Shattered Mirrors Ch4. (Stranger)

April POV

Handing the children off to Mikey who volunteered to take care of them for the day, April slowly moved her way towards the Dojo reluctantly, in the dim lighted room, there was a shadow of a figure between two lit candles, not to her surprise the shadow was Leo sitting there meditating, waiting for her arrival.

Not even saying a word remaining in his state of peace, the ninja waited patiently for her to take her seat, as he instructed her in doing so the other day, to come and join him.

Nervously April stood there rubbing her arm wearily, "Leo, I'm not really sure about this… I mean ok, I know I sat in for Donnie's sake, but a one on one session with me…"

It has been weeks now that Leo has been constantly insisting on her to take some lesson from him, nothing to extravagant of course, he explained to her he just wanted to arrange some meditation sessions, as well some basic training in order for her to protect herself better in extreme circumstances.

His personal opinion on the subject were valid she had to admit and she truly did understand where he was coming from, for being not just a mutant, but a mother and the mate of not just one ninja but two, she did need to know more then just how to punch and kick her way out of a fight.

Sure she could hold her own against any street thug to a point that is, but if she ever found herself against a foot ninja, which she was told there aren't many around now these days and they tend not to bother them anymore, she still needed some defensive skills just for the critical moment that something did arise against her.

With a smile, Leo opened one eye looking her over, "April, do we always have to do this? You're more then capable to learn what I can teach you, besides it's not just for your own benefit, but ours as well. I agree with Raph on this, if you become more skilled, the less we will worry about you. Not saying we think you're weak, but there are people out there…"

Quickly stepping in before this turned into one of his famous long lectures, April sighed, "I know Leo… It's just not that easy for me… I'm sorry. I really don't like fighting so much and prefer not to put myself in such situations and…"

"Then don't think of it as fighting per say, but defending yourself and your hatchlings," Leo closed his eyes, knowing the last part of his comment got her hook line and sinker.

(Damn, he just had to say it that way, didn't he…)

Sighing in defeat, rolling her eyes annoyingly, he did have her exactly where he wanted her, he just couldn't resist playing the hatchlings card on her, did he?

"Fine… Just be patient with me," April sat down trying not to pout.

With a light chuckle, Leo tried not to lose his concentration, "Patience? After dealing with both Donnie and Mikey in one session, I don't think I have to worry so much about that when dealing with you."

(Oh, I forgot about that day, I'm still not sure who was more wired for sound, Mikey or Donnie?)

"I guess you got me there," April smiled devilishly seeing Leo was cringing on the flashback.

Raph POV

Finally reaching the door to the lair, Raph opened it carefully making sure no one was around first, not even open half way, Donnie rushed right in quickly, still not ushering a word, as Raph could only shake his head.

In a matter of seconds Donnie was on the couch staring at the blank TV, deep down, Raph wanted to see what was up, yet he couldn't, he knew he would only get the avoiding silence yet again, if he bothered.

(What happened out there… why was he lying to me? There was no way he just slipped… not the way he was acting… was he attacked? If he was, why didn't I see anyone, only foot ninjas are that good...)

Crossing his arms, Raph debated what to do, should he tell April or Leo of Donnie's demeanor?

Biting his lip, he wasn't sure that was the right approach to this, yet one thing he did have to do, was talk to Leo that was for sure, about the cameras to see how they should proceed with that disturbing finding of his.

(I really should deal with the cameras first, then Donnie, I just hope they are not related… If they are… then something is out there wanting to pick a fight with us… why now of all times?)

Tilting his head towards the Dojo, noticing it was before noon and it looks like it was being occupied, Raph recalled Leo stating something about finally getting April to train, though he did wonder if his elder brother accomplished such a feat or not this time around, April could be the stubborn type.

Biting his lip, the idea of having April finally agreeing to train, held as much as an importance to him, sure the information about the camera's could wait right, until they are done with their session at least?

(I will talk to him in a bit, not like an hour will change things.)

Making the decision to go sit with Donnie to see if he at least do something productive, and attempt some small talk with the younger brother to get him to open up, not even a step forward, the sounds of the door to the sewers open behind him, frozen in his spot, a sense of dread washed over Raph.

Why would the door be opening, it didn't make sense, everyone was home, he knew that for sure, then who was coming into the so call secure home of his?

(SHIT! Did someone follow us and I didn't notice!)

As the door closed, Raph watched Donnie take a peek over the couch to see who just came in, instantly the purple clad turtle turned white in utter pure fear, taking that as a clear sign that indeed someone did follow them, Raph grind his teeth, who would dare to intrude into his home!

Turning around quickly drawing his sai to go into battle, he only stood down just as quickly, in disbelief.

(I will be damned...)

There standing at the door, smiling welcomely, was someone he hasn't seen for years, "Shit is that you Leatherhead? Damn, it has been a while!" Raph put away his sais extending his hand out to greet the alligator he thought he would never see again, after he left the city over 4 years ago.

"It has been Raphael… is there something wrong with Donatello, he is looking at me oddly, like he doesn't recognize me…" Leatherhead shook Raph's hand, looking over the muscle turtle, staring at the turtle on the couch that only became more nervous under his eyes.

"Oh yeah, that… rrr… How do I explain this… in short, he doesn't, Donnie had an accident a while back and he is still recovering… Leo would be better at explaining it in details than me. Just don't take it personally, he hasn't met anyone new for some time and he is weary of anyone he doesn't know," Raph tried to explain, just as Leo came out of the Dojo followed by April.

"Leatherhead, when did you get back into town?" Leo asked with a smile, happy to see the old friend again.

"Yesterday, I would have been over sooner, but I was trying to get settled down into my old lab first. Oh? And who may this be?" Leatherhead turned his attention towards April, marveled over seeing another turtle and a female at that.

"Oh, this is April," Raph introduced her, "April, this is an old friend of ours Leatherhead, he left a while back, I guess even he couldn't resist coming back to the Big Apple."

"Hi… umm is Donnie ok?" April looked over towards the living room, noticing Donnie was shaking like a leaf, he looked terrified, unsure why, wondering it had to do with a new face or not, she headed towards him quickly, trying to calm him down, only to have him look away from her, with his head low, whimpering.

Raising an eye brow on the bizarre sight, Raph has never seen Donnie act in this manner, not that anyone new has ever come into Donnie's life other than the kids, but still, he was acting more like he knew Leatherhead and feared him, then seeing him as some stranger.

"Guys, I'm going to bring Donnie to his room, is that ok? I think this is too much for him, he needs a moment to grasp on the thought of someone new is around," April called across the room, as she tried to get Donnie to follow her upstairs.

(Why is Donnie so hesitant to follow her?)

"Do you need a hand?" Raph volunteered as April just shook her head in response.

"I will be fine, can either of you help Mikey with the kids, it's almost lunch time," April asked, figuring she should stay with Donnie until his nerves settled down.

"Sure thing, don't worry April," Leo answered her, just to cringe witnessing the massive grin that formed on Raph's face, realizing once again he somehow volunteered himself to feed one of the munchkins…

(Oh, thank you Leo, you're such a good brother to give a helping hand!)

Watching April disappear into Donnie's room with Donnie, Raph turned his attention back to Leatherhead who seemed more lost than ever.

"Kids? I do believe I have missed much in the past years that has gone by…" Leatherhead could only say, in complete surprise to hear there was kids?!

"You have no idea," Leo sighed, shaking his head, inviting the old friend in.

Sitting at the table the three mutants chatted up a storm, as the brothers brought Leatherhead up to speed.

"I see, that is very misfortunate to hear about what happen to Donatello. You said he also fell off a roof and was in a coma as well?" Leatherhead sat back on his chair, processing the news.

"Yeah, he cracked his shell and smashed April's vehicle, all the while protecting her," Raph said sadly still feeling he should have prevented that, only if he got to her old place quicker, that whole disaster would have been avoided, that almost torn his family apart.

"With no one that you can trust, I take it that Donatello hasn't had a proper screening, or test done on him? As for the young lady, she to hasn't had her blood work looked at as well?" Leatherhead leaned forward looking at the brothers.

(He is right, she hasn't nor has Donnie…)

"No on both accounts, with only Donnie having that capability, we have no one to do that for us anymore," Leo answered, crossing his arms wearily, sometimes he wished Donnie wasn't the only one that could do this, it's been hard not having another person around to help out, it could have come in handy.

"Then allow me to lend a hand, if it is all right with you Leonardo. I can give Donatello a proper diagnosis and see if there is anything else that could be hindering him. As for April, I can see if her blood work is fine and there are no unexpected anomalies that might have occurred during mutation, that no one is aware of, as well any threats to her health for being mutated into a turtle," Leatherhead offered, as both brothers look at each other with a nod, this would be great, if they can find out about Donnie, maybe his illness is something that could be fixed right away, with the proper treatment.

"That would be most appreciated Leatherhead, but first let me pass this on to April and Donnie, they both don't know you and I want them to feel comfortable with this. I know April would be more than willing, but Donnie will be less, it will take him longer for him to allow you to do anything towards him," Leo explained.

Smiling, Leatherhead nodded, "That would be suspected in his condition. I will take simple tests to gain his trust, ones that I can do here in his lab, if permitted."

"Whatever you need Leatherhead, you know more about Donnie's lab than any of us put together," Leo stated feeling a wave of relief going over him.

(If he is taking tests… maybe I should ask him…)

Biting his lip, Raph stared at his hands, contemplating if he should ask or not, "There is one more thing LH… By chance can you do a DNA test to determine a child's birth father…?"

"Raph! I thought it was agreed neither you nor Donnie would question about who is the kids' father is. April would never agree to it, why would you even ask such a thing?" Leo crossed his arms at Raph disappointed, he understood why Raph would be asking, but to determine the kids' father might cause a wedge between his brothers and April, causing unnecessary problems.

"I know that Leo… rrrr…. I… I just want to know that's all! Hell April doesn't have to find out or even Donnie at that. LH is going to take their blood anyways, right? So I will give a sample of mine on top of that. As for the kids, they need to be checked too, it's not like we can see a doctor to see if they are healthy as well," Raph growled.

(Of course he is against it, what is so wrong in knowing who the father is, if I am the only one to know, it's not like I will change my views on them or April and Donnie…)

"Wait, you don't know who the father is?" Leatherhead had that confused look again.

"Well…" Raph rubbed his head shamefully, feeling a bit embarrassed at the same time, "Not really, it's a long story, short… Donnie and I both… mated with April, so we have no clue who the father is."

"Oh… I think that is enough details, then I wanted to know on that. So other words, April was mutated and both you boys mated with her, I take it, it was mating season, or she was in heat for being a turtle," Leatherhead shook his head.

Biting his lip, Raph lowered his head, it did sound bad didn't it, "Yeah, that was actually how it went down, so… can you do it?" Raph asked again, ignoring the protest from Leo, who narrowed his eyes at his younger brother.

"I could… but if it's against both the mother and Leonardo's approval, I'm sorry Raphael I can not," Leatherhead put the turtle's request down.

"Oh come on LH…" Raph started only to have Leo bark at him in disapproval, tugging the younger brother's shell, forcing him to get closer to him, to show he put his foot down and he meant it and not to continue this conversation.

"Raph that's enough, leave it!" Leo growled daring Raph to go against his order.

Grinding his teeth, Raph huffed, "Fine, whatever Leo!"

(Damn it Leo, why don't you just back off, this isn't your business… it's mine!)

"Umm... can I have help here please!" Mikey voice came from the stairs; quickly in response to his little brother's plea for help, Leo got to his feet rushing forward to aid him.

"What Leonardo doesn't know won't hurt him," Leatherhead stated in a whisper, looking at Raph, hinting to him.

"So you will do it then?" Raph said as low as he could, making sure the big brother had no clue what they were conspiring.

"Yes, but let's not talk about it, to alarm Leonardo and upset him. All considering I too am curious to see who is the father... As well, I do strongly believe you have the right to know my friend."

"Thanks LH, now I should go help out, both Willow and Luke can be a handful, they both have the remarkable ability to stress, Leo out," Raph beamed, overjoyed on the notion he was going to find out if he was the kids' father or not.

April POV

Curled up behind him, April held onto Donnie, stroking his head softly, as he clenched his pillow against his chest tightly, he hadn't said a peep or move from his position, all the while staring at the door anxiously.

(I wish he would calm down, why is he acting like this guy was going to hurt him?)

"Donnie, it's ok, I know it's scary to meet someone new, without warning. But your brothers seem to like him, they did say he was an old friend," April said soothingly not stopping her actions.

Yet her words would not reach him, with a sigh April tried another approached.

Slowly she licked his neck, yet he shuddered as she did, retreating from her, with a thick aroma a fear seeping out of his pores.

Confused April stared at him, this was the first time he has ever acted in this manner towards her affections; he was always so willing to receive them, so open, loving her giving him this kind of attention.

"Donnie what is wrong? Did something happen?" April said slowly, tugging onto his shoulder, forcing him to rolled over onto his shell, so she could make eye contact with him.

His eyes were wet with tears, red even, full of terror, like he was living through some nightmare.

(Something is not right here, why do I get the feeling there is more to this than just having a stranger in his house.)

"Donnie, please talk to me, I'm your mate, we can talk about anything," April gently rubbed his cheek, hoping it would get him to ease up and be more open towards her.

Shaking his head, the purple clad turtle rolled over quickly, burying his beak into his pillow once again, shuddering under her arms, still unwilling to look at her or talk at that.

(What should I do? How do I get him to talk, this isn't healthy for him…)

"Umm Donnie? ...Why don't I go get Raph or Leo, will that make you feel better?" April suggested, she didn't know what to do, he needed to talk, but him refusing to talk to her wasn't helping this situation at all.

Getting to her feet April stepped over Donnie to get off the bed, yet only to be grabbed by the legs, as Donnie pulled her down into his arms with a strong hold, one that Donnie only has done once before, when he was having nightmares.

"Don't go… I don't want to lose you…" Donnie whimpered, nuzzling his beak into her neck.

"Lose me? Donnie what is going on?" April asked, unable to move, feeling how much more stronger Donnie was, compared to her.

"Please don't go… not until he is gone… I don't want to lose you," Donnie repeated, adding 'until he is gone', was he talking about Leatherhead? Why would Donnie think he would lose her if he was here?

(Damn… I don't believe asking Donnie any more questions will get me anywhere, I guess the only thing I can do is wait and try to ease him. Why is he so scared of Leatherhead, is it because Donnie doesn't know him? Or is it that Donnie has it in his head, because there is someone new, that person could be a threat towards him? But what about the 'losing me' comment?… He really doesn't think that Leatherhead would take me away does he? I know Donnie is still very dependent on me, but still, is the thought of me leaving, still makes him feel uneasy and giving birth to this odd behavior?…)

"Ok Donnie I won't leave, but you have to stop crying and relax. Please don't push me away, you promise me, you will never do that to me again, remember?" April rubbed Donnie's arm softly, letting out a low churr.

"I.. I remember April… sorry," Donnie apologized easing his grip around April into a gentle hold, nuzzling her neck lovingly, letting out some churrs as his offering to her for forgiveness.

Smiling April pressed into him, giving him some churrs back, as well licking him on the cheek as her way to say I forgive you.