TMNT Bitter Sweet Honey Ch.12
Two weeks later
Donnie POV
Taking a breath, she cringed under the daunting glares of her siblings, feeling her mouth becoming drier by the second, nervously, she took a sip of water, which only made her throat feel more like sandpaper than anything else, all the while each sibling tried their best to be patient with her, watching her every move with much anticipation.
Well, that actually only lasted for two seconds, before Raph lost her cool, snarling under her breath.
"Ok genius, are you going to spill it or what? Why are we having this family meeting, with the four of us only, huh? Why the hell send both Leatherhead and Casey packing, aren't they family too, damn it?" Raph shifted into the lazy chair, tapping her finger on its warn out arm, waiting for her so call sister to finally tell them what was so important that the four of them needed to discuss right away?
Sure, this meeting couldn't be about, Donnie finally finding out if this female transformation could be reverted or not, or she would let both of the friends to stay in that case.
"Well…" Donnie bit her lip, feeling uneasy under Raph's stare, fearing how her older sister was going to react to this news she had, "You see we might have an issue…"
"Donnie, it's ok. Take your time, what is the issue," Leo asked, giving a look to Raph to settle down and let Donnie have some room to speak.
Taking another breath, she started to tell them about what her findings were, as well what is going to happen to both Raph and her during mating season.
That alone wasn't the worst of it, mating season for some bazaar reason was coming a week early, well more like in a couple days, what Donnie could gather from the last blood results she performed.
Staring at her, Donnie could see Raph gulping, slowly sinking into her chair, staring at the floor like it was the only thing that was preventing her from falling into the dark abyss of this unexpected situation.
Donnie figured her second oldest sister would take it the hardest, for that, Donnie didn't blame her, for she too felt lost as well.
"So," Leo started, choosing her words wisely, "In other words, in a couple days you two will be showing signs and it will only escalate from there."
"Yes, it will… Even if we ask Leatherhead and Casey not to come around, it will not do us much good. The agonizing temptations will only build, driving Raph and me to complete insanity…," Donnie whimpered, not liking this, she really hoped to have a solution by now, but both Leatherhead and her were still working on it, little did she know that it would come early of all things.
Pressing her lips together, Leo stood up, "I think I need to meditate on this."
As the words meditate left her lips everyone stared at her, surprised that she was actually serious this time around.
Not that meditating was anything new when it came to Leo, but everyone knew the truth, she has actually hasn't meditated since Sensei died, she lied to everyone, even to herself, going to her room pretending to do it only to sit there and stare at the wall.
The reason they put the rule down on her not to do any meditating while pregnant was for this exact reason, when she pretended to meditate her mood became dark, pulling her into a deep unshakable depression.
Fearing for her being pregnant, no one wanted her to fall into such a state of mind, which could bring problems to her and her eggs health, resulting them to lying to her, telling her they didn't want her to do it so she wouldn't want to train, avoiding the real reason.
Yet here she was, truly serious about doing it for once, was it wise though?
Taking her leave, everyone watched Leo as she disappeared beyond the Dojo towards her meditating room, then all focus was on Mikey, as he stirred under their wondering eyes, he was her mate, it would be wise if he spoke with her first, before anyone else.
Sighing Mikey shrugged, "Let's just let her do it… maybe she will this time around?"
"I guess we could do that Mikey, but I believe it would be wise that you…" Donnie started only to be interrupted by Mikey's hand, as he gave her an assuring smile.
"Don't worry about her, Donnie. She will be fine and its best no one bothers her in the mean time. Well, I'm going out, I will be back in a bit," Mikey left the room quickly before anyone could protest, heading for the entrance of the lair, only to stand in front of the shelves beside the door before heading out.
Raising an eyebrow, Donnie for the life of her, couldn't see why he would go to them, there was nothing on the shelves that should have been of any interest to him, baffled and a bit stumped, in the end, Donnie could only shake her head, there was just no point on dwelling on it, Mikey was just being Mikey.
"So Donnie…" Raph finally ushered a word, after being so silent.
"Yes Raph?" Donnie put her attention back towards Raph, whom seemed a bit scared at the given moment, which was a rare sight and quite unnerving at that.
"You have no solution for this?" Raph said slowly, hanging on each word as if she feared if she asked such a question her greatest fears will come to pass and consume her.
"No… no I unfortunately don't," Donnie sighed deeply, grabbing one of the throw pillows at the corner of the couch towards her, pressing it against her chest firmly as a source of comfort.
"Damn…" Raph bit her lip hard ignoring the pain that it brought her, "Being a girl really sucks," Raph groaned, putting her head in her hands, wondering what the hell she is going to do. Was there anything she could do to avoid this?
"I have to agree on that one," Donnie whimpered, laying her head down in complete despair, what was Raph and her going to do, they were so royally screwed.
Leo POV
The room, that was once called her sanctuary for many years, that has been neglected for some time, too long in fact, seemed to welcome her all the same.
Finding some fresh candles that never been used, Leo placed them where she felt they should be, with no particular spot in mind.
Lighting each one, while letting a breath in and out for each flame alit, she sat down in the most comfortable position she could find, slowly she stroked her swollen stomach that has been getting bigger every day, smiling at it, she was doing this for them and herself.
Closing her eyes, she started to count backwards focusing on her breathing and the numbers as they descended.
As she reached zero, her body felt relaxed, more relaxed she has been for a while now, more than the UVB lights brought her, why did she avoided this for such a long time? How could she forget what this felt like, how this serenity purified her soul?
Clearing her mind, she let herself slip away, entering the soft waves of emotions that tied her down, letting them to pour out of her, inch by inch, her body became light as a feather, transparent in reality, well that's what she imagined it was doing.
Taking a breath, holding it, releasing it again, she found her place, her center.
A place she had to admit she forgotten that actually existed, so much she long to be here once again, yet feared to go there, fearing that the chaos of her life would tarnish it, poisoning it with the cruelty that life can be at times.
As she drifted in the calm seas of her soul, everything suddenly changed before her eyes, something came to her, as an explosion of colors erupted around her like fireworks, blinding her, actually making her fearful at first, then she noticed she went deeper than she anticipated, somehow she brought herself to the astral plains.
This was one of a few times she truly achieved such a state of mind.
Looking around, she found what seemed to be the door, the way out, before in the past, in the dark broken down state she was in, she would have ran for that door without a second thought, to escape this place, not wanting to be there, fearing what may lay ahead.
Yet not this time, she was here for a reason and she was going to find out why.
Appearing down at her astral form, she wasn't surprised to find herself looking male again, taking a breath, she moved forward, walking in the unnatural, yet breathtaking blue grass, making her way to what she wasn't sure of, but she knew what lied beyond the rolling hills, the answers she was seeking.
There in the distance was a lone cherry blossom tree, the one… the one she painted for Mikey?
It was remarkable, it was exactly the same in every detail, did she paint it from this place, through her mind's eye? Or did this place take that image and brought it to life just for her?
Smiling, Leo made her way to the beautiful tree, stopping at its trunk, extending her hand out, touching the pink flowers, that were soft and warm to the touch.
"So you finally came…" a figure appeared from around the trunk, as Leo's heart leaped into her throat, recognizing the kind old face, "My son."
"M…m…Master?!" Leo stuttered out, shocked, as she fought back the tears that wanted to flow.
"Yes, Leonardo," Master Splinter smiled, leaning his weight on his cane, not taking his eyes off of Leo.
"But…umm… wait, how can this be?" Leo looked at him confused, was her master, her father, really there, surely this can't be possible, or could it?
With a light chuckle the old rat shook his head, "My dear son, even in death, this place can be reached. I have been waiting for you to come visit me for some time, and I am pleased that day has finally come."
As the guilt build up within her, Leo looked away quickly, so all this time her father was here waiting for her, only to have her not to come, yet lose herself instead, how shameful she felt at this moment, he must be very disappointed in her.
Yet he stilled smiled at Leo, taking a seat on the now green grass within the shade of the tree, he placed his cane down beside him, "Sit my son, we need to talk."
Not arguing Leo did as her master commanded, "Sensei… father I…"
"Much has happened since my departure, much indeed. Tell me Leonardo, what path do you walk now?"
"Path?"
"Yes, my son, each one of you, my dear sons, have picked a path towards finding the person you want to become. So I wonder, what is your path," Master Splinter asked, looking at his son, who became speechless on the question.
"I… umm… the same path you taught us," Leo answered, yet didn't feel it was true, but she feared to admit she didn't have a path, for she still felt lost.
"I see… Leonardo, did you know ones balance in life, even their path, isn't told by another, or taught? Yet it is found by our own self, looking deep within? Only another can guide them, nurture them in helping them find their true path, but no more, for they can't pick it or force it, that choice is up to that person alone. Each of your brothers, though I taught them the same as you, each are finding their own ways, whatever they choose, I will always be proud of them. As I am proud of you, my son."
"Father… I…" taking a breath, Leo couldn't lie anymore, not to herself, especially not to her master, "There is no path that I follow at the moment, I feel so lost, I… I don't know what to do anymore. You gave me the position to be the leader, even to be the head of the household when you passed away. Yet I feel such a title, such a position, shouldn't have been given to me. I am not worthy of it, I…"
"Is that what you really feel? Or is it that you think, you can't be the type of person you believe I want you to be?" Master Splinter placed his hand on Leo's shoulder, "My son, my teachings are a guide, not the rules. Yes, when I was around they seemed like it, but in truth, I wanted each one of you to strive to be better, find your own paths. I know I never told you this, for this was the one thing I could never tell you, only you could find this truth on your own."
Biting her lip Leo looked up, "Yet you're telling me now."
With a hearty laugh Master Splinter smiled, "Yes, I guess I am. Well, I can see my son, you are struggling, but the same time I know deep down you knew this simple truth, but fear to explore it. That said, I hear that I will be becoming a grandfather."
Instantly Leo's face turned white, so he knew, if he does know about her pregnancy, then he must also know about Mikey and her?!
Gulping Leo looked away quickly, "Yeah…"
"I am happy to hear that. As well to find out that my two sons will be experiencing the joys of being parents, as I have had the honor to experience myself with you and your brothers," Master splinter smiled joyfully, looking that the petals on the tree.
"You know… and you don't care?" Leo choked out, surprised of her Master's reaction, she would have thought that he would have disapproved such a relationship.
"Oh, I do know. I also know you make Michelangelo very happy, as he does to you. As well the current unusual change, which you and your other two brothers are experiencing at the moment, or should I be more accurate and state sisters?"
Crossing her legs Leo tilted her head, smiling, to hear this from him was something she had to admit she needed to hear, "Yes, that would be more accurate, lets say it was one of Donnie's experiments that, not surprisingly, gone bad," Leo laughed out, finally actually seeing the humor in it.
Joining her, Master Splinter laughed too, "I can tell, maybe it was for the best, for I know after I left things were getting a bit bleak. Though I never considered such a change would happen or imagined it would have such a positive affect on you four, life can be strange at times."
"Strange, isn't the word for it, but I do understand, it has been helping in its way. Yes, I will admit it has brought up more issues to the surface, but I think they were always there in some shape or form. I believe we were blind in seeing them before, too naive to recognize them and deal with them. I will have to admit, I am excited to have my children, but the same time I am completely terrified. But without Mikey by my side, I think I would never have gotten as far as I did. To think all this time, I always saw it that I had to protect him, yet never once did I consider he was the one watching over me."
"You two balance each other out in your own ways. You and your brother always have, I always saw it, and wonder if you two would finally recognize it as well. I am happy you now see it too, Leonardo," staring at the sky Master Splinter sighed, "It's time for me to go my son."
Getting to his feet Master Splinter started to walk forward, as Leo scrambled to her feet, rushing towards him, "Wait!"
Turning around to face her, Master Splinter froze as Leo wrapped her arms around him baring her beak into his chest, something she hasn't done since she was a child.
"I miss you, we all have! Do you, really have to leave?" tears fell from Leo's eyes, she couldn't hold them back anymore.
"I'm sorry my son, I do. But do not threat, I know you and your siblings will be just fine, I believe in you, and them, so much. You and your brothers made me the happiest person in the world; I was so blessed to have you and your brothers as my sons. Leonardo, I truly believe that I have chosen right, making you the leader. I am so proud of you," kissing Leo on the head, Master Splinter disappeared into thin air, leaving Leo alone, as the wind picked up, blowing the petals on the tree into the sky.
"Thank you father."
Mikey POV
Without a second to lose, Mikey ran forward, with music blaring into his ears, picking the music that had the fastest beat that he owned, to inspire him to move faster, he finally reached his destination.
Taking a breath, he looked up towards the manhole, while shutting his music off, as he placed his headset around his neck, with much anticipation, he scaled up the ladder reaching for the surface.
Though he was in a rush, he reminded himself, he couldn't start getting careless, making sure no one was around, Mikey moved quickly into the not so treaded patch of woods outside of the city, making his long journey forward, coming to an enclosed area thick with bush, the place he needed to be.
There, hidden from sight that seemed like just a normal rock, Mikey removed the front part, revealing underneath it, a smooth surface with engravings on it.
"Sorry father it's been a while, I meant to come see you a week ago…" Mikey started sitting on his knees in front of the gravestone, giving his respects.
Looking up at the stars, Mikey smiled, unlike being in the middle of the city they shined so brightly, he knew his father must like them too.
"I know normally when I come here to see you, I usually tell you what is going on in the family, but today I am here for another reason… it's about Leo, not saying there is anything wrong with her… its just."
Biting his lip, he took another breath, "Leo has finally decided to meditate once again, but that isn't the issue, I think she needs… Leo is still figuring herself out. I really feel like she needs to talk to you. I don't know if you can do this, but nothing I can say, or anyone else, can truly ease her mind right now, she needs to hear it from you, father…"
Wiping the tear from his eye, Mikey placed his hands on his lap, "Please talk to her, or give her something a sign even! I know deep down you approve our relationship and that fact she is pregnant… but you're the only one that can help her to see this…"
Sitting there, Mikey could feel the wind picking up, giving him a calming sense of peace that washed over him.
"Thank you father," Mikey smiled, placing the stone back to cover the grave stone, remembering he forgot something, taking the stone cover away quickly, he chuckled on his forgetfulness, "Oh yeah! Love you, father and I miss you."
With that Mikey left to head home, knowing his father heard him, and was going to help Leo.
Leo POV
Opening her eyes, Leo stared at the flickering candles, her mind was made up, rising to her feet, she blew the candles out before leaving the room.
As she entered the living room, both Donnie and Raph were sitting there in silence, watching some TV, "Where is Mikey?"
"Right here," Mikey called out, coming back into the lair, covered fully in sweat, was he running?
"Good we all need to talk right now," Leo announced as each one of them looked at her.
"On what?" Raph yawned, feeling a bit tired, for the fact it was getting late as it was.
"We are going to pack up, tomorrow we are heading to the farm," Leo started as everyone just stared at her, like she had lost it, not seeing the point of it.
"What for? Come on Leo, really the farm," Raph started to complain she didn't want to go there, why should she?
"Be quiet Raphael! We are all going to the farm that is that, for the remainder of mating season."
"WHAT?! What the hell Leo? What good is it for us to go to the farm, how's that even remotely going to help us with this shit?" Raph stood up glaring at Leo, challenging her authority.
"It will help a lot! There is no one around for starters, so you and Donnie can't get attempted to fuck the first person you find!" Leo growled fiercely, making Raph cringed under her piercing icy blue eyes, for it being such a long while since Leo actually took control of a situation; Raph was unable to come back with some argument.
"Second," Leo continued not breaking her gaze to give Raph an inch, "By continuing your training, which has been lacking of late and the fact that things have changed. You all need to relearn to use your strengths and weaknesses; we will start training with two hours per session, twice a day, as well meditating for three hours in between."
"Will that work?" Mikey came up to the living room, looking at Donnie, who was more informed on the matters on how they were going to act during mating season.
"I can see it working… But Leo in my professional opinion, in your current condition, it's best you avoid training at all costs, please."
Smiling Leo nodded, "Don't worry Donnie I won't. I will though, take part in the meditating, other than that, I will just instruct. That said, we have to put together a list of what we will be needing for the next couple weeks. Donnie that will be your job, for you are more organized in these things, but I would like Mikey to help you with the grocery part of the list. Raph, I need you to ask Casey for help and if he is still ok for us to use the farm, as well I need you to make sure the van is filled up."
Glaring at Leo, Raph wasn't too pleased with this idea, but she will give in this time without argument, "Fine."
"I will need to talk to Leatherhead, I want to set some communication up with him, so I can send him the results of our mating season to get a better picture in understanding it. As well to see if it would help out to figure a solution," Donnie told Leo, getting the nod of approval.
Leaving the room, Donnie headed towards her lab right away to get her equipment she will need, as well start on the list.
Raph taking this as her cue to leave, left the lair heading towards Casey's, she could have just called him, but she wanted to talk to him anyways, she needed to get of her chest what was going to happen to her during mating season.
Now alone, Leo flopped onto the couch, breathing heavily, she did it, she actually finally did it!
Feeling a hand rubbing her shoulder, Mikey pressed into her, "Wow, it's nice to see our old leader again."
"I know it's been a while… Actually, I wasn't sure I could do it," Leo smiled weakly at him, still dazed at the fact she handled that better than she would have before.
"You did great… and I have to admit it, that was quite sexy too," Mikey purred licking Leo on the neck seductively.
Shaking her head, Leo laughed, "Is that so? Well, either way, thank you Mikey, for being there for me. I know I still have a long way to go, but I feel a bit more confident now."
"So does this mean I can't continue taking control in bed?" Mikey pouted, he really enjoyed that part.
Smiling devilishly, Leo leaned into Mikey biting his bottom lip, "Oh, I never said anything of the source, but you can't tell anyone, you got that Mikey?"
Waving his hands in defeat, Mikey chuckled, "Oh heaven forbid, I will ever do that… Huh? Leo… Ahhh! Leo don't do that!"
Mikey let out a shriek, as he fell over by Leo pushing him down, hovering over him, with deep hungry eyes, "Shhh, lets have some fun before Donnie needs your help," Leo purred joyfully, biting Mikey's jaw line, turning the young turtle on.
Donnie POV
Sighing shaking her head, Donnie looked at the two siblings fooling around as the thick aroma of lust hit her nostrils.
Shutting the door, she sighed, "I swear Leo has become hornier then Raph…"
Taking a breath, she bit her lip hard, feeling her doubt fill her, knowing it was best that they went to the farm for mating season, she wasn't so thrilled at the idea.
In truth deep down, though she was ashamed of it, she felt a bit jealous of the fact that Leo and Mikey had each other and she was all alone...
How will she fair, especially with those two stinking up the place with their pheromones, that did turn her on for it made her think about her own sex drive, but as well made her sick in the stomach at the same time.
To think she will be around this for two to three weeks, constantly being reminded, of her loneliness and her building desire in finding a mate of her own to love, "This mating season is going to be nothing, but short then hell…"