A.N.: Here's the last bit for 2day. =0)
Chapter 31: Amsterdam Theatre.
"Oh my God!" Lana squealed. "I can't believe we're finally here!"
"Yeah, I know," Jeff grinned.
"Look!" Lana cried, her eyes lighting up. "Souvenirs!"
They quickly fought their way to the souvenir stand and each bought three things. A cap, shirt, and duffel bag for Jeff, and a cap, bag, and poster for Lana. They also both bought a glow stick. Once they were done buying souvenirs, they hurried to their third row seats.
"Ahhh!" Lana screamed for no particular reason. "They're coming out in five minutes!"
"Uh.Lana." Jeff started.
"Yeah?"
"The opening act's coming out in five, not them."
"What? Why?"
"Aaron Carter has to perform before the Boys can."
"Damn!" She grumbled.
(A.N.: I know Aaron's actually 7yrs younger than Nick, but for this story he's only gonna be 3yrs younger, making him 9 as well. Also, it's 1997, but Nick's only 12. BSB started out in 1995 & Nick was 10, Brian 15, & A.J. 12. I know they were really 13, 15, & 18, & that it was 1993 when they formed, but this is my story, so I'm mixing all theirs facts up to suit my needs. Now, back to the story.)
Aaron came out a couple minutes later, and got the crowd going wild.
"Whoa-oh. I get wild. Whoa-oh. I get wild," his back-up singers sang.
".Stop. Everybody get wild.wild.wild." Aaron sang. "Everybody get wild."
"Whoa. I get wild. Whoa. I get wild," the audience joined in.
Finally it was time for the Backstreet Boys to come out.
"Ahhhh!" The audience shrieked excitedly.
"Everybody. Rock your body. Everybody. Rock your body right," Brian began.
"Backstreet's back, alright!" The Boys sang, as the crowd shouted it out.
"Oh my God we're back again," A.J. started. "Brothers, sisters, everybody sing."
He lifted up his shirt. "Gonna bring the flavour, show you how. You see. I gotta question for ya, you better answer now. Yeah."
The audience went nuts at the sight of his chest.
"Am I original?" Nick asked.
"Yeah," the Boys harmonized.
"Am I the only one?" Brian queried, casting a look in Lana's direction.
"Hell yeah!" Lana screeched.
"Am I sexual?" Nick questioned.
"Yeah!" The fans yelled crazily.
Awhile later it amazingly grew quiet while the Boys were on stage.
"Psst!" Jeff hissed. "This is your chance!"
Lana looked at him, confused at first, but then she clued in. "Oh."
"Go for it!" Jeff urged. "Go for it!"
She looked at the Boys, who were sitting on the stools that had been placed on the stage, and grinned slyly.
"BRI-YUHNN!" She screamed as loud as she possibly could, and waved frantically. "BRI-YUHNN!"
Kevin, who was closest to her, got Brian's attention, and pointed her out to his cousin.
Brian smiled and waved back, then spoke into his microphone. "I see you."
Lana shrieked. "AHH! HE SEES ME!"
This resulted in all the Boys laughing, as they'd all heard her this time, and not just the cousins.
"It seems we've a very excited fan in the audience tonight," Kevin chuckled, then waved. "Hey Sweetie."
"AHH! HE CALLED ME SWEETIE!"
"Lana!" Jeff cried. "Cut it out! You were only supposed to get Brian's attention, so you could wave at him. You didn't need everyone's attention!"
The Boys quickly discussed something, then Howie began to talk.
"Since someone seems so excited to see us, I think I'll get security to bring her up on stage."
"ME?" Lana yelped, when security came up to her.
"Yes, Miss, you," the security guard said, unable to hide his smile. "Come along."
She followed the guard, shocked, up onto the stage. She froze once there and gawked at each Boy in turn.
"Oh my God!" She gasped, then squealed. "Brian!"
The Boys chuckled once more.
"Yeah, it's Brian," A.J. laughed.
Kevin stood up to hug her then. Once he'd hugged her, he led her over to where Nick was, knowing that if she hugged Brian first, she'd never get to the others.
Nick hugged her, then steered her towards an anxiously awaiting A.J.
"Hey Hun," A.J. grinned.
Lana grinned back and hugged him tight.
"You're too cool," she whispered.
"Thanks," A.J. replied, then directed her to Howie.
Once Howie had hugged her, he gently pushed her towards Brian. The closer she got to Brian, the more nervous she became. She finally reached him, and timidly looked down.
"Hey," Brian said.
"Hey," she whispered shyly.
They looked at one another for a minute, before either of them said anything.
"I love you!" She accidentally blurted, then embarrassed, looked at her feet.
Brian lifted her chin up with his finger, and looked directly into her eyes.
"I love you too, Kiddo," he smiled.
A huge grin spread across her face, as she flung into his arms for a hug. After they'd hugged, he pulled her into his lap, as they began to sing I'll Never Break Your Heart.
Chapter 32: Meanwhile.
"Hey look!" Michaelangelo exclaimed. "The Backstreet Boys are on!"
"Isn't that the group Lana likes?" Leonardo asked.
"Yeah, that's them," Raphael rejoined. "The Booger Boys."
"Raph, that ain't nice, dude," Michaelangelo said, kind of hurt. "They're not Booger Boys; they're five guys you can actually sing, unlike yourself."
"Excuse me, but I can sing too!" Raphael retorted. "You're just mad 'cause I insulted your teeny-bopper group."
"Would you shut-up?" Leonardo snapped. "I'm trying to hear what they're saying."
"You mean to tell me, Michaelangelo actually put them on?" Raphael riposted.
"Problem?" Leonardo interrogated.
"Yeah," Raphael answered. "Major problem."
"Raph, shut-up," Leonardo said. "You know you like 'em, but just won't admit it 'cause it'll ruin your bad ass rep."
"Hey! Look!" Michaelangelo interrupted. "They're bringing someone up on stage!"
The three brothers watched as a young girl was brought up on stage, and each Boy hugged her in turn. It wasn't until she sat on Brian's lap that they got a good look at her.
"Lana?" Donatello piped up suddenly.
His brothers jumped, as they hadn't known he'd entered the room.
"What the." Leonardo trailed off. "She told me she was sleeping over at Jeff's."
"Jeff's?" Donatello said puzzled. "His mother and Lana both told me they were staying at Drew's."
"Drew? Who's Drew?" Leonardo asked. "I took Lana to Jeff's, 'cause that's where she said she was staying. Jeff was there too."
They all looked back at the T.V., before Donatello spoke again.
"I'm going to call Jeff's, and see if I can find out just what is going on."
He returned a few minutes later looking mad.
"Well?" Leonardo pressed. "What she say?"
"Drew called about ten minutes ago asking for Jeff," Donatello replied. "When she asked why Jeff wasn't with him, he swore, then ended up telling her that Jeff wasn't there. Neither is Lana. She also said they're not at her place, 'cause she searched the whole house."
"Then." Michaelangelo trailed off, looking at the T.V. screen once more, "that is Lana?"
Chapter 33: After the concert.
"Uh-oh," Lana whispered more to herself, than to Jeff.
"What? What's wrong?" Jeff wanted to know. "You didn't lose your souvenirs, did you?"
"No, but."
"But what?"
"We're outta money," she told him guiltily. "I accidentally spent it all."
"What?!?" Jeff exclaimed. "Lana! How could you spend all our money?"
"Sorry. I didn't mean to," she mumbled.
"How are we supposed to get home?"
"I dunno."
"Great," Jeff muttered. "Now we have to walk home."
"Why can't we just call home?"
"Hello! Stupid! You forget your own damn plan?" Jeff yelled. "We can't call home, 'cause no one knows we're here!"
"Oh, yeah," Lana said quietly. "I forgot."
"Jeez. You meet Brian and everything else flies outta your damn head," Jeff snapped.
"Look!" Lana retorted. "I said I was sorry! Besides, you spent the money too!"
"Well, let's get walking then," Jeff grumbled.
They began to walk, and were soon about halfway home. Neither of them talked to the other until they'd reached the halfway point.
"Sorry," Jeff apologized suddenly. "I didn't mean to yell at you back there. I know you hated the idea of walking home more than me, seeing as you are afraid of the dark."
"I'm sorry too," Lana replied. "I didn't mean to snap either, but felt like shit 'cause you kept yelling at me when not everything was my fault."
They smiled shyly at one another, then held hands. Suddenly, teenagers, who were out looking for trouble, surrounded them. The two of them ran, but wound up in a dead end alley, with the teens right behind them.
"Uh-oh," Jeff said. "This doesn't look good."
"Well, lookie what we got here," the one guy sneered. "A couple of snot-nosed runts invading our territory."
"Not by choice, I assure you," Jeff managed. "If we had known this was your territory, we wouldn't have come here."
"Well, you did," another guy growled. "Now we get the pleasure of making ya pay."
The two nine-year-olds gulped.
They all were silent as they heard a subway go by underneath them. Suddenly, Lana thought of the song that Donatello had written for her.
There's a rumble starting underground
You know we're on our way Move like the night so that we can't be found Coming to save the day
Lana, you know we're with you
And that you'll be okay
Lana squeezed Jeff's hand, as they backed up into the wall behind them.
"Donnie, where are you?" She whispered.
"What'd you say kid?" One guy demanded. "Speak up so we can a hear ya."
"I.I said, Donnie will kill you," she lied.
"Who's Donnie?" The shortest guy queried. "It ain't ya friend here, whose 'bout peed his pants, is it?"
"Donnie's my.my friend," she said, not wanting to say guardian for fear of being laughed at even more so. "He'll be mad if you hurt us."
"Yeah, well, Donnie ain't around, now is he?" Their leader smirked evilly, as they began to move in on them.
Wherever you are, you know that we're never far
Lana felt both fear and panic soar through her body, as she watched the nine teenagers inch closer with every step. As they crept closer, another part of the song popped into her head.
When you're in trouble, don't know where to turn
Looks like it's come to an end Just hang on because you're going to learn, well you can count on your friends
"Hey!" One guy cried, as he suddenly disappeared from sight.
"What the." another guy trailed off, as he was attacked by an unseen enemy.
Then she heard Raphael's voice.
"Get off me, you punk!"
No one can stop us once the fight's begun
Ain't gonna stop until the foot's undone
Both Lana and Jeff watched wide-eyed as the turtles fought off their attackers. Once all the teenagers had been knocked out and tied up, the turtles stepped into what little light there was.
Lana looked at their angry faces. "Um.hi?"
"Are you okay?" Leonardo demanded.
They nodded slowly. "Mm hmm."
"Let's go then," Leonardo said. "Jeff, your mother's worried sick."
"We'll talk later," Donatello stated, as he took hold of her hand.
She hung her head ashamed, and walked silently next to him.
Chapter 34: Once they reach the lair.
"Lana, go to Splinter's study," Donatello ordered. "I'll be in there to talk to you in a minute."
Lana nodded weakly, and headed for Master Splinter's study. She knew she was in loads of trouble, as never before had all four of them been mad at her at once. She reached the study, then went in and sat down on the bed.
Meanwhile, Donatello was trying to figure out what to do, when his mind flashed back to the one time he got caught lying.
Flashback.
"You lied to me!" Leo said to his brother angrily. Don looked to his brother, caught completely off-guard by the accusation.
"What?" Don said nervously. "N-no I didn't."
"You said that you had told Master Splinter about the dog attack. He said you didn't!" Leo's face grew red with anger. How could his brother lie to him-to Master Splinter?! He couldn't believe he had tried to deceive him. Splinter needed to know this.
Donatello's face, however, grew red from embarrassment. He was caught! Now their father was going to find out! Raphael and Michaelangelo heard the squabble and entered the conversation.
"Don, you lied to Splinter about me too! What was with that?" Raphael quipped. Donatello could feel the uneasy feeling in his stomach get worse, and he had to think of what to say-fast.
"You lied before?!" Mike said in astonishment. Leo looked ready to pounce on his brother and drag him to their Master. He wasn't going to let his brother get away with something like this.
Don had to think of an excuse.something reasonable and believable. So he blurted out an answer with out thinking.
"I didn't want to say anything.until you got better!"
"As I recall," a voice suddenly said. "You had said on Several occasions that you could not remember."
Donatello cringed as he turned to see Splinter standing in the doorway, with his arms folded. His face was a mixture of anger and disappointment. He had heard everything!
"Master Splinter, Donatello lied to me, and about Raph, and---"
"Yes, I know," Splinter replied.
Donatello felt a sudden dread wash over him. He wished that he were anywhere but in that room right now.. He knew there would be no way to escape the fact that he had been caught lying, and he knew that what was eventually coming to him was going to be well-deserved..
"Now.we will talk about the lying." Donnie kept his gaze downward, too frightened to see the look on his Master's face. The silence in the room was deafening, until Splinter spoke.
"Donatello, is it true that you lied about not knowing the events of the attack," Splinter said, sounding more as a statement than a question. As Donatello had just demonstrated, he knew everything that had happened. Sadly, Don nodded.
" Hai, Sensei." At that answer, Splinter asked another question.
"Is it true that you lied about Raphael stealing your blanket last night, to avoid the penalties for fighting?"
"Hai, Sensei," he replied slowly. The shock on his brother's faces increased as the questioning continued. Splinter frowned slightly and pressed on.
"Is it true that you lied to your brother about telling me the truth?"
Donnie wouldn't-he couldn't.but he had to tell the truth. He hated the audience of his brothers, but he knew there was no escaping it. After an infinite second, he slowly nodded his head, and answered:
"Hai, Sensei."
"Why did you lie to me about what happened? Out of the four of you, you are the one I would least expect to do such a thing as to lie," Splinter scolded, looking at his son in disappointment. Donnie tried to look up, but his eyes wouldn't let him.
"Donatello, I am not pleased with you for what you have done. You know what you did was wrong, and so you must be punished for that," Splinter told him. Donatello nodded his head slowly and sighed sadly.
"No my son. I myself am not free of fault or mistakes. I just choose to look at them as a new opportunity to learn. That is how life is: you take it one step at a time and learn what you can from your mistakes. 'Possess the right thinking. Only then can you receive the gifts of strength, knowledge.and peace'. Do you understand, Donatello?"
"The reason I did punish you was because you let your lying go much too far," Splinter eyed his son. " You should have told the truth. I would have understood."
Donatello nodded and fidgeted a little. " I was too scared of what you would think. I thought you would be disappointed with me," He explained.
"I am more disappointed in the fact that rather than coming forward and telling me what was going on, you decided either to say nothing or to lie. You can always come and talk to me if something is troubling you. That is what a parent is for, my son," Splinter said softly, " to guide you in life and to make sure you choose the right path-and learn from your mistakes. Understand?"
End of flashback.
Donatello sighed, then headed to the study where Lana was waiting for him, knowing what he had to do. Whoever said there was a first time for everything was right. He entered the room, and saw her shrink back on the bed.
"I know that feeling," he thought. "I now also know how Sensei felt that night."
He sat down in Splinter's rocking chair, and eyed her warily.
"Well, what do you have to say for yourself?" He asked.
Lana said nothing, as she hung her head even more.
"I'm going to ask you questions, that you will answer honestly, you hear?"
She nodded slightly.
"You lied to me about sleeping over at Drew's?"
"Hai, Donnie."
"You lied to Leo, and told him you were staying at Jeff's?"
"Hai."
"You had Jeff lie to his Mom, so you'd have company?"
"Hai."
"You took a cab by yourself to another part of New York without permission?"
"Hai."
"You took some of Michaelangelo's money so you could pay for everything?"
She paused, now ashamed. ".Hai."
"You went to a concert you were forbidden to go to?"
"Hai."
"You were walking half away across New York alone after dark so you wouldn't get caught?"
"Hai."
"You forgot to tell Drew the whole plan?"
"Hai," she answered, feeling stupid suddenly.
"You did all this just so you could see the Backstreet Boys perform live?"
"Hai, Donatello," she sighed.
Now it was his turn to sigh, and sigh he did, as he leaned back in the chair to think. Once he'd gathered his thoughts, he sat on the edge of the seat again.
"Lana, what you did tonight was by far the stupidest thing you've ever done," Donatello told her. "Not only did you lie numerous times, but just about got both yourself and Jeff killed on the way home.
"I."
Donatello held his hand up, silencing her. "I'm not through."
She closed her mouth and kept quiet.
"Plus, you stole from Michaelangelo, and went somewhere you knew you weren't allowed to go, as I'd already told you no."
"But."
"Lana Marie," Donatello stated. "Don't say a word until I'm through and have given you permission to speak, you hear me? You're already in enough trouble as it is, and I don't want to add interrupting to the list."
"Yes," she mumbled.
"Other than delivering your punishment, all I can think of, is to ask you why you did what you've gone and done."
"Why did you lie, sneak out, and steal?" Donatello demanded.
Lana glanced at him, feeling sick to her stomach when she saw how upset and disappointed he looked, then glanced at her feet.
"I wanted to see the Backstreet Boys perform," she admitted softly. "I had to see Brian smile in person. I was mad 'cause you wouldn't let me go see them."
"And may I ask, just where did you manage to get tickets?"
"Jacqueline," she replied, looking away from him. "She couldn't go 'cause her family was going away, so she gave 'em to me for five dollars."
"And where did you get the five dollars?"
She couldn't look at him, even if she had wanted to right then.
"Mikey's wallet," she whispered.
"Lana Marie, how could you steal from Michaelangelo of all people?"
"I dunno," she mumbled. "His wallet was just.there. I didn't.think.I just.reacted."
Donatello shook his head. "I'm going to have to punish you more severely than I'd like."
She looked at him confused. "Why?"
"Lana, not only did you lie to me, but you lied to Leo and Jeff's Mom. You also technically snuck out, and stole from Mikey. You pretty much did everything you've ever been forbidden to do, all in one night."
"Oh." She looked down again.
Donatello picked her up, and set her in his lap, and rocked for a bit as he thought.
"Donnie?"
"Mm?"
"Do you hate me?"
Donatello looked down at her, and realized why she was so upset. It wasn't just because she'd gotten caught doing numerous things wrong, it was because she was afraid he was mad enough to hate her.
"Lana, I could never hate you, no matter how mad you make me, or how harsh your punishment may be."
"You sure?"
"I'm positive."
They rocked a little longer, before Donatello spoke.
"Lana, I'm very disappointed with you. I am not one bit pleased that you lied, stole, and disobeyed orders. I never thought you would break all these rules, more or less, all at once."
"I'm in BIG trouble," she thought.
"I'm going to do to you what Master Splinter did to us anytime we were caught lying," Donatello told her, looking kind of grim. "I will also add my own stuff at the end."
Lana looked at him somewhat curiously. Her eyes went wide when he leaned her forward so she was leaning over his other knee.
"What the." She started to wonder, but was abruptly interrupted when she felt Donatello's hand strike her bottom. Her eyes were huge from shock, but after two more encounters with his hand, she began to cry hot, ashamed, and embarrassed tears. After a few more painful swats on the butt, Donatello set her back on the knee she'd originally been sitting on.
"Now that that part is done and over with, I will tell you the rest," Donatello began. "You are grounded for a month, no questions asked. You are to remain in your room the first week, and are only allowed out for meals and school. You follow me so far?"
Lana nodded meekly.
"Plus," he went on. "You will not be going to the Backstreet Boys concert I got tickets for next month."
He watched as her eyes went huge and just about popped out of her head.
"But." she tried.
"Nuh-uh," Donatello shook his head. "The front row tickets and backstage passes are going to be given to some other fan who deserves to see them perform live and to meet them afterwards."
Lana's eyes welled up with tears. "But.but you said."
"I said you couldn't go to the concert today, I never said you couldn't go to any of their concerts," Donatello stated gently. "You just assumed I meant you weren't allowed to go to any of them."
Her tears began to fall again then, and Donatello sympathetically brushed them away.
"I hope this ordeal also taught you not to assume things."
She nodded slightly, as unwanted sobs racked through her body.
Donatello sighed, but pulled her into a hug anyway. He'd known she'd probably react like this. In a way he felt as though this whole ordeal was his fault for not telling her abut the concert tickets he'd gotten. But he also knew he could have never known what she was thinking, when he told her she couldn't see them in Amsterdam.
She cried into his chest for awhile. He grew worried when the room suddenly became quiet, but was relieved when he looked down only to realize she'd cried herself to sleep. He carefully stood up, then carried her into her room and put her to bed. Once she was in bed he tucked her in, kissed her head, and left to go find his sensei, as he needed advice.
Chapter 35: In the kitchen.
Master Splinter looked up from his tea when he heard someone enter the room. He glanced up, only to find Donatello looking back at him, with a concerned look on his face.
"Is something wrong, my son?" Splinter queried.
Donatello sighed and sat down in the chair across from him.
"Sensei." he trailed off, as he went back in thought.
"What is troubling you, my child?"
Splinter watched as Donatello carefully chose his words.
"I.um." he tried. "Uh.never mind."
"Donatello, if there is something bothering you, you can tell me, you know."
"I know Sensei," Donatello replied, then lied. "But nothing's bothering me."
"Then what was it you were going to ask me?"
Donatello paused to think. "Um.I don't remember."
He stood up and began to leave, but Splinter called him back.
"Donatello."
He turned around. "Yes, Master?"
Splinter eyed him critically, then spoke. "You do know what I think of someone who hides the truth from others."
He watched silently as Donatello's face turned pink.
"Mm." He nodded, then went to leave.
"Donatello."
Donatello slowly turned around, knowing his face was red because he'd been caught doing something he'd just told Lana not to.
"You know, I can still very easily take you over my knee for lying," Splinter told his shamefaced son. "You know how strongly I disapprove of liars."
Donatello's face was now a bright crimson, as he stood staring at the floor, suddenly highly interested in its designs.
"Sit down, my son," Splinter said, casually pointing to the seat Donatello had previously been sitting in. "And we shall talk."
Donatello guiltily sat down across from his sensei once more.
"Now, I know there must be a reason for you lying to me just a moment ago. Do you care to tell me what it is?"
Donatello sighed, as he cast a quick glance at his master. "It's Lana."
"What about her?" Splinter asked curiously.
"Well, I'm sure you know the details of why we left here in a hurry earlier," Donatello began, as Splinter nodded slightly. "What you don't know, is why she went and did all this."
"Go on," Splinter urged gently, when Donatello stopped.
"A few weeks ago, she asked me if she could go to the BSB concert in Amsterdam," Donatello informed him. "I told her no, then sent her on her way. She seemed okay, even if she was somewhat mad. Little did I know just how upset she really was. She secretly purchased tickets from a school friend, who couldn't go anymore because of other plans."
"Mm hmm."
"She bought the tickets, then talked Jeff into going with her, seeing as he's her best friend and also a huge fan. He agreed and they developed a plan to get there without anyone knowing, as they'd been told by everyone that they couldn't go," Donatello continued. "When I asked her why she did all this, she said it was because she had to see Brian smile.in person.no matter what. The worst part of it all is, she stole from Mikey, of all people, so she'd have the money to go."
Splinter looked quite surprised. He knew (as did the turtles) just how much she loved Michaelangelo and looked up to him. She might as well be his shadow some days, for everytime they'd turn around she'd be with him, laughing about something.
"During all her scheming, she never knew that I'd purchased tickets myself, but for next month's show in Michigan. She'd just assumed I'd meant she wasn't allowed to see them perform period. Then after I.um.well.you know. I told her she was grounded for a month and not allowed to go to the concert next month. I said the tickets and backstage passes were going to be given to a fan who deserved to go."
"I take it she did not like the sounds of that."
"Sensei, if only you'd seen the look of pure anguish on her face," Donatello answered, shaking his head miserably. "She looked positively heartbroken."
Splinter eyed his student, carefully studying his eyes, which looked quite troubled.
"I see you have still the habit of feeling guilty about things that were not in your control."
Donatello nodded sheepishly.
"Donatello, you must learn to understand that you can never know exactly what someone is thinking. You may think you know, but you may not always be right. Not even I know what you, and your brothers, are thinking after something's happened. I can only tell when you are troubled and need some advice. I am afraid advice is all I can give, as I can not always tell you what to do, for I will not always be there to tell you what to do and what not to do. You have to know within your heart whether or not what you're doing is right, now matter how much it pains you."
"I know Sensei," Donatello sighed heavily. "But I still feel bad for not telling her in the first place. I was going to surprise her, but now I just wish I had've told her."
"My son, there are always ups and downs to parenting. Unfortunately, today you had to deal with a down side, and do something you did not want to do, even though you knew you she had earned it."
"Let's just say I know how you feel now," Donatello admitted. "I could tell you never liked distributing the punishment after we had lied or been caught lying, but never knew how deep that feeling was until tonight."
Splinter patted his arm. "Donatello, punishing your child is never a pleasant thing to do, but is the only way they will learn right from wrong, and what you disapprove of. They are not mind readers either, though they like to act it at times. They feel just as confused and helpless as you do when they have done something wrong. The child knows deep down that they're getting what deserve. They are mad, not so much for being punished, but because they know they have let someone they love down. Their conscious eats them up, and soon they feel guilty."
"I can relate there," Donatello interrupted, then turned a little pink when Splinter paused, giving him a stern look. "Sorry Sensei."
Splinter went on. "But, unlike you, they let that guilt go by occupying themselves, and doing things you will approve of. They don not like being bad, and not all do so on purpose, they just need to learn things the hard way. They need to see for themselves just exactly how far they can push the limits."
"I'm beginning to see what you mean," Donatello replicated. "They want to be able to do things on their own, and test the limits by doing so."
"Exactly," Splinter nodded. "Now, as for those tickets. You want her to go to the concert, am I correct?"
Donatello nodded sheepishly.
"And why is that?"
"It'd mean the world to her."
"Even those she has already seen them once and had them sing to her?"
Donatello nodded again. "Yes."
"The concert is after her month of grounding is up?"
"Hai, Sensei."
Splinter thought a moment. "It is really your decision, my son. But since I can see you want to take her so badly, I will tell you this. Keep the tickets, but don't tell her you still have them. If all goes well in the next month, and you believe she has earned the right to them once more, then go ahead and take her. But if you feel she hasn't earned them back, then do like you said you were going to, and give them some other fan who deserves to go."
"Thanks Sensei," Donatello smiled, as he stood up.
"Donatello."
"Yes, Master?"
"Remember to take the whole month into consideration, and no matter what, don't take her just because it would mean the world to her. If she has rightfully earned the privilege, then granted, she may go. Also, if you do take her, and I find out she went even though she did not earn it, I will not be happy."
"Yes, Sensei," Donatello responded, then promised, "She won't go unless she's earned it. You can trust me on that one."
Splinter nodded, then with a wave of his hand, dismissed his student.
"Kids," he thought, rolling his eyes slightly.
Chapter 36: Month later.
"Lana!" Raphael yelled. "Get in here!"
Lana hurried into the practice room. "Yes?"
"Why are your daggers sprawled in the middle of the room?" He demanded. "You promised you'd take very good care of them. Also, the others see this, and I'll be in shit for giving them to you in the first place."
"Why? You had them when you were little."
"I know that," Raphael snapped. "But they don't want you having any until you're at least twelve."
"But I've had 'em since I was two!" She protested. "I."
"Lana!" Raphael cut her off. "Just pick them up!"
She did as she was told, then turned and looked at him expectantly.
"What?" Raphael asked annoyed.
"Are we going to have a lesson?" She queried, then added, "Nobody else is home. They went out awhile ago."
Raphael bit his lip, while in thought.
"Please Raph?"
"Why are you in such a hurry to practice?" He said finally. "Truthfully."
"We haven't practiced in awhile, and I've been practicing," she told him. "You said if I didn't practice what I know on my own, you wouldn't show me anything new."
He looked at her skeptically.
"Besides," she went on shrugging slightly, "I'm bored and have nothing better to do except clean my room, which, by the way, is half done."
He sighed. "Fine. But your room had better be clean before Donnie gets back, or he'll have both our hides."
"Okay," she quickly agreed. "Oh, and I got.I mean, have.a favour to ask."
"What?" Raphael questioned, as he pulled his daggers out of his belt.
"Do you know how to use the nunchucks?"
"Maybe. Why?"
"Mikey gave me a set awhile back, and I need more practice."
"Michaelangelo gave you nunchucks?" Raphael said shocked. "Seriously?"
She nodded. "Yep."
"Well.don't you think Mikey should be the one teaching you then?"
"Yeah, but." She trailed off, looking at the ground.
"But what?"
"He's still not talking to me 'cause of what I did last month."
"He's not?" He accidentally blurted.
She shook her head sadly. "No."
"I can understand why," Raphael commented, as he got in his fighting stance.
"I said I was sorry," she muttered, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Lana!" Raphael called softly, waving his hand inches from her face. "Are we going to practice?"
Lana brushed her tears away, gave him a forced smile, then got into her stance.
Raphael shook his head somewhat, then returned to his position.
They practiced for a bit, before Raphael sent her scurrying back to her room to clean, threatening to spank her if she didn't.
Donatello and Leonardo returned shortly after she'd finished cleaning. Donatello inspected her room, then told her to meet him in the den. She nodded, giving him a weird look, but quickly obeyed. He came into the den a few minutes later.
"Lana, we need to talk," he said firmly. "Sit."
She sat on the couch, and immediately wondered what she'd done wrong now.
"Okay," Donatello began, as he sat in the chair. "I've been thinking."
"When does he not?" Raphael muttered to Leonardo.
Leonardo shushed him, while Donatello shot him a Look.
"Anyhow, as I was saying," he went on. "I've been thinking about how hard you've been working to stay out of trouble this past month. Your chores are being done promptly, your school marks are better than ever, and your behaving like you should be doing anyway."
She looked at him clearly puzzled.
"Honey, you're not in trouble," Donatello assured her.
He watched, as she let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding.
"In fact, it's just the opposite," he smiled.
She cast a glance to Leonardo and Raphael, who were both standing there, looking like a couple of cats who were trying to cover shit, then back at Donatello.
"I was thinking.maybe we could put these to good use," Donatello said casually, as he held up the concert tickets and backstage passes.
The three brothers watched as her face lit up like a Christmas tree, and she grinned, the first real grin in a month.
"Oh my God!" Lana thought excitedly. "I'm gonna see Brian again!"
She said nothing as she jumped up and ran over to tackle Donatello, who was still sitting in the chair.
"Thank-you," she whispered as she hugged him.
"Your welcome, Kiddo," Donatello smiled, before gently pushing her away.
He turned her towards the hall, then gave her a playful swat on the butt. "Get your stuff."
She grinned crazily at the two turtles watching them, then dashed off towards her room. On the way there, she crashed into Master Splinter.literally.
Splinter watched as she froze and slowly looked up at him.
"Um.sorry Master Splinter."
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Splinter asked.
She grinned an ear to ear grin. "Donnie's taking me to see Brian!"
Splinter smiled and patted her head. "Then you had best hurry, hadn't you, my child."
She looked serious a moment, then for the first time ever, bowed to Master Splinter. She stood back up straight, then continued her journey to her room to grab whatever BSB merchandise she could manage to bring.
Splinter looked at his three sons. "I think she has learned her lesson quite well, and has also learned to respect her elders in the process."
He walked over to Donatello and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Well done, my son. I am very proud of you."
Donatello smiled softly as his face turned a light crimson.
"Thank-you, Sensei."
Chapter 37: Three months down the road.
"Lana!"
Lana dashed into the den. "Yes, Mikey?"
Michaelangelo gave her a stern look.
"I mean, Michaelangelo," she corrected herself.
"Why the hell is your damn Nintendo lying all over the place?" He demanded. "I thought Donnie had told you to clean up after yourself?"
"I'm not done playing," she answered. "I had to go to the bathroom."
"Bathroom my ass!" Michaelangelo snapped. "Did it ever occur to you that some of us just may wanna watch T.V. sometime soon?"
She shrunk back some. "Sorry. Guess I forgot to ask everyone. Donnie said I could play, so I decided to do just that."
"Yeah, well, Donnie is not the boss of the lair," Michaelangelo pointed out. "Therefore, I want you to get that damn Nintendo out of my sight before I throw it out. You hear me?"
"Hai," she responded, eyes wide.
Michaelangelo watched as she just stood there.
"I said move it!" He barked. "Now!"
Lana sprung into action then and hurriedly began to pack up her Nintendo. Once she'd finished she sat down on the couch.
Michaelangelo gave an annoyed cough, and when she looked up, pointed towards her room.
Lana looked at him clearly puzzled. "What?"
"Room. Go."
"But."
Michaelangelo got a Raphael menacing look on his face, and crossed his arms.
"Jeez," Lana thought. "If his bandanas were red, he'd pass for Raph in an instant."
She sighed, but got up and began the walk to her room.
"Step along!" Michaelangelo yelled. "Now! Before I get violent!"
Lana turned to look at him, with a confused/skeptical look on her face. Michaelangelo recognized the look, grew angrier, and stalked towards her. He'd just about reached her, when she realized he was serious, and darted towards her room. He chased her there, only to have the door slammed in his face.
Lana threw herself on her bed crying as Michaelangelo began to pound on her door and curse up a storm. She grew more scared by the minute as she'd never seen him act like this before, and he'd never sworn at her either. She sat up and huddled in the corner of her bed farthest from the door, as she heard him fighting with the lock.
"Where is everyone?" She wondered. "Someone should've been home by now."
"Lana Marie! You open this door right now, you hear me?" Michaelangelo shouted. "Don't think you're gonna get away with this. Once this door is open, I'm gonna tan your ass so good and hard, you'll wish you'd never gone to either of those concerts, much less stolen my money!"
"The money," she thought miserably. "It's been four months, and he's still upset about the money."
"Michaelangelo!" She heard a voice snap. "What on earth are you doing?"
"This doesn't concern you, Sensei," Michaelangelo retorted. "So kindly butt out."
"Michaelangelo! Step away from that door! Now."
Michaelangelo cast an annoyed look at his father, only to see him with a quite unpleasant look on his face.
"But."
"Michaelangelo, I am not telling you again," Splinter said harshly. "Go do ten flips. Now."
The turtle in orange growled his frustration, but did as his master had ordered. Once he'd left, the fury rat gently knocked on the door.
"Lana?"
"Master Splinter?"
"Yes, my child. Please, come open the door. I assure you that Michaelangelo is gone and will not cause you any harm."
Lana got off the bed and cautiously went over and unlocked the door. Once she'd unlocked it, she dove back onto her bed, resuming her upright fetal position.
Splinter entered the room, closing the door behind him, then made his way over to the bed and sat down.
"Now, tell me what has happened to get Michaelangelo so upset."
"I.I was playing Nintendo," Lana told him. "Donnie said I could. I went to the bathroom, and when I came out Mikey was mad 'cause I'd left my games all over the floor."
"You know they should not be strewn everywhere."
"They were only like that 'cause I'd just figured out which one to play, when I had to.um.pee," she stated. "I was gonna pick 'em up once I got back. Honest."
"Did Michaelangelo let you explain?"
She shook her head. "I tried, but everytime I said something, he just got madder. He chased me to my room too. He's still mad 'bout the money."
"Money?"
She looked down at her hands sheepishly.
"Oh." Splinter gave an acknowledging nod. "I see."
Lana looked back up at him, with tears brimming in her eyes. "Why's he hate me? I apologized numerous times and repaid him. If it'd help any, I'd let him know just how bad I still feel 'bout it."
Splinter motioned for her to come closer and when she did pulled her into a hug.
"My child," he began. "Michaelangelo very rarely gets angry, but when he does, he does not know how to handle it. Like Raphael, he will take his anger out on others, but because it is him, and not Raphael, people are more shocked and unable to handle it. Everyone is used to Raphael's moods, but we are only used to seeing Michaelangelo happy or concerned. He will get over it eventually, it just takes him longer to accept things as they are."
"But."
Splinter placed a finger on her mouth, silencing her. "Also, because it was you, his little sister, who stole from him, it will take longer for him to get over it. He trusted you with all his heart and so much more, but you broke that trust the moment you decided to get the money you needed from his wallet. Michaelangelo is a very trusting person, so when someone breaks his trust it affects him deeply."
"I never meant to break his trust," Lana whispered. "I didn't even think of it as stealing. I just considered it 'borrowing' from a friend. Mikey's my hero; I'd never hurt him on purpose. I love him too much to do that. If I'd known that taking his money would hurt him, I'd never have taken it to see Brian."
"Little One, I think it is Michaelangelo who needs to be hearing this, and not me."
"But what if he tries to attack me again?"
"I will make sure he does not." Splinter stood up and took hold of her hand. "Come along."
They entered the practice room where Michaelangelo was doing his ten flips. Splinter spoke with him first, then left him and Lana to themselves to work things out."
"Sensei said you had something to tell me," Michaelangelo stated bluntly.
Lana nodded. "I never meant to hurt you. If I'd known taking the money would upset you, I never would've done it."
Michaelangelo waited as she paused.
"You're my hero, Mikey," she told him softly. "I love Brian like you wouldn't believe, but love you even more. I'd never hurt you on purpose. It tears me up inside, knowing I've hurt you, and that I've broken your trust. I don't think I've ever felt so bad in my life. I wish there was something to make it all just go away. I miss spending time with you, and my nunchucks have been sitting in a corner for months now."
Michaelangelo thought about what she'd said, then gave a small grin.
"I miss you too, Kiddo."
She looked up at him with a shy smile on her face. "Really?"
Michaelangelo nodded, then opened his arms for a hug.
Lana immediately flew into his awaiting arms and hugged him tight. "I love you, Mikey."
"I love you too, Lana."
They hugged for awhile longer, then Michaelangelo broke the silence.
"You think we can get Master Splinter to let me outta doing these stupid ten flips?" He asked jokingly. "Hmm?"
Lana laughed. "I don't know. Maybe."
"Well, you do have a certain charm to you, that makes it impossible for people to not give in," Michaelangelo pointed out.
"I'll try," she replied. "But I better not end up having to do them."
"You won't. Splinter would never make you do them for something as lame as that."
Lana smirked devilishly at him, then left him in the practice room. Soon Michaelangelo heard her voice, and chuckled to himself.
"Oh, Master Splinter."
Chapter 38: Two years later.
Lana walked into the lair, after school, with a huge smile plastered across her face.
"What are you grinning about?" Michaelangelo queried. "Pizza?"
She shook head.
"How can you not be thinking about pizza?" Michaelangelo gasped shocked. "Pizza should be the only thing you ever think about."
"Mikey, give it a rest with the pizza talk already, alright?" Leonardo piped up, as he entered the den from the kitchen. "It's starting to get on everyone's nerves."
"Must I recite the famous pizza poem again?" Michaelangelo asked.
"NO!" Was the urgent reply.
Michaelangelo looked around the room at his brothers. "Fine. If you don't wanna hear it, it's your loss, not mine."
"We'll take that loss," Raphael stated. "Trust me. We'll take it."
Michaelangelo huffed, then stalked into the kitchen to get some of his beloved pizza.
"Now, Lana, what are you smiling about?" Leonardo interrogated. "Hmm?"
Lana cast him a grin. "I have a boyfriend."
"YOU WHAT?!?" Donatello exclaimed.
"I have a boyfriend," Lana repeated slower than the first time.
"Who is it?" Raphael demanded. "And will I have to punch his lights out to make sure he'll keep his hands off you?"
"Drew," Lana answered. "And, no Raph, you don't have to punch his lights out."
"Who says I want you having a boyfriend?" Donatello questioned. "Did you ever stop to think, that maybe I won't allow you to have one?"
Lana cast him an annoyed look. "You ever stop to think that if you did tell me I couldn't have one, I'd sneak around behind your back with one?"
"You wouldn't dare," Donatello said. "You know better."
"Oh, do I?" Lana challenged. "You really think I'd give Drew up just to please you?"
"Yes."
Lana let out a short laugh. "I don't think so Donnie."
"But."
"Seriously, get real," Lana said somewhat on the rude side.
"No need to be snippy about it," Leonardo piped up.
"I'm not being snippy, Donnie's just being an ass as usual," Lana retorted.
The two brothers in the den glared at Raphael.
"Hey! Don't look at me!" Raphael exclaimed. "I'm not the only one who swears around here!" Donatello turned his glare to Lana. "How many times do I have to tell you to watch your language?"
"Hmm. Let's see.a zillion?" Lana responded sarcastically. "I dunno. Depends on how many times you insist on telling me."
"Lana, I'm not going to tell you again," Donatello stated. "Show some respect."
"I'm not going to tell you again," Lana mimicked. "Don't bother wasting your breath. It's my life, so I'll use whatever language I want."
"Not as long as you live under this roof," Donatello rejoined.
"Roof? What roof?" Lana snapped. "All we got is a ceiling. The sewer doesn't have a roof!"
Donatello grit his teeth together. "Go to your room."
"No. I won't. You can't tell me what to do."
"As long as you live here I can."
"Nuh-uh," she answered, shaking her head. "I'm my own boss and can take care of myself."
"Well, how would you like to take care of a sore behind?" Donatello interrogated, losing his patience with her. "Hmm? How would you like that?"
"How would you like to be charged with child abuse?" She returned.
"A swat on the ass ain't child abuse," Raphael put in. "If it was, we wouldn't still be living here."
"And where exactly would you go if you left Raph?" Lana queried. "Hmm? It's not like you can just live anywhere, what with being mutant turtles and all."
It was now Raphael's turn to glare at her. "You know, unlike Donnie, I won't hesitate to tan your behind as hard as I see fit."
Lana returned the glare. "You wouldn't dare."
"How much you wanna bet?"
Her glare deepened. "Everything I've got."
"You keep this up and you'll be losing it all in a matter of seconds."
"Pff. Whatever," Lana scoffed.
Raphael had had enough then. He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her into his room. Shortly afterwards the two in the den could hear the sound of Raphael's hand connecting with her bottom. A few minutes later they saw her scurry out of his room, in tears, and into hers, slamming the door shut. Raphael returned to the den then and looked at his brothers.
"Let's just say someone won't be able to sit for the rest of the day," he informed them.
"Raph, you shouldn't have done that," Donatello said softly.
"And why not Donnie? You think she should be able to get away with back talking us like that?" Raphael demanded. "What do you think Master Splinter would say about that?"
"You back talk all the time Raph," Donatello shot-back. "I don't exactly see Splinter tanning your hide for it."
"Not anymore he doesn't," Raphael verified. "But he used to. Not often, just whenever he thought I really needed it. And trust me, she really need it."
Donatello looked down. "I'm gonna go for a walk."
Once he'd left, Raphael turned to Leonardo.
"Can you believe that guy?" He asked. "He's too much of a damn softie."
"Him and Mikey both," Leonardo agreed. "But I guess I ain't too much better."
"Trust me, you're better," Raphael grunted as he plopped down on the couch to watch T.V. "You draw the limits faster."
"Well, what do you expect, I've had to put up with you all these years," Leonardo chuckled as he sat next to Raphael. "I'm also supposed to be them model student."
Raphael threw him a small smirk, then went back to surfing the channels.
Chapter 39: Few days afterwards.
"He what?" Jeff double-checked.
"Yeah, can you believe it?" Lana said. "Raph spanked me for no reason at all."
"Is he crazy?" Jeff commented.
"Is who crazy?" Drew wanted to know as he approached them. "What are you guys talking about?"
Lana kissed his cheek. "Nothing important really."
"If it's not important, then tell me," Drew returned.
"Raph's being an ass, that's all," she sighed. "He acts like an ass, then takes it out on me."
"Oh," Drew acknowledged. "I see."
"You really think it's wise to skip school?" Jeff queried. "I mean, considering what's happened and all."
"Pff. Why not?" Lana shrugged. "They're gonna be pissed off with me any ways."
"So instead of having them pissed off at you for no reason, you're gonna give them a reason to be pissed, am I right?" Jeff stated. "You think it won't matter what you do, they'll never be satisfied."
"Exactly," Lana replied. "Now, c'mon. Let's get over to Central Park before we miss that magic show."
"Alright!" Drew cheered, pumping a fist in the air. "Let's go!"
"Figures she'd wanna go to the most obvious place," Jeff muttered, as he trailed behind his two friends. "Jeez. If she wants to be obvious, I'm surprised she's not going after the Backstreet Boys."
"Jeff, quit you're muttering and get up here!" Lana called. "I don't wanna lose you!"
Jeff quickly caught up to them, and let his mind wander again.
"Donnie's gonna kill her," he thought. "If Raph doesn't kill her first."
"Dammit! Why'd I agree to this?" Jeff accidentally pondered aloud.
"Because, A) you like magic shows, B) you're my best friend, and C) you don't wanna be stuck in that hell hole we call school by yourself," Lana reminded him. "Jeez. How soon do you forget?"
"Soon enough to know we're gonna be in a whack of shit when we go home," Jeff rejoined.
Lana smirked at him. "Who says we're going home?"
"WHAT!?!" Him and Drew both yelled.
"Who says we're going home?" Lana repeated, with the same smirk on her face.
"What.what do you mean?" Drew asked carefully.
"I mean I got us bus tickets to go to Michigan," Lana told them.
"Let me guess, Brian's there," Jeff snapped.
"No," she retorted. "JC's there."
"You mean we're going to see N'SYNC?" Drew questioned. "That's why you wanted to skip school?"
"Duh!" Lana said.
"Augh!" Jeff groaned. "Don't you remember what happened the last time we snuck out to see a concert?"
"Point?"
"Lana!" Jeff exclaimed. "I don't wanna be in that much shit again!"
"Then you don't have to come," Lana riposted, then turned to her boyfriend. "C'mon Drew. Us cool people will go."
"Um.Lana." Drew began. "I.I don't wanna go either."
She looked at him shocked.
Drew rushed on. "When it was just the magic show, it was okay 'cause my folks would understand, seeing as just how much I love magic. But now you wanna go to another state, to see N'SYNC and I know they wouldn't approve of that. I don't wanna be spanked for some stupid reason."
"Oh, so you're saying N'SYNC's stupid, now are you?" Lana shouted, turning on him.
"No. I'm not," Drew answered. "I'm just saying this whole plan of yours is stupid."
"Fine! Be that way!" Lana yelled. "I don't need your company!"
With that said she turned and took off running down the street.
"She's gonna get herself hurt, or worse, killed, one of these days," Jeff grumbled. "I'm sick of having to save her ass all the time."
"What are we gonna do?" Drew asked him.
"Go to the magic show, what else?" Jeff responded. "Might as well, seeing as our 'rents will be more understanding that way."
They reached Central Park, and easily found the magic show. Jeff left Drew there, stating he'd be back later, and if he didn't show up to just go home. He then went off in search of the lair.
"I knew I shouldn't have come here," Jeff mumbled angrily to himself awhile later. "Damn her for taking off on me again!"
Jeff continued to kick the odd stone around as he trudged through the sewers, trying to remember the directions Lana had once given him in case of an emergency. Finally he saw a light coming from behind what seemed to be a door. He cautiously approached it and put his ear up against it to hear what the voices on the other side were saying.
"She's gone crazy Donnie," a voice said. "She doesn't listen anymore and just does whatever the hell she wants."
"It's not like that Raph," the other voice returned. "She's just going through a rough phase, that's all. We have to try and understand what it's like for her, being human and all, growing up in the sewers with mutants."
"It's them," Jeff thought excitedly. "It's the Ninja Turtles!"
Slowly Jeff began to inch the door open. The two turtles in the den looked over at him as the door squeaked.
"Jeff?" Raphael interrogated.
"Um.hi," Jeff replied.
"Jeff, what are you doing here?" Donatello questioned. "And where's Lana?.Oh my God! Something happened, didn't it? Oh, God! Is she okay?"
"Uh.Michigan, argument, and.I dunno," Jeff answered.
"What are you talking about?" Raphael demanded. "What's this 'bout her being in Michigan?"
"Heh.oh boy." Jeff said, rolling his eyes out of nervousness. "Heh. Mm."
"Well?" Raphael pressed.
"ShewenttoseeN'SYNC'sconcertinmichigan!" Jeff rambled hurriedly. "ItoldherIdidn'twanttogo. Drewdidn'teither. Shewasmad'causewewouldn'tgowithher! Shetookoffonherown!"
"What? You care to repeat that in English?" Raphael snapped.
"She went to see N'SYNC's concert in Michigan. He told her he didn't want to go. Drew didn't either. She was mad 'cause they wouldn't go with her. She took off on her own," Donatello translated.
Jeff cast him a sheepish, yet thankful smile.
"How the Hell did you understand that mumble jumble?" Raphael wanted to know. "All I made our was N'SYNC."
"Naturally," Leonardo piped up as he entered the den. "Hi Jeff. That's all you ever hear when people mention music groups."
"What about music groups?" Michaelangelo interrogated, as he came in eating a slice of pizza (as usual. Lol.).
"Uh.guys?" Jeff tried, as the brothers began to argue about who was better, BSB or N'SYNC. "Guys?"
They ignored him and went on fighting.
"GUYS!" Jeff hollered.
The turtles stopped they're bickering and turned to look about the young boy they'd forgotten was there.
"Hey, who's the lil' dude?" Michaelangelo asked.
"I'm Jeff. Also, this is about Lana and not which group is better."
"Thanks for the reminder Jeff," Leonardo smiled.
"No problem," Jeff shrugged. "Also, 98degrees is better."
"Thought you liked BSB?" Raphael said.
"I do, but 98degrees is just as cool," Jeff responded.
"Okay, anyway, back to this whole Michigan thing," Donatello stated, then glanced at Jeff. "She say what time the bus was leaving?"
"No. Sorry," Jeff apologized. "She didn't give out any details except for what I've already told you."
"You know where they're performing?"
"Wherever BSB did last time," Jeff told him. "Least, I think that's where they are."
Leonardo gave a smile. "Thanks for letting us know, Jeff."
"No problem," Jeff shrugged. "I just don't wanna see anything bad happen to her, that's all."
"Neither do we dude, neither do we," Michaelangelo said, placing a hand on Jeff's shoulder.
Jeff cast a shy smile Michaelangelo's way, before they all left the lair.
The turtles dropped Jeff off at Central Park for the rest of the magic show, then headed for the bus station.
Chapter 40: At the bus station.
"I can't believe Jeff fell for that stupid excuse," Lana thought. "He knows I don't wanna be in shit like that again either."
She sighed as she waited to board the bus for New Jersey. "Michigan. Pff. Does he really think I'd go there again? Like, hello, too obvious."
She quietly boarded the bus wanting to escape, but at the same time hoping someone, anyone would catch her before it actually took off. Lana solemnly sat down in her assigned seat and stared out the window.
"Where are they?" She thought.
Someone took the seat beside her, but she failed to notice. A few minutes later the bus pulled out of the station. Without knowing it she began to cry; once she realized she buried her head into her arms and curled up into a tight little ball on her seat.
"I want Donnie," she whimpered. "I want Donnie."
"You called?" A familiar voice said.
She looked up confused, and glanced at the person next to her, her eyes going wide as she realized who it was.
Donatello had a soft smile on his face as her eyes continued to grow by the second.
"Donnie?" She managed.
Donatello nodded, then pulled her into a hug. He held her as she wept into his trench coat, and rubbed her back repeatedly.
"N'SYNC's in Michigan, eh?" Donatello said.
Lana let out a small laugh. "I don't know."
"Sure you don't."
"Well, I had to think of something," she giggled slightly, into his armpit.
Donatello grew serious then. "Why Lana? Why were you running away?"
She sighed and looked down at her hands, which were now clasped, in her lap. "I'm.not sure. I just.was."
Donatello sighed himself at her answer, and leaned further back in his seat.
"You know you can tell me anything."
"I know, but."
"But what?"
"I.don't know."
He let out a groan. "I hate broken answers."
"They're not broken answers, Donnie," Lana spoke softly. "They're just. unanswered . answers."
The two sat in silence for a couple minutes, then Lana spoke again.
"Donnie?" She said almost in a whisper, while looking at him. "Are you mad?"
Donatello looked at her sad face, and sighed again. "Lana, I'm not mad, really. I'm just.I don't know.hurt. I guess."
Lana looked down at her hands again. "Oh."
"I just.don't know what to do with you anymore," Donatello replicated. "Maybe I should've let April take you back then. Maybe you do belong in a foster home, with people who can see the sun longer."
"NO!" Lana exclaimed rather loud, as she turned around completely in her seat to look at him. "Donnie! NO!"
"Lana, I."
"NO!" Lana shrieked jumping up. "I WON'T GO!"
People began to turn and look at them weirdly.
"Lana."
"I WON'T! I WON'T! I WON'T!" She cried, stamping her foot. "I WON'T!"
"Lana Marie, sit down!" Donatello ordered. "Now."
"But."
Donatello gave her a Look.
"Hmph!" She sat down with a huff.
"Look. I never said you were going, I just said maybe you belong in one," Donatello stated. "Maybe you're acting like this because you want to be with people instead of us."
Lana turned away from him, and looked out the window as tears once more streamed down her face.
"Lana, look at me when I'm talking to you," Donatello commanded. "Just because you're mad doesn't mean you show disrespect."
She slowly turned, her tears falling faster now. "I.I don't want.to leave you."
"Aw, Honey," Donatello said pulling her into another hug. "I never said you had to. I don't want you to leave either. I'm just trying to figure out what's best."
The two of them sat like that, embraced in one another's arms, for the rest of the bus ride to New Jersey.
A.N.: Well, thatz it for now y'all. This one was way too long. Lol. =0) Adios! KTBSPA & KTNTPA & KTACPA & KTJTPA & KTKCPA & KTCPA & KTJTTPA!!!!!
Chapter 31: Amsterdam Theatre.
"Oh my God!" Lana squealed. "I can't believe we're finally here!"
"Yeah, I know," Jeff grinned.
"Look!" Lana cried, her eyes lighting up. "Souvenirs!"
They quickly fought their way to the souvenir stand and each bought three things. A cap, shirt, and duffel bag for Jeff, and a cap, bag, and poster for Lana. They also both bought a glow stick. Once they were done buying souvenirs, they hurried to their third row seats.
"Ahhh!" Lana screamed for no particular reason. "They're coming out in five minutes!"
"Uh.Lana." Jeff started.
"Yeah?"
"The opening act's coming out in five, not them."
"What? Why?"
"Aaron Carter has to perform before the Boys can."
"Damn!" She grumbled.
(A.N.: I know Aaron's actually 7yrs younger than Nick, but for this story he's only gonna be 3yrs younger, making him 9 as well. Also, it's 1997, but Nick's only 12. BSB started out in 1995 & Nick was 10, Brian 15, & A.J. 12. I know they were really 13, 15, & 18, & that it was 1993 when they formed, but this is my story, so I'm mixing all theirs facts up to suit my needs. Now, back to the story.)
Aaron came out a couple minutes later, and got the crowd going wild.
"Whoa-oh. I get wild. Whoa-oh. I get wild," his back-up singers sang.
".Stop. Everybody get wild.wild.wild." Aaron sang. "Everybody get wild."
"Whoa. I get wild. Whoa. I get wild," the audience joined in.
Finally it was time for the Backstreet Boys to come out.
"Ahhhh!" The audience shrieked excitedly.
"Everybody. Rock your body. Everybody. Rock your body right," Brian began.
"Backstreet's back, alright!" The Boys sang, as the crowd shouted it out.
"Oh my God we're back again," A.J. started. "Brothers, sisters, everybody sing."
He lifted up his shirt. "Gonna bring the flavour, show you how. You see. I gotta question for ya, you better answer now. Yeah."
The audience went nuts at the sight of his chest.
"Am I original?" Nick asked.
"Yeah," the Boys harmonized.
"Am I the only one?" Brian queried, casting a look in Lana's direction.
"Hell yeah!" Lana screeched.
"Am I sexual?" Nick questioned.
"Yeah!" The fans yelled crazily.
Awhile later it amazingly grew quiet while the Boys were on stage.
"Psst!" Jeff hissed. "This is your chance!"
Lana looked at him, confused at first, but then she clued in. "Oh."
"Go for it!" Jeff urged. "Go for it!"
She looked at the Boys, who were sitting on the stools that had been placed on the stage, and grinned slyly.
"BRI-YUHNN!" She screamed as loud as she possibly could, and waved frantically. "BRI-YUHNN!"
Kevin, who was closest to her, got Brian's attention, and pointed her out to his cousin.
Brian smiled and waved back, then spoke into his microphone. "I see you."
Lana shrieked. "AHH! HE SEES ME!"
This resulted in all the Boys laughing, as they'd all heard her this time, and not just the cousins.
"It seems we've a very excited fan in the audience tonight," Kevin chuckled, then waved. "Hey Sweetie."
"AHH! HE CALLED ME SWEETIE!"
"Lana!" Jeff cried. "Cut it out! You were only supposed to get Brian's attention, so you could wave at him. You didn't need everyone's attention!"
The Boys quickly discussed something, then Howie began to talk.
"Since someone seems so excited to see us, I think I'll get security to bring her up on stage."
"ME?" Lana yelped, when security came up to her.
"Yes, Miss, you," the security guard said, unable to hide his smile. "Come along."
She followed the guard, shocked, up onto the stage. She froze once there and gawked at each Boy in turn.
"Oh my God!" She gasped, then squealed. "Brian!"
The Boys chuckled once more.
"Yeah, it's Brian," A.J. laughed.
Kevin stood up to hug her then. Once he'd hugged her, he led her over to where Nick was, knowing that if she hugged Brian first, she'd never get to the others.
Nick hugged her, then steered her towards an anxiously awaiting A.J.
"Hey Hun," A.J. grinned.
Lana grinned back and hugged him tight.
"You're too cool," she whispered.
"Thanks," A.J. replied, then directed her to Howie.
Once Howie had hugged her, he gently pushed her towards Brian. The closer she got to Brian, the more nervous she became. She finally reached him, and timidly looked down.
"Hey," Brian said.
"Hey," she whispered shyly.
They looked at one another for a minute, before either of them said anything.
"I love you!" She accidentally blurted, then embarrassed, looked at her feet.
Brian lifted her chin up with his finger, and looked directly into her eyes.
"I love you too, Kiddo," he smiled.
A huge grin spread across her face, as she flung into his arms for a hug. After they'd hugged, he pulled her into his lap, as they began to sing I'll Never Break Your Heart.
Chapter 32: Meanwhile.
"Hey look!" Michaelangelo exclaimed. "The Backstreet Boys are on!"
"Isn't that the group Lana likes?" Leonardo asked.
"Yeah, that's them," Raphael rejoined. "The Booger Boys."
"Raph, that ain't nice, dude," Michaelangelo said, kind of hurt. "They're not Booger Boys; they're five guys you can actually sing, unlike yourself."
"Excuse me, but I can sing too!" Raphael retorted. "You're just mad 'cause I insulted your teeny-bopper group."
"Would you shut-up?" Leonardo snapped. "I'm trying to hear what they're saying."
"You mean to tell me, Michaelangelo actually put them on?" Raphael riposted.
"Problem?" Leonardo interrogated.
"Yeah," Raphael answered. "Major problem."
"Raph, shut-up," Leonardo said. "You know you like 'em, but just won't admit it 'cause it'll ruin your bad ass rep."
"Hey! Look!" Michaelangelo interrupted. "They're bringing someone up on stage!"
The three brothers watched as a young girl was brought up on stage, and each Boy hugged her in turn. It wasn't until she sat on Brian's lap that they got a good look at her.
"Lana?" Donatello piped up suddenly.
His brothers jumped, as they hadn't known he'd entered the room.
"What the." Leonardo trailed off. "She told me she was sleeping over at Jeff's."
"Jeff's?" Donatello said puzzled. "His mother and Lana both told me they were staying at Drew's."
"Drew? Who's Drew?" Leonardo asked. "I took Lana to Jeff's, 'cause that's where she said she was staying. Jeff was there too."
They all looked back at the T.V., before Donatello spoke again.
"I'm going to call Jeff's, and see if I can find out just what is going on."
He returned a few minutes later looking mad.
"Well?" Leonardo pressed. "What she say?"
"Drew called about ten minutes ago asking for Jeff," Donatello replied. "When she asked why Jeff wasn't with him, he swore, then ended up telling her that Jeff wasn't there. Neither is Lana. She also said they're not at her place, 'cause she searched the whole house."
"Then." Michaelangelo trailed off, looking at the T.V. screen once more, "that is Lana?"
Chapter 33: After the concert.
"Uh-oh," Lana whispered more to herself, than to Jeff.
"What? What's wrong?" Jeff wanted to know. "You didn't lose your souvenirs, did you?"
"No, but."
"But what?"
"We're outta money," she told him guiltily. "I accidentally spent it all."
"What?!?" Jeff exclaimed. "Lana! How could you spend all our money?"
"Sorry. I didn't mean to," she mumbled.
"How are we supposed to get home?"
"I dunno."
"Great," Jeff muttered. "Now we have to walk home."
"Why can't we just call home?"
"Hello! Stupid! You forget your own damn plan?" Jeff yelled. "We can't call home, 'cause no one knows we're here!"
"Oh, yeah," Lana said quietly. "I forgot."
"Jeez. You meet Brian and everything else flies outta your damn head," Jeff snapped.
"Look!" Lana retorted. "I said I was sorry! Besides, you spent the money too!"
"Well, let's get walking then," Jeff grumbled.
They began to walk, and were soon about halfway home. Neither of them talked to the other until they'd reached the halfway point.
"Sorry," Jeff apologized suddenly. "I didn't mean to yell at you back there. I know you hated the idea of walking home more than me, seeing as you are afraid of the dark."
"I'm sorry too," Lana replied. "I didn't mean to snap either, but felt like shit 'cause you kept yelling at me when not everything was my fault."
They smiled shyly at one another, then held hands. Suddenly, teenagers, who were out looking for trouble, surrounded them. The two of them ran, but wound up in a dead end alley, with the teens right behind them.
"Uh-oh," Jeff said. "This doesn't look good."
"Well, lookie what we got here," the one guy sneered. "A couple of snot-nosed runts invading our territory."
"Not by choice, I assure you," Jeff managed. "If we had known this was your territory, we wouldn't have come here."
"Well, you did," another guy growled. "Now we get the pleasure of making ya pay."
The two nine-year-olds gulped.
They all were silent as they heard a subway go by underneath them. Suddenly, Lana thought of the song that Donatello had written for her.
There's a rumble starting underground
You know we're on our way Move like the night so that we can't be found Coming to save the day
Lana, you know we're with you
And that you'll be okay
Lana squeezed Jeff's hand, as they backed up into the wall behind them.
"Donnie, where are you?" She whispered.
"What'd you say kid?" One guy demanded. "Speak up so we can a hear ya."
"I.I said, Donnie will kill you," she lied.
"Who's Donnie?" The shortest guy queried. "It ain't ya friend here, whose 'bout peed his pants, is it?"
"Donnie's my.my friend," she said, not wanting to say guardian for fear of being laughed at even more so. "He'll be mad if you hurt us."
"Yeah, well, Donnie ain't around, now is he?" Their leader smirked evilly, as they began to move in on them.
Wherever you are, you know that we're never far
Lana felt both fear and panic soar through her body, as she watched the nine teenagers inch closer with every step. As they crept closer, another part of the song popped into her head.
When you're in trouble, don't know where to turn
Looks like it's come to an end Just hang on because you're going to learn, well you can count on your friends
"Hey!" One guy cried, as he suddenly disappeared from sight.
"What the." another guy trailed off, as he was attacked by an unseen enemy.
Then she heard Raphael's voice.
"Get off me, you punk!"
No one can stop us once the fight's begun
Ain't gonna stop until the foot's undone
Both Lana and Jeff watched wide-eyed as the turtles fought off their attackers. Once all the teenagers had been knocked out and tied up, the turtles stepped into what little light there was.
Lana looked at their angry faces. "Um.hi?"
"Are you okay?" Leonardo demanded.
They nodded slowly. "Mm hmm."
"Let's go then," Leonardo said. "Jeff, your mother's worried sick."
"We'll talk later," Donatello stated, as he took hold of her hand.
She hung her head ashamed, and walked silently next to him.
Chapter 34: Once they reach the lair.
"Lana, go to Splinter's study," Donatello ordered. "I'll be in there to talk to you in a minute."
Lana nodded weakly, and headed for Master Splinter's study. She knew she was in loads of trouble, as never before had all four of them been mad at her at once. She reached the study, then went in and sat down on the bed.
Meanwhile, Donatello was trying to figure out what to do, when his mind flashed back to the one time he got caught lying.
Flashback.
"You lied to me!" Leo said to his brother angrily. Don looked to his brother, caught completely off-guard by the accusation.
"What?" Don said nervously. "N-no I didn't."
"You said that you had told Master Splinter about the dog attack. He said you didn't!" Leo's face grew red with anger. How could his brother lie to him-to Master Splinter?! He couldn't believe he had tried to deceive him. Splinter needed to know this.
Donatello's face, however, grew red from embarrassment. He was caught! Now their father was going to find out! Raphael and Michaelangelo heard the squabble and entered the conversation.
"Don, you lied to Splinter about me too! What was with that?" Raphael quipped. Donatello could feel the uneasy feeling in his stomach get worse, and he had to think of what to say-fast.
"You lied before?!" Mike said in astonishment. Leo looked ready to pounce on his brother and drag him to their Master. He wasn't going to let his brother get away with something like this.
Don had to think of an excuse.something reasonable and believable. So he blurted out an answer with out thinking.
"I didn't want to say anything.until you got better!"
"As I recall," a voice suddenly said. "You had said on Several occasions that you could not remember."
Donatello cringed as he turned to see Splinter standing in the doorway, with his arms folded. His face was a mixture of anger and disappointment. He had heard everything!
"Master Splinter, Donatello lied to me, and about Raph, and---"
"Yes, I know," Splinter replied.
Donatello felt a sudden dread wash over him. He wished that he were anywhere but in that room right now.. He knew there would be no way to escape the fact that he had been caught lying, and he knew that what was eventually coming to him was going to be well-deserved..
"Now.we will talk about the lying." Donnie kept his gaze downward, too frightened to see the look on his Master's face. The silence in the room was deafening, until Splinter spoke.
"Donatello, is it true that you lied about not knowing the events of the attack," Splinter said, sounding more as a statement than a question. As Donatello had just demonstrated, he knew everything that had happened. Sadly, Don nodded.
" Hai, Sensei." At that answer, Splinter asked another question.
"Is it true that you lied about Raphael stealing your blanket last night, to avoid the penalties for fighting?"
"Hai, Sensei," he replied slowly. The shock on his brother's faces increased as the questioning continued. Splinter frowned slightly and pressed on.
"Is it true that you lied to your brother about telling me the truth?"
Donnie wouldn't-he couldn't.but he had to tell the truth. He hated the audience of his brothers, but he knew there was no escaping it. After an infinite second, he slowly nodded his head, and answered:
"Hai, Sensei."
"Why did you lie to me about what happened? Out of the four of you, you are the one I would least expect to do such a thing as to lie," Splinter scolded, looking at his son in disappointment. Donnie tried to look up, but his eyes wouldn't let him.
"Donatello, I am not pleased with you for what you have done. You know what you did was wrong, and so you must be punished for that," Splinter told him. Donatello nodded his head slowly and sighed sadly.
"No my son. I myself am not free of fault or mistakes. I just choose to look at them as a new opportunity to learn. That is how life is: you take it one step at a time and learn what you can from your mistakes. 'Possess the right thinking. Only then can you receive the gifts of strength, knowledge.and peace'. Do you understand, Donatello?"
"The reason I did punish you was because you let your lying go much too far," Splinter eyed his son. " You should have told the truth. I would have understood."
Donatello nodded and fidgeted a little. " I was too scared of what you would think. I thought you would be disappointed with me," He explained.
"I am more disappointed in the fact that rather than coming forward and telling me what was going on, you decided either to say nothing or to lie. You can always come and talk to me if something is troubling you. That is what a parent is for, my son," Splinter said softly, " to guide you in life and to make sure you choose the right path-and learn from your mistakes. Understand?"
End of flashback.
Donatello sighed, then headed to the study where Lana was waiting for him, knowing what he had to do. Whoever said there was a first time for everything was right. He entered the room, and saw her shrink back on the bed.
"I know that feeling," he thought. "I now also know how Sensei felt that night."
He sat down in Splinter's rocking chair, and eyed her warily.
"Well, what do you have to say for yourself?" He asked.
Lana said nothing, as she hung her head even more.
"I'm going to ask you questions, that you will answer honestly, you hear?"
She nodded slightly.
"You lied to me about sleeping over at Drew's?"
"Hai, Donnie."
"You lied to Leo, and told him you were staying at Jeff's?"
"Hai."
"You had Jeff lie to his Mom, so you'd have company?"
"Hai."
"You took a cab by yourself to another part of New York without permission?"
"Hai."
"You took some of Michaelangelo's money so you could pay for everything?"
She paused, now ashamed. ".Hai."
"You went to a concert you were forbidden to go to?"
"Hai."
"You were walking half away across New York alone after dark so you wouldn't get caught?"
"Hai."
"You forgot to tell Drew the whole plan?"
"Hai," she answered, feeling stupid suddenly.
"You did all this just so you could see the Backstreet Boys perform live?"
"Hai, Donatello," she sighed.
Now it was his turn to sigh, and sigh he did, as he leaned back in the chair to think. Once he'd gathered his thoughts, he sat on the edge of the seat again.
"Lana, what you did tonight was by far the stupidest thing you've ever done," Donatello told her. "Not only did you lie numerous times, but just about got both yourself and Jeff killed on the way home.
"I."
Donatello held his hand up, silencing her. "I'm not through."
She closed her mouth and kept quiet.
"Plus, you stole from Michaelangelo, and went somewhere you knew you weren't allowed to go, as I'd already told you no."
"But."
"Lana Marie," Donatello stated. "Don't say a word until I'm through and have given you permission to speak, you hear me? You're already in enough trouble as it is, and I don't want to add interrupting to the list."
"Yes," she mumbled.
"Other than delivering your punishment, all I can think of, is to ask you why you did what you've gone and done."
"Why did you lie, sneak out, and steal?" Donatello demanded.
Lana glanced at him, feeling sick to her stomach when she saw how upset and disappointed he looked, then glanced at her feet.
"I wanted to see the Backstreet Boys perform," she admitted softly. "I had to see Brian smile in person. I was mad 'cause you wouldn't let me go see them."
"And may I ask, just where did you manage to get tickets?"
"Jacqueline," she replied, looking away from him. "She couldn't go 'cause her family was going away, so she gave 'em to me for five dollars."
"And where did you get the five dollars?"
She couldn't look at him, even if she had wanted to right then.
"Mikey's wallet," she whispered.
"Lana Marie, how could you steal from Michaelangelo of all people?"
"I dunno," she mumbled. "His wallet was just.there. I didn't.think.I just.reacted."
Donatello shook his head. "I'm going to have to punish you more severely than I'd like."
She looked at him confused. "Why?"
"Lana, not only did you lie to me, but you lied to Leo and Jeff's Mom. You also technically snuck out, and stole from Mikey. You pretty much did everything you've ever been forbidden to do, all in one night."
"Oh." She looked down again.
Donatello picked her up, and set her in his lap, and rocked for a bit as he thought.
"Donnie?"
"Mm?"
"Do you hate me?"
Donatello looked down at her, and realized why she was so upset. It wasn't just because she'd gotten caught doing numerous things wrong, it was because she was afraid he was mad enough to hate her.
"Lana, I could never hate you, no matter how mad you make me, or how harsh your punishment may be."
"You sure?"
"I'm positive."
They rocked a little longer, before Donatello spoke.
"Lana, I'm very disappointed with you. I am not one bit pleased that you lied, stole, and disobeyed orders. I never thought you would break all these rules, more or less, all at once."
"I'm in BIG trouble," she thought.
"I'm going to do to you what Master Splinter did to us anytime we were caught lying," Donatello told her, looking kind of grim. "I will also add my own stuff at the end."
Lana looked at him somewhat curiously. Her eyes went wide when he leaned her forward so she was leaning over his other knee.
"What the." She started to wonder, but was abruptly interrupted when she felt Donatello's hand strike her bottom. Her eyes were huge from shock, but after two more encounters with his hand, she began to cry hot, ashamed, and embarrassed tears. After a few more painful swats on the butt, Donatello set her back on the knee she'd originally been sitting on.
"Now that that part is done and over with, I will tell you the rest," Donatello began. "You are grounded for a month, no questions asked. You are to remain in your room the first week, and are only allowed out for meals and school. You follow me so far?"
Lana nodded meekly.
"Plus," he went on. "You will not be going to the Backstreet Boys concert I got tickets for next month."
He watched as her eyes went huge and just about popped out of her head.
"But." she tried.
"Nuh-uh," Donatello shook his head. "The front row tickets and backstage passes are going to be given to some other fan who deserves to see them perform live and to meet them afterwards."
Lana's eyes welled up with tears. "But.but you said."
"I said you couldn't go to the concert today, I never said you couldn't go to any of their concerts," Donatello stated gently. "You just assumed I meant you weren't allowed to go to any of them."
Her tears began to fall again then, and Donatello sympathetically brushed them away.
"I hope this ordeal also taught you not to assume things."
She nodded slightly, as unwanted sobs racked through her body.
Donatello sighed, but pulled her into a hug anyway. He'd known she'd probably react like this. In a way he felt as though this whole ordeal was his fault for not telling her abut the concert tickets he'd gotten. But he also knew he could have never known what she was thinking, when he told her she couldn't see them in Amsterdam.
She cried into his chest for awhile. He grew worried when the room suddenly became quiet, but was relieved when he looked down only to realize she'd cried herself to sleep. He carefully stood up, then carried her into her room and put her to bed. Once she was in bed he tucked her in, kissed her head, and left to go find his sensei, as he needed advice.
Chapter 35: In the kitchen.
Master Splinter looked up from his tea when he heard someone enter the room. He glanced up, only to find Donatello looking back at him, with a concerned look on his face.
"Is something wrong, my son?" Splinter queried.
Donatello sighed and sat down in the chair across from him.
"Sensei." he trailed off, as he went back in thought.
"What is troubling you, my child?"
Splinter watched as Donatello carefully chose his words.
"I.um." he tried. "Uh.never mind."
"Donatello, if there is something bothering you, you can tell me, you know."
"I know Sensei," Donatello replied, then lied. "But nothing's bothering me."
"Then what was it you were going to ask me?"
Donatello paused to think. "Um.I don't remember."
He stood up and began to leave, but Splinter called him back.
"Donatello."
He turned around. "Yes, Master?"
Splinter eyed him critically, then spoke. "You do know what I think of someone who hides the truth from others."
He watched silently as Donatello's face turned pink.
"Mm." He nodded, then went to leave.
"Donatello."
Donatello slowly turned around, knowing his face was red because he'd been caught doing something he'd just told Lana not to.
"You know, I can still very easily take you over my knee for lying," Splinter told his shamefaced son. "You know how strongly I disapprove of liars."
Donatello's face was now a bright crimson, as he stood staring at the floor, suddenly highly interested in its designs.
"Sit down, my son," Splinter said, casually pointing to the seat Donatello had previously been sitting in. "And we shall talk."
Donatello guiltily sat down across from his sensei once more.
"Now, I know there must be a reason for you lying to me just a moment ago. Do you care to tell me what it is?"
Donatello sighed, as he cast a quick glance at his master. "It's Lana."
"What about her?" Splinter asked curiously.
"Well, I'm sure you know the details of why we left here in a hurry earlier," Donatello began, as Splinter nodded slightly. "What you don't know, is why she went and did all this."
"Go on," Splinter urged gently, when Donatello stopped.
"A few weeks ago, she asked me if she could go to the BSB concert in Amsterdam," Donatello informed him. "I told her no, then sent her on her way. She seemed okay, even if she was somewhat mad. Little did I know just how upset she really was. She secretly purchased tickets from a school friend, who couldn't go anymore because of other plans."
"Mm hmm."
"She bought the tickets, then talked Jeff into going with her, seeing as he's her best friend and also a huge fan. He agreed and they developed a plan to get there without anyone knowing, as they'd been told by everyone that they couldn't go," Donatello continued. "When I asked her why she did all this, she said it was because she had to see Brian smile.in person.no matter what. The worst part of it all is, she stole from Mikey, of all people, so she'd have the money to go."
Splinter looked quite surprised. He knew (as did the turtles) just how much she loved Michaelangelo and looked up to him. She might as well be his shadow some days, for everytime they'd turn around she'd be with him, laughing about something.
"During all her scheming, she never knew that I'd purchased tickets myself, but for next month's show in Michigan. She'd just assumed I'd meant she wasn't allowed to see them perform period. Then after I.um.well.you know. I told her she was grounded for a month and not allowed to go to the concert next month. I said the tickets and backstage passes were going to be given to a fan who deserved to go."
"I take it she did not like the sounds of that."
"Sensei, if only you'd seen the look of pure anguish on her face," Donatello answered, shaking his head miserably. "She looked positively heartbroken."
Splinter eyed his student, carefully studying his eyes, which looked quite troubled.
"I see you have still the habit of feeling guilty about things that were not in your control."
Donatello nodded sheepishly.
"Donatello, you must learn to understand that you can never know exactly what someone is thinking. You may think you know, but you may not always be right. Not even I know what you, and your brothers, are thinking after something's happened. I can only tell when you are troubled and need some advice. I am afraid advice is all I can give, as I can not always tell you what to do, for I will not always be there to tell you what to do and what not to do. You have to know within your heart whether or not what you're doing is right, now matter how much it pains you."
"I know Sensei," Donatello sighed heavily. "But I still feel bad for not telling her in the first place. I was going to surprise her, but now I just wish I had've told her."
"My son, there are always ups and downs to parenting. Unfortunately, today you had to deal with a down side, and do something you did not want to do, even though you knew you she had earned it."
"Let's just say I know how you feel now," Donatello admitted. "I could tell you never liked distributing the punishment after we had lied or been caught lying, but never knew how deep that feeling was until tonight."
Splinter patted his arm. "Donatello, punishing your child is never a pleasant thing to do, but is the only way they will learn right from wrong, and what you disapprove of. They are not mind readers either, though they like to act it at times. They feel just as confused and helpless as you do when they have done something wrong. The child knows deep down that they're getting what deserve. They are mad, not so much for being punished, but because they know they have let someone they love down. Their conscious eats them up, and soon they feel guilty."
"I can relate there," Donatello interrupted, then turned a little pink when Splinter paused, giving him a stern look. "Sorry Sensei."
Splinter went on. "But, unlike you, they let that guilt go by occupying themselves, and doing things you will approve of. They don not like being bad, and not all do so on purpose, they just need to learn things the hard way. They need to see for themselves just exactly how far they can push the limits."
"I'm beginning to see what you mean," Donatello replicated. "They want to be able to do things on their own, and test the limits by doing so."
"Exactly," Splinter nodded. "Now, as for those tickets. You want her to go to the concert, am I correct?"
Donatello nodded sheepishly.
"And why is that?"
"It'd mean the world to her."
"Even those she has already seen them once and had them sing to her?"
Donatello nodded again. "Yes."
"The concert is after her month of grounding is up?"
"Hai, Sensei."
Splinter thought a moment. "It is really your decision, my son. But since I can see you want to take her so badly, I will tell you this. Keep the tickets, but don't tell her you still have them. If all goes well in the next month, and you believe she has earned the right to them once more, then go ahead and take her. But if you feel she hasn't earned them back, then do like you said you were going to, and give them some other fan who deserves to go."
"Thanks Sensei," Donatello smiled, as he stood up.
"Donatello."
"Yes, Master?"
"Remember to take the whole month into consideration, and no matter what, don't take her just because it would mean the world to her. If she has rightfully earned the privilege, then granted, she may go. Also, if you do take her, and I find out she went even though she did not earn it, I will not be happy."
"Yes, Sensei," Donatello responded, then promised, "She won't go unless she's earned it. You can trust me on that one."
Splinter nodded, then with a wave of his hand, dismissed his student.
"Kids," he thought, rolling his eyes slightly.
Chapter 36: Month later.
"Lana!" Raphael yelled. "Get in here!"
Lana hurried into the practice room. "Yes?"
"Why are your daggers sprawled in the middle of the room?" He demanded. "You promised you'd take very good care of them. Also, the others see this, and I'll be in shit for giving them to you in the first place."
"Why? You had them when you were little."
"I know that," Raphael snapped. "But they don't want you having any until you're at least twelve."
"But I've had 'em since I was two!" She protested. "I."
"Lana!" Raphael cut her off. "Just pick them up!"
She did as she was told, then turned and looked at him expectantly.
"What?" Raphael asked annoyed.
"Are we going to have a lesson?" She queried, then added, "Nobody else is home. They went out awhile ago."
Raphael bit his lip, while in thought.
"Please Raph?"
"Why are you in such a hurry to practice?" He said finally. "Truthfully."
"We haven't practiced in awhile, and I've been practicing," she told him. "You said if I didn't practice what I know on my own, you wouldn't show me anything new."
He looked at her skeptically.
"Besides," she went on shrugging slightly, "I'm bored and have nothing better to do except clean my room, which, by the way, is half done."
He sighed. "Fine. But your room had better be clean before Donnie gets back, or he'll have both our hides."
"Okay," she quickly agreed. "Oh, and I got.I mean, have.a favour to ask."
"What?" Raphael questioned, as he pulled his daggers out of his belt.
"Do you know how to use the nunchucks?"
"Maybe. Why?"
"Mikey gave me a set awhile back, and I need more practice."
"Michaelangelo gave you nunchucks?" Raphael said shocked. "Seriously?"
She nodded. "Yep."
"Well.don't you think Mikey should be the one teaching you then?"
"Yeah, but." She trailed off, looking at the ground.
"But what?"
"He's still not talking to me 'cause of what I did last month."
"He's not?" He accidentally blurted.
She shook her head sadly. "No."
"I can understand why," Raphael commented, as he got in his fighting stance.
"I said I was sorry," she muttered, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Lana!" Raphael called softly, waving his hand inches from her face. "Are we going to practice?"
Lana brushed her tears away, gave him a forced smile, then got into her stance.
Raphael shook his head somewhat, then returned to his position.
They practiced for a bit, before Raphael sent her scurrying back to her room to clean, threatening to spank her if she didn't.
Donatello and Leonardo returned shortly after she'd finished cleaning. Donatello inspected her room, then told her to meet him in the den. She nodded, giving him a weird look, but quickly obeyed. He came into the den a few minutes later.
"Lana, we need to talk," he said firmly. "Sit."
She sat on the couch, and immediately wondered what she'd done wrong now.
"Okay," Donatello began, as he sat in the chair. "I've been thinking."
"When does he not?" Raphael muttered to Leonardo.
Leonardo shushed him, while Donatello shot him a Look.
"Anyhow, as I was saying," he went on. "I've been thinking about how hard you've been working to stay out of trouble this past month. Your chores are being done promptly, your school marks are better than ever, and your behaving like you should be doing anyway."
She looked at him clearly puzzled.
"Honey, you're not in trouble," Donatello assured her.
He watched, as she let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding.
"In fact, it's just the opposite," he smiled.
She cast a glance to Leonardo and Raphael, who were both standing there, looking like a couple of cats who were trying to cover shit, then back at Donatello.
"I was thinking.maybe we could put these to good use," Donatello said casually, as he held up the concert tickets and backstage passes.
The three brothers watched as her face lit up like a Christmas tree, and she grinned, the first real grin in a month.
"Oh my God!" Lana thought excitedly. "I'm gonna see Brian again!"
She said nothing as she jumped up and ran over to tackle Donatello, who was still sitting in the chair.
"Thank-you," she whispered as she hugged him.
"Your welcome, Kiddo," Donatello smiled, before gently pushing her away.
He turned her towards the hall, then gave her a playful swat on the butt. "Get your stuff."
She grinned crazily at the two turtles watching them, then dashed off towards her room. On the way there, she crashed into Master Splinter.literally.
Splinter watched as she froze and slowly looked up at him.
"Um.sorry Master Splinter."
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Splinter asked.
She grinned an ear to ear grin. "Donnie's taking me to see Brian!"
Splinter smiled and patted her head. "Then you had best hurry, hadn't you, my child."
She looked serious a moment, then for the first time ever, bowed to Master Splinter. She stood back up straight, then continued her journey to her room to grab whatever BSB merchandise she could manage to bring.
Splinter looked at his three sons. "I think she has learned her lesson quite well, and has also learned to respect her elders in the process."
He walked over to Donatello and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Well done, my son. I am very proud of you."
Donatello smiled softly as his face turned a light crimson.
"Thank-you, Sensei."
Chapter 37: Three months down the road.
"Lana!"
Lana dashed into the den. "Yes, Mikey?"
Michaelangelo gave her a stern look.
"I mean, Michaelangelo," she corrected herself.
"Why the hell is your damn Nintendo lying all over the place?" He demanded. "I thought Donnie had told you to clean up after yourself?"
"I'm not done playing," she answered. "I had to go to the bathroom."
"Bathroom my ass!" Michaelangelo snapped. "Did it ever occur to you that some of us just may wanna watch T.V. sometime soon?"
She shrunk back some. "Sorry. Guess I forgot to ask everyone. Donnie said I could play, so I decided to do just that."
"Yeah, well, Donnie is not the boss of the lair," Michaelangelo pointed out. "Therefore, I want you to get that damn Nintendo out of my sight before I throw it out. You hear me?"
"Hai," she responded, eyes wide.
Michaelangelo watched as she just stood there.
"I said move it!" He barked. "Now!"
Lana sprung into action then and hurriedly began to pack up her Nintendo. Once she'd finished she sat down on the couch.
Michaelangelo gave an annoyed cough, and when she looked up, pointed towards her room.
Lana looked at him clearly puzzled. "What?"
"Room. Go."
"But."
Michaelangelo got a Raphael menacing look on his face, and crossed his arms.
"Jeez," Lana thought. "If his bandanas were red, he'd pass for Raph in an instant."
She sighed, but got up and began the walk to her room.
"Step along!" Michaelangelo yelled. "Now! Before I get violent!"
Lana turned to look at him, with a confused/skeptical look on her face. Michaelangelo recognized the look, grew angrier, and stalked towards her. He'd just about reached her, when she realized he was serious, and darted towards her room. He chased her there, only to have the door slammed in his face.
Lana threw herself on her bed crying as Michaelangelo began to pound on her door and curse up a storm. She grew more scared by the minute as she'd never seen him act like this before, and he'd never sworn at her either. She sat up and huddled in the corner of her bed farthest from the door, as she heard him fighting with the lock.
"Where is everyone?" She wondered. "Someone should've been home by now."
"Lana Marie! You open this door right now, you hear me?" Michaelangelo shouted. "Don't think you're gonna get away with this. Once this door is open, I'm gonna tan your ass so good and hard, you'll wish you'd never gone to either of those concerts, much less stolen my money!"
"The money," she thought miserably. "It's been four months, and he's still upset about the money."
"Michaelangelo!" She heard a voice snap. "What on earth are you doing?"
"This doesn't concern you, Sensei," Michaelangelo retorted. "So kindly butt out."
"Michaelangelo! Step away from that door! Now."
Michaelangelo cast an annoyed look at his father, only to see him with a quite unpleasant look on his face.
"But."
"Michaelangelo, I am not telling you again," Splinter said harshly. "Go do ten flips. Now."
The turtle in orange growled his frustration, but did as his master had ordered. Once he'd left, the fury rat gently knocked on the door.
"Lana?"
"Master Splinter?"
"Yes, my child. Please, come open the door. I assure you that Michaelangelo is gone and will not cause you any harm."
Lana got off the bed and cautiously went over and unlocked the door. Once she'd unlocked it, she dove back onto her bed, resuming her upright fetal position.
Splinter entered the room, closing the door behind him, then made his way over to the bed and sat down.
"Now, tell me what has happened to get Michaelangelo so upset."
"I.I was playing Nintendo," Lana told him. "Donnie said I could. I went to the bathroom, and when I came out Mikey was mad 'cause I'd left my games all over the floor."
"You know they should not be strewn everywhere."
"They were only like that 'cause I'd just figured out which one to play, when I had to.um.pee," she stated. "I was gonna pick 'em up once I got back. Honest."
"Did Michaelangelo let you explain?"
She shook her head. "I tried, but everytime I said something, he just got madder. He chased me to my room too. He's still mad 'bout the money."
"Money?"
She looked down at her hands sheepishly.
"Oh." Splinter gave an acknowledging nod. "I see."
Lana looked back up at him, with tears brimming in her eyes. "Why's he hate me? I apologized numerous times and repaid him. If it'd help any, I'd let him know just how bad I still feel 'bout it."
Splinter motioned for her to come closer and when she did pulled her into a hug.
"My child," he began. "Michaelangelo very rarely gets angry, but when he does, he does not know how to handle it. Like Raphael, he will take his anger out on others, but because it is him, and not Raphael, people are more shocked and unable to handle it. Everyone is used to Raphael's moods, but we are only used to seeing Michaelangelo happy or concerned. He will get over it eventually, it just takes him longer to accept things as they are."
"But."
Splinter placed a finger on her mouth, silencing her. "Also, because it was you, his little sister, who stole from him, it will take longer for him to get over it. He trusted you with all his heart and so much more, but you broke that trust the moment you decided to get the money you needed from his wallet. Michaelangelo is a very trusting person, so when someone breaks his trust it affects him deeply."
"I never meant to break his trust," Lana whispered. "I didn't even think of it as stealing. I just considered it 'borrowing' from a friend. Mikey's my hero; I'd never hurt him on purpose. I love him too much to do that. If I'd known that taking his money would hurt him, I'd never have taken it to see Brian."
"Little One, I think it is Michaelangelo who needs to be hearing this, and not me."
"But what if he tries to attack me again?"
"I will make sure he does not." Splinter stood up and took hold of her hand. "Come along."
They entered the practice room where Michaelangelo was doing his ten flips. Splinter spoke with him first, then left him and Lana to themselves to work things out."
"Sensei said you had something to tell me," Michaelangelo stated bluntly.
Lana nodded. "I never meant to hurt you. If I'd known taking the money would upset you, I never would've done it."
Michaelangelo waited as she paused.
"You're my hero, Mikey," she told him softly. "I love Brian like you wouldn't believe, but love you even more. I'd never hurt you on purpose. It tears me up inside, knowing I've hurt you, and that I've broken your trust. I don't think I've ever felt so bad in my life. I wish there was something to make it all just go away. I miss spending time with you, and my nunchucks have been sitting in a corner for months now."
Michaelangelo thought about what she'd said, then gave a small grin.
"I miss you too, Kiddo."
She looked up at him with a shy smile on her face. "Really?"
Michaelangelo nodded, then opened his arms for a hug.
Lana immediately flew into his awaiting arms and hugged him tight. "I love you, Mikey."
"I love you too, Lana."
They hugged for awhile longer, then Michaelangelo broke the silence.
"You think we can get Master Splinter to let me outta doing these stupid ten flips?" He asked jokingly. "Hmm?"
Lana laughed. "I don't know. Maybe."
"Well, you do have a certain charm to you, that makes it impossible for people to not give in," Michaelangelo pointed out.
"I'll try," she replied. "But I better not end up having to do them."
"You won't. Splinter would never make you do them for something as lame as that."
Lana smirked devilishly at him, then left him in the practice room. Soon Michaelangelo heard her voice, and chuckled to himself.
"Oh, Master Splinter."
Chapter 38: Two years later.
Lana walked into the lair, after school, with a huge smile plastered across her face.
"What are you grinning about?" Michaelangelo queried. "Pizza?"
She shook head.
"How can you not be thinking about pizza?" Michaelangelo gasped shocked. "Pizza should be the only thing you ever think about."
"Mikey, give it a rest with the pizza talk already, alright?" Leonardo piped up, as he entered the den from the kitchen. "It's starting to get on everyone's nerves."
"Must I recite the famous pizza poem again?" Michaelangelo asked.
"NO!" Was the urgent reply.
Michaelangelo looked around the room at his brothers. "Fine. If you don't wanna hear it, it's your loss, not mine."
"We'll take that loss," Raphael stated. "Trust me. We'll take it."
Michaelangelo huffed, then stalked into the kitchen to get some of his beloved pizza.
"Now, Lana, what are you smiling about?" Leonardo interrogated. "Hmm?"
Lana cast him a grin. "I have a boyfriend."
"YOU WHAT?!?" Donatello exclaimed.
"I have a boyfriend," Lana repeated slower than the first time.
"Who is it?" Raphael demanded. "And will I have to punch his lights out to make sure he'll keep his hands off you?"
"Drew," Lana answered. "And, no Raph, you don't have to punch his lights out."
"Who says I want you having a boyfriend?" Donatello questioned. "Did you ever stop to think, that maybe I won't allow you to have one?"
Lana cast him an annoyed look. "You ever stop to think that if you did tell me I couldn't have one, I'd sneak around behind your back with one?"
"You wouldn't dare," Donatello said. "You know better."
"Oh, do I?" Lana challenged. "You really think I'd give Drew up just to please you?"
"Yes."
Lana let out a short laugh. "I don't think so Donnie."
"But."
"Seriously, get real," Lana said somewhat on the rude side.
"No need to be snippy about it," Leonardo piped up.
"I'm not being snippy, Donnie's just being an ass as usual," Lana retorted.
The two brothers in the den glared at Raphael.
"Hey! Don't look at me!" Raphael exclaimed. "I'm not the only one who swears around here!" Donatello turned his glare to Lana. "How many times do I have to tell you to watch your language?"
"Hmm. Let's see.a zillion?" Lana responded sarcastically. "I dunno. Depends on how many times you insist on telling me."
"Lana, I'm not going to tell you again," Donatello stated. "Show some respect."
"I'm not going to tell you again," Lana mimicked. "Don't bother wasting your breath. It's my life, so I'll use whatever language I want."
"Not as long as you live under this roof," Donatello rejoined.
"Roof? What roof?" Lana snapped. "All we got is a ceiling. The sewer doesn't have a roof!"
Donatello grit his teeth together. "Go to your room."
"No. I won't. You can't tell me what to do."
"As long as you live here I can."
"Nuh-uh," she answered, shaking her head. "I'm my own boss and can take care of myself."
"Well, how would you like to take care of a sore behind?" Donatello interrogated, losing his patience with her. "Hmm? How would you like that?"
"How would you like to be charged with child abuse?" She returned.
"A swat on the ass ain't child abuse," Raphael put in. "If it was, we wouldn't still be living here."
"And where exactly would you go if you left Raph?" Lana queried. "Hmm? It's not like you can just live anywhere, what with being mutant turtles and all."
It was now Raphael's turn to glare at her. "You know, unlike Donnie, I won't hesitate to tan your behind as hard as I see fit."
Lana returned the glare. "You wouldn't dare."
"How much you wanna bet?"
Her glare deepened. "Everything I've got."
"You keep this up and you'll be losing it all in a matter of seconds."
"Pff. Whatever," Lana scoffed.
Raphael had had enough then. He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her into his room. Shortly afterwards the two in the den could hear the sound of Raphael's hand connecting with her bottom. A few minutes later they saw her scurry out of his room, in tears, and into hers, slamming the door shut. Raphael returned to the den then and looked at his brothers.
"Let's just say someone won't be able to sit for the rest of the day," he informed them.
"Raph, you shouldn't have done that," Donatello said softly.
"And why not Donnie? You think she should be able to get away with back talking us like that?" Raphael demanded. "What do you think Master Splinter would say about that?"
"You back talk all the time Raph," Donatello shot-back. "I don't exactly see Splinter tanning your hide for it."
"Not anymore he doesn't," Raphael verified. "But he used to. Not often, just whenever he thought I really needed it. And trust me, she really need it."
Donatello looked down. "I'm gonna go for a walk."
Once he'd left, Raphael turned to Leonardo.
"Can you believe that guy?" He asked. "He's too much of a damn softie."
"Him and Mikey both," Leonardo agreed. "But I guess I ain't too much better."
"Trust me, you're better," Raphael grunted as he plopped down on the couch to watch T.V. "You draw the limits faster."
"Well, what do you expect, I've had to put up with you all these years," Leonardo chuckled as he sat next to Raphael. "I'm also supposed to be them model student."
Raphael threw him a small smirk, then went back to surfing the channels.
Chapter 39: Few days afterwards.
"He what?" Jeff double-checked.
"Yeah, can you believe it?" Lana said. "Raph spanked me for no reason at all."
"Is he crazy?" Jeff commented.
"Is who crazy?" Drew wanted to know as he approached them. "What are you guys talking about?"
Lana kissed his cheek. "Nothing important really."
"If it's not important, then tell me," Drew returned.
"Raph's being an ass, that's all," she sighed. "He acts like an ass, then takes it out on me."
"Oh," Drew acknowledged. "I see."
"You really think it's wise to skip school?" Jeff queried. "I mean, considering what's happened and all."
"Pff. Why not?" Lana shrugged. "They're gonna be pissed off with me any ways."
"So instead of having them pissed off at you for no reason, you're gonna give them a reason to be pissed, am I right?" Jeff stated. "You think it won't matter what you do, they'll never be satisfied."
"Exactly," Lana replied. "Now, c'mon. Let's get over to Central Park before we miss that magic show."
"Alright!" Drew cheered, pumping a fist in the air. "Let's go!"
"Figures she'd wanna go to the most obvious place," Jeff muttered, as he trailed behind his two friends. "Jeez. If she wants to be obvious, I'm surprised she's not going after the Backstreet Boys."
"Jeff, quit you're muttering and get up here!" Lana called. "I don't wanna lose you!"
Jeff quickly caught up to them, and let his mind wander again.
"Donnie's gonna kill her," he thought. "If Raph doesn't kill her first."
"Dammit! Why'd I agree to this?" Jeff accidentally pondered aloud.
"Because, A) you like magic shows, B) you're my best friend, and C) you don't wanna be stuck in that hell hole we call school by yourself," Lana reminded him. "Jeez. How soon do you forget?"
"Soon enough to know we're gonna be in a whack of shit when we go home," Jeff rejoined.
Lana smirked at him. "Who says we're going home?"
"WHAT!?!" Him and Drew both yelled.
"Who says we're going home?" Lana repeated, with the same smirk on her face.
"What.what do you mean?" Drew asked carefully.
"I mean I got us bus tickets to go to Michigan," Lana told them.
"Let me guess, Brian's there," Jeff snapped.
"No," she retorted. "JC's there."
"You mean we're going to see N'SYNC?" Drew questioned. "That's why you wanted to skip school?"
"Duh!" Lana said.
"Augh!" Jeff groaned. "Don't you remember what happened the last time we snuck out to see a concert?"
"Point?"
"Lana!" Jeff exclaimed. "I don't wanna be in that much shit again!"
"Then you don't have to come," Lana riposted, then turned to her boyfriend. "C'mon Drew. Us cool people will go."
"Um.Lana." Drew began. "I.I don't wanna go either."
She looked at him shocked.
Drew rushed on. "When it was just the magic show, it was okay 'cause my folks would understand, seeing as just how much I love magic. But now you wanna go to another state, to see N'SYNC and I know they wouldn't approve of that. I don't wanna be spanked for some stupid reason."
"Oh, so you're saying N'SYNC's stupid, now are you?" Lana shouted, turning on him.
"No. I'm not," Drew answered. "I'm just saying this whole plan of yours is stupid."
"Fine! Be that way!" Lana yelled. "I don't need your company!"
With that said she turned and took off running down the street.
"She's gonna get herself hurt, or worse, killed, one of these days," Jeff grumbled. "I'm sick of having to save her ass all the time."
"What are we gonna do?" Drew asked him.
"Go to the magic show, what else?" Jeff responded. "Might as well, seeing as our 'rents will be more understanding that way."
They reached Central Park, and easily found the magic show. Jeff left Drew there, stating he'd be back later, and if he didn't show up to just go home. He then went off in search of the lair.
"I knew I shouldn't have come here," Jeff mumbled angrily to himself awhile later. "Damn her for taking off on me again!"
Jeff continued to kick the odd stone around as he trudged through the sewers, trying to remember the directions Lana had once given him in case of an emergency. Finally he saw a light coming from behind what seemed to be a door. He cautiously approached it and put his ear up against it to hear what the voices on the other side were saying.
"She's gone crazy Donnie," a voice said. "She doesn't listen anymore and just does whatever the hell she wants."
"It's not like that Raph," the other voice returned. "She's just going through a rough phase, that's all. We have to try and understand what it's like for her, being human and all, growing up in the sewers with mutants."
"It's them," Jeff thought excitedly. "It's the Ninja Turtles!"
Slowly Jeff began to inch the door open. The two turtles in the den looked over at him as the door squeaked.
"Jeff?" Raphael interrogated.
"Um.hi," Jeff replied.
"Jeff, what are you doing here?" Donatello questioned. "And where's Lana?.Oh my God! Something happened, didn't it? Oh, God! Is she okay?"
"Uh.Michigan, argument, and.I dunno," Jeff answered.
"What are you talking about?" Raphael demanded. "What's this 'bout her being in Michigan?"
"Heh.oh boy." Jeff said, rolling his eyes out of nervousness. "Heh. Mm."
"Well?" Raphael pressed.
"ShewenttoseeN'SYNC'sconcertinmichigan!" Jeff rambled hurriedly. "ItoldherIdidn'twanttogo. Drewdidn'teither. Shewasmad'causewewouldn'tgowithher! Shetookoffonherown!"
"What? You care to repeat that in English?" Raphael snapped.
"She went to see N'SYNC's concert in Michigan. He told her he didn't want to go. Drew didn't either. She was mad 'cause they wouldn't go with her. She took off on her own," Donatello translated.
Jeff cast him a sheepish, yet thankful smile.
"How the Hell did you understand that mumble jumble?" Raphael wanted to know. "All I made our was N'SYNC."
"Naturally," Leonardo piped up as he entered the den. "Hi Jeff. That's all you ever hear when people mention music groups."
"What about music groups?" Michaelangelo interrogated, as he came in eating a slice of pizza (as usual. Lol.).
"Uh.guys?" Jeff tried, as the brothers began to argue about who was better, BSB or N'SYNC. "Guys?"
They ignored him and went on fighting.
"GUYS!" Jeff hollered.
The turtles stopped they're bickering and turned to look about the young boy they'd forgotten was there.
"Hey, who's the lil' dude?" Michaelangelo asked.
"I'm Jeff. Also, this is about Lana and not which group is better."
"Thanks for the reminder Jeff," Leonardo smiled.
"No problem," Jeff shrugged. "Also, 98degrees is better."
"Thought you liked BSB?" Raphael said.
"I do, but 98degrees is just as cool," Jeff responded.
"Okay, anyway, back to this whole Michigan thing," Donatello stated, then glanced at Jeff. "She say what time the bus was leaving?"
"No. Sorry," Jeff apologized. "She didn't give out any details except for what I've already told you."
"You know where they're performing?"
"Wherever BSB did last time," Jeff told him. "Least, I think that's where they are."
Leonardo gave a smile. "Thanks for letting us know, Jeff."
"No problem," Jeff shrugged. "I just don't wanna see anything bad happen to her, that's all."
"Neither do we dude, neither do we," Michaelangelo said, placing a hand on Jeff's shoulder.
Jeff cast a shy smile Michaelangelo's way, before they all left the lair.
The turtles dropped Jeff off at Central Park for the rest of the magic show, then headed for the bus station.
Chapter 40: At the bus station.
"I can't believe Jeff fell for that stupid excuse," Lana thought. "He knows I don't wanna be in shit like that again either."
She sighed as she waited to board the bus for New Jersey. "Michigan. Pff. Does he really think I'd go there again? Like, hello, too obvious."
She quietly boarded the bus wanting to escape, but at the same time hoping someone, anyone would catch her before it actually took off. Lana solemnly sat down in her assigned seat and stared out the window.
"Where are they?" She thought.
Someone took the seat beside her, but she failed to notice. A few minutes later the bus pulled out of the station. Without knowing it she began to cry; once she realized she buried her head into her arms and curled up into a tight little ball on her seat.
"I want Donnie," she whimpered. "I want Donnie."
"You called?" A familiar voice said.
She looked up confused, and glanced at the person next to her, her eyes going wide as she realized who it was.
Donatello had a soft smile on his face as her eyes continued to grow by the second.
"Donnie?" She managed.
Donatello nodded, then pulled her into a hug. He held her as she wept into his trench coat, and rubbed her back repeatedly.
"N'SYNC's in Michigan, eh?" Donatello said.
Lana let out a small laugh. "I don't know."
"Sure you don't."
"Well, I had to think of something," she giggled slightly, into his armpit.
Donatello grew serious then. "Why Lana? Why were you running away?"
She sighed and looked down at her hands, which were now clasped, in her lap. "I'm.not sure. I just.was."
Donatello sighed himself at her answer, and leaned further back in his seat.
"You know you can tell me anything."
"I know, but."
"But what?"
"I.don't know."
He let out a groan. "I hate broken answers."
"They're not broken answers, Donnie," Lana spoke softly. "They're just. unanswered . answers."
The two sat in silence for a couple minutes, then Lana spoke again.
"Donnie?" She said almost in a whisper, while looking at him. "Are you mad?"
Donatello looked at her sad face, and sighed again. "Lana, I'm not mad, really. I'm just.I don't know.hurt. I guess."
Lana looked down at her hands again. "Oh."
"I just.don't know what to do with you anymore," Donatello replicated. "Maybe I should've let April take you back then. Maybe you do belong in a foster home, with people who can see the sun longer."
"NO!" Lana exclaimed rather loud, as she turned around completely in her seat to look at him. "Donnie! NO!"
"Lana, I."
"NO!" Lana shrieked jumping up. "I WON'T GO!"
People began to turn and look at them weirdly.
"Lana."
"I WON'T! I WON'T! I WON'T!" She cried, stamping her foot. "I WON'T!"
"Lana Marie, sit down!" Donatello ordered. "Now."
"But."
Donatello gave her a Look.
"Hmph!" She sat down with a huff.
"Look. I never said you were going, I just said maybe you belong in one," Donatello stated. "Maybe you're acting like this because you want to be with people instead of us."
Lana turned away from him, and looked out the window as tears once more streamed down her face.
"Lana, look at me when I'm talking to you," Donatello commanded. "Just because you're mad doesn't mean you show disrespect."
She slowly turned, her tears falling faster now. "I.I don't want.to leave you."
"Aw, Honey," Donatello said pulling her into another hug. "I never said you had to. I don't want you to leave either. I'm just trying to figure out what's best."
The two of them sat like that, embraced in one another's arms, for the rest of the bus ride to New Jersey.
A.N.: Well, thatz it for now y'all. This one was way too long. Lol. =0) Adios! KTBSPA & KTNTPA & KTACPA & KTJTPA & KTKCPA & KTCPA & KTJTTPA!!!!!