Chapter eight:
Morning has come and Donnie is outside taking a slight stroll in town. It's still a little early though late enough for others to be out now.
Splinter approaches Donnie gaining his attention.
Donnie slows down to a stop turning to the other to which he notices Mikey, who was nearby, come over. He can tell that they both can see a slightly concerned look on Splinters face.
"Have either of you seen your brother Raphael?" Splinter inquires to the two who shake their heads. He lets out a soft worried hum glancing around at those outside. "I can't find him. I was going to give him a morning patrol this morning."
"He's gotta be around here somewhere." Mikey sounds worried and Donnie places a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"There could be a good explanation." Donnie begins to which the two turn to him. "I mean he has gone on night walks before. There's a chance that he could have just fallen asleep somewhere." He has high doubts that his brother would just leave them.
"I hope nothing bad happened to him." Mikey adds moving closer to Donnie.
"Perhaps you're right Donnie. I'll still organize a search party just in case." Splinter starts to mention how he hopes that Raph is indeed alright.
Donnie isn't really paying attention though. His attention has been brought to something else. His eyes widen in surprise at the sight. His head whirling in confusion though he is at least a little glad for one part of it. "Sensei look!" He points as Splinter turns to him.
Splinter and Mikey look to where Donnie is pointing, only to see what has gathered so much attention.
Raph is walking deeper into town towards their direction. He has another turtle walking beside him. He looks around, as other mutants stare with whispers to each other, looking ready to defend this other turtle from anyone who tries anything.
Donnie is relieved to see Raph alright. He still prefers Mikey, however even he has to silently admit that the turtle walking with Raph is actually beautiful. He swears the other could almost pass for a girl if he wanted to. He wonders where Raph even found this turtle. His thoughts come to a screeching halt when he realizes that there's turtle babies.
Raph is holding one of the babies while the other turtle is holding two.
The little ones look to be sleeping peacefully right now. As though unaware that something is happening.
Donnie can tell that the three babies are pretty young. He doesn't doubt that they only recently hatched from their eggs. At least based on his research in turtle babies.
The two stop in front of Splinter with a slight gap as if showing respect. They keep their heads slightly down clearly hoping to make this go well.
Splinter listens to see what they'll say. Clearly knowing that there is an explanation for this.
"Please." The other turtle begins and he sounds hopeful, pleading, as well as a little worried. "Let us join your group. I've left Niles group. He trains children so young and with so much encouraged aggression. I don't want that life for them. I want a better life for them." He explains slightly glancing to Splinter to see what will happen.
Raph moves putting one foot protectively in front of the other turtle. He stands tall with a fierce determination in his eyes. "And just so you know. If you chase out my mate and kids then you're chasing me out too. That's right, I'd be going with them." His words send a shockwave of shocked gasps and whispers across the mutants.
Donnies eyes widen and he realizes that Raph going out at night makes sense now. He can't believe that he didn't even think of that as the reason. He also does feel happiness to know his brother found someone for himself. He does see the other turtle slightly lean towards Raph. He doesn't notice any signs of hidden motives. He has a good feeling about this turtle. He notices that the babies make a soft almost mewl sound, as if they know that they're being mentioned. He thinks it's rather adorable. He turns to Splinter wondering what he will decide to do. He also notices Mikey frozen in his surprise so he puts his arm around him.
Splinter does look surprised though also thoughtful. "Raphael. You did break a general rule by taking a mate outside of your group. One from a different group nonetheless."
"I know." Raph confirms to Splinter looking confident in his answer. "We were careful. And kept conversations away from things that could be useful against either side. I just feel a love for him that I've never felt before. He is my mate and I want to remain with him for the rest of my life. I know my feelings are real. The babies did come as a surprise for us. Even so we're happy to be able to raise them together. No matter if you let us stay or make us leave."
Splinters gives a soft hum at Raph before turning his attention to the other turtle. "What is your name?"
"Leonardo. I'm fine with others calling me Leo." The other turtle responds to Splinters question not hesitating.
"Leonardo." Splinter clearly wants to remain professional as he figures this out. "I want to make sure that you understand something, before you make a final decision." He begins while staying serious. "Once you do this, switch over to our side, that's it. There's no going back. Ever. This is a permanent decision. Are you willing to embrace that?"
"Yes." Leo doesn't even need to think twice over it. "To be honest I felt like an outsider in Niles group, despite that I was raised there. I don't really agree with Niles way of doing things. All the aggression and even physical fights to settle arguments. I just knew I was the only one who felt like it wasn't right. I had thought about leaving except I was stopped. My life is a part of the groups. I could just leave but then what? After getting together with Raph the idea of me leaving Niles group hovered in the air." He pauses as if realizing he's just rambling, just to prove that he is serious about this. He clears his throat for a brief moment. "What I'm trying to say is that I understand that this is permanent. I don't mind that it is. I planned for it to be permanent, I even left a note for Nile so he wouldn't think I was kidnapped. I want a life with Raph. With our kids. In a good environment. At least better than what Nile would be offering these little ones. I'll accept whatever decision you come up with. All I ask is please at least consider letting us stay."
All eyes are on Splinter as they all await his response.
Splinter only thinks about it for a moment or two before he smiles. His face softening. "You're welcome to join our group."
Donnie feels his chest warm in excited happiness. He can see the relief on Leo's face at hearing this. He is going to be allowed to truly meet Raphs mate and kids. He had started giving up hope that he'd ever see Raph with a mate of his own.
"Thank you." Leo dips his head in gratitude and respect to Splinter. "I will do everything I can to be useful for the group."
"I am sure you'll fit in just fine." Splinter assures Leo still with a smile. He moves closer and puts a fatherly assuring hand on the others head. He can see that Leo is surprised by the small action. "Just don't forget that we all work together here. Also don't forget that you have your own little responsibilities." He glances to the three babies who seem to be starting to wake up.
"Of course. They mean so much to me. Like Raph means so much to me." Leo nods his head in response to this.
Splinter nods seeming to be satisfied with things for now. He moves away also moving his hand off of Leo.
Mikey and Donnie hurry over to the two to really meet Leo, plus to see the babies better.
Others hover nearby a little eager to really meet their newest members, though Splinter gives them a look to keep them from crowding Leo.
"Do they have names?" Mikey inquires to which Donnie could swear everyone is eavesdropping for this part.
Leo nods his head in confirmation. He nods to each one as he lists their names. "That's Zia, then we have Xander, and the one in Raphs arms is Aidan."
"Those are all such cute names!" Mikey smiles wide at this. "Oh! I'm Mikey! Well Michelangelo however I go by Mikey. Raphs brother." He puts an arm around his mate, he moved away to check out the babies, still smiling. "This is Donatello. We just call him Donnie. And you probably know Splinter."
Leo nods his head at the introductions. "It is very nice to meet you all."
"Let us head inside. The babies will prefer it." Splinter gives his suggestion getting their attention. "They clearly are still young after all."
The turtles follow Splinter into their home, it's now considered Leo's home too.
"Let me show you my room. You can sleep with me." Raph invites to which he leads Leo to his room.
Donnie grabs some blankets as he knows that Leo could still want a nest. He isn't sure if the other does or not. He'll put things back if the nesting phase has gone. He's read that some turtles continue to keep their nest even though the youngs early years. He goes to Raphs room to see them set the babies down on the bed. He smiles as the little turtles wiggle around clearly awake now. He sets the blankets he's brought in down on the floor. "Here we are. I thought I'd bring some blankets just in case. I mean if you still want to build a nest." He offers to the other who smiles gratefully.
"Thank you Donatello." Leo does seem to just trying to be polite to him using his full name. He gives him a smile with appreciation in his gaze.
"It's no problem." Donnie assures the other turtle. "It actually is nice to see Raph have a mate. He had me starting to think that he'd never find a mate. Though I never thought that he'd take a mate outside of the group." He glances to Raph with a lightly teasing gaze. He thinks that things have so far turned out well in this situation. So he's not worried. He is super happy to know that Raph does have a mate. He can see the love for each other when the two exchange a look.
Raph shrugs slightly turning to Donnie "Yeah well when we first met I knew that there was something special about him." He admits to his brother who listens eagerly. "We met up past the borders to get to know each other and we let it turn to dating. That was admittedly awhile ago. Clearly, since we did produce eggs." He adds in a small attempt at a light joke.
Donnie still slightly chuckles at this. "I suppose that is one way to find your mate." He turns back to Leo who is figuring out if he does want a nest still or not. He does notice Raph make sure that the babies stay okay.
Mikey quickly joins Raphs side wanting to check out the babies more.
Donnie decides that he'll get to know Leo a little better. "Do you want help in building a nest? If you still want to make one that is." He offers to which Leo looks to him when he speaks.
"I'm kind of thinking something not like the kind of nest one would make for the eggs. Just maybe an extra comfy spot for them to lay down on perhaps." Leo admits to which Donnie nods his head.
Raph turns to the two while Mikey slightly plays with the babies. "You guys can make it on the bed. We'll move these little ones so you'll have space. Plus it should help make it comfier." He remembers being told that the babies can sleep with their parents for about the first three months.
Leo nods his head. "Yeah. It's okay if you guys move them." He adds to which Donnie wonders if Leo doesn't like others touching the babies, it is known that mothers get very protective of their children. He turns as if sensing Donnies gaze. "When I was in Niles group I couldn't stand the thought of anyone touching the eggs or even the babies. But here it feels okay. I think Raphs relaxation about it with you guys doing so helps. This place is a lot more relaxed than where I used to live." He admits to which Donnie nods his head in understanding.
"That's okay. Just let us know if anything makes you uncomfortable. Well understand since you're just looking out for your young ones." Donnie assures Leo who gives him an appreciative look.
Raph and Mikey gently pick up the babies to move them to just another spot in the room.
So Leo can easily glance to see the little ones at any point. He seems to like this as he starts work on making a space for the babies on the bed.
Donnie holds the blankets letting Leo decide what he feels most comfortable with. He lets Leo work peacefully to focus on how he wants it.
Leo uses all the blankets Donnie brought to make a soft safe place for the little ones. "There. That should do it." He glances to Raph, Mikey and the babies.
Donnie does as well seeing Raph and Mikey lightly playing with the babies. He can see them using their hands to get their attention, before moving it around fascinating the simple child minds. He finds a smile comes to his face at seeing this. He feels warmth in his heart as he watches. His eyes flicker to look at Leo. He also sees a smile on his face especially as he watches Raph interact with their children. "They are beautiful children." He tells Leo.
"Thanks. I'm just glad that Splinter is letting us stay. No way am I ever going back to Niles group. Even if Splinter didn't let us stay." Leo tells Donnie who nods softly.
"Well that really shows that you were serious about staying here permanently." Donnie points out getting a slight chuckle from Leo.
"I suppose it does. I didn't even think of that."
Raph turns to them while Mikey can't seem to get over the three little ones. He heads over to them trusting his brother with the little ones. "Good to see you two getting along already." He mentions with a smile putting an arm around Leo's shoulders.
"Yeah. You picked a wonderful turtle Raph." Donnie agrees smiling at all of this.
"Thanks!" Raph nods. "I know I did. He is pretty amazing." He adds making Leo slightly embarrassed at all the praise.
"Donnie! You have to meet them! They're so cute!" Mikey turns telling Donnie with a huge grin. He makes sure to not shout not wanting to scare the babies.
Donnie slightly glances to Leo who gives a go ahead nod. He heads over and sits by Mikey. He looks to the three babies who blink at him. "Hey there." He greets them to which little Zia giggles with a smile at this.
Xander blinks curiously at him while Aidan looks a little grumpy.
Donnie figures that Aidan is really going to take after Raph, especially since he's got a grumpy look already. He moves his hand closer to which Xander reaches out. He lets the child take ahold of his one finger in his tiny hand. He can't help melting at the adorableness of it. "You are all soo cute." He admits to them laughing a little as Aidan huffs at him. He glances to Raph. "I think Aidan is really going to take after you." He tells the other who smiles warmly.
"Heh. Good to know." Raph chuckles a little as he says his response. "Guess I'll have a lot to teach him."
"You'll have a lot to teach all of them." Leo places a kiss on Raphs cheek to which they smile to each other.
Donnie thinks it's so sweet to see the two of them together. He turns back to the babies and he can't help wondering if Mikey would want this. He sneaks a glance to his mate.
Mikeys eyes are shining and he is awe of the babies. He looks like he already loves them so much despite just having met them.
They all turn as the door swings open and someone calls for Splinter.
The sound causes the babies to make upset noises and Zia even starts crying.
Leo hurries over to the babies pulling them into his arms. He shushes them gently and Donnie doesn't miss the protectiveness he is showing.
Donnie isn't surprised as Leo is the babies mother. "I'll check what's going on." He gets up and hears Raph come too.
Splinter is standing in the front lobby of the home with Ashen. "I see."
"What's going on?" Donnie inquires and the two turn to him and Raph.
"Nile is at the border and he wishes to speak with me." Splinter informs the two causing their shoulders to raise.
"Let me come." Raph tries to insist but Splinter shakes his head.
"I need you all to make sure that no sneak attack comes. We can't take risks. Especially with new little ones to protect. I'm leaving you all in charge while I'm out. Keep everyone safe." Splinter insists to which the two slowly nod. He heads off with Ashen after that and Raph hurries back to the room where Leo is.
Donnie stands there hoping that everything will be okay.
...
Splinter arrives with Ashen to find Nile patiently waiting on his side of the border. He approaches and stands in front of the other also staying on his own side. "So. You wanted to speak." He can see Niles eyes betray his anger.
"I wanted to spread some news." Nile rumbles. "There is a turtle." He describes Leo. "If you see him and bring him to me then I can give you and your group a reward."
Splinters tail swishes though he can tell that Nile doesn't seem to know Leo came to them. "And why is this turtle so important to you?" He questions to which Niles eyes narrow.
"He is a traitor to all of our ways. Taking a mate outside of his own group. Then leaving and turning his back on us all and our ways! Surely you understand why I'd like to deal with him myself."
Splinter knows that he should be careful what he says with this. He doesn't want a war to start and Leo possibly feeling responsible. "Well thank you for the notice."
Nile nods his head. "Thanks for your cooperation in this. I knew I could count on you understanding. Have a good time then." He gives a farewell nod to Splinter then heads off.
Splinter turns around heading home knowing Nile is most likely doing the same. He lets himself think about what he can do to help protect Leo from Nile. He'll probably have to tell everyone to not talk about Leo as if they know anything.
It might be a good first step to keeping the turtle safe.
Splinter makes it back and turns to the first to arrive. "Spread the word that no one is to talk to anyone outside of our group as if Leo is here. As far as those not one of us are concerned we have no clue about his whereabouts." He instructs before heading straight to the home. He enters finding Donnie and Mikey nervously waiting for him.
"What happened?" Donnie inquires as the two blink hopefully at their father. "Is everything going to be okay? Are we gonna have to fight Niles group?"
Splinter brings a hand up to get Donnie to quiet down which he does. He lowers his hand as he starts to speak. "Everything is fine right now. Nile is unaware we have Leo and the babies. However he is searching for him. We'll have to pretend that we don't know where he is. Act as if he's not here to outsiders. I believe Raph will be staying away from Niles border at least for awhile. Leo for sure will be staying away from Niles border. We need to try to keep things as peaceful as possible for as long as we can. Eventually Nile will probably find out, but it's better to take the chance he won't find out than just admitting things upfront. At least in this case. If he does find out I will try to reason with him."
"Not to be disrespectful but if we just tell him that we do have Leo, that we're not giving him back, upfront then maybe things will be easier to go better?" Donnie suggests kind of worried that Splinter is making the wrong move.
"It is not that easy. I wish that it was." Splinter sighs glancing away. "If he knows that Leo came here it could spark a war. Nile would do whatever he had to in order to satiate his thirst for revenge. Hence he's getting the other groups involved in this. If he knew Leo was here then it could put us all in danger. I would like to be honest with him, if only he'd accept that honesty in the first place."
"I understand." Donnie nods glancing away. He feels an assuring pat on his shoulder then Splinter heads away. He turns feeling worried about what might happen.
...
Raph nuzzles at his children getting giggles while Leo gets ready for bed. He blinks at then feeling his heart fill with so much love from just looking at them. He turns sharing a loving look with Leo who put a gentle hand on his back.
The two share a small kiss before looking at each other once more.
Meanwhile...
Usagi limps along having been punished with new scars by Nile. He almost lost an eye to that angry mutant. He narrows his eyes with a growl as he makes his way into his home. "I help you and this is the thanks I get." He snorts and looks up with eyes of hatred. "You are going to regret this decision Leo." He promises clenching his teeth together in anger.