Leonardo paced back and forth across the small space, kicking aside forgotten papers strewn on the floor. Although he could not see the room, he knew it used to be an old office space evident from the large empty desk sitting in the middle. He ran his hand over the thick layer of dust and it quickly coated his fingers. He brushed them off on his coat as he continued his pacing. Leonardo decided he would wait five more minutes for the unknown informant. If they did not make an appearance, he would have to tell April it was a bad lead.
A light step. A swish of fabric. Leo turned towards the newcomer and stopped. The smell, sweet and floral with a hint of steel, cut through the musty air. It was unmistakable and he had known that scent once. Intimately.
"What are you doing here?" Leo asked. On instinct, he found himself reaching for the hilt of the small blade at his hip.
"I'm sorry, Leonardo. I know it's been so long, but I had to see you. I had to get you here somehow," she whispered.
"Karai-"
"Please. I heard what happened to you and I-" Karai paused and he heard her light steps as she drew closer. "I just needed to know that you are alive, that you are okay."
He turned away from her, chuckling softly. "If you call this okay…" gesturing to himself.
Then Karai was next to him. Her fingertips brushed his cheek and turned his face towards her. Lightly her hands ran over the scars on his face and gently slid the dark glasses off his muted gray eyes. She gasped softly and Leo could feel her warm breath on his face.
"Don't-" he protested quietly. Karai silenced him with her lips pressed against his. There was a tenderness that he did not remember and he turned into the kiss against his better judgement. Tenderness melted away into heat as their bodies pressed together. Her hands gripped the back of his neck and his large calloused fingers wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her to him.
Karai's hands slid over his shoulders to push away the long black coat that hid the rest of the scars that covered his body and shell. The heavy fabric fell away easily to pool on the floor around their feet. She pushed Leonardo back until his thighs pressed against the desk. Small hands slid over scarred emerald skin, eager to re-discover, but he caught them easily before they could explore too much.
Leo pulled back slowly. His hot breath ghosting over Karai's lips.
"We shouldn't do this," he said.
"Why not? It's just you and me," She nipped gently at his chin. "There's no one here judge us. To disapprove. No fathers. No brothers."
"Maybe not, but we are still at war," He pushed her away gently. "And you can't keep switching sides," Leo stooped down to gather his coat and slipped it back on, pulling it around his form. The walls predictably coming up between them again. "I can't do this today and then be your enemy tomorrow." He shook his head a little. Every time he allowed this to happen, Leo felt like he lost another piece of himself. And he had already lost so much.
"Stop thinking, Leo! Just be here with me now and forget about what will happen tomorrow." Karai tried to pull him to her, but met resistance. She sighed with frustration. Karai had anticipated this moment - seeing Leonardo again - with excitement and trepidation. But now, she realized she should have known he would never give her another chance. Not now. Not ever.
"I can't do that, Karai. You should know that by now." He cupped her cheek for a moment and then pushed past her. Away from her. Leaving an emptiness that Karai knew would never be filled.
"Leo! Please!" Karai's fingers wrapped around Leonardo's wrist. She surprised herself with the sense of yearning that threatened to consume her. He slid away easily, unfazed by her want.
"I'm sorry, Karai. Believe me when I say, I wish things were different. I would give you everything that I have." He turned to her briefly. "But I do know you and I know where your loyalties lie, even if you pretend to be unsure." He paused. "Goodbye, Karai. I'm sure we'll see each other again. Out there." He gestured with a nod of his head and she knew what he meant. They would be reunited on the battlefield, in war, in blood. After all, they are both weapons honed for battle by their fathers. Nothing more.
"Goodbye, Leo." Karai's hand dropped to her side and she let him slip away. For a moment she allowed herself to dream that the war would end and they would have a chance. She drew in a deep breath and reminded herself once again that there was no room for dreams in their world. He was the enemy and always would be, as much as her heart said otherwise.