TIME WARP: A Host of Thieves (Odion)

[Lani Hunter]

2024

They say the world was supposed to end twelve years ago. Well all the better it didn't because Lani Hunter had hardly turned eighteen that year. How had the years turned so fast and so slow at the same time. This Hunter had to laugh at his eighteen year old self. How end of the world everything had seemed that year. So many things had changed. New presidents, new people, new places. The telekinetic himself had changed so much. Even Caroline was getting married now. In a few months at least. That was a terrifying thought. Somehow in her time at Hammel she had convinced Lani to stop treating her like a child and she had turned into a beautiful young woman and in many ways just as sly and devious as her brother. Much to his dismay she had taken to a young man who was very much like himself. He was convinced he wasn't good enough for her but then she just teased him saying no one ever would. Which was true.

He was taller now, only a few inches but they were important inches in his opinion. His shoulders had broadened a little and he had finally lost that gangly adolescent look. He was still small enough to fit through windows thankfully though. Really Lani never thought he would live to see this year. Not after that final year at Hammel. That tangled mess between him, Adrianna, Rhett and Odion. Names well remembered but faces of at least two that he hadn't seen in a long time. But as much as things had changed so many things stayed the same. Lani's smile was still impish and his gray eyes still glinted when he was planning something. And once a thief always a thief. No getting away from his boss had not gotten Lani out of this life. He loved it too much. It had been years and he was starting to think that there was no chance of the police catching on. After all on the outside Lani was a kind upstanding citizen.

He glanced around hall picking a direction at random. He dodged two youngsters as they rushed by. A little girl and boy. Younger than Lani when he had started. They had been quite the promising pair. That was if they could ever stay focused on something long enough to work at it. He couldn't believe it had been twelve years. Since he had left his boss, since his world truly felt like it was going to end. He scratched at the old burn scar and smiled now if someone came at him with any weapon they were going to regret it. Really if anyone came at him at all they would regret it. With Odion's help he had mastered much of his power, though flight still seemed to evade his abilities. Speaking of the redhead... He seemed to have disappeared. Lani paced the hall taking quick glances in rooms here and there. Finally he decided to drop down stairs and tried one last room in his search.

Lani didn't have time to open the door before it flew open and a rather sour looking teen stormed out. He was a stubborn kid who was convinced that he knew everything and that everyone else was dead wrong. He entered to find his favorite redhead standing in the middle of the small room. "I take it things went well," Lani commented. He smiled setting himself up leaning agaisnt the wall his arms crossed across his chest. No some things never change. "Where we ever like that?" He asked curiously. It was hard to think that they were. He looked at Odion finding those familiar blue eyes. It was strange to think that those eyes could still send chills down his spine and convince him that Odion staring right through him.

[Odion Martins]

Odion was glad to have stayed in America. He had threatened to leave on numerous occasions, even though he wasn’t planning on following through. He just couldn’t get over how good it felt to have someone who wanted him to stay. His repeated Senior year was unnecessary, and that’s always how he’s going to see it. Sure, he can move forward in time now at his leisure, but had it really been worth all the drama? And the extra school work? It wasn’t something Odion enjoyed unless it was something he wanted to do himself. He was glad to have at least one good thing happen out of the whole mess of coming here in the first place. Well two actually. Lani had stayed nearby, Odi just couldn’t be without him. But then there was his brother, someone Odion had come to rely on. Declyn was a good man, and Odion just loved bothering him about that. Hey, they’re brothers!

His looks? Odion had definitely grown into them. He’s a good few inches taller than when he graduated, and has bulked up a bit too thanks to the boxing classes he’s been taking. It’s hard for a grown man to jump around buildings without being noticed from time to time. Though he likes to think he’s still quick on his feet, parkour just isn’t his thing any more. The red hair just suits his blue eyes and freckles, which cover his body. He’s taken to liking and wearing t-shirts more often, and saves his fancy outfits for dates. He can now also stomach hamburgers... sort of.

The Operation had been both of their ideas. By day, Odion was attending the local college, taking some promised philosophy courses. By night, he was teaching young kids how to fend for themselves and make something out of the hand life had dealt them. So really, he was basically Super Man. Also, it didn’t hurt that these kids were raking in money for them. And he had to admit that between himself and Lani, he didn’t know who was the better boss. But it wasn't like they just lazed about and expected these kids to rob banks. No, it was best to leave those Operations to the pros. His personality had grown into something between sarcasm and quick quips. And stealing hasn’t stopped, though the drinking has. For the most part.

When Lani walked in and took his familiar stance against the wall, Odion had to smile. Some of the anger he was feeling subsided into nothingness. Feeling angry really wasn’t worth his time any more. “Feeling nostalgic today are we?” Odion asked, nearing Lani and bringing him into a hug. “I know you like keeping your distance, but I just don’t care.” How was that for reeling in memories? “We have work to do though. We have to talk about Trevor.” The ginger’s accent hadn’t changed, despite how long he had been in America for. Trevor was their newest and strongest recruit, but he was out of control. “We were most definitely like that.” Odion said, taking a seat on the desk in the middle of the room he had been standing near before. He ran his hands over his face. “It’s fate paying us back.”

[Lani Hunter]

Lani was glad that Odion had stayed as well, he didn’t know what would have happened had Odion left. Probably the fact that Lani hadn’t given up his thieving ways was what had done his and Adrianna’s relationship in. Rhett had planted the doubt and after that it had been a cycle of ups and downs and then Lani found he couldn’t give up this life that he had made for himself. It was really a shame neither of them was as agile as they used to be. Lani almost forgot sometimes but that was before things became more difficult. He would eventually remember that he was not seventeen anymore. He could no longer swing on branches and scale buildings like a squirrel. He really wasn’t sure how he and Odion had gotten thought that last year at Hammel. That had really been the longest year of Lani’s life. With memories he wished to never forget and those that he begged would be erased from his memory.

He had attended the philosophy classes with Odion but beyond that once Lani had graduated from Hammel he was done with school. All he had ever been good at was physics and really he wasn’t going to do anything with a physics degree anyways so why bother. Lani was glad that he and Odion had started the Operation. He had to admit he had his doubts at first. But Lani was glad that he and Odion had snapped up a lot of the children on the streets before someone like Lani’s old boss got to them. The money was good and they were well supported. All of the kids went to school, or at least they were supposed to. Really Lani wasn’t a very good example. He had also been afraid that he and Odion would take a back seat but that hadn’t happened. They were still at the front lines. Odion was really the better teacher but Lani had stories. He enjoyed telling stories to the younger and at times older children.

Lani shrugged and a frown crossed his face. “Just a little,” he said surprised by Odion’s embrace but finding comfort in his arms. Odion could read him like a book. It was funny how Lani had thought Odion had known him well back then but now it was really clear how well Odion knew him and how well he knew Odion. A small smile grew on his face. “And just for today I wouldn’t mind,” he replied. But then Odion declared there was work to be done. Lani groaned and slouched his shoulders. Ah yes, Trevor. He was always on their minds now a days. Lani chuckled and shook his head. “Wow, we were moody things weren’t we?” He watched Odion sit down and after a moment followed. Odion was wiping his face again. He was stressed about Trevor. Lani put his hands on Odion’s shoulder giving them a squeeze before moving around the table and taking a seat across from Odion.

“And to think that that was the reason I never wanted children,” he mused softly. He leaned forward putting his elbows on the desk. “So what has Trevor done now? You don’t think we’re gonna lose another one to Hammel do you?” Really after a few years some of the children were bound to become meta. It wasn’t too unexpected but really if Lani had been able to petition in order to keep them and train them here he would. But then good things had happened to him at Hammel. After all that was where he had met his partner in crime. Honestly though he missed them. He and Odion were really guardians to these children, given them a place to learn how to use their size and skill. Now the government probably really wouldn’t like them doing this but really Odion and Lani didn’t ask for much in return. They certainly didn’t saddle them with debts like Lani’s boss did. All of them were free to leave, well for the most part. They watched them mostly to keep their own hides out of jail. Though what prison could hold them he would never know.

[Odion Martins]

He wasn’t sure whose idea the operation had been, but Odion had stopped keeping score a long time ago. It probably happened around the same time Odi was itching for something new to do with his life. He decided to do something useful with the talents he had, and maybe they weren’t exactly legal, but Odi and Lani did far more than just trying to teach these kids how to steal. They challenged them and Odion had even had a few really good talks with the kids one on one. A lot of them were like him growing up. A lot of them needed more help than he could offer.

Once Hammel stepped in, there was nothing they could do. Though Odi was happy to say that plenty of kids still visited them and were apart of the Operation of their own free will. Odi and Lani had forged a family for these young kids. Sometimes the Operation showed them what they didn’t want, and they went on to high school wanting something better than just stealing. But for Odi, it was never just stealing.

Odion would make time for Lani later. He gave Lani a thankful smile and watched him sit. Oh how he never grew tired of watching Lani Hunter. Odion laughed, shaking his head. Neither of them seemed like qualified father material. Odion shrugged, pulling his legs underneath him to sit cross legged on the desk. He was still quite cat like. “I can’t tell if he’s meta, or just bad attitude.” Trevor had a lot of issues. He liked to bed young girls like him and didn’t think about the consequences. And he wasn’t very good at listening. “And that fifty percent from last night? Yeah, he only gave me twenty five.” Trevor wasn’t stupid, but for some reason he deemed that the kids should get more than the guys actually running the place. Odion felt bad for Trevor, he wasn’t completely heartless, but he wasn’t going to risk their place here for a stupid kid.

“What do you think we should do with him?” Odion asked, watching Lani with intensity instead of biting his nails like he wanted to.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani smiled absently as he thought about where all of this had started. A small idea between too bickering men that had blossomed into something beautiful. Lani was glad that they were getting kids off the streets. Not all of them were going into good things, per say, but wouldn’t a controlled young thief working for two kind masters be better than them joining a gang and getting themselves killed. No Lani and Odion didn’t let them deal with the gangs. If something came up between them the telekinetic and time turner showed how good of partners they were. No one of the underground messed with them. Lani had to admit that he loved them. As annoy as some of them could be. They were like his own children and he even attended the occasional conference. Odion was better at getting on them about school work but Lani was the example of what not to do and he used that very well.

The Operation was a wonderful thing. Some of their kids went onto college and Lani was more than happy to help them out with the payment. Much to the dismay of the treasury, but that was hardly important. If they really were hurting Lani could resupply in no time at all. Especially if Odion helped. Quite literally no time. But they were both so busy he felt like he saw the trio of old cats more than he did Odion. The kids took up a lot of time. Training, school, and just plain keeping them from getting themselves into real trouble. One touchy thing was jail. If one of their kids got arrested it was always a debate about what to do because they could call attention but then they couldn’t just leave them in a cell. He wished he had Caroline’s skill at the legal system. She was studying to become a lawyer with the intention of keeping her brother out of trouble.

Odion’s eyes hadn’t changed and Lani still loved them. He tapped his fingers on the table and listened. There had been quite a few metas run through here, but not nearly as many as Lani had expected. It appeared that human thieves still outnumbered the meta ones. “Well a lot of metas have bad attitudes,” Lani joked. They had been two of the worst. He had had to laugh when they called him in to talk about graduation. They had taken out his file which was rather thick for his two years at the school. He had been proud but they had been annoyed. But Trevor was really a problem. He had a mixed idea of morals. Not that they were particularly right but Lani and Odion had always mutually agreed that matters of stealing hearts were to be left out of their agenda. Lani’s eyebrows jumped then came down in thought. “Really? Well I don’t know whether to call him crazy or gutsy. Does he not understand that most of what they give us goes to the food that they eat?” He shook his head and scoffed. No maybe this kid would have been better off with a harsh taste of reality. Not quite like the one Lani had had but Lani would have to tell him a few things.

Lani scratched his chin and hummed a little as he thought. Finally, “Let me talk to him. If I can tell him about what we could be like maybe he’ll appreciate us. And if that doesn’t work,” Lani sighed and shrugged, “I suppose we could take him out with us just once. Show him that we haven’t taught them everything. Maybe he just thinks we sit around waiting for them to bring us back cash.” He didn’t like talking about his old job but sometimes that go through to people. But he would not be like his boss. Not ever. He would not sit around and let people work for him. Age had not quelled his sense of adventure and his desire to touch things that were not his. “How has he been doing in training? Has he mastered your bell man?” He asked curiously. The bell man was a very nice thing that taught them how to get into pockets and out without setting off any bells. Which in the real world would set off alarms and get them into trouble. If Trevor mastered that they had better start watching out for their own pockets.

[Odion Martins]

Odion had learned the hard way how to deal with the cards he had been dealt. The whole Operation probably started after one too many arguments. And if he remembered clearly, and his memory was quite good, Lani had thought it was a stupid idea. Odion just had to keep proving himself, but he didn’t mind so long as Lani kept paying attention. Lani knew everything about Odion’s past, or lack thereof. He knew where to hit Odion to make it hurt, and chose not to. Really the Operation was some kind of obscure daycare for Odi, but he wanted to give hope to those close to the edge. Just like how Lani had done for him so many years ago. It was something he believed Lani had gone along with until it finally happened and he fell in love with the idea as much as Odion had. Between the two of them, their powers were unstoppable, and Odi couldn’t imagine running the joint without his best friend.

Keeping busy was Odion’s specialty, even if he was doing rather useless things, like zoning out and staring at the wall. Sometimes his brain just needed to be restarted every once in a while. Time turning hadn’t affected his aging, but it seemed to have some other unforeseen side effects, like getting more and more lost in the past when in the present. Or having flashforwards of what his life could be like. The Operation kept him focused and sane. Of course, Lani helped with that as well. A good shake from the Captain and Odi was right as rain.

There was a good handful of pupils who hadn’t gone to Hammel and just went to the local high school. Those were usually the ones who stayed in the Operation and mooched off of it as much as possible, honing their skills. It always made Odi smirk when a non-powered teen could swipe something away from a meta. Odion and Lani kept things in the shadows, and made sure the rest of the community saw them as totally innocent. Just another one of their specialties. It would be hard to keep the place open if their of them landed in jail. There were always loopholes though. That’s why the Operation was never in the same place for very long.

Odion nodded. “Too true. I bet Trevor’s both.” He smirked at Lani and shared a second with him. But it ended too soon. “That’s the problem. What if he’s not sharing it with everyone else? I get it, every man for himself, but that’s what we’re trying to change.” Odion always referred to anything being done here, as being done in a team.

“Well if that doesn’t work...” Odion stopped himself as he started talking at the same time Lani did. He smiled a bit at this, but continued listening. “I think he’s trying to prove a point, but no one, not even him, knows what that is.” Odion shook his head no. He didn’t agree with Lani on that one. “It’d be dangerous to give that kid more than he can handle.” If they let him under their wing, that made him special. He would certainly gloat and rub it in, and then what would the other kids think? “He needs an ultimatum. Stop being an ass and help everyone, or get the fuck out.” Maybe Odion didn’t have the nicest ways of getting points across, but it worked. They weren’t pussyfooting around here, the kids needed to know they couldn’t take advantage of this system. Odion had already thought that through. “You can’t worry about everyone Lani, we might need to let Trevor go.” Odion loved that Lani cared so much about the kids, so usually it was Odi who made the tough calls.

Odion stood up and did some pacing, like he had been doing before Lani walked into the office. “Bell man’s been conquered.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “But that’s the other problem!” Odi stopped pacing and patted down his pants. Totally empty. He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Stupid bugger stole my wallet.” Odion wasn’t that upset though. It was a wallet with nothing in it. He had learned long ago to keep his money in a safe spot on his person that no one would go and only one other person knew about it. The decoy wallet was always in place to recognize those they couldn’t ever trust. Trevor was smart, but he wasn’t that smart. “He’s biting the hand that feeds. I’m not teaching him anything else if he’s only going to ruin this.”

Odion made his way to the large filing cabinet they had. He was obviously stressed out. His dark eyes passed over the two older looking files in the back of the drawer and smiled. One was far thicker than the other, but both had been very hard to get his hands on. “Do y’know where his file flew off to?” Odion asked. They kept files of progress/problems on all of the Operation’s contenders. Odi wanted to get this wrapped up now already, but he knew that was wishful thinking. He glanced down at the Rolex on his left wrist, one of Lani’s better birthday presents. Five o’clock. Three hours left. There was still time. Odion looked back at Lani. With a little luck, Lani would come over here to help him find the “missing” file, which was clearly right where it should be.

[Lani Hunter]

Really the fear Lani had was that the Operation would turn into something very much like what he had gotten himself into. He just couldn’t stomach doing that to another person. But as with the trend of things Odion convinced him to at least try it and things had not turned out badly. Just like that first time they had trained together. It was a miracle no one died that day, either by powers or simply by exploding tempers. It really was funny to Lani thinking back now about the things that had set them off. Now he couldn’t possibly imagine keeping anything from Odion. Odion was his best friend and partner, if he couldn’t trust Odion he literally couldn’t trust anyone. But if Odion hadn’t turned on him already then there was an altogether too elaborate scheme afoot than he would ever dream of unraveling. So if Odion wanted to betray him he would have done it a long time ago. Lani never even thought about it anymore. He could trust Odion. Period.

Lani was glad that they had moved out west, it was a good change of scenery. He had to say he preferred the dusty dry air to the cold humid air of the northeast. Not to mention that the summers were cooler and the winters milder. He did worry about Odion sometimes though. He had thrown himself into his work and periodically just zoned. Lani had always hoped that that would just go away. Well, Lani’s headaches had never gone away, he still used more pain pills than the average human per day but his mind no longer felt raw and fiery when he used his powers for something big. It appeared that they had been right all along. He really did just need to wait a little while to get better. They said his power exploded out and his mind was wounded and so it needed to heal. And heal it had, very nicely. If anything he was stronger than he had been when he first got his power.

Though the kids were the ones doing most of the quick in and out thefts Lani had to admit he missed it. He had to keep planning bigger and better things to keep himself from feeling like he was slipping. After all, he had reputation to uphold. If one of his connections needed a favor Lani needed to be able to deliver. Very occasionally he would put one of these up as a challenge to the students. Mostly the older ones and only those that wanted. If they had a student that wanted to pickpocket forever they would let them. If the pair had never gotten the skill to trick and lie to each other together they were certainly quite the team. Their stories were flawless and if one person asked Lani and then asked Odion they would get the same information, in different ways of course, but all the same.

“Wonderful,” Lani grunted with a shake of his head. “So you think that he’s hoarding that seventy-five percent? Keeping it to himself?” He shook his head and rubbed his chin. “That boy has no one he cares about,” he reflected sharing in Odion’s opinion. “Not that a lot of the others have siblings but they’ve all been on the street in packs before. Not Trevor. We need to get him to work with people more I think,” he said looking at Odion opening the suggestion to criticisms and improvements. Not that Lani no longer felt the need to be right, but he was more willing to admit that he was wrong.

Lani smiled as they spoke at once but continued when Odion dropped off. Lani nodded again and shrugged. “Why does he think he needs to prove a point? Does he think we don’t think he can do any of the hard stuff? Or maybe he’s just starving for attention. Do you know anything about his family?” He asked, really if anyone knew that it would be Odion. Lani shrugged before nodding in agreement. Something needed to humble that kid, but Odion was right that was not the way to do it. It was no use breaking the kid’s spirit. After all, Lani liked his spirit. He reminded him very much of himself when he was younger, although when it came to his boss he listened and followed directions to a tee. No taking more than the agreed amount. And this kid should consider himself lucky. Lani usually got twenty five percent for himself and the rest went to his impossible debt. And that had been if he was lucky. “But…” Lani started to protest against kicking him out but Odion’s spot on observation stopped him. He finally shook his head being stubborn on this one. He always was, he wanted kids to have a chance to change. “I think and ultimatum is good but I don’t like it being for kicking him out. We need to show him how to work with others and we need to make him understand that this is not as bad as it could be. We should start small like…” He hesitated, “Like settle down or you’re cut down to beginner jobs, or less jobs or we could simply ground him indefinitely, until we’re ready to let him try again. And really between the two of us we know every trick in the book for sneaking out.” Really if Lani had it his way no one would be kicked out or it would take forever. In their short history only one other person had been kicked out, for very similar reasons.

His eyes followed Odion as he paced and listened. A smile crept onto his face and he really couldn’t help but snicker a bit when Odion had his own tricks used on him. Lani had never been able to pickpocket Odion. Bell man, no problem, but Odion always seemed to know and Lani would get caught with his hand in his friend’s pocket. “Well, I have to say I’m impressed,” his eyes flashed with mischief, “But now he has opened that door. We have rules, and rule number one: don’t steal from us unless you want us to steal from you.” Lani would probably have been a little more upset if it weren’t for Odion’s decoy. Lani didn’t have a decoy, he didn’t need one. Someone reached in and his power alerted him. Lani nodded, “As well you shouldn’t. I think Trevor needs to realize who he’s messing with. I think he’s forgotten who we really are.” He examined his hands a sly grin on his face.

His mind whirred with thought and plots. He didn’t want to steal from the kid yet, but he would if it came to that. That would be a kind of, remember we did this before you were even born. But Lani hadn’t changed, he loved to pull pranks and he knew just the perfect ones that would send Trevor coming to them seeking help. Lani wanted to comfort Odion, to hug him and tell him everything would be alright. Odion was really beating himself up over Trevor. Lucky for Odion Lani’s luck hadn’t run out, or had it always been Odion’s luck? He pushed himself up from the desk and made his way over. “If not I have a pretty good idea where he would hide it.” Lani knowing himself had made the files relatively forge proof. He stood next to Odion and glanced in his eyes going to his own and Odion’s with a smile before he scanned over the names his fingers flipping through. “Odion have you gone blind?” He asked glancing back into those blue eyes and hitting the tab with Trevor’s name on it with his finger. His eyes narrowed at Odion, he hoped he wasn’t catching something and getting sick. That was the only reason Lani could think of for the lapse in the sense of sight.

[Odion Martins]

He could trust Lani. Period. And he always would. Lani had proven himself many times over and really, they were just good for each other. To think that two bad teenagers could have such a good impact on each other was hard to imagine, and yet, imagination took hold and made reality. It was something Odi had watched unfold many times. Odion believed in proper timing, and all those memories he had with Lani, he wouldn’t change a thing about his past, so long as he could have this present and those memories. He had decided that a long time ago.

It didn’t really matter where they went to Odion. Any place suited him just fine as long as he wasn’t alone. Odion just needed people to steal from and he was content. Give him a good friend and he was happy. It didn’t help to reassure Lani not to worry about him, because Lani would always worry about every god forsaken thing until it killed him. Odion did make a promise to Lani though: that if the time jumps ever felt too inescapable, that he at least try and find Lani again. That promise made Odi smile. He noted the never ending pill supply, but didn’t say anything about it. He knew Lani needed them, and that was that. Metas usually died at a younger age anyways. Death wasn’t something Odion was afraid of anymore. Both of them had mastered their powers, but there would always be more to learn if they were willing to explore a litter further. A good adventure was always to be had with these two. But Lani was always the better storyteller.

Shrugging, Odion was still one to assume the worst from people, especially desperate teenagers. He’d been there and done that and knew not to close his eyes at the wrong time. “Why not? Unless someone’s doing a very good job of framing him, I say that’s exactly what’s going on.” Trevor was a lone-wolf. When they found him, he was beaten up pretty badly and near dead. They had literally saved him. At first it seemed he was just working with them to pay back a debt, thank them for saving his life and move on. But he hadn’t, and was not trying to abuse their, well, generosity. “Working in groups, that might be the ticket,” he smiled at Lani like it had been the telekinetic’s own words. Odion hardly ever rubbed salt into the wounds any more, but he did enjoy teasing Lani every now and again.

Putting himself in Trevor’s shoes, Odion tried to imagine what Trevor was gaining through this Operation, other than the obvious. Lani was a good sound board for Odi, and vice versa. “I think you’re right, on all counts.” Odion’s mind whirred about, trying to see if Trevor had family. He shook his head. It had only taken a second in real time to see the past. “No, no family. None that he knows of, he was too young when they left him.” Yes, Odion would know all about that. What his biological parents had done to him was unfair and unforgivable, but it didn’t sting nearly as much as it once had. He had his twin to remind him of the good his family had brought him. And his family had grown quite a bit since then. He considered everyone in The Operation his family. But all Odi could do with Trevor’s past, was deduce future actions from past actions, and future behaviour from past behaviour. Odion listened to Lani and nodded along. “I’m afraid he might lash out either way, regardless of what the ultimatum is.” Odion said, locking eyes with Lani. There was not an easy solution to this problem.

Lani was still easy to pick pocket, well, for Odion at least. Odion had just been a pickpocket since the day he could remember remembering. Still, he appreciated everything Lani could do that he, Odion, couldn’t. He knew the exact time and place now of his first robbery. It had taken him a while to summon the courage to go that far back into the past, but everything seemed possible with the right, albeit annoying and stubborn, person by your side. “I thought the first rule was don’t talk about fight club.” Odion said, feigning disappointment in himself. Yes, some things never changed. Odion smiled over at Lani, glad he could basically read his mind. Trevor wasn’t going to be let off the hook so easily. Maybe they could give Trevor a job that was too hard for him, and then they could come in and save the day like a couple of heroes and Trevor would trust them. Was he smart enough to see through an elaborate lie such as that?

Odion tried to look as helpless as possible, on the verge of pathetic would be just right. “Not blind,” he reassured Lani, looking at the file from over Lani’s shoulder, nodding towards it, and glancing back to Lani. He looked at the file again, just stared it down as though his power was levitation. It was too obvious, and hopefully, too suspicious. Now, if Lani would just go along with it, he would take out the file, open it, and find two movie tickets for tonight. Of course, Lani would think it was a really sweet gesture, before reminding Odion that they had a job lined up for tonight. Lani would think Odi was just having one of his time lapses again, and off they’d go to meet the kids at the job site. Odion was putting all his hope into these probabilities. He wrapped his arms behind Lani around his waist, resting his chin on the blonde’s shoulder. He really needed to make this believable. Then the real fun could begin.

[Lani Hunter]

They both relied on each other for everything, or almost everything. Lani had said once that knowing Odion had changed him for the better and he meant it then and he still meant it now. He had never imagined how things would end up at the end of their lives. It wasn’t like they were the type of people predicted to have long lives. Lani honestly wouldn’t have been surprised if he hadn’t lived far past twenty. He really believed that Odion had done well in keeping Lani from doing things that were too stupid. While Lani still had his fair share of bad life decisions he could count on Odion, though he might make fun of him the whole time, to get him out of it.

Traveling had been a glorious adventure. He had never left Boston until Hammel and until he graduated he had never left the Northeast. So traveling had been exciting and traveling with Odion had been even better. He had been quite the photographer the whole time, despite Odion’s protests. He wanted to remember everything. He watched Odion for a moment glad that it had been quite a while since his last lapse. Lani usually was able to figure it out relatively quick when Odion zoned, because he either was just sitting somewhere or completely forgot their meetings. He had glad that so far Odion hadn’t gotten lost in a time that wasn’t the present. He didn’t want to lose Odion to something like that, in fact he didn’t want to lose Odion at all. Odion was always the one pressing for them to become better, even when Lani felt they had reached their ceiling Odion tried something that punched a hole in that. Death was still something Lani feared and worried about. If he lost Odion he really didn’t know what he would do.

Lani shook his head. Trevor was clever, he would realize someone was framing him before anything. He really thought that everyone needed something to fight for. Lani had had his sister but not a lot of these kids had someone like that. Lani had always thought that Trevor had been grateful to them for all they had done but he had misjudged. He had really had to teach himself to think like himself and put himself in their shoes when they were arguing with him. He might have come from their cut but now he was an authority figure. Now he was the one on the receiving end. But he had one advantage that those who had always gone against him hadn’t, and that was that he knew all the tricks. Lani gave Odion a mock glare and opened his hands. “Hey, I came around eventually.” Odion still didn’t miss a moment to call Lani out on something. But he had come around. He had been so sure he didn’t need anyone but that had all chanced.

Lani nodded and did his best not to smile when Odion declared him right. A small ghost of a smile hung over his lips but he didn’t say anything. He simply sat back and watched Odion pace. The redhead was agitated and not doing anything to hide that fact. It wasn’t long before Lani started to feel worry that Odion was himself getting too close to Trevor. “Ah,” Lani commented the displeasure dripping from his voice. His family was still close with him and he still couldn’t imagine parents who would abandon their children. “You know, maybe he’s just testing his boundaries. Seeing how much he can get away with.” He hummed as he thought more about that. His eyes grew stormy as he thought about this. If Trevor saw them as more of parents than guardians that would explain a lot. After all it was basically a teenage rule to rebel against one’s parents. “Maybe we just need to be more strict?” He wondered aloud. They really weren’t strict in the loose definition of the word. Lani’s eyebrows creased and he delivered a harsh gaze in the general direction of the door. “If he lashes out we will have no choice. We have to think of the other students.” He didn’t say so with pleasure but no one messed with his students not even another student.

Lani blinked a few times his menacing glare fading as he thought of the alternatives and his good humor restored by Odion’s little joke. “Too bad we’re not a fight club,” he said woefully, “But then our second rule will have to be fulfilled. I have to admit I’m surprised, I didn’t think it was possible.” He smiled Trevor was going to get a little surprise when he realized that the wallet was empty. Lani’s mind was already whirring with plots. His lips twisted in that old impish smile and his eyes locked on Odion’s. There was a wordless agreement and Lani’s smile grew. He knew that anything Odion wanted to try he would go along with but he would also have to enforce rule number one… well two. Trevor was likely to see through such a plot but it wouldn’t have been the first time that Lani and Odion had to come to the rescue for one of their arrested students. But Lani knew quite a few tricksters who would just love to dress as a cop to play out their prank.

Lani gave Odion a confused and worried look. Why was he so hell bent on getting Lani to look at that file? Lani’s suspicion rose and he narrowed his eyes at Odion before his eyes finally followed his eyes to the file. “Really Odion, are you alright tonight?” He pulled the file. Well if Odion suspected that Trevor had thinned his file Lani would know it. He sighed and pulled the file. “Fine, Odion, I’ll play along.” He flipped it open his body going cold then hot at the touch around his waist. The telekinetic opened the file doing his best to ignore Odion’s head next to his. Was Odion getting sick? He opened the file and let out a little ‘oh!’ as he found the movie tickets. How sweet, he thought with a smile, “Odion, thanks…” He hesitated as his brain caught up. “Wait, Odion are you with me?” He asked turning his head to better look at Odion. He reached up a hand to check his forehead and finding no fever decided it must be a time lapse. Lani wasn’t impatient just worried. “What day is it?” He asked, “You know we have that heist tonight right?” It had been so long since it had been just Odion and Lani out on a job together he couldn’t say he was happy Odion had forgotten, but it happened and he couldn’t blame Odion any more than Odion could blame Lani if his power exploded. Replacing the file he sighed looking at the tickets and leaning his head so that it rested on Odion’s. How much he would rather have simply had a movie date tonight.

[Odion Martins]

Odion didn’t want to know what the future held. Sometimes it helped when they were stealing something big. If they knew what to avoid, then success was the only possibility. But knowing everything ahead of time nearly drove Odi mad. There had been a couple years, after he mastered his powers, where Odion was hell bent on seeing every possible outcome for a heist. He couldn’t do that to himself again, or to Lani. Still, Lani wouldn’t stop Odion from doing things, just like how Odi wouldn’t stop Lani from doing some stupid if he really wanted to do it. It was a respect thing. Though Odion did try really hard to snap Lani out of his bad ideas, but only because he cared.

Travelling had been fucking awful, especially when flights were involved. Lani got to see just how pathetic Odion could be when faced with flight. Eventually Odion convinced Lani they could just drive, because that he could at least fast forward through. Odion just couldn’t do it while on a plane, probably due to fried nerves. Odion was in more pictures today than he wanted to be in, but if it made Lani happy, he was willing to at least try and smile in some of them. As for the time thing, well, Odion tried really hard not to let it happen. The watch helped, and being with Lani helped even more. Odi had always wondered why he was on the lookout for interesting people. Turns out they’re the only thing that can occupy his mind as time normally would. Lani was the most interesting of all. Odion was still one to live in the present, relive the past, and do his best to foresee the future without going to it. As long as Lani was there through it all, Odion could take on the world.

Odion didn’t have a reason to fight when he was younger. Often, fighting for yourself just wasn’t enough. You needed something worth fighting for. Trevor hadn’t found that yet, and he was just frustrated with life in general. Odion knew because he had been there. It took some time to get out of that hole, time and fighting. But once Odion met Lani, and his brother, he found some things worth changing for, worth being his best. Trevor had more to offer than even he knew, but no one could find that for him but him. Odion laughed good naturedly, enjoying Lani’s reaction. “Eventually,” he agreed in a soft voice.

Hiding things from Lani didn’t happen as often as it used to. Odion was truly comfortable being himself around Lani, and hadn’t worn any masks for quite some time. Though Lani still got to see Odion in action, and what masks he was capable of. But when it was just the two of them, Odi left his masks for the work environment, or when he was trying to con another adult. Odion didn’t resent Lani for having a family, in fact, he liked his family as much as the blonde did. Especially Caroline, even though Odi was pretty sure she didn’t need more than one older brother to worry about her. “Well he’s not getting away with more than that seventy five percent from tonight,” Odion said with finality. “Stricter,” Odi corrected Lani, before his mind returned to the actual conversation. “Authoritative not authoritarian. We’ll leave that role to the police. He doesn’t need more people to hate.” Odion knew there wasn’t a simple solution to this, but there had to be a solution.

“We could always add a wing to The Operation,” his eyes gleamed, “but I don’t know the first thing about fighting. The first lesson would be how to run away from a fight.” He chuckled to himself. Some of their conversations were just ridiculous.

“Oh I’m quite alright, mhm, quite.” Odion was having such a hard time playing the exhausted teacher, looking for reprieve. Not that he wasn’t those things, but he couldn’t let an ounce of his excitement get in the way of his master plan. He smiled softly, but only in response to Lani finally caving in. Odion’s sharp eyes went from the file, to Lani, gauging his reaction. Yes Odion was still very much a people watcher. He doubted that would ever change. “You’re welcome.” Odion said, quite proud of himself for being so thoughtful, though really Lani should’ve been used to it by now. Odion was a romantic at heart, though it had taken quite a long time to get to that core of Odion Martins. Now Lani just had to enjoy it. He raised an eyebrow at Lani, fighting the urge to swat his hand away. “Yeah, I’m right here.” He said, a bemused smile gracing his face. The pride and excitement on Odion’s face fizzled into sadness. “Oh...” He said simply, his eyebrows furrowed. Well there went that plan. Just like it was supposed to. He looked at Lani sheepishly. He scratched the back of his neck, “I completely forgot.” No he hadn’t. He didn’t like lying to Lani anymore, but this would be worth it.

Odion sighed and closed his eyes as Lani neared. “Nothing’s ever easy,” he said, reminiscing himself. He pulled away from Lani slightly to check his watch again, as though remembering what night tonight was. “We have a little less than an hour to get there.” All the gear they needed for the heist was in the office. Odion turned and walked away to get changed, his shoulders slouched in disappointment. It was a good thing his back was to Lani, for his smile would easily give him away.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani was glad to know what could happen but really when Odion went to see everything he only fueled Lani’s worry. If Odion wanted to look into the future that was his prerogative, but Lani liked to be told if the outcome could be terrible. But then he worried about everything enough as it was. Oh yes, Lani still had his fair share of stupid ideas. In fact sometimes it was really just his old stubbornness that kept him from listening to reason. If he became convinced that something was good idea even if it wasn’t he had to see it through. It had taken Lani a long time to come to rely on someone. He was so used to protecting people it had been hard to acknowledge that he needed people as well sometimes. More than sometimes, in fact. But sometimes that old independence reared its ugly head and Lani simply had to plow into the fray to prove to himself that he could still get out on his own.

He hadn’t known how much Odion hated to fly until the first few times they had flown. Either way Lani preferred to drive anyways. It was easier, and logical for their purposes. Though Lani still loved to fly he would much rather have been flying himself. Lani was glad that Odion had finally resigned himself to the fact that Lani was going to take pictures whether or not Odion wanted him to. Lani had learned to make some sacrifices as well, driving being one, and just allowing himself to be honest with another person. Odion was doing the same. Compromises had been made and promises had been made and broken but somehow Lani and Odion had withstood the storm. The tornado and the volcano, though still raging constantly had learned to share each other’s thunder.

Lani had never gotten close with Odion’s brother. Maybe it was the shock that there were two of them or simply that circumstances had caused a rift between them. He was glad that Odion got along with his family, that they had adopted him into their lives. Caroline loved him, he was as much her older brother as Lani was sometimes. Lani loved it when he and Odion ganged up on her and she would throw her hands up in frustration and call them mother hens. Whether she liked it or not Caroline was still one of the most important people in his life and it was a good thing that her and Odion got along or things could get tough. Lani gave Odion a mock glare and stuck out his tongue like a child. No, some things really don’t change. “Eventually is better than never,” he felt the need to point out.

Now that Lani had seen Odion in action and knew him truly Lani was often surprised by how little he used to know about Odion. That first couple of months he had thought he knew Odion was one thing but he had been completely off the mark. Odion had always been better at knowing people and that hadn’t changed. Lani nodded in agreement. “No, we have to do something about that.” Lani rolled his eyes and gave Odion a look that was mixed between amusement and annoyance. “Stricker,” he amended. He still wasn’t the most graceful of speakers. Nodding Lani smiled a little bit. “I’m afraid that Trevor has a lot of emotion that a lot of people just get his emotion taken out on them.” Lani became thoughtful humming. What had started as a joke Lani was starting to give serious consideration for. “That’s not a bad idea. It would give a lot of the kids an outlet to their emotions, and it would give them a way to defend themselves if they need it. But I definitely agree, lesson number one would have to be running. And after that fighting without blows,” he smiled, “I can teach the first and you can teach the second.” A teasing grin growing on his face. Yes Lani still excelled in running rather than confronting. He also hadn’t been able to find someone able to best Odion at a game of words.

Lani glanced at Odion not completely believing him. Something was going on. Perhaps it was that he was spacing. Cluelessness wasn’t something that had gone away with age. Wisdom had come but for someone who was still making mistakes and stumbling he had never really reached a sage quality. Probably never would. Odion was a romantic and Lani loved that, it still surprised him every time though. And this surprise was no less precious than the previous one. It was too bad that Odion had gotten lost in time, this time. He hated to burst Odion’s bubble and he rubbed his fingers over the tickets. If only. Lani gave Odion a look. “I mean are you here, in the present?” Lani’s heart broke as Odion’s joy faded. He turned so he could hug Odion. “Thank you anyways,” he replied giving Odion a small peck on the cheek in thanks. It wasn’t the first time this had happened.

He nodded in agreement. “That’s life,” he replied and was glad to see Odion jumping back into awareness and time. A little smile of relief crossed his face, he was always worried that one of these times he might lose Odion to time for good. “Good thing time’s not an issue,” he teased watching Odion go. He smiled weakly watching his best friend, if only he could lie and forget all about the heist. But a lot of preparation had gone into this. And it was going to be a major pay day when they pulled it off. Lani had come ready his dark clothing tight fitting and comfortable. Easy maneuverability. The telekinetic juggled the supplies with his mind feeling and memorizing each object. If he needed to get one without seeing it he would have to know exactly what they felt like. He turned to take a peek at Odion changing his mind getting very distracted. He sometimes worried that his power was getting restless, or rather that he was getting restless. He usually only used his power for small things and sometimes he just had to go off and do something big. Sometimes the time that passed between those was so long that he actually forgot how much he could actually do. He hoped he wouldn’t have to use his power a lot tonight but he was looking forward to things being like old times. “This is gonna be just like old times. Just you and me and no little kids following along.” He mused happily remembering the first time they had stolen together. Hadn’t it been teddy bears? A glittery one and a tie-dye one? Lani still had his.

[Odion Martins]

Odion was only who he was because he had Lani. The ginger was always thankful for the day he had met Lani, and even though their first impression of each other had been rocky at best, their friendship had blossomed into something Odion didn’t even think was possible after everything he’d been through. But really, Odion wouldn’t have known how great life could be had Lani not shown up to save him. Lucky Lani, his personal hero, Captain Obvious, it didn’t really matter, they were all Lani to him. And Lani had changed Odion for the better. Secretly, Odion hoped he had the same effect on his partner. He hoped Lani believed in him as much as he believed in Lani. And when you believe in someone, it’s not just for a minute, or just for now, its forever.

So long as Lani wasn’t snapping shots of how wretchedly nervous he became on flight, Odion was okay with the pictures. He protested almost every time, but gave in every time as well. It was a give and take process. For someone so petrified of flying, Odion would forever be trying to understand why he was so willing to be a test subject for Lani’s powers. Though he was glad he volunteered. Having their powers collide had brought them closer, and eventually, when Lani managed to lift Odion into the air, accomplishment had filled them both. They shared the spotlight now. Things were hard between them, but there was nothing they couldn’t do together. It destroyed everything they believed in as thieves, and yet, put them in a totally different class. Just another thing they wanted to pass on to their pupils.

It didn’t really matter to Odion whether Lani was close to Declyn or not. It mattered only that they were close. Besides, Dec knew a lot about Lani through what Odion decided to share. His poor brother was probably tired of hearing about Lani, and The Operation constantly. Dec’s photography had taken off, and now Odion had to shield his apparently very photogenic mug from two contenders. Odion loved Lani’s family, though things had been rough to start, especially with Lani’s father. But Caroline, and Lani of course, were definitely worth the trouble. Mother hens they were indeed. It all started with the kittens, well, they certainly weren’t kittens anymore, but that’s where Odion learned what it meant to care for something other than himself. He only smiled in agreement at Lani’s playful nature. Already wrinkles were setting in where his mouth creased into his cheek. At least he would have laugh lines instead of a wrinkled frown.

Lani hadn’t been easy to read, but once Odion found the key, it was like going through a diary. Lani’s eyes always gave him away, no matter how elaborate the lie was. Sure there had been a lot of things Odion hadn’t known, like how Lani used to have a big time boss from Boston tailing him, but Odi had always been able to see Lani’s emotions. Odion was just glad Lani had finally gotten rid of that man. Things started to make more sense in both their lives as soon as Lani was a free man. “What are we supposed to do? Talking to him about it tonight didn’t go well, or didn’t you see him on his way out?” A measly seventy five percent from one heist wasn’t a big deal, but Odion understood that Lani was getting to the principle of the matter. Odi weakened into smiles. “You’re serious? You want to have a thieves Fight Club?” The ginger bit his bottom lip, shaking his head as he glanced off to the side of the room. He could actually envision it. Lani teaching kids how and when to run, he would teach them the art of words and mind games. Odion may be the best but Lani was a close second. They may be together, but they still had their own personal strengths. Odi sighed, looking back to Lani. “I don’t see how that’s going to help Trevor’s aggression though.” Back to square one.

It wasn’t the first time this had happened, Odion trying to plan a date night only to be reminded of what was supposed to happen. Those times, his powers were truly to blame, but this time, they weren’t. It’s what made tonight’s flop so convincing. Odion still enjoyed all the affection Lani was giving him, though he’d probably be smacked for accepting it later. Odion nodded solemnly. He was still here, embracing Lani and taking in the blonde’s familiar scent. Odi gave his best bittersweet smile as he pulled away from Lani, which turned into a tender one after the kiss. Odion reached out and touched Lani’s face, glad the gesture had been appreciated even though it was a failure. This was so much better than poking noses.

Odion did his best not to make Lani worry about him, but tonight, it was necessary. If anything, seeing Lani worry over him just helped him fall more in love. A snort of a smile went through him. No, time wasn’t an issue, but he wanted things to progress normally. Odion changed into similar gear as Lani. He was shirtless, and felt Lani’s eyes on him, and he smirked to himself. At least Lani was comfortable with who he was now. Definitely not shy anymore. “What? You don’t like the kids?” Odion asked, grinning brightly at Lani. Glitter, as he so lovingly named his teddy, now resided in his vehicle. Usually in the passenger seat.

“Alright, you’re the one with the master plan for tonight,” he said, slipping a small backpack over the rest of his clothes. Odion had decidedly become squarer over the years. It was easier to blend in. Once he and Lani arrived at the scene, it was just a matter of stopping time, and letting Lani work his magic. He smiled at Lani, heading for the exit. Now he could be happy about tonight, but not for the same reasons Lani would think he was. “Walking or driving tonight?” Really it all depended on how tired they were. Odion took out his cell. A grin formed on his thin lips, reading but not replying to the text. They were right on schedule.

[Lani Hunter]

It was funny now to think of how rocky things had been when he and Odion were just starting to get to know each other. It was like driving off of a cliff over and over again and walking on eggshells. It had seemed like there was always a winner and a loser but both had been too stubborn to admit defeat. Things had ended up even now in a draw. They were old enough to understand when to admit defeat even when they didn’t want to. Or at least, most of the time. They had by no means settled down. Lani had a feeling that if they lived to old age they would still be just as fiery as they were now. They would give a new definition to stubborn old men. If Odion hadn’t changed Lani then they wouldn’t be here. Lani would still be stuck in Boston running from himself. Odion had helped him so much and Lani knew that he had changed, for the better or not he would always believe that Odion had changed him for the better. Truth was only as good as what a person believed anyways. So Odion had also changed Lani for the better.

Odion’s freak outs on the planes had Lani wondering just as much as Odion why he had volunteered to be a fight subject. Not just a flight subject but a flight subject to an out of control telekinetic. If Odion had never pushed Lani to working with him then he would never have known the connection they could have. Their powers hadn’t gotten along so well at first. Or rather, Lani’s power didn’t play well with others. He never forgot that first time their powers touched. Odion had been so warm but Lani’s power had freaked out. But then Lani wasn’t thinking of his power as himself back then. He laughed a little shaking his head. How foolish he had been. If he could go back in time and tell his younger self anything it was to meditate long and hard and learn just how much of him was his power. Things had started to fall into place after that.

Lani sometimes felt that Odion had the advantage with those eyes of his. Those dreams still came to him sometimes but usually once Lani found that single pair of blue eyes he could follow them out of the nightmare. Terrifyingly he didn’t always find them. They happened so rarely now that Lani was always shocked into shivers when he woke. Lani nodded and glanced at the door like that would give him some answers. “Maybe I’ll have better luck,” he hazarded, “At least he will stay put while I talk to him.” He said sourly. He didn’t like to use his power like that, when it was playful that was one thing but he didn’t like to think of doing that. “We could always just go behind his back. It wouldn’t be the first time someone’s tested us.” Last time all it had taken was a simple collection of the students possessions with the promise of return once the person gave them the money. It wasn’t like they weren’t lenient. If someone came to him and could prove that the money was going to a sibling of parent or something then arrangements would be made. Lani was always a softie for things similar to his sister’s situation but as Odion had said Trevor didn’t have anyone.

Lani nodded his eyes bright the more he thought about it. “Yes I’m serious,” he held out a hand bidding Odion to hear him out. “My old boss had us all learn to fight, but of course that was for the purpose of fighting cops. But I think our little thieves need to learn how to fight other thieves.” He nodded to himself. Sometimes the heist was important and Lani had had to do his fair share of tricks and fights in his prime to get the goods. But then he had had a lot riding on whether or not he got his goods. “It might,” he said, “It would give him an outlet for his frustrations and maybe he’ll meet some friends, or even rivals.” There was nothing bad about a good healthy rivalry. “He might find a younger student getting bullied and find it in himself to defend them. But either way he is going to have a harsh run around the track tomorrow. He won’t be able to stand when I’m done with him.” Lani nodded, he had picked up a lot of the endurance and running exercises. He was going to put Trevor through his paces tomorrow. He still believed in Trevor. There was good person hiding in there somewhere.

Seeing Odion smile after something like this always made his heart ache. Odion was trying to be strong and not make Lani worry. But worrying was what Lani did. Eventually Odion would accept that, or not. Lani found himself leaning a little into the hand and smiled in remembrance. It was so much better than poking noses. That still startled him. He wasn’t sure why, maybe it was because he couldn’t see the end of his nose and the finger came out of nowhere. Lani closed the filing cabinet as Odion left him to get ready. He straightened up the desk, not that it was messy. Odion was still just a neat. So just to mess with him later Lani moved the stapler to the other side of the desk where the pencils were and placed the pencils where the stapler had been. He claimed it helped Odion stay aware but really he still just liked messing with Odion sometimes.

A smile crossed his face as he looked back at Odion. “No, no, I love the kids,” Lani insisted with a nod. “I however don’t have to like them all the time.” He made a face and shook his head. “There is never a moment of rest. Besides I kind of miss it when it was just us.” He liked the kids he really did. He would do anything for them. However sometimes he just wanted time to himself or time alone with Odion. And with something always going on that didn’t happen very often. Someone was always getting sick or falling behind in training or school. There was always something to do.

Lani’s sly grin grew over his face. The impish smile hadn’t left him but now it looked different, he looked just a little sinister when he smiled with a plan in mind. Lani nodded to himself satisfied with Odion’s clothes. “Alright, this is gonna be a big pay off, when we pull it off.” He turned his eyes on Odion for a moment before he paced to the window. “You alright to walk?” He asked. Really this place wasn’t too far away and it was easier to fade into the shadows on foot then in a car. His eyes danced as he watched the sun set over the desert. He finally turned back to Odion leaning against the window. “The goal is the new addition to the museum. They’ve been gloating about how well protected they are, I just cannot wait to prove them wrong.” His eyes flashed and he grinned at Odion. He still loved doing things that people claimed couldn’t be done. Because really, with Odion by his side anything was possible.

[Odion Martins]

It was the determination to always win that propelled their relationship forward. Both were fighters, and both needed someone willing to fight by their side. He wouldn’t change a thing about Lani, though Odi knew that they had both changed a lot over the years. But it wasn’t about asking for change, it was about embracing and accepting it. Change was for the better. Odion had channelled his energies from fighting Lani, to fighting for and with Lani. They were like people who could play on the same team, but put them head to head and only disaster would ensue. It had just taken a while to realize they were better off on the same side than opposing.

Odion positively pouted. “But I thought I had a way with words.” Okay, he had been a little harsh with Trevor, but he had been honest. Usually Odi didn’t play mind games with the kids, they just didn’t get it and his games went right over their heads. He had to constantly remind himself that not everyone was like Lani. Odion sighed. He had given it a try and it hadn’t worked. “Well you are the lucky one.” He smirked. Luck had nothing to do with Lani’s telekinesis, but usually if on the of the kids didn’t like him, they liked Lani, or vice versa. “Why don’t we send him on a mission by himself? That not only puts our trust in him, but it also means he’s working for what he stole.” Odion ended his sentence with a surprised look on his face. Huh, that wasn’t a bad idea. He grinned. Of course, Trevor would be watched like a hawk if Odi’s plan came to fruition, but still, Trevor wouldn’t know that. For kids like Trevor, being nice and helping him out with monetary issues wouldn’t help him in the long run. They had already helped him, and like Odion said before, he was just abusing them. It was time for them to put their feet down.

Placing his hand over his chin, Odion listened intently. “Thieves fighting other thieves? Wouldn’t that destroy how to work together?” Odi tried wrapping his mind around it. He just wasn’t the philosopher Lani was. He didn’t understand how someone could be taught to work together and separately. But what Lani said about Trevor made sense. “So if he doesn’t have someone to fight for, what he needs is someone to fight against?” Odi smiled. Lani was brilliant. Trevor just needed a healthy outlet, and a little competition never hurt anyone. Right Lani? It would give him a reason to stay sharp and keep him out of trouble. Odion didn’t want to give up on Trevor, but he would if he didn’t change. Odion scratched his head. “Alright, let’s give this fight club a shot. You’ll just have to explain it more to me later, or show me.” Not everything had to happen in one night. They were both old enough to know that now.

Odion nodded. “True enough. They are pretty clumsy sometimes,” he said, but it was to be expected. They were kids, they were learning. That’s why when a big job like tonight’s needed to happen, the big kids went. The ginger sneered. “Never any rest? Who would live a life like that?” He pulled the shirt over his head and went to Lani’s side. They barely had time for rest, that was a fact. But even these nights, Odi found solace. It was funny, how hard stealing had been before. And then he learned what stealing was like when you were trying to teach others. First, he taught Dec, and then he taught kids. Now, stealing without having to teach at the same time was a cinch. He shot Lani a glance, smiling slightly. It was good, knowing he was missed.

“Walking’s good.” It wasn’t, if we pull it off, it was when. A sure fire thing that would happen in a matter of moments. Sometimes Odion wondered if they were getting too cocky about these heists, but they hadn’t failed yet. They never took any steps for granted, and were always very careful. Losing The Operation wasn’t worth having blind spots. Odion laughed, glancing down at himself, before watching Lani, the sun setting behind him. Odion loved being in moments like these, enjoying the beauty life had to offer. “You still have a thing for museums, huh?” Lani and museums went hand in hand, and Odi wasn’t surprised. Lani was that iceberg just waiting to sink the Titanic. Odion was waiting by the door, a little anxious to leave already. Lani went on like he had forever. “So is there anything worth stealing, or are you just trying to prove a point?” Odion opened the door and held it open for Lani, hinting just a bit.

[Lani Hunter]

It was true that things worked rather well when they worked together. The world always seemed to come to a screeching halt when they turned their battle between each other. It wasn’t like they were perfect. They had differing opinions so when something came up that they disagreed on that fueled by the idea that they were right and their natural stubbornness created a near war. That didn’t affect how Lani felt about Odion, it merely made him frustrated and he knew they both needed a few moments to cool down before they approached such a subject again. The kids seemed to almost sense when something like this happened, perhaps it was the raised voices, but Lani had found that there were those that tried to calm their nerves and get them to see the other side, others tried to stoke the conflict. It was a good thing that such things happened rarely.

Lani smiled sympathetically at Odion and shrugged. “You do have a way with a words,” he grinned slyly, “A way to make them weapons.” His smile was bright to show he was joking but there was an air of truth to it. Odion’s smooth and charming words could quickly turn to icy daggers. Lani used to think it was really bad but he supposed that Odion had grown him a thick skin. Some of the kids though had very fragile skins and sometimes Lani was the one more likely to get through because he was softer. Lani winked at his favorite redhead. “I know.” Lani finally felt he knew why Odion always called him lucky. His eyes rose to the ceiling as he listened. He hummed and nodded his head at little. Looking back at Odion Lani smiled. “That just might work. We can keep him out of trouble and then we really can rescue him if something happens.”

He shrugged, “Well, that’s the other problem. It was very much every man for himself. And really it wasn’t like here. If you didn’t get the goods you lost something.” He said, it had been really hard to talk about his old life at first but now it didn’t bother Lani so much. Odion knew what he was talking about because Lani had told him everything. A smile crossed Lani’s face as Odion clicked on what he was saying. He nodded slowly. “And if he does find a rival it might help to praise him just a little, it really might just be that Trevor is starving for attention.” Lani had been like that, he remembered. Really all that time sneaking out of Hammel when he could have easily gotten out without being seen had been him crying out for someone to save him. It really was too bad that his young self had been so stubbornly self sufficient. He nodded. “Alright, I think it’ll be fun, besides we will have to demonstrate,” He grinned and laughed. That might help them finally find an answer to the age old question of who was the better fighter. Most of the time their skills were so matched but in different areas it was hard to compare.

Lani laughed and shook his head. “I don’t ever remember being so clumsy!” He was sure Odion could come up with a few examples but Lani didn’t mind. Lani scoffed, “I know, someone crazy, or something,” he joked back. He had to admit that at the beginning it had been hard to remember how he had been when he first started. Sometimes he just wanted to scream and demand how they were so inept. But it was times like those when he realized that he had done some of the same things. Worse, in some cases. It was a wonder his teacher hadn’t murdered him. And then there was the moment when the kids got to the point where they started to teach him a few tricks. That was always the best of times. Lani was never more proud than when one the students surpassed the teacher. It hadn’t happened often and of course Lani and Odion hadn’t taught them everything that they knew, they had to have some security.

With a nod Lani turned away from the window. Lani didn’t think it was possible for them to get too cocky. It was the sureness of pulling it off brought from the fact of their powers and the fact that Lani worried about every detail until it was perfect. He wondered if he ever annoyed Odion when he went slow assessing some problem in a million different ways sitting in the shadows until his muscles ached from staying stationary for so long. Lani shrugged, “Museums are under appreciated,” he replied and grinned. Really he loved them. Not only were they stealing something valuable but they were stealing history. He had gotten to touch things that had passed the hands of so many great people it was still awe inspiring. Lani followed Odion to the door ducking out before him and trotting a few steps before turning and calling out. “What are you waiting for slow-poke?” He snickered because they both knew that if someone was going slow it was Lani. Lani’s eyes sparkled, “It’s a little of both. It’s the collection of old Greek gold, I’ve already got a buyer lined up and with the sum he’s gonna pay we could take us and the kids on a cruise like five times in a row.” And Lani really wanted to prove a point. He walked outside into the heat of the desert and smiled his foot holding the door as he waited for Odion to follow him out.