NOTE: So, my Leo has been a bit sullen, a bit absent. While I decide what to do with Johanna and Donatello, I thought we'd explore that a little more, and don't worry, it will be relevant to Don & Jo's story, eventually. I'm kind of stuck on a few things for Don and Jo, and while I decide, I wanted to keep writing something—anything. I digress... enjoy a little Leo time.

Ch. 4

(Big Dater by Big Data)

Leo let the hot water wash over his skin as he braced himself on the cold tile. His forehead rested against a single square as he watched the drops slide down its surface. Shouldn't have let Raphael bate me into a fight… Should have just let it wash over me.

They had a rough night, and though Leo had known better, he'd let Raphael have his way and it led to an ugly fight with the Dragons. Mike was injured, but safe and healing now. Raphael was angry—angry enough to take it out on everyone except Michelangelo. He'd said things he couldn't take back, and that glint in his eyes was the only sign he was sorry. If he was sorry, why had he ever let those words pass his lips? 'You'll never be like Splinter… you're not even really my brother.'

Deep down Leo knew Raphael could sense his distance and preoccupation. He was living a double life, so to speak, fighting with his brothers on the streets, then secretly arranging diplomatic meetings in the Battle Nexus. The weight of the world was on his shoulders, no matter how hard he tried to wash it away. Despite his diplomatic efforts, cities were evacuated, towns destroyed, innocents slaughtered. It was in the aftermath of the last battle, an attempted genocide from Ue-Sama, that Usagi came to Leonardo with his daughter in tow. It was his last legal way of protecting her, of giving his adopted daughter diplomatic immunity so long as she was part of Third Earth. Leo was skeptical that this would stop the madman, but he took the vow to protect her for his friend and ally.

It all seemed surreal. His… wife? How had it come to this? Was it the only way? Usagi's last wish… was it really to keep her safe? Leo could sense something hidden from him, something within his friend's eyes. Unfortunately, he wouldn't have the chance to ask.

He closed his eyes, taking in a cleansing breath. He wasn't alone. A small, warm hand rested on his bicep, dry against his soaking wet cool skin. His eyes met hers, and he saw the wide eyed, unafraid stare of his Chessamaine. He'd never seen her so bare before, and couldn't help but to stare at her perfect form. The smooth, golden skin was covered with tattoos, but they complimented rather than distracted from her beauty. Chessamaine's little pink lips smiled up at him softly.

When we're talking and nobody's there,

We're safely in the dark alone,

A conversation that nobody hears,

Is transferring from home to home.

She stood on her tip toes and pressed her lips against his, moving them a little as he tried to decide if this was the right thing to do.

"It's okay," she whispered, taking his face in her palms.

Chessamaine pressed herself against his plastron as he eased his arms around her. He felt the heat spread from his stomach as he grasped the nape of her neck, pulling her in deeper as she groaned softly. His teeth nipped at her neck as he slipped his hand down, strumming his thumb in the hollow of her hip as she shivered.

Leo couldn't help but think of her arrival just a month ago; she'd walked into the lair with two large canvas bags, and Usagi leading the way. He'd thought the whole thing was ridiculous then, and still did today. Arranged marriages were tales from the past, something he thought were long outdated. But Usagi was an old friend and trusted ally. This was a way, Splinter argued, to unify their families and strengthen ties during a time of war in the Battle Nexus. Keeping this from his brothers wasn't something he enjoyed; Splinter was the only one who knew where Leo spent his spare time, night after night, in the little one bedroom apartment.

By the time we figure it out, it's already set in stone,

And if everything I feel down inside my chest,

Completely fills me up like a real, real, real…

Connection.

"Chessamaine," he mumbled. "What are you doing?"

She looked up, biting her lip. It was there that the pain and anger was clear, where Leo could see himself in her eyes. They both felt alone, both torn between war and duty, despair and need. Chessamaine needed to feel grounded, to know that something was real again—to feel again; the terrors she'd seen haunted her, shining through to him as he searched her eyes. It was almost spooky, he thought, that someone so young could have such an old soul, and sad that she had to grow up in a single day.

She knew he loved his family, knew that he needed a reason to keep going, to recharge the love that he gave so freely to those close to him. She'd felt his wrath and his warmth simultaneously, a bittersweet mix of emotion that first drew her to him. There was nothing he wouldn't give. Leo's fingertips brushed along her arms, suddenly needing to touch and feel the warmth of another. It's been so long…

"I didn't mean it when I said I didn't need you," she said suddenly, making him stop mid kiss.

The night he wouldn't forget. He thought he would sweep in, destroy her would be attackers—it was his duty, but he'd underestimated her. She dispatched them with brutal accuracy, nearly taking him in the storm that swirled about her.

"Then why did you say it?" he asked, resting his forehead on hers.

"I don't need a keeper," she said, meeting his eyes. "I don't need a fighter, or a leader… I need you."

"You don't think I can protect you?" he asked, taking her hands in his.

"I don't need you to," she said. "But I know you can. I don't need you to lead me, but where you go, I will follow."

It's not that typical,

We're connecting,

But it's something digital.

Leo let out a quick huff and smiled, something she saw rarely and cherished because it was genuine. He turned back and pressed his lips to hers, letting himself taste her mouth and smell her skin upon his.

Chessamaine gasped and jumped up to straddle his waist as his hand sank below, pressing a single digit in as she moaned and squirmed. His mouth covered hers as her sighs grew louder with every move. Leo pressed her back against the cold tile, taking his hand away with a small smile when she groaned in frustration. He met her eyes as he pressed against her and she gave a small nod, letting out a tiny shriek when he pressed inside. His hand instantly covered her mouth and he paused, his eyes never leaving hers as he thrust all the way in. Her eyes filled with tears as she gasped twice then exhaled. Her fingernails dug into the skin of his arms as he thrust in again, shuddering to his core.

"Are you alright?" he breathed against her neck, then sucked on her earlobe.

"Yes," she sputtered, gasping as he thrust in again. "Don't stop."

His hands grabbed her bottom as he pressed in deeper. Chessamaine felt the white hot heat spread through her body, a tantalizing mix of agony and pleasure as he moved and panted. It was a euphoric feeling as she forced her thoughts away and tried to focus on what was really happening—was this really happening? In the course of a couple quick months she'd become a wife, a friend, a sister… an orphan.

I'll share a story I want you to know,

It's better than the real thing;

I took my time touching myself,

To enhance my personality.

There's no need to dig any further,

I've laid it all out, it's clear.

"Stay with me," he whispered, reading her eyes.

She smiled, lighting the tiny space as he brushed away her tears and ran a large palm up her thigh. This was something they had to do, though both were willing. Neither was sure if the other was acting out of duty or something more, but that moment, when their eyes met again, neither felt lonely. Leo felt himself drawing closer, pulling her along with him toward something wonderful—something just around the corner.

Chessamaine sighed; it was as if he knew what she needed, knew her limits before she did, and he was pushing past the point others had taken her. Chessamaine's body and soul split for just a moment, in sheer bliss as it floated toward heaven; she could feel its warmth, the rush of his energy and hers floating together, blending in a flawless cocktail. She reached out, letting her fingernails scratch the surface of perfection before drifting back down, back into that little steamy space.

And everything you feel inside your chest,

Completely fills you up, like a real…

Connection.

It's not that typical,

We're connecting,

but it's something digital.

Her forehead rested on his plastron as she breathed hard, giving everything a moment to come back into focus. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close as she shivered. Cool lips brushed her wet scalp as the lukewarm water sprayed her back, turning colder by the moment. He withdrew slowly, letting the water rinse himself as she swayed on her feet.

Chessamaine watched his moves, so fluid and confident as he let the water rinse her too, then stepped out, leaving her alone in the wet shower. Her heart sank until he returned with two towels, wrapping her in the large blue one as he took the lighter blue.

This is it… this is the rest of my life. Did I think it through enough? Did he? What choice did we have? I don't love him, but I could, someday…

Leo dried her off gently, wiping the droplets from her face and holding her close. I have someone to call my own now… don't I?

"What are you thinking?" he murmured, wrapping her shivering body in the warm dry towel.

Chessamaine thought of how they met, how things were so complicated at first, and how initially, they'd really not liked each other. He was such a pain in the ass… Their first fight, the first time he'd tried to save her and she took out her would-be attackers on her own. With a grimace, she thought of what she'd said to him: 'I don't need you.' He'd looked so hurt, though he'd carefully concealed it. She'd lied to him. With her father gone, she needed Leonardo more than anything.

"Are you here for me, or I for you?" she whispered, resting a cheek on his plastron.

I just need this so much,

I thought I was enough,

I love you… the words died on his tongue before they passed his lips. They weren't there yet—she wasn't ready, it wasn't the time, was it? No, he thought, not until she loves me too if that ever happens. With a sigh he held her close, listening to the tapping of water on tile. She was his: his secret, his love, his wife, and he knew he couldn't let her go.

With you, and me,

I thought this was my destiny,

But then the trail went cold.

"Can you stay tonight?" she breathed, knowing he would probably refuse.

This had never happened before; it never seemed like a real option. Between the war brewing in the battle nexus, his brothers, his family and duties, she felt like another burden. Asking him to stay, to risk them finding out and putting them in danger, was the most selfish thing she'd done so far. Still, the thought of him leaving so soon was difficult to bear.

"They can't know," he said, picking his words carefully.

"I know," she said, tugging the towel around her shoulders.

I looked everywhere,

But were you every really there?

He nodded and followed her to her bedroom. She'd done well making the tiny apartment a little home in the last couple of weeks. None of his personal effects were there, though she'd offered him a space. It was safer that way.

She tugged a black slip over her damp skin, letting her hair rest in dark tangles around her shoulders as she walked on wobbling legs to the bed. The pain medicine she'd taken was already in effect, humming through her veins as the ache disappeared and desire stirred in her again. His strong form was sitting on the edge of the bed, his elbows leaning on his knees, lost in thought.

"Leonardo," she whispered, tugging his arm to lay back with her.

"Chessamaine," he murmured, pulling her against his chest.

Moments later she was fast asleep, the soft, steady rise and fall of her chest was lulling him in. He slipped out from her arms, pushing himself up to pull on his gear and go home.

I thought we had a real, real, real…

Connection.