Once back at the lair, Leo said, "Don, how's Sensei doing?"

"Same, Leo," Don said despondently. "I'm hoping he'll pull through. I'm sorry your date had to end early."

"It's okay, Don," Natasha said. "We can always go out another time. What matters is yer Dad."

"April and Casey are on their way," Mikey said. "And should be here any minute now."

"Good," Leo said. "I'm going to check on Dad." And Leo left the room.

"So, Natasha," Don said, eyeing the teddy bear she held and studying her, thinking she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. "What did you and Leo do?"

"We went to a funfair."

"Did you kiss?" Mikey asked, a twinkle in his eye.

"I don't kiss and tell," Natasha said firmly. "What happens between me and Leo is our business."

"Um, so Natasha, what do you like doing for fun?" Mikey asked, trying to diffuse the now thick tension.

"Nothin' ya'd enjoy, Mikey. Yer not the sharpest tool in the toolbox, so ya wouldn't be able to do half of what I like."

"Whoa," Mikey said, throwing his hands up in surrender. "That's rude, dudette. I was just trying to be friendly and get to know you."

"Don't bother. We have nothin' ta discuss."

"Oh, are you still mad about earlier? I said I'm sorry, dudette!"

"Yeah, he said he was sorry, Natasha," Don chimed in. "Cut him some slack."

"Back off geekface, and stop starin' at me like I'm a piece of meat," Natasha snapped. "I hate bein' stared at like a sex object. I ain't some slut for ya ta drool over and neither of ya stand a chance with me. I'll be in Leo's room, so tell him when he comes out and don't bother me. Got nothin' ta say ta ya perverts." Natasha stomped out of the room, muttering curses under her breath.

"Wow," Mikey said. "That chick's got some issues, Donnie."

"You're telling me," Don said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Something seems very off about her, Mikey, and I intend to find out what."

"Maybe she has her period."

"Turtles don't get periods, Mikey."

"Maybe she has PTSD after her shit with Bishop."

"Yeah, maybe, but then why isn't she hostile to Leo? No, Natasha's keeping something from us, Mikey. Don't let on that we think so, okay? Just act normal around her until I figure out what it is."

"Yeah, okay, Donnie, but I hope you find out soon. I can't take more of her bitchiness. She's making me depressed and unhappy."

XXX

Meanwhile, Leo was with Splinter in the infirmary and talking quietly to him. Splinter coughed periodically and looked at his son, a weary expression on his face. "Leonardo," the old rat said. "If I pass, I want you to be clan leader and to continue looking after your brothers, especially Raphael. He needs you to keep him in line."

"Yes, Sensei," Leo said, not wanting to tell him that Raphael had died, knowing it would break Splinter's heart and possibly send him to his grave.

"I want you to continue fighting for justice and to find love, my son, to settle down and maybe have a family. I know there are few options for you, but if you do stumble upon it, take the opportunity."

"There is someone, Sensei. It's...I met someone. A girl turtle and she's…" Leo blushed and added, "Beautiful. Long dark hair and the most stunning eyes I've ever seen. Golden eyes."

"Like Raphael. Your brother's eyes are unusual."

"Yeah, and she talks like him, but she's not him of course. The poor girl was an experiment of Bishop's and we found her in the sewers. She'd been mugged when she escaped from the psycho and she ran down here. She has no one, so we took her home. I like her a lot, Sensei, and she likes me. We went on a date earlier and it's weird, but I feel like I've known her my whole life and we get on so well. Natasha is so amazing," Leo said, a dreamy expression on his face. "And she likes all the things I do, even Space Heroes. Sensei, I would like your blessing, because I'd like to ask her to be my girlfriend."

Splinter managed a small smile and said, "I am glad you have met someone, Leonardo. I wish your brothers would too. You have my permission to ask her out, but I would like to meet her, so that I can bless both of you."

"Sensei, are you not tired?"

"I can handle a few minutes, Leonardo."

"Very well. I will get her."

XXX

Leo entered the lounge and said, "Mikey, where's Natasha?"

"In your room. How's Sensei?"

"Same, Mikey, but I've given him his medication, and hopefully he'll get better. Where's Donnie?"

"Went to his lab."

Just then April and Casey arrived. "Leo, Mikey," April said, throwing her arms around them. "I'm sorry about Master Splinter."

"Thanks," Leo said, disengaging himself. "He's been medicated, so we're crossing fingers he'll make it."

"He's tough," Casey said. "I am sure he will, Leo."

Mikey pulled away and said, "Donnie's in the lab. I'll get him. Back in a few."

Left alone with Casey and April, Leo said, "I'll be right back."

XXX

Leo went into his bedroom and found Natasha sitting at his desk and reading a motorcycle magazine. "You like bikes, Tash?" Leo asked.

"Um, I was looking for somethin' ta read and this seemed more interestin' than the life of Confucius," Natasha said.

"My brother loved bikes."

"Oh."

"He was always trying to get me to go on his, which was his baby," Leo said, blinking back tears at the memory. "Now it stands in the garage unused."

"I'm sorry."

"Told me once that if he died, the damn thing was mine, so I guess it is. if you want, I'll take you for a ride sometime."

"I'd like that, Leo."

"It's settled then. Sensei is awake and would like to meet you."

"Um, really? I don't think that's a good idea. He's exhausted and not feelin' well. It can wait and I'm shy, Leo. I'm not good with people," Natasha said, hoping Leo dropped the subject.

"He won't bite," Leo said with a smile. "Come on. You'll have to meet him sooner or later if we're going to be dating, right? Why not now?"

"Datin'?" Natasha asked, her heart soaring. "Really?"

"Yes, unless you don't want to. I mean, if you don't, it's okay."

"No, I wanna, but ya gotta ask me proper."

Leo dropped to one knee, grabbed her hand and Natasha giggled. "Natasha, will you be my girlfriend?" he asked.

"Yeah, Leo! Hell, yeah!" Natasha squealed. "But we have ta seal it with a kiss."

Leo stood up, pulled her towards him and kissed her passionately on the lips. "How was that?" he asked.

"Incredible. Yer the greatest, Leo, and I'm gonna do my best ta make ya happy."

"As will I," Leo said, and grabbed her hand. "Come and meet my sensei, so we can we get his blessing together."

"Uh, Leo, I still am shy."

"I understand, but you have nothing to be shy about. He'll like you. Please. He could die at any moment and it means so much to me that you meet him before he passes. Please, Tasha," Leo begged, staring at her pleadingly.

"Okay," Natasha said, and gulped nervously. Fuck, she thought. I hope Sensei doesn't realize it's me, Raphael. If he does, the gig's up and Leo will never speak ta me again for dupin' him! Fuck!"

"Then you can meet my friends, April and Casey. They're great people."

"People, uh, humans? I'm terrified of humans, Leo."

"I understand, but they're great people and won't hurt you. I promise."

Shit, Natasha thought. April and Casey. What if they realize it's me? No, gotta stall this somehow. "Hey, Leo?"

"Yes?"

"I don't feel so hot. Mind if I meet yer friends and sensei later?"

"It's just for a few minutes, Tasha."

"I understand, but I really don't feel good, Leo. Lightheaded and I'm gonna," Natasha said, starting to fall to the ground, but quickly caught by Leo, who picked her up and carried her to the bed

"Maybe too much excitement from today. You rest, Tasha," Leo said and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Is there anything I can get you?"

"Just some water, please, Leo."

"I'll be back now."

XXX

Leo went into the infirmary where April sat with Splinter, who'd fallen asleep. "I'll stay with him, Leo," she said. "You look zonked."

"Thanks. I just need an hour or two kip."

"That's fine. Please tell Natasha I want to meet her and she's a very lucky girl."

Leo flushed and said, "How do you know about her?"

"Mikey told me."

"He could never keep his beak shut!"

"What's she like?"

"Like a dream come true. I asked her to be my girlfriend and she said yes, but I want Sensei's blessing on it. I'm hoping he can give it."

"That's wonderful, Leo. I'm happy for you. And I am sorry about Raphael. He'll be missed."

"Yeah," Leo said, blinking back tears. "Me too. Anyway, I'll talk to you later. If his condition changes, let me know."

"Will do."

XXX

Leo went into his room and gazed tenderly at Natasha, who'd fallen asleep. She looks like an angel, Leo thought, as he sat down on a chair next to the bed. And I am so lucky to have found her. As for Raph, wherever you are bro, know I love you and I always will. If me and Natasha have babies, Raph, we'll name one after you. I know you'd like that. And Raph, if you can hear me, I'm sorry for all the mean things I ever said to you. I wish you were here with me. Life is not the same without you, bro.

Leo choked out a sob, as he thought of his fallen brother and Natasha woke and said, "Leo, what's wrong?"

"Just thinking of my brother. Go back to sleep, Tasha. It's okay."

Natasha got up and crossed to his side, pulling him to his feet and standing on her tip toes and kissing him on the lips. "I'm here, Leo," she said, and wrapped her arms around him. Leo snuggled into her embrace, sobs wracking his body, as he thought of Raphael. Natasha hugged him fiercely and Leo inhaled her feminine scent that smelled like jasmine and lilacs to him. I never want to lose her, he thought. She is everything I ever wanted. The couple stayed like that for a long time. Then Leo bent down and kissed her deeply on the lips. She kissed him back, standing on her tip toes and wrapping her arms around his neck. Still kissing, Leo lifted her into his strong arms and carried her to the bed, placing her down gently onto it.

Breaking the kiss, Natasha smiled and parted her legs. "I want ya ta make love ta me, Leo."

"You don't want to wait?"

"What for? We could be dead tomorrow? I want ya, Leo, and I know ya want me."

"Yes, I do, but shouldn't we wait?"

"Do ya wanna wait or is that yer morals tellin' ya ta wait? Because I don't wanna wait. I want ya now. I need ya, Leo, and ya need me. I'll make ya feel so good and this ain't a one-time thing, Leo. I'm yer girlfriend, yer mate, and I want ya forever. Fuck me."

Leo pulled off her dress and yanked off her panties and kissed her deeply, his shell feeling extremely tight. Then he parted her legs and began lapping at her slit, making her groan in ecstasy and throw her head back. "Oh, Leo," Natasha moaned, raking her nails down his arms. "I love that. Wow. Keep goin'."

Leo continued to lick her and paused, as he churred and dropped down, his eight inch forest green cock semi erect and oozing precome. He gazed at her with hooded eyes and resumed lapping, making Natasha churr and dig her nails in deeper into his skin.

When he was satisfied, she was wet enough, Leo thrust inside of her. Natasha hissed at the sudden penetration and Leo said, "You okay, precious?"

"Fine, Leo. This is my first time. That's all, but I want ya ta keep goin'. Please."

"You sure?"

"Positive. Make me yers, Leo. Claim me."

Leo bit down gently on her collarbone and sucked it, leaving a large red mark, marking her with his scent. Then he kissed her on her lips and resumed thrusting, slowly building up to a steady rhythm that had both of them seeing stars. Leo studied his mate and thought, she is so gorgeous and mine. I am going to show her how much I love her every day and every opportunity I get. Leo began to thrust faster and it wasn't long before Natasha climaxed, letting out a low churr. Leo came shortly after, shooting his white essence inside of her.

Pulling out, Leo kissed her on the lips and said, "Thank you, Tasha."

"No, thank ya, Leo. That was out of this world and just how I imagined my first time ta be. Passionate, but tender. Wow. Now I'm yers. Ya marked me."

"Yes and I'm yours," Leo said, bending down and nuzzling her neck. "You're heaven sent, Tash."

Natasha smiled and said, "As are ya, baby."

Feeling sleepy, Leo pressed a kiss to her lips and said, "Night, Tasha."

"Night, Leo," Natasha said, pulling him down beside her and wrapping her arms around him. "See ya in the mornin'."

Leo soon drifted off to sleep, a contented smile on his face, and Natasha thought, I knew he liked me and we've made love. I'm bettin' there are gonna be babies soon and me and Leo are gonna be awesome parents. I just hope no one finds out my secret, otherwise babies or not, Leo's gonna be fuckin' pissed and leave me.