The Colors of a Bruise

by Ardelion

After April's marriage to Casey, Donnie has been isolating himself. Can his brothers help him through this emotional time? And who is the strange friend that Casey and April have brought to live in the lair? Of the four turtles, she sees one as a brother, one as a friend, and two as possibly something more... Who will she choose? Rated for future adult situations. I do not own TMNT

2. Chapter 2

The Colors of a Bruise

Chapter 2

Splinter's Room

Leo got to Master Splinter's room, just as the rat master was opening the door.

"Sensei, April and Casey brought a sick friend for Donnie to see, and she may be staying a while, by the looks of her. April said she's been sick for a while."

"I see. Then we should wait with the others until Donatello has made sure she is alright."

Donnie's Lab

"Donnie! Donnie! April'sfriendissickandsheneedsyourhelpand-"

"Calm down Mikey, I can't understand you when you talk that fast. Now calmly, tell me what's going on." Donnie removed the goggles he was wearing, and swiveled his chair around to look at Mikey.

"April just got here and her and Casey have this girl, and she says she's been sick for a while, and Raph's bringing her and she needs your help!"

Donatello shook his head.

"I'm still slightly confused, but that's enough to work with."

Raphael came into the lab carrying the girl, and laid her on the table Donnie gestured to. He gathered a few medical supplies and approached the table.

"What did you say her name was, Mikey?

"Stephanie"

"Stephanie, my name is Donatello, I'm going to be looking after you, alright?"

She gave a weak nod, and let out a small grunt. After the trip down into the sewers, she didn't even have the energy to say 'okay'. After doing a standard examination and taking her vitals, Donnie stepped back.

"Okay, I'm going to run a couple of tests, and you two can stay or not. I need everyone to be quiet, however."

Mikey left the lab, to sit on the couch with April and Casey, and Raph moved to a chair farther away from the exam table. After a few more minutes of physical examination, Donnie drew a vial of blood.

"Hey Raph, can you please step outside? I'll let everyone know what's going on soon."

He calmly got up and left the lab without a word. Even he, the hot headed, impulsive one, knew better than to argue with Donnie when he was in Doctor mode.

After about half an hour, Donatello emerged from the lab. He had a notebook in hand, and a neutral expression which formed into a scowl when he saw April and Casey. He walked to where everyone was waiting, and began to speak in a monotone.

"Well, I have good news and bad news. Bad news is that she seems very malnourished, which has, in turn, caused her to develop severe anemia. On top of that, she has the flu. The good news is, Stephanie won't die and she has great odds of making a full recovery. As long as she gets adequate nutrition with extra iron, plenty of fluids and lots of rest, she should be back to normal within a few months."

There was a loud sigh of relief from everyone present.

"I just wanted to say thank you, Donnie. Thank you so much for helping Steph. I don't know what we would have done without you."

April walked up to Donnie and threw her arms around him. He stiffened at her touch, then placed his hands on her shoulders to move her backwards, away from himself.

"It's what I do. No need to thank me." He then turned and went straight to the lab, waiting for the door to shut behind him before letting his tears flow free.