Remember. [TMNT 2012]

Chapter 35; Elizabetta

Song: Whatever Reason - Disciple

"Lizzy!"

His sky-blue eyes. His freckles. His sunny smile. I've seen them in my imagination so often that I had almost forgotten they're actually real.

   Michelangelo's arms are around me in a split-second. He lifts me off the ground, causing my heart to skip a beat in worry. I hate when my feet can't touch the ground because I have an intense fear of heights, but I make an exception for my best friend's sake.

My best friend. The words ring throughout my head as a smile contaminates my face.

Michelangelo finally sets me down, but his arms don't completely release me. "I missed you so much, dudette!"

I giggle at the joyful tone he uses. "I missed you too, Mikey." I look over his shoulder to take in everyone else. "I missed all of you."

All of my friends are grinning, even Raphael. As soon as my eyes connect with his green ones, I am reminded of the dream about my brother.

"What are you doing here?" Donatello asks curiously.

I decide not to voice my thoughts about my dream right away- I just arrived. Plus, I want to catch up with them. Maybe we can all have some fun before we get down to business. I think I deserve that much, at least.

"I just wanted to come see you guys," I reply happily. "It's been torture having to stay away."

"You can stay here forever now!" Michelangelo chirps, finally letting go of my sides. "We have way better skills now! We can protect you and ourselves!"

I don't want to get ahead of myself. Still, I find myself nodding in agreement. "We'll see," I say gently.

My eyes fully connect with Leonardo's for the first time. His gaze gives nothing away, as per usual. I suddenly wonder if I've made things worse by coming back. I hurt him when I left; I don't want to renew that pain. But there's no turning back now.

I take a few steps towards him. "Hi," I murmur softly.

Surprisingly, he smiles, but only a little. He's always one to play it cool.

"Welcome back," he greets, and I'm shocked to hear his voice sounds deeper. I've changed completely since last time I saw him.

I tilt my head in confusion. "What happened to your voice?" I can't help but ask.

"He got hurt by the Shredder!" Michelangelo informs me. "His shell got cracked and he was out cold for months."

My eyes widen. "Are you ok?!" I question the blue-clad turtle in alarm.

Leonardo chuckles. "I'm fine, Lizzy."

Lizzy. It feels good to hear him say that again, even with a deeper voice. It will take some getting used to, of course.

I glance over at Casey, realizing he hasn't said anything since I arrived. Once I get a look at him, however, I can see why he isn't drawing attention to himself. He is plastered in mud. And shame.

"What happened to you?" I can't hide my laughter.

Casey glares at me and doesn't respond.

"He got in a brawl with Bebop and Rocksteady!" Michelangelo speaks up once again, coming to stand beside me.

"Who?" I give him a quizzical look.

"Two thieves who were recently mutated," Donatello explains. "We were just about to go find them and see what funny business they're up to. Do you want to go with us?"