AN: I noticed in the 2003 TMNT series they refer to Leatherhead as a crocodile. I always thought that odd since the term 'leather head' is used to refer to alligators. Also the shape of Leatherhead's face and head is more square like an alligator's rather than narrow and pointy like a crocodile's. So I will be referring to one of my favorite mutated reptiles next to the fab four as an alligator in this fic.
Chapter 14
Donatello could hear voices, but they sounded muffled, as if they were traveling through six feet of water. As he slowly opened his eyes his vision was blurred and he was a bit disoriented. After a few seconds passed he realized he was on his back and someone was kneeling over him and calling his name. He blinked several times until his eyesight cleared. He immediately recognized the pretty, round face hovering over his.
"Donatello, are you all right?"
"A-atima? What are you doing here?" The young herpetologist looked very relieved as she stroked the top her friend's head.
"Leatherhead and I stopped by to check on the Lair per Leo's request while you were out of town. What are you guys doing back so early? And more importantly, why were you and your brother fighting?" Atima helped Donatello sit up and noticed his embarrassed expression.
"I'd rather not talk about it." Don eventually noticed Leo sitting on the other side of the living room looking like he could chew him up and spit him out. Raph and LH were talking to Leo in a calm manner to keep things peaceful. Raph's face bore an expression of a mixture of disappointment, anger, and frustration due to his brothers' behavior. Donatello shuddered when Leo's gaze fell directly on him. When Don started to stand Atima helped him to his feet. He noticed the right side of his face felt a bit sore. He winced when he touched it. He could feel the swelling. Leo did indeed have a mean left hook.
"Do you have a cold compress for your eye?" Atima inquired, her voice full of concern.
"Yeah. It's in the first aid kit in the dojo." The Turtle and the human went to the dojo together. Donatello went over to the east wall and opened up a compartment. Inside was a first aid kit, from which he took out a cold compress. He squeezed the blue packet to start the chemical reaction that provided the cooling effect. He winced as he pressed it to the right side of his face. Atima stood next to her friend giving him a sympathetic look while rubbing his shoulder.
"So, Don, why are you back so early and where are the others?"
"We came here to pick up some necessary supplies and the others are in our new home."
"What? New home? You guys relocating to another part of the sewers?" The human was getting worried for her friend, for she knew from what Donatello told her that whenever the Hamato clan up and moved it was because of some negative or off the wall events.
"No. Actually we're living in a house." Don noticed the herpetologist's shocked expression. "I know, we had the same looks on our faces when April told us Casey was giving us the house. It's going to take some getting used to living above ground like that."
"Oh, Donnie, I am so happy for you guys! I'm going to have to get you a proper house warming gift! Perhaps bring Delilah to visit in the summer," the woman offered with a smile while referring to her pet cayman.
"It would be good to see that cute little cayman," Don chuckled as he rummaged around the lab.
"Hey, why don't you tell me what you need out of here and I'll collect it for you since you only have one free hand?" Atima offered.
"Oh, thanks. I just need a few medical supplies, my lap top, and a few other items. You can put it in that box over there."
As Atima gathered up some of Donatello's equipment he told his human friend about his new lab at the house and possible upgrades he was considering. The young mutant paused for a moment as he went into deep thought.
"You know, there are a lot of goals I've set before myself to accomplish. I always look forward to the end result of any project at hand. But there's something I'm looking forward to that has nothing to do with any technological venture I've ever been involved with."
"Wow, Donnie. What could possibly be more meaningful to you than putting your amazing genius to work?" Atima asked with an almost teasing smile.
"Becoming a father..."
Atima set the box she was holding down on Don's workbench as she noticed the far away look in her olive skinned friend's eyes.
"Donnie, is there something...?"
"Venus is pregnant again. And she's carrying my child. Our DNA came together to create a unique being. I find that so amazing. I want to know everything I possibly can about this person I have yet to meet growing and developing inside of one incredible female. I can't help but wonder about the things I could share with and teach this little person as he or she grows and thrives. I'm so excited and anxious about the whole thing, but all in a good way..."
His voice trailed off as he noticed Atima was staring at him and looking a bit awkward. He thought he saw a hint of sadness in her expression.
"So, when is the baby due?" the woman inquired as she fumbled with a mother board.
"Between September and November. If we have an unusually warm fall season he or she may hatch early."
"I see. So am I to assume that you and Venus are getting along all right?" Atima leaned against the workbench as she gave Donatello a sideways glance. The mutant terrapin lowered the cold compress from his eye as he observed his friend's curious body language and change of tone.
"Yeah, we're getting along fine. In fact I'd say we're getting along great."
"Uh huh. Tell me something, Donnie. The honest truth now. Is Venus the reason you and Leo are fighting?"
Don's jaw dropped slightly as he thought carefully about how he should respond, or if he should respond at all. He decided on the latter choice.
"You know, Atima, I think that box of supplies should suffice for now. It's not like we're making a major move just yet, so..."
He got the feeling the woman wasn't in the mood to listen to his pointless rambling. She practically shoved the box of equipment into his hands then walked out of the lab, leaving the twenty-year-old Turtle wondering what happened to cause that type of reaction from her.
In the meantime Leonardo had a chance to let his head cool after a talk with Leatherhead. The older mutant alligator had admonished the young ninja clan leader to have patience with his younger brother. He figured that becoming sexually active triggered changes in Donatello that he wasn't used to causing him to act unusually aggressive. Leonardo grudgingly agreed to have patience to a certain point, but if Donatello crossed the line and disrespected him or Venus in any way there would be serious consequences.
As Raph and Leo got to consulting Venus' and Michelangelo's lists Atima came out of Donatello's lab looking a bit distraught. Leatherhead asked her if she was all right. She said she was fine, but the others thought it strange that once Don came into the room she was in a sudden hurry to head back to the surface.
"Congratulations on your new home, my friends. I'll be keeping in touch."
She addressed everyone yet refused to look at Donatello, who felt a bit snubbed by Atima's behavior. He decided to let it slide for now so he could call her and talk about it another time. For the time being Donnie saw fit to tell Leatherhead all about his new lab at the house and that he would love for his fellow genius to come check it out for himself. No one brought up the fact that he refused to speak to Leo for now. Raph was just glad they weren't fighting at the time. Now he got a taste of what the other's felt when he and Leo used to constantly go at it.
It was an unspoken decision that Leonardo and Donatello would not speak a word to each other the whole time they were packing. They even kept the glaring to a minimum as they loaded the van. As Don turned to grab one more box he stopped short when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see a pair of stern blue eyes looking straight at him. He didn't see any anger in Leo's eyes. In fact he noticed his features had softened a bit.
"Donnie, I'm sorry for losing my temper like that. I should have never punched you." Donatello huffed and shook his head.
"Look, Leo, I don't blame you for losing your patience. I was talking a lot of smack so I kinda deserved it..."
"No! What I did was irresponsible and foolish! I need to be more disciplined than ever now since...I am to lead by example. I mean, I have a son who's watching me and learning right from wrong from me. If he sees me treating family like this how could I possibly expect him to respect me and himself? Besides, you are my brother and I should have your back. We shouldn't be at each other's throats! We've got to figure out how to get along with..."
"Leo, I'm in love with Venus. I'm tired of holding my tongue. But I did realize something. It's pretty useless for me to compete with you for her love. It all boils down to her choice. If she chooses you so be it. But if she chooses me don't take it out on me. I'm giving you fair warning I have every intention of courting her. If you have a problem with that, tough nuts, bro."
For a moment Leonardo stared at his younger brother slacked jawed. He wasn't sure if he was more taken aback by what he said or how he said it. The Don he was used to would probably be shying away from him or flinching by now. However this current Donatello had his feet firmly planted, head held high, and was looking him directly in the eye. Leo felt angry and proud all at once and wasn't sure if he should hug his normally passive brother or punch him in his other eye. Finally, Leo chuckled and shook his head before bowing respectfully. Don looked shocked for a second before returning the gesture.
"All right, Donnie. We're going to deal with this issue as mature adults. As men. Whatever Mei-chan decides I will respect that."
"I will do the same."
As the two brothers shook hands the serious moment was broken with the sound of the roar of a high octane engine.
"If you two ladies are finished kissin' and makin' up I'd like to head back to the house if ya don't mind. Now let's get outta this stinkin' sewer and up to some fresh air!"
Raph donned his helmet and revved the Shell Cycle a couple times before peeling out of the garage. Leo and Don secured the supplies in the van and got underway so they could catch up with their hot headed, foul mouthed brother. They gave each other a knowing glance, wondering if they were up to the challenge waiting for them at their new home.
*Next Chapter: Every pregnancy is different, but Venus' current one get a bit strange even for her. And Leo and Don decided to compete for Venus' heart like gentlemen, but will it all backfire?