Chapter 10

"Follow me, my son, and I will show how to open this portal," Splinter ushered Leonardo to follow him. "And watch yourself. Cecilio is good natured but can be oblivious to some of the more unsavory traits of his guests. And his wife is…well, you will see."

"Why do you go then, Sensei?"

"Because the Ancient One has invited me for years. It is a chance for us to catch up. He has known Cecilio for a long time, but never wanted to go to these parties by himself."

"Are they always so dressy?" Leonardo shifted uncomfortably in the suit he was wearing.

"Always. Every invitation has the dress code written on it for the whole weekend, and it is always very fancy. This year was no exception." Splinter smiled at his son, eyes twinkling.

"Go on. Have a good time," he said as he gave his eldest a hug.

Leonardo stepped through the portal into a cosmopolitan mecca. Strange humanoids of all shapes and sizes walked past him, paying him no mind. Many of them had animalian characteristics. Skyscrapers loomed above him, and despite their bright colors, the city had a gritty feel. Feels kind of like home. He pulled out the piece of paper with the directions to the meeting place and followed the crude map Splinter had drawn for him through the narrow, crowded streets.

The air was becoming increasingly chilly as the sun began to set. Leo was thankful for the suit coat.

He looked up at a building that looked like what Splinter had described – a reflective greenish building, about 10 stories high, with a large green glass revolving door. He was to wait at the corner of the street in front of the building. He glanced down at his phone to check the time.

"Leo?"

He whipped his head around. There she stood, in a long tan trench coat over a black silky slip dress. He noticed she looked taller before realizing she had heels on. Holy shit, he thought as he breathed out hard. She looks so beautiful. Wow.

"Layla?" He sounded surprised, but grinned. "What are you doing here?"

"Sofu sent me," she walked towards him, smiling, the click of her heels turning him on. "He said he wasn't feeling well. What are you doing here?"

"Splinter straight up said he didn't want to go," he chuckled. She looked at him and bit her lip. Wow he looks so hot in a suit.

Tentatively at first, they wrapped their arms around each other. It feels so good to hold her again.

"I don't have to bend down as far when you've got those shoes on," he teased her.

"Enjoy it while it lasts then," she chuckled into his neck. She couldn't help but notice how much more firmly he held onto her this time, how his hand was very firmly pressed against her waist.

"I missed you," he murmured. He could feel her smile widen.

"I missed you too," she whispered. "How did I not know you were going?"

"Splinter asked us the night before. When did the Ancient One say he wasn't feeling well?"

"A few hours before he was going to leave," she snorted, shaking her head at the clear plot their guardians had hatched.

They pulled away, looking at each other with anticipation, very excited to see one another.

He shamelessly eyed her up and down, feeling confident after she so readily embraced him. "You look so pretty."

"Thanks. I like the suit, it looks good," she said shyly as she fixed his tie, which had flipped around when he hugged her. A noticeable blush had spread across her cheeks. Leo held his breath while she fixed it, watching her every move intently, savoring the moment. I could get used to this.

"Do you have any idea where we are?" she asked as she eyed the city streets.

"Not Earth," he laughed, "But other than that I'm not sure." A vehicle pulled up beside the curb, and a chauffeur stepped out. He was lanky, with pale grey skin and yellow eyes. He asked to see their invitations before inviting them into the black vehicle.

Layla watched the sunset fade off the reflective buildings out the tinted window. She kept glancing at Leo through the reflection of the window, wanting so badly to snuggle up against him. Wanting him to put his arm around her. Wanting him to rip off her dress and let her ride him here in the backseat, driver be damned. Fuck he looks good, even better than he usually does.

Leo found that his gaze kept wandering to her thigh, which peeked out from her coat with her legs crossed. Those shoes, he thought as he licked his lips. His eyes trailed upwards as he imagined grabbing her waist and dragging her onto his lap.

He ripped off her slinky silk dress. She was wearing nothing underneath.

Leo ran his thumb across her jaw. "Naughty girl," he whispered as he nipped at the soft flesh of her neck. Layla shivered.

She ran her hand up his arms, tracing every groove and muscle. She cupped his face in her hands before pressing a feather-light kiss to his lips, "All yours, Leonardo." She traced her hands down his shirt, unbuckling his pants. His cock sprung free, and with a soft moan she slowly sunk down onto his shaft.

"You're so wet, love," he moaned into her shoulder. He traced his hands up her thighs before grabbing onto her hips and guiding her pace. Her moans became louder, and she curled her fingers over the top of his plastron for balance.

She lurched forward when the vehicle went over some rocky terrain and wrapped her arm around his neck. The other grabbed fiercely onto his tie.

Leo tightened his grip and thrusted harder. His hand snaked up her back to tangle in her hair, pulling back slightly so he could have access to her throat. Layla trailed her fingernails down his shoulder blades, marking him in purple scratches.

"Fuck," she whispered as he bit down. He sat back to admire his handiwork, slowing his thrusts.

"Mine," he said as he kissed the bruise, feeling territorial as he gently spanked her. She whimpered, but smiled at him nonetheless. He leaned over her shoulder to watch her ass jiggle as he spanked her once more, this time leaving a light red mark.

Leo kissed her shoulder, then moved to her lips, rolling his tongue over hers. Layla gently bit his bottom lip, then traced the outline with the tip of her tongue. In response, he pulled her hips down harder and she cried out wantonly.

"Say it," he quietly commanded her. Leo took her arms and pinned them behind her back. He wanted complete control. Her slick folds threatened to throw him over the edge any second, and he needed to hear his name on her lips.

"Leo," she breathed. As his thrusts became more erratic, she cried out his name over and over as she met her edge.

"Fuck, ah, Layla," he growled low into her hair as he met his release, spilling inside of her.

"Leo?" Layla put her hand on his arm and looked at him bemusedly.

"Huh?" he jerked, embarrassed. This wasn't the first time she woke him from an elicit daydream.

"I um, I asked you a question?" she said tentatively, not wanting to disturb him if he was thinking of something important.

He laughed nervously. "Sorry, I kinda spaced out. Taking in the sights and, um, all that."

She smiled warmly, and still had her hand on his arm.

"What were you asking me?" Leo still felt dazed and incredibly aroused. He leaned towards her to show he was listening to her.

"It wasn't important," she shook her head.

"No, go ahead," he insisted, feeling guilty he had unintentionally ignored her.

They had driven for almost an hour. The landscape changed as they exited the city, and they drove along a rocky shoreline. The only source of illumination came from the headlights.

The vehicle screeched to a halt in front of foreboding gates. The pair craned their necks to see any buildings, but they were only met with darkness. It took another few minutes to reach the manor.

The imposing structure was made of a strange dark stone, smooth and a bit reflective, but less so than the buildings in the city. Leo grabbed their bags and offered Layla his arm.

"Thanks. These heels aren't the easiest to get around in."

He smirked at her. "Well, that's what I'm here for."

Layla grinned. He is being cheekier than usual…She was enjoying his sudden bravado. It made her at once feel bashful yet comfortable because he was more relaxed, more confident. More himself.

"It's like a murder mystery mansion," he joked.

"I'm so ready. I can play a little detective!" she laughed.

"Sure, cause all your true crime shows really prepared you," he winked at her.

"Hey, nine times out of ten I guess the killer in the first like, ten seconds!"

They giggled at each other as the daunting stone doors lurched open.

"Good evening. You are here in place of the Ancient One and Master Splinter?" A handsome humanoid with a pallid complexion answered. He stood several inches taller than Leonardo. His deep-set black eyes studied them shrewdly. "I am Faron, a servant here at Master Cecilio and Mistress Malvolias manor. I will show you to your rooms." The two turtles glanced curiously at each other as they followed him silently.

He led them to two adjoining rooms, stately, with large windows overlooking the tempestuous ocean. The décor was sumptuous, yet foreign and cold.

Faron turned to them. "We are still waiting on a few guests to arrive, so feel free to settle in before venturing downstairs. If you require anything at all, push this button here." He closed the door behind them. Leo set his bag down in the farther room.

She was standing there, looking stunning, he thought to himself, as she had taken off her coat and he could now appreciate the very thin straps holding up her dress. She was holding a small parcel. It was neatly wrapped in blue paper with a velvet ribbon wrapped around it.

She bit her lip as she extended the package towards him, "I know your birthday is soon, and I won't be there to give you this. I was going to give it to Splinter to give to you. You can open it now or wait." She looked up at him timidly through her dark lashes.

Leonardo took the gift from her and motioned for her to sit next to him on the couch. "You didn't have to get my anything at all," he said incredulously, surprised that she thought to get him a gift. She certainly didn't need to.

He carefully unwrapped the package.

His lips parted as he lifted the lid, stunned by the contents. He lifted the mask and carefully studied the intricate embroidery she had painstakingly threaded on the tails.

I just hope he likes it, she thought as she played with the ends of her hair anxiously. She studied his face, hoping his reaction would be positive.

One on tail of the mask she had embroidered his name in kanji, and the kanji for bravery on the other. Several meaningful motifs in a subtle pattern of varying shades of blue went up about three-quarters up the tails. In the background she weaved kikko, a hexagonal pattern mimicking a tortoise shell. In Japan, it was a traditional motif that inspired samurai designs. It also signaled longevity and good fortune. In the foreground were several meaningful motifs expertly woven throughout the kikko pattern. Peonies for good fortune, bravery, honor. Dragonflies signifying victory for warriors. A dragon for bravery, wisdom, strength.

He very carefully studied the design, recognizing the imagery and knowing its meaning immediately.

Leonardo was touched. He sat there for a few minutes admiring the gift, speechless.

He doesn't like it, she thought, worried that his silence meant he hated it.

"You left one of your masks at my house," she said softly. "It's ok if you don't like it. I'm not the best –"

Leo cut her off by placing a finger over her lips. "It's perfect," he said gently. "I have never received such a meaningful gift before. I had no idea you were this talented." She went to speak, but he continued to shush her. "I love it. Thank you," he breathed as he pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly.

"How did you have the time to do all of that?" he nuzzled into her hair, keeping her in his tight embrace. His fingers traced small circles on her bare back. She clung to the fabric of his coat.

"I'm not sure," she whispered. He continued to hold onto her for several minutes.

After a moment she sighed out a breath she had been holding, "I was worried you wouldn't like it."

He snorted in disbelief. "How could I not love the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me?"

"Is it really though?" she questioned him.

He pulled back from the embrace just enough to look into her eyes. "Yes, of course. I wouldn't say that if it wasn't true." And he pulled her into another embrace.

"We should head downstairs," Leo sighed as he pulled away once again. He slipped the mask on as he stood up, still so moved by her gift.

"Welcome!" An average sized peach skinned humanoid with green eyes and dark tentacle-like appendages in place of hair greeted them. He gave them a wide, toothy smile, and would have looked rather intimidating if not for his jovial nature. "I'm Cecilio. You must be Master Leonardo and Miss Layla. Please, come in and meet our other guests. I was sad to hear Splinter and the Ancient One were feeling ill, but I am excited to meet the both of you!"

Master Leonardo? Leo smirked to himself. I could get used to that. Can this day get any better?

He walked just a hair's breadth behind Layla as Cecilio introduced them to the other guests. "Ah, and this is my lovely wife Malvolia!"

A voluptuous but plastic looking woman turned around. Her bright red dress left little to the imagination, and she looked as if she personally funded several plastic surgeons. Her fake attempt at a smile set both Leo and Layla on edge.

"Aren't you a handsome couple?" She said, too politely, face unmoving. "Thank you for coming to our little soiree. I was just about to start the tour of our little home." She ushered a server over and thrust a glass of wine into each of their hands.

"Have you ever seen the show Botched?" Layla whispered to Leo.

"Nope. Is it one of those reality tv shows you watch too much of?" He gently prodded her in the ribs, giving her a teasing smirk. She giggled.

"Remind me to show you later," she rolled her eyes playfully. "You'll know what I mean."

"Sugar lips?" Malvolia called out to her husband, "Tour first?"

"It's your choice, slutty buddy," he called back, clearly eager to please her.

Leo and Layla tried not the laugh as they caught each other's eye. "Slutty buddy?" she mouthed to him, eyes wide, as he covered his mouth with his hand to stifle a laugh.

She led them through various rooms, in each one profusely apologizing for how unfinished her decorating was, and how much she wanted to change. To the casual onlooker, the house looked complete.

"And this is where we play darts," she opened a room to the group. All four walls were covered in dartboards of varying sizes.

"There's hundreds of these things in here," Leo whispered to Layla, aghast.

"What are those?" she nodded towards a small number of colorful shaped objects pinned to a large dartboard, some were shaped like seashells, others like little animals.

Leo shrugged, noticing that as Malvolia glanced at the objects, her face clouded over in anger. The woman glanced at her husband, eyes dark. Recovering her composure, she smiled.

"And this is where I come to relax," she opened a door into a large workshop filled with paintings. Hundreds of nude paintings.

"Sometimes I come in here to just paint away all my worries," she said as she pointed to a large canvas of what was clearly her. In fact, they were all mostly of herself, with exaggerated features.

Layla, stifling a giggle, looked at Leo, who was wide eyed looking straight at the ground. Most the guests shifted uncomfortably.

"Mostly I paint myself, but sometimes Cecilio too," she gestured to a life-sized portrait of the man, completely nude, fully and almost aggressively erect. Layla choked on her wine, and the rest of the group made uncomfortable noises. No one said a word. Leo's shoulders started to shake with laughter. He ducked his head, put his hand over his face, and glanced at Layla. She was staring straight into her wine glass.

Many of the guests had quietly retreated from the room, trying not to seem rude. Leo gently grasped Layla's upper arm and pulled her out of the awkward room. They walked slowly, eventually findings themselves at the back of the group. They couldn't look at each other for fear of laughing.

They made their way through several more unexciting rooms, before proceeding down a dimly lit short hallway that ended in double doors.

"Ah! And here's the master suite!"

She continued, "I just recently had the ceiling installed. It used to be just a boring painting of clouds." All the guests looked up.

"Oh my god," Layla whispered. Leo had his hand curled over his mouth, staring forward, feeling strong second-hand embarrassment.

It was mirrored right above the extravagant bed.

"It certainly was expensive," Cecilio muttered.

"But worth every penny, sugar lips," Malvolia sang.

"Of course, Ducky," he sing-songed back.

"Ducky?" Leo shrugged at Layla.

"Better than slutty buddy," she whispered back.

The tour lasted for longer than most guests had anticipated, and most were relieved when they circled back to the reception room.

"Dinner is not ready yet, so enjoy some more wine!" Their hosts filled up everyone's glass as they chatted with the guests.

Leo stayed by Layla's side as they chatted casually with some of the guests. He could feel the alcohol starting to take effect, and checked the time.

9:00? These people must eat late. I shouldn't have more wine…

She looks so beautiful. With his inhibitions just a little lower, he found it easier to flirt with her.

"You're so cute, but have you ever thought about just a little surgery. You have a few areas you definitely should, sorry could, get enhanced," Malvolia said to Layla as she reached over and pushed a strand of hair behind her shoulder.

Layla kept a straight face, impressive for how tipsy she felt, but Leo knew from how her body moved that she was offended. Layla opened her mouth to say something, but whether it was due to a bit of liquid courage or Leo's innate protectiveness (or both), he spoke first. Besides, he knew she would be way too polite to that horrible, gawdy woman.

"Excuse me?" He said, perhaps just a little to aggressively. He put his hand on Layla's back. "Some women are so beautiful they don't need to change a thing, like Layla."

Layla's cheeks flushed more than they already were and smiled up at him coyly. I can't believe he did that for me. I've always wanted someone to stand up for me.

The hostess simply walked off in a huff.

"You didn't have to do that." But Leo's chest swelled with pride anyways when he saw the gratefulness behind her eyes. She was by no means a push-over, but he enjoyed playing the hero. And she enjoyed it when he did that.

"She shouldn't have said that. Besides, I meant it," he smirked at her, enjoying seeing her turn even more red.

They watched other guests drunkenly dance around as music played loudly. Neither Leo or Layla had any interest in anything but slow dancing, not that they would've said that to each other.

"Oh are those cookies? I'm so hungry…" Leo said, gesturing to a small decorative plate stacked with pink and white objects.

"Oh I hope so! They look like meringue cookies." Layla eyed them hungrily as Leo reached for one. He sniffed it.

"It smells like sugar," he said as he offered out his hand for her to smell it too. She nodded. He discretely bit into it, before gagging.

"It's soap. It's fucking soap. Shit." He gagged as Layla started laughing.

"Wait you have to hide it," she wheezed, almost crying. Leo ducked his head, embarrassed but also laughing almost uncontrollably.

"Fuck," he panted out, still holding the tiny half eaten soap in his hand. Layla quickly grabbed it from him and tucked it into his jacket pocket.

"No one will know," she whispered, still giggling.

They sat there, closely to one another, recovering from laughing as yet another of the guests staggered to the couch.

"Are you sure," hic, "you don't wanna dance pretty lady?" One of the guests, a small statured blue skinned creature named Inax, asked, for a third time. Layla had been asked my most already, but a few were obnoxiously persistent. As he said this, he sat very closely to her on the couch, and leaned in closely. She was visibly uncomfortable.

"I'm sure," she said, this time clearly irritated with the alien. "I don't want to dance with you."

Leo was on the other side of her. He threw his arm around the back of the couch, putting his hand on Inax's shoulder. Leo gave him a shove, a signal to back off. Inax sobered up in an instant and excused himself.

"What would I do without you?" she murmured to him, and leaned into his side. He kept his arm around her, well, on the back of the couch.

"You shouldn't be so nice," Leo gently chastised her. She had been clear about not wanting to dance with the alien, but the first two times she had turned him down rather gently, despite how uncomfortable Inax clearly made her. Not that Leo would have let anything happen to her.

"But that's what I have you for."

"Oh ok," he rolled his eyes playfully, "So you're just using me."

"Of course," she teased, "I only use you for your muscles." As she said it, she very quickly ran her hand down his arm, giving a little squeeze. Leo grinned, but the thought that she was only acting so forward due to the wine did cross his mind. Leonardo was confident about a lot of things, but he was also no stranger to self-doubt.

"Oh, and your voice. You can be intimidating when you want to be."

"I don't intimidate you, though, do I?"

"No, but it's nice you can do that when you need to." Leo relaxed when she said that, but immediately was on alert as the hostess stumbled their way. Again? What could she possibly want?

"She looks upset," Layla whispered, and gestured to her husband laughing with two of his female guests. "Maybe she's the jealous type?"

"I would imagine she is."

The music changed to something more mellow, and the lights seemed to dim with it.

"You two don't dance? It's rude not to dance at someone's party. Come, dance with me, handsome," she grabbed Leo's hand and attempted to pull him off the couch.

Leo sighed, annoyed, but did notice the change in music to something slower, more sensual. "No, thank you. Actually –" he turned to Layla, "Come on." Leo pulled away from the woman and took Layla by the hand, leading her to the corner of the dance floor furthest from Malvolia. Faron escorted his mistress to a chair, and spoke to her in low tones while he served her water.

"Sorry, we don't have to do this if you don't want, I just thought she might not take no for an answer. She's pretty drunk," he ducked low to whisper in her ear.

"I don't mind," she bit her lip, feeling a rush of butterflies and a welcomed nervousness. He smiled softly at her before placing on hand on her waist and the other gently wrapped around her hand. Apart from a hug, they had never stood so close, much less swayed so closely together.

Leo felt nervous. He had always wanted to know what it was like to slow dance with a girl, to hold her really close and sway gently with the music. What if I fuck up?

She leaned up to whisper to him, and in response he ducked his head down. "I've never danced with anyone before." She was so nervous as she said it, and she gave him a small grimace. I hope I don't mess this up, I really was hoping he would ask me to dance!

"It's ok, I haven't either."

Layla smiled, and he pulled her just a little closer, relishing how the silk of her dress felt underneath his fingers, appreciating how thin the fabric was. They fell into a comfortable rhythm, and naturally as the melodic music continued, they continued to get closer together.

Every so often he would lean down to whisper something into her neck, and the last time he did she leaned her head on his chest with a giggle. Her free hand wrapped around his tie, playing with it gently.

If he thought he was hard before, the feeling of her tugging on his tie so gently almost sent him over the edge. He liked this, but it was driving him insane.

Did I go too far? She fretted, chewing her lip. She relaxed as soon as his hand snaked up from her waist to her mid back, where her skin was exposed. She closed her eyes dreamily, goosebumps forming as he softly traced small shapes and up and down her spine. Neither said anything, too immersed in the moment to find words.

Fuck that's nice, she thought as she focused on the sensation of his warm hands. How his closeness and that damn swaying caused her to be wildly aroused. If only he knew what this is doing to me…

Leonardo felt as if all of his senses were completely overwhelmed. He thought about all the ways she completely overcome him. The scent of her filled his nostrils, and every touch he was profoundly, almost painfully, aware of. The sound of her voice completely captivated him to the point to where he would drown everyone else out. The sight of her…the only thing he was missing was taste, he thought to himself wryly. Not yet.

He would never admit it to anyone, but he had a plan. Leo always had plans, even with her. He had thought extensively about how, if she returned his feelings of course, and where he wanted to kiss her. He had dreamed about kissing her almost every day since they met, a thought that caused him a lot of internal embarrassment.

"Dinner is served," Faron announced. The music was turned down a bit, and the guests gratefully rushed into the dining room.

The dinner was animated. Layla, being a natural introvert, enjoyed listening more to everyone. Leo never answered for her when questions were thrown her way but was also quick to step in when she gave him a specific look. She hadn't at first realized she was doing it, but they picked up on each other's silent cues so quickly it seemed natural.

The two hosts seemed increasingly irritated at each other, and what was once snarky banter quickly devolved into a full-blown argument.

"What are they arguing over?" Leo quietly asked Layla.

"I think she's mad he was dancing with those two other women over there, and he's mad that she was so cozy with the butler," Layla said, eyes dancing.

Leo rolled his eyes. This was just like a real-time version of those shows she liked. What was it called, something housewives…was that the one with the trashy Kim girl and the sisters? No, wait…Leo shook his head, he couldn't keep them all straight anyways.

"You were using my soaps as target practice! They are not for that!" Malvolia shouted across the table at him. The room fell into an awkward silence.

"What are they for then! All they do is lay around, just like you!"

"At least they smell good! Maybe you should use them sometime, tentacle head!"

"Oh good, there'll finally be something from you that's actually useful!"

She stood up and hurled a smooth decorative stone that had been acting as a table decoration out a window. A rush of cold air flooded the room. Layla shivered.

Leo took off his jacket and, without saying a word, wrapped it around her shoulders.

"Thank you," she whispered, keeping her eyes trained on the hosts. He nodded at her, also observing the escalating situation.

"Great, I'll pay for that too then, Malvolia," Cecelio shouted, but he remained seated.

"You pay for me to create and be art! I'm an artist!"

"I don't pay for your art supplies so you can create huge nude canvases of Faron!"

She stood there silently seething.

"Oh, you didn't think I knew that?" he continued. This started an incoherent shouting match in their native tongue.

"Judging by their faces, whatever they're saying must be incredibly awkward," Leo whispered, looking at how uncomfortable some the guests who could understand looked.

Layla nodded in agreement. "Are you cold?" She had the jacket wrapped tightly around her.

"No, I'm fine. I'm not cold."

"You got blowjob lips and you still can't do the job properly!" Cecelio yelled at her across the table.

Leo choked on his drink. Layla's lips parted in shock.

"I would if there was something to blow! Do you really think my portraits are true to size?" She screamed back before storming out.

"Oh my god," Layla whispered. Leo and the other guests stood up, and he pulled out her chair.

She walked into his room after having changed into sweatpants.

"Thank you," she smiled as she handed back his jacket.

"Of course."

"I still can't believe they spoke to each other so disrespectfully."

"Me either. I can't imagine looking at my wife and saying those things to her." You, I could never say something like that to you.

"Well, I can certainly appreciate now why sofu wiggled his way out of going," she chuckled.

Leo laughed with her. "Yeah, I can't imagine Splinter sitting through that."

"Anyways," she rocked on her feet as she bit her lip, "Goodnight, Leo. Sleep well."

"Goodnight, Layla. I'll see you in the morning."

He leaned against the door once it had latched, letting out a sigh, head spinning trying to analyze everything that had happened between them this evening.

"I told you, Mal, I just need a little more," he hissed.

"I don't have anything else, Faron."

He stormed off down the hallway, leaving Malvolia standing amongst her paintings.

"So do you have it?" A dark figured emerged from the shadows, stopping him in his tracks.

"Yes, just follow me."

Leo awoke to a soft knock at the door between their rooms. He stumbled to the door. She was standing there, wrapped in a blanket, sobbing.

He suddenly felt wide awake, and panic coursed through his veins.

"What happened?" He asked gently as he ushered her into his room.