I don't want to give too much away here for this next chapter. But a slight warning for some scenes, though nothing too graphic. :D I hope everyone who celebrates it had a great holiday. I know why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year because it reminds me of all I am grateful for. Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter written but I've been so swamped with work it has kept me bouncing around. I recently lost a friend of many many years to cancer and I've been grieving and unable to write, and with the holiday... well time has just gotten away from me. I hope this chapter was worth the wait I really enjoyed writing it. I won't promise to get another chapter up within the next two weeks because right before Christmas is swamped... at least that's what I've been told and from what I've seen of the schedule I believe it. So it might be a little while again but I promise I'll update as soon as I can! Have a great weekend everyone!
Chapter 16
Elizabeth lay awake in the dark, rubbing a hand over her swollen abdomen absent-mindedly. She knew she should be tired, but she felt wide awake, too jittery and excited to sleep. She couldn't believe she'd been in the lair for over two months now, the time had gone by so quickly. She was now into her second trimester and to her relief the urge to vomit every half an hour had passed. She now found herself craving odd combinations of food, only to change her mind minutes later. Michelangelo tried to accommodate her but found it difficult when after he prepared what she had asked for she was in the mood for something else. Lately her fetish had been ice cream and caramel sauce with dill pickles on the side.
Elizabeth had grown used to her life down here in the lair, and the turtles had all warmed to her to the point where she no longer felt like a stranger living in their home but as part of the family.
Family.
It was a nice feeling to be part of a real family again. It had been so long since she'd felt this way. She hadn't talked to her parents or brother for so long it didn't feel like they were even a part of her life anymore. The last time she'd seen them was at her wedding.
It was true that Raphael and his brothers, along with Splinter, weren't the most ordinary beings but they were so incredible that Elizabeth felt very privileged to be a part of their lives. Michelangelo was always trying to convince Elizabeth to challenge him to one of his video games, Elizabeth rarely took the bait, knowing he was skilled enough that he would always beat her. But every once in a while she'd give in and would laugh merrily with him while Michelangelo officially smoked her. He would crow in triumph and jab her gently in the ribs with his elbow, telling her she'd better brush up on her video game skills if she ever hoped to beat him. However, when it came to card games, Elizabeth was much more in her element. She would snicker to herself while Michelangelo's tongue would poke out from the corner of his mouth, the ridges over his eyes furrowed, and he'd frown staring at the cards she already had on the table. He had yet to beat her at canasta and Elizabeth had noticed that the others, although rarely joining in themselves, had enjoyed watching the two of them play.
Donatello on the other hand was the complete opposite of his brother, Elizabeth had really come to enjoy spending time talking quietly with Donatello in the morning while he caffeinated himself before disappearing into his lab. Elizabeth didn't see him as often as she saw some of the others, Donatello was always in his lab and hated being disturbed. But he was always there if the others needed him. Elizabeth hadn't missed the way Donatello would drop everything for his brothers. There had been one day when Michelangelo, so busy recounting the latest comic book he'd gotten to Elizabeth that he hadn't been paying attention to what he was doing and his hand had touched a burning pot on the stove. He'd screamed and dropped the pan sending hot water and boiled potatoes all over the floor. The noise had attracted Raphael from the living room and he'd entered just in time to see Elizabeth rushing over to where Mikey stood clutching his hand. Without a word Raphael had disappeared to fetch Donatello who had appeared seconds later, medical supplies in hand. Elizabeth knew that he had been working on seriously complicated scientific calculations and fixing a few broken items in his lab but he had abandoned both because his brother had needed him more.
Leonardo was unlike any of his brothers. Although he wasn't as loud as Michelangelo he wasn't as quiet as Donatello either. Elizabeth found that Leonardo was very serious and very disciplined. She would sometimes hear him leaving in the morning to go for an early training run, he was usually back within an hour. He would then shower and head to the dojo to meditate before breakfast. Elizabeth had grown quite used to his routine. After breakfast the turtles had morning sparring sessions with each other, afterwards the turtles would separate to do their own thing. Leonardo would often retreat to his room, though Elizabeth wasn't sure what it was he did up there. She never asked. Still there was something comforting about Leo. He was an easy turtle to talk to now that he had warmed up to her and she found his presence soothing. She enjoyed talking to him in the evenings as he had his tea.
And that left Raphael – the turtle she spent the most time with. Over the last month their relationship had deepened. Raphael spent almost every night in her room now and his brothers didn't even blink at it anymore. Elizabeth loved cuddling up against him at night, his large arm would wrap around her, pulling her closer to him. She felt safe when she was with him. There was no way to explain how she felt other than safe. What was it about his presence that instantly put her at ease? Elizabeth couldn't figure it out, although if she were going to be honest with herself she didn't spend a lot of time trying.
Elizabeth's days had fallen into a familiar pattern built on routine. In the morning she'd wake up and head for the kitchen, starting up the coffee for Donatello and starting breakfast. Not long after that Leonardo would join her as he finished up his morning training runs and meditation sessions and was always ready for his morning tea. Michelangelo would soon follow his brother into the kitchen and would either help Elizabeth with breakfast or slump down in his usual seat at the small table depending on how late they had been out on patrol.
Raphael was usually the third turtle in the kitchen. At first he'd just sat down next to his brothers and discussed their next patrol but lately Raphael had been more of a tease, sneaking up behind Elizabeth and grabbing a few pieces of bacon or sticking his finger into the bowl to have a taste of whatever it was she was cooking. He'd finally given her white sauce for the French toast a chance and now the others were lucky if they got any – between Raphael and Michelangelo there usually wasn't enough to go around amongst the others. Elizabeth had started making larger portions but it didn't seem to help.
Donatello was usually the last to stumble into the kitchen, only half awake and rubbing at his eyes wearily as he made his way to the table, he'd slump down in his seat next to Michelangelo and would give Elizabeth a tired smile as she slid a mug of hot freshly brewed coffee in front of him.
As for Splinter, well, Elizabeth had grown accustomed to Splinter's quiet presence, though she wasn't intimidated by him anymore she still knew he was expecting an answer from her on whether or not she'd decided to stay after the baby was born.
Elizabeth's hand paused on her stomach. It still felt so strange to think that a life was actually growing inside her. A tiny little person was inside her at this very moment.
"Can't sleep?" A husky voice interrupted Elizabeth's thoughts.
She turned and smiled at the red-banded turtle who was watching her with those strange amber eyes. "I thought you were sleeping."
"I 'eard yer stomach rumblin' an' it woke me up," Raphael said with a smirk.
Elizabeth frowned. "My stomach was not rumbling. I had two helpings of dinner tonight I couldn't eat another bite if I wanted to!"
Raphael chuckled quietly. He quirked an eye ridge at her and his eyes flashed a little in the darkness. Elizabeth scooted closer to him, laying her head on his arm and stroking the smooth plates that made up his plastron with the tips of her fingers.
"So what were ya tinkin' 'bout if it wasn't another grilled fish sandwich with onions and potata chips on da side?" Raphael chuckled again.
Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. "Did I really say that sounded good?"
"Ya did at dinner – wasn't sure if I was gonna be able ta watch ya eat it."
Elizabeth laughed quietly. "It sounded a lot better then – but now I'm thinking that roast beef and chocolate ice cream with raspberry topping sounds really good."
Raphael made a face and Elizabeth laughed.
"Ya gotta stop havin' these weird cravin's, 'Lizbeth. Mikey was a lot greener den usual tonight after dinner."
"I can't help it – it's just what the baby needs I guess."
"Well yer keepin' it down at least," Raphael said with a slight laugh. He pulled her closer and Elizabeth happily ducked her head underneath his chin as his arms came around her back pulling her closer to him. Elizabeth listened to his heart pumping underneath his plastron for a few minutes before Raphael broke the silence again.
"So… have ya thought 'bout what yer gonna call it?"
"Call what?"
Raphael shifted a little. "Da baby – ya got a name fer it?"
"Oh," Elizabeth flushed. "I don't know… I haven't really… I know that if it was a boy Graham wanted it named after him… "
Raphael growled at the sound of Graham's name so Elizabeth didn't continue.
"Ya ain't gonna name it after 'im are ya?" Raphael's voice was tight when he finally spoke again.
Elizabeth shook her head. "No – but I'm not sure what I would name him either." She paused for a moment. "Or her – none of the names I come up with seem right."
Raphael was silent for a while, but Elizabeth knew he hadn't fallen asleep because his fingers were gently running up and down along her spine. Elizabeth felt a warm burning sensation building in her gut when he found a sensitive spot on her back and she shivered. She felt Raphael shift a little so he could look at her but she kept her face hidden.
"What names have ya thought 'bout?" Raphael finally asked breaking the silence again.
"The usual names Billy, Bobby, Fred, Kurt, Roger, George, Alex, Nathan, Matthew, Jacob, Emily, Hannah, Rebecca, Sarah, Judy, Melanie, Stephanie… none of them seem to fit."
"Mmm… " Raphael pondered the names quietly as Elizabeth listed them off.
"Do you have any ideas, Raph?"
"Me?" Raphael seemed surprised by her question.
"Well, I mean if you ever… have you ever thought about… " Elizabeth blushed and was secretly glad it was so dark so Raphael couldn't see so clearly.
"It was never really an issue – da chances of us ever havin' a kid… " Raphael trailed off. He didn't elaborate, but then again he didn't have to.
"I'm sorry, Raph. I shouldn't have… "
"Don't." Raphael's voice was clipped.
Elizabeth's mouth snapped closed and she stared down sadly at her fingers, which had curled into fists against Raphael's plastron.
There was an awkward silence hanging over them now, Elizabeth wasn't sure why Raphael hadn't pushed her away, but she feared that if he did she might not be able to be with him like this again for several days. The thought of being separated from him like that – if even temporarily made her chest hurt so badly she wasn't sure if she'd survive it.
"Toshiro Yoshi," Raphael's voice was so soft Elizabeth almost didn't hear him.
She turned, lifting her head away from his arm and stared at his face. "What was that, Raph?"
"Dat's what I'd name 'im," Raphael said reaching up with one hand to brush a lock of hair away from Elizabeth's face but then he gently cupped her cheek. "Toshiro."
"Toshiro – I've never heard of that name before."
"It means talented and Yoshi – well dat would be fer Splinter. Dat was 'is master's name."
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully biting her lip as she thought the name over. "And if it was a girl?"
"Akemi," Raphael didn't hesitate this time – it was as if he'd already had the answer.
"What's that mean?"
"It means a beautiful sunrise – I always like watchin' da sun come up when we're outta da city and it's safe fer us ta watch it. There's so many colors."
Elizabeth stared into Raphael's eyes for several long minutes. She could see he was uncomfortable with her penetrating stare but she couldn't help herself. She'd never seen this side of him before. "You know what, Raph? I really like those names."
Raphael chuckled. "Yer not just sayin' dat cause ya like me kissin' ya and don't wanna hurt my feelin's are ya?"
Elizabeth leaned forward and pressed her lips against his beak. Raphael kissed her back willingly. Elizabeth was the first to pull away, something she normally didn't do. Raphael looked up at her confused. "I wouldn't care if you didn't give me any names, Raphael. You are always worth kissing."
Raphael chuckled and pulled her into a tighter embrace against his plastron while her mouth found his once again. A low groan rumbled up his throat and he tightened his hold on her body. She felt so good against him, so soft, so inviting. Her fingers trailed down his sides, finding the sensitive skin between his plastron and carapace. He shifted but Elizabeth was using her body to keep him down. Not that he would want to be anywhere else right now anyway.
Elizabeth's hands worked over his body, feeling every inch of his well defined muscles, his skin, his shell. They inched lower on his body and Raphael jerked when Elizabeth hands touched the sensitive part of his thigh. He felt a warmth creep through his body so suddenly that he had to fight the urge to let himself drop – acting like an animal during the mating season. But still… the way Elizabeth's eyes met his and a sly smile crept over her face Raphael had no doubt that she knew exactly what she was doing to him.
"Haven't we waited long enough, Raphael?" Elizabeth whispered her hand ghosting against his thigh again and this time Raphael found it harder to keep control of his urges.
"'Lizbeth, I don't know… I wanna make sure dat yer sure."
"Raph," Elizabeth leaned up and kissed him again, this time with such passion and urgency that Raphael couldn't help but respond to her. The warmth in his gut quickly turned to a burning fire fueled with desire. "I have never been more ready for anything in my life."
That was all it took. Raphael's hungry mouth found hers and he found the kisses to be more passionate, more deep, and more meaningful than
they had been before. He found himself lost in her scent, in the way her hands roamed over his body as if she weren't bothered at all by the leathery skin or hard shell.
She clung to him, as if afraid he would disappear, her nails digging almost painfully into his skin. But his skin wasn't the same as hers – it was tougher, not as easily damaged. Her skin was silky soft underneath his large hands and he loved the feel of her hair as it swept against his face. He found his body reacting to hers as she leaned up against him, and he ran his hands over her back, marveling again at how beautiful she was. How silky smooth her skin and how it had that creamy color. She was soft where he was hard and warm, so very warm. He shivered as she leaned down and kissed his skin just above his plastron, but grimaced when her teeth nipped him gently.
Raphael's breathing was getting more ragged now, his chest heaved with it and he could tell from Elizabeth's heavy breathing and the smell of salt that Elizabeth was soaked in sweat.
Elizabeth paused, holding herself up so she could look into his eyes. Raphael stared right back, feeling as though he could stare into those eyes of hers forever.
Elizabeth smiled shyly as she leaned down on him once again. Her lips met his, but they were more gentle this time. Raphael kissed her back, a moan once again escaping his throat. He wrapped his arms tightly around her body and didn't think of anything else for a long time.
Raphael rose quietly the next morning, not wanting to disturb Elizabeth. But he knew if he didn't leave that Leonardo would soon come looking for him. Raphael stealthily rolled off the bed, making sure to keep his movements so steady that the bed hardly shifted as he rose. Elizabeth frowned in her sleep and pulled the bed sheet more tightly around her bare shoulders.
Raphael watched her, holding his breath. She was so beautiful, even now with her hair tangled and spread out all around her face, with her cheeks still pink from the activities of the night before, and her lips swollen slightly as their kisses had increased with passion and Raphael's kisses had gotten harder against her lips.
Elizabeth didn't stir as Raphael shook his head and started out of the room, care to avoid looking in the corner where the remains of Elizabeth's pajamas lay, exactly where Raphael had thrown them after he'd ripped them off her last night.
He had been a little hesitant last night, uncertain at first, but Elizabeth hadn't been. She had been willing, bold, which had surprised him but it had also pleased him. He'd never felt like this about anyone, had never thought that he could be with anyone the way he was with Elizabeth last night. But knowing that she had wanted him the way that he had wanted her had given him confidence. He'd been intoxicated by her, by her soft skin, her warm breath, the sweet scent of jasmine that always seemed to linger on her skin…
Raphael pushed away those thoughts as a warmth spread through his gut. He had to pull himself together, he had his morning training session with his brothers in half an hour – it wouldn't do him any good if he let his thoughts of the night before with Elizabeth distract him. He hurried out of the room on quiet feet shutting the door silently behind him.
Elizabeth woke slowly, with the irritating sensation that she'd slept for a very long time. Her body felt heavy, trapping her. But she felt happy too. Last night had been so… the corners of Elizabeth's mouth curled up in a smile as she slowly tried to think of a word to describe the night before. Incredible just didn't seem to cover it. There wasn't a word good enough for what she'd experienced with Raphael. She'd never felt such a powerful physical connection with someone. But it was as if they were made for each other, she had sensed that he was a little nervous at first but she'd quickly put his fears at ease as she'd grown more aggressive with her passion and to her delight he had responded to her willingly.
His body was so incredible, so very different from anything she'd ever experienced before, so hard and firm, yet so flexible. She wondered if that had anything to do with whatever that ooze had been that had mutated them in the first place. She knew that most turtles couldn't bend the way that Raphael and his brothers did, and although their shells and plastron were hard enough to protect them they allowed them to be flexible enough to allow them to do what they did in their daily routines.
Elizabeth shivered a little and opened her eyes. She was alone in the bed, her eyes widened a little in surprise and she glanced around the room hoping to see Raphael in there somewhere, but he wasn't. The room was empty and the door closed.
Had he left after she'd fallen asleep last night? The last thing she had remembered was falling asleep in his arms, curled up against his body and even though she had been aware that her pajamas were now ruined beyond repair she hadn't cared. As long as she had been with him.
Elizabeth glanced at the floor and spotted her pajamas, flushing a little and clutching the sheet a little tighter around her chest. She would have to discard them later – she'd heard them rip last night when Raphael had… she blushed again remembering how much she'd enjoyed his large rough hands on her skin.
She shook her head. She had to get control of herself. She knew the others were bound to get suspicious if she didn't come out of her room soon… but could she face them now? Would they know? Would Raphael tell them? What would they think?
Keeping the sheet wrapped around her body Elizabeth rolled off the bed and headed for the second hand dresser for some clean clothes. She pulled out a pair of jeans and a baggy yellow sweatshirt. She snatched some undergarments and quickly slipped into her clothes before looking at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, she raked her fingers through it but it didn't seem to help. She sighed and headed for the door, hoping the bathroom was free.
As she entered the main area of the lair she could hear the sounds of the turtles sparring in the dojo – she grinned and hurried for the bathroom. She could be cleaned up and presentable by the time the turtles were done with their morning session.
The brush made short work of tangles she hadn't managed to rake out with her fingers, Elizabeth brushed all her hair away from her face then took a small piece right in the middle over her widow's peak and split the piece of hair into two pieces, crossing them over each other to make a small x, then she pulled up a small piece of hair on either side of her head and repeated the process over and over, adding each small piece to the first as she continued all the way down to the back of her skull. Then she continued on what was left of her hair, taking small pieces from the outer edge and crisscrossing them over each other until she finished braiding her long brown hair in a perfect plait, not a single hair sticking out of place. Elizabeth smiled at her reflection she was much more presentable now.
Someone knocked on the other side of the door. "Elizabeth? Is that you in there?"
Elizabeth quickly put her brush back in with the rest of her bathroom supplies and opened the door to see Donatello waiting for his turn. He smiled at her and quickly dodged around her as she left, shutting the door behind him.
Elizabeth was slightly surprised – usually it was Michelangelo who was always in a hurry for the bathroom. She shrugged to herself and headed for the kitchen, her stomach was growling angrily at her reminding her that she'd slept through breakfast and dinner had been almost fifteen hours before.
None of the others were in the kitchen yet. Elizabeth looked towards the dojo in surprise – she could hear Splinter's soft voice talking to someone, though she wasn't sure who. Deciding it was best to not interrupt Elizabeth started for the kitchen, hoping she'd be able to find something decent for lunch. She pulled at her waistline on her jeans, uncomfortable with how tight they were getting on her now. She wondered if she shouldn't see if she could get April to go shopping with her so she could get some more comfortable pants. Or maybe Donatello could help her find something online? She hated to go topside while Graham was still looking for her, especially since he knew so many low-level thugs. She really didn't want to go anywhere without Raphael – but she knew it wouldn't be possible for him to simply go to the store with her while she looked and tried on new clothes.
Elizabeth sighed as she pulled out a package of cheese, the bread and a couple tomatoes. She pulled the frying pan out from its usual place, almost as familiar with this kitchen now as she had been with her own. She started up the burner and placed a slice of bread on the pan to get it browning while she sliced up the cheese, placing a couple slices on top so it could start to melt and placing another slice of bread on top.
"I hope that smell is lunch," Michelangelo said as he bounded into the kitchen a few minutes later, grinning as Elizabeth smiled at him over her shoulder.
Elizabeth slid the pancake turner underneath the perfectly browned sandwich and slid it onto the plate next to the first she'd already finished.
"I hope you guys like grilled cheese," Elizabeth said as she placed another premade sandwich onto the pan so it could start to cook.
"Mikey'll eat anyting," Raphael said with a smirk as he followed his brother into the kitchen. He walked up to Elizabeth and wrapped an arm around her waist, Elizabeth grinned and leaned back against his plastron, completely forgetting that Michelangelo was in the room with them.
Michelangelo snickered. "You two need to get a room."
"Can it, Mikey," Raphael snapped, but he let go of Elizabeth and headed back for the table to join his brother. Elizabeth laughed quietly and went to turn the sandwich in the frying pan but blinked when she saw that one of the finished grilled cheese sandwiches was missing. She turned and glared at Raphael who was smirking at her, his prize in his hand, already halfway gone while Michelangelo scowled at him, sulking.
"Raphael!" Elizabeth was exasperated.
"Ya didn't tink I was gonna let da chucklehead eat dem all did ya?" Raphael asked as he took another large bite of his sandwich.
"I'm sure there will be plenty to go around," Elizabeth said trying to sound annoyed, but she couldn't help but smile at him.
"Good den I'll be able ta have another one," Raphael popped the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth and dusted the crumbs off his fingers.
Elizabeth laughed and shook her head, turning back to the sandwich and turning it just in time to stop it from burning. Then she turned back to the cutting board where she had been slicing up the tomatoes.
Splinter, Leonardo, and Donatello soon joined them in the kitchen. Elizabeth slid the last sandwich out of the frying pan and onto the plate of finished sandwiches alongside the sliced tomatoes. She took the plate over to the table and sat down next to Raphael where the food was passed around the table.
"Elizabeth, I'd like to take another sonogram picture in a few weeks – we should be able to tell how big the baby is and maybe we'd even be able to see if it is a boy or girl." Donatello said as he helped himself to a sandwich and a few tomato slices.
"Sure, Donny," Elizabeth agreed lightly.
"I'm surprised you didn't put something weird on these sandwiches," Michelangelo said changing the subject quickly as Elizabeth bit into her sandwich.
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth gave Michelangelo an innocent look. "When have I made anything weird?"
Michelangelo made a face and Elizabeth laughed. "Actually, Mikey, would you mind getting the ketchup out for me?"
"Uh… " Michelangelo hesitated for a second but then got up and quickly retrieved the ketchup from the fridge. He watched with wide eyes as Elizabeth squeezed out a generous portion onto her plate and dipped the end of her sandwich into it before taking a large bite. "Ugh… how can you eat that?" Michelangelo was disgusted.
Elizabeth chuckled. "It's great – why don't you try some?"
Michelangelo shook his head. Elizabeth merely shrugged and dipped her sandwich into the ketchup again.
The others snickered quietly but didn't comment as they ate their sandwiches in silence. In what seemed like no time all the sandwiches and tomato slices had been eaten. Elizabeth leaned back against the back of her chair running a hand over her stomach. "You know what sounds good for dessert?"
All of the turtles and Splinter looked at her warily. Elizabeth's ideas for dessert had rarely sounded good to any of them lately.
Michelangelo was the first to recover. "Let me guess – pistachio ice cream with hot fudge and sardines?"
Elizabeth gapped at him for a long minute before bursting into a fit of laughter. The others watched with amused expressions while bouts of laughter seemed to rock through her. When Elizabeth finally seemed to get a hold of herself she wiped a few tears away from her eyes.
"You've been watching too many I Love Lucy reruns, Mikey." Elizabeth chuckled again and Michelangelo shrugged.
"Well with all the other weird desserts you've been coming up with… didn't seem like it'd be that far off."
"No – I was thinking of hot fudge sundaes… or a banana split."
Michelangelo's face lit up with delight. "I could go for that, dudette!"
Elizabeth laughed again. "Good cause I'm in the mood for some mint chocolate chip ice cream with strawberry sauce, blueberry crumble, and red peppers."
A/N Continued: And yes I acutally did mean to put down red peppers as the last topping for Elizabeth's sundae. LOL. Not sure if that was really what she wanted or if she just wanted to tease Mikey. :D She does have a twisted sense of humor. Hope you guys enjoyed it and thanks again to all of those who take the time to review and let me know what you thought. See you next time. :D