Blue For You (TMNT Leonardo X Reader)

Chapter 24

I was suffocating in my own tears, chained to the wall by big and shiny silver cuffs.

"Mom!" I yelled as she walked by, talking on the phone with an associate of hers.

She didn't seem to hear me, as she continued to chat with the person on the other end. Perhaps I wasn't being loud enough, it wasn't her fault.

"Mom, over here, please!" I yelled louder, the grip on my wrist tightening.

I watched as my dad walked in through the door, on a call as well, work bag in hand.

"Dad!"

He mumbled to himself while hanging up, putting his bag down and hugging my mom around her waist. She loved it when he did that, in the times he was home. I watched in horror, as they never responded to me, seemingly not aware. My cries got louder and louder, as I tried to get their attention and break free from what was holding me back. I didn't know what it was, I couldn't even see the cuffs now, only feel them. They were invisible to me, like I was to my parents.

It was terrifying, as no one noticed my presence in our home. I tried so hard to get them to pay attention, yet the only thing I got in return was a raw throat. They'd never notice me, no matter how hard I tried to make them proud. 

Stress coursed through the sewers like a virus. It had been two weeks since we broke into Foot headquarters, and everyone had been on their toes waiting for Shredder to get back. Leo had faced the brunt of it, trying to put a plan together for when he returned, which included being away from me. 

When Donnie spotted foot ninja crawling around the docks, it made him spend his time watching over the cameras, and made Leo spend his time meditating on a plan. I didn't mind, I understood he had his duties, but it left me with more time than usual. I started to train with Master Splinter, more often than not, being pushed further than expected and ending up sorer than usual. My back and legs hurt like hell, but it was a part of the process. 

"This was my wife's recipe," Master Splinter said, showing me it as we finished training. "We have all the ingredients already here; it is up to you if you wish to make it."

"Thank you, Master Splinter," I gratified as he handed it to me. 

"You seem unsettled, what bothers you?" he asked. 

"I've been struggling with bad dreams recently," I admitted. "Of my life." 

"And what do they depict?" 

"Lots of symbolism-I'm usually not affected by them," I paused. "It's like something is trying to dig up old issues, I don't know how to put it." 

"Have you struggled with this in the past?" Splinter questioned. 

"Not necessarily nightmares, just a lot of thoughts," I said. "I've come to terms with it, or at least I thought I did; but now it's all coming back." 

"Have you spoken to Leonardo of this?"

"No, I don't want to trouble him with it, he already has a lot on his shoulders," I answered. "It's also very different from what it was before. I don't mean to bother you with it either." 

"(Y/N), it is not a bother to express your feelings, you are like a daughter to me. You have become family to us all. Leo would do anything for you, and that includes allowing you to confide in him."

I looked up at him, hearing that word come from his mouth making my heart sink. He had become like a father to me as well, and I couldn't deny the attachment I faced with all of them. I was neglected so much as a child, and while I didn't know then, I fully understand it now. It used to break me down, but now I'm just angry. It makes me sick knowing I was treated that way, even though I loved them so much. Work had always come first; till the day they would die.