Chapter Five : "Kids Will Be Kids"
Author's Notes: Yes, I know. It's been a while. But I'm back! And the good news is...another chapter! Insert standard disclaimers here, 'cause I don't own these guys. Wish I did...
Mikey got the job. Was there any doubt? If you want a man who knows pizza, it's Mikey. He may have once been a turtle, but he's ingested more pizza than all of Italy combined. His pure and true, unwavering love for pizza in all shapes and sizes (except for anchovies) pretty much guaranteed him the job.By the time his date rolled around with Rebecca, he had his own cash to take her out on (albeit it was an advance, but it was still his money).
Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Mei, Splinter, and April all watched in continued amazement as Mikey fussed over his clothing. Despite appearances, he was not a bum. He spent an hour in the bathroom, grooming to ensure he didn't reek of pizza (which was not necessarily a bad smell, but he supposed it was the principle of the matter).He then panicked because he now smelled like April's passionflower shampoo and conditioner as well as her tangerine-scented soap. Thisprovided the boys with a great deal of laughter, which Mikey took in stride once Donatello offered him some cologne he'd thought to pick up when they'd gone shopping. Of course, it couldn't entirely mask the scent of passionflower/tangerine, and basically turned it into passionflower/tangerine/Alpine-y freshness. Basically he smelled like he'd been in a flower field eating a small orange and then climbed a tree. But clean.
He then debated on hairstyles—down and casual? Pulled back and hip? Down and gelled? Up and gelled? Teased into that croppy, shaggy look that seemed to be going around? If he was going for the popular look, how about that crazy spiky do that forced one's hair (thanks to copious amounts of gel, mousse, and prayer) into a point? Blow dried straight or air-dried wavy? Bandana? Or no? Mikey had never fully appreciated the female dilemma that was date-preparation, but he was living in their world now, and not enjoying it one bit.
He was practically in tears of frustration when Mei entered the bathroom and shut the door. Curious, Leo, Donny, and Raph pressed their ears to the wooden barrier. The sounds that ensued none could describe—there were clicks, whirrs, yanks, the cry of a hair drier, and once Donny swore he heard avroom similar to the noise the 51st Avenue bus made. When they emerged, however, Mei threw her arms out extravagantly, showing off her creation.
Mikey struck a suave pose, grinning in a confident manner that drew ones attention to his perfectly white teeth. His hair, once a hapless, as-it-will style, was now dry, straight with just a bit of wave around his cheekbones to soften their sharpness. It fell delicately to his shoulders, brushing against a charcoal gray collared short sleeved shirt, tucked neatly into perfectly pressed black slacks with clunky black combat boots—after all, it was still Mikey.
Donny looked appropriately impressed. "Mikey. You look...neat."
"Clean." Leo offered, nodding.
"Human." Raphael muttered, scowling at his shirt. "I see you borrowed my shirt."
Mikey blushed sheepishly. "Sorry, dude. I meant to ask. It's all right?"
Raphael shrugged, his expression losing its severity. "Sure. Just remember—any pizza stains and you owe me a new shirt."
"Deal. Though we're not going out for pizza."
There was a collective gasp.
Michelangelo rolled his eyes. "We're going to a movie, and then maybe we'll eat afterwards. In which case I'll take her to get Chinese. She mentioned she liked it, and that she knew of a good restaurant near the movie theater."
"You could bring her back here and I could cook for you. I guarantee my Chinese is better than any restaurant's." Mei offered, thinking to save Mikey some of his precious cash.
"Now you know I love your cooking, Mei, but there's no way that I'm bringing her here on our first date. How weird would that look to her, me living with four guys and two girls? But maybe later." He added to avoid hurting the girl's feelings. Mei shrugged it off.
"You have enough money, Mikey?" April asked from her perch on her chair.
"Yep. Pete liked my technique so much he said he'd give me an advance...though it's just this once."
"You're better off than the rest of us." Donny muttered darkly, still upset that they hadn't managed to secure jobs yet.
"Just remember not too stay out too late tonight, Mike. We have to be up and at the community college early to take the G.E.D. I doubt a late night will help your test score." Leo warned, very much looking the role of elder brother.
Mikey grinned as he headed for the door. "Come on, Leo. Give me a little credit. I'll be in way before we have to leave." With that and a wave he left to pick up Rebecca.
Raphael sighed and plopped onto the couch, privately pouting. "I'm bored."
"You could train." Splinter suggested, smiling a bit as he made the suggestion.
The reply he received was a snort. "We trained this morning on April's roof."
"Is that what woke me up at five this morning?" April looked up from her laptop screen, the computer balanced in her lap as she read over her memo to her boss about a story idea.
Mei nodded, perching next to Raphael on the arm of the couch. "We're sorry if we disturbed you."
Donny looked thoughtful. "Don't you get up at 5:30 to get ready for work?"
"You'd be surprised how essential that half an hour is to us working stiffs." April grinned then seemed to think of something, digging into her back pocket. "Splinter, I meant to give this to you. I recently did a story about this old man and his dojo, about how he was helping to keep kids off the streets and instilling values in an increasingly moral less society. Anyway,he said he owed me a favor, so I suggested that a friend of mine might be interested in working there. This is his address. He said to come in tomorrow so the two of you could talk face to face."
Splinter nodded his thanks, looking down at the paper. "Thank you, April. I appreciate all you have done for us. I promise that as soon as we are all financially secure we will be out of your hair."
April waved away his promise. "Truthfully I like having you around. It's nice to know you all are here. It feels more like a home and less like a space I pay a mortgage on."
Donny was pacing nervously, an act that was quickly grating on Raphael's nerves. Finally the red head snapped, standing. "I gotta get outta here. Go for a walk."
Mei stood too. "Would you like company?"
Raphael looked shocked at her offer and was about to answer when she added, "I think we could all use a bit of exercise."
Raphael felt something in him sink and was curious at the reaction. Did he want to spend time alone with Mei? When did this happen? He only nodded, grabbing his sneakers and tugging them on. Leo and Donny joined him at the entrance as Mei quickly grabbed a thin sweater, tugging it over her tank top. As a group they exited, clambering down the steel steps. Once their feet hit the concrete they fell into a mild jog, led by Leonardo, toward the park.
The neighborhood April lived in was truly nice, by New York City standards. The streets were clean and devoid of thelitter that resided on most New York sidewalks, and the buildings were all in good condition. It was the kind of housing important people in the media and business sector lived in, with security guards protecting the compound as if it were a military prison.
The four of them, though never truly relaxed due to their training, felt at ease. The evening was cool, the sun just setting below the horizon, the air crisp and clear. The ground beneath their feet was sure, and once they reached the modest park they were assailed with the scent of leaf and grass. Here they found the joggers trail and at Leonardo's cue began to sprint. In this he was superior, for his legs were longer than the others and could carry him further—it had nothing to do with health. Each had stamina beyond most humans, and as a benefit of their training they were in top physical condition.
Mei enjoyed sprinting, urging her legs to carry her faster and faster, further. She paced Raphael, her stride matching his own, braid wiping behind her and snapping in the wind. She smiled, increasing her pace and catching up with Leonardo, needing more power behind her step to catch him and having to work harder to match his stride. He grinned down at her, then began to slow. They did two more laps as they slowed; they ended at the jogging pace they'd started at. Donny was shaking his legs out, stretching his hamstrings and quads as they circled in place. Raphael stopped and bent double to stretch the back of his knees, wrapping his powerful arms around his thighs and touching his forehead to his legs. The stretch felt good. Mei balanced against a tree and grabbed her ankle, pulling her left quad out of a knot. Leo sat, leaning forward toward onefoot with the other tucked under and beside him to deepen the extension of his muscles.
Mei rolled her shoulders back and, sighing, stared up at the sky. The city lights were so bright that you couldn't see more than one or two stars. What you could see, however, was a neon utopia of signs declaring anything from Open to names of clubs that would probably not last through the year. Mei missed the stars. Before she'd moved to America from her small village, they'd been clear, strong points of light at night, winking their mysteries down at the people. She used to stare at them to allow her mind to clear, simply admiring their beauty. Now, however, they were masked by the artificial lights of the city.
Donny was speaking energetically to Leo about the program he wanted to take part in at the technical college in the area, a speech he'd given to everyone at least twice so far. He couldn't mask his excitement over the prospect of working with real scientific minds and tools, getting his hands on new books just full ofunfamiliar theories and ideas. Leo, of course, listened patiently, though Mei wondered if he really heard Donny's words. He might just be really good at pretending. Considering how often Donny had launched into this particular oration they were all getting pretty good at knowing when to nod and make conversation-type noises.
Raphael stopped stretching and looked out into the city, his manner still restless. Mei followed his gaze.
"I feel like doin' somethin'. I think if I spend one more night sittin' in April's living room lookin' at the classifieds I'll lose my mind." He ran a hand over his crop of hair, as if trying to scratch his palm with the short red locks.
Mei nodded. "We've been good for a week. I think we deserve some down time." She looked over to Leo and Donny, who had stopped at her words. "What about it, boys? What say we find out what New York City, above ground, has to offer?"
Donny's eyes lit up and Leo grinned. In the past week he hadn't done much of that—Mei could tell that this new life of theirs gave him cause for more worry over the rest of them. She knew that he, probably even more than Raphael, would benefit from a night out.
Donny ended up leading the way. They left the little park near April's building, walking birskly as they passed the tall Goliath structures where business types spent the majority of their week. At this time of night there were few people coming in and out of the office buildings but there were lights still on in several offices, casting weak squares of yellow on the concrete streets and sidewalks below. An occasional lemon-colored cab swept past at moderate speed, just waiting for a hand to shoot out so that the driver could make some money.
The rounded a corner, crossed several streets, and ended up on a block that stretched far into the distance. This was a happening kind of street, with restaurants lining the concrete. Little tables sat under high-posted lights, umbrellas shut tight as patrons laughed and talked over the final meal of the day. The scent of different cuisines and spices intermingled with the leftover heat of the day; spicy Cajun, exotic Greek, familiar Italian and Chinese, and an occasional waif from bits of food served in the barest of portions for the highest of prices. Further down, however, these restaurants were replaced by trendier bars with jukebox or live music spilling into the streets along with some of its patrons, outside to quickly inhale a cigarette before returning to the fray. Donatello stopped occasionally outside some of these spots, glancing over little signs that proclaimed "Live Music!" "Local Band!" "Buy One Drink, Get Another ½ Off!" and the like. At each one he would read, listen, and move on. They weren't exactly sure what he was looking for specifically, but figured he'd eventually stop so they could sit down. Leo still carried around some of the money April had given them, though he was hesitant to use it. He and Splinter had already agreed to keep track of all they spent so that they could pay her back once they secured employment.
Donny finally stopped outside a basement bar with music drifting up to the street level. Whatever song they were playing, it had a heavy, driving beat that he seemed to enjoy, for he turned around and arched a pointed eyebrow at them.
Raphael shrugged, eager to get inside and relax. Leo read the sign: "Girl's Night! Ladies Admitted Free, Men Cover 10." Leonardo nodded and pulled out three bills, handing them to the rather thick bouncer.
"I.D.?" He asked, looking them over curiously.
They each pulled out the card they'd received at the immigration office—an alien registration card with a picture, their names and ages and other information.
He looked over each and stamped the backs of their left hand. The shape of the stamp was a circle with a criss-crossing pattern inside—it almost looked like the shell on a turtle.
Once inside it became apparent to anyone who dared risk a look that Donatello was a dancing machine. He immediately found a place on the dance floor and swayed to the beat, initially doing moves that were a little outdated.Upon observing those around him, however, hebegan to mimic more recent dance styles. Mei giggled at first and then went out to join him as a quick song started, spinning and swaying in front of him. The two, with their brunette hair (though Donny's was much darker) and complementary frames looked good dancing together. Donny was slightly taller and broader than Mei, whose slim frame accented hiswide shoulders.
Abruptly the music changed to something more primal; it seemed a requirement that the dancing partners move more suggestively with one another. Mei followed the beat with her hips, pressing against Donatello's side and laughing as she did so to ensure he didn't take the action in the wrong way. Donatello, however, was blushing rather deeply though the crimson tinted lights over the dance floor hid it from everyone. He spun her away to alleviate his embarrassment and mentally scolded himself for even entertaining such thoughts about a girl he'd come to know as a friend and intellectual equal.
If Mei sensed his discomfort she was nice enough not to show it, nor let on that she might have. Once the song was over she dodged through the pressing crowd of dancers to the table Leo and Raphael occupied, thanking the black-haired man when he offered a sweatingglass of water.
"Having fun?" Leo had to raise his voice to be heard over the new song.
Mei nodded, the motioned to the dance floor. "So how about it, Leo?"
His eyebrows almost collided with his hairline. "Uh..."
"Oh come on!" She smiled endearingly, trying to coax him onto the floor. "What'll it take to get you out there?"
Raphael rolled his eyes at Leonardo's hesitation and took Mei's hand. "Come on, Mei. I'll dance with you."
Mei's eyes widened, as did her grin as she allowed him to lead her back into the throng. Leonardo remained seated, silently watching as the two began their dance. Raphael moved gracefully for one with such amuscular build, and he pulled Mei to him as a Santana song began, attempting the tango. Between the two of them finding the right footing and laughing when one stepped on the other's foot, they looked as if it were the most comfortable thing in the world.
The blue-eyed ninja sipped his water, eyeing them, contemplating his reaction to Mei's teasing. His expression remained serious, though that didn't stop several women from asking him to dance. Even the waitress attempted to flirt with him, but she and the rest soon abandoned the endeavor when he was polite but distant. He remained sitting, watching as Raphael and Mei danced song after song, always with that easy laughter that lifted the darkness from the red-head's eyes.
Donny danced with a couple of women that night but soon came and sat with Leo, his face flushed from the exertion. Despite the continued exercise he felt great, though knew that when they got home he'd be exhausted.
"Where's Mei and Raph?" He yelled to Leo as the music's volume began to rise.
Leonardo pointed, then motioned to his watch. "We should grab them and get going!"
Donny nodded, and together they worked their way into the throng of people and pried the two out.
Both were laughing at some private joke but sobered up as they walked home. Mei hummed the chorus to the song that had last been playing, her steps light.
They'd just rounded the corner when the attack came.
Mei felt a hand around her neck, then across her mouth. She stood shocked as a cool pressuredug into her neck. A knife. She was tugged back, against an unfamiliar frame, the stench of alcohol filling her nostrils. She gagged against the filthy hand pressed against her mouth, bruising her lips.
The boys stopped a few steps away, turning at her small initial gasp and stared at the man behind her. Never truly caught off guard the three began to span out, forming a half circle around the man holding Mei, facing him.
Even though they weren't looking at anything but Mei's captor, all three could feel the sudden presence of more people, accomplices to the drunk. Raphael turned slightly so that he could see the drunk out of the corner of his eyes and the two men behind him. One had a bat. A glint of brass under the streetlights came from the other's right knuckles. Donatello and Leo backed into one another so that Donny watched the three men advance and Leo kept an eye on Mei.
"Give us your cash, or I make this pretty thing less pretty." Not an original line, but what did you expect from a drunken mugger? Mei groaned and knew enough not to move, not just yet. She calmed her mind and fought the adrenaline that would only make her muscles shake. She needed complete control.
She gagged against the man's hand as he brought his face down to her hair and inhaled deeply. His hand left her mouth, caressing her shoulder and traveling further. His unwanted advances made Mei's jaw clench as his hand stopped just short of her pant line. Grimacing she made herself stand still as he sighed, holding her tight against him. "You smell like flowers, pretty thing."
Leonardo's expression was calm, a false appearance judging by the tension in his frame. "Let Mei go, or I can't promise you anything."
The drunk laughed, his arm across Mei's stomach tightening as the knife in his other hand made a small cut in her neck. Blood swelled and began to slowly flow down her collarbone and into her thin sweater. She winced but didn't make a sound, her mind clear. She would not scream-drawing attention at this point would only increase the chance of getting herself hurt.
"You idiot. You surrounded and outnumbered. Unless you Superman, I don't think you's gonna get outta this one without handing over your wallets." The man with the bat laughed, nudging his companion.
"Drop the knife." Mei's voice took on a dead air, her eyes fogging as her Shin obi training allowed her to influencethe drunk'smind.
"This bitch crazy or sumthin'?" The bat-wielding man grinned, shaking his head. "Whachu talkin' 'bout, 'drop the knife'?"
The drunk dropped the knife.
"H-hey! Henry! Whachu doin'?"
"Release me." Mei commanded, her power swelling.
The drunk's arms fell to his sides and Mei stepped away. She kicked the knife away, the weapon skidding across the sidewalk and down into the sewer.
"Aw, shit, just get 'em!" The bat-man finally decided to take action, and the rest of his gang listened.
Raphael dodged easily as the brass knuckle wielder threw a punch to his face, knockingthe assailant'sarms away and spinning him off balance. When the man with the bat came at him he allowed the man's force and propulsion to spin him off course as Raphael backed up. He threw out a foot for good measure, tripping him and sending him sprawling to the sidewalk.
Donatello ducked out from under a blow that one man with green hair tried to land. Rolling away he popped up to his feet, holding up his hands to guard his face and planting his feet apart to balance his weight. The green haired man stopped and stared, then laughed, pointing. "Little man think he Jackie Chan!" He pulled out a knife, waving it menacingly. "Your Jackie Chan-wannabe moves gonna help you dodge this?"
Leonardo threw up an outside block against one punch, shifting his body weight to his back foot as he brought his front one up and kicked the on-coming attacker right under his jaw with the heel of his boot. Dropping back to a balanced footing he twisted his arms to lock the first man's hand between his forearms, then ducked under his next punch, stepping ever closer to him. As he got closer the man's balance weakened and he fell backwards, Leonardo releasing his arm so that he fell back onto the sidewalk.
Mei turned and ran from the last assailant, straight into the wall of the nearby building. Or rather, she used her running start to propel herself vertically up the wall and pushed off in the split second before gravity would have won, back flipping behind her would-be attacker. Dropping down into a crouch she did a half-spin, one leg sweeping out gracefully and swiping at the man's ankles, yanking his feet out from under him. He fell, and Mei placed one foot on the small of his back, pinning him down with all her weight. The drunk, having finally recovered, ran for her, grabbing her by her braid. She fell to her knees, arching her head back to alleviate the pressure, and then brought her elbow into the man's groin. He dropped down, clutching his sensitive area, the fight forgotten.
Raphael had the knuckle-wielder in a headlock, finding the proper pressure point and knocking him unconscious. The bat-man stood, going for Raphael again, this time without his weapon. He landed a punch to Raphael's jaw just as the red-head dropped the other man. Recovering, Raphael blocked his next punch, turning so that his back faced the other man and applying his elbow to the vulnerable spot just below his ribs. The man doubled over, falling to his knees.
Donatello was bleeding from a superficial wound on his bicep, but he'd knocked the knife out of the man's hand. Stepping to the side he psyched his opponent out and spun on his foot, bringing his other up so that his heel connected to the side of the man's face. The green-haired man fell back, clutching his cheekbone and eye.
Leonardo punched the man before him in the gut, and then knocked him backwards off his feet.
The battle was won, and they barely had to throw a punch. The entire thing lasted a mere30 seconds, and no one had yet seen them. Master Splinter would have been proud. Quickly they dissolved into the shadows as curious onlookers, having heard the noises of fighting, finally turned the corner. There was a shout for someone to call the police, and then the bat man, obviously the leader, urged his comrades up. They grabbed their unconscious companions and ran off into the night.
They entered April's apartment, Mei's neck crusted in her blood and Donny's shirt stained with his own. Splinter took one look at them, sighed, and muttered, "Kids."
To Be Continued