"How'd the call go with Raphael?" Mona asked when Mikey entered the kitchen, where she'd gone to make them a snack.
"Quite good actually," Mikey replied and smiled. "He said he can forgive me someday. He can't tell me when, but knowing he will means so much and shows just what an awesome bro he is. I don't think I could forgive such a heavy betrayal, but it's Raph to a T. He's always been a generous, protective, loving and forgiving guy. It's me that changed. I allowed my jealousy to consume me, became a vengeful dick and betrayed my brother, who's always cared for and watched out for me. I'm scum, Mona. I don't deserve his forgiveness. Look what he's going through and he still loves me. How can he still love me after all I've done? I don't get it. He should loathe me forever. I do. I hate what I did. I don't think I can forgive myself."
"Because that's what family does, Michelangelo," Mona said and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Family doesn't bear grudges and they support and love one another, no matter what happens. You have to forgive yourself too. It'll take time, but you need to. That's the only way you can heal and move on. Raphael would want you to and have to have a great life."
"I suppose. I don't know if I can ever go home. How could I look my bros in the face again? I think I'm better off building a life elsewhere."
"I don't believe that. You will go home someday, because they're your family and you belong with them. Not in a distant galaxy. They need you and you need them. That's the way it's always been and it won't change. You'll see."
"Maybe. Raph said I need to create a new path for myself in the meantime and that he doesn't want me to do anything else stupid. He said I've never been a quitter and I shouldn't be one now. "
"He's right. Any ideas what you want to do?"
"I love cooking, so ideally a chef, but who would hire a mutant Turtle?"
"This planet is teeming with Mutant wolves. It's a great and peaceful place, but the food sucks. Maybe you could show them your pizza creations. I think they'd be blown away."
Mikey's eyes lit up and he said animatedly, "That's a fabulous idea. I could be the Wolfgang Puck of this planet. Okay. Not really. He does gourmet cuisine, but I could still be superb and make a name for myself. Maybe if things go really swimmingly, I could open a chain of restaurants here and on other planets. I'll call it Mikey's dynamite pizzas. I can't wait to show them what I can make."
"I believe in you," Mona said and patted his arm. "Pizza is exactly what this planet needs. The locals don't have it and I'm sure they'll love it. How about we check out a few restaurants and see if they're hiring any chefs?"
"Awesome, dudette. Let's go now."

Mikey and Mona left the spaceship and went into town, the prankster excited for the first time in ages.

XXXX

Mona and Mikey arrived at a restaurant named Gino's and went inside.

The place was packed with locals and there was a strong stench of grease, sweat and beer.

Smells like Raph, Mikey thought sadly. I miss him and the guys so much.

"You want a table?" a burly white male and amber eyed wolf waiter dressed in a blue button down shirt and blue jeans asked.

He's gorgeous, Mikey thought in awe. Look at that bod and his toned legs. He's clearly ripped. I bet he works out a lot. Man, I'd like to get to know him better.

"No, thanks," Mona said. "We're here to apply for the chef job. Well, he is," she said and nodded at Mikey. I'm Mona Lisa and he's Michelangelo."
"Hmm," the wolf said, his eyes raking approvingly over Mikey and making him blush at the scrutiny. "I'm Max. Let me take you into the back, where the boss is, guys."

"Great," Mikey said and smiled.

Max led them into the back.

XXXXX

"Boss," Max said. "These are Mona Lisa and Michelangelo. Michelangelo wants to apply for the chef position."
"I see," Dasha," a trim, white and thirty-something amber eyed female wolf said, glancing up from the document she was perusing and then staring at Mikey. "I'm Dasha. Take a seat, Michelangelo. Your pal can sit down too. Do you have a resume?"

"Uh, no," Mikey said, taking a seat next to her. "I've never worked before. Who would hire a Mutant Turtle?"
"Your accent's not local, is it?" Dasha asked. "How can you expect to work here without a resume and credentials? You're just wasting my time. See yourself…."
"No, ma'am. I'm from New York. Earth and I haven't worked, because I'm a Mutant Turtle, but I can cook. I did all the time for my family and I'm pretty great at it. I can make all sorts of things."
"Like what?"

"I'll get back to work," Max said. "Good luck, Michelangelo," he added and left the room.

Hearing his name from the wolf's lips sent a tingle down the prankster's spine and he thought, damn, that guy is so hot. And that voice. I could listen to it forever.

"Well," Mikey said. "Curries, roasts, stir fries, cakes, pastries, et cetera, but pizzas are my speciality."
"Pizza? What's that?"
"Well, it's a round dough thing created from flour, water and yeast."
"Doesn't sound appetizing."
"Yeah, but you add things to it, like cheese, tomato, tuna, anchovies, hot fudge, whatever you want. Then you eat it. My bros love it. One of my favorites is hot fudge, marshmallows, pepperoni, sausage and whipped cream."
"Sounds gross," Dasha said and wrinkled her snout in disgust.
"Yeah, but it isn't. My bros go gaga for it and my other creations. Don't knock it until you've tried it. Why don't I make it and you taste for yourself?"
"All right. Go ahead. The kitchen's over there."
"Terrific," Mikey said and went into the kitchen. "You can watch me if you like."
Dasha nodded, joined him and said, "I'll be surprised if I like it. I'm a fussy eater."
Mikey quickly got to work and soon he had a dough ball. He let it rest in the fridge for a bit. Then he rolled it out and then worked it with his fingers until he had a large pizza base.
"Now's for the fun part," Mikey said and added the ingredients to the base. He then placed it in the oven and said, "It'll take twelve minutes."
"So, how old are you, Michelangelo?" Dasha asked.
"Sixteen."
"Young, but not too young to work here. Max is the same age and he's been here since he was fourteen. Couldn't help seeing how you gawked at him. I can understand it. He is a handsome guy."
"Uh….I'm sorry," Mikey stammered. "I didn't mean to."
Dasha laughed and said, "No harm done. Max needs some happiness after the rough life he's been dealt. If you're it, so be it. All I want is for my cousin to be happy. Michelangelo's a mouthful."
"Yeah. My bros call me Mikey. What's Max's story?"
"I'll let him tell you. Are your brothers on this planet too?"
"Nope. They're on Earth."
"I see. Why are you on this planet then? Shouldn't you be with them?"
"I, uh, we had a fight and Mona thought a change of scenery would do me good. She thought this planet would be ideal for a new life."
"A fight about what?"
"I really don't want to talk about it."
"Sorry. I can be nosey. Look, whatever your secret is, it won't negatively impact my business or your working here, right?"
"Of course not. It was just a jealousy thing. I love my brother, Leo, but he loves Raph, my youngest brother. I was peeved. That's all. We aren't related and were just raised as brothers," Mikey said, not wanting to tell her everything, fearing she would judge him and not give him the job.
"That sucks. Is it nearly ready?"
"Yep," Mikey said, peering at the pizza.
He took it of the oven a few minutes later, added whipped cream and cut it into slices.
"Here you go," Mikey said. "Take a piece."

Dasha took a bite, chewed and swallowed, delight shining in her eyes at the multitude of taste sensations.

I think I have the job, Mikey thought jubilantly. She likes it.

"This is unlike anything I've ever had before, Mikey," Dasha said. "The combinations should be vile, but it's amazing and the best thing I've ever had. I'm impressed and have every confidence my customers will be too. When can you start? You'll make all the pizzas and train my other chefs how to."
"How about tomorrow morning?"
"Fantastic. Be here at nine. I'll give you the same uniform as Max then. How did you learn to cook like that?"
"Just comes naturally," Mikey said with a grin. "Thank you so much. I promise I won't let you down."
"We'll discuss your shifts tomorrow too. Now, why don't you grab a table and get something to eat? Max has his break soon," Dasha added and winked.
"Thanks again," Mikey said and went to Mona.

"Guess what, Mona?" Mikey said excitedly.
"I don't know. You won the lotto," Mona said teasingly.
"No. I got the job! I start in the morning. I can't believe it."
"I can. You're a phenomenal cook. Only natural that someone would see your talent. I'm so proud of you," Mona said and kissed his cheek.
"Let's get a table. Max is going on his break soon. I bet he'll be happy to hear I got the job."
"Is that right?" Mona said jealously. "You know what, here's some money for whatever you want. I'll see you back at the ship," she added and gave him several money notes.

Mona flounced out of the room.

Darn it, Mikey thought despondently. Now she's upset. I should go and talk to her.

"Something wrong?" Dasha asked, entering the room.
"No. I'm fine," Mikey replied. "See you tomorrow."

Mikey went into the restaurant, hoping he could catch Mona before she left it.

XXXX

Mikey saw Max seated at a table with a pretty female wolf.

"Hey, Michelangelo," Max said. "Come and join us."
"I was actually going home, but thanks," Mikey said, jealousy suddenly overwhelming him at seeing his potential love interest with a girl.
"Aw. You can have a coffee with us. Please. Your pal's gone. Judging by her expression, I don't think she's going to calm down anytime soon, so you'd be better off here. My treat."
"I'd hate to crash your date."
"Date?" Max said and chuckled. "Hardly. This is my friend, Sienna, who was just about to leave," he added, staring intently at the girl. "Sienna, this is Michelangelo, the guy I told you about."

"Oh! He is cute," Sienna said and smiled, as she stood up. "Pleased to meet you, Michelangelo."
"Likewise," Mikey said, thrilled that Max wasn't taken.
"Anyway, I'm going. See you later, Max. Thanks for the coffee. Bye, Michelangelo," she said and left the restaurant.

"Have a seat, Michelangelo," Max said. "I don't bite. Coffee? Something to eat? I recommend the black bean burger."
"No, thanks."
"All right, but you're missing out," Max said and waved a waiter over.
"Cappuccino, please," Mikey said.

The waiter jotted down his order and then left.

"So, we're alone now," Max said. "Tell me about yourself, Michelangelo."
"Call me Mikey. All my friends and family do."
"Mikey, where are you from? Did you get the job?"
"Yep. I'm from Earth and start tomorrow."
"Congrats. What's it like there?"
"Has its good and bad points, like everywhere else. Crime ridden in parts. Peaceful in others. Stunning scenery. Mountains, the ocean."
"Why'd you leave?"
"Hall a fall out with my family. Mona thought we could make a new life here."
"You and Mona a couple?"
"Nope."
"Then I have a shot, huh?" Max said and beamed. "Cool, unless you're with someone else."
"No," Mikey said and flushed. "I'm single and I like men."
"Uh huh. Well, I do too. You mentioned family. How many siblings do you have? Any parents?"
"Three brothers. I'm second youngest and we have a dad. He raised us all on his own."
"I'm second youngest too. Have two older sisters and a younger brother, but I haven't seen them in a long time. They're with an aunt on Mona's planet. She got custody of them when my parents died and moved there. Heard the schooling was better than here. Hope I can visit sometime. That's sad about your brothers. I really hope you guys will reconcile."
"Yeah. I hope you can see your family too. What are your hobbies?"
"Working out and mechanics. I love tinkering with cars and bikes. Want to open an auto repair shop someday."
"My brother, Raph's, into those things too."
"Cool. Is he as hot as you?" Max asked, his eyes twinkling.
"No," Mikey said, alarmed that Max might find Raphael sexy. "I'm hotter than he is. He's kind of plain with bad skin and scars."
"I bet he has a nice nature, though," Max said. "That's what really matters."
"Nope. He's a jerk. No redeeming qualities."
"Haha. I think you're jealous I'd like him. That's why you make him sound undateable. Relax. I'm not interested in him, whether he's sexy or the ugliest guy alive. It's you I'm interested in, Mikey. No one else."
"You got me. Sorry," Mikey said sheepishly.

The waiter brought Mikey's coffee and then left.

Mikey sipped his coffee and said, "So, what music do you like, Max?"
"Well, the….. Damn it. I have to go."
"But we just…."
"Yeah. I know, but my break's up. How about we go out after work tomorrow?"
"Like on a date?"
"Uh huh, unless you have plans."
"No, I'd like that."
"Awesome," Max said and stood up. He planted a kiss on Mikey's cheek, placed two money notes on the table and said, "See you tomorrow, Mikey. I'll dream about you. The coffee's on me."

Mikey flushed and thought happily, I have a date. I can't believe it! Max is so cool. I wish I could tell my bros about him. Maybe if things work out, I can take Max home to meet them someday. I'd better get back to the spaceship. Maybe Mona will have calmed down by now."

He finished his coffee, paid the bill, left the restaurant and walked back to the spaceship.

XXXX

Mikey arrived back at the spaceship, but there was no sign of Mona, so he went into the kitchen, hoping she was there.

Mona sat at the table, coffee cup in hand. She glanced up when she heard Mikey's footsteps and said, jealousy, "Have a nice date?"
"It wasn't a date, Mona," Mikey replied. "It was just coffee, however he's asked me out. What's the problem? You said if I met someone else you'd be happy for me."
"Yeah, but I didn't anticipate how I'd feel seeing you so piqued by another guy. It stings. What's so great about him? He's asked you out already. Gosh. He's a fast mover! Michelangelo, you know nothing about him. He could be a real creep and have a…."
"I don't think so. I like him, Mona, and my gut feeling is that he's a genuine and decent guy. My gut's often right. I appreciate your concern and I'm sorry you're hurt, but I don't have the same feelings for you. I told you that before we left Earth. If you can't accept that, then I'm going to have to look for a place elsewhere when I have more money."
"It's just I get a bad feeling about him…."
"No, you don't. You're just bitter, Mona. I'm going out with him and that's final. I will also look for an apartment as soon as I have enough money for a deposit. Good night."

Mikey headed to his room and thought, Mona is just jealous. There's nothing sinister about Max. I wish she'd get a life and would meet someone else.

I'm going to dig into Max's life, Mona thought. If there are no dark skeletons, I'll apologize to Michelangelo, but if there are, at least I can warm him before he makes a huge mistake.

XXXX

Meanwhile, April was lying in talking in bed with Donnie at the lair.

"I was thinking that we could take a trip, Donnie," April said. "And scout out places where we could build a life together when Raph's better."
Donnie raised an eye ridge and said, "You mean leave my family?"
"Yeah. It'll be just us. Just think, we can make love all we want without anyone hearing us and we don't have to deal with Raph's moodiness. I know he and I are cool now, but sometimes I feel like I'm walking on eggshells with him. He's so temperamental. I can't bear it. And then there's Leo's constant need to control. It's irritating. You don't need that crap and I certainly don't. Plus, the lair's going to be pretty cramped when Raph has his babies. It'll be incessant crying and Raph will be worse and I don't want that, Donnie. I like kids, just as long as they're far away from me. You know that!"
"My family needs me," Donnie said, bristling at her words. "You know that. They'll need me even more when the babies arrive. How can I leave them in the lurch? Who would help them with all the different needs they have? Casey could with some things, but he doesn't have any medical knowledge, like me."
"They would leave you in a heartbeat!"
"Bullshit. My brothers would never leave me. Did you have any places in mind? I thought you wanted kids."
"I liked Canada. It's clean, relatively safe and….."
"Far from my family," Donnie said bitterly. "You've always had an issue with them, haven't you? Why, when they've always been so welcoming of you? I don't get it, April."
"Because I want you to myself. I'm tired of sharing you with them. I hardly ever get time with you, Donnie. They always monopolize you. Raph always has a problem, like this latest drama….."
"Drama?" Donnie shouted, his cheeks flaming and his eyes blazing. "My brother was raped, April. He didn't cause it. How can you be so callous?"
"I'm not trying to be, but it's true. He always has a crisis or something. He probably caused this too. I'm fed up. I just want it to be you and me. No. I don't want kids. I don't have a maternal bone in me, but it's not like we could have kids anyway. We're two different species, but getting back to your family, they always have issues. It's not what I signed up for, honey. This relationship is about you and me. Not them! I'm supposed to be the most important person in your life. Not them!"
"Wrong," Donnie snapped. "My family was part of the deal, April. I made that clear from day one! If you can't handle that, then buzz off. I'll never leave them. They need me and I need them. "
"Why don't you fuck them then, huh?" April yelled and stood up. "Sounds like you're in love with them. You're always defending them," she said, as she dressed. "Yeah. You have the hots for them, huh? I thought you loved me, but you actually love them. Hey, maybe you can have a polyamorous relationship with Leo and Raph. Is that a fantasy of yours, Donnie?"
"GET THE FUCK OUT. WE'RE DONE," Donnie snarled, his heart breaking, as he said the words. He didn't want to end their relationship, but he couldn't condone her irrational behavior and what she'd said about Raphael. He hadn't caused his rape. How could she say that?

She's just a bitch, Donnie, thought. How could I have loved her?

"Gladly, Donnie," April said. "But you'll be sorry, because you'll never have it as good as you had with me. Goodbye."

April stalked out of the room.

XXXX

Raphael and Leo had heard the feuding in their bedroom.

"Poor, Donnie, Leo," Raphael said. "She's really cruel. The rape ain't my fault. I never caused it. How could she say such a thing, Leo?" Raphael said sadly. "I thought she was our friend and supportive of us, but she's unfeeling and mean. I hope Donnie never takes her back."
"I know, my takara," Leo said and kissed his beak. "She's poison and Donnie is better off without her. Don't listen to her, my love. Please don't ever think it was your fault."
"He is better off without her, but it's horrid, Leo. He really thought he had a future with her and now she's shattered all of his dreams. Poor Donnie. He didn't deserve that and after all he's done for her. He's showered her with affection and done everything he could to make her happy, but it was never enough. Now he's all alone and thinks he'll never find love again. I know how that feels. We should do somethin' to help him. He would do anythin' for us. Ya saw that. He ended his relationship, because she wouldn't accept we were part of the deal. That's love for us, so we gotta do somethin' equally big for him."
"I'll make him a cake or something to cheer him up."
"No, hon, that won't cut it. Look, Leo, I loved Donnie when I was with him. Not as fiercely for him, as for ya, but still deep. He and I coulda had a wonderful life together if he ain't cheated. We coulda had a family and I woulda done anythin' ta make him happy the way he deserves. He's a beautiful, smart, funny, generous and carin' guy, who deserves the moon. He is beautiful. Look at him. He has long toned legs, a firm butt, gorgeous eyes, which are extra stunning in the moonlight. They sparkle. He radiates love and he can be just as passionate as me. He's a magnificent being, Leo. He shouldn't be alone."
"Sounds like you're still in love with him," Leo said jealously, detesting the obvious admiration his mate had for Donnie.
"I still care about him and I hate that he's all alone and unhappy. What if we invite him to join us?"
"W-what? Be a threesome?" Leo spluttered, his eyes wide in disbelief.
"Why not? Donnie won't be alone then."
"But I'll have to share you! What if you love him more than me?"
"That could never happen, Leo," Raphael said and kissed Leo's lips. "I could never love anyone more than ya. I just want Donnie to feel loved to and have what he's always wanted. A family and intense love. It's what he deserves. He'd do that for us."
"Have you forgotten that he said he'd never love you as anything other than brotherly?"
"I ain't forgotten, but maybe if we take things slowly he'll come around to the idea of being with me and ya. He has to be with ya too. Plus, he can have kids with me. I think he'd be a fabulous dad. If yer worried about jealousy occurring, we can establish rules, like if there is any we'll end things and it'll go back to being just ya and I."
"Dad won't approve."
"Yeah, but if he sees how happy we all are together and that there's no friction, he'll accept it. What do ya think?"
"I don't like it, Raphie. I can't stand the thought of him touching you. Only I should have that pleasure."
"Donnie would do the same thing for ya, Leo, and he wouldn't even think about it. He'd just do it. He'd do anything to make us happy," Raphael said and stared intently into Leo's eyes.
Leo sighed and said, "Talk to him and see if he'll agree. If he does, we'll have a trial. If it works out, we'll make it permanent, but I want the truth from you. Do you still love him? Not caring. Actual love, Raph."
"I never stopped loving him, Leo. I just never loved him the same way I love ya. Look, I know its new territory we're navigatin', but it's gonna go smoothly. Ya'll see. There are benefits of bein' in a polyamorous relationship."
"Like what?"
"When I'm amorous and ya have things ta do, Donnie can take care of my needs and vice versa. This new relationship will cement our bonds and make them deeper, Leo. Love does that. Plus, if anythin' ever happened to one of us, the remaining others could take care of all their needs."
"You have a point, but you sleep with me at night. Donnie can just borrow you for a few hours," Leo said possessively.
Raphael chuckled and said, "Okay, but I'm sure we'll all sleep together some times. I'm goin' ta talk ta Donnie now."

The emerald skinned Turtle left the room.

I don't like the idea of sharing Raph, Leo thought, but he's right. If we were in the same shoes, Donnie would be with us to make us happy. He wouldn't want us to be alone either. But I have to admit it'll take time getting used to sharing Raph, knowing Donnie's also pleasuring him and having kids and for me to be with Donnie.

A/N Will Donnie accept what Raph proposes?