Love Don't Come Easy

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

Chapter Five: Meeting friends

Rama headed towards the dojo, she wanted to loosen up with a few simple katas before heading topside to meet with Steven, a work out would help clear her mind and get her more focused on certain aspects while causing her to forget her worries about her coming meeting. As she neared the dojo she heard the unmistakable sound of someone already engaged in practice, tentatively she reached out with her senses trying to figure out which family member was there. She sensed that whoever it was, wasn't at peace with himself, there was anger and sorrow and a great deal of hurt.

Normally, she would figure that it was one of Uncle Raph's children from that information or perhaps Aiden who often found himself in trouble and having to work things out with the punching bag. However she was aware that whoever it was wasn't family, so she knew that it could only be Jessie. She bowed her head, 'Poor Jess, it is going be some time before he really gets back to himself.' She mused sympathetically, as she cautiously crept up to take a closer look at her friend's work out, wanting to observe without disturbing him.

Jessie was using the punching dummy to take out his aggression as he punched and kicked, sending the dummy swinging wildly with each forceful blow. Jessie was dressed only in a pair of sweatpants, his chest was bare and Rama could see the rippling of muscles as he moved fluidly. Sweat glistened on his brow and chest trailing paths as it rolled downward. A brow band around his head kept sweat from dripping into and stinging his eyes as he worked. He was so deep in his workout that he seemed totally oblivious to her spying on him.

Rama licked her lips a bit, in a distracted sort of way, as she took Jessie in with her eyes. She knew that Jessie had learned a great deal of fighting basics from her family, for many years he had been an adequate sparring partner for her, though she could normally beat him if only due to her training being far more intense then his, still his posture and form told her that he was extremely good and had taken his training further as he had claimed. True they had sparred a bit the last few days but she had gone easy on him due to the fact she knew his mind might not be on the match. Now she wished she had pushed for more to see if he could rise to the challenge.

"He is so incredibly hot" she whispered softly to herself.

"Mmmm, he has become very good in his katas." a voice agreed behind her.

Rama startled whirling around on the spot, to see Leo watching her a small smirk on his face, she flushed a little in embarrassment and ducked her head, but that uneasiness quickly passed, with anger hot on its heels. She was angry simply because her Sensei, her Master, had caught her oggling her old friend in such a way, and doubly angry that in her moment of distraction, he had been able to sneak up on her and catch her unawares as a ninja that was unforgivable.

Leo watched the emotions shift quickly over Rama's face wondering what would win out in the end, the girl's obvious discomfort followed by anger made him realize that Rama might possibly have feelings for her old chum that went beyond mere friendship. Leo saw no particular harm in that, but he was concerned that Jessie in his present state of emotions might end up going along with Rama's affections, only to realize later that it was a mistake, thus throwing the proverbial monkey wrench into the works when he told Rama, he never meant for things to go that far.

Rama clenched her fists at her side, "Master" she bowed stiffly, her tone short and clipped, further signs of her upset, "I was just admiring his katas" she alibied.

Leo gave an indulgent smile "Yes, I could see you were admiring the view, but you also know it is improper to spy on a guest." Leo reminder her, "You could have challenged him if you wanted a true test of his skill or wanted to admire his form."

Rama blushed but bit back a hasty response that sprang to her lips, swallowing her response, as he arched an eye ridge in silent reply. Rama was doing much better at not blurting things out, or acting out on things, maturity had helped matters there a bit, but it was easy enough to see the old habit come into play.

"Ramiela don't even try to fool me, you might not have intended to spy, but you were" Leo spoke in a low chastising whisper so that Jessie wouldn't over hear, "and while I see nothing wrong in checking out someone's skill, one usually doesn't get so," Leo paused, "distracted when doing so, especially if they are ninja trained."

"Hai" Rama agreed simply, knowing it was true.

"Another thing Ramiela, while normally I would not have any trouble with your feelings for your friend, what ever those feelings may be, now out of respect for him and as a matter of propriety it might be better to keep such things under control and out of the picture, at least until Jessie is over his grieving process. It might save both of you a lot of hurt later on." Leo advised.

Rama hung her head, unable to contradict or deny his words, she had counseled herself on this just the other day and in spite of that, here she was making a complete fool of herself watching Jessie work out. It didn't make sense to have such feelings for Jessie, she knew it could only lead to trouble and yet these emotions kept creeping in and catching her unawares at the most unexpected moments possible. Master Leonardo was correct, someone was bound to get hurt if she couldn't control her feelings, this was a vulnerable time for Jessie.

"Sorry Master, you are right. I know that. Its just..." She shook her head, "I'll do my best to see it won't happen again." Rama admitted humbly silently wondering how Leo could be right about things as often as he was.

Leo rested a hand on her shoulder "Then we will leave it at that."

A chagrined Rama could only watch him leave before she entered the dojo, Jessie smiled as he saw her, he paused in his pummeling of the dummy to boast "I think I could beat you now."

"Don't get cocky. A battle won in the mind is not necessarily one that is won on the field." She answered cryptically, using one of Leo's favourite sayings, he of course had probably gotten it from Master Splinter. At the moment she was doing her best to calm her rapidly beating heart, so she wasn't sure that sparring hand to hand would permit her the focus or control she was fighting to contain, so as calmly as she dared she suggested "Let's see your kenpo abilities Jess." She gestured to the wall of swords and bokken waiting to be used.

"Rama tomorrow after, well...uh could we go to a movie?" Jessie asked suddenly.

The family, mostly the human ones were going to Melody's apartment to help Jessie go through things, and pack it away or send off to thrift stores. Jessie couldn't afford the place on his own and had to look for something a bit more economical, but he figured there was no need in doing that while he was still in school. Don and Jen had been discussing taking Jessie on as an apprentice, and had all ready had numerous discussions with Jessie about that.

Rama sighed knowing the day wouldn't be easy on her friend and he would need an escape quickly agreed "Sure there are a lot of good shows I wouldn't mind seeing."

"This sword is so wicked cool" Jessie said as he noted the sword that Rama kept more for special occasions, she didn't want to lose them as the swords in question happened to be the very same ones she had taken from Leo's Ryu to save Don Tello when she had stumbled into that alternate world, therefore they were special to her, and most of the family would never think of touching them without asking to beforehand. Jessie glanced her way as if waiting for permission to use them.

Rama smiled, she nodded "Go for it Jessie, they are the most valuable weapons we have in our collection. There are times I wish I could use them more often without being afraid of losing them, they are the finest sword I have ever handled." she said.

Jessie beamed as he reached for a single sword leaving it's mate behind, "Ready whenever you are." he told her.

Rama went and plucked the mate from where it was, she spun it effortlessly in her hands, a ploy to try and shake Jessie up a little "Time to see how good you are boy." She quipped.

She found out quickly just how good he was, he had improved vastly from the simple lessons she had given to him. he put her on defense almost instantly and for a moment she was hard pressed to turn his attack, the clang of metal on metal rang through the dojo, adding a counterpoint to the footsteps they made in advance or retreat. Rama turned the tables but Jessie wasn't thrown by her move, calmly moving back and biding his time. Rama grinned enjoying the match all ready. This was going be good no matter who won or lost.

XXXXX

A while later after a harder and longer workout then she had been expecting she dived into the shower to scrub up before heading to the streets to meet with Steven. She was on her way topside about fifteen minutes later, moving at top speed to reach her destination. Rama scanned the area before going to mingle with the crowd around the outside of the building, she did her best to observe and yet stay unnoticed by the people who hustled about around her.

Rama kept her hands shoved in her coat pockets, and her head down looking at the boots she wore on her feet, her posture was one of submissiveness, but she was alert to people and things going on around her an attitude that clearly said she wasn't an easy mark so criminals best move on.

She waited for a few minutes before spotting Steven, quickly she mingled in the swarm of people and weaved around them to maneuver herself near Steven in a casual way, as she neared him she reached out touched his hand "Hi Steven." She raised her head enough to flash him a smile, before letting her long hair once again hide her features.

Steven smiled "I was hoping you would come, I wasn't sure if you would make it when I know your...uh...circumstances." He concluded, he'd been about to say due to her special features or something like that but realized she wouldn't want to attract attention by people nearby. Steven was sort of surprised to see how easily she seemed to melt into a crowd,in fact he would have passed her by all together if she hadn't touched him or let him know she was right there. Her almost shy behaviour appealed to him, though he had a feeling Rama wasn't truly all that shy.

"So what do you want to do?" Rama asked curiously.

"Why don't we go for a walk some place quiet where we can talk privately and learn more about one another." Steven suggested.

Rama sighed silently with relief, she preferred to stay away from crowds where she could, "That's a great idea. How bout Central Park?"

"Sure" Steven agreed quickly. Steven furrowed his brow at the irony of the situation, most young ladies on meeting a man they hardly knew would not feel at ease walking through a park at night, but Rama's situation was unique and she probably felt more uncomfortable mingling on crowded streets then in walking into a darkened park. The fact she had even suggested the park said she was at ease with the idea, unless of course she was naive about what some men did to women in dark areas, but he doubted any New York born citizen could be that ignorant of the facts. 'Most females would be afraid of going into a park with a stranger." Steven said aloud.

"Most females have enough common sense to avoid the situations that may lead to an attack or possible rape. I don't have to worry about such things because no one will ever rape me" Rama declared, "Not because they can't rape me but because I wouldn't allow it" she explained more fully, "After all rape is all about power and control not about getting some. That is why some rapist do it with elderly people or what have you, they want to dominate. However I did tell you that my family has learned martial arts through books and instructional videos so I think I'd be pretty safe." Rama stated. She smiled at Steven and rested a hand on his arm "But it is so nice to know you care about my safety Steve." she cooed, "You are really too kind."

Steven smiled listening to that lilting tone she had, he had never heard anyone speak in quite that way before, or perhaps her demur feminine tone was more appealing because it somehow didn't seem to match with the physical form, whatever it was, Steven loved listening to her. Yes she had mentioned something about martial arts training when she had been telling him about her family, and due to the turtle family keeping all weapons out of sight of Steven, he had no idea that the family could do more then hand-to-hand techniques.

"So tell me Steven what really got you interested in this line of work, as a discrimination lawyer?" Rama asked curiously.

"I guess some of that is due to my heritage. Being Jewish and all."

"I figured that, I mean with a name like Levinsky it just makes one jump to the conclusion Jewish" Rama stated, "Are you orthodox?"

"Not at all. While I come from a Jewish family none of us have been Orthodox for a few generations at least now" Steven answered, "However the whole World War two situation with how the Jews and others were handled by Hitler, the concentration camps, mans incomplete humanity towards his fellow being struck quite a cord with me. Granted it wasn't the only period in time that Jews have been persecuted."

Rama nodded in somber agreement "I have experienced some of humans prejudiced. There was a time I was in a lab being tested like an animal, I was branded, tattooed as well, so I know that which you speak of first hand, humans can be cruel to others," She confessed, "But I have also seen humans pull together to help others who have suffered great hardships so I believe I understand what you are saying."

Steven looked at her aghast "You a sentient being were locked up but you, you are so young and..."

"It's all right Steven. It disturbed me for some time, but I realize that while many might try to lock us up there are others who will see the truth for what it is, and set us free." Rama assured him.

" I guess you do know better then most what I do then. I end up fighting for those who often can't afford much for a lawyer, I do a great deal of charity work and I am often up against those with more clout so it is never an easy battle, but when I win I feel I accomplished something." Steven informed her.

"Ah a David and Goliath complex huh?" Rama teased him.

They had been strolling the paths for some time and talking about many different things when Steven turned to ask "Would you like to go somewhere to grab a bite to eat or a drink?"

Rama considered his request, she was getting thirsty from all of her talking and she was sure Steven had to be feeling the same "I'm afraid I didn't bring any money with me. I'm sorry I wasn't thinking" she replied, silently kicking herself she ought to have thought of that.

"I'll pay, no trouble really, I'm sure you don't have much money any ways." Steven assured her.

"Well actually I do have some, my mom, step mom actually gives me some money and I get baby sitting money too, it is just I wasn't thinking of getting anything." Rama confessed with a shrug.

Steven looked down into her face, "It isn't that you are afraid to be out in the open are you?"

Rama gave a small smile "There is that to an extent, but we do go to theaters or places that aren't too well lit." Rama admitted, she thought of Leo on Devon's world trying to make her expose herself, in all her naked glory, to outsiders. She had so wanted the comfort of anonimity that her coat gave, it had been a terrifying experience for her, and yet a valuable learning tool just the same.

"Little establishments that aren't very well known I take it?" Steven said, "Or the local bars."

"You have it. My uncle Raphael likes to spend time in some of the bars." She agreed, "Besides some of the best eats can be found in those little known places. I know of one nice one not far from here" she began but then flushed a little ducking her head even further "But ah. Forgive me you are paying so it would be better if you decided" she demurred.

"No by all means lead on Rama" Steven assured her.

Rama beamed taking Steven's hand in hers, he clasped it firmly yet gently in return, and her smile grew further as she flushed a bit before leading him off.

Soon they were sitting in a booth in a quiet hole in the wall sort of place, and were nibbling from a large plate of nachos and sipping from drinks, Steven had a beer and Rama had settled for her usual root beer.

Steven leaned forward "Rama tell me something have you or your family ever thought of becoming citizens?"

Rama sat back "I'm sure none of us would mind. I know it has long been a dream for my family to walk openly among those topside and not be harassed or bothered, but while we dream of this, it is a delicate matter and must be broached carefully." Rama choose her words with consideration as she reached out to touch Steven's wrist, "We have a large family and I am sure you are aware of the problems that can arise when someone or something appears among people, that is totally different from what humans are used to." She hedged.

Steven nodded indicating he did understand what she was implying, ever so subtly.

"If it were to happen it would have to be under minimal fuss and fanfare so that there is less chance of raising trouble with others " Rama sighed, "And of course there are other things to be considered as well. At any rate such a decision can not be made too quickly."

Steven smiled slightly "I understand." he said as he sat back watching Rama carefully as she nibbled on a chip, he had to take thing slowly, but the thought that the family had considered it told him he stood a chance, for he wouldn't have to be such a strong advocate for it. He smiled as he caught Rama trying to catch a long piece of cheese off her nacho before it landed in her lap, she managed to capture the escapee and wipe it off on a napkin.

There was something strangely exotic about Rama, he enjoyed her company and she seemed genuinely interested in him and his line of work, which of course piqued his interest. "Could I see you again Rama?" Steven asked.

Rama nodded consent willingly "I'd like that Steven. You seem to have a generous heart and I have enjoyed what time I've been able to spend with you." She agreed.

"Call me later then and we will set something up." Steven urged, "I uh would offer to walk you home. But I don' think I am up for it."

Rama laughed as she looked at his suit, "It is okay I can find my own way, besides Steven you walk me home, and someone would have to see you back topside because where I live is a true labyrinth." Rama smiled "I'll talk to you later." She vowed.

As Rama slipped off towards home she thought of Steven and how nice he had been. She couldn't deny that she was looking forward to seeing him some more and was anticipating their future meeting with delight.

TBC