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“Papa, papa look at this!” A little 13 year old white rabbit said while doing a perfect lunge and swipe with his training sword.
“Excellent form, my boy.” The older and wiser brown rabbit said from the sidelines while folding his hands behind his back and standing in the beautiful gardens behind their traditional Japanese styled home. “Keep it up and one day you might even surpass me.”
“I doubt it, father. You are the best samurai in Japan.” Which is true. His father, Yuichi Daiki, trained his whole life because he wanted to be a samurai and protect people who couldn’t protect themselves. Usagi looked up to his father. I mean who wouldn’t? He is strong, fearless, and a kind, compassionate man. Daiki taught him and his sister how to train in the art of the Samurai so they could protect themselves and one day protect other people. There has been a raging war right now around their area which was in Northern Japan in the Edo period. Father says that they will be safe if they just stick together and stand their ground. His father goes out every night to help yokai against the bad soldiers, who are fighting for destruction instead of peace.
(Chichi= dad) (Onii-San= big brother) (Musume= daughter) (Gijiroku= mom)
“Chichi, Onii-San, mama said dinner is ready!” The younger brown rabbit yelled from the back porch who was Usagi’s little sister, Kitsune.
“Ok, Musume. We will be right there.” Daiki said while turning to his daughter and putting on a bright smile. “Let’s go, Sagi. Gijiroku we'll be upset if we are late for dinner again.” His father was already headed to the porch and waved Usagi to follow him. He immediately left to follow his father, excited for another lesson tomorrow.
Usagi woke up groggily and at first he wasn’t sure what woke him then he heard it. It sounded like a battle was going on downstairs and screams which sounded like his mother. He slowly walked down the hall and stepped on the top step. He bent down and there were enemy soldiers tearing up their house and they had his father in chains. His mother, who was a white rabbit named Aki, was bent down beside Daiki with tears in her eyes. She looked terrified but his father looked stoic and calm. He’s not sure how anyone could be as calm as him.
“Sora wa doko ni aru?” One of the soldiers said angrily while flipping over the couch.
(Where is it?)
“Anata ga sagashite iru mono wa koko ni wa arimasen,” His father said calmly.
(What you seek you will not find here.)
“Omamori o watasanai to, okusan ya kodomo ni nidoto aemasen.”
(If you do not give us the amulet then you will never see your wife or children again.)
His father relented and pointed to a secret passageway that held the bright gold amulet with a ruby in the middle. Usagi had never seen anything like that before but if the enemies want it then it can’t be good.
When the soldiers secured the amulet one of the head soldiers mumbled to one of the other soldiers and they left but one stayed behind. He got a tanto knife from a holster by his hip and before anyone knew what was happening he sliced open his father's neck. All Usagi heard was the sickening squish of his father’s flesh and his mother's heartbroken cries. Usagi couldn’t tell you what was rolling around in his head at the time. All he knew was he would never get another lesson from his papa again. The soldier left as quick as he came and he suddenly saw his mother pick herself up. Wipe the tears from her red, dull eyes. She was heading upstairs but Sagi was too terrified and stunned to move. He just sat there, not blinking, and he was barely breathing. His mother laid eyes on him and she looked even more devastated than before. He didn’t even know that was possible. She got closer to him, grabbed his hand and they headed to his sister’s room.
(musume= daughter)
“Wake up, musume. We have to leave.” Kitsune woke up groggily and looked around where she saw Aki, their mother, then she glanced at Usagi who was beside his mother.
(Gijiroku= mom)
“Gijiroku, what’s going on? Where’s papa?” Kitsune asked while getting up and saw their mother going to put their stuff in a bag. While his mother was doing that he quickly grabbed his father’s book that had a symbol of a katana and armor on the cover which is the symbol for the Samurai. It was full of Samurai techniques and rules that Samurais must follow. His father gave it to him for his 11th birthday when he started to get serious about his training. It was one of his favorite memories.
“No time for questions, we have to leave.” His mother said in a rushed and hurried tone. When Usagi looked at her appearance a little more now that he was processing what just happened he saw that her fur was disheveled and she still had tear marks that remained on her face. It also looked like her eyes were more dull than they usually were. Kitsune probably noticed the same thing. Aki grabbed his hand roughly along with his sister and pulled them downstairs and into the kitchen. It was then that he realized his sister was being a lot quieter than usual but that could be because she was half asleep. She has always been quiet when she first gets up.
“Hana, what are you doing here at 5 in the morning.” Kitsune asked innocently while yawning. Usagi wasn’t sure how Hana knew to come here but he just chalked it up to witch magic. Hana was his mother’s best friend but she is also the village’s witch. Soldiers from their town would go to her if they had a serious injury or needed to be transported somewhere in a hurry. “And where is father? Is he okay?” She said in a more panicked tone. He wished his father would come around the corner and say, ‘everything will be okay as long as we stick together’ but heartbreakingly that never happened.
“Oh honey, you haven’t told her.” Hana asked while looking at Aki and then back at her kids with a heartbroken expression.
(Shin’yu= best friend)
“There was no time. Please shin'yu, you have to make a portal somewhere far away from here.” His mom said while on the verge of tears. Hana took one last look at the Yuichi family then turned around to concentrate on opening the portal. It had a purplish hue and just looking at it made Usagi feel calm and serene. He thinks that was the effect Hana was going for.
“Thank you, shin’yu. I won’t forget this.” His mom went up to her best friend and gave her a hug that lasted longer than it usually did. “Let’s go kids, we have to leave.” Their mama said when she faced her kids again with a more frightened expression than Usagi has ever seen on her. Their mom grabbed hold of their hands and gently tugged them to the portal. While going through the portal Usagi looked down at his father’s book and the first thing on his mind was:
‘Nothing will ever be the same again.'
(3 years later)
It was a nice, calming day in the mystical world of the Hidden City or it would’ve been if a certain teenage ninja turtle wouldn’t have stolen a certain ball from a certain dog yokai.
“Give me back my ball you ninja punk!”
“Yeah, what the dog said Nardo! Give that ball back.”
“Then tell the dog to give me back my comics!” Currently two mutant twins were running away from a big dog named Gus. Bobbing and weaving around buildings and Leo who is trying to get his mystical sword to work. “Dang It! Come on, come on. Just work you stupid sword.” But; unfortunately, neither of them were paying attention; they ran into an abandoned ally and thus hit a dead end.
“‘Let’s go out, have a few pizzas. What’s the worst thing that could happen?’ I knew I should’ve stayed in my lab. My beautiful, beautiful purple lab.” Donnie said remorsefully and angrily while glaring at Leo who was trying to once again get his sword to work.
“Tello, if you think those ramblings and glaring at me will make me go any faster, you would be sorely mistaken.” Leo said while stopping for a moment to glare back at his purple-cald brother then went back to try to make a portal.
“Well if you wouldn’t have thought to bring your comic to a literal pizza place, taunt Gus, then proceed to drop your comic while taunting Gus, then for some reason thought it was such a good idea to steal his ball because he had your comic we wouldn’t be in this predicament, now would we.” Donnie ranted while Leo finally opened the portal and immediately went inside. Donnie followed after him while fuming.
“Okay so that may have been a poor choice but I didn’t get back my comic so who really lost here?” Leo asked while giving Donnie a smug smile and putting back his sword in his holster. Leo and Donnie were standing in the med bay because that was (for some reason) the first place he thought of. “And at least we finished the pizza before that… whole situation happened.” Donnie just rolled his eyes and started heading back to the sanctuary of his lab.
But then he turned back to face Leo, “You are the leader now, Nardo. You really need to start acting like it,” and then after a pause he said, “are you ever going to give that dog back his ball?” Donnie asked while already knowing the answer.
“Oh sure, if he gives me back my comic. Bygones and all that.” Leo said while tossing the ball back and forth in his hands trying to act all nonchalant over being called out for not being leaderly enough. He gets enough of it from Raph, thank you very much.
“Hey Sagi, mom said… what are you doing?” The now 13 year old Kitsune asked while sporting a white blouse that had a monsho on her chest and a skirt that had cherry blossoms printed on it with her ears tied up with a pink scrunchy. She was watching Usagi look out his bedroom window. Her brother looked back at her with a perplexed look.
“There was this dog? I guess, chasing these creatures. I couldn’t see what they looked like, though.” He said while looking out of his window to see if he could see them again. “The Hidden City is weird.” He was wearing a blue kimono and had his embroidered monsho on his chest like his sister but unlike his sister he doesn't have his ears tied. It makes him uncomfortable and it’s harder to hear enemies that might be coming his way.
“Sagi, we've lived here for three years and you’re just now figuring this out?” Kitsune said with a bewildered expression while crossing her arms. She still remembers the first day they came to the Hidden City and when her mom explained that their dad was dead. It was pretty traumatic but they got through it. All except one person. “Well anyways mom said dinner is ready.”
“I’m not hungry.” Usagi said with a matter of fact tone hoping that will make his sister leave but he knew she wouldn’t give up that easily. He then plopped down on his bed and grabbed one of his favorite comics from under his bed. He became obsessed with comic books when they moved here. Being able to vanish inside of a world that wasn’t your own was like magic and he knew a thing or two about magic.
Kitsune immediately got this angry, frustrated look she always seems to wear when talking to him. “You need to eat or you’ll pass out like you did last time.”
“That was one time, a year ago. I’m fine now.” Kitsune just sighed and went to sit down next to him.
(Chichi= dad) (Gijiroku= mom)
“Sagi, I love you. You’re my big brother. I have always looked up to you and did what you say because you always know best but not this time. You are hurting your health and I can’t just sit by and watch you self-destruct.” Kitsune said in the most sympathizing and heartbroken tone Usagi has ever heard in her voice. Usagi dropped his comic book when he realized she had tears in her eyes. “When Chichi d…died, that hurt me in a way that I’ve never been hurt before. But Gijiroku and I, we pushed past it and we found a way to live in this new unfamiliar world that we now called our home but you…” She stopped and looked away biting her lip. He knew what she wanted to say but she just couldn’t get out the words. That he gave up. When his father died a piece of himself died too. By this point Kitsune was now fully sobbing and Usagi didn’t waste any time wrapping her in his arms. “It feels like I lost you, too.”
“You didn’t, you didn’t, okay. I’m right here.” Usagi said desperately trying to console his little sister with a guilty expression for making her feel this way. “I promise I’ll try to get better. I’ll eat more, I’ll go out, and make friends. It will be great.” He said trying to sound enthusiastic but he knew it sounded fake, even to his own ears.
“Ok, let's get dinner.” Kitsune said suddenly while getting up and wiping away her tears. Usagi was kind of confused how she could just change the conversation so easily after everything they’ve talked about but Usagi wasn’t really keen on talking more about it anyways. He got up and followed Kitsune. He will do everything in his power to make his little sister happy including eating. Usagi stopped eating the first week they moved into the Hidden City. His mom and sister didn’t really notice because they had a lot on their minds during that time and when they started to get better they realized how skinny Usagi was.
Usagi didn’t want to completely stop eating. It’s just he never had an appetite. All he could think about was that he was never going to have another meal with his father. His mom and Kitsune tried to get him to eat and he tried, he really did but it didn’t feel right forcing himself to eat. He would go days staying in his room and not coming out. Training non stop with his father’s Samurai book but little did he know that training and not eating was only making his health decline faster. He started going down this path until a year when he passed out because of not getting enough food in his body. It wasn’t life threatening but it was scary for everyone involved. After that he always meant to get better but there were still days where he stopped eating completely and his mom was at a loss for what to do.
But now he told his sister he was going to eat and that’s just what he planned on doing if not for him then for his family because he will do anything to make them happy.
“So Usagi, how about tomorrow you can explore the Hidden City.” You might think by his mom’s tone of voice that she was asking if he wanted to explore the Hidden City but she wasn’t. She was telling. Him and his family were currently sitting at their kitchen table with some simple vegetable stew and bread.
“Yeah sure mom. I’ll go out tomorrow.” He said with a resigned tone. Kitsune and his mom looked happy and excited and he wished he could feel the same way. He took little nibbles of his bread and small sips of his stew. Going slowly was key and at least he was trying.
So this wasn’t the ideal situation for Usagi. He really wishes he could just stay in his room and practice new techniques that will make him faster and stronger but going out in the Hidden City was the last place he wanted to be but he promised his sister and mother. A promise is a promise. So he grabbed his phone and some cash and made his way to the front door.
“Be careful honey and try to make some friends.” His mother called from the kitchen. He just replied with a quick, “okay” and he was outside for the first time since they got to the Hidden City three years ago. The first thing he saw was a cat and what looked to be a rhino yokai passing by his house. He took a deep breath and started walking in a random direction. It was busy and he was extremely overwhelmed. There were Yokai getting into his personal space, and the only thing he wanted at that moment was his handy dandy katanas but unfortunately for him his mother forbade him to bring them. Something about weapons not being a good way of making friends, or something like that. He wasn’t really paying attention.
He passed by some stands and carts that were selling ancient artifacts and yokai type foods that Usagi never really cared for. Then he passed by an interesting looking pizza place that looked packed if the see through windows were anything to go by. His curiosity got the best of him and he finally made the decision to walk up to the door and open it. Just as he expected it was packed and in the middle of all the chaos there was a skeleton yokai going to the tables to take orders and then going into the kitchen to then come out a few seconds later with food in his hands. It looked like he was understaffed.
‘Maybe, I can get a job here. It could provide a good distraction so I don’t have to think about my problems.’ Usagi thought while already making his way over to the bone yokai. He walked up to the yokai who was standing at the cash register with a frustrated face.
(Esta estupidez nunca funciona= this dumb shit never works)
“Esta estupidez nunca funciona.” He was mumbling while banging on the register, not even looking up to acknowledge Usagi. He had no idea what that bone yokai said but it didn’t sound good.
“Uh excuse me sir. I would like to apply for a job if–”
“Fine fine, my name is Senior Heuso, I'm the owner and you start today. Here take this and go to any table that looks unhappy.” He said in a rush and he handed him a pad and pen to write orders down and then went to the kitchen probably to grab some more food. So that’s just what Usagi did. He went to table after table getting anything that they needed and took their orders. He continued to do this for 4 hours and he didn’t once think about his past.
“Hey, my name is Usagi. I will be your waiter this evening. What would you like?” He asked with a pen and pad to take their orders but he couldn’t stop glancing at the cute turtle with a blue mask. Who was also not so subtly glancing back at him, as well. So he just tried to focus on writing down the orders that the other turtles at that table gave. Then it was the blue masked turtle’s turn.
“Oh uh my order right. I would like uh some kyoshi noodles with a side of your number.” Usagi just stood there stunned. That was bold and he kind of liked it. His heart was beating a mile a minute. Then he just tilted his head and started giggling.
“Oh uh sure I’ll bring that right out for you guys.” Usagi said with a smile showing his buck teeth and left to go to the kitchen. When he glanced back he saw that cute stranger banging his head on the table.
He actually likes him.
When he gave the cooks their orders and proceeded to help other yokais he couldn’t get that turtle out of his mind but their food was ready so now was his chance. He got out his pad and wrote his number on it then grabbed their food and made his way to the table. He gave the turtle his number and the blue-clad turtle cutely grinned.
“My name is Usagi Yuichi, by the way.” He said with a tint of red on his cheeks.
‘God what was this cute turtle doing to me?’
“Oh my name is Leonardo but you can just call me Leo.” The turtle now called Leo said with shyness in his tone and a smile. The rabbit just nodded with a gleam in his eyes and walked away to do his job but all he wanted to do was get to know Leonardo.
When his first shift was finally over he walked home still thinking about that turtle. He doesn’t know why he was affected this much. He has never really had crushes before or ever had this much desire to just talk to someone that wasn’t his family. He was scared of what this might mean. He has spent three years refusing to move on with his life because how could he when his dad wasn’t in it to share it with him but this, this feels right. Like something that is supposed to happen. Maybe his dad is looking down upon him and giving him the push he needs or it’s really time to be happy but he is going to give this a shot.
And that doesn't make him as guilty as he thought.
When he walked through the front door of his house he received a text:
‘Hey, this is Leo. We met at Run of The Mill Pizza, remember? I wanted to know if you maybe wanted to meet up sometime? Go out to eat or something? If you want?’ Usagi smiled.
He sported the biggest grin he has had since his dad died and it felt good to do so. He took a deep breath and typed while still standing at the entrance.
‘Yeah, of course I remember you, Leonardo. The turtle that likes Kyoshi noodles. I would love to go out with you. Maybe we can go to the Hidden City movie theaters and go out for lunch after. If you want?’ Usagi sent it without hesitation and looked up where his sister just appeared out of nowhere.
“Why are you smiling?” Kitsune asked while tilting her head. “Who are you texting? Is it someone you like? What’s their name? Give me all the details.” She asked with excitement and bounced around her brother. Usagi just rolled his eyes and walked further into this house and plopped down on the couch with his phone still in his hand waiting for Leo to text him back. This is the first time that he has not retreated into his room and Kitsune immediately took note of that little detail.
“It’s just someone I met at my job.” Usagi said without providing any details and still staring at his phone.
“You got a job too. Wow, I didn’t expect you to get out of your shell so fast.” Kitsune said with an impressed tone and crossed her arms.
But before Usagi could respond to his annoying little sister his phone went off.
‘Yeah, that sounds great. Do you want to meet at the theaters or I can come to your house so we can walk there together?’ Usagi giggled and started typing with his sister looking at him like he had finally lost it. ‘We can walk there together so we can get to know each other a little better, if you want?’ This time Leo texted him back right after he sent that.
‘Yeah, that would be nice. I can’t wait to get to know you better and show you my amazing charm.’
‘I expect nothing less.’ He texted with a winking face at the end. Then he texted Leo his address. The rabbit thought that would be the end of the conversion but Leo texted him again then Usagi texted him right back and they went back and forth for hours not even bothering to look at the clock. After the first few texts were exchanged Kitsune just shrugged and left the two love birds alone.
Usagi eventually went to his room to lay down on his bed so he could get comfortable. When he sat down Leo called him and explained it’s much easier talking then texting and Usagi agreed. During that phone call Usagi learned that Leo’s favorite color is blue (naturally), he has a rat dad which he followed up with a (long story), he has an older human sister that he also followed with a (long story), he has an older brother, a twin that is a few minutes older than him which he despises that fact and a younger brother. Usagi also learned about all their names and that he and his family are ninjas. So apparently this turtle he likes so much isn’t too concerned with relaying personal information but at the end of the day (at least with Leo) Usagi isn't too concerned with that either. So he told him about how he lives with his sister and mother and their names, his favorite color is green, and that he is a samurai but he followed that up with how Samurais and Ninjas are supposed to be sworn enemies but the white rabbit has always thought that was stupid. Leo promptly agreed with him.
The one piece he didn’t tell him, however, is what happened to his dad. He thinks that is a second date type of information to reveal. They talked on the phone for hours until he could hear from the other line Leo’s eldest brother yell at him to hang up the phone and his twin followed that up by saying “yeah, your whole life story is not something you want to hear at 2 O’clock in the morning!” After that they said their goodbys and hung up. Usagi was still grinning ear to ear and got situated in his bed. He started slowly dozing off . His mind for the first time in 3 years was clear of his past.
“How about this? Does this look good?”
“Leo, will you stop stressing?”
“Maybe I should go casual?” Donnie just rolled his eyes and sighed. Leo was currently standing in front of his full length mirror in his train cart trying on different clothes to wear on his date. Most of which were not appropriate for a date because he only owned one nice shirt. Donnie, however, was leaning against the wall of the train cart beside the entrance crossing his arms and making the most judgemental face he could muster.
“Nardo, I’m sure he won’t care what you’re wearing so just relax. If it causes you so much stress then just don’t wear anything. It’s not like we need to wear clothes.”
“Fine, fine. I’ll just go casual.” Leo said with a defeated tone and threw the nice shirt on his bed.
“Hey, are you ready for your date?” Mikey came in with excitement and needlessly effencising the word “date”.
“Yeah, I think so. How do I look?” The blue-cald turtle asked even though he looked relatively the same as he always did while fully facing his brothers so they could have a better view of him.
“Like a million bucks.” His little brother said with a bright smile and gave a thumb’s up.
“Like you might not mess this up, surprisingly.” The genius mumbled which earned a glare from Leo and a shove from Mikey.
“Leo, I think you should be leaving now.” Raph informed him while coming into the room to join his brothers.
“Oh right, well wish me luck.” Leo said with a wave and a smile that his brothers could see right through. He grabbed his sword and was about to create one of his signature portals when his slightly older twin stopped him.
“But in all seriousness Nardo, I think you will do great.” Donnie said with a softer look that should be foreign on his usually stoic face but ever since the ex-boyfriend situation Donnie has been a lot more softer towards Leo then usual.
The blue-clad turtle at first mistook the softness as pity and so by default he hated that softness in Donnie’s eyes or in all of his brother’s eyes for that matter but over time he realized it wasn’t pity. Just a new found understanding of his loud, eccentric, dramatic slightly younger twin brother and so now that look makes Leo feel seen and heard. Something tells Leo that his older twin is trying to convey that level of understanding now even after all these months have passed. Leo was doing better but he would still have his days and Donnie–and the rest of his family–understood that. At the end of the day that’s all he could ask for.
So now standing in his room with his brothers. Alive and strong he doesn't take that look or that slight reassurance that was so rare for Donnie to give out as anything more than a brother seeing him. So he smiled, nodded his head, took a deep breath, and took that leap of faith that everything will get better. That he can take this forming relationship with Usagi and make it good. He sliced through the air and stepped through the blue aura of the portal. With full confidence that no matter what happens with Usagi he is better for it.
There was laughter that could be heard coming from the entrance of the Hidden City movie theaters. Laughter that was so contagious that any passer byer immediately smiled.
“Did you see how big that thing was and the way it took out the villian no problem?” Usagi asked while erratically waving his arms while laughing. This is the most fun he has had in a long time. He doesn't want this day to end.
“Yeah, and the way it completely wiped out that virus. It was so badass!” Leo exclaimed while also waving around his arms that he may or may not have gotten from Donnie. The duo was walking down the streets of the Hidden City on their way to a fancy restaurant that Leo made reservations for. Usagi just giggled at that and voiced his agreement. He wanted to hold the turtle's hand but he thought it was too soon. But before he knew it Leo grabbed his hand softly and looked back at him with a grin and mischievous glint in his eyes.
They kept on walking so close together that their shoulders were touching. They were talking the whole about the movie and other side tangents about what they hate or like.
“Wait, wait, wait you like Jupiter Jim too?” Leo had to stop walking when he learned that information so he could process it.
“I mean of course, who doesn't.”
“Ok, say your favorite Jupiter Jim movie on three.” Leo said suddenly while still holding Usagi’s hand and the white rabbit tucked away how that made him feel for later.
“1…2…3…” The blue-clad turtle started.
“Jupiter Jim and the fight for Uranium.” They said in unison and immediately started laughing.
“Where have you been all my life? My mom and sister hate the movies and Lou Jitsu.” The white rabbit said with admiration and had this sudden urge to kiss him but that Usagi knew it was way too soon.
“Wait, you like Lou Jitsu too? That’s amazing! My brothers like the movies but they hate any of the movies that I like so I have to always watch them alone.” Leo said with excitement “Maybe we could watch them together sometime?” The slider said with hesitation and shyness in his voice while rubbing his neck.
“Yeah, I would love that.” With that they just stared at each other softly not realizing they were having a moment in the middle of the Hidden City street. Until Leo broke it off and started tugging Usagi to the restaurant both laughing and holding hands the whole way.
“I’m so sorry I forgot to make a reservation.” Leo said on the verge of tears.
“Hey, it’s okay we can just eat at Run Of the Mills. They have amazing pizza anyways.” They were currently sitting on the bench outside the restaurant. He didn’t really know why Leo looked so upset. It was an honest mistake but he will make him feel better, regardless, if it’s the last thing he does. The rabbit reached out to rub Leo’s arm as a form of reassurance. He didn’t know if it would help but by the way Leo flinched it probably didn’t help. So the samurai retracted the touch and started fiddling his fingers not knowing what to do. Which only made Leo want to cry harder.
“I’m sorry I’m ruining our date.” Leo said, taking off his mask so he could rub his tear filled eyes.
“No, you’re not ruining anything.” Usagi said with an adamant tone that the blue-banded turtle actually believed him. Leo nodded his head and went to stand up. “Away to Run Of The Mill we go.” Leo said with mock happiness and Usagi may have only known this turtle for two days but he could tell he was faking. Usagi just smiled anyway.
“Is it okay if I…?” Usagi asked while gesturing to Leo’s hand to help finish his sentence. He would have just grabbed it but he didn’t want Leo to flinch again. That was a horrible feeling. Leo grinned slightly which was now a genuine smile and nodded. Usagi grabbed his hand and they turned in the direction of Run Of The Mill Pizza.
Usagi walked through the door of his house and was immediately bombarded with questions from his sister and mother.
“Did you have fun on your date?”
“What did you guys do?”
“Did you guys kiss?”
“Tell us everything.” His mom and sister said while overlapping each other. Usagi just ignored them and plopped down on the couch.
“Yes, we had fun and no we didn’t kiss. It’s only our first date.” Usagi said while going to pick up his Jupiter Jim comic that he left on the living room counter.
“Well, are you going to give us the details?” Kitsune asked while walking closer to the couch and crossing her arms.
“It was really fun and I had a great time. There really isn’t much to tell.” Usagi just smiled slightly and went back to his comic then a minute later he sighed, “ok fine we held hands and talked about all our favorite things. Did you know he loves Jupiter Jim like me? I mean we have so much in common.” Sagi rambled on and on because truth be told he really did want to talk about his new boyfriend. This was the happiest he has been in years and he wants to share it with his family. He just wished his dad was here to see it. He still missed him but today was good and that’s all he could ask for. More good days like this.
When he was done talking about all things Leo his mom came over to the couch and sat down beside her son.
(musuko= son)
“I’m so happy for you, musuko. I know things have been hard for you but you deserve to be happy.” His mom said with a sincere tone. She rubbed his head which in turn pushed his ears down and kissed his forehead then went to the kitchen to start on dinner. Kitsune, however, gave him an approving smirk and walked to her room.
Usagi just smiled and went back to reading his comic but he couldn’t stop thinking. He feels bad that he feels so good without his dad. He never blamed his sister and mother for smiling and having fun without Daiki but for some reason Usagi felt guilty and he hated it. He wished his dad was here. It’s not like he stopped missing him but he still had a good day with Leo and he was looking forward to seeing him again. Was that so wrong? He just wants to be and feel normal again. Before his dad died but then again he would have never met Leo. Why couldn't he just have both? He took his phone from his pockets and glanced at the time. He realized it has been 4 hours since he last ate. He just sighed and tried to focus on what was happening in his comic.
“Usagi, dinner is ready.” His mom called from the kitchen.
“Oh, sorry Leo and I ate right before I came home so I’m not hungry.” Usagi called back while getting up and heading to his room to start training again. What he didn’t see was his mom looking back at him from the kitchen with a concerned expression.
(3 weeks later)
RING RING RING
The white rabbit just moaned and hit his phone’s snooze button harder than necessary. He rubbed his eyes and started to get up for work but immediately felt dizzy and had to steady himself on his desk beside his bed.
So he may or may not have eaten since his first date with Leo. He just couldn’t. He had no appetite and every time he was happy with Leo on one of their many dates it would become even harder for him to eat. He just felt so guilty. He doesn't think there is any need to tell his mom and Kitsune. They don’t need to be worried and he can’t tell Leo because he obviously has a lot on his mind what with flinching everytime Usagi touches him without warning. He still doesn’t know what that is all about and he does not want to put his nose where it didn’t belong. He is worried about him but he doesn't want to rush Leo to talk about something he doesn't want to talk about. He knows first hand what that's like. If Leo comes to him then he will listen but that has to be his boyfriend's choice and he will respect that. But for now they will go at Leo’s pace.
When the room finally stopped spinning he took a deep breath and walked to his dresser where he got out his blue kimono and he then walked to the bathroom that was in the middle of his bedroom and his sister’s room. He put on his clothes and brushed his teeth. Today was worse for some reason. Usually if he is doing certain things like getting up too quickly or training then he will start to feel dizzy but today that’s all he felt. That feeling wouldn’t go away. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and he had bags under his eyes. Which was weird because with all of the unhealthy coping mechanisms he has acquired not sleeping wasn’t one of them. He looked sweaty and his breathing was ragged. Maybe taking a shower would make him feel better but he was already late for work and Hueso hated when employees were late. He would call in sick but he needed the money. He saw a really cute rabbit charm that attached to swords. He was planning on giving it to Leo as a way to show how much he appreced him. But it was 50 dollars and he didn’t have the money right now.
He rubbed his temple to try to make the headache go away but of course it didn’t work. He stood up straighter and made his way out of the bathroom where the smell of eggs and bacon became known to him. How he missed that when he got out of his room he had know idea. It was overwhelming and he gagged on the verge of actually throwing up but Kitsune and his mom would be able to hear it with their innate sense of hearing.
‘Rabbits’ Usagi thought while rolling his eyes and begrudgingly making his way to the kitchen. All eyes were on him in an instant which made him want to crawl back in his room so he just sighed and went with it.
“Sorry I can’t eat. I’m already super late.” When they opened their mouths to protest he held up his hands and added, “I’ll eat some pizza when I get there, promise.” He knew it was a lie but they didn’t need to know that.
He then ran to his room to grab his phone that was left abandoned on the dresser and his katanas that were played in their holsters on his dresser by his dad’s book. He took a second look at the book in a sort of trance. Then he shook his head and made his way out the door before his sister and mother could say anything to him. When he successfully made it out he started walking in the direction of “Run of The Mill Pizza''. He would have ran considering how late he is but he knew he would just pass out and that is the last thing he needed. When he made it there it was packed like always but this time he wasn’t there to help. He had to push his way past the many Yokais and finally made it to the counter where Hueso was looking pissed.
“Took you long enough. Any second later and I would have fired you.” The skeleton Yokai said still looking mad while customers were giving him money and he put them in the cash register.
“I know. I’m so sorry but I’ll make it up to you. I’ll even work over time.”
“Unfortunately, you can’t do that because you are still a minor and I don’t want to have to repeat my time in jail but your pay will get cut in a half.” Hueso said while handling the register in an unfriendly manner. “Well, what are you waiting for? Vamonos, get to work.” Usagi just nodded and went to the kitchen so he could read the customers’ orders and went to cook them. He had to stop every few minutes because his head was still spinning and the smoke wasn’t doing anything to help him. He pushed on no matter how much he wanted to just lay down or the smoke was making him wheeze. He just pushed on because that’s all he could do at the moment.
But in hindsight that was probably a mistake.
“Hurry up ‘Tello. Usagi’s shift is almost over.”
“Tell me again why I have to come and watch you make lovey dovey eyes with your boyfriend? You can go alone.” The soft shell exclaimed with an exasperated tone while following Leo out of the lair.
“Because I need someone to talk to while I’m on my way there and since you are my favorite twin you have the honor of keeping me company.” Leo said with a bit of pep in his step and smiling. He was obviously excited about seeing Usagi again even though they talked on the phone all the time. But Donnie was happy for him. For all of his complaining it really was nice seeing Leo happy again. They made it to the ladder and Leo went first while Donnie followed. Then they went up to the roof and stood on the edge.
“And tell me again why you can’t just use your sword to portal there?”
“Because it’s nice to just take a moment and see the sights.” Leo said while they were looking out at the busy and smoggy city below.
“What sights?” His slightly younger twin just playfully rolled his eyes and started running to the direction of the many portals for the Hidden City which so happened to be a dumpster.
“I can’t wait to see him. Do you think he will be surprised?” The slider asked with a gleam in his eyes when they got to the dumpster portal.
“Well considering you come by the restaurant every time he is working then I would have to go with a no. He will not be surprised.” Donnie said while crossing his arms while Leo activated the portal the way Hueso showed him.
He just laughed lightly and said, “oh right, he probably won’t be surprised.” Donnie’s face immediately went from an annoyed and a ‘I really don’t want to be here’ expression to a more softer look. Little brothers will do that to you.
They went inside the portal and walked to the restaurant which wasn’t that far and walked in. The restaurant wasn’t as packed as it usually was. There were only like three people sitting at the tables and they looked like they were from the same party.
“Hey welcome to–” Usagi started while looking down at his pad then he looked up and met Leo’s eyes. Both of which were smiling and had gleams in their expressions but for all of Donnie’s observant abilities he could tell there was something off with the white rabbit and he could tell his observant brother picked up on it as well if his slight frown was anything to go by. But Sagi didn’t seem to notice how worried the atmosphere suddenly got. “Hey Leonardo I’m so glad to see you.” The rabbit said with a genuinely happy expression that was undercut with how exhausted he looked.
“Hey bun bun. Are you doing okay? Are you sick?” Leo asked with a really worried tone and walked closer to his boyfriend so he could hold his hand.
“Oh yeah I’m fine. We have just been packer than usual but luckily the crowd finally died down.” The samurai said while squeezing Leo’s hand as a way to reassure him. But Donnie could tell that was a lie. Usagi looked like he was about to pass out at any moment.
“Usagi, what’s taking so long? These plates won’t serve themselves.” Hueso said from the kitchen and the rabbit looked at the direction of the voice then back at Leo.
“Oh sorry Kame. I can’t talk right now but when my shift gets over we can hang out, Okay?” Leo just nodded and his boyfriend let go of his hand so he could go to the kitchen much to Leo’s dismay.
“Am I crazy or is something definitely wrong with him?” Leo asked his genius brother hoping he would know what was going on. Donnie didn’t have an answer to that, however, to ease Leo’s worries. Then when Usagi came out of the kitchen he tripped on his feet and barely held onto the plates. That wasn’t really that concerning because for a rabbit he is pretty clumsy but what was concerning was the fact he stopped moving when he eventually got his footing and was swaying while breathing hard. Then the moment Usagi’s eyes went back into his head and started to crash down Leo immediately sprung into action and got him so he wouldn’t hurt himself. The whole scene played in slow motion and when everything sped up Leo was on the ground with Usagi in his arms trying to get him to wake up.
“Sagi, Sagi? Donnie, get a towel and wet it with warm water.” Leo said in a rush already slipping into medic mood. “Usagi, please wake up.” Hueso came out of the kitchen to see what all the ruckus was when his eyes glanced at Usagi then Leo who looked like he was on the verge of tears. “Okay, okay this is fine.” Leo mumbled trying to keep himself calm. Logically he knew he just passed out and since thanks to Leo he didn’t hit his head he should be fine but he has no idea what caused this. When Hueso walked up closer to them not knowing what to do Leo took note of him. “Hueso you should probably call his mom and tell her what happened.” The slider tried to keep his voice from cracking but unfortunately he failed. The skeleton just nodded and met eyes with the three other customers looking over the scene.
(Fuera= leave)
“Fuera, fuera this restaurant is closed.” Hueso said while showing them out. They looked upset but Leo hardly cared. The bone Yokai then went to the entrance where the restaurant phone was hanging on the wall.
Donnie came out of the kitchen and put the damp rag over Usagi’s head. After a few silent tense moments the rabbit groggily woke up and looked around with exhaustion etching his features.
“Oh thank god!” Leo exclaimed while hugging his boyfriend, “don’t ever do that to me again.” Usagi just smiled slightly and tried to get up but Leo and Donnie stopped him.
“Leo, I’m fine, I just tripped.” Usagi lied which earned an annoyed expression from Leo. “I can’t believe you are trying to lie to me, right now. We both know you didn’t trip.” The blue-banded said with a single tear slipping down his check.
“Oh Leo don’t cry. I’m fine.” Usagi said, trying and failing to wipe away Leo’s tears. He hated that he was the cause of this. Leo just shook his head.
“No, you’re not. When was the last time you ate.”
“I don’t see why that matters.” When Leo and Donnie each gave him a ‘no bull shit’ look he just gave a resigned sigh and so for Leo he decided to tell the truth.
“Okay, but can we go somewhere private, alone?” Usagi asked with a small voice and as an afterthought he added, “nothing personal, Donnie.” When the purple-banded turtle shrugged his shoulders and gave a reassuring smile he figured he understood.
Leo stood up first then held his hand out for Usagi to take. When he was pulled up he started swaying but Leo kept him steady and continued to hold his hand. They walked to the Huesos office and Leo sat Usagi down on a wooden bench. The slider didn’t want to pressure him so he just waited patiently for his boyfriend to start the conversation. Usagi would open his mouth then close it then open it again until he finally just rolled his eyes and sighed clearly frustrated that he didn’t know where to start so Leo decided to help him.
“Just start talking about anything and maybe what’s bothering you will just come out naturally without you realizing it.” Leo said softly and went to grab the rabbit’s hand. Usagi signed again and nodded.
“I started seriously training when I was 11. My dad would give me tips and words of wisdom that I would follow. Training became the highlight of my day.” When Usagi started talking he had this gleam in his eyes reminiscing about a life long gone. “You would think training was hard but it wasn’t. My dad made it fun and whenever we were done no matter how late it would be we would go into the kitchen and he would cook me some of my favorite meals that also happened to be his favorite meals to cook.” He had tears in his eyes but he refused to let them fall. “He would teach me how to cook and we would laugh for hours just goofing around. Once after we got done cooking a particularly hard meal the kitchen was a mess but we were so tired so we just left it but we made a plan to clean up the next day but before we got a chance mom came into the kitchen and she was furious. It was so funny. I had no idea her face could get that red. Dad obviously took the blame.” He started giggling which made Leo tilt his head and smile.
“Yeah, training was fun but cooking was amazing.” He signed and looked down with a saddened expression which made Leo squeeze his hand again to make sure Usagi knew he wasn’t alone. “Did you know that he was murdered three years ago?” He said suddenly while looking in Leo’s eyes with a furious expression that took Leo back a bit. “He was a samurai so he knew a lot of valuable information and I witnessed it. Kitsune didn’t because she was still asleep but I did and so did mom. It was awful. I trained harder after that night so I could protect my family the way I couldn’t protect him. I just froze. After all my training I just…froze.” Usagi shook his head like he was trying to get rid of the memory but then continued,
“After that night I realized we did more cooking and eating than actual training. If I had just trained harder instead then maybe I could stop it from happening.” Leo just shook his head and was about to speak but Usagi just went on, “So eating after it happened and now feels wrong. It feels like I don’t…deserve it, I guess?” He said crying and struggling to form words to explain what he was going through. “But when we met I felt better than I have since it happened. But everytime we would hang out and I would smile or laugh I felt guilty for having fun because I don’t deserve to be happy, not when my dad isn’t here.” Leo put his hand on his check to rub his tears and looked straight at his eyes.
“I may have not met your dad but he wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself. To punish yourself. Every time you are eating you shouldn’t think about the meals he will never make for you again but instead how fun you did have with him and sherish that not by not eating but by cooking the meals your father made and honor him the way he would want. You don’t deserve any of this, please believe me when I say that.” Leo said with a sincere and loving tone. Usagi then burst into tears and Leo held on to him not letting go and if Sagi’s mom found them in Hueso’s office holding each other and signs of tear marks still left on Usagi’s face then nobody mentioned it.
“Who’s ready for popcorn?” Leo said with a smug grin making his way to the living room.
“Oh I am!” His little brother said with excitement spreading out on Usagi’s legs being annoying like a little brother does. Usagi didn’t seem to mind, however.
“Mikey, you weren’t invited. We are having a date and you don’t want to be the third wheel now do you?” The slider said with an exasperated tone while putting one hand on his hips and the other was holding the bowl.
“Oh come one Leo I have nothing else to do.” His little brother said while making his cursed puppy dog eyes and unlucky for him they always work on his brothers but apparently not just on them.
“It’s fine, Leo. He can stay.” Usagi said with an even bigger smug smile than Leo’s (he didn’t even know that was possible) and patted Mikey on his head who looked at him with admiration in his eyes. The blue-banded turtle just signed and took up the seat next to his boyfriend so he could snuggle up to him and Mikey for all the hints his older brother gave him just plopped on the floor and leaned on one of Usagi’s legs who just smiled more. God, Leo really likes him. For all of his complaining it’s nice that his boyfriend actually has a relationship with his brothers and doesn't mind that they are around. Honestly, that just makes him hotter because he and his brothers are a packaged deal. The Yokai that shall not be named never wanted to hang out with his brothers and always looked annoyed when they were around but not Usagi.
“You okay Leonardo.”
‘Oh shoot, was I staring? Play it cool, play it cool.’
“Yep totally fine.” Leo said in a rush with an awkward laugh. ‘Nailed it.’ “What are we watching? Jupiter Jim Sails the Seven Galaxies, Jupiter Jim and the Tale of the Lost Nordock, oh or Jupiter Jim and the Last Wishing Star. The last one is my favorite.” His brother rambled off while moving his hands for emphasis. While this was going Usagi got a big handful of popcorn and shoved it in his mouth which Leo immediately took note of considering what happened last week.
“Nope, we are watching Jupiter Jim and the Fight for Uranium.” Mikey just gave a whine and a pout. “Hey, you don’t have to watch. You could go somewhere else.” But Mikey just stayed quiet and looked attentively at the screen. Which was weird because one Mikey never looked not distracted at something unless he really enjoyed it (adhd will do that to you) and two he didn’t keep on complaining. Usually he would rattle off reasons why we shouldn’t watch this movie with puppy dog eyes for extra measure but Leo just shrugged and snuggled up closer to his rabbit boyfriend who in turn wrapped his arm around Leo and snuggled in close as well. Nothing could ruin this moment until of course his annoying brothers came barging in.
“What are we watching?” Donnie said making a dramatic entrance and they said the slider was dramatic.
“Your least favorite show, now leave.” Leo said with a monotone voice totally done with his brother’s bull shit.
“Naw, it's okay Leo, this movie isn’t that bad.” Raph said while going to sit his big frame on the other side of Usagi which made them slide in that direction to Leo’s annoyance and Usagi’s giddiness. I guess he just loved the chaotic behavior that were his brothers. The slider just rolled his eyes and resigned himself to his fate. Donnie got on the ground with Mikey and took a handful of popcorn which earned a playful gasp from his twin.
‘Brothers, can’t live with them and can’t live without them.’ Leo thought while getting some popcorn before it was inevitable all gone. He looked at Usagi and he still looked happy with that cute smile. He resumed his snuggled up position with his boyfriend and laughed at the stupid things Jupiter Jim and his crew were doing again.
He loves these days. He wishes they could stay like this forever and nothing would change.
It was a beautiful sunny day in the Hidden City. Yokai going to work and children playing in the streets. In the middle of it all was a white rabbit samurai in training and his brown rabbit sister. They were currently late for endeavors they made beforehand with two turtle brothers.
“Come one Sagi, hurry up. Mikey told me he would finally show me his artwork he has been creating for two weeks.” Kitsune said while running to one of the many portals to New York, her brother quickly followed behind.
“Yeah, I’m coming.” Usagi said in a rush trying to catch up to his sister. He was supposed to go to Leo’s place so they could hang out but his mom wanted to talk with him first and he wasn’t going to turn that down. His sister apparently made plans to meet up with Mikey so she could see his artwork. They have gotten closer since their brothers started which makes sense considering they are around the same age. They love hanging out and talking about the intricacies of art. They apparently have a lot in common. But they have assured their families that it is strictly platonic. They finally made it down to the sewers and Kitsune started running again. How she had so much energy he had know idea. He was getting better with that whole passing out situation a few weeks and he started eating more. He even learned some of his father’s cooking recipes that he plans to surprise Leo with on their next date.
When they made it to the entrance Kitsune headed to Mikey’s room and Sagi went to Leo’s room which he assumed he would be.
“Hey, Leo.” The rabbit said while walking in Leo’s train cart. His turtle boyfriend was currently reading what looked to be one of his favorite comics. Leo lit up when he saw Usagi.
“Oh hey, you had me worried. I thought you weren’t coming.”
“And miss one of our hangout sessions? No way. You can’t pay me to do such a thing.” Usagi said with the most serious tone he could muster. It instantly made Leo laugh which made the rabbit laugh as well. Once they died down Usagi sat on his bed and held his hand which Leo revealed in the feel and warmth of it. They both tilt their heads and look lovingly into each other's eyes.
“So tell me about your day.” Leo said once again, breaking the moment and sitting up to get his blue hoodie from his dresser. While Usagi was talking about his day at work and why it took him so long to get here Leo was getting frustrated because he couldn't find his hoodie. “I swear I just had it.” Leo mumbled, still looking everywhere in his room.
“Do you need help looking for it?” Usagi asked but he was already standing up and looking at places he thinks Leo would have forgotten about without ever waiting for an answer. He then looked behind the dresser because maybe it fell behind there and of course it was laying there but something unusual was laying under the blue hoodie.
“I didn’t know you were into biker jackets, Kame.” When Leo glanced at what Usagi was holding he looked like a deer caught in headlights. His breath was coming out ragged and harsh like he was on the verge of a panic attack. So Usagi did the only thing he could in this situation: he went to comfort his boyfriend, not knowing what was happening. He put the biker jacket on the dresser and went closer to Leo and led him to his bed because he looked like he was having a hard time standing. He was still breathing hard and had tears in his eyes.
“It’s okay, Leonardo. I’m here. Everything is okay, you are safe. You are in your room.” Usagi was trying to comfort him the best he knew how. He tried to get closer to Leo and he flinched and so the rabbit kept a distance. “Do you want me to get your brothers?” The samurai started to get up but Leo grabbed onto his hand and looked down. His other hand was clenched in a fist and his breathing was still coming out fast and unsteady. Usagi was at a loss for what to do but he knew he just had to be there for him until he was ready.
After a few silent minutes have gone he saw Leo quickly glanced at that jacket that still layed abandoned on the dresser and then he glanced at his hoodie that was laying on the floor where Usagi accidentally dropped it after everything that happened.
“Can you–” Leo mumbled while moving his head in the direction of his hoodie. “Oh yeah.” Usagi quickly grabbed it and Leo put it on and basked in the comfort it probably provided. They held hands again and there were another tense few moments until Leo broke it.
“I didn’t know I still had it. I lost it one day when me and…someone broke up the third time and I just never bothered to look for it.” Leo paused and took a deep breath, “funny how these things work out.” He laughed with no humor and looked down again. “You deserve an explanation and I want to explain.”
“You don’t need to give me one. I will be here for you regardless.” Usagi said with a sincere tone. He got closer to Leo to show that he meant it and squeezed his hand to remind him of that. Leo nodded his head and opened his mouth then closed and opened it again but no words came out. “A wise turtle once told me ‘just start talking about anything and maybe what’s bothering you will just come out naturally without you realizing it’.” Leo just giggled and Usagi instantly smiled. That sound was amazing.
“I am wise aren’t I.” Leo said while puffing up his chest and Usagi just rolled his eyes but kept on smiling nonetheless. He was happy Leo was feeling better but he has a feeling this is just all for show. Then the slider signed and looked nervous.
‘Yep, all for show.’
“About 8 months before we met, me and Donnie went to the Hidden City markets. More like I begged him to go with me but don’t tell anyone that or I’ll deny it.” Leo added bringing his point home with hand gestures. Usgai just nodded, then he continued, “I got separated from him because I saw that Jacket hanging in a see-through window at a store. It was so cool and I was in awe. Then a fox yokai came up to me and we talked for a while. He was handsome but not as handsome as you, obviously.” Leo quickly reassured Usagi while rubbing his head with his free hand and awkwardly laughing. “Anyways, we just talked about how cool that jacket was. Then he left. I didn’t even get his number but that night he texted me and told me to meet him at that store we met at. Then he handed me that jacket. I was speechless and honestly that just made me like him more which I think was the point. We started talking more and he told me he was 19. That honestly should have been the first red flag but it wasn’t. Then we started dating.”
Leo paused after that and looked up at Usagi. The rabbit knew this was probably a bad relationship considering how much he flinched on their first date and how scared he looked when he forgot to make reservations. When Usagi gave him a reassuring smile and an extra squeeze on his hand Leo took a deep breath and hesitantly continued, “the relationship was good at first but then he kept on giving me hints that we should have s…s…sex but I didn’t want to so I tried to ignore him. I guess he got mad at me or something because one day when we were watching Jupiter Jim and the Fight for Uranium he started kissing me even though I told him I didn’t want to.” Leo started but Usagi could tell it was hard for him to continue so he got on Leo’s other side and wrapped his arm around him which made the slider’s shoulders a little less tense. “But he just wouldn’t stop and when I pushed him off but he got really mad at me and I didn’t know what to do. I mean I loved him. I didn’t want to lose him. So when he said if I didn’t have s…s…that thing then he would find someone else who would. So I did and after that, things just got way worse.” Usagi was pissed is an understatement. He wished he could find that ass whole and beat him so hard but he knows that’s not what Leo needs right now.
“Leo, I am so sorry you went through that. He shouldn’t have pressured you into anything and he doesn't deserve you.” The blue-banded turtle just humorlessly laughed
“You sound like my brothers.” The samurai just pulled his boyfriend closer and rubbed his shell. That action made a single tear fall on Usagi’s fur then another until Leo was fully sobbing. Usagi made a promise that day. He will make Leo feel loved and he will make sure his boyfriend never feels that sort of pain again. But for now he will be a shoulder to cry on and listen whenever Leo needs to talk about whatever is bothering him and hopefully that’s enough.
‘That has to be enough.’
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“How do I look?”
“Really, we're doing this again? You guys have been dating for 3 months. I'm sure he doesn't care what you wear.” Donnie said once again leaning on the wall and crossing his arms.
“Yeah, I know but this is a fancy date and he has never seen me in a tux.” Donnie just rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders.
“I think you look great, Leo.” the red-clad turtle said with Mikey following in the sentiment. Leo was wearing the only tux he owned and standing in front of his body mirror.
“Right, welp I should probably get going.” The slider said while getting his swords and about to slice a portal when Raph stopped him.
“I’m so proud of you Leo.” With Donnie and Mikey nodding and agreeing with that statement. Leo smiled and looked at each of his brothers with a genuinely happy gleam in his eyes.
If you told him a year ago that he would be this happy again after that disaster of a boyfriend, then Leo wouldn’t have believed you but he was truly and unbelievably happy. He has the best brothers he could have ever asked for, an amazing big sister that he and his boyfriend are going on a double date with her and Sunita next week, and an awesome boyfriend that actually treated him right. He honestly couldn’t ask for anything better. He sliced open a portal and took a breath. Not because he was taking a leap of faith but because this was exactly what he was supposed to be doing. He went through the portal without any hesitation and was right in front of his boyfriend's house. He knocked on the door and Usagi’s lovingly gazed at him with a tux and all he could think was:
‘This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.’
Leo walked through the door and held Usagi's hand. They went to the kitchen where a smaller table was sitting in the middle of the room with two chairs in front of each other. A candle was sitting on the table along with miso soup and hot green tea in traditional style Japanese cups. On the kitchen counter was beef with brown steamed rice.
“Wow, you’ve really outdone yourself. Everything looks amazing.” Leo said in awe and went to take a seat at the table. Usagi took a seat on the other chair.
“Thank you, I’m glad you liked it. I followed my dad’s recipe.” Sagi got the spoon and started eating. Leo gave Usagi a knowing, proud look and took a sip of his soup. They started talking and laughing about all kinds of different things.
“Do you want to see my dad’s book?” Usagi said suddenly while looking up at Leo and giving him a nervous look. He has never shown anyone this book before because it was sacred. He wants to show this part of himself to him. The part of himself that takes being a samurai seriously and takes all their lessons and traditions to heart and never lets them go.
“Oh yeah, I would love to see your dad’s book, bun bun.” Leo said with a twinkle in his eye because he knows what this means to Usagi and he is honored that Usagi trusts him this much.
“Great, let’s go.” The rabbit got up from the table excitedly and took Leo’s hand and dragged him to Usagi’s room where he immediately went to his book shelf by his dresser and pulled out a small black book with a katana and armor symbol. The samurai went up to Leo who was still standing in the doorway and gave Leo a clear view of the book.
“This is the symbol of the samurai. My dad gave it to me on my 11th birthday. It is one of my favorite memories.” Usagi opened it up and showed the slider all the symbols and pictures that were presented in the book. There were bookmarks that Usagi put on important pages and illustrations of various techniques that demonstrated the way of the samurai. Leo was in awe of the fascinating forms. Most of the book was in Japanese but Leo could make out a little bit because when he was 10 Donnie insisted on teaching them Japanese but Leo wanted to learn Spanish instead but he picked up on a few words.
“Maybe we could try some of these techniques out? Like a training session?” Leo asked with an awkward smile. Usagi just smiled right back with mischievousness in his features.
“Oh sure but don’t get upset when I win.”
“What? Oh please you couldn’t win if I was blind folded and my hands were tied behind my back.”
“Oh you wish.” Leo just playfully rolled his eyes and grabbed his sword that he shoved in his tux (don’t ask how he managed that) and created a portal. “The first one to the roof wins the first round.” And Leo was gone.
Usagi just stared where Leo was previously and yelled “Hey, wait!” To absolutely nobody and climbed out of his bedroom window to the roof to catch up to Leo so he could show him who the real swordsman in the relationship was.
Usagi did eventually make it to the roof and unfortunately Leo won that round but they used technique after technique from the samurai book. They were laughing the whole time both sweating and exhausted after but smiling nonetheless.
“I knew I would find you up here.” Usagi said while going to sit next to Leo on the edge of the roof.
“Oh yeah. Sorry I wasn’t there to greet you when you came over. It was just a nice night and I didn’t feel like being inside.” Usagi just nodded in agreement and looked up at the night sky. They have been dating for about 5 months now and they were currently supposed to be downstairs with their families that came for a get together but neither of them felt like it, honestly. Leo wrapped his arm around Usagi who melted in the embrace.
“I love you, Usagi Yuichi.” The slider said with a loving tone. He wasn’t looking at the night sky anymore but at his boyfriend instead. They made an agreement at the beginning of their relationship that they weren’t going to rush anything. So they haven’t kissed or said the L word yet but Leo just said it and Usagi looked straight in his eyes. Then he tilted his head and didn’t even hesitate when he said:
“I love you too, Leonardo Hamato.” Then Leo leaned in and kissed him. Usagi returned the sentiment. It was like magic. Like a thousand birthdays, christmas, and family days all rolled up into one. Usagi made sure it was Leo’s choice. That Leo wanted this and he did. He has never felt so sure in his life that what he wanted right now was Usagi. So they kissed and kissed until they eventually pulled back and looked lovingly into each other's eyes but this time neither of them broke the moment. They just let it happen and let it exist naturally. At this moment they just held each other in a loving embrace. No more words have to be said. Past trauma and past heartbreak they were here, together and whole. A ninja and samurai, A turtle and a rabbit, A mutant and a yokai continued to sit here on New York’s building and they could finally breathe.
They finally could just be here together.