Once again it was another morning away from Leo's family. Hopefully, this wasn't going to be a constant thing for the boy. For his brother's sake, They were all starting to worry about him but not as much as Raph was. Raph was, to say the least, horrified by the fight that he and his little brother had. He was so disturbed by his brother's disappearance with the added aspect that he still hasn't returned, he told Donnie to track him down and go looking for him.

Since lord knows that the snapping turtle was probably the last person that Leo wanted to see at the moment. About a half hour after getting a new communicator from Splinter and telling Donnie the plan, the brainy turtle got a faint signal from Leo. Raph told the middle child to go find his twin, despite their differences. He and Leo were the closest, it made sense when you think about it but regardless he definitely wasn't going to send Mikey on a wild goose chase and he couldn't go. So the brains of the team it was!

Donatello rolled his eyes as he looked down at his wrist guard, typing in coordinates on the screen. Of course, his brother was in the hidden city, where else would he be in broad daylight? So the soft-shell turtle set off, flying over to a mystic portal and going inside. The boy gets spit out into the underground city full of yokai. The turtle pats himself off with a sigh, looking back down at the gadget on his wrist.

"Oh, Nardo is so going to get it when I find him! My morning has been rudely interrupted by his running away! I was supposed to be working on my drill today! Which is still in fact in beta."

With that, the purple-clad turtle was off, on his mission to locate his idiotic brother. Though was his brother that idiotic? Donnie means he would also run away if he got into a fight like that. It was brutal to even watch.

"I so need to create a tracking device for my brothers, He avowed with an irritable sigh"

Donnie huffed out some air, powering up his jetpack before blasting off in the air, scanning the city for his missing brother.

But enough about that, back to you and Leo, who was still sleeping. You've been awake for a while, you never sleep long, and there was always a nightmare or a battle to disrupt you. Speaking of which, you had none last night. Perhaps it was you being away from the battle nexus or maybe it was Leo's presence next to you that kept your mind still. The boy's chest rose and fell in a soft pattern as you watched him.

You were currently being treated like a stuffed animal again. Boy, you didn't know that the turtle was such the cuddler type in his sleep. Despite being awake, you couldn't bring yourself to pry the boy's arms from around you. So you lay there, in Leo's embrace as he remains dormant.

Sooner or later you honestly haven't been keeping track of time, the turtle's body starts to shift, small moans leaving his body as he let out a large yawn. You shuffle a bit as the boy's eyes started to flutter, and his half-lidded blue iris came into view. You let out a small huff of air as the turtle sluggishly blinked at you, your e/c eyes meeting his. Leo let out another yawn, slipping one arm away from you to rub his watering eye, he didn't even notice that he was snuggling you until he looked at where he unwrapped his arm from, his other arm still around your waist.

Leo's eyes widened as he gazed down at you, you were a little confused as his head starts to retract in his shell and his face flushed.

"R-Red?"

"Mmm?"

You hummed out softly at the turtle, not breaking eye contact with him. As always he was the first to crumble as he glanced up and away from you.

"Am I really cuddling you r-right now?!"

"Yes."

Despite being a little puzzled about your friend's reaction to him hugging you, you nod your head in affirmation as you spoke.

"You did this the last time you slept over as well, you just didn't know because I woke up before you"

The boy let out a small squeak, his whole head retracting into his shell. You let out a small yelp of surprise as it disappeared from your view. Your body started to tremble as you held back laughter when Leo started to apologize.

"I'm so so sorry! Here lemme just stop-"

Before the turtle tried to take his remaining arm from under you, you quickly stopped him with your own hands. Grabbing his limb before he could withdraw it away.

"Wait! Do you mind if we stay like this? Just for a little longer...?"

Leo was flabbergasted, so much so that he couldn't even muster a word. He stammered out a few nervous breaths, while his body seemed to get warmer.

"Yeah- yeah! Sure! That's cool! Cool cool cool! Very chill"

You let out a small laugh before hesitantly huddling closer to the turtle. Resting just slightly under his arm, you were still a bit reluctant but his warmth was comforting and the aura around him was certainly alluring.

You close your eyes and take a deep breath, soaking in the intimacy that you were sharing with this person. You've never done this with someone, Not even with Sidney. You had no time too. A small smile spread across your face as your friend held you close. Leo on the other hand was sweating bullets, he was so nervous. He felt like a twelve-year-old getting flustered about his crush just simply looking at him. Leo found comfort with you in his arms and staying that way over time wasn't what he would call 'lazy'.

Everything was quiet for a while until you let out a small sigh. Clutching Leos's arm as you closed your eyes. Trying to muster up the will to speak.

"This... No one..."

You trail off, Leo glancing over your shoulder, trying to see your face as it contorted as you scrunch up next to him.

"No one's... Ever done this to me before.."

Leo gazed down at you, feeling his breath getting caught in his throat. Thinking about how to respond to something like that.

"Really?... Not even Sidney?"

You gaped down at the mattress starting down at the plain blue sheets in silence.

"The nurses and fighters are not permitted to associate with each other than professional matters, it may create favoritism. You can imagine how difficult it could be when I hang out with Sid in secrecy"

Leo glanced around, at first he couldn't imagine not being able to interact with someone he cared about. Then again, his family disapproved of any type of relations with humans, which included you. So yeah he could imagine, yet here he was with you in his arms. It made the moment you both were sharing a little more special. He pulled you closer to him, the back of your chest plate clicking against his plastron.

You felt something flutter in your chest, it was a weird feeling. Like when you drink soda too fast and your chest burns and bubbles from the inside. You didn't hate the feeling surprisingly, it was just new. A small huff of air left your nose as you leaned your head into his skin.

"This... This feels nice..."

You could feel the turtle's body begin to melt as Leo gazed down at you with his goofy smile. The boy's small tail wagged as he let out a small huff of air.

"I'm glad I could make you feel good"

Your body shivered a bit as the words murmured out next to your ear. Leo's groggy voice entices you to face him. You shift around and meet him, looking at his deep blue eyes as they widened a bit at your closeness. You gave him a soft smile as you brought your hand to his face, creasing his cheek under your thumb as you gazed at him.

"I'm glad... I'm glad you're here..."

Leo's eyes darted across your face, his beak pressing together as he shut his eyes while placing his hand over yours. Leaning his head more into your palm, you were surprised to find his body shaking while he spoke.

"H-Happy to be here..."

His breaths quicken as tears stream down his face, out of instinct he shoved his head into your shoulder and wrapped his arms tightly around you. Your lanky frame pressed against Leo's bulky one as he shook uncontrollably as tears sprayed onto your shoulder.

"I'm such a hor-horrible person! I can't believe- believe that I s-said those things! Gah! I'm- I'm-"

You were confused, but you still returned the embrace, though you couldn't let your hands meet due to Leo's shell. You rubbed circles into his back as your attempted to soothe him.

"Hey- Hey, it's okay! Everything will be okay"

You repeated what you did last night, firmly embracing your friend as you rocked back and forth with them.

"I-I should've never- I'm- a bad brother- the worst- worst brother in the history of b-brothers!"

"Hey- that's not- that's not true Kappa"

Leo shook his head as he pulled away from you, sitting up as he desperately tried to wipe away his tears. On instinct you mimic his actions, placing your weary hands on his shoulders as he cried.

"What's- What's wrong with me!?"

"There's absolutely nothing wrong with you Kappa"

You reached up to his face, rubbing off the tears with your thumb as his watery blue eyes gazed back at you.

"It's alright, everyone argues sometimes"

The turtle started to calm down as you comforted him.

"It's gonna be okay, If he really cares about you then he'll forgive you. You'll forgive each other"

Leo closed his eyes, you brought your foreheads together closing your eyes as well when they touch. Sidney did this a lot to you when he wanted to say "I care about you" so you did it to Leo.

Leo stopped crying and opened his eyes, he looked up at you. A small smile reached his face as he brought his hand to your cheek. It was your turn to open your eyes, You gazed into the blue gaze that met you.

You and the yokai lingered in each other's touch for a moment before you departed, pulling away from him.

"Come now Blue, let's go get some breakfast. Even though is it lunchtime already, okay?"

The turtle nodded his head as you gently pulled him and yourself to your feet. After giving him a  small pat on the head you tread over to your weapons that lay beside the mattress and pick them up. Sliding them into their holster, you glance over to Leo who was staring down at his odachi for a moment before placing it on his back.

"Alright come on big guy let's blow this popsicle stand"

Leo glanced over at you before shooting you a tired smile. The boy trailed behind you as you moved the wooden board that covered the entrance hole. You saw the green dumpster that blocked the view and push it away with your legs. After creating enough wiggle room, you crawl out into the open alleyway.

You shove the trash bin away so Leo could squeeze through. It took a couple of attempts but he eventually got out, with minimal damage to his shell. After that, you pushed the trash can back in front of the hole. You clap your rub your palms tightest, quickly wiping them off on your thighs as a means to get rid of any muck on you. You look over at Leo who was leaning against the wall, waiting for you to come up with him.

You let out a small huff through your nose as you noticed him sending small glances over to you. Your smile fell when you noticed his red puffy eyes, the tiredness of his expression screamed volumes at you. He was still thinking about the fight with his brothers, you didn't even know what it was about but you had a good idea of what. It made your stomach churn at the notion that you were causing him problems in the first place.

You let out a sigh before walking over to Leo, patting him on the back while flashing him a concealed smirk. The turtle blinked a bit before letting out a chuckle, him playfully bumping your shoulder with a smile. You exasperate a laugh while you and the yokai walked through the streets of the hidden city. You both start some small talk about where you guys wanted to stop by for breakfast.

"Why not we visit Okami's cavern?"

"What's that? Sounds more like a place of worship than a restaurant"

You roll your eyes and shove Leo away from you.

"It's a small Cafe near the marketplace, its run by a few wolf yokai hence the name"

"Psh stereotypical much?"

You lightly slap the turtle's arm in annoyance, which warranted a small yelp from the boy.

"Be nice, they're good people"

"Okay okay, geez sorry"

You huff your lungs out of your chest as you continued to tread down the pavement. Leo glanced up at you while walking. He always seemed to do that, like you would disappear any second and he would miss it.

After some more hiking, you made it to the market, booths engulfed every corner of the streets as you padded along. Of course, you and Leo were browsing a bit, You mean how could you not? There were many things that the market offered you, and all the movement and noise guided your eyes toward the source. You didn't even notice Leo wander off before he came running back for you which made you bristle a bit at his sharp breathing and exhaustion from the run.

"What? What happened?! Are you okay!?"

You grab Leos face as a means to scan him, searching his body for any sort of injury.

"Wh-What? Red! Red I-I'm fine! Are you okay?"

You glance up at Leo, eyeing you with uncertainty while you were smushing his face. Your eyes widen a bit before you let go of the turtle. Taking steps back as you composed yourself, hovering your clenched fist above your mouth as you cleared your throat. You noticed people were giving you weird stares so you scratched your neck, you tensed a bit at the pain of the chocker around your throat digging into your skin.

"I... I'm fine, Just... worried was all."

You didn't want to meet Leo's blue gaze, embarrassment crept up your face as you brush past him.

"Come on."

Leo lingered, his fingers softly grazing the skin of his cheek. The warmth of the encounter was still prominent on his face. A goofy smile spread across his face as he ran over to you, treading next to you as stared down at you with a smirk. You glance over at him, your nose scrunching up a bit in confusion as he gaped at you.

"What?"

You let out with a hint of irritation which Leo paid no mind too what so ever, his expression never faltering.

"You were worried about me?"

You stiffen a little at his words, that weird feeling filling your chest as you growled under your breath. The turtle cocked a brow at you as his smug voice reached your ears.

"Admit it! You are soooooo obsessed with me, you couldn't even bare a minute without my charming face"

"I'm slowly deteriorating into nothing but insanity"

You deadpanned as you continued to walk, the boy following you letting out a burst of laughter before slinging his arms around your shoulders.

"Oh come on! You love me!"

"You know what they say, Love and Hate are two sides of a very, extremely thin line."

Leo shot you a small wink and a chuckle before ruffling your hair, his fingers getting stuck a bit from the puffiness of it.

"You know you really can be a little grumpy grump sometimes, it's cute"

"Are you flirting or starting a fight?"

Leo was taken aback by this statement, his face flushing a bit before that stupid smug smirk showed up again as he neared your face. His inches away from yours as you glared at him with crossed arms.

"I mean we could do both if you prefer, but I like the first option a lot more"

You blinked at him for a bit, feeling your heart beat against your chest. It reminded you of when you were about to do something dangerous and you didn't like it. So in response, you let out a snarl before shoving the turtle's face.

"Goddammit! I hate you! I hate you and your dumb voice and your stupid muscles and your smug smirk and your pretty blue eyes!"

Leo blinked down at your little scene before his tail started to wag wildly as he grinned.

"You think my eyes are pretty!?"

"I can't stand you"

You sighed as you start to walk again, Leo giggled while he trailed next to you.

"You should be flattered, There's no one else I'd rather bother for the rest of my life than you"

You glance up from the path to meet Leo's face, He was skimming out in front of him but he could tell you were looking at him. A smile crept up as face as you turn your head away while walking in comfortable silence with him.

"I truly don't know what I did to deserve you.."

You didn't even know you breathed the words out until you felt Leo's eyes burn into you. You tense up a bit, clenching your fists. Before the turtle even got the chance to speak you were rushing forward, making him chase after you a bit. You shortly ended up at your destination a small urban cafe with a Japanese feel to it.

"Here we are! Okami's! Haha.."

You swallowed down your nervous laughter as Leo walked closer to you, He opened his mouth but before he could get a word out. You grabbed his hand and dragged him inside the establishment. You already knew that you seat yourselves here, so you picked a booth to sit in. You guided Leo to his seat, which he took with a dazed look in his eyes, You slide into your seat across from him. The turtle finally got a moment to breathe as he shook his head to collect his thoughts.

"Uh, Red?"

You hummed as your face was hidden behind a menu.

"Are you... Are you okay?"

Your mouth was set in a hard line, you didn't know what to say to that so you just sighed as you let the menu fall to the table. Its absence reveals a concerned Leo looking down at you with his stupid puppy dog eyes. You let out a deep breath as you compose yourself again.

"I'm just tired bud, that's all"

Your voice fell as your eyes trail down to the table. Leo knew that was a lie, He made that same exact lie all the time, but he didn't want to upset you so he just breathed out a small "okay". You were grateful that your friend didn't pry for more information. You were currently going through some emotions that you weren't used to dealing with and quite frankly didn't know what they were.

Leo buried his head into a menu looking down at all the options before a rather small wolf yokai showed up with a small notepad. You let out an amused laugh while a smile crept onto your face.

"Yukio? You're serving us today?"

The small white pup nodded his head aggressively while his fluffy tail wagged with enthusiasm.

"I turned Twelve, Father is letting me work"

The little boy held up his paw as he signed the words, you smiled as you brought up your own hand to converse with him as well.

"How sweet! I'm so proud!"

The boy let out a small giggle while you ruffled the fur on top of his head, Leo was just gawking at you. A huge smile on his face as you interact with the little wolf yokai. Who knew that you were so good with kids?

His head snapped out of it as the wolf boy tapped Leo on his arm, bringing the turtle's attention to the short wolf. The older yokai scrunched his snout in confusion as the little boy signed at him.

"Uhhh, I'm sorry I don't know sign language-"

"He's asking what you want for a drink?"

Leo snapped over to you, blinking a bit before smiling and responding to the boy.

"I'll just have a green tea"

The boy let out a small woof in response, quickly jotting down the turtle's order on his pad. Yukio then moved over to you, you just requested a coffee. You needed the caffeine. The wolf gave you a thumbs up before walking back to the employees-only door. You paused in the direction that the kid disappeared, and when you turned back you saw a smug Leo leaning his head against his hand while his elbow rested against the table.

"What?"

You cocked a suspicious brow at your companion as he gazed at you with half-lidded eyes.

"Oh nothing, just that your such a big sweet softie"

Leo's smirk broadened as you huffed at him with embarrassment. Your cheeks reddening as you folded your arms across your chest.

"I most certainly not!"

"Yes you are darling~ Admit it! You're not some grumpy edge lord with a mysterious past but a sweet caring flower bud with a love for people"

You let out a disgusted gag while holding your hand up at Leo.

"Please tell me you didn't just say that"

Leo erupted with laughter, him trying to cover it with his hand as he mocked you.

"I-I'm just messing with you! Please don't hit me!"

You rolled your eyes and go back to skimming over the menu which was rudely interrupted by snickering coming from across the booth. You gritted your teeth before slamming the menu down to look at him.

"What's so funny?!?"

Leo let out another laugh before showing you the screen of his phone, your nose scrunched up as he pulled up a picture on his phone and shoved it into your face.

"You see this?"

The boy's finger pointed to a dark body of water that appeared on the screen.

"This is the Dead Sea. It's one of the saltiest things on Earth, Second to only you"

Leo rolled the words off his tongue with a provoking expression. You roughly trail your tongue over your teeth as you clenched your fists together.

"I will destroy you, and everything you have ever cared for"

Leo confidently leaned over the table to get closer to you.

"You do realize that includes you, right?"

Leo looks so pleased with himself from that remark, you let out a small growl before shoving him back down into his seat.

"I'm counting on it"

The turtle suppressed a snicker while you ignored him, but you soon caught yourself softly laughing with him. Leo seemed to have that effect on you nowadays. Soon Yukio came with your drinks, you requested a straw for yours which the boy raised a brow at but just shrugged it off and got it for you anyways.

You thanked him for his kindness and placed the white straw into the brown liquid. Bring the mug up to your face slipping the straw under your mask so you could take a drink of it. Leo took a sip of his green tea as he eyed you real fast before glancing away, knowing that you were uncomfortable with your appearance. This is why you never show the bottom half of your face, again he still wants to know what you look like underneath.

Leo took a sip of his green tea to distract himself. Looking back at the menu to finally decide on an option of food. An idea then popped inside his head, he set the menu down and waved over to you while talking.

"Hey, Hey Red?"

"Hmm?"

You hummed as you stop drinking your coffee and place it down on the counter.

"Yeah what's up?"

"New York City but anyway, I was wondering if you would want to have a surprise food that I give you"

A line appeared between your brows as you thought about it.

"Umm, I don't know Kappa, you're known for messing with me. For all, I know you could be trying to poison me"

Leos's eyes fluttered blankly at you before he let out a laugh.

"I promise! It's not a trick! I pinky swear!"

You glanced down at Leos's massive finger sticking out, he didn't have a pinky finger so he used the one furthest from his thumb. You let out a small huff of amusement at the childish gesture but you pull out your significantly smaller pinky finger and intertwine it with his own.

"If you break your promise, I break your thumb."

The sentence was deadpanned but the turtle knew you were lying, kind of. He still wasn't going to give you anything stomach-churning, but it would be a surprise. It still brought a chuckle out of him though.

"Why are you so mean to me?"

"It's a basic human instinct"

Leo couldn't help but snicker at your sarcasm, you were just full of jokes today apparently. The turtle took another sip of his tea but his attention was drawn by a small boy with a notepad standing at the edge of the table.

"Uh Hi?"

Yukio gave him a small wave before looking over to you, bringing out his hand to speak.

"Are you ready to order?"

You gave the boy a smile and a dismissive wave of the hand.

"My friend is ordering for me, So how about you hand him the notepad so he can write out what he wants?"

The wolf nodded and walked over to the older turtle, slipping him the notepad. Leonardo gave him a small "thanks" and started to scribble down on the paper.  As quickly as he had the paper it was gone, back in the hands of the small boy who promptly disappeared back into the kitchen.

"So what did you get?"

Leo glanced at you with a cocky smile as he crossed his arms.

"Uh uh, no way Jose! It's called a surprise for a reason"

You sighed while rubbing the skin in between your forehead.

"I have made a terrible, horrible, incredibly foolish choice"

The turtle's expression faltered a bit before you looked up at him with a drained smile.

"Let's see what happens"

You sighed out with a small chuckle. The yokai across from you grew his smile as you laughed. After a few minutes,  the food arrived which made Leo immediately lunge across the table to cover your eyes. You stifle out a laugh as his hands smushed your face, if it was anyone else you would've probably shoved them off of you and spat a mean comment but not with Leo. Ever since you met he's had this effect on you, it was weird but you didn't hate it.

You could hear Yukio giggling at Leo's reaction, and the clicks of plates being set down filled your ears. Leo's small thank you made your heart flutter a bit, you liked that he was kind to Yukio, only the gods know that most people aren't. 

"Okay Red, you better keep your eyes close once I take my hands away from your face"

You let a small chuckle, taking your hands and trailing them over Leo's arm, meeting with the back of his palms that still resided over his face.  You could feel Leo's hands being to become warm, with a small chuckle you softly remove his hands but keep your eyes closed following his request.

"See I'm not  gonna open up my eyes, I promise"

Leo hesitated but trusted your word so he slipped his hands away from yours, You waited patiently as shuffling filled your ears, and soon enough the smell of something amazing sat under your nose.

"Okay say Ah"

Your face fell at his childish gesture.

"Leo I'm not an infant"

The turtle laughed as he began to mock you once again.

"Here comes the airplane, prbbbbbbbbbbb"

You sighed, your mouth falling into an annoyed scowl.

"Sometimes I don't even know why I associate myself with you"

You could feel Leo's stupid smirk burning into your skin. You let out a small grumble before pulling off your mask halfway, keeping your right side covered. You opened your mouth, and you soon felt a small soft triangle-shaped dish be placed inside your jaws. It was too large to eat in one bite so bits of it fell down your chin and onto your shirt, you let out a small laugh of amusement as you pushed the boy away from you with your mouth full.

The food was falling apart in your mouth so you open your eyes and cover your face to prevent more sustenance to escape.

"Kappa, what did you feed me"

You muffled out through a mouth full, you looked around to see rice grains all around you. You look up at a semi-guilty Leo who was holding up a half-eaten rice triangle thingy with a pair of chopsticks.

"It's called Onigiri! It's a Japanese dish that can be used for any meal! My father used to make us these when we were younger but uh he stopped doing that nowadays..."

Leo's smile fell a bit at the last bit, his voice faltering before he shook his head and presented the rice ball.

"Anyway, I got you a very standard version, no added ingredients, I prefer mine with katsuobushi but I wasn't sure if you would like that or not"

Leo gestured to the Onigiri that he held between his utensils, a smile on his face and he pushed it towards you.

"So what do you think?"

By the end of his rambling, you had already eaten all of your rice ball and cleaned yourself off from the grains.

"It's really good Kappa, A little messy but good"

You laughed through your nose, your friend's tender smile sent you into that ridiculous adrenaline feeling again. You nibbled on your bottom lip, picking at the dried skin on your chapped lips.  Pushing down the feeling while taking a deep breath, you didn't notice Leo gathering you a small plate of rice balls. The turtle held up the dish that contained a half-eaten Onigiri plus three normal ones.

They were decorated in this thin green stuff that you weren't sure of its content.

"Hey Blue boy"

"Hmmm?"

Leo looked up at you, his face dripping with rice while his mouth was full. You snickered a bit at his messiness before continuing.

"What's uh, this green paper?"

"Oh that's Nori- I mean seaweed"

Leo probably corrected himself because he didn't think you understood Japanese, which was correct you only knew a few phrases. Regardless, your nose is scrunched up in a mixture of put-off and weariness. 

"Seaweed!?"

Leo noticed your hesitance so he flailed his hand a bit and started to reassure you.

"I promise it's really good"

"Just like the time you promised that we wouldn't get into any trouble at the library?"

You cocked a brow at Leo who immediately got defensive.

"HEY! Those hospitalizations had nothing to do with me!"

The turtle pointed a defensive finger at you, which just made you chuckle as you grabbed a rice ball. Leo gave you a weird glance which made you stop your mission to eat the treat.

"What?"

Your scrunched-up nose showcases your confusion so Leo knew you didn't mean it on purpose. The boy brought his closed fist to his mouth as he cleared his throat before speaking.

"Well it's considered rude to eat Onigiri with your bare hands, In Japan, we use chopsticks"

"Oh.."

You hesitantly placed the food back down on the plate.

"I um- wasn't aware, my apologies"

"It's alright but uh- are you alright?"

You nodded your head as the boy tilted his, you drew your lower lip between your teeth as you gripped the cloth on your thighs. You were afraid, afraid that you had upset Leo, sure you like to tease him but something like this could genuinely be offensive so you were antsy. Mama would usually slap you across the face for something like this, that's what she always did when she proclaimed you committed a rude act.

So just waited there in silence, the quiet was freaking out Leo so he went over to tap your shoulder.

"..Red?"

Once his hand reached your prereferral vision you shrink, waiting for the blow, but it never came. Leo's hand was shaking, not moving as he watched your actions. You flinched away from his touch, were you afraid of him? Did you think that he was going to hurt you? The idea of that just shattered his heart into pieces.

Leo slowly inched his hand closer to your face, finally cupping it in his hands as he gazed at you.

"Red it's okay, I-I'm not going to hurt you. I would never hurt you"

You slowly open your eyes, your gaze meeting Leo's watery ones. You swallow the lump in your throat that clogged your voice and slowly reached up to the turtle's hand. Placing your palm over his bulky fingers. He glanced up at you with wide eyes as you lean your face more into his palm. He felt warmth fill his chest as his eyes fell a bit at your motions, you let out a small breath before looking back up at Leo.

"I'm okay Kappa, It's not you. It's me...."

You sighed before taking the boy's hands away from your face. Slumping back into the chair as you pulled at the skin of your cheeks.

"Stop pretending you're okay, cause I know you're not"

His words shocked you, especially the betrayed look he wore when he sank back into his chair. Your eyes widened a bit before you look down at the table with shame.

"I...."

You chewed the inside of your cheek, tasting the iron that came with your excessive chewing. You let out a sharp breath trying to find the words to express what you were feeling. But you were never good with your emotions so you just sat there in silence. Leo just sighed before getting up from his seat, you were terrified that he was gonna leave but he didn't. He instead slid into the booth with you, you scooted down so he could have room.

The turtle didn't say a word, he just sat there, looking down at the table. You were confused but also a little uneased, you had no clue what he was thinking or what his next move would be. It scared you, you were the Red Phantom, the person that was supposed to have all the answers. Without that then who were you? Maybe you were overreacting a bit.

"Hey Red, You know... It's Okay to not be okay right?"

You stiffen a bit, glancing over at Leo, who was still staring down at the table. You turned away from him a burned a hole into the table. You pressed your lips together as you reached over to Leo, placing a hand over his.

" ...I know..."

Leo glanced down at your hand, a small smile reaching his face as he took your hand into his. You both didn't know what happened but you suddenly felt like everything was going to be okay. You both turn towards each other, sharing a heartfelt gaze, neither one of you dared to look away. You inched closer to Leo, he mimicked your actions and soon enough your legs were pressed against one another. You opened your mouth to say something but Yukio showed up with the check. You and Leo leap away from each other in an instant, Leo nervously rubbing the back of his neck with a smile and you covering your mouth with a closed fist.

Yukio tilted his head in confusion as you grabbed the check trying to begin to place the money down but Leo began to argue with you shoving your face away as you tried to place the money down.

"No! NO! I'm not letting you pay! What kind of gentleman would I be?"

"Gentleman? I am fully convinced you never even graduated kindergarten"

Leo let out some nervous laughter, which indicated that he indeed never graduated from kindergarten. You rolled your eyes as you shove your face into your hand, You mean it made sense kind of. According to Leo, he and his brothers were homeschooled by his father, he never came to public school because they didn't know about the hidden city until recently.

Anyway, you sat there a little annoyed but flattered that Leo cared about you. After the turtle was done paying, he looked over at you for a second as you eyed the rice balls. He let out a guilty huff of air before getting an idea. He grabbed a pair of chopsticks and placed them in your hand, on instinct you clasp the utensils in your palm. You glance over at Leo with a scrunched-up nose.

"Uh Blue boy, I don't know how to use these"

You showcased the red chopsticks in hand to the turtle in drawback. Leo just glanced between your eyes and back to your hands before sighing softly. He then trailed his fingers over to yours and started to put the chopsticks in the right position. You just let him manipulate your limp hand as he showed you how to maneuver.

"See, then you just move your fingers like so~"

Leo purred out as he demonstrated with his own chopsticks. You squinted your eyes as you tried to do it yourself, letting out a small curse as the chopsticks launched away from you. The turtle let out a small shriek of terror as the sticks flew through the air. He clumsily caught them in the air, hitting his head on the table in the process.

You cringed at his small groans, as he sat up, rubbing the bump on his forehead. You reached over to him to check out his injury but he just held up his hand in protest.

"No no! I'm okay!"

His palm waved out in front of you as he shot you a nervous smile.

"It's fine, we'll just try again!"

"But-"

"Bp, Bp, Bp Bp!"

Leo shushed you by pressing his finger against your lips, or well where your lips would be because of your mask.

"No, buts'! I will teach the art of the chopsticks"

"Kappa I don't think-"

"No! Red you're my friend and I cannot sit idly by as you struggle to eat your Onigiri"

You let out an audible sigh as Leo handed you back the chopsticks. You express a small groan while you irritably take the utensils in your hand.

"I believe in you!"

Leo shot you a smile while giving you thumbs up, you press your lips together as you look down at your hand.

Come on Y/n! Leo is counting on you! He believes in you! You can do this, I mean how hard can it be?

Eyes squint as you try to position the chopsticks in the right way, chewing on your lip as you start to do the open and close motion. Your eyes light up a bit as they are governed by your wants.

The small clicks of the chopsticks brought a smile to Leo's face as you messed around with it.

"Look! Kappa! I'm doing it!"

There was something about the way you turned over to the turtle that made his heart flutter. He didn't know if it was the way your eyes shone or how you smiled at him even through the mask. That smile could make him do anything you wanted and he hasn't even seen the actual thing yet.

"That's amazing Red! Now try and pick up an Onigiri"

With newfound confidence, you lunge your chopsticks to your plate. Squeezing them just a bit as you held the rice ball up. With a triumphant victory, you held the food in your hand. Leo clapped with words of encouragement.

"Wow! Look Red! You're a natu-"

The celebration was cut short by exploding grains, rice spread everywhere as the Onigiri fell to pieces. Leo sat there in shock as you stayed frozen, feeling any once of pride leave your body as you look down at the decimated corpse of your beloved rice ball.

Your head fell as you stared down at the booth seat, your companion was no longer in shock but he was still very anxious.

"H-Hey! It's okay Red- we just need to-"

"Oh screw this!"

Leo yelped as you slammed your chopstick into the rice ball. Stabbing the red wooden stick through it as you aggressively bring it toward your mouth. You pull at your mask and chomp off a huge bite from the sticky clump.

"It's a f*cking kabob!"

You muffled out angrily as you chewed, you forcefully swallowed the Japanese cuisine. You popped the rest of the Onigiri into your mouth before violently impaling the remaining ball on the plate. Repeating your actions as Leo gaped at you in terror as you ripped into the last of your food.

"There Done!"

You rub your arm back and forth across your mouth in a flash before pulling your mask all the way up again.

"Let's go."

Leo stammered as you suck down the rest of your lukewarm coffee. You were basically inhaling the mug at this point. He didn't even know he was getting pushed out of the booth until he tripped over himself. You caught him by his weapon strap and sling him back to his feet. He was moving around like a rag doll because of you dragging him out the door.

"W-Wha, WHA! Red! Hold up!"

After you pulled him outside you let go of him, feeling aggravation stir in your stomach. You decided you needed to cool off, so you walked toward the laundry mat nearby and start scaling the fire escape. Leo watched as you climbed the ladder, clenching and opening his palms while he flailed his arms in confusion. Small huffs of irritation heaved out of his body before he jumped up onto the metal panel, he wobbled a bit but he quickly caught himself on the handrail.

The turtle pulled himself up the stairs and went after you, running onto the roof as you leaped across to the other rooftop. He let out a small whine of protest before leaping after you, pushing forward as you race across the buildings. Why were you like this?! Why couldn't you just be normal and faced your feelings instead of running away from them? Literally!

You couldn't stop, the heart pounding inside your chest urged you forward. The numbness in your legs didn't want you to go on, so you stopped running. Doubling over as your lungs heaved out harsh breaths, sweat beaming off your body.

stupid! Stupid!! STUPID!!! Why did I run?! WHY DID I STOP!?!

Your body cringed as you heard those dreaded footsteps, Leo had finally caught up to you as he landed on the roof.

"Red what was that?! What's going on with you?"

You clench your fists feeling your teeth grind against each other.

"I..... I don't-"

You looked down at your fist, your brows furrowing as your hand shook.

"....I'm not good at... emotions.."

Leo's eyes widened a bit, his annoyance fading away as he let out a small sigh.

"It's okay, That's okay. My brother Donnie is the same way, just uh- Here!"

You watched as Leo went over to the roof barrier, dangling his legs over the edge as he sat down. He then looked over to you patting at the concert slab next to him. You gaped at him for a moment before relenting, padding over next to him. Taking a seat as you mimic his movements, swinging your leg over the drop-off. Watching pedestrians move along with your lives as you were at a standstill. You and Leo were in silence, it wasn't uncomfortable but you felt like someone needed to fill it, but you couldn't muster up the courage to speak.

The turtle glanced over at you, feeling your unease, he took a deep breath as he looked down at the crowded city. The lights clashed together as they illuminated you and him.

"You don't have to talk, we can just sit together..."

Leo skimmed over at you, his soft smile causing a sense of security that cracked your walls a bit.

"It's not that... I... I don't want to talk to you I just... it's hard..."

Your eyes glossed over so you looked away, not wanting to let Leo see you that way. Rubbing your eyes with your hand before looking back down at the street.

"Don't you worry 'bout it, just take your time... No one's judging you"

A sigh passed through your body as you closed your eyes. Letting your body relax before your opened your mouth to speak.

"I wish... I knew how to.. talk about it"

"Well uh, just start from the beginning.."

You chew on the inside of your cheek, keep this up and you'll end up with another hole on the side of your face.

" I... I don't know what happened I guess that... I disappointed myself?"

You chuckled out as your voice cracked, looking down at your hands as they tensed up.

"And that I disappointed you too.."

Sucking in a sharp breath as you glanced over at Leo, his eyes agape a bit as you conceded.

"Red-"

"I know, I know I'm annoying and dramatic, and... and probably seem like an attention seeker for getting upset over something so small!"

"Red!!"

You were beginning to rant now, your breath shortens as you continue to lament.

"But it's just that- I care about- ..the way you... you... perceive me, I don't know!"

Your voice raised as you started to spill, ruptures formed around the barriers that you uphold for yourself. The self-image that you showcase starts to ebb away as you babbled to your friend.

"I was... I don't know... ashamed?"

The yokai's eyes broaden at your statement, he was appalled, to say the least.  He honestly had no clue that his opinion mattered so much to you.

"You were... embarrassed?"

Vast e/c met his blue ones, your stunned heart made you turn away from him as you pondered on the issue. You never thought about it that way, or more accurately you didn't want to admit it.

"I... never-... I guess so"

You breathed out as you gazed over at him with a warped smile. Leo felt an ache inside his chest that he couldn't simply ignore.

"So, that's why I stormed off... I'm sorry"

"Red you don't have to be sorry"

A small glance was sent from you over to Leo, you sucked in air through your nose feeling guilt creep into your chest.

"I should be apologetic, I created an unnecessary scene that ruined the mood of our day together"

'Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

You jostle your head a bit as you jar over to Leo with surprise.

"Chose your words so carefully, Like you're scared that you're gonna say the wrong thing"

This statement sprung shock on you, you were perplexed. Your body let out a low chuckle as your eyes trailed over to the rushing lights whipped past below your feet.

"One thing I learned is that there are two things that you can't take back, Words and strikes"

Your eyes fall back onto Leo with a somber coldness in them as you pointed at him.

"So you make sure you hit what you aim for and that you mean what you say, Understand?"

The turtle just simply nodded his head in response, he was a little aghast at your truth but he was more amazed than anything.

"That was... so wise! You're like Yoda but less green, old, and more pretty!" 

You sucked in your cheeks a bit before stifling out a snicker.

"Wha- who the heck is that!? Your grandpa?!"

Leo gasped louder than a vacuum, he was sucking on air like it was the last breath he would ever take.

"YOU DON'T KNOW WHO YODA IS!? HAVE YOU NEVER WATCHED STAR WARS?!?!"

You were a little scared to answer but you cleared your throat before murmuring out your words.

"...no?.."

You could see the fake tears in Leo's eyes as he gaped at you with clenched hands.

"WHAT CHILDHOOD DID YOU HAVE!?"

Blinking a couple of times before a laugh heaved out of your chest as you shrug your shoulders.

"Well, I don't know you tell me!"

Leo just fluttered his eyes before he began to laugh with you. His laughter fueled your own as it got more rambunctious. You didn't even know when or how you ended up in his arms but there you are. A heavy breath left your body as you and your friend looked over the captivating city that you called home. It was funny you know, You the human calling the yokai hidden city your home, while Leonardo the yokai called the top side, New york city, his home.

"...Thanks Kappa.."

"No problem Red... No problem"

The turtle echoed out as he squeezed you a bit tighter, you chortled a bit before leaning more into you him, resting your head onto his shoulder as the lights started to dim into the night.

"Hey Red?"

"Hmm?"

"How does the city have day and night here if you're blocked from the outside world"

You pulled away from Leo, scooting away from him just a tad before pointing up to the sky.

"It's quite simple really. You see we have an artificial light cycle that shines on us. Just like your sun, our gives us UV light and heat! The grand stone head council placed them here for us"

"Huh, that's kinda cool!"

You nodded your head in response as Leo stood up on the rim of the building and stretched his back. You tilted your head in unease as you studied Leo, you know that he could take care of himself but he was so close to the edge of the roof made you worried. The turtle was not known for his cautiousness and more so for his clumsy nature. So you couldn't help yourself but precautionary him about him plummeting to his untimely death if he wasn't careful.

"Please be aware of your surroundings Kappa, I would rather not watch you fall to your death"

Blue eyes glanced back at you before glinting with mischief, the turtle reached back and gripped the handle of his sword. Unsheathing his Odachi before starting to flail it around as he practiced his moves. You felt like your heart dropped as he began to perform backflips on the stone slab.

"No no no! Stop! Please! You're gonna kill yourself and then I'm going to be all alone!"

You pleaded as Leo swished his blade around while spinning on his heel, his shit-eating grin shining over at you as he paused for a moment.

"Don't fret my dear! I the Amazing Leonardo make no mistakes!"

"More like Lamonardo"

You implored with a lopsided grin, Leo let out a small "hey" in protest before laughing softly.

"Oh yeah! If I'm so lame then how can I do this!?"

Leo whipped out his blade, letting out a few battle cries as he thrashed it in a circular motion. When nothing happened he attempted again, creating circles in the air as curses left his mouth. He had at least tried it four times, you patiently watched in silence with folded legs as he started to sneer under his breath.

"..come on portal you're embarrassing me in front of red!.."

A small snicker slipped from your nose at his little comment, Leo seemed to have heard it because his cheeks burned as his nostrils flared. The boy took a deep breath, relaxing his stance as he slide his for behind him.

"One portal coming up!"

The world seemed to burst to life as a blue vortex appeared in front of the turtle, your eyes widen in amazement as Leo turned to you with a smile. His green skin was illuminated by the cyan mystic doorway as it swirled all the air into it.

"Voila! One portal for you madam"

You were now on your feet, absolutely dumbfounded that Leo had such power. Sure you heard of mystic weapons before and even wielded a few but this was unprecedented. You seemed to float over to the outlet, hesitantly running your hand through it. A laugh of amusement left your lips as it disappeared to the other side of who knows where and came back next to you since the portal just spat you back out the roof.

Leonardo leaned against his Odachi as he gazed at you with half-lidded eyes as you beamed over at him.

"Kappa! This is amazing! I take back ever calling you lame!"

Leo's beak curved into a smile as you jested the words. He shut his eyes as he brought his hand to his face, leaning his chin into his fingers as he gloated.

"Yeah well, It takes a lot for someone to handle this weapon! I'm talking about me not the sword"

He exhorted as you just raised a brow at him and chuckled. His smirk curled into a grin again as he closed the portal and began to laugh with you.

"You really are something else Kap"

"Of course I am"

Leo proclaimed while he padded on the edge like it was a tightrope with his sword balancing off his nose. You rolled your eyes before snatching the Odachi away from him with a leap, your feet romping on the pavement as you landed with a thud.

"Wha- WHA! HEY!?"

The turtle bounced over to you, thrusting himself in the air as you played keep away with his sword. He lashed his hands in the air, swooping after his weapon as you taunted him with it.

"Aw come on now! Can't the Amazing Lamonardo take his own weapon from me?!"

You teased while pulling your mask a bit to show that you were sticking out your tongue. As soon as you saw that Leo noticed you lift your mask back up. The turtle blew a raspberry at you with playful anger before lunging at you. A small shrike of excitement flew out of your lips as you walloped to the ground, your fingers easing the grip on the handle allowing the sword to fall out of your hands and skid across the floor.

You paid no mind to it, your full attention was on Leo, who had pinned you to the ground. The boy straddled on top of you while you try to wrestle away from his grasp.

"Kappa get off of me!"

You laughed as he held your wrist down while waving a finger at you.

"Uh uh, no way! You're gonna pay for messing with me!"

The corners of the boy's beak turned up as he rubbernecked down at you, You saw your chance to escape so you latch your legs onto his shell and then twist your body. Leo let out a small gasp as you flipped him upside down. Switching your original positions as you slammed his shell onto the concert, stapling him against the floor this time.

"Pinned ya!"

You bragged as you smirked down at Leo's shocked face, his teeth clenched together as he thrashed around. Using the unevenness of his shell to throw you off and catch you off guard. You sneered at him as he tried to beat you again but you quickly turn the tables on him as you slam his wrists above his head. The turtle's bewildered expression gave you a newfound cockiness that you just had to drag out.

"Ha Pinned ya again!"

You reprimanded while rolling your tongue. Leo seemed to go stiff a bit as he swallowed nervously, his face suddenly getting hot.

"Y-Yeah! You got me! You- You can get off now!"

The boy babbled out while nodding his head rapidly, struggling to relieve himself from your grip.

"No no! You're not getting away that easy!"

You threatened while shifting your position a bit, using one hand to keep Leo in place and the other to wipe the sweat off your forehead.

"You know you do put up a goo-"

A scream cut through the whole rooftop, and Leo's eyes widened as red splattered across his face. You didn't even realize it was you who was screaming until you were whisked away from your friend. Limbs slammed into the ground as you were dragged against the rough concrete, you came face to face with firey reddish brown eyes as you snarled. Blood streaming down your shoulder a metal grappling hook stabbed through it and dug into your skin with its star-shaped spikes.

"Get the f*ck away from him!"

A dark monotone voice rang through your ears. In a flash, you reach behind you and snatch whatever you can, which appeared to be the bows of a bandana. You yanked at whatever you caught and toss it over your shoulder. Making the person spin in the air before you lunge at them, the being quickly thwarted your attack as bashed its fist into your face. You scowled as you blocked the next blow, tacking your enemy against the ground. You brought up your elbow and slammed it into their face, a small gasp left your lungs as something pulled on your hair. Ripping out a few clumps with it as you were battered into the floor.

You cover your face with your forearms as blows hammer into you, you asses the situation quickly and repeated the same move you performed on Leo. Making your legs wrap around the lower half of their body before twisting your torso, reversing your positions with you on top and them below you. With you, in control you quickly reached into your holster and brought out your knife, wide eyes met yours as you were to plunge the blade into the person's face.

"RED STOP!"

Leo's scream of desperation brought clarity to your mind, Your dagger hovering just inches above the threat's eyeball. Shaking breaths heaved out of your lungs as you glared down at your opponent. It was like smoke began to clear from your eyes as a turtle with a large purple bandana came into your vision.

They looked just like Leo.

Shock started to take over your body as you leaned away from the yokai, still sitting on top of them but not on the brink of puncturing a knife through their skull. The turtle prompt themselves on their elbows as they choked out breaths. Their reddish-brown eyes stare daggers into your e/c ones. You didn't even notice Leo running over at the two of you before he ripped the dagger from your hands, tossing it over to the side as he pulled you off the yokai.

You stagger to your feet before getting pulled back down to the ground, the grappling hook still embedded in your shoulder causing you to retract to its sender. Snarls escaped your mouth as you clawed at the metal, tearing it out of your skin and pulling it forward. Moans of agony spilled from your lips as the metallic rope wormed through your body, you drew a good length before unsheathing your machete and slicing off the hook.

You reached behind you to yank out the rest of the bending pole from inside of you. Muscle tissue along with your outfit shredded, and you wobbled onto your feet.

"Red, Red are you okay?!"

Leo reached over to your face, cupping it in his hands as he searched your body. You just gave him a simple nod, a little too stunned to speak at the moment. A loud groan trailed over from where you left your victim, Leo's eyes snapped over at the person. You tilted your head a bit in confusion as Leo rushed over to the other person on the ground.

"Donnie!? Donnie! Are you okay?"

"Wait! Wait! That's- That's Donnie?!"

Your mouth fell open as Leo's proclaimed brother spat out a red liquid onto the roof. He glared down at his fist after he wiped the blood away from his nose.

"Leo!? Wha- What are you doing?! who the- WHO IS SHE!?!"

Your friend cringed a bit as his brother screamed in his ear, you sneered down at him as you clenched your throbbing shoulder. Attempting to stop the gushing stream of blood that was running down your arm.

"Um Uh, Donnie, Red! Red, Donnie!"

"Wha- What are you friends with her!?"

You cocked a brow at his question, feeling a little offended at his quarry. Then again, you were the underling of a major crime boss so you couldn't blame him. Despite this, Leonardo was pissed. The turtle folded his arms across his chest as he scowled at his brother.

"Yes, Donatello! She's my friend!"

The darker-toned turtle was flabbergasted at this point, Leo's proclaimed twin brother shot up to his feet as he pointed off to you.

"I'm out here risking very important initiative time to bring your sorry ass back home and you're up here holding hands with a human!?"

"Why did you have to refer to my species so disrespectfully!? As the only human here I take offense to that"

You inquired with a dirty look.

"You! YOU BARBARIC CRETIN! You stay out of this!"

"How about you shut your filthy mouth before I shut it for you!"

You clenched your machete with a snarl while Donnie hissed out at you. Leo began to sweat nervously as tensions started to rise. The boy interjected himself into the situation by getting between y'all even though you were like 5 feet apart.

"Okay! OKAY! EVERYBODY CHILL THE F OUT!"

You cocked a brow at Leo as you spread his arms out to the two of you.

"You be nice!"

Leo whipped his finger over to you which made you scoff in irritation.

"What!? I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!"

"You threatened my brother with a knife!"

You pressed your lips as you looked down at the fighting stance you were in as you held your machete in hand. A nervous laugh shook through your body as you hide the blade behind your back.

"Well yeah- But I didn't stab them-"

"That's because I had to stop you!"

You rub the back of your neck softly as you sucked in your lips. Your guilt was quickly replaced with irritation after Donnie interjected his opinion.

"Yeah! So why don't get your disgusting paws away from my brother?! You diluted Homosapien!"

"You know what!? Go shove your tail into a meat grinder!"

You barked before storming over to Leo, pulling him into you by his hip with your free hand. The boy awkwardly held out his hands as you glared at his brother. He was already in so much trouble but he was even more embarrassed that you were holding him so protectively. Leo eyed you up and down, letting out a small gasp as he noticed the red liquid that was staining your hands.

"Oh my- Red you're- You're bleeding!"

You glanced down at Leo with an uninterested expression.

"Yeah, that I am"

Leo backed away from you, shaking his head viscously while waving his hands up and down.

"How! WHAT?! Why are you so calm about this!?!?"

"Kappa, I'm a Battle Nexus fighter, I one time had my gut stabbed through"

You strained out a laugh at the traumatizing memory, but Leo didn't find it that all amusing as you did.

"Excuse me. You f*cking WHAT!?!?"

You shut one of your eyes as your friend shouted at you, you straining a little bit before shaking your head. The edges of your eyes were starting to blur a bit but you jostle yourself for a moment. Regaining your sight before planting your feet as you stared at the ground as you tried your best to pay attention with your splitting headache.

"Battle Nexus- GASP! You're The Red Phantom! Big M's little champion pet!"

You cocked your neck over to Donnie with a snarl, your blood felt like it was on fire as you glared him down.

"I am not her pet! Donnie! I'm her- her- Pride and j-joy!"

Your voice cracked as you yelled. Deep down you knew it wasn't true, despite her sayings so, Big mama treated you more like a dog than a person. You smack your tongue against the roof of your mouth, no matter how hard you tried, it stayed dry.

"Oh don't Donnie me! AND It's Donatello to you! You- You Dalcop!"

"Big words coming from a little man"

You snorted out while showcasing your fingers to squish Donnie's head through a squinted eye. The shorter turtle sucked in his beak as rage shook through his body.

"Trying to lessen my pride by berating my stature! A tactic used by the small-minded"

"And Despite that, I still bested you in combat that you engaged. And here I thought that you were supposed to be the smart one"

You shot a wink after you equivocated Donnie's statement. Flipping him the bird with your free hand as he sputtered while clenching his tech bo.

"Red!"

"What!?"

You spun your head over to Leo who was giving you a stern look, arms folded across his plastron as he tapped his foot.

"Oh come on! He started it!"

"He did not!"

You snap back over to Donatello as he interjected himself after your accusation.

"Who uses the Third person while referring to themselves!?"

"Donatello does that's who!"

"And Raph"

Leo added quietly, you rolled your eyes before glancing back over at the red-eared slider.

"You're insufferable sometimes you know that!?"

"Yeah, but you love me"

Leo interjected while rubbing the back of his neck with a smile, you simply just sighed before turning back over to an agape Donatello.

"Oh! Oh, Newton! Oh by Darwin's beard! This can not be happening"

Donnie wretches in disgust as he saw the interaction between you two. The boy was starting to suspect that you were more than friends with Leonardo but didn't dare to announce so out loud.

"No no! Leo! Get away from that temptress! That- That- Harlot!"

Your eyes widened before anger took over them as you fumed.

"Harlot!? UH UH! You don't talk to me like that!"

You took a step forward before gaging in pain, clenching your arm at the movement. Tears pricked the side of your eyes but you rapidly blinked them away as your breath ragged.

"shit..shit..shit!"

You cursed under your breath as more blood poured out of your shoulder, the movement was causing more fluids to pump through your body. Leo gawked at you, horrified by the scene that was taking place. The turtle quickly rushed over to you, steading you in his arms as you wobbled about. The boy hurriedly helped you to the ground and pressed your back against the stone barrier.

"Kappa, please... I'm- ngh! Fine. I've had worse.."

You huffed out as his blue eyes flicked all over your body as if you were breaking right in front of him.

"Oh d-don't look at me like that.."

You could feel your heartache as Leo's scared watch burned into your skull. You quickly turn away from him, no longer being able to bare his gaze. Leo snapped his head over to his twin brother, feeling a new type of anger that he never thought he was capable of.

"Fix her."

"What-"

"Fix her right NOW!"

You opened your eye to see your turtle friend storm over to the other one. His dark voice was dead serious as he clenched his fist in irritation.

"You did this to her and now you're gonna fix it!"

"Oh please Nardo- As if-"

The indifferent brother rolled his eyes after crossing his arms before Leo yanked him by the plastron. Getting dangerously close to his face as Leonardo snarled at him.

"I am not playing Donatello! Do it!"

The soft shell's eyes broadened at his brother's graveness, him feeling his head retracting his head a bit in his shell before clearing his throat. He forcibly shoved his twin off of him and then wiped off the nonexistent dirt from his body.

"Geez okay! Fine fine! But I'm not doing it unless you come home"

Leonardo stiffened a bit as his eyes dilated, he shook off the feeling before somberly nodding his head at his brother's offer.

"Fine."

Donnie cocked his head over to you, staring down at your broken body as you hissed through closed teeth. His expression softened a bit at the pitiful sight, he was starting to feel guilt seep into his shell but he shook it off. Reverting himself back to his apathetic presentation.

He sucked in his pride as he got on a knee, leaning over to you which causes you to flinch away from his touch. His gaze was only met with confusion, anger, and fear. For a moment, Donnie saw a glimpse of the real you, he just didn't know it yet.

"Relax, I'm not going to hurt you"

"You already hurt me!"

You snapped while protecting your arm by turning your body away from him.

"I mean- anymore!"

"He's here to help Red"

You glanced up at a delicate Leo kneeling to you, gently taking your free hand in his. The turtle rubbed his thumb over your bandaged knuckles. You flick your eyes back and forth from your hands to his face.

You didn't trust Donatello, but you trusted Leo. You press your lips together as you intertwine your fingers with his. Which was a little awkward since he only had three fingers and you had five, but you figured out a way regardless. Dark blue eyes met yours, he was a little surprised by your actions but his face felt warmer for it.

Donnie glared at you and Leo, feeling resentment burn in his chest. The soft shell quickly turned his head away from the scene. Clenching his teeth as he clicked a button on his wrist guard. A small electrical click went off before something popped out of his battle shell.

A small hovering purple case flew over to his upper half. The turtle grabbed the case, opening it before letting it float back in the air. He looked down at the context inside before grabbing a small spray vile. He glanced back over to you, letting out a small groan before reaching over to your arm.

When Donatello's fingers made contact with your arm, you basically jumped out of your skin as you pressed your body as much as you could against the stone barrier. Your hands shook as you yank it away from Leo, using them to protect yourself as you stared at Donnie.

"No- No! On second thought- I can... can take care of myself! Yeah-!"

You fumbled out the words with unsteady drags, you sounded more scared than malicious. Which confused the inventor of the group more than anything.

"Ugh, you need medical attention. Your wound is going to infect if I don't treat it"

His green hand reached over to you again, this time you were more aware of the sense of illusion that you try to create for yourself. So you sneered down at the younger teen, yanking your arm away.

"I don't need your charity!"

"Red Please-"

You barked over Leo's words as the slightly shocked but more annoyed Donatello scoffed at you. He just rolled his eyes before sighing, he was trying to be patient with you. He really was, but you weren't doing him much favors with your attitude.

"Look at you, look at the way you're sweating and breathing, a fever has or is about to set in. I need to-"

The softshell grabbed your arm again, a little too forcefully this time which warranted a yelp from you as you smack his hand away.

"DON'T TOUCH ME WITH YOUR FILTHY-"

You were cut off by an infuriated Donatello as your yanked towards him by your chest plate. You bared your teeth at him as he proceeded to yell in your face.

"Listen here, you little- BITCH. I don't like you either, but I'm not going to let you suffer because you're too prideful to see that I can do something to help! So shut the F*CK UP and let me do MY JOB!"

Donnie let go of you, letting you fall back against the barrier. Leo was about to go off on his brother for daring to talk to you that way, but something inside of you snapped as you interrupted his rant.

"Now wait JUST A MINUTE-"

"...Okay... Go ahead...."

You echoed the words softly, which made both turtles gawk at you with shock. You really were swallowing your pride but also your fear as you offer your injured arm to Leos's twin. You clenched your teeth in irritation at the silence before lashing out at them.

"Can you just get it over with already!?"

Donnie seemed to snap out of his trance before grabbing your arm, you flinched but didn't jerk away. He raised an eyebrow at you as you intently watched him do his work.

Ignoring your stares, he placed the nozzle of the spray can into your wound, causing you to wince harshly. You wanted to wretch your body back but you were determined to stay still.

"This is an antibacterial foam that will cool your wound down as well as clean it, it's gonna sting like a bitch"

You grit your teeth, clenching your free fist after you rush Donatello.

"Just do it!"

"Okay then-"

Donnie muttered before squeezing the trigger that released the froth. Bubbles started to erupt from your wound, a tingling sensation rippled through your body as your howled in pain.

"Shit shit shit! F*ck! That hurts!"

"What did I tell you!?"

Donnie snapped back through a slanted beak, he promptly pulled out the nozzle from your arm. Watching as the foam sizzled and popped as it killed any type of harmful germs to prevent infection. You gripped your arm tightly as you slammed your head back into the air. You gritted your teeth as you shot out profanities from your lips, as quickly as it started it ended just as fast. The burning passed as it calmed down, and you stopped digging your nails to combat the pain as the foam crystallized. Preventing the blood from spilling out further.

You were presently astonished at this form of treatment, something like this would definitely help Sidney out with nursing injuries. Well other than potions, those also worked wonders. After some ogling on your part, Donatello brought out a roll of bandages, of course just like every other item of his. It was purple, you wondered if he specifically searched for bandages in this color or not.

Donnie wrapped your shoulder up in silence, his work earning a few winces from him tightening the bandage. He glanced up at you whenever you made a sound, studying your face every time. After he was done patching you up, he cleared his throat as he began to pack up his things.

"There all done, You're welcome, and thank you"

You shot Donatello a glare at that sentence but were too tired to care. You went to get up but your arm wasn't cooperating at the moment. It still being sore and numb from the toll it just endured.

"Here let me help you, just lean onto me okay?"

You turn over to Leo who was holding you again now, you just let out a sigh and begrudgingly allowed him to assist you up to your feet. He stabilized your wobbling legs as you stood, holding you close before letting you go after telling him that you were fine now.

You held your arm as it lifelessly dangled, you clenching your teeth as you watched Donnie get up. The turtle shot you a glare as Leo coddled you. You hated this, you hated getting help, you hated looking weak in front of an opponent, but what you hated the most was how Leo kept on acting like you were going to die any second. All because of this minor injury you possessed.

Although you were so tired that you didn't even have the energy to care. All you wanted to do was to curl up in your bed and fall asleep next to your friend again. So you glanced over to Leo as he firmly placed his arm on your back. Then hearing Donnie hiss "f*cking temptress" under his breath pulled you out of your trance as you decide to poke the bear.

"Can we go? Your brother is being a shit goblin again"

The turtle glanced down at you with a confused look before an annoying indifferent voice rang through your ears.

"Oh look! I'm a teenage girl, I'd rather be anywhere than here"

You sneered over at Donnie as he walked towards you and his brother with folded arms. Using his fingers to tally off after he taunted you.

"I'm all about long sullen silences, followed by mean comments! Followed by MORE silences"

The turtle then got inches away from your face with a smug shit-eating grin as you stewed in silence.

"So what's it gonna be huh? Long sullen silence or mean comment. Go on."

You glared at him as he peered at you with a smirk, you felt your blood boil as you clench your fist. You were gonna combat him with a degrading jab but that would just prove him right. You let out a sigh as your body relaxed, reverting to your apathetic nature.

"...You got me in a box here.."

"AHA! ONE POINT, DONNIE!"

The turtle pulled away from your face as he waved his hand triumphantly in the air. Leo groaned as he pulled at the bags under his eyes from the two of you.

"Can yall just be nice to each other, FOR JUST ONCE!"

"He's still breathing, that's me being nice, asshole!"

Leo snapped his head over to you looking over irritated, you just gave him a "what do you want from me!?" expression before letting out a sigh.

"Sorry. Sorry. I.... just stressed okay..."

Leo's face softened, he placed a firm hand on your uninjured shoulder, and you inclined your head a bit before a lopsided grin spread across your face. You moved your free hand to him and placed your palm over his hand. Fastening your grip on his fingers as you gazed at each other.

The moment was rudely interrupted by a clogged throat being cleared.

"Ehm hem hem!"

You groan, rolling your eyes as you trail them over to the soft shell. Leo is a little more annoyed at his brother as he shot his eyes over at him. He was watching as he folded his arms across his chest and shift his weight to his hip.

"Nardo. We made a deal, I help her you come home. So we're leaving."

Your eyes broaden a bit at the mention of Leo leaving you, and you felt his grip on your shoulder tighten as his beak pressed against each other. You paused your breathing for a second while Leo shut his eyes, very clearly complicating his decision. The boy then let out a sigh before glancing down at you, your eyes widened a bit as you saw the look he was giving you. You sucked in a breath as you stared at the floor.

"Just... Let me get my things first"

You felt a bit cold as Leo's body left your side, he pulled out his odachi, failing only once to get a portal open. You and he were about to walk in before Donnie blocked your path.

"No, you stay here for insurance. For all I know, you and Leo would just skip town once through"

Your eyes flicked over to a groaning Leo, was that his plan the whole time? Just to hit the road and ditch Donnie? That's what you wanted to do anyway, but that clearly wasn't happening.

"Fine."

You muttered out while Leo felt like he was being driven up a wall right now. His fingers were crunched together as he took short breaths, gritting his teeth before straightening out his arms as far as he could. After that he stormed over to Donnie, shoving a finger into his chest as he quipped at him.

"Touch her, and your dead"

Donie went to open his mouth before huffing out some air through his nose. Rolling his eyes while nodding his head at his brother, quirking it back over to you with a glare. After threatening his twin he walked over to you and place his hand on your shoulder.

"I'll be back"

"I know... You always do"

You muddled out with a smile, your affectionate attitude spread over to the turtle in front of you as a grin spread across his face.  Leo then walked over to the swirling vortex inside, to disappear into thin air once he stepped inside.

Silence ate the room whole in his absence. The tension between you and Donatello was so thick a knife could cut through it.

"You know, you try to hide it even though I can see right through you"

You let out a small shaky huff before glancing over to Donatello, him looking down at you with folded arms as the air around you clotted.

"Yeah, and what is that?"

You chuckled tiredly while glaring over at Donnie with that fake mask of confidence that you wore.

"The fear. Its stench lingers around you like the black plague, a blind dog could see it"

You stiffened a bit, feeling your heart pound in your ears as your mouth snapped shut. It's like you could hear the cracks starting to form around you. You weren't going to break that easily, so you sucked in your breath before recomposing yourself.

"I don't know what you're talking about"

"He's gonna end up dead if he keeps hanging around you"

You snapped your head over to Donatello a wave of newfound anger burning in your chest as you yelled at him.

"You shut the hell up! I would never let that happen! I- I- I can protect him"

"Really? Because the most damning thing endangering Leo's life is you"

Your eyes widened as you stepped back, you wouldn't be so affected by his words if you didn't believe him. Deep down you knew that you were unstable, self-destructive, and hostile, but you never wanted to hurt Leo. You didn't want to be this way, but it was drilled into you ever since you were twelve.. or was it thirteen? You couldn't recall anymore.

"No.. No.. that's not.. I'm not- I don't- YOU DON'T KNOW THAT!!"

"Oh please Phantom, Be real here! You are one of Big mama's most prosperous fighters! How do I know you aren't just using Leo to get all of us"

"I WOULD NEVER-"

"And if that isn't the case! How long will it be before Big mama finds out that you're hanging out with one of her enemies? How long before she comes after him because of you?"

You were speechless, you couldn't muster up one word. So you just stood there as white as a sheet with a gaped look.

".....W-What do you want from me..."

Your voice was so hoarse it was hard to even slip out the words, and your throat was so clogged it felt like you were choking.

"I want you to leave my brother alone"

Your hands squeezed into fists, feeling your body shake as you shucked in your cheeks.

"....I can't do that..."

"Why? Why do you persist?"

You knew you were selfish, you knew that you were greedy, But Leo brought this light back into your life that you never thought you had. He was new and exciting, he made you feel something again, something you didn't know you were capable of feeling.

"...He-"

You were cut off by that familiar whirring noise cut through the air before the wind started to tug on both your and Donnie's bodies. That familiar blue hue illuminated you both as the familiar turtle walked out with one of the paper bags that you had from last night. You assumed that it had his unicorn and maybe some extra snacks because had some leftovers.

You and Donnie put a hold on your conversation as you turn away from each other while a somber red slider stepped out in front of you. The portal swirled close as he shot you guys a confused look.

"Did I.. Miss something?"

"No Kappa.."

"Yeah nothing at all"

Donnie grunted as his sour face jeered away from you, keeping his arms promptly folded against his chest. Leo cocked a brow at the two of you but just let out a sigh before walking over to you, a small smile spreading across his face as he gently pulled you into a hug.

"I'll be back next weekend, I promise"

Oh yeah... it's Sunday, you had to go back to the battle nexus tonight

You sucked in a shaky breath before warping your arm around his neck since you couldn't use the other one at the moment. You buried your head into his neck, Donatello's words really got through to you, they were whispering into your ears. Your heartbeat against your chest as you tilt your head up a bit, meeting Donnie's abrasive eyes as he shook his head at you. You felt like you were going to throw up, your ears ringing so loud. You were still not all there when Leo pulled away from you, cupping your face as he furrowed his brows.

"Red?"

You didn't answer him, your ears were still static. Your pupils shook as disassociation had you in a chokehold.

"Red!"

Leo shakes your body a bit to pull you back to reality. You snapped your eyes to him, holding your gaze as you scrunched up your face.

"Are you okay?"

Your pupils deflated as you took in the sight of your friend, and your fastened breaths slowed as he held you in his hand.

"Yes, I-I'm fine"

You steadied your trembling hand, bringing them up to Leo's and placing them over his, you then push your foreheads together. Closing your eyes as you soak in the moment, feeling the warmth that radiated off Leo.

After pulling away from him, locking eyes with him before you were the one to break for the first time. You didn't want Leo to leave, You didn't want to go back to the arena tomorrow, you didn't want Donnie to hate you, but most of all You didn't want to feel this way in the first place.

"Goodbye Red"

Leo backed up getting closer to his brother as he shot you a small salute. Your sadness clouded your features, but you try to save face by forcing a smile onto your face. Donnie's expression hardened as his eyes met yours, and recognition dawned on your face. Your mouth contorted as you lowered your head.

You heard that portal open again, you rise your chin up as Leo shared one final glance with you before he waved his hand goodbye. You wanted to shout at him, beg him not to go, not to leave you alone again but you didn't. Instead, you mimic his moments and give him a curt wave before he disappeared into the portal. Donatello shot you a half-lidded glare before entering the vortex himself. The swirling door closes, leaving you alone all over again.

The illusion of control seemed to shatter as your knees buckled, You stumbled over to the roof barrier and slide your back down it. You squeeze your fists, starting to regain feeling in your left arm again as short hot breaths trembled through your body.

You notice the dampness on your face, you reached up and smeared your fingers on your cheek to find tears flowing. Your face is screwed up as you latch your palm over your mouth with the added effect of your mask muffling your sobs. Your other hand ripped at your hair as you curled up in a ball, doubling over as you choked out wails.

Sooner or later you knew that you had to go back to Big Mama, but right now.

You just wanted to be alone...

Meanwhile, the turtle brothers were spat out in the damp tunnels that weren't that far from the outside entrance of their home. The overwhelming scent of the sewers welcomes the duo back. After Leo sheathed his odachi in his holster, he slipped his bag to the nook of his elbow.

"So what was with that girl that tried to kill you?"

A flabbergasted Leo shot his head towards his brother as he tried to get the story straight.

"She wasn't trying to kill me! We were just um uh training!"

Leo nodded his head firmly, thinking that his answer was very convincing.

"She pinned you to the ground while punching you"

"She didn't punch me, Donatello"

Leo iterated while rolling his arms with his arms crossed.

"She's in cahoots with Big mama"

"Nobodys perfect"

Donnie groaned while shaking his head at his idiotic brother. Leo was about to move forward before broadening his eyes a bit in realization. Donatello now knew about you and can now expose your relationship. Leo turned back over to the soft shell and firmly grasped Donnie's wrist forcing him to face his brother.

"You can't tell anybody about Red"

"Nardo the family deserves to-"

Leo grimaced as he shoved his twin against the stone wall, water splashing as he pined him down with his arm across Donatello's chest.

"We don't tell the family shit! I'm serious Donnie! Don't f*cking bring them up!"

Donnie scowled down at his brother, noticing his dead serious nature as his blue eyes pierced through his skull.

"She's a weapon. A killer! Don't forget that Leo! You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that won't change its nature"

Leo's eyes slit as he hissed down at the more intelligent turtle, pressing down with more pressure onto his chest.

"Your ass must be pretty jealous of all the shit that comes out of your mouth"

The slider snarled at his twin while his knuckles went white from how hard he was clenching his free fist.

"Leo I'm being serious!"

"And so am I!"

The lighter-colored turtle snapped, Donnie just glared at him before shoving him off causing the turtle to wobble a bit before catching himself.

"You're gonna end up getting killed because of them!"

Leonardo gritted his teeth while he aggressively folded his arm across his chest, a small irritated smile spreading across his face.

"I'm trying my absolute hardest to see things from your perspective, but I just can't seem to get my head that far up my ass!"

A vein seemed to pop out of Donnie's neck as he growled at the stubborn turtle.

"Dammit Leo, can't you keep your emotions in check for like five minutes!"

"What is that supposed to mean!?"

Donnie spurted as he bore his eyes into his oblivious brother, feeling like he was out of the loop.

"You gotta be kidding- You obviously have feelings for her!"

Leo stopped talking, his face going pale for just a minute before he shook his head with a grimace.

"I don't know what you're talking about"

Leo went to walk away but it was Donnie's turn to yank him to make him listen.

"Oh as if! You were all over her mister, I want to hold your face in my hands every five seconds"

Leo felt his face flush up a bit, most people didn't know this but turtles like to touch each other's faces to show love. You would have no way of knowing this but Donatello, a fellow turtle, saw right through him.

"We're.. We're just friends"

Leo mused out with hesitance, he felt very jumbled up at the moment. Embarrassment and anger swirled in his chest as Donatello berated him.  

"Oh, you gotta be joking! You look at them like they're your entire world!"

Leo scoffed as his face reddened, trying not to display his humiliation.

"Y-You're just jealous that I have a friend that I don't have to share with the family"

"Criticism doesn't always equal jealousy it's time that you learned that" 

Leo fell silent, him being at a loss for words. Donnie sighed at Leonardo's stillness while he rubbed the skin in between his forehead.

"Leo it's clear that you really care about this girl but does she feel the same about you?"

Now that was the million-dollar question that Leo himself didn't know for sure. He means, you've never flat-out told him what he means t you, but you didn't really have to. They say that actions speak louder than words and all of your actions towards the turtle were always caring, fun, and quick-witted. Not being afraid to crack a joke or a smug smile, you always seemed to cheer him up, especially last night.

The turtle let out a small huff of air as he looked down at the paper bag in his arm, catching a glimpse of the unicorn that sat inside.

"You know what... I don't need her to feel the same, I think the way she treats me now is just as good"

Leo chuckled out softly, his anger washing away and being replaced with contentment. Donnie's face faltered as he watched his brother goofily smile while thinking about you. He was really too far gone to get any sense knocked into him.

"I'm really not going to convince you of this huh?"

"Nope"

Leo crooned out while popping the p in nope. Donatello sighed before tugging at the skin of his mouth.

"So you still gonna insist on me keeping this quiet?"

"Please Donnie, She's... well the only good thing I got going for me, Please don't tell the family"

Donnie glanced over at a desperate Leo, the slider was really pulling the empathy card with those puppy dog eyes. The darker-toned turtle groaned before letting out sharp breaths.

"Fine, but promise that you'll be careful"

"Only if you promise you won't tell"

Leo dictated with a small shrug. An exasperated huff of air escaped Donatello before he eventually caved in.

"Okay okay, I promise"

"I promise too"

Leo and Donnie shared a glance, Leo looked down at his arm before lifting it up to Donnie with a smile.

"Disaster twins?"

Donatello skimmed his eyes down at his brother's free arm, taking in a deep breath before a lopsided grin cursed his beak.

"Disaster twins"

The soft shell lifted his own arm and bumped it against Leo's causing the turtle's smile to widen.

"Come on let's go home"

Donnie muttered out while pushing past Leo, leading the duo down the tunnels to finally end up back in the lair.