Chapter six:
Leo glances to his phone when it buzzes. He finds a message from Usagi asking if they could meet up. He made friends with the alpha a few years ago. He thinks the other is a decent alpha as he hasn't seen the other try to push omegas like some alphas. He also never was rude to April or anything treating her like they're no different. He is glad to have a friend in the other though only as a friend. He has never been interested in anything more with Usagi, it was never asked to be more though Leo does his best to not give the wrong idea just in case. He declines explaining that he has some family stuff right now. He puts his phone away heading for the meeting.
...
April and Casey arrive to the lair in time for the meeting.
"Leo!" April hurries over hugging the newest omega of the family. She also gets a hug in return. "It's so good to see you back!" She pulls away after a moment. "And the scent is just perfect for you."
"Yeah." Leo smiles a little and glances to Casey who approaches them as well.
Casey smiles and gives Leo a fist bump. "It is good you're back man. You were missed here."
"Thanks." Leo nods to Casey after the other speaks.
"If you need any omega advice or help at all just ask." April adds getting an appreciated look from Leo.
Splinter clears his throat getting everyone's attention. "We should get this meeting underway. Other discussions can happen after." He gathered them in the meditation room in the hopes to keep the meeting calmer.
The room is lit by candles and the floor has slightly thin mats to allow for long comfortable sitting.
The others gather before Splinter kneeling on the floor as the other stands before them. They lined up starting on the far right, Casey, April, Mikey, Leo, Donnie, Raph. They are all quiet to let the rat mutant speak.
"As you are all well aware there has been an unexpected though welcomed change in our family." Splinter begins wanting to ensure that Leo's new omega status is welcomed. "As much as I trust all of your skills we should remain cautious. Thus we will be putting restrictions up until further notice. Including that omegas shouldn't go out alone without an alpha to accompany them. I know it may be a bit frustrating at times however we should be careful. Our fighting skills or not there is no need to take unnecessary risks. This will likely be the biggest change."
They all nod in agreement to Splinters words so he continues.
"Further more I would like Leonardo and Raphael to create a signal. One for Leonardo to tell Raphael to pretend to be leader depending on the situation. Leonardo will remain leader however there may be moments where an alpha needs to seem in charge. If you wish to share the signal with everyone that's fine. If not then this is a warning to go along if it happens."
Raph and Leo slightly glance to each other silently agreeing to meet after this. They bring their attention back to Splinter as he continues.
"There is something that I would like to put in place. What we will do whenever Leonardo's heats start. We don't know when right now however when it does happen we should be ready. We'll have to cover it up which will be harder than when one of you is out since Leonardo's the leader. As usual the rule of not saying the truth of why Leonardo's not there is still in place. Just like we do for the rest of you. Whether that's not saying anything or pretending the one out of commission is doing something else. I would suggest pretending that Leonardo is doing something away from you all. Such as checking something out. It will help a lot with this whole thing. If the way you talk and act when he's sick works then do it that way."
The group all nod in understanding.
"While Leonardo is out we will have to deal with the role of leadership. Usually this is filled by Raphael who I admit has done a good job. When that time comes you've kept your temper in control enough to strategize well. Hence you were allowed to keep doing so when Leonardo was sick." Splinter smiles softly as Raphael raises his head high in pride. "We can keep that up for now. If for any reason Raphael cannot lead then the duty will fall onto Donatellos shoulders. We truly are not familiar with Leonardo's heat cycles just yet. So it could even happen around the same time as any one of your own cycles. Having a back up plan is good for such scenarios."
Everyone can agree on that.
"I want all of you, even the alphas to make this fair as well as to know who is available if needed, to report where you are going before you leave. I will keep track of everyone. So when you return inform me. If any of us discover a location was a lie then there will be consequences. Send me a message or ask your siblings to inform me if you're moving locations. Otherwise there's a chance you'll face punishment as if you lied. I will reduce the punishments harshness if you can provide proof of having been where you said you'll be. Try to not just get proof in the spot then leave, well I'll keep track of those who don't tell me the change. I won't tell you what would be next as you'd have to find out. It is important to know who is where and when. Especially if things happen and an alpha needs to reach an omegas location as soon as possible. So lying could also affect someone in trouble if you're called to the scene only to be further away than you said." He normally isn't so strict about where they are. He has to change it to be this way due to the current circumstances.
No one argues that as sure it'll be a bit time consuming to have to tell where they're going, though it is for the best with their current situation that they are dealing with.
Splinter looks a little thoughtful. "Anything else anyone would like to cover or ask about?" His gaze sweeps over all of them.
"What about if we're going to meet a friend? Mainly for the omegas going to see an alpha friend? Do they still need someone with them?" April speaks up softly tilting her head.
"It depends on the location. If this alpha friend is believed to defend the omega then it's a simple question. Will you two be able to meet somewhere safe? For Michelangelo and Leonardo that'd be in the sewers, right by an entrance to the sewers, or if they know of the lair then in the lair. If the meeting spot is further away then, unless the situation is right or even the distance, you three should bring an alpha with you. The alpha can leave if the friend will defend the omega. Also ensure you're in a safe spot to part or ask the alpha to stay until one of the other alphas arrive to walk you back home. If you find the alpha friend leaves before either of that happens then you get in touch with me. I will send an alpha to your location immediately. If safe to do so stay and text or call to guide the alpha to you if needed. If it is an omega then fellow omegas must always have an alpha present. Perhaps two depending on what you decide to do or where you go. Some areas as you know are more known for alphas who look down on omegas. So one alpha with more than one omega won't be as much of a deterrent as a single alpha and omega together. Hopefully that answers the question well enough."
April nods her head to show that it has handed red her question.
"Anyone else have any questions?" Splinter glances over the others to see if anyone else will speak up.
No one speaks up showing no questions to be asked.
"Alright. Then that should be everything for this meeting. Keep in mind the new rules that will only be changed or removed if needed. That will be all." Splinter lets them all be dismissed.
All but Splinter leave the room and head to the living room all together.
"So. What should we do now?" Casey glances to all of them curious if anyone has an idea.
"Ooh!" Mikey does a little excited jump to show he has gotten an idea. He continues as all attention is turned to him. "How about a game night? Or even a movie night? The alphas can go get snacks and pizza. Us omegas can set up the living room here for a fun time in! A fun time together to celebrate Leo coming back alive and okay!" He glances around to the others clearly hoping that his idea will be accepted as what they should do.
Eyes end up turning to Leo.
"I think Leo should decide. I think it'll be a better celebration that way." April insists and there is a mummer of agreement from the others except Leo.
Leo doesn't see any reason to argue them. He can see their point that if it's a celebration surrounding him then him deciding would make it more special. He takes a rather brief moment to think things over before he responds to them. "A game night sounds good." He decides and all of them get excited.
"Oh! I heard a store just got sensory tents in stock now! They're great for special needs and omegas who are overwhelmed. They help block out other scents that might be bothering an omega." April leans closer to Leo. "Why don't we have one just in case? I'm very used to the whole scents thing. You're not used to it in omega ways. It's different than beta ways. It can get a little overwhelming."
"Sure if you'd like. I doubt I'll need it though." Leo lightly shrugs only for April to giggle.
"You never know Leo. It can be a drastic change for some. So I'll be sure to grab one." April looks to the alphas. "Who is going to split off from the others and come with me?"
"I'll go!" Casey quickly invites himself moving rather close to April. "Those two have pizza covered. Especially with disguises."
"Don't be so jealous." April teases Casey who huffs muttering that he isn't. "Me and Donnie can go. You know it's easier to get stuff without questions if one of us is there. Why waste time with nosy people when we just want to buy?" She shoots him a look when he tries to protest it. Her look shuts him up only for him to slightly playfully try to wrestle the other alphas who chuckle at him. She sighs and shakes her head before looking to the other two omegas. "Let's plan out the living room set up while they settle their dispute or whatever excuse they have."
Time goes by rather quickly and everything is all set...
April has set up the oval like pop up tent to the side slightly.
It is in a spot that will give some space for some quiet, though one can still see the TV.
"Why not give it a test?" April offers nudging Leo forward.
The omega turtle crawls into the black tent which he can sit in without his head touching the top. He finds the dimmer light to be soothing and he gets what April means. He doesn't smell the others as strongly as before. Him even able to see the boundaries of the tent help him truly feel like he has his own space; his own world almost. His mind even starts to think about how he could truly make the space more into his own world. "I can see the appeal." He glances around the tent before turning to April spotting her smiling.
"I knew you'd like it. Sorry that it only comes in one colour though."
"It's fine. I can understand it design wise anyways. Supposed to also dim the lights after all right? It does its job well. Brighter colors can be a risk of letting light through."
"Yeah you're right." April slightly leans back despite her sitting position with one leg on the floor and the other up bent at the knee.
"Heh! The first game is about to start! You two ready?" Mikey calls gaining the twos attention.
"I am!" April responds then glances to Leo silently encouraging him to decide if he's ready or not.
"I'm coming too." Leo heads out going with April to join the others.
The two omegas lay down on the blankets and pillows on the floor alongside Mikey.
One might almost call it a nest however it looks more like a collapsed cushion fort than a nest.
"Who wants to be the first three players?" Mikey asks handing player one controller to Leo.
"I'll join." Raph raises a hand and catches a tossed controller.
"Why don't you get the first round Mikey?" Donnie offers and with no objections Mikey settles with the third controller.
The game starts and the three manage to even defeat the first boss.
"Yeah!" Mikey jumps around in excitement at this. "We did it!"
"Ha! We sure did!" Raph laughs.
The excitement in the room grows at the success.
Leo is smiling though he can start to understand what April meant. He can smell all of the scents growing stronger as everyone is happy and super excited. He finds them mixing much more stronger than he's ever smelled it. He is okay right now however he is actually grateful for April thinking of that tent. He might actually end up using it despite originally thinking he wouldn't need it. He slightly glances to Raph who slightly wrestles with Casey over who gets to play the next level. He swears that he can smell Raph the most out of everyone and something is telling him to get closer. He turns away offering the controller to April casually as he tries to ignore the urge. He doesn't want to dampen the mood by acting on instincts he doesn't fully understand yet.
A few more boss defeats later...
Leo is taking a break in the tent laying there watching as the others continue the game.
No one said anything or gave him looks when he went to take a break in the tent. They just acted like nothing out of the ordinary was going on.
Leo is appreciative of that as it makes the whole thing indeed feel normal, despite it being new to him. He turns away to check his phone when he gets a text.
It's from Usagi.
Hey. When do you think you can come out and hang out?
Leo types a quick response to this.
I'm not sure. I'm going to be in the lair for a while. I'll let you know when I know.
Leo puts away his phone and shrugs off why Usagi is so eager to meet. He figures it has to be because it's been awhile or that the alpha has some big news. He doesn't think about it as he watches the gaming session continue from the tent.