Raphael practiced driving few more weeks on the yard and near by road, having Leo and Don in the car. At first it had been hell scary and big turtle had been extremely nervous, but slowly and surely he had grew over his fear. Everyone, Raphael himself included, were surprised how quickly Raphael had reached almost fearless state.
He still felt nervous about driving after sunset, or before sunrise, but luckily there was no need for that. If, for a some reason there was dark already when they were coming back, it was Don who drove then. But all in all, everything had been going smoothly and for the first time now Raphael was ready to head to the bigger city with Leonardo.
Don assured Raphael everything would go fine as he stood at the open car door, looking at Raphael smiling who was starting the car, waiting Leonardo to arrive. Leonardo was walked to the car by Alfred who, just like Donnie had already, reminded the turtles to call them instantly if anything happened. Both turtles promised this before they left.
Raphael was driving with normal speed, almost, but he kept his eye strictly on the road. He didn’t take any looks of Leo by his side even if he spoke. Leonardo understood this completely. Atmosphere in the car was light and warm as the radio kept them both company until they arrived to the city. Males got out of the car after finding good parking place, Raphael adjusting his tie and black suit with red shirt. Leonardo gazed him with warm smile after adjusting his own tie and black suit with blue shirt. Raphael had kept his words and took Leonardo out for a date.
Turning to look his partner Raphael grinned slightly, locking the car doors. “Where you wanna go?” He asked as Leonardo made his way to him, taking a hold of his arm.
“Where you would like to go, handsome?”
“I… don’t know to be honest. I’ve never been on a date before.” Turning to look Leonardo old turtle looked embarrassed and confused. “What people usually do when they are on a date?”
“I am not sure, but I think the main point behind date is to be and spend alone time with your loved one, outside of home.”
“Well, then… Should we go get some tea and hot chocolate and then hit the movies or something?”
“As long as we have time to visit that small lovely bakery of mine where is the best strawberry stuffs.” Raphael laughed as he lifted his arm by his side like a gentleman, Leonardo leaning closer while tightening his hold around Raphael’s arm.
“Then I think we should head there first.”
Surely some people gave them weird, some even shocked looks, when old turtle couple walked side by side, holding each other but they didn’t give a damn. They wanted to have a good day and they were gonna have it. Small bell on the door rang when turtles stepped inside the small bakery, old owner lady instantly recognizing Raphael. Her old face lighten up with a bright smile as she eyed the couple.
“On a date?” She asked playfully, managing to lift blush on turtles’ cheeks.
“Yeah. At least we are trying to.” Raphael chuckled as he escorted Leonardo to the desk. Bending down to look what cakes and pastries there were Leonardo smiled. It seemed to be his lucky day since there were so many different strawberry pastries and cakes.
“I would like to have one slice of each, please.” Leonardo smiled at her. Looking at the turtle for a moment the old lady carefully opened her mouth.
“Of course, sir. However, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but… Aren’t you the same old blind turtle who was here once before?”
“Yes. I’m the one.”
Now reaching towards Leonardo over the desk she looked in his eyes a moment, then smiled happily. “So you see now? That is most wonderful thing!” She withdrew back behind the desk, turning to look Raphael who quickly gave her his order before her focus turned back on Leonardo as she started to plate the cake slices.
“Did you went through a surgery?”
“No, I didn’t. I was in a - “ Leonardo suddenly cut off, taking careful look at Raphael who had moved away from his side, eyeing some uncommon breads in another area. Swallowing Leonardo bend forward and whispered. “I was in a car accident. I don’t know how but it made me see again.”
Taking a look of Raphael owner whispered. “He was in it too?”
“Yes.”
“It’s a sensitive topic to both of you?”
“More or less, yes. So I would appreciate if...”
Now old lady smiled eyes closed, making a zip movement over her mouth. Leonardo sighed with smile. He loved this old lady already. Accepting big plate full of different cake slices Leonardo bowed with his sincere thanks, going to pick a table where to sit. As he was settled his eyes followed the old lady who went to serve Raphael who took… 5 breads with him. All of them the same. And one big cake. Coming to the table Raphael placed his stuff on an empty chair before turning around, going to get his own cake plate from the lady.
When both male were nicely settled down owner came to them with a long burning candle, placing it on the table.
“Do you need dim mood lights or something?” She teased the pair. Both turtles laughed and shooed her away, receiving lovely laugh from her. Now eyeing the bag on the chair next to Raphael Leonardo had to ask.
“What you got there?”
“Bread. I bought all of us one bread.”
“And that bread is?”
“I don’t know their fancy names, but it had pineapple and blue cheese on it. She gave me a little taste example and it was surprisingly delicious. Thought you, Alfred, Don and Mikey could like ‘em.”
Leonardo smiled as he listened Raphael while eating first slice of the first cake. “Open up.” He softly said lifting spoon with cake towards Raphael. However Raphael tilted his head towards the old lady behind the cash register.
“She’s watching.” Leonardo chuckled, pushing spoon closer to Raphael’s mouth.
“Ignore her.”
Rolling his eye Raphael released a snort, opening his mouth, sealing tasty piece of cake in. Cool medal slid out between his tight lips and he could taste Leo’s mouth from it, mixed with the sweet flavors of the cake. Looking down on Leo’s place there was a piece of a cake which seemed to have raspberry filling with strawberry pieces, on top was chocolate covering and on top of the cover was small chocolate mousse ball. Taking part of the mousse on his finger Raphael poked it on Leo’s nose, chuckling. Leonardo looked rather surprised before he, too, started to chuckle. Leaning over the table Raphael pushed his tongue out, licking the mousse off with one slow lick, then softly placing few kisses on the spot. Leonardo was smiling softly eyes closed during this whole time when Raph licked and kissed him.
Sighing deeply Leonardo opened his eyes, watching how Raphael had gone back on eating his own cake slices like if nothing hadn’t happen. Shaking his head Leonardo too went back on eating, taking looks through the window at times. He enjoyed watching people walk on the streets, wondering what kind of people they were, what kind of lives they had, where they were coming from and where they were heading, what kind of homes they had, what did they like and what not.
Turning his focus back on the plate in order to eat the last slice Leonardo almost choked on his saliva. His plate was empty! He was sure he had one slice left! Lifting his gaze on Raphael’s plate he noticed his slice there. Now giving stern look to Raphael he only received playful and teasing grin.
“Give me that.”
“Make me.”
Leonardo smirked as he bend towards the other turtle, whispering. “Oh, I could make you but do you want to have a boner here and now right in front of her eyes?”
Stealing a kiss from surprised victim of his Leonardo snatched his cake back, stuffing it fully in his mouth. He was smiling the whole time as he ate like if he was mocking Raphael. Raphael snorted and huffed.
“You play dirty.”
Leonardo laughed softly as the owner approached the couple. “It warms my heart so much to see you two so much in love.” Looking past the turtles through the window she sighed. “In these days it’s rare. When I was young people had time to show love for each other. In these days all what you see is people in a rush and stress. It feels and seems most of them don’t have time, energy or interest for love.”
“Life changes.” Leonardo softly said.
“That much, dear, is true.” Looking a little troubled she finally gave the bill to Leonardo. “Here’s your bill. I forgot to give it to you earlier.”
Leonardo took it with small bow, eyeing the numbers. Then he moved his hand inside his jacket, taking out his wallet. Old lady waited patiently but the colors from her face faded away when Leonardo handed her 500 dollar bill.
“Keep the change.” He said with a smile.
“Oh my God, no! I can’t! T-this is too much, sir! Your bill was only 45.50 dollars!”
Leonardo shook his head with a smile. “It doesn’t matter. Keep the change.”
“B-but...” Now turning to take a look of Raphael she saw how this turtle nodded at her with a smile. Feeling Leo’s hands covering hers, her eyes met bright blue eyes.
“Please, take them. Go spoil yourself. Your cakes have brought me so much joy during my life that I feel even this is not enough to thank you.”
“Oh, no. This is more than enough.” Looking down on her trebling hands her eyes teared up as she looked Leonardo again. “I love baking. I always have loved it so it brings me great joy to know and hear there’s someone who feels as much joy while eating my cakes as I have felt during making them.”
Both turtles watched the old lady sniff with smile while rubbing her eyes. “Thank you. Thank you both so much. You are my favorite customers.”
“And you are our favorite shop and seller.”
**
With full stomachs and happy minds turtles left the small bakery heading to the car where they left the cake in cold bag, breads laying on the backseat. Then next they headed for some cloth shopping. Leonardo wanted to experience it so Raphael allowed it, following the turtle to the store where he wanted to go the most.
While Raphael sat on the chair and waited, he listened how some people further away from him were talking. One reason what Raphael hated while being out was the fact that people always seemed to be talking about negative things. Always about illnesses, difficulties in life and or other peoples’ businesses. Rolling his eye Raphael threw his other leg on another, changing his pose a bit. Why people had to talk about bad stuff? Why not good stuff? Wouldn’t it make them happier to talk about happy and positive stuff?
“Raphael?”
His thoughts stopped running when Leo appeared in front of him, calling him. Looking up and down Raphael smirked. He liked what he was seeing. Black shiny shoes, nicely fitting jeans which weren’t too light nor too dark for Leo. Then he had his own blue shirt, a tie but what really caught Raphael’s eye was that black leather vest. It suited Leo so well, making his eyes seem even more blue.
“Nice. I like a lot.”
“So much you will have a boner if I keep standing here?” Leo chuckled as Raphael kicked his shoe off, pushing Leo away.
“In your dreams.”
**
Sitting in a movie theater was a whole new experience to Leonardo. His stomach was full of butterflies and he couldn’t hide his excitement. He kept talking like a boiling water in a pot, holding Raphael’s arm and shaking it. Raphael allowed this since it amused him to see old turtle acting like a small child – and a movie hadn’t started yet so he could be a little wild.
When the movie finally started Leonardo sat all still, his eyes tightly on the screen. Looking at Leo time to time made Raphael smile. Other turtle looked so mesmerized – and he didn’t even snap out of that state when Raphael offered him a drink or snacks. Leonardo did accept them each time but he never removed his eyes from the huge screen, loud sounds coming from all around him.
When the movie was over turtles stood up and stretched a bit. Those movie theater chairs were too low for them and their old bodies. When they stepped out of the theater, sun was already setting and it clearly made Raphael nervous. Taking Raphael’s hand in his Leonardo smiled at him.
“Don’t worry. We can go home tomorrow. Let’s go find a hotel and stay there a night.”
“A hotel?”
“Would you rather sleep somewhere?”
“No, hotel’s good.”
And so they headed in nearest hotel, booking a room. However it was still too early to go to bed so turtles decided to stay out a bit longer, watching night street life. Walking past a dance bar with big terrace Leonardo stopped, pulling Raphael to stop as well. Both stood silently as they watched across the street how couples were dancing with the soft and gentle music. When Leonardo’s blue eyes turned up to look at him, Raphael instantly said; “No.”
“I never haven’t danced.”
“Me neither – and that’s the way how I like it.”
“Come now. One slow dance?”
“Here on the street?”
“We can go on the terrace as well if you want to.”
“No.”
“Raph.”
“I won’t dance any super slow stupid dances. That’s not even dancing! You just lean against your partner and change the weight from one leg to another!” Raphael obviously heated up and it amused Leonardo, but at the same time he understood what Raphael was saying.
“If they play waltz would you then dance?”
“That would be okay.”
“Wait here.” Leonardo said before rushing over the road when light turned green, heading inside the bar. He was wearing so huge grin when he came out shortly after.
“They will play waltz next.”
“… So you’re telling me that you went in there just to ask them to play a waltz for us?”
Leonardo had no time to reply when the music died down, waltz slowly starting to play, getting stronger and stronger. “Come!” He suddenly said, grabbing Raphael by the hand and running across the road with him, heading on the terrace laughing. He suddenly stopped, pulling Raphael right in front of him.
“You know how to dance waltz?”
“Yeah.” Raphael softly whispered as Leonardo placed his hands on Raphael, Raphael’s hands taking hold on him. Blue eyes sparked when Leo whispered; “Lead me.” And exactly that Raphael did. People moved out of their way in awe as they followed two dancing turtles with their wide eyes.
Neither of them said nothing as they danced quickening and empowering their moves with the music as it grew louder and faster. Not even for a second their eyes moved away from another and when music, finally, stopped cheers filled the air around surprised turtles. Looking around them they saw many happy human faces. They were clapping and whistling at them.
Chest heaving Raphael looked down in front of him, sharing a smile to his lover. Reaching for Raphael’s face Leonardo grabbed on those cheeks, rose on his toes and kissed Raphael.
“I love you.”
Raphael chuckled as he closed his eye, pressing his forehead against Leo’s. “Love ya too.” He panted. Suddenly red rose appeared between them and a young lady with brown slightly curly hair smiled at them.
“For you. You both were amazing.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Leonard smiled gently as he accepted the rose, women returning back to her partner.
“You know you’re embarrassing me...” Raphael mumble while scratching the area under his right eye.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought that was my job.” Leonardo teased, earning hard slap on his ass as they left the terrace.
“Let’s go get pizza and then head to hotel before you get completely out of hands.”
**
At the pizzeria boys ordered one big pizza in half, eating it in peace while there was other night owls with them eating. The place was warm and cozy, very friendly too. Leonardo was quite happy about the fact that the night life was so pleasant in the city. Of course he was aware of the dangers too, but this city seemed and felt to be calm and safe. From the passing by people his eyes moved on Raphael who sat across him. He smiled as he watched other turtle eat, keeping his eye tightly on his pizza half.
God, how much Leonardo loved this turtle. How he couldn’t help but to smile every time when he saw this big grumpy brute, his heart beating faster. Apparently Raphael sensed his eyes on him since soon enough he lifted his head, looking straight at Leo.
“What? Something’s on my face?”
“Yes, a lot of things. Your beautiful feature, your strong eye ridges, your bright eye, your strong beak, that lovely mouth of yours, wide chin and all those lovely wrinkles.”
Lifting his eye ridge Raphael eyed Leo. “You mocking me?”
“Oh no, no. I honestly admire and love you.”
“Good. Because if you would had given me any other answer I would had throw my pizza on your face.”
“Really? Oh darn. I would had got more pizza...”
Both males chuckled after their playful chatting, leaving tip before exiting. Walking closely side by side they held hands as they headed towards the hotel when a scream caught their attention.
“A thief! He took my purse!” Young woman screamed pointing after a man who was coming towards the turtles who were standing under a broken streetlight in shadow. Leonardo’s energy sifted and Raphael sensed it.
“Don’t worry. I got this.”
When the thief was just few steps away from the turtles Raphael extended his massive arm, man hitting it face first, falling hard on his back. Cursing he looked up but words got stuck in his throat when two big muscular mutant turtles were above him, looking down at him.
“I take that, thank you.” Raphael said as he picked the purse, handing it to Leonardo without taking his eye off of the guy. “Don’t you know that you don’t steal from others? That’s beyond wrong and disgusting.”
“S-shut up!” Man finally managed to scream, aiming his fist at Raphael’s face but big turtle easily caught it, squeezing small fist in his.
“Listen, shit pants. Your next answer will seal the fate of your hand. Will you steal again or not?”
“That’s none of your business!”
“Wrong.” Squeezing harder the man started to sweat, squirm and scream Raphael to release him. “Fine.” Raphael finally growled letting man up. When he was going to run away Raphael delivered hit on the back of the man’s neck and poor guy fell on the ground unconscious. Now turning to look Leonardo Raphael watched how Leo bowed to the woman and apologized the happening, returning her purse to her. She was stunned, perhaps even shocked, but she managed to thank the turtles.
Leonardo recommended her to call the cops tho and she, nodding heavily, dug her phone and called the police. Since everything seemed to be in order here, now, Leonardo returned by Raphael’s side, holding his hand again as the two made their way to hotel and in their room.
It felt good to get rid of the clothes, shower and hit the bed. Even better everything felt when Leonardo crawled in Raphael’s arms, nuzzling and sighing deeply with a smile.
“Raphael.”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For this date. I never haven’t been on a date like you know, but this has been the best day of my life. I’m sincere and honest when I say that. If you never wouldn’t had showed up behind my door and ask for a job… I never wouldn’t had experienced this. I would be so lonely and just sitting inside, same thoughts running in my head again and again.”
Looking up at Raphael’s face Leonardo’s expression warmed and softened even more. “I am so grateful about you. So happy about you. So much in love with you. I… I don’t know how to express all these strong emotions in me with words, but...”
“You don’t need to. I get what you mean and what you feel.” Petting Leo’s head Raphael smiled at him. “I love you too and I’m so thankful about you. Who knows where I would be if you wouldn’t had taken me in a given me a job.”
“That reminds me. I’ve been wanting to ask and know more about your past. I know you fought to earn money when you were younger and that you lived Mrs. Morrison, but is there anything else?”
“Nothing important to mention.”
Sly look overtook Leo’s face. “So there’s something?”
Raphael closed his eye with a heavy sigh. “Leo, please. Not now, okay? Today has been exhausting. I just want to hold you in my arms, cuddle and nuzzle and then go to sleep.”
“But I’m not tired.” Leonardo said drawing circle on Raphael’s chest. “Please, talk to me. I want to listen your voice and perhaps it will soothe me enough so that I would get sleepy too.”
Opening his eye lazily, turning it towards Leonardo who was smiling at him like a puppy. Groaning Raphael slid his hand down on Leo’s naked ass, giving it one firm squeeze. “You are impossible.”
Leonardo only chuckled before placing a kiss on Raphael’s right chest scute. Boys spend a while awake talking, but not about Raphael’s past. In fact Raphael had suggested that they should go and travel somewhere now that Leo could see.
“Imagine it, Leo. Long silky sand beach, clear turquoise water, gentle breeze, setting sun, just the two of us.”
Leonardo smiled eyes closed as Raphael’s words painted beautiful scene in his mind. “I love that idea. We could look flights when we get home tomorrow.” He remained silent few seconds before speaking again. “Should we ask Alfred to come with us?”
“We can ask, but I doubt he wants to come with us.”
Leonardo chuckled as he was fully aware what Raphael’s hidden message was. Slowly yawning Leonardo nuzzled against Raphael, finally falling a sleep. Raphael, in the other hand, stayed awake for hours staring through the window near by buildings, admiring the lights and remembering his younger days on the streets.
