Leonardo - Oneshot (TMNT 2014/2016)
Like most kids, you grew up reading comics. It was natural. Second nature. As the years flew by, your love for superheroes never faded. It was childish, you knew that. But you wanted to be like the people on those pages.
That’s why you had your sights set on medicine. The goal was to attend college and pursue your dreams.
Saving lives.
Safe to say you did not expect your freshman year of college to lead to surviving a freaking alien invasion.
Neither did you think you’d gain some very unusual powers from the encounter.
Join a league of ninja turtles who apparently had been fighting the ongoing battle in New York City to keep the peace.
So here you were.
In the movies, being a hero looked so breezy. No one said you would have to deal with an uptight know it all, stuck up arrogant, narcissistic, prideful motherfu-
“Stay focused.”
Your back hit the mat for what felt like the hundredth time. The boys wince, and Leo just folds his arms as he looks down at you. His sword was leaned on the wall. Which felt more degrading. You growled, eyes glowing as the light lifted your body upright. Now on your feet, you screamed as you charged at him with all you had. Your fists were balled, and you fired a punch. Leo flipped over, and you lost your balance. Leo landed directly behind you, swiping his legs. You were knocked off balance, the light leaving your eyes a few seconds after. You groaned, rolling onto your side.
“When you lose your temper in battle, you give your opponents the upper hand.”
His back was turned to you, and he moved to grab his swords, sheathing them both.
“We’re done for today.”
You were pissed.
From the moment you joined their little team. This was your relationship with Leonardo. He always needed to be right. On top. It was aggravating. No matter what you did, you couldn’t best him. Even with glowing hands and eyes, you still were no match for him. He never let you forget it either. You knew at the back of his mind he just didn’t think you were cut out for this.
Raph walked over, holding out his hand for you.
“Ya lasted longer this time.” He was wearing a smirk when he said it, and you took his hand, pulling yourself up as you shoved him. Raph laughed, doing the same.
It was no secret that you and Raph were close.
You both shared the lack of patience and short fuse.
“He’s such a douchebag.”
You grumbled, gathering your training gear. Donnie reached over giving you a pat on the shoulder.
“Leo’s just looking out for you.” Donnie offers.
If only you could believe that.
“Yeah dude, don’t worry about it. Let’s watch cat videos!” Mikey was already running out of the dojo. You just sighed. It’s not like you needed to be best friends with him. You just wanted some sort of acknowledgement that you were equals.
Was that too much to ask for?
You felt like a useless sidekick, and it sucked.
~~~
The present patrol you’re about to raid a criminal set up. Leo begins designating positions, so you wait patiently to be appointed.
“Stay behind us.” Leo orders.
“Why! I’m just as strong as any of you!”
“You’re not very good at controlling it. Just listen for once.” He spins around, sending you a glare. You’re silent, because now isn’t the best time to get into it with him. You need to stay focused.
“Fine.”
You don’t like it, but the alternative is him sitting you out of this patrol. So you keep out of sight. Only offering assistance when Leo instructs. The little hallway that you’ve infiltrated is subdued in under ten minutes. All that is heard is the many groans and moans from beaten up criminals. The police sirens aren’t very far behind. Leo nods at his brothers, and you’re all heading out easily.
The second you’re at a more secured location, everyone is celebrating. You grin, and Raph gives you a high five. You receive pats and words of encouragement from all of them. When you get to Leo, he says nothing of that nature.
“We need to get going.”
He’s once again moving, and your shoulders drop as you look to the side. Leo catches a glimpse of the crestfallen expression, but says nothing.
“I’m protecting her.”
That’s what he tells himself.
~~~
“Woah check it out!!”
Mikey is holding his t phone, and Donnie is staring in awe. You’re lying on your back doing a bench press. Raph’s eyes are focused on the many plates that are on the bar, and when you do multiple lifts, all three teens let out yells of disbelief. You rack the weights with a proud grin, standing as you flex your arms. The bright light is still prominent in your eyes. So when Leo walks in, he wonders what all the commotion is about. When he sees the weights packed up, you can feel the lectures coming.
“What are you doing!!”
His yell is what you’ve grown to expect.
You close your eyes to gather your wits. When they reopen, you're back to normal.
“I’m training. Since you don’t want to take me off the leash I figured I’d do something worthwhile.”
“That’s heavier than any of us lift, what if you got hurt. Did you even think about that!!”
“I’m not some child that you have to look after!! I’m a hero!!”
“You don’t have what it takes to be a hero.”
That jab hits deeper than you expect. Your eyes falter, and then your rage returns tenfold.
“FUCK YOU!!”
With your hand clenched, you scream, punching your hand right through the concrete wall at your side. Your chest is heaving, and you pull your unharmed limb from the concrete, storming off.
~~~
Encounters after that scuffle are a bit awkward. For the next few nights, you take a break from crime fighting. You may be a hot head, but you weren’t reckless enough to risk putting the boys in danger. You knew you couldn’t deal with Leo right now, much less work with him. So you do your best to avoid him as much as you can.
This particular afternoon you’re looking for some items you’d left behind.
Midterms were approaching.
Maybe your studies would take your mind off the infuriating male. When your exams are over, you should start fresh. Come back and find a way to work through the crazy tension you and Leo presently have.
“Hey Raph, I think I left my bandages here.”
You walked into the dojo looking for the red clad turtle, only to run into blue. He was seated, and from the position, meditating.
“Loud as ever.” He mumbled.
Leo never opened his eyes, and you could feel your blood begin to boil. It really didn’t take much to rile you up.
“Wanna say that again in my good ear!” You challenge. You dropped the bag in your hand. Leo’s eyes opened, and he stood slowly.
“You heard me. You’re loud, reckless and you never think before you act. That’s why you’ve never been able to beat me.”
“Maybe if you were a better teacher I wouldn’t have that issue. Splinter raised all four of you and he still taught you martial arts at a champion level. If you ask me, you just lack what it takes to be a good leader.” His gaze hardened, and you smirked.
“You wouldn’t know where to begin being a leader (Y/N). You can barely land a punch. “
“Not for lack of trying!!” You raised your fist, rushing at him. Leo caught it easily and you huff.
“Damn it!!”
Your eyes lit up, and Leo grounded his feet. As careless as your attacks were, you were strong. It’s why he never made the mistake of attacking you head on. He released your hand, and you pushed forward. If you learned anything from training with Leo, it’s that he’s calculated. He never tried a hit that he wasn’t confident he could make. In this regard, maybe your erratic attempts were a better defense than you thought. Because when you rammed your head into his chest. He didn’t have a chance to retaliate. His body hit the ground, and for the first time you felt like a victor.
You didn’t miss a beat. If you wanted to have bragging rights later, you needed to steal the opportunity. You dropped, pinning his arms to the ground, and he grunted at the force. With your hips keeping him pinned, and your hands forcing him down, he couldn’t move. Your jaw was clenched. Eyes still overcome with the bright white glow that usually followed when you accessed your abilities.
“Why the hell do you hate me so much!!!”
You wanted to know. You needed to. All you ever wanted was to help. Yet every time you tried, Leo found some way to make you second guess your decisions. Whether it be in training or out on a patrol.
His blue eyes finally focused, and your chests were now touching as you did your best to level your breathing. His gaze seemed to waver for a second, and your brows knitted. Anger is still clear on your face. His blue orbs looked unusually softer than before.
“I..don’t hate you..”
His breathing was a little off.
Slowly but surely, the white filters out of your eyes. Leo could see your hues, no longer clouded by the clear power he knew you possessed. It wasn’t his intention to demean you. He knew what you were capable of. But he also knows there are people out there who would kill to have your power. That was a risk he couldn’t afford. Everytime he pushed, doubted or lectured, it wasn’t out of a lack of belief in your abilities.
He just needed to know that if push came to shove, you were safe.
Now that your breaths were more calm, you felt your heart begin to pick up. Because this look that he wore, it wasn’t one you were used to. It wasn’t annoyance, or that stupid superiority you often saw.
“I don’t hate you.”
This time he sounds more sure, and you can feel your grip loosen. Leo moved quicker than you could, and your back hit the ground. You opened your mouth to shout out every profanity you knew for such a cheap shot. But his eyes held way too much. You couldn’t get the words out. They wouldn’t form. Leo was the one who now had you bound.
“You drive me crazy.”
His tone is much lower, and you swallow. It’s almost a hiss. He’s so much closer.
Your heart shouldn’t be racing like this. Stomach doing flips.
This is Leonardo.
The goody two shoes.
Stuck up dumbass.
There’s no way you have feelings for him.
It’s impossible.
“Impossible…”
You mutter involuntarily.
Leo holds your gaze for a few more moments, then he draws back. You gasp when he lifts you up, bridal style, placing you on your feet.
“Be more careful.”
That’s all he says. Once again, you’re left looking at his back.
You can’t help but feel like you’ve lost yet another battle.
Except this wasn’t one you even knew you were fighting.
~~~
For the remainder of the month, you’re a bit scarce in the lair. The boys know that you’ve taken the time to study, so you always anticipate the little updates they send on their patrols. The stories that Mikey exaggerates in the voice notes he sends. It makes you smile. Exams are coming to a close. So is the excuse you have to avoid Leo.
You feel flustered.
For the first time you’re not pissed at the blue clad leader. You’re just a little confused. Nothing seems to make sense.
Deciding that you need to get some air to think, you find a nice secluded spot on one of the many towers in New York. You’ve already decided that you’re going to see the boys on the weekend. You’re just a bit unsure if you’re ready to see Leo. You press your hands on the concrete as you lean back, staring at the many lights.
The silence is therapeutic. Your focus only diverts when you hear something in the distance. You jump to your feet, on guard.
“Who’s there!” You demand. This spot isn’t the easiest to climb up. So if it isn’t one of the boys, then it could be a potential threat.
A shadow cast over from behind the pillar, and the male walks out.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt you.”
Leo steps out into the light, and you can feel your heart begin to race. You hate how transparent you’re being. Surely he’d notice.
He won’t meet your eyes.
“I had no idea you were out here.” He explains.
From the looks of it he had the same idea. It’s understandable you would come to the same spot. This was one of the many points you all would stay to regroup or meet for a patrol.
“Great minds think alike I guess.” You turn when you make the statement. If nothing but to ensure he doesn’t see the redness that is burning on your cheeks.
“Donnie told me your exams are over.”
You nod.
“Yeah, I was planning to come see you guys tomorrow.”
Silence follows after that statement, and you rub your arm. You’re still a bit afraid to look at him.
“I know you’ve been avoiding me.”
You gulp.
“I wasn’t. I told you I had exams.”
You hear his footsteps get closer, and you close your eyes.
“If you’re uncomfortable around me, at least have the guts to say it to my face. “ He touches your shoulder, and you spin around. Leo is shocked to see the color of your cheeks. Your curse under your breath. His confusion would have been laughable, if not for your predicament.
“Are you..your face is..” He can’t work out the words, and you look down at your feet.
“S-Shut up!” You snap.
This is embarrassing.
“She’s blushing…”
He never thought he’d see the day.
“I hate you!! I hate you so much! So why can’t I..why is my heart beating so fast when you look at me..” Leo doesn’t believe what he hears.
“W-Why haven’t I been able to think about anything but you for this past week!! It’s driving me crazy, you drive me crazy Leo!!”
You didn’t understand it.
Maybe you did, just refused to accept it.
All those times you yelled at him. Got pissed. It’s possible that you were seeking more than just his approval.
Leo steps closer, the distance between you becoming shorter each step. He reaches out, and you close your eyes.
“D-Don’t..”
You whimper. He heeds no warning, and when his palm slides over your cheek, you open your eyes, but he’s so much closer than you expected. His lips press to your own softly, and you tremble. You aren’t sure what to do. How to react. You were just saying how much you hated him. Yet here you are letting him kiss you. Offering no resistance.
None.
His touch feels so gentle. You’re almost convinced this is a different person. Your body has a mind of its own, because your hands reach out, wrapping around his neck as you try to move closer. Leo lifts you off your feet, and your legs automatically wrap around his waist as you continue your frenzied kissing. One of his hands runs down your back and you can’t stop the moan. Leo’s lips part, and you steal the opportunity. Your tongue slides in, and he groans under his breath, matching each stroke of your wet muscle.
He tastes so sweet.
Yet another surprise.
You’re drunk on it.
“Strawberry…”
Your brain places the flavor.
It feels like a lifetime before either of you part.
Heaven knows you don’t want to. But you have to breathe. It’s necessary. Leo is the one who slowly draws back, licking his lips. You’re doing the same. You need to memorize all of it. Your eyes flutter open, and you’re met with a soft blue gaze. There’s guilt very prominently displayed.
“I..I never wanted you to feel inferior in any way. I was wrong. I shouldn’t have been so harsh. I was scared that if we ever ran into trouble you’d be discovered and you would..” His gaze falters. You know Leo is more of the tough love type, so the confession he makes is slowly starting to add up.
“This entire time, were you..trying to protect me?”
When he looks at you, it seems like he’s so lost.
“I just want you to be safe. I need you to be safe.”
You can’t believe that you missed it entirely. You’re both at fault. Because rather than talking it over, you just retaliated every time you felt like he didn’t trust you. You kept pushing, and that naive way of handling the situation was just proof to him of how reckless you were. He was right to worry. You knew yourself well enough. You didn't exactly have a great handle on your temper.
“T-Tell me that you like me.”
Leo’s forehead creases. He notices that your face is still very red.
“I-If you tell me that you like me then I’ll forgive you for everything.” You close your eyes.
“I won’t argue anymore. I’ll listen to you no matter how annoying I think it is. J-Just tell me that you like me and I’ll-”
“I’m in love with you.”
Your eyes open in shock. Leo brushes his finger against your cheek. He can feel the heat of your cherry cheeks. It makes him smile. You still appear stunned. Leo marks your lips.
“You’re..in love with me..?” It sounds like you don’t fully believe it. Leo nods.
“I am.”
You gulp. Your eyes move back to his lips. Leo catches the action.
“Can I?”
He asks softly. Earlier you’d both been a bit caught up in the moment. This time, he wants to ensure that you actually want this. That he isn’t once again pushing his selfish desires unto you.
You lick your lips, nodding.
“Yeah..”
You sound terribly dazed, and he wishes he can just save this memory in his head forever. Leo moves cautiously, and you anticipate each second. When his lips press this time, the kiss is much slower. You melt into him, and he hugs you tightly as he deepens that kiss.
It’s apparent that both of you need to be better at communicating.
A work in progress it seems.
