After a week sauna was finally ready and Raphael couldn’t had been more proud. He was even more proud when he, in the evening, was sitting in it with Leonardo by his side. Alfred had been more or less alarmed by the sauna, but Raphael had managed to convince him to go bath there first. Raphael himself had stayed outside so that Alfred could call him if anything would happen.

When everyone had bathed, trio settled in the living room. Earlier that day Alfred had been cleaning, finding some old photo albums. He had forgot them completely. Sitting beside Alfred on the couch Leonardo looked at the photos as Alfred turned the pages super slow, explaining when the pic had been taken.

Leonardo couldn’t believe how he looked when he had been younger. He was rather skinny, but in a way he also looked happy in the photos… Despite the fact all of them had been taken either inside the house or on the yard. Few of them had been taken from the beach where Alfred had taken him few times in the past.

“So how life was with Leo when he was younger?”

“It was rather easy, Raphael. Sure there were moments when I needed to be more firm with Leonardo, but overall he was a good kid.” Smiling at the other turtle Alfred petted Leo’s head. “And he still is.”

Raphael smiled. These two had really strong and love filled bond with respect. He sat quietly listening as Alfred kept telling tales, but even still there really wasn’t much to tell since most of their lives they had spend inside the mansion – and Leonardo had behaved more than well.

**

Years went by with peaceful life which suited the trio most perfectly. One day, however, would disturb the peace.

Raphael and Leonardo arrived home from their trip to the city, stepping out of the car. Instantly Leonardo felt something was not right. He rushed inside the house, finding himself calling Alfred but he got no reply.

Heading in the kitchen Leonardo stopped as he spotted Alfred sitting on the chair, half full teacup long gone cold. Stepping slowly closer Leonardo called Alfred once again with soft whisper, but the butler didn’t answer. Only when Leonardo touched Alfred’s shoulder he felt how tense and cold he was.

Already knowing the answer Leonardo slowly knelt by Alfred’s side, looking at his face while Alfred’s head was hanging down. All earlier warm colors had faded from his face. He looked so pale and yet peaceful. Biting his lower lip hard Leonardo’s eyes filled with tears as he petted his adopted father’s, and friend’s, face.

“Oh, Alfred...”

Raphael, who had been staying on the background, now came behind his mate placing a hand on Leo’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

Turning to look up at Raphael first thing what Leonardo noticed was that while Raphael was honestly sad he was not crying. Not having even watery eye.
“You’re not crying. You don’t even look shocked.” Leonardo sniffed.

“Because I knew.”

“?! Knew what?”

“That he was going to pass away.”

“You knew?! And you didn’t tell me!? Did it ever cross your mind I might would had wanted to be there in his last moment!?”

Leonardo was now standing, facing Raphael. His heart was aching. Losing someone so dear to him and also finding out Raphael had not been honest with him.

“I did it because Alfred asked me to.” Looking at the dead friend over Leo’s shoulder Raphael sighed. “We had long conversation one day while you were meditating in the dojo. Alfred told me he knew his time was coming. He said he could feel it. Of course I tried to tell him to stop fooling around, but he assured me he was serious.”

Now looking at Leo again Raphael continued. “He asked me not to tell you anything. The last thing what he didn’t want to have in his last moments was you being overly concerned about him, watching him 24/7.”

Now smiling slightly Raphael placed his hands on Leo’s trembling shoulders. “He wanted to see you happy all the way to an end. That was one of his wishes.”

Leonardo’s lips were trembling as he licked them, eyes releasing tears which rolled down on his cheeks. “And other wishes…?”

“That I would remain by your side and make sure you’re safe and happy. I promised him that.”

Leonardo sniffed as he turned to look over his shoulder. He felt like shit, but at the same time he understood and accepted Alfred’s last wishes. Even if he didn’t like them.

“I need to call the cops.”

“Don’t worry. I will arrange everything.”

Leonardo only nodded, taking a seat deciding to sit by his friend’s empty shell while waiting the police after Raphael had called them. It took about an hour before police arrive, taking notes from both turtles about what had happened.

Soon after his arrival ambulance came and they checked Alfred, taking him away. Letting them take Alfred was heavy and difficult thing to Leonardo and he stood on the porch for a long time, even after ambulance and police had left.

It wasn’t that Raphael didn’t want to be there and comfort Leonardo, but he saw it to be the best to let other turtle be alone and grief. In the meantime Raphael arranged fridge, placing their foods in it. The lost of beloved friend lingered in the air, house feeling emptier… More quiet. Something was clearly missing. Raphael was sure it would take time for the turtles to get used of this new feeling and quietness in the mansion.

**

Leonardo had send letters to Alfred’s relatives about his passing, also inviting them to come to Alfred’s funeral which would be 2 weeks away from now. At first Raphael had been against Leo taking any part of arranging Alfred’s funeral, begging Leo to leave it all to him, but he eventually gave in. After all Alfred had been very dear to other turtle and it was his right to be part of the funeral arrangement.

Two weeks went by and turtles stood at Alfred’s grave, heavy rain falling on them. Only big umbrella in Raphael’s hands kept them from getting soaked. Funeral ceremony was long gone, but Leonardo refused to leave. He just stood there tears in his eyes staring the fresh grave, covered with flowers. If Raphael’s hand wasn’t resting on his suit covered shoulder, he would had fall on his knees to cry for sure.

Raphael had no idea how many hours they had stood there, but eventually he got Leonardo to move by stating they could come here every day if that would make Leo feel better – and that’s exactly what happened. For weeks Leonardo visited Alfred’s grave every day, always bringing even one flower with him. He spend there hours and it worried bigger turtle.

Sure Raphael understood everyone grieved in their own ways, but he was scared that Leonardo was overdoing it, taking it too far, hanging on it for too long and hard.

Finding Leonardo one evening in the kitchen, sitting on his chair in candlelight while staring Alfred’s photo made Raphael sigh heavily. Approaching his mate Raphael placed his hand gently on Leo’s shoulder, kissing his temple.

“I’m heading to bed. You should do so too.”

“Hmm. I will. A bit later.”

“… Alright. Good night. Love ya.”

“Good night. I love you too.”

Leo’s voice remained on the same tone, his eyes strictly staying on Alfred’s photo. Raphael sighed again, but stopped at the doorway.

“Hey, Leo.”

“Hm?”

“Try to meditate.” Raph was now looking his mate over his shoulder, seeing how Leonardo slowly lifted his head, slightly confused and tired eyes turning to look at him.

“What? Why? I’m not in the mood for -”

“Think, Leo. Think.”
And he thought. He thought a moment in silence, his expression suddenly and slowly brightening. Now his eyes were wide and sparkling, staring deep into Raphael’s eye. Jumping up Leonardo was wearing a smile for the first time after Alfred’s death. Quickly closing the distance between him and Raphael Leonardo rose on his toes to kiss Raphael.

“Thank you! I’ll be in a dojo.”

Raphael only nodded since words were not needed. Smiling he watched as Leonardo rushed away, going in the basement where dojo was. In there Leonardo lit up candles seating himself in lotus pose, incense burning near him on the floor.

Taking slow and deep inhales Leonardo relaxed, starting his meditation. After a short moment he was in deep meditative state, surrounded by strong love and light. From the light approached familiar character with most loving smile, causing Leo’s eyes tear up. He felt his hot tears rolling down on his cheek in physical world.

Leonardo was embraced in most warm and loving hug what he had ever felt – and it made him smile, filling his soul with joy.

“Alfred.” He whispered in his mind, Alfred’s spirit taking a hold on Leo’s hand guiding them in more better area where the two sat down and talked for a long time telepathically.

**

Raphael was laying on the bed leaning with his shell against the head of the bed, reading, when the door opened. Lifting his eye on Leonardo he smiled softly, instantly noticing difference on his mate. Leonardo was smiling, he was more relaxed and he seemed happy. He waited quietly as Leonardo made his way to the bed, getting on his spot.

“You okay?”

“I feel better if that’s where you’re aiming at.”

“Yeah. I assume you managed to reach him?”

“Yes.” Leonardo said as he turned on his side, crawling right next to Raphael’s body, pressing his head and hand on Raphael’s chest and shoulder. “It was so nice to talk with him. I feel so much better now.”

Looking up at Raphael who put the book away Leo smiled. “Thank you. If you wouldn’t had said meditation… I wouldn’t had realize to do it myself.”

Raphael snorted smiling, petting Leo’s head. “That’s what I’m here for.”

“That’s what Alfred said too. He said I’m in good hands with you.”

Raphael laughed shortly as he laid better on his shell, sneaking his arm under his head. “Nice to know he, still, has faith in me even on the other side.”

Leonardo chuckled closing his eyes. “He has full trust on you. And he’s keeping his eyes on us.”

“Oh fuck… Then that means we no longer have private sex moments. He will be standing in the corner and watch us. Some pervert spirit…!”

Leonardo chuckled again, not bothering to reply. He felt too tired, too heavy and relaxed after all that grieving and meditation which drains energy. Quietly he whispered his good night wish, falling asleep.

**

Life without Alfred had been more or less difficult for the turtles at first, but they knew Alfred’s spirit visited them every now and then. How they knew? Because Alfred’s favorite broom was either moved on some other spot while Leo ad Raph weren’t at home or it suddenly fell down on its own when turtles were at home, but not even near to touch it.

And it wasn’t only life without Alfred that was changed. It was everything around the turtles since 150 years later world had changed too. To the better. While Earth, now, was more better place to live, there still were issues like some illnesses which couldn’t be cured.

It was beautiful morning and the sun was starting to color the sky behind the horizon. Leonardo was sitting on the bed, leaning with his shell against the head of the bed. He, like Raphael too, had grown more old. They weren’t big and muscular anymore. At least not so much. Their skin was covered with wrinkles, movements long time ago slowed down. Turning his head with a smile Leonardo watched as Raphael got out of the bed.

“You’re sure you don’t wanna take a shower with me?”

Leonardo chuckled softly. “I’m sure, dear. I feel too nice to leave the bed just yet.”

Raphael smiled as he turned around. “Fine then.” Bending down he kissed Leonardo softly, rubbing their beaks together before pulling away. “I’m gonna make us big and yummy breakfast after I’m done, okay?”

“That sounds lovely. I would love that.”

Raphael smiled as he withdrew but stopped at the doorway to bathroom when Leonardo called him.

“I love you. I know I say that a lot, but it’s the truth. And I also know I have said this to you many times in the past already, but I’m so happy you are in my life. You have make my life so much better.”

“Awh, stop with that sweet-talking. You know how it embarrasses me...”

Leonardo laughed gently a short moment before Raphael continued. “But yeah, I love ya too. You are the best thing what has ever happen to me – and I’m gonna show it to you after I’m done with the shower.”

Leonardo grinned in flirty way, raising his eye ridges. “Oh? That sounds… Nice. I’ll be here waiting.”

Raphael grinned back before shutting the door, soon sound of shower turning on reaching Leonardo’s ears.
He took pencil and diary in his hands, writing in it like he had done for years now. Sun’s rays slowly escaped over the mountain hitting Leonardo’s eye. Sighing softly Leonardo placed diary and pencil in his lap, relaxing backward against big comfy pillow, smiling at the sunrise.

It was the most beautiful sunrise what Leonardo had ever seen. Sunrises like this were always a sign that it was going to be a good day.

**

Opening the bathroom door Raphael was drying himself, keeping his gaze and head down. “You still are absolutely sure you don’t wanna shower, Leo? I could wash your shell.”

When he got no reply Raphael stopped, lifting his head up. Leonardo was on the bed, face turned towards the window so Raphael couldn’t see his face, but he felt it in his heart that something was not right.

“Leo?” Dropping his towel Raphael rushed by Leo’s side, touching his partner while calling his name again. No reply or reaction of any kind. Panting fast and heavily Raphael’s vision went blurry, panic and pain filling his heart. No, no, no…!

“You little shit..!” Raphael growled as he took a hold on Leo’s chin, turning his face towards his. He was taken back how calm Leonardo looked. How he was wearing a small smile… But there was no breathing, no warmth, no heartbeat. Just beautiful empty shell.

Tears pouring wild out of his eye Raphael kissed Leonardo’s forehead, sealing him in big tight hug. The pain was the worst what he had ever felt.

“You little shit...” Raphael whispered between sobs again. “You knew, didn’t you? You dared to leave me without saying a word...”

Pulling away Raphael rested his hand on Leo’s cheek, not bothering to wipe his own tears away from his cheek. “You think this is fair? You think I like this that everyone who I care or love about always die before I do…! First Casey, then Mrs. Morrison, Alfred and now you.”

Dropping his head down Raphael shut his eye tightly, shaking. “I’m always left behind alone…” Lifting his head Raphael once again looked at the peaceful face in front of him, sobbing violently. He hated this. He hated this day. He hated everything today. Dropping his head down again he now noticed, between the tears, that Leo’s diary was there and open.

Taking it Raphael eyed Leonardo’s beautiful handwriting, his last words which were pointed to him clearly.

“I’ll see you on the other side of the stars.”

Eyeing the letter didn’t make big turtle feel any better, but he knew those words to be true. Eventually they would meet again. Beyond the stars.

**

News about Leonardo’s death hit Donatello and Michelangelo hard too. They came to visit Raphael, staying with him until they all would feel better again, being able to keep on living.

Raphael had found letter from the inside of Leonardo’s diary. It clearly stated that Raphael now owned everything and as his last wishes Leonardo wanted cremation and his ashes to be placed right in front of his favorite big maple tree in the garden. All this Raphael did, also ordering heart shaped tombstone. It wasn’t too big nor too small, but it fitted there perfectly.

Donatello and Michelangelo stood by his side as they watched small grave and tombstone, half of the heart being empty. Without even asking Don and Mikey knew empty part was for Raphael. Brothers knew this was not the best time, but they still stated to Raphael that they, now, would be moving away. They had no reasons to stay here since their only family relative no longer lived.

Raphael understood this while still feeling slightly afraid. They too were leaving him.

Time kept going, few years passing. Raphael had been so lonely in huge and quiet mansion. Learning to be alone after almost 200 years of having company was extremely hard. However he wasn’t alone at times. There were moments when he could sense Leonardo’s presence, being even touched gently. He knew Leonardo was there, comforting him in his weakest moments.

One morning Raphael picked up the newspaper, slowly making his way back inside the house. Leaving the paper on the table he went to the fridge, hearing suddenly how the paper fell on the floor. Looking behind the fridge’s door he saw that the paper, indeed, was flat on the floor.

“If that was you, Leo, that was not nice. I’m old and bending down getting items isn’t so easy anymore.” Raphael bend down to pick up the paper while cursing under his breath. When he turned the paper in his hands he saw big text and a photo of orphan house which had burned down during the night. Lightning had hit the house, burning it and now orphans, and those few ladies who took care of them, were basically homeless.

“This is a sign from you, right?” Instantly Raphael felt a wave of air hit his face. “Fine.”

Picking up his phone Raphael made a call. He offered to take all the orphans and the ladies in, feed them and get them clothes, but he wouldn’t take any other part of taking care of the kids. Authorities came to check the mansion, to be sure it was safe, before giving Raphael their blessings that he could take orphans in.

Later that same day buss drove on the yard, bringing quite big group of kids of all ages and three ladies. Obviously Raphael was scary looking for the kids since they all stood quietly hiding behind each other as young woman, perhaps around her 30’s, approached the turtle shaking his hand.

“It’s so nice to meet you, mister Raphael. Please, accept our most sincere thank you since we don’t have anything else to offer.”

“It’s all right, miss...”

“Mary-Ann.”

“Miss Mary-Ann, know I’m more than happy to give you and the kids place to stay. After all my home is big and I live there alone so there’s plenty of room. However, there’s some house rules.”

“Name them.”

“No running and screaming inside the house. No jumping on furniture, no going down in the dojo and then there’s two other rooms where I won’t let anyone in. I keep those doors, as well as dojo’s door, locked. Just in case.”

“What rooms are those if I may ask?”

“One… Is my master’s room. Previous butler who taught me to become a butler. Second is my… My… husband’s room. I don’t want anyone to go in those rooms. They are sacred for me.”

“I understand and I will make sure that the children will understand it too.”

“Good. If there’s anything what you or the kids need, let me know. I will arrange everything. After all you all need to be comfortable here since this is your new home now.”

Raphael watched as Mary-Ann went back to other workers and the kids, explaining everything for them. When rules were clear, kids were taken inside – and they all were amazed, ladies included.

First thing what the kids wanted, and did, was bath. It took few hours to bath them all one by one, but when it was done Raphael asked everyone in big dining room, table filled with food. Kids were eager to eat and Raphael couldn’t help but to smile as he watched happy clean kids eating. It seemed they hadn’t got so much food in previous place.

After dining kids were allowed to look around, but it was strictly forbid for them to touch on anything which could fall, break and so on. Raphael was extremely grateful for the kids being so polite and well-behaving.

In the next few days Raphael had ordered lots of new toys for the kids to play with, both inside and outside. Clothes he didn’t buy but he gave credit card for Mary-Ann, who had been shocked about the trust what Raphael had on her. After her shock she went out to the city to buy clothes for the kids.

**

With time life settled better in the mansion, kids got used of their new home and Raphael felt happy for having company. Kids even had been giving him some energy which caused him to play with them, chase them on the yard at times too.

Mary-Ann with other workers sat on the porch in beautiful autumn day laughing, watching Raphael run with the kids as good as his old bones allowed him to. Panting heavily Raphael walked in the garden, sitting to lean against the big and beautiful maple tree right next to Leo’s grave.

“Hey, baby.” He panted, tapping Leo’s tombstone. “Those kids are something… Or then I’ve grown too old. It’s hard to keep up with ‘em.”

Hearing slight steps Raphael turned to look at the source of the sound, seeing 4 year old blond girl, Miriam, coming to him.

“Awe you okay, Waphael?”

Raphael chuckled as he lifted his hand to tap Miriam on the head gently. “Yes. I’m okay. I just need to take a break. I’m old so playing with you kids is hard.”

Taking a letter from his jacket’s pocket he handed it to Miriam. “Hey, can you take this to Mary-Ann? It’s very important so don’t lose it, okay?”

“I will bwing it to hew! You can twust me, Waphael!”

And she ran off, Raphael smiling after her. Miriam was one of the kids who had been about 1-2 years old when they had arrived in the mansion, and she instantly had liked Raphael. But so had Raphael too. Miriam was his favorite from all kids.

Taking deep inhale of fresh autumn air Raphael turned to look Leo’s grave, placing his hand on the tombstone.

“Well, I think they will do just fine without me. I’ve arranged everything for them. Mary-Ann is good woman and knows what she’s doing. Kids have home and safe place to be at. All is good.”

Closing his eyes Raphael rested his head against the trunk, feeling all warm and happy when Leonardo, in younger form – maybe around his 20’s or 30’s – stood in front of Raphael’s eyes, reaching a hand towards him with the most warming smile. He didn’t have his scars either which surprised big turtle. Without hesitation Raphael reached for the hand, noticing how he could see with both eyes, how all wrinkles had left his arms. He was young and strong again.

When their hands reached for each other, these spirits full of love hugged each other. They were together again.

**

“Raphael?” Mary-Ann asked as she approached old turtle’s body. When she touched it she realized Raphael was no more. Sighing with sadness she lowered her eyes on the letter what Raphael had written.

“I, Raphael Hamato, hereby leave everything what I own to Miss Mary-Ann and the orphans. Mansion is yours now, money is all yours but use it wisely to give the best life for the children. As my last wishes I want cremation, my ashes to be placed right next to my mate, Leonardo’s, grave under the maple tree.

Raphael Hamato”

**

Decades went by and the orphan house was blooming. It was the best place for orphans and it was nice to see and hear happy kids laughing and running on the yard. The garden wasn’t in its previous glory anymore and the old maple tree had been cut down since it had become dangerous after starting to moulder.

However two new and strong beginnings of the maple trees were growing from old graves, tangling together while leaving heart shaped tombstone, with Leonardo’s and Raphael’s names on it, between them.

The End