Through An Artist's Soul - Book 2 - Raphael x OC x Leonardo

THE GOODBYES || CHAPTER 6

Four hours later, I awoke to the smell of something burning. The scent attacked my nostrils. A distinctive smell. I jumped up abruptly and raced for the kitchen. I almost tripped over some of Raph's weights on the floor. "Fucking clumsy klutz!" I mentally scolded myself. I approached the kitchen cautiously. I'm not sure what to expect around the corner. It may be one of Donnie's crazy inventions going rampant or Mikey's cooking experiments. I grew nauseated again thinking about the milkshake and pizza he tried to blend and called it a "P-shake". I gagged again at that memory. I'm unsure how that turtle hadn't already died from food poisoning.

I peeked around the corner and found Leonardo busy and losing the battle with the toaster. The toaster made dark grey smoke at the top. Leonardo was at his wits' end with the small kitchen gadget, frowning between his non-existent brows. He can handle knives and blades with ease, but he lacks the skills to operate the little kitchen gadget. I chuckled softly at him. Amused at the scene playing in front of me. He turned around, wide-eyed, a flush on his snout. He was shocked to see me standing at the kitchen entrance. The dented toaster was clenched in his hands and smoke was pouring out of the openings.

"Alley?" he said, still stunned as he tried to pull the burnt slices of bread from the toaster. "I'm so sorry. I tried to make you some breakfast, but I'm not a good chef," Leonardo muttered softly, placing the burnt bread on a plate. "And I ruined the toast." He muttered to himself, sounding quite disappointed.

"Hey, Nardo, you didn't ruin them," I said, pulling one of the knives from the caddy next to the sink and picking up the pieces of toast. And I started scraping off the burned char off the toast. After that, I took the butter and jelly from the kitchen counter and generously put it over the toast. "Look, it's not ruined. Sometimes you must look deeper to realize that anything can be fixed or improved," I said, smiling as he looked at me, surprised by my actions.

I then bit a big piece of toast and hummed happily as the flavors played over my tongue. "It's perfect," I murmured, licking the grape jelly off my fingertips. Doing a little happy dance in my spot.

"Yes, you are perfect... I mean... I...I'm glad it's perfect," Leonardo whispered and said, blushing slightly. He looked away, nervously brushing the back of his neck. He then avoided looking me in the eyes.

I frowned, shrugged, and resumed eating my toast. I pushed the plate toward him, holding the second slice of toast. I gestured for him to try it. He grabbed a piece of toast and took a little bite. His eyes widened as he took a larger bite of it. He was also enjoying it. "Thanks, Alley; now I know what to do when this happens again." He replied with a bright smile that captured his cerulean-sapphire eyes.

After a few minutes of silence, Donnie entered the kitchen. One of the most important golden rules was not to talk to Donnie until he finished his mug of coffee. His temper could be worse than Raph's without his morning brew. Donnie's drooping eyes remained visible, as did the dark circles underneath his glasses. Donnie was preparing his mug of coffee. He was adding sugar and cream to his morning brew. Then he looked fully awake. As if he had just performed a live rendition of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

"Good morning, Leo," Donnie spotted us and said, "Good morning, Alley." His yellow-green eyes no longer looked glazed over from the lack of sleep. Giving each of us a fist punch with the morning greeting. Donnie turned his attention to the dented toaster on the countertop. "Leo? Really? Again?" Donnie sounded upset. A frown formed between his non-existent brows, and he sighed deeply. He realized he needed to fix the little, damaged gadget again.

"I am sorry Donnie. But, I tell you, it is possessed or something," Leo claimed, crossing his arms in front of his plastron. He had a gloomy appearance. He was not happy with the outcome.