I had almost forgotten what the pain affecting me had felt like. Only once before had this hurt graced my frame, back when I was certain Leonardo was actually involved with Karai. It wasn't so much like my heart was breaking, but more like the soul had been ripped out of me and I was left a useless husk of my former self.
I hated rejection. It was my one vice. Feeling abandoned made it hard for me to think, to breath. It made me want to pull into myself and forget the world around me. Numb my senses from the hollow feelings in my heart. Yet if I had learned one lesson from my last episode with this issue, it was that running away would not solve the problem. Yet last time everything had been a misunderstanding, this time I was certain Leo had meant every word that he had said.
Still something nagged at me. Somewhere inside I knew that while his sentiment had not been false, his reasoning behind it wasn't concrete. I took a deep breath. A part of my brain knew I could easily listen to Leonardo. I could get right back on the train that had brought me here, go home and just forget. In fact I think that would have made my family very happy, had I done this.
Yet I also knew that wasn't where my true desire lay and if I ran now, it would only be because I was a coward and unable to actually face the path I needed to take. For the first few months of our relationship I had leaned heavily on Leo. Looking back, I had seemly asked too much of him. Depending on him without too much regard on what this was doing to him.
In essence I had brought about my own downfall. No, Leonardo felt he had to protect me. That I couldn't be strong enough to care for him and consol him the way he did me. As long as he was strong, he felt it was alright for me to be there, but now that he was weak, I was a liability to him. And I being a fool had made all of this happen.
Yet inside I knew I wasn't weak. I may not have faced issues like Leo's before, but I too had made it through my own pratfalls in life. I had doubted myself, I had overcome. Yet the fact I had run from him in the Lair. The simple understanding that I could not take his words and still stand strong for him proved that I wasn't ready.
All these thoughts crossed my mind as I sat outside the entrance to the topside garage of the Turtles home. I stared across the street at nothing. Trying to piece together what I should do, what I should say. How I could make myself into the individual that Leonardo needed right now and the fear that hit me, what if I couldn't make myself into that person.
Melinda came out and we made small talk. I wasn't certain how to express to her what I thought or needed and honestly she seemed uncertain what to say to me to make me feel better. When she suggested a walk I agreed quickly, hoping to maybe distract myself from my self-doubt.
She told me about her fears as we walked, about Don loving someone else. I tried to smile and appear to be brushing it off, but her words disturbed me. I understood feeling left out; I understood not feeling good enough. Had Don been with this girl? And if he had where was she now? Silently I made a mental note to talk to him about it. It hopefully was all a misunderstanding, but I wanted a confirmation, so that I could help Mel feel better.
My thoughts still a jumble Melinda suddenly grabbed me and dragged me into a shop. Mel scared me as she looked terrified. At the mention of Hun I felt my blood run cold. There were honestly very few people I had encountered over the course of my life that I could say I hated. Hun was one of them. He was an unemotional, horrible, evil man. Who took joy from causing others pain. Your typical, brainless bully. Only he wasn't completely brainless.
I stayed near Mel as she appeared to try to look at books and watched the faces of people that entered the shop. Wondering silently if any of them were Dragons. My own problems were forgotten over the fear of something happening to my friend. I didn't think it was safe for us to stay in this store. If Hun had seen us enter we were giving him multitudes of time to get re-enforcements. Yet Mel seemed to be calming down standing in here so I swallowed my better judgment and kept watch.
Time passed, and Melinda seemed to think it was finally safe to leave. I was still on edge. Still thinking we had gotten off far too easy, when the huge galoot should have been tracking my friend for betraying him. We walked silently down the street, both trying to keep our eyes open for the first sign of trouble.
I turned swiftly as Melinda screamed and saw her being dragged into an alleyway. I grabbed her sleeve in an attempt to stop her from moving and gasped as a felt a huge hand lift me into the air and throw me farther into the alley. I went limp and rolled as I landed, scrambling back up quickly my eyes becoming wide. Hun was nearly shaking Melinda, harsh words exchanged between them. My eyes narrowed and I could feel everything I was trying to coolly suppress bubbling to the top of my emotions.
"Let her go Hun, you Bastard!" My tone angry, I took a few steps forward not certain what I was going to do, but knowing I wasn't going to allow this asshole to take my friend without a fight. I felt others grabbing me; I strained against the three Dragons, holding me back, panting growling in anger.
"Shut up, I will deal with you soon enough." Hun glanced at me, like I wasn't worth his time, before turning back to Melinda. Something inside of me snapped. My control ebbing away to my fury.
"I will NOT let you take her." I kicked out and nailed one of the Dragon's holding me square in the groin. He cursed me, falling back, letting me go; I leapt against the bonds of the other too, ready to engage myself in a battle sense told me I could not win.
"I told you to shut up." Hun turned on me, his attention finally fully falling on me. With his lumbering form striding towards me I could feel my captors stepping away, giving their Master full access to his intending prey. I just continued glaring up at him. "I guess you need to be taught a lesson first. The Purple Dragons are no longer a bunch of street punks that are ruled by the Shredder. He's gone. I AM in charge now."
I was unimpressed and I allowed this to show on my features. This just seemed to make him more furious. He raised his hand, posed to smack the haughty expression; I knew I had right off my face. He never struck. A whistle of wind sounded and a shuriken embedded itself deep within the back of his palm. The large man roared.
A form dropped soundlessly to my right, standing, tall, angry. My emotions were somewhere between confusion and gratitude as to why Leonardo was once again stepping into save me. Hun on the other hand narrowed his eyes at the person across from him. Obviously not pleased.
""We have something to DISCUSS, Hun…" Leonardo's arms crossed in a fashion I was familiar with. His posture seemly relaxed, but I could see he was coiled and ready to strike in an instance. I frowned, growling lightly as one of the Dragon's that had been holding me, grabbed for me again. I sidestepped blocking his clumsy attempt. "I wouldn't touch her if I was you." Leonardo's eyes were still on Hun, but the threat was obviously towards the man trying to attack me. I glared at him.
The Dragon paused looking to his Master. Uncertain if it was worth the pain he felt would be afflicted upon him by his adversary if he tried to assault me again. Hun's face was ruthless, his beady eyes darting to and fro trying to formulate a plan. Finally a smug smirk started to spread across his features.
"In case you haven't noticed, Leonardo. You're out numbered and trust me when I say these aren't my only men close by. I think you're better off walking away and leaving me these girls." Hun crossed his arms now a parody of the Turtle across from him.
Leonardo shook his head, reaching behind him to draw a single katana blade. He looked at it for a moment, everyone in the alley watching him. With such swift form, one could barely follow the katana danced around him. The display I was assuming purely for show. Finally the blade stopped pointed right at Hun, a threat not lost.
"No, I don't think that offer pleases me. I think you and your brainless minions should leave here now, before you try my good nature." Leonardo's tone was so dark. I honestly wondered what he would do to the Dragons if they didn't listen to him and I assumed it would not be good. The smirk fell from Hun's face. His expression grew graver.
"Listen, Turtle, I have a lot to do tonight and I REALLY don't feel like having to deal with you." Hun pointed at Leonardo, his expression a grimace. Leo just stood, his sword still posed ready to attack, listening. "So how about this, I know the little one there is your fuck buddy. Why don't you just take her, she really isn't of that much interest to me anyway. I'll keep Melinda." Hun glared back at my friend. Melinda was visibly shaking. Leonardo still stood expressionless. I on the other hand felt my fury returning from everything Hun had just expressed.
I took a few steps forward so I was on equal ground now with Leo, my fists clenched at my side. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Leonardo turn to look at me surprised. "Lea, step back." His voice was a command I was to obey, but I just huffed lightly. I was sick of everyone telling me what to do. Coddling me like I was some stupid little kid who couldn't do anything for herself. I openly glared at Leo for a moment, before returning my attention swiftly back to Hun.
"Why don't you listen to me, you over-bearing Neanderthal. I don't care what gang of idiots you are in charge of, or how important you THINK that makes you. None of us are your things and you're sure as hell not taking Melinda anywhere with you tonight. So turn your fat, stupid ass right around and crawl back to that psycho Master of yours." I was breathing hard. I was seriously losing my cool very quickly.
Hun's eye grew wide; he just stood, staring at me for a few moments, like he was uncertain what to say. Leonardo on the other hand growled low. "Lea, you back off NOW. You are NOT helping matters.
I frowned, still watching Hun, but my next comment was directed to the Turtle at my side. "You know what, Leo, why don't YOU back off. I am seriously getting sick of you always telling me what to do like I am a helpless."
I glanced over at Leo, an annoyed expression on my face. That moment of distraction was the window Hun was looking for, Melinda screamed and the beast of a man lunged towards me, I have no doubt hoping to crush me into the ground. I turned and tried to retreat, but Hun for a giant was surprisingly quick. I braced myself waiting for the collision, only it never came.
I heard Leonardo cry out as his body collided with Hun. Using the much larger mans' momentum; Leo swung Hun around and away from me. The alleyway echoed with a sicken crack, I watched as Hun's arm bent at an impossible angle as his body finally stopped moving and I realized Leonardo had cleanly broke the appendage.
Hun screamed out, falling to his knees. Leo had a katana to the back of the giant's neck before I could even completely comprehend what he was doing. "I should kill you for even trying to touch her you pile of trash, but I would rather not dirty my weapons with your blood. So get out of here!" With a swift front kick, Hun's face smashed into the concert below him.
The Dragons that moments before had been harassing us, now scurried forward to collect their fallen leader. Leonardo watched them silently. His weapons still in hand, daring them to try anything.
Hun was chocking on his own blood, I was pretty certain his nose was also broken from the way his face looked. Melinda moved away from the retreating gang members as they passed by her. Moving closer in to Leo and I. The Dragon's said nothing and neither did their leader. The fight seemed to have left them, when they realized how serious Leonardo was about his threats.
I let out a breath, turning to look at my friend as she watched the goons retreat. "Melinda, you better promise me you will NEVER go back to them again, or I swear I'll…" I raised my fist, only it was fairly playful now. The danger over, my adrenaline was slowly ebbing down. I squeaked startled when Leo forcefully grabbed my raised arm.
"You listen to me the next time I tell you to do something, you got me?" Turning from Melinda, I look slack jawed at the man that was lecturing me. His weapons away now, it seemed like he had one last issue he felt he needed to deal with.
"No." My tone dropped an octave as the smile I had been gracing Melinda with left my face. "I am sick and tired of you treating me like a child, Leonardo."
"Then maybe you should stop acting like one." He dropped my arm, but glared at me, I could feel tension rising again.
"You know, Leo, I know something horrible happened to you and I would love to help you with it. So maybe YOU should act like an adult and deal with the fact that maybe you're not right all the time." My hands fell to my hips, as I looked up at him, not backing down.
"See, this is why you should go home. You CAN'T act rational." The pain of his words just fueled my temper, my mouth tighter into an anger slit.
"If you want me gone so badly, why did you come after me then? You could have stayed at the Lair and brooded and Melinda and I would have probably been out of your hair for, forever. One way or another." I was playing devil's advocate. My tone cryptic.
I watched Leonardo's tough expression waver slightly at the implication of my final statement. "I came after you because I don't want to see you get hurt Lea and I want you to listen to me, because I will make certain you don't." His expression softened a little, became closer to the Leo I knew. It made my heart ache.
"Thank you for helping us, Leonardo; I can't express my gratitude to you." I stepped forward, reaching out I caressed his cheek with my hand. The touch was so familiar. I watched his eyes close momentarily, losing himself in it.
"We will go to April's, alright?" Next to me I could hear Melinda make a surprised noise at my sudden proclamation. Leonardo's eye shot open. My hand fell back to my side.
"Why?" He seemed genuinely surprised by my announcement.
"You made it clear you didn't want me around, but I am NOT leaving the city." While my outside appeared so strong inside I was a mass of confusion and turmoil. Dealing with Leonardo was a like a dance now and if I didn't step just right it was going to lead to both of us collapsing. My shoulders felt tight from the pressure inside of me.
Leonardo looked away for a few long moments. Seeming to consider what to say. I was silent, for a few moments, before bowing abruptly. "Get home safely." I turned grabbing Melinda's arm, not certain if it was wise for me to walk away or not, but I wanted him to say he wanted me there before I would give him the satisfaction of my presence. He had scorned me badly back at his home and I needed that reassurance.
"Lea wait…" I turned. The Turtle I saw no longer look angry, now he just looked tired and hurt. My heart grew tight in my chest, but I held my ground. "If you're going to stay in the city anyway, you may as well stay at our home. At least then I will know you are safe."
Relief washed over me, so brutally and quick that I could feel tears trying to force themselves out, but I schooled my face to remain emotionless. Something I had been learning from Leonardo sense I had met him.
"If that is your desire, alright." He considered me. Melinda next to me made a sound. I looked to her and saw her expression. It was then I remember our conversation earlier about Donatello. I took a deep breath and patted her arm. Hoping I could deal with both her issue and my own. And wondering how long I could carry on this façade I was portraying.
"Let's head home then." Leonardo was trying to read me and to my pleasure I don't think he could. I needed time to collect my thoughts to realize what he needed from me before I was ready to act. The Turtle headed towards the fire escape.
"I think we will take the street route okay, Leo?" I figured this would give me a few more moments alone with Melinda, to talk to her about what had happened with Don. Leonardo paused; I could see he didn't like the idea of splitting up.
"Some of Hun's men might still be out there. You should stay with me." My lips pursed listening to the command enter his voice again. I watched him sigh. "Okay I would prefer it if you would stay with me." Worry entered his expression and I knew I couldn't deny him what I knew was sensible.
"You're right Leo. Let's head home." I followed the Turtle.