He lays on the king sized bed, with the lights turned off as the moon cascades from the uncovered window, contemplating why he is here tonight. His massive body can barely fit on the mattress which contains thin light blue ruffled sheets. The lavender essence enters his nostrils as he breathes in, while he shuts his eyes and places his arms behind his head. He feels her shifting under the sheets as she covers him up with her underneath the tangled mess, although it does not warm him enough. His head turns to his right in which meets her short ruffled dark hair, tickling his chin. She sighs out contently when she wraps her right arm around his chest, situating herself to lay her cheek on his plastron-like torso. He opens his blue eyes and softly smiles as he lies next to her, armor-less and defense-less.

"Thank you for caring." Her alto voice brings him back from drifting off into dreamland. He nods as he brings his left hand to graze the smoothness of her arm. She tightens her embrace, as he permits her, for she is still recuperating. He feels apologetic, since he did not want anyone to get hurt in the battle—it was not honorable. After days of investigating on her whereabouts, he finally found her location and Leonardo grew the courage to see her at her apartment. He had to know if she was alright, because he felt that it was his responsibility as a true and honorable warrior. She moves her hand to encircle tiny unseen shapes onto his chest, while humming him an old Japanese folk song. He again starts to close his eyes as she continues her lullaby.

"It is the most honorable thing to do." She pauses and glances up at him while bringing her free arm around his neck, trying to bring him closer to her. He gazes down at her and shyly smiles. She likes his bashful and chivalrous nature, something she always admired in a man. He ultimately lowers his right arm and places it on her lower back as his fingertips graze her uncovered skin. She quietly moans as he settles back onto the soft pillow with more contentment.

"You make me feel like gold, Leonardo." He is surprised by her statement, as he never thought she would feel like this. His fingertips begin to slowly rub circles on her delicate exposed back, still being cautious of the bandages that wrap around her chest and waist. He lifts his head to peek down at the scratches on her face, her high cheekbones still visible underneath the small white cotton Band-Aids. He welcomes the warmness of her body, her presence, as well as her gentle breathing, something he thought he would never experience in his entire life. As he returns his head onto the softness of the pillow, she traces her hand to his hard muscular biceps, admiring every detailed scale, scrape, and indent. She smiles, enjoying her moment with her caretaker, whom is supposed to be her enemy.

"Arigato, Leo-san." Maybe she would renounce her duties as a Foot Clan member and gain honor another way.


Inspired by the song 'Gold', sung by Sofia Karlberg