Layla's hands curled around the top of his plastron as he slid the bra off her shoulders and gently tossed it aside. Leo kissed her feverishly again as one hand snaked its way to her chest, cupping one breast gently in the palm of his warm hand. He felt exhilarated by the feeling, of having her so close to him, of being so intimate with her.

She let out a quiet moan and pulled him closer to her, wanting to feel consumed by his warmth.

Layla broke away from the kiss, shyly asking, "Can I take this off?" She tugged at the tails of his mask, unsure of exactly how to untie it. Leo, head hazy from the contact and alcohol, mumbled out a yes with a warm smile. He knew she was really asking him to do it, since she clearly didn't know how to undo the knot. He swiftly threw the mask onto the nightstand.

"Better?" He smirked.

Layla had hardly seen him without his mask before, and she took the opportunity to admire him. Hands cupped his cheeks as she gazed at him softly.

"I've never really seen you without your mask before," she whispered. "I like it very much."

His hand trailed down her arm. The room was dark, but he could feel the prickles of goosebumps on her skin in the cold air. He could also feel her nipples harden underneath his palm, and he smirked.

"I'm glad you like it," he murmured, feeling suddenly particularly vulnerable, and very naked. "Cold?"

"Only a little," she sighed, kissing his neck before burrowing down next to him.

"Well let's change that," Leo whispered into her ear before leaving a trail of kisses down her neck. He paused, thinking of his next move. As he sobered up, he became increasingly aware of how naïve he was. Maybe I shouldn't go any further?

He pulled back to cup her head in his hands and tilt her chin up. Tucking her hair behind her shoulder, he found that sensitive spot at the base of her head where he earlier had promised to leave just a little mark. Fuck she smells good. He inhaled deeply, memorizing her scent.

Layla gasped as he bit down, being careful not to hurt her, and her nails dug into his shoulders. He left a gentle kiss right on the bruise.

He leaned back to admire his handiwork. "That's a much better spot," he gave her a small smirk as he settled down back next to her. "It didn't hurt too much, did it?"

"No," she replied. Her hands trailed down his plastron as she kissed him deeply. Hands grabbed her hips and pulled her flush against him. Her leg trailed upwards, her knee skimming his thigh as it settled around his waist. He feared in that moment that his raging erection would spring free, as her hands continued to draw patterns further down.

He wanted to hear that soft moan again, so he carved a path of feather-light kisses from the soft hollow of her neck down to her chest. Hesitating for just a moment, he finally, and oh so gently, took her breast into his mouth.

"Oh," she gasped, rewarding him with that soft little moan he was so desperate to hear. The throbbing between her legs intensified, and she clung to him, wanting him to keep going. His hands firmly grasped her ass, fingertips curling around the string of her thong as he turned his attention to her other breast.

Leo nuzzled his way back up to her lips, kissing her hungrily as he carefully pulled down her thong. She shimmied it down the rest of the way, tossing it aside with her foot. Feeling wholly vulnerable, she shivered. Leo took note, and pulling her as close to him as possible, he snuggled into her as one hand trailed its way down her stomach. He hesitated, nervous, but continued on until one finger gently traced a path between her glistening folds.

"Oh," she sighed into his mouth, and when he did it again, he was rewarded with a moan muffled into their kiss.

"You um, you'll have to tell me what you like," he breathed, "I'm uh, not really sure…" he started to explain.

She cut him off, and mumbled, "That feels really nice." Layla closed her eyes in bliss and kissed him again, sloppily, lazily, as his finger gently continued its exploration, slipping into her wet center slowly. She couldn't contain a loud moan as she broke away from their kiss once his finger found her clit. Leo, trying to hide a large grin plastered on his face at his ability to make her moan like that, just for him, kissed her forehead and continued rubbing the soft nub between her folds.

He couldn't hold his dick in his shell any longer at hearing those moans, holy fuck those moans, that she stifled by burying her face in the crook of his neck. "Right there?" he asked. Layla couldn't speak, but nodded.

He could feel her thighs tighten around his hand as he continued, and before he knew it she closed her eyes and whispered his name.

"Leo." She followed it with a trail of soft moans. Layla had always wanted this, wondered what it would be like to be touched by a man, and it was better than she could have imagined. As embarrassed as she was at the noises escaping from her, she gave in.

"Fuck," he mumbled, the feeling of her around his finger, of his dick pressed up, warm, against her stomach, of her moaning his name, the way she writhed against him; he almost came on her right then.

She, completely immersed by his touch, his scent, the way he kissed her hair. How she could sense he was so nervous, but attentive, and oh god when he touches me right there…she closed her eyes, and with a soft mewl lost her senses. He felt her thighs clench and her teeth grit as she mumbled a quiet "fuck" into his ear, her nails digging into his shoulder. Her breaths quickened, she was almost panting now, and she finally came.

Layla's grip loosened as she came back to her senses, and he traced her shaking arms and thighs. He kissed her fiercely.

She became suddenly aware of him pressed up against her, and she desperately wanted to return the favor, as out of breath as she was feeling. Kissing him softly, she traced down his plastron.

"You don't have to –" he started, but she cut him off with another kiss.

"I want to, but you'll um, well I don't really know what I'm doing and…" a deep blushed form on her cheeks admitting her naivety.

He smiled softly, reassured that she was just as nervous and inexperienced as he. She continued her path until she tentatively and gently grabbed his length. She paused, unsure what to do next, but he wrapped a hand around hers to show her exactly what he liked. Once she got the rhythm he liked, his hands grasped onto her.

He's so big! She used both her hands, and briefly wondered what he would feel like inside of her. Would he even fit?

Leo grasped at her as she found a steady rhythm, his hot breath coming in quicker, more ragged. Don't cum too fast, have some control. He willed himself to not lose control just yet, as difficult as that was. Her hands were silky and warm and so much better than his own. She trailed kisses across his collar bone, and he allowed a small moan to escape his lips.

"Fuck," he whispered as he neared his edge far sooner than what he would have liked. His hand tangled in her hair, pulling her long tresses.

"Is that ok?" she asked, hoping the profanity meant she was doing something right.

"Yeah, that's perfect. Just like that princess," he mumbled into her hair. His grip tightened around her. He buried his face into her, pining her down as he struggled to maintain control. Leo's breaths were ragged, filled with soft groans, as another profanity tumbled out of his mouth, along with her name.

He came on her, as he lost himself in the moment and didn't realize at first the absolute mess he made on her stomach. Not that she seemed mind, because she curled up into him and placed a gentle kiss on his heaving chest.

"Shit I'm sorry," he panted as he came to his senses, glancing down at white spilled upon her abdomen.

"It's ok," she giggled, and reassured him with a kiss pressed to his cheek. "Maybe, um, a towel?"

He stumbled out of bed as quickly as he could, and Layla shook her head amusedly as she watched him grope around in the dark. Her body, covered in a sheen of sweat, beckoned her to fall asleep. She laid still as he slid back into bed, muttering apologies as he insisted on wiping up the mess himself. Once clean, and reassured that he didn't have to apologize, he cradled her against him, kissing her forehead softly.

"You know," he whispered, "I am glad you're just as inexperienced as I am. Takes the pressure off."

"I'm glad too. I was very nervous," she admitted.

"Nervous? About what?"

"That I would do something wrong."

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest, "You couldn't do something wrong. At any rate, I was nervous too." He captured her lips in a hungry kiss before settling the covers around them. As her breathing evened out he admired her, smiling at her tousled hair and trailing his eyes down her body barely hidden by a white sheet.

God I'm lucky. His thoughts quickly turned smug as he thought about how, his first time fingering a girl, and he made her cum. Maybe I was nervous for nothing. Glancing over at her once more, he reached over for a final kiss to her forehead.

"Ready?" Leo asked. It was late outside, but he wanted to get there before they got too tired. He leaned against the balcony railing, waiting for her to emerge from his bedroom.

"Almost!" After a few moments she stepped out, bundled in her coat. He smiled as he always did when he saw her, as if it was the first time he had laid eyes on her. "Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise." His eyes twinkled as he twirled the van keys around in his hand.

Leo liked driving. It was something he could do to get lost in thought, taking random streets and exploring new parts of the city. It made him feel normal. Now he would take Layla for a drive just to keep him company. At some point she would always take his hand to hold in her own, massaging his fingers. She would always ask what he was thinking about, and usually he was thinking about her.

"We're almost there, we'll just have to walk a bit," he said as he placed his hand on her seat as he parallel parked the van on a secluded street.

"I brought these," he handed her a travel mug full of tea before grabbing his own.

Ever the gentleman, he opened the car door for her and led her by the hand to the back entrance of a museum.

Once inside, he stopped walking and turned her to face him. "So, this is the Met," he said rather casually.

Her eyes lit up. "Wait, really? How did you…"

"Donnie showed us how to disable security systems for places like this, and I made sure there would be no one here tonight. We have the whole place to ourselves. And I thought you might like to see the mummy exhibit they have right now." He gave her a cocky grin, knowing that she had been wanting to see the Egyptian exhibit. He had planned this for a week.

"Thank you!" She jumped up and wrapped her arms around him before planting a large kiss on his lips.

"Don't they have a samurai sword exhibit now too?" she teased him with a sidelong glance.

"I suppose there's something for everyone," he grinned.

They meandered around the exhibits, taking their time to admire the art and artefacts. He kept an arm either draped around her shoulders or waist, occasionally caressing her shoulders.

After an hour or so of wandering quietly, Leo thought it time to address a topic that he had been carefully avoiding for the last week.

"So, you're leaving next week," he whispered, voice echoing in the vaulted room.

Layla sighed heavily. She too had been avoiding it. Not that she didn't want to go home, but she certainly did not wish to leave him.

"Yes. I suppose it'll be nice to go home, but…" she trailed off as her lips twitched in an effort to reel in her emotions, "…I don't want to leave. Even if it is for a few weeks. We did promise sofu we would celebrate the holidays with him. And we have overstayed by over a month now."

"You didn't overstay. And I know that you should probably go back home for at least a little while, but really, I wish you would stay." He rubbed her arm affectionately. "How long has it been now?"

He didn't need her to tell him how long they had been together, he remembered the down to the minute, but he enjoyed reminiscing.

"Since?"

"Three months? Since we started dating I mean. And two weeks over that if you count when you first got here." He smiled softly at her, but his tone stayed somber.

"Mmhmm," she agreed. "It'll only be a few weeks. Then we can celebrate Christmas together. You sure you don't mind us staying until Thanksgiving?"

"Trust me, none of us mind," he chuckled at her. "You're not imposing. It is a bit of a full house with nine people, but you make it better. It's homier now."

"You don't mind?"

He snorted and began counting on his fingers. "You fixed our couch cushions. Put little plants and candles everywhere. Oh, and those string lights on the stairs. You cook for us, clean up after us even when we tell you not too. You washed the sheets even after I said I would do it," he gently chastised her, although they had a good reason to wash them after last week. Every single night…he shook his head before his thoughts derailed. "Of course, I don't mind. I love," he cleared his throat, and for a moment she thought he was going to tell her that he loved her. "I love having you to come home to."

"Well, someone has to take care of you when you've been out all night."

"Yeah? And who's going to take care of me when you're gone?"

"I'm sure you can manage for a couple of weeks," she giggled lightly, although inside she felt distraught at leaving him. Who's going to massage his tense shoulders and sore hands after he's been stressed?

"It's too long," he sighed, already missing her. He grew quiet, so Layla stole a glance up at him. He's pouting, she pursed her lips together in an effort not to laugh. She already missed him, but it amused her to no end to see her stoic tough leader pout, of all things. I'll have to make him forget all about it tonight.

"No cooking today," Mikey said sternly to the four women. "It's thanksgiving, and April and I cook most of the food. Raph does the turkey. Leo can slice all the veggies, onions, and garlic. Donnie makes the potatoes." Mikey stood tall, glaring at each individual to make his point. "Now, you guys can make yourselves busy, but no going in the kitchen."

The girls retreated, with Mina and Layla going to the dojo to stretch and talk. Talia and Nora snuggled on the couch to watch tv.

"So," Layla started off, "how's everything going with Raph now?" She still hadn't fully talked to her sister after her and Raph had that huge argument.

"Much better now. I know that since I met him he's been so nervous about me seeing his temper, but I think that was part of the problem. We both apologized, and now that we had a big argument and came out the other side ok it's like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders."

"That's good!"

"And the makeup apology that I got…" Mina paused mid-stretch, a huge blush forming on her face. "Ok also, not to change subjects suddenly but, Raph's like, huge. And we haven't had sex yet, well I mean we've done other stuff but, what if it doesn't fit, you know?"

Layla, ever shy about the subject, turned red. Despite this, she wanted to talk to her sister, her closest confidant, about it. Clearly Mina wanted to talk about it anyways. Layla lowered her voice to a whisper, "I've thought about that now that we've, we'll now that I've seen it. It's so big!" She hid her face in her hands.

"I know! Wait, prim and proper Layla has done it with her boyfriend?"

"Well, no we haven't had sex, just, oh…"

"Ok well I gave Raph a blowjob and then he, well he reciprocated and holy fucking shit, Layla, I was like seeing stars."

"We haven't gotten that far yet. Not that I don't want to but maybe soon…" Layla drifted off, having thought many times about just going that extra step and taking Leo in her mouth. Or him replacing his finger with his mouth. "He's very good though," she smirked at her sister.

Leo woke her up to meditate as they had been for the last few weeks.

"C'mon sleepy head." He shook her gently, but she rolled over away from him, defiantly curling herself further into the blankets.

"Layla," he whispered seductively in her ear. Leo placed a featherlight kiss on her temple. "Please?" He was quickly learning that his voice did something to her, and he used it against her mercilessly.

She grumbled but nevertheless sat up, rubbing her eyes. How can he wake up so easily? Chuckling at her disheveled appearance, he held out his hands to help her stand. "It's cold," she shivered.

They both reached for her favorite hoodie of his, but he was quicker. He placed it around her shoulders before turning to leave. "Get dressed and I'll see you in a few minutes."

She padded softly into the dojo and took her place next to him. He didn't move but smiled once he felt her settle in and her breaths match his own.

It was sniffles. Small, barely audible sniffles that permeated the still air. He glanced over and saw tears trickling down and landing on her hands. Her head was bowed, face obscured by her long locks. He didn't say anything, for he knew why she was so upset. He felt it too, although it hadn't manifested itself in the form of tears.

Staying silent, he pulled her into his lap. Resting his chin on her shoulder, he gently shushed her.

"It'll be alright, sweetheart," he murmured as he kissed her forehead. "I'll miss you too."

"I know it's stupid to cry over it, but I just, I'm going to miss you so much."

"It's not stupid. I think it's sweet actually. I mean, I don't want you to be upset! But no one's ever cried because they'll miss me."

He continued to console her, not paying enough attention to his surroundings to notice Splinter peeking through the doorway. The old rat chuckled at his eldest son cradling her so carefully, then turned away, not wanting to linger on their private moment for too long.

"Not to make it depressing, but I wanted to take us someplace really special before you go," Leo said as he climbed an escape ladder with Layla in his arms. "It's not a place that's open to the public, but I stumbled on it during one of my patrols."

Her teeth chattered in cold. "Almost there?"

"Almost there, don't worry."

Once they got to the roof she gasped. It was a conservatory with a domed frosted glass roof. Propping open a window, she followed him down the ladder. The air was damp and hot, and in the midst of the jungle of plants was small pool, fashioned to look like a small pond hidden amongst the plants.

"It's gorgeous. What is it exactly?"

"Apparently it's just some private pool and garden. Don't worry I had Donnie check it all out to make sure the coast was clear."

She took off her winter coat while he spread a blanket on the ground next to the water.

"I see why you told me to wear a swimsuit," she giggled, but felt self-conscious about removing her sweatpants and sweater. She fidgeted lightly with the hem of her shirt while she looked around at all the exotic plants.

"Jasmine!" she exclaimed as she bent down to smell the delicate flower. Leo stood back, watching her flit around the plants while he removed his pads and belt.

"Come here," he said softly as he sat out the Chinese takeout they had purchased along the way. She smiled softly at the little picnic, and slipped off her sweater as she sat down, finally feeling the heat. Leo eyed her up shamelessly.

"You're sure whoever owns this won't find us?"

"I'm sure. Trust me?"

"Always."

They spent the time chatting and laughing, the heaviness of her near departure evaporated.

"Want to go for a swim?" He asked her, tone shyer than what he was expecting.

She just nodded, and he offered her his hand to help her stand up. Giving her a wicked smile, he assisted her in shimmying out of her sweatpants. He stood back for a moment to admire the tiny black bikini.

"Is it cold?" she asked as she tentatively dipped her toe in the water.

"It's heated," he smirked as he pulled her into the water. Pulling her against his chest as he floated backwards, he tugged on her bikini strap. "You look great in this." He was rewarded with another blush. She wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a delicate kiss on his nose. Their giggles and whispers echoed up the steamy glass dome.

"Who's going to massage your shoulders and hands when I'm gone?"

Leo rolled his eyes playfully. "I think I'll be ok for a few weeks. I went my entire life before you without it."

She mockingly glared at him, "Well fine then, I won't bother in the future." She pretended offense as she swam away from him.

Leo dove quickly underwater, and like lightening grabbed her waist and tugged her under with him. Trapped in his arms, he surfaced quickly, and she squirmed to get out of his grasp. His grip was iron clad.

"Keep it up and no more massages," she teased.

"I didn't say that I didn't like them," he murmured, kissing the side of her head as he held her back against him. His grip loosened and he turned her to face him while simultaneously pushing her against the edge of the pond. He kissed her passionately, hands wandering before tugging off her bikini. "Much better," he smirked.

She mewled softly as he picked her up and placed her on the blanket he spread out on the edge of the artificial pond. His hands trailed down her sides as he gave her a lingering kiss.

"Lay down," he commanded her gently. He was nervous but had thought about trying this all week. He slowly trailed gentle kisses down her abdomen. He could feel her muscles tense.

"Is this alright?" He sat up to look at her and studied her face. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes heavy. She nodded yes. "Ok," he whispered. Leo kissed her forehead before trailing back down between her legs.

Leo placed a gently kiss on the mound of soft green flesh before slowly dragging his tongue between her folds. She tastes amazing. He did it again, addicted to how she tasted. She moaned rather loudly, before covering her mouth with her hand. Leo chuckled, proud of himself for making her lose herself in such a manner, and resumed his ministrations.

Layla was completely enraptured in the feeling, but wholly embarrassed that she made such a loud noise. Fuck that's amazing. She couldn't think, rather just let the feeling wash over her as a series of whimpers escaped her lips. Faster, she thought, but was too distracted and shy to instruct him. Her hips bucked involuntarily as she neared her edge, and he held her hips down with one hand firmly.

Her toes curled and her knees bent as she let out another moan. Leo picked up the pace, lapping her folds like a thirsty man desperate for water.

"Leo," she whimpered. Her back arched and she curled the blanket into her fists as orgasmed. He could feel her quiver underneath him, and stopped. He wiped his mouth off with the back of his hand while he observed her, tired, sweaty, a look of total satisfaction on her face. Her eyes closed and she sighed. Her skin glistened with sweat and water, and her hair was plastered on her head.

She is so beautiful. He lifted himself out of the water to lay beside her. Leo pushed her hair out of her face. He kissed her forehead affectionately, secretly hoping that he did it right. Well, I must've…

"Was that ok?" he asked her. He traced his hand up her spine.

"Perfect," she murmured as she turned to cuddle facing him. He assumed she would fall asleep, as she looked ready too, but instead she kissed his chest just above his plastron, before continuing her way down.

"You don't have to –" he started, not expecting her to return the favor. She cut him off by placing a finger over his lips. He leaned back as she neared his cock.

Layla paused for a moment, nervous, he is so big. As nervous as she was to mess up, her mouth watered. She wanted to taste him. So, she decided to lick him gently up his shaft before taking him in as far as she could.

"Fuck." The word escaped his mouth before he could control himself. His toes curled as his breathing picked up. Nothing feels as good as this, he was convinced. Seeing her down there, so submissive, pleasing him. He loved watching her take him all in, choking on him. No, I have to last longer than this.

Leo gently placed his hand on her head, grasping her hair as soft grunts escaped his lips. He pressed his lips together in an effort to keep quiet, but he was nearing his edge far sooner than what he wanted.

She continued to suck languidly, as he seemed to be enjoying it. Enjoying isn't the right word, more like putty in my hands, she thought, pleased with herself for at least doing it right enough. She couldn't fit him all in her mouth, so she used her hand to stroke the rest of him. She wasn't sure if she should be doing anything else, am I supposed to use my tongue more?, so she increased the pace.

"Fuck, Layla," he panted. "Hey, um, I'm gonna, ah," he grunted as he spilled into her mouth. His eyes closed and he gripped her hair, pulling. To his surprise, she swallowed him dry. And Leo? He loved it. I could definitely get used to this.

She sat up and glanced up at him shyly as she wiped a stray drip of cum off her lips. Leo, chest still rising and falling rapidly, gulped. That's a pretty sight, he thought as he pulled her up into his arms.

"Was that alright? I wasn't sure what-" she whispered.

"Yeah, it was more than alright," he chuckled and kissed the top of her head.

"I could fall asleep," she sighed contentedly.

"Me too, sweetheart. That was um, that was really amazing. Thank you."

"You started it, so I should be the one thanking you. You're very, uh, good at that," she giggled shyly. Leo beamed and could feel his chest puff out just slightly.

"So are you."

They stayed in each other's embrace, staying mostly quiet but content. Every so often they would break the silence with gentle whispers of sweet nothing. Eventually, he could feel her breaths slow as she tried not to fall asleep. He helped her sit up as he helped her into her sweatpants and sweater. She helped him pack up, and he held her hand as they made their way home.

Leo paced back and forth as he watched her pack her small backpack. She was thoroughly amused by this mother hen side of him, but didn't dare tease him. No, he was far too serious to take that well at the moment.

"Ok and you're sure you have everything you could need?" He was trying to be calm, but he was panicking. What if she forgets something she needs? What if something happens on the way there? What if -?

"I am. Are you sure you're ok with me leaving my stuff here?" Layla was folding her things neatly, getting ready to place them in drawers.

Leo chuckled, "Of course I am." He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "That just means you have to come back for them."

The sweet moment was gone again as he took a serious air once more. "And the Ancient One knows exactly when and where to pick you up? You're sure you'll be ok?"

Layla kissed his cheek, "I'll be fine, Leo. I made it here just fine, didn't I?"

Leo grumbled. "I would've preferred to have brought you here myself. Just like I would prefer to take you home."

He sighed, studying her face. She had dark circles under her eyes. "You're tired," he frowned.

She gave him a weak smile. "And who's fault is that? I can sleep on the boat." In truth, they had stayed up all night, and not to just mess around. They had talked, giggled, she cried and he tried not to.

He reached behind her for something. "Take this with you," he murmured as he wrapped her favorite sweatshirt of his around her shoulders.

"But-" she protested, but he shushed her with a gentle and languid kiss. Layla couldn't help the sniffle that escaped her lips, forcing her to break away.

"Hey hey, it's ok sweetheart. You'll be alright," he shushed her, holding her closely.

"Pl-please promise you'll be careful when you're pa-patrol?"

"I promise."

She looked up at him, eyes now puffy and mouth quivering. "And let me know that you got home safely, no matter what time?"

"Of course, princess." Leo wiped the tears from her eyes with this thumb.

"I'm sorry for crying." Her apology was muffled as she leaned back into his chest.

"Don't be. I'm upset too. You know, I'm so used to having you here. I'm going to miss you so much."

"I'm so used to sleeping next to you. You're so warm."

"Well, I know it's not the same, but hopefully my sweatshirt will help out a little."

The turtles walked dejectedly back into their home. Raph stalked towards the gym, and within seconds the familiar sound of grunts and punches filled the silence. Donnie immediately took off to his lab, eager to throw himself into a project to take his mind off Talia's absence. Leo took a deep breath as he descended the stairs, noticing how good it smelled. He took a survey of the living room and tilted his head to the side. They had left their house sparkling. Shaking his head, he went to make tea. Mikey sat down on the couch but hadn't turned on the tv.

"Did you know they fixed all the cushions?" He asked his eldest brother as he picked up a couch cushion to inspect.

Leo smiled fondly at the couch. "Yeah, I noticed. They spoiled us," he chuckled.

"It feels kinda empty now. It's too quiet, not that they were loud or anything."

Leo took a place next to his brother on the couch, sensing his youngest brother's need for company. "It was really nice having her to come home too after training."

Mikey nodded. "That's one of my favorite things. Especially now that it's so cold," he smiled softly and propped his feet up on the coffee table. "I miss her already."

Leo stared down into his cup, "I know what you mean." He surveyed the room again, taking in all the little improvements they had made. Something tightened in his chest, seeing all the marks she left behind, knowing she wasn't there.

"Do you – do you think Splinter minded that they didn't exactly sleep in the guest room the whole time?" Mikey looked at Leo just out of the corner of his eye. Leo cleared his throat, clearly a bit uncomfortable.

"No, he didn't mind, Mikey," Leo replied, amused. Out of all his brothers, he didn't think Mikey would be the one to worry about that.

"I'm going to miss their cooking," Mikey sighed, thinking of all the delicious meals they would come home to.

"I was just thinking about that actually. And I kept telling Layla that they didn't have to do that, but she insisted," he shook his head, smiling.

"Woah," Donnie exclaimed from the kitchen. He had slinked out of his lab in search of ice cream, but was instead frozen in place, staring at the freezer.

"What is it?" Mikey and Leo asked.

"They left us so much cooked food! Look!" He pulled out a neatly packaged lasagna, with a instructional post-it note on top.

I'm not going to cry. Leo pressed his lips together.

"That's literally the nicest!" Mikey enthusiastically scoured the fridge, freezer, and cupboards for all the meals they left.

"Yeah," Leo added quietly, before retreating to the dojo to channel his emotions with a series of intense katas.

He grabbed his training katanas off the wall and as he unsheathed one, a small piece of paper fell to the floor. He immediately recognized Layla's neat cursive handwriting.

Leo,

I hope you're not training too hard! You give so much of yourself for me and your family, so don't forget that you deserve some down time.

I miss you already. Truly, I am beyond blessed to have met you. From the first time I saw you, I belonged to you completely. I know I've told you that before, but I wanted to make sure you had it in writing, so that you would never forget. And I know this is so terribly corny, but whenever I was with you and you had your arms around me, I felt I was home. No matter where we were.

I'll see you soon.

Love,

Layla

Leo traced the note with his fingers repeatedly. He set his katanas down and turned to make sure the door was closed. He sat down on the matts, reading and rereading the short note ad nauseum.

Shit.

I should have told her how in love with her I am. I should have told her how I fell in love with the million little things that she doesn't even realize she's doing. Fuck, this hurts.

He tucked the note carefully into his belt before gripping his katanas tightly, pushing down the hurt that welled up in his chest.

"Jesus it's cold out here," Donnie shivered. Snowflakes settled on his shoulders.

"Yer tellin' me," Raph's teeth chattered as he looked out across the rooftops. "Ninja tag?"

Leo smiled, "Of course."

"Last time we d-d-did Leo and Raph, and Donnie and m-m-me," Mikey added, hugging himself to shield from the cold.

"Don with me then," Leo said, and they readied themselves for the game.

"Last one does dishes and cleans the dojo for a week?" Don offered.

Leo nodded, and the others rolled their eyes.

"I didn't realize how much of our chores they did until now!" Mikey whined.

"Yeah I uh, I guess they did," Raph grimaced, thinking of all the times he would find Mina vacuuming or doing dishes. She always shooed him away when he offered to help. Hell, they had even argued about it. Raph shook his head at the now very fond memory.

"Alright guys, let's get moving." Leo dashed off, the others quick to follow.

Splinter sighed, using his cane to hoist himself up off his meditation cushion.

"Coming, coming," he grumbled to no one as he hobbled to the phone, increasingly irritated at the ring.

"Splinter!" The Ancient One's panicked voice cried over the phone.

"Ancient One! What is the matter?" The rat was suddenly alert.

"My granddaughters! They are missing! I went – I only went," he heaved over the phone, "I was visiting a friend, and I came back to my house in shambles, and they're – they're gone."

Splinter stared straight ahead, breaths quickening. No, this cannot be. "Who took them?"

"I do not know. But when I find them, I -." He paused, taking a shakey breath. "Splinter, your sons –"

"I know. I will call them now."

Leo's phone vibrated. He glanced to check it, but stopped mid-run, signaling the others to stop, when he saw it was Splinter.

"Master Splinter?" he answered.