A/N: Here's a shorter chapter, but I think this needs it. Don't worry though, the action will be coming soon!

Same As It Never Was

Part One: Insanity

Chapter Twelve: To Save Lives

"Lynnie, don't wake him up!" A hushed voice caught Donatello's attention. He kept his eyes closed, pretending to sleep, but paid close attention to the noise that had woken him.

"But he's been asleep all day!" The soft touch of a child's hand brushed against Don's face, before fingering his mask. Opening his eyes, he saw the youngest girl from yesterday standing over him. Her own eyes widened, and she jerked back, running back to her sister.

"You woke him up!" The oldest girl huffed, glancing up at the scythe that was propped up on the wall.

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Girls!" Merry stepped into the living room, wiping her flour covered hands on her apron. "Don't bother our guest," Sighing she shook her head. "I do apologize for them."

Don just nodded as he sat up. Although the couch had been to small to accommodate his entire body, he had slept relatively well. Standing, he stretched, yawning. Clutching his Kamayari, Don stood tall, towering over Merry and her girls. "It's...fine," Glancing around he blinked a few times. "Th..thank you," The words felt foreign on his lips. "For the help last night."

Merry just nodded. "You were lucky not to have broken your arm from such a fall."

Don grimaced. He had thought that he had splintered something, but in fact his elbow had merely been torn out of the socket. It hadn't taken long to pop it back into place, but the pain in doing so had been immense. His leg however had been luckier, with just bruises and scrapes.

"Will you join us for supper?" Gesturing to the kitchen, Merry smiled.

Don blinked. He truly had slept all day, but then again, he had been up in the wee hours of the morning. His war with the physical pain had been strenuous, but it had only been half the battle. The mental conflict between what he should and shouldn't do had torn at him, perhaps delving into his very soul. Nobody had bothered to reach out to him in months, at least not in the way he needed. He had no connection to these people, nothing held them accountable to him, or visa versa. And yet...That single word, yet, meant so much to him. And yet they accepted him. They took in all his flaws, all his downfalls, which happened to be literal in this case, and they accepted him. In a way, they were just like the family he had left behind, but even now they were so much more. Instead of looking at his problems, instead of trying to fight his battles and him headlong, they just...allowed him to be himself. In just this short amount of time, the actual warmth that came from them was rejuvenating. He had no qualms with them...that...darker side of them was leaving them be, for now at least. And for that, he was thankful.

Slowly, Don followed Merry into the crowded kitchen. The entire family was crammed onto a table that had been pushed into the corner. Harold was grinning, gesturing to a spot beside him. "Finally! Another man!" The exclamation caught Don off guard. Had he truly just been called a man? "Merry makes the best chickn' n' dumplins' you will ever taste!"

"It's chicken and dumplings Harold. Proper English, remember?" Merry smiled as she dished Don up a plate. "I do hope you enjoy it though."

Picking up a spoon, Don went to start eating. The oldest girl, of whom he had still yet to catch her name, coughed. Looking up, he saw the family's heads were bowed, and their hands clasped together. Quickly he mimicked the position, and Harold began to pray. "Heavenly Father, first of all I want to thank you for blessing us this day with an extraordinary guest. I thank you that we can return to him at least some of what he has given us, and that You have spared both of our lives. Also Lord, I wish to bless this food in Your name, Jesus. Amen."

A series of 'amens' followed suit, although Don remained quiet. It was then that they began to eat, and the conversation leapt right back up. "I never properly introduced myself," Shaking Don's hand, he grinned. "I'm Harold Paulsen, and this is my wife Merry, and our daughters, Heather and Lynn," Both girls waved from their seats across Don.

There was a silence, and for a moment, Don did not know what to say. Composing himself, he nodded. "My name is..." Don blinked. It always seemed to wind up to who he was...the question of his own identity. "I am Donatello," It was a statement, a fact. He was indeed still himself, but he had merely changed from his experiences. It's who he always would be, there was no denying that. He was finally...just finally...coming to terms with himself.

Harold smiled, and turned to his food. "So if you don't mind me asking, where are your brothers? There were four of you, right?"

Don froze, his spoon almost to his mouth. "I do mind you asking," His voice had grown deep, and he almost felt like that darker side of him wanted to rip the man's tongue out.

The entire table had grown silent, and Merry glanced over at her husband. He merely nodded, continuing to eat. "Family business, I understand. Everybody has their ups and downs at times. The important thing is that you work it out. I mean, they're all you have. What are we without them?"

Don snorted, standing up. "Thank you for the meal Mrs. Paulsen. I have to...to go out," Bringing his bowl up to the kitchen, Don saw that they noticed he had hardly touched his food.

"Be back by midnight Donatello," The words Merry spoke startled Don. "And don't get into trouble, okay?"

"He's a man Merry, he can take care of himself. It's his job to keep the streets clean," Harold waved Don on. "Go make us proud. Save some lives."

Don slipped out the window, their words echoing in his head.

Be back by midnight. Don't get into any trouble.

Merry was concerned for his safety, worried about him. Of course, after her having to care for his wounds, he could imagine why.

Go make us proud. Save some lives.

He owed no allegiance to him, and yet he felt like he had to carry that burden. He needed to make them proud. He needed to...to save lives...

A/N: So Harold, Merry, Heather, and Lynn live to breathe another day. Maybe...? Anyways, what do you guys think? I only got one review for the last chapter, so I don't know...(thanks Klytia, I do always look forward to your reviews! Thank you so much!). Anyways, thanks again everybody!