So so so so sorry about the long gap in between uploads. Getting back to school has been hell, and I haven't had time to properly think about where I'm gonna take Raph and Mona next. Instead, this week, I kept thinking about Mikey, and evaluating his personality. So I created this little adventure of his to satisfy my thoughts.

This doesn't mean that Mike is taking over the story, or that I'm foregoing Raph and Mona's relationship! They will be back, don't you worry.

I snuck this in as a side note almost, it happens, in my mind, only a day or two after Mona turns up at the Lair.

Gabrielle may or may not make another appearance later in the story. Depends on how things are going. Also, I don't own any TMNT characters. But Gabrielle was all my idea.

Anyway, enjoy Mikey-time!


Time-Out

"MIKE! I'll kill ya!"

"Raph, no! It's not worth it! You know he'll just come back with an even worse trick if you do; just wait it out." Donatello's voice softened into a whisper, "Then your revenge will be even sweeter."

Leonardo joined in his purple-masked brother's effort to restrain Raphael. "Genius's right Raph, let him go and we'll get him later."

Mikey peeked out from behind a corner, watching his brothers' struggle with a sheepish smile on his face. Donnie saw Mike before he could duck out again, and called to him. "Mikey, you better get out for a bit; if Raph gets loose you're not gonna like the consequences."

Michelangelo leaned back against the wall, laughing under his breath and inwardly congratulating himself for the success of his latest prank. He didn't expect Raph to walk into it so easily. He has been kinda off lately. But that's what made it so satisfying; he hated seeing Raph brooding and lashing out at Donnie and Leo, so he decided a good prank was in order. But Donnie was right, Raph definitely needed some cool-down time. So Mikey hopped the turnstiles and headed for the surface.

Mikey made for his favorite manhole and let his mind wonder. Not surprisingly, his thoughts drifted to a familiar scenario.

What if I could have a day to be normal; go up to the surface in the daylight without anyone lookin' at me funny? What if could give Donnie, Leo, and Raph that chance? Donnie would want to go to some school, or museum, or library. Raph would watch a fight, and probably get into one. Maybe Leo would get out of the city, go hiking and meditate somewhere. It'd be nice to give them something like that; a chance of normalcy. But would they want it? Would I want it? Maybe we aren't so different from normal already. Just cause we don't look like humans doesn't mean that we aren't like them, right?
I wonder what I'd look like. I bet I'd be a handsome devil. Like that Chris Evans guy- or Freddie Stroma. Yeaah. Curly blonde hair and blue eyes; bet I'd pass as one of those surfers. But would I still be
me?
It'd be cool to be an actor like that. Famous, so everyone knows you. A lot different from not existing. But that might get to be pretty exhausting, everyone knowing all about you and what you're doing.
Sometimes the shadows are nice that way; no one knows what you're doing. I wish I had someone to share my human adventure ideas with, other than my brothers. Well, I got April. But she's busy enough with Donnie. And Mona knows it all; she lived like a normal human already.
Does Mona miss high school? She told me she hated it; the people are all materialistic and only care about parties and alcohol and sex. But who wouldn't want to throw a party? My parties wouldn't be like the ones Mona told me about; I don't think I'd need all that alcohol to have a good time. But sex? From what I've seen on TV, it's either not a big deal or a very big deal. And everyone seems to be happy when they have it. If I was human, would girls wanna do
that with me?
Mikey thought a bit harder. Seems sorta gross.
But I guess if you're in loooveee, like April and Genius. Oh, ick. Let's think about something else.
If I were human, would I still have my ninjutsu skills? Maybe I would be a superhero! Maybe I'm already a superhero! But no one really knows about us. Don't superheroes have to be known about to be heroes? Leo always says "vigilante". That doesn't sound as cool.
Aw nuts. Should have grabbed my board before I left; that looks like a great tunnel to grind.

After inspecting the skateboarding tunnel, Mikey reached the grate that let out in an alley only a block from Central Park. He loved to roam around the park at night, but right now the sun had only begun to set, so he would have to wait. Stealthily, Mikey hopped up into the alley and replaced the cover, immediately making for the rooftops.

He hadn't been running long when he came across a break-in at a small video store. The three criminals were extremely stereotypical; the black ski masks, bags, handguns, the whole bit. Mikey smirked at their efforts to assert themselves. I guess I should teach them what they're doin wrong; it's only fair.

Mikey leapt in through the smashed window, staying completely silent as he passed some frightened customers. Seeing their shocked expressions was almost too much; he wagged his eye brows at them for good measure. Seeing that some of them were on the verge of crying out, he held one large green digit up to his mouth in a shush gesture.

Leo and Donnie wouldn't like him messing around, but for once Mikey was going to do things his way.

Two of the robbers were grabbing as much merchandise as they could fit in their bags while the other stood by the door, keeping look out and threatening the customers with his gun at the same time.

Mike knew the drill. Get the guns away first, then take 'em out.

With a speed even his brothers couldn't match, Mikey ran and swiped the first two men's guns from their holsters. Using that same momentum, he rounded the corner of the counter and slid in between the third man's legs, grabbing the gun from below and delivering a bone-cracking punch to the man's wrist.

The robber cried out in pain and fell to his knees, but Mikey was already gone, dumping the bullets from the guns and chucking them in the outside dumpster. The robbers were still standing where he left them, dumbfounded, when he slid back into the store. This time Mike chose to use his nunchaku to take them down. A few hits to the back of the knees and one over the head for each was enough to send them into unconsciousness.

Using zip-ties he found in one of the desk drawers, Mikey tied up the criminals' wrists and ankles. He had just finished when the sound of approaching sirens hit his ears. One of the customers must have called in. Mikey gave a good-natured wave to the still awe-struck customers and flew back out into the alley.

Mike had been practicing his flips for almost a half-hour on a roof top when he heard loud voices from the street. Curious, he peeked out from the roof, searching the ground below for anything out-of-the ordinary. What he saw wasn't a crime-in-process, but a long line of elegantly dressed people.

Mikey cocked his head to the side at the sight. What are these people doing, dressed up like that on the street? Then an idea struck him. This building must be important, and they're waiting to get inside! He jumped to the neighboring building's roof to get a better view of the building all those people were waiting so long for.

What he found almost made him squeal with happiness. Instead, he had to make due with an excited shiver.

He had been practicing his flips on the top of one of NYC's largest art galleries! Man, I wish I could get in there and see what they have on display. I bet those pieces would be so inspirational. And I could see how well my work would stack up against theirs. If only I could get my stuff into a gallery…

His mind still contemplating which of his paintings he would risk submitting to a gallery, Mikey jumped back to the top of the gallery and made his way down the fire escapes on one side. Maybe a window will be open, and I can just peek in…

His thoughts were interrupted again, this time by sounds of a scuffle. All thoughts of the art work gone, Mikey dropped into the alley. But he didn't see any one, and the sounds were coming from behind a couple crates and a dumpster. A human should be taller than that dumpster… so why can't I see any one?

Hands on his nunchaku, Mikey crept forward. A small yelp, a soft growl, and snapping of jaws told Mikey that he wasn't dealing with humans; the animals causing the ruckus were dogs. Luckily, a fire escape was placed directly above and to the left of the crates where the noises came from. Shooting toward the bottom ladder, Mikey pulled off a quick trapeze tuck and landed on the edge of the dumpster. He took in the scene only a few feet below him.

Two large, mangy Dobermans had cornered a German Shepard pup, seeming to be enjoying teasing the puppy with their big jaws. One would snap at the little one's tail, causing it to scamper in the other direction, right into the jaws of the other. This went on for a couple rounds before the young pup raised its hackles and growled its soft puppy growl back at them. Mike was impressed. The pup had guts.

The Dobermans were done playing, and Mikey could tell it was time to intervene. He swooped down and grabbed each by the scruff of their necks; tossed them toward the mouth of the alley. "Go on, you big bullies. Get outta here."

With small whimpers, the two ran off, tails between their legs.

Mikey didn't expect to be attacked by a small, wriggling fur ball. He laughed loudly as the German Shepard covered his face with puppy kisses. The pup's outward friendliness was unexpected; Mikey would have thought it would turn and run as soon as it was able. But when he got a hold of the squirming puppy, he could tell it wasn't like the other two who had attacked it. Its coat still held a dull shine, and its ribs lightly stuck out from the small body. The pup was a she, and her excited brown eyes gleamed in the street light.

It seemed as though she had already forgotten that her life had been in jeopardy just moments ago. Mikey nuzzled his nose against the pup's, laughing when he received another thorough face-licking. "Those big guys are gone sweetie, but it seemed like you almost didn't need my help. You're a tough pup, aren't cha?" Mikey produced a soft growl of his own, copying the one he heard earlier from the small puppy in his arms.

Her perky ears flattened back against her head, and she replied with the same growl. Mikey doubled over with laughter, hugging the Shepard to his plastron. She seemed to have picked up on the game and put on a happy puppy grin when she saw he was merely playing.

"Oh, I like you girl. You deserve a name, for sure. Now lemme think." He sat the pup down and let her nibble on his fingers as he thought of the perfect name for the outgoing puppy.

"Got it! Rita. How 'bout it, Rita?" He glanced down at her, watched her tiny tail wag in appreciation. Mikey smiled. "You're comin' with me, little lady."

Scooping Rita up, he took to the rooftops. His new puppy seemed to understand Mikey wouldn't hurt her, and after clearing a few buildings he felt her relax against his plastron. He made his way back toward Central Park, trying to find a rooftop with high enough ledges that he could set Rita down without worrying about her falling.

He did find one, and with his luck, it had a water storage tank on it. Mikey slipped the top off slightly, and lowered the pup down. She knew what to do; he held her there until the sound of lapping at the water ceased. Mikey wished he could give her something to eat, but would Sensi even let Rita come home?

Doesn't make a difference. She's coming home with me no matter what.

Mikey watched Rita run around the rooftop, playing with the smallest things and keeping herself occupied. She can't keep her thoughts straight; Mike thought with a smile, she just goes from one thing to the next. But she understands so much! I'd bet she's more perceptive than Raph. Rita ran back over to Mike, just wanting check up with him. After a quick hand lick, she was off again, sniffing every inch of the roof.
It's funny how dogs are perfectly fine with us. Well with me, but Rita will love the guys and Master Splinter too. She wasn't afraid of my appearance, and really, neither were the other two. They were afraid because I threw them down the alley, not because of how I looked. If people acted more like dogs, maybe we wouldn't have to be so scared to come out of the shadows.

Mikey decided that to repay Rita for her friendliness, he would find her something to eat. Promising he'd be right back, he took off for the residential area a couple blocks away. Scaling the building, Mike was happy to see one of the residents left out their dog's food in the back, which the dog hadn't yet touched.

Mikey left what he thought to be the right amount of money where the bowl had been, and quickly ran back for Rita. On his way back he picked up the sound of loud music from a nearby street. He made a mental note to swing back and check it out as soon as he picked up Rita.

She was waiting for him, front paws up resting the ledge of the roof and tail going a million miles an hour. It was enough to win her a kiss on the head and a scratch behind the ear. Pulling the bowl out from behind his back, Mikey addressed the dark brown eyes. "I hunted down some dinner for you little girl! Chow down!" As soon as the bowl touched the ground, Rita was all over it.

Deciding to sit with Rita as she finished, Mikey wondered about the music he heard. He also knew he should be getting back home; it had been dark for at least two hours now. Promising himself, Rita, and his family that the music would be his last stop, Mikey gathered up his now-full puppy dog and retraced his steps back to the residential area. Once there, all he had to do was follow his ears to the source of the tunes.

As they moved closer, the music became louder, until Mikey could see that it was coming from a local high school. Settling on the building closest to the school, Mikey peered down at an open door. From inside he could see flashing colorful lights and the outlines of hundreds of dancing teenagers. It's a party! But, Mona said those aren't usually at the school. What did she say about parties at school…
Don't they have school dances, like the ones on TV? The big one is called Prom. Maybe
that's what this is.

Mikey spotted a smaller building, a type of shed, closer to the door. Holding on to Rita tightly, he shot into the night, only pulling up on his speed when the both of them were safe behind the corner of the building. Mikey slumped against the wall, wishing more than anything that he could have a chance to go to something like a school dance.

Lost in thought, he didn't notice Rita becoming antsy. She jumped up, nipping at the back of his head. Before Mike could scold her, she jumped again, this time returning to the ground with a strip of orange in her small jaws.

Mikey smiled and decided to allow the curious pup to entertain herself with his mask. He rested his head back against the building, listening to the music coming from the gym. The note at the ending of the chorus kept reminding Mikey of a song he used to sing; every time he heard it Mike felt compelled to continue right into the other song. After the last chorus, Mikey couldn't help himself anymore. He knew exactly what song he was thinking of; it was one he and Raph loved to sing together when they were 12.

Knowing the music would cover him, Mikey let his voice creep up, gradually louder and louder into the song.

"They love... to... tell… you,
Stay… inside… the lines.
That some... thing's… better…
On... the… other side.

I wanna run through the halls of my high school
I wanna
scream at the
Top of my lungs
I just found out there's no such thing as the real world
just a lie you've got to rise above

I am invincible
I am invincible
I am invincible
As long as I'm alive"

He brought the song back around as he remembered a part of the first verse that applied to his situation quite hilariously.

"Well I never lived the dreams of the prom kings
And the drama queens
I'd like to think the best of me
Is still hiding
Up my sleeve…"

He was preparing to start into the chorus again when a door slam and the clicking of heels on pavement stopped him short. Mikey grabbed Rita before she could run out, and snuck a quick look around the side of the building. There in the alley behind the gym sat a girl in the longest, most eye-catching dress Mike had ever seen.

It was strapless, and colored deep blue at the top. The dress cinched in at the smallest part of her waist and the blue lighted just a shade there. A long, white, gauzy skirt attached at her waist and fluttered against her legs when a breeze blew by.

The girl wearing this dress sat down on a piece of sporting equipment not far from the door. Mikey watched as she slipped off her heels and stretched her legs out, curling her sore toes. Mike thought it was the cutest thing he had ever seen; the girl's little toes curling up as she stretched. He was so entranced that Rita managed to squirm her way out of his grasp and scamper off towards the girl. Before Mikey could reach for her, she had already made it out into the light of the alleyway.

The girl glanced up and smiled when she saw Rita tumbling over her own feet in an effort to run faster. She scooped the pup, who was now shuddering with excitement. The girl laughed just as Mikey had at Rita's openness. She held the pup out at arm's length and looked Rita straight in the eyes. "Now I know it wasn't you singing back there missy. Who's your friend?"

With a shock, Mikey realized that she was talking about him. She heard me?! What do I do? I can't show myself to her! But I need Rita, and she already knows someone is back here. How can I get to Rita and keep the girl from seeing me… I wish I back home, if I hadn't come out I wouldn't be in this mess.

"I think your puppy wants you to show yourself, too."

Sure enough, Rita had run back into the shadows and was now tugging on his knee pad with her teeth. He reached down for her, but again she skirted beyond his reach and back toward the girl.

Oh, what the heck.

He tied his mask back on before stepping out from behind the building, but he kept to the darkness. Mikey kept his plastron to the girl, so she wouldn't see the outline of his shell in the shadows. "I didn't think you'd hear me."

"Well, to be honest, I didn't expect to hear anyone out here. That's why I came out."

Mikey couldn't help himself; his curiosity caused him to be blunt. "Why aren't you back in there? Weren't you having fun? Don't you like to dance?"

She laughed nervously. "Woah, woah, there. I didn't know I was playing 20 questions. You're lucky I'm not screaming for help. Usually I wouldn't be talking to a random guy who hangs out in the shadows of alleys. If it weren't for your little friend here, I'd be gone."

Mikey cringed at the harsh truth of his situation. I must be pretty creepy, hanging out back here. "Sorry. I'm not the type to hide out in the shadows, really. I'm forced to do it for my safety… I'd love to be out in the light! I'd really love to go to that dance. But that's impossible."

The girl scrunched her eyebrows together at his confession. "How do the shadows keep you safe? What are you hiding?"

"Now who's asking the 20 questions?"

This earned him a small smirk from the girl. "Touché. Alright, how 'bout this one. Why do you want to go to that dance so badly?"

"It's a party! I've never been to one. And I love to dance, but my brothers will never dance with me. To dance with other people… that would be so awesome. Why wouldn't you want to go to a dance?"

She looked down at her feet. "You mean why am I out here, and not in there."

"Well, yeah. I guess."

"I'll tell you. But I want to know; who are you?"

Without thinking, Mikey jumped at the chance to introduce himself. "Name's Mikey! Or Mike. Short for Michelangelo. Oh shoot… probably shouldn't have told you that."

"No, I'm glad you did! Why shouldn't you have?"

"Sensi won't be happy; Leo would kill me. We aren't supposed to reveal ourselves to humans."

"'To humans'? Like, you're not one? You sound like any other guy at my high school."

"Huh. Well, I'll promise you, I'm not. A guy from your high school, I mean. I'm still a guy…"

This isn't going anywhere good. I need to leave. Where's that dang pup?

"Well alright, 'Mikey'. But I think your puppy here isn't going anywhere quick." Reading his mind, she gestured to Rita, who had now curled up at her feet. "And I don't think you want to leave without her. She's a total sweetheart. So either I'm going to have to bring her to you, or you're gonna have to come get her. Which is it going to be?"

Mikey broke into a cold sweat. What can I do?! Maybe if I call to her, she'll come. Hopefully she knows her name already. "Rita! C'mere girl!"

Rita whined in her sleep, but made no move to get up.

The girl shot a smug look in Mikey's direction. "No luck, Mike. This little lady is out."

Dang it, Rita! Okay. I'm going to do this. I'm just going to grab Rita and hightail it outta here.

"Fine. You girls win. But please, please. Don't scream. And don't pass out."

"Mikey, you're kinda scaring me…" Her voice quivered and left her. Mikey had stepped forward, head down, into the street light. After a couple more steps, he still didn't hear the girl make a sound. Do I risk looking at her?

He lifted his gaze slowly, seeing first her feet, traveling up her dress to her face. His eyes met her dark brown ones, and he saw them widen. Mikey involuntarily hunched his shoulders and gave a half-hearted, closed-mouth smile. "I told ya."

She struggled to find her voice. "Well. Uh, yeah, I guess you did."

Seeing that she wasn't too freaked out, Mikey remembered his first question. "So why aren't you inside?"

"What? Oh, that. Well, it's not really my scene. I don't do parties or dances too well. Or any social gathering, for that matter. Actually, my friend dragged me to this one. She got a guy to ask me, took me out to get this silly dress, did my makeup. She worries that I don't get out enough. Yeah, sure I keep to myself a lot, but it's not a problem. I talk with girls on the swim and lacrosse teams. I'd just rather keep to myself. What's the point of dancing with your sweaty classmates? I won't see any of them soon, we'll all graduate and forget all of this and get on with our lives. And… why am I still talking?"

Mikey had been absolutely entranced, his eyes never leaving the girl's face as it contorted into mixed emotions of sadness, defiance, and embarrassment. He could only think of one thing to say. "What's your name?"

She raised her eyebrows, but didn't refuse the information. "Gabrielle."

"You seem so nice, Gabrielle. I mean you're really personable, you took a chance to talk to me and you're still talking to me! I guess because I've never had the chance to talk to anyone, or have classmates, or go to dances, I value all of those things. I don't understand the bad side of them… just because I don't have the experience."

"You know what I think?"

"What do you think?"

"I think that you don't understand the bad side because, for you, there is no bad side. To anything. You're a really positive guy, I can tell. I wish you could have a chance to do everything you want to. But I see that that is a bit out of reach for you…" Gabrielle leaned down and picked up the sleeping Rita, walking right up to Mikey.

She stood about as tall as he did; only an inch separated their eye levels. She held Rita out, and Mikey took his puppy from her. "I'm gonna go back inside and try to finish out the night being a little bit more positive. Thanks to you."

Mikey smiled down at Gabrielle. "Good. And you don't have to thank me. Really, I should thank you for not freaking out."

She turned, waving a dismissive hand over her shoulder. "Anytime, Mike. You better get your pup home."

He nodded, mostly to himself, and leapt for the rooftops again. He didn't notice Gabrielle watching him go as she scooped up her heels from the pavement.

But he did think about her the whole trip back home.


Sorry about the long rambles. It's what I imagine Mikey to think like; going from one subject to another. The song he sang was "No Such Thing" by John Mayer, you might know it. I thought of it when I thought of the Prom/meet Gabrielle part. It makes sense him and Raph would sing it, Mikey likes the soft voice and Raph likes the sarcastic, biting lyrics.

We will be back with Raph and Mona next chapter!

Also, thank you times a billion for the continued support!