Life's Gift Of Love: Mikey's Love Story

by TMNTFANGIRL1116

As teenage leukemia victim Skylar Richards stared death in the face she could not have imagined that the illness would lead her to love and happiness. For many years her life has been dominated by her desperate struggle against the disease, but in an echo of meeting and saving an orange banded turtle, she had found reason to live again. Can love really overcome a deadly obstacle?

10. Chapter 10

Mikey's Pov...
I nearly lost my footing on the ladder when I climbed back down after I felt Skylar kiss me. As soon as I barely got to the bottom of the ladder, I did end up slipping on a wet slippery bar and ended up falling to the ground on my shell. But I didn't feel any pain and even if I did I wouldn't care, I was too much in shock. Looking up to the manhole cover above me where I last saw her, my palms were sweating, my heart was racing a so fast in a minute and I felt my stomach twist up in knots, but not of pain but from excitement. "Wow! That...was...awesome!", I said, sounding breathless

I couldn't even move from the ground, it felt like I was just a big pile of melted butter. I knew it! I knew that there was something between the two of us! I knew she had feelings for me! Out of all those times that brothers told me that no one would understand or have feelings for a giant mutant like we are, that theory was finally proven wrong! "Cowabunga", I said, throwing an fist in the air

I was able to get myself to my feet before leaning against the wall looking all day dreaming about what just happened. I never thought in a million years this would ever happen to me, but now that it has oh it was just the best feeling in the world to feel that kind of love from someone. So that's what it feels like! By the time I was able to get myself home, I was grinning from ear to ear and I didn't even noticed that I bumped into my brother coming from the bedroom. "Watch it you numbnut!", he said, sounding all grouchy "Did she finally leave?"

I snapped myself out of my daze when I heard him say those words and I had about had enough of this abuse. Sure at first I would never pick a fight but after gaining some confidence in myself, I wasn't going to let that go unanswered. I glared at him.

"You know you have been hard on Skylar from day one for no apparent reason", I said, crossing my arms "What gives?"

"For no apparent reason? How about you going out of the shadows where you could be seen, hanging out with someone you barely know, sneaking out, and worst risking your own life for some stranger that could be a danger to all of us", he said, arguing back

"She is not making me do those things! I have a mind of my own! I am not a baby! I can do what I want and you can't control me!", I said "And what's the big deal on meeting another human? We met April!"

"Well of course numbskull she has known us since we were not even mutated and the fact that she saved our lives from being burnt up in flames and this one is just bringing trouble!", he said

"She had no choice over what happened on that night she got attacked, saving my life and all of your lives from the Foot, and the fact that she is being hunted for some reason by our enemy!", I said "She only did it cause she cares and I know for a fact that she isn't what you always thought she was!"

"You don't need to bring more people down crawling in our home and bringing more danger!", he said "We already have enough problems!"

"You should of not been so controlling over me when I was little, I could of done a lot of things by myself!", I said

"It would of always ended up in disaster anyways, no logic up in that big head of yours", he said, hitting my head with the back of his hand "Besides it would always ended up with you feeling low and gloomy"

"So what?!", I said, throwing my arms in frustration

"What is this all of sudden? You have always have been told that they wouldn't care or accept us! And yet still don't listen!", he said

"People are not always the same! There are good ones out there just like April! I am changing and you are taking out your anger on the wrong kind of person who actually cares about us, it's insulting me!", I said

"Fine!", he said, throwing his hands up in the air "Then whatever the reason, you are becoming rebellious and riskier than before"

"Speak for yourself, we gained back a family member, a new home, I gained a new friend, you can't stand anybody else being happy" I said, glaring

"That's not true!", he said, pointing at me

"She is my best friend and she is not going anywhere, and you better start treating her right!", I said "Or you and I are going to be having some problems!"

I walked away abruptly not giving him any time to say anything. I didn't know why he was treating Skylar like this and it was getting rather annoying and it was just plain out rude. I mean he wasn't even this harsh towards April after we found out that she was the one who saved us from the fire years ago. I just don't get it. I went into the bedroom that we shared and crashed on my lower bunk and that's when I heard my phone chime and screen light up, as I reached over and grabbed it. "Hey I got home safe"

I smiled seeing it was from my sweet love. "That's good :) when do you think we can meet up again?"

"Mmmmmm well I don't have work tomorrow :) why don't you guys come by for dinner and a movie?"

I smiled brightly to the idea and how I was eager to see her again, especially after she kissed me. "Totally dudette! 3 3 3 sounds like a plan to me! I will let the guys know and we will be right over!"

"Lol coolio :) alright I will see you then 3 ;) Cutie Pie", she texted

Seeing her texts made me immediately forget about the confrontation with Raph. From seeing her smile, hearing her voice or us texting, it always brought a smile to my face every time, really truly smile. I didn't know that meeting someone like her could change me. After hearing about her story, her cancer and everything that she had go through, it made me have a better understanding about things around me and inspired me to stand up for myself when things would get rough. She was really being an inspiration to me and to my family and we have almost all of us come to love her, especially me. This girl really meant so much to me and I was determined to keep her safe, help her battle with this cancer and help her survive. I love her so much.

Sky's Pov...
I was making sure that my apartment was cleaned up before the boys were showing up. I had gotten my fish and rats fed and I fed my dog in my room since he was still having some trust issues of being out in the rest of my place, but I was just giving him all the time and space that he needed. I fixed up the throw pillows on the couch and rearranged the roses I had gotten earlier in the vase on the dinning table. When I heard the footsteps on the roof above I giggled getting an idea, as I shut off the lights with only the scented candles I lit up lighting up the dark space. I climbed up the wall using a chair and I gripped on to the railing on top of the ceiling waiting for the boys to come in through the window. I saw the boys jumping on to my fire escape as I hid myself higher on the ceiling as Mikey used the key I gave him to unlock my window and the boys one by one come climbing inside. "Skylar?", Mikey called out

"Anyone home?", Leo called out

I struggled to control my snickering but it was almost giving me away as they looked around confused. "Get a little closer", I whispered to myself "Closer Mikey"

Mikey was getting right under me and that's when I pounced on top of his shoulders silently, giving a pressure point to the back of his neck before jumping down and sweeping him off his feet, keeping him pinned with my knee. He had let out a shriek and he had tried to whack me with a nunchuck before I twisted his wrist releasing his grip snatching it away when he had hit the floor. I heard Leo and Donnie yell out trying to pull out their weapons before I used one of the ninja stars Mikey had given me to hit the light switch across the room.

I laughed as I twirled the nunchuck in my hand. "Gotcha!", I said, laughing

"Not cool dudette!", Mikey said "You nearly scared the shell out of me!"

"Jeez and I thought every ninja was suppose to be prepared for any kind of attack", I said, smirking, twirling the weapon around faster before tossing it in the air before catching it

"Touché", he said, crossing his arms trying to give a straight face but ended up smiling at the end

I laughed and I offered him my hand to help him up to his feet. "I am just pulling your leg, I knew it was you guys anyways, just thought I get in some extra practice", I said

"Oh sure and what better way to do it then on your dinner guests", Donnie said, with a smirk sounding sarcastic

"You are getting better on your sneak attacks Sky", Leo said. sheathing his katanas

"I guess those Ninjitsu lessons with Splinter are really starting to pay off, besides that is getting back at for when you scared me at the parlor", I said, giving Mikey a smirk

"It was worth it", he said, shrugging smiling "Hey, I thought that was for when I caught you on my skateboard?"

"Oh I still yet to have plan my revenge for that one, I would keep my eyes open if I were me", I said, cocking my eyebrows

Leo and Donnie began to snicker while Mikey squeaked in fright. "And that goes for you both too", I said, smirking at them both

They both stopped quickly, trying to make it look like they weren't doing anything, before I let out a laugh. I then noticed at the corner of my eye my cat jumped on to the back of the couch, and with Leo's shell turned against her she began to swat at his hanging mask tails. "Don't look now Leo but I think someone likes playing with your mask tails", I said, pointing behind him giggling

He slowly turned around and Kisa was standing on top of her hind legs meowing, resting her paws on his chest. "Oh hi there little guy, what's your name?", he asked, as he petted her along her back as she purred loudly

She meowed before jumping up in his arms as he caught her and she began to rub against his face. "Oh my gosh, you are too adorable", he said, scratching her under her chin while snuggled his neck "You are like the most affectionate cat I ever met"

"I would say she is too, wouldn't surprise me if she was in the record books of affection, her name is Kisa", I said, smiling

"Hi Kisa, she is really beautiful", he said, as she curled up in his arms looking over his shoulder

"She is, she is my baby", I said, scratching her ear

I then noticed it was just only the three of them. "Where's Raph?", I asked, curiously

"Oh well...he...kind of is", Mikey said, trying to explain not making it not obvious

"In a bad mood again?", I asked

"Yup", he said, quickly

"Figures", I said, rolling my eyes and hitting my head with my hand

"We tried to get him to come along, but he just wasn't up for it", Leo said, shaking his head

"Oh well", I said, shrugging "It's his decision not mine, don't have control over that"

I then could hear squawking as I giggled seeing my bird flying on top of Donnie's head and began to pull at his head gear. "Hey! What is that biting at my head?", Donnie asked, trying to crane his head up to see what was going on

"That would be Skittles my scarlet macaw", I said, as she looked down at him and began to bite as his glasses pulling them off

"Oh no hey I need those!", he said, trying to pull them back but she ended taking in her beak

He was moving his arms blindly trying to find them as I giggled walking to him. "Here hold on, come here pretty girl", I said, as she climbed on my arm when I extended it out

I had a bit of tug of war for the glasses in her beak before she finally let go. "Naughty bird", I said, kissing her beak before handing Donnie his glasses back

"Thanks", he said, smiling embarrassed putting them back on

"Sorry, she is very curious about new things", I said, as he scratched behind her head as her wings flapped

"More like mischievous if you ask me", he said, looking at her

I chuckled as Skittles laughed amused. "Yeah that too, but you can't stay mad at her for long, she kind of gives you those big puppy eyes you can't resist", I said, as she climbed on to Donnie's wrist "Or should I say pretty bird eyes"

He got into stroking her along her back while she gently was grazing the tip of her beak along his arm. "Not like most macaws that would normally bite", he said

"Well they don't bite if you are calm, its almost a little bit of psychology", I said "The more tense and stress you are the more likely you are going to be bitten, but if you remain calm and gentle than your behavior would reflect on what the bird might act"

He smiled as Skittles began to climb on his arm and she got comfortable on his shoulder and began to graze at his head as he chuckled. I smiled and giggled and Leo was looking at the fish in my tank before he looked over the cage that held my rats. "What you got in here Sky?", Leo asked, looking over his shoulder

"Oh that's Iggy and Lola, those are her pet rats! They are awesome! Kind of remind me of Splinter", Mikey said, piping up

Iggy and Lola then appeared out from their hammock and began to sniff in the air before jumping down and going to the cage door. "You can take them out if you want", I said

Leo unlatched the cage door and he held out his hand as they both sniffed for a moment, before Iggy started to climb on with Lola not being far behind. "Wow they are so tiny", he said, as they looked around and climbing up to his shoulders

"And to think Splinter was that small before we mutated", Donnie said, as he gave Skittles a crushed nut in his fingers

"Totally!", Mikey said

"Well I am glad to see that everyone is getting along with you guys, which reminds me there is an new addition to the family that I want you all to meet", I said, going to my room

"You got another pet Sky?! What is it?!", Mikey asked, excitedly "I told you guys she was Dr. Doolittle"

"Oh shush! I am not really, its not like I have a tiger sleeping in my bed", I said, jokingly

"What is your new pet Sky?", Donnie asked, curiously

"You will see, but just go very slowly with him, he is still kind of uneasy around some people", I said, slowly opening my bedroom door "Hey baby, come here"

I made a few clicks with my lips and saw Buddha come over slowly to the door as his head peeked out before coming out of the door slightly, sitting down beside my leg. "Oh my god", Leo said, softly, walking over

"Yeah he has not had a good start", I said, getting on my knees, petting his head "Haven't you?"

Mikey came over and Buddha backed up behind me in fear, whimpering. "Oh it's okay", he said, getting down on his knees slowly and he held out his hand open for him to show him he meant no harm "Don't be afraid"

Buddha cautiously came out from behind me as he very timidly walked out to Mikey. His stance was low to the ground, almost like he was trying to avoid his gentle hand. Afraid that it might strike him at any given second. But as soon as he got closer he started standing up higher till his hand gently stroked the side of his head with the back of his knuckles. Mikey looked at him with a smile till Buddha got the courage to come closer till he sat down and licked his wrist. "See Buddha, he doesn't want to hurt you, he wants to be a friend", I said, to him in a soft voice

"Buddha?", Mikey said, curiously

"Because of his gentle demeanor, like Buddha himself", I said

"What happened to him Sky?", Mikey asked, sitting beside him, gently stroking his back "He looks in pretty bad shape"

"I saved him from the county shelter just last night", I said "I saw his photo on the website and I knew I had to do something for him after everything that he had to be put through"

"So what is his story?", Donnie asked, examining him with his goggles "Like how did he get this way?"

"He was apart of a dog fighting operation in the city that just got shut down by the police, twenty dogs were seized at the scene, I guess basically fighting for the sport or drugs or something related to that", I said "He was used as a bait dog"

"What does that mean?", Leo asked

"Bait dog means that Buddha wasn't train to fight, other dogs would attack him while he had been either tied up and muzzled while the other dogs just completely tear him apart, I mean to them it makes their dogs a whole lot stronger for when do the real fight they got better practice", I said "But for Buddha is was just nothing but pain, most of the scars you see on him are from the mauling's of other dogs"

"So basically he was used as a punching bag for the fighters?", Mikey asked, looking at him with concern

"Uh-huh he was like one of the only ones that weren't trained to fight", I said "When I got him he was just a mess, it was unbelievable, I am surprised he even lasted that long with the amount of injuries he had. In Buddha's case he had open wounds from bites, wounds that have been improperly cared for, his nose was split open and he was missing a few teeth so he had gotten put into pretty tough battles"

"Jeez that is awful, how could they do that to him?", Donnie said, gently stroking behind Buddha's ears

"I really honestly don't know, it was just really a horrible picture you guys, everyone at work and my vet were just...silent, they couldn't believe what was right in front of them", I said, shaking my head "Barely even I could"

"Why would someone do that to you?", Mikey asked, softly looking at Buddha, who just gave him a sad look while he stroked his head carefully

"So what happened to the other dogs that were with him?", Leo asked

I sighed softly before getting up to my feet. "Unfortunately due to the aggression that they showed towards others and people, they had to be...put down", I said, sadly

Silent gasps filled my ears before I nodded regrettingly. "But why did they? Can't they just put them through training to try and not make them aggressive?", Donnie asked

"It doesn't work that way unfortunately, they are just too far gone, they will always be that way. It is just how they were raised", I said "I mean it is very sad to know that all their lives they knew that fighting was the norm and they never got the chance to live life that they were suppose to and that's with love and security. But what really is the saddest part about all this is that they are the ones that have to pay the price for something that humanity forced them to do, because none of them asked for this and yet the fighters are the ones who get off easy than the dogs and that just makes me very angry"

"I wouldn't say I blame you, I would be the same way", Mikey said, nodding in agreement

"And to think that they were going to put Buddha down just because he was labeled as aggressive, but he was nowhere near that he was more scared than anything", I said "Wouldn't harm a fly"

"They can't do that can they? Not unless it was proven right?", Donnie asked

"Proven or not they were going to do it regardless if he did something or not", I said "That's the biggest problem with shelters is that they don't take the time to really assess the behavior of the animal before making a life decision, cause one mark or one word is life or death"

They gulped softly. "Jeez well good thing he didn't suffer at the hands of them", Mikey said, hugging him in his arms

"Trust me I am not regretting saving him, cause there would be no way and how I would ever leave him there", I said, smiling petting Buddha's head as his tail wagged happily "You sweet baby"

"Well you did a really great thing Sky, by helping him and all these animals you have", Leo said, with a smile, looking around the room

"Yeah its hard work, but its totally worth it", I said "Well with that being why don't I get dinner started for you all?"

"Well I am starving!", Mikey said, piping up

"Me too!", Donnie said, chiming in

I giggled. "That sounds great Sky", Leo said

"Great! You guys just make yourselves at home, I got the perfect idea for tonight", I said "I was having a bit of a craving, but I think you guys are going to love it, won't take me long to make"

I walked into the kitchen and I began to preheat the oven to four hundred degrees and I took out my cutting board and began to slice mushrooms and red peepers into thin slices. "So how long have you lived here Sky?", Donnie asked, pulling one of my art books of the book shelf

"Just for a little awhile now, kind of took me a long time to get this place", I said "But I finally pulled some strings and got where I wanted to be. Of course this place is only temporary until I can find a nicer studio that or find a good condo in my price range. Be a lot more space for me but mostly for these furry guys"

I then started kneading the dough and rolling it flat with the rolling pin. "So have you thought of maybe opening up your own tattoo parlor?", Leo asked, petting Kisa who was laying on his shoulder

"Well here is the thing my boss is going to be retiring soon and he has been training me to become the manager", I said "I have only been doing training for a good month so I think within the next few weeks I should be owning it, I thought about maybe expanding it for production"

"Some of the tattoos you have drawn here are really good Sky", Donnie said, looking through my book

"Yeah some of those are the most popular at the parlor", I said "I am actually wanting to get another tattoo"

"What were you thinking?", Mikey asked, looking over his shoulder while petting Buddha

"Thinking like a giant cherry blossom tree on my back", I said, touching my upper back reaching behind my shoulder "Like putting some words written in the branches something like that"

"Hey that would be pretty cool", Leo said, smiling in agreement

"Now that I am seeing these I just might get one myself", Donnie said

"Dude yeah right!", Mikey said, rolling his eyes with a smirk

"What? I would", Donnie said, sounding like he was serious

"What you going to get a little turtle back of the neck some tramp stamp?", Mikey asked

"Dude first of all a tramp stamp is on your lower back not the back of your neck", I said, laughing, slicing some tomatoes and onions on the cutting board

"Yeah no offense Donnie if you had a bunch of needles in you, you wouldn't last long", Leo said, looking over the couch

"I am a lot tougher than you think you guys, I have a bigger shell than both of you guys put together you kidding me?", Donnie said, trying to act cocky

"Well than that is your problem dude", I said

We all started laughing at the joke and Mikey held out his arm and I smacked his hand giving him a low high five. "Good one babe!", Mikey said, giving me a wink

I blushed looking away shyly, I could tell he was still looking at me and I struggled to focus on my task I nearly knocked over my glass and sliced my finger off with the knife. "Well...dinner...should be...ready in a little bit", I said, stuttering still blushing pink

I got over his flirting slowly, but I was able to get back to focusing and I laid out the dough flat and spread the tomato sauce with a ladle evenly before I sprinkled the cheese I made from scratch. I added the vegetables and added a few pieces of parsley before sticking it in the oven. After waiting about twenty minutes the oven alarm went off and the dish was prepared. "Dinner is ready!", I said

I walked out of the kitchen with oven mittens on and on a circular metal platter was a fresh garden pizza. "I present thy Pizza a la Vegan", I said, doing a funny Italian accent

As I set the platter in the center of the table with the boys sitting around it, they dug in and surprisingly they gave out sounds of surprise when they took bites out of it. "Mmmmmm this is really good", Donnie said, smiling

"Totally! So fresh dude!", Mikey said

"This is really all vegan?", Leo asked

"Yup everything is, to the dough to the cheese", I said, smiling taking a bite

"But I thought vegans don't eat cheese", Mikey said, curiously

"Yes that is true, but they come up with alternatives to get the same taste like the real thing, but not the same way to make it", I said

"Huh creative, should eat this way more often, could eat my favorite food and still be healthy!", he said, with a smile

"Defiantly! All the same good taste but without any of the cruelty", I said

While eating we were just having a good time of listening to all olden day stories and laughing, it felt good to laugh with people that cared about me. I felt like I was actually noticed and someone was aware of me. I haven't laughed this much in years and it brought such a good warm feeling inside of me and I couldn't stop smiling. Mikey was doing some funny impersonations amusing the three of us in a funny voice. "Maybe I'll fight Apollo, and maybe I won't you know? What do you think? Adrian!", he said

We all started laughing while we continued eating, but when I took a bite of my slice I felt something crawling on my foot and I felt a pinch on my toe. "Ow! What the?", I squeaked, making the laughter stop

I looked under the table and noticed one of my other furry friends. "What is it you knucklehead?", I asked, with him trying to look innocent, like he didn't do anything

But then he nipped at my house shoe tugging on the soft material. "Oh I can never forget you little guy, come here", I said, getting under the table picking him up

I pulled him out from under the table and I gave him a piece of red pepper from my slice as he quickly started munching on it. "There you are, better than chewing on my shoe", I said, giggling

"Oh I didn't know you had a rabbit", Donnie said, surprised

"Hey Usagi!", Mikey said, excitedly, taking him hugging him close

"Usagi?", Leo asked

"Means rabbit of the moon, Mikey was the one who named him after we found him", I said, smiling "Yeah I almost forgot that I let him out to let him get exercise, sometimes he can a bit of ninja himself he hides pretty good"

"You both found him?", Leo asked

"Yeah found him outside all alone", Mikey said, letting Usagi lay against him while petting him

"Mikey saved his life", I said, smiling

"He did?", Donnie asked, surprised

"Yup from getting hypothermia from being left out in a box in an alley", I said, nodding

"Well we both found him babe", Mikey said, looking a bit bashful from the compliment

"Yeah but you were the one to discover him first", I said, smiling "I honestly just thought it was junk"

"Wow from hypothermia, you are one lucky little bunny", Leo said, petting his head "Well it looks like we have a hero here, way to go little bro"

He blushed and smiled embarrassed but I just giggled. "Well we really appreciate you inviting us over for dinner, but we should probably get going Splinter will worry and we do have training in the morning", Leo said

This caused both Donnie and Mikey to whine in annoyance. "Awwwwww man", Mikey said, pouting

"Well it is my pleasure, I'm glad we all had a good time together, though I wish it could last longer", I said, smiling "We will have to do this another time soon"

But before anything else could be said there was a loud rumble outside and there was a flash of white light making the room light up brightly. I pulled back the curtains to see heavy rain drop pelt the window furiously and more thunder crashes and lightning strikes erupted the peaceful night. "Well I guess sooner than we think", I said, making a remark shrugging smiling

"Oh great, weather reporter said it was suppose to be clear skies in the chance of the low seventies", Leo said, sounding annoyed looking out the window

"You never can trust a weather man!", Mikey said

"Exactly!", I said

The thunder boomed angrily across the sky and a huge bolt of lightning flashed behind a cloud as the rain picked up more speed and intensity. "Wow this is turning out to be quite the storm", Donnie said, looking the window beside me

"Well there is no point in you guys going out there with it being that bad, you guys should probably just spend the night here and wait till morning till the storm clears up", I said, walking to the closet to get blankets and pillows

"You know what this means. sleepover!", Mikey cheered, pumping his fists in the air

I was happy inside that the boys got to stay with me much longer. Their company really was so warming and happy to me, I almost asked them to spend the night. Thank god for the storm tonight. Mikey was starting up a movie in the living room by the time I came out in my pajamas to get more comfortable, a orange tank top and dark green baggy sweats pants with a soft pink bandanna around my head. We ended up watching Cabin in the Woods while snacking on a huge bowl of popcorn. Mikey and I were on the couch with Leo and Donnie on the floor. When the scary parts came on I couldn't help but jump in fright, latching on to Mikey's arm hiding my face. I was almost embarrassed when I did it but he made it better by pulling me closer to him in his arms, making me feel safer watching the movie. When I went to grab a handful of popcorn, I could feel a scaly hand grab mine instead. I blushed out of the corner of my eye seeing Mikey interlacing his fingers with mine, still focusing on the movie. I smiled softly and I gripped his hand tighter in mine and kept my hand locked with his in the bowl. After the movie was over, it was around midnight and we were all going to start to head off to sleep.

"You sure I can't get you guys anything else?", I asked, as the boys got comfortable

"We are fine shugo, don't worry about us, we will be okay", Leo said, as he got settled on the couch

"Well okay, well if you need any more blankets they are just right in this closet, any aspirin is in the cabinet by the sink, and I got fresh water in the fridge just in case", I said, with a smile

"Thanks Skylar we really appreciate all of this", Donnie said, taking off his glasses and putting in his retainer by the fish tank glowing softly

"Of course its my pleasure", I said "Well if you need anything else just come wake me up okay?"

"Will do little lady", Mikey said, with a smile slowly falling asleep on my bean bag

I gave him a sweet smile before I opened my bedroom door. "Night you guys, sleep well", I said

"Night Sky", they said

I went into my room and got settled under my comfy comforter before I curled up in a ball slowly falling asleep. It wasn't only a few hours before I heard creaking, I thought it was the storm outside with the wind smashing the old wood shutters against the building walls. I settled back down before I heard more creaking and my bed was sinking in with my legs going lower. I yawned awake before I looked over my shoulder to see Mikey was in my bed looking nervous and flinched back. "Mikey? What's wrong?", I asked, rubbing my eyes "Can't you sleep?"

He shook his head. "Had a bad dream", he said

"Oh what happened? Do you want to talk about it?", I asked, sitting up fixing my bandanna

"It was that person who is after you, they took you away from me and I didn't have the strength to fight to get you back, it was awful", he said, with his voice sounding like it was cracking "I-I tried"

"Hey shhhhhh it's okay", I said, crawling to him and pulling him close to me

He hugged me tightly to him as I heard his muffled crying in my shoulder. "It's okay Mikey, it was a dream, there is nothing to be scared of", I said "I am right here"

"I just don't know what I would do if they had gotten you and I wasn't there", he said

"Hey it's alright, he won't get me, I have a good feeling about it", I said "I know you are scared about it and believe me I am too, I mean even though I am learning self defense from Splinter some fear still remains there, but I know we will be strong to stop him if we stick together"

"You think so?", he asked

"Bet on it", I said, with a smile

He smiled softly. "Sorry I just didn't want to wake up the bros, and I wanted to talk to you", he said

"Oh? About what?", I asked, a bit curious and sounding a little nervous

I wasn't sure if he was going to bring up the kiss from last night and I was a bit worried about what his reaction was going to be. "Well first thing's first, I am sorry Raph gave you that crap yesterday, I really don't get why he is doing that", he said

"No its fine, you guys and him, I get it, its family matters", I said

"I gave him an earful after you left, I had enough", he said

"Oh Mikey you shouldn't have, look I know you are concerned but please don't make this harder than it already is", I said, shaking my head before trying to get off the bed

He pulled me back by the arm, but before he could say anything else I interrupted him. "Look just because I always have a snappy comeback doesn't always mean it doesn't break me inside", I said

"There is more I want to say", he said "I never thought there was hope. I never thought there was hope, in becoming apart of the world above. I was always told that humans don't except us just we are different. But when I met you, it was different. After hearing about what your family did and having to do all this on your own, it really made me think that about us how we met each other for a reason. I always wanted to feel accepted by someone and I felt that feeling I desired so much come over me being with you and I want to return the favor. Because Skylar I see you needed someone in your life that will give love and protection that should of been with you long ago. And I want to be that one who will be there for you no matter what."

I was intrigued by his words and I became curious to what he was meaning. "What are you trying to say Mikey?", I asked

"I am saying Skylar, that while we have been friends, I have come to see you as a strong willed, bright, energetic, funny, beautiful girl in my eyes", he said "And I know that to most people I am a monster but I am not a monster. I am just a guy that crushes you so hard I can't even focus half of the time. All I do is think of you. And me. And us. I know I look different but my heart is just like yours. It feels. I know that I can't make you fall for me, especially when I look like this. But for the sake of my heart, please just give me one shot. All I need is one chance to prove that I can love you like no other. I...just...want...you."

I was in shock. I felt my heart just jump out of my chest in happiness and the breath in my throat just escaped me. I couldn't believe it. Mikey was having the same feelings as me. Everything was falling right into place and I became overwhelmed with emotion. "Oh come here you big dorky sweetheart!", I said, tugging him to me as I smashed my lips against his

I kept them together only for a few seconds before I pulled embarrassed at my sudden action. "Oh sorry, my emotions kind of lost its head", I said, blushing red in my cheeks looking away

I felt a hand gently pull on my chin pulling my head back in the other direction, with my face meeting Mikey's and it had a loving smile on it. "Not a bad try, but let me turn things around", he said, pulling my head closer towards his

His lips were slowly pulled towards mine, till they finally met with another kiss. This time a real one. My heart was racing faster as I only wanted to feel his lips on mine and nothing more. He pulled me closer towards his body till my chest could line up perfectly with his own and my arms wrapped quickly around his neck and I squeezed my arms tightly to keep me close. I never felt this way about anyone before in my life and after all those years of heartbreak, sadness and betrayal it seemed like this one kiss was taking every bit of darkness away and I was starting to see the light again. I never felt more alive than I do right now with Mikey right here in front of me and I never thought his kiss would be this magical. I felt like a whole new me.

Our lips moved softly against each other as his arms circled around me, pulling me closer till I sat down on top of his lap. I felt so safe from anything that might of thrown itself at me. It began to get to the point of where I thought my lips were never going to let go of his as it started to get more intense. It was such a good feeling to feel this much love for someone in so long and I didn't want it to end. Mikey started to push me back down on my bed and I pulled away slowly as I saw him starting to climb over me. I smiled happily seeing him smiling down at me that was full of love and trust. His body felt so warm against me as he carefully laid over me and pulled me close around my back and reconnected our lips once more into a passionate kiss.

I feel one of his hands travel up to the back of my bandanna and my arms quickly wrapped around his neck pulling him closer to me. I sighed softly as I could feel his hand rubbing my hip and side deeply. Mikey moved his lips away from mine and he started to pepper kisses around my face making blush and giggle. His dark chuckle made me get goosebumps all over my body and I could feel my breath started to hitch when I felt him kiss down my neck. I gasped when I felt him sucking and gently licking at the crook of my neck. My hands gripped the back of his head with my fingers entangling around his mask as I could feel him lick up to my earlobe and he began to tease me by suckling on it playfully and blowing his hot breath against it. "You are so beautiful", he whispered

I gasped in surprise softly, no one has ever called me beautiful before and my goodness it felt like the best feeling in the world. He really knew what he was doing and I was loving every second and I moaned deeply when I felt him starting to kiss along my collarbone. I arched up as I gripped his shoulders tightly arching up, feeling his warm lips touch my sensitive skin. He continued along my collarbone before licking back up and reconnecting his lips with mine. I moaned deeply as I rub my tongue on his bottom lip to see what he might do and I could feel his tongue peeking out and hooking it around mine bringing into his hot mouth and gently stroking it, matching his moans with mine. It felt like pure bliss as the make out session started to get more intense when he pulled me into a tight hug and it caused me to wrap my legs tightly around his waist wanting to stay connected for as long as our breathes could hold up. I could feel my chest constricting from the lack of air but I didn't care, nothing was going to stop this moment of happiness for me.

Sadly this moment came to an end as we had to forcibly pull away from each other and catch our breathes from that incredible feeling of love. When I open my eyes I see just how romantic this entire scene is while we were kissing in the lighted up room by the lighting outside and the mighty roar of thunder crash. This was a breakthrough for me. Mikey smiled down at me as I smiled the biggest smile I felt go across my face. I don't even remember the last time I smiled that big.

"Mikey I-", I said, sounding breathless

"You have no idea how long I waited for this", he said, bringing me back into another deep kiss

I kissed him back deeply hugging him tight to my heart. With it going longer than a minute it started to get very heated, our hands started to roam around each other's bodies. I gulped softly when I felt one of his hands carefully sneak its way up my shirt nearly touching my breast. "Wait", I said, grabbing his arm quickly

"Oh sorry", he said, blushing pulling back "My hand kind of lost its head"

"No worries, just not yet", I said, shaking my head "Don't want to rush"

"Of course definitely", he said

We gave each other one last sweet kiss before I pulled away. "Hey I am sorry I left you hanging with that kiss back in the alley, I probably made you more shocked than anything", I said, smiling

"Nah its cool little lady, not the first time I was left with that much excitement", he said, chuckling

"Well that's a relief, but I am glad that we finally got the chance to do the real thing", I said, stroking his cheek

"Me too, one of the best things ever", he said, pecking my lips

Suddenly a crash of thunder boomed in the sky making me jump, but Mikey pulled me closer comforting me immediately. "Jeez that was close", he said, looking over his shoulder out towards the rain stained window

"Too close for my liking", I said "Never been a fan of storms"

"Well you know I could always", he said, sounding flirtatious cocking his eyebrow at me

"If this is a way for you to stay in bed with me", I said "Then its working"

He grinned happily and I giggled shoving him off my bed playfully making him shriek as he landed on the ground. I giggled more as he climbed back up and he kissed me softly as I snuggled close into his chest. Even though his chest was hard it felt so comfortable to me. I felt Mikey cover me up with the comforter as he settled in close beside me, with his arms wrapping around me, making me much warmer instantly. I felt my eyelids starting to get heavy as I struggled to keep them awake while I slowly looked back up to Mikey. My vision got blurry as I saw him smiling down at me, stroking my temple gently with his thumb. "Just sleep Angel Cakes, I will be here when you wake up", he said, softly

"Okay...goodnight...babycakes", I said, yawning before falling into a deep sleep