"What conditions are those, Raph?" Leo asked.
Raphael sat down on a chair by the bed and said, "Firstly, honesty. Ya swear ta always be open and truthful with me, Leo. A relationship is built on trust and if there's nothin', it ain't gonna work. We gotta communicate and I don't mean via just sex. I know I'm a hothead and that I don't communicate my feelings very well, but I'm gonna try ta. I got more layers ta me than just bein' the pissed off guy all the time. I'm gonna work hard ta show ya my vulnerable side, so ya can see it."
"I have seen flashes of it in battle and afterwards when we're hurting…."
"Flashes, sure, but I'm talkin' 'bout my soft side and my gentle nature. I love romance movies deep down and I like poetry," Raphael said and blushed. "I've dreamed of holdin' someone else, of lovin' them and of havin' someone ta share the good and bad days with. I wanna have a family someday. I like bein' spoiled and made a fuss of, although I grumble when it happens. I love it when ya pay attention ta me. My insides turn to mush and all I wanna do is nuzzle ya and ta show ya how much I care 'bout ya," Raphael said softly, his green eyes boring into Leo's. "I've pretended I don't care and I've picked fights with ya, Leo, but that was just ta get yer attention. I'm tired of pretendin'. I wanna be open 'bout my feelings, let down my walls, be vulnerable, get ta know ya romantically. I wanna share my life with ya in all the ways that matter. I act tough, Leo, but I ain't. I'm insecure and lonely. I wanna be loved the way Usagi and Donnie love one another and I want that with ya, because no one else could ever come close ta ya. Yer the most incredible person I know and I'm madly in love with ya. I have been my entire life. I've idolized ya, adored ya. Shit. Yer name was the first word I spoke. I tottered after ya everywhere as a kid. I still follow ya. Yer my heart and my soul. Fuck. I sound like a drip sayin' all this, but I'm so happy ta finally say it after bottlin' it inside for so many damn years."
Leo looked at him affectionately, his eyes misted over and he said, "I want that too, Raph. You're the only person I can imagine at my side for the rest of my life. It's always been you. I just never imagined you felt the same way about me. I thought you hated me."
"Nah. I could never hate ya. Yer the missin' parta me," Raphael said and squeezed his hand. "Yer everythin' I could want in a mate and more, but I'm serious 'bout honesty. I couldn't be with ya if ya lied again."
"I agree," Leo said, his eyes shining with happiness. "You're amazing, Raph. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes and I'm so grateful and chuffed that you're giving me this chance. I won't mess up. I swear."
Raphael smiled, kissed Leo's hand and said, "Back at ya. I also want ya ta be more open with yer feelings. Talk ta me if yer havin' a bad day. I can't help if ya don't let me in. Mates share everythin' with one another, so I expect ya ta. I'll do the same thing and I'll also try ta temper my rage more. Don't shoulder things alone. Mates are supposed ta help carry the load and that's what I am. Yer mate, as well as yer best friend."
"You got it. Anything else?"
"I wanna be romanced," Raphael said and blushed. "I ain't kiddin'. I want love notes, romantic meals, taken out on dates. I'll do the same thing for ya, Leo. I'll be all ya want and more. I want everyone ta know yer mine and I'm yers."
"I want that too."
"I wanna have a bondin' ceremony when we're ready. Ya can argue that we don't need that, because ya don't need a ceremony ta make what we got special, but I'd like that, so that our family and friends can witness our love and commitment ta one another. It don't gotta be fancy. Usagi could officiate, we could have it at the farmhouse and we'd have pizza for the meal, but I'd like it."
"I don't see why not," Leo said and nuzzled his hand. "I like that idea very much. Nothing would make me happier than being your bonded husband."
"Me neither and just imagine if we have babies," Raphael said excitedly. "Little ones ta fuss over. That'd be friggin' fantastic. Do ya think Dad would warm ta the idea of us as a couple?"
"No, but he's not here and I wouldn't give you up if he was. I'd leave with you and make a life somewhere else."
"Me too," Raphael said and grinned. "My life began with ya and it'll end with ya. Do ya still wanna live here or move someday?"
"Donnie will probably live with Usagi on his dimension in the future. I don't know what Mikey will do, but anywhere will be home, as long as I'm with you."
Raphael smiled and said, "I feel the same way. I'd like ta do a bit of travellin' when yer healed. Maybe we can see Japan."
"Maybe."
"Now I gotta ask ya this ta make it official. Leo, will ya go out with me?"
"I thought you'd never ask," Leo said teasingly and nuzzled his beak against Raphael's. "I will. I can't wait until I'm better, so I can take you out."
"As long as it ain't a borin' museum. Only kiddin'. Ya could make any place fun, Leo. I can't believe that we're datin' now. I've wanted this for so long. It feels so surreal. My heart is gonna burst from all the elation I feel. I ain't never been so happy before. Now we're officially mates. Hey. There's somethin' else I wanna ask. Did ya and Casey…."? Raphael hesitated. "Go all the way?"
"No."
"So it'll be extra special for us when we're ready," Raphael said cheerfully. "I like that. Ya'll be my first and last and vice versa."
"That's right, hon, and only yours for all eternity."
"Hon?"
"Yes. Hon, pet, my love. Endearments. Couples do that."
"I can work with that and I don't care if people snigger at it. I'm proud yer mine," Raphael said and kissed him tenderly on the lips.
The kiss was sweet, gentle and with no tongue. Not the fierce and passionate one Leo had expected to get from his fiery mate, but it was wonderful and Leo's heart flipped again, as he stared into Raphael's mesmerizing green eyes; eyes that pierced into the depths of his soul. Yes. Raphael was dynamite and he was now his. He'd cherish Raphael forever.
"That was terrific," Leo said. "You're a great kisser, Raph. Was that your first kiss?"
"Yeah. I know ya probably expected it ta be more sensual and more intense, but yer laid up in bed. I didn't wanna excite ya too much," Raphael said and smirked. "That'll come later when yer feelin' better."
"Tease! I'm already feeling better. It's amazing what love can do."
"Yeah. It makes ya feel all gooey and happy. Get some rest, babe. I'm gonna be here when ya wake up and I ain't gonna leave yer side for as long as I live," Raphael said and kissed his cheek.
"Me either, Raphie," Leo said. He closed his eyes and soon fell asleep, clutching Raphael's hand.
I got Leo. I really got Leo, Raphael thought animatedly and smiled, his green eyes shining. I can't believe it. We're datin'. We're gonna be so happy together. I just know it and I ain't gonna let no one come between us.
XXXXX
Mikey, Usagi and April were talking quietly on the other side of the makeshift curtain.
"I'm going to take a leak," Usagi said and left the room.
"How are you holding up, Mikey?" April asked.
"Truthfully, I'm not, April. I've tried to be courageous, but I'm finding it immensely challenging. That's an understatement. My brothers have been supportive and caring, but I'm scared. I never thought I'd lose any of my limbs and now I have a long road ahead of me. What if I can't do any of what I used to do? I loved cooking, playing my video games and the pinball machine, wrestling with Raph, playing pranks on my brothers and just having fun in general. I can't even wipe my ass right now. It's so humiliating," Mikey said miserably, as tears spilled down his cheeks. "I don't mean to complain. There are worse people off, who're terminally ill and so on, but I'm shattered and broken. April. Part of me wished I'd died. It'd have been easier, so I'm not a burden on my brothers. That's the worst thing of all. Being a burden."
"I'm so sorry, Mikey," April said, her eyes glistening with tears. She patted his shoulder and said, "You aren't a burden. Never feel that and know we're all for you and that we'll get through this together. I swear we will."
"Yeah, right," Mikey said sarcastically. "I have to ask Raph and Donnie to wipe my ass in the meantime and to feed me. All Leo has is a broken leg and he can soon get back to his life, but me? Look, I'm not saying I wanted Leo to experience this, but it's not fair! I'm a kid and what kind of a future do I have with prosthetic arms? How can I be a ninja now? It's all I've ever known. What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to be strong?"
"It's okay not to be, Mikey. You've been through hell and I know you're struggling, but you're really not alone. We're all here for you. All of us and we'll do our ultimate to ensure that you have optimum care. Donnie will ensure you have physio when you're ready, so you can use your new arms efficiently. Leo will help you train, so you can try and regain some of your skills. Raph will support you and encourage you and they don't feel you're a burden. They love and value you so much. You're their ray of sunshine and they'll always be there for you. That's what family does. You'd do the same thing for them."
"Absolutely. It just sucks being so reliant on everyone."
"I know, honey. I'd hate it, but it's not for long. The prosthetics should work and you'll be able to regain some skills and independence. Loads of people have prosthetics and still achieve a lot. Look at the Paralympics and the Invictus Games. Those people lost limbs and they haven't let it get them down. You're tough, Mikey, and you'll get through it."
"You have a point. Those people are phenomenal and inspirational. I should take heart from them. I'll try. Thanks, April. There will be days when I'm down, though."
"Of course there will be, but that's where your friends and family come into the picture, honey. We'll love you and we'll be there for you, even when you're angry and tell us to fuck off."
Mikey managed a weak smile and said, "Thank you."
"It's true and you have to get better, so that we can go on a proper date," April said, her blue eyes twinkling.
"Huh?" Mikey said in surprise.
"I was too shy to tell you that I like you, but I always have. I was drawn to your sunny personality, your optimism and sweet nature. You make me laugh and I can always count on you to make me feel better when I've had a crappy day. You're gentle, honest, my best friend and very cute."
"I'm not!" Mikey said and blushed.
"You're sweet and adorable, Mikey, and I'd love to go out with you, but if you don't feel the same way, I'll….."
"No!" Mikey said quickly, his heart leaping for joy that the beautiful girl liked him. Him, a mutant turtle, when she could have anyone she wanted. "I've always liked you too," he said shyly. "But you do know I'm a mutant turtle and that I probably can't give you all you want. I can't take you on proper dates or meet your parents and we may never have a family."
"I don't need all of that. All I want is you. Will you go out with me?"
"Yes!" Mikey said happily and grinned.
"Fantastic," she said and kissed him on his lips, making his cheeks redden. "I'm going to be there every step of the way, Mikey. I promise. You'll never be alone."
"Thank you. I can't believe it. You and I. I thought this'd never happen. Oh. Wow. I can't wait to tell my bros. They're never going to believe it! Hey, guys?" Mikey yelled.
"Shut up, Mikey!" Raphael snapped and drew back the makeshift curtain. "Leo's tryin' ta sleep."
"Sorry, Raph, but I can't contain my excitement. April asked me out and we're now a couple."
"Really?" Leo said, stirring and opening his eyes. "That's wonderful, Mikey. Congats, guys."
"That's great!" Raphael said. "I'm happy for ya guys."
"What's great?" Usagi asked, entering the room.
"Mikey and April are datin'," Raphael said and grabbed Leo's hand. "We also got an announcement. Leo and I are mates."
"So we all found love," Mikey said. "You know what, guys? I think life's looking up for us. There'll be challenges ahead, but we can get through it."
"We sure will," Raphael said, looking adoringly into Leo's eyes. "Our family and love will help us get through whatever life throws at us. We're Hamato's and nothin' or no one will destroy our bonds or break us. We can survive anythin'."
A/N Thanks to all following and supporting this story.
Is this the end? Not a chance. Have a fair bit more planned.
Will Casey give up on Leo? Will Ruby and Casey get their daughter back?