When Leonardo woke up he was both surprised and angry to hear from Alfred that Raphael was awake already, cleaning the yard from snow. Leonardo marched at the porch, crossing his arms over his chest as he called Raphael. He waited a while before Raphael ran there from the garden.
“What?! Is eve--”
“What were you thinking?!” Slightly angry turtle marched by Raphael’s side taking a hold of his arm, starting to drag him with him. “You’re still recovering. You are NOT allowed to do any heavy tasks.”
“Oh, come on! I was just pushing powder snow off on the walking paths! It’s not heavy work.”
“It may not be as heavy as it could be, but it will not do good to your side which is still healing.” Stopping next to open front door Leonardo pointed inside, staring strictly in Raphael’s direction. “Inside. Now.”
Rolling his eye with a sigh Raph placed broom next to the door, going inside. Leo meant good but he didn’t need to babysit him. Raphael knew his limits – even while being injured. Sitting down in the living room Alfred brought them all hot chocolate as Mikey and Don joined them too. Light conversation was flying back and forth before Don and Mikey disappeared to do their own tasks. After all they now lived here so they helped with housework. Sitting on Leo’s chair, for once, Raphael was rubbing his left knee gritting his teeth slightly.
Leonardo, who sat on the end of the couch near Raph, listened the sound for a moment before talking. “You’re rubbing you knee. Why?”
“Old injure. It starts to hurt when winter comes. Otherwise it’s good, but it hates winter. Or too low temperature, actually.”
“Rubbing it helps?”
“Yeah, with keeping it warm too.”
“Come here. Sit next to me.”
And Raphael did. He sat next to Leo who spread other end of his throwing blanket on Raphael’s legs, reaching to his knee. Without a word Leonardo started to rub said knee with circles, motion warming old turtle’s knee nicely, easing the pain. Leaning against Raphael’s arm Leonardo kept rubbing the knee, Alfred’s old smiling eyes on the pair near him.
**
“Hey, Leo, can I ask something?”
“What is it?”
Raphael watched Leo’s shell while the said turtle sat in a tub, stopping to wash that beautiful scarred shell. “After you talked with Don, you’ve been… sad more or less. Did he say something what upset you?”
“Kind of. But it was my own fault.”
“Tell me. Please.”
“He mentioned his robotic eye. He can see with it. I asked could he do that kind of eyes for me – so that I could see too. He refused with shock instantly.”
“And I’m glad he did. Leo, that kind of thing would be too dangerous. You could get infection which would spread in your brains and kill you. Besides you don’t need robotic eyes.”
“Don’t you get it? I wanted to see again. Besides I’m sure it would had been worth the shot. I have nothing to lose.”
“Yes, you have. Your beautiful light blue eyes. You may not see with them, but they make you you. Besides I wouldn’t be able to look those pretty eyes if you wouldn’t have them.”
Leonardo sat quietly as Raphael, after some time, started to wash his shell again. “Promise me you will not do anything stupid to your eyes.”
Leonardo sighed deep, nodding silently few times. Raphael understood, in a way, how Leonardo must had felt but removing his original eyes and replacing them with robotic eyes… No way. Never. The image in his head about Leo with red robotic eyes freaked him out already. It wouldn’t be the same Leo anymore. To change the subject Raphael coughed once, asking; “Say, do you have any Christmas gift wishes?”
“No, not really. If I could read I would had asked some books, but never mind that. Surprise me.”
“Okay. I already have few in mind but I fear you might end up hating them.”
Leonardo chuckled with small smile. “I would never.”
“Well, you can kick my ass during training if you end up hating them.”
“Deal.”
**
Few days later Donatello took Leonardo to see farm house near by which he had mentioned to Leonardo earlier – and Leonardo had told Alfred to buy it. Donatello’s face had been quite a sight when Alfred had handed him the keys to his house. Speechless turtle, full of mixed emotions, had hugged old man and his brother so hard, never being able to thank them enough. As duo entered, the smell of old house blew on their faces.
“Uuuh, gosh. This place needs some airing.”
Leonardo agreed by his side, Don starting to lead the way holding Leo’s hand. The house was nice and in a good shape, but there was need for renovation – well, in every room basically. Donatello sighed. “This place is gonna suck so much money and time…”
“That reminded me.” Digging inside his chest pocket Leonardo took out his wallet, handing Donatello a card. “I told you I will pay whatever you might need here. Take this. It’s for you, connected to my bank account. Use it freely and buy whatever you need and want here, hire help and so on. Don’t look at the prices.”
Donatello was staring the card eyes wide, gasping. It almost felt like if he was gasping for air. With shaky hands he took the card, shaking his head. “Leonardo, I… This is too much. You already bought the house. I can’t -”
“You WILL take it, Don. I’m not arguing about that. Besides, I told you I will help you and Mikey. I’m not much use as blind, but I can be financial help.”
Donatello hugged his brother, happy tears at the corners of his eyes. After the tour it was obvious what needed to be done to the house and Donatello was most eager. He had so many ideas, so many possibilities with the house! Of course he needed to talk with Mikey too since it was going to be their home. Mikey needed to like the house too, and have things what he would enjoy there.
**
Sitting in his room Donatello was drawing and writing his plans and ideas down, Mikey sitting by his side stating his own wished, wants and needs for the list. Raphael and Leonardo stood at the door way, eyeing brothers.
“You really have good and big heart. I don’t know anyone who would had been so generous.”
“Thank you. I’m doing what Alfred has done for me. This place is actually Alfred’s, as well as all the money. When I turned 30, he signed it all to me, saying I can use them as I please. I admit it was scary at first since I hadn’t handle money much in my life, but Alfred helped and guided me.”
“Alfred’s a man.” Raphael said with a grin, closing the door to give brothers peace to work on their ideas which flied past and forth wildly. “How long are your brother going to stay here?”
“Probably a month or two at max. They said they want their home to be ready before Christmas. They seemed so happy and excited when they stated they want to spend Christmas in their new home.”
“So then we’re gonna spend Christmas here together since Alfred will go visit his relatives?”
“Yes.” Leonardo was quiet a moment, finally grinning. “Are you afraid to be left alone with me?”
Raphael laughed wrapping his arm on other turtle’s shoulders. “Not a chance! Just thinking ways of making this your best Christmas.”
Taking a hold on a hand which rested on his right shoulder, Leonardo huffed with smile. “As long as you’re here with me, it will be enough for me.”
“You are happy with so minimal things...”
“Is that bad thing? Should I desire more?”
“No, no. It’s just… nice, actually. Nice feature to have. After all there’s so many greedy people out the who are not happy, no matter what they have and get.”
“You’re right, but let’s not focus on them.” Turning to face other male there was playful grin on Leo’s face. “Care to spar with me? Maybe a duel?”
Smirking Raphael started to guide Leonardo towards basement where dojo was. “Sure, if you want to end up on the floor.”
**
But it was Raphael who had ended up on the floor. More than once. Staring up the ceiling he had to admit it that he was surprised. Leonardo had improved so much ever since they started to train together. Thinking it a bit more Raphael realized that Leonardo had also practiced a lot alone. Damn bastard.
Helping Raphael up Leonardo headed to get water bottle from small table at the corner where Raphael followed him. Watching Leo drink and then wetting his hand with water, wiping it all over his face and head… Stepping closer Raphael sealed Leonardo between his arm, body and wall, leaving enough space for Leo to turn. Sensing and feeling Raphael in his personal space made Leonardo turn.
“Is everything alright? You’re so… close.”
“No.” Raphael moistened his lips with his tongue. Damn, his lips felt so dry that they could easily get stuck, preventing his mouth to open in this critical moment. “I love you.” He blurted. Instantly kicking himself in his mind Raphael told himself he COULD had been more modest and softer when saying that instead of just blurting it out. Hastily he added; “But I’m sure you already knew that.”
Leonardo was quiet, too quiet, and it was freaking big turtle out. Finally he spoke. “Yes, I have been aware of it. After all you’ve been giving signs a lot for some time now. However...”
Raphael swallowed cold chills running up and down on his skin, cold blades stabbing his guts.
“… I love you too.” Leonardo smiled, reaching to take a hold on Raphael’s hand, gently nuzzling against big scarred knuckle. “But I’ve been keeping as low profile as possible. You know, my brothers and Alfred.”
“Does that mean I’m not allowed to kiss you?”
Leonardo chuckled, lifting his hand towards Raphael’s face. “Yes, you may.” Chuckling Raphael took a hold on smaller hand, kissing it once long and gently, keeping his eye on Leo’s face. He wore one of the most beautiful smiles what Raphael had ever seen. Chuckling Leonardo shook his head before stepping closer to Raphael, sliding his hand on Raphael’s cheek.
“Silly turtle you are. Why kiss my hand when I’m right here for you to kiss?”
It felt like his heart expanded and then was pierced with an arrow. Not wasting time Raphael wrapped his arms around Leonardo fast, pulling him tightly against him and kissing him deep with passion, yet gently and lovingly. Leo’s arms made their way behind Raphael’s head, holding him close as he returned the kiss. It was warm, loving and it didn’t leave any questions of how he felt about bigger turtle. Slowly lips parted, fast panting hitting their faces softly. Keeping faces close, turtles gently nuzzled with sweet smiles on their faces.
“I hope this was better kiss than the one I gave you earlier.”
“Your first kiss was nice too, but it surprised me. I’m sorry how I reacted to it.”
“No. I’m sorry I kissed you in the first place. I misread your signs. I didn’t misread them now, did I?”
Leonardo laughed rubbing his face against Raphael’s. “If you did, you would be on the floor already.”
Raphael grinned, huffing. “Thinking so big about yourself? You really think you could throw me on the floor?”
“I already have, many times.”
“That just has been luck.”
“Really?”
There flashed a spark in Leo’s eyes and next thing what Raphael saw was the ceiling of dojo’s. Huh?! Leonardo bend down over the turtle, smiling. “I told you.” Tapping Raphael head Leonardo stood up straight, leaving surprised and confused turtle lay on the floor, heart beating warm and strong in his chest.
**
Next hours were difficult for Raphael who didn’t want nothing more than to kiss Leonardo again. Watching him chat with his brothers and Alfred at dinner table, laughing and smiling… Shining even, made Raphael smile softly. Such sight warmed his heart so much. And Leo’s laugh was like music to his ear. Oh right, his ear.
“Hey, Donnie. When you’re done eating, would you like to check my right ear?”
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry! I completely have forgot it! I’ve been so busy with the house ideas and everything else that I forgot.”
“It’s okay. I will remind you after you’re done eating if needed.”
Donatello ate faster than usually. Empty plate he took in the sink and when walking past Alfred he turned around and bowed, saying his thanks. Grabbing Raphael with him in his and Mikey’s room Don sat Raphael down on the chair. Thanks to the bank card what Leonardo had given to him few days earlier Donatello had already ordered some medical supplies. Since Raphael was big and tall turtle Donatello was forced to stand by his side while checking his right ear hole.
“Well?”
Sitting down on the chair across Raphael Don sighed. “Good news is your eardrum isn’t completely broken or anything, but it shows signs of being damaged. Let’s do a hearing test.”
Placing headphones on Raphael’s head Donatello told how this would work. Don would send sounds, in random order, on each ear and Raphael’s job was to signal with his hands when he heard the sound and with what ear. Raphael swallowed, listening. For a long time he didn’t hear anything until he started to hear sounds with his right ear too. This test took some minutes when Don ended it.
“You obviously have difficulties of hearing too low sounds with your ear. Another news is that eardrum usually heals in few weeks on its own, but yours has been taking a longer time. After all I checked it when you were unconscious after your fight with Karai. If you want I can do a surgery after I have got supplies and --”
“No surgery! I don’t want one.”
“Then I respect that. But if you change your mind -”
“I won’t.”
Donatello chuckled kindly. “Okay, okay. Point taken. No surgery.”
“Thanks.” As Raphael stood up, Donatello stopped him.
“I don’t mean to pry or anything, but what about you and Leonardo?”
“What about it?”
“I have seen how you two look each other. Isn’t there anything between the two of you?”
“No. Like he has stated before, we are only friends and I’m under Alfred’s education of becoming new butler, his follower.”
“I see. Shame. Leonardo would deserve such love and passion what you have showed while protecting him.”
“I will give him my all, but on a friend level.”
Now Don smiled, small spark in his eyes. “Do you think I honestly believe all that?”
Raphael sighed dropping his head before looking the other turtle. “Look. Things are… still kind of sore and weird between him and I. I like him, yes, but I’m not pushing him. End of story.”
Donatello nodded. “Thank you. I understand that.”
“Good. I also would appreciate it if you would understand to keep this to yourself.”
“Of course. My lips are sealed.”
Raphael nodded, leaving olive green turtle alone in the room who started to call to renovating companies.
