Chapter Thirty-Six: Deceptions and Contraception

AN: Sorry for the long delay. Battling back issues again. Wanted to get this out to start off the month. My birthday is Tuesday so I'm hoping to get a lot of writing done without interruptions. Working diligently on all my Transformers and TMNT stories. I'm a little slower in production than I used to be but still resolute in writing and bringing all my readers good quality fics.

AN2: I think I've lost a lot of my readers. The stats are a lot lower than what they originally started out to be. I don't know if people are busy or my hiatus made them lose interest or they got pissy over something and stopped reading(I've gotten some pretty disturbing messages), but I was just curious to know how many are sticking with me through this incredible journey. There's a LOT of twists and turns coming and I want to make sure I still have an audience and didn't lose anyone in space mountain!

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Dinner went pleasantly, Sable curled into Donnie's side as they watched an action flick Mikey had brought with them. The garbage truck was parked behind the house next to the garage to get it off the street. As the movie wound down and everyone yawned and stretched ready for bed, Sable became self conscious. Leo had offered his father the bedroom opposite Sable's, with the bathroom separating them, stating his desire to remain downstairs as he rose early for kata practice and didn't want to disturb anyone else.

It was bullshit, but agreement murmured all around.

Mikey started clearing plates and nodded to the happy couple, "Do you want to take a bath first?"

"Good idea," Donnie said, standing up and holding out his hand for Sable.

She took it, not daring to glance to Splinter as she knew her face would flame red with embarrassment. Together they climbed the stairs, Donnie escorting her to the tub, where he locked the doors and began to help Sable undress.

She swatted at him.

"Donnie, I can undress myself. I'm not helpless."

"I know," Donnie grinned. "But I like seeing you naked. Can't blame a turtle."

Face falling, she paused. "Donnie, after what happened," she motioned to her lower stomach, "I'm not ready for sex. Not yet. Not after…" She frowned.

Donnie caught her face, holding her tenderly to stare into her eyes.

"I'm not trying to get you naked for sex, though I must admit, I can't help but find you highly attractive. But I know you are not ready. It's too soon. And that we must take precautions from now on."

Sable opened her mouth to kiss him, but drew up, eyes wide.

"Oh, God!" she gasped, hand flying to cover her mouth. "Oh! Oh! Oh! God!"

"What?" Donnie asked, suddenly tensed, ready to spring into action.

"I bought condoms and spermacide at the store today," Sable blurted in a hushed tone, though there was no way anyone could hear. "Mikey put up groceries! The condoms were in the groceries!"

Donnie's expression went slack.

"He probably put them away thinking they're some sort of food item," Donnie said slowly.

"How can you be sure?"

"Well, if he knew what they were, we would have noticed perverted looks, jokes, and the smile he gets when he's thinking something inappropriate. Mikey doesn't have a good poker face. If he knew what the condoms and spermacides were, he'd be hounding us with looks and innuendos."

"You sure?"

Donnie turned on the taps and began stripping.

"Positive. I know the little shit. He doesn't have a subtle bone in his body."

Sable followed suit, getting naked and climbing into the tub, where Donnie wrapped his arms around her. His tail was slightly thickened, but not fully erect. She lay in his arms as the hot water rose around them.

"I'll get up early tomorrow and search the cabinets," Sable said, soaping up a washcloth to bathe Donnie. For his part, he held still, allowing her to scrub him clean. "Don't want to go down there now while everyone is awake and have someone to see what I'm getting."

"Awkward," Donnie muttered, eyes drifting closed as Sable lulled into a peaceful state of mind.

When she cupped his tail, he immediately lifted into her hand. He cleared his throat, blushing, taking the washcloth from her and muttering, "Sorry. Instinct."

He reloaded the cloth and returned the favor, washing Sable, even between her legs. She gasped as he glided through her slit and over her clit.

"Sorry," she breathed, looking away. "Instinct."

Once finished they dried each other off, Donnie tugging on loose fitting grey pants and Sable wearing panties and PJs, hoping Donnie wouldn't attempt to sneak fuck her early in the morning. Many times she had been woken by him moving inside her.

Not that she complained.

She missed him so much it was a terrible ache, eating away her mind and breaking her heart. But as soon as she thought about sex, the consequences came slamming into her, threatening to drown her in sadness and heartache.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Donnie asked, cupping her cheek, pulling her from her spiraling thoughts.

"Just thinking how much I love you," Sable whispered, kissing the inside of his wrist. "How much you mean to me. I can't imagine my life without you."

"Me too," Donnie admitted, ducking his head for light kiss that both struggled not to deepen into something more. "Come on, let's get to bed."

They lay in the dark, listening to the sounds of the house move with life. Mikey's heavy footfalls to his bedroom across the hall. The doors being closed, including the one that shared the bathroom with Sable and Donnie.

Sable decided the bathrooms needed some major upgrades, as the adults didn't want to walk in on another during the wrong time. She discussed the house augmentation late into the night, Donnie also imparting he and Leo had decided to turn the attic into two spare bedrooms and a full bath. With Sable's permission, they would start construction as soon as possible.

Sable agreed before falling asleep in Donnie's arms.

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The next morning Sable woke up to Donnie's soft snores. She smiled at his adorable face, lax in sleep, drooling along the corner of his mouth, rocked half on his shell as he slept soundly.

Extracting herself from his arms, she rose, putting on her bathrobe and creeping down the stairs. Thankfully the stairs didn't give her away.

She grabbed the handle on the first cabinet to inspect it when she noticed Leo outside, bathed in dawn's light, performing a slow kata. He was already drenched in sweat, but on and on his moved, muscles bulging, focus razor sharp, his swords sweeping in a deadly dance.

Knowing she wouldn't have a lot of time, Sable began to search, moving aside boxes and cans in the cabinets she used as a pantry. Her search reaped reward in the cupboard above the stove where the spices were kept.

Hastily grabbing the three boxes, she shoved them into the pockets of her robe, tucking a paper towel after, as to further hide her contraband. She was ready to make her exodus when the kitchen door opened and Leo walked in. He halted on the threshold, eyeing her closely.

"What are you doing up so early?" he asked.

Sable looked at the clock. It was 6:30.

"Thought I'd get an early start on breakfast. Mikey has a big appetite and the kid can put away pancakes," she lied easily.

Leo gave a grunt of understanding. He shut the door and crossed the room, intending to leave.

Sable halted him.

"I've seen Donnie perform those martial arts exercises, but they seem a lot different when you do them," she said, hoping to engage him in a conversation.

Leo regarded her with an icy stare.

"Because his form is weak and his attention wavers. He allows himself to be distracted. If it weren't for his… mindless distractions, he would be a great ninja."

Sable's jaw hit the floor. She knew what he meant by 'mindless distractions.' But he had already disappeared up the stairs before she could retaliate.

"What an ass," she breathed, setting about making breakfast.

As 7:30 graced the clock, the kitchen began to fill with turtles. Donnie was first, dropping kisses along Sable's neck. His hands patted along her robe, sensing the boxes. He drew back, giving her an inquiring look, before she cleared her throat, glancing to his half erect tail.

Sleep vanished from Donnie's mind as he understood what was tucked away from brotherly, and fatherly, eyes. Before he could ask if she wanted him to take them upstairs, Mikey entered the kitchen, yawning hugely and zeroing in on the pile of pancakes and sausage patties.

Sable gave Donnie a playful swat on the ass and motioned to the fridge.

"Get out some orange juice, will ya?"

"Only live to please," Donnie answered, bending over.

It was Mikey's turn to get in on the laughter. He spanked Donnie, causing the nerdy turtle to hoot and bolt upright.

"Hey, can't blame a turtle! You made such a great target!" Mikey crowed, getting the dishes without being asked.

Donnie groused under his breath and carried the large jug of OJ to the table.

Raph entered the kitchen, sniffing loudly and rubbing sleep out of his eyes.

"Something smells good," he said around a yawn, seating himself at the table to glare bleary eyed around the room. He wasn't a morning turtle.

Sable paused upon spotting Raph. He wasn't wearing his bandana. Which was weird in of itself, as it seemed as if they were naked without them. But that's not what drew her attention.

It was his head. Or rather, the scars adorning his head.

They were long, thin wheals, pale green with age, no doubt sustained when he was a child. They ringed his head and mottle his skin as a deformed monster.

Raph noticed Sable's attention and looked away, huge hand going to his head to hide his scars. He shifted uncomfortably, his giant shell scraping the back of the chair.

Sable picked up the platter full of scrambled eggs she just finished cooking and carried it to the table. Delicately, she touched his wrist, drawing his hand away.

Bashfully he locked gazes, expecting to see disgust or even horror. Shame colored his cheeks to a pine green.

Sable smiled, placing the eggs close to him and leaning in to peck him on the cheek, close to the indentation that served as his ear.

She muttered, "No shame in this house. Now, eat up, young man." She rose, motioning toward Mikey, who already piled seven pancakes on a plate and was smothering them in syrup. "Before your brother eats everything."

Raph's face cracked into a crooked grin. He grabbed a plate and followed Sable's orders, even challenging Mikey to a duel with the knives, to which Sable adamantly scolded both until they behaved.

Splinter entered the room, looking haggard but there was a smirk about the ancient rat. He witnessed Sable's handling of his sons and it amused him she bossed them around so readily.

"Good morning, Splinter," Sable said, opening another carton of eggs to scramble.

Donnie leaned close to Sable, his hip bumping into hers occasionally while he made toast.

"Good morning, my dear," Splinter said, shuffling to the table and accepting a plate full of hot delicious food. The old rat could get used to this kind of treatment.

Leo chose that moment to make an appearance.

Sable, not one to be shy in her own home, and having the need to subconsciously stake her alpha status, called cheerfully, "Morning, Asshole!"

Leo paused, taken aback.

So was everyone else.

Even Donnie was staring slack jawed at Sable's tenacity. It kinda.. turned him on.

Course that could be because he hadn't bedded her in some time and his urges were backing up.

Leo continued on his way without so much as a retort. He settled at the table, crossing arms over chest and glaring sullenly to the room at large.

Sable placed a dozen sausage patties on the table and gave him a sweet smile, which earned her a growling huff. Sable regarded him coolly, clearly letting him know he wasn't intimidating her.

Raph smirked nearby, winking at Sable. She had his approval, without doubt.

"So, what's on the agenda for today?" Sable asked, finally seating herself to eat with her extended family.

"Home," Leo grunted. He had refused to eat until Splinter kicked him in the shin under the table. Now, Leo strangled his way through half a pancake and a sausage patty.

"Need to figure out what we need at the hardware store and see if we can get it delivered," Raph put in. "I'd like to get started on that attic as soon as possible."

"Maybe you guys can go ahead and I can get some final measurements?" Donnie put in.

"No," Leo said, putting down his OJ and giving Donnie a look that meant he wasn't to be challenged. "We've taken enough time away from the lair to indulge in your little," he glanced to Sable, then back to Donnie, "distraction, but it's time to get back. We have duties."

"Computers," Mikey put in helpfully.

Sable leaned on Donnie's arm, gazing adoringly up into his face.

"You go save the world. I have appointments and family functions to attend the next few days."

She hoped he'd understand what she meant by 'appointments' and by the brightening twinkle in his eye, he cottoned on fast. Well, he was a genius.

He circled Sable with his long arms, excitement bubbling and making him appear as a toddler about to open presents at Christmas.

"Few days getting caught up and then spend a few days with you."

It was Leo, unsurprisingly, who interrupted the happy couple's interlude.

"No. Finding out what the Foot is up to is far more important than getting your shell waxed."

Mikey choked on a mouthful of food. Raph pounded him on the shell, throwing a dirty look to Leo.

Splinter became uncomfortable as well.

Donnie, in a rare display of defiance, regarded Leo coolly.

"I'll do what I can, but if I encounter a problem, I will set the computer to decrypt and will spend a couple days with my mate while the computer finishes the programs. I'm not sitting at home, staring at the computers for endless hours as they work through codes and algorithms. That time may be better spent elsewhere, and I chose to be here, with Sable."

Not wanting to start a huge row, Sable added, "It would only be for a day or two. You have my solemn promise, Leo, I'll pack his shell and send him home as soon as his computer finishes its doohickeys."

Donnie did a double take to Sable, not sure what a 'doohickey' was, but made a mental note to ask later. Right now, it was more important to establish his dominance within this household. He was Sable's mate. His wishes were to be honored while within his domain.

Leo puffed his shell; a fight brewing in the icy depths of his eyes, but Splinter, ever the patriarch, spoke up.

"Donatello, your work is imperative for the safety of not only New York, but of the world," the wise rat started, cutting through the tension between the rivalry at the table.

Donnie deflated, bowing to his father's wishes. "Yes, Master."

Sable nudged Donnie, hoping to break his sudden melancholy.

"And you need to catch up on your training. You need to be as good as Leo if you're to save the world."

Leo narrowed his eyes, unsure if Sable was complimenting or insulting him. He decided on compliment and gave Donnie a knowing look, as if to say 'see, I told you so'.

Sable stared at the green faces sitting around her table and sighed, "Superheroes. I'm in the company of superheroes."

Mikey's arm immediately flexed, showing off his bicep. He grinned, egg stuck in his teeth.

Even Leo quelled a little. He finished off his plate and grabbed another sausage patty.

Donnie cleared his throat, clearly put off by being considered a hero. His cheeks colored slightly.

"I don't know about that."

Splinter piped in, "Agreed. It takes a strong person to stand up for what is right and protect those who are weak and helpless. To place one's life on the line for those they care for, and the strangers who don't even know they exist. The life of a hero can be a cold, lonely path to follow. But sometimes, there is a bright light that offers us warmth and peace."

Sable reached out, taking the rat's hand and smiling at him.

"God, this sappiness is making my shell ache," Raph groused, picking up his plate and walking to the sink.

Mikey followed, showing Raph how to arrange the dishes in the washer and returned to the table to pick up the dirty dishes.

Leo muttered, "I'll be in the truck," and left without another word, his father's words haunting his wake.

Splinter thanked Sable for her hospitality, which she gave the rat a hug, mindful of the condoms in her pocket, and waved Mikey goodbye. Raph went upstairs to retrieve his bandana and offered a mumbled reply, which earned him a surprise half hug from Sable. He awkwardly patted her back and hurried out the door, where Mikey started to catcall, witnessing the big turtle being mushy.

Donnie, naturally, was last, his arms around her waist, his expression sorrowful. He always hated to leave her.

"Hurry up and get your computers sorted," Sable muttered, her fingers stroking the back of his neck as if he had hair.

Donnie nuzzled her cheek, seeking her lips, which she readily presented for his affection. His kiss was tender, unhurried, simply basking in the touch of her responding to him.

Which was occurring in more ways than one.

Nipples hardened, her stomach gave a happy flop, her lower regions going wet and throbbing.

She muttered against his lips, "When you return, we'll put the stuff in my pockets to use."

Donnie whined, his tail thickening with understanding. Knowing he was treading on dangerous ground, and not wanting his family to see how hard he was becoming, he broke the kiss, breath heavy and rapid as Sable's own.

"Deal!"

"Come on, love bird!" Raph snarled from the back of the truck.

Splinter leaned out of the front seat, "Donatello, must I remind you of the traffic we will face at this hour?"

Donnie sighed, giving Sable one last quick kiss and plodding to the truck, where Leo started the engine and backed out of the drive. Sable waved them goodbye and went into the house.

Mikey had cleared up the dishes and started the washer. Such a thoughtful turtle. He even wiped the syrup off the table and chair where he was sitting.

Sable hurried upstairs to change clothes, taking out the three boxes she had managed to keep hidden during breakfast. She stood by the bed, staring at them, mind drifting to what could have been.

She mentally shook herself, setting the spermacide and condoms on the beside table and getting ready to start her day. She had a feeling she was going to be entertaining a house full of visitors more often, and as she suspected, she was in serious need of restocking her pantry.

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On the way home turtles and rat were quiet. Even Mikey was subdued, and considering he had managed to inhale a dozen pancakes coated in rich, syrupy goodness, he was strangle docile.

When they arrived home, Splinter went for a walk while Leo called for a training session. Three identical groans followed him into the dojo, where the next two hours were spent in intense hand to hand combat.

Donnie thought he faired pretty well, considering Raph's strength, Leo's skills, and Mikey's insanity. He landed quite a few blows, but instead of being proud of himself and gloating, (like Mikey,) he remained focused, thwarting the next attack.

Donnie flipped Mikey, sending the youngest skittering on his shell until he collided with the wall. Mikey, never one to be down for long, popped back up and charged. Donnie blocked every strike, and when Mikey wasn't paying attention, Donnie performed a complicated maneuver that took the pest down, flat on his shell.

Mikey blinked, stunned by what had happened.

"Not bad, brah!" he called, raising his hand and getting help to his feet.

Raph approached, rolling his neck to get the kinks out.

"Alright, who's next?"

Mikey meeped and bolted, racing around the room in a good spirited game of tag.

"Mikey! Raph!" Leo called, eyeing their progress. When both halted, Leo offered a wicked grin. "You have a five minute head start. Stay within 10 blocks of the lair. Donnie and I will come find you."

"No, you won't!" Mikey whooped, darting out the door, feet thudding along the concrete.

Raph sighed, casting a look to Leo and Donnie. "Some ninja." He shuffled forward and was standing at the doorway when he turned back to add, "I'm too big to be playing hide and seek."

"You have one hour to evade us," Leo put in, hands on hips, challenging Raph, "that is, if your slow shell can last that long."

Raph's lip twitched in a sneer. Fast a lightning, silent as a wraith, he was gone.

"Who do you want to go after?" Donnie asked, taking several deep breaths.

"Mikey," Leo said, "He's the hardest to find."

"He is rather good at this," Donnie put in, checking the clock on the distant wall. "Hard to imagine he can hide and be silent for such a long period of time."

"When it's a game, it's easy. When it's a dangerous mission, he becomes a liability."

"If only there was a way to channel his need to win a game into his stealth capabilities," Donnie said, missing Leo's insinuation.

Leo wasn't to be deterred. "Or learn to channel your distractions into your training so you won't become a liability again."

Donnie's step faltered.

"What?"

"You heard me," Leo said, squaring off with Donnie and throwing his smaller sibling into shadow. "You landed a few lucky punches this time, but you've gotten sloppy. Your lack of discipline and strength make you vulnerable, which in turn, makes us vulnerable. You need to stop splitting your attention and focus on what is important." Leo got up into Donnie's face. "US!"

Donnie's heart crumbled. Timidly he fooled with his bo, head down, unable to look Leo in the eye.

He was ashamed. Humiliated.

He thought he landed solid, decent punches and kicks during their training session. But the way Leo was posturing in front of him, made him feel weak and inadequate.

The fuel and fire he felt while at Sable's had gone out. Now he was back to being cowed by his much bigger sibling. He took a deep breath, taking a risk to look up into Leo's stormy blue eyes.

"I love her, Leo," he muttered.

"Love is a liability," Leo spat, squared off to his geeky brother and asserting his full dominance.

"Love is also our greatest strength," Donnie countered, but Leo wasn't to be swayed.

"Love is treacherous," Leo argued. "It makes you weak. Helpless. Useless."

To emphasize his point, Leo plucked at Donnie's much thinner arms. They dangled at Donnie's sides, not offering resistance.

"Get your priorities straight," Leo said, giving Donnie's lithe bicep a meaningful squeeze that made him wince in pain. "Train your body. Hone your abilities. Use your knowledge to aid us in the defense of this city, and this world."

"I do the best I can," Donnie said, his voice gaining strength. "I design and fix our equipment. Our weapons. Our vehicles. I run the diagnostics. I write the programs. I make the sensors."

Donnie choked back his frustration.

"What more do you expect? What else do you want me to do?"

"Practice your skills," Leo said, circling Donnie, his gaze unwavering, icy, boring into his brother unblinkingly. "Perfect your training. Become a better ninja to keep yourself, and us, safe."

"I can only do so much," Donnie blurted, expression faltering upon finding Leo orbiting him in a predatory manner. It made his blood run cold. "I'm trying as hard as I can, Leo."

"It's not good enough," Leo snapped in Donnie's face. "You're weak! A liability. Your weakness makes us vulnerable. We need to be strong. Focused! You need to try harder!"

"I can't do everything," Donnie muttered, flinching from Leo's hovering form a couple inches from his face.

"You would be able to keep up with us if you focused on more important things," Leo said.

"I'll…I'll do better," Donnie muttered, lowering his gaze, shell drooping.

"Good. Do your job!" Leo hissed, his breath hot and hateful on Donnie's cheek. "Or you're no good to us."

Words still hanging heavy in the air, Leo left to go hunt his siblings.

Donnie stood paralyzed. Slowly, he blinked, crashing back into reality. He looked to his bo, so innocently resting in his three fingered grip. It was a natural weapon to him. As easy to manipulate as the air he breathed.

Though now, it seemed such a dismal failure. A major disappointment.

Despondently, Donnie tucked the bo into place at his side and shuffled to the bank of computers far removed from the busy hub of the lair.

Leo would find Raph and Mikey. He was number one when it came to finding his siblings during such games.

Donnie took solace in the only thing he knew, finding comfort in the lines of text and algorithms that ran on four separate monitors. It was a hollow comfort. But with his heart breaking, he hid himself in what was familiar. What sheltered his wounded spirit. What balmed his soul when the wounds were raw and bleeding.

Lulled by the gentle lullaby of computers, Donnie remained focused on the screens, fighting back the tears that tried to darken his mask.

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Thought I'd bring back some of Leo's sharp edges and stir up the friction again. :D

Currently working on the next chapter now.

Love to all!

PJ

PS: Reviews go a LONG way to fueling my muse! Help power me through these road blocks and figure out the thing blocking me right now. (I encountered an obstacle and need a way around it. Reviews help)