Love Don't Come Easy
Disclaimer: I deny any ownership of any adult or adolescent transformed shadow warrior chelonians.
Chapter Ten:Conflicts
Steven smiled tenderly at the girl on his arms, he felt his heart beat a bit faster, but his thoughts were on Jessie, Rama's old friend who was now living in the home. The boys not so friendly handshake, and his comments about knowing Rama had irked him then he noticed the way the boy had looked at her over dinner. Steven knew that Jessie had some feeling for Rama, and he wasn't so sure that she didn't have feelings for him, after all there was friends, and then there were friends. Steven had no idea which Rama happened to be for Jessie, but the fact he was now going be around Rama so much bothered him more then he wanted to say.
Rama touched his chest with one hand "You're awfully quiet Steven, is something wrong?"
"Rama tell me something, have you ever been close to Jessie?" Steven asked abruptly.
Rama snickered a bit, and shook her head, a wry smile crossed her face, "You are acting jealous. I think that is kind of sweet." She paused, "But don't take it too far hon, because he's not competition for you. Jessie and I became friends when I was seven, and Jessie well he never really showed any real interest in me. Not in that sort of sense. Fact of the matter is I've only had one boyfriend before you. Jessie he prefers humans, he's gone out with enough with them." Rama explained, "it is just he has been away in school, and he doesn't have any money for a place yet. At the moment we are the closest thing to family Jessie has."
"You had another boyfriend?" Steven asked her, staring in surprise at her, Here I thought she was a virgin but maybe... Steven mused.
"Hard to explain, I have told you a little bit about ninja and what they can do. In many ways the ninja is trained to use a great deal of mental abilities to perform certain tasks. Most humans only use ten percent of their brains, where a fully trained ninja might be able to access a larger portion of their brain. Ninja are able to read body language and with certain mental training they can pick up on another's thoughts, feelings, tell a lie from a truth, and so on." Rama replied.
"What does that have to do with this though?" Steven pushed.
"Hold on I'm getting there. I need you to understand a bit of this first because it is hard enough to believe as is. Ninja have also learned to move very quickly from one place to another seeming to move at superhuman speed. Now combine those two traits and abilities and imagine what could be possible?" Rama hinted.
Steven looked at her, "I wouldn't know. Anything I could say seems too far out there" he confessed.
"Go ahead hazard a guess, Ninja are taught their first instincts are usually right." Rama goaded.
"All right, I would say some form of teleporting, though that sound rather sci-fi" Steven muttered.
"Ah but you are right Steven" Rama gushed, "Teleporting between one place and another isn't easy, and I learned how to do it rather by mistake" she gave an embarrassed chuckle. "I did learn that my thoughts helped guide me, that there has to be a sense of urgency, or strong need and meditation which opens the mind helps. I had been attacked one night by the Foot, during a bad storm." Rama began, "I was badly injured, and I thought I was going die. I was in a meditative state to figure out where my enemies were and to be able to better defend myself. All I could think of was I had to get out, somewhere safe, away from the fighting. Get home."
"You teleported home then?" Steven suggested.
"Not exactly" Rama corrected, "I ended up on an alternate world very similar to our own, perhaps a parallel world for there were many similarities. I was found by mutant turtles who lived on that world, only they were older versions of my family. They lived as citizens on their world, and had to be very careful how they dealt with certain situations because there was still strong prejudice against them."
"So that is why you keep insisting on taking things slowly here?" Steven interjected.
"Yes" Rama nodded, "Don Tello, had become very rich and Mike Angelo was also quite well to do thanks to his job in the music business. I didn't know what to think, they were my family but they weren't. There was so many similarities and yet there were discrepancies that kept throwing me off. Anyways, those mutant turtles couldn't have children with humans. But there was a mutant lizard, Rahab, and she had four children, one of which I fell in love with."
"But if she was with your family members," Steven began appalled at the thought and unable to continue.
Rama shrugged and decided to keep some of Rahab's story private, "Rahab married Raph and divorced him, but she did have a few children while married to him, three children were born. They had difficulties and Rahab divorced Raph and married Mike who was acting more of a father to those kids anyways. Raph and Mike both there, and here have different blood, there is no relationship between them, they are brothers only in the sense of having grown up together." Rama explained, "So Raph's son Devon and myself weren't related and we could have been together." Rama paused, "I wanted to be his wife. I wanted him to show me how to love him and be loved by him we came close but never managed to go all the way." Rama confessed, "When I finally managed to get home, I was only able to reach Devon a couple more times. I haven't since, he is lost to me and as the time on their world is so different from here, Devon by now would be far too old for me, because I was there two months of their time and came back home and had only been missing two weeks." Rama sighed heavily, "I just hope Devon has found someone he can be with, but I realized after being with him that it was probably a good thing we hadn't done the deed. I'd hate to be pregnant and have his child and him unable to have a place in his child's life. That's why much as I want to at times," Rama turned to look at Steven, "You do make it so tempting, I can't give in to you. I believe a child needs both mother and father, and I want to be married first, because raising a child is a big commitment but then again so is promising to be with just one person for the rest of your life."
Steven shook his head, "This sound almost as impossible to believe as your story about Foot" he accused lightly.
"Yeah but you were able to prove that was right. But I don't know if I can prove this so easily, Leo doesn't want us to use this skill except under emergency, or under controlled, situations . We can all do it we just don't know how safe it is." Rama declared. She was silent for a moment, "Steven there is no need for you to be jealous of Jessie, okay and Jessie lost his mom not that long ago so don't get the wrong impression okay?"
"Rama, I saw the way he was looking at you tonight." Steven grumbled darkly.
Rama pushed out of his embrace and placed her hands on her shell, where her hips would be if she had such a thing, "I don't believe you!" she gasped, "Anyone can look Steve, and it is all right to be a little jealous, but no one should take that to extremes. Hell, I might not like you looking at another woman who passes us by, but as long as I feel you aren't hanging out with someone else while telling me I'm the only one. I won't stop you or deny you the pleasure of looking, or for that matter chatting it up or spending time with a female friend, clearly you must have a few of those." Rama declared, "If I ever get suspicious though you can bet I'll do some ninja style sleuthing and find proof to back up my suspicions. You have my word that there is nothing between Jessie and I. Nor will there be anything between us in the future" She vowed, then sidled up close to him again "So curb your worries and that jealousy, and know that I love being your girl, and yours alone" She whispered softly reaching up to kiss him.
Steven turned and held her tight, and returned her kiss with passion, increasing the intensity, as one hand went behind her head. Rama felt the familiar tingles running through her body as she pressed herself tight to Steven, the old aching longing desire rose up within her, and she whimpered a bit before the release. She felt out of breath and clung to Steven as her legs felt like rubber.
Steven's breath hitched "I love you forgive me" He whispered.
"Of course Steven" Rama replied as she fought to get her breath back, "For I love you and only you."
XXX
Leo entered the dojo and saw Jessie sitting in the lotus position, he reached out touching the boy's mind and assured himself that Jessie was in deed in meditation and not faking it. That is enough Jessie. Leo spoke softly in his mind to see if he could respond to it. After having been among the ninja clan for so many years, and with Rama teaching him certain ninja techniques on the sly, Jessie couldn't help the fact that he was able to move silently, granted not as silently as they could, or quickly when he needed to and it seemed he was also open to mental connections for Jessie had opened his eyes.
"Master" Jessie said as he bowed.
Leo smiled and lowered himself to the mats, with a fluid gracefulness, seeming to drop with ease into position, "Jessie you understand why you were reprimanded correct?"
"I mis-spoke. I had no right to say what I did" Jessie admitted, "I know that you make your decisions based upon the knowledge of what is best for the clan."
"True and I have to." Leo pointed out, " But Jessie while citizenship is an entertaining thought for us, it is not one I can rush into and I can't say that it will happen or even be brought about by Steven, though he may be able to assist us in it." Leo smiled at Jessie, "What I feel Ramiela may gain in her relationship with Steven, I know that you also could give a great deal and still be a benefit to the clan, after all you do know more about ninjitsu and could probably join us in some areas of the field, for patrols and things, but as with citizenship we must be careful." Leo cautioned. "Still I feel Ramiela, ought to have a chance without having a conflict of interest with another love possibility. Such conflict could cause problems with the tasks she is required to do as Chunin."
"I di...didn't think about that" Jessie admitted blushing a bit with embarrassment as he hung his head in shame.
"But I have to, Jessie, and I need you to understand so you are willing to comply with my decision and do so willingly without trying to find ways to complicate things or undermine my authority in this clan." Leo explained gently giving the boy a small smile.
Jessie gulped as he realized what Leo was saying that meant he would have little chance to get in with Rama, if Leo truly felt that he was going against him in any way. His heart sank, wondering what Don would say or do, perhaps Don might decide to forget offering any help to him. Did Don even realize what he was getting himself into by even saying he would help Jessie even in a small way?
"Jessie do I have your promise to abide by this? I know you are trust worthy and I would like your word son, that you won't make things harder, instead of letting life take its course."
Jessie sighed wondering how to reply, what if he couldn't give his word? What would Leo do? Should he try to lie to Leo? Jessie squirmed a bit as he was conflicted by the decision.
Leo arched an eye ridge, "I see" He muttered, "Very well is there anything you can promise me Jessie?"
"I promise I don't want to hurt Rama or confuse her, or make it harder to do what is expected of her, because that might get her hurt in battle and I really don't want that." Jessie declared firmly, "But I don't know if I can keep what I feel from her, and I won't lie to her, so if she asks I'll tell the truth. I'll do my best to abide by what you ask of me, but I don't wish to ignore Rama or what I feel for her." Jessie offered.
Leo nodded "I accept your word then and I know you will keep it" Leo placed his arm around Jessie's shoulder, "And thank you for promising that much. Now why don't you go relax for a while."
Jessie knew he was dismissed and quickly left the dojo, heading to the kitchen for a drink and a bite to eat, he was at the counter making himself a sandwich, when he felt someone pushing into him, Jessie turned to see who it was, and saw Mike glaring at him.
"Wh...wh..what?" Jessie stammered, he couldn't ever recall seeing Mike look that threatening, at least towards him.
"Back off of Rama Jessie" Mike replied tightly, his eyes narrowed, "I don't want you getting any ideas about you and her. Got it?"
Jessie wanted to back up, to get some space but his back was against the counter and there was no place to move or get away. "Mike what's wr...wrong. I haven't done anything" he protested.
"Good," Mike patted Jessie's shoulder, "See to it that you keep it that way. I don't want you doing anything with Rama, especially with your reputation boy."
Jessie scowled not quite understanding what Mike meant by those words, his puzzled expression was clear but Mike snorted.
"Don't even try that boy," Mike ordered as he leaned closer in and gritted his teeth, "You have been with one girl after another, never been with any one for more then a year. You are just after conquest and sowing your wild oats, well Rama isn't going be another notch in your belt." Mike declared his one hand touched the chuks tucked in his belt, "So if you know what is good for you boy, you'll back off."
Jessie felt an impudent response on the tip of his tongue but quickly swallowed it instead of allowing it any freedom, knowing at the moment there was little he could say to defend himself, that plus the fact he'd never seen Mike act that way towards him was enough to help him curb his words, "Do...Don't wo...wo...worry" Jessie stammered cursing the fact he was doing so, for he knew that it was a dead give away to his nervousness at the moment. Jessie took a moment to take a deep breath, "I told Leo I wasn't going hurt Rama, and I meant it."
"Glad to hear it Jessie, but remember I'm watching." Mike smiled and backed up a step or two, "Glad we could have this understanding."
Jessie nodded as he watched Mike leave. He heaved a sigh of frustration, Great seems like Mike and Leo are both against me, and I really just want a chance to be with her. More importantly I want Rama to know how I feel for her. Jessie realized that while he was determined to love Rama, he had a long way to go before he ever got her love, and Steven all ready had earned her love. Jessie stared at his sandwich suddenly not feeling very hungry, but knowing the family didn't approve of wasting food,something that had been ingrained in most of them when food was scarce and scavenging was the main source of groceries, he sat down to eat it anyway.
XXX
Rama returned home and found Jessie watching a movie, "Hey Jess, what's on?"
"Aw I'm watching the Lord of the Rings episode three." Jessie replied.
"Ohh where you at?" Rama asked sitting down beside him.
"Just started it." Jessie replied.
Rama chuckled and arched an eye ridge "Planning on a late night are you?"
"Maybe, I'm just not tired right now." Jessie answered.
Rama turned to face her friend, "Are you all right Jessie, is there something wrong?"
Jessie looked at her earnest face and he wanted to tell her everything, but he held back not knowing how Rama would react to it, and he didn't want to go blurting out his feelings only for her to reject him, "Naw, I guess I just feel kinda out of place at the moment." He said with a shrug.
Rama sensed that he was holding back on something, but she didn't want to probe too deeply, rather she wanted her friend to come clean when he was ready, knowing he would. Besides she knew that just being back in New York might be enough to remind Jessie about his mom and what had happened to her. "Tell you what Jess, why don't you and I go out tomorrow go for dinner and a movie okay? Steven is busy so I won't be with him."
Jessie looked at Rama, his heart seemed to skip a beat at her words, "Sure, I'd like that Rama."
Rama snickered, "Want to hear something funny Jess, I think Steven is jealous of you."
Jessie looked at Rama in shock, "Yo..You're joking."
"Nope." Rama ducked her head, "I think it's kind of cute, but really there is nothing for him to be afraid of that way, and I don't want anyone who acts possessive or gets all controlling either. I have to trust those I'm with to make the right choices and I'll be doing the same."
"Course you will. Your whole life has been honour." Jessie agreed.
" Hey I'll go get that kitten and play with it a bit while we watch the show, keep you company." Rama suggested, " Unless of course you'd rather be alone?"
"No. I'd like your company" Jessie felt relieved that he could at least say that and be truthful, "Have you named the kitten yet?"
"Not yet but I want something related to ninja for a name for him" Rama said.
"That narrows it down." Jessie scoffed pausing the movie, "You find the kitten I'll make some popcorn."
Rama grinned "Sounds like a plan." she headed to her bedroom, where the kitten had been left, so it would learn her scent and easier find the kitty box when needed, slowly she would allow the kitten more freedom. She entered the bedroom, "Kitty" she called softly looking on her bed, under the bed, and other places but found no sign of the black kitten. Rama began to search high and low, and finally she looked up on the shelves of her bookcase and computer desk.
"Now where could that little fuzzball be? I hope no one opened my door and he escaped." Rama muttered aloud in concern.
Suddenly something pounced on her shoulders she turned to see the kitten's face blinking the large green eyes at her, "mew" the kitten squeaked.
"Where were you hiding, little ninja?" she asked scratching the kitten's cheek.
The kitten batted playfully at her fingers and rubbed against her, "Okay come on then I'll give you some attention then" Rama assured it as she took it into her hands and packed it towards the living room.
"Took you long enough" Jessie mocked her as he sat on the couch and munched the popcorn.
"I couldn't help it, kitty was playing hide and seek." Rama held the kitten out at arm's length, "Which makes me think there is but one name for him. Jessie what is a lone ninja called?"
"Ronin." Jessie beamed, "And it's a perfect name cause cats only do what they want, when they want anyways."
Rama nodded "Exactly, I think this little guy has his name. Ronin. What you think kitty?" Rama asked.
The kitten ignored her batting at her long bandanna tails instead causing both Rama and Jessie to laugh as they settled down to watch the movie and play with Ronin.
TBC