“ marshmallows? they might have some. they serve hot chocolate, right? and marshmallows are closely associated with hot chocolate. want me to ask? “ theo inquired, raising a quizzical brow, bracing himself to get up and ask for marshmallows. he offered james a sympathetic smile, thinking that it was probably hard for others ( and not just him ) that specific people were back in town for the summer, some people that either of them had probably seen since high school. “ well, if you need a human shield, i’m your guy, “ he offered with a chuckle. “ well, there’s my lovely brother, of course. i’m shocked our parents convinced him to finally come home. “
this was why she loved theo. well, one of the many reasons. right now though? his willingness to assist her on her eternal quest to make her coffee more of a dessert and less of a morning beverage was right up there. for a moment, she considered it - marshmallows in coffee would be like hot chocolate, only caffeinated. a win-win. “nah,” she decided. “but thank you for your valiant offer, my knight-when-it-comes-to-sugary-treats. i should probably save all my favors,” she warned with a teasing smile. “there’s a very real chance i’ll have to take you up on that human shield thing. it’s a good thing you’re tall.”
james rolled her eyes at the mention of theo’s brother. she didn’t mind miles per se - their verbal sparring could be mildly entertaining, even - but the relationship between the two Hollis boys was A Whole Thing, and if sides had to be taken, well. she was throwing down for team theo, no questions asked. “how’d they do it?” she asked, curious. “please tell me they didn’t buy him a pony, or i might die of jealousy.”