Chapter 2 - A Little Time

"Y/n, she'll be fine. We are going to have an amazing time," Corey cooed while tucking Luna into her side before fixing her eyes back onto her daughter. Something about the way she stood made her feel uneasy and like there was something she wasn't being, completely, honest about.

"You sure you can't come with us?"

"Mom, you know I can't," Y/n groaned before shoving the large pot into the dishwasher and closing it with a little more force than she intended. Her body was tense, but she didn't have enough vacation time built up, and Eugene had asked her to keep the store open while he was home tending to his wife who was recovering from knee surgery. This just meant that she'd be pulling anywhere from twelve to fifteen-hour days between the bookstore and being a dispatcher.

"Oh, alright," her mom bent to grab the duffle bag, "We'll miss you. I'll send you pictures and I expect to hear your voice at some point." Y/n sighed, knowing that her mom was simply worried but there was no reason to be.

"Is there a man?"

Okay, that's out of left field. "No, of course not." Y/n swore she could feel her mother's eye roll behind her.

"Are you sure? If you are wanting space because you may have found a man all you had to do was say so and not come up with an excuse of needing to work." She loved her mother but she was frustrating at times. I wish it was that.

"I'm sure, it's just me and lil' Luna and that's all I need right now." Y/n wasn't exactly sure but sadness seeped into her chest. It's been over five years since she's even attempted to date anyone. There had been Nathan but they saw each other for two months then he found out about her daughter and he left. She was disheartened but she respected the fact that he had been honest and didn't ghost her. He had simply admitted that he wasn't ready for that type of commitment and went on his way. There was no shame in it and she understood where he was coming from.

"Alrighty then, I will leave you be." Though, by her tone, she knew that it wasn't going to be the last time that she would hear about it. Her mom had made comments about wanting more grandbabies and she wasn't in the right headspace to even entertain that idea. Luna was a blessing, she loved her with all of her heart but now as she has gotten older, she'd be lying if being lonely was becoming rather heartbreaking.

Little did she know that was going to change in a few hours.

"You still haven't gone to see her?" Donatello lounged in his work chair, feet on the desk while drinking from his favorite mug, amber eyes set on his oldest brother as he paced beside him, eyes flickering back and forth from the monitors that were filled with a smattering of information regarding Y/n.

This woman has made herself at home inside his head and no amount of meditation has brought him any peace of mind. Donatello had explained how she had attempted to bring him inside that night after somehow getting him onto a large comforter in an attempt to drag his weight. He continued saying that she had been patient, kind, helpful, and attentive the entire night as Don worked on stabilizing his vitals. Supposedly it had been close and if it wasn't for her, he'd probably would've bled out on her balcony. He'd get flashes of that night, how soft her voice was, how gentle her touch was along his face while she dabbed sweat from his brow.

"The best thing to do would be to leave her alone. I have put her in enough danger by helping me that night. Are we sure that I wasn't followed?" Leo had agonized over that fact. The woman had a child, a little girl, and putting them in any sort of danger was the last thing he wanted. He owed this woman his life, yet…

"Not according to the surveillance I installed around her building spanning a three-mile radius," Donatello recalled nonchalantly, shrugging before vehemently typing away on a separate screen.

"What do ya see, Don?" Leo's eyes were hyperfocused on Y/n, reading the information provided.

"Hmm? Oh, nothing, except that she knew you had visited that night you dipped out after your body first healed." It was frustrating how apathetic he could be at times.

"Why do you think she knew I was there?"

"Because I watched you leave when she noticed her curtain stuck in the balcony door."

"Why–," Leo's eyes stung as Donnie continued, "I was finishing up surveillance when your proximity alarm signaled, letting me know where you were."

Donatello watched his stoic brother's resolve falter, only by a fraction, as he observed the blue-banded leader. He had to hide his smirk because despite being a great leader, the guy sucked at bluffing, especially at poker.

"But do you want my opinion?"

"Not entirely." Leo gruffed, shifting his weight to the other foot as strong arms moved to cross over his chest, head cast down to avoid eye contact.

"I think you should thank her, personally. Get to know her."

"Where is this coming from Donnie?" Leo was intrigued and irritated at the same time, this wasn't the usual behavior of his genius brother.

"I think she'd be good for you."

What? Leo blanched, wondering where this was coming from and he asked as such, to which Donnie's only answer was another uninterested shrug, while his eyes remained glued to the screens above.

"What do I do, Don?"

"Go to her," he tossed a look over his shoulder, "get to know her, and see what happens."

Leonardo turned with a huff, thinking that his brother was no help, but after exiting the lab, a picture of Y/n flipped onto the screen and Leo knew that, just maybe, Donnie was on to something. But would it be worth the risk? The risk of…

Two hours later, Leo had finished his katas and sharpened his set of throwing knives when he ran into Donnie in the kitchen.

"Going somewhere?" The Genius deadpanned but the look in his eye led Leo to believe that he was being teased and when Mikey started to snicker behind his hand he knew that they were in cahoots. Brothers.

"Enjoy your night off." Leo tossed with a shake of his head, as he walked towards the exit, spinning a knife in his fingers to keep his mind focused. He had just entered the tunnel and was out of sight when he heard Mikey yell out, "Go get ya girl bro!" Which was followed by a howling laugh that haunted his ears as he made his way topside.

Unknown to him, all three of his brothers were huddled in the kitchen making bets on whether or not he was going to see through on meeting her. Mikey and Donnie were thrilled to have a night off of patrol while Raph was already out to meet up with Casey down in the Bronx. It was going to be a smooth night.

"You too," Y/n breathed as the final customer of the night left, the bell along the door ringing one last time as she began the nightly drawer count. It had been a relatively quiet night, or at least it had been when the bell rang out again, signally that someone had just walked in.

She turned without looking up, "Sorry, we are closed." Her eyes lifted just in time to see the masked man in front of her pull out a gun, pushing the barrel into her line of sight.

"Give me all your money and I might let you live." His accent was thick, taunting, and unfamiliar, his dark brown eyes were shrouded in shadow underneath his black mask.

"Sir…"

"Now!"

His yell rocked through her bones and her sense of fight or flight kicked in and she decided to take the chance.

"I just put the money in the safe–." she began, straightening her shoulders, facing him head-on.

"What about the money you just had in your hand, huh?"

"It's dummy cash, fake," she knew it was a risk, but the image of her daughter filtered through her head and she knew that she had to do what was needed to be able to see her again.

"Go." He flicked the gun towards the long, narrow hallway towards the back office. That was where Eugene kept a small pistol in the right drawer of his desk, along with a panic button. Now, the question was how to get there to push the button before he realized it. With a deep breath, she focused but his patience was wearing thin.

"Now, goddammit!" Y/n watched the man's finger shift to lay on the trigger and that had her heart stopping. With a shaky breath, she nodded and slowly began walking down the hall, the man hot on her heels and she could smell the week-old musk paired with the scent of smoke and alcohol. The stench forced her to keep her head straight, shoulders pulled tight as they walked down the corridor. It had taken twenty-five steps to get to the office door and he swiftly kicked it open, pushing her through, about to yell before his eyes settled on the antique safe that was bolted to the floor in the far corner.

"Open it."

"Key. I need the key."

"Where?" Instead of answering, she made her way towards the desk in hopes she could grab the gun but before she moved more than two steps, his hand gripped tight at the base of her neck, fingers twisting into her hair as he pulled her back. She tried not to make a sound but his grip tightened and a hiss of pain escaped through gritted teeth. His tobacco breath ghosted over her crown as he twisted her closer.

"Nice try. That safe doesn't need a key. Open it." The gig was up and her fingers began to shake at her side. He dragged her, fingers still wrapped tight in her hair, until shoving her face into the side of the safe with another heated command to open it. Her breath was coming in short and quick, her heart feeling as if it was going to break through her ribs when everything went black.

Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Her body was shoved away, catching herself on the desk as a scuffle was heard before her. She kept her body low and shrunk to the corner as she couldn't see more than a few mere inches in front of her. Her body shook but she remained quiet in hopes that her attacker couldn't hear where she was. Growls and grunts were heard as unfamiliar schwing and another male cry for help echoed in the small office. A deafening crack was paired with a shriek before everything went eerily still. The cry for help was haunting and in the scuffle, she began to ease back until she was hidden behind the desk. There were no sirens outside so it couldn't be the cops. Who had saved her? Did he have an accomplice? Was she still in danger? There were so many questions but her mind stilled once the lights flickered again.

Wait, was that—

"Leo?"

As soon as his name left her lips, the lights turned on as he finished sheathing his swords that were strapped over his shell, the braided, blue tassels hanging loosely swung gently as his movement came to a complete stop. She watched as his fists clenched and could almost hear his teeth clench and jaw clicking.

"You're here? Y-you saved me." He could hear the relief in her voice and it made him, almost, turn around to look at her. He took a step forward, an attempt to get away now that she was safe. She was safe now, no need to stick around…so why wasn't he moving?

"Please, d-don't go!" Her feet moved before her brain caught up. She scurried from the desk, using it to push off in an attempt to get to him faster. Her hands gripped the covered swords on his back in an attempt to stop him.

"I need to make a call." His voice was…wow. The tone was strong, and steady, carrying a sense of maturity and responsibility. It was evident of his position as the oldest and most disciplined brother, according to Donatello. He made to step again but he could feel the slight pressure of her body, her hands still gripping the saya that was strapped to his back. Her gaze bore into the back of his head and with a sigh, he turned to nod with a half smile that did not meet his eyes. A silent plea that he wasn't leaving.

Her eyes widened at the unspoken vow, her mouth dropping in awe as her hands fell back to her side before crossing over her chest in a subconscious attempt to keep her wits about her. She watched as the large man stepped from the open threshold of the office and back into the hallway. They walked in silence towards the front of the store as he conversed with someone on the phone.

"Yes, it is all taken care of. No. Yes, he's tied in the back with a broken arm and a shattered ankle," at that last bit of information she froze a few paces behind him as she realized that once the lights turned back on, she didn't see her attacker. Leonardo had been all she was worried about. Y/n pivoted to glance back towards the office and realized that there was a faint string of groans with pleas for help coming from the office. She felt no remorse for the man behind her and only became more enamored with the one in front of her.

"Yes Chief, yes. No need. Have a good night." His voice pulled her in, it was firm and assertive and it took her a little longer to realize that he was now talking to her. Her cheeks flushed as she became aware that she had been openly gawking at him as he ended the phone call. He was just so large. Large and commanding, obviously athletic. Seeing him now, healthy and healed in front of her had her heart racing and heat radiating low in her belly. He was a masterpiece. He looked so much larger than when he had been in her living room all those weeks ago.

"Miss Y/n?"

"Hmm? Oh, uh–," her brow quirked, mouth opening and closing as she couldn't find the words to the question she hadn't heard.

"Do you have a safe way of getting home?" Leonardo should have left by now. The cops were on their way to bag the creep and she needed to get home.

"Um, I usually walk but I think I'll call a cab," her nervous smile didn't meet her eyes and Leonardo noticed how her hands gripped along her biceps, flexing and pinching the worn sweater as her eyes flicked across the floor. She was still in shock and he could tell she was trying to play it cool and that, for some unknown reason, didn't sit right with him. It was evident she was a strong woman, but he knew that there were times that it was exhausting always being the 'strong' one. His sympathy was showing and he could only envision Donatello's all-knowing gaze or hearing Mikey's annoying laugh or Raphael's infuriating smirk with a gruff, 'careful, Fearless.'

"Y/n," bright eyes lifted, locking onto his which caused him to swallow a breath before continuing, "Let me escort you home, make sure you get there safely." This woman was causing him to make questionable choices but he couldn't find it in himself to ignore her.

"Okay," she nodded, a small smile gracing her lips, "I'd like that…thank you." There were no more words as he led her out the back before making their way to the rooftop, despite Y/n's slight fear that Leonardo promised was nothing to fear.

Y/n felt weightless in his arms as Leo jumped from rooftop to rooftop in the slightly humid air. They landed atop her roof with such stealth that the pigeons hadn't moved from where they slept, completely unbothered. Y/n kept close, and even though he sat her down, her fingers still gripped the leather across his chest and his focus was solely on the woman in his arms.

They had made small talk their entire way, and she learned that they heal quickly, and Donnie was considered the genius of the family. She knew that he had two more brothers, she had met them briefly as they had carried and injured Leo out of her apartment that night but he made no move to mention them. He was calm yet calculated in what he revealed to her and she knew it was a way for him to keep his identity and family safe. It was endearing.

He informed her that he'd have to carry her back down the fire escape to her balcony, or he could take her down to the alleyway so she could go in through the front door. She opted for the balcony, pending that it was alright with him which he agreed with ease.

Being back on that balcony made him have a slight moment of deja-vu to the night he was injured and then again when he had attempted to see her.

"He told me what you had tried to do."

"Hmm? Oh," her face immediately flushed, "I really did try…I hope it–."

"It was appreciated." His hand gripped along the juncture of her neck and shoulder, his hands were large, calloused, and strong. His eyes held an intensity that kept her captivated and glued to the spot, one hand coming up to rest against his along her neck while the other held the handle of her balcony door.

"Come inside." He wasn't sure how to handle that type of invitation. His immediate response was no, but he still hadn't, officially, had the opportunity to thank her for saving his life that night. So, with a nod of his head, he silently followed her inside. Only for a little while. I'll tell her that I appreciate the way she assisted my brother the night I wound up on her balcony. That his family's secret must be kept and that, to save her from danger, this would be the last time they'd see one another.

This is it, take it in stride.

That had been the plan but it had all been shot to hell, and to tell you the truth, Leonardo didn't care.

He found himself a confidant and a friend in Y/n and he basked in the way she made him feel as if he wasn't alone. He knew that, in truth, he was never alone as he still had his brothers and father but with Y/n…she understood him on a different level than family ever could. It was strange and he felt selfish for basking in her presence for far longer than he ever should have.

It has been three months since Leonarod saved her from that potential robbery at the small bookstore and they have been steadily keeping contact on a weekly basis. His usual excuse was that he was stopping in to see if she was alright, if she was safe but they both knew that was just a facade. They were friends and she couldn't help the flutter in her chest every time he came around.

Tonight had started out like any other, she was cleaning dishes in the sink when the familiar squeak of the balcony door altered his presence. She knew that was his signal, alerting her of his presence as they both knew he could enter her apartment without so much as a sound.

Her grip on the soapy bowl in her hands tightened as she craned to see him over her shoulder. Her belly pulled tight, her heart raced and her throat bobbed to swallow back a moan at the man leaning against the threshold leading into her kitchen.

Y/n couldn't help it, Leonardo was breathtaking. The confidence in the way he walked, the command in his voice, the way his weight shifted slightly before his hands fastened over his chest and he stood as still as a wall with that look ever so present on his gorgeous face. He was a wonder.

She hadn't anticipated falling for him, he was only supposed to be a friend, a confidant. He was an unquestionable gentleman and she hadn't realized that he was exactly what she had been missing. She felt whole around him and recently, within the last month, he's made her feel more like a woman than she has in her entire life. No, they weren't romantic, they hardly ever touched but Leonardo was a gentleman and with that, his chivalry was unmatched. She'll never forget the way that he helped her wash the dishes one night and as he stepped around her, his large, calloused hand grazed the small of her back. She knew it was his way of not startling her as he moved around her cramped kitchen but she'd be lying how hot he made her and she fumbled through the remaining dishes with rouge-tinted cheeks.

Then there was the time that she had just laid Luna down and he popped in after one of his patrols. The first thing he did was apologize but he needed to vent. She could tell by how tight his shoulders were as he began to wear away the floorboards between her kitchen table and couch. She sat at the small, round table, nursing a small cup of tea as she listened. Throughout the rant, his pacing had dwindled until he leaned back against her couch but he couldn't sit still as his phone dinged and he found himself diving back into another rant. Before his fuse blew, he took a resounding breath and then moved, turning the chair across from her to sit opposite without his shell getting in the way. She answered his worrisome questions of his ability to lead or if he was able to still be the leader his brothers, and his father needed him to be. She answered with wise words that echoed the words of his father. It was then that he realized that he wanted to introduce them, wanted to know if his father saw what he did. She was adorable.

When he had finished ranting he realized that her hands no longer cupped the tea on the table but instead, her small fingers were held in his loose grip. She watched as his deep ocean-blue eyes widened before he apologized and let go of her hand as if he had just realized what he had done.

With him, it was the little things he'd do that would speak volumes to her, and yet…she was plagued with the sense that he was doing so out of the goodness of his heart and not as a romantic gesture.

And there he goes again… Y/n was thrust back to reality as she felt him gently nudge her arm as he moved to stand next to her at the sink. They worked in silence before her belly grumbled and she ordered a large cheese pizza for him and a salad with a small count of honey-dijon wings for her. It was a quiet evening and the conversion was light but it was a peace that neither one wanted to take for granted. Everything was going swimmingly and she had just begun to doze off, taking the risk by cuddling into his side which he accepted without complaint when the handle of her door jiggled; but before either one of them could move an older woman burst through the door.

"Y/n, Luna-love has a fever and I– Oh…"

Well…shit.