You Weren't Supposed To Get Hurt
Stupid.
The knitting needles clacked furiously as Raph fought to keep his balance.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. What the hell had he been thinking?
Oh, he knew exactly what he'd been thinking. Find the girl, bring her here. That's what Dad had said. They knew where April lived, she was in danger, and she hadn't come to meet them, so that's why he went to get her. Better she be scared than dead.
How was he meant to know she had a flatmate?
He'd bee horrified to see blonde hair instead of black when he'd pulled the hood off. One human knowing about them was bad enough – two?
Dammit. He'd missed a stitch.
The familiar feeling of anger he carried around with him was joined by an uncomfortable twinge of guilt. He'd known humans were going to look at them like they were freaks or monsters, but…it was his fault this one looked so scared. He hadn't meant for that to happen.
"Come down, Raphael." Master Splinter was in the hashi doorway, and judging from the way his tail was twitching, he still wasn't happy. This wasn't going to be fun.
He jumped off the tricycle, knitting clutched in one hand. "I'm sorry, Master. I didn't mean…Is she OK?"
"No, Raphael, she is not. That girl has been scared for her life, and she has been physically injured as well as traumatised."
What?
"Her ribs and stomach are bruised."
How could…Oh. His shell.
"I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt." The words sounded pathetic.
"I know." Dad's voice hardened. "But you owe Taylor a sincere apology."
"Can I do it now?"
Dad nodded. "If she is willing to hear it."
They went back into the main area, and Splinter approached the figure in front of the screens. "She's asleep. We will not disturb her."
Forty minutes later, Raph's brothers came home with April and another human. An angry one.
And then all hell broke loose.