CHAPTER 1 REWRITE: AN UNDERSTANDING

"Leonardo, come." Master Splinter's gentle command is all that's needed to get Leo on his feet. When he has crossed the room, Master Splinter nods once to his eldest son and smiles. "I would like for you to partake in a cup of tea with me."

"Yes, sensei," Leonardo immediately heads for the kitchenette area and begins preparing the tea. The silence of the lair around them makes the clinking of the teacups and the whistle of the kettle all the louder.

Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello have all been sent topside per Master Splinter without their fearless leader. Raphael is in charge of patrolling while Leo is gone, and Leo has been having trouble keeping his mind off of that particular fact. What helps distract him is figuring out why Master Splinter has kept him behind.

It isn't the first time this has happened. Leonardo has been receiving specialized training from Splinter for years to help Leo better understand how to be a leader. Sometimes it is physical training, sometimes it's long talks with a cup of tea. Tonight seems to be one of the long-talk lessons.

Leonardo has all the necessities on a tray and heads to the dojo. Normally, this is not allowed—at all, ever. No food or drink in the dojo. It's not allowed in the hashi either. These tea lessons are the only exception. Master Splinter explained to Leo early on that being in the space where training is done will help his mind go back into training mode. It is mental training of a different kind.

Leonardo sets the tray down on the floor where Master Splinter already sits. Splinter waits for Leo to pour the tea before taking the cup, lifting it up, takes a long sniff, and finally sips the confection.

"Ah," Master Splinter sighs contentedly. "This is masterfully done, my son."

Leo bows. "Thank you, sensei."

"Please, Leonardo, relax."

Leonardo feels a flash of uncertainty. "But, sensei, aren't we training?" He always calls Master Splinter "sensei" when training. Aren't they training now?

"Yes, my son, but this is a more informal session. What I need from you tonight is honesty."

"Always, Master Splinter."

The rat smiles. "I am aware of your dedication to truth. However, what I want to discuss may be delicate in nature, and I want you to keep nothing from me. Do you understand, Leonardo?"

"Yes, master."

Master Splinter gives him a look.

"Er—yes, father."

Master Splinter nods. "Have a sip of tea, my son."

Leonardo takes his own cup and has a sip. Oolong tea. His favorite. He can feel himself relaxing despite his master's words making him fear the coming conversation.

Master Splinter waits until he sees his son's shoulders relax, the tension leaving his face as well, before broaching the subject. "I would like your thoughts on April O'Neal."

Well. That certainly isn't any of the topics Leonardo thought were possibilities tonight. "Um…what about her exactly, Master Splinter?"

"We have had her in our lives for nearly two months now," Master Splinter says. "I am curious as to your first impressions of her."

"First impressions…" Leonardo drifts off in order to give himself a moment to gather his thoughts. "I believe we can trust her."

Splinter nods. "Yes, I know we can. However, I would like to hear what you think of her as a person."

As a person? Leonardo thinks this through. "April is—since I feel I can trust her, I believe that shows she has a good heart. She is also very dedicated to her work and whatever else she seems to devote herself to." Leonardo recalls her agreeing to meet he and his brothers again—alone—despite them vaguely threatening her the first time they met.

"I would also call her brave," Leonardo continues with the memory of her holding up the mutagen, screaming at Splinter to come after her instead of the turtles as the four of them kept Sacks radio tower from collapsing. "She has worked alongside us and, despite her lack of training, has proved indispensable, especially for anything topside we may need a human face for."

Master Splinter has stayed quiet throughout Leonardo's words. He nods once then says, "I saw these things in her back when we were in the lab, and you were too young and not yet changed enough to know. I am glad you see these things as well. Now I ask how you see her integrating into your brothers' lives."

Ah, so this is where the conversation is going, discussing the difference April is making by simply being here. Leonardo gladly launches into telling Master Splinter all he's seen.

Mikey was the first to fully embrace their new friend—physically and metaphorically. Being so touchy-feely, he hugged April when she first visited the lair to simply hang out and continued to keep close to her. He had slung an arm around her shoulders, ushered her to different areas to show off the living space they made for themselves in the sewers, that is, their new lair they had to find and create out of an abandoned subway station. Mikey did all he could to keep himself in conversation with her too, even butting in when she was talking with any of the other brothers. April bore it like a champ. Leo watched closely, but he could not pick up any annoyance on her part. Thankfully, Mikey has mellowed slightly since then, not being so in her face all the time but still staying close.

Leonardo can't blame him. Michelangelo has always been such a social person. Having someone new in his life was a treat Mikey maybe thought he would never get.

Donatello also took to April rather quickly. Once he got past his nerves, Donatello could talk anyone's ear off, especially when it came to his tech. When Mikey had brought April to Donatello's makeshift lab, April took one look around, pointed at something Leonardo had never looked twice at, asked a question about it, and Donatello glowed. There went all his nerves. He immediately launched into a monologue about what it was, then to what he was currently working on, and finally what plans he has for future gadgets.

Turns out, April had listened when her dad had discussed some of his work with her. He likely had seen his daughter as simply taking an interest in his work, but what he might not have known is how much April picked up on.

Donatello received a fellow nerd to talk to. Certainly not up to his caliber, but it's more than he had before, and he loved it. Leonardo noticed how his brother has perked up these last couple months, even when his brothers brush off some of his more complicated tech-talk, saying, "April will care," before dropping the subject.

Now Raphael was the one Leonardo had been most fearful of. Honestly, Leo feared Raphael would scare April off with his gruff, standoffish attitude, but apparently their time working together while Leo, Don, and Mikey were captured had done their short time knowing one another a lot of good. April addresses Raphael like he's an old friend she's known all her life. Leonardo has seen him smirk at her, trade jokes and jabs at the other's expense even. She doesn't flinch at his brash attitude. In fact, Leo thinks the only time he saw her actually flinch was when Mikey and Raphael got in a tussle. Despite seeing them fight the Foot Clan, she still seemed shocked at the amount of power the mutagen gave the brothers.

April had given Raphael solid proof that he wasn't just a freak. He's someone who can be accepted as is because April treated him like she would anyone else, better even perhaps because she calls them family.

Leonardo refrains from telling Splinter that he has seen April's effect on their father as well. It's like April has become a daughter to him. He speaks to her in kind words and gives her proud smiles. Leonardo knows those well and understands their meaning. It makes him happy to see Master Splinter so content simply sitting and talking with her over a cup of tea. He even receives hugs from April which is something he no longer gets from his sons since they have grown.

Throughout all this, Master Splinter is quiet as he takes in all Leonardo has to offer. He takes a long sip of his tea then pours himself some more as well as refilling Leonardo's cup.

"And tell me, Leonardo, have they noticed her beauty?"

Leonardo stiffens. He came to the wrong conclusion earlier. This is what Master Splinter wanted to discuss. Now Leo can see why Splinter wanted him to relax.

"Uh…" Leonardo shifts. He's not quite sure how to go about answering that question.

Splinter raises an eyebrow at him. "Once again, I need your honesty, Leonardo. Have the brothers shown signs of noticing our dear hogosha?"

Leonardo stares into his tea cup.

"Perhaps I have not made myself clear in this. I have no doubt the brothers have noticed April's loveliness. You have all reached nineteen years of age, and she is not so far away in age at twenty-three to be seen as out of reach. Do the brothers, perhaps, show signs of acting on this?"

Leo takes a deep breath and holds it.

"Leonardo."

"Yes, they have noticed her. No, I do not think they will act on it." Leonardo cannot ignore his father's tone. Gentle with a hint of demand. A fatherly request that should not be denied.

"Are you certain?"

"I…yes? I don't believe they will try to—to date her or woo her or…something. They just—they like to admire her, I think."

"How so?"

Leonardo takes a long drink. He empties the cup but keeps it in his hand. He forces himself not to fidget with it as he answers yet he wants it as an anchor as he has to once again explain what he's seen.

Mikey is the easiest to read. Of course he thinks April is gorgeous. He tells her as such constantly and in many different ways. April, thankfully, seems to treat him as the little brother everyone else sees him as because he is the youngest and has taken on that title like it's his job. Being loud and obnoxious and annoying translates into his flirting.

But does Michelangelo flirt with a true end goal of gaining April's affections? If he does, it won't last long. Leonardo already suspects Mikey is picking up on the "older sister" energy that April uses to combat his more direct flirtations, hence mellowing out since first meeting her.

Donatello tried to be more subtle in his noticing—tried being the word of the day. His enthusiasm is obvious to Leonardo who is looking for it, like how he brightens when she calls or enters the room (as they all do, though). What he notices more with Donatello is his turning into a stuttering bundle of words when April compliments him. One word of encouragement from her and Donatello is a lost cause.

However, Leonardo has this pinned as more of a schoolboy crush. Donatello likes the encouragement, appreciates who it's coming from. He admires her. Would he ever do anything about it? Likely not. He shies away from things like sitting next to her on the couch during movie nights. It's admiration from a distance.

Raphael surprised Leonardo. When Leo picked up on Raphael watching April, he first thought it was because she was new, and he didn't trust her. When that was proven incorrect, he thought it was because he had become protective. Leo saw how much Raphael didn't like Vern and tried to keep him from April. But finally, Leo had to come to the unfortunate conclusion that he was watching her because he admired her. He shows off with how much bigger and stronger he is than his brothers, boasts about what he can lift, and, for lack of a better word, postures whenever she is around. He wants her to see him.

April's connection with Raphael is more difficult to decipher. Like previously stated, they have gotten a surprisingly easy dialogue going. She seems to enjoy his company, though, again, she seems to enjoy being with all of them. Would Raphael "make a move" so to speak? Maybe…but it would be a long while before that happens. Leo knows Raph, and Raphael has a softer heart than he leads on. Something like rejection from the only human woman he knows would hurt more than he would ever let on.

"Your skills at observation have proven quite commendable. You should be proud of picking up so much on so few interactions with Miss O'Neal."

Leonardo bows. "Thank you, father."

"However, you have missed something."

Leo straightens again. He racks his brain for what he could possibly have missed. Did Master Splinter want more details? Was he not specific enough?

"I am quite curious, Leonardo, what your thoughts are."

Leonardo feels his throat close. He swallows thickly. His suddenly parched throat wants something to quench it. He would pour himself more tea but that would show that he feels antsy, and Leonardo has worked himself nearly to the bone to be unflappable.

"Do not be alarmed, my son. April O'Neal is a new challenge to our family, one I did not anticipate happening so suddenly. I taught you and your brothers how to be men of honor. I wanted to make sure everyone was following through with what they were taught and treating April with the respect she deserves."

Leo latches on to the change in topic. "That I can guarantee, Master. April is in no danger in any way from any of us. She has been warmly welcomed by Mikey, Don, and Raph. None of us would ever think of doing anything to make her uncomfortable—" Leo cuts himself off, remembering April flinching as Raphael and Michealangelo fought. "Nothing intentional, of course. I feel confident enough in telling you that we will protect her with our lives."

Master Splinter hmm's then pours himself and Leonardo more tea. Leonardo takes a grateful sip.

"Do not think you are off the hook, my son."

Leonardo flinches and puts down his teacup.

"Your thoughts on Miss O'Neal, please."

"I already gave my thoughts on April. I believe she can be trusted—"

Without words, Master Splinter cuts him off with a sharp look.

A sigh, then, "She is beautiful, that nobody will disagree with, but I won't—I don't think for a minute that she and I—"

The crack of Master Splinter's tail sends a painful jolt through Leonardo despite it never touching him. A warning.

"You forget, Leonardo, that you are not the only one who has been observing. Now, please tell me your thoughts otherwise I will have to make my own assumptions, and they may not all be true."

Leonardo can't look at Master Splinter as he proceeds to peel away his own carefully placed layers. It's as if his father can read his thoughts and it's all Leonardo can do not to sink into the floor.

So Leonardo does what he has to. He talks.

Yes, Leonardo finds her beautiful. Yes, it has crossed his mind that April might, possibly, maybe someday find love with one of them, and yes, perhaps Leonardo had a fleeting thought that he could be a contender. He is the leader, after all. He is the oldest and wisest, and in his pridefulness, sees himself as the one who could offer her the most. Why not him?

Because it is not just her beauty he sees. Like he told Splinter, her bravery, trustworthiness, her heart, April showcases these wonderful characteristics that Leonardo can't help but admire. She is also trying very hard to be good to the family. She brought a "housewarming" gift the first time she visited their new lair, and every week since has insisted on buying takeout for them, whatever their preference is since she can be the one to accept it for them. She laughs with them, listens to what they have to say, and doesn't take their shit.

Yes, Leonardo can't help but admire April in all her beautiful glory.

"But I would never do anything about it, sensei," Leonardo slips with his address, but he's too far into defending himself to realize it. "You know I wouldn't. None of us would. We are not foolish enough to think she would ever go for something like that. I know you wouldn't approve of such a relationship—"

Another snap of the old rat's tail silences the rambling turtle. "Leonardo, I said nothing about disapproving. If anything, I would bless such a relationship."

Leonardo, for the third time throughout this training session, finds himself speechless.

"Love can bloom in the strangest of places. Such as the fatherly love a mutated rat feels for his four turtle sons. Now, I have seen April's admiration for all of you as well. She may not have any romantic intentions, but she is already growing blind to the fact that you are what you are and instead sees you all for who you are."

Master Splinter continues. "If, perhaps, later on a love blossoms between her and one of my sons, I would give it my blessing wholeheartedly. If not, she is still a treasured member of this family, and you will all treat her as such with no expectation of anything more. Is this understood?"

"Yes, sensei."

Master Splinter is quiet for a long moment. Leonardo, even with his head bowed, can feel eyes boring into his skull.

"I am counting on you, Leonardo, to keep everyone in check. To make sure April is comfortable and accepted shall be one of your top priorities going forward until she has fully integrated and no longer feels like an outsider amongst us."

"Yes, sensei."

"And, Leonardo?"

Leonardo still refuses to raise his head until the gentle command from his father forces him to meet his eyes.

"Do not feel ashamed, my son. There is nothing to be ashamed of. I am glad you are a young, healthy, nineteen-year-old who sees the reality of the situation before him. Normalcy, going forward, would be best. Act as if we have not had this conversation."

"Yes, sensei."

"What was that?"

"Yes, father."

Master Splinter lays a hand on Leonardo's shoulder. He smiles. "My son."

Leonardo feels the pride soaked into his father's words. Yes, he is proud of his son, all of his sons. But Leonardo feels it fall on his shoulders to keep the family honor intact, especially with the new factor that is April O'Neal.

A/N: I'm reworking all my old stuff. This is on the list. I have a full overarching plot, not just one-shots. Hopefully, the changes are welcome!

Something to note, this still takes place in the 2k14 'verse. I have it in my head that, although still the stoic leader, this Leonardo is a little less strict-can joke around more with his brothers. It is my hope to still write him in a believable way.

(Reviews are ALWAYS welcome!)