"Raph open the door," I whisper gently. I've been here for what feels like years. My eyes are growing heavy and my body is weak but I won't allow myself to sleep without seeing him.

I haven't seen him all day today. He claimed he felt ill and was really tired. Of course, only I knew he was lying.

Yesterday was just a complete mess. I should have known being with Raph meant dealing with his anger issues. But I don't care. I miss my hothead already.

"Raph come on. Open up," I whisper and tap on his door.

Still no answer.

"Raphie. Don't leave me hanging. I miss you." I lay my head against the door as tears begin to form in my eyes.

Finally the door opens and green eyes meet mine. His cheeks are soaked and the rim of his eyes are red. He sniffles and immediately hugs me. Surprised, I hug him back and let him cry on my shoulder.

I guide him slowly to his bed after a while, and he wipes his tears away. "Raph..." I say calmly. My heart is shattering to see him in this state.

"Leo you never listen to me," he croaks. "That hurts."

"What?"

"You never hear me out. You never gave me a chance to explain about...about when I touched you," he whispers the last part.

Oh. I push away the uncomfortable feelings in the back of my head.

"Then explain to me right now. I will listen," I urge gently.

Raph exhales deeply and lowers his head. "Look I know what I did was so wrong but you have no idea how much I've been craving it," he admits, his cheeks turning pink.

"We're 15 Raph," I point out weakly. Yet I can see where he's coming from. I love reading romance novels and wherever there is romance, passion is involved. There have been times where I've found myself wanting that passion.

"I know we are. Damn I know that!" He grumbles. "But its hard to keep it in when you've loved someone for years."

"Y-Years?" I stutter. "You've uh..loved me for years?"

"Yeah," he says and scratches his neck. "You have no idea how much you mean to me."

I open my mouth and begin to speak but nothing comes out. I don't realize how huge my smile is until my cheeks actually hurt. Raph chuckles and its the most wonderful sound. Its like all the negative feelings have fled from me and I'm weightless.

"I love you," he whispers. "And I'm sorry for touching you. And about Karai."

My mouth falls open and my eyes widen. "Did you just say you love-"

"Don't push it you bastard," he mumbles but then gives me an ackward smile.

I push him down on his bed and crash my lips against his. My body is on top, my hands cupping his face. I laugh when he hits his head against the wall, trying to get comfortable.

"There is so much that we need to discuss," he breathes out.

"I know," I reply. "But can it wait until tomorrow?"

Raph rolls his eyes before untying my mask for me and then untying his own. He turns off the lamp and pushes me off of him. I pout and get under the covers.

His arms snake around my waist and pulls me against his chest

"Fine. Tomorrow we talk," he says. "I'm so glad you're with me tonight. I sleep better with you here."

I snuggle my head and place a kiss on his plastron. I make a mental note on asking him about his struggles in sleeping. I remember a nightmare being mentioned but I do not want to bring anything up tonight.

"Hey Raph?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you too."