Flirting With the Enemy

Chapter 19

By: Michelle

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Thanks for the reviews!

Disclaimer: I don't own the TMNT; I just write fanfics about them. Katina, Hana, Kira, Tashina, Kimmico, Zenobia and any other characters I create are of my own.

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FRIDAY

Donatello rubbed his eyes and stared at the computer screen. He wasn't surprised about waking up at his computer desk again, but he still couldn't last night out of his mind. His brother hated him.

In his messaging, Zenobia, his online friend or "girlfriend" as his brothers put it, did little to ease his pain. She told him that he did the right thing, and he believed it, but he still didn't feel that way. She ended their two hour conversation about meeting, and he said "okay," but didn't feel confident about it. He wanted to talk to Leonardo about it, but his brother was locked in his room.

Donatello stretched and the air filled with the scent of scrambled eggs. His stomach growled, pleading with him to go eat. He didn't argue.

In the kitchen, Kimmico served Michelangelo, Raphael, and Venus her famous Hawaiian omelets. They were all surprised how good Spam was in an omelet.

"Good morning, Donnie," Kimmico said as she beat more eggs in a bowl. "How would you like your eggs this morning?"

"Scrambled," Donatello replied. He opened the refrigerator. "Do we still have milk?"

"It's over here," Kimmico replied. She poured the eggs into a frying pan and sprinkled in diced Spam.

"Thanks," Donatello replied and poured himself a glass. He studied the faces at the table. They knew what he was going to ask next. "Has anyone seen Leo this morning?"

"Nope," Raphael replied.

"I asked him about breakfast," Michelangelo added. "But he hollered to leave him alone."

Donatello hung his head and sighed.

"Splinter requested to be left alone this morning too," Venus said. "He came and got some fruit to eat, but he was upset. I think he feels bad about last night."

"Well, I ain't never seen him pissed off like that before," Michelangelo added, shoveling eggs in his mouth. "Even at Raph."

"What?" Raphael looked up from his plate. "Oh, April got called in the middle of the night to do a story on that overturned meat truck in the street. She couldn't believe Leo was a part of it. She said the cops were everywhere—forensic teams too."

"Forensic teams?" Donatello sat at the table.

"Yeah, something about finding a lot of blood at the scene," Raphael said and took a bite of his food.

"Is he that badly injured?" Venus asked.

Donatello shook his head. "No, he's got a few cuts from glass, but nothing to leave a lot of blood at the scene. It's just his arm."

"Then that means some dragon got his ass kicked in that fight," Raphael replied.

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Katina ground herbs with an herb grinder, while Hana watched over her.

"Do you need me to pick more lavender?" Hana asked.

"I'm making a healing cream, not a body lotion," Katina reminded her.

"Oh," Hana sighed. "I heard some of the servants talking. They said your friend was hurt bad last night. Uncle was not merciful."

Katina focused on her task. "I heard the rumors; I don't need them repeated to me."

"Are you worried?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"I trust him," Katina replied.

"Trust who?"

Katina looked up, and Hana turned around. Their aunt had been resting for several weeks, and they were surprised to see her.

"Trust who?" Tashina repeated and looked at the creams. "Your Lee?"

"Lee is very trustworthy," Katina replied. "It is you I wouldn't trust."

Tashina smirked. "You definitely have your father's mouth."

Katina held a straight face. "What do you want?"

"I came for my husband's pain medicine. Your father told me you two were making some," Tashina replied.

Hana picked up two of the creams on the table. "This is one is for bruises, and this one is for uncle's headache."

"Well at least you two are good at something," Tashina said, taking the creams. She lifted one to her nose, and gagged at the smell. "Couldn't you make this smell better? This is going to cause me to spend my evening kneeling in front of the toilet."

"You should be use to spending your evenings on your knees," Katina said.

Tashina smiled for a moment, and then hardened her face. "Yes, you definitely have your father's tongue. I'd watch it if I were you. You never know when it could be cut out."

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Venus stood beside Donatello as he pounded away on his keyboard. She placed hand on his shoulder, causing him to jump.

"I'm sorry," Venus said, pulling her hand back.

"You scared the crap out of me," Donatello said as he leaned back in his chair. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm fine," Venus replied. "But you have been rather quiet today, even more so than usual. Would you like to talk about it?"

"What is there to talk about?" Donatello shrugged. "I ratted out my brother, and he hates me for it."

"He doesn't hate you, Donnie," Venus reassured him. "He's just upset. We all think you did the right thing."

"That's not the point, Venus. I didn't want Splinter to suspend Leo's leadership. Or make me leader. I'm not Leo. Mikey and Raph don't always listen to me. I don't know how to make negotiations like Leo does. I don't like fighting unless I have to defend myself or someone. I'm not cut out for this."

Venus placed a hand on his shoulder again. "Donnie," she paused, not knowing what to say.

Donatello hung his head. "I didn't want this to happen."

"I know you didn't," Venus replied. "But it did, and you have to believe in yourself or your brothers will be lost. They need you to be strong too. We need you to be strong."

"Yeah," Donatello nodded.

"And Donnie," Venus smiled. "I may not be able to fight, but if you need someone to talk to, I will listen."

"Thanks, Venus."

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"Must you pester him," Tashina fussed as her brother interrogated Kurai. "He needs to rest."

"He had plenty of time to rest," Dragon Lord replied.

Kurai sat up and pinched his brow. His head pounded, but it was tolerable if his wife and king weren't fighting. "Tashina, I'm fine."

"See," Dragon Lord pointed to the weak dragon.

Tashina folded her arms.

"Dear sister, I do believe this pregnancy has affected your judgment," Dragon Lord said as Kurai stood up. "Your husband just had a little headache. He's tough."

Kurai smiled. "What is it, Majesty?"

"The Shinobi, her absence in your encounters has caused me concern," Dragon Lord explained. "Are you positive she hasn't been fighting?"

Kurai took a deep breath. "Yes, Majesty. I am positive. The Rank hasn't encountered her in months. I have been recording all of the Rank's encounters with the Turtles, as per your instructions. The Shinobi hasn't been seen since…since I found out Tashina's pregnancy," he said, flipping through his notes.

"Are you happy, Ryu?" Tashina said.

Dragon Lord thought for a moment. "How long have you been pregnant?"

"Forever."

"Be serious."

Tashina felt her stomach. "It will be five months next week." She had just started to show. "I found out a little over three months ago."

"Three months."

"A little over three months."

Dragon Lord leaned on the wall. He was pale.

"Majesty, are you alright?" Kurai asked, even though he was the one feeling dizzy.

"No," Dragon Lord shook his head. "She can't be. She can't be. She can't be. No. No."

Tashina rolled her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

"The Shinobi," Kurai couldn't believe he didn't figure it out sooner.

"What about her?"

"She's pregnant."

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Leonardo lay on his bed. He was tired of hiding in his room all day, but he didn't want to be at home any more. He looked at his arm in the sling. He knew he should apologize to Donatello, but he wasn't in the mood to admit he was wrong.

He sat up and thought about her. He promised to meet her, but she didn't tell him why. She helped him, but he didn't understand why. She confused him.

He walked to the bedroom door and peeked out. For once all day, the lair was quiet—quiet enough for him to think straight. He put on his trench coat and hat. Slowly he slipped out the room and closed the door. He was a good ninja despite his injury; he wasn't going to let them see how much this hurt him.

He peered into Donatello's room. His brother was busy typing away on the computer, but it didn't have the same excited rhythm it usually did. He knew Donatello talked to his friend online and creating lesson plans and quizzes for the online classes he taught. Most thought Donatello's fascination with the computer made him a nerd, but Leonardo didn't think that way. He knew if it wasn't for this brother's intellectual abilities, they wouldn't have survived. Donatello worked the hardest to help his family.

Leonardo opened his mouth to say something, but he closed it before any words came out. He continued to slip through the lair undetected until he disappeared into the sewers.

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"What do you want to do, Majesty?" Kurai felt the headache coming on strong now.

Dragon Lord paced around the room, mumbling to himself.

"Can you please stop doing that?" Kurai asked as he sat on the floor.

Dragon Lord stopped and stared at him. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"My head feels like it split in two," Kurai replied while Tashina applied pain cream to his forehead.

"Weakling."

"Ryu, please," Tashina said. "You need to stop this before you make yourself sick."

"She's pregnant," Dragon Lord snapped at her. "Do you know what that means?"

"Of course, I do. I'm not a fool," Tashina replied.

"No, you don't," Dragon Lord replied. "You are not the king. Your life is not in danger. Your kingdom is not the one threatened."

"You're overreacting," Tashina replied. "And making my husband sick with your nonsense. You have no proof the Shinobi is with child."

Dragon Lord paused in this pacing. "Proof."

"Yes, proof," Tashina said. "If you stop moving around, you would think straight. I swear you need me for everything."

Dragon Lord turned to Kurai. "We need proof the Shinobi is pregnant. When you stop complaining about the tiny cut on your head, I want you to confirm the Shinobi's condition. And, I don't want any of the other dragons to know. I don't need more useless morons running around here."

Kurai looked at Tashina as his king stormed out the room. "I need a vacation."

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Leonardo stared at Katina as she looked around the rooftop. Her cloak covered most of her body, but he found her movements to be elegant, as if she was floating. She paused and looked up the stars, removing her hood and freeing her hair. She wore her hair in a long braid that draped over her shoulder. He found her beautiful in the moonlight. She wasn't like the warrior dragons that he encountered in fights. Her skin was smooth and her eyes were blue—she definitely didn't take after her father.

"Kat."

She turned at the sound of his voice. She couldn't find him hiding in the shadows.

"Stay still and act natural."

"Where are you?" She looked directly at him, but he knew she didn't see him yet.

"Your father's guards are watching you," he said and held out his hand. The light from the moonlight lit up his hand. It was the only thing she could see. "Do that disappearing thing you do."

She took his hand, and he guided her safely out of sight.

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"Leo," Kimmico knocked on his bedroom door. "It is dinnertime. Please come out. You haven't eaten all day."

After several times knocking without a reply, she walked back into the kitchen.

"He's not answering the door," she said as she walked back into the kitchen. She slapped Michelangelo on the hand for trying to eat a slice of pizza without the family. "Will you wait for everyone/"

"You snooze, you lose," Michelangelo replied as Donatello walked in the room.

"Where is everyone?" Donatello asked as he sat down.

"Venus and Raphael are coming," Michelangelo answered and then hollered. "But they're taking their sweet time."

"You're not starving, Mikey!"

Donatello chuckled.

"It's not funny," Michelangelo defended.

"Yeah, it is."

"Look who saved us some dinner," Raphael said as he and Venus entered the kitchen.

Venus sat next to Donatello as Raphael went to find something to drink. "How are you doing?"

"I feel a little better," Donatello admitted.

"That's good to hear," Venus said as Raphael put a bottle of water in front of her.

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Katina followed Leonardo as they slipped through the shadows. Behind her, she could see her father's guards scrambling in confusion. She wanted to laugh at them, but didn't want to give away their position. She followed his lead until they were a block away from the palace.

Leonardo didn't speak to her during the trip. He seemed to be more concerned about his surroundings than a conversation. He peeked from under his hat.

'You can stop doing that magic thing now."

"It is called the Prism," Katina corrected as she made them visible.

"Your father upped his security," he said as he sat down.

"He's a little on edge from last night," Katina explained. She looked around the rooftop. The building they were one wasn't as tall as the one they met on, but it was quiet and safe from the dragons.

Leonardo leaned against wall to the staircase to the roof. For the first time that night, she noted his injuries as he slipped out his trench coat. Tiny scratches speckled his right arm, a bruise was on his cheek, and his left arm was in a sling. He was like her uncle described. She sat to his left side.

"It's not as bad as it looks."

"It looks worse," Katina replied. "I heard the rumors around the palace."

Leonardo looked away from her, as if ashamed of his condition. "I'm fine."

Katina didn't argue with him. "If it makes you feel any better, my uncle has a huge headache."

Leonardo chuckled and turned to her. "That actually does make feel better."

Katina blushed.

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Donatello took a few bites of his slice of pizza. His brother hadn't joined the family for dinner—Splinter either.

Venus sighed as she gazed at Donatello. He was just as stubborn as the rest of his brothers—he never wanted to admit needing help.

Raphael placed a hand on Venus' hand. He squeezed it gently. "You alright, Babe?"

Venus turned to him and smiled. "My stomach is just a little upset, that is all."

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Leonardo stared at the dragon before him. He didn't feel angry or depressed. For some reason, he felt content.

"I made something for you," Katina said, as she dug in the pockets of her cloak. She pulled out a small jar. "This will ease the pain."

"I doubt it," Leonardo replied as she handed him the jar. "What is it?"

"It is medicine. I made it earlier today," Katina explained as she took off his sling. He winced in pain and cursed himself for not taking pain killers before sneaking out the lair. "Am I hurting you?"

"Yes and no," Leonardo winced as she took off his armband. "I'm just old and falling apart," he said in attempt to make her laugh. She wasn't amused.

"You have no room to complain about age," Katina replied. She held out her hand, and he handed her back the cream. "I have ten thousand years on you."

"I forgot about the whole trapped in the glass thing," Leonardo leaned and took a deep breath. "I guess I'm just falling apart."

"Hardly." Using two fingers, Katina scooped a glob of cream out of the jar. Then she massaged it into his shoulder. He ground his teeth as she worked her magic. "You need to take care of yourself."

"You…ain't the…first…one to tell…me," Leonardo huffed.

"I'm sorry," Katina replied. "I'm not trying to hurt you. It will take a few minute for it to work."

As she scooped more cream out the jar, he stared at her. She was focused and gentle, as gentle as she could be considering his entire left arm was in pain. "Talk to me. You said the dragons were talking about me. What were they saying?"

"My uncle informed my father that you were injured," Katina replied as she worked on his upper arm. His shoulder felt cool, and he enjoyed her tracing his muscles. "My father was not happy about losing the beef, but he was pleased that you were injured. When I told you about my uncle's intentions, I didn't expect you to fight him."

"I guess I surprised them, didn't I?"

"Don't be so arrogant," Katina fussed him. "You could have been killed."

"You were worried, Princess?"

Katina looked at Leonardo. Part of her was angry at him.

An eight-year-old Katina followed her mother into the courtyard. "Is father coming home?" she asked. The courtyard was filled with herbs that perfumed the air. It was a place her mother visited often, especially if the Dragon Lord was returning.

Her mother proceeded to pick herbs and place them carefully in a basket. She turned and smiled at Katina. "Yes, your father shall be home soon," she replied and focused on her task.

"Is father injured?" Katina asked.

Her mother paused, hanging her head slightly as she tried to avoid showing her fear to her daughter. "Yes, but…but it is just some bruises. "He's…he is a warrior, Kat. And he is stubborn. You will understand more when you are a married woman."

Katina nodded as if she understood. Then, she asked another question. "Am I going to have another brother or sister soon?"

Her mother laughed, placing the last herb in her basket. "What on earth gave you such an idea?"

"When father comes home from battle, you spend much time with him," Katina said. "Then after he has gone back to battle, your stomach gets big and then I have a new brother or sister."

Her mother cupped her face with her hands. "You are much too smart for your age."

It wasn't the answer Katina was looking for.

"Now come. I need your help making medicine for your father," her mother said and led her out the courtyard. "

"Princess?"

"You could have been killed."

"I'm fine," Leonardo lied.

Katina looked away from his eyes and focused on his arm. She rewrapped it. "It takes a few minutes to work, but the medicine should ease your pain."

'You said that."

Katina sighed. "You are welcome." She regarded him with pity.

"Are you mad at me?" Leonardo was confused by the look in her eyes.

Katina stared as the palace doors flung open.

Kurai, her father's top Rank warrior bowed. "My Queen, his Majesty is home."

Her mother gasped her father walked in the room. She could see the tears welding in her eyes and her knees shaking as she made her way to him. It was one of the few moments where her mother showed how much she loved her father.

Her father was a mess. Blood was caked on the right side of his face. His armor was removed, and his side was wrapped. "I'm fine, Dorei. My Queen."

Katina stood up and walked to the edge of the rooftop. She folded her arms. "I am having a hard time believing that," she said and waited for him to join her.

"Look, I have enough people lecturing me at home," Leonardo said, standing beside her. "I don't need one from you. I can take care of myself."

"You sure fooled me," Katina replied.

"I can take care of myself, Princess," Leonardo said, leaning in. "Can you say the same for yourself?"

"Yes!"

Leonardo laughed. "Okay, then tell me which direction is your palace."

Katina thought for a moment. This rooftop was just as high as the palace's, but she didn't recognize the surroundings.

"Problems?"

"No!" she exclaimed. "I know exactly where the palace is." She took a guess and pointed to the north. "See. I told you."

Leonardo placed his right hand on the hand she pointed with. Then, he turned her 90 degrees and whispered in her eye. "Yep, there it is."

'I knew that," Katina replied, not ready to admit defeat. "I was just testing you."

Leonardo rolled his eyes. "Now, you were the one who wanted to meet, so start explaining yourself."

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Splinter emerged from his room after hours of meditation.

In front of the television, Raphael, Venus, Michelangelo, and Kimmico remained silent as they watched him walked by. Mikey opened his mouth to say something, but Splinter held up his hand, noting that he wanted some privacy.

Splinter ignored the mess in the kitchen, and he glanced at Donatello who frantically searched his paper-filled desk for a missing flash drive.

He made his way straight to Leonardo's room and knocked on the door. "Leonardo, I would like to have a word with you." After three unanswered attempts, he turned the knob. "Leonardo."

Splinter looked around the empty room. Where was his son?

"Donatello." Splinter walked in the lab as Donatello cheered at his successful find. "Donatello."

"Hey Sensei," Donatello looked at the scattered paperwork on the floor. "I'm going to clean this up. I didn't hear you come out your room."

"Where is your brother?"

"What do you mean?"

"Where did Leonardo go?"

"He's still in his room," Donatello replied and swallowed hard. His brother was still not speaking to him. "He's been in there all day."

"No, he is not in his room," Splinter fussed. "Find him."

"Okay," Donatello panicked for a second, and then he turned to his Eye In the Sky Program. "I can track him with…"

'Donatello, I do not need a commentary."

"Yes, sir." Donatello looked at the screen. "It says he is located in his room." He replied, narrowing down the map on the blue dot.

Splinter rushed back to Leonardo's room. A million thoughts were in his head. He always worried about his children, but nothing like he was feeling now. He was so hard on Leonardo and now he was gone.

Donatello picked up the turtlecom on the nightstand. "This is why my computer says he's here. He left the com; it is how I track everyone."

"What's going on?" Raphael asked, peeking in the doorway.

Donatello watched as Splinter patted the turtlecom in his hands. "Leonardo's missing?"

"Where'd he go?" Michelangelo asked, joining his brother to see what the fuss was all about.

"Leo's in deep shit," Raphael smirked.

Splinter looked up at the three of them and placed the turtlecom back on the nightstand. "Out now!"

The three left the room, knowing their sensei was no longer worried. Instead, they were going to get another show once Leonardo came home.

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Katina sat on the edge of the rooftop and looked over. It was a long way down.

"Why did you want to meet?" Leonardo asked, sitting beside her.

"My father is insisting to meet Lee again. Tomorrow night in fact," Katina replied. 'I need you to—"

"Not happening, Princess," Leonardo answered.

"Please," Katina grabbed his good arm. "I need your help."

"I can't go back into the lion's den again," Leonardo answered. Her eyes pleaded with him. It was nice to feel needed again.

"I can't marry now. I just can't," Katina shook her head.

"What are you so afraid of?" Leonardo asked.

Katina stood in line with her siblings. They watched their father prepare to leave again.

"Are you not satisfied enough?" Her mother pleaded with him.

"My duty is to the kingdom, not just my family," her father answered. "And when my sons are old enough, they will join my side in the fight."

"Your kingdom," her mother turned away. "It is always your kingdom; it is never your family."

Her father growled under his breath, holding in a flame. "I build the kingdom for my family. I don't know why you do not understand that."

"I understand perfectly where we fit in," her mother wiped the tears from her eyes. "You would rather leave us behind and fight this nonsense with the humans than to be with your family."

"I don't have time to argue with you," her father replied and grabbed his wife's hand. "But I will return. I always return."

"I don't want you to leave," her mother replied. "We need you here."

"What are you afraid of?"

Katina hung her head. "I don't want to just settle because it is my duty. You have no idea what it is like to be in my place, and I'm all alone. My father tries to listen, but he is horrible at it. The only thing he knows is war and revenge and the kingdom. I don't want to be like my mother…she was always second to the kingdom. I can't be like her. I just can't—"

Leonardo covered her mouth. "I heard you, Princess. No need to ramble. Now I get that you are freaked out, but why are you having such a hard time with this. You've grown up with many of these dragons. It's not like you didn't know this day would come. You said so yourself, it is your duty." He lowered his hand.

"I cannot just marry someone because my father expects me to," Katina answered. "This goes beyond just marrying because it is my duty."

"Then what is it about?"

Katina took a deep breath. "I will be queen one day."

"Queen."

"Yes," Katina explained. "My father disowned my brother, so he will be skipped. My other brothers have passed away long ago, so I am next in line. I am the oldest daughter. I will be queen; my husband will serve as king."

"So what is the problem?"

"I want to marry a dragon who sees me more than just a crown. I want a husband who will love me and serve me. I need a king to protect me and lead the army. Who do you want to be king?" Katina challenged him. "My husband can decide the future of you and your family. There are dragons who side with my father and some who want peace. You need me as much as I need you. I cannot just chose a dragon and expect us to get what we all want."

Leonardo stared into her blue eyes. There was a calm about her as she spoke. She would make a good queen, but she couldn't have a king push her around. She was right. He needed her as much as she needed him. Postponing her marriage could give her time to find the right suitor. He couldn't believe his answer. "I'll think about it."

Katina nodded. "I understand."

Leonardo stood up, and he glanced at his arm. It wasn't in as much pain as before. "I ought to get you back home before your father's guards cause trouble."

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"How did he sneak out?" Venus asked as she climbed into bed. "I didn't hear a thing."

"We're ninjas, remember," Raphael replied as he cracked the door enough to see the show. "We're supposed to be invisible and hide in the shadows."

"Well that should also help you recognize movement in the shadows," Venus said. She watched as he moved around the room. "What are you doing?"

"I'm trying to see if I have all my angles figured out."

Venus rolled her eyes and leaned back on her pillow. "Why must you boys spy on each other all the time?"

"It's not spying," Raphael corrected. "It's me getting additional confirmation that Leonardo is not as perfect as he claims to be."

"Oh, how wonderful and mature of you, father of my child," Venus smiled.

Raphael ignored her sarcasm. "Look, I always get in trouble and everyone watches me. It is about I get a chance to be on the other side."

"Raphael."

"Yes."

"Come to bed."

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"Where have you been?" Dragon Lord asked, as closed the door of her room.

Katina placed a hand over her chest. Her heart raced.

"I asked you a question," Dragon Lord added. "I expect answer."

"I met Lee," Katina replied. She lowered her hand and tried to keep herself steady.

"I figured as much, but I am baffled why you decide to sneak past my guards."

"I wanted some privacy."

"To do what?" Dragon Lord raised his eyebrow as he stared his daughter down. She was as stubborn as he was. Would she blink first?

"To speak to him, that is all, Father," Katina replied. She held her head high.

Dragon Lord growled. Part of him hated having daughters. He stood up and walked towards her. "Last night's raid did not go as planned. The Turtles are watching us. When you sneak off with Lee in the night, you are in danger. He is putting you in danger."

"Father, I am safe. I promise you."

"Let him tell me that," Dragon Lord replied. "If he has the guts to face me tomorrow."

Katina nodded as he left the room.

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When Leonardo snuck back into the lair, it was a little quieter than usual. The doors to his brothers' room were cracked; he could feel their eyes on him.

Starving, he sifted through the fridge, finding one slice of pepperoni and avocado pizza. Something was up. Leftovers didn't exist with Michelangelo around, but he shrugged it off as nothing and grabbed a beer to go with the cold slice. Both went down smoothly.

Leonardo opened the door to his room and slipped inside. Smiling to himself, he thought I still have it. he flipped on the light switch.

"Welcome Home, Leonardo."

Leonardo stared calmly as his sensei. Splinter was meditating in the middle of his room, awaiting his arrival.

"Don't you have anything to say for yourself," Splinter demanded as he stood up.

"No," Leonardo replied.

"Where were you?"

"It doesn't matter."

"It does matter," Splinter replied and caught an odd scent in the air. "Is that lavender I smell?"

Leonardo's eyes widened. "No."

Splinter studied him hard. He was hiding something. "You were with Lotus again, weren't you?"

"What?" Leonardo replied, disgusted with the idea. "That is insane."

"Is it?" Splinter questioned. "You have yet to answer me. Were you with Lotus Blossom?"

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Raphael and Michelangelo hid in the kitchen.

"You think he was with her," Michelangelo whispered.

"Wouldn't surprise me. You know how Leo gets," Raphael replied.

"But Lotus. Why her?"

"Cuz Lady Shredder is not in town."

"Well, what if she snuck in town and we didn't know it"

"What are the two of you doing?" Venus asked as she and Kimmico stared at them.

Raphael gave her an innocent smile and walked to the refrigerator. "I came to get you some ice cream."

Venus folded her arms in disbelief.

"So what is your excuse?" Kimmico asked Michelangelo.

"Popcorn?"

Kimmico rolled her eyes.

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Leonardo snapped. "I don't have to explain myself to you. I'm not a child."

"I never said you were a child," Splinter reminded him. "But since you insist on acting like one, I will treat you like one."

"I'm 22 years old."

"No matter how old you are, you are still my son," Splinter replied. "And I came in here tonight, hoping to have an adult conversation with you. I am worry about you Leonardo—this anger you have—this disregard you have for yourself. It scares me."

"You don't have to worry all the time," Leonardo looked as his injured arm. "I can take care of myself."

Splinter sighed. "I'm not sure you can."

With that he left, and Leonardo stood alone in his room.

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Thanks for all the reviews

Michelle