Note: Chapters 39 to 44 are finished but are still being edited, so there will be a bit of delay before they are posted. The story is almost finished, please enjoy.

Chapter 38: Tied Together With Love

Splinter awoke to find himself in an unfamiliar place—and in an unfamiliar position. The grogginess of sleep quickly wore off and he remembered deciding to stay the night at the animal shelter after Miss Elizabeth gave birth. What he didn't remember was someone inviting themselves into his sleeping area, snuggling up against him and sharing his pillow, their arms around him.

That someone had her head on his shoulder, her hand lazily stroking his forehead, his ears. When Brynn noticed he was awake, she lifted her head with a smile, hair tangled around her sleep-flushed cheeks. "Good morning, handsome."

Such words made his face heat, and he mumbled good morning in return. The events of last night had happened so quickly he had not yet had the chance to stop and reflect on what had happened in the park. What conclusion Brynn had drawn from his words. He needed a chance to think, to come up with the right words to express as kindly as he could that a misunderstanding had taken place somehow. But now was not the time, nor was this the appropriate place.

It was later in the morning than he usually woke, but after a night like last night, he wasn't about to scold himself. Judging by how relaxed she looked, Brynn was in no hurry to move either. The closeness of her presence didn't make him as uncomfortable as he would have thought.

The rumbling snores coming from another part of the room told him that the two young reptiles present were still asleep. "How is Miss Elizabeth?" he asked quietly.

Brynn propped her head on her palm with a smile. "Like any new mother—exhausted but too happy to care. She woke up to feed the twins a little while ago but I'm pretty sure she's asleep again."

"And Usagi?"

"His fever has finally gone down, which is a good sign. He was awake the last time I went to check on him, but he was so out of it I don't think he knew where he was or what was going on. I don't want him moving around until at least tomorrow, so I gave him another sedative."

Splinter nodded, grateful that he seemed to be recovering so far. His eyes drifted over to the nearby sofa, where Miss Elizabeth was stretched out on her side, arm draped protectively over the twins. He hoped their father would be able to meet them soon.

"Has she decided on names yet?"

Brynn was absently fingering the edge of his kimono, up near his throat. "She mentioned the last time I was over to give her a checkup that Shannon was their favorite name for a girl and Seiki was their first pick for a boy, but I think she wants Usagi's okay before making any final decisions."

He nodded again, understanding. Her smile deepening, Brynn scooted closer, her hand drifting over his face. Her eyes gazed into his, so obviously full of warmth and affection it made his heart beat rapidly. Sensing what she was about to do, he said shyly, "Is this the best time and place for this?"

"Probably not, but everyone is asleep right now. It could be hours before we have another moment to ourselves."

And before he could say anything more she cupped the back of his head and touched her mouth to his. His heart sped up again, his skin warmed. So intimate of a touch was both frightening and thrilling, and all around wonderful. A thread of guilt coiled inside him, knowing that the two of them needed to have a long talk as soon as they had the chance, but there was no denying he enjoyed her affections.

She kept it brief, putting her head back on his shoulder and nuzzling his cheek afterward. She looked so content, so very happy. Like being this close to him was all she could ever want. Like he was all she could ever want. It made him wish he felt more for her than just friendship—because he knew no one else was ever going to look at him this way again. It also made him worry about what might happen once they had the talk they needed to have. He didn't want to end up hurting her, or driving her away.

Unaware of his troubled thoughts, Brynn kissed his cheek before sitting up and smoothing her hair. Strangely, Splinter found himself missing her warmth.

After securing her hair back, the pretty scientist slid her glasses on—and stopped with a smirk. Puzzled, Splinter sat up and followed her gaze. Over on the sofa Elizabeth had her head up; she quickly put it down when she realized they were looking at her and pretended to be studying the twins. Splinter felt his ears warm, wondering how long she had been watching the two of them. A quick glance around the room showed that everyone else was still asleep, to his relief.

Brynn got to her feet, though she didn't bother putting on her shoes. In another part of the shelter Splinter heard soft footsteps; Obento already up and moving around. "I'm going to make some tea," said Brynn, before walking quietly out of the room.

Splinter thought for a moment, then took his Turtle-com out. He had told Donatello all that was happening before going to sleep but thought it best to keep him updated.

Donatello was busy working in his lab when Rebecca came running in. When he came home last night she was asleep, and after she woke up she'd tearfully explained to him what was going on. Thankfully Michelangelo came in a little while later and said that Brynn wasn't leaving New York after all. This happy news put the miserable mutant kitten back on cloud nine, and she hadn't stopped smiling since. Looking at her now you'd never know she'd been upset; she practically skipped her way over to him, her eyes shining the way they always did after she'd finished another painting.

"Here," she said, proudly holding up a watercolor in a square frame. It was a pretty scene of a sunny forest, with little animals around a stream and mountains in the background. Like all of Becky's paintings, it was simplistic but detailed, and a little better than her last.

"I made it for you," the white feline went on, as she went over to one of the bare lab walls. "This place needs more color."

Donatello couldn't deny that it was a little drab in here, and he smiled as he watched her hunt for just the right spot. She was still at it when his Turtle-com beeped; he put his tools down and answered it. "Donatello here," he greeted.

"Good morning, my son," said Splinter. "Is everything well at home?"

"Uh-huh," said the young scientist, with a glance at Rebecca. "How are things over there?"

"Miss Elizabeth and her children are fine," reported his old teacher, "and Obento has recovered enough to try a little tea and broth."

"And Usagi?"

"He is not completely out of danger yet, but as long as he remains undisturbed he should heal."

"That's good to know. Keep me posted, okay?"

"I will. Watch over Rebecca for me, please."

Hearing her name, the kitten in question finished hanging the picture and scurried over as Donatello put his Turtle-com away. "Is Papa coming home?" she asked eagerly.

"He's a little busy right now, but he'll be back later," he told her.

Rebecca drooped in disappointment. He knew he wasn't the one she usually went to for company, but with her 'papa' and other big brothers out at the moment, he was all she had. "Tell you what," he said. "Why don't we go to that park you love so much?"

Instead of cheering up, the white kitten frowned at the thought. "But Papa says I can't go there during the day anymore."

Donatello could understand why Splinter had made that decision, and why he didn't want to introduce the concept of disguises—and the idea that Rebecca needed to keep herself hidden from society—to the innocent-minded mutant just yet, but he didn't think it would hurt if they did it slowly and subtly.

"He's just worried you aren't ready to be around that many people," he told her, "but as long as you stay close to me it'll be okay."

Rebecca nodded eagerly.

"And why don't you wear that new sweater Brynn got for you? The one with the hood?"

She quickly ran off to her room and was soon back, pink sweater pulled over her blouse and hood tugged up over her pointed ears. With the face painting kiosk they had in the park, a cat nose and whiskers wouldn't get a second glance. Grinning, he hurried to grab a disguise of his own before taking the eager kitten's hand and leading her topside.

Elizabeth couldn't take her eyes off her babies. She still couldn't believe how tiny and perfect they were, or that they were here with her so soon. She was still tired and sore from last night, but for the moment she was so full of joy it overshadowed everything else. The only thing marring that joy was that she had to keep them here in the back room for now instead of moving them to the nursery, which was too close to her and Usagi's bedroom. If the twins fussed he would hear for sure—and that was not how she wanted him to find out.

She hated not being able to run to him, to tell him their babies were here. She especially hated the thought that her precious husband might not ever see the faces of his children. It was a thought too horrible for words and she would push it away the second it tried to work its way into her sleepy mind.

Across the room, Splinter was finishing his conversation with Donatello. Michelangelo and Mondo were just starting to wake up, stretching and yawning loudly and popping joints like the young boys they were. Mikey licked his mouth with a grimace. "My tongue feels fuzzy."

Elizabeth snickered and didn't wonder why; there was a fluffy kitten napping on his shoulder. She mewled in complaint and jumped down as he sat up.

Mondo cracked his back with another yawn. "I need a good boarding session to get these kinks out," he decided.

"I'm up for that," Mikey said, brightening. "And then I could seriously go for some pizza."

"On second thought, we should do that first."

"Good idea. Pizza, then skateboarding, then more pizza."

"Now you're talking."

Grinning, Mondo scurried out of the room. Elizabeth propped her head on her palm with a smirk. "See?" she said to her daughter, who was sleepily blinking her big green eyes. "Those are typical teenage boys. Better get used to it."

Mikey turned to look at the two of them, his smirk matching hers. It quickly faded and a bashful look touched his face. "If you, uh, don't need anything else, I guess I'll be going now."

The petite redhead sat up, moving carefully so she didn't jostle her babies. "I'll be fine. Thank you again for staying."

He shrugged, still looking bashful. "Anytime."

He hovered by the sofa, looking like he had something else to say. Finally, he mumbled, "I think we work out good as friends."

Elizabeth smiled warmly. "Me too."

She held out her arms, and he smiled back and gave her a quick hug before heading out. The kitten flicked her tail in annoyance at losing her napping spot. "I'm hungry," she sniffed.

"Don't look at me," Elizabeth said crisply as she lay back down. "I'm off duty until further notice."

Hearing her but not realizing who she was talking to, Splinter came over with a smile. "Is there anything you need?" he asked.

"Some breakfast would be nice," she decided.

She was trying to think of how she could make staying in here until Usagi recovered more comfortable, especially for her babies. The obvious solution came to her just as Dr. Morris hurried back into the room. She had a hard frown on her face.

Elizabeth sat up quickly—so quickly her head spun. "What is it?" she asked in alarm.

"Nothing serious," the pretty biochemist told her, putting her thumping heart at ease. "I just put a call to the lab here to let them know I won't be leaving after all. They were more than happy to tell me I can come back to work. As in right now."

Elizabeth's relief was short-lived. "Is that a good idea? I mean..."

Dr. Morris was obviously torn. Obento was fine and sitting up with his tea in the kitchen, but Usagi still needed care. "I would feel a lot better if I stayed and monitored him myself," she said unhappily. "But as long as no one wakes him it should be all right. I'll come back and check on him again just as soon as I can."

As she was putting her shoes on, Splinter told her, "I won't be leaving yet. I will do my best to look after everyone."

Dr. Morris paused to fish a hand in the pocket of her blouse and pulled out a business card. "Call me if anything happens or his fever starts rising again. I'll break every speed law in the books getting back here."

Splinter chuckled as he accepted the card. "I hope that won't be necessary."

Her eyes were still full of doubt as she continued to hesitate. They were also full of longing, and as she finally tore herself away, her eyes stayed on Splinter as she walked out of the room.

Things like that never went unnoticed around here. "See?" said the kitten smugly as she scampered out into the hallway. "I told you she's mad-crazy about him."

"I called it first," said the bird from last night.

"Are they going to get married?" wondered a mouse.

"Totally," said the kitten.

As they continued to chatter noisily outside the doorway, Elizabeth laughed and shook her head. "All right, you guys, break it up."

After she spoke she felt eyes on her, and she turned her head to see Splinter studying her, a bemused look on his face. "May I ask who you are talking to?"

Elizabeth went quiet for a moment, realizing that after she told Leonardo about her unique ability he hadn't passed the information on. Touched, she briefly described what she could do.

"That is a remarkable gift," said Splinter. "No doubt it has aided you many times in your life. You must be proud."

Elizabeth nodded and looked away. He was right; she was proud. She was proud that she was able to call so many unique creatures her friends. She wasn't physically strong, but thanks to those friends and her special ability she was able to find a different kind of strength. She was proud not only of her ability, but of herself. She was happy both with her life and who she had become.

As she was blinking her moist eyes to clear them there was a knock on the front door. Strangely, Hyena didn't start barking. Splinter looked at her, still reclining on the sofa, then drifted his eyes over the twins. "I will get it," he decided with a smile.

Elizabeth didn't tell him no, though she hoped it was someone they knew—someone who wouldn't be shocked when a giant rat answered the door. She didn't have to worry; a minute later Leonardo came into the room, wearing a big smile and carrying a stuffed turtle doll. "I heard the news," he grinned.

The new mom laughed. "You didn't have to bring anything," she told him. "You've already gotten them plenty of toys."

Leonardo continued to grin as he came over to the sofa. "Always room for one more," he reasoned.

He placed the plush toy gently next to her sleeping babies, and she couldn't help smiling at its silly grin, or the plastic balloon it was holding that read 'happy birthday!' The young turtle straightened up, his eyes on the twins. He didn't say anything, but Elizabeth saw the look in his eyes. The admiration, the longing, the helpless want.

The look passed and he smiled again. "How's Usagi doing?"

"Better, I think, but no one has checked on him in a few minutes."

She started to edge away from her babies as she spoke, fully intending on doing exactly that. Leonardo took her hand and helped her to her feet. Her legs felt rubbery and her head swam for a moment, but she soon had her bearings. "Anything I can do?" asked Leonardo as he let go of her hand.

"Yes: can you please bring the twins' cradle in here?"

He hurried off, and Elizabeth checked on her babies before turning for the door. Splinter was just coming back into the room with a breakfast tray in his hands. As he set it on a nearby table and laid out a napkin, Elizabeth felt her heart swell with affection. Splinter was so good to everyone around him, and without even thinking about it. His caring and kindness just came naturally.

It made her glad she had him as a friend, and she smiled her thanks as she left the room. She moved quietly across the shelter and down the hallway, until she was standing outside her own bedroom. She knew that Dr. Morris always shut the door after she looked in on Usagi, but Elizabeth found it standing about a foot or so open. Curious, she peeked inside.

Usagi was in bed, covers pulled to his chin. He looked like he was sound asleep—and he looked infinitely better than he did last night. The dark rings under his eyes were gone, he was breathing normally, and his soft white fur was sweat-free.

And lying next to the bed, head on the rabbit's arm, was Hyena. His dark eyes were watching Usagi intently, though they shifted briefly to Elizabeth, acknowledging her presence. He didn't say anything, and neither did she. She just looked at the scene in front of her and felt her eyes moisten. Vowing silently to thank him somehow later, she left as quietly as she came and went back to her babies.