Leo caught her as her body gave out, still very stunned himself over it all. He looked to a battery and beaten Karai on the ground at his feet, then at the just as battered woman who put her there. He had worried so much that his mistake from the past would destroy his present, that he was at a loss for words when Vicky came out triumphant.
This wasn't the ending he had expected in all honesty. All she needed was a good reason and room, and in a way she saved herself. Saved him. He smiled at her, his finger tracking her hair line until it tucked the strand out of her face to behind her ear, then he let out small gasp at what he saw.
Her heart shaped face was bruised almost beyond recognition, and scraped and torn. Her lip was swollen and blood was flowing freely from a split. One of her eyes had also started to swell shut. Damn... She took just as much as she gave... Karai looked just as bad. Leo was now beginning to wonder if her fainting wasn't all to be blamed on strained nerves.
"Donnie!" He bellowed, then noticed the lean turtle already on the move, only to be blocked by numerous foot soldiers.
"You will not touch our mistress!" One hissed.
Not only was Donnie glaring at him, but Leo was also fighting to hold his composure.
Michi, was quicker. He quickly popped the mouthy one on the back of he head. "Show respect! Leonardo has been entered into our clan, and this is his brother. Not to mention our new Mistress holds affiliation with them as well. Let him approach!"
Mouthy one walked away, rubbing the back of his head as he mumbled under his breath.
Michi rolled his eyes and inspite of everything that just happened, Leo smiled. He was such a refreshing old man. "Leonardo, we have a dilemma."
"It seems like we do." He agreed, understanding where this might be heading.
"She is our Mistress, and it is our duty to care for and protect her. But this clashes with your leadership of your own clan."
Leo nodded, once more looking at Vicky as Donnie approached.
"I understand your desire to return home, but may I make the suggestion of returning her to our headquarters. Until she is awake and can make decisions. It would hinder the uprising of much strife. And," He paused looking around "you are still the head commander. No one has, or more than likely will, try to take that position from you. As such, you have the right, and the authority, to be by her side until she can fend for herself. There is no need to separate you."
Leo mulled the words over. As much as he wanted to just take her home, Michi was right. He would have to wait a bit longer to see his children. With a resigned sigh, he nodded his agreement. "Very well, we'll do it that way for now. I'm assuming she will take over Karai's quarters?"
"Of course. They are the most luxurious after all."
Leo nodded, pulling Vicky up completely into his arms and began to carry her. "Call ahead. I want everything in that room that fits Karai's fancy cleared out." He looked around as he walked, his blue eyes taking everything in. The clan, Ninjara standing off to the side watching him with narrowed eyes. Leo knew what was more than likely going through her head, but he didn't worry about that now. "I also hereby declare a truce between the Foot Clan, the Wolf Clan of Japan and the clan I came from. There will be no disagreements until the Mistress can take up these matters on her own."
Michi nodded, that light smile on his face. Especially when he saw Ninjara's eyes soften. "I shall spread the word now." He motioned, and a runner was sent to spread the news. "Now, if we are clearing out the belonging of the defeated, we need something to replace it with."
His brothers were all next to him now as he looked back down at the unconscious Vicky. He thought a very long moment as they walked. Then he looked back up. "Michi, get a few squads ready to run to the store for a shopping run." He firmly looked at the elder. "A legal one."
Michi smiled. "Of course. And what shall they be picking up, Leonardo?"
.
.
It was the smell of lavender that I first noticed. My aching face was the second. I let out an involuntary groan as I forced my eyes open. My left one being a bit more difficult.
Almost right after the conversation I was just beginning to notice died off and while my vision was clearing I felt a hand gently brush my cheek. I turned my head to look just as Leo sat down on the large and very soft bed I was in. He waited patiently as I got my bearings, looking groggily around. Confused to my surroundings. I was in a very large room, a fireplace going to my direct right was radiating out it's warmth. The furniture was a combination of large, solid and comfortable looking sitting area. The divan and lounge chairs a pale blue. The room was lit in various places with scented lavender candles and the table set in the sitting area held a tray of food, that seemed to be still steaming. The large bay windows were covered with light blue curtains. All and all, it was a gorgeous room. And a very fancy one. Almost immediately I began to feel self conscious. Especially when I realized I was lying on very expensive looking silk sheets, complete with a thick, also silk lined, comforter. And my nightgown was also silk. The only thing that really took away from it all was the tray on the nightstand full of bandaging things.
I looked confused at Leo. "I hope you like it, Mistress." He said formally. "We went through a good deal of expense to make sure it was all to your satisfaction."
Mistress? Wha? Suddenly it all came back to me and my eyes went wide. And of course I began to panic.
"Easy." Leo soothed me. Dropping his formal demeanor a moment to take my hand. "Calm down. I'll explain everything, I promise. Just take your time adjusting."
It was about then that I noticed we weren't alone. Michi was there, as were a few other individuals I didn't know. And Donnie of course.
Again, all I could do was look back at Leo, confused and a bit panicked.
"How are you feeling?" He asked, his eyes now soft, and a bit worried.
"Sore." I managed to croak out. "And stiff."
"That's to be expected, Mistress." Donnie smiled as he walked closer. "You've been sleeping in that very soft bed for about four days now." He pointed to the IV in my arm I didn't even notice. "Had to hook you up just to keep you hydrated."
Four...days?
"You've been stirring for about two hours now." He continued. "I figured you'd be waking up soon, so I went ahead and had a solid meal fixed up for you. It's bit bland because I don't want to upset your stomach, but if you are up to it, I'd like you to eat."
Again I just nodded, my eyes now wandering towards all these strangers. "Why are they here?"
"Under you, all the leaders of the clan are here." Leo said gently. "To witness that you are indeed up and on the mend. Just a verification that the clan isn't leaderless."
And that, brought me to the obvious question. "Why me?"
Now, it was Michi who stepped forward. "Because you defeated Karai."
"Okay, but there are obviously enough of you here to deal it out, why am I stuck with this?"
"Because there are too many potential ways this could have flared up into more violence." Leo spoke up, and Michi nodded. "I didn't realize right away what he was doing, but it was actually a very clever move."
My still confused look obviously told them I didn't get it yet.
"Mistress," Michi spoke up again "for a very long time now the clan has been unstable. Under the rule of Master Shredder, we had guidance. Then with his fall the clan splintered, and now forcibly reunited with Karai. There are still many factions that have not yet been smoothed over, and there is still resentment in all areas. Also," He looked at Leo a moment, who nodded and Michi sighed before continuing "There are a great deal in the clan now who don't remember the days of Shredder. Don't know how ruthless we had actually been. The years after have been relatively quiet, and a rise back to what we had been...was met with mixed feelings. Many here are outcasts, with nowhere to go. Who just want a place to survive."
"And Karai came close to throwing all that quiet security away." Leo took up. "But there is still so much tension that no one member here can just pick up the mantle."
"So a fresh face was needed." I asked, and both of them nodded. "And I got it because I beat Karai."
"In fair combat." Michi added seriously. "That was the most important part. If it had not been fair, it would have not been considered an honorable duel."
"But..." I floundered desperately "what am i supposed to do with all of you?"
"Right now?" Leo smiled. "Nothing. You just rest and heal. We'll figure everything out when you are up on your feet."
Donnie brought me the tray of food then, and I began to slowly eat as I mulled this all over. I raised my eyes to Leo as I took a slow sip of my soup. This the reason for all the formality?
Yes. Trust me, I want nothing more than to hold you right now, but let's follow the clan customs.
I lowered my eyes back down, trying to hide the fact I was becoming upset.
Vicky, you are clan leader. If you want to be alone, you just have to order it.
Oh yeah...
And of course, you have the right to have protection with you at all times until you are fully healed. We will get our alone time, just as soon as business is done.
Well, alrighty then! "Ok, then, I guess, is there anything I need to know about?"
"A few things." Michi smiled. "For one, there is the matter of Karai."
"What about her?"
"At the moment she is confined." One of the others spoke up finally. "We need to know when she should be executed."
I spat my soup out. "Wait, what?"
"She is your sworn enemy. Therefore an enemy to the clan now. She must be eliminated."
I just stared at the dude. I wasn't a damn monster!
Easy. Remember who the leader is.
I took in a deep breath. "I don't want her executed." I said, very firmly. "I don't want anyone executed." I thought a moment. "If we send her to any kind of jail, she'd find a way to break out...right?"
"More than likely." Leo agreed among nods all around.
"Can we shoot her into the sun?" I asked hopefully. The clan leaders looked a bit confused, but Donnie let out an amused snort.
"I don't think that is a reasonable solution, Mistress." That 'mistress' had a tone that sounded an awful lot like 'behave'.
I rubbed my face. How in the hell was I to know what to do with her? Lock her up in a trunk and sit on it?
Leo gave me that long look.
Ok ok, sheesh...
"I need to think on it." I finally managed. "Right now I'm too tired and sore to figure anything out."
"Then we will discuss business matters later." Michi bowed his head and the others followed his lead. "We shall depart. I do think the most important matters have been discussed. We will inform the clan of your good health."
"Thank you." I smiled at him. The others blinked a bit at my kind parting words. I guess they weren't used to nice. Leo gave me a silent, mental nudge. "Would it inconvenience you if I kept Leonardo with me? If Karai does escape, I don't think I'm up to another fight."
Michi actually chuckled. "Well, considering she is in just as bad shape as you are in it shouldn't be a worry, but we will do without him if it eases your mind." He then bowed his head and led the others out of the room.
"You got it from here?" Donnie asked Leo as he pulled out the IV.
"I should be fine." Leo answered. "You've got the room stocked up pretty good on medical supplies. If I need anything, I'll send a runner."
Donnie nodded, then came over and gave me a quick hug. "Good to have you back. We've missed you."
"I missed you too." Once more I was holding back tears as I returned the hug. He gave me a quick squeeze, then quietly left.
I looked back at Leo, feeling a little awkward about all of this, only to see that he immediately dropped the servant routine. He stood up, took my hand and guided me to my feet. Then pulled me against him. His eyes were very intent as he held against his chest with an arm. "Dear one." His voice breathed. His free hand came up to let his fingers trace my cheek while his thumb ran ever so lightly over my lower lip. "My Dearest one." His head came in close to where his lips brushed against mine as he spoke. "I love you."
Before I could answer, he tilted my head up and kissed me. God, I had missed him so much. So very much. My eyes closed as his mouth pressed against mine, his tongue parted my lips and slid in and I willingly let him. Even as tears ran down my face. He just simply wiped them away with that gentle hand as he deepened the kiss.
"Oh Leo." I was openly, but softly, crying when he finally let me up for air. Much like I had done with Mikey, I buried my head into his chest and just let him hold me. I didn't even have to put any effort into holding myself up, he was more than willing to hold me up while I silently cried. His hand smoothing the hair on the back of my head in soothing motions as he intermittently softly kissed the top of my head.
"You ok?" His tone was still gentle when I finally pulled away with a soft, and undignified, sniffle.
"I am now."
He smiled at me, then took my hand and guided me toward another door. Being very mindful to make sure I even could walk.
What he led me too, was a large bathroom with a tub, that had already been filled with steamy water. Without saying a word, the nightgown was lifted over my head and I was lifted into the tub. Then, he joined me. Tub wasn't quite that large, but he solved the problem by sliding under me and letting me lay on top of his plastron, belly down.
Oooooh... Lord I missed my baths... And he even found lavender bath bombs from somewhere and plopped one in with a fizz. That earned him a hum of content as I snuggled into him.
We didn't really talk. I was too tired and he seemed content to just let things be as they were. As a matter of fact, I began to doze off when I felt water start to cascade over my head. I opened my drowsy eyes to look at him.
"Just relax. Tonight you get the treatment you deserve after your ordeal."
"You don't have to do that."
"But I want to. You've been through a lot, and you deserve it."
"But, you went through just as much."
"Yes, but I'm not the one with a bruised face and split lip to show for it."
I wanted to glare at him, but the truth was I didn't really mind. Once hair had been washed and conditioned, he moved on to my body, with me humming in content as he worked the soap in with massaging movements. Then I got flipped over onto my back and lathered up again. And I began to doze off again.
Eyes popped right back open when those calloused, but soft, fingers ever so softly, and carefully, washed between my thighs. The hum that came out then was a bit more, ah, needy. A light churr rumbled in his chest in immediate response. This time when his fingers came in, they were higher and his fingertip slid feather light over my clit.
My responding shudder was enough for him to pull the plug. He then let me rest in the water while he went and picked up a few large, fluffy, towels. He took about two seconds to dry off before I was hoisted out, wrapped in towels, carried back to the bedroom and laid on the divan. There was a vanity in the direction I was facing, and it had a mirror hanging over it. And I watched in the mirror as his still naked body moved in behind me, and he picked up a brush and began to run it through my hair.
Occasionally, his eyes would look up into the mirror and meet mine, and he would smile.
"I missed this." He finally said, picking a piece of grass out of my hair. "And I've been wanting to get this cleaned for you for weeks."
"I missed you doing it. And I've been wanting to beat someone to get me a decent hairbrush for weeks."
He laughed lightly. Then ran another towel carefully over my now straight hair to catch all the drips that come when you brush wet hair. Then it was tossed to the side and I was lifted up again and placed in the middle of the bed before he went and killed all the lights, leaving just the candles. I watched him with a building hunger as he strode back to the bed, his eyes locked onto me the entire way.
Then he crawled onto the bed and hovered over me, our face just inches apart. Then there was no distance. This kiss was more needy than the one from earlier, but still gentle. Once more his hand cupped my cheek with soft movements as he took his time on my lips.
Lord, good lord, I had missed him so much. Missed everything about him. Even though I knew we were about to have sex, that wasn't the part I was relishing. I was soaking up just being with him. His presence, his comfort. Hell, even knowing he was so worried himself. I just missed everything about him so much that I felt like I wanted to cry again.
"If you need to, it's ok." His mouth moved from mine to my ear. His own words full of his emotions now that we were alone. "I promise you, those tears won't offend me at all."
So I did. And he kissed those tears away as they slid down my face. I suddenly had the urge to hold him. I had to feel him in my arms and they came up from the bed to circle around his neck, pulling his head back down to my lips. He responded instantly, his tongue meeting mine. I began to feel that burn, that need. Slowly I was letting go of those emotions as the desire for him began to build. Even as he still kissed me, my groin arched up into him and my reward was a light deep churr. I think we were both ready to move on. We did, after all, have a connection to reestablish.
Without any prompting from him, my legs spread. Leo shifted his own position to where he rested his hips into that cradle, but was propped over me, one arm holding him up while the other hand wandered. He met my eyes, his face illuminated by the soft candle light, and they too had taken on that hungry look. A shiver went down my spine at his gaze, and then again when his finger probed.
That touch was like jolt. My body arched under him hard enough to where my back was bowed as a low cry escaped. I didn't realize how needy I was for him until that touch, he had played it so careful and slow.
"Easy." He murmured over me. "I'm taking it slow for a reason."
I couldn't answer with anything else but a whimper.
And no matter how much I whimpered for him, he was going to make sure I was completely ready for him before anything else happened. He wasn't satisfied until his finger, and my entire slit, was moist enough to drip. And he was starting to drive me crazy with anticipation. The last whimper I let out was pleading as I looked in his eyes.
Then, after shifting his position lightly, he finally took his hand and guided himself in.
My eyes grew wide at the feel of him, my body once more arching hard into the bed as I felt him fill me. My bottom lifted up from the bed as my body relearned the pleasurable shock of taking him inside of me. "Le-ooo..."
"Easy." He soothed again, the guiding hand now cupping my face. "Look at me Vicky." I did. "Breathe, Dear one. Relax." God, how could my body forget this? "It didn't." He didn't move after he pushed in. "You are tense, which is understandable." He hovered over me, both hands on the mattress now. His face full of understanding and patience. God I loved him... "Your body needs to learn to let go of that tension." He lowered his head and kissed my forehead as I squirmed under him, trying to remember how to breath.
He didn't move until I calmed. Once my body sunk back to the mattress and formed easier around his, the first push came. And the second one came a few moments later. The only thing that moved on him was the careful roll of his hips and with each thrust my body relaxed more until, finally, my hips were rolling up to take him in deeper. Instead of clutching the sheets, my hands now sought out his body again and my whimpers were less tense and melting into moans. Only then did he pick up the pace. Though it still wasn't hectic.
Finally, he set a firm but easy rhythm which had me squirming again, but now out of pleasure instead of shock. I was beginning to lose myself into him. Forgetting everything but him as I let my hands travel his arms, shoulders and sides. Reassured now that I could indeed handle this, he became less watchful and lost his own self in pleasure. His churrs began to mix with quiet moans, and his mouth came down in a more demanding kiss.
"Leo, please!" I whimpered at him, fingers now digging into his skin. "Please!'
After a moment, he answered that plea. Raising up onto his knees before he slung my leg over his shoulder, then lowered again. The next plunge was deep and I screamed out into the room. And then again. After about a couple minutes of the slow, intense and deep thrusts, he finally took pity on my now shaking body. My leg was lowered, spread wide and his finger sought out my clit and rubbed it mercilessly while his mouth came down to smother the scream it caused.
Then, finally, it happened. My head slammed back into the pillow and my body arched again as wave after fiery wave rolled through my body. My thighs twitched uncontrollably as his finger refused to let up. At least until he finally let himself release. Only then did his finger stop it's pleasurable tourture and I felt him throb as he filled me.
When he was finished, I was already in a half daze, looking up at him in loving wonder a long moment before i reached my arms up to pull him down to me. He readily complied, and still mindful to keep his weight off of me by resting on his elbows, covered me with his body and rested his cheek against mine.
And there, lying like that, I began to cry again. That same, silent cry of happiness and relief. His response was to keep his hold on me as he rolled to his side, his hand now sliding over my back in that soothing manner.
"I love you." I finally mumbled into his chest, and felt his arm tighten in response.
"And I love you, Vicky."
We just laid like that for a long while. Both of us drifting in and out of that content half doze. i was tired, but didn't really want to sleep. I had missed so much of him already.
Finally, after about an hour or so, he finally spoke. "Are you ok?"
"Yes. You didn't hurt me."
He chuckled lightly. "Not what I meant."
"Oh? That's what you usually mean."
Well, this time I mean, how are you up here." And he tapped my forehead.
"I'm ok." I told him honestly. "Overall, they really didn't actually do much to me. I just missed all of you so much.'
I could feel him smile before he kissed my forehead and silence ensued for a while longer.
"Leo?"
"Hmm?"
"Was this fancy room your idea?"
"Yes, and no. The rooms were already here, I just changed the furnishings."
"You did? Why?"
"Because i know you aren't fond of red and black."
That took a moment to sink in, then my head shot up. "Wait a minute... Are these Karai's rooms?"
"No." He replied with a straight face. "They are your rooms."
"You know what I mean!"
He actually laughed and pulled me back against him. "Yes, these rooms, and the apartment outside the doors, were hers. The clan insisted you be given them. I just threw everything of hers out and replaced it with your favorites."
"... Oh..." I mulled that over, then something else hit me. "Did you bump uglies with her in this room?"
"What a graphic way to put that..."
"Leo!"
He rolled his eyes and sighed. "As matter of fact, yes. Back when I was naive about what could have been."
I went quiet again as I processed that. I mean, I really couldn't be mad at him for shit that happened a log time ago. And it wasn't really his fault she turned out to be a long armed vindictive bitch. Then a though occurred to me. "So, I snatch her boyfriend, then her Clan and finally her rooms. Where I have sex with her exboyfriend... Ain't payback a bitch from hell..."
The look he gave me, oh my God...
I couldn't help it, I laughed. After awhile, he finally dropped the sourpuss expression and chuckled too. "Oh, my Dearest one, I love you."
"Even if I'm the leader of the mighty Foot clan now and get to boss you around?"
He side eyed me. "Just remember, I bucked Karai's authority whenever I could. You I can get more personal with."
"Oh, yeah..." I cleared my throat. "Lovely night tonight, isn't it?"
He just laughed again and gave me a peck on the nose. "That's enough now. Get some rest. You are still healing, and there are a lot of decisions that need to be made."
I did just that. Finally wrapped up in his arms once more, and worn out from out reconnection, I slept like a baby for the first time in weeks.
Even if I was here, with him I was home.
