"I can't begin to thank you, guys," April gushed, the red head giving her boys a brilliant smile as she watched them work, "with Casey working a night shift at the docks, and me under doctor's orders not to lift anything heavy, I didn't know how I was going to unload all those boxes from that estate sale yesterday!"

"No prob, April," Michelangelo grinned, handing one such box down from the truck in his Raph's waiting arms "besides, that's what family is for, right?"

"What Mikey said," Donnie nodded in agreement, taking another container from Leo, "plus, you help us with so much, it's only fair that we make time to help you, too."

"Plus, it's nice ta get outta the lair every once in a while,"Raphael shrugged, hauling the large box off the truck and carrying it into the store.

"Last box!" Leonardo announced cheerfully, handing it off before the orange and blue ninja took a moment to rest as Donatello carried it inside.

Raph stretched sore shoulders as he walked back out into the alley to rejoin his brothers, "And that's a wrap!" He stated, dusting his hands off with a grin of satisfaction, "We finished in record time too. We can probably get somethin' ta eat before goin' back ta the lair. Whatta ya think, Leo?"

"Sounds good to me," A chirp echoed in the truck, the blue ninja startling at the sound, before pulling his new shell cell out to check the screen, "It's just a text message," he said, acknowledging the curious looks, but voice already growing distant as he became preoccupied, "give me a minute."

The younger brothers turned back to their human sister, seemingly unruffled by their leader's odd behavior. April, for one, was confused. As Leonardo wasn't really one of the turtles known for spending copious amounts of time on technology of any kind. Even with all of the ways he's allowed himself to relax, he still wasn't the kind to get on his phone around company, or when he was supposed to be working. It was very out of character for the responsible brother to do something he'd normally see as rude. Plus, the teen was not only on his phone, but was now making a facial expression April had never seen before. His sapphire eyes were almost sparkling, the edges of his mouth twitching into a shy smile, even as he bit one side of bottom lip in concentration, his thumbs flying as he typed a reply. If the human didn't know better, she would say he looked almost…. like a teenager talking to their crush? That couldn't be correct, though, right? Leonardo huffed a quiet laugh, features growing soft as he quickly took a selfie before once again going back to typing, making the woman's green eyes widen in shock. Okay, April was officially suspicious.

She had a sneaking feeling that Leo had a secret, and as big sister, she was fully intending to sneak around until she found out what it was. Operation: Snoop on a Ninja was a go.

"Well, if you're hungry, and since you've been such a big help," the red head smiled, clapping her hands to garner her little brothers' attention, "who wants Chinese?"

"Sweet!" Mikey cheered, raising his arms to punch the air jubilantly.

Raphael and Donnie shared an enthusiastic high five, both turning grateful faces to the human, "Thanks, April," the scientist grinned.

"My pleasure," she said, dropping a fond kiss to the purple warrior's temple, "so, what am I ordering?"

"Orange chicken for me please!" Don exclaimed.

"Ooh, ooh," Mikey waved his hand as he jumped down from the truck, eagerly waiting to be called on before shouting, "can I have the honey walnut shrimp?!"

"Raph?" April asked, quirking an eyebrow at the brawler.

Raphael pursed his lips in thought before deciding, "I'd like some broccoli beef, please,"

"All that leaves is Leo," Donnie called over his shoulder, the younger brothers turning to see the eldest still inside the truck, now leaning against the wall with one shoulder, thumbs still flying as he typed.

"Uh, Leo?" Michelangelo called, waving his hands, "Chinese, bro? You want? April needs to order, dude!"

Raphael gave an evil chuckle, jumping up into the back of the moving truck, and creeping close to their leader, who was inexplicably lost in his own little world. The red masked ninja's grin grew ever more mischievous, until he leaned close to the eldest, and gave a bellowing bark, "Hey, FEARLESS!"

Leonardo jolted, fumbling not to drop his shell cell as the brawler's shout elicited an uncharacteristically high-pitched yelp from their big brother. Finally catching the mobile device firmly between his hands, Leo released a breath of relief before shooting his younger sibling with a glare, lips set in a firm pout, "What's your problem, Raph?"

"We've only been callin' yer name over and over, Leo," Raphael cackled, thoroughly enjoying the chaos he'd instigated, "jeez, we can't keep ya off that thing lately."

The blue ninja froze, cheeks growing rosy with a blush as he hunched his shoulders shyly, "I'm not that bad," he muttered.

"Yes, you are," Don snickered, "even Master Splinter had to tell you to stop checking it during training."

"Don-nie!" Leo whined, embarrassment radiating off the heated cheeks.

"Alright, somebody clue me in," April chuckled, resting her elbows on the bed of the truck to cast an impish grin up at Leonardo, "I can't help but feel left out of what I'm feeling is a juicy secret!"

"Oh, it's no secret," Mikey gushed, sidling up next to April, tone growing playful as he sang, "Leo's got a girlfriend!"

"I do not!" The eldest denied amidst the chorus of teasing ooh's from his younger brothers, "She's just a friend!"

"A friend who's conveniently a girl!" April squealed, shoulders wiggling happily, "Tell me everything!"

Leo pouted down at the human before giving an indignant sniff, "There's nothing to tell," he stated loftily, "she's a friend, and we enjoy texting. That's it."

"Enjoy texting," the genius terrapin scoffed amusedly, "that's a massive understatement, considering you text all day every day, and often late into the night."

"She's curious about our world, that's all," Leonardo insisted, making eye contact with each of his brothers, emphasizing his words, "I mean it, we're just friends!"

"Whatever, bro," Raph cackled, unconvinced with his leader's statement, "a guy doesn't blush over just a friend the way ya do over her."

"Yeah," Michelangelo threw in, suggestively wiggling his eyebrows at his leader, "and last I checked, you don't kiss your friends either!"

"YOU KISSED!?" April shrieked, jumping up into the truck to grab Leo by a shoulder and give him an enthusiastic shake, "Come on, Leo, I want to know about this girl! Don't leave me in suspense!"

"Yeah, Leo," Donatello giggled, fluttering his eyes and giving a mocking swoon against Mikey, "tell April all about how you were hiding together in a secret dock, and how pretty she looked and how you just had to kiss her!"

Mikey clasped his hands under his chin, puckering his lips to make smooching noises. Leo gave a disconsolate whine, ducking his head, "Aw, come on, guys!" He groaned, "You promised! You said you wouldn't tell people about that!"

"Leonardo Hamato!" April gasped, "I am not people, I am your sister, now spill!"

The azure turtle opened his mouth, ready to continue defending his honor, but then seemed to freeze. Pursing his green lips into a pout of offended dignity, Leo held his head high as he walked out of the truck, cheeks still dusted with an endearing blush. April watched, mouth twitching with the effort it took to restrain her giggles, as the eldest brother jumped down from the truck noting Donnie leap away out of reach, only to plant his hand across Mikey's face as it continued to make air kisses, and then gave a mighty shove. The youngest yelped as he fell on his shell, arms and legs flailing, looking just like a regular turtle that got flipped over. With that done, Leo continued into the house, his voice drifting over his shoulder as he yelled;

"If you're all quite done being jerks, I'm going to call and order dinner."

….

Leonardo groaned as he heard a tsunami wave of gut busting, cackling laughter crash from the alleyway. April among the ones laughing the hardest. Not that he could blame her, this was a new experience, for all of them. So, it was inevitable that their adopted big sister would garner as much enjoyment as his brothers out of it. Although, Leo mused with huff, they may be getting a little too much enjoyment out of teasing him for his newfound relationship.

Leonardo paused, his thought causing him to ponder the unexpected turn his life has taken. He was talking to someone, someone his brothers could tease him about, and look genuinely happy for him to be talking to. Even their father, though exasperated with Leo's sudden addiction to his phone, had spared several glances to his eldest, eyes soft and fond as he watched the young leader experience puppy love for the first time. Which was incredibly odd to the blue turtle. To be honest, the eldest had never really thought about if they'd ever get to have relationships, especially romantic ones. Not that he was admitting that Glimmer was a romantic relationship, even though, they did kiss, and he still thought she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. However, he had decided to get to know her as a friend first, and if romantic feelings grew, then all the better. Not that he'd admit that to his brothers. All that aside though, it didn't take away the wonder that he, a mutant freak, was texting with a girl, who actually liked him back. The feeling surrounding this revelation was too big to describe, and too deep to comprehend. However, Leo couldn't deny the shiver of joy that would slink down his spine whenever he attempted doing so.

It was a wonderful, and terrifying, secret that he held like priceless treasure quietly inside his heart.

Overcome by the inane urge to hum happily, Leo allowed his fingers to trip across the countertop of the antique store front desk as he walked around behind it. April had a phone installed near the cash register, along with a panic button, as her store had become such a hot spot for gang and Foot activity. Which made it easier to order takeout whenever they were called over to put their significant brawn to good use by their sister. Not that Leo minded going upstairs to use the phone, but still, he appreciated not having to take them when he could order from the store. Opening the drawer where they kept the menus for nearby takeout and delivery places, the ninja rifled through the stack until he located the paper he'd been looking for. Giving the menu a slight wiggle to dislodge it, Leo pulled it from the drawer, but gave a small gasp when he unintentionally pulled a pile of menus out with it, only for them to scatter on the floor.

"Smooth move, ex-lax," Leonardo grumbled to himself, stooping to pick them up, but shockingly found that as he bent down, he was eye to eye with a young child.

Curly dark brown hair framed green eyes and a pale face, resembling something close to maybe a Romani girl, no older than nine. A headband of woven leather interspersed with crocheted flowers held the dark mane back from the distressed face, even as tears welled up in the wide emerald eyes. A white shirt adorned her frame, dirtied by swipes of dirt and shockingly blood! Her colorful skirt was torn in some places, showing bloody knees from what must have been a bad fall, while her little hands were scraped and clutching something that Leo couldn't quite see. The little girl gave a soft whine of fear, hunching even further into a ball under the counter, trying to scrabble away from the mutant. Leonardo immediately dropped to his knees, raising his hands in a soothing gesture.

"It's okay," he cooed, "I'm not gonna hurt you."

Her pink lips puckered, giving evidence that she was about to melt into tears, even as her nose scrunched. The turtle sat on the floor, attempting to make himself appear smaller, less intimidating, "I know I look pretty scary," he said softly, "but I'm not, I promise."

The girl still didn't respond to him, and Leo started to wonder if maybe they had a language barrier, as she didn't seem to recognize the words he was saying. The young leader tapped his bottom lip with a contemplative finger, what words of Romani could he remember? Honestly, not much. He'd learned a little from the Gypsy's who'd lived in the junkyard with their other friends, but not enough for a conversation. Glancing back up at the child, Leo opened his mouth to attempt contact again, but the girl trying to get further under the counter allowed him a glimpse of what she held in her hand, making a much needed puzzle piece click into place. She was clutching broken hearing aids.

"Oh," Leonardo breathed, quickly changing up his mode of conversation. Pointing to himself, the turtle slowly signed "My name is Leo," he said softly, spelling out his name, happily noticing her eyes light up as she recognized the words.

Making a Y with his right hand, Leo tapped his chin twice, "What's wrong?" Then quickly pointed to the girl while making an O and a K sign with his fingers, "Are you okay?"

The girl slowly, nervously, pulled her hands out from where they were clenched to her chest, signing that her name was Lovina, and she was not okay.

Leo quickly held his hands out, palm up, shaking them back and forth before using both index fingers to loop down towards each other, pointing at the floor, "What happened?"

Lovina started signing, shaking fingers flying, making Leonardo's head reel. Green hands shot forward, gently engulfing her smaller ones. The girl recoiled, unused to his scaly skin, but the turtle didn't take offense. Giving his kindest smile, the ninja stretched out his left hand, then placed his right hand on top, before smoothly pulling it back, "Slow down," he told her.

The child gave a shaky nod, then once again began signing, but slower this time. Leonardo watched, mind absorbing the silent tale being woven in front of him. However, the door to the back alley opened, signaling an imminent interruption, forcing the ninja to quickly sign, "Don't be afraid, my brother is coming,"

Lovina's eyes widened, her right hand curling into an L, the index finger grazing her forehead, before dropping to rest on her left hand, also in an L, "Brother?"

The blue masked turtle chuckled at her worried, but curious face, nodding to confirm what he'd said, "Yes, my brother."

Raphael popped around the counter, his face a pouting scowl, "Yo, Leo, I thought you were gonna order dinner?"

Leonardo smiled at the child, his hands still moving as he signed his conversation with the brawler, "This is Lovina, she needs our help."

The red ninja gaped, catching sight of the girl, quickly joining Leonardo on the floor, "Hi," he waved, before bringing his fingers together to form a clumsy name sign, "My name is Raph," Raphael paused after spelling his name, then continued, gesturing to himself and Leo before curling his right hand into a thumbs up and placing it in the palm of his left hand, then pointed at the child, "We can help you."

Lovina grinned, her previous fears and tears forgotten at these two strange creatures who spoke her language. She once again began her tale, her audience watching carefully, both nodding at intervals, showing her that they understood, and she could continue. After about two minutes, Leonardo and Raphael were staring at the floor, both considering the next move.

"Seriously, what is going on?" Donatello's voice shouted from the back, "We sent Raph to track down Leo, and he disappears too?"

"Over here, Donnie," Raph called, signing much as Leo had as he talked to keep Lovina in the loop, "Fearless made a small discovery."

"What kind of discovery?" The scientist was inching towards hangry, and he really didn't like the idea of delaying dinner, however, upon seeing the little girl, his complaints were quickly forgotten, "Oh, hello!"

Lovina's eyes bugged, small hands forming O's, then exaggeratedly tapping them together, "More?!" She signed, before clenching her hands into upwards fists, then flicking her fingers up, "How many?!

Leonardo burst into guffaws at her reaction, quickly signing to the child, "Just one more, they're all my little brothers."

Lovina quirked a skeptical eyebrow at the sign for 'little' but shrugged in begrudging acceptance. Donatello cast a curious gaze to his siblings, baffled as to the use of sign language. "She's deaf, Don," Raphael stated, hands accompanying his words, "Ya need ta use sign language when yer talkin'."

"Oh," Donatello quickly caught on, "that makes sense." He said, gently tapping his head, before spreading his right hand into a Y, "But, why is she here?"

"Best I can understand," Leonardo answered, looking at Lovina as she read his hand movements to make sure he understood correctly, "her family lives on top of their store about a block down and Purple Dragons attacked while her parents were out, and she was home with her big brother. He told her to run and hide in the closet. She hid, but then when he didn't come for her, she discovered that he was gone. She left to find help, but she when saw the Purple Dragons again she ducked in here hoping to escape their notice."

Don nodded, right index finger wagging back and forth in the air, before pointing at her and then performing the sign for brother, "Where is your brother?"

Lovina gave a sorrowful shrug, slowly replying that her brother had pushed her into the closet, signing for her to be quiet and hide. She hasn't seen him since. The three oldest siblings shared grave looks, then quickly stood, Leo and Raph holding out their hands to the girl, helping her to stand to her feet. The young leader immediately shifted into a more authoritative stance, although still using his hands to interpret his words to Lovina as he instructed his brothers, "Donnie, get Mike and we'll head to Lovina's home, and hopefully track down her brother. She can stay here with April until we know the coast is clear."

"Got it," Don nodded with a firm thumbs up.

"No need, I'm right here," Mikey called, walking in with April, "whoever Lovina is, she better be grateful that we're putting off dinner in order to help."

"That was rude, Mikey," Donnie scolded, albeit playfully for the girl's sake, "I won't even sign what you said, because it might make her sad."

April gaped, watching as Raphael held a fluent conversation with the child, occasionally chuckling when the girl signed something funny, "I didn't know you boys knew sign language," she breathed, impressed awe making her eyes sparkle.

"I hate to say it," Don sighed, hand movements small and pouty, making Lovina giggle, "but if anyone deserves credit for us learning, it's Mikey."

The woman turned, the orange ninja unsurprisingly preening under the praise and attention, "You did?" She asked.

Michelangelo nodded, hands moving with a natural fluidity as he spoke, betraying hours of practice, "I found a comic book where the hero was deaf, so all the speech bubbles were blank, meaning you had to learn ASL just to read it."

"So, learn it, he did," Leo finished, sapphire eyes glowing with pride at his baby brother's accomplishment, "and taught us while he was at it. We've never had the chance to use it with another human, but it's helped out a ton during missions!"

"We've had to modify different words," Don explained, "because we don't have enough fingers, but we've worked out a pretty decent system."

"Does Raph still have an accent while using sign language?" April mused, snickering when the brawler stuck his tongue out at her.

"Oh, we've had so many discussions about that," Donatello chuckled, "but that aside, I have to admit, it is pretty handy."

"Ooh, ooh!" Mikey suddenly gasped, bouncing happily, "Wanna hear about the time me, and Don totally tricked Leo into using the sign for 'fart' instead of 'mission' while on patrol? He used it for a solid month! He couldn't figure out why we kept laughing every time he tried to give us a mission debrief in sign!"

Lovina melted into childish giggles, eyes scrunching shut even as she silently clapped. Looking back up at Mikey, the child gave him two bright thumb's up, pearly teeth gleaming in a wide grin. Leonardo pouted at the child, taking his right hand, and using his index finger to fling a line down the center of his palm, "Rude,"

Lovina merely gave a shrug, emerald eyes still sparkling. Leo sighed, then shook his head, "April, will you watch Lovina while we check on her home, and find her brother?"

"Sure!" The redhead replied, but then dropped as she remembered a certain drawback, "But I don't know any sign language."

"Can I stay, Leo?" Michelangelo asked, turning hopeful blue eyes onto his leader, "I may never get another chance to use sign language with a human, and I need the practice."

Leonardo chuckled, knowing that Mikey needed the practice with sign language about as much as he needed the practice when it came to his swords. What had started as a small hobby in order to read a comic book, exploded into a fiery passion making the youngest blossom as he discovered a beautiful part of himself that he'd never known about before. Michelangelo worked so hard to learn sign language, practicing by himself for hours in the mirror until it was as natural as breathing or speaking out loud. So, no he didn't need the practice, what the youngest really wanted was a chance to connect with another person, using a language that he learned himself. Honestly, Leo couldn't feel prouder in that moment, to the eldest, the accomplishment of learning sign was at the same level of Mikey winning the Battle Nexus tournament.

Sapphire eyes softening with unrestrained fondness, Leo nodded his assent, "That's not a bad idea, that way you can keep watch in case the Purple Dragons come back."

Michelangelo brightened, features practically beaming with joy, "Thanks, aniki!"

…..

Leonardo picked his way across a smashed and destroyed store, stomach sinking at the sight, "Raph, go upstairs and see if you can find the brother."

"Copy that," the brawler nodded, hands moving still in sign despite them not needing to anymore.

Donnie chuckled at that, sharing an amused smile with their leader, "You know, remind me to thank Mikey."

The blue ninja nodded, "I was in favor of it because a silent language is advantageous to ninja, however, it's really brought us together as a family. I'm proud of him, Michelangelo is growing up and becoming a warrior I'm blessed to call brother."

"Agreed, aniki," Don stressed his emphasis on the Japanese term of endearment, subtly implying that Mikey wasn't the only one appreciated for his contributions to the family, "I'd say, even with all our regrets about certain things, we're pretty blessed to have each other as family."

"You're right," Leo clasped Donatello's shoulder, giving it an affectionate squeeze, "I wouldn't trade any of you, or father, for anyone else."

The tender moment was interrupted by Raphael's gruff tones, "I can't find the kid upstairs," he called, "we know he ain't in the store, maybe in the basement?"

Leo balked. The basement. A place he still hadn't been able to face, even at April's.

A shudder stole through Leo, but the warrior held firm, merely nodding in response before heading over to the basement door. He knew what to expect, especially since the building of the shop looked to have been constructed around the same time as the antique store. However, that didn't repress the guttural groan of fear that welled up in the back of his throat when he opened the door to find a winding wooden stairway leading down into the dark. Leonardo stifled it as best he could, determined not to be encumbered by the fears he'd been working hard to tame into submission. A green hand fumbled with the light switch, only for Leo to huff a soft sigh when the light wouldn't work. He noticed Don shuffle closer, a hand bracing the young leader's carapace, silent support for the one trigger that was proving the hardest to shut down. The blue ninja appreciated the gesture, not trying to shake the hand off, and choosing to take the first step down into the dark space.

The step creaked as it bore the large turtle's weight, making Leo wince, his hand unconsciously tightening its grip on the doorframe. A shiver stole across the broad shoulders, and Leonardo felt his breaths become tight and shallow, his vision blurring around the edges as the familiar panic set in. A shaking left foot tried to pull down to the next step but seemed almost glued to its spot. Leo clenched his jaw, struggling to continue down the stairs, however, it seemed more and more clear that this was one battle he would not conquer tonight.

Donatello squeezed his older brother's shoulder, the scientist leaning up to talk to the eldest, "You want me to check?"

A heavy sigh, the leader debating inside his head on whether to allow his brother to check in his stead. He didn't want to cave to this. He wanted to be the strong leader they deserved, unfortunately, in spite of all the progress he'd made in overcoming his other triggers, this one was the most stubborn. Leo clung to the words his brothers had said hundreds of times before, that it was understandable. Wooden stairs leading down into the dark would always be a challenge because of the trauma he'd endured at the hands of the skinwalker. It wasn't a secret that all four of the turtles felt their heart rates speed up when faced with a situation that reminded them of that cellar, but none were affected more than Leonardo due to his extended time in the creature's grasp. However, no matter how understandable it may be, Leonardo was determined not to be a victim any longer, even if it meant forcing himself into uncomfortable situations.

Gritting his teeth, Leo pushed himself off the doorjamb, almost tumbling down the stairs, sapphire eyes narrow with grim determination. He. Would not. Be held captive in his mind. ANYMORE.

He heard the faint noise of Donnie gasping, whether in shock, awe or concern, Leo wasn't sure. However, in stumbling but heavy steps, Leo tromped down into the basement, uncaring of how ragged his breathing had become. Fumbling with his belt, the young leader shakily grabbed a flashlight, and used it to scan the small space, but found nothing. Donnie scrambled behind him, brown eyes watchful, but also lit by an unnameable emotion that Leo didn't have the capability to process right now. The blue ninja was shivering, almost as if he'd just spent the past thirty minutes standing naked in a snowstorm, instead of in the muggy evening air of New York in late July. Already his breath had shortened into ragged gasps, but Leo wouldn't allow himself the respite of escape, not yet. No, he needed to stay down here for just a few moments longer. Enough time to feel a sense of victory over the mindless terror that the wooden steps spawned in his heart. Long enough to show his mind, and the terrors that lurked within, just who was boss in this and any other situation.

"Yo, Donnie, ya find the kid or wha-?" Raphael's question was cut short by the brawler suddenly pulling into a sharp halt, mouth falling agape at the sight of their leader down in the basement, a place that would usually leave the azure turtle spiraling into a terror induced panic attack, "Leo?" Raph's voice was soft, almost reverent, topaz eyes noting how harshly the eldest turtle was shivering, "Ya okay, bro?"

"Yeah," Leonardo nodded jerkily, lifting his chin, eyes fiery and triumphant, "The k-kid isn't d-down here,"

Raphael nodded. They would talk about this step forward in his healing process later, and no doubt his brothers would fuss over Leo forcing himself into doing something so sudden, worried about him suffering night terrors over it. But right now, all Leo felt was victorious. Electric currents of elated satisfaction zinged through his nerve endings, making the young leader lightheaded and giddy. Despite how his frame shook, panic making his words slur and jitter, the eldest reveled in the sensation of overcoming another trigger. Even if only by a little bit. The brawler didn't miss this, his own liquid gold gaze almost glowing with pride and familial love for his big brother. The larger turtle approached their leader, clasping him by the shoulder, and giving him an approving pat.

"Good job, Fearless,"

Donnie sniffled, overcome by the moment, tears welling in the pacifist's chocolate gaze. One hand reaching up to swipe away the telltale moisture, Donatello grinned, "Mikey is going to be so ticked that he missed this," he chuckled wetly.

Leonardo looked between his brothers, love and incomprehensible levels of gratitude swelling his heart. They'd been such a strong support system for him, never shaming him for moments of weakness, or the night terrors he still struggled with. However, tonight he was taking the first step of truly conquering his fears and trauma. Squaring his shoulders, the blue ninja made his way back to the entrance of the basement, one hand tugging the shaking frame up the railing, "I don't know what you're all worked up about," he stated succinctly, "I only walked down a flight of stairs."

A round of loud laughter burst from Raphael, startling Donnie, betraying how close the brawler had come to being overwhelmed by the moment from the way his eyes sparkled with unshed tears. "That's right, bro," he chuckled warmly, "they're just a set of stairs,"

Donnie and Raph were quick to follow their leader, eagerly sharing twin looks of proud surprise, and subtly exchanging a heartfelt fist bump behind their brother's back. Emerging from the basement and walking into the store, the turtles were jolted by the sound of Donatello's shell cell ringing. The scientist scrambled to answer it, lifting it to his ear, "Mikey? What's up?"

"Hey, Dee!" The youngest's voice shouted over the line, "You don't have to look for the brother anymore! He just arrived at the store looking for his sister. I guess he'd run off to lead the Purple Dragons away from their store, and was able to lose them. He's been going door to door looking for Lovina since he went back and saw she wasn't in the closet."

"That's a relief!" Donnie smiled, flashing a quick thumb's up to his older brothers, "what about the Purple Dragons, though?"

"He's not sure," Mikey replied, giving an almost audible shrug, "but April said that they can stay with her, and she can call the cops and then call their parents."

"That's a good plan," Leo nodded, gesturing for his brothers to follow him out the door, "let's get out of here so the police can get the evidence they need. We should head back to the lair, April can handle the police report with the kids, and I'm sure she doesn't need a bunch of giant mutant turtles getting in the way."

"Aw," Michelangelo's voice slumped in disappointment, but the turtle quickly rallied himself, "fine, I'll meet you back home. Besides, with Lovina's brother here, he can interpret in sign for his sister to April and the cops."

"Don't worry Mikey," Donnie consoled the youngest, "if you want, we can continue to use sign together at home. That way you can keep practicing."

"Really?!"

Donatello nodded, in spite of the fact that the baby brother couldn't see the action, "Sure. Plus, I got some awesome news for you that you're gonna love!"

"Like what?"

"It's a surprise, dimwit," Raphael laughed, throwing an arm around Leo's shoulders, squeezing them to help drive away the leftover tremors, "we'll tell ya when we get home."

"Aw, no fair!"

"The sooner you get home, Mike, the sooner you find out," Leo finally threw in, happy that his voice was back to normal.

"Roger that!"

Mikey hung up, no doubt running as fast as his legs could take him back to the lair. Leonardo pulled in a deep breath, feeling the last of the shakes shuddering through his knees and out his feet. He'd won a big battle tonight, and the elation still hadn't left his system, hinting to Leo that he wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon. Lifting his arms to enfold his two younger brothers in loving side hugs, Leonardo grinned, "Who's up for a popcorn party and a movie marathon?"

"Yes!" Donnie pumped his fist, "We can make our own personal pan pizzas, and maybe we can talk Mikey into baking those cookies he's been hiding in the back of the fridge!"

"Sounds perfect," Leo hummed, turning his team to begin walking out of the smashed shop, never releasing them from his hold, "Sounds positively perfect."

I know my updates will be sporadic due to the holidays. I promise I won't go on an extended holiday, but if you can have patience with me, I'll update when I can.

Thank you all for your support and love of this silly pack of stories. I appreciate my readers, and adore the reviews you leave me.

As always, I pray for my readers, that this holiday season, and into the new year, that you will have peace, joy, love, and all possible blessings flow into your lives far into the future. May you be blessed as your kindness and support have blessed me!