble if they disobeyed my order." He adds, his gaze then softens and Electroshocker took it as a sign of his departure.

With a click on the knob, Commander swam with his thoughts, although he had always denied to celebrate an important event in his life, he couldn’t help but always wish to be given one. Maybe if Electroshocker was right, then Commander could open up a new side to his team.

Of course, such stupid frivolity has side tracked the leader from his work. Clicking his pen, Commander continued to write at his paper like nothing had happened. But inside, he hoped something would’ve happened.

-

Walking along the long halls, Electroshocker bumped into the DJ- coincidentally.

“Hey! Lil man,” DJ beamed down at him with a large smile, despite his visor covering his eyes you could still see the enthusiasm that laid in him. Then retracing where the scientist came from, DJ grew weary when he saw Electroshocker come from Commander’s office. “What’cha uhh, doing from the… office?” The musician started to walk towards the other in a slow manner, with Electroshocker backing up as a reaction. “You didn’t tell him, did you?”

Seeing the larger figure tower over him, the scientist repeatedly shook his head as he flailed his arms around. “No! No no no! Of course not, my discussion with Commander was uhm, a rather important business about my studies.” He mutters, though when the scientists finished explaining on his side, DJ’s intimidating aura disappeared when he burst into laughter.

“Nah, I’m just kidding with you dude,” DJ’s laughter died down, but Electroshocker’s rising heartbeat only seemed to keep heightening. “I trust you my guy, you wouldn’t wanna ruin the surprise.” No one did, especially Electroshocker but that couldn’t apply to him considering he rattled them out to Commander ( who in the other side, was actually anticipating for this so he can feel special for once. )

“Right!” The scientist stands up, “A joke, yeah- that’s what you did right?” Electroshocker looked up at DJ who nodded in response. “Okay, I better get going. I have research and hypotheses to conduct with Medic!” Right then, before DJ could even recite his goodbyes, the scientist hastily exited the scene within seconds, leaving a dumbfounded DJ.

He didn’t think too much of it though, DJ understood all that science weirdo techy stuff, and honestly he wasn’t one to talk about it since he was naturally stupid. Finally abandoning that thought about science, DJ saw something at the corner of his eye, flicking onto it and back on the floor- but with much consideration, DJ concentrated back on what he just saw, only seeing nothing.

But to deny his paranoia, the musician walked onto the hall where he last saw that- ‘thing’, catching up and wanting to validate his own curiosity, the man sprinted to the corner of the hall only to bump into someone. The impact only seemed to affect the other end, since DJ was strong enough to hold his own force.

“Aye! I’m so sor-” DJ moved his eyes from himself and onto the person he bumped with. Oh my GOD, it was Commander. DJ grits his teeth as he panickingly looks around, his body language seemed lost and erratic, but it looked like he was trying to assist Commander either way. “Comm! I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.”

Commander on the other hand was more amazed at his strength than anything, seeing how easily he got tumbled over. He got himself up, dusting off dirt from his attire as he aimed his eyes up at DJ, who was much taller in person. “I assume- DJ?” He tilts his head to the side with a raised brow, a quizzical tone as if he didn’t know that prominent hoodie and earphones like anyone else would wear them.

“Yes! That’s me! Again, I am so sorry for knocking you over.” He pleads, voice begging a confirmation for his apology.

Instead, he gets reassurance. “No need to apologise, I did not know you were coming from the other way.” Commander starts off, this response makes DJ’s brow raise slowly as ever as he’s only heard the Commander as this rude yet hardworking leader.

Apparently he was more human than anything.

“Uhm, oh,” DJ mutters awkwardly enough. “It was nice meeting you though!” The musician walked past Commander, who in return only moved his head to face DJ. DJ caught his glimpse, and God he wished he could take off those glasses just to see the expression Commander laid behind them.

“You too DJ. I will be seeing you around.” A simple response from Commander, nothing too much to expect from a man who only existed to serve and give out orders, of course most of his words would’ve been blunt.

When Commander disappeared from DJ’s view, he had an episode of thinking. He has heard that the Commander has hurt a lot of people that wrong him, but today’s scenario made him rethink that. He wasn’t as bad as what people tend to say, and he found Commander rather adorable, especially with how shorter the other man was. DJ himself didn’t even know Commander was THAT small.

He expected someone bigger, but honestly- a man that was known to conquer his way through victory being so tiny was AWESOME; in DJ’s eyes that is.

-

BANG!

The door opened to the very secret hideout room ( the bodega ) where the planning of Commander’s birthday would be.

Everyone jumped, thinking Commander must’ve found them, but everyone’s wide-eyed expression began to relax when they only saw DJ’s frame towering over the door frame. “Guys, you would not believe what just happened.”

The guessing game began, and people started standing up one by one explaining their ridiculous theories to complete DJ’s rhetorical question.

“You made music!” Scout prompted.

“You walked around?” Medic lamely says.

Speaking of which, DJ stared at her for a second. “Aren’t you supposed to be with Electroshocker?” Seeing the confused contorted look on her face only prompted DJ to ignore it and continue to what he was initially supposed to announce. “But anyway, I just had a one versus one with Commander.” Then there, the room fell into deafening silence.

“You fought our leader?!” Mini stood up from his chair, face full of distraught and wrinkles.

“What? No! I just talked to him.” You see, the chance to ever talk with Commander was slim. It’s either you ask his secretary for a meeting or HE asks you to meet him- which was a slimmer chance than this one. “And I bumped into him and he apologised.”

Every word that spurted out from the musician only made the others continue to think if he was either out of his mind or if he was hallucinating, probably both- but again this was DJ. Almost everyone would believe what this man said, and his fellow teammates were no exception.

“Commander apologised?” Was all Soldier asked. “He never apologises.”

The room fell into a mumble argument, and DJ could only watch with an unamused look.

“All I’m saying is that you people make all these stories that Commander is some psychopath, but he isn’t.” DJ rubbed his temple in circular motions, he could probably tell Commander has accidentally traumatised some of his teammates from miscommunication. A lot of it.

“I agree with DJ, that's why I agreed to set up the birthday party for Commander’s next celebration in a few days. Commander has been nothing but nice to me.” Luckily enough, Medic was there to back up DJ's point. If there was anyone that someone could honestly believe in, it was Medic. She was the team’s gift and true angel.

DJ turned to Medic and gave her a slight smile, to where she pats his back repeatedly. “I’m proud of you for doing this.” Her words were light like feathers, but DJ could still make out the words. She walked away eventually, DJ’s chance of giving her a thankful expression withered.

Not that it would have mattered.

-

Days have passed, and Commander grew weary. His birthday was today, and the leader expected something out of the blue. Maybe a random havoc caused by two of his teammates, only for them to be acting the whole time and everyone gathers from the shadows and brings out a cake.

Commander eventually stopped being hysterical about this ‘celebration’, maybe his teammates respected him too much about the no celebration policy. But his team had broken multiple rules set by him, how come this one was different?

The only companion Commander had was the repeated chime of the clock. It spoke its ticking language on repeat, and Commander could only listen and listen. Eventually the silence would have made him maddened, and he walked out his office to take a fresh breather.

A sharp exhale exits his chest, and Commander could only blame himself for feeling upset. He set up a rule, and his team deliberately followed it, and he thought he had the right to get mad at them. The only wish he wanted for this birthday was to befriend his team, they saw him more as a sacred icon than a person, and that was what made Commander conscious about his self-worth. He was too high for the people. Too high to even reach himself.

“Comm?”

A voice calls out from behind the leader.

Commander turns around, spotting Medic in the halls just behind him. “Medic, is there an emergency?”

Medic’s face slightly frowned as she bowed her head. She opted to not say another word, instead she walked towards the leader until the two kept a great distance from each other. “Something happened at the clinic.”

The words made Commander’s eyes wide, and like the leader that he is, he immediately ran to the clinic. Medic could only watch until Commander could no longer see her. Beneath the facade, Medic smiled warmly as she pulled out a phone from her pockets. “Comm is on his way, are we ready?”

“Readier than ever!” DJ put Medic on speaker for everyone to hear. Everyone else hid inside the clinic like they planned, where Medic fakes an injury accident in her field for Commander to go to. They knew how loyal Commander was to his troops, and DJ knew how to put a little spin on it.

Medic ended the call, giving herself a long sigh. It was exhausting to put everyone in place. Now, she can watch the whole event unravel from far away. After all, Commander deserved this treatment after everything he had gone through.

-

SLAM!

The clinic doors fly open as Commander frantically searches everywhere, instead he’s met with a room with closed lights and empty beds. At first, Commander was confused, he turned the lights on to inspect and that maybe his glasses were betraying his sight but alas, nobody was anywhere.

“Fucking-” Commander snapped.

“Happy birthday!”

Commander immediately turned around as everyone appeared out from their hiding place. If it wasn’t for years of training in the military, Commander would’ve been screaming from the sudden presence and noise. Instead, he looked around in awe at the people who gathered all around just-

Just for him.

Commander glanced at Electroshocker, who hid behind Soldier when their eyes met. But if anything, Commander was actually glad this whole thing happened. His mind grew paranoid waiting forever, and now he finally got what he was asking for. “I don’t know what to say.” Commander says, his eyes scanning everyone in the room with them.

“DJ planned the whole thing, even though you said we shouldn’t celebrate your birthday, so blame DJ.” Soldier snorts.

“DJ, you planned this?” Commander turned to DJ, but because of his lack of enthusiasm, the room’s atmosphere turned grim as they assumed DJ would be reprimanded.

DJ didn’t understand if Commander enjoyed it or not, but DJ also didn’t want to put anyone into risk, so he complied; nodding as he looked at their leader. “Yes! Y-yes I did.”

Everyone mentally prepared themselves, and one even had Medic’s number ready on the phone.

Commander simply takes his glasses off, and he looks at DJ, his eyes shining with a new star to the musician. “Uhm, thank you.”

For the first time, DJ felt his heart race, his words were cut off everytime he tried to speak, and his mind seemed to run blank. Everyone else had already seen Commander without his glasses, but for the leader to just stare at you and express their gratitude- it was a whole new blessing; one that made DJ’s pride simmer in his soul.

“No problem, you deserve it Comm.” There, DJ eventually found his words as he smiled at the leader, he saw Commander lift his lip that slowly formed a smile- but he stopped.

At the current moment, Commander was left speechless which seemed to be a big success, his teammates surrounded him with praises and compliments while DJ watched from far away. He studied Commander, seeing the smile that tried to form on his lips but no matter what, the shape of joy would never find itself on his visage.

DJ admired Commander nonetheless, his eyes rested on the man like he was eye candy, but to DJ’s dismay- Commander’s eyes found themselves staring back at DJ with the leader’s brows furrowing. DJ immediately looked away at that terrifying look, his heart skipping a beat. He stole a glimpse of Commander again, noticing his eyes focused on the people that talked to him instead.

-

The celebration eventually moved into the bodega, but people began leaving one by one after their intoxication from alcohol started to kick in. DJ himself didn’t participate in the alcohol, he watched over everyone, making sure they got in their rooms in perfect condition. DJ returned to the bodega, expecting no one else so he could have the room to himself, but to his surprise Commander was still sitting on one of the couches.

“Comm! You’re still here…?” DJ says, slightly startled.

DJ saw the bottle on Commander’s hand, could it be that he was also drunk? I mean, why else would he have a bottle.

“You know, DJ?” Commander lifts his hand to the musician, the hand with the bottle in it.

DJ smiles awkwardly at the leader, “What?”

Commander paused, singing a humming buzz before retracing to where he left off to. “You are the first one to throw me something like this,” he murmurs, but audible enough for DJ to hear. “And that’s awesome for you to do no?” The leader mumbles again, he puts the bottle away before scrambling closer to DJ on the couch.

Before DJ could react, he found himself swallowed by Commander’s embrace- oh that’s definitely something he would not forget.

Commander pulled away eventually, and DJ slowly retracted back to his seat. DJ couldn’t believe Commander just hugged him, he’d be called delusional if he told this to the troops so it was best he kept this to himself. “Thank you- you really deserve it Comm.” DJ smiles at him, this time he hopes that Commander’s lips were able to actually construct a smile.

“I like you DJ.”

“What.”

“I like you,” Commander slurs the words, which made the musician weakly smile. “You are just…. Something.”

DJ would’ve loved hearing those words if it was THE Commander talking to him, not some drunkard body of their leader that didn’t mean what he said. “We should get you to bed, Comm.”

Commander lifts a finger to DJ’s nose, as if he were silencing him. “Atatat, I will mmm… sleep,” he groans. “If you carry me to my room.”

At that moment, DJ’s jaw dropped in the slightest as he took in a second on what he just heard. “You trust me?” the musician bites his lip in anticipation. DJ knew that Commander would probably forget about all of this when he woke up, and that’s what sucked the most. Only DJ would remember all of this. Only DJ would remember carrying him in his own arms.

DJ looked over at Commander when he got no response. As expected, Commander had already fallen asleep, and there was nothing DJ could do but take initiative and carry him back to his room. Picking up the sleeping man, DJ felt something churning in his heart, his ears became so warm he swore he could feel the heat transferring on his cheeks. Was that what blushing felt like? Because he hated it every single bit.

“Yo.”

DJ grew attentive, looking at the source of the voice.

It was just Medic leaning on a pillar, shooting DJ a sly grin. “Who you got there in your arms?”

DJ bit his lip, despite it being obvious on who laid dormant in his arms. The musician just smiled stupidly like he got caught and Medic could only chuckle.

“Butterflies?” She looks at his stomach.

“A lot of them.” DJ replies.

Medic walked up to the musician, giving him a sympathetic smile, and DJ smiled back at her compassion. “Trust your heart DJ. You’ve got a good beating one.”

DJ glanced at the sleeping leader on his arms, a smile spreading on his face along with the warmth that came along with it. “Is it normal, Med? I’m- I like our leader. You know? Like- like like, not just like.” Despite his poor word choice, Medic understood him.

“Commander is misunderstood, and you’re the only one who understands him. He’s been yearning for someone to celebrate his birthday, and always wanted a friend.” Medic shrugs as she starts taking small steps backwards to where she previously stood by.

DJ, confused; looked at Commander. Why would he yearn for something he imposed a law against? Every new second, DJ would find new things about Commander which was just enigmatic. “But…” And when DJ looked to Medic’s direction, she had already gone.

-

The door creaked as DJ pushed it open with his leg, both hands seemingly occupied with Commander. He saw the giant bed in the middle of the room, something DJ was immediately fantasised by. He kept true to his words, walking over to the bed as he slowly laid the sleeping Commander on it, even tucking him in his blanket. Oh how he adored this man.

DJ walked back to the door, slowly closing it and taking a peak of his leader through the small gap of the door before it was fully closed.

-

The Hangover.

Commander woke up with a hitched breath, immediately sitting up on his bed as his eyes shot open, and his mouth kept breathing in and out. He raised a hand to ruffle at his hair, and lowered it back to his blanket. He looked around, noticing he had drifted off to sleep in his bed, the only problem being that Commander remembered being in the bodega. The more he tried to reminisce about the previous events, the more his head ached and throbbed in pain. Commander groaned in pain, placing a fist on his forehead as he rubbed it against his temple.

‘Ugh, I shouldn't have drank so much. How much did I even drink?’

Commander’s inner dialogue seemed to make the ache worse, eventually falling on his bed with a long whine that just never seemed to stop. So much for being a silent fear mongering conqueror. Commander knew he should stay on the low until his head got better, but he wasn’t going to be a pussy and stay in bed the whole day about.

Gathering enough energy to get off his bed, Commander took out a robe from his cabinet, making sure he tied the ribbons tightly against his stomach. He opened his door to be greeted by the sunlight that casted through the window high up the ceiling, only causing the man to raise a hand to shield his eyes.

“Rough morning?”

Commander moves his eyes to face the voice, spotting Medic in her usual attire. “Oh, Medic. Just a hangover, nothing too special.” The leader took a step forward, only to face Medic with a puzzled look. “Wait, why are you here?”

“Coincidence, I was heading to the other rooms to deliver soup. Why don’t you stay in your room and I’ll deliver yours in the next tray?” Medic walked past Commander as she carefully set the tray on her hands. “Hangover soup, good for the head.” She adds, which was the only thing Commander needed at the moment.

And who was he to deny? Free food and a remedy? It was a two in one deal, and Commander needed that now, more than anything.

Slamming his door shut, Commander leaned his back against the wooden entrance, sliding down with a whine until he sat on the floor with his knees curled up to his chest. He could only revel in the silence of his own comfort, placing the bridge of his nose between his knees in a comfortable position. Maybe drinking two entire bottles wasn’t exactly a good idea.

Knock knock knock knock…

Commander groaned to himself as he struggled to stand up from his current position plus the agonising throb that pulsed on his head every now and then. “Come… in…” Commander mumbles as he opens the door anyway. The man winces when he feels a shadow cloak him, and the need of having to look up just to face someone taller than him, not just by an inch but by a whole foot. Maybe a few inches in there too.

“Hi.” Said taller man was just DJ, hands cupping a bowl of soup.

Commander eyed the taller man, and then the bowl. He repeated the back and forth for at least two times before just accepting the offer, but as his hand touched the porcelain bowl, his fingers felt the immense heat and he immediately pulled his hand out. “Ow! How are you holding that thing in your hand?!”

DJ just gives Commander an awkward smile. “Want me to put it down for you?”

Commander glares at him for a split second before letting out a sharp breath. He opened the door wider for DJ to set foot in, watching the taller man place the bowl on his desk, and a spoon just laying beside it. “Feeling better? Medic got a little busy so she asked me to deliver yours.”

Commander just gives him a weak smile, and nothing more. At this point, Commander was too tired to say anything or to communicate. He just wanted to eat something warm to fill him up, and that was it. Maybe a bit of peace too.

It wasn’t a lot, but seeing a smile- even the slightest curve on Commander’s lips was enough to make DJ feel ecstatic. All night he’s been trying to see if the man would smile, but it only seemed possible if Commander was under the influence of alcohol, which is something he couldn’t blame him for.

“Do you remember anything?” DJ asks, he hoped that maybe even the slightest memory would jog into Commander’s brain, but at the same time he wanted him to forget that DJ took him to his bed, safe asleep in his arms.

Commander lamely nods before walking over to his desk, pulling his chair out and taking a seat. “No, my head hurts from everything.”

Of course, all those seconds of bonding were just remembered by DJ and no one else. It made it a more special memory just because of it, and seeing the unfamiliar expressions that laid on Commander’s visage, it struck DJ’s heart than anything; half-closed eyes, narrowed eyebrows, and when Commander stared at him that way, DJ could’ve passed out with him right there on the couch.

“Oh, I’ll go then. Feel better Comm.” DJ mumbles as he excuses himself and out into the door.

“Wait.”

DJ pauses. He slowly opens the door again, looking down at Commander.

“Are you free tomorrow afternoon?” Commander takes a spoonful of soup, blowing on the steam at least two times.

DJ lengthened out an ‘uuuhm’ until he could formulate his words. But if this was his time to stay closer and spend more time with Commander, DJ was willing to put away everything just for this moment. “Yes, very free. Why?”

Commander just looks away from him, giving him a short nod as his notice. “I just need help with a few deliveries from our other allies. I can’t carry crates myself, and you’re quite… huge.” Commander would comment, circling his spoon on DJ’s frame.

“So you need an extra arm?” DJ hummed.

“Yeah, an extra arm.” Commander rephrases. “You’re dismissed now.”

DJ took it as the final verdict to leave, making sure he shut the door before feeling the familiar heat rise into his nose, and then to his ears.

“Did he buy the Medic was too busy thing?”

DJ turned over to his shoulder to see the woman, giving her a shrug of his shoulders and a sly grin. “I don’t know, he just seemed grateful to have soup.”

“And you?”

“Grateful to be with him tomorrow.” DJ replies.

Chapter Text

Commander told DJ to arrive by Monday tomorrow at exactly 7 AM.

A bit hysterical to start that early in the morning, especially with how horrible DJ's sleeping schedule was; considering that also didn't exist. He stood up all night waiting for the time to hit, listening to the endless chime that repeated in his room, he wished to just punch the clock but then he'd pay for the damages.

It took some patience waiting for this meeting to happen, and when DJ finally saw the clock almost hit 7, he got up and just put on a simple jacket. Nothing more, nothin less.

Soon, the halls were filled with the light steps of his shoes, purring out short echoes. DJ recalled that Commander wanted to rendezvous outside their base, which meant he had to do a lot of walking.

Eventually DJ would've reached the place, he silently praised himself for thinking on wearing a jacket because it was colder than anticipated. He didn't shiver, but his body tingles when the breeze gave him a feathered slap on the face.

"Right on time."

DJ turned over his shoulder to beam down at the smaller man, he swore Commander was not this short the last time he saw him. "As always." he says, a complete lie since he was never the one to be early, but rather late. It was just a spin of luck that made him arrive on time, and the adrenaline of meeting Commander alone.

"As you can see, they've left us with crates," Commander simply spoke, gesturing towards the giant wooden boxes presented before them. "Do you think you can take them? No pressure of course." He added.

DJ took a second to process what the man said, he was too busy looking at Commander's lack of clothing. All the other man wore was a black tank top and some pants. Was he not dying in the cold? "Oh! Uhm, I'll see. I lift a lot, this is gonna be easy." He boasted, though it didn't amuse Commander.

DJ cracked his neck, flexed his knuckles and exercised his shoulders. Taking in a deep breath, he walked towards the crates and placed both his palms beneath one of the crates. He huffed loudly before lifting it from the ground, however just not with ease. DJ seemed to struggle a bit but he could hold onto that for a little while.

Just as DJ walked past Commander, he slowly turned back to the other man, despite the fact he couldn't see him with the crate blocking most of his view. "Right, sir? Where do I put these?" He asked, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the crate's wooden surface.

Commander looked at his covered face, humming as his attention was caught. "Oh, you're not supposed to carry them inside. You carry them outside the camp." He says, and he could swear he heard a groan coming from the musician.

DJ eventually placed the crate back down with a large huff, he took a short breather before giving Commander a short nod, and a weak thumbs up. "Alright, that I can do." And that was also a lie, the camp was merely yards away, and DJ had to carry at least 5 large crates, since Commander was carrying the smaller ones.

"Let us go to work." Commander already had a small box on his hands, simply awaiting for DJ to walk with him and a rather bigger crate.

"You not feeling cold or anything?" DJ brought up, hunching over the crate he prompted down and using his elbow as support stands. "I don't think you're surviving out here with just... that." He eyed the black tank top, before facing Commander on the eyes— or well, his glasses.

Commander sighs. "My room is rather far away, and I can manage." He mumbles, he absolutely despised the cold, and pretty much everyone in the team knew that, Commander always refused to join them for winter.

"Here!" DJ replied.

Before Commander could think, he was presented with DJ offering him his white jacket, leaving the musician with nothing on. Commander felt his jaw drop a little from the sudden change of view he had on DJ seconds ago, but he managed to close his mouth. "Uhm, you don't need to do that for me DJ. Please, put the jacket back on. I prefer you with that." Commander murmurs.

DJ was a little embarrassed with his offer being declined, but since he was already here it was too late to come back. "Oh come on, my jacket won't kill you. But the cold might." He cocked a raised brow at him, a slight smile shooting towards his leader.

Commander stared back at DJ. Was he really serious? The man let out a disappointed sigh as he placed the smaller crate on top of the bigger ones as he made his way to DJ and retrieve the jacket, putting it on with ease considering how larger it was compared to his uniforms.

DJ was absolutely ecstatic, he saw Commander in his clothes, something that would probably only happen once and never again. Though, DJ squealed inside his head, and he did all his efforts to stop himself from panicking or showing a smidge of red on his face.

His thoughts were cut off when Commander walked back to the crates, picking up on where he left off to. "Come on, back to work." The leader mumbles.

"Right!" DJ pushed himself off of the boxes and placed his hands below the crates to lift them up. For a second, Commander was shortly stunned at such display of strength, it made him wonder how someone like DJ could even exist. That musician towered Commander any day, and he could see all the defining muscles on DJ on why he was so... strong.

Eventually Commander was able to shoot himself out of the trance as he started to walk out and into the camp. Of course, DJ wasn't simply too behind.

-

DJ let out a loud groan, long seconds of him panting and wheezing followed soon after. The two finally finished transporting the crates from the entrance of their base and out into the camp. DJ didn't even know why they had to place it here, but all he knew was that he could trust Commander— like he did, all the time.

Commander on the other hand didn't overreact or anything. He barely sweat, unlike DJ who was glistening under the early sunrise.

"Thank you for your company, DJ. I appreciate it." Commander looked up at DJ- who was busy catching his breath while leaning against the crates. All Commander did was let out a short huff and a weak smile, one that DJ couldn't sadly see since he was too busy trying to cool off.

"Yeah, yeah, no probs." DJ replies, waving his hand weakly towards Commander.

"I'll be going now, you're dismissed." Commander's steps started to fade out until there were no more traces of Commander's presence anywhere.

Then it hit him. DJ jolted awake and pushed himself from the crates, looking around frantically for the smaller man. "Commander!" He calls out, he forgot to ask for his jacket back from Commander! Oh well, another pride point stored in his collection as he now had the knowledge of knowing that Commander took something from him.

-

After all that work, DJ actually had a good long sleep, something that his body needed after all those years. The musician would wake up shortly, a long loud yawn with his arms stretching out. He sighed and brought an arm to scratch at his back, until his eyes met with the clock's frame.

'4:32 PM'

DJ felt he choked on his spit as he bolted to get away from bed. He had been sleeping for nine hours and he probably had missed out on a lot of things. DJ barely had time to do his morning routine like showers and taking a brush, and he rushed straight out of his door.

DJ of course grabbed a new jacket before going out, it was the signature black jacket which he always wore when he was on missions with the others. He'd head out to the bodega seeing if anyone was staying there, after all it was their little hangout that excluded Commander.

Bursting the door open, DJ was met with Mini and Freezer; both wide eyed and petrified as they slowly turned their head away from the tv screen and onto DJ.

"Heeeey....! Rough afternoon?" DJ awkwardly smiled.

"You slept with our boss." Freezer bluntly stated, pure shock shooting in his eyes, and his voice sounded broken.

The assumption made DJ choke, he rapidly shook his head and took a step inside the bodega. "Excuse me- I'm- I did what?" He asked, unsure if he had just heard Freezer right. This had to be some elaborate prank, right?

"We saw him wearing your jacket. The white one." Freezer continued, and his eyes finally relaxed as he slowly hugged his knees.

Ah, and then it clicked him. Then it meant that Commander was walking around the base with his jacket on the WHOLE time! That only made DJ grin wider inside, although he couldn't show that to both Mini and Freezer.

"Oh, you got it all wrong," DJ started to explain, he cleared his throat for the short story that he would then try to lengthen and exaggerate so that he'd seem special in Commander's eyes than everyone else. "During last ni-" DJ would then be cut off by Engineer, the woman walking behind him as she trailed her hand on his shoulder before walking off to the couch and getting herself comfortable.

Before DJ could speak, the other people began entering behind him, and DJ started to grow more confused when different teammates gave him some laughs and a nudge on the shoulder, especially with Electroshocker's remark. "No wonder you woke up late!" He'd laugh.

"So, pretty boy," Engineer started, resting her arms on the headboard of the couch. "How'd you pull it off?" The question she asked seemed to get a large reaction from the crowd, as everyone either giggled or let out long harmonic 'oooh's.

"Pull what off? Come on guys, you're confusing me." DJ huffs, he crossed his arms as each passing second he felt his ears tingle from embarrassment. Not that there was anything to be shy about, he just hated it when people laughed at him with no explanation whatsoever.

"Dude, Comm's out there walking with your jacket on, and now everyone thinks you slept with him, of course we're all surprised! Except me, m'proud of you tiger." Engineer lets out a taunting laugh as she eyed DJ with a narrowed eye.

The realization hit him, and his mouth slightly opened from the words that left out of Engineer. Of course, now he started to understand all the reactions, and every single laughter that filled the room. "What? No! No, no, no it's nothing like that at all!" DJ protested, but the more he denied it, the more it seemed like he actually did it. Oh the irony of defending yourself.

DJ eventually excused himself from the room as he closed the door, leaning completely against the door as he let out a long groan that lingered for awhile. He cupped his face, mumbling into his hands.

'Fuck! Comm why would you embarrass me like that?!'

DJ would say mentally.

Did Commander actually just walk around with his jacket around like it was nothing at all? I mean, shame was probably nothing to Commander's vocabulary, but it was the first word in DJ's dictionary, surprisingly bypassing the A section.

DJ stood up after some recollecting, he gathered his thoughts into one until he was sober enough to walk back to where his room would be. Taking a few lefts, rights, here and there, his room was one of the furthest from the bodega, but it just acted like his daily leg exercise.

“DJ.”

A familiar voice taunts him.

DJ looked up from the floor to see Commander, and still the jacket was on him. He did kind of like the view, considering Commander was now 75% jacket and 25%- Commander.

“Oh, hey Comm,” DJ murmurs. “You still got the uhm, jacket.” As if it wasn’t obvious enough. Commander himself pretty much knew that, and the unchanged expression on the leader’s face told that to the musician.

“I know.” Commander replies.

“Are you planning to give it back or…?” DJ asked.

“Once I have washed it.” Commander says.

DJ let out a soft sigh as he brought a hand to his temple while shaking his head. He’d decided to tell Commander about the whole bodega scene, considering he didn’t want any rumours- or possibly any gossip. As much as DJ loved being the center of praise and secret talk, he didn’t like it when it was about him banging his boss.

“Comm, I’d appreciate it if you stopped wearing my jacket.” DJ says almost hesitantly, his voice pitching high midway.

All the Commander gave was a raised brow. “What, why? You offered it.”

“People think I’m sleeping with you.”

That response surely froze the Commander, it seemed like he wasn’t even breathing anymore. But after a second, the leader let an exasperated sigh as he walked- walked past the DJ. “As if.” He murmured, before walking away, leaving the musician in humbled embarrassment.

DJ turned to Commander’s direction at the speed of sound, his jaw dropped and he didn’t know if it was from embarrassment or the fact that Commander didn’t care there were already gossips about them. Eitherway, DJ just wanted that jacket back. That was pure fabric.

“What!” DJ exclaimed. “So are you giving it back?” He raises his pitch for the other to hear, he could see the figure of the Commander shrink, but still he could see the man give him a light shrug; Ugh, that little piece of shit. “Comm!” DJ says one last time before giving up, letting a frustrated growl.

Then he smiles after, like a stupid child who falls in love for the first time.

“I know that smile from a mile away.”

DJ rolled his eyes playfully as soon as he heard that voice, he could only ponder how Medic appeared out of nowhere. Was she there the whole time? She probably knows about the rumor now.

“Hey, Med.” DJ greeted her.

“Did you actually?” Medic asked with a quizzical tone, earning a choked gasp from the musician.

“Of course not! I could never, and I would never. I will lose all my dignity, if the day comes and I wake up with the leader in my bed,” DJ turns his head to face her, she really loved appearing out of nowhere. “Or his bed, whatever.”

“I’m not dumb, of course I’d know. That was a rhetorical question.” Medic laughs, she walks over to his side to nudge his shoulder playfully, but DJ wasn’t in the mood for that joking physical thing.

“Do you think he likes it because it’s so soft?” DJ asks the woman nervously.

“Maybe he just likes that it’s from you.”

“Come on, I’m not delusional.” DJ grins.

“Who is the one that’s head over heels to someone they can never achieve?” Medic could only retort with a smug grin, one that defeated DJ’s own shit-eating one.

DJ dropped his expression before shoving her away in a gentle playful manner. The two were always like this, sometimes Medic reminded DJ of his younger sister in his hometown, how he wished he could come back again.

“I’m scared.”

Medic frowns. “Of what?”

DJ clutched onto his stomach, and the action made Medic wrap a hand around his shoulder, pulling him closer to her. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just, I always fall for people out of my league, and now I’m in love with some high ranking general,” DJ laughs nervously before abruptly stopping. “It’s stupid, you know?” he’d say, only causing Medic’s frown to stay prominent.

“It’s not stupid,” Medic corrects him. “You have faith in believing that love can work between two people who are… different. And that is not a bad thing,” Medic rubs DJ’s shoulder a few times before softly patting them. “Sooner or later, things will go your way. You just need to… be careful. Commander is a tough nut to crack.”

Medic smiles, then DJ smiles.

“Thank you,” DJ murmurs softly, moving closer to her so he could wrap her in his arms. “If it does happen, I’ll buy you a smart fridge.” DJ pulls away from the hug, a sheeping grin forming on his face.

Medic could only laugh. “Haha, what? A smart fridge? Where’d you think of that?” she’d snort midway laughing, only prompting the two to continue in hysterics.

Eventually, they sighed in relaxation as the assaults in their lungs for the lack of air stopped. It felt nice to let out your thoughts every once in a while, and DJ ought to keep doing it to avoid bottling up and accidentally bursting anymore. That was the last thing he’d want to happen.

“I’ll be heading to the clinic for my duties now, see you around DJ.” Medic gave the musician one last pat on the back as DJ watched her walk away to the distance. Something about her company made DJ happy, and one day he’d repay all the things she has done to him, unto her.

-
The next day followed after, when DJ woke up he found that he’d woken up sooner than yesterday. This time, the clock read ‘11 AM’ instead of a time beyond afternoon.

He did his usual routine, getting out of bed, taking a short shower, and brushing his teeth, though one would argue that you should brush your teeth after a meal, not before it! Like DJ would care, he lived a rather weird lifestyle.

When he opened his door, he didn’t expect a small package meeting his foot. Looking around with a puzzled hum, DJ bent down to pick it up, and bring it into his room. He opened the package carefully, and gasped when he saw his white jacket in a clean, ironed, and folded state.

That wasn’t all, there was a little note beside it too. DJ picked it up. It said:

‘Thanks for letting me borrow your jacket under the cold, I appreciate it. I already washed and ironed your clothing like I promise. Though I need to ask, where do you buy your clothes from? The fabric on your jacket is soft. I like it.

Commander’

His eyes scanned through the words pretty fast, considering it was written by the one and only. Though the question did give DJ a chance to talk to Commander, maybe he could expand that conversation more and more into other personal life; get to know him and all that stuff.

DJ smiled to himself as he placed the note back in the package, and placed his jacket inside the cabinet. It was nice to have his jacket back, maybe the bickering on the rumors could finally die down; but knowing Electroshocker and Scout, those two were the loudest mouths in the whole arsenal.

-

And speaking off, both Electroshocker and Scout were the main source of gossip. Mostly Scout, Electroshocker was there to just process the information and let out exaggerated reactions because the way Scout delivers his tea was way too good for their own. Sometimes, he’d even fabricate some details just to create a dramatic mood, it didn't’ help that Scout’s old passion was theatre arts. That surprised most people in the orientation on their first day in the army years ago.

“I’m telling you man, did you see the way they were talking to each other? There’s definitely something going on.” Scout murmurs as he explains to everyone else in the bodega, everyone seemed to be getting a bit into the whole DJ scandal boss sleeping thing, and honestly who would wanna miss anything like that? “Plus, DJ has been acting weird, notice he wakes up later than usual? There is definitely something going on.”

Engineer laughs at the sheer drama. “Oh come on, give ‘em a break. So what? Comm decides to have a taste of some young brute loving and he got what he expected. Need I say more?” She flashes a toothy grin to the young scout while snickering, honestly she wasn’t too fond of the whole gossip but damn was it getting interesting.

Scout pouts his lip at her, which seemed to make everyone look at Engineer as well. “Hey, if anything is happening to Commander then I should know first. I’m his little dove, a watcher, a herald from above.” He’d say with an increasing pitch on each syllable.

“You’re a cute one, Scout.” Engineer’s laugh died down as her face rested into a smile, slightly shaking her head towards the younger man.

“Why thank you!” He’d reply enthusiastically, placing his hands on his hips with utter confidence. “I’ve been known as smart and strong but cute is a new one.” Obvious lie.

“Yeah,” Engineer tilts her head. “Whatever man.”

“We should be heading to bed, it’s getting way too late.” Medic came in unannounced, though she did hear everything beforehand, she just loved making enigmatic entrances. It was her quirk around the base.

Everyone scrambled to get off the couch, but Scout remained, until he eventually dragged himself out of the soft melting cushions. “We’re adults! What do we need curfews for! Why do we even have them?” Scout complains, dragging a groan.

“You’re barely an adult,” Medic corrects, “Infact, your certificates said you just turned nineteen.” Of course she had everyone’s birth certificates, it came along with the perks of being a medic and having the job to keep tabs on everyone.

“Nineteen is an adult ag-”

“Two weeks ago,” Medic continued, and it seemed to have made Scout fall mad silent. “Now chop chop, we have a check-up tomorrow,” Medic opens the door of the bodega as a sign of her leave, and for everyone else too. “Hope you are a fan of needles.” She says, before disappearing.

Luckily enough, most of them were keen with it, with the fact they had probably faced worse fighting zombies and other supernatural entities.

As Scout found himself walking alone to his room, he overhears a distant mumbling- mumbling since he couldn't quite understand what the words were yet. Now, being the resident eavesdropper and gossiper, Scout could only limit his curiosity as he walked towards the sounds of talking and- laughing?

Scout hid behind the wall where it was closest to the conversation, and there he could make out the voices. ‘Holy shit, this was going to be perfect.’ He’d think, a bright grin plastered on his face.

“I found it at some stupid rich shop in my hometown,” DJ laughs, earning a soft smile from the Commander. Holy shit was this actually working? “If I swing by it during our break, I could pick a piece of clothing for you, just tell me your size and color and all that stuff.” DJ offers, when Scout took a peak from the corner, he could see DJ leaning against the wall, facing a standing Commander.

“Uhuh, well,” Commander raised both his hands to elegantly pick up his glasses, taking them off of his eyes and folding them close in his hands. He looked back up at the DJ; the one who was smiling and probably sweating down there. “Surprise me.” He hums, taking a heel around before walking away from the musician. DJ took that as a win, right before Scout came in the two had a back and forth conversation about the whole jacket thing, then DJ shifted it to him being generous by offering Commander anything, and surprisingly he did. Now it was just up for DJ to- ‘surprise’ him.

Scout hitched in his breath as he silently walked away, he could hear Commander and DJ’s footsteps coming from different directions, but none of them came his way, so he was safe. Scout took pride in his stealth, proudly banging a fist on his chest as he too turned away to head back to his room.

Click! Click!

Scout froze when he heard the sounds of snapping fingers, what made it more dramatic was that the sound seemed to be coming from behind him, of course Scout already knew who it was.

He turns around, not to his surprise it was Commander.

“Hey Comm.” Scout mumbles.

“Care to explain why you’re out so late?” Commander walked towards the younger man, wrapping an arm around his shoulder as he brought Scout closer to his side, and escorted him to his room.

“Uhm, late night strolling?” Scout awkwardly laughs, but Commande replies with unamused glare.

“You were eavesdropping.” Scout swore he heard a deep grumble when Commander said that.

“What! I was not!” Scout defended himself, which was pretty useless by now. Commander already knew of Scout’s weird sleeping schedule and stealth gimmicks, that was the young boy’s whole arsenal either way.

“You overheard me asking DJ for tips on lifting.” Commander pats his shoulder.

Scout looked up at him with a confused contorted face, shaking his head. “What? He was giving you some offer for a stupid shirt or something at his hometo-” Scout slapped a hand to his mouth as he instinctively looked away from Commander.

“Huh,” It earned a chuckle from the leader. “You have great talents with your stealth Scout, but your mouth betrays you,” They stopped, standing right by Scout’s room, the only thing stopping them being the door. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

Scout let out a frustrated sigh as he opened the door, walking lazily to his bed as he jumped onto it and laid there dormant. He’d pick his head up to glance at Commander, who looked back at him. “Put your glasses back on, you look like a grumpy old man.” He snickers.

“I am one,” Commander crosses his arms, “Goodnight dove.” the leader would say as he walked out the door, slowly pulling it close behind him until the knob clicked shut.

“Night, pops.” Scout murmured, a slight smile resting on his face.

-

The morning came, and so did the sounds of birds singing away at the windows by the base. The only sounds that seemed to wake up Commander somehow. The leader got out of his bed like usual, fixing his hair and adjusting his glasses before heading out the room. When Scout gave him info about two weeks ago how the enemy were playing dormant from their lack of troops, Commander took it as a sign of victory; or maybe just a slight win.

Because of it, he wanted to give everyone a rest. Maybe some would return to their hometown to visit their families, maybe some might stay here, who knows. That was entirely depending on his teammates.

‘Knock, knock, knock, knock.’

Commander rested his knuckles on Scout’s door, awaiting for the young informant broker to answer and open the door. Commander felt silent and suspicious, until he heard the sounds of shuffling footsteps inside the room.

Click!

The door unlocks, and Commander is presented with a wide awake Scout, who already was eating before breakfast time. Not that Commander minded, but he was a little worried about Scout’s schedule over all; eating and sleeping, and probably more.

“What’s up pops?” Scout chewed, placing his fork down the cup noodles he recently stole from Engineer’s room. Commander notices this, he knew Engineer was always the one with easy to make foods considering she couldn’t always be available for their food meetups, so she had to make her own at all costs.

Commander grabbed the cup noodles from Scout’s hand, earning a whine from the younger man as he desperately tried to grab it back but ultimately failed. “Hey! Okay! Okay fine, I’ll stop stealing from Engineer. Now what do you need?”

“What I don’t need? That attitude,” Commander points out but snickers to himself, causing Scout to grimace. “Anyway, be a dear for me and call everyone for a meeting at ten. I’ll give you this back.” Commander shakes the cup noodles in his hands, raising his brow at the younger scout.

“Fine.” Scout walked back in his room to grab his prominent grey cap before storming off to the others. Commander walked in to place the cup at the desk, dusting his hands off as he closed the door on his way out, making his way downtown, walking fast to the meeting room.

-

The meeting room was crowded with all the troops inside the base, now all they needed was Scout and DJ, and Commander could only assume that Scout fetched the musician last, which gave the leader a suspicious thought in his mind.

Alas when the door rang, the numbers were complete. Scout was a sweating mess needing to go here and there just to fetch everyone for this meeting, he sat down beside Commander which was his usual seat, something the Commander planned out beforehand.

“Alright, everyone?” Commander cleared his throat, catching everyone’s attention.

DJ sat down beside Electroshocker, who was as dumbfounded as he is, Commander never scheduled anything beforehand, so this was a bit off of him.

“Scout here,” Commander started, patting the young man’s shoulder, grimacing a little when his hand touched the wet part of his shirt. “He gathered information that our enemy troops are low and thus, giving us time to prepare.” Everyone turned to Scout, some smiling and some looking back at Commander.

The room was filled with brief celebration until Commander raised a clenched fist to silence them.

“I’ll be giving you all a break for three weeks.” He adds.

And then the room burst into ‘wooh!’s and ‘yeah!’s here and there, only putting a smile on Commander’s face; albeit just a weak one.

Scout looked up at Commander, a bit surprised with their reward. Commander could only nod at Scout, before giving his attention towards his teammates.

“So you may pack your bags and visit your hometown, or stay here or wherever, your choice really. If you ever need to call me, you already have my number,” Commander reminded one last time, “Alright, dismissed. Scout, stay here.”

As everyone got up and went out to the door, feeling happier than ever. Commander eyed DJ as he walked out, the two sharing a mutual glance before Commander was the one first to break it, it wasn’t a death glare, more of the ‘you better keep that promise you said’ kind of glare.

Scout adjusted his seat when everyone was gone, leaving the two alone. “Uhm, what did you uh, have for me?” He asks.

Commander sits down at his chair, the two merely being inches apart. “Scout, I’ll be heading out from base so I won’t be staying here. Actually, I don’t think anyone will. So it’s either you explore the world out there, or you come with me, or you-” Commander paused, his voice hesitant. “Visit your biological parents-”

This made Scout hiss.

“No.” He glared up at the Commander, to which the leader felt a shiver down his spine.

“Okay,” Commander calmly says. “Okay,” he repeats softly. “Would you wanna come with me instead?” Commander asks with a gentle tone.

The glare on Scout’s face retracted, meeting the old familiar one with a visage of stars and young beauty. Everyone loved Scout for that. “Yeah, if you don’t mind.” Scout murmurs.

Commander raises a hand to take off Scout’s hat, ruffling his hair until it was a curly mess, earning a yelp from the man. “Hey! I Just combed that!” he retorts.

Commander stands up from his seat, gesturing to the younger man to come with him. “Alright, start packing, dove. The jet doesn’t wait for anyone.” The leader opens the door, catching Scout zooming past him and watching the man run to his room. Commander could only smile to himself, oh how he adored that man.

And he’d raise him as his own.

Chapter Text

DJ loved his family in his hometown, that’s for sure. But he was going to miss weeks of opportunities to talk with Commander, and honestly it was a win-loss situation. That realisation stopped DJ from packing, as he was kneeling in front of his bag, countless shirts and pants clutched onto his fists.

Clearing his mind, the musician shook the thought off as he continued to stuff his clothes in the bag in a not so orderly mannered way, you could even see the bag bulging from the over excess of space, who knew how many more clothes it could fit.

Still, DJ couldn’t believe Commander would give them such a long break. When he recalled buying a surprise for the leader during their resting period, he didn’t expect it to be this sudden. Was Commander really eager for soft fabric jackets? Nah, that couldn’t be it.

Lost in his racing thoughts, DJ didn’t even know that he completed packing. He stared at his empty hands in slight awe when they were empty, no longer clutching onto clothes after clothes. DJ smiled at himself as he stood up, grabbing the bag in the process and wearing the flaps around his shoulders.

A rush of nostalgia and emptiness came to DJ when he walked out to see nothing and no one. The curtains of the base didn’t sway like they used to, the lights were off that created a dim atmosphere, and the base was just fully covered in a depressing blue lighting; something that happened on the first day of his recruitment, and now that happened today. Would every break be this upsetting? It made DJ want to scrap the idea of coming back to his family so he could stay here in the comforts of his new home, memories sweep this place left and right, and DJ couldn’t think of a greater place to live in.

Alas, DJ made his way outside the base where he met some of his other teammates, though there were only a few of them. He came walking down a few flights of stairs until he could eventually catch up onto them.

“Hey DJ,” Electroshocker greeted the musician, fixing his glasses in the process. “Where are you planning to go for the month?” he asks in a cheerful tone, one that made DJ smile out of instinct.

“Home, back with my familia,” DJ inhales as he takes a deep breath of the thick air, relieving more than suffocating. “You?” he glanced at Electroshocker and towards Medic who was standing beside the scientist.

“Oh I’m heading to Commander first since he said he needed help with the jet or something,” Electroshocker shrugs as if it wasn’t that much of a big deal, “T-then! I’ll head with Engineer by the bus stop not too far from here so we can continue working on our experiments.” Electroshocker added with more enthusiasm, bouncing his legs up and down as his hands clenched tightly on the flaps of his bag.

“On my way to visit my sister,” Medic then joined in, taking a glance at DJ with narrowed eyes. “You know, she said she kinda liked you.” She giggles, watching the face of the DJ lit up.

“What? I never even spoke to her!” DJ protested.

Medic laughs. “I know, it was from Commander’s birthday celebration where I took a selfie of the whole team, you were pretty close to me, and pretty much the first guy she saw was you.” Medic says softly, “Don’t worry, I told her your heart is occupied with… someone.”

“So it’s true, you did bang the b-”

“Okay! Thank you Medic, and thank you Electroshocker. I’ll be taking my leave.” DJ gleefully smiled, though Medic could see the sarcastic intent behind it as a way to silence the smaller scientist standing between them.

“Stay safe, DJ.” Medic raises a hand to wave at the musician as she watches him leave off into the distance, now it just left her and Electroshocker; whom she found was looking up at her. “What?”

“Hm, I don’t know. This whole DJ and boss thing has been dragging a bit too long, I do not enjoy the pining.” Electroshocker frowns.

Medic snickers, he knew what kind of person DJ was, and she trusted him to stay true to himself. After all, that was how DJ was well known and befriended amongst the troop. He never failed to be himself around them. “Neither do I, it pains me seeing them together only for DJ to try and be someone he’s not, that’s kinda his problem.” She murmurs under her breath.

“I don’t think Commander would like DJ in any shape whatsoever.” Electroshocker says, a rather blunt statement that took Medic out by surprise.

“You don’t know him like I do. I’ve watched how he used to court his past lover, it was full… romance.” Medic breathes, a small smile forming on her visage.

-

‘THUD’

Scout placed the last carriage inside Commander’s jet, heaving at the sheer weight that was stored in it. What the hell was Commander even bringing for their break? Scout wouldn’t be surprised if it was some sentry turret, or some advanced sniper rifle that would instantly penetrate any shields and material, though that would’ve sound more badass than whatever was stored in the luggage.

“Finished, pops!” Scout announced as he got on board inside the jet, immediately leaning against one of the seats with a tired body.

Commander thanked Electroshocker for the minor fixes he’d done to the jet, it was honestly one of the reasons Commander couldn’t start it up, and honestly the leader wasn’t too tech-smart and all that. He got on board with Scout, passing a water bottle from his seat and onto Scout, shaking the bottle to catch his attention.

Scout’s eyes focused back on the bottle, and he instinctively took it out, opening the cap in great haste and downing the bottle in quick motion. “Wow, that bag took a toil on you.” Commander commented, seeing the tiredness set in Scout's eyes.

“Yeah!” Scout wheezed. “What do you even have in there man? A dead body or something? I honestly would not be surprised.” The man blew a raspberry in his mouth, to where he got no answer back from Commander.

Commander slid a plate behind him, giving him an open passage to talk to the pilot. After instructing the pilot to take lift off, he closed the plate and returned all attention to Scout. The two were overbearing in silence, and Scout looked away once in a while as if he felt Commander’s eyes pierce him.

“What?” Scout asked.

“It’s not a dead body,” Commander leans back, placing a leg on top of his knee as he crosses his arms. “It’s something for my boss, so you better not touch it or damage it.” And to which Scout nodded.

“Okay, I’ll just-” Scout murmured as he placed his hands on each side of his shoulders, scooting away from the luggage. “There.”

-

‘Beep, beep, beep, the number is currently on hold.’

“Shit! Mom, pick up!” DJ whined into his phone as he walked cluelessly around the busy streets. It was different the last time he was in here, and he swore there were less people because it was now overcrowded than usual. Colors bloomed here and there, when DJ left around 5 years ago, most of the streets were danced in only three colors.

When DJ was consumed by the overwhelming change in the city, his phone ringing eventually ground him back to reality, sending a shock throughout his body as he frantically tried to accept the call. “Hey! Afternoon, mamá.” DJ laughed softly into the phone, met with a distressed sigh on the other end.

“Mijo!” His mother cried out and DJ could only roll his eyes playfully, thank God she didn’t see that or he’d get his ass whooped. DJ knew how dramatic his mother was, and she would always protect him no matter what, that’s where DJ learned his protective nature from.

“Ay, mamá. I’m fine, don’t make a big deal out of it,” DJ’s voice seemed to calm down the woman, it’s just been so long since she’d seen DJ, and she hoped nothing too much changed about him. She loved everything about him, and wouldn’t want a single thing to change. “I’ll be coming over for the month, boss finally gave us some time to rest.” DJ placed his phone far away from his ear when he heard an ecstatic scream coming from his end, earning a wince and a weak smile from the musician.

“Mijo is coming to stay with us for the month! Mija, go clean your brother’s room.” She scolded the younger woman who just got out of bed, and was immediately met with the task; she groaned but complied anyway.

“Ay, mamá. ¿Está mi hermana?” DJ hummed into the phone, causing his mother to look back at the woman for a second. Then she clicked her tongue, fanning her hand towards her to come to her instead.

“Mija, go talk to your brother, I will clean the room.” DJ’s smile warmed up as he could practically hear the gasp from his sister on the other end.

The young woman sprinted to their mother, grabbing the phone with an audible ‘Yoink!’ coming from her. “You!” She screamed, giggling slightly as she cupped the phone into her ears. “I miss you so much, hermano, it’s been so boring without you! Mamá y tía always keep talking about the most boring stuff.” Her laughter dies down as her relief overcomes her.

“Well, I’m glad to be of company. I have so many things to tell you,” DJ grinned as he heard the woman squeal again, that would usually be their bonding time nowadays, DJ would tell her stories about his job and she would tell stories about her school life- which DJ learned to hate some of the people in there with how they treated his sister. “And, maybe you could show me the new tricks you learned from music class.” DJ added.

“Hey, if you wanna hear the best woman in the world,” She added with a mocking formal accent, “Then you gotta attend my play! It’s tomorrow!” Despite not seeing her face, DJ knew there was a huge grin on her face. “Except I’m playing this french woman who yearned for her boss? Because apparently she was just a receptionist and the guy was some CEO. Shit here is wack.”

Ironically enough, the fictional pining in his sister’s work seemed to reflect on DJ’s current situation, so he was left stunned and didn’t speak for awhile until her sister called his name over the phone again, a little skeptical on why he didn’t say anything.

“Oh! Uh- hey, language. You do not get to curse, or I’ll tell mom.” DJ switches the topic, causing the woman to make a fake offended gasp.

“Oh no! Maybe I’ll tell mom who finally broke the kitchen siNK YEARS AG-”

“HEY! HEY!” DJ shouted over the phone, met with a hysterical fit of laughter. “Okay, you win. But I will be attending your play, I cannot miss my little music star on her first big gig.” DJ hummed softly, relaxing the woman from her high.

“Thank you, deej.”

“Please don’t call me that.” DJ murmurs.

“What? Calling you an occupation is weird, like why do I call you DJ? What if you called me as French Woman Actress, isn’t that too weird?” She giggles, causing the DJ to shake his head in annoyance.

“Anyway, I’ll be heading off, I need to focus on the streets, you know how crowded it is now.” DJ only heard an exasperated sigh on the other end.

“Dios mío. Don’t get me started on that!” She sighed, “Stay safe for me, you better tell me all your stuff before you die.” Her worried face returned to the shit-eating grin, maybe that was a thing that ran through their family, or just something that DJ and his sister had in common.

“Goodbye.” DJ taps the red icon on his phone that ends the call. He let out a heavy sigh as he studied the view in front of him; a heavy crowd with each lane covered in bikes and people, and it didn’t help cars kept passing by each second.

‘Dios mío.’

DJ frowns.

-

‘Authority identified, opening the front gate.’

Commander placed his card on the scanner of their main base, the base that was filled with the other high-ranking chiefs, and where Commander’s boss would stay in.

Commander felt himself a little intimidated by the people, even though they respected him from all the things he had done and caused, Commander couldn’t help but still feel inferior. Theoretically speaking, he was, considering the ranks.

“Pops, where do I stay?” Scout holds onto Commander’s gloved hand, earning the other to look at him.

“I’ll ask for a spare room. My room only has one bed, and there’s not really a couch to sleep on either.” The response only made Scout look down on the ground as they entered the facility, the shining marbled floor tiles reflecting the younger man’s weary face.

Scout would be away from Commander most of the time, but it was better than being with his biological parents. The people who betrayed Scout, the people who devoured him alive when they had the chance to. Scout didn’t wanna reminisce on that.

So when Commander saw Scout slightly trembling, he pulled the younger man closer by his side. “We’ll be fine, Scout,” He promised, tailoring one that would never break. “Just come to me if you ever need help, okay?” Commander at him, as to Scout, only laid his face forward on the ground. “I’ll do my best.”

Scout nods, earning a pat on his back from Commander.

When they met at the receptionist, Commander showed the woman behind the desk his card. After a second of glancing, the woman nods and directs her hand to the left hallway, greeting both Scout and Commander with a smile. “Thank you for your service, your room is over there.” she’d say.

“I know my way back, I just need a place for this one too.” Commander brought up Scout, which made the woman glance at him and Scout looking back with an unease smile.

“Is he yours?” She asked.

“Under me, yes.” Commander replies.

The woman nodded as she typed some inputs on her keyboard, she then looked at the screen which displayed all available rooms for soldiers and their other troops. Fortunately enough, there seemed to be a few. “There’s only a few left. Would you want to be alone or have bunkmates?” her eyes peered to Scout.

“Alone, please.” Scout requests.

“Okay,” The woman replies as she presses one last few clicks here and there, a card popped out from the holder beside her as she gave it to Scout. “Don’t lose it, it’s your only way in and out of your room.” To which a reluctant Scout reached his hand to grab it and place it by his chest.

“Thank you.” Commander nodded as she gave the gesture back. Commander went to his respective hallway, as to where Scout was heading right. The two shared a glance before giving each other smiles and a wave of goodbyes.

-

‘Ding dong!’

The bell rang, but only silence continued to peer in.

‘Ding dong!’

DJ rang the bell again, he pressed his ear against the door, and that’s when he heard heavy footsteps and screaming coming from the house. DJ pulled his face away, noticing the source of the footsteps to be just in front of him.

The door rattled open, and DJ’s mother was standing there with wide-eyes and an open mouth. “Mijo!” She cried out again, wrapping the bigger man in her embrace. “I missed you soooo much!” She raised both hands up to his cheeks, cupping his face as she brought him down and barraged DJ with kisses left and right.

“Mom! You can stop now!” DJ laughed as he was released from her grasp. DJ looked around and saw his three aunties, he could’ve assumed his mom and his aunties were probably chit-chatting, that was the thing they loved to do in their free time anyway.

“Aw, he’s grown up so much!” One of them says,

“Wow, Deej you lost so much weight! So much muscle!” Another one peers.

“No he gaaained weight.” The last one bickered.

“That’s enough,” DJ’s mother walked back to the couch along with the aunties, it was clear their gossiping session wasn’t over, they’d probably last until the end of the night. “Deej, mija is upstairs in your room.” She gestured above, to which DJ nodded.

-

The door bursts open, and DJ lets out a long growl as he charges towards his younger sister.

“Deej!” She yelped, trying to kick the musician off who basically engulfed the smaller woman in his embrace. “Get off! You’re going to kill me!” she says in exaggeration, weakly slapping the man’s face repeatedly until he pulled away.

“Aw come on, that’s not how you greet your older brother now,” DJ took a step back from the door to grab his bag before entering and closing the door behind him. “You got anything for me?” DJ asks as he scans his newly cleaned room.

“Well, you first. I wanna hear what new things you have from your new job! Being in the army must be so cool.” She smiled, a hum trailing off as she looked up at the pondering DJ.

“Fighting is boring, most of the time it’s just my friends doing all the work. I’m just there for support.” DJ plops himself on the bed, hearing a light squeak below it, he should really get a new mattress soon.

“Aw, that’s boring,” she frowns. “How about a crush?” And there we go, DJ’s sister always had a thing about romance, and if DJ needed help whatsoever, it was probably the right time to ask the ultimate matchmaker. The young woman has surprisingly aided her friends in being with their desired partners, and DJ remembered how surprised he was when he found out years ago.

“Hm,” DJ hums. “Maybe.”

Of course this perked up the young woman as she made her way to DJ’s bed, placing his bag away before occupying the space it previously sat on. “Tell me. All of it.” she deadpans.

DJ raises both eyebrows at her with an ‘oh, okay’ face. He actually didn’t know how to start off, how would he even describe Commander to her? Commander was the closest thing to perfection, and DJ yearned for him long enough. Too long it started to hurt, and maybe DJ did need to act.

“He’s actually the boss. Our Commander even.” DJ started off.

Even those were enough to baffle his sister as she let out a scream. “What! No way! Your boss and it’s a guy too!” her mouth stayed open but you could see the joy shaping in her eyes. Before DJ could speak, she waved her hands close to her chest and stopped. “Wait wait wait, let me guess. He’s taller than you, probably stronger and that’s why you learned to like him?”

“The uhm, opposite actually.” DJ grits his teeth, only enabling his sister to put both her hands at each of DJ’s shoulders and moving him back and forth crazily.

“Oh my god! How small is he? My height? Taller than me? A few inches shorter than you?” She’d start to list, and damn it felt like she was more invested in actually creating a genuine bond with Commander than DJ.

“Hm, I’d say around your height.” DJ comments.

“Perfect!” She hops off the bed, and stands right in front of DJ, looking at him with a pout on her lips. “Wow, this is what he sees from here? And he’s like what, thirty seven probably?” She laughs.

“Okay well! Can you-” DJ mumbles. “Help me out?”

The young woman snapped her fingers, shaping them into guns as she pointed them both to DJ. “I gotchu Deej, I’m the cupid in here as we both know, you’re the romantical wreck that needs help.”

“Wow, so much for helping.” DJ jokes as he gets dragged out the bed by his sister.

“So first, what’s he like? Anything you know about him like his favorite foods, movies, all that basic stuff?” DJ only winced with each thing she listed, the fact she mentioned those as the ‘basic stuff’ yet the musician knew nothing about the Commander’s interest was already low.

“Uhm, would it be bad if I told you I know- none of those?” DJ let an awkward shrug off his shoulders, and his sister just pulled the most offended expression on her face ever.

“Deej! You want to court a man but know nothing of him?!” She was in disbelief, and DJ just sat silent. Now looking back at it, she did make sense. Commander knew a lot about DJ because of his portfolio, but DJ knew nothing about Commander whatsoever.

“Hey! Look, he’s cute, okay? That’s-” DJ grits. “That’s all.”

His sister’s face contorted into a rather disappointed look as she shook her head to DJ in a disapproving way. “Looks! You’re after the looks?!” She repeated.

“I mean, yeah. If you see him then ooh boy,” DJ wolf-whistles which earned a raised eyebrow from the younger woman. “Sorry, I got sidetracked.” DJ sheepishly laughs.

“Oh, this isn’t a crush, you’re obsessed.” The woman says.

DJ looks at her, hands on her hips. “Okay, now I am not that obsessed with him. Sure I may be head over heels but that’s pretty much about it.” The more he explained, the more he realizes that he’s probably not helping himself at this point.

“You need to make me meet him one day,” she pleads, the breaking in her voice added emphasis. “Pleaaase?” she whined.

“Mmm,” DJ grumbles as he takes a second to think about it. Commander probably wouldn’t appreciate having young teenagers around the base. That wasn’t the ‘I hate kids raahh’ part of Commander, just basic base protocol. “If it’s possible, then alright.” DJ replies, getting engulfed in his sister’s embrace before she pulls away.

“Now come on, keep telling me more.” She takes a step back, and a small memory pops up from DJ’s mind as he grinned.

“Alright.” He’d prepare, adjusting himself on the bed.

-

Commander took a step inside his boss’ office. He’d been requested to join the bigger man for a meeting, one that Commander had no idea what it was about for now.

“Ah, Commander. There you are.” The man welcomes him, turning around from his chair to face Commander.

“Good afternoon boss, you called me for today? Is there anything I can do during this time?” Commander sat down against him, scooting his seat further closer to his boss.

The man thought for a while as he studied Commander, the task he was about to give was rather fit for more physically bulkier commanders, and Commander didn’t really fit that picture. “You see, Commander. You’re the only one available right now, and our allied forces from the Northeast have sent us a token of their appreciation for our help. Now I want you to go over there and retrieve it for us. But it is a rather heavy token.”

Ah, Commander already knew where this was headed.

“Do you know anyone that could possibly accompany you and retrieve it?” The man asks.

Commander thought about it for a while, he recalled asking Mini, Gladiator, and DJ for help. After all, they were the only three people that Commander saw were visibly bulky and probably strong enough for the task.

“Yes, yes I do.” Commander replies.

“Good,” His boss says, “The drop off should be a few hours from now, you have time to prepare,” With that, Commander stood from his chair as he placed his hands behind himself. “You are dismissed.”

Commander mumbled a ‘thank you’ under his breath as he walked away from the office. He immediately grabbed his phone and scrolled through his contacts, asking the other two with DJ being his last option. Hopefully Mini and Gladiator were free enough to help.

-

“And that was the story of the Lady Baron, heartbroken forever…” DJ’s sister would mimic explosions with her hands, panning onto DJ’s rather saddened expression. “Oh come on, it wasn’t that sad.” She snapped her fingers at him.

DJ too snapped out from the trance as he glanced at her. His frowning was mostly caused by how relatable his sister’s plot for the musical play was, and how the pining eventually broke the French woman’s heart. DJ feared it may happen to him.

“Right,” DJ opened his mouth to speak his mind off, but he was cut off by the sound of his phone ringing in his pocket. “One sec,” DJ excused himself as he pulled the device from his pants and placed it on his ear. “Oh, what’s up Commander?”

The mention of it tingled his sister’s ear, and she took a peak from the side, DJ noticed it and saw the forming grin on her face as he tried to dismiss her by planting his palm on her.

“Help? Again?” DJ laughed, hearing the grumble that came from Commander. “Okay, but you’re picking me up right?” DJ glanced back at his sister who was pleading with her arms as if she wanted to speak her mind. “Hold a sec.” DJ said to Commander before placing the phone away and looking at the young woman.

“Please! Please let me come! I wanna join! I wanna help! I wanna see him!” She pleaded, DJ winced and hoped that her cries couldn’t be heard on the phone.

“It’s a lifting thing, you wouldn’t be able to help.” DJ pouts his lips.

“Oh come on, so? I can make it less boring,” she casually says, shrugging her shoulders. “I won’t tell mom you broke the sink.” That completely caught the musician off guard as he let a heavy sigh out of his nose.

“Hey Comm?” DJ went back to the phone, who was met with a hum of the leader as a response. “Is it cool if my sis can join? I ain’t lifting if she won’t come.” DJ grinned behind the phone as he heard the usual sigh from Commander, looking down he could see the bright grin on his sister’s face. He hoped this was a good idea.

DJ placed the phone away after Commander ended it, he turned to his sister who was anticipating an update. “So?” She starts, “What’d he say? Can I come? Am I allowed?”

“Yep,” DJ replied, earning a squeal from the woman. “You better not make trouble for me, if I see you dropping hints to my boss about me then your breath will be the last.” DJ plants a finger on her forehead, gently flicking it.

“I won’t! I won’t!” she cried out. “I guess this means I have to start packing?”

“Yeah, he’ll be picking us up so we don’t need to worry about transportation. Now go pack, shoo shoo.” DJ escorted her outside his room which took awhile as she gently fought back with resistance until DJ proved his strength right and shut the door.

-

“So,” Scout was sitting on his bed, looking up at Commander. “I mean I don’t know if I could lift but I’ll try. Who else is coming?” Scout asks as Commander moves to sit beside him.

“DJ and his sister.”

“He has a sister?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised, I hope she’s as good as him.” Commander jokes, a weak snicker forming a smile on his lips.

“What about uhm, Mini? Glad? Accel?” Scout listed, it was weird only DJ would be the one helping when there were other strong people that could join in on.

“Unavailable, DJ said he’s free.” Commander hummed. What Scout didn’t know was that Commander didn’t actually bother to call the others, he changed his mind, making DJ his first option to call early on.

“Right,” Scout nods as he returns his eyes onto the wall in front of him. “Am I allowed to take a nap for now? I kinda need one.” Commander glanced at Scout, and saw the dark bags forming under his eyes which made the leader click his tongue.

“Yeah, I’ll let you sleep. I’ll come back once we’re ready.” Commander stood from the bed as Scout scrambled onto the pillows, hastily placing the blanket on top of him.

“Thanks pops.” Scout smiled up at him as he closed his eyes, levelling himself in the soft feeling, he’d probably fall asleep by now.

-

“I can’t believe you skipped your play for this.” DJ and his sister were now standing outside the airport, DJ shielding his eyes and the young woman beside him with four bags on her.

“It’s worth it,” she leans on him, “I get to see your dream man.”

“You promise you’ll stay quiet?” DJ peered down at her.

“Promise is sealed and kept safe with me.” The young woman replies, gesturing a closing zipper on her lips as she looks up at him which prompts DJ to reply with a soft smile.

“This is actually my first time doing something super serious for Commander, can you believe that?” DJ looks around, keeping his eyes on scanning the area about them if he could spot Commander or any of his troops to escort them.

“Now ain’t that just sweet?” The woman whistles, keeping her head comfortable at DJ’s shoulder. “What does he need you to lift anyway?” She asked with a quizzical tone as she pushed herself off of DJ to look up at him. The mention of the lifting made DJ think back of the first time he helped Commander with something similar, and he grinned at himself in reflex.

“Hopefully not crates.” DJ murmurs.

Chapter Text

The sounds of familiar leathered boots made its way towards DJ, and the man already knew himself who it could be. He took his hand off of his eyes which he used to shield himself from the sun, staring at the heavily sun-basked Commander in front of him.

“Well I’ll be damned.”

-

The four were now sitting inside the jet. Commander, Scout, DJ, and his sister. At first the tension was awkward, with the fact it was just DJ and Commander, and their bring-alongs acting as younger sidekicks. Even DJ’s sister started fumbling her hands together, her promise of ‘making everything not boring’ seemed to fail.

Though, now that she has met Commander in person, she was actually quite questioning her brother’s taste in men.

Commander coughed, both DJ and Scout sitting up straight which made the leader pause in his action and looking at both of them. “What?” he asked, the only person who didn’t flinch nor react was DJ’s sister, who was as confused as Commander.

DJ relaxed his shoulders along with a sigh, watching as Scout did the same. “Sorry, I'm used to protocols. I thought you were about to order us or something.” DJ leaned back in his seat to fully relax himself, although Commander just peered at him.

“What command do you think I would give you while we’re flying high up the air, DJ?” Commander tilted his head, catching DJ’s attention as he looked back at his boss.

“Jump off.” His sister would say before DJ nudged her shoulder a little too harshly.

Commander’s face snapped to the younger woman, who seemed to squeeze herself in her seat when he felt the man’s gaze pierce through her.

“I mean I would if you asked me to.” DJ tried to break the silence and release Commander’s eyes from his sister which worked. DJ found himself having a stare off with Commander. The leader then raised his hands to take his glasses off, folding them close and pocketing them on his suit.

“Oh?” Commander mused.

DJ and his sister exchanged glances for a split second before DJ aimed back at the Commander’s eyes, and God did he love staring at them, he never noticed how beautiful they were, so lost in his thoughts that he forgot to reply to Commander, not like he needed to.

Commander’s eyes narrowed down when DJ just stared at him ominously before pulling out his glasses to wear them back on, that seemed to snap DJ out of his state.

Commander’s face slowly turned from DJ to his sister, who when she noticed, immediately looked down at the floor.

“You,” He announced. “What’s your name?”

The woman looked up at him, a shaky lip as she tried to mutter out her words. “Carmen,” She’d eventually let out before returning the question back. “Do you have a name? My brother just keeps calling you as Commander all the time, I’ve always found it weird.” Carmen added as she looked at DJ casually, who was repeatedly shaking his head.

“You talk about me?” Commander peered at DJ, and Carmen immediately understood what she did as she instinctively looked away in second-handed embarrassment.

“Uhm, sometimes.” DJ nods his head weakly. He didn’t like how this ride was already starting, and they were only halfway through their destination. Commander on the other hand was more curious on what topic they might have discussed about him, as it showed evident when he leaned in a little forward towards the two.

“Carmen, tell me.” Commander shot a look at her.

“Comm that’s my si-”

“That. Is an order,” Commander interrupts, raising his palm towards DJ who instinctively quiets down as he leaned back on his seat. Commander focuses back on Carmen, but this time the man had a slight smile resting on his face. “What has your brother said about me?”

Carmen pouted her lips as she took a glance at DJ who was again shaking his head at her. When Carmen returned her eyes to the leader, she opened her mouth to list a few, but she didn’t want to exactly rattle out DJ. After all, she was going to help him swoon him, not embarrass him.

“Pretty boring stuff, it’s all about work. Like hermana did you know Commander did this, did that, asked me this, asked me that. Yeah, Deej is pretty bad at storytelling.” Carmen’s delivery of casualty seemed to make the Commander buy it as he leaned back on his seat.

“Mm, I was expecting more.” Commander says rather disappointed.

“I mean, we don’t hang out as much, so I don’t know what I’m supposed to exactly tell her,” DJ butts in, to which he extends an arm to pat at Carmen’s shoulder, a bit relieved on her improv. “Unless you’re willing to change that in the future.”

Carmen winced inside, was he going to make a move this early? She also noticed Commander’s eyebrow raise when he said that, but DJ took pride in himself. He knew what he was doing- most of the time, maybe it wasn’t this one though.

But again, Commander’s yearning for something other than work relationship was getting there, and he didn’t mind having the DJ as company every now and then. DJ was a great speaker; a voice so loud and proud, and he never seemed to stop having stories from what Commander noticed, meanwhile the shorter man himself was rather a listener.

They did make a great pair.

“We’ll have a lot of time to catch up,” Commander replied, as to DJ’s surprise. “I don’t think Scout and your sister would be able to handle the task.” he adds, which was nothing but just truth. They were about to transport turret parts, to which Scout and Carmen didn’t have the strength for that.

“Great! Can’t wait,” DJ beams down at him, but Commander, with much hesitation, looks away after a while. “Did I do something?” DJ decided to bring it up, causing the Commander’s bottom lip to quiver.

“What?” Commander asked.

“You keep looking away when I look at you.” DJ continued, to which Carmen with much dramatic speed, slowly and slowly turned his head to DJ, mouthing the words of ‘What are you doing?’. DJ just laughs it off as Commander faces back at the musician.

“Is there a problem with that?” Commander crossed his arms.

DJ crossed his arms back to the leader, causing the smaller man’s eyebrows to furrow. “Oh nothing, it’s just I don’t know,” DJ shrugs. “Cute.” The word made Carmen lean back roughly into her seat, hoping the cushion could just swallow and hide her. Scout on the other hand eyed Commander, to where the leader just- sat there nonchalantly.

“Watch your tongue, DJ.” Commander warned which earned a sheepish chuckle from the musician.

“Whatever you say boss.” DJ raises both his hands by his shoulders in defeat as he leaned against his own seat, lowering his hands down to his lap. Though he couldn’t help but notice Commander gave him short quick glances every now and then, was his little charisma actually putting in the effort? Either that, or Commander was just socially awkward and didn’t know where to lay his eyes on in such a cramped space.

DJ’s attention shifts to his bag, he remembered their little talk a few days ago when DJ promised Commander to give him a jacket of his own, and DJ along with Carmen went to the same shop he bought his prominent ones and even paid extra to create their own design, one that fit Commander himself.

DJ zipped his bag open, slowly pulling the package from his bag. Though the motion ended when he felt the ride go slower, and the altitude decreased with each second.

“We’re here.” Commander announces.

DJ pushes the package back in his bag.

“That was longer than I expected.” Carmen looked over to DJ.

“Shorter than I thought actually.” DJ pressed the button on his seatbelt to disjoint the two ends, pushing himself free from the seat. Of course, sitting for hours did take a toil on his body, so as soon as DJ got off the jet and onto the ground, he immediately stretched his back while raising both his arms behind his head.

When Scout passed by him, he fanned his nose and stuck his tongue out in a mocking manner, before DJ could react and scold him for it, the younger man had already sprinted by Commander’s side.

“You good?” Carmen got off the jet last, nudging her brother’s side to ground him back to reality.

“Oh, yeah,” DJ murmurs. “Let’s go.”

-

Carmen and Scout began interacting as soon as they hopped off the jet, and were placed aside by both Commander and DJ. Fortunately enough, the two seemed to have a lot in common, the back and forthing of their conversation seemed to never end, and it would probably take awhile for it to die down.

DJ stood by as he watched both his sister and the young scout give a few laughs and some soft slaps- mostly Carmen slapping Scout everytime she delivered a giggle. Who knew what they could be talking about, hopefully nothing tarnishing about DJ.

DJ heard the sounds of shuffling footsteps beside him, and he turned over his shoulder to see Commander standing beside him, not too close nor too far from him. DJ returned his eyes back to the younger two, hearing a hum coming from the leader.

“They get along well.” Commander commented.

“Hopefully so can we.” The reply made Commander glance up at him, DJ felt the eyes but it took all his power and might to not look back at Commander. Even with the glasses on, he knew he’d find himself staring back for an awkwardly long time.

“If you’re willing to put in the work.” Commander says, nothing more. He turned a heel around as he walked away, and DJ let a relieved sigh out of his chest. After a second, DJ would finally give space to both Carmen and Scout, following Commander from behind.

As DJ gave his full attention towards the Commander, Scout finally was the one who could glare at the musician, and to Commander.

“Did you see that? They were staring at us like hawks.” Scout murmured.

“Oh, Deej is just like that.” Carmen rolled her eyes, she knew how protective DJ could be when it came towards her, there had been many instances Carmen would get picked on, and DJ was the only one available to help put her back on her feet. She didn’t mind it back then, but as she grew old, she realized she could take care of herself, he didn’t need DJ that much anymore.

“You don’t gotta lie to me, and I probably already know,” Scout faced back Carmen, as Carmen looked at him with a more quizzical look. “Your brother,” he says, “Got a thing going on with Commander?” and Carmen could only let out a stupid grin.

“Oh you have noooo idea,” She leans in closer, silently apologising to herself for rattling out DJ to someone who already knows it anyway. “He’s been trying to make advances but honestly he sucks at it, I’d be surprised if by this week, they would be a thing.” Carmen says, her face lighting up at the end.

“A week? Give it a month.” Scout jokes, earning a laugh from the two. The loud noise made DJ take a glimpse at the two, before Commander snapped his fingers up at DJ’s face, who immediately looked back at the smaller man in haste.

“They’ll be fine, DJ. Focus on me, okay?” Commander pulls his hand away.

“Already have,” DJ replied with a smug grin that evidently irritated Commander as he rolled his eyes under his glasses along with a deep scoff. “What? You said all attention to you, and I am giving all of my attention,” DJ gestures, both hands aiming at his chest and then pointing both of them to Commander. “To you.”

“Stop being like that.” Commander sneered.

“Stop being attentive?” DJ jokes.

“No, being childish.”

“When did obeying become childish?” DJ places his hands by his hips, and Commander grows silent. The more DJ spoke, the more he realized that Commander wasn’t as scary as he thought he’d be, he noticed that Commander wasn’t a talker, and he probably couldn’t defend himself most of the time.

“Just get back to work.” Commander murmurs.

With much consideration, DJ decided to stop bugging the Commander, who knew how much he would push until the Commander might stop talking to him from either annoyance or embarrassment. Oh well, DJ hoped for the latter.

-

“Scout.” Commander calls out, seeing the young man sprint towards his direction.

“Yes? Can I do something?” Scout crouched as he planted his palms on each of his knees, raising his head up at the other man.

“Yes,” Commander pulled his card out from his wallet. “Get us something to eat, anything really.” He waved his hand around before stilling so that Scout would get the card from him.

“Got it.” Scout stood up, turning a heel but was seized when Commander pulled him back by placing a palm on his shoulder.

“Bring Carmen.” Commander ordered, before pushing him off, watching Scout bolt away.

Commander turned over to himself, staring at DJ who lifted one of the heavier parts of the turret onto the conveyor belt, wincing when he heard the musician drop it with a loud thud. Commander coughed, placing a fist on his mouth as he did, before walking up to DJ.

“The kids are getting lunch,” Commander hums, but it made DJ look down at him with a puzzled look. “What?”

“You say that like they’re ours,” DJ grinned with the following snicker, as he turned around to get back to work he felt a light hit on the side of his stomach as he instinctively beamed back down at Commander. “Did you just hit me?” DJ murmured.

Commander had the side of his fist against DJ’s side, and he scrambled to stand back up straight, his lips slightly pouting. “I wouldn’t have if you stopped being so weird.” he says, quickly lifting a finger to adjust his glasses.

DJ cooed, making Commander grit his teeth.

“Sorry, it just felt so light, are you sure that was your best?” DJ rolled his eyes away from Commander, though he did know it was a rather gentle one. Commander could probably deliver a more agonizing punch despite his height, Carmen was around the same height as Commander and God did she pack one hell of a kick. It made DJ not underestimate anyone shorter than him, right when Carmen gave him a bruised nose years ago.

“You want to find out?” Commander grumbled.

DJ’s ears perked up as he looked over his side to catch a glimpse of Commander’s body. He faced back to the direction his body stanced, before turning around slowly to eye down at the other man with a curious gaze. “What if I did?” DJ mused.

Commander just scoffed, he wasn’t in the mood to fight- he said to himself. Little did he know he just didn’t want to fight DJ, considering how stronger DJ was by everything he’d seen, Commander would be easily humiliated, and he couldn’t afford that.

“Another time then.” DJ turned in defeat, he continued to lift the last few parts of the turret, however he was able to complete them in ease since they were lighter and smaller than the others, probably some minor parts on the sentry.

-

“Woah, he gave you the card? THE card? That’s so much responsibility!” Carmen and Scout were practically fawning over Commander’s credit card. It was laced in gold and a black shiny material, as the two could find themselves staring back at their reflection.

“I know!” Scout exclaimed before pulling the card away. “He did want us to get food, what are you craving for?” Scout looked over to Carmen who was busy pondering.

“I’m feeling authentic.” Carmen hums, looking over to Scout. The two stopped walking as they looked up at the front establishment’s board.

“Can you use chopsticks?” Scout looked back at Carmen.

“Can you?” She rolls her eyes, entering the restaurant as the bells on top of the door signalled her entrance. Scout dragged a hand under his eyes, sighing heavily as he followed right soon after.

-

The package.

DJ rummaged through his bag until he found the package with the jacket inside it. The excitement of delivering it made the musician sweat under his clothes, his heart panged through his chest more than ever. It was just a stupid gift, DJ didn’t know why it was so difficult.

He mustered enough courage soon after, stepping out of the jet and spotted Commander standing all alone byself on a nearby bridge not just too far away from the helicopter pad they parked the jet on.

“Hey,” DJ caught up with Commander, leaning all his weight onto the railings of the bridge. Commander turned his face to him, studying the slight red smudged across his face, and the sweat running down his forehead.

“Where’d you come back from?” Commander asked.

“Just the jet, got something, and that something is for you.” DJ pulled the package from behind, presenting the small box towards an unamused Commander. The leader just stared at him for a while, eyeing the box before he slowly lifted his hands to receive it.

“Thank you,” Commander clears his throat, placing a hand on top of the cover so he could pull it off. Commander was met with a jacket; a medium-sized white jacket that was embroidered with the Commander’s title on the back, and a small tiger logo on the front. Commander let a light gasp when he received it, closing the package as he held it a little closer to himself. “Thank you.”

DJ smiled with no worries, turning his body to face the railings of the bridge. “You asked me to surprise you, and surprised shall you be.” He exclaimed with a blooming voice, Commander soon followed him on resting against the railings, making the musician glance down at him.

“A little surprised, maybe.” Commander corrects.

“What, want more?” DJ raises a brow, Commander snickering.

“No. This is enough.” Commander shook the package on his hands, earning a contented smile from the musician, DJ felt relief wash over him when Commander took validation of the gift, who knew a simple white jacket would do the trick.

DJ finally had the strength to take his eyes off of Commander, but it was a slight pain to not look at him ever again. But DJ didn’t want to come off as awkward, so it was probably for the best.

“Also, while you were busy carrying the turret parts. The jet engine broke.” Commander frowns.

“What?” DJ turned to him.

“We’ll be staying at a nearside motel from here, it’s not too far but I already have it taken care off.” Commander reassures, but the slight worry on DJ’s face didn’t seem to take off.

“How long until the engine is fixed?” DJ slowly faces back the railings of the bridge.

“I have no idea, luckily the engineers are present this week at this branch. They said they’d check it out tomorrow. I’m sorry I had to drag you into this.” Commander slowly faces away from the musician.

“No, no, don’t worry. I don’t really mind, at least I’ll have time to explore this place more,” DJ raised his hand, almost wrapping his arm around Commander. Hesitation kicked in, and DJ just let his arm frozen aloft, before he dropped it slowly onto his side. “I don’t know what you’d do though.”

There wasn’t much Commander could do. If anything, he’d probably be doing paperwork like he does in their original base, paper by paper- it was boring, probably the most tedious part in Commander’s part of the job.

“We’ll see.” Commander simply replies.

-

‘Ring!’

Both Scout and Carmen’s phone rang in slight unison, Scout’s phone ringing a second later.

“Huh?” They both mused.

Scout dropped everything by the sidewalks as he tapped on the message he received from Commander. Carmen on the other hand got one from DJ.

“DJ?” Scout glanced at Carmen.

“Yep, yours?” Carmen looked back.

Scout sighed weakly. “Comm.”

“That’s weird, what do they want?” Carmen placed her phone inside her jeans, resuming onto her snack. She watched Scout read his own text, his eyes scanning word for word as his face grew more contorted each second.

“Ugh! We’re staying at some stupid motel because the jet engine broke,” Scout cupped his cheek with a hand, mumbling into his mouth angrily. “Where even is this Suncreeke Motel?” Scout’s bickering died down as his temper quickly cooled. Carmen tapped Scout’s shoulder, making him look up at her, then she pointed forward.

“Oh.” Scout murmured.

They were already in front of the said motel.

-

As the two teenagers entered the motel, they were immediately greeted by DJ.

“Hey! Ooh, what did you get?” DJ looked over to Carmen and Scout’s hands, both full of take out bags.

“Take out.” Carmen simply replied.

“Wow, thank you,” DJ lamely says before escorting them inside. “Commander’s already in the room, he wanted me to fetch you guys.” He motioned, standing behind Scout and Carmen as he placed his hands on each of their shoulders protectively.

“Aw, look who listened.” Scout coos.

“He’s my boss, why wouldn’t I?”

“Because we’re outside work hours. We’re on break, DJ,” Scout lifted his eyes to look at DJ, who only pouted his lips and smacked Scout’s shoulder, but not too hard. “Ow! I’m telling Comm.”

DJ pressed the elevator as the doors opened to welcome them in. The younger two entered before DJ followed right by, pressing the number floor that Commander instructed the musician to go to once he retrieved Scout and Carmen.

‘Ding!’

The elevators opened, DJ gave space for Scout and Carmen to exit again before leaving the last, this time he walked in front of them since he was the one who knew where they were staying.

The walking came to an end after a minute or so, DJ pulled out their motel key and inserted it into the hole as he opened the door for them.

Both Scout and Carmen weren’t expecting much from a motel, but the moment their eyes were greeted with the view of the interior, both didn’t know if this was even counted as a motel anymore. “What! This is a motel?” Carmen gasped.

DJ snickered from their reactions as he locked the door again, walking past them. “Alright, chop chop. Come on, I’m hungry.” Scout snapped from his trance as he placed the bags on the coffee table, dragging Carmen along when she kept searching around.

Scout then raised a hand to DJ, a shiny black-gold card. “Here.”

“What’s this?” DJ mused.

“Payment.” Carmen jokes.

“It’s Comm’s card. You should give it back and tell him dinner is here.” Scout grinned at him before looking away as he prepared all their meals together. Carmen shrugged to DJ, but the musician paid no mind. He was actually grateful that Scout gave him the opportunity to do this.

DJ walked to Commander’s room, he twisted the knob and pushed it open, taking a peak. He knew he should’ve knocked first but DJ had the weird habit of entering then knocking. DJ then saw Commander but stopped in his tracks. If DJ saw correctly, Commander was already wearing the jacket he gave him, he seemed comfortable sitting on bed with the fresh fabric, and a book in his hands.

DJ cleared his throat as he knocked on the door, pushing it slightly, causing Commander to look up at him.

“Dinner’s here, and the kids are back,” DJ pointed his thumb behind him. “And Scout said to give your card.” he adds, using his other hand to push the card out of his pocket and offering it to Commander.

Commander dropped his book onto the bed, and then folded his glasses on the nightstand as he got off of the bed. DJ saw how more relaxed and smooth Commander’s body language was, he’d notice how more stiff and perfect Commander was in the base, like every move was an order from authority, only for the man to execute it in perfect conditions.

Commander took the card from his hand, causing DJ to snap from his trance with a slight shake of his head. “Thank you.” the smaller man hummed as he walked past DJ.

The sight that Commander gave to Scout and Carmen was definitely a shocker. Both teenagers’ jaws were slightly dropped when they saw Commander in a jacket, and Carmen knew where that came from.

Scout dropped a ketchup packet from the shock.

“Pick that up.” Commander mumbles as he makes his way to sit beside Scout.

Scout quickly grabbed the packet so that he could continue squeezing it on his own meal, meanwhile Carmen’s eyes trailed onto DJ with a raised eyebrow.

DJ mouthed something along the lines of ‘I know, I know’ which seemed to make the younger woman focus back on her food.

“So, new fit huh? Never knew you were the type to wear this.” Scout turned to Commander, lifting a finger to poke at Commander’s now thickly covered shoulder.

Commander just gave him a light glare, considering now that his glasses and hat were off, he could fully express himself to the extent.

This made Scout retract his finger.

“You look like a whole new person now,” DJ commented as he got himself comfortable beside Carmen. “Without the hat, the glasses, and the suit. You look like- just a guy.” DJ looked at Commander up and down, still taking in the sight of this side of the other man, it was surreal how a few items off made Commander look so different- like an entirely new person.

“Can we stop talking about me?” Commander’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the three, most especially to DJ.
Although DJ couldn’t help but find his slightly upset face to be adorable.

“Why? Not used to being the center of attention?” DJ ripped through his plastic covers that kept the plastic fork and spoon. DJ glanced back at Commander and he saw his eyes become more narrow and grim, which prompted DJ to drop the subject over all.

“It’s not a bad look on you chief,” Carmen points out, catching Commander’s attention. DJ slightly winced as she continued, he could only hope Commander could spare a drop of mercy from his death glares. “You look so cute!”

“I’m-” Commander’s mouth opened still for a few seconds. “Control your sister, DJ.”

“You heard the man, Carms. You’re on time out.” DJ flicked her forehead, making her recoil slightly on her side. This made her let out a fake offended gasp.

“Nooo! Not the timeout!” Carmen places a hand on her forehead, slowly going backwards until she dropped and laid on the ground. DJ laughed as he grabbed the woman from her arm and holstered her back up.

Scout paid no mind, more focused on himself, but he did catch a glance to Commander, seeing a new found expression that laid on his eyes. If anything, Commander mourned for the kind of relationship DJ and Carmen had, he wondered if someone loved him like that unconditionally. Their laughter and beckoning cheers with one another was something the Commander admired.

“You alright pops?” Scout placed down his cups.

Commander blinked, his eyes looking down as he ate his dinner at a slow pace. “Yes.”

Scout just nods, minding his own business then, he knew he shouldn’t push Commander, and that unfamiliar pain he first spotted at the older man was something he couldn’t get out of his head. For the first time, Scout was the one who felt bad between them two.

-

Scout and Carmen shared a room with two beds, Commander had his own bed, and DJ willingly slept on the couch.

He was the last one to stay awake last night after dinner, cleaning up everyone’s mess then and wiping the coffee table clean. DJ didn’t honestly mind, he’s been the maid boy in his house the whole time he’s lived there.

DJ was up first, he didn’t bother to check what time it was, he was too busy scrolling on his phone. He was reading back old texts with a friend on his old job; which was being the DJ of a club. A strip club to be exact.

Then DJ heard rumbling at the kitchen, and his face immediately snapped over to his side. He stood up, placing his phone on the couch as he made his way to the kitchen. He found Command walking about, grabbing something from the cupboards and his water bottle that he didn’t finish last night. He saw how more tired and groggy Commander walked, it was something he was going to get used to from outside work.

“Hey, good morning Com-”

DJ was instead met with a stifle, making him freeze. DJ took a hesitant step forward until he was just a few inches away from the smaller man.

“Hey- Comm? What happened? Are you okay? Is something wrong? DJ chants, the worry on his tone grew more audible with each worry he listed. DJ was given another choked sob from Commander, and he immediately knew what was happening. “Hey, hey, don’t cry-”

DJ stopped when Commander threw his head back, his shoulders relaxing before dropping. “Sorry.”

Dumbfounded, DJ stared at him for a while before shaking his head. “What? Don’t apologise, you didn’t even do anything wrong.” DJ took another step closer.

Commander’s breath hitched as he clenched fists on the surface of the table, which only made DJ worry more and more about this weird behavior from Commander.

“Y-yesterday.” Commander shakily says.

DJ stood beside him.

“I don’t know,” Commander breathed, “Something about you and Carmen together was just- just new to me.” he sniffled. DJ immediately understood what he meant, and he couldn’t help but feel bad for him, he raised a hand to pat at Commander’s back, who only looked away from the musician, he didn’t want DJ to see him like this, and DJ understood that.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear about that.” DJ softly mumbled.

DJ comforted Commander in silence, the other man letting out a few choked noises here and there, and DJ couldn’t help but worry. He’d never seen Commander so vulnerable, nor has he been let this close to the man before.

“If it helps, I ca-”

DJ was cut off when Commander moved over to the side to pull him into an embrace. DJ was left dumbfounded, his mouth opening without muttering a sound. The embrace seemed to last longer than expected, now that Commander was using his chest as a crying pillow. Not that DJ minded.

DJ warmly smiles down at him as he wraps the smaller man in his arms, letting his hands caress at his back. “Let it out, Comm. Let it out.” He could only purr, not knowing what else to do. DJ hasn’t understood the whole story behind Commander’s sobbing, but probably something about sibling or relationship? It could either be the two, DJ didn’t even know if Commander had any other family members.

Commander mumbled something into his chest, to which DJ just started with a puzzled look.

“Huh?”

Commander cleared his throat as he mustered enough strength to pull his face away, body still shaking. “Please don’t tell anyone about this.”

DJ bit his lip, giving him a reassuring nod, one that Commander saw with the corner of his eyes.

“I won’t.”

Chapter Text

At the Molten Casino.

Molten slams his hand against the table, spreading out his cards. A royal flush!

His minions cheered and roared for their king, with Molten standing from his seat and proudly presenting himself to the other subjects, hands splayed out open as he drummed on his chest with a loud roar.

The Fallen King looks at his defeat, leaning back against his seat as he cupped both his hands, dragging his fingers along his face as he mumbled into his palms.

Molten saw the distress on Fallen, shooting the king a wink as he adjusted his stance to take a seat on his claimed spot. “Sorry, honey. I guess I’m just better at poker than you.” The remark made Fallen hiss as he leaned in closer towards Molten, his eyes shooting a dark piercing aura. Normally that would petrify mortal souls, but it only made Molten aroused in his seat.

“Giving me the eyes, are you?” Molten hummed. He leaned on his chair, legs splayed open and his arms resting on the armrest, his minion had gone to start collecting the cards, arranging them into one set again.

“When will this frivolity end, Molten? We are supposed to be attacking the mortal realm.” Fallen slams both hands on the table, causing the minion that was cleaning up the cards to tremble and drop them everywhere.

“And what? Destroy waves of army like what you did?” Molten laughs, causing the others to laugh along and jeer to the Fallen King, though this only irritates him. “I know how to plan my shit, Fallen. That little Commander they have? Has brains, and that’s something we need to think about beforehand.” Molten explains.

Fallen began to relax, his hands released from the table as he rose up, and down onto his seat.

“Think of him as the king,” Molten grinned. “We take down his pawns, until he’s left vulnerable.” The lava devil continued, he eyed the minion who finally completed the deck of cards before burning them all with a single flicker of his finger.

Fallen just gives him a raised eyebrow.

Molten sighs, “Take his allies down. Leave him panicking, and then? We ruin him.” Molten further explained, each syllable enhancing his words with a laced venom, one that Fallen was familiar with, and so the king grinned.

“Who do we attack first?” Fallen tapped his talons along the armrest on his chairs, this reconsideration made Molten breathe out heavily, a present smile on his face.

“Now you’re thinking.”

-

Ever since the personal experience with Commander occurred, DJ found the smaller man to be around him most of the time, he also noticed how Commander was in a more upset mood, his eyes broken into shattered pieces, and his voice didn’t carry his legacy of a domineering leader.

It was like Commander flipped upside down.

“How are you holding up?” DJ glanced over to Commander, the man blinked for a couple of times before he slowly faced DJ.

“I’m okay.” Commander nodded shortly as he replied with a more softer tone, his words carried out like feathers and found themselves tingling DJ’s ears.

“Hey-” DJ pauses, “Comm. I won’t judge you, come on. What’s happening?” The musician scooted closer towards Commander, closing the gap between them. Normally, Commander would’ve either pushed him away or sat somewhere else, but he let DJ sling an arm around his shoulder like it was nothing, and even DJ knew Commander would never let him do that.

“You’re not acting yourself,” DJ murmurs softly, caressing the smaller man’s shoulder. “This is making me scared, you know?” DJ says, though he would have never thought the day would come where he could see Commander so- open. Even then, he was willing to help him throughout.

“You’re so close with your sister,” Commander finally spoke up, DJ’s face lighting up as soon as he heard that familiar voice speak up, but the familiarity mixed with a blue tingle, one that made DJ frown instead of smile. “I’ve never had someone be like that to me.” Commander clutched onto his stomach.

“Even your parents?” DJ asks.

Commander looks over to him at the corner of his eyes, his face slightly facing the musician before looking back at the coffee table below him. He doesn’t give a verbal answer, just a short huff of his breath.

DJ grits his teeth, he could never imagine a world where his own family would ignore him and treat him like a nobody. That was once a fear of DJ, but he’s learned to live without the acceptance of others; maybe not just Commander’s.

“I’m sorry.” DJ gives him a few more pats on the shoulder.

Just as much as it couldn’t get more awkward for DJ, he felt the Commander shuffle and lean against him once more, the smaller man letting out deep breaths and DJ could only still himself.

“Is this gonna keep happening?” DJ jokes in light hearted attempts to make the mood a little better, but it didn’t seem to work when he felt Commander start to pull his face away, thought just right in time, DJ pulled him back closer again, earning a slight grunt from the other. “Sorry, I’ll be quiet.” DJ murmured, and Commander mumbled something against his breath that the musician couldn’t quite hear.

The two fell in silence and in the same exact position for at least a few more seconds before Commander had enough time to grow back his strength, DJ didn’t even notice how short time passed by until he felt the leader shift again in the seat. “I’m- I’m sorry for this whole thing. I’ll head to bed.” Commander pulled away from him, he dusted his jacket as he stood up from the couch and.

“At this time?” DJ mused, it was already early in the morning.

“I didn’t sleep much last night.” Commander replied as he walked his way back to his room.

“You sure you’ll sleep a lot?” DJ peaked over at the couch before Commander entered his own room.

Commander turned over his shoulder, dropping his shoulders with a deep breath as he gave one single nod and entered his room until DJ could no longer see his figure.

DJ slowly piped down from the couch, leaning back against the couch as he let out a long exasperated sigh. Holy fuck, did THAT just happen? DJ breathed through his mouth as he tried to take it off his mind, he hadn’t expected to get close with Commander this fast, nor opening up to him this fast.

-

“The Commander governing the Crystal Cave lacks resources to defend themselves, most of their money goes to transport and cargo. Which means if we were to take down their most open pawn, it creates openings for us.” Molten paced around the room where his subjects and the other boss’ troops were, of course with Fallen and the Grave Digger sat at the largest and middle seats.

“Could I turn the cave into my own little monument?” Grave raised his voice in a quizzical tone.

Molten looks over to him. “Once we have fully taken their troops, and once I have their Commander then yes, feel free to shape the cave to your liking.” The lava devil continues which earns a slight cheer from the Grave Digger.

“Do we even know the layout of the troops inside the cave?” Fallen’s eyes glanced from Molten and onto the board that showcased the plan, while it was solid at best, Fallen just didn't wanna miss out on any details.

“Yes, my little shock here has scouted the area,” Molten snapped his fingers and a bolt of lightning ran towards the lava devil’s leg, the energy bouncing around and against his leg. “Sparky, stop that.” And the energy sat down beside his foot with a small plop.

Fallen glanced at the Shock, an unamused glare towards whatever he was looking at. “What the fuck is that?”

“Sparky.” Molten replied casually, making Fallen scoff.

“And how will that thing tell us what it saw?”

Molten looked down at the Shock, lifting its chin with the end of his shoe. “Show them your thing, Sparks.” This prompted the Shock to hastily get up, running towards the outlet Molten used for his board as the lava devil took a step back, watching Sparky’s magic unravel.

Soon, the board crackled in electricity as it displayed holograms amidst the air, displaying each troops’ location.

“I’ll be damned.” Grave breathed.

Molten grinned to the Fallen King, whose deepened glare relaxed into a more satisfied face. “Much more to your liking, darling?” Molten places his elbow on the armrest of the chair Fallen sat on, prompting the king to look up at the lava devil.

“Hm,” Fallen sighs, “Much better.”

Grave leaned out from his seat, facing both the king and the devil. “So! When do we strike?” He grins, his eyes shaped into sharp crescents, one that Molten found himself staring at after the question.

“Patience, my dear digger,” Molten pushed himself off of the armrest and walked back towards the board, blowing a short whistle as Sparky came running back to his foot. “We’ll attack when the time is right, and I know when that will be.”

-

DJ peaked through Carmen and Scout’s room, the two were still dead asleep, and both teenagers’ positions looked like they were fighting people in their sleep the whole time. DJ couldn’t help but let a short laugh at the sight before closing the door, he then turned over to stare at Commander’s room, thinking if he should check up on him too.

Hell, why not? DJ murmured something against himself as he slowly opened the door, the musician was relieved to see Commander safe and sound on his bed, the man still had his glasses and hat off, those two items that he always found the smaller man in. Though, seeing him in a more relaxed state calmed down the paranoia in DJ, as he silently closed the door.

When DJ walked back to the couch, he felt a slight tingle in his stomach, the things that happened on the seat he sat on was something that would stay between him and Commander. DJ kept pondering on the sudden change, he always assumed Commander found him annoying and he couldn’t blame him for that, DJ knew himself how loud and proud he could be.

‘Ring!’

DJ pulled his phone from his pockets with a slight struggle, his hands grasping onto it as it almost stumbled onto the floor. Placing it between his fingers, DJ stares at the name that was calling him.

‘Unknown number.’

DJ raised an eyebrow. His tensed finger shakily hovering over the accept button as the ringtone kept repeating its melody through his ears.

‘Ring! Ring! Ring!’

‘Beep.’

DJ eventually pressed onto the button as he pressed the phone against his ear, hoping to be met with a salesman or anyone who’ll laugh and awkwardly say they called the wrong number.

DJ was instead met with a familiar voice. The voice was not human, DJ was certain- no, it was the voice of their enemy. The flaming toxic tone in that voice sent shivers down DJ’s spine.

“You are the musician, correct?”

DJ froze for a split second, he breathed through his mouth as he regained enough strength to talk back. “Yes, why are you calling me, how are you calling me?”

Molten laughs.

“That’s not important, Deej.” The nickname made DJ jolt up from his position.

“How do you know that name?” DJ hissed.

Molten circled his talon along a surface, the sounds of scratching gold echoed through the phone, before it ended with a light ‘clink’. “You were quite the prodigy back then,” the lava devil taunted. “Sad to see that you wasted all that potential to be a musician, and your beats aren’t even that good.”

DJ started pacing around the room in worry, whatever taunting that Molten spoke, it seemed to work on DJ but he didn’t know why. “What do you want? What did you do? I’m- why did you call me out of all people?” His voice grew more frustrated each second he listed a question.

“Do you know what castling is?” Molten asks out of the blue.

DJ slows down on his tracks, slowly nodding at himself. “Chess, uhm- yeah.”

“You think the king is so well protected in that little corner of false solace you give him,” Molten hums, “But he doesn’t know that the things outside his space are crumbling.” Molten mocks DJ with a fake sad tone, which irritates the DJ.

“What are you implying?”

DJ felt the sound of tape harshly removed from skin, and a hollowing scream coming after. “Mijo! This monster! This- this monstruo! ¡Te golpearé vivo cuando esté libre!” Molten rolled his eyes at the empty threat before placing the tape back on the woman.

“M- mom? Mom?!” DJ panicked, he clutched onto his phone as his face focused on the empty screen on his phone, only having Molten’s unknown profile beaming at him. “Molten! What the fuck are you doing?!” He cried out.

“I’m taking away your pawns until you are stripped away from your defenses, I have come for each and every single one of your… friends, if that’s what you called them.” Molten inserts a snicker midway.

DJ’s mind raced through the people he knew throughout the years in the army, all those memories flashed before his eyes as he found himself struggling to breathe, of course the sound of fear and panic sent Molten into a short fit of laughter.

“Until I find you, Commander and that annoying little brat, I’ll make sure he turns into putrid waste. Of course, I’ll make the Commander watch everything, I’ll make him watch you burn until your skin rots along with the grounds of your base,” Molten lets out an unamused sigh. “You can’t hide forever DJ, I will find you.”

Before DJ could reply, Molten had ended the call. DJ was now in a constant state of panic as his thoughts ran around the room, he couldn’t piece them into one and try to stay calm, for all he knows the other people have probably been captured and it was all too late to save them. While DJ had the Commander and the other two young teenagers, he could only do so much before Molten might get them from his grasp.

“DJ,” Scout called out, making the musician look at Scout with wide eyes. “What happened? I heard- I dunno, heard you screaming.” He yawns, scratching his back as he walks towards the living room where DJ stood.

When Scout was close enough, DJ placed his hands on each of his shoulders and pulled the younger man into an embrace, which alerted Scout to full awakeness as the sudden strong force crushed him. “Woah- what happened my guy?” Scout sheepishly laughed as he caressed DJ’s back.

DJ pulls away, wiping the small tear that formed in his eye. “Molten called me.”

“As in the guy that raids us every once in a month?” Scout raises an eyebrow.

“Yeah.”

Scout frowned, his eyebrows narrowed as if he was a little scared as well. “Why?”

“Scout, he has my family. He has everyone! Medic, Engineer, Ranger, Mini, all of them!” DJ burst out, he could swear he heard his own voice crack, listing them all made the DJ pant, his chest rose and deflated with each breath.

“DJ- You’re being hysterical, what do you mean?” Scout shook his head as he looked DJ straight in the eyes, the taller man’s panic only spread and lingered through Scout. “That’s not- that’s not possible, I swore I heard them when I was spying in their base that Molten planned to back out! W- I don’t- I don’t get it.” Scout grits his teeth as he too feels himself come close to shedding a single tear.

DJ looked down at him, as his eyes slowly trailed to Commander’s door. “We need to tell Comm, now. Go wake Carmen, tell her to pack.” DJ walked past the younger man as he stood there for a while, taking in the new information as quickly as he could while being put under pressure.

DJ didn’t have time for formality, he opened Commander’s door and walked towards the sleeping man, sitting on the space that Commander left on the bed. He’d tap the smaller man on the shoulder before moving him back and forth a little, this easily woke him up.

Commander turned to his side with a groan as he saw DJ at the corner of his eyes when he opened them. Met with the bright lights, Commander blinked his eyes a few times before allowing himself to get comfortable with the light again.

“DJ?” Commander mumbles, sitting up straight. “What do you need?”

“Comm, Molten just called us.” DJ started, causing Commander to stare at him quizzically.

“How?”

“I don’t know either.”

“What did he tell you?”

DJ took in a deep breath, it was better to tell Commander directly what Molten warned them instead of trying to sugar coat it. “Molten took everyone else, it’s kinda just you, me, and the kids.” DJ softly mumbles, watching the expression on Commander’s face contort.

“What?” Commander hastily picked up his hat and glasses from the nightstand, putting them on as he kicked himself from bed. “We’re beside the military branch, we can ask them for help.” DJ turned to look at him, and to his surprise the smaller man took off his jacket that revealed his whole upper torso towards the musician, so DJ just left his mouth hanging open for a split second before looking away for privacy.

“We don’t have the old firepower like we used to, without Accel and Ranger, I don’t think we can stand a chance.” DJ stared at the bed sheets, his hand running along the smooth silk on whatever it was crafted with.

“We’ll work with what we have,” Commander puts on his tank top, and then grabs his suit from a nearby drawer.

“With what, Comm? Guns? Rifles? Scout and Soldier could barely damage Molten’s minions, we needed the harsher guys to handle them, are we just going to tickle them with metal and lead?” DJ snapped towards the smaller man who was still getting changed in the process.

The sudden change in tone really made Commander shrink, he felt himself tensed as his heart skipped a beat. DJ noticed his own little burst as he shook his head and removed the upset look on his face.

“I’m sorry, I just- I just got a little upset.” DJ murmured.

“No,” Commander places the suit around him, adjusting his lapel before looking back down at the musician. “You’re right, our only best chances are to break our teammates free. Scout knows the coordinates of their base, we can find them there.” Commander waited for DJ to stand up, but the bigger man was still sitting.

“That’s the plan? A stealth mission? Commander, with all due respect, if this goes all wrong then we will all die,” DJ looked up at him with full vulnerability in his eyes, he couldn’t afford losing his friends, he couldn’t afford losing his sister, and he sure as hell couldn’t afford losing Commander. “I can’t lose you.”

The words momentarily stunned Commander as his lips parted from each other slightly, a rose tainted color smudged against his cheeks. “I’m flattered, DJ. But this is everyone’s life on the line, if Molten gets a hold of every power there is, then who knows what would happen to this planet.” Commander walked his way towards the door as he pulled it open, immediately being met with two distressed teenagers.

“Stealth, all of us?” Scout murmured, implying he eavesdropped through the door. “I’m fine with me, but I’m not sure if you guys even have the skills to move around, no offence pops but you’re a little old, I think it’s better if you work behind the screens. Like old times.”

Ouch, but that was true. Commander breathes harshly, as he gives Scout a small nod as a way to show that he agreed, he didn’t like to verbally mouthing that.

“Okay, still got your earpiece?” Commander asked.

Scout looked to the side to gesture to it, the earpiece was already plugged in, tapping his finger repeatedly on it. “Look, it’s really up to me and Carmen to do this, you and DJ are best to be behind screens. One of you is too old, the other is too big.”

Commander grew a worried expression behind his glasses, and he glanced over to Carmen. “And you’re fine with this?”

“I chose to come along, so now I have to help too.” Carmen also had an earpiece plugged in, which Commander saw when she took a step closer to him. Commander honestly felt bad that the only people everyone could depend on were two teenagers; one having no experience and one being dear to Commander. If he lost both of them, then there was nothing left for Commander to continue living for.

“Alright. Scout, you remember the coordinates to Molten’s base right?” Commander turned to the younger man who nodded eagerly.

“Mhm.” Scout hums.

Commander turned over to DJ who was busy brooding by himself at the bed. The smaller man felt like he had to comfort him the way DJ did hours ago. He turned back to Scout, holding his door a little wider.

“Why don’t you two prepare? I’ll just get ready in a bit.” Commander requested, as to which the two immediately followed.

“Yes sir.” Both said in unison as they walked away from the room.

Commander walked back into the room, the sound of the door closing made DJ lift his head to look up at Commander. Both shared a mutual emotion of worry and distress, but DJ could feel his own was heavier.

“DJ.” Commander walked towards the bed, sitting just a few inches apart from the other man.

DJ looked straight through Commander’s glasses, his own eyes were clouded in panic and the fear of failing. If the world were to end in fifteen minutes, he wondered if he’d spend it with Commander or his friends- if that was even possible.

“Scout suggested we watch the monitors and guide them throughout, I’m not sure how pleased you would be with that.” Commander started.

DJ’s eyes slowly lost their focus on Commander’s own as it trailed down on himself, he let out an exasperated sigh of what almost sounded like defeat. DJ couldn’t stand back down now, he would fight for one last time if it meant to die stubborn than die a coward.

“If anything goes wrong, then I am joining them.” DJ’s eyes met with Commander’s once more.

“Are you ready now?” Commander watched as DJ stood up from the bed, the musician doing a few stretching here and there.

“Yeah, let’s not waste too much time,” DJ lifted his hand down onto Commander who took it to holster himself up. “You ready?” DJ repeated the question.

“Always.”

-

Scout laid out a large map of the Molten base that he sketched himself from scratch. Commander raised his eyebrows in slight amusement as everyone gathered around.

“Here’s the plan, me and Carmen will sneak into the base through the second floor’s windows since it’s not that heavily guarded, that’s actually their kitchen,” Scout tapped a pencil on the sketch, pinpointing the kitchen’s location. “Pops, DJ, this is where we need to rely on you.”

DJ and Commander both looked at Scout in unison.

“I attached a scanner in the kevlar suits of both mine and Carmen’s. It won’t detect each other, but it will detect moving objects, so if anyone is coming towards us, we need you to tell us immediately.” DJ just nodded, and Commander followed a second after, he was more focused on how sharp Scout was with leading, it almost put a smile on his face when he could see a bit of himself in Scout.

“You sure you guys got this?” DJ brought it up again.

“We’ll be fine, trust me.” Carmen planted her hand around DJ’s shoulder, causing the larger man to close his eyes with a small nod.

“Alright, after we enter the second floor, we then head to the staff stairs that lead us to the bunker. The bunker is where Molten keeps his victims, I’ve seen them before.” Scout circles the bunker on his map.

“You’ve been there?” Commander interrupted.

“Once.”

“Without telling me?”

“I made it out alive didn’t I?” Scout grinned smugly which only made Commander frown, whether it was disappointment or worry. “Come on pops, I’m a scout.” He adds, hoping that lit up the mood.

“And, what about their weapons? I’m pretty sure Molten took them or probably burnt them or something.” DJ looked over to Scout, who was tapping the eraser of the pencil on the paper in slow intervals.

“I don’t know, I’ll look around the bunker while Carmen will try to set them free.” Scout murmured as Carmen nodded towards DJ and Commander.

“Okay, I’m trusting you two with this, please, don’t mess up,” Commander brought his hands forward to both Carmen and Scout, resting a palm on each of their shoulders. “I can’t lose anyone else.”

The words touched Scout alot, and it gave Carmen the encouragement that she needed, she was just seventeen and already on a life-threatening mission. “Of course, we’ll make it in and out in no time. Once I grab everyone, I’ll tell you when to start up the ship, okay?”

“Mhm.” Commander pulls his hand away.

“Alright, come on. Let’s not keep everyone waiting.” Scout stood up and Carmen followed, the two wore their enhanced kevlar suits as they hopped off the jet. The jet was hidden from a forest not too far from Molten’s palace, the only hard part in the mission was to scramble back to the jet if they were caught, otherwise they’d be a goner.

“Ready?” Scout turned over to Carmen.

“Readier than you.” The two beamed and smiled at each other before they sprinted away and out the forest.

The sounds of grass being repeatedly stepped on seemed to fade away, until DJ and Commander were met with the familiar atmosphere that surrounded them, this time Commander was in a more calm and composed state. He found out that he didn’t need to thrive off of anyone’s love, if he loved someone enough, that love would pass onto others, and Scout was clear evidence of his influence.

“They grow up so fast.” DJ joined Commander in sitting down at the exit of the jet, both their legs swinging off the ground.

Commander glanced onto DJ, seeing this time the musician wasn’t looking at him. He glanced back at the forest, the path where Scout and Carmen ran before disappearing. “They do.”

“Never felt this more scared and proud of Carmen before.” DJ grins for a brief moment, two days ago they were planning on how DJ would win Commander’s heart, now it was Carmen’s heart on the line.

“That comes along with having someone under you,” Commander placed down his hat beside him, letting the cool breeze hit his hair. “I was planning to adopt Scout after this if he made it alive.”

DJ’s face lit up as he looked over to Commander. “Really? That’s great! Have you been planning on it for a while?” DJ scooted closer to Commander to which the other didn’t mind, when he normally would.

“Years ago. I always found Scout like a part of a family I never had. A son that I could’ve had.” Commander shuts his eyes as images of Scout’s younger form meet Commander for the first time, he sees how arrogant and hot-headed Scout used to be, a large contrast to who Scout was now.

“Well then, let’s hope they make it out alive. I believe in them, those kids are tough nuts to crack.” DJ moved his head to face the other.

“By the way,” Commander moved his hand, accidentally brushing his own fingers against DJ’s. “On the couch.” Commander hesitated.

DJ’s eyes narrowed down softly at the other like he would look at a lover, a gentle gaze that hid nothing and was devoid of judgement. “Yeah? What about that?”

“It felt nice,” Commander bit his lip, pausing for a second or two. “Being around you, I mean.”

The words sure did melt DJ, and he swore he saw Commander form a slight smile down there. “Yeah, it’s the same way with you.” DJ took in a deep breath as he prepared himself mentally for what he was about to do, he raised an arm over Commander and brought him closer to his side, earning a yelp from the smaller man.

“DJ-” Commander grit his teeth in sheer embarrassment, he was grateful to still have his glasses or else DJ could see the vulnerability that was swelling up in the smaller man. “Stop doing that.”

“You’re not ordering me around for today,” DJ patted his shoulder, earning a small grumble from Commander. “It might be the last day of our lives so I want to just say that-” DJ hitched in a breath as he released Commander from his grasp, the other rubbing his own arm softly. “I’ve liked you for about almost a year now, Comm.”

Commander stopped the motion on his arm as he slowly lifted his head up at DJ, a stunned expression displayed at his visage. “What?”

“Me and Carmen talked about how I could ‘win’ you over,” DJ added with air quotes, but then he found himself letting out a hearty chuckle. “Thinking about it now, it’s dumb.” DJ peered an eye down when he felt Commander place a hand on his thigh.

“It’s not dumb. I’ve noticed, I think it’s-” Commander tried to find his words. “Nice.”

DJ looked over to the distance from the forests before returning his contact with Commander, he grabbed his hand; the one resting on his thigh as he let out a blunt question. “Can I kiss you?”

Commander’s lips parted from the unexpecting question, and the only sound he let out was a long ‘uhh’ that quieted down over the seconds. “Uhm- not right now-” Commander grits his teeth, pulling his hand away.

DJ frowns.

“But-” Commander lifts a finger, “If everyone comes back, and is safe, you’ll get your reward.” Commander places his hands on his lap as he supports himself to stand up. DJ lifts his head up at him, a smile forming back on his lips as he lets out a laugh that taunted Commander from behind.

“So that’s still a yes?”

Commander doesn’t respond, only rolling his eyes playfully behind his glasses.

“You better prepare, these lips don’t let go easily.” DJ faced Commander, and for the first time it was Commander who looked down at the musician.

“I bite.” Commander sneers.

“Who doesn’t like a challenge?”

Chapter Text

The two teenagers scurried off into the kitchen after dropping off from the windows. Scout gestured a finger towards a door from below, signalling they had to drop down again to enter the staff room which had stairs to lead them down the bunker.

As Carmen and Scout held onto the railings of the kitchen’s upper floor, two of Molten’s subjects walked into the kitchen, causing the teenagers to stay still as they watched from above.

“Bro, this is taking forever! Once I get my hands on that Commander guy, I’m gonna be choking the living life out of him.” One of the molten titans took their helmets off with much eagerness as he threw it aside carelessly, watching it roll around the floor.

“Boss doesn’t want him hurt, you know that? I don’t know what twisted gifts he would do but all I know is that Molten’s planning to give the small guy to Fallen.” The other titan spoke.

Scout’s face grew weary as he looked over at Carmen who was too fixated on the titans. Scout faced them back- ‘What could Fallen want from Commander?’ The question lingered in Scout’s mind as he bit his lip in interest.

“Ugh, it better be worth it! The amount of pain that little runt has given me is annoying.” The grumpier titan sat down on a chair, resting his sore arm on the table.

“Maybe if you were listening to the boss,” his friend sat down beside him. “You wouldn’t have gotten your ass beat.”

The titans went to back and forthing in their conversation, Scout grew weary with the time they had left as they needed to enter the staff room now, but two titans were in the kitchen, and if the two teens were to try to enter it, they’d surely be spotted.

“This is bad, what do we do?” Carmen glanced over to Scout, both of them were slightly sweating from the molten palace’s natural atmosphere.

“Give me a second to think,” Scout murmured as his eyes scanned the kitchen floor below them, his eyes trailed the titans every now and then, hoping to pick up signals of them leaving but it didn’t look like they’d do their departure anytime soon. Scout still wanted to continue the stealth plan in the operation, if he were to choose another route it would cause them almost everything. “Carmen, I have an idea.”

Carmen turns to him. “Yeah?”

“We need to run fast.” Scout pocketed his hands inside his back as he pulled out a water bottle, the container causing Carmen to raise an eyebrow.

“You gonna pour that on them or something?

“Of course not.” Scout rolls his eyes at her which only causes her to do the same, the young man then gestured to her to creep down on the stairs with him. The light treading of the two were gone unnoticed by the two titans, as Scout guided Carmen into the kitchen with a slight push on the door, fortunately it didn’t create too much of a creaking noise as expected.

Scout flipped the exhaust fan off as he started to sprint towards one of the active stoves, opening the water bottle in the process. “Carmen, I need you to hide behind the door and lay low, okay? If the titans come here, run immediately to the bunker room.” Scout threw the cap into the garbage bin so that there would be no traces, then he turned over to a distressed Carmen.

“What about you?” She asked quietly.

Scout could only give a gentle smile for reassurance. “I’ll be fine, I need you to trust me on this okay?” Scout hovered the bottle over the boiling pots, deciding which one would cause more noise if he poured in the water at whatever solution was cooking in the pots.

“Okay, okay.” Carmen breathed, giving herself some words of encouragement as she then walked behind the kitchen door, squatting down like what Scout ordered her to do. She watched the other man with great intent, watching Scout hastily pour the water into a pot which caused it to hiss and sizzle loudly.

Scout immediately threw the bottle on the bin, his face snapping towards the direction of the door when he heard two pairs of large footsteps nearing them. Carmen grew more anxious every time it got louder and louder, and eventually felt herself let out a choked sob when the titans caught Scout right in the open.

“You!” The grumpier titan pointed towards the young man. “You think you can come in ‘ere unannounced, yeah?” He starts entering the kitchen, the other titan following him from behind. Without a single though, Carmen slowly exited the kitchen by crouching until she was out of sight.

There, she began running for her life as if she was the one being caught, she felt tears streaming through her cheeks as she made her way towards the staff room, entering inside and closing it back with great swift.

Before Carmen could continue the operation, she leaned back against the door and groaned, trying to muffle in her urge to let out a cry. She felt hopeless as she was the only one practically alive, she wanted to hear a call for help; maybe DJ’s voice in the intercoms, or Commander’s voice telling her where to exactly go. Her panicked thoughts started to stir away after a hot minute, she pushed herself off of the door, wiping her sore eyes with one of her arms.

Slowly, she walked down the stairs that lead down the bunker, the lack of light that swallowed the stairs in utter darkness was enough for Carmen to already feel scared. She felt like she was being stalked, like she was being haunted. It didn’t help that the bunker was the coldest part in the base, it’s like no one even was supposed to go in the bunker. Molten probably didn’t either, considering the stairways were quite small.

Carmen was met with one last door, initials were carved on where its peephole initially would be, and the knob wasn’t made from wood or any material Carmen was familiar with, because the knob was flaming hot.

The woman hissed when her fingers just barely grazed over the knob, immediately pulling her hand away from it. She rapidly looked around if there was anything she could wrap the knob with and maybe use it as protection, but she was left in a blank environment with nothing but the walls surrounding her.

Ah fuck it.

Carmen took a deep breath, shaking her wrist before wrapping her hand around the knob and quickly pushing the door open. Carmen let out a painful scream as she entered the now open bunker, quickly placing her injured hand against the cold kevlar suit. When Carmen focused her eyes back at the bunker, her mouth parted open at the sight of dangling cages, each vessel owning a single body inside it.

The bunker was more massive than what Scout sketched on his man-made map, Carmen looked around for any signs of key, a lever or anything that could free them. Hell, Carmen didn’t even know who DJ’s teammates were, but she knew she had to free everyone, and that was her only goal that set foot in her mind.

“Hey, look at that,” Engineer lazily peered an eye towards Carmen’s small frame from below. “We got a little angel in here.”

Carmen was struggling to find anything, she desperately needed Scout’s help more than anything. “Hey!” Carmen beckoned from below as she looked up at the people in the cages. “Uhm, do you know how I can free you?” Carmen frantically looks around, there were no keys or levers or buttons and anything, the bunker was equipped with chains and various torture weapons.

“Who is that?” Electroshocker peeped through the spaces in the cages.

“Dunno, just grateful someone’s out here to get us,” Engineer glanced over to the scientist and down at Carmen. “Yo tiger! See if you can find any levers around here, the cages are brought by chains so there should be a way to lower it down.”

Carmen already did that, a lame expression plastered on her face. “I did, no luck! There’s only weapons, and I don’t think I should be touching any of them.” The young woman winced at the sight of such weapons presented before her, the red stain on them was definitely dried blood.

A guttural scream came from the door entrance of the bunker, and Carmen’s heart stopped beating for a second as she snapped her head to the direction. But to her relief, Scout presented himself walking inside- who seemed to touch the warm knob when he entered.

“Scout!” Carmen gasped as she rushed to his direction, even almost slipping midway as she pulled the taller man into a warm embrace. She tried to cry out her worries, but it only translated to gibberish and whining.

“Hey, I said to trust me, and everything will be okay.” Scout caressed the woman’s back to ease her from the tension that swelled in her chest, it was partially his fault to make Carmen think she was all alone in this now.

“How did you survive?” Carmen pulled away.

“Simple,” Scout pocketed his hand inside his bag before pulling out a blue orb. “Freezer tech, I stole some from my friend. It was an experiment to stop molten enemies, and it proved efficient.” Scout glanced up at Freezer who was caged up, a sheepish smile as an apology for his unknown theft.

Scout pulls out two more of the orbs as he hands them to Carmen.

“Here, just in case.” Scout offers.

Carmen takes the orbs into her hands as she places them in her own bag to make sure they wouldn’t fall nor break. “Thanks.”

Scout looks up at the familiar faces looking down at him with a beckoning smile, and Scout only shoots them a nod as he starts to get to work.

Scout looked over to Engineer first, she knew how contraptions and this kind of engineering works so it was best to put her down first; the only dilemma being on how to bring Engineer’s cage down and how to break her free.

Scout thought of something, he swore he felt a lightbulb click ontop his head.

“Engineer!” Scout called out which grabbed the woman’s attention.

“Yo, what do you need, little man?” She wrapped her hands around the cell as she leaned forward to try and catch a glimpse of Scout.

Scout hummed as he tapped his foot rhythmically on the ground, trying to ease his nerves. “I’m gonna let you out first okay! I need your help with all these gears and contraptions stuff, I’m not really good at it.” Scout raised his voice for her to hear. Engineer thought about it for awhile, she did study the base of the cages and chains while they were locked up in the first few hours

“Aight, that’s cool.” Engineer just says.

Scout began to get to work. He grabbed two of the blue orbs from Freezer’s tech, aiming it towards the ceiling as he threw them to Engineer’s cage. It froze the chains that held the vessel, and Scout pulled out his pistol and aimed at the little glaciers. A few shots did the trick and the Engineer came falling down.

She was screaming as she fell down, who could blame her? You were practically falling at a high height with nothing to support yourself on the bottom landing. Though when Engineer was about to drop, Scout threw another orb at the ground before impact, freezing the cage before it could even clank at the ground.

“I owe you one, but you also owe me for that.” Engineer sighed as she placed a hand on her chest to see if her heart was still beating. Yes, it still was.

Scout rolled his eyes playfully and shot the keyhole of the cage, allowing it to break open. Engineer emerged from her prison as she let out a brief wail of victory.

“Yo, hand me your gun and an orb?” Engineer offered her hand to the smaller man.

Scout offered one of his pistols and one of Freezer’s techs, which prompted him to look up at her. “What are you planning?” Scout asked, watching the expression on her face tighten. Engineer was getting serious about this.

“You see all the chains that lift the cage?” Engineer pointed her hand towards the contraptions, each chain grouped and bundled together. It was obvious to Scout now that all of them were basically tied to each other, and if one broke, then everything would come tumbling down. “Freeze one chain, break it, everyone's free.” Engineer smiled softly down at the younger man who seemed to return the warm gesture on his face.

Scout took a step back as he let Engineer focus. The woman pinched the orb between her thumb and index, focusing her weight on her leg before transferring it to the other before hurling the orb onto the bundle of chains.

The chains froze like expected, and Engineer aimed the pistol towards the frozen glaciers before pulling the trigger. The bullets pierced through the fragile mass as the chains rapidly loosen from one another and hooked themselves out of the cages. Everyone dropped down in a matter of seconds, Engineer realized they hadn’t planned how to make them fall safely, and she let out a dumbfounded ‘Oh.’

Scout winced when multiple crashes occurred beside them, he fanned his nose with a hand to get rid of the dust that surrounded them. Engineer started shooting the keyholes to open them one by one, most of them were somehow fine with the landing, and Engineer aided those who were greatly injured.

“You used my tech right,” Freezer stumbled along Scout’s path, the younger man catching Freezer right in time before he fell. “Pleased, and displeased that you stole. I would’ve gladly let you have some of them you know.” Scout simply grins awkwardly.

“I’ll ask next time. Sorry Freezer.” Freezer was satisfied with the small apology, he gave Scout a small pat on the back before walking to the others, where Scout also found himself staring back at.

Everyone was free. Despite their injuries, they were all free. Pride and relief showered Scout as he felt like he might have just saved the world. The trance ends momentarily when the Engineer announced something that caught Scout’s attention.

“Alright, Scout you managed to get us out despite the infestations of titans and all, but how are we going to get out?” The question Engineer popped made everyone stare at the Scout, like they all depended on him, including Carmen.

Scout for the first time felt like a fraction of Commander himself, everyone was willing to listen to him despite Scout being one of the weakest mercenaries out there, but his nimble mind and strategist nature was something that made people start to finally respect Scout, maybe that’s what he saw in Commander too.

“We can get out using the backdoor, we use Freeze’s tech orbs until the ice manifests deep in the walls, and then we easily break it. Commander and DJ are waiting for us by the jet outside. I can lead us there but I need everyone to be quiet.” Scout’s eyes scanned through the crowd, earning some nods and praises which seemed to lift everyone’s spirits.

Eventually, Scout handed everyone a blue orb until he had none in his pocket anymore. With a count of three, everyone threw the orb at the wall in unison and power, the wall started to freeze, and the effect grew larger and larger until a quarter of the floor too started freezing.

Scout looked towards Mini and Accel, shooting his fingers forward as the two rushed forwards the iced wall. The wall broke with a few struggles, but it was enough for them to fit. For a second, freedom and joy started to pride in Scout’s heart; he did all of this, he managed to organize and execute one of the deadliest missions that he assigned himself, not Commander.

Breaking into an enemy base was one thing, but rescuing hostages and exiting without a trace was a different thing, and it felt rewarding to have completed the latter. The high of victory, and the void of defeat gave power to the freed, and everyone started running to the forest like where Scout led them to.

“Comm?” DJ’s eyes opened at the group that came running towards the jet, he immediately lifted his hand to tap at the smaller man’s shoulder before moving him back and forth in a rough manner.

As Commander got up, his eyes darted onto the footsteps that neared them.

“I’ll be damned, the kids actually did it.” DJ nudged the leader’s leader as he spread his smile along the other, and Commander for the first time felt his face light up in pure delight and joy.

When Scout came running towards Commander, the man immediately wrapped the younger teen in a tight embrace, his hands promised to protect Scout from the harm the outside world could inflict, and whatever punishments that Molten may do. “You were great, Scout,” Commander pulled away, cupping the smaller man’s face who was letting it out, tears rolling down on both his eyes. “You did so well.”

The jet slowly got boarded up with the familiar troops Commander was around, the leader found himself relishing in a familiar comfortable sensation, it felt like the first day of them working together where everyone was working together for the first time, and they were merely just introducing their names to each other.

“What now, Comm?” Engineer glanced at her boss.

Commander faced his team, scanning everyone’s eyes one by one as his face moved along. “It's certain that Molten may attack us again, and we’ve always known what to do, if anything this will be a simple battle between us all.”

“You got it.” The Engineer shoots her nod at him.

Everyone dispersed then. Some sat together, some sat on the floor, some slept on each other and some aided one another. DJ and Commander watched their team move about, and the two couldn’t help but feel at solace- for now.

“We did it, Comm.” DJ grinned to himself, an overwhelming rush of dopamine went straight to his brain. When he thought everyone he knew would die right in front of him, they were instead well alive and thriving. Their allegiance proved stronger than the monstrosities Molten could pull under his palm.

Commander faced the musician, and faced back onto the team. “We should celebrate.”

“As soon as we get back on base? Yes please, I’m starving for a meal,” DJ groaned loudly, leaning back on his seat as Commander chuckled at his reaction. “What are you laughing at?” DJ tilts his head to face the leader, Commander immediately bringing a hand to cover his mouth. “You know, you still didn’t do your part.”

“Excuse me?” Commander glared at him.

DJ sat still on his seat, his eyes narrowed with a clear smug behind both his pupils. Then, DJ sat upright straight as he made his body face towards Commander. “Kiss me.”

Commander dropped his hand onto his lap, a clear flustered expression overtook the man. If it weren’t for his glasses, DJ could see his eyes pacing around aimlessly, looking on something to fixate over. “That can wait until the base.” Commander plants his palms on the edge of his seat as he slowly lifts himself up.

DJ only stood up with quick reflexes as he grabbed both of Commander’s wrists to plant them back on the seat. “No, you don’t get to leave that fast and leave me waiting like this,” DJ’s eyes narrowed, the smugness that reflected there, shifted to hunger. “Are you scared, Commander?” He leans in closer, completely towering the smaller man.

Commander felt so small, he knew he was physically weaker than the musician so there was nothing he could basically do at this point. He squirmed every now and then, letting a soft grunt at every pathetic attempt of his escape. “I promise! I promise- at the base-”

DJ lifted a hand from Commander’s wrist, placing it beside the side of Commander’s head, basically pinning him on the chair with just one hand. “Admit it, you’re scared. You probably have never kissed anyone have you?” DJ’s voice taunting him made Commander’s stomach churl in heat, when it would usually make him upset- no, he couldn’t find himself angry at DJ especially right now, if anything it just awoke something in him. Probably a lot of things.

“Fine! Fine, fine, just give me some space.” Commander grits his teeth.

“Hm.” DJ hums and lets out a grin, he pulls his face away from the other man as he sat back down properly on his seat. He watched Commander dust his suit clean from wrinkles and dirt before the smaller man found himself facing the musician.

“Okay, I’m ready.” Commande grumbled.

DJ just raised a brow. “What? No. You kiss me, not me kissing you.”

Commander’s lips parted from the reply as he stood up from his ground. “That’s the same thing!” He exclaims. “Do you want this or not? I’m giving you one chance.”

“No, Commander,” DJ’s eyes dimmed at the smaller man as he grabbed both of his wrists ( this will probably be occurring a lot now ) and pulled Commander down until they met face to face, Commander was a red mess who didn’t know how to react to such advances, and DJ could clearly see that. “Kiss me, come on.”

Commander bit his lip as he cleared his throat. He couldn’t believe this was happening out of everything that just happened, but again he did make a death wish with DJ and he had to comply, Commander was just too afraid to commit.

“Nervous, Comm?” DJ taunts.

“Shut up.” Commander murmured.

“Then make me?” DJ laughs, trailing his hands up from Commander’s wrist and onto the back of his neck. “Shut me up Comm, come on.” Commander just grits his teeth in tension. DJ really knew how to rile up the other, and seeing unfamiliar patterns and behavior from Commander made the DJ swim in his own pride, for as hell as he knows- he was the only one who could make the Commander turn into a melting mess.

“You’re making this harder than it should be.”

“You’re the one complicating it. Just kiss me Comm, it’s not hard.” DJ lamely looks back at Comm.

“Y-yeah? Well it is for me when you keep- keep touching me and doing all these- things!” Commander exclaimed, earning a raised eyebrow from the musician the more he continued.

“Not used to being open huh?” DJ smiled softly, he knew a panicked romantic mess when he saw one, DJ used to be like Commander, until he just swallowed in his pride and let his brain go on auto-pilot. Though this auto-piloting seemed to work on Commander a little too well. “That doesn’t stop it, Comm.”

Commander yelped when DJ suddenly pulled him down, their noses brushed against each other as their lips were basically grazing against one another. Commander felt himself tense up as he tried to pull away, but DJ’s strength was able to keep them in their current position.

“Commanderrrrrr.” DJ purred his name.

Then Commander pushed himself against DJ, he didn’t care about a single thought in the world as he dissolved right into the musician’s lips. When they both crashed against one another, Commander found himself in a pool of vulnerability and comfortable heat, a feeling that felt so good that couldn’t stop. Commander longed for this kind of experience, to be touched this way, to be handled this way, to be treated this way.

DJ on the other hand found himself grinning throughout, he bit Commander’s bottom lip midway, but the other didn’t react too much to it. DJ started to lead the kiss, deepening himself onto the other as he started to trail his hands on Commander’s waist.

-

Meanwhile,

“Woah, my bro’s shagging your dad.” Carmen snorts, both her and Scout watching the two go at it from afar.

“Nah, I think they’re just-” Scout paused, he couldn’t help but look away. “How are you able to watch that?”

“Pft, I’ve seen Deej kiss so many times it leaves me unbothered.”

-

After what seemed like hours which were merely just minutes, Commander pulled away first as he found himself out of breath, he panted and panted until air could overfill his lungs. DJ simply wiped his own lips, facing Commander with a sly grin as the leader looked like a giant mess.

“All of that from a kiss?” DJ laughs, though it made Commander raise a hand to gently slap at his shoulder. “You are so cute when you’re like this, though I found the serious you also kinda adorable,” DJ chuckles, the words seemed to calm down Commander from his high, but it also made his chest flutter. “Wow…” DJ breathes. “You’re just really fucking adorable either way, huh?” DJ watched Commander sit back down on his seat, with the leader refusing to look at him.

Oh he knew that attitude.

DJ leaned forward as he planted his hand below his chin, forcing Commander to face him. “Hey, look at me when I’m talking to you.”

Commander audibly gasped, DJ did not just give him an order, it was the other way around. “You do not get to command the Commander!” He grits. “DJ, stop this now.”

“Or?” DJ mused.

Fuck. Commander didn’t plan any punishments beforehand, and he couldn’t even do it if he had one, not right after what just happened. If anything, his view of DJ changed drastically, he used to think of DJ as a nobody, but now his stupid face made his heart flutter and his cheeks red.

“That’s what I thought.” DJ snickers as he pulls himself closer to Commander and planted a quick kiss on his cheek before standing up and freeing the smaller man from his assaults of affection and words.

Commander just sat there silent.

-

‘What. The. Fuck.

How did nobody see that? Did nobody bat an eye to our literal Commander and our local DJ duking it out right in front of us at the driver’s seats?’

Electroshocker just watched with a dropped jaw at the Commander who was leaning against his seat tiredly. He watched the whole heated argument, that turned into homoerotic tension which then turned into full blown making out. Electroshocker hoped he could’ve just fried his memory then, seeing Commander and DJ would never be the same for him anymore.

“That was wild, huh?” Carmen sat down beside Electroshocker, then Scout sat on the other side of Electroshocker.

“Who. Who are you.” Electroshocker looked at Carmen.

“DJ’s sister.”

“And-” Electroshocker turned to Scout. “Oh, you’re Scout.”

Scout just nods.

“You saw that too?” The scientist blinked through his glasses. “How did no one catch that?” he deadpans, shifting his vision back and forth at Carmen and Scout.

“Oh yeah, we watched it, and we knew it’d happen.” Scout laughed, watching Electrshocker’s face slowly regain its composure like moments before he watched the whole makeout session happen in front of him.

“I didn’t teach DJ any of that honestly, I thought he’d be more of the old romance type. No wonder he doesn’t follow my tips…” Carmen hummed.

“I’m.” Electroshocker stood up, shaking his head exaggeratedly as he carefully stepped out between the two teenagers. “I’m out of here.”

Then Carmen and Scout were left again. The two scoots closer to each other to close the gap that Electroshocker sat on.

“Called it.” Carmen bumped his shoulder.

“I take your word.”

-

The hours that took after, Commander took everyone back to the base. So much for vacation.

Everyone rushed to their rooms, some in groups, or pairs, and some were merely alone. Commander was one of them.

“Hey,” DJ caught up, making the smaller man lift his head up. “I’m gonna head back tomorrow so I can put Carmen back home.”

“I can come.” Commander offered.

“What? Nah, no- I was just asking for permission.” DJ insisted.

“It’s better I take you and Carmen myself. Who knows how long until Molten realizes everyone is gone and comes here. We’re going to need you DJ,” Commander stopped in his tracks which made DJ do the same. “I need you too.”

The words made DJ smile, but he couldn’t deny such a sweet offer, especially from Commander himself? Yes please.

“Fine.” DJ hummed, he lowered his head to the other, and Commander instinctively got on his toes to plant a kiss on DJ’s cheek.

“I’ll see you tomorrow at 5 AM.” Commander opened his room before closing it. DJ didn’t even know they were already by Commander’s door.

-

For now, Carmen stayed over in the DJ's room. She found herself wandering around all sorts of things that DJ had in his collections. Though not many caught her attention, they were all simply either music sheets or papers with lyrics scrambled around. Scrapped songs maybe?

“Hey Carms.” DJ called out.

Carmen turned to him. “Yeah?”

DJ had a ukulele on his hand, shaking it around which made Carmen’s smile brighter on her face. DJ walked to his bed, where Carmen joined in and sat beside him. “Like old times?” DJ looked down at the other woman.

She sat there for a while, slowly nodding her head up at DJ. “Like old times.” She repeated.

The two would usually freestyle songs together in their younger years. It was when DJ took music seriously and got the ukulele as his first instrument, he remembered making random tunes and then Carmen came in the room singing random lyrics.

Ever since then, it became a family tradition before they both fell asleep, to enchant each other with their skills. DJ’s music inspired Carmen to thrive, and her voice inspired DJ to continue.

Chapter Text

DJ wanted Carmen to leave herself out of the fight when Molten would inevitably come back to the base and wage one last war. DJ was sure they would win, and was confident that through Commander’s advances and strategies, they would maybe be able to stop Molten in the long run.

Right now, DJ stood outside his room as he waited for Carmen to finish packing her bag. It wasn’t much per se, just the fact her 4 bags were practically just carrying clothes and such since she thought this would’ve been a long trip. Eventually, she finished and bolted straight through the door.

“Oh, you’re done?” DJ closed the door behind Carmen.

“Yep! I’m gonna be missing this a lot, and I’m gonna be missing you too.” Carmen lifted her head up at DJ, a smile was prominent at her face. She was satisfied with her experiences, and to finally have done something out of her league.

“Sorry for dragging you into this.”

“I don’t mind. I got to meet the Commander, didn't I?” Carmen bumps her bag on DJ’s side, earning a little ‘ow’ from the musician. “Come on! Let’s go, I can’t wait to go back home!” DJ walks away into the hallway with Carmen beside him.

The two met with Commander at the top of the base’s roof, his jet was turned on as the blue light emitted from its headlights. Commander opened the entrance for the both of them, as Carmen hopped in first, DJ walking slowly behind her. DJ stopped by when he met Commander, shooting the smaller man a brief wink with a click of his tongue, making Commander’s gaze follow the musician as he entered.

“Are you all ready?” Commander got in with them, earning a unionised ‘Mhm!’ from the two. “Seatbelts on?” he asked, adjusting the front mirror so he could watch both DJ and Carmen, seeing both of them nod back at the mirror.

The jet engine started as they slowly took off. The jet hovered aloft the air, the boosters then activated as they went into the air. Commander placed his hand on the tablet lodged into the driver’s area, he snapped his fingers at the back which caught both DJ and Carmen’s attention.

“DJ, be a dear and set the coordinates please?”

‘Dear?’ Carmen looked up at DJ.

DJ shoots her an awkward grin, “On it!” and then walks his way towards Commander, sitting beside the driver’s seat as he zooms into the map on the tablet to pinpoint his hometown on the GPS.

-

“Gone?!” Molten planted his fist on the concrete wall, the bricks coming undone as they fell down from the strong impact. The lava devil snapped his face towards his subjects, his glare making the molten titans shrink in their armor- metaphorically. “You better have a good explanation for this.”

“We messed up, that’s what…” One of them softly spoke.

“We didn’t know they were coming!” Another titan protested as he took a step towards Molten.

“Didn’t know?” Molten mused, pulling his fist away from the wall. “DIDN’T KNOW?” The devil repeated as he lifted his foot and stepped on the titan, when Molten pulled away, there was nothing left but bent armor, earning a gasp from the remaining titans in the bunker. “Gather the army, we are attacking this little shit, and no one will stop us.” Molten beamed down at the titans, watching them scramble to the door.

Molten looked through the hole in the wall the towers made in their escape, nothing was on his face but bitter hatred. Commander was DEAD if he ever saw him.

“So, what happened exactly?” Grave appeared right beside Molten, earning one of the most furious glares from Molten, the lava devil was not in the mood for light talk, nor in the mood to explain himself over and over on why he- lost. Momentarily lost. This loss was a minor incident, and Molten wanted to settle the scores with Commander.

“You fucking know,” Molten hissed at Grave. “Don’t-” he inhaled. “Don’t talk to me about this now.” Right there, Molten followed where his titans left, leaving a puzzled Grave and a grinning Fallen.

“I told you he would fail, now that little Commander got his team back, who knows when until he’ll plan a defence again.” Fallen peered through Grave’s shoulder, as the digger looked over himself to face Fallen.

“I had faith in him, but I fear I put too much,” Grave frowned before facing the door that Molten exited from. “Molten needs to pipe down.”

“As much as I would love to, Molten does not take defeat seriously. We should wait until he’s in a mood to talk, and then we settle on a new plan.” Fallen suggested, which earned a nod from Grave.

“However, I think his only plan right now is to kill Commander at all costs.” The digger frowned.

“I fear that too.”

-

DJ watched them drop off Carmen at the old motel the four of them stayed over, of course Commander was nice enough to call a private ride for Carmen, and the young woman gave an embrace to Commander before she left, something in him woke up that day, especially with the way Commander treated younger people who had a passion for saving people, he would do anything for them.

“I’m gonna miss her.” DJ talked over to Commander, with the smaller man just giving him a short hum.

“Whatever happened to your family? Commander turned around as he went back into the plane, with DJ catching up.

“Funny story! Well- not really funny, more of traumatizing for my mama since it was her first time seeing a demon but,” DJ inhales. “One of my tias came in time just to untie her.” Then Commander snickered.

“Molten left her?”

DJ nods. “Yep, all alone.”

“My apologies to your mother. Molten is not known for his hospitality.” Commander booted up the plane, watching DJ buckle his seatbelt before take off.

When the two hit the skies, the atmosphere was totally different between the two. Back then, Commander would actively avoid talking with the other towers except Scout in fear that anything he’d say would provoke fear in the others, but with the whole kissing thing that happened yesterday or probably two days ago, Commander got comfortable with DJ’s presence.

The two shared awkward stories left and right, DJ even mentioned how in his old job a woman vomited all over him because he took her ‘I ate so much.’ comment in a not so serious way, he thought she meant it in a ‘I did so well there’ considering the woman was a stripper.

“What? You worked at a strip club?” Commander was baffled, leaving a long trail of laughter to come from DJ.

“Should’ve seen it! I kinda missed the place,” DJ looked over to the window as he only saw abstract shapes of clouds pass over them, and some by the distance. “I was planning to visit it during my break but time got short with the whole Molten thing.” though the reference to Molten only seemed to make Commander frown a little, fortunately for the smaller man, DJ couldn’t see his face, which was a relief.

“How about you?” DJ returns the topic, leaning back on his seat which was seen by Commander through the front mirror. “Got any… embarrassing stories you can tell this big boy?” DJ points to himself, only making Commander roll his eyes.

“Well,” Commander started, letting some of his fingers release from the steering wheel, leaving both thumbs and index fingers wrapped around it. “Before everyone joined and I was still training, I was actually the smallest unit in my team.”

“No kidding.” DJ snickered, but Commander didn’t seem to react to it.

“Then most of the time the bigger guys would hold me by the back of my shirt and go all ‘Ooh look at this lil fella thinking he could be in the aaaarrrmyy’ but really? They didn’t bother me so much.” The more DJ listened, the more his concern grew. He slowly sat up straight from his seat, slouching down as he continued to listen to the man speak.

“Uh huh.” DJ murmured.

“But look at me right now!” Commander exclaimed, his voice was prideful and full of joy- one that DJ had never experienced before. “When I was promoted commander, I watched them all fall to their knees, though that didn’t stop there.” Commander pointed out, lifting his index finger towards DJ who looked at himself confused.

“Huh-”

“They still kept teasing me, sure! But it’s not like I minded them anyways. It got so bad to the point it became physical.” Commander turned over to glance at DJ who immediately put on a sheepish grin.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” DJ’s pretentious smile shifted to a frown.

“It was nothing, I showed them their place after,” Commander cleared his throat before focusing his eyes towards the jet’s front view, he forgot he was piloting for a hot second. “I wish I was still in my prime, couldn’t do the old things like I used to.” The sigh Commander let out also made DJ let one out.

“Hey, you’re still amazing even without the fighting and all that,” DJ got up from his seat as he slowly walked towards Commander, occupying the seat beside him. Commander glanced onto DJ, shooting him a smile as if it was a nonverbal sign of gratitude. “But by the way,” DJ brought up, making Commander raise an eyebrow. “What’s… what are we now?”

The question made Commander silent. He looked over the dark skies that they ventured through, and the grip on his wheel got tighter. DJ noticed how Commander tense up when he asked the question, now starting to regret it.

“Wait wait! You don’t have to answer! I was just-”

“No, no no,” Commander grits his teeth. “I don’t know yet,” was all he said, and it made both of them lean back on their respective seats. “DJ, you’re a nice flattering man. I appreciate and love your company and dedication to helping the team, but I can’t-” Commander swallowed, “I can’t see myself with you.”

The words immediately shattered DJ’s heart, and thank God for the visors or else the atmosphere would’ve gotten so much weirder. “Oh,” DJ said, “Why is that?”

“I..” Commander started but couldn’t find the next following words. That little ‘celebration’ between them was just merely celebration, even if Commander may have thought of things here and there, but being in a fixed relationship with ONE of his friends? One of his allies? It felt awkward for him, and Commander only wished this didn’t make the two more awkward against one another. “I don’t know DJ. I’m scared to commit.” Commander simply says.

DJ just shot him a sympathetic smile, but honestly all he felt like was wanting to be in his own room, being put in the zone by Commander in his jet out of all places was not the best way to get rejected from. “Yeah,” DJ nods. “That’s understandable, sorry for pushing the thing on you, and the whole- kissing thing.”

“No no, it’s okay, don’t apologize please,” Commander sighed, now he was starting to feel bad as well. “The… kiss was nice. I just never expected you to be that good at it either.” The smaller man awkwardly laughed, but receiving silence from DJ made Commander shrink in his seat, it felt like he fucked up.

The next following minutes were just Commander and DJ sitting through silence, one of them would slip out a cough and a groan every now and then, but no words were exchanged from the two of them.

Commander sought to change that as he was the first one to spoke up, DJ probably felt like shit right now and it only made the leader guilty and full of shame. “DJ,” Commander called out, the musician immediately looking at his boss. “Okay- uhm I-, I didn’t know what you wanted me to say back there,” Ouch? “So I wanted to know what you expected me to say.” Commander cleared his throat, and DJ was BAFFLED.

DJ turned to Commander, and the way DJ looked at him made the leader shake a little.

“I thought it would be special, and that it would evolve into something,” DJ started off, and Commander took a mental note about them. “Look- I understand you don’t want to be with someone right now but when you said you couldn’t see a future for the two of us, it hurts. You know?” DJ stared right through him, and Commander couldn’t help but frown at himself.

“I’m sorry.”

“Oh yeah, I know you are.” DJ replied, there was a new sense of venom in the musician’s tone that bit Commander in the heart.

“DJ please-”

“I’m sorry for bringing it up,” DJ cut him off mid sentence. “I shouldn’t have even done that stupid bet thing,” He grumbled, and Commander’s frown deepened when the musician kept blaming himself for the whole thing, each curse sounding more and more furious than the last. “And when I confessed too? I felt- I feel so stupid.”

“DJ,” Commander mumbled, lowering a hand to rest at DJ’s thigh in hopes it would calm him down. “I’m. I took in some fault in that, I didn’t know how to react and I never knew you that much back then. I’m sorry for being such a mess right now, and you probably don’t feel the best but don’t beat yourself up, I don’t want to see you beating yourself up for it.” The smaller man caressed his lap, which seemed to calm down DJ a bit.

“I just. I really love you, Comm.” DJ exhales.

“I,” Commander swallowed. “I do too, I just- I don’t know if I can ever show my true self to you, DJ. As much as stupid as that sounds!” Commander’s grip on the steering wheel loosened as he pulled his hand away from DJ’s leg and back on the wheel. “I’m weird in all these love things, I’ve never had a relationship before, and I’m afraid that my first one being with you could make you realize that I’m not the man you idolize.”

“Idolize? Comm, I love you for the way you are,” DJ exclaimed, causing the smaller man to go silent. “People think you’re this perfect- perfect fucking leader, who can do everything all at once everywhere, but we both know you’re not that! Out of everyone, I was the only person who saw you in a different light, I didn’t see you with stereotypes and stupid legacies, I threw that birthday party because I adore and love you so much!” DJ rambled, he hoped he would have calmed his voice sooner because it sounded like he was scolding Commander at this point. What a turn of events.

While Commander processed the information, he looked at DJ for a while, the musician returning the stare but DJ felt more broken than admiration.

“I’m sorry, I never- I never thought that way,” Commander sniffled, and DJ already knew he would cry if Commander was pushed hard enough. “I’m so used to everyone seeing me as a perfect idol who only knows death and war, but- but I’m not all of that! I never wanted that!” Commander’s voice cracked as his fingers tensed around the steering wheel.

DJ’s eyes flicked back and forth on the wheel and on Commander’s face, now his face was replaced with worrying gloom.

“At least you found me entertaining right?” Commander looked towards DJ with a sheepish grin, and how DJ could hope to just remove that off his face and cradle Commander in his arms, he could only think of how it felt when you were left out behind your team because they associated you with a persona you simply weren’t. That fact broke DJ’s soul, and he started regretting everything.

“Of course? Yeah?!” DJ replied, leaning closer to Commander from until his seatbelt restricted him from moving further. “I fell in love WITH Commander, not THE Commander.” DJ’s voice raised at certain parts for emphasis, and for the first time, the brief silence between the two elevated their souls a little higher.

Commander broke the silence with a thought.

“I’ll try.” The leader swallowed.

DJ turned to him.

“This- you, and me. I’ll try. See if it… works out,” Commander tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, and when he looked over to DJ, the smaller man could find the glint of hope resurfacing on the musician’s face. “If- you’re up to that?” Commander’s pitch raised in volume as he faced back towards the skies.

DJ didn’t want to skip his chances, nor did he want to waste the opportunity to be together with Commander. It was basically his dream the first time he felt his heart beat for him, and that beating slowly turned into yearning as DJ’s pining for years would eventually ache him.

“Hell yeah?” DJ replied, earning a sheepish chuckle from the smaller man. “Like, this has been a whole part of my dreams, Comm. You don’t know how relieving it is, I’ve always wanted to ask you out all those years ago when I just met you for a few months but all these stories about you made me scared about you.” DJ laughed to himself, he felt like yesterday he would still be pining for Commander like a highschool boy.

DJ looked over to Commander, the smaller man couldn’t stop mustering that stupid slight smile on his face which DJ found adorable.

“So that’s what you’ve been thinking of doing? You know, I never seemed to pick it up. But looking back at it now, I actually do understand.” Commander chuckled, the reply made DJ’s face shift to a quizzical expression.

“What do you mean?” DJ sat up on his seat.

“Remember how many years ago you asked me if I had plans on the fourteenth of February?” Commander turned his face to DJ, to where the musician slowly nodded his head understandingly.

“Uh huh?”

“I thought it was because you were just invested in my whole romance life but I think you were trying to ask me out, or at least try to make a move.” Commander turned his smile away from DJ, he could feel himself burn up just by staring at him.

DJ himself gritted his teeth as he let out a sheepish snicker.

“Don’t assume I didn’t see the rose, DJ. Looking at it now, I wish you could've given it sooner,” The more Commander brought up about the memory, the more DJ punched himself in the inside for being so- cornily stupid- if that was a trait. “Would’ve made great memorabilia.”

“Yeah?” DJ laughed it over, earning a tilt on both sides from Commander’s head.

“Make it up to me.” Commander hummed as he faced back onto DJ and leaned forwards.

“Oh, now you want me to kiss you?” DJ licked his lips as he unbuckled his seatbelt. “You’re so adorable, come here.” DJ lifted a hand on Commander’s chin for support as he locked his own lips against the smaller man. The act of affection was short, but it was something both of them simply enjoyed.

Commander pulled away, placing his focus back on the sky. “Thank you, you’re really good at that.” Commander pointed up, freeing one of his hands from the wheel to wipe at his lips with the sleeves of his suit.

“And you’re getting better at it.” DJ grinned.

“I learn fast, I hope you know that.” Commander placed his hand back around the wheel, though this only perked up the musician when the admiring expression on his face turned to a curious puzzled visage.

“Alright, want to test that out?” DJ shifted in his seat.

“With what? I’m quite busy here,” Commander tapped his fingers on the wheel, to which DJ lamely rolled his eyes at. “If you want to teach me something, sit back down, put your seatbelt on, and wait.” The commanding tone made DJ follow the command, though he lengthened a groan while doing so.

“Uggghh, it’s so boring here though. I don’t know how much more until we’re there.” DJ leaned against his seat, a deflated and upset DJ made Commander giggle to himself.

-

Molten was pacing around the room, both Grave and Fallen sat on their respective seats while Molten taunted them with his flaming talons every time they spoke against him.

“All I’m saying is that we shouldn’t kill the Commander.” Fallen suggested, but this only mused the lava devil.

“Oh?” Molten parked up, walking over and behind Fallen’s seat, the devil bent over to place his own head into the back of Fallen’s neck, making the king shudder at the sudden warmth overlapping his skin. “Why do you think that? Why- WHY shouldn’t I not kill him?” Molten mocked, his talons scratching against Fallen which made the king’s breath hitch.

“Because- if I were to have Commander, then I can touch his soul, Molten. I can break apart his soul, grab which soul is then a perfect candidate to help us prove our worth to the Main Three.” Fallen explained, but no sign of amusement seeped into Molten as he only dug his talons further into Fallen, earning an agonizing scream from the king.

“The Main Three? Do you think they still respect us? Right after Commander humiliated us multiple fucking times? Wox and the others could barely give a shit about us.” Molten pulled his hands and himself away from Fallen as his steps returned to pacing around the room.

“They would. Once if we capture the brain behind Commander.” Fallen stated, rubbing a hand over his newly found injury.

“Even if you got Commander’s soul that separated his bravery and brains, it still doesn’t deny that it took us over a hundred attempts to get him. They’ll laugh at us Fallen!” Molten’s voice raised in volume, and it only made Fallen shrink into his seat.

“He’s right, Falls.” Grave looked over to the king, and Fallen let a contorted face to the digger: a bitter betrayed visage. Now Grave was siding with Molten? The situation just made Fallen tense.

“See, even Grave here sides by me.” Molten glances over to the digger.

“Then what, Molten? You kill him, Wox and the others will still belittle us that it took over a hundred attempts just to get his head,” Fallen stood up from his seat, which made Molten slowly turn his face to him, Grave on the other hand just shrunk at his seat, watching the tension between the other two men thicken the atmosphere. “If we do this my way, we get to have Commander lead for us. The rest of his soul? Throw it away, we don’t need that, we only need his brains and stoic nature.”

The words made Molten’s eyes narrow down at the king. For a second, the lava devil hasn’t said a word but only took three steps closer to the king- Fallen stood on his ground, showing that he wasn’t afraid of Molten whatsoever.

“Fail me, and I’ll make sure you regret ever stating that option.” Both Molten and Fallen’s chest collided against one another as Molten kept pushing himself against the king, making Fallen stumble backwards a bit.

“I won’t.” Fallen replied, and it made Molten pull away from their distance.

“When do you plan to attack?” Molten faced him, turning his head over his shoulder to sneak a glimpse on Fallen’s stern expression.

“When do you want me to attack?” Fallen rephrased.

Molten chuckles. “Surprise me.”

-

Back at the jet, DJ had fallen asleep on his seat, leaving Commander all alone in comfortable silence. Though he preferred it when DJ was talking to him, pampering him with kisses every now and then, being smothered in affection was a thing Commander would slowly need to adjust now that him and DJ were-

Official?

If that was the term.

Commander looked at the sleeping musician, he couldn’t help but smile at himself to finally be with someone like DJ. DJ was exactly what he needed, that giant hunk showed love with every word and action, and his pep talks were what Commander needed every now and then. Commander would silently praise himself for scoring someone like DJ.

They were near the base, merely an hour passed by since DJ’s nap, and Commander only hoped that his team was still alive and thriving without him. Commander faced his GPS to check their current location, with them currently flying overseas.

The leader’s face snapped onto DJ when he heard him groan and stretch in his seat, a small smile propped itself on Commander’s face when DJ started to wake up and enter a state of hypnagogia.

“How was your sleep?” Commander watched DJ move about in his seat, the musician was drowsy and probably still consumed by his short energy rest from the looks of it.

“I feel even more tired than refreshed, I thought naps were supposed to make me stay up more!” Commander just laughed at DJ’s complaint.

“Give it some time,” Commander calmly replied, watching DJ stand from his seat and walking towards the smaller man. The musician bent over to place his cheek beside the other, prompting Commander to plant a small kiss on his face. “I love you.” he whispered.

The words made DJ smile as he chuckled to himself. “Fuck yeesss, the Commander loves me,” Commander rolled his eyes at DJ’s sleep drunken laughter. “I can’t believe it, you’re actually mine now.” DJ breathed out in realization.

“Don’t say it like that.” Commander bit his bottom lip.

“Sorry, can’t find the words.” DJ stood back up as he cleaned up after himself, he walked towards the backseat and started picking up his old clothes that he dropped when he was changing clothes midway the ride hours ago.

“We’re almost reaching the base,” Commander peered at DJ through the front mirror, with DJ looking back at where Commander sat down. “Did you have anything packed by the way? I’m a little hungry.” The leader asked, and it made DJ rummage through his bag with haste.

“Oh,” DJ stopped, pulling his hand out the bag. “Sorry Comm, got none.” DJ faced back to Commander with a frown, but the smaller man just gave him a reassuring nod as he didn’t want DJ to feel bad about himself- it was just a slight snack he was asking anyway.

“Don’t frown, come here.” Commander gestured his head to DJ.

DJ walked back to the seat beside Commander’s, getting himself comfortable on the cushions before he rolled his head to the side and faced Commander, a quarter of his eyes could be seen from the small space between his glasses.

“I want to sleep again.” DJ murmured.

Commander lifted a hand onto the control panels, navigating his hand along the buttons before pressing on one. Commander then released his hands from the wheel, making DJ go wide-eyed as he slightly lifted himself from his seat.

“Auto pilot,” Commander unbuckled his belt, standing up from his seat and walking towards the backseat. “Come on, let’s sleep.” The command made DJ’s eyes go from worry to immediate ecstasy, he immediately sprang from his seat and caught up with Commander.

The two got themselves comfortable at the seat, it was large enough for DJ to lay down on, with Commander laying beside him, mostly using DJ’s upper torso as a pillow.

“I wish we could cuddle without your coat on.” DJ pointed out, and Commander only took off his hat and placed it on the ground, watching as it slowly moved away from the great height they were on.

“It’s cold.” Commander replied, burrowing his face into DJ’s chest.

“So? I’m only in a tank top, I can warm you up, Comms.” DJ patted the smaller man’s back, but down there he could feel Commander roll his eyes as he let out a deep huff.

DJ didn’t get a reply after a short while, which made the musician look down at the sleeping man covered by his arms, he pulled Commander slightly, seeing he’d already been asleep just seconds ago. DJ placed him back closer to his chest, deciding that he didn’t want to disturb Commander in his rest- now it was Commander’s turn to succumb into slumber.

DJ was left alone with the cold space, and a small body hugging his own frame. As the musician thought of ways to pass the time, he decided on checking the messages on his phone, his face lighting up subtly when he saw six notifications from Carmen’s PMs.

‘HEYY HEYhyeyehehye are you rthere’
‘Wake up’
‘Mom said she misse syou’
‘She also said whos the orange guy that tied her up HELP’
‘Also i made a song for uyoustay well ! have a nice flight home 💓💓’
‘CARMCARM🤯 sent you a video.’

DJ faintly smiled at the knowledge of both his mother and sister being in safe hands, the musician soon trailed his eyes down the video Carmen sent, something about a song she wrote just for him.

With a weak lift of his finger, DJ pressed on the video. It was a pitch black screen, but then the sounds of a strumming guitar passed right through him. DJ’s eyes began to flicker as he tried his best to stay awake, eventually DJ decided to place his phone beside him. He enveloped himself with the feeling of Commander in his arms, and the soothing tune of his sister’s voice accompanied with the stringed instrument playing in the back of his ear.

As DJ slowly closed his eyes, he felt himself defeated by his own somnolence, he was being dragged into soft comfort, and sooner or later; DJ and Commander fell asleep against one another. Just right in time, Carmen’s video also ended.

‘YOU SEENZONED MEEE???’
‘Hoi puta’
‘Bro’
‘🙁🙁🙁🙁’
‘DID U DIE?’

The phone buzzed and buzzed, until Carmen eventually gave up on the other side.