I stood and ordered the food and drinks for Casey and Mike. Behind me I could hear Melinda groaning and shifting around. I glanced back at her, curious what was wrong. My eyebrow lifted as I saw two great goons lumbering towards us, the lead one smiling at Mel. My eyes narrowed. I got a bad feeling in my stomach. It grew worst as the idiot started talking. He was almost gushing over Melinda and from her reaction I could see it was completely unwanted. I felt myself growl softly. I paid the stand worker and turned just as Tony, the moron Mel was talking to started to insult the way the guys looked. I couldn't take it anymore; this imbecile was getting my last nerve.
"Actually. Her BOYFRIEND is over there with them as well." I stared up at Tony coldly. I watched his expression blank out for a moment. I could see he was trying to comprehend what I had just told him. I was furious. I couldn't believe some idiot of such low caliber would even THINK of trying to talk to my friend. I remembered this guy, I remembered the stories that Melinda would tell me of what he would try to do to her and it was taking everything in me to control myself. I wanted to just drop the food and tear him apart. I knew that was a bad idea, because I would cause I scene and I know Leo would involve himself, which wasn't fair. So I held back and glared.
"Your boyfriend?" Tony looked between us confused. What I had said finally sunk in. I smirked at him. Wondering briefly what it was like to be so stupid.
"Well anyways Lea has our stuff so we better go!" Melinda was almost running to get away from him. I didn't feel threatened and I moved slowly. I was not going to be bullied by someone that could barely spell their name correctly.
I kept glaring at him as I walked by this person. I knew I was appearing very haughty, but honestly I was pleased to come across that way in front of the two idiots bothering us. Tony seemed to be too stupid to even realize he wasn't wanted. He started to spout nonsense about meeting Melinda's boyfriend and watching out for her. I couldn't help it, an amused laugh burst out of me. I felt myself looking at the two men following us like they were simpletons. Tony still seemed unaware of my foul mood as he actually stated he could hang around me, when Melinda was by her boyfriend.
I froze and stared at him incredulously for a moment. Finally I laughed again, moving closer to Melinda as I could see she was upset. My face dropped and my tone became hard. I wasn't playing with them anymore, they were getting annoying. "I have one too, sorry" My tone was very sarcastic. Tony blinked at me a few times and his eyes narrowed. I think he was finally getting the idea that I didn't like him. I was amazed.
Casey started to approach us, my eyes darted to Leo and he gave me a questioning look. I could see he too was not pleased by the uninvited guests, but I assumed for a different reason. I made a face at him, showing him, my displeasure at being bothered by the morons. His eyes narrowed for a moment as he glared at Tony. I could hear Casey and Melinda talking behind me, but wasn't listening. I could see Leo was questioning if I wanted him to intervene. I shook my head and rolled my eyes. These boys were NOT worth his time. He nodded at me understanding. I smirked at him, playfully. Squeaking a little surprised as Melinda literally grabbed my arm and started to drag me away.
I could hear her rambled about leaving, she was panicked and flightily, trying to escape the goons. I deftly looked behind me, a cold expression on my face. I glared one last time at Tony and he returned the look. I so wanted to punch him, but still I held back.
Mel was so upset and that made me angry. She was supposed to have fun tonight, not be bothered by some idiots who can't determine when they are unwanted. I watched Mel. Her face flushed, nervous and embarrassed. I could tell she was afraid that the two guys would reflect negatively on her. I reached out to squeeze her arm gently to show her it was all right. I smiled at her.
She looked back at me upset and then I saw her glance at Don. I looked up at him also; he was positively glaring daggers at Tony. I was surprised for a moment. Don looked ruthlessly angry. I could tell he didn't like to see Melinda being bullied any more than I did. I respected that and nudged Melinda. Hoping she could see just how upset Don was. I sort of pushed her lightly toward him as I handed Mikey his food and drink. I knew Don could comfort her and make her feel better.
I handed Casey his drink and paused looking at Leonardo out of the corner of my eye. We had decided to try to stay somewhat quiet about how close we were getting, at least for now. It seemed the proper thing to do. His brothers were over curious about everything, and Raphael was very judgmental. I knew there would be some form of conflict between Leo and him, simply because Raph found it his duty to question everything his brother did.
I also had something else weighing on my mind. The threat Hun and Shredder had given me a while back before Melinda had helped Don and I escape from them. I wanted to stay quiet about the relationship I was building with Leonardo, simply because it allowed less fodder against both of us. I was still worried that somehow, his feelings for me would be used against him and the thought of that hurt me. I had finally come to expect that he did in fact care deeply for me, but I still felt shame that his desire for me could hinder him. I didn't want it to.
I felt something brush against my face and looking up I could see it was Leo's finger that had touched my cheek. He could read the worry lines creased across my forehead. He was looking at me curious as to what had me so upset. I forced a smile for him and shook my head continuing to walk. I wasn't going to burden him with more of my problems. I felt like everyday all I did was cry to him about something that was wrong with me. I had to learn to be strong like he was. To support myself and solve my problems. Leonardo's very presence in my life was striving me to be a better person, but I think honestly that what love was.
I felt my gaze drift back up to him. This time the smile that crossed my face was genuine. I could still recall detail for detail the way he had sounded when he had said he loved me. It was odd. Usually I shied away from deep emotions like this. From baring and opening my soul so much to another living being. I was always afraid to be hurt. I was always pulling back and hiding. With Leo though I felt so safe that I no longer hesitated. No we were simply being careful for one another, for the way other people would act around us and perceive us. We both had appearances we had to maintain in our lives and it was important that we stay strong for those around us. To each other… I nudged against him gently, I could hear him growl very lowly with a playful smile on his face. To each other we were completely open now our hearts intertwined like two stars sharing the same moon.
I felt Raphael's eyes on us, we both moved apart wordlessly. My glance turned back to Melinda as we sat and I moved near her. I could feel Leonardo still watching me. I knew what we both wanted most was to simply just be close to one another, but this wasn't the place. It didn't seem like the right setting. We had roles to maintain, so I went to Melinda to take care of her and Leonardo sat near Casey and surveyed the crowd. I could tell he was judging the lighting and the faces of everyone around us. Trying to gauge just how safe we all were. He really was a terrific leader.
My attention returned to Mel. Her and Don were sitting next to one another, but not terrible close. Don was sitting at least a foot apart from Melinda. I sighed wondering if there was someway I could force them closer and smirked playfully. I watched the two of them exchange shy looks. Don smiled very sweetly at Melinda. He seemed like he was trying to cheer her up after her run in with the cretins. Mel looked down her face coloring, but I could see she had a pleased expression on her face. It was all very cute.
I tried to watch the game, but I was distracted. I could feel my eyes keep wandering back to Leo. He wasn't even really watching the game; he was watching everyone around his brothers and us. I could tell he still wasn't over zealous about our current activity, but I figured as the light continued to fade he would slowly relax. He was a true ninja, only happy when he was hidden by the shadows.
After a space of time, Melinda's cell phone started to ring. I jumped lightly as it did. I had been so lost in my own thought that it surprised me. I watched her expression as she looked at the phone and I saw her face crease with worry. Whoever was calling her, it didn't please her. She stood, I watched her actions, and she was shaking and scared. I felt myself grow concerned.
"Uh, guys. I'll be right back…I have to call someone." Donatello and I exchanged looks as Melinda walked off. Her eyes still glued to the screen of her phone. She looked like she was willing the situation into being a bad dream, something unreal she wouldn't have to face. I sighed, about to rise, to follow, knowing she would need someone to talk to. Don's hand shot in front of me, I was surprised as he silently shook his head.
He rose and nodding to Leo paced away himself. I was taken aback a little. I had been shoved aside and left to sit here and wonder if my friend was all right, over all I guessed I was okay with it. Donatello was really beginning to come to grips with his feelings for Mel and was beginning to show less fear in expressing them.
Still I worried. I watched Don move away, his head finally disappearing below some bleachers. I felt myself sigh, my body sagging slightly. I had a feeling I knew who was calling Mel and I knew what they wanted. If it was her family they were going to tear her apart. For all the conflict I survived with my Grandparents sense all these events had started, I knew whatever Melinda faced it would be ten times worst.
Her parents were very unreasonable and sometimes just downright cruel. They made me very angry with them for the way they treated her. They didn't show her the proper respect she deserved. I hoped being with Don, seeing the love and adoration he favored her with Melinda would begin to see what an incredible person she was and that would give her the strength she needed in order to stand up to her family. If there was one great gift Donatello could give her. That would be it.
Raphael and Casey were both cheering VERY loudly, while at the same time Mike was slurping his soda. I sighed and once again my gaze fell on Leonardo. He was looking at me. I could tell even with the glasses on. He gave me an exasperated sigh, almost like he was saying 'look what I put with EVERY day!'. I giggled at him. Biting my lip trying not to think about what Mel and Don were doing. Leo whacked Raph hard in the side as he stood and started screaming about a call. Raphael flopped back down beside him frowning.
"What was that for, fearless leader? Am I annoying you?" Raphael's eye ridge rose as he tried to stare down his brother. Leonardo shook his head, not rising to his brother's bait.
"This isn't a major league park, Raphael, can you try to keep the attention getting antics to a minimum?" Leo's voice was monotone, cold. He wasn't in the mood for conflict; he simply wanted some respect shown to his authority. I cringed inwardly, knowing this was going to lead to a fight.
I turned my head away, not even wanting to hear Raphael's reply and noticed Don back on the bleachers. I looked with interest waiting to see Melinda. Instead Don paused, stilling looking down at ground level. I watched him tense, something wasn't right; suddenly he leapt down right off the bleachers. I turned Leo and Raph were still bickering.
"Leo, something isn't right." I gestured to where Don had disappeared. Leonardo stopped mid sentence with Raph and turned to face me when I spoke to him. He followed were I was pointing and gave me a curious look. "I think maybe something is going on with Don and Melinda. Don was just there, but then he rushed away again."
Concern crossed Leonardo's face as he stood. "Are you sure?" He was speaking to me, but looking at the space that Don had just occupied.
"Positive." I nodded and followed him as he started to walk over. I could hear Raphael, Mike and Casey rise to follow without being told. Everyone moved as a unit, a team, no matter what the circumstances. My eyes grew wide as we reached the end of the seats. Below us I could see Don and Melinda and Tony and his goony friend. I could also easily see they were about to engage in a conflict. I heard Leo curse under his breath.
"Don!" He called as he leapt down, next to his brother. I followed Leo, surprised by the enraged expression on Don's face. He was glaring at Tony with what I could only call intent to kill. It sent a chill down my spine. Tony being the complete idiot he was, kept mouthing off to Don trying to bait him into fighting. I watched Leonardo's eyes narrow; he gently took hold of Don's arm, like he was trying to stop him from making a mistake.
"I would just get out of here if I was you." Leo faced Tony without any hint of fear. I watched fascinated as he took control of the events around him.
"What if I don't WANT to!" Tony cracked his knuckles; I heard Raph, Mike and Casey leap down behind us. I was almost fearful. This was one fight Tony REALLY didn't want to start.
"Then I will let Don go and I hold no responsibility for his actions." Leonardo's voice was commanding, strong. I heard Don growl, I saw him clench his fists. Melinda was staring at Donatello wide eyed like she couldn't believe he was standing up for her. As touchy as the present situation was, I think it was a positive thing at least for Mel to see.
"Yeah and I won't take responsibility for me or Case-man pounding whatever Don leaves for us into teeny tiny pieces." Raphael swaggered up next to Leo and crossed his arms. The two stood shoulder-to-shoulder staring down Tony and Bobby. Tony still tried to appear brave, Bobby started to back away.
"Man, this chick is NOT worth this boy!" I watched as Bobby turned tail and ran. Melinda and I exchanged surprised glances. Don pulled against Leo's grip.
"Let me take care of this, Leo, on my own!" Don's tone was furious. Whatever Tony had said to Melinda, and later I wanted to know what it was. Donatello had NOT liked it. I saw Leonardo consider. He wasn't certain what to do. In one hand I could see he almost understood Don's need to defend Mel. In another I knew he still was trying to avoid a scene.
"Last chance, Hill-Billie. Then I let him go!" Leonardo was bluffing I realized. Trying to get Tony to run on his own.
Faced with so many advisories and what I knew was very little reward Tony also started to back away. "I'll get all you punks, you just wait. I'll make you pay for embarrassing me." Tony's expression was venomous. He had been humiliated and he wasn't soon going to forget it.
The simple fact was I doubt any of the guys cared. "That's good little boy, now run along with your friend." Raphael waved him off his tone condescending. Donatello pulled against Leo's gripe, but didn't actually fight his brother. I watched Leonardo lean in close and could hear him whisper to Don.
"Melinda needs you more than he does, take care of her." Even in his fury I could see Leonardo's words affect Don. His breathing grew less ragged and he stopped glaring after Tony. Instead he turned to Melinda.
I tried to read the expression that crossed Don's face, it was odd. He almost looked depressed, but I could understand why. Melinda was shaking and he moved to hold her, but she pulled away. This baffled me and it appeared Don too. He looked at her hurt. Mel was kind of hugging herself, staring at the ground.
"Well that ruined this night!" Mike appeared huffy, but he spoke the words that were foremost on everyone's mind.
"Yeah why don't we all go home." I could see Leonardo too was looking at Don and Melinda curiously. Something was wrong I could feel it. So much tension was in the air and it made me nervous. Something bad was about to happen I could tell and the fact Melinda had just gotten a call from her family didn't make me feel any better.