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There they discover many new challenges. 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No money being made.\nWord Count: 4,705 multi-chapter 2k3\nSummary: Donatello and his brothers visit Niccolo Stockman's world to meet his family. There they learn the joys of venturing into the daylight and walking out in the open among humans. They also learn about the sacrifices that have to be made in order to earn that freedom and the prejudices that are a continuing battle.\nRatings will vary by chapter from G to NC-17\nSequel to [url=https://inkbunny.net/poolview_process.php?pool_id=35485]Don and the Puzzle Box[/url] \n~~The beautiful and touching preview image was created by the very talented @Sherenelle and used with the artist's permission.\nOC's Donovan and Yoshino are the property of Gemi and used with their permission and writing assistance.\nConcurrent works [url=https://archiveofourown.org/series/1318631]Walking in Daylight oneshot series[/url] by Gemi", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.
Word Count: 4,705 multi-chapter 2k3
Summary: Donatello and his brothers visit Niccolo Stockman's world to meet his family. There they learn the joys of venturing into the daylight and walking out in the open among humans. They also learn about the sacrifices that have to be made in order to earn that freedom and the prejudices that are a continuing battle.
Ratings will vary by chapter from G to NC-17
Sequel to Don and the Puzzle Box
~~The beautiful and touching preview image was created by the very talented @Sherenelle and used with the artist's permission.
OC's Donovan and Yoshino are the property of Gemi and used with their permission and writing assistance.
Concurrent works Walking in Daylight oneshot series by Gemi", "writing": "\t``How was your first day of school?'' Don asked as he stepped through the back door to join Mikey on the porch.\n\n\tIt was dusk and fireflies were flitting around the backyard. Don settled into a chair next to his brother and inhaled deeply of the fresh air.\n\n\t``It was awesome,'' Mikey answered. ``The kids loved me and I'm getting along great with the teachers.''\n\n\tThere was still enough light for Don to see the touch of color on Mikey's cheeks. ``Any particular teacher?'' Don asked with a knowing smile.\n\n\t``Maybe,'' Mikey said, returning his brother's grin. ``Her name's Ms. Kala. Kala. She's smart, and pretty, and very sweet.''\n\n\t``I'm surprised you managed to focus on the children,'' Don said in a teasing tone. ``Unless you were showing off for her.''\n\n\t``Her two brothers are teachers too,'' Mikey said. ``Gotta impress the whole family. Let us not forget the first impression Nicco made.''\n\n\tDon laughed. ``How could I forget? I practically had to fight off my entire family to keep you guys from attacking him.''\n\n\t``Speaking of Nicco, where is your mate? Aren't you guys attached at the hip? Or, you know, other places?'' Mikey asked with a wink.\n\n\t``Your innuendos need work,'' Don said. ``Better yet, skip them altogether. He and Mase are showing Raph and Leo around the neighborhood, since neither of them left the house today.''\n\n\t``I predict it'll take a while before Leo's ready to walk around in daylight with humans,'' Mikey said. ``Old habits.''\n\n\t``Ingrained habits,'' Don corrected. ``I'm still not completely comfortable with it and probably won't be for months. I wouldn't go out alone.''\n\n\t``It'd be better if we didn't have a Hun on this world to worry about,'' Mikey said. ``That's a downer.''\n\n\t``I hope he doesn't cramp your style with the ladies,'' Don said. ``Oh, before I forget, here.''\n\n\tHe handed a cell phone to Mikey, who enthusiastically plucked it from his brother's hand. ``Yes! Now I can call Kala.''\n\n\t``What about the other nine thousand women whose phone numbers you acquired?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``I don't want to limit myself,'' Mikey said with a casual wave of his hand. ``Kala comes first though. She [i]is [/i]my employer.''\n\n\t``No other reason?'' Don asked.\n\n\tTo his surprise, rather than the teasing rejoinder he expected, Mikey's expression had turned somber. ``Donny, what's it like to fall in love and to be in love?''\n\n\t``I think I'm going to have to meet Ms. Kala,'' Don said, turning in his seat so he could better look at his brother.\n\n\t``I'm serious,'' Mikey said, frowning.\n\n\t``Yes, I can see that you are,'' Don said. ``To be honest, it's indescribable. It's like a whole other part of yourself opens up, a part you didn't even know was there. It comes alive and it's vibrant and hopeful and positive.''\n\n\tMikey took a moment to think about that. ``But when you told me about the time you spent with Nicco on the diamond world, it didn't sound like you wanted anything to do with him at first. He seemed to be into you a lot sooner than you got interested in him. Didn't you know you were falling for him or were you fighting it?''\n\n\t``A little of both? I know I'm answering a question with a question and that's not really an answer,'' Don said. ``Love can be complicated. It's scary. It's an act of courage. It's not something to be taken lightly or thoughtlessly, though often it's not something you can help. I didn't want to be in love with Nicco because I did not see how we could ever be together. I thought I'd save myself the heartache by denying my feelings, but feelings don't really work that way.''\n\n\tMikey's expression suddenly brightened. ``I can be with Kala,'' he said, his smile radiant. ``'Cause of the puzzle box and the doorway. There's nothing keeping us apart, is there? She's got a job, I can get a job, and her brothers will love me too.''\n\n\tHe sat back with a satisfied smile, as though all was right with the world. Don couldn't help but envy his brother's optimism.\n\n\t``Some people seemed to get all sunshine, and some all shadow . . . .'' Don murmured.\n\n\t``What was that?'' Mikey asked.\n\n\tDon shook his head. ``Oh nothing. Just a quote from Louisa May Alcott.''\n\n\t``Don't know her. Is that somebody new you met?'' Mikey was distracted from his question by the back door opening. The brothers looked over to see Donovan and Yoshino coming outside.\n\n\t``So this is where the remainder of your family has gotten to,'' Donovan said. ``I wanted to go on that walk with the others, but Nicco insisted I remain out of sight.''\n\n\t``He's only got your welfare in mind,'' Don said. ``The chances of Hun or his people seeing you here is slim, but why tempt fate?''\n\n\t``It's cute how you rush to defend your mate,'' Novan said.\n\n\tMikey had been watching Yoshi, who was staring at a large rubber ball sitting against the porch railing. Rising from his chair, Mikey went over to pick up the ball and bounce it in his hand.\n\n\t``Do you know how to play kickball, Yoshi?'' Mikey asked.\n\n\t``You kick the ball?'' Yoshi asked.\n\n\tMikey laughed. ``That's the general idea. Come on, I'll tell you the rules of the game and we can practice.''\n\n\tYoshi glanced up at his brother, who nodded his head. With a wide smile, Yoshi went out into the backyard with Mikey. He stood listening intently when Mikey squatted next to him to begin explaining how kickball was played.\n\n\t``Yoshino has taken to Michelangelo,'' Novan said, taking the seat that Mikey had abandoned.\n\n\t``Is that unusual for him?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``Yoshi is shy,'' Novan said.\n\n\t``He seems okay around the Stockman family and Annabelle,'' Don said. ``I suppose he's gotten used to them.''\n\n\t``Mm,'' Novan murmured noncommittally.\n\n\tFor some reason, that bothered Don. ``You trust them don't you? Why else would you have come here with Yoshi?''\n\n\t``Worried that I have designs on Niccolo?'' Novan asked. He waved a hand to stop the protest that started to Don's lips. ``No, no, I know that's not what you meant. I trust Nicco and Mase. I consider humans, no matter to whom they are related, to be a necessary evil.''\n\n \t``I suppose past experiences have colored your view,'' Don said, trying not to sound too curious.\n\n\tA slight smile turned up the corners of Novan's mouth. ``I take it that Nicco has only made allusions to my past. He has always been the soul of discretion,'' he said. ``I'm sure that is one of the qualities that made him such a good soldier.''\n\n\t``It's a quality that I admire,'' Don said.\n\n\t``Don't get me wrong, Niccolo has many good qualities,'' Novan said. ``I have personally enjoyed a number of them.''\n\n\tDon huffed lightly. ``Well, uh, yes. He's your friend.''\n\n\tNovan chuckled. ``Watching you try not to be jealous is entertaining.''\n\n\t``Why do you try so hard to make me jealous?'' Don countered, looking Novan in the eye.\n\n\t``Is that what I was doing?'' Novan asked, still wearing an amused look. ``Young love is sweet. I'm afraid I'm far too jaded to take it very seriously. You shouldn't mind me. To be honest, I'm delighted for you and Nicco. He deserves to be happy. More so than anyone I've ever met, besides Yoshi of course.''\n\n\t``What about you?'' Don asked. ``No one is so jaded that they can't find happiness.''\n\n\tNovan turned his head to watch Yoshi, who was squealing and laughing as he kicked the ball high into the air. For a few minutes Novan was quiet as he watched his brother run and play as though he hadn't a care in the world.\n\n\tJust when Don thought Novan wouldn't respond, the albino said, ``That is my happiness. Yoshino is all that matters to me.''\n\n\t``Your devotion to him and his well-being is admirable,'' Don said. ``I feel the same way about my brothers. We're all we've ever had, besides our father. Family is everything.''\n\n\t``Yoshi is everything to me,'' Novan said. ``There is nothing I won't do for him. Nothing I won't do to provide for him.''\n\n\t``Is that why you . . . ?'' Don let the question trail off when he wasn't sure how to finish it.\n\n\t``Sell myself?'' Novan supplied. ``Look at me, Donatello. I am a rare and rather exotic albino turtle. Men want to give me money to be with them. I'm good at what I do and I enjoy my work. Why should I pursue other avenues of employment? People are not lining up to hire mutants. I can't provide what Yoshi needs by taking on menial labor that pays pennies.''\n\n\t``I'm not passing judgment,'' Don said. ``I only ask because I want to know you better. You're important to Nicco and that makes you important to me.''\n\n\t``It wouldn't actually matter to me if you were passing judgment, darling,'' Novan said. ``I wasn't taking it that way, just so you know. I was simply trying to answer your question the best I knew how.''\n\n\t``I appreciate the honesty,'' Don said. ``You're right about Nicco too. He wouldn't tell me anything about your past. He said that it was your story to tell, if you felt so inclined.''\n\n\t``He knows that I rarely do feel inclined,'' Novan said. ``Let's make it a trade. Your origin story for mine. We both know Nicco's and he knows ours. This way we can even things up.''\n\n\t``That seems fair,'' Don replied. He launched into the story of how his family came to be mutated, explaining that where he was from, mutants did not make themselves known.\n\n\tNovan was a good audience, listening quietly and asking intelligent questions. Donatello got the feeling that gathering information was one of Novan's talents and he remembered what Nicco had said about how the albino should have been a journalist.\n\n\tDusk was long past and darkness had fallen. A string of lights that hung across the backyard illuminated the game Mikey and Yoshi were playing. There were a few lights on the back of the house, but the only one that was on was the yellow bulb of an insect light.\n\n\tThe glow it cast was slight and seemed to set an evocative mood. Once Don had shared his family's origin story, how they had come to learn ninjutsu, and how their lives were intertwined with that of their worst enemy, he stopped. There wasn't much beyond that to tell.\n\n\tDon waited in the ensuing silence, determined not to push Novan to talk. If the other turtle had changed his mind, it was his prerogative. After all, he hadn't known Don for more than a couple of days. Novan was here because he was in danger and maybe the things that had happened to him in the past were key to the current hazard he was in.\n\n\tWhen Novan did begin to speak, it was in a much softer tone than Don had ever heard from him. ``Yoshi and I were both hatched in a laboratory,'' he said. ``We were experiments. I don't talk about it because the only good thing that came from my time there was Yoshi. He's the reason that I'm not still there. Or dead.''\n\n \t``Is that how you . . . ?'' Don hesitated again, not sure how forward he should be. \n\n\t``You needn't walk a tightrope around me,'' Novan said. ``Ask your questions.'' \n\n\t``I've been looking at Yoshi's shape,'' Don said. ``I'll admit that Nicco did tell me this much, that Yoshi is also a hermaphrodite, isn't he?''\n\n\t``He is,'' Novan acknowledged.\n\n\t``It's just that it's very rare, and to find two hermaphrodites in the same place . . . well, the odds of that are off the charts,'' Don said.\n\n\t``So you wondered if the experiments were responsible,'' Novan said. ``A logical conclusion and a correct one. We were engineered this way.''\n\n\t``For what purpose?'' Don asked. ``What possible reason could someone have for engineering a mutant to be a hermaphrodite? Who ran this laboratory? It couldn't possibly have been sanctioned by the government, could it? Mutants here have rights. Were there others? How did you get out? Were you and Yoshi created from the same genetic material? It's clear that you weren't hatchlings together. How long were you there? What did you have to . . . .?''\n\n\t``Stop!'' Novan exclaimed, laughing and holding up his hand to stem the tide of Don's questions. ``You have a lot in common with Mase. Nicco must have seen that in you.''\n\n\t``It's funny that you mention that,'' Don said. ``The origin story that I told you? It's parallel to Nicco and Mase's up to the point where we become covered in ooze. Our father found us just minutes after we came into contact with the mutagen. On your world, the boy who dropped his turtles came back for them. Except that when he returned, he found only two turtles where there had originally been four.''\n\n\t``Interesting,'' Novan said, looking thoughtful. ``Would it be a reasonable hypothesis, based on what you've told me, to assume that the other turtles weren't simply carried away? That perhaps the ooze, as you call it, fused four turtles into two?''\n\n\tNicco had said that Novan was intelligent. ``You'd be correct in that supposition,'' Don said. ``From their personalities, we've deduced that Nicco is a combination of Leo and Raph.''\n\n\t``And that Masolino is a combination of you and Michelangelo,'' Novan said. ``Now that, darling, is quite fascinating.''\n\n\t``Do you know what else is fascinating?'' Don asked. ``The man who was our father's master was named Yoshi. Who chose your brother's name?''\n\n\t``I did,'' Novan answered. He leaned over to tap Don's arm with one clawed finger. ``But get this, I got the name from an old rat in the lab. He told me it used to belong to a human who had been his owner but also kind. It seemed fitting to name Yoshi that, then.'' He hesitated. ``I want him to grow up kind,'' he said, ``and to know kindness.''\n\n\t``The parallels are absolutely astonishing,'' Don said.\n\n\tA shout of pure delight drew their attention to Yoshi, who had managed to kick the ball over Mikey's head. Don glanced at Novan and saw that his features had relaxed and there was a smile on his face as he watched his baby brother. It was easy to see that the albino turtle adored Yoshi.\n\n\tNovan's earlier movement had drawn back the quarter length sleeve on his arm enough for Don to once more notice the marks on his skin. Some of them were long, as though his arm had been cut, but others were clearly scars left from repeated needle sticks.\n\n\t``I know I'm bombarding you with questions,'' Don said carefully, pulling Novan's attention back to him. ``The scars on your arm, did those come from experiments in the laboratory?''\n\n\t``You don't miss much, do you? Where else would I have gotten them?'' Novan countered, his attention back on Donatello once more.\n\n\t``It's just that . . . .'' Don paused to take a deep breath. ``On our world, if someone in your profession has cuts or needle marks, it's usually from self-harm or . . . or drugs.''\n\n\tEven in the low light, Donovan's ruby colored eyes seemed to flash from some strong emotion. ``I do not use drugs. I hate them and if they weren't necessary to keep Yoshi healthy I wouldn't let him use them either. For too many years I was used as a guinea pig by humans. No one and nothing will ever again control my fate.''\n\n\t``But how did they get away with that?'' Don asked, feeling his indignation rising. ``Don't they have some sort of government oversight on this world? On ours laboratories are regulated by government agencies. They are inspected on a regular basis.''\n\n\t``Darling, the government here does not bother to inspect itself,'' Novan said, his aspect somber.\n\n\tDon felt as though he'd been punched in the gut. ``You were a [i]government [/i]experiment?''\n\n\tThe surprise in his voice seemed to amuse Novan. ``I wasn't the only one, and I'm not talking just about Yoshi. We all had numbers. I was known as `thirty-four' until I decided to give myself a name.'' His gaze as he stared at Don was rock hard. ``Without names it didn't matter if the experiments maimed or killed us.''\n\n\t``How did you and Yoshi get out? Did they release you?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``We escaped,'' Novan said, his intonation flat. ``There was a fire and I grabbed Yoshi and ran. No one else survived or we would have been pursued. Our benevolent government would not want anyone to know that they had secretly been experimenting on the same mutant groups they had just given `human' rights to.''\n\n\tThe sarcasm in his tone was heavy and Don understood completely. If there was anything he could empathize with, it was the feeling that your life meant nothing to someone else. That your very existence was so fascinating to certain people that they felt the need to take you apart to know how you came to be in the first place.\n\n\tA thought struck Don. ``The person who was in charge of the lab, did you ever meet him? Was his name . . . .?''\n\n\tBefore he could finish the question, two things happened at once. The ball had gotten caught in some tree limbs and Mikey was stooping down to boost Yoshi up onto his shoulders to retrieve it, and Novan was jumping up from his seat.\n\n\t``Yoshi, no!'' Novan cried out. He was moving forward when the back door opened and Mase came dashing out.\n\n\t``Sit down, I've got this,'' Mase said as he ran past them and out into the yard.\n\n\tMikey straightened up slowly, looking perplexed. ``What's wrong?''\n\n\t``Yoshi shouldn't be doing any climbing,'' Mase said. ``Here, let me give you a lift up.''\n\n\tMase clasped his hands together in front of him and Mikey hopped up, landing one footed on the other turtle's hands. Using them as a springboard, Mikey soared into the air and snagged the ball. Doing a complete flip midair, Mikey came down lightly on his feet and bowed, much to Yoshino's pleasure. The small turtle clapped appreciatively.\n\n\tIt wasn't until the all three turtles were on terra firma that Novan once again sat down. There was a tightness at the corners of his mouth that denoted a level of anxiety he'd not exhibited before.\n\n\t``It's more than just allergies, isn't it?'' Don asked.\n\n\tNovan took a deep breath and released it in a heavy exhale. ``Full disclosure, Yoshi is not in the best of health. He has a wide range of difficulties on top of his numerous allergies. Experimentation was not kind to him. I'm telling you this because if we are to spend time with you and your brothers, you should know his limitations.''\n\n\tDon felt an instant pang of sympathy. ``I'm so sorry for everything you and your brother have been through.''\n\n\tThe look Novan gave him was appraising. ``Yes, I can see that you truly are. You speak of the qualities that you appreciate in Nicco, but I would guess that your compassion is something that Nicco admires.''\n\n\t``Would it be all right if I were to share what you've told me with my brothers?'' Don asked. ``I won't if you'd rather I didn't.''\n\n\tNovan compressed his lips tightly for just a moment. Finally he gave one curt nod. ``You may. It will save me from having to repeat myself.''\n\n\t``You started to tell me about Yoshi's health,'' Don prompted.\n\n\tThe back door creaked open before Novan could continue and Raph stepped out onto the porch. His gaze fell on the three turtles in the yard first, smiling slightly as he watched Mikey and Mase chase each other and the ball when Yoshi kicked it.\n\n\tThen he noticed Don and Novan seated to his left and walked over to join them, though he remained standing. Leaning back against the house, he crossed his arms. ``Nice night.''\n\n\t``How was your walk?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``Good,'' Raph said. With a shrug, he added, ``Weird. Every time we passed a human I had to grab Leo's arm to keep him from bolting. We stopped at a mutant run bakery a few blocks over and bought some of the best bread I've ever tasted. Mase called it `ciabatta' and said it'd go good with dinner.'' He chuckled. ``Annabelle chased him out of the kitchen about five seconds after we dropped it off to her.''\n\n\tDon snickered, easily visualizing the scene. ``Speaking of Leo, where are he and Nicco?'' \n\n\tRaph indicated the house with a movement of his head. ``Both in there having a powwow over what we should be doing about Hun. I say track that mountain down and kick his ass, but they don't agree with that plan.''\n\n\t``I for one would enjoy seeing you do that, darling,'' Novan said. ``But I have to agree with the two less impulsive males. Hun is always surrounded by a small army of men.''\n\n\t``Novan was just telling me about Yoshino's health issues,'' Don said, wanting to pull Raph's mind off of plotting vengeance. ``We need to know what the little guy can and can't do.''\n\n\tHe looked expectantly at the albino who took the hint. ``Yoshi has some food allergies. Mase has apprised Annabelle of those. He's allergic to many human medications and to certain airborne pollens as well as dust and fur.''\n\n\tDon frowned. ``It must be hard on him when he's in school with the other children.''\n\n\t``Until Mase designed a special mask for him, he couldn't be around some of those who have fur. He's not allergic to all fur. It's mostly the kind that picks up dander. Fortunately, one benefit of mutation is that it has made most mutants hypoallergenic,'' Donovan clarified.\n\n \t``He doesn't have to worry about that when he's around us,'' Raph said.\n\n\t``Darling, if that were his only ailment then I wouldn't be so concerned,'' Novan told him. ``Yoshi also suffers from a vitamin D deficiency, which means his bones break easily.''\n\n\t``Does extra calcium and sunlight help?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``Somewhat,'' Novan answered. ``He has trouble absorbing Vitamin D, so it is a challenge. I have sun lamps for him to bask under, because I can't exactly take my alabaster skin out into the natural sunlight with him.''\n\n\tHe winked at Raph as he said that and the other turtle rolled his eyes. ``Sucks for you.''\n\n\t``I manage,'' Novan said.\n\n\t``Now I understand why you didn't want him climbing,'' Don said.\n\n\t``It's not only that,'' Novan explained, ``it's also that Yoshi has a slight case of hemophilia.''\n\n\t``That is doubly concerning,'' Don said, frowning.\n\n\t``What's hemophilia?'' Raph asked.\n\n\tDon turned to him. ``It's a disorder in which blood doesn't clot normally because of insufficient blood-clotting proteins. After an injury, someone with hemophilia will bleed for a longer time than they would if their blood clotted normally.'' He looked back at Novan. ``It can be treated with replacement therapy.''\n\n\t``Masolino and I have discussed attempting to find which clotting factor Yoshi has a deficiency of and attempting replacement therapy,'' Novan said. His expression indicated a certain repulsion at the idea. ``It would require testing and I am naturally somewhat averse to that.''\n\n\t``I understand, but I'm sure Mase could make it as painless as possible,'' Don said. ``It would be worth it if the treatment helped keep Yoshi healthy and safe.''\n\n\tA corner of Raph's lip lifted, enhancing his cocky attitude. ``Ask him to make ya' some heavy duty sunscreen while he's at it.''\n\n\t``Why? Would you like to see my fine body sprawled out on a blanket in the yard?'' Novan asked.\n\n\t``Got a high opinion of yourself, don't ya'?'' Raph responded.\n\n\t``I would call it a healthy opinion,'' Novan said. ``Would you like for me to teach you how to be more confident?''\n\n\t``Doubt I could afford it,'' Raph said.\n\n\t``Raphael!'' Don snapped.\n\n\tNovan was laughing. ``I fear that you are right. Play your cards right and I might give you a freebie.''\n\n\t``You and me clearly don't play the same kinds of card games,'' Raph said.\n\n\t``Possibly,'' Novan said, his red eyes twinkling. ``I'm sure your poker face is atrocious, darling.''\n\n\tNiccolo appeared at the back door. ``Dinner's ready. You guys come on in and wash up.''\n\n\tHe stood aside as the others filed past him but blocked the path when Don, who was last in line, approached. Wrapping his arms around his mate, Nicco asked, ``Were you having a heart-to-heart with Novan?''\n\n\t``Worried he was telling me secrets about you?'' Don teased.\n\n\t``You already know everything,'' Nicco said, pressing a kiss to Don's mouth. ``On a more serious note, were you able to get him to share anything about himself?''\n\n\t``A bit. He told me about the laboratory and being experimented on. He didn't share many details but I did learn that the government was responsible for what happened to him and to Yoshi,'' Don said.\n\n\tThe intensity in his tone earned him another kiss. ``I love how you can be so indignant over another's plight,'' Nicco said softly. ``If it helps any, I'm fairly certain that lab wasn't actually sanctioned. It was more of a rogue operation.''\n\n\t``How did you determine that?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``Mase did some research,'' Nicco said. ``There was never a report of a laboratory, private or otherwise, being destroyed by a fire. Either it didn't have legitimate standing, or the government was determined to keep it a secret. I doubt the latter because when too many people know about something, information tends to leak out.''\n\n\t``Logical,'' Don murmured, looking thoughtful.\n\n\tNicco cupped his chin. ``What are you thinking about?''\n\n\t``Raphael and Donovan,'' Don said.\n\n\tNicco appeared surprised. ``That was a quick change of subject.''\n\n\t``I saw the look that passed between you and Novan after the episode in the dojo,'' Don said. ``Novan seems to be going out of his way to toy with Raph.''\n\n\t``Don't read much into that,'' Nicco said. ``Novan is good at reading people and Raph has a personality that attracts his attention. Your brother is a little . . . uptight.''\n\n\t``That's one way to describe him,'' Don said. ``So is Leo for that matter, but Novan avoids him like the plague. Don't think I haven't noticed.''\n\n\t``Those two aren't uptight in the same way,'' Nicco said. ``Raph has character traits that appeal to Novan's sense of humor, whereas Leo's repel him. I can't think of a better way to describe it.''\n\n\t``I hope Novan realizes that Raph's bite is much worse than his bark,'' Don said.\n\n\tNicco chuckled. ``Novan is the type to encourage biting.''\n\n\t``Oh really? How exactly would you know that?'' Don asked playfully.\n\n\tCocking his head to the side, Nicco said, ``I think I hear Annabelle calling us. They're probably holding dinner.''\n\n\t``Coward,'' Don said as his took Nicco's hand and went into the house. ``Maybe I [i]will[/i] ask Donovan for suggestions.''\n\n\t``You'd better not,'' Nicco said good-naturedly as they entered the kitchen.\n\n\t``Better not what?'' Mikey asked. He was at the counter, taking a basket of bread from Annabelle.\n\n\t``Nothing,'' Don said.\n\n\tMikey shook his head, clearly no longer interested as he carried the food to the table.\n\n\tEveryone else was already seated, with Dr. Stockman at one end and the chair to his left open for Annabelle. The chair at the other end of the table was Nicco's and Donatello's seat was on his right.\n\n\tAs he was taking his chair, Don noticed that Raph and Novan were sitting next to each other. That surprised him, considering how tense all of their previous interactions had seemed, at least the ones that Don had witnessed.\n\n\tLooking up and across the table, Don saw that Leo's attention was on Raph as well. From his expression, it looked as if Leo had bitten into something sour.\n\n\tExcept that there wasn't yet any food on his plate.\n\nTBC.................\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "\t``How was your first day of school?'' Don asked as he stepped through the back door to join Mikey on the porch.

\tIt was dusk and fireflies were flitting around the backyard.  Don settled into a chair next to his brother and inhaled deeply of the fresh air.

\t``It was awesome,'' Mikey answered.  ``The kids loved me and I'm getting along great with the teachers.''

\tThere was still enough light for Don to see the touch of color on Mikey's cheeks.  ``Any particular teacher?'' Don asked with a knowing smile.

\t``Maybe,'' Mikey said, returning his brother's grin.  ``Her name's Ms. Kala.  Kala.  She's smart, and pretty, and very sweet.''

\t``I'm surprised you managed to focus on the children,'' Don said in a teasing tone.  ``Unless you were showing off for her.''

\t``Her two brothers are teachers too,'' Mikey said.  ``Gotta impress the whole family.  Let us not forget the first impression Nicco made.''

\tDon laughed.  ``How could I forget?  I practically had to fight off my entire family to keep you guys from attacking him.''

\t``Speaking of Nicco, where is your mate?  Aren't you guys attached at the hip?  Or, you know, other places?'' Mikey asked with a wink.

\t``Your innuendos need work,'' Don said.  ``Better yet, skip them altogether.  He and Mase are showing Raph and Leo around the neighborhood, since neither of them left the house today.''

\t``I predict it'll take a while before Leo's ready to walk around in daylight with humans,'' Mikey said.  ``Old habits.''

\t``Ingrained habits,'' Don corrected.  ``I'm still not completely comfortable with it and probably won't be for months.  I wouldn't go out alone.''

\t``It'd be better if we didn't have a Hun on this world to worry about,'' Mikey said.  ``That's a downer.''

\t``I hope he doesn't cramp your style with the ladies,'' Don said.  ``Oh, before I forget, here.''

\tHe handed a cell phone to Mikey, who enthusiastically plucked it from his brother's hand.  ``Yes!  Now I can call Kala.''

\t``What about the other nine thousand women whose phone numbers you acquired?'' Don asked.

\t``I don't want to limit myself,'' Mikey said with a casual wave of his hand.  ``Kala comes first though.  She is my employer.''

\t``No other reason?'' Don asked.

\tTo his surprise, rather than the teasing rejoinder he expected, Mikey's expression had turned somber.  ``Donny, what's it like to fall in love and to be in love?''

\t``I think I'm going to have to meet Ms. Kala,'' Don said, turning in his seat so he could better look at his brother.

\t``I'm serious,'' Mikey said, frowning.

\t``Yes, I can see that you are,'' Don said.  ``To be honest, it's indescribable.  It's like a whole other part of yourself opens up, a part you didn't even know was there.  It comes alive and it's vibrant and hopeful and positive.''

\tMikey took a moment to think about that.  ``But when you told me about the time you spent with Nicco on the diamond world, it didn't sound like you wanted anything to do with him at first.  He seemed to be into you a lot sooner than you got interested in him.  Didn't you know you were falling for him or were you fighting it?''

\t``A little of both?  I know I'm answering a question with a question and that's not really an answer,'' Don said.  ``Love can be complicated.  It's scary.  It's an act of courage.  It's not something to be taken lightly or thoughtlessly, though often it's not something you can help.  I didn't want to be in love with Nicco because I did not see how we could ever be together.  I thought I'd save myself the heartache by denying my feelings, but feelings don't really work that way.''

\tMikey's expression suddenly brightened.  ``I can be with Kala,'' he said, his smile radiant.  ``'Cause of the puzzle box and the doorway.  There's nothing keeping us apart, is there?  She's got a job, I can get a job, and her brothers will love me too.''

\tHe sat back with a satisfied smile, as though all was right with the world.  Don couldn't help but envy his brother's optimism.

\t``Some people seemed to get all sunshine, and some all shadow . . . .'' Don murmured.

\t``What was that?'' Mikey asked.

\tDon shook his head.  ``Oh nothing.  Just a quote from Louisa May Alcott.''

\t``Don't know her.  Is that somebody new you met?''  Mikey was distracted from his question by the back door opening.  The brothers looked over to see Donovan and Yoshino coming outside.

\t``So this is where the remainder of your family has gotten to,'' Donovan said.  ``I wanted to go on that walk with the others, but Nicco insisted I remain out of sight.''

\t``He's only got your welfare in mind,'' Don said.  ``The chances of Hun or his people seeing you here is slim, but why tempt fate?''

\t``It's cute how you rush to defend your mate,'' Novan said.

\tMikey had been watching Yoshi, who was staring at a large rubber ball sitting against the porch railing.  Rising from his chair, Mikey went over to pick up the ball and bounce it in his hand.

\t``Do you know how to play kickball, Yoshi?'' Mikey asked.

\t``You kick the ball?'' Yoshi asked.

\tMikey laughed.  ``That's the general idea.  Come on, I'll tell you the rules of the game and we can practice.''

\tYoshi glanced up at his brother, who nodded his head.  With a wide smile, Yoshi went out into the backyard with Mikey.  He stood listening intently when Mikey squatted next to him to begin explaining how kickball was played.

\t``Yoshino has taken to Michelangelo,'' Novan said, taking the seat that Mikey had abandoned.

\t``Is that unusual for him?'' Don asked.

\t``Yoshi is shy,'' Novan said.

\t``He seems okay around the Stockman family and Annabelle,'' Don said.  ``I suppose he's gotten used to them.''

\t``Mm,'' Novan murmured noncommittally.

\tFor some reason, that bothered Don.  ``You trust them don't you?  Why else would you have come here with Yoshi?''

\t``Worried that I have designs on Niccolo?'' Novan asked.  He waved a hand to stop the protest that started to Don's lips.  ``No, no, I know that's not what you meant.  I trust Nicco and Mase.  I consider humans, no matter to whom they are related, to be a necessary evil.''

 \t``I suppose past experiences have colored your view,'' Don said, trying not to sound too curious.

\tA slight smile turned up the corners of Novan's mouth.  ``I take it that Nicco has only made allusions to my past.  He has always been the soul of discretion,'' he said.  ``I'm sure that is one of the qualities that made him such a good soldier.''

\t``It's a quality that I admire,'' Don said.

\t``Don't get me wrong, Niccolo has many good qualities,'' Novan said.  ``I have personally enjoyed a number of them.''

\tDon huffed lightly.  ``Well, uh, yes.  He's your friend.''

\tNovan chuckled.  ``Watching you try not to be jealous is entertaining.''

\t``Why do you try so hard to make me jealous?'' Don countered, looking Novan in the eye.

\t``Is that what I was doing?'' Novan asked, still wearing an amused look.  ``Young love is sweet.  I'm afraid I'm far too jaded to take it very seriously.  You shouldn't mind me.  To be honest, I'm delighted for you and Nicco.  He deserves to be happy.  More so than anyone I've ever met, besides Yoshi of course.''

\t``What about you?'' Don asked.  ``No one is so jaded that they can't find happiness.''

\tNovan turned his head to watch Yoshi, who was squealing and laughing as he kicked the ball high into the air.  For a few minutes Novan was quiet as he watched his brother run and play as though he hadn't a care in the world.

\tJust when Don thought Novan wouldn't respond, the albino said, ``That is my happiness.  Yoshino is all that matters to me.''

\t``Your devotion to him and his well-being is admirable,'' Don said.  ``I feel the same way about my brothers.  We're all we've ever had, besides our father.  Family is everything.''

\t``Yoshi is everything to me,'' Novan said.  ``There is nothing I won't do for him.  Nothing I won't do to provide for him.''

\t``Is that why you . . . ?''  Don let the question trail off when he wasn't sure how to finish it.

\t``Sell myself?'' Novan supplied.  ``Look at me, Donatello.  I am a rare and rather exotic albino turtle.  Men want to give me money to be with them.  I'm good at what I do and I enjoy my work.  Why should I pursue other avenues of employment?  People are not lining up to hire mutants.  I can't provide what Yoshi needs by taking on menial labor that pays pennies.''

\t``I'm not passing judgment,'' Don said.  ``I only ask because I want to know you better.  You're important to Nicco and that makes you important to me.''

\t``It wouldn't actually matter to me if you were passing judgment, darling,'' Novan said.  ``I wasn't taking it that way, just so you know.  I was simply trying to answer your question the best I knew how.''

\t``I appreciate the honesty,'' Don said.  ``You're right about Nicco too.  He wouldn't tell me anything about your past.  He said that it was your story to tell, if you felt so inclined.''

\t``He knows that I rarely do feel inclined,'' Novan said.  ``Let's make it a trade.  Your origin story for mine.  We both know Nicco's and he knows ours.  This way we can even things up.''

\t``That seems fair,'' Don replied.  He launched into the story of how his family came to be mutated, explaining that where he was from, mutants did not make themselves known.

\tNovan was a good audience, listening quietly and asking intelligent questions.  Donatello got the feeling that gathering information was one of Novan's talents and he remembered what Nicco had said about how the albino should have been a journalist.

\tDusk was long past and darkness had fallen.  A string of lights that hung across the backyard illuminated the game Mikey and Yoshi were playing.  There were a few lights on the back of the house, but the only one that was on was the yellow bulb of an insect light.

\tThe glow it cast was slight and seemed to set an evocative mood.  Once Don had shared his family's origin story, how they had come to learn ninjutsu, and how their lives were intertwined with that of their worst enemy, he stopped.  There wasn't much beyond that to tell.

\tDon waited in the ensuing silence, determined not to push Novan to talk.  If the other turtle had changed his mind, it was his prerogative.  After all, he hadn't known Don for more than a couple of days.  Novan was here because he was in danger and maybe the things that had happened to him in the past were key to the current hazard he was in.

\tWhen Novan did begin to speak, it was in a much softer tone than Don had ever heard from him.  ``Yoshi and I were both hatched in a laboratory,'' he said.  ``We were experiments.  I don't talk about it because the only good thing that came from my time there was Yoshi.  He's the reason that I'm not still there.  Or dead.''

 \t``Is that how you . . . ?''  Don hesitated again, not sure how forward he should be.

\t``You needn't walk a tightrope around me,'' Novan said.  ``Ask your questions.''

\t``I've been looking at Yoshi's shape,'' Don said.  ``I'll admit that Nicco did tell me this much, that Yoshi is also a hermaphrodite, isn't he?''

\t``He is,'' Novan acknowledged.

\t``It's just that it's very rare, and to find two hermaphrodites in the same place . . . well, the odds of that are off the charts,'' Don said.

\t``So you wondered if the experiments were responsible,'' Novan said.  ``A logical conclusion and a correct one.  We were engineered this way.''

\t``For what purpose?'' Don asked.  ``What possible reason could someone have for engineering a mutant to be a hermaphrodite?  Who ran this laboratory?  It couldn't possibly have been sanctioned by the government, could it?  Mutants here have rights.  Were there others?  How did you get out?  Were you and Yoshi created from the same genetic material?  It's clear that you weren't hatchlings together.  How long were you there?  What did you have to . . . .?''

\t``Stop!'' Novan exclaimed, laughing and holding up his hand to stem the tide of Don's questions.  ``You have a lot in common with Mase.  Nicco must have seen that in you.''

\t``It's funny that you mention that,'' Don said.  ``The origin story that I told you?  It's parallel to Nicco and Mase's up to the point where we become covered in ooze.  Our father found us just minutes after we came into contact with the mutagen.  On your world, the boy who dropped his turtles came back for them.  Except that when he returned, he found only two turtles where there had originally been four.''

\t``Interesting,'' Novan said, looking thoughtful.  ``Would it be a reasonable hypothesis, based on what you've told me, to assume that the other turtles weren't simply carried away?  That perhaps the ooze, as you call it, fused four turtles into two?''

\tNicco had said that Novan was intelligent.  ``You'd be correct in that supposition,'' Don said.  ``From their personalities, we've deduced that Nicco is a combination of Leo and Raph.''

\t``And that Masolino is a combination of you and Michelangelo,'' Novan said.  ``Now that, darling, is quite fascinating.''

\t``Do you know what else is fascinating?'' Don asked.  ``The man who was our father's master was named Yoshi.  Who chose your brother's name?''

\t``I did,'' Novan answered.  He leaned over to tap Don's arm with one clawed finger.  ``But get this, I got the name from an old rat in the lab.  He told me it used to belong to a human who had been his owner but also kind.  It seemed fitting to name Yoshi that, then.''  He hesitated.  ``I want him to grow up kind,'' he said, ``and to know kindness.''

\t``The parallels are absolutely astonishing,'' Don said.

\tA shout of pure delight drew their attention to Yoshi, who had managed to kick the ball over Mikey's head.  Don glanced at Novan and saw that his features had relaxed and there was a smile on his face as he watched his baby brother.  It was easy to see that the albino turtle adored Yoshi.

\tNovan's earlier movement had drawn back the quarter length sleeve on his arm enough for Don to once more notice the marks on his skin.  Some of them were long, as though his arm had been cut, but others were clearly scars left from repeated needle sticks.

\t``I know I'm bombarding you with questions,'' Don said carefully, pulling Novan's attention back to him.  ``The scars on your arm, did those come from experiments in the laboratory?''

\t``You don't miss much, do you?  Where else would I have gotten them?'' Novan countered, his attention back on Donatello once more.

\t``It's just that . . . .''  Don paused to take a deep breath.  ``On our world, if someone in your profession has cuts or needle marks, it's usually from self-harm or . . . or drugs.''

\tEven in the low light, Donovan's ruby colored eyes seemed to flash from some strong emotion.  ``I do not use drugs.  I hate them and if they weren't necessary to keep Yoshi healthy I wouldn't let him use them either.  For too many years I was used as a guinea pig by humans.  No one and nothing will ever again control my fate.''

\t``But how did they get away with that?'' Don asked, feeling his indignation rising.  ``Don't they have some sort of government oversight on this world?  On ours laboratories are regulated by government agencies.  They are inspected on a regular basis.''

\t``Darling, the government here does not bother to inspect itself,'' Novan said, his aspect somber.

\tDon felt as though he'd been punched in the gut.  ``You were a government experiment?''

\tThe surprise in his voice seemed to amuse Novan.  ``I wasn't the only one, and I'm not talking just about Yoshi.  We all had numbers.  I was known as `thirty-four' until I decided to give myself a name.''  His gaze as he stared at Don was rock hard.  ``Without names it didn't matter if the experiments maimed or killed us.''

\t``How did you and Yoshi get out?  Did they release you?'' Don asked.

\t``We escaped,'' Novan said, his intonation flat.  ``There was a fire and I grabbed Yoshi and ran.  No one else survived or we would have been pursued.  Our benevolent government would not want anyone to know that they had secretly been experimenting on the same mutant groups they had just given `human' rights to.''

\tThe sarcasm in his tone was heavy and Don understood completely.  If there was anything he could empathize with, it was the feeling that your life meant nothing to someone else.  That your very existence was so fascinating to certain people that they felt the need to take you apart to know how you came to be in the first place.

\tA thought struck Don.  ``The person who was in charge of the lab, did you ever meet him?  Was his name . . . .?''

\tBefore he could finish the question, two things happened at once.  The ball had gotten caught in some tree limbs and Mikey was stooping down to boost Yoshi up onto his shoulders to retrieve it, and Novan was jumping up from his seat.

\t``Yoshi, no!'' Novan cried out.  He was moving forward when the back door opened and Mase came dashing out.

\t``Sit down, I've got this,'' Mase said as he ran past them and out into the yard.

\tMikey straightened up slowly, looking perplexed.  ``What's wrong?''

\t``Yoshi shouldn't be doing any climbing,'' Mase said.  ``Here, let me give you a lift up.''

\tMase clasped his hands together in front of him and Mikey hopped up, landing one footed on the other turtle's hands.  Using them as a springboard, Mikey soared into the air and snagged the ball.  Doing a complete flip midair, Mikey came down lightly on his feet and bowed, much to Yoshino's pleasure.  The small turtle clapped appreciatively.

\tIt wasn't until the all three turtles were on terra firma that Novan once again sat down.  There was a tightness at the corners of his mouth that denoted a level of anxiety he'd not exhibited before.

\t``It's more than just allergies, isn't it?'' Don asked.

\tNovan took a deep breath and released it in a heavy exhale.  ``Full disclosure, Yoshi is not in the best of health.  He has a wide range of difficulties on top of his numerous allergies.  Experimentation was not kind to him.  I'm telling you this because if we are to spend time with you and your brothers, you should know his limitations.''

\tDon felt an instant pang of sympathy.  ``I'm so sorry for everything you and your brother have been through.''

\tThe look Novan gave him was appraising.  ``Yes, I can see that you truly are.  You speak of the qualities that you appreciate in Nicco, but I would guess that your compassion is something that Nicco admires.''

\t``Would it be all right if I were to share what you've told me with my brothers?'' Don asked.  ``I won't if you'd rather I didn't.''

\tNovan compressed his lips tightly for just a moment.  Finally he gave one curt nod.  ``You may.  It will save me from having to repeat myself.''

\t``You started to tell me about Yoshi's health,'' Don prompted.

\tThe back door creaked open before Novan could continue and Raph stepped out onto the porch.  His gaze fell on the three turtles in the yard first, smiling slightly as he watched Mikey and Mase chase each other and the ball when Yoshi kicked it.

\tThen he noticed Don and Novan seated to his left and walked over to join them, though he remained standing.  Leaning back against the house, he crossed his arms.  ``Nice night.''

\t``How was your walk?'' Don asked.

\t``Good,'' Raph said.  With a shrug, he added, ``Weird.  Every time we passed a human I had to grab Leo's arm to keep him from bolting.  We stopped at a mutant run bakery a few blocks over and bought some of the best bread I've ever tasted.  Mase called it `ciabatta' and said it'd go good with dinner.''  He chuckled.  ``Annabelle chased him out of the kitchen about five seconds after we dropped it off to her.''

\tDon snickered, easily visualizing the scene.  ``Speaking of Leo, where are he and Nicco?''

\tRaph indicated the house with a movement of his head.  ``Both in there having a powwow over what we should be doing about Hun.  I say track that mountain down and kick his ass, but they don't agree with that plan.''

\t``I for one would enjoy seeing you do that, darling,'' Novan said.  ``But I have to agree with the two less impulsive males.  Hun is always surrounded by a small army of men.''

\t``Novan was just telling me about Yoshino's health issues,'' Don said, wanting to pull Raph's mind off of plotting vengeance.  ``We need to know what the little guy can and can't do.''

\tHe looked expectantly at the albino who took the hint.  ``Yoshi has some food allergies.  Mase has apprised Annabelle of those.  He's allergic to many human medications and to certain airborne pollens as well as dust and fur.''

\tDon frowned.  ``It must be hard on him when he's in school with the other children.''

\t``Until Mase designed a special mask for him, he couldn't be around some of those who have fur.  He's not allergic to all fur.  It's mostly the kind that picks up dander.  Fortunately, one benefit of mutation is that it has made most mutants hypoallergenic,'' Donovan clarified.

 \t``He doesn't have to worry about that when he's around us,'' Raph said.

\t``Darling, if that were his only ailment then I wouldn't be so concerned,'' Novan told him.  ``Yoshi also suffers from a vitamin D deficiency, which means his bones break easily.''

\t``Does extra calcium and sunlight help?'' Don asked.

\t``Somewhat,'' Novan answered.  ``He has trouble absorbing Vitamin D, so it is a challenge.  I have sun lamps for him to bask under, because I can't exactly take my alabaster skin out into the natural sunlight with him.''

\tHe winked at Raph as he said that and the other turtle rolled his eyes.  ``Sucks for you.''

\t``I manage,'' Novan said.

\t``Now I understand why you didn't want him climbing,'' Don said.

\t``It's not only that,'' Novan explained, ``it's also that Yoshi has a slight case of hemophilia.''

\t``That is doubly concerning,'' Don said, frowning.

\t``What's hemophilia?'' Raph asked.

\tDon turned to him.  ``It's a disorder in which blood doesn't clot normally because of insufficient blood-clotting proteins.  After an injury, someone with hemophilia will bleed for a longer time than they would if their blood clotted normally.''  He looked back at Novan.  ``It can be treated with replacement therapy.''

\t``Masolino and I have discussed attempting to find which clotting factor Yoshi has a deficiency of and attempting replacement therapy,'' Novan said.  His expression indicated a certain repulsion at the idea.  ``It would require testing and I am naturally somewhat averse to that.''

\t``I understand, but I'm sure Mase could make it as painless as possible,'' Don said.  ``It would be worth it if the treatment helped keep Yoshi healthy and safe.''

\tA corner of Raph's lip lifted, enhancing his cocky attitude.  ``Ask him to make ya' some heavy duty sunscreen while he's at it.''

\t``Why?  Would you like to see my fine body sprawled out on a blanket in the yard?'' Novan asked.

\t``Got a high opinion of yourself, don't ya'?'' Raph responded.

\t``I would call it a healthy opinion,'' Novan said.  ``Would you like for me to teach you how to be more confident?''

\t``Doubt I could afford it,'' Raph said.

\t``Raphael!'' Don snapped.

\tNovan was laughing.  ``I fear that you are right.  Play your cards right and I might give you a freebie.''

\t``You and me clearly don't play the same kinds of card games,'' Raph said.

\t``Possibly,'' Novan said, his red eyes twinkling.  ``I'm sure your poker face is atrocious, darling.''

\tNiccolo appeared at the back door.  ``Dinner's ready.  You guys come on in and wash up.''

\tHe stood aside as the others filed past him but blocked the path when Don, who was last in line, approached.  Wrapping his arms around his mate, Nicco asked, ``Were you having a heart-to-heart with Novan?''

\t``Worried he was telling me secrets about you?'' Don teased.

\t``You already know everything,'' Nicco said, pressing a kiss to Don's mouth.  ``On a more serious note, were you able to get him to share anything about himself?''

\t``A bit.  He told me about the laboratory and being experimented on.  He didn't share many details but I did learn that the government was responsible for what happened to him and to Yoshi,'' Don said.

\tThe intensity in his tone earned him another kiss.  ``I love how you can be so indignant over another's plight,'' Nicco said softly.  ``If it helps any, I'm fairly certain that lab wasn't actually sanctioned.  It was more of a rogue operation.''

\t``How did you determine that?'' Don asked.

\t``Mase did some research,'' Nicco said.  ``There was never a report of a laboratory, private or otherwise, being destroyed by a fire.  Either it didn't have legitimate standing, or the government was determined to keep it a secret.  I doubt the latter because when too many people know about something, information tends to leak out.''

\t``Logical,'' Don murmured, looking thoughtful.

\tNicco cupped his chin.  ``What are you thinking about?''

\t``Raphael and Donovan,'' Don said.

\tNicco appeared surprised.  ``That was a quick change of subject.''

\t``I saw the look that passed between you and Novan after the episode in the dojo,'' Don said.  ``Novan seems to be going out of his way to toy with Raph.''

\t``Don't read much into that,'' Nicco said.  ``Novan is good at reading people and Raph has a personality that attracts his attention.  Your brother is a little . . . uptight.''

\t``That's one way to describe him,'' Don said.  ``So is Leo for that matter, but Novan avoids him like the plague.  Don't think I haven't noticed.''

\t``Those two aren't uptight in the same way,'' Nicco said.  ``Raph has character traits that appeal to Novan's sense of humor, whereas Leo's repel him.  I can't think of a better way to describe it.''

\t``I hope Novan realizes that Raph's bite is much worse than his bark,'' Don said.

\tNicco chuckled.  ``Novan is the type to encourage biting.''

\t``Oh really?  How exactly would you know that?'' Don asked playfully.

\tCocking his head to the side, Nicco said, ``I think I hear Annabelle calling us.  They're probably holding dinner.''

\t``Coward,'' Don said as his took Nicco's hand and went into the house.  ``Maybe I will ask Donovan for suggestions.''

\t``You'd better not,'' Nicco said good-naturedly as they entered the kitchen.

\t``Better not what?'' Mikey asked.  He was at the counter, taking a basket of bread from Annabelle.

\t``Nothing,'' Don said.

\tMikey shook his head, clearly no longer interested as he carried the food to the table.

\tEveryone else was already seated, with Dr. Stockman at one end and the chair to his left open for Annabelle.  The chair at the other end of the table was Nicco's and Donatello's seat was on his right.

\tAs he was taking his chair, Don noticed that Raph and Novan were sitting next to each other.  That surprised him, considering how tense all of their previous interactions had seemed, at least the ones that Don had witnessed.

\tLooking up and across the table, Don saw that Leo's attention was on Raph as well.  From his expression, it looked as if Leo had bitten into something sour.

\tExcept that there wasn't yet any food on his plate.

TBC.................

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