25

Leanne closed the store an hour later than usual. She had completely lost track of the time, staring gloomily into space. She dragged herself upstairs to April's apartment and turned the television on, flopping onto the couch. She did not know how long she had been staring at the screen when a light knock sounded on the window. Not moving, she waited for whoever was there to get the hint that they must let themselves in. Eventually they did. One moment Leanne was staring at an animated sponge that lived under the sea, the next she was face to face with a green face that looked mildly irritated.

"What's up with ya?" Raphael's Brooklyn accent broke Leanne's brooding more so than his sudden appearance.

Narrowing her eyes a little, Leanne said, "I'm tired."

Raph frowned at her, his golden eyes narrowing to match hers. "Ya still mad at me for squeezing ya?"

Leanne huffed and shook her head, changing the subject, "How's Diane?"

"I dunno."

"She's spent the last two days with you, surely you know something."

"Not really," Raph shrugged, "She doesn't leave Leo's room much. Master Splinter takes her meals to her."

"Sounds delightful," Leanne said sarcastically. Raphael gave a smirk and took a seat next to her, laying his arm behind her head. He spoke slowly, contemplating, "So, if yer not mad about da squeezing thing anymore… Can I do it again?" Leanne looked at him incredulously for a second, then dissolved into soft giggles. "Really?"

He peered down at her hopefully, a crooked smile playing on his mouth. Leanne smiled back softly as a pang of her imminent loneliness hit her. Then, decidedly, she pulled her legs up onto the couch so that she was kneeling, facing Raphael. She leaned upwards, pressing her lips to his. Her eyes watched gently amused as his own eyes slid closed happily. His hands went to her waist, pulling her closer. Leanne leaned against him, enjoying the closeness. Her fingers dug into his arms, as if she wanted to anchor herself to him. The kiss was beginning to deepen when Leanne pulled away. She gave Raph an odd look, "Are you really not breathing?"

The turtle took in a huge breath of air as soon as soon as they parted. A blush flared up on his cheeks and he looked away from Leanne, turning away at the same time so that he was angled away from her. He grumbled childishly, "I dunno how ya breathe and make out at da same time…"

Leanne slapped her hand to her forehead, laughing uncontrollably. Raphael remained petulant, refusing to meet her eyes or speak, his cheeks burning from embarrassment.

Once her laugher had died down somewhat, Leanne quickly maneuvered so that she sat on his lap, facing him. Cupping his face between her hands she made him look at her. She whispered softly, eyes gleaming and a tiny smirk on her lips, "Y-You use your nose, you loser." With that, she closed the distance and this time they did not part for quite a while.

"Wow, you guys are really sucking face aren't you?" Mikey's voice broke the moment.

Leanne gave a combination of a scream and squeal, and fell backwards. She landed on the floor with a loud thud and Raphael standing over her, glaring perilously at his baby brother. "Mikey, I'm gonna kill ya!"

Michelangelo sat on the windowsill, swinging his legs innocently. "That' weird." He remarked. "I thought you'd be less likely to kill me after some good snogging. You're not doing a good enough job, dudette!" He grinned at Leanne, who was rubbing her head.

"W-What's up, M-Mikey?" She asked, grimacing. She could already feel a bruise forming.

"Just thought I'd let you know that the guys are on their way here and that you should probably stop groping each other long enough for us all to leave."

Raphael let out an animalistic growl just as two more forms landed on the fire escape. Mikey was shoved inside so that Leonardo and Donatello could slip inside. Leo's silver eyes practically frowned at Leanne, "Why are you on the floor?"

Leanne blinked at him, then responded curtly, "Raphie shoved me."

Raph and Leo exchanged dry glares. Leo evidently decided that this battle was not worth fighting. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, saying, "Are you all ready to head out?" Leanne found herself frowning now. She'd forgotten about patrol. Her gaze skimmed over the brothers. What wouldn't she give to just keep all of them with her in the apartment? They could watch an action movie, sports, anything; as long as they were not leaping about the city in potential danger.

"Whatever, Fearless. Let's go!" Raph headed to the window, barreling through Donnie and Leo. The blue and orange masked turtles followed, climbing the fire escape to the roof. Donatello hung back, staring intently at Leanne. She found herself avoiding his gaze, a feeling a shame creeping over her being. Did he know somehow?

Donnie stepped closer, his ever observant eye on her. "You OK?" He asked, his gaze shifting from one side of her face to the other.

"F-F-Fine." Leanne mumbled. Donnie bent down a little so that he could see her face better, "You sure? You're looking pale. And your eyes a little pink."

"Allergies." Leanne retorted. She turned around quickly, heading to the bathroom. Only when she'd closed and locked the door did she hear Donnie leave, sliding the window closed. Damnit, that was unpleasant.

Leaning against the door, she fumbled in the pocket of her jeans. It started as casual, then her searching became more frantic. Finally, with a sigh of relief, she pulled out a large pill. Throwing it into her mouth, she chugged water from the sink's tap, swallowing eagerly.