#beanverse

His anger clouded his mind as he made his way to the junkyard. Donnie didn’t get angry often, but when he did it’s been towards Leo. His brother been annoying him about the cure for Karai, the sleepless nights made him more agitated when Leo gets to have more than 7 hours of sleep and he’s on his third day of barely two hours of sleep.

 Maybe it was due to the storm coming up that lead his mind to go foggy, or the fact anger clouded his judgment of the storm coming earlier than he thought. He just needed to grab a piece and go, but the howling winds and the paranoia were kicking in. Maybe if he turned back now, apologized to Leo and actually go to sleep, he can go another day.

 Looking up at the dark, loomed sky, he knew another day meant weeks or even months and they don’t have time to sit around waiting for the snow to end. Their sister could be on the verge of dying, she was alone and couldn’t control herself, and Donnie owed her that much to at least save her.

 Donnie picked up a scrap of metal, and in the reflection, he was able to turn around and block the incoming sword coming his way with his bo. He thanked whatever made him the urge to pick up that metal but destroying that one random bot he knew something was wrong. Foot bots came like a pack of wolves, he needed to go before –

 At least 30 of these bots sprang out of nowhere, and Donnie was surrounded. He had no choice but to fight, the snow started to flutter, and the storm was going to kick in soon, Donnie had to act fast.

 “Can’t we do this another night?” He groaned at them, as he pulled out the naginata from his bo, and as the crowd of bots came closer to him, their weapons out gleamingly into the night, he fought as hard as he can.

 But it wasn’t enough.

 Quickly, he was outmatched, they knocked his bo out of his hands, and there were at least 20 bots, or it seemed like more were coming out. He swore there were 15, and now –

 He was hit on the back of his knees, and it took his breath out as another kicked him straight to the throat. Wheezing, he took out his phone to alert his brothers, maybe they can’t come due to the storm, but they would know at least that he’s going to die.

 With the cold taking over his body, and being stabbed, kicked and punched, and maybe even burned? He couldn’t feel anything as his body fell numb, was it due to the storm or were they beating the crap out of him that he lost all feeling?

 With the last of his strengths, he slurred: “T-phone…ssself destruct.” He didn’t even feel his phone being snatched from him; he watched his phone crumble under the hands of the foot, he laid his head on the concrete, letting the billows of snow go on top of him.

 At least he knew his brothers will be safe. 

 x

 The constant questioning Donnie was enduring sort of wished that he was dead. 

 Finding out he survived the ambush, probably because Shredder didn’t want him dead, yet, meant that torturing and questioning would have to do.

 As he laid in his own prison cell, counting the days he’s been in here, hours and minutes, he knew that the probability of his brothers coming for him was 0.3%.

 He knew that they knew he was gone, kidnapped for sure ‘cause his bo was left at the junkyard and the rest of his stuff, maybe. He told Leo two hours he would be gone, and it’s been over 30.

 “You know,” Baxter said behind the cell, smirking at the turtle. “If you talk, Master Shredder won’t kill you.”

 “Beat it, Stockboy.” He tried sounding tough like Raph, maybe it will raise his chances of survival, or worse, he would die quicker.

 “Oh, giving attitude? Strange coming from you, but not eating for almost two days now gets to a man, err turtle. You do realize your brothers aren’t coming for you, so maybe you should start talking.” Baxter wrapped his hands around the bar, leaning on them to hear the turtle talk. His voice was strained from the screaming, he was being tortured like there was no tomorrow and he knew the little comfort Donnie gave himself wasn’t going to last.

 But Donatello was a smart turtle, and it seemed like it’s been lacking since the only thing he has was water, and not enough to survive.

 “Talking? You think because my brothers aren’t here, I’ll start talking?” Donnie gave a scoff of a chuckle, “I’d do anything to protect them.” He knew Shredder sent Baxter to talk to him because they had the most common. They were both geniuses who were looked down upon, but he had thick skin, Stockman wasn’t going to break him easily.

 “Alright,” Baxter tightened his lips in a hum, “your chances of survival are slim, I say you won’t make it by the end of the week.”

 “I’ll take it.” Donnie said, maybe a little too quick, “Anything for them.”

 x

He knew his time was coming up when his breaths became too shallow and he could barely talk. But the Shredder kept on insisting, over and over and over and over, it was driving him nuts.

 “I’m not saying…” He licked the blood off his top lip, feeling the bruise, the swelling as Shredder punched him repeatedly, everywhere. He was his punch dummy, and each time he would torture him, Donnie thought that the Shredder was doing it for some sick entertainment and not to find his home.

 “I’m getting tired of this, turtle.” Shredder told him in the most monotone, angry voice he could give. “I want answers now!” His gauntlets shot out, and he pressed it along Donnie’s neck.

 “Do it, I dare you.” He spat blood on the floor next to his shoulder, waiting for death to claim him. He was tired, he was tired of talking, of waiting for his brothers. It’s been too long, why was Shredder keeping him alive?

 “Alright, turtle,” Shredder pulled his gauntlet away from the turtle’s neck and kicked his shell so Donnie would be laying on his stomach. He looked at the bruised head and pointed the gauntlet towards it. “Say goodbye.”

 “I’ll see you in hell.” Don laughed, almost mockingly, and then a white sharp pain hit him, before there was nothing.

 x

He woke up to something light yet heavy falling onto him.

 It was white, and he slowly staggered up, staring into the obliviousness into the world. His body ached, and he didn’t know why.

 He didn’t know where he was, who he is, or how he got here, but, his head. He placed his hand on the back of his head, and slowly crept out of the narrowed area.

 He stared blankly, seeing the pillows of white surround him, as he shivered. There were colors all over, bright colors, that clashed against the people’s dark clothing.

 He walked straight ahead, hearing the honks and screeching as he tried to make his way.

 Donnie was confused, with everything. Everything was, confusing. Nothing felt right, the faces in front of him showed emotion he didn’t – couldn’t – understand. So, he stood still, hearing screams, and people yell at his face, until something – someone – pulled him away.

 “Dude… what…thinking…know.” He stared towards the wall, swaying, he was yelling like the people. He didn’t understand, nor who he was.

 Orange pulled him arm, the one holding his head, and stared at his hand. There was nothing wrong with his hand, but he let Orange examine him.

 Orange took off his mask, that made him look not orange, and he balled it up and put it on his head. He hissed, he heard a murmur and his arm was hooked over the smaller one and was dragged away.

 His eyes felt heavy, his legs hurt, and his body burnt. His knees collapsed under him, and small was able to pick him up.

 He felt safe, his head dipped a couple time, and feeling like it was led, he crashed onto smalls shoulder.

 x

Waking up was a scary thing, because each time he did he was somewhere new. Yet, he felt like he was in a similar place.

 The place was metal, and the smell was strong with chemicals and this turtle wore red.

 Red picked him up and he dug his nails into his arm and tightened up. He didn’t like that; he didn’t want strangers touching him. Red placed him on something soft, but his head didn’t like the pressure, and turned to see Orange staring at him.

 “Hey…!” Orange voice drowned, and he wasn’t listening to him. He moved his head away, staring at the floor.

 There were papers and metal scattered on said floor, and his arms were wrapped in white, stained with red.

 He felt an arm wrap over him, and he looked at Orange.

 Everything looked wrong, everything felt confusing, but his sense of smell never forgot what home was.

 He grabbed Oranges hand, and half listened to some random babble he was saying, Orange was close to him, but he couldn’t figure out who he was.

 Orange showed his teeth, and he stared at it, not knowing what it meant.

 But Orange looked just like him, and Red did also.

 Something soft was pulled over him, and he snuggled the best he can.

 Orange kissed his sore head, and as he closed his eyes, he knew everything was going to be okay.

Leoand Raph were equally exhausted to the point of not wanting to go out. Mikeyknew it was cause of Donnie. Not cause Donnie ruined Halloween for them, butthey were just tired of having to take care of him. And hey, Mikey was honestlytired too, but Donnie was more thrilled than anyone to dress up and get candy.Mikey couldn’t say no to him.

“So, what do you wanna dress up as?” Mikey asked,dressing the wound on Donnie’s head.

In less than a second, Donnie piped up; “a bear, silly.”He told him, like Mikey was supposed to know exactly what he wants.

Mikey made a ‘tsk’ noise in thought. Bear costumeswere usually for little kids. And even after he called April and told her aboutit, (being unsure if she can find one). She claimed she can and it’ll be perfectfor him. Mikey was still a little hesitant.

“Okay, buddy, what if we can’t get you a bear costume?What else do you want to be?” Mikey asked calmly, hoping Donnie had other ideasin mind if the bear costume April tried to get won’t work out.

After a few long seconds of thought, Donnie drew a withlong: “noooo, a bear and a bear only. Bee and I have been planning it for months!”By Bee, he meant his stuff bear who can’t talk at all, but Mikey wasn’t goingto say anything. His mouth closed to a tight line, and Mikey nodded. “April shouldbe coming with the costume in a few days.”

“I can’t wait! It’ll be the best Halloween we’ve everdone!”

Mike gave a sad smile. This is the only Halloween heremembers. Every other year is a blur to him.

“You bet.” Mikey told him, and crinkled his nose tosmile.

He hoped what April said was true.

April was right. She could find the perfect costumefor him. Sort of. It was a onesie type of bear costume, but as long as it fitsand if Donnie was happy. That’s all that mattered.

“Hey buddy?” Mikey called, unzipping the onesie andhad it ready for Donnie to easily slip on.

There was a distance yell of, “waitMike!I’mbrushingmyteeth!”And a rush of footsteps came before Mikey can even say anything. Mike issomehow still surprised, after months, of Donnie having so much energy.

“April just brought your costume, dude! Let’s put iton.” Mike told him, already helping him slip the costume on.

“Is it comfortable?” Mikey asked, zipping it up andhoping it was good.  Today’s Halloween,if he doesn’t like it, then he’ll have to wear it or just go as a turtle.

“Yeah! And soft!” Donnie shoved his hands into the bigpockets. By his ankles, the onesie cut short, but Donnie either was okay withit or didn’t notice.

“Okay good, let’s wait a little longer until it’snight to wear your bear onesie.” Mikey said, already pulling the zipper down.

Donnie pulled away and zipped his onesie back on. “Itwon’t get messy, silly. It’s comfy… and I want to wear it!”

Wearing it for a few hours won’t do any harm, so Mikeylet him wear it.

“Sooooooooo.” Donnie’s teeth chattered lightly due tothe cold, and leaned himself into Mikey. “it’s cold and I just want candy!”

“We have to go to the apartments, dude. It’ll be warmonce we go inside.” He promised, and put the hood over his head to cover thebandages.

“Okay, but remember… well, I don’t remember but youdo, so remember what I said!”

He doesn’t know what the heck he’s talking about, buthe nodded as if he remembered whatever gibberish Don told him earlier. Mikegave a chuckle, hugging his brother as they both walked into an apartment.  Being concealed with the fact that everyonewas dressed up, Mikey blended perfectly. Donnie claimed he was both a bear anda turtle, and no one really said anything cause it’s Halloween and you can dowhatever you want.

After the fifth door, and Mikey going, “sorry he’sshy, come on dude, say trick or treat,” Donnie gave him the bag of candy afterclaiming it was too heavy.

“Donnie, you know to get candy, you have to say trickor treat.”

“I can be a quiet beartle.” Don whispered, and lookedup at Mikey with brown sad eyes. “They’re strangers, they don’t have to hear myvoice.”

Mike arched a brow. Donnie, this Donnie, was always pulling a wild card with the way he thought,but Mikey wasn’t going to say anything against his choice.

“Yeah, you’re right, beartles can be quiet.”

He didn’t even want to question it.

 “Woah, woah, dude. You can’t just keep eating all yourcandy each time you get a handful of them! You’re going to finish it before wego home!” It was only eight pm, and Donnie was already being a pain. Sure,Mikey had his bag of candy, but he didn’t want Donnie eating his after he,himself, finished his own bag in a day.

“I’m hungry, Mike. Eating two won’t hurt.” Donnie wavedit off as nothing, and open a wrapper of Tootsie Rolls before eating the wholething in one bite.

“You’re eating more than two, though.” Mike wassounding like a mom, but he couldn’t risk Donnie having a full stomachache, andSplinter punishing both for being so reckless. Donnie did get away for most ofthe things he did, cause well of his brain damage. But, Mikey was stuck withthe punishment at hand.

“It’s okay Mike, I promise…I won’t eat more after!”

He ate way too much that they ended up having to gohome earlier than Mikey wanted too. He wanted a supply of candy that can lastfor a month.

Once they got home, Raph, Leo, April and Casey wereall sitting on the couch watching some scary movie that Mike has seen millions oftimes.

“How was trick or treating?” Leo asked, poking hishead from the blanket, and seeing Donnie bounce up and down from what hesuspected as the sugar rush.

“It was good, Donnie was a little shy and kept eatinghis candy, but either than that. It was fun!” Mikey turned to find Donniealready sitting on the couch with his bro’s and friends. In some ways, Donniewas still a ninja.

“Dude, you sure you want to watch a scary movie?” Heasked in speculation because Donnie was never a fan of them before, he doesn’treally think he’ll be a fan of it now.

“Yeah!” And Casey gave his blanket to Donnie, and Mikerolled his eyes at the look Donnie gave him.

“Okay dude, after the movie you know you have to gobrush your teeth and go to bed, right?” He whispered, since he didn’t want todisturb anyone from watching the movie.

“Right!” Donnie responded loudly.

“Okay, let’s take out the Onesie. You’re probablycooking in there.”

“No! It’s fine, Mike! I’ll take it out when the movie’sdone!”

“Okay dude, if you say so.”

After Donnie said “bear,” they thought they’ll neverhear the end of it. It was all he said, all he can say. It’s been a week sincehe’s been speaking, and bear’s the only thing that he’s uttered.

“Okay, Donnie, we get it, you can stop now.” Raphsaid, annoyed, and turned the volume up. Donnie was hugging that damn bear, andRaph just wanted to watch T.V.

“Stop.”

Raph blinked, twice, turning to face Donnie. “Wha-what?”He stuttered out, and he muted the show.

“What?” Donnie mimicked, and laughed. He brought thebear into Raph’s grasp, and Raph held it loosely, more interested in Donnie.His brother was copying most words he was saying. Raph felt relief, but worried.

“Raph.” He said slowly, his eyes squinting in hopethat Donnie would mimic him.

“Raphie!”

It wasn’t exactly how he said it, but he didn’t careat the moment. Raphie was better than bear, and he didn’t hesitate to hug his brother.

“Raphie, Raphie, Raphie!”

Way better than bear.

It was all good and okay, until colorful words,curses, were grabbing Donnie’s attention. With the way he was grasping everyword they said, or most words that were easy to pronounce, bad words were alsoeasy.

“No no, buddy, that’s a mean word. You can’t say that,especially in front of Sensei.” Mikey tried to tell him, but Donnie justrepeated the same word, over and over.

“Stupid.” Donnie stuck his tongue out, and all Mikey did was hide his face in hishands.

Out of all the words, stupid had to be the one thatstuck with him.

Whyis it all the bad words that kids favor to say? Mikeythought with frustration. 

Of course there had to be a fight with Leo and Raph,and of course Leo had to say, “this is stupid, Raph…” And Donnie just had to be thereto witness it.

“Look buddy, how about snake? Snakes are cool, or Sensei?You can try to say Sensei.”

“Papa.” Donnie said, and smiled widely, “stupid!”

“Shhh shhh!” Mike felt like he was going to chew hisfingers out of sudden anxiety. Splinter cannot be hearing this!

“No not that word, Sensei’s smart.” And he said itslowly, “smmaaart.”

“Stupid.”

“Hey, Donnie! April’s coming over!” Mikey said, givingout a tired smile to him. “She’s over her flu, and aren’t you excited to see yourbest friend?” Mike nudged him, watching Donnie play with his bear in silence.Mike pursed his lips, before speaking again.

“You remember April, right?” Mike asked, and Donnie clutchedthe bear tighter before looking at him.

A few seconds pass, and Mike spoke up again, beforeDonnie answered his question.

“Bear.”

It was the only word he can say, a word no one thoughthe would catch on… It’s been a week since he spoke, and it’s been the only wordhe can utter so far.

“Yeah, I’m excited too!” Mike responded, acting likebear wasn’t his answer. Mike patted his head, before standing. “Hopefully, hedoesn’t react the same way he did when Mr. O’Neil came. I never heard himscream so loud.” Mike muttered to himself, shaking his head and rubbing hisface with a shaky palm. It was also the night Kirby told them – the news. Whichled him to know that Donnie was never going to be Donnie.

Mike moved pillows and cushioned them before sittingdown. It was around ten AM, and Donnie was watching Clifford – like usual, andplayed with his bear, (aka move the bears arms around and rub its head). Mikeydidn’t care what Donnie does, if he’s happy – Mike’s happy.  

 An, “I’m here.” Came from the entrance of the lair,and Mikey’s stomach unsettled. He pushed the feeling away, stood up and turnedaround to greet her.

 “April!”

She gave a soft laugh, “Hey, Mikey! I missedyou!” She dropped her bag near the entrance, removing her jacket andapproaching the living room. The first thing she notice was Donnie, sitting in a – what lookedlike –  criss cross position. She wanted to approach him, but fear stoppedher – it wasn’t fear of her friend, it was fear for him. WhatLeo has told her, what her dad said, and finally after a month she wasgoing to talk to him – someone she missed…

 “Can I -?” Her breath cut short, she swallowed a lump ofunexpected results and –

 “Yeah.” Mikey breathed, and placed his hand on her shoulder. “It’sgoing to be okay, April.” He reassured, grinning, but almost in a sad way.

 April took a step back, Mike sounded so mature, so calm – so,unlike him… All she can do was nod feverishly. A lot has happened over amonth and she didn’t know why she was so surprised over this.

 She turned, to see Mikey sitting in front of Donnie, smiling. Asif everything was normal. “Hey, Buddy.” His grin got wider. “Look, April’shere. Remember April?” Donnie looked up, and dropped his bear. He stayedfrozen, and Mikey grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze.

 He turned around, and motioned April to sit.

 And she complied, almost immediately, like she had to rush or something wasgoing to happen. The second she sat, Don stared, at her. No smile, nolaugh, his mouth was agape. Mikey was preparing for the worst – Donnie cangather up all his air to give out a scream, but… He didn’t.

 Instead he picked up his bear, looked up at April and murmured,“bear.” He pushed his bear into April’s hands, and gave her a smile.

 April’s breath’s cut short.

 April looked at Mikey, who was patting Donnie’s head softly,and she stared down at the bear. The only word he uttered to her, was a stuffbear that had rips along the sides, stains and was all worn out. All theintelligence was gone – no, dormant, until he recovers.

 “Th-thank you, Donnie. This was so nice of you.” She smiled back,holding back unknown tears.

Donnie nodded at her, and shook his head, before laughing.

She wanted to question – ask why he did that. But she bit hertongue, it was rude, to ask about someone when they’re right next you –and it was obvious why he acted like that cause he wasn’t himself.He was damaged.

Without realizing it, Donnie tugged her fingers, before grabbinghis bear. “Bear bear bear bear!” His voice grew louder and he was grinning likethe dork he is. His hand repeatedly hitting the concrete like achild.

  “So,” Mike muttered, feeling suddenly awkward, and grabbedDonnie’s hand for him not to injure himself. “how was his first impression?”

“Way better than how he acted with my dad.” April wiped her tears,not sure if she’s taken the whole situation in, “wayyy better.”