Every Heart Needs a Home
Note: Valentines Night, this story is exceedingly mushy, even for me! Hope you all like it anyway, it was written with haste, so if you find some speeling mistakes, let me know and 'll take note to correct them! Thanks. Also, this is the last chapter of this story....I think.....
Hearing the key click open the lock, Rowan turned the knob with a sigh. She had just gotten back from dropping off Charlie with Michelangelo at the sewers entrance outside April's apartment building. She still couldn't bring herself to go back to the lair. She knew that it was an irrational fear but she couldn't face up to the embarrassment of her last visit.
Stupid, stupid, stupid! What Splinter must think of me...
These thoughts running through her head, Rowan didn't take notice at first of the small yellow post –it on the fridge. Going to her bedroom she looked around, the small bed was very conservative. Neatly made and straight, the night table adjacent the metal bed held a lamp, one book and a recent surprise picture of Rowan and Charlie together taken by Raphael shortly after the New Year festivities.
Why can't I let sleeping dogs lie? The guys have had to live with their troubles their entire live; mine was barely seven years. They had it worse, why can't I stop this goddamn self-pitying act?!
Sinking onto the twin bed, she sniffled and fought the tears. And why can't I stop crying? What gives me the right to cry? It's my own stupid fault for being alone on what's suppose to be the most romantic night of the year...stupid government funded holidays... Drawing a breath to calm her nerves, she rubbed away the tears, then rubbed her wet hands on her jeans. The motion caused an odd sensation as flesh gave way to wood. Standing, she made her way to the kitchen, crying always gave her the munchies. It was then that she noticed the note.
Dear Rowan
Casey and I went to the farm for the weekend. I hope
every thing will work out between you and Donny. I've
left all the phone #'s, including my cell.
Take care, Luv
April & Casey
PS
Go easy on the shell head
On the back of the note were tiny written phone numbers; with a small smile Rowan opened the fridge door. For reasons she couldn't describe, being alone and not having to think about anything lightened the cloud that had settled over her heart.
Grabbing the butter, bread and a cheese slice, she prepared to make some grill cheese for supper. A few minutes later found Rowan munching contently on the toasted bread and cheese. Taking the plate and glass to the sink, she head the phone ringing. Thinking it might be April checking in on her, she grinned and answered the phone.
"Hello! You've reached the O'Neil, Jones and Freeman residence, how may I help you?"
There was a stunned pause on the other end, then: "Ro'?" A male voice queried.
She felt laughter bubble up inside her and let it overflow as she replied.
"Yes Don, it's me, what can I do for you?"
"I don't know what caused it, but it's good to hear you laugh."
Calming a bit she smiled into the mouthpiece. "And it's good to laugh, but anyways, you called for a reason, am I right?"
"What? Oh right! Right.... Right..."He replied, becoming easily flustered.
"Why Donatello, you sound almost embarrassed." She said coyly.
There was nervous laughter on the other end. "What? No! I ...uh...just called to ask to see if you could meet me in about fifteen minutes?"
"Huh? Uh... I don't know, that depends on the location." The feeling of joy was quickly fading at the simple askance.
"Do you see that spiral staircase outside the kitchen?"
Turning, she looked at the white stairs in the main room of the apartment. "Uh huh."
"Good, okay in fifteen minutes, I want you to ascend those stairs to the roof, where I will meet you."
Figuring that even if a ten-story building's roof wasn't safe in normal conditions, it should be with a weapon wielding mutant turtle that knew how to use said bo-staff.
"Okay then, see you in a bit."
"Don't worry, you can trust me."
At this simple plea, Rowan felt the warmth of earlier return, "Of course I do, I'll be there."
"Thank-you."
And with that, she hung up. Not sure of what to expect, she opted to leave on her loose fitted jeans for the simple fact that it was less hassle. Instead she changed her t-shirt for a sweater loaned to her from April.
Oh God, should I put on make-up? Do I even have any?
Looking through the bathroom drawers, she decided against everything but some light brown eye shadow that complimented her chestnut brown hair and freckled nose and cheeks. Running a brush through her curls, she looked herself over in the mirror; the woman looking back seemed to be a high school girl nervous and jittery over a first-date. What marred the picture was the readjustment of bangs to hide the pinkish – white scar still healing on her forehead.
Leaving the bathroom she grabbed her fleece jacket and climbed the stairs, popping open the hatch she looked around. The night was slightly cloudy and the moon threw shadows across the building top.
"Don?" She called out. Chills of dread creeping down her spine.
"I'm right here." Was the reply.
"Turning she spotted the turtle to her left by the soft, reflective glow of a street light. Walking over he assisted her in climbing out onto the snow-covered roof.
"Don? What's this all about?"
Pulling her close to ward off the cold, he placed an arm around her.
"Before we go downstairs, I needed to ask you something."
Looking up into his face, she stepped closer into his embrace. "What did you have to ask me out here, that you couldn't ask me inside?"
Releasing her, he bent down to pick up something behind him. Quickly moving back to her side, he held up the bouquet of pink, red and purple splashed carnations, when she took them gently he watched her breath in their aromatic scent happily.
"I heard they were your favorite, I hope you like them." He told her, silently thanks April for her help.
"Like them? Of course I do! Thank you so much!" Wrapping her free arm as far as it would go around him, she reached up to peck him on the beak.
"Ro', what I wanted to ask you is," This is so corny! "Would you honor me by being my Valentine?" He released the sentence quickly; glad to have it out in the open.
Grinning Rowan nodded, "Of course," Looking up she asked, "Can we go inside now?"
"Uh..."
Rowan watched him check his watch before agreeing. Curious, she let herself be led back into the heated apartment. Midway downstairs, she stopped and looked about in awe. There were lit candles everywhere, all of various shapes and sizes and the only source of light. The dining room table had been draped with red cloth, there was a bottle of champagne chilling in a small metal bucket with a small white towel near it, two plates set out with yet another candle as the centre piece. This one was the traditional Italian candle in a wine bottle. A gentle poke to her stomach and a whispered 'breath' from her green boyfriend brought her back to reality.
"This is... this is..." Pausing again at the final step she was eye level with the mutant genius. "Wow...you went to all this trouble for me?"
He rolled his eyes, "Of course, why shouldn't I" He grinned at her sheepish complexion.
"It's just...so, beautiful! I have no idea how you could have...what would you have done had I said no?" She asked, eyes dancing in the light as she set her flowers down beside her plate.
"Uhm...hadn't really thought of that..." He replied. Allowing Don to be the gentleman by seating her at the table before himself. On the plate was...
"Tuna cheese casserole!" She laughed, knowing that her preferred choice of meals turned off some of the brothers. "And... what's this? It's not garlic bread is it?" She asked quizzically, picking up a slice of the loaf covered with red and green peppers and two kinds of cheese.
"No, no it's brushetta bread. Try it, I think you'll like it." He took a bite of his own, watching as she did the same.
"Hey, this is good!"
Picking up the champagne bottle he wiped off the bottom with the small towel that was folded beside it. Twisting the guard till it came undone, but not off the cork, Don placed the towel over the top, twisting the bottle so the cork came out easily without the damaging ricocheting. With the cork out, he tipped the mouth of the bottle over Rowan's wine glass, the yellow, bubbling liquid poured inside the crystal.
"To new beginnings." Rowan toasted, lifting her glass once Donatello had filed his own.
"To new beginnings!" He agreed, tapping his glass off of hers.
"Where'd you guys go?" Charlie asked as Leonardo and Raphael descended the ladder.
"Uh, we had to go help Donny with somethin'" Raph said.
"Oh...okay. Hey! Wanna watch Shrek with me an Mikey?" The five-year-old asked excitedly.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready for bed? After all, it's almost ten."
"Aw come on bro, it's Shrek! An' Donkey How can you not love it?!" Michelangelo pleaded, looking at Leo as Raphael plopped himself down opposite his younger brother.
Grabbing his sensei's hand, Charlie tried to pull the eldest onto the couch with him. "Please? Can I watch it?"
Resisting only a moment, Leonardo sighed in defeat as he sank onto the couch. Noticing the large bowl of popcorn on the table in front of them, the blue-masked turtle grabbed a handful of the consolation prize.
Donatelly smiled lovingly over his empty plate at Rowan as she sipped the last of her first glass of champagne, her plate empty as well. Rising and moving across the table to her side, he felt his heart beat faster as he strove to keep his appearence calm and fluid. Upon reaching her he extended his three-fingered hand towards the suddenly shy woman.
"May I have this dance?"
Looking up startled, she glanced at the stereo. "But there's no music playing." But placing her hand in his none-the-less.
Suddenly the lights on the stereo came alive as soft music played out of the speakers, shocked eyes looked up at Donatello.
"But...how - oh you sly idiot!" She laughed, lightly slapping his arm after catching him setting down the remote.
Grinning sheepishly at being caught, he joked. "Some ninja huh?"
Laughing she didn't reply as they moved slowly to the beat. The words reached Rowans ears, and she felt her throat constrict at its meaning. Leaning her head on Don's plastron, she lowerd her arms from his neck to his shoulders as her body began to relax.
Oh, I don't want this nioght to end, it feels... this feels right, with his arms around me.
Don felt, rather than heard, her content sigh as she settled against him. When the song ended, Rowan tried to stifle a yawn.
"Oh my! This is horrible!" She said lightly. "It's only ten and Valentines Day, yet I'm so tired! Some date I am."
Brushing the hair out of her eyes, he grinned. "You've been great, and besides, there's nothing wrong with being tired."
Covering her mouth as another large yawn overcame her, Rowan felt herself suddenly being lifted up by strong arms.
"Don! What on earth - " She cried out, arms wrapping themselves around his neck for balance.
"Shh, relax. You're tired, so I thought I'd try chivalry and put you to bed."
Dumbstruck, and indeed too tired to resist, she happily allowed him to carry her to bed. Once under the covers a wave of drowsiness made her eyes heavy and she barely felt as Don rolled up her pant to remove her leg for her to sleep more comfortably. Watching her drift for a moment the turtle began to leave.
"Stay with me."
Turning he looked back at Rowan, her eyes were closed, but she had an arm held out with a waiting hand.
"What?" He replied softly.
"Don't... don't leave me."
Moving back over, he removed his armoring and mask before gently taking ehr hand and pulling back the covers and cawling in behind her. Arms wrapping around her as they settled down, almost alseep himself he just caught her muffled words.
"Thank you." Moving her amrs over his she yawned again as he gave her a reassuring squeeze.
"For what?" He whispered into her ear.
"Just...thank you." She whispered back, just loud enough for him to hear.
Smiling he replied.
"Anytime."
The song that was playing in the background:
Let You Know
Hoobastank
I just thought that I'd let you know
that although I'm far
I'm close to you within
and all the time spent by your side
is taken deep in me
held for me to keep
to look upon when I'm feeling like
everything and one
is hurting me for something or other
it takes me to a better place
nowhere I'd rather go
thought I'd let you know
Who you are
What you do
Makes me burn to be in you
(be in you)
Who you are
And what you do
I'm burning to be in you
I just thought that I'd let you know
Being near you is
A gift I only wish I could treasure
But for now I'll sit and wait
I'm still burning though
Thought I'd let you know
Who you are
What you do
Makes me burn to be in you
(be in you)
Who you are
What you do
I'm burning to be in you
Thought I'd let you know
It Feels like I'm falling
I'm all on my own
Thought I'd let you know
It feels like I'm falling
I'm all on my own
Thought I'd let you know
Who you are
What you do
Makes me burn to be in you
(be in you)
Who you are
What you do
I'm burning to be in you
Who you are
What you do
Makes me burn to be in you
(be in you)
Who you are
What you do
I'm burning to be in you