Donnys Confession
From his room Splinter watched as his sons came back from putting Charles to bed. Rowan looked happier than she had been in days, and he credited it mainly to his sons' trip to the surface. He knew that his sons had grown attached to their guests, but he was not as surprised as the others that Charles had grown attached to his more boisterous and hot headed son.
But what worried him was that he was afraid they might become too attached. He knew that she had been hurt deeply, and was not looking for a relationship, and he was afraid that a particular son was. And as her husband will undoubtedly come for her, he did not want to think of what would happen.
~*~
"Dudette, I made some more cookies if you're hungry."
Smiling at Michaelangelo she started for the kitchen, "Chocolate chip?"
He shrugged, "Your favorite."
Spying the plate of warm cookies on the table she eagerly grabbed one, taking a big bite. Giggling as the chocolate goo dribbled on her chin. She laughed outright when Leo paused in biting his to stare at her.
"So I'm a little messy, I'm allowed."
Chuckling he took a bite of his own. At least she's starting to act her age. And he thought back to when she had shown up in the dojo, demanding that he train her, even though it was obvious that she was in pain.
"Leo, chew."
He looked at her startled.
"You zoned out, and your mouth was open a little, it was gross."
Chewing and swallowing he sat down. "Did you still want to practice tomorrow?"
She nodded her head fiercely, " I thought I could watch you four practice, thought it could help me."
"Good thinking, practice starts at six am, so you should soon get some sleep."
She stood, nodding and moved to leave, pausing at the door. "Leonardo, if Jake ever finds me, promise me something?" Rowan felt her eyes sting with tears at what she was saying. "Promise me that no matter what, protect Charlie. Forget me, he's more important, okay?"
On his feet and by her side in an instant he looked down at her shining hazel eyes, and saw the look of pure determination laced with fear.
"I promise Rowan," Seeing the relieved look she gave him he held her back a moment.
"But I also made a promise to myself to protect you at all costs as well."
She sniffed, lightly punching him in the arm, "Softy." Looking up she smiled and gave him a quick peck on the beak, pointing up smugly. "Mistletoe."
Turning she left for her room, leaving Leo alone with his thoughts. Drawing aside the curtain she moved over to where Charlie was sleeping, pulling the blanket up she kissed him goodnight before climbing into the chair, instantly jumping back up again as she sat on something. What the? Picking up the blanket she looked down at the small brown teddy bear. It had a red ribbon tied around its neck. Picking it up she rubbed its silky soft body against her cheek. It's so cute! Settling down again she curled up, hugging the bear as she drifted to sleep.
~*~
"Hey Leo, is there a reason why you're standing in the doorway?"
Blinking Leonardo turned to Donatello who was getting a fresh cup of coffee.
"Donnie, tell me something, what do you think of Rowan?"
Shrugging Donatello leaned against the counter, sipping his coffee. " I think she's nice, had a rough life but I like her."
"And Charlie?"
"A ball of energy with a bad choice in friends."
Snickering he sat down, still thinking about what he and his brothers were going to do.
"Cookie for your thoughts?"
He turned to see Donatello, who was holding a cookie in front of the blue banded turtles face. Reaching up to take it, Donatello pulled back at the last second.
"Talk first, food later."
He sighed, "I was just wondering about what we're going to do about Jake. I mean, Raph is the only one who knows what he looks like, and he could be anywhere right now."
"Raph?"
He made a swipe at the cookie," No you dingbat, Jake."
"Then I guess she'll have to stay here until we find him."
"Don't sound so disappointed."
When Donatello wouldn't answer a thought struck Leo. "You like her don't you?"
His head shot up, "Don't be ridicules Leo, she's our friend." But he noticed how Donatello dodged the question.
"It's all right, your secret's safe with me." He smiled at the color rising in his brothers' cheeks.
"I like her, but I don't like her."
"Oh yeah, suuure."
Tossing the cookie at his brother he left, bumping into Raphael on the way out.
"Hey, I thought I was suppose to be the hot head around here." Going to the fridge and pulling out a beer he popped the cap off on the edge of the counter and took a long swig from it. Ignoring the glare from Leo.
"What's his problem?" He asked, tipping the bottle to the door where Donatello had stormed through seconds earlier.
Leo shrugged. "Found out his deep dark secret."
Laughing Raphael choked on his beer. "Him? A secret that doesn't include machines? What is it?"
"I shouldn't"
"Awww come on Leo, what's got Donnie so upset?"
Leaning back in his chair, Leo folded his arms over his plastron, looking smug.
"Nope."
Growling he finished the bottle and tossed it into the garbage.
"Fine, be a stubborn SOR."
His smile widened at his small victory but he wasn't finished.
"Hey Raph, how do you feel about Rowan?"
TBC
