Thank you all for all the amazing support. I just want to say something now from some things that I have seen people mention in the reviews. I have the story's plot and sequence laid out already, so don't be thinking that 'this isn't going to happen unless we suggest it'. Trust me, everything will be addressed in due course. Thank you and please enjoy the latest chapter. (:

(Leo's POV)

It was a usual Thursday afternoon. We were all doing our own thing in the main room.

Donnie was rewiring the microwave because it kind of lit itself on fire when Mikey was using it yesterday. Raph was doing his usual post-training cool down as he was doing push ups with his sai. I was using a sharpening stone on my katana and Mikey was watching TV.

I saw Raph stop and get up from the ground before walking out of the mainroom, probably to use the bathroom or go to his room if I were to guess.

Then I heard a familiar txt alert that we all hear a thousand times everyday ever since Raph and Mona met. None of us had to look. It was most likely Mona.

Then I saw Mikey get up and look at Raph's phone. Donnie and I both looked at him like he had a death wish. Mikey smiled mischievously. "Hey guys, it's from Mona." Mikey says before laughing a little.

"Mikey… Raph's going to kill you if you read that." I say.

"Oh c'mon, he won't even know I even did anything. Besides, haven't you always wanted to know what exactly they say when they keep txting back and forth a bagillion, thousand times every day." Mikey says and I could tell Donnie was going to say something about the unrealistic numbers that Mikey just said but stopped himself and just rolled his eyes as he shook his head.

I look away but then I just hear Mikey choking back laughs before just bursting out laugh. Donnie and I both look at Mikey laughing and crying uncontrollably on the floor before he looked at us and said through laughs, "Leo, Donnie; you guys gotta see this."

Donnie and I both look at each other before putting our stuff down and going over to Mikey.

Mikey just started to read it, "Hey baby, just wanted say hi. I miss you so much. (; I can't wait to see you tonight after patrol, I've been thinking about it all day…"

Donnie and I couldn't fight back from laughing anymore. I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe.

"YOU LITTLE TURD!" Raph yelled enraged and tackled Mikey to the ground before putting him in a submission hold. He quirked Mikey's arm tighter into the hold causing Mikey to yell, "Ah Raph! Mercy!"

"WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT LOOKING THROUGH MY STUFF!?" Raph snarls through his teeth. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm AGH!" Mikey yells out as Raph twists his arm again. "You better be freaking sorry!" Raph says with venom in his voice as he retrieves his phone and put it into his back pocket.

"Raph, man I'm sorry! Just let go!" Mikey yells out.

I saw Raph get a wicked smirk on his face and he flipped Mikey over on his back and pinned him beneath him by his arms and legs. I knew what was coming, it's been a couple years though. It was a favorite method of torchure.

Well it was with Raph and Mikey, Donnie and I always thought it was a kind of gross.

Raph got a hard look on his face as he stared down Mikey and said with malice, "Say you'll never look through my phone again, or else…" "Raph, dude, c'mon I…" But Raph started to snort and then I saw him start the process of hanging bogery spit slowly down to Mikey's face. "Okay! Okay! I promise! Just stop!" Mikey yells desperate and Raph sucks the spit back in and let go of Mikey.

Raph just smirked as he got up and then gave me and Donnie hard looks.

"Ever mention anything you read from that… and I'll rip you a new one." He says holding up one of his sai. Donnie and I just nod, never planning on saying another word.

But it was like Raph's face did a 180 as he pulled out his phone and smiled at the txt Mona sent him. It's still so weird to think Mona has that kind of effect on Raph. But I can kind of relate.

When I'm with Karai, I'm pretty sure I act like a completely different person too.

I really want to run into her again soon. I want to initiate a new phase of my plan to win her over.

(Karai's POV)

Why do I get a rush from this?

I'm just looking at him, looking out into the distance. He just looked so endearing and powerful. Time to make my move.

I step out and say, "All alone, huh?" He turned to look at me with those striking eyes and that smile. But I was still able to maintain my composure as he continued to look at me. "Hey." He said simply, but that word alone in his voice sent a shiver down my spine.

I make my steps as alluring as I can as I rest my hands against his chest and lean into his left ear. "Let's hide." I whisper, using our code for the tenement. I grabbed his wrist and tried to pull him along with me. But he wouldn't go, he just held his place.

I looked back and saw him grinning. This wasn't a usual Leo grin though, there was something behind it.

"Leo, c'mon." I say impatiently as I tug on his wrist again. "I'll go… If you win." Leo says, still holding that weird grin. I gave him a look like I thought he was being totally insane. I think he is actually.

Since when has he ever turned down a chance to make out with me?

"Win what?" I question bluntly, raising an eyebrow at him and rest a hand on my hip.

Leo took his wrist away from me. "C'mon Karai, you always told me you like a challenge… so, how's this…" He starts as he draws both his katana from his back. "We spar to decide. If you win, we hide do whatever you want to do, but… if I win… you have to go out with me tomorrow night." He lays out, still holding that smile.

I gave him an incredulous look. Is he serious? He's using this as a crux to... ask me out? I scoffed a little. "Are you serious?" I say out loud and somewhat snidely.

This has to be a joke.

"Don't tell me you're refusing a challenge?" Leo says, trying to feebly get into my head.

I kept thinking… Dates aren't my thing. I don't do dates. I was weighing the Pros and Cons. I lose and I have to go on a date with him, but… in my head the more likely option… I win and he'll let me do whatever I want.

I unsheath my blade and look at him. "Why would I ever give you that satisfaction?" I say, teasing.

He smirked at me as we start to circle each other. Our eyes studying each other's every move. Then we both stopped, waiting for someone to make a move. Ugh, we're burning time… I just lunge at him and take the initial strike.

We continued to exchange slashes before he was able to knock me off my feet, but I kipped back up and deflected a slash.

I wasn't going to give in. Leo looked determined… but so was I.

We kept going and then swept his legs out from under him. I smirk as I was about to seal the deal, when I felt him kick the pressure points on my knees and I crumbled to the ground and his katana were crossed in an X on either side of my neck.

He had me.

He could easily kill me right now if he wanted to. Unfortunately, that wasn't the circumstance. He was grinning sweetly yet victoriously at me, relishing in the fact that he got his way. Damn… just damn him.

"So, 8:30 tomorrow night?" He says smiling and still totally relishing in his victory. I looked away and snorted in indignation.

"Fine… fine, whatever." I say, still not liking the idea. I could just say no, but Leo and I have a code of honor between us with fights now. I lost and I had to hold up my end of the deal, besides... whatever.

It's just one date.

I may not like the idea but that doesn't mean that I can't just grin and bare through it. Leo grinned as he offered me a hand up. I ignored it and stood up on my own. Then I felt his fingers on my chin and then his lips found mine, sure but careful. I was trying to hold it together.

You can't let him win everything, Karai.

He pulled away from me and said in a low voice, "Meet me out front of the tenement tomorrow night." Then he ran to the edge of the building and smiled at me before diving off the side.

Well… I have to go out on a date with Mr. Perfect… just lovely.

Hamato Leonardo, you owe me big time for this.

(Leo's POV)

I was checking my hair for the hundredth time in the mirror.

I wanted to make sure tonight went absolutely perfect. I still couldn't believe I was actually finally taking her on an actual date.

Sure I kind of made quite the ultimatum for her, but I was willing to do whatever I had to do to get her in this position to go out with me. I really want to take her on a date, it's a perk of finally being human. We could do this kind of thing now.

I was wearing the black button up shirt I wore to Homecoming with pair of dark jeans. It wasn't going to be anything over the top. Karai isn't swayed that way. I just had to get to her mentally like she does with me.

I looked at the time and saw it was 7:50. Good, I still have time to make a stop before I see her. I walked out into the main room.

"Where are you going?" Raph asks and I see all my brothers looking at me, looking semi dressed up. I try to play it cool. "Just going out. I'll be back later. Just call if anything comes up." I say and quickly walk out. I just wanted to get out without being asked anymore questions.

I had it all planed out for tonight… well, here goes nothing.

(Karai's POV)

This… is so stupid.

Why am I even doing this? How could I have willingly gave into doing this?

Again, dates are not on my list of things I enjoy. I see no point in them. Just wasting time and money to just talk? It's totally pointless. Why did he have to suggest it? I didn't see anything wrong with what we were doing before.

But, whatever, it's just for tonight, then things can go back to what they were before.

I still felt ridiculous, but I still tried to humor him in his pointless request and tried to somewhat dress the part, somewhat. I was wearing jeans and a black long sleeve blouse that I kept at the bottom of my drawer. I almost never wear it.

I was leaning against the tenement waiting for Leo when this group of three guys who looked like total scum were walking by me. They all glanced at me before smirking and stopping to look at me. I rolled my eyes.

"Hey what's a hot chick like you doing around here?" He asks, clearly trying to feebly hit on me. I narrow my eyes at him as he leans on the wall next to me. "None of your damn business." I reply coldly.

He looked at me amused as he grinned showing literally the most unkempt teeth I have ever seen in my life. He also had all these stupid tattoos on his arms that had absolutely no meaning and just looked tacky and idiotic. He was repulsive and he had the nerve to hit on me right now.

"Feisty one aren't you? So… what are you doing later?" he persists, continuing to hit on me. "Anything but you." I reply cooly.

I heard his two toadies burst out in 'ohs' before one taunted, "She burned you, Cruze." Idiots.

His look went from amused to insulted as he said, "Look honey, maybe the Cruiser needs to show you what you're missing." He tries to grab me but I quickly snatch his wrist in one hand and I could feel his carpals dislocating and shattering under my grip. I grinned internally seeing him crying as he fell to his knees with his hand still in my grip.

Look, any guy that uses his name, and a stupid nickname at that, when referring to himself and tries to hit on me, deserves to have his hand broken.

"Agh! What's your deal?!" He cries out. "My deal is that you're invading my space and do you know what happens to people that cross me?" I ask as I unsheath my tanto that I always keep strapped to my calf.

All of them looked at me with absolute fear.

"Now… I suggest you leave now before I decide to skin you all alive and send you back to whatever gutter you came from." I threaten and throw the guy I was holding at the feet of the two guys he was with and they all immediately ran away. I smirked.

I love doing that. It had some sort of fulfillment in it.

I was alone for all but 30 seconds when I saw someone else approach me, Leo. Smiling as he walked up to me. "Hey Karai." He says, his eyes looking directly into mine.

"I can't believe you came. I wasn't entirely sure you would." He admits honestly, looking nervous. I smirk at him as I step closer, taking advantage of his state of nervousness. "I'm glad. I should hate to be predictable." I reply, coating my words in a way that I know makes him weak. I reach out and coyly brush the hair on the back of his head with my fingertips, before leaning in to kiss him. I felt him sigh into me.

Yes… maybe if I persist with this we can drop this whole nonsensical idea of a date and just go inside.

He was looking at me with that dazed smile that always fills me with satisfaction. I smirked as I grabbed his wrist hanging at his side and started to tug on his arm in the direction of the building. However I was pulled back and was face to face with him again. Leo grinned knowingly before responding, "Nice try."

Damn…

"For you." He said and he held out… it was another rose. But this time… it was a white single stemmed rose.

What is with him and getting me flowers?! Does he enjoy seeing me get flustered or something? I mean seriously, helping little kids, giving me flowers... he's like a freaking pod person?!

"Let's just do this." I say and I saw him frown slightly at my response. What did he expect? I don't like stuff like this. We started walking and I glanced at Leo out of the corner of my eye. I was glancing him over. I've seen him out of patrol attire before, but Leo still looked handsome, endearing, and... sexy.

Leo was sexy, completely to me actually, as weird as it sort of it is for me to describe goody-goody Leonardo as sexy. He was wearing a black dress shirt with dark blue jeans and he still looked totally lust-worthy; even without the whole ninja facade during our usual bouts.

Leo and I were walking and then I felt his hand brush against mine as he grabbed my hand and interlocked his fingers in between mine and closed them around my hand. I didn't reciprocate. I just gave him an uncomfortable and flustered look.

Holding hands… also not my thing. I've actually never held hands with a guy before now, I'm just not touchy feely like that.

I shifted my hand away and I heard a very small sigh come out of him.

We got to a busy street that was lit up and there were people everywhere. Well, it was Friday night. We walked in silence between us at least. As we progressed forward, I saw a group of girls look in our direction and smirks crossing their faces as we, or Leo particularly, came closer.

I felt that familiar tinge in my gut. They just never learn. They never stop coming and looking at something they will never have in their natural lifetime, or at least not while I breathe air.

Time to set the record straight and clear right now.

I smile slyly and coyly at Leo as I link my arm with his and put both of my hands on his arm as we walked. Leo looked at me in slight surprise, but he smiled at me as he bent his arm slowly into a triangle formation so I could hold his arm easier. I looked at the girls and their expressions turned from hopeful to envious, jealous, and incredibly disappointed.

I made sure to make eye contact and smirk at each one of them as we passed.

Like I said before, Leo's in my territory and those girls need to learn not to mess with what I have.

To my surprise, we totally walked past the busy street to this park, it was the only place with any plant life between this part of the city and Central park. It was small, quiet and Leo and I seemed to be the only people here.

"So… what was it like growing up in Japan for you?" Leo asks out of nowhere. I just look at him weirdly. "Why?" I ask. It was weird.

I felt him shrug with my arm and that made me realize I was holding onto his arm still, but whatever. Besides, I like touching his arms, it gives me a small rush everytime I do it. Also, there was something more dignified in this than holding hands to me. This made me feel like I had some control over him and myself.

After he shrugged I heard him reply, "Karai, it's a date. People do this stuff… get to know each other, talk." He explains, like I had no idea what a date was. I just scoff a little and say, "I know what a date is, Leo. I just… don't do date stuff."

"Sorry, just trying to make conversation." Leo sighed a little in disappointment as we walked a while in silence.

I just sighed before finally giving in, "Japan was very… comfortable actually. I like it better than here. Also, I may have lived in Tokyo for the past 5 years, but I liked living in the mountains where I was taught and trained better. It suited me more there. Less people, less distraction, less annoyance. I thoroughly craved the solitude and silence. Sometimes, before training, I'd walk outside and sit on the front steps to meditate as I watched the sunrise over the horizon and put my mind in tune with my body." I say and I couldn't believe how much I actually said.

I also realized that was probably the most I've ever said to Leo or anyone.

"That sounds nice, I've always wanted to go at some point during my life. Some of the best dojos in the world are in those mountains…. Also, I can relate to that, with the sunrise I mean." He says.

I gave him a skeptical look. "How? I thought you were confined to a sewer until last year?" I point out bluntly.

"Well… yeah, I was. But I knew what sunlight was. I saw it." He explains. "How?" I ask, curious.

"In the mornings, before training began and my brothers would be driving me crazy, I just had to escape and find silence. I'd go to this large drainage pipe that lead to the outside and I'd sit on the edge of the pipe and watch the sun come up. It helped me align myself… focus. It was my morning routine for a long time. I haven't done it in a while though." He explains further.

There was something entirely weird about all of this. This was our first real conversation we've had together. Nothing else involved, no fighting, no flirting, no snide comments; well snide comments from me mainly, just us talking.

It felt foreign, strange, yet uncomfortable and comfortable at the time.

It was also strange to find we had stuff in common, real stuff. To think me and Leo, two people on completely different ends of the spectrum, had things in common is actually kind of comical.

I tried not to delve too deep into my past when I talked to Leo. There were just things that I just could never tell anyone about my childhood. We just kept talking casually.

It was weird. I felt so… comfortable.

He just gave off a neutral energy that just let me trust him. It was something I noticed when I first ran into Leo about 9 months ago. Things may have changed, physically with Leo at least and between us to an extent, but in many ways… Leo was unchanged from that first encounter I had with him.

He's just such a goody two shoes, mildly self righteous, and he was so galant that it was just so annoyingly irritating and grating to me… yet, I somehow admire him, I respect him.

He's one of the most skilled ninjas that I have ever encountered. He's smart, he's strong, he's concise…It was a real respect that I had for him. I looked at the rose I was still holding as I continued to keep my hands on Leo's arm.

I wasn't used to this.

Every other man my father has ever brought in the clan has never shown me respect. They just saw me as my father's daughter that they felt received special treatment for that reason, but not Leo… I knew he respected me too.

It was a mutual feeling between us… among other things.

I was smirk as I spun the stem of the rose between my fingertips as I laid down on my bed in my quarters.

I actually somehow enjoyed this evening more than I thought. There was something real about it. I just didn't care about anything. Not that I did to begin with, but I just didn't care about what anyone would think about what was between us.

I'm still unsure exactly what it is, but I just want to see what else Leo plans to surprise me with next.

Hope you liked the Leorai interaction. Looks like Leo's starting to get closer to his goal, but will he fully succeed? Or will it go awry like most things between them seem to go usually? You'll just have to wait and see. Thanks for reading and please review.