Chapter 56: Back Home
A/N: I know it's been a while for this one, but I've had a lot of sinus problems, so that's why I haven't updated. But here I am now, so I hope you guys don't mind the lateness. This one will take place a little after "Return to New York." Thanks to all of those who have read and reviewed. Your kind words mean the world to me.
Guest: Sorry, but I'm not doing a separate story right now. There is some fluff in this chapter though, so I hope that suffices for you. Thanks for reading.
Disclaimer: TMNT and all related characters are property of Nickelodeon. I only own the plot.
It was weird to be back in New York after everything that had happened. When we arrived, the Turtles, April, and Casey went to the Lair to try to find Splinter while Uncle Gino, Gia, Abby, and I went to Antonio's since we figured our apartment wasn't safe with all of the Kraang around. The store was empty, and it was weird not to see anyone else there. Uncle Gino took inventory of everything and hoped that the supplier we used would come by soon to get more ingredients.
"Are we gonna look for Daddy soon, Mr. Pizza Man?" Abby asked me.
"No, we need to stay here for now," I told her. "It's too dangerous to just go out there alone."
Not long after, the Turtles, April, Casey, and Splinter came to the store, saying that it would serve as a good lair since their other one wasn't available. It was good to see Splinter again, and I could tell he was happy to see all of us, too. Leo filled us in on what happened and how Splinter had been out of his mind at first but how April had gotten him back to normal.
"Yes, ti is good to be back again," Splinter replied. "And I am glad you are all safe."
"We're glad you're safe, too, Sensei," I said. "We've missed you."
"So what do we do now?" Mikey asked.
"I believe we will just have to stay here and wait," Splinter replied. "There is not much we can do without a plan."
"Well at least we have pizza," Mikey said.
Splinter took Leo aside and began to talk to him while Mikey and I played some games with Abby. We ate some pizza and filled Splinter in on what happened while we were away at the farm. He was shocked by everything that had happened, but he was happy that we all had survived and had gotten out alive.
"What about Karai?" Leo asked. "Is she okay?"
"I only saw her once, but I could not go to her because I was not in my right mind and did not want to risk harming her," Splinter replied. "We will have to try and bring her back later."
I felt sorry for the family and remembered how the others would talk about Karai. Mikey told me a lot of stories about her and how he couldn't wait to have his sister back again and to do things with her. I wanted to help out, but I wasn't sure if they'd let me.
When it was time for bed, we all settled down on the floor. Mikey lay net to me, and at one point during the night, he snuggled closer to me. I moved away from him because I wasn't sure how Splinter would react to us being like that. Mikey made a whining sound and tried again, but I pushed him away. With a sigh, I got up and went to the window, gazing out at the empty street before me.
"Tony, are you all right?" a voice asked. I turned and saw Splinter making his way toward me.
"I'm fine," I answered. "I just couldn't sleep."
"Does it have anything to do with Michelangelo getting closer to you?" he asked me.
"Well, yeah," I said.
"Do not be alarmed. He often does that when he sleeps. He likes to be close to others and feels safer that way."
"I think there's a bit more to it than that," I said.
"What do you mean?" Splinter asked me.
"Well, Mikey kind of likes me as more than a friend," I said. "I told him I want to take it slow because this isn't something I'm totally comfortable with expressing right now. And the thing is, I wasn't sure how you would feel about it so that's why I pushed him away."
"I see. I must admit, I have never thought my sons would ever find happiness with another, but I always said to myself that if they did, I would be happy for them no matter what. The same holds true for the both of you, Tony. If Michelangelo is happy with you, then I have no problem with that as long as you are happy with him. Do not be afraid of what I may think, child. As long as both of you are happy, I am happy. Is your uncle fine with this as well?"
"Yeah, he's cool with it," I said.
"Then you have no need to fear. Just make sure Michelangelo is aware of this, too."
"I will," I promised. "Thanks, Sensei."
"You are welcome. Do you think you can sleep now?"
I nodded. "I think so. Good night."
"Good night, Tony. See you in the morning."
I returned to my place beside Mikey, happy that Splinter approved of our potential relationship. This time when Mikey snuggled close to me, I welcomed him and put my arm around him, basking in the closeness. I wasn't sure what was going to happen now, but I knew that as long as all of us were together, we could overcome anything that was put in front of us, and I hoped that we could take back the city and get rid of the Kraang for good.
A/N: A little short, but I made do. And, yes, I added a bit of Tony/Mikey fluff for some readers who wanted it. Feel free to leave a review and have a shelltastic day.
