(Hey guys, so in this chapter I included another character from the 2003 show and part of the chapter is in Leatherhead's pov which is why I start using proper names. Sorry this took so long I've been exhausted lately had kept feeling the need to rewrite this chapter over and over until I finally liked it. Hope the ending makes up for it though)
Mikey woke up Saturday bright and early which was something that only happened when he was excited or nervous about an event that day. Today he felt a combination of both. Part of him was worried about what Leatherhead would think. Mikey knew his kata routine was awesome, but maybe it only looked awesome to someone who knew what he was doing. He knew in the back of his mind that wasn't true since Casey didn't really know anything about martial arts and he seemed to always like them. Still he worried that Leatherhead would be unimpressed.
The brothers all took turns showering and breakfast was eaten in silence. When breakfast was finished they and Master Splinter headed to the subway to take them to the place the exhibition was being held.
As they entered the exhibition hall they signed in and as Mikey looked over the list of competitors matched up her frowned.
"Did the schedule get changed," Mikey asked worriedly? The attendant nodded and Mikey felt his stomach knot.
"What's up," Leo asked and saw Mikey point to his name and he too frowned at the name typed next to it. "Chris." Leo said worriedly.
Splinter, Raph, and Donnie looked at the sheet and all frowned.
"Remember this is only an exhibition my son," Splinter reminded him and Mikey nodded.
"I know, but I'm still going to do my best."
Splinter smiled. "That's all I ask."
Once they finished signing in they walked to the place where the matches and demonstrations were being held when Mikey saw several familiar faces.
"Hey," Mikey yelled waving to get April, Casey and Leatherhead's attention.
The trio of teens looked up and waved. As Mikey got closer he noticed a man was heading towards them. As he got closer Mikey realized who he was and his face lit up.
"Uncle Daimyo what are you doing here," Mikey asked excitedly?
Uncle Daimyo laughed. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. To see you boys fighting other opponent is something I've been waiting to see for a long time."
Mikey hugged the man who he had known most of his life."
"Guys this is Daimyo he's been friends with Splinter for ages," Mikey explained.
"Hello it is nice to meet you," the man said.
"Uncle Daimyo this is April, Casey and Leatherhead," Mikey said introducing his friends.
His uncle raised an eyebrow at the name, and Leatherhead laughed. "It's a nickname real names Luke, but only my parents call me that."
Daimyo looked at Splinter and sighed. "What is with teenagers not using the names they were born with?"
Splinter shrugged. "I've asked myself that several times and have yet to find an answer old friend."
They shared and laugh and a quick hug. Master Splinter turned to the group of teens. "Boys you must start warming up you will have time to talk later."
Mikey and his brother's nodded heading to the sidelines while Casey, April and Leatherhead went to find good seats.
"Come my friend we have much to talk about," Daimyo said. When they found a spot to sit Daimyo looked at his old friend.
"So this Leatherhead is a new friend. I don't remember him being mentioned last time I came by."
"He is Michelangelo's math tutor turned friend," Splinter said a slight tone of exasperation in his voice.
Daimyo frowned. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Splinter laughed. "It is in a way but not like you think. Michelangelo had recently come out as gay. and I think he had a crush on Luke."
Daimyo was surprised by this. "I simply thought he was still going through the girls have cootie phase."
Splinter laughed. "I thought the same thing for a while, but it appears that was not the case." Splinter told his friend about how Mikey had come out along with Raphael's reaction.
Daimyo frowned. "I wish he hadn't felt like he'd been forced to come out."
Splinter sighed. "So do I, but I think he's a lot happier that he can be more free with who he is."
Daimyo nodded. "Do you think Luke returns his feelings?"
Splinter shrugged. "I do not know, but sooner or later something is going to have to give and I simply hope it does not lead to heartbreak."
"That would be bad, but we have to let them be. They need to find their own path and if they happen to stumble off it we have to be ready to help them find their way back…. that is as long as they want to come back."
Splinter could hear the hurt in his friend's voice. "He's in trouble again isn't he?"
Daimyo nodded. "Yes only this time I didn't save him. He had taken advantage of my power too much and needs to be taught a lesson. He's currently in juvenile detention and will remain there for three months. So far he refuses to see or talk to me. I can only hope this will help him shape up or I fear he forged a very different path than the one I want for him."
Splinter patted his friend's hand. "Have faith my friend. I know he has good in him he simply needs to find it again." Daimyo smiled and the two friends turned to watch the current demonstration.
Leatherhead watched as the four brothers warmed up or more specifically he watched Michelangelo warm up. He was excited to see Michelangelo's routine and his fights. Leatherhead would admit he had a crush on his friend. It had started the first day of tutoring and had only grown. At first he planned to shove his feelings in a box and lock them away. Then he found out Michelangelo was gay and things changed. He wanted to tell Michelangelo how he felt, but didn't want to ruin their friendship. Michelangelo meant more to Leatherhead than anyone outside his family.
His parents had noticed a difference in him. Before going to school was a battle for him. He went because he had to and because he loved to learn, but he was never excited about school. Now he could wait for school to start. He wanted to see Michelangelo at his locker and talk before class. He wanted to eat lunch with his new group of friends and laugh. Even when school ended he still got to be with Michelangelo. Even if they didn't have a tutoring session he walked the freshman home every day. He came home smiling, and his parents were glad though he was sure that his mom refused to see that her son had a crush.
His dad was still working on her and it was getting to the point where Leatherhead thought an intervention was in order. She'd say something supportive about gay rights one day, but the next she'd be asking Leatherhead if he'd be willing to meet a nice girl that was the daughter of a friend of a friend. Leatherhead was starting to suspect that his mother didn't really care about gay rights one way or the other, but she did care that her son was gay. It was a battle and one Leatherhead was sure they were going to be fighting for a while.
He pulled away from thoughts of his mother to the makeshift arena. It was Leonardo's turn to show off his routine. Leatherhead watching in awe as his friend began. He looked strong with his moves. April had called the weapons he was using katana's and he handled them with a power that showed he was fully in control.
Raphael was next and much like Leo his moves were strong though not as controlled. He had this aura of fierceness that said Raphael was not to be messed with. He moved as though he was fighting an army and at times moved his sais so fast they were nothing, but a blur.
When Raph was done it was Donatello's turn. He seemed to be more calculated in his moves. He moved with a deliberation that the other two lacked and yet he still seemed to flow from one move to the other. The way he used his bo staff made it seem like it was a part of him.
Finally it was Michelangelo's turn and Leatherhead was excited. He'd heard how good Michelangelo was when it came to making a kata routine, but he'd never seen it. Michelangelo steeped into the middle arena and bowed just like everyone else had. He straightened himself and began his routine. Leatherhead and wasn't disappointed Michelangelo was amazing. He moved as if he was dancing. Each kick and punch was strong yet had a grace to him that Leatherhead had yet to see from anyone else.
He used his nuncuchks with little effort and yet he was clearly in complete control. If Leatherhead didn't know any better he'd have thought Mikey was demonstrating a new type of dance.
Leatherhead realized just how beautiful Michelangelo was. He realized that he needed to take the next step. This was no longer a simple crush. Leatherhead was falling hard for Michelangelo and he knew that if he didn't take the chance to tell Michelangelo how he felt someone else would come along.
He made a vow that he would do it tonight. He'd find a way to talk to Michelangelo alone and ask him out on a date. It would be worse to forever wonder than to get rejected.
When Michelangelo finished the crowd bust into cheers clearly they were impressed by his routine. While all the previous routines had received applause Mikey's was the loudest. Mikey had a gigantic smile and his face and he bowed before leaving the arena the crowd still clapping.
It wasn't until he sat down did the crowd calm down, but there was still a buzz of excitement running through the crowd.
"Is he always that good," Leatherhead asked April?
"He's always good, but this is his best routine yet," she said clearly still amazed by what she'd just seen.
Next up were the actual fights and they were interesting. Leatherhead was excited to see Michelangelo fight. His crush wasn't tall, but he'd clearly shown he didn't need to be tall to be strong.
When Donatello and Michelangelo got onto the mat Leatherhead wondered who was going to win. From what Michelangelo had told him he wasn't sure if he would win. Michelangelo had improved a lot, but so had Donatello.
They bowed to each other and when the signal was given began to fight. Michelangelo started with a jump kick, but Donatello dodged it. He did a low kick that Michelangelo managed to doge Michelangelo threw a punch and hit Donatello who countered with a kick that almost knocked Michelangelo down. He regained his balance though and Michelangelo moved leaving him open to Donatello hitting him with a low kick. The brothers counted to fight in a whirlwind of movement. Sometimes so fast that Leatherhead had a hard time telling what happened.
Finally Michelangelo knocked Donatello down and it was clear that the match was over. Mikey helped Donatello up and they faced each other and bowed before leaving the mat.
Leatherhead could see on the sidelines Donatello and Michelangelo talking. Donatello had a smile on his face and Leatherhead felt some tension ease. He'd been worried that with the brothers fighting a grudge might be held.
He'd asked April about it and she said that there had been only one time when the fight had continued after the match was over. It had been between Leonardo and Raphael and it had been when they were younger.
Raphael had felt as if Leonardo cheated when he didn't, and the boys had given each other the silent treatment for a few days. Master Splinter talked to the boys about how they should be proud of others accomplishments and had threatened to pull them out of the exhibitions if they could not learn to lose gracefully. Since then no more grudges had been held. She admitted that could change since they had plans to compete this year, but that it wasn't something that would last for long.
Leonardo's and Raphael fight was much like Donatello and Michelangelo's, but they clearly knew some moves their younger brothers didn't. They also moved faster which surprised Leatherhead since at times Michelangelo had seemed to teleport as he dodged moves. In the end Raphael won landing a blow that knocked Leonardo down. Just like Michelangelo had done for Donatello Raphael helped Leonardo up. They faced each other bowed and left the map. More tension drained away as Leonardo and Raphael talked about something that made the Leonardo smile.
There were some other fights that were pretty good, but he wasn't really paying attention. Soon it was Mikey's turn to fight again. Leatherhead was shocked to see that he was going against Chris Bradford. April looked at Leatherhead and Casey with worry. "Did either of you know about this," she asked?
The two boys shook their heads. "They must have changed the schedule," Casey said.
They turned to watch the fight, all three of them unable to help, but worry. Chris was more advanced than Mikey and when faced with a crowd, and the watchful eye of Shredder he could be brutal. Mikey wouldn't be allowed to be seriously hurt, but Chris wasn't going to go soft just because this was an exhibition.
The Three friends looked on with worried looks.
Mikey took a breath as he stepped onto the mat. Chris looked at him and smirked.
"Ready to make of fool of yourself in front of all these people," he asked mockingly?
Mikey didn't say anything. Now was not the time to get in a verbal sparring match when he needed to concentrate for the actual fighting.
Chris continued to smirk taking Mikey's silence for fear.
The two bowed and waited for the signal to begin fighting.
Chris threw a punch right away, but Mikey dodged it and threw a kick which just barley grazed Chris. Chris threw his own kick and caught Mikey sending him to the mat. He quickly got up though and lunged forward managing to hit Chris with a punch. He threw another, but Chris had jumped back and again kicked Mikey though this time he missed. Mikey and Chris began to exchange punches and Mikey winced as Chris wasn't fully holding back like he was supposed to. It was just enough that it hurt, but not to the point where it was noticed. Mikey went to kick Chris, but Chris was faster and had the same idea his kicked caught Mikey and he fell to the mat this time dazed enough that he didn't get up in time. The fight was called and Chris was declared the winner. Mikey felt angry that he'd lost, but he bowed as did Chris who was smiling like he'd won a championship. Mikey headed back to his brothers who all patted him on the back.
"Mikey you did awesome, you were totally holding your own," Leo said and the pride in his voice held sooth Mikey a little.
"He's right Mikey you did great. I think the extra training had really helped," Donnie commented.
Mikey looked to Splinter who nodded. "He's right my son. You did us all proud."
Mikey felt better and looked to the crowd. He caught Leatherhead's eye, and his crush gave him to thumbs up. Mikey looked over at Chris who was pouting as Shedder seemed to be unhappy with his performance. Mikey smiled a little and felt glad to have such an awesome family and friends.
In the fallowing matches Donnie lost, but Leo and Raph won.
"Is this going to cause problems between them," Leatherhead asked April as they got up to meet the guys?
Casey was the one to answer him. "Naw. Raph will brag about it his win, but it'll all be in good fun. I don't think a wrecking ball could break their bond. I mean they've had their fights and some bad ones too, but in the end they stick together."
April nodded. "Things were a little rocky in freshman year. Raph had this desire to do exactly the opposite of what Leo asked him. Even at dinner something as simple as asking for Raph to pass the salt turned into a fight."
"Donnie said it had something to do with Raph thinking Leo was going to inherit the dojo and Raph wanted to show he was a better leader. I think Splinter talked to them or something because by the second semester Raph and Leo were fighting less. They still have arguments, but that has more to do with Raph not being fond of following orders and Leo can sometimes be bossy. It's a balancing act that they've mostly got down."
Leatherhead nodded glad that the brothers weren't going to fight. When they met up with the brothers Mikey still seemed a little down about losing. Leatherhead wondered if he should save asking Mikey out another time, but decided against it. He needed to do it today or he might never do it. He just needed to get Mikey away from the group long enough to do it. He thought of an idea and hoped it work.
"You boys did well," Uncle Daimyo said smiling.
Master splinter nodded. "Very well my sons. We still have much training to do, but this has proven to me that you are indeed ready to compete."
"I say we celebrate with some pizza," Raph announced and Splinter agreed.
Mikey smiled at that and it grew as Casey, April, and Leatherhead were invited to stay over for dinner.
"I wish I could stay, but I have business to attend to. All of you did so well. I cannot wait to see how you do in a real competition," Dayimo said. He gave one last wave before leaving the group.
They all headed back to the apartment where Splinter ordered the food. They talked and laughed for hours.
Leatherhead stood up. "I've got to get going home. Thanks for inviting me I had a lot of fun." He turned to Mikey "walk me out," he asked casually?
Mikey was surprised, but nodded and stood. Up once outside Leatherhead grabbed Mikey's hand. He looked nervous and Mikey wondered what was going on.
"Mikey…..today you were amazing. That routine you did was something else. I've never seen anyone look so strong and graceful before. You were…..you were beautiful."
Mikey was shocked, but he was filled with joy. He was about to ask if Leatherhead had meant when he said when he felt lips pressed to his. Again he was shocked, but quickly kissed back. It was only for a few seconds, but it felt like the world stood still for hours.
Finally Leatherhead pulled away and Mikey asked stunned. "Please tell me that wasn't a kiss between really good friends."
Leatherhead laughed and shook his head. "No that was an I like you and want to go out with you kiss."
Mikey nodded smiling like he'd won the lottery. "Yeah I'd love that."
Leatherhead's smile grew wider. "How about tomorrow? We can go to the arcade and maybe hit up that comic book shop you were telling me about."
Mikey nodded so hard and fast he probably looked like a bobble head doll.
"Perfect. I'll pick you up at noon," he said giving Mikey only last kiss on the cheek and headed home.
Mikey stood there until Leatherhead disappeared and headed inside. When he walked back into the living room everyone was looking at him with expectation. Mikey laughed softly, and wondered if he should lie and say nothing happened.
He looked at April though, and he knew if he lied when she found out she'd kick his butt. She'd been getting lessons from Master Splinter and she packed a powerful punch for someone so small.
"I have a date with him tomorrow," he said smiling.
April squealed vaulted over the couch and pulled him into a hug.
"What time? Where are you going? What are you going to wear?" She demanded not letting him answer on question before firing off the next.
Mikey laughed. "Noon, arcade, maybe a comic book shop and I have no idea."
"Can I help you find something to wear? Please please please," April begged.
Mikey laughed harder and nodded. "Sure April."
April let out another squeal and pulled Mikey towards his bedroom to help him find the perfect outfit. He could hear Raph say something that sounded like "it was about time", but he could have been wrong. As he turned to see April rummaging through his closet he wondered if he should have told April no, but just thinking of how disappointed she would be made him cringe. A disappointed April was a sad April which brought out the protective streak in Donnie. Despite the possibility of being fawned over like a Barbie doll it would be worth it to avoid a wrathful Donnie.
Mikey didn't really care anyway too happy that he finally had a date with Leatherhead.