Love Don't Come Easy

Disclaimer: I deny any ownership of any adult or adolescent transformed shadow warrior chelonians.

Chapter Four: Just Friends?

Jessie had been with them for about a day but it had been a busy first day with trying to see about arrangements for the funeral, checking in with the landlord of the old apartment building where his mom and he had lived and other things, so he hadn't really talked to Leo too much, though Karena and Jennifer had joined him helping out where they had advised Jessie on certain things but also did their best to ensure that Melody would be well laid to rest. It turned out Melody's fellow coworkers and her boss had pitched in to give Jessie some money, to help him out, feeling it was the least they could do for the boy.

At any rate Leo had made it be known he wanted to speak with Jessie, more in depth that morning, Rama decided to go along for moral support, knowing Jessie was feeling overwhelmed with what had to be done, yet at the same time tied up in his sorrow and pain. Karena was also sitting in on the meeting, to help Jessie feel even more at ease. Jessie gave a tremulous smile toward Leo before bowing, Leo smiled kindly in return to the boy.

"Sit down Jessie, now is the time to talk and figure out where you are going and what you will be doing. Your mother's death was a surprise and I know you might not be able to think too much ahead, but it is necessary we look ahead a little bit hmm." Leo began, "This isn't easy for you and in the midst of your grief I know the last thing you want to think about is making a decision. You probably just want to be left alone," He sympathized kindly.

"Sort of" Jessie mumbled agreement, "Though I appreciate you letting me stay here for now. I don't think I could stay back at home ya know?" Jessie took a trembling breath.

Rama reached out and rested a hand on his shoulder and he gave her a grateful smile.

"I know it isn't easy but sometimes by making a decision it helps. You have to figure out not only the funeral, but also you have to figure out where you are going and what you will be doing." Leo nudged carefully.

Jessie nodded, "I know I can finish the school year off it's paid for but I don't n...no..know if I can go back there next term, but Jen and Don said they could teach me, take me on as a young partner."

"Computer geek" Rama whispered a smile curling up the corner of her lips. She knew Jessie was into computer repairs, programming and robotics at school, this interest of his had of course attracted Jen and Uncle Don's attention and they had been quick to offer to help Jessie to further his training in return for him becoming a part of their team.

"Its where the future is, Where the big money lies" Jessie retorted to his friend's gentle jibe, "Sides I don't sit at a computer desk all day. I've been taking martial arts lessons" Jessie boasted.

Rama gave him a disgusted look "What d'ya need that for? We taught you." She declared.

"I had to keep it up somehow" Jessie replied, "Not only that but most schools didn't accept that I had formal training when I couldn't name the school that I learned at, or name the Master that I learned from." Jessie rolled his eyes in frustration, "I didn't even have a belt to prove my level."

Rama arched an eye ridge at Leo, "See you are the best there is, and you aren't even recognized topside."

Leo smirked, "Goes to show how well we train; we are ninja, our school must be very secret."

Jessie watched as Rama crossed her arms over her plastron, a sparkle in her eyes that made him smile. "Aw they m...moved me up pretty quick when they saw what I could do. I also took some lessons in kenpo."

Rama ducked her head at that, Jessie had never officially been taught weapons as his mom had never allowed it, she didn't mind Jessie learning hand to hand combat but felt that weapons were unnecessary. Leo of course had abided by her decision for her child, he insured Jessie never so much as touched a weapon, but he was taught well how to handle just about any situation that he might find himself in. Rama however, had taught Jessie stuff on the sly. When the two of them were off alone. Obviously Jessie had decided to keep up his training and then some, and she admired that.

Leo gave a cough and when Rama glanced up he gave her a look she knew well, one that said she wasn't hiding anything from him.

"Sorry Master" She apologized sweetly.

"I'm sure you are" Leo muttered cryptically, "you two, get you together and it is a sure recipe for trouble." Leo commented.

Rama gave him a hurt innocent look and an indifferent shrug as if to say, I really don't know what you are talking about.

" Now each family will be contributing some money to help you out however you see fit, the next few days we are going try to talk and deal with a few things at a time, so hopefully it is all cared for by the time you head back to your lessons in school and hopefully you can then concentrate on them without worrying over what are you going to do, how will you get by and so on." Leo gestured to Karena, "My wife has volunteered to sit with you during the service, in fact I believe all of my sister in laws plan on being there for you Jessie."

"Thanks" Jessie mumbled uneasily.

Rama shot a pleading look towards her Master, "Can't I be at the service too? For Jessie."

"Of course, but it would be better if you did it low profile, remember the police are still investigating and there may be plain clothes police officers there scoping out the crowd, to see if the killer might show up to gloat." Leo ordered, " Even if the police do not attend the funeral, Jessie will be very prominent and likely to draw attention, which is the last thing we need Ramiela" Leo's tone became slightly sharp and firm as he turned his gaze firmly on her.

Rama nodded "I understand Master." She admitted.

XXXXX

The next few days were hard ones for Jessie. Rama felt for her friend and tried to give him what he needed when he needed it, whether it was a shoulder to cry on, or someone to rant and rage at venting pent up anger and frustration, or if it was just to listen offering nothing more then an ear, or giving him his space when he wanted to be alone to grieve. There was times they sparred together and Rama had to admit Jessie had done quite well in keeping his lessons up and also going further with them.

The day of the funeral came and there was, sunshine which seemed out of place to those who mourned, the service was well attended by close friends, coworkers all coming to bid goodbye and offer empty platitudes to Jessie, along with their tears. It was a hard day on Jess who admitted to Karena that he would rather be anywhere other then where he was. He was aware though of the turtle's presence both at the service and later at the cemetery, they all hung back and yet, if one was observant enough, one might catch a certain mannerism that could only be associated to one of the turtles. It helped Jessie to feel better knowing they were close at hand, and that they were paying their respects, while easing his pain in doing the same.

XXXXX

Steven sat at his desk, he had been given clean bill of health and was back at work soon after being left at the hospital. He paid little mind or thought to those who had rescued him there was other things to concentrate on, but as the days passed he recalled the images of the dark shape of the female, who had spoken with him, her lilting gentle voice, how she had so carefully brought up the subject of who she was. Dropping little bits here or there, that he hadn't caught right there and then, but he recalled them now in hind sight and he was fairly sure that his memory of those events wasn't foggy even if, he hadn't been fully awake and with it at the time.

No Rama, or more precisely, the memory of her voice popped into his mind at the oddest of times. Sometimes he woke up sure he heard her whispering in the darkness of his room, but realized that his subconscious was probably only playing games with him. There was just something about her, that he couldn't quite put his finger on, yet it niggled and dug at him burrowing it's way deeper, he was not able to just drop it and forget about her and her family.

Maybe, he mused, it is because I know they aren't proper citizens of New York and my mind tells me what a break to have something like this fall in my lap.

He twirled a pen in his fingers as he considered this, if he could make these people, this band of mutants true and proper citizens in the eyes of New York and therefore, citizens of the entire United States, to be recognized as citizens of their wonderful country world wide...Why that could boost his own career he'd become high demand and could ask for anything. He could make a big name for himself, and in this business lawyers, one made a name however one could.

It was a win-win situation, the turtle family wouldn't have to be treated like lowly scum or have to hide in the damp dismal sewers. They could have paying jobs fit into society, he wasn't quite sure how, but with such unique looks there had to be something that they could do. It didn't really matter, because almost any thing they decided to do would draw a certain amount of attention, at least until the novelty of such unique citizens wore off. The turtles themselves would be protected, as citizens, from their worst fears, namely they wouldn't have to worry about being a zoo exhibit, or science experiment.

His only problem being he didn't know how or where to get hold of the turtles, he knew they lived in the sewers but he wasn't exactly sure where they were. He had been far too groggy to notice where he was going or how long it took him to get there. Mike and Raph had taken him down so many different ways, sometimes more packing him then he had walked, that there was no possible way he could find his way back to their home.

Steven did have one clue though, Raph's wife, Sara. She worked at the hospital and with luck he could get a hold of her there and through her get reconnected to the turtle family. It took a few days before he caught up with Sara on shift at the hospital.

Sara recognized Steve soon as she saw him coming down the corridor of the hospital "How you feeling?" She asked.

"All right" Steven smiled, "Still a little sore but healing. I am wondering about your family..." he began.

"Great you're feeling better" Sara smiled, then her smile turned to a thin tight line, "Then you have no need to be in the hospital, asking about my family or how to find them." She announced sharply her eyes turned hard.

"Hey, I just want to thank you and your family." Steven assured her.

"Sure, and the family appreciates it. Now if you really want to thank us, you'll turn around and not look back. You will leave my family alone. You will forget them because we want it that way Steven." Sara declared tightly, "My family appreciates and values its privacy." She warned.

" I can understand it, I'm sure it isn't easy living that sort of life style" Steven demurred, " But I was hoping to thank them on a more personal note." he hinted.

"Then get a card, we have some in our gift shop" Sara suggested quickly."Just forget it okay, we truly appreciate the thought." Sara smiled kindly then said "I have to get back to work, my break is over." She turned to leave.

"Hold it Sara," Steve called.

Sara turned with a heavy sigh and turned giving him a look that said clearly What do you want now?

Steven took a breath "I'd like to see Rama and speak with her again. That is if she wants to see me."

"Now there is the real question" Sara remarked a she pursed her lips.

Steven handed one of his cards to Sara "Just tell her and let her decide for herself" he asked kindly.

Sara nodded "Okay I will" She tucked the card into a pocket, "But I really do have to get back to work Steven."

Steven could only watch her go hoping that she would, pass along his message. He had a feeling that Sara wasn't one to like people probing into her family life, most likely such a thing was caused by the fact of just who her family happened to be. He could only wait and hope that he could discuss things with someone who didn't seem so defensive about everything, after all, it wasn't as if he had no knowledge of the subject whatsoever.

Sara watched Steven leave, the fact he had been asking around told her, that he might be trying to get closer to the family, she was naturally suspicious of any stranger when they became curious about her family, she pulled the card out of her pocket, debating about tossing it in the nearest garbage can. She chewed on her bottom lip as she considered her options, she tapped the back of the card before sighing once and tucking it back away. She would let Leo know and give him the card then it was his problem.

Sara smirked a bit as she thought of Rama, her niece as Chunin knew her duty to protect the clan, besides she had learned the hard way not to trust strangers with too much information. She gave a rueful shake of her head and got back to business at hand forgetting about the card at least until she got home and handed it and all information Leo would need over to him.

Leo looked at the card " Honestly what do you think Sara?" He inquired.

"He's a lawyer Leo, not exactly very trustworthy. I figure a lot of lawyers are like politicians." Sara confessed, "I know there are ones that are very honourable and decent, maybe it is just my background" Sara flashed a grin.

Leo smiled as an ex-hooker, call girl or lady of the night, which ever name you preferred, Sara often found herself working at a job that was not considered to be the most law abiding. Sara had her reasons for doing so, she had wanted to raise money for nursing school and found that such a job permitted her to make the most to get by on and still give her free time for her studies. For Sara the ends justified the means or at least they had at that particular time.

Sara shrugged " It just seems odd all of a sudden asking around and wanting to thank us."

"Possibly but he is into helping those who are not citizens into becoming ones." Leo murmured, he sat back "Either way it is Ramiela's message and she ought to receive it."

Sara smirked "I hope she rips that card up."

XXXX

The next morning Rama entered the meditation room to join Leo for morning tea and meditation before learning what it was she would need to do today, though most of her thoughts were on the following day, when she had a rare day off. Rama had asked Leo for a break so she and her older cousins could go with Jessie to Coney Island for the day. Rama had explained that with all the hurt and grief Jessie was going through a day trip out somewhere fun, might be a great escape and a welcome retreat, as it would be almost normal activity. Leo had of course fully approved the idea, knowing his chunin needed time off to blow off her own steam.

Leo handed her the card "Steven visited your Aunt, he mentioned wanting to see you, if you are interested that is."

Rama took the card from him, giving her Master a questioning look "What about?" She wondered.

"Well according to Sara he wanted to thank us for helping him, but it could be that he is just interested in us," Leo paused as he smiled at her, "Or he is interested in at least one of us."

Rama shook her head, "Interested in us, as people maybe, but in just me?" She gave a negative shake of her head "I doubt it. He could be a valuable ally to our clan Master."

Leo sighed, "Don't sell yourself short Ramiela, but you are right we could use a friend like him at any time. The fact he is curious about us could mean trouble and if we avoid him he might start doing things to find us which can lead to the sort of hassles I'd rather avoid. It might be good to know what he is interested in and why." Leo hinted, "I wish to avoid problems if we can but the choice is up to you, do with that card as you wish."

Rama nodded understanding of his words as she tucked the card into a belt pouch for the time being. After that she went about her work and her studies but the card and the thought of calling Steve kept pricking and nibbling at the back of her mind, trying to creep in unwanted and of course she had spent any free moment arguing the pros and cons of calling Steven or not. Finally throwing caution to the wind she caved in and picked up the phone.

What have I got to lose? It could help the family later and it might be worth it in the long run. She told herself. She waited until she heard him pick up the phone, his tone crisp and business like.

"Hi Steven, it's Ramiela. My Aunt gave me your card and said you were interested in, perhaps getting to know my family better." Rama replied in greeting.

"Ramiela, you did call."

"Well why wouldn't I?" Rama asked

"I thought your Aunt might throw the card away, she seems a little rough you know."

Rama snickered, "Uncle Raphael is worse though. Aunt Sara just doesn't like anyone getting too close." She explained.

Steven whispered "I'm glad you called Rama, because yes, I would like to know more about your family. But more importantly I'd like to know a bit more about you."

Rama felt her face grow warm, she ducked her head "I wouldn't mind seeing you again either if, you really want to get together to talk that is."

"Good then." Steven cheered gently, "When is a good time to get together?"

Rama considered "Uh, how about this Thursday night at nine in the evening. I could meet you outside Radio City music hall if that works for you." Rama suggested.

"Sounds great. I'll see you then Rama."

Rama hung up the phone realizing as she did so, that she had just made her first date, she wasn't really sure if you could call this a date, but as far as she was concerned it was one. The mere thought of going on a date made her stomach churn slightly and her heart beat faster against her plastron. Rama smiled to herself, It may not be an official date but it is close. Besides it might be fun seeing where this goes to. In fact it could be very well worth the risks involved.

XXXX

The large group of tired and exhausted teens made their way through the sewers, all of them hauling a load of teddy bears that ranged in size from small to jumbo . The group consisted mostly of mutants, there was Leo and Karena's children Aiden and Kaliann, as well as their thirteen year old brother Jeff. Don and Jen's two oldest Abigail and Colby, and two of Raph and Sara's children Ashlynn and Mineko as well as Rama. The other children were far too young to stay hidden amongst the crowd in public, something Kaida had been upset about because she knew Mineko and Ashlynn got to go have fun.

The only two humans in the group was Jessie and Kali's boyfriend Mark.

It had been a typical day at Coney Island for all involved they had bought such junk food as cotton candy, corn dogs, candied apples and mini donuts bringing home some of these wonderful treats for the younger kids along with their bags of stuffed toys, they had won at the so called games of chance, which with ninja training left very little to chance. Of course the bags were packed into coat pockets before heading out to Coney Island and the turtle clan did follow certain rules so as not to attract too much attention at the games. They had to divide up and hit different areas or games at varied times, they could not spend too much time at any one game because winning too much at once might attract attention, they had to purposely throw a game or sure shot to make it seem like they worked at it, and most important they had to make winning the large jumbo prizes seem difficult, that it was more fluke that they won it then anything.

Then of course there had been all the wild rides, that meant daring one another to go on this one or another one that looked scary, or testing the 'hurl factor' in other words making bets on who would toss their meal after going on some of the wilder rides at hand. In other words it was a day of fun, insanity and goofing off. It had been a long and particularly enjoyable day but now broke and tired they were heading home by way of the sewers.

Jessie and Rama hung back of the group while Aiden took the lead, Jessie chuckled a little and gestured to the stuffed dragon Kali was packing "Kali could have won that far easier then Mark did, he should have let her win it."

Rama grinned "True, but she loves it all the more because Mark was the one that got it for her, and he had to work so hard on doing it. She won't part with it, the ones she won she will give away but not that one."

Jessie glanced at Rama "Would it mean as much to you if I won you a prize?"

Rama gave an indifferent shrug "Come on Jess, after hanging out around us ninja you are almost as good of a marksman as we are." Rama smiled, "In other words wouldn't make much difference either way."

Jessie nodded having to admit she had a point, he gave her a tentative smile "I appreciated today Rama, it was a lot of fun."

"We all needed a break. You more than any of us Jess" Rama smiled a little, "Actually it was good for all of us to get away, have a break from the routine."

Jessie paused, "Yeah but it was good to, you know, just be with you and laugh, like when we were kids."

Rama nodded " I sort of miss those days of how we couldn't wait to be together, before we both got sidetracked with life and education and all those other things that get in the way" she reflected.

"We remained friends though" Jessie paused as he leaned against the cool concrete of the sewer tunnel, "Even if we didn't see as much of each other as before." He saw Rama stopping her face turned to look at him, some strands of hair had broken free from her braid and curled softly about her face. "I like...um...well...I uh" Jessie stammered suddenly losing his train of thought.

Rama took a few steps back towards him and touched his arm gently "What is it Jess?" She inquired gently.

"I just wanted to thank you" Jessie whispered, as he gazed into her eyes, he took a deep breath before leaning in to kiss her.

Rama found an intensity to the kiss that she could neither reject or deny, instead she wrapped her arms around Jessie's neck as she returned the kiss eagerly, she felt Jessie's arms pull her tighter to him as he deepened their kiss even further. Rama felt something stir inside that she hadn't felt for some time and she could feel her heart start to beat quicker under her plastron and she personally didn't care. Then Jessie let her go, ever so slowly.

Rama found herself fighting to control the sudden emotions that were churning up inside of her, she had been caught off guard by the emotion in Jessie's kiss. She had not been expecting to feel this way for her old friend, not at any time.

Jessie gave an embarrassed little smile and glanced down at his shoes "I uh..." he began trying to explain but he knew there was no words to explain what he felt, and if he tried then he would only end up stuttering and making matters worse so he fell silent and looked away.

Rama took his hand in hers "Don't worry Jessie I understand." she assured him, and she felt like she did understand, or at least she thought she did.

Jessie was going through an emotional, troublesome time at the moment, with the loss of his mom and trying to figure out how to get by in a world where he had no known family, it was only natural for things to be out of whack and a bit off, for him to react, or even just act, in ways that normally Jessie would never consider. He probably hadn't meant anything by the kiss, nor meant for it to have the feeling the passion it seemed to bear, and she shouldn't misinterpret it.

Jessie was her friend, he had never been more then that. Well, there had been that one time when they were about twelve and they had tried kissing one another to see what the big deal was, only it had felt odd and weird. The two of them had quickly decided that whatever the whole dating, kissing and whatever connection wasn't all that great and that they would be friends. They didn't want a long term friendship to break up just because they were getting into things that didn't seem right. It hadn't been long after that when Jessie started going out with girls from school. Still Jessie hadn't given her any reason to believe that she was any thing more than Jessie's friend. She didn't mind being his friend, for he was a friend that knew her better then anyone else. He knew her secrets and fears, knew her likes and dislikes, and she knew his it was what made their friendship what it was.

Still Jessie's kiss had woken almost forgotten feelings of longing desire, an aching need that fluttered inside of her. A feeling that reminded her of Devon and his touch, and his whispered promises that had made her desire so much more. In short it was a kiss more of lovers then a quick peck associated with 'friends'.

Jess, can't love me though, we agreed years ago that we were better friends then any thing and shouldn't try to go beyond that. It is just Jessie is hurting and confused and his emotions are out of kilter, he just isn't himself, Rama advised herself. She quickly decided it would probably be far better to forget the kiss, push it aside and pretend it didn't happen. With these thoughts in mind she did her best to slow her breathing and racing heart down and act like everything was normal. Being friends with Jessie meant far more to her then to perhaps push it and lose him all together.

TBC