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Returning to the Lair had been on your mind since you got back into the state. Having gone off to complete your Bachelor’s, it had been hell to be so far from the Turtles. While Leo did come to see you (Portal powers RULE!) , it didn’t make the move any easier. Dropping in occasionally, regularly once every month as no bestie left behind on Lou Jitsu night, you didn’t see him much else.
While his portals were convenient, you had 3 roommates, 6 if you counted their pets. As much as he loves attention, especially from you, Leo did try not to pry into your personal affairs too much. “ Lest he push too far and have his title of best friend revoked ” as Donnie had put it. You’d never do that to him though, right? Well, better to be safe than sorry. He didn’t have much experience with this kind of stuff but college breaks normally end bad for friendships in the movies and he didn’t want to press his luck. Respecting boundaries was never really his strong suit but he’d learn for you.
He always offered to bring Don to help you study but it normally fell through the more you got into your degree. So he stopped trying as hard for your attention. Limited to sending each other memes through So-Shell. Especially once you both started dating. Usagi taking up most of his time and your boyfriend eating up what little spare time you had. A big move for both of you, everyone surprised, thinking the two of you had already been together.
He’d be lying if he said that didn’t make his heart skip. You would look good by his side. He’d also be lying if he said he hadn’t thought about it either, though his preference for compartmentalizing his feelings won out in the end. Oh but you’d been so happy to introduce him to Usagi, a yokai friend of yours you had met when you were portal jacked (it was one time! Give a guy a break.) when he sent you home after a hangout in high school.
He remembers the day you told him you weren’t allowed to talk with him anymore. Remembers the outburst, his veins in his forehead almost popping as you tried to convince him everything was fine. That he wasn’t the first of your friends to tell you how you’re becoming a stranger because of this boyfriend. How it didn’t matter what he said. How desperately you were trying, and failing , to convince those around you this wasn’t self destructive and going to hurt worse in the end.
— 72 was his body count, you had told him .
Of course the second you leave, some walking red flag worms his way into your life. And of course you dedicate way too much time to this fucking idiot than he deserves. Was it jealousy? No! No! No! Friends don’t let friends date guys who cheat in every relationship date their friends. Especially not their cute friends who deserve a good man who can treat them well. Which totally wasn't him- he had a boyfriend! A cute rabbit yokai too; one you had helped him get.
— 73 now with you .
An insanely high number and a really sleazy thing to be proud of. Leo remembers you telling him of all the high expectations the guy put on himself, only to then lord those over your head as if you put those on him whenever the two of you fought. Talking with other women during your dates. Seeing them the second you left his house. But you kept running back to him. What the hell was so important about a misdelivered package for his ex that he had to go hand deliver it to her, at 7pm on a Tuesday night?
“He’s delivering his package, alright.” He remembers how you choked up on the phone, troubled by the reality of the situation. Even more troubled by the fact that he refused to sugar coat his words and called it as he saw it. He wishes you really had left that day, just grabbed your stuff and left while he was with his ex.
— 76 by your first “break up”.
It made him feel,,, sad? Empty? Lonely? His best friend transforming before his eyes for some guy who doesn’t see you as more than a game. Even Usagi noticed right away! So it was safe to say he’s not going crazy. But, you stayed regardless. Knowing he was doing this to other girls while with you, knowing that he lied the entire time, knowing that your friends were cutting you off to avoid having to get involved. Knowing how easy it would be to call Leo and the rest of the Hamato’s and be rid of him. But, you wanted to do this on your own, you said. And as your best friend he complied with your wishes, even though he hated it. Even though when you discussed the situation with the others they told you the same thing .
— 81 the last time you talked to Leo in your second year .
Pizza supreme , it made his heart ache terribly. You’re supposed to be the smart one! And so you cut him off. A promise to keep in contact and call should the need arise. It never does. Not for another two years at least. Not until you’ve graduated and been scouted at your final presentation. Not until you finally move back to New York.
Your off-again-on-again situationship, calling him a boyfriend felt wrong , broke up with you finally. And it was official this time because he was the one to initiate it. Leo was over in an instant. Disappeared with a dismissive “Be back later” to his brothers and was by your side. He didn’t hesitate, portalling you to the lair with all your packed stuff shove into his subway car, he hauls you into the living room and plops you down on the couch. Retrieving his pillows and his softest throw blanket, he returns to you. Haphazardly making a nest before pulling you to him and forcing you to lay down.
Mandatory Jupiter Jim marathon to ease your troubles and fill in the silence of the lair as you sobbed into his plastron. Leo hated seeing you like that knowing he couldn’t do anything. You were best friends, and it was perfect! He did not need to ruin that by telling you how much better he’d treat you. How much better he already does treat you- No. He wouldn’t pressure you into an ultimatum, it needed to come naturally from you. Especially would not be doing so after him and Usagi were doing so well.
A confession would make things change. And everything had finally calmed down. No more Kraang, no more Cassandra trying to kill them, Raphael finally showing signs of recovery from his episodes, no more secrets between the boys and their dad, April and you graduating University. No, this was nice.
Even when his brothers returned from the mission and chewed him out for ditching them. Even when Usagi came to see why he went AWOL for their date. When they heard your sniffles they all came over to ensure your safety. The people who care about you most wanting to ease the pain and offering to fix it. “The offer still stands to remove him from the equation permanently.” Donnie had said before he placed his hand on your shoulder, light squeeze before everyone turned their attention to the movie. This was your home, Leo thought as he periodically rubbed his hands up the expanse of your back. Extremely pleased with himself when you would curl into him, head tucked low in his shoulder as you nodded off.
Having you pressed against him, hot puffs of breath in crook of his neck from where you fell asleep against his shoulder. Claiming they were the perfect pillow despite his rough textured scales or the strong muscles beneath them. One hand clinging to the top of his plastron as if to hold him in place as his own arms wrap around your waist. His calloused thumb caresses your cheek. Wiping away the stray tears that kept falling even in your sleep. Usagi on the other side of you, hugging you from behind in his sleep. His soft hand overtop yours and Leo’s in an unspoken promise to remain close.
Getting to share in your space was just enough for him. But just maybe he could convince you to stay with him and Usagi .