Three males spend the rest of the afternoon in living room chatting, eating and laughing. They even ordered pizza since none of them wanted to do any cooking. Open pizza boxes on the table turned empty very quickly, leaving happy and full men sit on their spots with smiles on their faces. Noticing Leonardo shiver from the corner of his eye, Alfred rose to cover Leonardo with thick throwing blanket what rested on the couch.
While days still had warm sunshine, evenings and nights were turning more colder, thanks to approaching autumn. And it didn’t help that Leonardo had sweated earlier while sparring with Raphael. Bigger turtle also noticed the trembling and excused himself, heading up the stairs on second floor. Raphael rarely entered in Leonardo’s room, but now he marched in like a boss, heading straight in the bathroom, opening the tap above bathtub. Raphael waited patiently as the water rose slowly, suddenly remembering some bath oils what Leonardo had in the small mirror closet. Taking a bottle of lavender essence Raphael added it some in the water, scent of lavender filling the bathroom with steam.
Settling clean towel near the tub Raphael went back to downstairs, announcing bath was ready. Leonardo was slightly stunned since he hadn’t asked or wanted a bath, but Raphael had none of that. He took gentle hold on Leonardo’s arm, escorting him in the bathroom. A smile spread on Leonardo’s face as the steam and scent of lavender filled his nostrils, little soft moan escaping him. Raphael stood firmly next to the turtle, being ready to get a hold on him if he was going to fall.
Leonardo took his time to free himself from his hakama pants and it took all strength in Raphael’s mind not to look down on that ass. Turning his missing eye towards Leonardo, he listened how Leonardo climbed in the tub, water splashing gently with the movement of the body as it sank slowly under the surface. Soft moan relaxed old turtle as warm water surrounded him, fading away the last shivers.
“Thank you. This feels so nice. I didn’t even realize how bad I actually needed this.”
Turning his head carefully Raphael made sure to look everywhere else except beneath the surface. Sitting on the toilet Raphael kept his eye on Leo’s relaxed and smiling face. Leonardo looked so happy and relaxed, clearly enjoying the bath.
“So it was a good thing I dragged your ass here after all, huh?”
“Most definitely, yes.”
There was comfortable silence between two turtles, small sounds of water splashing whenever Leonardo moved a bit. “I need to ask again; Would you start to train with me? Because I really, in all honesty, loved our little spar today.”
“I told you already, of course. It will be good exercise to myself too.”
There was another silence and Raphael decided to take his leave. Hearing the weight getting off on the toilet made Leonardo open his eyes, turning to look on Raphael’s direction. “Are you leaving?”
“Yes. I mean you won’t drown, right?”
“Please, stay.” It came with higher and faster voice than Leonardo wanted to as he was reaching after another turtle. This was slightly worrying so Raphael decided to sit on the floor right next to the tub.
“Okay. I’ll stay. If it makes you feel better and all.”
“It does, but… There’s something else too. You have shared so much information about yourself and your past. I think it’s fair if I share some of mine.” Relaxing more or less Leonardo sat better in the tub. “Like I told you before, I always haven’t been blind. There was a time when I was able to see.”
“Hmh-hm.”
Leonardo looked hurt, sad and uncomfortable so Raphael reached for Leo’s hand, which rested on the edge of the tub, squeezing it gently and leaving his hand on it. “I… Used to have a family. A father and two brothers, namely only. But they were my everything back then. And I was happy I had them. Once I noticed how father was training them, so I wanted to join in and he allowed it. He started to train me too and I was stunned how fast I improved. How good I became. But...” Leo licked his lips and swallowed, clearly wondering what to say next.
“Without going too much into details I say this; There later was an accident – and it made me blind. Things after that...” His eyes were more moist now, edges of his mouth turned down, slightly trembling. Raphael’s hold on Leo’s hand tightened slightly as a sign of comfort and support. Taking slightly trembling inhale Leonardo found strength to continue. “Things after that went downhill. And I never noticed until I woke up alone at home one morning. I called father and my brothers, searched them, but they didn’t answer. They weren’t at home. It was then when I realized they left me.” Starting to cry Leonardo pulled his hand free, covering his eyes with it and other hand. Painful loud sobs echoed slightly in the bathroom. “They left blind, 10 years old child, alone… I was so confused and scared, Raphael. I didn’t know what to do so I stayed at home, eating whatever leftovers I could find. One day there was a knock on the door and some men came inside. I don’t remember exact words, but they asked my father. I told them I had no idea where he was, that he left me because I became blind. At least that’s what I assumed back then, been assuming my whole life. He felt sorry for me, but he said I couldn’t stay. Apparently dad hadn’t paid something so the house was sold or taken back, I’m not sure. But I ended up on the streets. Blind, hurt, confused, scared small child… Alone and hungry.”
Raphael’s hand was now rubbing Leonardo’s shoulder with slow up and down move, giving him time to gather himself.
“I don’t know how long I lived on the streets, but let me say – It was most hardest time of my life. There were so many people who ignored me. So many who didn’t help. So many who, just for fun, came to abuse me. I never fought back… I wished they would beat me so bad I wouldn’t wake up, Raphael.” Leonardo’s voice was trembling so bad, so high with so much pain in it. His heart breaking sobs and sniffs, trembling body under Raphael’s hand. It was so much for bigger turtle who allowed his tears run free on his cheek. More than being sad he was angry, furious even. But he did felt sorry for little Leonardo, only being able to imagine all the horrible feelings and thoughts what had went through in his mind back then.
After calming down some, Leonardo continued. “But one day, after getting yet another beating and laying on the ground, I was covered with warm fabric. A jacket. It smelled like a human male.”
“… Alfred.”
Leonardo smiled now for the first time, nodding once. “Yes. It was Alfred. He took me with him. He brought me here. He gave me home, food, clothes, room, care and love. Everything what I needed and wanted so bad. But know that it took me so long before I started to trust on Alfred. My trust on humans was gone when none helped me on the streets. That time showed me how cruel people are. How they don’t care. Only about themselves. But Alfred… He was different. He was kind and had patience with me. I appreciated it back then and still do. I wouldn’t be here without him.”
“I’m glad he found you and decided to take you under his wings. He… He is truly a remarkable man. I must admit tho that I too know a thing or two about humans’ cruelty. But I won’t talk about it since it’s not important. Not anymore. But you know what’s funny here?”
“Hm?”
“You said you wouldn’t be here without Alfred and I can say I wouldn’t be here without you. You, kinda, did the same thing for me what Alfred did to you.”
“And you know what, Raphael? I almost didn’t come out to see you when you came to ask for a job. After Alfred rescued me from the streets, away from other people, I decided I would never go out again. I would stay away from them all. But when you came and Alfred told me about you, he mention that there was someone outside looking for a job. I instantly thought you were a human so I told Alfred to tell you to go away. He didn’t do it. Instead he said; ‘Forgive me. I wasn’t specific enough. He’s not a human.’. That caught my curiosity so I decided to come to check you. I have nothing against other mutants. When I stepped outside I was nervous, but I sensed your energy. It was strong, calm… safe. Protecting. I instantly knew I could trust on you. That’s why you’re here.”
“Oh sheesh… I don’t know what to say on that one. Thank you?”
Leonardo smiled after heavy tears. “You’re so very welcome, Raphael. Well, water is getting colder so I think my bath is done.”
“Here. Let me help you out.” Taking a hold on Leo’s hand Raphael helped Leonardo to stand on small towel on the floor. When Leo stood firmly Raphael reached for bigger towel, starting to dry Leonardo’s shell. Closing his eyes Leonardo’s head slowly fell forward, silent churrs rumbling in his chest. It felt so good when his shell was being touched. When shell was dry Raphael started to dry Leonardo’s upper body.
“You are doing even more detailed work than Alfred.” Leo chuckled.
“Yeah? I think Alfred wouldn’t like hearing that.” Raphael smiled as he gave towel in Leonardo’s hands. “Here. You can dry the rest of yourself.”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Hm. There’s clean bathrobe hanging on your right.” Raphael watched as Leonardo reached in right direction, finally finding said clothing. After making sure Leo would be okay, Raphael left. He wanted to give Leonardo privacy to dry himself. He seated himself on the edge of Leonardo’s bed, waiting in his room just to be sure. After some minutes Leonardo stepped out, heading directly towards his bed.
“I thought you left.”
“Njah. Decided to stay here just in case if you slip or something.”
Chuckling Leonardo sat next to Raphael. “Do I look that clumsy to you?”
“Of course not, but the floor in the bathroom can be slippery when there’s water.”
“Hm-mh. You’re right about that.”
They sat silently side by side for a long moment. It was slightly troubling and awkward, but comforting as well. Both of them felt like they needed to say something, but what?
“Hey?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you. For listening me.”
“Of course. My ears are always there for listening, no matter what.”
“I will remember that. However, I need you to know that I don’t like to talk about my past. Now that I have told you about it, I wish you wouldn’t ask things from it.”
“As you wish. And if I ever forgot that and ask, you can punch me in the face.”
Leonardo laughed loud, turning to look at the turtle on his left side. “And why would I do that? Besides I’m sure your skills would kick in and you would block my hit.” To this Raphael snorted with short laugh.
“That could be pretty much the case.” His eye remained on another turtle who yawned, rubbing his tired eyes. They sting and burned after all those burning heavy tears. He wanted and needed some sleep. Raphael lifted his weight on his feet as he stood by the bed, looking down at Leo. “You look tired so I’ll take my leave. You need to rest.”
“You are so right about that, Raph.”
“Is there anything I can do or bring you before you lay down?”
Already opening his bathrobe Leonardo shook his head slightly. “No, no need to. I’m fine, thank you. I just want to hit the bed. Curl under my heavy warm blanket.”
Raphael watched carefully when Leonardo stood up, letting silky bathrobe slide off on his naked figure in his hands. He folded it perfectly, placing it on the chair next to his bed. It would be there waiting for him in the morning. When Leonardo turned his back on Raphael and crawled on the bed, Raphael’s head turned away. When the rustling sounds of blanket stopped Raphael dared to look again. Leonardo was on his back, blanket pulled all the way up to his chin. He looked so tired and relaxed already. Silently tiptoeing to the door Raphael stopped, turning the lights off.
“Raphael?” The voice was quiet whisper and, oh, so tired. Exhausted even.
“Yes?” Raphael whispered while looking towards the bed across the room.
“Good night.”
Smiling Raphael replied; “Good night.” before shutting the door gently.
