Boys took their time as they walked all around the central, Raphael being Leo’s eye letting him know what there was and where. It was exciting and Leonardo was smiling widely while his hold remained on Raphael’s sleeve. Suddenly pulling to a stop Leonardo sniffed the air, turning his head to locate the direction where the scent was coming.
“I smell -”
“Let me guess; Strawberries?”
“Haha, yes. Can we get some?”
“Sure. We are actually heading in one small bakery which has strawberry stuffs.”
Leonardo said nothing but his smile told everything – and Raphael couldn’t help but to smile at that. Guiding Leo in the store Raphael seated him down, going to order one of their every strawberry dish. He received slightly surprised looks but since he was paying customer no questions were asked.
“Keep the change.” Raphael said as he finally got the tray full of small cakes, taking it to the table. “Here. Want me to feed ya?”
Smiling Leonardo shook his head, reaching his hand towards other turtle. “Thank you, but I’ll be fine.”
Placing one cake at the time on Leonardo’s palm, he watched silently Leonardo eat. And that smile on his face. He looked so young and happy. Those strawberries had weird effect on old turtle. Raphael chuckled at his own thought. Those cakes were gone in no time and Leonardo happily licked his fingers clean, drying them on small tissue. Both turtles then stood, bidding their goodbyes heading in another store. In each store Leonardo smiled as he was treated with yummy strawberries in many form and so far his favorite had been strawberry jelly. But now they were sitting in that famous small store where Raphael, in his last visit there, had brought that amazing strawberry cake for Leo.
Smelling strong scent of strawberry not far from his nostrils Leo’s mouth filled with saliva. He loved this smell. It was sweet and strong, fresh. Taking a bite it was like tasting summer’s first strawberry, juicy and sweet. And every bite was like the same. There never came a dull taste, it was always fresh and juicy. Their strawberries were the best with their bakeries. This small store now, officially, was Leonardo’s favorite place besides his home.
Suddenly lights went out and there came darker. Old lady, the owner, rushed to the turtles with a candle in her hands, apologizing deeply about the issue. She placed candle in the middle, rushing to backroom to see what was going on. In the meantime Raphael’s eye was nailed on Leonardo’s face. That small flame was giving his face nice warm tone, shadows dancing slightly on the skin. He looked so darn pretty… So darn peaceful and relaxed while eating. Looking at Leonardo’s resting hand on the table Raphael, so badly, wanted to touch it. Stroke it with his fingers. Feel the warmth of it – but he pulled his hand in his lap, keeping it away from the other turtle.
With louder buzz sound lights came back on, owner soon coming to turtles. She bowed deeply yet again apologizing, saying fuse had burned. Both males waved it off, saying it was alright and she had nothing to worry about, but she insisted on giving turtles small cakes as apology. Males had no other choice but to accept it. When they finally were finished Raphael went outside to wait while Leonardo personally wanted to thank the lady, tell her how much he loved her cakes – especially the strawberry one. She was very honored and happy, telling old turtle to come there to eat at any time. She would make sure she always would have some extra cakes for him.
Hearing the door bell Raphael lowered his arms from his chest, turning to look the other turtle who smiled at his direction. Stepping closer Raph licked his thumb, wiping small dry piece of strawberry mousse off on the corner of Leo’s mouth.
Leonardo chuckled. “Is there more on my face?”
“Njah, just that. Then where?”
Leonardo stepped right next to bigger turtle, hugging massive arm while crossing his fingers with Raphael’s. Pressing his head against a shoulder Leo closed his eyes smiling; “Wherever you want to go.”
For a moment Raphael’s head was completely empty as he stared Leonardo hugging and holding his arm. It felt unrealistic. Luckily his brains still managed to give him an order to start to walk slowly. Swallowing Raphael turned to look forward, trying to say something.
“Well, we could walk a bit first. After all we’ve been eating so much cakes today so far. After that we could see if we find anything to Alfred.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.”
Smile forced itself on Raphael’s face, spreading more and more wide, no matter how hard Raphael tried to fight it. Darn it. His heart was hammering, he felt giggling, his soul was expanding in his rib-cage and – as embarrassing as it was to admit – he felt like a teenager who was so badly in love for the first time. Taking careful look at Leo from the corner of his eye Raphael wondered did the other turtle feel the same.
**
After hours of walking boys finally managed to find Alfred some gifts. During shopping Leonardo had told Raphael that every year, ever since Leo learned to be alone at home, Alfred had traveled to see his family during Christmas, always returning after new year. It was tradition and Alfred, most surely, would do so this year too. He, however, would get the gifts when he would return. That’s the way how he wanted it. Stepping out from the last store Raphael was carrying the bags with his left hand, and while he hoped Leo to start to hug his arm again, he didn’t. But that didn’t mean Leonardo wouldn’t had took firm hold on Raphael’s free hand. It was nice to walk hand in hand. But it was NOT fun to walk while, again, feeling those eyes on his back.
Sensing Raphael’s tension Leonardo whispered with serious tone. “You feel that?”
“Yeah. And it’s not the first time.”
“Today?”
“No. Overall. I’ve been followed before. Latest time when I was alone here shopping.”
“So someone’s spying or following you?”
“It seems so. However, I have no shitting clue who it could be. Perhaps some old opponent who wants a rematch or something.”
“… I don’t want you to fight.”
“No worries, I won’t. I raise my fists only if someone comes to you.”
Leonardo chuckled. He was, in a way, truly happy to hear that. “Let’s go home, Raph. I’m sure Alfred is worried about us.”
**
Alfred was waiting turtles outside as the yard lights were on, bringing needed light. Raphael parked their car in the garage, Alfred rushing to their aid – and shooting them with questions while checking Leonardo was unharmed. It took some time from boys to calm old butler down and convince him that all had been good and was good. As Raphael watched Alfred escorting Leonardo inside, he couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling on his back…
In the next morning day started like any other day; Breakfast and then training with Leonardo, shower, helping Alfred inside the mansion since garden had no any jobs for Raphael anymore. He had put it in winter shape already. Door bell rang around middle of the day which, normally, was Leonardo’s time for meditation. This pissed Raphael off since he didn’t like Leo to be interrupted. Marching to the door Raphael swung it open with force.
“WHA-!? ….!!?” His eye widened and his mouth froze open as he saw two mutant turtles standing behind the door. Other had old olive green skin, he had weird red eye while other eye was brown. His other leg was prosthesis knee down and he wore scars. Then Raphael’s eye jumped on another turtle, giving him too a quick scan. He had green skin, kind but somehow tired and sad eyes, and his left arm was missing from half bicep to down. Raphael’s guts twisted nasty so he stepped outside, pulling the door shut behind him, other turtles taking a step back.
“Um, he-hello. I hope we are not disturbing you.”
Raphael eyed suspiciously olive green turtle. His red eye made him shiver. “What you want? Who the hell even are you?”
“We are here to meet Leonardo.”
That name made Raphael instantly realize who they were. Growling Raphael took a hold on olive green turtle, spun around and slammed him hard against the wall, holding him there. There was scary fury in his eye.
“So you two are the little fucks who Leo calls or should I say called his brothers?! You dare to show your faces here after all that what you did to him?!”
“Please, calm down. We have come in peace.”
“Mikey, stay back. I got this.”
Raphael gave warning look over his shoulder to other turtle called Mikey before focusing on other turtle in his hands.
“I’m Donatello, or Don shortly. He’s Michelangelo, but Mikey shortly. And yes, we are Leonardo’s brothers. We would like to see him.”
“Not a chance.” Raphael growled.
“We have come a long way. We’ve been searching him for years! Please, let us talk to him.”
Raphael growled, giving Donatello a shake. “What makes you think he wants to see you?!” Pulling Donatello away from the wall, Raphael tossed him down few steps on the ground. Michelangelo was soon by his side. “Get lost! Neither of you are welcome, needed or wanted here!”
Hearing the door opening behind him Raphael growled. “Don’t get involved, Alfred. I handle this.”
Taking a look behind big turtle Alfred sighed, tapping Raphael’s shoulder. “Please, don’t kill anyone.”
“I won’t – if they get their asses out of here as quick as possible.”
Getting back inside Alfred noticed Leonardo coming down the stairs looking more or less worried and confused. “Alfred? What’s going on? I heard Raphael yelling. Is everything alright? Where is he?”
“He is outside. There are few persons who… Let’s just say Raphael can handle them.” But when Raphael’s angry yelling reached Leonardo’s ears again he rushed to the front door, opening it. “Raphael? What’s the meaning of this?”
Standing on the yard Raphael kept his eyes on other two turtles, who he had managed to shoo a bit further. “Stay there, Master. I got this.”
“Leo!”
And the turtle froze. He recognized the voice. Both Alfred and Raphael watched how Leonardo started to gasp for air, looking horrified. No… No. Not them.
“Leo?”
“Sir?”
Dropping his shaking head down Leonardo started to calm himself, Alfred being there by his side. No. He wouldn’t let fear take over him – but the anger rose up instead. Lifting his head up Leonardo was as angry as ever.
“What the hell you two are doing here?!”
“We have been looking you for years, Leo. We have been worried about you.”
Marching with fast and furious steps Leonardo stopped next to Raphael. “Like hell you are!”
“Leo, please. Can we just calm down and talk?”
“TALK!? About what?! How you both left with father, leaving me alone blind?! How I ended up living on the street!? Got abused for who knows how long!? I would be DEAD without Alfred here! Why? Because you didn’t give a fuck about me!”
“Leo, please.”
“NO! I will not have any of this shit! You two have hurt me enough in my life! Get lost!”
“Where, Leo? We have no place to go.”
“I assume you’ve been doing just fine because you found me!”
“We spent our last money on hotels while searching you.”
“Oh, boo hoo. Then go live on streets! What do I care?!”
“You are our brother and --”
“No! I’m NOT your brother! You both abandoned me! You two are as good as dead to me! Raphael.”
As Raph took a step closer, Mikey stepped between him and Don. “Okay, we will leave, but at least hear us out first. Okay?”
Leonardo was trembling and there most surely were many reasons behind it. A hand on his shoulder calmed his shakiness down some.
“Master, if I may interfere, I would say give them a chance to explain. After all they must know something what you don’t, sir.”
“Fine.” Leonardo finally growled. “Make it quick and then leave. You are not welcome here.” Turning on his heels Leonardo marched inside, Raphael right behind him. Further away Alfred helped Donatello up, taking both turtles inside to the kitchen, serving them. At the hall Raphael was standing near Leonardo who kept his shell towards him.
“Leo?”
“I don’t want to be there.”
“I understand that, but… Alfred has a point. They have to know something.” Placing his hand on Leo’s shoulder Raphael was surprised when Leo pulled his shoulder away.
“Don’t… Touch me now, Raph. I’m not in my best mood and you’re are the last one who I want to burst at.”
Pulling his hand away Raphael nodded. “I understand. But, please, come listen to them. I’ll be there as well as Alfred. Nothing bad won’t happen.”
“….” Leonardo wanted to snap back at his friend, but bit his tongue. Raphael was the latest, with Alfred, who he wanted to be nasty at. Biting his tongue Leonardo headed in the kitchen, sitting on his regular spot around the small table at the corner. “Hurry up with it.”
And so Donatello started to tell their tale.
“First of all know this, Leonardo, Mikey and I never wanted to leave you behind. We wanted to take you with us, but father didn’t allow it. He said he had something else for you. When we asked what it was, he said he was in debt to someone and had promised them to have you with the house. However, later, we heard they had not found you inside the house so they came after dad again – and we ran. We were constantly on the run, for years, until we finally found a place where to settle. During those years, what we lived there, Mikey and I searched you as often as we could. But eventually dad found out what we were doing and told us you were dead. We didn’t doubt him since he was our father. Only few years ago, when father was dying, he told us the truth. That you were alive. He said he could feel it in his heart.”
“Tsyh. In his heart… You think I believe all that bullshit?” Leonardo mumbled to himself.
“Tell us more about ‘them’ who your father promised Leo.” Raphael interrupted.
“I have faint memory of seeing her once when she came to visit father. She called herself Karai and she was after father because dad had borrowed money from her, not being able to pay back. That’s why dad promised our house to her and Leonardo.”
“But why? Why not all of you?”
“Because Leonardo was the best fighter from us. She had her own clan and she, herself, had said she could use someone like Leo. He was supposed to become her right hand. Father decided it would be the best if he, myself and Mikey would sneak out while Leo slept one night, leaving him in the house where Karai, or his men, could find him few days later. When she informed dad you hadn’t been in the house, he was shocked.”
“So I was some sort of gift to her from dad!?” Leo jumped up, shaking. “Fuck that old rat! There was a time I thought he honestly cared and loved me, but I see now I’ve been only a pawn!”
“Sir, please, calm down.”
“No! I have heard enough!”
Leonardo marched towards the doorway which Raphael blocked. “Out of the way, Raphael.”
“Sit down and listen, Leo. I’m sure there’s more.”
“And you think I like to hear it!? Move!”
“No.”
Growling Leonardo threw a punch which hit Raphael right in the face. Shocked by the fact Raphael hadn’t even tried to block his hit Leonardo froze, Raphael taking firm hold on his hand. This, however, kicked Leonardo’s instincts and he tried to hit Raphael again, not succeeding. He growled but it didn’t imitate Raphael.
“Let go.”
“Not until you sit down and calm.”
“Damn it, Raphael! I just want to go in my room!”
“Um, Leo… That reminds me… We have no money to stay in hotel anymore… So could we…?”
“Don’t even say it! You jerks will not stay here!”
Sudden whack of broom hit Leonardo on the head, completely confusing old turtle. Alfred stared his master calmly while landing broom next to his feet. “Language, sir.”
Leonardo was speechless but Raphael laughed. For the first time this happened!
“I apologize hitting you, but you have used so many nasty words after their arrival that I had no choice.” placing the broom against the wall Alfred came in front of his old friend, resting his hands on wide shoulders. “Sir, they are your brothers. I know you feel angry and hurt, but do you really want to throw them on the streets? Like you father did to you?”
Leonardo’s jaw moved from side to side, finally pulling his hand free from Raphael’s hold. “Fine. They may stay here this night, but tomorrow they have to leave. Alfred, you make sure you give them money enough they can get as far away from here as possible.”
“As you command, sir.”
Now Raphael moved out of the way, Leonardo marching past him and quickly to upstairs.
“I apologize his behavior, sirs.”
“No worries. We already assumed something like this to happen.”
Taking Leo’s seat Raphael eyed the brothers. “Tell me more. There’s gotta be something else.”
“And there is. I thought I give overall telling first and then fill small information, but I should had done that right away. The truth is father never wanted to leave Leonardo, but he had no choice. Karai had made it clear she wants Leonardo in her ranks. It ate father all the way to an end that he had to leave Leonardo. He never forgave himself that.”
“Why he didn’t join her himself?”
“He tried, but she said he was too old.”
“I don’t get it… Why she wanted Leo in her ranks anyway?”
Donatello shook his head looking miserable. “I’m sorry. That I do not know – and neither did father. Or if he did, he never told us.”
That was suspicious. There was something which made Raphael’s instincts scream not to swallow all that. “No offensive, but this all is so darn fishy. You two appear here all of the sudden, telling all this. It all sounds way too unrealistic.”
“But it’s the truth and only thing what I can give to you.”
Staying silent for a moment Raphael decided to change the subject. “What’s the deal with your eye?”
“It’s robotic one. Quite handy since I can record with it and control small flying device.”
Suddenly something turned on in Raphael’s mind. Leaning forward he gave strict look to specific turtle. “Was it you who was following me and Leo? I always felt eyes on my back and so did Leo.”
“I apologize that, but I had to make sure it was indeed Leonardo. I also needed to become sure about you.”
“Hmm.” It all became more suspicious for some reason and Raphael couldn’t quiet down his screams of not everything being as it seems. He so badly wanted to ask more, but decided to drop it. “I have one question; Can I trust you two? You will not attack on Alfred if I turn my back or anything?”
“You have no reasons to worry.”
“Good. Alfred, I go check on Leo. Call me if you need me. And you two -“ Giving deadly glare to their quests Raphael growled; “- If you harm him anyway while I’m gone, I will take your lives by my own hands.”
“Fully noted.”
“Good.”
