I hate this.

I hate this SO much!

It's already Wednesday and I haven't contacted Merrill or any of my new friends since! Why? It's because I'm grounded! My phone was confiscated and my odachi was given to me on topside occasions. I blame Raph! My brother snitched on me!

Let's flashbacked to Monday.

(Monday)

"I'm grounded!" I yelled, "Why? For how long!" as soon as I got home, Raph and Dad were there waiting for my return. We were in my room as Dad was explaining my punishment.

"For a week at best", my rat father explained, "lately you have been distracted, Blue. You barely participated during training and snuck out in secret. All for a boy?"

"He's a friend, Dad", I explained, "Basically, I made a human friend." I can't be grounded! I just got invited to my first dance! I must do something! "Merrill is a good guy! I swear!"

"Merrill?" Pops raised a hairy eyebrow. "Is he the Goth Boy with the smoking addiction I heard about?" I don't think he has a smoking addiction... at least I hoped so... "Red told me of his criminal record." I glared at my big brother. I can't believe he snitched on me! "I will not have my son date a criminal!"

"We're NOT dating! And he's NOT a criminal! He helped us out a few times and he saved my life at least five times!"

"Is this true?" Pops looked up at Raph.

Raph nodded. "As much as I hate to say it, Merrill did some good deeds."

"See? Merrill's good so there's no need for the hostilities", I said while standing up from my bed, "let's call this meeting adjourned with an ungrounding and an apology so we can go eat. I'm starving!"

"Sit down", Dad said with a stern glare. My throat became tight as I obeyed. Even with Dad's short height, I felt small with his angry stare. "You are still grounded. You are lacking focus, and more distracted than usual. For the week, you will be confined at home, and you will leave only with your brothers for training. Your phone and weapon will be confiscated until your punishment is over. You will use this time to rewatch Lou Jitsu movies and memorize his fighting technique."

I can't believe this is happening... "This is not fair!" I protested, "I have plans!"

My father pulled his hand out. "Perhaps you will learn your actions can lead to consequences. Now, hand over your device."

"Dad, please", I begged, "ground me another day. I promise I will watch and study whatever movie you have in mind. Ground me on Saturday! I'm begging here!"

"You will not know your mistakes if I am not giving you a stern hand. Now, I will not repeat myself. Give me your phone." I heavily sighed. I pulled my phone out before turning it off and giving it to Dad. The rat mutant began leaving. "Red, grab your brother's sword and leave him in peace." Pops left afterward.

I angrily clenched my bed sheets. I glared at Raph as he took my mystic weapon. "I can't believe you rat me out to the rat", I said.

"Leo, think of this as a good thing. Some distance away from Goth Boy could be a good thing", he tried explaining.

I stubbornly lay on my bed. My back facing him. "You clearly don't know Merrill as you think you do."

Raph sighed. "Ever since meeting him, I get an unsettling feeling in my guts. And you know how I follow my guts. Merrill may be a good guy now, but it could all be an act and you get played right into his hands." I knew my big brother was looking out for me. I would do the same for Mikey! Hell, I would do the same for any of my bros!

But Merrill... Merrill is different.

Other than the fact that he is another human, we have a connection. We can read each other's minds. That had to mean something, right? Sure, we butt heads a few times and disagree with others, but we've got a solid friendship (besides that one fight we had a few days ago).

Merrill is a regular teenager like April. He goes to school like her and has a social life. I just want to hang out with him. I want a life with him. AS FRIENDS! Should I tell him about our connection? No. I want to keep at least this part a secret.

How am I going to tell Merrill the news? How am I going to contact my new friends?

I just huffed and did not bother to look at my traitorous brother. I heard him shuffle out of my room. I grabbed my pillow and hugged it tightly.

I can't believe my day got shitty in a matter of minutes. I won't be going to the dance. I won't go with Merrill.

(Present)

Wednesday already came. Two days left until the homecoming dance. My brothers and I were in a building experimenting with our mystic weapons. I was far off the corner sitting on the ledge looking at my reflection on the blade. I kept thinking about what the dance will be like. Lights, balloons, music, and kids my age enjoying the atmosphere. I entered the room wearing an extravagant outfit Alex made, probably a Cinderella-style dress to embarrass a certain emo. Everyone's eyes were on me. Not caring if I was a mutant, just curious about who I am.

Merrill coming my way wearing a black tuxedo. His hair was pulled back to a low ponytail. He offered me my hand. I gladly took it. He pulled me close, and music started to play. A nice, slow dance. No one mattered but us dancing in circles. It was like a Disney movie coming to life. He twirled me around. I enjoyed every single moment of it. We stopped dancing. His gloved hand cupped my cheek. He leaned in close. My heart pounding against my ribcage. Was I scared? Yes! But I didn't pull back. I closed my eyes and waited for the kiss.

"On his eighteenth birthday, Merrill is gonna disappear", Kendra's voice whispered in my earlobe. My eyes immediately snapped open. Everything turned into a speck of dust. The setting. The students. My new friends. My dress. Everything evaporated before my eyes. What broke my heart the most was seeing Merrill evaporate with a smile on his face. My fantasy was disappearing along with my happiness. Realty was slapping me across the face. Was Merrill really going to disappear? Was what Kendra say true?

I heard an echoing voice across the darkness. I think someone was calling my name.

"LEO!" my vision was met with the outlook of New York's nightlife. I glanced behind me seeing my three brothers looking at me. I was certain Raph called me. "How long are you gonna sulk?" yep, it was Raph.

I turned away. "Until I'm ungrounded which by the way thanks again, Big Bro."

I heard a sigh. "For the last time, you need to stay away from Merrill. He's not a good guy. My gut tells me so. My gut is never wrong!"

"Won't be a first", I grumbled.

Before Raph could say another word, Mikey got in between the upcoming crossfire. "Come on, guys. Don't fight. I'm sure getting grounded for a week will all be a breeze. They say the heart grows fonder the further you're away from your lover." I huffed. Why does everyone assume there's something going on? How many times do I tell them Merrill and I are friends? I have my odachi with me. I could sneak away and go over to Merrill's place. But I'll be more grounded than I already am. The only I can do is hope my sentence can be reduced with a little groveling and good behavior. "Let's go back to our awesome weapons!" Mikey spun his weapon and fire spewed in a blazing tornado.

It was Raph's turn. He punched his fists together yelling his Jitsu. Nothing happened. He tried again a few times more until his fists glowed a red energy copy of his fists. He yelled in triumph.

It was my turn. "You think that's awesome. Watch how I make a portal to New Jersey!" I swung my sword and spun to summon a portal. Sadly, no portal. I spun again. Again nothing. How come whenever I wanted to see Merrill, I can create a perfect portal but when it's something else it doesn't agree! What the fuck! A few tries later, I successfully created a portal; however, it was as small as an apple. Raph laughed while Mikey was awestruck.

"That's not gonna get you across the street, let alone to Jersey!" Mikey reached for the small portal.

Why aren't my portals working? "Okay, but", I reached through it and the portal appeared behind me and I scratched my shell. "See, it's practical, which makes it better." Why can't I make a good portal? Were they right? Was I too distracted? Am I not focused enough to make a good portal?

I wish Merrill was here.

'Your wish is my command.' I perked up. He's here? I jerked my hand out. 'I'm close by. I think I'm closing on your location. Wherever that may be. Can I ask why you haven't answered your texts? Alex has been blowing up my phone with misconceptions and angry threats.'

I chuckled. It's not like that. I'm grounded for the week due to all my sneaking off and distractions.

'Oh. Am I a distraction?' I choked on my saliva. I could imagine his smug grin vividly. 'I would love to see your flushed face.'

I'm so getting you back for this...

My chest felt tight. I had a twinge of sadness. 'Are you going to the homecoming dance this Friday? It's two days away.' he sounded upset. Was Merrill upset?

I know. I'm not sure... I want to go don't get me wrong! I was looking forward to it! Just... stuff happened.

'I get it. If you give me your address, I can work on an escape plan. With a dummy and a voice machine, you'll have a worry-free night.'

I smiled. That's sweet, but I'll think of something. It's going to take a lot of convincing, but I can sweet-talk Pops into letting me go. Merrill grew silent.

'What if I talk to your dad?' Does Merrill want to talk with Dad?! 'I think I can convince him. It's not my first time.'

Sorry, Merrill, but I think that idea is as bad as your nonexistent escape plan.

'I've faced tougher opponents.'

I noticed Donnie was toying with a small shard in his hand. My little brother spoke to our curiosity.

"Hey Donnie, what are you doing, bud?"

I tuned out what my twin speaking. Something about adjusting his goggles blah, blah, blah.

"Get to the point", I interrupted. Donnie gave me a glare as he inserted the crystal inside his goggles.

"Now I can see all the mystic energy hidden around New York, you're welcome, and thank you." My twin put his goggles on his head and over his eyes.

Raph was impressed. "Whoa, that's awesome." It was awesome. It was expected of our smart turtle brother. Raph pointed out a laundromat below us. "Hey, what about that laundromat?"

Donnie looked closer. "It looks like a... laundromat." Whelp, I got my hopes up for nothing. Tello took a closer look at an old lady strolling a shopping cart. "But what do we have over here?" he's seeing something we're not seeing because to us she still looks like a little old lady. "Whoa, underneath that old lady's skin is some sort of fire mutant thing." Dead ass? Now I want to see it! We saw the lady looking around her surroundings as she entered an alleyway. She waved her fingers in front of a graffiti-covered wall. Blue flames came to life. She vanished through the wall leaving the cart.

"She just disappeared into that wall!" Mikey gasped.

I gotta see what my twin was seeing. My hand was closing in on the goggles, unfortunately, Donnie slapped it before my finger could graze them. Shit. It's like he knew I was going to do that. "I believe she went into some sort of cool mystic pizza place", he said.

"Pizza!" my baby bro beamed, "Guys, my blood sugar's getting low. I need to eat! Bad!" And with that, we jumped down the building to the same alleyway the old lady disappeared from. We stood in front of the wall.

I took the front. "Step aside. Let's put the prettiest face first." I knew my brothers were looking at me. I did the same gesture as the lady; however, the skull blew a raspberry at me. Everyone's a critic.

"Nice job, pretty boy", Raph mocked.

"I never thought I would see the day where street art blew a raspberry at people." We turned to see Merrill leaning against the wall looking so cool.

'I appreciate the compliment.' I focused on the wall again where the spraypainted skull glared at me.

"Merrill, our dark adversary", Donnie greeted, "what brings you to our side of the city?"

"On my way to get cigs. 'Thought I felt a disturbance."

"Oh, my gosh! Merrill has Leo senses!" Mikey beamed.

'Eh, he's half right.' The emo boy shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe. Maybe not." He pulled out his phone with a video he played. "Or maybe I followed the mysterious pyro tornado that flared up over the city."

Raph went up to Merrill. "Oh, no! You're not getting involved with our mystic adventure!"

"Bitchsaywhat."

"What?"

Merrill maneuvered around my brother and up to me. "What are you guys up to this time?"

"There was this fire mutant in disguise, and she went through a mystical portal into a pizzeria", Donnie explained.

"We were about to make our way in, but Leo tried to make the secret gesture to get in. Unfortunately, graffiti doesn't think Leo is pretty", Mikey inputted.

"Really?" Merrill raised an eyebrow, "I think Leo is too cute for words." He added with a wink. I covered my face. I couldn't bare to face him after he said that! Heh, heh. He called me cute... "Anyway, all we need to do is a handshake? That's it?"

"More of a gesture but yes", Donnie said.

"Ha! Like you can do a better job!" Raph mocked.

"Wanna bet?" Merrill challenged.

"Okay, Goth Boy. The bet's on! I win, you wear pink for a whole month!" Raph looked at me. "And you're not allowed to be with Leo!"

"Are you kidding me?!" I yelled.

"I agree, but if I win you will let me come over to your home and let me talk to your father." The four of us became quiet. The fact that Merrill had the nerve to challenge for an acceptance to enter our home. Not only that, but he wanted to talk to Dad!

My big brother shook off his shock. "You know what? You're on! Good luck figuring out the secret password." Raph gave Merrill a cocky smirk; his sharp tooth peeking out his mouth.

Merrill rolled his eyes. "You said it's a pizzeria, right?"

"Duh. Look at Goth Boy being deaf."

Merrill smirked as his attention went to the graffiti. He gave the wall a smirk with narrowed eyes. The spray-painted skull looked at him. He pinched his fingers together and moved his hand back and forth; his hand spouted blue fire. The mystic portal opened. We gaped. How did he...?

"You were saying?" Merrill mocked, moving toward the entrance.

"How the shell did you do that?" Raph asked.

"Simple. The moment you confirmed it was a pizzeria, I just had to think Italian. Did you know in Italy hands are a form of communication for them? The pinched fingers gesture is the most commonly used gesture. I believed I'm owed a playdate to your place."

"He's so awesome..." I gushed.

Raph grumbled under his breath. Something about Merrill thinking he's too cool or trying to show off or something along those lines. My brothers and Merrill went through the entrance. I followed as the last turtle before the portal closed in. They were getting farther away. I tried to follow, but I noticed I couldn't move. I looked down at myself. Whelp, this was embarrassing.

"Now this is fucking dope!" Merrill took in the area like a kid at an amusement park. I wanted to join them but... Merrill looked my way. "Are you fucking serious?" he saw my dilemma. I got stuck. My head was the only thing that got through the wall. "Feeling unlucky today?" the emo smirked.

"Just get me through." Merrill shrugged. His gloved hands touched my face and started yanking. No budge. He tried again. Nope, nothing.

"Geeze, what did you eat? I think you gain a few pounds", Merrill said.

"Fuck you", I grumbled. I knew he was being a douchebag.

"Do you want to?" he leaned in close. His breath tickled my face. My brain was turning to mush. Merrill lifted his leg and pressed it against the wall. "Alright. Time to go full force." With two tugs, I was released from my trap, however, the force caused us to stumble and fall. I landed myself on top of Merrill! My arms were above his head. Our faces were inches close. None of us dared to move. We were frozen. I think I was stiffer than Merrill! My face was steaming up like an overcooked pot. I was in a daze. Why was Merrill the calm one?!

I was pulled up by my big, strong brother. "Seriously, not only five minutes in and Goth Boy already got his hands all over you!" Raph complained.

"In my defense, I was helping your brother get unstuck", Merrill reasoned as he stood up, "you're welcome in advanced."

Raphael put me down and wrapped his large arm over me. "You're staying close." We walked deep into the pizzeria. I glanced behind me. Merrill calmly patted himself. We made eye contact, but I quickly looked away. Focus, Leon! Worry about what's in front of you.

We looked around the place. This is the first time we get to enter a pizzeria where we're not just freaks. We wondered how we could approach a table until a skeleton mutant came before us. He wore a light brown business suit with a matching hat.

"Welcome to Run of the Mill Pizzaria", he greeted, "I am the owner, Senor Hueso. You are new, no?"

"Yes, we are, kind sir", Donnie approached, "we would like a table for four – no, wait – five people."

"We are rather overstocked", Hueso said, "However, I have two spots left. Would you like to wait until a spot opens? The waiting time is 10 – 15 minutes."

Before any of us could respond, Mikey came forward. "As a matter of fact, these two..." he pulled me and Merrill by our arm, "are celebrating their one-month anniversary!" we glared at Mikey. "We wanted to surprise them and here we are!"

"WHAT?!" Raph, Merrill, and I yelled in unison.

Mikey pulled Raph back before he does anything. "Don't thank us guys. We can wait for a table. Enjoy kiddies!" Mikey... I want to strangle you.

"Please follow me, ninos." We followed Senor Hueso who led us to an empty table in the far back. He clapped his hands and waiters prepped the table with a red tablecloth and a candle stand. A draconic mutant came along and blew fire to the candles. He gestured to the table. We sat down as he handed us our menus. "Today's special is the Heavy Meat lover's pizza. For the new couple, I would recommend the Heart pizza; it is a big pizza pie shaped like a heart covered in pepperoni, cheese, and tomato sauce, with stuffed cheese crust. Or would you like a moment to look through our menu?"

Merrill gave the owner a smile. "We would like the Heart pizza, please. For our drinks, can we have two glasses of water with lemons por favor?"

Senor Hueso nodded. "Splendid." He took our menus. "I will return shortly with your drink and breadsticks. Please enjoy the music." He clapped his hands. On command, a thin mutant with no face came and started playing the violin. The skeleton took his leave.

I can't believe you didn't flirt with the walking skeleton.

'First of all, Hueso got nothing on Jack. Second, Jack Skeleton is my one and only Bone Daddy.'

I chuckled. How can I forget? We grew silent. We looked elsewhere beside each other. We were uncomfortable. I didn't expect to be on a date this soon.

'Neither can I.'

I finally looked at Merrill who was staring at a wall full of portraits. "I can't believe you did that..."

"Did what?"

I twirled one of my bandana's tails. "You challenged Raph to meet our dad. Did you know you were going to win?"

"Not really. I took a gamble. And for the record, your brother challenged me first."

"What if you lose?" I couldn't bear the thought of never hanging out with Merrill.

"Then, I'll find another way to convince your brother." A waiter came and dropped off our drinks and left. "As much as you can be a pain in my ass, I like hanging out with you", he said, grabbing his drink. "You just – as cliché as this sounds – make my day brighter." He coolly sipped his water.

My heart pumped faster against my ribcage. Why does he have to be so cool? I stood up. "I'm going to the bathroom." I quickly left my 'date' staring after me. I tried not to run off and attract attention. Hopefully, my brothers don't approach me. I forgot to ask where their restroom is.

I spotted a hallway. A plague hung above it. It read 'You Are a Champion.' I walked through. I saw the hall full of pictures of different mutants. Each one has a slice of pizza and eats it.

Ooh, this looks cool. My eyes caught a sign over a doorway with red curtains.

'The World's Greatest Pizza'