The Colors of a Bruise

Chapter 7

Over the next couple of days, Stephanie was able to stay awake for longer and longer periods of time, although she did not attempt to walk again like she had. The effort it took to get to the bathroom, take a shower and go back had drained her of the little energy she had. The next day, she had been so tired she couldn't sit up. And it wasn't until the third day that she was able to meet Leonardo and Michelangelo.

She met Leo first, at Donnie's insistence. His reasoning was that since Leo was calm, and wouldn't push her beyond her limits, it would be best for her to meet him first. No doubt Mikey would try to get her up and into his room to show her all his video games and comic books.

When he entered the room, he immediately understood why Raphael suddenly wanted to spend so much time with her. She was very beautiful, even as skinny as she still was. He smiled when she turned to look at him.

"Hey there. So you're Leo, huh? Raphie was just telling me all about you."

He rolled his eyes.

"Oh, great."

She smiled.

"No, no, it's been mostly good, promise!"

They shared a laugh at that. Leo sat in the chair next to the bed, Raph was sitting on the foot of her bed, and they began talking, trying to get to know each other.

"So, I know you were April's friend in school, but not much else-"

"I'm going to stop you, Leo. Right now, I don't really feel comfortable talking about my past or anything like that, if that's alright with you…"

He gave a nod. He wouldn't pressure her into saying anything she didn't want to.

"I understand. What would you like to talk about?"

She thought for a moment, and looked over at Raphael who smiled when they locked eyes. She giggled and began to blush, which caused him to smirk.

"Why don't we talk about you guys? Where did you come from, and how did you get here?"

"You didn't tell her, Raph? As much time as you've been spending in here, I thought that would have come up!" The leader looked at Raph incredulously. The red banded turtle shrugged.

"It just never came up. I didn't really talk about any of that…" He looked a bit sheepish as he said this. The truth was, he had seen how she reacted to him when they had first met, and had spent most of his time bragging about himself, trying to impress her further. Leo just rolled his eyes at his brother, and began to tell the story.

"Well, you see, it started about 20 years ago…"

After about an hour, Leo finally finished the story of how they came to be, how they met April, and even the fall of the Shredder. Stephanie had sat wide eyed the whole time, amazed at the fantastic adventures they had, and the horrible dangers they had faced. Leo had to take back control of storytelling several times, because of Raphael interrupting him to highlight his own parts in it.

"Wow, Leo, you guys have really done a lot, haven't you?"

"It's nothing, really, just doing our part to keep everyone safe."

"But it's still amazing! I can't believe all of the good things you've done!"

Stephanie was in awe. She couldn't believe that Leonardo was so nonchalant about this, unlike Raphael, who was acting as though he were still on the battlefield after a heroic victory. But who could blame him? They HAD defeated a huge threat to humanity by themselves. They had reason to feel proud.

Suddenly, the three were startled by a pounding on the lab door accompanied by whining.

"Come ooooooooon, when's it MY turn? I wanna go iiiiiiiiiin! Stop hoggin' Leo! I'm the only one that hasn't met her yet! It's not fair!"

"See, Mikey? THIS, RIGHT HERE, is EXACTLY why I didn't want you going in, because you'll just exhaust her! Calm DOWN!" Donnie sounded angry.

Stephanie heard a third, unknown voice join in.

"Michelangelo! You must calm yourself, my son! Miss Stephanie is still unwell. She may not be ready for your antics just yet. Listen to Donatello, he is her caretaker, and knows what is best for her health."

She turned to Raphael.

"Who was that? I don't think I've heard that voice before."

"That's just Sensei. Er, Master Splinter, I mean."

"Oh, he's the one who bought you guys before you mutated. When will I get to meet him?"

"I dunno, I can ask Donnie for ya, if you want?"

"Ok!"

Raphael stood up and walked to the door, and snuck one more look at her before he left the lab.

After the door had closed, Leo also stood.

"I've taken up enough of your time, I know you must be pretty tired still. But It was a pleasure meeting you and spending time with you. I hope you feel well enough to join us out in the main part of the lair soon."

He leaned in and gave her a one armed hug, which she returned.

"Thanks Leo, and it was nice to meet you too!"

He turned and headed to open the door, and turned to give her a quick smile before he left.

Stephanie laid back down. She could hear voices, but couldn't quite make out words. After a couple of minutes, Donatello entered the room, followed by Splinter, and an excited Michelangelo. While Splinter sat in the chair, Mikey went straight for Raph's spot at the foot of the bed.

"Oh my gosh I'm like, so stoked to finally get to meet you! Donnie and Raph won't shut up about how hot you are, so I had ta' come see!"

Stephanie was stunned. Hot? Her?

"Wait, Raph and Donnie said that?"

"MIKEY!" Donnie had his fists balled, and he was beginning to blush.

"Well, actually, only Raph said you were hot, but Donnie won't stop talking about how amazing you are."

"Shut it, Mikey!"

Raph thinks I'm hot? He thinks I'M hot?

She was quickly shaken out of her thoughts by Mikey bouncing. He was dying to ask her every question imaginable.

"So, what kind of music do you like? What's your favorite movie? Do you like pizza? Do you like to PARTY?"

Stephanie laughed at his enthusiasm.

"Well, I like all kinds of music, except for country, my favorite movie is Repo! The Genetic Opera, I love pizza, and I LOVE to party!"

Mikey's eyes grew wide, and he pumped his fists in the air.

"Oh yeah, son, it's gonna be a party up in here!"

"MICHELANGELO!" Master Splinter brought the end of his cane down with a loud thunk, making Mikey cower.

"Y-yes Master Splinter?"

"Donatello has told you many times that Miss Stephanie is still not well, and your antics could very well tire her out more than need be. If you cannot control yourself, you will need to leave!"

"Sorry, Sensei…" Mikey clasped his hands behind his back and looked at the floor, looking like a scolded five year old.

Donatello looked relieved to have Mikey under control. Before he could say anything, Splinter turned and addressed Stephanie.

"I must apologize for my youngest son, he often does not know how to control himself."

"That's alright, sir, everyone has their faults."

"My dear, you may call me Splinter."

"Oh, ok. I can do that."

Once Mikey had calmed down a bit, he and Stephanie talked about all the fun things they liked to do, all the parties they would have, all the movies they would watch, and all the foods they would cook once she was well enough. She began to feel a connection with Mikey, like he was the younger brother and best friend she had always wanted. He could feel it, too.

"You know, I think you're gonna be my best brah, brah."

He put up his hand, waiting for her to do the same. She smiled and gave him a weak high five.

"I think you're right, Mikey. I just met you and I feel like we're best friends already. I can't wait until I'm feeling up to getting out of bed! But right now, I'd like nothing more to get some sleep… I'm glad I got to meet everyone, but I'm so tired…"

"We understand, young one. You have gone through much, and need to recuperate. I wish you a quick recovery. But I'm sure my son will continue taking good care of you, and you will be well soon enough. Good evening."

"Yeah, get some sleep, dudette, and we'll see ya' out in the lair in no time!"

Mikey gave her a quick hug, and followed his father out of the room. Donatello made his way back to her, and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Is there anything I can get you, or anything you need me to do before you go to sleep?" He secretly hoped she would ask for a hug, but he knew his chances were slim.

She yawned loudly before answering.

"I don't think so, I think I'm good. I'm just so tired…"

Donnie sighed, and stood to leave, but before he was halfway off the bed, Stephanie grabbed his hand. His head snapped around to look at her, a blush creeping up his face from feeling her hand on his.

Wow, her hands are so soft…

"Donnie? Could you stay with me while I sleep? I… I don't want to be alone…" She looked sad, but he couldn't stop his heart from pounding faster in his chest.

"Of course I can," he said softly, "anything to help you feel better, Steph."

He sat back down, and put his arms around her. She laid her head down on his shoulder.

"Thank you."

She laid back on the bed, Donnie's arms slowly unwrapping from around her. Once he was sure she was comfortable, he began to hum, very quietly under his breath. She fell asleep quickly after this, and he leaned back to admire her sleeping face. His heart began to break as he thought about her, and about the future. Why did he torture himself so? Why would he let himself fall in love with her, knowing he had little chance of ever being with her?

Because even a tiny chance, is still a chance.