TMNT - Worlds Change

Eleven

Venus POV:

The room slowly came into focus. I glanced over the room, noticing my sisters as they sit at different places around the room in varying states of sleep. I smiled a little. It was good to see them resting.

"Venus?" I glanced to my side. Sitting in the seat closest to the bed was-

"Leo." I smiled a little wider, trying to sit up. Pain lanced through my midsection and I gasped. He grabbed my shoulder and gently rested me back.

"Be careful. You're still recovering," he whispered. I grabbed his hand tight.

"Why are you whispering?" I whispered back. He smiled, relief obvious in his eyes.

"I didn't want the others to know you're awake yet. I needed to ask you something." I watched his eyes. "Why did you run that day?" I laid my head back and looked at the ceiling, rubbing my face.

"Which day? The first or the day the pagoda exploded?"

"Both, in that order would be great." He watched me a moment. I sighed.

"The first time, I wasn't thinking about anything but protecting Iris. She was hurt, so I had to protect her. No matter how my heart felt about going back. Or leaving here." He nodded softly. "I never wanted to leave, but I did it to keep them from hurting. Because of my mistake, Iris got hurt."

"It wasn't your fault, V. No one expects you to carry that burden. And I'm sorry for how I reacted. I knew it was for family and yet I just... I couldn't lose you." He looked ashen. I gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

"I would have given anything, if it meant I didn't have to leave. But there was no quick fix option left. I'm sorry it happened that way." I closed my eyes. "When I ran the night of the explosion, I was disoriented. I had no idea what side of the building I was on, let alone where you guys were. I couldn't have disabled it in time, so I figured I would give jumping a try. It was worth it though." I smiled as he looked at me and felt my heart jump. The way he looked at me was the same as that night just before he kissed me, only much warmer now.

"I thought I had lost you again. We searched and searched and couldn't find you. If you hadn't shouted..." His eyes were pale, worry creasing his forehead. I reached up and touched his cheek, which settled his worry.

"I'm glad I did. I'm glad I could." I looked at him and then two thoughts occurred to me. It must have shown in my eyes because the next moment he brushed his finger over my forehead.

"He is fine. Donnie worked on him for a while. He's in rough shape though. But with some time and rest, he will heal." I breathed in.

"And Shredder... any confirmation?" His eyes gave him away. I closed my eyes, trying to fight the urge to flee.

"Hey... V, he can't hurt you anymore." He held my hand tight. I squeezed it gently. I felt the warmth of his body grow closer. I opened my eyes to find his just above mine. I sucked in a breath at the closeness. His eyes were playful as he put his lips to mine. This kiss was much softer than the last, much more tender and yet just as passionate. I sighed, making this kiss last longer. A gentle cough came from the doorway. Leo drew back slowly, giving me a soft peck before sitting back. Raph stood in the doorway with a smug smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"How are you, sleeping beauty?"
"Never been better."

Raph grinned as he rested a hand on Bellona's shoulder, who immediately stirred. Her sleep heavy eyes widened as she moved quickly to my side to hug me.

"You're alive!" She shouted, stirring everyone else, who quickly followed suit. I smiled, letting my worries about Shredder go for now. There would be time for safety tactics later. Right now all that mattered where my sisters, my sensei, and the boys that saved us.