A/N: The first in a four part series based around a simple request. Inspired by ruran-art's fanart and mutated-green-things' "Turtle Boyfriends AU" I wrote four one-shots that examines one of the Ninja Turtles relationship with their partner. Set in the same universe as the 2003 series with some elements of the current IDW comics and Usagi Yojimbo series mixed in as well.

Special thanks to my rad sister and beta-reader shewhocollectwatches for giving me advice along the way. All errors are my own; if you spot anything awkward please let me know so that I can improve in my writing.

None of these characters belong to me and I made no money from this. Enjoy!

Colours Chapter 1: Purple

"Pull up your mask for me?"

It was an unusual request for the crocodile to give, but Donatello was more than happy to oblige.

"Like this?" the turtle responded, as he pulled up his purple mask with a calm smile.

"Perfect," Leatherhead responded. "Now try these on."

In his large hand the scientist held what appeared to be a small case of some sort. It looked vaguely familiar, but Donatello could not place where he had seen them before. He took the case from Leatherhead's hand and opened it, revealing the item inside and reminding Don why the item looked so familiar.

"Are these contact lenses?"

He recalled Casey's mother had tried to wear contact lenses for a very brief period in time until she decided that she could "Live with her glasses as opposed to these damn nuisances."

"Of a sort."

"LH, I know that I've been complaining about eyestrain recently, but that's probably because I've been spending too much time working rather than an actual problem with my eyes."

The crocodile chuckled.

"I agree with your hypothesis Donatello, which is why I said these are contact lenses 'of a sort'. They were originally contacts, but I modified them."

Now Donatello was curious.

"Modified how exactly?"

The crocodile smiled, he knew the turtle was anxious to discover the truth.

"I believe the best answer would be to 'show' you rather than just tell you."

"Well," Donatello said, picking up the contacts, "let's get started then."

Having never needed contacts before, the turtle admitted that the process was more frustrating than he originally anticipated, and could sympathize with Mrs. Jones for choosing to wear her glasses instead. Once in his eyes Leatherhead walked across the room towards the light-switch.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

"You know it," Don replied.

And with that confirmation the switch was flipped and the room went dark. Or at least it should have gotten dark. From Don's perspective to room looked, for lack of a better word, normal. He could still see his surroundings perfectly well as he could seconds ago.

"Well? What do you think?"

Don turned his head towards his partner, who was still standing next to the light switch, hands folded in front of his chest as if he was waiting anxiously for a response. And that's when it hit him.

"Did you make night vision contacts?"

The crocodile smiled and his eyes crinkled with unabashed happiness. Don loved it when he smiled like that.

"Then they work?"

Donatello walked towards Leatherhead maneuvering past the coffee table and workbench that separated the couple from each other. When he reached his partners side and switched the lights back on.

"Perfectly," he said, with a large grin of his own.

"Good. I have not been able to run any conclusive tests on them since my night vision is already superior to yours to begin with, so I was worried about the success of this prototype model."

"Good? It's amazing! I have to say, you're really outdone yourself this time LH."

And it was true, he was always fascinated at the capacities that his best friend and partner had as a scientist; he was such a creative mind and was very anxious at showcasing his own projects. Like right now for example, even after creating such a marvelous feat, Leatherhead just looked a perfect mixture of bashful and proud.

"I just have one question though," Donatello queried.

The crocodile blinked with curiosity.

"And that is?"

"You do realize that when I said I was thinking of making 'night vision glasses' to replace our older, clunkier goggles I was just joking right?" The question was half serious and half in good humour, which Don emphasized by raising an eyebrow in an over-dramatic fashion.

His partner laughed again.

"I am aware of that Donatello, which is why I wanted to make them. After all it is your birthday so why not make something that would really surprise you? Besides, they are a practical gift, and you did say you prefer something practical."

Now it was the turtle's turn to laugh, a light but still hearty chuckle. Then he smiled stood up on the tips of his toes.

"Thank you for this, Leatherhead, it's a wonderful gift."

And with that he kissed his boyfriend on the nose.

"Happy Birthday Donatello."