Wow, if I'd kept part ten and eleven together like I planned it would have been super long. lol My songs of inspiration this time around were Lifeline by Imogen Heap and Blind by Lifehouse. (omg best song ever!) That song actually inspired an idea for a later arc. ;) It will take a bit of building to get there though, so it will be a while. Anyway, for now enjoy this - the end of an arc!

After that everyone but Donnie is forbidden to enter the room containing Alopex. It's no great loss to the others, they never did care about her after all. Except for one. Putting her off limits only increases Mikey's curiosity. He never did get a good look at her before and he especially didn't have enough time to figure out just how she works. He wants so badly to see if there's truly something more behind the mask of viciousness burdening her right now. She could be just like Leatherhead.

Still, it's off limits. Donnie is almost perpetually there and even though they'd deny it all his brothers always keep a fierce eye on the door. However, there are small moments when no one is watching, when Donnie is out amongst the others and everyone is trying to pretend everything's ok. Now is that time. Mikey peers around the corner and notes all his brothers' positions. All their eyes are elsewhere. Good. It's perfect. He creeps past them and slips swiftly into the room. Inside all signs of a struggle from the day before are gone. Donnie cleaned it up immediately. Well, as soon as he calmed down and then calmed her down.

Mikey walks slowly now. Each step looks to last an eternity as he guides his eyes across the lab. Then he freezes. He sees her and everything stops suddenly. She isn't raging like before, but he doesn't miss her alertness. She appears to be numb to the world the way she lays so still on the ground, but he knows better than that.

Alopex's ear flicks and her nose twitches faintly. She doesn't know this scent, not well at least. It's not Donnie. A low growl rumbles in her throat and she tenses slightly. "You shouldn't be here."

Mikey starts as she intrudes into his thoughts. "Huh?" He tilts his head and blinks once. "Oh, yeah, I know." He moves closer, just out of reach. He knows what happened to Raph. "But what're you really going to do?" He half laughs as he sinks down into a crisscross position.

Alopex's eyes snap open, revealing burning gold orbs. Her lips curve down and she flashes him her razor sharp teeth. "I could kill you." She hisses. She digs her claws into the floor and pushes up, sitting on all fours. She keeps her back arched, as if she really will jump on him. "Gut you like a fish. Just like I did all those other people."

Mikey cringes against her harsh, unfeeling words. Still, he sees it. She can't hide it and it's plain she doesn't want to anyway. Pain shines in her eyes and she too shies away from the truth of her atrocities. "Maybe." He shrugs. "But you're still in a cage. And I'm out here."

Alopex snorts. "I got your other brother, didn't I?" A cold smirk curves her lips. She may hate herself for the things she has done, but the other night was not like the times before it. Even after leaving time for it to sink in she still feels minimal shame. It is only because of Donnie's reaction that she feels anything but pure satisfaction.

Mikey rolls his eyes. "That doesn't mean much." He grins despite himself. "Raph is pretty easy to set off and will do stupid things when pushed past a point." He wraps his hands around his feet and lightly toys with them, but his gaze never leaves her. "I'm not like that."

Alopex frowns deeply. She eyes him suspiciously. She isn't sure she likes the look of him. What is with that cheesy smile? Doesn't he realize who he's talking to? Raph certainly did. A murderer. A monster. There isn't a hint of mistrust in his face.

Mikey tilts his head slightly. "What?" He asks, but he doesn't need an answer. He already knows what is going through her mind. Her eyes are a window for him even if none of his other brothers could tell anything at all.

Alopex wrinkles her nose and her expression twists in disgust. "What's wrong with you? Why do you keep looking at me like that?"

Mikey's smile only stretches further. He chuckles softly. "I don't know." He shrugs. "Why not? I just like smiling. And besides, you don't scare me. Why should I act any different when you're no threat to me?"

Alopex stares in disbelief. She searches his face desperately for some hint of deceit, but there is nothing but sincerity about him. "I told you." She shoves her face forward and glares fiercely. "I am a threat." It sickens her, but not because he is happy. She just can't stomach the fact anyone could look at her and not hate her as much as she hates herself. Besides Donnie of course.

Mikey shakes his head. His smile slips slightly. "No you're not. You just have a problem. Leatherhead was the same." He smiles fondly. "He had demons, but with help he got over it and he became our friend." His voice drops off then, soft as he adds, "You could be our friend too."

Alopex snorts. "You're an idiot." She lowers herself to the floor again. "I'm only good for killing now. And no one can save me." Sorry Donnie. Her ears droop. "I'll just be stuck in here forever."

Mikey's brows knit together and he frowns. "No you won't. Donnie won't let you." He hops a little in place, his smile coming back strong. "And besides, he says it should only be a week or so. Just a few more days from now. Like detoxing or something. You'll be fine."

Alopex shakes her head, the floor rough on her chin. "He's only hoping. There's no guarantee and we both know it. He's only trying the only way he can think of. I'm no idiot." She shuts her eyes. "I know the odds."

Mikey blows out a heavy breath. "Come on, you just gotta think more optimistically." He nods, silently urging her to agree. "Donnie's a genius. And he cares about you a lot. This'll work." Mikey moves without thinking. He scoots forward and slips his hand through the bars.

Alopex stiffens and her eyes snap open as his shadow falls over her. She growls and her lips curl back to reveal her teeth. She glares over at him.

Mikey doesn't heed her warning. He reaches over to her and gently pets her head.

Alopex presses her head down hard against the floor as if it will let her escape his touch, but she quickly relaxes. Her growls fade and she lets her eyes fall shut again. Feeling another person's touch…it's nice. Not even Donnie interacts with her beyond talking now.

"See?" Mikey smiles softly. "I told you you aren't dangerous." He draws back his hand. "It just takes someone who isn't Raph." He snickers. "And is brave enough to try."

Alopex smiles to herself. "It was just good timing." She says softly. "Normally I'd bite your hand off. I almost did it to Donnie even when he fed me earlier…I…" Her frown slips. "I just can't help it."

Mikey stares sadly for a long moment. "Don't worry." He pets her one more time. "You'll get better. In a few days you won't hurt anyone who doesn't deserve it."

Alopex shrugs. "You should go now." She still believes he was a fool for ever daring to intrude in the first place. But it was nice. He's not like Raph or even Donnie really. This one, he has a glow about him that radiates off him and touches everything, even her corrupt spirit.

Mikey opens his mouth to protest when he hears what she must have a second before. He jerks his head around and gasps. Donnie's coming. He looks around fervently to try and pinpoint a good place to conceal himself. "Gotta hide, gotta hide, gotta hide." He jumps and scuttles over to Donnie's desk, diving beneath it. He presses himself hard against the back, holding his breath.

Alopex smiles at his antics. She finds it is impossible not to.

"Hey, Alopex." Donnie smiles with an edge of pain. He carries a tray with him. "Time for dinner." He kneels down and presses a button that lifts the bottom of the cage enough for him to slip the tray through to her. The bars immediately go back down.

Alopex opens her eyes and sits up. She pulls the tray closer and picks at the food on it. Meat would be so much better. But she can't have that until this is over. Any kind of meat could ruin all their efforts. It is as annoying as ever, but yet she smiles as she plays with her food.

Donnie brightens a little. "You look happier." He notes.

Alopex nods. "I think I am." She takes a bite from the apple. She makes a face, still not quite used to or pleased with the sweet flavor these particular ones have. "But it's only been a couple of days since we started. If it really is like detox then the worst of it is yet to come."

Donnie grimaces. "Yeah…" Always the realist. "Tomorrow will probably be the peak of it." He shudders at the very thought.

"Maybe not though." She shrugs. "Who knows." She pokes at what Donnie called corn.

Donnie raises a brow at her and frowns. "Yeah," That was weird. He won't say anything because it is better than her attitude from earlier today, but it is not quite in character. He has to wonder what she's been doing on those short occasions where he isn't keeping a keen eye on her. "Well, I'll be right back." He motions backward. "I need to grab my food real quick."

Alopex nods. "Alright." She bends down and licks up a bite of the corn. Not too bad. But she's definitely had better tasting food from those stores she stole from.

Donnie watches her for another minute, slowly scuffling backward. It takes him fove minutes before he is finally out of the room and off to grab his food.

Alopex's eyes flit to the now empty doorway, then back to her food. She takes another bite before saying, "He's gone now."

Mikey jumps out from his hiding spot and lets out a heavy breath. He smiles as he walks back toward her cage. "That was close, huh?" He chuckles.

Alopex looks unimpressed. "He's coming right back y'know."

Mikey waves his hand dismissively. "You obviously don't know my brother very well. He's all about precision, and that includes with his food." He laughs at the very thought. "If he serves himself he measures out the portions and everything. It's ridiculous. So that's why I usually do the cooking and serving." He points to himself.

"Only not now." She says beneath her breath. She sees the question in his eyes and quickly changes the topics. "Say, you want some of this junk?" She nudges the tray closer to the bars. "An apple?" She holds the second one out to him. Donnie always gave her two.

Mikey's eyes light. "Yeah, sure." He grabs at it.

Alopex jerks it back. "No," She wags a finger at him. "Wrong answer. You don't want one because then everyone will know you've been in here." She gives him a sharp look. "Come on. Don't be dumb."

Mikey sticks out his lip in a pout. "Then why'd you even ask?" He crosses his arms.

Alopex grins. "I thought it would be funny." She lays the apple back down.

Mikey blinks twice. Then slowly a grin spreads across his face. He lets out a single syllable laugh. "That's a pretty good one." He taps his chin thoughtfully. "Hey, you'd probably rock at pranks." A devious glint enters his eyes. "You've got to try it sometime."

Alopex chuckles. "Maybe." She glances to the doorway, unable to shake her paranoia over Donnie returning soon. "I would like to screw with Raph." A wicked smile curves her lips.

Mikey brightens even further. "Oh, you know it! Raph is my favorite to prank!" He wriggles with excitement. "Alright, we're totally doing this afterward." He holds his hand out.

Alopex rolls her eyes at his enthusiasm, but she's beyond infected at this point. "Yeah," She reaches out and shakes his hand. "Sounds fun." Another kind of fun that she knows Donnie would never partake in. So this will open avenues.

Mikey nods firmly. He releases her hand and waves. "Well, gotta run. Y'know, forbidden and all that." He motions his hands dramatically and makes a face, nearly cracking himself up. Then he turns hard on his heel and scampers toward the door, peeking carefully around the corner before darting out and back into the living area.

Alopex watches with no shortage of amusement. Every move he makes is so exaggerated and full of energy. Yet it seems normal for him. It makes her realize that the four of them likely aren't biologically related. But they are brothers, family. And she has been missing that as of late. Her master had been enough before, but now as a person she needs more, more than just Donnie. Maybe this can be the way to do that. She smiles. She will have to see. After this mess.

…

The next day passes without incident, but the day after Alopex's withdrawal symptoms peak. Even without Donnie saying so, they all knew it from just the volume of the sounds coming from his lab. So when their brother bursts out of his lab it is hardly a surprise to the others. Each looks up from what they're doing and gives him a questioning look which he quickly answers.

"It's horrible." Donnie moans. He drops his head in a hand and shakes it in misery. "I can't get her to eat! I mean, I can't even get the food in there to start with." Donnie lifts his head and groans. He slumps back against the door, utterly exhausted.

Raph snorts. "So what?" He shrugs. "If she doesn't want to eat then let her not eat. Forcing the point is just stupid and a waste of effort." Just like that he turns back to his comic book and acts as if Donnie isn't there anymore.

Donnie snaps his head down and glares at Raph, but it is with little conviction. "No." He whines. "She has to stay on a constant schedule." Donnie jabs a finger into his palm with each word. "I have to know what's from her sickness and not from being too stubborn to eat."

Leo sighs. He twists around on the couch to better face Donnie. "Look, maybe she's not hungry." He lifts his hands in a shrug. "Like Raph said, leave her be for a bit."

Donnie shakes his head fiercely. "You're not listening to me!" He huffs. "She doesn't have to eat it, not much anyway, because she never does, but that's not the issue! She's never not let me give it to her. It's," He lets out a heavy breath. "It's just trouble. She's getting so bad…" His last words are tiny.

Mikey's brows knit together and a thoughtful frown creases his lips. "Hey," He hops up and trots over toward Donnie. "What if I try?" He holds his head high and points to himself. He smiles broadly.

Raph tries to suppress his laugh, but it comes out as a snort. "Yeah, ok. You go on in there Mikey and see how long it takes for her to tear you apart." He shakes his head, a derisive grin splitting his lips.

Mikey swivels his head and scowls at Raph. His lips puff out in a pout and he is an inch from retorting when Donnie cuts in.

"Thanks Mikey," He says weakly. "But I really don't think that's a great idea. She did try to kill you guys just a few days ago. And she barely knows you at all. Just…no." He waves his hand dismissively as he turns away, holding a hand to his temple. "I've got to think of something else…"

Mikey follows Donnie. "No, really." He insists. "Just let me try." He folds his hands together and gives Donnie a puppy dog stare.

"No." Leo answers for Donnie. He stands and walks over to the other two. "No way Mikey. There's no way we're letting you anywhere near her. It's too dangerous."

Raph rolls his eyes. "I could take her."

Leo jerks his gaze around and glares at Raph. "No one is 'taking' her. We're not trying to kill her Raph." Not yet. A flicker of worry flashes in his eyes. "We just want Donnie to be able to tend to her."

Raph shrugs. "I'm just sayin'. She's no threat."

Mikey whines loudly. "But Leo," He stretches his brother's name out. "I'm not going to be getting in there with her. And I've already been in there once anyway and nothing happened. I-"

"What!?" They cry in unison.

Donnie snaps out of his exhaustion. "Mikey, are you crazy? I told you it was off limits." He stalks toward Mikey and points his finger at his brother. "And that's for a reason! What would you have done if you got to close?"

Mikey backs up to match Donnie's steps. His brother would run into him otherwise. He has that look. "Calm down, sheesh. You act like I just mutated April's dad."

There is a collective gasp. Donnie freezes. He stares wide eyed at his baby brother, words gone from his mouth.

Mikey bites his lip and ducks his head. "I didn't mean it…" He mumbles. "I just…nothing happened. It's fine. And nothing will happen now. Just give me a chance."

Donnie sighs in aggravation. "Look, when you were in there before, whenever that was, she wasn't like this. She had longer stenches of clarity. Now…" He bows his head. I don't know if I'll get her back. He refuses to finish his sentence.

Mikey searches Donnie's face desperately, but his brother shows no signs of giving in. He narrows his eyes and his lips curl sharply down. "Fine!" He clenches his fists. "Let your girlfriend starve!" He turns hard on his heel. "I don't care!"

Donnie starts. "She's not-" He lets the words slip away from his lips and his mouth sinks shut. More than anything his shock stems from Mikey's severe reaction. He never did like being underestimated, but somehow this didn't seem the same.

Raph chuckles softly. "He can sure throw a fit can't he?" He props his feet up on the table and flips a page of his comic. "Sometimes I forget."

Leo shoots Raph a sharp look. "It's not funny Raph. You all really upset him."

Raph waves his hand. "Ah, he'll be alright. Heck, he'll probably forget all about it in a few minutes." He smiles. "His short attention span is good for that."

Leo sighs and shakes his head. "Whatever." He looks after Mikey. His brother has already disappeared into the kitchen. Probably to cook off his frustrations. And when he come out, Raph is right, he'll likely be happy as can be.

Donnie hangs his head and lets out a defeated breath. He feels bad for disregarding Mikey, but at the same time he can't afford to linger. He needs to figure out a way to calm her down. There has to be a way to get through this.

Mikey hates to be so predictable, but he goes and begins cooking. He makes a good meal enough to serve them all and by the end of it he is in much better spirits. Although that's not entirely to the credit of cooking. He knows they'll reprimand him if and when they find out, but he's going to get back in there. And what better way that distracting them with food?

He comes out an hour so later and puts his plan into action. Donnie is already out there and this especially works to his advantage. He sits and eats with them and invariably the focus shifts to Donnie. Despite all the time spent in the lab with Alopex he is still no closer to figuring out a way to feed her.

Mikey feels guilty for it, but in the midst of Donnie's breakdown he slips away. He slinks off to the lab and quietly approaches the cage. Already he can hear her going crazy. It makes him grimace and hesitate, but he quickly shakes the feeling.

Mikey gets just out of reach and settles down. "Hey, Alopex." He smiles and pulls out the apple he carried off with him from dinner. "Look, I brought you something to eat." He throws the apple up and catches it over and over again.

Alopex snarls viciously, but her she finds it difficult to focus on him. The movement of the bright green apple catches her attention and throws her off. She watches it carefully, crouching as if she will pounce clear through the bars and tear the fruit apart.

Mikey tilts his head. "You like it?" He holds it out to her. "Here."

Alopex snaps her clawed hand out, snatching at him and his blood more than the fruit.

Mikey jerks his hand back. "Zoink!" Mikey laughs. "Just kidding. This one's mine. You know you can only have Donnie's specially prepared food."

Alopex growls deep in her throat. Her nose twitches in fury.

Mikey frowns for an instant. "You gotta eat though." He smiles again, refusing to let negative emotions taint the situation. It will ruin his test too. "I doubt you'll starve or anything before you get better, but it's not healthy dude."

Alopex glowers up at him, but her clouded eyes show a glimmer of confusion rather than pure hate. One of her ears even tilts to match the feeling.

Mikey hops up and looks to the far table. "Yep, there it is." Still from breakfast. He grabs it quick and returns to her. "It's been two whole meals missed. I mean, you've gotta be some kind of crazy to miss any kind of food." He chuckles. "I myself have eaten five today."

Alopex's muscles slowly relax. Her bared teeth unclench and the fire in her eyes dims considerably. Her mouth twists in complete and utter disbelief. Still, she does not speak. She watches him warily, still in a lowered position.

Mikey brightens even more. His smile spreads clear across his face and his baby blue eyes shine. "You sure you don't want any?" He looks at her with encouragement. "I bet it tastes better than my dingy apple." He takes a bite from it.

Alopex slowly opens and closes her mouth. Finally she finds the words, "What are you doing?" A stray growl escapes her throat and she doesn't look at him any softer.

Mikey chuckles. "Nothing. Just being me." He knew it. Alopex may be suffering severe symptoms, but a good amount of it is only residual from Donnie's own mental state. All he does is panic and mope so even when she should be a little calm she can't be. "So you want some or what?"

Alopex grumbles. "Just leave me alone."

Mikey shrugs. "Alright." He shrugs. He pushes the tray close enough so she can reach through the bars for some of it if she wants. He moves to stand, then stops suddenly. A smirk passes his lips. "But I'll just…" He reaches for the apples that are hers.

Alopex's arm snaps out and covers the apples. She narrows her eyes and growls threateningly. "Mine."

Mikey grins and laughs. "I know." He stands. "Awesome reflexes by the way." He gives her a thumbs up. "You'd make one heck of a ninja."

Alopex's lips twitch upward at the edges. She snorts and draws one of the apples in her cage. She takes a swift, vicious bite out of it, chewing with emphasis. "Just go." She still has the desire to rip the little ray of sunshine's throat out. She honestly doesn't know why she isn't snarling even now or why she's so painfully aware of her aching stomach, but she takes full advantage of it.

Mikey nods. "I'll be back later. Tomorrow or something."

"No you won't." She says snidely, but she is startled to find it isn't out of malice. In the pit of her stomach there is a twinge of worry, that he really won't. Chiding him is the only way to make sure he will come back, just to prove her wrong.

Mikey is not deterred. "Ok." He shrugs and turns to leave. "But I will." He smiles to himself.

Alopex rolls her eyes and reaches out toward the pancakes. She cuts a piece off with her nail, jabs it, and lifts it to her mouth. Only then, her mouth hidden by food, does she let the tiniest of smiles pass her lips. "Idiot…"

…

There's an uproar over the whole ordeal the next day when Donnie realizes her tray is by her cage and he was not responsible. Yet it is largely overlooked. All eyes pierce Mikey, but they all know how critical it is that she eat, even if only for Donnie's sake. So after the initial spark, the issue dies.

Mikey sneaks into the lab with increasing frequency and everyone sees it. They pretend not to, pretend not to hear his laughter that always goes unanswered except by Alopex's inclination to eat. In a way his brothers are curious as to what exactly does it. Maybe Mikey drugs her. But it's never enough to make them ask. They let him do what he does best and slowly but surely Donnie regains his head.

The end of the week approaches quickly after they set into their unspoken roles and Donnie finally allows himself to check on Alopex like before. Mikey makes sure he is gone on those occasions. He's hogged her enough as it is. Besides, she's Donnie's friend. Not his. Not yet.

Then the day of Donnie's final evaluation finally comes. He swallows hard as he stands outside the door to his lab. He steps backward and forward awkwardly. He can't bring himself to go in. What if it isn't what he's hoping for? What if it's all for naught? His hands tremble slightly at his side.

Raph and Leo watch him out of the corner of their eyes. They frown deeply at the sight of their brother. They want to give encouraging words, but at the same time they don't feel anything is right. It would all sound so false. Raph especially can't imagine it. He wants nothing but the worst for the mutt. Still, he hopes Donnie is happy. He hates it so much. So he just keeps his mouth shut. He can't screw up this way.

Donnie takes in a slow, deep breath and forces himself to push open the door and enter the room. What he sees makes him start and nearly fall over backwards. His eyes grow wide as bowling balls and his heart stops.

"Sup, bro." Mikey smiles up at Donnie as he sits on the ground. By his side is Alopex. He pets her gently on her head and shows not the smallest sign of fear.

"W-What…" Donnie struggles for articulation. "Are you insane?" They all seem to be saying that of Mikey lately. "What is she doing out of her cage!? I haven't run any tests! I-I…she could maul you!" He cringes as he says it. He hates that they've fallen to this – that he could really believe she'd do such a thing.

Mikey frowns disapprovingly. "No, dude, it's cool." He stands slowly. He keeps a hand on Alopex. "I've been in here all morning and she's totally tame." His grin returns full force. "She's all better. You're detoxing worked."

Alopex smiles softly up at Donnie. "I don't want to kill people anymore." She rises and stands taller than both of them. "Like he says, I'm better now."

Donnie searches her face, for what he isn't quite sure. But whatever it is isn't there. And with every moment that passes after that his uncertainty becomes more and more indistinguishable, relief sweeping over his features. His lip trembles and tears build in his eyes.

Alopex leaves Mikey's side and moves slowly toward Donnie. She watches him carefully and as she comes to a stop in front of him something breaks in her too. Her smile cracks at the edges, but it is all from overwhelming relief. "Thank you…"

Donnie nods. He bites his lip to hold in the overflow of emotions.

Alopex chuckles. She moves closer still, right up next to him. Then she leans forward, licking him softly on the cheek. "You're my hero."

Donnie grins. "It was nothing." He wipes at his eyes. "Really." He really didn't do much in all honesty. He just watched over her and made sure she didn't hurt anyone else.

Alopex snorts and shakes her head. "No, you believed in me. Even when I really was crazy. A monster." Her voice tightens, but she quickly shakes the negative feeling. "And I love you for it." She pulls him into a tight hug.

Donnie lets out a soft gasp and his eyes widen for a moment, but he quickly settles into her embrace. He wraps his arms just as tightly around her and buries his face deep in her fur. "You were never a monster. You won't ever be." He whispers. "You were just lost."

Mikey can't stand it anymore. "Group hug!" He leaps forward and slings his arms around the two of them. He laughs loudly. "Cause we totally did it."

The two start and blink at him, but a smile quickly falls into place on their faces. "Yeah, we did."

From the doorway Leo and Raph watch the scene play out. Leo frowns deeply and his brows furrow. "What now?" He says softly to the brother at his side.

Raph scoffs. He jerks his head around to look incredulously at Leo. "What's that supposed to mean?" He scowls at his brother.

Leo shakes his head. "You know what I mean. Do you really expect Donnie to just kick her to the curb after all this. I mean, you see her now," He glances up at her and her bright face. "She's nothing like before. It's like Donnie said. She's just like us."

Raph's lips curl in disgust. "No. No way are we keeping that cur around another minute."

Leo shoots Raph a sharp look. "Oh, please. Would you stop with this holier than thou act. You might have never killed anyone, but you do have some serious anger issues. You two are more similar than any of us."

Raph chokes on a breath. "What?" He clenches his hands into fists. He dares Leo to say that again.

Leo rolls his eyes and crosses his arms over his chest. "You heard me." He looks away from his hotheaded brother and refuses to add anything more to the conversation. He loses himself in thought – in should and should nots. What is really best here? He doesn't know her, doesn't particularly want to know her either. But as things are, she's no apparent threat. At least Donnie and Mikey don't seem to think so. Leo sighs. What do I do?

Raph growls deep in his throat. His fists tremble noticeably, but he does not act on his ill thoughts. If anything it will prove Leo right. And he can't have that. So in the end he jerks his head away from the leader and focuses on the happy trio, Alopex in particular. She's no saint. She's not even a little good. And he'll do whatever it takes to prove it. He won't have her staying here, threatening his family. This he swears.

So what did you think? Did it wrap up the arc nicely for you all? I hope so. I really loved it. And it was surprisingly fun to focus more on Mikey this time around. Generally he doesn't create enough conflict to get the focus, but in this instance I found a great way to involve him without even needing there to be tremendous conflict on his part. Hooray! lol

Also, the lick kiss thing from Alopex at the end was inspired by a drawing done by ishouldgetsomestuffdone on tumblr. She's amazing. She actually is why I started this story in the first place. So if you love this story go thank her for inspiring me with her great drawings. Well, please review!