Cheese!

DonneBoy is fast at his work digging through his little boo boo box without looking and using some of those little pull together ditches after cleaning up the laser slashed flesh and some of the burnt too, ignoring, yep flat out ignoring the occasional glare or grump from Raphie as the guy works and cleans and gets the edges lined up and ditched in his untidy but very effective little row of stitches, "we were lucky thanks for the save Stitch."


Raphie is catching the glances but has a feeling Leo maaaay save it for a more on on one, " bet I could pin you down.... hahaha or April." he teases his bestie and well DonnieBoy is finished with Hina Nd he flexes his muscle, "mmmm gonna scar, cool."


Mike and Stitch maybe are hovering around Don's watching closely now after the initial take off, but being quiet as possible because April was still for the moment relaying a route to Don for Leo and to Haili, or maybe Haili has some too, as they avoid emergency crews and slip out of the way.



~


April can hear and a chuckle waaoes her, glad to hear all the voices, but mostly Casey's voice, and Raphie's tease.


Behind her Lilo does the cutest little yay jig on the spot and then hurries off to get into a wrap about skirt wrapping in dress style around her, then hurries off to Leo's room, and flicks on the light pausing to look about and soak it all in. Before switching off the light and heading to the neat bed, taking in the smell of the turtle who slept here


Erica sees April relax a bit and she dies too a little but she and Haley and Splinter all waited.


~


Kraang zoomed over head cloaked, waiting until clear and then taking a shot at the hauler. The shock of sort of laser and electric energy beam causing a crack in concrete and tar and missing the hauler barely.


~


Stitch had moved to Leo's side by that point and growled a little when shots are fired at them!

"Yes, Thank you, Stitch for stepping in when an attack was clearly not thought through."

Leo knows Don's insecurities, and that might have been a low blow. Not wrong, not untrue, but... perhaps below the belt. Don just cringed though, and Leo didn't continue down that path. Not right now, but it is, perhaps a taste of things to come.

There is an amusing bit of banter going on behind him, but Leo is focused on driving. Following directions from April and HAILI and definitely trying not to think about the conversation he's going to have to have with Don when they get home.

~~

Lilo will find Leo's room near immaculate. There is just enough sort of, almost clutter to suggest that someone does actually live there. There is a historical fiction book on the nightstand that he is clearly in the middle of. The rest of the books are neatly on the shelf, though there does not seem to be an obvious organization. Leo is fond of historical fiction for pleasure, but there is a generous smattering of nonfiction titles in there too. Also mostly historical, though several relate to various types of meditation and martial arts too.

There is a low drawer with a couple of disguises in it. They're neatly folded. A slightly higher drawer contains various gear that he might need on a mission. His black dogi, different belts, storage for carrying small weapons he might not usually use. No actual weapons are laying around his room though. Anything that had been there, other than what he normally carries on his person was removed and locked up in the dojo when the kids arrived.

Upper drawers contain things he might actually use on a semi regular basis. His masks and a couple spare, standard belts, knee and elbow pads and a couple wrist guards are in the top drawer. The second drawer, perhaps oddly, contains an assortment of items. Pens and pencils, paper, a small dry-erase board and markers. There's a bar of soap and unopened toothpaste and tooth brush. Small items that Leo doesn't have another space for live here. He actually has a 'junk drawer' in his bedroom. There's not much in it, but some scuffing on the inside of the drawer might suggest that small weapons might have been in there at one time.

The bed is made, and the sheets have been washed within the past few days. There are a few photos of his family on the walls, nothing before they were about 10 though. That is about the time Don had been able to actually piece together a working computer, photo quality printer and digital camera.

Leo doesn't know that it had actually been a functioning printer than had been the hold up.

In the very back of the top shelf of the closet, underneath a bit of spare bit of spare bedding Leo never, ever uses is one sort of weapon. The old snare shooter that Leo never wants to see again is unloaded and buried where he hopes his brothers wouldn't look for it. Other than that bit of bedding and a couple towels, the closet is empty.

Don is mostly ignoring the looks he's getting from Leo. But he does cringe slightly after the comment from DonnieBoy, and the look and soft growl from Leo that followed. While he was grabbing supplies, he also removed his headset so April's feed automatically went to the Hauler's speakers.

He is still working on Casey's slightly more severe injury when the banter with Raph continues. Casey's took a little more effort to clean properly, and will require more stitches. Casey is used to being patched up by Don or occasionally one of the others, and is far less grumpy about it than Raph is.

"In your delusional dreams! Mine'll be bigger!" Casey tried to pump his fist with the injured arm, only for Don to latch onto it and growl. He didn't actually say it, but 'hold still' was made quite clear. It wasn't a move that would damage Casey, but it hurt enough that he got the message.

"Geez, Dude. Alright, alright."

"Incoming." The shot missed, but it did cause the Hauler to have to swerve a bit. The warning did give Don enough time to not actively be making a stitch on Casey's arm when it happened.

Don growled again. He doesn't like it when people shoot at his truck!

~~

Leo glanced down, there was nothing on the scanner.

"HAILI, do you have a direction on that?"

"Of course." HAILI is already anticipating the next order, and three missile housings open.

"If you have a clear shot, take it."

"Firing."

8 missiles launched almost simultaneously, but are set to detonate at multiple distances. Leo doesn't much care if they actually hit Kraang or not. But he's hoping to at least distract the guy long enough for them to slip away.

The missiles will behave much like fireworks. Very illegal within city limits, but they won't actually draw the sort of attention from the authorities that other weapons might. They are blinding, and give a surprisingly heavy, very hot smoke cover. The smoke and heat should mask the truck from most sensors.

And no one is going to suspect the garbage truck.

That could also have counted for some of the dangerous nonsense and actions Raphie has done in the past so it was the sort of low blow that would have made sense for him, but it more of ticked him off when Leo pointed it out in their arguments, cause Raphie rarely took lectures even if well earned, he argued.


Occasionally it also included some fists.


So he sort of winced with Don but covers it with a protesting grunt at DonnieBoy whom much to Raphie's amusement squeaked a but and almost poked himself in the about with the corner of the end of a tube of disinfectant cream he had just finished spreading on the stitched spot. Raphie aims a tease at Mike though lightly brushing Don's arm as DonnieBoy tries to pack up his box of boo boo, " hah like a Mike plan, never thought through - Ack!" hah! And a frown at DonnieBoy as the just getting closed boo boo box sprang open at the attack and the innards tumbled all over him. Right in the middle of informing Casey that, " hehe Dr Don will fight you on that." nodding at the arm and maybe a tease at Don too, knowing his brother doesn't adopt that term.


Swearing out loud and no switching words half way to cover up cause no little ears about being shot at! Hey they just got her up to date!!


But the next attempt didn't come from above as the cloaking screen of missile smoke and heat did the trick and Kraang veered off a weird ripple in the sky only and little else. Hahing again and leaving it to Mike to help the skinny bean in purple repack his boo boo box.


Mike had grinned at that, yeah could have been a 'him' moment, but gives Raphie a bird finger for that! Then as Raphie now adds an outloud " good work Haili." Mike first snaps a picture of first aid stuff covered Raphie before helping Don's counterpart repack, waving off Don's concern, he was fine - though not stopping him his his brother insisted on printing antiseptic on his few scratches and cuts from the fight.


April's voice now heard in the truck, " are you guys okay?! And from the police chatter I am getting and what systems I can patch into close by in the fire department truck out there and the ambulance I can counter half a dozen of the dragons are arrested and all the survivors are being rounded up, or treated and the fire crew is starting to douse the flames now." worry in her tone.


~

Lilo is a tad nosy, she does trace fingers over his books and considers the titles. She herself in down time liked to read medical books. Old practices and new and fairytales or the alternative fairy tales spread over age ranges and authors. She smiles and touches other things just curiously.


A giggle at how neat all the clothing draws are and with a mmmm wondering how she might go adding a little... her to Leo's space.


A silent and tiny invasion of the island of Kauai ooooh she hurried back to the space craft she and Stitch had flown here in and drew out of the storage space in the front some items.


Placing carefully, for some reason a hula girl lamp Stitch had tossed into the little hover car. And to Leo's knick knack drawer her shell hair clip among the great collection of his photos adding one of herself, Stitch, David and Nani all at GraceLand placing it where it would prop against another but not obscure his already their photos, and into his closet to hang lonely in a neat fold one of her face wrap about skirts.


Not much all told poking her head out to check on her friends and April and listen - watch for a moment before moving to find a book to peek into, one of the fictions.

Don's fight against a lecture generally takes a very different approach. Don fights with words, but given that flinch, he probably won't fight it much if at all.

The frown at his plan being like a Mike plan is well hidden. Don is working on Casey's arm, and any response could easily be at something he's finding there, but that... that hurt because actually what he did was more dangerous than most Mike plans are!

He grunts at being called a doctor. He knows Raph is teasing him with it. He heard. But any response was derailed by Kraang Prime's attack, and the subsequent moment of returned fire. And if, for that moment, Don is just a little giddier than one should really be when launching ordnance like that... well... Okay, he is. He will absolutely claim that it's just because the tech worked!

His brothers know better.

"Thank you, Raphael."

Once they've slipped away in the smoke and heat, Don very much does insist on putting antiseptic on Mike's scrapes and cuts, minor though they may be. If nothing else, it gives him a task to focus on for the rest of the trip home.

"HAILI, are there any trackers on you?"

There's an almost audible blip out as HAILI switches modes briefly. The air feels tingly for a moment within the Hauler.

"I do not believe so, but if there were, they're toast now."

Don leaned over and patted the panel where he usually sat.

"Thanks."

Leo does not like relying on senses not his own, but until they're through the heat and shock of the blast, he has to trust HAILI's sensors. He does so, but he doesn't like it!

Once clear of the blast zone, he pulls down an alley that gives him access to an old subway tunnel. Once there, he's less worried about a tail, and Don's tech should pick up anything out of the ordinary that might be follow them.

"We're okay, April. He missed... barely." Leo informed their friend. "Thanks for the update."

April blipped out for a moment with HAILI when she cleared herself of any unwanted tech, and Leo shuddered through the tingly sensation. Don didn't seem to mind, but Leo didn't like that feeling one bit.

He can only hope the rest of their trip back to the lair is without incident!

April slumps in relief, " oh thanks goodness -" pausing her sentence when she sees for a moment the signal drop and continuing when the little window that showed her voice was transmitting came back up. " the police are all over the radio with the medical and fire services, the fire is not spreading to the firies think they will be able to get ontop of it and put it out quick, a few purple dragons have been nabbed, others are being chased and I thiiink most of the victims have been collected, I will keep a ear on the chatter." she reassurres now that she is sure the others are okay - it wasn't supposed to be a long mission tonight, get in help these people and get out, mess up the pd's operations a little and hopefully remove them as allies for the kraang - or at least sources for the kraang for a bit.


~


DonnieBoy shivers under the sensation of being rayed, " mine is a tickle ray - um well MetalHead's is, he choose that himself I am not sure why? maybe a subconcious effort to illicit a little pleasure and fun during the scan for those organics being scanned so their more inclined to stay in place and let it happen because it feels nice... I think so anyways." mostly in relieved out loud thoughts that they seemed to have shook off Kraang for now. Then some disapointment - " maaan sad we didn't catch a kraang to see if something could revert or remove the hive control on them."


Raphie grinned a little both as Don's reactions and Haili's thanks, nudging his brothers side in a slightly rough but happy way, " damned good work we did on her yeah? thats good to hear April." louder for her and chuckling slapping Casey's back, " bone head is fine too -" just for 'bonehead's' wife to hear. Though it was known by now just to tease his bud as much as make sure April was entirely reassured.


And for now watching the screen to Mike - and Stitch it looked like their pursuer was out of sight searching elsewhere in the city scape for them. The chuckles and elbows DonnieBoy, " hah no doubt you crazy Dons will tell Leo about some thoughts and crazier leader here will come up with a plan to catch a few to try helping don't worry." sensing that Raphie was trying to difuse however bad a Leo lecture might be for Don, and trying to add to it, tease Leo, tease Don, joke about let the tension flow out a bit - reassure April whom soft relieved chuckles let them know it worked for her at least.

Leo is half shaking his head at the sort of giggling from Don when the screening blasts went off.

"Thanks, April." It really was nice to have eyes on the situation as they made their way home. And Leo was happy to see that they did seem to have slipped away from Kraang. Only once he's sure, does he actually start making his way home.

Having April on the job freed Don up for damage control. Though it actually seemed that Casey and Raph had been patched up just fine already. Because Leo had noticed Don moving onto Mike and even hassling his counterpart, who Leo had noticed actually accepted the doctor role much more than Don did.

Leo found it sort of amusing, while also recognizing it as what Don does when he's stressed.

While Leo does sort of recognize what Raph and Mike are trying to do, he is also feeling himself respond to it. This was normal. This was family. This was all of them getting home in one piece... okay, a few injuries, but nothing major.

And the fact of the matter was that Leo did sort of understand why Don lost it like that. Still... it's not okay. Absolutely not acceptable to lose control like that. Especially in a battle! Especially one that shouldn't have been that high stakes!

He doesn't really add to the banter in the back, but he is sort of coming down from the heat of the moment as he drives back to the lair. Fairly calm as he pulls into the garage.

"Hey, Babe!" Just to prove to April that he's fine.

"And who you callin' Bonehead, Bonehead?" Playful banter with Raph. He's fine, all patched up. He should probably avoid using his arm quite as much as usual for at least the next few days, but he's fine.

Though bad at following directions like "Don't use your arm." April might need to 'remind' him of that.

Shoving at Raph!

DonnieBoy mentioning a tickle ray actually gets HAILI thinking! Though this is unlikely to be obvious to anyone inside. Even the Donnies.

"That was aawwesome!" Soft but emphatic agreement with Raph! "That worked perfectly!" Total cover. Not even particularly well acted. Not a lie, exactly, but definitely not the same sort of honest excitement as the first statement!

Don likes it when things blow up...

But he is loath to admit to it!

Sort of a 'hunh' noise at the tickle ray. "It doesn't make them move too much to be scanned properly?"

Don is sort of nodding, agreeing that it's sort of unfortunate that they didn't capture a Kraang this time. "I'm sure there will be more opportunities, and we should probably come up with a containment unit of some sort for the thing before actually snagging one..."

And if Leo didn't like the Monster Hunter vests had made a reappearance, he's really going to hate the new snare shooter. Don does not know that Leo hid the old one. He assumed it was destroyed somewhere along the line. They want to capture lesser Kraang, not kill them.

When Casey starts trying to have a mock battle with Raph, Don is quick to put a stop to that! No irritating injuries! He will pressure point them and give them dead arms if he needs to.

As they continue their drive back to the lair, Don is checking the others for any small injuries. Raph and Casey have already been taken care of, and he's pretty sure DonnieBoy would have gotten his own injuries, and he's not sure Stitch even can be injured, but he's checking all the same. Pretty much up until the point that they actually pull into the garage. And he lingers a bit. Knowing that this is probably where Leo will want to 'have a discussion.'

DonnieBoy left most the aid to his counterpart, mostly because he knows Casey and Raphie and Mike better that he does - though he had helped, and becoming in his turn a good patient for Don and up close the remnants of his time as a vampire, slightly still elongated canine teeth are more noticeable in his small grin, as he also takes the moment Don is treating him to treat his counterpart, but only sort of, mostly seeing Don is okay physically and accepting this could be over fussiness due to stress. Their both relatively unhurt, even Casey and Raphie got off lightly considering the burns the blasters can cause massive burns and lacerations. He has plenty of old scars from those. He grins at Don, " most the time yes, you know that kinda tickle that happens when you touch the back of your neck and there is that delighted shiver and goosebumps? the sort that tickles in a delicious way that you anticipate and wait for even though it does tickle? I think that was MetalHead's goal, to create a feeling of anticipation." it was an affective way of getting them to stay still for that one crucial second for a scan before the sensation came over them. And disturbing a little that MetalHead choose to add it.


Listening to Don and smiling, " I guess - mmmmmm containment is fairly easy, but best have them contained in one of their droid bodies for speech, if talk is not needed without their droid bodies their fairly helpless unless they can find ai to control. They had specific tentacles that come out their bellies that engage with just about any system."


" thats good to hear - though if you and Raphie continue to mess about you may be unable to mess about with me later..." relief and a warning to follow Doctors orders! April though knows her favorite guy has trouble recalling that at times usually, but maybe a warning it might impede play time and trying to make baby time will help him remember and keep his injury fairly safe.


Maybe -


And when she hears the hauler pull up through the head phones she tucks them around her chin, wondering at the extra code briefly popping up on her screen that showed Haili might be adding or changing something in her soft ware or hardware - or just 'thinking' - though it moved to fast for her to read that quickly and figure out what it could be.


But their here! and she keeps monitoring the skies listening for if Kraang makes any other moves, she knows he prob wont, tonight was probably hoping to get a bit of a clue how the Purple Dragons had lost the little ones and Erica.


Raphie laughs and pokes back at Casey, giving to the shove and well normally he would be just as eagerly rough back to his best bud but after that warning from April - heck he might be in way for her wrath if he makes her hubby more injured that he was... and no one wanted April wrath on ya tail! " you are Bonehead... Mike's KnuckleHead and I am HotHead... not sure what kinda heads the others are.... GeekHead?' offering up and pointing at Don - Donnie's? huh now this one warranted some thought over. And they were back!


Splinter was able to draw a breath of relief and moves away to make up soothing teas for relaxation.


Much like the Haley taking a breath and relaxing too - then heading away to check on the boys and Elena all tucked away in their bed, Erica standing sort of behind April's seat and listening smiling at the relaxed way April slouched and the others breathed.


Mike can barely wait and scooping Stitch up once the rig stops he is bouncing out and - though his exuberant pose with the alien on his head is loud there is no actual shout of 'Herrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre's Mikey!' as usual because kiddoes were asleep! but the pose is loud! and gets giggles from Haley and Erica and a snort from April - there may have also been a sort of exasperated siiigh from somewhere in the kitchen.


~


and so very helpfully Lilo texts a pic of her seated on the edge of his bed. Just the tease of brown legs dangling over the edge and feet on the floor, hint of thighs and the wrap about skirt there.

Casey had been about to poke back at Raph, but April's words stopped him, and Don looked like he was about to intervene again. Though Casey didn't catch that.

"Yes, Babe."

He'll behave!

At least for a few minutes.

~~

Don is listening to the information about the tickle ray. That's kind of fascinating, and a little scary.

It might have been more scary if he'd known how much attention HAILI was also paying to the conversation.

But he is stressing about the conversation he knows is about to happen with Leo, and is fussing over any scratches anyone might have. Well, except Leo. He's not going there. He does notice that DonnieBoy has what Don considers elongated canines, but without knowing the history, he just assumes it's a difference in the dimensions, and doesn't actually think much of it.

As they're getting out of the Hauler, Don had almost attempted skittering away, but Leo stopped him.

"Donnie, hold up a bit. We'll catch up with the rest of you." waving the others off to other parts of the lair.

Don sighed and waited.

Leo is aware of the banter in the back, but he's not paying it much mind. Similarly for the softer conversations. They don't involve him, and he keeps his nose out and focuses on driving.

When he pulled in, he kept Don back, but sent the others ahead.

As Raph leaves, HAILI tries using a combination of her scanner and EMP generators at a low energy setting they shouldn't damage anything anyone is carrying to try a tickle ray on him. It's a little more brutish than she intended, and probably feels like she goosed him.

Leo checks his phone, and smiles at the picture. That is definitely incentive to keep this quick! Almost enough to forego a conversation with Don entirely! But... Leo can't have this happen again!

He shoots back a quick response. "Can't wait to see that in person."

Then a centering breath to refocus on what needs to happen first. Don was almost cowering, but looked confused at the same time. Picking up on Leo's reaction to the text from Lilo, but also knowing big brother is displeased with him.

"You lost control out there, Donnie." Straightforward, he doesn't need this to take any longer than necessary, for both their sakes! Firm because he's not allowing objections.

"I'm fine Leo."

"That's not what I saw out there. That was definitely not fine." You need help, Donnie."

And Leo isn't sure how to get it. Don's shrug was infuriating! Don knew, and... didn't care? Or maybe he just doesn't know any better than Leo how to get the help he needs.

"You nearly got us all killed out there, and for what?"

"They'd have been safe! Kraang would have been dead, and they'd have been safe!"

"For how long?" Okay, that was louder, and it was probably good the Hauler was well soundproofed.

Don cowed, but shrugged. Leo watched his brother for a moment. He does not like what he's seeing there. He frowned.

"There's still time Don. We'll get him, but we need to do it right. Don't make the sacrifice play when we don't need to yet. ...Can I trust you out there?"

Leo frowned when Don didn't look up. He patted his brother's shoulder and left the truck. Leaving Don to his thoughts for a moment. He sighed then went back into the lair proper. He's not really sure if its good or bad that Don didn't really fight him on this...

Raphie laughs and shoves his friend muttering " whiiiiiipped." because it he said it out loud April will gladly make sure all know he too is whipped, even by the woman he consider a best friend and older sister. And heck as he spots a pretty Haley up on her feet he so definitely wants to be whipped by her... or um clawed!


Maybe something of a yip and funny almost piroette and strange confused look toward the Haili... was that her? what? and a side eye as he moves around... sticking head back around the corner after a moment unable to hear Leo and Don but whispering for Haili. " almost haili... almost... good job" not sure what she was trying to do but taking a wild sai stab it might be a form of the tickle ray Metal Head had. And well it was almost!


And assuming it was her -


And ignoring the hearty guffaws coming from Mike and Stitch over there those two bouncing off in a ball of furry blue alien and blur of green and orange to go moon over the little dragonets and lil girl.


All probably feeling a little bad for Don being lectured.


Splinter was moving the teas to the table in full and obvious and pointed view of everyone! And taking in as he does the state of those that came in first, a little worried for Leonardo and Donatello - but when Leonardo arrived after a bit he breaths a sigh, then clears throat... oh he had no illusions his eldest son miiight be keen to follow the islander buuuut a throat clear should dar Leonardo over to him to give him a report, and take his tea and hers with him.


Haley moves closer to April as the red haired woman grins hearing Casey, knowing it wouldn't last too long but for now... and she sees him giggling at Raphie's weirdness, Haley near her, she checks the screen and pulls heads phones off moving any alerts to hers and Don's phone, for the moment seeing as Splinter had done teas...


She misses Erica sort of slip away almost as quiet as a ninja. Or at least a dancer.


~


Erica slips away seeing Mike and Stitch, DonnieBoy close behind them and Raphie then Casey, and then Leo, all looking patched up - puzzled when Don was not following... hurrying in that direction.  it does not take long to find him - and she is... sort of relieved, he looks okay - but not... and she moves closer brushing Don's shoulders with fingertips waiting for an invite - nooo she steps closer, a soft brush of her lips on cheek moving to earhole, this just for him - for his ear hole only something breathy and soft and soothing - a sound she recalls making herself in moments of grief. It's sort of a song? but it is also not.

"Oh yeah." No, Casey won't even deny it! He's happily whipped, thank you. "You would be too if you knew what she can do with a--"

Casey never finishes the sentence though, distracted as Raph did that weird pirouette! Then he started laughing!

"Cute, but I only give it a three. Poorly executed." And he hurried off to find April before Raph could retaliate! Yes, he has already forgotten the warning about going easy on his arm.

~~

When Raph poked his head around the corner and whispered that encouragement, if it's possible for a garbage truck to look pleased with herself, she absolutely does! There is a nonverbal 'thanks' in the form of a sort of wave of her mirror. Because she doesn't want to disturb the discussion going on between Leo and Don.

~~

Leo is, in fact, keen to go find Lilo, but he is also worried about his brother. And he doesn't really want to bring that with him. So actually just seeing Master Splinter there, and that tea out is more than enough to give him pause and draw him to his father first.

Also, until Splinter has his report, Leo is not yet off duty! And he settles at least briefly near his father.

"The Kraang showed up just as we got there, looking for revenge against the Dragons for losing the kids and Erica."

Who seemed to be slipping out of the room into the garage. Maybe she could help.

"We used the commotion to free the rest of the victims. And the Kraang blew up a chunk if the building as we were getting out."

And maybe a little hesitant on this part.

"Casey and Raph took a laser to the arm. They're okay, but... Don sort of lost it. He jumped Kraang Prime, and cracked the energy crystal powering his suit. Stitch managed to contain the resulting explosion, but..." Leo doesn't finish. If Stitch hadn't been there, if it had been only up to Leo and his brothers, they wouldn't have survived. And Leo is certain that Don didn't care about that.

"He needs help, Father. And I don't know how to reach him."

Don is silent and keeps his head down as Leo leaves. He is actually thinking about what he did. The gravity of his actions actually still, slowly sinking in. He put his head in his hands for a long moment. Then frowned and looked up. Remembering that he had been talking with Mortu a few days ago, then just left the guy hanging. Rude much?

"HAILI, Please use the main lair computer to send a message to Mr. Mortu, please. We are equipped to handle the situation on our own, but if any of the Guardians want to return, I am sure the assistance would be appreciated.' And attach all files regarding the Kraang and their current activities. And..."

Don hesitated long enough that HAILI actually requested the rest of the instruction.

"And... see if he knows anyone who specializes in treating PTSD... maybe someone who helped some of the Guardians?" Because surely some of them struggled when they left Earth. Right? He doesn't say why he's asking, and HAILI's message will be nearly word for word. He can still change his mind, or chicken out! Or maybe Haley knows someone. But the option is out in the universe, and... and he said it. Said what he's sort of known for years now. And options are good.

Don put his head back in his hands, still sort if realizing he nearly killed his brothers. He feels sick...

He does not look up when Erica enters, though he knows she's there. And he doesn't really respond to her touch to his shoulders.

He would have missed this... would have left the kids without their dads.

"Erica, I..." He trailed off at her song that wasn't quite a song. And he let himself fall into it.

It didn't make what happened better, not really, but it lessened the sting. Soothed the harshest of the wounds, made them a little more tolerable. He doesn't say anything, but pulls Erica close, hugging her securely, maybe almost clinging.

"Thank you."

He's almost ready to go face his family again.

...Maybe not Leo, but the others.

Erica presses into the hug, reciprocal to the almost clinging, near clinging herself, hearing his thanks and just smiling for a moment. " I over heard some... of what you asked Haili to.... do..." Sentence disjointed because she was butterfly wings soft kissing her way back to his lips in no rush happy to be held and squeezed and definitely wanting to hear his words, his voice. " no.... matter what led... up... to it... asking for that... kind of help.... is beautifully courageous of you oh so... sweet Chocolate Eyes."


Not rushing him out of here, not trying to get him to sit or move anywhere, just delighted, relieved to hug him. And be pleased he was, for whatever awful maybe come to a head possibly reason, he had asked for help.


It was a big thing.if he wanted to tell her everything, then please, if not then that is okay too and she will be happy just to hold him, be held by him, and yes her body pressing closer, arms moving to slip around him as far as she could with his shell, voice soft and the strange echo of that song still there, and even warm smell invites clinging! Cling!

Erica was there before Don could change his mind. Before he could reassess and have HAILI leave off the last bit of the message. That was actually part of why he had asked HAILI to send it. He has written the last part a few times to a few different people before changing his mind at the last moment and deleting the message.

Now? Now it was actually out in the universe, on its way to the Utrom homeworld, and Don had no way to stop it anymore.

There is a brief moment of unreasonable panic when Erica said she'd heard what he'd asked of HAILI. It's followed by a moment of confusion, because...kisses are good - especially these little all over butterfly kisses - so what did she hear?

She had heard exactly what he'd been afraid she had. And her outlook on it, her words, her presence and the light attentions are helping him relax. Helping him feel more secure in the decision to ask for help.

Don nuzzles into the kisses, adding a couple here and there. They're less energetic and eager, more out of a reflection of his own mood and thoughts than anything else. He had been worried about how what he just did would be received, and Erica's response really did help.

"Really?" Actually an honest question. Yes, very much worried about how the others will react.

And he really has no idea what he might have gotten himself into. He has no idea what any sort of help he might get might look like. No idea what it might be. Though... not really knowing what they're getting themselves into has been a fairly common occurrence. Especially of late.

Don has not let Erica go just yet, and he's quiet for a long time. Just... holding her. He needs a minute to get up the courage to tell her what happened. Part of him wants to move to another room, but... he doesn't want to brave the lair just yet. Though he's pretty sure HAILI is watching and listening to their every move!

"Kraang Prime fired a shot at Raph and Casey. They were hit... it wasn't that bad, but I didn't know that at the time... Um...It gets sort of fuzzy there... but I somehow, intentionally cracked the highly explosive crystal that powered Kraang's suit. I... I don't know how big the explosion would have been. At least it would have taken out the building, and us with it... if Stitch hadn't eaten it."

Raphie was just happy to have encouraged Haili - and hearing his best bud he snorts!


Snorts loudly - so loud Stitch said 'excuse me' without missing a beat with an echo of ooops from Mikey - both sort of under the expression they farted - oy vie Raphie thinks but is grinning because heck the pretty dang sexy dragon lady is over there and so is April - so he struts after Casey. " come on that was an untrained move I should get a four!" and once their close to the ladies he does the muscles pose for them deliberately bumping and shoving lightly against Casey in the motions. " check this out beautiful and gorgeous - newwww scar and all of dis." gesturing to all him!


Haley grins and wows - April pretends to beat Raphie out of the way with some random head set off of Don's little desk here. " impressive but I wanna see my lugs soon to be new scar!" eyes laughing towards her hubby and inviting him to show off a little, but also discouraging a bit some play rough housing between the two.


~


Splinter listens, he does glance towards Casey and Raphael when Leonardo covers what happens to them but both of them are over there making gooey eyes at the pretty women so can't be too hurt indeed as Leonardo says, a relief and amusing. He smiles. " It sounds like all told it was a successful mission, and maybe even if we can't see it now mayyyybe this... outburst is the turning point Donatello needed - healing these wounds is not... easy... and the path from them is hard you know that having come to your breaking point and finding a new pathway with the Ancient One. That might not be Donatello's way out... maybe Erica will be enough. Perhaps he will find some solace in his counterpart or Jumba or a combination of things. I doubt even if I tried to send him with your sons here and the sirens he will want to be away -" Leonardo needed the space and time and training to focus on to find his center and focus and self once more. Donatello might need fellow scientists to recenter, to have the space and time and activity he needed to find himself again. To make peace with his own demons. A nod and pushing the cups for Leo and Lilo towards his eldest, a silent thank you and dismissal. Or off duty. " we will have a think on it and if you think of anything else we will try helping our Donatello." he reassures.

More soft kisses, more of that soothing soft song just for him and a mmmm hmmmmm at his really - but no more at first.


And she is glad she held off. When Don starts talking she pulls back just enough to watch his face, just take in all. All and watch him. And for a moment she is quiet, just a moment, so he can watch her, watch her stay close, reach up and pull the loose pony tail out of her hair just for his fingers, and the scent it would release falling down her shoulders.


" Really, really..." taking her time because she wanted Don to know she wasn't just answering to placate. She was being honest with her thoughts. " instead of trying to brush it all aside, or forget... or letting the incident stew and ferment in your mind... you my love have reached out. It is an important thing. And very brave of you." her eyes not leaving his but not forcing the contact if he looks away.


and she is content to be held as long as Don needs her, soft words back near his ear hole.


reminding herself somewhere in her mind to give Stitch a coffee sometime.

He pauses a moment when she backs away, but since it's just to listen, he continued. It's taken a little while, but he's come down a bit. He doesn't feel amazing, but no longer sick to his stomach over what he did. That soothing song and her light affection pulling him back.

Oh, he likes it when she lets her hair down like that. Yes, he told her that if she felt like cutting it, that was fine. He stands by that! But... he does really like her long hair. And there was another one of those soft sighs as her scent filled the truck.

He is listening when she speaks. Honestly listening. Though the soft "okay," may not really sound like it. That's just  all he's got at the moment. It is sincere. He is listening, and accepting her words.

Hoping against hope that the others feel the same. And that... whatever he has to do won't be as terrible as his imagination comes up with based on Leo's stories. He had been hoping for just another moment, but HAILI started blasting Elton John. The song was actually applicable, which he is actually sort of impressed by, but the volume of 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight,' is startling and definitely shattered the moment.

He's honestly not entirely sure if that was her way of trying to help... or if she's telling them to get a room.

"Thank you, HAILI. Can you turn it down now, please?"

Don actually almost chuckled as the volume lowered and he offered Erica a hand up to head into the lair.

There is a bit of a snigger at the snort, but it's a little unclear whether Casey realizes that Mike and Stitch think it might have been them farting, or... whether Casey also thinks he farted, and is just trying not to draw attention to it!

"Hey, man. That's not in the rules. I don't make 'em." All tease, definitely not raising the score!

And Casey had definitely started bumping back against Raph, until April distracted him! Because he is more than happy to show off for her! Definitely trying to one up Raph's pose!

Don's stitches are small, and close together. Either he was taking his time, or he knows darned well that if he doesn't overdo the job for the Bonehead that it won't hold!

~~

Though Leo is not responding to the shenanigans of the others, he is aware of them in the way he's aware of everything around him. Maybe even a slight shake of his head at the snort fart thing.

Leo is less than thrilled with the results of this discussion. He wants to be able to trust his brother, but he really didn't like that reaction he got back in the Hauler.

He is worried. Truly, honestly, desperately concerned that Don will do something irredeemable at some point here. And in Leo's mind, wait and see is not a viable solution anymore.

He will not go against his father's words though, or the suggestion, but he clearly disagrees.

His single sentence on the subject is respectfully toned.

"I did not want to be away either."

He had needed it. There was a difference. He had needed the help. Even then he had known that. Still... part of him had felt kicked out at the time. Forced to go face and defeat his demons. Demons he needed to face to be whole again. It had been the right call, even if he had disagreed at the time.

And Leo truly, honestly believes that this last incident was a cry for help that shouldn't be ignored.

But, Leo honestly doesn't know how to help Don either. He doesn't think Don would do well with the Ancient One's methods. And so... he doesn't really have a suggestion yet. Though maybe Haley or even Lilo will. So... think about it. Okay.

"Hai, Sensei."

Leo accepted the cups and was just heading toward his room when he heard music. He isn't sure of the context, but he chuckled slightly as he slipped out of the main lair and into the bedroom.

He had hoped not to bring his concerns with him, but maybe not quite all of them have been wiped away.

"Did some redecorating, I see." Light amusement in his tone. He just walked in, and there was no obvious glance about the room, but he did easily pick up on the small changes. He moved to Lilo's side and offered her the tea.

April grins, fanning herself at the posing, but mostly undercover of her flirty kiss to that stitched up spot just for Casey she is checking on the work done there and well she needn't have worried the fine line of stitches are done nice and tight, but not so that it would pull against his skin and cut into it making it worse, also she brushes her thumb over it next as besidethem soooo amusingly Raphie made a soft funny sound and sort of melted to the floor -


Haley standign there looking pleased with the reaction and considering her next move having stepped nimbly aside after stroking that spot just under Raphie's chin and making him melt... ooooh yeah she giggles and sits on him rubbing his plastron that makes the red clad mutant burst into deep loud churrs and even a foot goes... like a puppeh! hahaha!


April grins at Casey, " Knew you would be alright tough guy - think we should just call it a night down here with the guys...?" nodding towards the guest room, admittedly it meant quiet smexins and baby makings if they do any but also it could mean catching the kiddies up early! either one she is happy with! and right now giggling at the way Casey definitely won this show off round because Raphie is currently on the floor with a leg going crazy!


~


Splinter apologises, a sad sort of smile, he doesn't like the wait and see response really, Leonardo must know that, but also is well aware no doubt his team members individual recoveries or at least some what recoveries would require a different appraoch to eahc - his look still troubled though and a small nod to Leonardo, he had regretted -


And at the same time not regretted sending Leonardo away.


Also missed him terribly - perhaps though that was what Donatello need at some point too - maybe with the new sciency minded friends, a retreat for the intellectual within far from this mess and kids...


Maybe?


He doesn't know, less sure of it this time than he had been the ancient One being the solution to Leonardo's fury and stress and grief at his own perceived failings to his brothers. " I am sorry for the... lack of anything concrete now Leonardo and I didn't want to send you away either... we will think of something." not exactly an answer as Leonardo headed off. But sort of an answer and agreement. They would find a way. Somehow.


~


Lilo nodded, looking oh so very serious. " you were missing a hula girl... for sure." but on the inside she is a wonder a flutter in the belly and also all shivery and well also something else?


watching his face and wowing as there is a tea for her too? she takes it with a ooooooooooh sound, "m thanks... what is it? mmmm smells alright..." mostly chamomile and soft smelling lemon for relaxation and vitamin c ooooh lets her leg rest lightly against his when he sits down with her. " what is rattling around inside that head?" tone is playful. but in away she would with her besties, searching for what it was that is troubling them.

Erica enjoys that sound, the almost and soft sighs that told her he was taking in her scent. She also just is feeling relieved when she sees the lines of his shoulders droop just that tiny bit, not into a depressed sort of droop or defeated or the world is on his shoulders, but the sort of relaxed one, for this moment in any case. And is content with his small and sincere okay.


And she is glad to snuggle right back again him -


!!


Starting in the hold due to the loud and sudden burst of song, he would feel her pulse leap, hear the gasp of her breath under ear hole, feel the brush of her hair and skin when he moves back a little -


A grin though no matter how startled she was, " thanks Haili -" taking Dons offered hand and only when the music lowers a bit she sings along a little ready to go wherever Don lead her in the lair, right at his side and instead of singing 'can you feel thelove tonight?' Erica was mostly confirming to the same tune ' I can feel, the love tonight.' amused by the song choice, up lifted by it. Happy he is back.

There are open guffaws as Raphie drops to the floor and does the puppy leg thing. Not what Casey had expected of his bud, but he will happily accept the win and continued showing off for April until she came and kisses his bicep! He does not realize she is also checking Don's stitch work.

Nor would he care if he knew, because kisses! She can check his stitches all night long if it means more kisses!

"Works for me, Babe!" A brief smoochie! It's entirely possible Casey has no idea what he just agreed to. April said it though, so it's probably a good idea. He is distracted because Raphie like that is hysterical, and Casey can't let "sleeping puppies" lie!

He scuttles over to Raphie's head, and ruffles the guy's bandanna! Be proud, he actually used his uninjured arm!

"Awww, wook what the pwetty dwagon wady did to the big, bad Waphie! Awen't you just the sweetest, big, ol' fwuffy puppy!" then he steals the bandanna and puts it on his own head!

Sure, he'll probably pay for this later when Raphie can stand again, but well... Casey never was one to worry about that type of consequences!

For now though, more laughter as he returns to April's side, wearing Raph's bandanna.

"How do I look?"

"I know, Father." Leo knows that Splinter had not made the decision to send him away lightly. "It wasn't about what we wanted. It was about what I needed."

Leo firmly believes that Splinter made the right call at the time, regardless of what they might have wanted. And it's unspoken that Donnie needs help now. They need to make a similar call again. And hopefully they haven't done the 'wait and see' thing too long already.

~~

Leo smiled, almost chuckling at the missing hula girl. In fact, there's almost a smirk.

"Just one?" Because he is pretty sure he sees two in here now, if you count the lamp and Lilo herself!

The smirk fades to a more gentle smile at the question about the tea.

"It's Master Splinter's tea." Helpful? He takes a deeper breath, smelling the tea. Taking in its scent, letting that fill him. Letting it start doing the job Master Splinter hoped it would. "This one is mostly chamomile for relaxation and rest, Lemon is rejuvenating. Also helpful for anxiety and depression. And yes, you are expected to drink it. There is always a reason for his choices. It's best not to argue." That last part regarding the tea is fond. Leo has consumed many a tea he does not like for a variety of reasons. It was aways for his own good.

Leo took another deep breath of the tea before sipping at it and looking over at Lilo with sort of a wry smile.

"Just worried. Sort of my default state." It's not untrue, and Leo is maybe even mildly amused by this.

A slight frown, just considering his next words. He caught the tone and the look on her face. And he looks at her for a moment with that intense, searching gaze of his before he continued. This time opting to be open. Especially since Lilo might actually have potential solutions to his problem.

"Just like your sister worries about you, it's my job to protect and care for my family. But sometimes I don't know how to help."

He's clearly not happy about that, but he's not letting it consume him either. One of those lines he learned to walk with the Ancient One.

"Right now is just one of those times. Don needs help... and I don't know how to get him the sort of help he needs."

Yes, something happened out there tonight, though Leo probably won't go so far as to discuss that at the moment.

Don had actually started a little at the music too. It's harder to guess what the AI is going to do when she does things like that. She doesn't really have tells like organic beings do.

But he hadn't quite startled like Erica did. And he's actually a little amused by that startle. As HAILI is turning down the music, Don gently runs a thumb gently along her cheek. It's a light bit of attention, intended to help soothe that startle. And he smiles as she thanks the AI and starts singing a slightly altered version of the song.

Don pauses to pat the side of the truck as they exit.

"Goodnight, HAILI. How about a restart tonight, then Standby please."

"Of Course, Donatello. I hope you feel better." She sounds particularly sincere.

Don had actually been starting to head off before HAILI had finished her statement. And he paused and turned back just before she performed that restart.

"Thank you, HAILI."

He really is proud of that truck, and definitely proud of that AI... and he's wondering if she's not capable of a lot more than even he thought.

Don's pretty worn out, and disinclined to confront the others at the moment... unless Master Splinter pulls him aside, he's attempting to slip around the room with Erica.

Yes, he saw the tea. Yes, he is absolutely trying to escape!

This is probably the same sort of behavior that has kept some of his hurts hidden from the others. He doesn't lash out in anger like Leo did. Don buries his hurts and hides in the background or in a project until someone or something draws them out.

Leo smiled, almost chuckling at the missing hula girl. In fact, there's almost a smirk.

"Just one?" Because he is pretty sure he sees two in here now, if you count the lamp and Lilo herself!

The smirk fades to a more gentle smile at the question about the tea.


Grin and a light toss of the thick silkly black hair, "weeeeell okay you needed two." she gestures at the lamp, then herself and she would have teased with a hip wiggle but she is currently sitting where she had been when she sent Leo the last pic. Listening and tilting her head a little, then bringing the cup up and sniffing again, " soooooo it's best to just accept the wisdom and enjoy a sweet hot tea right?" she giggles a little, there is a sweet fondness when he spoke of his dad and the teas. She sips and smiles, " well I will have to thank him in the morning."


Watching Leo take that deep breath, shifting as he spoke, making contact, folding a knee up slowly, not to upset his tea, to just rest lightly across his. For the warmth, the skin and skin touch. Not interrupting for a moment. Just listening.


A bit of a wry smile of her own and a sip of the tea, " It's not easy being a big responsible sibling I guess, sometimes we younger siblings are not always the most grateful for the overbearing protective mother henning... but we do mostly love yous in anycase...mmmmm... I can look back now and know I was in a similar place to Don, different reasons perhaps, but destructive even with my sister like a great worrying wet blanket over everything... but I recall being there, I didn't know it was depression and the trauma of losing my parents I was trying to make sense of as a six year old. And I had a Leo like Nani worrying and trying to help, she just didn't know how. I didn't know she listened in to me making a wish to a falling star to send me a friend, I begged for an angel, the nicest angel they had... and it inspired Nani to take me to that shelter to adopt a pet... hah she didn't even make fun of me for being excited it might mean we could get a lobster, she just informed me we had a dog door not a lobster door so I had to get a dog. And wound up with Stitch. And even that wasn't an easy fix, Stitch and I had to work on it... he was a alien with no purpose stuck on a alien no giant cities to destroy and water all around, a experiment, and I was caught between trying to make him the best doggy and a best friend." a grin and its a fond one. " eventually it worked out... I don't know what the fix is for Don, Erica maybe is a great companion for discovering a new path away from darkness... perhaps he needs to have a long retreat away from the city and this new war yous are in? I know a b and b where a pair of aliens Brainiac's just like him would love to bounce ideas off each other for hours and hours... maybe he just needs to find a new passion for his familiar hoobies." a bit of a sigh and shrug, " I wish I had perfect answers for you. I know how much stress Nani was always under for our family, though I know she and now David feel it has all been worth it."


Watching Leo, encouraging bouncing ideas off her, shooting hers down or perhaps thinking over them. And well she understood now, sometimes older siblings, and especially those like Nani and Leo were more than just responsible, they wanted to see their families flourish and be as whole as possible and happy and sound of mind and soul not just healthy bodily. Same with Haley's older brother Jake, sure they fought but he loved her fiercely and could still be an overbearing big brother even from a distant Hong Kong.


~


DonnieBoy - laughing at the shenanigans going on, made his way over to this father of other turtles, desperately the ache of his own no longer being there stabbed at him, but the pain was followed with a delight in the comfort that came from being around this smaller but no less imposing and regal mutant. They bowed and DonnieBoy nods over to his counterpart and his mate, the latter just content to go wherever Don wanted to - " I'll take his tea over... and maybe a suggestion to just go be with her away from here for a bit." quietly, and reaching for cups Splinter moved his way, first one, he assumed was his, then two more, for them.


" fine, but on the condition they are both back before dawn." After a moments pause and then as he moved the cups forward. The lean Donnieboy probably had stories like their own, and the loss of their Sensei... " and I will want to see him some time in the morning." To talk about what happened, it was as Leonardo had not said out loud, a cry for help that Donatello may not have intended to make, but he had, much like Leonardo's furious outburst that sent him to the Ancient One and this one likewise answering. If only he could so easily know what this son needed in this time...


Donnieboy nods and carefully carries the two cups and his own balanced on his large hands over to the two creeping about the mischief in the form of teasing Raphie going on. And idea occurrs as he sniggers a little at the Casey in Raphie bandana. " Hey.... its not too late... perhaps yous could go to Erica's storage space or come over to our lair, come play with some kraang tech seeing as we now have some in my pockets for you to have.. yous father says thats fine as long as you are both back by dawn." quietly holding out his hands for them to select a drink each.


Erica kissed that gentle thumb that chased away the startle, and couldn't help but woooow softly under her breath eyeing Don and Haili with some awe, " I... wow, Night Haili..." softly and following Don, indeed ready to go wherever he wanted, " your really really incredible to have created Haili..." totally impressed!


And smiling at DonnieBoy came towards them, offering a couple of intriguing ideas, holding out drinks, she smiles, taking on in her free hand and sniffing the drink, mmmmmm..... " coool - I... well I am happy where ever we go," even if it was just to Don's room. She just wanted to be somewhere and with Don, decompressing with him. And muffling her soft giggles at the others in the first exploratory sip. Mmm! a bit of surprise expecting bitter hot leaf juice. But no it was nice and sweet but not overpoweringly so and a citrus touch in the flavor.


Mike hahahaha's loudly too skipping forward to get the evidence for later blackmail of this slinky Raphie down there... " bwhahaha knew there was a squishy happy puppeh of a turtle under all that smell Raphie bo."



Haley stops rubbings for a moment, so very amused, and even though she had the very large turtle was still down and all sort of limp now - much to her amusement trying to musta up a growl at Casey, but it comes out as more of a looooong low groooooan and his attempt to swat at his buds ruffling, or to catch his bandana it was hard to tell. Haley is simply enjoying so much powerful mutant ninja turtle flat out on his shell on the ground and soooo all under her fingers and now between her knees as she straddles him and gives that spot another very gentle caress before scratching plastron lightly.


Grrrr - chuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Raphie rumbles his glare not even a glare and his efforts to swear mearly becoming churrs with his groan as the sweet pretty dragon lady keeps him on his shell, makes foot tap away and his tail wag - ooooh it was hard to decide if he could just do this forever or if he wanted to get up and knock out Casey and Mikey.


" hahaha - gotta recall that spot for a moment Raphie gets to loud huh?" tongue out at Raphie, but also, well she was curious about it! And a grin as Casey, " soooo very macho and sexy suits you best- should probably get our teas and um... ahem sneak off to the guest room." entirely teasing Raphie whom manages somethign that miiight have been an attempt at a indignant noise but it is meerly a meeep as Haley looks very content to keep Raphie down there for the moment.


Mike grinnnns, " its harder getting at Leo's and Don's - mine is here!" pointing to a spot under his left ear hole. Offering the spot towards the human friends!

Don blushed and shuffled slightly at the compliment. He looked back at the truck for another moment. That should be long enough for a restart, and he does want HAILI to hear his response.

"All I did was give her the ability to learn. She did the rest herself." Yes, definitely proud of his 'little' AI. He does try to speak with her in a conversational manner, and Raph definitely speaks that way. He tries to treat her like a helpful friend rather than a computer as much as possible. Don isn't sure, but he thinks it helps.

Don carefully accepted the two cups from DonnieBoy, and he did offer Erica hers, but if anyone is paying close attention he is not drinking his own. He can smell the chamomile in it, and after DonnieBoy's suggestions, Don isn't quite ready to be knocked on his shell just yet. He does take some time to smell it though, which does have a similar effect on him as the others would get from drinking it.

It's not an uncommon behavior for him, though probably obnoxious at times like this when Master Splinter expects them to drink the tea, not just smell it! He does plan to drink it if they do get to sleep at some point tonight.

Though the last time he'd planned to drink his tea before sleeping, things hadn't actually panned out that way.

"Both are tempting, but I did promise that we would get over to that storage unit sometime. We should probably at least check on it and make sure it's undisturbed."

Dawn is a way off, still... Don is disinclined to stay out very long with Erica. Get her some topside time, because he knows as well as anyone that it's important! But also... every minute they're above ground is another minute that the Kraang or the Purple Dragons could find them.

"Shall we start at the storage unit and go from there?"

Casey can't help it! Seeing Raph laying there all gooey is hysterical! And he's sniggering as he makes off with the bandanna! And all grins when April says to remember that spot! Honestly, Casey hadn't caught where it was, but really, it was best that Haley knows where it is anyway.

At the moment though, Casey is happy to use Raph's current state as a way to mess with his bud!

"You got it, Babe!" And Casey had been just about to go and get the teas so they could slip away when Mike came over and showed them his spot!

"Right here?" And definitely touching the spot that Mike had just indicated. It might as well have been a big, shiny, red button.

But once Mike is down, Casey is really much more interested in letting April find that spot that turns him to goo!

Leo chuckled at Lilo admitting that okay, yes. Two hula girls. And that hip wiggle! Leo definitely has a favorite.

There's a fond smile, and a very slight chuckle regarding the tea.

"Exactly. Though... it's only sweet if you're lucky." He doesn't really elaborate, but Master Splinter's teas could be lovely and sweet concoctions like this one was, or they might be intended for other things. They might be horribly bitter, or so sour you can barely drink them. There is one that even Leo thinks tastes like dirt.

Leo really, truly appreciates the contact. And wow is that mammalian warmth amazing.

As Lilo tells her story, Leo is an attentive listener. He really does feel for Nani. He can't even imagine what he would have done in that situation.

Actually... it probably wouldn't have been much different.

And even though it had to have been hard, and that it had to have strained their relationship, it's good to hear that Lilo appreciated the effort even if she hadn't like everything at the time.

Throughout her story, Leo slowly shifts, pulling her a little closer. Soaking in her warmth as much as he is her words.

As for Lilo's suggestion... Leo really wanted that to be enough. He really, really did. But he is sort of almost pursing his lips in not quite frustration, but it's close. The emotion is definitely directed at the content of their conversation. It's not at Lilo at all.

"Oh, there is no doubt in my mind that he would love that opportunity. He'd be thrilled to spend time there. Heck, from what you've told me, I want to go check out the island." And he does! Just... he's not sure when. .

"And I truly think that both Erica, and a chance for idea bouncing time sort of free of the rest of us will be important for him down the road, but...

Oh, how to word this. He's taking his time as he doesn't want it to come out wrong. And maybe while he's at it, he'll share some of his own story. Especially since Lilo just told him a lot about herself. It's reciprocal.

"I don't know... it feels like a bandaid on a bullet wound. We've all been through a lot. Donnie though..." Leo sighed, and shook his head, sort of changing his mind about where he wanted to go with this conversation.

"A few years ago, we were fighting an enemy called The Shredder. He had managed to acquire a space ship, and was attempting to leave the planet... again. This time, he nearly succeeded, but we managed to slip onto the ship just as it was taking off."

Yes, it's a difficult story to tell, but Leo is soldiering on.

"Well, we tried several different ways of accessing the ship, and sending it to somewhere that he couldn't hurt anyone else. But it didn't work out like that, and it quickly became apparent that our only option was to force the ship to self destruct. Our friends the Utroms, arrived just in time and were able to capture the ship in a stasis bubble. They saved our lives, and arrested the Shredder. All's well that ends well, right?"

Leo sighed and shook his head.

"Every single one of us knew what would happen if he managed to leave Earth. Every single one of us agreed it was the only call." Leo chuckled almost bitterly. "And you know what? Master Splinter was with us that night. It wasn't even my call." No, they had made it as a family, and Leo wasn't even the highest ranking clan member there!

"It wasn't until later. After the Utroms patched us back up. After they'd returned us safely to Earth. I really struggled with the decision we'd nearly made. Honestly, truly struggled with the knowledge that I couldn't protect them. That there wasn't something that we could have done differently to avoid the situation in the first place. I got... really rash, violent. I was training constantly. And dragging my brothers down with me. It reached a point that I attacked Master Splinter in anger."

Breathe, let the story flow. It happened, but the important thing is that Leo learned from the whole incident and they all came through that time okay.

"I was sent to Japan alone to train under a different Sensei for a time. Sort of... sort of my great grandfather. Except it was a very different sort of training. He taught me ways to process my anger, and accept what had happened. He gave me ways to acknowledge the terrible things that had happened to me, to my family, but also to let them go and let them be the past."

"I didn't want to go any more than Master Splinter actually wanted to send me off like that, but... I needed it. I needed a sort of help that I couldn't get here. I needed someone who could teach me ways to deal with everything that had happened. Now, I think Donnie needs the sort of help that I got, but... I don't think the Ancient One's methods will work for him. So yes... I think long term, Erica and a chance for bouncing ideas will absolutely be crucial for his mental health, but right now...? Right now he needs the sort of intervention that I got."

But Leo is still no closer to having any idea where Don might find the sort of help he needs. Lilo's unstated feelings on the matter are spot on. Leo genuinely wants his brother to be whole again. He wants all of his family members to thrive! And right now, one is very obviously not. And Leo is sort of keeping an eye on Raph and Mikey too. Actually, he's more concerned about Mike than Raph. Mike is very good at hiding behind that laughter of his.

Lilo giggles about the tea. She slips slowly, " sounds like I may have to become accustomed to having tea I won't enjoy so much." a tease, a fond sort of tease, and also, maybe also a sort of promise to be around long enough to indeed become very accustomed to have a bitter or sour or some other unpleasant tea sometime.


All through explaining as best she could without truly understanding the pressure and duty an older sibling takes on for their younger ones, harder she is sure when technically your the same age as your siblings only thrust into the role by virtue of your own choosing, on purpose or through dedication to a craft and skill and mental strength....


She also understands she could never stop making sure Nani, and David, understood she loved them dearly and was immensely grateful Nani had laid all her young hopes and dreams on the line for her and David right behind her the while way, even if neither girl understood at the time how unusual and truly amazing that was.


Like Leo.



She in turn listens to him, closely - a bit of a sigh at his first replies, and nod, that kinda thing was not an option at this right now. Don would love those but with what was going on and the arrival of babies he brought back to the lair...


Oh she definitely felt the 'what can we do?!' frustration second hand from Leo, her fingers lightly stroking plastron not so much rubbing away pain as earlier, more just trying to brush the frustration aside, and just cause it was so cool, so many textures on one being, tough larger scales over shoulders and the hard and thick fingernail like feel of the plastron, the too edge where her fingers started felt the softer smaller scales and skin at the edge of the body armour stroking there gently.


Breathe, Lilo's non verbally echoed of his inner monologue was not said out loud any more than his but he would feel it in her warmth and the brush of her lips over his, not a kiss, a encouragement to not hide anything he was feeling from her, he didn't have to fear she expected him to be a brave fearless leader. Close and warm and the sweet scent of the delight and always excitement Leo seemed to stir in her so easily, even when just pulling her closer like he had!


Wooooow she mouths listening to his journey of healing. Having tightened her fingers briefly on his biceps hearing about the eruption that spilled out upon Splinter and cause him to be sent off. The help he got there. " if I take you to the island someday, you must take me to Japan. The way you saw it.... sounds beautiful." she mumbles softly because she didn't want to interrupt him at all but voice full of all the sad and glad she felt along with him in his retelling of the trying time in his life.


She pouts a little in thought as his story falls away and there is again that question of what they can do for Don NOW.


And she pauses, blinks and again her lips brush his. " mmmmm thank you for sharing with me. Annnd-" a blush on her brown like lightly milked coffee, " I could listen to your voice tell me all those incredible and scary and saddening and happy and uplifting adventures you have had for daaays..." - then back to thinking and hesitating her fingers tapped on his side's where her hands where now.


" what if.... I mean... what if..." hesitating because she doesn't know Don or his family all that well, even Leo! The attraction to him as strong as it was... But she had always gone off what she felt and hoped and so far had a record or finding homes for six hundred and twenty six out or six hundred and twenty nine alien experiments. So it tumbles out of her after a moment her eyes on Leo's. " what if instead of simply having a DonnieBoy stay here... yous swap for a day or two... have DonnieBoy or another of his brothers here.... And have Don stay with his family for that time?" tap tap tap as she thought it over. " kinda a .... change of perspective? Like you when you went to Japan." again she is hesitant because she really doesn't feel like she has a sound idea. She is guessing from what little she knew of Don.

Leo watched Lilo with that penetrating gaze of his. Was that a sort of promise that she's hanging around. Pretty sure that's what he just heard there. So definitely some fondness there too. And a slight nod.

"Or if not accustomed to it, at least aware that it will happen eventually. And no, you don't get a choice." Generally because that tea is for the drinker's own good.

Those light touches are definitely appreciated. Lilo can probably feel his shoulders relaxing under her fingers. Even if it is just a gentle touch.

A smile at her wanting to see Japan as he did.

"I hope you like hiking. Because public transportation isn't exactly an option." Not for Leo. "Though I could do without stowing away in another ship's cargo hold."

She's a little above the ticklish spot on his side, so he doesn't react to the tapping there. He found Lilo to be a very good listener. She was attentive, and actually seemed to hear and tried to understand what he was saying.

Probably came with finding the one true place for six hundred and twenty six experiments... and counting.

When Lilo sort of hesitates on her 'what if' Leo sits up a bit more, and encourages her to finish. He's just looking for options.

And he takes a moment to consider her proposal. Still not quite the sort of thing that he thinks Don needs, but... it is something they have available to them at the moment, and a change of perspective might be helpful.

"That... might be worth a shot."

Though his trip to Japan had been about a lot more than just a change of scenery. Still, at least it was something they could try. Something they could DO. And do right away. Even if all it does is buy them some time to find a better solution, that might be worth it.

"Lee mentioned wanting one or two of us for a mission. Maybe I'll send Don."

Definitely enjoying this closeness here with Lilo. Even if they aren't really doing something exciting. Leo is very much enjoying her warmth, and those light attentions that are surprisingly effective at releasing some of the tension he'd been feeling. And genuinely appreciative of the suggestion.

April bursts into helpless giggles as a surprised Mike collapses beside Raphie in a puddle of churry turtle goop and her giggles get a little more like guffaws as the down Raphie tries to at least wave his paddling puppy foot in his brothers general direction but unable to reach or make contact. " that is freaking hilarious.... no one tell the enemies about these spots yeah?" she grins at Casey and her grin is a mix of the amusement, flushed across her cheeks but also the want to drag him off to stroke his spots too! of course staying in the lair they were quiet whenever they fooled around, but it's not like their green bros and Splinter didn't know, scents often gave them away apparently.


The two just had to be accustomed to it not being a huge secret among their subterranean family. She catches Casey's hand as a still gooey Mike threatens Raphie likewise with a limp hand and noodley fingers waving in his red clad brothers sort of direction. " come on luv, lets go peek in on babies and then get our teas and scootch off to bed." nodding to the kiddoes half open door way.



Cause they were adorable and surely it was good luck for their own endeavour in makin babies to see them as much as possible?!


Or maybe that was just hopefuly wishing on April's behalf.


~

Erica's compliments are very genuine and she unconciously extends it to the ai too, " then I am even further impressed by both you and Raphie and her." she beams.

Sipping the tea slowly and just simply unable not to look excited, " oooh yes please! - just to see it..." she would stay down here beside Don or... waiting for him. But a chance to see the bits of an old life she had lost long before the fire in the little apartment.


Even if it was just a peek to make sure all was okay -


She smiles as DonnieBoy moves closer, " thats a good place to start... um here." noting his counterpart wasn't drinking yet and guessing rightly, why that was and searching in his pockets for an unused thermos reaching for the cup his fellow don was sniffing. If he is given tthe cup he'd tip the tea into the thermos to keep warm for Don for when he was ready for the drink. Don had half drank his in one first gulp. He was not a tea fan but like his own Splinter knew there was reasons behind it and assumed it would have similar effects on him given how similar their universes were... still he was a coffee guy so was trying to get through his as quick as possible. A grin at the two. " do... do I stay here whilst you do that?" a gentle tease, cause he thoroughly understood if Erica just wanted to take Don into that bit of her history. Into a family he would never meet in life but given he found his Master Splinter it was possible he would be able to sense them lingering over old things too?


Erica looks sheepish, and rueful and guilty, sipping, " I.... really don't mind if you come too - just when there..." cause she didn't waaaaant to leave anyone out on purpose. But this first time... indeed just something between herself and her Don.


~

She felt like she was being x rayed... and wondered eagerly what Leo saw in her?

A laugh and nod sipping the tea, " sometimes I am more of a coffee drinking but this is good... and sooo calming..." happily examined by those intense eyes and he would no doubt smell the way that excited her a little, see the lift in her pulse in her neck. but she is focusing on thir conversation and placing the tea carefully back down to resume just touching, exploring his skin, finding the scales and scars and the feel of his armour under her fingertips intriquing.


A giggle, " I love a good hike and camp and exploring..." tracing finger tips over collar bone above the edge of plastron, oh she was definitely an adventurous sort of spirit! game for long enduring hikes...


A little more serious as his response to her idea, not entirely serious... but there was something she sensed... [color#F08080]" sometimes... sometimes a long journey is needed. Sometimes... merely seeing things another way helps... sometimes... sometimes its a song that saves your best friend from a version of alien death or puts his clone... technically six two seven back into dehydration.... sometimes its all of those things. Or maybe something about what Erica is and what she might be able to do will heal the wounds enough that tough scars will replace them."[/color] she feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeels its something, she just doesn't know what.


Again because she is only just familiar with Don for now, and only passingly so with the other turtles.


And all the while she leans forward a bit and kisses Leo's lips lightly, " can you... feeel it too?" the something... or the possibilities... or well the thrill of closeness... she adored his relaxing under her fingers she enjoyed making Leo do that - that was good right?!

Don smiles at the compliment. He really does enjoy when someone actually appreciates his work! His brothers grew up with him, and by now sort of expect it. Though that isn't all bad, he really has to outdo himself to impress them.

There's another smile at Erica's excitement about seeing the storage unit, and ge truly hopes it hasn't been disturbed. He had been about to say something, but paused as DonnieBoy offered the thermos.

"Oh... thanks." Usually he didn't worry about keeping the tea warm. If he drinks it too slowly, he'll fall asleep in the middle of the cup anyway.

And he's actually a little torn at DonnieBoy's question, because the knee jerk reaction is sort of 'please, it will be fine. Be back soon.' Buuuuuut...

Don is actually sort of surprised there's not a two turtle requirement for going topside with everything going on lately...

"As much as I want to say it will be fine... we should probably have extra eyes on the trip there." That DonnieBoy is staying in the truck while they're inside is implied! A little reluctant, not only because he had hoped for a moment with just Erica, but he can't imagine it won't be a little awkward...

Still, if he's taking Erica topside, an extra fighter probably wouldn't go astray.

Casey guffaws as he drops Mike! Then grins at April's laughter and her words!

"That's probably be a problem... yeah..." Still too amused by all this at the moment to be too worried about it though. "Anyone ever found one in a fight?"

Not that he's really expecting an answer... Raph and Mike seem a little busy being churry purry.

And Casey's content to assume the answer is no.

As he heads off with April, he gives Mike a shove closer to Raph with his foot.

"Never thought I'd see a plate of spaghetti duke it out."

But yes! Off to see babies! Then try to make one!

Lilo might not be an older sibling, but her idea of Ohana is very similar to Leo's own feelings about family. And the intensity with which she holds to that is incredible!

Leo is amused by her preference for coffee. Though he is aware that many people prefer it. And at least she doesn't seem quite DonnieBoy bad about it!

"Coffee makes me jittery." Just a little, and most would probably never even notice it, but Leo does. Splinter probably would. Leo is far too aware of his body and mind to appreciate that feeling. Though he's gotten it from certain teas too, but usually it was a side effect of a tea meant to treat something else. It is also not a feeling he is entirely opposed to in the right circumstances. Leo has had coffee, and does drink coffee on occasion, but it's not very much and not regularly.

And he does move a little closer as she gently explores his plastron and his scales. Leo sort of half nuzzled, and kissed her neck then pulled her closer. Yes, happy to explore, happy to share the tea... which is starting to make him not quite drowsy, but definitely more relaxed.

For the most part, it's just that for now. He really does appreciate a sounding board for this.

And smiling when she agrees to the hiking adventure. And a quick kiss because he's truly thrilled at her sense of adventure!

"Then I'll have to take you there sometime." He really would, and perhaps the Ancient One could even join them at his old home and maybe even meet the girls and the kids.

Perhaps sometime after this war they have landed themselves in.

Leo finishes his tea and sets he cup aside for now, taking Lilo's as well if she is finished. There is a sort of sad half chuckle at the explanation of things that might be needed. He absolutely agreed, and her explanation told him she'd had more than her share of crazy adventures just like they had.

"I just wish I knew which one was needed now."

And he's not sure how to answer her question.

"I feel a lot... can you be more specific?" New beginnings, change is not only on the horizon, It's here! There are new kids and girls in their lives just as they're walking into a war! It's thrilling and scary and he's looking forward to it and dreading it! He can feel Lilo right here. Her soft skin, and incredible mammalian warmth. He can feel her heart beating against him.

But he is allowing himself to relax and to be more open to her. He rumbles a deep churr. It's not exactly an 'excited' churr, but it's definitely only for her. It's deep, mostly felt more than heard, and relaxed and open. And Leo is not known for being relaxed!

At the same time, there's also a bit of a thrill as he returns that light kiss, and pulls her just that much closer! He runs a hand down her back, just taking a little moment to explore her body a little. Just a light one, as she had been exploring his scales. Just feeling that soft skin, taking in the heat of her body.

DonnieBoy grins and is screwing the thermos lid on, perhaps for Don it's a bit of a lost cause, either it would be left to eventually get cold or would be half drunk, but really it is a thought and probably a fairly good one anyways. He bumps the eager lady gently, it serves to make her step a little closer to his counterpart, which is probably a great thing for the both of them. " it iiiis the wisest plan, and I will stay back out of sight and on guard so no one disturbs you two." ooooh he totally picked up on the implication and was mostly amused.



Of course being a Don he does want to see whatever mundane everyday human things might be inside the storage unit, but also he is a turtle who over thinks situations so also he is very aware the first visit with Don is special and until invited in he should stay out. And saying it this way just makes it clear where he will be if Erica is worried about that and agreeing to his counterpart, yep best to have back up, just encase.


Erica really enjoys making Don smile like that and always would if she could, chasing away his worries if possible, and feels the slight bump, chuckling, listening to the two. No disappointment hearing DonnieBoy was more of going to be back up, a grin and nod, "oh good, thank you..." does she sound relieved? Well she is! A way not to disagree and a way to have a moment with Don alone - at least the first time. And genuinely pleased with the arrangement all told - and perhaps sipping her tea verrrrrry eagerly to get going. Unawares it is a tea meant to relax and chill one out. Humming lightly and close to Don as she was and with her tea almost entirely skulled she kisses his cheek.


Laugh out loud and well for that comment April just had to dart over as Raphie and Mike try to get at each other and even with the help they keep missing, and well Haley is giggling so hard she was! and she plucks out the guys phones to get photos of their spaghetti battle royale. " for proof Haley won this noodle fight." hahaha!

and catching one of Casey's hands to lead him away towards the kiddies room, nestled safely where it was and with a laughting alien rolling in there to make himself comfy on the end of the bed. and eeeee April giggles for a whole new reason seeing the little bundles all snuggled in close, especially to Elena, being the mammal April guesses she is very warm even as small as she is! -


" eeeeee soooo cute!"


~


A teasing sort of giggle and ooooh she shivers and gasps under that nuzzle that moved into a kiss her flesh pimpling that goosefleshy way under his attentions and her pulse with it! her hands pausing in the light caressing and investigating she was down that had moved lower, to the lowest edges of his bridging to just lightly caress along hip and the scales there.


Managing, breathlessly, [color=# yesssss much hiking... I once hiked a supposedly haunted trail..."[/color] she was unafraid of facing long dangerous hikes, and oooh she was thoroughly enjoying this, giving up her empty cup easily, entirely relaxed and whispering at his wish, " I wiiish I knew too, I can only guess and... feeeel there is an ... something there somewhere that will help... I just don't know what or which one." oh so agreeing to that.


Giggle at the nudge for specifics, " mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm the delight and thrill of... being close?" chuckle and ooooh she enjoys the kiss tempting a little more of it, still just wonderfully relaxed so not pushy - just... eager to part lips and tease him with a lick across his.

Don saw that slight bump there! And he's sort if amused by it as he takes the hint and pulls Erica a little closer. He gives her a quick kiss to the cheek.

And there's a soft 'thanks' for the thermos that he accepts, the assistance on the topside tun and even that slight bump! And a nod that back up and a moment alone actually in the storage unit actually is the best plan. Not his ideal one, but the best given the situation.

There is a bit more amusement as Erica hurries through her tea. He lets her finish. Hopefully it doesn't affect her as strongly as it does him! Though so far, that hasn't shown to be the case.

After she's finished, Don offers to take her cup, and will set it on his work bench for now. They can take care of it when they het back. He isn't ready to brave the lair proper again.

" I think it's best we take the Hauler." Though he will stick to the tunnels, especially since the Kraang saw the rig earlier. It's tempting to take the Battle Shell instead, but the Hauler is a bit more comfortable, and HAILI is there to chat with DonnieBoy while they're in the unit, and the external monitoring is far superior. And after getting a signature from Kraang, hopefully she can pick it up again before they can be fired on!

"But... ah... you might not want to sot in the passenger seat..."

Casey is sniggering as Raph and Mike each try out noodle each other! It's ridiculous and hysterical!

And he continues to snigger as April takes their pictures? HAHA!!

When April takes hus hand, Casey follows willingly, keeping Raph's bandanna! Raph is gonna have to come and get it if he wants it back! And there is a very real chance he might walk in on either Casey and April being frisky, or humans in their skivvies, if he barges in!

As April guides him to check on the little ones first, Casey wraps his armd around her from behind.

"They're so small!" It's actually pretty quiet. Especially for Casey. And maybe he is a little worried about breaking any baby they have, but he's doing well with the kids! And he's actually been around several kids, but they're usually older! They seems a little less fragile.

"Mm... Supposedly?" Because that implies that it wasn't actually haunted. And well... Leo has seen both. But hey, if she's still capable of telling the story, well... he can multitask!

It might not be much at the moment, but that bit of reassurance from Lilo is all he's got. And at the moment, he will take it. And it helps that she's very, very close, and very much right here. He hasn't forgotten other worries, no... there are almost too many to count at the moment. But he can put them aside for a moment. Especially since he didn't really want to bring them in here in the first place. And Lilo is downright intoxicating!

Leo is mostly gentle as he explores, running a hand down her side to rest on one of those incredible hips. Wow, she's soft and so very warm! And that flick of her tongue!

"Close, huh?" As he pulls her closer, into his lap. He is careful not to hurt her with the movement, but it's a bit more firm than she's being. Though if she objects in any way, shape or form, he would absolutely release her. As he moves her closer, there's a deeper sound to his churr than she's likely heard before. It's not one he would share around the kids. This one is definitely only for Lilo, and she probably can't hear some of the tone at all, but there's a clear churr and an almost hum on top of it, and that low vibration of the deepest tones that she can only feel now pressed up against him. It's not exactly verbal, but the sound is almost a better explanation of what he's feeling than he's capable of putting into words.

He will match her easy relaxed attentions for the most part.

And April is glad to leave Haley giggling so hard at the attempts of Mike and Raphie to foot and or nudge each other she was slipping sideways off of Raphie!

hahaha April giggled all the way squeezing Casey's hand and oooooh she is muffling delighted happy squeeeeees with her hands watchign the little bundles of adorable jewel bright boys and their little friend snuggled in among them. All their little faces relaxed and open mouthed in sleep.


Chuckling some more and looking up at Casey, whispering back, " annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd just image, they were once smaller..." and she holds her hands apart at about what would be a fairly medium sized butter nut pumpkin... or more of in Casey's hands the size of a football. " Some even smaller!" she whispers.


A sleepy tiny whine from the pile of limbs and a very ruby colored baby sat up slowly and made his chirpy sound. April grins and nudges Uncle Casey. " dibs on this run is all ours." eagerly and waits a breath to see if Casey will collect the lil red guy as he worms his way out of the pile. A distraction from what she was sure was probably a little nervousness about thinking just how small and fragile they all started out as. Though perhaps their green bros sons a little less fragile with the naturel body armor.


~


Erica misses the bump but boy did she feel the kiss, being held closer and just so loved, resting against Don lightly - only giving up her tea cup once it was empty and looking eager to go.


Not topside persay, just to show Don a little more of what was left of the tiny family he had saved and drawn into his unique family.


Donnieboy waves a hand swallowing his half tea in a couple of big gulps, " Alright, alright lets go then before this one dances all the way there." as amused as Don, first just grinning at the 'thanks' and the taking of the hint. And half a raised eyeridge watching the girl literally inhale her tea, eager to get going.


Erica grins, she'd just pressed a gentle brushing touch of lips against Don's snout, in thanks, in excitement, just cause she felt like it? all of those! - and mostly the last! " oooooh, so sit on your lap?... and yes! before I start singing - that I feel like doing, very loudly." flirt!


~


Mmmmm hmmmm, Lilo sort of murmurred smiling, she is really enjoying the relaxing, the getting closer to Leo, the way gooseflesh seemed to follow his hands, the touch over her sides to her hips, " Nightmarchers, huaka'i pō, are the deadly ghosts of ancient Hawaiian warriors. The nightmarchers are the vanguard for a sacred King, Chief or Chiefess..." soft words, because ooooy he was making it hard to think about the ghosts as he moves them much closer, like they had been on the couch, into his lap, settling there naturally, it felt good and right. " I sweeear I heard their drums and conch shell horns and smelled them..." She murmurs, not refusing Leo and trusting entirely even though she could feel the strength in those hands he wasn't going to hurt her. Treating him to one of her soft laughs and at first light, slow kisses right on that smile of his, managing some words between them.


" and... closer... ooooh that... sound... your sound that is... its different than before and... feels good - exciting" shifting more in his lap, she had nothing under the little wrap about dress and her knees either side of him she rests her warm butt and even warmer slightly dampish on his thighs, that and scent hinting just how that churr and being brought in so close aroused her.

Casey looks at April as she reminds him that actual babies are even smaller than the toddlers! Smaller than a football, and so fragile! And there's that nervousness again! That same sort as he had just before they got married! He won't pass out now though, but definitely nervous! He's trying to say something, but it's a stutter!

Still... marrying April was the best thing he's ever done! And he thinks this next step will be too.

He will pass out when the baby is actually being born. Sorry, Babe.

Casey does manage to pull himself together enough to gather up little Randal and carry him to pee! He's got this part!

Don is sort of amused at how quickly and eagerly Erica drank the tea. If he had done that, he'd be taking a long nap right about now.

Which was exactly why he hadn't actually drank any of the tea. Later. Master Splinter and Leo got cranky when Don refused their teas outright. And truth be told, they were usually right to give them to him. Master Splinter was a little better about Don's limits than Leo, still... he recognized the smell of this particular one, and has a good idea what is in it!

And maybe a little jealous about his counterpart being able to just slam back the drink once it was cool enough to do so.  Not much. Just a little. He tucked the Thermos in the cup holder in the door. It was in his space, and he wouldn't forget it when they got back, but it wasn't exactly easy reach either.

And a chuckle at DonnieBoy saying if they don't hurry Erica will dance all the way there.

"Tempting to just take my time then." Yeah, he'd actually be okay with that... under different circumstances. He definitely wants the truck's defenses if he's going to be taking Erica anywhere just now.

Or at least a bigger group.

Another chuckle at Erica volunteering to sit in his lap on the trip since the passenger seat is er... already occupied.

If she lets him, he lifts her into the side door of the Hauler.

"HAILI is more than capable of making a safe trip, particularly though the tunnels." It's easier to program a vehicle to drive around obstacles, when those obstacles don't have unpredictable brains of their own, like human drivers do! So the tunnels, HAILI is far more than capable of giving them a safe trip to the storage unit! "But call me old fashioned, I prefer at least someone paying attention when there are passengers." An open admission that he would definitely not be paying attention if she's in his lap!

No, not a slight to HAILI, he prefers when someone is keeping an eye on Raph's and Mikey's driving too! And he has spotted HAILI being a little... he would almost call it playful when offered the opportunity.

"Wanna drive?" Asking DonnieBoy. No, he won't really do anything with Erica in the back, other than probably show off some of what the Hauler can do.Not with HAILI and DonnieBoy watching. And even if DonnieBoy minds his own, Don is certain the AI will not.

A smile and another quick kiss at her saying she wants to sing! He encourages it. And actually...

Sort of curious if HAILI will try.

Oh, now Leo is very curious! He doesn't know much about Hawaiian mythology. Not nearly what he knows about the Japanese myths and legends. Or even the Greek and Roman ones more common here in New York.

He did pick up on her explanation of hearing the drums and conch horns, and smelling the fires... but not seeing these spirits.

"What is it they want?" Just because at least in his experience, most spirits seem to want something. They have a goal, or a task or some reason for being where they are. And he could happily listen to her explain various myths and legends all night long! He does not question the existence of these spirits. He has seen far too much to consider questioning that! No, much more interested in their motives!

Though he's hoping for other fun too.

Even as he's hoping for a bit more of the legend, he's still exploring. Gentle touch at the moment. A hand on her hip, the other cupping a cheek, encouraging a kiss. At least a brief one before more of the story if she gets around to that. And yes, his churr had changed a bit. Definitely not a 'child friendly' one like what he had used around the others.

"I can make a lot of sounds." And he shifts it again, slightly this time. A little deeper, more open, inviting.

April giggles watching Casey absorb the information that babies where small. Some tinier than others. She had not been a tiny baby she had been a good nine pounds, chubby with red wisps of hair. She may have to ask Casey's mother about what he was like as a babe. Get a rough estimate of how big one of theirs might be at birth.


And amused watching the way the little boy was half working up the effort to make a plaintiff sound for any adult - and looking tiredly amazed when Casey was right there and had him!


And Naaaaaw she grins watching as trusting as his dads Randal nuzzles right in against Casey's neck crook and shoulder his limbs all floppy. A happy little look on his face. April keeps softly catching the lil golden wriggling boy as he wriggles and follows Casey to swap boys at the door.


Randal yawns and nuzzles tail flopping out but doodle not out just yet.

You wouldn't know it to look at him now, but Casey had been a preemie. Not by a whole lot, but definitely one of the smaller babies that had needed a little help to get going.

Somewhere in one of the photo albums, Casey's mother has a photo of a tiny baby with a bright red mop of extremely curly, bright red hair. That hadn't lasted long, and after a few months, it fell out and what had replaced it was dark.

Casey smiles as the little Raph-child snuggles in. Casey is content to return those snuggles as he carries the child off to pee. And there is a slightly tense moment when he notices that tail! Though he has realized that the little guys have their tails out  a lot more than their dad's do! Still... Casey moves a little faster to get Randal to the loo and through the whole routine. Even making sure the little guy's hands manage to get washed! And he trades April for Malcolm. And he takes a moment to snuggle the little golden boy too.

Wait, this is the one that keeps peeing on people, right? Better move quickly! Though perhaps he should have moved more quickly rom the start!

Annnnd thats where April's mind goes, " we neeeeeed to see each others baby photos. I was seriously chubby big baby." giggle as she follows Casey and trying her best not to squeal the entire way in delight as she is cuddled by a still sleeping golden boy!


and watching amazed as Casey handles the barely awake mini raph - seriously he wanted to , demanded to stand.... but could barely do that and had to be held up. "ooof wow wouldn't think it looking at them just how ... hefty they are." she grins swapping the snuggling the Malcolm for snuggling the Randal. " you definitely are a natural at this uncle thaaaang." she grins smooching the little red cheek and laughing softly as in Raph style he grumps and sleepily wipes his cheek with a clumsy hand.


Noting Casey hurry and watching them both - and Malcolm is not fussed about being a big boy, he is happy to just cuddle Casey even is just his arms as he is indeed close to letting rip.


~


Erica misses the amusement, making a little face, not of ick or anything more over the face of someone not yet used to drinking these special made teas but having enjoyed that one!


And knowing what she has learned of Don since joining them down here she doesn't push him finishing his tea, and of course it was his idea about the thermos so Donnieboy doesn't either - enjoying the moment of good humour glad to see the sort of downtrodden set to his counterparts shoulders lifting a little. it had been a good night out - though without the furry little fluff ball rolling off to the loo after Casey and April it might have been a disaster, Lee was always reminding them to try not focusing on the what ifs. they drive one crazy... so he too is not pushing the tea thing - more of sniggering at his own clever joke about Erica dancing away and her comment about sittign in the lap of Don -


A gasp and " Oh yes please! can I Haili! can I?! and then Erica can definitely sit in Don's lap as I will be watching the way!" eagerly and movign to the front seat though asking the AI enthusiastically, she might object to him trying to drive and peg him down for her next 'Leo' - and it's good to be polite.


Erica gave Don a wriggle of hips, and oh definitely she lets him lift her up, amazed - soft " ooooooooh stroooong." fingers lightly brushing his hands, up forearms over biceps and shoulders, yes she enjoyed the knowledge Don was much stronger than her, and that she was of course safe right there in his hold. Chuckling at DonnieBoy's eagerness. " mmmmm right beside me then Mr. Oldfashion?" playfully chuckling at the other Don's eagerness and nodding to the other seats, already humming the opening cords for adante adante, settle herself in a seat with one beside her so Don could sit with her. Making no promises clearly she wont enjoying a little snogging at least!


~


Lilo takes the encouragement, though her kiss lands softly into Leo's cupping palm first then forward to brush above his adams apple, not on it, not wanting to make him all limp sort of gooey right now - but close for delight she hopes thinking over his questions, " mmmm On the nights honoring the Hawaiian gods Kāne, Kū, Lono, or on the nights of Kanaloa they are said to come forth from their burial sites, or to rise up from the ocean, and to march in a large group to ancient Hawaiian battle sites or other sacred places. The legend says the night marchers are normal-size warriors, dressed for battle, carrying spears, clubs, and some are beating war drums and blowing tones from conch shells, to announce the advancing of their march. According to the myth, they are suspended in air; their feet do not touch water or ground as they traverse through the night, and they leave no evidence of their visitations." soooo maybe not so much a want, more of a habit? a recording? something to do in the after life? Lilo is not sure, but she treated the legends with due respect.


A soft laugh at Leo's proclamation he makes all sorts of sounds, meeting his eyes, " mmmmmm like this one that is making my belly fish flap about all the more eagerly?" because definitely he had those belly fish fluttery feelings all a flip flapping all over the place at this deeper all but felt only sound.


Dark eyes twinkling and kissing those lips, moving her light touch over his plastron lightly scraping the surface with her fingernails recalling he'd enjoyed the mornings belly rubbings and scratches quite a bit.

Casey chuckled at April having been a chunky baby.

"Ma says I was a twig. Spent three weeks in the hospital."

Casey couldn't help but chuckle at the tiny little Raph-ling as Randal insisting on standing like a big boy...mostly. Another chuckle as the kid wiped off those little affections.

"Yeah, you're a chip off the the old block if ever there was one."

And a laugh at April's surprise that the little guys were heavier than they looked.

"Seriously, Babe. Ya met their dads?" Though Casey can't actually swear that April's ever had to try to lift or move one of the guys. Maybe Leo when her apartment was first attacked that one time. Though even if he was barely conscious, Casey's sure Leo would have kept as much of his weight off her as possible.

Casey blushed a bit at the uncle comment, but is distracted by Malcolm's obvious need for him to hurry! And since Malcolm didn't seem fussed, Casey didn't bother with the standing thing. He plopped the little guy to sit on the toilet where he could still hug Casey.

It is far from a comfortable position, but hopefully Malcolm actually pees in the toilet and not all over Casey this time! Considering that Malcolm hasn't actually touched anything other than snuggling into him and April so far as Casey can tell, he's less fussed about washing little golden hands at the moment.

Unless Malcolm pees all over everyone again. Then there will be washing.

Don is actually doing alright at the moment. The distraction of seeing Erica's storage unit is definitely a welcome one. It likely won't help him sleep later, but it gives him something else to focus on for now.

Don blushes as Erica points out that he's strong. He is. He does know that. He is pretty sure they would be relatively strong even without the training they do. Leatherhead sure is, and definitely doesn't go out of his way to stay in shape. But on top of that natural strength, their training is intense, and even Don's hobbies often include lifting large items, occasionally for extended periods of time.

He is actually chuckling at DonnieBoy vibrating like that when offered the chance to drive. Or at least assist.

"Of course, D." HAILI is used to having a driver, and in that even behaves for Leo. Don had been firm on that being a safety protocol whenever possible, so she rarely objects to a driver. Only if they are behaving erratically.

And a smile for Erica, as he does sit right next to her. The farther back seats are actually positioned more closely than the front ones anyway.

"As you wish, Papilionem." Opting for Latin this time.

Don then requested a route from HAILI using the tunnels. He knew how he would get there without asking HAILI, but he doesn't want to pay enough attention to get DonnieBoy there!

"Of course, Donatello. Route plotted." It's on DonnieBoy's screen, and as soon as everyone is in and DonnieBoy gives an all clear, they'll be off!