Leo's 16

Don's 16

Mikey's 16

Raph's 15

Irma's 18

Casey's 18

April's 18

Julie's 16

Buffy's 17

Raphael watched her glide across the floor in a black skin-tight floor length gown with a slit up one side, cheek to cheek with Donnie and jealously bubbled, his green eyes narrowed and his mouth set in a thin line. Her long brunette hair was done up in an elegant do, her lips painted red and slightly parted, her brown eyes sparking with happiness, as she enjoyed the dance. Raphael sipped from the glass he was holding and continued to watch, his jealousy growing by the second. Finally, he could take it no more. He set his glass down, approached the couple and said, "Can I cut in?"

Irma looked up in surprise and said, "You want to dance, Raphael? Didn't think you liked it."

"Love it. So, can I?"

"Of course," Don said. "I'll catch you later, Irma."

Raphael held out his arms and he and Irma began to dance. He stumbled a bit, but she told him what to do and he slowly got it right. Soon, they were gliding just like she and Don had done across the lair floor, their faces mere inches apart. Raphael sniffed and Irma said, "What are you doing, Raphael?"

"Smellin' ya. Did ya know ya smell like raspberries?"

"Must be my shampoo."

"I like it. It's really nice and by the way, ya look sensational."

"Thank you," Irma said and flushed.

"I mean it. Ya should dress like that more often. It suits ya."

"Hmm. The song's over," Irma said, breaking apart.

"I wanna ask ya somethin'," Raphael said and hesitated. "Ya and Donnie a couple?"

Irma smiled and said, "No. We're just good friends."

"Oh, good," Raphael said and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Do ya wanna go out sometime?"

"Me and you?"

"Uh, yeah. I can understand if ya don't wanna. I mean, I am a mutant turtle and I can't give ya…."

"I thought you and Leo were an item."

"Not really. It's just been sex. Not feelings there, ya know. Besides, I've always had the biggest crush on ya and I really like ya. If ya don't feel the same way, I understand."

"No, I'd love to, Raphael, but are you sure you and Leo are over?"

"Yes and it was just sex anyway. Ya know hormones? So, what do ya say? Don't keep a guy hangin'."

"I'd love to. I've always liked you, Raphael, but I never thought you'd go for a geek like me. Thought you'd like someone like April."

"Oh, she's nice, but ya float my boat, Irma. Yer sweet, funny, smart, the whole package. Pick ya up at eight tomorrow?"

"It's a date. I look forward to it."

Raphael grinned and said, "Me too. Gonna dream of ya tonight."

Standing near the punch bowl, Leo watched his ex-mate flirt with Irma and his eyes clouded. I know I said I was okay with us breaking up, he thought and it was just sex, but for me it wasn't. I loved-love Raphael and I always will. But if Irma's who he wants, I won't ruin that for him. I just won't be here to see it.

The rest of the evening was uneventful, and after everyone had gone home and the place had been cleaned, the brothers headed to their bedrooms. Leo was almost at his when Raphael stopped him and said, "I wanna talk ta ya."

"We have nothing to discuss."

"Yeah. We do. Just one moment. Pease. In yer bedroom. Less conspicuous."

"You always were ashamed that others would know about us, "Leo said bitterly. "And such a huge word for you. Been studying the dictionary to impress Irma?"

"Shut it, Fearless," Raphael snapped and dragged Leo into his bedroom and closed the door. Then, folding his arms, Raphael said, "Yer jealous, ain't ya?"

"Of Irma? Hardly."

"Admit it. Ya are."

"No. We agreed that we were better off as brothers and that it was just sex, Raphael. I'm cool with you dating Irma."

"I wasn't askin' yer permission, Leo. I'm just tellin' ya I've asked her out and she said yes. If things go well, I'm gonna ask her ta be my mate."

"That's nice. Can you leave?"

"Wow. Ya really are cold and unfeelin', Leo. No happy for ya, Raphael?"

"What do you want? Me to write it in blood? I said that's nice. Now, go away."

"I just wanna ask somethin'. Was I really just sex ta ya?"

"Why do you care, Raphael? You told me I was just sex and I agreed with you. We would never have worked out anyway. We're too different and I…I don't want to talk about it anymore. The only feelings I have for you are brotherly and you feel the same way, so let's just drop this subject."

"Yer right and I'm cool with that. We cool, Leo?"

"Of course we are, Raph," Leo said and plastered a smile upon his face. "We're brothers and nothing can shatter that bond."

"I'm glad. I'd hate there ta be tension between us."

"There isn't. We happened and it wasn't meant to be. That's all. And Irma's still the only one, who knows, right?"

"Yeah."

"Cool. I'm going to bed."

"Hey, Leo?"

"Yer gonna find someone great. I just know it. Someone, who deserves ya, and who'll make yer heart soar."

"Night, Raph."

When Raphael had left, Leo opened his dresser and took out a framed photo of him and Raphael taken shortly after their first date. Tears rolled down Leo's cheeks and he thought, I love Raph, but it's clear he never loved me and I can't stand around and watch him be with someone else. It'll hurt too much. Leo placed the photo, some belongings and cash into a duffel bag and slipped out of the lair. I'm going to South America, he thought. And I'm never coming back.

XXXX

The next morning, a sleepy Raphael headed into the kitchen. Yawning, he got out his favorite cereal, a bowl and milk and sat down at the table. Pouring cereal into the bowl, he added milk and began to tuck in. Don sauntered into the kitchen a few minutes later, and after greeting his brother, went to the coffee machine and poured a cup of the steaming brew. "Hey, guys," Mikey said, entering the kitchen a minute later. "Isn't it a glorious day to be alive?"

Raphael stopped eating and said, "What's got ya so happy, Mikey?"

"I have a date with Buffy Shellmeister."

"The heiress?" Raphael said in disbelief. "No damn way."

"Yes way! She called me this morning and asked me out. I'm so excited!"

"That's nice," Don said, sitting down at the table. "I have one too."

"With whom?" Raphael asked. "Don't tell me April finally submitted ta yer charms."

"Nope. Her name's Julie Finn and she's sixteen, like me and also like me, a science boff."

"Oh, swell. Another nerd," Raphael said, and rolled his eyes. "Just what we need. Imagine if ya and Julie procreate, Donnie. There'll be little nerds!"

"Better than little thugs, which you'd produce," Donatello snapped. "If you can find someone to date a temperamental brute like you."

"Hey, chicks dig bad boys."

"Maybe, but the bad boy stuff gets old fast. Girls want a reliable guy, who'll be there for them through thick and thin. Someone, who's mature, kind, loving, gentle…"

"That sums up Leo," Mikey said. "Hey, where is Leo? Unlike him not to be up."

"Maybe he's lyin' in," Raphael said. "Hey, I do have a date. Irma."

"That'll never last," Don said. "And will only lead to heartache."

"Why is that?" Raphael demanded.

"You're too dissimilar. Like Fire and ice, pawpaw and chocolate. Raisins and bananas."

"We like one another. That's a good start, right?"

"Look, Raph. I'm telling you. It's not going to end well. Irma…I just can't see her living down in the sewers with us. She's smart and has…."

"So I ain't smart, is that what yer sayin'?" Raphael demanded furiously, his green eyes blazing. "And what makes ya think Julie would live down here? Fuck ya, Don. Me and Irma are gonna work out and be happy. I'm gonna look for Leo. It's nearly time ta train!"

Rising to his feet, Raphael stormed to Leo's bedroom and banged on the door. "Leo, time ta wake up. Leo, answer me. Leo!" Raphael opened the door and went inside, stunned to find Leo's bed perfectly made, but that there was no sign of him. "Where the hell could he be?"

Footsteps sounded and Mikey and Don entered the bedroom. "He's not here," Mikey said.

"I know that, dingbat!" Raphael hissed. "Where do ya think he could have gone? And why would he up and leave without tellin' us?"

"Maybe something upset him," Don said.

"Like what?" Raphael asked.

"I don't know, Raph," Mikey said. "Did you and Leo have a fight?"

"Nope. Everythin' was fine when I last talked ta him. Look, maybe Leo just went for a stroll and he'll be back later."

"I get the uneasy feeling he won't be," Don said. "I'm going to call April and ask her if she's heard from him."

"I'll call Casey. He and Leo ain't buddies, so it's a longshot, but worth a try."

XXX

Meanwhile, Leo was talking to Casey down on the docks. "I really appreciate your help for getting me in touch with your friend, Casey, and for him letting me stow aboard his ship.

"No problem, Leo. May I ask why you're leaving?"

"I need to. Things are crazy at home."

"You and Raph fighting again?"

"No…It's just….I know you and I aren't close, but I'm going to ask you to do something for me."

"Of course."

"I'm six weeks gravid and it's really complicated. I don't want Raph to know."

Casey's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. "Are you telling me Raph's the dad, but how?"

"I'm intersex. Neither of us knew it. We happened, but Raph said it was just sex and I agreed that it was and we should stay as just brothers and it wouldn't work out. And now he's seeing Irma and this is his chance to be happy. I'm not going to spoil that, but I also can't be at home seeing them fawning over one another, so I'm leaving. Going to Argentina."

"But you actually love Raph, don't you?"

"More than life itself, but he doesn't feel the same way. Promise me you won't tell anyone, Casey. Not even April."

"Raph has a right to know, Leo."

Leo shook his head. "No. I want it this way. Has to be this way. I have to go. Promise me."

Casey's phone rang and he cursed before answering. "Yes, Raph?"

"Have ya seen Leo?"

"No. You know me and Leo aren't friends. Why, is something wrong?"

"He's missin'."

"Look, maybe he'll turn up later. You know Leo wouldn't leave you guys."

"If he does call ya, will ya let me know? We're worried 'bout him."

"Absolutely, bud. Gotta go. Have another call coming in. Try not to worry. Leo will be in touch I'm sure."

Casey disconnected the call and said, "I don't like this, Leo. I still believe Raph deserves to know about his kid, but I'll respect your wishes."

"Thanks. I appreciate it. I'll drop you a line when I arrive, but say nothing to anyone when you receive it."

"You have my word, Leo."

"Thanks again," Leo said, and turned to board the ship, quickly heading down to his quarters below. It was sparse and cramped with just a bed, shower and a basin, but that was all Leo wanted. He placed his duffel bag onto the bed, climbed under the covers and soon drifted off to sleep.