The next morning, November 18, Leo woke snuggled up to Raphael and beamed when he saw him. Then his heart sank when he saw Donnie and a pang of jealousy shot through him when he remembered that now the three of them were mates.

I can't believe I agreed to that. I don't like sharing Raph and adjusting to the new dynamics will be hard. I can't back out , though, as it would upset Raph. The last thing Raph needs is more angst. I'll try to adjust for him.

Raphael stirred, smiled when he saw Leo and said, "Morning, hon. You look perturbed. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Raph. What about you?"

"I'm good. I had the best sleep I had in a long time and feel so safe and loved."

"You are," Donnie, who'd just woken said as he sat up and then planted a gentle kiss on Raphael's lips. "You're adored by Leo and me and we'll do whatever we can to show you that every day. I'm so happy you gave me another chance, Raphie. I won't fuck it up."

Jealousy coursed through Leo when he saw Donnie kiss Raphael.

I can't stand it! Stop, it Leo. You have to try and accept it for Raph.

"I know you won't, babe. I love you too," Raphael said as he smiled adoringly at Donnie. "Leo, are you sure you're okay? You look like someone pissed in your cereal."

"Charming choice of words," Leo said sarcastically.

"Forget my speech. You look furious. Why ?"

"It's nothing. We should get up. It's after nine and Dad will wonder why we're not up yet."

"I don't think it's nothing. Tell me. You can talk to me."

"I said, it's NOTHING!" Leo said in a tone so vicious that Raphael flinched. "I'm gonna go get some tea."

Without another word, Leo donned his gear and went to the kitchen.

Raphael watched his lover leave the room.

What's up with him? He was fine last night. Did I do something to upset him?

"I think Leo's struggling to accept the new dynamics, Raph," Donnie said.

"Oh. He'll come around when he sees how awesome you and he are together too. Your kiss already made him see you in a new light. You just gotta do romantic things together to build on your love."

"If he doesn't, you and I'll have to call it quits. I really don't want to deal with Leo's rage and jealousy for the rest of my life."

"It won't come to that," Raphael said as he wrapped his arms around Donnie. "He will come around. Just give him a bit of time, okay?" He leaned up and planted a gentle kiss on Donnie's lips.

"Okay."

"Good. Let's go to breakfast. We need to tell Dad about things."

"Do you think he'll be supportive?"

"I don't know, but I do know I don't wanna give you up and that I love you immensely. A rainbow springs to mind when I think of you. You're both stunning, captivating and a beacon of hope and light. My life was pretty dark and meaningless before we happened and I was always worried my demons would tear me apart. I don't feel that way when we're together. I'm calm and happy and my demons remain buried. I don't wanna lose that or you, Donnie."

Donnie blushed at the words and said, "That's beautiful, Raph. I love you too. You won't lose me. I know I said I would walk if Leo continued being difficult, but I won't. I can't. Losing you would hurt too much. You're stuck me with now and forever."

"Good," Raphael said with a grin and then kissed him. "Let's get dressed and go tell Dad."

They donned their gear and hand-in-hand they headed to the kitchen.

XXXX

Leo was sitting at the table and drinking his tea. He looked up when he saw Donnie and Raphael, who were still holding hands, enter the kitchen and another pang of jealousy shot through him. He frowned and stared down at his cup.

Donnie noticed, but not wanting to cause friction, he focused on brewing a pot of coffee.

"Where's Dad, Leo?" Raphael asked. "Have you seen Casey?"

"Haven't seen him or Casey. Casey's probably still sleeping. I have things to do, so I'm…"

"Stay right there. We need to have a conversation about things."

"Why? I said I'm fine with it. I…"

"You aren't fine with it, Leo. Be honest."

"I don't want to talk about it. I have things to do. Leave me alone!" Leo said hotly.

"Leo, please. I need…"

"That's right," Leo said angrily as he stood up. "It's all about you and your fucking needs. What about me? Did you even ask me what I wanted? No. Invite Donnie, you said and if I didn't want to, I was being unreasonable!"

"Quiet, Leo!" Donnie hissed. "He's gonna hear and he's gonna give the family is above everything speech, this relationship is causing stress, tension, jealousy and it can't continue. Then he's gonna end it and us both with Raph. Is that what you want? Because it isn't what I want. I adore Raph and I know you do. Losing us would hurt him immensely and he doesn't need more heartache. He needs love and support and to know that no matter what, we're always gonna be at his side. I'm his rainbow and you're his everything, Leo. Can't you try harder for him? Being with you is weird for me too, but I'm willing to try for Raph and I would do anything to make him happy. You say you love him. Show it, Leo."

"No. I don't want to lose him," Leo said with a sigh. "I'll try harder, Donnie. Raph, I'll work on my jealousy issues."

"Maybe I am being selfish, Leo," Raphael said. "But I..."

"Good morning, my sons," Splinter said as he breezed into the kitchen.

"Morning, Dad," Donnie said as he sat at the table. "Did you sleep well?"

"Like a log," Splinter said as he poured a cup of green tea.

"Morning, Dad," Raphael and Leo said in unison as they sat down.

"Dad, we want to talk to you," Donnie said. "April and I split and me and Raph talked and realized we still love each other and wanna be together…. "

"And you want my blessing?" Splinter said as he plonked down onto a chair.

"Yeah," Raphael said. "We're both with Leo too. Leo's on board. We know disputes may arise, but we also know we can sort them out."

Splinter thoughtfully stroked his beard and said, " Polyamory can be a double-edged sword. I am afraid it will lead to conflict and heartache. This family cannot endure more."

"We have plans to fix that and if any jealousy occurs. We really love one another and we know we can make one another happy forever."

"What are these plans, Raphael?"

"Romantic stuff that, uh, cements our love and talking things out when tension occurs. That usually works."

"Usually, but not always. I have my concerns, but I will allow this union. There is one condition. If any conflict, tension or jealousy occurs, I will end it and all relationships. You are family above everything else and I do not want any more hostility or more severed ties to occur. You three are all I have now. Do you hear me?"

"Yes, Dad," Leo said. "We will do our best to navigate these new waters and to ensure everyone is happy."

"Good. There is another matter. Raphael's pregnancy and the outcome."

"Hey. I'm not gonna fall gravid," Raphael said. "The Shredder and I are different species. It's impossible."

"You are wrong, my beloved son," Splinter said. "Through me, you have human DNA too and it is possible that you could fall gravid with his children. We need to discuss what to do if that occurs."

"Me and Leo discussed it and I'm gonna keep it. With Leo and Donnie's love, I can handle anything, even a kid born out of unwanted, you know. The kid's an innocent and isn't at fault. I still don't think I'm gonna fall gravid, though. It was just an in case discussion."

"And what if the child asks questions about his father when he grows up?"

"Leo, Donnie and I are his dads."

"His bio father. Are you prepared for that? What if the child is a human and looks like Saki? Can you deal with that, Raphael?"

"He may have knocked me up, but that doesn't make him a dad. A dad is someone who loves and supports their kid, like you've done for us and what Leo, Donnie and I will do. Shredder is only one biologically and he isn't gonna get a say in the kid's life or have anything to do with him."

"What will you tell the child when he asks questions about how he was conceived and sees he does not look like you three?"

"I don't know. That the stork brought him?" Raphael said with a shrug.

"Be serious, Raphael! You need to think about these things."

"I am being serious and I'm done with the hypotheticals, Dad," Raphael snapped. " So, I got human DNA too. Big deal. It doesn't mean I'm gonna have that asshole's kid. I'm done with this conversation," Raphael declared and pushed back his chair. Then ignoring his family's pleas for him to stay, he stalked out of the room.

"That went down well," Splinter said with a sigh. "Your brother is deep in denial, my sons and he will have to snap out of it and face the possibility there will be a young one. We will need to talk to him more about it and to prepare ourselves for it too. The baby will not only impact on Raphael's life, but also on ours. Raphael said he would love and care for the child, but I fear that is just his gentle nature talking and that when he sees the child, memories of his trauma will flash through his mind and he will reject the child. It is understandable, but the child is an innocent and does not deserve that. Can you two step up and care for the child until and if Raphael is willing to?"

"I'm angry that Shredder brutalized Raph and that a baby could be the outcome," Donnie said. "But I will not take out my anger on the child. I will try to love it and care for it. I know it'll be challenging at times."

"Like Donnie, I'm mad at Shredder," Leo said. "But I will try to love the kid for Raph. I believe that when Raph's had a chance to wrap his head around everything, love will win through and he will care for the baby. He's in shock and doesn't want to accept that he could have that psycho's kid. Who'd want to accept that? I know he's gonna need lots of love and support. Donnie and I will do all we can for him and Dad, I want to kill that bastard. I know you don't condone vengeance, but look at the destruction and devastation he's caused directly and indirectly."

"I feel a little reassured about the child," Splinter said. "I, too, will do my best for it. As for the Shredder, you have my permission, Leonardo. Kill him tonight and bring me his head, so I may see with my own eyes that he's dead. I have never gloried in anyone's death, but I will in his. He is the epitome of evil and only death is fitting for him. As for Raphael, cocoon him in your love and always let him know you're there for him."

"We will," Donnie said. "I'm gonna go with Leo to kill him, Dad."

"No," Splinter said. "You will stay with Raphael. Leonardo will go alone. If Raphael asks where Leonardo is, tell him the truth. He will be furious he was robbed of slaughtering Shredder himself, but he will also be touched and pleased that his mate protected him and killed the monster who savaged him. Raphael will feel safe and perhaps, his journey of healing will be a shorter one."

"Tonight," Leo said. "It can't come fast enough. Shredder, enjoy your remaining hours on Earth."

XXXX

April was mulling over her and Donnie's breakup that morning, when she received a call.

"Hi?"

"It's Case, April. Just wanted to see how you were doing. We haven't talked in a while."

"Donnie and I split, because he picked his bros over me," April said and filled Casey in on her and Donnie's conversation. "I guess he never loved me."

"I'm sorry, April, and I understand you're mad, but I'm begging you not to do something drastic, like revenge and to try and hurt Leo and Raph."

"You really think I'd do that?"

"I don't know. You're emotional and people do things they wouldn't usually do when they are. Raph's been through a lot and there's a chance he could have the psycho's baby. I know Raph might not be your favorite person, but he really doesn't need more stress. The family doesn't either."

"You're right, Case. I was mad, but I've some time to think. Donnie loved Raph and I broke up their relationship. I was wrong, not Raph and certainly not Leo. If that's what Donnie wants, so be it. I'm going to move on."

"Thanks," Casey said and sighed in relief. "I know you'll meet someone else, April. You're a really great girl and any guy would be lucky to have you."

"Aw. Thanks, Case. It's really true that Raph could have babies, huh?"

"Yeah."

"That's messed up. He must be stressed out of his mind."

"He is. It's the last thing he needs."

"I'll call Donnie and put his fears to rest. He doesn't have to worry about a vengeful chick."

"Great. I have to go. Take care, April," Casey said and ended the call.

"You too."

April looked at a photo of her best friend that was on her nightstand. I'm going to visit Freya for a bit. I need a change of scenery. I'll call Donnie from the bus stop.

XXXX

Meanwhile, Mikey and Max were on their date. They'd met up at their restaurant and were now at a burger joint Dasha also owned.

Mikey tucked into his black bean burger and stared dreamily at Max, who was talking about a movie he liked.

I really like him. He's adorable. The date's going well and we have tons in common. I think we could work out and maybe one day, when I return home, I can introduce him to the guys. Raph said he will forgive me one day and I can come home. They'll like Max. He's so smart and funny. This burger's yummy. I never thought I'd say that, as I always loved meat. Maybe I can build a life here with Max and…

"Mikey, did you hear what I said?" Max said. "You look spaced-out."

"Just thinking. Sorry."

"About?"

"How much fun I'm having. I'm so glad I met you, Max. You're unlike anyone I've ever known. You're charming, funny, smart and kind and you like the same stuff I do."

"Heh. I'm happy I met you too. You're awesome, Mikey. Hey. I don't want to pry, but you know I'm a family oriented guy and that they're my universe. I couldn't imagine being separated from them and us at loggerheads forever. Yeah, we fight, but we've never let things get to the point that we would cut one another out of our lives, you know. I was wondering what happened."

"Well," an uncomfortable Mikey began. I really don't want to discuss this. What if he thinks I'm a dick and bails?

"What happened? You're family and surely you can work through it. Why leave? It was just an argument like all siblings have."

"It wasn't," Mikey said as he rubbed the back of his neck. He always did that when he was nervous.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't want to discuss it. Let's drop it."

"Mikey, if we're going to date, you have to be upfront with me. I have been with you. Tell me. It can't be that bad. I did bad stuff. I pranked Joel by putting lobsters in his bed. He was pissed, but forgave me."

"It wasn't like that, Max. My eldest bro, Leo and I had sex. Leo said it was just drunken fun and I agreed it was, but I actually was deeply in love with Leo. I was too afraid to say so, because loving your bro's messed up. Looking the way we do, it isn't like we have other options, but still. Anyway, Leo became involved with Raphael, another brother and they were happy. I was consumed by jealousy and I drugged my bros' drinks and then gave Raph to one of our enemies. I thought with him out of the picture, Leo would love me."

"You what?" Max said, his eyes wide in shock. "You gave your brother to an enemy? How could you, Mikey? I can't believe this. I thought you were a decent…"

"It gets worse. Raph was uh, brutalized by this enemy before and when I gave Raph back to the guy, that happened again. Raph's intersex and might have his kids. My other bros took his side. Dad asked what Raph wanted to happen and he said banishment."

"I'm gonna be sick!" Max declared as he stood up. "I thought maybe you had a little spat you could sort out, but that's unforgivable, Mikey! Have you any idea what trauma you inflicted on your bro? Have you?" Max screamed, not caring who heard him. "I was raped when I was seven and I still have nightmares and panic attacks. Fuck. I can't believe this. Poor Raphael. If I were him, I would never ever forgive you or allow you home. You're evil and twisted and I want nothing to do with you! If you can do this to your bro, your family, how would you treat me? Don't come to the restaurant. I'm gonna tell my aunt you quit. I don't want you there. Goodbye, Mikey. Don't look for me," Max roared and stormed out of the restaurant.

A tearful Mikey looked down at his food and tried to ignore the stares from the other restaurant patrons.

It was going so well. Now he's gone. We're done and I no longer have a job. What the hell am I gonna do now? Max is right. I am twisted and evil. I betrayed my bro when all he's ever been is loving. I deserve the utmost contempt. Nothing will ever absolve me. Mona was enabling me by saying I deserve a second chance. I don't and I don't deserve love, kindness or understanding. If I were Raph, I wouldn't forgive me either! You fucked up big time, Mikey and you have no one to blame but yourself. Accept the truth. You're a raging psycho and nothing will fix the trauma and heartache you've caused.

A/N Yay. An update. Will Raphael face reality? Will there be a kid? What's in store for Mikey? Is that the last of Max?