James has glasses and doesn't like his sisters, neither do we
Keith walked past the meeting room, then froze. “Keith? What’s wrong?” Nadia asked, stopping as well. So did Lance and Pidge.
The four had been on their way to the mess hall after training.
“Look.” He said, nodding to the room.
They peeked their heads in, and Nadia gasped.
James was leaning on a table, glasses with a thin black frame on his face as he flipped through a book, occasionally writing something in a notebook besides him.
“No way! James has glasses? That’s so cute.” She pulled out her phone and opened the camera. “James!”
Said man picked his head up to look at them, a look of surprise on his face, and she snapped a picture.
“Oh, hey guys. What’s up?”
Pidge chuckled as the group walked into the room. “I didn’t know you had glasses.” They say. “Well, it’s not like I wear them a lot.” James muttered, looking back at his papers.
“Ugh, what is this stuff?” Lance asked. The table around James was covered with papers, books and notebooks.
James sighed and ran a hand down his face, putting his glasses on his forehead. “When they were trying to put the new upgrade on the monitors on the bridge, it messed them up. So while they’re fixing it, I have to do all of this with paper and pencil. And since I can’t search the info, I need actual paper books, not ebooks.”
Nadia shivered, leaning on the chair besides him. “Weird.”
Keith grinned. “Not for James. He used to walk around school with these things and his glasses. Speaking of, why don’t you wear them more often?”
“I only wear them when I forget my contacts. And cause they look weird.”
Keith hummed. “They're cute.”
“Keith, no. I look weird.” James said, looking at the other man.
“You’re cute with glasses. Look more like the nerd you are.” Keith teased. “I am not!” James protested. “You’re sitting here with actual books, which you just so happened to have, doing homework from our old teachers. And, you’re doing it looking cute while wearing glasses.”
James huffed and took his glasses off. “Nope, that’s it. I’m never wearing them again.” He declared, setting them on the table.
“But Jamie! You look cute in your glasses!” Keith whined.
“That’s not what my sisters think.” James muttered, crossing his arms.
“Ohh, right. They’re visiting tomorrow, right?” Nadia asks. James slumps down in his chair. “Yeah. And my dad.” “Shouldn’t you be happy about that?” Lance asks. “You haven’t met them.” James mutters. “What’s wrong with them?” Pide asks.
“They’re complete and total control freaks, and have had so much work done their bodies are 90% plastic. Plus, almost everything they say to me is a criticism or insult.” Keith raises an eyebrow. “Still?” “Some things never change.”
“Well, after they leave, maybe we can hang out. I have a few days off, and I know a place we can go.” Keith suggests. “Really?” James asks, eyes lighting up. “Yeah. You guys can come too.” Keith offers. “What about the others?” Nadia asked. “They’ve had vacations with their families, and don’t have any days left. Besides, the five of us never hang out. It could be fun.”
“Who are you and what have you done with Keith?” Lance asked with a laugh. “I’m serious! What do you say? Three days on- what's it called? Where your grandma’s house is?” He asked, looking at James. “Veranda beach.” “Right! Three days on Veranda beach, just the five of us! It'll be fun.” “Yeah! We used to have a house there too, and we still visit during the holidays. I know my way around town.
“James! Ugh, what did I say about that hair floof? Cut it off or let it grow out, it looks weird like that. Chin up, stand up straight. Shoulders squared, and god, iron your uniform. It looks horrendous. Or, that might just be the way it looks on you.” One of the girls said.
“It’s him. He couldn’t even make that custom made suit mother had made for him when he was 4 look good. If he was hideous as a child, he’ll definitely be even worse as an adult. What happened here? Is that a scar? Are you really so bad at fighting that you get hit?” The second said, examining his arm, which he quickly pulled away.
“Probably crashed his ship. He never was very good at piloting. Always second, never first. Did you get work done on that scar on the back of your neck?” She pulled at his collar and sighed. “You didn’t. Well, at least you have the decency to cover it. So, tell me, do you have a girlfriend yet?” The third asked.
“I don’t even like girls.” James said.
The first scoffed, adjusting his collar. “Nonsense. That was just a phase when you were a teenager. Now where is she? I want to meet her.”
“He probably doesn’t have one. A jawline like that-” She brushed his cheek and James pushed her hand away. “-and those cheekbones, combined with that hair? Recipe for disaster.” #2 says.
“What’s wrong with my jaw?”
“Not square enough. Get a little work here, a little there, some more there, and you’ll be halfway decent looking.” #3 says, tapping different places on James’s face.
“Sorry I don't want to be a Barbie dolls like you guys.” He muttered.
“Well at least he’s wearing contacts and not those disgusting glasses. Tell me you got rid of them.” #1 says.
James sighed. “When are we meeting dad?” “Silly, he’s meeting us here.” #2 says, and James’s eyes widen. “You’re joking.” “Nope!” #3 chirps. “Why is it that now you four care? After the war?” He asked.
“Daddy says family is now more important than ever. Also, he wants to have a talk with you.” 31 says, reapplying her cherry red lipstick. “About?”
She shrugs. “Don't know. Don’t care. Now, is that really what you’re wearing?” She asks, looking him up and down. “You weren’t even supposed to be here. I was supposed to meet you four at the restaurant.”
#2 shrugs. “Wanted to see the base. Haven’t been here in years. Now, who’s your girlfriend?”
“Hi. Nadia said, running up. “Are you James’s sisters?” They nod. “Are you his girlfriend?” #1 asks, and Nadia laughs. “Oh, that’s funny. No, I’m not. But I was wondering if you’d like a tour around the base. That way, James has time to get ready.”
#3 beamed. “Why, we’d love one.”
“Introductions first. Nadia, this is Crystal-” #1 “- Adiana-” #2 “- and Raqucele.” #3. “Guys, this is Nadia. She’s one of my fellow MFE pilots.”
Nadia smiled and led the girls down the hall, and James sighed, running a hand down his face.
“Now I understand why you don’t like them.” Lance says. “Right? Ugh, and now I have to go to dinner with them and my dad.”
“We could just hide you somewhere on the base.” Lance offers. “No, that won’t work. They’re like bloodhounds. They’ll find me anywhere. But thanks anyway.’