Ch 19 Leo's Story
Raph looked at Leo incredulously. "WHAT!? He yelled in disbelief. "Who told you that you were dying?" He demanded.
Leo looked at him indignantly. "My dad told me."
"Leo, look at me," Raph said as he forced Leo to face him, "You are not dying." He told him. "I don't know what kind of lies your father is telling you but it's not true." He grabbed Leo's shoulders hard. "It can't be true."
Leo gently pushed Raph away from him. "Raph, I just found this out myself and as much as I don't want to believe it," Leo shook his head, "It may be very true." Leo turned away sadly, "My mom died from a cancer that was passed onto her by her mother." He explained as Raph began to calm down. "After I turned five, my dad somehow realized this and started having me tested for this cancer." Leo shook his head sadly. "But, for some reason, and I never understood why, he didn't have my mom tested. But every month he would have my blood tested and he would give me these vitamin shots to help keep me healthy. After I turned sixteen, my mom became very sick so my dad had one of his TCRI specialists; a Dr. Baxter Stockman, try to find a cure but…but it was too late." Leo looked away and wiped a tear. "While I was growing up, my dad would travel to Japan to work at the TCRI headquarters there; but after my mom died, he became more determined to find a cure so he started flying there on a regular basis," Leo's shoulders seem to droop slightly, "Says they're doing advanced research on various types of cancers." He said as he got off the bed and started pacing.
Raph watched as Leo furrowed his eye ridges in thought. "Thing is Raph, I'm not totally sure if my dad really cares about me or not." He shook his head. "Ever since I can remember, my dad has never really been in my life. The only time he's ever touched me is to hold me still so I can get my shots," He looked away again, "Or to hit me." He said softly.
"Leo…." Raph attempted but Leo waved him off.
"But I was told recently that my latest blood test came back with some anomaly or something and Stockman brought in this other specialist, some guy name Victor Falco, to help find a cure." Leo looked at Raph with a down casted look. "But whether they're trying to find a cure or not, I don't know, I just know that according to them, I may only have a few months or a few years and I don't want to commit to someone who may not have a future with me." He sat on the bed and put a hand on Raph's face. "It wouldn't be fair to you Raph," He said as he stared intently into Raph's eyes. "I care too much for you to let you be with someone who may not be around long enough to give you the kind of life you deserve."
Raph grabbed hold of Leo's hand. "Leo, I don't care how much time we have," He told him. "I just want to be with you." He leaned forward and pressed their lips together. "I don't understand why I feel like I do but I do love you and I don't want to be without you." Leo watched as Raph slowly began to look at Leo with uncertainty. "Unless of course….there's someone else you'd rather be with like….."
"Raph don't." Leo told him sternly. He took a breath and his look softened. "Raph, you know Usagi…" Leo sighed and gave Raph a small smile. "Mr. Usagi is leaving at the end of the year to go back to Japan and when he gets back to his village he's going to marry his fiancé." He told him looking intently into Raph's eyes. "But while he's here, I do have to admit he's become a good friend…." Raph looked away from Leo with a huff. Leo put his hands back on his face and made him look at him. "But that's all he is Raph," Leo insisted. "A good friend and a good teacher," They pressed their lips together. "Nothing else."
Raph smiled at Leo ruefully, "I'm sorry Leo." He told him. "I don't mean to be jealous but the idea of you being with someone else just drives me crazy." He said in exasperation. "I just….I just don't think I can be without you."
Leo smiled sadly back at Raph. "And I don't want to be without you either." He confessed. "But I don't want you to resent me later on," He said as he stroked his cheek.
"I could never resent you Leo." Raph said. "I just want to be with you."
Leo smiled and nodded at him. "Then let's be together Raph." He said as he put his arms around Raph's neck. They laid back down on the bed and pressed their lips together, kissing deeply and hungrily. "Let's be together for as long as possible." Leo whispered after they pulled apart.
Raph nodded. "Whatever time we have together," He agreed, "Let's not waste a moment." They laid on the bed kissing and holding each other for a while longer before they finally pulled apart and prepared to get back on the bike. As Raph was grabbing his helmet, he looked back at Leo with a thoughtful look. "Ya know Leo," he started. "Our biology teacher, Professor Honeycutt, he's friends with the president of TCRI, some guy named…."
"Dr. Tyler Rockwell," Leo finished as he put his helmet on. "My dad knows him but I've never met him." Raph got on the bike and Leo slid in behind him. "So what about him?"
"Well, maybe Professor Honeycutt can have Dr. Rockwell look into what your dad is doing with your blood test and all this other stuff." He turned on the motorcycle and maneuvered it into the elevator and eventually, out of the building.
"I suppose I can ask my dad to talk to Dr. Rockwell instead of going to Stockman and Falco," Leo suggested. "Maybe he could help figure something out that they haven't."
Raph nodded his head enthusiastically. "Who knows," he said excitedly. "A cure could be right around the corner."
Leo nodded back at him but said nothing. They drove in silence for most of the ride until Leo requested Raph drop him off two blocks away from his home. Raph complied and pulled up along the curb, they removed their helmets and kissed a tender goodbye.
"I'll see you tomorrow at Mikey's birthday party, ok?" Raph smiled up at him.
Leo nodded. "Oh, I'll be there alright." He told him then laughed. "Someone has to read all those 'Wingnuts and Screwloose comics I bought."
Raph laughed back. "He'll love those." He said with a twinkle in his eyes. He placed his helmet back on and Leo watched him drive off down the road. He then walked the last two blocks toward his home in lonely, thoughtful silence.
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It was almost eight when Leo entered his home and looked around. He wandered the hallways and checked the rooms. After going into the kitchen he sighed heavily. 'Alone again,' he thought to himself as he made his way to the refrigerator. 'What to eat?' After a few minutes, he went over to the phone. 'Pizza sounds good.' He quickly dialed the local pizzeria and ordered a pepperoni pizza with extra cheese. Thirty minutes later he sat in the living room, enjoying his pizza while attempting to find a TV show to watch. But there was nothing good on so he finished his pizza and made his way to his room where he began a bath. He walked over to his linen closet and pulled out a bottle of bubbles. He chuckled to himself while pouring a large amount of the sweet smelling soap into the running water. 'Mom always said it was okay for a guy to pamper himself.' He told himself as he slowly sank into the warm bubbly water. He turned on his radio, closed his eyes and laid his head back against the tub.
As Leo laid there enjoying the warmth of the water and the feel of the bubbles, his mind wandered back to his moments with Raph and the wonderful afternoon they had spent in each other's arms. For the first time in almost four months, Leo allowed himself to enjoy someone's company without being afraid of what might come. But now he began to wonder if there was any way he and Raph could have a future. They were after all only eighteen and he knew anything could happen between now and the time they graduated from high school.
'But do I want this to go somewhere?' He wondered. 'What if they can't find a cure,' He sighed and sank deeper into the water. 'What if they do find a cure and Raph and I decide we really don't want to be together?' Leo shook his head. 'So much to think about,' He moaned. 'Why can't life ever just be simple?' He drained the water and got himself out of the tub. 'Why can't I just get through high school and go on to do something I wanna do?' He dried himself off and started brushing his teeth. 'Maybe I'll just travel the world and see the sights, or maybe I will become an astronaut.' Leo chuckled as he got into his shorts and t-shirt. 'That will be one way to see the world.' He climbed into bed and picked up one of his Space Heroes comic books.
"Captain Ryan Falls in Love."
Leo read the title and sighed as he picked up his cell. He pulled up a picture of Raph and ran a hand over the photo. As he did, he noticed a new message on his phone. He opened the message and smiled when he saw the message was from Raph. His new lover sent him a picture of a red heart with a blue diamond set in the middle. Leo put the comic book down and quickly sent back a message.
Had a wonderful time, see you tomorrow, love Leo.
Leo turned off his light and snuggled further into his warm bed. He smiled and sighed happily as he rolled over. Within moments, he fell fast asleep.
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At eight in the morning, Leo got out of bed and happily made his way downstairs. For only a moment, he forgot about the issues with his father and everything else he was going through. But his demeanor quickly changed when he walked into the kitchen and saw his father sitting at the kitchen table drinking tea and reading the paper.
"Um…Good morning father." Leo said as he walked over to a cabinet and grabbed a box of cereal.
Saki looked up at him. "How was work Leonardo?" Saki asked in a monotone voice.
Leo looked over at him curiously before turning away and making his breakfast. "It was okay." Leo told him. "But, I have to admit I was rather surprised to see you weren't here when I got home last night." Leo again looked back at Saki when he heard his chair slide back.
Saki rose and walked over to him. He stood directly behind him and Leo shuddered lightly as he felt the tension between them become heavier with each passing moment. "I also had to work late." He informed him in a low tone. "I was looking into your blood test with Stockman and Falco." He explained as he reached around Leo into the cabinet in front of the turtle and pulled out the herb for his tea. "They….we…are working hard trying to find a cure for you." He placed a hand on Leo's shoulder. "I want to do all I can to ensure what they find will actually work."
Leo swallowed and nodded as Saki spoke. "Um…I wanted to talk to you about that father." He said nervously. Saki raised the eyebrow over his good eye in curiosity. He walked back over to his seat and continued to look over his paper waiting for Leo to continue. "Um…do you think maybe having Dr. Tyler Rockwell assist them…."
"That monkey is too busy to assist anyone." Saki spat out.
Leo startled at Saki's attitude toward the CEO of TCRI. "But father," Leo attempted to protest but Saki quickly cut him off. "I, along with Stockman and Falco, will continue to look over the work being done." Leo watched as Saki's look softened as he continued to stare at him. "After all," Saki continued. "I only want what's best for my….son."
Leo nodded slowly and looked away from his father. He continued to fix his breakfast while he thought about what Saki had just said. Something about it all just didn't sit right with him but he would let it go for now and maybe talk to his father about it later. He sat down at the other end of the table and for several minutes he ate in silence while Saki continued to sip his tea and look over the paper. Finally, Leo cleared his throat causing Saki to look up at him.
"I um….I will probably be working late from now on father." Leo said nervously while mentally crossing his fingers. He watched his father stare stoically back at him. "I may even be working on Saturdays and possibly Sundays as well." Leo looked into his father's eyes, they were so cold and unmoving he had to wonder if Saki even cared about what he was saying. "Until my job is done in December."
"Very well," Saki told him.
"You don't mind?" Leo asked in surprise.
"You told me not too long ago that since you are eighteen you no longer needed my permission," He reminded him, "So why should I mind." He continued to drink his tea. "After all, I too will be working late and possibly going to Japan again later this year."
"Oh," Leo muttered as he stared down at his food with a sad expression. "Does that mean you will not be here for Thanksgiving or Christmas?" He asked.
Saki nodded slightly. "I will be here for Thanksgiving," He told him. "We will have your Aunt Irma over to celebrate." Leo nodded as Saki spoke. "But I will be leaving for Japan before Christmas." Saki watched as Leo's face suddenly brightened.
"Father," Leo looked at him excitedly. "Since I'll be off from school for two weeks during December into January, why don't I come with you to Japan?" He asked. "I've always wanted to go and that way I can see the research you and the others are doing and we can have some time with just us and…"
"NO!" Saki quickly jumped in causing Leo to flinch. "I will be gone longer then the two weeks you will be off from school Leonardo." Saki abruptly told him. "And I don't have the money to spend for an extra ticket for you." He finished his tea and put his paper away. "Now I have work to do," He stated as he got up to leave. "I will see you later."
Leo watched him walk away and let out a huff. 'I don't even know why I worry about him finding out about me and basketball.' He seethed angrily to himself. 'He probably doesn't care how late I come home.' He finished his breakfast, put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher then went upstairs.
He finished wrapping Mikey's present then prepared to leave for the Hamato home. The party didn't start till two but he wanted to get there early so he could see Raph. He picked up his cell and looked at the message he received last night. 'Being with Raph will make me feel better.' He told himself as he placed Mikey's present in his backpack. He walked down stairs, put his boots on and grabbed his jacket. He took one last look at the door to his father's study and let out a disappointed huff.
"I wonder what he's really doing in Japan?" Leo muttered as he reached out to grab the door handle. He was just about to grasp the knob when the door suddenly jerked open causing Leo to jump back slightly to avoid being hit.
He looked up to see Chris Bradford walking in and smirking down at him. "Well Leonardo," Bradford said as he moved closer to him causing Leo to back away. "Where are you off to now?"
Leo adjusted his backpack. "Not that it's any of your business Bradford," Leo started as he attempted to get around him, "But I'm off to the library."
Bradford snorted and blocked Leo's way. "Seems like you're always off to the library these days, Leonardo," He sneered. "What's the matter, don't you like being in your own home?"
Leo frowned angrily, "Not with you here I don't." He started as he finally managed to push his way roughly around the tall man.
Bradford smiled cruelly as he watched the turtle angrily walk out the door. He made his way to the study and knocked on the closed door. He walked in after being called in to enter and made his way over to a seat directly in front of the desk. He waited patiently for Saki to acknowledge him.
"Is he still here?" Saki asked quietly.
"No master," Bradford responded, "He left to go to the library," He let out a chuckle. "So he says." He pulled out a notebook and flipped some pages. "Did he tell you where he was last night?"
"He will only say he was at work." He watched as Bradford shook his head.
"The boy lies a lot these days." Bradford responded.
Saki nodded. "So it seems." He looked at Bradford with a thoughtful look. "How is your best student doing these days?" He asked.
"She is very advanced." He looked back at Saki thoughtfully. "Do you wish to speak with her?"
Saki nodded. "See if she would be willing to come here later today."
Bradford stood. "I'll go call her." He said as he started to leave.
Saki nodded to him. "It's truly a shame I can no longer trust my son." He muttered as Bradford walked out the door.