Fortress Gorlan: Reinigen Stronghold.

Ack!

Faceplant!

"heeeey what's the big ideeeaaa -"

Indignant whisper trailing off as he glances about.

"whooooaaa." annnd totally fake rant about cushions not moving suddenly lost eyes wide.

Indeeeed.

He'd been about to reach over and had a firm no to Don's nuzzles to stop the boy... Hand paused in mid air -

Eyes wide.

Sitting back down with a plonk on the seat he'd slept in close to his fellow Don all night. "he really is a hybrid." of course he knew that but the now very really showing of a combination of them and another, reptilian, base species at least drove home the point they didn't have to be the very last generation.

His hand draws back all the way even if he wanted to touch.

And watches a moment longer.

Hearing the surprise of the others but they were keeping it down, good he didn't know if Don wanted to announce to the entire fortress Liam could do this.

So far their sounds had not drawn the old Maester to this tucked out of the way but with its own balcony for getting fresh air and sun - room.

Good.

His picking stopped - cooo ing in a soft way then unawares of the awe he'd caused the wings giving a flap the crinkles easing further as blood vessels easily seen beneath the membrane fill completely - some inherited memories and desire to help Don feel better driving most of his actions at the moment. Wasn't the first time he'd felt this, just the real first time he's had a chance.

He bites his own palm with his seemingly small blunt baby teeth making a almost crest shaped bite mark his bright blood welling in the indents pressing it to Don's picked at spot

The first mingling would feel like a sparking, tingling heat was spreading from the contact -

A zing...

Following the path Don's blood travelled his entire body.

Like having chilli pepper flavoured energy drinks or several espresso shots straight to the life force with potential to help. Not enough to mutate anyone though because neither scratch was a true wound or bleeding profusely.

Watching his face big turtles face closely. Was it helping?!

Don jumped slightly when Liam bit his own hand, and tried to stop him but he doesn’t get very far. It had been completely unexpected, and saying Don’s barely functional is probably generous.

When Liam forces his hand onto the small, now open wound, Don gasps against the electric charge he feels, and bites down on a cry of pain at the initial shock, stifling the sound effectively. He squeezes his eyes shut. He doesn’t want anyone coming in and seeing Liam like this. And that much is clear, even through the haze in his head.

The electric snap fades to a slow burn, and he can feel it moving through his bloodstream, dispersing slowly with each pump of his heart. After a moment, it feels good, warm.

Liam? What are you?

His head is clearing, and the ache fades. He can tell exactly where the mingled blood has and has not reached. It’s... weird. When he can open his eyes again, he’s present in a way he hasn’t been since probably the fight with the squid creature..

”Liam? What...?”

Oh shell, what is this kid? Don reached out to put a hand on Liam’s cheek. He then moved to pull the boy in for a hug, careful of his wings that he can’t help but stare at. They’re beautiful... He looked at his traveling companions, eyes clear, himself for the first time in too long. And spoke softly.

“I don’t suppose we can... lock that door or something?” At least until Liam’s wings were put away? Or they could figure out what to do next. He didn’t want knowledge of Liam’s abilities leaving this room. They already had a bounty on their heads. He couldn’t risk the boy being a more interesting prize than he already was...

And his attention is back to the child.

“Thank you, Liam. So... so much.” He hugs the boy close, nuzzling him, and adding a grateful, loving churr for the child. After a moment, he backed off to check the child’s hand.

He will get around to thanking the others, particularly his counterpart, but right now... he’s focused on Liam.

Mikey shakes his head, ' no but - we can keep guard and listen out..." fish gaping but trying not to and tugging Leo and Inaba with him to the door to stand either side like bouncers, listening whilst watching the scene in awe.

He has no idea what's going on - and though he smelled a tang of blood wasn't entirely sure he shoulder worry about it or not. Probably not as Don didn't looked fussed or the shocked looking Donatello.

Leo stops gaping like a fish himself and grins nodding joining Mikey at the door - he'd squeezed Inaba's hand she could join them if she wished, and it would be better her ears would hear much more then the two of them and sooner - 

He didn't want to leave the room if they didn't have to right now to stop anyone coming in. 

watching the reunion and the startling little boy.

With the door guarded and all Donatello moved away to t he Maesters shelves and picked among them choosing a sort of paste in a jar and moving back to Don and Liam - trying not to stare and finding a clean rag to dab in the paste and holds it out to Don.

"here for his hand - are - what? what did he do?" he could kinda half tell because of the alert brightness and return of what he was assuming was Don's normal color. But it was more how Don felt now compared to how he had been that Donatello was interested in in regards to his health.

free hand brushing the opened wings and tracing the spots with a large finger. So cool...

His tail went mad! joyously, the ache of his hand short lived and worth it- he was holding it clear when Don nuzzled and hugged him and he beams wings slowly closing, slowly folding back up.

" Drrrrra goon heeeelp? dr aaagooon Liiiam heelllp?" he asks Don to make sure went Don pulled back to look at his hand, Liam too looking with interest at the indents his teeth made in his own hide, the little bit of bleeding the hand was till doing. His churrs so happy!

Evident by the waggling like crazy tail.

Inaba moved a little closer to Don and Donatello and the little boy her eyes wide...

Genio Innocuo were valued, prized, revered...

Rare or extinct.

her ears where definitely listening out for incoming people... 

"wooooow - we might want to add in messages or scrying to your brothers or turtles with the other little boys to keep this sort of thing under wraps -" as if Don wouldn't have grasped that himself. " he'll be worth kingdoms.

Don looked up at his counterpart, and accepted the balm and rag. He laughed at the child's wagging tail.

"Thank you." He turned back to Liam, inspecting the boys hand briefly, and dabbing slightly at the remains of the self-inflicted injury before answering the question.

"I... don't really know. He picked open that spot, bit himself... I think..." He held reached up and touched where Liam had pressed his hand into the scab, and the small injury that had been there is gone. And Liam's hand is healing remarkably fast. I think it was his blood that did it. He pressed the open wound on his hand into that spot he picked open... I could feel it traveling..." He shivers. It had been a strange, but not entirely unpleasant sensation as the pain had been erased as Liam's influence traveled through his system.

He laughed at the excited child and pulled him close again. "Oh yes. Dragon Liam was a big help." He never wanted to let the boy go.

His next words were a whisper to the boy as he glances over at Inaba with a concerned expression. He'd thought the same thing even when Liam's wings were out of his shell. He'd been worried about that before he knew what the boy's blood could do! He schooled his features once more and looked back to Liam. "But let's be quiet about the dragon thing, okay? It will be our special secret." And an exaggerated 'shhhhh...' with one finger to his lips.

" I can step outside and let others know your doing better Don - but that you, your son and your brothers want a little time alone." Inaba suggests softly her fingers tracing the folding away wings of the boy.

Clearly they'd been playing up the Genio Innocuo angle quiet a bit.

Even she didn't know how well, in regards to Donatello.

Don frowns at bit at Inaba's statement, even as he hugs 'his son.' That much of it felt right. The rest he probably could have figured out, but...

"What... exactly have you guys been telling them...?" Because Don should probably know their story before he runs into anyone and says the wrong thing...

Donatello grins a little - a blush on his cheeks and he nods at Inaba, " Go, thanks Inaba... we'll fill Don in."


He agrees, better some one heads off any curiosity now and give them all a little breathing room to converse with each other.


Looking at Leo and Mikey, " I'll fill Don in on the couple of days events, you two check our surroundings we have to make sure if we're keeping him hidden that no one is about at all. And I agreed with that - even you will find yourself becoming a bigger target Don with the ascertain he is your son." 


He waits for Leo and Mikey to check their perimeter sitting down on the chair again watching Don and the boy, " How's his hand look?'

Mikey grins and even if he was nodding he hops forward and over to the bed side briefly hugging Don and Liam. " welcome back Don! hehe - on it Donatello." he beams and skips out after Inaba who had nodded and after a grin at Leo, squeeze of his hand bounced out.

A light half chuckle because he did feel uneasy with the deception they sort of had to deploy. As in it was not true deception. They were turtles beings like the Genio Innocuo they just weren't them.


He grins a good luck at Inaba as she goes.


" we've had to spin a few yarns to be allowed in, their freaked out here with the fighting and bounties and whats going on with the Daimyo and Draco.... glad your looking much better though." a grin at Don and he pats his shoulder, rubs the little turtles head before moving off - still awed to his core to check the place out to - it wasn't the first time Donatello had sent him and Mikey out to ensure they were alone.

" maybe there's... some mutagen in his blood... like the one inside my brothers and I that is a basic cure all... can cause regeneration at the cellular level." Donatello puts forth wonderingly -

As Liam yays! and hugs Don tightly as a three year old could burying face into neck and shoulder crook, nuzzling all he could, he doesn't know what son means hurt hand still open and he sniffs at the balmy rag. His wings mostly closed and then with a clack and click as scutes edges sloted back together it went back to being a single shell. " Don be'er... be'er... no dragon... shhhhhhhhhhh yes..." grinning copying Don's motion and nodding.

He wasn't exactly sure what it was but he had a small idea. " Doooon wassa son?" uninjured hands fingers hanging onto shell edge - clearly he didn't wanna go anywhere either.

Donatello smiled watching Dona nd Liam and brushing a finger over the reformed shell, amazed. " It's not really that big of a deal what we have been telling these people. We're visiting Genio Innocuo called here to restore order and save the Daimyo stop Draco."

He didn't want the others gone but they wouldn't be long its just a quick cover whilst Donatello caught Don up to what they have been saying. " Claimed we were brothers, save for Liam as Inaba said he played up you being his father in the hopes on top of being a Genio Innocuo warrior your also the dad of this bundle of joy the entire lot of them has since adored spoiling him rotten by the way- um the lord here... Lord Svengal made sure your were seen by his house hold Maester who really did know how to treat the infection from the water, the pneumonia I'd been treating. Maesters are kind of a scholars slash healers slash philosophers and administrators.'


' we really have been treated like royalty..." For the moment not spilling his news just watching the two.

Don tracks the speakers easily, and that feels refreshing. It's good to be back.

"Thanks Leo, Mike." He actually used a nickname for them, which up to now, he hasn't though they've used his plenty. It's about time he returned that.

He's not the least bit surprised that taking Liam and accepting that father/son relationship would paint an even larger target on his shell. "I know. I don't care about that. I just... want him safe." Well... as safe as possible.

Don takes a moment to inspect Liam's injured hand. "It's still open, but not bad..." Not as bad as it should be. "And... I guess..." That would sure explain what had happened, but once again... he should have just let his counterpart help him like he'd wanted in the first place. Ugh. Though he's wondering if there are going to be ramifications later now. He still doesn't like the idea of mutagen as a medicine. I guess I should have let you try yours sooner. I'm sorry I got us into this mess...

"Yes, Liam. I'm better. Thank you. And..." He pauses at the second question. That's a big one.

"And you’re my son now. And that means you're very special to me. I love you very, very much, and I promise to do my best to take care of you. ...And that we're going to stay together." One way or another... because forget it. Don's not giving him up anymore.

He listens as Donatello tells the tale of the past few days. But... Don is back on his game, and the big guy just hesitated. "And there's something you're not saying..."

Liam is still not sure what that means -


Other than there was an overwhelming sense of happy and he all but beams, hey he'd heard some of those words new these last few days so knew how to use them. ' yesth! me sway wid Don! Yay! love Don oo, yesth yesth!" nod nod earnest and serious as a three year old with only the new learnings of words.

showing off his healing up hand, the bite was no where near as painful or serious as the prong burns he'd had before now. Then he eeeeps excited and points to the dresser where Donatello has been asleep and where Don's bandana was rolled neatly, all his gear was in this side dress, all cleaned and repaired where needed his staff in the corner gleaming dully because it had been oiled and dried after it's stint in the damp swamps.

' kind of relieved you didn't who knows but this little guy if such a thing would have gone well... well for now - maybe it has nothing to do with mutagen and all to do with ... the other half of his blood - you were right to refuse when we just don't know. It's okay. I'm just relieved your looking much... much better and to see this little guy so very happy he hasn't been as happy as this the last couple of days - from what I heard from Mikey he wails in the most heartbreaking sort of way when crying for you. He's definitely yours." last bit a tiny tease but mostly pleasure seeing Liams delight.


Putting off what he was going to have to tell Don.

And he'd be the first to hear it -

He brushes the little turtles head with a light rub and then siiighs a little " well in return for your care and our literal living in luxusy whilst here and for the great honour of this Lord his house and all Reinigen. He's um... requested... and I agreed - to take one of his daughters - to wife." this bit coming out in a tinsy bit of a shocked tone.

Well he's technically engaged.

Don felt high on Liam’s excitement and he hugged the child, nuzzling him. Allowing the moment. He looked over at the dresser that Liam was indicating. His gear had been cared for, and he smiled softly.

He then brought himself back down, and paid attention to what Donatello was saying. He sighed, knowing the other turtle was right. He frowned at the information about Liam. Though he shouldn’t have been surprised by it. He hugs the boy again, but Don’s mood is subdued now.

And open staring at the last. Of all the ridiculous, antiquated, cruel... He’s silent for a long moment. Not sure how to react.

”I was afraid you were going to say something like that...”

If Don’s honest with himself, he would have done the same, but... bartering people... That’s not okay.

Liam grins at the bigger Donatello - as if confirming his words, he is much happier and it shows. 

He nuzzles Don sensing the change in mood and looking to lift it again soft chatter - most of it in that toddler speak - some of his new words...

all very low as he sensed the bigger turtles were talking serious stuff...

" sooon... son... Liam son... Don son?" he whispers joyously - some chirps and churr sounds, mingling with purrs.

Donatello shrugs a little, " I... well I don't like it myself and have those thoughts of this is ridiculous and outdated and old world - but when Lord Svengal asked his daughters, Christ there were so many, I thought I was going to get mobbed. I offered him gold and jewels, and everything I have none of by the way but he said he had no need of that, but the prestige and honour and status of having the first Reinigen married to a Genio Innocuo? That's apparently priceless."


A bit of a chuckle then, " I have no idea which of the daughters he is choosing for me, and I have no idea how this is going to go but, I'll honour my agreement, we might need the fight capable Reinigen sometime, and we have first hand knowledge just how much fight Master Splinter has. By the way if we make it out of this I am soooo bringing Dad back here one day to find his own rat lady..."


Chuckling at the little turtle, his happy soft chatter and soft voice, reaching over to rub the little shell. " he's learning fast, and actually played with some of the children here. Gotta teach him how to say Dad now I guess to keep our cover -' a grin, " and I suspect it would feel good."

As Donatello goes on about not liking the arrangement himself, it does not make Don feel any better about the whole thing. Or the Reinigen society really...

Though Don's a bit distracted by Liam crawling about in his lap seeking attention. The babbling has a lot more words in it now. The boy has changed a lot in just a couple days! He went from words to simple sentences. He nuzzles the boy, speaking softly to the child, but still listening to his counterpart speak.

"Yes, Liam. We're staying together."

Again, Don is pretty sure he would have done the same, and he does feel himself at least softening to the idea as logic is brought into it. Don responds well to logic, which he's sure is also true of his counterpart, and the larger turtle would know that! Between that and the child crawling around in his lap Don is at an unfair disadvantage!

"Bringing logic into this argument was entirely unfair." He's teasing. Sort of. "I still don't like it, but... I respect your decision. And thank you..." Because Don knows he's the reason the deal was made at all. And he doesn't like that one bit. But it's hard to stay upset about it with Liam demanding his attention the way he is.

Don gives his counterpart a glance that says the conversation is not over though! Even if he's pretty sure it is... Either way, Don does allow the change of subject. Because the larger turtle is right. They can't go around saying that Liam is Don's son if the child is calling him by his name.

"Liam is Don's son. Don is Liam's dad. Can you say Dad?" He's sure the child can, he's picking up words so quickly it's almost unbelievable! And he's sure it will feel amazing to hear Liam call him Dad, but Don's mood is still tempered by the bomb his counterpart just dropped.

Liam squirms in delight being nuzzled and he watches Don's face when there was talk and chatter between the bigger turtles just relishing the attention.

When there was focus on himself he grins.

Tilting his head and considering this new word. It wasn't a hard word, he had the sounds down and in fact in normal upbringing it was usually one of the first words most toddlers learned. And he had heard it a few times around these strange furry people.

And he shifts closer to Don's plastron higher up his lap, touching his own bluish plastron, " Liam is son? Don... Dad?" touching Don's plastron his tail wagging away again. " Liam says... Dad? no Don?"

A muffled snigger, " Well I have to logic myself into getting psyched for this. I'm... engaged." He chuckles in a whisper watching the little boy and smiling.

" yes Dad... Daddy..." He helps it along watching his counterpart - slightly envious with a grin and soft sigh, " I'd like to hear that word myself one day.... one day."

Don smiled gently at the child.

”That’s right. Liam should say Dad now. It’s a special word that only you call me. Okay?”

Don frowned at his counterpart for a moment, though he sort of understood. He would need to logic himself into something like that too...

”I guess the appropriate response on my part should be ‘Congratulations.” But he can’t really make himself feel that sincerely... Though... maybe it would be great. It was possible...

”Though, maybe there will be a tiny rat-turtle saying it to you someday.” And how proud would Grandpa Svengal be to have a Genio Innocuo hybrid in the family... That thought is the one that’s a little sickening. Don hasn’t even met this guy and he doesn’t like him...

And Don has a thought he can’t help but laugh at.

”I guess both of our Master Splinters are going to be pretty surprised when we get home.”

Annnnnd Liam squeals suddenly, and loudly, falling back on Don's legs giggling and doing a toddlers version of 'wooo hooo' and 'yippeeeee' and 'yaaaaaaay!' which included moving around enough to bounce on the bed excitedly - only coming back to Don's lap and plastron properly when he laughed.


his tail in the air and wagging so hard his butt with it, " Daaad - Daddy Daaaad!" practicing the word and finding he enjoyed it, saying it and the warmth it brought.

And there it was -

And even the little boy seemed to be relishing the shift in relationship.

Donatello watches the excited little sort of 'dance' and 'bounce' chuckling - 

" he learns fast -" he grins, " good boy Liam..."

Shrugging a bit and nodding, " Congratulations helps a bit, so thanks. And you would have... possibly made the same decisions in my position we're not brothers but we're brothers." a small grin.


The kids excitement and joy was wonderful, " you might be right, if the misses likes me... when this is all over if she doesn't and wants a end to this arrangement I'll let her be." he promises his counterpart.

Sniggering and nodding, " if your Splinter is anything like mine He'll be wonderfully elated to be a grandad... and so very amused with the circumstances that we have found ourselves in.'

Don’s eyes widened in surprise, then delight at Liam’s little flopping dance in his lap. He kept a hand to the side of the child between him and the edge of the bed, just in case. And yes, he feels high again. He laughs as Liam leaps back up against him. Don hugs the boy tightly, and whispers, just for Liam.

”I love you, Son.” It feels weird coming out of his own mouth. Weird, but wonderful.

He looks over and listens to Donatello once Liam’s display is complete, still half laughing. He nods understanding, and smiles. ”Yeah... I would have.” he admits.

On the next point, Don should have expected no less from the larger turtle. He’s a good guy. A good person.

”In that case, I hope it works out for you. And perhaps you are the best thing that could have happened to her. Imagine if it was someone who didn’t care if she liked him or not.” In most societies that would arrange marriages like that, Don knew women were typically viewed as property. Not people. Though Donatello seems to be being treated as property too. And Don doesn’t like that one bit. Though, if things were to turn horrible, he’s sure his counterpart could slip away and disappear forever. Just like the Genio Innocuo.

Don laughed at the last as well.

”I am sure he will be... Not sure what he will think about me bringing home a child at sixteen... but too late, really.” What could Splinter do about it even if he didn’t approve? Send Liam back? Because that’s not happening. Actually, Don is pretty sure his father would be more distressed if Don were to bring home a wife than Liam. Though, under the hypothetical circumstances, Splinter would probably be more upset with the Reinigen than with Don.

He couldn't have been a happier little guy and of course there was an attempt at a cheek smooch, a little wet cause toddlers were not so good at it, Liam no exception in this case.

But he tried! happily announcing " I loves Do - ad! I loves Dad." almost using name then recalling no now it was Dad.

Not sure what the big turtles were discussing but nodding from his hugging tight to Don's plastron position as if he did in fact know what they were saying.

" wouldn't be the first teenaged father so theres that-" in total amusement of course any of their fathers would have something to say about becoming responsible so young. " for that matter many near nineteen year olds get married too... and thanks maybe this will turn out for the better, I've never even had a long term girlfriend. Brief sexual encounters sure, some paid for escort type company... which will end if things go well with this Reinigen I have never met."

He is not sure whether he would miss that entirely. Maybe a little.

" ummm I haven't told the others yet, maybe I will now you know."


And on that note, " how are you feeling anyways? up to our crazy mob coming back in to join us? maybe getting out of bed? a bath? their bathrooms are quite nice even for turtles our sizes. Could take him if you want." pointing at the very happy little guy.

Don laughed and pulled the child close, holding him tightly. He never wanted to let him go.

But there is still the discussion with his counterpart. He nods a sort of 'good point' as he continues to snuggle Liam. Yes, I would imagine that you continuing to provide escort services would be frowned upon. You should tell them."

Don was interested in getting out of the bed! It smelled like sickness. Which made sense, considering he still did too, and would until he took that bath the larger turtle mentioned. Which actually did sound rather amazing. His last actual chance to really clean up had been before landing in the Nexus... and he's actually lost track of how long they've been here. That is sort of an oddity for him, but Don isn't entirely sure how long he was unconscious or out of it.

Actually, I feel sort of scarily good... He admits. Whatever Liam had done had worked almost too well. "I'd like to get up and see them. And is that a hint? I feel like that's a hint." He laughs regarding the bath as he shifts to actually get out of the bed. He doesn't anticipate a problem, but he sets Liam on the bed as he gets up just in case.

The movement and standing up allows him to self assess a little better. He still stands by the 'scarily good' statement all things considered. He's a little stiff and sore from having been in that bed for... however long it had been. He heard 'a couple of days.' Which leaves some room for interpretation. Still, he's not nearly as sore as he would have expected to be.

Once he's on his feet and sure he feels secure, he picks Liam back up and puts him on his hip. He feels a little bit like he's swimming in his own shell and wonders how long it's been since he actually ate something... There were a couple of Gyoza about the time the fairy bat dragon had been there, but he's not sure how long ago that was, and he only remembers eating one or two.

"Well, Son, what do you think? Should we go take a bath? Then at least I should probably get something to eat..." He has no idea when Liam ate last.

Churring, tail waggity wag and so very wriggly with excitement, even when places on the bed he yep yeps to the chatter of the big turtles, still without any idea what they were saying but adding his two cents anyways.

He was called son again! yay!

He grins and back in Don's hold he considers, " mmm baaafff yeth! baaff and nomnoms!" cause he loved bath! and food! he got what ever food he wanted here...

Donatello grins and chuckles, yes his carefree bachelor days were potentially at an ed.

He pretends to sniff as Don and Liam get up onto feet and or in arms and nods with Mikey worthy melodramatics for a moment, " yes I'm afraid so Don a biiig hint..." but faking it and making it apparent he was before moving to his own feet and gathering up don's gear, stashing his staff beside his on his shell and among the tech pack stuff. " People here are determined to feed us... come on if you no mind a little walk I'll take you back to the rooms we've been so graciously given to use and you can bath there, it'll be more private, otherwise you might find staff and servants and maybe some of the locals in the bath house with you. And youmight like the time alone with the little guy."

though it was obvious Donatello was going to stay close buy he nods at Don, " glad to hear it, you have lost some condition being down, but the way these guys feed us Genio Innocuo ... still maybe not to much heavy stuff given it's been just shy of two full days since we got here and you ate very little on since I've been with yous."

Waiting to see if Don wanted to be led out of this infirmary private room to their own suites, they would no doubt find the others outside somewhere and take them all back to the rooms too.

Don laughed and pulled Liam close. It seemed that someone had introduced the child to a bath at some point, which was good, but he was sorry to have missed it. Liam had seemed confused about them when they'd first arrived. He didn't dwell on it though.

He laughs softly at the melodramatics, but he's very much aware that he smells! Since he has no idea where they're going, he waits to follow Donatello out.

"Actually, a walk sounds good. And Yeah... I'm not sure I want to go meet a bunch of the locals just yet..." at least not in a situation he can't easily get out of. Or ever, really, but he has a feeling it's going to happen sooner or later. And he has a feeling they'll at least come across some on this walk. It’s been awhile since he’s been up and moving. He’s actually sort of eager to move.

And he half smiles at the last information.

"Okay, Mom." It's stated fondly though, brotherly banter, and clearly as a joke.  And he has no intention of going crazy. For starters, he knows better. But really, he's not starving like he's pretty sure he should be, just sort of hungry.

He then frowns. Usually he's much more aware of how much time has passed. Unless he's caught up in work, which has definitely not been the case since they arrived here. He's been unconscious for two days here though, and at least most of a third after he touched Liam's mind. So there are legitimate reasons for him to be a little confused about time.

"How long ago was that? I mean... I know I'd been here for about a day before we encountered you, but after that it's sort of a blur.

Donatello chuckles and siiiighs, " maybe you'll have more luck actually getting Liam into the tubs, their great! I mean I am sooooo building one for home.... with solar lamps...." half dreamy and moving with Don and the boy slowly steering them out of the sick room. busy staff looked at them curiously but true tot heir words Mikey and Leo had kept most at a wide berth. 

" but Liam refuses to go in the big tubs... their like spas you can submerge completely, all stone and water piped in though natural pools so mmmm niiice mid warm... He just... refuses. I'd say about a week here in Nexus, three of those here in the fortress, first day I spent getting here when you passed out then on our second night you started coming around, and this is the third day here." he counts off, " Something about you becoming sick or the eel attack really has the little guys spooked, your son needs a reintroduction to bath time, he has only tolerated being stood in a tub and sponged off, mind all the ladies love doing it and thinks its adorable... still he's a turtle can't be scared of big big water as he calls it forever."

Hugging and giggling though he tilts his head and wonders out loud gazing up at Don " Mom?mmmmom? is moooom.... Dad?" for he's heard this word too sometimes.

And then - shudders a bit " biiii igg water nooo bi bi big water!" hiding his face in Don's shoulder and neck.

Leon was back and grinned at the pair of Dons and the little boy. " hey hey hey your up and moving about, that's great... and looook Donatello momming you - he's been seriously moming us lately think he's enjoying it instead of being on the receiving end from his Leo." chuckling when Donatello nods agreeing.

" on that train of though of moming Leon want to be a dear and see if we could have light meals in how quarters, salads, brothy soups, fruit cheese dry bread or crackers, water... cooooofffeeee pleaaase...' he ads this with a small groan of longing. " something for all day please cause Don and Liam might be a while in the tub."

Leon siiiiighs, thumbing at the big guy, [color=#3333ff]" see what I mean... moming hard."[/color but grins and hurries off again -to find Inaba and get the food done. A quiet day in the quarters together.

Smiling sadly, Don hugs Liam and tries to explain. "A mom is sort of like a dad, but moms are girls. I'm just teasing him."

Don frowns as he listens to the information. While part of him wants to know that happened to scare the child so, he's also sure it would make him angry so perhaps it's best he doesn't. He nuzzles Liam. He won't force the issue right, now. Not while they're walking. But he'll try to get him in the tub.

When they pass staff that turns a curious eye, he finds himself shying away, and it takes a conscious effort to stop himself and just follow. This... wandering around out in the open is strange. Even though he knows it's okay, he finds himself on edge. He's almost hyperaware of where others are, the path they're taking, and where other paths seem to lead. Don knows it's unreasonable, but he's having trouble controlling it.

Don laughs at Leo's information, and the fact that Donatello didn't bother trying to deny it, and really just doubled down on the matter. Don knows himself though, and he only 'moms' his brothers when he's particularly worried or nervous. He doesn't say anything out here in the hallways, just files the information away for later.  The big guy definitely has reason to be nervous. And Don's responsible for that... He just manages not to sigh.

Don freezes as he has a thought.

There's a glance to yet another curious staff member and Don frowns and hurries to catch back up. He whispers softly to his counterpart.

”The last -and probably only- body of water he was near had a squid in it...”

Donatello didn't mind the looks, but he was glad to get into the rooms.

The space they had been give was a wide open floor with rooms off it he gestures "those are the bedrooms I moved beds into one so Inaba could have her own space, us dudes all in the other, not that we have used them much... The bathroom is through that door and the privy through the other." he himself moves around the centre table and chair towards the balcony to open the doors and push back curtains let in light.

Nodding, " yes could be. Sure you will help him through it though."

Moving back to the two and rubbing the little boy's head.

Liam nods... trying the word a few times, " girl... girls liiiithe Naba?" glancing about for the bunny - seeing some sort of familiar faces and waving at some. 

In the room he had only been in briefly he points eagerly at the table and it's wooden carved bowl of fruits. " Grrr apesss puh leaaase Daaad?" tail wagging a bit. he liked the sweet little fruits!

Don laughed softly at Liam. "Inaba is a girl, yes."

He's nervous the whole way to the rooms, but does manage a slight smile at the various people that Liam waved at. He feels like a fish out of water. When they're finally in the suite, he lets out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

Following the larger turtle toward the center of the room, he sets Liam down and considers the request.

"Um... yeah... I guess that's okay..." He can only assume that's why they're there... But he glances at the larger turtle all the same, assuming he would stop them if it weren't okay before making any sort of move to actually get some of the grapes for Liam. Though if Liam actually knew what they were and that they were there, someone must have given him some before.

"But when you're done, we need to go check out the bath that Donatello was talking about."

" Just take them with him," a grin and Mikey is in the room having come in through the balcony.

" good to see you on your feet Don - and help yourself we are after all Genio Innocuo." he does just that grabbing a large fleshy fruit and biting through it. Some were fairly recogniable some less so. This one not, but its flesh was sweet the seed within nutty and the skin rubbery so he ate it all!

flopping onto one of the many piles of cushions lying about.

Donatello chuckles, ' All Mikey's would be at home here, say your hungry and these people just about give you an oxe worth of food to eat. Anything... One of the advantages of being Genio Innocuo indeed." he takes a sweet potatoe like looking thing, it was a sweet tuber and he chews just so Don knew it was perfectly okay, no poisons and or tampering. 

And also checking himself just encase, because never knew one or two of the staff or servants or Reinigen might not be happy about them here.

He tests a couple of the grapes but felt no tingling or bitter tastes of smelled anything. " taste alright. And Liams been fed at every turn... they love spoiling him, I suspect you'll have interested females seeking your attention Don, given how cute they think your son is." some what teasing, but mostly a warning, Mikey chuckling from his cushion pile and agreeing with an uh huh.

On his feet Liam bounced about excitedly towards the table and trying to climb up into a chair. But even so after he managed to pull himself up he was too short to reach the bowl, and he had been told not to climb on tables... no matter how fun it was!


So he looks over his shoulder at Don eagerly beaming - tail wagging.


Giggling at Mikey.

Don grinned as Mikey came in.

"Thanks, it's good to be on my feet again. How's your wrist?" He had noticed that it was wrapped earlier right after Liam's little trick in the infirmary.

The other two seem awfully comfortable... and Don feels himself starting to relax too. "I guess..." He responded to the comment about the benefits of being Genio Innocuo.  He's not fond of the deception being employed for this sort of treatment, though with as deep in it as they are, they're stuck. He's definitely not interested in being the one to do something to break the deception though.

He laughs softly at Liam's tail wagging at the table pulls off a bunch of grapes for the boy. "Here, you little goofball." He nuzzles Liam again as he hands over the small bunch of grapes. Then he takes a couple of grapes for himself. He also picks up one of the small, fig looking fruits. He's had one before so it's not completely foreign. He intends to bring it with him as Mikey suggested though.

It's a good thing he hadn't quite gotten around to eating any of the fruit when his counterpart spoke again, because Don probably would have choked on it. As if the handful of people watching them in the hall hadn't been bad enough...

"Good to know..."

Don watches Liam with the grapes for a moment, actually eating one of the grapes he pulled out for himself. And a good grape it was! He could see why the boy was drawn to them. Still, he would stick to the two for now. He hasn't really eaten in a week, and fruit can easily turn problematic.

"I can tell someone's been spoiling him. He looks more like a toddler now, and less like the little twig of a creature I found in the swamp." And Don knows that's a good thing. Liam looks healthy now, rather than just barely a step above emaciated.

He then turns to Liam. "Are you ready for that bath yet? Because I sure am."

Chuckling and eating the root vegetable he'd picked he moved to the pile of scrolls and books on another desk he'd asked for, " I've been researching a bit about the savannah lands we will be crossing on our way to the capital, just encase we have another incident. And trying to learn a bit about the Draco's kind and the Daimyo." He explains to Don, then recalling looks sheepish. " so not the time to geek out, after a bath - sorry - have fun you two... indeed it's great he looks so good shiny shelled and probably why he never tried to do what he did to you before..."


Moving away from the books and to some cushions of his own flopping down among them. Sniggering at Don's reaction to the news females might be coming to him. " hehe I can guarantee some where in this world my three brothers have stumbled onto interested females. I have a feeling we will be back to this world a lot." amused by the though and relaxing back watching the two not far from mikey and tossing the last chunk of his food at him.

Liam's tail went all the crazier for a moment, nuzzling into Don's touch, bouncing eagerly on the seat until grapes were in his reach then he shifts and sits his backside for a moment feet kicking happily now as he puts as many grapes in his mouth as he can!

So when he looks up at don his cheeks are bulging with the fruits and he mmmm hmmmmms around them eagerly, his fear of the up coming bath for the moment distracted by his attempts to chew all the grapes, some juice dribbling down his chin and his arms going up at once nodding eagerly one still holding the bunch of grapes the other making those eager motions all little ones did.

Sniggering and catching the morsel and chewing it down! rolling onto his plastron to watch Don and Liam, "I thiiiink my brothers would find the same thing... interesting too - what of yours Don?"

It was cute watching the eager little guy and this other Donatello. 

And for once he did look like a toddler, not like Dobby the house elf.

Hopefully else where in the world his brothers had the same fortune and other big turtles had fallen in love with them in this way.

He knew his Leo would.

" short Leo with us might might make bunny jealous if he takes up any interest.... and my wrist is fine, sort of sprained it in a fight ont he way here some sort of jackel like dudes tried to nab us."