Roads Untraveled(Odion)

[Odion Martins]

Sometimes Odi wished more things were black and white, but there wasn’t time for that kind of wishing. People were complicated though, they weren’t like his beloved cards. And one could still play tricks with those.

It wouldn’t be weird to workout together, but it would get Odi’s adrenaline rushing and being around Lani, well, he couldn’t agree his hands would keep to himself. Truth be told, Lani had a unique voice as well, and Odi loved it when his name was spoken. Odion did all parkour, and it was a shame Lani hadn’t discovered that yet. They could be a great team. He wasn’t too worried about how they would handle Lani’s family. At least they only had one to worry about.

Odion nodded appreciatively – yes, it did matter who was wearing the costume, but wasn’t it the person wearing it who made it look good? “I think I’d look like Christmas holidays,” Odi said in a matter of fact tone, all protest. “How about you wear red and I’ll wear green,” he suggested, since Lani thought it was such a great idea, “then we can match.” Odion was definitely teasing on this one, but he couldn’t help himself. Lani was just so tempting. Odi smiled at himself, wondering at his own actions. He didn’t just give up such vital, personal information without sound reasoning. “So Declyn could tell me himself,” he leaned forward slightly, looking back at Lani in his seat. “Then that memory will be meaningful, instead of me sitting in front of a computer, looking up information about my family when my family is a couple rooms away from me.” Most things made sense in Odion’s head and he didn’t know how to explain them, especially not this sentimental bullshit. That’s why it was easier to just tell Lani he loved him – there was no mistaking that.

Odion chuckled bitterly. “That’s Jared,” he pointed out as though it were common information. That was the thing about Jared though, he didn’t know when to call it a quits. He would gamble his life away if he could, and now he was. Jared knew how much he could bite off, and then bit off double the amount. This was just how gangs worked, they didn’t really have one boss, they had many, and they had to keep each other accountable. It would seem that once Odion left, Jared’s self-control went straight to hell. Neither Odi nor Lani knew that Jared had actually gone after who had been their boss, once upon a time. “Yes, Rhett’s an idiot, what else is new?” It didn’t matter that Rhett had had the same idea about a jewelry shop, Odi was still convinced Rhett had stolen the idea from him, literally. Odi had always looked out for Rhett, yes, but he was done with that now. This wasn’t about him.

“That’s exactly right,” Odi confessed. It felt good to tell someone, but it didn’t make what he did right. “Just goes to show what being nice to Rhett costs,” he added, the tips of his fingers landing on his bottom lip in thought. He shook his head ‘no’. He really believed this whole situation was partly his fault. “I’m a bad luck charm, remember?” Odi asked, trying to make light of something he felt truly guilty for.

But Lani had always given him hope, so why wouldn’t he do that now? Especially when something like this was right up his alley. Lani had more experience in this kind of heist than the three pickpockets combined. But, did that not also make him the biggest idiot of them all? Odion pushed that negative thought away. Odion leaned in close as well, the conspiracy grew as their personal space bubbles shrunk. Already Lani was saying ‘we’, and Odion found it immensely endearing that Lani was willing to help Jared out even before Rhett was – it was obvious who the better catch was. “Okay, so jewelry or paintings,” Odi said as soon as Lani had given the options. It just helped Odion mull the information over. The way Lani was speaking, getting all excited over planning... Okay Martins, focus here. Lani’s shining eyes could be enjoyed later. “I know a little more about jewelry,” Odion said with a grin, glad to be sharing something that Lani didn’t already know. Maybe if the two of them handled the selling aspect of the goods, it wouldn’t take as long.

Odion grinned again. “Well I’m already giving him two grand, thanks to Leiken, as for the rest, what he doesn’t know won’t kill him.” It was a badly placed joke, but Odi had a point to get across. He wasn’t sure when Jared needed the money, but Odion knew one thing for sure – Jared wasn’t bluffing. “There’s just no way Bell would be alright with that, he has pride issues.” Of course Odion knew Jared like the back of his hand. They’d seen each other naked enough times to make anyone uncomfortable. Odion gripped Lani’s hand and closed the space between them with a peck on the cheek. Maybe once all this was over, Jared would leave him alone.

[Lani Hunter]

Perhaps now that it was on Lani’s mind he’d ask Odion if he wanted to go for a run with him. People did that in groups all the time. That would certainly be somewhere to start. If Odion wanted to lift weights it would quickly become obvious that Lani’s arms were not all that strong. He could easily lift his own weight and a little more but that was usually only from a pull up, since it was similar to pulling oneself up onto a roof. Lani couldn’t bench press worth anything. Parkour was probably something that Lani could get into really quickly. Lani had good control over his body and he was always jumping off of things without any regards to if he was going to catch something. It really was a good thing his power had become rather adept at catching him and setting him with at least more gentleness than a straight fall would be.

Lani laughed at the image. “Only if we added lights,” he teased jokingly. He wrinkled his nose a little bit and stuck his tongue out. “Wouldn’t that be a sight!” Not only would Odion be a green and red Holiday ornament but there would be a (most likely grumpy) Lani in all red looking like a tomato. He shook his head and killed that idea before it started. But while they were talking about color… “Random question,” Lani warned, “Do you have a pair of red pants I could borrow?” He made a face and shook his head, “Don’t ask.” His face burned a little bit, he really hoped Odion wouldn’t ask, he would know soon enough. He’d have to call Diana and let her know when he had possession of the pants so he could ask her when she wanted help dying her hair. Lani smiled at Odion’s reasoning and he found himself falling harder for Odion as he spoke. “That’s sweet,” he smiled, yes Odion had changed right before his eyes and he was beautiful.

That was not what Lani wanted to hear. Perhaps hearing that it was a brief lapse in judgment or something. But it didn’t calm Lani’s nerves at all to think that idiocy was just this kid’s permanent state. Lani shook his head and gave a sigh rubbing his eyes. Lani smiled a little at Odion’s agreement about Rhett despite the situation. Lani laughed a little bit. “So just to clarify, you’re the only one with brains in this group of yours?” The logical part of Lani was demanding just what he was going to get out of this by getting involved. Really Lani didn’t have any reason to care, he wasn’t getting anything out of this. But the fact still remained that Lani couldn’t turn someone down who asked for help. Especially if said person was Odion. Lani was reserving judgment on this Jared fellow until he met him but he already had the impression of this guy being the less than subtle kind of thief. The kind that they would bail out to find that all too soon he was back in trouble.

Lani nodded slowly as he mulled this over but Lani couldn’t see the connection that Odion was making. “Odion, that was a long time ago. I’m sure it had nothing to do with what happened,” Lani said trying to reassure Odion. He put a hand on Odion’s shoulder and shook his head. He had a feeling Odion didn’t believe him. “You didn’t steal from Jared with the intention of any of this happening. And I would say that helping him out now would be more than enough to make up for what happened.” He shrugged. “I mean we’re thieves, Odion, stealing from each other is kinda our job.” Odion commented on luck again and Lani found himself smiling despite the situation. Luck and fate, their two worst enemies. Well Lani wasn’t going to let fate or luck dictate what happened. Life was in his hand. “Hmmm, but I’m a good luck charm, we’ll cancel each other out. Then it’s all left up to skill.” He nodded, as if to sum up that discussion then and there.

Lani nodded and with a quick few thoughts out in the open. “Yeah? That’s good, you’re gonna have to be our jewelry man.” He smiled, his extent of skill was basically either get what the person wanted, or take everything that was shiny. He had no idea what a fair price was for most of that stuff since his only job was to get the goods and take them to his boss. Someone else always dealt with the other stuff. Sure he had picked up some stuff but not very much. “That’s great, jewelry it is then. You can keep us from getting ripped off?” It was so strange, collaborating. Lani had never worked with a partner before and it was exciting. But then there was a thought that he might be working with four other people. Which could and probably would get very complicated very quickly. “How much time does he have?” Lani asked, in other words how hard is the guy Jared pissed off gonna be looking for him? “Do you know who it is? I can send out word to keep an eye out.” He offered. So he still had a few… several connections.

Lani laughed and shook his head. “I still owe that guy a nice black eye,” he added his hand curling momentarily into a fist. Damn kid was good at hiding; Lani just hadn’t been able to pin him down anywhere. Lani winced a little bit and groaned. “Great…” he drawled. Lani was going to call it quits the second this kid did something stupid. He had no tie to this kid and he would have just as clear a conscious going in as he would leaving early. He opened his mouth to say something else but Odion’s lips on his cheek stopped him short. He gave Odion a little bit of a started and yet happy look. His felt heat rise in his face and smiled a little bit. It was terribly difficult focusing on the task at hand with Odion so close. Oh well. Their hands intertwined Lani leaned closer to Odion still wary of boundaries and hyperaware of their closeness. Lani highly doubted that Odion would be left alone once all of this was over. Lani let out a little laugh and whispered to Odion, “You know when I imagined pulling our first heist together it usually didn’t involve other people.”

[Odion Martins]

Odi thought Lani’s arms were plenty strong, all things considered. At the end of the day, Odion wouldn’t trade Lani for anyone else. Rhett was physically stronger, but looks were just that. They were like any other pretty object, and eventually wasted away. The redhead would be happy to workout with Lani, but he would refused to do anything but run, since he doubted Lani knew parkour. But it probably wouldn’t take him long to get a hold of the ropes. Perhaps that was another thing they could do together. Odi wouldn’t mind having a kind of security net, thanks to telekinesis.

Odion smirked, “Be careful what you wish for,” his voice was all warning and slight play. Odi could very easily make all this happen. He even had red pants Lani could borrow. The ginger rose an eyebrow at Lani. “Did you just read my mind or somethin’?” He asked, chuckling to himself. “Jeans alright?” He asked, trusting that whatever Lani needed them for, would end up being a good story in the end. Odion reached a hand out to touch Lani’s ever reddening face. “Your face is doing that thing again,” he said softly, obviously teasing Lani for the embarrassment he felt for whatever reason. It was better than agreeing over how sweet he was.

“I think you might be a bit biased Lani,” he said, but Odi couldn’t help the grin on his face. He had never really been considered the smartest one in the group, merely the quietest. Odion didn’t speak up very much but he was just as tricky and conniving as the rest of the blokes in the gang. Jared liked to act dumb, but usually his judgement wasn’t so poor. His stupidity was lovable and kept people close to him when he needed them most. Perhaps he was the smartest of them all. Rhett only wanted to dominate over those around him and that worked if one was agreeable to it, which not everyone is. Odion just hoped that Lani would trust him on his judgement calls, even though they tended to be harsh. He wasn’t wrong about most people, and very few surprised him – Lani being one of them.

“But I feel like it does,” Odi insisted, looking at his hands. There was something within telling him that he played a vital part in this story. Fate had a strange way of connecting him to those around him and he had a hard time getting rid of anyone he came into close contact with. It was like he was weaving time together, drawing those people close to him. “I hope it is,” he agreed, looking at Lani carefully, “but I knew what I was doing back then. I knew he’d get kicked out…” Odion hadn’t felt bad for it at the time, why would he? In his mind, his care for Rhett was greater than that for Jared. It made sense, and Odi had had to choose. Maybe being a thief wasn’t such a viable excuse for every bad thing that happened. Speaking of skill, Odi nodded, “I don’t doubt that.” And he especially, didn’t doubt Lani.

“Always have been,” Odi said with a wink. He didn’t like shiny things just for fun, there was always a reason behind everything Odion did. Mind you, he really did like pretty, shiny objects, but he was also knowledgeable about them. There was a clear difference between a diamond and a cubic zirconia. He wasn’t a crow. The life of fending for yourself meant taking the goods, and then finding the price. It was a lot more legwork, but a lot more profit for yourself. Odi only raised his eyebrows – of course he wouldn’t get them ripped off. He’d already found a few, friendly, people around Pilot Ridge to work with and if they weren’t cooperative there were other people. He wouldn’t want to resort to violence anymore. Odion shrugged at the next question. “He didn’t tell me, and I didn’t ask, but I’m going to guess the sooner the better.” Odion shook his head no. “Not yet, I have no idea who we’re dealing with,” he said, but he wasn’t going to leave Jared alone despite not having the specifics.

Odion shrugged, “I think I got pretty even with him already.” Besides, Leiken had made a donation to their cause, and that was enough for Odi. Smiling back at Lani, Odion decided not to comment on how red Lani’s face was, for the second time this leg of the trip. Putting the hat back on his head, Odion looked more confident than ever before. “It doesn’t have to,” he said, “I suspect that one place won’t pull off the entire sum owed. So between whatever we plan, and whatever Jared, Rhett and I can pickpocket, everyone will feel involved enough to not have their feelings hurt.” Because that’s all it really boiled down to. Jared would never accept the entire sum without having a hand in it. This wasn’t about Odion’s faith in Jared either, because his power was quite amazing, this was about helping him. And that wouldn’t happen if they didn’t have Lani, and they wouldn’t have Lani if Jared tried to help. “Just think of the profits as going to a good cause.” Odi had a good laugh over that, despite the situation.

The bus was coming to a stop, and Odi looked a little dazed. Had it really been that long already? He shot Lani a sort of, desperate look, knowing that they would be together, but not really. He was also meeting the blond’s family, and despite the lack of context for them, Odion still knew how meaningful this was.

[Lani Hunter]

Parkour was certainly something that Lani could get into. There was a lot of it that could probably help him. Besides there was probably quite a little bit of it that Lani knew already but just had never named it was such. After all he wasn’t taught by fools and those teachers had to learn from somewhere. But either way Lani would love to learn from Odion. He had learned so much from Odion already. He smiled thinking about it, he’d have to bring it up in the near future. Well, perhaps they should just get through meeting the crazies in Boston before they started planning anything. But working out was definitely going to have to happen, he could almost feel himself getting soft from lack of daily workouts. He got out enough that it was clear such thoughts were in his head but perspective was skewed for everyone.

Lani laughed a little bit, “Always,” he answered with just as much humor in his voice. Lani’s eyes widened a little bit and he narrowed them then and shook his head. “You know what they say about great minds. Yeah, that would be perfect,” he nodded. He and Odion were close enough to the same size it would be a close enough fit to work. The only problem would probably be leg length. Oh well, Lani would already be wearing red pants what would having short pants do to further embarrass him. Lani’s hands flew to his cheeks as if to hide them but he inadvertently trapped Odion’s hand on his cheek in the process. “No it’s not,” he protested and worked on cooling his face but Odion’s hand under his and pressed against his cheek wasn’t helping. Odion knew well enough at this point that once Lani was red faced any mention of that fact would just keep his face that color.

Bias? “Nah,” Lani denied it. Not even close. Rhett might be smart but he was as cold as they came. Having not met Jared Lani knew it was harsh to pass judgment but from what he heard he figured that this person wasn’t all that bright. In reality thieves all had the same stupidity, which was in fact doing what they did to be called thieves. But all were smart in some way that put them one step ahead at all times to earn themselves the right to be called thieves. But Lani had never seen Odion as anything other than clever. Clever and kind and... Lani smiled to himself, sitting close to Odion like this was something he never thought would happen. It was a dream come true. Lani shook his head at Odion but Odion seemed pretty sure. Lani wasn’t buying it, though with their luck and the fun fate seemed to have with them it really shouldn’t surprise Lani all that much. Lani hummed with thought thinking this over. Lani frowned and finally turned to Odion and said, “What is done is done, you can’t change what you did but you can try to make up for it now. And that’s what you’re doing. So if it’s not connected, great, but if it is so what? We’ll cross that bridge when… if it comes.” Lani looked into Odion’s eyes trying to press upon him this philosophy.

Lani grinned and nodded. Odion was a jewelry expert, this made him nervous. Granted he knew what he had gotten for Odion for Christmas was worth a lot due to the fact that he was asked to steal it. But in the future, what if he let himself get ripped off or confused by some clever dealer. Lani nodded, that wasn’t really a lot of information to work with. “That’s not good,” Lani commented dryly. If they didn’t know who they were dealing with they didn’t know how much man power he had. And without that knowledge who knew, they might already know Jared was here. Jared was a fool for coming here, at least so soon. They would expect a runner, or at least Lani would, and chances are they would watch the airports closely. A fake passport only did so much when someone knew their face. Sooner the better. That was for certain. Lani wondered if Jared was at least doing to smart thing and lying low instead of going crazy running around Pilot Ridge. It was a small town, but even small towns were very much on radar.

A feral growl emerged from Lani and he shook his head, unsatisfied. He wanted to see bruises covering Leiken’s body like it had Odion’s. “No one should get away with doing something like that,” he said doing nothing to blanket the rage he felt. Lani was very much a guard dog and if someone hurt a friend they should very much expect a bite back. “They’ve gone away, now?” Lani asked looking at Odion’s arm as if he could see the answer through his sleeve. Distracted by their crime planning Lani turned back to Odion and smiled. “You could pickpocket quite a bit if you hit the right tourists,” he added and laughed a little bit nodding in agreement. One place would probably not cover it unless it was pretty big. “Working with the skills we have. Heists with a lot of people can get very complicated very fast, the fewer the better.” And in reality Lani wouldn’t do a well planned heist with someone he didn’t trust, which ruled Rhett out immediately. Lani would love for it to be just the two of them. He trusted Odion like he trusted no one else and to be honest he wanted to see Odion at work.

Lani hadn’t realized how relaxed he had become until the bus slowed and Lani’s stomach started to dance and his heart jumped back into his throat. Lani squeezed Odion’s hand in his for a moment and his whole body stiffened for a moment as if he were willing the bus to stop. It reality it could have happened but Lani’s power was locked down well. Lani looked out the window, his parents had never come to pick him up at the bus station but due to Odion’s presence they had decided to make the trip. He caught sight of them in the crowd and when the bus stopped Lani realized his breathing had stopped as well. He forced himself to breathe and looked at Odion for a moment before giving him a kiss on the cheek half in thanks and half in apology. It was strange that holding Odion's hand he wanted everyone to know, he wanted to be seen with Odion, holding his hand. It made him brave and for once he really felt like someone was there for him. But now that his parents were near Lani was shrinking back into hiding. Slowly he released Odion's hand. From this moment forward they were nothing but friend. He grabbed his bag and led the way off the bus.

He glanced over his shoulder to make sure Odion was at his side and snuck up behind a short blond woman and with a smile took his hands and covered her eyes. “Lani!” She grabbed his hands and spun giving him a rib crushing hug. “Hi-ya,” Lani replied brightly allowing his mother to give him a quick kiss on the cheek before wiggling out of her grip. “This is Odion, Odion this is my mom, and my dad,” he gestured to the woman and man respectively. “Pleasure,” his father said holding out his hand for Odion. However, Lani’s mother, without much hesitation, swept forward taking Odion in a hug as well. “It’s so nice to meet you, we’re so happy to have you!” Lani smiled as she greeted Odion and Lani gave his father a handshake before an awkward embrace. Lani stepped back and his father gave him a narrow eyed look making Lani seriously worried that his father wasn’t even going to wait until they got him to start screaming at him for something. But his father put a hand atop Lani’s head and swung his hand over his own head brushing along the top of his hair. Lani was taller. “Unbelievable!” he cried, “Justine, would you believe that this sly punk snuck up on me?”

Lani laughed and cried out, “Finally!” Earning himself a halfhearted swat from his father. Lani’s mother with a hand still on Odion’s arm just smiled and shook her head giving Odion a long suffering look. “Well, let’s get out of here, it’s chilly.”

[Odion Martins]

“I thought your mind reading was on the selective side,” Odion said, correcting Lani even though he probably wasn’t looking for correction. But Lani wouldn’t have to worry about the whole pants thing. Odi was a bit on the shorter side, and his pants were of the skinny variety. So he just let them bunch up at the ankles. Lani would fill them out just fine. Odion was curious as to why Lani wanted them, but he was too busy laughing at Lani’s reaction to say anything right away, it’s exactly why Odi mentioned it in the first place. Odi felt his own face burn slightly at feeling Lani’s face just beneath the surface. “Don’t worry, red looks good on you,” he said, that rare and yet, charming smiling gracing his face.

Odion just shrugged, “It’s a bias for a reason.” Or in other words, it wouldn’t be a bias if Lani recognized it as such. For now, Odi just enjoyed where he was and who he was with and what they were about to do. He tried not to just enjoy moments, but also enjoy the moments that got him there. He just hoped that Lani was enjoying it too. So far, what they had was entirely different from what he and Rhett had had. Odion hadn’t known any better, and now… well, time would tell, but it was the best he ever had. Odion smirked slightly, “Are you telling me not to plan?” He sighed, looking at the different parts of Lani’s face. His eyes were the main attraction, but there was so much to study. “But you’re right.” Maybe Lani was learning something from him and just reminding Odi of what he believed in.

Being the expert that he was, Odi had gone and looked for something a little more sentimental for Lani. Hopefully the blond wouldn’t worry too much about it, he had enough on his mind, and honestly, Odi didn’t expect anything. Why would he, he’d never received a Christmas present before. It was a good thing Lani’s telekinesis wasn’t wondering around, otherwise he would find out about his gift before Odion could give it to him.

Odion gave Lani a hard look as Leiken was mentioned, “I’ve been through worse.” That small side story was done, at least it was in Odi’s mind. But the ginger found himself smiling once more. “Yes, I’m quite alright,” he said, lifting up his shirt sleeve so Lani could have his proof. Readjusting his sleeve, Odion nodded, “I know, I’ve done quite a bit of lifting since arriving here.” It wasn’t a bad spot, but it wasn’t as good as Rome. Many more tourists. Odion at work was a dozen different masks on hand, but for something like this, he would be using his powers. It was infinitely easier, and this wasn’t about the game of pickpocketing. This was life or death. “Alright, then it’s just you and me against the world.”

Reaching down below to retrieve his knapsack, Odi turned to Lani and gave him a smile, releasing his hand only because he had to. The kiss was welcome and Odi knew he would miss not being able to snatch Lani up when it felt alright to do so. Both boys were on edge. “You look like you’re going to faint,” he said. Lani looked lost even though he was arriving home. Odion watched Lani step off the bus, and he only hoped that whatever the blond had planned, would happen accordingly.

Watching carefully, Odion was trying to take in his surroundings while also keeping up with Lani. Everything was so new – he was glad to have taken only a small amount of luggage. He tended to pack lightly, just in case he needed to hurry. So when someone was suddenly all over Lani, Odi took on the defensive, stepping to his side immediately. It wasn’t until closer inspection that Odion backed off, realizing it was Lani’s mother. He smiled hesitantly as she hugged him, managing to shake Lani’s father’s hand over her shoulder. They made eye contact for a moment and Odi quickly glanced to Lani’s mom. “You’re even lovelier in person,” Odi said, a comment she seemed to take rather nicely to while Lani and his father reacquainted themselves. Feeling strange in his own skin, Odion was intensely aware of the contact Justine kept with him. But he couldn’t just slip away so he simply smiled at Lani, feeling a little helpless.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani laughed at Odion’s correction and shook his head. “Oh very much so,” he agreed, “But you never know when it will be selected to work.” He raised a brow as if in warning. Odion was as observant as ever, Lani wondered sometimes if the things that Odion seemed to miss he missed on purpose. Odion would find out why Lani needed his red pants soon enough. In all honesty Lani was in danger of chickening out. He was absolutely convinced that he would look like an idiot. Odion could pull off colors. He could pull them off very well, Odion knew exactly how to dress and dressed to a tee all the time. Lani loved it; it was easy to see Odion’s shape under his clothing and… Lani smiled his face coloring more. He smirked a little seeing Odion’s face turning colors as well. He took Odion’s hand that had been on his face and held it in his own before he leaned forward and whispered like he had a secret. “Your face is matching your hair.” If anyone looked good in red it was Odion, most definitely.

It felt strange to have these thoughts and emotions and not shut them down before they went anywhere. It was so strange it was as if they were the only people on the bus. Sure he could feel the other people with his power and the constant background noise of chatter identified their presence but when Lani would normally have his music in his ears at this point very conscious of the length of the bus ride this one seemed to rocket past. Lani shook his head at Odion. “No, it’s not,” he denied again his face fading into a serious expression, “I mean, maybe a little bit, but in all of what I’ve heard and what I know, I’d rest my confidence in you.” Every time, he added silently. If there was to be a battle of wits Lani wanted Odion at his side. Same with strength and logic. There was no one better. Lani held up a finger his heart skipping a beat at that smirk, “No, I am telling you to plan not to plan.” Lani’s eyebrows rose and he obtained a certainly amount of pleasure hearing that from Odion. He smiled softly, things like this were things that could only be planned for when they happened. There was no way to predict the outcome of a revelation such as something Odion was thinking.

Lani glanced out the window for a moment watching the city rise up ahead of them. He was unbelievably excited to show Odion the good things Boston had to offer. They were going to steer very clear of anything that could get them in trouble. Lani was very wary of the quietness that was coming from his boss. He didn’t want Odion to get hurt again because Lani was foolish enough to wander into old turf. But there was one thing he just had to show Odion. He was just trying to figure out how to get away from his family to be alone with Odion. He glanced at Odion he really hoped that he would be alright. It would be a lot to take in, Lani assumed, and he knew that Odion would be able to handle it, at least on the outside. It was the things that Odion wouldn’t show that Lani was worried about. What if Lani’s parents slipped up and said something that stung? The memory of cradling Odion on his bathroom floor was still fresh in his mind. He hated seeing Odion so broken, his heart broke for the redhead and he would do anything to make things better. But they both had baggage that they carried around and those bags were not filled with things that were easy to sort through. Perhaps together they could ease some of the burden.

Being through worse did nothing to ease Lani’s anger. When Odion had first showed him the bruises it had taken a while for Lani to calm down again and when he had seen them in person it had only strengthened and fed his anger. It was like this Leiken had given Lani the bruises, in many ways Lani wished he had. Lani’s protective side kicked in and he was hunting for vengeance. Lani touched Odion’s now unmarred skin with a touch of relief. “I still can’t believe that,” he said softly. He shook his head retreating for now; he wasn’t going to let this go until he had seen Leiken with a black eye. But Odion didn’t need to know that. Lani smiled and nodded. Odion was a brilliant pickpocket and Lani was pretty sure the time he had gotten Odion’s wallet probably wouldn’t be repeated. Lani’s smile only widened and he laughed brightly. “We’d be unlimited.” They would definitely be a terrifying pair. Unstoppable.

Lani laughed his nerves loosening a little bit at Odion’s comment. He swallowed but he could only get his nerves to die down a little bit before they swelled back up. The sudden need to apologize in advance hit Lani but his mouth was too dry to speak. He was busying worrying that if his parents had been looking in the bus they might have seen something. Fainting, that really wasn’t too farfetched of an idea at this point. He breathed deeply. “Everything’s gonna be fine,” he told Odion as if the redhead needed encouragement. It was far too late to back down now and kept glancing over his shoulder to make sure Odion was keeping up. Lani was too distracted to recognize Odion’s sudden appearance at his side as being defensive, he just thought Odion had caught up.

Lani could hear his mother giggling at Odion’s comment. Oh, Odion was about to have a new best friend if he kept flattering her like that. Lani hid a smile behind his hand at the handshake Odion gave his father. Lani smiled and as they walked he fell in step with Odion with his father on his mother’s other side. He probably should have warned Odion that his mother was very touchy feely. When she talked to people she felt the need to touch them. Odion looked like he had been hit in the back of the head. Lani elbowed him lightly and gave him a smile. “Do you like lasagna?” his mother asked, “How was the trip? Smooth sailing?” Lani nodded and when they got to the car it was a quick process of filing everyone in. “Welcome to Boston,” Lani said as they started to drive. “So, Odion, you’re graduating with Lani? What’s your power?” Lani’s father asked conversationally his eyes watching them in the rearview mirror.

The car ride was mercifully brief. His mother filled the silence with gossip about people Lani used to know and with what had been happening since they had last spoken. The Hunter household lived on the outskirts of the city, not quite in the city but not quite suburbs. The house was small but in a way that could only be described as cozy. Welcoming them inside was Caroline. She gave Lani a hug then Odion. “Welcome, welcome,” Justine said in a pleasant voice as she ushered them inside. “Make yourself at home, dear. Lani, we made up the guest bedroom, why don’t you show Odion?” Lani nodded and gestured toward the stairs. The stairs were steep and narrow and led to another hallway with five doors. The one closest to the stairs was his parents and the door was shut then his and Caroline’s old rooms and at the end was the guest bedroom. Well it was half guest bedroom half storage closet. Lani opened the door and motioned Odion inside. “Um… so this is your room,” Lani said with a smile. One wall was occupied by a desk and several filing cabinets and shelves. The other side had a bed and lamp. Lani found it in him to breathe easier now. Odion was in his parent's house. And nothing had gone catastrophic yet. Lani smiled and leaned against the door frame his arms crossed over his chest.

[Odion Martins]

Odion laughed, unsure of what else to say so he just ended it with a smile. Lani wasn’t as much a mind reader as he was well in tune with Odi’s mind. Sometimes Odi spent a long time studying people, but yes, sometimes he chose not to comment on certain things. He knew his words could be a poisonous pill, and he didn’t think everyone deserved that. But if Lani needed help looking good in colours, he only needed to ask. Odion would be more than willing, even happy to help. Just like if they were to start working out together. In fact, Odi would probably be impressed with whatever Lani decided to wear with the red pants. Probably his boxiest, blackest t-shirt he could find, but that would look just dapper. Odi smirked devilishly after Lani whispered, closing the space between them as though he was about to kiss Lani, but stopped a hairsbreadth away. “Lovely, we match.” Odion could be a tease in many different ways.

Odi loved being with Lani. Every moment held something different, as unique as the person he was with. Sometimes they were sweet moments, sometimes they were hard and challenging, but they were always memorable. Odion was distinctly aware of those around them, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t consciously tune them out. And once his story began, the rest melted away. Lani’s words made Odion give the blond a double take. He smiled slightly before looking away and out to the snowy world. “That’s one of the nicest things anyone’s said to me.” Honesty, one step at a time. He laughed, trying to wrap his mind around what Lani said next. “Plan not to plan? Isn’t that what I do already?”

Lani’s ex-boss – that would be a good story for the trip back to Pilot Ridge. But right now Odi had other things on his mind. He was ready to be strong today. The bruises were gone and the revenge had been taken. Odion was honestly just glad Lani kept him company for a couple days while his body turned back to its normal shade of pale. Odi balled his fist, then nudged Lani, “Time heals all wounds.” It was a smart remark made to make the blond forget about exacting any kind of revenge. It was better to focus on what they had, and the here and now. But hearing Lani laugh and then get choked up only served to make Odion worry – Lani really was terrified at the moment wasn’t he? Were his parents going to bite them or something? Odion wasn’t sure who Lani was encouraging.

Typically, Odion would cast away anyone who became too close with him too quickly. He liked his personal space, and his bubble was bigger than most. But just this one time, Odi would allow Lani’s mom to walk with him. He was hyperaware of his posture and footing, and felt himself blanch at the closeness of a family that wasn’t his, Lani on one side, his mom clinging to the other. Lani’s nudge snapped him out of his thoughts and he didn’t have time to smile back at Lani as the dinner question occurred. Odi nodded a couple times, before swinging his backpack to sit on his lap for the duration of the car ride. Welcome to Boston indeed. He didn’t want anything blocking his view of Lani. Sharp blue eyes found their way to the rear view. “Time manipulation,” Odion offered with a brief smile. He probably wasn’t going to offer anything conversationally unless further probed. Somehow, he already figured out that Lani’s family would have no problem asking him many questions. Odion lost himself once more as people he didn’t know were mentioned. One of these things was not like the other, and Odi shifted uncomfortably in his seat, half listening as he took in the sights. What part of Boston did Lani come from exactly? Thinking of that brought on a slew of other realizations, like how far their trust had come. Here he was, meeting Lani’s family and seeing where he lived… It was a lot to take in at the same time.

It was nice to see a familiar face other than Lani’s, and Odion was thankful for Caroline’s presence. Even the hug was endearing. Turning on the spot, Odi waited for Lani to move before following after him, but not without saying thanks to Mrs. Hunter first. His eyes travelled to the various family pictures hanging on the walls and other kinds of memorabilia. Odion clung to the straps of his knapsack, feeling like this was just another unknown place he would either rob, or make his home for the night. Odion nodded, looking down at the ground. “Cleaner than your room,” he quipped, smiling softly up at Lani. Abandoning his backpack on the floor by the bed, Odi turned on the spot and made to leave the room. He already felt claustrophobic, he didn’t want to be in here. Lani was parked near the doorframe and Odi had a reason to smile. He neared the blond, and held his pinky finger lightly. “Ready?” He asked, letting go just in time for Caroline to come running up the stairs. ”I’m so excited that you’re staying over Odion, that room never gets used.” Odion chuckled lightly and cast a glance at Lani. Maybe they could get out of here later? Sneak out or something?

[Lani Hunter]

It was probably a very good thing that Lani wasn’t a mind reader, he really didn’t want to know everyone’s personal thoughts and he certainly didn’t want anyone to know his. There were some musings of the mind that were meant only for the owner of that mind. And perhaps that one person they decided to share it with. Or perhaps not. The caverns of the mind were a dark and often mysterious place. Lani had traveled them in terror after his secrets had been spilled and then many times more in meditation. Searching, always searching for something that would make the world make sense. It had started with understanding his power and now he was struggling to understand himself. He banished the thoughts with the skill of someone eternally hiding from himself and his mind became completely occupied when Odion came closer. His heart pounded and his blood ran hot through his veins in anticipation. But Odion stopped and it took all of Lani’s strength not to frown at Odion. Instead he smiled back at Odion his eyes tracing a line from his eyes to his ear down to his lips, remembering their brief feel upon his, and back up to the other ear landing finally back on his eyes. As much as Lani hated it he loved it when Odion teased him. But two could play at this game. With an impish grin Lani tore his eyes from Odion’s and turned his face away. “It’s a good thing at least one of us has fashion sense,” he commented before slipping his arm around Odion’s shoulder and then trapping Odion’s head under his arm with a laugh.

Every moment was different. Whether in joy or pain or in anger, they were all different and all were cherished memories. Lani’s smile faded in favor of a thoughtful expression. Moments between the two of them which could be called bad, true arguments, bared emotions and bared teeth, which could have easily shattered everything that was around them had yet to do so. As with the time in the field, the time on Lani’s bathroom floor, pain and hurt and anger had turned them into something more than what they were alone. Lani’s smile returned as he looked at Odion’s beautiful smile. Lani felt a little sadness at those words but made a silent promise to never let Odion forget that he was among the best of people. “Ah-ha,” Lani laughed, “But I bet you never planned to do so.” Lani was just making stuff up now not wanting to admit that he was fighting a losing battle whenever it came to planning.

Lani sighed a little bit and shook his head at Odion knowing he wasn’t such a fool as that. He was saying that to appease Lani. Lani swayed lightly as Odion nudged him but his thoughts had gone dark. “But some wounds leave scars,” he pointed out refusing to be swayed. “Fine,” he finally said with a little huff. He was making a promise to not go looking for Leiken, but just say they ended up in the same place. Well, there would be no promises then. It was like with Rhett, once someone had ignited Lani’s anger it never really went away. Time was forgiving and really the anger Lani had had against Rhett was lost when he finally got a shot at the other blond and at the other blond’s half hearted apology. It had turned numb, the dislike was still there but the anger had dimmed. It was the anticipation that was killing Lani. It was like the nerves before a major test, one was panicked as the tests were handed out but once the test came and answers started pouring from pencil to paper time just moved and the duration of the test was the easy part. Waiting for it to start was the hard part.

Being with his parents both paranoid and relaxed Lani. He knew his mother liked Odion, but he was still worried about his father who had yet to say very much. Lani’s heart stuck in his throat when his father started speaking. The older man nodded at Odion’s answer to his question. Lani nodded a little and made the appropriate noises of acknowledgement to his mother’s ramblings. Really these were people he cared little about and hadn’t spared many thoughts about. Lani glanced at Odion as the ramblings continued and made an exaggerated gesture of rolling his eyes. Then his mother turned to Lani, “I’m sorry to hear about Adrianna mother,” she turned and patted her son’s knee, “Make sure to give her my love. Are you two still speaking?” Lani bit his tongue and nodded, “Yeah, I mean we’re still friends.” He glanced at Odion his mouth going dry again. Talk about awkward… Lani hadn’t told Odion that he was going to see Adrianna’s mother yet. He was going to, he was just trying to find the right time and way to tell his new… boyfriend?... that he was going to visit his ex-girlfriend’s ailing mother.

Lani laughed a little bit. Every room was cleaner than his room. Lani nodded a little bit finding himself drifting closer to Odion until he heard someone on the stairs. Odion’s hand vanished from his as Caroline came bounding up. “Me too,” Lani said bright and nodded at the wordless exchange. They would most definitely be getting out of here. “Let’s give Odion the grand tour, eh,” Lani said putting an arm around Caroline’s shoulder. “That’s the bathroom.” He pointed at a door that was slightly ajar. “This is my room,” Caroline said throwing open her door. It was light in color and filled with things from childhood and hints of her growing adulthood. “This one’s mine,” Lani said opening the next door and taking a moment to drop his bag unceremoniously on the bed before retreating back out. It had been cleaned since the last time he had been in here. He had book cases overflowing with worn books and torn up notebooks stacked in as neat a pile as could be. Posters covered the walls and dark curtains hid the alarmed window. He closed the door and pointed at the still closed door. “My parent’s room.”

Caroline smiled at Odion and grabbed at his hand pulling him back to the stairs. Lani chuckled and followed after them. Caroline pointed out pictures on the walls, her school picture and Lani’s senior picture from his old school. Downstairs there was a sound of a conversation in low voices coming from the kitchen that cut off quickly as they came down the stairs. Lani glanced toward the kitchen but the tour continued as Caroline waved her hands around presenting the living room.

[Odion Martins]

If he had to choose between mind reading and though projection, Odi would chose the former. Something about knowing people's thoughts seemed powerful. Yes it would be difficult to control at first, and truly overbearing, but not as overbearing as having your thoughts given to someone who shouldn't have them. Thoughts were often meant to be private, but Odi liked to think that he was a swell mind reader, even though it wasn't his true meta ability. Along with teasing, he was pretty good at that as well. Besides, Lani made it fun to tease him, and it was impossible to resist, if only because he indulged Odion instead of getting upset with him. "Aw, you think I have fashion sense?" Odi mused, before becoming trapped by the blond. His hat fell off his head and tumbled to the floor and Odi found himself laughing. There was never a dull moment with Lani, was there? He didn't say a word, but his eyes spoke volumes: there would be hell to pay for this little stunt. He collected his hat and put it on Lani's head, breaking the headlock. "You're right, I do have a sense for fashion," he said, giving Lani a fond look. Honestly, it had taken everything in Odi not to buy Lani a hat instead of what he did end up buying Lani.

Odion laughed. “Does it matter what you call it? I think it’s still the same end,” he said, since Lani planned not to plan and Odi just didn’t plan, neither of them was planning, not really. Lani just had to psyche himself up for it while Odion just did it naturally. He sighed, before poking Lani’s nose affectionately. “We’re not going to have this argument again are we?” He smirked. So they didn’t see eye to eye when it came to planning or not planning. Maybe they just had different strengths, and Odi was trying to save his for meeting Lani’s family.

Scars. “I know,” Odi said softly, touching Lani’s face briefly where a faint scar lay. It was from their last trip to Boston, and it was barely noticeable unless you already knew it was there, or spent a lot of time studying Lani. The ginger smiled as Lani relented. “We have to choose our battles,” he said, wishing it was advice he could take in the heat of the moment.

In the car, Odion hardly noticed Lani roll his eyes. He did however start paying attention when Adrianna was mentioned. Was Lani still talking to her? Odion didn’t know about that. Something rose in the pit of his stomach, a cross between jealousy and betrayal. Why hadn’t Lani mentioned that to him, but decided to tell his family instead? Odion put his fingers to his mouth, his eyes bouncing between Lani and his mother as the interaction took place. Lani was looking at him but Odion was playing the part of an attentive listener. Still friends? He’d show Lani still friends… “What’s wrong with Adrianna’s mother?” He asked, his eyes turned into daggers as he stared at Lani.

There was something about Caroline that put Odion at ease. “I’m glad to be here,” he added, his attention on the siblings as he followed them out of the room. Odi observed all the rooms with fascination, taking in the details of his new surroundings. It was a protective measure, but he tried to see it as a real home. People spent time in these rooms, personalized them. Perhaps that was why his own room was so immaculate and void of anything sentimental. Nothing had ever felt like home to him. Even trying to live with Rhett in his apartment hadn’t ended well. Had he ever told Lani about that? After the tour was over, Odi nodded. What else could he do? His mind was focused on the overflow of books in Lani’s bedroom, storing the information away in a nook of his mind.

Again with the touching, Odi allowed himself to be dragged around by the young girl. He was surprised Lani wasn’t as affectionate as the women in the household, but maybe that’s where the genetic similarities ended. Dark eyes took in the various photographs, capturing moments that regular people and metas couldn’t remember otherwise. He smiled absently, looking at a younger Caroline, and then smiled fondly at a little Lani. “He was pretty cute here,” he said, pointing at a really young picture of Lani, “what happened?” Caroline giggled at Odi’s teasing nature and the redhead smiled over at Lani. Really he was quite handsome nowadays, but the blond seemed preoccupied with something. Odion focused his attention on Caroline again, but he was still concerned over Lani. Caroline tugged Odi over to the sofa, sitting next to him with excitement. “Do you have more card tricks to show us?” The redhead laughed, and then shrugged, a mysterious look in his eyes. “Maybe.” Yes, he had brought his old deck along, just in case.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani wasn’t sure he wanted either. He could guess things and make connections as well as everyone. He did his research and he did a fair amount of detective work as well. That was how he liked it. Lani’s mind reading might be selective but Odion’s was better. Sometimes he wondered if Odion had a little more than just time manipulation. It certainly seemed so sometimes. But sometimes skills were a perfect substitute for any meta power. Superior to baseline humans, Lani wasn’t so foolish to think so. Where they had powers others had the potential to have skills beyond them. All the more reason to keep skills sharp. Lani didn’t answer to Odion’s musings when he trapped him. He laughed and meeting Odion’s eyes he accepted the challenge with the mischievous look in his eyes. Lani laughed and sat back a little bit fixing the bat on his head so that it obscured one of his eyes and he grinned like a loon. Odion really didn’t have to buy Lani a hat if this kept happening then Lani was going to have a collection of Odion’s hants. He still had the one he had ‘stolen’.

Lani shrugged and smiled. “A lot of things matter what you call them,” he responded cryptically. Lani laughed and shook his head. No he didn’t want to argue about this again. There would never be a winner. “That’s right,” he mused and nodded his head a little to himself, “Working on not planning.” A hard thing for a master planner. But he had just encourage not planning. But it had been decided. To just let things be as they would. But really this was a plan. It was a plan to stall Odion doing something that might make a problem out of something that wasn’t a problem. Oh well, he was going to take it for what it was, a not plan. Small steps toward the end goal of being able to dance through life without planning. Problems was that Lani was a terrible dancer.

Feeling Odion’s hand on his cheek he reached up and took Odion’s hand holding it close to his face and wishing he had the words to say what he wanted. He had given Odion all of his apologies and he knew the redhead deserved a thousand more and tenfold more thanks. He nodded and didn’t say what he was thinking. He was choosing to yield this battle, so that he could bide his time. “Live to fight another day,” Lani quoted. But they also said that there were people that they would die for. Lani looked at Odion for a moment and accepted, but not without a little bit of resistance, that he would heed Odion for now. He was going to not plan to go after Leiken but he was also not going to plan to keep his cool if he saw him again. He looked at Odion’s hand and touched his arm. He was so glad that those wounds had healed without scars.

Lani’s gaze fell from Odion as the redhead’s eyes turned to him. Awkward, no that word wasn’t even close enough to cover it. His first desperate move was to say that he hadn’t meant to lie. He was going to tell Odion. It just hadn’t come up… Lani swallowed and turned to Odion his own eyes wincing away from the sharpness of Odion’s. “Her mother’s got cancer. She’s not gonna make it.” He said softly unable to keep the sadness from his voice. He had met Adrianna’s mother once and he knew the world would be a darker place without her. And Adrianna. He couldn’t just drop her because they weren’t dating. They were friends, their relationship had turned rocky and it had crumbled but the mutual breaking of the final pieces hadn’t been done in anger or even pain. It had been an agreement that things hadn’t been working. Lani’s eyes risked a look back at Odion and his eyes flashed a little with stubbornness. If Odion had a problem with him being friends with Adrianna… Lani glanced at his parents. They’d had to talk about this.

Lani smiled glad that the awkwardness of the car ride hadn’t marred the beginning of the trip. He’d get Odion alone and he’d tell him everything. The last time he had seen Adrianna she had told him she was dating Venn. Lani had been upset because it was final. But if was also freeing. Even thought it had taken several more weeks for him and Odion to finally breach that wall themselves. He watched Odion with a small smile on his lips. As Odion’s ever observant eyes took in everything before him Lani took in Odion. In his house. While he had the chance he let his eyes wander over Odion’s face. So much had changed indeed. In doing so he realized that he was still wearing Odion’s hat. He was surprised his mother hadn’t said something about it. Oh well. Lani was starting to enjoy hats.

Following down the stairs Lani grinned. Odion would have to give Lani a little while but eventually he would figure out just how affectionate Lani could be. Lani blushed red and stuck his tongue out at Odion before turning his attention back to the kitchen. Lani turned back when the conversation turned to card tricks. He took off the hat and placed it on Odion’s head with a grin. He glanced at the kitchen one last time before sitting in a nearby chair. Caroline was very excited about the card tricks. Lani rose again from his seat, “Odion do you want something to drink?” He asked suddenly as if he had just remember his manners. His mother came out of the kitchen and took the seat Lani had just been occupying and leaned toward Odion. “Do you have any plans for college, honey?”

[Odion Martins]

It was hard to explain, but Odion felt like he was intertwined with those he made strong connections with. He had had that with Rhett once, but he no longer felt Rhett’s presence when he was near. Odion was extremely glad for that, but it seemed to have transferred over to Lani instead. Maybe it only occurred when he was romantically involved with someone, but he couldn’t say for sure. Maybe he could try talking to Lani about it at some point, see what his view was. That, or he would call Odi crazy. It might be worth a shot in the future – Odion could always take a peek. Lani looked good in his hat, as usual. Odion would give him much more than just hats if he believed it not to be so overbearing.

Odion shook his head, “Not really. It only matters if you think it does.” He didn’t think Lani could find strong purchase in a counterargument. But if he was, Odi had the perfect example to prove himself. He could call himself gay or not, but he never had, that didn’t mean people could come to that same definition and conclusion. But to him it didn’t matter. Perhaps things would be easier if Lani could read his mind for these particular things. It seemed as though they had found something else to argue about instead. Odion sat back in his seat a little more, but made sure to hold in his stomach for posture’s sake. “Besides, we have other things to focus your planning on.” He smirked then – there were many reasons why Odi had asked Lani for help. Number one, was that Odi was a terrible planner, however, he is a terrific dancer.

The beauty about being with Lani, was that not everything had to be communicated through words for the moment to be meaningful. Odion loved using words, but he didn’t always have to. It was like loving cheesecake, that didn’t mean one ate it for every meal, which would result in getting sick of it. Odi was so glad that Lani wanted to fight for him, and just knowing that meant a lot, even without Lani actually seeking Leiken out and fighting him. Odi nodded, his thumb brushing against Lani’s hand purposefully. He had to make these moments last, before they stopped for a few days.

There was always a reasonable explanation for things, at least, that’s what Odi had come to expect from Lani. The blond just had terrible timing. Sometimes things didn’t come up, sometimes, you had to make them. But they worked on Lani’s clock and Odion didn’t find that fair. Lani had made him stay in the field. Lani hadn’t said he loved him back. Lani didn’t tell him about Adrianna still being his friend after how she had betrayed him. But he seemed to be biased towards that too, and the fact that he hadn’t told Odion about it, made Odi wonder if Lani was having second thoughts about all this. What was happening to Adrianna’s mother was truly terrible, awful really, but Odion’s jealousy reared its ugly head and he could only keep starring. Everything in his head told him that Adrianna had Venn for things like that, and plenty of other friends. In truth, if Lani would’ve just mentioned it, Odi wouldn’t have reason now to make up stories in his head or doubt himself. Hadn’t he been hurt enough already? Didn’t Lani want him to trust him? The blond had a way of telling Odion things when it was already too late.

Shifting the his hat so it wouldn’t cover his eyes, Odi smirked up at Lani. Such a shame, purple looked good on him. Slipping his hands into his pocket, Odion retrieved his beloved deck and began shuffling. “Water would be lovely, if you don’t mind,” he said, winking at Lani before going back to his cards. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to pull off today, maybe something simple. His usually steady hands were shaking. Dark blue eyes glanced through the dark veil of his lashes at Lani’s mother, a sly smile on his face. “I’m not really interested, and my grades are terrible,” he said, exaggerating his perfectly passing marks. He could get into college if he really wanted to, but he didn’t. He was content in fooling the system and having plenty of time to study others. He didn’t need a textbook or a piece of paper to tell him how to get through life.

“Pick a card,” he said welcomingly, bringing the deck in front of Lani’s mother’s knees. God, he’d forgotten her name already, but he managed a smile. How come he hadn’t asked Lani for his parents’ names before the trip? Had he been too forward in asking for help? Odi glanced around the room, suddenly a little lost. Time was the one playing tricks today, and Odi found himself looking at Lani, who was just in the kitchen but was now… “Odion do you want something to drink?” Odion blinked, gripping his cards. It took him a moment to answer. “Water. Water’s fine.” His head lolled over to Lani’s mother, asking about college and he smiled at her. “I’m not really sure yet,” he said, gaining a smile from the woman. She was obviously opinionated on the subject and looked like she was about to say something, but Odion had rose from his seat, leaving his cards on the coffee table. “You know, I think I’ll have something else,” he said, so the ladies wouldn’t wonder what was going on as he headed into the kitchen.

Finding Lani, Odion neared him, but not too close. Just as friends. “Do you have anything else?” He asked, his eyes distracted and his hands fidgety. He really couldn’t afford to have time doing this to him, but if it was going to happen, it should happen in front of someone he trusted, and not in front of that someone’s family.

[Lani Hunter]

The loom of the weaver of the world had a habit of twining threads that she saw fit to twist together. Fate was her name and she was power hungry but she was not all powerful and could never be so long as those that lived the threads didn’t let her. Meta humans seemed to have a more purposeful push against their fate. Perhaps it was their connection with their power that made them connected to something beyond themselves and yet completely of themselves. Perhaps Odion’s power was a little bit like Lani’s, Lani’s power could recognize Odion as something other than the generic person. Once upon a time their powers had touched. It was like that with Adrianna as well, his power had touched hers when she mimicked his power and their telekinetic minds had touched. It was like seeing people in the street and everyone was a stranger then suddenly there was a friend. But instead of seeing faces it was like seeing a mental signature. The difference was that when he saw Odion’s signature he couldn’t get their fast enough and his power was fueled by an entirely different emotion.

Lani cocked his head and chewed on the inside of his cheek. “Languages are proof of that,” Lani decided instead of taking the defensive he was playing a different game this time. Lani looked at Odion for a moment before he narrowed his eyes in thought. He needed to talk to someone about this. This fear and the terror of truth and the hope of acceptance. Who better to talk to than Odion? He found his mouth going dry again, but for another reason altogether. He wasn’t afraid of Odion not accepting him, rather he was afraid it would be an unnecessary statement and Lani would sound silly. The truth was that Lani knew who he was, what he was. Perhaps he had always known and it terrified him. But he realized he could name it or not but it would be either way. Perhaps before Lani could say he loved Odion, perhaps before he could move forward he needed to say it aloud. “Odion,” Lani hesitated then looked at Odion with determination in his eyes, “This makes… I know what I want,” he was doing a lot of beating around the bush. If he didn't name it now he would chicken out. He suddenly became aware of all of the listening ears and it was too late. He swallowed and just held Odion's hand. Now he was out of time and it would have to wait as the bus was coming to a stop.

The wordless challenge was something that Lani found himself looking forward too. Odion never did anything in the expected way. Odion’s hand in his felt right in his and if there was anything so calming or so reassuring as that he had never had it before. When Lani was with Adrianna he found himself playing protector and he was content with his roll. Adrianna had tried to help him and he had denied her. But Odion pushed through, he didn’t let Lani deny him and the strength Lani drew from Odion was unbelievable. It was strange to feel protected as well as protective. But he was still falling into the same traps. Stalling time and time again to avoid his real emotions, dodging moments when he might be himself because he was afraid of who he might be. Odion saw through all that to his core and that warmed and terrified Lani simultaneously. Lani felt terrible guilt starting to weigh down on him, Odion would think he was trying to hide it from him. Adrianna was a friend and probably would always be. But they had both moved on, she had told him about Venn and soon he would tell her about Odion.

Lani, oblivious to the shift of time, nodded to himself and reached in the cupboard for a glass. He got himself one as well as Odion. He heard his mother ask about college and winced a little bit. Odion had good intuition to leave when he did, his mother was indeed very opinionated on the matter. Lani glanced back toward the living room as Odion answered then stated he wanted something else. Lani was already midway through filling one cup with water so he decided to take that one as his own and when Odion appeared Lani didn’t actually look at him. He laughed lightly, “You mean something stronger?” Lani grinned and glanced at Odion and his smile vanished. Something was off. Lani narrowed his eyes at Odion and taking a quick glance around he gave Odion an apologetic look. “Odion, I’m sorry, I was going to tell you…” he said barely above a whisper. But then Lani realized that something else was wrong. If Odion had really wanted to discuss Adrianna he would have stalled time and they would have talked about it. It could wait. Something was going on.

“Odion?” Lani said setting the glasses down on the counter and turned to Odion trying to catch his eye. “Are you okay?” His brows came together in concern. “We have some soda, and…” he looked in the fridge as his father passed through Lani’s eyes following him like a hawk’s, “Lemonade…” Once Lani’s father was out in the living room Lani turned back to Odion. “What’s going on?” He whispered urgently. Was it something with his power? “Here,” he pressed the glass of water into the redhead’s hand, “Drink something.” Odion seemed to be practically twitchy. It unsettled Lani and worry started to grow in Lani. Odion was normally steady of hand and calm, but now he was neither calm no steady. Was this too much for him?

[Odion Martins]

When Lani was in Odi’s presence, it was like his power latched onto the blond. Lani was the anchor, and Odi found solace in knowing that where he was had someone friendly. Stepping into the same room, Odion knew that Lani was there. It was like turning to find someone you knew, which in turn made one smile. How could he ever explain that to Lani?

Odion smiled a bit, almost bitterly. “Languages are beautiful and powerful,” he stated, glancing at Lani. In fact, it helped to know more than one, just another way to get past middle men. Odi himself knew a few. “And sometimes an expression in one language just isn’t the same in another.” Odion smirked now at Lani. How could he tell Lani about that without bragging about it? But as Lani spoke of knowing what he wanted, all Odion wanted was to know what that was, but Lani took on a fearful expression, trying to fade back into the shadows. The only way to really describe the look on Odi’s face was disappointment, like someone who had been looking forward to something only to have it taken away. But he squeezed Lani’s hand, and despite his current impatience Odi knew they had lots of time.

In the kitchen, Odion was simply trying to feel normal. Time usually wasn’t like this, it was usually in the palm of his hands. This lapse type of shift didn’t occur any more, at least it hadn’t in two years. When he first had his power, Odion was terribly confused all the time, he honestly thought he was going crazy until he was recruited into Kocher. He laughed a bit, but it was a forced, almost pained noise. His eyes travelled over Lani, and even though the blond was just being himself and not really trying to make Odion feel better, that’s exactly what Odi felt. He tried to stay focus, and staring at people was a trick he had learned to do just that. The fascination for people had come after his powers manifested. Adrianna, Lani was talking about Adrianna. But Odion could care less about that right now.

“Uh… Uh, well, lemonade’s fine,” Odi said, stuttering as he tried to keep up. Time felt normal around him, but he was weary that it might skip again. What if it went forward and he was in the middle of a conversation he couldn’t remember? Taking the glass, Odion stared at it, watching the ripples it made as it settled in his hands. Setting the water down on the counter, Odion held it steadfast, his brow creasing. “I just need a second,” he said, barely above a whisper. He didn’t want Lani to worry, he didn’t want to ruin this. But they were running out of time, and Odi couldn’t stop it. “When I answered you in the living room, it wasn’t the first time,” he explained, “and I’ve answered your mum twice now.” Odion ran a hand over his head. “This is just…” Odion looked at Lani, “I don’t want to let you down."

[Lani Hunter]

Both boys seemed to back away from things that didn’t make sense thinking that it would sound ridiculous if they said something about it. Strange how it seemed that if they would only take the step to talk about it they would understand better than the other thought possible. Maybe it would be easier if they could read each other’s minds. But it wasn’t supposed to be easy. It was something to be worked for and the end result made the journey worth it. But the journey was the best part. In truth, the journey never ended, unless one was to assume that death was the end of the road. Lani was constantly boasting fearlessness but in reality there was a lot that he was afraid of and right now losing Odion was at the top of the list.

Lani cocked his head at Odion puzzled by the bitter tone of his voice. “You know how people always say, ‘sticks and stones’?” Lani asked of Odion, “It’s a lie. If there is anything more damaging than words I haven’t heard of it.” Lani smiled at Odion and cocked his head. “Like what?” Lani was bad at languages. He had forced himself through Spanish enough to get himself the three years needed to graduate at least that had been the requirements at his old high school, but he didn’t remember a lick of it. Lani dropped his eyes and his jaw clenched. He bit his tongue. Why was he so afraid of it? It was just a word. As much as he loved that sly smirk that Odion gained his hated the disappointment on his face just as much. Lani swallowed disappointed in himself as well. It wasn’t a mystery that Odion wanted to hear him say what was on his mind as much as he wanted Odion to tell him.

Lani knew that Odion could get lost in time and zone out without realizing it but he didn’t know that time could shift around him without Odion meaning to. Lani glanced at Odion alarmed by the sound that Odion was trying to pass over as laughter. He gave Odion a confused and worried look. Odion looked more than a little unsettled. Lani wanted to reach out, to take Odion into his arms and hold him, let him feed off of Lani’s strength. But the people in the next room kept him where he was. Lani was watching Odion and as he put a hand on Odion’s shoulder his power occupied itself getting lemonade. “Okay,” Lani said and backed off watching Odion try to steady himself. Concern rose in Lani’s heart and any of a million things could go wrong and every one of them was running through Lani’s mind at the moment. He hadn’t heard his mother say anything that he thought would have set it off but Lani wasn’t sure.

Lani’s brow’s climbed toward his hairline as Odion explained the problem. Lani’s brows came together and he shook his head at Odion his eyes soft. Of all the times Lani had let him down Odion was still afraid of letting Lani down. “Hey, hey,” Lani whispered and hearing the conversation start up in the next room he reached out his power and verified in his mind that all three were sitting and not moving. He reached out taking Odion’s hand and pulling him closer before he pulled him into a quick hug. Pulling back he placed his hands on Odion’s shoulders. “Relax, everything fine,” he said soothingly, “You won’t let me down.” Lani said with sureness. Lani pulled away and found something in his heart panged. Odion was worried, Lani was worried, and he was too afraid of getting caught. He wanted to tell his parents but this was not the time or the way to do so. “Remember, you’re the master or time, not the other way around,” Lani said. He gave Odion a little bit of a smile, “Do you wanna get out of here for a little while,” he glanced back to check the timer on the oven, “We’ve got about an hour.”

[Odion Martins]

Odion didn’t like looking ridiculous in front of strangers, let alone those he liked. Lani was so used to Odion being, well, himself, that to let go of certain things now would feel strange. The redhead liked pinpointing emotions and conversations, he liked manipulating things to his advantage and challenging people to see the darker side of things. The problem with Lani though, was that he challenged Odi right back. Perhaps eventually he would learn to let his guard down flawlessly, but that would take a lot more time. But it wasn’t just the wanting to share that worried Odi, but the running out of stories to share, things to tell Lani about. If being alone was his worst fear, having someone find he was boring was his second.

Odi nodded, “It’s a useful but touchy weapon.” Sometimes using words was like playing Russian roulette. Odion had used his words on Lani before, and now he tried to be as careful as he always had been with them, but this time without the intention to hurt. Words were how Odion got around in this world when he wasn’t in the shadows. Words had kept people away or brought them closer. And words had affected him entirely. Odion smirked, and shrugged. He really didn’t want to make a big deal out of this, but he did like showing off when Lani was around. “For example, nada puta,” Odi giggled at the joke, “it's slang nothing bitch in Portuguese, but the literal translation is swim frog. It’s part of his joke I learned.” The ginger looked away and then back at Lani with a sly smile. He would wait for Lani to tell him what he longed to hear, but he would suffer until then.

The thing about Odi’s power, was that should it continue jumping around on him like this, there wasn’t anything Lani could do. Odion wish there was, but he hadn’t felt this kind of stress or pressure in a long time. His usually run with the moment attitude had feld as soon as he realized how important this moments was. He had never before met a loved one’s family, friend or otherwise. This was scary, he didn’t know what to expect, and though he had seen many families interact and wish he was a part of them, he didn’t know what to expect. It wasn’t Lani’s fault, he had after all agreed to come for Christmas. Odion just wasn’t wearing a mask, he wasn’t in character. He was just himself, because he thought it would be easier for Lani’s family to believe. Oh if only Lani could hold him now…

But it wasn’t anything Lani or his family had done, even though the redhead was stille sore over the whole Adrianna bit. But it was on Odi’s heart to do Lani some good. Odi closed his eyes when embraced by the blond and he took a deep breath. The moment felt like it was back in his hands once more, he just had to reach out and touch it. Everything was fine, and Odi nodded a couple times and took the lemonade that floated towards him. Odi was ready to go back into the living room, so why did it feel like he was about to put on a show? “I’d love to, but we can sneak away after supper,” he suggested. Besides, he wasn’t here to steal Lani from his family, and he didn’t want to avoid them either. “I’ve a trick to do,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows at Lani, feeling a little better. Odion took a sip of his drink, turning to leave the kitchen with it. “I know you want to see if you can figure it out.” Hopefully if anything was brought up, Lani could guide the answering.