Chapter 17
I've always heard of living life in slow motion. For just a few seconds, time stops and the world around you comes to a halt. Me personally, I've never experience such a moment in my life. Never had the earth stop turning for me to live a moment, either good or bad, in slow motion. Until today, until now. However, it didn't happen when or how I thought it would. I always suspected that I had to be moving, in motion, hence slow motion. No talking involved. I was wrong. It was when Leo's hand slide from my grip that my world took a pause. His hand, while probably in normal speed, slowly reached out and pulled me backwards. He held me close. Then? Then Leo spoke. That was at a reduced speed as well. His words hit my ears slowly, his words were long and hesitant, but sincere. And when he spoke, it took my breath away. Leo spent months in silences. Unresponsive. Then without warning, he spoke, just like that. His voice, just as sweet as I remembered it.
There's a long pause before I decide to speak, "L-Leo...what did you say?" I heard it, I knew what he said, but disbelief plugged my ears at the moment when reality sunk back it.
"Thank you." The blue masked turtle spoke again. His words hit my ears and danced within my head. They were a bit raspy from not talking for so long, but still clear and understandable. A smile tugged at my lips and eventually took over my face. My heart swelled as I turned and faced him, breaking out of his grip.
"You...you spoke!" I point out what's bluntly obvious.
"Yeah..." He did it again, this time smiling, "...I guess I did- uh, am."
It was amazing, what I was seeing, hearing, feeling. Within seconds, I wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging him happily, fighting back tears of joy. After months of him shutting me out, he's finally ready to let me back in.
"That's amazing Leo!" I cried out joyfully as he hugged me back, resting his head on top of mine. The feeling of his embrace, being in his arms, I can't explain it, but it just felt right. As of right now, even just for a brief moment, everything almost felt perfect. And I love him- uh, the feeling. I love the feeling. I sighed internally, the perfection gone and replaced by denial and confusion.
Maybe...I do have feelings for Leo...
"Nicole?" My name left his lips, snapping me from my thoughts and fantasies. I felt a few tears fall onto my head. Leo...he's crying.
"Yeah?"
"I...I'm sorry" He stuttered out an apology, holding me closer to him, "For everything."
I smile, even though he can't see it, I swear he can feel it, "Hey, it's okay. You don't have to apologize."
Leo was about to protest, but fell silent. And if I'm being honest, a twinge of fear spiked inside me, scared that Leo will remain mute again.
"Let's go to the living room." I purpose and guide the blind mutant back to the couch, although he no longer needs my help to navigate around the house. I sat him down and pulled out my cellphone.
"What are you doing?" Leo asked, somehow knowing I had a phone in hand.
"I'm texting Marie and Kenzie to cancel our plans tonight." I explained, beginning to type my message.
"Why?"
"I wanna spend the night with you." I state simply, my cheeks dusting with pink.
"You don't have to do that, your friends are-" Leo began but I shushed him by pressing a finger to his lips. This time, he blushed.
"Leo, you're getting better, we should celebrate. My friends aren't important right now. Besides," I paused and press the send button, "I just sent the message anyway. The deed is done." I smile and let slip a small giggle of reassurance. Leo smiles back at me and pulls me down onto him, snuggling on the couch and he kisses my head.
"Thank you." His voice, now smooth and clear. I can tell there's so much he wants to say, after all, he went months without speaking.
"You're welcome." I say then nuzzle close to him. Leo and I, we had an odd relationship. Are we dating? Are we just close friends? I'm not sure. Does he love me? Do I love him? I'm also not sure. I wish I could be certain of what I wanted like I use to. I wanted to graduate from culinary school, take up apprenticeship, then go from there. My future set for me. But ever since Leo came into my life, now I'm not so sure to what I want. What I actually need, "What do you want to do tonight?" I wonder, pushing my thoughts away.
"What do you mean?" He questions with a tilt of his head.
"How do you want to celebrate, I mean, we gotta do something."
Leo's expression tells me that I caught him by surprise, "Oh um...I-I'm not sure."
"Well, I have an idea." I announce and stand up, "We need jackets though, I might have one in the back for you." I start to walk away, but Leo grabbed my hand in an instant.
"Nicole wait!" He blurts out, his beautiful blind eyes wide, "I gotta tell you something."
"Oh, sure, what's up?" I ask curiously, wondering what Leo was pondering about while we were cuddling.
"I just, I gotta tell you how much I love-" Leo starts and my heart jumps to my throat.
Say it, say it, say it...
"...and appreciate all that you've done with me." Leo finishes his sentence with less emphasis and anticipation. I can practically hear his internal face palm within his words. Nonetheless I decide to ignore it, ignore the desire to know what he was really going to say, going to admit.
"It was no trouble at all." I say with a fake smile as I feel myself shatter with disappointment. Just keeping walking. I tell myself silently and go fetch the jacket for Leo, if I even have one that'll fit him. Walking back to him after a few minutes of search, I hold up two jackets, a white one for me, and a big black hoodie for Leo. I help him put it on, and I must say, when he gets it on, he looks good.
"Um...Nicole? Why am I wearing this?" Leo asking, putting his hands in the pockets, his partially blind eyes holding curiosity.
"Cause we're gonna go outside, it's nighttime so it's cold." I explain while zipping up my white leather jacket, "You ready to go?" I hold out my hand for him to grab.
"Yeah, I think so, where are we going?" The blue banded reptile grabs my hand as he speaks. His grip firm yet gentle at the same time, sending shivers up my spine.
"It's a surprise." I smirked and start walking, dragging Leo along with me, "Trust me, you'll love it."
Leo chuckled and agreed to follow me. We weren't going anywhere far, I just guided him into my kitchen and onto my balcony. When we stepped outside, we could immediately feel the crisp cool air hitting out skin. With every breath you sucked in, the cold would prick your teeth and glide to the back of your throat. Leo shivered beside me, I looked his way and smiled.
"You already getting cold?"
He laughed nervously, his eyes flickering back and forth between me and the blank space behind me. His gaze trying to focus on me, now that little by little Leo's vision is returning, he's been trying to make out shapes more. He described it as like seeing objects highlighted in white on a black canvas.
"Umm, no, I'm good." He said with a cheeky smile, "Let's keep going."
"Alright, it's just up this latter" I instruct and take Leo's hand, placing it against the cool metal. And with that, we started to climb up.
Leo stood profoundly over the edge of the rooftop, staring out into the city of Paris. Many of the lights were on, including the Eiffel tower. It sparkled like the stars and could be seen from miles away. I stood a little behind Leo, pretending to look at the view, but really looking at him.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Leo turned his head and smiled back at him. His breath coming out in small clouds, disappearing into the night withing seconds.
I gaze at the scene before me, a smiling tugged at my lips. "Yeah, it is beautiful." I stare at it for a few moment, Leo still smiling back at me. I've been up here hundreds of times before, but something about tonight is different. Maybe the lights are shining brighter, or the moon is raised a little higher, or maybe there's more stars out tonight. I can't exactly place my finger on it. Something about the view, it's just more beautiful than it ever was before.
"Do you think you can describe it to me? My vision is still a little fuzzy." There he goes, that nervous smile again. I love it. How dorky it looks, how adorable it looks.
"Sure." I say and smile sweetly, "It'll be my pleasure."
I walk up beside him, getting a better view as I look down on Paris, observing everything. I want to get every small detail to resit to Leo, not wanting to miss out a single thing. I start by describing the very rooftop we're standing on. Everything from the grey-brown shade of the bricks, to all the chips of imperfections on them. I describe the scene below us, the empty side walks and silent streets. The brightly lit roads and buildings, to the dim park just a few blocks away where the mighty tower stands. I describe how the tower looks underneath it's lights and the stars, how bright it looks plastered against the night sky, how high the moon is and how the sun is nowhere to be seen. I describe everything, every last detail.
"Wow." Leo speaks breathlessly and takes a seat, "It's even more beautiful then what I can already see"
"Y-yeah..." My voice trails off as I stare out into the scenery again, my teeth chattering. I tilt my head with confused curiosity. Just moments ago, I was looking at the same view as I am now, but something's different. It seems almost less stunning than it was before. But what changed? Everything still seems the same. And then the answer struck me. It was not all the shimmering lights that I adored, it wasn't the stars nor the moon that cast beauty upon what I saw. It was none of those things. I realized that what I loved so much about early, was Leo. He was making the scene perfect. And now he's sitting down, out of view from a front. Leo is what's missing.
"Are you cold?" Leo's voice breaks the unnoticed silence as I turn my head back towards him.
"Huh?" Utter confusion hands heavy in my tone, but Leo only chuckles.
"I asked if you're cold, your teeth are chattering."
Despite the cool atmosphere around me, my cheeks warmed up with an embarrassed blush. I knew I couldn't stand here in utter silence. I had to spit something out.
"W-well I um..." I stuttered, my blush intensifying, "I-I guess so..."
Leo just smiled warmly and tapped the spot next to him, motioning me to sit down. If not for the weather, then just the mere sight of his smile would have warmed me to the core. Nevertheless, I sat down next to him anyway, glad to be near the mutant turtle. I'd much rather be with Leo then any of my friends. Besides, I have only two. They don't make me feel like Leo does. Leo, he makes me feel special. And wanted. And loved.
The blue masked turtle wrapped his muscly arms around me, bringing me in close, keeping me warm. My head rested against his shoulder like it was meant to be there, fitting perfectly in the crook of his neck and his shoulder blade. Every cooled breath was a treasured one as for this moment was the element of perfect. It can't be broken down into something more simple, even if one tried. It was just me, and him, alone with the stars above our heads and the cold night air. The blissful silence that filled our ears was unblemished. To sit here in silence, to remain completely quiet, to be able to compose such a soft symphony, it was astonishing.
Leo gently wrapped his arm further around my shoulder, bringing me in close even closer. I fit like a puzzle piece in his arms, like I was born to be in his embrace. Everything about him I love. I love the way his voice squeaks when he's nervous, I love his dedication to things, I love his leader like skills, I love his hidden sweet side, I love all of his soft spots, I love his mysteries. I have yet to know what's in the brown shoulder bag that came with this wonderful turtle the day I rescued him. But that's not all I love about him. I love his gentle touch, I love the way he smiles around me, I love the way his hand feels when entangled with mine. And even though I know they won't be like this forever, I do find myself loving his wandering blind eyes. The intensity of the blue in them. The clear emotions that shine withing them. But most of all? I just love him. I love Leo.
"Hey...Nicole?" The silence shatters around us like fragile glass, "...can...can I tell you something?" Leo says, his beautiful voice filling my ears once more.
"Sure., you know you can tell me anything." I reply, still staring up at the endless night sky. The stars shimmered above us, the moon cast his stunning moonlight down upon us. Leo's viper green skin shown beneath the rays of light peaking through the night clouds. And I? I was right beside me, waiting, pondering on what he would tell. The possibilities were considered endless. But in that moment, I knew what he was going to say, I could almost see the words forming on his lips before he even began, hear them ringing in my ears before he made a sound. Yes. I thought. Say it, please. Speak.
Leo let out a shuttering beneath as a pink tint rose against his cheeks. His sparkling blind eyes looking far out into the distanced yet right at me at the same time, "W-well...you see...I um I think-" he sighed and looked away, tilting his head down towards the rooftop, "Nicole, I think I'm in love with you."
My world stopped spinning, the sound of my pounding heart filled my ears, yet Leo's words were still crystal clear. While my mind was doubting he spoke at all, I could tell this was real. It really happened, Leo said he loves me...or at least he think he does. But hey, that's good enough for me.
"Hey Leo?" My voice came out surprisingly soft and calm, not reciprocating at all what I was feeling inside. I heard Leo suck in a soft breath, holding it in with nervousness, "I think I love you too." My heart swell in my chest, both with joy and fear. What if I didn't actually hear him right? What if he said something completely different? I just don't know, and honestly I don't know if I wanna know. Perhaps it's better if I don't say or do anything at all right now. Just give everyone time to let this situation sink in.
"Can I..." His voice trailed off, the fret in his tone was adorable. He was scared, he was anxious, he was so cute. And I knew exactly what he wanted to say. I leaned out of his embrace to face him. I saw his worried face and instantly smiled.
"I thought you'd never ask." And with that I leaned it, pressing my lips against his, planting a kiss on him. Leo didn't waste a moment to kiss back, and when he did, it was everything I dreamed it would be. His touch, his taste, it's all so enchanting. I could get lost in it. The way his arms snaked around my lower back, pulling me in deeper, holding me closer, kissing me more passionately. It was perfect.
The kiss only lasted mere seconds, no longer than your average kiss. But mine was special. Mine was everything a girl could want for a kiss. It was hopelessly romantic and cliche, but it was perfection. For once I acted first, I kissed him. I was brave. I was courageous. I wasn't me. The normal me, I'm small and fragile. I'm quiet, shy, and barely noticeable. I don't do brave things. I don't do courageous things. I like my comfort zone, I like thinking inside the box. I don't go out on a limb, I don't take risks. I'm paranoid, I'm safe. But no, not this time. This time, I was not myself at all. I made the first move, I was the one who kissed him. Because I love him. I know now that for certain, I love Leo. Around him, I'm different, I'm not myself. I'm better. I'm everything I wished to be. And now, I wish to be with Leo.
"W-wow..." Leo spoke breathlessly, his face burning bright red with a blush. I knew my face looked the same. Leo reached his hand up and graced his fingers down my cheek, brushing a piece of stray hair behind my ear, "You're so beautiful."
"Y-you can see me?" I question, not knowing how to take the compliment.
"Not really, you're more of a blur, but I can feel you. I just know that you're pretty."
"Oh uh...t-thank you." I look away, unable to look at him, unable to think of something to say. I feel his strong hand cup my cheek as he turns my head back towards him and plants another kiss on my lips, this one more gentle and light. I chuckle softly, "I could get use to this"
He smirked, his white teeth peaking, glinting from underneath his lips. His taste still lingers on mine, his sweet, almost tangy taste that I seem to want more of. Craving him like I physically need it.
"Heh, I could too." He said. His voice melting my ears. His touch making my heart flutter, "Thank you..." He added, "For tonight, it was great. Really...cleared my mind, you know?"
"Yeah, it was nice, we should get back inside before we catch a cold though" I suggested and stood up, offering my hand to him. When Leo took it, I continued, "Besides, it's about time for your eye drops right? Few more weeks and your eyes will be as good as new"
A wide grin spread across Leo's face, hope filling his gorgeous blue eyes. I wished in that moment that his eyes would hold that hope forever. Leo needed very little assistants going back down and climbing back onto the balcony, he barely needs any help navigating at all. It's like he's not blind at all. Like for the pass months I haven't been taking care of him and haven't shown him the way around this building. He knew it like the back of his hand. I've known Leo for months upon months now, yet I know so little about him. He's so mysterious, silent but strong. He's reserved, like a shell that has yet to be cracked. I don't pester him about his life elsewhere than from here, he's told me a little bit about it, but not much.
"Are you coming in?" He smiles at him as I realize I'm hovering in the doorway, "Or are ya just going to stand there?"
My cheeks flush a shade of pink and I enter my apartment, closing the door as Toby circles my feet with a goofy dog-grin on his wrinkled face. I see Leo with his hand now extended for me to take this time and a grin on his face as well. For a moment, everything seems perfect. Like this is the way everything is meant to be. My heart rate pounding, the joy in my chest, the smile on my face, they all just feel so right. For a moment, all is right.
Okay, so it's been way too long since I posted. I have excuses, but I won't bore you. However, I do have some good news! I finished typing all the chapters of this story, and they should be up soon. Maybe weekly, maybe daily, I have no idea. Point is, this story is nearly done, and updates won't take nearly as long. I'll even post the next chapter right after this one. Again, I'm sorry for taking so long, I'm kinda a lazy ass.
Anyway, reviews are always appreciated and thanks to everyone for their patients! Next few chapters should be up soon
-DarkSecrets3
