Love and Circuits
AN: THANK YOU GIRAFFECHAN and RAP BEAR FOR YOUR CONTINUED FEEDBACK AND SUPPORT! More snippets of DominateLeo coming soon. (snickers)
AN2: Sorry readers but this chapter gave me FITS. Having some issues with flow. Don't know if the heat is affecting my muse but same days, I just can't see to get focused and write out something I like. I start to jump and get jumbled. It's frustrating.
This chapter became lengthy.. 17 pages, and hopefully gives some insight to the family dynamics.
Think Leo's going to cause any strife? ;)
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Sable followed the directions on her phone and pulled into a narrow alley, dimly lit and barely wide enough for her Honda Fit. A bridge extended over head, complete with strong iron girders and cement sidewalk partitioned off to allow safe travel across the bridge. An access door opened to reveal Donnie, lanky limbs and goofy smile.
"You made great time," Donnie said, before his voice was stolen by Sable flying into his arms and silencing him with a kiss that made his shell swell.
"God, I've," Sable said between kisses. "Missed you."
"Likewise," Donnie said, holding her tight. "I told everyone you were coming."
Sable rubbed her cheek on his plastron, directly over his heart. It was soothing to hear the steady pulse of his life. She missed its calming rhythm.
"Mikey give you trouble?"
"Always," Donnie sighed, pulling Sable into the shadows before closing the door and locking it. "He made you a welcome pizza."
"Don't know whether I should be humbled or sickened," Sable quipped, keeping pace with Donnie's stride as he led her to his home.
"Neither," Donnie confided. "He already ate it."
Sable laughed, holding Donnie's hand through the dank and twisting tunnels he called home.
Down two sets of stairs and into the main drainage system, she expected the stench of the sewers, but the only smell she could detect was the stagnation of water and the usual garbage litter of New Yorkers, not unlike the stench of the street.
Right, right, then a left and right again, Sable was getting dizzy. It amazed her how Donnie navigated the darkened tunnels so easily. He slowed his step upon approaching an arch in what appeared to be an abandoned section of tunnel. Donnie pressed a nondescript brick and the wall retreated with a soft hiss, allowing entry.
Donnie took a deep breath, placing his arm around Sable's shoulders and steered her the last few yards into his home. Though he wanted Sable to meet his family and feel at home, he still harbored fears she would pity him or be sickened by his living arrangement. Despite everything they've been through, he wanted to make a good impression.
Mikey spotted them first.
He bounded from the kitchen, beaming smiles and innocent eyes. He didn't bother with uncomfortable formalities. He wrapped his arms around Sable, physically lifting her off her feet and crowed.
"Welcome home, Sable! Our home is your home!"
Sable wriggled in the turtles grip, swatting his arm to make him put her down. She sensed Donnie vibrating with anger beside her. Once free, she shook a stern finger to Mikey.
"That's not the proper way to greet a lady."
"Oh, my bad," Mikey said, then swept his hand in a wide arc and bowed graciously. He adopted a rough British accent. "Welcome to our most humble abode, Madame. We humbly offer thy smelly abode for thou inhabitation."
"Dear lord, you've been watching Shakespeare in the park." Donnie gaped, anger quelled. Mikey had that effect.
Mikey popped upright.
"That Shakespeare guy was totally cool."
"He'd have a heart attack with your slang."
"Shakespeare and surf, baby," Mikey howled, performing a hand gesture Sable wasn't sure was rude or not. "This above all, catch some righteous waves, my dear dudes."
"And this is the end of civilization as we know it," Donnie sighed, defeated.
"Let the chick sit down, Mikey," came a gruff voice.
Sable recognized the voice, and when the full form of Raph emerged from the shadows, a smirk on his face, Sable was struck with awe. He was even bigger than she imagined!
She was overwhelmed.
He towered at least a foot over Mikey. She didn't even reach his shoulders! She could sneeze and bang her forehead on his elbow!
He lumbered forward, all muscle and shell, his head hidden under a red bandana. Sable thought the look was cute, and it helped to remember them via their colors.
She wondered if that's how their father kept them straight in their youth.
"Holy shit!" Sable snorted. "You have your own zip code!"
Raph's face contorted into a bashful smile. He dipped his head, observing his younger brother's love interest. Mikey was right. She was cute. Little small for Raph's taste though. She only came to his elbow and was barely bigger than one of his arms. He could easily bench press her weight without breaking a sweat!
"Whatever," Raph said, offering a lopsided sneer.
He tried to appear standoffish than warm and welcoming, but Sable knew he was painfully shy, he only hid it behind a tough demeanor. His veneer of cold intimidation wasn't going to work on her. She had dealt with guys like him before. She stepped forward, holding out her small hand.
"It's nice to finally meet you face to face, Raphael."
Raph stared at her hand for a second, as if he was unsure of the gesture, but slowly accepted her offer. Her hand disappeared in his meaty paw.
"It's Raph."
Sable took in the initiative and touched his wrist and forearm, marveling at the bulge of muscle. The strength he undoubtedly possessed.
Raph mistook her curiosity and appreciation and put in unnecessarily, "I promise, I won't you."
"Big and intimidating," Sable whispered, as Raph leaned down to appear less intimidating. She cupped his cheek, smiling. "But so gentle."
"Raph? Gentle?" Mikey burst out laughing, slapping his brother on the shell.
Raph growled, punching the twerp in the arm, nearly knocking him down.
"Shut up, pest."
A fourth turtle appeared, bandana dark blue from sweat dripping down his face, over his chest and arms, and around his waist. Two long blades were clutched in his hands. His chest heaved as he panted for breath.
"Which makes you Leo." Sable said, stepping boldly to the last brother and offering her hand.
Leo stared at her hand for a second, then bumped it with his fist, dipping his head slightly.
"Welcome to our home. If you'll excuse me, I have training to finish."
"Of course," Sable said cordially. It was a warmer reception than what she anticipated. From Donnie's tense frame, he too feared the worst.
Leo made to leave, but Donnie spoke up, "You've been at it for two hours, Leo. Give it a rest."
"Later," Leo called over his shoulder without breaking stride as he relocated to the dojo.
"Oh, this is my father, Splinter," Donnie said as his sensei approached from the shortened tunnel nearby.
Sable turned, ready to present herself to the head of the family with all the charm she could muster, when she instantly froze, her nose a few inches from a long snout.
"Greetings, Miss Sable," Splinter said genially.
Sable let out a faint squeak, muttered, "Mouse!" and fell into a dead faint.
Donnie caught his lover before she hit the floor.
"Sensei knows how to make the ladies swoon," Mikey deadpanned.
Splinter scowled at Donnie.
"You did explain to her my species?"
"Yes, Master Splinter. But I think you're still a shock."
"Obviously," the ancient rat retorted as Donnie carried Sable to the communal area and laid her on the couch.
Donnie stroked Sable's temple, grateful she had a comfortable place to recover, as the old couch had been constructed by Pizza Hut, and tossed in the dump, (much to Mikey's chagrin) to be replaced with a heavily padded, wide, steel framed sectional couch.
A lot of shells were scraped and toes smashed when the turtles carried the cumbersome furniture into the lair a few weeks ago.
There was also a lot of choice words that earned the four a trip to the hashi and a dinner consisting of nothing but spinach.
When Sable came to it was to the sound of Mikey's voice.
"But Sensei, it will help her adjust," Mikey insisted. "Make you not as scary."
"Absolutely not," Splinter said in exasperation. "She will be fine."
"Girls are naturally afraid of rats," Mikey argued. "I think you're like, mortal enemies or something. She may think you'll squeak and bite her. But if you were cute, she wouldn't be as afraid."
"Michelangelo," Splinter said as a warning.
Everyone knew that tone.
Someone was about to get a shell whooping.
Sable cracked her eyes, centering on Mikey's voice. She located him several feet away, standing in front of his father, who barely reached the orange turtle's shoulder.
Realizing she just fainted from meeting their father, Sable groaned.
Turtle and rat turned at the sound and before Splinter could talk, Mikey's quick hands landed a brightly colored, lurid rainbow clown wig on top the rat master's head.
Splinter's tail twitched.
Sable burst out laughing at the disgruntled rat wearing a horrible wig.
Splinter ripped the wig from his head, tossing it away with a huff of annoyance.
"See, Sensei!" Mikey crowed between laughs. "Worked like a charm!"
Sable was still giggling when Donnie knelt in front of her to peer into her eyes as she arose.
"How are you feeling?"
"Terrible," Sable muttered. She amended due to the look on Donnie's face. "I didn't make a very good first impression, did I? Fainting upon meeting your dad."
"It's okay," Donnie said, relieved. "Can be a shock, meeting a talking rat. Totally understandable."
"Yeah, still doesn't make me feel any better," Sable grumbled. Sable hung her head, fighting down the urge to weep. "What your dad must think of me."
"I have not formed an opinion," came a gentle voice.
Sable gulped and slowly locked gazes with the wizened rat. Years of fear and horrible night terrors came flooding back from her childhood, but she refrained from screaming or repeating her faint.
She tried to view the rat as any other mutant.
A kind, gentle soul who raised Donnie to be the man she had fallen in love with. Wise. Patient.
Deciding to concentrate on his differences to his species, Sable noted he walked upright, as Donnie and his brothers. Splinter also carried a walking stick that he leaned on heavily when he took a couple steps forward. He had a mustache and a thin scrubby beard. His eyes were dark, but large and full of concern, not beady and scary.
He was also wearing clothes.
A… bathrobe?
No, a kimono… like what ninja masters wear.
A kimono wearing rat with a mustache.
That wasn't so scary.
"Welcome to our home, my dear," he said softly, stopping a safe distance away in case their guest swooned again. "I am Splinter."
"I'm so sorry," Sable blurted. "I didn't mean to scream and faint. It's an automatic response. Always been scared of mice. Since I was little. Bad habit really. Shouldn't even be phased. I know mice won't hurt me. I'm much bigger and they're so small. And…mmmm.. yeah…."
"Great. Just what we need. Another windbag," Raph groused, though there was no venom in his words.
Sable gulped, steadying her nerves and rose from the couch, extending her hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Splinter."
Splinter took Sable's hand, offering her a fatherly smile. He didn't draw attention to her trembling.
It took great courage for her to face her fears in such a manner.
His gnarled hand was wrapped in a tatty bandage.
"Oh no, what happened to your little hand?" she asked, turning his arthritic hand over in examination.
"Preventative measures only, I assure you," Splinter said, finding amusement in the fact her fears were forgotten as she thought him injured.
She was as compassionate as they come. No wonder Donatello had fallen for her.
Their hearts were a match.
Sable ran her fingers long the sharp nails of Splinter's tapered fingers. It fascinated her that a mouse could have such human features. There were a couple of nicks in the darkened skin.
"You'll need to clean them to prevent infection," Sable prattled on. "And it wouldn't hurt to clean the wraps either. They look filthy. Not that you're a filthy person or anything! Just that you can prevent bacteria from getting in there and causing a nasty infection. Which means a trip to the doctor. Or is that a vet? Is there someone you can trust? Can you even find medical attention if you need it?"
"Yup, windbag," Raph snorted, shell shaking with mirth.
Sable threw him a dirty look.
Raph offered a good natured sneer and shuffled his shell toward the kitchen, banging around pots and pans while he constructed a late lunch as Mikey had already eaten the pizza he made to celebrate Sable's visit.
Sable watched Raph for a moment before asking, "Shouldn't someone help Raph?"
"Nah, he's a good cook," Mkey said, perching on the arm of the couch as Sable reseated herself. Splinter took the recliner nearby. "We all like to cook. Try new stuff."
"Me too,' Sable said, falling into easy conversation with her lover's family. Donnie settled next to her, his shell bumping into her shoulder affectionately. "Used to spend summers at the farm helping my grandparents. Raised all kinds things. Learned to grow and can food. It was always so much fun, despite the hard work."
"Work and fun?" Mikey pulled a face. "You're crazy!"
"Depends on who you ask," Sable pointed out.
Raph showed up a couple minutes later, plopping his heavy shell down in the broken recliner on the opposite side of the couch. It groaned under his weight. Given his size, he was eye level with Sable. He noticed her staring at him, a little awestruck.
"What?" he asked, feeling self conscious.
"You're like a mountain," she said, expanding her arms to prove he was broader than her arm span. "I shudder to think the poor bastard who has to tangle with you."
Raph grinned wolfishly. He was liking this chick more and more.
Raph rose, holding out his hand.
"You haven't had a tour. Come on, I'll show you the best spots for avoiding Mikey."
"Hey!" Mikey barked indignantly.
Donnie tensed as Sable accepted Raph's offer. He immediately sprang to his feet, glaring at his much bigger brother and baring his teeth.
Raph thought Donnie was merely playing it up until he realized Donnie's aggression was legitimate. The normally gentle and easy going turtle was protective and aggressive to what he perceived to be a male honing in on his territory. To assuage Donnie's hostility, Raph held up his hands defensively.
"Don't mean anything, Donnie. Relax. I'm not trying to steal your girl."
Sable looped her arms around Donnie's waist, hugging him tight. She waited until his focus was upon her before she spoke.
"You don't have to worry about me being stolen. My heart already has everything it wants. Right here." She gave him a tight squeeze that gusted his breath. "In my arms. No one else can compare, nor gain my interest. There's only one I love, and his name is Donatello."
Donnie instantly melted. Sable was right. He was acting a fool. His brother wouldn't take her from him.
She was loyal to him. She loved him. They couldn't steal her affection. His was the only tail she'd ride.
He didn't know why he was so possessive when his brothers were around. They weren't a threat.
Even if Sable flirted with them, (as May had from time to time), nothing would ever come of it. Adults could tease and flirt in a way that wasn't taken seriously.
But for some reason, Donnie felt the need to publicly claim her. To make sure, without a doubt, his brothers knew Sable was already taken. He wouldn't give her up without a fight. His arms banded around her as he rubbed his cheek against hers, searching for her lips. His kiss was strong, dominating, leaving her breathless as his raked his chin across her hair.
"Donnie, let me go." Sable inhaled the rich Earthy scent, but gasped as Donnie tightened his hold to the point of making her ribs hurt. "You're squeezing too hard, you boa constrictor."
"What? Oh, sorry," Donnie said, snapping out of it and releasing his death hold.
Gee, what was wrong with him?
If he could trust his lover with anyone, it would be his brothers. If something ever happened to him, they would make sure she was safe and protected. They wouldn't abandon her.
Donnie's electronics warbled at the computer bank, demanding his attention. He fretted, unsure if he should go with Sable or answer the electronic call.
"Go. Do your computer stuff, genius." Sable nodded toward Raph, who had remained diminished, (despite his size,) in the background to give the two privacy. "Raph can show me around."
"And me!" Mikey perked up.
"Watch the food," Raph ordered, pointing to the kitchen. "And try not to eat everything this time."
Mikey gave a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck. He shifted to the couch, plopping down in Sable's vacated seat, draping a leg over the armrest. He gave a thumbs up.
"Will do!" Mikey offered a cheeky grin. "And later, I can show you my secret stash of Orange Crush."
"It's behind the fridge," Raph said, rolling his eyes.
"Hey!" Mikey gaped.
"You're not as stealthy as you think," Raph quipped. He guided Sable to follow Donnie to his computer bank set in the back of the room, away from possible water damage from the storm drains.
Donnie plopped down in his specially designed seat constructed from skateboards, and began explaining his computer set up. The techno-babble confused Sable, but she nodded along anyway. She didn't want him to think she wasn't paying attention.
On and on he droned, giving a detailed description of his work station, explaining each monitor and readout, tracking programs, camera feeds, the whole kit-n-kaboodle that made up Donnie's 'Alcove of Geekiness.'
The alert that had been demanding his attention, blared again, pulling him from his running commentary. His voice trailed off as thousands of lines of scrolling text began to appear. Eyes wide and in constant motion, he was once again oblivious to the world around him, his mind sorely focused upon the seduction of binary codes.
Sable snickered at her distracted lover and gave him a kiss on the cheek, which he didn't notice, as his attention was totally focused on the flickering monitor. His fingers were a green blur, tongue pressed between his teeth as he typed.
Sable gave Raph an exasperated look, which he answered with a 'don't-I-know-it" smirk.
The techno turtle was now lost in his own little world. Nothing short of a nuclear bomb would break the spell.
Sable shadowed Raph as he took her for a circuit around the lair. The communal living room, the kitchen (which Mikey struck a sultry pose as he checked on the food Raph had put on to serve as their late lunch), the bathing pool, the drains the turtles liked to surf on their shells, Sable marveled at the ample space the mutant family called 'home.' It was amazing such a place was hidden below the bustling streets of New York.
Mikey waited until Raph escorted Sable out of earshot before collapsing on the couch and whispering to Splinter, "So, what do you think, Sensei?"
Splinter thought for a moment, stroking his long whiskers.
"My instincts tell me she is of noble heart. She will not betray Donatello. She truly loves him."
Mikey smiled wistfully.
"Yeah, I like her, too."
Splinter's gaze fell upon Donnie's shell, where the techno turtle was ensconced in his natural environment of electronics. He had reservations about Donnie and his love interest, as Donatello was the epiphany of innocence and wore his heart upon his proverbial sleeve. It would easy to sway his emotions, gain his affections, and manipulate him.
But upon meeting the young lady, and witnessing the obvious affection the two held for each other, Splinter's worries were put to rest. He had no doubt of the love and devotion Sable had for his most vulnerable son.
Raph took Sable by the weapon's room, where she gasped at the dangerous weapons glinting from their mounts.
"You know how to use all these?" she asked.
"Master Splinter trained us in several weapon styles, but we stick with what we like," Raph said, patting the sais reposing silently at his side.
"Scary," Sable breathed, shivering at the cold steel watching her from its perch.
"Not if you know what you're doing." Raph gave a one sided shrug. "Things are only scary if you don't know how to properly use and respect them. If you train with them, they become a part of you. An extension. As natural as breathing."
"Breathing?" Sable snorted disdainfully. "With those sharp edges? More like, an accident waiting to happen."
Raph gave a knowing grin.
"Come on."
Sable followed him into another room, this one the size of the communal living room, though the perimeter was lined with thick rugs of an oriental design. A few weapons reposed on the walls, interspersed with what Sable thought was graffiti, until she realized the lines and symbols were a language unfamiliar to her.
There were also a couple of paintings of bonsai and pink dogwood trees along the brick. The far side of the room was obscured with shoji screens.
There was the unmistakable sigil of the turtle along the walls, an exact replica of the tattoo Sable spotted on the three brothers. Donatello didn't have any tattoos. She made a mental note to ask why he was ink-free.
In the center of the room was Leonardo, engaged in his 'workout.'
Sable gaped in awe and fear.
His concentration was unwavering, muscles hard and straining, sweat slicking his skin and soaking his clothes. He battled imaginary foes, focus absolute and downright terrifying. Silver glinted in the pale light, his swords a mirage that made him shimmer in the midst of their deathly halo. His actions promised death and dismemberment.
Sable shivered from the intensity.
"Takes years of training," Raph said, drawing Sable from her fear. "But when there's trouble, it's wise to be able to defend yourself or innocents."
"Lots of bad people out there." Sable's voice was barely over a whisper, but Raph heard her.
He gave a solemn nod.
"We've had accidents, like the next person, but that only strengthened our resolve to master the tool we wield. The more we tame our fears and hone our skills, the more capable we become."
Raph gave a muffled chortle.
"Even Donnie, despite being a stick of a turtle, can kick some serious shell."
Sable recalled Donnie's speed and strength when they escaped the research center. He didn't need a weapon to be deadly. He had the skills.
"Come on," Raph said, jerking his head toward the door they had came through. "Let's leave Asshole to his workout."
Sable's jaw dropped at Raph's crudeness but Leo wasn't phased. Or if he was, he didn't show it. He continued battling invisible demons with all the determination and strength he possessed.
They traveled through the living room, taking a moment to glance about the short tunnel Donnie recently claimed for his lab. Not wanting to interfere with any potential experiment, they kept their distance and left after a short examination, climbing the stairs to the place where the turtles used to sleep. The bunk beds were still there, messy as always. In contrast, Leo's bed (and there was little doubt it was his due to his name engraved on the ironwork and a sign warning his brothers to 'keep out') was immaculately made, severe lines and tucked in corners.
Sable also noted scribbles. Equations, random words, sometimes full sentences that evolved around a complex idea. The writing was everywhere…except the dojo.
Raph pointed to the alcove that used to serve as Donnie's bed. It was nothing more than a half pipe, with a couple pillows and electronic gadgets wedged amongst the metal and brick, but it was covered in his unmistakable scrawl.
"Donnie gets an idea and has to write it down," Raph explained as Sable peered into the stunted pipe to read the jumble of letters. "He's done that since we were kids. Gets a brainstorm. Writes it on whatever's available. He's even written on us before!"
Sable glanced across the room where Donnie was seated at his computer banks.
"Yeah, he's tried that at my kitchen table once." She confirmed, glaring daggers at Donnie's unsuspecting shell. "Till I threatened to beat his shell off."
Raph laughed. Not because of her wording but from the idea the tiny human female would be able to perform such a thing.
Even as thin and unassuming as Donnie was, he remained a highly skilled martial artist.
Raph lumbered across the room, Sable following behind. Mikey waved from where he worked in the kitchen. They came to a junction, where the tunnel continued on until it was blocked by freshly applied brick and mortar. There were also two stunted tunnels that led roughly twenty feet left and right, and created a 'T' junction, with the back walls decorated with beautiful murals.
On the right hand tunnel was the scene of a scantily clad female, top heavy, and doing an impression of Marilyn Monroe's infamous vent photo.
"Who's the artist?" Sable asked, stepping into the short tunnel to admire the art.
Though the painting was done upon stone, the renditions were nice. Even the one of the overly large breasted woman was exquisitely detailed. The buildings in the background were highlighted by sexy silhouettes.
"Mostly me and Mikey,' Raph said. To him, they were every day doodles. Things he and his siblings had always done. "Leo and Donnie like to do draw every once in awhile, but me and Mikey like painting. Course, it's difficult on these walls."
Sable hummed, noticing that the wall had been smoothed out to allow the detailed work. Probably some sort of grout or primer to fill in the pockmarks of brick and concrete. A large door was inset on either side.
"These are our rooms," Raph said, motioning to each in turn. "I'm on the right. Mikey's on the left."
He pointed to the identical set up across the main tunnel. "That's Leo and Donnie's rooms."
Sable entered the stunted tunnel opposite, awestruck by the mural.
Instead of buxom women, it was an aquatic scene, complete with sunken ship, lifelike coral, and brightly colored tropical fish.
"Donnie's on the right, Leo's on the left," Raph elaborated. "We got separate rooms a few months ago, but sometimes we sleep in our old beds."
Sable smiled at the bed of coral on the left side, closest to Leo's door. She bent forward, peering at the intricate detail that had went into the art…. Including the shoe that was partially hidden by coral.
No doubt such a detail was added by a certain bratty brother.
"Where does your dad sleep?" Sable asked, deciding not to mention the Nike of the deep.
"Other side of the lair," Raph said, jerking his head back the way they came. "We get really noisy at times."
"Never would have guessed," Sable added, following Raph back into the main room.
Raph ignored Mikey's cheeky expressions and showed Sable a long tunnel that was interspersed with three doors. The first held a makeshift bathroom with a toilet and sink on one side and a concrete alcove that served as a shower.
The second door was a small antechamber where light filtered through the grating high above. The room was warm and muggy, housing couple dozen plants, including several miniature bonsai trees.
"Dad's room is at the end," Raph pointed. "If he can hear us all the way in there, we're being too loud. And get punished."
Sable laughed. She knew exactly how Splinter felt. Many times, she and her siblings got out of hand and invoked parental wrath. She eyed Raph, wondering how in the world Splinter drew the giant turtle over his knee for a spanking.
"Punished?" She asked, staring Raph up and down. "I find it hard to believe your dad spanks you."
Raph ducked his head, hiding his blush.
"Yeah, well, dad may be small, but he still packs quite the punch," Raph shuffled down the short tunnel, took a left, and opened a door. "This is the hashi. This is normally where we spend our punishments. Unless dad whips our shells in the dojo."
Sable entered the room, expecting to find all manner of torture devices. What she was found a small stone circular room with… toys? Ping pong paddles, various balls, and even a…tricycle? Crafting supplies and storage containers and three different types of chairs. The place looked more like a junk room than a place of punishment.
"Donnie wants to take out that wall and expand his lab," Raph said, motioning to the wall in question.
"Is that a good idea?" Sable asked, exiting the room to turn the corner and find a large assortment of machinery. All of it was prepped for storage. The area beyond was rather spacious. Not as big as the living room or dojo, but definitely big enough to accommodate several manners of scientific curiosity.
Raph shrugged.
"Beats me. Donnie's the engineer. He said he can move the wall about five feet and it won't compromise the structural integrity. Or some such crap."
Sable was even more astounded by her lover. He really was a genius. If it was possible, it made her love him a little bit more.
Raph made a gagging sound.
"Oh gross! You're thinking of Donnie, aren't you?"
"What makes you say that?" She had to bite back a grin.
Raph's face twisted in disgust.
"Cause your face got all glowy and you had this lovey dovey, ooey gooey, sappy twinkle in your eye."
Sable should have been affronted, but she had grown up with brothers, and knew how to handle them when they dissed emotional 'chick stuff.'
She gave an overly exaggerated dreamy sigh.
"Well, he does that to me."
Raph made a noise between a huff, a snort, and a dry heave.
Sable decided to egg him on.
"I get so distracted by how passionate he is, I forget how smart he is, and smart is so very sexy."
"I'm going to throw up," Raph deadpanned, shaking his head and walking away toward the main room.
Sable caught up, looping her arm through his. Their size difference was comical.
Raph slowed his pace for her much smaller stride. He kept his focus straight ahead, as if not noticing his small human shadow.
"You don't fool me, Raph," Sable said as they walked. "You may pretend to be grossed out by me and Donnie, but if either of us were in trouble, nothing would stop you from coming to our rescue."
"In a heartbeat," Raph growled with conviction. His expression sobered as the reentered the main room. "Just, keep the mushy stuff to a minimum, okay? It can be really gross."
Sable patted his thick arm, her eyes twinkling with female intuition.
"Just you wait, Raph. One day, when you least expect it, you're going to fall head over heels in love."
"Yeah, not happening," Raph rebuked immediately. "Too much trouble. Life is easier without drama."
Sable snickered.
"The more you protest, the harder you will fall."
"Whatever," Raph said. He steered them toward Donnie and when he was within arm's reach, he shoved his geeky brother hard in the shell to get his attention.
Donnie offered a hoot of surprise, finding his lap full of a startled Sable.
Raph sat Sable on Donnie's lap, huffing in mock aggravation.
"Here, geek. Take care of your female. She's annoying me."
Sable glared at Raph's cheekiness, but decided to take advantage of her position. She wrapped her arms around Donnie's neck, kissing him soundly and making him forget about algorithms and deciphering codes.
A growling hiss interrupted their kiss.
Breaking apart, both spotted Leo nearby, where he had finished his workout and was going to the kitchen for much needed fluids.
Donnie offered a bashful grin, but Sable merely smiled pleasantly at the eldest brother. She wasn't going to let him intimidate her. She got up from Donnie's lap and patted his shell.
"How much longer, genius?"
Donnie broke eye contact with Leo and muttered, "Little bit longer. Nearly done expanding the decryption perimeters."
"Good," Sable said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. She totally ignored Leo's icy tower of glowering rebuke. "Finish up so you can take the rest of the evening off to spend time with me and your family."
Donnie perked up, mind already active on another form of spending time, though he wasn't going to speak his thoughts out loud. Hurriedly, he began to type.
Leo stormed past the two and into the kitchen, retrieving a brightly colored drink from the cabinet and downing it in a few short gulps.
"Dude, food's almost done," Mikey said, waving a spoon at his elder brother.
"Not hungry," Leo snarled, grabbing another drink and leaving the kitchen in a huff. He nearly knocked Sable down as she entered the kitchen to offer her assistance with the cooking.
Sable waited until Leo was out of earshot before speaking to Mikey. "Well, this is going to be awkward."
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Do I still have my readers or has these brief lapses lost them? Just curious to see if how many are following this story and interested in its continuation. It's starting to lag I feel and I just wanna know if it still has a following or should I focus on something else.
