Sharks in the Water (Leo x OC)

Chapter 10

Leo's POV

The sound of drums cascaded out of Mikey's room and into the hallway while laughter and talking came from Raph and Esme's. I made my way to my own room, catching a glimpse of a familiar figure suddenly ducking behind the open door.

I didn't spare another glance and walked into my bedroom, taking a seat on my bed.

"Come take a seat," I patted the spot next to me. Her head peeked around the door, a sheepish look on her face.

"You knew I was here?"

"We're all ninjas June, our whole thing is staying in the shadows."

"Are you saying everyone knows?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying." Her eyes grew to the size of saucers, an embarrassed hue of red rising to her cheeks.

"Man, why didn't anyone say anything?" she asked, flopping down in the space beside me.

"They probably didn't wanna make you feel weird about it," I said. She tucked up her legs on the bed and messed with her fingers.

"Do you trust me?" I suddenly found myself asking. Her head shot up, her eyes meeting mine.

" Of course! You've been sticking up for me since day one. I just think it's something that's kind of been ingrained in me."

She didn't have to explain why, I could piece it together based on what I knew about her background.

"I get it. Growing up I've always had a lot of pressure to take care of my brothers. Especially when I officially became leader. Looking over my shoulder and second guessing everything became a force of habit. And now I have you and Esme to look after, too."

"That's a lot of responsibility for one person. It sucks that it all got pushed onto you."

"Well, someone has to keep these knuckleheads in line," I attempted to lighten the mood, pushing a small grin onto my face.

"It's okay to admit it if you're struggling. Just so you know, if you ever need someone to vent to you can always come talk to me." I felt the forced smile fall off my face.

I tried to understand that mistakes happen, that all I could do was move on and learn from them. But that still didn't stop me getting angry at myself everytime I messed up or anytime that one of the guys got hurt on my watch.

My thoughts went to the first night we all encountered Esme and the scar on Donnie's arm because of it. I didn't hold it against her, but every time I saw that scar I was reminded of my shortcomings. The fact that I had failed to protect him.

"Thank you," I said softly.

"Of course, no one should have to shoulder those types of things by themself."

"June."

"Yes?"

"You don't have to hide from me. I would never do anything to make you feel like you need to disappear." Her eyes raked over my face before a little smile lit up her face.

"I know. I'll try not to anymore, ok?"

"Ok," I smiled lightly in return, my chest feeling strangely warm. A knock on my door snapped us out of our conversation.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt, but it's about time for patrol," Donnie said. I looked over at the clock, seeing how late it was and stood up.

"You tell the others?"