Donnie was faster to falling than you were. All it took was him realizing he liked you, and he knew he liked you. He would only deny it for an hour or two, contemplating the factors and the risks, and then his conclusion to say anything or not. But he didn't disregard it like you. He didn't have that thick emotional barrier as you did. When he realized he liked you, of course, it was only somewhat surprising.
He was patrolling an area of the city alone. Leo had split them up to cover more ground. The Kraang had gotten away with a crate of mutagen. He had walked you to your burnt down apartment last night after you came to the lair. He was concerned about what went on in the home you never stayed at. When you walked into the broken down room, Donnie could immediately find several hazards. He worried about you, and your plan to save your family. If they were not safe, why would you not tell him so he could help? Sometimes he didn't understand you, but deep down he knew that you had your own reasoning.
Donnie cared about you, he cared a lot about you. This is why he was on the lookout to find you a better place to go. Man, if his brothers and father knew that he was helping you, he would be drilled into the ground and stomped on. He helped you count the money, helped you sort gift cards, and he told you how much you could get from the jewelry. But he refused to go through the credit cards and get the cash for you. He begged you not to, and for now, in the moment, you listened.
For now.
Donnie reminded himself that you were unpredictable sometimes. For now you listened, but what would happen in the next hour? He didn't know. Donnie knew of a good spot in the sewer you could stay, but he didn't want you living like he did. You loved the high places and the foggy sky and the gentle breeze. It made him sad. Why did it make him sad?
Donnie stopped when he looked at a store down below. It was a popular jewelry store that him and his brothers passed just about every time they went out on patrol. The downstairs light was on, even though it was far too late in the night for any light to be on. Donnie looked closer, catching the light as it moved to the side. He realized it was a flashlight, and it wasn't in the building, but it was shining through the windows. He needed to check this out. Whoever it was could be causing trouble.
He jumped down on the fire escape to investigate. A shady figure was lurking in the alleyway, black hoodie covering up their face. The figure looked from side to side to make sure no one was watching them. It looked like they were picking the lock to the back door with some wire material. Before Donnie could pull his staff and confront the burglar, a loud noise made the thief jump.
"I suggest you get out of here, dude. I'd hate to be drug through the concrete if I were you."
The man put his hands up, dropping the wire we was using to pick the lock. When he heard feet walking his direction, he took off sprinting out of the alley. Donnie watched the flashlight spin on the ground, shining light into the dark and illuminating who was there. In the spotlight, you stood tall. Your chest was puffed, your arms back. Bruises that littered your face were in the healing stages. Your hair was down, making Donnie wonder when he had seen you with it down. He couldn't remember if he ever had. The air that whizzed by made chills run up his arms. His heart dropped into his stomach, and he found his mouth hanging open. You shook your head, all of your movements in slow motion to him.
"Woah..."
Donnie leaned forward, but forgot his balance was needed and fell down into the trash. You turned and pointed the light on him. You gaped at the turtle in front of you. "Donnie?"
"H-hey, beautiful night, isn't it?"
