**Yeah I know its taken me like a year to get this up .sorry ~hides
from baps~ Anyway here's my forth chapter, please read, review and enjoy.
Flame me if you like. The TMNT don't belong to me.. but am I am excited
about the new cartoon next month!**
Sara was kicking a stone, watching it tumble a bit ahead of her then stop. Bowser bouncing along at her side seemed to sense her melancholy and whined in worry. Sara smiled down at him and leaned over to pet the top of his shaggy head.
"Why don't we sit for a second boy.?" Sara pulled Bowser over to a bench. She had taken him to Central Park. She didn't feel like facing the constant rush on the street today. As she sat Bowser laid his head in her lap begging for attention. "At least someone seems to care about me." Sara suddenly felt very alone. Back home she had always had good friends, people she could call on at times she felt uncertain, when she most needed advice. Now facing a new problem Sara had realized she didn't have anyone to turn to.
"Well boy I hope you don't mind listening." Bowser whined in response and wagged his tail, begging with his dog eyes for her to pay more attention him. Sara couldn't help but smile and started to massage Bowser's head, fulfilling his wish. "I'm not even sure why I'm so bothered by all of this. Its not like I even know Leo. Jesus I'm acting like a fourteen year old high school girl with a crush again." Sara paused, surprised by her own wording. "Did I just say crush?" Bowser woofed softly and licked her hand looking up at her with liquid eyes. "Is that why all of this is bothering me so bad? Do I feel something for Leonardo?" She shook her head. "But that's just stupid. I mean I hardly know him and he's.." She sighed. "So different." Sara sat deep in thought for along time, petting Bowser while not really paying attention.
She finally shook the ideas swimming around in her head and staring down at Bowser she spoke to him again. "I think I'm just lonely boy.I mean Leo has made it clear he doesn't think much of me." Sara pouted, her heart hurting a little at the thought. She rose. "God Bowser I am acting so stupid. I just need to get over myself. Once we get Leo's swords back he'll leave anyway. I just hate feeling so unsure," Bowser whined and tugged at his leash impatient to get moving now that they were standing.
"Your right boy we should get going, I just need to get my mind off this." Bowser sprung forward and Sara felt her body being pulled along after him. "Hey you better watch it doggie!!! Its not nice to drag your dog sitter all around." Sara couldn't help but giggle in spite of herself.
The rest of Sara and Bowser's walk was uneventful. Bowser chased squirrels and Sara was dragged behind him. It was the fact that Sara's stomach started to rumble that got her thinking that it was time to head back. She was trying to put it off. It was easier to ignore her feelings when Leonardo's careful, collected eyes weren't staring into hers. Bowser was barking gleefully and putting on a good show. He would bound as far as his leash would let him, then he would dance back to Sara staring up at her with affection in his eyes. Sara was glad for her walks with Bowser. No matter how tiring they were at times, they were also very mentally healthy for her. She reached the special side door and couldn't help but pause looking at the place she had first seen Leo.she couldn't believe it had already almost been twenty-four hours ago. Opening the door she entered.
She returned Bowser to Mr. Roberts and once again tried to keep the conversation short. The problem was he was a kind man and was always interested in her latest exploits. Promising to come over for dinner soon to tell him everything that was going on, Sara left. Now that she was free of her dog walking duties she realize it was time to head home. She was actually nervous and that displeased her. Shrugging off her feelings she walked straight back to her apartment, head held high and unlocking the door let herself in. Her apartment was rather dark and for one brief moment she thought Leonardo was gone. That was when she noticed a faint glow coming from her kitchen. Curious she walked forward; it didn't take her long to reach her kitchen doorway. When she did her breath caught in her throat. Her table was set for a dinner for two, pasta was on the menu, with candles lighting the room.
"You like?" She could feel Leonardo's presence behind her. It was almost like the heat radiated from his body to touch hers.
"You did all this?" She was both extremely surprised and touched. She turned to find Leo standing staring down at her a very pleased with himself expression on his face.
"Yeah, my brother Mikey. he watches the Food Network all the time. I kind of got the idea from there. I hope you like pasta, I figured sense you owned it you would." Sara turned back to face the table smiling, pleased.
"This is so sweet Leo, I don't even know what to say."
"How about thank you, and maybe lets eat?" Leonardo grinned, feeling himself relax and was surprised by how good it felt to be doing so. It wasn't until this moment that he realized how up tight he must be most of the time.
"Thank you." Sara walked toward her seat. Her mind was still racing as Leonardo took his.
Sara wasn't really sure what to think or say. She had begun to have her feelings hashed out. At least to the point where she had decided Leo didn't feel much for her, so what ever she felt would have to be overcome. Now though, looking at the table and at him eating, his warm eyes glancing up at hers every so often she was confused again. She knew she was picking at her food more then actually enjoying it, but she had too many concerns rattling around her head to concentrate, and what annoyed her most was that she shouldn't even be worried about this. She had a big project to accomplish tomorrow and that should be first and foremost on her mind.
"Sara?" Leonardo's voice broke through her thoughts, "Is something wrong?" His expression was troubled. He was worried that she was still angry with him from earlier. He didn't think he had done anything that wrong, he wished she would just smile like she had been doing previous.
"I just have a lot on my mind. You know, running through plans for tomorrow." Sara lied and she scolded herself for doing so, but thought it was for the best. She couldn't get herself so worked up over a man when he was going to leave as soon as they got everything straightened out. "Anyway this is a great dinner!" Sara took a mouthful as if to prove her point. Leonardo on the other hand looked at her uncertain.
Leo wasn't blind. He could tell she was hiding something, but didn't know why. He found it odd that she would deem it necessary to keep something from him. He studied her, Sara seemed uncertain about something and he wondered what. He knew if he really wanted he could push the information out of her, but what good would that do him in the long run. At least now she appeared to be focused more on eating and he too lifted his fork to his mouth. Leonardo's own mind felt muddled and that also bothered him, generally his thoughts where a focused vessel that he could always depend on to find the quickest answer. For most of the day though he had keep feeling his judgment waver. He was distracted and he wondered if the blows to his head had affected him worst then both he and Sara had guessed. As her name crossed his mind he glanced up at her and he once again felt the odd feeling. His mind snapped like a steal trap, forcing all the variables together to form a quick conclusion. Could he have feelings for her? He reproached himself, the idea seemed a most improbably one. He had always chided Michaelangelo for his almost insanely quick ability to fall for someone of the opposite sex and had watched his brother mend many a broken heart when he wasn't accepted. The simple explanation is that it must be the stress of his injuries that had him so unfocused. Yet he could still feel the heat from her touch earlier that day buried somewhere deep within him and he knew deep down inside, no matter how much he suppressed it, he longed to feel her caress again and maybe more. Control and discipline was what he needed, the rest seemed out of the question. He became alert to the fact that Sara had stopped eating again and he realized she had finished her plate. Dinner had been a very quiet one and Leonardo wondered what that meant.
Sara rose about to collect the dishes when there was a knock at her apartment door. Her eyes met Leo's and she shrugged. "I have no idea who would be here at this time of night." Leonardo wondered at that statement, because wouldn't she have friends or maybe even a boyfriend that would stop by? The knocking sounded again only this time louder. Sara turned to look at the door, and then back to Leonardo to suggest he should maybe take cover but he was already gone.
'Read my mind I guess." She smirked a little and turning on a few lights along the way she made her way over to her door and peered through the peep hole. Someone was holding their hand up against it. If this was a joke Sara was not amused. There was knocking again, louder and faster as if the person outside was becoming annoyed. Usually she wouldn't have even cracked the door to peek out with this situation, but with Leo somewhere behind her it made Sara feel a bit more confidant.
She pulled the door open a tiny bit knowing that all that stood between her and the knocker was the little chain that latched the door to the wall. The sight that met her floored her. Standing in her hallway, dark eyes locked on her own was another turtle. He was dressed in what Sara assumed must be the disguise Leo had talked about losing earlier, it consisted of a long brown trench coat with a floppy hat.
"Are you gonna let me in or are you going to stare?" The Turtle in the hallway's voice was gruff, slightly deeper then Leo's and had a much different quality. Where Leo's voice portrayed serenity and authority, this turtles voice projected strength, but in a very chaotic form. Sara unlatched the chain with question and stood aside. The new turtle stepped through the door, dropping his coat and hat on her couch as he entered. He looked a lot like Leo at a glace, Sara realized, but as she studied his face she could see variations. He had different scars, a slightly different skin tint and most noticeably a red bandana. She felt herself flush as she realized he too was studying her, but unlike Leo's glances this turtle was blatantly devouring her body with his eyes. She shivered under the intensity of his stare.
"What are you doing here Raphael?" Sara felt herself jump. Leonardo was suddenly at her shoulder and glaring at his brother.
"Making sure you don't have too much fun without me Leo." Raph grinned at his brother and crossed his arms in front of his chest. Sara looked from figure to figure. So this was Raphael. She also had to wonder why on earth he would have come to her place, but she pushed her confusion and she realized annoyance aside to try to be a gracious host.
"Hello, Raphael, I'm Sara." She extended her hand. "Leonardo has told me about you." She smiled at him.
Raphael studied her for a moment before accepting her hand. "I'm sure he has." His eyes locked with Leo's, "And now I can see why he doesn't want to come home." Sara could feel the tension build around her. She looked at Leo out of the corner of her eye to see him standing glaring at Raphael, jaw set, a look of malice on his face.
"You look like complete shit man, you know that right?" Raphael shrugged off Leo's intense stare and walked further into the apartment, passing the two occupants into Sara's kitchen. "You have anything to drink?" Sara simply stood staring at her new visitor dumb-founded by him. She was baffled. How could this man be related to Leonardo? He was so brash and rude. Raph seemed the complete polar opposite of his brother.
Leonardo never gave Sara a chance to answer he took a step forward his presence giving off warning; "You never answered my question Raphael." He stressed his brother's name. "What are you doing here?" Each syllable dripped with an acid tone. Sara was quickly grasping that these two must most defiantly keep each other on their toes.
Raphael flopped down into one of Sara's kitchen's chairs, the sardonic grin still gracing his face. "Ahhhh I thought you would have missed me Leo." Raph looked around him at the candles on the table and the dishes sitting up in the sink. "My don't we look cozy." Raphael was smirking at Leonardo and Sara realized he was taunting him trying to get him to explode. Testing his brother seeing just how far he could push him until he reached his boiling point.
It was a situation she was familiar with. Growing up mostly with boys she had watched them play these mind games with one another too may times to count. She would try to do the only she knew to do. Nullify the situation to the best of her ability. She walked up to Leo, noting his clenched fists and reached up one small hand to run it down his arm. His eyes turned toward her and the fire inside of them smoldered a little bit. Before she could help herself she felt the same hand come up to touch his face, she ran it along his cheek and smiled up at him. "Why don't you go sit down and I'll get your brother something to drink?"
Leonardo felt his face flush lightly at her touch and suddenly he realized his aggression was fading. He shook his head, knowing this was neither the place nor the time to get into an all out battle with Raphael. He would just end up embarrassing himself. Not because he feared losing but because it would make him appear childish. He still couldn't help but glare at his brother as he crossed the floor to take a seat at the opposite end of the table.
"Whipped." Raphael coughed, then smiled pleasantly at his brother.
"And as for you." Raph's head turned surprised by the stern voice addressing him. Sara was standing staring at him shaking her head slightly. "Maybe you should learn some manners, when you are a guest in another person's home." Raphael looked at her rather shocked at her scolding him. "Now what would you like to drink? I have cola, lemonade or milk?" Sara's voice became a soft tone again, non-aggressive but still commanding in a strange way.
Raphael rolled his eyes, but smiled. "What no beer?" Sara couldn't help but smirk back and she shook her head lightly.
"Nope fresh out sorry." Now she smiled warmly, she could feel the tension melting and the combative mood fading away at least for the time being.
"Cola then.. As deprived as that makes me." Raph leaned back in the chair again. Sara couldn't help but glance at Leo as she turned to her fridge. He was shaking his head at his brother, but in a more amused way.
"So why are we blessed with your presence this evening Raphael?" Sara broached Leonardo's earlier question herself as she handed the turtle his drink.
Raph took a swig before he answered. "Because genius here forgot to tell us why he was spending the night." Raphael gestured toward Leo as he spoke. It was now Leonardo's turn to roll his eyes.
"You came all the way to Sara's house to ask me that. You know you could have just called me back." Leo leaned back in his own chair with a sigh. Sara seated herself between the two of them at the table listening.
"But now where would the fun be in that!" Raphael grinned at his brother, not egging him as much this time as genuinely joking.
Sara spoke up an answer to Raph's question. "We have a bit of an errand to run tomorrow morning." She tossed some of her stray hair back over her shoulder. The amusement on Raphael's face turned into pure interest.
"An errand?" He looked with question at his brother.
"My Katana Blades were taken as evidence at the crime scene. We are going to try to get them back."
"No, we are going to get them back." Sara nodded as if agreeing with herself. She watched as two sets of dark eyes turned to look at her with mild disbelief.
" Now don't get me wrong. I am usually the last one to say this but don't you think that's rushing things a little I mean they are in a police department now." Raphael studied Sara waiting for her answer.
"Yeah the same department I work for. I think I can manage myself." Sara's tone became defensive again and Leonardo noted it. He realized what her one touchy spot really was and he knew he wanted to stir clear of it.
"You work for a police department? What do you do fetch coffee for everyone?" The smirk had returned to Raphael's face. Sara's expression on the other hand became stone. She stood turning her back to both men and walking over to the sink started to run water to do the dishes.
Raphael looked over at Leonardo and shrugged. Leo on the other hand simply shook his head at his brother. There was silence for a period, broken only by the sound of the water drumming lightly on the plates. Raphael looked confused at first, but confusion annoyed him and pretty soon his expression turned to one of exasperation. He sat up leaning with his elbows resting on his thighs, staring at Sara's back as she worked. Finally he couldn't take the stillness longer.
"What the hell crawled up your butt?" Sara turned around sharply as if she was about to rebut Raphael's words, but stopped herself quickly. Her eyes closing briefly as she sighed.
"I am going to do this!" She informed both men with determination. "And after I do, maybe you can both understand I am not some meek little girl." She spun back to her work. Raph turned to smirk at Leo. Both? He mouthed to his brother, an eye ridge raised. Leonardo just glared at Raphael in return. Turning back to Sara, Leo tried to formulate the correct thing to say.
"Its not that we think your meek, Sara.."
She cut him off before he could finish. "Its simply that I don't understand right?" She leaned back against the counter, work put off for the moment awaiting an answer.
"And I think I'll take this as a cue to leave." Raphael rose, stealing Sara's attention. She suddenly felt embarrassed. Wondering why she had, had such an outburst in front of guests. Pushing hair nervously behind her ear she forced a smile.
"It was nice meeting you." Her angry gone; now things just felt uncomfortable.
"Yeah likewise. I think." Raph walked toward the door, a slight swagger in his step. "Well if you need any help you know where to call.. not that I think you will need any." He grinned at Sara as she and Leo followed him from the kitchen. He watched her flush a little and nod.
"Yeah thanks Raphael." She sighed and turned toward her hallway. "I'll just let you two say your goodbyes." Looking uncomfortable she left. Raph watched Leo's eyes follow her, his hand reach out, then draw back. His brother looked pained and Raphael watched with surprise.
"Leo. is there something going on?" His brother cut him short. Leonardo's expression dropped and once again became stone.
"Just go Raph, I'll be home tomorrow night." Raphael stood and studied his brother for a few moments. Trying to read his face and understand him, but unlike himself Leonardo was too controlled. His emotions and expression trapped under lock and key. The brief exchange Raph had just seen displayed had surprised him. There was much more to this then Raphael had even begun to imagine.
"Be careful Leo." The door clicked softly as Raph left. The apartment became silent and Leonardo turned to look at the darken hallway. With a light sigh he ventured down it.
Sara was kicking a stone, watching it tumble a bit ahead of her then stop. Bowser bouncing along at her side seemed to sense her melancholy and whined in worry. Sara smiled down at him and leaned over to pet the top of his shaggy head.
"Why don't we sit for a second boy.?" Sara pulled Bowser over to a bench. She had taken him to Central Park. She didn't feel like facing the constant rush on the street today. As she sat Bowser laid his head in her lap begging for attention. "At least someone seems to care about me." Sara suddenly felt very alone. Back home she had always had good friends, people she could call on at times she felt uncertain, when she most needed advice. Now facing a new problem Sara had realized she didn't have anyone to turn to.
"Well boy I hope you don't mind listening." Bowser whined in response and wagged his tail, begging with his dog eyes for her to pay more attention him. Sara couldn't help but smile and started to massage Bowser's head, fulfilling his wish. "I'm not even sure why I'm so bothered by all of this. Its not like I even know Leo. Jesus I'm acting like a fourteen year old high school girl with a crush again." Sara paused, surprised by her own wording. "Did I just say crush?" Bowser woofed softly and licked her hand looking up at her with liquid eyes. "Is that why all of this is bothering me so bad? Do I feel something for Leonardo?" She shook her head. "But that's just stupid. I mean I hardly know him and he's.." She sighed. "So different." Sara sat deep in thought for along time, petting Bowser while not really paying attention.
She finally shook the ideas swimming around in her head and staring down at Bowser she spoke to him again. "I think I'm just lonely boy.I mean Leo has made it clear he doesn't think much of me." Sara pouted, her heart hurting a little at the thought. She rose. "God Bowser I am acting so stupid. I just need to get over myself. Once we get Leo's swords back he'll leave anyway. I just hate feeling so unsure," Bowser whined and tugged at his leash impatient to get moving now that they were standing.
"Your right boy we should get going, I just need to get my mind off this." Bowser sprung forward and Sara felt her body being pulled along after him. "Hey you better watch it doggie!!! Its not nice to drag your dog sitter all around." Sara couldn't help but giggle in spite of herself.
The rest of Sara and Bowser's walk was uneventful. Bowser chased squirrels and Sara was dragged behind him. It was the fact that Sara's stomach started to rumble that got her thinking that it was time to head back. She was trying to put it off. It was easier to ignore her feelings when Leonardo's careful, collected eyes weren't staring into hers. Bowser was barking gleefully and putting on a good show. He would bound as far as his leash would let him, then he would dance back to Sara staring up at her with affection in his eyes. Sara was glad for her walks with Bowser. No matter how tiring they were at times, they were also very mentally healthy for her. She reached the special side door and couldn't help but pause looking at the place she had first seen Leo.she couldn't believe it had already almost been twenty-four hours ago. Opening the door she entered.
She returned Bowser to Mr. Roberts and once again tried to keep the conversation short. The problem was he was a kind man and was always interested in her latest exploits. Promising to come over for dinner soon to tell him everything that was going on, Sara left. Now that she was free of her dog walking duties she realize it was time to head home. She was actually nervous and that displeased her. Shrugging off her feelings she walked straight back to her apartment, head held high and unlocking the door let herself in. Her apartment was rather dark and for one brief moment she thought Leonardo was gone. That was when she noticed a faint glow coming from her kitchen. Curious she walked forward; it didn't take her long to reach her kitchen doorway. When she did her breath caught in her throat. Her table was set for a dinner for two, pasta was on the menu, with candles lighting the room.
"You like?" She could feel Leonardo's presence behind her. It was almost like the heat radiated from his body to touch hers.
"You did all this?" She was both extremely surprised and touched. She turned to find Leo standing staring down at her a very pleased with himself expression on his face.
"Yeah, my brother Mikey. he watches the Food Network all the time. I kind of got the idea from there. I hope you like pasta, I figured sense you owned it you would." Sara turned back to face the table smiling, pleased.
"This is so sweet Leo, I don't even know what to say."
"How about thank you, and maybe lets eat?" Leonardo grinned, feeling himself relax and was surprised by how good it felt to be doing so. It wasn't until this moment that he realized how up tight he must be most of the time.
"Thank you." Sara walked toward her seat. Her mind was still racing as Leonardo took his.
Sara wasn't really sure what to think or say. She had begun to have her feelings hashed out. At least to the point where she had decided Leo didn't feel much for her, so what ever she felt would have to be overcome. Now though, looking at the table and at him eating, his warm eyes glancing up at hers every so often she was confused again. She knew she was picking at her food more then actually enjoying it, but she had too many concerns rattling around her head to concentrate, and what annoyed her most was that she shouldn't even be worried about this. She had a big project to accomplish tomorrow and that should be first and foremost on her mind.
"Sara?" Leonardo's voice broke through her thoughts, "Is something wrong?" His expression was troubled. He was worried that she was still angry with him from earlier. He didn't think he had done anything that wrong, he wished she would just smile like she had been doing previous.
"I just have a lot on my mind. You know, running through plans for tomorrow." Sara lied and she scolded herself for doing so, but thought it was for the best. She couldn't get herself so worked up over a man when he was going to leave as soon as they got everything straightened out. "Anyway this is a great dinner!" Sara took a mouthful as if to prove her point. Leonardo on the other hand looked at her uncertain.
Leo wasn't blind. He could tell she was hiding something, but didn't know why. He found it odd that she would deem it necessary to keep something from him. He studied her, Sara seemed uncertain about something and he wondered what. He knew if he really wanted he could push the information out of her, but what good would that do him in the long run. At least now she appeared to be focused more on eating and he too lifted his fork to his mouth. Leonardo's own mind felt muddled and that also bothered him, generally his thoughts where a focused vessel that he could always depend on to find the quickest answer. For most of the day though he had keep feeling his judgment waver. He was distracted and he wondered if the blows to his head had affected him worst then both he and Sara had guessed. As her name crossed his mind he glanced up at her and he once again felt the odd feeling. His mind snapped like a steal trap, forcing all the variables together to form a quick conclusion. Could he have feelings for her? He reproached himself, the idea seemed a most improbably one. He had always chided Michaelangelo for his almost insanely quick ability to fall for someone of the opposite sex and had watched his brother mend many a broken heart when he wasn't accepted. The simple explanation is that it must be the stress of his injuries that had him so unfocused. Yet he could still feel the heat from her touch earlier that day buried somewhere deep within him and he knew deep down inside, no matter how much he suppressed it, he longed to feel her caress again and maybe more. Control and discipline was what he needed, the rest seemed out of the question. He became alert to the fact that Sara had stopped eating again and he realized she had finished her plate. Dinner had been a very quiet one and Leonardo wondered what that meant.
Sara rose about to collect the dishes when there was a knock at her apartment door. Her eyes met Leo's and she shrugged. "I have no idea who would be here at this time of night." Leonardo wondered at that statement, because wouldn't she have friends or maybe even a boyfriend that would stop by? The knocking sounded again only this time louder. Sara turned to look at the door, and then back to Leonardo to suggest he should maybe take cover but he was already gone.
'Read my mind I guess." She smirked a little and turning on a few lights along the way she made her way over to her door and peered through the peep hole. Someone was holding their hand up against it. If this was a joke Sara was not amused. There was knocking again, louder and faster as if the person outside was becoming annoyed. Usually she wouldn't have even cracked the door to peek out with this situation, but with Leo somewhere behind her it made Sara feel a bit more confidant.
She pulled the door open a tiny bit knowing that all that stood between her and the knocker was the little chain that latched the door to the wall. The sight that met her floored her. Standing in her hallway, dark eyes locked on her own was another turtle. He was dressed in what Sara assumed must be the disguise Leo had talked about losing earlier, it consisted of a long brown trench coat with a floppy hat.
"Are you gonna let me in or are you going to stare?" The Turtle in the hallway's voice was gruff, slightly deeper then Leo's and had a much different quality. Where Leo's voice portrayed serenity and authority, this turtles voice projected strength, but in a very chaotic form. Sara unlatched the chain with question and stood aside. The new turtle stepped through the door, dropping his coat and hat on her couch as he entered. He looked a lot like Leo at a glace, Sara realized, but as she studied his face she could see variations. He had different scars, a slightly different skin tint and most noticeably a red bandana. She felt herself flush as she realized he too was studying her, but unlike Leo's glances this turtle was blatantly devouring her body with his eyes. She shivered under the intensity of his stare.
"What are you doing here Raphael?" Sara felt herself jump. Leonardo was suddenly at her shoulder and glaring at his brother.
"Making sure you don't have too much fun without me Leo." Raph grinned at his brother and crossed his arms in front of his chest. Sara looked from figure to figure. So this was Raphael. She also had to wonder why on earth he would have come to her place, but she pushed her confusion and she realized annoyance aside to try to be a gracious host.
"Hello, Raphael, I'm Sara." She extended her hand. "Leonardo has told me about you." She smiled at him.
Raphael studied her for a moment before accepting her hand. "I'm sure he has." His eyes locked with Leo's, "And now I can see why he doesn't want to come home." Sara could feel the tension build around her. She looked at Leo out of the corner of her eye to see him standing glaring at Raphael, jaw set, a look of malice on his face.
"You look like complete shit man, you know that right?" Raphael shrugged off Leo's intense stare and walked further into the apartment, passing the two occupants into Sara's kitchen. "You have anything to drink?" Sara simply stood staring at her new visitor dumb-founded by him. She was baffled. How could this man be related to Leonardo? He was so brash and rude. Raph seemed the complete polar opposite of his brother.
Leonardo never gave Sara a chance to answer he took a step forward his presence giving off warning; "You never answered my question Raphael." He stressed his brother's name. "What are you doing here?" Each syllable dripped with an acid tone. Sara was quickly grasping that these two must most defiantly keep each other on their toes.
Raphael flopped down into one of Sara's kitchen's chairs, the sardonic grin still gracing his face. "Ahhhh I thought you would have missed me Leo." Raph looked around him at the candles on the table and the dishes sitting up in the sink. "My don't we look cozy." Raphael was smirking at Leonardo and Sara realized he was taunting him trying to get him to explode. Testing his brother seeing just how far he could push him until he reached his boiling point.
It was a situation she was familiar with. Growing up mostly with boys she had watched them play these mind games with one another too may times to count. She would try to do the only she knew to do. Nullify the situation to the best of her ability. She walked up to Leo, noting his clenched fists and reached up one small hand to run it down his arm. His eyes turned toward her and the fire inside of them smoldered a little bit. Before she could help herself she felt the same hand come up to touch his face, she ran it along his cheek and smiled up at him. "Why don't you go sit down and I'll get your brother something to drink?"
Leonardo felt his face flush lightly at her touch and suddenly he realized his aggression was fading. He shook his head, knowing this was neither the place nor the time to get into an all out battle with Raphael. He would just end up embarrassing himself. Not because he feared losing but because it would make him appear childish. He still couldn't help but glare at his brother as he crossed the floor to take a seat at the opposite end of the table.
"Whipped." Raphael coughed, then smiled pleasantly at his brother.
"And as for you." Raph's head turned surprised by the stern voice addressing him. Sara was standing staring at him shaking her head slightly. "Maybe you should learn some manners, when you are a guest in another person's home." Raphael looked at her rather shocked at her scolding him. "Now what would you like to drink? I have cola, lemonade or milk?" Sara's voice became a soft tone again, non-aggressive but still commanding in a strange way.
Raphael rolled his eyes, but smiled. "What no beer?" Sara couldn't help but smirk back and she shook her head lightly.
"Nope fresh out sorry." Now she smiled warmly, she could feel the tension melting and the combative mood fading away at least for the time being.
"Cola then.. As deprived as that makes me." Raph leaned back in the chair again. Sara couldn't help but glance at Leo as she turned to her fridge. He was shaking his head at his brother, but in a more amused way.
"So why are we blessed with your presence this evening Raphael?" Sara broached Leonardo's earlier question herself as she handed the turtle his drink.
Raph took a swig before he answered. "Because genius here forgot to tell us why he was spending the night." Raphael gestured toward Leo as he spoke. It was now Leonardo's turn to roll his eyes.
"You came all the way to Sara's house to ask me that. You know you could have just called me back." Leo leaned back in his own chair with a sigh. Sara seated herself between the two of them at the table listening.
"But now where would the fun be in that!" Raphael grinned at his brother, not egging him as much this time as genuinely joking.
Sara spoke up an answer to Raph's question. "We have a bit of an errand to run tomorrow morning." She tossed some of her stray hair back over her shoulder. The amusement on Raphael's face turned into pure interest.
"An errand?" He looked with question at his brother.
"My Katana Blades were taken as evidence at the crime scene. We are going to try to get them back."
"No, we are going to get them back." Sara nodded as if agreeing with herself. She watched as two sets of dark eyes turned to look at her with mild disbelief.
" Now don't get me wrong. I am usually the last one to say this but don't you think that's rushing things a little I mean they are in a police department now." Raphael studied Sara waiting for her answer.
"Yeah the same department I work for. I think I can manage myself." Sara's tone became defensive again and Leonardo noted it. He realized what her one touchy spot really was and he knew he wanted to stir clear of it.
"You work for a police department? What do you do fetch coffee for everyone?" The smirk had returned to Raphael's face. Sara's expression on the other hand became stone. She stood turning her back to both men and walking over to the sink started to run water to do the dishes.
Raphael looked over at Leonardo and shrugged. Leo on the other hand simply shook his head at his brother. There was silence for a period, broken only by the sound of the water drumming lightly on the plates. Raphael looked confused at first, but confusion annoyed him and pretty soon his expression turned to one of exasperation. He sat up leaning with his elbows resting on his thighs, staring at Sara's back as she worked. Finally he couldn't take the stillness longer.
"What the hell crawled up your butt?" Sara turned around sharply as if she was about to rebut Raphael's words, but stopped herself quickly. Her eyes closing briefly as she sighed.
"I am going to do this!" She informed both men with determination. "And after I do, maybe you can both understand I am not some meek little girl." She spun back to her work. Raph turned to smirk at Leo. Both? He mouthed to his brother, an eye ridge raised. Leonardo just glared at Raphael in return. Turning back to Sara, Leo tried to formulate the correct thing to say.
"Its not that we think your meek, Sara.."
She cut him off before he could finish. "Its simply that I don't understand right?" She leaned back against the counter, work put off for the moment awaiting an answer.
"And I think I'll take this as a cue to leave." Raphael rose, stealing Sara's attention. She suddenly felt embarrassed. Wondering why she had, had such an outburst in front of guests. Pushing hair nervously behind her ear she forced a smile.
"It was nice meeting you." Her angry gone; now things just felt uncomfortable.
"Yeah likewise. I think." Raph walked toward the door, a slight swagger in his step. "Well if you need any help you know where to call.. not that I think you will need any." He grinned at Sara as she and Leo followed him from the kitchen. He watched her flush a little and nod.
"Yeah thanks Raphael." She sighed and turned toward her hallway. "I'll just let you two say your goodbyes." Looking uncomfortable she left. Raph watched Leo's eyes follow her, his hand reach out, then draw back. His brother looked pained and Raphael watched with surprise.
"Leo. is there something going on?" His brother cut him short. Leonardo's expression dropped and once again became stone.
"Just go Raph, I'll be home tomorrow night." Raphael stood and studied his brother for a few moments. Trying to read his face and understand him, but unlike himself Leonardo was too controlled. His emotions and expression trapped under lock and key. The brief exchange Raph had just seen displayed had surprised him. There was much more to this then Raphael had even begun to imagine.
"Be careful Leo." The door clicked softly as Raph left. The apartment became silent and Leonardo turned to look at the darken hallway. With a light sigh he ventured down it.