Embers (Bayverse LeonardoxReader)

•Chapter Eight•

I just copy and pasted this chapter from my notes, because I wrote it on the plane. I officially dislike flying.
I wrote a longer chapter to make up for the recent ones that were under 2000 words.
Enjoy-
•••
You had slowly warmed up to the boys, becoming as comfortable as you were with April, with them.

Leo, you had clicked with almost immediately.

"Nardo." You huff, crossing your arms.

"Leo."

"Leo. Lee. Nardo. Leon. Leonardo." You smirk. "All the same."

"That's not true." Leo retorts. "But I know you won't relent, so only you get to use those stupid nicknames."

"Yes!" Your smirk breaks into a toothy smile, holding out your hand for a fist bump.

Leo fights a smile with a roll of his eyes, returning the fist bump.

You smile at the memory, and April's eyes find your face. "Why are you smiling like an idiot?" Teases your sister, elbowing your side as you walked side by side through the sewers.

"Nothing. I just remembered something." You mumble, your cheeks involuntarily turning pink.

"Oh god." Aprils eyes go wide. "You've got a crush on someone! Who's the mystery boy?"

"I don't like anyone like that April. I just got out of school." You shoot back, gently hitting her with your scratchy wrist brace. After the fight with Shredder, Donnie had concluded that it was mildly sprained.

"I've seen some chemistry with you and Leo." April smirks, her eyes narrowing.

"No." Is all you reply. You'd already gone over this a million times in your head. You did like Leo significantly more than the others, but everything about it was completely platonic.

Wasn't it?

April decided to drop the conversation for now, noting that it was important, and she'd bring it up later.

It had been almost three weeks since The Shredder's attack, and ever since then, visiting the lair has become a regular occurrence. You'd assume that almost dying together would bring you closer to the people you'd experienced it with.

You still didn't have a job, meaning you had a lot more free time compared to April, especially since she'd gotten her job back, so a lot of the time you visited on your own.

"Angel Cakes!" Mikey greets your sister with a dopey grin as you entered the lair.

"Hey, Mikey." April says with a small laugh.

"And my favorite O'Neil." Mikey greets, turning to you. "Our fearless leader's in the dojo." His smile turns to a mischievous smirk.

"Thanks 'Angelo."

You leave April to socialize with the others as you head off to the dojo. As you approach, you hear the soothing voice of Master Splinter.

"You did well, my son." Splinter says to his son, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder. Leo's back was turned to you, his shell clear in you view.

Not wanting to interrupt, you lean on the frame of the door, watching silently. It wasn't long before Splinter spots you, giving you a warm smile "I think you have a visitor." Splinter says, nodding in your direction.

Leo turns to you, his eyes meeting yours before he smiles.

"I didn't mean to interrupt." You admit shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.