CHAPTER 2

-End of Flashback-

Leo paced in front of Raph's room, it was 3am in the morning and he couldn't get any sleep. His guilt was killing him.

Finally, he let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding in and knocked on Raph's door, a little too hard due to his nervousness but he decided it would do. "Raph? It's me, can I come in?"

Raph was doing some bench presses when he heard a knocking on the door. He set the barbell back into place and sat up, wonder who it might be.

"Raph? It's me, can I come in?" Leo's voice appeared from behind the door.

"Fuck." Raph whispered under his breath.

"Go away, Leo. I don't wanna talk to ya." Raph spoke, his voice sounded raspy from his exercise.

"I know, but can we talk anyway? I know I said some mean things outside the lair, I really didn't mean any of it, and I'm sorry Raph." Leo spoke with regret in his tone.

Before Raph could say anything Leo let himself in slowly and softly.

"Nobody said you could come in." Raph cracked a small smile.

"I know, I just wanted to face you, not the door." Leo tilted his head slightly.

Raph was also a lot more built then any for his brothers, and even Leo himself was beat in terms of muscle mass. It was something Leo admired about Raph, not that he'd even admit it. But Raph's dedication to his muscle toning was unbelievable, it made Leo realize how much better a leader Raph would've been if the dedication was set towards the team instead.

"Checkin' me out much?" Raph chuckled, the side of his lips quirking upwards into a smirk.
"W-what? No… Well, kinda? I was just thinking how dedicated you are to body building." Leo turned his face away, hiding the slight blush in his cheeks.

"Well, yeah. But I don't go overboard and take shit like steroids. Those things are disgustin'. Gotta look sexy the healthy way, ya'know.. hehe!" Raph smiled.

"You look better when you smile. In fact, you look sexier with a smile on." Leo unconsciously blurted out which made Raph pause his laugh to stare at Leo, befuddled.

"B-but, I mean I'm just saying that as a matter of fact… It's not like I think you're sexy, no way!" Leo stuttered, and looked at everywhere around the room except for Raph as a bright red blush crept across his face.

"Thanks, I guess? Well, If that's all you gotta say, it wasn't really necessary. I know ya didn't mean any of the shit you said back there, it's true anyway. I guess, just hearin' it from the perfect son just set my blood boilin'." Raph got off the bench and swiftly manoeuvred to his hammock, laying down and rocking it slowly. A form of comfort he developed to calm himself down.

"That's not true, Raph. You have leadership qualities, like sensei said… compassion, strength, loyalty… It's just your hot headedness that gets in the way of it all. And I'm not exactly the perfect son Raph. I have my flaws." Leo moved to sit on Raph's mattress.

"Yeah well, ya sure act like da perfect son. Always on Splinta's right hand." Raph mumbled.

"Sigh, I told you Raph. I have my flaws." Leo rolled his eyes.

Raph got up from his hammock and turned to Leo, "Like what? What can the almighty fearless leader be scared of showing that its quakes 'im in his boots?" Raph taunted.

Leo glared at him and without realizing he blurted out, "That I like someone." And shortly after that his eyes widened and he covered his own mouth, turning away from Raph.

"We all know that one, Leo. Karai this, Karai that. But in the end you got over her didn't you?" Raph, narrowed his eyes, trying to eye out any hesitation in Leo.

"It isn't Karai, Raph… Just forget about what I said." Leo sighed and got up but was instantly pushed back down and pinned under Raph.

"Ya gotta be shittin' me, Leo. Who is it? C'mon you can tell me." Raph smirked obliviously.

"R-Raph… Of all people, you're the only one I really cannot allow to know." Leo looked away, a blush creased his features.

"You don't trust me that much, huh. Think I'll blackmail ya, tell Splinta' and steal yer throne?" Raph spat, his voice hoarse and raw with emotion, hurt.

" N-no, Raph. It's not that I don't trust you, I-.." Leo tried to explain but Raph quickly cut him off. "Then what, Leo? Why can't ya tell me?" Raph demanded.

"It's because it's you I like!" Leo blurted and winced, waiting for cusses, a punch, anything but it never came.

"W-what?" Raph tilted his head, all amusement clean off his face. Instead came confusion and discomfort.

TO BE CONTINUED