Chapter Text
Leo let out a flurry of angry chirps, stomping his feet as he stormed through the streets of the Hidden City. It wasn’t fair that Raph had been chosen over him to be Draxum’s heir. He remembered his older brother trying to reason with him as he flew out the door but he had refused to listen, and Draxum’s unbothered acceptance of him running away only fueled his irritation. He just wanted to be somebody, was that so hard to achieve? He always knew he was the least favorite of the two, but still it hurt to see Raph get chosen over him officially.
The little slider kicked a rock along the road, letting out steam through resentful clicks. Maybe… maybe if he was out long enough then Draxum would come looking for him. Maybe he would be forced to show that he cared, even if just a little bit. No way he’d let his precious little Raphael out to look, so Leo was on his own tonight.
A discontent rumble emitted from his stomach and Leo growled at his hunger. No way was he going to go back to the Nexus just because of a little stomachache. Nope! Neon Leon was not a quitter. He was going to be just fine…
Suddenly a heavenly scent wafted past his nostrils and the young slider inhaled it greedily. Oh sweet goodness… that was pizza! Where… there! Leo’s heterochromic eyes fixated on a brick restaurant, warm light radiating from the windows and a cozy scene inside. Leo hesitated, but another growl from his impatient stomach complied him to go in.
Golden warmth washed over Leo the second he opened the doors and he couldn’t help but let out a little churr of pleasure. Goodness, this was so much better than the grimy Hidden City streets. He ambled inside, eyes darting around at all the different booths. What was he supposed to do? He had heard of places like this but had never actually been outside of the Hotel and Battle Nexus. Lucky Raph would be able to go to Draxum’s lab now, but not Leo.
His gaze landed on a table with two hulking figures: a bear and a wolf. They were discussing something in hushed tones, but the wolf seemed to be trying to convince the bear of something. Leo wandered closer, eyes widening and tail letting out a little flick of admiration at the sheer size of the yokai. Not to mention how freaking cool these guys looked! Their eyes were in an even stare, not showing any intimidation or anxiety. The bear had a gold chain around his neck that glinted light every time he moved and an old black jacket that looked worn. The wolf had a crimson tailcoat that was tattered in a couple places, and he slapped a couple dice down on the table.
”I’m tellin’ ya,” he said smoothly. “These babies will always land ya a winning roll.”
”I see.” The bear took the smooth object in his hand and held it up for inspection. “You sure this is tainted? I can’t feel anythin’ wrong with it.”
”That’s the beauty of them.” The wolf smirked. “No stinkin’ stickler will be able to tell that they’re… special.”
”He’s lying.” Leo spoke up simply, and both yokai turned to stare at him with surprise. Leo took a few bold steps closer even though he could barely see over the top of the table. “The wolf. He’s lying. There’s nothing special about those dice.”
”Shut up kid.” The wolf growled, but Leo detected the panicked glint in his eyes. “This is an adult conversation.”
”No no, this kid might be on to something.” The bear leaned back in his booth. “You trying to josh me again, Haus?”
”No! These are tainted, I swear. They’ll make ya more then it’ll take to pay for ‘em, let me tell you.” The wolf slipped back into his cool tone.
”Why not hear the lad out?” The bear leaned down. “What makes ya think he’s foolin’ me, kid?” he murmured, eyes betraying amused curiosity.
”His tail and ears keep twitching.” Leo shrugged. “Not to mention all his muscles are tensed weird and his breathing is carefully relaxed, not naturally relaxed.”
The wolf shot him a glare and the bear whistled. “Not bad kid, not bad.”
The wolf yokai’s eyes widened. “You’re not seriously gonna listen to a little punk like this, are ya?”
”Oh get over yerself. I knew you was lyin’.” The bear rolled his eyes. “You think someone like me can’t feel a difference in dice? But the fact that this kid can too…”
The wolf spluttered. “They’re just well-designed…”
”Oh save the crap, Haus. I was gonna see where ya was getting these scams from but yer lucky this kid is more interestin’ than your ugly snout.” The bear glanced over at the wolf. “You’ve got ten seconds to get outta here before I tell the gang. Ten… nine…”
The wolf shot the bold slider another death-look before snatching his dice and standing up. He straightened his coat stiffly and ducked out the door. The bear sighed.
”Lookie there, forgot that now I’m gonna have to pay for his beer.” The bear glanced back Leo. “How’d ya learn to spot lies like that?”
Leo tilted his head. “I thought it was obvious.”
The bear let out a guffawing laugh. “Obvious? Nah kid, that wolf was a top-notch swindler. I’m used to him but you… how old are you?”
Leo puffed out his chest. “I’m six years old.”
The bear snorted. “Aw, you’re just a baby.”
”Hey! Didn’t you hear me?” Leo’s expression furrowed in defiance as he held up his hands, fingers splayed wide. “Six!”
”Ooh, a feisty baby though.” The bear smirked. “Don’t worry little guy, it’s impressive. Where did you even come from?”
Leo crossed his arms haughtily. “I’m not telling you. You’re a stranger.”
The bear chortled. “Oh geez aren’t you just adorable. Y’know this is a dangerous time of night. What’s a little tortoise like you doin’ out with the big dogs?”
”I’m a turtle.” Leo corrected. “And I can do whatever I want.” He crossed his arms and pouted out his lip as if daring the bear to object. The bear raised his hands in surrender.
”Sure you can kid, sure you can.” He gestured to the seat where the wolf had sat. “But please sit down! Where’re my manners? Call me Jasper. What should I call you?”
”Leo.” Leo quipped, having to stand up on the seat and lean over the table to shake Jasper’s hand.
”Leo. Nice name, kid.” The bear nodded, and Leo tried not to wince at the firm handshake. “And nice manners. Ya know how to shake a man’s hand. Yer pa must be a posh one.”
Leo winced at the reminder of Draxum and Raph being chosen over him. He shook his head and lifted his chin. “Dad’s just got a stick up his butt. And Raphie’s bein’ a puppy after him.”
The bear exploded in laughter. “Where on earth didja hear that from, kid? You’re a mouthy one, aren’t ya? Six years old, I’ll be darned.” He leaned in. “But ya got a little rebellious streak. I like that. Here, have a drink if ya want.” He slid over the wolf’s abandoned mug and Leo glanced doubtfully at the frothy brown liquid inside.
”What’s this stuff?” Leo sniffed it experimentally and his face wrinkled at the smell.
”Just a good, strong gentleman’s beer. Since Haus ain’t drinkin’ his, ya might as well.” The bear shrugged.
Leo hesitated. The stuff stank terribly but he didn’t want to seem weak. he wrapped his hands around the mug and began to lift it up.
”Por amor a... what are you doing, Señor?” Snapped a low voice with a thick accent, and Leo barely had time to register anything before the mug was ripped out of his hands and slammed back on the table. The surprised slider looked up to see a furious skeleton man breathing heavily and glaring at Jasper. “What do you think you are doing? This is very clearly a minor!”
Jasper shrugged. “Easy, Hueso. Just thought I’d offer it since it’s gonna go to waste.”
The bone man muttered a few foreign curses. “That is alcohol! This is a child. Do you have no sense of propriety?”
Jasper raised his hands in surrender. “Easy Bone Man. It’s just a sip.”
”Not in my restaurant!” Hueso snipped, gesturing towards the door. “And that was the last straw. Out. Find somewhere else to take your shenanigans.”
”Come on Hueso…”
”You should be lucky I don’t call the police for offering alcohol to a minor.” Hueso’s gaze was fire. “Out. Now. No need to pay. Just get out of my establishment.”
Jasper raised his hands in surrender. “Geez, fine. I’ll take my leave.” He picked up his fedora from next to him and placed it down on his head, looking down at Leo. “You’ll see me around, kid. Hope we cross paths again.”
”Out!” Hueso growled, and Jasper finally walked out, taking his sweet time and shamelessly eyeing the customers who were counting money for the bill. Once he was gone the skeleton sighed in relief and looked down at Leo. “Little pepino, what are you doing with that man? Where are your parents?”
Leo crossed his arms. “I’m fine.”
Hueso sighed and knelt down so he could look up at the young slider. “I do not mean you any harm, Pepino. I am only concerned for your safety.” Leo’s stomach let out a loud rumble and Hueso sighed. “And for your well-being. I will get you some food.”
”I don’t have money.” Leo snipped, and Hueso shook his head.
”No need to pay. I will cover it.” He looked Leo in the eyes. “But you should learn to not be so rude to people who are only trying to help you.”
Leo stubbornly looked away and the skeleton straightened, calling out to some zebra yokai to bring over a no-show pizza order. The waiter did so and Hueso turned back to Leo. “Do you like Hawaiian?”
At this point Leo couldn’t care less as long as it was food. He gratefully took the pizza box in both hands, inhaling the delicious scent greedily. Hueso’s face softened. “Where are your parents, Pepino? Do they feed you okay? What are you doing out so late?”
Leo gave the skeleton a pout. “You’re a stranger.”
Hueso sighed. “At least you have some sense then. But I want to make sure you get home safe. You do have a home to go back to, si?”
Leo nodded, opening the pizza box and taking a slice. The box was too big and tried to slide off his lap but Hueso kneeled down again and held it steady. Leo flushed slightly with embarrassment but still sunk his teeth into the food, letting out a churr of pleasure. He quickly devoured the slice and reached for another. Hueso watched him with slight concern. “You are so thin… have you eaten today, Pepino?”
Leo shrugged. “Yeah, a little.”
”A little?” Hueso prompted. “It is late into the night. What have you eaten?”
”Well Dad was kinda busy today and so was Mama, but Raphie made me a peanut butter sandwich.” Leo’s brow furrowed. “He didn’t eat any though. He can’t have peanut butter. Maybe I should save some of this for him.” Leo still felt mad at his brother, but now guilt was mixing in with it. Raph always was trying to take care of him, and besides it wasn’t his fault that Draxum liked him better. And he must be hungry. Hueso and the zebra waiter shared a look.
”You only had one sandwich? And is… is Raphie your brother?” Hueso asked tentatively and Leo nodded.
”Yeah. He’s my big brother. He’s big an’ strong like this.” Leo tried flexing his tiny arms but only succeeded in almost dropping the pizza box if Hueso hadn’t been holding it. Hueso hesitated.
”And your dad and mama?” he asked. “They were too busy to feed you?”
Leo shrugged. “They’re busy a lot. Raphie feeds me most of the time if he can find something in the fridge.”
”Then does he eat?”
Leo hesitated. “Sometimes. But he always makes me eat first.”
Hueso nodded solemnly. “Pepino, that is not healthy. You need to eat three meals a day. Especially at this age.”
Leo’s eyes widened. “Three whole meals? That’s a lot!” The slider had meant it in innocent admiration, but Hueso still cringed.
”Well, it is what you should be eating. You and your brother both.” His eyes searched Leo’s face. “Would… would you like to bring your brother here sometime? I will feed you both free of charge.”
”Nah, Raphie’s gonna be busy with Dad now.” Leo looked down with a frown. “He’s gonna get extra training and attention and stuff.”
”I see.” Hueso hesitated. “Do you… do you need help?”
”What?”
”Pepino, you need to eat more. It doesn’t sound like your parents are feeding you.” Hueso sighed at Leo’s blank look. “Just… just feel free to come by my restaurant any time. I assure you I will not mind, and you will get fed here.”
Leo smiled slightly. “Really? More pizza?”
Hueso nodded with a fond, bittersweet look. “Yes, Pepino. You will have all the pizza you want. Come back whenever.”
Leo’s tail started wagging as he hopped down from the booth, hugging the pizza box to his chest. “Thank you, sir!”
”Ah, there’s those manners.” Hueso straightened. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Pepino. I hope you will take me up on my offer, and you should be getting home. It is very late.”
”Okay, I will.” Leo looked down at the pizza. “Raphie’s probably worried about me. And he’ll like this pizza.”
”Of course. Pepino. Take care.” Hueso backed up slightly to give Leo space, but his expression betrayed that he was reluctant to let him go. Leo waved and practically skipped out the door, feeling much better now that he had something to eat. But once he was out the door he heard someone clear their throat and turned to see Jasper leaning against the alley wall next to the restaurant.
”Hey Jasper!” Leo chirped, and the bear smiled and kicked off the wall, walking towards the little turtle.
”Hey yourself.” Jasper placed a gentle hand on Leo’s shoulder. “Y’know, I was just wondering if you’d like to meet some of my buddies? I could introduce ya, and maybe you could help me in some… games we all play together. In these games it’s mostly trying to figure out if people are lyin’ or not, and I think you’d be great at that.”
”Oh, I was just headed home…” Leo said slowly, and Jasper nodded.
”Completely understandable, kid. Tell ya what: meet me here tomorrow night, same time and I’ll take ya to my buddies and we can all play some card games together. How does that sound?” Jasper suggested, and Leo nodded enthusiastically.
”Sure. I’ll be here. Bye!” Leo grinned in excitement and balanced the pizza box briefly on a raised knee to wave at the bear, who waved back and watched the young slider disappear into the night with a faint smirk on his lips.