A/N: Hey, guys! I promised quick updates, so here you go! This chapter was a lot of yummy fuzzy goodness!


Samantha giggled. "Where are you taking me?"

Leo smiled, holding her hand tight as he pulled her along the sewer tunnels. "You'll see." They came to a door that looked much like the one they had at the lair. Leo pushed it open. The space beyond was dry, though a bit dusty. "I just thought of this place the other day. Our friend Mondo Gecko used to live here, but he moved out a long time ago."

The only furniture in the place were an old couch and a TV, which she wasn't sure even worked from the looks of it. "It's, um, quant." She looked up at Leo questioningly. She wasn't sure what they were doing there.

He chuckled at her expression as he reached out to cup her cheek. "The lair sometimes can feel a bit cramped. I know it's not much, but I thought if we needed some space…"

She blushed, turning her head to kiss his palm. "Oh, I see. In that case, it's wonderful." She slipped her arms around his neck and he pulled her closer, kissing her deeply. She panted as they finally broke for air. "I think I'm going to like this place."

He chuckled, pulling her gently towards the couch. "Yeah, me too."

He'd come a few days earlier to check the place out. Surprisingly the old wiring still worked and the lights came on just fine. He'd dusted off the couch and even tried the TV set. Unfortunately after sitting unused in a damp sewer for several years it had corroded beyond use. He'd thought of asking Donnie to fix it. But if he did, he'd be questioned why. So, he'd opted not to. It wasn't likely to be their primary form of entertainment here anyways.

He sat and tugged at her hand. She slipped into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck again. His eyes glowed as he ran his hand through her hair. "I've been thinking lately how natural it's been having you here with me. I can barely remember what it felt like not to have you with me." He frowned, playing with one golden curl. Taking a deep breath, he asked the question that had been pressing on his heart and mind. "Will you stay when he leaves?"

She frowned, one arm slipping from his neck. Looking away, she felt the same ache return to her. Leo noted she wore the same expression he'd found her wearing several days ago. "I want to. I really, really do." She let out a shuddering breath before meeting his eyes. "I just don't know how to tell him that."

He sucked in a sharp breath at the heartache in her blue eyes. Pulling her against him, he held her tightly. "We'll figure it out, Sweetheart. If you want to stay, then you're going to stay."

She sighed, relishing the strength in his arms and the conviction in his voice. "I just don't want to hurt him. He's been doing so well lately. And he's doing it all for me. I'm afraid of what will happen when I tell him I want to stay with you."

A bubble of warmth flowed through him to know she wanted to stay with him. But at the same time, he could understand her dilemma. "That's what you were thinking about the other day."

"Yes." She said softly as she began to run her fingers along the edge of his plastron. "He said something about when 'we' get out on our own again. I didn't know what to say, so I just didn't say anything at all."

Her fingers were causing a very pleasant tingle through his body. It bolstered his confidence. Well, here goes nothing. "Maybe if you had a more solid reason to stay, he'd be more open to it."

She leaned back with a curious expression. "What do you mean more solid?"

He hadn't planned on doing this so soon, but he doubted he'd get a better opportunity. He reached into his belt and pulled something out. Opening his palm he revealed two plain gold rings. "I mean this."

Samantha gasped, tears welling in her eyes. "Oh, Leo…"

"I meant what I said. There is no place that I'd rather be than at your side. I'm yours as long as you'll have me."

Her tears spilled over. "And I meant what I said. I want to be with you forever." She kissed him warmly. He gently swept away the tears. Taking one of the rings, he slipped it on her finger. He smiled and kissed her cheek as she gazed at the symbol of their love – of their promise. She took the other one from his hand. "How are we going to do this one? There's no way it'll fit."

"How about this?" He handed her a long silver chain. She smiled as she slipped the ring on it, then turned to clasp the chain behind his neck. It was long enough that the ring could be easily tucked behind his plastron.

Sams rested her head on his shoulder, drawing in a deep breath filled with his scent. Her fingers played with the chain. "What did Splinter say about this?"

His arms tightened around her. "I didn't ask him. But I know he'd have no objections. He's very fond of you."

She shifted in his lap, until she was straddling his hips and looking him in the eyes. "So, we're going to keep this quiet for a while?"

He frowned a little. "Yes. I don't like keeping secrets. But I think that's best for now, until we're sure Joey will be able to make it on his own without you."

"I hope that's soon."

"So do I. If I had it my way, I'd be shouting it from the rooftops."

She giggled. "Oh? What would you say?"

He smiled at her tease. "I'd say, can you believe this beautiful perfect woman wants to be with me? Can you believe she agreed to be my wife – to be with me forever?"

She grinned. "And I'd say, I would be crazy not to want to be with such a strong, handsome, wonderful, loving person like you. Then I'd say, I'm proud to be the wife of Leonardo Hamato."

His eyes glowed and he pulled her to him, kissing her with passion. Fire raced through their bodies. "You're incredible, you know that? I love you so much."

She grinned mischievously. "I love you more."

He raised an eye-ridge. "That sounds like a challenge and you know I never back down from a challenge."

She pressed her body tight against his. "I certainly hope not."

&*&*&*&*&*&*& - See AO3 for deleted scene.


Leo swept her golden curls from her face, admiring its peaceful beauty. Oh, how he hated to wake her. If only they could stay here, wrapped in each other's arms, secluded from the world. But that was not reality and sadly reality was encroaching on them. "Come on, Sweetheart. We need to get back. It's getting late."

Her eyes fluttered open and she gazed at her turtle laying beside her. He continued to amaze her at every turn. He'd surprised her to say the least with his sudden proposal. They'd only been together a few months. But there was no denying that she would never want to be with anyone else. Her heart was completely his and it felt like it had always been. The truth was she'd never been interested in boys the way they'd always been interested in her. Of course, she'd had the random crush as a young teen. Not that any of those boys ever had a chance with Joey around.

But none of them ever made her feel the way she felt when she was with Leonardo. He was so completely different in all the ways that mattered. His soul spoke to hers in a way no one else's ever had. And that is why she had not hesitated to give over herself so thoroughly to him. She traced a finger along his jaw. He had no idea just how perfect he was. "I'd rather stay here."

He smiled. "I know. I would too, but they'll start looking for us soon." He sat up, pulling her gently with him. "Come on, you're shivering."

She sighed as she turned to pick up her pile of clothes and begin to dress. He stood and began pulling his gear back on. Once she was done, she sat staring at the ring on her left hand. He frowned sitting next to her. "What's wrong?"

She frowned as well, pulling the ring off and putting it on her right. "I'd better wear it here for now."

He sighed. "Yeah, but hopefully it won't have to be for long."

She reached out to run her fingers along his chain and ring. "It's alright. We'll know what it means. And it doesn't change how I feel - how much I love you."

He smiled, touching the ring around his neck. "I know. It doesn't change my love for you either having to hide this one." He kissed her brow. Standing up, he took her hand. They made sure to turn off the lights and close the door as they left. When they neared the lair, he paused to tuck the ring under his plastron. Then he slipped his arm around her as they entered their home.

Inside, Mikey and Rocksteady were watching April on the news. Joey looked up. "That was a pretty long walk."

Sams smiled. "Yeah, we lost track of time."

Raphael came from the other room. "Hey, there you are." He approached them, but when he reached them he stopped. He raised an eye-ridge and glanced at Joey, who was watching the TV again. "I was wonderin' if you wanted to spar with me."

Leo looked down at Sams. "That okay? I know you wanted to spend the day together."

She smiled, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek. "We did. I need to take a shower anyways. I have to go to work in the morning."

"Pizza will be ready in a bit, dudette." Mikey chimed in.

She flashed a smile at him. "I'll make it fast then." Leo squeezed her hand as she stepped away, headed for the bedroom area to get some clothes.

Raph shot the back of Rocksteady's head another look, before turning and heading for the dojo. Leo followed him. As soon as they entered, Raph spun on him, pushing him against the wall. He glanced through the doorway before glaring at his brother. "Are you insane!" He hissed. "If he finds out what you two were doing, human or not, he'll rip your arms off!"

Leo frowned, eyeing his brother. He pushed him back out of his personal space. "Exactly what do you think we were doing?"

Raph's mouth hung open in disbelief. "Leonardo, you smell like it. She smells like it! If he wasn't human, he would have smelled you as soon as you entered the lair." He shot another look through the door. "Splinter is gonna know right away."

Leo's eyes widened and his cheeks burned. He hadn't thought of that. Sure, he knew they had a more sensitive sense of smell, but he hadn't thought his brothers would pick up on it so fast. He frowned. "You can't say anything, Raphael. We weren't going to tell anyone for a while."

Raph's eyes were large. "Are you kiddin'! I'd be plannin' your funeral if I said somethin'! You're just lucky it was me and not Michelangelo that caught on. He'd have spilled the beans right there."

"I'll make sure to shower as soon as Sams gets out. Don't say anything though. She's worried about upsetting Joey."

Raph gave him an incredulous look. "I won't say anything, but you need to tell me what's goin' on." He checked outside the door again to be sure they were still alone.

Leo sighed, pulling the chain up to reveal the ring. "She's going to be staying – permanently."

Raph frowned. "You mean, you two tied the knot?" Leo nodded. His frown intensified. "How'd you do that?"

"The only way that really matters. We said our vows to each other." Leo's eyes shined with conviction. "She is my wife."

Well, it wasn't like they could go topside and get legally married or anything. Raph had to admit his brother was right. The only ones that really mattered in their arrangement were the two of them. He gave a nod. "Okay." Then he smirked. "And way to go, bro."

Leo blushed. "Raphael!"

Raph chuckled. "Want to get a little work out in, before you go take that shower?"

Leo smiled. "Sure."

As soon as Sams emerged from the bathroom, Leo hurried in. In less than five minutes he was out again as they settled around the table for dinner. He slid into the seat beside Sams. She smiled as their eyes met and he squeezed her hand. Raph shot the couple a look, but no one noticed. Don and Mikey were discussing a video game, and Splinter was still preparing his own meal of sushi. The only other one that was paying them any attention was Joey.

He frowned. "What's that?"

Sams looked at him. "What's what?"

"That?" He pointed at her neck.

She'd forgotten about the little bite. She didn't even feel it. Lifting a hand to her neck, she frowned. Beside her, Leo shifted, his hand tightening on hers. She blushed. "Uh, well…" Their conversation had drawn the others' attention. Her blush darkened at her sudden audience. She glanced at Leo. Thinking quickly she provided a plausible answer. "It's a hickey."

Rocksteady frowned. He glanced at Leo, who was suddenly tense. "I figured you two weren't walkin' the whole time."

She gave a small nervous chuckle. "Uh, yeah, you found us out."

Her brother pointed a large finger at Leo. "Don't be leavin' marks on my sister."

"It was an accident. It won't happen again." Leo provided.

Joey snorted. "It better not. And you two don't be makin' out in front of me either."

Leo relaxed. "We weren't planning on it."

The subject shifted, the mark was seemingly forgotten. Raph caught Leo by himself later. He glared. "That was no hickey. You marked her. Are you tryin' to get caught?"

Leo looked around. "Keep it down. No, of course not. It was just…instinct."

Raph glanced over his shoulder towards the living room. "Well, you better keep those instincts in check or he's gonna find out a lot sooner than ya want."

Mikey walked into the bedroom area. "Hickey, right." He winked at his brother as he stepped into his alcove. Leo rolled his eyes.

A moment later Donnie arrived. He couldn't suppress the small smile. "That's an odd shape for a hickey." He chuckled as he climbed into his bed.

This time Leo groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Come on, guys. Give me a break here." All three of his brothers snickered. They quieted as Sams entered the room in her pajamas. Sighing, Leo stepped up into his alcove. I suppose it's our alcove now. He smiled at the thought. Samantha climbed into the bed and looked up at him. His smile broadened as he laid down beside her. She let out a contented sigh when he wrapped his arms around her. He ran a large finger down her neck and shoulder along his mark. "Does it hurt?" He asked softly.

"No, I'd actually forgotten about it until Joey said something." She replied in the same quiet tone.

He let out a relieved breath. "I don't ever want to hurt you, Sams."

"I promise, you didn't." She assured him, wrapping her arms around him.

He placed a kiss on her brow and let out a contented sigh of his own. It had been a rather eventful day, one he wouldn't mind repeating over and over and over again. His body was so relaxed now. Far more relaxed than he could remember it ever being in recent years. With his wife's body held close, exhaustion took over and he fell quickly into the warm embrace of sleep.


A/N: I hope that didn't seemed rushed. But considering Leo and Sams whirlwind relationship, it was kinda fitting. Review please!