#os fic

“Well, with that attitude, you don’t have to worry about it getting any worse, right?” Chase shot back with a wry grin in response to Schneep’s deadpan stare. “Come on, you let Marvin teach you how to ice skate! Have a little faith in your fellow bro. At least put a foot on the board!”

JJ nodded slowly. “Y—yes… I did,” he whispered. “I… I am… God above, I can talk! I can talk!”

“Keep your eyes on the crystal,” Marvin cooed with an soothing smile as he twirled the chain gently between his fingers. “Watch how it reflects the candlelight. Back and forth...It invites you to reflect too. Let it carry the weight of your thoughts. Let it ease your mind, take all of your stresses away.”

“Heh...you’re sweet, but I just need to know all of you are safe. Go on, please.”

“Look, my manager called with a big break! I can’t afford to miss this meeting,” Marvin protested, impatiently shrugging away the guilt crawling down his back. “Ask Jackieboy to do it! I’ve gotta go.”

“I have pretty simple rules to live by,” Marvin remarked, waving a dismissive hand. “Keep your cards close to your chest and an ace up your sleeve. Look over your shoulder. Keep an exit in your line of sight. Say no and mean it. Fight for your loved ones, even if you’re saving them from themselves. Oh, and definitely don’t let brothers with grabby hands anywhere near your food. You know who you are.”

“Patience is a virtue! Immunity should be too. Is a good example you are setting for your little ones,” Schneep reminded him sagely.

“Must every device be treated for its smartness these days? I’ve a perfectly good pocket watch to tell me the time -- and if not that, a tap of my modern telephone will do the same!” Jameson huffed, poking and prodding in bewilderment at the clock face on his wrist.