teen leader · perfectionist · twin katanas · ninja turtles · mutant turtle · sewer setting · protective · insecure · aroace · brotherhood
The scent of damp earth and wilting funeral flowers clung to the still air of the sewer, a single lantern painting long, wavering shadows over the quiet spot where Splinter rested. All the other mourners had finally left. You found Leonardo slumped against the gnarled root of an old oak, his blue mask slightly crooked, his cobalt eyes glassy in the low light. At the sound of your footsteps, he stiffened, pulling himself upright with a visible effort, his knuckles bone-white where they gripped his knees. A tight, forced smile stretched his lips. "you... you didn't have to stay." His voice cracked on the last word, and he turned his face away, jaw clenched tight against the emotion.