And Then There Were Five

Chapter 8: Settling In

The song for this chapter is New Americana by Halsey

(Leonardo's POV)

I could practically see the steam coming off of my younger brother. I glanced sideways and saw Silvana visibly cringing at his harsh words. I stepped closer to Silvana and put a hand on her shoulder. Yeesh, she was freezing! But I could feel her physically relax the slightest bit more when I was around her, which boosted the confidence I had in myself.

"Number one Raph, she is no more a freak that you or I. Number two, yes she is staying with us for the safety of everyone here. Number three, cool it." I stared him down and made my words sharp at the end to indicate that I was not going to take any his hot-headed nonsense tonight.

"Whatever. I'm going out," and with that he stormed off to the entrance of the lair. I looked down at Silvana, and could practically see her heart hammering out of her chest.

"Hey," I said in a low voice, "he'll warm up. He's just concerned for our safety," I explained to her. She didn't say anything in response, just nodded curtly.

"I don't want to intrude on you guys, so where should I sleep?" she turned to me awkwardly.

"You can take my room," I smiled, my cheeks heating up the tiniest bit at the thought of her in my room.

"No, no, I won't kick you out of your own room," she argued. 

"I insist. I don't mind the couch," I didn't give her the chance to try to change my mind, "Good, so it's settled, you will take my room, and I'll crash on the couch," I said in a cheery voice. She tried to look exasperated, but just ended up smirking. 

"Thank you," she said so quietly I barely heard her, "Thank you to all of you for accepting me, and being so hospitable," she said in a grateful tone.

"Our pleasure, dudette! You're gonna love it here, I promise!" Mikey replied for all of us, "Come on, I have to show you my room!" he grabbed her arm and dragged her off down the hallway. Donnie and I chuckled, watching them go.

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"So, Leo, what do you think they're doing in there?" Donnie nudged me with a wink. I felt a tiny flare of jealousy in my heart, and frowned at Donnie for planting that seed of worry in my head. But I knew how to get him back.

"So, Donnie," I said rather loudly, "How's it going with April? Have you talked to her lately? Or was she too busy hanging with Casey?" I asked with a wicked smile spread across my face. Donnie cheeks started to turn bright red, and he opened his mouth to deny any accusation I was about to make about him liking April, but just then Mikey ran and sat down on the couch, weaselling himself in between Don and I. What can I say? The kid had perfect timing.

"Mikey, where's Silv?" I asked, looking around the room.

"Relax, big bro! She was right behind me," Mikey said, raising his hands in surrender. That's when I spotted the winged girl, walking slowly from the hallway on unsteady legs, and she had a peculiar look on her face.

I rushed over to her, "Silvana? What's wrong? Did something happen to you?" I asked in a rush.

"The room. . .the. . .the room," she babbled.

"What?" I asked, furrowing my brow in confusion. Was she even coherent?

"The room," she continued, "It. . .it was horrible," her gaze looked haunted.