Things Change

Epilogue

"Again. Your arms are like limp noodles! Firm, but flexible!" Leonardo commands calmly, to her red haired friend. "You are getting sloppy by the way. You did not feel my presence even once, though I was following you from the exit of the lair."

"Yes, because you are, like, the perfect ninja and I am not nearly as talented as you." April retorted, not getting any of her practiced speech right. "I appreciate you helping me train, but can we just take a break? I can see something is definitely on your mind today."

Leonardo had been helping April train for several days, ever since she'd fallen ill and had gotten bored with sitting around. Although the red head initially just scolded the turtle for training on her 'resting days', she eventually realized she could pick up a few things and had since then, been having daily practice sessions with her.

Lowering her katana as if offended, Leo blushed in embarrassment. "I-I have things going on."

"Do you want to talk about it?" April asks in concern.

The blue cladded turtle shook her head, suddenly feeling the need to lean against the doorway. "I-I-It's just-......They make things so complicated." The human raised her eyebrows in confusion, before the turtle continued. "Don and Raph."

"Do they both...like you?" April inquires with a knowing smile. That latter's heightened blush was the only answer she needed. "Do you like either one? Or-both-?"

'Donnie, he's gentle as a freshly fallen dew, yet he could be as passionate as a conflagrant fire that never extinguished!'

The purple cladded turtle gently soothed her neck, seemingly making the leader whimper from his delicate touch and he gingerly continued to circle the sensitive area further. From further touches he felt the blue cladded turtle trying to push away, however only being able to withdraw for a short time and only for the needed air, before he claimed her lips once again.

Desire overcame him then and Donnie let his tongue run over Leo's lips, eagerly pressing against them and asking for wanted entrance. Slowly, and hesitantly Leo parted her lips and he took his opportunity, first sliding his tongue against Leo's own, tasting the damp muscle and her minty breath before exploring further.

'But then there was Raphael. A lordly lion waiting to prance, the king of the jungle that could never be tamed! But he could be pleased.'

Then suddenly Raphael lunged for her, and downwards they both fell with him steady on top of her plastron and her astonished, but effectively pinned down to the cold cement ground. Leonardo could feel him brushing against her; his legs pinning her down and only ghosting across her inner tights and she shivered as a tingling sensation flowed in her spine.

Leo gasped softly in surprise. "Ah, Raph-"

Raph immediately turned red in embarrassment. "S-sorry."

"I-It's okay. 'S, okay."

"I." Leonardo cut herself off, biting nervously at her lip. "I don't know if I can choose."

.....

"I take it you have a troubled mind, my s-daughter?" Master Splinter questions, starting off the conversation which Leonardo had been meaning to begin herself but couldn't because of doubts that still lingered in her head.

Nonetheless the turtle nodded lightly and shifting her gaze down to the old and worn tatami floor as she let him continue. "Hai, Sensei."

"Very well, and what exactly is it that you have restrained yourself from for this long and not seek out my guidance until now?" The old rat exhaled deeply, and poised himself up on his staff. "Did you think I would not understand whatever troubles your mind, Leonardo?"

It wasn't the usual, calm or tender voice which he used when they talked together, so Leo guessed that's why she didn't dare to move. His voice scared her, and although he was completely calm in form and mind, his eyes pierced her with such intensity that she thought she was to be ripped in two under them. Do all fathers have this effect on their kids?

"No, sensei. I don't think you would understand this." The blue cladded turtle acknowledged, dare to say that she merely made them come out without a stammer following suit. "I'm sorry."

Master Splinter held his hand up, halting the apology. "Do not be sorry for something which you cannot explain or comprehend." He closed his eyes and took another deep breath. "Instead turn to others to guide you, so that you may understand. Now, do you wish to let me help you?"

".....I.I-I haven't been myself lately. It's a strange feeling because I can't concentrate on the things at hand and it keeps getting in the way from important situations such as the many fights we've been having lately." Leonardo lowered her head, letting her hands grip at the edges of the mat she kneeled on. "Ever since everyone found out that I was really a...female, it feels like-Like-"

"Everything has changed to much?"

"....Yes."

The blue cladded turtle stayed silent for a little while longer, before she spoke again. "I'm leaving, Master Splinter."