AUTHORS NOTE
So, I think most people agreed that the last chapter was better. Now, who is ready for this chapter? The party is coming up! YIKES! I thought that at 4 chapters it would have been done. But no… I must be a slow writer! :) Anyway, here you go!
END OF AUTHORS NOTE
The lab was silent except for the quiet hum of the heater and a young turtle was just getting up. Leo scanned the room in surprise. Why was he in the lab? And then the recounts of yesterday appeared in his mind. He chuckled as he slipped out of the bed that he had been laid in and walked to the lab door in silence, only to be stopped by deep grumble.
"Now where are you going?" he heard Raph sigh as he got up and stumbled over to Leo, picking him and chucking him on the bed. Leo squealed in surprise and hit Raph on the head.
"RAPHAEL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" he whisper shouted which stopped Raphael in his tracks. He glanced over and looked at his brother! He was awake! Thank the Gods! And Donatello.
"You're awake!" he said brining the chair closer. Leo raised an eyebrow. Why did he sound so relieved? Leo began to worry about how long he had been out.
"Yes I am! Now why did you throw me in the bed!" he demanded and Raph felt as is his face was on fire. He took a deep breath and tried to explain.
"Ya kept sleep walking alright? And I had to drag you into bed" he said and he turned and left the room slamming the door. Leo winced. His brother had only been trying to help him, and he had been rude. Raph was in the dojo when Leo decided to apologize, just sitting on the dojo floor, talking to his pet.
"I mean, he'll never understand… chew on your leaf if ya think I'm right Spike" he told his turtle as he rambled on. The turtle just looked at him with a stern gaze. But he never took a bite of the leaf.
"Hey" a voice interrupted and Raph saw Leo walk in looking sad. He rolled his eyes and then glared at a space on the wall.
"What?"
"I-I just wanted to say that I'm sorry" Leo mumbled. Raph decided to play a small joke with his brother that they hadn't done since they were little. He forgave Leo, and Leo deserved this.
"I didn't quite hear that." He called out. Leo looked up in surprise and his face grew into a grin. Raph had forgiven him, so he played along. He tried again, a tad louder but Raph went on.
"Fearless, speak up" he called and he chuckled as he heard Leo sigh in exasperation.
"Ok! I AM SORRY!" He shouted and Raph jumped in surprise. Leo was still smiling and Raph got up and walked over to his brother.
"I really am though Raph…" he said quietly and Raph grabbed his chin and lifted his head.
"I know" Raph said and they both smiled. They stared until they heard their brothers in the kitchen. Leo snapped first and turned on his heel and walked away quickly.
Stupid STUPID LEO! You can't fall in love! It's wrong to love your own brother! He will reject you, your brothers will hate you and Master Splinter will disown you! GET IT IN YOUR HEAD! a voice shouted in his head.
Leo mentally nodded in agreement. Everything that voice said was true. He sighed and continued his way to the kitchen only to be stopped by 2 foot ninja's. He got into an immediate attack position.
How did they get into the lair? They weren't allies any more.
But these foot ninja's looked a bit different in size. They were extremely muscly and were fat in their backs. Not to mention their fingers looked strange.
He kicked them and gave the one on his right a punch.
"LEO! STOP! IT'S ME, MIKEY!"
Leo stopped and stared. He grabbed the mask which revealed Michelangelo's head. He did the same to the other which was Donnie's head. All three brothers laughed and laughed.
Leo had fallen for the same prank 2 years ago before he left for South America. As Raph walked in, he saw the costumes and Leo. They were all still laughing and didn't notice him.
Raph looked Leo's face. It looked so joyous and happy. He smiled and he walked into the area and grabbed three bags and tossed them at each of his brothers.
"Raph, what is this?" Leo asked. Raph shook his head.
They opened the bags carefully and each gave a cry of astonishment and awe.
"Neat bro! I got lollies! And the best! "Mikey shouted. Don smiled and thanked his brother for his gum and Mentos and tic-tac's. Anything to suck on while doing work was Don's Halloween treat.
Leo still didn't say anything. He had looked in the bag and his face betrayed his shock. Don dragged Mikey to the lab, saying they could do some trades and see how much they got. Raph placed a hand on Leo's shoulder.
"Is it alright?" he asked unsure. He knew that Leo liked this brand of chocolate, and it had taken forever to find, but he suddenly doubted that he had selected the right brand.
"Leo?" he said again.
Leo turned to Raph with happiness glimmering in his eyes. He jumped on Raph and gave him a hug so tight; Raph thought he had squeezed the breath out of him.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Leo shouted happily as he hugged him. This was why he liked Raph. Although he was a hot head, violent and hard headed, he was kind, compassionate and generous as well.
Raph smiled. He had brought an even bigger smile to Leonardo's face.
"Happy Halloween Leo!" he said as he let go. Leo smiled.
"Happy Halloween Raph"
They grabbed a small breakfast and decided to prank there other brothers who were still in Donnie's lab. They set it up perfectly and waited for their prey to come. Soon enough, the two did come out chatting.
Leo and Raph grabbed a cake out and placed it in front of them.
"I also bought this from the bakery! Try it! It's awesome!" Mikey smiled and took a slice that was offered. Don also took one and they both took a bite.
After 4 seconds their mouths scrunched up and they spat out what they thought was cake. It was actually sponge covered in tooth paste. Leo and Raph laughed and high threed each other for their success.
"TRICK OR TREAT!" they yelled as they continued laughing. Mikey and Don secretly smiled at each other. Plan Raphenardo was in action! And tonight, they were going to succeed.
"Really Leo? That's twice with a prank that involves tooth paste!" Mikey complained, but he was laughing as well.
The phone started ringing and Don went to answer it.
"Hello?"
Muffled voices were over the phone line and Don smiled and nodded.
"Okay, Casey, thanks! We'll be there!"
He hung up and turned to the expectant group.
"Casey was just telling us the time that the party started and ended. He suggested coming probably half an hour or an hour after the party has started, but we can leave at the same time. Is that okay Leo?" he asked knowingly. Leo would be worried about being seen.
Leo smiled. "It's fine by me. You guys just need a good time."
Raph raised his eye while Mikey said "What about you? Aren't you going to have a good time?"
Leo let out a small laugh.
"Me? The uptight leader? Have a good time? I can try Mikey, but I'm more content to just watching and maybe talking with Casey and April"
Raph rolled his eyes. He leaned over to whisper into Leo's ear.
"You forgot all the moves I showed ya?" Leo's cheeks turned pink but be smiled and whispered back.
"Not at all. I remember all of it. It's just putting it into action" Raph smirked and Don came over.
"So Leo, what did you learn from yesterday's experience?" he sounded like a teacher trying to get a little kid to say what he learned.
Leo just smiled.
"Never take a pill that is just lying around in the lab as it may put me to bed like sleeping beauty" he stated.
"ARGH! SHE WAS THE MOST HIDIOUS PRINCESS EVER!" Mikey shouted, his face screwing up. They all had a small laugh.
Leo checked the clock. 7:26Am. Time for some meditation. He slipped away while the others started to make breakfast. He sat on the mat and lit his favourite candle. It was the one that Raphael had made for him as a birthday gift.
He and Mikey had collected the wax and he had asked Donnie to print some designs off for him so he could carve a nice pattern. He had also engraved some Sais and a katana crossing. Leo inhaled the soft sweet honey coated fragrance and sighed.
He lit another. It was one that Master Splinter had made with Raph so he could make his proper gift. It had a vanilla scent and he adored the 2 mixed together.
He frowned. Master Splinter. They hadn't heard from him in the four days since he left. How was he? Leo wondered what he was doing and smiled. Probably meditating like Leo. He chuckled and continued on setting his mind to focus on his breathing.
In the kitchen Raph and Mikey were cooking while Don was setting the table. Mikey then winked at Raph and Raph smirked back. They both thought the day needed one more prank…
"Hey Don, could you grab me that box in the fridge?" Mikey asked innocently. Don nodded and opened the fridge. He pulled it out and gave it.
"Can you open it for me?"
Then Don started to sense something odd as he opened the package. He looked what was inside it and screamed.
Inside was a carrot. Donnie hated carrots. Their looks, taste, everything. He glared at his brothers before pegging at them. It landed on Raph's shoulder, but he barely noticed.
They kept cooking and during that time, Donatello had gotten his revenge by dumping goo on Raph's Sais which looked innocent and doing the same to Mikey, but also covering them in yolk. They all laughed so hard and when breakfast was ready, Donnie sent Raph to fetch Leo.
Leo was still sitting on the ground and his eyes were closed gently, but there was a small crease in his brow and a frown tugging at his lips. A small sigh had escaped him and he let his shoulders sag for a minute before resuming his former position.
Rah walked over as quietly as he could and he covered Leo's eyes. Leo gave a small yelp before reaching his hands up to the ones that had blinded him.
They moved off gently and Leo looked up to see Raph smiling. He couldn't help but grin back.
"So… how was ya meditating? Did ya see Master Splinter? I know that some people can do that sort of stuff after years of meditating." He said as he sat down next his brother. Leo shook his head before replying.
"I haven't seen him and I don't know how to do that yet, but I couldn't focus today. My spirit is trying to tell me something Raphael, but I don't know what…" Leo trailed off thinking.
Raph thought back to how calm Leo had looked. Maybe if he did some meditating as well he might become less hot tempered. He decided to share his thoughts with his brother.
"Um… Leo?"
"Yes, Raph?"
Oh boy. This was harder than it looks!
"Do… do you think I could join you meditating every night? For my nerves" he said quickly. Leo smiled at Raph, but the sai wielder noticed that it looked kinda sad.
"Sure Raph! You're most welcome to" he told Raph. His brother leaned over and put a hand on Leo's shoulder.
"And it would be great to spend some time with you" he added. It was true. He had missed his brother and lately, they have been having some great times together. But Raph wanted to see more of his brother's world, to hear about the jungle and the village, but he could never ask.
When Raph said this Leo's eyes widened and he turned towards the lit candles, blowing them out until his blush had cleared off.
"Thanks Raph. I'd like to spend more time with you to" he said casting a smile towards Raphael. Raph then stood up and yawned. He offered his hand to Leo who took it gladly. But Raph had pulled quicker and Leo had moved faster so they collided with Leo on top of Raph, just laying half on his plastron. Leo tried to get up, but slipped banging his chin.
Raph was blushing uncontrollably and Leo was feeling very uncomfortable. He soon got up and pulled Raph up with him.
They walked out of the room and smiled at each other.
They began speaking, but through their eyes.
Sorry about that- Leo said
Not your fault Raph smirked as he told Leo this.
If you insist came Leo's cheeky reply. Raph growled which basically said, you better not annoy me!
Leo giggled slightly and walked faster. But Raph kept pace. They were soon racing for the kitchen and both landed in their chairs.
"I was faster!"
"Ya were not! I was"
"No way! You were like snail"
"I'll get ya for that!"
Mikey rolled his eyes but he was secretly enjoying the friendly competition. He looked at their faces and saw how happy they were.
Why couldn't he make Don happy? All he did was annoy him and ruin his projects. Wow. Some way of making someone happy Mikey.
He placed some pancakes on each plate before grabbing the jam, syrup, chocolate chips, sprinkles and gummy bears. They all liked to decorate their pancakes differently.
Raph nodded his thanks before digging in. Leo smiled and thanked him while rolling his eyes at Raph. Don came in and smiled. He sat down and raised an eyebrow at Raph. Raph started back, confused. Don nodded towards Leo who was too busy wolfing down his pancakes and smiled. Raph just glared and stuck his tongue out.
"Er… Raph? What are you doing?" Leo asked suspiciously. He had caught his brother pulling some very weird faces beside him and him beginning to feel a little… freaked out.
"Nothing Leo! Nothing at all" Raph chuckled awkwardly. Leo just stared at him before shrugging and eating his breakfast. The rest followed suit and soon, a load of dirty plates filled the sink.
Raph wasn't a good cook, but he was really good at cleaning. Mikey and Don went to go play a video game and Leo decided to watch.
While he was cleaning, he started humming a song. He didn't know why or what the song was from, but it had a catchy tune.
Leo was listening. Don had sent him to grab some munchies and Raph was going oblige when he heard his brother singing.
Raph then remembered some of the verses which he sang quietly.
(Singing)
Shut up and kiss me
Know you're gonna miss me kissing on you bedroom floor
He then realised it was made by Reece Mastin. Raph smirked. Wish I could say it to Leo, he sighed as the thought passed through. He shook himself and continued cleaning.
Leo was still outside the door, waiting to hear more. Nothing came. He sighed and walked back over to the couch.
"Hey! Where eare our munchies?" Mikey demanded.
"Go get your own Munchies little brother" Leo chuckled before settling on the armchair. Raph looked in and walked through. He sat on the ground near Leo's and Don's feet. It was 9:51am and Casey had promised to pop in at lunch.
He stared at Leo who was laughing at the game and the constant put downs Mikey and Don were throwing at each other. He was attractive. Nice skin and muscle tone, lovely chocolate eyes…
Leo looked down at Raph to find him staring. He smield and waved both his hands. Raph snapped out of his day dream and turned his attention to the game.
They played for hours until they heard the lair door opening. Casey Jones was in the house.
"CASEY JONES IS IN THE HOUSE!" he shouted and Raph jumped up to greet his friend. Casey smiled and they did their hand shake. Mikey and Don wrapped up their game to say hello and Leo grabbed a small present that they had prepared.
"Happy Halloween Casey!" Leo said handing him a box. Casey opened it suspiciously and smiled when he saw a dozen of little chocolates.
"Thanks!" He said giving them all (besides Don) a hug. Don pretended to be interested in a pipe, but was soon squealing when Casey gave him a bear hug.
"CASEY JONES! GET OFF ME!" He shouted but he was smiling. Casey let go and smiled.
"Good to see you to Donnie" he laughed. He glanced at Raph awkwardly before whispering into Don's ear. Donnie nodded and grabbed Mikey.
"C'mon! We NEED to finish this game" and they walked back to the TV. Casey stared at the ground before saying something.
"Leo, do you mind leaving me and Raph for a bit? We need to talk." Leo narrowed his eyes before nodding. He walked off and Raph could not stop looking at his hips! Dang those hips looked nice!
"So…." Casey's voice drew him out of his thoughts.
"Whats up?"
Casey looked at Raph and smiled.
"What's this I here about you and Leo?"
CLIFF HANGER!