Embers (Bayverse LeonardoxReader)

•Chapter Four•

MY MOUTH IS ON FIRE!!!!
DAMN YOU SPICY FISH TACOS!!!
ENJOY?
•••

As the turtle had cradled you gently to his chest, he couldn't help but notice small things about you. Besides, you were unable to see his small glances.

Something that stood out to him, was your smell. You smelled so strongly of vanilla, and he loved it.

He could feel your delicate hands holding onto him for dear life, he really did feel bad that you'd been roped into his life. Even if it was you and your sister's fault.

When you had arrived at the lair, Leo set you down gently, removing his mask from your eyes and placing it on his own.

"Thanks." You whisper, dropping your gaze.

You hear April sniff, looking around the place you were now in. "Ugh. Are we in the sewer?"

There's a short lived silence until Mikey speaks up. "Yeah...yeah it's the sewer."

You remain silent, your eyes then falling on another figure, someone you recognized instantly.

Splinter.

He makes eye contact with you, giving you a warm smile, before turning his attention to April, who had also recognized the mutant rat ahead of you. "Splinter?" She whispers, taking a step closer.

You hear the boys begin to bicker, accusing each other of telling your sister their sensei's name.

"April. My, have you grown." He says softly, his attention solely on her.

"I don't understand." April whispers, staring at Splinter in shock. You glue your eyes to the floor, hurrying to your sister's side as you clutch her arm.

"Don't worry. All will be made clear." Splinter assures. He then moves his gaze to you. "And Y/n..."

Your eyes meet his, staring silently. The rat gives another gentle smile, slowly reaching out and placing a hand on your shoulder. "You have grown as well, my dear friend."

You couldn't bring yourself to speak, partially from shock, and mainly because you had just met these...mutants, and were uncomfortable around strangers.

"What is going on?" Mikey whispers to his brothers, receiving a round of shushes.

"Y/n...you were so kind to me and my sons. You were and still are, I presume, a pure soul." Splinter says, his eyes never leaving yours. "You were the highlight of my own day, in that lab."

"Really?"

"She speaks!" Raphael jokes from behind you. You drop your gaze to the floor, making Splinter glare at his son.

Leo gives Raph a good whack on the head as Splinter continues.

"And April?" The rat's eyes trail to your sister. "You saved our lives. Gave us freedom."

"Wait, dad." Leo's commanding voice interrupts. "You told us that we had been rescued by a guardian spirit all those year ago. The Hogo-sha."

"Yes." Splinter confirms with a smile. "This is the Hogo-sha!"

A heavy silence falls over the room, until Leo shifts his body, working to bow towards your sister. The turtles respond the same, following his actions.