Roads Untraveled(Odion)

[Odion Martins]

Odion snorted as well. “Whatever,” he said, waving his hand and dismissing Lani. He couldn’t get away with everything under the sun. The ginger seemed to be making it his mission to team up with either of the females against Lani. He found it terribly amusing and he was sure they thought he was charming for it. Kevin, on the other hand, Odion was trying to avoid entirely. That was water he wasn’t sure he would ever be ready to tread.

Odion continued picking at his food. “Nonsense, they’re just pancakes,” he said, giving Lani a look which indicted they were anything but simple pancakes. He had never really cooked before, and maybe his first batch had been awful, but the rest were excellent. Maybe he did have a natural flare for this, like Lani’s mum had suggested. The little memory made Odion smile and he was starting to understand why Lani was so fond of the woman. She could practically do no wrong, and that quality in and of itself was admirable, if not a little bit suspicious because she was so sweet. Odion could only smile at Lani’s comment, for the blond wanted much more than to simply keep Odion around. The ginger flushed at his personal thoughts, very glad no one was a mind reader at the table.

“By the time all the paperwork is done, probably March or April,” Odion said, his mind going over the paperwork in his mind. The school required proof of a job or inheritance that would allow the student to pay rent, etc. etc. It hadn’t been very difficult to convince a local store to tell any authority figure that questioned his employment that he did indeed work there. Of course, they would never decline, not when someone was paying them to keep the secret. Odion had been clear on what would happen if their end of the bargain wasn’t fulfilled.

“Somewhere in Pilot Ridge,” Odion said pleasantly, stealing Lani’s water to drink from, “for now.”

[Lani Hunter]

Lani was decidedly going to give Odion all sorts of grief to make up for this. He couldn’t keep a smile off of his face but he was still thinking of a way to get back at the redhead for teaming up against him. The way this was happening though he couldn’t be upset since it meant that his family was getting along with Odion. Most of it at least. His mother looked like she wanted to keep him as her personal assistant for the rest of his life and he already knew that Caroline loved his card tricks and would demand a million if she could. Lani glanced sideways at his father and watched as he finished is meal in silence periodically regarding Odion with suspicion. He caught Lani looking and gave him a glance of suspicion as well. Lani was a little taken aback but not surprised. If there was a moment his father wasn’t expecting him to do something criminal the world would end.

Lani gave a sly grin at Odion as he caught how Odion was coloring. The double meaning had indeed been caught and Lani was rewarded for his efforts. Odion definitely did have a hidden talent for cooking. Lani was a little jealous, he had never shown any skill beyond heating something frozen or making something in a box. And even more than once he had screwed that up. Caroline started to giggle and Lani glanced at her curious about what she was laughing about. Apparently something on her phone. She caught Lani’s eye and a moment later his own phone vibrated in his pocket. He burst out in laughter before he was able to cover his mouth to contain it a little bit. Caroline had indeed picked up a few tricks from Lani and on his phone at the moment showed a picture of Odion at the table red as his hair and Caroline’s message of ‘Odion’s first Hunter Xmas!’ Lani glanced at Odion and gave a sly smile before tossing his sister a wink.

But Odion was talking about moving and Lani was starting to get a little uneasy. Where was he going? He was leaving. He swallowed. March or April. That was only a few months away. Lani was partially interested in how Odion had managed to get all of the paperwork to show income and everything. At least he was going to be somewhere in Pilot Ridge. Lani’s eye twitched a little at the added ‘for now’. “Ah…” Lani uttered as his water glass went to Odion’s lips. Lani made as if to grab it but instead lazily just let his hand hang in air. The problem was he couldn’t tell if Odion had done that purposefully or if he had just gotten distracted and grabbed the wrong glass. Resting his head on his hand Lani’s power tugged at the glass. “No, no don’t worry, it’s not like I was going to drink that,” Lani teased good naturedly with a smile on his face. He was only pointing out the fact and waiting to see if it had been an accident or not. Lani couldn’t find such an action angering, in fact he found it endearing. The rare moments when Odion forgot himself and did things that made him human. Like choking on soup or stealing someone else’s water glass.

[Odion Martins]

Odion wasn’t ever oblivious. The moment he let his guard down, was the moment something interesting happened. Some giggled were passed between the siblings and Odi only reddened further. He tried to think of something else, urging his own mind to feel as though they weren’t talking about him. But the way Caroline was looking at him, and the way Lani was now laughing too, he was at least a little bit suspicious. But there was nothing he could do, and he wasn’t about to mention anything now, not when the parents were also looking at the their offspring. Oh please god, don’t let them ask those two what’s going... If he was being made fun of, he would rather not know about it. Odion had to admit he was curious, and okay, he did want to know, but it wasn’t going to happen.

Odion smirked at Lani’s reaction, swirling the water around in his hand. Sometimes he lost, sometimes he won. But if Lani wasn’t going to be gracious enough to get Odion some water as well, Odi would fend for himself. Besides, he enjoyed watching Lani squirm. It was a little mean, sick, and twisted, but Lani should thank his lucky stars, it was Christmas and Odi was actually being easy on him. But then Lani had to speak and Odion only smiled. Well Lani wasn’t going to drink it now, unless he could manipulate water, but Odi had never seen him do that before – although that would be an interesting party trick.

There was still plenty of food left on his plate by the time he was feeling that knot in the pit of his stomach. It was due more to nervousness than to actually being full, but he didn’t want to eat anymore. “If you didn’t like over easy eggs, you should’ve said so! Not everyone likes runny yolk,” Mrs. Hunter said, her eyes like a hawk on Odion as she immediately noticed his lack of appetite. He smiled slightly and raised his hands in surrender. “I do like the eggs...” But she was already standing, insisting on something else. Juice? Toast? Odion sat stoically and agreed to orange juice. At least that wasn’t going to make him want to leave the table completely. But between Kevin periodically staring at him, and the siblings laughing at him, he was feeling intensely on the spot. He was used to his own space, but now he couldn’t just up and leave.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani stole a glance at Odion and had to refrain from making a comment about his blush. That would have to wait until they were alone. Odion could think of this as revenge for being woken up and tickled. Mess with Lani’s sleep and he was sure to make it a regrettable action. Justine gave Lani and Caroline a withering glance. Lani coughed trying to settle his laugh. He would eventually tell Odion what was going on but he was willing to let the redhead sweat a little bit. Lani pocketed his phone and exchanged a glance at Caroline that set her off again before he continued his mean. He avoided the crispy pancakes in favor of the much more delicious ones. His plate was a syrupy mess and it was a good thing he really didn’t care if it got on his eggs.

Lips tipping up at Odion as he seemed to be gloating with the water. Oh well, it really depended on whether he wanted to actually move to get more water or if he wanted to make a scene about it. Neither really struck the tired telekinetic’s fancy, so he sat where he was giving Odion a pouting look. Lani was having none of the same eating problems that Odion was having. He was always hungry it seemed, even when Odion had first met Caroline, they had just eaten and Lani still couldn’t stop himself from snacking. It seemed that his metabolism was always running and he was always running one place or another. His mother stood and that was really when he first noticed that Odion hadn’t been eating for a little while. Lani hid a laugh behind his hand as he watched as Odion relented. Not even Odion’s stubbornness could out stubborn his mother. Especially not when she ignored his protests anyways and placed toast next to his plate.

Lani subtly bumped Odion’s leg under the table to get the redhead’s attention and he gave him a warm smile. He just needed to breathe. The first Christmas Odion spent not getting drunk. This had to be a good and memorable Christmas. It certainly already was for Lani. “I love your necklace,” his mother added reaching out to touch it to get a better look. No, Lani’s mother didn’t really have a sense of personal space. “Where did you get it?” She leaned back in her chair and Caroline’s fork clattered on her plate. “Patience is a virtue.” His father commented getting a huff out of Caroline. Lani set his fork aside the only thing remaining the blackened pancakes. No, Lani had no problem eating. Lani sat back, it was tradition. Breakfast and then starting the day. Christmas was perhaps the only time they ever had a chance to eat breakfast as a family. Lani glanced from his mother and father as they discussed when they would start cooking for dinner. He shook his head a little. Food was always the most important part of the whole deal.

[Odion Martins]

This whole ordeal was just plain cruel! Is that what family Christmas was all about, torture? He supposed that could be a fair comparison depending on who he asked. For Lani, getting up early wasn’t fun, but this, well, this was just humiliating. And once he took a look at the picture, he would feel even more mortified. And here he thought Caroline was so sweet. Ah well, he supposed she would have to have some of Lani’s subtler traits, they were related after all.

Odion was not only a picky eater, but a decisive one. The different foods on his plate couldn’t be touching. If they were, he would move them about until they were separated nicely and then eat them. After that, he would eat each item one at a time until he was full or simply got bored. Though wasted food didn’t bother him at all. All he needed now was more food. He sighed at the toast and orange juice, holding both and nibbling at the toast. He could’ve out stubborned her if he wasn’t so hell bent on making a good impression, or at least a decent one. Somehow refusing to eat and making a huge deal out of it didn’t fall into that category. Odion simply didn’t want to be rude.

This would be memorable because it had to be. Odion didn’t look up when Lani nudged him, too busy being lost in thought and trying not to throw up. He still felt sore, out of place, and utterly broken. What snapped him out of it was an elegant had interrupting his vision. “It was a gift from a dear friend,” Odion said, making it seem as though he had plenty of those. He smiled to himself and Lani’s mother caught on to something. “They must be very special to you,” she commented. “They are,” Odion confirmed, half way through his one slice of toast now. Mrs. Hunter seemed to think of something and turned to her husband. The redhead didn’t dare to look at Lani, lest he give anything more away and ruin things for good. Lani didn’t want to rush things, and Odion highly respected that.

Hearing part of the conversation, Odion found his cue. “Do you need any help with supper?” He asked, taking a sip of orange juice and looking at every member of the family, trying to pretend that everything was well and normal. He suspected that dinner was already mostly done, what with how crazy everyone treated this holiday.

[Lani Hunter]

If Odion thought having a family was all glorious and fun he was mistaken. Families were the first ones to call out when each other were acting like stubborn mules or being rude. They were the first ones to pick on each other for doing something stupid. So yes, torture was half of the battle. But the other half was that families were the first people to comfort after a hurt, the first people to say the thing that is needed on a bad day, and the first to give a laugh at their own expense. Lani knew that wasn’t how all families were, but that was how his family was. And he loved them. Odion was free of most of the merciless teasing and alleviating most of that which would normally be going on.

Odion had a lot of confidence if he thought he could out stubborn a Greek woman. And if he could well he certainly couldn’t out guilt her. Lani was too busy struggling to hold back a laugh. Odion was a picky eater, of that he was sure. Lani just found it amusing because when they had guests his mother was inclined to pick up and make something new if what was served was not satisfactory. If it was just them and they didn’t like it they’d be told to eat it and like it. Lani finished up his meal finding it endlessly entertaining that Odion was just meekly eating the provided toast. Lani had a feeling that if he tried to do something like that Odion would tell him off so quickly that he wouldn’t even have a chance to defend himself. Not that he would have a justifiable reason to do so; after all he knew he would just be poking the bear at that point.

Lani’s eyes flickered to Odion and his mother for a split second before he focused back on his food. Lani felt his face heat a little bit and working his best to force his face to cool. Someone very special. He didn’t look up to see if Odion was looking at him he was too focused on not getting caught. He leaned back in his chair and was glad the conversation moved on. “Stop,” Lani drawled, “You’re making me look bad.” He laughed getting a look from his mother. Odion was very polite and seemed very interested in helping cook. Maybe Lani should have gotten him a cookbook for Christmas instead. His mother shook her head and put a hand on his arm. “I’d love your help, but we have most of it done at this point, Kevin just needs to cook the ham. You should take a moment to relax. I’m sure school work keeps that from happening.” She smiled and nodded her head, adding, “I’ll let you know if we need any help.”

“So,” Caroline began, “Do you need help with the dishes?” Lani smirked at her knowing she had quickly corrected herself to keep from sounding impatient. “I got it.” Lani offered before Odion had a chance to make himself anymore useful. He rose taking his plate with him. His mother was right, Odion should take a moment to relax. Caroline fidgeted impatiently and decided that she was going to help with the dishes anyways. Lani finally just gave her the task of bringing the finished dishes to him so they weren’t both trying to maneuver around the sink. Lani and his power made quick work of the dishes but after once too many he clattered the dishes his father said something about being careful so Lani started to use his hands instead. His mother had taken Odion by the elbow and led him into the living room where the tree was lit up and everything looked like Christmas. Lani’s father went about starting a fire and filling the air with warmth.

[Odion Martins]

Odion didn’t think having a family was glorious and fun, as much as he thought it was hard work, but still worth it at the end of the day. It was why he was so sure that when the right time came for Lani to tell his family about his and Odion’s relationship, yes it would be hard, yes it may be hard for them to accept, but no matter what happened, Lani was still a part of their family. It would be hard, it would hurt, but it would be worth it. Family was siblings bothering one another, but god forbid anyone else do the same, for that would be taking their spot. It was only a matter of time before Odi was included in the ridicule, but with that also came unconditional love. He wasn’t sure he could ever accept, or be ready for such a blessing. If he could pick his family, it would be this one.

The last thing Odion wanted to be was an imposition. He didn’t want anyone as lovely as Lani’s mother to have to remake or make more of anything that wasn’t already here. She had already gone through the trouble of a large spread, and he just wasn’t up to eating. It had nothing to do with the quality of the food, but he wasn’t about to explain his stomach and it’s happenings. The longer Odion worked at the toast, the less food he would have to eat in the end and this was the most desirable outcome for the ginger. He didn’t want to be insulting, but he didn’t want to throw up either. It was going to be a delicate balance of give and take. Odion could feel Lani’s amusement from his spot in the room, but he didn’t need to regard it. Simple ignorance was the best option at this point.

While Lani’s power made the dishes rise and fall, Odion watched while it lasted. “It’s hardly a chore for him, is it?” He asked to anyone within earshot, receiving a couple chuckles, including one which was far too deep to be Mrs. Hunter’s. Upon being taken into the living room, Odion seated himself and watched the rest of the family set about the busy work. He wasn’t doing well with his idle hands, so instead simply clasped them in front of his knees. The Christmas tree was like something out of a shopping magazine, or the ones at the mall. Except, when he took a closer look, it was much different. There were all kinds of homemade ornaments, perhaps from when Lani and Caroline were younger. There were even a couple with Lani’s face on them, albeit a little younger. Instead of wallowing in what he never had, Odion pushed himself off the couch once more to inspect everything a little closer, every detail.

“Lani certainly grew into his looks,” Odion said, lifting up a picture of Lani with extremely blond hair and bright, almost sky blue eyes. Lani was actually a very cute child, but harassing him now seemed like it would be Odion’s ticket. “Oh, there are lots more pictures of the kids somewhere,” Mrs. Hunter had said, preoccupied with sorting through the various gifts under the tree. “Ah ha!” She exclaimed, and Odion looked down at her curiously to find that she was extending a gift towards him. Letting the ornament dangle from the branch it rested on, Odion took the gift, surprised. “Merry Christmas Odion,” she said brightly, turning back to fetch another gift for somebody else. Odion swallowed as he turned to sit back on the couch before he fainted. He would wait for everyone else to come join them before he opened his. This would be a family where they all tore into their gifts, leaving nothing but mess behind, and Odi couldn’t bear to do that by himself. If left to his own devices, he would tear the paper away delicately, Lani had taught him that.

Where was Lani anyways? Odion looked around for the blond, wanting nothing more than to be close to him.

[Lani Hunter]

Family was something a lot of people took for granted. If they were always going to be there no matter what it didn’t really matter what kind of trouble they got in. Look at Lani, his father had been trying to disown him for close to six years and still had yet to do so. It was if he thought the threat of disowning him would work. But it never did. Because Lani never thought that his father would go through with it. Lani loved his family but like all things in life he didn’t think that he needed them. He would protect them from harm and he would keep them close but as much as it was for his own benefit it was for theirs as well. Lani glanced at Odion, this wasn’t going to be easy. Something told him that very soon he would eat his words about not needing anyone. He would eat them bitter and cold.

It was a wonder no one had hit him yet. He was overly arrogant and had really nothing to back it up. Not that he knew that, oh no, as much as he joked in his arrogance there was a bit of it he believed. Lani was having a hard time not laughing at Odion in this situation. He wasn’t thinking about how Odion was being careful about not making his mother do extra work and at the same time working on not insulting her. Lani never understood the need to cook everything in the house every time a guest came over. It was definitely something that had not made it into his genes. He was more of the person to offer a few snacks or maybe a microwavable meal but a spread like this, chances were if Lani tried it would all end up burned in one way shape or form. Part of Lani knew he should be more sympathetic to Odion’s suffering but really Lani had lived with his mother for eighteen years, it was about time she had someone new to bother.

Lani glanced at Odion and stuck his tongue out when he heard the comment. It was still a chore, he didn’t like doing it. Therefore it was a chore. He was just very good at getting it done. Lani focused on the dishes and being careful not to break anything but his ears were somewhere else. He eavesdropped shamelessly from the kitchen listening over the clatter of plates and the running water. To appease his father for the argument they had earlier Lani took the Christmas plates, pretty white china with hand painted greens and reds swirled around the outer rim. Lani had never actually been able to identify if it was supposed to be a plant or just a pattern. He washed the dust off of them and nearly dropped one when his ears caught something interesting from the next room. He shook his head giving a low chuckle at first but then his mother spoke. “No, no there isn’t!” He called from the kitchen and set about working faster to make sure no such photos appeared.

Toweling off his hands finally with the stacks of plates done and the Christmas plates in the drying rack. He tossed the towel and let his power put it back where it needed to be and walked into the living room. His father was looking less grumpy than usual and Caroline was practically whining about their mother taking too long. Lani appeared over Odion’s shoulder looking at the wrapped gift he had in his hands. “Do you still believe in Santa Claus?” He asked wondering if he had finally been able to sneak up on the redhead. Lani smiled at Odion and pushed away from the couch to help his mother with distribution. “Get the stockings,” she said and Lani did so. He passed one over the Caroline holding it over her head for a moment until she punched him in the stomach. He laughed to cover the fact that he was surprised. Caroline had certainly changed in her time at Hammel. He handed one over to his father and left his mother’s by her pile then with his own and Odion’s in hand he took a seat next to the redhead handing over Odion’s stocking. It was just as full as any of theirs and more full than when Lani had gone to bed.

[Odion Martins]

Despite all Lani had done, what mattered was what he hadn’t done. He wasn’t a bad person, for he could be far more sinister with his power and the position of power he had once been in. What he thought made him weak, was actually a sign of goodness, that there was still hope left and he hadn’t given into the evils of this world. For him, the end justified the means and if he had to make his father look bad in order to let his sister live, he made the right decision. But even if Lani were all these terrible hypotheses and more, his family would still love him, because nothing could change the fact that he was their son. He could die and he would still be their son and they would still love him. It was all very baffling to Odion. Everyone needed someone, even Odion, though he would never admit to it.

Finding the whole situation hysterical, Odion glanced from the picture to where the present Lani stood. It would be sweet, sweet revenge to see a few pictures of Lani since the blond enjoyed torturing Odion so much with the subject. On the other hand, at least Lani had pictures of him since he was a boy. Odion would never be able to share that with Lani a piece of his heart died then and there. Lani snapped him out of it with his questioning and Odion glanced up lazily, deciding it was better not to answer, since he had never believed to begin with.

“Oh...” Odion said, surprised yet again. More presents? He had noticed the stockings as soon as he arrived, but he didn’t think they were for anything more than decoration. Now he was wishing he had taken the time to put something into everyone else’s stockings, but he didn’t want to take that risk considering the state he was in. He clenched the fabric of the stocking in his hands –so much for being a third party observer.

Kevin was looking at him expectantly and Odion decided he had better go first and get the anticipation over with. Reaching into his stocking, his fingers passed over a familiar shape. Caroline also dug into her stocking and eventually Mrs. Hunter did as well. Odion was glad the attention wasn’t all on him as he pulled out a box of cards. Immediately looking at Lani, Odion smirked. Why hadn’t Lani told him last minute gifts were acceptable? “Thank you,” Odi said, looking back to the metallic box, but the hinge at the top of the box wouldn’t give to the pressure applied. Odion frowned, looking the box over, and then smiled knowingly. It was a trick box, and after a few moments of studying, he found the hidden compartment. “Clever,” he said, this time pushing the box in a different direction so that a quarter of the box slid open, rather than the top part opening on a hinge which really was only for decoration, and well the trick of course. Odion glanced curiously around the room, wondering what everyone else was getting, and to see whether or not he should continue.

Once the stockings had been rifled through, Odion looked back to the present in his lap, which he still hadn’t opened. “I’m not sure if they will fit you,” Mrs. Hunter said, “Lani was no help but Caroline insisted on the color.” Odion smiled, trying to decide how he felt about being talked about amongst this family. Curious now, he opened the gift quickly to get it over with, and found a shirt and tie with matching cuff links. Caroline must’ve thought he was rather fancy. He took the tie out first, and then the shirt, holding them close to his body as though he were trying to wear them. “It matches his eyes!” Caroline said excitedly, and Odion felt himself flush once more. “It is rather lovely, thank you,” he agreed, smiling and then laughing a bit as he wondered at the thought put into the gift, feeling his eyes tear up. He glanced down at the gift as he put it away, hoping his eyelashes would give him some kind of shield as everyone else tore into their gifts.

Time stopped. Odion didn’t want to ruin the family moment, but he couldn’t hold himself together either. Staring at the box, Odi sighed, glancing at Lani. Yes, he had taken the telekinetic with him. “Sorry t’interrupt,” he said, wiping at his face, “but I thought you ought to know something.” Odion’s hands shook and he set the gift down in his lap, taking a breath. He was nervous to admit this, afraid it was too good to be true, or so normal it wouldn’t be special. This would only take a second, and no one would notice, so what did he have to lose? “This is the most genuinely happy I’ve ever been, besides being with you of course.”

[Lani Hunter]

Lani shook his head at his mother as she gave him a look that spelled she would love nothing more than to show Odion the photo album from his childhood. Or at least her favorite. It was a bitter sweet picture. Bitter because it was of when Caroline had been midway through her treatment and sweet because she had survived. But Caroline had been so upset about losing her hair that Lani had shaved his head with her. He hated the picture and loved it. He loved it because he had never been closer to his sister, but he hated it because he looked like an alien with a bald head. That one was up on the shelves by the television. Lani supposed it would probably be revenge on Odion’s part but in Lani’s mind he had already gotten to see Lani dissolved into laughter he didn’t get another revenge.

Lani did nothing to hide his smile. “Merry Christmas,” he replied to Odion’s uttered surprise. The Christmas season was indeed one of those that was filled with surprises. Lani took a moment to look into his stocking but keeping an eye on Odion as he went into his. Pulling out a knit hat from his grandmother, he shook his head a little. It was brightly colored and perhaps the farthest thing from anything Lani would ever wear. “Oh how cute,” Justine cooed and Lani placed it on his head feeling ridiculous and ten seconds later pulled it off and tucked it back away. He was going to have to fake a ‘thank you’ for that one. Lani gave Odion a well trained look of confusion. Of course he hadn’t been the one to put that in the stalking. “Why are you thanking me?” He asked as if clueless. His eyes flashed and he wondered if Odion was right. Did he really wear all of his emotions in his eyes? Lani grinned along with Odion as he tried to open the box. Lani was quick through the rest of his stocking. A wallet and sunglasses. The sunglasses he placed on his face and grinned like a loon.

“I tried, what do you want from me?” Lani pulled off his new sunglasses and shrugged at his mother. Of course when he had called his mother and asked her what she thought about having Odion for Christmas her first response was what should she get him. Lani had had no idea and made a comment about how Odion liked to dress nicely. Next was color and Lani was fired when the first color he suggested was ‘I don’t know, whatever.’ Lani smiled and watched. It did match his eyes, not only that but it brought out the color making them brighter and even more blue than Lani thought. There were other ‘thank yous’ spread around the room as various gifts were open. Lani soon found himself with a stack of books, a new CD and a dress shirt as well. Definitely in his favorite color. Lani was working on folding it back into the box when he felt that strange sensation of time stopping. He looked up at his family frozen in their tasks and then at Odion.

It was strange having his family frozen in time. He stopped what he was doing letting his power finish the job of organizing and he turned his focus to Odion giving him a worried expression. Lani was so afraid that there was going to be bad news. Lani’s eyes widened a little and his jaw went slack as he heard what Odion had to say. He was struck. Words ran dry in his mouth and the only thing he could think to do was smile. He wanted to do more but it just didn’t feel right with his family sitting around. So Lani reached out and took Odion’s hands and smiled. “I’m glad,” he paused and then looked down at his knees then back up. “Odion, I’m really glad you came. It wouldn’t be Christmas without you.” It wasn’t until Lani said it that he realized how true it was. If he was here with his family he would be wondering what Odion was doing and if he was having a good time.

[Odion Martins]

Odion would, over the course of the trip, take a closer look around the Hunter home when no one was watching. Eventually he would come across the picture, and he would only be able to find the sweet part of that past. It would only serve to prove that Lani was a wonderful person, and Odion would was already starting to believe that perhaps he was the lucky one.

If it were just he and Lani, Odion wouldn’t be so meek and mild, but he had never been so humbled before by something so traditional and normal, and something he had always loathed; partly because he was jealous and partly because he thought it was disgusting that people could subject themselves to something so pathetic like the exchange of objects. But this was about so much more than that, because Odion could feel his heart beating again. It made him wish he could stay a little longer, but he had promised Avi to meet up with her before going back to Hammel, and Odion wanted to remain a man of his word since he had nothing else going for him.

Odion peeked over at Lani, honestly liking the color of the hat. At least it wasn’t a neon color. He smirked as Lani tore the hat off his head – something was cute alright. Odion’s eyes passed over Caroline, who was looking at her phone intently. She was going to have so much blackmail on the both of them by the end of the trip. Just this once, Odion would go along with Lani’s ploy and not call him on it. This was supposed to be fun, and Odion didn’t want to ruin that. It felt like he was under some kind of spell that he didn’t want to break, and being an asshole didn’t seem like the right move. Besides, Lani was acting like king of the world with those sunglasses on his face. There wasn’t enough room for two big egos. But with new dress shirts, there weren’t any excuses for not going out, and already Odion was planning on bringing Lani somewhere fancy. Without Rhett.

Frozen in time, Odion smiled when Lani did. Not everything was wrong with this world, and just this once, the breaking news Odi had to share wasn’t bad. “I would never have had Christmas without you, or your family,” Odion said, giving Lani’s hands a gentle squeeze. Material things were just, but this, this was irreplaceable. Part of Odi wanted to steal Lani away, but he couldn’t do that and feel good about the decision. But he also knew the thought wasn’t wrong. He wanted to spend more time around Lani, so what? Having collected himself, Odion gave Lani a warning glance, and then looked down at the blond’s neatly folded shirt – well that would never do.

Odion let time resume once he deemed that he and Lani were more or less in the same spots as before. There was a secretive smile on Odi’s face as looked at Lani’s new shirt, once again unfolded. It would be rather strange for his family to see it unfolded and then folded in half a second. Lani’s power was good, but not that good. “You might want to fold that,” Odion suggested smartly, crossing his leg over his knee and sitting back into the couch. Finally, he was starting to get comfortable. His family carried on as though nothing had happened, and Odion grinned over at Lani, a knowing look in his eyes.

[Lani Hunter]

Odion looked like he was having a hard time with the traditions. Hearing that this was Odion’s first Christmas made Lani want to make it the best it could be. And if that meant swallowing his pride to keep him and his father from fighting in front of him. The Hunter family was far from perfect. They weren’t the worst family but when it came down to it they had plenty of their own flaws. Lani was glad that at least his mother and sister liked Odion. Really they were the only ones that mattered. At least that was what he tried to tell himself. His father’s opinion mattered but Lani would only turn his cheek once before he bit back. Lani was more than happy with his collection of books and sunglasses but he was even more happy when his family opened the gifts he had gotten. He even got a smile out of his father. Now if he could only make the man proud. But that would be a true miracle.

Lani was constantly hoping that eventually his family would realize that bright colors were not his thing. It wasn’t that he was completely opposed to color it was just the bright ones. Dull or dark colors suited him just fine. Lani glanced over at Caroline when he heard her giggle. He shook his head a little unaware that this was being documented. He turned back to Odion, glad that he was not being called on his obvious lie. Odion was definitely in the Christmas mood. Lani loved seeing Odion like this. Out of his element and happy. It wasn’t just about seeing Odion happy but seeing him candid. Everything with Odion was well placed and Lani almost could say that Odion was a better planner because he was well prepared for everything. It was nice to see Odion taking something new in stride and relaxing.

Stunned and happy Lani didn’t know what to say in response. He wanted to do something but even frozen in time Lani didn’t want to kiss Odion in front of his family. It felt wrong but he realized that he was too late as it was. “Wait,” Lani said abruptly not wanting their little moment to end. He didn’t know why he said it only that there was something more he wanted to say. Something more he wanted to do. He looked into Odion’s eyes and smiled like he was the luckiest man alive. He rubbed his thumbs over Odion’s hands and he wanted so badly to kiss Odion but the presence of his family made him chicken out and he dropped his eyes. He shook his head in a ‘never mind’ manner and pulled away from Odion to get his mask back on as time resumed.

“Huh?” Lani uttered glanced back at Odion then back to the shirt. He suppressed a sigh and tossed Odion an annoyed look and snapped out the shirt to fold it, yet again. His mother rose and wandered up the stairs and Lani just followed with his eyes curious and he realized she was probably transporting some new clothes up stairs. “Merry Christmas,” His father said giving them all a nod of thanks and pleasantness, “I’m gonna go start the ham.” It seemed like the man just needed to do something that wasn’t sitting in the living room. Lani placed the shirt on the table on top of the books and tucked his legs back under himself on the couch. He smiled at Odion and glanced at the stairs as he heard his mother. She was holding something in her hands and Lani raised a brow.

Before anyone had a chance to move she snapped a picture of the living room. “Get together,” she instructed and Caroline hopped up and took the space between Odion and Lani and pulled them both into a headlock. Lani as pretty sure his mother had pictures of that along with the one following where it didn’t look like Caroline was strangling the two of them. Laughing she went into the kitchen to trap her husband in a picture as well. Lani poked Caroline’s sides to get her to let go and she swatted at him starting a brawl. There was laughter and when Caroline slithered out of Lani’s grasp she jumped Odion and used him as a shield.

[Odion Martins]

Odion had a hard time with everything. If something could be questioned, he would. If something could be overanalyzed, he would do so. If something was unfamiliar and didn’t sit right, he would either have to shift around until it worked, or leave. Some things he found extremely fascinating, while others were solved quite quickly. So far, Odion was genuinely interested in Lani’s family, but he hadn’t anticipated being included in it as much as he had been thus far. It was uncomfortable, unnerving, and mesmerizing all at the same time. That which had been taken for granted was put under a microscope and inspected, and many questions had bubbled to the surface. But Odion would bite his tongue for the time being, because nobody needed to know he was quite the chatter box.

The moment would have to end eventually, Odion couldn’t hold onto it forever. Who knew what the side effects of that would be. Lani asked him to wait and Odi felt the seconds edge back into the palm of his hand. He waited, and smiled back at Lani. If only he could read minds too, then he would really be a god. But something about getting to know Lani slowly and surely would’ve been ruined were he able to also have glimpses into the mind. Actions were enough, and having Lani even ask for time to be stopped, even though he wasn’t exactly sure what to do with all the time in the world, told Odion that they were together in this. Odion would’ve held the moment forever if he could. Maybe next year.

His smart grin ended as he looked up to find Lani’s mum holding a camera. He didn’t groan, although he really wanted to, and found himself sinking further into the couch. Obliging only with a half smile, Odion scolded himself on the inside. Who was he to be a part of this moment anyways? Caroline turning into a monkey didn’t bother him that much, though it did pull them all closer together on the couch. Forgetting all about the picture, Odion’s laugh was a deep rumble as Caroline deemed it a good idea to use him as a shield. Grabbing her arms, Odion decided that if she wanted to act like a monkey, she would get treated like one. He stood up with a struggling Caroline on his back, smirking at Lani. “You think she needs to, chill out?” He asked, his jokes lame as ever, but the intent was having the desired effect as Caroline screeched with both glee and horror. Lani needed only to open the door and out his sister would go. At least Odion wasn’t picking sides.

[Lani Hunter]

It was another difference. Odion questioned everything and overanalyzed everything. Lani took what he could of normal life and took it for granted but he didn’t trust kindness. It was almost as if evil was more easy to look at. Easier to understand. But he took normal moments like this for granted. He wondered how Odion was fairing. On the surface he looked calm and collected but Lani knew better than to think that was how Odion was underneath. He partially wondered if he should rescue Odion from this, but in Lani’s opinion this wasn’t something one should be rescued from. Maybe with a family like the Hunter’s where a guest could be a guest or they could be family it was hard to adapt. Lani was still halfway stunned that Odion was here. So much had changed and so much was new. It was strange but the world seemed brighter, more optimistic.

Lani stole a glance at Odion as Caroline stopped strangling them. He looked none too happy to see the camera. Unconcerned with her children’s wrestling just kept snapping memories. Lani loved hearing Odion’s laughter and his eyes flashed as he realized what Odion was saying. “I think that would be in order.” He said and with a wave of hand the door was opened to the snowy landscape. Lani was laughing but one thing he had forgotten was that his sister was a water manipulator and snow was made of frozen water. “Don’t get snow in the house,” his mother called lazily from the kitchen. It was too late Caroline had come stamping in giving them a mock furious expression. Lani pointed at Odion, no qualms about throwing him under the bus. But Odion and Lani were equally guilty in her eyes. Lani got hit in the face with a snowball and hearing an enraged yell from the kitchen took the hint and telekinetically tossed Caroline her boots and jacket.

“This means wars!” He called as he rushed to pull his own on as Caroline retreated into the wintery landscape giggling. His parents had very little worry that someone would get hurt but then again, after Odion’s bump they probably should have been. Pulling on his boots with all haste and pulling his jacket over his shoulders and bundling quickly with gloves and a scarf. “Come on,” he called to Odion rushing him as he dashed out after his sister. In the split second he found Caroline with the exchange of a few looks it was decided that Lani would get his revenge for the morning and Caroline for being tossed outside. And as Odion would come out of the door he would be ambushed. Lani crouched poised behind a bush with a few good snowballs in hand ready to pummel Odion when he appeared.

[Odion Martins]

It was his overanalytical nature which caused him to be light on his toes and quick in the middle of something going horribly wrong. Expect the unexpected, and know everything about where you are. You couldn’t know everything if you didn’t question and doubt everything. Not that everything could be known by one person, but he didn’t need to know everything to know what was important and related to his world. Some things simply couldn’t be left to fate, and he had learned that the hard way. Odion was having a hard time enjoying himself while in the moment, but that didn’t make sense to him when he could go back in time. It was better to enjoy the moment now, and study later. His first hand experience should be accompanied by the emotions he felt during the moment.

Without a second thought, Caroline was gently tossed into the nearby snow bank, probably where the accumulated pile from the driveway was, but Odion wasn’t paying too much attention to it as he made a quick retreat back into the house. The spotlight didn’t take long to reach him. Odion stifled his laughter as the older folks didn’t find any pleasure in them acting like small children, and part of Odi was wondering what he was doing as well. But there wasn’t any time for questions in the middle of war.

It would’ve been too easy to stop time and show them who had the better power, but Odion was tired of it being known that he was no fun. Before Lani and Caroline assaulted him, he affixed a toque on his head and watched Caroline playing with the snow as he made his way down the steps, which was collecting all by itself. Huh, well that certainly was interesting. The toque definitely wasn’t his, so when something cold hit him in the back of the head, he was glad it wasn’t his clothing that would be soaking after this war was through. “This better be a free-for-all,” Odion said, reaching over onto the ground, a keen smile on his face as he caught sight of Lani behind the bushes. It was awfully hard to hide yourself in white when you were dressed in all black. “Ready or not,” he said, confusing his knowledge of childhood games and he ran towards Lani, intent on giving him a face wash. Caroline was up to something just behind him, and it was rather large.