CHAPTER 9 Getting cut off.

The cold, calm of the side streets started to grip in April. A sensation of stillness shaking her down to her very core, the beating of her heart in her throat, pounding away. Something within the cosmos didn't want her to be here and yet through the fate of her psychic abilities, here she was. The door to the shop that stood before her was practically pulsating, the need to open the door and see what was calling out to her.

Donatello: APRIL!

As if in a trance, April stumbled back from the door. Falling back into the road on her backside, just staring dumbfoundedly at the cloudy sky above her. What even just happened to her then? How long had she been standing there and staring at this shop? She wasn't left much time to find the answers for herself when she was surrounded by four concerned turtles, looking down at her. Practically feeling Dontello's hands on her as he nervously attempted to inspect her.

Donatello: A-April! Are you alright?

She let out a breath, propping herself up on her elbows, not totally sure how to answer the question. While she was physically unharmed, her head was in an absolute state. Finding herself hard of hearing, looking up at Donnie with a confused look.

April: Sorry D..What did you say?

Donatello: Oh god my PRINCESS'S GONE DEAF!

April scoffed to herself and chose to ignore that outburst for now, Raph taking care of the ruckus that his brother was creating by supplying Donatello a swift slap to the back of the head. Giving the hot head a slight nod of thanks before meeting the scornful eyes of the leader of the group.

Leonardo: April! I thought I told you not to engage! I can't believe you would go against direct orders like that!

Leo shot Donatello a look who was preparing to jump to her defense as he usually had, the intelligent turtle sinking down a slight into his shell, leaving April on her own with this one. Glancing around the crescent that had formed around her to gauge the level of damage control she would have to attempt with this one. Leo's blue eyes seemed to burn with a sense of betrayal, it pierced her very being, leaving her truly feeling as though she had done something wrong.

April: I-I swear I really didn't engage with anyone Leo! I trust your leadership skills…I had to move from the rooftop due to Kraang loose fire!

April was practically pleading to the masses, looking to Leo for some kind of acknowledgement of the truth. Her hand holding up her T-Phone to him, her other hand playing anxiously with the tail's of her yellow belt.

April: I even had my T-Phone out and on, like you had said to do!

Now it was Leonardo's turn to be put on the spot, feeling the gaze of his brothers for some level of progression in this matter. She felt a pang of guilt in turning the tables back on Leo but she truly didn't want to return to house arrest underground. With a heavy sigh the leader of the group finally lowered his guard, nodding to her pleas.

Leonardo: I do remember seeing a few stray shots making their way to the rooftop where you were. I suppose moving to a new location where you were bound to be better concealed was the right move on your part…

April felt her body fall back against Donatello's waiting arm, the weight of that moment just following the intensity of before being enough to knock the wind out of her. The tension with the ninjas evaporated away into the night as they began to recollect themselves from the spontaneous battle. Quietly thanking Donatello for making sure she was alright with a tired smile, placing a soft hand over his own. Looking to her T-Phone to half check the time, half asking herself if this was the time to show the information she had gathered.

Probably better to just wait on that one…at least until tomorrow.

April inhaled sharply, feeling Donatello's entire being practically swallow her into him against his plastron. The moment between them was private, his voice soft against his chest, she couldn't help the heat in her face and to look into his brown eyes, full of concern just for her.

Donatello: April…are you sure you're alright? You said..

April softly put her fingers against his mouth, nodding to him before he could even finish his thought. She had promised him earlier that night that she would let him know if she was tired, and after all of that nonsense she sure as hell felt exhausted. Leaning her head against his chest she let out a defeated sigh.

April: You're right Donnie, I am really starting to feel tired. If we have more patrol to do I can do it but-

Donatello: Leo, I am taking April back to the lair. After all of that I think this is a good place for her to stop.

Donatello shot up, still carrying April in a bridal style, looking to his brothers before it really set in that they were all looking at them in his arms. April had to turn her head away in order not to laugh at the awkward blush crossing Donnie's face. Leo just gestured to the manhole cover a few yards down the road from them. Michelangelo and Raphael snickering to one another, another thing to tease the purple turtle over later on.

Leonardo: Honestly that's a good idea given how everything went tonight. I don't often enjoy splitting up but I don't want April in a vulnerable position right now, especially if someone like Karai or The Foot were to show up right now.

Raphael groaned at her name coming out of Leo's mouth. Donatello was already heading to the manhole, not in the mood to witness the argument that was about to befall the trio.

The walk with just Donatello was quiet, not having been in this sewer line before it seemed the walk to the lair was taking longer than it normally would have from April's house. Still sitting in his arms was an interesting sensation for April, not totally sure if she should ask him to let her down. Seeing the determined and focused look on his face was not something April was able to see often considering how often Donnie would let his overthinking mind go on autopilot around her. With the sharp exhale coming from Donatello's, she decided to finally break the silence around them.

April: Donnie? You know I can probably walk the rest of the way..

Donatello: Yeah. I know you probably can.

April waited for some kind of response beyond that, for him to let her down or to at least look at her but nothing seemed to follow the awkward exchange leaving April to have to fill in the rest of the gaps.

Is he upset with me? I mean I suppose I should have been a bit more careful but I thought with Leonardo accepting my explanation the others would have as well..

She shifted slightly in his arms, really becoming aware how easily he carried her. He had carried her around so many times before, bridal style, on his back and shoulders, even catching her mid air a few times. Donatello was a lot stronger than she had given him credit for. Sure she developed feelings for him for his personality and his intelligence as well as being physically attracted to him which is something she hasn't been able to fully admit to herself yet but feeling his defined biceps carrying her was a moment for her. The conversation continued before she could fully process her words, feeling embarrassed seconds after the words left her mouth. His chuckle rumbling right against her ear in his chest, the heat growing in her cheeks.

April: I mean I am probably heavy to carry and you just had a battle..

Donatello: April, you're really not heavy. Plus I would prefer to carry you since I have never walked this path before. I don't want you to get hurt down here.

April bit the inside of her lip, his eyes locking in with hers and holding her gaze. She loved how warm and inviting his eyes were for her, that amber-brown. Although his feelings for her were far stronger than hers for him at this moment, she opened herself for just a fraction of a second to feel his love for her. Her hand resting on his cheek, his eyes already closed and their lips meeting in the middle.

Although many would not consider the sewers of New York to be a location in which they would want to share a tender moment with someone they cared for, April was more than happy to share this kiss with Donnie. Just the two of them in the larger world around them that many would not ever know. Feeling his grip around her tighten, she knew he was holding back on her. Parting her lips and softly tracing his lower lip as if asking for entrance. The soft gasp in his throat brings her great pleasure in being bold, his mouth opening for her, feeling his warm tongue against hers. Although there were many things about her and him that were different, fitting together was a lot easier than she had previously feared.

Donatello readjusted her in his arms for easier access, wanting desperately to kiss her for the past few weeks, since they had first shared that soft peck in her room. Allowing himself only to go as far as she would permit, but quickly falling in love with the taste of her mouth. April being allowed to join him and his brothers on patrol was something he struggled with, on one hand he loved that she could resurface and be with him (and his brothers, but mostly him) more. On the other hand, putting her in a position of danger was something that Donatello hated more than anything, his overactive mind his greatest weapon as well as his biggest weakness. Feeling her in his arms, against his plastron and on his lips was comforting after the heart-sinking moment of returning to the roof across from the warehouse for her and seeing nothing waiting for him. Donatello was pulled from that heart-stopping moment, feeling the girl of his dreams in his arms move her arms around his neck, bringing herself even closer to him.

April removed her lips from his slowly, opening her eyes to be level with his own. Her breathing was heavy, trying to regulate itself after that kiss. Her fingers gently toying with the ends of his mask as if it was hair, bringing her head down onto his shoulder. Mentally cheering at the shiver he gave her from April's warm breath against his neck.

April: I…I think I would like to get back home now..to the lair.

Her words got a heartfelt gaptooth grin from him as he started running back to the lair.