Joey pushed open the glass door to the small grocery store. Scanning the room, he finally spotted the person he wanted to see. He was stocking a shelf. Joey frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. He felt a little guilty coming to his friend after all this time. They'd only spoken a few times since their return to their human forms. Taking a deep breath, he approached. "Uh, hey, Arny."
Bebop looked up from the box he was pulling items from. "Hey, Joey! Man, how've ya been?"
Rocksteady shrugged. "I've had my ups and downs." He glanced towards the counter where an older woman was manning the cash register. "I see your mom let ya come back to work for 'er."
Bebop frowned, glancing in the same direction. "Yeah, I think she was just happy ta see me. She thought I was dead. I nearly scared her to death showin' up like I did." Looking back at Joey, he continued to frown. "Last I talked to ya, you was doin' good, said ya had a job and everything."
Joey let out a heavy sigh, looking away. "Yeah, things change." He glowered at the floor. "And for me it never seems to be for the good."
Arny's frown intensified. "What's that supposed ta mean? I thought ya had a good thing goin' with Sams and all."
"Not so much anymore. She picked that turtle over me. I left, lost my job, and I been crashin' with the old gang for over a week." Bebop could see the pain in his friend's gaze when he finally lifted his head to meet his eyes. "She lied to me. She went behind my back and…" The words stuck in Joey's throat, blocked by betrayal and disgust.
Arny stopped stocking the shelf and stepped around the large box. "She what?"
"She married 'im. Said it was for me, but it wasn't." He sighed running a hand through his tuff of blonde hair. "She thought I'd try to keep 'em apart. Truth is, I woulda. I woulda done anythin' to get 'er out of there. I even made up with my old man for all of a day."
Bebop looked a bit shocked at the last part. He knew what that man had done to Joey and his sister. "Why'd ya go and do a thing like that?"
"I know! It was stupid! Seems all I ever do is make stupid mistakes. Now, I got no job and no where to stay." Rocksteady met his old friend's eyes again. "I hate ta ask, but do ya mind if I crash with ya for a while."
Bebop smiled. "Buddy, ya know ya don't even need ta ask. But I'll do ya one better. We could use some more help round here. Mom can't do as much as she used ta. And I've had ta keep an eye on the creeps that come in here sometimes. This hood's got worse since we was gone."
Joey's eyes widened. "Really? Ya'd let me work here?"
"Well, it'd be Mom's decision, but I know she won't care. She's just happy I'm back. She's had a pretty rough time since I was gone."
Joey was completely stunned. "Gee, Arny, I don't what ta say."
Bebop smiled. "How 'bout thanks."
Joey finally grinned. "Thanks."
Arny grinned as well. "Good, now how 'bout helpin' me out. I got five more boxes in back that gotta be unloaded."
Joey continued to grin as he pulled the items from the box. "Ya don't even need ta ask."
As Leo crossed the lair something caught his eye and he paused to watch Don pace back and forth across his lab. He knew his brother only paced when he was worried about something. Leo decided it was best if he found out what was wrong. Stepping into the doorway, he waited for Don to notice him. When he didn't Leo spoke up. "Donatello?"
Don stopped and blinked at him, obviously still caught up in his thoughts. "Did you need something, Leonardo?"
The elder turtle frowned. "No, but you look like you have something on your mind. Is it something I should know about?"
Don had started pacing again. "Hm, uh, no. It's nothing like that."
"Then what is it? Is it something I can help you with?"
Don stopped again, but didn't meet Leo's gaze. "I…I don't know…"
Leo gave him a small smirk. "Well, the only way to find out, is to ask."
Don finally looked up at him, his expression very serious. Instead of telling his brother exactly what was bothering him, he asked a question. "How did you know Sams was going to say yes, when you asked her out?"
Leo blinked, surprised by the inquiry. He thought about that for a moment. "Well, I didn't know for sure she would. I guess I just took a leap of faith. I knew her enough that I thought there was a good chance she would."
Don frowned, chewing his bottom lip a bit. "But how did you know she'd say yes, being what we are? I mean that she'd even consider such a thing?"
Leo frowned now. "She knew what I was and she never once rejected me for it. She never pulled away when I tried to touch her or moved back when I got close. The only thing I knew for sure was that she wasn't scared of me – at all. I'm not sure we've ever met a human that was not freaked out even a little." He closed his eyes remembering the morning he'd woke in Sams' apartment. "The way she accepted me, it told me what kind of person she really was." He smiled when he opened his eyes to see his brother wearing a contemplative expression. Then it struck him. He knew where this line of questioning came from. "You're wondering about Katherine?"
Don's head shot up and Leo chuckled at the blush that crossed his brother's face. "Well, uh…yes."
Leo took the few steps between them to set his hand on Don's shoulder. "If you want my opinion, I think she'd go for it. She kinda reminds me of Sams the way she looks at us."
"With no fear." Don gave a small nod. "But-"
"No, no more buts. You're overthinking things. In these kinds of situations you have to use your heart and your gut, not your head."
"Another words, I shouldn't think about. I should just do it. And accept the outcome." Donnie frowned again. "I don't want to lose her friendship though."
Leo shook his head with a small knowing smile. "Trust me, you won't."
"Will Ryan be alright, Miss Kathy?" Crisa asked as Katherine locked up the classroom.
"He will now. They'll make sure that nobody hurts him again." Kathrine squeezed the young girl's shoulder.
"But we're not ever gonna see him again are we, just like Alex." Devin's tone held bitterness.
She sighed looking down at the thirteen year old boy. "I don't know. But even if we don't, I have a feeling that he will always remember us, just like Alex will."
"Do you really think so?" Crisa hoped it was true. She still missed Alex and now she missed Ryan too.
"Yes, I do." They started towards the front of the store. "Wouldn't you remember us, if you had to go away?"
Crisa nodded vigorously. "Oh, yes!"
Katherine smiled as they reached the door. "See?" Then her expression turned serious. "I want you both to know how proud I am of you. And if there is ever a day I'm not here for you, I'd hope you'd both continue to believe in yourselves and each other."
It was Devin's turn to nod. "We will."
Katherine gave them a small hug. "Now, it's getting dark. You two hurry on home. I'll see you next weekend, okay?"
The two children chimed their agreement as they left. Katherine watched them walk off down the sidewalk. They didn't live far and the sun was just beginning to set, so she knew they'd get there safely. She sighed inwardly, her own heart was still in turmoil over losing Ryan. Stepping back into the store, she made sure all the main lights were off before picking up her purse and slipping outside. Well, at least I know he's safe. She reminded herself as she began to lock the door.
"Hey, lady!" A male voice called from behind her.
Kathrine turned to blink at the figure in the dying light. "Yes? Can I help you?"
"No, you've done enough!" Before she could even register what had happened, the man charged forward, grabbing her by the neck. Katherine gasped as she finally recognized the man. It was Ryan's uncle. "You picked the wrong person to mess with. Because of you, they stuck me in jail." He let out a vicious snicker and raised a fist. "But I got bail. And now I'm gonna make you pay!"
Katherine cringed, shutting her eyes and bracing for the blow. But it didn't come. Instead, their was a grunt and the hand around her neck was ripped away.
"Get away from her!"
Katherine's heart skipped a beat and her eyes flew open. Standing between her and Ryan's uncle was Donnie. She gasped. "Donatello!"
The turtle kept his eyes glued to the human, glaring. The man glared right back. "This ain't no business of yours, pal! Beat it!"
Don growled. "If it's your intention to harm Katherine, then it most certainly is my business."
"That ho ruined my life!"
Putting two and two together, it wasn't hard to guess who the man was. "I'd say you were the one that ruined your life." Don stated firmly.
"What do you know!" The man threw a fist at Don's head.
The ninja immediately blocked it and punched the guy in the stomach. To his credit, Ryan's uncle didn't fall over. But he did become more angry and reckless. He threw another punch. Don caught it, his own blow catching the man in the side of the head. This time he did go down. Donnie frowned at him on the ground. "It's not very pleasant being hit by someone stronger than you, is it?"
The man got back to his knees. Don's hat had been knocked off in the fray and the man finally realized who was in front of him. He gawked up at him. "You're a turtle!"
Don's eyes narrowed. "That's right. Now leave and don't ever try that again. Or next time I won't be so nice." Ryan's uncle clambered to his feet and hurried away. Donnie finally turned to Kathrine, who'd been watching the encounter with large eyes. He caught her shoulders in his hands. "Are you alright?"
She stared up at him with the same large eyes. "Don…Donatello, what…what are you doing here?"
"You said that you'd be done around this time, so I thought I'd stop by and…" He trailed off, looking up the sidewalk after her assailant. "I guess it was a good thing I did come by."
He was a bit surprised when she threw her arms around him and buried her face in his chest. A soft sob left her before she spoke. "Thank you."
He frowned, wrapping his arms around her tightly. "It's alright."
For a long time they stood there holding one another as she calmed. Finally, she lifted her head to look at him. But she didn't release him. She gave him a weak smile, her eyes damp. "Really, thank you."
He returned the smile. "I'd never let anyone hurt you, Katherine."
Her smile widened. "What were you stopping by for?"
He blushed. Luckily it was hard to see between the darkening sky and the dim street lights. "Well, I, uh…" He took a deep breath. "I stopped by to see if you'd like to have dinner with me."
Her eyes widened again and for one horrible second he thought she was going to say no. Then she leaned back into him, resting her head on his chest. "I'd like that very much."
His pulse raced. "Really?" Then he frowned. "You're not just saying yes, because I saved you, are you?"
He felt her chuckle in his arms, before she stepped back to look up at him again. "No, I would have said yes anyways. I like spending time with you. And I'm also not just saying yes, because you're the only person that has ever asked me to dinner before either."
He stared at her in disbelief. "No one has ever asked you…?" He shook his head. "How is that even possible?"
She frowned a little. "Why wouldn't it be?"
Disbelief still shined in his eyes as he cupped her cheek and slowly ran his fingers through her hair. "Because you're so…beautiful."
Katherine's blush was a dark red, far more easily seen in the street light. It was so endearing that it made Donnie's body rush with heat. His smile widened as she now wore the expression of disbelief. "That's a first as well. No one has ever called me beautiful."
"Well, trust me, it is very true." He slid his hand down to capture one of hers. "Are you still up for dinner?" She nodded. "I know a little place near here. We've gotten to be good friends with the owner over the years."
She squeezed his hand. "That sounds wonderful."
They continued to hold hands as they walked the few blocks up to the little Italian restaurant. As Don had said the owner greeted them warmly and took them to a quiet table near the back. He shot Don an encouraging smile as he left to take their orders to the kitchen.
Alone now, Don leaned forward a bit. "Sams told me some time ago that you don't have any family."
Katherine shook her head, her hand playing with the chain around her neck. "No, I never knew my parents. I was left as a baby on the doorstep of a church. The only thing I had was this neckless." She smiled a little at a random memory. "The priest that raised me used to call me his little muse. So when I was old enough, I chose it as my last name."
Don looked at the chain again. It was a rather inconspicuous piece of jewelry. The chain itself was silver and the pendant held a small stone that seemed to change colors. The stone was surrounded by a silver Y shaped vine. He noted that she didn't sound sad or bitter about her circumstances. "I don't know how to relate to such a thing. I have always had my brothers and Master Splinter."
Katherine blushed and gave a small laugh. "I'm a little ashamed to say, but although I've heard about you four, I've never really paid much attention to the stories. I don't watch a lot of television. I only watch when I have nothing else to do, which isn't often."
Donnie chuckled. "Well, April will be sad to hear that. But I can understand, you do seem to keep yourself busy." He sighed. "I wish I had something to do with my time. Lately there hasn't been much to keep me occupied. That's why I was glad to help you out. It gave me a chance to feel useful again."
She raised a light brown brow. "I'd think someone like you would have dozens of projects going at the same time."
He sat back. "Usually I do. But I haven't had a need for anything new in a while. It seems most of the insane megalomaniacs have left the city, or are too scared to make a move." He gave her a charming smile. "Besides, your company is much more preferable to theirs."
Katherine giggled. "It's good to know I rank higher than the insane megalomaniacs."
He grinned. "Much, much higher."
"Well, if you're looking for something to do, you could help me tutor. I know the kids would love it."
Don frowned a bit in thought. "Teach? Honestly, I've never considered it."
She smiled warmly as she laid her hand on his where it rested on the table. "Maybe it's time to consider it. I think you'd enjoy it. I know I would enjoy you being there."
Don's smile was just as warm as he ran his large thumb over her small knuckles. "Then, it is definitely time to consider it."
A/N: My apology for the long wait and short chapter. Just one more to go! I'll be posting it soon, just doing a bit of editing.
