"That was the worse 10 minutes of my entire life." Nicole sniffed as she rocked back and forth in the corner of the room, clinging to Picasso and Sebastian as if they were her only life lines. "You owe me big Arinna!"
"Yes, I know." Arinna sighed as she pulled a chair closer to the Alligator she had brought home. It had taken a lot of convincing a pleading from both Michelle and herself, but Arinna had at last convinced Nicole to bandage up the poor guy. Arinna practically had to hold Nicole in place as she did it.
"How is he?" Michelle asked gently as she peeked over the couch and down at the new guest.
"Nicole says he's stable and he should be fine with rest." Arinna sighed. "The poor guy. I wonder who did this to him."
"He looked as if he was beaten." Michele covered her mouth. "The poor dear."
"Poor my butt." Nicole grumbled. "Though…" she glanced over her shoulder. "His wounds were a little… odd."
"What do you mean?" Michelle and Arinna inquired.
Turning around, Nicole let Picasso and Sebastian rest on her lap. "Well… I noticed a lot of needle injection marks. Injection scars if you will."
"Needle injection?" Arinna looked back at the alligator. "Like… the ones scientists use?"
"Yeah. The scars on his arms and back weren't made all at once, either. Some are new but some were probably made years ago. You were also right about what you said before. He's been food deprived for a while, probably water too." Nicole glanced at the IV she had attached to the alligator's arm.
And her fellow Medical students said she was stupid for wanting to bring those home with her. Well look who is the fool now! Saving lives! Haha!
"That is horrible.' Arinna shook her head. "Who would do such a terrible thing?"
"Who knows." Nicole shrugged.
"Well, what should we do now?" Michelle inquired. The other two girls glanced at each other, unsure of how to answer.
"I don't know." Arinna admitted. "I don't want him just running off by himself though. If the police or someone see him, he might either be put in a zoo or taken for scientific research."
"Scientific research? Why wouldn't they just put him in a zoo?" Michelle sounded confused.
"Because he isn't an average alligator." Nicole answered curtly, rising to her feet. The boys clung to her legs below as she walked to the kitchen. "Even by just an examination I could see his limbs and muscles weren't that of an average Alligator. He arms and legs bend like a humans would. Most likely he can stand on his back legs and walk like a human… which is something Alligators can't do, unless they were in cartoons."
"…I wonder if we are secretly a cartoon." Arinna mumbled quietly.
"No." Her friend shook her head. "My point is though, he obviously isn't normal. They would definitely want to do some research on him."
"I… see." Michelle nodded.
"Plus, if what Arinna said was true and that he can talk, that is even a bigger reason." Nicole said as she made herself some coffee.
"This is just getting more confusing by the minute." Arinna ran her hand through her hair. "First humanoid Turtles… then a humanoid Alligator?"
"Next comes alien brains." Nicole joked. The other girls laughed at how ridiculous that sounded.
"Though…" Michelle frowned as the laughs died down. "I did take pictures of aliens on my camera."
"Those probably weren't UFO's Michelle. It was probably some toy or something some kid was messing with." Nicole said.
"I suppose you are right..." Michelle nodded. "That topic aside however, there is still the matter of what to do with our new Guest."
"Find a place to put him should be first on the list." Nicole took a sip.
"He could always stay here with us, y'know." Arinna wiggled her eye brows.
"No. No, no, no, no." Nicole shook her head. "It was one thing with the baby turtles. They are small, cute and easy to hide. A Giant Alligator on the other hand, is a big fat N O ."
"He actually isn't that big." Arinna huffed. "He is pretty lanky if you ask me." She looked down to the alligator. He was a few inches smaller, height wise, than her, and had the muscle mass of any teen that spent a lot of time working out.
"I don't care! He'll get bigger! He isn't staying here!" Nicole yelled.
"But Nicole-"
"I agreed to bandage him up. I did that. I will not allow him to stay." Nicole narrowed her eyes. "That is my final say on this Arinna!"
Arinna huffed angrily. "That is so cold hearted!"
"It is not!"
"It is so you cold hearted witch!"
"I will gladly be a witch if it means I don't have to live with an alligator! You know exactly how I feel about them, but you are still trying to force me into a situation like this! You are the one who is cold hearted Arinna!" Nicole yelled.
"Um-" Michelle said softly from the side. "M-Maybe we should tone it down a tad?" she said. "Agatha might get curious and come check on us."
The two froze.
Glaring at each other, Arinna began to whisper. "He needs our help."
"Do you know what Alligators do Arinna? They eat things and attack them. They've been known to snap around your neck and pull you under water till you drown."
"One, there isn't any water around here. Two, as you said, he is different. Maybe he doesn't eat people."
"Yeah, you're right. Maybe he doesn't eat people. But he might eat cute little baby turtles." Nicole held up Sebastian, who was wigging his fingers, staring at everyone.
"Don't use Sebastian in this argument!" Arinna gasped, grabbing him and holding him close.
"I will because we have to think of every possible thing that guy might do when he wakes up." Nicole pointed to him.
Behind them all, Michelle sighed. How was she supposed to stop this kind of argument?
Turning away, she looked down at Picasso, who was staring up at her. Kneeling down, she scooped him up. "What would you do little one?" she inquired. Picasso lifted his hand and began to suck his thumb. "…Yes, grabbing a bite to eat sounds lovely." Michelle agreed and moved to the kitchen.
"Nicole! Please!" Arinna dropped to her knees.
"You know, you can't go grabbing every stray you find Arinna!" Nicole huffed.
"I will if they are hurt." Arinna narrowed her eyes.
Growling in frustration, hating how stubborn her friend could be sometimes, Nicole turned away. Pacing for a few minutes, Nicole rubbed her chin. "…Fine." She sighed.
"Fine?" Arinna's eyes widened.
"One night." Nicole held up one finger. 'I'm serious about this Arinna. One night, then he is gone. Understand?"
"…." Arinna nodded her head. "Understood."
"Say Nicole." Nicole coaxed quietly. Picasso titled his head at her. "Come on Pica, you got this. Say Nicole." Nicole chuckled to the confused baby, who stared at her with wide eyes. It was late, probably 1 in the morning. "Nicole~"
"….Gah…." Picasso fell onto his back, wiggling around the bed. Sighing, Nicole shook her head at the little turtle.
"Y'know, I wonder if you can even talk. I guess I'll never know till you do." She reached forward to grab him. "Come on, lets go to bed." He suddenly crawled to his right, barely avoiding her hands. "What the- c'mere Picasso." She continued to try and grab him, but he avoided her.
It wasn't till he suddenly let out a small giggle, one of those super cute baby giggles, that she realized he was playing with her. "Oh." She nodded. "So that is how it is." She snorted, jumping to her knees and reaching out. "I'm gonna get'cha." She chuckled, grabbing his leg. He squealed as she pulled him back, wrapping her arms around him. 'Got you." She cooed, falling back, Picasso resting against his stomach.
Picasso giggled and giggled, pressing his face into her stomach. She smiled down at him.
She wasn't the best with kids, but maybe she wasn't too bad with Turtles?
"You're leaving?!" Arinna gawked.
"I have to go to work. I haven't gone in almost a whole week." Nicole huffed as she placed on her coat. "I can't leave Vanessa to handle the store all on her own."
"But what about-" Arinna trailed off to point back at the alligator on the couch.
Nicole gave her a long stare. "Hey, you brought him home, he is your responsibility."
"Nicole." Arinna whined. "You're just doing this because you don't want to be here when he wakes up."
"…I can't deny that, but I literally do have to go to work at some point, so I choose now." With a smirk, Nicole opened the door. "Michelle will be here to help you out, don't worry."
"I'm still worried."
"Boo-hoo. Bye Sebastian, bye Picasso." Nicole waved to the two turtle tots, who were seated around a bundle of blankets and given two teddy bears to play with. They were too distracted by their new toys to even notice Nicole calling to them.
Sighing, Nicole rolled her eyes and left, locking the door behind her. When she was gone, Arinna slumped against the wall.
"Great." She grumbled. "…Oh well!' she suddenly perked up. "I won't let this get me down." Straightening to walked to the kitchen to start breakfast.
Nicole had missed her shop.
She hadn't been here in almost 8 days. She was starting to get worried about it. Hopefully her lovely angel from above manager, Vanessa, had everything under control!
"Oh Vanessa!" Nicole called out cheerfully as she swung open the Bakery door and stepped inside.
Silence at first, and then she heard a faint, "Yes?" towards the back of the store.
"Fear not Vanessa, I return!" Nicole said.
Peeking her head out from behind the counter, Vanessa stared at her. "….Well this certainly is a surprising sight. My Boss, finally up and with the living."
"Yeah yeah." Nicole waved at her. "Sorry about being gone for so long. How has the shop been?"
"Great." Vanessa nodded. "We haven't been too busy or slow, it has been kind of steady."
"That is good." Nicole grinned.
"So where have you been?"
"Oh-" Nicole dropped her hat and jacket off in the closet. "I've just been having a rough week."
"Family troubles?" Vanessa inquired.
"…You could say it was something like that. I'm just glad to be back at work."
"Me too." Vanessa smiled. "It hasn't been the same without you."
"Aww." Nicole grinned. "Hey Vanessa- Gah." Nicole jumped as she moved around the counter to find Vanessa's baby daughter, Alexis, sitting in her baby seat, staring at her. "Vanessa! You're creepy baby is behind the counter again!"
"Why is that your reaction every time you see her?" Vanessa sighed.
"She freaks me out! She suddenly just appears!" Nicole wailed.
"She's a baby strapped to a baby chair. She can't exactly move Nicole.' Vanessa rolled her eyes as she cleaned the counter.
"Then how does she always appear out of nowhere?"
"She doesn't, you just don't notice she is there till the last second."
Folding her arms, Nicole huffed. "Whatever." Trailing her eyes to the other side of the store, she leaned against the counter. "Has anyone come in today?"
"Nope."
"Hmm, and it is already 10:00." She glared at the clock. "…Today is gonna be a bad day."
"What makes you say that?"
"I just know."
Arinna felt her blood run cold when Michelle suddenly screamed.
It had been at least 2, possibly 3 hours since Nicole left. Arinna had been in the kitchen when she heard it.
Shrill and quick, as if right in the middle of it, someone cut Michelle off.
"Michelle!?" she gasped, whipping around and running into the front room. Tripping over one of Sebastian's toys as she entered, she straightened.
The Alligator she had found was awake, and not happy. In fact, it had Michelle pinned to the ground, and was looming over her with an intent to kill.
Well Nicole did warn her about this, but Arinna had to remember, this Alligator was hurt when she found him. He might just think they are trying to hurt him again.
"STOP!" Arinna wailed, lunging forward, moving around the couch. "Stop please!"
The Alligator froze, snapped his gaze to her. It's yellow eyes narrowed into dark slits. "Who are you?!" He bellowed angrily….
Arinna would have shuddered… if it hadn't been for the fact that this Alligator's voice sounded a little squeaky. It was like he was going through puberty or something.
…Can Alligators even do that? Oh gosh, that was kind of funny.
"I'm Arinna." Arinna pointed to herself. "That is Michelle right there. We don't want to hurt you." Arinna said carefully. Below, Michelle sniffed, keeping as still as she possibly could. Even from here Arinna could tell Michelle was afraid that if she even breathed wrong this mutant above her would snap her whole body in two.
…Not a comforting thought.
"Where am I?" The Alligator growled, scanning the area. "What do you want with me?! Why am I here?!"
"This is an apartment building on the East side of the city." Arinna began to explain as calmly as possible, holding her hands up as if someone was pointing a gun to her head. "This place belongs to my friend Nicole. I found you last night collapsed, and because Nicole is a Doctor I brought you here. So she could fix you up. She is the one who bandaged your side." She motioned to it with her head.
As if just now realizing that his wounds had been tended to, the Alligator gawked at them. "You… healed me? Why?" he sounded so shocked, as if someone actually helping him would be unheard of.
"Well, yes." Arinna nodded. "Of course. Why wouldn't we?"
The Alligator was dumbstruck ,"…" Releasing Michelle from his grip, giving her space to breath, he stepped back, pressing his back to the wall. "You… You mean you aren't… The K-Kraang?" he asked, his voice cracking.
"… The what?" Michelle coughed, stumbling to her feet and scurrying to stand next to Arinna.
"You okay?" Arinna quietly whispered to her.
Michelle nodded, keeping her gaze locked with the Alligator. Now that she was released, Michelle's fearful demeanor changed into a sour one and she scowled at their now unwanted guest.
Arinna wasn't surprised, anyone would be sour at a person who just attacked them out of the blue.
"… You said a name a second ago." Michelle folded her arms, her scowl and her voice harsh. "The Kraang. Who are they?"
Looking back to the Alligator Teen, they were both stunned to see him flinch, his whole body going rigid.
"Are… Are they the ones who did this to you?" Arinna narrowed her eyes. The Alligator's eyes widened and it broke Arinna's heart to see so much pain and fear pool behind his eyes. He was scared. This giant and menacing Alligator, that could easily chop them into pieces, was scared.
"They…" he shook his head a few times. "T-They…"
"Hey hey." Arinna said gently. "It is okay. You are safe now." She sent him a smile. "Why don't you tell us your name?"
"My n-name?" He looked puzzled. "… I have no name. I was never given one." He shuffled back and forth on is heels, staring around wearily at the surroundings. He was searching for any sign that these girls were lying. That they were secretly the Kraang with just the appearance of humans. The Kraang were never this good at pretending to be human though, nor did they ever take on other names besides Kraang.
…Or talk in first person instead of third.
Yet the more he looked, the more he found nothing but a regular human home. There were books, pictures, furniture… It was oddly homey.
"You don't have a name?" Michelle gasped, the anger she felt boiling in her stomach seemed to subside into a sense of pity. "That's…. well… that is terrible." She lowered her gaze. She wasn't going to forget that assault just a few minutes ago, but she could at least try to be a little understanding. After all, Arinna was doing it.
The Alligator shrugged his bulky shoulders, looking more awkward over threatening. He was like a shy little kid talking to strangers.
"You said… You said your name was Arinna and Michelle, yes?" he asked, sounding so hesitant that Arinna couldn't help but think he was cute. It was like he suddenly turned into a child.
The two nodded. "I… I am sorry for before. I… I thought you were my enemies here to harm me once more." He sniffed, scratching at the bandage on his side. Realizing that probably wasn't the best thing to do, he lowered his hand. "…Thank you for helping me."
"Anytime." Arinna smiled. "Um… here, why don't you take a seat. I'll get you something to drink. Is water okay?"
"….Yes." The Alligator shuffled to the couch and sat down, pulling his knees close to his chest.
"Okay I'll-" Arinna paused. "Actually, you go get the water Michelle."
"Gladly." She huffed, not wanting to be stuck alone in the room with her assaulter.
When she was gone, Arinna sat down on the chair across from the couch. "So… I know this must be strange for you, but can I ask you some questions."
"Questions?" he narrowed his eyes.
"If you don't want to answer that is perfectly fine." Arinna said quickly. "I would just like to know what kind of person we are keeping in our house…. That is all."
"Oh then… I see." He cleared his throat. "Again I am very sorry about earlier."
"It is okay, really." Arinna said, "You didn't know we weren't the… uh…" she blanked on the name.
"…Kraang." He added, his voice livid.
"Yes, them." Arinna nodded. "So, how did you end up in that alleyway?"
Sighing, the Alligator shifted, his tail swishing back and forth. "I can't really remember." He said honestly. "Everything was so blurry from the escape…"
"Escape?" Arinna's eyes widened. "Escaped from where?"
"A terrible place. They… they were doing things there. Terrible things." He scratched at his wounds again. "Their security had a few bugs. There was a panel I used to escape…. They chased me. I was so… I wanted to get away so I ran. I ran so far I don't even remember falling unconscious."
It was quiet.
What was Arinna suppose to say to all of that? It scared her.
This poor Alligator… This poor child. It was obvious he wasn't an adult yet. He was just a scared little kid being chased by man with very suspicious motives.
"How long were you there?" she forced herself to ask.
"A long time. At least, as long as I can remember before I was flushed down the toilet." He said.
"…I'm sorry what? Flushed down the toilet?" she asked, confused.
"When I was little, newly born. A young boy took care of me, but his parents didn't like me. They made him flush me down the toilet. Then the Kraang found me in the sewers."
"…Oh." Arinna bit her bottom lip. "That… That is terrible." She mumbled.
The two of them paused when Michelle came bag with a giant gallon of water. "Here you go."
"Michelle, what is that?" Arinna motioned to the gallon.
"I thought he might be thirsty. So I fetched him the largest drink we had." Plopping it down on the table, she motioned for him to drink. "Drink up."
"…Thank you?" he said, taking the gallon, easily lifting it to his lips, unlike Michelle, who had a little bit of a struggle in bringing it in the room. Slurping down the drink in one go, he let out a well deserved sigh of satisfaction. "Thank you very, very much."
Michelle smiled, sitting down in her chair. "Of course."
Placing the gallon back on the table, the Alligator stared at them. "I wish to ask some of my own questions."
"Hmm?" Arinna raised her eye brow. "Yeah sure. Go ahead."
"Why are you not surprised?"
The two humans frowned, not understanding.
He motioned to himself. "You are both… calm, with how I look. I… I am a monster." He quietly explained. Neither knew how exactly to explain this to him.
"Well, I wouldn't say we aren't surprised." Arinna explained, "Trust me, when I found you, I freaked out a little."
"As did I when she brought you inside." Michelle nodded.
"But, you aren't the first strange creature I've found in the past couple weeks."
"….What?" he was utterly confused.
Chuckling, Arinna rose to her feet and moved into the bedroom. Waiting for her, the Alligator's jaw dropped when she came back with two very large and obviously un-normal turtles.
"Say hello to Sebastian and Picasso." She grinned.
"Those… are baby turtles." He pointed to them.
"And you are a giant alligator my friend." Michelle chuckled. "Why do you sound so surprised?"
"I… well…" the Alligator suddenly cracked a smile. At least, Arinna thought it was a smile. She couldn't really tell with Alligators. Either way, it was nice.
"We found these two a little while ago. They are a lot like you." Arinna sat down so he could get a better look at them.
"Though, I do hope they did not go through the same thing you went through to get here." Michelle mumbled to herself.
Giving her a look, Arinna shook her head. "Anyway… Say hello to our new guest boys." She coaxed the turtles. Confused, their eyes locked with the Alligator.
…Sebastian suddenly flew his arms in the air, wiggling wildly in shock, not expecting to see such a large creature in front of him. Picasso on the other hand simply stared curiously.
"Hehe. I think they like you." Arinna chuckled.
It was strange keeping an Alligator as a house guest. Arinna wasn't sure how to react to the whole situation. He seemed nice, and the boys absolutely adored him.
She was sure that if Nicole suddenly came in and saw Picasso and Sebastian clinging to Leatherhead's tail like they were right now, she would faint.
"…They have endless energy." The Alligator said as he lifted his tail to the side. The babies locked onto the sight and crawled wildly after it.
"Yeah, careful with Sebastian though." Arinna said cautiously.
"Which one is that one?" He inquired.
'The one with the braces. His legs are a little weaker and they get hurt easily, so make sure he doesn't run around too much."
He nodded his head, staring at the little ones. "Where did you find them?"
"In a box. They were in a dumpster for some reason." Arinna sighed sadly. "…It was horrible that someone just left them there."
"…It is." The alligator agreed. "They seem very nice."
"Well, they are babies." Arinna agreed, moving to sit across from the Alligator. Now that things had become settled, she didn't feel afraid of him anymore. She felt that he wouldn't hurt her.
"You know-" she smiled. "We should give you a name."
"A-A name?" he stammered.
"What is this about a name?" Michelle inquired as she came back into the room with a bottle in hand. It was time for the boys to eat.
"Him." Arinna pointed to the Alligator. "We should give him a name. Don't you agree?"
"Hmm." Michelle frowned. "Well, I suppose so, yes."
"We can't just call you Mr. Alligator. We should give you an actual name." Arinna concluded. "What should it be though. Do you have anything in mind?"
"…W-Well… no." he said quietly, shuffling a bit, looking nervous. "I-I never really thought about naming myself."
"Don't worry then." Arinna said, "We'll name you!"
"Then by all means, let the naming begin." Michelle grabbed Picasso, bringing the bottle to his lips. "Perhaps Timmy?"
"Timmy?" Arinna looked at him. "Nah, I can't see him as a Timmy." Rising to her feet, she circled him.
"Kevin?" Michelle said again.
"No."
"Michael?"
"Nah."
"…Joseph?"
"That just feels weird to call him that."
"How about Hendrick?"
"That is a really fancy name." Arinna smiled. "But I don't think that would work for him. It just doesn't fit."
"Well, what do you suggest then Arinna?" Michelle sighed.
"Well-" she noted, "His skin is kind of leathery." She patted his head. He lowered his gaze, looking embarrassed.
"Head Leather." Michelle mumbled. "….Heather?"
"What?" Arinna chuckled. "That is a girls name."
"I am simply placing out suggestions." She waved it off, smiling down at Picasso, who happily sucked on the bottle.
"….Leather Head…." The alligator mumbled under his breath.
"Huh? What was that?" Arinna looked at him. He jumped, waving his hands around frantically.
"N-Nothing." He stammered. "Just… talking to myself."
"Oh come on now. Spit it out." Michelle coaxed. He lowered his head, looking as if he might just explode from embarrassment. It was cute.
"….L-Leather Head." He stuttered, twiddling his thumbs together. "That is what I said."
"Leather Head." The girls repeated in unison. They smiled giving each other a nod. "We like it!"
"Huh?"
"Leather Head. That sounds like a lovely name." Michelle smiled kindly.
"Well, I'm heading off." Nicole threw her bag over her shoulder. "Thanks for closing for me Vanessa."
"No problem. Are you sure though that you can't close tonight? You haven't been here much." Vanessa looked a little concerned. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah." Nicole assured her. "Well, I mean, they'll be okay. It isn't exactly bad, it is just crazy."
"How so?" Vanessa inquired.
"Oh uh… my aunt had… two kids lately." Nicole answered hesitantly.
"Twins?"
"Yeah." She nodded, feeling kind of bad for lying to her own employee and friend. "She has been having a tough time handling both of them so I've been helping out."
"I thought you didn't like taking care of kids?" Vanessa raised her eye brow.
"I don't." Nicole agreed. "So you can see why I'm struggling with this."
"Can't your Aunt turn to someone else in the family then?"
"Well… no." She shrugged. "No one else in my family lives here in New York so…" she trailed off. "I don't mind it."
"Hmm?"
Nicole chuckled nervously. "How do I put this?" she questioned herself. "I can't handle kids well, and I don't like taking care of them… but that doesn't mean I don't, y'know, like them. I think the only reason I don't like taking care of little kids is because I'm terrible at it." She mumbled. "So I want to help my aunt as much as possible…"
"That is rather kind of you Nicole." Vanessa smiled.
"I guess." She shrugged. "The only problem is…"
"Is?"
"…My aunt brought home a… new friend." Nicole scowled. "I don't really like him… or trust him. He looks a little dangerous."
"Oh." Vanessa nodded. "That sounds tough."
"I know." Nicole sighed. "I just wish my… aunt, could see that too."
"Well I'm sure she does Nicole." Vanessa chuckled. "She probably just sees the good side of her friend more than the bad."
"The good?"
"Well, if he is your Aunt's friend, he can't be all bad, right?"
Nicole didn't know what to say. She wanted to disagree and say Arinna had only just met that Alligator, but things would have just gotten complicated in trying to explain. "Yeah." She nodded. "Your right Vanessa." She turned away. "Well, see you tomorrow."
"Bye bye." Vanessa waved.
"You sure can chow down." Arinna mumbled as she once again place a another plate of noodles in front of Leatherhead. Placing his old bowl to the side, Leatherhead grinned nervously.
"S-Sorry I'm just-" he looked down at the bowl. "I feel as though I have not eaten in ages." He said softly.
Smiling, Arinna nodded. "Than have as much as you want." She said. "No problem at all.
"Are you sure?" he looked surprised.
"Of course." She grinned.
"…" Turning his head back to his bowl, Leatherhead cleared his throat, as if he was embarrassed. "…T-Thank you."
Arinna smiled brightly. This Alligator- no, this boy, sure was a sweet heart. Hopefully Nicole would be able to see the same when she returned home. She didn't want to send LeatherHead away when he had no one to turn to. It didn't feel right to her.
She knows she might be to trusting. Her Brother had told her the same thing throughout her whole life. So of course she was aware of it.
What was wrong with being trusting though? She hadn't known him long, but she had grown rather fond of Leather Head. So did the boys.
"Sebastian no." I heard Michelle scold softly. "Don't stick sharp looking things in your mouth."
Glancing at them, I could see Sebastian was trying to trying to eat Leather Head's rather pointy tail. Oh Sebastian.
As Michelle picked him up, the little one babbled out a strange word of protest, wiggling his toes for freedom. Looking heart broken as he was taken away from Leatherhead, he sniffled as he was set down in his high chair. "Come now, do not give me that look." Michelle sighed at him. "He is still here." She scooted his chair a little closer to his new Alligator friend. Clapping his chubby hands, Sebastian giggled happily.
"He sure does seem to like you." Arinna noted.
"…I…Yes." Leatherhead sniffed, rubbing the back of his head.
"I'm home!" Nicole called as she entered the apartment. Feeling out of place, Nicole quietly placed down her hat and coat and scanned the room. Nothing seemed different from it at first glance, but something was definitely off.
…And that something would be the fact that her unwanted Alligator guest was no longer on the couch.
"…A-Arinna!" she called. Rushing out of the kitchen, Nicole sighed in relief to find her friend had not been eaten alive yet. "You're safe!"
"What?" Arinna looked puzzled. "Of course I am." Arinna yelped when Nicole pulled her into the small half hallway that connected the living room to the front door.
"Where is it?" she whispered.
"…" Arinna stared at her. "…Where is what?' she whispered back.
"The AllIGaTor." Nicole hissed.
"Oh…"
"Don't "Oh' me, Arinna. Where is it? Did it leave?"
"In the middle of the day? Of course not." Arinna shook it off. "He is still here. Just so you know, Leatherhead isn't that kind of-"
"Leatherhead?"
"Oh, that is his name."
"It has a name?" Nicole stepped back.
"Yes. Yes he does. I was talking-" Arinna trailed off. Pointing a finger at her, Nicole's eyes widened.
"You were what?" she gasped. Arinna flinched, realizing where she went wrong. Unable to answer, she waited for Nicole to explode. Which she did. "You were talking with the alligator?" Nicole threw her hands up. "Oh! Oh no. No. You wouldn't do that. You wouldn't." she backed up, her face pale. "Tell me you didn't feed him." She whispered.
"…I might of." Arinna shrugged.
"Arinna!"
"He was hungry." Arinna huffed. "He hadn't eaten in forever. And for an alligator, he has excellent table manners." She smiled. Nicole didn't look convinced. She began to pace nervously, folding her arms behind her back.
"So….So then… he didn't attack you when he woke up?" she asked cautiously.
"…" Arinna giggled nervously. "I wouldn't say that exactly."
"So he did?" Nicole yelped in horror.
"Only a little!" Arinna insisted.
"A little?! How can you attack someone only a little?!" she demanded in a panicked tone.
"He thought we were trying to hurt him. When we explained he calmed down."
"Oh!" she turned away. "Then that is all that mattes then, isn't it?"
"Nicole." Arinna sighed. "You don't need to have that tone."
"Tone? Oh, this isn't a tone Arinna." She grabbed her friend's shoulders and shook them a little. "I'm panicking!"
"Well don't." Arinna said calmly, taking her friend's hands into her own. "Listen, everything will be fine. I promise. He is really nice. He isn't like other Alligator's Nicole. He is different."
"…And you know what other Alligator's are like." She frowned.
"No, but I know how this one is."
"You just met him."
"Call it a gut feeling."
"He could rip our guts right out of our bodies." Nicole shuddered.
"Way to think positive." Arinna snorted. "Just come say hello."
"No."
"Nicole-"
"I mean it Arinna. I… I can't." Nicole stammered. "This is too much for me."
"No, it isn't. You can handle this Nicole. You are just letting your fear over rule your decisions. Move past the fear and gulp down a swig of courage. Leap into the teeth of the enemy!"
"What that supposed to encourage me?" Nicole scowled.
"You know I'm not good with speeches." Arinna nudged her forward. "Come on."
"Ehhhhh." Nicole sobbed.
"Don't be a baby." Forcing Nicole to take a few baby steps towards the kitchen
"O-Okay Arinna."
Nicole froze at the sound of an unfamiliar voice. It wasn't exactly, threatening, but it was still concerning. How could she put this? It was like a teenager going through puberty had some how gotten into her house.
It was freaky that he was in here… yet his voice was squeaking, making it kind of funny.
Standing back, Nicole fell back onto the couch as the Alligator entered the room. Oh gosh…
"Leatherhead." Arinna smiled. "I want you to meet Nicole. The girl I told you about."
Shuffling forward, Leatherhead waved nervously.
"H-Hello." He greeted.
"…..Ah…." Nicole, who looked as stiff as a board, stared up at LeatherHead with wide eyes.
"…." Leatherhead blinked a few times.
"Nicole." Arinna quickly cut in. "This is Leather Head. Leather Head, this is Nicole." Hoping to break this awkward silence, Arinna motioned for Nicole to greet Leatherhead back. "Nicole…" her eyes widened. "Nicole?"
Suddenly her friends eyes rolled into the back of her head, and she collapsed onto her side, landing on the pillow the covered the couch.
"Oh boy." Arinna sighed, realizing her friend had fainted.
"I-I'm sorry." Leatherhead apologized. "Did I do something wrong?"
"No." Arinna said. "Not at all. Nicole just… she freaks out easily."
"O-Oh." Leatherhead nodded. "I see."
"Nicole." Michelle said.
"…Hmm?" her friend smiled brightly at her.
"Are you okay?" she inquired.
"Perfectly fine." Nicole giggled as she stared at the cup she was pouring coffee into.
"Well um… you are overflowing there." Michelle motioned to the cup, which was now overflowing with coffee and streaming down Nicole's arm onto the floor.
"…." Nicole didn't react. "….You're right." She smiled. "Hahaha- AH! Burns! Burns!' she yelped tossing the coffee mug onto the table and waving her arm. "Hot. Hot. Hot. Hot!"
Michelle sighed. "I told you." She shook her head.
Nicole moved to the sink, letting out pathetic whimpers and whines as she ran her arm under cold water. "Uncool."
"Serves you right for spacing out." Michelle shook her head.
"…Yeah." Nicole glanced over her shoulder towards the living room. It had been a few hours since she had fainted. Honestly, she wished she could faint again and never wake up, but life didn't work that way. "Is he… still talking with Arinna?"
"If he is referring to Leatherhead, than yes." Michelle nodded her head. "Is that a problem?"
"No. Not at all. He can talk with her all day if he wants." Nicole said quickly. "…He can even stay in the living room all he wants and never leave. That is fine too. Just as long as he stays in there and never comes close to me."
"Nicole." Michelle's eyes widened. "I believe that is called 'over reacting."
"I say it is normal reacting." Nicole huffed.
"Leatherhead is rather nice you know." Michelle pointed out.
"I don't even know how you can possibly think that when he grabbed you by the face." Nicole frowned at her. After she woke up, Michelle and Arinna had explained everything that happened after she left. Including the fact that Leatherhead had attacked Michelle when he first woke up.
"I admit that wasn't a very pleasant experience." Michelle sighed. "However, after hearing his reasoning for doing so, it is a rather understandable reaction."
"Understandable?" Nicole scoffed.
"He was being held prisoner Nicole." Michelle reminded her bluntly. "Enslaved and experimented on. Anyone would react that way if they went through what he did." She looked over her shoulder towards Leatherhead, a pained look in her eyes.
"….I guess." Nicole plopped down into her chair, slumming into it.
"Perhaps you should give him a chance?" her friend suggested hopefully. "You might find that you two get along."
"Eh…."
"Well, I know when not to push." Michelle smiled. "Take your time Nicole. None of us are expecting you to instantly accept this, nor do we want to force you. Just know that Arinna will not be willing to send this boy off on his own any time soon."
"I know that." Nicole sighed. "More than anyone. Arinna has always been like this."
"Is that a problem?"
"No." Nicole shook her head, and she meant it. "It is just… dangerous."
"How so?" Michelle looked curious.
"She gets involved in a lot of things she shouldn't Michelle. Meaning, she gets herself into a lot of dangerous situations. She can't help it, I know. It is practically in her nature to help anyone and everyone…. But not everyone is exactly a good natured soul like she is."
"Ah." Michelle nodded her head in understandement. "I see. This isn't completely about Leatherhead then? You are also concerned for Arinna's well being."
Nicole nodded. "We already have a lot of problems just taking care of Sebastian and Picasso. I'm not saying I don't like them here but…" she rubbed her temple. "Take this as an example. Lets rewind time back to the day you took our picture and discovered the boys."
"Alright." Michelle rested her chin against her hands.
"Say I hadn't caught you, what would you have done?"
Michelle frowned. "I… I am not sure." She admitted. "Honestly, I was so panicked, I ran, not even knowing where I was running too. I suppose you chasing me made me panic and flee."
"Right. I chased you because I knew you were into the news and as a profession, it was your job to take pictures for the public to see."
"Yes."
"Had you been anyone else and I told you not to tell anyone… do you think you would any way?" Nicole inquired.
"I am not sure. I am not anyone else but me."
"Exactly my point. We were lucky you kept your promise Michelle. If you had been anyone else, they may not have kept this promise. I mean, humanoid baby turtles are a huge scoop! Wouldn't you agree?"
"I would." Michelle nodded.
"Letting the world know about them would be a huge deal to a person's professional career… or even just their social life. And now, we have an Alligator living with us too. This makes things ten times more complicated because and Alligator is not very easy to hide unlike baby turtles."
"I can definitely see your point." Michelle sighed.
"…I know Arinna means well, but she also has to remember that her choices affect both her life… and ours. The more people she brings into that crazy life… well, the more danger there will be."
"You have really thought this through." Michelle noted.
"If I don't, who will?" Nicole snorted.
"So what will you do now?"
"Leave it be for a while… I guess. No matter how much I am against it, there is no way I am going to convince Arinna to kick out that Alligator-"
"Leatherhead."
"Right." Nicole grumbled. "Leatherhead. So-" she continued. "I'll just have to try my best to keep Agatha and anyone else from seeing them, and hope for the best."
"Sounds like quite a bargain." Michelle smiled.
"Hey.' Nicole grinned. "Don't think I'm letting you off the hook. You're part of the reason I'm in this mess since you encouraged Arinna. You have to take responsibility for this and help out."
Michelle's eyes widened. "Meaning?"
"Meaning that you have to make sure none of them get seen or anyone finds out about them. Because if we go down Michelle, we're taking you with us."
"…Lovely." The photographer sighed. Nicole laughed.
"Nicole, I'm shocked." Arinna gawked. "You've been sitting in here for over 10 minutes and you haven't fainted yet." Not to mention, Nicole had been sitting right across from Leatherhead for that whole time. This had to be some sort of grand achievement!
"…." With a side ways glance, Nicole blinked at Arinna.
"It truly is a miracle." Michelle agreed with a chuckle. "Wouldn't you agree Leatherhead?"
The young Alligator blinked wildly. "Ah… um… y-yes?"
Arinna chuckled. "…Nicole?" she smiled. Her friend didn't say anything. She didn't even blink. "Hey, Nicole?" Arinna inquired, waving her hand infront of her face.
Nicole jumped, looking at Arinna wildly. "Huh? What?"
"You were completely zoned out this whole time, weren't you?" Arinna sighed.
"…Maybe." She mumbled, reaching for her cup. Pausing, she looked up to realize Leatherhead was sitting across from her. "Gah-ha!" she yelped, retracting her hands.
"Nicole." Michelle and Arinna sighed. Leatherhead flinched, twiddling his fingers together.
"S-Sorry!' he stammered. "I didn't mean to frighten you."
"N…No! No no." Nicole stammered back. "I just… you… I'm not afraid of you, well, not, that is a lie. I am, but I also… I mean.. yeah I would be. You're an, y'know, alligator. With sharp claws and teeth and… could easily eat me alive-" Arinna elbowed her. "Ow, okay, shutting up." Nicole sniffed, snatching her mug up and chugging it.
Arinna rolled her eyes. "What Nicole means to say is that this will just take some time to get use to."
"…Yeah." Nicole mumbled. "That is what I meant."
Lowering his gaze, looking ashamed, Leatherhead nodded. "…Okay…"
The room entering another stage of awkward silence, Nicole slurped up her coffee. The sound of slurping being the only noise within the room made Arinna sigh. This wasn't working out how she had hoped.
And usually it was Nicole who would break these silent moments… but Nicole was the one who was starting it, so who would be the one to break it?
Well… Oddly enough, Picasso was the one who broke it. And he couldn't even speak.
…Till now.
"Na! Na!" Picasso crawled into the area, squeaking loudly. "Na! Na!" he continued to squeak, circling the table until he located Nicole's feet. Crawling onto them he pulled on her pant leg. Still sipping her coffee, Nicole looked down at him.
"Naca!" he headbuted her ankle.
"Ow." She grunted. "What do you want Pica?"
"Ka! Ik!" he giggled, circling her foot and smacking her toes.
"…" everyone stared in silence, chuckling slightly.
"Icka!" he nawed on her ankle.
"Gross." She stuck out her tongue at the feel of his gums. "Really gross- ow!" she yelped when something sharp dug into her skin. "What in the world-?" placing down her cup she scooped up the little turtle. "What the shell Pica?" she grumbled. "Give me your mouth." Reaching for him she struggled to look into his mouth to see what in the world that was. "Come on, open up."
He shook his head away from her, clamping his mouth shut. Frowning, she grab his little chin and turned his face towards her. Reaching forward she gently squeezed his cheeks and open his mouth. Peeking inside, she stared at the few little tiny white spots the were starting to peek out from his gums.
"What is it?" Michelle inquired.
"His teeth are coming in." She noted. "Great, he's gonna start teething now."
"That's great." Arinna grinned.
"He sure is growing up fast." Michelle mused.
"Yeah, it is kind of sad." Arinna sniffed. Rolling her eyes, Nicole looked at Picasso with a smile.
"Ain't that great, Pica?" she said. Picasso looked up at her with wide eyes, opening his mouth to stare at her.
"Nicka!" Picasso clapped.
"…."
Barely catching the mug that slipped from Michelle's hand, Arinna gawked at the small baby. "Did he just-?" she trailed off to give her friend a look of awe.
"Say it again!" Nicole lifted Picasso a little closer. "Come on Pica, say it again." She grinned.
"….Nicka." Picasso wiggled his toes.
The girls began to squeal, clapping. "He's speaking!" Michelle cheered.
"…Is that… a good thing?' leatherhead inquired quietly.
"Good thing?" Arinna looked at him. "Good thing? This is a great thing!"
"That a boy Pica!" Nicole leapt up, lifting the small turtle high into the air. "Can you say Nicole?"
"Nicka." He repeated.
"Close enough." She nodded.
"What about Arinna?" Arinna smiled.
Picasso stared at her, confused. "…Ar…na." he said.
"Aww, you were close little one." She cooed. Chuckling, Michelle reached down to scoop up Sebastian.
"I wonder if Sebastian can speak as well?" she said.
"I don't think his baby teeth have even started growing in yet." Nicole shrugged. "We might have to wait a while longer."
"That is fine." Arinna patted the baby's head. "We can wait for as long as he needs."
YAY! Everyone! I'm back! I'm finally back! I'm so happy! And the best thing, I've already got the next chapter almost done. I might just post the next chapter tomorrow. Who knows :D
Anyway, yup! Leatherhead is officially introduced, and little Picasso has begun to grow. :D I really want Sebastian and him to start talking soon :D Little kids talking is just adorable.
Alright, I'll give you guys a heads up on which character we are introducing next. THE NEXT OC ON THE LIST IS... (drum roll please~)
Nicole: No
Me: Wha- come on, just give me one little drum roll
Nicole: No -_-
Me: ... Jerk -_- I'll do it myself (Drum roll) THE NEXT OC IS... ELIZABETH, who is owned by Koraru Kinomoto :D
IMPORTANT MESSAGE: This is to the Yellowskies9. You didn't send in your character when you were signed in so I wasn't able to message you back or anything. Which is fine but... about what you asked to happen. I do really like your OC Douglas. I think he is cool :D However... About the thing you mentioned with Arinna. About her falling in love with him.
I want to say I wouldn't have a problem with that, but I kind of do. I don't know how to explain this. I have literally never given Arinna a love interest. Ever.
So.. I don't know how to feel about her sudden given one. Plus, you didn't give any information on how you would want her to fall in love. It was just "she loves him and asks him to live with her"
So do you want, like, love at first sight? Or... something? I'm honestly really trying to be cooperative here and not just flat out say No to what you want but it is hard for me. So! I would appreciate it if you could message me and we can talk this out :D Thanks.