Chapter 4: First Dates
I'm baaaaaack! Bwahahahaha!Oh my god, I'm so sorry I haven't been able to post sooner. I hate the computer. Hey, what was up with no reviews, huh? Geez, I'll stop writing if it's that bad!
A/N: This chapter is going to be longer than most.
Leo: Aw, great.
Me: I know, isn't it?
The guys
Raph: Stop screwing with us. The last chapter was embarresing.
Me: Well... that's your problem.
Raph: Yeah, it's my fault you're as much of a screw ball as Mikey.
Me: Hey! Do not insult Michaelangeo! Will me and DayDream have to strangle you?( Inside joke. Some of me and Day's friends will get it)
Mike: Yeah, I have fans! ( And DayDream smothers Mike in kisses)
Me: Anyway, forreplys to my little collection of reviews from the last chapter(1!
Raphaengela: Hihi! Yeah, aren't brother sister moments so cuuuuute? I love writing them. Yeah, about Leo, I swear you could drop a pin outside his bedroom door and he'd yell and run out askin' if anything's wrong! Heehee. Oh, don't you worry, there's still gunna be a major sibling rivalry with Raph and Lin - Mua ha ha ha ha! Yeah, I think we all know that Shredder doesn't care for the guys very much. Hehe, thanx for being my only reviewer!
Ok, I don't have that many author's notes for this chapter. Yay!
Don: Thank god, you're using my computer too long. This isn't my money going to the electric bill, it's April's.
Me: Shh, they're not supposed to know I use your computer! They'll get jealous.
You guys: Ack, not fair!
Me: Oh, poo for you! muahahaha! To the story! Ta Da!
Raphael and Linda sat there for a long time before Linda hurriedly broke from her brother. "If you mention this to anyone, I swear I'll kill you." she mumbled. Raph grinned at her, and she smiled faintly and quickly. But, she stood and flicked back her hair. "Now, don't you go thinking this changes anyhing, Raphaeloser!" And then, she whipped around and pranced out of the room, leaving Raph sitting on her bed. He sighed. There's just some things that you can't change. And his sister was one of them.
Raphael shook his head and strode out of Linda's bedroom, staring at the floor. When he looked up, he saw the girl Katie's face right in front of him. "Oh, hi.." she stuttered, turning bright red. Raph cleared his throat, trying desperatly not to look at her. "Uh, Hey, Raphael.""It's, uh.. c-call me... Raph, ok?" She blushed, and Raph felt his face burning. "Ok. Raph, I was wondering if.. you wanted to... do something tomorrow night?" Raph felt his eyes go round. "Uh, sure babe. Tomorrow." Katie smiled, and winked at him, then walked out of the leigher.
While Raph watched her go, he also noticed Leo take one of the girl's arms, he thought it was Nicole, and whisper to her in a corner. Then, he saw her grab him round the kneck, and then run out, screaming," YES YES YES! THANK YOU!" Raph trudged up next to Leo, and scared him to death. "Hey Leo." "AH!" Leo yelled. "Hey, your supposed to be ready for anything, Fearless Leader." Raph teased.Leo scowled at him. "So, what was that?" "Nothing." "I knew it. You aksed her out!" Leo's face went red. "Yeah, so what if I did?" "Nothing. Haha, ah, Leo..." Raph said, and looked at Leo knowingly. He then strutted off, leaving Leo to his confusion.
Raphael saw his baby brother on the couch, and went to sit next to him. He put his arm around Mike's shoulders, and scared him to death too. "Geez, I must be really scary today!" Raph exclaimed, and Mikey laughed. "Hi Raphy." "Hey Knuckle Head." Raph rubbed his knuckles on Mike's head, but Mike didn't really care. He didn't mind if Raph did anything to him. MTV came on, and Mikey and Raph leaned forward and watched intently as Hoobastank performed their video of The Reason. After at least 10 videos, Raph relised something. "Mikey, where's Vicky?" Mike had obviously not heard him, because his eyes were still on the TV. Raph, naturally, got annoyed and slapped poor Mikey upside the head, making him jump. "OW, WHAT?" "Where's Victoria?" " In her room." Mikey whined, still massaging his head where Raphael had struck him.
This worried Raph a bit. Maybe something was wrong, Vic didn't like to be alone. Raph got up and walked silently to Victoria's room. He was just about to open the door when he heard the little girl's voice from inside the room. "I know he wouldn't ever forget about ME teddy. Some goofy priss would never EVER catch his attention...would she?" Raph sighed. She must have heard when Katie asked him out. Then, he was hit with a question. Who on earth is that girl talking to? At this, he opened the door, and saw Vic sitting with her shell against the wall surrounded by her stuffed animals, and her favorite teddy that Raph had gotten her at the boardwalk in her arms. Apparently, she'd been having a little 'conversation' with Mr. Tickles before Raph walked in. She now looked up from her bear, and then clutched him tighter when she relised that somebody was in the room. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her cheeks were red, like she had just gotten through with crying, and was now seeking her bear's reassurance.
Raph saw the hurt look in his baby sister's eyes as she looked away from him and stared silently at the floor. He sat down next to her, and looked off into the distance. "So," he started casually," Whatcha' doin' in here all by yer self?" Victoria looked like she really didn't know how to say it, but she sure skipped right to the point. "Raph, are you seriously going to go out with that prep you call Katie? She's uglier than Leo's butt!" Raph laughed loudly, and sighed. "Ah, Vic, of course I'm gunna go out with her." "What's so great about her though?" Raph coughed. "I dunno. It's just, this thing. When two people meet each other, they like each other a lot, and stuff. When you get around 13 you might understnad. Pointedly around Mikey's age. Now is no time to worry about it." 'Oh no, I sound like Splinter!' he thought, groaning inwardly.
Tori still didn't look much happier. "Raphy, you know Natalie? Well, how come you've been spending more time around her than me? Raph, do you like her better?" Vicky's eyes welled up with tears, and she starting crying silently onto Raph's arm. "Aw, Vic. Of course not, baby..." He said, rubbing his hand on the back of her head. "Of course not. I love you very much Vic, and you never forget it, ok?" Vicky looked up at him with tear filled eyes. "Really, raph?" "Really, sweetie." Vicky thought for a minute, tears still streaming silently down her face. "Ok." she decided, and snuggled into him, concealing herself from everything else with her brother's arms. She fell asleep soon, and Raph could feel her steady breathing against his plastron. He smiled, and fiddled with her hair. "Now, how much luckier can I get?" he whispered.
Vicky was still asleep when Master Splinter came in. Raphael had accidently fallen asleep himself, and only awoke when Splinter made the slightest creak n the floor, and he jumped slightly. " Please put her to bed for me, my son." Splinter whispered, and Raph nodded, carrying his sister to the bed next to Sasha's. Vicky shared a room with someone just like Hannah and Jill. Hannah and Vicky were very vulnerable to nightmares, so Sasha and Jill could take care of them, so they shared rooms. Raph covered his baby sister's body in the quilt that April had made her for her first Christmas, and kissed her head goodnight. "I love you Vic." he whispered, not expecting an answer, and left, turning the light off before he closed the door with a click.
Splinter went to meditate, as he did every night. He said that it cleared his mind of the stresses of the day. Raph went to the living room to find Leonardo in front of the couch trying to straighten himself up for his date with Nicole tonight. Donettello and Michaelangelo were mocking him from the couch. Mikey was on a roll. " Still ugly. Still ugly. AH! MY EYES! TOO...MUCH...ugliness..." Mike pretended to die, and Raph seriously thought about making this a reality. He approached Leo. "Ya' look fine, ignore those twerps." Leo smiled at him, and sat down on the floor, fiddling with his hands. "Ah, girls. See what they can do to you?" Raph said to Mike, and Leo smacked him in the shell. Mike laughed. "Yeah, they make you uglier by the second!" Leo grabbed his ankle and threw him off the couch. Poor Mikey! He landed on the long chair that they had placed next to the couch. "Ow!" Mike groaned, and Leo grinned proudly to himself. "You're so lucky Master Splinter wasn't here." Raph said. "So what if he was?" Leo told him. Raph stared. "Wha-?" Right then, the leigher door opened, and Nicole entered.
Nicole had a grey hooded sweater on, and tight black pants. Raph whistled unintentionally, and shrugged and scratched the back of his head when Leo glared at him. (A/N: Alright, I'm gunna make this section Leo centric,for an obvious reason) "Leo, you ready t' go?" Nicole called over to him. Leo jumped and fixed his slumped posture. "Uh, yeah sure." He shuddered slightly, and then felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Mikey's face. "Go get 'em, Lion. Get it? Leo... uh, lion...? Ah, just go." Leo rolled his eyes, and stood up. "Where are you guys going?" Raph asked. "Walk in the park." Leo answered dryly, and walked off with Nicole. "Bye Leo! Have fun with your babe!" Sasha called, making Leo turn around. "What?!" "Mikey told me to say it!" Sasha insisted, and Mikey hurriedly covered her mouth, and grinned shakilly at Leo. Leo sighed, and him and Nicole left the lair.
The two walked down the sewer tunnel that led to the nearest man hole. Nicole had refused to walk through the dirty sewer water, so Leo was being patient and taking the longer way, through the concrete floored passages. They both were being quite silent. Leo was shivering, and not because of cold. He never thought a girl could make him so nervous. He kept looking over at her while her head was turned, and taking in all of her details. Being 17, his brothers always asked him about girls and all things related, figuring he would know best. Truthfully, he didn't know jack about girls and love. " Do I look like Dr. Love to you?" Leo had asked Mike when Mike had asked for advice yesterday," If you want to get a girl, take lessons from Raph." It was true. Raph could get any girl to like him, like a snake charmer getting his snake to follow him. But, women were a mystery to Leo. A beautifull, manipulative mystery. Leo snuck a look at Nicole again. Leo tried hard not to make eye contact when they spoke, or to not speak at all. He always stuttered, or something came out wrong, so he just didn't bother wasting his breath. But, since he couldn't read minds, he didn't know what Nicole was tackling with inside her head.
Nicole had screwed up when Leo asked her if a walk in park was okay with her. "I'd love to go on a park in the walk with you!" She was garetfull he didn't notice, but turned red all the same. Leo suddenly pointed out a ladder that led to the streets, and started to climb up. Leo looked down when he noticed Nicole wasn't following him. She was staring disgustedly at how dirty the ladder was, and Leo laughed," You chicken, Nicole?" Nicole shook her head violantly, desperate to impress Leo and show him she was not chicken. She climbed hurriedly under him, all the while looking down, using all of her will power not to look up, althouhg she desperatly wanted to.(A/N:I think you all know why. Hint hint Leo is above her... think...) Leo threw the cover off the man hole and hopped out, then extended his hand for Nicole to take. But, Nicole's foot hooked onto the cover, and she feel into Leo's arms, her face coming very close to his. There was an awkward moment in which they stared at each other, but Nicole broke the moment by seperating them and blushing. Leo didn't know that she had tripped on purpose.
Leo cleared his throat and jerked his head twords the side walk, hinting for her to follow him. As they walked, Leo stared up into the stars, millions of thoughts all trying to sort themselves out in his head. While he did this, he was oblivious of the female turtle admiring him. She was taking everything in, from the way the moon reflected off his eyes, to his biceps that cast a large shadow onto the ground. She had just begun relise just how well toned he was. She had stared intently at him during training. His moves flowed so perfectly, as he repeated his kata countless times, long after his family was through with training.
Nicole found herself letting words spill out of her mouth, and they sounded like they weren't coming from her mouth, as though she had been thinking to hard and let them out. "Hey Leo?" Leo was shaken out of his thoughts, and looked down at her. His eyes stunned her, and Nicole was lost for words. Leo smiled, and Nicole wished right then that he would just look away so she wouldn't be so scared of saying something wrong. "A- are you okay? You looked a bit lost." Nicole finnally managed. Leo thought. Leo knew she was trying to open him up, and it was workng rather well. He couldn't resist the urge to pour his soul into her, tell her everything.That is, if she was willing to listen.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just a bit... I dunno.You've heard of the Shredder, right?" Nicole nodded. "Yes. I don't know what I would call him, maybe grandfather? Kurai has become my mother, and she is Shredder's daughter, so yes, I'm Shredder's grand daughter. Why do you ask?" Leo kept his gaze on the ground. Great, he was dating Shredder's adoptive grand daughter. "Oh Leo, I don't enjoy being this closely related to him, he's evil, and dirty... you just asked..." Leo still gazed at the ground, and he felt Nicole's eyes on him. "Leo, I heard about what happened two years ago, and I'm sorry.." Leo looked at her. "Hey don't be. The Foot Elite don't scare me now anyway." Nicole nodded, and there was a very awkward silence. "Hey Nicole, you know Raph, right? Well, we fight a lot, and... ah, you don't need to hear this... never mind." Nicole put a hand on his shoulder. The warmth of it sent a rush of tingling up Leo's arm and down his back. "I'm listening Leo. You know you can tell me everything." Leo stared at her. How did she know he felt like that already? "Nicole, how d'you know what I'm thinking?" he asked. Nicole fidgeted. "I can read minds... And I think you're hott too..." Leo felt his eyes widen, and he laughed. "That's amazing! How'd you learn that?" Nicole smiled sheepishly. "I was born with it..." Leo nodded. Wow, a mind reader... wait, mind reader? He cleared his mind of every thing he was thinking about her just then, not particularly feeling comfortable knowing she could see and hear everything that went on in his mind. "So, you and Raphael fight?" Nicole started. Leo nodded. "Yeah... But we used to best friends when we were small." He chuckled as he remembered how inseperatable him and Raph had been when they were kids. "Never went anywhere without the other. But now, he's just gotten so damn stubborn... And he's always being all sour about how I'm leader and not him..." Nicole stared. "Wow, leader. Must be hard." "You have no idea. Splinter made me leader when I was five. And I love it, it just has it's downsides." "Like?" Nicole asked, wondered what on Earth could be wrong with leadership. "Well, you always put others before yourself, and you NEVER get a moment by yourself! And you always have to be so perfect! Argh!" Nicole watched curiously as Leo stared straight ahead of him while talking. He had not looked at her at all while he was talking all night.
"And Raph, he just... he thinks I have it all. But he's got no idea what I go through. He sees it all as 'Leo, the over privilaged' 'Leo, the perfect student', or 'Leo, getting away with everything.' He doesn't get it. My muscles hurt like hell because of all the stupid extra training I have to do. Wow, I just swore twice in the past three minutes, AND I told you way too much. Heh, how'd you do that?" Nicole looked up at him. "Do what?" "Make me talk to you like that? I've just told you stuff I've never told anybody." Nicole blushed. "Well, I erm, didn't do anything..." Leo grinned, and glanced upward. "Hey, there's the park." He said, pointing to the enternace to Central Park. Leo felt his stomache twist when she 'accidently' touched him. Nicole gasped when she relised something. 'Oh my god. I've fallen in love with Leonardo...'
They entered the park. A fountain was spouting water, which was glistening in the light of the moon and stars. Nicole and Leonardo strode across the grass, their feet sinking slightly, and the smell of fertilizer all around them. Near the park, there was a high school after game party at the foot ball stadium, and they were playing Nicole's all-time favorite song.
(What I like about you, you hold me inside. Tell me I'm the only one, wanna come over tonight? Yeah... Keep on whisperin' in my ear, tell me all the things that I wanna hear 'cause it's true. That's what I like about you.)
Nicole gasped and clutched Leo's hand. "Oh, I love this song!" She looked down to see their hands in a lock, and she blushed, feeling her face burn. Leo blushed slightly too, but squeezed her hand. She smiled, and did a turn, then swung out away from him.
(What I like about you. Ya' really know how da' dance.)
Nicole tripped slightly, and laughed as Leo fell too, becasue she'd forgotten to let go of his hand. They looked up, and noticed their faces were very close together. They nearly kissed, but Nicole cleared her throat and walked over to the fountain, and stared at the moon's reflection in it.
(When ya' go up down, jump around, talk about true romance. Yeah!)
Leo came up next to her. He took out a penny, and held it out to her. "Here, make a wish." "Oh, Leo, you don't ?want me to waste a silly wish on your money..." "Yeah, I do. What would I do with a penny anyway?" Nicole smiled, and took the penny from his hand. She closed her eyes, whispered something, and threw the penny into the water. "What did you wish for?" Nicole smiled, staring up at the stars, which were reflecting off her beautifull eyes. " I wished that... you would hold me and never let go..." she whispered, and tore her gaze from the heavens and onto the boy beside her. Leo's eyes softened, and he smiled...
(Keep on whisperin' in my ear, tell me all the things that wanna hear 'cause it's true. That's what I like about you!)
Nicole smiled, and got closer to Leo, and stared up at him. "Leo, we can kiss if you want, you don't have think I'll say no." Leo laughed. "Stop that." She grinned, and Leo took the girl in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his kneck, and their lips were in a lock before they knew it. Leonardo loved this feeling, he'd never felt that flutter in the pit of his stomache before. It was like the Fourth of July was taking place in his head. When they broke from each other, Nicole's eyes were still closed. But, they flittered open, and she just stared, unable to move. She laughed, and hugged him. Leo smiled. So, this was love...
(What I like about you, ya' keep me warm at night. Never wanna let you go, no you make me feel alright. Yeah! Keep on whisperin' in my ear, tell me all the things that I wanna hear, 'cause it's true, that's what I like about you.)
Back at the lair( cue back to Raph centric) Raphael was the only one awake, watching the news. He wasn't really listening, or watching, but he had the TV on anyway. He was actually waiting for Leo. A bad storm had started, and Raph really didn't want his brother out in rain and lightning. Last thing they needed was a sick turtle. Raphael had gotten his share of assurances though. Master Splinter had said that Leonardo could take care of himself and would be home soon. Mike had said Leo was probably snogging Nicole in the park and didn't even notice the storm. Don told him that Leo could sense a storm if it were in Japan, he would be coming home right now. Raph was waiting anyway.
Finnally, he heard light laughs as Leo and Nicole ran in from the storm. Raph's head snapped up, and he watched them. Their bodys were soaking wet, and Nicole was laughing herself silly. "Leo, hun, oh! That was so funny!" Raph smiled. Leo smiled too. "I tripped and fell into the sewer water..." he mumbled, and Niocle let out a fresh wave of unstoppable laughter. Raph snorted. Nicole had her head on Leo's shoulder, and Leo had his arm around her waist. Raph took a note off the table that he had given much thought, and handed it to Leo. Leo looked questioningly at him, but Raph held up his hand. "Just read it." Leo shrugged, and opened the note.
'Fearless leader
I know you hate that nick name. Exactly why I used it. I was just thinking, well I hate fighting with you about stupid little things. I'm really getting sick of it. We're both at fault here. I'm a bit cranky(okay, really really cranky ALL the time) and I'm sorry for that. You know I can't help it. And you're a bit too naggy. I'm just asking you to stop nagging me about little things, and I'll stop giving you a hard time, okay?
Raphyell
Leo beamed, looked up from the note and nodded to his brother. Raph put the thumbs up, then heard a groan behind him. It was Sasha, and she was rubbing her eyes and staring blearily at Leo. "Hi Leo. I heard your voice... ah, it woke me up..." Leo rolled his eyes and smiled. "Girl... you better get back to bed or Sensei will kill me." He picked his sister up and walked into her room that she and Vic shared. This left Raph and Nicole alone. Raph grinned as he heard a big roll of thunder. "I suppose you don't wanna go home in this weather, huh?" Nicole giggled, but didn't answer. Raph thought, and smirked slightly. 'Why dontcha call Kurai and tell her you're spendin' the night here?" Nicole smiled. "Oh, Raphael, I couldn't..." "It's Raph, and yeah ya' could. I insist." Nicole shrugged. "Thank you." she said, and dialed Kurai's number on her cell phone.
"Hi Kurai. It's Nikki. God, stop yelling I'm right here! I know it's 3:00 in the morning! No- I just- no- I wanted to tell you that- I'M SPENDING THE NIGHT WITH LEO! Well I wouldn't have to yell if you didn't! It's because by the time I got to our man hole, I'd have a cold! Alright, I'll see you in the morning. Good night. Kurai, is that Josh in back gound? Shut up Josh! Thanks Kuria. 'Night." Nicole hung up the phone, and huffed. "Josh is probably the most annoying brother anyone could have." "I beg to differ." Raph said, taking all the melted pizza cheese off his sais, with which Mike had cut his pizza earlier. Nicole laughed.
Leo came silently out of Sasha's room, and slowly closed the door. "Well, I guess you should go home now, Nicole." Nicole raised an eye brow at him, and as if on cue the thunder rolled louder than ever before. Raph replied for her. "She just called the woman. She's gunna stay here. She can't go home in that weather." Leo nodded, and smiled. "Where will she sleep though?" Raph stared at him. 'You're an adult, Leo, think." Leo's eyes went wide, and Raph snickered. Nicole doubled over in a fit of giggles, and she took Leo's arm, and they sat on the couch. Raph tiptoed to the hallway, and whispered, "Night guys!" Leo waved at him, and Nicole winked. Raph figured he would go to sleep, but he had no idea he wasn't about to do anything of the sort.
No sooner had he settled down in his bed for the night, then he heard Victoria shriek. 'Oh no...' he thought. He leapt out of bed and thundered down the hall, and flung open the door to Sash and Vic's room. He saw Vic on the bed, still asleep, struggling and flailing, shrieking. She was pale, and her fists were clenched. Sasha was next to her, staring at Raph. Raph rushed over and knelt down beside his baby sister. "Raph, she's having a nightmare, but she won't wake up!" Sasha yelled, panicking. Raph grabbed Victoria by the shoulders, and shook her. 'Tori, Tori wake up!" He told her, and Vicky's eyes opened suddenly, but she continued to struggle. She ceased with this eventually, but collapsed into Raph's arms, and cryed harder. "Raph- d- don't go!" she shrieked, and Raph hugged her tiny body tightly. "Ssshhh, sweetie I'm here. Vic, it's ok..." "Raph, Sh-Shredder. H-he k-killed you..." she whimpered. "No, he didn't, I'm here Vicky. It was just a dream..." Vicky stopped wailing, but her body was still shivering. Sasha took Vicky's hand, and whispered," It's ok Vicky. It's ok. Me and Raph'll take care of you, ok?" Vicky nodded, tears still streaming down her face. Sasha kissed her on the cheek. "Maybe you can sleep with Raph tonight, will that make you feel better?" Sasha asked her little sister, and Vicky nodded. "Okay. Here's your teddy." Sasha said, handing Vicky Mr. Tickles. Vicky smiled, and buried her face in Raph's shoulder, and Raph smiled at Sasha. 'Thanks, Sash. You're very grown up." Sasha smiled and nodded and Raph hugged her goodnight, and Sasha climbed into bed. " Night Sasha." "Night Raphy."
Raph turned out the light, and went to his room. Vicky clung to him, as though he might kick the bucket if she let go of him for one second. Raph opened his door, and pulled back the covers. He slid into bed, with Vicky beside him. She sighed, her breath shuddering, and snuggled into him. Her nightmare did not return.
A/N: Finnally I'm finished with the stupid chapter! God my kneck and fingers hurt like hell! haha. Well, review please! I mean it. Review. Now. Bye! LYLF Monica
I'm baaaaaack! Bwahahahaha!Oh my god, I'm so sorry I haven't been able to post sooner. I hate the computer. Hey, what was up with no reviews, huh? Geez, I'll stop writing if it's that bad!
A/N: This chapter is going to be longer than most.
Leo: Aw, great.
Me: I know, isn't it?
The guys
Raph: Stop screwing with us. The last chapter was embarresing.
Me: Well... that's your problem.
Raph: Yeah, it's my fault you're as much of a screw ball as Mikey.
Me: Hey! Do not insult Michaelangeo! Will me and DayDream have to strangle you?( Inside joke. Some of me and Day's friends will get it)
Mike: Yeah, I have fans! ( And DayDream smothers Mike in kisses)
Me: Anyway, forreplys to my little collection of reviews from the last chapter(1!
Raphaengela: Hihi! Yeah, aren't brother sister moments so cuuuuute? I love writing them. Yeah, about Leo, I swear you could drop a pin outside his bedroom door and he'd yell and run out askin' if anything's wrong! Heehee. Oh, don't you worry, there's still gunna be a major sibling rivalry with Raph and Lin - Mua ha ha ha ha! Yeah, I think we all know that Shredder doesn't care for the guys very much. Hehe, thanx for being my only reviewer!
Ok, I don't have that many author's notes for this chapter. Yay!
Don: Thank god, you're using my computer too long. This isn't my money going to the electric bill, it's April's.
Me: Shh, they're not supposed to know I use your computer! They'll get jealous.
You guys: Ack, not fair!
Me: Oh, poo for you! muahahaha! To the story! Ta Da!
Raphael and Linda sat there for a long time before Linda hurriedly broke from her brother. "If you mention this to anyone, I swear I'll kill you." she mumbled. Raph grinned at her, and she smiled faintly and quickly. But, she stood and flicked back her hair. "Now, don't you go thinking this changes anyhing, Raphaeloser!" And then, she whipped around and pranced out of the room, leaving Raph sitting on her bed. He sighed. There's just some things that you can't change. And his sister was one of them.
Raphael shook his head and strode out of Linda's bedroom, staring at the floor. When he looked up, he saw the girl Katie's face right in front of him. "Oh, hi.." she stuttered, turning bright red. Raph cleared his throat, trying desperatly not to look at her. "Uh, Hey, Raphael.""It's, uh.. c-call me... Raph, ok?" She blushed, and Raph felt his face burning. "Ok. Raph, I was wondering if.. you wanted to... do something tomorrow night?" Raph felt his eyes go round. "Uh, sure babe. Tomorrow." Katie smiled, and winked at him, then walked out of the leigher.
While Raph watched her go, he also noticed Leo take one of the girl's arms, he thought it was Nicole, and whisper to her in a corner. Then, he saw her grab him round the kneck, and then run out, screaming," YES YES YES! THANK YOU!" Raph trudged up next to Leo, and scared him to death. "Hey Leo." "AH!" Leo yelled. "Hey, your supposed to be ready for anything, Fearless Leader." Raph teased.Leo scowled at him. "So, what was that?" "Nothing." "I knew it. You aksed her out!" Leo's face went red. "Yeah, so what if I did?" "Nothing. Haha, ah, Leo..." Raph said, and looked at Leo knowingly. He then strutted off, leaving Leo to his confusion.
Raphael saw his baby brother on the couch, and went to sit next to him. He put his arm around Mike's shoulders, and scared him to death too. "Geez, I must be really scary today!" Raph exclaimed, and Mikey laughed. "Hi Raphy." "Hey Knuckle Head." Raph rubbed his knuckles on Mike's head, but Mike didn't really care. He didn't mind if Raph did anything to him. MTV came on, and Mikey and Raph leaned forward and watched intently as Hoobastank performed their video of The Reason. After at least 10 videos, Raph relised something. "Mikey, where's Vicky?" Mike had obviously not heard him, because his eyes were still on the TV. Raph, naturally, got annoyed and slapped poor Mikey upside the head, making him jump. "OW, WHAT?" "Where's Victoria?" " In her room." Mikey whined, still massaging his head where Raphael had struck him.
This worried Raph a bit. Maybe something was wrong, Vic didn't like to be alone. Raph got up and walked silently to Victoria's room. He was just about to open the door when he heard the little girl's voice from inside the room. "I know he wouldn't ever forget about ME teddy. Some goofy priss would never EVER catch his attention...would she?" Raph sighed. She must have heard when Katie asked him out. Then, he was hit with a question. Who on earth is that girl talking to? At this, he opened the door, and saw Vic sitting with her shell against the wall surrounded by her stuffed animals, and her favorite teddy that Raph had gotten her at the boardwalk in her arms. Apparently, she'd been having a little 'conversation' with Mr. Tickles before Raph walked in. She now looked up from her bear, and then clutched him tighter when she relised that somebody was in the room. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her cheeks were red, like she had just gotten through with crying, and was now seeking her bear's reassurance.
Raph saw the hurt look in his baby sister's eyes as she looked away from him and stared silently at the floor. He sat down next to her, and looked off into the distance. "So," he started casually," Whatcha' doin' in here all by yer self?" Victoria looked like she really didn't know how to say it, but she sure skipped right to the point. "Raph, are you seriously going to go out with that prep you call Katie? She's uglier than Leo's butt!" Raph laughed loudly, and sighed. "Ah, Vic, of course I'm gunna go out with her." "What's so great about her though?" Raph coughed. "I dunno. It's just, this thing. When two people meet each other, they like each other a lot, and stuff. When you get around 13 you might understnad. Pointedly around Mikey's age. Now is no time to worry about it." 'Oh no, I sound like Splinter!' he thought, groaning inwardly.
Tori still didn't look much happier. "Raphy, you know Natalie? Well, how come you've been spending more time around her than me? Raph, do you like her better?" Vicky's eyes welled up with tears, and she starting crying silently onto Raph's arm. "Aw, Vic. Of course not, baby..." He said, rubbing his hand on the back of her head. "Of course not. I love you very much Vic, and you never forget it, ok?" Vicky looked up at him with tear filled eyes. "Really, raph?" "Really, sweetie." Vicky thought for a minute, tears still streaming silently down her face. "Ok." she decided, and snuggled into him, concealing herself from everything else with her brother's arms. She fell asleep soon, and Raph could feel her steady breathing against his plastron. He smiled, and fiddled with her hair. "Now, how much luckier can I get?" he whispered.
Vicky was still asleep when Master Splinter came in. Raphael had accidently fallen asleep himself, and only awoke when Splinter made the slightest creak n the floor, and he jumped slightly. " Please put her to bed for me, my son." Splinter whispered, and Raph nodded, carrying his sister to the bed next to Sasha's. Vicky shared a room with someone just like Hannah and Jill. Hannah and Vicky were very vulnerable to nightmares, so Sasha and Jill could take care of them, so they shared rooms. Raph covered his baby sister's body in the quilt that April had made her for her first Christmas, and kissed her head goodnight. "I love you Vic." he whispered, not expecting an answer, and left, turning the light off before he closed the door with a click.
Splinter went to meditate, as he did every night. He said that it cleared his mind of the stresses of the day. Raph went to the living room to find Leonardo in front of the couch trying to straighten himself up for his date with Nicole tonight. Donettello and Michaelangelo were mocking him from the couch. Mikey was on a roll. " Still ugly. Still ugly. AH! MY EYES! TOO...MUCH...ugliness..." Mike pretended to die, and Raph seriously thought about making this a reality. He approached Leo. "Ya' look fine, ignore those twerps." Leo smiled at him, and sat down on the floor, fiddling with his hands. "Ah, girls. See what they can do to you?" Raph said to Mike, and Leo smacked him in the shell. Mike laughed. "Yeah, they make you uglier by the second!" Leo grabbed his ankle and threw him off the couch. Poor Mikey! He landed on the long chair that they had placed next to the couch. "Ow!" Mike groaned, and Leo grinned proudly to himself. "You're so lucky Master Splinter wasn't here." Raph said. "So what if he was?" Leo told him. Raph stared. "Wha-?" Right then, the leigher door opened, and Nicole entered.
Nicole had a grey hooded sweater on, and tight black pants. Raph whistled unintentionally, and shrugged and scratched the back of his head when Leo glared at him. (A/N: Alright, I'm gunna make this section Leo centric,for an obvious reason) "Leo, you ready t' go?" Nicole called over to him. Leo jumped and fixed his slumped posture. "Uh, yeah sure." He shuddered slightly, and then felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Mikey's face. "Go get 'em, Lion. Get it? Leo... uh, lion...? Ah, just go." Leo rolled his eyes, and stood up. "Where are you guys going?" Raph asked. "Walk in the park." Leo answered dryly, and walked off with Nicole. "Bye Leo! Have fun with your babe!" Sasha called, making Leo turn around. "What?!" "Mikey told me to say it!" Sasha insisted, and Mikey hurriedly covered her mouth, and grinned shakilly at Leo. Leo sighed, and him and Nicole left the lair.
The two walked down the sewer tunnel that led to the nearest man hole. Nicole had refused to walk through the dirty sewer water, so Leo was being patient and taking the longer way, through the concrete floored passages. They both were being quite silent. Leo was shivering, and not because of cold. He never thought a girl could make him so nervous. He kept looking over at her while her head was turned, and taking in all of her details. Being 17, his brothers always asked him about girls and all things related, figuring he would know best. Truthfully, he didn't know jack about girls and love. " Do I look like Dr. Love to you?" Leo had asked Mike when Mike had asked for advice yesterday," If you want to get a girl, take lessons from Raph." It was true. Raph could get any girl to like him, like a snake charmer getting his snake to follow him. But, women were a mystery to Leo. A beautifull, manipulative mystery. Leo snuck a look at Nicole again. Leo tried hard not to make eye contact when they spoke, or to not speak at all. He always stuttered, or something came out wrong, so he just didn't bother wasting his breath. But, since he couldn't read minds, he didn't know what Nicole was tackling with inside her head.
Nicole had screwed up when Leo asked her if a walk in park was okay with her. "I'd love to go on a park in the walk with you!" She was garetfull he didn't notice, but turned red all the same. Leo suddenly pointed out a ladder that led to the streets, and started to climb up. Leo looked down when he noticed Nicole wasn't following him. She was staring disgustedly at how dirty the ladder was, and Leo laughed," You chicken, Nicole?" Nicole shook her head violantly, desperate to impress Leo and show him she was not chicken. She climbed hurriedly under him, all the while looking down, using all of her will power not to look up, althouhg she desperatly wanted to.(A/N:I think you all know why. Hint hint Leo is above her... think...) Leo threw the cover off the man hole and hopped out, then extended his hand for Nicole to take. But, Nicole's foot hooked onto the cover, and she feel into Leo's arms, her face coming very close to his. There was an awkward moment in which they stared at each other, but Nicole broke the moment by seperating them and blushing. Leo didn't know that she had tripped on purpose.
Leo cleared his throat and jerked his head twords the side walk, hinting for her to follow him. As they walked, Leo stared up into the stars, millions of thoughts all trying to sort themselves out in his head. While he did this, he was oblivious of the female turtle admiring him. She was taking everything in, from the way the moon reflected off his eyes, to his biceps that cast a large shadow onto the ground. She had just begun relise just how well toned he was. She had stared intently at him during training. His moves flowed so perfectly, as he repeated his kata countless times, long after his family was through with training.
Nicole found herself letting words spill out of her mouth, and they sounded like they weren't coming from her mouth, as though she had been thinking to hard and let them out. "Hey Leo?" Leo was shaken out of his thoughts, and looked down at her. His eyes stunned her, and Nicole was lost for words. Leo smiled, and Nicole wished right then that he would just look away so she wouldn't be so scared of saying something wrong. "A- are you okay? You looked a bit lost." Nicole finnally managed. Leo thought. Leo knew she was trying to open him up, and it was workng rather well. He couldn't resist the urge to pour his soul into her, tell her everything.That is, if she was willing to listen.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just a bit... I dunno.You've heard of the Shredder, right?" Nicole nodded. "Yes. I don't know what I would call him, maybe grandfather? Kurai has become my mother, and she is Shredder's daughter, so yes, I'm Shredder's grand daughter. Why do you ask?" Leo kept his gaze on the ground. Great, he was dating Shredder's adoptive grand daughter. "Oh Leo, I don't enjoy being this closely related to him, he's evil, and dirty... you just asked..." Leo still gazed at the ground, and he felt Nicole's eyes on him. "Leo, I heard about what happened two years ago, and I'm sorry.." Leo looked at her. "Hey don't be. The Foot Elite don't scare me now anyway." Nicole nodded, and there was a very awkward silence. "Hey Nicole, you know Raph, right? Well, we fight a lot, and... ah, you don't need to hear this... never mind." Nicole put a hand on his shoulder. The warmth of it sent a rush of tingling up Leo's arm and down his back. "I'm listening Leo. You know you can tell me everything." Leo stared at her. How did she know he felt like that already? "Nicole, how d'you know what I'm thinking?" he asked. Nicole fidgeted. "I can read minds... And I think you're hott too..." Leo felt his eyes widen, and he laughed. "That's amazing! How'd you learn that?" Nicole smiled sheepishly. "I was born with it..." Leo nodded. Wow, a mind reader... wait, mind reader? He cleared his mind of every thing he was thinking about her just then, not particularly feeling comfortable knowing she could see and hear everything that went on in his mind. "So, you and Raphael fight?" Nicole started. Leo nodded. "Yeah... But we used to best friends when we were small." He chuckled as he remembered how inseperatable him and Raph had been when they were kids. "Never went anywhere without the other. But now, he's just gotten so damn stubborn... And he's always being all sour about how I'm leader and not him..." Nicole stared. "Wow, leader. Must be hard." "You have no idea. Splinter made me leader when I was five. And I love it, it just has it's downsides." "Like?" Nicole asked, wondered what on Earth could be wrong with leadership. "Well, you always put others before yourself, and you NEVER get a moment by yourself! And you always have to be so perfect! Argh!" Nicole watched curiously as Leo stared straight ahead of him while talking. He had not looked at her at all while he was talking all night.
"And Raph, he just... he thinks I have it all. But he's got no idea what I go through. He sees it all as 'Leo, the over privilaged' 'Leo, the perfect student', or 'Leo, getting away with everything.' He doesn't get it. My muscles hurt like hell because of all the stupid extra training I have to do. Wow, I just swore twice in the past three minutes, AND I told you way too much. Heh, how'd you do that?" Nicole looked up at him. "Do what?" "Make me talk to you like that? I've just told you stuff I've never told anybody." Nicole blushed. "Well, I erm, didn't do anything..." Leo grinned, and glanced upward. "Hey, there's the park." He said, pointing to the enternace to Central Park. Leo felt his stomache twist when she 'accidently' touched him. Nicole gasped when she relised something. 'Oh my god. I've fallen in love with Leonardo...'
They entered the park. A fountain was spouting water, which was glistening in the light of the moon and stars. Nicole and Leonardo strode across the grass, their feet sinking slightly, and the smell of fertilizer all around them. Near the park, there was a high school after game party at the foot ball stadium, and they were playing Nicole's all-time favorite song.
(What I like about you, you hold me inside. Tell me I'm the only one, wanna come over tonight? Yeah... Keep on whisperin' in my ear, tell me all the things that I wanna hear 'cause it's true. That's what I like about you.)
Nicole gasped and clutched Leo's hand. "Oh, I love this song!" She looked down to see their hands in a lock, and she blushed, feeling her face burn. Leo blushed slightly too, but squeezed her hand. She smiled, and did a turn, then swung out away from him.
(What I like about you. Ya' really know how da' dance.)
Nicole tripped slightly, and laughed as Leo fell too, becasue she'd forgotten to let go of his hand. They looked up, and noticed their faces were very close together. They nearly kissed, but Nicole cleared her throat and walked over to the fountain, and stared at the moon's reflection in it.
(When ya' go up down, jump around, talk about true romance. Yeah!)
Leo came up next to her. He took out a penny, and held it out to her. "Here, make a wish." "Oh, Leo, you don't ?want me to waste a silly wish on your money..." "Yeah, I do. What would I do with a penny anyway?" Nicole smiled, and took the penny from his hand. She closed her eyes, whispered something, and threw the penny into the water. "What did you wish for?" Nicole smiled, staring up at the stars, which were reflecting off her beautifull eyes. " I wished that... you would hold me and never let go..." she whispered, and tore her gaze from the heavens and onto the boy beside her. Leo's eyes softened, and he smiled...
(Keep on whisperin' in my ear, tell me all the things that wanna hear 'cause it's true. That's what I like about you!)
Nicole smiled, and got closer to Leo, and stared up at him. "Leo, we can kiss if you want, you don't have think I'll say no." Leo laughed. "Stop that." She grinned, and Leo took the girl in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his kneck, and their lips were in a lock before they knew it. Leonardo loved this feeling, he'd never felt that flutter in the pit of his stomache before. It was like the Fourth of July was taking place in his head. When they broke from each other, Nicole's eyes were still closed. But, they flittered open, and she just stared, unable to move. She laughed, and hugged him. Leo smiled. So, this was love...
(What I like about you, ya' keep me warm at night. Never wanna let you go, no you make me feel alright. Yeah! Keep on whisperin' in my ear, tell me all the things that I wanna hear, 'cause it's true, that's what I like about you.)
Back at the lair( cue back to Raph centric) Raphael was the only one awake, watching the news. He wasn't really listening, or watching, but he had the TV on anyway. He was actually waiting for Leo. A bad storm had started, and Raph really didn't want his brother out in rain and lightning. Last thing they needed was a sick turtle. Raphael had gotten his share of assurances though. Master Splinter had said that Leonardo could take care of himself and would be home soon. Mike had said Leo was probably snogging Nicole in the park and didn't even notice the storm. Don told him that Leo could sense a storm if it were in Japan, he would be coming home right now. Raph was waiting anyway.
Finnally, he heard light laughs as Leo and Nicole ran in from the storm. Raph's head snapped up, and he watched them. Their bodys were soaking wet, and Nicole was laughing herself silly. "Leo, hun, oh! That was so funny!" Raph smiled. Leo smiled too. "I tripped and fell into the sewer water..." he mumbled, and Niocle let out a fresh wave of unstoppable laughter. Raph snorted. Nicole had her head on Leo's shoulder, and Leo had his arm around her waist. Raph took a note off the table that he had given much thought, and handed it to Leo. Leo looked questioningly at him, but Raph held up his hand. "Just read it." Leo shrugged, and opened the note.
'Fearless leader
I know you hate that nick name. Exactly why I used it. I was just thinking, well I hate fighting with you about stupid little things. I'm really getting sick of it. We're both at fault here. I'm a bit cranky(okay, really really cranky ALL the time) and I'm sorry for that. You know I can't help it. And you're a bit too naggy. I'm just asking you to stop nagging me about little things, and I'll stop giving you a hard time, okay?
Raphyell
Leo beamed, looked up from the note and nodded to his brother. Raph put the thumbs up, then heard a groan behind him. It was Sasha, and she was rubbing her eyes and staring blearily at Leo. "Hi Leo. I heard your voice... ah, it woke me up..." Leo rolled his eyes and smiled. "Girl... you better get back to bed or Sensei will kill me." He picked his sister up and walked into her room that she and Vic shared. This left Raph and Nicole alone. Raph grinned as he heard a big roll of thunder. "I suppose you don't wanna go home in this weather, huh?" Nicole giggled, but didn't answer. Raph thought, and smirked slightly. 'Why dontcha call Kurai and tell her you're spendin' the night here?" Nicole smiled. "Oh, Raphael, I couldn't..." "It's Raph, and yeah ya' could. I insist." Nicole shrugged. "Thank you." she said, and dialed Kurai's number on her cell phone.
"Hi Kurai. It's Nikki. God, stop yelling I'm right here! I know it's 3:00 in the morning! No- I just- no- I wanted to tell you that- I'M SPENDING THE NIGHT WITH LEO! Well I wouldn't have to yell if you didn't! It's because by the time I got to our man hole, I'd have a cold! Alright, I'll see you in the morning. Good night. Kurai, is that Josh in back gound? Shut up Josh! Thanks Kuria. 'Night." Nicole hung up the phone, and huffed. "Josh is probably the most annoying brother anyone could have." "I beg to differ." Raph said, taking all the melted pizza cheese off his sais, with which Mike had cut his pizza earlier. Nicole laughed.
Leo came silently out of Sasha's room, and slowly closed the door. "Well, I guess you should go home now, Nicole." Nicole raised an eye brow at him, and as if on cue the thunder rolled louder than ever before. Raph replied for her. "She just called the woman. She's gunna stay here. She can't go home in that weather." Leo nodded, and smiled. "Where will she sleep though?" Raph stared at him. 'You're an adult, Leo, think." Leo's eyes went wide, and Raph snickered. Nicole doubled over in a fit of giggles, and she took Leo's arm, and they sat on the couch. Raph tiptoed to the hallway, and whispered, "Night guys!" Leo waved at him, and Nicole winked. Raph figured he would go to sleep, but he had no idea he wasn't about to do anything of the sort.
No sooner had he settled down in his bed for the night, then he heard Victoria shriek. 'Oh no...' he thought. He leapt out of bed and thundered down the hall, and flung open the door to Sash and Vic's room. He saw Vic on the bed, still asleep, struggling and flailing, shrieking. She was pale, and her fists were clenched. Sasha was next to her, staring at Raph. Raph rushed over and knelt down beside his baby sister. "Raph, she's having a nightmare, but she won't wake up!" Sasha yelled, panicking. Raph grabbed Victoria by the shoulders, and shook her. 'Tori, Tori wake up!" He told her, and Vicky's eyes opened suddenly, but she continued to struggle. She ceased with this eventually, but collapsed into Raph's arms, and cryed harder. "Raph- d- don't go!" she shrieked, and Raph hugged her tiny body tightly. "Ssshhh, sweetie I'm here. Vic, it's ok..." "Raph, Sh-Shredder. H-he k-killed you..." she whimpered. "No, he didn't, I'm here Vicky. It was just a dream..." Vicky stopped wailing, but her body was still shivering. Sasha took Vicky's hand, and whispered," It's ok Vicky. It's ok. Me and Raph'll take care of you, ok?" Vicky nodded, tears still streaming down her face. Sasha kissed her on the cheek. "Maybe you can sleep with Raph tonight, will that make you feel better?" Sasha asked her little sister, and Vicky nodded. "Okay. Here's your teddy." Sasha said, handing Vicky Mr. Tickles. Vicky smiled, and buried her face in Raph's shoulder, and Raph smiled at Sasha. 'Thanks, Sash. You're very grown up." Sasha smiled and nodded and Raph hugged her goodnight, and Sasha climbed into bed. " Night Sasha." "Night Raphy."
Raph turned out the light, and went to his room. Vicky clung to him, as though he might kick the bucket if she let go of him for one second. Raph opened his door, and pulled back the covers. He slid into bed, with Vicky beside him. She sighed, her breath shuddering, and snuggled into him. Her nightmare did not return.
A/N: Finnally I'm finished with the stupid chapter! God my kneck and fingers hurt like hell! haha. Well, review please! I mean it. Review. Now. Bye! LYLF Monica