Reaching As I Fall (Lani.)

[Odion Martins]

Odion cocked his head to the side. “Wait, you’re just as capable at anything else as you are at dancing?” He smirked. “So...” Odi waved his hand in a circle, and then towards Lani in a ‘ta-da’ gesture, “you’re incapable in general!” Lani was losing Odi very quickly to the substance. The ginger tried to play it cool after his initial reaction to what came out of his mouth. He smiled and shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. “I don’t. I was just gauging your reaction, and, obviously, you do practice.” Lani knew that Odion played mind games all the time. This could just be another mind game. But, Lani also knew that Odion was a good liar, and could also go back in time. Now Lani just had to choose what he wanted to believe, and hope it was the truth.

Simply put, Odion loved Rhett. Maybe he didn’t like him anymore, but part of him would always care for Rhett. And really, Lani only had himself to blame for making Odi care so much. If Rhett had shown up again out of the blue and Odion hadn’t run into Lani in between, Odi probably would’ve told Rhett to fuck off, and promptly go back to sulking. Now, Lani had given Odi a back bone, part of his heart back, and Odion was un-admittedly more sympathetic than he wanted to be towards Rhett. But Odion knew it wasn’t Rhett who put those feelings into Lani. No, the sky had been blue the whole time. Actually, it was a little more, grey. “Lani, my lucky charm,” Odion said, raising his glass in mock solute before taking a swig of his drink. My, compliments are easy to give out when one has loose lips. He was just happy to be with Lani, glad to be getting under those masks and into that deep soul.

Torn between arguing and laughing, Odion chose the latter. It was easier, and it was better. “What?” He added when he wasn’t laughing, just for good measure. He was having a good time, and he wasn’t afraid to show it. “I’m not a spy,” he responded suddenly with perfect hearing, “you’re a spy! I’m just a lowly pickpocket.” He made the sweetest pout, sort of envisioning Oliver Twist in his mind as Lani mock glared at him. And Odi hadn’t been following Lani on the rooftops on purpose, that was pure coincidence. Something other than himself wanted them to be together. “But we are!” On the same level that was, although his wording was a little off. It seemed to be off overall tonight. Odion looked up just in time to get a nice fluorescent beam of light in his eyes. He squinted, and rubbed his eyes. “I don’t see anyone stalking the stalkers,” he said, grabbing his drink with his thumb and middle finger, so he could still point at Lani while he spoke. “ ‘The Stalkers’, now there’s a good team name.” If they were going to be a team, they most certainly needed a name! It only made sense.

Odion grinned smugly. “I always deliver,” he rephrased, and shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal, though it was getting pretty dangerous. The beginning of the game always seemed like fun to start, but raise the stakes and suddenly it became a trap that no one wanted to back down from. Not when the competitors were highly stubborn and thought they could get the one up on each other. Odion watched Lani down the whole drink in one go, a smirk on his face. It would only take a few, what with Lani being such a light weight. “And you’re so eager to fall I see,” Odion pointed out, taking a sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving Lani. “The drinks are like the powers,” Odi said, thinking he was being oh, so clever, “I don’t need them to steal.” There it was, the winning catch phrase. “Are you going to wear my hat all night?” He asked randomly, his eyes settling on the object offsetting Lani’s good looks and making him stand out all the more.

Better to poke Lani in the nose than... Well, Odion wasn’t sure how else to be affectionate. Poking someone in the nose would suffice, right? Odi started laughing so hard, he almost wasn’t sure what to do with himself. “What did you say? Glitter covered teddy bear?” That was unbelievable! And yet, completely brilliant. Odion looked like he was actually giving the idea some thought. “Unbelievable...” he muttered under his breath, before smirking at Lani and cringing at his whiny voice. “Sure! You can be an unsightly, unshapely, boring box,” he said, going along with Lani’s ploy with a nod of his head. Odion wasn’t going to propose a shopping spree, and there was no way in hell that he would borrowing Lani some of his clothes.

Lani was really not a good wingman. These girls may have just wanted to have a little fun, but Odion was not finding their company very pleasant. Dancing was one thing, but tricking him into a kiss? That was completely unfair in the state he was in. A different kind of guy may have enjoyed the advances, but not Odion. Certainly not when someone far more attractive was standing right behind him. Odi’s senses were now on high alert. It wasn’t the best idea to use his powers when he was at such an emotional high, and decided it would be best to step away from the situation as normally as possible. The girls seemed quite proud of themselves though. Odion had a plan to find out where they lived and give them a good scare. It was something he would ask Lani to join him in, if he wanted to. Something told Odi Lani would want a small piece of revenge as much as he did. Odion didn’t think Lani’s dancing, or lack of, was all that bad. Really, he just needed more confidence. And as for people thinking they were gay, well, Odion didn’t notice. Perhaps because he didn’t mind the idea, and didn’t let what other people thought of him, bother him.

“Yeah mate, stupid bitch.” He shook his head again, holding his drink like it would console him. Odion smirked a bit at Lani, before laughing himself, even though he wasn’t really sure why either of them were laughing. “No, no, what’s funny?” He asked in a slur. Clearly Odi wasn’t mad, just highly confused and confusable. Odion would be very happy to know that there were no cameras at the moment. Odion made a grimacing face, before grinning again. “You’re damn right I didn’t like it. But,” and he raised a finger to make a point, “she was pretty. I just think there’s more to it than that.” Odi watched Lani watching him and blinked his eyes rapidly. A few more drinks and he’d start to really have some fun. Speaking of which... Odi took a sip of his new drink, nursing them a little slower now. “Are you saying I’m charming?” He asked, grinning like a mad man. “And well, you know, if you went along with my charm, people would leave us alone.” Odion hadn’t heard the gay comment, Lani hadn’t seen the kiss and look of pure horror on Odi’s face.

Odion grinned devilishly and pulled at Lani’s hand, bringing him to the dance floor. “Don’t get excited,” he warned with a sweet smile, hiding behind a mass amount of bodies, and finally letting Lani go. The ginger was watching his duplicate from two minutes ago dancing with that stupid brunette who kissed him. He grinned, looking at the present Lani, and then looking at the past Lani. “You have zero moves mate.” Odion watched for a few more seconds, concentrating on everything that happened to Lani since he had been there for what happened to him. There Lani was, standing there and swaying. And then, right there, he stepped back into past Odion. Present Odion tensed. ”I love dancing with gay boys!” These words hit Odion like a hammer to a wall. Why hadn’t he heard that before? A quick check to his left and ah, that’s why. His past self was too busy being snogged on. And off went past Lani with past Odi soon to follow.

Odi slipped off further into the crowd, making sure Lani was coming with him via tugging at his shoulder. “Come on, we can’t meet us two minutes ago. Let’s get back to our seats.” Odi was mad. Not because of Lani, but because people were accusing Lani, and pushing him. Odion felt a swell of protection for the blonde surge through his veins. He had half a mind to go back to those girls and inform them that just because he was gay, didn’t mean his friend was. And even if Lani was, it wasn’t up to them to decide. What would Lani think of how Odion spied? “I should go back there and give her a proper kiss, one she won’t forget,” he said threateningly, slipping back into their booth. He could steal a kiss better than the one she had taken, that he was certain of.

[Lani Hunter]

“N-n-n-no,” Lani said stuttering on purpose and shaking his head. “That is not what I said, don’t put words in my mouth!” He huffed in an exaggerated fashion. “I am just as capable without the ability to dance,” he reemphasized using both of his hands to make a point. His hands dropped parallel to each other and perpendicular to the table. Lani picked the straw out of his cup and flicked it at Odion and his conclusion. “I’m more capable than you,” he retorted without thinking. Bad move, he realized too late. Now he was going to have to prove that or concede that he was incapable. Odion was a clever, clever man without even trying. Lani’s mouth opened in shock as he realized he had been had again, twice in the span of a minute. “You…” he hissed pointing a finger at Odion, “Do not play fair.” He knew he sounded rather childish like someone playing a board game and declaring that the other one was cheating when in fact they were just that much better.

If only life were simple then squares would be things not used to describe relationships. But with Rhett making a declaration of war against Lani, Lani had no other choice than to go on the offensive. Yes he was going to hunt down the other blond. No one attacked his friends and girlfriend and got away with it. Lani had no reason to like this guy, which was good because the last thing he wanted was to be doubting his complete hatred of this man. He had never paid any kindness to Lani or Adrianna and any kindness he had shown to Odion was worthless, at least in Lani’s opinion. He knew about their past but not in true depth. Lani’s eyes flashed with mischief and he nearly swallowed his tongue. Had he just heart Odion right? His lucky charm? Part of Lani wanted to tease Odion but the other part was stronger and kept him silent in order to hold onto that. He did laugh a little bit and winked at Odion. “Better than a four leaf clover, eh?” He attempted to mimic Odion’s accent and failed terribly.

Lani laughed with Odion and shook his head refusing to repeat himself. Lani placed a hand on his chest and pretended to be extremely offended. “Me? A spy? I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he took a sip of his drink with mock innocence. “A lowly pickpocket my foot,” Lani snorted. A lowly pickpocket wouldn’t be able to stalk a spy. His stubbornness practically crumbled at the pout. Odion had never pouted at him before, it was kind of cute. Damn, drunk mind stop thinking like that, he scolded himself. Lani must be a poor spy to let a pickpocket catch him. They both knew that Odion was just as good as Lani, maybe even better. He stared into Odion’s eyes his eyes a little unfocused. “You know, lowly pickpocket, you’re not selling this partnership very well,” he grinned and sent Odion sly grin as he teased Odion on the opening he had been given, “I don’t want you to slow me down.” Lani shook his head at Odion’s misunderstanding. “That’s because they are sitting across from each other.” Lani guffawed and his head came over the table as he bent in his laughter. “We are not being called ‘The Stalkers’!” He declared decisively, “That make it sound like we’re lowlifes. We should be something so much more epic. Like… like… ‘The Shadows’ or something.”

Lani made a face at Odion. “Always deliver and give nothing away,” he commented. Oh Odion would drop hints like rain but try to get a straight answer without having to ask a straight question and it was a war. Unfortunately Lani excelled in asking dodging questions and Odion excelled in dodging those questions. Neither liked to be cornered and it was definite that neither wanted to lose. “Only so eager when someone else is providing the drinks,” Lani dodged the topic of the conversation. Oh no it probably wouldn’t take too many drinks if the topic continued in this direction, but Lani tried to keep reminding himself of the conversation he had had with Adrianna. He tried to figure out what D had said. He was supposed to just know who he liked. Things were too complicated for that. “Oh?” Lani exclaimed his brows jumping upward. Odion had accidentally made this a challenge. He had said he could handle Lani and Lani had challenged that. But was he really going to challenge if Odion could make him fall in love with him? Before Lani was able to answer he was distracted by the question about the hat. He grabbed it off his head and in response placed it back sideways on Odion’s head.

“Yes, a glitter covered teddy bear,” he nodded decisively, “You in?” He already knew that answer and he would be all too happy to engage in theses shenanigans with Odion. They really couldn’t be that hard to find, I mean a lot of kids wanted stuff like that right? Lani missed the mutterings for his brain became distracted as his power caught the lights and started exploring the wiring. Something told him he should keep his drunken power away from the wiring but he was willing to let it explore the high rafters in order to keep it occupied. He looked back down to Odion and made a face back at him. “Ok, if I look so much like a box how about the next time we go out I’ll go dressed as you and you can go dressed as me.” He nodded a little then looked over Odion’s outfit. That was a little much for Lani, he liked it on Odion but he was sure it would look completely terrible on him. Then maybe Odion would admit that Lani looked better in his box clothing than in Odion’s.

Lani hadn’t thought about abandoning Odion on the dance floor. It had just kind of happened when he had wanted to get away as quickly as humanly possible. Though it was certainly clear that Odion had kissed a girl and not liked it. Oh Lani would love to play a prank on the two women. After all no one played a ghost quite the way Lani did. He could totally pull a Matilda and write all over the walls and make stationary things move. Odion obviously hadn’t heard the gay comment and so Lani breathed a sigh of relief. Though if Odion had been anything but upset about the stolen kiss Lani would probably tease him like mad, but still be a little jealous. “She was drunk out of her mind,” Lani said trying to at least alleviate some of the fury residing in Odion. Lani had never been sure if he believed that redheads had quick tempers but the usually chill Odion had snapped before and snapped now so Lani was starting to believe it.

Lani shook his head at Odion and sealed his lips to that. “Nothing, nothing,” he said as convincingly as he could. Odion probably wouldn’t be fooled but drunk maybe Lani could get away with forgetting. Lani considered his friend for a moment. “She was pretty he agreed, but would have been prettier if she was aware of what she was doing. Those two are a mess,” he said with a nod. He was glad when the waitress rolled back around dropping more drinks on their table. She was smiling, they were probably on their way to racking up quite a tab. He took his and drank it a few sips at a time before letting it sit. “I’ll admit nothing,” he replied to the question. Lani opened his mouth to say something more but Odion beat him to it. He drew back a little his face going red and his drink suddenly becoming very interesting. “But… I…” He stopped himself and was glad he could blame that on slurring.

“Oh, no, Odion, not again,” he cried as he allowed himself to be pulled toward the dance floor. Thankfully however Odion didn’t intend to dance with him. Lani breathed a sigh of relief. He felt the familiar rush back and his stomach protested. Oh no this was not good. Not with all the alcohol in his system. He already felt unsteady and it took him a little while to shake his brain back into awareness. He looked up and staggered a little as the world seemed to spin. He reached out and grabbed Odion’s shoulder to catch his balance as the world tipped. “Geez, you gotta warn me when you’re about to do that,” he scolded and looked up to see himself and Odion dancing back to back with the girls. Lani’s face grew bright red and he covered his eyes as if he could not bear to watch himself. He took a peak wandering a little ways to see Odion get kissed and the look on his face. No, Odion had clearly not enjoyed that. He glanced back in time to rehear the girl’s exclamation. His face became more red than ever now that Odion had heard that. He did a quick sidestep behind present Odion as he dodged past Lani looking stormy and embarrassed as he made an escape to shelter.

Lani followed after Odion carefully keeping an eye on him so they didn’t get separated, he didn’t know if he could be stuck in the past but he did not want to know. Lani nodded and didn’t say anything. Odion looked angry. Lani just wanted to forget, to fade into the back ground and disappear. He was glad for the return to the table and to safety. Lani reached out halfway but stopped sort before touching Odion’s arm. “Don’t make a big deal out of it,” he said trying to quell some of the anger. Really Lani was surprised he had always fought his own fights and he just didn’t think this one was worth the effort. But obviously Odion did and that surprised Lani. He had never been protected. “What’s done is done,” he said his words slurring, “It’s over. They’re drunk, they probably won’t even remember when they wake up in the morning. Chances are they’ll wake up in a strange bed as well,” Lani scoffed he was not a big fan of people who slept around and men who took advantage of drunk women. Lani’s eye caught the women already wooing another pair of guys. He took a long drink and did his best to forget that. He really wanted Odion to leave it alone, it would only draw more attention if he made a scene. Dan appeared in the corner of his gaze looking none too happy but when Lani actually glanced in his direction the man was gone. His mind must be playing tricks on him.

[Odion Martins]

“You put words in my mouth all the time! It’s only fair that I return the favour,” he said, giving his head a little nod. Odion wasn’t sure if Lani had ever put words in his mouth before, but he bet he had. Still, if Lani could come to his own conclusions about things, so could Odion. “Just as capable at what? Because you’d be surprised how many things in life are related to dancing and having rhythm.” Odion grinned like he had won the jackpot. Stealing and sex were just a few things that people related dancing to. Well, he did anyways. Odion swatted at the straw after it hit him in the nose. “Are not,” Odion said lazily. This argument was getting old. Lani had taken the bait, hook, line, and sinker. Already Odion felt more relaxed. Lani might’ve left the bar if he realized Odion spied on him. Odion shrugged, a smirk on his lips. “You’re pretty cute when your feathers get r-ruffled,” he said, rolling the r on the last word. He was losing control of his speech now too. All’s fair in love and war.

Odion had warned Lani not to do anything stupid when it came down to Rhett. Lani was going to have to bring out the big guns and his best ammunition. Rhett wasn’t someone who went down easily. Odion wasn’t willing to show just how well he knew Rhett, not now. He didn’t want to help Lani understand that part of his life. The part where Rhett had been the only true thing in his life, and just how dependant he had been on that one small hope. Maybe it had been too much pressure for Rhett, and the cause for his leaving. But Odion thought love was beyond all that, and enough to keep Rhett close. Apparently he had been wrong. He wasn’t ready to let Lani into that door yet, and there were many more to be opened. Odion was sort of hoping that Lani would make some stupid crack at his heritage, and low and behold, he had. What was he, the caricature for Lucky Charms? “Shuddup Lani,” Odi drawled, before you say something stupid.

“Of course you are! Worst spy I ever met!” Odion said this in such an endearing way it was bound to be offensive. That was the idea anyway. “And worst liar. You win in both categories.” And by win he meant lose, and by lose he meant Lani was terrible at spying and lying. Spying and lying, those words rhymed! “Fine, a high class pickpocket,” he smirked at Lani, “better?” Anything to appease his dear friend. Hmm, was Lani a dear friend already? Odion put his elbow on the table and cupped his head in his hand. A there, that was much better. His head was starting to feel a bit heavy. “I’m not a good salesman, that’s why I just take things.” He said brightly, like it was some kind of breaking news. Odion thought they’d be a good team as much as Lani did, so, why not then? Odion laughed at Lani’s joke, wiping at his eyes. “That was pretty,” he laughed again, “oh, pretty funny.” Wait, wasn’t Lani Captain Obvious? Odion checked his phone. Yup, right there in his contacts list, C.O. He put his phone away, trying to pay attention again. “You, don’t make any sense.” Stalkers stalking each other? Who did such a things? “It’s not like we’re telling everyone our title! Who cares! I don’t care.” He’d rather be low than epic. Much less flashy.

“But if I deliver, then I do indeed give things away. It’s not my fault some people don’t know how to put things together.” What was he, a UPS delivery man? Ha! That’d be the day. But really, just like a packaged that needed to be put together, Odion always gave the pieces to the puzzle. It just never came pre-done. That way, he could see who was truly interested in him or not. The fact Lani got so frustrated over Odi’s mind games meant he really cared. It made Odi’s heart skip a beat. Their whole relationship was bound to be a never ending game, and that was just perfect. Odion giggled at Lani, “Well I did bring a lot of other people’s money with me.” His voice had lowered to a whisper. No one else was getting free drinks from him. Sure he had stolen the cash, but it was still his as far as everyone else was concerned. Momentarily blinded by the hat on his head, Odion moved it back, his eyes immediately on Lani. He could make Lani fall if he wanted to, and if their last get together had shown him anything, it was that Lani was indeed falling. And Odion was so good, Lani didn’t even know the floor was coming up to hit him. The ginger smiled, unwilling to take up the challenge. Lani was having a hard enough time as it was.

“I’m so in. But you can’t tell anybody else about this.” Of course, why or who Lani would tell was beyond Odion. Besides, big tough Lani couldn’t expose himself. No, stealing a glitter covered teddy bear would remain between the two of them. “And we’ll get you one too.” It was already decided. “Maybe a tie-dye one, for hippies.” Odion had no idea what he was talking about or where he was going with this. “Not that you’re a hippie...” All he knew was that they were stealing teddy bears, and that he was already making a total fool of himself. “Oh? You want to go out with me again?” Odion was putting words in Lani’s mouth again. “Yeah, alright.” Odion said with a smile. Maybe next time Lani would be careful for what he wished for. A nice pair of dark jeans and a button up shirt would be just fine on Lani. “I’m sure Adrianna will thank me for improving you,” he said, smiling like crazy. He wasn’t thrilled about wearing everything in the same color, but hey, a deal was a deal, and he didn’t go back on his word.

“I don’t think she’s that drunk,” Odion said, glaring at the dance floor. There had been intention between the two girls, though Odi was seriously confused as to why they were so interested in dancing with the two of them in the first place. “Whatever,” Odi said in exasperation, not believing Lani, but not really wanting to press the matter further. Lani found something amusing, and maybe that was his prerogative. It was a two way street. Lani wasn’t understanding what Odion was getting at, so the ginger just shook his head in frustration. “Men...” He said, glancing at their server, who was now automatically bringing them more drinks. She at least, looked more sympathetic to that comment than the last one. “You’re no fun,” he said in a whiny voice. Lani could never fess up to what he was feeling. A few more drinks might cure him of that. But even drunk Lani, as he was surely drunk by now, was hesitant. Odion wanted to change that.

It was probably not a good idea to time travel when Lani was drinking, but Odion didn’t stop to think when he was in this state. He assumed Lani could handle it. If anything, he had to use control to use his power, and therefore, some of that drunken stupor would have to be pushed aside for some kind of sobriety. Odion smiled apologetically at Lani, patting the hand on his shoulder. “Sorry mate, it just sort of happened.” It felt flawless and effortless for Odi. He really needed to remember that not everyone was as accustomed to time travelling as he was. The scene before them was both reality and past, but Odi was too bust watching to notice how embarrassed Lani was to watch himself. Maybe Lani couldn’t handle this. Odion did some stupid things when he was drunk, but he was bound to regret this. Hadn’t he just resented those girls for making Lani see something he didn’t want to?

Taking a deep breath back in the booth, Odion shook his head. He wouldn’t make a big deal out of it. “I’m sorry. I, ugh. You shouldn’t have had to see that again.” Or heard it... If only Odi had known that’s what had happened to begin with. Really, he only went back with Lani for fun, to jest. Plus, Lani hadn’t seen the kiss and that was all Odion wanted him to see, not the other thing. “It was supposed to be funny...” He said softly, really feeling bad. And where had this need to protect Lani come from? It was probably just the alcohol making him feel so crumby, but it was the first time in a long time he felt remorse. Odion hardly ever regretted his actions, or at the very least could find a way to excuse them. But as Lani said, what was done was done. Or was it? Odion looked back at the dance floor, the two girls dancing with another set of boys now, full on snogging them right in the middle of everyone else. Lani was right. They were drunk, that was clear. Lani looked so sad now. Odion sighed. “It’s not a big deal mate,” he said, almost ready to let the topic go. “Could always go back and change it.” He looked at Lani. Odi was dead serious.

“I’ve got to use the loo, I’ll be back. Think about it.” Odion stood a little too quickly, bumped into the table, but kept on going. Rhett was off and far away from his mind, and right now he was going to take the most glorious piss of his life. Faces swelled into his vision, and then went away again. He was smirking at nothing in particular as he hobbled into the bathroom. Maybe they could pay and get out of here. Go steal that promised teddy bear. He looked up in the mirror while washing his hands, readjusting his hat. Hmm, he didn’t look half bad for being so wasted. He walked out of the washroom and back towards Lani. At least, he thought he had gone towards where Lani was. He laughed at himself and wiped at his face, turning on his heel to go towards the other side of the bar, where Lani really was. Oh, and he was sitting with someone else! He was making friends! Odion smiled lazily. At least Lani was having fun again. Or so he thought.

[Lani Hunter]

“No I don’t!” Lani protested though the truth of that was questionable. The real answer would be sometimes. With an exaggerated huff Lani slumped back. “Not so many as you think, because I am perfectly capable at just about everything without dancing.” He really was just going deeper with his shovel. Really if Lani could dance he would be just as happy as he was now, at least so he thought. But it seemed like everyone wanted to disagree. Adrianna and now Odion. Lani just couldn’t win. Why couldn’t they let him alone in his dancing failure. “I so am,” Lani replied weakly, yes that was how this was happening. For some reason when Lani got drunk he was suddenly five years old again. Lani’s eyebrows made a connection with his hairline at this point. He was what? Cute? Had Odion just said that? Cute? Cute! Lani’s face grew heated and he had a mixture of pleasantly flattered and terrified. He rubbed his arms hugging himself unable to think of a viable retort to that.

Lani snickered but obliged and shut his mouth. He counted that as a win, surely it was ridiculous but they were talking about luck and the Irish were the lucky ones. It was actually funny that Odion called Lani lucky. Odion should be the lucky one. Or perhaps he was. Whether it be the Fates or Lady Luck that brought them together they were spinning a loom that was far more complex than these two souls. Who knew if the great weaver of the world even acknowledged them more than two threads that happened to have met and wove in and out of each other. Single strands in the grand game of life and specks on this speck of a world in a speck of a galaxy. Lani found himself feeling very small the more he thought about it. Never did he ever feel so humble when he thought about the sheer size of everything. The stars humbled him, he loved them for that. They were a constant beauty in a world that could be dark and evil.

Lani made a face at Odion and stuck his tongue out at the redhead. “Oh really now?” He rose to the bait, “Maybe that’s all part of my master plan,” he challenged. It was true, what better disguise was there than to be completely incompetent. No one saw you as a threat. Lani shook his head at his friend a smirk forming on his face. “Not sure high class quite covers it,” he teased. High class for sure. He had never seen such a good pickpocket. Odion the master pickpocket. Lani laughed at Odion’s profound observation. He nodded and then shook his head, “Sometimes that is the easiest way.” He agreed. He inclined his head and tipped Odion’s hat. Lani laughed more when Odion described the joke as pretty. He had his moment, he should do stand up. “Do I ever?” Lani replied with a shrug and a chuckle. Really when did Lani make sense, especially drunken Lani. Who ever thought that a normally senseless person would make sense when drunk? “I don’t want my self proclaimed title to be ‘The Stalkers’.” Lani laid out his palm and implored Odion to care. “I care, we have to come up with something really epic. Like Pirates or Hunters or I don’t know, just not the stalkers.” He nodded finally like he had made the decision final.

“You don’t have to give things away when you deliver. You are sneaky,” he pointed a finger at Odion as he spoke to him. “I can put things together, but you leave me with two pieces to a million piece puzzle,” he protested shrugging helplessly, “I don’t even have the picture.” Odion was probably the type of person to enjoy puzzles. Maybe Lani would get him one for his birthday. Lani was oblivious, hadn’t Odion already determined that? Lani snickered his shoulders shaking. The best part of being a thief was that they could get away with spending someone else’s cash. “Then we should keep them coming,” he joked and chewed on a piece of ice. Lani examined Odion critically as he fixed the hat and cocked his head the hat cocking to the side. In Lani’s opinion it looked better askew and apparently his power agreed and so the hat became offset. He really needed to be more careful, his drunken mind really wasn’t caring about his power being noticed. Unaware of the decision being made in his friend’s head he concentrated on balancing his cup on his fingers. The light against the glass and against the ice being reflected and refracted through the ice and glass was beautiful and for a moment it held his attention. Wow his attention span was short with alcohol.

Lani made a locking motion over his lips and tossed an invisible key over his shoulder. No, no one would know of this. Especially not when it was stealing a stuffed animal. Lani laughed, “So I’m a hippie?” He asked just before Odion corrected himself. “So you get glitter and I get tie-dye? Why do I get tie-dye?” He laughed, really that was so many colors. Lani snorted out a laugh as an image of himself with long hair and spectacle purple sunglasses came to mind. Oh no, Lani would never be a hippie and if he did well them, the world had some major problems. Yes, his mind answered immediately but Lani’s control wasn’t so far gone yet that he just blurted that so instead he turned it around. “What you don’t want to go out with me again?” He asked pouting and giving his best puppy dog eyes. He really wasn’t sure how it turned out when he was so drunk. He laughed and nodded, “I’m sure she will, but first she will ask you where I have gone.” If Lani would remember this the next time they planned to go out he would certainly regret it. Just the colors standing out made him nervous to think of himself in them.

“She’s pretty drunk,” Lani replied unsure why he was defending the drunk girl. Maybe because if she was drunk that would mean she was mistaken. How they had been singled out was a mystery to Lani as well. Oh well, plots eventually came to light whether or not they wanted to or not. Lani blinked and gave Odion an innocent look. “What?” Why were they complaining about men now? Lani had that distinct feeling that he had missed something again. Oh well, that was how things went wasn’t it? And hadn’t Lani taken advantage of when Odion missed something? Wait… what? Had no fun Odion just called Lani no fun? Oh no, this would never do. “I’m so much fun!” he protested. He was glad for another drink to fill his mouth. At least he could avoid answering for a little while. Lani was starting to come to the conclusion that he was drunk. He was drunk and getting more drunk. Who cared, he was starting to not care. In fact at the moment pretending to be with Odion seemed a good alternative to being ambushed but after that woman’s comment he was afraid of even that.

At least his stomach wasn’t feeling the need to empty itself. Lani was too busy looking at his feet and willing there to only be two of them when he felt the hand pat his. He looked up and accepted the smile with one of his own. “S’ok.” He told the time turner. Once sober had almost caused Lani to lose his dinner so it was probably luck and sheer will power that kept the drunk traveler from losing everything in his stomach. Lani, as embarrassed as he was had to admit that he was terrible. Absolutely terrible. Everyone else moved smoothly and rhythmically, not Lani. He had to say for a moment he was distracted by Odion, the movements of his body before the kiss. There was the moment they touched back to back and Lani felt a strong shock as he remembered the touch. Either way after the kiss and the statement was said Lani was glad to be back in the present and at one with his alcohol again.

Lani surprised himself by laughing. It was really the only thing he could think to do. “No, no, it’s ok. I’ve never seen myself dance. It was… eye opening.” He said as if that was all that he had seen. Dancing was all that mattered. Usually Lani was better at this, but drunk he had no idea how better to avoid a topic than to pretend it didn’t exist anymore. Odion’s face crumbled and Lani now reached out and patted Odion’s arm. “It’s ok, it happens.” He had had plenty of those moments himself. So, no, he didn’t blame Odion. Lani worked hard to swallow his own sadness and put on a good face for Odion. He shook his head, “No, if I went back and begged you to erase every embarrassing moment in my life there would be nothing left,” he laughed trying his best to make a joke out of it. Odion’s serious look caught him off guard and he almost accepted but no, he would rather have the memory bad or not. “Thanks though, I just want to remember every moment with you,” he said his voice and emotions getting slippery.

“I won’t,” Lani assured Odion and barely fought back a fit of giggles as he reached out to catch Odion. “Are you ok?” Apparently he was because he just kept going. Lani shook his head and took down the rest of his drink. Lani leaned back wondering what he was going to do while Odion was gone. He got his answer when none other than Dan slipped into Odion’s old seat. Lani raised a brow in greeting. ”Hey so I never got your name,” the man said to him. Lani nodded in acknowledgement but did nothing to imply that he would give his name. ”So… you and your friend…?” “Back off,” drunken Lani snarled. Then man went further too then ask if Lani was single, when Lani replied he wasn’t the man kept pressing. Lani was getting more flustered the more the man sat and spoke. It was then that Lani was convinced that Dan was in cahoots with the two women. Though chances of that were slim Lani became absolutely convinced in that moment. Finally Dan got up to leave but not before putting a hand over Odion’s cup. Lani’s eyes flashed but he made no motion that he had seen. Dan stood and left taking a moment to whisper in Lani’s ear. Lani made it visibly clear he did not appreciate the closeness and in revenge slipped a hand around to the man’s wallet. He noticed Odion returning and smiled and gave Odion a wink flashing Dan’s wallet into view. “See, I am a good pickpocket too,” he said as Odion sat back down. Lani oh so casually made a point to knock Odion’s glass over as he brandished the wallet.

[Odion Martins]

“Yes you do!” Oh great, now they were bickering like a couple. Wonderful, this wasn’t going to go on and on forever. “Believe whatever you want Lani and I’ll do the same.” Odion smiled as though he had won, but he really didn’t think he had. Now he was just trying to tick Lani off. Their arguments had no point, and their bantering was endless. Odion usually did it just for the sake of doing it. It didn’t really matter who put words in who’s mouth, because people did that all the time. But leave it to these two to make a big deal out of nothing. “Are we still talking about dancing? Because you so are not.” Two could play this game, and Odion certainly did enjoy his games. Lani’s reaction only made Odion grin. “You’re not helping your cause,” he said. Lani was just getting cuter by the second.

Odion giggled at Lani’s reaction. “Master plan? I seriously doubt that,” he said, shaking his head. Lani must think Odi gullible. Odion had a pretty good idea of what Lani was and was not, and being so much of a con artist that he tricked Odion into liking him, didn’t seem fathomable. Not impossible, it just wasn’t who Lani was. Odion knew better than that, at least he believed he did. “How would you describe me then?” Odion said, looking for an earnest answer, but expecting something much more false. Lani was clever, maybe he had better attributes for his red haired friend. “Stealing isn’t easy,” he said, again, another grand observation. “No, you’re right. Lani never makes sense.” Great, now he was talking in the third person. This was going to be a good night. Odion gave Lani a stern look. “We are not calling ourselves by your last name.” Odion guffawed, then crossed his arms over his chest. “At this rate we won’t have a name, and you’ll be the one to blame.” There, now Lani was bound to give in.

“The picture has been, and will always be right in front of you,” Odion said, adding just another piece to the ever enlarging puzzle that was him. What he meant by that was, as soon as Lani stopped fighting himself, everything Odion had been saying or hinting towards would finally make sense. If Lani was planning on giving birthday gifts, he’d have to wait ‘til next March. Let’s see if they’re still friends by then. “I’ll take that as an invitation,” he said, smiling smugly. Odion would keep playing his games, and they’d just be getting harder. Lani wanted free drinks, therefore, he really did want to fall in love with Odion. That’s how Odion’s mind was working at the moment. This should be fun. “Hey!” Odion said, touching his hat, wanting to fix it, before he decided just to leave it there. “I think you’re getting a little too familiar with me.” But Lani had stopped listening, and Odion rolled his eyes. Men.

Odion was willing to bet that Lani had never stolen a teddy bear before. He grinned at this realization, hoping there would be more firsts with Lani. “Well I’m not letting you have glitter, glitter is mine.” Odi giggled to himself, loving their once again, random and totally useless conversation/argument. “Fine fine, why not get one with phosphorescent fur? It would light up and keep you safe from the dark,” and for good measure, he gave Lani’s cheek a little pinch. Drunk Odion didn’t know what physical boundaries were. The puppy dog eyes actually worked when both parties were drunk. “Oh Lani, I’m practically swooning off the edge of my seat, if only at the idea of going out with you.” He smirked, laughed, and leaned back in his seat, laughing harder. Of course, he really did want to go out again with Lani, even if it was just as friends. But admitting so would ruin their games. Odion wasn’t sick of playing them just yet. “I’ll tell her that you went out with a very fashionable man,” he winked at Lani, straightening himself out.

Having no fear now, Odion laughed straight in Lani’s face. “This is the only time I remember having fun with you. Usually it’s a big drama fest or mind game with you,” he paused, giving the blonde an almost sympathetic shrug, “just saying.” Odion would be saying a lot of things tonight that either didn’t make sense, or probably weren’t worth remembering. But really, Lani was a lot of fun. “Still, you’re not so bad, even when we’re not having fun.” Lani was a lot more work than play.

Odion was starting to wonder if he had a connection with Lani. Something like the one he had with Rhett, and yet, totally different. It was the only thing he had to compare the similar feelings now. Again, it had to do with powers, and the way they touched before, on the dance floor. That was something. That was something else entirely. Would it be like that every time they trained? Every time they were together? Odion shook his head again, feeling like an idiot. Only Lani could make him feel so dumb, because usually, he wouldn’t care. Especially when he was drunk he didn’t care. But now, he cared. “Yeah, but I didn’t know that she had said that back there.” Not everyone was good at assuming like he was. Odion smiled a bit at Lani, glad to be getting past this. But what Lani said last made Odi’s throat go dry. It implied so many things, Odion wasn’t sure which to comment on. So instead he said something sentimental that he would probably regret later. Or maybe not. “Me too.”

Odion didn’t hear Lani as he stumbled away, partly due to the music, and partly due to the blood rushing in his ears. On his way back to Lani, he was grinning like an idiot. The awkwardness before had melted away. Whoever was with Lani had left, and Odion didn’t get a chance to see who it was. “What was that all about?” Odion asked, spying the wallet in Lani’s hand. “Who’s is that? I thought we weren’t going to steal from anyone here?” Odi glanced back up at Lani, a telltale smirk on his lips. “Of course you are. Best pickpocket I know, besides myself of course.” Reaching for his drink, he slinked back and out of the way as it overturned. “Let’s get out of here, yeah?” He asked, about ready to leave this place and it’s odd people behind. He would’ve liked to finish his drink, but it didn’t seem important now. “I think you’ve had enough.” No, he wasn’t concerned about Lani’s wellbeing. Well, okay, he was. “I’m drunk, anything I say or do from now until morning is out of my hands.” He grinned. He was ready to take on the town.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani grinned a little as Odion and he bickered. No this could never get old. Well perhaps if he wasn’t drunk it would eventually get annoying but at the moment Lani couldn’t think of anything he’d rather be doing than arguing about nothing. Really Lani didn’t even remember what they were arguing about so he simply shook his head at the redhead. “Very well,” he nodded, “It’s a deal.” He would believe what he wanted but then he wanted to know what Odion thought. It probably wouldn’t be too long until he broke this deal. Lani shook his head like a dog and laughed. “No! You win that one, but anything else, anything at all and I bet you I’m better at it.” He challenged. That was not true but Lani wasn’t really thinking straight. His arrogance was showing rather brightly after the drinks. Lani huffed and shook his head. “Just admit it, I’m awesome,” he said spreading his arms like an eagle spreading its wings to show it’s power.

Lani raised a brow. “Really? How do you know I don’t have a master plan? What if my master plan was to make you think that there was no master plan? What if the master plan was to be a master plan?” He said and Lani’s brain ran away from making sense like it was a monster. So what, Lani didn’t have a master plan, but maybe he should work on getting one. Just to prove Odion wrong. A lightbulb went off; his master plan was to prove to Odion that he had a master plan. Lani smiled smugly at his thoughts. He was a genius. Lani hummed and rubbed his chin considering Odion. “You are one of the quiet ones that people need to look out for,” he nodded to himself and leaned forward looking Odion in the eye. “You are not an average pickpocket. People need to be just as careful about what they say as what they might be carrying on their person.” He nodded and realized that he didn’t care what Odion heard from him. If anything if Odion was to discover something Lani wanted it to come from him. Lani nodded in agreement and laughed at the way he was referred to. Interesting. “What… oh…” clueless Lani laughed, he hadn’t even realized that. “Alright then,” he pounded his fist into his hand three times and held out a scissor shape. “I win we’re ‘The Ghosts’ you win we’re ‘The Stalkers’.” When all else failed rock, paper, scissor. Yeah Lani kept changing his mind on what he wanted them to be called because he couldn’t decide himself.

Lani’s eyes widened and became soft as he beheld his friend. He smiled at what that implied. Even if Rhett came back in the picture Odion wouldn’t abandon him. Why was Lani thinking of it like that? If Odion left he wouldn’t be abandoning Lani, not in the least. Lani shook his head to physically dispel the thoughts that arose after that. Lani didn’t make the connection though there was some pleasure rising in his gut at the idea that Odion would get him free drinks with the chance of making him fall. Lani didn’t realize that he had stumbled off the tightrope and that gravity had taken hold. Really there was a certain joy in falling, it happened every time Lani jumped off a building and into oblivion trusting that the other roof was there. There was a rush of freedom and of crazed excitement. The hat looked good offset. It made Odion look nice but rebellious. Lani smiled and held up his cup using it to look through at Odion. Oh dear… he was very drunk.

Odion’s reaction made Lani laugh. He held up his hands relenting. “I wouldn’t dream of it!” he exclaimed. Lani couldn’t stop himself from laughing and he teetered back on his chair in serious danger of falling over backwards. Good thing his power had enough mind to keep him from slipping back too far. He placed his hands over his heart and smiled as if Odion had rescued him from certain death. “Oh good, I won’t have to fight the dark anymore.” He closed the eye closest to Odion’s hand and batted his hands away with a mock huff. Lani made a hand motion of triumph and laughed at himself and at Odion. “As you well should,” Lanin teased and laughed so hard his sides started to ache. His chair finally tipped back far enough to give him that jolt of terror that he was certainly going to die. It slammed back on all four legs and Lani practically fell across the table weak with laughter. Lani blushed and nodded his head. “Lucky Adrianna is going to love you for making me not a box.” He said his grammatical skills going out the window.

Odion’s admission shocked Lani. His eyes went wide and he looked at Odion trying to read past those blue eyes. His eyes went sad for a moment before he corrected it and shook his head. “I’m fun,” he protested with a huff crossing his arms and looking very much like a scolded child. Sure he was serious a lot of the time, alright, most of the time… but that didn’t mean he wasn’t fun. He blinked and narrowed his eyes at Odion. “I only play the games because you start it,” he shot back accusingly. Not very true but true enough for Lani’s current purposes. Lani’s mind decided unhappiness was not what he wanted to be right now so he smiled on. He gave a mocking bow. “Oh thank you,” he said as if he were really grateful, “I don’t know about you, but I always have fun.” Well except when he doesn’t… Lani shook his head and stuck his tongue out at Odion.

Lani’s face took on a surprising shade of red. He did not want to talk about what the woman had said. As ignorant as it was it still got to him. Because he wasn’t sure if she was right or not. He waved a hand dismissively. “Who cares what she thinks,” Lani said. That was a lie. Lani cared what she thought, she was a complete stranger and Lani cared how she viewed him. Lani’s eyes widened for a moment at the returned emotion. He had felt it before but now it felt stronger. He cared about Odion and yes, he liked Odion, but Odion cared for him and liked him as well. Realizing that was like a tidal wave for Lani. He felt overwhelmed and very much like he was drowning. He closed his eyes and smiled brightly forcing himself to take deep breaths. He was no drowning, he was drunk but he was not drowning. Not physically at least. But he liked Adrianna so much as well, he felt for her just as strongly as he did for Odion, he wanted to defend her, but Odion was someone who had already shown that he could defend Lani as well. Oh why was this so complicated? Everything made so much sense when D was talking about it.

“Our friend, Dan, wanted to see if you had reconsidered,” Lani informed him, “I told him you hadn’t.” Lani was not going to tell him how Dan had declared that he would take what he wanted. He also decided to leave out the fact that Dan had invited Lani along as well, that was just too uncomfortable. Lani’s smile made him look very much like an imp with something clever up his sleeve. Lani rested his head in his hand and closed his eyes sighing with a smile. “I decided to make an exception.” Of course Lani had done it without thinking and he had just wanted revenge. He winked and decided to preen himself with that compliment. “That’s why we make sure a good team.” He nodded even though stealing wise they hadn’t done anything together yet. “But, I’m not drunk,” Lani protested as he rose anyways with Odion. That was such a lie it was pathetic. He reached into Dan’s wallet and pulled out all of the bills. The waitress came over bringing one more drink and Lani handed it over before just tossing the wallet over his shoulder into the depths of the booth. Dan had just lost it, of course.

Lani laughed and nodded in agreement. “Then we’re in agreement,” he said and rose from his seat staggering alongside Odion toward the door. Oh hopefully no one would ask him to walk a straight line tonight. Lani glanced around watching for Dan as he was no doubt going to try to stop them. “Brace yourself,” Lani said as he swerved nearer to Odion then back away. He swayed a pleasant smile on his face as Dan moved to block their way. Hopefully he hadn’t realized his wallet was gone yet. From the predatory look in his eyes his mind was only on one thing. Lani’s anger flared and his power coiled like a snake ready to strike. Drunken Lani was prepared to send Dan through the wall if he took a wrong step.

[Odion Martins]

Sometimes it was just easier to argue about nothing. What else could they argue about that wouldn’t hit a nerve. Nearly any subject could spark a fire that wouldn’t be easily extinguished. Not even family was safe. Hobbies, well, probably not. And love life? Ha, like they were going to discuss that at length and in detail. Odion watched Lani with tired eyes. Sure, it was a deal, but at what price? And what was the catch? Odi smirked, his eyes twinkling. “Let’s see, where should I begin?” He asked, raising his finger in the air as the subject matter hit him. “Drinking. I’m better at you than drinking.” Start with something small, and work his way up to it, that’s what Odion would do. Never mind his speech impediment. And well, he saw the glass in his hand and that was enough to start the next argument. He won the last one and he wanted to win the next one. “Do you know the definition of awesome?” Odion asked, swirling his drink around in the glass. “Because it’s not: Lani Hunter.”

Odion rolled his eyes at the challenge. “Because first of all,” he was doing a lot of pointing at Lani, this was just another tick to add to the count, “you can’t be a master plan, and second of all, if your master plan is to make me think there’s no master plan, you did a lot of work for nothing.” He had a third point, but he couldn’t remember what it was. Oh well, it didn’t really matter anyways, because he had already stated two points. Odion watched Lani and decided: he is not a genius. Odion listened to Lani, wondering if he was being serious, or if he was being serious and full of alcohol. Probably the latter, Lani in real life wouldn’t compliment Odion. Would he? He grinned, like Lani had finally taken the first piece of the puzzle and put it in its proper place. Lani paid more attention than Odi gave him credit for. “Not bad,” he said, mulling over Lani’s words in his drunk mind. He was a stealer of words as well as objects. Odion frowned as Lani punched at nothing in particular. He must’ve been very drunk. “You trust me to play fair?” He asked, shaking his head. “And I thought you knew me so well a few moments ago.” He could win, but he didn’t want to play Lani’s game. “Let’s just be called ‘Ghost Stalkers’ and be done with it.” The word ‘stalker’ had to be in there somewhere.

Of course Odion wasn’t going to abandon Lani, what was he, dimwitted? But really, why was Lani smiling? He was upset just two seconds ago about not having a picture. Odion gulped. Had he given too much away with the last comment? He didn’t want to be someone Lani had pinned down. Partly because he didn’t want to be that well known, and partly because he didn’t want to become boring to Lani. What would happen if Lani figured him out? Would they still have fun together? Would Odion be totally helpless like he was with Rhett? Odi liked to think being with Lani made him stronger, and if Lani ever fell, Odi would be there to catch him. He shook his head at Lani. “You’re ridiculous.”

Sooner or later, Lani would figure out just how much Odi loved his teddies. They were soft and furry and easy to cuddle with. He bet Lani would be easy to cuddle with. Odion shook his head, putting himself back in the current conversation. He laughed with Lani, his smile etching deeply into his eyes. Had he ever laughed like this before? If he did fall off his seat, well, it was probably because they were having such a good time. And then Lani shot forward and Odion started a whole new wheel of giggle fits. “I swear, my face hurts from laughing so much.” He took a deep breath, sniffing and wiping at his wet eyes, a few more bits of laughter escaping. Adrianna was pretty lucky, but Odion wasn’t going to elaborate on that. Instead, he nodded a couple times, thinking it would be nice to see Lani a little more dressed up than usual.

Nodding a bit, Odion was trying to understand why Lani was upset over his comments. “Not everyone has to be fun.” He didn’t think it was such a bad thing. He always took every moment captive. He only liked wasting time when he was with Lani. They had never given each other the chance to have fun, because they were too busy trying to figure each other out. “Oh and here we go again with the accusations.” Odion slammed his hands down on the table, but it was all in jest. Would Lani pick up on that? “No, you play the games because you like them. And, you like me.” Odion knew Lani wouldn’t waste time any more than he would. Odion made a circle in the air around Lani’s face when the blonde stuck out his tongue. “What’s with this new habit? I don’t like it.” Though really, he thought it was adorable and funny. Maybe some reverse psychology would trick Lani into doing it more often.

“You do.” So simple, and yet, Odion said it so innocently and so matter of factly, that it could only be his true sentiments. “I do.” Odion was bothered by what that girl said because it bothered Lani. Sure, the blonde pretended it wasn’t a big deal, but Odi knew better. He just didn’t like rubbing this particular subject into Lani’s face. So when someone else did, he needed to prove them wrong for Lani’s sake. He’d done this to Lani once or twice already, before realizing that Lani didn’t need help discovering who he is. He wanted to defend Lani, even if that meant defending him from himself. Yes Odion wanted to push Lani, and yes he liked Lani a lot, but he was starting to learn about friendship, and sometimes that meant knowing when to stop pushing the limits. But he would always be there when Lani needed someone to push him, or simply listen. Odion watched Lani smile, and smiled a bit himself. “Are you alright?” He asked, laying a hand over Lani’s hand. It looked like the blonde was about to start hyperventilating.

“Oh, he’s not our friend,” Odion said, his eyes glazed over a bit. Last time he remembered, Dan was a creeper. “But you didn’t even ask me!” Odi said with a pout. Of course he hadn’t reconsidered, and Lani had been a good friend to say so to Dan, but still, Odi had to play. Oh if only Odi knew what Dan had offered. Odion tilted his head to the side, observing Lani, a single eyebrow raised in question. “Did you know? The world is spinning.” Odion smiled dreamily. “Did we decide on a name for our team-ship?” Team-ship, was that a word? Odion laughed and slung an arm around Lani’s shoulder. “You are drunk. D-R-U-N-K.” He pressed a finger into Lani’s chest, looking over their shoulders and at the table filled with money. “Huh,” he looked back at Lani, a little confused, “where did all that come from?”

“We’re in agreement?” Odion said, horror on his face. “The world is coming to an end!” But then Lani said to brace himself and Odi visibly tensed. He wasn’t even sure why he was bracing himself, but he trusted Lani enough to be wary of his surroundings, which was very hard to do considering the state he was in. Odion nearly collided with Dan, his face already in a wince in case of impact. “Oh, excuse me Dan, Lani and I are leaving now,” he said, patting the older man on the shoulder before sidestepping him. Dan sidestepped too, in line with Odion once more, a hand coiling around Odi’s wrist. The bouncers now looking their way, Odion decided not to move, though his eyes were hard as ice. Attention was the last thing they needed, and his powers weren’t going to help this time. He glanced at Lani, wondering if he had a plan.

[Lani Hunter]

Kittens, kittens were probably a safe argument. But really arguing about nothing was the best, because no one could get really upset about it. Lani was perfectly content with his lack of dancing skills. It seemed to be everyone else that didn’t like that. Though Lani couldn’t say that he wouldn’t like to be able to dance. Lani leaned back crossing his arms as he waited for Odion to begin, well he wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Lani laughed out loud and shook his head. “Well I’m better at philosophy,” he shot back. Odion was better at drinking than Lani that was for sure. “But admit it, you’re just as drunk as I am,” he narrowed his eyes at Odion forcing himself to stop seeing multiples. “Are you kidding, they have a picture of Lani Hunter under that definition. Being awesome means being very impressive.” He held a hand to his chest and bowed his head. “And I, Lani Hunter, am very impressive.” Careful Lani you’re arrogance is showing.

“I can so be a master plan,” Lani said, “I am the master plan of all master plans. And you don’t even realize it.” Lani shook his head a tsked Odion. Lani’s bubble has burst and he was starting to feel rather deflated. He sighed and laid himself on the table as if the effort to hold himself upright was suddenly far too great. He sat straight up as he found an argument for the second point. “Ah but if it’s working then you really aren’t seeing the true master plan within the master plan.” Sense wasn’t just out the window this time. Lani had launched sense out of the window and into the stratosphere. Lani’s brows raised and he beamed a smile. He was drunk and this had been probably the most accurate he had ever been in describing Odion. Maybe he was over thinking things too much. No, chances were he wasn’t thinking about them enough. “Yep,” Lani answered brightly as he heard something quite different than the actual question. He thought he asked Lani if he wanted to play fair not if he trusted him to play fair. Because that answer would have been the opposite. Lani laughed and shook his head. “That is far too close to Ghost Busters!” He exclaimed overcome with giggles. “Why don’t we do ‘Shadow Stalkers’?” Lani smiled, that sounded familiar and he felt like it was from a book or something. He nodded his head before shaking it again. He wasn’t sure.

Lani was completely lost in his own world. Really drunk as Lani was, Odion’s best bet at tricking him was to give him straight answers. Lani would think they were false and he would be even more tangled than he had been before. Lani smiled and put his glass down. “Why thank you.” Wrinkling his nose at Odion Lani really couldn’t begin to say where his brain had run off too. He needed to find it. Lani’s fingers drummed on the table as a song he liked came on. Being drunk was an exciting and yet terrifying moment for Lani. He was doing things that sober he would never do, and saying things he would never say. If Lani ever fell he only hoped that when he fell he didn’t take Odion down with him. Or do something so terrible that Odion would hate him. Oh dear, Lani reflected, he’d better be careful not to let anything of that matter slip.

Clumsiness wasn’t usually something Lani was very familiar with but motor skills seemed to have left him. He loved the sound of Odion’s laugh and if his antics could keep that going he would be content. Every time they hung out a little more of Lani’s walls were chipped away. And drunk it seemed like his walls were crumbling like sand. He could barely hold the real Lani in for so long. Lani laughed at himself and them more at Odion’s comment about his cheeks. Talking about being lucky was dangerous. Who was lucky and who was the charm. It would be easy to name one but then again luck came in two different forms. What if their luck was not of the good kind? Oh well, Lani pushed that out of his mind. Who cared, right now he was on top of the world!

Lani pouted and shook his head. “But I thought I was the fun one,” he admitted after about a second of considering why he wouldn’t want to say that. “But then, you can dance…” He wasn’t sure what that had to do with anything but he felt it was an important connections. Oh no! What if he was the kill joy? Adrianna could dance, Adrianna could dance very well. What if she was fun and Odion was fun and he was the rock and dragged behind in reality? Well, he shrugged to himself, someone had to. Besides Odion showed that wouldn’t stop him. The kittens were a fair testament to that. Lani rose his hands in mock defense he hadn’t meant to strike such a strong nerve. A sly grin crossed his face and he looked positively guilty. Guilty of what… He shrugged deciding not to answer that. That was a trap in the making. “What new habit?” He asked and looked down at himself like that would give him the answer. He then realized he had been sticking his tongue out. He blushed and scratched his neck. “Adrianna does it a lot,” he admitted, “I must have picked it up.” Lani narrowed his eyes he had found so little that annoyed Odion perhaps he would do it more often. After all, Lani did what he wanted.

“I… Wait. Why do you care?” Lani’s mind switched gears midsentence and his humor faltered as a real spark of truth. He wanted to know. Why did Odion care so much? Lani’s heart was beating fast as he waited for the answer. Lani worked on remembering the exercises they had taught him to get past moments like this. It was strange, this hadn’t happened in… years. So many years, he could hardly remember. So he just told himself that he was fine and breathing. Odion’s hand started him but instead of snatching it away he grabbed it. He stared at the hand and having been startled out of his moment he realized what he was doing. “Fine,” he said shortly, then repeated in a softer tone. “I’m fine.” He forced himself to release Odion’s hand and slowly slipped his hand away and into his lap. He smiled back at Odion brightly as if nothing had happened. If Odion asked he was dead set on pretending he was too drunk to recall such an action or why he would be freaking out over nothing.

Lani raised a brow but his smile was pleased. “Good,” he nodded in agreement. Lani shook his head at Odion. “You don’t want to go home with that guy,” he told Odion, “Trust me.” Lani stared into Odion’s eyes as he looked as if he were going to dispel the questions of the universe. A brow rose, mirroring Odion’s look. Lani’s smile crept onto his face and he really couldn’t keep himself from chuckling. Lani shook his head, “It’s still in deliberation,” he said not even caring about made up words of not. A smile crossed Lani’s face as he gave Odion a sideways gaze. He shook his head as if to protest but instead a laugh was all that came out of his mouth. He looked down at his feet and he could have sworn he was walking a straight line but his feet crisscrossed and he swayed rather spectacularly. He put his arm around Odion’s shoulder and steered him away from the table. “Does it matter? It’s not yours and it’s not mine but it’s paying out bill.” He laughed thinking of how very clever he was.

“Oh no!” Lani cried mourning the world like Odion was serious about the world ending. “I like the world…” The impact with Dan was felt and it knocked Lani off balance and away from Odion a few steps. Sobriety flashed through Lani as Dan clutched Odion’s arm. Lani’s eye’s flashed dangerously and he stepped up putting a hand on Dan’s chest holding him away from Odion. The man seemed rather proud that Odion had let his name slip. He caught Odion’s eye and realized powers were not good. No matter how much he wanted to fling this guy through the wall that would be the least inconspicuous thing he could do. Lani was of poor control and he was in even poorer control now. “Didn’t I tell you to back off?” Lani asked his voice low and menacing but clear over the music. It was a complete switch and Lani was in protective mode now. He was at eyelevel with the man, perhaps even an inch or so taller so getting in his face and growling wasn’t beyond his ability. The plan worked, seeing the brewing of a fight the bouncers materialized next to them one taking Lani’s shoulder and the other Dan’s and holding them back. One of them declared loudly that it was time for them to leave. Lani was more than happy to oblige. That was of course after Dan relented and let go of Odion.

[Odion Martins]

Kittens wouldn’t be a safe argument. It would just turn into Odi thinking that Lani didn’t spend enough with the trio they adopted. They, not just Odion. Nothing was safe, for all Lani knew, he could say something and it would be attached to Rhett in some bizarre way that only Odion could see. Going down without a fight wasn’t something Odi expected Lani would do. But Odion was going to fight as well, and if he went down, he was taking Lani with him. Odion snorted. “I thought philosophy was subjective,” he settled his drink back down, “now this,” he pointed at the cup, “this is a matter of fact.” Because either you could hold your liquor, or you couldn’t. If Odion hadn’t been pounding it back, he would’ve been able to stay sober for quite some time. But that wasn’t the intention for tonight. “No I’m not,” he said stubbornly. No, he wasn’t as drunk as Lani, he wouldn’t believe it. “Actually, some dictionaries have a very nice picture of a donkey next to the word ‘ass’, which surprisingly, looks a lot like you.” He raised his eyebrows at Lani, before laughing softly at himself. His comebacks weren’t as clever anymore.

“You’re an idiot,” Odion said, clearly unimpressed by Lani’s so called argument. Lani was not going to get Odi wound up over something so stupid. The ginger’s lips tugged upwards into a grin as Lani collapsed on the table. “See, I am more sober than you. You usually don’t flail around so much.” Yes, Odion had picked up on some of Lani’s behaviours, if not all of them. “Now there’s a master plan within the master plan?” Odion’s head was starting to hurt. “But wait,” he waved his hand to stop Lani from further comment, “if you’re the master plan, that means you have a master plan. So now you’re just talking in circles.” There, argument won. Odion eyed Lani, utter confusion on his face. Wait, what? Lani really did think he’d play fair? Huh, Odi didn’t think Lani trusted him that much. Odion groaned loudly. “Why do you always have to make everything so difficult?” He leaned forward, shaking his head. “Let’s just not call ourselves anything. We’ll just be nothing.” In a sense, it was his most brilliant suggestion for a team name yet.

Odion watched Lani with his mouth agape for a few moments, wondering what Lani was talking about. “Oh!” He said suddenly, before smiling a bit. “You’re talking about us. Who’s the fun one out of us two, I get it.” He nodded a couple times, before shaking his head no and frowning. “Neither of us is very fun.” He glanced to the dance floor when Lani mentioned it, nodding. “Yes, yes I can.” No, Odion isn’t full of himself at all, though he’s beginning to wonder that if dancing is such a talent for him, why isn’t he doing it? And then Lani was grinning like a goose and Odion gasped. “I knew it! I knew you liked accusing me,” he smirked, took a sip of his drink, and went straight back to talking, “you tease.” Odion gave a low whistle, and tsked. “She’s already got you whipped has she?” He smirked to himself, leaning back in his seat, taking Lani in. Sticking his tongue out just didn’t suit his apparently strong personality. He didn’t know what that had to do with being whipped, but it was already said and done.

Not thinking straight, there was a lot of that going on tonight. Odion was really determined not to put his care for Lani on show and tell. But his mouth spoke what his mind was thinking before he could stop himself. “Because it bothers you.” Plain and simple truth. Odi held his breath, a strange feeling overcoming him. He had said too much, had crossed some line. He smiled, about to say something to steer them away from the topic, but nothing came to mind. Nothing but the urge to pour out his heart. So instead, he clamped his mouth shut, and focused on Lani’s closed eyes, willing them to open. That’s when he literally reached out to Lani. He immediately regretted touching him, because of the blonde’s reaction, and pulled his hand away, but Lani was quick to respond. Touch for touch, moment for moment, Odion felt his heart racing and he knew that tomorrow, he’d remember this and not regret. That warm feeling rekindled. He watched Lani inquisitively. Curiouser and curiouser... And then Lani let go, and Odi wished he was sober enough to go back and relive that moment already. Odion’s fingers closed in on each other to form a fist, and he bit his lip, before knocking on the table to get out of this little trance Lani, not the alcohol, had put him in. “Right.” He said, slumping back in his chair.

“Why?” Odion asked in a very child-like voice, one that said he would just keep asking why to everything Lani said. One thing was for sure though – Odi really did trust Lani. Lani was fun to look at, and for now, Odion had come to a fantastic conclusion. “You’re pretty fun mate, pretty, and fun.” The world was definitely spinning, there was no denying it. And he just couldn’t stop that silly little grin from forming. Lani was pretty and fun, he blamed it on that. Odion joined in the laughter, ending it with a sigh of contentment. They really should do this more often. Not the whole, trying to walk while drunk bit, but the bit where they laughed a lot. Oh well, at least they had each other to lean on. Shock overcame his face and he watched the waitress go to their table, obviously impressed with them and their spending habits. “I almost forgot about the bill.” It wouldn’t be the first time he’s tried to leave without paying.

It was really too bad their laughing had to stop. And now, Odi blamed Dan for that. A flash of knowing passed Dan’s eyes, and Odion felt like there was something wrong. Was it something he said? But Odion had forgotten one of the many rules of thievery as he crossed into friendship and that was, never use your real name. Odion, still frozen to the spot, looked from Lani to Dan, and back once more. There was no need to go back in time and hear that again. The bouncers took that as their cue and approached. But in the time it took for them to get to them, Dan had done something. Odi looked back at the older man, who finally let him go, but the ginger was feeling even drunker.

“I... I think Dan was m-meta.” Odion held his hands out in front of him. How many hands was he supposed to have again? “I could steal soooooooo many things!” Tactile intoxication. Thanks for the extra oomph there Dan. Odi was being rather loud, but the bouncers didn’t take what he was saying to heart. They escorted all three of them outside, and watched them walk, or rather stumble, away. Odion giggled to himself, wandering off with or without Lani.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani regretted that he wasn’t able to be with the kittens more. Things had taken a turn in the ways of him getting out. He had given himself an ultimatum and he had been working double time to gather his funds in secret from his boss and keep up with the high quota he had been burdened with. Death come to him one way or another but he would die a free man. “Philosophy is only subjective if you have the patience to think about it,” he countered considering that a point on his board. One for one. Lani held up his cup and drank before shaking his head. Lani raised a skeptical brow and shook his head at Odion. “And you’re in denial. But I’m still better at getting into trouble.” Yes he did count that as an accomplishment. Lani was taken aback by the comment a little before he realized he was being quite an ass. He laughed and shook his head, “I thought I was a dog?” He replied giving Odion a lazy glare.

“I’m a genius,” he countered lamely. Lani didn’t feel the need to move in order to give Odion a nice glare. Was he really flailing so much? He really couldn’t focus on the topic for very long to remember. “You are not, you’re not so giggly normally,” he replied sourly and smiled at his oh so clever response. He was rather floppy. Lani lifted his head to nod it at Odion’s question. He opened his mouth but the hand quelled him and he rested his head in his hands as he listened to Odion. He shook his head. “And this is why I’m better at philosophy.” He smiled smugly, “I’m not speaking in circles if the master plan was a master plan to make a master plan to hide the master plan, I would say that is a rather elaborate con.” Lani made a ‘what’ face at Odion. Making things difficult is what Lani did. Like worrying. He made an innocent face and shifted his eyes around like he had no idea what was being discussed. Lani narrowed his eyes at Odion waiting for a punch line. Then he smiled. “Odion, you’re a genius!” He exclaimed. Nothing. That was indeed intimidating. They were nothing, never there, and people always feared nothing.

Lani shook his head a chuckle coming from deep in his chest. He opened his mouth to protest that they were indeed fun but then again really were they? What had they done so far? They had gone out, trained together, they hadn’t even stolen anything together yet. “Egad!” Lani cried, “We have to fix this! Odion. We’re boring.” Lani followed his gaze and shook his head a little his eyes wandering over the mess of people. Lani smirked and leaned back cradling his cup. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said smoothly his sly grin spelling out that he knew exactly what he was talking about. Lani blushed and set his drink down and resisting the urge to stick his tongue out at Odion again. He huffed and his feathers definitely ruffled. He straightened his back and his eyes became sharp and determined. “I am not whipped.” He protested. “I’m far from it. I do what I want.” He said so strongly and the independent Lani struck through. His eyes were hard and had an air of feral wildness in them. No, no one would tame him. Not even his girlfriend.

Lani’s eyes widened as he beheld Odion. If he had been sober this would have probably shocked and terrified him. Well, it still shocked him but his eyes softened. Instead of protesting and declaring that he could take care of himself he felt warm. Lani tried to think past it and closed his eyes to the lights. This was like falling into a fire. He wanted to be warm but he had tripped into the fire itself. But he didn’t feel that the burn was so unpleasant. He opened his eyes and looked right into those blue ones. They seemed to swallow him up. That was when he had the feeling of losing breath and he couldn’t respond to how much he appreciated… no loved that Odion cared so much. Odion’s touch brought him back and he blinked taking deep breaths. He looked at his hands then back up at Odion when he spoke. Lani’s smile was forced but he wanted Odion to know how much he meant to him. But his tongue stayed stationary. He swallowed and reached out for his cup taking the empty thing and sliding it across the table between his hands. Suddenly interested in that Lani spun his glass and it wobbled on the corner of the base and side. Lani’s power balanced it carefully and he moved his fingers over it making it spin. He looked up at Odion smiling trying to ease some of the tension that had grown.

“Do you really want me to tell you?” He asked in response his happiness rising as the short attention span of drunk Lani moved onto this new topic. “Back at you,” he said raising his empty glass in toast. He stumbled glad for Odion’s grip on his shoulder. Maybe between the two of them they could keep each other upright. Personal space rules had gone out the window tonight and Lani didn’t think very much about being so close to Odion other the fact that he liked it. Lani smiled and laughed at Odion. It was a wonder more people didn’t just forget about the bill. Good thing Dan had had a lot of cash. The waitress had been tolerant and very good at keeping the drinks coming, she deserved the bills. She wasn’t like D who had been willing to talk to him all night but she had done her job well. Lani’s eyes were having a hard time focusing and he was wondering why there were more Dans that there had been originally. He blinked and forced himself to focus. Drunk Lani was easy to goad into a fight and right now this man was asking for it. No one stole Odion from him. He didn’t stop to think about what they thought meant and simply glared.

Lani’s eyes widened as Odion spoke. His eyes narrowed in response and he allowed himself to be taken outside. Lani shook his head at Odion and gave him a curious look. How did he just get ten times more drunk? Lani didn’t make the connection but once outside Lani turned. “Meta huh? Well now I don’t feel so bad.” He turned seeing Dan following after them. He stopped and pushed his hands against the man’s chest his own arms not strong enough to move Dan very far but his power took over and Dan staggered back several feet. Dan raised his hands in defense and turned away. Satisfied Lani brushed his hands off and looked back over his shoulder for Odion. “Odion?” He called looking around for where the redhead could have run off to. He turned back to where Dan was. Gone. Crap! Lani’s panic level shot through the roof and he ran off in the direction he thought Odion might have gone. Lani wasn’t so drunk as to not be a worrier. As he ran he realized he shouldn’t be running because the world teetered dramatically to either side. So he stopped and his power shot out from him. Drunk, it bumped people and rattled windows reaching out as far as it could seeking the redhead. Oh god, where was Odion?

[Odion Martins]

Odion hadn’t complained about Lani not doing his part in taking care of the kittens, much to his own surprised and probably the blonde’s as well. Odi decided that Lani probably had better things to do, and well, he didn’t. So, he did it with a smile on his face. Seriously though, they were growing up quickly. By the time Lani got back from his trip to Boston... They’d look completely different. Which reminded Odi, was he still supposed to make an appearance in Lani’s home town? Hmm, he’d have to double check later. Maybe Avi would watch the kittens for them... “I have lots of patience my friend,” Odion said with a reassuring smile. If he didn’t, would he be Lani’s friend right now? The answer was an obvious no. Odion scoffed. “That’s a terrible trait to have as a thief,” oh no, now the redhead was critiquing Lani’s style. Hold nothing back, that was the endgame for tonight. “Let’s say ass-dog.” Wait, hadn’t they had this conversation before?

“Genius? Is that right next to awesome?” Odion couldn’t help himself, and started giggling again. He was just so damn clever, or so he thought. “How do you know what normal is for me? Hmm?” He challenged, but he couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. And Lani was right, he was giggling for more than usual. Giggling, what a terrible way to describe small fits of perfect laughter. Oh well, c’est la vie. So now they were Flails McGee and Giggly Goo, how wonderful. Odion raised both hands, and didn’t slap that ‘what’ face off like he wanted to. “Talking in circles, elaborate con,” he looked between his hands, went cross eyed for a moment, and then lowered them. “I think we’re in agreement.” Yes, Lani was better at philosophy. So what? Odion was better at saying things in fewer, more concise words. Odion sighed, looking frustrated once more. “I thought you were the genius...” Would Lani ever make sense? What was he getting at?

There were plenty of people more fun than they were. Avi, for example, was a lot of fun. Nope, Odion would not consider himself fun, especially after both she and Lani told him he needed more excitement/mess in his life. “So?” Odion said in a bored voice, as though emphasizing his point. He didn’t want to be fun, he just wanted to be himself. So what if he was a little moody and touchy? He’d be a great old man some day. “Right,” Odi said, smiling right back at Lani. He couldn’t trick the trickster. Odion really wasn’t holding back on the flirting now, was he? Lani should learn a lesson from this. Odion pointed at Lani. “Mate, you are so whipped.” He stifled a laugh as Lani said he did what he wanted. Like how he didn’t need to know how to dance, but was doing so anyways, with Adrianna. He was whipped. Lani was not[/u] winning this one.

Lani wasn’t offering anything smart to say, and Odion took this as a good sign. They were at a standstill again and Odion consciously let it go, staring off into nothing, letting the alcohol and his powers take over time. He had traded in one problem, for a bigger conundrum. And while he knew he didn’t love Lani like a lover, he definitely loved him as a friend. It was scary, to know that Lani could hurt him and Odi would come running back. This was the point where he couldn’t walk away, even if he wanted to. And while there didn’t seem to be a possibility of this friendship flourishing into something else, Odion was sure he wanted Lani in his life, no matter what. He didn’t want anything between them. Well, he didn’t want anyone to come between them. Odion still had his secrets, and so did Lani.

“Yes, tell me everything,” Odion said, being sort of serious. Who knew what kind of response he would get out of Lani, or if he’d even remember what the blonde said. He was going to be very embarrassed by tonight, after the hangover passed tomorrow. There was no time to raise his glass though, he was already on his way out, Lani in tow. “I thought we weren’t fun though,” he was so confused. Odion forgot about the whole thing when he literally ran into Dan, and was taken outside.

Odion nodded slowly. “Yu-up, I’m feeling preeeetty good right now.” He smiled at nothing and no one in particular. He pressed into Lani, inches away from his face. “Tactile Intoxication, now that’s a power I need.” But then Lani stopped. Dan and his clones were coming after the two of them, but Odion just stood there trying to hold in his laughter, stumbling away. Dan would never catch them!

Oh, the fresh air felt good! He could just roll around. And roll around he did. Once he escaped from Lani down some street or other, Odion went to the middle of the road, sat down, and then rolled around. Right in the middle of the road. He reasoned that no cars would be out this late at night, and the view while spinning? It was just fantastic! Lani would find him eventually, assuming he was still able to hear. Odion was full out laughing now, hysterical and drunk. He was having a good time at least. He stopped rolling suddenly, his fingers in a man hole. “What’s this?” He asked aloud in a chipper voice, staring into it. It was way too dark to see anything, but that didn’t stop him from trying. “Laaaaawni? Are you hiding in there?” He asked quite loudly.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani felt bad about leaving all of the responsibility to Odion but what could he do? He had already robbed a few banks in desperation for funds. He only had a few thousands left. Then he could pay off his debt and cut his ties with the mob for good. Or so he thought. Lani grinned at Odion. Of course he did. Without patience there would be no toleration of their dancing around subjects and avoiding the hardest of topics. “Oh good,” he said as if terribly relieved, “Cause I totally thought it was the opposite.” He loved teasing Odion, he probably always would. Lani’s shoulders squared and he tossed his head as if that was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. “That is the perfect trait to have, if you can’t enjoy getting away with it what’s the point? Besides if you’re gonna go down you might as well piss off some people on your way.” He shrugged he really didn’t think he’d ever be caught and if he was it wasn’t like they could hold him for very long. “You’re just afraid of getting caught,” Lani countered engaging in the battle. He shook his head, “That sounds familiar.”

“It’s synonymous. Just like Lani goes with Hunter, genius goes with awesome.” He laughed as Odion started to giggle. He liked the sound. A sly grin lit his face and he rubbed his chin looking at Odion. “I’m not as oblivious as you think,” he said. He really was. Odion had it right when they went to get burgers. Lani was oblivious to everything. Sure Lani was starting to assess these feeling and question himself but he couldn’t believe that Odion might feel the same. He knew Odion cared and that meant a lot but romantically… Why did Lani care? He wasn’t gay, was he? Where was Diana when he needed her? It would be so easy if he could just have someone tell him. Yes this is how it is supposed to be. Lani raised a brow at the raised hands and smiled. “The perfect crime.” Lani laughed out loud and fell back in his chair. “This is insanity, you and I agreeing on more than one thing in the same night!” Lani shook his head and smiled trying to get Odion to think about it, it wasn’t frustrating it was freeing the mind to explore the unanswered questions. “I am, you are, and this is why I don’t think either of us will win.” He said honestly.

Odion didn’t seem as upset by this revelation as Lani was. Why not? Lani was terribly upset by this and he really couldn’t say why. He gestured to Odion with his palms up frustrated that Odion was not as upset by their no fun trend as Lani was. Lani snickered his drunk sell thinking that he was brilliant and he had just gotten away with being clueless. Lani flipped his hands making slow down motions with his hands. “Woah, woah, I am not.” He said with stubborn sureness. “I can take care of myself… what? I do. Adrianna and I are equals. I do what I want. I am not whipped.” Well Lani wasn’t going to lose this one. This was a battle just as much for Lani as it was for Odion. His stubbornness flew up as Lani dug in his heels to this. He was too independent to think of himself as being whipped. Drunk or not Lani would have argued this, but drunk it seemed like such a huge deal Lani wasn’t going to go out without a bang.

Lani was focused on the cup and his power but his mind was only half on that. Lani’s eyes periodically peeked up at Odion looking into those blue eyes. Sapphires, he decided as he watched as they caught the light now and again and glowed. The feeling was mutual. But neither would admit to it. It would mean far more than either of them was ready for. Lani had never had a friend so true, someone who he could trust. And now he was falling for him. The tightrope had snapped and Lani was hanging by the thread of denial but would he eventually lose grip and fall. It wasn’t really an if so much as when and what else was going on by the time that happened. Lani kept thinking that if he held on long enough the feelings would go away but he was now sure that it wasn’t going to happen. So he would just ignore… But then they wouldn’t go away. Ignorance was only bliss if one didn’t know that anything was going on. But Lani knew, and Lani ignored and it was anything but bliss.

Lani narrowed his eyes at Odion. Alcohol loosed lips did Lani in. “Because I don’t want you to.” Lani paused and realizing how that sounded quickly added, “…get hurt. He’s a creep.” Lani’s eyes looked down at his hands. Well played, Odion. “Besides, we still have some teddy bears that need to be obtained.” Lani’s eyes flashed with excitement. Operation teddy bear stealing had been set into motion by two drunken teenagers. If they got caught by the cops and Hammel had to come bust them out they would probably be the poster children for why underage teens didn’t drink. Ignoring the comment about fun wasn’t intentional. Lani started to answer but Dan showed up and Lani needed, or rather wanted to, play tough guy. Too bad Dan wasn’t buying it very well.

“Oh dear,” Lani laughed at Odion’s sudden slurring. He had been doing it before but now it seemed like the redhead was hard pressed to speak at all. Lani’s eyes went wide as Odion’s face became very close. If he had been sober he would have jerked away but intoxicated Lani didn’t mind the closeness so much. He had enough of a sober lead on Odion to lean away from the closeness. Lani shook his head. “That is not a power you need, you’d have far too much fun with that.” He laughed and shook his head at the redhead. Really turning his back on Odion was probably the last thing he wanted to do. Drunk as he was Lani wouldn’t be much help but he was at least not as far gone as to start talking into manholes as Odion was when he finally found him.

The sense of dread was wiped away by a wave of relief. When he had heard the laughter down one street he had taken a few running steps which probably took him in a zigzag pattern. “Odion! I’m over here, what are you doing?” He reached the redhead and it was a last minute decision not to want to be on the ground that kept Lani from giving him a hug, he was so glad to see him. He stopped his hands on his hips as he looked down at Odion. Why was he on the ground? Lani reached for Odion and tried to pull him back onto his feet. He was laughing just as much as Odion was, but he was laughing at Odion. “C’mon, you can’t sit in the street.” Lani was finding himself rather unsuccessful at lifting the redhead when his limbs were acting like noodles while he was laughing. His efforts were determined but his aim and giggles were offsetting his intentions and he ended up pulling weakly on Odion’s shirt.

[Odion Martins]

If Lani only asked for help, things could’ve gone twice as fast. Literally. “Shuddup Lani,” Odion said, his fall back line. He loved teasing Lani as much as the blonde liked teasing him, but tonight he didn’t have anything truly clever to say. “You’re lucky I have the patience of a saint,” he said, swirling the drink in his glass around. This statement was only true for the blonde, and only on certain topics. There were a lot of things Odion snapped over without any warning, and it was up to Lani to sift through the safe topics. “I do enjoy getting away with it. I don’t need to make a big spectacle of things,” he watched Lani with careful eyes, “you just enjoy the attention.” Lani was certainly good at dancing, around topics that is. “But I don’t want to go down, and I won’t, because I don’t need recognition.” There, that was all. Oh wait, no, Lani wasn’t done yet. Odi sneered. “Of course I’m afraid of getting caught, but I haven’t been yet, and that’s because I don’t step into the light.” Lani, on the other hand, enjoying coaxing guards into letting him out of the school. Odion, would rather just slip by.

“There are more synonyms for you than I can keep up with,” he snarled, though a few unflattering ones came to his mind first. Lani was a large dose of competition for Odion, and the ginger had a hard time keeping up sometimes. Oh sure, he had Lani fooled with the mind games, but Lani was getting better that them, and that made Odi panic, and when Odi panicked, the mind games crumbled. “You are oblivious,” Odi said without bluff. If he wasn’t, then Lani would know exactly how Odi felt about him. But he didn’t, and thus, was oblivious to everything in front of him. “You only see what you want to see,” Odion added, determined to win something tonight, other than attention from Dan and those sluts. “I think we’re more alike than you, I, uh, we thought,” there, that’s what he was trying to say. Because yes, Odion assumed he knew what Lani thought. They were more alike than either of them wanted to accept. “I’m so confused,” Odion finally admitted. He couldn’t play philosophy games, at least not when he was starting on level one drunk.

Odion was watching Lani with a ‘mhm’ face, shaking his head once in a while as though he truly pitied his friend. “The first step is denial,” he said, reminding Lani of the Seven Steps to Acceptance. Eventually, Lani would realize he was whipped, and Odion would gloat because he was a free man... In essence. “You do what you want? You’re equals?” He scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Lani Hunter, you are full of shit.” First of all, Adrianna had to be on the same level in order to be equal, and with the amount he kept from her she was anything but. Still, he was wrapped around her little finger and Odi only knew partly why. He wanted to say the thing about dancing, but that would get him into trouble. “You’re whipped, every guy in a relationship is.” There, it was irrefutable and true. Weak, but he couldn’t bring out the proof.

Loyal, just like a dog. Sometimes Odion sickened himself. Hadn’t he come here to forget about a boy he loved? Who then proceeded to leave without a word? History had a way of repeating itself, and though Odi’s heart was begging to be noticed by its owner, his mind was trying to shut it down. He had stopped thinking around Lani, had begun using his heart to feel out the situation, if only to figure Lani out. But in the mean time, he was crushing on someone who was already taken. And what if he wasn’t taken? Odion smiled at the thought as Lani looked him over in present time. Then maybe things would be different, but then again, maybe not. If Lani wasn’t comfortable with Odion now, while dating someone else, he probably wouldn’t be comfortable single either. Damn, fuck, damn it all... Why had he gotten to know Lani? Because the blonde was interesting? Was there something more than that? Or was Lani just another game to waste time on? Odion was losing track of time and himself, willing the alcohol to work better. Fate had given him all the right cards at the wrong time and Odi could feel himself buckling under what he should do, and what he wanted to do. Odion shook his head suddenly, snapping himself out of thought. He glanced over at Lani, remaining silent but making one final decision that he knew he wouldn’t change his mind on, and that nothing could alter. Lani wasn’t a waste. The blonde had given him more than Odion ever dreamed of taking. Courage, trust, friendship... How had this happened?

”Because I don’t want you to.” Odion had stopped listening after that. The ginger gave Lani a soulful look, smiling his crooked smile. He patted Lani’s wrist, trying to say that was enough for tonight. Odion wanted Lani to like him, maybe more than a friend, but he also didn’t want Lani to get hurt because of him. “Right, teddies,” Odion held his smile, his bloodshot eyes looking for the exit. Really, Lani had done him a lot of good, but Odion could only see the hurt he was causing his friend. Lani would be better off without him. And for once, Odion felt guilty. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe he was growing a conscience. Was this how Lani felt after Odion answered a question so bluntly? And why were emotions so hard to accept and express? Why did everything have an alternative motive? Why did Lani trust him?

It wasn’t planned, but Odion had ended up more intoxicated than Lani tonight. He shook a finger at Lani. “Ooh come on! I’d share.” He grinned stupidly. It was no fun getting drunk by himself, not now that he knew what fun it was to be drunk with Lani. But as fate would have it, this wasn’t Odion’s power. It was probably for the best, and everyone’s safety.

“I’m over here, above you!” He shouted into the sewers. “Wha-” He tried to get a better look. “What are you doing in there?!” Odion was absolutely convinced that Lani was playing tricks on him, trying to one up him. Or maybe... “Did Dan put you there? I’ll... I’ll get him!” All this, while Lani was literally a few feet away. He wasn’t sure what he would do, but he would do something. But then someone was touching him and Odion started, flailing at his attacker. Honestly he thought it was Dan. He sighed, relieved it was only Lani. “Did you use a different man hole?” He asked, totally shocked, and yet, impressed. He smiled up at Lani, eyes half closed. Lani had a beautiful laugh. Odion groped in the air, caught Lani’s wrist, and pulled him onto the ground to sit next to him. The ginger would obviously have the leverage here, with gravity and surprise on his side. “There’s no one here, have a seat.” Odion crossed his legs in front of him as the world spun around him. “Once we have the teddies,” he said, looking at the stars, “we must have a tea party.” He lay back on the road and moved his muscles as though making a snow angel. “I see why you like” he gulped, straining for air, “the stars so much.” They were beautiful, and when they spun around like this, they were all shooting stars.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani sat back and crossed his arms his smile showing no signs of failing. Odion could tell Lani to shut up all he wanted but the only thing that really told Lani was that he had struck a nerve. And that he was winning. Lani laughed and nodded. “I believe it,” he grinned knowing very well that Odion would have swatted him long before now if he didn’t have patience. But there were a lot of things that the redhead was impatient with. Lani smiled he loved it when he showed up in the news. Well not that they said his name. But more than once or twice his heists had been breaking news. There were never any leads. “No leads, no problem.” Lani commented. He loved making a spectacle of things. He shook his head in denial about wanting attention. But really what thief didn’t want recognition. Apparently Odion. “Everyone eventually stumbles.” Lani smiled teasingly. “What are you afraid of? One sign of trouble and snap freeze time and walk away. There is no danger.” Lani was a little arrogant. He had confidence that his power was good enough to get him out of trouble.

Lani raised his hands too drunk to respond back with anger so he just let Odion snarl at him and backed up a few mental paces. Lani really didn’t care to know what synonyms Odion could come up with, because he was sure he could guess a few as well. Shaking his head now Lani was back in denial. He noticed everything, at least so he thought. He was bad with understanding people. He opened his mouth to protest and clamped it shut again as the fight started to build. “And I suppose you see everything as is,” he shot back but bit his tongue before he could make a crack about Rhett. He had to remind himself that he was here getting drunk with Odion to make him feel better but he wasn’t going to sit here and be attacked without defending himself. But he would not let his words go there. “I see you,” he said his eyes narrowed. Lani wanted to see how Odion would respond to that one. Lani nodded, that had been something both of them had been denying. Lani smiled sympathetically and decided to let the topic drop. “Never mind, it’s not important.”

Lani threw up his arms in exasperation but not in defeat. His eyes narrowed at the sudden attack. He opened his hands and shook his head. “I’m not,” he protested, “Ok, so she doesn’t know everything about me, but I don’t know everything about her either. But we have a good relationship.” Denial was not even covering what Lani was in. Fantasy land perhaps? Sure there were things he didn’t know about her but what she didn’t know about him was the underlying essence of who he was. This was not going to turn into a conversation yet again about how Lani should tell her the truth, because it wasn’t going to happen. “Huh? Is that so?” He asked leaning toward Odion. “So who was whipped in your relationship?” Lani bit his tongue after that. That was harsh, unnecessary. At least he had stopped himself from saying anything else. But if Lani was going down as being whipped he was not going down alone.

Lani focused on his drink before he found the courage to look up at Odion. He was stuck by the expression and he looked down at Odion’s hand as he touched his arm. He looked back up. Why did he love that smile so much? Lani’s heart was still very much under lock and key. These feeling seeping through from Adrianna and Odion were like the soft tunes of the party that were seeping through the walls to the prisoner. His heart was very much his own and though Adrianna’s heart had sought out finding him and his sang back now there was another tune and Lani had found his heart turning in on itself instead of dealing with who it wanted to listen to. Odion had the right idea. So many of the right card at the wrong time. Lani nodded glad for talk of stuffed animals and not of the heart. With any luck, Lani reflected, he wouldn’t remember this in the morning. If Odion had voiced his guilt that would have struck Lani more than anything else so far. Guilt was a strong emotion and the fact that Odion was feeling it would be almost too confusing for Lani to deal with. But he would have been able to assure Odion that hurt or not Lani was better with him. Whether one day they parted or if they spent every day speaking he would know that he never regretted meeting Odion.

Lani grabbed Odion’s finger as it waved in his face. “No, getting intoxicated is not a good power.” He shook his head. He could see Odion getting drunk a lot off his own power and he would only to easily get Lani in on his drunkenness. Thank goodness it was not Odion’s power. Apparently someone had a sense of humor. They had given two thieves powers that would help them in their trade and make things harder for everyone else. After all, time control and telekinesis mixed so much better. Imagine if Lani’s power had been able to touch Odion’s power if he had tactile intoxication. What a mess that would be if his power got drunk directly. It was hard enough to control his power when he was sober and he was just glad that his power couldn’t focus on anything too long to cause any trouble when he was drunk.

Lani failed at keeping down a laugh as Odion shouted into the sewer. Why would Lani be in the sewer? “Odion. Odion!” Lani cried flapping his arms trying to get the redhead’s attention. “I’m over here.” He should have been concerned but at the moment it was far too funny for him not to laugh. Oh how he wished he could document this. Maybe he could convince Odion to go back and watch this later. He would probably be just as weak with laughter as Lani was. Either that or in complete mortification. Lani shook his head. “Dan didn’t put me anywhere. Dan is gone.” At least he hoped so. “Odion! Stop it, it’s me.” He said between laughs as he dodged Odion’s flailing arms. “Now who is flailing around?” He smiled and looked at Odion as if he had grown another head. “What? No, I was never in a man hole, Crazy.” Wow Odion was right Dan had done something to him. Lani worried that Odion might be too drunk. Somewhere in his own drunk mind he worried that Odion might be drunk forever.

A yelp tore from him as he ground came up to meet him. He managed to twist so he landed on his rump with an ‘oof’ than on his face. Something told him that it should hurt more falling on his back than it did. He gave Odion a mock glare. He sat facing Odion staring at him and making sure he knew just how displeased Lani was with his current position on the ground. Really Lani was just too lazy right now to try to get back up. “Ew…” Lani drawled, “Tea is gross. But we can celebrate you unbirthday!” Lani cried and reached out to straighten Odion’s hat. He paused, his hands hovering around the hat before he moved it so it tipped back on Odion’s head. “We’re gonna have to get you a bigger hat.” Odion laying down made Lani nervous. He looked down the street in both directions and it really was dead. Save for the lamppost at the corner a good half block away on either side there was nothing. He looked back at Odion before tipping his head up to look at the stars. He let out a little ‘woah’ as his dizziness made him fall back. He caught himself and spun on the ground so that he wasn’t laying with his face near Odion’s feet. He hummed in agreement and watched them. “I’ve never seen so many stars. Make a wish.” He said closing his eyes and making his own.

[Odion Martins]

Odion looked at Lani carefully, a grin spreading slowly across his face. “I think I have you figured you out,” he said, full of confidence, waiting for Lani to stop and hear this breaking news. “You have a problem. You need recognition,” he raised his eyes, “that’s a sure fire way to become a serial killer, and a psychopath, and I’ll have you know, I can’t associate with you once that happens.” He was half kidding, half serious, but all interested to see what Lani would say to that. “You might have everyone fooled now, but if you leave enough clues, eventually they’ll pick up on your many habits,” Odion said. Of course, he couldn’t say this for sure. Lani had social habits just like everyone else, but what about stealing? Odi couldn’t say for sure because he had never seen Lani in action before. Odion nodded in agreement. “You’ll be the first, out of the two of us I mean,” he said, a challenging smile on his face. He couldn’t say Lani would fall first, but he would put bets on it. “I just don’t want anyone to have reason to remember me,” he said with a shrug, “must be a personality thing.” Odion was more interested in analyzing people, and stealing things was something he did spur of the moment. He didn’t plan out huge plots like Lani did.

Feeling his face grow red, Odion wondered when the fighting had started, and why. “You’re just saying that because you’re avoiding yourself,” he said, analyzing Lani. The blonde was acting out, trying to hit Odi where it hurt, and for once, Odion wasn’t reacting like how he usually would. Usually, he would snap, he would tell Lani where to go and how to get there, and then he would leave. But they had come together, Lani had come out for him, and for that, Odion bit down his tongue, and then sighed. “Look,” he said, shuffling forward on his seat to give Lani a good stare, “I don’t want to fight tonight, okay?” He smiled a bit, not wanting to be reminded of Rhett, not wanting to be reminded of his own mistakes. He would forever be making those, and when he was with Lani, he felt like he was doing something right. Could they just enjoy that tonight? “Thanks for coming out with me tonight,” he said, changing the subject. “You’re good at that, you know that? Turning my own words on me,” he nodded a couple times, “quite clever.” Compliments and saying thank you, that would appease Lani into having a good time.

Laughing a bit, Odion shook his head. “I’m just stating the obvious mate, no need to get your knickers in a knot.” Odi watched Lani, trying to explain himself, but all Odi could see was futility, and a man crumbling under his own lies. “Does anyone know everything about you?” Odion doubted even Lani knew. Odion hadn’t had a good relationship before, but he knew a bad one when he saw one. Someone was bound to get hurt, and most likely that would be Adrianna, though Odion would still feel sympathy for Lani. He understood why Lani hid, but then he didn’t understand why he drug Adrianna into his life if he deemed it unsafe. Odion shrugged, tapping his glass with his fingertips and looking at the dance floor. “I think you know,” he said, looking back at Lani with hard eyes. Did Lani enjoy hurting him or something? Hadn’t he asked to forget about Rhett? Odion finished the drink in his hand, and motioned to the server for another, casting another hurt glance at Lani. You won, happy now?

And then they touched, and Odi had already forgiven Lani. It was hard to stay mad, especially when Lani was so used to keeping up his guard. Odion understood, but still, he didn’t like being hurt. Lani was willing to take jab at Odion’s relationship with Rhett, he was even willing to talk about Adrianna a bit, but as soon as anything was mentioned about them, Lani went silent. Why? Odion was beyond frustrated, and now he wanted to be drunk now more than ever. Odion knew he liked Lani, but there was nothing he could do about it other than trying to push the boundaries of friendship and see how Lani reacted.

It was Odion’s turn to stick out his tongue. “Yes it is.” It was a good power and they both knew it. It would save Odi all kinds of trouble. No need for fake ID or stopping time, or anything like that. It would be heaven on earth. It was really too bad it wasn’t his power. Maybe he could go back in time and change his power? Could that even work? He’d have to do more research on it later. Really, Odion wanted to help Lani with his powers, but he wasn’t thinking about that right now. In fact, he wasn’t thinking about much at all.

“Your laugh is amazing!” He said, still directing his attention at the sewer. It wasn’t until Lani actually approached and touched him that made Odi realize that Lani was no longer in the sewer. He had been in the sewer though, there was no doubt about that. If Lani took any pictures of this, Odion would hunt him down, and tickle him to death. He could, however, bring Lani back to these moments any time he wanted to, but there would be no record of this other than in their memories. Odi’s dark eyes were hazy, but he was still having a good time. “I’m flailing!” He said quiet proudly, grinning madly. This would be a night to remember. Odion frowned, looking back at the street. He was sure... “You were in this manhole.” Odi said, pointing at the sewer. Then he pointed at Lani. “And now, you’re not. Amazing.” He smiled dopily, leaning back into his hands and smiling up at Lani. How come he had never realized how comfortable the street was before?

Lani didn’t look displeased. In fact, Odion believed he was as comfortable as he was. “Tea’s not gross,” Odi whined, pouting. He wanted tea, and Lani should want tea also. Odoin laughed, and touched his hat after Lani did, smirking. “I tried your American food, you must have tea,” he said with insisting eyes. He’d be so hurt if Lani didn’t have tea with him. What kind of friend would Lani be, not having tea with him? Not a very good one. Taking off his hat, Odi slapped it onto Lani’s head, covering his grey eyes. “It looks, mm, better on you,” he said, his head tilted to the side. Odion giggled, taking up residence on the road to watch the stars. Odion could feel himself sobering up a bit, the stars were still spinning, but not as quickly. He sighed, the cool night air soothing his skin, which had gotten a bit sweaty at the club. “Make a wish.” Odion stared at Lani, eyes closed, making his wish. It made Odi smile. Odion turned his head back, staring at the stars with wide eyes. Reality wasn’t something he had to deal with right now. “This is nice,” he said, wiggling his feet a little, closing his eyes finally. “What’d you wish for?” He asked, only realizing now that he hadn’t made one.