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Then came the day he was invited to the estate of the Hamato Clan, and his entire life turned upside down.", "count": "16", "submission_left_submission_id": "2229997", "submission_left_file_name": "3241647_Sundayeyes_bell_flowers_4.doc", "submission_right_submission_id": "2233801", "submission_right_file_name": "3247416_Sundayeyes_bell_flowers_6.doc" } ], "description": "Michelangelo had never been known to stay in one place for very long. Taverns and street corners were his hearth and home, because roots can?t take hold if you just keep moving, and why would anyone want to sink into the ground so deep that you got stuck?\n\nThey were smart words to live by and had done a good job of keeping him happy enough. At least until the day he was invited to the sprawling estate of the Hamato Clan, and his entire life was turned upside down.\n\nAlternate Universe, AU\nPairings: Leonardo/Michelangelo, Raphael/Donatello\n\n~*~*~*~\n[url=https://inkbunny.net/s/2229997]<--- Chapter Four[/url] __//__ [url=https://inkbunny.net/s/2233801]Chapter Six --->[/url]\n~*~*~*~", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Michelangelo had never been known to stay in one place for very long. Taverns and street corners were his hearth and home, because roots can?t take hold if you just keep moving, and why would anyone want to sink into the ground so deep that you got stuck?

They were smart words to live by and had done a good job of keeping him happy enough. At least until the day he was invited to the sprawling estate of the Hamato Clan, and his entire life was turned upside down.

Alternate Universe, AU
Pairings: Leonardo/Michelangelo, Raphael/Donatello

~*~*~*~
<--- Chapter Four __//__ Chapter Six --->
~*~*~*~", "writing": "[center]~*~*~*~\n\nChapter Five: Stay\n\n~*~*~*~[/center]\n\nThe roadway that ran through the estate and part of the village surrounding it was made of large stone slabs, quarried from the mountain the estate backed up against. The stone shined, wet from a quick downpour that had passed over sometime around midnight.\n\nMichelangelo eyed the ground warily, unconvinced that the delicate hooves of the grey dappled gelding he was sitting astride were enough to keep the creature from slipping and falling and killing them both.\n\nHe had heard once that a horse could sense fear, and that a rider needed to be relaxed or the animal could become alert and jumpy. He couldn't be sure, but the way this one flicked its ears back at him seemed more like it thought that he was a bumbling idiot and it was choosing to humor him like a small child is humored by his parents, probably recognizing that the squirming green lump clinging to its back was not in any way a threat to its well being.\n\nThe truth was Mikey had never ridden a horse before in his life. Not even once.\n\nBut he didn't tell Leonardo that because for some reason he had decided that looking cool and cocksure in front of the clan leader's son was far more important than not falling and breaking his face open. And as the horse shifted from side to side underneath him, he wondered where his sense of self-preservation had disappeared to and if he would ever be able to find it again. Probably not.\n\nLuckily they were moving slowly, ambling along so Leonardo could explain the different sectors of the village and what they were used for, and he decided that focusing on Leo's profile was a better use of his time than worrying about the horse.\n\nThe eldest son was incredibly handsome now that he was getting a good look at him in the light of day. The green of his skin was a healthy jade that glowed in the sun, he was solidly built and confident in the saddle. But truthfully, he could have been talking about anything, the weather, battle tactics, what grapes made better wine, it didn't really matter, because Mikey wasn't hearing a word he was saying anyway.\n\nThe gentle low rumble of Leo's voice was far too distracting and he was starting to wonder if that twisty turny feeling in his belly was because of the dangerous beast beneath him or because of the thought of what that breathy tone would sound like if it was pressed right up against his ear.\n\nHe shook himself and blinked a little when he realized that Leonardo was turned his way and looking at him expectantly. \"I'm sorry, what?''\n\nLeonardo's smile was indulgent. \"I asked if you've ever been to Hamato village before now.''\n\n\"Oh, uh, no.'' Mikey shook his head again with a grin to cover his embarrassment at getting caught looking. \"I've never even been this far north, tend to keep closer to the coastal towns most of the time.''\n\n\"I'd like very much to hear about the places you've been, if you ever want to share some of them with me.'' Leonardo said, guiding them under the tall ornately carved arch that marked where the more formally organized section of the village ended, and the rustic farming part began.\n\nMikey looked up as they passed under it, staring at the edges gilded with gold paint that sparkled in the mid-morning sun, twisting around in his seat as it fell behind them, noticing again the small unit of four of the clan's elite guard that followed at a discreet distance.\n\nLooking sideways at Leo he threw a nod in the direction of the guard. \"Do they always follow you around like this?''\n\nLeo made a face, \"They do if I leave the estate. My father insists I must always travel with protection.''\n\nMikey scoffed at that, glancing dubiously at the pair of ornate swords strapped against Leo's shell. \"Looks to me like you can protect yourself just fine.''\n\n\"Yes, I can.'' Leonardo said without even the slightest hint of ego. \"But my father's word is law, so I must comply.''\n\n\"Yeah, so I've heard.'' Mikey grumbled under his breath. Not really feeling like getting into Lord Hamato's control issues with Leo just yet, he focused on hanging onto the reins and prayed that Leo wouldn't decide they needed to go any faster, although the tension in his shoulders did ease slightly when the slick stone gave way to dirt and gravel.\n\nThe rain had left puddles in the road that the horses stepped gingerly around. Surfaces glistened in the sunlight, the soil of the surrounding farmland plump with the absorbed moisture, everything smelled earthy and fresh and the air was warm.\n\nPeering down the road they were following, Mikey noticed something strange in one of the fields they were approaching. \"What's that?''\n\nThe eldest swung his head around with a jerk and Mikey couldn't help but feel a little smug noticing that Leo had been staring too.\n\nAhead of them and to the left was a large open field that looked like it was used to graze livestock. But at the moment it was flooded with brown murky water, the only dry spot a small raised hill right at the center. He could just make out an agitated ewe pacing the hill near the edge of the water, two small lambs trotting after her feet.\n\nThey came up on a farmer near the fence that separated the field from the road, he was coiling a length of rope around his arm with a frustrated grimace, cursing quietly to himself.\n\n\"Trouble, Shepherd?'' Leonardo called out.\n\nThe man jerked in surprise, bowing clumsily and nearly dropping his rope into the mud. \"My lord! I'm sorry, I didn' see ya' there.''\n\nLeo raised his hand, signaling to the man that he didn't need to bother with formalities. \"Your animal looks trapped. What can I do to help?''\n\n\"Nothin', my lord, nothin','' The shepherd stammered. \"No need to trouble ya'self. I's can manage...''\n\nBut Leonardo was firm as he swung down from his horse, \"Please, I insist. What do you need?''\n\nThe shepherd shifted uncomfortably as Leo hopped the fence and came up next to him, looking out at where the ewe was still pacing. \"Is only... well... we wasn' expectin' the rain, my lord. And she only dropped those lambs y'serday. We thought they'd be fine in the field, but this mornin' I found the flock backed up agains' the barn and little miss out there was all alone. I'd wade out ta carry her back, but I's afraid the little ones might get drowned if they try n' follow her.''\n\n\"Of course,'' Leonardo nodded in understanding, removing his swords and boots. \"We'll go together, I'll carry back the ewe while you take the lambs.''\n\nThe shepherd looked at him aghast, \"My lord! You'll get all wet, I can't let'cha do that... aw nuts...'' He trailed off, quickly trotting after Leonardo who was already wading out into the water, ignoring the man's stuttering protests.\n\nMichelangelo chuckled with a disbelieving shake of his head as he watched Leo and the shepherd inch toward the small hill, obviously struggling to move their feet on the muddy ground beneath the water. He shot a quick glance back at guard behind him. They sat stoically on their mounts like this was something that happened all the time.\n\nMaybe it was? Mikey thought, amused. Donnie did say that Leo could be too selfless, maybe he dropped what he was doing to help people like this every day.\n\nHis grin faded a little as he realized that helping this man was certainly not something that he would have considered doing, and he swallowed back a small wave of guilt at the thought.\n\nLiving on the streets meant that you had to look out for yourself, no matter what. Other's that lived like him were friendly with each other, sure, but when it came down to it, he doubted any of them would have helped this man without asking what was in it for them first, himself included, if he was honest.\n\nSeeing Leo immediately swoop in to help this shepherd, with no expectation of a reward, was disconcerting. If this were any place else, everyone he knew would have turned their heads and looked the other way.\n\nLeo was wading back now, holding the ewe as high as he could, barely even struggling with its weight. The animal was loudly bleating its displeasure at the water that soaked into the wool on its belly, the babies answering her calls as the shepherd followed, cradling them both up under his arms.\n\nReaching dry land, he set the animal down and it danced away from him, pawing the ground until the shepherd arrived with the lambs. As soon as the babies were on their feet, the mother led them off along the edge of the field to where the rest of the flock was gathered in a pen by the barn.\n\nLeo was bent over, wringing the water from the loose cloth of his pants, and Mikey tilted his head, leaning sideways a little. Even with the distraction of his gloomy thoughts, he couldn't help but notice the defined curve of that backside.\n\n\"Thank ya', my lord. I's afraid I have no way of repayin' your kindness.'' The shepherd said quietly, wringing out his own pants.\n\n\"Take good care of that flock and that is all the payment I need, Shepherd.'' Leo said firmly, gathering his things from where he left them on the ground. \"Please let the estate know if you need any help re-seeding this field when the water drains.''\n\n\"I will, my lord. Thank ya'.'' The farmer replied, bowing and turning away to see to his animals.\n\nLeo hopped the fence and one of the guards approached with a small towel that the eldest used to soak up the water still clinging to his skin. The pants would take hours to dry, but Leo didn't seem phased by it. Tying his swords and boots to the back of his saddle he climbed back onto the horse and turned to Mikey with a satisfied smile.\n\nMaybe it was the unexpected turn of his mood, but Mikey thought he saw a little bit of smugness there too, and suddenly, he was annoyed.\n\nYes, the display had been selfless, but it could have also been self-serving. Was Leo trying to prove something? Was he making a point that he was better than everyone because he was... what? The clan leader's son? If Mikey had learned one thing in his life it was that everyone, especially nobles, never went out of their way to do anything without some guarantee of benefit or reward. It didn't make sense to stick your neck out for others if there was no payment at the end of it.\n\nHe bristled at the idea that Leonardo was showing off just so he could bed him, or bond with him, for the sake of Raph and Don. Donnie had warned him about that too, and Leo had already tried it multiple times before, why would this time be any different?\n\nDid Leonardo truly want him? Or did he just want the idea of him?\n\nHis face soured as he remembered the day he had asked his mother and father the same question. And look where that had got him.\n\nLeonardo was looking at him questioningly, noticing the dark look in his eyes. \"Are you alright?''\n\nMikey looked at him, trying and failing to smooth away the suspicion on his face. \"Yeah, fine.'' He replied, watching confusion settle in Leo's eyes at hearing the rigid tone in his voice, knowing he didn't understand and now he felt guilty about that too.\n\n\"Alright.'' Leo said quietly, unsure what to do about the sudden change between them. So, he just urged his horse forward and they continued their ride down the main road.\n\nMikey was silent as they passed through the farthest edge of the village lands into the rolling hills surrounding the estate, trying to ignore the concerned looks Leo was casting his way every few minutes.\n\nThey reached a crossroads and turned east, moving into a forested area full of thick elms and ancient oaks that rose so high above their heads they almost blocked out the sun.\n\nSoon after entering the trees, Leo turned them onto a smaller road, barely more than a path, that twisted up around the side of a hill. They climbed steadily for twenty minutes before the path opened on a level clearing with a small stream that gently flowed down into the valley, where it joined the larger river as it crossed with the eastern road. The view let them see for miles.\n\nThe guards leapt down from their horses and quickly set out the supplies that had been brought with them in the shade of a tall oak, sitting alone, right in the middle of the clearing.\n\nLeo waited for Mikey to climb down off his horse and then led both of their mounts to the tree, tying them loosely to a low branch so they could graze. The guards let Leonardo know they would be within whistling range should they be needed, then they swung back onto their mounts and disappeared back into the trees.\n\nAlone for the first time with Leonardo he should have been excited, thrilled by the adventure of it all. But too much had happened in the last two days, more than he was used to, and again his thoughts were scattered and muddled so much he was having trouble sorting them.\n\nHe wished he had thought to bring his guitar.\n\nWith a quick intake of breath, he ignored Leo and walked over to the stream, staring hard at the water as if it would have the answers he needed.\n\nHe hated that he was feeling this way. This was why he kept everyone at a distance. He never had a need to question his thoughts and feelings when he kept everyone he knew at arm's length; it was simply easier to maintain his light-hearted persona when no one was allowed close enough to dig deeper. And that empty feeling in his heart was easy to ignore if he just blocked out the hollow thumping sound of it.\n\nSo why did he pleasantly shudder when he felt Leonardo step up close behind him? What was that tug at the center of his chest that made him want to spin and surrender and fall into Leo's arms without a single thought about what it would mean?\n\n\"Have I done something to upset you?''\n\nThe words were soft, the question pleading in his ear, and in a blink, he knew what he needed to ask. He had made a promise to Donatello, but he would have to break that promise now, because this wasn't just about them anymore. It was easy to say that he wanted to help his friend when he wasn't directly facing an afternoon of being romanced by the clan leader's son. And the ridiculousness of that reality alone was enough spur on his fight or flight response.\n\nHe took a step away and turned, locking his fierce blue eyes on Leo with resolve. \"Why am I here?''\n\nThe blunt question seemed to catch Leonardo off guard judging from the way he blinked and opened his mouth, a frown pulling his eyes together. Instead of answering, Leo just shook his head, confused.\n\nSo, Mikey tried a different approach, \"I know that you've tried to seal bonds with others, all for the sake of doing the right thing, so that Donnie and Raph can be together. Is that what I am? Am I the sacrifice you feel like you need to make so they can be happy?''\n\nBewildered, Leo pulled himself up, \"You... know about Raph and Don?''\n\nConfrontation wasn't something that Mikey handled well, and his heart felt like it was trying to hammer a hole right through this chest. Huffing in frustration he slipped around Leo, stalking over to where the guard had laid out a blanket and a basket with food and drink. Grabbing the wine skin, he poured himself a cup and downed it in one gulp, quickly filling it again.\n\n\"Michelangelo.'' Leo's gentle voice sounded from close behind him again and he momentarily marveled at how he was able to do that so effortlessly. \"I... I don't know how you know about Raph and Don, but no, you are not a sacrifice.''\n\nMikey turned and looked at him skeptically, Leo's gaze catching him, boring into him, like he could see all the way into his soul and already knew all his secrets. Those hazel eyes glittered with a weight that pulled at Mikey's feet, and he took a deep breath, treading water, trying not to drown in them.\n\nThey stood there, each waiting for the other to make a choice, and slowly, that feeling of peace settled over him again, like he had felt on his first day, telling him that everything would be all right. Eventually, and with great effort, Mikey looked away, unsure what to do with the feelings that were flooding him, folding his legs under him as he sank down onto the blanket.\n\n\"Look, I get that I've stepped into a huge pile of it here,'' He started, staring down into his cup. \"But... I'm not a piece in this puzzle, I don't belong here, and it feels like, all of a sudden, I'm being pulled in twenty different directions. I want to help, but I don't know how, and I don't get it. Why me? Why was I dragged into this?''\n\nLeonardo stared at him for a long moment before sighing and kneeling beside him, \"I'm sorry, Mikey. You're right. We've thrown you right into the middle of our problems and that's not fair.'' He reached out and lightly touched Mikey's knee, forcing those bright blue eyes to look up at him. \"You deserve honesty from me. I have tried before to forgo my own wants so that my brother can have his happiness. I love Raphael, and Donatello, and I would do anything to give them what they need.''\n\n\"But that doesn't help anyone!'' Mikey jumped in, frustrated enough that tears unexpectedly sprung up in his eyes. \"You know they could never accept you giving up your own happiness for them. No one could. That's stupid!''\n\nLeo softly laughed with surprise at his bluntness, but that just seemed to fan the flames of Mikey's anger. The smaller turtle scowled, \"Oh, sure. This must be hilarious, a noble like you being told off by a peasant.''\n\nLike the wind extinguishing a flame, Leonardo sobered, pushing away his amusement. \"It's not funny. I'm sorry...'' He drew in a deep breath and released it quickly, shaking his head, \"I'm getting this all wrong, aren't I? I'll admit I don't have much experience with this kind of thing.''\n\nMikey was looking at him sideways, his jaw set, guarded, and when he didn't make another comment, Leo continued, \"Raphael and Don have yelled pretty much the same thing at me, numerous times. I can be... stubborn, when I think I'm right. But they have started to bring me around to their way of thinking on this.''\n\nCatching a flash of regret as it passed over his face, Mikey softened, wanting to believe him, and a fresh wave of guilt crashed through him, \"Then... why...?''\n\n\"Why did I ask you to stay?'' He swallowed, searching for the right words. \"I know you have no reason to trust me, but I hope you can believe me when I say that I asked you to stay because I wanted you too. Not because of Raph and Don, or any other reason. The moment I laid eyes on you, all I wanted to do was spend time with you, get to know you, talk to you. And I deeply apologize that our family drama is making you feel uncomfortable.''\n\nThere was a tingling sensation he could feel through the cloth where Leonardo's fingers rested on his leg, like it was a physical manifestation of his words that would convince him of his sincerity. But he didn't need convincing he realized numbly, like the truth was drifting toward him from out of a fog. Mikey believed what Leo said to him because he just knew that he wasn't lying. As they sat there, so close, breathing each other's air, he just knew that Leonardo would never lie to him, he knew it in his soul.\n\nWith an urgent need that flared within him, he looked up into Leo's eyes and suddenly, desperately, wanted him to know why he had been so upset, a wave of goose flesh sprung up across his skin, knocking back every defensive barrier he kept up to separate himself from others, and he was speaking before he even realized he had opened his mouth.\n\n\"My mother and father are not good people, they never were. And after my grandmother died, they just got worse.'' He began, Leo accepting the sudden change of subject without a blink, his thumb continuing to trace small circles on Mikey's knee. \"My father's a mean piece of work and my mother drinks so she doesn't have to deal with him being so mean.''\n\nMikey swallowed the contents of his cup and reached for more, startled when it disappeared and was replaced by strong warm hands wrapping around his fingers. Pulling them both around Leo shuffled up until they were knee to knee, waiting until Mikey looked up at him.\n\n\"You don't need the wine.'' His gentle tone soothing, comforting. \"Look at me. I'm listening.''\n\nThe whole world around them, the stream and the glade and the tree, all faded away until all he could see was Leo, holding him steady.\n\n\"My father spent every day teaching me how to work our farm. Tending the crops, milking the goats, keeping the chickens happy so they would lay eggs. He drilled it into me so that I could take over running it as soon as I was big enough, not because of some stupid father and son tradition, but because he just didn't want to do it himself anymore, he wanted me to do the work for him so he could do nothing all day but spend the coin the farm made us.''\n\nHe swallowed, the memories bringing a tremor to his shoulders and Leo squeezed his fingers, the warmth of his touch grounding him.\n\n\"When I was fifteen, I told him that I didn't want to spend my life running the farm. I wanted to travel and sing for people and that I was going to set out on my own and I would try and send coin home whenever I could. Well... he didn't like that.'' He sniffed and swallowed, taking a breath before he could continue. \"When I woke up two days later I had a lump on my head the size of a mountain with a black eye to go with it, and my mother was spitting at me that I needed to get up and go harvest the wheat so she didn't have to listen to my father yelling about it anymore.''\n\nSuddenly Leo's hand was at his cheek, wiping away the tear that had escaped to slide down his face. Mikey leaned into him, closing his eyes, letting the touch distract him for just a moment.\n\n\"But I was lucky that day. My father had gone into the village to get more feed, so he wasn't there when I woke up. I grabbed my guitar and my boots and just started walking. I can still hear my mother screaming, following me down the road, demanding I turn around and get to work. But I didn't ever go back. They never cared about me, they only cared about how they could use me.''\n\nSympathy radiated from Leonardo, and Mikey felt for the first time what it was like to have someone genuinely care about what he had to say, the thumb stroking his cheek sending a shiver down his spine.\n\n\"I'm sorry that happened to you,'' Leo whispered, leaning forward until their foreheads were touching. \"And I'm sorry if we made you feel like you're being used. That was never my intention.''\n\nMikey sighed, reveling in the feel of warm skin against his. He was still upset and unsure that this wasn't just some strange game that he had been swept into, but with every second that Leo stayed pressed up against him, he found himself believing the thought less and less.\n\nEventually Leo pulled back a little, and he made a sound in his throat. \"You can leave if that's what you want. You can take that horse and go. I won't stop you.''\n\nThere was longing in Leo's eyes, a desperate desire that he not take him up on that offer. \"Do you want me to go?'' He whispered.\n\nLeo shook his head slowly, his grip tightening. \"I want you to stay. But only if that's what you want, you have to make the choice for yourself and not for any other reason.''\n\nNow it was Mikey's turn to laugh with surprise, \"Donnie said almost the same thing to me yesterday.''\n\nLeo's answering grin was knowing, \"Don says a lot of things, and you should listen to him because he's usually right.''\n\nSuppressing what was something between a laugh and a sob, Mikey swallowed past the lump in his throat. All his life there had never been anyone that made him feel as comfortable just talking as Leo was making him feel. There was always a motive or an expectation, something someone else wanted that forced him to lace every word with caution, to guard himself against their deceit.\n\nBut with Leo there was none of that and he didn't know how he knew it, but it was as clear to him as the water of the stream flowing gently behind them. Leo was on his side, and from this moment forward he knew that was one thing he would never need to doubt.\n\nTime seemed to stand still as they sat staring at each other. Leonardo waiting for Mikey to answer. Michelangelo wondering what the question had been. Because if he stopped to think about it for even a second, he knew that leaving now was the very last thing he would ever think to do.\n\nThe light narrowed between them as his eyes dropped to Leo's lips. All he had to do was lean forward just a little to learn what it would be like, the answer to the question hovering, unspoken, just there within reach. With soft breath warming his face, Mikey tipped his chin up, lips parting, his eyes sliding closed as Leo's hand slipped down to wrap around the back of his neck.\n\nJust as he felt the soft heat of those lips barely brushing against his, the thundering sound of hoofbeats reached their ears, followed closely by the guard, galloping into the clearing on their mounts. Leonardo leaned back with a glare up at his captain as the man pulled his horse to a stop next to the tree.\n\n\"What is it?'' He ground out through his teeth.\n\n\"Apologies, my lord.'' The man said quickly, swinging off his horse and pointing toward the valley, \"The Purple Dragons are on the east road.''\n\nLike a mask slipping into place, Mikey watched Leo go stiff and serious, his shoulders pulling back as he stood tensely, looking down the valley.\n\nRising beside him, Mikey could make out a large group moving along the road, horses and carts just visible in the cloud of dust they were kicking up. Questioningly he looked at Leo, noticing the thin line of his mouth as he squinted to see.\n\nA second soldier shortly joined them, \"They might still turn south at the crossroads, my lord.''\n\n\"If they're smart, they will.'' Leonardo growled, taking a deep breath, turning with purpose to his men, \"Ride back to the estate as quickly as you can, warn my father. If they turn south, fine. But if not, you need to get there before they do.''\n\n\"Yes, my lord!'' Both men shouted, saluting quickly and leaping back onto their mounts, disappearing out of the glade before Mikey could even blink. Two of the guards remained behind with them, their horses snorting impatiently.\n\nLeonardo turned to him with a grimace, \"I'm sorry. I'm afraid we have to cut our afternoon short. If this is trouble, then I need to get back to my father.''\n\n\"Are these men dangerous?'' Mikey asked with concern, looking down at the disappearing dust cloud.\n\n\"Yes, they are.'' Leo said, shortly. \"We need to hurry.''\n\nWith growing dread, Mikey clambered as gracefully back onto the saddle of his horse as he could manage, whimpering just a little when Leo kicked his mount straight into a gallop. The gray dappled gelding seemed to sense the urgency in the air and leapt forward after the others without direction, so Mikey just gripped the reins as tightly as he could, clung to the saddle with all of his strength, and closed his eyes, putting all of his trust in the horse and the hope that the animal would know what to do to get them both back safely.\n\n[center]~*~*~*~\n\ntbc...[/center]", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "
~*~*~*~

Chapter Five: Stay

~*~*~*~


The roadway that ran through the estate and part of the village surrounding it was made of large stone slabs, quarried from the mountain the estate backed up against. The stone shined, wet from a quick downpour that had passed over sometime around midnight.

Michelangelo eyed the ground warily, unconvinced that the delicate hooves of the grey dappled gelding he was sitting astride were enough to keep the creature from slipping and falling and killing them both.

He had heard once that a horse could sense fear, and that a rider needed to be relaxed or the animal could become alert and jumpy. He couldn't be sure, but the way this one flicked its ears back at him seemed more like it thought that he was a bumbling idiot and it was choosing to humor him like a small child is humored by his parents, probably recognizing that the squirming green lump clinging to its back was not in any way a threat to its well being.

The truth was Mikey had never ridden a horse before in his life. Not even once.

But he didn't tell Leonardo that because for some reason he had decided that looking cool and cocksure in front of the clan leader's son was far more important than not falling and breaking his face open. And as the horse shifted from side to side underneath him, he wondered where his sense of self-preservation had disappeared to and if he would ever be able to find it again. Probably not.

Luckily they were moving slowly, ambling along so Leonardo could explain the different sectors of the village and what they were used for, and he decided that focusing on Leo's profile was a better use of his time than worrying about the horse.

The eldest son was incredibly handsome now that he was getting a good look at him in the light of day. The green of his skin was a healthy jade that glowed in the sun, he was solidly built and confident in the saddle. But truthfully, he could have been talking about anything, the weather, battle tactics, what grapes made better wine, it didn't really matter, because Mikey wasn't hearing a word he was saying anyway.

The gentle low rumble of Leo's voice was far too distracting and he was starting to wonder if that twisty turny feeling in his belly was because of the dangerous beast beneath him or because of the thought of what that breathy tone would sound like if it was pressed right up against his ear.

He shook himself and blinked a little when he realized that Leonardo was turned his way and looking at him expectantly. "I'm sorry, what?''

Leonardo's smile was indulgent. "I asked if you've ever been to Hamato village before now.''

"Oh, uh, no.'' Mikey shook his head again with a grin to cover his embarrassment at getting caught looking. "I've never even been this far north, tend to keep closer to the coastal towns most of the time.''

"I'd like very much to hear about the places you've been, if you ever want to share some of them with me.'' Leonardo said, guiding them under the tall ornately carved arch that marked where the more formally organized section of the village ended, and the rustic farming part began.

Mikey looked up as they passed under it, staring at the edges gilded with gold paint that sparkled in the mid-morning sun, twisting around in his seat as it fell behind them, noticing again the small unit of four of the clan's elite guard that followed at a discreet distance.

Looking sideways at Leo he threw a nod in the direction of the guard. "Do they always follow you around like this?''

Leo made a face, "They do if I leave the estate. My father insists I must always travel with protection.''

Mikey scoffed at that, glancing dubiously at the pair of ornate swords strapped against Leo's shell. "Looks to me like you can protect yourself just fine.''

"Yes, I can.'' Leonardo said without even the slightest hint of ego. "But my father's word is law, so I must comply.''

"Yeah, so I've heard.'' Mikey grumbled under his breath. Not really feeling like getting into Lord Hamato's control issues with Leo just yet, he focused on hanging onto the reins and prayed that Leo wouldn't decide they needed to go any faster, although the tension in his shoulders did ease slightly when the slick stone gave way to dirt and gravel.

The rain had left puddles in the road that the horses stepped gingerly around. Surfaces glistened in the sunlight, the soil of the surrounding farmland plump with the absorbed moisture, everything smelled earthy and fresh and the air was warm.

Peering down the road they were following, Mikey noticed something strange in one of the fields they were approaching. "What's that?''

The eldest swung his head around with a jerk and Mikey couldn't help but feel a little smug noticing that Leo had been staring too.

Ahead of them and to the left was a large open field that looked like it was used to graze livestock. But at the moment it was flooded with brown murky water, the only dry spot a small raised hill right at the center. He could just make out an agitated ewe pacing the hill near the edge of the water, two small lambs trotting after her feet.

They came up on a farmer near the fence that separated the field from the road, he was coiling a length of rope around his arm with a frustrated grimace, cursing quietly to himself.

"Trouble, Shepherd?'' Leonardo called out.

The man jerked in surprise, bowing clumsily and nearly dropping his rope into the mud. "My lord! I'm sorry, I didn' see ya' there.''

Leo raised his hand, signaling to the man that he didn't need to bother with formalities. "Your animal looks trapped. What can I do to help?''

"Nothin', my lord, nothin','' The shepherd stammered. "No need to trouble ya'self. I's can manage...''

But Leonardo was firm as he swung down from his horse, "Please, I insist. What do you need?''

The shepherd shifted uncomfortably as Leo hopped the fence and came up next to him, looking out at where the ewe was still pacing. "Is only... well... we wasn' expectin' the rain, my lord. And she only dropped those lambs y'serday. We thought they'd be fine in the field, but this mornin' I found the flock backed up agains' the barn and little miss out there was all alone. I'd wade out ta carry her back, but I's afraid the little ones might get drowned if they try n' follow her.''

"Of course,'' Leonardo nodded in understanding, removing his swords and boots. "We'll go together, I'll carry back the ewe while you take the lambs.''

The shepherd looked at him aghast, "My lord! You'll get all wet, I can't let'cha do that... aw nuts...'' He trailed off, quickly trotting after Leonardo who was already wading out into the water, ignoring the man's stuttering protests.

Michelangelo chuckled with a disbelieving shake of his head as he watched Leo and the shepherd inch toward the small hill, obviously struggling to move their feet on the muddy ground beneath the water. He shot a quick glance back at guard behind him. They sat stoically on their mounts like this was something that happened all the time.

Maybe it was? Mikey thought, amused. Donnie did say that Leo could be too selfless, maybe he dropped what he was doing to help people like this every day.

His grin faded a little as he realized that helping this man was certainly not something that he would have considered doing, and he swallowed back a small wave of guilt at the thought.

Living on the streets meant that you had to look out for yourself, no matter what. Other's that lived like him were friendly with each other, sure, but when it came down to it, he doubted any of them would have helped this man without asking what was in it for them first, himself included, if he was honest.

Seeing Leo immediately swoop in to help this shepherd, with no expectation of a reward, was disconcerting. If this were any place else, everyone he knew would have turned their heads and looked the other way.

Leo was wading back now, holding the ewe as high as he could, barely even struggling with its weight. The animal was loudly bleating its displeasure at the water that soaked into the wool on its belly, the babies answering her calls as the shepherd followed, cradling them both up under his arms.

Reaching dry land, he set the animal down and it danced away from him, pawing the ground until the shepherd arrived with the lambs. As soon as the babies were on their feet, the mother led them off along the edge of the field to where the rest of the flock was gathered in a pen by the barn.

Leo was bent over, wringing the water from the loose cloth of his pants, and Mikey tilted his head, leaning sideways a little. Even with the distraction of his gloomy thoughts, he couldn't help but notice the defined curve of that backside.

"Thank ya', my lord. I's afraid I have no way of repayin' your kindness.'' The shepherd said quietly, wringing out his own pants.

"Take good care of that flock and that is all the payment I need, Shepherd.'' Leo said firmly, gathering his things from where he left them on the ground. "Please let the estate know if you need any help re-seeding this field when the water drains.''

"I will, my lord. Thank ya'.'' The farmer replied, bowing and turning away to see to his animals.

Leo hopped the fence and one of the guards approached with a small towel that the eldest used to soak up the water still clinging to his skin. The pants would take hours to dry, but Leo didn't seem phased by it. Tying his swords and boots to the back of his saddle he climbed back onto the horse and turned to Mikey with a satisfied smile.

Maybe it was the unexpected turn of his mood, but Mikey thought he saw a little bit of smugness there too, and suddenly, he was annoyed.

Yes, the display had been selfless, but it could have also been self-serving. Was Leo trying to prove something? Was he making a point that he was better than everyone because he was... what? The clan leader's son? If Mikey had learned one thing in his life it was that everyone, especially nobles, never went out of their way to do anything without some guarantee of benefit or reward. It didn't make sense to stick your neck out for others if there was no payment at the end of it.

He bristled at the idea that Leonardo was showing off just so he could bed him, or bond with him, for the sake of Raph and Don. Donnie had warned him about that too, and Leo had already tried it multiple times before, why would this time be any different?

Did Leonardo truly want him? Or did he just want the idea of him?

His face soured as he remembered the day he had asked his mother and father the same question. And look where that had got him.

Leonardo was looking at him questioningly, noticing the dark look in his eyes. "Are you alright?''

Mikey looked at him, trying and failing to smooth away the suspicion on his face. "Yeah, fine.'' He replied, watching confusion settle in Leo's eyes at hearing the rigid tone in his voice, knowing he didn't understand and now he felt guilty about that too.

"Alright.'' Leo said quietly, unsure what to do about the sudden change between them. So, he just urged his horse forward and they continued their ride down the main road.

Mikey was silent as they passed through the farthest edge of the village lands into the rolling hills surrounding the estate, trying to ignore the concerned looks Leo was casting his way every few minutes.

They reached a crossroads and turned east, moving into a forested area full of thick elms and ancient oaks that rose so high above their heads they almost blocked out the sun.

Soon after entering the trees, Leo turned them onto a smaller road, barely more than a path, that twisted up around the side of a hill. They climbed steadily for twenty minutes before the path opened on a level clearing with a small stream that gently flowed down into the valley, where it joined the larger river as it crossed with the eastern road. The view let them see for miles.

The guards leapt down from their horses and quickly set out the supplies that had been brought with them in the shade of a tall oak, sitting alone, right in the middle of the clearing.

Leo waited for Mikey to climb down off his horse and then led both of their mounts to the tree, tying them loosely to a low branch so they could graze. The guards let Leonardo know they would be within whistling range should they be needed, then they swung back onto their mounts and disappeared back into the trees.

Alone for the first time with Leonardo he should have been excited, thrilled by the adventure of it all. But too much had happened in the last two days, more than he was used to, and again his thoughts were scattered and muddled so much he was having trouble sorting them.

He wished he had thought to bring his guitar.

With a quick intake of breath, he ignored Leo and walked over to the stream, staring hard at the water as if it would have the answers he needed.

He hated that he was feeling this way. This was why he kept everyone at a distance. He never had a need to question his thoughts and feelings when he kept everyone he knew at arm's length; it was simply easier to maintain his light-hearted persona when no one was allowed close enough to dig deeper. And that empty feeling in his heart was easy to ignore if he just blocked out the hollow thumping sound of it.

So why did he pleasantly shudder when he felt Leonardo step up close behind him? What was that tug at the center of his chest that made him want to spin and surrender and fall into Leo's arms without a single thought about what it would mean?

"Have I done something to upset you?''

The words were soft, the question pleading in his ear, and in a blink, he knew what he needed to ask. He had made a promise to Donatello, but he would have to break that promise now, because this wasn't just about them anymore. It was easy to say that he wanted to help his friend when he wasn't directly facing an afternoon of being romanced by the clan leader's son. And the ridiculousness of that reality alone was enough spur on his fight or flight response.

He took a step away and turned, locking his fierce blue eyes on Leo with resolve. "Why am I here?''

The blunt question seemed to catch Leonardo off guard judging from the way he blinked and opened his mouth, a frown pulling his eyes together. Instead of answering, Leo just shook his head, confused.

So, Mikey tried a different approach, "I know that you've tried to seal bonds with others, all for the sake of doing the right thing, so that Donnie and Raph can be together. Is that what I am? Am I the sacrifice you feel like you need to make so they can be happy?''

Bewildered, Leo pulled himself up, "You... know about Raph and Don?''

Confrontation wasn't something that Mikey handled well, and his heart felt like it was trying to hammer a hole right through this chest. Huffing in frustration he slipped around Leo, stalking over to where the guard had laid out a blanket and a basket with food and drink. Grabbing the wine skin, he poured himself a cup and downed it in one gulp, quickly filling it again.

"Michelangelo.'' Leo's gentle voice sounded from close behind him again and he momentarily marveled at how he was able to do that so effortlessly. "I... I don't know how you know about Raph and Don, but no, you are not a sacrifice.''

Mikey turned and looked at him skeptically, Leo's gaze catching him, boring into him, like he could see all the way into his soul and already knew all his secrets. Those hazel eyes glittered with a weight that pulled at Mikey's feet, and he took a deep breath, treading water, trying not to drown in them.

They stood there, each waiting for the other to make a choice, and slowly, that feeling of peace settled over him again, like he had felt on his first day, telling him that everything would be all right. Eventually, and with great effort, Mikey looked away, unsure what to do with the feelings that were flooding him, folding his legs under him as he sank down onto the blanket.

"Look, I get that I've stepped into a huge pile of it here,'' He started, staring down into his cup. "But... I'm not a piece in this puzzle, I don't belong here, and it feels like, all of a sudden, I'm being pulled in twenty different directions. I want to help, but I don't know how, and I don't get it. Why me? Why was I dragged into this?''

Leonardo stared at him for a long moment before sighing and kneeling beside him, "I'm sorry, Mikey. You're right. We've thrown you right into the middle of our problems and that's not fair.'' He reached out and lightly touched Mikey's knee, forcing those bright blue eyes to look up at him. "You deserve honesty from me. I have tried before to forgo my own wants so that my brother can have his happiness. I love Raphael, and Donatello, and I would do anything to give them what they need.''

"But that doesn't help anyone!'' Mikey jumped in, frustrated enough that tears unexpectedly sprung up in his eyes. "You know they could never accept you giving up your own happiness for them. No one could. That's stupid!''

Leo softly laughed with surprise at his bluntness, but that just seemed to fan the flames of Mikey's anger. The smaller turtle scowled, "Oh, sure. This must be hilarious, a noble like you being told off by a peasant.''

Like the wind extinguishing a flame, Leonardo sobered, pushing away his amusement. "It's not funny. I'm sorry...'' He drew in a deep breath and released it quickly, shaking his head, "I'm getting this all wrong, aren't I? I'll admit I don't have much experience with this kind of thing.''

Mikey was looking at him sideways, his jaw set, guarded, and when he didn't make another comment, Leo continued, "Raphael and Don have yelled pretty much the same thing at me, numerous times. I can be... stubborn, when I think I'm right. But they have started to bring me around to their way of thinking on this.''

Catching a flash of regret as it passed over his face, Mikey softened, wanting to believe him, and a fresh wave of guilt crashed through him, "Then... why...?''

"Why did I ask you to stay?'' He swallowed, searching for the right words. "I know you have no reason to trust me, but I hope you can believe me when I say that I asked you to stay because I wanted you too. Not because of Raph and Don, or any other reason. The moment I laid eyes on you, all I wanted to do was spend time with you, get to know you, talk to you. And I deeply apologize that our family drama is making you feel uncomfortable.''

There was a tingling sensation he could feel through the cloth where Leonardo's fingers rested on his leg, like it was a physical manifestation of his words that would convince him of his sincerity. But he didn't need convincing he realized numbly, like the truth was drifting toward him from out of a fog. Mikey believed what Leo said to him because he just knew that he wasn't lying. As they sat there, so close, breathing each other's air, he just knew that Leonardo would never lie to him, he knew it in his soul.

With an urgent need that flared within him, he looked up into Leo's eyes and suddenly, desperately, wanted him to know why he had been so upset, a wave of goose flesh sprung up across his skin, knocking back every defensive barrier he kept up to separate himself from others, and he was speaking before he even realized he had opened his mouth.

"My mother and father are not good people, they never were. And after my grandmother died, they just got worse.'' He began, Leo accepting the sudden change of subject without a blink, his thumb continuing to trace small circles on Mikey's knee. "My father's a mean piece of work and my mother drinks so she doesn't have to deal with him being so mean.''

Mikey swallowed the contents of his cup and reached for more, startled when it disappeared and was replaced by strong warm hands wrapping around his fingers. Pulling them both around Leo shuffled up until they were knee to knee, waiting until Mikey looked up at him.

"You don't need the wine.'' His gentle tone soothing, comforting. "Look at me. I'm listening.''

The whole world around them, the stream and the glade and the tree, all faded away until all he could see was Leo, holding him steady.

"My father spent every day teaching me how to work our farm. Tending the crops, milking the goats, keeping the chickens happy so they would lay eggs. He drilled it into me so that I could take over running it as soon as I was big enough, not because of some stupid father and son tradition, but because he just didn't want to do it himself anymore, he wanted me to do the work for him so he could do nothing all day but spend the coin the farm made us.''

He swallowed, the memories bringing a tremor to his shoulders and Leo squeezed his fingers, the warmth of his touch grounding him.

"When I was fifteen, I told him that I didn't want to spend my life running the farm. I wanted to travel and sing for people and that I was going to set out on my own and I would try and send coin home whenever I could. Well... he didn't like that.'' He sniffed and swallowed, taking a breath before he could continue. "When I woke up two days later I had a lump on my head the size of a mountain with a black eye to go with it, and my mother was spitting at me that I needed to get up and go harvest the wheat so she didn't have to listen to my father yelling about it anymore.''

Suddenly Leo's hand was at his cheek, wiping away the tear that had escaped to slide down his face. Mikey leaned into him, closing his eyes, letting the touch distract him for just a moment.

"But I was lucky that day. My father had gone into the village to get more feed, so he wasn't there when I woke up. I grabbed my guitar and my boots and just started walking. I can still hear my mother screaming, following me down the road, demanding I turn around and get to work. But I didn't ever go back. They never cared about me, they only cared about how they could use me.''

Sympathy radiated from Leonardo, and Mikey felt for the first time what it was like to have someone genuinely care about what he had to say, the thumb stroking his cheek sending a shiver down his spine.

"I'm sorry that happened to you,'' Leo whispered, leaning forward until their foreheads were touching. "And I'm sorry if we made you feel like you're being used. That was never my intention.''

Mikey sighed, reveling in the feel of warm skin against his. He was still upset and unsure that this wasn't just some strange game that he had been swept into, but with every second that Leo stayed pressed up against him, he found himself believing the thought less and less.

Eventually Leo pulled back a little, and he made a sound in his throat. "You can leave if that's what you want. You can take that horse and go. I won't stop you.''

There was longing in Leo's eyes, a desperate desire that he not take him up on that offer. "Do you want me to go?'' He whispered.

Leo shook his head slowly, his grip tightening. "I want you to stay. But only if that's what you want, you have to make the choice for yourself and not for any other reason.''

Now it was Mikey's turn to laugh with surprise, "Donnie said almost the same thing to me yesterday.''

Leo's answering grin was knowing, "Don says a lot of things, and you should listen to him because he's usually right.''

Suppressing what was something between a laugh and a sob, Mikey swallowed past the lump in his throat. All his life there had never been anyone that made him feel as comfortable just talking as Leo was making him feel. There was always a motive or an expectation, something someone else wanted that forced him to lace every word with caution, to guard himself against their deceit.

But with Leo there was none of that and he didn't know how he knew it, but it was as clear to him as the water of the stream flowing gently behind them. Leo was on his side, and from this moment forward he knew that was one thing he would never need to doubt.

Time seemed to stand still as they sat staring at each other. Leonardo waiting for Mikey to answer. Michelangelo wondering what the question had been. Because if he stopped to think about it for even a second, he knew that leaving now was the very last thing he would ever think to do.

The light narrowed between them as his eyes dropped to Leo's lips. All he had to do was lean forward just a little to learn what it would be like, the answer to the question hovering, unspoken, just there within reach. With soft breath warming his face, Mikey tipped his chin up, lips parting, his eyes sliding closed as Leo's hand slipped down to wrap around the back of his neck.

Just as he felt the soft heat of those lips barely brushing against his, the thundering sound of hoofbeats reached their ears, followed closely by the guard, galloping into the clearing on their mounts. Leonardo leaned back with a glare up at his captain as the man pulled his horse to a stop next to the tree.

"What is it?'' He ground out through his teeth.

"Apologies, my lord.'' The man said quickly, swinging off his horse and pointing toward the valley, "The Purple Dragons are on the east road.''

Like a mask slipping into place, Mikey watched Leo go stiff and serious, his shoulders pulling back as he stood tensely, looking down the valley.

Rising beside him, Mikey could make out a large group moving along the road, horses and carts just visible in the cloud of dust they were kicking up. Questioningly he looked at Leo, noticing the thin line of his mouth as he squinted to see.

A second soldier shortly joined them, "They might still turn south at the crossroads, my lord.''

"If they're smart, they will.'' Leonardo growled, taking a deep breath, turning with purpose to his men, "Ride back to the estate as quickly as you can, warn my father. If they turn south, fine. But if not, you need to get there before they do.''

"Yes, my lord!'' Both men shouted, saluting quickly and leaping back onto their mounts, disappearing out of the glade before Mikey could even blink. Two of the guards remained behind with them, their horses snorting impatiently.

Leonardo turned to him with a grimace, "I'm sorry. I'm afraid we have to cut our afternoon short. If this is trouble, then I need to get back to my father.''

"Are these men dangerous?'' Mikey asked with concern, looking down at the disappearing dust cloud.

"Yes, they are.'' Leo said, shortly. "We need to hurry.''

With growing dread, Mikey clambered as gracefully back onto the saddle of his horse as he could manage, whimpering just a little when Leo kicked his mount straight into a gallop. The gray dappled gelding seemed to sense the urgency in the air and leapt forward after the others without direction, so Mikey just gripped the reins as tightly as he could, clung to the saddle with all of his strength, and closed his eyes, putting all of his trust in the horse and the hope that the animal would know what to do to get them both back safely.

~*~*~*~

tbc...
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