Chapter Five:
Strange Lessons

	The door slid open, startling Raph. Li Jing slid into the room balancing a tray of food. Raph was up and at his side that instant to take tray from him. Ignoring the aches in his back and legs. Once Li Jing was stable, he pulled the the door closed behind him. They were locked in solitude together. Raph couldn't shake the effervescent change in the air that surrounded him like a warm blanket.
	“Thanks for the help.” Li Jing took a deep breath. “It was heavier than I thought it was going to be.”
	Raph set the tray down on a study table in the corner, looking over the bounty of food that Li Jing brought. Peppered beef, steamed rice, sauteed vegetables. Two bowls of Miso soup, with thick cut mushrooms and scallions floating on the top. Accompanied by a kettle of rose and sage tea. Raph couldn't believe how good a cook Li jing was at such a young age. There must be a catch, Raph thought.
	“Did you cook this?” Raph blurted out as he knelt down on the pad next to the table.
	“Yeah. As you probably guessed, I use to spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my mother. She taught me a lot.” Li Jing's smile faltered, but he managed to gain control over it again. 
	Li Jing knelt down and pressed his hands together in from of him. Raph reached out taking Li Jing's hands in his and holding them across the table, on either side of the food tray. Li Jing was startled at first. His brown eyes tracing from one hand to the other. His lips were tight against his teeth as he remained in control of whatever emotion he was feeling, or battling with. Then his featured softened against the glimmer in Raph's eyes, the air was calm once again.
	“Her name was Kiriko.” Li Jing whispered, closing his eyes and bowing his head.
	Raph cleared his throat. “Bless this food in the memory of Kiriko. Though she dwell in the land of the ancestors, her legacy lives on with her son Li Jing. For whom I am grateful to know.” The words came out clumsy and unrehearsed, but they were true, none the less.
	Li Jing held Raph's hand for a moment longer. They stared at each other for a while. The longer they held their gazes the more shy and self aware they became. The moments lingered a touch too long, Raph could tell by the growing blush on his cheeks. Li Jing pulled away first and started serving food. Rice on the bottom, vegetables in the middle. Meat on top. Raph turned his attentions to the Miso soup, slurping it. The earthy mushrooms, accompanied the salty, savory broth well. The warmth from the soup hitting his stomach only added to the heat of his face.
	The conversation was kept light. Talk about school, Li Jing was in the top ten percentile of his class. Moving around made things difficult for him, but it also made him more self aware than most kids his age. His training was as staunch as anything Master Splinter did, maybe even more. When Li Jing spoke of these things, he was very academic in his tone. Sounding more like a grown man, but when he spoke of his mother, that was when he really shined.
	That beautiful boyish smile on his face made Raph hurt. Stories that would cause Li Jing to laugh, a carefree laugh. The type of laugh Raph had never known. The more Li Jing spoke the wider the smile on Raph's face grew. The heavier the want deep inside was becoming.
	When the meal was done, Li Jing got up from the floor and gathered the dishes. “Alright, I'm going to clean these up and then we have to take a bath.”
	“A bath!” Raph squeaked out.
	“Yeah, it's the rules of the house. You don't have to take a bath every day, but you do have to take one at least every other day. And even though you're our guest, you still have to follow the rules of the house.” Li Jing chuckled as he stepped into the hallway.
	The last thing Raph wanted was more alone time. Maybe he could rush through the bath, but then he would still have to wait in his room alone, while Li Jing bathed. The prospect was terrible either way. Raph took a deep breath trying to keep from getting worked up too much. A stitch had already started digging deep in his side.
	Almost no time passed before Li Jing came back, or at least it felt that way to Raph as he was still working on remaining calm. Li Jing touched his finger to his lips and beckoned Raph to follow him.
	Quietly they walked across the hallway. The bathroom was larger than most bathrooms Raph had been in. The blue and white tiled floor made a checker board pattern. It traveled halfway up the wall. To his right was a large bathtub, the size of a jacuzzi. A wisp of steam danced on the surface of the water. To his left was a wooden riser, that had been polished and treated with water sealant. There were openings between each slat that allowed to drip down into a drainage basin below. On the wall above the wooden riser was a spigot, below that a bucket, several bottles of soap, and a large natural sponge. The room was scented with rose and lemon, from the candles that sat on the narrow windowsill above.
	Raph hadn't seen anything like this before. Granted he had only been in April's bathroom a few times, but it didn't look like this. Raph took a step closer to the tub. Even he couldn't deny how enticing it looked. Quickly he started removing his belt, wrist, and foot wraps.
	“Wait, you don't get in the bath yet. You have to wash off first.” Li Jing called to him from behind.
	Raph turned around to face him, his eyes going wide. At any moment he expected blood to come rushing out of his nose like a gusher. Li Jing had stripped down to almost nothing. The tighty-whities and black socks did little to hide his modesty. The look on Raph's face must have been apparent, because Li Jing hugged his body in a self-conscious posture.
	“Sorry, should I have asked if you wanted company first?” Li Jing's ears were peaked in red.
	“No...no. I mean I'm glad you were here, I almost wrecked your tub.” Raph tried to chuckle his way back to composure, as he checked his nose again for the twelfth time.
	Li Jing brushed if off with a wave of his hand, before pulling his socks and underwear off. Raph turned to look the other way. Thanks to the steam building in the room, it was easier to cover up the blush. He still had to steal his glances sparingly lest he come off as a creeper. By this point Li Jing didn't seem concerned with modesty anymore. Raph could see it in the confident way Li Jing moved freely in front of him. Li Jing climbed up onto the wooden riser. Kneeling down with his back turned toward Raph slightly. Raph stared on, wondering if Li Jing was aware of how seductive he was being. Which seemed preposterous, Raph thought. The guy was only trying to take a shower. Li Jing starting the spigot running, testing the water against his forearms. Unabashedly confident in his nakedness and that was a problem for Raph. What started out as careful glances, were turning into full on lecherous gazes.
	Li Jing turned, looking at him from over his shoulder. “Come on up here.”
	Raph scrambled across the floor oddly, the tight pulsing of his cock inside his shell made it difficult to ignore. He stepped up on the wooden riser and sat down across from Li Jing, who was checking the water once again. The water sounded incredibly loud in the room, almost drowning out the thoughts running through his head.
	When the water was right temperature, Li Jing filled the bucket up and turned the water off. Raph's head was starting to spin, whether it was from the heat of the steam, or the scented candles, he couldn't be sure. But when Li Jing pushed the soapy sponge into his hands, he almost couldn't register what to do with it. It felt like he was sitting beside himself, directing how to wash himself. At some point Li Jing had taken the sponge from Raph and started washing along his sides in slow circles.
	 The citrus scent of the soap was crisp, refreshing. Bubbles foamed up around him making a mock bikini, which he and Li Jing had both laughed about. Very Mature, Raph thought, but didn't care. He was have far too much fun to let the chastising voice bring him down.
	For a long time both of them had been quiet. The only words that passed between them was about Li Jing's mother and her love for the bathing ritual she grew up with. Raph could fully see why, it was an amazing experience. Li Jing had went on to say that before she died, they would all bathe together and talk about their day. It was a way for Li Jing to talk about his school day in a more relaxed setting. Or if his father had had a particularly rough day at the office then he could let his 'troubles go down the drain' his mom would always say. This was giving Raph a great idea,  maybe he could convince Donnie to build a bathroom similar to this. Splinter wouldn't mind starting up a bathing ritual. Although the thought struck him as funny, since they lived in a sewer.
	Raph leaned back letting the suds soak into his body. He watch Li Jing give himself a quick scrub down. Raph wanted to avert his gaze to show some respect, but it was far too late for that. The thoughts had already been embedded in his mind. The naughty thoughts of the things that he wanted to try with Li Jing. The will power it took to keep them a secret was astonishing.
	After Li Jing finished washing, he picked up the bucket and dumped it over his head. The force of the water splashing back on Raph. Li Jing filled the bucket once again and dumped it over Raph head in the same fashion. Even though Raph was prepared for the rush of water, he still managed to breath it in at the last second causing him to cough. The pain in his back and side spiked, causing him to wince. This was the first time in a while that he remember he had been beaten up at all.
	Li Jing rinsed the sponge out and dropped it in the bucket. Then he did a quick check of the soap bottles to make sure they were all closed. Raph hadn't seen someone so meticulous about anything since Leo. When Li Jing got up form the wooden riser, he held his hand out to Raph offering to help him to his feet. Raph took it and was glad for the assist.
	“Now we can relax in the bath tub.” Li Jing stepped down on the cold floor, moving carefully since it was coated in condensation.
	Raph was right behind him. “I'm so excited for this, I've not had a bath since I was a baby.”
	“Really, you smelled pretty good to me.” Li Jing looked over his shoulder at Raph.
	“Oh har har, you know what I mean.” Raph was smiling so much his cheeks were hurting.
	“Yeah, just fooling with you. Seriously though, I'm excited too, I haven't bathed with anyone in a long time. I've really missed it.” Li Jing started chuckling. “Not that we've had a busy day or nothing.”
	“I'll have you know, hanging out with you is quite the chore. Listening to your jokes. Hearing you laugh. Looking at your cu...face. I am wore out.” As soon as Raph finished his mock rant, a flood of warm water hit him in the face.
	“Oh sorry...I slipped.” Li Jing laughed as he held his hand out to Raph to help him into the tub.
	Raph joined in on the laugh as he climbed into the tub. They sat across from each other. Li Jing was already leaning back against the side of the tub. His legs entwining with Raph's in a playful power struggle. The water was hotter than it appeared, but soothing all the same. Sweat prickled up along Raph's face, making the heat from the blush overwhelming. He hadn't stopped blushing the whole time they had been in the bathroom together.
	That sat together in relative silence, with the exception of relaxing moans and groans from the warm bath. Li Jing had continued his lazy game of footsie. Raph obliged by playing back. A few chuckles were added to the sounds or relaxation. Li Jing looked into Raph's eyes, a smile of uncertain origin was on his face. It was a smile Raph hadn't seen before. He wasn't sure if he should be intrigued or nervous.
	“Have you...ever been with anyone before?” Li Jing voice was soft, almost lost against the sound of Raph's pounding heart.
	“Well yeah, I'm with you aren't I.” Raph knew very well what Li Jing was asking, but he was playing ignorant.
	“I mean romantically. Have you ever kissed anyone before? Have you ever...done it before?” Li Jing moved closer so he was sitting beside Raph.
	“No, on both. I've never had a b...girlfriend before.” Why would you say that? Raph asked himself trying to keep an indifferent look on his face.
	“Yeah me neither, but I imagine it to be on of the most amazing things ever. I just haven't found anyone I ever wanted to do it with. I've never been close enough to really find out if they were special enough for...that.” Li Jing explained as he leaned against Raph.
	Raph cleared his throat, trying to play it cool at how close Li Jing was. “Same here, for obvious reasons. There aren't many mutant turtles walking around New York.”
	“Then get a human girlfriend.” Li Jing lay his head back against Raph's bicep.
	“Yeah right! No girl would be interested in me.” Raph chuckled nervously, wondering why he kept talking about girls.
	“Then that's their loss. I for one would love to have someone like you in my life.” Li Jing chuckled, his fingers folding over themselves in a practiced pattern.
	“I could say the same thing about you.” Raph said, his own fingers playing along the surface of the water, attempting to get closer to Li Jing's hands.
	Again the room fell into quiet. Both of them were lost in their own thoughts. Raph's mind wandered through the hundreds of concerns that he'd asked himself over the years. Li Jing was perfect in his mind. The first person that was flesh and blood he actually had feelings for, that he loved. In his magazine, the men didn't judge. Raph felt that he actually had a chance with them. When he was in the real world, a freak, that no one could love. It shattered that small glimmer of hope that he would find love. But Li Jing saw him as a person, not a mutant, not a turtle. There was a chance with him, that Raph never thought he would have. There was an urge deep inside to act upon these emotions inside.
	Li Jing turned his head, his wet hair throwing cool droplets on Raph's face. There faces were impossibly close now. If there were ever going to be a moment to act, it would be now. Raph's heart rattled in his chest, his breath was coming out short. It felt as if he were suffocating, his lips drew closer.
	Li Jing shifted across the tub to the opposite side, before stepping out onto the cold floor. “We should get out, before we turn into raisins.”
	The pang deep inside of Raph rolled like thunder, pushing him to clench his teeth near to the breaking point. “Ha!” He forced out awkwardly. “Too late.” He held up one of his prune like fingers.
	It was all he could do to ignore the pain in his heart, the clench in his stomach, and the painful throb in his loins. Li Jing simply smirked and toweled himself off. Raph had never known that someone could be jealous of a towel, but he was. Idiot was the word his mind kept calling him. Only adding more adjectives to the word as the seconds passed by. He got out of the water and took the towel from Li Jing, offering to dry his back for him. Li Jing didn't say anything just arched his back towards Raph.
	“Man am I tired.” Li Jing said through a yawn, before taking the towel back from Raph to return the favor.
	“You said it, bud.” Raph's words were awkward, enjoying the feeling of the towel on his shell.
	Li Jing didn't stop with his back. He slowly patted down Raph's arms, one after the other. Then down to his legs. Raph flexed them to keep them from shaking. Raph started reaching for Li Jing's head, once again wanting to pet him, but pulled his hand back at the last second. Li Jing stepped around Raph drying his chest and stomach before holding the towel out to him.
	“There you go, I'll let you get your delicate areas.” Li Jing looked down at Raph's crotch, puzzled. “Do you have a...?” The flush on his cheek matched Raph's.
	“Oh yeah, it's inside my shell for safe keeping.” Raph chuckled and gave his shell down there a quick wipe.
	Li Jing contemplated as he pulled a blue robe around his small frame. “What...does it look like?”
	Again Raph felt like his nose was going to become a blood fountain. “Well it...looks a lot like yours actually. I guess it's comparable to a human's. I don't know. I've not seen a lot of them.” Which was a lie, there were at least fifty different dicks in his double deluxe magazine.
	“Can I see it?” Li Jing's eyes were full of curiosity.
	“I...ah...suppose so.” Raph squeaked, he dropped the towel on the floor around his legs.
	Raph fished around in his shell. Due to his boner, it was taking longer to dig it out from his shell. When he did a pang of guilt washed through him. What was Li Jing going to think? Raph thought, wishing he had said no now. Li Jing inspected the cock. Seven inches fully erect, two inches around. The dark green skin traveled the whole length to the deep purple tip. Raph was so self-conscious about it, that he just wanted to climb back inside of himself. But Li Jing was calm as he studied it. His face indifferent, which Raph hated. He needed to know that Li Jing wasn't repulsed by it. At the same time he couldn't stop thinking, what was he expecting Li Jing's reaction to be like. Li Jing took on single finger and touched along the top. Raph closed his eyes and grunted loudly, embarrassed that he hadn't anticipated the noise that escaped. When he opened his eyes, Li Jing was watching his reaction.
	“That's so cool. It's hot to the touch.” That was the last thing Li Jing said about it, he just tightened the wrap on his robe.
	“Yeah, sorry it's like this. Something about the warm water, then the cold air. It's complicated.” Raph kept telling himself to stop talking, but the words were uncontrollable.
	“Uh huh. I understand what you're getting at.” Li Jing smiled coyly, before walking out of the room, Raph could see him step into the bedroom across the hall.
	“Damn it.” Raph said quietly as he worked to tuck his length back into his shell, at least the embarrassment had softened him some.
	Raph stepped through the door, sliding it closed behind him. He found Li Jing kneeling down next to his bedroll, finishing turning it down for the evening. Raph had expected Li Jing to already be in his room. The young man looked incredibly tired, but here he was helping Raph get ready for bed. Raph was glad too, he wanted to see him once more before he went to bed.
	“I got your bed all set up.” Li Jing stated the obvious, wanting to start a conversation.
	“Thanks.” Raph said as if it was his final thought, but then he continued. “I'm glad you didn't go to bed before I got in here.”
	“I purposely waited for you. I wanted to tell you goodnight and thanks for the great day. It's been one of the best I can remember.” Li Jing backed away from the bedroll, giving Raph room to get comfortable.
	Raph lay down in the bedroll, pulling it around him. Not that he needed any more warmth, the blush on his face and the remnants of the hot bath, kept him plenty warm. Li Jing pulled the covers up around Raph. Tucking him in like a mother would do their child. Raph reached up and rested his hand on Li Jing's shoulder. He wanted to say something, but every time he opened his mouth, he just closed it again. Li Jing seemed to understand though. He patted Raph's hand gently and got up from the floor.
	“Goodnight, Raph. I'll see you in the morning.” Li Jing's voice was quieter in the already quiet room.
	“Goodnight Li, you have good dreams.” Was all that Raph could bring himself to say.
	It wasn't the most ideal thing he wanted to say. When he finally got the courage up to say something else. Li Jing was already into his room, getting ready for bed. Raph watched the silhouette moving around the room as he had every night since he arrived. The young man pulled out his pajamas from his dresser drawer and lay them on the bed.
	This night was different, it was as if Li Jing knew Raph was watching him. The way he stripped off his robe. Turning just right, so Raph could make out every contour. Raph could see that Li Jing had other things on his mind. The shadowy member hard, aroused. Li Jing didn't hurry to get dressed either as if he were inviting Raph to join him.
	A whisper echoed in the back of Raph's mind, urging him to go. Telling him that this was destiny. Raph had enticed him and the young man was going to reward him with a precious gift. One that Raph would offer in kind. He would be a fool to turn this offer down now. And no doubt about it, Raph was a fool. A self-conscious wave washed over him. No one wants a freak. If you go in there now, he's just gonna laugh at you. No one is ever going to love an asshole like you. Those were the phrases that repeated in his mind.
	The moments passed by as Raph helplessly watched. After twenty or so minutes, Li Jing hung his head, before pulling on his tank top and his pants. Then the lights went out, casting Raph into darkness. But the darkness of the room couldn't compare to the darkness in his own mind. Raph cursed himself. Called himself names, like coward, spineless. As he should be doing. He let a wonderful opportunity pass because he was scared. There would be no pleasure. There would be no happiness. Raph would just have to lay there in the dark thinking the ill thoughts that passed through his mind. That was what he deserved.