Family Reunion (Alice.)

[Odion Martins]

Odion had been calling Lani now and then to see how he was fairing with the cold virus that was going around Pilot Ridge. Odion had warned the blond that he would get sick, but Lani was perhaps more stubborn than anyone Odi knew. Odion had gotten better before Lani had, and decided to take care of him in return. It was the least he could do after Lani had treated him so kindly. It seemed that Lani was finally getting better though, and Odion was going to pay him a visit, a tiny gift clutched tightly in his hand. It wasn't anything big, just a little present to remind Lani that Odion truly cared for him, truly wanted to make things right. It seemed that Odion's love language was words, followed by tokens of gratitude.

Setting himself at a brisk pace, Odion was eager to see Lani. Which was why he almost didn't notice the blonde woman approaching him. Almost. The smile on his face flickered for a moment as their eyes met, but he didn't miss a step. How long had it been since he last saw her? Two, maybe three years? But he could never forget a face. More importantly, he couldn't forget what they had had together, what she had meant to him. And she had abandoned him like all the rest.

"Alice," he said, his accent still thick. He took her hand gently and gave the top of it a kiss. "You're lovelier than I remember." It seemed that he wasn't the only one who decided they needed another taste of Pilot Ridge.

[Alice Halifax]

Contrary to how it may appeared, Alice had not forgot about Odion. How could she? Odion was charming, easy on the eyes, and possessed such power. There was a bit of attraction to him, Alice freely admitted that, but it was shallow. Alice knew how Odion worked, how he used his looks and manners to his advantage. He and Alice weren't all that different. Both were highly driven people who took what they wanted and used almost any means to achieve that end. This was one of the reasons why Alice had approached Odion years ago, recruiting him into the Family. Odion had took some convincing, but in the end, his greed and want won out in the end. Alice had promised things to Odion and looking back on the past two or three years, she knew she had let him down. Had Odion simply been someone else she had encountered on the street, Alice would not have thought twice about letting the young man down, but he was family and Alice could not let her wronging of Odion rest. She needed to atone for letting Odion slip from her sight, for letting him down.

Alice had spent the past week looking into Odion and his life. She already knew the basics, but needed to review the events of the past few years. Odion had been busy and doing quite well, but Alice had wondered if he might have done even better had she and the Family been there for him as they should have been. Alice rarely felt guilt and by rarely I mean only once or twice before in her life. It was a foreign thing and Alice did not like the way it followed her around nor the weight it put upon her. She had to fix this problem and clean up her mess and she had to do it personally. She was going to have to go to Odion instead of summoning him like she did others. Odion had the upper hand here and Alice knew winning his affections back was not going to be easy or come cheap.

Alice knew where to find Odion, she always had. While her communication with him was silent, she hadn't let Odion disappear from her life altogether. Alice had waited some time for Odion to appear, but for him, she had patience. Luckily, time passed rather pleasantly with Alice doing who knew what to occupy herself. Odion emerged and began his trek through the world. Alice wasted no time in cutting Odion off from his destination. Judging from the present he was carrying, Odion was off to see someone important to him. Then again, it could have been part of his next con job. Either way, it mattered little as Alice was about to hijack Odion's day. She approached him with determination, her head held high as usual with such a sweet smile on her face. Odion wasn't the only one who could be charming. However upon their meeting, Odion managed to sway Alice as he always had before. He was such the gentleman, kissing her hand and paying her a compliment. This was not going to be easy.

Alice smiled to Odion and bowed her head slightly, feigning embarrassment, "You're still as charming as I remember Odion," she said with a bright smile, playing the part of the innocent young woman. "I know its been a long time but I was hoping I might be able to have the chance to apologize for letting our relationship become so distant," she said with a soft sigh, giving Odion a look as if she was truly hurt and moved by her slighting of him. "Would you do a young woman the honor of walking with her?," she asked, not really giving Odion a chance to accept or deny her request. Alice moved beside Odion, intertwining her arm with his.

[Odion Martins]

Odion was of the belief that family didn’t simply up and leave without a word, but apparently it didn’t matter what you believed in. The truth was that he could believe in Santa all he wanted to, he still wasn’t real. In a similar fashion, anyone claiming to be family, blood or otherwise, had betrayed him in some unkind way. Family or not, past or not, Odion wasn’t inclined to be swayed one way or another. It wasn’t like Alice to appear suddenly out of the blue. Usually someone came to fetch you to bring you to her, as she was the master in command. Not only had she been following him, but she had come here herself to do the job. Odion couldn’t decide if this was because she needed him for something important, was truly sorry, or some strange combination of both.

Odion smiled fondly at her acting, letting her hand fall after a moment or two. Yes there had always been some kind of intense attraction there, but for what Odion wasn’t sure. It couldn’t be sexual, unless he had been mistaken over his preferences all this time. Perhaps it was the blond hair... Odion’s dark blue eyes never left her face, and for a moment he wanted to believe her. After all, he too had turned a new leaf, had wanted only to be good. Ever since Lani said he had a heart, Odion had been trying to prove just that. The gift for the man had been tucked away safely.

Putting his hand over hers on his arm, Odion did not betray the location of Lani’s residence, though he suspected if Alice had run into him here, she already knew of it. Lani knew he was supposed to be coming, but he also knew that Odion’s time turning could play tricks on him. “I am nothing if not honorable,” he stated, unsure if he was going to forgive her or not just yet. Hopefully Odion wasn’t leaning too heavily on the assumption that Lani would forgive him, though he did hate to see his love worry. They walked in the opposite way of Lani’s apartment. There was always something strangely alluring about Alice whenever she made a request.

Odion looked ahead and guided her along gently, though he knew she needed no guidance. A patient man, Odion suspected Alice was here for more than forgiveness. She would voice her plans to him soon enough if that’s what she was interested in. Besides, it was better for her to think she held all the cards, and he was nothing more than a humble henchman.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice avoided looking at Odion for a minute or so, embarrassed by the way she had mistreated him. Alice broke one of her own golden rules, she had abandoned family. Alice's morals could be questioned easily, but one thing she tried to hold true to was loyalty. She had crossed people before, but none of those had been seen as family in her eyes. Odion had every right to be mad at her, but he was at least willing to listen to what she might have to say to him after all these years. Alice had no guarantee Odion would forgive or even give thought to coming back to her and the Family. If Odion chose to reject her, Alice would put up a small resistance but would not force Odion to join her again. She felt Odion deserved that much respect.

After the awkward silence couldn't be stood anymore, Alice finally spoke up. "Thank you for taking at least a small amount of your time to hear what I have to say Odion. You don't owe me any second chances to right the wrong I have inflected upon you, but then again, I suppose being the gentleman you are you wouldn't slight a lady openly," Alice said, speaking softly and methodically, holding her head high and looking straight ahead as she and Odion walked. She pulled herself a bit closer to Odion's side, "I won't insult your intelligence with excuses either. I do hope you realize the magnitude of my apology though. I came to your doorstep so to speak and a smart man like yourself should know just how humbling that is for a lady of my stature. Most people I wrong I usually just send a gift or some sentimental token, but with you, I came to ask forgiveness in person," Alice went on, giving Odion small glances as she talked. She knew Odion understood the magnitude of her presence, of the act of seeking him out instead of sending someone to fetch him. "I don't expect you to forgive me for abandoning you Odion, but I hope you do. I've always been fond of you Odion no matter how my silence has made it look," Alice added in before going silent once again.

The next move was up to Odion to make. He could forgive Alice and hopefully join her and the rest of the Family once again, or he would simply dismiss her and be on his way. There was a third option though, one which could not be counted out. The coin Alice had flipped could also land on its edge so to speak. Odion could still want to come back into the Family but without any forgiveness for Alice. It would be hard to trust Odion if that option happened, but Alice would not deny Odion the chance to reclaim his position within the Family.

[Odion Martins]

Alice and Odion both knew that if this meeting wasn’t convenient for the redhead, it would take only his will to make it go away. He could change it so that they never ran into each other. Alice would do well to remember that if Odion didn’t want to do something, no one could make him, as time makes fools of us all. Odion smiled fondly, glancing over at her so she may receive the warmth of it. “Not openly.” He had of course, cursed her upon his abandonment, but perhaps she did have a good reason for her actions. He would be the judge of that.

Although she hadn’t necessarily come to his doorstep, Odion wasn’t going to correct her. Upon uncovering the knowledge that she was seeking his forgiveness, Odion reacted in the way he knew Alice was hoping for – pride. If she could make him feel good, then maybe he would listen. The fact was though, that he had been in a good mood already, and it wasn’t her presence which made him a willing victim.

Odion patted Alice’s hand as they strolled. “If it is my forgiveness you are seeking, then please know it has been found. However, I am under the impression that this encounter bids more than that.” Surely Alice hadn’t come here to put her conscience at ease. Forgiveness was the first step, now Odion was curious as to the second.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice had to be cautious around Odion than any other. He knew what sort of creature she was underneath that pretty little mask of hers and out of all the others of the Family, Odion was the only one so far who could match wits with her. It wasn't a matter of intelligence, it was the art of deceit. Odion was a thief and a con artist similar to Alice's father, but not quiet as skilled. That would only take a matter of time as Odion was still young and much to learn, but from what Alice saw of Odion, she labelled him as a quick study. Her feelings for Odion also made him a dangerous person to be around. Alice fancied Odion a small bit. He was attractive, had a way with words and knew the values of manners. What attracted her the most though, was Odion's cleverness. Like Aice, Odion saw beyond what was in front of him. His movements seemed thought out with every ripple in the pond accounted for. This was the reason Alice sought Odion out for her Family. Yeah, his meta ability was powerful beyond description but it was ambition and wit which Alice valued.

Alice knew she was speaking to Odion now only because he so wished. At anytime this meeting would be over, heck it wouldn't have even happened. Odion was one of the rare few who might be beyond Alice's manipulation. Sure, it might look like she was pulling his strings, but Alice knew that could be what Odion wanted her to think. Trying to out fox one another was too tiresome though and so, Alice would be straight with Odion, hoping he would return that favor. His assumption of a secret motive behind this little reconciliation was true and Alice wouldn't deny it. "I'm not going to waste either of our time by lying to you Odion. Apologizing isn't the only reason why I'm here. I'm here now for the same reason I came to you before. I need someone with your skill set. Not just your meta skill either. I find your skill at conning people impressive and as you know, I'm not easily impressed. The Family needs you Odion, much as you needed us once upon a time," Alice said, laying out her real reason for being here. Apologizing was only a small part of this meeting, Alice had meant what she had said before. She felt some guilt for turning her back to Odion and she knew Odion deserved a chance to confront her on that matter. No doubt further down the road, Alice would come to regret her actions against Odion. She only hoped they weren't too severe.

Taking a deep breath, Alice readied herself for her next move. What she was about to offer wasn't to be taken lightly. "Before you say anything on this matter, I have one more thing to add. If you come back to the Family, you will do so as your own man. No one pulling your strings, no one making decisions for you. The Family needs a patron figure, someone who is clever enough to make sure we become the most influential figure on the East Coast," Alice said, outlining briefly her vision for the Family. Settling for the East Coast alone wasn't the end game Alice had in mind, but all good movements had to have their beginnings.

[Odion Martins]

Patience was key in most of life’s arrangements. Odion was the master of time, but also the master of waiting. Wit could only get you so far, but wisdom was what separated kings from peasants. Though Odion did enjoy the prettiness of words, he did also value his time and when he knew what someone wanted, he so wished they would simply spit it out. Odion nodded as Alice explained herself. The Family needed him. It all sounded so strange now. Life had changed for him, in leaps and bounds. “Well darling I can assure you that my skill set has improved since we last saw one another.” He studied her for a moment, waiting for her to continue. He hadn’t agreed to anything just yet.

The words settled in his mind. “And I suppose you are to be the matron figure?” Perhaps he would be his own man, or Alice would let him think so, but he also needed to know his place. Who he stood beside and who he stepped upon. The snippet she gave on where The Family was heading next was intriguing – Odion always did enjoy a little mystery. And he wasn’t stupid enough to ask for more details. If Alice truly did enjoy his talents as she said she did, her thoughts would be made known in due time.

Halting their walk, Odion gestured towards a bench to sit on, bringing them both down gently onto it. “You are, as always, highly alluring to me Alice.” He smiled coyly and patted her hand affectionately. “Your offer matches, and I could never say no to the needs of The Family. If you’ll have me, I would like to return.” He watched her expression for a note of pleasure or relief at this decision. Odion wasn’t stupid enough to throw away such a grand opportunity. And if it lead once more to a dead end, well, only time would tell.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice sat beside Odion, giving him the moment. Odion had to be treated delicately as he was just as clever as Alice was, perhaps even a bit more so considering his profession. Still, Alice wasn't going to play second fiddle to anyone, but she could bring herself to give the spotlight to others at times. Odion was a much needed component in Alice's plan. She was pleased to see Odion was willing to rejoin the family, even if he made it look as if he were the one honored. With Odion in the Family now, certain plans could be put into motion. Odion offered a certain level of security and comfort which no one else could. He was a time manipulator, not to mention a con artist. Like Alice, Odion was always three or four steps ahead if not more and this would make the Family near untouchable by outside forces.

Alice actually felt herself blush a little, somewhat out of character for her, but Odion just had this odd effect on her. She looked away with a smile, knowing she wasn't hiding anything from the other, but still, such an open display couldn't be afforded. "We're lucky to have you Odion. I shall introduce you to the others later, perhaps over dinner? I imagine you probably already know a few of our allies, but formal introductions must always be made," she said, looking to Odion now, letting out a small sigh.

[Odion Martins]

Odion never assumed to be cleverer than those he dealt with, and especially those he kept close to his side. To assume something like that could be detrimental. It was best to always remain one step ahead, because if someone was one step behind, he would be two steps ahead instead. But there was a certain loyalty that belonged to Odion, and he willingly gave it out to those he deemed trustworthy. Alice, however, had a long way to go before Odion pledged something like this to her. Alice could only be as strong as Odion felt she could be, and she would do well to tread lightly, and slowly gain Odion’s trust. To Odion, Alice’s plans wouldn’t much matter unless he benefitted somehow, otherwise life could resume as normal.

Ah if only Odion were interested in the fairer sex – the pair of them would make quite the couple. The redhead smiled affectionately at Alice and cocked his head to the side, wondering why Alice was stalling, or what emotion she was trying to hide. He had never seen her bashful before, considering how much power she held. “Absolutely,” Odion agreed with a nod, “just let me know when.” He cleared his throat and threw an elegant smile on his face. “Now, will you be pouncing on me from thin air again, or will you be asking for my number?” A wink was given as he patiently waited for his queen’s answer.

[Alice Halifax]

Odion and Alice had this delicate dance of power. Neither could stay on top of the other for long and control of any given situation shifted back and forth between. Normally Alice wouldn't stand for such things, but then again she was dealing with Odion, someone who she had a great deal of respect for. She allowed Odion his moments of power, just as he did her. Too bad Alice wasn't Odion's 'type' or he might have to worry.

Pulling herself together once again, Alice looked to Odion with that smile of hers. The look she always had was kind of alarming, but only if you knew her. Alice was a strange bird and just what she stood to gain by sharing the spotlight was anyone's guess. Alice's true intentions could be guessed at, but no one but Alice truly knew what she planned.....heck, she probably didn't know either.

Odion's wink made Alice smile, it always had. He was playing her, but turn about was fair play in this game. "I'm so glad you are willing to give me, no....us, another chance Odion. I promise, you will not regret this," she said, standing gracefully. Tilting her head to the side, Alice gave Odion a certain look. The sort of look that said 'you know me better than that'. "Come on sweetheart, you know I've got your number already. Along with your little boyfriend. You should bring him with you," she said letting Odion know just how much she knew about his personal life. "I'll send word for you when we're ready," she added, giving Odion a small wink.