Wow….just, wow. I'm so happy everyone liked Anthony, and since so many asked, I'm posting a sequel so everyone can meet.

Btw, Anthony Lowrey is based (in personality and in some personal facts) on my grandpa who passed away two years ago. So, thank you for liking him.

Enjoy!

"Leonardo Hamato, you will let me in the bathroom!"

Behind the locked door of the family lavatory, the blue clad ninja gave a dramatic groan, "For shell's sake, Don! I'm fine, I don't need the zip ties any more, I'm taking them off!"

"For your shell's sake, LEO," Donatello bellowed, hands on his hips, exasperated brown eyes glaring at the closed door, "I insist you not!"

"You know that my shell is practically healed, you said so yourself," Leo grumbled, "besides, it barely hurts anymore! Light training and patrol won't kill me!"

"Won't kill you? I swear, I'm going to kill you, you stubborn-!" The scientist pinched the space between his eyes, as if to stem an oncoming migraine, "Aniki, you know that some injuries need to be taken more seriously, which changes the definition of what constitutes as 'fully healed'!" He growled, "We don't get shell injuries that often, Leo, we can't goof off, or even make an educated guess the way we normally do and hope for the best!"

"I said it once, I'll say it again," Leo huffed, "I'm fine."

"If it were any of us, you'd be screaming right next to me, besides, let me remind you that I'll be the one who decides whether or not you're actually fine!" Donatello shouted, giving the bathroom door an aggravated slap.

"Do-on!" The leader moaned, managing to stretch out his sibling's name into two syllables, leaving said brother unimpressed.

"Don't you get whiny with me, aniki!" Donatello snapped, to which Leonardo gave another frustrated groan, "And don't you get huffy, either! I mean it, Leo! You know I'm fully capable of breaking this door down! Because I will, and then, I'll make you fix it, because it didn't have to get to that point if you had just listened to me!"

"For someone who constantly reminds us that you're not a doctor," Leo groused, "you're being awfully bossy."

Okay, that was the last straw, Donnie reeled back, "You're right, I'm not a doctor, which is why I'm freaking out over a freaking crack in your shell! I'm-!"

Suddenly Donatello paused, his mouth hanging open mid argument and his finger still wagging in midair when he was struck by a revelation. That's right, he wasn't a doctor, but due to Leo's misadventure, they now knew one. Well, almost. Pursing his lips thoughtfully, and a gleam of mischief in his eye, Donnie pulled out his shell cell and proceeded to dial the number he'd already learned by heart. If his big brother was going to be, as per usual, stubborn about his injuries, then it was only fair to bring out the big guns. Inside the bathroom, Leo could be heard clunking around, his breath coming in frustrated pants. No doubt because he was finding it hard to reach the zip ties by himself, which suited the scientist just perfect. He, on the other hand, was making an important phone call. The line connected then began to ring, Donnie nodded to the music he could hear being played in the lair kitchen, fingers tapping out a beat on his bicep as he patiently waited.

Finally, a click, "This is Anthony Lowrey, how can I help you today?"

Donatello grinned, April wasn't kidding, his voice was audible sunlight, "Good afternoon, Doctor, my name is Donatello and I'd like to schedule a follow up appointment for my brother Leonardo."

The bathroom door flung open, and Leonardo stood in the opening, jaw hanging slack while sapphire eyes widened in shock, "Donnie!" The leader hissed in a harsh whisper, "what are you doing calling him without even talking to me first?!"

The scientist's grin turned positively evil as the genius shushed his sibling by putting a green finger to his leader's lips, "Just remember," Donnie whispered back, "you brought this on yourself."

"Well, now," Anthony's smile was clear even through the phone, "it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance! How's your brother doing?"

"Honestly, he's being a hardheaded dork," Donnie bit out, making Leo give a scoff.

"So says the hardheaded dork," the leader grumbled, long arms making a grab for the phone.

"Being stubborn, is he?" The vet chuckled, "Did he at least finish his antibiotics?"

"Oh yes, I made sure of it," Don nodded, slapping Leo's hands away, "however, he's trying to take the zip ties off, and it's only been two weeks. I'm trying to tell him to leave them, but he insists that he's fine."

The man gave a dissatisfied hum, the squeak of a chair, as the man must have leaned back, sounding in the background, "You're right, he shouldn't be messing with those zip ties yet."

"That's what I said!" The scientist ducked his brother, running down the stairs, with Leo in hot pursuit, "but no, he has to be stubborn!"

"Are we talkin' about Leo?" Raphael asked, walking through the lair, motorcycle magazine and an energy drink in hand.

Donnie giggled, ducking another desperate swipe, "What tipped you off, Raphie?"

"Ya said stubborn, so I figured," the brawler replied with a bemused shrug.

"Donnie, gimme that phone, or so help me!" Leonardo growled.

"Is that another brother?" Anthony asked, delight dripping from every syllable, "Sounds like ya'll have a pretty rambunctious house!"

"You have no idea!" The scientist chuckled, jumping up onto the couch, and pulling his Bo staff to point it at his eldest sibling.

"You'd be surprised, I'm the middle child of fifteen kids!"

"Fifteen kids!" Donnie squawked, "How many brothers did you have?"

"Eight, we all served in different branches of the military during Vietnam," Anthony supplied, tone revealing he was getting a lot of personal enjoyment from the conversation.

Donatello's jaw dropped, his keen intellect summoning images of a lair filled with fifteen ninja turtles, eight of which, were brothers, "That….sounds enormously terrifying."

It was the veterinarian's turn to give a maniacal cackle, "You have no idea! I've got stories that would curl your toes! And the girls were as tough as the boys!"

"Who's Donnie on the phone with?" Raphael asked when the engineer burst into giggles, topaz eyes blinking in baffled confusion at the standoff in the living room.

"The veterinarian," Leo groused, eyeing the couch cushion his younger sibling was standing on, "he's calling to schedule a follow up, but I told him I'm fine!"

"Ooh! We get to meet him!" Mikey chirped from the kitchen, head popping out to display baby blue eyes bright with anticipation, "Do you think he likes Scrabble?"

"You're not bringing a board game to the Doctor's house," Leo huffed, "because we're not going for a follow up!"

Mikey pouted, turning around to walk back to the stove, "Stingy."

"What's the problem with gettin' a second opinion?" Raph shrugged, "Ya don't trust the guy?"

Leo rolled his eyes, "I might feel a little hesitant going to meet with a random human that we haven't had the chance to check up on, first…"

"Even though that's exactly how we've made all our human friends," Donatello threw in smoothly, making the eldest glare at him.

"However, we don't need to waste his valuable time when I know that I'm. Just. Fine!" The leader finished.

"You tell that boy to stop being so mule headed," Anthony stated, having heard the conversation, "However, if he won't listen to you, tell him that I'll be happy to give him my opinion on the matter, that is if you'd like to stop by the house tonight? I promise, it won't be a waste of my time, and whoever would like to come is more than welcome."

"That'd be great," Donnie nodded hopping when Leo tried to grip him up by pulling the cushion out from under him, then whirled so to vault over the back of the couch, and take off running across the lair, "I'll make sure to bring him. I'll drag him by the tail if I have to!"

"No, you're not!" Leo countered, chasing after his younger brother.

The veterinarian released a long belly laugh, one that made the scientist have to fight the urge to join in, "I'm getting the impression that Leonardo is not a fan of the doctor?"

"No," Don groused, skidding around the corner to avoid the kitchen where Mikey was making breakfast, "I've been the family medic up to this point, and I can tell you, that my big brother is a terrible patient!"

"I am not, Donatello Hamato!" Leo finally yelled, throwing aside his dignity in his pursuit of his younger sibling, "You take that back right now!"

"Never!"

The eldest caught up to the engineer, drifting around one of the support pillars to catch Donnie, but the purple ninja swiftly turned around, so his shell was facing Leo, and hunched his shoulders to keep his shell cell out of his big brother's hands. Anthony Lowrey chuckled as he listened to the scuffle, "Why don't we plan for nine o'clock tonight? I'll make sure to have my porch light on."

"Sounds good," Donnie nodded, "see you then!"

"Donnie, don't you hang up that-!" Leo scowled but was cut off when the engineer snapped the phone shut.

"Ha!" He cackled, grinning triumphantly, "you have an appointment with the doctor at 9pm."

The leader huffed, angry sapphire eyes rolling in aggravation, "Donnie, I don't need to go, we can take it from here!"

"Not happening," Donatello shook his head, "aniki, I love and respect you as my big brother and my leader, but in this I have to do what I think is right. I get that you're nervous about meeting a new human, and I understand that it stresses you out as the protector of this family, but your stubbornness is gonna get you killed one day!"

The genius drew in a steadying breath, then pinned his big brother with desperate brown eyes, pleading that he understand, "Our shells are connected to our spine, Leo, I'm not taking any chances. Yes, you protect us, but need I remind you that as your brothers, we protect you as well? So, as your brother, if I have access to a doctor who can give you the medical care you deserve, then I will do everything in my power to protect you by getting you that care. Got it?"

Leo paused, drawing in a breath of his own, obviously wanting to disagree while some unnameable emotion lurked behind his eyes, before he heaved a resigned sigh, "Fine," he murmured, "if it means that much to you, I'll go."

Donnie smiled, shoulders drooping in relief, then pulled his brother in for a brief hug, "Thank you, aniki,"

…..

"This is his house?" Mikey gawped, looking out the windshield around their father's head, "I get that he's a vet, but I didn't think they made this kind of money."

The turtle taxi sat idling in the suburbs of New York, Donatello had gone all out making it look more inconspicuous. The yellow was now covered with a dark green, and the taxi sign had been removed. It would have been a bit of a tight squeeze for the family, but the engineering genius and the brawler gave the car an overhaul that made it a luxury ride for those of the mutant kind. They somehow made the care wider, allowing for more space in the back. Bucket seats that accommodated for turtle shells, plus a special seat back that would allow Master Splinter to sit on the passenger side, provided a trip without any discomfort. Add in the tinted windows that allowed absolutely zero visibility for prying eyes, and the family had a vehicle that allowed for perfect anonymity. Splinter was quite impressed, and made sure to say so, making both Donnie and Raphael beam at his praise.

Despite Leonardo's prior discomfort, he made little protest as the time drew near, deciding instead to outfit his family with long coats that could hide their nature, should they have to park on the street. Now, at a little before nine o'clock at night, the family stared in awe at a beautiful red brick house, with a well-manicured lawn, and a front porch overflowing with flowers. "Whoa," Donatello breathed, "do you think he's rich?"

"He'd have ta be," Raphael murmured, "I think I see a whole other buildin' in the back. He's even got a backyard."

"Whoa," the brothers all repeated, eyes growing even bigger, then they all perked up at the sight of the front door opening.

An elderly gentleman walked out, aided by a cane, walking down the sidewalk and waving his arm to welcome them into the driveway. Donatello revved the engine, directing the vehicle up onto the paved section, and following their host around the back. Michelangelo gave a heavy gulp in the back, shaking hands curling in his lap, "Anyone else feel a little nervous?"

"Seriously?" Raphael scoffed, one eyebrow ridge raised, "The guy bound and determined ta bring Scrabble with us, is nervous?"

"He didn't bring it, did he?" Donnie asked, putting the car in park.

"No, I made sure of it," Leonardo stated with a stern nod, "I even body checked him. Twice."

Splinter gave a doubting hum, if anyone was able to hide something as awkward as a large flat box on their person without being caught, it was Michelangelo. However, for now, they would just have to hope that Leonardo had truly figured out all the youngest's tricks. The family proceeded to get out of the car, hurriedly shuffling to the back door where their host stood, a bright light shining behind him. As they drew closer, all were taken aback by the man's bright smile, twinkling blue eyes, and warm spirit. He didn't look like a man welcoming freaks of nature into his house, no, he looked more like someone greeting old friends or family into his home, ready to throw his arms around them in a hug.

"I'm so happy you came," Anthony grinned, eyes practically glowing with pleasure, "I've been worried sick over Leonardo's shell, I was praying I'd hear from you so I could make sure it healed well!"

"We appreciate your offer," Donatello stated, taking his coat off, but not missing the way the vet's eyes widened at his first look of their forms, "I'm sure you understand, it's difficult for us to find medical care."

If the human was dismayed in any way, he didn't show it, if anything, he looked more and more like a child who finally got his best friend over for a play date, "It's the least I could do," he smiled.

"Well, then," Leonardo coughed, "introductions are in order?"

The eldest stepped forward, giving a respectful bow, "I am Leonardo Hamato, eldest son of Splinter," he stated nodding to his father, then stepped aside to address his siblings, "and my younger brothers, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo."

"Welcome," he nodded, voice lilting with the southern twang, giving each family member a hearty handshake, "now, I have sweet tea chilling in the fridge, and dinner is almost ready. I figure we can double check Leonardo's shell, and then we can enjoy a meal, how's that sound?"

"There's food!" Mikey exclaimed, head popping up as they entered the house.

"What my son means to say," Splinter cut the youngest off, giving Mikey a reprimanding scowl, "is thank you for your hospitality."

"My pleasure!" The human gestured further into the home, "if you'd like, ya'll can put your coats in the closet, and I can give you a quick tour before the checkup!"

"Get out, ya mealy mouthed maggots!"

The party froze, the elderly man sighed, his head dropping into one hand, "I'm so sorry," he huffed, "that would be my roommate."

"To the brig, ya scabs!"

"Roommate?" Leo shuffled, ready to flee.

"Do you feel lucky, punk?"

"I thought you said you lived alone?" Donnie looked equally panicked.

"Say hello to my little friend!"

Anthony lifted both hands in a soothing gesture, "I do," he chuckled, then turned to call over his shoulder, "Radar, you rascal, stop being rude to my guests."

Suddenly, the sound of fluttering preceded the arrival of a large parrot with grey feathers and a beautiful red tail. The bird landed on a perch nailed to the wall, its head bobbing up and down as it made popping noises, then proceeded to sing, "Whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you, bad bird, bad bird."

The mutant family froze, slowly blinking as the bird continued to serenade them with gurgling creek noises, and then imitated the sound of gunfire. Snickers grew quietly among them, as each processed that they'd been duped by a parrot, which quickly grew into giggles. The vet merely gave them a sheepish grin, "I'm sorry," he shrugged, gesturing to the bird, "this is Radar, he was the companion to my drill sergeant before the man passed. I took him in, because no one in the family wanted him, and I didn't want this beautiful bird to be dumped somewhere he wouldn't be cared for."

The man raised a bushy eyebrow at the parrot, "Little did I know what I was signing up for, they were right, he's a terror. However, he keeps me company in my old age."

The bird replied by making a fart noise, indignantly ruffling his feathers, as the teen boys cackled at the rude sound. The brawler eventually stopped for a breath, something the man said making the turtle pause as he remembered the letter, "Drill sergeant?" Raphael's topaz eyes brightened, "Ya mean military?"

The man nodded, shaking his head fondly when the bird hopped onto his shoulder, "I was a Marine in the Vietnam war, my drill sergeant, his previous owner, was the man who trained me. Although, he didn't get Radar until about thirty years ago, so, I wasn't there during those years. I did hear, however, that he'd take this bird with him everywhere, even during drills."

"Drop and give me twenty," the bird whistled, bobbing its head, before beginning to preen its wing.

"I bet ya saw some action over there, though," Raphael said.

Anthony stopped, opening his mouth, blue eyes haunted by ghosts of the past, "Yep, I've seen some action, but then again," The human met Raph's gaze, taking in the turtle's weapons and all his scars, then gave a weary smile full of sorrowful understanding, "I'd say both of us have."

The brawler gave a small laugh, a brief huff of air, a wordless exclamation of how much of an understatement his words were, "Yeah, we've seen our share."

"More than your share, if those scars are anything to go by,"

Raphael gave a seemingly careless shrug, "When yer a mutant turtle, ya tend ta have somewhat of a complex life, if ya get my drift?"

"I do," Anthony nodded. The vet once again opened his mouth, hesitating to speak, blue eyes filled with compassion, "If I may," he asked in halting tones, "I don't want to overstep my bounds, but if I could?"

Master Splinter placed both paws on his cane, giving the human an encouraging nod, "What do you wish to ask, Doctor Lowrey?"

Anthony mirrored the nod, gathering the words he needed to ask, "I know it's presumptuous of me, but as I've been caring for Leonardo, I wondered if I could make it official and be your," the man paused, as if he were searching for words before giving a chuckle, "your family doctor. That is, if you'd would allow me the privilege, I'd like to offer my services to you in full."

The aged rat was silent for several heartbeats, then queried slowly, "Are you sure of what you ask?" Splinter ventured, tone unreadable, "Our life is dangerous, and as you've seen, I've trained my sons to be warriors so that they may protect themselves from those who would mean them harm. Your kindness is deeply appreciated, however, I am hesitant to agree to anything that would bring our enemies to your doorstep. You are a good man, I would deeply regret endangering you."

The man gave a wry grin, "I'm a Marine from Mississippi, I can handle myself." He stated, "Plus, I'm seventy-five years old, and while I'm getting on in years, I still have some spunk left. However, if you're worried about endangering me, I'll tell you that my wife is gone, and my only son is also gone as he served in the fire department unit that was lost on 9/11."

Anthony's eyes watered at the mention of his lost wife and son, his voice choking up, "If your enemies wish to come after me, I have nothing left to lose." He stated, head held high, blue eyes shining with sincerity, "You've been nothing but kind, and respectful, anyone who would want to hurt you will have to go through me and I'd have no regrets. Also, Miss April stopped by the clinic and told me a little of what you've done for the city, I would like to give back if I can. I may be from Mississippi, but my wife loved New York, and I want to help be a part of the team that protects it."

The mutated rodent paused, considering the vet's words. Donatello sucked in a breath, then quickly turned to their father before the rat had a chance to speak, brown eyes glistening with unshed tears, "Please accept?" He rasped, his already quiet voice rough with repressed emotion, "Father, you know I've done my best, but," the scientist's words faltered, Donnie cleared his throat as he pressed forward, "I'm not a doctor, I've become one by necessity, but if you knew how much I've had to guess when caring for my brothers, praying it turns out for the best, you'd be horrified."

Splinter gave his most intelligent son a grieved look, one paw reaching up to cup the green cheek, "My dear, Donatello," he soothed, "it was no more than I've had to guess while raising you from the infants you were. You have done well, my son, and I am proud of you, however, as you said to Leonardo back at the lair; I would do anything to get you the care you deserve."

The aged rat turned back to their host, the man maintaining a respectful silence, "Doctor Lowrey, I'm both humbled and eternally grateful by your offer, if it would not be too much trouble for you, I will humbly accept your position as our familydoctor."

Anthony nodded, his own eyes growing misty, and his chest swelling with happy pride, "It would be no trouble at all," he stated, "if I can do some good in these final years of my life, I'd consider it an honor."

"Shut up, maggots," Radar chirped.

Mikey groaned, whirling on the bird, "Way to ruin a moment, dude!"

"Squawk off!" The bird threw back his head and gave a maniacal laugh.

Raphael cackled; eyebrow ridge raised in suspicion, "Does he understand what we're sayin'?"

"I'm honestly not sure," The vet laughed, "It's my fault, I leave the television on for him while I'm at work and he learns the craziest things."

Leo chuckled, "He's pretty talkative, isn't he?"

"Talkative doesn't begin to describe him," Anthony groaned, "but, he does make me laugh more often than not. Why don't we head into my office," the man gestured for them to follow him, "As for Radar, I'll say one thing for him, he certainly keeps me on my toes."

The group froze when a sudden beeping echoed from the kitchen, Anthony gasped, "The cornbread, I've been so distracted, I forgot!"

"Got it!" Mikey took off, nimbly ducking corners through the house and into the kitchen. Within moments the beeping ceased, and a heavenly scent filled the house, "Saved the cornbread! It smells awesome! I'll put it on the stove with the rest of the food."

Donnie turned to the human, relief on his face, "Mikey is the cook of our family, don't be surprised if he asks for the recipe."

"Oh, I will," the youngest affirmed, walking around the corner, "if it tastes half as good as it smells, you can bet I'm gonna get the recipe! What all you got going in there, anyway? Only thing I recognize is the fried chicken!"

Anthony smirked at the turtle, "Red beans and rice, an old recipe I brought from the south. I convinced my wife to try it, and fortunately for me, she fell in love with it!"

Once again, the gathering began heading back to the office, Anthony in the lead. Leonardo followed the man, his heart thundering in his chest as he wondered what they'd find. He didn't understand this sudden fear and trepidation, especially when they've been shown nothing but kindness. However, he couldn't stop the flutter of terror in his chest. Would the veterinarian strap him down like an animal? Surely not, he seemed sincere, and had yet to show any malicious intent or ulterior motives. However, their life did not allow the young leader much room for optimism, and while he desperately wanted to believe this man was everything he claimed to be, he still felt a wary cynicism urging him to be cautious.

The doctor ushered them through a door and into a large space, presumably a former guest room, that had been kitted out as an exam room. Leonardo gazed on the area, looking for anything that might be a clue for them to run, however, he found none. There were shelves full of medicines, and instruments, as well as books. Any empty space on the walls was taken up by pictures of past patients, some with the veterinarian smiling alongside them, others just with the animal itself. What was a shock though, was the wooden exam table normally used for his patients had been pushed aside, replaced by one of the medical cots you'd normally see in a regular clinic. It looked new, the leather shone in the bright light, and the steel gleamed.

"I hoped you'd come, so I made preparations, just in case," Anthony explained, features bashful as he patted the cot, "I wanted you to be comfortable, and that hard wood table just wouldn't do at all."

Leo nodded, although he was being treated like any other patient at a normal doctor, this wasn't a normal visit. Anthony was a human, and while he knew that there were good humans out there, that didn't take his instinctual fear away. Doctor Lowrey beckoned the turtle over, "Why don't you hop up here?"

The young leader shuffled over, shyly ducking his head as everyone's attention focused on him. He wanted to trust this man completely, as obviously his father did, and Leonardo felt he could, but that old paranoia built up from too many betrayals forced him to hold Anthony at arm's length. Hopping up onto the exam cot, Leo winced when the crack gave a sharp protest. The turtle immediately favored his right side, leaning over so to relieve the weight being placed on the injury. However, if you didn't know the turtle, you'd never notice, as Leonardo did so only minutely. Enough to provide relief, but unnoticeable to an untrained eye. However, their host was anything but untrained. The doctor gave a knowing glance at his patient, humming in dissatisfaction;

"You're still hurting, aren't you, son?" His baritone rumbled gently.

Leo jumped, unused to being found out, "Not really," he mumbled, eyes wide with shock, "it's not anything I can't handle."

"Young man, you're in pain, don't deny what an old doctor knows," Anthony chuckled, giving the green shoulder a friendly squeeze.

"Yeah, aniki," Donnie grinned, "listen to your doctor!"

Raph snickered, "This guy is good if he can see through Leo's bull crap about his injuries."

The veterinarian merely grinned, "You spend three decades using only body language to converse with your patients, you get good at reading it," the man fetched a bright lamp with a magnifying glass attached, giving the cot a gentle pat, "Why don't you lay down on your stomach? It will be more comfortable."

"I don't know," suddenly Leo felt like he was back in the cellar, an odd revelation about why he felt so uneasy that seemed to slap him like a wave of vertigo. Despite being padded, the height of the exam table was the same as the one the skin walker used. Adding that to the painful ache from his shell injury, and being asked to lay prone on the table, Leonardo was barely able to suppress a horrified shudder, "I'm not…I'm not sure about this."

Anthony glanced up into the sapphire eyes, noting their trained poise, but seeing past it, finding the wariness and fear turning the intelligent gaze wild. The boy was like too many he'd treated in the past, traumatized from past abuse, unsure of how to accept kindness. A slight tremble was stealing across his shoulders, making his breath hitch, even as his strong frame seemed to hunch defensively. Something about this situation was causing him to react. The boy needed something to ground him, to redirect his fear and distract him. There was one method that usually worked with his patients in this situation, and he had an idea on how to use it. Pursing his lips, the doctor opened a drawer in the cabinets against the wall, pulling something out that he hid in his palm. Turning back to his patient, the doctor gave a pleasant smile.

"I was thinking about waiting until after your checkup to give you this," he shrugged, movements casual and non-threatening, "but considering you were so brave during the procedure to fix your shell, I figure you earned it,"

Leo opened his mouth to ask what the doctor meant, but Anthony used the pause to swiftly shove something hard between his teeth. The turtle immediately reacted, pulling back, but stopped when sweetness filled his mouth and his lips closed around a plastic stick. Blue eyes blinked in confusion, the fear and paranoia filling his mind mere seconds ago forgotten as he slowly brought one hand up to his mouth to pull out…a lollipop? His brothers were snickering at the action, smiling as their leader was given candy like child, but the eldest found his muscles loosening from their tense state. Something about the shock of sweetness driving away the dark shadows in his mind. Leonardo didn't even register that the trembling that had been building in his body was gone, however, Doctor Lowrey was watching with a satisfied nod.

"I always give my patients a treat," he said softly, "although, I didn't think you'd like what I normally give out, so I bought lollipops this afternoon."

Leo blushed, "I'm not a kid," he muttered around the sucker; however, he didn't pull it out either.

Strangely, it seemed to calm his nerves, enough that laying down on the exam table no longer filled him with apprehension.

Laying down on his stomach, arms folded under his chin, the young leader sucked thoughtfully on the treat; sapphire eyes staring into the middle distance as he considered this odd turn of events, even for their standards. Two weeks ago, he would never have dreamed that he would be in situation that demanded April call a human for help, a veterinarian of all things, and then he'd be willingly meeting with said doctor for a follow-up appointment. As if they were a member of the civilians who lived topside. The idea was almost ridiculous. Yet here they were. The fact that this rated as weirder than gladiator fighting in a space arena, or mystic ninja training, or turning into a dragon to fight demon shredder, probably showed how messed up their lives are. Aliens he can handle, inter-dimensional beings aren't a problem, but a human being nice? That's what he considers weird. Leo almost wanted to laugh at how stupid that sounded, however, their host interrupted his thoughts as he came back to his side.

The doctor rolled a chair closer to the exam table, pulling the magnifying glass down and positioning it over the crack in his shell, "Leonardo," Anthony spoke, tones gentle, "I just want to let you know I'm going to be feeling around the crack, okay? If it hurts, or if you get uncomfortable and want me to stop, you just say so. You're in control here."

Once again Leo blinked in surprise, unsure of why, but the doctor's words helping him feel relaxed and calm, "Okay," he murmured.

Anthony adjusted his glasses, looking through the glass, "It's healing nicely," he nodded, fingers ghosting over the injury, prodding as gently as possible, "however, I wouldn't take the zip ties off yet, it needs another week, and even then, I don't recommend any rough housing. It needs another month of healing before any activity that could potentially make you fall on it wrong."

"But," Leo popped off the table, bracing himself on his elbows, "what about training? Or patrolling the neighborhood? We've been off the streets for two weeks already, I can't be out of commission for even longer! Nothing else is wrong with me, I can still fight!"

The human gave shook his head, giving the blue ninja's shoulder a consoling pat, "Son, this crack is dangerously close to your spine, and it was a miracle that it's not worse than it is," he stated, tone a careful neutral, "at this stage in the healing, if you fall on it at just the wrong angle with any amount of force, it I'll crack again, and this time it will be worse. Do you really want to take that chance?"

"I need to stay in shape," the young leader insisted, "I can't just lay around for a month,"

"No, you can't," Splinter nodded, one paw stroking his beard, "Leonardo, you may begin your regular training in a week, however, I agree with the doctor that sparring and patrolling will be postponed."

Leonardo's head whirled to his father, his face a mask of disbelief, "But sensei, the people need us out there! Casey said the Purple Dragons are causing trouble-!"

"They are always causing trouble," Splinter stated, raising an unimpressed eyebrow, "Mr. Jones has it well in hand,"

"And we're still on high alert with the Foot," Leo continued.

"Who have not done anything since the dimensional incident with the Shredder," the master reminded.

"Plus, we're still hunting down leads on who attacked us with that bomb!" The leader finished.

"Leads that can be found later," the rat nodded, "any time sensitive clues have been found and we can look more closely at what we've gathered while you heal."

"Sensei," Leo tried again, desperately trying to convince his father not to bench him, "I can patrol, I'll just take it easy, try not to get into any dangerous situations."

"As you did when we were gone?"

The younger brothers sucked in a gasp, all three watching their leader as his jaw dropped, looking as if he'd been physically slapped. "I…I wasn't…I just…"

Splinter shook his head, dark eyes firm, "I will not take any chances with your health, my son. Doctor Lowrey made a very excellent point, and as our new family physician, I will choose to heed his counsel, as should you."

All waited on pins and needles for the explosion they thought would happen, for Leo to begin defending his right to lead, however, the eldest made no further comment, sapphire eyes heavy with hurt and guilt. Leonardo drooped back down on the exam table, quiet and resigned. The blue ninja nibbled his bottom lip, mind reeling with self-loathing as he was once again relegated to being useless, convinced he was a liability to his team, all because of his own stupidity. Slowly the turtle returned to his prior position, chin braced on his forearms. The room fell silent, the sons unsure of how to continue the cheerful atmosphere after such a sharp reprimand. The doctor continued his work, allowing his guests the space needed to process the intimate family moment.

Anthony ducked down, picking up a bottle of iodine, "I'm going to give this a clean," he said softly, "then I'd like to do an x-ray of the injury, is that alright?"

The blue clad warrior nodded morosely, recrimination still scorching his craw, "Yes, sir," he replied politely.

Michelangelo fidgeted at the shift in mood, exchanging a look of worry with both purple and red ninja. The veterinarian gently scrubbed at the crack, using a jumbo sized q-tip, then patted it down with a cotton ball, "There, nice and clean."

Standing up with a slight groan, the man pulled a machine down from wall, Donatello recognized it as an x-ray commonly used by dentists, "Leonardo, would you kindly come stand in front of this pane?"

The eldest did as he was told, waiting patiently as the doctor took a handful of images, and then took his seat on the table as the doctor examined them. The orange ninja once again gave a nervous fidget, the room much too quiet, "So, doc," he started with a forced chuckle, "you said you're from Mississippi, how'd you end up in New York?"

Anthony gave Mikey a warm grin, "For the oldest reason known to man," he said dramatically, "love."

Michelangelo felt himself relaxing, the chilly atmosphere beginning to thaw, "Ooh, I love me a good romance," he giggled, settling himself in for a story, "you gonna leave me in suspense or are you gonna tell us what happened?"

The veterinarian leaned back in his chair, taking off his glasses to stare up at the ceiling, almost as if the white surface opened up into a window of the past, "I was just twenty years old at the time," he began, blue eyes distant but warm, "it was the summer of 1968, and I was stationed with my unit in South Korea during the Vietnam War."

The mutant family was immediately hooked, especially their soap opera addicted father.

"Now, on a routine patrol, one of my unit had stepped on a mine, and the poor man was blown to pieces." Anthony gave a sorrowful shake of his head, "I was caught in the blast, and was knocked against a tree, I woke in the military hospital and when I opened my eyes, I saw the most beautiful woman on planet earth, a genuine angel from heaven. She was my nurse, and she had dark hair, green eyes, with a smile that could knock your socks off. I couldn't speak a word to her, she was stunning, and my mouth was full of sawdust."

"Ah, Audrey," The man sighed, features growing soft, "There's nothing like it in the world, when a man sees a woman that he knows is his one true love."

"You knew, just like that?" Mikey was hanging on his every word.

"I did," Anthony nodded, "she was more than just lovely, she was smart. Fiery, stubborn, but also compassionate, sensitive and sensible. She made my knees turn to jelly. I wanted to win her heart and spend the rest of our lives showing how much I love her, but no matter how I tried, I couldn't tell her how I felt. So, I did what any other lovesick fool would do in my position."

"What?"

"I volunteered for every mission I could!" The human cackled, "If it sounded even remotely dangerous, I was there! Anything to get sent to the military hospital again!"

Leo gave a small snort of amusement, his prior despondency almost forgotten as he listened to the story, "So, how'd you tell her?"

Anthony's laughter died down, as he returned back to the land of memory, "One day, I had actually gotten hurt, enough that I was in the military hospital for almost two weeks, shrapnel caught me in the gut and the leg, and unfortunately, was bad enough I was about to be shipped back home. And what was worse, I didn't even tell her that I loved her yet.

"I knew, that if I wanted to end up with the woman of my dreams I needed to man up, and confess my feelings," Anthony continued, "but how do you do that lying in a hospital bed? Every time I got up the nerve, I remembered how I must look, and it made me ashamed. I wanted to tell her I loved her like a man, not an invalid. However, fate has a funny sense of humor."

"Why? What happened?" Donnie asked, brown eyes wide.

The doctor narrowed his eyes, holding his hands out in front of him as he framed the picture in his mind, "Late one night, the day before I was supposed to be shipped back home, I was lying awake, and trying to figure out how to bare my heart to Audrey. That was when I heard it."

Anthony leaned forward, "A crash, and then the sound of booted feet. The hospital was under attack."

"Oh no," Mikey gasped.

"Oh, yes," the doctor nodded, "within seconds, everything was in an uproar. I tried to get up to help, but with a bum leg and metal still in my gut, I was useless."

Leonardo sighed, he knew that feeling.

"Then I saw Audrey," Anthony smiled, his face tender and full of longing, "she had a wheelchair, and she was willingly running through gunfire to save her patients. That woman, she had nerves of steel and a heart that beat for the goodwill of others, just one of the many reasons I loved her."

The old man gave a soft chuckle, "Somehow, she bundled me into the chair, and then handed me a revolver. 'Cover me while I push, got it?' Was what she told me, and by God, I shot anyone who dared point their gun at her. We made our way across the ward, heading to the room they were using as a bunker for the patients and medical staff, when an enemy soldier came around the corner and I realized I was out of bullets."

The room was silent, Anthony shook his head, "In that moment I felt every bone in my body zing with electricity, I couldn't let her die, I couldn't let that man snuff out the life of the woman I loved. So, I jumped from my chair, and began to wrestle for his gun. Mind you," the doctor paused, "I was still injured, to the point that I was being sent home. So, there wasn't much I could do, but I would defend her with everything I had."

"Did ya save her?" Raph asked.

"She saved me!" The doctor chuckled, "The enemy soldier had me on the ground in two seconds, smashed the butt of his rifle into my bad leg, and then he pointed his gun. I prepared myself to die and prayed that someone would save Audrey in my stead, but instead of him shooting me, Audrey pulled a revolver from her pocket and shot him!"

Doctor Lowrey grinned, "She knelt next to me, and asked if I was alright. Her hands were shaking, I can still remember how strong she was despite being terrified. In that moment, she had me floored. The only words I could manage was will you marry me?"

"You proposed?!" Donatello exclaimed, "You didn't even tell her you loved her yet! You never dated, even!"

"I know!" Anthony shrugged, "Thankfully, for me, she had loved me nearly as long as I loved her because she said yes."

The brawler laughed, leaning back to rest his shell on the wall, "No way, she actually agreed?"

"She did, and we were married here in New York where we bought this house and stayed married for fifty years before she passed." The doctor sighed, "Those fifty years were heaven on earth, I'd give anything to do it all again, every single moment, just to have another life with Audrey."

"Wow," Michelangelo murmured, "now that's a love story."

"They don't make 'em like that anymore," Raphael agreed.

"Indeed," Splinter nodded, "and we are most fortunate that it ended up that way, as, if she had not said yes, we would never have met."

Anthony stood up, walking over to Leo and giving the turtle a sly side eye, "Yeah, you could even say that it was during a mess that my life turned out for the better. Sometimes, what we consider life's missteps, is actually a path that was paved for our benefit."

Leonardo paused, catching the veterinarian's meaning.

True, he got hurt, and he was benched for the time being. However, it wasn't all bad, they met Doctor Lowrey, and now Donnie wouldn't have to stress about being the family medic anymore. The past three years had been hard on their family pacifist, as he wanted to spend time inventing, not fighting. However, he didn't even have the time to do that either, as he'd been studying on how to treat injuries, hoping and praying the day would never come that he wouldn't know what to do and end up watching a family member die. Now, that was no longer a concern. Donnie could go back to doing what he loved, because this new alliance would allow the genius to put down the heavy burden of being the family doctor. So, in essence, he shouldn't beat himself up for something that ended up on such a positive note. He should celebrate, not wallow in imagined failures.

The young warrior gave a soft huff, who knew that one night could change their lives so dramatically? Glancing up, he noticed the elderly man watching him, and the slight upturn of his lips. Almost as if he could see right through the young leader. Doctor Lowrey patted Leo on the shoulder, "Why don't we go eat dinner?"

"Food!" Mikey jumped to his feet, ready to run out the door.

"Michelangelo!" Splinter scolded.

"Sorry, sensei,"

I hope you liked the chapter, I have something fun planned for the next letter of the alphabet!