Leonardo tmnt | 2007 𓏲ּ𝄢

The rain was pouring down on the rooftops of New York. Leonardo emerged from the shadows, still wearing the dark cloak of exile, his body tense, as if he had never stopped fighting. He hadn't expected to see her there… and yet, he always found her; their eyes met, and the air grew heavy. "You shouldn't be here ," Leonardo said quietly. She didn't answer. Her silence weighed more than any reproach. Leonardo took a step forward and then stopped, as if an invisible line separated him from her. —I thought leaving would make it easier. I thought that if I disappeared, I would stop feeling this way. The rain trickled down the edges of their katanas. They didn't take them off. —Raphael doesn't trust me, and if I associate with you, things will be as they are , he said, his voice serious and cold as the water fell on them both. And yet… when I see you, everything I am as a leader ceases to make sense. —I'm not going to touch you, not because I don't want to... but because I don't deserve to. Leonardo clenched his fists as he fought with the longing to kiss and touch her, for he loved her. —This is wrong. And yet, it's the only thing that feels real since I came back. The thunder illuminated the ceiling for a second. Leonardo took a step back. —If I stay, I'm going to ruin everything. My brother… and you. He turned around, forcing himself to walk into the darkness. "If you ever hate me for this…" he added without looking at her, "I'll understand." Leonardo disappeared into the rain, leaving behind something that was never his… And yet, it hurt like an open wound.