This chapter will have an attempted rape scene, guess you know where this is going, please let me know what you think. :)

Ch 25. A Desperate Attempt.

Upon hearing what Leonardo was going through, Splinter welcomed him into his home with open arms. "Of course you are welcomed to stay here for as long as is necessary." He told him as they walked up the stairs to the bedrooms and led Leo to the guest room.

"Thank you Master Splinter," Leo said as he put his suitcase down. "But I'll only stay till my dad gets back." He told him. "I'm sure once he's back at the house I won't have to worry about Jeffrey." He cast his eyes downward with a heavy sigh, "Or anyone else for that matter."

Splinter put a hand on Leo's shoulder and smiled tenderly at him, "That is fine Leonardo," Splinter replied. "You know where everything is, so please….make yourself at home," He turned to the other turtles standing just outside in the hallway. "As you know, Christmas Eve is in two days and I need everyone to help out with decorating the dojo," He reminded as he walked out of the room. "We will begin tomorrow." He said as his sons moaned.

"What's wrong with decorating the dojo?" Leo asked as he and the others made their way to the kitchen where Mikey started dinner. "I think it sounds like fun."

"Sounds like it but trust us," Raph said, "It ain't."

"Yeah," Mikey said with a laugh, "Let's just say Sensei loves to go all out."

"Well, it's been a long time since I've decorated for Christmas," Leo said as he helped set the table, "So I'm looking forward to it."

"And we're looking forward to you helping us," Donnie told him as Raph and Mikey held back a laugh.

The following day, Leo stood on the top step of a ladder and hung up what felt like his one hundredth decoration. He wiped his forehead and started down the ladder but was halted in his tracks. "Not yet Leo," Mikey called out as he brought another large box into the dojo. "We've got one more box after this one.' He gave Leo another paper snowflake to put up.

Leo looked around the dojo, "But there's so much already up," he said as he moved the ladder, "Don't you think that's enough,"

"Nah," Mikey told him as he handed him a paper snowman, "Like we said, Sensei like to go all out."

"Yeah, and his students love it when he does." Raph laughed as he brought up the last box.

Christmas Eve was a blast and Leo found himself celebrating hard that night. He met many of Splinter's students, one of them being Professor Honeycutt, a short bald man whom, Leo had to admit, looked a lot like Einstein. Donnie stood nearby as Raph introduced Leo to his biology teacher. "Hey Leo," Raph whispered when Donnie took up the conversation, "Let's talk to him about what's going on with you,"

But Leo shook his head, "Not tonight Raph," Leo told him, "It's Christmas and we have all our friends here with us," he said looking around, "let's just have fun and we can speak with him another time."

Raph nodded but after Leo left his side to speak with April and her father, Raph walked back to the professor and waited patiently for Donnie to stop speaking.

"Professor," Raph said as Donnie finally took a breath, "You know a Dr. Tyler Rockwell from TCRI don't you?"

"Yes Raphael," The professor replied, "We are good friends."

"Would you be willing to speak with him on behalf of one of your students?"

Honeycutt looked at Raph thoughtfully, "May I ask why?"

Raph looked back at Leo, attempting to decide whether he should confide in the professor or just do as Leo had asked and forget about it for now, "Well, the thing is," He looked from Leo to Donnie, "One of our friends is possibly sick and he says ...um…his doctor…."Donnie looked at Raph in puzzlement as Raph slowly attempt to explain what he wanted, "has been doing these test on him since he was about five but….um….well, there could be a cure…but..um.."

"What Raph is attempting to ask," Donnie quickly jumped in, "Is if Dr. Rockwell would be able to look into our friend's blood test and see if what he's been told all this time is true?"

"I could speak with him and let you know," Honeycutt told him. Raph thanked him and went off to find Leo.

"This party is really the best." Leo told him as the two stood by the food table. "I don't remember when I've had such a great time." He looked over at Raph's brothers and their friends as they danced wildly in the middle of the dojo.

"Come on Leo," Raph said as he put his plate down, "Let's get our moves on." Leo laughed heartily as Raph pulled him toward the others and the two turtles danced along with the rest of them.

The party lasted long after ten o'clock and by the time it wrapped up, all were tired and in need of sleep. "Let's just put the food away and then go to bed." Leo suggested as the boys started to clean up.

"That would be fine my sons." Splinter agreed. They quickly went finished and the four turtles walked tiredly up the stairs.

"Man," Leo said as he stifled a yawn, "You weren't kidding when you said Master Splinter likes to go all out." He walked with Raph to the guest room. "How do you guys celebrate your Christmas?"

"Christmas is strictly for family Leo," He wrapped his arm around Leo's shell and gave a light squeeze. "And you are part of this family so prepare to have fun." He gave him a peck on the cheek then wished him a good night.

As Raph said, Christmas was strictly a family affair and Leo enjoyed every minute of being with Raph and his family. In the morning they exchanged presents then Mikey made a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and Splinter gave a toast. In the early evening, Renet, April, Casey and Angel came over and exchanged presents. They stayed for a couple of hours then, after exchanging kisses and hugs, left with a promise to see everyone on New Year's Eve.

"So we have a full week of being all alone huh?" Leo looked at Raph with a twinkle in his eyes.

"With the exception of my brothers and father," Raph shrugged, "Yeah, sure."

"Then maybe I'll start sneaking into your room late at night," Leo whispered in his ear.

"The door's always open." Raph told him with a wide smile.

Leo winked back at him, "As is mine."

The next day, Raph walked into Leo's room hoping to take him up on his offer, but when he entered he found Leo staring out the window looking anxious. "Leo?" Raph walked over to him, "What's wrong?"

Leo looked at Raph with mounting fear. "I'm not sure," He told him, "But I think I just saw Jeffrey across the street staring at your house." He shook his head, "But that's not possible," Raph watched in concern as Leo's breath quickened. "He has no idea where I am," He continued to look out the window scanning the streets. "At least I don't think he does."

"Leo," Raph gently coaxed him away from the window, "it was probably just someone who looked like him," He said trying to calm the turtle down, "That's all, really, nothing else."

Leo nodded and attempted to keep his eyes averted from the window, "Yeah, that's it," He said as he sat on the bed, "I'm sure you're right." He looked at Raph and smiled nervously at him. "Did you want something?"

Raph chuckled lightly and sat next to Leo, "I was hoping to have a little one on one time with my lover." He said as he began to kiss Leo's neck. Leo churred and laid back on the bed, he leaned back and hummed as Raph's tongue began to lick his jaw line and make it's way from one side of the turtle's neck to the other. "Oh yea you taste so good," Raph told him as he began to make his way down Leo's plastron to in between his legs.

"Oh Raph," Leo moaned as he felt Raph's tongue glide along his inner thigh. He smiled, dropped down and closed his eyes as he enjoyed Raph's mouth working his erection.

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While Leo and Raph were enjoying their love making, not too far down the street, Jeffrey Moore walked back toward the little deli where his small studio apartment was situated above. He seethed angrily as he recalled watching Leo enjoy his time with his new high school friends at the Christmas party. He quickly got into his apartment and walked over to the window that faced the Hamato dojo and had a direct view into Leo's bedroom. He growled as he watched the two wrapped in each other's arms kissing and laughing. Moore clenched his fist and pounded the nightstand. He grabbed his cell phone, intending to call Bradford but thought better of it; instead he reached into the nightstand and pulled out a small .38 caliber gun. He pointed it at the window and steadied his hand as he lined up the gun with Raph's head. He felt his finger push the trigger slightly back and watched as the hammer slowly began to move back. 'I could do this,' He told himself, 'I could rid myself of that bastard turtle and take Leonardo back,' He slowly released the gun and placed it back in the drawer. "No," He whispered, "It's clear you've already decided I'm nothing to you Leonardo," He decided as he stared angrily at the two turtles, "So if I can't have you, then neither can he."

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Early the next morning, Splinter made his way to the kitchen for his morning cup of tea, he walked in and was surprised to see Leonardo sitting at the table nursing a cold bowl of cereal. The bowl was full and Leo seemed to be a trance looking straight ahead with a mournful expression on his face.

"Leonardo?" Splinter asked snapping the young turtle out of his thoughts. "Are you alright?"

"Oh, good morning Master Splinter," Leo said, "I hope I didn't disturb you."

"No my son," Splinter said putting a hand on the turtle's shoulder, Leo smiled upon hearing the endearment, "I am always up at this time, I like to enjoy my breakfast in peace." He said with a slight chuckle as he began to prepare his tea.

"Would you like to me leave then?" Leo asked as he stood and prepared to leave.

"No Leonardo," Splinter told him as he sat in the seat across from him and placed a cup of tea in front of his bowl. "Please sit, I would like to speak with you anyway," Leo sat back down and looked at Splinter curiously. He picked up the tea and smiled as he took a breathed deeply, enjoying the aroma of the tea.

"What do you wish to speak with me about Sensei?" He asked after enjoying a sip of his tea.

Splinter took a sip of his tea and eyed the young turtle, "For one so young, there is quite a heavy burden on your shoulders Leonardo," Splinter began. "I was hoping you would like to talk about what it is that troubles you so."

He watched as Leo took a deep breath, "I've spoken to Raph about so much but it just feels like my troubles just keep piling up."

"Sometimes a different ear can be more helpful then a familiar one." He reached across the table and placed a paw on Leo's hand.

Leo nodded and looked down at his breakfast, "It's just, ever since my mom died, things just keep happening, my dad's never there and Bradford…" Leo shook his head and chuckled, "He supposed to be watching out for me but all he does is make my life as difficult as possible and then to top it off he brings Jeffrey over from California, a guy he knows is abusive and mean," He looked at Splinter with wide confused eyes, "And a murderer!" he took a breath, "And then just expects me to be okay with it," Leo furrowed his forehead, "But the one thing that keeps bugging me is that I'm certain my Aunt is keeping something from me."

"Why would you think that?"

"Every time we're alone, I feel like she always wants to say something but then she changes her mind." Leo explained. "I've asked her if there's anything she needs to tell me and she hesitates but then tells me no." Leo sighed in exasperation. "She goes from looking worried to scare then tells me it's nothing and I shouldn't be concerned." Leo sipped his tea. "I just don't know what to think about anything anymore."

Splinter stood and took the empty cups and placed them in the sink, he sat back down and looked Leo directly in the eye. "I have spoken with Raphael about all that you are going through Leonardo," He said with sympathy in his eyes, "And although I do not have the answers you wish to hear, I will tell you that here you are always welcomed and if you wish to stay here till the end of the week or till the end of the school year, I would be more than happy to have you." He took Leo's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, "There should never be a reason for anyone to be afraid in their own home." He patted Leo's hand then stood and prepared to go back to the dojo.

"Thank you Master Splinter," Leo said with a smile as he watched Splinter leave the kitchen. Leo sat in thought about what Splinter had just told him. He looked around the room then stood and, after taking care of his untouched bowl of cereal; walked into the living room and looked around. 'It would be nice to live here,' He thought to himself, 'I love being here and I love being with Raph,' He smiled, 'Perhaps…' he rubbed his chin, 'It might be something to think about.' He then frowned, 'But how will I convince my father it would be a good idea?'

Later that day, Leo was in the kitchen looking through the cookbooks, "Whatcha doing Leo?" Mikey asked as he came inside.

Leo looked up and smiled at him. "I'm thinking of making a dinner for you and your family." He told him. "You all have been so wonderful I thought it would be a way for me to show my appreciation for all you've done for me."

"Ahhh, that's nice." Mikey said as he watched Leo flip from page to page. "What are looking to make?"

"You have a lot of turkey left over so possibly 'Turkey Pot Pie'?" He flipped the page, "Or maybe a casserole." He walked over to the fridge, "Do you have carrots, celery and egg noodles?" He asked as he rummaged around. "And how do you cube potatoes?" He closed the fridge door and looked back at the cookbook as he tapped his chin. "And what's the difference between a tsp and a TBS?"

"Tsp is a teaspoon and TBS is a tablespoon," Mikey replied with a laugh. He walked over to Leo and looked at the cookbook, "We do have noodles and potatoes bro but no carrots and celery." He told him. "I used those up for the soup I made yesterday."

Leo shrugged, "Guess I'll go to the market down the street." He went to the living room closet to put his jacket on. "I'll be right back and if you like you can help me make dinner." He told Mikey as he headed for the door. "If you want, work on those potatoes; that would be a big help."

"Do you think that's a good idea Leo?" Mikey said as he followed him to the door.

Leo shrugged, "Why not?" He queried, "It's only six, I'll be home in fifteen minutes and we'll have supper ready by seven-thirty."

"But it's really cold and dark outside Leo," Mikey looked at him worriedly. "Maybe I should go with you."

"That's not necessary Mikey," He shook his head at him. "The market's two blocks down the street, what do you think is gonna happen?"

Before Mikey could say anything further, Leo walked out the door, 'Guess my paranoia has gotten to Mikey too,' He told himself as he started down the street. 'Well, I'm not going to let everything that's going on in my life keep me from doing things,' he told himself vehemently, 'I'll just go to the market, get the few things I need and we'll have a nice dinner,' He mused, 'Maybe I'll get some rolls too.'

As Leo started down the street to the market; he wrapped his arms around himself as the biting wind whipped around him. He was so engrossed with his thoughts and his attempt to stay warm that he did not hear the footsteps coming up behind him.

A few homes beyond the Hamato dojo was a dead end alleyway, as Leo was passing it, strong arms suddenly grabbed at him and threw him roughly into the alleyway. Leo fell against the wall and fell to the ground, he was dazed and before he could get his bearings, he was picked up and forced against the wall so hard he felt a shooting pain radiate up his left arm.

He gasped in pain and attempted to focus on his assailant. "Damn you Leonardo!" Jeffrey screamed at him as he continued to bring him up against the brick wall over and over again, "I've loved you and this is how you treat me!"

He grabbed onto Leo's coat collar and threw the turtle down onto a dirty old torn up mattress and turned him onto his plastron. "Jeffrey!" Leo gasped, "Please stop!" He attempted to crawl away from him only to feel a fist slam down on him. His head began to swim as he felt his coat roughly removed off of him.

"Everything I've done for you," Jeffrey continued to yell down at him, "Sitting in that hell hole day after day thinking about all I've gone through because of you!" He removed Leo's shoes then began to force Leo's jeans off. He again punched his fist against Leo's head as he felt the turtle attempt to get away from him.

Leo shook his head and felt a wave of fear ripple through him. Jeffrey was going to rape him and no one was there to help him get away. His left arm was in excruciating pain and Jeffrey was continuing to beat him as he attempted to get away from him. "Jeffrey," Leo called out weakly, "Please, don't do this," Leo begged as he again tried to get away, he felt Jeffrey tear at his jeans as he forced them to come off and Jeffrey again bring his fist down on top of him.

"You worthless piece of trash, you're going to get what you deserve Leonardo," Jeffrey said into his ear, "You let him screw you, spread your legs for him and what about me!" Jeffrey backed off Leo slightly and began to unzip his pants. "'Where were you when I needed you?!"

Leo took the opportunity to get closer to the large garbage bin where he could see a metal pipe sticking out from under it. He felt Jeffrey pull him back and start to roll him over. As he did, Leo, using his right hand, brought the pipe out and attempt to hit Jeffrey with the pipe, but Jeffrey saw it and blocked it before it could be used on him.

He tossed the pipe back at the garbage bin and, enraged, Jeffrey began to pummel Leo. "I'll teach you Leonardo!" Jeffrey screamed, "I'll teach you to reject me!"

Leo attempted to block the blows with his right arm while his left, though in a lot of pain, attempted to find something, anything to help get Jeffrey off him. As Jeffrey began to tear his shorts off, Leo turned his head and once again saw the pipe a few inches from him. He felt Jeffrey force his legs apart, as he did, Leo weakly brought the pipe up once again and this time, he was able to smack Jeffrey in the head with it.

The hit, though weak, caused Jeffrey too momentarily waver, Leo quickly grabbed the pipe with his right hand and summoned his strength to smash the pipe as hard as possible against Jeffrey's left temple. The pipe got its mark and Jeffrey fell unconscious on top of Leo.

Leo laid on the mattress sobbing hard while continuing to weakly hit Jeffrey on the back of his head. He was finally able to collect himself and push Jeffrey's unconscious body off him. He painfully sat up and, cradling his left arm, staggered back to the house.

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Meanwhile, Raph made his way downstairs looking for the blue-eyed turtle, "Anyone seen Leo?" He asked.

Donnie and Splinter, who were currently in the living room, looked up from their magazines, "Sorry Raph," Donnie told him, haven't seen him."

"Who are you looking for?" Mikey asked as he came out of the kitchen. He had just finished with the potatoes and was now waiting for Leo to come back with the rest of the ingredients.

"Leo," Raph said turning to him, "Do you know where he is?"

"Yeah," Mikey said as he sat down on the couch by Donnie and picked up one of his comic books. "He went to the market down the street to get something for supper."

"By himself?" Raph said worriedly.

Mikey shrugged, "He said it was no big deal." Mikey told him. "Said he'd be back in…."

The door being suddenly flung open cut off the rest of Mikey's sentence and everyone turned to see Leo staggering in. They gasped in horror and ran over to the turtle who was still sobbing hard and looking like he had been run over by a car.

"Oh my God, Leo!" Mikey yelled out as he and the others ran over to him.

"What happened?!" Raph demanded as he assisted in bringing Leo over to the couch.

Leo shuddered hard as he leaned into Raph, "Jeffrey!" Leo finally gasped out, "He attacked me and tried to….to….!" Leo attempted to compose himself as he tried to tell them what happened, "He's out in the alley!" Leo continued as he sobbed hard, "I had to knock him out with a pipe!"

"Michelangelo, call 911, Donatello, come with me!" Splinter yelled out as he ran to the door and out toward the alley.

Raph rocked Leo as he attempted to calm him down. "It's okay Leo," He told him, "Everything's going to be alright."

"Ambulance and police are on their way." Mikey said as he came over and sat on the other side of Leo. He noticed Leo's bruised left arm and quickly ran to the kitchen to get an ice pack.

"OH God Raph!" Leo cried out, "I hit him with a pipe!" He began to cry harder, "What if I killed him?!"

Raph tightened his hold on Leo and clenched his jaw as he felt his protective instincts go into overdrive, "Personally Leo," He whispered to him, "I hope you did."

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Wasn't sure if I wanted to do a possible rape scene but it just seem to go with the chapter, please review and let me know what you think, peace :)