Things Change

Chapter 8: Running Away From Heartbreak

Donatello headed to Leonardo's room were she was probably meditating. She barely left her room these days as every time she came out something happened that sent her right back, questions from their friends, lingering looks from her brother's. Another unhealthy habit she had developed.

Leonardo was reading a thick volume of Japanese Words: Through the Years, when he arrived. "Come here to run more tests, scold me some more about mating season, perhaps drop a sarcastic remark-?" She snorted not lifting her gaze from the book. "Sorry to cause you troubles before." She apologized with a 'tad' of sarcasm.

"Oh dear..." To Donnie it seemed like an eternity since the last time he was able to talk to her alone and he had truly missed her. "Leo, you don't imagine how worried I have been. Did Raph...try anything improper? Because if he did I will..." He clenched his fists. Even if it he took a beating, he would do it.

"No." Leo replied lifting her gaze, abandoning the book. "I mean, we are always at each other's necks, right? I just allowed his leader business to get to me more than it often does, that is all."

"Leo... Are you alright? I mean, you're not hurt or anything?" The purple cladded turtle questioned, considering he had not been able to examine her. "I mean that fight with Raph got kind of-rough."

'You are beautiful.' He thought as his cheeks began to redden under her calm, blue gaze.

"Don, are you alright?" She asked concerned, not liking a bit the odd gaze he gave her.

"Leo, before you say it's instinct or hormonal.... I need you to know that, God! You are beautiful, Leo..." Donatello continued looking at her in the eyes putting one of his hands on her cheek while keeping her hands trapped with the other. "Against my best efforts and I... I think I lo..."

"I love....you too-I-" Leonardo agreees with a nervous smile, backing a bit taking her hands from his grasp.

"Really!" Donnie exclaimed, suddenly hopeful leaning to kiss her.

The turtle painfully realized she was not returning the kiss and was trembling, so he backed off sighing in disappointment. He felt his hands slacken around her's and quickly put his in his lap.

The startled and blushing Leo stuttered backing her head. "Y...yes I love you all. You are my life."

'Not love, love.' The purple cladded turtle realized. 'Friend love. Brotherly love.'

It was small, barely even noticeable, but he had felt it. Leo had grabbed the side of his shell and weakly drawn him towards herself; seemingly deepening the kiss. The news hit his brain as he tried to progress her small, yet gigantic gesture. It was almost too good to be true. Leonardo liked it and was kissing him back!

The kiss earlier, the long, passionate kiss was just a moment of confusion. A mistake she'd probably try and joke with him about later on. The heartbreak he was feeling was nothing like anything he'd experienced with April. He'd never gotten close with her, but he'd gotten so close to Leonardo! He'd felt the warmth of her lips, her hidden, still emerging curves....then got pushed away.

Donatello almost fell as he stumbled off of the bed, looking at her confused face. '"I am a complete idiot, sorry Leo."

"Donnie....?" Leonardo whispers in shock.

The flustered Donnie backed away needing space. Before she could respond, he quickly rushed out of her room. He stormed down the hall, ignoring his brothers' concerned looks and went into his lab, his sanctuary; slamming the door shut. As he sunk down agains the door, he began to cry.

"I'm such an idiot-" Like a pouty child, he rested his head again this knees as his body shook with muffled cries. "Idiot."

.....