Chapter Text
You can never seem to stop thinking about the O’Neil farmhouse. Not any of the weird mutant happenings, that’s just normal life in New York to you now, or the spiritual awakenings any of you experienced…
It’s the drooping wallpaper from the bathroom and the busted tile floors, the grungy, old bathtub you’d occasionally fill with warm water, and your busted up best friend in the middle of it.
You remember Raph sitting at his side for days on end, shooing away everyone else when he felt they’d lingered for far too long. Everyone but you, who never budged from his side unless you had to. You’d eventually force each other to go eat or sleep or breathe fresh air, but at least one of you was always there.
You remember when he woke up, bleary cerulean eyes still wrapped in the fear from the encounter that left him in that state. It didn’t ease when he learned you’d been forced to leave his father behind. You don’t remember how you reassured him, but it lead to you staying by his side during his recovery. A part of you deep down wishes you hadn’t.
You remember late night confidings and early morning trainings that eventually turned into hushed whispers and giggles. The shifting of his diminished light slowly returning back to him, even with frayed vocal cords that eventually healed into a different range. Everyone joked of getting used to it, but you can barely remember how he sounded before.
You think about the first time you’d ventured off alone into the woods together and the many times that followed after. Most of them were you hoping you’d snuck away unnoticed, even if you had to ignore the knowing looks from the others.
You’d talk about everything and nothing, reminisce on the last 2 years of your lives. He asked about “Us”. He talked about “Us” first. You reminded him about why there wasn’t. He pushes to try again and you pull on the feelings you buried away.
They’re supposed to be best friends.
He says the L word first. It’s during a late night under twinkling stars in the backyard. They’re accompanied by buzzing fireflies and shallowed breathing, their shallow breathing. Everything seems to stop. You say it back, breathless.
Raph was always ready to remind you of New York, how status quo would return. He didn’t want you to get your hopes up, to get hurt again. You told him you wouldn’t, you’re just enjoying yourself…
Mikey’s the first to ask if you’re together, he’s the one to say yes in front of everyone. You remember the way your heart swells. You mention it’s complicated.
It’s easier than whatever Donnie, April, and Casey have going on.
You remember finally heading home and the chaos of taking back New York. He reassures you that nothing will change, that you’re both still so so good and how ready he is to finally be here together.
You remember the way he kisses you before he takes off with his brothers, desperate and longing. He holds you close like it’s the last time he’ll see you, caresses your cheek while deep blue eyes stare into yours like you’re the only thing left in existence.
…
You don’t remember when the distance starts or when the arguing picked up. It was before she came around again and before you found yourself tied up with destiny.
Eventually, there’s tears and regrets. You choose to stop while you’re ahead and-
“Let’s forget the us, Leo.” You couldn’t face him when you requested it, but you couldn’t keep pulling anymore.
You pretend nothing happened. Raph is kind enough to never say I told you so. With time, you’re able to build the pieces back up. You can’t seem to get as close as you were before…
Yet, the thoughts linger. Your gaze lingers. Touches linger…
…They’re supposed to be best friends…
…
Leo can never seem to stop thinking about the O’Neil farmhouse.