Leo, look at me!
I know you can hear me!
We need to talk!
This isn't funny!
Hello!
Look at me!
Lookatmelookatmelookatmelookatmelookatmelookatmelookatme lookatmelookatmelookatmelookatmelookatmelookatmelookatme - I will keep playing this tune until you talk to me! Oh. My GOD!
This is so FUCKING STUPID! How long are you going to give me the cold shoulder? How long are you planning on ignoring me? I just want to talk. Why are you ignoring me?!
I swear to God I will pee on your Jupiter Jim comic collection and action figure!
…
…
…
'…you wouldn't dare.'
Oh! Now you're talking to me!
I thought just playing with my dick on my hand (jk, not gonna do that) and waiting for a certain turtle to call me I decided to make the first move. I thought 'okay, I'm here. Time to start on the progress.' Unfortunately, the moment I said 'we need to talk', Lee avoided me more than once. I swear every time I'm within a few meters, he would either go in the opposite direction or pull a fucking Houdini disappearing act. I was getting so frustrated I had to control the shadows to not violently respond to my emotions. I had to remind myself to be patient. Time rewards patient people. Whoever said that is an idiot.
If cornering him didn't help, I turned to our mind link. Once again, that plan backfired! I just learned that you can mentally build a wall in your mind. So, Leo managed to figure it out before me. Okay, I wouldn't go far as to say it's a wall; it's more of a shield. A barrier, actually! I didn't know there was a way to do that! Anyway, so I tried to talk to him telepathically, right? Do you know what I heard instead? A perfectly memorized description of one of Jupiter Jim's comics. I'm talking about the entire start-to-finish word-by-word narration. I cut the ties as soon as my brain was screaming in sheer agony. I just wanted answers! Was it too much to ask?
Leo's eyes looked up from his phone and finally locked eyes with me. I sat on one side of the ramp with Leo sitting on the cross. I didn't want to sound poetic but the distance of where we sat describes how far we've become.
'You're threatening to pee on my prize possessions. Obviously, I'm gonna respond.' I rolled my eyes at his response.
Since I have your attention, can we talk? Or are you gonna keep giving me the cold shoulder?
'Later. Tonight's a big night for me and my bros. Can we put a pin on this discussion?' The slider focused his gaze back on his phone.
I let out an irritated growl. Seriously?! First of all, you ignored my calls which, by the way, thanks for blocking me, cabron! Secondly, since I got here, you kept staying away from me like I had an infectious disease. What did I do? Why aren't you talking to me? Excuse the pun but why do you keep putting me in the dark? What's goin' on?
I felt his anger boiling like a hot pot of water. 'I'm not doing this with you!' he said, standing up, furiously. 'Seeing you here isn't helping!'
What do ya mean? Am I putting pressure on you? Did I hurt you? Am I an asshole? Okay. That last part we both know that's a given; it's part of the package.
Lee made brief eye contact before casually scurrying away with a sense of... longing. What? Longing? Longing for what? Why couldn't he tell me instead of giving me a Rubix cube and expect me to solve it in a minute?
I released a heavy sigh. I guess Alex was right (I'm not telling him that!). I'll let Leo come to me because yelling for answers wasn't the best approach. You know what? I could use a smoke. I stood up rummaging through my pockets searching for my pack of cigarettes. I groaned. Fan-fucking-tastic. I have none. Just my luck. Another invisible middle finger from God and the universe saying "Not today, bitch!"
I decided to wander around the lair to distract my need to smoke. Huh. I haven't smoked in a while. I guess with how busy I've been lately, I didn't give much thought to smoking. The reason I started smoking in the first place... why did I start smoking? Was it because I thought it would make me look cool? To please people? I don't know why or how it happened. I guess I forgot to bring it with me.
For some reason, I made my way to the turtles' living room where the one person in the family hated my existence. The old, chubby rat laughed at some poor sap on some Japanese game show. I watched from the back in the shadows in silence. He laughed again as a male contestant got smacked by a barrage of pie. Eh. It wasn't that funny.
"Why are you here, Goth Boy?" The rat's voice brought me out of my musing. I was certain I was quiet. There's no use in retreating now. With my hands stuffed in my jacket pockets, I walked over to his side where a table had a tea kettle. Rat Fucker got a strange taste in pottery. The thing got a fucking creepy face on it!
Let me tell you something about myself. Not many things creep me out. For fuck's sake, I watched gore movies and TV shows like it's no fucking big deal. Seeing the creepy face pot sent chills down my spine. How could anyone drink out of that thing? I felt like I'd seen that face before.
"Why so quiet, Goth Boy? Have nothing to say for once?" Oh, right. Rat Man noticed me. He's got impressive keen senses. Then again, animals' keen senses are higher than humans. And how fast he was when we fought. If I didn't use my powers, Splints would've won.
"Your sons invited Alex and I happened to be his plus one", I responded coping with my sense of reality. "I was wondering what else to do here only to find the living room where a certain couch potato molded his ass onto his seat."
I knew what I said was rude, but it just slipped out. In my defense, he called me Goth Boy with hate. Even though I'm warming up to my annoyed nickname, anyone who said it like it's a curse should feel the same bittersweet attitude they give me.
The rat glowered at me. "Are you going to continue to seduce my son?"
What was I to him? An incubus? "Sorry. I left my sex offender kit at home. No chance of me taking Leo off your hands." Even if that was the case, Leo's keeping his distance. For how long I can't tell.
Rat Fucker didn't like my sarcastic reply since he glared up. Not my best comeback. "If I had my way, you would never set foot in my home", he said with a sneer.
Dude. I fucking get it. You hate me. Write it on a billboard or something. "Just say you don't want me here and I'll gladly bounce", I countered with my added heat.
"Alright. You're not welcome. Leave." no hesitation whatsoever. Typical.
"Sure. If you can get your fat ass off your seat." I grinned, but I retracted dodging a teacup. He was quick in throwing projectiles. Might as well not offend the turtles' dad any further than I have. I decided to take a tactical retreat. Emphasis on tactical. Let's see if I can talk to Leo again.
~Lady Ai~
I ran. Again. I didn't mean to! I swear!
...okay... I lied... I totally wanted to leave so badly!
My mental plan backfired on me! I wanted to talk to Merrill tomorrow not today. Not tonight! Why did it have to be tonight of all nights? Couldn't it have been tomorrow night or some other night? Just WHY?!
And Merrill's not making this any easier! He tried to corner me whenever he saw me. He tried to mind-talk me, too. I didn't want to talk to him, so I thought of the first thing that came to mind: reciting one of Jupiter Jim's comics. It's a good thing I remembered my comics by heart. It worked so well that Merrill immediately backed off. It was an interesting experience. It was a good mental defense. I'm going to use it to troll so hard.
I yelped again feeling a hard tug on my arm. I was pulled to the game room... by Alex? He didn't look happy.
I smiled. "Hey, Alex. Something wrong?"
"As a matter of fact, yes", he said, crossing his arms with a disappointed stare. "What are you doing, Leonardo? This cat-and-mouse game isn't cute. How long are you going to ignore Merrill?"
I tried not to feel small under his judgmental glare but instead, I gave Alex an innocent shrug. There's no way I'm telling him about our fairytale marriage. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't play coy. Merrill informed me of your impromptu wedding." I quickly leaped onto Alex, immediately covering his mouth.
"Shh", I shushed, "Don't say it so loud. I don't want the fam to know that I got married at age fourteen, especially my dad. Besides, it didn't count. We didn't exchange rings." I can't believe Merrill told Alex! I thought he would be smart enough to keep it a secret!
Alex sighed, removing my hands. "I swear you two have the same mindset. And I wouldn't exactly blame Merrill for telling me. He needed advice and I gave it to him which he's not taking lightly. Basically, you two are married. You exchanged an everlasting vow. A ring is for display, but vows are what binds you together. Why can't anyone see that?"
"I'm sorry but in the MODERN, real-world no ring means not married", I reminded him. "Also, HELLO! Fourteen years old here! Not old enough to get hitched."
Alex rolled his green eyes. "There's such thing as a promise ring. By the way, stop avoiding the subject! Giving Merrill the cold shoulder won't help you build your romance."
"That's the plan, Alex."
My fashion friend didn't understand my reply. "I... don't follow. I thought you loved Merrill." - of course, I do - "Or was your love merely an admirable crush? I don't understand what goes on in your mind, Leonardo."
I huffed. "Let's be real, Alex. It's never gonna happen. It would never work out. We're just too different. I'm a mutant turtle. Merrill's a normal boy-"
"Define normal, darling."
"You know what I meant. I don't belong up top or be with him in general. It's better if we stay friends."
"Leonardo... not everything will be the same. Change happens for a reason. I'm certain humans, mutants, and yokai will live in harmony one day. Sure, there will be objectors, but the world be a travesty if everyone agrees on the same topic."
"Not seeing your point here."
"Belay the thought. What I want to know is why you're afraid to be happy."
His statement made me freeze. "Wha-what are you talking about?"
"You know damn straight what I'm talking about." He pointed his neon nail-polished finger at me. "The way Merrill protected you from me during our first meeting; the longing gaze you two held seeing my ensemble; the way Merrill yields at your puppy-dogged eyes; your spell-breaking kiss; I could go on but those were the key points I like to focus on. It all points to love, my dear turtle."
He made a good point...
NO! Get a hold of yourself, Leon!
I walked off past my friend. "I'm not doing this with you." Unfortunately, Alex wasn't the type to let a topic drop reminding me of a certain emo.
Alex grabbed my arm firmly. "You can't let your fear consume you. Anyone with eyes can see how much you two mean to each other. I always believe everyone deserves to have happiness. What is stopping you from getting yours?"
I do want to be happy. I do want to be with Merrill. But let's be real, we're two different people. Me, mutant. Him, human. It's a tragedy waiting to happen. Our past selves didn't make it through to their wedding day! Foreshadowing alert! It ends with either of us dying or separated for the rest of our lives. At this point Merrill is going to disappear; I know that! I'm just saving myself from the heartache and depression that comes after it. It's better for us to be friends.
I yanked my arm out of his grip. I cringed. I didn't mean to pull too hard. I just wanted to end this conversation. I turned to Alex. "I'll talk to Merrill tomorrow. I promise."
Alex looked skeptical. "Really? You promise?"
"Totally. I was going to talk to him tomorrow. Scout's honor."
Alex continued to stare until he heaved a heavy sigh. "I'm not growing grey hairs before my twenties. Becoming a marriage counselor isn't part of my life work. If you two aren't resolved, I will lock you both in a closet and let you two talk your shit." He walked past me with a disappointing headshake.
Right... technically it's not tomorrow yet. I have plenty of time.
Minutes later – probably close to an hour – the skating finals were starting and my girl, Skylar, was going up soon to do her signature move. I wasn't going to let Merrill or Alex or any drama shit ruin my night! My brothers were just as thrilled as I was.
I peered over the edge seeing Mikey sorting his cuisines. "Okay. We got pizza rolls, pizza balls, pizza tots, pizza puffs, and duck a la orange... Pizzaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Man, that made my mouth water. Mikey went all out for tonight.
The live feed caught my attention. "Three hours of insane tricks, and the rumors are true! Sydney Allen will attempt a 1440 on the Mega Ramp!" I. Can't. Wait! I'm tempted to do a 1440. Whatever that was. But I bet it's epic! I felt eyes on me. I saw Alex looking my way. He's like an angry parent giving his son a disapproving look.
I pushed his look aside. Not tonight. I balanced myself on my skateboard on top of the ramp. "Hey, guys", I called. "I bet I could do a 1440."
"Oh my. Is that safe?" Alex asked.
Donnie sighed. "I will forgo my usual 'No, don't, that's four rotations, that's crazy talk, Leo' and skip right ahead to 'cover the food.'"
Raph and Mikey immediately covered the food. Such little faith in me. They have got to stop doubting me. I can do it! I have mystic powers and light magic. I can do anything when I set my mind to it!
'Your confidence is too loud. You woke me from my nap.'
I rolled my eyes. It's been a while since I last heard from Light. Or Misa for that matter. When I think about it... Misa hasn't made an appearance since I visited my... subconscious? I wonder what she's doing.
I'm a little preoccupied, Light. I'm trying to do an awesome trick.
'Misa is reminiscing again. She has been doing a lot of reminiscing lately.'
I wonder why...
No! Nope! Tonight's my night! No drama. No past life crisis. No mystic nonsense. It's break time and we needed the break!
I took a deep breath and jumped off the ramp with a fist pump. "Hot soup!" I called. My skateboard picked up speed. I skated past my brothers. I flipped high with my board spinning. I felt myself losing my balance as I was coming down again.
Shit. I'm going too fast. Slow down. SLOW DOWN!
Suddenly, a figure in black appeared in my line of sight. I crashed into the one guy I was trying to avoid. We clung to each other. "Merrill, get off my board!"
"As soon as you stop clinging onto me, I would", he yelled. We rode and flew above high. We twisted together. I landed on my shell, yet I felt something pressing on my beak. My vision cleared. I was met with sky-blue eyes with wide eyes. We were kissing! I shoved him off quickly. I was as shocked as he was. "Accident! Accident! Not my fault!"
Okay. We kissed a few times. Most of them I barely remembered. All I wanted was a break from all the drama! Why do they keep coming back?!
I reacted.
Merrill saw stars.
~Lady Ai~
I didn't mean to kiss Leo. It was an accident. I left Splinter and his shows alone after "telling him off". Almost lost an ear. I wanted to go back to the others, so I melded with the shadows. I shifted out of the shadows in the center of the ramp only to collide with a speeding blue blur. Next thing I knew I was locking lips with the turtle. The said turtle punched my lights out. When I came to, Alex held an ice pack to my cheek. Leo didn't bother healing my sore cheek. Strike two on my unlucky day.
Oh yeah. Also, they blame me for breaking their wifi router. I offered to buy one. That idea was denied. I offered them my living room. Donnie was excited to come over (probably to play with my flame thrower again), but he was outvoted by his brothers.
Their next plan was to kneel to their dad and beg him to use the living room. Me and Alex stood by the side watching their pathetic attempts at bribery with their rat dad. Mikey offered to cook gourmet meals. Donnie offered nostril waxing; ew. Leo proposed a 24/7 piggyback ride from Raph. The last offer sounded intriguing. Never have to touch the floor. Can I do that with my shadows? That would be cool if I could.
Splinter considered the offers. If it were me, I would sweeten the deal more. Be treated like a king. The royalty treatment. Ay si, I could picture it now. Not a full picture, but it does involve Splinter as a living ottoman.
"Hmm. I might approve", the rat said. "If Goth Boy admits Lou Jitsu is the ultimate martial artist."
I choked on my spit as my eyes widened at his proposal. "No way in your life or fantasy, you rat fucker!"
"Oh well. I guess you boys will miss your show."
I was pulled over to the side where four turtles surrounded me. "Listen, Merrill", Raph said. "I get you're not Lou Jitsu's Number 1 fan because that spot is reserved for us since we grew up in his movies."
"What does this have to do with me? I told you guys I was willing to pay for a new router."
Mikey pushed a finger dangerously close to my face. "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! YOU BROKE THE INTERNET! WE WON'T SEE SYDNEY WIN THE FINALS! DISHONOR ON YOU! DISHONOR ON YOUR FAMILY! DISHONOR ON YOUR COW! -" Raph grabbed the angry box shell.
"But I don't have a cow. Nice callback to Mulan, though."
"Actually", Donnie said. "No one can break the internet. What Merrill has done is break the connection to the internet."
"I find it sarcastically hilarious ya'll pointing fingers at me and not the turtle who was skating the big ramp."
"Hey! You got in my way! I would've done my girl's trick flawlessly with you getting in my way!" Lee defended.
Donnie pulled his tablet with schematics, "Not with these readings. According to the data, you would never pull four 360s with or without your boyfriend."
"You can't argue with his logic. Also, not his boyfriend", I told the soft shell.
"Yeah, emphasis on the NOT", Leo muttered which made me seethe. He didn't have to say it like it's poisonous. Yeah, you don't want to be with me! You don't have to be sour about it!
I felt an arm slinking around my shoulder. "I humbly respect you, Merrill, I really do, but we need to use the living room", Donnie reasoned. "All it takes is for you to admit how awesome Lou Jitsu is."
"I... would rather die." I shoved Donnie's arm off. A loud chorus of protests blasted into my ears.
"Merry Bear, be reasonable", Alex butted in. "Our boys wanted to see the skating competition. And it's technically your fault the turtles hate your guts now. It's the least you can do." I was going to defend myself, but Alex continued. "Enough with the theatrics. That's my specialty. So suck in your pride and get your hand off your dick."
I rolled my eyes. He's right. It's not gonna kill me per se. I can disagree all I want but it's not solving anything. I'm not gonna like this. I took a deep breath as I walked over to the lazy, smug couch potato. "Lou Jitsu..." I felt bile rising in my throat. "Lou Jitsu... fuck! Lou Jitsu is... is... is the best fighter in blockbuster history."
"Hmm... better than Jackie Chan? Even better than Jet Li?" That fucking little vermin! He's milking me dry.
I gritted my teeth hard until I was shoved hard by a large hand. I bit my tongue. "Yes. Even better than Jackie Chan or Jet Li." I hate myself so much! Splinter stroked his beard with appreciation. "Now can we use the living room?"
The rat hummed in thought. Then, he replied with a simple "No."
The tiniest nerve snapped inside me. I yelled as I leaped over to the rat. However, Raph pulled me back. "¡Maldito imbécil! ¿Crees que esto es divertido? ¡Voy a moler cada hueso de tu cuerpo y usar tu piel como alfombra!" ("You fucking asshole! You think this is funny! I'm gonna grind every bone in your body and use your skin as a throw rug!")
'Merrill, calm down. It shouldn't be surprising since the living room is Dad's only place to chill.' I was so pissed at giving the worst Hollywood action star a compliment.
A heads-up would've been nice.
'And see you compliment my idol. I'm starting to enjoy the entertainment.'
I liked it better when you were ignoring me.
After Splinter rejected his sons' propositions and me chilled, we treated back to the ramp. The turtles were getting antsy. Too vibrated to sit still.
"Okay, ideas people. My eyes need extreme skateboarding asap", Donnie said.
"Maybe next time let's not put wifi in a high-traffic zone", Leo inputed. "Or a certain gothic traffic cone wasn't in the way." Way to settle in thick.
"Word of advice: learn to brake. And, once again, I'm offering my place to watch your finals", I insisted. I was met with four white hot glares. I shrugged. "Whatever. I was just offering. Don't bite my head off just 'cuz ya got no wifi."
"Wifi! Goth Boy, you're a genius!" Raph praised.
Huh?