1The look on Leonardo's face made my mood fall. I could see he wasn't just a little annoyed like he had been the day before, but something had downright pissed him off and it seemed to somehow involve us. I looked back at April and Casey. I honestly didn't want to fight with him for Mel's sake and was hoping maybe one of them would take care of his disposition.

April stepped forward sighing lightly. "Yeah Leo…" She seemed a little lost at his apparent hostility herself. "I needed to go get Casey and I took Lea with me. I didn't think it was that big of a deal." She gave him a confused look as she removed her light windbreaker.

"Alright!" Leo almost growled. "You're just lucky I showed up with Mike when I did, or the entire situation would have been MUCH more difficult to explain." His frown deepened and he looked away from all of us.

"What do you mean, what situation?" I finally couldn't stay quiet anymore because he was being so cryptic about something that I knew dealt with Melinda. My eyes started to scan the rooms swiftly. "Where ARE Melinda and Don anyway?" A knot started to form in my stomach.
He turned. Glaring brutally at me. His expression bordering on cruel. "They are in the kitchen with Michelangelo, I was waiting to get an explanation from all of you about why you left them here alone before I spoke to them. I was hoping you would actually have a decent reason."

I didn't enjoy the way he was speaking to me. I could feel his loathing. I went to push past him. I wasn't going to take this kind of verbal abuse from him for any reason. He was acting stupid and I wanted no part of it. I was shocked when I felt him grab my arm as I walked by, stopping me mid stride and turning me to face him.

"I'm not done talking to you." He tone was very demeaning. I pulled against his grip and while he didn't tighten it, he also didn't let go. "Why would you just leave your friend alone here? What were you thinking?" He voice raised, I could hear chair moving and feet shuffling from the kitchen and I knew Mike, Don and Mel could hear him yelling and were coming to see what was wrong.

"I was thinking that I trust Donatello! Now LET GO of me!" I wrenched my arm away from him roughly. Feeling myself stumble away from my sheer force. "I don't see why it should matter to you what I do in regards of my friend!" My voice was taking a harsh tone in return of his. I could see Casey about to step forward out of the corner of my eye, but April held him back. Him defending me might actually make the whole situation worst.

Leonardo growled then. A feral noise. His annoyance seemly multiplying ten fold. "It's MY business when I walk into April's apartment and find YOUR friend sprawled across MY brother." He was breathing harder and his voice was getting louder.

My eyes must have grown as wide as silver dollars. I turned towards the noise of the door opening to the kitchen and stared at stark shock as everyone walked out. Mel noticed my reaction right away and I saw her flush a bright red.

"Lea, you have to let me explain, it's not as bad as Leonardo is making it out to be. It was an accident." She gave me a pitiful look. I was befuddled. What did she mean? Why would she be getting so close to Don, even if he was nice, he still was a giant turtle, not exactly boyfriend material.
Leonardo snorted over to the side of me. "So what? Now not only are you admitting to being on top of my brother you're going to call touching him in such a manner an accident? Did touching one of us disturb you?" Leo now turned on Melinda, his breathing becoming staggered from trying to control his rage.

I saw both Don and Melinda's faces become shocked, echoing mine. Leonardo's words were very harsh and I could see Melinda's cheeks flush more. She looked like she might even be near tears. Even in my desperate confusion, I couldn't stand to see my friend made so upset. My eyes narrowed again and I spun on Leonardo, my own anger flaring up to a peak.

"That isn't fair, Leonardo. How DARE you blame Melinda for everything! You know it takes TWO people to cause an accident and I am certain whatever happened, Donatello played just as equal of a part in the situation. Don't you dare make him sound like the innocent victim!" My fists balled. I wanted nothing more then scream in his face for being so outstandingly rude, but I held back, but I was walking on pins and needles now. I was very close to losing what little composer I had left.
Leonardo glared at me. Crossing his arms in the superior fashion that REALLY pissed me off. "Listen, Lea. We never asked for either of you to step into our lives, maybe you should both realize this fact. We were doing fine taking care of ourselves before you entered and added all this conflict and confusion. Maybe you both should just go AWAY." He snarled lightly, teeth baring.

Out of the corner of my eye I could see a completely appalled expression cross Donatello's face. What his brother said had obviously upset him greatly. Enough that he flushed more red then I would think someone with green skin could and turned and slamming the kitchen door back, turned and walked from the room. "Look now you upset Don." Leo was still glaring at me.

I opened my mouth about to scream at him. I had SO many things that were just fighting to burst forth about what I thought about him and the things he was saying, but before I could even blink Melinda stepped between us and she was glaring into my face.

"Haven't you done enough now Lea!" I could see she was visibly very worried. "Just STOP, be quiet! Just quit it!" She turned from me; I thought I heard her sob as she ran from the room and into the kitchen.

I stood there shocked. I had simply been trying to defend my friend and I had been punished for doing so. I could feel something inside of my snap and I looked down. Hurt coursing through my body like some dangerous drug. I could feel depression hit me. I was being pushed away and left alone again. I couldn't shrug it off. It hit me like an axe. I had to bit my lip to fight away my own tears.

"Now look everyone is so upset…" I could hear Leonardo about to go off on another tirade and I simply couldn't take it anymore. Tears sprang up to my face and I let out a choked sob. He froze not finishing what he was saying and stared at me surprised.

"Look, Leonardo if you hate me that's fine. I'll leave you alone, just please don't blame Melinda and don't make her unhappy." I looked up at him, my own anger gone, having been replaced with self-pity. He was looking at me a little blankly, like he wasn't sure how to handle this new situation.

"I'm going back to the hotel. I am certain Don will make sure Melinda gets back safely." I didn't even look at him; I turned on my heel, drowned in the depressive feelings consuming me. I pushed right through April and Casey and didn't say a word to either. I was done. I slammed the door shut as I left and started to make my way down the sidewalk. Wiping away tears as I walked.

I've had very few times in my life when I have felt as alone as I did as I walked down the street in New York City that night. I could hear sirens blaring somewhere in the background noise but I ignored them. My mind was consumed by what had just happened. I couldn't understand how some how I had been blamed for the fight. I had been the one trying to defend Mel and Don. Leonardo had been the antagonist and NOTHING had been said to him.

I sighed in frustration. How come HE got off scot-free? How was he SO prefect that he didn't have to take an ounce of the blame for the conflict. It wasn't fair. I felt betrayed. I felt belittled. It was like no matter how hard I tried my best, so matter how good I was I always ended up in the wrong.

I stopped as I got to the subway tunnel, I looked down inside for a few minutes. I could feel the warm air from below wafting up but I had no actual ambition to go down. I started to wonder if anyone would even miss me if I didn't go right back to the hotel. I wondered if anyone would even care.

Sidestepping, I walked around the entrance of the subway and continued my journey down the street. At the moment I wasn't really heading anyway in particular. Just wandering. Allowing the night air to clear my senses. Watching others as they passed me. Trying not to think about what just happened.

Somehow my feet found there way to Chinatown. I am not even really certain how, but whenever I am upset I somehow gravitate towards anime. Slowly the scent in the air was replaced by cooking noodles and fish. There were more people on the streets bustling around. I was pushed a few times and got a bit annoyed. I hated being jostled.

I walked past a few of my favorite shops and was sad, but not surprised to see they were all closed. Shopping would have done me a world of good at the moment. Just losing myself in my devotion to my hobby, instead of the harsh reality that was surrounding me. I started to wonder if maybe I should just head back to the hotel, when I recognized a lit sign ahead.

Speeding up I could smell the full aroma of the noodle shop ahead of me. It has been one of my favorite places to eat sense I started to hang out in Chinatown on trips. The family that owned it was very nice and very patient as I spoke very little Japanese and they spoke very little English, but somehow we always communicated. I wasn't really hungry, but at this point that really didn't matter. It was simply being in the place that would make me feel better. I rushed to push open the door and step inside.

The few heads inside turned as I entered and few curious stares lingered. I didn't really look like the average customer. That didn't matter to me; I adored their beef noodle bowl. I could eat two when was I was really hungry and felt like being a complete pig. The owner always thought this was cute for some reason, I still wasn't completely sure why, but it amused me when he would bring my second bowl with great pomp and circumstance.

I truly doubted I would be eating two bowls, this night but that wasn't important. I could feel my mouth water at the familiar smells and was surprised to find I was a little hungry. I sat down at the counter next to an older Asian man. He nodded politely then continued reading his paper. I returned the nod and then turned to the server that was approaching.

It was the owner. He recognized me. I could tell because he bowed his head a few times and pointed towards the beef bowl. I had to laugh. No matter what happened my reputation seemed to be held here in a concrete fashion. I nodded, smiling. He came back a few moments later with tea. I nodded my head continuing to smile as I took the warm liquid from him. I inhaled its scent. It was jasmine tea, my favorite.

I drank deeply, as he came back to also serve my food. I nodded my head politely one last time as he left my order and went a couple of people down to help someone else. I picked up the chopsticks resting lightly on there holders in front of me and studied them. I fished for some noodles and ate them. Savoring the unique taste that the beef bowl from this shop seemed to have. I ate silently, trying to suppress any thoughts from entering my mind.

I caught other customers glancing at me. I knew it was getting a little late at night for one girl like me to be wandering alone in this part of the city, but truthfully I didn't care. I wasn't even certain if I wanted to go back to the hotel. This whole situation was so odd. Why would Melinda have been laying on top of Donatello? Did she like him? If she did what did that mean?

And Leonardo, why in all the conflict HE had caused had I been blamed. I slammed my teacup down a little too hard as I thought and I saw a few heads turn. It wasn't fair. It almost felt like Mel was abandoning me. I sighed. Maybe I just wasn't cut out for all of this. I wondered if maybe I should just head home. I knew if I walked a few blocks I could get a cab. Get back to the hotel room hopefully before Melinda and pack my stuff and be gone.

I wondered if she would even care that I had left, or if maybe she was still angry with me about what happened. Like I could somehow control what Leonardo did to his brother. I was surprised to look down and see all my noodles gone. I had been hungrier then I first assumed. That or I had just eaten, as I was distracted. The owner came back up and pointed to my beef bowl, asking in his own way if I wanted another. I forced a broad smile and shook my head. Rubbing my tummy lightly showing I was full. He nodded agreeable and collected my bowl and chopsticks, but left me the tea to finish.

I sat and drank the last of my tea still thinking. I still had about a week and a half of vacation left. Maybe I should head somewhere else. I wondered where else I would enjoy and how much fun I would have alone. I realized that I should just head home. Home was what I needed at the moment. A place to regroup and think about everything that had happened in the last two days.
I suddenly recalled telling Leo about how if he hated me he should just leave me alone. I drained the last of my tea bothered by why I would even think of such a thing. And I realized quiet to my dismay that one of the things that was bothering me was the fact that Leonardo seemed to dislike me so much. I couldn't understand why. I thought he was a pompous ass, why should it matter to me what he thinks of me. I dug into my purse and threw down the money for my meal and with a small bow to the shop owner I exited.

My heart didn't feel any lighter as I left but at least now my head was clear and I could think. I was going to go get a cab and get back to the hotel. I was just going to leave. I figured I would write Melinda a note explaining that I was sorry if I offended her or Donatello because that hadn't been my intention and that I would now stay out of her way to pursue whatever she decided to do.

I bundled my jacket more tightly around myself. The breeze was getting cold and it cut into me. I walked down one block, my eyes scanning for a cab and then another. Nothing had passed me yet and I was beginning to worry about my timeframe. I needed to get back before Mel or else I would have to face her and I didn't think I could stand that cold glare she had given me again.

"You lost little girl?" I froze, cursing my distracted attention as I turned to be greeted by the smirking faces of a group of five Asian men. One of them looked vaguely familiar. I was pretty certain he had been in the noodle shop with me. He had probably seen what a space case I was and decided to follow me. I cursed myself all over again.

"No, I am fine, thank you. Just heading home." I turned to start walking again, but didn't get far as they all moved forming a sort of loose circle around me cutting off any path of escape I may have had.

"Funny I don't think your going anywhere…" The lead guy who had spoken before grinned maliciously at me. Pulling a long butterfly blade from his pocket. I never even had time to react or think before a form fell right from above and between us.

"I don't think you want to use that…" The sight that met me shocked me. Leonardo landed as gracefully as a mountain cat and stood slowly unsheathing the katanas that were strapped to his back. "She is under MY protection and if you try anything with her you will have to go through me first. And you DON'T want to do that trust me." He growled, low and long. It was a noise that was very much more animal in nature then human. "If you turn and leave now, I'll be able to over look this. If you attack, I do not hold my self accountable for my actions." Even not able to see his facial expression I could just feel the authority he commanded, it was amazing. I was in awe of him at that moment.

The men all exchanged looks. The fight seemed to have left them suddenly. "We do not want something that belongs to a creature like you anyway." The lead guy spit at Leonardo's feet and trying to save face for his tough image sauntered away. The rest of his lackey's followed, all grumbling about there bad fortune.

My heart was beating so fast I felt like it was going to burst outwards from my chest. I simply closed my eyes for a moment and pushed back tears of both relief and fear. "Thank you." I spoke to Leonardo's back as he watched my would be attackers walk away. He turned at the sound of my voice, placing his weapons back inside there holders, he tugged my arm lightly.
"Climb to the roof. Its too open here to talk." I followed his lead without question. At that point I certainly didn't want to get left on the street no matter what else happened. He helped my over the side of the roof and I fell down into a sitting position a look of complete shock still on my face. I couldn't believe what had almost just happened to me and how lucky I was to escape unharmed.

"You know how stupid it is to be walking alone this time of night don't you?" He leaned against the edge of the roof and then slide down to sit next to me. Studying me considering my words and actions carefully. Earlier this would have infuriated me. Now I was just so relived and grateful to be safe I simply smiled.

"Hindsight is 20/20 I suppose. I guess it seemed like a good idea at the time isn't a valid excuse?" I shook my head I felt so stupid for not seeing the danger I had been putting myself in. I had wandered all over the city, aimlessly. I was lucky I hadn't been attacked sooner. Then realization suddenly hit me.

"How did you find me?" If I had been wandering that long, how did Leonardo know to save me. It was his turn to look away. He looked down at the roof below us. Even in the uncomfortable silence we where in he looked so noble and it annoyed to a little to realize that and to think I must look so much like a scared, flapping little bird.

Finally his eyes lifted to meet mine. "Your words…when you said I hated you. It wasn't true. I don't even know you well enough to have any actual negative feelings for you. I didn't want you to leave thinking I hated you." He sighed. " I'm not really even sure why, but anyway I followed you. I was very surprised how far you wandered and became more concerned the longer you stayed out. I watched you put yourself in danger and knew I could stop it so I did." He said it in a very matter of fact type of way. Most men would have bragged, but he seemed to have no need for that. He had helped me to do the right thing, not to make himself look heroic. I was once again impressed.

"Well I am grateful." I turned away unable to hold his stare. Feeling a little odd. I brushed it off, smirking lightly. "Do you and your brothers do this a lot? I mean rescue people?" I was curious. First Don had rescued Mel and now Leo me.
He shrugged. He seemed a little uncomfortable by the question. "Often enough I guess. We try to help where we can."

"You must have a lot of grateful people." I nodded, wondering how you didn't hear more about these men's heroic exploits.

Leonardo's tone became hard again, he eyes narrowing. "Most people aren't grateful. Most blame us for what happens to them and shun us for even trying to help them." He sighed loudly looking away from me. I felt bad for bringing up what was obviously a touchy subject.

"Well most people are stupid." I was blunt with my reply and I really did believe it was true. "What you just did was amazing. You deserve such allocations for it." I sighed. " I hope you can settle for a very big thank you and the knowledge that I don't dislike you either. Even if you are a pain." I smiled at him as he turned to look at me with a quizzical expression that quickly turned into a smirk.

"Well you aren't the first person that have ever told me that and you certainly won't be the last, but you aren't exactly easy to get along with either. You like to fight more than any other human women I have ever met." He gave me a bit of a confused look. Like he couldn't understand my being so hostile.

"Well I am usually not that bad, I guess you just press my buttons." I chuckled then felt myself flush thinking about how stupid of a thing that was for me to say. Leo turned and didn't answer. Instead giving a thoughtful look up to the sky. I watched him for a moment. As he looked up at the stars, studying them at length. Finally he turned back to me.

"I'll help you get back to your hotel. We can head over a few blocks staying right on the roof tops and from there, the streets get busy enough for you to climb down and SAFTLEY hail a cab. I'll watch until you get inside." He rose offering me a hand. "And you better go back. You two girls seem to be good at getting into trouble." I flushed feeling stupid because I had gotten myself into such a dumb situation.

"Yes well…" I stood taking his offered hand. "I was stupid, but I was upset." I shifted uncomfortably. He looked at me for a moment. I could see he wanted to inquire about what I had been upset about. His face was very curious and I was preparing the best sounding answer when he suddenly turned.
"Hurry up or I'll leave you here." He started to walk away and I was shocked. He hadn't asked and now he was threatening to leave me alone.

"Wait up!" I ran after him, very grateful at the thought of heading back to my hotel room and my bed for rest. I was suddenly exhausted. I knew I would have to face Mel and that would be hard, but it would be worth it to be safe.

For his rushed warning Leonardo was very slow and patient with me helping me travel over to the road he deemed safe. My perception of him was changing. Maybe he wasn't that bad of a guy. I climbed down the fire escape to the street level again and looking up could see him watching over me, his bandana caught up in the wind and blowing.

An odd feeling gripped me. I turned, started to walk swiftly to hail a cab, arm raised I turned to look at him again, but he was already gone, or at least out of sight. I slid into a cab that stopped in front of me, ready to get back to the hotel now. I couldn't face anymore-conflicting odd emotions; right now what I needed most was rest.