“You want me to fake Leo’s signature on top of writing a whole wedding agreement?” Splinter nodded while leaning against Donatello’s desk with his hands, pushing his face right in front of his face. “That’s exactly what I want.” “Okay. You got me there and made me curious. What I should write and why?” Stepping away Splinter started to pace back and forth rubbing his small beard. It was obvious he was thinking the best way to bring his plan out. Finally his small feet stopped slapping against the floor, his eyes turning on Donatello. “You write wedding agreement which states that Leonardo, and Raphael, will both leave everything to me if something happens to either one of them. Then you sign it as Leo and Raphael. This way we can go and kill those two right after Leonardo and that “king” of albino turtles are married.” Turning to look at the massive crocodile standing in the darkest corner Splinter’s eyes sparkled. “Is this okay with you?” With a small grunt he nodded, earning a nod from Splinter back. Sighing Donatello mumbled something under his breath, leaning down on writing first wedding agreement on white paper. Splinter sat down next to Donatello, watching and guiding him to write perfect text. He had no room for errors of any kind. ** “Raphael.” “Yes?” They were sitting outside on long stone bench, summer breeze gently rolling around them, sand running over their toes. They had been sitting there in silence for few hours at least. Something was troubling Leonardo and Raphael could see and sense it. When Leonardo didn’t made any move to say anything else, Raphael made his move. “If you still are scared of me leaving you -” “It’s not that.” Sitting silently Raphael kept his eyes on Leonardo. Sighing thinner turtle took deep inhale, slowly exhaling. “There’s something else I need to tell you. You know my… ‘father’ isn’t the kindest one. He gave me a mission before we left to visit the Council.” Squeezing his hands into fists Leonardo took another deep inhale. “He told me to seduce you. He told me to make you fall for me. He wanted us to become a couple if you are a king.” Blinking few times in more or less of a shock Raphael turned his head away, sinking deep in his mind. All what Leonardo could do was wait his response. “I… Kind of thought that much. I mean sure you have been flirting with me and all, but when you suddenly started to be all on me while we visited the Council, I figured there was a reason behind it.” Looking at lighter green male beside him Raphael’s eyes filled with worry. “Does this mean that there really aren’t we now?” “No! No. … I want to be with you, honestly. I don’t care are you a king or not. I…” It felt like the air suddenly dried his lips, not letting them open and separate, even slightly. Licking his lips Leonardo tried to moist them, enough to separate them well enough, and finally he managed to whisper; “I love you.” If a heart could, or would, explode from such words Raphael would be dead by now. Simple 3 words and so much feelings and emotions they held. Swallowing few times big turtle moved right next to Leo, so that their thighs were pressed together. Wrapping his arm around smaller body he leaned down to kiss those dry lips. Hands rose on his cheeks, holding his head still as his kiss was returned to him. With soft smack their lips departed, noses rubbing together. “I love you too, prince.” Leonardo chuckled. It was beautiful sound which soon faded as he turned more serious once again. “I’m glad we are on the same page on that one, but I must say something else as well. Knowing father he has something in his sleeve so be careful. I don’t know it yet what he plans but it can’t be good.” “Let him throw whatever he can or wants on us. We can handle him. He’s just one small old rat.” Now Leonardo laughed, perhaps a bit louder than he intended since he lowered his voice instantly, but didn’t stop laughing. “Thank you. You make me feel so much better and safe here.” Not bothering to reply Raphael simply kissed Leonardo’s forehead, pulling him in his armpit holding him close. Sure he too had nasty feeling in his guts when he thought about Splinter and all the things what he could or would throw at them, but he was prepared. He would take the shit head-on and beat it to the ground. None wouldn’t mess with him or Leo and get away from it – not without some bruises at least. Now that Leonardo had opened up some already, there still was something he needed to say. He didn’t know how Raphael would react, but he wanted to say this to someone after holding it in for so long. And Raphael was there. He was someone who Leo trusted. “… I’ve been thinking about killing him at times...” “Your father?” “Yes. I don’t know could I do it in the end since I never haven’t kill anyone, but… I know it would end my miserable life if he would be gone. He’s like a bad illness which I haven’t been able to eliminate yet. It feels like he’s eating me inside slowly. I want it to end.” Looking up at Raphael there was begging hope in Leo’s eyes. “Please, don’t tell about this to anyone. You’re the first one who I told about this.” “Don’t worry, I will keep my mouth shut. Besides I’m sure you’re not the not the only one who wishes his demise. But know this – I’m there and standing by your side. If you go and kill him, I’ll be there by your side. If you want me to do the dirty work, I shall do it. My only wish is that you do not betray me.” “I will never. You have my word on that. But… If I really would tell you I want you to kill him, you would do it?” “Absolutely.” ** “When are you going to marry him?” Leonardo groaned during rolling his eyes. Not this again. Splinter had been asking this same question over and over again for days. There definitely was a reason why his father was so eager about it, but no matter how many times Leonardo read the paper what he and Raphael should sign before marriage, he found no any weird stuff from it. It was, well, weird. Placing the paper down on dinner table, Leonardo eyed his father across the table. “Why are you so eager about all this? If and when I get married with whoever I want is none of your business.” “I simply want your best, son.” “All of the sudden? That’s suspicious bullshit, I must say.” “Leonardo. Let me speak straight. While you were gone I realized how much I actually missed you. How much I care about you. You realize all that when you lose it. Luckily you came back so I have a chance to fix it all. We may haven’t had the best start, but I still wish the best for you. And he is the best for you. That’s why I want you to marry him as soon as possible before he finds someone else.” That short shock on Leo’s face made Splinter smirk in his mind. “What do you mean by someone else?” “Oh, it’s probably nothing but I have seen him stare one of your young servant boys in specific way.” Growling Leonardo hit his palms on the table. “Don’t try to put things in my head! He loves me and is loyal to the very cord!” “But are you filling his needs?” Freezing to his place in the middle of getting up Leonardo kept leaning on the table, his cheeks turning red. He was angry, but worry started to fill him. He and Raphael… They only had shared that one moment back in the land of the Council. After that only kissing and cuddling. Did Raphael want more? If so why he didn’t say it? After all Leonardo clearly had stated if Raphael wanted more sex with him, it was his turn to make the move. So… Why he wouldn’t approach him? Would he really look after others instead? No. No. Pushing all those thoughts behind Leonardo steeled himself. Those were fears which were not true. Which would never be true. He knew Raphael. There was still lots of going on in Raphael’s mind, so for that reason he most surely had not approached Leo in sexual way. “Was that all of your mind tricks for now?” Not receiving an answer but just a weird look Leonardo snorted, leaving the room with paper. He wanted to show it to Raphael and see would he pick anything weird in it. When the door closed Donatello stepped out from the shadows, stopping next to his father. “I assume the plan works?” “Yes. He took the bait. You have that other copy safe, yes?” “Of course. I’m not stupid.” “Good. Make sure you keep it safe. After they get married that paper of theirs will be destroyed and replaced with the second one you wrote. You added that one line in it and signed it, yes?” “As you ordered.” “Perfect.” ** “I don’t see anything suspicious in this text. But you’re still suspicious about it?” “Yes. Father’s too eager of us getting married.” Smirking gently Raphael leaned backwards on his arms while sitting on the bed. “Would it be all that bad if we would get married? You would marry a king after all.” “I’m not saying it’s bad. It’s… suspicious.” “It sure is, but like I told you before; Let your father throw all the shit on us what he can. We will deal with it.” Looking at the paper in his lap Raphael huffed with smirk. “I say let’s play along his little game. See what he’s up to.” Something in Leo’s mind started to scream “NO NO NO!” instantly, but he muted those screams. He trusted Raphael, knowing he would be there if anything bad would happen. “As you wish. We will get married. The sooner the better so that we can end this all as quick as possible.” ** The news of Leonardo and Raphael getting married had everyone excited and eager, turning whole palace like a huge ants’ nest, full of running workers all around. Leonardo hated it. There was too much hustle for one day… And their ceremony would be small, just between himself, Raphael and 2 witnesses. Obviously those would be Splinter and Michelangelo. But the celebration after that was the thing which required most of the work. There needed to be music, dance and food – lots of it. The day finally came and Leonardo was as anxious as ever. He didn’t want to go there… He didn’t want to do this but Raphael, by his side, kept assuring him all would go well. Taking a deep breath they both wore their best outfits and headed into small chapel, where priest spoke way too long before necklaces were exchanged. Smiling softly Raphael cupped Leonardo’s cheeks in his hands and kissed him lovingly. He heard Mikey’s soft “Awwww” on the background, but none of these relaxed Leo. He was still stiff as a stick. “May I have the wedding paper which both of you have signed?” “I have it here, priest.” All 3 turtles stared at Splinter who stepped forward, handing the paper to the priest, who took it. He read it in silence, then his voice echoed in small room. “You both have agreed on all this, even the part that if anything is to happen to either of you – or both – our lord will inherit all of your prosperity and property?” “WHAT!?” Leonardo’s eyes burned bright as he turned to look at his father. “You! Did you go add something in the paper what we signed!? There was NOT such line in the original one!” “Now, now, son. It’s not as you think it is. I thought it would be safe move. If something would happen to you or your dear king, all your prosperity and property would go on waste. I simply added that in order to keep it all safe.” “May I see the paper?” Priest looked at young turtle, but handed the paper to him. Snatching it out of his hold Leonardo’s eyes went on the text, hands trembling too hard, making reading difficult. This text… It looked somehow different than in the original paper… Then his eyes landed on the signs. It couldn’t be. It looked like his signature, and Raphael’s, but he was sure they had not signed it. So how? “This can’t be mine… I have not signed this! Someone must have faked it!” “That’s very heavy accusation, prince Leonardo. I believe there’s none in the palace who would have reasons to do such things.” “He has!” Leonardo yelled, pointing at his ‘father’. “Young prince. Unless you have proof of such action, I must ask you to stop saying such accusations in the house of our God.” Leonardo’s hands were shaking and white by his sides. He was squeezing his hands into fists so hard. Larger hand landed to rest on his shaky shoulder, calm voice coming from behind him. “Then we just have to make sure that nothing won’t happen to us.” Raphael’s voice was firm. It didn’t leave any room for hints or guessing. It was straight message to Splinter with serious eye contact with the rat. “I expect nothing less from you, king Raphael. The heir of albino turtles’ clan. A son of Miranda.” So the rat knew. Fine. Small chapel was suddenly filled with very unpleasant feeling as new couple stared old rat who seemed to be very pleased on himself, perhaps even too pleased… But now than ever both turtles knew to watch their backs. ** “So your stupid plan worked after all.” Donatello said as his father stepped in the room. “I’m surprised.” “Shut up, purple. I’m surprised you haven’t moved on the next part.” “I haven’t had any need or an order yet to do so. I rather wait your command than go solo myself and get yelled at it by you.” Splinter growled and Don smirked since he knew he was right. “So my writing passed the priest too?” “Yes. It’s all legal now. If they vanish or die, I will inherit them both. The land of albino turtles’ will be mine.” “What a great achievement…” Don snorted as he sat down more deeper in his chair. “I just don’t see the point of going through all this trouble just to be able to get your hands on some stupid area. And yes, before you start nagging at me, I know it’s the most fertile part on the land.” “If you knew the answer already you could had kept your mouth shut and focus on next move.” “It’s not my move. It’s his.” Donatello nodded towards scarred crocodile who seemed to love that specific dark corner. Splinter smiled as he walked in front of him, placing a bag of gold in his hand. “You will get the rest when the job is done.” Throwing the bag slightly in his hand pink tongue licked big scar next to his mouth. Low, but silent voice rumbled from his throat. “The rules?” “As long as you get them killed all is fine. Just try not to make it too messy.” Behind slightly opened door was youngest of the turtles leaning against the wall, hand covering his mouth, horror shining in his eyes. Michelangelo couldn’t believe what he just had heard. ** Michelangelo had managed to sneak out from the scene before Splinter, Don or “Croc” noticed him. His hesitant, but quick, steps were taking him towards Leonardo’s room. He wanted to tell him what he had heard, but he also questioned it all. What if he had heard it all wrong? Stopping behind the door Mikey lifted his hand getting ready to knock, when he stopped. Faint sounds of moans and bed creaking were coming behind the door and, despite his young age, Mikey was full aware what those sounds meant. Leo’s voice was so soft when he kept calling Raphael’s name. It made Mikey smile as he slid to sit down next to the door. He didn’t mean to pry or anything, but he wanted to hear Leo happy. It warmed his small heart. Mikey had grown up with Leo, strong bond forming between them. Most of his life Michelangelo remembered seeing Leonardo sad, angry, hurt, lonely. Those times when he had smiled and laughed – now Mikey wondered how many of those times had been real happiness instead of pretending ones. Perhaps Leonardo had pretended for Mikey’s sake, to make him feel better. Smiling softly Mikey hugged his legs. He was so happy for Leo. Mikey always had done his best to help him, make him happy and in some way he had succeeded with it – but not in the same way or level as Raphael was doing now. Mikey wished he too, someday, would find such person to his side. But there also was a little problem… Michelangelo was having strong crush on Donatello who, so far, had no idea of it. Mikey had never had the courage to tell him and now that he knew Don was having his part in the plan of getting rid of Leonardo and Raphael… It hurt Mikey’s heart. He didn’t know could he keep liking such person. The sounds of love making had faded long time ago, making Mikey retreat. He would speak with Leo later. But he first wanted to talk with Donatello. If… If he would tell about his feelings to smarter turtle, perhaps he would stop playing this game with Splinter? Maybe Mikey could help Don to change and become more kind. Knocking the door Mikey waited, knocking again a little bit harder this time. He heard nothing, but pressed the door open, finding Donatello too deep in his mind. He had that look on his face as he kept staring an open book in front of his face. “Don?” When Mikey’s figure came close enough to his side view, Donatello snapped out from the depths of his mind. “Mikey.” “Hey. I, uh, brought you something to eat.” A tray full of fruits, bread and honey was placed on the table with a jug full of water. Eyes moved from tray on Mikey, eyebrow lifting. “What’s the catch here?” “What? I have bring you food many times before and NOW you start questioning it?” Mikey smiled as he snatched an apple to himself, sitting down on the chair across Don’s working table. Snorting softly Don reached for honey and bread, starting to eat while focusing on reading at the same time. Silence was comfortable and Mikey didn’t want to break it, but he needed to press forward. Before he got a chance Don opened his mouth. “You really thought I wouldn’t had noticed you behind the door earlier?” Swallowing too big piece of an apple hurt Mikey’s throat as he was caught by surprise. Coughing some Mikey calmed down, trying to keep himself happy like always. But he couldn’t form words. It felt like his throat and tongue were frozen and the way how Don looked at him didn’t help. “What did you hear?” Looking down at his hands Mikey shivered. He knew he couldn’t or even shouldn’t lie. Leaning against the table’s surface with his elbows, Don continued; “Tell me. I need to know so that I can protect you.” Surprised big blue eyes stared his in total confusion so Donatello continued. “You are dear to me, Michael, and I would hate it if you would get too deep into this. I don’t want to hurt you.” Those last words were cold with warning tone, and yet they held some care in them. “I heard… about some plan and that you guys move to the next plan.” “You didn’t hear details?” “No. I swear I didn’t. Don… I… I care about you too, deeply, and I’m scared and worried about this what you’re doing with dad. Please, stop it. Leo’s not bad. He never hasn’t done anything bad to you.” Mikey knew he was pleading, but he had no choice. Sighing Don stretched his back, not removing his eyes off from his companion. “I know, but I have come too far to stop now.” “What made you start all this to begin with?” “That’s not something you need to know.” “But, D…” “Like I said, it’s none of your business.” Standing up Donatello came right next to Michelangelo, taking firm hold on his arm. “W-what are you doing?” “You have heard enough and therefor you might be in danger. It’s time to lock you up in the prison at the basement. Know I do this for your own good. You’re the only one who I actually like in this place.” Blush colored his green cheeks as he slowly stood up, following Donatello quietly to the basement where was small cell area. Mikey had been there as a child, playing, but not as a real prisoner. “Donnie.” Guiding Mikey in the best shaped cell Don gently pushed the door shut, locking it. “Don, don’t do this. I’ll be fine.” “No, you won’t. You stay here until all of this is over. I personally will come to get you. During that time servants will bring you food and make sure you are good and comfortable.” “T-then at least tell me what’s going on. What’s going to happen? I promise I keep my mouth shut!” Donatello considered his options for a while and, since Mikey would be locked here at least for the few days for the start, he decided to tell the truth. “Father’s after Leo and Raphael for a reason. Father made me write 2 different papers. One for the wedding, what Leo and Raph both signed, and second where I added the line that if anything were to happen to them, dad would inherit them both. I also faked their signs in it. Why all this? Because father wants the land of albino turtles’ which, now, belongs to Raphael. So all in all, and long story short, Splinter wants Raphael and Leonardo dead since if only Raphael would die, Leo would inherit him. If Leo, too, dies, father inherits him. Better kill two flies with the same hit, you see. Now that they are married it’s only a matter of time they end up dead.” Mikey’s breathing was shaking, his legs were trembling and his palms were sweating against the iron bars of the cell’s door. “That’s… Insane… And you allow all this?! You play with his rules?! Why haven’t you try to stop him?! You gonna stand by and watch how dad gets them killed!?” Don’s voice dropped into dark and cold tone. “I told you earlier I have come too far to stop. Besides I never haven’t like Leo all that much.” Watching Don turn on his heels and walk away towards the stairs, which hid behind the wooden door, fear filled young turtle. He reached after his brother. “Don! Please, stop! Don’t do it! Don! DONNIE -!” Heavy door’s slam cut Mikey’s screaming, shutting it outside from his ears. Leaning against the door eyes closed Don cursed in his mind. He really had tried his best to keep Mikey out of all this, and he would keep doing it, no matter what. The best place for Mikey now was that small cell. Opening his eyes Donatello started to take two steps at the time, heading back in his room. It would be a matter of time when action would take place in the palace. However, Donatello knew Michelangelo and Leonardo were close so not finding him most surely would make Leo curious and suspicious… They needed to act quick before that would happen.