Karai lingered, rolling her eyes when another five minutes passed by.

He was late.

She hated waiting around for someone. Especially when that someone relentlessly begged her to meet him at their usual spot. She scoffed. Wasn't punctuality an essential part in Ninjitsu?

Long legs dangled by the edge of where she sat, arms tightly folded over her chest. I'll give him five more minutes, she decided after angrily kicking her feet in the air.


Leonardo sprinted, knowing all too well she would be displeased about his tardiness. His perfectly planned surprise was already ruined. Thanks a lot bros, he muttered under his breath. In his head, he prepared everything. From being two minutes early to presenting her a small gesture she'd happily accept. And after everything they've been through, he was certain this was the appropriate moment. Hopefully, his brothers wouldn't let him down. This time.

Finally arriving at the rooftop of the Byerly building, he let out a sigh of relief. She actually waited for him. Even if he was almost half an hour late. Leo stood a few feet away, admiring Karai's presence. The turtle was taken back once catching a glimpse of exceptional beauty. Her normally fair skin glowed brighter just as the moonlight beamed at her direction. He couldn't help but ogle at full red lips, almost jumping when a digit brushed the corner of her mouth. It was just too surreal seeing her like that.

Finally able to break away from his held gaze, he twiddled his thumbs over his belt purely out of nervousness.

"Hey," he lightly greeted, wincing at Karai's groan. "I apologize for being late." Quickly he paced. "It really wasn't my intention to keep you waiting." The kunoichi remained silent, listening to his nonstop stammer. "I should've been on time, I know. It won't happen again. Things just didn't go as planned." Yes, she was a bit annoyed. Standing around looking like a fool really wasn't her idea of starting anew as a refugee. Again. But, seeing him all jumpy and uneasy, normally small eyes now widened in an unrelaxed way, really made her dismiss any anger she had. He really was cute.

"Leonardo." He turned toward his name being called, not remembering her getting up to move close enough to be at arm's length. Catching her sly grin, he smiled back, knowing she really wasn't at all bothered. "Why did you call me here for? It couldn't be for another late night sparring session. Right?"

He chuckled, shaking his head.

"Not tonight." His restless demeanor soon kicked in. The leader in blue glanced around before settling his gaze at her once more. "Umm, well…" A hand rubbed the back of his neck, trying to search for the right words. "…I actually had something for you…"

"Oh?" Amber eyes brightened in interest, soon peering over his shoulder, looking for anything that seemed like a nicely wrapped gift. "Where is it?"

Again, blue eyes darted, frowning when seeing his brothers hadn't come through.

"Okay." He breathed. After days of cranking out ideas for the perfect way to ask her, it all fell apart the last minute. Don't overthink it, his brothers advised, just go for it. He simply couldn't. Months of battling Shredder, kraang, and any other foe they constantly fought took time away from searching for her. But she was constantly in the back of his mind. Worrying and wondering. Now here she was. Waiting. For him.

Leo reached out, thick fingers subtly brushing her hand. When seeing she didn't pull away, he gently held her hand, smiling. Karai blinked, concerned by the sudden change of atmosphere. His thumb softly stroke the back of her hand, ignoring the hammering against his chest.

"Will you come back home with me? As in, live with us as a Hamato?"

She felt her throat clogged by what felt like cotton. Muscles tensed. Unsure. Was he asking…? Before she could answer, they heard something fly over their heads, causing them to curiously look up. Leo smiled as Karai remained confused when watching a small drone carry a medium sized box. The blue-clad turtle grinned once the drone lowered. Carefully, it dropped the box into Leonardo's awaiting hands. He waved at the contraption as it flew away, eagerly facing Karai while nudging the box towards her.

She leaned over, catching a whiff of overused, sugary frosting. Her brows knitted together.

"A cake?"

He slumped his shoulders, but quickly regained fixed posture.

"It isn't made of algae and worms. I promise."

She continued eyeing at the box suspiciously.

"It's not my birthday."

"I know." Bashfully, Leo flickered a smile. "The cake is just an extra."

Leo held in a breath as her hand ghosted the corner of the box. She purposely dawdled around, seeing how adorable he acted when anticipating. It was too cute to not take advantage of.

Pursing red lips together, Karai stepped back, sauntering away.

"Well?" she asked when seeing he wasn't following her. "Are we going home or not?"

Hugging the box close to his chest, he happily nodded, excited to once again be reunited. For real this time.

Leonardo trailed behind, carrying the unopened box, a bit disappointed his plan hadn't gone picture-perfect. She didn't lift the lid to read the four neatly spelled out words in light blue, gel frosting.

At least, not yet.