We won.

We beat the siren and captured her. Xander had a tight grip on her. She struggled as much as possible, but the spider got a tight grip on her elbow. "Thank you, everyone. We were a phenomenal team", Xander praised our teamwork.

"Was this a team credit? According to my memories, you were affected by the siren's song", Donnie pointed out, "You barely did anything that benefit us other than becoming bait."

"I don't recall such an event."

"I hope Merrill and Leo are alright", Lydia said, looking down. Katie wrapped her arm around her. I'm just as worried as she is. Merrill said it was not Leo. So, was he possessed? A ghost possessing my little brother. I don't like it. Not one bit.

"If anyone can bring Leo back, it's Merrill!" Mikey cheered. I hope my baby brother never changes. I hope any of my brothers don't change, regardless of how everything is going so far.

"Nonetheless, I thank you for your assistance", Xander continued, "hopefully, we'll cross paths and join forces once again. My regards to Leonardo. Do tell how courageous and heroic in was in protecting his honor."

"Like that's a fat chance in Hell", April neglected, to which I agree. There's no way we're going to praise his so-called heroic act.

"Bye, Felicia! See you never!" Alex waved him off despite the fact the guy is a yokai!

"Shame", Xander tugged the siren close, "it was nice to meet you all, including your human allies. Let's hope our next encounter will not be on a sour note." He left with the lady in tow. We didn't bother saying goodbye, rather we were focused on our phones. I felt something on my arm. I jerked to see Alex's delicate hand on it. Their bright green eyes searched my eyes.

I saw something I didn't notice before. Alex had dark circles underneath their eyes which reminded me of a cute raccoon. I haven't seen them probably because they were covered in makeup. With all the excitement they must have worn off. I focused on their hand; it was shaking and so were their legs. It's like any minute now they would topple over. Was Alex sleep deprived?

"Are you alright, Raphael?" I stopped looking at the blonde. I saw the others looking my way, witnessing my odd behavior. "You were staring into space", Alex said.

"I'm just worried about Leo", I admitted, somewhat, "We just seen Merrill get possessed. Now Leo is experiencing this, too. Was this also part of that past life thing Merrill told us about? This whole thing is... is..."

"Overwhelming?" I looked at Don. He had that far-off gaze on his face. "I'm still grasping the information we were presented. I can't say for sure I'm on board. Can't say I even believe it myself."

Mikey was already on Donnie's side. "How can you say that? We just witnessed something mystical and you doubt it!"

"Eye roll. Who's to say what Merrill says is true? All for what? A ghost telling him that he and Leo are meant to be? That they're soulmates? How uncanny. Ghosts aren't real, Angelo. Sure, we have seen crazier things lately, but there's still the matter of not all creatures we encounter being as real as the stories we've heard." Donnie being the smartest of us does make a point. Honestly, I do have some doubts, too, especially Goth Boy blurting out the soulmates part and the mind link. Then another part believes it seeing both his and Leo's expressions, including my brother's; Leo looked... shocked. I wanted to punch Goth Boy's pretty face! It was so obvious Leo liked him! You would be blind not to see it! Yet, he laid it out in the open to not let secrets get between them. Okay, it wasn't the best time for it, could've done it at a better time, but I respect what he was trying to do.

"How can you explain how Leo got through to Dark Merrill?" Mikey countered.

"I don't know! A memory trigger or something! That kiss triggered something in Merrill back to reality reverting back to his normal form. Yes! That sounded more plausible!"

"No, it was true love's kiss! Leo's love was strong enough to break the spell! I wish I could meet my other half", Mikey gushed.

"Scoff. What spell are you implying? Merrill lost control of his powers and Nardo brought him back to reality. It's as simple as that." My smart brother crossed his arms implying he was right.

April got between the two arguing turtles. "Whoa, backup guys. We ain't the debate club", she said, "We just got out of a battle, we don't need to head to another one. What do you think, Raph?" I was starting to feel nervous as all eyes were on me. I was still processing which side sounded more accurate. I was in the middle of it.

"I think..." I started, "I think... we should hold this conversation for another day. We went through enough in just a few hours. Let's call it a night." I just wanted to go home. It's been a long night.

"Ladies, ladies, you're all pretty. Let's put away the claws. Supernatural. Natural. Whatever! Let's leave the theories to the theorists", Alex reasoned as they started walking off. "We should go to a few more houses. Merrill will call us if he brings back Leany Beany." with another step... they were falling.

My legs moved on their own. I grabbed their waist before their body fell on the ground; their waist was thin, too thin. Lack of sleep and now a skinny waist. I might not be a doctor, but I know this wasn't healthy. I checked Alex's face. Despite the dark circles, I saw his cheekbones were there. Why didn't I notice this before? "Alex!" I called, "are you okay?" I knew they weren't, but I asked for everyone's sake.

Alex's eyes fluttered open. Their eyes widened in shock, however, their behavior turned to a tease. "My goodness! I was awakened by a strong and handsome turtle!" They wrapped their arms around my neck. I scowled. How can they joke when they fainted briefly?

"Alex! You need to go to a hospital!" Lydia stated.

"If I didn't know any better, I have to say you're not getting any sleep", Katie said.

"Yeah, you're right!" April added.

Alex moved out of my arms. "Come on! As much as I love drama, there's no need for theatrics. That's for theatre kids only!"

I was getting annoyed. "Alex! Tell me the truth! Are you or aren't you getting any sleep?"

Their smirk turned to a frown. "Of course, I am. How else am I will get this perfect facial?" Their response made me more annoyed.

"This is funny! You nearly collapse!" I yelled.

"Why are you getting upset? I'm as healthy as the healthiest teenager in the world!" My eyelid twitched. Why are they so stubborn? "I guess I should leave. Tomorrow's a school day. I need to prepare my outfit for my undying fans." They were leaving. I couldn't let them walk away.

I lifted Alex with ease. "Raph won't allow it!"

"Raphael! Put me down this instant!" they shrieked. It was cute. "This is basically kidnapping!"

"It doesn't if it involves carrying you home. Now stop being stubborn and tell me where to go."

They pouted. "I will scream stranger danger if you don't release me!"

"Alex, stop being such a drama queen and let the big guy take you home," Katie told them.

"You do look exhausted, Alex", Lydia added, "Have you been getting enough sleep?"

"See! I'm not the only one who notices!" I spoke. Alex pouted more as they slumped with crossed arms. I tried not to chuckle. "You guys will be okay without me?" I asked Don and Mike.

"We'll be fine, big bro", Mikey chirped, "We'll get a few more candies then probably call it a night. Go have fun, tiger!" my little brother lightly elbow-jabbed me. My stomach fluttered. I cleared my throat as I looked at my smart brother.

"Angelo and I will stay with the girls a couple more minutes. Probably stay with April a bit. We'll call you if anything", Donnie informed me. I guess I felt a little better.

I carried a pouting Red Queen-slash-White King in my arms. We were closing in on uptown. "I can walk now, Raphael. I promise to get a few days of sleep as soon as I lay on my bed."

I thought about it. "Nope. I don't trust you. You could faint the moment I set you down."

"Ugh! I won't faint, you behemoth! It's not the first time I forgot my sleep schedule!"

"Exactly! I won't let it happen, especially what happened to you!"

"What happened to me...? What are you saying?" I stopped. Memories of that incident flashed. Mrs. Cuddles slammed Alex; they hit the skate ramp hard. I wasn't there to protect them. I'm supposed to use my strength to protect the unprotected. Why be the muscles if I can't do the job right? "Are you talking about that incident with Mrs. Cuddles? I can assure you I am fine."

I snapped myself out. "Tell me that again after I bring you home."

They sighed. "We're getting close. It's just up ahead." We came close to a small brick-walled house. It had a few decorations here and there. Nothing too extravagant. The stair rails were made of iron. I was expecting them to live in one of those ritzy hotels on the penthouse suite kind of person. I didn't expect their living area to be chilled. Alex tapped my arm. "You can put me down, Raphael. We're here." I did as I was told. They sat down on the steps and with my big figure, I couldn't find an opening. Noticing my struggle, Alex stood up and offered their seat.

"Are you sure? You need to rest", I stated, worrying that they might faint due to their lack of sleep. "I'll be fine standing up. I should be going. Don't want my brothers to get into any trouble."

"Let me worry about that, darling", they told me, "I'm more concerned for my strong knight in striped suspenders carrying me home like it was nothing. Now sit." I obeyed. It was a good thing I managed to fit just right; otherwise, I would be bending the rails with my wide figure. I could feel my face heating processing what they just called me. I was a strong knight to them. Me! They don't see just a large freak of nature. I guess Alex is nicer than I thought. "Now part your legs." I choked on my saliva.

"W-w-wh-what did you say?" I stuttered. Raph never stutters! This was new! But that little request threw Raph off.

Alex rolled their eyes. "How else am I going to sit? On the sidewalk? Blasphemy! And you took up the rest of the stairs."

I immediately stood. "Then you should sit down! This is your house!"

"And you're my guest. This shouldn't be hard to figure out." It took about two or three minutes to get the seating right. I sat back down feeling embarrassed with the fashion designer sitting in the center between my legs. They were a lot thinner than I thought. "You're a lot comfier than I thought." I looked down at their blonde hair. I accidentally smelled their golden locks. What was that smell? I can't place my finger on it. It was nice. Fruity? Flowery? I don't know. "Having fun back there?" I bolted.

"Sorry! This must be creepy!"

"Oh, relax, Raphael. It's not like you're groping me or anything. Unless..." they twisted their body around; their faces were close to mine making direct eye contact. "...you fantasized about this..." their voice was low and deep with their breath tickling my face.

My cheeks were on fire. I tried pulling away, but they had a firm grip on my shoulders. Instead, I avoided their green eyes. "Um... h-how-how-how are you feeling? Not lightheaded, are you?"

They released me, causing me to blink in confusion. "No. I'm alright. Let's just enjoy this night..." they're confusing me.

"Alex... can you be honest with me? Whenever you have a project, do you ever think about your health?" I felt their body jump.

The blonde turned around. "Dear Raphael, my work comes first. It's how I stay on top."

"That's not reassuring!"

Alex patted my knee. "Don't worry so much, Big Daddy. I always get a few days' hiatus to recuperate."

"Do you ever... extend it?"

Alex turned again with an angry look. "I never postponed a request or project. The max relaxation time after a project is for a week until I work again. This is how I maintained a reputation throughout high school and hopefully after I graduate. I won't give up."

I sighed. "I get it, Alex. I get it's your passion, your dream-"

"Damn straight, bitch!"

"But if you don't take care of yourself, you won't live long to see your dream come to life... and I want to be there to see it, too..." the blonde's eyes widened at my declaration.

They twisted around avoiding my watchful stare. "I can see how you're the older brother. Do you look after anyone smaller than you or is it I'm special?"

"Sometimes I wonder what's real or not with you..."

"I never said it was a bad thing. Most people would find it... endearing..." I was going to question them on what they meant when my phone vibrated. I took it off to see a message from Don; he said he received a message from Merrill saying that Leo's back but unconscious and he'll be taking him to his place until he woke up. I wanted to ask Donnie what Goth Boy's number was so I could call him for the update when Alex saw my phone. "Did you make this?" they were referring to my phone's wallpaper; it was a screenshot of my little stuff plushies I made of me and my brothers.

"Uh... yeah. I like to sew from time to time. When I'm not training or anything", I replied.

Alex looked my way with stars in their eyes. "My word, Raphael, you are talented! The delicate stitching! The passion that goes through each seam! The small details! You have a gift!" With each compliment coming, I felt happy and proud of my work, especially as talented as Alex. I mean, the outfit they made I could never pull something off like that. Sure, I can fix a tear and add a button or whatever, but Alex is (in my eyes) a fashion artist! "May I?"

It took me a moment to realize that Alex wanted to see more of my work. So, I pulled up my gallery and showed them a few teddy bears and stuffed animals I made in the past, including a couple of new plushies I made recently.

"Is that Merrill?" they asked, chuckling at a frowning stuffed chibi with blue button eyes and fluffy black hair. I chuckled with them. Yeah, I did one of Goth Boy; it was after defeating Albearto and hearing him say Mad Dogs was a dumb name which it isn't! They swiped to the next picture. "Ah. There's April. Nice choice on the red yarn. I almost didn't recognize her without her glasses." they stopped at the next picture. "Is this... me?"

I jumped into action. There's no way I'm letting them see my failure! "It's not done yet! I was thinking of redoing it!" I proclaimed.

"Why? I thought it was an excellent job despite Little Me not having any clothes and they're also bald."

I put my phone away. "I wanted to find the right yarn for the hair. It can't just be yellow! It needs to be gold. The perfect blend! Whenever I see you, your hair is brighter than the sun – not that I don't get blinded by it or anything, it's just... it reminds me of the sun – man, that sounded corny."

"Not at all. It was sweet of you to compliment my hair... instead of smelling", they added with a smirk.

"You're never going to let me forget it, aren't you?"

"Nope."

"...great..."

"Can I ask you something? You've made Little Me, Merrill, and April. Have you considered dressing your dolls?"

"They're not dolls! They're plushies!"

"Changing the name won't make you any less manly than you already are." I frowned. "Pouting about it won't change it, either."

I huffed. "I tried making a small shirt once, but I tend to... tear the fabric apart. I don't get it. I could make sew a teddy bear out of a blanket, but sewing a little dress is another story."

"I will say you have delicate fingers for a large person, but you need dainty and accurate fingers who know how to craft smaller fabric. Not to mention the right equipment. How would you feel if I say I make your dolls their own wardrobe?"

I stood straight. "Really? Would you do that for me? Don't you have mountains of projects you want to get started after you rest?"

"Certainly. I could use a side project. I always wanted to make doll clothing. You and I could make a good team."

I smiled at the thought. That did sound nice. "If I agree, then you need to promise me you would take better care of yourself which involves eating healthy and sleeping on normal schedules. Can you do that for me?" Alex was deep in thought. I saw how his green eyes went dark. I knew they had more things going on, but I rather not push them until they're ready to tell me."

The blonde looked up and smiled his pearly whites. "Deal. If you give me full access to your cell number. You know, in case I feel lonely. And come over whenever I feel like it!"

I rolled my eyes. I couldn't stop the grin from spreading across my face. "Alright, deal." We exchanged numbers. Huh. I got a new number other than my brothers and April. Was this how Leo felt when he made new friends?

I like it. I stayed a few more minutes. Or was it a few hours? I couldn't tell. I was enjoying the night sky while hugging this weird fashion designer.

"Alex... I want to say... I'm sorry for what I said..."

"Raphael, there's no need-"

"No. I need to say it. I was a jerk!" My grip tightened around their waist. "I never should have called you a two-faced peacock. I deserved your silent treatment and whatever punishment you have in store. I keep apologizing for years and years if I must-"

"You said you want to see my dreams come true, right?"

I loosened my grip. "Yeah...?"

"Promise me you'll be cheering me on even if we're not in the same room."

I buried my face in their hair. "Promise." I felt their hand over mine. I could feel my heart pounding against my chest.

Was this how Leo feels for Merrill?