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Is the strange Turtle he meets the worst thing that's ever happened to him, or something else?\n\nMulti-chapter 2k3", "count": "28", "submission_left_submission_id": "1066323", "submission_left_file_name": "1473637_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_20.doc", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/1473/1473637_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_20.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/1473/1473637_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_20.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/1473/1473637_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_20.jpg", "submission_left_thumb_huge_x": "152", "submission_left_thumb_huge_y": "123", "submission_left_thumb_large_x": "152", "submission_left_thumb_large_y": "123", "submission_left_thumb_medium_x": "120", "submission_left_thumb_medium_y": "97", "submission_right_submission_id": "1069152", "submission_right_file_name": "1477860_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_22.doc", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/1477/1477860_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_22.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/1477/1477860_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_22.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/1477/1477860_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_22.jpg", "submission_right_thumb_huge_x": "152", "submission_right_thumb_huge_y": "123", "submission_right_thumb_large_x": "152", "submission_right_thumb_large_y": "123", "submission_right_thumb_medium_x": "120", "submission_right_thumb_medium_y": "97" } ], "description": "Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.\nWord Count: 100K+ multi-chapter 2k3\nSummary: Donatello sets out to do April a small favor and winds up in another dimension.\nRating will vary by chapter, from G to NC-17\n\n~~The amazing preview image created by @dragona15", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.
Word Count: 100K+ multi-chapter 2k3
Summary: Donatello sets out to do April a small favor and winds up in another dimension.
Rating will vary by chapter, from G to NC-17

~~The amazing preview image created by \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdragona15\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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", "writing": "\tAs the vortex opened just above April’s small office, Don had a second to regret what was about to happen. Not that he had any choice.\n\n\tHe and Nicco slammed into April’s furniture, sending things flying in all directions. Her old wooden office chair was smashed to pieces and a shelving unit collapsed onto the floor.\n\n\tFor a second Don just lay there, staring up at the ceiling and watching papers fluttering through the air around him. Then he heard Nicco roll over with a grunt and Don sat up.\n\n\t“You okay?” Don asked.\n\n\tNicco untangled one leg from between a stack of fallen boxes and glanced over at his mate. “Yeah. That never gets old,” he responded sarcastically.\n\n\tDon laughed as he stood up. “A parachute wouldn’t have done you much good in here. The first thing we do in the room where we stage the artifact is put some padding on the ground.”\n\n\tLooking around sheepishly, Don realized he was going to have a lot of explaining to do to April. Then he wondered how much time had passed; if she was home she would certainly have heard the noise and come looking, but there was no sign of her.\n\n\tTurning to see the clock above the door, Don realized that only five minutes had passed since he’d been sucked into the artifact. He wasn’t surprised; the first time the turtles and April had gone to jungle world, they’d been there two days and a night, but only about thirty seconds had passed on Earth.\n\n\tHe’d been with Nicco for thirteen days, so the math worked.\n\n\t“Where are we?” Nicco asked from where he’d risen near the door.\n\n\t“My best friend’s office inside her antique store,” Don said, spinning around to look for the artifact. He found it lying on the floor next to the leg of the desk. “The artifact belonged to her uncle. I didn’t even know she’d kept it, but when I moved some stuff to get at an electrical outlet she wanted repaired, I found the puzzle box.”\n\n\t“Almost too much of a coincidence, wouldn’t you say?” Nicco asked, smiling at Don as the younger turtle recovered his duffel bag and placed the artifact inside of it.\n\n\t“I wouldn’t have before, but now . . . .” Don left the sentence unfinished as he shook his head. “After everything that’s happened, I might have to concede your point about Destiny.”\n\n\t“Maybe we should try to pick this mess up before we go anywhere,” Nicco said. “I don’t know how close you are with your friend, but this isn’t the first impression that I want to leave.”\n\n\tDon nodded his agreement and said, “It is kind of a mess. Don’t worry about April; she’s very understanding. I’d rather wait on introducing you to her until after you meet my brothers though, so let’s do a quick clean up and get out of here.”\n\n\tConsidering the limited amount of space in April’s office, the two large turtles still managed to swiftly and efficiently put things back in order. Don repaired the shelving unit as Nicco restacked the boxes and picked up the stray papers.\n\n\t“What should we do about the chair?” Nicco asked as they were finishing up.\n\n\t“We’ll take the pieces down to the basement and leave them there,” Don said. “First chance I get I’ll dig up another chair for her.”\n\n\tBefore they left, Don wrote a note to April apologizing for the mess which he said he’d explain to her later. He also promised to finish repairing the electrical outlet in her office as soon as he took care of some pressing business.\n\n\tThey each grabbed parts of the broken chair and Don led the way down into the basement. There was a spot against one wall where April stacked broken things and that’s where they dumped the evidence.\n\n\tWhen Nicco saw the hole that the turtles had made in April’s basement wall he gaped. “No wonder you weren’t worried about wrecking your friend’s office. I’d say ‘very understanding’ is an understatement.”\n\n\t“She’s family,” Don said simply.\n\n\t“Ah,” Nicco replied. “Is she the woman you told me about who you had a crush on?”\n\n\t“That would be the one,” Don told him. “She’s very special; you’ll find that out when you meet her.”\n\n\tBefore they walked through the opening in the brick wall Don stopped and looked at Nicco. Though they were still a ways from the actual sewer tunnels, Don’s acute sense of smell had already picked up the odor. Since Nicco was a turtle, Don knew he’d gotten a whiff of it as well.\n\n\tWith a touch of embarrassment, Don said, “So, um, we use the tunnels beneath the city as our own personal underground highway. We can’t afford to be seen and this is the safest route. It’s not the most . . . sanitary place and the smell can be pretty offensive in spots.”\n\n\t“Donny,” Nicco said, touching the tips of two fingers to his mate’s chest, just above his heart. “I understood everything about your living conditions when you explained them before. Just so you know, this won’t be my first time slogging through sewers.”\n\n\tDon grinned in relief. “Good, then I needn’t remind you to watch where you step.”\n\n\tLeading the way through the sewers, Don shifted from carefree lover to watchful ninja. Karai still hunted them and would periodically send patrols into the tunnels to search for the turtles. Nicco seemed to sense his mood; either that or he noticed how Don avoided any well-lit areas, stepping over puddles and dodging trash to avoid making sounds. Although Don hadn’t warned him that there might be dangers, Nicco knew that was a given in this world and he became cautious as well.\n\n\tFor Don, his not telling Nicco about the possible hazards was a test of sorts. He knew that his lover had been prepared for danger on the diamond world but the younger turtle wanted to see how quickly Nicco could adapt to the changing conditions on Don’s world. Don should have known that Nicco would assess the situation and adjust accordingly. After all, Nicco did have Leo’s characteristics.\n\n\tHe had Raph’s also and that was the reason Don stopped before entering the lair.\n\n\t“Nicco, my brothers are trained fighters and we live in a state of almost constant vigilance,” Don said. “We’ve been attacked in our own home before, so they are probably going to be wary of you at first. Please, no matter what they do, keep your hands away from your weapons. I don’t want you to appear at all threatening or they’ll go into protective mode.\n\n\t“My father is the best martial artist you’ll ever see, but he’s also very perceptive. Unless you do something provocative, he’ll wait for me to explain where you came from. However, both Leo and Raph have extremely . . . alpha personalities.”\n\n\tThe expression on Nicco’s face was concentrated as he listened to Don’s words. For a moment, Don wondered if this was how Niccolo appeared to the soldiers he led during the war as they apprised him of battlefield conditions.\n\n \t“Understood,” Nicco said. “But if they actually attack me, I [i]will [/i]defend myself.”\n\n\tTheir eyes locked. “I wouldn’t expect you not to,” Don told him. “It won’t get that far, I promise.”\n\n\tDon opened the hidden panel that contained the thermal hand scanner he’d installed as an upgrade from the old combination code lock. Before he could place his hand against the reader, Nicco grasped his arm and pulled him around.\n\n\tIn a deep voice, Nicco said, “Since we probably can’t do this in front of them either. . . . ”\n\n\tHis mouth closed over Don’s, the kiss rough and possessive. The passion in it had Don’s head spinning. He couldn’t recall Nicco ever being quite so forceful with his affection and Don realized that his lover was making sure there wasn’t any doubt in the little ninja’s mind as to who he belonged.\n\n\tWhen Nicco released him, Don had to hold onto the larger turtle for a second in order to clear his own head. He looked up into Nicco’s fiercely burning eyes and whispered, “I’m yours, Nicco. No matter what happens, that won’t change.”\n\n\tNicco nodded, his brow clearing, and Don turned back to the panel. Flattening his hand on the scanner, Don waited for the light to go from red to green before he closed the panel.\n\n\tIn front of them, a set of bricks instantly parted and then what looked like a solid concrete barrier slid open. Behind that was a door constructed of twelve inch thick metal with an alarm code panel set into it. Don punched in the code and then opened the door.\n\n\t“Heavy security,” Nicco commented as they stepped into the lair and the door automatically closed behind them.\n\n\t“You have no idea,” Don said, thinking of the hours he’d spent installing every security system known to man and then some.\n\n\t“Donny?” Mikey’s voice drifted out of the kitchen. “You finished fixing stuff for April . . . who is [i]that[/i]? Back away from my brother!”\n\n\tMikey dropped the bowl of popcorn he was carrying and grasped his nunchucks. His exclamation brought Leo and Raph running from the dojo, their weapons already drawn.\n\n\t“Stop!” Don shouted, stepping forward and trying to slide in front of Nicco.\n\n\tThe larger turtle put his arm out and blocked Don’s movement, clearly signaling that he would not allow Don to stand between him and the ninja clan. Don’s focus remained on his siblings even as he heard Master Splinter’s shoji screen slide open.\n\n\t“Move away from him, Donatello,” Leo said, his tone commanding and urgent.\n\n\t“No,” Don said distinctly. “Calm down you guys. He’s not dangerous.”\n\n\t“How about ya’ let us decide that,” Raph said, a warning growl in his voice. “Did he force ya’ ta bring him here?”\n\n\t“Look, this is going to take a while to explain . . . .” Don began.\n\n\t“Explain after you go stand next to Mikey,” Leo interrupted, his eyes narrowed and his swords lifting into an attack position.\n\n\tIf his brothers had hair, it would be bristling. Don didn’t understand why they were behaving with such hostility and it embarrassed him considering how warmly he’d been greeted by Nicco’s family.\n\n\tIn an urgent undertone, Nicco murmured, “Don.”\n\n\tFrom the corner of his eye, Don could see that Nicco’s hands had lifted and were hovering just above the handles on his hachiwari. The antagonistic vibe that had filled the lair was affecting Nicco as well.\n\n\t“Donatello, please introduce us.” Master Splinter’s calm inflections seemed to diffuse the sharp intensity of the situation.\n\n\t“Master Splinter, this is Niccolo,” Don said, addressing his father directly and avoiding his brother’s eyes. “He is my . . . my mate.”\n\n\tThere was a choked sound from Raph’s direction and Mikey shouted, “He’s your what?”\n\n\t“Define mate, my son,” Master Splinter requested.\n\n\tDon licked his lips and took a deep breath. Nicco had made a potentially huge sacrifice in choosing to come with his lover, and Don couldn’t do less than be forthright with his family, no matter the repercussions.\n\n\t“Niccolo is my mate,” Don repeated in a strong voice. “He’s my partner, my lover.”\n\n\t“Ya’ have ta be fucking kidding me!” Raph yelled.\n\n\tLeo moved forward slowly, his eyes glued to Nicco. “Whatever you say, Donny. Just come over here, okay?”\n\n\t“Dammit Leo, he isn’t our enemy,” Don rasped, trying to get through to his brother.\n\n\t“Stand down, Leonardo,” Master Splinter said. His eldest son stopped and glanced over at him. “Put your weapons away, my sons. Donatello’s friend has made no aggressive move since he’s been here. We will not behave so impolitely to him.”\n\n\tThere was another perceptible change in the atmosphere as Leo slid his katanas back into their scabbards and Mikey stopped spinning his ‘chucks. Raph however continued to grip his sai and glare at the invading turtle.\n\n\tThat’s when it clicked for Don. Nicco was a turtle coming into territory that was not his own. Turtles were by nature very territorial and supremely aggressive when it came to their domain. It explained his brother’s reactions and it also explained Nicco’s avaricious kiss.\n\n\tIt was only their mutation and the fact that Master Splinter had raised them to hold honor above all else that kept his brothers from attacking, as their turtle instincts commanded they do. For Nicco’s part, he too had enough human DNA in his makeup to override his predisposition. That and his devotion to Donatello was enough to keep his hands off of his weapons.\n\n\t“Raphael,” Master Splinter said, an edge of sharpness in his voice. The sound pulled Raph’s eyes off of Nicco and when he saw his father’s disapproving glare, he slowly returned the twin sai to his belt.\n\n\t“Everything’s fine, Nicco,” Don said softly and breathed a silent prayer as Nicco’s hands lowered.\n\n\t“Donatello, would you and Niccolo please come with me?” Master Splinter asked. Without waiting for a reply, he turned and entered his room.\n\n\tTaking a last quick look at his brothers, Don complied with his father’s request, touching Nicco lightly on the arm to get him moving. The older turtle took a circuitous route to avoid presenting his back to the other three still very tense ninjas.\n\n\tThe stiffness faded from Don’s shoulders as he slid Master Splinter’s door closed behind he and Nicco. His father was kneeling behind his low table and waved the pair of turtles over, indicating that they should kneel across from him.\n\n\tNicco assumed a position of respect immediately, bowing to Master Splinter as he did so. Don braced himself for whatever pronouncements his father might make.\n\n\tAt first, Master Splinter said nothing, instead choosing to study the solidly built turtle that Don had brought into their home. After a moment, Master Splinter glanced at Don and raised an eyebrow.\n\n\t“I believe you have a story to tell me,” Master Splinter said composedly. “Please begin.”\n\n\tDon did so, beginning with finding April’s puzzle box and how it had accidently activated, throwing him into the dimension where he’d met Niccolo. He explained everything they’d gone through while they were there, not in great detail, but enough so his father would know Nicco’s qualities as well as Don did.\n\n\tAlthough Don did not skip the fact that they’d become attracted to and then attached to one another, he wasn’t specific about their physical interactions, although he was clear that they’d become intimate.\n\n\tHe told of finding the large artifact and discovering that they couldn’t dial the combination that would take Donatello home. Since they were operating under a deadly time constraint, they did the only thing they could and returned to Nicco’s world.\n\n\tWhen Don got to the part where he was meeting Nicco’s father, he grew hesitant, looking at Nicco and then back at his father. He wasn’t sure how Master Splinter would take the news that Nicco’s last name was Stockman.\n\n\t“Nicco’s father was warm and welcoming,” Don said, hedging a little.\n\n\tMaster Splinter lifted a furry eyebrow, noticing the change in the flow of Don’s tale. “Was there a problem?” he asked.\n\n\t“No,” Don said. “It’s just that . . . Nicco’s father has a counterpart on our world and it’s Baxter Stockman.”\n\n\t“Indeed,” Master Splinter said. He closed his eyes and then opened them. “I presume his character was vastly different for him to have raised such a remarkable son.”\n\n\t“Nicco’s father is nothing at all like our Stockman,” Don replied enthusiastically. “He’s generous, smart, loving, and completely unselfish. I took to him right away.”\n\n\tMaster Splinter turned his eyes on Nicco. “Perhaps this would be an appropriate time for you to tell me about yourself and how you came into being.”\n\n\tNicco complied with the request, his voice strong as he explained how he and his brother had been mutated and then came to live with Stockman. He told of his upbringing and of the invasion, not skimping over the fact that he and Mase had been rambunctious enough for their father to send them to a martial arts academy so they could learn discipline. He related the efforts that the two siblings had made to enroll in the army and how Stockman had sent them to live at the academy full time to prevent that.\n\n\tWith Don’s urging, Nicco omitted nothing of his time in the army or how he came to achieve his final rank. When he talked about how Mase had been injured, Master Splinter exchanged a look with Don and then returned his attention to his son’s mate.\n\n\tThe end of the invasion left the two war heroes floundering without a purpose until they found their puzzle box. Mounting debts and their father’s ill health along with their own sense of adventure had the two brothers taking chances as they delved into the artifact’s mysteries. They made a pact that they were simply going to be treasure hunters; not thieves, not invaders, and they would not interfere in any civilization they came across.\n\n\tThough they didn’t find much to start with, they did acquire enough to hold the debtors at bay and to begin helping the mutant community. Nicco told of Mase’s interest in Corius and in the company that Corius and Honeycutt had formed.\n\n\tThe diamonds he and Mase discovered became the key to Masolino’s happiness and their father’s peace of mind as well. With that wealth, the family could help many of their mutant brethren stand on their own and escape devastating poverty.\n\n\t“I must apologize to you, Master Splinter,” Nicco said contritely. “I put your son at risk of his life in my pursuit of those diamonds. I could have taken him directly to the artifact before the erupting volcano tilted it off of its base and sent him home.”\n\n\tDon started to protest but Master Splinter lifted a hand to quiet him. “I accept your apology, Niccolo,” he said. “However, I do not believe you could have taken Donatello anywhere against his will. My son was apparently determined to remain at your side and if you have not already learned this for yourself, he is very stubborn.”\n\n\t“Actually I have seen that tendency in him,” Nicco said with a smile.\n\n\t“You’re one to talk,” Don returned, trying to hide his own grin.\n\n\tMaster Splinter cleared his throat, capturing their attention once more. “As it seems that Niccolo must remain here, we will need to see to his comfort,” he told Don. “Unfortunately, this situation has caused your brothers some trepidation.”\n\n\t“Turtles are territorial, Master Splinter,” Don elucidated for his father. “Males have an innate need to establish dominance and we both know how Leo and Raph are.”\n\n\t“Yes, and perhaps Niccolo as well,” Master Splinter said, his mouth lifting at the corners.\n\n\t“What should I do?” Nicco asked, seeking Master Splinter’s wisdom.\n\n\t“First off, I must make it clear that you will be sleeping in separate rooms,” Master Splinter said, ignoring the look of dismay on Don’s face. “Niccolo will have your room, Donatello. You may share Michelangelo’s space.”\n\n\t“Yes sensei,” Don said humbly.\n\n\t“Niccolo,” Master Splinter said, giving the large turtle his attention, “as far as Donatello’s brothers go, you must do nothing to strengthen their aversion to you and everything to gain their trust. This will be no simple task.”\n\n\t“I don’t shy away from challenges, sir,” Nicco said.\n\n\t“No, I imagine you do not,” Master Splinter agreed. He cocked his head slightly as he looked at Don. “You needn’t worry that your brothers will hold you in less regard or that you will diminish in their eyes because of the choice you have made. They may have varied emotions but they will eventually see you in exactly the same light as before.\n\n\t“Your primary concern should lie in how your brothers view Niccolo. First impressions are important, but because of who and what we are everyone is viewed with a certain level of distrust. If you do not assure your brothers through your actions that you have made a sound decision, then they may never accept your mate. Now is your opportunity to let them see the benefits and advantages of your choice.\n\n\t“They must also see that you are truly happy and that you do not need to sleep with Niccolo in order to be satisfied by him.”\n\n\t“Yes sensei,” Don said, understanding his father’s decision on their sleeping arrangements.\n\n\t“As I am sure Donatello has explained to you, our world knows nothing of mutants,” Master Splinter told Nicco. “We must remain hidden from sight even during those times when it is imperative for us to venture topside. You are a fit and capable soldier, someone who has worn the mantle of leadership. You have seen battle and so too has this family.\n\n\t“You must understand that in this world the responsibilities of leadership belong to Leonardo. My sons have trained their entire lives in the art of ninjitsu, invisibility, and the way of the warrior. Our methods vary greatly from what you have been taught, therefore if you are to become a member of this team, you must train.\n\n\t“Are you willing to do this knowing that you must follow the commands of another?”\n\n\t“Of course, Master Splinter,” Nicco answered. “As a soldier you’re required to follow a chain of command. I’ve always had superiors to whom I had to report. I understand that whatever experiences I may have, there is always someone more knowledgeable.”\n\n\tDon could tell that Master Splinter was pleased with Nicco’s answer. “I will work with you; train you, assess your skills, and test them. It will be solely at my discretion as to whether and when you may patrol with my sons.”\n\n\t“Yes sir,” Nicco said.\n\n\tMaster Splinter inhaled deeply and Don knew he wasn’t finished. “Let us return to the question of following orders,” he said. “Although you assure me you are capable of doing so, we must not forget that you achieved your rank as a direct result of refusing a direct order from a superior.”\n\n\t“It was suicide . . . .” Don started to protest.\n\n\t“He is right, Donny,” Nicco said, overriding him. “In that instance I made a choice to ignore my training and do what I thought would save lives.”\n\n\tTo Don’s surprise, Master Splinter said, “I have no argument with your decision. It was both wise and rational. However it does bring to mind a question that I must ask and it is one you may not have an answer for. In fact, I would prefer that you think it over before you answer so that we both know you have been truthful with yourself.”\n\n\t“I try to do that as much as possible, sir,” Nicco said.\n\n\tWith a nod, Master Splinter stared into Nicco’s eyes. “If you find yourself in a fight with our enemies and Leonardo gives you a command that is detrimental to Donatello’s well-being, can you follow that order? Would you countermand his orders if you thought they put your mate in danger?”\n\n\tNicco’s mouth opened and then snapped shut. For a moment he contemplated the question and once more Master Splinter observed him. Don wondered if his father was dipping into Nicco’s mind, using his gifts to sense what Nicco was made of.\n\n\t“That is something I will have to think about,” Nicco admitted slowly. “I know my own abilities and have become very aware of Donatello’s, but I don’t know Leonardo at all. I have no knowledge of his leadership qualities and until I do, I can’t fully trust his decisions.”\n\n\t“And that is why you will not be allowed into a fight of any kind until you come to know these things,” Master Splinter said.\n\n\t“I bow to your wisdom in the matter,” Nicco said, doing so politely.\n\n\t“Donatello,” Master Splinter said, startling his son who was immersed in thought. “I will repeat that question to you. Would you balk if Leonardo gave you a command that placed Niccolo in imminent danger? What would happen if the two of them were at odds over a decision that Leonardo had made and both were telling you something different. To whom would you listen? \n\n\t“I must remind you that in a battle you cannot serve two masters. Would you continue to trust your brother as you always have, or would you allow a lack of faith to cloud your judgment, perhaps even to the point of thinking that Leonardo might be trying to get rid of your mate?”\n\n\tDon’s own thought processes had already started partway down that path and they worried him. In a low voice he admitted, “As things stand now, I would fear that Leo might have ulterior motives.” It hurt him to think that, but he’d never seen his older brother so antagonistic towards someone he’d just met. “I don’t want to believe that.”\n\n\t“Nor do I want you to,” Master Splinter said. “This will be a slow process, but it seems we have nothing but time.”\n\n\t“That’s true, sensei,” Don said, brightening a bit.\n\n\t“Please leave Niccolo and I now, my son,” Master Splinter said. “You will need to inform Michelangelo that you will be bunking with him and prepare your own room for our guest. Niccolo is going to remain here and tell me about the training he received at his martial arts academy. It will give me an idea of where to begin our lessons.”\n\n\t“Yes, father,” Don said, standing and bowing to Master Splinter.\n\n\tBefore he could leave, Nicco reached up and caught his hand, giving it a quick squeeze. Returning the gesture, Don smiled reassuringly at his lover.\n\n\tDon stepped out of his father’s room, wondering where his brothers would be. A rough hand wrapped around his forearm and Don looked up into Raph’s blazing gold eyes. It didn’t take more than a quick glance to ascertain the fact that all three of his siblings had been right outside Master Splinter’s door, eavesdropping.\n\n\tWithout a word, Raph yanked him towards the dojo and Don went willingly, ready to deal with his brothers before Nicco came out of Master Splinter’s room.\n\n\tOnce they were inside the dojo, Don pulled out of Raph’s grip and spun on his brothers, taking the initiative before they could speak.\n\n\t“What is wrong with the three of you?” Don demanded. “This isn’t the first time any of us has brought a new friend to the lair but it’s the first time any of you has acted with outright hostility towards them.”\n\n\t“Only he ain’t exactly a ‘friend’ now, is he Donatello?” Raph asked, his voice heavy with sarcasm.\n\n\t“You didn’t know that right away though, did you?” Don shot back.\n\n\t“How did you expect us to act?” Mikey asked, pushing in towards Don aggressively. “Around here a new friend is usually human. You walked in with a mutated turtle, a really big one, and we’re not supposed to think that maybe Bishop created him?”\n\n\t“Since you were listening outside the door, I guess you know that Bishop didn’t create him,” Don said. “So why are you three so upset?”\n\n\t“Maybe you can’t smell it because of your relationship to him, but that other turtle is giving off a threatening scent,” Leo said, staring at his brother.\n\n\t“You’re responding to alarm pheromones secreted by a male turtle reacting to a hostile environment,” Don said. “That other turtle’s name is Niccolo by the way.”\n\n\t“I’ll tell ya’ what he is,” Raph said belligerently, “he’s a perv and a fa . . . .”\n\n\t“Shut your mouth,” Don snapped before Raph could finish his derogatory epithet. “You don’t know anything about him. If you want to call names of that sort, you should start by insulting me because I chose to take him as a lover.”\n\n\t“But Donny,” Mikey said in his most cajoling manner, “we never had a clue that you’d swing that way. You’re always the one that attracts the ladies.”\n\n\t“Which ladies would that be? I don’t recall fending off any women,” Don retorted.\n\n\t“Don,” Leo said in a voice that drew his brother’s attention. “Are you settling for this Niccolo because you want to have sex?”\n\n\t“What?” Don asked incredulously. “No! Do you guys really think I’m that desperate or that shallow? Because of the puzzle box Nicco and I spent a lot of time together and I love him. Get that into your heads so you can start accepting it.\n\n\t“In answer to your question Mikey, I didn’t know if I was heterosexual or homosexual either because I never thought about it. I don’t know about you guys, but a long time ago I’d already dismissed all thoughts of having a relationship with someone.\n\n\t“Meeting Nicco was a gift, or Fate or Destiny, I don’t care what you call it. I’m in love with Nicco and he loves me. He’s wonderful and amazing. You three are going to flush your prejudices and this territorial nonsense and treat him with respect, or so help me I’ll go back to his dimension and let you rot.”\n\n\tDon was panting hard from his outburst as he stared at his brothers. None of them said anything, all three staring at him with expressions of profound disbelief.\n\n\tEven Don couldn’t believe that he’d made that threat because there was no way he’d follow through. Abandoning his brothers wasn’t something he could do and he knew that Nicco wouldn’t let him.\n\n\tRaph found his voice first, his face dark with anger. “Don’t try ta bluff me or I’ll make ya’ eat those . . . .”\n\n\tAll four heard Master Splinter say something in the distance and Leo nudged Raph into silence. Walking away from them, Don exited the dojo with his head high, ignoring the gimlet stares of his brothers which he could practically feel on his shell.\n\n\tMaster Splinter and Nicco were standing together as Don approached. “Sorry, I didn’t make it upstairs yet. Come on up with me and let’s get you settled in,” he said to Nicco.\n\n\tThe older turtle gave him deep look before saying, “You can give me the grand tour afterwards. I can’t wait to see that lab of yours.”\n\n\tLaughing, Don walked with Nicco to the stairs and on up. “Prepare to be dazzled by my clutter.”\n\n\tAs they approached the bedroom, Don glanced down to see the malevolent gaze his brothers were aiming at Nicco’s carapace. Don had not anticipated this situation at all.\n\nTBC……………..", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "\tAs the vortex opened just above April’s small office, Don had a second to regret what was about to happen.  Not that he had any choice.

\tHe and Nicco slammed into April’s furniture, sending things flying in all directions.  Her old wooden office chair was smashed to pieces and a shelving unit collapsed onto the floor.

\tFor a second Don just lay there, staring up at the ceiling and watching papers fluttering through the air around him.  Then he heard Nicco roll over with a grunt and Don sat up.

\t“You okay?” Don asked.

\tNicco untangled one leg from between a stack of fallen boxes and glanced over at his mate.  “Yeah.  That never gets old,” he responded sarcastically.

\tDon laughed as he stood up.  “A parachute wouldn’t have done you much good in here.  The first thing we do in the room where we stage the artifact is put some padding on the ground.”

\tLooking around sheepishly, Don realized he was going to have a lot of explaining to do to April.  Then he wondered how much time had passed; if she was home she would certainly have heard the noise and come looking, but there was no sign of her.

\tTurning to see the clock above the door, Don realized that only five minutes had passed since he’d been sucked into the artifact.  He wasn’t surprised; the first time the turtles and April had gone to jungle world, they’d been there two days and a night, but only about thirty seconds had passed on Earth.

\tHe’d been with Nicco for thirteen days, so the math worked.

\t“Where are we?” Nicco asked from where he’d risen near the door.

\t“My best friend’s office inside her antique store,” Don said, spinning around to look for the artifact.  He found it lying on the floor next to the leg of the desk.  “The artifact belonged to her uncle.  I didn’t even know she’d kept it, but when I moved some stuff to get at an electrical outlet she wanted repaired, I found the puzzle box.”

\t“Almost too much of a coincidence, wouldn’t you say?” Nicco asked, smiling at Don as the younger turtle recovered his duffel bag and placed the artifact inside of it.

\t“I wouldn’t have before, but now . . . .”  Don left the sentence unfinished as he shook his head.  “After everything that’s happened, I might have to concede your point about Destiny.”

\t“Maybe we should try to pick this mess up before we go anywhere,” Nicco said.  “I don’t know how close you are with your friend, but this isn’t the first impression that I want to leave.”

\tDon nodded his agreement and said, “It is kind of a mess.  Don’t worry about April; she’s very understanding.  I’d rather wait on introducing you to her until after you meet my brothers though, so let’s do a quick clean up and get out of here.”

\tConsidering the limited amount of space in April’s office, the two large turtles still managed to swiftly and efficiently put things back in order.  Don repaired the shelving unit as Nicco restacked the boxes and picked up the stray papers.

\t“What should we do about the chair?” Nicco asked as they were finishing up.

\t“We’ll take the pieces down to the basement and leave them there,” Don said.  “First chance I get I’ll dig up another chair for her.”

\tBefore they left, Don wrote a note to April apologizing for the mess which he said he’d explain to her later.  He also promised to finish repairing the electrical outlet in her office as soon as he took care of some pressing business.

\tThey each grabbed parts of the broken chair and Don led the way down into the basement.  There was a spot against one wall where April stacked broken things and that’s where they dumped the evidence.

\tWhen Nicco saw the hole that the turtles had made in April’s basement wall he gaped.  “No wonder you weren’t worried about wrecking your friend’s office.  I’d say ‘very understanding’ is an understatement.”

\t“She’s family,” Don said simply.

\t“Ah,” Nicco replied.  “Is she the woman you told me about who you had a crush on?”

\t“That would be the one,” Don told him.  “She’s very special; you’ll find that out when you meet her.”

\tBefore they walked through the opening in the brick wall Don stopped and looked at Nicco.  Though they were still a ways from the actual sewer tunnels, Don’s acute sense of smell had already picked up the odor.  Since Nicco was a turtle, Don knew he’d gotten a whiff of it as well.

\tWith a touch of embarrassment, Don said, “So, um, we use the tunnels beneath the city as our own personal underground highway.  We can’t afford to be seen and this is the safest route.  It’s not the most . . . sanitary place and the smell can be pretty offensive in spots.”

\t“Donny,” Nicco said, touching the tips of two fingers to his mate’s chest, just above his heart.  “I understood everything about your living conditions when you explained them before.  Just so you know, this won’t be my first time slogging through sewers.”

\tDon grinned in relief.  “Good, then I needn’t remind you to watch where you step.”

\tLeading the way through the sewers, Don shifted from carefree lover to watchful ninja.  Karai still hunted them and would periodically send patrols into the tunnels to search for the turtles.  Nicco seemed to sense his mood; either that or he noticed how Don avoided any well-lit areas, stepping over puddles and dodging trash to avoid making sounds.  Although Don hadn’t warned him that there might be dangers, Nicco knew that was a given in this world and he became cautious as well.

\tFor Don, his not telling Nicco about the possible hazards was a test of sorts.  He knew that his lover had been prepared for danger on the diamond world but the younger turtle wanted to see how quickly Nicco could adapt to the changing conditions on Don’s world.  Don should have known that Nicco would assess the situation and adjust accordingly.  After all, Nicco did have Leo’s characteristics.

\tHe had Raph’s also and that was the reason Don stopped before entering the lair.

\t“Nicco, my brothers are trained fighters and we live in a state of almost constant vigilance,” Don said.  “We’ve been attacked in our own home before, so they are probably going to be wary of you at first.  Please, no matter what they do, keep your hands away from your weapons.  I don’t want you to appear at all threatening or they’ll go into protective mode.

\t“My father is the best martial artist you’ll ever see, but he’s also very perceptive.  Unless you do something provocative, he’ll wait for me to explain where you came from.  However, both Leo and Raph have extremely . . . alpha personalities.”

\tThe expression on Nicco’s face was concentrated as he listened to Don’s words.  For a moment, Don wondered if this was how Niccolo appeared to the soldiers he led during the war as they apprised him of battlefield conditions.

 \t“Understood,” Nicco said.  “But if they actually attack me, I will defend myself.”

\tTheir eyes locked.  “I wouldn’t expect you not to,” Don told him.  “It won’t get that far, I promise.”

\tDon opened the hidden panel that contained the thermal hand scanner he’d installed as an upgrade from the old combination code lock.  Before he could place his hand against the reader, Nicco grasped his arm and pulled him around.

\tIn a deep voice, Nicco said, “Since we probably can’t do this in front of them either. . . . ”

\tHis mouth closed over Don’s, the kiss rough and possessive.  The passion in it had Don’s head spinning.  He couldn’t recall Nicco ever being quite so forceful with his affection and Don realized that his lover was making sure there wasn’t any doubt in the little ninja’s mind as to who he belonged.

\tWhen Nicco released him, Don had to hold onto the larger turtle for a second in order to clear his own head.  He looked up into Nicco’s fiercely burning eyes and whispered, “I’m yours, Nicco.  No matter what happens, that won’t change.”

\tNicco nodded, his brow clearing, and Don turned back to the panel.  Flattening his hand on the scanner, Don waited for the light to go from red to green before he closed the panel.

\tIn front of them, a set of bricks instantly parted and then what looked like a solid concrete barrier slid open.  Behind that was a door constructed of twelve inch thick metal with an alarm code panel set into it.  Don punched in the code and then opened the door.

\t“Heavy security,” Nicco commented as they stepped into the lair and the door automatically closed behind them.

\t“You have no idea,” Don said, thinking of the hours he’d spent installing every security system known to man and then some.

\t“Donny?”  Mikey’s voice drifted out of the kitchen.  “You finished fixing stuff for April . . . who is that?  Back away from my brother!”

\tMikey dropped the bowl of popcorn he was carrying and grasped his nunchucks.  His exclamation brought Leo and Raph running from the dojo, their weapons already drawn.

\t“Stop!” Don shouted, stepping forward and trying to slide in front of Nicco.

\tThe larger turtle put his arm out and blocked Don’s movement, clearly signaling that he would not allow Don to stand between him and the ninja clan.  Don’s focus remained on his siblings even as he heard Master Splinter’s shoji screen slide open.

\t“Move away from him, Donatello,” Leo said, his tone commanding and urgent.

\t“No,” Don said distinctly.  “Calm down you guys.  He’s not dangerous.”

\t“How about ya’ let us decide that,” Raph said, a warning growl in his voice.  “Did he force ya’ ta bring him here?”

\t“Look, this is going to take a while to explain . . . .” Don began.

\t“Explain after you go stand next to Mikey,” Leo interrupted, his eyes narrowed and his swords lifting into an attack position.

\tIf his brothers had hair, it would be bristling.  Don didn’t understand why they were behaving with such hostility and it embarrassed him considering how warmly he’d been greeted by Nicco’s family.

\tIn an urgent undertone, Nicco murmured, “Don.”

\tFrom the corner of his eye, Don could see that Nicco’s hands had lifted and were hovering just above the handles on his hachiwari.  The antagonistic vibe that had filled the lair was affecting Nicco as well.

\t“Donatello, please introduce us.”  Master Splinter’s calm inflections seemed to diffuse the sharp intensity of the situation.

\t“Master Splinter, this is Niccolo,” Don said, addressing his father directly and avoiding his brother’s eyes.  “He is my . . . my mate.”

\tThere was a choked sound from Raph’s direction and Mikey shouted, “He’s your what?”

\t“Define mate, my son,” Master Splinter requested.

\tDon licked his lips and took a deep breath.  Nicco had made a potentially huge sacrifice in choosing to come with his lover, and Don couldn’t do less than be forthright with his family, no matter the repercussions.

\t“Niccolo is my mate,” Don repeated in a strong voice.  “He’s my partner, my lover.”

\t“Ya’ have ta be fucking kidding me!” Raph yelled.

\tLeo moved forward slowly, his eyes glued to Nicco.  “Whatever you say, Donny.  Just come over here, okay?”

\t“Dammit Leo, he isn’t our enemy,” Don rasped, trying to get through to his brother.

\t“Stand down, Leonardo,” Master Splinter said.  His eldest son stopped and glanced over at him.  “Put your weapons away, my sons.  Donatello’s friend has made no aggressive move since he’s been here.  We will not behave so impolitely to him.”

\tThere was another perceptible change in the atmosphere as Leo slid his katanas back into their scabbards and Mikey stopped spinning his ‘chucks.  Raph however continued to grip his sai and glare at the invading turtle.

\tThat’s when it clicked for Don.  Nicco was a turtle coming into territory that was not his own.  Turtles were by nature very territorial and supremely aggressive when it came to their domain.  It explained his brother’s reactions and it also explained Nicco’s avaricious kiss.

\tIt was only their mutation and the fact that Master Splinter had raised them to hold honor above all else that kept his brothers from attacking, as their turtle instincts commanded they do.  For Nicco’s part, he too had enough human DNA in his makeup to override his predisposition.  That and his devotion to Donatello was enough to keep his hands off of his weapons.

\t“Raphael,” Master Splinter said, an edge of sharpness in his voice.  The sound pulled Raph’s eyes off of Nicco and when he saw his father’s disapproving glare, he slowly returned the twin sai to his belt.

\t“Everything’s fine, Nicco,” Don said softly and breathed a silent prayer as Nicco’s hands lowered.

\t“Donatello, would you and Niccolo please come with me?” Master Splinter asked.  Without waiting for a reply, he turned and entered his room.

\tTaking a last quick look at his brothers, Don complied with his father’s request, touching Nicco lightly on the arm to get him moving.  The older turtle took a circuitous route to avoid presenting his back to the other three still very tense ninjas.

\tThe stiffness faded from Don’s shoulders as he slid Master Splinter’s door closed behind he and Nicco.  His father was kneeling behind his low table and waved the pair of turtles over, indicating that they should kneel across from him.

\tNicco assumed a position of respect immediately, bowing to Master Splinter as he did so.  Don braced himself for whatever pronouncements his father might make.

\tAt first, Master Splinter said nothing, instead choosing to study the solidly built turtle that Don had brought into their home.  After a moment, Master Splinter glanced at Don and raised an eyebrow.

\t“I believe you have a story to tell me,” Master Splinter said composedly.  “Please begin.”

\tDon did so, beginning with finding April’s puzzle box and how it had accidently activated, throwing him into the dimension where he’d met Niccolo.  He explained everything they’d gone through while they were there, not in great detail, but enough so his father would know Nicco’s qualities as well as Don did.

\tAlthough Don did not skip the fact that they’d become attracted to and then attached to one another, he wasn’t specific about their physical interactions, although he was clear that they’d become intimate.

\tHe told of finding the large artifact and discovering that they couldn’t dial the combination that would take Donatello home.  Since they were operating under a deadly time constraint, they did the only thing they could and returned to Nicco’s world.

\tWhen Don got to the part where he was meeting Nicco’s father, he grew hesitant, looking at Nicco and then back at his father.  He wasn’t sure how Master Splinter would take the news that Nicco’s last name was Stockman.

\t“Nicco’s father was warm and welcoming,” Don said, hedging a little.

\tMaster Splinter lifted a furry eyebrow, noticing the change in the flow of Don’s tale.  “Was there a problem?” he asked.

\t“No,” Don said.  “It’s just that . . . Nicco’s father has a counterpart on our world and it’s Baxter Stockman.”

\t“Indeed,” Master Splinter said.  He closed his eyes and then opened them.  “I presume his character was vastly different for him to have raised such a remarkable son.”

\t“Nicco’s father is nothing at all like our Stockman,” Don replied enthusiastically.  “He’s generous, smart, loving, and completely unselfish.  I took to him right away.”

\tMaster Splinter turned his eyes on Nicco.  “Perhaps this would be an appropriate time for you to tell me about yourself and how you came into being.”

\tNicco complied with the request, his voice strong as he explained how he and his brother had been mutated and then came to live with Stockman.  He told of his upbringing and of the invasion, not skimping over the fact that he and Mase had been rambunctious enough for their father to send them to a martial arts academy so they could learn discipline.  He related the efforts that the two siblings had made to enroll in the army and how Stockman had sent them to live at the academy full time to prevent that.

\tWith Don’s urging, Nicco omitted nothing of his time in the army or how he came to achieve his final rank.  When he talked about how Mase had been injured, Master Splinter exchanged a look with Don and then returned his attention to his son’s mate.

\tThe end of the invasion left the two war heroes floundering without a purpose until they found their puzzle box.  Mounting debts and their father’s ill health along with their own sense of adventure had the two brothers taking chances as they delved into the artifact’s mysteries.  They made a pact that they were simply going to be treasure hunters; not thieves, not invaders, and they would not interfere in any civilization they came across.

\tThough they didn’t find much to start with, they did acquire enough to hold the debtors at bay and to begin helping the mutant community.  Nicco told of Mase’s interest in Corius and in the company that Corius and Honeycutt had formed.

\tThe diamonds he and Mase discovered became the key to Masolino’s happiness and their father’s peace of mind as well.  With that wealth, the family could help many of their mutant brethren stand on their own and escape devastating poverty.

\t“I must apologize to you, Master Splinter,” Nicco said contritely.  “I put your son at risk of his life in my pursuit of those diamonds.  I could have taken him directly to the artifact before the erupting volcano tilted it off of its base and sent him home.”

\tDon started to protest but Master Splinter lifted a hand to quiet him.  “I accept your apology, Niccolo,” he said.  “However, I do not believe you could have taken Donatello anywhere against his will.  My son was apparently determined to remain at your side and if you have not already learned this for yourself, he is very stubborn.”

\t“Actually I have seen that tendency in him,” Nicco said with a smile.

\t“You’re one to talk,” Don returned, trying to hide his own grin.

\tMaster Splinter cleared his throat, capturing their attention once more.  “As it seems that Niccolo must remain here, we will need to see to his comfort,” he told Don.  “Unfortunately, this situation has caused your brothers some trepidation.”

\t“Turtles are territorial, Master Splinter,” Don elucidated for his father.  “Males have an innate need to establish dominance and we both know how Leo and Raph are.”

\t“Yes, and perhaps Niccolo as well,” Master Splinter said, his mouth lifting at the corners.

\t“What should I do?” Nicco asked, seeking Master Splinter’s wisdom.

\t“First off, I must make it clear that you will be sleeping in separate rooms,” Master Splinter said, ignoring the look of dismay on Don’s face.  “Niccolo will have your room, Donatello.  You may share Michelangelo’s space.”

\t“Yes sensei,” Don said humbly.

\t“Niccolo,” Master Splinter said, giving the large turtle his attention, “as far as Donatello’s brothers go, you must do nothing to strengthen their aversion to you and everything to gain their trust.  This will be no simple task.”

\t“I don’t shy away from challenges, sir,” Nicco said.

\t“No, I imagine you do not,” Master Splinter agreed.  He cocked his head slightly as he looked at Don.  “You needn’t worry that your brothers will hold you in less regard or that you will diminish in their eyes because of the choice you have made.  They may have varied emotions but they will eventually see you in exactly the same light as before.

\t“Your primary concern should lie in how your brothers view Niccolo.  First impressions are important, but because of who and what we are everyone is viewed with a certain level of distrust.  If you do not assure your brothers through your actions that you have made a sound decision, then they may never accept your mate.  Now is your opportunity to let them see the benefits and advantages of your choice.

\t“They must also see that you are truly happy and that you do not need to sleep with Niccolo in order to be satisfied by him.”

\t“Yes sensei,” Don said, understanding his father’s decision on their sleeping arrangements.

\t“As I am sure Donatello has explained to you, our world knows nothing of mutants,” Master Splinter told Nicco.  “We must remain hidden from sight even during those times when it is imperative for us to venture topside.  You are a fit and capable soldier, someone who has worn the mantle of leadership.  You have seen battle and so too has this family.

\t“You must understand that in this world the responsibilities of leadership belong to Leonardo.  My sons have trained their entire lives in the art of ninjitsu, invisibility, and the way of the warrior.  Our methods vary greatly from what you have been taught, therefore if you are to become a member of this team, you must train.

\t“Are you willing to do this knowing that you must follow the commands of another?”

\t“Of course, Master Splinter,” Nicco answered.  “As a soldier you’re required to follow a chain of command.  I’ve always had superiors to whom I had to report.  I understand that whatever experiences I may have, there is always someone more knowledgeable.”

\tDon could tell that Master Splinter was pleased with Nicco’s answer.  “I will work with you; train you, assess your skills, and test them.  It will be solely at my discretion as to whether and when you may patrol with my sons.”

\t“Yes sir,” Nicco said.

\tMaster Splinter inhaled deeply and Don knew he wasn’t finished.  “Let us return to the question of following orders,” he said.  “Although you assure me you are capable of doing so, we must not forget that you achieved your rank as a direct result of refusing a direct order from a superior.”

\t“It was suicide . . . .” Don started to protest.

\t“He is right, Donny,” Nicco said, overriding him.  “In that instance I made a choice to ignore my training and do what I thought would save lives.”

\tTo Don’s surprise, Master Splinter said, “I have no argument with your decision.  It was both wise and rational.  However it does bring to mind a question that I must ask and it is one you may not have an answer for.  In fact, I would prefer that you think it over before you answer so that we both know you have been truthful with yourself.”

\t“I try to do that as much as possible, sir,” Nicco said.

\tWith a nod, Master Splinter stared into Nicco’s eyes.  “If you find yourself in a fight with our enemies and Leonardo gives you a command that is detrimental to Donatello’s well-being, can you follow that order?  Would you countermand his orders if you thought they put your mate in danger?”

\tNicco’s mouth opened and then snapped shut.  For a moment he contemplated the question and once more Master Splinter observed him.  Don wondered if his father was dipping into Nicco’s mind, using his gifts to sense what Nicco was made of.

\t“That is something I will have to think about,” Nicco admitted slowly.  “I know my own abilities and have become very aware of Donatello’s, but I don’t know Leonardo at all.  I have no knowledge of his leadership qualities and until I do, I can’t fully trust his decisions.”

\t“And that is why you will not be allowed into a fight of any kind until you come to know these things,” Master Splinter said.

\t“I bow to your wisdom in the matter,” Nicco said, doing so politely.

\t“Donatello,” Master Splinter said, startling his son who was immersed in thought.  “I will repeat that question to you.  Would you balk if Leonardo gave you a command that placed Niccolo in imminent danger?  What would happen if the two of them were at odds over a decision that Leonardo had made and both were telling you something different.  To whom would you listen?

\t“I must remind you that in a battle you cannot serve two masters.  Would you continue to trust your brother as you always have, or would you allow a lack of faith to cloud your judgment, perhaps even to the point of thinking that Leonardo might be trying to get rid of your mate?”

\tDon’s own thought processes had already started partway down that path and they worried him.  In a low voice he admitted, “As things stand now, I would fear that Leo might have ulterior motives.”  It hurt him to think that, but he’d never seen his older brother so antagonistic towards someone he’d just met.  “I don’t want to believe that.”

\t“Nor do I want you to,” Master Splinter said.  “This will be a slow process, but it seems we have nothing but time.”

\t“That’s true, sensei,” Don said, brightening a bit.

\t“Please leave Niccolo and I now, my son,” Master Splinter said.  “You will need to inform Michelangelo that you will be bunking with him and prepare your own room for our guest.  Niccolo is going to remain here and tell me about the training he received at his martial arts academy.  It will give me an idea of where to begin our lessons.”

\t“Yes, father,” Don said, standing and bowing to Master Splinter.

\tBefore he could leave, Nicco reached up and caught his hand, giving it a quick squeeze.  Returning the gesture, Don smiled reassuringly at his lover.

\tDon stepped out of his father’s room, wondering where his brothers would be.  A rough hand wrapped around his forearm and Don looked up into Raph’s blazing gold eyes.  It didn’t take more than a quick glance to ascertain the fact that all three of his siblings had been right outside Master Splinter’s door, eavesdropping.

\tWithout a word, Raph yanked him towards the dojo and Don went willingly, ready to deal with his brothers before Nicco came out of Master Splinter’s room.

\tOnce they were inside the dojo, Don pulled out of Raph’s grip and spun on his brothers, taking the initiative before they could speak.

\t“What is wrong with the three of you?” Don demanded.  “This isn’t the first time any of us has brought a new friend to the lair but it’s the first time any of you has acted with outright hostility towards them.”

\t“Only he ain’t exactly a ‘friend’ now, is he Donatello?” Raph asked, his voice heavy with sarcasm.

\t“You didn’t know that right away though, did you?” Don shot back.

\t“How did you expect us to act?” Mikey asked, pushing in towards Don aggressively.  “Around here a new friend is usually human.  You walked in with a mutated turtle, a really big one, and we’re not supposed to think that maybe Bishop created him?”

\t“Since you were listening outside the door, I guess you know that Bishop didn’t create him,” Don said.  “So why are you three so upset?”

\t“Maybe you can’t smell it because of your relationship to him, but that other turtle is giving off a threatening scent,” Leo said, staring at his brother.

\t“You’re responding to alarm pheromones secreted by a male turtle reacting to a hostile environment,” Don said.  “That other turtle’s name is Niccolo by the way.”

\t“I’ll tell ya’ what he is,” Raph said belligerently, “he’s a perv and a fa . . . .”

\t“Shut your mouth,” Don snapped before Raph could finish his derogatory epithet.  “You don’t know anything about him.  If you want to call names of that sort, you should start by insulting me because I chose to take him as a lover.”

\t“But Donny,” Mikey said in his most cajoling manner, “we never had a clue that you’d swing that way.  You’re always the one that attracts the ladies.”

\t“Which ladies would that be?  I don’t recall fending off any women,” Don retorted.

\t“Don,” Leo said in a voice that drew his brother’s attention.  “Are you settling for this Niccolo because you want to have sex?”

\t“What?” Don asked incredulously.  “No!  Do you guys really think I’m that desperate or that shallow?  Because of the puzzle box Nicco and I spent a lot of time together and I love him.  Get that into your heads so you can start accepting it.

\t“In answer to your question Mikey, I didn’t know if I was heterosexual or homosexual either because I never thought about it.  I don’t know about you guys, but a long time ago I’d already dismissed all thoughts of having a relationship with someone.

\t“Meeting Nicco was a gift, or Fate or Destiny, I don’t care what you call it.  I’m in love with Nicco and he loves me.  He’s wonderful and amazing.  You three are going to flush your prejudices and this territorial nonsense and treat him with respect, or so help me I’ll go back to his dimension and let you rot.”

\tDon was panting hard from his outburst as he stared at his brothers.  None of them said anything, all three staring at him with expressions of profound disbelief.

\tEven Don couldn’t believe that he’d made that threat because there was no way he’d follow through.  Abandoning his brothers wasn’t something he could do and he knew that Nicco wouldn’t let him.

\tRaph found his voice first, his face dark with anger.  “Don’t try ta bluff me or I’ll make ya’ eat those . . . .”

\tAll four heard Master Splinter say something in the distance and Leo nudged Raph into silence.  Walking away from them, Don exited the dojo with his head high, ignoring the gimlet stares of his brothers which he could practically feel on his shell.

\tMaster Splinter and Nicco were standing together as Don approached.  “Sorry, I didn’t make it upstairs yet.  Come on up with me and let’s get you settled in,” he said to Nicco.

\tThe older turtle gave him deep look before saying, “You can give me the grand tour afterwards.  I can’t wait to see that lab of yours.”

\tLaughing, Don walked with Nicco to the stairs and on up.  “Prepare to be dazzled by my clutter.”

\tAs they approached the bedroom, Don glanced down to see the malevolent gaze his brothers were aiming at Nicco’s carapace.  Don had not anticipated this situation at all.

TBC……………..", "pools_count": 1, "title": "Don and the Puzzle Box part 21", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "application/msword", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "2", "rating_name": "Adult", "ratings": [ { "content_tag_id": "4", "name": "Sexual Themes", "description": "Erotic imagery, sexual activity or arousal", "rating_id": "2" } ], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "t", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "7", "views": "173" }