Chapter 24-
	It only took ten minutes to arrive at the cemetery. As soon as Leo had finished the call Raph had ordered of him, he had remained silent. No asking questions. No casual chit-chat. Just intense, uneasy silence. Raph didn’t like it in the least and wished he could draw Leo into his arms. It took more will power than he was willing to have to keep his hands to himself and focus on the direction they were going. He was sure Leo had already figured out what he was planning without him saying a word about it. If Leo had any complaints however, he kept it to himself.
	It didn’t take any effort to get the cemetery’s gate unlocked. He pushed his way through as he walked along the cobblestoned path that weaved and twisted through large sections of the church yard. Rows after rows of gravestones stretched out across the grassy land. The light of the moon almost giving a creepy, hypnotic atmosphere. He half expected for fog to roll in and ghost to start roaming.
	The smell of freshly cut grass and mud filled his nostrils. A refreshing smell for a place buried with dead people. Bushes with bright colored flowers hugged the pathway. The trees leaves rustling to the wind and cars engines roaring in the background as they past by. It was a rather soothing place for a cemetery.
	Raph trekked as far as the cobblestone path would go. Reaching up to a chapel he went off road to the right till they reached the end of the headstones. It was far off and unnoticeable. He carefully set down Ax’s body.
	“Brought you a shovel.” Leo’s first words spoken since they left the alleyway. His voice still flat. Shattering the silence. Raph glanced up and indeed, found a shovel clenched in Leo’s hand.
	“When did you get that?”
	“As soon as I realized where you were going. I snatched it quickly on our way by.” That still didn’t answer his question. He had not remembered Leo ever leaving him. He was certain Leo had remained right behind him the whole time. Damn sneaky ninja!
	“Thanks.” He took it from him. Shoving it into the ground and breaking the clean-cut grass. He threw pile after pile to the side. Dirt raining next to him.
	“If you get tired, I can help.” Leo offered and Raph, again, said his thanks. He didn’t consider it though. He was perfectly fine having Leo sit across from him. He could feel those eyes boring into him as Leo watched him. Remaining silent. Several minutes went by and he couldn’t take it anymore. He stabbed the shovel’s head into the ground and leaned his weight on the handle. Sweat dribbled down his temples already. Coating the rest of his body. Dirt sticking to his skin. Though sweaty and the fall breeze blowing right on him, he didn’t feel cold like he should. His eyes landed on Leo who was still watching him. His hands clenching the box of ashes in his lap. Had he looked in it or obeyed him?
	“My turn?” Leo asked expectantly.
	Raph shook his head. “What’s the matter?”
	“What do you mean?” Leo’s impassive mask finally cracked. Showing off confusion.
	“You’ve been nothing but silent while watching me work. You’ve been using that emotionless mask of yours ever since the alley.
	Leo shrugged. “Just thinking.”
	Raph’s eyes narrowed. Knowing well, Leo’s face could read calm but inside that head of his could be turmoil. “About?”
	Leo’s gaze finally left him. Focusing down on the blades of grass he sat on. “You.”
	Raph blinked. Not the answer he expected. “Me.”
	“You. Your personality.”
	“Bad or good?” He couldn’t help but ask. “Should I be worried?”
	“Good and no, you shouldn’t. Everything about you I like. No. I love. I love how strong you are. How brave even in the direst of circumstances. How you would do anything. Go to any lengths to protect your family.”
	Raph nodded. “Of course but, why are you thinking about that?” He tried his hardest to ignore the surge of joy and pride he got from Leo admiring him. Basking in the light of his attention as always.
	Leo shrugged his shoulders again. “Ax had manipulated you, me, and the rest of our family working for our enemy. Yet, here you are, digging a grave for him to rest in. All I can seem to wonder is why? You left Nak’ir and Shredder to rot where we killed them.”
	Raph’s eyes wandered over to Ax. Sucking on his teeth as he thought that over. “If you really think about it Leo. Ax isn’t evil. Stupid and criminal, yes. Evil? No. Not like Shredder and Nak’ir. He didn’t have family or friends. No one to love and seek support. Just himself. I know for certain that without you Leo. Or any of our family, I would have broken like him to. It isn’t fair. Unlike the petty thieves and gangs, they do it out of their own choices. I don’t know Ax well enough to judge him of that. The other two however, I still haven’t forgiven for their crimes and probably never will. I don’t care if they rot or burn.” He explained. The last part coming out dry and heartless. They deserved the suffering they get. 
	A moment of silence past as Leo considered his words. Raph’s heart lurched at Leo’s smile. “You’re a real softy, you know that?” 
	Raph scoffed. “Shut up.”
	Leo chuckled. “I mean that in a good way. You’re compassionate for others even if you try to hide it. You put others above yourself. I admire it. More than I can say for myself. I would have left Ax where I killed him. In truth, the only reason I ever wanted to kill him is because he touched you in the same way I do. Call it selfish, but I never want anyone to have the same love you have for me. Have you like I do.”
	Raph’s grin was so wide his cheeks should have split. Why on earth was it so arousing to know Leo was as possessive of him as he was of Leo? Why on earth did he suddenly have the urge to tackle Leo and make such sweet love with him right then and there? Only Leo had that sort of power over him. He dropped the shovel and stalked over to him. Kneeling there before him.
	“It isn’t selfish Leo. I’m yours and you’re mine. That’s how it will always be. Ax never had me. Not like you do. He touched me. Temporarily and forgotten. You slayed me. Permanently and willingly. You hold my heart in your hands and you’ll be the only one allowed to have it. Forever.” He starved for Leo’s touches. Always hungry for more of him and never satisfied. There was no way in heaven and earth he would be able to tire or bore of him. Every day he set goals for himself to get Leo to laugh and smile. Leo was it for him, until the day he died. “Understand me?”
	Leo grinned. Nodded. “Such a sap.”
	Raph snorted. “Your fault.” He grabbed Leo’s arm and tugged him over till their bodies pressed together. Claiming Leo’s mouth, he sucked forcefully on his tongue. Loving the moan Leo gave in response. Heat and passion shot through him with a force of a bullet. So, hot. He had to be on fire right now. He was throbbing. Wanting him, right here. Wanting Leo splayed on the grass; panting, moaning, and begging him for more. Those sapphire eyes clouded with lust and love only for him. Perspiration glistening off his skin. Salty beads for him to lap up. You’d think the thought of the dead body lying a few feet away from them would have been a boner killer. Heck, the thought of them surrounded by hundreds of rotting corpses should have diminished his lust. It didn’t. He honestly did not care if they were surrounded by humans snapping pictures and screaming for Animal Control. He wanted Leo, damn it!
	“Raph!” Leo moaned. His lust soaring like a fiery inferno. “I love you.”
	He groaned. “Say it again.”
	“I love you so much.” So, beautiful. “How do you like the thought of being Leader?” Though it was whispered, those words reached him perfectly well. In fact, it hit him like a train. That did it. The effect as powerful as a bucket of ice water hurled at him. He pulled back.
	“What?”
	“Being Leader of the team. I was watching you closely, Raph when you were planning the attack against Nak’ir with Don and Mikey. You commanded them well and they listened to you with confidence. Before, I was a bit skeptical, but now you have changed. How you handle those situations. You would make a terrific, better Leader.” Oh, hell no! The only reason he was that good at it was because he had to. For Leo’s sake. The only reason he even took the job was because everyone else wanted him to. He was second in command. He served his purpose. Now that Leo was back and recovered, he was ready to step down again. There was no desire in his body for being Leader. Not before and certainly not now.
	Raph shook his head before Leo could finish. “No.”
	“What?”
	“No! I do not want Leader. I have no desire to be Leader permanently. I didn’t even want it temporarily when you were gone!”
	“But--”
	“No Leo. I don’t care if the guys obeyed me. Confidence or not. That’s a load of bullshit. They did so because they had to. Leader is not my place. Call me coward; I was terrified!”
	A smile quirked the corners of Leo’s lips. “That’s normal. It will fade eventually.”
	“Absolutely not! You can threaten to chop my dick off; I will not be Leader.”
	Leo laughed. “How about for a few mind-blowing orgasms?” He offered huskily. 
	Raph swallowed thickly. Then glared at him. “That’s an unfair trade and you know it. Why do you want to give up Leader?”
	Leo shrugged. Again. “I think you would be better fit for it.”
	Raph shook his head with more fervency this time. “No Leo. No matter what you would think, I would not be better. I’m the hot-head. Sure, I gained a semi little amount of patience, but I still got a bigger temper than anyone else. Easily irritated. Enjoys fighting and getting my hands dirty. I hate thinking ahead. Hate planning. Hate waiting. Hate negotiating. Don’t like retreating, even if I should. I’m prideful. Smug. Sarcastic. Over-protective. Rude. I can go on all day. I am better suited as second command. Where I can watch your back, and fight you around every corner.” 
Leo looked thoughtful. Considering his words but not actually listening to him. He continued. “Leo, you’re perfect for Leader. You’re smart. You’re strong. You’re supportive and honest. You’re willing to listen. Calm when it counts. Considers everyone’s feeling before yours. Patient. Understanding. Merciful. You strive to improve without getting cocky or selfish. Leo, I’d much rather follow you and help you carry the weight of the burden instead of taking it from you and screwing things up. Because I will. No doubt about it.” Leo finally met his gaze. He could practically see the wheels turning in his head.
“You used to fight me so much for it. Now you don’t want it.”
“I was an idiot then, who had no idea how unqualified I was. I only handled it now because your life depended on it.”
“Are you sure?”
Positive. “Do not do this to Don and Mikey. They don’t deserve it!”
Leo laughed. “Alright, but that’s the only offer I’m giving. Can’t change mind later.”
Raph sighed in relief. “Thank god.”
“I still believe you would make a great Leader.”
“As long as it stays in your head. Do not scare me like that again.”
“Promise.” Leo placed a kiss on his cheek. Slowly Raph started to relax.
“Those few mind-blowing orgasms still on the table though?” He asked. Hopeful.
Leo laughed again. His eyes darkening up with desire. “Maybe. Better hurry and finish first, then we’ll see afterwards.” That voice was thick with such pleasure promise. Leo bit Raph’s lower lip, playfully. Sparks skittering along his spine. Reawakening certain neither parts. He didn’t wait a second longer. Pushing himself up to his feet, he grabbed the shovel and resumed his digging.

Leo entered their home. Pushing past the turnstiles that guarded the entrance. The lair was empty of any body’s. Dark and quiet. He could feel Raph’s arm curl around his waist and he fought a grin as he was pulled into his side. He felt heat radiate from Raph’s body that transferred onto him. Warming up his chilled body. He swore, Raph’s body held a furnace in it. Raphael was the warmest of all the brothers. Constantly giving off heat even when he claimed he was cold. He was jealous of that but at the same time, it had given him an excuse to cuddle into Raph’s side over the years. He supposed he didn’t need an excuse now. One of the perks to being a couple. 
Which made him wonder; had he always been in love with Raph? Why had he constantly felt the need to be with him? Want to kiss and touch him far beyond even casual relationships go? Felt upset that they had to act normal for their family’s sake even when this whole thing had started because two needy turtles had raging hormones and wanted to have some fun? Unless he always had feelings for Raphael.
The thought shocked him initially but after mulling it over, he realized it made sense. He had always wanted Raph as more than a sex partner. More than friends with benefits and more than brothers. He had wanted to love him and be loved back. Then he had come up with reasons that they couldn’t be together just to distance himself. Soon those reasons became genuine fears and he never allowed himself to feel like that again. He wanted Raph one way or another and if that was his only way to have him in his life, he would take it. How stupid he had been. How grateful he was to have Raph to pull him back in line.
He wondered for a fleeting moment how things would have gone down if he hadn’t been afraid? Would they have been like this sooner? Or would Leo have been the one making Raph love him? 
Leo smiled, melting against that said body. “Raph, if I ever doubt us again. You have my permission to smack sense back into me.”
“Don’t worry. I would do that anyway with or without your permission.”
Leo chuckled. That was reassuring. “Promise me we’ll remain together always.”
“Where’s this all coming from Leo? I thought we’ve gone over this.”
“We did. And I am not rethinking. I just don’t want to ever be parted from you. For any length of time for any reason.”
“I can’t make that sort of promise. There’s no telling what life will throw at us, but I can promise I will always make my way back to you. Nothing in this world would keep me from you.” Leo’s heart swelled at the muttered words. Feeling his body relax. “Now, about those orgasms.”
Leo grinned, unable to resist teasing Raph. “I’ll consider them if you can persuade me.”
“Was that a challenge?” Leo bit his lip. His cock awakening to the sound of Raph’s husky tone. Next thing he knew, he was pressed up against the wall. His hands pinned above his head. Their lips meshed together and their tongues dueling for dominance. Leo won that time. His tongue exploring every tasty area of Raph’s mouth. His flavor was so good. Surprisingly sweet for a guy so rough. He tasted just as he smelled. Like citrus. Raph’s body scorched him as he pressed against him. Grinding against him as pleasure shot to every corner of his body. Feeling himself grow harder and harder. Starting to get painful. His body was sobbing for Raph. Needing him.
“Touch me.” He heard Raph’s low rumble. Freeing his hands as heady tingles raced along his every nerve. 
“My pleasure.” Leo husked. Heeding the request. He caressed the thick muscle of Raph’s bicep, up across those broad shoulders and down his neck to his chest. Loving how callus and rough Raph’s skin was underneath his smooth palms. Mementoes of the many battles he had fought and won. Leo once had scars all over his body as well. Almost as many as Raph’s. Now he was limited to six or seven. Three of them were barely noticeable. It wasn’t something he should feel ashamed of, but damn it! He earned those scars! Suffered and bled for them! Nearly died from them! Only to have the token of his years of hard earned strength be stripped from him. The Leader of New York’s best warriors and he had nothing but smooth, soft, unscathed skin to show for it. As if he had done nothing.
Raph pulled his head away. Those deep emerald orbs meeting his. Only they lacked the heat from before. “You stopped. Why?” Shoot, did he get lost in his thoughts again?
“Sorry. Mind wandered.” He tried to pull Raph back to him, but the turtle held firm. Pinning him back with a suspicious stare.
“Somethings wrong.” 
“Nothing’s wrong.” Leo insisted with a smile.
“You’re lying Leo. Your eyes are dull. Tell me what’s wrong.” Damn, when did he become so observant? 
Leo sighed. Stupid, stubborn turtle. “I wish I didn’t have to lose my skin.”
Raph frowned. Concern now swirling in those emerald pair. “I do to. But why think of that now?” Did Raph prefer his scars too? That intensified the pain of the loss.
“Just . . . I miss my scars.”
Now he looked confused. “Your scars? Why? You got a few already.”
“No. I mean, I miss having them cause they’re like a symbol of strength and bravery, right? A remembrance of the many battles we fought together.” Leo stared downward. Why couldn’t Raph just drop the question?
Raph chuckled. Cupping Leo’s chin and lifting it back up. “That’s what’s bothering you?”
Leo glared. “It means nothing to you. You’re more cut up than a cobb salad.” He snapped defensively.
Raph laughed. “It doesn’t mean nothing. I agree with how it symbolizes, but not having any doesn’t mean you’re weak Leo. You’ll gain them back eventually; I have no doubt. You have a knack for getting into trouble that way. You’re strong Leo. Stronger than any of us. Anyone who doubts that is an idiot and I would gladly step out of the way so you can chop them into pieces with those overgrown knives of yours.”
Leo tried, honest to goodness, tried to hold back his laugh. He failed miserably. “Will you quit making me laugh when I’m supposed to be upset?” He grumbled. Smiling all the while.
Raph shook his head. “Never. You’re not allowed to be upset. I won’t let you.” Which is another reason to love Raph. Darling turtle. It was a wonder why, during their travels, no one had snatched up Raphael. No wait, he would kill anyone who dared. No wonder at all. Leo pulled against Raph’s neck and he obeyed this time. Closing off the distance between their mouths. Their tongues swirling and twining together. Before Raph had the chance to protest or pin him again, Leo grabbed his hand and dragged him to their bedroom.
Leo grinned as Raph stalked towards him. Determination in every step. The desire reappearing in his eyes as sparks of electricity snapped between them. Leo fell back against the bed, Raph following suit. Looming over him. Leo smirked, wrapping his legs around Raph’s hips he thrusted upwards, rocking their hips in that same wonderful rhythm. Moaning his approval.
Raph gasped, bending down to attack Leo’s neck with licks and kisses. Sucking on the pulse under his jawline. Leo writhed against the mattress. Waves of heat pumped through his veins. Raph parted, smiling in possession at the purple bruise he left behind. Usually they didn’t allow marks; not wanting their family to see them, but now, Raph didn’t care. In fact, he welcomed the thought of them noticing. Knowing Leo was his and his alone and if anyone dared try to take him away again, he’ll rip their arms off. He dove in again, leaving behind nips across the smooth mint green flesh.
“I love your skin.” He praised. Pressing soft kisses across Leo’s collar bone. “So soft. So, untouched. So, mine.” 
Raph yelped when he was shoved off the body below him. His shell now sinking into the mattress as Leo hovered above him, licking those delicious lips. “My turn.” He rumbled huskily. Raph wanted to object, but as soon as he opened his mouth to do just that, Leo’s mouth blocked out any words. His fussing immediately gone out of his head as he kissed back. “Shut up a let me do my work. You topped four times already.”
Raph scoffed. “And you’ve enjoyed it every single time.”
Leo didn’t even try to deny it. “True, but it’s my turn to give you pleasure. I want you screaming my name by the end of this.”
Leo felt Raph shiver underneath him. Tossing him a scowl. “I always enj--”
“Too much talking.” Leo shushed him. He crawled down the length of Raph’s body. His hot tongue dragging across the slopes of Raph’s muscles, tracing the edges of every scar. Whatever complaint Raph had immediately caught in his throat. Replaced by a deep, rough, groan Leo could feel through the chest he laid on. Leo grinned triumphantly. Such a beautiful sound. Raph loved dominating and for the most part, Leo loved it to, but there were occasions when he wanted to tease and make Raph squirm. Make him moan and groan and beg for him. Witness his face in absolute bliss as he cums. Scream his name in pleasure. Raph constantly pleasured him, loved him, and treated him like he was a rare treasure. Leo wanted Raph to feel as he did. Feel as loved. Feel as important. Because he was. He was a diamond in the rough. A thing to be admired and wanted. And boy, did Leo want him.
He felt his shaft press against the cartilage that kept him hidden. Throbbing with need. He ignored it. This wasn’t going to be about him this time. This was all about Raph’s pleasure.
He licked along Raph’s plastron, lower, lower he went. His hands massaging the thighs. His eyes never leaving Raph’s as he watched different emotions fly across that stunning face. Bliss, peace, love, hunger, irritation because he was not moving. All rolled into his expression. Leo could spend hours marveling at Raph’s masculinity but he chose not to. Just because the next look he gave, told Leo if he didn’t do something right now, destruction would reign. 
Leo chuckled, sliding his tongue in the crease where Raph’s leg attached. Down across his tail then back up. Biting down on the dark pine green skin, then soothing the mark with his tongue. Raph’s lips parted, ragged pants sawing in and out of his mouth. His lids closed. His hands fisting the sheets. His body trembling as he fought the urge to move his hips. 
Deciding to end Raph’s torture, Leo crawled back up. Swirling his tongue around the bulge on his lower plastron. Raph released; his erection sprung free. Swollen and so big. A bead of moisture balanced on the tip. Leo churred, mouth watering.
“Leo . . .” Raph finally croaked. His tone low, demanding, desperate.
Leo didn’t wait. Didn’t want to and couldn’t. He took him into his mouth, all the way down till his lips touched plastron. Forcing his muscles to relax as he fought the instinct to choke. His eyes remained locked on Raph all the while. His heart beating erratically as he watched in delight, Raph’s eyes crossing. He threw his head back against the mattress, his hands clawing at the covers. A long loud moan escaping his mouth. Leo never felt more accomplished. He slid his mouth up and down, his tongue twisting around Raph’s length. Sucking eagerly like a popsicle. Raph now writhing beneath him, moan after moan escaping him as his control withered away. Thrusting his hips against Leo’s mouth.
“Leo I-- I . . . ah, fuck. Don’t stop! Please don’t stop!” Raph’s hands unclenched the sheets to caress Leo’s head. He knew Raph was using every ounce of his strength not to push him down in risks of hurting him.
Mercilessly, Leo ran his tongue up Raph’s cock. Sucking on the tip before gliding back down. Every single move pulling a cry out of his mate. Hmm, that was the perfect name. His mate.
Raph’s words became incoherent. His body quaking. He was close. So very close. With a growl, Leo pulled back. His own body trembling with so much need. His cock thick and dripping and damn near about ready to cum without even touching himself. 
“Leo!” Raph shouted. A mix of rage and plea’s in his voice. “Damn it! You can’t just do that! Finish what you started!”
Leo chuckled. “Can’t have you finishing before we even get to the best part.” Oh, how he ached to be inside him. Raph narrowed his eyes on him. Death flashing in those emerald irises.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Do it!”
Leo frowned. Crossing his arms over his chest mockingly. Chin in air. “Rude much? This is how you talk to someone who is bringing you intense pleasure?”
Raph snarled. Panted. Groaned. “Please Leo. Need you right now. Need you deep inside me. Hard. Fast. Please!” 
So, desperate. Leo smirked, rewarding the turtle as he positioned himself between his legs and with smooth easy motions, thrusted himself all the way into Raph’s warm sheath. Leo grounded his teeth together. Hissing between them as he kept himself from ending too early. His body howling in ecstasy. Erupting in flames. Was there a sweeter place on earth? Raph’s eyes rolled to the back of his head, every muscle tightening as he hollered.
“So warm. So, good.” Leo moaned. Driving himself in and out. Fast and hard as requested. How could he ever survive without Raph? He couldn’t. The answer was as simple as that. He simply couldn’t. Leo wouldn’t be Leo without Raph. He wasn’t himself without his other half. Raph was his missing piece. His better half. His everything. Moon, sun, his world itself. For without Raph, there was no surviving. It was just unthinkable. Impossible. Like trying to live without water. He loved Raph way more then he could love himself.
Leo exploded. Stars winking in his vision as white, hot, fluid jetted out. Chanting Raph’s name as he rode the waves of his climax. A roar of pleasure soon followed, the walls of muscle surrounding him clamped down. Perspiration coated Raph’s skin and making him glow. His jaw hung slack as he swallowed lungsful of air. His chest rising and crashing with his breathing. His eyes half lidded. Satisfaction painted his expression. Was there a more gorgeous sight?
Raph smiled. A hand raising up and cupping Leo’s cheek. He leaned into the rough touch, rubbing his cheek against the palm. His body still humming happily in the shock of the afterglow.
“Come here.” Raph ordered. Hoarse but gentle. Like a caress. Raph pulled against Leo’s neck, urging him forward. Leo complied, collapsing beside him. Burrowing his head in the pine green neck. A pair of lips pressed against his forehead. There was a slight shift and Raph pulled up the sheet. Arms curled around him. Blanketing him in warmth.
“I love you, Raph.” Leo murmured. Surprised to find his own voice was as rough. 
“Will never get tired of hearing you say that.”
“You better not. You started this.”
Electricity sparked his every nerve at Raph’s gravelly laugh. “S’your fault. You and your sexiness made me fall for you.”
“Can’t help that.” Leo bit the cord of Raph’s neck. The turtle hissed.
“Do that again and you’ll find yourself below me.”
“Okay. So, where’s the downside?” Raph chuckled in response. “How do you think the others will react to us being together?”
Raph shrugged. “Splinter would accept it I’m sure. He accepted us before and I knew he didn’t like it. He’ll be happier now that there’s feelings involved. Don and Mikey too. Casey however, will either need warming up or he just won’t care. And April . . . I fear her reaction.”
“Why?” Leo stared confusingly.
“She’s been so pushy about the love thing. She was wanting this more than I did at the time.”
“You too, huh?” Leo smirked.
Raph laughed. “I have a feeling she’s gonna next introduce us to dating.”
“Weren’t you the one who wanted to go on a date?”
“Yeah, but April would go overboard, I’m sure. Next thing you know, she’ll be introducing marriage or something.”
“What’s wrong with marriages?” Leo asked. Blinking up at Raph.
“It’s a human thing. What’s the point, anyway? We’re already together and I’m not planning on separating from you anytime soon. Besides, neither of us can have kids either so why bother? The only use it seems is saying vows that I’ve already made in some big declaration. Waste of time, really. Don’t tell April or Case I said that though.”
Leo nodded, his lips quirking upwards. “I suppose that’s true. What if she suggests it though?” Raph waved a dismissive hand. Leo’s body shivering as his free fingertips glided up and down his arms. Down his hips, pinching his tail, then going back up. 
“We’re not getting married. It’s as simple as that, whether she likes it or not.”