A/N: I hope you're all enjoying the continuation of "The Monster's Sister" so far.
Sams left Joey standing in the middle of the warehouse to fend for himself. She wanted to help, but she knew it would only make him look bad if she did. He had to stand on his own and she knew he could, if he would just try. Finding a place just outside the large doors, she leaned against the wall, smiling at the bright blue sky. It reminded her of Leonardo's mask. A mask she often got to see him without now as they slept in the same bed. She closed her eyes, recalling his amber gaze from that morning. It was a look he reserved only for her – a mixture of tenderness and fire. She felt her cheeks flush as the familiar feeling of desire blossomed in her chest. He had no idea just how gorgeous he was. She could almost feel his skin against hers and it sent a thrill through her body.
"Hey, there, lookin' for some company?" The male voice snapped her out of her revelry.
She opened her eyes to find two scruffy, dirty men walking up to her. She frowned. "No, I'm waiting on someone."
The man's buddy sneered. "Well, if you were lookin', we'll be off in half an hour."
She shook her head. "Nope, still not looking."
The first man got a little too close for comfort, lifting one of her curly locks to twirl it around his finger. "That's too bad, because today's payday."
She now glared outright as she took a step away from him. Luck apparently was on her side that day as Joey stepped out of the warehouse. When he spotted her, his brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed. She knew that look all too well. He started for them and she rushed to intercept him. He didn't need to cause any trouble because of those two jerks.
"Joey! That was fast. Did you get the job?"
She blocked his path, but he continued to glare over her head at the two men. "Yeah, I start in the mornin'. Were they-?"
"That's great!" She grabbed his arm and turned him away from the warehouse and the two men, who were still watching them. "Now we really have something to celebrate!" She forced out the thought of the two men, instead letting a big smile spread across her face as they headed home.
Leonardo caught Raphael's flying kick and used his momentum to toss him across the dojo. "Umph!" Raph laid on his plastron for a moment. "Is that the third of fourth time I've ate mat today?"
"Actually, I think it's the fifth." Leo provided with a smirk.
"Oh, great." Raph slowly pushed himself off the floor. "I think that's my cue to toss in the towel."
Leo frowned. "You'll never learn this technique, if you keep quitting."
"I've learned what the floor taste like five times already, so I think that's enough learning for one day." He sauntered over to pick up a towel. "Besides, shouldn't you be wantin' to clean up. Sams should be here soon." He glanced at his brother and saw him drop his gaze to the floor. Raph frowned now. "What's up?"
Leo looked up at him. "Huh?"
"Usually you'd be climbin' the walls about now, ready for her to get back. So, what's with the look?"
Leo shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I'm a little nervous about her getting a job. It would mean she'd be gone a lot…up there…with other humans."
Raph's frown intensified. "You don't trust her?"
Leo's head shot up and a flicker of anger passed his features. "No, that's not it. I do trust her." He sighed running a hand across his bald scalp. "But what if she realizes….she could do better? What if she…?" He couldn't finish the sentence. It hurt to think she'd ever consider leaving him. But she was young, beautiful, smart, vivacious and…perfect. How could any man not be interested in her? And why would she want a turtle, if she could have a human mate?
Raph watched pain flicker across his brother's face. He hated to admit it, but Sams was good for Leo. She made him happy in a way nothing else could. She gave him purpose and focus. Even his ninjutsu was benefiting from their relationship. He now had someone to protect, someone that gave him the drive to fully master his art. There was no doubt that Leo was the most skilled of them, but even he could become distracted at times. But not since Sams, not since she'd been hurt by her father, not since he'd carried her home and laid her in his own bed and declared she was staying with them. No one had questioned him while he carried that dangerous glint in his eye.
To look at his brother now, where he stood with eyes downcast and hands twitching nervously at his sides, Raph was beginning to understand just how important she was to him. His own heart twisted with a twinge of guilt. He'd placed those thoughts in his brother's head, so he needed to reassure him. "She won't do nothin' like that."
Leo looked up at him again, but doubt still loomed behind his eyes. "How do you know?"
"Because she lived up there for more than twenty years. She had her choice of any human she wanted," he smirked, "but she chose your ugly mug instead."
A slow tentative smile grew on the older turtle's face. Raph was right after all. She had lived up there her whole life and she'd had the chance to look for human guys, but instead she'd fallen for him. And he'd fallen for her – hard.
"We're back!" Samantha's voice broke through the lair like a spring breeze, making Leo's small smile grow even bigger.
Raph shook his head in slight amusement as he watched his brother grab a towel and rush out of the dojo. He followed at a bit slower pace, arriving at the same time as Mikey and Don.
"Well?" The youngest brother prompted as Leo wiped his face with the towel.
Sams couldn't stop her smile. "We both got jobs!"
Leo stepped forward and lifted her off the ground in a crushing embrace. "That's wonderful!" She didn't seem to mind the fact that he was still covered in sweat as she giggled, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck.
"Congratulations, dude!" Mikey clamped a hand on Joey's shoulder. "I think this calls for some celebration pizzas."
"Did I hear correctly?" Splinter appeared in the doorway to the living room. "You have both acquired employment?"
Leo lowered Sams to her feet, but didn't let her go. "Yeah, isn't it awesome, Master Splinter!"
Splinter smiled broadly. "It is indeed."
"We are very happy for you both." Don squeezed Sams' shoulder and smiled at Joey.
"I bet it'll feel good makin' your own dough." Raph folded his arms and leaned against the couch with a smirk. "Maybe even findin' your own place." He directed the last statement at Joey.
Joey shot him a quick glare. "Tryin' to get rid of me already, Raphael?"
Leo cleared his throat, stopping whatever smart remark Raph was going to make. "I'm sure that's not what Raphael meant at all. I'm sure he simply meant that you're probably getting tired of living down here….in the sewers." Leo felt Sams tense slightly in his arms and chanced a glance at her. She just smiled up at him, not giving him any indication of why she had startled.
Joey snorted, giving their sofa a glare. "Yeah, well, I can't say much for the sleepin' arrangements."
Samantha wrapped her arms around Leo, snuggling against his chest. "I like them."
Leo gave a soft chuckle, his arms tightening around her. Mikey snickered. "We know why you like them."
"Mm, hm." Sams hummed happily, her eyes closed.
Raph and Don snickered as well when a small blush blossomed on the eldest brother's cheeks. "Well, uh, Michelangelo, how about we get those pizzas going?"
"I've got a better idea, dude. Let's hit Vinney's!" Mikey said with his usual amount of bravado.
Raph nodded. "Yeah, we haven't been to Vinney's in a while."
Donnie smiled. "I agree. I've been craving a jellybean and chocolate sauce pizza."
"That's settle then. Let's grab our coats." Leo turned to Splinter. "Would you like us to bring you something back, Sensei?"
Splinter shook his furry head. "No thank you, Leonardo. I believe I still have some sushi." He smiled. "Have a good time, my sons."
It wasn't long before the group had made it topside and were piled into a large corner booth. Joey sat on the outside edge watching with a touch of disgust as the four turtles put away a pizza a piece. That wasn't the part that was disgusting though. It was the toppings they were using, they were stomach turning. He and Sams had ordered a fairly ordinary meat lovers. He could have probably finished off the large by himself and as it was, Sams only ate two slices.
It was still odd eating and living with his old enemies. The turtles were do-gooders through and through, which was a concept he was still trying to come to terms with himself. He knew he'd made a deal with Leonardo. He'd go straight in return for being returned to his human state. And he wanted to, he really did. But old habits die hard. He was still tempted to take what he wanted, instead of paying for things. He sighed inwardly as he finished the last of his pizza. "Well, I better head back. I gotta get some sleep. I'm supposed to be at work at six."
He stood and stretched, looking back at the group of… How did he classify them now? They weren't enemies, but they weren't really friends either. He was surprised when Donatello pushed away his empty pan. "I'll come with you. I have some things I need to finish up in my lab."
Mikey yawned, patting his full stomach. "Me too. After that, I'm ready to sack out." When Raph didn't start to follow, Mikey elbowed him. "Right, bro?"
Raph started to respond and then noticed his younger brother eyeing the couple. "Oh, um, yeah." He stretched and yawned dramatically. "I'm real tired too."
Mikey gave his arm a tug and the three brothers headed for the door with Joey. Leo heard Joey snort. "You guys better keep it down tonight, or I'll have to pound you." Raphael's smart-alecky retort was cut off by the door.
Leo looked down at Sams. "Do you want to head back too?"
She smiled, shaking her head. "I'd rather spend some time with you."
Leo's smile was gentle. "Me too. How about a movie?"
"Sounds great." She snuggled into his side and he placed a kiss on her brow.
Their evening passed well. They laughed at the comedy she'd picked and stopped on the way home for an ice cream cone. By the time they returned to the lair, everyone was fast asleep. Leo trembled as she lowered herself into his bed beside him. Every single time she did it, it felt like he was dreaming. That this beautiful creature was willing to lay next to him. More than that – wanted to lay next to him. His breath hitched as her lips brushed his. A moment later he found himself delving into her inviting lips. She tasted of the strawberry ice cream she'd eaten earlier and she smelled of her vanilla shampoo. He rumbled softly, loosing himself in the moment. He rolled her to her back, half draping himself across her slender form. She panted softly as he broke the kiss. Dipping his head, he whispered softly in her ear. "Sams…I love you."
His words sent a wave of heat through her body and her arms latched around him, pulling him flush against her. She nibbled his bottom lip and his whole body trembled. "I love you too, Leo. Don't ever let me go."
His body hardened as her hot breath danced across his cheek and the desire in her voice swept over him. His soft rumble increased and one hand slid up her side to grasp a breast in a firm but gentle grip. She moaned and his lips crashed against hers, swallowing the noise and sending a pleasant vibration through his system.
The sound of a mattress creaking and Mikey's distinct mumble stilled Leo's movements, his senses snapping back to him. He leaned away from her, meeting her cloudy gaze in the dim light. "Sams, what are we doing?"
She pulled at his shoulder. "Leo…"
His heart raced at the barely contained passion in her voice. He clenched his eyes closed, forcing his mind to focus. "We can't. Not here. Not now." Her expression dropped and she let out a shuddering breath, but gave a small nod, unable to form coherent words. He let out his own shuddering sigh, rolling onto his side and crushing her against him. Pulling the covers up to cover them again, he murmured softly in her ear. "I'll never let you go, Sams. I'm yours as long as you'll have me."
Her grip tightened on him. "Forever…Then it's forever."
Rocksteady felt the soft hand on his shoulder, jostling him from sleep. "Joey, you have to get up. You have to be at work in an hour." He groaned and started to push his sister's hand away. "You can't be late your first day. It was hard enough to find this job." Her shaking became a little rougher. "Please, Joey." As always his little sister's plea, tugged at his heart.
Slowly he sat up, looking at her groggily. "What time is it?"
"Five."
He blinked at her, finally able to focus. Behind her, leaning in the doorway, was Leo. He was devoid of any gear or mask. He looked a bit tired, obviously woken when Sams had climbed out of bed. It was strange to see one of the turtles looking like that. It seemed to make them look vulnerable and far less lethal.
Joey at last stood and stretched. Samantha urged him to the kitchen. "Now, I made you some breakfast and packed you a lunch. What time do you get off?"
Joey shrugged. "Don't know. The guy didn't say."
Leo yawned behind him. "Might've been a good thing to ask. You don't know if it's an eight, ten or twelve hour shift then?"
Joey rolled his eyes. "No, I was too surprised I got it to ask any questions."
"So, I guess that means you don't know how much you're getting paid either?" Leo responded in a grumpy tone.
Joey turned in his chair to glare at Leo. "I thought you'd be happy that I even got one."
Leo flinched, his gaze shooting to Samantha. "Sorry. I am glad."
Sams frowned as she walked around and put a hand on his arms. "Why don't you go back to bed? I'll be there in a few minutes."
Leo frowned as well, but nodded. When he was gone, Joey snorted. "What do you see in that guy?"
Sams sighed. "Let's face it, Joey. No matter who I was with, you wouldn't approve. But for your information, I love him – a lot."
"But why a turtle, Sams?"
She smiled down at her hands clasped in front of her on the table. "Because he loves me. And he's good to me. I need him in a way I could never find the words to explain."
Joey let out a heavy sigh, pushing away his empty plate. "Well, I'm just glad I'll be makin' some money now. That way we can get out of here." He smiled wistfully. "It'll be just the two of us, like it used to be in the old days." He picked up his lunch and stood. "See you when I get off, whatever time that is."
Sams watched him go, a cold ball forming in her stomach. She'd half been expecting him to want her to move out with him, but it hit her hard nonetheless. She didn't want to leave. She wanted to stay there with Leo, but how could she tell her brother that. It would crush him. He was trying to go straight for her. Everything he ever did was for her.
Sams bit her lip and stared down at her hands as she tried to figure out what to say - what to do. No matter what, she'd end up hurting someone. She sat for a long time mulling over her problem when a large familiar green hand landed on top of her own. She slowly blinked up at Leo. He was dressed in his gear and mask, but a frown marred his face.
"You okay, Sams?" She gave a small nod, which only made him frown more. Pulling out a chair, he sat beside her. He searched her features and squeezed her hands. She was tense and looked like she was on the verge of tears. His mind went back to the night before. "Is it something I did?" She shook her head, but didn't meet his eyes. "Was it something Joey did?" She hesitated only briefly before shaking her head again. He cupped her face in two strong hands. "Talk to me, Sams? Let me help, Sweetheart."
Her whole body seemed to relax and she slipped her arms around his neck. Nuzzling against it, she breathed him in - a mix of peppers and earth. "I meant what I said last night, Leo." She said resolutely, resting her head on his shoulder.
His arms tightened around her waist as a rumble grew in his chest. "So, did I." She lifted her head and he kissed her deeply, emphasizing the depth of his words.
"Hey, Leonardo, I was-." Leo turned to look at Donnie in the doorway. The younger turtle blushed. "Uh, sorry. Never mind, it can wait." The genius made a hasty exit, making Sams frown.
"There's something bothering him."
Leo looked back at her with the same frown. "Yeah, I tried to talk to him. But he didn't tell me much." His expression fell into one of hurt. Another look that she seemed only privy to.
She touched his cheek. "Do you mind if I try?"
A slow smile grew on his mouth. "I'd like that."
Her smile was much larger. "Don't worry. I'm pretty good at getting secrets out of people."
He chuckled softly and gave her another small peck, before she stood. "Good luck."
Unfortunately, things aren't going to be that easy Joey... Please review!
