Card Castle (Avi.)

[Odion Martins]

What better to do on a day off, than spend said day at the library, a deck of cards in tow. Odion had his own personal deck in his jeans’ pocket, and a small grin was on his face at the thought of what he was about to embark on. He hadn’t played with cards in a very long time, and it was one of his favourite pass times, but school was always very demanding. It was now or never.

Card castles were something Odion had always had a knack for. When he was bored as a child, he had been given a deck of cards and taught many games, but he had to look for the function that cards weren’t normally used for. The card games were fun, but making something 3D out of them was way more interesting, not to mention challenging. He hadn’t kept many things from his past, but this ratty old deck of cards contained a lot of memories. Some good, some bad. They were a part of him, and he wasn’t ashamed of that. He didn’t exactly have a lot of friends to spend time with anyways, so this was the best thing he could think of doing.

Sitting gingerly at a table, Odion carefully put his deck of cards on the table, spreading them out before him. Quickly and nimbly, the red head started with the base of the castle, a mess of cards which didn’t appear to make sense, but to him, did. Slowly he began tilting cards together over the chaos of the base, standing them up at the perfect angle so they would stay upright in tiny triangles. It wouldn’t take long to make the thing, but he could always make a different kind of castle when he was done with this one. A bright happy smile was on his face as he worked in what he thought was privacy, ignoring anyone who might be watching.

[Avinea Jale]

Avi was in the library searching for a book she needed. She had yet to find it and she was somewhat pissed she couldn't. Honestly if the teacher wanted her to have that book then they shouldn't make it so dang hard to find. She had wove her way through the stacks of books still not finding what she wanted. She knew she was not the one who was the most... patient of people and she also knew that she was stubborn. Yes she would find it, and no she would not ask for help.

She sat down against the books attempting to find the one she wanted in the shelves. Nope not happening. Math was Avi's strong suit. Not English. She hated reading. It took too much effort and patience. She wasn't a fan of just sitting and reading something when she could be out doing something. Anything. Avi didn't have a patience that was good. In fact she had only a little of it. She also had a short attention span and was almost always getting distracted by something or another. In fact it was not long before she got distracted from her search by someone building a card castle.

Avi made her way silently, which was a feat in itself, over to the table. When The by began to build the cards she just blatantly stared in awe. Slowly a grin formed on her face as she went to observe it from all sides before turning to the boy whom she had not a clue who he was. “That is awesome.” It was as simple as that. It was awesome. She did not have the patience to do something such as building a card castle and she was willing to admit it. “ I don't have the patience for building something like this.” Avi pulled up a chair to continue to watch the boy build the castle. This was highly amusing and much more entertaining then looking for a stupid book. “My name is Avinea Jale and this is interesting so I think I will watch.” Avi didn't care if he didn't want her watching. She had already made up her mind to.

[Odion Martins]

Odion practically jumped out of his pants when finally another voice was heard near by. He let out a sigh, his eyebrows furrowing. Exactly when had this nosy girl popped in to watch his castle building he wasn't sure, but she seemed harmless enough. The boy was holding a card in each hand when she complimented him and he smiled sweetly enough to hide his surprise and embarrassment. "Thank you," he said simply, glancing at the librarian, who simply rolled their eyes at the girl beside him. Had they completely given up in keeping the peace when she was in the room?

A chair squealed beside him as the girl made herself comfy and Odion watched her in interest. If she didn't have patience to make something like this, she would probably get bored very quickly while watching it being built. "Nice to meet you Avinea, this is my card castle, observe," he said, not really sure if that was the right thing to say, but he wasn't really concerned. The girl looked like she was itching to talk some more and he would let her. It took a lot more than bubbly girls to annoy Odion to death.

So he carried on with ease, placing card on top of card, precisely and rather quickly considering the task he had embarked on. He sent a charming smile her way, wondering just how long she planned on staying, but not having the courage to ask her directly. Not yet anyways.

[Avinea Jale]

Avi had to laugh when the boy just about jumped as she spoke. Was she really that silent? The librarian must have been proud of her. She was never that quiet normally Smiling at the boy she observed him with his red hair and face full of freckles. She honestly hadn't meant to scare him. It was not her purpose. If anything it was more of a curiosity unsatisfiable to her. She had to know and watch this card castle being built. She still did feel a bit bad for scaring him, but she had thought it obvious that she was someone who was not able to sneak up on others. " You are welcome!" Avi said with a smile. It really was amazing and she had every intent to let the other boy see that.

Avi found herself getting comfy never even noticed the high pitched squeak that echoed through the semi-silent library. It was apparent that she was oblivious to anyone needs but her own. She gave a brilliant smile when the other boy gave her permission to observe the card castle making. It made her happy that he gave her permission, even though if he hadn't she would have watched anyway. " I think I will, thank you very much."

Avi wasn't bored at all. This was very entertaining to say the least. The fact that the other boy knew just where to put the card to not make the castle topple over had her impressed. She could figure out the math of it all, she just wouldn't have the patience to actually set the cards down one by one. If the cards were moved to any other spot the castle would topple and Avi would be very disappointed. "So what's your name?" Avi was curious and it would not do to talk to someone without knowing their name. Though, how long that name would last is a whole 'nother story. Smirking a bit she looked over to him. "If you move the third card to the left just abit it will be more structurally sound."

[Odion Martins]

Odion had always been good at pinpointing people. Granted there were a few individuals whose actions and personalities he couldn’t predict, but those were rare. Rare and interesting, like Alice. Avi seemed like a nice girl, a little oblivious to those around her but with good intentions, maybe even a little foolish. The red head had a look of concentration as he thought these things and built his castle.

He smiled at her comment and wittily said, “The next time you build a card castle, let me know how that goes,” he said, stacking the cards perfectly fine with the plan he had in mind – not taking her suggestion. “I’m not trying to be rude love, but the castle needs to have structure as well as flexibility and buoyancy,” he said, placing the top layer of cards onto a stack that was already three cards in height. Odion had manoeuvred his way around saying his name, something he didn’t really want to give out. It would take more than that to get it out of him. He’d rather her just assign some kind of nickname to him.

“Nothing better to do on a nice day like today?” He asked her then, only a few cards left in his hands. There was absolutely no offense in his voice, but he couldn’t stop Avi from taking offense if she so did. He was only trying to be nice, pleasant even. It seemed as though Avi wanted someone to talk to, but if she did end up storming off because of what Odion had said, he wouldn’t really mind. She just didn’t seem like someone he would be friends with – but he wasn’t about to put a nail in that coffin just yet.

[Avinea Jale]

Avi may not have been the brightest light bulb when it came to people, but she knew a good person when she saw one. She may argue, be loud, and make a general nuisance of herself, but she -believed- in people. No matter what happened Avi believed there was a chance for people to change. She was someone who was an avid fan of expressing yourself through your attitude. She watched almost eerily silent as he continued to build the card castle, ignoring the world.

Avi sighed as he basically told her to shove off nd told her to try building it herself. " I know that it needs structure and flexibility, but if you move it a bit it will be ore structurally sound Ginger." She sighed as he disregarded her suggestion, completely ignoring the fact that it would fall more easily because of his mistake. he still had not said his name. Oh well Avi thought. Just as well. He seemed to be someone who was shrouded in secrecy, after all who normally builds a card castle in a library. Most people that Avi knew did not. "Ok Mr. Mysterious why are you building this castle anyway?" If he didn't want to tell her his name fine. She would not push it.

Avi tilted her head and watched as he stacked more cards until there was only a few left. She didn't take offense at his words, they were insignificant and she was not easily bugged by people. it was obvious he wanted to be left alone, but Avi had other plans. This was far more interesting then writing a report for English. Avi gave a grin before answering. "Nope not at all. This is much more interesting then what I was planning on doing, 'sides, I would not want to deprive you of this intelligent conversation we are having." Avi gave a small smirk before laughing. The kid was fun to tease. "I am sure you are enjoying this as much as me. even if you don't follow my suggestions.But hey it is your castle after all."

[Odion Martins]

Placing the final touches on the castle, Odion gave his company a sideways glance, a pretty little grin on his face. ‘Ginger’ would suit just fine – it was true anyways. She kept on talking and the red head decided to entertain her. She was nothing like Alice, nothing really interesting to talk to, not yet anyways. Only time would tell if Avi was worth his time, and it would be nice to have at least a couple friends, even if he had to pretend his way into her life.

“Rhett,” he said, it was the first and only name that came to mind. At least it would be easy to remember, never mind that he used his childhood friend’s name. “You can call me Rhett,” he said again, grimacing as he said the name again. His name wasn’t Rhett, he didn’t have blonde hair and he wasn’t cruel. He could be vicious, but never cruel. “I’m building it because I have nothing else to do in this American school,” he said, trying to be honest without being too blunt about it.

He scoffed, he couldn’t help it. This was far from intelligent conversation, but it was rather amusing. Still, Odion didn’t want to burn any bridges, and Avi could end up being the only person who actually wanted to talk to him. But once she smiled, Odi smiled back – she was only joking. “Do you want me to teach you?” He asked, his dark blue eyes capturing hers for a moment. He tugged at the bottom of his castle, and the cards came tumbling down.

Without thinking much of it, Odion grabbed a couple of cards and put them in Avi’s hands, and then he grasped Avi’s hands gently and put them together in a small triangle. “It’s all in the cards, they’re broken in,” he said, letting go of the blonde’s hands. He looked at her with a thin lipped smile. He wasn’t trying to be coy in his actions, he just wasn’t very familiar with proper social interactions. Especially with women. That’s what he got for growing up with boys close in his age.

[Avinea Jale]

Avi noted that Ginger did not object to the nickname. All right, So it shall be. That is what he would be ingrained in her mind as. It was not as if she really cared, but it would be nice to have something to identify him by. She had a feeling he was watching her and turned to face him. “ You do know that is what I will call you every time I see you now.” Avi gave a small smirk and waited for the redheaded gingers reaction.

Avi was surprised when she was given a name, though she wrinkled her nose in thought. “Hmm, Doesn't fit. Ginger is better.Besides, Its more.. descriptive.” Avi gave a smile and waited fro the other to continue on with what he was sayign as he was sure to be saying more. “ I see. What an excellent thing to do in this American school. It must be so much more intriguing then doing, oh I don't know, work or going into town.” Avi laughed. She was being sarcastic, yes, but she was also just teasing him. It was not as if he couldn't tell that right?

Avi outright laughed when he scoffed at her quip about intelligent conversation. This was getting interesting if not highly amusing. “ I am offended good sir at your utter and blatant disregard for my conversation with you.” Avi managed to keep a stern face for all of about three seconds before she burst out laughing, the noise echoing throughout the library. When he proposed she learn she look at him an eyebrow raised.” You can try to teach me but I doubt it will do any good. I am afraid I will most likely lose patience and sit and watch you instead.” Avi smiled over at him as he tumbled down the cards. “Dude. That was an awesome castle.”

Avi was surprised when cards were put in her hands and her hands were being moved. Hmm, he must be getting used to me at least. Avi gave a small smirk and attempted to move her hands to put the tower together. “Yea this isn't working.” Avi grinned as the small amount of cards came tumbling down not three seconds after she had put them up. Giving a good matured grin she looked over at the castle building boy. “Got any other tricks up your sleeve Ginger?”

[Odion Martins]

“You know that I could care less, right?” He said with a shrug, a small grin still lingering on his face. Avi might prove to be more of an annoyance than anything else, but he could handle anything. He could make anyone believe anything he wanted them to. Odion wasn’t lying though, he could care less what Avi did or did not call him, that was up to her. Whether or not he would respond, was a different story.

Again Odion laughed with the girl, casual and light. “More intriguing than homework at least,” he teased, surprised that he had said so much thus far. He was a social chameleon though, and he blamed his over chattering on the blonde who was bothering him.

“Thank you,” he said, his fingers strumming the table lightly as she attempted to make a castle of her own. “I didn’t mean to insult you, I enjoy conversing with utterly cute girls,” Odion said, his attempt at flattery without being creepy, using the word ‘utterly’ on purpose. He was pretty sure girls didn’t like creepy boys. He wasn’t exactly hitting on her, but he was being charming, and besides, people tended to warm up to you more if you used their language which had already been spoken, as long as it was done subtly.

Odion collected the cards into a pile after Avi’s pathetic attempt. He made a mental note to remember that she didn’t have a lot of patience. “Sure,” he said in reply to having more ‘tricks’, taking the pile in his hands and fanning them out wide. “Pick a card, love,” he said, his dark blue eyes travelling over to look at her, daring her to do as she was told.

[Avinea Jale]

Avi gave a small laugh as he basically just refused her offer of a nickname. “ Oh well, Then that leave me free to call you Ginger.” Avi wrinkled her nose slightly. “ Sorry, but Rhett doesn't fit at all.” The more Avi thought about it the more it didn't. Oh well, she had her nickname. If he didn't answer to it she would leave him alone...maybe.

Avi laughed along with the redhead as he continued t talk about how it was more interesting then homework. “I will give you that. Homework is bore.” Avi gave a small smirk before looking back over at him. “ Though I am sure you must like some aspect of school.”

Avi nodded and attempted to build the castle again, only to have it fall. Again. Avi just shrugged and organized the cards into a deck that was waiting for its rightful master to pick them up. “I know you didn't. I was teasing you Ginger.” Avi rolled her eyes quick and fast. “ Keep up.” Avi said the words with a smile no malice intended as she heard him call her cute. “As long as you enjoy it” She wouldn't remark on the fact, he was most likely just teasing her as she had done to him. It was just natural.

Avi smiled as he collected her cards after her pathetic attempt. Yes it really was pathetic. Even Avi would admit that. Her eyes lit up however as he told her to pick a card. Laughing a bit she bit her lip trying to pick one. She smiled before closing her eyes and picking one. “What now?” Avi held the card close to her as she waited for further instruction.

[Odion Martins]

Odion grinned, a secret behind the smile. No, Rhett doesn’t suit one bit, he thought to himself. The two boys didn’t even look a tiny bit alike. Why he had uttered his friend’s name was beyond him, but it was the first name to come to mind and he wasn’t taking it back now. At this rate, Avi would quickly forget what is ‘real’ name was anyways, dubbing him as ginger.

“Not really,” he said when she asked him about liking school. He didn’t like the people, the classes, or the extracurricular activities. Odion smiled as Avi’s attitude started to break through. He wondered if people usually took well to the girl with her abrupt personality, which was borderline flirtatious, but she didn’t seem to do that last bit on purpose. He wasn’t sure what to say so he let the blonde do the talking for him.

The redhead watched the girl pick her card, the trick he had in mind was flawless. He wouldn’t even cheat and use his powers. “Now put it back in the pile,” he said, holding the stack out to her once more. After she slid her card in, Odi shuffled the cards around, probably more than necessary, but that was alright. Eventually he stopped and held up a card – the one she had chosen. “Is this your card?” He asked, a bit of cockiness in his voice. It was an old, easy trick. Cards were his thing. Cards, and stealing.

[Avinea Jale]

Avi was actually quite amused by this whole situation. Her dreaded trip tot he library was turning out to be pretty fun. First she had gotten to see a castle made of cards being built. Then she got to actually meet the person making the castle, although, he didn't really want her company at first. Avi figured she just had that affect on people. She grew on them until the loved her as a person. Or at least tolerated her.

Avi laughed when Odion flat out refused that he liked anything about Hammel. “Oh come on there had got to be something? I don't believe you can hate everything about the school. There has to be something you like.” Avi gave a small smirk. “Now what is it? I am genuinely curious, so it would be better if I could know. What do you like about this school Ginger?” Avi smiled and waited for the reply from the person by her.

Avi still had her card in her mind when he asked her to put it back in the pile. Ace of diamonds, here we go. Avi put the card back in the deck waiting for Ginger to do whatever trick he had up his sleeve. She watched fascinated as he shuffled the deck, again and again. She half doubted he needed to do it so many times, but she also know it was his trick. She didn't really have any part in it other then the observer. Smiling she waited and sat back in the chair as he shuffled. When he pulled out a card she looked at it and smiled. “ You got it Ginger, Ace of Diamonds it was.”

[Odion Martins]

Growing to like Avi was definitely something Odion was starting to do, putting her annoying nature to the side and defining her as ‘cute’ or ‘adorable’ instead. Like one of those children who could get away with saying or doing irritating things without getting reprimanded, so the adults let them get away with being cute. This situation was exactly like the one just described, and it kept a smile on Odion’s face. He wondered with the blonde was like when she was a child. Had she always been this outgoing?

Shaking his head no, Odion held his small smile, something obvious coming to mind that he wasn’t about to share. “Really, I don’t like anything or anyone at this school, what’s there to like?” He asked, trying to turn the spotlight back on her and away from his opinions. Hopefully the question would get her talking about her best friends, her boyfriend, her favourite subject, anything really. And honestly, he would be interested to hear what was so fantastic about high school – probably nothing.

She wasn’t as impressed with the trick as she thought she would be, but that was alright. He was entertaining her, and she wasn’t complaining. Shuffling the cards again, Odion placed them in his pocket, simply looking at her. He wasn’t really sure what else to say, but he didn’t want things to get awkward for the girl, although that kind of situation seemed impossible. “So who’s the lucky young man who has the pleasure of dating you?” He asked her, a bit of teasing in his tone, but he was being nothing but charming. Anything to keep her company just a bit longer.

[Avinea Jale]

Avi was someone who grew on others. She knew that from the start. It might be her persistence, or it might be her friendly nature but she had always been like this. Even when she was little. She had won her way into the hearts of many people. For their kindness and friendship she offered loyalty and complete trust. She would be with you until the end if worse came to worse. Avi just smiled back as Ginger smiled at her lost in her own thoughts.

Avi couldn't believe he was shaking his head no, that there wasn't anything, At the shake Avi smirked and shook her own head. “ Bull. You like something about this school or else you wouldn't have transferred.” Avi gave a small smirk and eyed the red headed boy. “ I bet its a person.” Avi smiled and laughed. "You won't tell me fine but I know I'm right.” Avi smirked then laughed at his evasive question. She did take it seriously though and gave a semi serious answer. “ I think what I like about this school the most is I am someplace where I belong. I don't feel like a freak here as I do outside of school just because I'm meta. Here I am just a normal blond with a big mouth and a equally big stubborn side. Nothing freakish about me.” Avi gave a small smirk before continuing. “Well, nothing to bad anyways.”

Avi watched as Ginger kept shuffling the cards. Don't get her wrong it was very entertaining and it was very amusing. It was also fun to watch. He seemed to be a professional at it. Especially the way he handled each card with care and confidence. Avi smiled at him again. “ I take it you like to play with the cards? What do you like about it?” Avi was about to ask more when he asked a question of his own. At the mere thought of the question Avi began to laugh. Loudly. "Yea no. If you meet him give me a call.” Avi smirked and just shook her head from laughing to hard. “No lucky young man, as you have so delicately put it.” Avi turned the question right back on him. “ What about you? Who is the lucky young man or woman whatever the hell your orientation is?” She kept the same teasing and light tone she had used the whole conversation. She was anxious to see how this turned out.

[Odion Martins]

“Are you a mind reader?” Odion asked as she further probed his brain, trying to figure out why he was here. What made him so damn interesting anyways? “I came here to explore America, if you must know,” he said, telling a partial truth. He wasn’t about to confess his love for a certain boy who attended Hammel, especially not to a girl he had just met. Trusting others, was not something Odi partook in on a regular basis. If she wanted to know more, she would just have to wait and see.

He laughed softly at her explanation. “So if you weren’t here, then you’d feel like a freak?” He asked, trying to imagine himself at a regular school. He would probably be even more invisible than he was already, not that he would mind that so much. He hated being in the spotlight, he hated a lot of things, but if there was one thing he was thankful for, it was his power. He wasn’t sure he had discussed powers with Avi yet, but they didn’t really have to. Still, he found it ironic that the one thing she seemed excited about being her for, hadn’t come up in conversation like it had with so many others. The ‘what’s yours’ game.

“What tipped you off?” He asked, a sly grin on his face. Of course he liked playing with cards, hadn’t he proved that already? He took out the ratty looking deck again, the one that contained so many memories. “I like that you can do so many things with cards. Games, with others and on your own. Building, castles and the like,” he said, thinking that they needed no other explanation. It took a special kind of person to appreciate what he was talking about.

As Avi laughed loudly, he chuckled softly, bringing a finger to his lips. “Hush up love, we’re in a library,” he warned, as they got an equalling warning look from the librarian. Odion shook his head, laughing softly still. He wondered how many times the blonde had been kicked out of here. “No lucky bloke? Too bad,” he said with a shrug, pocketing his cards once more. She seemed so friendly, maybe that was why she was still single. “I only just got here, so no, obviously I have no one,” he said, the statement ringing in his ears long after he said it. He was pretty lonely, and it hurt not to have anyone. Not just in the romantic sense of the word, but in general.

“You don’t want a boyfriend? Or girlfriend?” He grinned, playing her game. It seemed that she was interested in chatting, and honestly, Odion was enjoying Avi’s company.