The Peculiar Girl


My silence could mean you are not worth the argument


'For the last time Mikey, no!' snapped Donnie right after they got back from patrol. It was unusual. Donnie could be cracky sure. All of them could be cranky at times. Some going full berserker (Raph), others preferring silent boiling volcano before eruption (Leo), and some were just your average tired genius in the need of coffee crumpy turtles (Donnie). Mikey was never as angry or grumpy as them. Usually, he just experienced annoyance never raging anger through. But back to the point. Since all of them could be annoyed and upset on different levels Mikey thought he experienced all of those levels already. The worst was Raph, then Leo, then Donnie and then him. Or so he assumed that was the hierarchy.

However, after he woke up last night again haunted by a nightmare about not being able to scream while a guy with no face was trying to hurt him, he asked to Donnie after the patrol to ask him to run another police check on any female victims of assault dated the day of the explosion or a couple of days afterward. He didn't think it was a big deal. He annoyed Donnie about it for a while now, and his brother was the first to offer to do it in the first place, so honestly, Mikey thought it would be just like before.

Unfortunately, Mikey probably wasn't the only one who woke up in a bad mood because instead of agreeing Donnie told him the word in the English language Mikey hated to hear the most, no.

'Dude, come on! Please. You did it yesterday, and the day before and-'

Donnie shot him a look his voice raised and his face all veiny. He was definitely pissed, 'And the day before and before. How many times, Mikey? It's obvious the girl either didn't report the attack or it didn't happen!'

He could feel Leo and Raph behind them sharing a look probably getting ready to step if needed to but still surprised Donnie would even get to this state. Something was off with their brother. Who was Mikey kidding? Something was off with all of them maybe not Leo though, but the Leo now was the new Leo with Jay Leo who was a different Leo than the old Leo so he could also be classified as being off.

'Bro, how can you say that?' asked Mikey actually hurt by his brother's words. It wasn't just a dream. Mikey knew it wasn't just the dream. There really was a girl beaten up by some guy somewhere in New York and Mikey knew it was bananas, but he felt he needed to find her and make sure she was alive. Donnie showed him support and understanding the first day, so why not now? What changed?

'What the hell? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed-sorry couch in the lab because apparently you almost never get to the bed in the first place?' Okay, as comebacks went that was weak, Mikey admitted it, but he was seriously weirded out by Donnie's behavior and not quick right now after having been patrolling for several hours with no end in the cold winter. Hopefully for the last time though since Christmas was coming.

'I'm not sleeping in my bed because I'm working! I'm trying to figure out why there are weapons missing from a police station. Why they were some freaky cult terrorists blowing up subways only to freeze them-'

Mikey cut him off. Alright, he knew looking for the girl was a long shot, and that Donnie was doing a lot. He knew that. He knew he was a busy turtle and had projects and side-projects, but that didn't give him the right to dismiss Mikey's concerns, alright?

'So what your work is more important than a girl-'

'A made-up girl!' snapped Donnie his anger getting the better of him apparently which caused Mikey to frown in a warning for Donnie to shut up, but clearly, his brother couldn't take the hit as he continued.

'You don't know the girl. You can't even identify her. For all, we know it was just a dream caused by the head injury when the roof fell on you. It might just have been you picturing Mo and the girl your learning sign language for!' snapped Donnie and added an annoyed shout like sound before forcing his fingers into fists.

'Look, I don't have time for your pointless searchers right now. I need to work on the tub and the terrorist. We have no idea why they attacked in the first place which means there is an 89 percent chance there will be another attack. This time we were lucky Jay was there and called us, the next time we won't. A civilian ended up in the hospital even if we were there. Next time they might be dead,' his voice was slowly coming to a volume Mikey recognized even if his fists were still ready for battle, 'I have to work on what matters. On what's real. Not a fantasy.'

Well, that was just mean. Seriously mean.

Sure, Mikey could maybe understand why Donnie, a man of science, would think the whole thing was a dream, but he wasn't there. He didn't feel it. He didn't know what Mikey had been through what the girl had been though and honestly with the way he was shouting at him before and dismissing his worries and problems, Mikey wasn't sure he liked Donnie very much right now.

'Alright, break it up,' said Leo and Raph as they approached, 'Yeah, or did you forget, fearless and I are the ones around here who engage in shouting matches.'

Donnie unclenched his fists and gave him a final look, 'Forget it, Mikey. I'm not doing it.'

Mikey frowned at him and shook his head, 'Whatever.'

As he walked away hearing Donnie do the same to the direction of his room he heard Raph said, 'Do we sound so stupid when we fight too?'

'For sure.'


Molly's bruises were healing nicely which was a blessing since every damn time she looked into the mirror she thought she was going to throw up or have PTSD. Seriously, she wasn't even sure how she survived applying makeup the first time she did facing the mirror and the disgusting mark left by that…by that asshole.

She avoided Nana the day after it happened and told her she fell down the stairs on the way to school. Whether she believed it or not, she didn't pressure her as much as Molly feared she would which was great.

She skipped most of the days in school, but felt like she didn't miss much as she was in constant contact with Amanda and the others browsing social media and pictures and videos sent to her Vigilantes page hoping to find some news about Kim. She was obsessed. More then every Molly was obsessed with updates about how she was. It was psychotic. She knew she was only torturing herself, but she just couldn't stop.

Jay M.: She's finally stable, but still hadn't woken up not once. The doctors said it's not a good sign, but that we should hope. Her parents and friends from church stop by and pray often…. It had to stand for something, right?

Jay proved to be the best source though. The blonde apparently spent a lot of time in the hospital checking up on her which was understanding since Molly found out, it was Jay who was with her when it happened in the subway. It made her stomach turn every time she thought about it and luckily or not Jay refused to give details about what actually happened just that the bombs went off and they got stuck until the firefighters got to them. Maybe there was more, but Molly was too much of a coward to pressure the other girl.

Molly tapped against the keyboard without writing. She was an atheist as long as she could remember. She probably didn't go a church once. She wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't even baptized that would require some serious parenting which her parents were never that much into.

To Jay: If it doesn't, it will be the final nail to the coffin of my belief in God. I really hope she will be alright.

Molly pulled her knees to her chest and her feet on the chair before she hugged them. She really wished she was a better person, but a part of her knew she only wished for it to feel better. She was a selfish person. She wasn't like Jay who really wanted Kim to be better. She just wanted not to feel so shitty all the time. Kim got hurt the night Matt came over. She was supposed to break it off with him for good. Instead, she let him come over, kiss her on her bed, and almost let him have sex with her again while Kim was almost dying in a subway. She felt terrible. She felt horrible and so much worse she couldn't even describe it. Whenever Molly thought of herself, she thought she was the good guy. Like she had a shitty childhood and was bullied in school, and was friends with outsiders and protected Mikey's and the other turtles secret, so yeah by all description she was the good guy. She thought all of that could make up for the fact she was sleeping with Matt because he was only fake dating Kim. Or so she thought. Now…but now, she knew the truth. She wasn't the good guy, not even close. All those things and any good thing she ever did didn't make up for the fact that she was a bad guy and a terrible person, and if she could somehow make Kim Sawyer wake up and smile and be okay, she would, but she couldn't which fucking killed her every time she let herself spiral down that rabbit hole.

Her bruise didn't hurt so badly, but she kinda wished it would. Physical pain was so much more manageable than the mental one she was putting into herself.

Yo dude, how could you have not introduced me sooner to Avatar? WTF? This show rocks.

Molly smiled despite herself. It seemed her Mi was the only one who lately had any chance of doing that to her. He wrote her every day like nothing changed or happened trying to take her mind out of things with pop culture and games and freaking anything which was what she needed even if she didn't deserve it.

I cannot believe you spent this long without watching the Gaang travel the four nations. Sometimes I seriously wonder how and why are we friends, bro.

Mikey was the only one who she knew couldn't ask about Kim. Sure, he and his brothers saved her. She got tons of videos and images about the events in the subway, and it was clear they were there. She had no doubt they somehow saved the day, but apart from that Molly doubt he knew about the cheerleader's state in the hospital. Still, she found herself wondering how did they feel about something like that. They saved someone, who was in bad condition and maybe never found out if he made it in the hospital or not. However, not knowing was definitely sometimes better than knowing.

To Jay: My Nana wants me to help her out with dishes. Talk to you tomorrow.

Jay M.: No worries, and get well soon. Mono sucks.

Molly wrote her a quick thanks and logged out before letting out a deep sigh. She had to make up an excuse for why she wasn't in school.

Her phone vibrated.

At your own risk.

She turned on the vibration and turned the screen off. She had successfully avoided all his calls and messages deleting them without opening. She was done with him. DONE. If she never saw him again, it would be too damn soon.

Her fingers touched her face where she still had her healing bruise. She was hurt before. Of course, she was.

She was hurt when her mom of the year left them to go start a new family, and Nana had to step in and raise her and Derek. She was hurt when her dad died dealing drugs and the office who came to tell them said well, it's not that unusual for you folks looking at her and Derek like they were some getto kids selling crack too. She was hurt a lot in middle school mainly when those bitches pushed her to the ground after the gym and cut her thigh because they were psychotic bitches and that what they do. She was hurt at first with every cruel or mean word someone said her before she changed from porcelain to steel ignoring and even sometimes finding pleasure from their insults knowing that was the best they could do. She was hurt a lot because she was mute or black. She was hurt when Matt showed her he cared and then started dating Kim. She was hurt when she saw Matt kissing Nicole. She was hurt when she realized Matt was really dating Kim, and despite everything, he said to her she was just a good fuck apparently. She was hurt when he beat her up. She was hurt when she found out about Kim and was feeling like shit ever since. But she was never seriously never hurt as much as she was when she woke up he took those damn pictures of her legs and told her it was her fault he beat her up. Her fault. Fucking piece of shit.

She brushed away her tears angrily. She told herself she wouldn't cry because of it again, but it was like she couldn't help herself, and she seriously hated it. Damn it. She was better than this. She was stronger than this. He was just some guy. Fuck him and fuck her heart which was making her cry every damn time she thought about all those times she slept with him realizing it was all a lie. He was all a freaking liar.

Damn, just got to Zuko's backstory. His dad is seriously the worst.

Molly brushed away some more tears and then typed back.

Yeah, just wait. It gets worse.

Yayks

They went back and forth around Avatar: The Last Airbender and then other shows.

Btw it's pretty cool how different benders use different martial arts.

Molly smirked.

Figures you would notice. Mr.I-learned-martial-arts-before-I-could-walk.

Never said that…I'm pretty sure I said I MASTERED them before I could walk because I'm so awesome.

She smiled and rolled her eyes. It was hard to feel shitty with Mi when he could so easily get her mind off of things. It was just so easy which was wrong because she should feel bad. She was a horrible person, and even if Mi was being all nice and heroic when he told her she wasn't a bad person, she didn't want to let it sink in. Not after Kim.

I'm gonna get some rest. I'm going to school tomorrow so…

Sure, no problem. I'm glad you feel better, Mo. Good night.

You too, Mi.

She really shouldn't let Mi to make her feel so good about herself. She didn't deserve it.


Once Mo went to bed, Mikey played the next episode of Avatar. It was seriously a good show, and he really should have watched it sooner.

'What'cha watching?' asked Raph as he passed his room.

'Avatar, the Last Airbender,' said Mikey changing his voice to a more dramatic one before grinning at his brother, who rolled his eyes and moved along mumbling something about stupid cartoons.

Whatever.

Like Raph would know a decent tv show was. His idea of good tv were wrestling or boxing movies, Fast and Furious and Bad Boys.

Alright, maybe he knew some good movies.

Every now and then Mikey picked up his phone and quickly typed something about what he noticed in the episode or wanted to share, but then thought better of it and deleted it. Mo was asleep, and it was a school night. He didn't want her to accidentally wake up just for his message. Maybe if he was playing a prank on her or wanted to annoy her, but not now.

She had been through a lot.

His mind drifted back a few days ago when Mo told him all about her boyfriend-not boyfriend and how they were together behind his actual girlfriend's back. Talking about high school drama. Since then she didn't really mention it which was…well weird.

She said something here and there, but slowly she completely erased the topic from the conversation menu. Mikey would actually believe he made it all up if it wasn't for the proof in the form of their old messages. It had to be real. Mo texted him in panic and Mikey knew she wasn't making it up. He just knew. But he still couldn't help but wondered what happened.

She was supposed to meet up with a-hole.

Final talk before we go our separate ways. I don't want to end it on shitty terms…he was still my first boyfriend.

She wrote him at one point, and then totally avoided the topic altogether.

Mikey wondered what happened. Did it go well? Did they break up on good terms? The asshole was apparently a cheater and jerk so Mikey doubted it. He feared it was bad. Every time he started to think about it always ended up with the conclusion one way or another that the meeting went bad and then his mind went…his mind went to that place…that room, that bed…that girl…that boy and that punch.

The others didn't necessarily say they didn't believe him until Donnie's outburst today which Mikey still thought had more to do with the reason Donnie was so pissed than Mikey's problem. They were teenage mutant turtles with a rat for a father and apparently one of them and his girlfriend could read each others' minds, so how could they find Mikey's body swiping unbelievable? No, they did believe he experienced something, but it was hard to actually understand it or know what to do with it.

Mikey himself didn't know what to do about it. All he knew was that he was in a room he couldn't remember a single detail of but he was a girl and some guy who's face he also couldn't remember now was beating him, her… just him inside her.

Fuck.

Once they finally manage to get out from the collapsed subway his message was sent, but Mo's reply was that she was fine. He was conflicted. He wanted to believe it was true. He was so worried. He was scared for Donnie and Raph and the redhead in the train sure, but also… he felt this chilling to the bone fear for Mo and the girl who got beaten up if it was her or not. It was scary. So scary.

Mikey wasn't a stranger to scary situation. He was a ninja who fought with punks with sharp weapons or guns. He got hit a few times and scratched. They all did. It was part of the job of being a superhero. But the thing was he always knew he could get out of it. For one he was a size of a cow on steroids. He was the pupil of the greatest martial arts teacher like ever. And he had his equally if not better-no not better, he was the best- skilled brothers watching his back.

But in that room with that guy. He was alone. He was small. He was weak. And he couldn't even call for help.

Never in his entire life even when he was a scared little turtlecat did Mikey ever felt so defenseless and small. He felt like he couldn't do a single thing and that guy could do literally everything. It was horrible.

Did people feel like that a lot? Did girls? That girl definitely did. And he didn't even know what happened to her. It was scary. It was horrible. It made Mikey want to rush to Donnie and beg him again to go over police reports and find the girl just to know…just to know she made it out alive and okay. Just to know she wasn't hurt so badly and was breathing.

'Whoa, Mike,' he heard Leo all of the sudden and looked around to find his brother in his room holding onto some of his comics he had lent Jay when she came on her last visit.

'Are you alright?' asked Leo and Mikey looked down only to find his fingers almost bleeding from how hard and sharply he was biting them. He didn't even hear Leo come in.

'Uh, sorry, bro. Spaced out. This Avatar is a serious nail bitter,' he forced a grin, 'Get it?'

Usually when he made a corny joke like that Leo shook his head or roll his eyes sometimes humored him with a chuckle though. Even if his brothers tried to make him think otherwise, Mikey knew he was funny. In small doses, but still, it counted.

Now Leo didn't look either of those options. He looked a bit concerned.

He easily placed the comics under Mikey's bed which was his usual spot for them now that Master Splinter force him to clean his room once a week as punishment. Like it was his fault that they got ants in winter. Seriously a month-old bowl of pudding and all the mess in the lair was on him.

Leo looked at his screen behind his shoulder, 'Doesn't seem like they're doing much.'

True. Right now, they were just walking and talking.

Mikey shrugged his shoulders and turned around. He wasn't looking up for another discussion about with his brothers since the last one was so fun. Seriously Donnie should get some sleep or coffee or whatever would get him to unwind and chill and help Mikey keep his sanity.

Leo stood next to him and put his hands on his sides.

Mikey chuckled, 'Doing the superhero pose, bro?'

He rolled his eyes at him but lowered his hands, 'Listen, is this about the girl the one who got beaten up?'

Mikey shrugged his shoulder, 'Nah, I'm passed it. Like you guys said. Just a dream.'

Leo frowned and pressed paused on the episode so Mikey had no idea what Sokka's plan was or was it Katara's plan. Damn, he had to rewatch that one.

'Mikey, we believe you,' said Leo and he looked at him before he added, 'I believe you. It wasn't a dream. Maybe it was really a body swap or maybe it was something else…a vision?' he suggested. 'And I get that since neither of us was there it's not as scary for us as it was for you.'

Mikey crossed his arms, 'I'm wasn't scared.' Even if he was like hell was admitting it now after Donnie's outburst. Stupid Donnie making him feel bad about wanting to be a good ninja turtle hero.

'Alright, let me rephrased it,' sighed Leo, 'It must have been horrible to see-to feel like that.'

Mikey watched him in silence not sure how to respond not sure he wanted to, but that was the thing about Leo. Mikey looked up to him and he was really a good person to talk to. Master Splinter was the best no doubt, but Leo was more his age.

'It was…,' he admitted slowly recalling the feeling of absolute panic when he realized he was a girl and that guy punched him and went to punch him again, 'I never felt that defenseless. Even when we were captured, and it was pretty creepy. This was worse. At least when we were captured by the Shredder. We were together minus Raph, but in that room, it was just me and I was small and weak, and I couldn't even scream….it was terrifying.'

Leo nodded giving him that big bro understanding look which made it sometimes so easy to talk to him like he could look at you and know what you were going through and it was alright. Leo would be a good sensei one day, Mikey had no doubt about it.

'Uh, anyway,' he brushed the back of his head, 'I know Donnie's going through something so it's not like I blame him…too much, but he didn't have to be such an ass about it,' he crossed his arms and pushed his legs on his computer desk.

Leo frowned a bit not necessary out of annoyance more like worry and the fact that he noticed as well that something was off with Donnie, but he couldn't tell what. 'Yes, I tried to talk to him but he shut me out.'

He turned to look at Mikey's door no doubt thinking of their other brother who was acting all weird.

Leo looked at him again, 'I think it's because of Kim, Jay's friend.'

Mikey thought about it for a moment his frustration with Donnie slowly fading away. He put his legs back on the ground, 'Yeah, I guess it wasn't all that fun having a girl there knowing she was slowly dying in your arms.'

Leo nodded and pressed his back against the desk, 'It's not often we end up that close to actually losing someone. Even worse someone who saw, and we got to spent some time with. From what Jay told me Kim the nicest person she knows, and what Jay says things like that she means them so the fact that she's now in the coma in the hospital makes it even worst for him.'

Mikey nodded, 'He doesn't want anyone else to end up like that.'

'Yeah,' Leo agreed, 'Right now Donnie is the only who has at least the slightest chance of figuring out their next attack or who they were or what they want. So it's a lot of pressure add that Donnie hates not knowing something-'

'I get it. I get it,' said Mikey cutting him off, 'I'm not angry at him. I know, but the way he said it like…my problem wasn't important. I know right now it's not a priority but still…'

'Give him a break for tonight. Let him rest when he wakes up he will be in a better mood try it then,' suggested Leo and Mikey thought about it before he sighed, 'Alright, but he says something to me again, I will-I will- I will break the coffee machine-'

'Whoa, there!' said Leo raising his hands, 'Argue with him all you want, but don't go somewhere you can't come back from.'

Mikey thought about it and nodded, 'True. He would probably end me fatality style.'

Leo snapped his fingers, 'Mortal Combat.'

'Well done, young Leonardo,' said Mikey adding an old wise man voice into it, 'very well done.'


School was tricky. Molly wasn't even sure why she went, but she did her best avoiding everyone who would ask too many questions or spread the word about her bruises. She was positive no one would buy her falling down story. Owen would tell everyone they knew or didn't know. Fat Corine even if she could be a bitch would demand to know who did it to beat them up. Amanda and Jay would probably drag her to the principal or police. She had a feeling they had the same sense of justice. If she told Mi… if she told Mi she wasn't sure what would happen, but she didn't want to risk him going after Matt somehow and ending up written as the bad guy or seen. So she avoided every one from her small circle of friends walking down the hallway and wondering why the fuck did she came to school in the first place.

She waited until the start of class before sneaking to the girls' restroom. Maybe she shouldn't have come at all.

Knowing it was a mistake she looked at the mirror.

Shit.

I looked bad. Not as bad as it looked the second day, but still pretty damn bad. This was a mistake. She should go home. It was the last day of school. What point was there to come today?

Molly didn't even have time to react when the door opened and Nicole Diaz walked inside. Just her freaking luck.

'Damn. What the hell happened to you?' she asked out loud and Molly's stomach dropped. This was a mistake. She really shouldn't have come to school today. She should have stayed home and wait out the holidays until her damn bruises healed properly.

Gosh, she was so stupid.

She shook her head at Diaz. She seriously didn't have the energy to deal with her and her mean bullshit today.

When the other girl caught her arm she was confused at her. 'Wait! I...I can fix that. I'm...I'm really good with makeup. Obviously.'

Molly raised her brows. Why the hell would she do that?

'If you let me. It's just a peace offer.'

Nicole looked almost sincere which made Molly feel weird. Like sure here and then she caught Nicole being a decent human being. Maybe she was even less of a bitch if she wasn't around Jill and the others, but to actually be nice to her and help her out was just weird and sounded like a trap.

But even Molly had to admit she looked like she really meant it. Hey, even if Nicole was well Nicole Molly seriously shouldn't feel all high and mighty given all the bullshit she did so far.

She nodded and even let Nicole guide her to the sink where she hopped up.

Molly would be lying if she didn't admit there was something almost fascinating about the almost ritual way Nicole prepared her makeup and brushes. It shouldn't be a surprise. Molly couldn't ever remember seeing Nicole without it, but the whole process who she was gentle yet firm was really showing a different side of the girl.

After a moment, Molly realized they were probably halfway through the first period, so Nicole was definitely going to miss out on it.

She forgot herself and sighed only for Nicole to blink confusedly.

'Huh?'

Molly rolled her eyes and picked up her phone quickly typing before she showed it to Diaz.

Won't you miss first period?

Nicole grimaced, 'Fuck that. This is way more fun.'

Molly smiled a bit as Nicole continued to work on her without looking into the mirror. Sure, Nicole could have been pulling a prank on her and making her look like Bozo the clown, but given how patient and concentrating her face look, she somehow doubted it. It was a weird day indeed.

Neither of them said anything which was probably for the best since Nicole didn't understand sign language and Molly doubted they had that much in common to talk about. She was still a bit surprised why would Nicole help her, but if Jay was her best friend there had to be something worth it. Jay wasn't the type of person who would hang around really horrible person. Still, she hung around Molly but she didn't really know about her so maybe people could really hide their true faces that well.

When Nicole was done she took a step back and made an approved noise which Molly never heard directed at her before, 'Damn, I'm good.'

She signaled for her to turn around.

Molly did and paused momentarily stunned.

Oh.

Nicole wasn't just good. Nicole was seriously good.

Molly was really surprised. She knew she wasn't totally ugly looking. She tried not to go to the door labeled Fucking prink in her mind, but apart from being an easy lay, she knew she had to at least be somehow not ugly. She wasn't Kim, Nicole or god Jay, but she was decent looking in her mind. But what Nicole did to her made her look surreal. It was like she was somehow else. Someone who was just as pretty as them. Someone who was really gorgeous. Molly never looked like this. Even when she did her own makeup it was mostly easy moves with the pencil eyeliner. This was definitely a celebrity makeup artist level.

Nicole crossed her arms behind her also admiring her work, 'You know, you're very pretty. Makeup or not. Just keep the bruises to a minimum.'

Molly rolled her eyes. Of course, she had to ruin it with a comment although maybe not so much.

She looked at the Latino and sighed her thank you seeing how the other girl grimaced.

'All I know curse words, Jones. Work with me here.'

Molly quickly took her phone and started to type what she wanted to say when all of a sudden she realized something. Nicole ditched the first period because she didn't want to be there. Surprisingly her presence wasn't the worse thing. And from all the people Molly could hang out with, Diaz was probably the only one who wouldn't judge her or ask her about the bruises if she didn't want to talk about them. She didn't until now.

So Molly quickly deleted her message and instead typed away.

Want to skip?

Nicole read it and smirked in her signature way, 'Do you do weed?'

Hell yeah!


They got out of the school and to Nicole's car where. Molly didn't ask where she drove them just looked out of the window and wondered about every for the millionth time since it all happened. She wondered what would life have been like if she never met Matt. He would be just another jock in the school who she would make fun of or ignore with the others, she would still write about the vigilantes, make friends with Jay, Mickey. Her life without him would have been the same, but better. She was sure of it. Even if Kim still ended up in the subway at least she wouldn't feel so horrible about it.

Guilt.

Guilt was definitely the worse feeling ever. Worst than pain. Worst than sorrow. Worst than jealousy or envy or even shame. It was like a bad taste in the mouth that no matter how many times Molly tried to wash out just wouldn't.

Guilt was worse than heartbreak. At least in Molly's mind.

'This used to be my Jay and Kim's old dance school,' said Nicole and shrugged her shoulders as she got them to the back alley to the ladder, 'Before our breakup Jay and I used to come here a lot. Afterward, I only came here if I wanted a good spot to smoke or drink alone,' confessed the Latina and Molly blinked.

It was her and Jay's spot and then the spot she preferred to go to alone. Still, she brought her here. Maybe she wasn't the only one who was in a weird mood and need of someone who wasn't her friend.

The lightened up the joint Nicole had in her car and started to pass it around. Molly didn't smoke often. Maybe once or twice a month with Owen and the others if they dropped by on Amanda's boyfriend's concert which usually sucked but they could share weed and laugh about it in the alley or Owen's house later. Either way, because of that it didn't even occur to her. Maybe some smoke, even getting drunk would have helped with the feelings. Maybe she wouldn't feel so guilty without talking to anyone.

They watched the people passing them under the roof. Everyone had their own life and struggles and yet theirs seemed so far away on the roof. Molly liked that. She would like to be far away.

She looked over at Nicole who was also looking down. She wondered if she wanted to be far away from her problems too which was why she was here now.

Molly found Nicole a bit more enigmatic than she gave her credit for before. Maybe she wasn't just a spoiled upper east side princess slash bitch. She wondered if she felt guilty about Kim too. She made out with Matt. Did they sleep together too? Given Nicole's reputation and Matt turning out to be someone completely different than she thought he was, it was possible.

When she looked at her, Molly was a bit surprised and so she raised her brows and pointed at her trying to ask without asking not even sure why. Maybe just to reveal some of her without having to real anything of herself.

The Latina shrugged her shoulders before she said, 'This asshole has gotten inside my head.'

Molly blinked and suddenly Nicole continued like maybe she really did want to talk to someone, even if that someone was the girl she called peculiar. 'It's just so fucked up. You know I keep on meeting him knowing about two or three things about him. So the whole strangers' thing is hot as hell and he's kind of a jerk who called me like a junky whore, but I'm actually into it because I'm an asshole too who called him an ugly dick hero. You know like we're made out of the same damaged goods? Anyway,' stopped Nicole as she took a deep breath. Molly was surprised by so many words she just told her without a single insult directed at her, 'But he's also sort of a good guy and I thought that maybe he was a good guy, but of course, we screwed and he didn't contact me since so,' she shrugged her shoulders trying to look casual, distant, cold the way Jay could look like she was unphased by it, but Nicole wasn't Jay, and Molly could clearly see the emotions boiling inside her. She was affected by it. By the guy, by his treatment. No matter how much she played not to be, 'I'm seriously an idiot. I mean, I know he's an asshole, so why did I think it was different?'

She took a drag of the joint, 'Momentary brain damage for sure.'

Molly kept on looking at her for a moment before she took her phone and typed. Nicole turned to her to read it.

Well, then he really is an asshole because for the record your kind of a good guy too. Even if you're a bitch and an asshole.

Nicole grinned at that before she looked at Molly who was smirking at her. It was a nice grin. It was nice to make Nicole grin. Whoa, the weed was definitely making her feel all sentimental and caring or whatever.

'Whatever, Peculiar.'

She shoved her a bit and Nicole chuckled before Molly took the joint from her hand and took a drag.

Nicole clicked the heels of her shoes together, 'Fucking holiday.'

Molly nodded and the two continued to watch the sky and people underneath them. It would be a terrible holiday.

'Hey, how does a dude know you came if you don't even let out a fake sound?' asked Nicole suddenly and Molly coughed a bit before she shot her a wide-eyed look. She did not ask her that in all seriousness, right?

The other girl shrugged, 'What? I always wondered about it I just thought it would be too rude to ask then.'

Molly gestured her hands with a disbelieved look on her face knowing since Nicole didn't know sign language she needed to show her what she was saying as much as possible.

'I thought we were bonding,' she said it like it was no big deal and Molly watched her for a moment before she smirked and shook her head. She took another drag. She wasn't really going to moan in front of her, right?

Molly licked her lips moaned a bit before she looked at Nicole. She obviously didn't get it at first but once Molly smirked at her the other girl full-on burst into laughter which Molly followed with shaking shoulders and stomach that hurt from something else than guilt.

If anyone ever told her she would be on some rooftop getting high with Nicole Diaz on a school day, Molly would think they were the ones on something. Who would have thought they could be decent to one another even friendly.

When they calmed down a bit Nicole turned over to Molly with a bit more serious face, 'Hey, whoever, that fucker is.'

Molly looked over at her again, 'Don't let him treat you like shit. You deserve better and if he can't see that and hurts you he deserves a fucking kick in the ass.'

Molly took a drag before she passed it on to her and pointed at her nodding which basically meant she thought the same went to her.

Nicole chuckled, 'I guess every girl is fuckedup when it comes to men.'

Molly nodded. Nicole was damn right about that.

Right then her phone beeped. Momentary panic hit her as she thought it was Matt again but once she looked she was relieved beyond imagination so see Mi on the screen. Usually, he texted her in the early morning or late day or night. It was really rare he did so during the day, and given the good mood from the weed and laughter, she didn't even feel all that bad when she read his text.

Dude, I hate you. I just finished the entire thing. It was awesome, but I was up all day so I hate you.

Molly smiled and quickly replied to him.

Say whatever you want, Mi. You know you love me.

Whatever. Goodbye, Mo.

She shook her head at him and quickly put her phone away surprised to see Nicole looking at her with a look she couldn't describe other than knowing.

'Who's that? Him?' asked Nicole and Molly quickly shook her head smiling. No Mikey wasn't anything like Matt. Not even close. He was a damn hero and an awesome person and friend. Yeah, Mikey was a real friend and a good person turtle or not.

She showed her the phone where she typed but didn't send just a friend. Nicole rolled her eyes, 'Yeah, right. No one smiles for friends like that, Molly.'

She blinked surprised by Nicole's words, but more than that by the fact she actually said her name. This was definitely new.

They shared a look before Molly returned to her phone and Nicole to her smoke thinking about everything.

Molly wondered about Matt and what happened. If Matt didn't fuck her life would she end up here on this roof with Nicole? Probably not. She would be still in school on history or math or whatever class was in process now and Nicole would be skipping. How weird was life sometimes? Maybe not everything which happened with Matt's arrival into her life was bad.

Molly touched her shoulder suddenly and showed her phone.

Did you go see Kim? In the hospital?

Nicole looked a bit surprised by that and Molly wondered if she felt the same guilt as her from knowing what happened to her.

'No, she's…she's a good person. But you know we're not close. Jay has been though. She has been there almost every day. She's still in a coma.'

Molly nodded looking down. Of course, she was. She knew that. She was in constant contact with Jay so yeah, she knew it.

'Makes you realize about how sucky life can be sometimes,' Nicole said and sighed, 'I just wish…I don't know I guess I wish that life was fair. Like if you're shitty then fine shitty things can happen to you, but if you're the good guy, why do bad things happen?'

Molly shrugged her shoulders before she typed something again.

I guess the world is just really unfair like that.

'Yeah,' said Nicole and took another smoke. Molly didn't feel so happy and contented anymore as she wrote.

Would you really want shitty things to happen to you?

Nicole grimaced, but it was sad and painful, 'They already are, dude.'

Molly felt her stomach drop. For a second she wondered… she wondered if Matt maybe hurt Nicole too maybe even Kim and they were just really good in hiding it.

When she felt Nicole's hand over hers, she was surprised. Even more when the Latina squeezed it.

'Whatever it is it can't be that bad. I can't imagine you being a shittier person than me.'

Molly shook her head but didn't say anything just let Nicole hold her hand for a while until they went home. It didn't make her feel as good as the weed and laughter did, but she didn't hate it either. She didn't hate Nicole as much as she thought she did.

Once home she checked her phone another missed call and message from At your own risk.

The last day of school was officially over.


'Here, reports from female Afro-American victims about abuse or attacks from the past two days. All NY precincts,' said Donnie first thing after Mikey woke up from his Avatar marathon. Shit. He really shouldn't have stayed up so late, but after his talk with Leo he called down enough to enjoy the show again and ended up binging the whole thing.

Totally worth it.

Mikey was in the process of eating waffles, alone. Since Raph took one look at him while eating and with a gagging noise left and Master Splinter and Leo were already up and knew all too well then to come when he was eating.

Donnie placed printed police reports in front of him with names and pictures of the victims.

Mikey tried to quickly swallow his food as Donnie raised his brows. He looked better. Not good. Still tired, but better, 'We're good?'

He managed to push the waffle down almost choking on it his voice sounding weird as he let out, 'We're good.'

Donnie grimaced and rushed to the sink before he brought him back a glass of water. Mikey accepted that as well, 'I'm sorry about yesterday, but you need to understand-'

'You're working harder than us on this, I know, and I know you're worried about Kim, even if you don't say so,' said Mikey when he put the glass down giving him a look.

Donnie didn't comment on it but he did look away, 'I told her she would be alright. I would keep her safe. I failed-'

'Donnie-'

'I know what you're going to say It's not your fault. You can't promise that. It's not logical. I know it all,' he cut Mikey off which was exactly what his younger brother was going to say before the other turtle continued, 'But just like you said. You weren't there. Kim and I were, and I said those things and I meant them. I can't fail another person. I just can't. Kim is in a coma, and I can't do anything about it, but to make sure we stop those terrorists and save the next people from getting hurt. That I can try, and I will.'

Mikey watched him for a moment feeling the weight of Donnie's guilt and understanding it in the fullest. He was after when he was in the body of that girl, but also he failed her too. He was the one who threw the first punch had caused the guy to punch him-her back. He started it.

'I know you will, bro. You're the smartest guy I know real and fictional,' he said and gave him smiled at him which Donnie even if slightly returned.

'But you gotta start taking better care of yourself. You got to sleep more, bro,' said Mikey and Donnie nodded with a sigh. They always told him that. He never listened, 'It's been more difficult lately.'

Mikey blinked, 'Why? Can't shut your mind off? You should try listening to that Shaolin music Master Splinter recommended. I go down like the Titanic when I turn that on.'

Donnie grimaced before he got a bit serious again, 'More like I have these heavy very visual and dreams where I toss and turn every time and so my sleep is more like living a second day.'

Mikey frowned at that. He was no stranger to nightmares since the events of the subway, but this sounded different, 'Huh, never had those honestly. I mean I had an adventure and weird dreams, but I always wake up normal, rested. Maybe try not to eat too much before sleep so you will not dream at all? Or I don't know to try going to sleep immediately after a patrol when we're all dead on our feet?'

Donnie shook his head and crossed his arms as Leo and Raph entered the kitchen, 'Damn Mike. Still not done eating?'

'I've been sparring with Raph before doing to bed. It's pretty brutal,' he shot him a look and Raph smirked at him, 'But unfortunately, I still end up dreaming. In fact, I'm pretty sure I had a dream every single night since the subway.'

Leo stopped next to him as Mikey continued to eat. What? It was a serious talk, but his waffles were getting cold.

'What are the dreams about, Donnie?'

The other turtle shook his head, 'Many things. Going to places. Doing things. Once I'm here, once in an alley, once in a subway.'

'It's probably just PTSD or some shit,' said Raph and stole one of Mikey's waffle, 'HEY!'

'Sharing is caring,' mumbled the other.

Donnie scratched the back of his head. It was a nervous tick when he was stressed. Mikey and the others knew about it.

'Probably, but they keep making me so tired.'

'You look better today,' offered Leo and Donnie shrugged his shoulders, 'We stayed in the lair in my dream today.'

'We?' asked Mikey while chewing which earned him a glare from Raph.

Donnie shook his head, 'Yeah, us…all of us.'

Leo shot Mikey a quick look since they were on the opposite side and Donnie couldn't see Leo's face. It was clear neither of them believed their brother but didn't say anything.

'Well, I guess we just have to tire you up some more during sparring, bro,' said Raph and knocked his knuckles out loud making Donnie looked at him with worry, 'Not too much. I don't want to end up like a corpse.'

'Yeah-yeah,' said Raph and put his arm over Donnie's shoulder, 'Leave that to me,' he started to lead Donnie out of the room, 'You can call me, sensei Raphael.'

Leo and Mikey shared another look before the younger burst into laughter.


TITANIUMMAN69:DUDE WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT? DID YOU GO BLIND THAT FREAKING SUCKED!

Molly cursed inside her mind and smashed her hands against the desk. That seriously sucked sure, but like hell, she was going to let that brat tell that to her.

FuryMachine344:Seriously? Maybe if someone was fucking instructions for once and not act like a hothead of a brat rushing into things-

TITANIUMMAN69: DON'T CALL ME BRAT, YOU ASS!

Bullet-Proof Joe:Guys, language!

1BigHero1:Yeah, seriously chill out. We can return to the camp and try tomorrow.

TITANIUMMAN69: WE TRIED TO CRUSH THOSE FUCKERS FOR FOUR DAYS NOW! WE SPENT YESTERDAY GOING OVER IT AND PREPARING! WE HAD A PLAN AND EVERYTHING WAS GOING PERFECT IF MR. BUTTER FINGERS DIDN'T BLOW IT FOR ALL OF US! NOW WE LOST THE DAMN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE! TOMORROW THEY CAN COME FOR US! SERIOUSLY, BRO, YOU SHOULD GO SIT IN THE CORNER AND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU DID! YOU'RE LIFE IS GARBAGE! YOU RUINED THE WHOLE GAME AND HOLIDAYS FOR ME-…

FuryMachine344: FUCK YOU!

Molly logged out not waiting to read what the kid had yet to write.

The pink-haired girl was tempted to throw the whole keyboard away, but she took a deep breath and tried to calm down walking around her room. Seriously, the nerve that pre-puberty kid had. He was a freaking kid who always made mistakes always caused them trouble and yet he had the biggest mouth about her failure. Damn, she knew she messed up and yeah she knew she just cursed on a kid over a game, but shit did he piss her off.

She was already in a bad mood since she had the worst nightmare like ever. It was horrible really. Molly felt like she was stuck inside someone else's body and couldn't move and then she was in her own body but still couldn't move. Then there was Matt, and he punched her while everyone else laughed looking at their phones. It didn't take a genius to figure out they were laughing at those pictures of her.

She woke up sweaty and breathing hard feeling like puking once again remembering Matt took pictures of her when she was in her most vulnerable state almost naked on the ground.

Screw him and making her feel this insecure now and worried!

He kept on texting and calling trying to get her to at least answer or read her messages, but Molly held back not opening even one. However, after the dream, she had doubts about the way she was trying to deal with it. What if he got upset and decided to post pictures of her to the school? It would be so easy to do without him getting any blame and people even figuring out it was him in the first place. The doubts and post-nightmare state made it impossible to fall back to sleep so she just laid awake which caused her a headache which ended up in her being all kinds of distracted on their mission.

She paced more over the room. It still didn't give that damn kid the right to tell her those things. Good things he didn't tell her to go kill herself. Jesus. Freaking kid.

Like on cue her phone beeped again and she snatched it from the desk seeing Mi's name on the screen.

Hey, are you alright?

What the hell was that? Seriously the kid is getting mouthy by the day! She replied and walked to her window. Christmas was a day away and with being done with school and the magazine, Molly had plenty of time to play games, watch movies and TV shows catching up on all she missed and filled the void caused by Matt's absence from her life and her own guilt. So yeah, they spent the last couple of days planning for the attack she managed to ruin in one instant, but what wasn't she human? Wasn't she allowed mistakes?

True, but like you said. He's a kid. Cool it off on the language and insults.

Seriously?

Molly couldn't believe it. Even Mi was taking that brat's side. He called her garbage! Did Mi or Joe even imagine how offensive that was? She was bullied all through middle school before she managed to learn how to not let it get to her and shit this kid just full-on called her garbage like she was something wasteful and seriously Molly wanted to find the kid and punch him for that more than anything.

I'm just saying. Sure, he was being a jackass, but he's a kid. You're older. You should know better.

Really, Mi?! I can't believe you. That kid was out of line. Yeah, I fucked up. But I wasn't the only one and the kid fucked up like almost on every mission and no one ever gave him the same shit he gave me!

Point. But again, he's a kid, and he really worked hard on this mission, so maybe cool down a bit.

Molly had half the mind to just ignore his message. When the hell did Mikey become the wise grown-up of their little band of alias in fortnite? And what the hell did it matter she used language they were throwing sex and other comments around him all the time and he was the one using colorful language so why should she get the talk?

Look, talk to me. I get he pissed you off, but usually, you're great in dodging his remarks. What's going on? Is it about your ex?

Blood in her veins ran cold. No! YES! WHATEVER!

I don't want to talk about it, Mi. She made a point of that right after the last time she saw Matt. Mikey tried to ask her a couple of times, but changed the topic or gave him short answers to shift his interest elsewhere.

Mo, I'm just worried. You…you're acting weird. And you never told me about what happened between you guys after you met to talk…

I don't want to talk about it, Mi. If I did I would but I don't. Why should I?

We're friends, Mo.

We shared some things, big deal! It's not like I have to tell you everything! I don't know a damn thing about you either!

You know a lot about me.

Yeah, but not because he told her crossed Molly's mind bitterly. The truth was she was the only one who at least in some ways opened up to him. She told him about Matt and Kim for Christ's sake. She knew he couldn't tell her his secret, alright? She knew and understood why. Better than anyone, but still it started to get to her that he could but he wouldn't. So why should she confess all her sins to him when he couldn't do the same? It was…it freaking sucked. Everything just sucked and Molly wanted-no she needed a damn break!

Yeah, well maybe you know a lot about me too and you shouldn't know more. Whatever happened isn't your business. If I told you about it oncedoesn't make it obligatory to always tell you about it. I don't owe you anything!

Mo, I'm just trying to be a good friend here. You clearly had poor judgment when it comes to the guy, and act all weird like something happened. How can you turn it into a bad thing?

Maybe, because that's the kind of shitty person I am. Not everyone is always good and always makes the right decision and always looks out for others some of us are just human. And Last time you told me that was a good thing.

Well, last time you weren't being a bitch about it.

Whatever. Don't write to me anymore!

She turned on the wi-fi on her phone and threw herself on the bed immediately grabbing the nearest pillow to cover her face with. Weird. She didn't even realize when she started crying, but knowing she now aliened Mikey as well made her cry even harder against the fabric of the black and white pillow.

Gosh, she was such a mess she didn't even know what to do anymore.


Mikey had a plan. Sort of. It was more like an early Christmas prank. He would put mistletoe everywhere he could and make sure Jay and Leo ended up under as many as possible. Given how embarrassed Leo looked the last time he caught him and Jay hugging, it would be hilarious.

He got to work putting it over every tall pillar, every pipe, every doorway. Simply everywhere he could all over the lair. He was surprised by how many he managed to find around the city.

It's not stealing, thank you very much. It's just borrowing and Mikey would return it after today.

The prank also served as a perfect distraction. Since their yesterday's fight, Mo didn't text him once, and he wasn't planning to text her first either. It sucked. Seriously sucked. He didn't understand what happened honestly. One minute they were all playing Fortnite a and then…and then they started to talk about that jerk of her ex-whatever and things just escalated so damn quickly Mikey almost couldn't believe it was him and Mo writing those things. It was as if someone else took their phones and sent those messages really. It wasn't like he wasn't on her side. Molly made a mistake, the kid was an asshole about it, but just like with their sensei always told the others they were older, so was Molly. He knew right away her outburst wasn't directed at the kid. Well, not entirely. He wanted to talk to her. Get to the bottom of what was bothering her and help her out. Like a friend would. Seriously, he couldn't believe things ended the way they did.

Anyway, it didn't matter. Mo would cool down, and sent him a meme or something hilarious and he would act like the fight didn't happen and they would move on and not talk about the a-hole every again because if Mo didn't walk to talk about it. They didn't have to. She was right about that. If she did confide in him and told him her secrets it didn't make it automatic that she would again. He should have given her space and not bring it up if she didn't want to. Mikey just wanted to help, and he screwed it up. Royally.

'Boy, something smell's good,' said Mikey after he finished laying his traps and ended up in the kitchen where Raph was working on dinner.

'Shoo Mikey, you're drooling all over the food,' said Raph with disgust before he grabbed him and kicked him out.

'Hey everyone, Merry Christmas,' he heard as he walked out mumbling to himself what a jerk Raph was.

His frown turned into a wide smile as he saw Leo had already brought Jay over.

'Hi, Jay, Merry Christmas,' he said and jumped down rushing to her.

She blinked confused but kept a small smile on her face as Mikey took a hold of her elbow, 'Come quick. Stand here,' he grabbed Leo and pulled him next to Jay, 'And you stand here and-Hey! Who took all my mistletoe?' asked Mikey looking around he now realized all his carefully planted little kissing traps were gone.

He shot Leo a look, 'You're not funny.'

His older brother grinned at him, 'Strange. She thinks I'm hilarious.'

Jay made a thinking face, 'I think I used the word ridiculous though.'

Leo looked over at her but with the way the two were smiling at one another all calm and relaxed, Mikey knew it wasn't a mean jab.

His brother just shook his head and put his arm around her, 'Come on, smartass. Help me with the decoration.'

'What about the mistletoe?' she asked and Leo leaned forward his face against her hair before she chuckled like he told her something funny. Right. Reading each other's thoughts. Boy, was that getting old real fast.

'What?' he asked, 'What about the mistletoe?' he demanded.

'I will give it back to you after today,' assured him Leo.

'So unfair,' mumbled Mikey but followed the couple. They had decorations to put around anyway.

Jay had a better female fashion eye about it so for once the lair didn't look like the decorations exploded all over.

The roof and walls were done and now they moved onto the tree.

As they worked Mikey looked over at Jay, like really looked her up and down and when she looked at him confused, he said, 'Jay, you're a teenage girl.'

She blinked again before she grimaced, 'And you figured that just now?'

He grinned, 'Nah, I knew someone as pretty as you had to be a chick,' he winked at her, but caught the way she rolled her eyes at that, 'Alright.'

He tried again, 'What I meant was…since you're a teenage girl, maybe you could help me out with something.'

She looked at him again and stopped working, 'What's bothering you?'

'My friend,' he sighed, 'Mo. She's a teenage girl too, and usually, she's cool and it's easy to understand her. I mean she likes games, TV shows, cartoons. She's my type of a bro, you know?'

Jay nodded.

'But not long ago she told me something which went beyond what's which is the best game of 2020, you know?' he asked and Jay nodded again, 'Alright.'

'So I could use some insight into the mind of a teenage girl,' he said and watched the smile Jay gave him, 'I can try, but no promises. Teenage boys are ease, 90 percent of them think about sex, food, money and sports-'

'Hey-'

'90 percent,' she said with a knowing look and Mikey understood.

'Girls?' she started to work again on the tree, 'We're tricky. We won't let you shove us into a category no matter how much you would want to. We always find some way to be out of the box.'

Mikey sighed, 'Great. So you're walking enigmas.'

The blonde chuckled, 'Absolutely. But like I said. I can try. So tell me about Mo and what seems to be the problem?'

They continued to work and Mikey told her well everything. He knew Mo would probably be more upset, but since Jay didn't know her and her boyfriend and he didn't use her real name just the nickname there was no real harm down. It was all theoretical. He just wanted to paint Jay the full picture to help him somehow figure out a way to know what was going on in Molly's mind without telling her.

Once they were done with the tree, and it turned out to be a damn fine Christmas tree, Jay motioned for him to get to the couch where the others wouldn't hear them.

'Well,' she started after a while, 'This is just my opinion, but I don't think she's done with the guy. Maybe she's still seeing him and she's too embarrassed to tell you or she still has feelings for him and doesn't want you to think she's just a girl who can't handle her emotions. At least I would think like that. Maybe she feels she revealed too much about herself and that you were just supposed to be her bro,' she nudged him a bit into the side when he looked down. It made sense. He wished there was just some way to help Mo out. Talk to her. If he couldn't help the girl from his out of the body experience he could at least help out Mo, right? She was his friend. Maybe he couldn't share his secret, but definitely shared with her more than he had with anyone else.

'Either way,' started Jay again and smiled at him softly which made Mikey see clearly as day why was Leo so head over the hills for her, 'It's not about you. That means don't take it personally that she got mad about it. Mo is probably just going through it, and hurting the people who are close to us is the easiest way to go. But also it's not about you so give her space if she doesn't want to talk about it.'

It sounded like it was for the best.

'Thanks, Blondie.'

Jay grimaced, 'You're welcome, but don't call me that. I hate nicknames.'

'Oh, only because you never had a good one. Trust me I can give you the perfect one.'

She shook her head, 'Don't. I really hate them and if your closest friend got Mo, I will definitely hate whatever you came up with.'

Mikey chuckled as they stood up because Leo called Jay to come over, 'I didn't make that one up. Mo did. Before we introduced ourselves we said the first letters of our names like nicknames. It stuck. She calls me Mi.'

For a second he thought he caught Jay's freeze, but in the next moment her expression changed and she smiled at him. Maybe it was nothing.

'Still don't want a nickname,' she said and Mikey followed her, 'Really? How about something like Buffy?'

'Hate it.'

'Rapunzel-'

'Hate. It'

'Well, I will just you wait I'm gonna think up the perfect nickname for you, babe,' he winked at her and Jay shook her head definitely not looking pleased.

He paused on his way and pulled out the phone thinking she was right though. What Molly was going through even if he cared for her, had nothing to do with him, and he couldn't be upset or hold it against her.

I'm sorry I was being an ass. Merry Christmas, Mo.