Raphael x Reader FanFiction (TMNT).

Chapter 4

When you got outside it was just you and Raph. There was a point where the water had risen, you stopped trying to search for the dry area you passed when you entered. Raph must have noticed.

"Here." Without warning he lifted you up, bridal style and you squeaked. You grabbed unto his chest for stability. "Sorry." he obviously meant for startling you. 

"N-No it's okay. Thank you." you didn't have to walk through the water, so you couldn't complain. He kept walking, eyes focused forward. And you were fighting the urge to stare at him. It was hard not to when he was so close to you. He made it to a staircase, the one you used to climb down when you came in. You thought he would put you down so you could walk, but he held you with one hand and climbed up the stairs with the other. When he moved the metal cover, he exited. The flashing lights of New York shining above. This particular entrance was in an alley, so luckily no one would accidentally walk upon you. When he was fully out, he still held you.

"Are you...going to take me all the way home?"

"Of course. It's late. Wouldn't do you any good walking the streets alone." How sweet. He really couldn't help himself.

"Thank you Raph."

He just swiped his thumb along his nose. "Yeah don't mention it. " He really did have the whole tough guy thing down. He was moving easily up and over buildings even with you in tow. When you got to a particularly higher building, you closed your eyes, clutching unto him a little bit tighter than before. Raph noticed, stopping. "Hey, you okay." you nodded, eyes still shut.

"(Y/N), open your eyes, trust me. It's not as scary as you think." you were a bit reluctant, but you obeyed, peeking an eye open. When you saw the view, your eyes widened. You stared in shock.

"Woah...." It was beautiful. The buildings were almost glowing with flashing lights. You could see everything. The skyline was incredible.

"I know. Most of the people in this city just rush by. They don't enjoy how good they have it. This city, it's amazing. "

He spoke so fondly of it, and you knew just how much he cared about the place. It's why they all risked their lives, their safety daily to ensure that peace remained.

"You're amazing.." His eyes drifted from the view, over to you. And at that very moment, you almost stopped breathing. His attention was completely on you.

"Don't look at me like that.." you were confused by his statement. 

"I know how you feel about Leo, you don't have to try so hard to make sure we don't fight."

Wait a second...did he think you were saying this to ensure he and Leo didn't fight. Raph looked away a bit dejectedly. Even though he tried to hide it, you could see the it, the hurt, fear, maybe even rejection. Why the hell did he seem to have such a low view of himself when he was easily one of the greatest people you knew.

"I guess from your point of view it must seem that way. Leo was...he was a lot easier to talk to. That's why I always gravitated to him. I do care about him."

Raph's jaw clenched at that. "But not in the way you think." you added.

"I confided in Leo because he's like my family. I don't have siblings and I guess to me, he's the older brother I always wish I had. Mikey and Donnie are pretty much the same. And you..."

You swallowed, because you just had to say it. You couldn't let him continue to think you felt nothing for him. Especially since you spent so many months practically avoiding him.

"Raph, I'm in love with you." you confessed.

Your heart was pounding crazily. Raph didn't say a word. He just stared at you, for who knows how long.