Wounded & Worried
They arrived back to the lair at almost three a.m. Trinity had fallen asleep on the couch, her laptop and notebook open on the coffee table in front of her. The guys assumed she had tried working to stay up waiting for them. Before they'd left on the mission, she had displayed a great deal of anxiety, worrying about their safety. None of the brothers were really used to someone showing outward concern, even past girlfriends. Mostly because significant others were not allowed to know certain aspects of their night duties, for safety sake. Out of the four, Donatello took to it the most, delighting in Trinity's affection.
"Sit still, you big green baby," Donnie said, tugging his brother's arm.
"This is pointless. I've gotten love bites worse than this. It'll heal on its own," Raph snarled. He hated being stitched up, sitting still, waiting, and stinging antiseptics.
"Okay, now I need to wash my brain to get that last image out of my head. And, for your information, this does require stitches. That Kraang must've been livid to inflict this much damage. What'd you do to piss him off?" Donnie looked up, caught Raph's green eyes shining. He sighed. "Never mind, I forgot who I was talking to," he said passively.
After another ten minutes he had the wound sterilized, sewn, and wrapped. Raph grunted a thanks and left to hit the hay. They were all exhausted. With the adrenaline long spent, their bodies craved sleep.
Donnie yawned. He got up, ready to leave to his own room. He looked over at Trinity's private corner and empty cot. She wouldn't get a good night's sleep on their lumpy, uncomfortable couch. If he was careful, he could slip her into bed without her ever waking.
In the living room, he gazed down at the small body resting in a curve. Her hair was strewn over the cushions, one sock kicked off laying on the floor, her T-shirt twisted around her midsection; she had not been sleeping peacefully. He smiled, glad he thought to move her.
With gentle hands, he slipped them under her soft frame. A silent moan escaped in her sleep, but she didn't stir. He lifted her up, cradling Trinity in the crook of his arms. It still amazed him how light she was, like carrying a tiny child. She was so small compared to Donatello. The thought made his pulse quicken, their size difference meant more than just stature. He could feel his neck and face heating up.
As he entered the lab her head rolled into his plastron. He felt the softness of her cheek, could see the outline of her pretty face touching him. His heart thumped harder. Could she hear it?
God, you're beautiful.
Trinity exhaled. Donatello stopped, continued looking at her, captivated. Why did he fall so hard? When he found that certain one, he went right over the edge, no turning back, and his brothers just didn't understand. It wasn't like he lusted after every attractive female on the planet the way Michelangelo did. Could he help it if he didn't guard his heart behind a metal shield like Leonard, keeping the women he cared about at a weapons distance away? Then there was Raphael, the hot tempered, over sexual brother, that didn't have a problem using gutter sluts, a very disrespectful term his brother coined, and paying prostitutes to get off, seeing no use of a real girlfriend. He was nothing like them, especially when it came to his taste in women.
It would've been easy to hold her all night, rock her in his arms, lulling her to sleep, but she deserved a warm bed to spread out in. He set her down carefully. At once, she nestled into the cot, as Donnie pulled up the quilt. He ran his hand through her auburn hair. Her features relaxed, she was at ease. He stroked the side of her face with one large, green finger, savoring the smooth texture. He had been looking forward to revealing good news when they had gotten back, telling her in private. That would have to wait till morning. She needed sleep. Who knew how long she sat up worrying. The thought made Donatello smile. He reluctantly moved away from the cot, headed to his quarters, and turned in for the night, his dreams imbued with Trinity's face.
—-
The next morning Trinity awoke, surprised to be in her bed. It didn't take long to figure out that one of the guys had carried her while she slept, and which one.
"Donnie," she muttered with a smile, shaking her head. She was wearing the same clothes as the day before, and wanted to wash up before getting a clean pair on. After digging through her piles next to the cot, she grabbed the day's choice, then headed for the bathroom.
Out in the living area she noticed how eerily quiet the lair was. Trinity had been the last to rise for the length of her stay, the guys always up training or active well before she ever awoke. That day they were nowhere. Even the dojo looked dark, without the typical grunts and clashing of weapons. Fear gripped her. What if they hadn't made it back safe? She thought.
She ran to the kitchen. It was empty. Next, to Master Splinter's room. He would be awake, though likely meditating. She didn't like to interrupt, but the worry was growing, churning her stomach.
She tapped on the bamboo door. As she was expecting the rat, she gasped when Leo answered. "Oh, I, I," she stammered.
"Trinity," he said, shocked to see her awake so early. "Is everything all right? It's only 6:45. Is something wrong?" He stepped out of his master's room to address her.
She felt stupid. "No, I'm fine. I just thought," she kept her eyes on the floor, not wanting to look at him. "Don't you guys train around this time?" she asked timidly.
He chuckled. "Master Splinter and I decided to give them a day off after last night," he said. She looked up to meet his deep blue eyes.
"What happened?" she asked in a rush. "I was so worried about you all. Splinter said you'd be fine, but I had a feeling something might go wrong." Her brows were creased, eyes large and pouty. Leo thought she was actually kind of cute when she worried. He grinned.
Her frown deepened. "I don't understand, what's funny?" she asked.
"Sorry, nothing is funny. Everything went very well last night. We are all fine, Trinity, I promise. The guys are just tired, so I let them sleep in. We ninjas do that from time to time, but only when the leader gives the okay," he said, and winked. She finally relaxed, and gave him a smile.
"Man, I'm relieved nobody got hurt," she said.
"Well, I said we're fine, but Raph did suffer a small injury. Nothing he can't handle though. He's too stubborn and ornery to let a little thing like that slow him down."
Trinity's interest was peaked. "What happened?"
Leonardo proceeded to tell the story of the Kraang attacking Raph, him flailing around like an idiot at first to get it off, and how Leo saved the day. Of course, he bragged himself up a little bit, no harm in portraying the hero. She smirked, knowing full well his intention.
—-
While Trinity showered Leo made instant oatmeal for the both of them. He wasn't as skilled as Mikey in the kitchen, but at least he put forth the effort. She walked in, seeing the two bowls on the island, and Leo pouring them each a glass of orange juice.
"Dang, I was going to make you guys breakfast," she said, hands on her hips. Leo looked up, nervous. He wasn't sure what to do.
"I-I, um, thought you'd like this," he said hesitantly.
She felt horrible. "Oh no, Leo, that's not what I meant. Yes, this is wonderful, and you shouldn't have, really. I just wanted to treat you guys to a nice homemade breakfast after your late night."
He smiled. "You cleaned our entire lair from top to bottom yesterday. Now, you want to cook? Trinity, remember you are still our guest. Besides, I thought you said you didn't like cooking?" he asked, pushing a full glass towards her.
"Well, I didn't say it would taste good, just that it would be homemade," she said, then took a sip.
Leo choked, spraying juice onto the table top. Embarrassed, he wiped his chin. She laughed, and put a hand to her mouth to conceal the noise. It helped ease his burning pride.
"Think that's funny?" he asked, eyeing her. She could only nod, the laughter shaking her frame. He scooped up a heaping spoonful of oatmeal.
"Oh, come on, you're the responsible one," she gasped, seeing the glint in his eyes.
He held the loaded spoon with one hand. "True, but when the others aren't around I tend to loosen up," he said. He liked seeing her laugh. It made her glow. He also liked feeling this way, with his guard down and able to joke. The only other person he ever did that with was April, and those times were few and far between, whenever they hung out without the others. He and April were strictly friends, and it was fun to be less rigid around her. Leo forgot how nice it felt. He wasn't sure what category Trinity was in. All ready she was becoming a friend, that went without saying. However, Leo could easily see there being more.
"What's it going to take to keep me from throwing this?" he asked.
"I don't know," she asked, smiling. "What do you want me to do?"
The question made him drop the spoon, which made Trinity laugh all over again. Leo blushed, and gave her a crooked smile. Hopefully she'd never realize what went through his mind to make him fumble like a moron.
"Way to go, ninja master," a voice said, entering the kitchen. They turned and saw Raph walk in.
Leo started. "Why aren't you sleeping?" he almost demanded.
"Whoa, take a pill fearless. I can't sleep with this damn wrap buggin' me. Itches like hell. Donnie's gonna have to do something else or take it off," Raph said, his back to them, rummaging in a cupboard. He came to the table with a box of cereal and a bowl. He tossed Leo a new spoon.
The three sat silent, eating their breakfast. Raph had brought with him an air of angst that hung like a thick odor. It changed Leo's demeanor the instant he'd walked in, Trinity observed. She herself was still unsure of the red banded brother. His dislike for her tainted any hopes of a friendly relationship.
As they sat her eyes kept wandering to Raph's bandaged arm. She couldn't help but wonder how severe the bite was, knowing how close she herself had come to being Kraang bait. If it had been any of the others, Trinity would've asked, but it was broody Raph. There was no way she'd show her interest.
—-
"What do you want me to do? It's too big to tape, Raph," Donnie said, looking at his brother's wound.
"Can't ya just leave it off?" Raph asked. Donatello had ahold of his arm, his nerd specs on to inspect the jagged rip. Raphael could feel his blood pressure rising. "Just let me air it out."
Donnie looked up, his glasses making his chocolate eyes bigger. "Are you kidding me? This is fresh, it needs to be covered. Honestly, you're twenty-three, suck it up, and let me rewrap it. I won't do it as tight this time if it makes you feel better." He reached into a leather case, pulled out a clean ace bandage, and proceeded to wrap the wound.
"Ahhh," Raph sighed.
As Don finished up, the two heard Trinity walk in. They both looked towards to the door.
"Oh," she said abruptly. "I didn't know you were busy. I can come back." She turned to leave.
Donnie about tripped over Raphael's feet, as he got up quickly. "Wait Trinity, I'm basically done. Raph, you can go," he said waving a hand at his brother. Raph caught the drift.
"No, Raph is hurt. Take care of his arm. I'll just come back later," she said. Raph was already walking towards her, grumbling. The last thing she wanted was for him to have another reason to be angry.
"It's fine. I'm done playing doctor anyway," he said brushing past her. She watched him go down the hallway, up the stairs to his room.
"What did you need?" Donnie asked, a smile planted on his face.
"Um, I was actually going to ask about Raph's arm."
The smile faltered slightly. "Oh, ah, it's good. I mean, he has a nasty puncture wound, ripped skin, torn muscle, but he's a fast healer. Plus, we got him back here right away, stitched him up before infection could set in. As long as Raph keeps it wrapped, which is the real challenge, it should be back to normal by the end of the week," he said in a matter of fact tone. His eyes had lost their former twinkle, but were still enlargeed behind his glasses.
"I just wanted to make sure. Those Kraang creep me out. Can't imagine being bitten by one," she said, holding herself in a hug.
All at once Donnie understood her concern. "They normally don't bite. In fact, this is only the third Kraang bite I've had to treat, and the worst come to think of it. The way Leo explained it though, this one was acting very odd. Like it was insane. Heh, didn't know they could go crazy, but I suppose even aliens have their limits." He took off his glasses, set them on the desk.
"They look nice on you," she said, without thinking.
"Huh?" he asked, looking up surprised.
"The glasses, I've never seen you with them until today. Do you wear them often?"
"Just when I need to see close up. They're actually like cheaters, not a prescription. I could use my tech-goggles, but these are just as handy."
He gazed down at the floor, blushing, then back at her. "You really think they look nice?" he asked nervously.
"Mm-hmm, smart guy, in glasses, of course it looks good. Brings out your eyes, too." She came into the lab further, and sat on the desk where he was working. Donatello held his breath, realizing she was in the exact same position he had fantasized about. It was his chance to tell her what they discovered.
"Trinity, I know Leo told you a little bit about what went on last night, but I'd like to tell you exactly what all we found out. If you want to hear it, that is?"
Her eyes lit up. "Yes, Donnie. I didn't think you'd be able to. I want to know everything." She leaned closer to the edge of the desk.
He came in front of her, standing an arm's length away, peering down into her expectant eyes. All too aware of the flutters in his stomach, heat flushed face, and sweaty palms he tried to calm himself.
"Well, we have good news," he started. She smiled. His heart rate quickened. "We discovered a load of information from the Kraang that bit Raph. Seems the guys in charge of M&R are indeed responsible for everything going on, the tech-robotics, the underground alien secrecy, and the mutagen. They came across some long forgotten Kraang in a warehouse and reprogrammed the droids. They tortured one of the blobs, getting alien information from it, then used that to find the other droids and Kraang, dissecting some, making the others slaves. I don't even want to know what methods were used. They intend to use the mutagen, and posses the remaining canister. I know they're going to try and replicate its makeup. However, the ingredients aren't earthbound, it'll be impossible. Hopefully, Howard Mitchell and Chad Rogers give up pursuit. Though, it's highly unlikely given their endeavors thus far."
Trinity stared up at Donatello. The story amazed her. A better tale couldn't have been written for a science fiction plot.
"What will you guys do?" she asked.
"Don't worry about us. Leo is meditating and I'm working on something, but we know our next step. I just want you to feel safe," he said placing a hand on her shoulder. She placed her small, pale hand on top of his larger green one. His mouth opened in amazement.
"I get that you guys are ninjas and all, you do this sort of thing for a living, so to speak," she said. "I'm still freaked out by the whole idea. I'm sorry to sound so, so, girlish, but this whole thing is like from my fantasies, the junk I write about. It's almost like a cruel joke. Odd it's affecting this bad. I tracked the creeps for over four months. It didn't feel like this though. Now it's real."
"It was real then too, Trinity. You just didn't realize the real danger you were putting yourself into. Thankfully, nothing happened. You were able to remain far enough away physically, that you were emotionally removed from feeling threatened."
"How'd you get so smart living in a sewer?" she asked, smiling brightly.
"I personally think we each had our own set of genetic attributes. The mutagen simply enhanced those traits and talents, same as in a human baby. The long argued nature over nurture debate."
She looked up into his warm brown orbs. "Well, the four of you make the majority of my race look pathetic. Have you realized that?"
He gave his famous gapped tooth grin. "Look, what's it going to take for you to not sit up all night while we're out patrolling or on a mission?" Her brow wrinkled. "Yeah, I'm the smart one, remember? I know you didn't just fall asleep on the couch by accident," Donnie said.
Trinity sighed. "Don't sweat it. I feel better now, that we talked. I'm just not used to knowing people who go out and fight crime. I have a cousin who is a cop, but that's totally lame compared to this," she said, holding out both hands to him.
"Not to say something couldn't go wrong, but we've been at this for close to ten years, and training for almost eighteen. We know what we're doing and are always careful," he said reassuringly.
"Thanks, Donatello, for everything." Trinity rose from the desk and leaned close into the purple turtle, wrapping her arms around him in a brief hug. He stood frozen, unable to react. As quickly as it started, it was over, and Trinity had left him alone once more.