A Simple Query (L/M/L)

   Leonardo looked back over his shoulder at Michelangelo as his dominant hand rested on the handle of the familiar shoji screen. "You ready?" He gave a squeeze to the sea-green hand with the other as he awaited a reply past a nervous shiver. At Mike's small gulp of air and hesitant nod, he knocked and quietly pulled them both inside once granted the all too familiar invitation.

   “Come in, my sons.” As always, the old nose had served to warn him who and how many were outside the shoji. The comforting black eyes noted their stances and wordlessly indicated mats at the feet of their Sensei. The large tail curled inquisitively as the wise old rat let silence draw out between him and his adult children.

   Settled onto his knees comfortably, Leonardo squeezed Michelangelo's hand one more time before politely placing his hands on his lap and addressing his father in a shaky voice. "Father, M-Michelangelo and I have come to you to address a pers-personal concern and hope that you will find it possible to ah, um, accept, if not approve, our request." A nervous flicker back to Michelangelo betrayed his leader-trained stance; Michelangelo gave a quick tight nod and grin of encouragement in response. The small affectionate show of support allowing Leonardo to steady his voice as he continued, "We would like your blessing to pursue each other, romantically. We have come to recognize that we have a bond of interest in each other, including physically, and would appreciate your blessing in moving forward with each other in this regard.” Skin burning and chilling in turns at the awkward phrasing, Leonardo’s eyes dropped to the tatami mat before him, an uncomfortable waiting pose rarely seen from him.

   Splinter blinked several times and took a deep breath, twice, before replying. "I assume you both have considered the ramifications upon your family before approaching me. You both are vitally important to this family and we would not be served in you both forsaking all others by cleaving only to each other." A single hand arose to gracefully trace the formal words often used in his shows to describe the level of devotion that a mated pair should hold for each other.

   "You, Leonardo particularly, have promised to me pledges of your devotion to this family and to protect your brother's equally despite arguments or smooth relations. And Michelangelo, while I did not expect you to fight me with your heart in winning and so stepped aside, I know that you earned your place as Battle Nexxus Champion so you must know that I cannot allow you to abandon any of your brother's in battle despite arguments or smooth relations." At the affronted in-breath of the youngest, a finger flew upwards again to forestall any comments.

   “Thankfully these concerns, although not in any way trivial, are things which we shall not need to speak on," the black eyes watched the still poses of the turtles, seeming to dissect their very breaths. "If you have come to me about the seriousness of your relationship and plan to pursue each other with respect and care, all shall be well. I do well know you both and so have great faith in your abilities to understand and separate Leonardo’s decisions of command versus his decisions based on connection to you, Michelangelo. However, I expect more from you, Leonardo.” Cool black eyes settled on the face of his eldest as hands flexed lightly around the gnarled walking stick. “I cannot allow you to think I trivialize in any way the seriousness of the following matter!” Splinter’s voice came out crisp and even, eyes almost glassine in harshness, the weight of his leadership never seeming to weigh so much on Leonardo as in this moment. The old rat bowed his head a moment and took a steadying breath before looking up at his paired sons.

    “I would like you to honor Michelangelo with a vow of faithfulness to him. That no matter the decisions and plans of action that you must institute, you still are faithful in your devotion to him. I expect you always to act to ensure the safety of this family as part of that sign of continued faithfulness.  And I expect you, Michelangelo, to honor Leonardo’s decision making, if not his decisions, no matter how difficult they are. You are to support and validate his good decisions so that he may always know the correct way to remain firmly in your heart.” Splinter nodded firmly, a grin finally crossing the wizened muzzle. “And I believe you are to hold hands to make such promises before me.” Splinter sat back with a small smile of satisfaction and tilted his head to indicate his expectations as both reached for the other with shaking and almost fumbling hands in their puzzlement.

    Leonardo smiled warmly before locking eyes on Michelangelo’s blushing face, fingers tightening, “I promise to always honor you no matter what decisions I must make for the sake of the family. I vow to be devotingly faithful to you and in all things personal work towards your happiness.” Splinter grinned, and with a nod of the head, indicated approval and for Michelangelo to begin his own vows.

   Michelangelo ducked his head before getting a better grip on both of Leonardo’s hands, then coming up with a sparkling smile, “I promise to consider the importance and difficulty of your leadership decisions and not expect everything to go my way despite being the cutest one. And I will definitely make certain to find some way to let you know how good you make things go in your decisions and in all ways!” He added a waggle of the eyeridges that would have shamed a vaudevillian actor.

   Splinter guffawed with high mirth as Leonardo’s color shallowed out to the grey of blush that came with his coloring. “Well, my sons, my concerns are put at ease and if you ever decide that you need to take vows before friends and family, I will be glad to serve once more.” The aged rat sat back with a smug smile as the shock of his words left him virtually ignored.

   Dark serious eyes and tender blue met over their paired hands, the true importance of their words sinking in and melting out unreleased tensions. Eyes wide with unshed tears, expressions shining with the intensity of the moment, the turtles both spoke the only words left unvoiced in their hearts at the same time.

               “I love you.”

                                 -fin.