Hello everyone! This is a companion book to my series Cuts and Bruises. It falls in line with the sequel, Scars and Markings, and takes place immediately after chapter 17. I would suggest reading those stories before this, as it does reference the series.

With that said, please enjoy and review!

Donatello Pov

It wasn't too late, at least not to the point where he wouldn't be answering his phone. Still, the other line rings and rings, and the longer I wait, the more my anxiety spikes.

Come on, Mikey, pick up the phone already!

He answers, his voice sounding tired and strained. "Um, hey, Donnie. You need something?"

I opened my mouth to reply, but suddenly, all words were absent, simply gone from my vocal cords and, furthermore, memory. Frustrated with myself for becoming so sheepish at the mere sound of his voice, I bang my fist against the counter.

"Don? You there?" Impatience slips through the speaker of the phone. "I'm hanging up," Mikey states when I don't respond.

"Wait!" I exclaim. He grunts at the loud noise. "Sorry," I mutter. "I just wanted to talk to you, about earlier."

"What about earlier?"

Heaving a sigh, I take a seat at the island countertop. "Don't play dumb. You know exactly what I'm talking about."

"Sure I do. Doesn't change the fact that I don't understand what there is to talk about. You still love me, I'm married and have a family. Not much else to say, D."

I wonder if he's alone right now, on the deck or in a room opposite of his wife and daughter. Maybe he has me on speaker phone, and Karai is trying not to laugh at how pathetic I sound, talking to her husband about how I still love him. Does she know about what I said at lunch today? Did Mikey come home, laughing hysterically at the instance, and recite every word to his wife? I'd like to think what was said earlier in the day would remain between those who were in the room at the time. After all, it was hard enough knowing that Leonardo and Raphael had witnessed the conversation taken place amongst me and my ex lover.

"I wanted you to know that I'm sorry for saying all of that. You're right, you moved on and I should too-" Michelangelo cuts me off, a laugh in his throat.

"You think I moved on? Donnie, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't regret leaving you." Listening to that confession was like hearing a heart monitor go flat; consistent beeping, then something you weren't expecting. My heart skips a bit, and I gasp for air.

"Come again?" I ask, not willing myself to believe that he'd said. Of all the words he could've spoken to me, these are the ones I'd least expected.

He regrets leaving me? This seems like something out of a dream, not reality.

"Can we meet up? I'll come over to your house, if that's okay." How is he so calm about this? I can't even collect my own thoughts; they're racing about my head and the more I try to grab them, the faster they spin, avoiding my reaching hands.

"Uh, s-sure," I stutter, tripping over over the syllables I attempt to speak.

He hangs up immediately after my response, leaving me in a dumbfounded state.

Mikey . . . loves me. Well, no, he didn't say that, but it was implied.

Right?

I feel like a fool as I bolt through the house, ridding the coffee table of clutter and straightening my bed. Just after I'd finished tucking in my comforter, I stared down at the mattress, wondering if we'd end up here tonight. As much as I know how unlikely that would be, I can't help but think about his head on my plastron, and my arms wrapped around his frail as he snores lightly.

A soft knock on my bedroom door puts an abrupt end to my longing thoughts. I zip across the room and throw the door open, hoping to see Mikey on the other side. Instead, I'm met with another face; Alopex.

The arctic fox doesn't say anything at first, glancing over my shoulder. She furrows her brow, frowning deeply. "What's up with the cleaning spree?"

"Mikey's coming over." Then, quickly, I add, "Just to hang out, though."

Alopex's golden eyes narrow into slits, suspicion lurking in the depths of the rises. "Right. Well, I'm going to the lake." She spins around, and that's when I notice the towel slung over her shoulder.

I follow her out into the hall. "Really? This late at night?" Then a thought crossed me mind: I won't be able to do much with Mikey if she's hanging around the house. "Never mind, do what you please. Have a nice time, Alopex."

Michelangelo Pov

My hands shake at my sides as I stare up at his house. I've been standing here for five minutes now, trying my absolute hardest to summon up enough courage to knock on his door. But I just can't will myself to brave it.

Standing on the other side of that door is the love of my life, the boy I feel for six years ago. I didn't just love him, I was in love with him. I craved his lips and the gentle curves of his luxurious body. I was hungry for his voice and delicate state. I wanted him all to myself.

Which is ironic, I do suppose, considering our relationship ended because I gave myself to someone else.

'C'mon, Mikey, get your ass inside,' I think to myself confidently. 'There's nothing to be afraid of. This is Donnie we're talking about. Beautiful, burgundy eye'd Donnie. The boy with hands softer than silk, the boy who can take my breath away with just a single glance . . .'

I don't know if I can do this.

It's too late, now, though, because I'm already at the door. I don't even get a chance to knock before he opens it, practically throwing the entryway off of its hinges.

His eyes are wide and full of shock, as if he hadn't been expecting to see me here. I couldn't judge, though, because I'm feeling the same way.

There's a weird feeling in my gut as I study his face and posture and eyes, taking in the sight of him. He's even cuter than I remember. His lavender mask makes his burgundy rises scream, demanding my attention. I give it to them, staring into those eyes as if they hold the answer to every question I've ever pondered.

"Mikey," Donatello murmurs in amazement.

"Oh, Donnie!" I throw myself at him, tears welling in my soft blue eyes. I leap into his arms; literally.

My legs wrap around his middle, hands clutching the back of his sensitive neck. "I've waited too long to do this," I whisper seductively.

His eyes widen while mine shut. Our lips meet in a passion filled kiss. It sends shivers racing down my spine, it fills me with energy and clarity. It mends my wounds and makes me feel whole.

I'm home again, finally in his arms. He holds me, deepening the kiss as he closes the door with the heel of his foot. I coat his neck and jawline in kisses and love bites while he carries me upstairs.

And he lays me on the bed, staring into my eyes.

"Take me, Donnie," I demand, "make me yours."

Donatello Pov

I stroke his bare head, rubbing my thumbs in smooth circles across his cheek. He snores, breath light and barely audible.

He's . . . mine.

Michelangelo, the adorable, freckled, orange cladded terrapin is mine. Not Karai's or Renet's. Mine.

I pull him closer to me so I can bury my face in the crook of his neck.

"I love you, Mikey," I murmur against the warm atmosphere.

I'm worried, I will admit, of how this'll turn out. When Karai heads of this she'll skin me alive. But Leo was right; a love like this is worth fighting for.

So what do you guys think? Should I continue this or leave it as a oneshot? Please let me know in a review! Have a nice weekend everybody ;)

— Raphsai03