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What became of the fourth? Alternate universe. Multi-chapter, 2k3.", "count": "26", "submission_left_submission_id": "1858343", "submission_left_file_name": "2670202_hummerhouse_the_lost_boy_part_24.doc", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/2670/2670202_hummerhouse_the_lost_boy_part_24.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2670/2670202_hummerhouse_the_lost_boy_part_24.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2670/2670202_hummerhouse_the_lost_boy_part_24.jpg", "submission_left_thumb_huge_x": "225", "submission_left_thumb_huge_y": "300", "submission_left_thumb_large_x": "150", "submission_left_thumb_large_y": "200", "submission_left_thumb_medium_x": "90", "submission_left_thumb_medium_y": "120", "submission_right_submission_id": "1859913", "submission_right_file_name": "2672413_hummerhouse_the_lost_boy_part_26_final.doc", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/2672/2672413_hummerhouse_the_lost_boy_part_26_final.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2672/2672413_hummerhouse_the_lost_boy_part_26_final.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2672/2672413_hummerhouse_the_lost_boy_part_26_final.jpg", "submission_right_thumb_huge_x": "225", "submission_right_thumb_huge_y": "300", "submission_right_thumb_large_x": "150", "submission_right_thumb_large_y": "200", "submission_right_thumb_medium_x": "90", "submission_right_thumb_medium_y": "120" } ], "description": "Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.\nWord Count: 2,075\nAlternate universe - future parts will contain TCest, language, adult situations\nPairing: Leonardo/Michelangelo\nSummary: Master Splinter only discovered, rescued, and raised three turtle hatchlings. What became of the fourth?\n\n*My part of a trade with the incredible KameChuu. Art by KameChuu.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.
Word Count: 2,075
Alternate universe - future parts will contain TCest, language, adult situations
Pairing: Leonardo/Michelangelo
Summary: Master Splinter only discovered, rescued, and raised three turtle hatchlings. What became of the fourth?

*My part of a trade with the incredible KameChuu.  Art by KameChuu.", "writing": "\tLeo learned something else about his new mate that evening; the lost boy aka Michelangelo, was a great cook.\n\n\tThe spaghetti was al dente and the sauce would have delighted a gourmet chef. Mikey even whipped up some crusty garlic rolls to go along with the meal, complimented by a crisp garden salad topped with a light homemade vinaigrette. When Leo had asked how he had learned to cook so well, Mikey had simply said he read cook books on the internet.\n\n\tDon had been their best cook due to his belief that cooking was just like any science experiment, the proper ingredients combined in the correct proportions would produce acceptable results. His meals were good and wholesome, but in no way could they be characterized as inspired.\n\n\tMikey's cooking was almost an art, his effervescent personality flowing from his hands into the raw materials that were available in their larder. After a few minutes of attempting to assist Mikey, Leo finally realized he was a hindrance and stood aside to let Mikey work.\n\n\tDinner, by Leo's observations, was a huge success. Even Raph showed an appreciation for the good food, enthusiastically requesting not only seconds but thirds. Raph, who was not known for being effusive in his praise, practically gushed over the food, complimenting Mikey with nearly every bite.\n\n\tMikey, unused to such flattery, responded favorably, turning his attention to the red banded turtle. Once Raph knew that Mikey was focused on him, he held onto that advantage.\n\n\tWhen Raphael wanted to make the effort, he could turn on an incredible amount of personal charm and charisma, and it appeared that he had decided to work that for Mikey. Raph engaged Mikey in a lively conversation, getting the young turtle to tell him about some of the challenges in his life. Mikey was so thrilled to have such a receptive audience that he regaled them with several tales that even Leo hadn't heard.\n\n\tAs he ate his dinner, Master Splinter studied Mikey, and Leo could see by the way his father's head was tilted that his reaction to the youngster was favorable.\n\n\tDonatello on the other hand had grown quiet as Raph subtly flirted with Mikey. Leo frowned as he surreptitiously observed his genius brother, who had earlier been quite excited about the newest member of their family. From the faint line on his chin to his wide open eyes, Leo could tell that Don had become displeased by something.\n\n\tThe only thing that had really changed from before dinner until the present was that Raph was being much more attentive and genial towards Mikey. A thought came to Leo that explained the almost sad look on Don's face and Leo tabled it for later consideration.\n\n\tAt the moment Leo was beginning to be more than a little put off by Raph's efforts to engage Mikey in sole conversation, holding the young turtle's attention almost to the exclusion of everyone else. The pair had discovered a mutual fondness for several video games and was talking in an animated way that Leo could not match. He liked video games but rarely spent much time on them, preferring actual physical training to the type controlled by an electronic device.\n\n\tA small burn in his gut told Leo that he might be feeling the first pangs of jealousy, something he knew had to be squelched immediately. It would not do to allow that tiny fire to become a conflagration; it would be much too satisfying for Raphael to see Leo blow up.\n\n\tIt would also not do to allow Master Splinter to believe that Leo could not control his emotions with respect to his new young lover. That was the thing that Master Splinter had expressed the most concern over and Leo was determined to acquire the discipline necessary to remain a good leader, a good brother, and a good mate all at the same time.\n\n\tLeo knew he had to show Master Splinter that he was capable of balancing every segment of his life lest his father force Leo into a decision he did not ever want to make.\n\n\tControlling the green eyed monster was necessary for Mikey's benefit as well. The young turtle did not deserve to become the primary point for conflict between members of his new home. Leo had promised Mikey that he would be as comfortable amongst the other family members as he was with Leo himself.\n\n\tIf Leo could not maintain his normal even temperament and control he might frighten Mikey into believing his decision to join Leo was a mistake.\n\n\tPerhaps that was all part of a careful design by Raph, a plan to break apart Leo's new relationship, or an effort to show their father that Leo wasn't level headed enough to lead them. Maybe Raph was simply jealous that Leo had found true love, or angry that Leo had done so without giving Raph a chance to compete for Mikey.\n\n\tOr it was possible that Raph was as truly fascinated by the young Michelangelo as Leo was and that Raph's raging hormones were begging him to attempt to steal Mikey from his oldest brother. None of those scenarios made Leo any happier and by the looks of things, Donatello wasn't thrilled with the situation either.\n\n\tAt the end of their meal, Master Splinter cleared his throat and gained everyone's attention. ``Thank you, Michelangelo, for a most excellent dinner. Perhaps you and Leonardo would care to join me in my room once you have finished eating. I would like to have the opportunity to speak with the two of you.''\n\n\tThe smile that had been on Mikey's face froze and though he looked a little uncertain, he said, ``You're welcome, Master Splinter. I'm all done but I should clean up this mess first. I've learned that it isn't good to leave food lying around down here `cause there are too many critters that'd be happy to have some of it.''\n\n\t``Go ahead, Mikey. You cooked so it's only fair that someone else cleans up. I'll take care of it,'' Don offered, pushing back from the table.\n\n\tWhen he began to gather empty plates, Raph stood up as well and picked up the containers holding their leftovers.\n\n\t``You guys go with Master Splinter, me and Donny have this covered.'' Raph emphasized Don's new nickname and grinned at the genius before turning towards the kitchen.\n\n\tBefore he left the table to follow his father and Mikey, Leo noticed that Don was staring at Raph's retreating shell, his eyes darker than normal and his face expressionless.\n\n\tMaster Splinter stood to the side as the two turtles entered his room, sliding the door closed behind them before crossing to his meditation mat. Once he was settled on it, he waved at the space in front of him and Leo kneeled, indicating with a nod of his head that Mikey should do so as well.\n\n\tBeing still was difficult for the young turtle and after a few moments of enduring Master Splinter's silent gaze, Mikey began to fidget, his head moving slightly as he looked around the room. Leo kept his head bowed in respect, but he could see his young lover from the corner of his eye and hoped fervently that Master Splinter would not keep Mikey is suspense for much longer.\n\n\t``Michelangelo,'' Master Splinter said in a low voice, making Mikey jump guiltily. ``I am sorry.''\n\n\tMikey appeared startled and Leo looked at his father in puzzlement. ``Sorry? For what?'' Mikey asked.\n\n\t``When I discovered your brothers in the tunnels all of those years ago, I should have sensed your presence as well. I did not take the time to learn if any other living thing had come in contact with the mutagen; I merely rescued the three turtles before me in order to remove them from the glowing ooze. If I had been more alert, I would have seen your footprints or smelled your scent. Because I did not take greater care, you were left to survive on your own. Your life was much more difficult than it needed to have been.''\n\n\tAs his father spoke, Leo felt himself relax. He had been afraid that his father was apologizing for being forced to send Mikey away, having seen something that would disrupt the family in a way that couldn't be mended.\n\n\t``None of that's your fault,'' Mikey said softly. ``It would have been great to have been raised with my brothers, but stuff just didn't work out that way. I wandered off and someone else found me, and that's not on you or me. That's just fate.''\n\n\t``You have a very philosophical view,'' Master Splinter said. ``Are you prepared to offer that type of acceptance to your new existence?''\n\n\t``If you mean can I live here with Leo and my brothers and follow the rules, sure,'' Mikey said enthusiastically, then added with a touch more respect, ``I mean yes, Master Splinter.''\n\n\tMaster Splinter's mouth twitched slightly at the corners, his amusement obvious to Leo who knew his father well.\n\n\t``It is much more than following rules,'' Master Splinter said. ``We live by a code of honor that you must learn in order to be a member of this team. You will spend many hours training with your brothers so that you can become an accomplished team player, meaning you will learn to follow Leonardo's commands without question.''\n\n\t``I can do that,'' Mikey said, shooting a happy glance in Leo's direction.\n\n\t``There will be times when Leonardo will order you to do something you may not agree with,'' Master Splinter said. ``He may even find it necessary to place you in harm's way, though doing so will be contrary to his natural inclinations to protect you.''\n\n\t``If you mean that when we're working he can't play favorites, I wouldn't want him to,'' Mikey said. ``If he started to do that, then I'd feel like he thought I couldn't handle myself and what would be the point of my being there in the first place? He knows I can hold my own in a fight, or he should know it. If I have more training I can be even better.''\n\n\tMaster Splinter looked from Mikey to Leo and then back again. ``This is my largest concern with regards to the bond the two of you have formed. Leonardo has sought my blessing and I give it, with contingencies. The two of you must work hard to ensure that your relationship is not a detriment to Raphael or Donatello. This family cannot survive unless we all have perfect trust in one another.''\n\n\t``Yes, Sensei,'' Leo said.\n\n\t``I'll work really hard, Master Splinter,'' Mikey said.\n\n\tThis time Master Splinter did allow his smile to show. ``Very well. Now I would like to hear more of your life, Michelangelo. Leonardo has told me your story, but there are things that I should like to know from you directly. I think we may excuse Leonardo at this juncture; I am sure he has another duty that he would like to perform.''\n\n\tLeo blinked rapidly and glanced up at his father. The expression on Master Splinter's face was perceptive and Leo realized he shouldn't be surprised that his father knew that Raph was causing him some difficulties.\n\n\tRising quickly, Leo bowed to his father and gently squeezed Mikey's shoulder, giving his lover a tender look before leaving the two of them to get acquainted.\n\n\tClosing the door to his father's room behind him, Leo stepped into the now silent lair. There was a distinct hum coming from inside Don's lab that told Leo his genius brother was working with his power tools.\n\n\tWhen Leo scanned the remainder of the downstairs area, he saw no sign of Raphael. He doubted that Raph was working in the lab with Don; most of the projects they did together were done in the garage. A touch of aggravation pulled Leo's lips into a grim line at the thought that Raph had probably taken advantage of Leo's absence to go topside on his own.\n\n\tHowever when Leo glanced upstairs towards the bedrooms, he saw that Raph's door was open and the light was on. His brother's shadow blocked the square of light spilling from the doorway for just a moment before disappearing.\n\n\tWithout further thought, Leo's feet turned towards the stairs. It was time for a showdown.\n\nTBC..............\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "\tLeo learned something else about his new mate that evening; the lost boy aka Michelangelo, was a great cook.

\tThe spaghetti was al dente and the sauce would have delighted a gourmet chef.  Mikey even whipped up some crusty garlic rolls to go along with the meal, complimented by a crisp garden salad topped with a light homemade vinaigrette.  When Leo had asked how he had learned to cook so well, Mikey had simply said he read cook books on the internet.

\tDon had been their best cook due to his belief that cooking was just like any science experiment, the proper ingredients combined in the correct proportions would produce acceptable results.  His meals were good and wholesome, but in no way could they be characterized as inspired.

\tMikey's cooking was almost an art, his effervescent personality flowing from his hands into the raw materials that were available in their larder.  After a few minutes of attempting to assist Mikey, Leo finally realized he was a hindrance and stood aside to let Mikey work.

\tDinner, by Leo's observations, was a huge success.  Even Raph showed an appreciation for the good food, enthusiastically requesting not only seconds but thirds.  Raph, who was not known for being effusive in his praise, practically gushed over the food, complimenting Mikey with nearly every bite.

\tMikey, unused to such flattery, responded favorably, turning his attention to the red banded turtle.  Once Raph knew that Mikey was focused on him, he held onto that advantage.

\tWhen Raphael wanted to make the effort, he could turn on an incredible amount of personal charm and charisma, and it appeared that he had decided to work that for Mikey.  Raph engaged Mikey in a lively conversation, getting the young turtle to tell him about some of the challenges in his life.  Mikey was so thrilled to have such a receptive audience that he regaled them with several tales that even Leo hadn't heard.

\tAs he ate his dinner, Master Splinter studied Mikey, and Leo could see by the way his father's head was tilted that his reaction to the youngster was favorable.

\tDonatello on the other hand had grown quiet as Raph subtly flirted with Mikey.  Leo frowned as he surreptitiously observed his genius brother, who had earlier been quite excited about the newest member of their family.  From the faint line on his chin to his wide open eyes, Leo could tell that Don had become displeased by something.

\tThe only thing that had really changed from before dinner until the present was that Raph was being much more attentive and genial towards Mikey.  A thought came to Leo that explained the almost sad look on Don's face and Leo tabled it for later consideration.

\tAt the moment Leo was beginning to be more than a little put off by Raph's efforts to engage Mikey in sole conversation, holding the young turtle's attention almost to the exclusion of everyone else.  The pair had discovered a mutual fondness for several video games and was talking in an animated way that Leo could not match.  He liked video games but rarely spent much time on them, preferring actual physical training to the type controlled by an electronic device.

\tA small burn in his gut told Leo that he might be feeling the first pangs of jealousy, something he knew had to be squelched immediately.  It would not do to allow that tiny fire to become a conflagration; it would be much too satisfying for Raphael to see Leo blow up.

\tIt would also not do to allow Master Splinter to believe that Leo could not control his emotions with respect to his new young lover.  That was the thing that Master Splinter had expressed the most concern over and Leo was determined to acquire the discipline necessary to remain a good leader, a good brother, and a good mate all at the same time.

\tLeo knew he had to show Master Splinter that he was capable of balancing every segment of his life lest his father force Leo into a decision he did not ever want to make.

\tControlling the green eyed monster was necessary for Mikey's benefit as well.  The young turtle did not deserve to become the primary point for conflict between members of his new home.  Leo had promised Mikey that he would be as comfortable amongst the other family members as he was with Leo himself.

\tIf Leo could not maintain his normal even temperament and control he might frighten Mikey into believing his decision to join Leo was a mistake.

\tPerhaps that was all part of a careful design by Raph, a plan to break apart Leo's new relationship, or an effort to show their father that Leo wasn't level headed enough to lead them.  Maybe Raph was simply jealous that Leo had found true love, or angry that Leo had done so without giving Raph a chance to compete for Mikey.

\tOr it was possible that Raph was as truly fascinated by the young Michelangelo as Leo was and that Raph's raging hormones were begging him to attempt to steal Mikey from his oldest brother.  None of those scenarios made Leo any happier and by the looks of things, Donatello wasn't thrilled with the situation either.

\tAt the end of their meal, Master Splinter cleared his throat and gained everyone's attention.  ``Thank you, Michelangelo, for a most excellent dinner.  Perhaps you and Leonardo would care to join me in my room once you have finished eating.  I would like to have the opportunity to speak with the two of you.''

\tThe smile that had been on Mikey's face froze and though he looked a little uncertain, he said, ``You're welcome, Master Splinter.  I'm all done but I should clean up this mess first.  I've learned that it isn't good to leave food lying around down here `cause there are too many critters that'd be happy to have some of it.''

\t``Go ahead, Mikey.  You cooked so it's only fair that someone else cleans up.  I'll take care of it,'' Don offered, pushing back from the table.

\tWhen he began to gather empty plates, Raph stood up as well and picked up the containers holding their leftovers.

\t``You guys go with Master Splinter, me and Donny have this covered.''  Raph emphasized Don's new nickname and grinned at the genius before turning towards the kitchen.

\tBefore he left the table to follow his father and Mikey, Leo noticed that Don was staring at Raph's retreating shell, his eyes darker than normal and his face expressionless.

\tMaster Splinter stood to the side as the two turtles entered his room, sliding the door closed behind them before crossing to his meditation mat.  Once he was settled on it, he waved at the space in front of him and Leo kneeled, indicating with a nod of his head that Mikey should do so as well.

\tBeing still was difficult for the young turtle and after a few moments of enduring Master Splinter's silent gaze, Mikey began to fidget, his head moving slightly as he looked around the room.  Leo kept his head bowed in respect, but he could see his young lover from the corner of his eye and hoped fervently that Master Splinter would not keep Mikey is suspense for much longer.

\t``Michelangelo,'' Master Splinter said in a low voice, making Mikey jump guiltily.  ``I am sorry.''

\tMikey appeared startled and Leo looked at his father in puzzlement.  ``Sorry?  For what?'' Mikey asked.

\t``When I discovered your brothers in the tunnels all of those years ago, I should have sensed your presence as well.  I did not take the time to learn if any other living thing had come in contact with the mutagen; I merely rescued the three turtles before me in order to remove them from the glowing ooze.  If I had been more alert, I would have seen your footprints or smelled your scent.  Because I did not take greater care, you were left to survive on your own.  Your life was much more difficult than it needed to have been.''

\tAs his father spoke, Leo felt himself relax.  He had been afraid that his father was apologizing for being forced to send Mikey away, having seen something that would disrupt the family in a way that couldn't be mended.

\t``None of that's your fault,'' Mikey said softly.  ``It would have been great to have been raised with my brothers, but stuff just didn't work out that way.  I wandered off and someone else found me, and that's not on you or me.  That's just fate.''

\t``You have a very philosophical view,'' Master Splinter said.  ``Are you prepared to offer that type of acceptance to your new existence?''

\t``If you mean can I live here with Leo and my brothers and follow the rules, sure,'' Mikey said enthusiastically, then added with a touch more respect, ``I mean yes, Master Splinter.''

\tMaster Splinter's mouth twitched slightly at the corners, his amusement obvious to Leo who knew his father well.

\t``It is much more than following rules,'' Master Splinter said.  ``We live by a code of honor that you must learn in order to be a member of this team.  You will spend many hours training with your brothers so that you can become an accomplished team player, meaning you will learn to follow Leonardo's commands without question.''

\t``I can do that,'' Mikey said, shooting a happy glance in Leo's direction.

\t``There will be times when Leonardo will order you to do something you may not agree with,'' Master Splinter said.  ``He may even find it necessary to place you in harm's way, though doing so will be contrary to his natural inclinations to protect you.''

\t``If you mean that when we're working he can't play favorites, I wouldn't want him to,'' Mikey said.  ``If he started to do that, then I'd feel like he thought I couldn't handle myself and what would be the point of my being there in the first place?  He knows I can hold my own in a fight, or he should know it.  If I have more training I can be even better.''

\tMaster Splinter looked from Mikey to Leo and then back again.  ``This is my largest concern with regards to the bond the two of you have formed.  Leonardo has sought my blessing and I give it, with contingencies.  The two of you must work hard to ensure that your relationship is not a detriment to Raphael or Donatello.  This family cannot survive unless we all have perfect trust in one another.''

\t``Yes, Sensei,'' Leo said.

\t``I'll work really hard, Master Splinter,'' Mikey said.

\tThis time Master Splinter did allow his smile to show.  ``Very well.  Now I would like to hear more of your life, Michelangelo.  Leonardo has told me your story, but there are things that I should like to know from you directly.  I think we may excuse Leonardo at this juncture; I am sure he has another duty that he would like to perform.''

\tLeo blinked rapidly and glanced up at his father.  The expression on Master Splinter's face was perceptive and Leo realized he shouldn't be surprised that his father knew that Raph was causing him some difficulties.

\tRising quickly, Leo bowed to his father and gently squeezed Mikey's shoulder, giving his lover a tender look before leaving the two of them to get acquainted.

\tClosing the door to his father's room behind him, Leo stepped into the now silent lair.  There was a distinct hum coming from inside Don's lab that told Leo his genius brother was working with his power tools.

\tWhen Leo scanned the remainder of the downstairs area, he saw no sign of Raphael.  He doubted that Raph was working in the lab with Don; most of the projects they did together were done in the garage.  A touch of aggravation pulled Leo's lips into a grim line at the thought that Raph had probably taken advantage of Leo's absence to go topside on his own.

\tHowever when Leo glanced upstairs towards the bedrooms, he saw that Raph's door was open and the light was on.  His brother's shadow blocked the square of light spilling from the doorway for just a moment before disappearing.

\tWithout further thought, Leo's feet turned towards the stairs.  It was time for a showdown.

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

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