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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": "2255917", "submission_left_file_name": "3280917_Sundayeyes_bell_flowers_12.doc", "submission_right_submission_id": "2255939", "submission_right_file_name": "3280950_Sundayeyes_bell_flowers_14.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/2255917]<--- Chapter Twelve[/url] __//__ [url=https://inkbunny.net/s/2255939]Chapter Fourteen --->[/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 Twelve __//__ Chapter Fourteen --->
~*~*~*~", "writing": "[center]~*~*~*~\n\nChapter Thirteen: Into the Light\n\n~*~*~*~[/center]\n\nThe celebration after the ceremony lasted well into the night and Mikey enjoyed every minute of it, even if he grew more impatient for it to be over with each second that ticked by.\n\nOnce the priest officially announced that Raphael and Donatello were bonded, a feast was served with decadent food and too much wine. Mikey delighted in watching the servants enjoying the offerings, their boisterous chatter filling the grotto with joy and excitement. There was lively music and he even found some of the nobles to be half interesting when Leo pulled him into their conversations.\n\nRaph and Don, however, may as well have been on the moon for all they were aware of anyone but each other. They never moved even a millimeter apart as the celebration went on around them, their heads pressed together so they could stare directly into each other's eyes. Mikey was so happy for them, watching them feed each other small bites of food and sips of wine, whispering constantly to one another words no one else could hear.\n\nHe couldn't help but be fascinated by the bonding filigree and spent most of the night just staring at their hands, watching the lines that shimmered and flowed across their skin, red chasing purple chasing red up their fingers and back down their wrists. It was almost like the lines were directing their movements. When one would reach for a cup or a spoon, the other would immediately follow, like they were attached by a short string and if they moved too far away from each other it would snap.\n\nMikey tried to concentrate on the food and the drink and what he could understand of the conversation, but as the moon inched its way across the sky he began to notice a strange pulse coming from Raph and Don, a throbbing beat that crawled across his skin and shivered in his lungs. It was somehow energizing and soothing all at once and so unlike anything he had ever felt before.\n\nThe buzz of it only grew stronger as the night progressed and eventually Mikey was fidgeting, so attuned to the sensation that it began to overpower almost everything else around him. It was so distracting that he didn't really notice when Leo slid closer to him, and almost jumped out of his skin when his hand lightly came to rest on his leg under the table, his thumb tracing small circles on the soft fabric. Mikey barely kept himself from looking down at the questing fingers slowly, so slowly, moving down along his inner thigh, tickling the sensitive area until Leo lightly brushed the side of his hand against Mikey's tucked tail.\n\nHe drew in a shuddering breath, heat blooming through him, making him twitch as he tried to maintain his composure. Around them everyone was chatting and laughing, oblivious to why he suddenly needed to press his lips tightly together to stop the undignified noise that bubbled up in his throat. He blinked and turned to look sideways at Leo, finding him completely calm and fully engaged with the noble he was talking to, a slight smirk teasing his lips the only indication he was aware of what he was doing.\n\nAlready wound up from Leo's teasing earlier in the day, and now by the strange tantalizing force coming off Raph and Don, Mikey knew he wasn't interested in waiting even a moment longer. Casting a careful glance at the nobles sitting close by he found everyone distracted by their own conversations. Satisfied he wouldn't be observed, he reached out and plucked a piece of meat off a nearby platter, popping it into his mouth as he reached down and took hold of the hand between his legs. Flattening Leo's palm, he pressed it hard against the shadowed heat there while ever so slightly jerking his hips.\n\nLeo tensed and sniffed, grabbing for his wine cup, turning his head to find Mikey somehow looking completely innocent while sucking gravy off his thumb. Mikey flexed his hips forward again, shivering through the ache pulsing in his tail with a sly grin and Leo coughed into his cup, masterfully extracting his hand from where it was trapped.\n\n\"I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me.'' Leo said to the noble across from him as he stood, and Mikey was impressed by how even his voice was. \"I believe I'm ready to turn in for the night.'' Turning to Lord Hamato, he continued, \"Mikey and I will see Raph and Don safely to their rooms, father.''\n\n\"Of course, my son.'' Lord Hamato answered, not turning away from the animated conversation he was having with two other nobles.\n\nLeo quickly moved toward his brother and Mikey got up to follow, wishing the nobles he had been speaking to a good night.\n\nIt wasn't difficult to steer Raph and Don back to the row houses. They shuffled along, unconsciously moving wherever Leo directed them, eyes locked on each other, laughing low while they clung to one another. Halfway there they began to slow down, kissing and tripping over their own feet, stumbling and stepping until Raph just picked Don up with a possessive growl, his strong arms supporting his mate as Don wrapped his legs around Raph's waist, forcing Leo to push them to move that much faster.\n\nMikey held back his laugh, the ritual or spell or whatever you wanted to call the bonding ceremony, had created some kind of hyper focused effect where he doubted the two were even completely aware that they weren't alone. It was a wonder they had managed to last this long the way they were starting to pant and pull at their tunics and Mikey wondered if they would even remember any of this in the morning.\n\nThe alluring energy they were giving off had reached a peak, thickening the air, strumming in his ears and making his eyes cross. He took a deep breath to try and calm the pounding of his heart and noticed a tingling numbness radiating out from the tips of his fingers and his toes. It was decadent and devastating and it wasn't long before he started to question if he had the willpower to stop himself from just grabbing Leo, throwing him into the nearest bush to have his way with him.\n\nBy the time Raph's house finally, blessedly came into view Mikey was carefully measuring his breaths and focusing intently on where he was placing his feet. Leo only just managed to get the newly bonded pair inside, slamming the door on their churrs as Don's tunic dropped from his shoulders.\n\n\"What the hell was that?'' Mikey asked, breathing a sigh of relief as the force of the effect tapered off slightly, shaking his head to clear it.\n\nBut he received no answer. Leo was still facing the door, arms tense and shaking, his hands clenched at his side. He cocked his head and turned to look over his shoulder, dark and predatory and Mikey swallowed hard.\n\nIn a blink Leo was stalking toward him, bearing down on him and Mikey danced backward just out of his reach, grinning as he darted for Leo's door, slipping inside just before he could be caught.\n\nHe heard the door click shut as he turned and Leo was on him, forcing a grunt from his lungs as he was practically thrown against the wall, claiming his mouth with a passion that was like the heat from a thousand suns.\n\nMikey groaned against his probing tongue, digging his fingers into Leo's shoulders, almost climbing up his body to get as close as he possibly could. He distantly thought that the floor right against the wall where they stood was as good a place as any right before Leo hoisted him up and carried him into the bedroom.\n\nHe opened Mikey's shirt toggle by toggle, placing small quick kisses on his plastron as it was slowly revealed. Mikey wanted to grab his hands to force him to go faster, he wanted to hold Leo still so he could feel his lips forever, he settled for arching into Leo's tongue with a soft gasp.\n\nWhen Leo sat up and back on his heels Mikey wiggled down so his legs were hooked up over his thighs. Maybe it was the quality of the light from the lanterns scattered around the room, or maybe it was the residual effect of the ceremony that still sizzled on his skin, but as Mikey looked up all he could think was that Leo was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life and his heart swelled with an emotion he wasn't sure he knew how to face. A week ago he was sleeping on a pallet in a dirty alley somewhere on the southern coast, cold and hungry, not knowing if he would have enough coin to make it through the next day, and now he was lying beneath the heir to the Hamato Clan, opening himself to whatever Leo wanted to offer in a way he never had before. He drew in a deep breath, gripping Leo's knees to steady the tremors shaking his limbs... and smiled. Leo wanted him. Leo needed him. For the first time in his life he was warm, and he was happy... and he was home.\n\nLeo looked down at him splayed naked on his bed and shook his head with a bewildered smile, like he couldn't quite believe that Mikey was really there, pliant and willing beneath him. As he was sliding his own tunic off his shoulders Mikey took advantage of his momentarily trapped arms and quickly sat up, grabbing onto Leo's hips and pulling himself in close, licking a long heated path straight up the center line of Leo's plastron forcing a sharp hiss from the eldest son. Throwing his tunic across the room Leo grabbed Mikey's head in his hands, diving in for a deep kiss as he pushed him down into the mattress with his weight.\n\nHe was trembling, they both were. Mikey's skin was on fire, pulsing with the steady beat coming from between them where their hips met. He turned his head and whispered desperately, pleading, \"Leo... please...''\n\nWith an impatient hum Leo leaned over, reaching for a box on the table next to the bed, pulling out a small vial. He stilled and looked down at Mikey, silently asking one last time. Mikey bit his lip and nodded, unable to form the words around his ragged breath, begging with his eyes and the delicate shaking of his thighs, reaching up to pull Leo back to him.\n\nLeo was gentle, making sure Mikey was comfortable by gathering all the pillows on the bed and tucking them up behind his shell, creating a nest that they sank into. He settled into the warmth between Mikey's legs and kissed him again, slow and tender, pulling a hungry moan from deep in Mikey's throat as he was distracted with playful nips all along his collarbone and the top edge of his plastron. Leo's fingers delved low, caressing and stretching and lighting that fire deep within that had Mikey panting and squirming, his fingernails leaving red marks where he dragged them across Leo's shoulders.\n\nMikey arched up, lifting his pelvis as he whimpered into Leo's mouth, desperate and so ready, pulling Leo into position over him with shaking arms and his teasing curling tongue, churring a trembling shuddering breath as Leo sank into his blazing heat.\n\nIf this was what heaven was like, then Michelangelo was ready to surrender his hold on life and lose himself in the clouds. A litany of half formed words flickered in and out of his consciousness as Leonardo rose over him, rocked into him, pressing him into the smooth ocean of silken sheets that covered his canopy bed. Mikey churred into Leo's neck riding a rising tide of pleasure that pulsed through his body.\n\nHe closed his eyes and rolled his head against the fur covered pillow propping him up as Leo swooped down with an almost feral growl and bit into his shoulder hard enough to leave a mark, fingers digging deliciously into his hips as he pulled Mikey closer, dragging him down so he could get a better angle.\n\nMikey gasped at the movement, his body tingling as he gripped Leo's arms, planting his feet for leverage. There was no way to get close enough, the sliver of air between them felt like a gaping chasm, and he couldn't imagine living another moment in this world without the feel of Leo within him, over him, surrounding him, his hot breath on his neck, his searing fingers reaching down to wrap around his length trapped between their plastrons.\n\nMikey was begging, incoherently babbling, the only sound his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. Never in his wildest imagination would he ever have believed it could be like this, this overwhelming blazing intensity, the prickling in his skin as lightning sparked in his core, pulsating up his spine. His toes curled into the mattress and Leo closed his grip, momentarily stopping the rush of Mikey's peak, pulling a desperate whining moan from deep in his throat.\n\nWith a heated whimper he raised his head, opening his mouth to swallow Leo's teasing chuckle, sucking hard on his lower lip to convey his displeasure. Mikey jerked his hips insistently, drawing a rumbling churr from his mate, his lover, his love.\n\nHe knew it now, he was engulfed by it, ready to surrender to it if it meant this would never stop. He wanted to lose himself in the ardent intensity of Leo's passion darkened eyes every moment of every day for the rest of his life.\n\nReleasing Leo's lip, he bit down on his own, begging with another twist of his hips. Leo groaned in defeat, swaying against him harder, frantic need building in the tremble of his muscles and Mikey shook beneath him, wrapping his arms around Leo's neck as the rush of release exploded from him, muffling his cry against Leo's tongue, relishing in the sensation of warmth spreading through him as Leo tensed and stilled his hips, locking their bodies tightly together, holding him close through waves of quaking spasms until they both stopped twitching.\n\nLeo dropped to the bed beside him gasping for air, staring up at the dark velvet draped over their heads as their fervor faded.\n\nFinally, Mikey licked his lips, drawing in a deep breath as he forced his voice to work again, \"Oh... wow...'' He breathed and Leo could only nod, shaking with one last tremor, reaching to twist their fingers together.\n\nMikey's head was buzzing, drunk on wine and Leonardo and the overwhelming sense of being almost complete. Leo had taken a sledgehammer to the brick wall built around his heart and now Mikey was ready to step over the pile left behind as long as he was careful not to trip.\n\nAt some point Leo rolled away and slipped off the bed, Mikey's fingers following him, sliding across the warm sheets. But he didn't go far, filling two cups with cool water and returning within seconds. Mikey stretched and sat up, accepting the cup Leo held out to him. The water was sweet on his tongue, soothing his parched throat.\n\nLeo leaned in to kiss away the few stray droplets of water left behind on his lips.\n\n\"No seriously...'' Mikey asked, still breathless, \"What was that?''\n\nLeo chuckled, lying back with his head propped up on his arm, pulling Mikey down so he could snuggle up against his side, \"A bonding ceremony.''\n\nMikey was still confused, \"Yeah, but... I mean, did you feel it too? Or was it just me? It was like the air during a thunderstorm but... way more... I don't know...''\n\n\"Not everyone feels it.'' Leo explained, taking Mikey's hand and interlocking their fingers, \"The souls that have bonded can no longer contain their... satisfaction, their relief, so it's released outward, like heat from a flame. Sometimes it's so strong that others feel it as well. Usually it can only be felt if you have someone to connect with, that you can share the energy with...''\n\nMikey thought he understood. Like a laugh can be contagious, he supposed so could the overwhelming joy of two souls that had strained, desperate to be united for over two years. It calmed him to know that the force of Raph and Don's happiness was so overpowering that they had been bursting with it. He felt like he had been given a rare and valuable gift.\n\nLeo was quiet, lost in his own thoughts, holding Mikey's hand and lightly running his thumb across his skin. They laid there, drifting and Mikey closed his eyes, floating in the afterglow.\n\nIt was hard to tell how much time passed before he started to pay attention to what Leo was doing. Lifting his eyelids, he watched Leo trace across the side of his wrist in a looping pattern, twisting down his arm and back up like he was imagining where the real filigree would be if they were...\n\nMikey shifted, gently pulling his hand away as that thought crashed through him. He looked up at Leo's face and could see the need there, saw the pink of his tongue as it darted out to lick his lips, like he wanted to say something. Leo opened his mouth and Mikey drew in a sharp breath, tensing against him, and immediately hated himself for the look of disappointment that flashed in those hopeful hazel eyes.\n\nPulling himself together in a rush Mikey grimaced and lifted up to straddle Leo's waist, hovering over him so he could cup his face in his hands.\n\n\"I know what you're thinking. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking it too,'' The words fell from Mikey's lips in a mumble, wanting to reassure Leo as quickly as he possibly could. \"But I... I've spent my whole life only thinking about myself, and now, all of a sudden, I'm thinking about you too and I'm not sure I completely know what to do with that.''\n\nLeo moved to speak but Mikey quickly moved his thumb across his lips, needing to have his say before they could go any further. \"Here's what I do know. Right here, with you, is where I wanna be. I'm not going anywhere, but I just need... I have so many thoughts all jumbled up in my head right now and I need a little time to sort through them. That's all.''\n\nLeo smiled warmly, grasping Mikey's hands and kissing each one of his fingers before looking back up at him, \"Mikey, I would never force you into anything you're not ready for. You can have all the time you need, and I will wait. I'll wait for you for the rest of my life if that's what it takes.''\n\nWith a relieved puff of breath Mikey laughed, \"Well, I don't think it'll take that long.''\n\nHe leaned down and captured Leo's lips, hoping to communicate through the kiss every feeling he had that he couldn't find the words for. He felt like a snail that was pushing itself inch by inch across a stone, like he was dragging himself up through the dark into the light of day, and even though he was moving slowly, he was beginning to understand exactly how he might truly feel.\n\nHe pulled back to look down into Leo's shining eyes and thought that maybe one more kiss would help him figure things out at a faster pace.\n\n~*~\n\nIn the morning they found Lord Hamato in the main hall bent over a large table that was set up in the center of the room with a map of the Hamato valley spread across its top. Small wooden figures indicated the placement of Hamato soldiers and Hun's camp.\n\nRaphael stood next to his father, pointing to a corner of the map. He was clear eyed and focused but relaxed, well, as relaxed as Raph could probably get anyway. It seemed the spell the ceremony cast had lifted enough for him to be able to function again.\n\n\"That's what I'm sayin'!'' Raph's voice echoed in the cavernous space, \"We should just march out there and throw his ass outta this valley. There's no reason to coddle him...''\n\n\"Raphael, you know there are protocols,'' Lord Hamato admonished, \"This is complicated, and we need to handle it carefully.''\n\nMikey hung back as Leonardo joined his father and brother at the table. The main hall was alive with activity, so he wanted to try and stay out of the way. Servants were darting here and there, cleaning and going about their general duties. Mikey couldn't see Don anywhere, but he doubted the former steward was far away, it was surprising that he would leave Raph's side at all.\n\nThe main doors were wide open again, letting in the crisp morning air, and Mikey could see the villagers in the courtyard. The difference today though was that he could hear the uplifting sound of the children laughing as they played and Mikey couldn't help but smile, knowing he was at least in a small way responsible for the lift in their mood.\n\n\"We will need a neutral space to hold negotiations.'' Lord Hamato said. \"I want our men to set up a pavilion here, in the meadow. Hun may be more docile if we are closer to his camp than the estate.''\n\n\"But that's my point!'' Raph said, exasperated. \"Hun ain't gonna negotiate anything. You'll offer him somethin' he doesn't deserve and when he won't accept it we'll be right back where we started. We need to send out a battalion and escort him outta this valley by force!''\n\n\"Hard handed tactics should only be used as a last resort, Raphael.'' Lord Hamato said, \"You cannot allow your impatience to cloud your thinking. If we send a contingent of men marching toward Hun's camp he will immediately go on the defensive and attack, and I would rather not risk a battle that close to our farmlands if it can be helped.''\n\n\"Yeah, but...''\n\nLord Hamato held up his hand, \"We will offer Hun something that will appeal to his ego and entice him to leave with as little conflict as possible, and when I next meet with the council I will discuss this situation and how we may go about ridding our lands of Hun and his clan for good.'' Raph frowned as the lord placed a hand on his arm, \"It is not a weakness to delay conflict until you have a more strategic advantage, my son.''\n\nMikey sat himself on the edge of the dais, feeling out of place as they continued their back and forth. It wasn't the most exciting thing in the world, listening to them bicker while pointing at a map, and he fleetingly thought about going back for his case and joining the children outside again. But the truth was he really didn't feel like letting Leonardo out of his sight. His thoughts were overflowing with all the realizations he had made about their relationship since the night before and he needed to start trying to sort through them. Also, he was sleepy.\n\nThey hadn't fallen asleep until almost dawn and Mikey couldn't help but squirm a little every time he thought about what they had been doing that kept them awake.\n\n\"Hey, you.''\n\nWith a small jerk Mikey tore his eyes away from Leo and found Don next to him, looking at him with a knowing smile. How long had he been sitting there watching him stare at Leo like that? Don's smile widened and Mikey grinned with a shrug as he cleared his throat.\n\n\"Good morning!'' Mikey said, taking in Don's glowing skin and his shimmering arms. \"How does it feel?''\n\n\"Euphoric.'' Don stated simply, tracing the lines on his skin with a satisfied smile. He raised his eyes to look at Raphael and Mikey saw the second son turn his head instantly, smiling softly over his shoulder at his mate.\n\n\"Wow...'' Mikey murmured, looking back and forth between them, \"You really are connected, aren't you?''\n\n\"I feel him.'' Don answered, not taking his eyes off Raph. \"In the way a compass always finds north, I know where he is. I can feel his heartbeat...''\n\nDon trailed off, lost in thought and Mikey blew out a breath. Was that something he wanted to feel? The pulse of Leo's presence wherever he was, even when they were apart?\n\nHe couldn't deny that it kind of sounded like the best thing in the world.\n\n\"My lord!'' They all looked up as a soldier came rushing across the hall, bowing low and holding out a sealed parchment, \"A missive from Lord Hun, my lord.''\n\n\"Thank you.'' Hamato said, quiet as he unrolled the message and read it quickly.\n\nDon stood as soon as the soldier appeared, the wistful look on his face disappearing in an instant. Mikey joined him, standing close to his friend for support. Lord Hamato turned and walked slowly toward the dais, reading the message again.\n\n\"What is it, father?'' Leo asked.\n\nThe lord sighed, looking over at Don with an apologetic expression before turning back to look at his youngest son, \"He is aware that you have bonded.''\n\nIt was a simple statement, but the weight of it crashed over them like a boulder falling off a cliff. Lord Hamato read the letter out loud.\n\n[i]`The Hamato Clan has usurped Lord Hun's bonding claim on the servant. This slight to his honor will not stand. Let this message serve as a formal challenge, issued by Lord Hun against Hamato Raphael, for a trial by combat to commence at sun's peak today. If this challenge is not met, the Purple Dragons will consider it an act of open war between our clans.'[/i] \n\n\"No...'' Mikey turned his head toward Don's startled whisper, finding his friend wide-eyed and turning a sickly shade of pale green.\n\n\"How the hell did he find out so fast?'' Raph seethed. \"If we've got a snitch in our ranks, I swear I'll bury my sai in the weasel's throat myself!'' He flipped his weapon out of his belt, spinning it in his palm for emphasis.\n\n\"More likely it was one of the servants.'' Leo interjected, trying to calm his brother. \"It would have been easier for Hun to plant one of his men among our staff than to try and turn someone in our army.''\n\n\"How Hun discovered this is irrelevant,'' Lord Hamato stepped forward, \"If there is a traitor amongst us, he will not remain hidden for long. The fact we must now face is that Hun knows. It seems you were right, Raphael. Negotiations appear to be useless.''\n\n\"That's it then.'' Raph stated, his hands curling into fists at his side. \"Challenge accepted.''\n\n\"No!'' Don exploded, making them all turn as his shout rang through the hall. Instantly he crossed the small space to his mate, his shoulders set with displeasure. \"Are you insane?! We've been bonded for less than twelve hours. You can't just waltz out there and get yourself killed!''\n\nRaph barked out a dismissive laugh, \"Hun ain't gonna touch me.''\n\n\"You don't know that!'' Don said incredulously.\n\n\"Donnie, listen to me, ya' ain't got nothin' to worry about. I ain't scared of Hun.''\n\n\"How can you be so flippant about this?!'' Don spat, glaring daggers up at Raph. \"If you go out there and something happens to you... you can't do that, Raph, you can't leave me alone...''\n\nDon pulled himself up, snapping his mouth shut, his breath coming in short desperate gasps. Color flushed his face as his eyes flicked to where Lord Hamato stood, quietly inspecting the hem of his sleeve.\n\nMikey could feel Don's fear from across the room. The terror he felt at the idea of living his life without his bond mate, the way Lord Hamato had been forced to live his, was palpable and he shifted, unconsciously moving closer to Leo. Silence stretched between them all as Raph and Don faced each other.\n\nFinally, Lord Hamato stepped forward, clearing his throat, \"Your concern is understandable, Donatello. However, I'm afraid there is nothing to be done about it. The challenge is binding, and Raphael must answer. There is no other option.''\n\nDon tightened his jaw, his eyes locked on Raphael, \"Fine. Then I'm going with you.''\n\nRaph blinked down at him, startled into momentary silence.\n\n\"I know the rules,'' Don continued, \"You're allowed a second and that is what I'm going to be.''\n\n\"Like hell ya' are!'' Raph shot back, \"You'll stay here where it's safe! I ain't letting ya' risk yourself for...''\n\n\"Don't you dare finish that sentence.'' Don said, poking into Raph's chest with his finger, \"You don't get to make that decision for me. I'm not going to sit back and let you fight my battles! I'm not a damsel that needs defending! If Hun thinks he can claim me without my consent, then he can fight me for the privilege! Who I am bonded to is my choice and I chose you, Raphael. Everything we do from this point forward we do together!''\n\nDon was shaking with anger, his fists clenched and his eyes sparking fire as he released his tirade on a stunned Raphael. The two stared at each other for a long moment, then slowly Raph's face split into an incredulous grin.\n\nLooking down at Don with pride he raised his hand to cup his face, rubbing his thumb lightly across his cheek. \"You and me.'' He said quietly.\n\nDon blinked, leaning into Raph's hand with relief. \"Me and you.'' He whispered back, taking hold of the fingers resting on his face.\n\nWhile their argument was winding down Mikey was circling the table, looking closely at the map laid out over it. It was incredibly detailed, showing the valley and the estate, all its farmlands and every mountain, hill and river surrounding it.\n\nMikey squinted at the open field where Hun had made his camp. The edge of the meadow farthest from the estate ran up against the line of a thick forest that stretched away for miles to the East. Directly behind the small wooden figure that represented Hun's location near the tree line, he could just make out what looked like small rises in the landscape.\n\n\"What are these?'' Mikey asked, tracing the area with his fingertips.\n\nLeo moved to his side to look where he was pointing, \"Low hills. There's a dry creek bed that runs the length of the gully between them.''\n\nMikey tilted his head thoughtfully, \"You said you need proof of what Hun is doing before you can get the council involved, right?'' Leo nodded. \"So... the best time to do that would be while he's busy with Raph and Don... right?''\n\n\"What are you thinking?'' Leo asked, looking at him quizzically.\n\nMikey took a deep breath, \"Well, you need evidence to present to the council and Hun has just handed us the perfect distraction. All his men will want to watch him fighting Raph, and Hun will want them there to boost his ego. His camp should be nearly deserted and if the challenge can be drawn out, if Hun can be stalled for even an hour that might buy us the time we need...''\n\n\"... to sneak into Hun's camp and find what he's hiding.'' Leo nodded.\n\n\"I've had dealings with men like Hun before.'' Mikey continued, \"If he's holding people captive under multiple bonds like you say he must be, then I can guarantee he's got them here with him. He would keep them close to maintain his control. And I'm sure that he's got his own priest that he keeps with him to perform whatever his excuse for a bonding ceremony is that he uses to make those bonds. He's brutish but he's not stupid, he wouldn't have made such a risky claim if he wasn't prepared to seal that bond right away before Don had the chance to escape or be rescued.''\n\n\"If we can get our hands on that priest, that would be everything we need.'' Leo mused.\n\n\"Alright, so,'' Raph piped in, tense energy making him shift his shoulders, \"All we gotta figure out is who goes into Hun's camp to snag the guy.''\n\n\"I'll go.'' Leo immediately said.\n\n\"No, my son,'' Lord Hamato cut in, \"You must remain by my side during the challenge. Your absence would not go unnoticed and it would raise Hun's suspicions.''\n\n\"Who then?'' Raph asked.\n\nMikey slowly raised his hand, giving them all a tentative smile.\n\nLeo shook his head, \"No, it's too dangerous. I don't think...''\n\n\"Leo,'' Mikey cut him off, suddenly completely convinced that this was how he was meant to prove himself to the clan, to prove to Leo that he was serious about staying with him, \"Sneaking in and out of places without being seen is what I do, it's what I'm good at and I've done it a hundred times before. This will be easy, while everyone's attention is on the fight I can sneak through the forest and find an entry point to Hun's camp from the end of this gully between these hills.'' He pointed at the map and then looked pointedly back at Leo, \"I can do this.''\n\nLeonardo eyed him closely, his desire to trust Michelangelo battling fear for his safety on his face. There really was no other option, especially not with the time they had to work out a plan, so Mikey did his best to hold himself confidently, using his body language to show Leo that he knew what he was doing and would be able to pull it off. This was his chance to show them all what he was truly capable of and he had no intention of messing it up. After a long moment Leo released a resigned sigh, nodding his consent and Mikey beamed at him.\n\nLord Hamato squinted at Mikey, \"Do I want to know where a young man such as yourself learned these skills?''\n\nCaught again in the full attention of the lord, Mikey shrank back a little, \"Uh... well...?''\n\n\"We'll explain everything to you later, father.'' Leo swooped in, saving Mikey from having to give his uncomfortable explanations to the clan leader.\n\nLord Hamato considered them closely before a good-natured smile twitched across his lips.\n\n~*~\n\nNot long before the sun reached its peak in the sky Mikey found himself looking through a hidden door set in the eastern wall. It gave him a straight shot to the cover of the forest that would lead him around to the back of Hun's camp. Leo was standing close, agitated but resigned to their course of action.\n\nMikey didn't like the small frown creasing Leo's brow, it darkened his eyes, overshadowing the confidence that he always held himself with. Stepping into him, Mikey smiled as the warmth of Leo's arms immediately wrapped around his waist. He brought his hand up to the spot where the frown brought Leo's eyes together and rubbed it with his finger.\n\n\"Any last minute advice before I go?'' He asked, pressing close until he could feel the full length of Leonardo's body against his.\n\nThe deep concern on his mate's face made Mikey want to drag him away into some secret corner where they could lose themselves in each other and forget about the rest of the world. It was something he might have actually done if the stakes weren't so high.\n\n\"Keep your eyes open,'' Leo murmured, rubbing along the edges of Mikey's shell, \"Stay alert. Get in, get what we need and get out. Don't underestimate any of Hun's men, they are highly trained and smarter than they look.'' Leo wrapped his hand around the back of Mikey's head, holding him still for a deep kiss, pulling back to whisper against his lips. \"Please... please be safe.''\n\nMikey smiled, \"I always am.'' he whispered back, drawing away only far enough to be able to look directly into Leo's eyes, \"I'll be fine. I promise.''\n\nLeo sighed and nodded, there was nothing more that he could do to ensure Mikey's safety, he could only trust that he knew the risks and would take every precaution to protect himself. \"A combat arena is being thrown together in the meadow near Hun's camp. Join us there when you're finished.''\n\nInstead of letting go, Leo only tightened his hold. There was desperation in his eyes, a heavy weighted fear that if he let Mikey go, he might never get him back again.\n\nThe moment stretched between them. Mikey wasn't being cocky, he knew the danger he was walking into, and had no intention of letting his guard down for even an instant. Every step he took toward Hun's camp would be a step that brought him back to Leo, that was his goal, it was a promise that he wanted to make.\n\nThey held there, pressed into each other, clinging and close, and Mikey wanted to ease the tension, wanted to confess the truth he'd only just become aware of, wanted to tell Leo...\n\nThey were words he had never said out loud before, not to anyone except his sweet old grandmother when he was small and he didn't think she really counted, not in the same way.\n\n\"... I...'' But he couldn't make his tongue form the words, his lips refused to move. He froze, their foreheads pressed together, biting his lip with frustration. This was the final crossroads, if he could move them past this point then everything would fall into place, he knew it. He shivered in Leo's warmth, squeezing his eyes shut.\n\n[i]Just say it...[/i] \n\nA rush of breath filled his lungs and he flung his arms around Leo's shoulders, pressing his cheek tightly against the side of his head. Leo gripped him firmly and Mikey could feel where his fingers dug into the sensitive lines of his shell through the thin fabric of his tunic.\n\nHe felt a power surge through him, something beyond his control taking over, quieting his mind, soothing his thoughts, pushing his heart and his soul to take over. His voice in Leo's ear was breathy and shaking with the release of every last bit of his fear and doubt...\n\n\".... I love you....''\n\nAs the words slipped past his lips, Mikey's eyes opened wide.\n\nHe heard Leo make a noise low in his throat, then he was being pushed away, but only a step, only far enough so Leo could grasp his head in both of his hands, yanking him forward again, claiming his mouth with a kiss that was desperation and possession and enveloping relief. Mikey clutched at Leo, trying to find purchase as he was bent back, yearning to drag him closer. He was collapsing under a wave of desire so powerful that he knew if he didn't break away now, he never, ever would.\n\nWith a decided groan he pushed at Leo's shoulders and tore their lips apart, leaning back to take in his glazed look and flushed face and the elated sparkle in his eyes as they both gasped through halting breaths.\n\nHe flashed Leo a cheeky grin, faking the bravery he only half felt, twisting out of his arms and quickly moving away, turning at the wall to look over his shoulder.\n\n\"Be back before you know it.'' He promised, disappearing through the gate before the call of Leo's arms could wrench him back.\n\n[center]~*~*~*~\n\ntbc...[/center]", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "
~*~*~*~

Chapter Thirteen: Into the Light

~*~*~*~


The celebration after the ceremony lasted well into the night and Mikey enjoyed every minute of it, even if he grew more impatient for it to be over with each second that ticked by.

Once the priest officially announced that Raphael and Donatello were bonded, a feast was served with decadent food and too much wine. Mikey delighted in watching the servants enjoying the offerings, their boisterous chatter filling the grotto with joy and excitement. There was lively music and he even found some of the nobles to be half interesting when Leo pulled him into their conversations.

Raph and Don, however, may as well have been on the moon for all they were aware of anyone but each other. They never moved even a millimeter apart as the celebration went on around them, their heads pressed together so they could stare directly into each other's eyes. Mikey was so happy for them, watching them feed each other small bites of food and sips of wine, whispering constantly to one another words no one else could hear.

He couldn't help but be fascinated by the bonding filigree and spent most of the night just staring at their hands, watching the lines that shimmered and flowed across their skin, red chasing purple chasing red up their fingers and back down their wrists. It was almost like the lines were directing their movements. When one would reach for a cup or a spoon, the other would immediately follow, like they were attached by a short string and if they moved too far away from each other it would snap.

Mikey tried to concentrate on the food and the drink and what he could understand of the conversation, but as the moon inched its way across the sky he began to notice a strange pulse coming from Raph and Don, a throbbing beat that crawled across his skin and shivered in his lungs. It was somehow energizing and soothing all at once and so unlike anything he had ever felt before.

The buzz of it only grew stronger as the night progressed and eventually Mikey was fidgeting, so attuned to the sensation that it began to overpower almost everything else around him. It was so distracting that he didn't really notice when Leo slid closer to him, and almost jumped out of his skin when his hand lightly came to rest on his leg under the table, his thumb tracing small circles on the soft fabric. Mikey barely kept himself from looking down at the questing fingers slowly, so slowly, moving down along his inner thigh, tickling the sensitive area until Leo lightly brushed the side of his hand against Mikey's tucked tail.

He drew in a shuddering breath, heat blooming through him, making him twitch as he tried to maintain his composure. Around them everyone was chatting and laughing, oblivious to why he suddenly needed to press his lips tightly together to stop the undignified noise that bubbled up in his throat. He blinked and turned to look sideways at Leo, finding him completely calm and fully engaged with the noble he was talking to, a slight smirk teasing his lips the only indication he was aware of what he was doing.

Already wound up from Leo's teasing earlier in the day, and now by the strange tantalizing force coming off Raph and Don, Mikey knew he wasn't interested in waiting even a moment longer. Casting a careful glance at the nobles sitting close by he found everyone distracted by their own conversations. Satisfied he wouldn't be observed, he reached out and plucked a piece of meat off a nearby platter, popping it into his mouth as he reached down and took hold of the hand between his legs. Flattening Leo's palm, he pressed it hard against the shadowed heat there while ever so slightly jerking his hips.

Leo tensed and sniffed, grabbing for his wine cup, turning his head to find Mikey somehow looking completely innocent while sucking gravy off his thumb. Mikey flexed his hips forward again, shivering through the ache pulsing in his tail with a sly grin and Leo coughed into his cup, masterfully extracting his hand from where it was trapped.

"I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me.'' Leo said to the noble across from him as he stood, and Mikey was impressed by how even his voice was. "I believe I'm ready to turn in for the night.'' Turning to Lord Hamato, he continued, "Mikey and I will see Raph and Don safely to their rooms, father.''

"Of course, my son.'' Lord Hamato answered, not turning away from the animated conversation he was having with two other nobles.

Leo quickly moved toward his brother and Mikey got up to follow, wishing the nobles he had been speaking to a good night.

It wasn't difficult to steer Raph and Don back to the row houses. They shuffled along, unconsciously moving wherever Leo directed them, eyes locked on each other, laughing low while they clung to one another. Halfway there they began to slow down, kissing and tripping over their own feet, stumbling and stepping until Raph just picked Don up with a possessive growl, his strong arms supporting his mate as Don wrapped his legs around Raph's waist, forcing Leo to push them to move that much faster.

Mikey held back his laugh, the ritual or spell or whatever you wanted to call the bonding ceremony, had created some kind of hyper focused effect where he doubted the two were even completely aware that they weren't alone. It was a wonder they had managed to last this long the way they were starting to pant and pull at their tunics and Mikey wondered if they would even remember any of this in the morning.

The alluring energy they were giving off had reached a peak, thickening the air, strumming in his ears and making his eyes cross. He took a deep breath to try and calm the pounding of his heart and noticed a tingling numbness radiating out from the tips of his fingers and his toes. It was decadent and devastating and it wasn't long before he started to question if he had the willpower to stop himself from just grabbing Leo, throwing him into the nearest bush to have his way with him.

By the time Raph's house finally, blessedly came into view Mikey was carefully measuring his breaths and focusing intently on where he was placing his feet. Leo only just managed to get the newly bonded pair inside, slamming the door on their churrs as Don's tunic dropped from his shoulders.

"What the hell was that?'' Mikey asked, breathing a sigh of relief as the force of the effect tapered off slightly, shaking his head to clear it.

But he received no answer. Leo was still facing the door, arms tense and shaking, his hands clenched at his side. He cocked his head and turned to look over his shoulder, dark and predatory and Mikey swallowed hard.

In a blink Leo was stalking toward him, bearing down on him and Mikey danced backward just out of his reach, grinning as he darted for Leo's door, slipping inside just before he could be caught.

He heard the door click shut as he turned and Leo was on him, forcing a grunt from his lungs as he was practically thrown against the wall, claiming his mouth with a passion that was like the heat from a thousand suns.

Mikey groaned against his probing tongue, digging his fingers into Leo's shoulders, almost climbing up his body to get as close as he possibly could. He distantly thought that the floor right against the wall where they stood was as good a place as any right before Leo hoisted him up and carried him into the bedroom.

He opened Mikey's shirt toggle by toggle, placing small quick kisses on his plastron as it was slowly revealed. Mikey wanted to grab his hands to force him to go faster, he wanted to hold Leo still so he could feel his lips forever, he settled for arching into Leo's tongue with a soft gasp.

When Leo sat up and back on his heels Mikey wiggled down so his legs were hooked up over his thighs. Maybe it was the quality of the light from the lanterns scattered around the room, or maybe it was the residual effect of the ceremony that still sizzled on his skin, but as Mikey looked up all he could think was that Leo was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life and his heart swelled with an emotion he wasn't sure he knew how to face. A week ago he was sleeping on a pallet in a dirty alley somewhere on the southern coast, cold and hungry, not knowing if he would have enough coin to make it through the next day, and now he was lying beneath the heir to the Hamato Clan, opening himself to whatever Leo wanted to offer in a way he never had before. He drew in a deep breath, gripping Leo's knees to steady the tremors shaking his limbs... and smiled. Leo wanted him. Leo needed him. For the first time in his life he was warm, and he was happy... and he was home.

Leo looked down at him splayed naked on his bed and shook his head with a bewildered smile, like he couldn't quite believe that Mikey was really there, pliant and willing beneath him. As he was sliding his own tunic off his shoulders Mikey took advantage of his momentarily trapped arms and quickly sat up, grabbing onto Leo's hips and pulling himself in close, licking a long heated path straight up the center line of Leo's plastron forcing a sharp hiss from the eldest son. Throwing his tunic across the room Leo grabbed Mikey's head in his hands, diving in for a deep kiss as he pushed him down into the mattress with his weight.

He was trembling, they both were. Mikey's skin was on fire, pulsing with the steady beat coming from between them where their hips met. He turned his head and whispered desperately, pleading, "Leo... please...''

With an impatient hum Leo leaned over, reaching for a box on the table next to the bed, pulling out a small vial. He stilled and looked down at Mikey, silently asking one last time. Mikey bit his lip and nodded, unable to form the words around his ragged breath, begging with his eyes and the delicate shaking of his thighs, reaching up to pull Leo back to him.

Leo was gentle, making sure Mikey was comfortable by gathering all the pillows on the bed and tucking them up behind his shell, creating a nest that they sank into. He settled into the warmth between Mikey's legs and kissed him again, slow and tender, pulling a hungry moan from deep in Mikey's throat as he was distracted with playful nips all along his collarbone and the top edge of his plastron. Leo's fingers delved low, caressing and stretching and lighting that fire deep within that had Mikey panting and squirming, his fingernails leaving red marks where he dragged them across Leo's shoulders.

Mikey arched up, lifting his pelvis as he whimpered into Leo's mouth, desperate and so ready, pulling Leo into position over him with shaking arms and his teasing curling tongue, churring a trembling shuddering breath as Leo sank into his blazing heat.

If this was what heaven was like, then Michelangelo was ready to surrender his hold on life and lose himself in the clouds. A litany of half formed words flickered in and out of his consciousness as Leonardo rose over him, rocked into him, pressing him into the smooth ocean of silken sheets that covered his canopy bed. Mikey churred into Leo's neck riding a rising tide of pleasure that pulsed through his body.

He closed his eyes and rolled his head against the fur covered pillow propping him up as Leo swooped down with an almost feral growl and bit into his shoulder hard enough to leave a mark, fingers digging deliciously into his hips as he pulled Mikey closer, dragging him down so he could get a better angle.

Mikey gasped at the movement, his body tingling as he gripped Leo's arms, planting his feet for leverage. There was no way to get close enough, the sliver of air between them felt like a gaping chasm, and he couldn't imagine living another moment in this world without the feel of Leo within him, over him, surrounding him, his hot breath on his neck, his searing fingers reaching down to wrap around his length trapped between their plastrons.

Mikey was begging, incoherently babbling, the only sound his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. Never in his wildest imagination would he ever have believed it could be like this, this overwhelming blazing intensity, the prickling in his skin as lightning sparked in his core, pulsating up his spine. His toes curled into the mattress and Leo closed his grip, momentarily stopping the rush of Mikey's peak, pulling a desperate whining moan from deep in his throat.

With a heated whimper he raised his head, opening his mouth to swallow Leo's teasing chuckle, sucking hard on his lower lip to convey his displeasure. Mikey jerked his hips insistently, drawing a rumbling churr from his mate, his lover, his love.

He knew it now, he was engulfed by it, ready to surrender to it if it meant this would never stop. He wanted to lose himself in the ardent intensity of Leo's passion darkened eyes every moment of every day for the rest of his life.

Releasing Leo's lip, he bit down on his own, begging with another twist of his hips. Leo groaned in defeat, swaying against him harder, frantic need building in the tremble of his muscles and Mikey shook beneath him, wrapping his arms around Leo's neck as the rush of release exploded from him, muffling his cry against Leo's tongue, relishing in the sensation of warmth spreading through him as Leo tensed and stilled his hips, locking their bodies tightly together, holding him close through waves of quaking spasms until they both stopped twitching.

Leo dropped to the bed beside him gasping for air, staring up at the dark velvet draped over their heads as their fervor faded.

Finally, Mikey licked his lips, drawing in a deep breath as he forced his voice to work again, "Oh... wow...'' He breathed and Leo could only nod, shaking with one last tremor, reaching to twist their fingers together.

Mikey's head was buzzing, drunk on wine and Leonardo and the overwhelming sense of being almost complete. Leo had taken a sledgehammer to the brick wall built around his heart and now Mikey was ready to step over the pile left behind as long as he was careful not to trip.

At some point Leo rolled away and slipped off the bed, Mikey's fingers following him, sliding across the warm sheets. But he didn't go far, filling two cups with cool water and returning within seconds. Mikey stretched and sat up, accepting the cup Leo held out to him. The water was sweet on his tongue, soothing his parched throat.

Leo leaned in to kiss away the few stray droplets of water left behind on his lips.

"No seriously...'' Mikey asked, still breathless, "What was that?''

Leo chuckled, lying back with his head propped up on his arm, pulling Mikey down so he could snuggle up against his side, "A bonding ceremony.''

Mikey was still confused, "Yeah, but... I mean, did you feel it too? Or was it just me? It was like the air during a thunderstorm but... way more... I don't know...''

"Not everyone feels it.'' Leo explained, taking Mikey's hand and interlocking their fingers, "The souls that have bonded can no longer contain their... satisfaction, their relief, so it's released outward, like heat from a flame. Sometimes it's so strong that others feel it as well. Usually it can only be felt if you have someone to connect with, that you can share the energy with...''

Mikey thought he understood. Like a laugh can be contagious, he supposed so could the overwhelming joy of two souls that had strained, desperate to be united for over two years. It calmed him to know that the force of Raph and Don's happiness was so overpowering that they had been bursting with it. He felt like he had been given a rare and valuable gift.

Leo was quiet, lost in his own thoughts, holding Mikey's hand and lightly running his thumb across his skin. They laid there, drifting and Mikey closed his eyes, floating in the afterglow.

It was hard to tell how much time passed before he started to pay attention to what Leo was doing. Lifting his eyelids, he watched Leo trace across the side of his wrist in a looping pattern, twisting down his arm and back up like he was imagining where the real filigree would be if they were...

Mikey shifted, gently pulling his hand away as that thought crashed through him. He looked up at Leo's face and could see the need there, saw the pink of his tongue as it darted out to lick his lips, like he wanted to say something. Leo opened his mouth and Mikey drew in a sharp breath, tensing against him, and immediately hated himself for the look of disappointment that flashed in those hopeful hazel eyes.

Pulling himself together in a rush Mikey grimaced and lifted up to straddle Leo's waist, hovering over him so he could cup his face in his hands.

"I know what you're thinking. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking it too,'' The words fell from Mikey's lips in a mumble, wanting to reassure Leo as quickly as he possibly could. "But I... I've spent my whole life only thinking about myself, and now, all of a sudden, I'm thinking about you too and I'm not sure I completely know what to do with that.''

Leo moved to speak but Mikey quickly moved his thumb across his lips, needing to have his say before they could go any further. "Here's what I do know. Right here, with you, is where I wanna be. I'm not going anywhere, but I just need... I have so many thoughts all jumbled up in my head right now and I need a little time to sort through them. That's all.''

Leo smiled warmly, grasping Mikey's hands and kissing each one of his fingers before looking back up at him, "Mikey, I would never force you into anything you're not ready for. You can have all the time you need, and I will wait. I'll wait for you for the rest of my life if that's what it takes.''

With a relieved puff of breath Mikey laughed, "Well, I don't think it'll take that long.''

He leaned down and captured Leo's lips, hoping to communicate through the kiss every feeling he had that he couldn't find the words for. He felt like a snail that was pushing itself inch by inch across a stone, like he was dragging himself up through the dark into the light of day, and even though he was moving slowly, he was beginning to understand exactly how he might truly feel.

He pulled back to look down into Leo's shining eyes and thought that maybe one more kiss would help him figure things out at a faster pace.

~*~

In the morning they found Lord Hamato in the main hall bent over a large table that was set up in the center of the room with a map of the Hamato valley spread across its top. Small wooden figures indicated the placement of Hamato soldiers and Hun's camp.

Raphael stood next to his father, pointing to a corner of the map. He was clear eyed and focused but relaxed, well, as relaxed as Raph could probably get anyway. It seemed the spell the ceremony cast had lifted enough for him to be able to function again.

"That's what I'm sayin'!'' Raph's voice echoed in the cavernous space, "We should just march out there and throw his ass outta this valley. There's no reason to coddle him...''

"Raphael, you know there are protocols,'' Lord Hamato admonished, "This is complicated, and we need to handle it carefully.''

Mikey hung back as Leonardo joined his father and brother at the table. The main hall was alive with activity, so he wanted to try and stay out of the way. Servants were darting here and there, cleaning and going about their general duties. Mikey couldn't see Don anywhere, but he doubted the former steward was far away, it was surprising that he would leave Raph's side at all.

The main doors were wide open again, letting in the crisp morning air, and Mikey could see the villagers in the courtyard. The difference today though was that he could hear the uplifting sound of the children laughing as they played and Mikey couldn't help but smile, knowing he was at least in a small way responsible for the lift in their mood.

"We will need a neutral space to hold negotiations.'' Lord Hamato said. "I want our men to set up a pavilion here, in the meadow. Hun may be more docile if we are closer to his camp than the estate.''

"But that's my point!'' Raph said, exasperated. "Hun ain't gonna negotiate anything. You'll offer him somethin' he doesn't deserve and when he won't accept it we'll be right back where we started. We need to send out a battalion and escort him outta this valley by force!''

"Hard handed tactics should only be used as a last resort, Raphael.'' Lord Hamato said, "You cannot allow your impatience to cloud your thinking. If we send a contingent of men marching toward Hun's camp he will immediately go on the defensive and attack, and I would rather not risk a battle that close to our farmlands if it can be helped.''

"Yeah, but...''

Lord Hamato held up his hand, "We will offer Hun something that will appeal to his ego and entice him to leave with as little conflict as possible, and when I next meet with the council I will discuss this situation and how we may go about ridding our lands of Hun and his clan for good.'' Raph frowned as the lord placed a hand on his arm, "It is not a weakness to delay conflict until you have a more strategic advantage, my son.''

Mikey sat himself on the edge of the dais, feeling out of place as they continued their back and forth. It wasn't the most exciting thing in the world, listening to them bicker while pointing at a map, and he fleetingly thought about going back for his case and joining the children outside again. But the truth was he really didn't feel like letting Leonardo out of his sight. His thoughts were overflowing with all the realizations he had made about their relationship since the night before and he needed to start trying to sort through them. Also, he was sleepy.

They hadn't fallen asleep until almost dawn and Mikey couldn't help but squirm a little every time he thought about what they had been doing that kept them awake.

"Hey, you.''

With a small jerk Mikey tore his eyes away from Leo and found Don next to him, looking at him with a knowing smile. How long had he been sitting there watching him stare at Leo like that? Don's smile widened and Mikey grinned with a shrug as he cleared his throat.

"Good morning!'' Mikey said, taking in Don's glowing skin and his shimmering arms. "How does it feel?''

"Euphoric.'' Don stated simply, tracing the lines on his skin with a satisfied smile. He raised his eyes to look at Raphael and Mikey saw the second son turn his head instantly, smiling softly over his shoulder at his mate.

"Wow...'' Mikey murmured, looking back and forth between them, "You really are connected, aren't you?''

"I feel him.'' Don answered, not taking his eyes off Raph. "In the way a compass always finds north, I know where he is. I can feel his heartbeat...''

Don trailed off, lost in thought and Mikey blew out a breath. Was that something he wanted to feel? The pulse of Leo's presence wherever he was, even when they were apart?

He couldn't deny that it kind of sounded like the best thing in the world.

"My lord!'' They all looked up as a soldier came rushing across the hall, bowing low and holding out a sealed parchment, "A missive from Lord Hun, my lord.''

"Thank you.'' Hamato said, quiet as he unrolled the message and read it quickly.

Don stood as soon as the soldier appeared, the wistful look on his face disappearing in an instant. Mikey joined him, standing close to his friend for support. Lord Hamato turned and walked slowly toward the dais, reading the message again.

"What is it, father?'' Leo asked.

The lord sighed, looking over at Don with an apologetic expression before turning back to look at his youngest son, "He is aware that you have bonded.''

It was a simple statement, but the weight of it crashed over them like a boulder falling off a cliff. Lord Hamato read the letter out loud.

`The Hamato Clan has usurped Lord Hun's bonding claim on the servant. This slight to his honor will not stand. Let this message serve as a formal challenge, issued by Lord Hun against Hamato Raphael, for a trial by combat to commence at sun's peak today. If this challenge is not met, the Purple Dragons will consider it an act of open war between our clans.'

"No...'' Mikey turned his head toward Don's startled whisper, finding his friend wide-eyed and turning a sickly shade of pale green.

"How the hell did he find out so fast?'' Raph seethed. "If we've got a snitch in our ranks, I swear I'll bury my sai in the weasel's throat myself!'' He flipped his weapon out of his belt, spinning it in his palm for emphasis.

"More likely it was one of the servants.'' Leo interjected, trying to calm his brother. "It would have been easier for Hun to plant one of his men among our staff than to try and turn someone in our army.''

"How Hun discovered this is irrelevant,'' Lord Hamato stepped forward, "If there is a traitor amongst us, he will not remain hidden for long. The fact we must now face is that Hun knows. It seems you were right, Raphael. Negotiations appear to be useless.''

"That's it then.'' Raph stated, his hands curling into fists at his side. "Challenge accepted.''

"No!'' Don exploded, making them all turn as his shout rang through the hall. Instantly he crossed the small space to his mate, his shoulders set with displeasure. "Are you insane?! We've been bonded for less than twelve hours. You can't just waltz out there and get yourself killed!''

Raph barked out a dismissive laugh, "Hun ain't gonna touch me.''

"You don't know that!'' Don said incredulously.

"Donnie, listen to me, ya' ain't got nothin' to worry about. I ain't scared of Hun.''

"How can you be so flippant about this?!'' Don spat, glaring daggers up at Raph. "If you go out there and something happens to you... you can't do that, Raph, you can't leave me alone...''

Don pulled himself up, snapping his mouth shut, his breath coming in short desperate gasps. Color flushed his face as his eyes flicked to where Lord Hamato stood, quietly inspecting the hem of his sleeve.

Mikey could feel Don's fear from across the room. The terror he felt at the idea of living his life without his bond mate, the way Lord Hamato had been forced to live his, was palpable and he shifted, unconsciously moving closer to Leo. Silence stretched between them all as Raph and Don faced each other.

Finally, Lord Hamato stepped forward, clearing his throat, "Your concern is understandable, Donatello. However, I'm afraid there is nothing to be done about it. The challenge is binding, and Raphael must answer. There is no other option.''

Don tightened his jaw, his eyes locked on Raphael, "Fine. Then I'm going with you.''

Raph blinked down at him, startled into momentary silence.

"I know the rules,'' Don continued, "You're allowed a second and that is what I'm going to be.''

"Like hell ya' are!'' Raph shot back, "You'll stay here where it's safe! I ain't letting ya' risk yourself for...''

"Don't you dare finish that sentence.'' Don said, poking into Raph's chest with his finger, "You don't get to make that decision for me. I'm not going to sit back and let you fight my battles! I'm not a damsel that needs defending! If Hun thinks he can claim me without my consent, then he can fight me for the privilege! Who I am bonded to is my choice and I chose you, Raphael. Everything we do from this point forward we do together!''

Don was shaking with anger, his fists clenched and his eyes sparking fire as he released his tirade on a stunned Raphael. The two stared at each other for a long moment, then slowly Raph's face split into an incredulous grin.

Looking down at Don with pride he raised his hand to cup his face, rubbing his thumb lightly across his cheek. "You and me.'' He said quietly.

Don blinked, leaning into Raph's hand with relief. "Me and you.'' He whispered back, taking hold of the fingers resting on his face.

While their argument was winding down Mikey was circling the table, looking closely at the map laid out over it. It was incredibly detailed, showing the valley and the estate, all its farmlands and every mountain, hill and river surrounding it.

Mikey squinted at the open field where Hun had made his camp. The edge of the meadow farthest from the estate ran up against the line of a thick forest that stretched away for miles to the East. Directly behind the small wooden figure that represented Hun's location near the tree line, he could just make out what looked like small rises in the landscape.

"What are these?'' Mikey asked, tracing the area with his fingertips.

Leo moved to his side to look where he was pointing, "Low hills. There's a dry creek bed that runs the length of the gully between them.''

Mikey tilted his head thoughtfully, "You said you need proof of what Hun is doing before you can get the council involved, right?'' Leo nodded. "So... the best time to do that would be while he's busy with Raph and Don... right?''

"What are you thinking?'' Leo asked, looking at him quizzically.

Mikey took a deep breath, "Well, you need evidence to present to the council and Hun has just handed us the perfect distraction. All his men will want to watch him fighting Raph, and Hun will want them there to boost his ego. His camp should be nearly deserted and if the challenge can be drawn out, if Hun can be stalled for even an hour that might buy us the time we need...''

"... to sneak into Hun's camp and find what he's hiding.'' Leo nodded.

"I've had dealings with men like Hun before.'' Mikey continued, "If he's holding people captive under multiple bonds like you say he must be, then I can guarantee he's got them here with him. He would keep them close to maintain his control. And I'm sure that he's got his own priest that he keeps with him to perform whatever his excuse for a bonding ceremony is that he uses to make those bonds. He's brutish but he's not stupid, he wouldn't have made such a risky claim if he wasn't prepared to seal that bond right away before Don had the chance to escape or be rescued.''

"If we can get our hands on that priest, that would be everything we need.'' Leo mused.

"Alright, so,'' Raph piped in, tense energy making him shift his shoulders, "All we gotta figure out is who goes into Hun's camp to snag the guy.''

"I'll go.'' Leo immediately said.

"No, my son,'' Lord Hamato cut in, "You must remain by my side during the challenge. Your absence would not go unnoticed and it would raise Hun's suspicions.''

"Who then?'' Raph asked.

Mikey slowly raised his hand, giving them all a tentative smile.

Leo shook his head, "No, it's too dangerous. I don't think...''

"Leo,'' Mikey cut him off, suddenly completely convinced that this was how he was meant to prove himself to the clan, to prove to Leo that he was serious about staying with him, "Sneaking in and out of places without being seen is what I do, it's what I'm good at and I've done it a hundred times before. This will be easy, while everyone's attention is on the fight I can sneak through the forest and find an entry point to Hun's camp from the end of this gully between these hills.'' He pointed at the map and then looked pointedly back at Leo, "I can do this.''

Leonardo eyed him closely, his desire to trust Michelangelo battling fear for his safety on his face. There really was no other option, especially not with the time they had to work out a plan, so Mikey did his best to hold himself confidently, using his body language to show Leo that he knew what he was doing and would be able to pull it off. This was his chance to show them all what he was truly capable of and he had no intention of messing it up. After a long moment Leo released a resigned sigh, nodding his consent and Mikey beamed at him.

Lord Hamato squinted at Mikey, "Do I want to know where a young man such as yourself learned these skills?''

Caught again in the full attention of the lord, Mikey shrank back a little, "Uh... well...?''

"We'll explain everything to you later, father.'' Leo swooped in, saving Mikey from having to give his uncomfortable explanations to the clan leader.

Lord Hamato considered them closely before a good-natured smile twitched across his lips.

~*~

Not long before the sun reached its peak in the sky Mikey found himself looking through a hidden door set in the eastern wall. It gave him a straight shot to the cover of the forest that would lead him around to the back of Hun's camp. Leo was standing close, agitated but resigned to their course of action.

Mikey didn't like the small frown creasing Leo's brow, it darkened his eyes, overshadowing the confidence that he always held himself with. Stepping into him, Mikey smiled as the warmth of Leo's arms immediately wrapped around his waist. He brought his hand up to the spot where the frown brought Leo's eyes together and rubbed it with his finger.

"Any last minute advice before I go?'' He asked, pressing close until he could feel the full length of Leonardo's body against his.

The deep concern on his mate's face made Mikey want to drag him away into some secret corner where they could lose themselves in each other and forget about the rest of the world. It was something he might have actually done if the stakes weren't so high.

"Keep your eyes open,'' Leo murmured, rubbing along the edges of Mikey's shell, "Stay alert. Get in, get what we need and get out. Don't underestimate any of Hun's men, they are highly trained and smarter than they look.'' Leo wrapped his hand around the back of Mikey's head, holding him still for a deep kiss, pulling back to whisper against his lips. "Please... please be safe.''

Mikey smiled, "I always am.'' he whispered back, drawing away only far enough to be able to look directly into Leo's eyes, "I'll be fine. I promise.''

Leo sighed and nodded, there was nothing more that he could do to ensure Mikey's safety, he could only trust that he knew the risks and would take every precaution to protect himself. "A combat arena is being thrown together in the meadow near Hun's camp. Join us there when you're finished.''

Instead of letting go, Leo only tightened his hold. There was desperation in his eyes, a heavy weighted fear that if he let Mikey go, he might never get him back again.

The moment stretched between them. Mikey wasn't being cocky, he knew the danger he was walking into, and had no intention of letting his guard down for even an instant. Every step he took toward Hun's camp would be a step that brought him back to Leo, that was his goal, it was a promise that he wanted to make.

They held there, pressed into each other, clinging and close, and Mikey wanted to ease the tension, wanted to confess the truth he'd only just become aware of, wanted to tell Leo...

They were words he had never said out loud before, not to anyone except his sweet old grandmother when he was small and he didn't think she really counted, not in the same way.

"... I...'' But he couldn't make his tongue form the words, his lips refused to move. He froze, their foreheads pressed together, biting his lip with frustration. This was the final crossroads, if he could move them past this point then everything would fall into place, he knew it. He shivered in Leo's warmth, squeezing his eyes shut.

Just say it...

A rush of breath filled his lungs and he flung his arms around Leo's shoulders, pressing his cheek tightly against the side of his head. Leo gripped him firmly and Mikey could feel where his fingers dug into the sensitive lines of his shell through the thin fabric of his tunic.

He felt a power surge through him, something beyond his control taking over, quieting his mind, soothing his thoughts, pushing his heart and his soul to take over. His voice in Leo's ear was breathy and shaking with the release of every last bit of his fear and doubt...

".... I love you....''

As the words slipped past his lips, Mikey's eyes opened wide.

He heard Leo make a noise low in his throat, then he was being pushed away, but only a step, only far enough so Leo could grasp his head in both of his hands, yanking him forward again, claiming his mouth with a kiss that was desperation and possession and enveloping relief. Mikey clutched at Leo, trying to find purchase as he was bent back, yearning to drag him closer. He was collapsing under a wave of desire so powerful that he knew if he didn't break away now, he never, ever would.

With a decided groan he pushed at Leo's shoulders and tore their lips apart, leaning back to take in his glazed look and flushed face and the elated sparkle in his eyes as they both gasped through halting breaths.

He flashed Leo a cheeky grin, faking the bravery he only half felt, twisting out of his arms and quickly moving away, turning at the wall to look over his shoulder.

"Be back before you know it.'' He promised, disappearing through the gate before the call of Leo's arms could wrench him back.

~*~*~*~

tbc...
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