Everyone slept late, exhausted from the night's activities. Even the baby slept soundly, waking up only once to be fed. May took him downstairs and found Kirby rooting around in the kitchen. "Can I help?" she asked softly.
"Err..yes?" said the nervous man.
May took out some of the long life milk and a loaf of bread from a bag of groceries that apparently had been fetched sometime last night. There were eggs from the chickens outside and she made a pile of French toast for everyone. Kirby held the baby and played with him as she cooked and the little one's eyes were wide as he took in the new face and the wide, sunlit windows with the view of waving trees.
Everyone came down, sniffing appreciatively. Breakfast was a happy affair as everyone seemed to speak at once, congratulating each other on the battle (which managed to make Kirby pale) and then May on the baby. Then Splinter on his battle—though they seemed to stop just short of calling it a 'victory'. Then Kirby for all of his help. Then April for her diversion. And on and on.
The entire day was spent cleaning up the place—dusting and beating rugs and washing sheets. Donnie went into the barn and fixed up the tractor so that they could mow around the house while April and May hung up the wash on the old clothesline. Raphael and Leo fixed a loose step and tested all the rails while Mikey hung up the porch swing.
Splinter seemed to be everywhere, giving advice and encouragement as they cleaned up the farmhouse. He climbed into the attic with April and Kirby, pulling out old baby things and sorting through them to find an entire box of cloth diapers and a half box of various clothes. He held the chains with Michelangelo as the swing was hung up and evened out.
When May ventured out into the newly mown yard with the baby, he was there, taking the lad and picking up a fuzzy caterpillar to show him. May went a little further and gave a happy shout. Splinter looked up at her curiously. "I found the vegetable garden. There's everything here!" She began digging and found old carrots, potatoes, a very old bush of blackberries, and some other plants. "Hey...we can have a great meal tonight. Vegetable soup."
She sighed in happiness and leaned back in the weed cluttered and overgrown garden to just bask in the sunlight. Splinter chuckled at her, his eyes warm. "Hey...it's been a long time for me." She flushed and then said. "Sorry... I guess this is pretty...er.. new for you too."
"And the baby," Splinter speculated, fishing a piece of grass out of the infant's mouth. He smiled at her, "Maji..."
The house was looking prosperous as they walked to it a little while later. Splinter cradled the babe and May held the vegetables in her shirt. Michelangelo waved at them from the porch swing and Leo and Raphael were wrestling behind the house. Donatello and April were fastening the patched chicken coop where several hens and a rather irate rooster cackled at them. Kirby came out with a cup of coffee and looked around with a smile and let May come in to fix dinner.
Kirby looked at Splinter and May speculatively as they all sat down for soup and crackers for dinner. "So...ahh...what happens between you now?"
May flushed and then looked up at Splinter, who regarded the man thoughtfully. "Are you asking about my intentions?"
Kirby flushed. "Well...someone has to..."
All the turtles went bug-eyed and sucked in a collective breath. April took Donnie's hand and looked up at him before looking at her dad again.
"I would like to marry her," Splinter said softly.
"Yes," May said in a rush.
Splinter looked at her with an ironic look. Mikey snickered, "I think you're supposed to wait until he asks you first before you accept."
"Well...OK then," Kirby said, suddenly smiling again.
Dinner was finished quickly, everyone shooting knowing looks toward everyone else. Only Kirby and Splinter seemed to be content with their knowledge. May flushed and was relieved when everyone went to bed, again listening to the sounds of a laughing fox through the open windows.
The next day Splinter was amused to find they were suddenly called to various parts of the farm. April occupied May for most of the day, dragging her and Maji out into the fields and the edge of the forest when they weren't occupied cooking a huge roast for dinner, along with baked potatoes and picking vegetables for salad. The turtles called him for various things—to spar in the open barn or to speak with them on various topics. Once he was called to listen to the news report of the burning of Shredder's building and how a few were found dead in the ruins. Kirby was sent out again to get groceries as April and May disappeared in the house and he was left with Maji.
Maji seemed to adapt easily to being outdoors and was enchanted with the ninja master's whiskers. They went walking in the fields and among the pens, looking at everything with wide-eyed curiosity and wonder. Out of habit, he began talking to the baby, telling stories and naming everything he could find and letting Maji touch everything he could. May had mentioned in passing that they had been inside the building for his entire life, and Maji was overjoyed to be laid down on a blanket in the back yard so that he could twist and turn on the grass. Splinter picked up a flower and held it over him, having him grab for it as he had done with Miwa. Maji was fast—figuring out the game and grabbing for the flower with some speed. As soon as he did, he threw it aside, waiting for it to be picked up again.
Splinter picked it up again and again, watching as the flower was crushed in the baby's grip. Maji burbled and smiled at him, kicking wildly and happily. Thankfully, May came out and was there as he abruptly tired of the game and wanted to be fed and changed again. They smiled at each other as she took him inside. The turtles came around him and Mikey couldn't resist telling him about the events of the evening.
Kirby was going to make an honest man out of him. Donatello had found a website where he could sign up for a minister's certification and marry them. April and May had been around picking up flowers for a bouquet, cooking and cleaning.
Splinter smiled softly, allowing the turtles to distract him, but a part of him thrummed with anticipation. Leonardo led Splinter back to the house in the early evening. They spoke of nothing particular, observing the ebb and flow of the life on the farm. Leo snickered as the rooster pursued a chicken. At the house, he paused at the outdoor spigot to wash his hands and face. The cool water soaked his fur, cooling him down a bit as Leo handed him a fresh bar of soap and pulled a towel off the clothesline.
He went into the kitchen, amused by the cake with its buttercream icing on the table, along with cheese, bread, roast beef with gravy, potatoes, salad and fruit. A bouquet of wild flowers sat at one end of the table. The cake had a clumsy rendering of the Hamato crest on the top. Then he saw April standing there in a pair of ripped shorts and a lacy blouse. Donatello came up behind her and grinned at his father, a red sash across his chest. "Ummm," he said bashfully. "I guess we're all ready. April, just wait for the signal." Splinter looked at April as she smiled even wider and then went upstairs. Donnie looked after her and then bowed towards his father.
The parlor was lit with a number of candles that mixed vanilla and bayberry scents in the air. Leonardo stood with Kirby, a red sash across his chest as well. Splinter looked at all of his sons as they bowed solemnly, red sashes across their chests. Kirby stood against the wall, a shaky smile on his face.
Splinter swallowed heavily, walking up to Leonardo who had a smug smile in his eyes and a too-knowing grin on his mouth. From behind him, he heard thuds on the stairs. and when he turned around and saw April coming down the stairs with Maji. Maji wore a red bib that he was presently stuffing into his mouth.
Donatello pulled out a kazoo and began tooting a soft song. May came down softly in her freshly washed pants and a lacy blouse borrowed from April. Splinter smirked at the straining fabric across her bust and May pulled the bouquet up across her chest and flushed, her loose hair curling around her face.
April went ahead to where Kirby was standing, smiling and cuddling Maji. Mikey went to the bottom of the stairs and offered his arm. She smiled and took his arm, allowing him to escort her to Kirby. Pausing, she kissed him on the cheek and the turtle flushed before retreating. Splinter took May's hand and put it in the crook of his arm.
Kirby looked at her and smiled at her. Opening his Bible, he cleared his throat. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to celebrate the union of May and Splinter." He nervously cleared his throat. "Who gives this woman?"
Mikey felt Leonardo poke him. "Yeow!" He growled at his brother and then went "I do! Uhh...we do!"
"Shh!" Leo said, pulling him back in line.
"When's the good part?!" Raph smirked.
"Shhh!" Donnie whispered.
"Do you, err...May, take, Splinter, to have and to hold, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?"
May flushed and beamed at them. "I-I-I do."
"Do you, Master Splinter, take May to have and to hold, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?"
He smiled at her roguishly. "I do."
Kirby smiled and pulled out three goblets that had tiny portions of vodka—the only alcohol in the farm house now. Splinter took an uncertain sip, frowning at the strong taste. He handed the cup to May and she took a sip. They took turns sipping from the cup three times and then repeated it for each of the three cups. Then, Splinter repeated his vows in Japanese and held May close as he did it.
Kirby swallowed heavily, a tear running down this cheek. "If anyone knows of any reason that this...err...man and woman should not be married, then let him speak now or forever hold his peace."
Maji cooed and April giggled and took the bib out of his mouth as everyone giggled.
"Then, by the power vested in me—sort of—then I pronounce you man and wife." He smiled and closed his Bible. "You may kiss the bride."
May handed Kirby the bouquet and felt Splinter's arms hold her gently. He nuzzled her hair softly. Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed the side of muzzle. Everyone cheered, clapping and stomping. Maji clapped and yanked on April's ponytail.
"Let's eat!" Mikey shouted.
Everyone ate hugely, even Maji who insisted on being the center of attention just before the cake was cut. With a cleaned up tanto, Splinter cut the first slice of cake and he and May split it to again raucous cheers. Late at night, as the turtles suddenly found a Trivial Pursuit game very interesting. April and Kirby held Maji, cuddling him as May and Splinter grinned and accepted congratulations.
After a few more minutes, May gave the bouquet to April and Splinter shook Donatello's hand. Then the ninja master took Maji over his shoulder and they went upstairs, ignoring the cat calls and whistles.
Upstairs, they put Maji in his basket. Splinter grinned at her as she stood up, stretching. "I would guess we finally have Kirby's approval?"
May giggled. "Oh you're well and truly married." She walked up and put her hands on his chest, marveling at his whipcord muscles beneath the soft fur. She looked up at him curiously. "Am I allowed to...touch you?" She blushed again. "I mean...I'll understand if there...are...boundaries."
He could only smile. "You do not need to fear touching me as you would like." He shot her a flirty smile. "As long as..." He paused. "You are comfortable with me doing the same." She could only nod happily. "Do you want the candle lit?"
She looked at the bayberry candle. "I am happy to see what I'm doing." She shucked off the pants and began to pull on the shirt. She pulled and tugged, but the shirt was too tight.
Splinter looked at her calmly and put his fingers in her collar. With a swift tug, he ripped the shirt from collar to waist. Then he pushed the shirt off of her shoulders. May giggled and tried to cover herself with her hands. He took her hands in his and kissed them. "You have no need to hide from me." His hands opened hers palms up, where he pressed a gentle kiss on each one. "You are a beautiful woman." He let her hands go and touched her stomach. "You are an endless delight."
May wriggled as his hands began to skim over her skin in the lightest of touches. Her hands fluttered in the air and landed on his chest. Shyly, she pushed the kimono off of his shoulders, marveling at his chest and shoulders and arms. He was so strong, so gentle and so very warm. "You are..." she sniffed, the air filling her with the scent of fresh air and his own spicy scent.
Suddenly, he laughed, touching her shoulder. A bright red Hamato crest was on her shoulder. She looked at it and giggled. "There wasn't time for getting rings and...well, Donnie offered to give us a bent nail—matching rings. But Leo said that, with your martial arts a ring would only get in the way." Splinter nodded, gently kneading her shoulder. May fell into a thoughtful silence and then sputtered out, "And...I wanted your mark on me." She shrugged a little too casually as she blushed. "I have so many marks, I wanted this one to be special."
"I am...honored," he whispered, nuzzling her neck and delighting in her soft gasp and wriggle.
"It's henna for right now. But in a few months, I think we'll have enough put aside that we can make it permanent."
Splinter licked it cautiously. She tasted sweet—like cake—and salt. "I should have had a ring or something for you." He looked at his furry arms and grinned ruefully. "I don't think a tattoo will exactly work."
May showed him her wrists with their ties. "Take these off and that will be enough." Splinter whipped out a hidden knife and sliced through them. She smiled as they hit the floor. "Now I am truly all yours."
Splinter scooped her up in his arms and put her on the bed. Climbing on the bed beside her, he gently petted her. Very quickly he was rewarded with her soft pants and a whimper. Between her legs rose a scent of musk and hot sweetness. His fingers dipped between her legs and found the moist heat. He nuzzled her to her back and gently nipped her neck. Ever so softly, he took her hand and licked her fingertips.
"You are allowed to touch me as well, my wife."
May turned towards him and pushed the kimono off of his body, unfastening the stiff obi. He caught it on his tail before it landed on Maji's basket and tossed it on the floor. May was amazed to feel his whole body. His tail gently wrapped around her ankle in a peculiar massaging motion as she stroked down his side and then across his abs.
She was absolutely on fire, her blood feeling hot and languid. His hands held her gently, allowing her to explore freely. Then she felt him—he felt hard and ready. She straddled him suddenly, relishing the utterly free feeling of being allowed to touch him as she wanted.
Then he twisted his hips and he was on top of her. His fingers were absolutely nimble, stroking and gently tweaking her skin and he was wonderfully skilled. She was truly going to go up in flames, but had no breath to tell him to stop. He traced along her skin and then applied gentle pressure and she felt herself relax completely. She gaped up at him in surprise and confusion.
"Acupressure points," he chuckled as he settled between her legs. "I will teach them to you..."
She nodded mutely, stroking his muzzle and kissing it. "Please...I am on...fire."
If Splinter heard her, she had no sign as he began to lick her again. The flames in her blood went higher and higher and he paused, looking to her for her permission. She could only nod, whimpering as he finally slid into her. Then, he stopped. "May...tell me that you are all right. Tell me." He whispered softly in her ear. "Tell me that I am welcome here."
She only nodded, gasping in relief. There was no pain, no agonizing humiliation. The first time was eradicated from her memory as he gently moved against her. But he was so slow, so gently moving back and forth. She gripped his arms and slid up against him. He gasped and it felt like that tiny sound was blowing fire into her.
Then she felt like she was exploding. He pressed somewhere on her body, some small movement on her lower back as she curled up to greet his thrust. Her eyes squeezed shut, hot tears suddenly feeling scalding as she sucked in air and burst into starlight. Slowly drifting back to earth, she heard his satisfied chuckle and felt him thrust again.
She opened her eyes with a misty look. "I...I—"
Splinter grinned smugly. "You compliment me in your pleasure, May." He licked her earlobe.
"But you...you didn't...?"
He lapped at her skin, the salty slick taste imprinted on his brain and coating his whiskers. "I thought that I would take it slowly for your first time."
She smiled up at him puckishly. "Then we can...? Again?"
"You married a ninja master," he grinned wickedly as he nipped her neck. "I have endurance to do this all night."
Somewhere, in the wild, wooded area just beyond the sight of the house, a white fox laughed before vanishing into the moonlight.