1A.N: THE NEW TMNT MOVIE IS OUT ON THE 23RD MARCH IN THE UK!!!!! ... As you can tell I'm more than a little excited. As soon as we can book tickets I'll be there lol. God it looks so amazing! And the graphics! Like wow! Geez I just can't wait lol. Moving on, I know I shouldn't really start a new fic but I couldn't help it, I mean I have Black Balloon, Rose Tint My World and Writing on the Wall to update, not to mention write the follow ups to Faith and Hope. Wow I really need to sort myself out lol. Anyway, you should really thank Goblin Kat KC for inspiring me to write this. And guess what? No angst! Lol I wanted a change, plus I'm a recently converted fan of this couple lol. So anyway, have fun lol.

Disclaimer: I do not own TMNT, but I shall soon own a ticket to go see the new movie!!

Impetus

Chapter One

Surprise!

Leonardo's POV

"Leo, will ya just relax already!"

"But they're late! He could be home any second!"

"Fer cryin' out loud! Y'know what he's like when he goes to the store for candles! He's there hours,"

"I know, but-"

"No buts. Go and help Mike serve the damn food,"

I didn't like it, but I obeyed my younger brother. I knew I was being restless and paranoid. I knew I was a nervous wreck and was doing more harm than good. But it's the master's birthday, can you blame me? This surprise party has to be absolutely perfect, otherwise it would all just be one big waste.

I think we all did a pretty good job of forgetting our Sensei's birthday, purposely of course. Although Donny nearly slipped and asked if Mikey had made a cake, if not he could get one from the store. Thankfully Master Splinter did not seem to notice, he was too busy looking for the candles Mike had marvellously hidden. This in turn led him to believe he had genuinely ran out, therefore provoking his trip to the candle shop near April's.

Raphael was right, Sensei was always there for ages, but it still did not stop me from worrying. April, Casey and Usagi weren't here yet and they were nearly a whole half hour late. They couldn't be late! We can't have Master Splinter arriving before the guests!

We'd been planning this party for weeks. It was Mikey's idea. He'd said he couldn't remember the last time we'd celebrated our father's birthday with a party. Well if truth be told, I don't think we ever have. There's a party for us every year, even now. I don't think we'll ever truly grow too old for parties because it's one of the very few days of the year we can guiltlessly let go and really go all out. We don't have to worry about Karai and the Foot, or NYC, or Purple Dragons, or anything. It is our day, just like Christmas.

I took up a couple of plates of food, which Mikey had graciously prepared, and made my way to the table in the front room with them. I cursed the cat purring and rubbing itself around my ankles, nearly making me trip and send little jam tarts and chips all over the walls. Klunk mewed indignantly at me and trotted off to find Mike, who was sure as shell going to offer him tidbits.

Don't get me wrong, I love Klunk to bits, he's part of the family now, but I must admit, he certainly takes after Mike in the ability to annoy department. For example, every time I settle down for my regular afternoon meditation, the ginger tabby comes pawing and mewing, demanding to be played with, every day without fail. I wouldn't be surprised if Michelangelo had taught him that little trick.

But seriously, life is so good now, I want to enjoy it. I don't think I could feel more content. Foot activity is low, Karai seems to be taking a backseat, April and Casey are dating, we are young, we are healthy and we are happy. I don't think anything could make me feel any better right about now.

I'm happy with how everything is. Although I must admit something else, I don't feel the need to start looking for girlfriends now like my brothers. They've begun to befriend girls, slowly and surely developing safe friendships that may prosper into something more if luck is with them.

I think I've lost count of the times I've lectured them about responsibilities and protecting our identities and whatever else. I hope they listen to me for once, that applies more to Raphael and Michelangelo than Donatello of course. I worry about them, all of them. I don't want them to risk exposure for unrequited love. Not in case we are discovered, but because they don't deserve broken hearts.

And me?

I'm not ready for love. There is so much left for me in this world, and at the moment, love isn't one of those things. I have plenty of new things to learn, plenty of new martial arts as well as those arts to do with drawings and words.

So therefore I'm not jealous of my brother's endeavours. Love will come to me when I'm ready, not before. If my brothers are ready then good for them, I wish them the best of luck. I just wish they'd be careful. I trust them, of course I do, but you know what they say.

Love is blind.

I've always been different to my brothers when it came to girls anyway. Raphael had his first kiss when he was thirteen down the back of some alley if you must know. Michelangelo suggested the female in question must have been drunk beyond belief but I don't believe that. My hotheaded rebel of a brother has some morals.

As far as I know, the rest of us have never been kissed. April doesn't count. I mean properly kissed. And we're seventeen. Not that I mind of course. Like I said, I can wait. I'm different. Let me explain.

I'm different in the way that I'm not attracted to women. Don't stare at me like that, I'm telling the truth. Ever since I can remember, they liked women's underwear commercials, I liked men's. They don't know that of course, I could never tell them. No, I'm not a freak.

I'm gay.

I suppose seventeen is a little young to be so secure about your sexuality but that's how it is. It's how it's always been, ever since I was old enough to know what homosexuality was. Before that I was confused and scared. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me.

Now I know I'm completely fine, there is nothing wrong with me. So I'm gay, big deal. Nothing about Leonardo has changed. It doesn't matter which gender I'm attracted to. It's ok. I've finally found the real Leonardo, and life is pretty damn good.

So if I'm proud of and content with my sexuality, why do I hide it I hear you ask? Well, in answer to your question, I'm frightened. I'm terrified of what my family might think. I mean, Raphael and Michelangelo are always using the word 'gay' as an insult and get disgusted when they see gays on television, you know? I fear they'll be disgusted in me. And my master, he's so old fashioned sometimes, it's worrisome.

"You ok Leo?" Mike asked, tearing me from my thoughts.

"What? Yeah, sure, just thinking that's all," I reassured him, laying my plates of food onto the table.

"Oh, that's ok, you just looked a bit off this planet," He grinned at me and I smiled in return.

"I'm fine really, thanks for asking though Michel,"

"Dude, it's Michelangelo," He grumbled under his breath, making me laugh. He hates being called Michel just as much as I hate being called Leon.

Ever since I fell into depression after we defeated the Shredder a few months ago, my brothers have treated me as if I'm something special, which makes me feel both loved and embarrassed. Sometimes they speak as if I'm a time bomb and the slightest wrong thing said would set me off again. Sometimes they consider my feelings and thoughts as if they truly matter. Sometimes they remember I'm their brother and not just an existence.

And I'm happy about that. Sure there could be room for improvement, but I'm good. I still feel responsible for some events that hateful night and I still only live for them, but I have a life and feelings too. Sure, it took an almost fatal final frontier with our foe and some crazy old Japanese Sensei who liked to call me a kumquat to make my brothers and I realise this, but at least we eventually did.

Now I'm living my life how I want to, just like they are. Sure, I still look after them as if my life depended on it, but now I do things I want to do. Instead of training for another hour or two, I might read a book or even paint.

I love to paint. I love merging colours and creating art, seeing what would happen if I stroked my brush this way with that colour, that way with this colour, almost like some artistic Frankenstein. I can see a Mona Lisa smile in the darkest of pieces, a sinister scream in the brightest of works. Oh how I love to paint!

I took one of the plainly salted chips from the dish and nibbled on it thoughtfully. The main room now looked as if a huge party popper had exploded inside. There were streamers and banners and paper chains and balloons everywhere. It made me chuckle how Raph had just chucked decorations wherever he felt like it with no structure at all. I know if I'd have done it, everything would have to be strategically placed, perfect and precise. I liked his way better.

Just as I swallowed my chip, the doorbell rang out clear and true. I jumped half a mile and leapt towards the door, meandering around obstacles like a turtle possessed in my haste to answer it. I knew it could only be April or Casey or Usagi, Splinter wouldn't bother to ring the doorbell of his own home.

For some reason, the thought of greeting Usagi filled me with nervous butterflies. I can't understand why, we've been friends for two years. It seems so much longer. After everything we've been through together. Ever since we met, we've shared this sort of connection. Granted, we met in the midst of a battle against bloodthirsty assassins but still.

We had common ground due to the fact we were both swordsmen, even though he was a samurai and I was a ninja. After that fight where he saved my life, everything just clicked, it was like we had known each other years, despite the fact he was seven years older than I was.

I guess if you look at us together, it must seem quite odd that a turtle and a rabbit are such good friends but that's how it is. When we spend time with each other we end up talking all night until the early hours. And we chat about anything and everything, from the Nexus Tournament (Can't wait for next year) to a film we'd just watched to our favourite soda and snack (He likes root beer and carrot cake, go figure).

I think Sensei is pleased I have made a genuine friend and because Usagi is older and more experienced therefore wiser he hopes I will listen to the rabbit samurai. I definitely listen to him, he has offered me great counsel in my times of need, especially when I was angry with life. I can tell him everything and I know he won't judge me, only listen patiently and guide me loyally.

There is of course one thing I haven't told him. I haven't even talked to Klunk about my sexuality, and he's a cat! I don't know why I haven't told Usagi. Fear of rejection I suppose. I've heard of stories where your oldest and dearest friends abandon you because of your preferences.

Usagi, April and Casey are my only friends. I don't want them to abandon me. I need them.

I fixed a smile on my face despite my mysterious nervousness and pulled the door open, ready to graciously greet whoever it was behind the wooden door. I let it swing open, revealing the guest.

Our dear old friend April O'Neil, looking very pretty in a pair of casual jeans and a tank top. She grinned at me then gave me a peck on the cheek to say hello. She held a gift wrapped in silver paper for our master and I let her step inside. I mentally frowned, why did I feel slightly disappointed?

"Uh, hi April, how are you doing?" I asked, forcing another smile to my face and shutting the door behind her.

"I'm fine thanks Leo. Is Casey here?" She wondered, moving to put her gift on the table next to the one from my brothers and me. I furrowed my brow, following her.

"No, I thought he was coming with you?" I posed thoughtfully.

"He was but he never showed up. I really couldn't leave it any later so I came by myself," She explained, setting her present down. I pulled a face. This didn't sound good.

"Have you tried phoning him?" I suggested, ignoring Mikey yelling at Klunk for trying to lick the frosting on the cake. I seriously hope my brother caught his kitty in time.

"Yeah, it was turned off. I left a message telling him I was here," She shrugged in reply.

"It's ok April, don't worry about it," I smiled reassuringly at her. She nodded and went to say hi to the others.

Casey was as hotheaded as Raphael at times and he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer either. I hoped he'd just got caught up at the store or something because Arnold Casey Jones also has a knack for landing himself in deep trouble. I worry about him almost as much as my brothers, and he's a full grown man at that.

I was starting to feel really nervous now. I couldn't understand why. It was just Usagi, why should I feel apprehensive about meeting him again? I don't know why but I surely was if the frantic butterflies in my stomach had anything to say on the matter. It was crazy, was Usagi's soon to arrive presence making me timid?

But that was absurd, wasn't it?

A knock sounded on the door, light and less musical than the doorbell. Casey wouldn't knock like that. There was only one person who it could be. I felt like hiding, I felt so shy. I shook my head forcefully, reprimanding myself for being so silly. Almost reluctantly, I moved and opened the door.

It was indeed the rabbit samurai, Miyamoto Usagi.

I blinked. He looked good. Not good as in healthy, although he was very healthy as far as I could see. No, good as in, well...good. Good like...I can't explain it. I felt almost as if I was attracted to him! But that's just stupid, I mean, he's Usagi, he's my best friend, you don't get attracted to your best friends, it's just wrong.

But I found myself wanting to cuddle that soft, white fur. His dark eyes seemed intoxicating, his mouth alluring. I wondered if you took off his kimono, could you see the muscles through his pelt? I felt the urge to embrace him and pondered what his kiss would feel like.

He tilted his head, smiling softly in amusement and confusion at me. I realised I was staring and blushed in embarrassment. He gave a laugh and stepped forward into the house as I made way for him.

"Forgive me Usagi-san, you just...reminded of something," I offered feebly and he nodded in understanding. I heard his voice and all the anxiety melted away like snow in spring.

"That is perfectly alright Leonardo-san. I take it you are well this lovely summer evening?" He asked, setting his bags down next to the coat rack.

"Very well thank you, yourself?" I smiled widely, feeling my cheeks burn. I'd never felt more ridiculous than that moment in time.

"Never better,"

He grinned and before I knew it, he laughed once more and enveloped me in a hug. I numbly returned the gesture, finding myself breathing in his musky, spicy scent and wanting more of it, feeling the fur under mu calloused fingers and wanting more of that too.

He withdrew, holding me at arm's length, observing me through those eyes that made me forget everything else. He was smaller than me, even though he was older. He looked up into my eyes, grinning widely, truly at ease, looking forward to the night ahead.

"I shall have to bring a box with me in the future if you continue to grow," He chortled, regrettably taking his hands from my shoulders and placing them on his hips.

"It's not my fault you're small," I shrugged with a wolfish grin, moving behind him to shut the door.

He tisked, bending down to unzip his bag and take a look inside. I hurriedly looked away as the view of his ass looked very appealing right now. I can't believe I just said that. I shook my head vigorously once more and was grateful when he straightened up again. I took the gift he offered.

"The greatest sake my world has to offer, for your master," He smiled, heaving his back onto his shoulder.

"He'll thank you for that," I laughed, taking it to the table.

"Yo! Usagi-dude! How you doin'?"

I smiled at my brother's greeting (Very Joey-esque) to my friend and took Usagi's bags. He would be sleeping in my room tonight whilst April and Casey had the spare room. I'm not sure if I was supposed to be happy about that or not. He's staying tomorrow night too, like a mini vacation. Not much of a holiday over here though.

I set his bags down in a corner, near to the camp bed I'd prepared earlier. It never used to bother me, but now the fact Usagi and I were sharing a room made me feel kind of shy. What if I embarrassed myself? What if we had nothing to talk about? What if I accidentally walked in on him naked or something? How can that last possibility sound both so good and so bad at the same time?

I rubbed my forehead tiredly. This was going to be a long night. Hopefully no one notices my strange behaviour. I was going to find my unexpected attraction to my friend difficult to hide. Maybe this was just a little phase I'm going through because my brothers are ready to date and I'm not.

Entering the living room I paused and tilted my head, listening. Was it me, or was someone fiddling with the front door latch? From the look on Usagi's face, he'd heard it too. No! He can't be back yet! We're not finished! Casey's not here! I thought we had ages yet!

"Quick! Hide!"

What followed was quite humourous. Raph literally lobbed the last streamers over the fireplace and dived behind Sensei's chair. Donny tripped over Klunk and skidded under the table cloth. April and Mikey bumped haphazardly into each other before April leapt under the table with Don and Mike snatched his cat and hid behind the kitchen door. Usagi and I glanced frantically at one another and he had sense enough to flick out the lights and then flopped behind the couch next to me.

I peeked over the arm and watched in the darkness as the front door opened and closed and we heard the master juggle his shopping with a few Japanese curses.

"My sons?" He called out to the unusually quiet lair.

I saw him hesitate then sniff the air, puzzled. Great, he'd smelt April's perfume. He set down the bag of candles he held and took a confident step into the blackened main room. I frowned in a result of him looking at our hiding places each in turn. When he glanced over in mine and Usagi's direction, he looked me straight in the eyes and smiled widely.

"My sons?" He repeated and switched on the lights.

"SURPRISE!"

Well, he certainly pretended good. He faked astonishment when we jumped out and yelled at him. It almost hurt knowing we couldn't surprise him, but it still felt good knowing he appreciated it. I didn't need to be told he did, I could see it in his eyes.

I watched from a distance as he was greeted and well wished and found myself proud of my brothers. When Usagi congratulated my father I felt I needed to be there, seeking acceptance and comfort to heal my secret.

"Party time dudes and dudette!"

Mikey switched on the cd player and loud, pumping tunes echoed throughout the lair. Surprisingly, the master has taken a liking to dance music, although thankfully he doesn't use it for meditating. I think I'd have to move out. I can only handle Mike's music in small doses.

However, Casey's absence hung over everyone's minds like a storm cloud. I could tell April was getting really worried for her boyfriend. Casey loved parties and food and loud music and the chance to make a huge mess and not get told off for it, so it really was an odd occurrence he wasn't there.

"Hey! Turn it down Mike, ah can hear someone's phone!" Raph cried over the deafening racket.

Michelangelo obeyed and sure as shell you could hear his ring tone, some shrill and annoying dance melody. He fished it out of his belt and whistled at the caller id. He flipped it open and held it to his ear.

"Hey where are ya Case-Man? Party's already started dude!" He said into the device, aware everyone's eyes were on him. "Whaddya mean you 'ran into some trouble'? ... Aw dude they're just Purple Dragons for cryin' out loud! ... There's a lot of 'em? Ok, ok, we'll be right there...party pooper,"

My fears had come true, Casey had gotten involved in a fight. That was just our luck. It had to happen today of all days, now of all times. I know it sounds big headed of me, but at least they were only Purple Dragons. I could relax knowing they would attack Casey because of his vigilante days and not because Karai had told them to.

"We'd better go and rescue the little wimp," Raph sighed in exasperation.

"But why'd he ring me and not you?" Mike frowned, slipping his shell cell back into the pouch on his belt.

"Because we argued over who was gonna win the hockey tournament," Raph shrugged carelessly. Usagi sniggered.

"I'm sorry about this Sensei, we shall be back shortly," I apologised, bowing to our father politely.

"It's alright Leonardo. Go, and do be careful. Miss O'Neil shall keep me company," Master Splinter smiled, waving his hand in dismissal.

"Are you coming with us Usagi-san?" Donatello asked with a grin as we moved to the door. I felt an odd, uncomfortable flash of jealousy in a result of the rabbit grinning back.

"Of course I am. And here I thought I would have a quiet vacation!"

To Be Continued

A.N: Haha I just had a thought, imagine if it was the Foot coming in and not Splinter lol. Now that would have been funny! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and please review! I'll try not to be too long with an update because I love you guys!