Alternate Allure

CHAPTER 4: TAKE ME HOME

Once you reach a rooftop, Donnie gently sets you down, letting you grab onto his arm for support. "Where do you live? We can take you there... it's been a rough day"

You can't crash at home tonight, not solo. Just the thought makes your body shiver. You've always hated sleeping alone, but today, the discomfort is cranked up a notch, knowing there's no one waiting for you. 'Damn it... I'm a teenager, I should be fine sleeping on my own at home! ... I need to just grow up already... nothing's gonna happen, but—'

"I... don't really wanna be alone" You confess, giving Donnie's arm a little squeeze, making him peep down at you, straightening up—he's not used to physical contact. "Not now... Not until pops is back home, safe and sound... I-- I can't be at home alone"

Donnie looks kinda surprised by your sudden truth bomb. "...MC, I promise you we will not rest until we find him"

Red raises an eyebrow. "We won't?"

Blue nudges his bro with an elbow. "No, we won't"

"Thanks, but you guys don't gotta do this. We just met, and you have zero reasons to get involved"

"But we want to" Donnie says, all serious business. "Is that not a valid argument?"

You give a little headshake. "This ain't your battle."

"Yes" Donnie locks eyes with you, determination blazing in his gaze. "Yes, it is''

You're caught off guard, but you decide to throw him a grin, tilting your head a little. It makes him scratch his head, and let out a kinda goofy chuckle.

"Thanks, Donnie... it means a lot."

"Hey, if you're feelin' like it, you could totally crash at our pad tonight!" Orange blurts out.

"Are you outta your mind? We can't just bring randos into the lair! What would sensei say?! He would ground us for a whole lunar cycle, that's for sure" Red scolds, looking at you with blazing eyes. "We don't bring humans to the lair... We're not even supposed to be seen by them!"

"Come on, we can't leave them alone like this, they just lost their father!" Donnie argues.

"Won't the police help, though?" Asks the blue clad turtle, arms crossed.

You scratch the back of your head. "Weeeeeeell, I don't think they'll take me seriously when I tell them my old man got snatched by alien brains in robot bods..."

"I hear that" Orange mutters.

"Anyway, thanks, um..." And you shut it, realizing you don't know the freckled turtle's name. "Sorry, didn't catch your name"

He beams, pointing his thumb at himself. "Michelangelo! But ya' can call me Mikey. Nice to meet 'cha, dude!"

You shoot a grin and give a nod. "Thanks a bunch, Mikey... but seriously, you've already done plenty. If your bros are giving a hard pass on me staying over, no probs. I'll just attempt the grand journey back home... if that's still a thing" You add with a shrug, disappointed, but begging is not your style.

The quartet exchanges glances, and Blue takes a step closer, eyeing you up. "You sure we're not unleashing trouble by trusting you?"

You nod enthusiastically. "Absolutely! ...uh—" You shook a curious look at the guys with the Ninjatos. "Name?"

He smirks, friendly. "Leonardo. A pleasure to meet you..." He gestures towards you, asking for a name.

"MC" You reply, matching the smile. "And besides... I'm in no shape to cause any issue... You might accidentally squish me with those big hands of yours"

Leo smirks and shoots a glance back at Donnie, with a more serious vibe. "Get ready to help me explain this to Sensei"

Donnie gives a quick nod. "Got it!"

"Wohoo!" Mikey claps, about to descend the building. "Our first human friend!"

Red gives you the evil eye, like, seriously inspecting. He has kept a hold on his sais the whole time.

"So... you gonna drop your name, or you're planning on keeping the intense stare game going?"

No response. He just glances back at his bro. " Hope you know what you're doing, Donnie" Then, he bounces down the building.

"Nice to meet you too!" You holler, dripping sarcasm. "What a sunshiney guy..."

Donatello turns around to you, scratching the back of his neck. "Sorry 'bout Raphael" He apologizes, jerking his thumb toward the retreating turtle. "It's our first time out of our lair... it was an interesting first impression" He adds, with an awkward laugh.

You give an understanding nod. "I get it, don't sweat it. My bad for turning your field trip into a drama fest, especially on your rookie outing"

Donnie waves his hands dismissively. "No worries, it's cool! Thanks for, uh, dropping in?" He says, nervously chuckling. "This has been the best Mutation Day ever, you know? Getting out, taking down baddies, meeting someone new" He lists, clearly happy.

"Mutation Day?" You raise an eyebrow. "What's that all about?"

"Oh, it's like a 'Birthday' up here. It's the day my brothers and I got mutated, because, you know--". He gestures to himself. "We are mutants. So, it's our 'Mutation Day.'"

"Holy smokes, today's your birthday? Happy Mutation Day!" You say, gently patting his arm. "Sorry you had to spend your night fighting weird alien brains in robot cases... I bet I threw a wrench in your plans."

"No, no, no!" Donnie vigorously waves his free arm in a 'No' sign, shaking his head. "It's the opposite, actually. Meeting you was really nice! You know... Most humans would've freaked out, treated us like monsters or worse."

You shoot him a warm smile. "Why would I think that about the dudes who literally risked their shells to save me and my pops? You and your bros ain't monsters... You're lifesavers!" You say, trying to lighten the mood. "I don't even know how to thank you"

Donnie pauses, scratching his head as he searches for the right words. "I'm just... glad you're okay. No thanks needed." He mumbles, flashing you a tiny smile.

Your own smile widens. 'Donnie seems like a decent guy...'

"Well, whether you think you need thanks or not, I still owe you big time. You and your bros are heroes, you know? Not everyone would pull off what you did." Your gaze shifts toward the dazzling city lights, hoping your dad is doing alright wherever he is. "... So, if you ever need anything— thanks, a favor, or just someone to talk with— I'm here. Seriously."

He nods, appreciating your words. "We just do what we can" His smile becomes more genuine as he glances at you from the side. "But hey, if you ever figure out how to thank us, we're open to suggestions." He chuckles, flashing his tooth-gapped smirk.

You chuckle back. 'Man, that's one heck of a cute smile! Even for a mutant reptile'

"Anyway... I still need help getting around, so... would you mind helping me to get to your home?"

Donnie nods enthusiastically. "Right, right, of course!" And he picks you up in a piggyback ride. You get yourself comfortable against his hard shell before he guides you down the building.