Chapter 84
James’s jaw and fists were clenched, one hand wrapped around something. He marched over to a crew member, another male, and said in a cold, steely voice. “We need to talk.” They glanced at him and smiled, setting down their tablet and walking with him to the other side of the hangar.
Nadia and Pidge exchanged a look.
James was talking to the other man in a low, hushed tone, like he was trying to keep a secret. He had brown hair and green eyes, tan skin, and about two inches on James. “I think that’s his boyfriend.” Nadia whispered to Pidge. “Seems more like his enemy.” She muttered back.
James said one last thing and the other’s jaw dropped. He gaped at him for a moment, mouth opening and closing before frowning. He started hissing things at James, glaring at him. The girls were able to catch a few words.
“Why were you even in my stuff?”
“I was looking for one of my pins and I found it. And I know for a fact that neither of us have L’s anywhere in our names.”
The other said something and James rolled his eyes.
“-you don’t have a sister.” “-you know?” “I met- family. I thought we were serious.” “We are!” The man exclaimed, voice rising. “Then why are you running around behind my back screwing some girl?” James asked. That cold tone had returned, and the icy stare he gave the other made the temperature in the room drop.
The hangar fell silent and all eyes went to the couple.
“James, I can explain.” The man started, reaching for his hand. “No, you can’t. We’re done.” James said, stepping back. “You can’t mean that.” “Yes I do. Two years, and you’ve been cheating on me for the past three months. You were only with me for my status. So you could say you were with an MFE pilot.” “No I wasn’t! I loved you!” The man cries. “You loved what I could give you, not me. We’re done. And I mean it.” He pressed his hand to the others, chest, and he caught a small black box. “So go propose to your whore and stay the fuck away from me.” James started to walk past him, towards the doors he’d come from.
“James, I-” They started, grabbing his bicep.
“It’s Lieutenant Griffin to you.” James said, wrenching his arm out of his grip.
The other stared at him in shock, and as James walked away, people moved. No one wanted that cold stare and icy tone used on them.
“Holy shit.” Pidge whispered. “Holy shit.” “That just happened.” Nadia said. “We have to tell the others!” Pidge exclaimed, grabbing her wrist and pulling her along as she ran out.
They found Ryan, Lance and Hunk in the lounge, going over reports.
“Guys guys guys!” Pidge said breathlessly. The boys smiled at them. “Hey Nadia. Pidge. What’s up?” Hunk asked. “James and his boyfriend broke up!” She exclaimed. Ryan’s jaw dropped and Lace’s eyes widened. “Wait, really? The one he moved out of the dorms to be with? Green eyes? Him and that boyfriend broke up?”Lance asked. They nodded. “Ok, we have to tell Keith.” Ryan decided, standing up. “Why do we have to tell Keith?” Nadia asked. “Um, one, because Keith is James’s friend. Two, he’s had a huge crush on James for months, and three, because he’s not going to tell us anything.” He explained, already at the door.
He headed into the maze of hallows, trying to find the training room.
Keith was in there, sword clashing with one bot as he kicked another. “Keith!” Ryan called. Keith glanced at him, blocking a strike and stopping. “End training sequence!” He yelled. The bots flickered, then disappeared. “Hey Ry, what’s up?” He asked, jogging over. “You know how your crush was dating someone?” He asks. Keith flushes. “Say it a little louder, I don’t think the bridge heard you. And- wait, did you say was?” Ryan nods. “Yep. Broke up with him in the hangar in front of a lot of people. He’s a free agent now. You could ask him out.” Keith shook his head, grabbing a towel and wiping his face. “I don’t wanna be a rebound. Besides, isn’t he gonna need time to process?” Ryan shrugged. “He wouldn't talk to me about it. Both of you are kinda closed off about that sort of stuff.” Keith chuckled. “Yeah, you’ve said that. Several times, actually.” Keith picked up his water bottle, downing half of it before wiping his mouth. “So, what do you want me to do about it?” “Just be there. He’ll talk to you. You emotionally stunted types like each other.” Keith gave him a grin as he sipped more water. “Sure. But yeah, I guess I’ll do it. Be there for him.” Ryan nodded, turning to head back out. “I don’t think he would mind if you did him either.” He said. “RYAN!” Keith yelled. He ran to the door, and Keith’s water bottle hit the wall above his head.