Work Text:
Tonight was quiet as always except the buzzing street on the city of New York. You were in the kitchen making some midnight snacks but apparently your stomach said it wasn't enough so here you are, cooking your favorite meal.
The music you put on full volume from your phone filled in your apartment, but not too loud to disturb the neighbours. You swayed your hips and bopped your head at the rhythms, occupying yourself to erase your boredom.
Meanwhile a certain turtle in blue landed on the fire escape outside your window.
He peaked inside the window to look around for you, only to get a clear sight of you jabbing your invisible opponent with your spoon. He smiled to himself.
He then knocked the window to get your attention. Which you did immediately as you stopped your antic and rushed to the window, spoon still in hand.
You open the window and greeted him, "Hey." "Hey." he greeted back. You two stood there for like a couple second, looking at anywhere but at each other.
Leaning your arm to the window to balance yourself. "You.. saw nothing... right?" you spoke slowly. "Except seing you battling ghosts with your 'weapon' I guess not. Need help with that?" He teased, pointing at your hand. You look at the spoon then back at him and pulled a smirked, decided to play along, "Nah, I got it covered. With my superior weapon I shall defeat these ghost thyself." Pretending to stand straight and hold your 'weapon' to your chest. He chuckled at your behavior. You joined him then stepping backwards for him to come in.
You close the window before you and went back to the kitchen with Leo behind you. "Smells nice." He commented. "Yeah, I'm stress eating." You half joked.
You went back doing whatever you were making as you both continue to chat, "So, how things going?" "Fine, actually. Me and the boys just done with patrol. Figured I could stop by and hang with you for a bit. Hope that's okay with you." Your head turned at his direction, "Dude, I literally just let you in. Don't take too much pressure, you know you guys are always welcome." "Yeah, just making sure..." his voice trailed off while looking around your apartment.
You however seem to notice, as he sit there quietly at the dining table fidgeting his fingers while trying to think of another topic. But before he could open his mouth you beat him to it.
"Hey... You okay?... Did something happen back there?... Anything that still bothers you now?" You said above whisper. Letting him know that you're not pressuring him to spill it all out on you. "Well, I..." he started.
Not turning around, your back facing him as you waited for his response. Then you heard him sighed.
"Just now... we- I had an argument with my brothers." You nodded as he stopped to think of the right sentence. "Nobody's hurt badly but... well maybe in the inside as some would say." Nodding again, agreed at his words. "It started off with Raph ignoring my plan and orders so he just went off on his own. Apparently his plan was convinced by Donnie and Mikey better. Thought that mine was a booger." Your silently chuckled at his choice of word but quickly turn back to serious mode. "I followed them of course. Nothing went badly. We kicked butts and save the day, thanks to Raph I suppose. But I couldn't just somewhat let his decision slide y'know? He could've got hurt. Donnie and Mikey could've got hurt and it will be my fault!" he accidentally raised his voice at the last sentence. He cleared his throat and mumbled a 'sorry'. You let out a soft 'it's okay' and gestured him to continue.
"When we were on our way Raph ignored me again when I called out his name. I yelled at him for his sudden actions and told him the consequences if things went downhill. He didn't budge. Said that they all would've been better off without me. I tried to prove him wrong but I thought... would I really wanna do that? Would I actually risk that to happen just for some silly disagreement?... Eventually, I gave up. Saying maybe he was right after all and so... they all went home and here I am." Finally looking up from his hands to face you as he finished.
Now, leaning on the stove that already turned off, food completely abandoned. You looked at him with a worried face while having your arms crossed.
Before silent could take over he spoke immediately, "S-sorry! I didn't mean to give you such burden to hear about my problems. I know that you already got too much to handle with your lives and-" "Hey". He stopped when you cut him off.
"You came here, from my window, sitting on my table and have the balls to worry about my life..." He froze on his spot, confused at your sudden stern voice as you make your way around the table to get closer at him. He gulped when you stopped just few inches in front of him.
Then what you did took him by surprise. You threw your arms around him and pulled him into a tight yet gentle embrace. "...don't you dare apologize." His eyes widened but immediately returned the action as he close his eyes and let his body relaxed in your arms.
You rubbed his shell while closing your eyes as well. Man, you both could stay like this forever. If only any of you knew...
He let out a tired sigh, still not pushing you away. Neither did you so you hold each other, waited for him to say anything.
"Don't get me wrong, I love each one of them. Raph, Donnie, Mikey. I love my brothers. And Master Splinter. I also love April and Casey. And I love you... so much. You guys are my family." You could feel him tightened the embrace, squeezing you as if afraid of letting you go.Which is true in his case.
You gave him an assuring pat, "I love you too, man." More than friends is what you were going to add but you didn't let your intrusive thought win. Not tonight at least. "And we all love you. So much. Our world means nothing without our great leader. Without our Leonardo. We needed each other. You don't have to give up so easily. But that doesn't mean you can't take a break, you hear me?" You feel him nod on your shoulder.
"I tell you what? Tonight is an honorable night to me. Wanna know why?" You jerked your head a bit. "Why?" he asked back. "Because he who seek help actually comes for help and gets it! And I thanked you for that. For sharing everything with me. For.. trusting me. It means a lot." Your voice turned from stern to soft at each sentence.
"No."
You suddenly let out a soft gasped as he pulled away from the embrace, allow you to look at him, but didn't completely let you go.
"I'm the one who should have thank you, (Y/N). It's not easy to find someone who would just listen to all of my burdens. Not just to borrow a pair of ears but also to have a really good friend. You're a good listener. And I'm glad to know you. So again, I thank you for that."
Not wasting another second, you launched yourself back at him. Hopefully failing to see your almost teary eye. He gladly hugged you again then spoke, "Are you crying?" Nevermind that. You sniffed, "Nah, I'm fine. How are you?" He chuckled, "I'm feeling great, thank you." and give you another loving squeeze.