This is it. Today would be the day. Raphael kept repeating those words to himself as he stood in Leo’s room, facing himself via full body mirror. He didn’t recognize the turtle who was staring back at him. He blamed his black suit with red shirt for it. This wasn’t his look or style at all, but he had no choice. Leonardo had made him wear it. And speaking of Leonardo – Said turtle stepped out of the bathroom while fixing his tie. His blue eyes rose to look at the other turtle, smile spreading on his face instantly. “You look good.” Leaning against Raphael’s shoulder Leonardo kept smiling at him via mirror, eyeing him up and down. “You chose good suit to yourself too.” “Yeah, because ya made me ta.” Leonardo chuckled. “I’m sorry, but I can’t have you running half naked in this event.” “I would understand your concern if I was running butt naked, but being topless…” Blue eyed turtle kept laughing slightly as he turned towards the bed, withdrawing Raphael’s tie which was left there by bigger turtle. Coming in front of Raphael, Leonardo raised his hands in order to put the tie on, but Raphael wasn’t going to have it. Stepping away from Leo’s reach, Raphael stared black tie. “I ain’t wearing it.” “But you have to. It’s nice finishing touch.” “It’s gonna give me a ‘finishing touch’ by strangling me if I wear it.” Leonardo huffed with a small smile, giving ‘really?’ look to his companion. However, Raphael wasn’t backing away. Sighing deep, after realizing this, Leonardo took the tie back on the bed. “Okay, no tie for you then. But at least do the buttons all the way up. I don’t need you to flash your chest to visitors.” Raphael grinned as he pulled his shirt open a bit. “Ya mean like this?” And the sight of that made Leonardo speechless, his eyes refusing to move away from the chest what he had grown to admire so much – secretly. Grinning Raphael changed weight from one foot to another. “Ya like what ya see, eh?” “Huh? What?” Loud laugh left bigger turtle as Leonardo’s face turned red. “Ya should see your face, Leo! Damn, even boiled lobster ain’t as red as ya right now.” Lowering his eyes, finally, Leonardo felt embarrassed. He shouldn’t had stared! He shouldn’t had – His thoughts were cut off when a hand landed on his shoulder. Blue eyes jumped up instantly, being greeted with yellow orbs which held apologizing and soft look. “Sorry. Didn’t mean ta tease ya too much or bad. I mean… Hell, I tease ya because I’m so damn nerves about all this myself.” Understanding what Raphael was saying made Leonardo huff softly with a smile, hand raising to tap Raphael’s shoulder. “It’s okay. I know how you feel tho. When I arranged first ball few years ago, I was hell scared and nervous. After all most living beings around here were, and still are, humans so I was scared what they would do – how they would react – when they would see me.” “Ya didn’t use a mask?” “Not then when I gave them my speech. After that I did.” “Ya gonna keep speech tonight too?” “No, Margaret will do it for me.” A knock on the door caught turtles’ attention, old maid soon opening the door. “I’m sorry, Master, but first guests have arrived.” “Thank you. Let the girls know that their job starts now. They need to escort our guests in the ballroom and make sure there’s plenty of fresh food and drinks all the time.” “Of course, Master.” Margaret nodded with her head deeply before withdrawing, closing the door. Now turning back to face Raphael, Leonardo smiled. “Well, this is it. I go downstairs too to see everything will go smoothly. I will wait you in the ballroom. Don’t be late. And… Please, don’t run away.” Run away? Turning his eyes from his reflection after Leonardo, Raphael wasn’t able to ask what smaller male had meant since he was already gone. Sighing in confusion Raphael turned his eyes back on the mirror, adjusting his suit once more. Damn, he hated suits. But for Leo… He would bear it. ** It was 10PM already and the music was playing loud, guests’ happy laughs and chattings mixing into it with the steps of dancing. Leaning against the wall right next to the ballroom door Raphael was staring the ceiling, gasping and sweating. So many people… Too many! He couldn’t do it! He couldn’t open the door and just walk in. Not even with the mask which he still held in his trembling hand. “Raphael?” “Aahhh!” “Shh, it’s okay! It’s me!” Panting in panic Raphael eyed person next to him, soon recognizing those blue eyes behind the mask which had started to warm his heart so greatly. “L-Leo?” “Yes. Are you okay?” Taking off his mask to ease Raphael’s panic, Leonardo moved closer so that they could talk with whispers. “I can’t do it… Too many people… I can’t.” “You can, Raphael. Those are harmless people. They are here just to have fun and dance.” Still sweating and panting, the color from Raphael’s face drained. “Wh-what if there’s catchers too? In disguise?” That small sound what smaller turtle made while his eyes grew wider were clear sign that Leonardo hadn’t thought about it, but now that Raphael said it out loud, it send fear in other turtle’s core. “What if they know I’m here? They have come ta get me, have revenge on me for killing their pals…” “Stop it! Just stop it, Raphael!” Hissing in anger Leonardo grabbed Raphael by the arms, giving him one small shake. “They are not here. They don’t know you are here. And even if they did, I wouldn’t let them have you, hurt you or me. Or anyone else.” Despite the firm tone in his voice, Raphael saw a hint of fear in Leo’s eyes. After all Leonardo, after his experience with them, had grown to fear the catchers. Now feeling guilty for ruining his master’s mood and event, Raphael looked away. “I’m sorry. I should had kept that ta myself.” “No. I’m glad you spoke. But I assure you, I’m sure there’s no catchers there. They don’t come to better area in any circumstances.” “Ya sure?” “Yes. We are safe for sure.” Both males held their breaths, eventually sighing deep and loud at the same time. Taking Raphael’s hand Leonardo escorted his mask on, keeping his hold on Raphael’s hand. “We will make it through this, okay? Let’s just go there and have fun like everybody else, okay?” “Yeah. Okay.” “And remember, I got you. And we are all here. You are not alone.” Nodding Raphael adjusted his mask better, finally following Leonardo in the room. It was… breath takingly beautiful with the lights, decorations, paintings on the wall and ceiling… Everything. When music and all those beautiful dresses were added to the scene it was simply perfect. Feeling the mood in the ballroom also helped Raphael to relax, at least some. He wasn’t like a stick in a shit pile anymore, being able to move more relaxed. He headed towards the table which had drinks, taking ice water. “Need a drink already?” Almost choking in surprise Raphael turned to look a woman, hell pretty one, in front of him. “L-Lucy?” “What? You sounded like you were afraid to say my name.” Lucy chuckled as she lifted her mask just a bit to be able to have a drink too. “How you are doing?” “I’m okay, I guess. As long as I’m allowed to be alone and - “ “- and hide in a dark corner or something?” “Yeah, something like that.” “Well, that’s not gonna happen, mister. You remember promising to dance with me?” “I never promised such a thing.” Putting her glass down Lucy huffed with a smile, grabbing on Raphael’s hand. “Well, too bad since you did.” “When?!” Raphael screamed with as tiny and silent voice as possible. Eyes behind golden mask flashed, grin spreading on small woman’s lips. “Just now.” And so Raphael was pulled on the dance floor, his body instantly tensing. “Relax.” Lucy said as she escorted Raphael to take right hold on her. “This is just like then when we danced here alone. Ignore everyone else and focus just on me and the music, okay? You got this. Ready?” “A.. a-a..” “I take that as a yes. Come now, lead me.” Swallowing Raphael shook his fears away, pulling Lucy closer, holding her a bit tighter than before. It was like he was afraid if he let go of her, she would disappear and leave him all alone on the dance floor. Quicker than earlier Raphael was in perfect harmony with the waltz and Lucy, feeling happy and proud of himself. He almost admitted of enjoying this. Almost. “So… Will you dance with Leonardo?” “Why ya keep asking about it?” “Because I know that’s what he would want.” Blushing behind his mask Raph lowered his eyes on Lucy’s. “… Really?” “Yes. And even if he didn’t, what would you lose by giving him even one dance?” Raphael said nothing so Lucy went on. “Besides, I want him to be happy. I’ve seen how he looks at you, how he shines when he speaks about you. He really likes you.” “… Is that why he said ta me earlier in his room ‘please, don’t run away’?” Lucy gasped silently, her hold on Raphael’s hand tightening. There was obviously something what Raphael didn’t know. “He hasn’t told you?” “Obviously not.” Sighing softly Lucy lowered her voice even more. “Okay, I will tell you. But don’t let him know, okay?” “Ya have my word.” “Hm. Master, in the past, used to have more than one patient here in the rehab. There was this lizard guy once. He was big and muscular like you, he too had yellow eyes like you, same kind of nature too. Master fell in love with him, but almost after a year he found out that this lizard had been cheating on him who knows how long, running away during ball night with another patient who was here at the same time.” Raphael growled which was clear sign he was pissed. However Lucy continued. “At that ball night Master waited him in here, exactly in the same spot where he’s standing now, but that jerk never came. Master had hoped that they could fix things between them in that night, but that dick had decided to take his other lover and run.” Looking up in Raphael’s furious eyes, Lucy sighed. “That’s why he said that to you. He’s afraid you will run away too.” “I ain’t running – and I will prove it ta him. Excuse me.” Letting Lucy go with a bow Raphael turned on his heels slightly, walking past her and other dancers, heading straight towards Leonardo who had spotted him. By the time Raphael reached his target, previous song faded away, giving room to a new waltz. Bowing slightly to his master, Raphael offered him his arm. “May I?” That deep but quiet inhale what came from Leonardo, his eyes bright and wide behind the mask, was a clear sign smaller male hadn’t expected this. At least not now. So suddenly. However, Leonardo didn’t hesitate when he took a hold on Raphael’s arm, stepping closer. “I would be honored to.” Nodding with a smile Raphael walked Leonardo in the middle of the ballroom, taking a hold on him, pulling him closer. “Ya good like this?” “Yes. You lead?” “If ya let me.” “Of course.” And so Raphael led, Leonardo perfectly following him. In perfect silence they both just kept looking each other deep in the eyes, small smiles decorating their faces. “Lucy taught you well.” “So ya knew about it? Or was it your plan ta begin with?” Leonardo’s small smile turned into little evil grin as he replied. “Maybe.” Raphael snorted, his palm pressing slightly harder against Leonardo’s shell. “Ya little shit.” Feeling warmer than ever before Leonardo closed his eyes, pressing his forehead against Raphael’s shoulder. “I’m so happy you are here, Raphael.” To this Raphael said nothing, just simply nuzzled once against the top of Leo’s head as they danced in silence the rest of the waltz. ** After their dance Raphael escorted Leonardo near the wall, placing a kiss on his hand before separating from him. He didn’t really want to, but at the same time he felt so weird – and hungry – that he needed to put some distance between him and Leo. Leonardo, in the other hand, allowed his heart to hammer in his chest, lovely warmth filling him completely. He couldn’t take his eyes off on Raphael’s back – not until someone startled him. “Leonardo?” That voice…! Spinning around Leonardo eyed tall man, instantly realizing who he was. “Saki! Oh, you’re alive!” Taking his friend’s hands in his, Leonardo kept his voice low as he kept smiling. “I can’t believe it’s you! How did you survive? What those catchers did to you? Wha--” “Shh, calm down. I will explain everything but not here. Do you have a place where we could talk in private? This is important.” “Oh, yes, yes. My office. We can go there.” Turning to find Margaret with his gaze, Leonardo finally spotted her, signaling to her with his hands he was leaving to his office. To this Margaret nodded, feeling uneasy because of the man who went with her master. ** After calming his mind, and heart, while filling his stomach, Raphael turned around but to his horror he didn’t see Leonardo there where he had left him. Walking in the group Raphael looked him from all directions, not seeing him. “Is everything alright, Raphael?” Turning around muscular turtle came face to face with Margaret. “Leo. Where is he? Have ya seen him?” “I saw him few minutes ago. He signaled to me he will be in his office.” “Huh? But why he would –” “He wasn’t alone, Raphael. He was going away with someone who I didn’t recognize – thanks to his mask and suit.” Raphael’s heart was hammering in his chest. “I’ll go check on him.” “Please, do so. Be quick.” There was real concern in old woman’s voice so Raphael hurried his steps as he left the room, his steps turning into running ones outside the ballroom. Running towards Leo’s office made Raphael tense. He could hear some sounds – and they didn’t sound good. Trying the door handle Raphael realized the door was locked. Growling Raphael took few steps back, slamming his shoulder at the door with force. Door easily gave in against his strength. Stopping on his feet Raphael gasped in horror as he saw Leonardo being on the desk on his shell, still trying to fight against the other man who was on top of him, strangling him while syringe’s needle had pierced Leo’s neck, hanging there. “Leo! Hands off of him, ya bastard!” Saki looked over his shoulder, just barely dodging Raphael’s fist. “Leo?!” Staring into those glassy eyes Raphael growled. Leonardo was not responding and he didn’t look too good either. His mouth hanged open, eyes staring into emptiness, his scales turning more pale. “What ya did ta him?!” Saki snorted as he pulled out another syringe from his pocket. “You will find out soon enough.” Attacking Raphael maybe wasn’t the best idea, but Saki was done. He’d had enough of mutants. Trying to hit Raphael’s neck with the needle wasn’t going to be all that easy since Raphael was good at dodging and blocking Saki’s blows while stripping himself from his suit. That thing was being in his way, limiting his movements. Leonardo had been more easier target since that fool turtle had trusted on Saki, not seeing what was coming. Sadly the poison hadn’t been effective enough to kill the turtle quick so Saki had tried to strangle him to death – but Raphael had showed up to ruin it all. Grabbing a hold on Saki’s hand which held the syringe, Raphael twisted the arm so that Saki had to release his hold on the object, then twisting human’s arm on his back – in most painful way. Human fell on his knees screaming in pain, feeling how shoulder muscles were ripping apart. “What ya did ta Leo!?” “Took him out of the way! He has been pain in my ass ever since I met him!” “And what the hell that means?! I thought ya were friends!” Saki groaned as he turned to look over his shoulder. “The world belongs to us humans! You freaks have no place in it! That’s why I hired all those catchers decades ago to kill weaklings and freaks! Only superior humans shall live! I have try to purify this world for so long, but that little freak friend of yours just kept digging mutants out of nowhere, rehabilitating them!” “Ya are nuts! None of that shit doesn’t make any sense! And if ya really think like that, why ya helped Leo in the first place?” Saki grinned in a wicked way. “To earn his trust. When you earn someone’s trust, they let you close and that’s when you strike.” Raphael swallowed as fury grew in his soul. This… This bastard! Suddenly there was two loud booms, shaking the mansion. Instantly the house was filled with people’s screams. “Aahh, excellent timing.” Saki said as he managed to free himself from Raphael’s hold. “What ya mean?!” “My bombs what I managed to hide in the ballroom while you were busy dancing with Leonardo.” B-bombs!? Raphael growled as he circled around Saki, making sure to keep the bastard away from the door and Leo. “So ya planted bombs in the room ta blow us and innocent people up?!” “Sacrificing innocent people while getting rid of the bigger problem is small price to pay.” Now than ever Raphael was truly furious. He saw nothing but red as he attacked Saki, who managed to dodge his knee, returning the kick in the guts. As Raphael fell on the floor gagging, he heard a sound coming from a sword when it was pulled out from its scabbard. Shit! Seeing a flash from the corner of his eye Raphael withdrew his head inside his shell, blade hitting his already scarred shell quite hard. Damn, it felt nasty, making big turtle grit his teeth. Popping his head out Raphael rolled away, getting a chance to stand up. However he soon noticed he didn’t had anything to defense himself with. “Raphael! Raphael, come quick!” “Margaret, call 911! We have a lunatic here who attacked on Leo and blew up part of the mansion!” Margaret stood on the stairs, listening the sound of fight and Raphael’s voice. She was confused, worried and scared, but without any reply she rushed back downstairs to make a call. While she was at it she kept her eyes on her girls who all were escorting guests out via front door. Meanwhile in Leo’s office Raphael was panting, having some cuts from the katana. This Saki… He was better than Raphael had thought. Taking fast look of unconscious and pale turtle on the desk squeezed big heart inside emerald green chest. Leonardo… No, Raphael wouldn’t let Leo die there. Rushing towards Saki he saw flashes of blade, feeling few fresh cuts appearing on his body. He had to pull back in the corner. Saki wasn’t letting him near Leonardo. Damn it! Raphael was becoming desperate. He needed to get past the maniac, kill him and go take care of Leo! In the middle of the paper mess on the floor Raphael spotted something shiny. It was Leonardo’s letter opener! It wasn’t katana, but better that than nothing. Luring Saki towards him wasn’t easy task, but eventually Raphael managed to pull it out, rolling away from yet another swing of blood covered blade. Snatching letter opener Raphael stood up, taking his fighting stance. He was so close to Leo now. He just wanted to take a look of his beloved friend, but didn’t dare to take his eyes off on Saki who was coming at him once again. Leo’s office wasn’t all that big so fighting in it wasn’t the best, but Raphael had to go with it what he had. Blood was spilling from his wounds on the floor and walls, Raphael gasping while leaning heavily forward. How this could be?! How a mere human could be like this?” “Surprised, mutant? Let me tell you something. I’m not pure human. I have some disgusting mutant genes in me which have given me unique strenght. I can’t say I truly hate it, but I don’t love it – because I know it’s from a mutant.” Raphael said nothing as he kept panting, spitting some blood on the white paper on the floor. Pressing his foot harder against the floor Raphael dashed forward, Saki easily hitting letter opener out of his hand. “You fool.” Raphael’s eyes followed in slow motion how the blade rose above his head, then coming down with a smooth flash. Instincts kicking in Raphael closed his eyes, stopping the blade between his hands. Opening his eyes revealed shocked and surprised look in his, and Saki’s, eyes. Not wasting more than a second Raphael kicked Saki as hard as he could in the stomach, pulling katana away from him. As Raphael lifted the blade in front of him, Saki laughed. “Why you hesitate, turtle? Haven’t you kill many humans before? My men to be precise.” Trembling Raphael fought back the urge to kill the man. “Ya have antidote ta that poison ya gave ta Leo?” “Awh, touching. You are keeping me alive in hopes I would have antidote to save Leonardo. Guess what? I don’t have it. My purpose is to kill, not heal like Leonardo’s.” Watching Saki pull smaller sword out from inside his suite Raphael growled in disbelief. Really?! Swords came together again and again. Saki was coming at Raphael with everything he had, turtle finding himself in trouble. He had lost blood and it started to effect on him. His hold became too loose and Saki was able to hit Leo’s katana away from his hold easily. With quick moves Saki started to flash his own sword while chasing Raphael who was packing away as quick as he could while dodging. Stepping on blood covered paper Raphael felt his heel slip, falling hard on his shell as Saki saw his opportunity. Speeding up his steps Saki came closer, reaching down to finish annoying turtle off. Raphael screamed as he pushed himself to sit up, while Saki’s blade pressed deep in his lef shoulder, his hands thrusting letter opener deep in human’s left chest. Raphael had felt small blade under his hand after he fell, thanking whatever or whoever was behind of letting that letter opener be there. Saki’s eyes were wide open, blood slowly coming out of his mouth. With his last breath he grinned at the turtle. “I see you and every other mutant in hell, freak…” Pushing Saki away, letting him collapse on the floor, Raphael snorted while spitting on lifeless body. “In your dreams, bastard.” Hearing sirens outside made Raphael sigh in relief in some way, but he still rushed to Leonardo with wobbling feet, taking gentle hold on those round pale cheeks. “Hang in there, babe. Help’s on the way. Stay with me. Hear my voice. Ya are gonna make it.” Hearing running sounds Raphael stepped away from Leonardo when paramedics with few police officers, and Margaret, came in the room. Old woman looked so horrified as her eyes scanned the scene and lifeless Leonardo on the desk. “Master!” “Ma’am, please, stay away. We got this.” Margaret came next to Raphael who sealed her in his armpit – which was more cleaner side. “Oh, Leonardo…” “Don’t worry, Margaret. He is in good hands. They will take care of him.” She was sobbing as she nodded, holding Raphael’s hand tight with trembling hands. As the paramedics left to take Leonardo in another ambulance, Raphael insisted on following them. However at the end of the stairs police officers stopped him with another pair of paramedics. “What the hell?! Get out of my way! I’m going with him! Leo!” “Sir, calm down. We need to check on you. You are covered in blood while having nasty looking cuts.” “But--!” Margaret’s hand on Raphael’s shoulder shut big turtle up. With a groan Raphael sat on the wooden stair, allowing paramedics to check on him. Watching with worry and sadness in his eyes Raphael sighed as another ambulance left, taking Leonardo away. After cleaning Raphael’s wounds paramedics decided that his wounds could be treated there and then. They were cleaned properly after all and now they only needed sticthes and patching up. Raphael was growing impatient while being stitched, finally growling as he jumped up. “Enough with this! I’m going ta Leo!” “I’m afraid that’s not possible.” Turning to look older officer Raphael snarled. However he didn’t got a word out of his mouth when the said officer came behind him, taking his hands, putting handcuffs on. “You, sir, are under arrest for murder.” “The fuck?!” “W-what? But, officer, Raphael hasn’t done anything like that.” Margaret said as she stepped closer, girls standing in line, looking worried and scared. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but there’s dead body upstairs in the office room, yes?” “Of course there is!” Raphael growled. “Yes, I killed that fucker but it was self-defense! He was trying ta kill Leo and then me!” “I’m sorry, but we don’t have any evidence it happened that way.” “Ya kidding me, ya shit?!” “Raphael, please, behave.” “Bullshit, Margaret! These jerks just are making things up ‘cause I ain’t a human!” Younger officer approached his working partner and furious turtle, suddenly gasping. “Sir, I know him! I saw a sketch about him! He’s that mutant who has been killing catchers over the years!” Raphael felt his soul and heart turn cold, color rushing away from his face as Margaret and girls gasped loud behind him. No… No. Not this! Nothing like this couldn’t happen! “Hmm, you are right. Therefor you are also under arrest for many other murders, young man. Come now. We take you to the station. You will be there as long as this all is solved. Then we will see how to go forward with you.” “No… No! NO! I won’t go in cell! I won’t be put down! Margaret, help! T-they are gonna put me down! Kill me! Margaret!” Two officers had to use force to take panicking turtle out of the house, Margaret rushing after him. “Raphael, darling, stay calm and obey them, okay? We will find a way to help you, I promise.” Whipering and sobbing in panic Raphael fought back as officers tried to get him in the car, finally just pushing him in there roughly. Margaret walked next to the car, looking pleading huge eyes with broken heart. “Margaret…” “Don’t worry, we will help you. I promise. Be a good boy until then, okay?” Watching the police car taking off with Raphael on the backseat was heart breaking. Sighing Margaret fell on her knees crying. First Leonardo, now Raphael and… Turning to look collapsed ballroom Margaret allowed louder sob out. She was happy none hadn’t got injured or died during explosions, but their home… “Master…” Sighing deeply Margaret lowered her head, tears falling down on her hem.