A/N – would anyone be interested in one-shots of the other couples? It's too much for me to focus on all four pairs in one story, but I was considering writing some little vignettes for the other couples separately. Let me know what you guys think.

Chapter 13

Leo laid in his bed at night, holding the mask she embroidered in his hand, running his finger over the design. They had just come back from patrol, and he was exhausted. I wish she was here to massage my hands again, he thought. Over the last few weeks his thoughts had been occupied by how close he came to kissing her several times over that weekend, and the anticipation that she would be here in only a few days was giving him sleepless nights.

He always felt horrible about how he touched himself at night, or in the shower, to thoughts of her. But the longer he resisted (he did try!), the worse it got. She was such an innocent thing, but that just turned him on even more. He often found himself imaging dates he wanted to take her on, cuddling and reading, meditating together. Pleasant and innocent activities like drinking tea and enjoying each other's company. But sometimes even more often he found himself imaging her splayed out beneath him, begging for him. Would she be shy the first time? He let his mind wander again to her soft touch, how she grabbed his tie when they were dancing and –

Knock, knock. He recognized Donnie's knocking, and sighed as he got up, leaving the mask on the bed.

"What's up?" Leo smiled, rubbing his face.

Donnie studied his brother for a moment before asking to enter. Since Leo had gone away that weekend, his brother had been particularly distracted. Donnie was determined to figure out exactly what happened. He knew Leo had left out details, he could always tell.

"Well, a few things actually. Firstly, you've been more distracted than usual since you got back. Don't deny it, the others may not have noticed but I definitely have. What exactly happened that you left out?" Donnie sat on Leo's bed, like they did when they were children, and stared his eldest brother down. As he shifted to get more comfortable, his hand landed on the mask. Leo made to grab it, but Donnie pulled his hand away.

"What's this?" he asked as he studied the bandana.

Leo's mouth twitched, and Donnie postulated that he stumbled on something rather private.

"A birthday gift," he answered curtly.

Donnie rolled his eyes. You're not playing this game with me today, Leo. You keep to yourself too much. "From? And when did you get it? And why didn't you show us a few days ago when we celebrated?"

Leo sighed dejectedly, knowing full well that Donnie was in one of those persistent moods, and he wouldn't leave Leo alone until satisfied with the answers.

"Layla made it for me. I left one of my masks at their house by accident, and she can embroider. It has," he trailed off, searching for the correct word, "meaning. She gave it to me over the weekend."

"That was really thoughtful of her. I didn't know she could do that. She knows you well," Donnie chuckled, "It's the perfect gift." I wonder what hidden talents Talia has that I haven't discovered yet.

Donnie grinned at his brother's shy smile. "She was going to give it to Splinter for me to open on my birthday. She didn't know I was going that weekend. I didn't mention it because, well, it's just…"

"Personal?" Donnie offered.

"Sure." Leo nodded, and explained to Donnie each pattern and kanji. Donnie sat there quietly, impressed with how intimate the meanings and overall gift was. He could tell this was something very special to Leo, and he almost felt guilty for asking so much about it.

"So, is that the only thing that happened over the weekend that you failed to mention?"

He is tenacious tonight, Leo thought, amused. Leo knew it was better to give in now, just so he could go to bed sooner, rather than play this game with his little brother when he was feeling stubborn. He was not, however, going to tell him about her nightmare. That was solely between them. Layla had trusted him with such private details of her life that he was loathe to break that trust just to satisfy his brother's curiosity.

But he could tell Donnie how he slow danced with her, how the guy who was murdered was aggressively hitting on her, how he held her wrists after Cecelio had threatened her. He still had the shell from when they walked on the beach. Donnie listened rapturously, feeling jealous he didn't get to spend that one-on-one time with Talia. In a few days, Donnie thought.

"Satisfied?" Leo asked him with a smirk.

"Satisfied? No. I feel like you're still holding back, but I won't push it. You're allowed to keep your secrets. If you kissed her though and aren't telling me, I'm going to riot."

"I promise I didn't. I haven't even asked her out on a date," Leo sighed.

Date, the second reason I needed to talk to him. For all of Donnie's quiet confidence, he still hadn't quite mastered the best way to ask Talia out.

Noting Don's silence, Leo pressed for another reason as to why he was there. "What was the second thing? You said firstly, so there must be something else."

"I had an idea, if you were amenable, of course." Donnie folded his hands across his chest, tapping his fingers together. A tell-tale sign he was nervous. Leo waited patiently for his brother to continue.

"I was thinking, well you haven't asked out Layla, although clearly you should because you both have feelings…anyways, I haven't asked Talia, well, anything really…" Donnie started to tumble over his words.

"You like her an awful lot," Leo grinned. "Do you spend all day talking to her?"

"Not all day…"

"Uh huh, sure."

"Not like you have room to talk."

"I think it's cute you two watch movies together over facetime," Leo teased. "That's like a date, right?"

Donnie shrugged, "Yes and no? Friends could do that too."

"True, so what was your idea?"

"We could, just you and me, Layla and Talia, maybe go out somewhere together. Like a date but less pressure." Donnie narrowed his eyes, studying his brother's reaction.

"It's a good idea, but why didn't you ask Mikey? He's way more outgoing than me."

"Because you're not Mikey, or Raph. I was hoping to avoid Mikey's exuberance and Raph's well, Raph-ness. And I think, from what Talia has said, her and Layla get on really well."

"Good points. It would be more relaxing, just the four of us. We should take them to central park, unless you have another idea. Layla really likes fall…"

"That's exactly what I was thinking," Donnie smiled, knowing he had asked the right brother.

The next day they spent cleaning as meticulously as four bachelors could make it. The four stared long and hard at the guest room, arguing amongst themselves what would be the best way to configure all the girls in there.

"Hey guys!" April called out. "Oh my god they cleaned," She whispered to Casey, "It looks amazing in here!"

Casey and April laughed to each other, Casey adding, "I remember how hard I tried to clean before you saw my place for the first time."

"Yeah? Why don't you do that now?" April elbowed him, before setting down all the groceries the guys had her pick up.

She grinned as she walked around. They had even mopped.

"It actually smells really good in here," Casey commented, impressed. They could overhear them bickering about where to put things, and giggling amongst themselves, the couple started to put the groceries away.

"I'm sure they're nervous," April said, putting away groceries that they clearly had requested for their guests. "I'm excited to meet them."

"Me too. I really want to know what Mina is like. I mean, Raph won't bring her up unless I do, but sometimes he slips up and he'll say shit like, 'Oh, Mina likes that' or somethin' like that but it's not the same as meeting em, you know?"

"They're all pretty tight lipped, except Mikey, of course."

They tumbled downstairs, grabbing cleaning supplies and laundry. April and Casey opted to watch them struggle through and continue bickering.

That night, the four waited nervously on the docks. Donnie obsessively checked the docking schedule, making sure everything was running smoothly. Leo stood tall and silent, rocking on his heels, arms crossed as he watched the boats come in. Raph paced excessively. Mikey, full of excited energy, danced around them, prattling on about all the places he wanted to show Nora.

They stealthily made their way to the cargo hold to help get them off the boat.

"Shh," Leo put his hand over Layla lips, and the brothers guided them out of the boat. Mikey picked Nora up bridal style, and they carried all their bags. Once on the docks, they loaded up the van. Nervous hugs were given all around, the anticipation through the roof.

Layla sat in front with Leo. He did that thing…putting his hand on her seat while he reversed the car. Holy shit, she thought to herself. She wanted to hug him again, tightly, feel his strong arms around her once more. It felt so good to be near him again.

Leo just wanted to speed home as fast as he could, take her to his room, and lock the door.

"Home sweet home Nori!" Mikey sang as he opened the door.

They showed them the guest room, apologizing all the way, and put their things down.

"It's so lovely!" the women sang, eager to get a tour. Slowly, they managed to break off into pairs. Leo led Layla downstairs first.

"So is this going to be as awkward as the tour that weekend?" Layla teased him.

"I could try," he grinned at her. Fuck me, how can she look this good after traveling for so long. "You tired?"

"I'm alright."

"Want some tea?" He ushered her into the kitchen, where she leaned on the same counter that he had often fantasized about fucking her on.

"That would be nice. You were right, it is cold here."

Mugs in hand, he proceeded to show her around. She was fascinated and impressed with all the rooms they had – a forge, which she couldn't wait to see Leo use, all sweaty, muscles glinting…, the dojo, a garage, a lab, a gym…this was on top of the normal rooms. She mused that it all could use a woman's touch, but it was cozy.

He brought her back upstairs, pointed out his brothers' rooms before opening the door to his.

"Um, this is my room," he said as he held the door open for her.

It was spacious, with brick walls and a stone floor. His bed was on one side, neatly made. On the nightstands were lamps, candles, and a few books. He had a bookshelf, and a display for his katanas. It smelled like incense.

She stepped onto a large rug as she looked around. He also had a dresser with some small sentimental items, including the mask she gave him, on top. He also had a wooden desk. Hanging on the walls were a few rice paper paintings. He had a meditation pillow surrounded by pillows, with a paper lantern hanging from the ceiling.

She smiled. It's so him.

"It's exactly how I pictured it," she turned to him and said.

"Is that a good or bad thing?" She pictured my room?

"Good. I like it." After a pause she shyly said, "I'm happy to see you again." As she said it, she found herself standing right next to him. He took her mug from her hand and set it on her desk next to his.

"I'm happy to see you too." And with that, he wrapped her up in the hug he had been wanting to give her since the moment he saw her again. My bed is right fucking there…

She inhaled deeply. He still smells like sandalwood. She leaned against him, the fatigue of her trip finally settling over her.

Leo could feel how her weight shifted onto him and how her arms lost a bit of their grip. "Tired?" he whispered into her hair. Layla nodded, head still pressed against his chest.

"Ok then, you should get some sleep. C'mon." He led her to the guest room, where Mina was already fast asleep. "Goodnight," he whispered very low into her ear as he ducked his head. Layla could feel his lips move against her hair as he spoke.

"Goodnight."

"Hey!" April bubbled enthusiastically as she bear hugged each woman. "I have just been dying to meet you!" Casey similarly introduced himself. April peppered them with questions over dinner.

"Yeah I don't know what's goin' on," Casey said, addressing the guys while April told the girls exactly how she met the turtles. "But I've been seein' these different kinda guys hangin' out wit the purple dragons. Real skeevy lookin', but like nothin' I've seen before."

"We'll check it out," Raph nodded, voice low. Mina gave him a worried sidelong glance. Casey, as hardheaded as he is, noticed.

"And then they introduced me to this idiot!" She excitedly patted Casey on the shoulder.

They stayed late into the night, swapping stories.

"We'll be by again soon! We always are," April smiled, giving hugs once more. April couldn't wait to get the girls alone but didn't want to be overwhelming the first night. Plus, she figured they'd want to spend as much time as possible with her beloved little brothers.

"We thought you might want to see Central Park," Donnie said to Talia and Layla.

"It's really nice in the fall," Leo added, remembering it was Layla's favorite season.

"That sounds really nice!" Talia said, giving Layla an excited glance. Layla nodded.

The four of them dressed warmly, and headed out into the night, piling into the van. Leo drove again with Layla beside him, while Donnie explained to Talia all the upgrades he had made.

The air was crisp but sky clear, and the brightly colored leaves were gently falling to the ground. The park was empty.

They settled into a comfortable chatter.

"No I'm serious! She really did that!" Layla insisted, telling the story of how Mina bashed Nora's head against a concrete wall during a heated argument.

"I can't see any of you getting that angry," Leo said.

"You didn't tell him about the time you…" Talia gave Layla a pointed look.

"Tell me." Both Leo and Donnie said simultaneously.

Layla rolled her eyes, but told them anyways. "We were around 18. Talia and I were having a huge argument, I honestly don't even remember what it was about…"

"Me either."

"Anyways, she killed three of my favorite plants deliberately," Layla paused to glare playfully at her sister, "and I was so furious! So, one day while she was sitting at the kitchen table with her hair in a low pony tail," as she said this Talia pulled her hair back to demonstrate what it looked like, "I walked up and cut it off. I dropped her pony tail right in front of her and walked away."

Leo and Donnie looked at each other, shocked but amused.

"I was so upset. It took me a year to grow my hair back! Every day I had to look in the mirror and be reminded of what happened."

"I don't regret it," Layla grinned at her sister.

"Remind me to never get in an argument with you two," Donnie chuckled.

"Do you two ever argue?" Talia asked Donnie.

"Mmhmm of course. Not often. Nothing tops Raph and Leo's fights." Donnie teased Leo, who looked away sheepishly.

The boys led them to a scenic overlook but hung back a bit while the girls enjoyed the view.

"Gonna hold her hand, little bro?" Leo teased Donnie. He knew his brother wanted to, as did he, but didn't quite have the courage.

"You first, Fearless," Donnie retorted.

"It wouldn't be the first time," Leo whispered. Donnie's eyes widened in surprise.

"Um, excuse me?" said Donnie. "When?"

"I'll tell you some other time," Leo said because the girls had turned back towards them, beckoning them to stand next to them.

Donnie and Talia started to walk ahead of Leo and Layla, and Leo grinned when Donnie put his arm around her. Alright, Don, Leo thought to himself.

That left Leo and Layla alone, still standing against a fence, enjoying the view. Leo turned around so that his back was against the fence to get a better look at her. She had a knitted hat on, long hair flowing out underneath, a scarf, and a warm jacket. She looks so cozy.

"The trees are so lovely," she said, smiling softly. "Thank you for taking us here."

"There's an even better spot just up the path," Leo said.

They walked in silence for several minutes and spied Donnie and Talia far up ahead, headed down a different path.

"She really likes him," Layla said. "She talks about him all the time."

"Well, he really likes her. He doesn't really say too much, but that's probably because he spends all his free time talking to her," Leo chuckled.

"That's sweet." Layla blew warm air on her hands and rubbed them together.

"Cold?" Leo asked. He guided her down another path by hovering his arm around her waist for the briefest second.

"Just a little."

"It's just up here," he said, and as they turned the corner a lovely bench overlooking the pond appeared. It was a secluded little spot, partially hidden by trees. They sat down.

"Hold out your hands," Leo commanded her. He rubbed his own vigorously together before placing his large hands over hers.

"That's so warm. Thank you."

"Hold on," he said as he rubbed his hands together again, this time placing them on either side of her cheeks. His thumbs absentmindedly stroked her red frozen cheeks. She initially looked surprised, but soon a soft grin spread across her face. As he continued to gaze at her, she bit her bottom lip. Is he going to kiss me?

"Better?" he asked.

"Much," she grinned.

"Ok I have one more place to show you. We'll meet Donnie and Talia there. Wanna see a castle?"

"Yes!"

As they stood up, he offered her his hand, and didn't let go as they started walking.

"This pond right here is called Turtle Pond."

"Really? How sweet. Do turtles actually live in it?" She asked excitedly.

"Of course. I couldn't take you to central park and not show you Turtle Pond," he chuckled.

As he spoke, telling her more about the park, she slid her other cold hand next to the one that he was holding.

"Aww, your hands are freezing," he murmured as he gave them a squeeze. Both her hands fit into his large one.

"How are yours so warm?"

"How are yours so cold?" He teased her back.

They toured the castle with Donnie and Talia, who held hands the entire time. Leo gently guided Layla by briefly placing his hand on her waist or the small of her back.

"Ok, which movies?" Mikey had written out a selection of horror films to discuss with Nora. During Halloween week they wanted to watch a marathon of scary movies every night until the holiday. This was mostly a plot on Mikey's part to snuggle next to Nora on the couch, something that she seemed to do only when they watched movies, and he was sure he could full on cuddle her if she was scared.

"Hmmm, tough choice. Have you watched any?"

"Not all of them! I'm saving some to watch with you, angelcakes." Mikey grinned, and Nora giggled at him.

"Ok well any of these are gonna scare my sisters, because they're all a bunch of babies, but I heard Saint Maud and Sinister were good."

"Yeah me too! Do you not get scared?"

"I do! But not as bad as them. Plus, I'll have you, right?"

"Yeah of course, we can sit next to each other. I'll protect you from the ghosties and monsters," Mikey winked at her, comically flexing.

"I can't believe you picked a scary movie. I hate you," Mina said, deadpanned, to Nora. Nora just winked at her.

"Two actually."

"And where is Layla?" Talia asked.

At that moment, Layla appeared, wrapped in a large blanket, and sat by herself on the remaining couch. Mina and Talia sat huddled in the middle of the central couch. Raph glanced over at Donnie, seeing that there was room for one of them on each side. They knew what to do. Leo took stock of the seating arrangements and internally celebrated, having a couch off to the side with only Layla.

"Safety blankie?" Talia giggled at Layla. Layla just rolled her eyes.

Nora sat on Mikey's lap in the large recliner. Leo sat next to Layla, just the two of them on side couch.

"I heard you don't like scary movies," Leo whispered to her, while handing her a mug of tea. She smiled timidly.

"Yeah, I'm such a baby. I get scared really easily." She sipped the tea, realizing it was jasmine green, one of her favorites. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. You know, you don't have to watch," Leo sat at the end of the couch, between her and the rest of the room. She was in the middle, but she very subtly moved closer to him. She was scared of the movie but was determined to use the opportunity to get closer to Leo.

"I know, but my sister really wants to."

Leo hadn't realized the movie started, as he was too focused on how close she was to him. As the movie became creepier, he could feel her posture tense, and she snuggled down into the blankets, and closer to him. He could feel his heart beat faster. Something scary had crossed over the screen, and Layla jolted slightly. Leo looked over at her, concerned but amused.

He leaned down next to her ear, whispering, "You sure you want to keep watching?"

She just nodded yes. In response, Leo reached over and took her hand in his, gently running his thumb over her soft skin. He was initially worried he went too far, but smiled when in response she gave his hand a slight squeeze and rested her head on his bicep. Her hand is so soft. And fucking tiny. He stifled a chuckle.

Hers fit perfectly, he thought. Never had he imagined intertwining his hand with someone who also had only 3 fingers.

Layla stopped focusing on the movie for that brief moment, feeling jittery from the contact. She smiled to herself and decided that she looked forward to the rest of the week, despite the choice in movies. Suddenly a woman on the screen's face turned demonic, and Layla flinched hard, whimpered, and grabbed on Leo's wrist with her free hand. The hand encapsulated in his squeezed hard. She closed her eyes and turned her face into his bicep.

He responded by placing his free hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze then running his fingertips over her three delicate knuckles. Now he had definitely done more than just a comforting hand hold.

Layla smiled. It's like those romance movies! Fuck this is so so so so nice. He's so warm. Oh my god he's still running his hand over mine. His hands are hot. Rough, calloused, strong. No no don't think like that now! She took a deep breath.

Leo glanced at his brothers, and seeing that they were completely ignoring him, turned to Layla. He ducked his head down, his breath hot against her hair. "You alright?" He couldn't help but notice the scent of her hair, something flora, something enticingly feminine. The same scent he had memorized before she left that weekend.

She nodded yes, but he knew she wasn't. He sighed, fighting every instinct to wrap her up in his arms. She would feel so small and soft. Protected. But he didn't for two reasons. Firstly, this is the first amount of prolonged contact they had where he had deliberately done something unnecessarily flirtatious physically, and he didn't want to take it too far. Especially since he had never actually confessed any feelings for her. Secondly, he would never hear the end of it from his brothers.

I just need to man up and tell her.

Leo glanced over at his brothers again, all the while continuing his gentle caresses on her soft skin. Raph looked particularly smug, and was staring straight ahead at the tv. Mina had wrapped her arms around his, and was leaning her cheek against his shoulder. Leo saw him glance down and say something to her, then take his hand and put it over both of hers. Leo wanted to tease him for that later, but knew he shouldn't. Clearly Mina had a good impact on his brother's temper. Leo didn't want to jeopardize that by teasing him too much.

Nora was still snuggled on Mikey's lap.

And Donnie very discretely had his arm around Talia, but he was clenching and unclenching his fist, as if he was unsure whether or not to make contact.

Leo was so acutely aware of her body next to his that he had completely disregarded the film, and consequently had no idea what was going on to understand why the woman on the tv had set herself on fire.

It ended with a scream.

Once the credits rolled, Layla let go of his hand. The lights in the lair were still off, the only source of illumination coming from the tv.

"Sorry if I bothered you," she whispered, biting her lip.

"You didn't at all. Are you alright?" He gave her a reassuring smile. She smiled warmly at him.

"Well, I handled that much better than other movies thanks to you." Leo felt his chest swell and could feel his cheeks heating up too. "I don't know if I'm ready for the next one though."

"Do you want more tea?"

"I would like that. Do you want help?"

"No no! You look comfy," He chuckled at her and headed to the kitchen. Donnie was already in there. Leo grinned devilishly to himself. He wasn't one to play pranks or goof off, but once in a while an opportunity too good to pass up presented itself. Donnie had his back turned towards him. Leo walked up behind him, yawned, stretched out his arms, and wrapped one around his brother's shoulders. Donnie stiffened up immediately, then elbowed Leo in the stomach.

"Rude!" Donnie whisper-yelled at Leo. Leo just tried his best to laugh silently. Donnie glared at him.

"Ok ok sorry but I couldn't help it!"

Donnie just looked down as he made tea and smiled, shaking his head.

"I don't know if Mikey is a genius for picking really scary movies or if he's just playing some sort of joke," Donnie said as he looked at Leo.

"I don't know, but I'm not going to complain," Leo shrugged his shoulders, grabbing his and Layla's mugs and heading back to the couch. Mikey had queued up the second movie, Sinister.

"Buckle up my darlings," Nora turned to her sisters, "This one is worse."

Mina glared daggers at Nora, and mouthed "fuck you" at her. Raph smirked at Mina.

"Why would you pick the scarier one last?" Talia sunk into the couch more, scowling.

Leo felt Layla sigh heavily. She gripped her mug so hard her knuckles turned white.

The movie started.

"Oh my god it's scary right away," Layla huffed under her breath, setting the mug down. "I shouldn't hold that," she turned to whisper to Leo, "cause I might spill it." She giggled at him, and he grinned back at her.

Is it too early to hold her hand again? Or should I wait for her to do something first? No, the guy should make the first move. God she's adorable when she's like this.

As she snuggled closer, she pulled her knees up to her chest. Leo thought of all the ways he could initiate contact again while being subtle, playing scenarios over in his mind.

Ok Layla, you can do this. Don't be shy. Just...just rest your head against that bicep of his. You like him! So show him!

While Leo was frantically calculating his next move, Layla rested her head gently on his arm again. She beat me to it! Leo felt butterflies from the contact, but disappointed in himself that he didn't make the first move.

She was clearly terrified, and he wanted desperately to comfort her. Ok, you got this. Show her she's safe. You've done it before.

He gently placed his hand on her knee, drawing small circles with his finger. "It's ok," he breathed as he turned towards her. For a second she didn't move, and Leo worried he had gone too far.

But all those worries were thrown out the window the moment she wrapped her arms around his. I'm safe. She thought to herself. He'll keep me safe. He always has.

Layla tried to contain herself as she reeled from the contact. It was such a simple and comforting gesture, but it caused that now all too familiar heat to pool between her legs. She ignored the movie for a moment as she watched him rhythmically draw a pattern on her knee. She subconsciously licked her lips at his movements.

For his part, Leo didn't expect his own reaction to touching her knee. If he was being honest he felt aroused just by holding her hand. He struggled with the fact that, truly, he felt aroused simply looking at her. Even thinking about her. All the fucking time. On one hand, he simply couldn't help it. She was so beautiful. But he didn't want to be disrespectful.

But touching her? Like this? Leo breathed out hard. Holy shit. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to ignore the raging erection that came on so suddenly. He touched her before, even cuddled her in bed, so why was this so different.

Because now you're touching her just to touch her, and you both know it.

He was saved from his own thoughts by the tightening of her grip around his arm in response to some scary scene.

Layla looked up at him, and as his gaze caught her own he gave her knee a little squeeze.

"How are you not scared?"

He shrugged, a bemused expression on his face. "I'm just not."

"You're so brave." And she meant it.

Leo grinned as he turned his attention back to the tv.

They stayed like the for the rest of the movie, neither daring to go further. Once it had ended, they broke contact.

As they headed upstairs to bed, Layla slowed her walk and turned her head to Leo. They were alone on the stairs.

"I know it's silly that I get so scared of something not real. But I can't help it," she smiled and blushed, her tone was timid. "Anyways, thank you. For keeping me safe from the...ghosts," she giggled.

Leo gave her a huge smirk. "Trust me, I don't mind." His grin turned into slightly more serious expression, his tone becoming more confident. "As long as you feel safe, that's all I care about."

Layla's smile widened. "I do. Goodnight, Leo."

"Goodnight, Layla."

When Layla walked into her room, Talia and Mina were sitting on her bed. Nora was still in the living room chair talking with Mikey.

When she shut her door, her and her sisters grinned, and Layla let out an almost silent squeal as she skipped over to her bed.

"Oh my god, you guys. I HATE scary movies, but I literally cannot wait until tomorrow night." Talia said.

"I can't believe I cuddled with a guy for the first time! It was amazing!" Mina added, all shyness gone when she was alone with her sisters.

"Ok ok wait. Let's all go around and say what happened. I want every detail! Talie first." said Layla.

"Ok so the first movie, I was starting to get a little scared so I scooted closer to Donnie. And then he bent his head down next to my ear. And I got this like, little shiver, because he asked if I was scared. BUT! I could feel his breath and I was kinda freaking out, but in a good way," her sisters nodded in understanding. "So I said, yes, and then he just fucking puts his arm around me. It was like he didn't give it a second thought. And I swear I never felt safer. It was so hot that he just did it, no hesitation. Like, so bold. And it was cute because he didn't put his hand on my shoulder, which I really wanted, but I could see out of the corner of my eye that he was clenching his fist up repeatedly."

"He totally wanted to!" Mina gushed.

"I know!" Talia continued, her pace quickening the more excited she got. "But he's so respectful I think he wanted me to feel comforted but not go too far, you know? It's not like either of us have said we have feelings for each other or anything. Anyways, he kept whispering to me how the special effects were used, essentially just debunking the scary stuff, so that really helped. And then between movies I told him that really helped, and I kid you not he gave me the sweetest smile, and I asked if he would do it for Sinister. And he said that of course he would, he would do anything so that I wouldn't feel scared. And I got such massive butterflies. He was being so sweet and then the second movie he actually did touch my shoulder. He was rubbing it and giving it little squeezes. And I was like, so scared, of the movie but turned on by him touching me, and it was honestly the best."

"Yes! I was the same way!" Layla exclaimed.

"Me too!" said Mina.

"Anyways it was nice to just cuddle against him, and I really like him. I hope he really likes me. He's so smart, and we talk for hours about anything."

"He does." Both sisters answered simultaneously. Layla thought about how Leo told her his brother was head over heels for Talia.

"Ok me next!" Mina sat up excitedly. "Ok so Raph is usually pretty stoic but really he's such a huge flirt when it's just us two. But he tries to not make it seem like he's flirting, you know? So anyways, we started off just sitting next to each other, and he didn't say much. But the moment I freaked out -"

"Was that when you jumped up a bit at the jump scare?" Talia asked.

"Yes! Anyways, he just whipped his head around to look at me. And he looked super worried, but then he kinda smirked at me, and that's when I realized I had totally just grabbed onto his arm without even noticing." Mina buried her head in her hands for a second, blushing wildly. "It was totally subconscious, and I was so embarrassed. I was preparing for him to tease me, but then he just does the sweetest thing! He just put his hand over mine and gave it a little squeeze. And he did the same thing that Donnie did where he bent down to whisper in my ear, which is so hot by the way. It was so breathy, and his voice is so rumbling and deep when he whispers. Holy shit."

"Focus Mina," Layla teased. "What did he say?"

"He said, 'Don't worry sweetheart, I'll protect you from the monsters.'" Mina closed her eyes and fell back onto the pillows. Both Talia and Layla let out excited "woahs!"

"Oh my goodness, you guys, I thought I was going to melt. It was so sweet! And also his bicep is fucking huge."

"You can't talk about him without mentioning his muscles, can you?" Talia teased.

"Or his voice," added Layla, laughing.

"And? Anyways," she drew out, "We stayed pretty much like that for the second movie too. But sometimes he would just run his fingers over my hand when something really scary would happen."

"Awww. You really like him, huh?" Talia gushed.

"Um, yeah," Mina looked down, blushing. She then looked up at her sisters, smirked, and raised one eyebrow. "Honestly, he could fuck me into the mattress."

Talia and Layla stood up, letting out quiet screams. Talia dropped to the floor, laughing so hard she started to cry. Layla just stood there, mouth agape.

Finally, Talia breathed out, "Jesus Christ Mina."

"I can't believe you just said that!" Layla wheezed, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"What? It's true!"

They all sat back down on the bed silently for a few minutes, recovering.

"Ok can I tell you guys about Leo now?"

"Go ahead," they chimed.

"So for the first movie, he brought me my favorite tea and then he was being really sweet, telling me I didn't have to watch if I don't want to. Then when it got to a really scary part, he asked if I was sure I wanted to keep watching, so I nodded yes. But you know how like, I think he's flirting but he's kinda subtle. I know he is, but he's just kinda introverted about it? And it's hard because we're both kinda shy about it."

Her sisters nodded in understanding.

"Well-" Layla paused for dramatic effect, "You know that scene from Pride and Prejudice where Darcy grabs Elizabeth's hand when she gets into the carriage? And it's super hot and romantic?"

Both sisters sat up, excitedly nodding their heads and beaming.

"He did that! He grabbed my hand, and he was so gentle. And his hands are so warm and calloused. So manly and rough, but like sexy, you know? And he was rubbing little circles with his thumb." Layla paused, collecting herself.

"That is so romantic!" Mina gushed.

"Awww! Donnie has hands like that too." Talia added wistfully.

"Ok so then I rested my head on his arm. And he smells so good, like sandalwood, which you all know I really like. And then you know what I realized?"

"What?" They both asked.

"He has three fingers too! So it's a perfect fit! I never thought about that before, but it's just the sweetest thing."

Talia's eyes widened. "All the times I've admired Donnie's hands and that never occurred to me -" she trailed off.

"You're so right. Oh my goodness, Layla, that's so romantic!" Mina's eyes sparkled at the thought.

"Ok so then when Maud was hallucinating that the woman she was taking care of turned into a demon or something with her face all twisted up, I got scared and put my other hand on his wrist. So he put his other hand overtop mine and was caressing it so gently. Then he ducked his head down and I could feel his lips moving against my hair when he talked. His voice was super husky and he asked me if I was alright. I was so in my own little world thinking about us holding hands that I only nodded. But his voice is so smooth I can't. I just can't." Layla buried her head in a pillow and sighed. Talia and Mina laughed at her.

"It gets so much better though. So for Sinister -"

Mina cut Layla off, "By the way, I am going to kill Nora for that. That was such a terrifying movie!"

"Agreed. Ok wait I have to tell you this part! So for Sinister, I thought that maybe I should try to reciprocate a bit, to show him I'm interested too. Cause he definitely takes the lead, which I really like, but I want him to know I like him a lot too. So I put my head on his shoulder, and I had my knees up. And then this scary part happens, and he does the most - I can't even describe how good it made me feel -" Layla's face turned crimson as she trailed off.

"What?!" Her sisters encouraged her on.

"He put his hand on my knee and started drawing little patterns with his fingers," she whispered animatedly.

"Oh my god!" Her sisters responded.

"Layla! That's so sweet!" Mina added.

"But wait! There's more!" Layla imitated the famous infomercial. "He did that thing again with his voice, and told me 'It's ok.' And I just like, without thinking, instinctively, did what Mina did and wrapped my arms around his."

"Isn't it the nicest feeling?" Mina exclaimed, but careful to be quiet so no one would overhear.

"You guys, I'm jealous!" Talia giggled

"It totally is! I felt so safe. Then I asked him how could he not be scared. And he just said that he isn't. And then I totally blurted out that I think he's brave, which is so embarrassing -"

"It's not embarrassing! It's sweet. It probably made him feel really good." Talia interjected.

"How could none of them be scared? Or do you think they were pretending to be brave in front of us?" Mina asked. "Like definitely Raph wasn't scared, he never even flinched. And if Donnie was explaining how it's fake, then he probably wasn't scared either. And Leo strikes me as the type to not have even flinched either."

"No, he didn't. He would even smile at me sometimes to make me feel better." Layla replied.

"Well, they're ninjas and I know from what grandfather's said, they've been in some pretty intense fights and scary situations, so this is probably nothing to them." Talia added.

The girls nodded.

Layla spoke up again. "Ok last thing then I'm done. When we were walking up here I thanked him for keeping me safe from the tv, which is silly I know. I thought he was going to make fun of me, but then he just kinda got this smirk, which was really hot. And he said," Layla paused, and tried her best to imitate him, "'Trust me, I don't mind. As long as you feel safe, that's all that matters.' Then we said goodnight."

"Jesus girl! He's so into you. He wants to do you." Mina teased.

Layla hid her face briefly in her pillow again before laying down, letting out a big sigh.

"He wants you! Do you like when he's smug like that? He's kinda cocky, very confident." Talia added, curiously. Her sister, while the eldest and definitely the one in charge, could still be quite shy, so she wondered if Layla like Leo's bravado.

"Honestly I think it's so hot." Her sisters laughed and laid back next to her, settling in for the night.

"I can't wait for tomorrow," Mina sighed as she closed her eyes, replaying Raph's touch over and over in her mind.

"Me too," her sisters replied, slipping into their own fantasies, eagerly anticipating the following evening.