I know I had a few different versions of a TMNT story on here, here's the newest. Let me know...
I approached the building like always. It was dark and slightly misting out, and I was praying the storm would wait, just hold it's breath until I could make it to shelter. Lightning tore across the sky above me and I sighed.
"Did you have any trouble getting it all?"
I knew that voice. It was my employer and friend. He didn't come out into the open, choosing to stand just inside the alley.
"Not at all," I juggled the large bags and moved into the alley as well. The second I stepped in, I set the bags down and turned around. It was a strange arrangement sure, but not any more so than Uber or something.
"You had to go all the way uptown for the Soba?"
"Yes. They stopped stocking it at Alderman's. I made a few calls to Asian markets and found the best range of selections. They were very moderately priced. You should consider them for more of your themed meals."
I could hear him rummaging through the bags, making sure everything was there. Checking receipts. It was his routine.
"Sorry Marlowe, I'm going as fast as I can," he mumbled. I smiled and shook my head. At least he was considerate. I had a lot of clients who wouldn't think to apologize...for anything. "How are you?"
"It's alright Donnie. I have some time before my shift starts. And I'm doing good. Classes are easy, Tristan is getting in some Dioscorea villosa, so that will be interesting."
"Hmm, aren't they endangered?"
"They are, his brother grows them by the and sent some this way to see if Tristan could get his own stock going."
"Are you wearing warm socks with your boots? You could catch a cold."
"I am, actually."
We fell into a comfortable silence. I had been with them for almost three years now. Of course I had been tempted to look every now and then, but I respected him and our arrangement more than I was curious.
"It's all here. Ugh..see you next week? Same time?"
"Of course. You know how to reach me if you need something before then. Take care Donnie."
I hustled uptown, making it just in time for my shift at a small new age apothecary. I loved the smell of all the drying herbs, the hundreds of tiny glass bottles lining the walls.
"Marlowe your nearly late. Everything alright?" Tristan's salt and pepper head came around the corner as I set my bag down. I unzipped my well loved brown leather jacket an hung it beside my bag before unwinding my long mustard yellow scarf.
"Just finishing up shopping for a client. How was your day?" I asked as I held my hand out for the apron he was taking off. He began to ramble as I tied it around my waist, smiling when I was able to successfully loop the strings it around my waist and tie it in the front. With slack. Tristan didn't miss this and his aging face lit up.
"Congratulations! Although you know I am partial to you, no matter what size you are."
I threw my arms around him in a hug. He laughed and encircled me with his deviously strong embrace.
"Well now off to work! I've a lady friend to meet for dinner," with a gentle push he sent me to the front of the store.
I couldn't help but sneek peeks of myself in the large mirror for most of the night. I went from a size 18 to a full 8/10. I had never worked harder in my life, but it had been worth it. I had never been happier.
"You." I snapped out of my admiration quickly with a blush so hot it was almost painful. I snapped my head over to see two men and a woman standing at the counter.
"Hi there! How can I help you?" I quickly walked back behind the counter.
"I am here for Conium Maculatum," the severe asian woman spoke. I raised an eyebrow at her request, looking from her to the companions with her. I took a deep breath.
"What form?" I asked, remaining on guard. I had never run into any serious trouble in my life and I believed it was because I never put myself into situations where trouble could find me. But I knew, without a doubt that I was in trouble right now. And I needed to be very careful, make myself less of a threat. And not a loose end.
"Why does it matter?"
"Makes it easier for me to look it up," I played it off like I had no idea what she was asking for.
"Powder."
"Okay, just one second. I'll check and see if we have it..." I made a big deal about scanning the shelves where I knew it wasn't. Then at the last second I checked the locked case and smiled.
"There it is. Jeez. Looks like there's a warning," I grabbed the paper and flippantly scanned my eyes over it. I saw them tense and tossed it down. "Sorry, did you want to read that? It said something about upset stomach..."
"No, I am aware of what it does."
"Cool! How much do you want?" I smiled as airheadedly as I could.
"All of it," and she set a wad of cash down on the glass.
"Right on," I grabbed the entire jar and handed it over to her. She grabbed it quickly and turned to leave.
"Wait!" I called out, hoping beyond hope she didn't hurt me. "Your change...?"
She smiled then and it was a nasty thing.
"Keep it, you've been of great service to me tonight."
My heart was hammering in my chest and I nearly collapsed when I heard the door close. I grabbed the phone, ready to call 911. But what would I say? A scary woman and her two friends came in and bought something! How illegal. My shoulders slumped. But if something happened and I didn't report it...
I set the store phone down and then picked it up again. Right was right. I called the non emergency line and told the person on the line what happened. I was put on hold and then I was transfered to someone else who told me an officer would be coming by to take my statement.
I cleaned nervously, every sound making me jumpy. What if it was nothing? But if it was nothing then I wouldn't feel like this. The door jingled and I jumped, smiling in relief when I saw two officers walk in. One was an older man, getting soft around the middle, but with a no nonsense attitude about him. The other was a handsome blonde young man.
"I'm officer Avis, this is officer Jones. We received a call about suspicious activity, you want to walk us through that ma'am?"
I spent the next 10 minutes giving them the run down.
"And she bought.."
"Conium Maculatum," I finished for him.
"Could you.." he smiled impishly. I took the notebook and wrote it down for him.
"And what exactly is Conium Maculatum?" the older cop asked, looking around.
"It's Hemlock. A very potent and deadly plant."
"And you sell that here?"
"It has other uses, medicinal uses. If used properly."
"And you think they had an interest in using it improperly? Why do you think that?"
"The amount. No one buys Hemlock in bulk, not for a good reason anyway. She came here...no camera's, out of the way place, paid cash. She wasn't alone. It just felt..."
"Wrong," Jones finished for me, nodding his head. "It might not amount to anything, but it's good you reported it."
I gave them as detailed a description of each of them as I could and they left. I felt lighter, my conscience clearer. I finished my shift and closed up the shop as usual, plugging my headphones and opening my audible app to finish listening to my book as I walked. I had a thing for historical romance's and Outlander was one of my current favorites. I paused my book as I opened the door to the small chinese restaurant. I smiled and waved at the round of hello's I got. I made my way to the back, stopping in the office to say hello to my landlord and lifelong friend Mrs. Szeto.
"All done for the day?" she smiled.
"I am. Need any help?"
"Sweet girl, go home!"
I was about to leave when she sighed.
"When do you need me?" I laughed.
"Morning shift tomorrow?"
"Sure, I'll be down bright and early."
"Cash or rent reduction?"
"Either is fine Mrs. Szeto. Have a good night."
She waved me away and I climbed the back stairs to my humble little abode. I unlocked the door, smelling my crock pot lemon butter chicken. I threw the deadbolt and slipped my boots off in darkness, knowing everything by heart. My stomach growled as I walked into the kitchen, the only light was the angry red numbers illuminated on my crockpot. I reached behind it to grasp for the light switch I knew was right by the plug in. I flipped it up, my kitchen suddenly blaring into existence under the harsh flourescents. I lifted the lid, holding my head away as steam rolled out. The chicken looked great and my stomach gave another hungry growl.
I giggled as I pulled my jacket off, along with my scarf. Then I pulled my sweater over my head, leaving me in my black tanktop that said If I can't take my book I'm not going. I opened the freezer and grabbed a steamable bag of mixed veggie's and tossed it in the microwave.
"Marlowe.."
I spun around quickly, heart hammering in my chest.
"Who's there?" I called, taking out my phone. I pressed the emergency call button, but nothing happened.
"It's Donnie!" and I knew immediately it was him. His voice was distinct. But why was he in my house?! And how did he know where I lived?
"Donnie?" my voice came out shaky. "What..how?"
All the most terrible thoughts ran through my head. Was he here to rob me? Rape me? Murder me?
"Please don't be afraid, I'm not here to hurt you. I..I think your in danger."
Yeah from you, my brain screamed.
"I'm a...going to come a little closer, please Marlowe please. Don't..don't panic."
I watched as he came forward, moving slowly. I noticed his pants first, a tawny brown cargo type. On one knee was a scuffed up kneepad, like for roller blading. The other had something wrapped around it, straps of some kind, extending up his leg to his thigh. I kept going up, his pants ending at a utility belt around his waist. And that's when it got weird. My brain couldn't comprehend what I was seeing, not right away. So I went up further, my neck craning back to see him. And it was something to see.
He was dominantly green, with darker spots here and there. He had a full shell, and a plastron. I moved to his head and was relieved to see familiar features. A large mouth with lips, nose holes.. I felt my breath hitch, fear blossoming in my chest as I tried to figure out what I was looking at. A turtle, somewhere in my mind whispered. A giant, bipedal turtle. And just when I thought I was going to scream, my eyes met his. And I saw the most profound sadness in his beautiful molten hazel eyes.
"You're so tall," was all I could manage out as I thought, my brain moving faster than I could really comprehend.
"Ugh..yeah."
His voice was thick, like someone who was trying really hard not to cry would sound. And I knew right there in that moment that I had a choice to make. I could scream, force him out and let that be the last memory he had of me. Or I could show him kindness, the same that Tristan and Mrs. Szeto had shown me.
"Would you like some dinner? I was just sitting down to eat. Lemon pepper chicken and steamed vegetables?"
He didn't seem to know what to say, so I kept talking. Like I always had with him.
"I'm sorry for the way I reacted, it was really rude of me. I was shocked, I'll admit. But that doesn't excuse the way I treated you."
I walked back to the microwave, checking on the vegetables. They were cool now, so I set them to reheat while I busied myself with getting two of everything. I had to go up on my tippy toes to reach the plates in the cupboard, but that was nothing new. I didn't have a kitchen table, but there was a built in breakfast bar with overhanging cupboards that seperated the kitchen and the living room. I set everything up, noticing that he was watching my every move.
"What would you like to drink? I have water, tea, there might be a soda in here somewhere..."
"Water is fine," he finally spoke, moving around the bar to take the only stool on that side.
I put the larger of the two chicken breasts on his plate, along with more vegetables. I set it down in front of him and then made my plate. I stood opposite of him, as there was no stool on this side. He used his fork to cut off a small piece of chicken and after a moment of studying it, he placed it in his mouth.
"This is really good," and I believed him. He cut off another larger section of chicken and ate it. I smiled and thanked him, eating my food slowly.
"So what.." but he cut me off.
"Mutant turtle," he leveled his heavy gaze on me.
"I was going to ask what you meant when you said I was in danger. I sort of figured the turtle thing out. Shell, plastron."
"Oh.." and his skin got darker, almost like a blush. It made me smile. "I've ugh..sort of been monitoring you. Nothing invasive. Not really anyways. As a sort of contingency ever since you started doing our personal shopping. You called the police from your work, I read the call logs."
"You can do that?" I asked, baffled. It sounded like something out a spy movie. "Don't think I've skipped over the monitoring thing, because we will get back to that."
He smiled and ducked his head for a moment. It was such a normal thing to do.
"I can," he sounded more confident, like the Donnie I was use to talking to in that dark alley. "Is this her?"
He held a small screen up for me to see, but the picture was blurry, so I leaned forward grabbing his hand to move the phone closer to me. I studied it, it certainly could be her. His skin was slightly dewy, but not unpleasant feeling. It was almost distracting, in it's difference from mine.
"Her hair is different now, but if that's not her then she has a twin or a doppleganger running around New York," I smiled as I let his hand go. "Who is she?"
"Karai," Donnie was typing quickly on a small keyboard. "High ranking member of the Foot Clan."
My fork fell from my hand, clanking heavily on my glass plate. He looked up at me as I covered my mouth with my hand. The Foot Clan?! I sold her Hemlock! Tears sprang up into my eyes.
"Marlowe?"
"I sold her Hemlock, I swear I didn't know who...what have I done?" and the tears really flowed now. If she hurt anyone, it would be my fault. My stomach lurched at the thought and I felt my supper coming back up. I turned just in time to throw up into my sink. I heard movement behind me as my long hair was being pulled way from the sink.
"It's going to be okay. You didn't know, how could you?" his voice was calm. Soothing. "I'll figure out what she's going to do with it and stop her."
"How?" I breathed heavily, my stomach not sure yet if it was done revolting.
"Well, we stopped Shredder and the Foot Clan a few months ago, we can do it again," he replied nonchalantly.
A few months ago? But that was..
"I thought Vern Fenwick did that?" I ran the water, clearing out the sink. Then I splashed my face a few times, grabbing the small dish towel to pat it somewhat dry. I turned and found Donnie right beside me.
"Vern is a friend. We couldn't very well take credit for it," he shrugged. "Feel better?"
"Not in the remostest. I should have trusted my gut and not sold it to her! I'm such an idiot," I rubbed my forehead angrily, trying to ward off the headache that was forming.
"It's very likey if you would have refused to sell it, she would have hurt or killed you and taken it anyway. At least this way nothing...nothing happened to you."
I smiled at the sentiment.
"Thanks but it's little consolation at the moment."
He nodded.
"So back to our original discussion, you found the call log from the one I placed to the police and what..? Put it together based off the description I gave them that it was this Karai woman and came to find me?"
"Yes. I ugh...was worried about you. I wasn't sure if she would consider you a loose end or.."
"Thank you," I smiled up at him. "I know you risked a lot. Coming here, showing yourself to me...It was brave. Really brave."
His face got dark again, which I was pretty sure meant he was blushing. Something beeped on him and he tapped his ear, stepping back.
"Yeah Leo?" He must be answering a call. I tried to tune it out, as I gathered the dishes. But it was hard. "I'm with her right now. Yes. With her, with her. She's right here next to me."
I washed the dishes quickly and set them to dry, but Donnie was still talking. Quickly and not quietly. So I squeezed past him, accidently brushing my chest against his bent elbow.
"Excuse me," I apologized as I moved into the living room. I turned my flat screen on along with my xbox one. I curled up at the end of my overstuffed grey couch, pulling the blush pink blanket off the back and wrapping it around me. I signed into Hulu and started the X-Files while I waited for Donnie to finish up. I couldn't get into it, my mind was far, far away. Donnie said he was a mutated turtle. What mutated him? I wasn't well versed in gene splicing or genetic science but that was where my mind went. I twirled my long skillfully balayaged blonde hair around my finger as I thought.
"You like the X-Files?"
I jumped at his voice, turning my head to look at him.
"Sorry Marlowe..." he mumbled.
"I'm sorry Donnie, I was lost in thought for a moment. What did you say?"
"Do you..uhm, like the X-Files?" and he pointed one of his large green fingers to the tv screen where Mulder and Scully were chasing after some unidentified creature. A smile creeped onto my face.
"Like is an understatement. I am obsessed. I have all the seasons on DVD."
He smiled down at me, shuffling nervously from one foot to the other.
"Come sit and watch it with me," I offered.
"I'd love to," he sounded sad. "But..well you see..My brother wants me to bring you back to the lair. And uhm, so do I. For protection. So we...I can protect you, in case Karai comes for you."
"You want me to go with you to your home, on the off chance that Karai will come here? I don't mean to sound dismissive of your fears, but how would she know who I am? Or where I lived?"
"She could have had you followed," he offered, coming to sit on the couch. He turned his upper body towards me. "Or she might have done some research before hand and chose your shop for one reason or another. I won't make you do anything you don't want to do, but I really hope you'll choose to come with me. I...I don't want anything bad to happen to you."
He kept those brilliant eyes on me and I held his gaze, seeing my reflection in his glasses.
"For how long?" I asked finally.
"The night at least, a few days tops. Just to make sure you aren't being targeted."
I sighed and twirled my hair again, thinking. I had vacation time at the apothecary, Tristan wouldn't mind. But I had just promised I would take the morning shift, then I looked back to Donnie. And I knew my answer.
"Alright."
Lair-
"Donnie must be like..in heaven, right bro?" Mikey asked, nudging Raph. Leo shushed him as they watched Donnie fawn over the pretty blonde woman he brought with him.
"Didn't she use ta be bigger?" Raph wondered out loud. He definitely remembered Donnie's crush being a big girl.
"Ya bro, remember Donnie said she was losing weight. She looks fiiiiiiine."
"Stop, both of you. What is she hears you?"
"I do," she turned her head and smiled at them. She had bright straight white teeth, hidden behind pillowy lips. Her bluebird blue eyes were shinning with mirth. Mikey gasped in faux shock.
"Girl, for some reason I was feeling a little off today. But when you came along, you definitely turned me on."
"Mikey!" Leo smacked his brother in the back of the head. But Marlowe just laughed.
There was nothing to do but laugh. Donnie looked down at me, his brow lowered.
"Oh come on! That was pretty funny," I smiled up at him. He shook his head and looked over to Mikey.
"I've got loads more angel, you just say the word," Mikey smiled arrogantly.
"I'm sorry," Donnie covered his eyes for a second, before sighing dramatically and grabbing my bags.
"You can stay in my room, I'll sleep on the cot I have in my lab," Donnie spoke as I walked behind him.
"You can sleep in my room!" Mikey called out behind us. I heard a chorus of shut up Mikey's, including Donnie.
"You have a lab?" I asked as we walked further into this bizarre underground home. It smelled of incense and damp. Not a terrible combination, but a strange one. Everything about my day had been strange, if I was being honest with myself. I was in a sewer, sort of, with four mutant brothers because a member of the foot clan may or may not be looking to hurt me.
"I'm sure all of this is overwhelming for you," Donnie began, seemingly ignoring my question. I didn't mind, he seemed to be almost joyous at the moment. "But if you need anything, I'm not far away. I've got a tv in my room, so you can watch X-Files if you want, or I've got an extensive collection of books if you want to read. Or.."
"I'm a guest Donnie, I don't want to put you out like that. I could sleep on the couch, or the floor.."
"You're my guest, I'd hardly let you sleep on the floor. I just washed my bedding yesterday, so don't worry about it. I sleep on the cot in my lab more than my bed. Besides.." and then he stopped walking and turned to look at me. "I..I want you to be comfortable here."
"I'm sure I will be, you've been a great host so far," I smiled at him. He blushed again and we moved towards a doorway of a room that looked to have been cobbled together. The walls were made of plywood, sheets of some kind of metal, chainlink fence covered with fabric. It was very..unique.
"Not much, but it's home," he carefully set my bags down as I looked around. He had bookshelves lined with books, books piled in corners. Books everywhere. But in the center of the room was a very large bed, black sheets and a stack of mismatched blankets.
"I'll borrow some pillows from Leo," he mumbled and headed out. I stood there for a moment, unsure of what I should do.
"Hey angel," I turned to see Mikey in the doorway.
"My name is Marlowe Mikey, not angel."
"I know, but angel suits you better."
I laughed and shook my head. He walked in, looking around and then at me and down to my bags.
"X-Files! Cool, can I watch it with you?" he grinned down at me like a little kid.
"Sure, Donnie said there was a tv in here," I looked around for it.
"Oh, want to be alone with me?" he grinned and stepped closer to me. I had to lift my head back, not as far as with Donnie, that man was tall. But far enough.
"There's a tv in the livin room," the biggest brother, Raph, was standing in the doorway.
"Way to cock block me bro," Mikey whined.
I smiled at Raph in thanks.
"Mind if I join?" he asks.
"Of course not, are you guys big fans?"
"Scully is hot!" Mikey grins and Raph shakes his head at his antics.
"Only eva got ta see a few episodes, liked what I saw."
"I have the complete collection," I grinned, reaching down to grab the first season. Donnie returned then, Raph stepping aside so he could enter his room.
"Got you some pillows," he gently placed what looked like four pillows onto the bed. One would been more than enough. "What's going on?"
"Watching X-Files in the livin room," Raph grinned in a feral manner at Donnie. I knew it meant something, but I wasn't sure exactly what. I looked between Raph and Donnie a few times and then to Mikey. He was doing the same as me, but he seemed to catch on. A grin broke out on his face.
"I've got some projects to finish.."
"They ain't goning nowhere," Raph was still smiling. "Come spend some time with the family. Bet it will make Marlowe more comfortable."
Donnie swallowed, looking from Raph down to me.
"You don't have to if you don't want to," I offered with a small smile. It was a lie, I wanted Donnie to come. I knew him. His brothers not so much. I began to twirl a piece of my long hair again, spinning it between my fingers anxiously.
"Sure, uhm..just let me take care of some things," and then Mikey had my hand I was being pulled out of the room, down the hallway and into a larger room. I wouldn't have pegged it as a living room per say, but there was a large couch with some larger than I had ever seen bean bag looking chairs and a very large screen.
I sat on the edge and everyone seemed to mull around for a bit before commiting to any particular seat. Leo came in but was quickly ushered away by Raph. And then they both re-entered, smiles on their faces. Mikey set everything up and pressed play, the eerie music blaring through the incredible surround sound.
"Great right!? Donnie set it up. He can build anything. Bro's a legit genius."
Speaking of legit genius, Donnie walked in and looked around. He shot his brothers a look before coming to take a seat next to me.
"Have they..have they been behaving?" he asked, his voice low.
"They've been perfect gentlemen," I informed him. The lights cut out and everyone moved to take a seat.
We were two episodes in when I felt eyes on me. I could see it wasn't Mikey, his eyes were glued to the tv. Raph and Leo were further down the couch, blocked by Donnie's tall statue. I rolled my eyes to the side to see his eyes quickly darting away. My phone vibrated in my butt pocket and I shifted to grab it. The screen was glaring bright when I scanned my fingerprint, so before I read my message I turned the brightness down some.
Quick, what's the formula for salicylic acid?
I sighed and quickly typed a response.
C7H6O3.
Rapid fire night at Jerry's. Why'd you skip out?
Busy.
Macro list necessary in plants?
Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur.
This would have been your night. It's botany questions.
More like biochemistry. Which you took last semester.
Give me a break, I only passed because I...well you know ;)
Gross, don't remind me. You're on your own for the rest of the night. 3
I put my phone back in my pocket and returned my attention back to the tv.
"You remember the formula for salicylic acid?" Donnie whispered, his head turned in your direction.
"Yeah, it's one of the most well know pharmacological compounds found in plants. Asprin, morphine and digoxin are all made from salicylic acid."
I hadn't taken my eyes off the tv, even though from my peripheral vision I could see he was still looking at me.
"You're majoring in biochemistry, right?" he asked. I shook my head no, not wanting to disturb the others watching tv.
"Phytochemistry," I corrected him softly. "Although there is no specific major for it, my student advisor is aware of my interests and we have scheduled the classes that would most benefit me. I believe my major on paper is Plant Physiology or Botany which I am sure you can guess, is not a very popular one."
"Doesn't any phamarcy student have to take those classes?" he asked, his voice not so low. Mikey turned to look at us, a grin on his face.
"Yes, it's a requirement. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to sound like one lonely soul among the masses. Their are a great deal of people studying the same things as me. Just not so many majoring in it in my university."
"What is your Intelligence Quotient?" he asked suddenly. I turned this time to look at him. His eyes were molten gold behind his glasses, the reflection of the large screen casting shadows on the side of his face.
"I feel like I should get points just for knowing what that means," I smiled. "In all seriousness though, I am not sure. I got a 34 on my ACT if that helps at all."
"That puts you in the 99th percentile..." he trailed off. I shrugged. I didn't stress over it like some of the other kids in high school did. I studied sure, Mrs. Szeto and Tristan both helped me and I bought one book. But that was the extent of it.
"I don't really think the numbers matter," I finally spoke. He tipped his head to the side.
"What do you mean?" I could tell I must have poked a topic of concern, or maybe even one he was..proud of? I didn't want him to get defensive, so I began to explain.
"Take Tristan, my boss at the apothecary. He only has a 9th grade education, he would no doubt do terribly on any kind of standardized testing. But he is still one of the smartest people I have ever met. His knowledge of anatomy and physiology is on par with doctors. He can tell you exactly what plant you should use for what aliment, what it's phyla, class, order, family, genera and species is. I've seen him take an engine apart and put it back together with no manual. So I just feel that trying to say everyone smart lives above a certain number and everyone below is...average. Or below average isn't a very good way to measure intelligence."
"I..I never thought of it like that before."
"Well, it's just my opinion. And you know what they say about those," I laughed and turned my attention back to the screen. Mulder and Scully were in Alaska, and there was a parasite that had been frozen in the ice on the loose inside the drilling base.
The rest of the evening was quiet. I glanced at my phone and saw it was late, like after midnight late. And I had first shift at the Golden Palace. I stood up and stretched, before bidding them all a goodnight.
After changing into my pajama's, I found the bathroom down the hall. I did my nightly routine, brushing my teeth, washing my face. When I opened the door, Donnie was leaning against the wall opposite, like he was waiting.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to take so long. All yours," I smiled and stepped aside. He didn't move, save for his eyes, which tracked me.
"Everything alright?" I asked, a little concerned.
"We're friends right?" he asked, his voice unusual.
"Yeah," I uncrossed my arms and moved closer to him. "At least, I've considered us friends for a long time now. Three or so years."
He didn't respond so I took a chance and reached out and touched his crossed forearms. He looked down and then back up to me.
"Look, I know when I first met you I didn't behave the way I should have. And the circumstances could have been better, but it doesn't change anything for me. You're still the same Donnie. The caring, kind, smart man I met in a dark alley with forty pounds of groceries once a week for three years."
He still didn't speak and I took my hand away, putting them on my now shapely hips.
"My appearance has changed, does it bother you?" I asked. That knocked him for a loop.
"What..no. Of course not."
"Because it's still me, right?" I grinned as he nodded. "And you are still you. Except now I have a face for the person."
"Mutant."
"You know exactly how I meant it Donatello, don't go putting words in my mouth that I haven't spoken. Especially when they are meant to drag down a friend."
He let out a lite chuckle and I smiled, removing my hands from my hips. He seemed to straighten up some.
"When do you need to be to work by?"
"8 am. I have prep and then waitressing until 3."
I tossed and turned for most of the night. It wasn't because the bed was uncomfortable, because it was the exact opposite. I was worried about Donnie. He was acting so strange, or at least I thought it was strange. Back when we talked in the alley, he had this confidence about himself. He spoke fluently, rarely stuttered. He was witty, and on some occasions even sassy. But now I didn't really recognize him. It was like he was a different person. It made me wonder which was the real him? Or if I was reading way to far into it? Could it just be because I now knew about him and he was nervous? It wasn't like I was going to run screaming from him or his brothers. Of course they were alien looking. But it wasn't frightening, at least, not to me.
And who would I be to body shame? Lord knows I had enough of it in high school to last a lifetime. It wasn't until now that I felt truly comfortable in my skin, and it was a hard won battle. I was 5'7 and fit a size 8/10 now. My goal was curvy and fit. And I got it. Donnie had seen me at my absolute biggest, listened to me lament about how hard it was. He must know that I would never think less of him because of his appearance, right?
I fell into a fitful and restless sleep until my alarm went off at 6. I sat up and shuffled over to the lightswitch. The room illuminated brightly under soft light. I grabbed my makeup case and sat at the small desk in the back, using a stack of books to prop my mirror up on. Then I wobbled on tired legs down to the bathroom to brush my teeth and relieve myself. When I got back Donnie was in my..well his room.
"You're up early," I yawned. He turned around, two steaming mugs in his hands.
"Tea, with stevia sweetener," he held a cracked purple mug out to me. I smiled, touched that he remembered.
"Thank you Donnie, this was so thoughtful," and when my hands wrapped around that warm mug I sighed. It was such a good feeling. Soothing. I moved to the desk in the back, taking a sip of my tea.
"It's delicious!" I exclaimed, putting some primer in my hands.
"How did you sleep last night?" he asked, taking a seat on the edge of his bed.
"Truthfully, not very well. I was worried about you." I kept up with my routine. I primed my eyelids and then moved on to pencil in my brows. Once they were done, I went back to my eyes, knowing my primer was dry.
"About me?" his voice cracked, sort of squeeked.
"You know that your appearance..." I paused as I blended my eyeshadow. When I was done with one eye I continued. "Doesn't change how I feel about you right? You're still my friend. Nothing can change that."
I did my other eye, waiting for Donnie to speak. I lined my waterline before grabbing my liquid eyeliner and giving myself some sultry cat eyeliner. It got me better tips when I was waitressing. I sipped my tea as I went about putting my face on. When I was done, I turned to look at Donnie. He was still on the edge of his bed, his head looking straight.
"Hey, you good?" I called out. He sort of jumped, like when you catch someone zoning out and startle them. He turned to look at me and his eyes widened.
"You look great," he smiled, and then blushed deeply.
"Thanks, I realized I get better tips when I doll up like an Instagram babe than when I am plain faced."
"I think your beautiful both ways," he mumbled, but I heard him. I hadn't heard that from anyone but my father, Tristan and Mrs. Szeto. It warmed my heart and made my eyes mist. I tipped my head back, doing my best to spare my eye makeup.
"Thank you Donnie, that's the nicest compliment I've ever gotten."
"Really?" he shook his head and took a drink of what looked like coffee. I glanced at my phone for the time. I sighed. Time to get dressed and do my hair. I stood, finishing my tea and grabbed my lipstick and liner. I would do it in the bathroom along with my hair.
"I'll be right back," I picked up my bag and headed to the bathroom once again. In no time I was back.
"That's your uniform?!" he exclaimed, his eyes bulging. I looked down at the black and gold cheongsam top and black dress slacks. He made me self conscious so I double checked to make sure everything was buttoned and zipped.
"It's better than the old one. It use to be a cheongsam dress in gold and red that had a slit that came up to the knee. To many issues with customers, I hated wearing that."
He took a deep breath and shook his head, getting to his feet. I craned my neck back to watch him, trying to get a read.
"We should get going," he set his cup down and walked out. I was left without a clue again. Had I done something? Why was he always getting so...worked up? No that wasn't the right word. Unsettled? That might be better. I grabbed my big boho purse and chased after him.
The walk was silent through the sewers. He played with his arm gadget instead of talking to me, which made me slightly uncomfortable. It was like he was ignoring me, or purposely avoiding me. Even though we were walking together. I had never been in a position where I didn't know where I stood with someone before, but it's how I felt now. He stopped to do something but I kept going, remembering the way. I reached the ladder just as he caught up.
"Why didn't you wait?" he asked, pinning me down with his eyes.
"I...this feels weird. Why does it feel weird? We use to be able to talk so freely with one another in the alley. What's changed?"
He shook his head and climbed the ladder. I followed, taking the offered hand he held down for me. New York in the early morning was my favorite.
"I'll see you at 3," I waved, taking out my ipod and plugging the buds in my ears. Outlander would keep me company on the short walk to the Golden Palace. I tried not to think of Donnie as I walked, but it was bugging me so it was at the fore front of my mind. I also had to come up with an excuse as to why I wasn't coming in via the back staircase like I always did.
"What are you doing?" Raph had been keeping an eye on his younger brother. He knew he heard him, headphones on and all. He'd watched him pine for Marlowe, drive himself near crazy for almost two and a half years. And last night, when he should have been over the moon, scheming to get them to sit next to one another on the sofa. Nerd show on tv. And yet he wasn't.
"Keep on ignorin me, see what happens," he threatened. Donnie pulled his headphones off in a huff.
"What?!"
"What's the matter with you?" He laid into him. "Ya been drooling over that girl since the day ya met her, and now she's down here and ya acting like a bum."
"I am not acting like anything," Donnie huffed, twirling around to look at his brother. "And it's really none of your business."
"The hell it ain't. You've had us runnin' patrols in her neighborhood, watching her tweets, her snaps, her fuckin' facebook posts when ya busy in the lab. So don't tell me this ain't my business. Now talk brainiac."
Donnie sighed, his shoulders slumping.
"She's so...kind," but Raph cut him off.
"Nah uh, I heard all this shit before. Tell me why you ain't makin' moves. Why you sitting in here, doin' creepy stalker shit, when she's right here?"
"Because! Look at me! You think someone as beautiful and talented and smart as her would want anything to do with me!?" Donnie got to his feet, anger and sadness pouring out of him. He got in Raph's face. "She just...transformed herself. She looks like..like..like a fucking supermodel! She can have anyone she wants now. Why would she pick me?"
Raph gave his brother a not so gentle shove. Before getting in his face.
"You think her losing some weight changed her that much? She came down here Don. You two whispered back and forth during X-Files, your face inches from one another. You think if she wasn't interested in ya, didn't give a shit, she would let you get that close?"
"She's just being kind," Donnie whined.
"Yeah, she's kind. And pretty and now her body matches her insides. But she's grounded man, she ain't some snob with her nose in the air. Besides, I heard her. When you were walking her to the ladder. She's worried about you, knows you ain't actin' like yourself. She feels your tension man, your coldness. You don't shape the fuck up, and you willlose your chance with her."
Raph backed off, giving him some space. Donnie stared at him, eyes darting back and forth as he thought quickly.
"You really think I stand a chance?" his voice as barely above a whisper.
"You won't know until you try bro," Raph had said his final word on the matter and left his genius brother to his own devices.
"Hey!" I twirled around quickly, pinning the man who pinched my ass with a glare. "Keep your hands to yourself!"
"There a problem Marlowe?" Han had stopped chopping up vegetables and was staring at the table where I stood. He twirled and tossed the knife, his eyes never leaving the guys I was waiting on. I looked down to them and smiled.
"I don't think so, gentlemen, are we going to have a problem?"
They all shook their heads, eyes cast down to their plates.
"No problem Han."
He nodded and went back to work. My tables were all taken care of so I walked back to the fresh grill where Han was to thank him.
"No thanks necessary Marlowe, you're like a daughter to me," he smiled. "Those idiots remind me of the group Han Jr. runs with now. He should not have run around on you, you were the best thing he ever had."
"Maybe it's just a phase?" I offered, trying to skirt the other part of that sentence.
"He's 24 years old, he needs to grow up!" and he chopped through a thick piece of meat. I took that as my cue to leave, my shift was just about done. I met my replacement and updated her on the tables. Then I warned her about the grab asses in the far booth. I peeked my head into the kitchen and they almost balked at the amount of food I ordered to go. I thought it would be nice to bring the brothers some hot, fresh food. While they were making it I ran upstairs to my apartment only to reach the top of the stairs and freeze.
"Hello again."
It was the woman from the apothecary. Karai. And she was alone.
"Hello.." I wasn't sure what to do. I was frozen to the spot.
"You look like a deer in the headlights," she smiled, her voice dripping with venom. "Do not worry little deer, I am not here to hurt you. But to warn you."
She walked closer, her dark eyes never leaving me.
"I know the brothers protect you," her lips were practically on my ear as she walked around me in a tight circle. I was shaking like a leaf, doing my best not to cry. "Do not mistake their kindness. If it comes down to it, if a choice must be made. You or one of them. Who do you think they will save? A brother, or a human girl they adopted like a pet?"
She finished her circle around me and came to a stop less six inches in front of me.
"I would never put them in a position to make that choice," my voice came out shaky. "My life is my responsibility, no one elses. Now leave, your tresspassing."
"Such fire," she grabbed my jaw and turned my face slowly from one side to the other. "I believe I am beginning to understand why he covets you." She released my face, my jaw slightly aching from the pressure she applied. The look she was giving me was one I had seen men give me before, but never a woman. I swallowed and stepped back. She grinned.
"Goodbye Marlowe, be seeing you," she walked away, going down the stairs I had just come up. My heart was hammering in my chest so hard I thought I was going to pass out. I put my hands on my knees and took deep breaths. My phone had been steadily buzzing in my pocket for the duration of my visit from Karai. Suddenly my apartment door flung open and Donnie stepped out. I launched forward, and hugged him the best I could. My arms didn't reach around his shell, so insead I bent them at the elbows and gripped his sides. His..well plastron was hard, but it was slightly cool to the touch and it relxed me. Donnie put an arm around me and moved me back into my apartment. I shuffled along with him.
"Sorry," I let go of him after a few more seconds. "I just...really needed a hug."
He looked down at me, face full of worry.
"Did she hurt you?" he asked, his voice shook a little with anger.
"No, no. She just frightened me. The way she looked, no leered at me. My skin is still crawling."
"Are you sure?" his hand took mine, rubbing a large, calloused thumb across my knuckles. I met his eyes and nodded.
"I ordered food to go, for you and your brothers for lunch. I'll just run down and get it and we can get out of here."
"You didn't have to do that," he smiled.
"You've been good to me, let me return the favor," I smiled at him. Instead of releasing my hand, he held it tighter for a second.
"I've got something to tell you," he licked his lips, his eyes moving over my face before stopping and locking on my eyes. "But...I'm afraid. Of what you'll say."
"Whatever it is, I'm here, I'll listen. I promise." I put my other hand over his, trying to comfort him. Whatever it was, it was clearly plaguing him, might even be the reason he's been so...different. I wanted him to know, despite my very early and very quickly dispersed misgivings about his appearance, I would never just abandon him.
"I'm sorry for the way I've been acting. It was different in the alley, I could be..."
"Youself?" I finished for him.
"Yes. I'm just worried, that this," he indicated his face. "Would change things. Change..us. But you, you didn't react the way I theorized you would."
"How did you expect?"
"Shock, fear, anger, disgust."
"I think I'm slightly offended Donatello. When did I ever give you cause to think I would respond like that to you?"
"You were afraid..."
"That's because I arrived home to find a someone in my apartment, a male someone. I was on edge, every worst case scenario running through my mind. I apologized, I am sorry for how I reacted."
Donnie opened his mouth when I heard Zack yell up the stairs that my order was done. I smiled at him, gently prying my hand free.
"I'll be right back."
"Be careful," he warned, following me to the door. "I'll be right here."
I nodded and walked quickly to the stairs, taking them two at a time. I swung in the kitchen to see my bags, neatly packaged. Zack even double wrapped them to keep them warm.
"Thanks guys!" I waved and everyone waved or nodded at me. I juggled the four brown paper bags up the stairs. Donnie slipped out of my apartment and took two of them from me.
"How much did you order?" he asked, testing the weight of each bag.
"I wasn't sure how much you guys ate, or what. So a lot," I laughed. "I just need to grab my ipad pro and then we can go."
"Angel, marry me!" Mikey dramatically fell to one knee when I finished setting out all the food.
"Where's my ring?" I asked, standing in front of him. He balked.
"That's what I thought, now eat! Before it gets cold. I'm going to see if Splinter would like anything."
I left the four brothers to dig in, as I headed towards the little room near the back where Splinter pruned his few plants and meditated.
"Hello Marlowe," his soft voice reached.
"I've brought lunch. Fujan red wine chicken and Buddha's delight."
"Very thoughtful, how is it you came to know my favorite dishes?"
I smiled then.
"The shopping. The ingredients were always on the list, and since none of the boys claimed it when it was sitting out, I made the correct assumption it was for you."
He smiled and nodded. I moved closer and handed the plastic bag containing the food.
"Join me?"
I smiled and took a seat across from him.
"Donatello says Karai paid you a visit today. That it rattled you."
"She said some unpleasant things," I agreed.
"Would you like to talk about it?" he asked after finishing a bite. I didn't say anything.
"Donatello told me what she said to you," he set his container down.
"How does Donnie know?"
"My son is gifted in technology. I believe he developed some software to turn any phone into a listening device."
"He bugged me?" I knew he said he was monitoring me, but this was a severe breach in my privacy.
"Donatello has been very...strict about the use of monitoring devices where you are concerned. When you did not answer him, he called here to inform his brothers of a possible situation and that he was turning on the listening device. Do you believe Karai?"
"That they would pick family over me?" I asked, for a moment letting go of the anger I felt at being so personally spied on. I would hash it out with Donnie later.
He nodded.
"I..I hope I never find out," I sighed. "But I wouldn't fault them, any of them. Blood, family is the most important thing in the world. And besides, just like I told Karai, I am responsible for my own life. No one else."
"But if your new friendship brings you into danger.."
"Then I will adapt and learn to live with it, like anything else."
Splinter laughed.
"A level head for one so young."
"Some experiences age us quicker." We sat in comfortable silence, Splinter eating and me thinking. I didn't want to be mad at Donnie, but I was. I should have spoke up sooner, when he first told me was monitoring me. Non-evasive he told me. Bugging my phone seemed pretty invasive to me.
"There you are," Donnie appeared behind us. Splinter gave me a smile and a nod. I got to my feet, taking Donnie's offered hand.
"Can I talk to you for a second, alone?"
He nodded, keeping my hand in his as we headed to his room. Once inside, he turned to look down at me.
"What is it?"
I took a deep breath to keep a level head.
"You mentioned you were monitoring me. Non-evasively."
He nodded his head, his mesmerizing orbs never leaving mine.
"You bugged my phone. You can listen to all my conversations, whether I am on it or not. I am trying to stay calm here, but that is...such a violation."
He licked his lips, nodding his head.
"I only ever activated it the once, when you didn't answer your phone after your shift. Come," and he grabbed my hand again, leading me out through what I thought was just another part of the wall. It had heavy plastic curtain, like industrial freezers.
I was suddenly in a rather well equiped lab. I didn't have time to properly look around, as Donnie pulled me to a massive set of monitors. He took a seat in a very modified wheely chair and began to type, faster than I had ever seen anyone type before.
"Here. This is all the monitoring I've done," I looked away from his hands to the screens. I saw all my social media accounts, and then on one screen something I was familiar with. It was code, of that I knew for sure.
"I've been monitoring all your social media, making sure no one tries to hack you, or catfish you. I've also been monitoring your emails. I have never opened anything, I just scan for trojens. I've used all this data to make predictive algorithms of your behavior, so I could best track your movements and protect you. I know that sounds...creepy. But I promise it was never meant..."
I took another very deep breath.
"Anyone can look at my social media," I was rationalizing. "And my email is only for school, and they have access to it as well. But Donnie my phone is private. I am trying very hard not to get upset, or worked up."
He blinked at me, his tongue once again licking his lips.
"I'm sorry," he began. "If you feel like I...violated your privacy. But the truth is, I will do it again if I think it could save you. In fact, there isn't much I wouldn't do to keep you safe."
At first I was mad, but then his words sunk in. He didn't lie, didn't make a false promise to never do it again. He was sorry about how it made me feel, I could feel that was genuine.
"Are you mad?"
"I was trying to be," I let out a puff of air and then smiled. "I'm not not mad, maybe more like miffed. But I'm happy you were honest with me."
He reached out and took both my hands in his.
"You're probably going to get mad at me occassionally, I understand that. But I want you to know I will never lie to you. Ever."
"Never?" I asked, with a raised eyebrow. That was a tall order. He rubbed his thumbs across my knuckles.
"Never ever."
He had become much more touchy with me. At first I played it off as excitement or maybe even nerves. But this was different. He was...bolder. It made me think he was..not flirting, but definitely interested in me. In a more than a friends way. And especially after what he just told me.
"Donnie, are you...?
"Trying to show you how much I like you? Yes. Is it working?"
I nodded.
"Do you think..do you think you could ever be with someone like me?" He was still looking up at me, his whole face hopeful. I was faced with another decision like the one I made in my kitchen when I first met him.
"I think I could be," I answered truthfully. "If your asking me right now.." But Donnie cut me off.
"I am just asking for a chance. Time to show you that..." he got to his feet, towering over my head. "You entered my life out of nowhere and suddenly you mean the whole world to me. Give me time to show you that."
It was the most romantic thing anyone ever said to me. I stood there dumbfounded, staring up at him.
"Uhm...Marlowe," he ducked his head a little.
"I'm sorry, I just...no one has ever said anything like that to me before," I was still in a sort of haze.
He smiled brightly and shook his head.
"I'll tell you everyday how much you mean to me."
I felt like my face might split from how wide I smiled. I didn't know if it would work between Donnie and I, I didn't know how it would if it did. But the way he was looking at me, the way he spoke to me, it made butterflies erupt in my stomach and my heart beat harder than it ever had. And it made me want to try.
"Most of what I know has come from different advice colums and relationship forums. So if you have any more experience..."
"I've only ever dated one guy. And he wasn't..."
"Wasn't what?" Donnie asked.
"Han wasn't...He cheated on me."
"He what?!" his eyes narrowed behind slits. "Why would anyone.."
"It was a long time ago Donnie and while it hurt at the time. I've gotten over it."
"I don't understand the mindset. You made a promise to someone else that you would be faithful, that you would love only them. And then.." he shook his head, angry.
I shrugged.
"Beats me Donnie, maybe some people don't want to be loved."
"I want it more than anything," he whispered.
"You are loved," I gripped his hands tighter. "Your brothers love you, Splinter loves you."
"I know they do," he smiled. "But I want you to love me."
"Give it time Donnie. In the mean time, maybe we go on a date?"
Two Months later-
"I want to apologize," Master Splinter turned his head slightly.
"Whatever for Marlowe?" his smooth calm voice reached me. He was in the kitchen, making tea.
"Donnie and I have been together for a little over two months and I just realized today I never stopped to ask if that was okay with you."
He turned around now to look at me. His black eyes assessed me, a soft smile on his mouth.
"Are you asking for permission to love my son?"
I shook my head.
"No. I will love him regardless. But I would feel better, knowing I had your blessing."
"You accept my son for who he is," Splinter smiled. "You care for his brothers as if they were your own. You make him happy. You have my blessing, and my thanks."
I felt a weight lift off my chest. We shared a silent moment, a literal moment, until the brothers came flying down the water shoot.
"Munchkin? You here?" Mikey came running into the kitchen, dripping water everywhere.
"Mikey!" I pointed to the water and he grinned, holding his arms out, like he was going to hug me. I held my finger up. "Don't you dare Michaelangelo, not if you want to learn how to make peanut butter filled chocolate cupcakes."
His arms dropped instantly and a large smile broke out.
"Yes! I'll go dry off," and he was gone. Splinter chuckled behind me.
"What?" I asked, turning around.
Splinter shook his head and left, tea pot in hand. Mikey was back in a flash and we got to work. He had caught on quick since we started the Sunday cooking club. All two of us. But Mikey loved it, he was eager to learn and had a natural talent for it. I praised him left and right, and easily guiding him around any errors he made. At the end, he made two dozen peanut butter filled cupcakes. He put them all on a large sheet and tore out of the kitchen, wanting to share his creation with his family. I did up the dishes and headed over to see Donnie. I knew he was working on the truck in the makeshift garage. I had a steaming mug of coffee, with tiramisu creamer. As I walked in, he was under the hood, wrench in his hand.
"Hi honey," I smiled as I walked over, placing a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to look at me. I held up the cup of coffee up in offering. He grinned, setting the wrench down and taking the cup.
"Thank you love," he sipped the coffee, moaning in happiness when he realized I put his favorite creamer in it. He set his mug down on the edge of the truck to wrap his arms around me. I gladly returned it, resting my head carefully on his hard plastron.
"How was your day?" his voice muted by the fact that his lips were on the top of my head.
"About that..." I sighed. "Han came into the restaurant today."
Donnie snorted and then pulled away so he could look at me.
"Han Jr, I'm assuming," he picked his coffee back up and leaned casually on the truck.
"Unfortunately. He said he 'heard' that I had gotten hot through a friend and came to see for himself."
Donnie shook his head and took another drink. "Dispicable creature," he mumbled.
"Oh, it gets better. He then accused me of getting 'hot' as a way to get him back. And then told me it worked and...tried to kiss me. I pushed him away and Han senior whomped him over the head with a stalk of celery."
I wasn't exactly sure how he was going to react. So I waited for him to wade through what I had told him.
"I can't believe he tried to kiss you," Donnie finally spoke.
"We agreed to complete honesty, so I felt I needed to tell you. I'm sorry if it upset you."
He lurched forward with that quickness that always startled me. It was easy to forget they were highly trained and disciplined ninjas. He wrapped his arms around me tightly, his hand rubbing my back.
"I should be asking you if you are alright," he mumbled into my hair, taking a deep breath in through his nose. "But I was so angry for a moment I couldn't even think."
"I'm fine, Han is a harmless idiot."
"Doesn't stop me from wanting to break his legs," Donnie growled out, making me giggle. I felt a warmth blossom in me, the fact that Donnie was angry on my behalf, was possessive of me, it felt good.
"Hey," I tipped my head back and made a mock angry face at him. "Where's my hello kiss?"
He grinned and leaned down, placing his cool lips against my warm plush ones. His hands slid around my shoulders, embracing me tightly against him. These were my favorite kisses from Donnie. Slow, passionate.
"Now my day is complete," I sighed against him.
"Awe, look at my little love doves," Mikey was standing in the doorway, holding his nearly empty tray of cupcakes.
"Whoa," I motioned to the the tray. Mikey sighed and shook his head.
"Raph," we both said at the same time. And then we laughed. He came in and proudly offered a cupcake to Donnie. He took it and tenatively took a bite. Then he took another, an another until it was all gone.
"Delicious," he smiled at his younger brother. "Great job Mikey."
Mikey was on cloud 9 as he left. Donnie nudged me gently.
"He's improving quickly. You're a great teacher."
"It's all him. Oh, while I have you for a few seconds, I have some tech questions for you."
He raised his brow some, grabbing his coffee and pulling up the little wheeling stool he zipped around on in here.
"Shoot," he smiled.
"Mikey wants to go grocery shopping with me," I began and Donnie's face fell. "No no no! Not in the literal sense! I know he can't come up there with me," I explained quickly. Donnie nodded his head, the panic I had seen on his face now gone. "I have a pair of google goggles I got from a friend who works at MSG as security, he said they'd been sitting in lost and found for months. I thought I could somehow link these to a screen down here, so Mikey could virtually come grocery shopping with me..."
I stopped talking when I realized Donnie was staring at me. And not in a normal way one looks at someone when they are talking to them. I couldn't place it even if I wanted too.
"Donnie?" I smiled, slightly worried. A slow, lazy smile spread across his face, stretching into a full grin.
"I didn't think I could love you any more than I did just a few minutes ago," he got up and walked slowly towards me. When he reached me he pulled me to him, bending some so he could slide his arms around my back and waist, resting his head on my shoulder. Lips immediately catching my neck in little kisses.
"What's all this?" I sighed, loving the feel of his lips on my neck. As our relationship progressed, he got more comfortable touching me. Kissing me. It was wonderful.
"You are the most kind, amazing, selfless, smart, beautiful woman on this planet. He kissed up my jaw and over to my lips. "I don't know what I've done to deserve you."
I grabbed his face, pulling it up so we were eye level.
"You are you, that is what you've done. Donnie," I smiled. "You're so amazing. You put yourself in danger to rescue strangers, you stand up to those nobody else will. You love your family with a ferocity that puts most families to shame. You are the most wonderful man I have ever had the privledge of knowing, and the fact that you chose me, just a regular girl..Well, let's just say sometimes I don't think I deserve you."