A/N: IT'S BEEN FOREVER SINCE I'VE UPDATED!

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Chapter 31

"Nothing brings on jealousy like laughter."

― Françoise Sagan, That Mad Ache & Translator, Trader: An Essay on the Pleasantly Pervasive Paradoxes of Translation

As a kunoichi who stood within the highest ranks of the Foot Clan, Karai was very confident in the multitude of skills she'd acquired, admittedly more than she should be. She had not only been taught the best and fastest way to snap a man's neck, but also how to pick up certain hints that told her what others, whoever they may be, were thinking or feeling.

It was basic knowledge that more was spoken through body language and facial expressions than actual speech; humans were naturally very expressive, with most being driven on pure emotion alone. For the average person, the ability to pick up these signs was wasted on calculating whether or not a person liked you or was bored to tears with you. For a warrior such as herself, it was rather different. Every smile, every frown, even every twitch of the eyebrow was enough to tell Karai exactly what her opponent was planning to do next. If her rival showed any signs of fear, anger or cockiness, it could be used to her advantage.

Emotion was nothing more than a weakness. Her father, the Shredder, had taught her as such over the years. And so, Karai did everything within her power to conceal the emotions that raged through her like a storm during any confrontation, even during sparring sessions, and focused instead on tearing her opponent down from the inside, using their own feelings against them.

However, as she fought against her sparring partner later that evening, Karai found herself feeling rather puzzled, which no matter how hard she'd attempted to quell it, was clearly evident on her usually impassive features as she watched him with a raised brow.

Earlier that same morning, Leonardo had greeted Karai with a bright smile on his face, despite everything that had happened the previous sleepless nights he'd had (especially after what she'd heard about what Baxter Stockman had almost done to him, Xever and Bradford). At first, Karai dismissed it, thinking it was due to him finally getting some sleep that had put him in a good mood, even though by the time he'd gotten back it was already three in the morning. However, as the day rolled on, his mood never dampened. Of course, he was still just as stoic as usual whenever he was in the presence of Shredder, and he was still calm and collected whilst addressing Tiger Claw or giving orders to the Foot Soldiers. But with her skills, along with her years of knowing the turtle like the back of her hand, Karai had noticed several things that everyone else, possibly even Tiger Claw or Shredder, hadn't.

He was smiling a little more. His stance was relaxed, and his movements weren't as stiff. There was no longer a heavy guarded aura surrounding him wherever he went, and instead replaced with something much lighter. And if she didn't know any better, Karai would say that her friend was more…at peace?

Parrying the rapid blows coming at her face and chest, she couldn't help but wonder what on earth had come over her best friend to make him look so…happy. Perhaps it was because of last night's victory over Stockman? Or was it because he was –

"GYAH!"

Before she knew what hit her, Karai had been flipped right off her feet, and was now lying flat on her back with Leonardo straddling her, one arm pinning her across her chest and the other raised, clenched into a tight fist, ready to swing down and strike her. Blinking rapidly as her vision swam from the fall, Karai stared up at the smirking green face of her reptilian brother in shock.

Had he seriously just beaten her?

"Pinned ya," Leo teased, lowering his fist to side as he smiled conceitedly down at her stricken expression.

Around them, Karai could hear the other Soldiers snickering at her defeat, though some were at least trying not to be as obvious of it as others. Hell, from where she lay, she could even hear Tiger Claw stifling a chuckle from where he stood by the wall on the far side of the dojo, overseeing the entire training session in Bradford's place.

Her surprise ebbing away, Karai scowled up at him. She'd let herself get distracted…and from the look on both the turtles' face, and the hushed laughter around her, something told her that she wasn't going to hear the end of this for a long, long time. "Let me up, Leonardo," she barked irritably, freeing her arms and giving the blue scarfed turtle a hard shove in the chest. Obediently, he slid off her, but still had that same smile that he'd been wearing all day. Only this time, it irked her now more than before.

Karai scowled.

That smug turtle won't be smiling for much longer!

Irritated and embarrassed, Karai decided that she'd had enough as a growl rumbled from the pit of her chest, her amber eyes narrowing dangerously. It was whilst his shell was facing her as he walked away that she charged him, pouncing on his back with a shout before the two of them rolled along the dojo carpet, startling a few Foot Soldiers as they wrestled on the floor. From the side of the room, Tiger Claw made no move to stop the two of them, and instead leaned against the wall and folded his arms over his chest, watching the two cubs as they tussled. He chuckled to himself as Leo hissed testily at Karai as she attempted to put him in a headlock.

Perhaps his assumptions from the previous night were correct after all; perhaps Leonardo hadn't changed that much after all, and apparently, neither had Karai, since they were both prepared to wrestle on the ground like actual cubs in front of their colleagues.

However, even with her surprise attack, Karai once again found herself hitting the ground with the mutant turtle smirking down at her, his smile growing wider than ever before as he raised a brow at her. "Pinned ya, again," he snickered. "You're a little off your game today. What's up? You get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, helmet-head?"

Her face turning a particularly odd shade of pink, Karai growled again, which only added to the amusement of the rest of the Soldiers around them as their sniggers grew louder. Trying her best to block out their jesting, Karai glowered up at the turtle, deciding not to follow her father's teachings and make her outrage very evident. "Leonardo," she snarled, freeing her fist and positioning it in front of Leo's face. "If you don't get off me right now, I'm gonna shove my fist so far up your –"

Before her unpleasant threat could be finished or carried out, Tiger Claw finally decided to intervene as he appeared next to them, taking Leo by the shoulder and pulling him off Karai effortlessly with one hand and then hauling Karai back to her feet again with the other. He looked at the two of them, raising a brow. "I believe that is enough training for today," he said, watching with unbidden amusement as the two teenagers averted their embarrassed gazes from him, with Karai scratching the back of her head uncomfortably and Leo rubbing his left arm as he bit his bottom lip.

The tiger then turned his attention to the rest of the Soldiers gathered around, who all instantly stopped their snickering and stood to attention when he narrowed his amber eyes in warning. "I suggest you all retreat to the showers; patrol is in in three hours," he ordered.

The Soldiers bowed to him respectfully, and then obediently shuffled out of the dojo, offering their most 'humble' apologies to Karai as they left. Whether she'd made a fool of herself or not, she was still Shredder's daughter, as well as one of the most skilled warriors within the Foot Clan. Also, she knew where they lived.

Once the last one had disappeared through the door, Tiger Claw then turned back to the two young ninjas stood before them, his once sarcastic demeanor gone as he narrowed his eyes pointedly. "You two were fortunate that Master Shredder decided not to oversee this session in Bradford's place," he said with a frown as he regarded them both firmly, planting his hands on his hips. "Such childish behavior is not becoming of soldiers within the higher ranks of the Foot Clan such as yourselves, nor is it tolerated. Regardless of who began it, I do not want to see this happening here again. Is that clear?"

Lowering their heads in shame, Leo and Karai bowed deeply before Tiger Claw. "Hai, Sensei," they replied in unison. Sparing each other a glance, Karai saw the silent apology written on the turtle's expression as he offered her a slight smile. In return, she shrugged back, her lips tilted upwards in a soft smirk.

Damn it. She couldn't stay mad at him for long, no matter how hard she tried.

As they straightened up again, a new smirk was growing across the tigers' face, and they only had a moment to register it before he cuffed them upside their heads. "OW!" they cried in pain as they glowered up at their master, rubbing their aching heads.

He chuckled fondly at their expense, his earlier irritation with them ebbing after witnessing their silent exchange. "I must admit, whilst it was not becoming, it was still rather amusing," he smiled. In response, they blushed and turned away, muttering under their breaths. Smirking, Tiger Claw shook his head as he made his way to the exit of the dojo. "Be sure that you're ready for patrol in the next three hours," he called over his shoulder. Pausing at the door, he dryly added, "Please, try not to get into any more fights before then."

The young ninjas snickered. "Hai, Sensei," they chimed again with another bow, just before their master took his leave. Releasing a light, almost satisfied breath, Leo walked over to the benches and retrieved his scarf, wrapping it securely around his neck before sheathing his swords back into their rightful places.

And all the while, as Karai watched him, she noticed he was still smiling.

Karai cocked a brow as she pouted, folding her arms as she continued to watch the turtle. Before, she'd been almost glad that he was in better spirits compared to the last few days. Now however, though she knew it was somewhat immature and stupid of her to feel this way, it was beginning to get on her nerves.

Was it because he was feeling smug over his little 'victory' over her during their sparring match? She hoped, for his sake that is, that he wasn't.

Deciding that enough was enough, Karai cleared her throat, gaining the unusually cheerful turtle's attention as he looked up at her. "So," she began conversationally, doing her best to mask her irritation as she sauntered towards him. "What's gotten into you all of a sudden? You're not usually this chipper. Is it because of last night?"

Chuckling, Leo shook his head. "Oh no, not that," he grinned. "I don't even want to think about what happened last night; it was chaos, and trust me, you're lucky you missed out. As for my good mood…I guess I just got a good-night's rest this time."

Karai raised her brow again. "You only got back here at three and woke up again at six for training. How is only getting three hours a 'good-night's rest'?"

Shrugging, Leo cast his eyes to the side. And for the first time since that morning, his smile finally began to dwindle, but it didn't disappear completely. "…well…" he began quietly, "…maybe because this was the first time in a while that I didn't have nightmares...about them."

Karai's earlier sour expression vanished, replaced by surprise as she stared at him for a moment before slowly morphing into a slight smile as she reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. He looked back up at her, and she squeezed it reassuringly. The day he'd finally told her about the Kraang, the nightmares and the visions, was the day she felt she truly understood him, and more importantly, the day she understood exactly what he'd been through for the past twelve years of his life. She had yet to understand what the cause was behind his sudden improvement, but for a change, she decided that she didn't really care.

He was steadily getting better. That was all that mattered to her.

"That's great, Leo. Really. It probably means you're healing," she said earnestly, before releasing his shoulder and planting her hands on her hips instead. Her trademark smirk returned as she cocked her head to the side. "Looks like those extra hours of sitting on your butt with the cat and being 'one with the universe' has its advantages, doesn't it?" she snickered, using dramatic air-quotes to further her point.

That got another chuckle out of Leo even as he rolled his eyes at her. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say," he droned, giving Karai's shoulder a playful punch, which she immediately returned with equal force before she wandered over to the center of the dojo to stretch. Though she was partly right in her assumption that the sessions he had with Tiger Claw were doing some good, helping him to clear his thoughts and calm his raging emotions…but there was more to his 'healing process' than simply meditating. It was also due to several nights of unexpected encounters, half-hearted conversations and fights that had slowly, but surely, chased the nightmares away…

"You know when I'm telling the truth, Leo. And besides…why would I have any reason to lie to you?"

"We need you back…I need you back, big brother."

"Don't forget about this night, okay? Don't forget about us. Trust us. And who knows…maybe one day, you'll finally change your mind."

Lifting a hand to absently touch the fabric of his scarf, Leo smiled to himself. Never in his life had he ever believed he would be so close to actually forgiving them, even after everything that had happened to him. And never had he thought that, because of them, things were steadily getting better. He was getting better.

That was why his spirits were lighter than they had ever been before this day; the memory of his time spent with each of his brothers, in spite of everything, had made his days within the Foot Clan bearable, with the help of Karai and Tiger Claw on top of that. Sleeping had helped as well, of course, and so had his victorious sparring session against Karai, which had totally lightened his mood even more.

And to top it all off, he had a little meeting in Central Park to get to. As if his day couldn't get any better.

Glancing at the time on the clock hung on the wall, Leo nodded to himself. April would've finished her 'Chess Club' thing by now, and was probably already on her way to Central Park to meet up with him as promised. He had at least three hours to kill before they went out on patrol, so no one would think anything of it if he decided to go out for a while.

'Well, no one apart from Karai, that is', thought Leo with an inward shiver as he slid his eyes over to where she was now stretching at the center of the dojo.

He still felt the sting from the last time he'd blatantly lied to her face before going out to meet Michelangelo…though that 'sting' was more physical rather than emotional after she'd gotten her revenge. He had no intention of lying to her or hurting her like that ever again, but he'd also made a promise to April that he'd meet her in Central Park. He never broke a promise, and he wasn't about to break this one, especially for someone as pure and kind as April O'Neil…

She was probably the only person he could go to express everything he hated, about the Kraang, about his past, and about the Foot, and she wouldn't hold it against him…not like Karai and his father likely would.

But how was he going to bypass Karai's radar this time around? Saying that he was going out to get some air would be stupid; they were going out on patrol soon anyways, and it was still technically a lie. Or maybe he could just slowly sneak out the door whilst she was busy stretching without having to say anything to her at all…

Which, after five seconds of standing there looking like a guilty fool, was exactly what he decided to do next as he started to move, taking long silent strides towards the exit and keeping his eyes trained on her all the while as he crept closer and closer to the door, his tongue subconsciously protruding from the side of his mouth.

Almost there…almost there…

"Where are you going?"

Crap. Mission failed.

Freezing mid-step, Leo slowly turned his head to find Karai watching him over her shoulder from where she sat on the floor, both legs stretched out in front of her. "Nowhere," he squeaked, wincing as his voice cracked higher than normal.

Her brow was sceptically raised, and her golden eyes narrowed. "…you planning on sneaking out behind my back?" she asked, her tone dark as she slowly stood up and sauntered over to him, her arms crossed over her chest. "You keeping secrets from me again, Leonardo? I thought we were past that already," she snapped, not taking note of how Leo suddenly narrowed his own eyes, his earlier trepidation gone and his shoulders tensing as he frowned for the first time that day. "I thought you trusted me," she continued accusingly. "I thought you were my best friend! I thought –"

"I do trust you, dammit!" Leo snapped back, his tone harsher than he intended. Blinking in surprise at his own actions, and noticing the equally surprised look on the human girl's face, Leo then took a calming breath and released it slowly. Reaching out, he took both of Karai's hands in his own as he looked up at her, his azure eyes deep and sincere as he smiled softly. "You are my friend, Karai, my sister," he said, giving her hands a gentle squeeze. "Apart from Tiger Claw, you're the only person I can trust with everything…and yeah, I do remember what happened last time I went behind your back…"

That last line had gotten an almost sinister chuckle from her, to which he smiled at. "I know that you're just looking out for me," he continued as he released her hands. "And I really appreciate it. But…there's just something that I need to do right now. And I need to do it alone." He then tilted his head, giving her his most innocent smile (a smile he knew she couldn't resist). "Can I get off the hook this time?" he asked, watching her carefully as she fought to keep a straight face.

Finally, she let out a snort before punching his shoulder again. "Alright, alright, you win you little idiot," she relented, before biting on her lip, her eyes darting to the side guiltily. When she'd spotted the turtle attempting to sneak out of the dojo whilst her back was turned, warning sirens in her head had immediately began to blare out dangerously. She'd instantly jumped to assumptions, which was something that she seriously needed to work on in the future, and had even questioned their trust and friendship…

"Listen, I'm sorry if I jumped to conclusions, Leo," she admitted softly. Out of all the skills she possessed, apologizing wasn't exactly one of them. "And…I'm sorry if I made you think I didn't trust you. I know things are pretty messed up for both of us right now, and –"

She was stopped when Leo placed a finger over her lips, further silencing her awkward apology as she stared down at his finger in surprise, and then looked back at his smirking face. "You don't have to apologize. I know you're not all that good at doing that either," he snickered as she pouted sourly, before removing his finger and heading towards the door. "I'll be back before we have to head out for patrol. If father asks, tell him I went out on my own for a bit to cool off," he said over his shoulder with a little wave.

With a roll of her eyes, though her pout was long since replaced by a fond smile, she returned the wave and watched as he disappeared from sight. Once he was gone, Karai let out a sigh as she moved to the other side of the dojo to pick up her discarded blades and her metal mask. She was glad that Leo's good mood had been restored, and more so in knowing that their relationship was in no danger of becoming as fractured as it was with his three younger brothers.

She trusted Leo to not do anything stupid, to keep himself hidden and safe from harm as he went out to do whatever it was that he needed to do on his own.

And yet…Karai still found herself wondering.

Her brows furrowing in thought as her smile slowly faded, Karai turned back towards the door.

Come to think of it, what was that he needed to do out there on his own? It couldn't be a mission, for he wouldn't be so happy about it, and he would have simply told her so if that was the case instead of trying to sneak out. Better yet, why did he have to go alone?

The last thing Karai wanted to believe was that he was hiding something from her again. She trusted Leo with everything; her thoughts and feelings, her secrets, her very life…and yet, a part of her screamed at her to follow him…

Karai sighed heavily with irritation, setting her mask over her face and sheathing her sword into her belt as she walked towards the door. She hated how her curiosity got the better of her.

'I'm just going to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid,' she assured herself as she quietly hurried through the vacant hallways.

'I'll check on him, and then I'll leave. That's it. That's all I'm gonna do…'

As she made her way purposefully through Central Park, weaving her way through the paths in search for the children's park, a part of April couldn't help but feel a little nervous about her meeting with Leonardo as she clasped the leather strap of her messenger bag, twisting it between her fingers. She'd convinced herself that she was just a little giddy with excitement to talk to him again, to show him her new Tessen and show off her new awesome skills…but then the thought of him making fun of her for still being a novice using a weapon occurred. After all, he was one of the highest ranking soldiers in the Foot Clan, his skills far surpassing even those of his brothers. Surely, he'd find a mere beginner to be beneath him…

April shook her head with a firm grunt, freeing one hand from her death grip on the strap of her bag, reaching into her messenger bag to tightly grasp her new Tessen as she continued onwards. No, of course he wouldn't make fun of her. She knew he could be unkind towards others, but not to her; he didn't have it in him to act that way towards someone he cared about, that much she was aware of. They were friends, not enemies…well, only outside of the battlefield of the war that continued to rage between their two clans. Other than that, they were cool with each other. He wouldn't mock her with the intent of truly hurting her feelings, just like his brothers.

She stifled a giggle as the memory of their behavior when they'd dropped her off at school occurred to her. She wondered if she should tell Leo about their almost 'motherly' tendencies around her, but then quickly decided against it. Imagine all the teasing that would undoubtedly ensue if she did.

As April neared the small park, her smile grew wider with every step she took. This was going to be just as much fun as the last time they'd talked here. And if they decided to do this again, and if she played her cards right, perhaps tonight could be another step towards getting Leonardo back with his real family.

She just knew it.

The children's park finally came into view, and April's smile grew wider in anticipation as she leapt over the fence – which was getting surprisingly easier to do, thanks to her ninja training – and took a seat on one of the swings, setting her bag down on the grass beside her. Idly swinging back and forth, April waited for her friend to arrive, glancing around her in search for the blue clad ninja turtle. Of course, even with her training, she probably wouldn't even see him coming until he was –

"Hi, April!"

"GYAH!" April shrieked, toppling backwards off the swing and landing on the grass patch. Dazed and dizzy as she blinked away the spots clouding her vision, April looked up to see Leonardo himself, standing above her on the metal bar of the swings with his arms folded, laughing as she struggled to get up again.

"Haha, you're jumpy," he teased, before gracefully swinging himself off the pole to land next to her and help her to her feet. Once she'd dusted herself off, he smiled at her. "It's great to see you again, April," he said, none of the earlier jesting in his voice as he regarded her warmly.

Though she was partly irritated that he'd scared her like that – and annoyed with herself that she hadn't even sensed him coming, for she'd lived with three of them long enough already – April returned the smile, before stepping forwards and wrapping her arms around his shoulders in a short but affectionate embrace, which he quickly returned as his arms encircled her waist. "It's great to see you too, Leo," she said as they drew away. "You have no idea how much I've been looking forward to this. And, I know it's sorta dumb to say this, but…I kinda missed you, Leo…even though it was only last week that I last saw you."

Blinking rapidly in surprise, Leo's eyes widened a fraction before he diverted them elsewhere, pink tinting his usually forest green cheeks. "O-Oh, really?" he stammered, and his cheeks only grew hotter as she giggled at his obvious embarrassment. Clearly, he wasn't used to hearing something like that from anyone, let alone her. "T-That's great. I mean, um…me too. But about you, of course!"

April shook her head with a light chuckle. Figures that she would be the one to make Leonardo, one of the most powerful mutant ninjas she'd ever met, dissolve into a little puddle of bashfulness without even batting an eyelash. Perhaps she had more skills than she'd thought. And speaking of skills…

"Oh, Leo, before I forget," she exclaimed excitedly as she dug into her bag. "I gotta show you what I got last night."

His timidity replaced with curiosity, Leo leaned in close as he watched the redhead fish through her bag, his brow raised. However, he was unprepared when she drew out a long, black weapon…

Weapon?

Eyes widening once more, Leo drew backwards sharply and eyed the contraption in her hand warily, his hand reaching for the handle of his katana out of habit as he narrowed his eyes at it.

His sudden change of demeanor did not go unnoticed as April looked up at him, surprised for a moment, before a mixture of understanding and slight exasperation took over her features. Of course he'd be on the edge if she suddenly pulled out a weapon like that, though she was surprised that he knew it was a weapon before she'd even opened it out. Or was that just a knee-jerk reaction, something he'd developed over the years? She wondered if the other turtles were the same.

"Don't worry, Leo," she assured. "I'm not gonna attack you or anything. I just wanted to show you my new weapon. Check it out!" With a flick of her wrist, the long black stick opened outward, revealing a beautifully decorated metal fan, its surface glistening in the moonlight as she held it outwards.

Leo gasped in wonder, releasing his hold on the hilt of his katana and relaxing his stance as he stared at its shimmering exterior. "Whoa. A Tessen," he breathed, smiling as he folded his arms, regarding the weapon approvingly. This was the first time he'd seen the weapon up close; no one else in the Foot Clan ever used them, not even Karai, for she preferred the sword. He'd only ever seen pictures of them in books that covered Japanese weaponry, which Tiger Claw used to bring him, but they were nothing compared to the real thing. "It's beautiful. Unassuming at first glance, but really powerful. Where did you even manage to get that?" he asked, blue eyes sparkling with eagerness.

April grinned at his expression, flipping the Tessen skilfully with one hand – a skill that Splinter had briefly taught her – though she knew she was kind of showing off. But she couldn't help it. He was actually impressed with her, despite her being a novice! So, why not give her eager audience a decent show?

"Well, during my training session last night, I asked Master Splinter if I could get my own weapon," she explained, not noticing how Leo's smile faltered at the mention of her sensei's name as she went through several stances. "After trying dozens of weapons – which was kind of an epic fail – we finally settled for this. It's not too heavy, but not too light, and it's easier to handle since it's smaller. Pretty cool, right?"

Planting his hands on his hips, Leo nodded with a smile, though it was somewhat forced as he finally took notice of the symbol embellished upon the surface of the Tessen. "Yeah, totally cool," he agreed.

However, as he watched her, and continued to stare at the emblem of the Hamato Clan, he couldn't help but feel…well, he didn't know what to feel exactly. It was great that April was training to become a kunoichi, for it meant that soon enough, she'd be able to take care of herself in a fight…but the thought of her training under Hamato Yoshi, of all people, irked him, for he knew the truth about that two-faced wretch. Also, it meant that one day, he really would have to fight against April, and hurting her was the last thing he wanted.

He wasn't sure how she could do it, but he knew that April could tell whether someone was trying to deceive her or not, like a sixth sense. So why was it that she couldn't she see though Splinter's lies? Why hadn't any of them seen through the lies he was feeding them? Or was it because that he, like the Shredder, was just so good at hiding the fact that he was hiding something?

However, despite his contempt for the rodent, he was rather proud of April as he watched her flick the fan in sharp yet flowing movements, almost like a butterfly. He smiled. She'd only gotten that weapon last night, and yet she was already doing a great job. And knowing her, she'd probably become an expert at it by the end of the month. Or, was she just showing off –?

"Whoa!"

April cried out, snapping Leo out of his thoughts as her hold on the Tessen slipped, sending it flying into the air. The two of them watched, frozen, with growing anxiety as the airborne fan tore through the air and came back again like a boomerang, headed straight for Leo's face.

April gasped. "Leo, look out!"

Seconds before the sharp metal surface could hit its mark, Leo's hand moved sharply, and he caught it by the very tip between two large fingers, inches away from his nose. Folding the fan back again with a jerk of his wrist, he turned to April, who stood unmoving with wide eyes as she stared dumbly at him, and he couldn't restrain his smirk as he handed it back to her. "Well, I'm not gonna lie, you're pretty good," he said. And then raised a brow as his grin widened. "But unless you were trying to take my nose off, you may need to practice a little more before…showing off."

Blinking out of her stunned trance, it was April's turn to grow red as she blushed madly, pouting as she folded her arms over her chest defensively. "Oh…shush," she muttered under her breath. Sheesh, he was just like Raphael when it came to teasing. In fact, she could even see a bit of Splinter in him, with his sarcastic remarks…even the glint in his eye reminded her of the old ninja master. Or, was that just something he'd picked up from his adoptive father, Tiger Claw? She wondered if he and Splinter shared similar traits…

Her thoughts were drawn to a halt when Leo started laughing, pointing at her as he held his stomach and doubled over. Her face growing hotter, April's brows furrowed deeper as she turned to face him. "W-What? What's so funny now?" she pouted.

"Y-Your face!" he squeaked, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye as he continued to cackle. "Y-You're just – hahaha – your pout, it's too precious!" He'd tried not to laugh, really he did. April was still new at wielding the Tessen, and rather than laughing at her, he should've been supportive. But the way she folded her arms and made a face…it reminded him so much of how Karai used to be that it startled him. He wondered, if they were to ever meet face to face – though a part of him hoped that never happened – if they would end up getting along?

With a sharp intake of breath, April gawked at him. "D-Did you just call me precious?" she stammered, trying to keep a straight face even as the giggles began to bubble forth. "I-I am not precious! I'm t-trying…to be mad at you…but you…"

Soon enough, April couldn't fight them off any longer as she, too, succumbed to helpless giggles alongside her blue clad mutant friend. Damn it, she couldn't stay cross with him for very long, no matter how hard she tried. Still, he was in for a heck of a beating, just as soon as she could stop laughing.

It appeared that her hunch was right. This really was fun. And the night had only just begun.

However, as they steadily got themselves under control and straightened up again, they remained unaware of the presence dark that lurked within the shadows of the trees surrounding the area. Through the leaves that hid her metal clad body, amber eyes burned as they stared at the pair in the children's park. Brows furrowed, and behind the metal mask, lips were lifted up in a snarl, and teeth were grinding together.

So, this was where he had to go alone. To Central Park, again. But he wasn't here to meet with any of his brothers, oh no.

He was with a girl. He was with a thin, pretty, redheaded, freckled-faced, crystal-eyed girl, who also happened to know ninjitsu, just like she did.

Now, this little revelation wouldn't have upset Karai as much if it was only due to the fact that he hadn't told her about this girl because he liked her. In fact, she would've been happy for him to have found someone that he could love, and who accepted him for who and what he was. It also would've made for a good round of relentless teasing.

But no. It was clear that he didn't like her, not in that way, that is. If he did, they wouldn't be tussling playfully on the grass after she'd pounced on him with a loud cry, like little lion cubs. No, she was more of a friend to him. And by the looks of it, she was a close friend. And he'd kept it from her, because he couldn't trust her enough to keep it from anyone else.

They were talking together. They were playing together. And they were laughing together.

He was laughing. With her.

That was why he'd been so happy all day. Because he knew that he was going to see and spend time with her.

Her eyes ablaze with fury, Karai stifled a growl that surged from the pit of her chest, her fists clenching and trembling at her sides. He couldn't be serious, could he? Not only had he gone behind her back again, not only was he conversing with a member of the Hamato Clan, judging by the symbol she could see on the Tessen the girl held, but he was…

Oh god.

Was he…planning on leaving the Foot Clan? Was he planning on joining the Hamato Clan for his brothers and Hamato Yoshi instead? Was he going to leave Tiger Claw…and Karai…because of that girl?

A spark of rage lit up within Karai's darkened heart as her breath hitched sharply, her hand reaching back for her sword. No, she wouldn't allow this. She wasn't about to stand by and let that little princess take her friend, her brother, away from her. Leo was the only one she had to confide in, her one and only true friend in the whole world. There was no way she was going to let some prissy, some wannabe kunoichi, snatch him away now, after everything they'd been through together.

She would not let that wretch replace her! She wouldn't let her!

Just as her fingers curled around the hilt of her sword, ready to draw it out before pouncing out of her hiding place to attack, she froze, her eyes widening.

'Wait…what am I doing?'

She was letting her emotions get the better of her, letting them control her body and her thoughts. And if she did, surely she wold end up doing something she would later regret.

This was exactly what her father had warned her about, letting her feelings make themselves known. And besides, if Karai dared to attack that girl now, right in front of him, he would never trust her again. Their bond would be forever broken. But, hadn't he already done that to her? Why shouldn't she return the favor?

'Because I care about him…'

It was true. Despite her cold heart and her dismissive nature towards others, Karai cared too much to do that to Leonardo. He'd been through enough betrayal and heartbreak in his life already, and adding her of all people to that growing list…it was just cruel, even for her. And…maybe he was just confused after everything that had happened in the past few months. Also, she couldn't find it in her to blame him for wanting companionship outside of the Foot, for she'd once desired the same before she met Leo.

'Damn it, Leonardo…'

With a soft, irritated grunt, Karai released her sword, her hand slowly moving back to her side. And with a deep scowl lining her concealed features, Karai fled from the scene, bounding from branch to branch as she flew through the trees with soundless elegance, not once looking back. Whether or not Leo knew what he was doing, as long as he didn't end up getting hurt, or leaving the Foot – leaving her – then there was nothing she could that wouldn't endanger their bond any more than it already had been.

However, the same couldn't be said for the little redhead.

Karai couldn't hurt Leonardo. She would never hurt him. But she could teach that little girl a lesson.

She would show that girl that she couldn't take her brother away from her with a pretty face, fancy tricks and a smile.

'You'd better watch your back, little princess. Next time, you won't be so lucky.'

With that final thought, Karai disappeared, doing everything in her power to block out the sound of the girl's laughter as she faded into the night...

A/N: Uh oh...

I know this was kinda rushed, but I didn't want to drag it out for too long if you know what I mean, but I hope you like it! :) But just to be clear, Karai and Leo are purely platonic in this story. Sorry all you Leorai shippers (even though I AM one XD)

But, does Karai sound like someone else we all know...? That doesn't sound good...