Leo led an extremely nervous Natasha into the infirmary and said, "Sensei, this is Natasha. Natasha, this is our Sensei, Splinter. He found us as baby turtles in the sewers and raised us. Sensei, this is Natasha."
Splinter looked at Natasha, who was biting her lip, and said, "Come closer, my children." Leo and Natasha did and Splinter said, "So this is the young lady, who's captivated my son's heart so swiftly. It's lovely to meet you, my dear." He extended a paw and added, "Leonardo isn't one known to fall in love quickly, so you must be something special."
Natasha shook his paw and said shyly, "It's Leo, who's the special one. He's so unlike everyone I've ever met. So warm and carin'. I'm so lucky."
"Your eyes are most unusual, my child."
Shit, Natasha thought in dread. Does he know it's me, Raphael? "So I've been told."
Leo's phone dinged and he said, glancing at the text, "Have to take this. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Natasha's heart hammered, as Splinter studied her intently. "My child, Raphael, had the same color eyes," he said.
"Wow. Really?"
"And your skin color and accent."
"What a coincidence."
"Indeed. Where do you come from, Natasha?"
Natasha's heart pounded, she swallowed hard and said, "I was one of Bishop's experiments in Brooklyn. That's why I got the accent."
"Why are you so anxious?"
"I'm cool. I just get nervous around strangers. That's all, because I was beaten and tortured and I find it hard ta trust people."
"I understand. Humans are cruel to us, but you are safe here, my child, and no harm will befall you."
"That's kind of ya, Mr Splinter."
"You can call me Sensei and stop being so nervous. I don't bite. What are your intentions with Leonardo?"
"I really like him and he likes me and we'd like ta see where things go."
"Long term or short?"
"Long term hopefully. I like him so much and he makes me feel so warm and fuzzy. And think we could be good together forever."
Leo suddenly appeared, and hearing the last comment, he said, "I hope he didn't grill you too much, Tasha."
"Grill?" Splinter said and laughed. "Not at all. Miss Tasha and I had a most wonderful conversation. She's charming and I like her."
That must mean he buys this act, Natasha thought and internally heaved a sigh of relief.
"Does that mean we have your blessing to date, Sensei?" Leo asked.
"Yes," Splinter said.
"Hear that, sweetheart?" Leo said excitedly, his eyes shining. "We can date and Sensei approves of you. Wow. I'm so happy I could burst."
Natasha beamed and said, "I like him too."
"Leonardo, I'd like a word with you privately if you don't mind," Splinter said.
"Of course," Leo said, slumping his shoulders. He had a feeling Splinter was going to ask about Raphael. "Tasha, I'll see you later."
"Okay, baby," Natasha said, and pecked him on the cheek.
When Natasha had left, Splinter said, "There are a few things I wish to discuss, Leonardo. Pull up a chair."
Leo grabbed a chair, sat down and said, "Like what?"
"I am old, my son, and will probably not live for many more years. I would like you to be clan leader from now on. I am tired and would like to live my last years peacefully. Just enjoying the company of my cherished sons."
"I don't want to be clan leader, Dad. I want to be a normal teenage boy. I've done all you asked, but the responsibility of leader's getting to me. I can't do it anymore."
"You sadden me, Leonardo," the aged rat said sadly. " But if that's the case, then call in Raphael. I will ask him to take over."
"I can't do that, Dad," Leo said miserably.
"Why not?"
"There's no easy way to say this, but Raphael's gone," Leo said, his voice quavering and tears rolling down his cheeks. "For good. He ended his life, Dad. I'm so sorry."
The ancient rat blinked back tears and asked, "Why?" Leo explained and Splinter said, "Did you find his body?"
"No."
"Then there's no proof he's really deceased, is there?"
"Dad, he said he was going to throw himself over the cliff. There's no way in hell anyone could survive that. His body would be torn asunder by the rocks."
"You are right, my son. I just hoped," Splinter said, his voice trailing off. "Raphael was prone to running away, but I never thought he'd do something so final. It is my fault. I should have been a better father."
"It's my burden to carry, Dad. Not yours and I will feel it until my dying day. I wish we could go back in time and I'd talk to Raph and…."
"He would not listen, Leonardo, once his mind was made up. We will mourn his loss and when I am better, we will have a celebration honouring his short life. As for leader and clan leader, you do not have a choice, my son. You are the only one fit for the responsibilities and Donatello and Michelangelo will need your strength and leadership. Do not disappoint me, my son. I am counting on you."
"Yes, Dad," Leo said, and sighed. "I will do it if that's what you wish."
"Natasha looks a lot like your brother, does she not?"
"I guess so, but she's not Raph, Dad. Come on. She doesn't have a dick." Leo blushed and added, "Sorry for my vulgarity."
"You have been with her intimately?" Splinter asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It wasn't planned, Dad, but I have."
"Did you use precaution?"
Leo flushed and said, "No."
"Then there's the possibility of little ones, Leonardo. How could you be so careless?"
"We got carried away, Dad, and it didn't enter our thoughts. I'm sorry."
"What will you do if Miss Natasha becomes gravid?"
"I'll love and care for her and the babies, Sensei. I know it's a huge responsibility, but I would do it in a heartbeat. Shirking responsibilities has never been one of my traits."
"No, it hasn't, but you are so young, Leonardo, and this is your first real romance. Be careful, my son, and use protection if you wish to be intimate with her. Babies are a massive responsibility and I do not think you're ready, no matter how mature you say you are."
"Hai, Sensei."
"I sense there is something, Miss Natasha isn't telling us. She seemed extremely nervous around me."
"Because you're a stranger and her boyfriend's dad. That's all. Remember how shy you were when you met Mom's parents?"
Splinter smiled at the memory of meeting Tang Shen's parents and said, "Perhaps you are right, Leonardo. In any case, she seems like a lovely woman and I wish you well. But always guard your heart. Sometimes things are too good to be true."
"You still have doubts about her, Sensei?"
"No, my child. Just words of wisdom my parents gave me. I would like to rest now."
"I miss Raphael, Dad. I wish he were with me now to see how much he is loved and missed."
"I do too, Leonardo," Splinter said, and dabbed at his misty eyes. "But I am sure he is looking down from Heaven and he will now be our Guardian Angel."
"You think he made it to Heaven?"
"Of course. Your brother might have been fiery, but his heart was pure."
"That it was," Leo said wistfully. "He was the gentlest, kindest guy when he allowed himself to be and he'd have given the shell off of his back."
"Do not blame yourself, Leonardo. While you two fought, Raphael took matters into his own hands. He would not want you to blame yourself and would want you to enjoy your life to the fullest. That would be honoring him and everything he stood for."
"I know, Sensei. I'll try, but I'll never….I just wish things had been different and he was here. I love Mikey and Donnie, but Raph was my best friend when we weren't fighting. We got one another and could talk for hours."
Splinter nodded and said, "I understand. Perhaps you can honor him by naming your first son after him."
"That's what I'd like to do."
"Raphael would approve. I am tired, Leonardo."
"Right, Sensei. Thank you for blessing me and Natasha."
Leo left and went in search of Natasha, elated that their union had been blessed and looking forward to their future together.
A/N Thanks to you all for your support. :)
