Chapter two:
It's the second day since that little 'date', if one can really call it that, happened where Raph unintentionally hurt Leo.
Raph has indeed been spending more time with Donnie mostly planning. He also has had to have Mikey join in sometimes as well, though he seems to be making it work.
Leo glances to Donnie and Raph in the living room brainstorming flirting ideas.
"Say. Maybe you could tell me how you like being flirted with. Who knows maybe it could come in handy." Raph suggests making Leo want to roll his eyes.
"Smooth." Leo whispers under his breath and disappears into his room. He sits down on his bed and stares down. He finds those words Raph said coming back to echo in his mind.
'I mean it's not like me and you with him. There's surely no way we could work out.'
Leo finds tears coming to his eyes as he takes off his mask tossing it aside. He quickly strips away his gear trying to distract himself with it... It doesn't work as he finds those words bouncing around in his head. He rubs a hand across his head front to back letting out a sigh. "You're probably right aren't you... Besides, it's clear you don't like me back..." He feels his heart hurt like it's breaking. He leans against the wall by his bed and lets the tears fall down his cheeks. He keeps his head down hoping that it'll stop soon... Maybe just maybe it'll be easier on him if he accepts this now, and not have to deal with it if Raphs plan works. He does want it to end up where Raph accepts to be apart of Donnie, April and Mikey's trio relationship, instead of Raph trying to break them up.
Surely Raph would indeed be happier with Donnie, who doesn't argue with him as much.
Leo still feels deeply hurt and quietly sobs to himself. He thinks he hears his door open and quickly tries to hide that hes crying.
"Hey Leo." Raph begins clearly about to say something else when he stops himself.
Leo tries to discreetly wipe away his tears before Raph can see them. He blinks his wet eyes as hurried footsteps rush to him. He feels the bed shift as the hot headed turtle climbs on. He is quickly pulled into a hug as those strong warm arms wrap around him.
"Hey! Leo, talk to me! What's wrong?" Raph sounds really worried as he keeps Leo held close.
"It's okay." Leo tries to keep his voice steady. "It's nothing important. How'd hanging out with Donnie go?"
"Don't give me that bullshit." Raph snorts at this. "I know that somethings wrong. So talk to me instead of just being stubborn."
Leo will have to pick his words carefully. He doesn't want Raph to feel responsible by fully admitting what's wrong. He just knows that he can't avoid this. He's been caught. He lightly sniffles as he comes up with an idea of what to say. "It's just that this guy I like was kind of an inconsiderate jerk. It's nothing big."
"Of course it's big! He hurt you and made you cry!" Raph slightly retorts though is still trying to be gentle. "He should've been better than that! I'll beat him up and teach him a lesson about being better!"
"You don't need to go that far." Leo is really hoping that Raph won't ask who it is. He isn't sure what answer to even give if he's asked. "Things like this can happen. He's usually better than this."
"Well he still did something wrong. Maybe he doesn't deserve you if he's not always going to treat you right. Especially after getting you all upset like this."
Leo can't help the tiny chuckle from the fact that Raph is talking about himself. "You want me with someone who'd always please me no matter what? Pretty sure that's a bit impossible there Raph. We all don't always get along perfectly."
"You're important and if he wants you then he's gonna have to not hurt you this badly. By the way. What did he even do? If you don't wanna talk about it that's fine." Raph inquires blinking curiously.
Leo is once again quick to try to figure out what to say. He's not sure how good of an answer it is but it's the best he's got currently. "It was just words really. I guess what he said just hit me hard. I tried to block it out but it kept coming back. It feels like harsh criticism he's hanging above my head so it won't go away."
"Well whatever he said he's wrong. You're pretty amazing in your own ways and don't you forget it." Raph tries to boost Leo's mood which does help a little.
"Okay."
"What do you wanna do today?" Raph inquires and Leo finds himself suddenly unsure.
"I don't have any preferences. What about you?"
"Nope you're not getting out of this. We're going to figure out something you want to do." Raph insists to Leo keeping him held close. "I don't care what it is. You tell me something that you want to do."
Leo slightly glances away as he tries to figure out something that they can do. He can tell that Raph isn't going to back down on this so he has to figure out something. He finally decides on something and goes with it as it's the first idea he has. "Let's go for a walk."
"Done." Raph agrees moving away.
Leo wipes his eyes to try to make sure that it isn't obvious he was crying. He grabs his gear which Raph helps him put back on. He finds the other to be rather gentle right now and he kind of likes it.
Once they're all set the two of them head out of the lair together.
Leo does catch that Mikey sees them leaving then hurries off to the lab. He ignores it for now and follows Raph.
"Do you wanna walk down here or on the surface?" Raph questions turning to the blue banded turtle.
"On the surface." Leo admits so the two head for the nearest ladder and climb out. He finds Raph waits for him to take the lead. So he glances around to decide what direction to go in. He spots a wooded park which they can easily walk hidden in. He heads for there with Raph staying close to him.
They enter finding a some narrow paths where the grass has been stomped out, leaving only dirt, and some parts having just flattened grass.
Leo follows the dirt one for now as Raph continues to follow him.
They come across an open area surrounded by trees.
The sun shining down to light up the area in a cozy warm glow, the tall grass partially flattened with the rest up slightly swaying in a light breeze, and it doesn't even smell like the city it smells more like they're in the wilderness.
"Whoa!" Leo gasps his eyes brightening as he glances around. "This spot is beautiful."
"I'll say." Raph agrees and takes Leo's hand into his own leading him further in.
The sun feels nice in this spot like the whole area is the perfect warmth.
Raph sits down encouraging Leo to follow which he does.
They sit there in the tall grass with Leo glancing around a little more.
Leo turns and notices that Raph is watching him with a small smile. "What is it?" He inquires curiously.
"What if we made this our spot?" Raph suggests causing Leo to blink. "We can come here when you get upset or need to be away. I mean I doubt the others would have found this place before us. But just know that if that guy makes you so upset again I will be teaching him a lesson. And there'll be no escape from it."
Leo smiles softly feeling really touched by that. "Thank you Raph."
"You've got to introduce him to us sometime. So I know who to go after if he dares to make you upset like that again."
That made Leo laugh a little which does bring more of a smile to Raph. He lightly squeaks when pulled close to the others body once more.
"Now that's the happier sounds I want to hear." Raph encourages as they share a smile between each other.
Leo softly blushes though tries to push it down. He blinks as he notices that Raph is staring at him with a slight shine in is his eyes.
"Holy crap dude." Raph swears before his smile grows a touch.
"What?" Leo inquires softly tilting his head for a moment.
"In this lighting you just glow. It makes you look so beautiful."
Leo is pretty sure his whole face turned red at that comment. He hears Raph chuckle while Leos heart races in his chest.
"You're showing a cute side you know." Raph elbows Leo's arm teasingly. "If that guy proves to be worthy of you then he's gonna be one lucky guy."
No way is Leo getting rid of his blush after that. "Thanks." He slightly ducks his head shyly. He yelps as Raph pushes him down so he's laying on his back. He turns as Raph lays down next to him. He sees the other looking to the sky so he does the same.
The sky is pretty blue with only very few wispy clouds hanging out.
"Thanks for all this." Leo tells Raph still watching the sky. "It really is nice."
"Hey no problem. No way was I leaving you all hurt and upset like that." Raph shrugs it off.
Leo closes his eyes faintly feeling a breeze pass by him. He wishes this moment could never end.
After enjoying their time in that spot the two make it back to the lair. They find Mikey and Donnie in the living room only for the two to hurry over to them.
"How was it? Tell us everything!" Mikey's eyes are lit up so much it's a wonder he doesn't have lights behind his eyes.
"We just went for a nice walk." Leo tells them as the two listen. "The weathers pretty nice after all."
Donnie glances to Raph actually making eye contact.
Leo does his best to not look, without making it obvious, to let them have a moment.
"Did you guys talk about anything?" Mikey gives a wink at Leo also nudging him with his elbow.
"We talked about some things." Leo admits to Mikey. "We mostly enjoyed the weather for a bit."
"What?! That's it!?" Mikey whines looking disappointed.
Leo quickly tries to think of what he can say. He feels relief when Raph speaks up first.
"It went very well. We've gotten a bit closer from it." Raph nudges Leo who gives a nod.
Mikey turns to Raph as he and Donnie begin bringing up all sorts of questions.
Leo heads to the dojo for a little peace and quiet. He doesn't want to sit there and listen to the three of them go off about it. He's sure Raph will understand.
Plus this is good so Raph might warm up a little to Mikey, since he's a part of that relationship that Raph wants.
Leo finds Splinter sitting in the dojo who turns to him when he enters. "Sensei." He bows respectfully. "I can leave if you want some peace."
"No it is fine Leonardo. Come sit with me." Splinter invites so Leo does settling on his knees next to their father. "It seems like there's been a lot of excitement around recently."
"Yeah." Leo confirms. "Raphs just been trying weird ways to get in with Donnies relationships."
"How so? You do not have to worry I won't tell anyone you told me."
"We'll he's doing it in a bit of a roundabout way, by trying to get Donnie to spend more time with him by making him think he's helping Raph get me instead. He thinks it'll make Donnie realize that he likes Raph."
"And what are your feelings on the whole thing?" Splinter pushes further and Leo decides to not reveal everything.
"I am just glad that I can help in possibly getting Raph to be happy. Its fine." Leo feels Splinters eyes on him as if seeing through him to his very soul. He almost wants to squirm under the intense gaze.
"If he is hurting you with his actions you should tell him. It is not good to let it continue if you do not like it."
"I'm fine with it." Leo tries to assures Splinter. "Really I am. At least I can help him in some way." He really hopes the other buys it.
"Hm. Well alright then. If he does go too far you should not be afraid to voice how it is making you feel."
"I will." Leo tells him hating that he's making an empty promise to Splinter of all people. He doesn't want to cause any guilt in Raph for what he's doing. He also knows he might have to admit that he likes him if he says that Raph is going too far.
"Good." Splinter takes in a breath as he begins meditating.
Leo closes his eyes to meditate along with him. He's glad that they're meditating now instead of talking more about this. He meditates with Splinter for two hours before they end their session.
"Thank you for meditating with me." Splinter tells Leo who nods.
"It was a really nice session."
"It was. I hope you keep my words in your mind."
"Of course Sensei." Leo nods his head. "Thank you for your words of advice."
"Anytime." Splinter leaves the dojo after that.
Leo leaves as well and heads towards the living room. He turns hearing someone approach only to see that it's Donnie. "Hey Donnie. How are things going?" He greets offering a smile.
"Hey Leo. I was wondering if we could talk." Donnie inquires which Leo nods in agreement. He leads the blue banded turtle to the couch where they sit side by side. "I want you to be honest with me. Are you actually interested in Raph in any way? I won't say anything to anyone else. Just tell me."
Leo briefly contemplates lying about this though he thinks being honest is better. "I am." He confirms.
"It's just the way Raph puts things makes it sound like you're a bit unsure." Donnie points out. "And I started wondering if this wasn't what you wanted. I just had to make sure we weren't forcing something onto you."
"I just wanted to make sure that it was what Raph wants too before jumping into it." Leo tries to shrug it off trying to not send any blame in Raph's direction.
"Cautious as ever." Donnie has an 'of course' tone in his voice. "Well I can see your point. Relationships shouldn't just be jumped into. Though perhaps try showing a little more interest. Let it go along. You and Raph have known each other for years. So you've already got that down. You don't have to rush into it but maybe let yourself try a bit more. You can warm up to it all, just maybe let you two have a proper chance." He suggests which Leo supposes is a good idea.
"Okay." Leo agrees to this. He doesn't see the harm in it as it keeps Donnies interest.
"Great! Thank you Leo!" Donnie looks relieved to hear this. "You need any tips on how to deal with such situations?"
"I think I'm okay right now. But possibly a little later. I'll keep your offer in mind." Leo tells Donnie to help keep the brainiac satisfied.
"Okay. It's always open to you. Thanks for talking with me about this."
"No problem." Leo watches Donnie head off looking a little more perked up. He starts to hope that his choice doesn't cause some trouble down the line. He turns away deciding he'll try to deal with things as they come.
The next day after morning training Donnie casts a glance to Leo.
Leo knows that it's Donnie making sure that he follows through with what they discussed. He approaches Raph who turns to him when he does so. "Hey do you wanna go out today perhaps?" He inquires to the other waiting for his answer. He hopes that Raph understands that it's for the best.
Raph pauses super briefly before smiling. "Sure! Why not right now?" He seems to have caught on... At least in a way that Leo can call it that... He probably thinks that Leo's using interest in him to help get Donnie jealous for the other.
"That sounds good to me. To the surface? We can stop for some food." Leo offers which Raph makes a confirmation sound.
"Sounds good to me." Raph lets Leo lead the way while Mikey watches with excitement, and Donnie with relief that his advice was taken.
Leo leads Raph to the surface before realizing he's not really sure where they should go.
"Our spot?" Raph suggests which Leo nods and they head straight there. He sits in the same spot with Leo as they did last time.
The morning light gives the area an even warmer glow while it's still on the early side.
"Sorry about that. Donnie talked to me, wondering if he was trying to help you force me into something, and suggested I try to be more into this." Leo explains now that he knows they're alone. "He was even checking that I would go through with the idea."
"It's okay Leo." Raph pats the groups leader on the shoulder. "You can take his advice. I think I'm getting close to getting him to admit it. Just a little longer and I've got him."
"You tend to find a way to get what you want." Leo points out teasingly only to be half heartedly punched in the arm. He just chuckles it off as Raph rolls his eyes shaking his head. He really does hope that things won't take much longer. He doesn't want to be stuck getting hurt, knowing that the love he wants isn't actually there.
"We can hang out here for a bit then head to the pizza shop before going back. I'll say you're more into it. He won't even know. Plus I think having pizza might help with me putting out a big question. Gonna see if I can get him to admit that he does like me. Starting by asking him if he likes anyone outside of the other two. It's so going to work! Once I get that confession I can say that I was always interested in him, because I am, but I thought he was not available so I went after a smaller crush on you. He'll buy it."
"Bringing back pizza would be a good idea at that point. We'll have to make sure we bring back enough for the others as well." Leo points out which Raph playfully rolls his eyes.
"Duh captain obvious!" Raph gives Leo a smile after the other turtle pats his shoulder.
Leo just lightly shakes his head.
"So. How are you doing? That guy hasn't done anything since last time has he?" Raph inquires slightly leaning back with his hands on the ground.
"I'm doing alright. And no he hasn't done anything." Leo tells Raph who nods his head despite that it wasn't that long ago.
"Once I get Donnie I am going to be bugging you even more to introduce him." Raph informs Leo who figures of course. "But you know you could introduce me to him early. Gotta make sure he's worthy of you."
Leo can't help a small smile at that last part. "I'll keep that in mind. Though I don't think I'm quiet ready for introductions yet. I mean I'm not even sure if he likes me back yet."
"Yeah well if he doesn't then he's missing out on an amazing turtle."
Leo meets Raph's eyes. "You're just full of compliments today aren't you?" He lightly teases only to get shoved, with Raph making sure he won't hurt him.
"I'm not soft!" Raph snorts looking away only to turn back as Leo chuckles softly.
"Didn't mean you were. You just are pretty complimenting today." Leo tells him and sees Raph roll his eyes.
"Yeah well don't get used to it."
"Already done." Leo promises to Raph though the compliments do make him feel good inside. He just knows that it's fine to have a little fun and tease the other.
"You know Leo." Raph begins after the two sit in a moment of silence. "I really do appreciate what you're doing. I know it might be a little awkward for you, yet you agreed so I can win over who I want to be with."
"Of course." Leo pats Raphs shoulder. "I want you to be happy. Though I must say that you'll probably have to share him. I don't think it's fair to expect him to break up with the current partners he has."
"Yeah I've been kinda thinking about that too." Raph admits. "Hanging out with him more I've seen the happiness in his current relationship. As much as I want him to be mine I want him to be happy. Maybe I'll warm up to it more when I get with him. Though I have realized I probably will need to do so."
"I am glad to hear that." Leo admits a little relieved that Raph sees that.
"How long do you think we should hang out here before getting pizza and heading back?" Raph inquires to which Leo shrugs.
"Well we could leave now." Leo offers to him. "We do still need to walk to the pizza place anyways."
"Yeah."
The two get up and head off after that.
Leo just hopes that Raph gets his answer from Donnie whether or not he actually likes Raph back. He is really hoping this can all be over so he doesn't have to have Raph pretending to want him.
Raph is a little quiet as they walk to the pizza place then walk back home.
Leo doesn't bother him as the other does seem to be thinking. So he'll let him think over what he needs to think about.