Chapter 20-
	Raphael woken hours later. A grin curling his lips as he recalled the events from last night. As soon as Raph recovered enough strength from their first time, he carted Leo back to their bedroom and had him a couple more times before they both fainted from exhaustion. 
	In fact, he had plans to take him again as soon as Leo woke. He kissed the sleeping turtle’s temple and slowly, oh so gently, slid his arm out from under his head. A small sigh escaping past Leo’s mouth when he shifted to his other side, shell to Raph. He checked the digital clock on the nightstand. Four in the morning. It didn’t surprise him despite it was an unusual time for him to wake. The two had went to bed a little earlier than normal and after they fell unconscious, they both continued to sleep like rocks. The others wouldn’t up for another hour or two. 
	Raph’s stomach growled. Ah, right. They skipped dinner. He glimpsed over at Leo. Perhaps they should eat first before a fourth round. 
	He slid out of the bed, grabbing up his mask from the floor and tying it around his head on his way out of the bedroom and down the hall. His footsteps silent against the cement. The lair was dark and deserted of any bodies, nonetheless, he didn’t need the use of any light until he got into the kitchen. He searched the refrigerator for the food items. He wasn’t fond of cooking, but he could do it if he truly had to. In this case, he had. His stomach would start cramping by the time Mikey drug himself out of bed and woke up enough he could prepare breakfast without burning himself or chopping off a finger. Which typically took another hour or two. Yeah, that wasn’t happening.
	Deciding scrambled eggs was the easiest and quickest thing to make, he retrieved the twelve-pack carton and microwavable sausage links. Boom! Done. Easy-peasy. He swiftly started preparing it.
	He was just about done with the second batch of eggs when a couple of arms looped around his abdomen. A soft kiss pressing against his neck. He smiled.
	“I fond you.” Leo murmured and Raph growled. The smile gone.
	“Now you’re just saying that to piss me off.” He could feel a pair of lips curl upwards against his skin.
	“Well, I’m not lying. You are cute when you get mad.”
	“You can say I’m cute but you can’t say you love me?”
	“Smells good.” Leo changed the subject and Raph let him. This once.
	“If you release me, you can eat it.”
	“I was talking about you, but I wouldn’t mind eating you either.”
	The smile returned, he shifted around in the hold so he could face Leo. Planting a kiss on his nose. “After.” He murmured and Leo grinned. Pressing their lips together. Raph allowed the kiss to linger for a while before he reluctantly pulled apart. Gently peeling Leo off him so he could dump the eggs on a plate. Handing it over to Leo.
	He took it. “Hey, I didn’t know you could cook.”
	“Don’t be a smartass.”
	“You love my smartass.”
	Raph laughed and nodded. “Yes, I do.” He took out the sausage links from the microwave. Grabbing his own plate, he walked over to where Leo sat. Leaning against the table as he scooped up a mouthful of eggs.
	“So, what all are you going to do to convince me that I’m in love with you?” Leo asked. A twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
	Raph swallowed down the food. “Well, after I make love to you two or three more times, I was thinking I would take you on a date.” A real date.
	Leo looked up from his plate. Sapphire eyes wide with curiosity. “A date? The last time we went on a date you called it a hang-out. That was two years ago.”
	“I was stupid back then.” Raph answered simply. 
	“Unfortunately, you’ll have to hold off on the wooing Raph.” Both heads perked up at Don’s voice. Don and Mikey entering the kitchen.
	“You guys are already up?” Raph asked. He assumed they were still sleeping.
	“Wait, why? What’s going on?” Leo interjected.
	“I believe this is about the Nak’ir situation.” Don plopped down in a chair next to Leo’s other side. Mikey doing the same next to Don. 
	Raph’s eyes narrowed. “Don.” His voice was low with warning.
	“What? Did you expect to keep it from him forever?”
	“No.” Raph’s eyes shifted to Leo. Leo looked at him.
	“What Nak’ir situation and why were you keeping it from me?”
	“I didn’t want you involved.” Leo opened his mouth to reply. Judging from the dark flash in his eyes, it was going to be a snip.
	“Guy’s, not now! This is serious.” Don interrupted. “I believe Nak’ir purchased a new power and battery supply.”
	“The police didn’t get the EMP bomb?” 
	“EMP what?” Raph ignored Leo.
	Don continued. “I hacked into the police system. Turns out the two cops they had sent to check out the location never updated and never returned. They sent another two and they both went missing as well.” He handed out the reports he printed to Raph. “They believe the two people we rescued and dropped off are connected and are interrogating them for answers.”
	“Did they get any?” Raph glanced up from the paper.
	Don shook his head. “Nothing important anyway. The two are slowly losing their minds. The other reports states that they keep mumbling the name Nak’ir. They spelled it wrong though.” He handed off the other paper. “The doctors sent them to an asylum to get help. Nothing improved so far.”
	“You said that you think Nak’ir managed to get his hands on another battery and power supply?”
	“I believe he did. I don’t know for sure. He’s protecting the bomb so he still has use for it. However, I did find this in the polices security camera. A delivery pickup at the docks at two o’clock in the morning. Two days ago. There was no supply carriage arranged on that date at that time.” Don handed another paper with a screenshot of the security footage. Two black figures, big enough to be males, conversing beside a supply boat on the dock. 
	“So you think that’s Nak’ir?”
	“I would bet my money on that. If he’s got another power supply, we can’t waste any time.” 
	Raph nodded his agreement. “Get your weapons.” He ordered but before anyone of them could make a move, Leo gripped his arm and tugged. Forcing him to meet that fierce gaze. Oops, he had forgot about Leo hearing in on everything. How could he forget?
	“You were planning an attack on Nak’ir and you didn’t tell me?” He was mad. Again. There was no avoiding him anymore, he had to face him now. He was going to have to up his game after this was all over. 
	“Yes and I’m still not including you in a part of this.” Raph spoke. Narrowing his eyes. He had to harden his heart on this. No softening. Leo appeared startled for the count of two before recovering. Looking even angrier than before.
	“Excuse me? You’re just planning on leaving me behind while you go risk your life?” Unfair? Yes, but it was worth it if it meant keeping Leo safe. Priority number one.
	“You’re still recovering. It would be wise for you to stay here.”
	“I am not! I got my skin back! I’m as strong as before! You should know! I beat you in sparing!”
	“I let you.” He lied. Damn it.
	“You did not! I am not staying here, worrying about you. That is an order.” Pulling rank now, was he? Alright, he could play.
	“You’re not Leader Leo. Not here. Not for this. While you were—are, recovering. I’ve been taking care of the team.”
	“So, I’m taking it back! You are not leaving me here Raphael! Even without Leadership! You made us a couple! My job is to watch your back!”
	Raph scoffed. “I didn’t make us anything. You’re the one that hasn’t said you loved me yet.” Yet, being the key word. He heard a couple of gasps behind him. He ignored them. Leo grounded his teeth together. Clearly working with his last nerve.
	“I still care about you, enough! I’m your brother! I don’t want you dead!”
	“Neither do I Leo. You’re the weakest out of us. Nak’ir would spy that it in an instant. You would be the first he would take down. I won’t have that!” Low blow? Absolutely. He knew he was treading on thin ice.
	“You think you three could take him down without me?”
	“We called the Mutanimals. They will help us. You, however, will stay here.” Raph gripped Leo’s arms and gently shook him. Leo tried to fight out his grip. Tried, but failed. Leo wasn’t weak. He was one of the strongest warriors he knew. Leo could easily hurt him if he wanted to. His jaw being the prime example of that. But he wasn’t going to. He couldn’t allow Leo to come. Nak’ir was a dangerous, powerful man and if he got his hands on him . . . if he killed him . . . he couldn’t survive. Wouldn’t survive without him. Leo was his everything. His heart, body, mind, and soul. He needed him like he needed air to breath! Why couldn’t he see that? Why couldn’t Leo see that if he died, Raph would die along with him?
	“Let me go Raph! I’m not being left behind and that’s final!”
	“Leo, please! I need to protect you. I need you here safe. I love you, damn it!” He heard another pair of gasps behind him. Again, he ignored them. 
	Leo’s face softened. His eyes never leaving Raph’s. The pain and desperation in those eyes hurting him bone deep. Immediately healing at the love that warmed him to his toes. Raph truly cared for him. He believed him before but now he could feel the deepness of Raph’s love for him. Giving him even more reason to come. Raphael needed to understand that, though he hadn’t said it yet, he needed him just as much.
	Leaning in, he pressed his lips to Raph’s, feeling him almost instantly soften against him. The tension abandoning them. Proving to him that future arguments might not be a thing he had to worry about. He clutched Raph tightly allowing their tongues to intertwine. He knew, no matter what he said, Raph wouldn’t stop fighting him on this. The stupid, wonderful turtle had a possessive, over-protective side to him he both adored and got frustrated with. So, he’ll let him win. At least, allow him to think he had won.
	Unfortunately, for Raphael, he had an over-protective streak to him as well. He wouldn’t be able to stop Raph from fighting Nak’ir so he would be there to guard his back. The red clad reptile was too reckless for his own good. Sure, they were going to have an extra four, but knowing Nak’ir, they would have all their hands full. Raph was going to learn, one way or another, that they were their own separate team now. The A Team if you will. He had started this when he had told him he loved him. It was too late now to take it back. 
	Their lips parted with a little pop. His mouth tingling with the sensation of Raph. His taste still lingering and he fought the urge to lick his lips. Shushing his body when it to, tingled with an entirely different sensation. 
	“Okay.” He murmured between them. Raph did a double-take. 
	“What?”
	“Alright. I see your point. I would only slow you guys down. I’m not going to be your weak link. I’ll stay here.” Lying didn’t feel good, but he had no other choice. For Raph. He reminded himself. His shoulders slumped, his head hanging in defeat.
	Raph eyed him. Slowly. So slowly, relaxing. “Nothing will happen. I promise.”
	“You will protect yourself.” He demanded gruffly.
	“Or else?” Raph smirked.
	“Better believe it or I’ll meet you in the afterlife and kick your ass.” A vow.
	Raph laughed. Such a soft sound for a rough voice. Sending shivers along his spine. “I wouldn’t doubt it. I’ll be back before you know it.” He placed another kiss on his nose. “I love you.” He repeated.
	“I fond you.” Leo chuckled at the responding growl. 

	Leo watched with a frown on his lips as Raph packed up his weapons. He didn’t like not being able to accompany Raph but he supposed this was the best he could get. Raph was going to kill him for this. Nonetheless, he was sure the end results would be worth it. As long as he was alive, it would be worth it. He could deal with the anger, Raph will no doubt have.
	The sound of a zipper brought his attention back to the present, a soft smile curling his lips when Raph turned to him. This shouldn’t be too hard. They had allowed him to be present when they planned their attack. They were going to check the apartment Nak’ir had been living in, since there was a strong possibility he could be hiding out there till they got things ready. If so, they would evacuate the building. Pluck out Nak’ir and attack him. Simple. Not exactly sturdy, Leo refrained from pointing out. It would have to do. Considering how unprepared they were. If they turned up empty handed, they headed straight to the abandon apartment building. 
	Leo had to admit, it was damn sexy watching Raph with such authority. His face was tight with seriousness as he concentrated on a suitable plan. The orders flying out of his mouth, firm and confident. Such patience and sternness. Raph says he can’t stand the stress, but honestly, he would make a terrific Leader. Not that Leo would give up the title. It was pretty much the only thing he was worth to the team. Raph was the muscle, Don was the brain, and Mikey was the goof ball and -dare he say it- the therapist. He was the Leader. What else would he be without that? Perhaps one day though. 
	“Leo, damn it! Pay attention!”
	Leo blinked in surprise. Realizing now, Raph was standing in front of him, staring down. He could feel his hands on his biceps. “What? You said something?”
	Raph chuckled. Shaking his head. “While you were spaced out, I was trying to tell you that you have to take care of Splinter while we’re gone.”
	“Splinter’s fine. He’s asleep now. Don’t worry.” Leo waved that away. Splinter was currently in his bedroom, trying to sleep off his illness. “How long are you guys planning on being gone?”
	“Can’t say for sure.”
	“Well, try to get back here before tomorrow, will you?”
	“I will do my best.” Raph leaned down, his warm breath brushing against his face. 
	“Raph! Let’s go!” Mikey’s voice shouted. Raph growled.
	“I’m coming!” He huffed. Turning back to him. “When I get back, I’m going to spoil you within an inch of your life.” Raph murmured huskily to him.
	“If you get back in one piece; I’ll be the one spoiling you within an inch of your life.” Mostly to earn Raph’s forgiveness for betraying his trust. Going to be worth it. Raph placed a quick chaste kiss on his lips. Disappointing, but he bit his tongue from saying so. Fisting his hands to keep from grabbing Raph and having his way with him when he watched him scoop up his bag and blow him kiss on his way out. 
	Leo waited in the hall for the three to leave. Out of sights now, he took off to his bedroom, dressing in his black uniform for special stealth occasions such as these. Grabbing as many weapons as he could. He strapped his swords to his shell. Ninja stars, throwing knives, gas bombs, flash bombs, all hooked to his belt and strap. Taking a few knives for good luck and sheathing them into his boots and wrist guards. He refused to carry a bulky, awkward bag with him.
	Ready; he rushed out of the lair. Following at a good fifty meters behind their trail. He had left a note for Splinter that no one would be in the lair, but he was certain the rat will continue to sleep for the next eight hours of the night. Plenty of time.
	He quickly took out his t-phone and hit the desired numbers. Waiting for the familiar female voice to answer. It only took her one ring. “Karai, I need a favor.”