Thursday.

It was one day away from the homecoming dance. Leo told me his father agreed to speak with me during dinner. The slider is coming over to portal to his place, I have twenty-four hours to convince Leo's old man to let me take his son to my school's dance. I have to pull out my professional charm to woo Daddy Dearest. If this turns out to go downhill, well, that's why I wanted to go to the turtles' home. I could pull an escape plan with Leo's help, but only if the answer was no.

I just got out of the shower – the one across my bedroom – and quickly dried myself off before pulling my boxers on. I was planning on getting to my bedroom with the towel wrapped around my waist. There was an accident involving an innocent, clumsy maid stumbling onto me with me just the towel. As I was drying my hair, I heard a voice in my head.

'Mikey is cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Donnie's working in his lab. Dad was speaking with Raph. Dinner is almost ready. This is so nerve-wracking! Should I cancel? I think I should cancel. This was a mistake! Alright, Leon, don't lose focus. Bring Merrill to my pad, we have a nice dinner with the fam, we laugh, we joke, and Merrill gets to leave with his limbs intact. Sounds like a great plan! NOT!

'It's NOT going to be alright. Dad will grill my Goth alive. Did I say grill? No, Pops is going to marinate, pulverize, and then grill him alive! I wonder if I can lock him in a closet and say he was killed by a dumpster truck. Would that be convincing?' I walked to my room, put in the keycode, and entered my room with a towel wrapped around my waist and drying my hair with another. A smile reached my lips.

"You call that a lie? I would go for something a bit more believable like a sociopath stabbing me in the back." he stopped his mental rambling and looked at me. I laid the drying towel around his neck. "You're earlier than expected. A heads up would've been nice."

He averted his eyes. "Yea, my phone is held prisoner in my father's clutches. Sorry for the surprise visit."

I shrugged. "It didn't stop you before." I walked past him to my wardrobe. "I'm almost done. You can just chill 'til I'm done." He was silent. I opened my wardrobe doors and pulled out my prepared clothes. I tossed aside my waist towel.

"I think we should cancel", Leo said his back facing me.

I grabbed my light blue jeans and white buttoned top. "Why?" I asked, knowing full well the answer.

"Why? Why?! It's going to be a shit show! That's why! I know something's going to happen! Pops is going to eat you alive, Donnie wants to take your prosthetics and analyze them, and Raph wants to squish your head like a watermelon, April's coming over to see the drama, and the only one happy is Mikey because I'm certain he's planning our nonexistent wedding! And you're standing over there being chill and calm!"

"Someone has to be", I mumbled. I untied my waist towel.

"That doesn't sound reassu-AAAAAAHHHHHH!" I turned to the slider who had his hands covering his eyes. "Why are you getting naked?!"

"It's my bedroom inside my house", I simply answered, "getting uncomfortable? Then, wait outside."

Leo turned around while I dressed without his notice. "Look, I'm here to warn you of what you're up against. The faster you dress, the faster we can get this evening going."

With my collared shirt buttoned (two buttons undone for a peek of bare skin) and my pants fastened I walked to the embarrassed turtle. "I'm aware of the Hell I'm entering and of course, it's going to be a shit show. I'm not an idiot."

"I'm not saying you're an idiot. I'm just warning you. can you hurry up? We're on a crunch time."

I leaned down. My head hovered over his left shoulder. I whispered into his earlobe. "Why the rush? What's stopping you from taking a lil' peek? Your mind is curious. One peek wouldn't hurt. We know you wanna." I pushed back as he quickly twisted his body with a hand aiming for my face. I grabbed his wrist before he could smack me. "Nice reflexes", I said, releasing his arm.

Leo inspected me. His eyes wandered my clothed body. "How did you get dressed so fast?"

"I prepped my clothes overnight. Not to mention, I had boxers underneath the towel. It wasn't my fault you have an active imagination."

Leo huffed with folded arms. An angry pout formed on his lips. "Asshole", he mumbled. I went to get my shoes. Basic sneakers. I sat down on my bed to put them on. "Are you sure you're up for this? I can tell my family you suddenly had the stomach flu."

"I never run from a challenge. I'm certain you of all people know that." I finished tying my shoes and grabbed my tailored coat. "The question is are you up for it?"

"Of course, I am! I'm asking for your sake."

I straightened my coat and grabbed a combed from my desk. I started fixing my hair. "I'm sure you can manipulate your way through possibly any situation with the right mindset which now is the time to set some ground rules. No one knows about our telepathic link. We'll try to keep it as minimum as possible and when that happens don't react; facial expressions are a dead giveaway. No matter what happens, don't react."

"Obviously I know that. What do you take me for?"

"I'm saying this in case your dad notices something off. He did raise you four unless I also need to deal with the mother."

"No, it's just us five. No, mom. Easier for you right?"

"Sure." I tossed my comb onto the deck and grabbed my phone. I styled my hair to reveal my entire face but left a long piece center on my face. "Ready."

Leo took a deep breath. He unsheathed his sword. "Showtime." He sliced the air. A portal appeared illuminating my dark-themed bedroom. We walked through. A moment later, our location switched to what looked like an underground sewer system of sorts. "Kind of. You're not wrong though."

My eyes fell to two giant skate ramps dead center. "Did you guys make this, or did you steal this from a skate park?"

Before Leo could answer me, a familiar black girl came into our vision. "Merrill Damian Ramirez. You came dressed in your party clothes. Tryna' impress Splints, huh?"

"My mother always told me dress to impress. Might as well show you I come in peace. After all, I wanted to speak to the turtles' father", I told her without breaking eye contact.

"April, lay off", Leo defensively aided me, "I don't know why you're here unless you want to see the drama happening."

"As soon as Donnie told me Merrill wanted to talk to your dad, Goth Boy clearly wanted to dig his own grave. Plus, Mikey's cooking something special; there's no way I'm passing that off."

"Note to self: have a talk with my big brain twin and possibly not kill him while I'm at it."

"As if you can, Nardo!" Donnie yelled above us.

"Dinnertime!" Mikey announced. The girl and turtle led the way but pulled me to a room with many arcade games; this had to be their gaming room. Leo's eyes had an intense stare.

I raised an eyebrow. "Giving me tips before heading to battle?"

"Just promise me you won't cause a scene." I opened my mouth, yet Leo already covered my mouth. "I know you tend to speak your mouth. I'm asking you to be a good boy – don't you dare to it into a dirty joke! – and play nicely. By nicely, I mean to be on your best behavior even by chance my family pushed you to a corner. Don't counter!"

I rolled my eyes. "You clearly have no faith in me. You're talking to a guy who went through thirteen relationships."

'I get it you're a player.' I heard the bitterness through our mental link.

"Out of those relationships, I've encountered stern and tough fathers. I'll be as sweet as cotton candy", I reassured him.

Leo sighed. "I guess I have no choice but to trust you." with that, I followed him to the kitchen. It was a large circular kitchen: left side cabinets and such; right side with a large table. Raph was carrying the plates. April set up the utensils. Mikey came to the table carrying a big pot brimming with hot spaghetti. Donnie was busy on his computer wrist assisting his brothers. Mikey noticed us coming in.

"Merrill!" the box turtle greeted, "it's so good of you to visit! Leo was so excited you came over!"

"Shut up, Mikey!" Leo hissed.

I sniffed. "Smells good. What's brewing in your pot, Witch Doctor?"

"Just a simple spaghetti and meatballs. I wanted to do something fancy but given the short time period, I decided to do something simple. I hope that's okay."

"It's all good. I don't mind spaghetti. Maybe one day you can come over to my place and cook in my kitchen. Give me a few pointers. Share some recipes together."

Mikey's eyes glistened with excitement. "How big is your kitchen?"

Sadly, Cockblocker Raphael stood between his little brother and me. "Hey, none of that! It's bad enough you're flirting with one of my brothers, I don't need you snatching my innocent Mikester into your pervy fingers."

"That sounded wrong on so many levels", I told the worrisome older sibling.

"Raph, I'm thirteen", Mikey said, "I may be the baby brother, but I'm not a baby. By the way, dinner's ready. All we need is his dear ol' Daddy."

"I am here, Orange." We turned around to the entrance. I was expecting to see an old turtle-like Master Oogway from Kungfu Panda... instead, I saw a short, stout, old rat wearing brown and orange Japanese robes.

You never told me your dad is a rat...

'Right. With everything that's been going on it completely went over my head.'

How can you not tell me you have a rat dad?!

'To be fair, you don't tell me about your family.'

Touché.

"Splinter, this is Merrill: the new human member to... the Mad Dogs?" April said, presenting me. "Seriously, I think you need a new name."

"As a matter of fact, we decided to be Los Totuga Locas", Donnie announced.

"What? I didn't agree!" Raph protested.

"You were outvoted 3-1. We committed mutiny against you."

I was flabbergasted. "Really? You're going with my idea? I was just being sarcastic. But cool beans."

We sat around the table enjoying Mikey's cooked spaghetti (I don't mean it as sexual). It was quiet with the lingering tension in the atmosphere. Leo and I sat next to each other. I remained quiet consuming the pasta in a relaxed manner. It was the calm before the storm. It was two minutes in when the questions kicked in. Splinter was firing away with questions. Questions about my occupation, my lifestyle, and even chipped in about my medical history. I wouldn't be surprised if the old rat asked his son to research me. Whatever questions he threw I answered back with quick draw speed. I thought I was in the clear until Splinter asked one question, I should've been aware.

"What is your intention with my son?"

My intention? We're friends. Nothing big comes out of it. I wanted to say we're friends. It's not the best outcome, but it serves as the less drastic route. My mouth decided to have a mind of its own.

"I like your son, sir", I told Splinter, "He's a great friend and we get along well." I felt a hint of sadness. Maybe a double shot. "Perhaps one day we can be something more." Leo looked at me with wide eyes. I stared into his dark irises. "I wouldn't mind having a life with him. A nice quiet life just enjoying life together."

"Merrill", the slider breathed. I amazed myself. I was expecting to go full sentimental. I saw Splinter sipping his cup of tea. Then, he laid his cup on the table. His eyes trailed us.

"I refuse." Splinter answered. The slider leaped out of his seat.

"What? Why?" Leo cried. "He answered all your questions!" I laid my hand on his arm. My eyes not leaving the old rat.

"May I ask why you're against it?" I asked. I shouldn't be upset about this short defeat. I would've left it unsaid, leave a tracking pellet, and sneaked my way into the lair. I hate to lose, though.

The mutant rat's eyes locked my stare. "Despite your effort to answer my questions with flawless momentum, I was planning to refuse your confession and neglect permission to court my son." In other words, this piece of shit was already going to say no to me! What an asshole! "It would be best. Blue can focus on his training and analyze Lou Jitsu's techniques to a T."

"Lou Jitsu? You trained your sons by using fighting styles by an action movie star?" I asked, my annoyance seeping in.

"Merrill, don't", the slider warned, but I pushed it behind my mind.

"If it were any other action star such as Jackie Chan or Jet Li, I can agree, but Lou Jitsu is a sham of a fighter. I'll give him a solid B for adaptation. Then again, Lou is all show and finesse. Props to him for having a career that lasted 'til the early 20k. I bet if he were alive, the old man would recall his glory days. I bet I can take him down."

"Oh really?" Splinter glared, "You think you can take down Lou Jitsu."

"If I can take down your sons in less than three minutes then the real deal should take half the amount."

Splinter stood on the table. His feet stepped on the mashed potatoes. "Where is your respect for the elderly?"

"I don't give my respect to people unless they deserve 'em. Age is meaningless."

I felt Leo's hand on my shoulder. "Merrill, just stop. Please." My focus was on the angry, overweight rat standing at the dinner table.

"Lou Jitsu is nothing but a glory hound whose outdated techniques are as stale as crackers. His tact is shit. anyone can take him down. I can take him down." My words were booming for a challenge. I was confident if the former action star was here, I'd send him to the hospital.

'Merrill, I like you, but please pull back. You're walking on thin ice here!'

"So", the old rat said, "you think you can take down Lou Jitsu?" his eyes searched mine. His intimidating glare flared. I didn't look away. "The man of sacred fighting styles?"

"I bet I can, rat", I sneered, "I can give you a run for your money since you're such a fan of the guy."

"Choose your next words carefully, young man, it would be your demise."

"Is this the part where I should be intimidated? Let me rephrase: Lou Jitsu is a piece of dog shit who mocks the name of martial arts everywhere." The old rat threw his fork. I dodged the projectile by moving my head a bit to the side. I responded by throwing my knife. He stepped onto his plate; the food scattered all over the table and tossed it like a frisbee. I twisted my body along with the chair kicking the plate. I did a handstand on the chair's backpiece.

Splinter twisted his body and used his tail as a whip. I leaped away, but it was a distraction as his foot headed for my face. I crossed my arms. The force of his attack pushed me back. I didn't expect an overweight little guy had such power. Clearly, I've struck a nerve. Nice job, asshole.

I maneuvered out of the kitchen taking the fight to a larger space. Splinter charged while I was on the edge. I did a backflip and feet first onto the center skating arena. Just as I looked up, Splinter came in a flash. He managed to smack my face with his strong tail. The force drew me back. I touched my cheek. I winced and drew my fingers forward. An imprint of blood stained my metal fingers. For a rat, he's tough, but I've faced worse. I clicked my wrist; a knife came to my fingers.

'Don't hurt, Dad!'

I nearly lost my posture. Are you kidding me?! He started it!

'Merrill!'

Fine! I won't mince your dad and cook his parts into ratatouille. I bounced the blade back into my gauntlet. I was going to fight barehanded. Joy. Leo's dad disappeared. I bounced off in time before his tail whip me. He disappeared again. It's clear he's no ordinary rat. This old mutant was well-trained. My lenses surveyed the lair. It could hold Splinter's form for long. The rat enjoyed playing Hide-And-Seek. Exclamation points appeared over my vision. I grabbed his foot and tossed Splinter to the skate ramp, however, the fat rat catapulted off the ramp and rammed into me. I elbowed his spinal cord causing him to yelp in pain and release me. His tail wrapped around my neck. He was riding my back. I desperately grabbed his robes, but his hold was too strong.

"Dad, stop!" I heard Leo yell. "You win, okay! You're killing him!"

I need to get out of his grip. My form dissipated into a shroud of darkness and scurried away. I still have my powers? OK. I guess I have a small advantage. My disappeared again. My shroud camouflaged with the shadows. I commanded the shadows to shoot up in sharp spikes. Splinter dodged them. His back cornered against the other skate ramp. I used that to emerge out the shadows with a knife in hand. The blade pressed against his neck, yet he held my hands with his paws. We heaved. We fought as we went through a morning workout. Props to the old man for holding his ground.

I sighed as I retracted my knife and sat down. "I didn't come to your home to start a fight, Splinter. It's clear. By reputation, I'm an ass..." I cleared my throat, "I'm a jerk. It's a defense mechanism. I say things that came to mind. I wanted to take your son to my school dance as friends. Just friends. We've known each other for estimated two weeks. Believe it or not, I do take things slow. I don't rush things." I kneeled before the old rat. "With your permission, I would like to court your son for one night. I promise I won't let anything happen to him. My friends will have his back. I will have his back." I knew it was old-fashioned, yet sometimes simplicity is all it takes.

Splinter raised a furry eyebrow. "Was this the proposition you were offering?"

I shook my head. "No. I proposed you let Leo go to the dance... by letting Raph be his escort."

"Wait what?" Raph asked. I glanced to see him munching on popcorn and his face contorted to confusion. He wasn't expecting to be involved in the equation.

"Raphael will come to my school in a disguise my friend will make. If my friends welcomed Leo with open arms, then Raph shouldn't have a problem. He will be there from beginning to end. And they will both have fun. What do you say? Do you agree with my terms?"

Splinter stroked his furry beard. It was a tempting offer. Leo goes to the dance and Raph gets to go and experience it with equal enthusiasm. After what felt like ten minutes, the rat spoke.

"I will lift the punishment for one night until the end of this 'school dance'. Red will escort Blue to the dance, and he will bring his brother home. Red, make sure nothing bad or strange comes between Blue and Goth Boy."

Red saluted. "You got it, Pops!"

Splinter nodded. "Alright. I will watch my shows in the living room. He scurried away with leisure."

"Hold on! Merrill is bringing the turtles to the dance! Is that possible?" April asked.

"Never underestimate the power of a disguise", I told her. I felt a slap on my cheek. I looked to see Leo with a box of first aid kit on hand. He looked away. I touched my cheek and felt a large square band-aid overlapping my entire cheek.

'You just had to challenge my dad, huh?'

You get to go. I call it a win. I shrugged.

'I'm surprised you managed to keep up.'

Not really. Your dad's got speed and stealth on his side. The old rat was impressive. Don't tell him I said that.

'Your secret is safe with me.'

Throughout the entire day, we chilled in Leo's fanboy room. Oh yeah, he's obsessed with Jupiter Jim. We talked, and read comics. It was chilled.

~Lady Ai~

As soon as I made it home, I went straight to my room and locked myself in. I slid down against the wooded door and sat on the gray carpet. Why did I say that? I just told Leo's family I thought about having a life with him! What the high-tailed aging fuck was I thinking?!

How deep was I in our relationship? The more I tell myself we're friends, the more upsetting my stomach becomes. Is staying friends the best choice of action? We've been friends for two weeks and I already enjoy his company. Not to mention, reconnecting with my exes.

Relax, Merrill, relax. I have until my eighteenth birthday. That's two – possibly one and a half – years left until I coexist.

Would Leo wait for me, or would he track me down and kill me himself?