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When Leo Met Mona
Chapter Six: Hot Tubs
Leonardo invited her down to the lair. For a hot tub party. With his brothers. Mona was one hundred percent in. She was beginning to love the lair. The eclectic coziness of it, the feel of family. The wide open space where she could watch these amazing turtles walk around freely. The more she saw of Leonardo in the lair, the more she felt like she was keeping a tiger in a cage by having him visit her in her tiny little apartment. It was too small for him. It wasn't fair to keep asking him to hole up in it just for his company.
And his brothers were growing on her. They were big and loud, but no longer intimidating. They were colorful and funny. Their personalities were so different from each other, it was fun to watch them interact. It was a joy to see Leonardo talk with his family; to hear tones in his voice or see expressions that he only used on his brothers and father. She wanted to experience it again and again.
This time, walking to the lair, Mona insisted that she try to get there on her own. Leonardo let her lead with amusement. Only twice did she pick the wrong path. She was getting it. Soon she would be able to make her way down without an escort to keep her from being lost. Then Leonardo wouldn't have to fetch her like an errand boy whenever she was invited for a visit.
There was no one to greet them as they entered the home. Usually Michelangelo at least was stalking around, eager to see her the second she walked in. It was uncharacteristically quiet in the room made for loud and large brothers. Mona didn't know what to do with herself when it was this quiet.
"Where is everybody?"
"They're around. The lair's larger than you think," Leonardo said as he set the backpack he was carrying for her on the floor.
She was reminded that she never had a full tour of the place. Never asked. She was still too used to their old rules of not asking, and maybe he had also been too used to never offering. She wasn't sure.
"Do you mind staying here for a bit?" he then said. "I'm going to check on my dad. He said he was feeling a bit under the weather today. I don't know if you'll see him at all."
She smiled at him. "Of course. You're a good son."
He winked at her. Winked. He had never done that before. It caused a little flutter inside her before he moved off to deeper parts of the lair. There were actually so many different tunnel entrances that branched from the main room. Mona hadn't really noticed them before. It was hard to take in one's surroundings when being towered over from all sides by giant mutant turtles. She wondered about all the places they could lead.
Being left alone, she found herself wandering, the plastic container she brought hugged to her chest. Most of the tunnels seemed dark at first glance. She wasn't going to go snooping in other rooms, especially with the lights off.
But one tunnel seemed to be lit and she heard familiar voices coming from that way. She had found Leonardo's brothers. Eager to say hi, she stepped into the room and was blocked completely by Raphael's massive shell. There was no getting around it. It took up the entire area.
She was about to announce herself so she could get by when she realized the tone didn't seem like that of normal, casual conversation. The brother's spoke in hushed voices, more serious than she had ever heard from them.
"How many of them?" Donatello was asking.
"Who knows," Raphael responded, his tone dire. "But they're everywhere. And their numbers seem to keep growing. This Karai hasn't changed a damn thing with the Foot. They're just going to keep on doin' business as usual, with or without the Shredder."
Whatever this conversation was about, Mona felt like this was absolutely none of her business. She should probably go back and wait in the main area. But before she could, Raphael suddenly turned and his elbow hit her straight in the nose.
A startled cry pierced the room. Mona didn't think it came from her. It sounded like Michelangelo. She stumbled back, dropped the container she carried and grabbed her face.
When Raphael turned to see what he had done, he instantly shrank back. "Oh shit," he hissed.
"Raph! You hurt Mona!" Michelangelo loudly accused.
That was the exact moment Leonardo appeared as if magically summoned. He looked at Raphael's wide-eyed expression, then at Mona whose back was pressed against the wall, both hands over her nose.
"Let me see."
Eyes watering, she removed her hands to inspect it herself. A drop of blood trickled out.
Leonardo turned his ice blue eyes on his largest brother. "I'm going to kill you," he said in a matter-of-fact tone, stalking forward.
Donatello and Michelangelo both jumped in, talking at the same time about how it was an accident.
"Jesus, Leo, I didn't do it on purpose," Raphael insisted, though he was backing up from Leonardo's advance.
"It was my fault," Mona Lisa sniffled, wiping at the blood with a knuckle. "I was standing right behind him when he turned around. He didn't know I was there. I'm okay."
Her voice halted Leonardo's ire and he turned around to check her again. "Hold on, I'll get you a cloth." His voice hardened once more to glare at Raphael. "You stay over there."
Raphael made an irritated face at his blue-clad brother's back as Leonardo stalked off. Then he instantly softened as he crouched next to Mona, purposefully staying a respectful distance.
"Sorry about that, Big Eyes. I'm usually more careful about where I'm throwing elbows when I know there's a girl in the lair."
"My bad for not letting you know I was back there," she returned in good spirits. "It's not even bleeding anymore. Apparently, I've got some ninja blood in me. I can sneak up on Leo, too, without trying to."
"On Leo?" Raphael looked impressed.
"Hey, what's this?" Michelangelo asked as he picked up the discarded container.
Leonardo's swift return had him trying to press a wet cloth to her nose. "I made you guys some chocolate chip cookies," she said while simultaneously trying to dodge Leonardo's worried hands so she could clean her face herself.
"You made us cookies?" Michelangelo asked, his voice touched with heavy emotion. He slugged Raphael in the arm. "Asshole."
"What?"
Donatello punched him in the other arm.
"Stop! I didn't do it on purpose!"
"You better hope this isn't the last time we get cookies," Michelangelo hissed in a deathly tone.
"I'll make you guys more stuff, no worries," Mona Lisa called. "It's nice to make a batch of something and not have to eat it all myself." She slapped Leonardo's hands away again. "I'm fine. All cleaned up. See?"
He frowned at her and then stalked back to the kitchen.
"Thank you, Leo," she sing-songed after him.
Raphael watched him go. "Don't worry, Princess. He'll avenge your honor later when he kicks my ass in the dojo."
Mona looked his massive frame up and down. "Leo would kick YOUR ass?"
The big turtle chuckled. "I appreciate that you think I could take Leo in a fight on the regular. I guess you've never really seen him in action."
She shook her head and Raphael came to a decision. "Okay, let's do this."
He stepped out, the others following as he caught Leonardo on his way back.
"Come on, Leo. You, me, in the dojo. Let's settle this."
"Now?" Leonardo asked, confused but still clearly irritated.
"Now's your chance to get your licks in. Take it or leave it."
Leonardo followed, more curious now than angry. Mona trailed after the boys as they led down another tunnel which opened up to a wide space. Serene and clean, the utilitarian Japanese-themed space was a stark contrast to the loud chaos of the main area's decorations. The floor was clear of clutter with various weapons and oriental tapestries hanging on the walls. Every piece in its place.
Raphael and Leonardo moved to the center, facing each other. Mona stayed next to Donatello and Michelangelo who remained on the sidelines.
"Hey, don't eat all the cookies," Donatello said as he caught the orange-banded brother pilfering from the container. "Those are for later." He paused and looked at Mona. "Are they for later?"
She shrugged. "I don't care. Just make sure you share them."
"Fine," Michelangelo huffed. "I'll leave some for Raph and Leo."
"Oh, it's fine if Leo doesn't get any. I make stuff for him all the time. These I made specifically for you guys."
Michelangelo looked at her with wide eyes and whispered to Donatello, "She has my full blessing to marry Leo. Maybe she'll move down here and make us food every day."
"You want Leo to get married so you can have snacks?" his brother replied.
"Dude, absolutely!"
From the practice mat, Leonardo knew his brothers were conversing but he couldn't pick up what they were talking about. Probably nonsense. His main focus was on Raphael and his sudden change in attitude.
"You really want to do this, Raph?"
"Shut up," the larger brother retorted. He rolled his shoulders and then crouched in a fighting stance. "I'm doing you a favor."
Now Leonardo was irritated again. "What does that even mean?"
"Here's your opportunity to look good in front of your girl, dingus. That is, if you can beat me." Raphael charged without notice, hitting Leonardo with his full strength. The blue-clad turtle grunted against the force as he blocked the first fist and then dodged the second. Raphael came at him with everything he had and the match was on.
As soon as the fighting began, Donatello and Michelangelo moved into position. They guided Mona to sit with them off to the side. Both of them knelt on either side of her like two sentinels. It felt very intentional. The way they remained on their knees, backs straight and fists on their thighs, as if it had been trained into them that this was the proper posture for this sacred room. Mona remembered that the very first time Leonardo entered her apartment, this was how he sat. He did it the first few times until he began to relax in her presence.
Now, he was out before her, jaw tight, body on the defense as Raphael came at him like a freight train. Mona understood that this was not a serious fight. This was two brothers in a match of skill. But they were both so big, especially Raphael. And the larger turtle was clearly not holding back. Mona could fee the punches from there when they managed to land. Yet, Leonardo took the hits as if they didn't phase him and managed to land a kick in Raphael's mid section, sending the larger turtle stumbling back.
"Aw yeah, there's our fearless leader," Michelangelo cheered.
"Wait. Leonardo is your...leader? What does that mean?"
The turtles on either side of her paused.
"Oh, uh...you know," Donatello offered. "Like when we go out as a team, Leo usually comes up with the game plan."
"Yeah when we go out and fight the bad guys."
"Like fighting the Foot Clan," Mona said.
"Yeah, pretty much," Donatello confirmed. "The Foot and us have been at it for years now. We've been trying to push them out of the city, but they have the numbers and there's only four of us."
And Leonardo was their leader. That was not something he had ever mentioned before when he talked about his family. Though now that it was mentioned, she could see it. The other brothers regarded him with a certain deference now and then. Usually when he was extruding that alpha male aura he had when he was irritated.
Her internal thoughts were interrupted when she both felt and heard the force of a collision. She looked up in time to see Leonardo's body fly across the room. He landed in a four-footed crouch, sliding several feet before he came to a stop. He looked pissed as his hand reflexively went to one of the katana on his back.
Raphael only grinned at the display. "Oh, now you're gonna fight me for real, huh?" He pulled the twin sai from his belt and expertly twirled them around.
Leonardo stood, drawing both of his blades and looking absolutely murderous.
"What is happening?" Mona whispered to no one in particular.
"Leo's been pulling his punches," Donatello said, not breaking eye contact with the match. "Raph's called him out on it. Looks like he's fighting seriously now."
She didn't like where this was going. Now there were real weapons involved. "Can you stop them?"
"Mmm, better to just let them get it out of their systems. It'll be fine."
Mona wasn't so sure as the sound of steel clashing against steel echoed in the room. Both turtles, despite their massive size, were so fast. She could hear the parry of each attack, but it was difficult for her eyes to keep up.
Clang. Clang. Clang. Metal hit metal over and over again, aiming for flesh, but always expertly blocked. It was like a beautiful dance, watching these two breathtaking creatures lunge and strike. She could feel their power from there, but grace also came with it. Faster and faster until...
A sai flew out of Raphael's hand. It flew like an arrow right toward Mona's face. Before she realized it was even coming, Donatello had caught it by the hilt. The sharp point of the weapon stopped mere inches from her eye. She stared at the glittering point as it was lowered from her face. So that was why Donatello and Michelangelo had purposefully put themselves around her like guardians. She hadn't even realized she could be in danger.
An absolute battle cry filled the room as Leonardo tackled Raphael, bringing them both down with him on top. Now Raphael had stopped attacking altogether and merely tried to protect his face as Leonardo let fly with both his fists and all his fury.
Mona gasped.
Donatello and Michelangelo looked at each other.
"Get him," said the former and they rushed out onto the mat. It took both of them to pull Leonardo off his larger brother.
"Woah, woah, calm down you guys," Michelangelo said in a soothing voice. "Everyone's okay. Nothing to worry about it."
Leonardo shook off his brothers' holds and paced, glaring at Raphael. "This is your fault."
"Come on, Leo, it was an accident. All of this was an accident," Raphael insisted.
"Yeah, bros," Michelangelo cut in. "Let's just forgive and all go hang out at the hot tub. It's all good."
"No, not him," Leonardo insisted, still glaring. Still pacing. "I don't want to see your face for the rest of the day."
"Come on, Leo!"
His voice was low, dangerous. "I said get out."
"No, he's not getting out," came a female voice. Stern, yet not forceful. Still, its sound cut all conversation to a halt. Mona slid in, taking Leonardo's quaking arm. "You are going to calm down." She looked at the other brothers. "The two of us are going for a walk so Leo can get some air. When we come back, all of us are going to the hot tub, okay?" She turned back to Leonardo, looking him in the eyes. "Okay?"
He set his jaw, breathing hard out of his nose. He did not look like he agreed to that plan at all. Still, Mona tugged him out of the room with a "We'll be back later," to the brothers.
All was silent in the dojo as they left.
"Damn," Raphael said. "Did you just see how she played Leo like a fiddle? He was pissed and he still did what she said. I never thought I'd see the day."
"Lucky for you," Donatello retorted, handing him back his sai.
"Yeah, that was close. Good catch, Donnie. I never would have been able to live with myself if something had happened. Don't tell Splinter we broke his 'no civilians in the dojo' rule."
"You know I've got your back. Do you want some cookies before Mikey eats them all?"
"Uh..." Michelangelo piped up. "Too late?"
"MIKEY!"
Another, more playful three-turtle fight quickly broke out in the dojo.
.
They left the lair, walking the myriad of tunnels around it. Mona couldn't believe how riled up Leonardo was. She had never seen him like this. She had led him out with a tight grip on his arm which had somehow reversed into him leading her by the bicep. The further they walked, the tighter his hold became until she had to inform him that his grip was hurting.
"Sorry," he said and quickly let go.
Mona stopped in her tracks while Leonardo paced in front of her, hands on his head.
"Wow, I didn't even know you had a temper." She watched him, but did not engage. She just let him wander to get all frustration and adrenaline out.
"I don't," he insisted, then amended. "I do. Sometimes. Raph just always knows how to push my buttons."
"He didn't do anything wrong. He wasn't purposefully trying to hurt anyone. It was an accident."
He whirled his head around, ice blue eyes flashing through his mask. "That accident could have killed you! I didn't even want to fight him! I just wanted you to have a good, safe time with my family so you'll come down more often."
A smile pulled at the side of her mouth. "If you want me to come down more often, all you have to do is say so. I'll come visit whenever you want."
He paused and blinked at her. "Really?"
"Yeah, that's why I was trying to learn the route earlier."
"But...but you got hurt."
"That was my fault. I stood behind Raphael without telling him I was there. He had no idea. The thing with the sai was scary, but not his fault. You're the one who knocked it out of his hand." Leonardo looked crestfallen. "And I'm not blaming you either. It was an accident."
He frowned, lower lip poking out slightly in a pout that she was sure he was not aware he was doing.
"I don't want anything to happen to you. Especially in my own house from my own brothers."
"I'll be more careful next time," she vowed. "It's my fault, too. It's my responsibility what happens to me. I'm learning how to be safe in a living space with very large turtles. I'll get the hang of it, I promise."
He visibly relaxed and she was relieved to see it.
"Sorry. Sorry I lost my temper back there."
She smirked. "It was kind of refreshing. I thought you were unflappable while you've seen me lose my shit a few times. It's nice to know you're still one of us emotional mortals."
He smiled at her and offered his hand. She stepped in and gladly took it. They stood there like that for a while, feeling each other's skin, smiling at one another.
Leonardo let out a long, calming breath. "Should we go back?"
"Are you going to apologize to your brother?"
He almost rolled his eyes, but he knew she was right. "Yes, I'll apologize to Raph."
She grinned and kissed his jaw, which was as high as she could reach. "Good. I can tell he loves you. They all love you and you love them. I don't want to see you guys fighting with each other."
"I also lo..." Leonardo started, then stopped himself.
Mona could nearly hear the words he almost said. They were talking about love and he was caught in the momentum. But he didn't finish his thought. Instead, he pulled her back the way they came.
"Wait," Mona said, slipping out of his hold. She quickly moved in front of him, blocking his path. "I want to say something to you before we go back because I don't know when we'll get another second alone."
Leonardo regarded her with his beautiful, curious eyes as she fidgeted with her fingers, looking down for a moment. Then she forced herself to meet his gaze.
"I just want you to know that I love you," she said simply. "And I don't mean all of it in a romantic sense, either. I just love you. In whatever way love can exist between us. As a friend, as family, as whatever we're going to be to each other. Whenever I see you or think about you..." She touched her chest. "You're just always in my heart and I've been feeling the need to let you know that for a while."
He stared at her, blinked a few times. His mouth opened, but nothing came out.
"You don't have to say anything back," she quickly added for his comfort. "I just wanted to share some thoughts with you so you know what's been on my mind lately."
His mouth ticked up to the side and he looked touched; pleased even. Then he glanced away self consciously, scratching at his chin with one fingers while his smile grew. Mona thought it was terribly cute.
He eventually composed himself enough to meet her gaze again. "There's something that's been on my mind lately, too. I also want you to know what I've been thinking about, though I don't know if now is the right time to share it."
"Go ahead," she grinned. "I will always want to hear about what goes on in that head of yours."
He smiled and glanced down, self-conscious again. Then took her hand before he met her eyes. "I..." He faltered; let out a long breath and tried again. "I know you struggle with touch and intimacy. None of that bothers me. We can take it as slow as you want. But when you're ready, I want to be the one that makes you feel good." His voice took a low throaty tone as he stepped closer, breath tickling her cheek as he rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. "I promise, I'll make it so good for you if you let me be the one. No one else."
Heat struck her everywhere. The part of her hand he touched, her face, her blood. The core of her squeezed at his promises.
"Leonardo, wow." She coughed, trying to collect herself. "I didn't know this was what you've been thinking about. But uh...thanks for sharing. Holy shit." She whispered the last part mostly to herself.
The ridge of his brow raised at her reaction. "I take it you agree to this?"
"Uh, yeah..." She cleared her throat again. "That's definitely a deal I don't mind making."
He smirked at her. "You're being facetious."
"I'm honestly not sure how else to be, Leonardo. No one's ever said anything like that to me."
"Good." He looked very pleased. "I hope it stays that way."
She rubbed her face, trying to get it to stop burning. "Okay. Yes. So let's get back to your family and table this for another time, yeah?"
He laughed. "Yeah, sounds good. Just keep it in mind."
"Oh, I'm sure I won't forget it anytime soon. Don't you worry about that."
"Oh, and I guess I should also say I love you, too?"
"Now you're just ruining the moment."
.
When they returned, they found the three brothers in the main area pretending they hadn't been waiting for them all this time. All conversation stopped when Leonardo stepped into the room. Raphael stood and approached, though hesitantly. His face showed signs of the absolute beating Leonardo gave him earlier. The two stared each other down, neither saying a word. Donatello and Michelangelo didn't dare break the tension.
Mona Lisa emphatically cleared her throat at Leonardo.
"Sorry," he said. "I lost my temper and took it out on you. I know none of it was on purpose."
"Nah, I got it." Raphael folded his arms and glanced at Mona. "If the situation was reversed, I'd take it out of your shell. Guests should be safe here. So I'm sorry to you, too, Big Eyes. You should be safe around me and you weren't. Accident or not, my bad."
"Mine, too," she insisted. "I'll announce myself next time."
There was a few seconds of silence before Leonardo asked of his brother, "How's your face?"
Raphael smirked. "It still hates your ass."
Leonardo laughed and the brothers were good again.
Now that it was safe to move, Donatello and Michelangelo stood up and Mona approached the former.
"You saved my life today. Like legit saved my life."
Donatello immediately looked flustered. "Oh, yeah. You know, I do what I can."
She moved in and reached up to him. "Come here, I want to hug you."
The other hugs had just been around the torso of the very tall turtle. This time, she insisted he bend down so she could hug him properly around the neck. He had never been hugged around the neck like this, even from April. It gave him both a flutter and an ache in his chest all at once.
Feeling guilty, he glanced at Leonardo for his reaction. His brother didn't seem to mind at all and mouthed "Thank you."
Donatello nodded and shyly extricated himself from Mona's embrace.
"So, hot tub time," Michelangelo cut in.
Mona perked up. She looked at Leonardo and nodded excitedly.
Leonardo's protective stance relaxed and he smiled at her. "Sounds good."
Michelangelo immediately took her hand. "Come on, it's this way."
As they left with Donatello trailing behind, Leonardo noticed Raphael remained, smirking at him.
"What?" he demanded.
Raphael let out a deep chuckle. "You are so soft for that girl. It's just funny to see."
Leonardo narrowed his eyes at his brother and stalked off for the tub room.
.
Mona was taken to a small room where she immediately felt the temperature and humidity rise. It was plenty warm and the sound of bubbling water came from a massive round tank in the middle. A turtle's paradise.
"We got it all set up, just for you," Michelangelo said proudly.
"Is this the soaking tub?"
"That's mainly what its for," Donatello said. "Good for skin hydration as well as shedding season—uh, we cleaned it recently. Promise."
"Room enough for all four of us, plus one more," Michelangelo added with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
"Do you need a room to change?" Leonardo asked as he and Raphael walked in.
"No need. I've got it on under my clothes." She lifted her sweater revealing a modest black one-piece swim suit underneath. At home, she had a cute pink bikini she wally wanted to show Leonardo, but with the other brothers, it felt more prudent to not go too sexy.
As she went for her pants next, she noticed Donatello watching her chest. He was looking at her scar. The second he was caught he glanced away and did not mention it out loud. Unknown to her, Leonardo had given his brothers a heads up about it. That they were not to stare or ask questions. Donatello had only asked if it was a surgical scar. The tone in Leonardo's "No." left no room for further discussion.
Mona shimmied out of her tight jeans and then looked at the tub. It was nearly as tall as she was.
"How do I get in?"
"I'm afraid I didn't build it with human guests in mind," Donatello apologized. "I'll put together some stairs for next time."
"Here." Leonardo crouched on one knee and threaded his fingers together.
"Just dump her in, Leo," Raphael joked.
"I will murder you, Red," Mona quipped back as she put one small foot onto Leonardo's palms. He lifted her without effort until she was high enough to pull herself onto the lip of the tub.
Inside, there was seating built in to the sides, but still made for much larger bodies. If she propped herself up on her knees she could keep her head above the water.
A glance at the turtles found them casually shucking off all their gear. When they were down to just their pants, they kept stripping. They weren't changing into swim wear, it was just all coming off. Mona ducked a bit, though her eyes still peered over the edge. The pants came off and there was...nothing to see. Just shell keeping them covered.
It was further confirmed when she received a much closer look as each climbed inside. Leonardo overtly took the spot close to her right while Michelangelo sat at her left. As everyone situated themselves in the hot, bubbling water, a calm silence floated over them.
"Why do you even wear pants?" Mona blurted.
Donatello snorted while Raphael burst out laughing.
"Didn't get the show you wanted, Princess?"
"I did not!" she shot back with blithe humor.
"The full monty is reserved for VIP guests only," Michelangelo jumped in. "If you want to make a reservation, I'll be happy to give you a private—" He stopped as Donatello lunged for the elastic still on his wrist. Michelangelo leaned back and held it out of reach.
Raphael stood up too as they both tried to get at their smallest brother. Water sloshed everywhere. Mona stood to keep herself from being pulled under.
Leonardo stood, too, with a dangerous, "Guys, not here."
They all stopped and sat back down. Mona stared at Leonardo. He really was their leader. He demanded order and his brothers complied. It was kind of hot.
That simple thought made her face go warm. Suddenly, everything was too hot. She pulled herself out of the bubbling water and sat on the lip of the tub. All eyes were on her and she felt every single one. Self-conscious, she folded in on herself so she wouldn't feel so on display.
"Is the water too hot?" Donatello asked. "Sorry, being cold-blooded, we have a high heat tolerance. I can turn it down, but it will still be a while until the water cools."
"No, it's fine. I think it's just more the siting in it up to my neck. I just need to cool down for a bit."
The water only came up to the turtles' chests. No wonder they were still plenty comfortable.
"You need a booster seat," Raphael snorted.
"You can come sit on my lap," Michelangelo offered.
Donatello glared, but didn't go after his band. Leonardo has said not to. He would get his little brother later.
"No, thank you," Mona replied, playful but with finality. She looked at Leonardo who glanced at his own lap in invitation.
"I just said no!" she shot back. "I can figure out my own shit, Leo."
The brothers snickered while Leonardo raised his hands in good-natured surrender.
"I know you can."
This turtle. She loved him, but she wasn't at the point where she could comfortably sit on his lap dressed only in a swim suit in front of his brothers.
Eventually, conversation started up again and fell into the very mundane topic of what everyone was currently watching on streaming. Mona still found it fascinating and a new peek into the personalities of the brothers.
Michelangelo was into cooking shows like the Great British Bake Off. Donatello mentioned a few sci-fi movies he had seen lately and also true crime documentaries he watched with Leonardo. Raphael was currently making his way through season 3 of "this show about vikings or something."
"It's actually just called 'Vikings' Raph," Michelangelo snickered.
"I don't have any TV or streaming," Mona said when she was asked. "Leo and I will usually watch a horror if I can find a good one on Red Box."
Snorts all around from the brothers.
"Leo watches horror with you?" Michelangelo laughed. "I thought he hated those."
Mona turned to him, eyes wide. Leonardo winced.
"You don't like them? Why didn't you say something?"
"Because I do enjoy watching them with you. You've taught me to like them."
She gave him a scrutinizing look, unsure if he was being honest.
"Donnie'll watch horror movies with you," Raphael said. "He loves 'em."
"I can also set up any streaming service you want for free, if you'd like. Uh, it won't be legal, though."
"Yes on the horror movies. Let me think about the other one."
"Sure. Whatever you need, whenever you need it. You can call me anytime and I'll always be ready to satisfy—I mean tend to your needs—wait that's not—"
Raphael put a hand on his shoulder, cutting him off with a "Donnie, chill."
Donatello stopped talking and it was cute to see his head retreat a bit inside his shell—his glasses fogging up. Mona had never seen any of them do something so turtley before. It was cute. And then lightning struck as she realized something about herself. At least a part of her was into Leonardo not despite the fact that he was a turtle, but she was also into all the turtle parts of him. She liked that about all of them. What sort of freak was she?
She sank back into the hot water and let herself stew on that thought for the rest of the time they were in there.
.
Eventually, they all decided that was enough soaking when everyone began to get hungry. Michelangelo and Raphael volunteered to go get some pizza. (Apparently, they had a pizza guy who was chill about his mystery customers.)
Mona, dry clothes in hand, went back to the main area and grab her bag and pull out a towel. Leonardo then led her down another tunnel and to an entranceway that actually had a door. Inside was a very neat room with Japanese scrolls and weapons on the wall, a deep blue rug on the concrete floor. The bed in the corner was neatly made and there were books set in an orderly row on the shelf. The entire place screamed Leonardo.
"Is this your room?" she asked with glee.
"You'll have privacy here to change," was his only response.
"The Leo Lair," she joked as she began to towel herself off.
"Do you want to stay the night?" he suddenly asked.
She grinned. "I brought pajamas in case you offered."
Leonardo looked so pleased, she almost laughed. His eyes stayed on her, settling on her chest. He wasn't looking at her scar, he was clearly looking at her.
"Something on your mind?"
He shook himself. "I've never had a girl in my room before."
She should have said something flirty like "I hope I'm the only girl that comes in your room." But her dumb mouth said, "That's probably because you still live with your dad."
He outright snorted and Mona felt she won a gold medal. It took a lot to get him to do more than a soft smile and a forced exhale from his nose. Any real laugh she could get from him was hard-earned and well-enjoyed.
He moved closer and Mona was remind that he still wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing. Leonardo was naked in front of her. All his brothers had been, too. No need to get worked up. Though now she could see the full definition of his thick thighs and the ab-like pattern of his full plastron. He was beautiful; well-muscled and toned. Green skin newly hydrated and shiny from the soak. She wanted to touch him all over, but schooled her hands.
Leonardo, however, had not given himself the same limitations. "You look good in that," he said as he slipped one finger under the strap of her suit.
"My chest thanks you, but my eyes are up here," she shot back.
His eyes rose to her face and he didn't look a bit chastised at being caught. She shivered when his finger stroked down her arm, taking that strap down with it. The other hand cradled her head and she leaned into it as he stroked her cheek with his thumb. His fingers wove into her hair, gently guiding her head further to the side to expose her neck to him.
He pressed his face into it, breathing her in. Taking deep breaths of her and then let out a long, shuddering exhale from his mouth.
"Leo," she whispered and her tone made him shiver. This time when she said his name, it wasn't with trepidation. It was all heat. His body responded with a heat of its own. His mouth tasted the skin of her neck and shoulder, coaxing the softest, sweetest sounds from her.
Mona found herself drowning in the sudden need to be as close as she could to him. She hardly felt in charge of her own body as she peeled the wet swim suit from it. Now they both stood in the room without an article of clothing between them. Though Mona couldn't stand wearing Leonardo's gaze for more then a few seconds. She moved into him, hiding her body with this. Reveling in the feel of this solid wall of shell and muscle against her, both immovable and inviting.
Leonardo's arms went around her, pulling her flush against him. She was so exposed, yet never felt so safe with his large body all around her.
"Is this okay?" he whispered in her ear.
"I like it." She kissed his bicep before pressing her face into it. "You're so warm."
He gathered her in his arms and she felt her face heat up with self-consciousness at how easily he was able to carry her. He set both of them on the bed and her face warmed again. Why was it so exciting to touch the place where Leonardo slept? It felt so intimate; like only a very special few were ever deemed worthy to be in such a place.
Leonardo didn't give her time to awe as he distracted her with sound kisses. She took each one happily as he positioned himself to hover over her on his elbows. This gave him easy access to any part of her he wished to grace with his mouth.
This time, he peppered kisses everywhere but her scar, though kept watch on her to gauge her comfort level. She lay back and let it happen, let him do what he wanted. Though he heard her let out a shaky breath after a while.
"Still okay?" he asked. "I'll stop anytime you want."
She didn't want him to stop. "It's just the way you look at me. It's so intense. It's a little overwhelming." She reached up to him, cradling his face in her hands. Her thumbs skimmed the sides of his face. Her voice came out a breathless whisper. "It makes my heart beat so fast."
He pressed his ear to her chest. "I can hear it. Take long, deep breaths."
She did so and he burred his face between her breasts with a groan. "You are so soft. I can't get over how soft you are. I want to keep touching you."
His deep tone, the heat of his breath on her skin made her shiver. And when he nuzzled the firm peak of her breast, her whole body reacted in an arch. Her thighs tightened, trying to press themselves together, but a large turtle body was in the way, forcing them to stay open. Her knees squeezed reflexively at his hips and he looked up at her with a raise of his brow.
"Looks like you want more."
"Oh, God." She covered her face with her hands, overwhelmed. There was a time in her life where she wondered if she would ever want physical touch from another person after what she had survived. There were times when the thought of having an intimate partner filled her with dread. But now she was here with a man she was falling in love with. It didn't matter that he wasn't human. It mattered that she felt safe with him, that she wanted his touch. That she felt loved by him. And the mixture of both want and the relief to find that she wanted left her an emotional mess, unsure of how to react.
But Leonardo hadn't stopped while she processed her internal mix of emotions. He was drunk on the touch of her, the scent and taste of her. He, too, wanted and he was following that want on pure instinct as he trailed further kisses down her body.
"Leonardo!" Mona squeaked when his face was practically between her thighs. "What are you doing?"
His ice blue eyes had darkened somehow as he glanced up, but didn't move his face where she could feel his hot breath on her.
"I told you," he said in an equally dark voice. "I want to make you feel good. I want it to always be me that makes you feel good."
"Yeah, but...you don't have to—"
His mouth was on her and it stole the words from her breath. All that came out were soft, short chirps as his large tongue pressed firmly against her, then delved into her depths. Laved. Tasted. Stimulated her all over. She fought not to buck her hips into him as her world felt like it was tipping over on its side and all her sanity was falling out.
"Leo," was the first word she managed, and it came out like a whispered prayer.
He raised his head. "Does that feel good?"
A breathless laugh fell out of her. She didn't know how to answer.
"It's a simple question," he pressed. "We promised to be more open with each other."
"I don't know how I can get more fucking open, Leonardo!"
He laughed. But it was a different laugh than she had heard from him. A dark, amused chuckle that sent lightning through her as he slowly climbed up her body and then settled himself next to her. His finger ran up her arm, across her shoulders, then down the middle of her chest.
"I told you, I'm going to make you feel good. I'm not going to stop until you confirm that I've met my goals."
His hand slipped between her thighs and she squeezed them together as if trying to stop him. Too late, his finger was already at her entrance, caressing the slick of it. Then it pressed inside. Mona arched and wriggled, her mouth open in a soundless cry. All rational thought flew right out the window as instinct took over. She rolled over onto her side, one leg hooked around his hip. God, she wanted him deeper. She needed him deeper.
"Does it feel good now?" he whispered, slowly, so very slowly moving his finger.
Jaw clamped tight, she didn't respond as she pressed her face into him, her nails digging into his arm.
"Ramona," he cajoled gently.
"Shit, Leo," she hissed. "It's so good. Don't you dare stop."
"Never," he growled into her ear. His body rolled into her, pinning her down. His thick finger pumped her deeper as the sweetest, most sinful whine came from her. He chased that sound like a wolf on the hunt. He needed it. He needed her release more than he needed one of his own. He needed to be the one to make her crash in euphoria. He needed to know that he, what he was, was capable of getting her there.
For Mona, it was over far too soon as her whole body clamped around him, muscles tight. Her face pressed into his neck, her nails digging into his arm as pleasure rolled over her like waves. It was almost embarrassing how quickly she responded to his touch. How badly she had needed him.
She remained with her face hidden for several moments before relaxing with a few panting exhales. "There. You got what you wanted."
Leonardo lay on his side, looking like the cat that caught the canary. "I think we both did."
She snorted and then laughed into his chest. Laughed in relief and with a sense of freedom. It was a joy to lay here on this bed down in the sewers with her mutant turtle boyfriend and feel the most normal she had ever felt in a long time.
"Oh, I scratched you!" she suddenly exclaimed as she saw the deep crescent-shaped nail marks in his arm.
He merely glanced at them. "I'll consider them a badge of honor."
"You freaking weirdo."
Deep booming male voices were heard sounding off from somewhere in the lair. Mona quickly sat up. "Your brothers are back." She scrambled to find her backpack and shuck on some clothes as fast as she could.
Leonardo didn't move. "They're not going to come in. Donnie's even been here the whole time."
Now in panties and a bra, she pulled an over-sized sweater over her head. "I'm not worried about Donnie. Donnie's polite."
Leonardo let it go and stood to get out a pair of gray sweat pants from a bin of clothes in the corner. Mona was stepping into a pair of flannel pants when a solid knock on the door nearly scared her out of her skin.
"Yo! We got pizza and cheese bread!" called Michelangelo's voice.
Mona gave a 'See?' gesture.
Leonardo just smirked. "Yeah, one minute. We'll be right out."
"One minute's all you're getting, bro. Then we start eating."
Mona quickly reached for the door as if to prove they had been decent the entire conversation. But Leonardo grabbed her from behind, pressing her against him and burying his face in her hair.
"Let me have you just a moment more," he mumbled.
She allowed it before slipping out and escaping down the tunnel with a "You better wash your hands before you touch that food."
Leonardo smirked after her.
.
Michelangelo was over the moon to see Mona in pjs and declared a movie night sleepover for all of them. Though Leonardo looked like he would rather eat then go back to canoodling in his room. Mona, however, jumped at the chance to have movie night with his brothers.
Pizza and popcorn were carried into the main area as Raphael flipped through viewing options, asking Mona what she wanted to watch.
"No horror, I guess?" she asked cheekily.
"Nah. Mikey gets scared."
Michelangelo returned to the main area dressed in sweats of his own and whispered. "It's Raph who gets scared," and then dropped a bunch of blankets on her.
Raphael immediately ripped them off. "No, no. Let me find you a clean blanket."
"These seem fine," she insisted, trying to be polite.
"If they came from Mikey's room, they ain't. Trust me."
"Dude," Michelangelo hissed, embarrassed.
"What? Wash your shit. Your room's disgusting. It smells like you in there."
"Of course it does! It's MY room!"
"I've got one," Leonardo said and returned with a soft, warm blanket from his own room.
Mona subtly smelled it, wondering if his room smelled like him. She didn't really have a nose for it either way.
They settled on a sci-fi alien invasion flick. Mona sat on the couch sandwiched between Michelangelo and Leonardo. Raphael took the beat up lazy boy that looked like it would fall apart any minute. It still managed to hold up his bulk like a champ as he plopped down.
There was a nice arm chair left, but Donatello opted to sit on the floor. He rested his shell against Leonardo's legs, of which Leonardo didn't seem to mind at all. Mona thought it was terribly cute. Donatello spent the movie scribbling in a notebook and not really watching. Mona glanced down to find it full of calculus and crudely sketched schematics. Leonardo had not been exaggerating when he said his brother was a genius.
Halfway through the movie, Donatello got up, leaving with purpose in his stride. He never came back, which disappointed her. Of all Leonardo's brothers, she liked him the most and wished she could talk with him more. He was always so quiet, letting either Raphael or Michelangelo take point in any conversation. But no one else seemed bothered by Donatello's absence, so she said nothing.
The movie was over three hours long. And by the time it ended, all the boys were passed out. Credits rolled and the remaining turtles were sleeping that deep, good sleep like they were well used to drifting off to the lullaby of explosions and sci-fi noises.
Mona thought when she got up Leonardo would wake. He was a very light sleeper in her apartment. But no. She slid out of the pile of blankets and turtles and none of them moved. She was in the lair, free to wander around with no escort. The opportunity was very tempting.
Weirdly, the thing she really wanted to learn about the lair were the sounds it made when all its inhabitants were quiet. Living in her poverty state without many options of media, Mona had grown accustomed to listening to the sounds of her apartment building and the sounds of the city. Now, she listened to the sounds of mutant turtles sleeping as the credits ended and all was quiet.
Sort of quiet. Raphael mumbled in his sleep and Michelangelo snorted and snored slightly. Leonardo, of course, was a silent sleeper, taking in deep, long breaths, which she listened to as she crouched next to him. This was nice. Mona was able to look at all of them, really look at them and take in their size, their energy, without having to worry about being caught soaking them in. She liked to soak people in, really get their vibe and feel who and what they were. Most people thought it was weird that she could stare so hard at a person so she had grown up learning not to engage people that way.
Now, she was free to soak. To learn by merely being close and watching. But after she had had her fill, they were still all asleep and she was left with nothing to do. So she carefully wandered the lair, listening to it. Soaking in its energy. It was bright and homey. Always full of colored lights and eclectic collections of by-gone decades that had been scavanged over the years.
Somewhere above, the distant vibration of the subway could be felt. The lair had a lot of electric hums to it and clanging pipes. A few phantom unidentified bangs and tappings from the deep under city catacombs would echo through the tunnels now and then. Somewhere out in the darkness, water dripped. She liked it. Mona assumed something about the thought of having an entire city and series of tunnels above her would be claustrophobic. But it felt protected and safe. A good place to hibernate from the world. No wonder the brothers slept so deeply.
As she wandered, a different noise reached her ears. Music? That must be Donatello. He was still up. Perfect! She ran silently back to Leonardo's room and fetched her backpack before returning to the source. This was one of the many entrances that had no door. And light with a blue tint spilled from inside.
Mona carefully peered inside and the words "Holy shit," spilled from her mouth.
The turtle inside who had been hunched over a work bench with a soldering iron immediately straightened and glanced her way. Protective goggles covered his eyes, making him look even more alien. He lifted them so he could see her better.
"Uh, hey. Are you lost?"
"No. Everyone else is asleep and I heard your music and saw the lights."
"Ah." He paused thoughtfully and glanced around at the absolute chaos of various machinery around him. "You can come in...if you want." He sounded like he didn't blame her if she would rather stay out, but Mona breezed in, happy to be invited.
"Wow, you do have an absolute laboratory in here, don't you?"
"The guys call it a lab, but it's more like a machine shop. Lab experiments are regulated to the back corner over there. And since you're not wearing proper foot wear or protective gear, please stay in this area. For your safety."
"Oh." She didn't even think she was entering a room with dangerous equipment only wearing socks and her pjs. Donatello had a point. She probably shouldn't have bothered him. "Sorry, I won't be long. I just wanted to bring you something." She dug around in her backpack. "Leo tells me Michelangelo is the food ninja and I saw the container I gave you guys was already empty." She pulled out a smaller container of chocolate ship cookies and put it on the table, followed by a second one. "This one's for you. This one is for Raphael. Please share some with your dad if he wants any. Also, I got you these. Leo said you like them." She topped off the pile with a large bag of Dot's Pretzels.
Donatello stared at the food pile and muttered something.
Mona snorted. "Did you just say 'Snack Goddess?'"
He looked away, embarrassed. "Sorry."
"Why are you apologizing? No one's called me a goddess before. You're going to make me get a little crush on you, Donatello."
He cleared his throat, a deeper green flushing in his cheeks. Was he blushing? She didn't know turtles could blush. She certainly had never seen Leonardo flush like that.
Donatello was working on a reply (and failing) when Mona slipped the glasses off his face.
"Can you even see me with these? They're so dirty."
The turtle watched dumbly as she breathed hot air onto his spectacles and then cleaned them off on her shirt. He was terrible at cleaning his glasses. Usually they were frosted with dust and grime before he realized they needed a wipe down.
Mona inspected her work and then slid them back onto his nose. "There, that's better." She leaned down to meet his gaze. "You've got pretty eyes, Donatello."
He made a sound that was almost a snort. "Usually people say that about Leo."
"Leonardo's eyes are on a whole other level. But I can appreciate the golden glow of a good hazel eye, too."
Donatello steepled his hands and placed them against his mouth. With his brows drawn in thought, Mona expected him to politely kick her out so he could get back to whatever delicate piece of machinery he was trying to put together. Instead, he motioned to the corner.
"There's an extra chair over there if you want to sit for a while?"
She beamed. "I'd love to."
.
Leonardo awoke when somewhere in his sleeping brain, he realized the space next to him was empty and cold when it should have been soft and warm. Michelangelo and Raphael were still dead asleep, but Mona Lisa was gone. He checked his room for her, but it was dark and empty. He was dismayed to find her bag was missing, too. For a moment, he worried she packed up and went home. That the lair was too much; he and his family were too much, and she had to get away.
But some of her clothes were still there. He hunted further through the lair and heard the sounds of conversation before stepping into the lab. Relief flooded him when he found her and Donatello engaged in animated, light-hearted discussion.
"There you are," he announced, causing the conversation to drop.
"Hey," she greeted.
"You could have woken me up."
"Could I?" she teased back. "You were out. Like, out out. Sleeping that deep couch sleep."
He raised a brow. "No couch sleep for you?"
"I'm afraid I'm not really used to...you know, furniture."
The conversation dropped again, so Leonardo then said. "What you were two talking about?"
"Cryptids!" she immediately beamed.
"Ah, that's a very Donatello-esque conversation," he nodded, to which his brother just shrugged. "Did you tell him if you have a favorite?"
"I said it's you guys. You're my favorite cryptids."
Leonardo tried to school his laugh. "I'm flattered."
"She's very good with the flattery," Donatello mumbled.
Mona gave him a flutter of her lashes. "You're very easy to flatter, Don."
The purple-clad turtle had to take a minute to clear his throat and get his voice under control. "Yes, well, you can take her now, Leo. You both should go before that crush becomes mutual."
"What crush? What are you talking about?" Leonardo asked.
Donatello just covered his eyes with one hand. Head down, he gestured with the other hand that they should leave quickly. With humor, Leonardo took Mona's hand and led her back out into the tunnels.
"So you were flirting with my brother while I was sleeping," he teased.
"I can't help it Leo! He is such a cute cinnamon roll! I just want to squish his cheeks!"
Leonardo chuckled. She was so loud and exuberant. Donatello probably heard that. "Should I see about getting you his number?"
"Oh, I already have his number. Don't you worry about that."
Leonardo's tone fell darker. "Should I be jealous?"
Mona didn't notice. She was still floating on the cloud of one-on-one time with Donatello. "No need. I'm still super into you."
His arm shot out, blocking her path. She raised a brow at him. He was at least twice her size. She couldn't move him even if she wanted to.
"Are you jealous?" she challenged, leaning against the wall to let him loom over her. "Because I'll talk about cryptids with you too if you want."
A smile pulled at the side of his mouth and he dropped his arm. She remained where she was, enjoying the time spent in his shadow. She didn't respond favorably to the alpha male routine, but Leonardo being a tiny bit alpha, while also still being the soft-spoken, patient turtle she knew he was, was a bit of a turn on.
She tugged on the waistband of his pants, urging him closer. Fist propping him up against the wall, he leaned down and kissed her. A very light, sweet kiss that made her heart tumble for him. His arms enfolded her, pressing her against that hard, immovable body while he tucked his face into the crook of her neck. He held her like she was something very precious and Mona, who had not been someone important to another person in a long time, almost cried.
Leonardo suddenly hefted her up by her thighs and she let out a surprised squeak. It was so easy for him to carry her, it made her blush. Looking quite proud of himself, he said, "Let's go to bed." and carried her off to his room.
She snuggled against him, arms around his neck. Her cheek rested on his head and she was instantly comfortable.
"Finally feeling sleepy?" he asked as he felt her body relax.
"I could probably sleep."
"Good. And I'll make you breakfast in the morning."
"Oh yeah?" she teased. "I've seen how you make breakfast."
"Mikey will make you breakfast in the morning."
"Or we could make it together."
Leonardo entered his room and set her down. Slowly. Letting her body drag across his before her toes touched the floor.
"I'd like that," he murmured.
His hands settled on her hips, keeping her close. Her hands traveled up his chest, tracing the lip of his plastron.
"Anything else you want to do tonight before we sleep?" Her fingers slid down and hooked into the waistband of his sweats. "Since you were very generous with your attention earlier, should I...?"
He took her hands in his, pulling them away. "Not tonight." He kissed her knuckles while she looked at him in question. "Another time, maybe. It's late."
It surprised her. She never thought any man would respond that way to what she just offered. But Leonardo wasn't just any man, was he? And the lateness of the night was finally catching up to her. Maybe he was feeling it, too.
"I just want to sleep with you; hold you," he continued, as if she needed more convincing. She would always be okay with what he wanted and didn't want to do with her, just as he had said the same to her.
"That sounds nice," she agreed.
He left her to turn off the lights and they were suddenly plunged into absolute darkness. Not just the darkness of night, the absence of any light. The deep, dark of the undercity catacombs. Now she understood why the lair had so many random lights.
"Woah," she breathed.
"Hold on, I'm coming to you."
She felt his searching fingers find her. "Can you see?"
"No. I just know where everything is. Come on, I'll guide you. This way. The bed's coming up right here. Feel it?"
Completely blind, Mona felt her away around the mattress, trying to make sure she gave Leonardo enough room without falling off the other side. It was kind of fun as they both situated themselves under the covers, keeping a hand on each other as not to accidentally bump or elbow one another.
"I see why you can sleep that deep, good sleep down here," Mona said as they found their place, curled up on their sides against each other. "No light to wake you. No sounds of the city to bother you."
"It has its perks, though I do like a good sunrise. Especially if it's with someone I care about."
"You wake me up to go see a sunrise tomorrow, I'm breaking up with you."
A snort from Leonardo in the dark. "So noted."
His arms reached for her, moving slow and careful since neither could see the other. It was far more intimate to sense him with touch and sound alone. He was all around her in the dark, his breath on her neck as he pressed his face into her hair. His whole body sighed and relaxed around her in a way that it never had the few times he had slept over in her apartment. As comfortable as she tried to make her place for him, this was where he was most at home; where he was safe. This was where he truly rested.
And he seemed to be asleep in minutes while Mona was still awake, marveling at the existence of him. For a moment, she wondered if her brain would ever let her get to sleep. It was still very aware that she was deep underground, surrounded by slumbering mutants. At least one of them was still awake in his lab. It was too fantastical and magical to sleep. But Leonardo's slow, deep breathing and the warmth of his body eventually wore her down and she drifted off.