Ch 12
The following Saturday, Raphael made his way on his motorcycle toward Central Park. He pulled up alongside the curb and looked over to where Leo sat on the same park bench he had seen him sitting on the first time they had met.
"Hey Leo," Raph called to him as he walked over.
"Hi Raph," Leo greeted as he stood up and met him halfway up the path, "Thanks for agreeing to meet me, would you like to join me for lunch?"
"Sure," Raph responded, "I'm not one to turn down a free meal but first, wanna tell me what's up,"
Leo led Raph to the Italian restaurant he and Graviturtle would dine at, "First let's get a table, then we'll talk."
After being seated, the host handed the two turtles their menus but Leo put his to the side and watched intently as Raph perused through the menu. When Raph looked up and noted Leo was staring at him, he laid his menu down and nodded to him, "Anything in particular ya recommend?"
"I like their pizza," Leo told him stoically.
Raph nodded, "I like pizza," He said, "I'll let ya order for both of us," He pushed his menu further away from him and looked around, "Rather fancy place," He noted, "I'm surprised ya don't need a suit and tie to eat here."
"Only in the evening," Leo stated, "During the lunch hour, it's pretty much casual dress."
Raph nodded, "That why ya're wearing jeans?" He smiled as Leo looked shyly away and blushed lightly, "Ya look in jeans."
"Thanks Raph," Leo said then sighed in relief as the waitress came to their table. "Bacon cheeseburger supreme pizza and two cokes, please" He quickly requested before she could greet them.
The waitress, slightly taken aback, nodded at his request, "I'll get that right up," She told them as she took their menus, turned and went back to the kitchen.
"Ya know what ya like," Raph said as he settled back in his seat, "Nice." he now leaned forward, "So whadda ya wanna talk about?"
"The way I acted that time in your apartment," Leo began, "I just want to apologize."
Raph nodded, "Apology accepted," He said then leaned back into his seat again, "Ya wanna explain why ya acted the way ya did?"
Leo shrugged and sat back against his own seat, "These past couple of months have been the most confusing time of my life," Leo said before finally going into everything he'd been dealing with.
Raph sat back quietly and listened as Leo explained. When Leo was done, Raph nodded in contemplation, "So ya not sure if you want this kind of relationship or not?" He asked as he pointed between the two of them.
Leo shrugged helplessly, "I'm not sure about anything Raph," Leo told him, "And please don't tell me to just see where it goes, I've already been told that by other people."
"So maybe those other people are right," Leo looked at Raph quizzically as he continued, "Look Leo, it's not like I'm asking ya ta marry me, I'm just looking to have fun and enjoy some company." He placed his hand on Leo's and ran his thumb gently over it, "And if things eventually work out, maybe our relationship will become more, but until then," He leaned forward and looked intently into Leo's eyes, "I'm not going to make ya do something ya don't wanna do so let's just enjoy ourselves…." Raph sneered at him, "And see where it goes."
Leo chuckled and nodded at him, "Okay Raph," He agreed and smiled in anticipation as their meal arrived, "There's a movie theater next door and I believe there's a western playing in about an hour," He took a slice of pizza, "Interested?"
Raph raised his drink and Leo joined him in clinking their glasses, "Sure Leo."
The two smiled at each other and continued to enjoy their food and conversation then went next door to enjoy the movie. After the movie, they took a leisurely walk back toward Raph's motorcycle. As they prepared to say goodbye, Leo quickly leaned in and gave Raph a quick kiss on the lips. He was just about to turn and walk away but Raph grabbed hold of his arm and held him in his spot. They stared at each other for only a moment before Leo once again leaned in and pressed his lips to Raph's. But this time, the kiss lingered and deepened as their mouths opened and their tongues began to play for dominance. Their arms wrapped around their shells and they pressed their bodies close for several long seconds.
Finally, after they pulled apart, Leo took a breath and smiled timidly at Raph, "I um…" Leo cleared his throat as he stepped back, "I guess I'll see you around?"
"I hope so," Raph told him. He looked at Leo with a twinkle in his eyes, "Say Leo, have you ever gone camping?"
Leo shook his head, "No, but I've always wanted to."
"My family owns a farmhouse up in North Hampton," Raph told him, "We're making plans to go up there in a few weekends," He placed his helmet over his head, "Interested?"
Leo's smile widened at the thought, "Sure Raph, that would be great!"
Raph nodded as he climbed onto his motorcycle, "Great, I'll call ya with the details," Raph told him. He got his bike in gear and with a nod and a wink at Leo, drove off.
Leo stood on the sidewalk watching Raph drive away. After he was out of sight, Leo walked across the street toward home. As he made his way, he felt a burst of excitement fill his body.
Splinter looked up curiously as Leo walked into their apartment, "You are looking very happy my son," Splinter said as he noticed Leo was smiling very brightly as well as humming an upbeat tune, "I take it your date was everything you were hoping it was?" He picked up the TV remote and turned the TV off.
Leo took a breath and walked over to the sofa. He sat down by Splinter and leaned his head against the back of the cushion, "It was actually quite nice Sensei," Leo told him, "And I think I finally figured myself out.
"I am happy for you my son," Splinter told him, "And I would very much like to meet this person that seems to have you," Splinter stroked his long beard thoughtfully, "On 'cloud nine' I believe is how you say it."
Leo chuckled and nodded, "Yes Master Splinter," Leo agreed, "That is how you say it and Raphael does have me on cloud nine."
"Wonderful my son," Splinter told him, "When may I meet this Raphael?"
"How about I invite him over for dinner sometime soon?" Leo suggested.
Splinter nodded, "That would be most excellent Leonardo," Splinter stood and started toward the kitchen for a cup of tea, "However, you may want to wait till your brother gets back from his honeymoon," He looked back at Leo with a knowing look, "You do remember what happened the last time you attempted to make a dinner?"
Leo sighed and nodded ruefully, he then got up and followed him into the kitchen, "Our car does need a tune-up," He said, "And Raph and his brother own an auto shop," He placed the kettle on the stove and started the burner, "I'll make an appointment and we'll go together."
Leo poured two cups of tea and sat down at the kitchen table across from Splinter placing a cup in front of him. "Thank you Leonardo," Splinter nodded as he took his cup, "And I think that would be a wonderful idea."