#matchmakers

this is for the draw drarry badly challenge entry @julcheninred🙈

"Vincent said they'll be operating here. There's a couple inns located in the general area. So it's unsuspecting. "

Donnie went over the layout of the mountain getaway.

"You have to admit it's pretty smart. It's secluded and Christmas break. They just need to find a few people that look like they're on a family vacation. Moving merchandise would be easy." You state.

"That's why we gotta beat em at their own game." Raph slipped a toothpick between his lips.

"Vincent gave us a little spot of our own. We just need two partners to volunteer to go up there and study the place while Donnie works with Vincent to cover the rest. " Raph adds.

"That sounds like a great plan. Who's going?"

When three of them look at you, it becomes clear. Leo is sitting directly opposite you, and he can already see the wheels turning in their heads.

"Looks like our fearless leader has been nominated." Raph looks way too smug when he says it, and you can't stop the flush of your cheeks. Leo just lets out a soft breath.

"Fine." He doesn't sound too happy, but he knows arguing would do no good.

"It's time to get busy, secret agent style, good luck." Mikey rises, and the rest of them follow, laughing all the way down. You and Leo are the last ones there.

"I guess we're partners."

You send him a smile, but his face gives very little away.

"You should start packing. Make sure you're ready to leave at ten tomorrow." No other words are exchanged, and you're left staring at his retreating form.

When Vincent said it would be a cabin, you thought she was bluffing somehow. This entire situation felt cliche. Two partners staking out criminals in a cabin up in the snowy mountains. Pretty predictable. But it was legit. The interior was beautiful. It had the homey feel that just resonated with the holiday season.

It was crazy.

You never thought you'd be freelancing with the NYPD. In the past the cops were always on the other side of this. Being a vigilante tended to do that. But now you are helping. Making a difference. It felt great. Especially with perks like this.

"I'll be setting up in the room. Make sure the entrances and exits are secured. "

Right, you almost forgot about your absolute ray of sunshine.

Leonardo.

Truth is, maybe this particular situation was set up.

Let's have a replay.

~Earlier~

"Vincent said that she only needed the two of us to scope out from the cabin. That means the rest of us can get by with the busy work. Ya know I aint about to be stuck in a cabin watching snow fall off trees." Raph explained.

"Short attention span." Mikey interjected.

"My abilities would be better utilized devising something essential for combat." Donnie inputs.

"Then is it just me!" You complain. Raph smirks.

"See we know Mr. uptight is good at this stakeout thing. Plus ya get to spend an entire week with him alone."

Your cheeks color immediately.

"W-Why the h-hell would I want that!"

"Come on, we know you got the hots for Leo." Mikey teased.

"This way ya get to hang out with him, and we avoid all the boring stuff. It's a win all around." Raph states.

Donnie nods.

"Exactly. There is also a high probability for success on your part. It's proven when placed in an enclosed space with an individual you admire, certain feelings have an easier time of surfacing. The chemicals in our brains trigger-"

Raph smacks Donnie.

"What Einstein is trying to say is ya got a real shot. Just talk to the scmuck and you'll be fine."

You fidget.

"D-Do you really think so?"

"Definitely. Even Leo isn't dumb enough to pass up a babe like you." Mikey says it with a straight face, and you can't help but laugh. You pull them all into a hug, and their laughter follows.

"I love you guys."

"Love ya too dumbnut." Raph ruffles your hair as you giggle.

This is what has led you to your current predicament. The plan had worked exactly as you hoped.

Leo was focused, you expected as much, so maybe you just needed to try harder to get him to realize your feelings.

Piece of cake.

You got busy setting up in your room. You'd packed just enough to be comfortable. Sorting your clothes, and sliding on a more comfortable black shirt. You tied your shoes. You would need it if you were about to start scoping out the scene. When you'd gotten everything set up, you gave a little stretch. Heading for your door. You closed it, and as you turned, you'd almost run into Leo.

"W-Woah, sorry about that!"

You smile as he steadies you. He gives you a once over, saying nothing and you tilt your head. When he pulls away, his face is back to its usual stoic nature.

"We should get to work."

That's all he says. On the ride over you'd gone over the sections you needed to cover. Today you would take the south end and Leo was scouting the east. He placed your radio on the table, turning to you.

"We need to be thorough. Vincent already informed us what hours they operate. That's why we're doing surveillance right now. You're just taking pictures and reporting back. Don't engage."

You frown.

"I'm not some newbie Leo. I'm training to work for the FBI." You were a criminology student for goodness sake. You understood how stakeouts work.

"I'm just being careful."

You were used to being treated like a child. But this was different. You walk past him, taking up the radio a bit angrily. Your hand doesn't even touch the door, it just flies open and slams shut. Leo's eyes watch you walk down the short staircase, and he sighs.

"I'm being too tough on her."

He knew that, but he couldn't seem to stop himself. Because his mind was still reeling from this current situation.

Leo gripped his own radio, heading out.

"I need to stay focused."

That would be a task in itself.

~~~

"Just take pictures, report back." You mocked.

"Who the hell does he think he is!!"

After two hours of trudging through the snow and snapping the necessary shots, you were back at the cabin. A wind blows, and you shiver gritting your teeth.

"Damn it!"

In your rage you'd forgotten to layer up. You only realized halfway across your path. Your rage at the situation had you venting for a while. As you make your way back up the stairs, almost sprinting through the door. Leo turns when he hears it slammed. He's standing by the fire. You could have been wrong, but you were certain you'd spotted relief on his face.

"You told me you were just a few minutes out on the radio. I was a little worried that something happened." The worry he shows almost makes you forget why you were even angry.

"I'm fine. " You grumble, heading straight for the fire. You reach your hands out to warm up your body. Leo takes in the way your body seems to shiver, and guilt hits him. He turns, grabbing the blanket from the couch. When he walks back over, he drapes it on your shoulders, and you look back as he kneels down next to you.

"I forget sometimes that we're not built the same. "

His eyes are fixated on the fire, and you just stare at him. As long as you've known Leo, he's always treated you as an equal. Even before he found out about your powers. You hug the cloth to your body, diverting your gaze. It's things like this that irritate you.

One minute he's a drill sergeant then the next he's so sweet. You deflate. You aren't sure if he notices, but he finally looks your way, the very same time you turn to inform him of the photos you got. Your eyes connect, and you're quite literally breathless. He's closer than you expected, and the dim glow of the flame adds to the allure of his beautiful gems.

"You should tell him."

It's that little voice at the back of your head. So you swallow any doubts, ready to spill your guts.

"Leo I-"

"You should get some rest. Make sure and change into warm clothes so you don't catch a cold." He stands abruptly. You can no longer get the words out. Because he's already heading for his room.