Perching alongside the edge of the Byerly Building, he closed his eyes, inhaling deeply as the late night air wafted over his skin. He serenely exhaled, faintly smiling. Drumming bulbous fingers across his thigh after he sat, taut legs dangled over the ledge while scanning nearby. Swinging his feet to the left, he twisted until jumping down from the ledge, sighing heavily knowing too much time had passed. Placing his hands behind him, he balanced on an imaginary straight line, moseying forward just to catch a glimpse of a store several stories below.
The polished katana was still displayed, glimmering through the large window of the storefront. Leonardo quickly noticed onyx leather embroidering the handle, imagining copious hands holding it while in a readying stance, feeling the dense weight of the weapon as he swung toward his opponent. He would imagine being as skillful as the legendary Miyamoto Musashi.
Instinctively he shook the abashed thought away, turning to remove his gaze from the store, only to immerse in heavy amber stare.
"K-Karai!" Leonardo's eyes widened, stepping back once their chests met. "Um, when did you get here?" He took notice the way she angled a hip to the side, gloved hand over plum sash.
Red lips curved upward before profoundly speaking.
"I was beginning to think you were a no show. But you don't disappoint."
The terrapin blinked twice, shifting his eyes back to the katana.
"What's this about?"
"That." She pointed behind him, directly at the shop. He winced, clearly knowing what was to be asked next.
"Are you gonna ask me to assist you in getting the sword?"
She affirmed with a nod.
"And it's yours. If you help me."
That certain gleam in her eye told she wouldn't take no for an answer. But he couldn't give in. He refused to act on impulse.
"I can't," he decisively replied. Large hands reached to hold slim shoulders, stepping closer as he looked up. "And you can't either." Karai playfully rolled her eyes, smirk never leaving her face, continuing to eye the inviting katana blade.
"You know you deserve that katana."
Pressing his lips tight, Leonardo let go, disappointingly facing away.
"Stop being responsible Leo." Her low voice echoed in his right ear, warm breath meeting his skin as long fingertips trailed alongside his well-built arm. "Stop waiting for people to give you the life you want." He eased into her touch once her cool cheek rested upon his, tilting just for her lips to hover over the corner of his mouth. "Go out…and take it." Inhaling a sharp breath, Leonardo brought his palm behind her neck, fingers loosely playing with her short hair, tenderly pulling her towards him. He watched as she closed her eyes, arm securely draping around him. Hesitantly, his eyelids began to droop, mouth parting to welcome the affection he dreamt for months.
But, she didn't understand him.
He frowned at the lingering thought. She was going to get her way, and would try anything to get whatever she desired. But, she didn't know any better. At least, not yet.
Frowning, he pulled back, removing her arm from his shoulder.
"No. This…this isn't right." He took a few steps backward, until his calves met the cement ledge. Placing tight fists over ample hips, she cocked her head. "You can't act like this. Karai, you're better than that." She scoffed, tapping her foot impatiently. "Please, Karai. Let's just go."
"You're starting to bore me."
Azure eyes flicked over to the hand unsheathing the tanto blade, swiftly reaching to stop her by placing a restraining palm.
"Karai, you don't have to do this." He felt her loosen her fingers, letting him take her hand to his chest.
"I know. That's what makes it fun!" The kunoichi twirled around until her back met his plastron, free hand gripping his caught wrist to haul him forward. Though, Leonardo brought his foot over an ankle, tripping her until she staggered, letting him free.
"Stop it!" he shouted, fists against his temples. "You aren't meant for this, you have to listen to me!" When noting Karai wasn't focusing, readying to sheathe her blade, the turtle slumped to the ground, kneeling before her. His head hung, fingers digging at his knees.
She narrowed her eyes in confusion, stilling her movement.
"I know I failed you. And I wished I was there for you whenever you needed help. I should've thought less about myself, and more about your well-being." He glanced up, hoping she wouldn't run away before he could finish. "I care for you, Karai. Trust me on that.
"There are gonna be moments were you'll be confused, about your family, your past, and yourself. But, you have to be strong. You have to believe me when I tell you the truth…" His breathing soon staggered, quickly wiping his eyes with a knuckle, but the hot tears continued to descend, trickling over the back of his hand, to his wrist, until it fell off his forearm. "I really…I…" He looked up, blurred vision catching her distant form.
He slammed his fists against the cement rooftop as he watched her go, falling on all fours once letting out shattering voiceless cries throughout the brisk night.
Burying his face between his hands, he stifled his sobs while the scenery disintegrated, bright white room replacing the hologram. The vivid lights warmed his carapace, bringing him to sit up to wipe the stream of tears away.
Rising from the floor, he hobbled over to the door directing him to the controls, assertive voice still resonating as the door shut behind him.
Once standing in front of the door leading to the long hallway, he stopped. Calloused palm made one final effort to conceal any evidence.
"Just breathe." He inhaled and exhaled slowly, steadying his heart rate, and abandoning everything from moments ago. Once fully composed, Leonardo veiled a stern expression before stepping out and walking through the hallway which eventually lead to the main room of the ship. As the door swooshed open, his ears caught the loud chatter over the occasional tapping of buttons.
"Well, it's about time!" He turned toward the sarcastic tone of his brother, smirking as he confidently walked in the direction of Raphael. "Whatcha been talkin' with Splinter anyways?"
Leonardo patted a hand on his shoulder just before passing him.
"I just needed to clear my mind, Raph." He gulped, throat clogged by what felt like cotton, when hearing his heart thud against his plated chest.
"Well," Donatello interrupted, "I'm glad you took your time, Leo. That'll definitely enable you to recover an enhanced focal point in your leadership ski -" The lean terrapin yelped once a thick fist from the brooding brother struck his bicep.
"Knock it off with the mumbo jumbo, Nerdatello!"
The purple clad turtle pursed his lips while rubbing the stinging ache from his arm, mumbling underneath his breath as cherry brown eyes narrowed.
Seeing the brothers go their separate ways, Leonardo strolled casually until reaching the large window, showing the infinite galaxy. He pulled his hands back, fingers enclosing a wrist as he looked out, thoughts resuming to her while quietly standing still.
Leonardo pictured meeting Karai once returning, seeing her alive and well, reaching out to him for a warming embrace just after their hindered reunion.
Through the reflection of the glass, he watched his brothers and friends prepare for their next expecting venture.
Cobalt eyes squinted through the damp mask, mind fiddling a lecture to prepare them for any awaiting danger they may encounter.
He had to think about them, instead of suffocating himself in the past. What's been done is done, and it didn't matter anymore. Just as long as their homecoming goes as planned.
And returning to search for her, he silently longed.
Leonardo swiftly faced them, knuckles over the rims of his sides, clearing his throat to gather his team's attention.
This time, he wouldn't let her get away.
His chest swelled as he deeply inhaled, confidence soon returning once beginning his speech.
