Reaching As I Fall (Lani.)

[Lani Hunter]

It really wasn’t hard to predict what Lani was saying. It was stuff he had been saying all along, just not so harshly and all at one time. He really couldn’t understand what it was that was making Odion want to go back to Rhett. It was like he was a drug or something. Lani really hoped Odion would see reason but after hearing that he wasn’t sure that Odion was all there anymore. Didn’t he remember? That was silly, of course Odion remembered, but why then was he so willing to fall back into that relationship. Lani was starting to see a pattern form. Odion would follow Rhett and fall in love then Rhett would leave again leaving Odion heartbroken and untrusting. Then Rhett would return and it would all start again. As Odion’s friend Lani couldn’t let the redhead do that to himself, but as something more Lani didn’t want Odion to do that to himself. So he was with Adrianna but then why was the thought of Odion falling in love with Rhett again making his crazy? Not just because he saw his friend at a crossroads. Odion might not see it but one was lined with stones and the other with embers. If Odion chose wrong he would be burned.

Lani sighed and looked Odion in the eye. His rant having gotten out the brunt of his frustration left room for thought now. He nodded solemnly. “No doubt,” he replied. A mess… this was a battlefield. Rhett had started a war. Not a war in the traditional sense where the good guys and the bad guys were clear. No every one of them was their own country forming alliances and making enemies. All had made good and bad decisions. Either way, none of the four could claim complete innocence, nor complete guilt. That was the hardest part of this. To realize that there was blame to share throughout. Even Rhett whom Lani found it hard to find good in did have love for Odion and wished to make it up to him and even Adrianna who was as innocent as they came was guilty of jumping to conclusions. “You know this is just what he wants,” Lani said harshly not toward Odion but toward his ex-boyfriend, “He wants us all at each other’s throats. So that no matter what happens he wins.”

Odion was being honest and Lani found himself caught in his bright blue eyes. “If you had known that this was what was going to happen would you have come?” Lani asked his fingers tapping out the rhythm of the background music. If knowing all that he knew now would Odion give up the chance to love Rhett, to know Lani and to learn more about himself if he could avoid getting hurt in the first place.

If Odion had said he was replaceable aloud Lani would probably have hit him. Really if not for Odion Lani wouldn’t be as far as he was with his power, without Odion Lani probably wouldn’t be half as thoughtful as he was. He would be the same react now ask questions later guy that he had been when they first met. “Of course not,” Lani agreed but looked around at the now mobile room, “But it must be tempting to have a little fun, isn’t it?” His eyes sparkled as the trickster in him came out. Now he was goading Odion into using his power and playing around with other people to get his mind off of Rhett. “Besides how boring if life were always like this.” He liked the noise and the expressions that people made. He knew that regardless of whether or not he could freeze time he would watch peoples expressions. They gave away so much especially when they were wearing masks. Perhaps that was why Odion say right through Lani.

“I think I’ll be ok missing out on that,” Lani said with a grin. Odion really had no idea how bad Lani was. Lani would be just as happy if Odion never knew. Lani’s eyes glanced toward the guy who Odion was making eye contact with. How strange that he felt like he needed to glare at the guy. Oh well, he refrained as best he could. Lani blushed and shook his head at Odion glad for the dim lighting. “Alright hotshot, why don’t you show me some of your stuff?” He challenged, “That guy seems interested.” He gestured discretely with his head. A player, no, a charming con man, yes. Lani really could learn a few things from Odion.

When it came to wrong decisions it wasn’t hard for Lani to admit or at least acknowledge that he had his fair share of bad life decisions. And probably would keep making bad life decisions until the day he died. But at least he could give people advice because he had learned from experience. It really was too bad that Lani was not the person to come to with relationship problems. Odion better believe that Lani was excited to punch Rhett’s lights out and he was sure he could hold his own. And even if he couldn’t Lani wasn’t above cheating. Not when it came to this. This was a fight among thieves and now Rhett was threatening him. In Lani’s world that meant that Rhett had to go away. Or at least be intimidated into going away. So Lani would fight dirty if he had to, but with his fists not with his wits. There Lani was at a disadvantage. Lani shrugged, he really hadn’t thought about it. “Adrianna,” he finally said, “We had a little... disagreement. Probably in many thanks to your fiend.” Lani wrinkled his nose and finished off his beer and taking possession of one of the drinks the waitress brought before Odion could snatch it again. So Lani and Adrianna had had their first fight. No big deal right? She had just called him acting like he had already cheated on her. “He gives me the creeps,” Lani said. He at least wasn’t familiar. Lani glanced over and blinked wondering if he was seeing things but the man was gone. “Huh well then,” he said softly and he searched the crowd. This was one guy he wanted to keep an eye on.

[Odion Martins]

Odion had always known Rhett, and even though their relationship was screwed up, it was all he had ever known. It just didn’t feel right not to be with him, even if Rhett hurt him and disappointed him for the rest of their lives, there didn’t seem to be a better alternative, other than living alone forever. And Odi didn’t want to be alone. Yes, Rhett was exactly like Odion’s personal brand of cocaine. He wanted Rhett, but maybe he shouldn’t need him like he thought he did. Odion wasn’t sure if he would fall in love with Rhett again, but it seemed inevitable. Rhett was someone who could understand Odi, despite how he treated the ginger. Really, how many other pickpockets were out there? But Lani was giving Odi a new set of eyes, and Odion was starting to question himself where he never had before. And deep down inside, this was why he wanted to see Lani tonight. Lani made him want to do better, even if it ended up being just for himself.

“I’m sorry,” Odion said, still apologizing for Rhett, “that you got dragged into the middle of all this. Adrianna as well.” The ginger was truly sorry to see them questioning each other, when things had been going fairly well. Lani may have been keeping a lot of things to himself, but now... Odion didn’t know what was happening between them, but he was no less sorry. Rhett just had a way of knowing exactly where to hit someone where it hurt. Someone had to lose here. And no matter who came out first, it seemed to Odi like he was going to lose no matter what. For what he truly wanted, wasn’t something he was willing to steal to attain. Odion sighed, thinking over Lani’s words carefully. “Maybe I’ll just get back together with him.” Then at least Rhett would have what he wanted and would leave Adrianna and Lani the hell alone. Since when had Odi decided to be a hero? He started at Lani, wondering if he could pick between appeasing Rhett, or remaining friends with his new favorite blonde.

Odion gulped hard. He didn’t have to think about it at all before speaking, “Yes, if only for the chance.” Odi may not make very good bets with life, but if he couldn’t have what he wanted, at least he would know he had tried, and not because he hadn’t moved. Odion was all about making fate happen. He smiled slightly, not willing to say another word though he did hope Lani could read between his eyes. Odion was glad to have gone through what he had, if only to have this very moment, with Lani, right now.

Without Odion, Lani would be unquestioningly dating his girlfriend. Really, the ginger believed he was more trouble than he was worth, especially for someone like Lani to put up with. Lani deserved a better friend and yet he trusted Odion, and for that, Odi didn’t know how to thank him other than putting himself down. It seemed to have worked in the past to do so. Odion giggled at Lani, nodding his head. “A little fun is always in order.” There had been plenty of time where Odion made rude gestures at people while they were frozen in time. His eyes sparkled at the memories. “It’s sort of nice to get away from life,” Odi said over the music. Sometimes he believed he could stay in one moment of time and disappear forever.

“I was talking about how you will be missing out on what a great dancer I am, I won’t miss how awful you are,” he said, a cheeky grin on his face. He knew that Lani was putting himself down, so he figured he would join in on the party. It wasn’t every day that Lani gave him such an invitation. The guy Odi was watching glanced at Lani momentarily, and Odi grinned. Why did the thought of coming here with Lani make him smile so much? “Done,” Odi said, accepting the challenge before taking his beer to their table. There would be plenty of time for dancing. Odion would happily show off for Lani.

Odion wasn’t above cheating either, and Rhett would get his one way or another. Odion thought that Rhett would’ve known that Lani was also a pickpocket, and a damn good one at that. He should’ve thought twice before picking on Lani, but Odion was glad to have such a good con artist by his side. Lani, that is. Odion’s eyebrows shot up at hearing Adrianna’s name. Surely whatever she had done wasn’t that bad? But as Lani spoke, even Odi had to admit he hadn’t seen that coming. “Disagreement?” He leaned forward. Now Lani had to tell him more than that. But he also wanted to reassure Lani that whatever Rhett had told Adrianna was just to get to her, and to give Adrianna the benefit of the doubt. Odion wasn’t sure why he was doing this, because really, if he wanted Lani, wouldn’t Rhett breaking them up be the perfect thing? Odi wouldn’t have to do any work. He’d be rid of Rhett like a punch in the face and be with Lani. But despite how easy that sounded, it wasn’t really what Odi wanted. And he was a little surprised at how unselfish he was being. He must really like Lani.

On his fourth drink, Odi was starting to feel a little smiley. That’s what happened when you went quickly and mixed it up. Odion rapped the table with his knuckles, feeling antsy. Drinking made him a little hyper, and a little daredevil. “He didn’t seem creepy,” Odion said, looking around the bar as well. But then Odi smirked as said creeper was approaching their table. Odion wiggled his eyebrows at Lani, “Ready to see my moves, as you call them?” The guy reached their table, and introduced himself as Dan. Odion asked the brunet to dance and those dark eyes lit up like a match. “Be right back,” he reassured to Lani, nodding at Dan like he was such a good catch. Dan would be a good way to get his mind off Rhett. And hopefully get Lani a little jealous as well. The dance floor was a little ways away, but it didn’t take Dan very long to be all over Odion, and vice versa.

[Lani Hunter]

Sometimes that was the biggest mistake. Deal with someone and staying in what one knew was bad because it was familiar. The unknown was terrifying. There was no way of telling whether loneliness would set in or if someone else would come along. Well there was debate for the world ending in fire. Lani really couldn’t understand how people could stay with people who hurt them, especially those who didn’t offer a word of apology for it. He knew that if he vanished without a trace of Adrianna he would either not have a choice in the matter or doing it to prevent some harm befalling her. Now with Odion he wasn’t sure how he would react if Lani vanished. Would he be upset but move on like Adrianna might? Or would be dwell on it and shut people out. Lani shook his head a little, well considering he wasn’t planning on vanishing anytime soon he really didn’t see the point in worrying about this. But somehow that didn’t quell his fears.

Lani shook his head. “You didn’t make him do this.” He said bluntly. “Don’t apologize for him. He doesn’t deserve it.” Lani shook his head again. “And let’s be honest I would have been dragged into this one way or another.” No Lani would never have been able to sit idle while his friend suffered. He would go to the source and fix it. At least while he could. The last time Odion had been torn up about Rhett, the blond hadn’t been around for Lani to pummel, now that he was Lani was planning on doing just that. Lani’s gaze had drifted as his thoughts wandered and now hearing Odion his eyes snapped back his neck turning so fast he was sure he got whiplash. He gave Odion a leveling stare. “Ok, now I know you’ve lost it.” He shook his head. “Don’t give in. What has he done but made you miserable? Why are you letting him win? Odion you’ve already shown how great you can be without him. You’re stronger, better than he is.” Odion was going to make Lani tear out his hair. Either way Lani wasn’t so sure that Rhett would leave them alone if Odion did get back together, after all Lani wasn’t planning on listening to Rhett if he told Odion not to see him.

Lani listened pleased with the answer. It wasn’t often that someone was willing to admit that they wouldn’t want to change things. There were always the what could have been, but then the what could have been can be just as terrifying as the here and now, simply because it was unknown. A small smile grew on his face. Could he assume that meant that he was glad he had met Lani. He didn’t want to think he mattered that much to the redhead, but it was hard to deny. After the power training, all the fighting, the cats, the precious moments of hesitant honesty. No, Lani couldn’t say he would take it all back either. If by some phenomena someone went back and changed everything so Lani and Odion never met, or even if that day in the snow was their only interaction Lani was sure he would be missing something. Though, if fate were to show perhaps they would have found each other anyways.

As a friend Lani didn’t need another yesman. He needed someone who was more than willing to tell Lani how it was. He had enough friends who would convince him that yes he was in the right, but no he wasn’t. It was a really good thing that Odion wasn’t willing to give Lani what he wanted to hear. If he was being an ass Odion really had no qualms telling him so, and talk about his deception to Adrianna, if Odion hadn’t been petitioning on her side this whole time… Lani snickered unable to help the impish grin that grew over his face. “Well we can terrorize the world some other time,” he agreed. He cocked his head then nodded, “Everyone has their place that they go for that. You’re just lucky you can get away from people without actually getting away.” Lani had always found the roof comforting. Somewhere he could feel the wind in his face and have the illusion of freedom and peace.

For that comment Lani granted Odion an annoyed look. Odion was starting to get some of his old spark back. “You know you have an awful lot of talk,” Lani pointed out, “But I have yet to see any proof that you are any better than I am.” He challenged. Lani’s brows jumped. He hadn’t thought Odion would take that bet so quickly. Silenced by that alone Lani followed taking a glance around the place wondering who Odion would dance with. Was Odion going to dance with a woman or a man? Was this a bar that didn’t care? Evidently considering the people he was seeing, women with women and men with women and men with men. It seemed to be a good mix.

If it were up to Lani Rhett would not get his way. He would run from Hammel with his tail between his legs. Or at least run from Odion. Like it or not Hammel was a safe haven for metas and he wouldn’t kick Rhett out of that. Though he wasn’t sure that Rhett wanted to be here. After all he was a little flighty. Lani had realized his mistake almost as soon as he had said it. He didn’t want to talk about his relationship problems. Well he did, but not now. Now when Odion was having enough problems of his own. He took a swing and hoped without hope that Odion would let it slip. He didn’t. So he nodded slowly taking the bait. “Just a small one. I was hot headed,” he pointed out willing to admit that he was the instigator, “And she called me telling me that Rhett thought I was some sort of cheater. He was worried about her,” he scoffed the old anger renewing as he told Odion about it. “She… she was acting like I had already cheated on her. Some things were said that were not so kind,” he said twirling the cup in his hands, “But it doesn’t matter everything is fine now.” He at least thought so. After the harsh words were exchanged mostly on his part there had been sweet ones.

Lani downed the rum and coke quickly glad that the waitress seemed to be very much on top of things. She must have said something to the bartender about keeping rum and cokes made. Lani wrinkled his nose. “He seems creepy,” Lani said, “I mean just staring…” He cut himself off as the man appeared in his field of vision and came within earshot. It was a damn good thing he didn’t sneak up behind Lani or else he might have lost a few fingers. “I’ll be judging,” he informed Odion and mimed a pen and paper. This Dan didn’t seem so bad up close. Lani snorted out a noise that was halfway between a laugh and a huff. Dan and Lani exchanged glances for a moment and Lani felt a strange emotion well up in him. For whatever reason it was he had taken an immediate dislike to the man. He watched as Odion joined the fray and he wanted so badly to tear his eyes away, find his own dance partner, thought the safety of that was questionable. But he couldn’t even look away not for a second. Not even when someone drifted by and inquired about the intensity of his gaze. He turned to a woman a few years his senior with fake innocent eyes. He shrugged and couldn’t come up with a good answer. After a few moments of Lani answer in one word answers the woman lost interest and drifted away. Lani glared and he felt his power move out and he realized he didn’t want to stop it. But it was an extension of himself so why then when Dan started to get all over Odion did he knock one foot to the side making him stagger.

[Odion Martins]

Even the known was terrifying, at least when it came to Rhett. Odion was quick to jump and point out flaws in everyone, except himself. And though he knew he had flaws, they were hard to come to terms with. For someone secretly very emotional, to be or not to be with Rhett was a very touchy subject. It was why he entrusted it to Lani, the only person who knew what went on behind those big blue eyes.

Odion didn’t speak, because in his mind he took responsibility. Had Odi never showed up at Hammel, who knew what Rhett would’ve done? Maybe he would be causing trouble in someone else’s life, but he would have had a different hand than the one he did now. It was Odi who saw all those possibilities, especially the ones that helped Lani out of this stupid high school drama. Odi cringed at Lani’s words. Dragged into this? Odion would never ask Lani to fight with him, and maybe he had taken for granted the fact that Lani would, even without asking. Lani knew the effect Rhett had on Odion, which was the most detrimental of this weird love square. Odion watched Lani, wondering if he did get back together with Rhett, how much would it be for himself, or to help Lani stay out of this? Misery, battles, obviously this was the stuff of true love. It wouldn’t be for him. Odion couldn’t help but blush at what Lani was saying, really saying. He didn’t believe in himself as much as Lani did. All of this only made Odi want to hit the bottle more. “I can’t wait to get off my face...” he said weakly, though a half smile did emerge. He was just ready to feel numb.

Lani had to know that Odion cared for him a lot. Enough to trust him with this touchy Rhett-subject, enough to help him practice and control his unruly powers. Enough to feel okay taking off his masks. Odion wasn’t playing around here, and the mind games were different now. And Odion wouldn’t change a thing.

Odion had decided long ago that he would always tell Lani what he needed to hear, not what he wanted to hear. Lani was too comfortable in his own little con world, which Odi had taken a firm grasp of and had shaken vigorously. If Lani was going to graduate, he was going to have to get a hold of himself, and for some odd reason, probably friendship or something, Odi wanted to see him through the process. As for Adrianna, well, Odion respected Lani enough for him to make his own decisions. He wasn’t going to give Lani an ultimatum, because really, Odion wasn’t very good with relationships either. Odi smiled thoughtfully as he gazed at Lani, wondering where his getaway place could be. Instead of asking, Odion just said, “I’m not lucky.”

Odion wasn’t taking bets based on luck, he was taking them based on what he knew was bound to win. He outright laughed at Lani. “I have the bite to backup my bark,” he said with a sly grin. Odion knew he was better than Lani, at least when it came to dancing. Even if the bar did care, Odion didn’t. He could make anyone look good when he danced with them. His dark eyes shot to his friend. He could even make Lani look good.

Rhett would never run away from Odion, not in the sense Lani was hoping. It was like Rhett fed off of Odion’s loyalty and devotion and used it for his own gain, to build himself up. Odion wasn’t sure if he would keep telling Lani what was happening between himself and Rhett, not if Lani was going to keep telling him to get rid of Rhett. Part of him knew Lani was right, but part of him knew that Lani wasn’t getting the hint. Odion listened as Lani spoke, part of him surprised Lani was telling him this at all, the other part glad Lani trusted him. Odi was a good listener, very patient. He waited for Lani to finish speaking, taking everything in, but he did scoff with Lani and nod in all the right places. Lani was obviously hurt to find Adrianna accusing him before he’d even done anything. Adrianna was not a very good listener, even after Odion had spoken to her and asked her to think twice about what Rhett had told her. Odion didn’t say anything, even though it would be in his favour. Adrianna doubted Lani. Theirs was an interesting relationship. “Well that’s good,” he said, deciding to let this go. Lani had been honest and Odion appreciated that. But as he watched Lani, he knew that the blonde would know Odion was keeping things to himself. Odion just didn’t want to touch on the subject of why Rhett was threatening Lani’s relationship with Adrianna, which would then lead to Odion’s feeling about everything and that just wasn’t good at the moment.

Odion shot a glance at Lani. Did the blonde find it creepy when Odi stared at him constantly? Hmm. But he didn’t get a chance to ask. “Judging?” Odion asked with a smirk, getting up from his seat. “Ten out of then I’m sure,” he winked at Lani and went on his way. Dan was unbearably handsome. He was a little older, so he had strong masculine features. A little taller than Odion, a little more experience. It was exciting and Odion would enjoy the dance, though he wasn’t going to spend all night with a stranger when he came with a friend. Dan had taken a chance, discovered Odion wasn’t ‘with’ Lani and now they were smiling at each other. You never knew who you could run into in Pilot Ridge. Dan staggered a bit into Odion and the ginger laughed a bit, whispered something in Dan’s ear, making them both laugh. Odi shot a glance at Lani from across the vast space. Odi and Dan shared a dance to a song that was upbeat, current, and definitely belonged in a club. Odi didn’t miss Lani’s penetrating stare. Odion had goofy moves, bobbing side to side sometimes. He had real dance moves, spinning around and doing the two step and whatnot. He even had a few sexy moves, rear on thighs, thighs on rear, hands on hips, chest... It was fun. The song ended, and Odion thanked Dan for the dance and made to leave. But not before Dan could tell him something that made him smirk.

Returning to his spot across from Lani, Odion was just grinning, smugly at that. “So? What’d you think?”

[Lani Hunter]

It was hard for everyone to come to terms with their flaws, but it was the best of people who loved their friends enough to point them out so that they could be fixed. Of course sometimes it was used in order to get back at someone and be nasty but then it was a vessel to create change. Lani hadn’t been lying when he said that Odion had changed him. He looked at Odion and realized after a moment that he was more than just his best friend. After his talk with that very interesting bartender he had been unable to stop thinking about what she had said. He just knew. But it was information that he didn’t want to know. Especially not after he had just had a fight with Adrianna about her doubting him.

He glared in Odion’s direction but Odion was not the recipient of his glare, it was to a person absent from the scene. So Lani glared off into space his fists clenching and unclenching as he pondered ways of getting Rhett back. Lani caught Odion’s cringe and shook his head realizing how that must have sounded. “I didn’t mean that,” he said, “I mean I would have gotten involved anyways.” He groped for words that would make that sound better but realized he was just making it worse. He didn’t want Odion to think this was his fault. He didn’t make Rhett leave, he didn’t make him come back. He certainly didn’t make Rhett go after Adrianna. Lani experienced or not could recognize a bad relationship when he saw one. Especially with the amount that Odion was beating himself up. Lani had to admit that part of him was afraid of losing Odion if he and Rhett got back together. Who knew what lies Rhett would feed him? Lani frowned as Odion ignored the problem at hand. He shook his head at Odion but let the topic slide. “Well then let’s get wasted.” He said instead motioning that he would follow Odion.

Lani found himself avoiding most of those troubled thoughts, but like someone running from their problems he had a bad habit of running into them all over again. But Odion’s problems, they were something he could deal with. Something he could help with. Odion needn’t even ask. Lani wasn’t really one that liked to have his world shaken but the wake up call from Odion had been badly needed. He didn’t think the same way anymore. He cared about Odion, more than he did most people. Odion, he knew, cared about him. After all why would he even bother making sure Lani’s world was turned upside down every few days. Lani could hardly keep up to do the same with Odion. He smiled at Odion. He shrugged, “Well luck is often overrated.” He turned his eyes on Odion. “But I know that you don’t need luck.” No, Odion made his own luck. He had survived as a pickpocket without a family in Europe and then he had the courage to come to America. No, maybe Odion was right. He wasn’t lucky, he was strong.

“I don’t believe you,” Lani taunted giving Odion a sly grin right back. No he was not going to give Odion this one. He wanted proof. And while it really wasn’t hard to believe that the redhead would be a better dancer he wasn’t going to leave it at that. And since Lani wasn’t going to embarrass himself by dancing and Odion had already banned that he would have to find another partner. Sure Adrianna had been schooling him in dance but it was really all he could do to sway to a beat and not get off. Odion probably did a lot of things better than Lani, but Lani liked to think that there was plenty that he was better at. It was really a good thing that they weren’t into testing who was the better thief or else a friendly game could quickly turn into a vicious rivalry.

Even Lani could see how degrading this relationship was for Odion. He wished he was a mindreader so he could know what Odion was thinking or even what Rhett was planning. It would be really nice to be able to get to him before he got to them again. No Lani wasn’t getting the hint. He didn’t understand how someone could love someone who hurt them so badly. So Lani was not going to stop telling Odion to kick Rhett to the curb. Rhett didn’t deserve Odion and when Rhett did have Odion he treated him like an object. He trusted Odion against his better judgment. Or maybe it was better judgment. He had finally found someone worthy of trusting and he had jumped at it before his mind could get in his way. Logic always ruined the most beautiful of things. So as he spoke about his problems with Adrianna he realized he was pulling focus toward himself. He recoiled at the thought; he wasn’t the one having real relationship problems. Odion was. So when Odion chose not to pursue the topic Lani was glad. But he looked at Odion and knew that there was more behind those eyes. He shrugged it off and was glad for the drinks. “Oh well,” he said dismissively. He looked up at Odion and his eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Why didn’t you leave Rhett when he cheated with Adrianna’s ex?” He asked abruptly wondering why Odion had stood for that at all.

Lani’s eyes locked with the blues eyes and he wished again he could read Odion’s mind because the redhead was not giving anything away. He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “Yes, I’m going to play Simon for a little while and determine if you really are as good as you think you are,” he winked at Odion. Certainly he would get a ten out of ten. Lani examined Dan for a moment. It only showed more about himself when he could appreciate that he was handsome. This made Lani want to shake the thought away, because he was still creepy. He looked like the kind of guy that was used to getting what he wanted. Lani bristled as he watched the pair exchange whispers. Odion wasn’t holding anything back as he spun and moved his hands. He wasn’t as good as Adrianna but then she had been training all of her life. But it was certain to say that he was better, much better than Lani. A strange strong sensation came over Lani as he started to put his hands all over Dan and Dan all over him. He down his drink in one swallow but he couldn’t turn his eyes away.

Odion sauntered back over and Lani raised a brow at him trying not to let his annoyance show. “What were you two whispering about?” He blurted out. He sat down and Lani hummed a little to the music. He shrugged and tried to drink out of his empty glass. Realizing this too late he sighed and replaced it. “I think,” Lani said with a dramatic pause, “that you are indeed a great dancer. I tip my hat to you,” he said miming the action. He had to stop himself from saying that Dan was still creepy. He swept his eyes around the room for the man but he had vanished in the crowd. Not something he liked.

[Odion Martins]

Odion really did want Lani’s opinion on this. And everything Lani said, Odion had already thought about, it was just nice to hear it coming from someone else. Odi really didn’t think he could get away from Rhett without some help. Rhett was such a huge, huge part of Odion’s life. It Rhett had been gone for just a while longer, Odion might’ve been able to resist him on his own. But then again, why would he need friends to begin with at that point? As it was, Odion needed support and for once in his life, he was willing to admit that. Whatever Lani was willing to give, Odi would take, and nothing more. He wasn’t willing to steal this time. Not even Rhett had made him want that.

Odion didn’t have to look at Lani to see and feel the blonde’s anger. Odion had stopped assuming it could be something more than friendship. Friendship was complicated. Usually when someone was hurt, a good friend would try and rescue them, or go after whoever had caused them pain. Odion didn’t doubt Lani as a good friend. So he decided friendship was why Lani was so riled up instead of filling his mind with wishful thinking. That, and Rhett had threatened Lani’s relationship with Adrianna. He was doing what came so naturally to him – defending those he cared about. Odion seriously doubted that Rhett could rise to the occasion as well as Lani did. “You wouldn’t have to, I wouldn’t ask you to.” Odion knew Lani had better things to do with his life than defend him. But still, he knew what Lani was going to say in response to that. He would do it because he wanted to. It was scary, knowing Lani this well... Odion didn’t need to be told twice to consume alcohol.

Odion still thought the same way, but after meeting Lani, he just had a better picture of reality. He needed someone to prove to him that the world isn’t all bad. And that meant more coming from someone who was just as bad as he was. The more time he spent with Lani, the more he trusted him, and the more they got to know each other, the stronger Odion felt. Yeah they tore each other down sometimes, but never once had they left the other to fend for themselves. Not even when Odion didn’t know Lani that well, and hadn’t ratted him out. Odion needed Lani in order to think about the future without actually going there. Lani understood him, and that was no small feat to earn. Odion smiled back. He had Lani. Lucky Lani. Things weren’t so bitter between them now than they had been before.

“I guess you’ll just have to see it to believe it,” he said with a shrug, like Lani was seriously missing out on something great. It was just dancing to Odi, not a big deal. Something fun to do to pass the time which only became more fun the more drinks you had in you. Odion liked to believe he wouldn’t be just better than Lani at dancing, but actually good at it. When it came to thievery, Odion knew they were an equal match, they just had a different process. Besides, Odion didn’t want to have more than one friendly game going on at once.

Isn’t that exactly what Odion had told Rhett when he came back and showed up in his dorm? That he was not an object? Really Lani and Odi were on the same page, Lani was just being the voice of reason and Odion was trying to find an excuse to stay with Rhett. Odion had conned so many people into thinking he was forgiving, that he was starting to believe it himself, even when he probably shouldn’t be forgiving Rhett at all. After all, Rhett said he would do it again if he had to. Maybe Odion had accepted long ago that all people were bad, and those who claimed they weren’t were lying. Odion didn’t think he could do better, because he didn’t think humanity itself was good. Odion was more about the beauty of things than their logistics. It’s what made Lani and Odi such a good team. Odion knew Lani didn’t like the topic of conversation to be about him, so Odi let it go. After all, Lani had said a lot more in the last couple of minutes than he ever had with Odion’s prodding. And that spoke for itself. “He didn’t cheat on me,” Odion clarified, “that was before I came to Hammel. Rhett helped Talen cheat on Adrianna.” So really, that didn’t make him any better, but at the time, it didn’t seem as bad as it didn’t now to Odion. The ginger frowned deeply. Rhett was a terrible person, why did he feel anything at all for him? Oh right, they were both orphans, and they had that connection... Odi glanced at Lani. Things weren’t becoming any clearer.

Odion smirked at Lani, amused that the blonde was pretending not to care. He took a seat and cradled his drink between his hands. “I told him I wasn’t interested in leaving with him,” Odi watched Lani very carefully, “and he said you were very lucky.” Even Odion could feel a blush rising to his face, but the dim lighting erased his true emotions. Why had he told Lani that last bit of truth? “And you know, he said I was good looking and all that,” he said, adjusting his hat, as though this were the most obvious thing a total stranger would say to him. Odion took a sip of his drink through the tiny straw, finally starting to feel the alcohol kicking in. That only took, what? Five drinks? Never mind how quickly he’d had to drink them. Odion set his drink down and actually took off his hat, giving Lani a little bow. “Why thank you kind sir.” He replaced the hat on his head, crookedly, and gave an equally crooked smirk to Lani. He just loved that he could actually take his hat off. That, and he liked to think he was a bit charming.

Bobbing his head to the music a little bit, Odion watched as a blonde girl made her way towards Lani, wrapping her arms around his neck. She cared for a dance. Odi raised an eyebrow at her, covering his frown by taking a sip of his drink. He had already decided no for Lani. “He’s a terrible dancer love,” he informed the girl. He looked at Lani as though saying, ‘what?’ Odi wasn’t jealous, he was just telling the truth. Odi’s contemplative nature was fading away anyways. “Oh, and he has a girlfriend.”

[Lani Hunter]

Lani was watching Odion carefully half worried that he would start to fall into a depression like had before. The other half worried that he would get back with Rhett with no questions asked. Well probably not no questions asked but letting him back in after Rhett had been the one to take off so fast it left the door swinging its hinges. Lani might not admit it and he might not even know it yet but he needed Odion as well. He, hesitantly, had come to rely on Odion to give him advice and yes tell him that he was being an idiot. Sometimes Lani really needed a kick in the head. But now it was Lani’s turn to tell Odion that he was being an idiot. Lani knew that matters of the heart were not so clear cut but for him there was no grey area here. Rhett had left without a word and returned three months later with not so much as an apology.

Odion’s words were silly in Lani’s opinion. But of course he wasn’t going to say so. He considered his friend for a long moment and slowly shook his head and sighed a little. He knew that Odion cared about him, if he was trying to keep Lani out of this, keep him from getting hurt. Lani’s eyes narrowed a little as he thought about it. That was very unselfish is Odion. Lani chewed on the inside of his cheek and considered Odion. “You wouldn’t have to,” he said firmly. Lani had already told him he would be here for him. If he had wanted to shut Odion out of his life he would have left that night in the hallway. After that it had been no turning back, well at least for Lani. He wasn’t sure about Odion but he had started to trust the redhead that night and that dangerous bridge had been crossed. So no, Odion would not have to ask Lani to join the fray for him. He would do it on his own given the chance.

They say that everyone has their own hell to go through but Lani had learned long ago that when someone stopped from pulling them into their hell they really cared. Anyone could pull someone into their hell for, well, the hell of it. Lani felt very much like he was on a coaster when he was with Odion. The highs were exhilarating but the falls were quick and frightening. Lani was never one to be afraid of falling but he didn’t know what it would be like to emotionally fall with no one to catch him before. He had never had to worry about it before, he was with his family, with his friends. But even with things between him and Adrianna it was hard to think that he might fall. He hadn’t fallen but he had definitely stumbled and the tight rope he was walking pitched under him.

Lani smiled a little and nodded his head. Seeing he would believe, but he had his assumptions. It was hard to think that if someone had painted this picture for him a few years ago he would have laughed. Tell him he had telekinesis sure that was impossible but dancing? Lani thinking about dancing and trying to dance well Lani probably would have gone hysterical with laughter. Adrianna had seen first hand what Lani’s version of dancing was and it was certainly a more flailing motion than the fluid one she and now Odion had. He had to admit he was jealous, he was terrible at doing big jobs on the front line because of this. No while the one man distracted the host Lani was the one with the skill to avoid the part and get into the treasury. “You just like to prove me wrong,” Lani countered after a few moments.

The fact that Odion wasn’t seeing reason was driving him mad. Why on earth would Odion want to get back with that joker? It didn’t make sense to Lani. If he had done that to Adrianna he would come back on his knees begging her to forgive him. He would give her an explanation, be it truth or lie it didn’t really matter but he would never be able to forgive himself for the things he put her through. Lani cocked his head, interested by this new information. So Rhett himself wasn’t a cheater but he was more than willing to take what he wanted even though it might be with someone else. But really the fault was with the weak willed boy who had allowed himself to be lured away from Adrianna. Lani really wasn’t sure how that had happened. Adrianna, save this one time, had done nothing but kind thoughtful things. She spoke like a romantic and her thoughts were sweet and innocent. He shook his head. “Why? I mean what’s the point? Did he just want to see Adrianna suffer?” He clenched his fists. It was probably fair to say that Lani was never going to understand Rhett. They really were opposites. One wanted what he wanted and took it without regards for anyone else, perhaps even enjoyed the muddle he created. The other wanted so much to help people that he put his own happiness aside for others and tried to help. Lani looked at Odion, he wasn’t selfish. Not in the least. Lani couldn’t believe he was just now realizing this. But everything Odion had done, whether Lani liked it or not was to get him to be a better person. It was so strange realizing that he had been on the receiving end of his own treatment all along. A warm feeling spread through him and he was reminded of how warm Odion’s power was to him.

Lani nodded, only half listening. His head swiveled to Odion and he blinked owlishly at the redhead. “He said what?” He demanded not completely believe him. Finally he found it in his head to laugh because there was nothing else he could think to do. He shook his head as his own blush grew on his face. “Wow, even random strangers are convinced I’m lucky.” He chuckled not denying the fact that he was lucky. There he went again making awkward subjects jokes. It was the easiest thing for him to do. Lani’s eyes flashed and quickly snapped over Odion’s outfit. He couldn’t deny that Odion was good looking. “Well that’s certainly not going to help your ego,” he teased with a wink. He smiled brightly when Odion actually took off his hat and tipped it to him. Odion was starting to joke around like his old self but that might be part of the drinking. Lani started on his next drink as the waitress brought them over. Yes, drunk was what he was going to get tonight. He discarded the straw on the table to took the alcohol straight to his lips.

It was really thanks to Lani’s power constantly pondering about that he didn’t completely jump out of his skin when someone touched him. And all to intimately wrapped their arms around him. He did start a little and was glad he had set his drink down. He twisted his head to see who it was who had ensnared him. It was a blond girl, quite good looking. She was pretty but in his opinion not as pretty as Adrianna, besides she was obviously drunk. Though that really wasn’t much for him to say. Odion spoke up before he had a chance to and he gave the redhead a bemused look. The woman protested and Lani had to laugh. “He’s right, he’s really only looking out for your safety.” His eyes widened and he gave Odion a slightly disbelieving look as he pointed out he had a girlfriend. He could have at least let Lani handle that one. He patted her hand as she drew away and complained that what she didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her. Oh how wrong this girl was. He shook his head and thanked her before ever so gently turning to ignore her. His eyes shot amused looks at Odion. “What a way to make an introduction,” he said with mock sourness in his tone. Just wait Odion, Lani thought, I’ll get you back for that. "Lucky for me you're here to help me with my sudden onset of muteness." He teased giving Odion a pleasant and thankful smile.

[Odion Martins]

Odion was tired of fighting all the time. He understood that sometimes you needed to have your guard up, but he found his life consisted more of surviving, getting by, and fighting than actually living. Maybe if he just got back with Rhett, things would settle down. Another part of Odion really just wanted to get back to him, just to break his heart by leaving. Or maybe cheating. But Odion didn’t think he could follow through. It was like one of those thoughts that were there one second and gone the next. He hesitated not because he was a coward, but he was turning into a better person. Odion would’ve loved to know that he was starting to become irreplaceable in Lani’s life. He wouldn’t have anyone else kicking the blonde in the head. All Odi was starting to feel at the moment was a headache.

Silly or not, Odion didn’t want Lani to feel like he owed him anything. If Lani stayed, it would be of his own accord. There were no debts here. If Lani faced this the way Rhett presented it, that meant there was something to lose here. Odion wasn’t going to ask Lani to face his demons before he was ready, even though at one point he would’ve given anything for the opportunity. Odion wanted to grab Lani’s hand. But he didn’t. Instead he smiled. “I thought you’d say that...” Odi blinked rapidly and looked ahead, wiping at his face. “Thank you.” He knew that when the time came, Lani would help him put Rhett in his place.

Hell is what you make. Odion wasn’t going to let time get the better of him. He had put his decision into confines and hoped that that would speed up the process of what he wanted to do next. For now, he would rest reassured. Lani had stood through the test of friendship. Odion had fallen emotionally with no one to catch him one too many times. It was good to know Lani wasn’t like Rhett. At all. When they first met, Odi thought they had looked so similar... But now, he could see the differences. In fact, Lani was a lot more, handsome. Fuck, get your mind out of that door. Odion blinked a few times, shaking the thoughts away. He just hoped he could be there for Lani if his life ever went sour.

Lani was good at a lot of things. He was good at contemplating every possibility, and thinking philosophically. Odion smiled slightly. He was also really good with stars. Odi really believed he could make Lani look good while dancing. Adrianna may have tried to show him how, but Odion was a lot stronger than Adrianna, and would probably have an easier time with the task. But alas, Odion said he wouldn’t dance with Lani. Tonight. It was for their own good. Odion could relate the finesse of dancing to stealing. Could Adrianna do that? An idea formed in Odi’s mind. Maybe he could teach Lani without a dance floor. Lani was so agile, jumping around from building to building. There was a dancer in there somewhere. Odion rolled his eyes. “Obviously.” Proving Lani wrong was fun.

And that’s what made Lani very different from Rhett. Rhett hadn’t offered a thing, other than excuses. At one point, Odi would’ve taken whatever he wanted, when he wanted. But Lani had changed that. He couldn’t do what Rhett had done. He was attracted to Lani, but no luring would be had. Odion shook his head no. Rhett hadn’t been that diabolical that he wanted to help Talen cheat just to watch Adrianna suffer. “He said it was a hormonal thing...” Now that he was repeating them, Rhett’s excuses were really lame. Basically Rhett just thought Talen was a good looking guy and wanted to kiss him, and didn’t think beyond that. He could’ve gone to any bar and have the same thing and probably more. Odion was starting to wonder just how well he had understood Rhett. Maybe Odi had just understood one of Rhett’s masks. Lani stole for himself though, he wasn’t all angel. And neither was Odi. The ginger really believed he was selfish. Everything he did he did for himself. Until he met Lani. Then the whole kitten thing had happened and he was steadily changing ever since. What Lani was realizing had been Odion’s intention all along, though he didn’t attribute it to being selfless. Did wanting to help someone make you selfless? Odion wasn’t sure, because when he started giving Lani a taste of what he did for others, Odi had just been trying to prove a point. That Lani needed to be taken care of too.

“He asked me to leave with him! Can you believe that?” Odion laughed over the music. Lani was a silly man who didn’t know what he wanted and Odi was just reveling in that. Odi caught Lani’s eye and shook his head. Lani pretended to be oblivious just to protect himself. It wasn’t luck in the same sense Odion had referred to. “No, random strangers think you and I are together.” Odion wore a smile of his own. It was his specialty to turn Lani’s jokes into awkward situations. It was easy to do that to Lani. “Are you kidding me?” Odion scoffed, toying with his drink before glancing to Lani once more. “I could use the ego boost right about now.” He looked around the bar again. Where was Dan when you needed him? And where were the rest of his drinks?

Smiling in amusement at Lani, Odion wondered why he was so startled. Lani was a good looking guy, of course he was going to be approached tonight. Sure, Odion was looking out for her safety. The girl didn’t seem impressed. “Exactly. Your safety.” He had to hand it to Lani, he was quicker on his feet than Odi gave him credit for. Odion just gave Lani another ‘what?’ look to the blonde’s disbelieving one. He was just being a good friend, that’s all. Odion was glad the little drunk one had left. “What? Should I go and tell her you’ve changed your mind?” He challenged. Odion had done Lani a favour. “Well if I can’t dance with you then no one else should, it’s the least I can do.” Odion was on his sixth drink and would very soon stop keeping track.

“Have you ever stolen anything while you were drunk?” Odion asked, crumpling his drinking straw between his fingers. He was only slightly slurring his speech.

[Lani Hunter]

Fighting seemed to be something that the two of them were good at. No a good thing but sometimes it was easier to be defensive than it was to tell the truth. And for thieves honesty was dangerous ground. But the fact that they weren’t fighting for the sake of fighting, they were fighting each other to try to get one another to realize that they were walking down a dangerous road. Lani didn’t want to think about it. He didn’t want to Odion to get back together with Rhett for Odion’s sake but he was also being selfish about it. He didn’t want Odion to get with Rhett because that might mean that Lani wouldn’t see Odion as much anymore. Lani knew that he had never been so unshielded around anyone before. Save his family.

Lani simply smiled oblivious to the internal battle being waged inside of Odion. At least where he was concerned. Lani would help Odion because he cared and that was the end of the story. No arguments, no words could change that. Lani didn’t want to face his demons, but he had avoided them long enough and it would come up one way or another. If given the chance Lani would run from them forever but never before had he had something worth staying for and if he was always on the run he couldn’t stay here. With Adrianna and with Odion. Lani smiled a little, of course, he was predictable. He nodded in acknowledgement. “We’re partners,” Lani pointed out but stopped himself before he said no thanks was necessary. That would be an insult so Lani accepted the thanks. Imagine that, Odion was teaching Lani manners. “It seems you know me too well.” He said instead.

Lani looked into those big blue eyes and found himself smiling. Those eyes had haunted his dreams for weeks now but he never woke up sure if he was upset or not. Sometimes they were the just as accusing as all of the other eyes, other times they were cold and observant but that was even more terrifying than the accusations because Lani didn’t know what they were saying. He shook his head a little and glanced at Odion giving him a questioning look. He attributed the shake of the head and blinking to the alcohol. “Not getting drunk already, are we?” He asked knowing that he was the one who was the closest to crossing that line. Really he needed to work on not getting so drunk so soon. The night was still young, especially for those who lived in the darkness. It was hardly starting and until the sun came up the city was their playground.

Lani would only laugh if Odion tried to convince him he could dance. Adrianna was trying but Lani’s skull was thick in this area. If there was a dancer in Lani he had left a long time ago. Lani wrinkled his nose at Odion. “You do realize that being better at dancing that I am is not much of an accomplishment either.” He pointed out. But Odion did more than that. He wasn’t as good as Adrianna, Adrianna was more set for the stage, but he was good at following the rhythm. Either way Lani had no business in either situation. He would stick to what he knew which was running rooftops. Really musical talent seemed to have missed Lani altogether. Even the piano he was mediocre and that was only because his parents forced him through a few years of lessons.

“A hormonal thing? Really?” A laugh bubbled out of Lani’s throat. “What a load of crap.” So maybe he had to hand it to Odion that perhaps Rhett wasn’t evil incarnate but what he was doing now was starting to show a push in that direction. No Lani didn’t consider himself the best person in the world. Sure he had started stealing for his sister but that had been a temporary thing and now he couldn’t stop. Odion had been giving him a dose of his own medicine. It was strange to be taken care of. He hadn’t even noticed it, not until now. How had he been so dense? Though really he couldn’t say that he wasn’t dense. Really it was sad sometimes the things that he missed. “Well then, maybe I’m giving him too much credit,” Lani said absentmindedly, “Or not enough.” He paused, maybe Rhett was playing innocent back then as well. Well either was the past was the past and people could change. But Rhett seemed to have changed for the worst. How could someone enjoy toying with hearts so much? If he wanted Odion he could just bother Odion, granted Lani would tell him to back off but why did he go out of his way to get to Adrianna and pull Lani into this. Why force Lani’s hand? Was he trying to force Odion’s hand? What was Rhett’s endgame? And how could they stop it?

Lani couldn’t help but laugh with Odion. “See. I told you he was creepy.” He snickered enjoying Odion’s reaction. “I can believe it; I mean you are a regular Prince Charming that poor man probably didn’t stand a chance.” He gave Odion a wink yeah there was a quick transition from creepy Dan to poor Dan. Lani’s face heated and he shook his head. Why did Odion feel the need to point that out? He didn’t even know how to respond. “That’s… I can’t… wha… Well…” He stumbled and finally forced out a sad explanation, “How rude, coming after someone he thought was taken.” He shook his head and smirked at Odion. “No my friend, it is not your ego that is bruised.” The waitress came around with more drinks and Lani smiled taking his own. “If you want an ego boost though I would look elsewhere. Especially if Sir Creepy wanted to take you home.” He shook his head, people like that were creepy not because they were bad looking but because it was so obvious what they wanted. And a random bedmate was not what Odion was. Not to anyone. Lani felt stubbornly sure about that.

Odion’s innocent expression was not believed. He had done that for a reason. Be that to protect Adrianna or the drunk woman’s feet Lani wasn’t sure but he had a feeling there was something else in there. Lani shook his hand. “No, no, that’s not necessary.” Now Lani’s eyebrows raised and he paused the cup halfway in the air toward his lips. He rose to the challenge, but not the one that Odion had done intentionally. “Really? And why is that? Besides you’re the one who said you wouldn’t dance with me,” he pointed out mercilessly. There had been no ‘can’t’ when they had first arrived. It was a definite ‘not’. So really it wasn’t that Odion couldn’t it was that he wouldn’t. Lani had made no such limits. An impish smile grew on his lips and he narrowed his eyes at Odion. Oh yes the blond was planning something.

Lani raised a brow and shook his head. “Nope, can’t say I have. Have you?” That seemed rather dangerous but at the moment Lani really couldn’t say that he would have that ability to make that judgment call. Lani reached out and swiped the hat off of Odion’s head and onto his own in a matter of moment. He sat back with a smirk fixing the hat so that it sat low over his eyes. He grinned like a loon. “But now I have.” He opened his hands and his eyes dared Odion to take the hat back. People milled by occasionally drifting toward their table. One man decided it necessary to inform him that his stolen hat didn’t match his outfit at all. Lani glanced up and his eyes lit up with mischief. “So Odion did you ever call that waitress?” He asked conversationally. Not to mention that said waitress was sitting with a few friends at a table nearby.

[Odion Martins]

”We’re partners”. Odion just let those words resonate in his mind a bit. Nothing more needed to be said or thought through. Lani was making things really simple, and yet really difficult at the same time. Odi really liked knowing Lani well. They were looking out for one another where no one else could, and that was something worth fighting for.

“Oh I’m getting drunk on something alright,” he said coyly. No, he was not drunk on the drink, yet. But he wasn’t going to admit that he had gotten lost in thinking about Lani. Although it would be funny to just throw out there that he was thinking about how handsome Lani was. No, he was not that drunk. Yet. Part of Odi didn’t want this night to end, so that he could just keep being with Lani, and not face the darker parts of his life.

“You do realize that you’re totally jealous, right?” Odion didn’t care how terrible Lani thought he was. Hadn’t the blonde also thought he would never be able to control his powers? Hadn’t Odion proved him wrong there? Maybe they just worked well together. Odion was a good teacher, and Lani was the worst of students. The blonde should be giving his friend a little bit more credit.

“Yeah, it is a pretty lame excuse,” Odion said, voicing his thoughts. There had been plenty of times were Odi wanted to kiss someone and he hadn’t simply because it wouldn’t be appropriate. That, or common sense. Lani was and probably always would be dense. But Rhett had always been playing. Odion didn’t say anything about credit, because really, he knew what Lani thought of Rhett. Rhett was someone who collected hearts as much as he collected anything from shops or people’s pockets. Everything was up for grabs and he didn’t seem to know the difference between objects and people. Odion knew this oh too well. But what was really bothering Odion in all this, was why did Rhett being a true thief, bother Lani and Odi so much? They were both thieves with hearts who knew what it meant to hold someone else’s heart, and knew how to take care of it. So why didn’t Rhett understand that? Or was something wrong with them? Odion did his best to stay focused on the present.

“That doesn’t make him creepy, it makes him desperate.” Odion was quick to correct. Most people weren’t very willing to climb into bed with strangers. Odi wasn’t someone who did. Odion laughed but was blushing severely. “Shut up Lani. I wasn’t trying to charm him into bed.” Besides, Lani was just being an ass. He didn’t mean a word of that previous bantering. He was just trying to make Odi feel better. That’s what Odi told himself. This time Odion laughed without reserve. “Yeah thanks for helping me out with that one. I don’t mind really, gives me a good excuse to decline.” His smile sparkled at Lani. Odion was being partially sarcastic and partially true. It was cute when Lani’s words got all tangled together like that, but Odion wasn’t just going to leave him sputtering out random half words. It was clear that Odion didn’t mind being viewed as a couple, because he knew they weren’t and he was comfortable with that. Lani, not so much. Odion sighed and ran a hand over the back of his neck. “You’re right. Sleeping around never did much good for anyone.” Eh, that’s not really what Odi wanted anyways.

Odion smirked, glad Lani was seeing things his way. But then he had to go on about the wording of the statement and Odi rolled his eyes. “Are you trying to make this awkward?” He asked, staring at Lani with a dancing smirk on his face. “Because if you are, then my answer is: Would you like me to change my mind? Because I can dance, I just don’t think you’d appreciate dancing with me. If you’re not, then it’s: Let me rephrase that, I won’t dance with you, and no one else should.” Fine. If there were no limits let the games begin. “Just don’t fall in love with me if you do choose to make things awkward.” How much of that was true sentiment or alcohol talking was up for debate.

Odion just giggled for a few seconds. “You’re missing out mate,” he said, ending his laughter with a smirk. Of course he had stolen drunk. It was pretty much the best idea ever when one was under the influence. Odion smiled at Lani, wearing his hat. “I’ll take you real drunk stealing some time,” he said. There was no questioning what a great idea this was. “Nothing big, just a few pockets or something,” he said with a couple nods of his head. Yup, it was decided. It was also decided that the hat looked magical on Lani. Odi just might let him keep it. The ginger just smirked as someone criticised Lani’s choice in hats. “He’s right you know,” Odi said, taking a swig of his drink, “you have awful taste in clothing.” Odion laughed again, his eyebrows furrowing as he shook his head. “Yeah, once.” He said with a grin. “Don’t worry, I told it to her straight.” He laughed at himself, like he was telling a great joke. To him, he really was.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani raised his brow. “Oh?” He gave Odion a narrow eyed look. Why was Odion so cute when he played coy? Lani shook his head oh this was going to be a night to remember. Well, kind of. That would really all depend on how much they ended up drinking. Lani wasn’t planning on getting that drunk but really once he hit that wall and crashed through it there really wasn’t any difference between one more drink and five. Well at least not that he noticed. Odion would really just have to worry about Lani being convinced he could sing. But then if Odion got as drunk as Lani then he probably would be there egging Lani on.

“I am,” Lani admitted, “Though I don’t know where the skill of dancing would be particularly useful.” It was one thing when Adrianna could dance better than him but now that Odion could Lani was jealous. Really even if anyone be it Adrianna, Odion, or the Witch Doctor could teach Lani how to dance he was convinced it would be a miracle. Teaching him to control his power was one thing but dancing. That was on a totally different level. He had to admit that Odion had stolen his respect when he had been able to prove that he could handle him. Anyone who could handle Lani’s power and do so in a way that wasn’t completely degrading for Lani earned respect in Lani’s books. Now that was a rather short list but Odion had his name scratched in there. But that didn’t mean that Lani was ever going to admit that.

Odion seemed to agree but he didn’t seem as enthusiastic as Lani was to think that Rhett was evil incarnate. Admittedly that was probably unfair. Lani really didn’t know Rhett. Now granted that Rhett had not made a stellar impression on Lani from the get go and now that he was pulling these antics with Adrianna and Odion and himself he was more than willing to put Rhett on his list of people to avoid at all costs. Right under that blond demoness who seemed to believe it was completely alright to demand that he tell Adrianna about being a thief. Where did she come off threatening him like that? God forbid the two ever got in one room together. Though would it really be the woman’s intention to hurt Adrianna like that? She had to know what that would do to Adrianna. So did Rhett. But the blond demoness seemed to at least have a heart because she cared that he was lying. Really Lani was praying to any being that was out there that the two of them didn’t meet. Because if they did then shit would really hit the fan and Lani really wasn’t prepared for that.

Lani grunted not really willing to give Odion that. “Desperate or creepy, does it really matter?” There was a thin line between the two. Lani counted a tally on his score as Odion blushed just hard enough for Lani to catch it. Lani grinned like a loon, yes he had a point but he was far trailing Odion’s score. He highly doubted that he would be able to catch up anytime soon, if ever. He laughed glad to have Odion laughing again. It was worth it completely for that. But then things got close again. People really thought Lani and Odion were a couple? What nerve did someone have coming at someone they thought was with someone? So as Odion laughed and Lani tripped over himself. Really Lani was clueless but he was not so clueless as to miss what Odion said. Did he like the idea of them actually being together or was it just convenient? Lani would like to say it didn’t matter, but it did. Lani bowed his head. “Well I’m glad to have been of assistance.” He nodded in agreement. Sleeping around, not his thing, obviously. He had actually never been close enough with someone for that and really it had never really come up.

“I’m not making it awkward,” Lani protested a little too quickly, “You’re making it awkward by identifying it as awkward.” Really it was the same concept as an awkward silence. It really was only awkward if someone identified as such. Then Odion challenged him with the wording he had thought he had delivered a foolproof attack. And yet again Lani was wrong and scrambling to get back on his feet. “Change your mind or not, that’s up to you,” Lani redirected with care taking the responsibility for that off his shoulders and tossing it back to Odion. “You think that I’m afraid of making a fool of myself next to you,” Lani said reading between the lines and making assumptions. Lani found himself laughing. “So Odion, say hypothetically that I would like to dance are you saying that you’re my only option and since you won’t dance with me I’m out of luck?” The next words floored Lani and he spend a moment staring at Odion. Lani fanned himself theatrically with his hand half in joking and half to actually cool his face. “Oh, Odion, we’ve only just met I’m not sure we’re ready for the L word.” He gave a wink making a good show for those who thought they were a couple.

Dangerous, that was what stealing and drinking was. It was clear that Lani was the first one crawling toward drunkenness. He cocked his head liking the feeling of the hat on his head. “Yes!” Lani cried enthusiastically. Yes they had breeched the point where bad ideas started looking good. Sober Lani would probably realize that that was a terrible idea. But then practicing his powers with another person had also been a terrible idea. “We could get some more cat toys.” Lani pointed out his smile growing ever impish as a plot formed in his head. Lani smirked at the man and back at Odion when he agreed. He looked down at his outfit. It was rather plane and the colors were very much subdued in grays and other dark colors like most of his wardrobe. He looked down at himself. “What’s wrong with my clothes?” He asked indignantly. Lani grinned his capacity to be insulted very small and he turned his head back to the waitress. She wasn’t looking in this direction. “Well good,” Lani snickered, “I hope there was no confusing terminology.”

A song with a fast beat came on and a pair of women came over blushing and giggling. They declared that they dance with them. “I can’t dance,” Lani started but they didn’t seem to want to take no for an answer. He looked to Odion for help from this woman but the other girl was already tugging on the redhead’s hand. Ambush! Lani wanted to cry but the girl kept pulling at him. She leaned over her breath smelling so strongly of alcohol it was a wonder she was still standing. Lani’s capacity to resist was very low and even though he was really a danger to the people on the dance floor he might relent and just try to stand there.

[Odion Martins]

Odion didn’t make further comment. It would be a night to remember, at least, Odion would. It would be fun to go back in time and review this night with Lani while sober. Odi was still debating whether he would take Lani with him for that trip or not. He smirked again at the blonde – probably not. He needed to have something to hold over Lani’s head and watch him jump for. And if worse came to worst tonight, Odion would just sing with Lani. Liquid courage, that’s what they called it right?

“The first step is admitting you have a problem,” Odion pointed at Lani, “and you my friend, have a problem.” Lani couldn’t dance. If anything, Odi would just keep reminding the blonde of this until he took classes or something. Go on, impress me. Odion liked to think he had gained Lani’s respect, rather than stolen it. He wasn’t trying to steal anything from Lani, not seriously any way. Pill bottles and other odds and ends here and there were a different story. Lani was alright in Odi’s books, probably more than alright but no one’s checking.

Honestly, the better your outside opinion of Rhett, the better you’d know him. He was the best at making people believe whatever he wanted them to. Lani, Odi, and Adrianna were now exhibit A. Odion had given Rhett enough chances to prove he was something more than thief and Odi was starting to believe that’s all Rhett was. Maybe it was just as simple as that. He hadn’t earned Odi’s trust and just kept breaking it, so why did Odi keep giving it to him? Odion knew that he and Lani hadn’t had the best start to a relationship, but perhaps first impressions weren’t everything. Still, Odion had known Rhett for years, and not a lot seemed like it was going to change. Odi gave Lani a reassuring look. “Rhett will regret coming back.” He said, something that was worth toasting to.

“Yes, it matters. Because I’m right.” Odion really didn’t care what Dan was, only that he was the master of observation. There may be a fine like, but it was still a line. Odion didn’t know they were playing the Blushing Game, but he was so far ahead the intentions hadn’t hit him. Odion had only said what he did because he knew Lani wasn’t going to question it. Whether Odi liked the possibility of them being a couple or not didn’t matter, and if it did, it would matter to Lani as well. Odion knew Lani would not question it aloud. He just smiled at Lani. He was a good partner in crime.

And here they go arguing again. “Identifying it as awkward means it’s been awkward the whole time. Saying the sky is blue doesn’t make it blue.” Luckily for Odion, there was never an awkward silence, even if there was. Just another side effect of his time control. It was why he could just stare at someone and zone out and not feel an ounce of awkward, even though the other probably would. But this was an awkward social situation. Odion said he didn’t want to dance with Lani, but Lani kept bringing it up. Really Odi would like to dance with Lani, but he didn’t want to cross any lines. Odion raised his eyebrows. Lani was getting into dangerous territory. “No, I think you’re afraid of me.” Did Lani ever regret knowing that Odi was thinking? Odion frowned. He wasn’t trying to say he was Lani’s only option, but he sort of wished he was. He just tapped his fingers on the table and didn’t say anything. Lani won that one. Odion smirked at Lani’s antics. Truth was, Lani was almost too good at making them look like a couple. “Maybe you aren’t,” he said, going along with it.

No no no, it was drinking and then stealing. Not the other way around. Besides, people did stupid things all the time when they’re drunk. If they got caught, they’d surely be forgiven. That’s how Odion saw it anyways. “It’ll be fun,” Odion said, pulling out whatever charm he had in him. “Yes!” Odion pointed at Lani before closing his hand into a fist and drew it into his body in a winning gesture. “Yes, more cat toys. Best plan.” Odion was less articulate for some reason. The ginger laughed at Lani, continuing to shake his head. “There’s nothing really wrong with it, but it’s not doing you any favours either.” Odion shrugged. If Lani wanted fashion advice, all he had to do was ask. “I was pretty blunt,” Odion said reassuringly, “I told her I was interested in someone else and that she shouldn’t wait around.” He grinned. Prince Charming indeed.

Odion’s half smile grew into an all out one as a pair of women practically strangled him and Lani. Odi was laughing a bit, pretending to be flattered, and stood. These two just weren’t going to let up. “Just one dance,” he said in fair warning, to which the girls nodded and squealed and rushed back out to the dance floor, moving in what they assumed to be a seductive way. At least they weren’t being swarmed anymore. Odion patted Lani’s shoulder. “Now you know going out with me is bound to get you ambushed,” he sighed, trying to look displeased but it wasn’t working. Odion was grinning like an idiot as he wobbled towards his dance partner. She was pretty enough, but Odi shot a glance back at Lani. Just how terrible was he?

[Lani Hunter]

Who needed to be sober? Lani asked himself suddenly and realized that he wasn’t drinking nearly enough. Lani raised a brow and chuckled at Odion. A problem, he had, of course. He shrugged giving a slight roll of his eyes. “I guess if you want to call it a problem, it’s a problem. But it’s really not a problem.” He spread his hands in front of himself and shook his head. “It’s not really a problem that is deserving of attention.” His eyes widened a little and he just stared into Odion’s eyes trying to read through them the way he was sure that Odion did with his. He found himself barely able to keep the sight because he felt like his soul was being exposed. So he had a problem with dancing so what? It wasn’t like he was any different than he would be now if he danced. It just wasn’t something he found very important. At least not compared to the rest of his problems.

Lani’s brow raised and a smile grew on his face. He was indeed glad that Odion’s tune had changed. It was infinitely better than him thinking of getting together with him. Lani was fully prepared to offer his input on ways to make Rhett really regret it. Lani’s heart beat lifted and sped as he looked at Odion and as he thought of preventing Rhett from being with him. Now if Odion had told Lani to back off and gotten together with Rhett Lani would be unhappy and he would make sure that Odion knew what a mistake he was making but he would back off. Well… for the most part. If Odion wanted to get back with Rhett that didn’t mean that Lani had to like the other blond. “That’s good to hear,” he collided his glass with Odion’s and smiled. “If any of your plans require a telekinetic or you know a witness or anything, let me know.” He gave Odion a wink. He wanted to see Rhett torn down to nothing for what he had done and was doing. No Lani hated very few people in this world but Rhett had just landed on that list.

Although the more he drank and the more his worries were starting to slip away he was starting to realize that though he would punch Rhett if he ever met him he might not pummel him to nothing. His violent streak was starting to die out and now smoldering anger was kindling his thoughts and plans. Odion distracted him from his thoughts and he smiled back. “You are not right,” Lani protested, “It is the same thing. Desperate people do pretty creepy things. Haven’t you ever heard of a stalker?” He gestured in a ‘there you go’ manner. Really either of them could be considered stalkers, but not of people of possessions. How many times had Lani watched people for just the right moment? Oh well, stalkers don’t all have to be evil. Some may just be misunderstood romantics. Desperate, but creepy all the same.

“Or does it?” Lani asked his eyes flashing, “The sky isn’t always blue so sometimes saying that the sky is blue is a false statement.” Yes, it was late and Lani was getting tipsy, he was going to argue about the color of the sky. Now Lani’s eyebrows jumped toward his hairline. His hands steepled in front of his eyes and he looked at Odion over his fingers. Afraid of Odion. Short answer, yes. Long answer, it depended. He had to admit it kind of stole his thunder a little when Odion was able to handle him, he hadn’t thought it possible for someone to stop his power. He had a small desire to see if Odion could really handle it when Lani’s power really went at him, wave after wave of raging telekinesis. Could Odion handle that? Oh well, that was a conversation for another day. So Lani decided to shake his head and let a small smile drift on his lips. He bit his tongue to keep the comment he was thinking to himself. No anything he said to that would get him in trouble. Lani snorted into his cup and he looked at Odion waggling his brows engaging in this game. What would it be like to really be with Odion? Woah! Back up brain, he told himself then said aloud. “I think I need another drink.”

Lani’s mind was telling him this was a bad idea. Oh yes the pair of them together were a fount of good ideas. Odion’s charm was indeed convincing and Lani found his resolve crumbling. Be it the drinks or the charm he really couldn’t say. Later he would say it was the drinks. Lani guffawed and leaned back in his chair gripping his sides. That had been the best reaction ever. Really who else would get excited about stealing cat toys if not this redhead and blond. Lani’s mind was quickly distracted and he pouted at Odion. “Freaking fashion police.” He muttered and shook his head. “What do you want from me? It matches, and I don’t do colors.” He nodded that one surely. Not the extent of his color was faded reds and blues and dark colors that were much more like the color of things at night. It was more useful. But it was safe to say you’d never find Lani in yellow. Lani nodded smiling a little. He leaned forward a little perking up at the potential for gossip. “There’s someone else? Who?” Yep, Lani should just get clueless written across his forehead. He had to say he wasn’t particularly happy about this news but he supposed he could live with it as long as it wasn’t Rhett.

Odion was no help. If anything he encouraged them. All it took was him accepting and Lani was dragged from his chair after. “I really am terrible!” He said desperately as she pulled him to the dance floor. She wasn’t listening and as soon as they hit the floor she started dancing with her friend and him and Odion. She was very pretty, and so was her friend. Both brunettes with a little too much makeup. Lani sent Odion a mocking glare. “Geez! I’m never coming out with you again!” He exclaimed hardly able to keep a straight face and his laugher snuck out. Lani gulped visibly and really he didn’t have to do anything. The woman was pressing herself against him so closely that all he had to do was shuffle and she seemed pleased. Lani tried to think of what Adrianna had taught him but at the moment thinking of Adrianna seemed a little wrong. Not that he was cheating but that he did have a girlfriend and he was dancing with someone else.

He shimmied back and forth his feet staying firmly planted as he struggled with the tempo. It was all over the place and Lani really couldn’t keep up. He kept himself centered in one spot until she whirled and he found himself with a different perspective. The whole time he was moving off by an irregular beat. His eyes lost Odion but with the help his power he knew he was right behind him. He did not want to lose Odion in this mess of a dance floor. He’d never make it out alive again. She pressed against him and he fumbled back finding himself back to back with Odion. Very close. He could feel the heat of his back and smell Odion’s cologne. Lani was half distracted by that and half by the woman in front of him. He put his hands on her as she stumbled a little but she took it as an advance and pushed closer. The song ended and another started up. Lani untangled himself from her and stuttered out a thanks. “I love dancing with gay boys,” the woman said to her friend just loud enough that Lani caught it. He pretended not to hear though his face heated. He slinked back to their table slipping into his seat and trying to be as small as possible. “Go ahead,” Lani said gesturing welcomingly to his redheaded friend, “You have one minute to gloat.” Now Odion knew just how bad Lani was.

[Odion Martins]

“You already admitted to having a problem, therefore, you have a problem.” Odion sighed, shaking his head up in down in opposition to Lani. “Oh? Is that why you practice?” Odi’s eyes grew wide and he tried to slink away from the conversation. It wasn’t safe anymore, Odion was bound to let a lot of things slip. He was weakest when wasted. Lani really didn’t need to know that Odion knew about his dance lessons with Adrianna. Odion had been poking around in the past a bit. Hopefully Lani wouldn’t remember that tomorrow. Big problem or small, Odion didn’t want to talk about it anymore.

Really Odion just meant that Rhett was going to have a hell of time trying to win Odion back, if that happened at all. It wasn’t going to be easy, and Odion was equally good with mind games. Odion stared at Lani, staring at him with a smile on his face. Now if only Odi could read minds... But that wouldn’t be as rewarding as figuring out what Lani was thinking for himself. Odion wasn’t set on totally breaking things off with Rhett. He still needed time, after all, Rhett had only just gotten back today. Wow, had that really only happened just a few hours ago? Odion held Lani’s eyes with intensity after the toast. How easy it was for him to lose track of time when he was with the other boy. Lani was helping Odion forget Rhett, and the ginger found that extremely intoxicating. No one else could hold Odi’s attention like Lani could. “I could always use a good telekinetic in my life,” he stated with a silly grin. Odion loved it so much when Lani winked at him.

The beauty of drinking, was that Odion could have fun without over thinking things. He was with Lani, he was enjoying himself, and Rhett was being pushed into the back of his mind. That was the simple truth and he smiled just knowing he could stay here a while. Odion didn’t want to feel angry anymore, so he didn’t. The alcohol just helped Odion become more charming, and made him entertaining. He wasn’t an angry drunk, he was a funny drunk. Odion cupped a hand over his ear. “What? Did I hear you say I’m right?” He shook his finger back and forth. “Uh tut tut, someone seems to know a lot about stalking,” he wiggled his eyebrows at Lani, before falling into a fit of giggles. Odion often thought he could be romantic, and well, he had just admitted to spying on Lani... The ginger suddenly became serious. “Wait,” he raised his hands, “am I a stalker?!” Now Odion was freaking out. “But if I’m a stalker, then you are too.” Odion visibly relaxed. As long as he wasn’t in it alone.

“Yes it does!” Odion rolled his eyes dramatically. “You are unbelievable sometimes Lani, I swear. Should I make the example about you instead? Fine.” Okay, he was taking this overboard, but that didn’t seem to matter. Wait, what were they talking about again? Whatever, he was going to win. Odion pointed at Lani and shook his finger. “You’re the one that made things awkward, I’m just pointing it out. I gave you two options and you obviously wanted to make things awkward, see how I would react.” Odion would know this best of all, he did it often enough to Lani. They were always stealing each other’s thunder, the tornado and the volcano. Wave after wave of raging telekinesis? Ha! Odion would pay to see such a thing. Truth was, Lani had better control than he thought he did, Odi was just acting as bait. The ginger smiled broadly at Lani’s suggestive eyebrows, before laughing again. That particular L word was something Odion wouldn’t be ready for for a long time, but the fact that Lani hadn’t shied away from this... That was a good thing. “Get this man another drink!” He said, his eyes looking around the bar for the waitress, who sauntered over to them and obliged. “A few more drinks and he’ll be in love with me,” Odion said with a wink to the waitress, who let out a snort of a laugh. They must be really entertaining tonight.

Lani was really cute, and Odi was seriously questioning why he had questioned that before. The way he laughed was entrancing, and the ginger decided he wanted to hear it more often. “We should steal other things too,” he reached over and poked Lani in the nose, “something shiny. Or maybe cuddly.” Odion could always use a few more stuffed animals. Those were especially difficult to nab, but hey, he’d done it before. Odion openly looked over Lani, even leaned over the side of the table so he could see what the blonde was wearing for pants. He smirked, sitting upright once more. “There’s more to it than just colours,” he slurred, waving his hand in a circular motion, “there’s shape and fit. Those clothes make you look like a box.” Now Odion was just picturing Lani in something a little more clean cut and close fitting, his mind in la-la land.

Thankfully the two women had approached them before Odion could answer who that someone else was. Just because he was interested in Lani, didn’t mean the blonde had to know about it. Odion would’ve outright insulted Lani on the dance floor, but he couldn’t when the girls were just as terrible. “What can I say, I must be Prince Charming.” He shot Lani a ‘ha-ha’ glance and a winning smile, because he was totally winning right now. Now he had even more dirt on Lani. And he was just getting back at Lani, something he was more concerned with than dancing. Odion went behind his dance partner and put his hands on her waist, not in the least bit shy. He nestled into her neck, but his eyes were on Lani. He was really, and truly terrible at dancing. But still, Odion didn’t think he was as hopeless as he thought. Lani was just too rigid. Dancing was just that, dancing.

Odion rolled his eyes and turned around to face his dance partner, giving her the attention she craved. She was totally preoccupied with him and Odi decided this was doing Lani a favour. At least when the two girls looked back on this night, they would remember how “great” those two boys had been at dancing. Odion glanced over to check on Lani, make sure he was alright, and his girl was literally dancing circles around him. Odi smirked. The girl Odion was dancing with grabbed his face, and used his chin as leverage for giving him a kiss. His hands shot out to his sides in surprise, palms back. Lani bumped into him and Odion moved forward into the kiss, and the girl wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Damn it Lani. Oh this was not turning out well. He was totally facing the wrong way! Odi was more than relieved when the girl let him go, just giggling and passing knowing glances to her friend. Had he missed something? Odion glanced around in time to see Lani leaving. Right, just one dance. The ginger pushed the girl away gently and moved through the crowd towards his friend.

This would be something they could laugh about later. For now, Odion looked just as flustered as Lani. “Gloat? I’m not bragging about the drunk girl that just kissed me.” He wiped at his mouth, a sour look on his face. “God, she left some cherry chap stick behind.” He reached for the new drink on the table, only too happy to change the taste on his lips. “Women...” he muttered, finally looking at Lani. Really, Odion’s mind was not on his dancing.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani narrowed his eyes at Odion. “I have admitted no such thing. I cannot dance, but that is not a problem, I am just as capable at anything else.” Well besides singing but that was beside the point. Lani inhaled saliva at Odion’s question and he started coughing his eyes wide. He scrambled for the remains of the melted ice in his cup and struggled to settle his throat. “What?” He finally spat out completely caught off guard. He had never imagined someone would be watching him do that. Well that was embarrassing. His face grew warm and he shook his head in slight disbelief, Odion hadn’t spied on his had he? “How do you know I practice?” He was a little unsettled by that. He was pretty sure he knew the answer but he wanted to hear it from Odion. Why? He wasn’t sure but he was not a happy camper that his supposedly secret lessons were known.

Lani still didn’t realize and probably would never realize why Odion was even giving Rhett the time of day. It made Lani again very grateful that he had never gone through a break up like that. Actually glad that he had not dated someone until now. Well sort of. He had thought he had himself figured out when he started to date Adrianna but now things were just starting to get complicated. And why? Because Lani couldn’t figure out his feeling and Rhett had decided to put in an appearance. Maybe Lani should have waited, maybe he should have just stayed separated. He almost winced, he was almost making his relationship with Adrianna fake because of his lies. She knew him, but she only know what he allowed her to see. Another one of those warm feelings rose in him at Odion’s words. His eyes widened then narrowed quickly. Lani smiled back giggling a bit at Odion’s grin. “Everyone could use a good telekinetic in their lives. Consider yourself lucky to have a great telekinetic in yours.” He nodded decisively, his arrogance showing. It really was only arrogant because Lani was leaving out a crucial part where Odion was the one who helped him get there.

A snicker rose from his throat and Lani shrugged innocently. “What?” He responded as if he hadn’t said anything but his impish grin and sideways glance gave away the more sinister lies. “What?” He repeated with a little more emphasis on the word indicating that he had no idea what he had said to imply that. He spread his hands feinting misunderstanding as Odion shook his finger. Of course Lani knew but he was going to play it down. Of couse he didn’t say that, no. Now Lani pointed his finger back at Odion. “Yes, you spy,” he said with narrowed eyes. He gave a mock glare but the whole thing was ruined by the drunken grin that wouldn’t leave his face. If not for spying following him on the rooftops was a perfect example of stalking. He shook his head. “Oh, no I’m not. Don’t pull me down to your level.” He grinned and gave Odion a knowing look. “But if I were we have an inception stalking situation on our hands.” He raised his finger pointing toward the ceiling as he said this. “There is stalking afoot.”

“No it doesn’t!” Lani protested gesturing with his palms up. “Have you ever seen the sunset? Or the red sky before a storm, hmmm…. I’m not… oh god, please don’t…” He trailed off as Odion set out to make an example of him anyway. He leaned back and crossed his arms willing to hear Odion out. He opened his mouth and pointed a finger at Odion before his resolve crumbled. Alright so Odion was right about that one. “Well you don’t disappoint,” Lani shot back with a grin. So what, Odion had identified that Lani wanted to see how he reacted but he had still reacted even if he had reacted to one thing rather than the other. Volcanoes and tornadoes. Both produce their own lightning but who was taking the credit? Lani was glad that Odion was laughing, keeping this in joking terms was what was keeping it from getting dangerous. At least so Lani thought. He found himself dangerously close to falling out of his chair as Odion demanded another drink for him. “Thank you,” he said brightly at the waitress as she handed him over a drink. He raised it to Odion and downed in it one gulp. He shook his head while he still had some of the liquid in his mouth and took a moment to swallow. “A few? I’m not that drunk yet,” Lani laughed as the people around them shook their heads. Poor Lani was lost and he didn’t even realize it yet. “Stealing my heart with drinks, will you, you thief?” Lani accused teasingly. It was nice to know that in their current state the possibility that someone would take him seriously would be so slim nothing would happen.

Lani’s eyes followed Odion’s finger into his face so intent on it that he didn’t hear most of what Odion was saying. He was seeing double but whether that was because he was going cross eyed or just drinking too much he couldn’t be sure. Either way he jumped when the finger made contact with his nose. Why was one of Odion’s favorite things to do poking Lani in the nose? He sniffed and quickly jumped back into the conversation. Lani’s eyes brightened. “We could get something shinny and cuddly. Like a glitter covered bear.” Lani grinned like he had just had a noble prize winning idea. Lani shifted a little when Odion looked him over. He rolled his eyes and shook his head. Why was it so complicated? “Ooooodion,” he whined his head falling to one side in mock weariness, “It’s too complicated. Can’t I just be a box?” He looked down at himself again and tried to figure out why he looked like a box. Oh well, at this moment Lani had pretty much grown to like the hat. He might have to steal one.

Lani gave Odion a mock laughing face in response. He was being a sore loser tonight. It really wasn’t like he didn’t lose to Odion on a regular basis. He found himself laughing though, he really was too tipsy to care. They were all just lucky that Lani didn’t let loose and go all octopus on them. It drove Adrianna into giggle fits when he just started flailing for lack of anything better to do. His dance partner kept twirling around him and he wasn’t doing a very good job of keeping up. She put her arms around his neck and he around her waist a little bit hesitantly. This wasn’t considered cheating was it? He didn’t want to have betrayed Adrianna merely hours after he had assured her that he would never do such a thing. Not that he ever wanted to do such a thing. Let Odion join the quest with Adrianna, maybe between the two of them they could hammer something into Lani’s concrete skull.

Oblivious to Odion’s problems Lani was just focusing on not taking anyone out with his arms. He watched the girl spinning around him and his head darted this way and that to keep her in his sights. He was actually very relieved when she finally settled in front of him. Lani turned to Odion but having missed the kiss he didn’t notice anything amiss and set his goal on getting out of the fray and to safety as quickly as humanly possible. He really didn’t even glance to see if Odion was following he was too afraid he would see that smile on his face and he was already embarrassed as it was. Not to mention those two women and about everyone else in the bar thought they were gay at the moment. Now admittedly one of them was, but the other wasn’t sure yet. He shook his head to get the thought out of his head but it stubbornly latched itself down and would not be dislodged.

Odion sat down and Lani’s brow rose at the expression on his face. Apparently the drunken women had not been good to him either. “She kissed you?!” He exclaimed and he really couldn’t help himself, he laughed. Odion’s expression was the best and Lani wished that he had snapped a picture of that. Priceless. He finally got himself under control and shook his head. “I’m sorry, that’s not funny,” he said more to himself than to Odion trying to force himself not to laugh. He snickered really unable to help himself. “Women,” he agreed with a nod. At least this was a distraction from… well wow, thinking about this distracting him from the other thing had been completely counterproductive. “So you’ve had a taste of the other side. Not like it so much?” He teased mercilessly. He considered Odion for a moment and smiled a little at the slight smear of light red color his lips. “You know if you weren’t so charming we wouldn’t get ambushed like this,” he said with feinted innocence. Oh this was just too rich to pass up.