Hello hello hello! I know it's been a while since I last updated, but this time I had every reason to write. Mostly because this is one of the chapters that I've been dying to sink my teeth into and I cannot wait for you all to read it. So I am just going to stop chattering and let you all read. Like always, I do not own TMNT only my OCs. Please enjoy :).

Chapter 7: The Proposal (Leo/Verena)

Few Days Later…

Leo's P.O.V.:

After over a week of planning and waiting patiently, tonight is the night I propose to Verena. I thought this day would never come. Not only that, but today is also our one year anniversary being together so this is a very special day for us. I am feeling so many different emotions right now being nervous, happy, anxious, but most of all I'm excited to have my chance at something so wonderful that I thought I would never do. There were so many times I wanted to just tell her and get down on one knee, but I really had to pull myself back and keep my mouth shut. All I know is tonight is the night I prove to my Verena just how much I love her and how badly I want her to be mine for the rest of my life, and if she says yes our lives will change forever.

I look down and see Verena sleeping soundly on my chest, having a small smile on her face and her hand on my plastron. I reach my hand out to Verena and stroke her cheek with my fingers, seeing her eyelids twitch and hearing her moan lightly in her sleep. Verena stretches out her legs and arms in the bed and soon flutters her eyes open, looking up at me and smiling big.

"Good morning, Beautiful." I said and kiss her forehead.

"Good morning to you too My Handsome Turtle." She says and hugs me, "Happy Anniversary, Leo."

"Happy Anniversary, Verena." I smile and kiss her lips for a moment.

She starts to giggle softly, "It's funny I feel like we are married and celebrating our wedding anniversary."

"We'll be doing that sooner than you think." I think to myself and stroke some of her hair away from her face, "Yeah, me too. So, are you ready for tonight?"

Verena nods and lays on top of me, "Of course I am. I feel like tonight is going to be so magical since we will be together… the whole night." She says the last part in a seductive tone that I love.

I wrap my arm around her waist and place my hand in her hair, "Hey, as long as I'm with you that is all that matters."

"Oh Leo…," She pecks my lips and rubs my chest with her hands, "I love you."

I squeeze her closer to me, "I love you too, Verena."

A few minutes later of lying in bed holding each other Verena and I get up, wash up, and head down into the kitchen. It's so quiet as we walk around and sit at the table enjoying the silence before my brothers wake up. Verena rests her hand on top of mine and rubs my rough skin with her soft fingertips, making me relax and almost sink into the chair. These are one of the times I cherish and I am grateful to have my girl here with me.

After several more minutes of our silence Verena starts to cook breakfast as I prepare the water for the tea. Once I set the kettle on the stove I go over to Verena and help her out with some of the cooking. I know it sounds like a bad idea, me of all people trying to cook a meal who used to break the toaster. However, I've gotten a lot better and I do mean better. Mikey and Verena have taught me so much about the 'dos and don'ts' when you cook, and even though it was tough I'm getting the hang of it. I mean I still need to learn so much more, but for now I am taking baby-steps.

I crack several eggs into a bowl, mix them together, and pour it all into the hot pan while Verena is busy making pancakes. Good thing eggs are quick to make as I finish them off and put them on six serving plates as Verena puts a giant pile of pancakes on a larger plate. The kettle starts to make its high pitch sound and I take it off of the stove, turning off the burner and placing the kettle on the counter. We set the plates on the table along with the utensils and glasses in the right places, and we look at the table satisfied with our work. I hug Verena and kiss her cheek making her giggle, and we hear my family walk in.

The whole breakfast we talk to my brothers and Master Splinter about what Verena and I will be doing tonight. I haven't really told this yet, but I am going to recreate our first date with the same lanterns, blanket, and food. All of the stuff is in the lab so she won't see it and while she gets ready I can go set it up. The girls are apparently coming over to help Verena get ready and my brothers will do everything they can to keep her busy if I'm not back in time. I am so grateful I have everyone's support.

We finish eating and washing the dishes so now my brothers and I are sitting at the table while Master Splinter and Verena prepare for our morning training.

"So, are you ready to propose to Verena, Leo?" Don asks as he and our brothers smile at me.

I nod, "I'm ready as I will ever be."

"I just can't believe you're so calm." Mikey said.

"Well, yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I ask raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"I don't know, maybe because you always worry or doubt yourself whenever you do things like this for your girlfriend." He explains and I get what my baby brother is saying.

"That's because I was always nervous trying to impress her, but now I realize I have nothing to really worry about. The only thing I care about more than anything is if Verena is happy with whatever we do together. Just as long as I get her to smile than I'll be happy too."

Raph pats my shoulder and leaves his hand there, "Geez Leo, I hope you aren't getting' too sappy on us Bro. we still need our 'Fearless Leader' around you know."

"Hey, no matter how much my life changes I'm still going to be here for you guys." I tell them.

"We know." Raph says looking to Don and Mikey then back at me.

"And if we know Verena, we have a feeling she'll say yes." Mikey said with a big smile.

"I hope so because I'm ready to spend the rest of my life with her." I said and just can't help myself thinking about Verena.

"Hey! Earth to Leonardo! Quit daydreamin' and let's go, you got a proposal to get ready for." Raph teases me and pushes me out of the kitchen behind my shell.

We get to the dojo and stretch out before Verena and Master Splinter come in to start our training. I reach into my belt and squeeze the small jewelry box in my hand, where the ring is for my Verena.

"Please," I pray to my God above so he can hear me, "let her see how much I love her with this proposal. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I have never been determined about another person like this in my life and I pray with all of my heart for Verena to be mine. That's all I ask for."

I let go of the box right as I hear Sensei and Verena walk in, ready to begin training with us. I look at Verena as she takes her spot to my left and I can't stop staring at her, looking so incredible and gorgeous like she always does. I can't wait until tonight.

6:00 p.m.

Verena's P.O.V.:

This day has been getting better and better by the minute. Our training went so well that Master Splinter actually ended it early and cancelled our afternoon session; that's very rare around here. I spent the rest of my time with the guys individually, and we always do something different. Let's see, Mikey and I watched The Avengers, Raph had me teach him some defense moves if he decides to spar with Cheryl again, Don showed me the new device he's been working on and how it will work when it's done, and Leo and I meditated with Master Splinter. Overall, today is like any other day, but more relaxing.

Right now I am taking out the last heating roller I use to curl my hair, looking like my old self again. I really wanted to have my curls back since my hair straightened. That and also I want to look beautiful for tonight when I go out with Leo. I am feeling so excited for this date, as if it was my first date with him all over again and having those same exact feelings. As I finish brushing my hair and start on my makeup I hear a knock on my door.

"Come in." I said and Cheryl, Sasha, and Layla walk in and shut the door, "Hi girls."

"Hey Verena, how are you?" Layla asks after she gives me a quick hug.

"I'm doing pretty good. How about you three?" I ask as I put on some blush.

"We're fine, you know the same old daily routine." Cheryl said, taking a seat next to me and looking over my makeup.

"Verena," I turn around to Sasha as she holds up my long white lace dress, "this dress is absolutely gorgeous."

I giggle knowing how much she loves dresses, "Why thank you Sasha. It took me forever to decide on which dress to wear, so I chose that one."

My dress for tonight is a long white dress, with a lace style stopping at my waist and the skirt being plain with a slit on the right. I actually had this dress made on Kennistar by my own design because I love lace dresses. Either way I am wearing the dress with my gold heels since tonight is special to me and Leo. I start to smile thinking about his reaction when he sees me in a while.

"Somebody's all happy for tonight." Cheryl talks to me out of my thoughts, teasing me like my older sister.

"No duh, Sovi, she's only going out with her boyfriend for a romantic date at the beach. How can Verena not get happy over that?" Layla says and takes a drink out of her water bottle.

Cheryl shrugs her shoulders, "I'm just saying."

I giggle and wave my hand at them, "Girls, I really appreciate both of your… thoughts and it's keeping me entertained."

"Were you always this way when you and Leonardo liked each other?" Sasha asks and the girls get curious.

"Not even close. I was always shy around him, but I had to pull it together and act like a civilized person when we hung out by ourselves. It wasn't until we became a couple that we got more comfortable and affectionate with each other, and we have been this way ever since." I tell them and they have an awe look. "Of course I do find it very interesting how you three got along with Leo's brothers so well."

"I'm sorry, what?" Cheryl stares at me with her eyebrow raised.

"You know, all three of you have gotten quite… friendly around them." I grin at the girls and they get what I am saying.

"Are you serious Verena?" Sasha asks not believing me, "None of us are even like that."

"Oh yes you are. Leo and I have seen it in you six, and it's so nice to see you all loosen up around each other." I look at Layla and see her smile get bigger, "Layla, you've been talking to Mikey this entire time since you met him and you both have a great connection."

She blushes lightly, "I know right? Mikey and I have so much in common that it's almost hard to believe. He is so funny, sweet, can cook some amazing food, and he knows how to make me smile. It's strange, I always dreamed of finding someone who was exactly like me, and now I have. Whoever said love at first is impossible was ridiculous because I think I'm in love with Mikey."

"Kea," Sasha comes over and hugs her, "we had no idea you have been feeling this way. If there is anyone in this world that deserves to find love it's you, Honey."

"Come on, Palms, you know you deserve to find yourself a man too." Cheryl says and a smirk forms on her face, "Or should I say turtle."

Sasha shakes her head and sighs, "Not you too."

"Hey, I'm not the one that has the hots for the nerdy turtle." Cheryl tells her.

"Cheryl does have a point, Sasha." I said and she gives me a shocked look.

"And what point would that be?" Sasha asks placing her hands on her hips.

"That you like Don," Layla said and cuts Sasha off before she can talk, "and don't even bother denying it. I've seen it in your face for the past few days ever since you two had that moment in your apartment."

Sasha pinches the bridge of her nose and looks irritated, "So what if I like Don? Why does it even matter?" She takes a deep breath and calms down, "As much as I like him in… that way I do not want to rush into something that might or might not happen. I want to take things slow, get to know Don, and then I will have my answer." She begins to smile and laugh, "Despite the fact that Don is so handsome, incredibly smart, caring, and so charming."

"Well I can't say I blame you, Sasha. Don is quite the charmer so you picked a good one, and I really hope you get the answer you want." I said and she nods in agreement.

"Now that we're both out of the hot seat," Layla turns her head to look at Cheryl, "what about you Sovi?"

"What about me?" Cheryl asks as she puts my pink lipstick on my lips.

"You know… you and Raph. Do you two have something going on?"

Cheryl laughs at the question, "As if, Kea, Red and I are just friends."

"Sure you are Sovi. That's what they all say." Layla teases her.

"I'm serious. Nothing is going on between me and him except for a good friendship. Besides, I am not looking to date anyone since… since the last time." She stares down at the lipstick in her hand.

There is a moment of silence between the four of us as we remember the story Cheryl told us of her ex-boyfriend. She thought she found her perfect match, someone that understood all of the pain and suffering she had to face in her childhood, and someone who would be there to love her. A year into the relationship Cheryl's father told her that her boyfriend joined the Purple Dragons and robbed from an innocent family. Cheryl hunted him down to confront him, but instead he tried to attack her with four other guys to get rid of her. However, Cheryl beat them all with her earth-bending and they were arrested by her father. Since then she never tried to date again, fearing she would get her heart broken and she put up these walls to keep herself safe.

In the past several days I have seen little bits of her walls come down around Raph and even though she won't admit it now I feel that she likes him. I can sense it in her spirit, it feels calmer and at peace when she's with Raph. The same can be said around Raph when he's with her. They're made for each other. It's going to take some time for them before they see it.

Layla hugs Cheryl tight to her, "I'm sorry, Sovi. I didn't mean for you to live through that again."

"I know you didn't mean to, Kea, that's why I am not mad. I'll find my perfect match someday, but for right now I am happy where I'm at." Cheryl says and it makes us all smile. "Alright, let's get back to what really matters shall we? Verena and Leo have a date in a couple of hours."

With that said my friends help me finish getting ready for tonight and all I feel with these girls is an everlasting joy in my heart.

8:00 p.m.

Leo's P.O.V.:

My brothers, Master Splinter, and I are sitting in the living room as I wait for Verena. The whole time she was getting ready I had help from my brothers preparing all of the stuff to take to the beach, and sensei helped me with the food like last time. I took all of the stuff to the beach over an hour ago and have it already set up just like how it was on our first date. The rest of the time I've been getting ready and making sure I have the ring in my belt. My family all day has done nothing but support me and tell me to stay focus on my proposal because they don't want me to be nervous. Of course they're right so I meditated for half an hour before coming out here, so now I feel more confident.

We hear the door open from Verena's room and see the girls walk out with big grins as they walk in a straight line. The next thing I know I see Verena walk slowly towards us and my jaw just drops. I see her in a long white lace dress, her hair curled, and her face looking so radiant as it glows in the light. Verena is so beautiful. I walk up to her and take her hands in mine, smiling at her.

"You look absolutely beautiful." I said and kiss her hands.

Verena blushes and giggles, "Thank you, and you look so handsome."

"Thanks. Well," I hook my arm with hers, "shall we?"

"Sure."

The two of us walk over to the exit after we said goodnight to everyone, and we head out of the Lair. Our walk is so enjoyable, we are laughing and smiling the entire time, and it's only going to get better. We get up to the surface and the night looks just as beautiful as Verena, the city is full of bright lights, the sky is a dark shade of purple, and the moon is so big and full. I'm glad I decided not to blindfold Verena only because her surprise will be me proposing to her at the beach, so she can actually enjoy the night during our stroll.

Ten minutes later we get to the beach and I see Verena's eyes sparkle, like how they were on our first date. The sand is so clean and soft against my feet, the ocean hits the shore as the smell of salt hits my nose, and the stars and moon make the night sky brighter. If anything tis night is more beautiful than it was a year ago now that I have my love here. I take her hand and guide us to the blanket, seeing the lanterns and basket in their same position and something different on top of the basket. Verena sits down first then I take my seat across from her, but not too far away.

"This looks exactly how I remembered it." Verena says smiling at me.

"I take it I did a great job?" I ask her knowing the answer.

She leans into my face, "You did a fantastic job."

"Thank you." I lean in and peck her lips, "Before I take out the food I want to give you this." I grab the small bouquet of white roses from the basket and hand it to her.

"Leo, these are beautiful." As Verena goes to smell them she sees the white lotus flower I put in the very center. She laughs and hugs me, "Thank you so much, My Handsome Turtle."

"You're welcome, Beautiful." I said and she let's go of me, "Ready to eat?"

Verena nods, "Yes I am."

I chuckle as I take out the sushi boxes and hand one to her, and instead of having tea with us I packed the sparking white wine Verena gave each of my brothers and me for our birthday from Kennistar. She once told us that these wines have a more fruity taste than the ones here on Earth, and I think this occasion is the best time to have it.

"Wow. Sushi and wine, Leo, what is the special occasion?" Verena says in a teasing tone as I hand her a glass.

"Being here with my beautiful girlfriend and celebrating our one year anniversary." I raise my glass and she does the same, "Here's to us, and to many more joyful years of being together."

"Cheers." Verena taps her glass on mine and we drink the wine.

Verena and I eat our dinner as we listen to the waves hit the sand, making the beach have a relaxing feel in the cool night. We look back to our time together during the past year, remembering all of the great memories that we share. Some of them are happy, others not so much. Despite everything we've been through I will always be here for Verena and I know she'll do the same for me, and no matter what comes our way we will take it on together. Nothing in the world is going to tear us apart, and if anyone does I'll fight until my last breath to keep her with me.

Not long after we finished our meal Verena gets up, takes off her shoes, and walks over to the water stopping before it touches her feet. As I watch her I feel my palms begin to sweat a little, my heart starts to race, and I know the time has finally come. I push all of my fears and doubts aside, out of sight and out of mind, and regain my confidence. I stand up and walk over to Verena, wrapping my arms around her waist as she rests her head on my shoulder and places her hand above my heart.

I take a deep breath, "Here we go."

"Oh Leo, it is such a beautiful night. I wish it would never end." Verena said softly as she still stares at the ocean.

I smile and look down at her, "Funny you should say that because this date isn't over yet."

"What do you mean?" She said with a confused look.

I take her hands in mine as I face her, "Verena, we've been together for a year now, and honestly my life is so much better with you in it. From the moment I first laid eyes on you as a complete stranger I just had to get to know you. Those first couple of months I saw this very skilled warrior, a gifted artist, and this strong woman in you. Then I realized… I was just so madly in love with you. Every little thing we did together made me see how much you mean to me. You are the very reason I try my hardest every day, to not be afraid to show my emotions, and to be the best I can be. I… I never thought I would ever get the chance to find someone like you in my life, and now that you're here with me I do not want to lose you. You are the most beautiful, confident, and loving woman in the world Verena." I kneel down on my left knee and hold her hand as I reach for the box, "You are the only woman I've ever loved, and I want to ask you something very important." I open the box and show her the ring.

Verena's P.O.V.:

"Oh my Gods." I said completely stunned as I can't find anything else to say.

There, in that box Leo is holding is a beautiful ring. From what I could see it is a silver ring with two sapphires on the sides and a diamond in the center. All this time… I never even knew Leo was planning this, and now that it's happening I am so speechless. My heart feels like a rocket launched into space, flying so high as I am overwhelmed with so many thoughts. I start to cry and smile as I cover my mouth with my palm, trying not to scream.

"Verena Ishtar, will you marry me?" Leo asks the one question I have been dying to hear.

I didn't even have to give it a second thought as I take a deep breath and nod my head, "Yes."

He stands up and gets excited, "Yeah?"

"Yes! Leo, a thousand times yes!"

Leo takes me in his arms and hugs me tight, lifting me off the ground and spinning us around. I can hear him laugh through all of my crying, feeling so happy Leo proposed to me. This is hands down the best moment of my life. He sets me down, takes the ring out of the box, and slips it on my ring finger. I can't stop starring at the beautiful ring, it's so… lovely. I wipe my tears away thanking the Gods that my makeup isn't ruined, and look at Leo.

"I love you so much, Leo." I tell him wrapping my arms around his neck.

Leo pulls me closer to him and smiles, "I love you too, Verena." He kisses me for a moment and takes my left hand to look at the ring, "I know the ring is… kind of small, but-"

I shake my head and squeeze his hand, "No it is not. Leo, it's perfect." I give him a firm kiss on the lips, showing him how much I love it. It is when I pull away I thought of something, "So all this time when you were talking to Master Splinter and your brothers privately-"

"I was planning all of this."

"Leonardo, you sneaky turtle I cannot believe you pulled this off without me knowing."

"All part of the plan, Beautiful." Leo said and winks making me giggle.

"Well I just have one thing to say to you, Leonardo Hamato," I peck his lips and cup his cheek, "you got me good."

"I'm glad." Leo returns the kiss and we stand there for a few minutes holding each other.

Sadly we see the tide begin to come in so Leo and I go back to blanket and pack all of the stuff, checking to see if we forgot anything. With everything gathered we walk off the beach and head back to the Lair.

Thirty Minutes Later…

We walk into the Lair, seeing nothing but darkness and no one around. Everyone must be sound asleep. Leo sets all of the stuff on the table and takes my hand as he leads us to his room. Once we get there Leo opens the door and motions for me to enter, being the wonderful gentleman he is. Not long after he follows me inside and closes the door. I turn and see Leo in front of me, wrapping his arm around my waist and his hand caressing my cheek gently. I rest my cheek on his palm as I slide my hands up towards his neck, feeling his skin on mine. The two of us gaze into each other's eyes as Leo draws himself closer to me, and his hot breath tickles my face. I flutter my eyes close and met his lips with my own into a loving kiss.

Our lips started out in a slow, seductive dance until he moves his hand to the back of my head and pulls me in closer deepening the kiss. My arms wrap around his neck more as his hand digs into my side making me sigh into his mouth. Leo turns us around and rams me into the wall, lifting me into his arms as I wrap my legs around his waist. I feel Leo's lips pull away from mine as he moves down to my neck, kissing and licking at my flesh as I lean my head back against the wall. My hands stroke his neck and shoulders into a massage, and I hear him lightly moan against my neck as he nips my wet skin. I am becoming overwhelmed by the pleasure Leo is giving me as my vision is blurry and my body starts to turn into jelly; I think I'm about to pass out from all the making-out. Leo comes back up and kisses my lips deeply as he walks us over to the bed and we lay down.

I grasp the back of Leo's head and pull him into a passionate kiss. I feel his tongue press against my lips and I open my mouth to allow it through as it rubs against mine. His hands move slowly down my body until he reaches down to my hands and holds them tight. Our tongues continue to explore each other's mouths, feeling so in love and content with one another as we are enjoying ourselves. All of a sudden I felt the urge to be closer to Leo so I spread my legs apart and he settles down in between them, and let out a pleasurable moan feeling his body press against me.

I kiss all the way down to his neck, smelling his masculine scent within my nose and tasting his skin on my lips. I soon feel his pulse and I nip it at first, hearing him moan deeply and I suck on it to drive him mad. So far, it seems to be working. Leo lets go of my hands and slides them up my sides until they cup my breasts, being as gentle as he can be. I back away from his neck and breathe heavily, moaning as his hands fondle me. Now Leo is the one that's driving me mad with desire in the way he is touching me.

Leo chuckles and kisses my lips, moving down my body and kissing my neck, above my breasts, and on my stomach. His hands slide down and take a handful of my dress in his palms, pushing it up my legs slowly. I feel Leo come back up and kiss me hungrily, molding his lips with my own as he continues to push up my dress almost pass my thighs. Through all of the passion and heated kissing I can feel the cool air hit my bare legs as Leo's coming close to taking my dress off.

I break away from the kiss and pant, "… Wait.

Leo stops and looks at me in confusion, "Are you okay?"

"I am, but are you sure we should be doing this?" I ask him.

Leo looks down at his hands and just chuckles, "Honestly, I kinda got caught up in the moment."

I hug him and just laugh, "I did too."

He lifts his head up and looks at me, "I'm sorry, Verena."

"Don't be. I guess I just want to wait until we get married to… you know… make love." I blush just thinking about it.

Leo caresses my cheek and pecks my lips, "Same here. At least we know our wedding night will be amazing."

I nod and hug him again, "I love you, Leo."

"I love you too, Verena." He kisses my cheek and yawns.

"Ready for bed?" I ask as we sit up on the bed.

"Oh yeah."

The rest of the night we washed up and got ready for bed. I decided to take a quick shower and changed into my nightgown, drying my hair off the best I could with a towel and leaving it down. I met Leo back in his bedroom and we got into bed with me laying on him as my head rests on his chest. We kiss each other goodnight and hold each other close, enjoying the peace and quiet. When I hear Leo is fast asleep I look down at my engagement ring and keep thinking back to everything that happened tonight. It's almost like a wonderful dream that has actually come to life into reality, and it is only going to get better. I soon join Leo in sleep, smiling as I will soon be married to My Handsome Turtle.

Holy crap they're engaged! AHHHH! Tell me what you all think about this chapter because I really want to know, so as always you're my judges. So here is what will happen, I am going to Las Vegas next week for a vacation with my family and I am super excited to go and actually do stuff there since I'm legal. Also, I start school the week after I come back from Vegas. When exactly will I update? I have no idea, but I'll try my best to have something up soon. Thank you all for your support, favoring, following, and patience for this story. I really appreciate it. Please R&R, PM, and all that great stuff. Until next time :).