Disclaimer:…a little…

Chapter Fifteen

Owen's nose twitched slightly as he was awoken from his sleep, the smell of food rousing him from his state of slumber. Before he willed his eyes opened, however, he settled into the darkness of his mind's eye as he focused everything on his sense of smell, sniffing the air.

Michelangelo was cooking. Or at least he hoped Mike was cooking…

'Who would have thought a giant mutated turtle from the sewers could be such a good cook?'

'Who would have thought that you would've ended up in the sewers to eat that giant turtle's cooking?'

Touché.

In one motion, he opened his eyes, swinging his legs over and out of the bed. He still felt tired, something he had been noticing with all of his slumbers. It seemed that ever since he had moved in with the Day walkers of this lair, he too, seemed to mold to their patterns of behavior, his sleeping habits becoming affected as well.

In other words,…he was suffering from slight Sleepyhead-itis.

As a vampire, he wasn't even supposed to be up this early. But as long as he caught a good nap during the day, he would be ok. That wasn't the problem.

It was the very fact that he had even woken up at all. That was the problem.

Things had definitely changed.

'Yes, but was it for the better, or worse?…'

His stomach growled in response, his need for food replacing any philosophical musings he could develop. He sighed.

Looked like his musings would just have to wait.

Besides, he was too hungry to think now anyways.

He stood up then, stretching his hands up high as his former dream came flooding back to him in a wave of memories. And what a strange dream it was…

He had dreamed that a giant lizard with an orange tail fell into his hair and became tangled in his white locks. After sometime and with much effort, Owen was finally able to get the monster out of his hair, but ended up damaging his hair and a his pride as a result. However, that wasn't the worst part.

Just as he had gotten the lizard out of his hair, another one took its place, which in turn, surprised him and the newly appeared, blue-tailed lizard…

Too weird…

Good thing it wasn't real.

'Yeah…good thing. And to bad it already happened.'

His mind smiled at the irony of it all as he frowned for the same reason, dropping his face into his hands.

Yesterday's events came flooding back to him in a rush of unwanted memories.

There were so many things wrong with the scene of the night before that all Owen could do was hope that Leo would just forget about it all, much like he was trying to do now.

And hopefully, Leo was having better luck than Owen with the task at well.

Hopefully.

Owen sighed, lifting his head just enough to look at the door that loomed before him

'Well, as the saying goes…'

'The only thing to fear is fear itself.'

It was time to face the fireworks.

And hopefully, they wouldn't turn out rainbow…

Opening the door, he journeyed out into the hallway and then into the kitchen as he followed the tantalizing smells that lead him from within. They were all there, now, already sitting at the table.

That he did expect.

What he didn't expect was their conversation topic, which, for the time being, it didn't seem to be on him…

Actually, it didn't seem to be on anything…anything recognizable that is.

He watched as Mike placed the steaming hot plate of normal waffles on the table only to be followed by a large vat of homemade strawberry sauce as well as his infamous scrambled eggs. And as usual, his mouth never stopped moving as it worked continuously as well.

"I know Leo, but I really think I should do it. I know I can pull it off!" With Mike's speech it seemed that Owen came in right in the middle of the conversation for Leo only shrugged before continuing.

"I know Mike, but you've never done this sort of thing before. What makes you think you can pull it off now?"

Owen's mind moved a mile a minute as he stopped at the door.

'What 'sort of thing' are they talking of?'

Soon though, the realization that he was eavesdropping moved him to step into the kitchen. That way he wouldn't have to eavesdrop, joining the conversation "legally" with his presence. He walked right in, making his hesitation at the door nothing more than a minor lapse in step as he made his way from the door to the table.

And as such, he was greeted accordingly.

"Hey, Morning Owen! Want some waffles?" Mike, in his usual upbeat grace welcomed him to the table, pulling out a seat as he walked by, which so happened to be the same seat Owen sat in before. Owen took note, his eyebrow rising slightly at the coincidence…or was it?

'I have a 'spot' at the table now? Interesting.'

And it seemed that he wasn't the only one.

Everyone else sat in the same spot as before, proving that, yes, there were designated seating arrangements. However, whether those arrangements were conscious or unconscious, he would never know.

Nevertheless, he was never one to argue.

He nodded to the others as they acknowledged him as well before sitting in his predetermined chair. He wanted to give the seating it more thought, he really did, but at the new and stronger waft of food, his stomach protested once again.

However, this time, he wasn't the only one to hear it.

Raph chuckled from his spot next to Owen as he reached for his share of eggs, but not before passing Owen the basket of waffles.

"Mikey says you've got a long day a head of ya. So I rec'mend you eat while you still can, O'!"

Owen furrowed his brow.

'O'?'

If there were awards for the family that was most talented in shortening names, this one would win the gold, hands down.

Owen to O'? He never would have thought…

It took some time adjusting to his new "name," but still, it was time missed away from the conversation as a whole. And as a result, it continued without him.

"Yeah, Mike informed us of your plans, and we just wanted to let you know, we have your back, Owen." Leo nodded from his side of the table as well as his brother, Donatello. Meanwhile, Owen just stared, barely able to make sense of any of it. He was still too groggy, all of Leo's words running together and into one big clutter in his mind. It took a moment for his mind to iron it out, but thankfully, it was a moment given to him.

'It's way too early in the morning for this…'

'Is that so?'

"Yeah dude!"

Mike was chipper as he reached for his own eggs, serving himself up a healthy helping as he spoke. "We're gonna fix you up today for your big spy job. All of us! Dude, you are gonna be absolutely unrecognizable by the time we're through."

Owen too, eyed the eggs, his animalistic hunger reeking havoc on his attention span. However, when Mikey's speech finally reached his cluttered mind, he did a double take.

"W-what?!" He looked up only to realize that everyone's gaze was now on him.

If that wasn't a wake up call, he didn't know what was.

"All of you are going to help me?"

"Of course."

Owen turned to look Leo in the face at his response as he noticed the definite edge he found there, seeming expressing the conviction of his entire clan. With a slight smile, Leo continued. "Mike explained everything to us. We fight for the same causes, you and us; the protection of humans, the senseless decline of values, and the overall preservation of Mankind, physically and ideally. So basically, we're all on the same team here.

Why don't we just make it official?"

He reached out for Owen's handshake. However, though, at the sight of Leo's outstretched palm, Owen couldn't help but hesitate.

But just as before, it was Michelangelo's truthful words that brought everything into prospective…

"See dude, I told you we were like family."

Owen looked each member of the clan in the face only to find the same conviction and belief on each of their faces as he did on their leader. Even Centrice held a certain certitude he could not overlooked.

And if that wasn't convincing, he didn't know what was.

He ended his facial scan with the one that began it all, and then finally, on that same turtle's hand.

It was funny. Every new chapter of his life seemed to begin with this same gesture, a handshake from the one they called Leo. Would this handshake be the start of something new as well? He had a feeling he was about to find out…

He was always up for an adventure.

Slowly at first, but then gaining confidence from their encouraging gazes, Owen extended his hand and grasped the extended hand, Leo's hand firm and solid with in his own. As they released, each person at the table seemed to sigh as Leo fell back into his chair, a slight smile on his face. Breakfast resumed as usual for the rest of them, but to Owen, he found that this breakfast was completely different altogether. Way different from any other breakfast with the clan. Because this time,

He was a part of it.

He was a part of this clan, accepted amongst its ranks as a tutor, and as a friend.

Owen picked up his fork, his hunger coming back full fledged as he finally ate, a small smile forming on his lips at its palatability.

After all of these years, he was apart of a family again. And surprisingly, he welcomed it just the same.

Breakfast continued uneventfully and at its end, Owen excused himself, but not before warming up a blood pack. He drank from the plastic bubble as he made his way back to his room, only to dispose of the remaining plastic in the trash reciprocal within. Lying down, he relaxed, settling into his bed and into the welcomed darkness of his room and of his eternal rest…only to find that sleep came too easily.

He regained consciousness what seemed like moments later, but his internal clock told him otherwise.

It was midday.

He had been asleep for hours, but clearly not enough for it seemed that he still felt the blanket of tiredness, even after his nap.

However, Owen soon found himself rousing to the snaking aroma of food, just like that morning.

And just as before, his stomach growled as a result.

'I'm hungry again?'

'Well it takes more than just food to satisfy the 'hunger,' you know that…'

Owen blinked wide eyes, almost sitting up at the realization. His last live feeding…

'Too long ago.'

Well, that explained his rise in appetite. As usual, he had gotten sidetrack, and as such, he had forgotten to get a real feed, although he would never admit that aloud. He was a mature vampire, for cripes sakes! It was not as if he only turned a few years ago. But still, on a regular basis, he would usually just forgot to feed. Well, he remembered it now.

He needed a live feed.

And he needed it tonight.

But would he be able to with all that was supposed to be going down tonight? He was pretty much booked as it is…

'Well, if you want to survive long enough to report what you find, you'd better find time.'

He stood then, stretching in a complete repeat of that morning. However, this time, he wasn't as anxious or worried as before. If anything, the clan's words had put him at an ease he hadn't felt for centuries. Although he was still quite weary of their 'help,' he knew that at least their minds were in the right place.

They were indeed fighting for the same causes.

So, to help both of their efforts, the most logical thing to do was join forces, just as they did that morning. Thus, making him an official part of their team.

Now all he had to do was remember what that meant.

After more than a half a dozen centuries of being alone, his only fear was that he wouldn't remember how to be apart of a 'group' again.

Nevertheless, he knew there were bigger things to worry about, such as the criminal activities planned to go down that night.

His stomach growled…

And lunch, of course.

With one more stretch and a yawn, Owen shoved the remnants of his slumber away as he made his way to his door. And with yet another yawn, to the kitchen, just like that morning. However, this time, a different scene greeted him.

There on the table sat a single plate.

He would be eating alone.

"Where is everyone?" He wondered aloud. However, despite his rhetoric, he was soon answered nevertheless. Raph's accent voice flowed from the den, followed only by the underflow of sound from the noisome television.

"Aw, Mikey left a while ago to pick up some stuff, but he said he'll be back later. We left 'ya some food though, it's on the count-…"

Owen listened for more instruction but soon found that no more was to come his way. Raph became sidetracked, the TV's blaring cutting into his speech as the wrestling program came back from commercials.

Not giving it a second thought, Owen shrugged, making his way over to the counter to do as he was told. He would have gotten his plate also, but as he opened the covered basket of food, he soon realized that he didn't need it…necessarily.

There, in the basket, were a number of homemade sandwiches (turkey from the looks of it) and a nice fruit salad as well, covered and stored in its own container. He eyed the fruit salad, instantly changing his mind.

'Well, maybe I do need my plate after all…'

Ten minuets later, with a stomach full of sandwiches and tart full of fruit, Owen washed his plate thoughtfully, placing it with the others before journeying onward.

Mike still hadn't come back yet, and with the lair virtually empty, Owen soon found himself hovering towards the only soul he could find...

Raph blinked as the vampire walked into the den…and just stood there, his eyes on the TV as well…

Owen's plan wasn't to make himself comfortable; his stay was not meant to be long, but when Raph sighed and sat up to give Owen room on the couch, he knew he could not turn down such an invite.

Out of all the things Owen could be considered as, 'rude' was usually not one of them. Therefore, he plopped down and into the space Raph's feet had occupied only moments earlier as he sighed. He didn't know this turtle as well as the others, but he did know that this one was dubbed the 'mean' one by his brothers…

He sure did look the part, anyways.

But from his memories of the turtle, his mind told him the very opposite. This turtle seemed to top the cake in with his eagerness to learn.

And as a result, sometimes Owen could truthfully say he had two students instead of one.

Raph absorbed Owen's lessons just as much as his vampire brother, much to his other brothers' demise.

That very fact itself proved that people, or turtles in this case, could not be judged by looks alone…because that judgment can be absolutely wrong.

Owen remembered the first time their paths had crossed, landing them both on top of the Empire State Building. It was his first encounter with these green mutants, although back then, he truly didn't have the desire to have another one. Raphael had been all bloody and torn from a fight that he had already engaged in, making him seem more brute than intelligent being.

But now Owen knew better…

This turtle was the inquisitive one. The one that actually was intrigued by the vampire way of life. Yes, this turtle was the one that if fate would have it, he could make a good vampire someday…

And as it was, it seemed this turtle knew that as well.

Now in the present and physical world, they both sat in absolute silence. Although both of their eyes were facing the screen, Owen barely paid attention. He grew restless. His mind, instead of on the screen, was on the others instead. What, exactly, were they up to that would be taking them so long?

"Do you know where they went?" He turned to the turtle in red, breaking the silence that had settled between them. And in response, he was not at all surprised to see that the turtle's eyes never left the television. He almost didn't expect a response, but he did get one, although it was not of the sort that he would have personally preferred.

Without batting an eye, the turtle answered, Raph's style and form at its max in his classic response.

"Yup..."

Owen waited.

But no more came, and as a result, Owen fell silent once again. He turned back to the screen at Raph's lack of conversation, but he soon found his attention straying just the same. His dislike for wresting came into serious play, making it easy for him to come up with another question as he stared at the screen.

"So,…you know when they will get back?" He turned again, but just as before, the turtle did not. Instead, and just like before, the turtle responded; his answer short, his eyes still on the screen.

"Sure do."

And once again, he fell silent. Owen couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

A conversationist this turtle was not.

Nevertheless, Owen grew bold, asking one last and final question.

"So you'll tell me what they're planning?"

This time though, Raph did turn, a smirk growing on his face, and as a result, Owen smiled as well.

'Finally, some answers!'

But as it turned out, he had spoken too soon. Raph's next words left him blinking as his face dropped instantly.

"Not a chance."

Raph turned back then, sensing the disappointment in Owen as he too, settled back into the couch. Meanwhile, Owen seethed. It was clear he would be getting nothing out of this turtle today, but that didn't mean he couldn't try to figure it all out himself. Mike had mentioned that he would be dyeing his hair, but running out to get a simple dye didn't take this long. Whatever Mike was planning, it was bigger than that.

Much bigger.

However, before he could even get a change to finish his cogitation, there was a sharp knock on the door, of which, startled Owen from his thoughts. He blinked as he watched Raph stand, instantly make tracks to the door, but not before throwing Owen one last smirk…

Owen sighed.

Whatever it was, Raph was in on it, that much was for sure. Meanwhile, Mike finally entered the lair, but it was then that Owen realized where the rest of the lair had been as well. A now smiling Donatello as well as a smirking Centrice, each with a bag in hand, filed in after the grinning Michelangelo.

Owen almost moaned. He noticed that Leo was not with them, but seeing all those that were was enough information for him to come to a true and drastic conclusion…

They were all in on it, every last one of them!

'I'm not too sure if I like the idea of 'teamwork' anymore…'

'Especially when that 'team' is working against you.'

However, before he could complete his negative musings, Mike's voice sounded out from the now busy lair.

"Owen, are you ready?"

Owen sat back down, offering no hesitation at all in admitting his rather truthful answer, and quoting Raphael all at the same time.

"Not a chance."

'He's not the only curt one around here…'

Oblivious to the connection, though, Mike laughed, his chuckle deep and low before continuing.

"Well too bad, cause we're ready for you!"

He proudly held up the bags, grinning all while as he watched Owen's eyes go from him, to the plastic in his hands. And just as expected, Owen's eyes widened as he made out some of the bag's contents through the lens of the blue plastic.

'Jewelry? Spikes? Makeup? What in bloody hell?!…"

He suppressed a groan. Maybe this all was a mistake after all? However, no matter what mistake he had made before, he knew that it was too late, now. And with one more glance at the turtle's face that knowledge was only confirmed with Mike's smirk as well as the smiles and stares of the rest of the present crew.

There was no escape…

Meanwhile, while noting Owen's crestfallen expression, Mike chuckled. "Oh Owen, it won't be that bad. But I can ensure you that it will be a Shell of a Makeover! Get it? Shell? Ha!"

The others moaned, their voices mixing as they chided Mike for his bad joke. Afterwards, however, they all separated as they grabbed a bag from Mike's hand, each one of them leaving to prepare for their pre-appointed tasks. Meanwhile though, Owen just stayed silent, sitting in slight disbelief and in horror as the memory of what he had just seen in those bags filled him with a well-placed dread.

Well at least Michelangelo had been correct in one assumption…

This day would definitely be a day for the ages!

A shell of a day, indeed.

-

Lol. Well, R and R, you know the drill.