Another problem arises for the teen that is watching a seven year old mutant turtle boy. Hmm, what could it be?
(Also, Heather realizes something)
The next morning, Heather wakes up and sees Leo by her side yet again. 'It's time to figure out this fear problem.' She moves him over onto the pillow, since he had traded it for her shoulder in the middle of the night. Without waking him, she stands up and walks to the kitchen. After a little while, Steve joins her.
"Where's Leo?" He asks, looking around instantly. After having two incidents where Leo was presumed gone, it isn't surprising that he does so.
"In my room. He was tuckered out when we got back. He was terrified," Heather answers. "Coffee?" She hands him a mug.
"So he's like you, huh?" Heather looks at him, waiting for him to answer, "In stressful situations, his body falls asleep to escape?"
"No, he wanted me to read some, and then he cuddled close, on my left side. I fell asleep first."
"..It's interesting how he favors your left so much. His head is always on that side when you pick him up." Heather takes a sip of her water. She wasn't into coffee. Tony ruined whatever small hankering she had for it.
"..You know that instinct most animals have when they are little? Where they learn who their mother is even before they are born because of her heartbeat?" Heather asks. Steve looks at her.
"Sure, I've watched a few channels on animals. What are you getting at?"
"Well, I just think that maybe.. maybe he's gotten used to my heart beat. The heart is on the left side. And his head always finds my chest when I'm near. It's like it reassures him."
"So, he thinks you're his mom?" Steve asks.
Heather laughs, "No. I think it means he trusts me. But more importantly, it means he's dependant of me. ..Steve," Heather says, "Leo thought I had abandoned him when he only saw Splinter enter the room. Only until he saw me did he believe it to be false. It wasn't that he doesn't trust me.." Heather's thoughts fade as she starts to pace around the large room. She weaves around the couch and table, entering the kitchen again.
"What's on your mind, Heather?" Steve says, breaking her concentration.
"He knows that I'll protect him, and yet he is still terrified when I'm right there. I don't understand-"
"That is how fear works," Steve tries.
"No no, it isn't just that. Leo, Leo was safe with me. He wasn't visibly scared then. But when he didn't know if I was still there, he was shaking." Heather looks up at Steve, "He's scared that he won't be able to do anything. That he can't defend himself. That.. that he's always going to be dependant on someone to solve his problems." Heather realizes it.
Leo kept deciding for himself to do something that he wouldn't be comfortable with. He wants to break through on his own, but he doesn't have the ability to.
'Yet,' Heather thinks. "I want to ask him if this is all true. When he wakes up."
"You should probably be there when he does," Steve says. Heather nods and sets her cup down to go back to her room.
"Hey Leo," Heather says. Leo looks up at her, rubbing his eyes.
"What time is it?" He asks.
"About, seven after nine," Heather answers, looking at the clock. "Are you thirsty?" Leo nods.
"I want some milk," he answers.
"Leo, remember your manners."
"Um, can I have some milk, please?" Heather smiles.
"May..?"
"May I have some milk, please?" Leo corrects.
"Yes, let's get you some milk." They walk to the kitchen and he sits on a stool. "Want to talk about it?" Heather asks as she pours his milk. Leo knows what she means and fear glazes over his eyes.
"What is there to talk about?" He asks. Heather sets his milk down and he grabs it.
"How about why you were scared?"
"Well.. he was there," Leo answers simply.
"I think there is more to it. Leo, were you scared because you couldn't do anything?"
Leo thinks about it, stalling by drinking his milk. "I.. I, couldn't do anything. He's a ninja, Heather. How can I stop him from doing anything? And even if I could, I can't, I know that he is bigger than me."
"Leo, you won't be dependant on me to help you forever. But until then," Heather tilts his head up, "Do you trust me?"
Leo nods right away, "Uh huh."
"Okay, then trust me when I tell you, that you will get over this. Not because someone else protected you, or because it was taken out of the equation. But because you and you alone overcame it."
"I'll try." Heather smiles at the courageous boy before her.
"I'm sure you will," she says.
"Heather!" Leo yells, running into the living room. He looks around and spots Heather stretching in between the tv and the couch. "Heather, I know!" He says, raising his arms in triumph. Heather just stares at him.
"What do you know Leo?" She asks. He has a silly grin on his face and his eyes are shining like stars.
"I know how I can overcome my fear!" He chirps. Heather sits cross-legged on the floor, giving him her attention.
"How?"
"I can learn ninitu!" Leo yells, not pronouncing it correctly.
"..Ninjutsu?" Heather clarifies, stifling a giggle. Leo nods. "I'm sorry to tell you this Leo, but I don't know ninjutsu." The turtles face falls.
"But.. don't you kick bad guys butts?" Leo asks.
"Yes, but there are other ways to do it."
"But Raph explained what ninisu is and it sounds easy!"
"Self defense is seldom easy Leo. Raph is just starting to learn. He'll soon be telling you how hard it is."
"But.. but.. All my other brothers are going to learn it. Why can't I?"
"Well, you'd have to find a ninjutsu master that will teach you."
"Can we look for one?" Leo gasps. "Maybe there's a nijinsu master in the apartment."
"Maybe- but Leo, ninjutsu is a lifestyle. It isn't just to learn and have a life separate from it."
"Oh." Leo's face falls more.
"Besides, we'd have to ask if someone knows ninjutsu. I'm sorry Leo, but learning ninjutsu is not going to be possible for you here." Heather gets up and goes to start supper.
Her last words echo in the seven year old's head. 'We'd have to ask.' Leo looks at the front door. 'Okay, I can do that.' He gets up and opens the front door. He sees two doors on the other side of the hallway.
Heather is looking through the fridge. "Hey Leo? What would you like for supper? We have eggs, or.." She hears a few soft thumps. "Leo?" She turns around, but can't see the young turtle anymore. She sees the open door and then hears another door creak.
"Hi!" Leo's friendly voice greets. Heather realizes what had happened a second too late when a piercing scream fills the apartment.
Hehe, oops!
Ninjutsu is entering the young-future-leader's heart.
Okay, be honest. Who loves writing little kids because you get to spell stuff how they say it? *raises hand* Guilty as charged.