Dimension Tension

Chapter Four - A Newfound Support System

Everyone stares at me. They all have different undertones to their expressions. Donnie's is more calculating, while Mikey's is more empathetic and sad. But I could tell that they all are genuinely concerned for me and they are trying to empathize with me on this situation, though it might be a little hard. The awkward undertone still is lurking in the room, and it is making everyone uncomfortable, and hard to communicate with one another.

Everyone slightly fidgets while millions of thoughts and probably even more questions go through their minds. 

I start slowly backing out of the living area towards the exit of the sewer. 

An awful habit of mine, but in any given awkward situation, I try to diffuse it by starting up any conversation. Sometimes, I think I may talk a little too much for my own good...

"I- uh- I don't want to bother you guys... you guys already have so much going on... like the foot and-"

After a while of watching me, Raph speed walks to catch up with me. 

I stop in my tracks, and he puts a single hand, the size of a bear paw, on my shoulder. Though we are the same age, he is so much bigger than me, and my shoulder probably feels so small to him. It would be intimidating, but only if he wanted it to be intended that way. 

Instead it feels... comforting.

He looks at me with confidence and reassurance in his eyes.

Raph: "We might have a lot to deal with, but you are definitely a priority. That's one of the most important rules of the Mad Dogs Code! We always help people in need of help, especially if it's our help. Thats how we roll."

I look up at him, and I look at the rest of the people there. Donnie, Mikey, Leo, and April are nodding in approval to Raph's statement. 

April: "Yeah! We got your back! I could show you around New York during your stay too, if you want that! But one things for sure, we are gonna get you back home!"

I don't know if it's these specific people, or if it's cartoons in general, but they always give me a nice heartwarming feeling deep inside, that personally, no other show could replicate that sort of feeling within me.

This was one of those moments.

I had this newfound confidence in myself, one that I probably wouldn't have found if I was all alone. 

I look up at everyone, who were giving me confident smiles, with the slightest twinge of unsureness(which I try to ignore).

I can't help but smile back. 

I want to hug them so bad for so many reasons, mainly because of their kindness/selflessness and because they all are literally my favorite characters of all time. 

I refrain myself from it though. They barely know me anyways.

But Raph's words have really gotten through to me. 

Raph leads me back into the living room, and everyone looks at me, now more so in a new-found friend way.

I look at them in the same way.

This feels nice.

Raph: "Now, who's ready to think of a game-plan to get our new buddy home?"

As everyone is talking over each other in search of a solution, I momentarily forget about my worries. They peacefully slip from my mind as I watch everyone's energetic banter. I may be away from home, but at least I know that I have people who are willing to support me here.

:)