Disclaimer: I don't own TMNT. They are the property Nickelodeon, Viacom, Mirage Comics and Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman.
Author's Note: I'm back. Thank you for all the reviews. This being my first story, I'm gauging reactions so as I do more stories, I'll know what works and what doesn't. So reviews really help me. I want to hear whatever you have to say, even if you want to give me suggestions about improvement; all I ask is that you be polite and communicate in a way that you would want someone to talk to you. A few more characters this chapter that you'll recognize. Enjoy!
Chapter 7
A cool breeze ruffled in April's loose hair as she felt Donnie's arms pull her tighter to him. April's nerves were alive and firing, each sensation amplified drastically. Every touch of Donnie's hands and the warmth of his lips against hers was enough to make her feel drugged again. At last, Donnie broke away and he blushed guiltily.
"I think we need to stop," Donnie said. April started. Only a hit by a bus would have jarred her more.
"We need to talk before we do anything else," he continued.
"Talk?" April said, "You want to talk? Now? Why?"
"Simple," Donnie said, "It'll keep me from doing something we'll both regret. Your inhibitions might be gone, but mine aren't. I want to talk about…whatever this thing is between us."
April stared dumbfounded. Did a 15 year old boy really want to talk instead of…do other things?
"Okay," April said, "So, what should I say?"
"How about we start with your favorite color?" Donnie asked.
April blushed.
"Green," she whispered. Donnie grinned.
"I happen to like yellow," he said sweetly. April blushed hotter.
"Okay, my turn then," April said, "How did you meet Stockman?"
April watched Donnie give a frown. It was too fresh an incident, she knew. The terror hadn't left her mind of being helpless, but she had to know.
"He was my intern supervisor," Donnie said, "It was part of completing my biology and neurobiology degrees."
"How many degrees do you have?" April asked, obviously impressed.
"A few," Donnie said, "I've studied in the fields of technology and engineering, chemistry and biology, mathematics, metallurgy and, of course, music."
"That's a bit more than what most would call, 'a few'," April said, "But I'm impressed. You must be some one of those "beautiful minds" genius types."
"Not really," Donnie said, "But I got my first degree at 12 years old."
"And you're fifteen?" April said.
"Well, roughly, maybe a bit older," Donnie said, "We're not exactly sure how old we were when we were mutated 15 years ago. And being turtles, it's hard to nail down an age."
"So, you and your brothers," April continued, "Do you all have other talents besides music and…"
"Being ninjas?" Donnie answered, "Well, Mikey's our athlete: skateboard, surfing, lot of extreme sports. Leo prefers quieter pastimes, like politics and debates online. And Raph…would kill me if I told you, so we'll leave it with him doing volunteer work."
"Sounds good," April said, "I did volunteer work at a hospital during school. My dad always encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone."
"Your dad sounds really great," Donnie said.
"Your father is pretty great too," April said, "Splinter must be so proud of all of you."
"He's not the type to say so," Donnie said, "But his actions speak louder than just telling us. It's not easy; losing one family, getting mutated, getting four sons who are also mutants; I couldn't handle that much on my own."
April sat down on the bed and Donnie sat down beside her. She clutched her head.
"It's a lot to take in, I know," Donnie said, "And I know the drug isn't helping. Just take it easy."
"No, that's not it," April said, "It's-I mean, all the things you've…and-and I…"
"I know," Donnie said, "But you don't have to worry. I don't expect anything from you. We can forget what happened just now; it was just from not thinking clearly."
"No, Donnie, that's not the problem," April said. She felt the fog in her brain begin to clear and plowed ahead.
"You and I are different, yes, but there's more to this for me. It's not about you being a turtle, being a mutant, being incredibly smart, talented or some sort of martial artist superhero."
Donnie rolled his eyes in amusement.
"For the first time in years, I feel like I'm part of a family," April said, "I've been alone since I was 13. Before that, I was with complete strangers who had no interest in my life. And before that, it was me and my dad."
"Up until now, I haven't wanted to be around anyone else," April continued, "It was just me. Then, I heard your music and I began to imagine what it would be like to meet you. It was a fantasy. When I listened to you play that day at the park, I was able to live out my dreams a little bit."
"I thought that was you," Donnie whispered. He reached out to stroke her cheek, "And it was you that day outside the Asia Society Museum too."
April nodded.
"That day at the park," April said, "I wanted to stay but I got scared. Not by the guards, but how much I felt everything around me just drift away when I saw you. Even my father felt unimportant."
April stood. Her head was finally clear. She turned to look at him smilingly.
"In that moment, something clicked, but I didn't want to accept it," April said, "Not with my dad missing and my life a wreck. But the night of the concert, when I heard you sing, I knew that…that I-I had l-loved you…"
"From the first moment I saw you," she and Donnie said together. April froze as she looked into his warm brown eyes. They seemed to have turned a burning copper brown and April felt a delicious shiver run down her spine.
"When I came after you, I never thought I could be anything but an animal," Donnie said. He fingered the sleeve of her sweater, "I thought that maybe just being near you was enough. And then, being able to help you find your dad was enough. But when I saw Stockman and what he was doing, I knew how much it meant to have you with me, beyond just being abused and I would…will do anything to keep you safe."
April smiled. His voice sounded so sincere. She didn't think that there was anything Donnie could say that wouldn't be sincere. And she wanted to be sincere too. But the longing look in Donnie's eyes gave her mind a new obstacle course to get through.
"Donnie, I," April began. Donnie pulled her close to him and kissed her again. Without the fogginess from the sedative, April could feel the sensation of his lips and, while they did feel rubbery, they were also warm and soft. April was at a loss as to where she should put her hands until they instinctively slipped around his neck, which allowed Donnie to pull her closer.
It was like being in a dream, having April in his arms, feeling his lips against hers. It was his turn to feel the fog in his brain; a sensation unfamiliar to Donnie, but not at all unwelcome. He felt as though the storm of his thoughts, ideas and desire to learn were finally quiet for the first time in his life. It was such a wonderful feeling that he almost failed to notice April squirming against him. They broke apart and she gave a small gasp.
"Sorry," he whispered, "I forgot about you not being able to hold your breath as long."
April gave a laugh and buried her head against Donnie's plastron. One of Donnie's hands reached up to slip into her hair and let it slip through his fingers.
"Now what happens?" April asked, feeling dreamy in the afterglow of her kiss.
"Now, I think I'm going to get you to bed," Donnie answered.
April looked up at him in wild shock. Donnie looked alarmed for a moment but then smiled.
"I meant, sleep," he said, "I'm impressed how quickly the drug is going through your system, but you should still sleep it off."
"Oh," April said, "Um, right, I knew that." She gave a sheepish smile. Donnie grinned back, the gap between his front teeth clearly visible.
"You did not, etchi," Donnie said. April gave him a puzzled look.
"It means "pervert" in Japanese," Donnie explained, "But in a teasing way."
"You don't think I'm like that though?" April said, "Or a prude?"
"No more than me," Donnie said, "And I intended to keep it that way."
The statement was so incredibly blunt and unexpected that April laughed. Donnie laughed as well.
"Come on," Donnie said, "You've had a long day."
"Donnie, would you stay with me?" April asked, "At least until I fall asleep?"
Donnie looked nervous, seemingly waging an internal battle within his head.
"Yes," Donnie said at last, "I'll stay for as long as you want me to stay, if it's really what you want."
April rubbed her head.
"Headache?" Donnie asked.
"Uh-huh," April said softly, "It just came on."
"That makes sense," Donnie said, "I'll get you something while you get ready for bed."
April nodded and collected the new set of pajamas the boys had bought her and went to shower and change. While she was gone, Donnie pulled back her blankets and went to the kitchen. April let the hot water relax her muscles. The sedative was still wearing off, but she could feel a headache behind her eyes building. When she left the bathroom, Donnie was there with a glass of water and two capsules.
"Pain medication," he said. April took them gratefully. Then she climbed into bed, luxuriating in the cool sheets. She looked at Donnie expectantly as he tucked the sheets around her. Donnie's cheeks reddened as he sat down beside her. April laid her head against the crook of his arm and wrapped her arm around him.
"Just so I know you'll stay," April said. Donnie smiled at her and kissed her again. This time, it was slow and a shiver of anticipation run along April's skin as his mouth moved against hers.
"Does this convince you?" Donnie asked. April nodded. Donnie lowered his mouth again and trailed hot kisses along her jaw and behind her ear. April gave a soft sigh as Donnie slipped his fingers into her hair again. She felt her body give a shiver, either from nerves or anticipation.
"Just sleep," Donnie said quietly, "You're safe."
The scent of Donnie's skin was relaxing and, as April drifted off to sleep, her thoughts filled with rippling ponds, trees and incense.
"What were you thinking?"
The shout startled April into wakefulness. The voices were muffled by the door and she noticed that Donnie was not beside her. April climbed out of bed. She couldn't tell if the sun was up yet. The sky was flat, gray and cold; a feeling of a storm brewing on the horizon. April pulled on a robe and left the room.
"How on earth would I have even thought something like that could happen, Raph?" Donnie's voice came from the other end of the hall. It was calm, but carried a tone that was clearly working hard to keep that calm. As April came to the end of the hall, she tentatively poked her head around the corner. Only Mikey saw her and he gave her an almost imperceptibly shake of his head, clearly trying to say that now was not a good time to make an appearance.
"Stockman knows she's with you," Raph said. He was standing in front of Donnie, arms waving emphatically. Donnie stood solidly against the wall, eyes narrowed at his older brother. Leo and Splinter were sitting on the couch, watching with anxious eyes at the exchange.
"Stockman can't do anything," Donnie said, "He's not exactly high profile voice in the scientific field."
"And what happens if Stockman thinks he can get attention anyway? What about April? She's avoiding being found and what will happen if whoever she's avoiding finds her?"
"All that data is wiped from the system," Donnie said, "Security footage, lab notes; he just has the hand written notes and that won't show much for his experimentation on her."
"Dude," Mikey interjected, "We can handle that fruit bar. Ain't no swell like a turtle shell."
"That doesn't make sense, Mikey," Raph fumed, "It will be a big deal if people start thinking four mutant turtles are breaking into labs and messing up other people or mutants."
Mikey frowned. April watched as Raph stared down his brother, even though he had to look up to do so.
"You put this family at risk," Raph said, "All so you could hook up with a human."
April was shocked. This is beyond insulting and she moved to say so. But Donnie was faster. Before anyone could react, Donnie had swung his leg around and sent his brother to the floor. Raph flipped his body back up and swung his hand out. It collided with Donnie's arm and he grabbed hold to swing his brother around and throw him to the floor. Raph stared in shock. Donnie's eyes had darkened considerably.
"Don't ever tell me what I will or won't risk for this family," Donnie hissed and April felt fear course through her. It wasn't like when Donnie attacked Stockman; this felt like something much deeper, an unspoken agreement of silence.
"Donnie," Raph said, "I didn't mean…I'm sorry."
"Raph, that is enough," Splinter said, "Donnie, please calm down."
April gently touched Donnie's shoulder and she felt him relax. He turned to look at her and smiled apologetically. Then he looked back at Raph.
"Please don't ever say that again," Donnie said quietly, but not the deadly quiet April had heard last night directed at Stockman. This was sadder, speaking of a deeper wound. Raph nodded and Donnie let him up.
"It will not do to have you boys arguing," Splinter said, "You are ninja. That means you are to show patience and endurance. Donnie, you have clearly committed yourself to this woman." Splinter looked at April.
"What would you have your brothers do?" Leo asked. Donnie looked at April with an expression that clearly showed it was not his question to answer, but hers. And April knew she must be honest. Not only with them, but with her own heart, no matter how much it would hurt either of them.
"Please," April said, and she bowed her head, begging for their understanding, for Donnie's understanding.
"All I can think about is my father. Please let me stay. Help me rescue my dad and then," she took a deep breath, looking at Donnie, "Let Donnie and I decide what we have."
"Booyakasha!" Mikey shouted. Raph frowned at his brother but said nothing. Leo nodded his head. April looked nervously at Donnie. He gave her a small, accepting smile, but his eyes had taken on a somber look. April tried to look apologetic, but the look was gone a second later. Guilt washed through April's stomach and made the blood run cold.
"We gotta celebrate," Mikey said. April wondered just what Mikey would consider NOT worthy of a celebration.
"Let's order a-a-oh boy," Mikey trailed off and stared towards the front door. Everyone turned around to look. Standing in the entrance was a young girl, about April's age. She was Japanese, with black hair cropped short and spiked blonde in the back. She wore heavy eye liner and dark lipstick. Her clothes were designer made and hugged her body closely but not skin tight. She looked distressed and angry. Beside her was a large man, nearly as tall as Splinter, wearing a designer suit and shoes. He was bulky under the suit and it didn't look like just muscle. On each arm he wore silver gauntlets with pointed blades extending like claws. The most unique part of his outfit was the large helmet he wore. The majority of it was a simple design, but at the crown were a deadly trio of razor sharp prongs. He also wore a mask that covered most of his face, save his eyes, one of which was as black as midnight. The other eye was cloudy and bloodshot over his pupils. Their presence resulted in instant reactions all around. Splinter sat heavily on the couch while Leo had jumped up in amazement. Raph stood defensively in front of Donnie and Mikey, both of whom were looking nervous. But it was Donnie's pale face and nervous twitch that caused April to cling hard to his arm.
"Isn't anyone going to say hello?" the girl asked. Leo blinked hard and strode forward.
"Welcome home, sister," he said.
April was completely astounded. She remembered hearing Splinter saying he had a daughter, but seeing her now, seeing the effect it had on Splinter, she now guessed there was more to the story. The girl didn't seem to notice her father but wrapped her arms around Leo.
"Leo," the girl said, "I heard about what happened at the park. I'm glad you're okay."
"I'm fine," Leo said and April could hear a tinge of ice in his tone. The girl must have noticed to because she flinched slightly. Raph had quickly become confrontational again.
"Great," he said, "You've checked up on us, now get lost." Donnie's muscles twitched slightly as though agreeing. Mikey watched nervously, obviously as unnerved by the confrontation as April was.
"Despite what you think, Raph," the girl said, "I do still care about my brothers."
"Funny way of showing it," Raph said, "3 years is a long time to go between visits, onee-san." April recognized "sister" in Japanese.
"I'll be out of your shell in a moment," she said, "Once I'm done, it'll be like I never showed up."
"Miwa," Splinter said, his voice soft and full of longing. The girl visibly bristled and glared at the rat.
"It's Karai, Hamato-san," she said. Splinter's ears and whiskers seemed to droop.
"Karai," the big man behind her said, "You've checked on your brother, we must go now."
"Of course, Oroku-san," Karai said. She looked back at Leo.
"Shredder seems to be treating you well," Leo said.
"Don't call him that," Karai said, although the man behind her seemed to enjoy the term, "I'm getting along fine. You should think about coming with me."
"Family comes first, Karai," Leo said, "I haven't forgotten and I don't think you quite have either."
"Just because I'm not here, doesn't mean we can't still be a family, Leo," she said. Leo's eyes turned a darker stormy blue.
"Family is all or nothing, Miwa," Leo said, pointedly using her birth name, "And when you finally realize just what you've left behind, we'll be here."
"Speak for yourself," muttered Raph.
"Let's go, Karai," Shredder said. He put a hand on her shoulder to leader her towards the door, but not before glancing back. His one good eye landed on Donnie. April felt his arm tense beneath her fingers.
"How's the shoulder these days?" Shredder said coolly. Donnie gritted his teeth but said nothing.
"Leave now, Sakai," Splinter said, his tone full of grief, "This is my home and I will not have you here."
"Of course, old friend," Shredder said, his voice dripping with disdain. Then he turned and followed Karai out. The room was left with a chill on the air that made April clutch her robe more tightly around her. Nothing else was said and the Turtles quietly went about their business, all thoughts of celebration gone.
As the morning drew on, the storm arrived and April was content to stay inside the warmth of the house, watching Mikey play games or helping Leo and Raph keep score as they sparred on the balcony, but mostly listening to Donnie play. Having only three fingers on each hand, most of his playing was melodic, with the bass and other harmonies played on the computers. But the melodies were so beautiful. And yet, whether because of the stormy day or from the events of the morning, they also seemed sad and left April feel full of longing. She wondered about Karai, whom the Turtles and Splinter had called Miwa. They had called her their sister, but she seemed to resent them, to resent Splinter most of all. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't ask Donnie about it. He had been so quiet and focused all day. And she knew that any conversation she would start with him would inevitably lead to more questions about her feelings for him.
After dinner, Donnie and the others attended another public appearance while April waited. She wandered about the house, finally coming into a large room that smelled on incense and wood. A large tree was blooming in the center of the room and Splinter was sitting cross-legged on the floor. April realized he was meditating and turned to leave.
"I sense there are many questions on your mind, my child," came Splinter's voice. April stopped and turned around. Splinter hadn't opened his eyes, but his ears were perked up and turned in her direction.
"Splinter, I'm sorry if I interrupted you," April said.
Splinter opened his eyes and April saw two final tears roll down into his brown fur.
"My child, please sit," he said. April sat across from him.
"Miwa, the young woman who called herself "Karai" is my daughter," Splinter said, "Three years ago, she left my house as an emancipated youth because she believes that Shredder is her real father."
"Oroku Sakai and I were both in love with the same woman," Splinter continued, "A beautiful girl named Tang Shen. In those days, the Hamato and Foot clans seemed to be on the verge of peace. Oroku Sakai and I had grown up as brothers and friendly rivals. But love would turn us against each other. When Tang Shen became my wife, Sakai was furious and began to rebuild the old grudges between our clans. After a few months of our marriage, Sakai stole Tang Shen away from me in an attempt to weaken my resolve as the clan leader. The kidnapping did nothing but strengthen my resolve and prove my wife's courage. Within a year, Tang Shen gave birth to our daughter Miwa."
April sensed an underlying suspicion in Splinter's tone.
"Tang Shen always insisted that nothing happened between Sakai and her," Splinter said, "I never doubted her. But when Sakai finally destroyed all that I knew and loved, he caused a deep rift in my heart and mind that caused me to fear always for Miwa's safety. When we arrived in America, I was hesitant to let her out of my sight. On the day of our mutation, Miwa, instead of fear, showed only acceptance and recognition for her father in this form. As we grew and came to understand each other, the Turtles showed their talents as musicians and as agile athletes. I began to teach them and Miwa the art of the ninja."
"Karai-I mean, Miwa, is a ninja too?" April asked. Splinter nodded.
"She is also a lovely singer," Splinter said. He pulled out a small MP3 player and pressed play. A sweet voice began to sing.
"Saying "Goodbye" makes the rain pour.
I can't let you go, don't want to close that door.
Talk about this, or that, or about anything you want;
I just want to hold you near me once more.
"If you let go, let my hand fall,
I know I can't reach you through that wall.
It's too much; I still see you when I close my eyes
That's the pain, the worst that I can't bear at all."
"Promise me you won't cry 'til the end"
I shut my eyes and pull you near
Wanting your voice, your face, your scent engraved deep within me here."
"Even though my soul will bend and break
When I don't want to believe you'll be gone
I love you, my final promise, written as a song."
"It's beautiful," April said, "Is that music that Donnie wrote?"
"Yes," Splinter said, "Miwa wrote the song in memory of her mother."
April wiped her eyes as the song repeated once more and ended.
"This was the first song that Miwa ever sang with the Turtles," Splinter said, "It was also the last. Sakai returned and, using the ninja's ability to deceive and plant mistrust, convinced my daughter that he was her father, that her mother had loved Sakai and not me and that I took her mother away. And that I was keeping Miwa out of the world to keep her talent and skills for my own benefit."
"The last lie was what made the rest so easy to believe," Splinter said, "I would not let her go on a trip with her friends; my cowardice and despair at having lost Tang Shen and knowing that Sakai was present still made it easy for me to deny her. And I did, very vehemently. Not long after, she left and this morning was the first I've seen of her in three years."
April began to understand the heartache Splinter suffered.
"My child," Splinter said, "You fear for your father as I fear for Miwa in the hands of my enemy. But do not let your grief and fear of that keep your heart from blossoming to what awaits you."
"You're talking about Donnie, aren't you," April said. It was not a question.
"Whether it is my son or some other young man, the result is the same," Splinter replied, "Your heart must be ready to open and to trust what it will bring for you and for your loved ones."
April nodded and stood up. Only the slightest sunlight reflected on the buildings as it sank in the west. She knew the boys would not be back until morning. She went to her room, dressed for bed and lay staring up at the ceiling. She let her mind drift back over Miwa's song as she thought of her father. She wondered how much her father thought of her and, as she let the tears slide down her cheeks, if their roles were switched, would her father give up on moving forward? Her answer, if she ever came up with one, was lost on waves of forgetful slumber.
To Be Continued