Jess looked down at her phone mulling the text from Chief Vincent over.
"I'm in, but you have to tell Leonardo. I won't do anything without his knowledge."
It was risky, she knew that, but there didn't seem to be another choice. Leo would be upset too which is why she lingered outside. She looked up at the seemingly normal stone missing when the entrance to her home was a regular door on the second floor. That place was still in shambles while insurance processed.
She thought back to when her and Lila first moved into their dorm for college. Jess hadn't been back to the city in years but she managed a brave face for Lila who was overly excited and probably trying to compensate for the ominous cloud that hung over Jess. Casey had met with her that night with a six pack of beers and a black eye. he didn't tell her how he got it. Now she wondered if it was from Raph or maybe from a Dragon they were fighting. He was going through so much and never mentioned any of it, but to be fair she wasn't the most open with him either.
But somehow all that had landed her in a mutant home underground.
She let out a heavy sigh and pulled the pipe to open the door.
Just as she stepped inside, Leo stopped her. "How was your walk?" he asked, his voice thin and wry.
Jess gulped. "It was fine. Actually, I need to talk to you."
"Then you can tell me over training."
Jess lingered for a moment knowing that he knew. He had to and she felt stupid for trying to hide it. She followed after him dreading training more than she usually did.
He was quiet while she put on her wraps, busy lighting candles. "Isn't it a little dark?" she asked hoping to break some of the tension.
"Never know when you'll have to fight at night," he replied, his voice short.
"I guess that's true," she muttered mostly to herself.
Jess groaned feeling her face get pressed into the mat for the dozenth time that session. Every time she tried to talk, he cut her off. He was upset with her. Probably for good reason.
"Again," he ordered letting her go.
"Please, Leo, can't we talk?" Jess asked as she stood feeling her muscles ache in protest.
"Fine, let's talk."
Jess took a breath trying to ignore his sharp tone. "I set up a meeting with Russo."
Leo wanted to scold her, tell her how stupid that idea was, that she was insane and irresponsible for doing it behind their back, but collected himself first and spoke more calmly. "Why would you do that? You understand how dangerous that was?"
She rolled her eyes, "Of course I know how dangerous it was. But our plan has too many loose ends. You said so yourself. Russo offers a solution."
Leo grabbed her wrists and put her in a hold. "We're a team you should've talk to me before."
"Like you would've gone for it. Russo agreed to meet with me, Leo. This is a good thing." She broke the hold and took a few steps back with fists raised.
Despite being upset with her, he was impressed with her progress. "And what's to say he won't just kill you right then and there?"
Jess looked away. The thought had crossed her mind. "He won't."
"How do you know that?" He asked throwing a few quick jabs which she dodged.
Jess held her forearm against his chest, the space between small. "Because he needs me. We know what he wants. He wants the Dragon territory. So, we give it to him."
Leo studied her for a moment. "I just wish you would've talk to me or Lila before going do it."
Jess relaxed and stepped back feeling a swell of guilt. "I need to do this on my own, Leo. I'm tired of nearly dying at someone else's orders."
"I know the bomb was scary but it's no reason to—"
"This is my war, Leo. Russo is the only way we can truly win. I've already thought everything over, I didn't just run in like an idiot."
He chastised himself for even thinking in such away. He gently took her by the shoulders. "I'm just concerned is all. We all want you safe. Just talk to me next time."
She nodded muttering an, "Ok." He barely gave her warning before hitting her with a combo that left her staring up at the ceiling with a groan. "You're such an ass." She took his offered hand.
He looked down at their clasped hands with a small smile. "You'll be able to take on any Dragon that comes your way."
"I had a good teacher—OW! Oh, you are such an ass!" Jess cursed; her cheek shoved against the wall while he held one arm behind her back.
"You still get distracted easily," he teased letting her arm go.
Jess huffed, "I retract my previous statement."
"That I'm an ass or a good teacher?"
Jess glared at him, "You're definitely still an ass, Leonardo." A stark blush rose to her cheeks when she felt him get closer clouding her mind.
"So, I'm not a good teacher then? Do I have that right?"
"I would like to not be pinned every session."
Leo stepped back with a chuckle. "Guess you better get better at dodging," he grinned turning to put out the candles.
Lila shuffled through the kitchen pulling out ingredients to make herself a sandwich all the while listening to music. She swayed happily taking a bite of her carefully made lunch. She spun around to take a seat at the table but saw Raph in the doorway and yelped in surprise. She yanked out her earbuds, dropping them on the table and glared at him.
"Maybe Jess is right, and we should put bells on you four."
Raph chuckled and pulled a soda out of the fridge. "You weren't exactly paying attention and think I'd still be able to sneak up on ya."
Lila rolled her eyes and took a seat. They both looked up when they heard arguing coming from the dojo. "What happened this time?"
"Jess was gone most of the day. Leo thinks she was doin' something."
"Jess wouldn't do something without thinking it through."
"I'm sure we'll find out soon. I like yer hair. Never seen it like that."
She reached up as if to check and felt her loose curls. "I thought I'd let them breath for the day. Then it's back in the bun. . .possibly I guess." She looked over at him curiously, "Are you gonna sit?"
"Wasn't sure you wanted the company, bein' yer day off an' all," he explained as he took the seat across from her.
"Speaking of which, thanks for that. Have you seen Andrea or Nikki today? I was wanting to spend time with them, but I haven't seen them."
He thought for a moment, "Pretty sure Drea went for a run and Nikki went with Levi to the ice rink. But they should be back before tonight."
"Hmm," she said thinking and finished her sandwich. "Well, I guess I have some files I could sort through—"
"No way. It's yer day off. Come on," Raph said standing.
Lila sat shocked for a moment but followed him. "Where are you going?"
"We're getting you some fresh air," he explained entering the garage.
Lila grabbed her coat off the hanger excited to go outside for something other than work till she saw the motorcycle. "Are you crazy? It's freezing!"
"It ain't dat cold," he said tossing her a helmet. "Sides, the seats are heats."
"Wha—Really?"
"Yeah, Donnie can do anything." He picked up another coat and handed it to her. "This'll keep ya warm."
Lila took it and put it on over her coat. Even with the extra layer is hung on her like a curtain and swallowed her arms. "Well, what will you wear? It's too cold to go out without a coat."
"Easy, mama. Don't worry 'bout me," he teased while tightening the strap of the helmet under her chin.
Lila blushed realizing she did should rather motherly. She figured the only way to not sound so motherly was to go with him. A completely rational train of thought.
She got on behind him holding on for dear life.
Raph was careful to go slow and noticed her death grip loosen up when they exited the sewers.
Lila watched the passing scenery with awe resting her head against his back. He blocked most of the wind, but it still nipped at her legs despite having jeans on. It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be though and had to admit it was nice. She liked watching the skyscrapers become a small cluster.
Raph pulled over at a look out point and they both got off.
"This is amazing," Lila gushed walking to the rail overlooking New York.
"Thought you might like it," Raph said taking a seat on the bench.
Lila took a seat next to him and pulled a knee up. "You've been very thoughtful lately. I really appreciate it."
"N-No problem, just seemed really stressed lately."
"Well after last night I don't think I'll be relaxed till this is all over."
"Ya shouldn't put so much pressure on yourself."
Lila stood abruptly. "We all have rolls to play right now, Raph. Mine is to monitor the situation through the police. It's the least I can do after what you and your brothers have done for us."
Raph knew where this was going. "Ya can't blame yourself for what happened at the docks, Li. Besides, you're family and we don't leave anyone behind."
She looked back at him but try as he might he couldn't figure out what she was thinking. "Still," she said turned back to the city view, "Jess thinks the report wasn't filed on purpose and I think she's right. I have to be more careful going forward." She sat back down and let out a heavy sigh. Flurries began to fall.
"It's snowing," Raph pointed out wishing it'd be summer already.
Lila stood dragging Raph with her. "Nothing some hot chocolate can't fix."
Nikki stood in the center of the ice rink glaring at Levi as he skated around him nonchalant with his hands folded behind his back. He'd thought the ice would be fun but he'd already fallen more times than he could count on one hand and quickly learned it was cold, painful deceit. "I hate this," he grumbled when Levi stopped in front of him.
Levi rolled his eyes taking Nikki by the hands and pulling him along. "Loosen up. You're so stiff."
Nikki was too focused on his feet to notice or really care what Levi was saying. "What if someone see's us?"
"I told you, the rink is closed on Tuesdays and if anyone does show up you've got gloves and a scarf on." Levi moved Nikki's hands to his shoulders. "Quit stabbing the ice. You want to make sweet love to it."
"Please, never speak again," Nikki said finally looking up.
Levi gave a fake sniff, "Your words hurt, Gonzalez." He let Nikki go but stayed by his side.
"Well, maybe if your analogies weren't so terrible."
"Wooooow," Levi said skating off. "I'll just that my terrible analogies over here then!" he called from behind the gate leaning against it enjoying Nikki struggle.
"Don't leave me!" Nikki yelled back still sliding unable to stop.
"You're doing great!" Levi said with a grin wincing when Nikki fell. He got back on the ice stopping by Nikki. He leaned forward on his toe picks clicking his tongue in disapproval with a slight shake of his head. "You were doing great anyway."
"Shut up and help me," Nikki grumbled. He took Levi's hand and managed to stand.
Levi brushed the snow from his hair and shoulders. "I thought with you being strong and all that you'd be able to keep yourself up right," he teased enjoying Nikki's annoyed look.
"I could pick your scrawny ass up."
Levi sulked remembering when Nikki was the scrawny one. Since Nikki started training, he'd bulked up leaving Levi in the dust. "Ok, tough guy, you're on your own." He hadn't meant it. It was just a joke. He turned to give the impression that he was ditching Nikki again but before he could Nikki grabbed his arm and yanked him back. Levi slid face first into Nikki's chest knocking the both of them to the ground.
Levi his the ice hard knocking the wits out of him for a few seconds. "Jesus, Gonzalez, you really don't know your own—" his voice fell short when he opened his eyes to find himself staring straight into Nikki's bright amber once full of panic. His eyes darted from Nikki's panicked look, to Nikki's hands on either side of his head, to Nikki's scarf barely hanging on to his chin. "Are you gonna get up?" he finally asked.
"I-I don't know how."
Levi fell back laughing figuring that was just their luck. Just as he was going to explain to Nikki how to use his skates Nikki tried to get up, he slipped again falling against Levi. It was then he realized how close they were. He felt butterflies swarm in his chest and wished he could dissolve into the ice right then.
Nikki gave a huff of frustration and looked at Levi. He was going to apologize but dew a blank at Levi's rosy cheeks. "S-Sorry," he breathed after a tense moment. he couldn't figure out why he was sweating given they were laying on ice.
They were already so close. Levi heart hammered in his chest. He didn't even think before he closed the distance between them. Just as quickly as he had pressed his lips to Nikki he pulled away. He panicked but there was no where to run.
Nikki was stunned for a second. "What was that?"
"N-Nothing! I'm just stupid," Levi grumbled still looking away and trying to disappear.
He looked down at Levi thinking that his freckled red cheeks looked like strawberries. "Do it again."
"What?" Levi asked looking up at him wide eyed.
"Do it again," Nikki said quietly leaning forward with Levi's hand already on his cheek. He'd never really thought about kissing someone or if it to feel good, but it did and suddenly everything made a little more sense.
Levi tangled his hands into Nikki's curls surprised by how soft they were. He pulled Nikki as close as he could because for the moment he could focus on Nikki. He could focus on just kissing him and not deciphering his feelings. It didn't matter what happened after. All he had to do was focus on Nikki kissing him.
Nikki shivered when Levi slipped a hand under his coat but had to pull away. Levi looked up at him confused till he saw Nikki pull out his buzzing phone. "Hello?"
"Hey, where are you?"
"Uh" —he looked at Levi for help, but the boy shrugged— "with Levi. What's up?"
"Mama wants to watch a movie."
"Ok, I'll be back soon." He hung up and slid the phone back in his pocket. "What?" he asked when he say Levi's mischievous grin.
"On Levi," he teased earning a jab from Nikki. "Alright, use you're the toe picks to grab the ice so you don't fall."
Nikki did as told and managed to stand. "Can we get off the ice now?" Nikki whined.
"Yes," Levi took his hand and helped off.
Mira sat on the couch petting Klink hoping no one would bother her.
"Mind if I sit?" Lila asked while holding a bowl of popcorn as a piece offering. Mira nodded and moved over for her. "Are you ok?"
Mira frowned down at Klink who looked up at her when she stopped getting pets. "I don't know. I'm just frustrated."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"I just—I'm so behind in training it's almost laughable and I can't seem to get it. I don't think ninjutsu is for me." She glanced up at Lila, but she said nothing and only offered the bowl of popcorn with a small smile. Mira took a handful eating it slowly. "I Just don't feel as useful as Nikki or Andrea. I just change colors."
Lila thought for a moment about what to say. Last thing she wanted to do was make Mira feel worse. "I think it's really cool."
"Sure, but it's not useful in a fight."
Before Lila could say anything further, Mira stood. She was going to go after her till she saw Mira enter the dojo and hoped her was seeking out better guidance.
Mira stepped into the dojo surprised to see it empty and dark. A thin stream of light filtered out through Master Splinters doors. She hesitated before knocking, second guessing herself, but the door opened anyway.
Master Splinter stepped aside to let her in.
Mira sat down at the small table Splinter used for tea and meditation.
"Would you mind pouring the tea, Miracle? These old wrists don't work like they used to."
She didn't question it and pour two small cups of Splinters favorite green tea blend. "I think I should quit."
Splinter sipped his tea thoughtfully. "I was afraid this was coming. Have you talked with your father?"
"No, and I don't think he would understand. He's a natural at ninjutsu and I'm just. . .not."
"It's true that Michelangelo was a natural, but he never applied himself. The hardest part of your training will be learning to believe in yourself." He picked up the kettle and poured himself another cup. Mira narrowed her eyes at the action which Splinter pretended not to notice
Mira rested her cheek in her hand leaning forward on her knee. "I've barely mastered my first kata and I was already years behind Nikki and Andrea. Not to mention my abilities are pretty useless."
Splinter frowned and set his tea down. "Your abilities will make you a powerful ninja. If you want to end your training, I won't stop you, however, I think it is the wrong decision."
"Thank you for the tea, Master." Mira bowed before she left. When she exited to room, she found that the dojo was no longer unoccupied.
Ryu sheathed his katana when he saw her. "So, you're a quitter too?"
"Didn't take you for eavesdropping," Mira said walking past him to the door.
He cocked his head as she passed, "You complain rather loudly."
Mira stopped in her tracks feeling her anger rise. "You don't know anything about me."
"Why would I need to?"
Mira felt her anger dissipate and turned to leave again. "I guess you don't. It's pretty clear I'm useless."
He took a step forward as she walked away but stopped himself and went back to training.
Mira walked through the tunnels not caring that she didn't really know where she was going. She was so torn on what to do. Even thought Mikey really tried he didn't know how to teach her, but the thought of bring it up to Leo would probably break his heart.
"Where are you going?"
Mira screamed cursing at Andrea when she saw her. "Home," Mira glared wondering if she would ever get used to Andrea's speed.
"Well you're going the wrong way."
"I don't care!"
Andrea grabbed her arm to stop her. "Hey, I didn't mean to scare you. Why are you so upset?"
Mira pulled her arm free but stayed where she was. "I'm going to quit training."
"What? You can't! Is this about what Ryu said this morning? He's just a jerk, you shouldn't listen to him."
"Well at least he's honest. I am useless. I'm trash at ninjutsu and I change freaking colors!"
Andrea wished she had one of Leo's lectures memorized but was drawing a blank. "You're not useless, Mira. Mikey would hate to know you're thinking like it."
Mira shook her head and turned to leave. "I'll see you at home."
Andrea watched her go kicking herself.
Lila was sitting on the couch trying to decide on a movie but there were so many options. Andrea sat beside her resting her head on her shoulder. "Do you know when your brother will be here?"
"I called him earlier. He should be on his way back," she answered watching as Lila flipped through Netflix trying to find something worth watching. "Is it true that we're getting a vacation?"
Lila didn't answer right away. It was supposed to be a surprise, but before she could tell Andrea anything she'd sucked in a sharp, excited breath and ran off. Lila sunk into herself knowing she was doomed and gave Nikki a tight smile when he sat.
"Vacation?" he asked with a sly smirk.
"LILA!"
Lila shot forward knocking the popcorn bowl to the floor much to Klink's excitement. "Coming," she groaned taking the now empty bowl with her.
Hello friends, I hope you're all doing well. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Can you guess what the vacation is?
