Thanks for the reviews... Love all my fans and readers!
Dis: I don't own TMNT
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Alice sat on the sofa, biting her thumbnail while her worried eyes gazed at the closed door to the bathroom. After telling her tale of becoming a thief, meeting Raphael, and then being on the run from a bat-shit crazy woman that wanted to use her newly found powers for evil: Eve had calmly excused herself and went to the bathroom after Alice manifested a fireball in her hand. Raphael had stayed, and was currently leaning against the wall with a bored expression on his face, arms folded tightly against his chest area.
"How long we gunna sit here?" he asked impatiently.
"She's had to digest a lot today. A little longer? If she doesn't come out soon… we can go."
Raphael sighed long and deep before turning his dark chocolate eyes out toward the city. Alice knew that if any other turtle was here right now they'd been reassuring her that it would be fine and probably would've been more helpful in the storytelling that had transpired. Raphael certainly was nothing like his brothers, and Alice knew he was someone that kept his softer emotions inside and probably had problems being empathetic. Anger and lust were easy to come by but sunshine and puppies? Not so much. Then again, at times, Alice was no different.
A soft clicking had her standing to her feet, hands going to her back pockets. She shifted from one foot to the other as Eve came out. She looked less pale than before and a bit more composed. Alice narrowed her eyes a little to find evidence of a tell that would insinuate an impending argument.
"Ok."
Alice spared a glance at Raphael before looking at her only friend.
"Ok?" asked Alice.
"Ok. I accept it." Eve pinched the bridge of her nose, blue eyes closing, as if trying to ward off a migraine. "You're Catwoman turned Super Girl and have a talking turtle as a friend and bad people are out there to corrupt you. It's… a lot to take in, but… I accept it."
Alice exhaled a breath she'd been unaware of holding then smiled at her friend, who returned it, albeit not as fast as Alice would've liked. Alice then turned to Raphael, a worried look on her face.
"I'm still worried about that douche Victor."
"Alice. I'll be fine. Maybe I'm just over-" The lights went out. "-reacting?"
"Ah, shell," muttered Raphael, pushing away from the wall and drawing out his sai.
"Stay behind me, Eve," whispered Alice as a lone figure, dressed in black, approached the window from the outside.
Alice felt Eve upon her back and reached out a hand to her friend as Raphael positioned himself against the wall of the window. Alice stepped back toward the bathroom, eyes on the figure as she guided her friend toward a hiding spot. Eve's body was trembling and she whimpered as the window clicked, indicating that the lock had been jimmied. The window slid open effortlessly but as the figure entered Raphael grabbed him by the back of the neck and slammed the body down to the floor. Eve let out a squeak as the figure fought back, kicking Raphael hard in his plastron but the human was no match for the ninja turtle and soon he was struggling against his hold. Luckily, Raphael managed to keep the intruder from see his true form… the darkness of the apartment also helped.
"Did V-Victor do this o-or is he after you?" asked a stuttering Eve.
"Let's find out," said Alice as Raphael stood with the guys arms behind his back. The man was in all black, including a mask, and Alice could easily see the weapon tucked away in the waistband of his pants. He tried to struggle but Raphael squeezed a little tighter as Alice took the weapon then ripped off the ski mask to reveal a man with platinum blonde hair and menacing blue eyes. He literally had the looks to kill.
"An AAC Evolution, nine millimeter with suppressor…" Alice lovingly ran her fingers over the metallic, military grade silencer. "Not my first choice. So… What'cha doin'?"
The man refused to answer so Alice balled up her fist and slammed it home, hitting him in the nose. Blood instantly started to flow from the more than likely broken body part and she smiled menacingly as she held the gun up underneath the man's throat. Raphael cast her a warning glance but she ignored him, instead running the cool metal underneath the man's chin.
"Loyalty is overrated. You already failed. I'm certain the person that paid you to take us out will have you on their list next. Soooo… What will it be? I kill you here and now…" Alice raised the gun up to place it right at the man's forehead, between the eyes. "Or we tie you up and let you escape and hide while we take care of the bad guy that wants us dead?"
The man worked his jaw, deciding on his options, before relenting.
"Victor Wendt wants you and the little redhead dead," answered the hitman.
"Ah. Thank you for playing. Your reward? You get to live another day. I suggest that when you wake up you leave town. Though I'm not against killing you, my friend in the shadows here is."
With that she twisted the weapon in her grasp and whipped it lightning fast, catching the man in the temple. He fell limp and while Raphael found something to bind him with, Alice turned to Eve. She looked like a ghost standing there with her wide blue eyes. Alice took a step forward and tried not to feel the hurt creeping up in her body as Eve took a step back.
"Eve? Eve!" Blue eyes met Alice's almost black. "We need to go. Now. Pack what you can in a bag."
"What? But I…"
"Eve! He'll send more. We need to lay low so that we can form a plan. Ok? So let's GO."
Eve nodded sluggishly and Alice followed her in the room. Alice directed her movements, telling her to pack more sweaters and pants since where they were going was a bit chilly. Alice asked Raphael to watch her while she grabbed more clothes from her place. Though he was reluctant, he let her go, and within five minutes Eve and Alice both had a bag packed. Alice stood firm in Eve leaving her phone and computer at the apartment since she didn't have the encryptions Alice did. Soon, the three of them were climbing down the fire escape toward the nearest sewer manhole. Once again, Eve was reluctant to follow, but when given the option to get dirty or die a bloody death, she chose slime and sludge. Raphael had wanted to blindfold Eve but with the threats of Alice and Eve's oath to keep their home a secret, he was soon leading the two of them through the twisting tunnels of the Manhattan sewer system.
"It may stink here," said Alice as she stepped around a large rat chewing on leftover hotdog scraps. "But where we're going? It's… nice."
Raphael speaking made the two girls look up. From the sound of it, he was talking to Donatello, and getting him up to date on the situation. Alice wondered how much trouble Raphael was going to get into for bringing yet another stranger into their home, another one with a target on her head. Alice knew it would be especially tense with Splinter, but if they decided to kick Eve out, Alice was going to go with her. She spared a glance at her friend again and sighed when seeing the somewhat lost look in her eyes.
"I'm sorry," said Alice when the sound of splashing footsteps and rushing water wasn't enough of a distraction for her. "What I did? It wasn't safe to be truthful about it. Like what if the police came to your door to ask questions? You could honestly then say you didn't know anything."
"We aren't close enough to be knowledgeable of everything in each other's lives," said Eve simply. "I get that."
"Eve, that isn't… Argh! How would that conversation have gone anyway? Hey, I'm Alice, I'm a Scorpio and like to steal things and oh, by the way, I just got zapped by a sword and it gave me mystical powers!"
"I… I guess that would've been silly," said Eve quietly, pulling her bag closer to her and Alice fought the urge to smack herself. Eve didn't respond well to yelling. "I'm just tired, Alice."
"I know, Eve." They turned left down another tunnel and both girls stepped over a large puddle while Raphael splashed right through it. "I didn't NOT tell you because I didn't think we were close… it honestly was to protect you."
"Ok." Eve rubbed the back of her neck before timidly calling out to Raph. "How much further?"
"Almost there," was his reply and within ten minutes he was leading them in through their secret entrance. They were greeted by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Splinter. Don and Mikey looked ready to ask a lot of questions, but Splinter took in the frail appearance of Eve and halted the questioning.
"Perhaps it would be best for Miss Eve to get some rest before we…" He stopped speaking because Eve was on the floor. She had fainted. "Hm… I thought I was getting better at this."
"Crud, sorry Sensei," said Raphael, knowing his mistake of not warning Eve that a rat was his father.
"Where should we put her?" asked Donatello, being the first one to scoop her up.
"You can put her where I've been staying," said Alice. "I'll sleep somewhere else."
Donatello nodded and left with Eve cradled in his arms. Raphael and Splinter were speaking in hushed tones as they slowly walked to Splinter's room, leaving Alice alone with-
"Soooo…" Mikey pointed his thumb over his shoulder in the direction Donatello had went with Eve. "What's HER deal?"
"She's a friend in trouble."
"A Damsel in Distress? Excellent! So whose shell are we going to kick?"
"Victor's," said Alice, making a fist at her side. "That's who."
"Victor… Creepy name!" said Mikey as he bounced around her in circles. Alice fought the urge to smack him on the back of the head. "So, like, what'd she do? Did she steal something? Oh! Did she-"
"She left him after he abused her mentally and physically," said Alice in a monotone voice. Mikey instantly stopped dancing around and his usually perky expression turned glum. "And now he wants her dead because she left. That's what she did."
"I… I… Oh."
"Not everything is fun and games, Mikey," said Alice tiredly before walking away, leaving a stunned turtle behind.
"Ah, shell," he said when she was out of sight.
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"She woke up when I put her on Leo's bed," said Don as Alice checked in on Eve. They spoke in hushed tones. "I told her to rest and that no one was here to hurt her and she seemed content enough to fall back asleep."
"Good," said Alice. "Thanks, Don."
"No problem." He started wringing his hands, hesitating at the doorway. Alice lifted a brow in his direction and so he spoke. "What is it that we're supposed to be doing? We go after Victor, then what? We have another powerful enemy?"
"Let ME worry about Victor. I appreciate you letting her stay here and looking into him, but I'll handle it."
"Handle it how, exactly?"
Alice gave him a tight smile before grabbing her katana. "The best way I know how."
"Alice…"
"Can I have some privacy, Donnie? I need to change."
"I… right. I'll… leave you be."
Donatello left and Alice immediately changed into her favorite pair of yoga pants and despite it being cold, a sports bra and blue, sleeveless top. She slipped on a pair of Nike shoes she snatched from her place and after tying her hair up into a high ponytail, walked to the dojo. Upon arriving she started basic movements with her single katana. She really didn't know what she was doing; she just did what came naturally. Splinter still showed her nothing and insisted on meditation… she was pretty much teaching herself at the moment.
Her slow, fluid movements soon became faster and faster. She pushed her body onward, performing simple then more complex kicks and slices. She found her feet to be lighter, as if the air around her was assisting her aerial performance. When the urge to pound something was still within her system she set her weapon down and walked to the first punching bag she found. Bare knuckling it, she started an unmerciful rain of attacks on the leather bag, it swaying with momentum as her arms burned. She was angry at not only Victor, but herself. She should've taken the chance meeting with him more seriously, she'd been ready to leave Eve alone and go with Raphael. If Eve hadn't come out of the bathroom: and if Alice had left… She stopped fighting and brought her hands up to her face, doing her best to stop the onslaught of tears that wanted to fall. What was with her and being so emotional lately? Strong arms encircled her before she could berate herself and her whole body tensed, ready to strike out, but a calming voice made her still.
"I'm sorry," said Michelangelo. "For being, well, ME."
"Don't worry about it, Mikey," said Alice, relaxing into his hold. "I was too harsh."
"You were right. Sometimes I don't take things seriously enough. My bros have told me plenty of times."
Alice wasn't sure what it was, but Michelangelo always managed to calm her. He had a certain… aura, about him that no one could resist. She turned in his embrace and accepted the support he was giving her,resting her head on his shoulder. One hand moved though her ponytail and she laughed a little as she wiped her eyes.
"I'm being a baby."
"You're worried about your friend, Babe, don't be so hard on yourself."
"I almost left her," sighed Alice. "If Raph and I left, she'd be dead."
"But she isn't. Don't dwell, instead, let's find a way to kick this guy's tail!"
"Wow, so rational," said Alice.
"It happens," said Mikey, pulling away slightly, keeping an arm over her shoulder as they started to walk out of the dojo. She bent to retrieve her katana and soon they were strolling along toward the living area. "Usually on full moons."
Alice once again laughed, bumping her hip against his shell.
"I'm going to go put this away. You tired?"
"Shell no."
"I'll play that game with you that you'd been pestering me about. Eve has Leo's room tonight so that means I'm on the couch... but I'm not ready to sleep yet."
"You can have my bed," said Mikey. "We could totally have a sleepover!"
"Oh, are you inviting me to your bed, Romeo?" asked Alice.
"Totally," said Mikey, grinning from ear to ear, making Alice laugh wholeheartedly before turning to the stairs that lead to the rooms.
"Be back in five!"
Alice easily jogged up the stairs and stilled when seeing Raphael practically stomping down the hall toward her. He looked pretty pissed and she tilted her head to the side, ready for an encounter. It never came, he breezed right past her. Confused, she twisted around on her heel.
"Going out tonight, Watcher?" she asked and he stopped, turning his head back to stare back at her, amber eyes set to 'kill mode'.
"What's it to ya?" he growled.
"Just wondering. What's up your butt?"
"Nothin'!"
"Mhm…" Alice braced her katana against the wall then walked forward, perfectly aware of the anger boiling inside of him, but not afraid. It excited her. She was attracted to the darkness and wanted a little more of it. Her hands went to his shoulders and she smiled seductively up at him. "I need a place to sleep tonight…"
"Go sleep with Mikey then!" he said, shrugging her hands off of him.
AH, so THAT is what the problem was. He'd heard her and Mikey goofing around.
"Are you jealous of your brother?" she asked, fighting a smile.
"NO!" He huffed, crossing his arms tightly over his plastron. "I'm NOT. It ain't my business who yer spread yer legs for."
"You ARE jealous. Oh Raphael, we were just messing around," said Alice, ignoring the insult he'd given her. "We're just friends. And if we even DID sleep in the same bed together it'd be as friends, not lovers."
"Whateva," he said, fully turning away from her. "I… I'm gunna be out till late. You… you can have my room."
With that, he was gone, leaving Alice behind: shaking her head at the very complex turtle.
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"You cheated!"
"Did not!" laughed Alice, rising from her seat, arms held high in victory. "I win and you lose! Buahaha!"
"Rematch!" demanded Michelangelo as Donatello came to see what all the fuss was about.
"I won fair and square, Mikey," said Alice, pointing at him with a controller. "If you are unsatisfied losing just once… I'll gladly accommodate you and beat your shell again!"
"Dooonnnn," whined Mikey when he saw his brother. "Alice is being meeeaann. And she cheats!"
"I do NOT," she protested, smacking Mikey playfully upside the head, making him yelp. "Now choose the character I'm going to wipe the floor with next!"
Alice fell against the cushions of the sofa and the game started again. Donatello stayed behind, amused by Mikey's squeals of protest as Alice beat him. He managed to beat her one time, and after that, Alice was relentless. After losing ten matches of Dead or Alive 4 in a row, Mikey insisted on a new game where they were paired instead of against each other. Donatello had chosen that moment to head back to his lab.
"I'm not good at these kinds of games," said Alice as the Army of Two menu popped up.
"Really?!" Mikey cleared his throat. "I mean, oh really? I'll teach you."
When Alice started going to town his startled blue eyes met her cheerfully bright blue.
"What I meant was… I'm not good. I'm GREAT!"
"ARGH!"
After another hour Alice was starting to get tired. Mikey turned to look at her and grew confused.
"Dudette?"
"Hmm?"
"What color are your eyes?"
"Brown. Why?"
"Cause they were totally blue before and now they're kind of a gray color."
"Huh?"
"Go look for yourself." Alice got up and Mikey followed her to the bathroom. She flipped on the light and looked at herself in the mirror, her face confused. "See? Told ya."
"You think this is part of the whole getting powers thing?" she asked, leaning forward, and watching in the mirror are her eyes reverted back to their natural brown color.
"Maybe," said Mikey, shrugging. "Don was looking into the history of the dude the sword belonged to. Might be important."
Alice nodded as she turned off the light. She was too tired to be poked and prodded. "I'll tell him first thing in the morning. I'm beat."
Mikey nodded. "Want the couch or…"
"Raphael said he was going to be doing stuff late tonight so… I'm gunna crash there."
"Oh…" Mikey grinned. "I see."
"Don't start," she said, holding up a finger in warning.
"He totally likes you."
"Whatever."
"I saw how pissed he was when we were flirting."
"You heard that?" asked Alice. "He was totally jealous, wasn't he?"
"Totally." Silence. Alice watched as Mikey went from foot to foot behind her, eager to ask her something she was certain. "Alice?"
"Hm?" she asked, walking up the stairs, Mikey on her heels.
"He really does like you. I know he seems like he doesn't care about stuff but, he's my bro, so… Don't hurt him?"
Alice smiled at the young turtle and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before entering Leo's room. There, she changed into pajama pants and a long sleeved sleeping shirt. She decided to skip brushing her teeth since she didn't have the energy nor the desire to go back downstairs where Mikey would probably ask her more questions. Instead she went to the end of the hall where Raphael's room was. She entered, the red curtain that acted like a door falling behind her, casting the room in darkness. She cursed once as her toe connected with a large weight and hopped to a bed, rubbing the injured pinky toe. Alice plopped back against the surprisingly comfortable mattress. It was definitely more comfortable than Leo's bed, the pillows more soft as if they were newer. She pulled a thick blanket around herself, curled around the pillow, and fell asleep.
That was how Raphael found her when he entered his room. It was pushing four in the morning and he was tired, sore, and cranky. He wasn't sure what he'd expected to see when he entered his room. Part of him had been scared that she would've ended up with Mikey tonight. Seeing her in his bed gave him the urge to…
"Dammit," he cursed softly, rubbing his tired eyes.
He was going to sleep on the couch. Damn Mikey, maybe if he still had his hammock he could sleep in that instead of that lump of a couch but Mikey thought he would be funny and cut the strings on it one night. Raphael had fallen hard on his shell and after ten minutes of Mikey squealing while he tried catching him, Splinter had intervened. While Raphael was ordered to knit another damn pair of boxing gloves to help advert his anger, Mikey had been sent out on a quest to find Raphael a new bed. Raphael loved that bed, but now he hated it, because it was making him want something that he probably could never-
"Raphael?" asked a drowsy Alice.
"Yeah. I, uh, was just on my way out."
"What time is it?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Almost four."
"Where you going?"
"Couch."
"Don't be silly." She scooted over and again the need to have her hit him hard. "C'mere."
"I don't think dats a good idea."
"Raphael," said Alice rolling her eyes before snuggling back with a pillow. "Whatever. I'm too tired to argue. Share a bed or go lay on that lumpy sofa. I don't care."
Raphael stood there, fists clenched, while he fought with his inner self. He wanted to go in that bed, roll her onto her back, and possess her. That's what he wanted. He wanted her naked, panting his name while he made her HIS. She wasn't making it easy to turn away, and he really did NOT want to sleep on the couch. Praying for control, he stripped down to his shell and climbed into the bed. He bit his inner cheek as she sleepily passed him the one pillow he had then wrapped herself around him. He growled lightly as her legs twined with his and her head rested on his upper arm. His free arm wrapped itself around her and she sighed.
"There… was that so hard?" she asked, words soft and laced with sleepiness.
"Yes."
He could see her smile in the darkness before she fell back asleep. It took him a whole half hour to relax, and another ten minutes before his eyes closed so that he could join her in sleep.
TBC…