Beginning:
Part Ten
Day Five II
Alisa sat watching television for a while until she fell asleep again. When she woke up, she glanced to a clock hanging on the wall, and found it was after five 'o clock. She and L would have to start preparing dinner soon. The chicken needed at least a couple of hours to cook.
She groaned slightly, and shifted in the chair. She stood up, and went to find L.
During the time that both Alisa and Casey had fallen asleep in the living room, L decided to take a shower, and then promptly clean the bathroom afterwards. After all that she pulled a book out of one of the boxes Casey had brought back with him and settled herself into bed to read. She had no idea how long Alisa had been in the doorway when she finally noticed her, though L guessed it wasn't long.
"Morning sleeping beauty," she said as she sat up. "Have a nice nap?"
"I've had too many naps," was Alisa's reply.
She looked curiously at the book L was holding. "What are you reading?"
"A Brief History of Time," she said before giggling. "No never mind that's not it, though this is equally as boring. It's some book my mom bought me back when I was diagnosed and for some reason I've always hung onto it. It talks about schizophrenia and how to deal with it, y'know the 'you can have a normal life' blah blah blah. Thankfully I think my lack of a normal life has nothing to do with some brain disease."
She tossed the book aside, stood up and stretched.
"We should probably start dinner soon."
Alisa nodded. "Exactly what I was thinking. The chicken needs a little time to roast."
Her voice faded as she walked back to the living room. Casey was still snoring up a storm on the couch. Alisa went past him, and into the kitchen.
"How could you sleep over that?" L asked once they were in the kitchen.
"I fell asleep first," Alisa pointed out.
L nodded. "Makes sense, otherwise you would have had no chance."
She pulled the chicken out and grabbed a pan to roast it in. Alisa instructed her on what to do with the meat and L followed her instructions with relatively little difficulty.
"Well, that's done."
Alisa set the timer on the oven once L had placed the pan of chicken in. She went to the cabinets, and started pulling out ingredients for the seasoning one by one.
"Once the sauce is made, we'll baste the chicken with it in about half an hour," she told L, "Then about every hour after that until it's done."
- 7:45 -
L set the various food items on the counter feeling very proud of herself for being able to manage this with only Alisa's instructions. She just hoped it didn't taste horrible. She looked up in time to see Alisa coming into the room, freshly dressed and almost looking nervous. For once L's mind was not on her friend's potential love life however, blame the cooking.
"Hey, don't be nervous. If the food sucks you can always say I did it... 'cause well... I did."
Alisa bit her lip. The pain in her arm hadn't bothered her much for most of the day, but now it seemed with her rising emotions, it was flaring as well.
"I know," she said, "But it was my instructions you followed. I helped make it as much as you did."
Alisa sat in the recliner with her arm propped on a cushion. She tried to stay calm and collected, but she was feeling apprehensive.
"Well yeah but the best chef in the world can instruct someone who would still screw it up. Anyway, I'm sure it's all fine." She was making sure they had plenty of plates and silverware when there was a knock on the door. "They're early! And... using the door."
"They don't always use the window y'know," Casey said, now fully awake.
"Oh... okay. Well they're still early, and that's not polite."
Alisa looked at L as Casey went to answer the door.
"It's only five minutes till," she said, quietly, "They're on time."
Alisa turned her head towards the door as she watched their friends file in. A shy smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she saw Leonardo.
Leonardo's smile easily mirrored hers. "Hello Alisa."
"I smell food!" Mikey yelled, pushing his way through.
Leo stepped aside to let his other brothers in as well.
"It smells really good," Donatello said politely.
"Thanks!" L replied. "I cooked it... though if it's terrible you can forget I said that."
Raphael snorted. "Don't worry, if it's terrible we'll just give it to Mikey."
Alisa chuckled quietly, and started to get to her feet. Leonardo noticed, and immediately went to her. He reached a hand out to her, and she smiled, taking it. He gently helped her up.
"Thank you," Alisa said, softly.
He gave a small bow of his head, and smiled that shy little smile again she seemed to think was cute. Alisa walked into kitchen to join the others, Leonardo following at a little distance behind her.
"Dude, what's up with Leo?" Mikey asked, leaning over to Raphael.
Raph shook his head. "If you don't know Mikey, you don't need to worry about it. I'll tell you when you're older."
L couldn't help but laugh at the exchange, which prompted an odd look from Raphael.
"What?"
"You're not gonna yell at me or threaten to kill me or something?"
"Not until you deserve it."
"Which means it's safe to say she will by the end of the night," Donatello added.
Alisa sat down in a vacant chair, which also happened to be next to the second empty chair. Leonardo seated himself in this one. The food was laid out, and dinner began. Various comments of praise soon followed, and Alisa was relieved they were enjoying it.
All through the meal, Leonardo's eyes strayed to Alisa. She was having a rather tough time eating left-handed, but she was still managing quite well. She was such a strong, charming, and beautiful young lady.
"Now that I know you girls can cook I don't think I'm gonna ever let you move out," Casey joked.
"So food in place of rent then?" L said with a laugh. "It's tempting but somehow I think Alisa would rather us find another apartment when we feel it's safe again."
"But we have no idea how long that will be," Donatello warned. He didn't want the girls getting their hopes up.
"I know..."
"Look on the bright side, at least you guys have cable! Casey said you didn't before."
"Oh and trust me, we've been enjoying it. Well I have when I wasn't cleaning anyway."
"You're trying to clean this place up?" Raphael asked. "Good luck!"
Alisa looked up at Raphael. She was very guarded with him now since his explosion at her the other night.
"L has made some progress," she answered, quietly, "It's starting to look almost livable."
Casey stopped eating just long enough to play offended. "Hey!"
After dinner Alisa and L prepared to clean up, and naturally Leo insisted on helping as well, especially since Alisa wouldn't be able to do much. Casey, Raph and Mikey were now engrossed in some testosterone filled booby-fest movie on TV and Donatello had somehow managed to come across the book L had been reading. Normally she would have questioned him for invading her privacy but fearing the answer may have something to do with smutty magazines she decided not to mention it.
"Thank you for your help, Leonardo," Alisa told him, as he cleared the table, and set the dishes in the sink to wash.
He smiled. "It is my pleasure," he answered, "Dinner was wonderful."
Alisa shyly ducked her head slightly to the side, and then suddenly became very interested in the cleaning. She awkwardly wiped down the table with a damp dishcloth.
"L did all the cooking," she finally replied, "I didn't do anything. I just instructed."
Alisa sighed, and glanced at her arm. "What have I done to deserve this?" she muttered more to herself than anyone else.
Leonardo heard her say something but wasn't able to make out what exactly. He moved up behind her, perhaps unaware of how close he was, which was pretty close. He wasn't touching her per say, but it was close enough that he was able to smell the fragrance of her shampoo.
L looked over and nearly did a double take. Involuntarily she smiled widely and snuck out of the room, running into Donatello who was apparently looking for her.
"Hey, I was rea-"
She clamped her hand over his mouth and pushed him out into the hallway.
"What was that for!" He asked when they were finally about halfway down the hall.
"Sorry... they were having a moment. I didn't want to interrupt."
"Having a moment, what?" He looked confused for a second, but then her words clicked. "Oooooh! Really? Wow."
L laughed. "What were you wanting anyway?"
"Well I found this book and it's pretty interesting... I'm more of a techno guy myself but it's always fun to learn new things."
"Wow... you're a geek."
"Yeah I know. Hey, you told Raph you didn't like to be touched. But just now you had no problem shoving me out here."
"Yeah, I can touch people but I don't want them touching me. I can control when I touch someone... but I can't control when people touch me, y'know? It's weird. Anyway you can keep the book if you want it's just something my mom got me and it's all bunk." Against her better judgment she decided to join the testosterone team in the living room.
---
Leonardo inhaled the scent of her hair, nearly leaning in to her, but he realized what he was about to do, and stopped himself. Alisa turned then, and nearly ran headlong into Leonardo's plastron. He reached for her shoulders to hold her steady before she fell over. She felt flustered and embarrassed by her clumsiness.
"I'm sorry," she apologized.
"It's okay," he smiled, "No harm done. I'm more worried about you. You didn't hurt your arm, did you?"
She shook her head.
"No, I'm fine," she assured him.
Leonardo was aware of how close they were, and if he wanted to, he could easily kiss her, but he wasn't going take advantage of her like that. Or was it really? The feeling seemed to be mutual, but what if he was wrong? He'd make himself a fool.
Before his mind could say no, his body reacted and he leaned into her, giving her a gentle kiss on the lips.
---
L was beginning to regret her decision to join the guys, but she didn't want to intrude on Alisa's flirting and she knew it would probably look bad if she retreated to the bedroom. With a sigh she stood and decided that hiding in the bathroom might be a good idea.
She headed back down the hall, trying to think of some way to talk them into at the very least watching something that she could enjoy too. As was so often the case, she was so lost in thought she didn't hear the click of a door opening, and certainly didn't see Raphael stepping out of the bathroom. She hadn't even noticed he wasn't on the couch! So as a result she ran into him.
"Yeach!" She cried, leaping back.
"Okay you did that one, you weren't paying attention, you can NOT blame me for that!"
She took a couple deep breaths and looked up at him, which wasn't difficult since all of the Turtles were pretty short. "I know, I never tried to say it was. You seem to jump to conclusions an awful lot."
"And you seem to freak out an awful lot."
"Only when you're around. Coincidence? I think not."
Raphael could have taken this opportunity to make a crude remark but he had the presence of mind not to do so. Instead he decided to be nosey. "What's up with that anyway? Are you this much of a weirdo to everyone or just me?"
"Mostly just you... but you're the type who likes to push buttons, I can already tell that."
"Yeah well... Y'know for someone who was threatening to kill me last night you're being real friendly all of a sudden." He crossed his arms and looked at her closely.
"And you're one hell of a suspicious guy. Look, I threatened you because you deserved it alright? I didn't set out to piss you off, which is more than I can say for you. As for me being friendly maybe I'm just stupid for that, but you helped save my best friend's life so forgive me if I'm a little gracious. I'll try not to let it happen again."
She pushed past him and decided to hell with it, she was going into the bedroom for at least a couple minutes.
Raph turned and watched her shut the door. "Women! I'll be damned if I'll ever understand them."
---
For a moment, Alisa was frozen with shock, her breath hitching in her throat, and then her knees buckled from under her. She would have fallen to the floor if Leonardo didn't already have a firm grip on her shoulders.
When Leo finally pulled away, she was still rendered speechless, not knowing what to think or even feel. She found her voice a minute later.
"Leonardo..." she breathed.
His expression became one of utter horror as the realization of what happened crashed upon him. He released her, and turned away from her suddenly, feeling abashed.
"Forgive me," he said, softly, "I shouldn't have done that."
"N-no, it's okay," she answered, "It was just unexpected."
Alisa gently laid her hand on his arm, and he turned slightly towards her. She moved her hand to the side of his face, and brought him close. Their lips met again in a tender kiss, and she felt a stirring deep within her this time.
"This... this is going so fast," she said, once they parted.
"It doesn't have to be." Leo snaked his arms around her waist, being mindful of her arm, and drew her in a gentle hug. She laid her head against his shoulder.
"We can take it one day at a time," he continued.
---
L flopped on the bed but since she'd given her book to Don she didn't really have anything to do. Finally she felt guilty enough at being a horrible host and decided to go back out into the living room, not that anyone had even noticed she was gone.
"Y'know that stuff rots your brains," she said, motioning towards the television.
"Huh?"
"What?"
"Ladies and gentlemen, exhibit A and exhibit B." Raph said sarcastically before turning back to the screen.
L shook her head and decided to head into the kitchen, where she promptly stopped in her tracks. "Alrighty then! I'll just go... y'know... somewhere else... right now... and leave you two alone..."
Leonardo and Alisa both looked up as they heard L's voice, and found her standing in the doorway of the kitchen. Alisa could feel heat rising in her cheeks. It was very obvious what her friend was seeing.
"Ah, no, it's okay, L," she answered, "You can stay."
Leo chuckled softly, a sheepish smile on his face.
"We seem to have been caught," he stated, "Actually, L, I'm rather grateful it was you for the intrusion instead of Raph. All of my brothers will no doubt find out sooner or later, but it's Raphael I will have a problem with."
He sighed then. "I'd never put myself or my brothers at risk if I wasn't sure, and usually I am a very good judge of character. I know what I'm doing."
Leo gave Alisa's forehead a gentle nudge with his own, and planted a kiss between her eyes. He withdrew from her, and set about preparing to wash the dishes for the girls.
Meanwhile, L hadn't so much as moved, her feet seemingly rooted to the floor. Her mouth, however, was agape, and her eyes blinked in astonishment. Alisa giggled nervously. Though her smile and laughter instantly faded as she saw Raphael approach from behind L. He had gotten up to get a soda, but found L was blocking his path to the kitchen.
"Hey, what gives?" he asked, annoyed.
"Whatever do you mean Raphael?" L asked a little too innocently.
"I'm not stupid. What's going on?"
Leonardo and Alisa both tensed, though neither looked at the other for fear of giving themselves away. Normally L would have been amused but she was too busy trying to save their ears from another of Raphael's verbal explosions.
"Actually... fine... okay, I'll tell you. I couldn't keep it from you forever. Raph... the reason I've been so hostile is that I really like you... I just don't know how to express it. But don't worry! Leonardo has set me straight and I won't let it get in the way of our friendship." She spun, gave Alisa a 'you owe me big time' look and slipped past the very confused turtle. "I'll be in the bedroom if anyone needs me."
"What the hell?"
Stunned, Alisa could only stand there watching L's retreating back. After a moment, she snapped out of it, and moved herself into gear.
"Excuse me, Leonardo, Raphael," she said, hastily.
She breezed out of the kitchen, and caught up with L as she entered the bedroom.
"L, why did you do that?" she asked.
"To save you, and the rest of us, from listening to him bitch. It got him off track right? And I'm sure he'll forget about it after a while. What's a little humility to save your friend?" She sat on the bed and smiled. "But I hope you're aware that after they all leave I'm getting a full report on what the hell just happened."
Alisa nodded.
"Of course," she answered.
She went over, and gave her friend a one-armed hug. "Thank you," she told her, quietly.
Alisa stepped back, and offered her hand to L. "We should go back," she suggested, "They probably think us rude for running off like that."
"Are you kidding? That was my award winning exit! My heart is so broken, I must be by myself now, something like that." She laughed. "This is seriously messed up... you owe me big time."
Getting to her feet once again she followed Alisa out of the bedroom and back into the kitchen where Leonardo was finishing with the dishes.
Alisa smiled shyly at Leonardo when they entered the kitchen, and he returned in kind. Both gave no outward indication that anything had happened between them.
"You are very kind, Leonardo," she said, "We appreciate you helping us clean up."
"It was no trouble," he replied.
Leo looked out towards the living room. Mikey and Raph were still on the couch with Casey watching their movie, while Don was sitting in the recliner engrossed in a book.
"I suppose I should collect my brothers, and head back home now," he added, "You two need your rest."
He smiled, and bowed low to them. When he straightened, he left the kitchen, and the two girls followed.
Leonardo announced that it was time to leave and was greeted by mixed responses.
"Awww do we have to?" Michelangelo whined.
Raphael had the opposite reaction however. "Finally! Let's go!"
"Can I really keep this?" Donatello asked, addressing L.
"Yeah I guess. I tell you it's crap but if you want it go for it."
"Thank you."
"Thank you for dinner, it was wonderful," Leonardo said. He was speaking to both girls but looking at Alisa.
"Oh don't mention it!" L chirped, knowing full well she was breaking the mood. "We'll have to have you again sometime."
They said their goodbyes and the four left.
"That was fun," Casey said. "And dinner was great! You girls can cook whenever you want!"
"Suuuure thing. Well I think we're going to bed. C'mon Alisa lets go!"
Casey watched in confusion as L dragged Alisa back to the bedroom. "Girl talk" was in order.
Alisa tried not to grimace as L pulled her along on her good arm. When they finally got to the room, L shut the door behind them. Alisa sat down on the bed with a sigh, and laid her right arm in her lap.
She took a minute to gather her thoughts, before she began speaking.
"So, I guess you want to know what happened, huh?" It was a stupid question, Alisa knew, but her mind was currently a confused and jumbled mess.
"The thought had floated across my mind, yes. One minute it's 'oh we can only be friends' and the next you two are looking awfully cozy and freaking out about Raphael seeing you. That suggests that something is up."
As she talked she changed into her sleep pants and laid down on the bed next to where Alisa was sitting.
"It..." Alisa faltered for a moment, and she took a deep breath.
"It just happened so fast," she tried again, "I'm still not quite sure how or why it happened."
Alisa was silent for a few minutes, and L waited patiently for her to continue. She sighed deeply, and finally began speaking again.
"He kissed me, L," she said, softly, "And after I told him it was okay when he apologized, I kissed him back."
L blinked, unsure of what to say. "Wow..." She suddenly felt very fidgety but she tried to control it. "Congratulations! Wow though... that's... wow."
"Yeah, wow."
Alisa didn't sound as enthused as L thought she would.
"What's the matter?" L asked.
Alisa sighed, and pretended to study the floor.
"I... I don't know," she answered, quietly, "I just feel this all going too fast. Leo said it didn't have to be, that we would take it one day at a time, but I still think is."
She placed her hand over her face, her eyes moist with tears. "Can this happen, L? Can we really do it? It is even possible?"
Surprised at Alisa's unexpected drop in mood L forgot her own concerns easily. "If you want it to happen, it can... and I think deep down you want it too. It's fine to be scared Alisa, and Leo's right you guys can take it as slow as you need to. My guess is that he doesn't exactly have much experience with women and he seems like a really patient guy." She smiled. "You have it made. A guy who adores you already and is willing to wait as long as you need."
She placed a hand on Alisa's shoulder. "Don't let your fears ruin your chance at happiness."
Alisa sniffled, and wiped her face with her hand.
"I'll try," she promised.
She felt suddenly exhausted, and wanted to crawl into bed.
"Could you help me change my clothes, and bandages?" she requested, "I should like to go to bed now."
"No problem." She pulled a nightgown out of the dresser and grabbed a plastic basket she'd put the extra bandages in. "And y'know, if you talk to Leonardo about all this I'm sure he'll understand. Communication is important in relationships I hear, or that's what they say on TV... and TV never lies."
She proceeded to help Alisa change into her nightgown, and then she carefully worked on changing her bandage.
"I think he knows," Alisa replied, quietly, "I've noticed he seems to sense things pretty well, and I can too."
As L removed the bandages from her arm, both girls got a good look at the damage for the first time. Three long bright red lines went halfway up, and stitches littered each one. Alisa sucked in a breath.
"Good God..." she breathed.
"Just don't look, I'll have you bandaged back up in no time," L said as reassuringly as possible.
She applied some cream that the nurse had given Alisa and immediately covered the area with a series of pads so that the gauze wouldn't stick to the healing wounds. Within minutes she had Alisa's arm wrapped and taped, the ugly reminders of yesterday out of sight again.
"Leonardo would probably have a fit if he saw this," Alisa murmured.
She carefully climbed into her side of the bed, and laid her head on the pillow with a sigh.
"Then we'll just make sure he doesn't. We don't need the guy guilting himself to death, that simply wouldn't do."
L turned the light out and crawled into bed, facing the wall and staring into the darkness. Part of her was very happy for Alisa but there was that part of her that kept pulling at the corners of her mind, and now that the room was silent it was speaking loud and clear.
She's going to forget you.. Before long you'll be stuck with Casey while she's spending all her time with Leonardo. After all a stupid little crazy girl who's never even had a boyfriend is nothing to a woman in love.
Clenching her eyes shut she hoped sleep would come soon and take the ridiculous nagging away.