"And this is where the magic happens" Donatello said with a smile as he led me into a small laboratory made out of an old train car.
Since last night, I have been officially living in the sewers, with four giant turtles and a rat…yeah, I still have a hard time believing that myself. It's true though. April and Leonardo both thought it'd be 'safer' for me to live here with them so that the Purple Dragons wouldn't find me.
Pfft, as if I'm stupid enough to believe that crap!
I know they only want me down here so they can keep an eye on me. They don't trust me, which is why I'm now being babysat like a friggin' toddler. I'm stuck with Donatello today, which should be fine. I mean, he is the most bearable of the four.
Right now Donatello is giving me a tour of their 'lair'. It's a pretty sick place really. Their entertainment system is awesome!
"Damn, check out this set-up." I let out an impressed whistle as I checked out the lab. I noticed Donatello grinning like mad from the corner of my eye. Looking 'round I saw scattered pieces of hardware, wires, canisters' with letters TCRI written along the sides, fibre optics, microfluidics, and all other sorts of junk that could be used to create some serious gadgets.
Yeah…I'm a bit of nerd.
My eyes widened when they landed on the computer, decked out to the max, perfectly positioned in the centre of the worn-out, wooden desk.
"No friggin' way."
"What is it?" Donatello asked.
"Is that a Dual Processor G5?" My fingers lightly traced the outline of the beautiful machine.
If turtles had eyebrows, Donnie's woulda been on the top his head right now. "You know about computers?"
"Surprised I'm not as dumb as I look, Donnie?"
"I'm not surprised, I'm pleased." He gave me a warm smile. "Now I know we have something in common. We're becoming friends already."
My face heated slightly so I kept my head down. The idea of gaining a friend already makes me a little anxious. The only friend I've ever had was Lizzy. I could hear Donatello sitting down and wheeling his way over to me. The computer chimed, making me look up at the 27 inch, brilliant coloured, NEC flat screen monitor. He pulled up another chair next him and patted the seat, inviting me to sit.
"This baby has over five gigs of RAM, three two hundred and fifty gig hard drives, and a T1 line hooked directly into the net."
He looked at me, his smile growing. I bit down on my tongue to keep from smiling, but for some reason it's difficult. I've always had excellent control over my emotions, until now. Not even five minutes have I been in his presence and I already feel my emotional guard beginning to slip.
Damn this stupid turtle!
I wanted to turn my back on him, storm outta the room while shouting some offensive comment how I don't give a crap 'bout what he's babbling on 'bout…but I couldn't. Donatello seems to be one of those people that ya just can't get angry with. No matter what they do. I've heard 'bout people like them, but I always thought they were a myth, yet Donatello proves otherwise. It's so friggin' frustrating!
"Why are ya being so nice to me!?"
The words were outta my mouth before I could stop them. I mentally cursed my outburst. Donatello watches me for what feels like minutes. He then breaks out into another smile.
"I don't really know, Mel. I just get the feeling you could use some happiness in your life. And some people who are nice."
I'm so stumped by that comment I can't even come up with a good response. My mouth finally closes when he pats my shoulder. "So, would you like to try this baby out?"
I just shake my head side-to-side, still confused by him. He smiles, again! Turns back to the computer and begins typing away.
I watch his three fingered hands glide across the keyboard as I fight with myself in my head. Out of all of the turtles, Donatello has been the most accepting. Not once has he looked at me judgmentally or like he didn't trust me. He was the one that bandaged me up last night. He was trying his best to make sure he didn't hurt me, and never got angry when I snapped at him. He's been making an effort to talk to me…maybe, I could do the same.
"So…" I tapped my fingers against my knee. "…have ya seen the next generation cambium processor with quantum encryption?"
His face brightened. "Absolutely. That is one massive and magnificent piece of machinery."
"Massive and magnificent piece of machinery?" I repeated. "Didn't know ya had such a way with words."
"They got you to smile though, didn't they?"
My hand flew to my mouth. Huh, whaddya know, I was smiling. I didn't realise that I was. I looked down at my feet, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
"Why are you trying to hide your smile?" Donatello leant in closer, trying to get a better look at my face.
"None of ya business!" I glared at him but it quickly disappeared. The guilt of snapping at him quickly ate away at me, making me sigh in defeat. "I just hate my smile, kay?"
"Why?"
"Cause my teeth are stupid."
He looked confused as he leant in to get a better look at my mouth. I sealed my lips tighter, moving away stubbornly as he reached for my arm.
"Let me see." He reached for my hands, and this time I let him pull them down. I opened my mouth so he could see for himself.
"I gotta gap between my two front teeth and I just hate it, ya know? It's stupid and ugly, and food gets caught in there, which sucks ass!"
Donatello chuckled and I covered my face with my hands. "See? I told ya it looked stupid!"
"That's what you're worried about? It's adorable" Donatello smiled warmly, removing my hands from my face and holding them delicately in his.
Adorable? Well…that sure as hell ain't what I was expecting to hear. My hands squeezed his as I avoided eye contact. Why is he complimenting me? People never compliment me.
"Are ya always this nice?"
He chuckled. "Only to people I like."
"Why are ya trying so hard to befriend me? I ain't even that nice."
He gave me a smile and opened his mouth to speak, but Michelangelo busted through the door, interrupting our conversation.
"Mikey, I've told you before, you can't keep busting in here without knocking first."
"Sorry bro, but this is an emergency! We need your help! Quickly!" Michelangelo said in one rushed breath.
Donatello gave me a quick glance before rushing outta the lab with his brother, me trailing behind at a slower pace.
"This is the big emergency?!" Donatello stood in front of their set of TV's, hands on his hips.
"It IS an emergency, Donnie. I can't watch any cartoons now!" Michelangelo's hands flew to his head.
All the TV's stacked up on one another had static covered screens. The other turtles, and the rat, Splinter I think his name was, surrounded Donatello as they gave out 'bout the TV having no reception. Donatello had a look of frustration on his face as he tried explaining why he couldn't fix it right now.
Poor dude looks like he could use a hand.
"Hey, give the poor dude a break, will ya?" I said, standing beside the purple masked turtle. "He only got six fingers."
Donatello smiled in appreciation.
"Butt outta this, princess. It ain't none of your business" Raphael said angrily.
My eyes narrowed at him "I'm making it my business, douchebag. Frankly, I ain't liking the way you're treating your brother. He ain't a slave!"
"Oooh, suddenly you're Miss Sensitive" Raphael said with a mocking tone. "This ain't your business. Stay outta it. This ain't your family and you got no right stickin' your nose in our business!"
Things were 'bout to get real ugly if Leonardo hadn't stepped in.
"That's enough you two!" He looked between the two of us. "I don't know why you two hate each other so much-"
"I can give ya a reason" I muttered darkly, staring at the red clad turtle with fire in my eyes.
"-But if you're going to be living under the same roof, then you're both going to have to make an effort to get along." Leonardo folded his arms. "Now, each of you owes the other an apology."
"You gotta be kiddin'!"
"No friggin' way!"
No way in Satan's Hell was I apologizing to that douchebag! Hell, I got nothing to apologize for!
"You first, Raph" Leonardo said, turning to stare at his brother.
Raphael looked like he was 'bout to blow a fuse. "Why do I have ta go first?!"
"Because you started it. Now apologize." Leonardo stayed completely calm during the situation. Gotta say, I kinda admire that.
Raphael glared daggers at his brother. "No way. I ain't apologizing first to that little-"
"Raphael!"
Raphael froze mid-sentence as the rat dude stepped forward. "That is enough, my son. Your brother is right. You must apologize to our guest."
"But Master Splinter, I-"
One look from the rat made Raphael shut his gigantic trap. He bowed his head in respect before looking at me. "I'm, uh…I'm sorry about, well, ya know."
I crossed my arms and looked at the ground.
"Miss Fletcher?" Splinter pressed.
I sighed in defeat and looked up. "I'm sorry too."
"Aww that's so nice" Michelangelo cooed from his place on the couch.
"Listen…" All eyes turned to me as I spoke up. I don't know why I was doing this. I just felt so guilty, but why should I feel guilty? Crap, I got no idea why! Oh well, just go with it Mel.
"If ya guys want, I could fix your TV. Ya know, 'til Donnie here gets 'round to it."
"You know how to fix things like that?" Leonardo had the same look of surprise on his face as Donnie did before.
"Of course she does. Mel here is quite the tech genius." Donnie smiled, patting my shoulder gently.
I gave a dismissive wave of my hand "I wouldn't say that. My house was a piece of crap, like; everything just broke all the time. If I didn't learn how to fix crap like this, then it'd just stay broken." I went over to inspect the TV's before turning back to the turtles. "I'm gonna need a coat hanger and an empty soda can."
They gave me funny looks, but Donnie left and brought me a coat hanger, while Michelangelo brought me an empty can. I was easily able to rig up a homemade antenna and get almost perfect reception. It ain't much, but it'll do the job for now.
"There we go. It ain't a permanent solution but it'll do the trick for now."
"Awesome trick, dudette!" Michelangelo said happily before vaulting over the back of the couch.
Splinter walked towards me and gave a slight bow of his head. "Thank you, Miss Fletcher. I don't know what I would have done if I wasn't able to watch my stories tonight. Cody is going to break up with Donna, I just know it."
"No problemo, dude."
Donnie stood next to me, shaking his head with a small chuckle. "You really are something else, you know that, Mel?"
I shrugged my shoulders, a small smile pulling at the corners of my mouth. "I guess." What else can you say to something like that?
"Mel! Come play a video game with me!" Michelangelo waved me over eagerly.
I made my way over to him and he patted the seat next to him. I settled down beside him, kicking my shoes off, and crossing my legs.
"I thought ya were gonna watch cartoons."
"I changed my mind." He smiled and pulled out a shoebox from under the table. He shoved a controller in my hands before jumping up.
"Pick a game, Mel, and I'll get us some snacks."
He ran from the room, leaving me to stare at the large collection of games squished tightly into the small cardboard box. Damn, this dude had a lota games, mostly single player…I think. I don't play lota video games. A lot of them looked like fantasy type games, ya know, with swords, bows and arrows, weird mystical creatures.
Crashes from the kitchen made me jump.
"Hey, Mikey! Could you keep it down to only a slightly deafening cacophony?" Donnie yelled into the kitchen as he sat down beside me.
"Sorry bro, we don't have any ka-ko-fony. But we do have popcorn!" He smiled happily while leaving the kitchen, holding the bowl of popcorn above his head like a trophy. "The glorious golden kernels of freshly popped joy! Woohoo!"
He dropped the bowl on the table, but not before shoving a large handful of popcorn into his mouth. "So, what game did you pick?"
I shrugged "I dunno what to choose. I've never played a video game before."
Michelangelo choked on his food. He coughed and punched his chest, a tiny popcorn kernel flying from his mouth. "You've never played a video game before?!"
I shook my head 'no' and he grabbed me by the shoulders, shaking back and forth wildly. "Are you crazy, woman!? How could you not have ever played a video game!?"
"Hey, easy there, Mikey! You're going to make her head fall off!" Donnie grabbed my shoulders to keep me still. I sat there kinda dazed from being shaken like a salt shaker but quickly shook it off.
Michelangelo inserted a disc, swiped up his controller from the table, took a fistful of popcorn, and plopped down on my other side. A colourful picture with different animated characters filled the screen of the TV followed by the words 'Super Smash Bros'.
"Choose your character, dudette."
I stared at the controller in my hands then back at the screen. "Pikachu, I choose you!" I smiled as I selected my character.
Michelangelo laughed before choosing his own character: Bowser.
"I get to play winner" Donnie said, grabbing a piece of popcorn.
"Prepare to be destroyed, little lady" Michelangelo gave me a cheeky smile.
"There's only one person being destroyed today, and it ain't gonna be me, reptile!"
The game started and I was knocked down almost instantly. Crap. I fumbled with the controller in my hands, quickly trying to figure out the buttons. Once I was sure I knew how to play, my character was already dead, and Michelangelo's character danced 'round the screen in victory.
"Booyah! Who's the turtle? Who's the turtle?" Michelangelo laughed as he danced on the couch.
"Crap" I said with a sigh. "Looks like it's your turn." I handed the controller to Donnie but he didin't take it.
"Have another go, Mel. That wasn't a fair game." Donnie looked at Michelangelo over my shoulder and frowned. "Mikey, you're supposed to teach someone how to play the game first."
Michelangelo stopped celebrating and smiled sheepishly. "O-oh yeah. Heh, sorry Mel."
"That's alright, dude. I think I know how to do it now." I clicked on a new game and smirked at him. "You're going down!"
Hours later and I'm amazed at the amount of fun I'm having. The three of us have been playing video games non-stop, and in that time I've really gotten to enjoy the company of Donnie and Mikey. It's crazy, but it feels like we've been friends for years. Mikey reminds me so much of Lizzy. I think that's why I've already developed a soft spot for him.
"Mikey! Don't let me win again! Damn it, dude, you're letting me win. Cut it out!"
Mikey and I stood side-by-side, pressing buttons as fast as our fingers could go. Donnie sat on the ground, cross-legged, laughing his ass off. Mikey keeps letting me win, and it's starting to get on my nerves. I don't wanna pity win!
"Mikey, knock it off! Quit letting me win. I hate it and it's pretty insulting!" I knocked his side gently with my hip. He snickered softly before purposefully losing the game we were playing.
"Screw you, dude!" I smacked him in the arm with my controller, as the word 'Winner' appeared on my half of the screen. "I keep telling ya not to let me win!"
He laughed loudly and bumped my shoulder with his. "Aw come on, Mel. You won that fair and square. Besides, you're just a girl. Thought you could use some help." He smiled cheekily, knowing that would get a good reaction outta me.
"I'll show you help!" I growled, tossing my controller aside and tackling him to the ground, making him laugh even harder. I pummelled his plastron playfully with my fists.
"Oh no! Please don't hurt me!" He said in a high pitched, mocking voice, followed by a girlish scream and even more laughing. "Ow, you're hurting me. Please help me, Donnie! Save me from this mean girl!"
Donnie was on his shell, clutching his sides as he laughed. "Sorry, Mikey, but you're on your own. I don't want to get hurt!" He said between laughs.
I lunged into him even harder, grunting and shoving. We rolled 'round the ground, laughing and yelling. Donnie was quick to join in on our wrestling match. Suddenly I was pinned down, Donnie holding me by my shoulders, while Mikey sat on top of me. Mikey wriggled his fingers in the air, grinning wickedly. My eyes widened when I realised was gonna happen.
"No, Mikey!" I tried yelling but it was too late…he began tickling me.
I struggled to get away but the two of them were strong. His fingers dug into my ribs, making me squirm and laugh. The pain was excruciating but I couldn't stop laughing. Damn, I hate being so ticklish. Seriously, the slightest touch and I'm a giggling mess.
"Please…s-stop…Mikey!" I gasped between laughs. "D-Donnie…help…I'm gonna die!"
Donnie chuckled as he stared down at me. "What's that Mel? I'm having trouble hearing you."
Bastard.
I kicked my legs wildly, the feeling of peeing my pants suddenly hitting me.
"Stop…I'm gonna wet myself!"
"Nice try, Mel" Mikey laughed as he continued his ticklish torture.
I was 'bout to scream again until another voice interrupted us.
"What in the world is going on here?"
The three of us froze and turned our heads to the right. April stood there staring at us with an amused grin on her face. Beside her was a tall dude with blue hair, and I'm assuming he's Casey, looking confused. Leonardo had his arms crossed, shaking his head with a smirk on his face. Raphael just looked angry, but then again, when does he not?
Well, this must be a good image; me being held down by one turtle while the other one straddles me…nothing awkward 'bout that.
Guess I got no choice but to play it cool. "Hiya, April" I started. "What ya doing?"
"Shouldn't I be asking you that question?" She said, her eyes flicking between the three of us.
"This isn't what it looks like!" Mikey held his hands up in surrender. "See, we were just…umm, well, we were…" He laughed nervously before looking at Donnie. "Donnie, tell them what we were doing."
Donnie seemed surprised by having the responsibility of making up an excuse put on him, but he managed to force a smile. "Oh, right, well what Mikey was trying to say was that, uh…we tripped! Yeah, we just tripped over the crease in the rug here and we were simply helping each other get back up." Donnie finished lamely, a bright blush spreading across his face. Mikey grinned and nodded eagerly like it was the best excuse he had ever heard, while I lay there, mentally face-palming. I thought Donnie was 'sposed to be the brains of the group!
April smiled. "Well that's good. Here I was thinking that the three of you were into some weird deviant sex routine. I know Mikey and Donnie are perverts, but I wasn't sure about you, Mel."
"Who do ya think thought of this position?" I smirked, deciding to play along. "Looks like we'll have to continue this later, boys. Meet me in my room, midnight." I clicked my tongue and winked at them, making them blush.
"Can you three flirt some other time? Food's getting' cold and I'm starvin'." Raphael said with a slight glare in our direction. He grabbed the plastic bag from Aprils hand and threw it down on the living room table. The three of us sat up straight just as everybody took a seat.
"Mmm," Mikey says, opening a carton of pad thai. "Awesome."
I shifted 'round till I was sitting next to him while Donnie pulls out a couple of sodas from the bag. As we dig in, April begins to introduce me to her boyfriend, Casey.
"Call me Mel," I said, shovelling a fork load of food into my gob.
"Huns' kid; Lil' Bitch of the Crimson Dragons," he said with bitterness to his voice. He narrowed his eyes, "Raph's told me all about you."
My eyes flicked to Raphael, who seemed to be avoiding eye contact with everyone in the room, before going back to Casey.
"You're bad news, kid. I swear, if you slip up even once, I'm gonna be the one sortin' you out."
My eyebrows shot up, "are you threatening me?"
"Maybe. I'm just sayin', I know how the Dragons work, so I'm gonna be keepin' a close eye on you, kid. So just watch yourself."
I placed my carton of pad thai on the ground in front of me. "Kay, now let me tell you something. Don't ever threaten me again, ya understand? If ya really understand how Dragons work, then ya would know that we don't respond well to threats, kay? You're the one that should be watching your back, not me."
He clenched his carton of food between his fingers. "Now you're threatening me?"
"Oh, I'm just warning ya, pal." I turned my attention to Raphael and frowned. "And where the hell do ya get off telling people my business!"
Raphael swallowed the food in his mouth before replying. "He had a right to know."
"No he didn't have a right to know! Nobody has a right to know 'cause it's my business!"
"If you're a threat, then it is my business!" His food was now out of his hand.
I was on my feet now, getting more agitated by the second. "I ain't a threat, douchebag! So why don't ya just mind your own damn business!"
"Don't tell me ta mind my own business!" He too got to his feet, taking a step towards me. "This is my home and I say what goes!"
"You're accusing me of crap I ain't even done!"
"Ya may have not done anythin' yet, but ya will eventually." We were inches apart now. Raphael poked me in the chest. "Now if ya don't like us getting' involved in your life, then leave."
"Fine!" I snapped before walking away.
April shouted after me, "Mel! Don't leave. We can fix this."
"There ain't nothing to fix, O'Neil!"
I ran to my room to gather my things. April brought my bag over early this morning and I hadn't unpacked it yet so luckily I didn't have to waste time packing. Krillin tilted his head to the side as he watched me pace the room. I'm so friggin' angry. That stupid turtle! Who does he think he is!? Like I seriously need to put up with this sorta crap! Hell, I ran away from home multiple times for crap like this.
I yanked my hoody over my head, scooped up Krillin onto my shoulder, and left my room, suitcase in hand. I kept my head down as I passed the bickering group.
"Mel!" April shouted. "Please stay."
"And put up with this crap? I don't think so. I'm outta here."
"Let her go, April." Raphael said from behind me. "We're better off without scum like here messin' up the place! I say good riddance."
Scum?
SCUM!?
Ooh, I'll show him scum!
I dropped my bag and stomped over to the jackass. He folded his arms as he watched me approach, a smirk appearing on his face. Time he gets that smirk wiped offa his stupid, ugly face.
"Forget somethin', princess?"
I smiled, balling my hand into a fist. "Just this." I socked him right in the nose, making him stumble backwards. He tripped over his own two feet, falling flat on his ass. A satisfied smirk made itself to my face. "There, I'll be off now."
Walking away, a hand gripped my wrist. I glanced over my shoulder to see Donnie being the one holding me. He looked…sad? Nah, that can't be right. What would he be sad for?
"Don't leave, Mel." He said, his grip tightening.
Mikey jumped in front of me, gripping my shoulders. "Yeah, stay with us. We were having so much fun."
I looked away and squirmed outta their hold. "Sorry dudes, but I ain't gonna stay where I ain't wanted."
"But we want you to stay. Tell her guys! Tell her we want her to stay!"
I didn't know what to say. Why the hell are they so adamant that I stick 'round? They don't even know me that well. A lump had developed in my throat and I was finding it difficult to swallow.
"Of course we want her to stay." April said eagerly. "We want you to stay, Mel. And I know you want to stay as well."
My nails dug deep into my palms as I wished I could just get outta here. I had no idea they'd react this way. Like they actually care 'bout me. But they don't care. Nobody does. The only one that cared was Lizzy, but even she left me.
"I can't" I managed to say. "I just…need to leave."
I made a run for it, picking up my bag on the way to the door. I'm so confused. I just gotta get out and, I dunno, think 'bout this. I can't stay here. I just can't. I've been getting to close; letting my guard down. I can't let that happen.
"Mel!" April, Donnie, and Mikey yell after me.
I barely hear them as I sprint through the sewers, away from them.