Chapter one:

Raph is alone on a patrol since the others went on ahead. He is a part of one group out of the four that live in the area. He belongs to Splinters group and is checking their territory border with another group.

The other group across the border belongs to a monitor lizard mutant named Nile. They live in a more swampy terrain compared to the forest on this side.

Nile tends to be one of the more headstrong and brutish of the four leaders.

Raph has heard a lot about others outside of Splinters group.

They sometimes meet them and sometimes even have to battle them.

Hence why there are patrols to check the borders.

Raph pauses as he thinks he sees movement on the other side. He looks into Niles territory to try to figure out if whoever or whatever is out there is hostile or not.

A figure emerges from behind a pine tree that grows spread out across the swampy land. This other surprises Raph a little since it's another turtle. He has a blue mask on like Raphs red one.

Turtle mutants even in a world full of them are rare, almost extinct.

Raph can't help admitting to himself that this turtle is actually very beautiful. He thinks that the other could pass as a girl if he wants to. He also notes that like the other two turtles in Splinters group this turtle is lighter than him. Though Raph always knew that he was dark for a turtle. He also suddenly wants to know more.

They'd be forbidden though since those from opposing groups are not allowed to get close, either as friends or as possible mates.

"Hi." The other speaks breaking Raph from his thoughts. "I've never seen another turtle before."

Raph blinks at this comment. "Don't you have any other turtles in your group?" He tilts his head.

The other shakes his head. "It's just me."

Raph shakes his head and tries to stand tall. "Who are you and what do you want?" He demands slightly softening as the other chuckles warmly.

"My name is Leonardo. But you can call me Leo. And I want to get to know you a little better." The other admits slightly surprising Raph. "And what might your name be?"

"Raphael. But call me Raph." Raph introduces himself finding that there's something about this Leo.

"It's nice to meet you Raph." Leo greets smiling. He pauses and glances around to show he does understand that doing this now is dangerous. He turns back to Raph. "How about we meet up somewhere private? Perhaps at night? I really do wanna get to know you better."

Raph pauses as he thinks this over... Though not for long. He has always been the type to test the rules, so why should this be any different? Besides he swears that somehow Leo is drawing him in. He wants to get to know the other. "Okay. There's an abandoned house just past both of our groups territories." He agrees which makes Leo's face light up a little. He actually likes seeing that and hopes he can make it happen more.

"I know the one. I'll meet you there tonight." Leo agrees then turns though glances back to Raph. He is smiling in a way that Raph finds beautiful.

Raph carves that smile into his mind. He watches as Leo heads off before he is found talking to Raph. He smiles to himself and he can't wait for their first meeting. He heads off to continue checking the border. Though his mind is far away thinking about the turtle he had just met.

That night...

Raph exits his room glancing around the darkness of his home. He lives with Splinter, Donnie, and Mikey since the three turtles were found by and raised by Splinter. He doesn't see anyone. He sneaks out the front door and through the dark streets of the small town. He believes that the other groups have small towns that mainly have homes for the mutants like he has here. He doesn't see anyone out and about. He leaves the town heading further into the territory. He makes it to the edge and makes sure that he wasn't followed. He then crosses the border into unclaimed territory. He heads towards the abandoned house that's kind of falling apart.

The abandoned house is far enough away that it shouldn't be easy to see them, while being close enough that it can be seen from the border.

Raph arrives and glances around the outside wondering if Leo came or not. He will wait for awhile if the other isn't here.

"You came." Leos voice comes from inside the home.

Raph turns to the home as Leo comes out through a big hole in one of the walls. He meets the other halfway. "Of course I did. I said I would right?"

Leo nods softly. "I'm glad you did." He admits smiling again to Raph. "And I promise you that I'm not here on ill intent. I am here for you. Nothing else." He tells Raph to help put the others mind at ease.

"We'll see your true colours." Raph is thinking about being cautious until he feels at ease with Leo. He doesn't really know the other after all.

The two sit down on the grass to talk to get to know each other a little more.

"So. Were you born in Nile's group?"

"I don't really know. I think so but theres no other turtles there. Plus no one really wants to tell me how I ended up there. They just say it's the past and it doesn't matter. Niles group is all that I've ever known as far back as I can remember." Leo admits staring out at the land ahead. "Though honestly." He turns to look to Raph so their eyes meet. "I've always disliked how Nile runs things. I know there's no law about what age to start training. It's just I've overheard from other groups telling those a little older that they just started training. Nile seems to start training a little earlier than the other groups. Plus he's so focused on all of us being able to fight. He actually thinks it's great if we settle things even amongst our own group by fighting. It's a bit much for me."

Raph thinks about how Splinter runs things.

Splinter has always been stern yes though understanding. He is encouraging to everyone who follows him. He does still keep them in line however he sounds so different compared to Nile. He would try to break up a fight if two in his group tried to attack each other to settle something.

"That sounds rough." Raph admits to Leo who blinks thanks to him for understanding. "That wouldn't really fly with Splinter. In fact he'd likely break up a fight among anyone in his group. Plus I also don't understand the whole training earlier than what I'm used to. I mean training does involve taking part in fights and stuff with others outside the group. What if a kid is killed from being trained too early?"

"Exactly!" Leo confirms and lays back on the grass. He looks relieved that someone finally understands his view. "I don't understand it. There's just nothing I can do. Any protest about how Nile runs things tend to end up not being worth it. Nile rules how he wants."

Raph lays back as the two of them stare up at the stars. He's already starting to feel more relaxed about this as Leo seems to be very open to him. He supposes that it does help show he is serious about his promise, and his words do line up in Raphs head as how Nile is spoken about by others. He also admittedly can almost feel the honesty coming from Leo. Making him feel like he can trust the other a little more. "I was found as a baby alongside two other turtles. Splinter raised us, with a little help from some mothers, and we were welcomed in the group. I don't remember anything outside of Splinters group honestly. So I usually don't even think about the fact I wasn't born there." He notices from the corner of his eye Leo turns to glance to him.

"I'm sorry you never knew your family outside of the other two you were found with."

Raph shrugs to this. "Whatever. Splinter and his group are my family. They always will be." He turns his head to look to the other. "Surely you understand that?"

"Kind of. I mean yeah there were mothers who helped raise me. They just tended to only do so because someone had to do it. I was always pushed aside in favour of their actual kids. Nile did let me stay with him even as others helped in raising me. I actually still live with him. He trained me and I don't agree with his way of doing things. However I will admit there is a slight bond there. Just not one that I particularly like. He's not all that caring anyways so it doesn't matter. He just treats me like another member of the group."

"Damn. You have it rough on that side."

"It's all a part of living with Nile." Leo shrugs to this and the two turn back to the stars.

"Have you ever thought about leaving Niles group?" Raph is curious about this.

"I have." Leo admits. "It's just I wouldn't know where to go. What to really do with myself if I did leave. So I stay and just try to help whoever I can."

Raph figures that it is fair since Leo is sharing quite a bit. He might as well open up too. "I kind of feel lucky. Splinter can be stern and knows how to keep everyone in line. Still I did once think about leaving. Maybe explore the grand world out there. I pushed that away soon after. There was no way I could leave those I was raised with. Besides living with Splinter and the group isn't that bad. So I guess I can't really complain."

The two find themselves smiling and feeling truly at ease with each other.

"Well let's move on to something else? You can tell me more about yourself?" Leo offers. "I'll go first if you want me to."

"It's fine." Raph assures him and isn't sure why but he wants to slide closer. "My family tells me I can be a little bit of a hot head. Whatever really. I just am not afraid to stand up for myself. I don't go with attacking others physically though. Even I know that doesn't settle anything with those you care about. I've never dated before. I just don't think any of them would work well with me. Not that I'm very popular in others wanting to date. So it doesn't really matter to me."

"Do you ever feel lonely because of it?" Leo inquires and Raph needs to think about it a little.

"I never really thought about it that way. I just shrugged off that I didn't see anyone I was even remotely interested in with my group. Thinking about it now I suppose in a way it is. I just don't let it bother me."

"I see. I also never was interested in anyone in my group. A girl did try to get me. I only went along because I thought that maybe I could eventually like it. That I'd feel like the piece of me missing would show itself. It didn't work. I couldn't take it anymore. I knew it was wrong to let her believe that there was anything there. So I had to break away from her. I didn't let myself go that with anyone again after that."

"Heh. Bet she couldn't believe you'd do that." Raph smirks softly at hearing this.

Leo chuckles softly. "Yeah. She thought I was joking when I explained things to her. She got mad and upset when she realized I was serious. She kept trying to make me go back for awhile. Now she just hates me. Looking at me like she always wants to attack me. Which is fine. She can go find someone who will actually like her." He shrugs lightly to the last bit.

"Ha. That's actually pretty good. I like it. At least you were being honest." Raph points out to which Leo nods his head.

"A little more about me is that I try to look out for others. Which isn't easy in Niles group. If I help too much I am seen as a softie. Which means I'll get attacked more. So I have to keep myself from helping even when I really want to."

"Damn. You should be able to help those in your group without worrying about being attacked for it. Especially with how violent everything sounds over there." Raph thinks that Leo is actually pretty amazing. He feels kind of sorry for him as he seems to have to hide himself. He kind of wishes that the other could be true to himself more in his life. He couldn't imagine having to hide who he is from others. He pauses as he thinks of something.

"Thanks."

"Slight change of subject." Raph brings up to which Leo turns his head to the side to look to him. He turns his head to looki back at Leo. "Was it just because that I'm turtle that you wanted to get to know me?"

"Well that and because there's just something about you that drew me in. I just wanted to get closer to you. I can't really explain it."

"Hm." Raph gives an interested hum at hearing this. "I accepted this since I felt something drawing me towards you too. I don't know what it is. I figured why not see where this goes."

"I'm glad you did. Talking with you has actually made me feel better about everything. Like the world makes a bit more sense." Leo admits slightly glancing away trying to hold back a blush.

"Good to know this is turning out good for you too." Raph responds a little cheekily to which Leo lets a warm chuckle. He thinks the other looks cute with closed eyes and such a happy face.

"You're really sweet you know." Leo tells Raph who snorts.

"I'm awesome. Not all mushy." Raph boasts as Leo opens his eyes to let their eyes meet.

"Of course. I should have said awesome. Cause you are truly."

"Heh and don't you forget it."

The two chuckle together before sitting there looking at each other in quietness. They don't fully notice however they inch a little closer to each other.

"What do you think of me?" Leo inquires to which Raph already knows his answer.

"I actually think you're pretty great. I mean from what I've heard so far we seem to kind of share similar ways at looking at things. Yes it's not completely the same but hey does it ever have to be?"

"I think you're pretty awesome." Leo tells him smiling more as Raph gives a 'I know it' snort. "You can be a softie at times too. I mean it in a good way. It's nice to hear someone agree on how I think. I don't feel like an outsider around you."

"Hey! I told you I'm not all mushy." Raph rolls his eyes not actually getting too angry at him. He just sounds a little more stern. "How could you forget that already? Awesome people understand where others are coming from too."

"Oh come on admit it. You've got some mushiness in you. Lots of awesomeness mixed in with it." Leo lightly teases to which Raph pulls him close as they look at each other.

"I am not!" Raph protests not getting any louder than regular talking volume. "You're imagining things. It's all awesomeness in there." He rolls over the other in a bit more of a playful way. He isn't sure why however he can't bring himself to truly threaten Leo. "Take that back right now!" He demands.

"Make me." Leo is smiling up at Raph letting a slight blush peek through. He's clearly playing a game with Raph now.

Raph smirks all too happy to go along with this little game. "If you insist." He lays his body down on Leo's effectively pinning him to the ground. "There. You're not allowed to get up until you admit I'm not at all mushy."

"Raph!" Leo playfully chuckles and gently pushes at the other.

"Nope. You gotta admit it." Raph finds his smirk growing wider and his heart filling with warmth. He is having so much more fun than he has in a long while. "Not moving till ya do." He knows Donnie hates when he uses ya for you but he doesn't care. He'll do it if he wants to god damn it.

Leo struggles halfheartedly for a little longer before giving up and going limp. He lets out a breath yet doesn't say it yet.

Raph will wait. He will get Leo to admit it. He will win this.

"You can't just lay there all night." Leo tries to point out to which Raph huffs.

"Try me." Raph challenges though Leo doesn't seem to really bite. He'll get there in getting the other to fully give in. He just needs to keep it up. He isn't one to easily back down.

"What if someone finds us?" Leo tries to point out as if hoping that it'll get Raph to give in.

"Then you'd better hurry up and admit it." Raph tells him simply to which Leo slightly chuckles. "Give in to me Leo." He invites after the others chuckle stops. "You know you want to."

Leo gives Raph a slight smirk back. "We'll see about that." He teases and the two lay there for a little bit.

Neither wanting to give in admitting defeat.

"You're such an idiot." Leo mentions rather playfully showing that he doesn't actually mean it.

"Yeah? Well this idiot got you interested in him." Raph fires back earning a cute blush from the other.

"Shut up." Leo gently punches Raphs shoulder as the two chuckle.

"You wanna get up? You're gonna have to admit it." Raph reminds Leo who still seems hesitant about giving in. He keeps himself in the same spot as Leo tries to wiggle free. "You're not getting away." He playfully growls to which Leo is truly realizing this.

"Okay Raph." Leo finally seems to have had enough to give in.

"Yes?" Raph slightly drags out the word to egg Leo on to admitting it.

Leo is quiet for a moment before finally speaking again. "You're not mushy in anyway." He manages to get out so Raph moves off of him.

"Now was that so hard?" Raph questions as they both change to sitting positions. He does see Leo crack a smile at this. He's glad that they can see better than humans in the dark, so he can see all the smiles and facial expressions of Leo.

"I don't want to go back." Leo admits softly glancing to the territory he calls home.

"We don't have to leave." Raph points out and turns as Leo lays his head on the others shoulder. He lets Leo use his shoulder like this. "No one's rushing us to go back."

"I know. It's just you should be able to get plenty of sleep." Leo points out to Raph who listens. "Besides I know we both understand that we can't be found together. They won't understand."

Raph brings an arm around Leo pulling him a little closer. "Screw them and what they think. This is our time and they can go fuck off if they don't like it." He does understand that there'd be consequences to being found here.

Leo leans a little more into Raph at this. "My hero." He laughs as Raph snorts at that response.

They stay there close to each other for a little longer.

Raph watches Leo when the other shifts away. He also gets to his feet.

"How about another meeting on the second night? So you can have a full night to yourself." Leo offers to Raph who nods.

"We could even do this coming night if you want. If not your idea is good." Ralph gently scratches his cheek feeling slightly embarrassed at wanting to see Leo sooner.

"I can do that." Leo agrees as the two stand close together.

"Then it's a plan." Raph confirms and when he expects Leo to move away he doesn't.

Leo blinks at Raph looking way too cute to the other turtle. He leans in closing his eyes once he gets close. He plants a small quick kiss on Raphs cheek. He pulls back afterwards finally moving away.

Raph stands there wide eyed, blushing, and frozen from surprise.

"I'll see you tomorrow night then." Leo heads back towards his groups territory.

Raph shakes himself free of the shock. He goes to follow Leo, since he can turn to go back on his territory when they get closer. He knows that they're definitely getting to be meeting up a lot more. "Can't wait for next time."

"Same. It'll probably be a long day until then." Leo agrees to this as the other makes a sound of agreement.

The two pause as a glimpse of movement on the swampy area can be spotted.

AN:

This story is being written on my phone so hopefully I catch all of the autocorrects.

I hope you all will enjoy this story as it goes on! I decided to do this one next for the post every chapter thing because I wanted to give myself the motivation to finish it.

Have fun reading the rest of this story!

Kitkat.