#fallacy of devotion

Sunshine gently awoke him like a warm blanket on a winter evening. Still up late most nights, he was used to sleeping into the morning so the soft light never bothered him.

He was so thankful every single day that he didn't think too much about what day it was. As he usually did, before he even opened his eyes, he just listened. He heard the everyday sounds of his favorite part of the day. Voices floated into his ears that told him everyone was safe. Everyone was happy. More or less. He smiled and opened his eyes. His nose told him food was waiting. Probably for hours. He never minded, no reason to wait for him. Dinner was the together meal.

The door creaked open and he smiled even wider. After a moment he felt a small tug and thud on the blankets, then a small body pressed against his arm.

"Happy Daddy Day" it squeaked.

"Thank you baby" he responded.

"I wan be da firs"

"You were. I just opened me eyes. You have perfect timing."

"You sposed to do what you want 'day. What you want?"

"I want to spend the whole day with you and your brothers and sisters. And your mom."

"Mommy said it your favite day. Mine is my burfday."

"Hmm. She's right. I do like your birthday though. But you know, I can have more than one favorite day. And if I'm being completely honest, every day is my favorite day. You know why?"

A small head shook it's head back and forth.

He smiled. "Because everything I have in my life wasn't supposed to be possible. Especially you."

"Me?"

"Yeah. You."

"why?"

"Because everybody said you weren't possible but me and your mommy were too stubborn to listen to them."

The small face looked confused for a moment and he grinned again.

"I love you. So much. You're the reason, one of the reasons, I get to celebrate today at all."

"Wuf you daddy."

Moments later, still groggy, Mikey stumbled into the kitchen with a small passenger attached. Everyone turned to look, hushing each other on seeing him. He smiled. He needed to be teaching them better. They were so obvious.

"Good morning!" His wife's voice blessed his ears and he gave her the fondest of glances. She was his everything. She gave him his own children. She allowed other children to be theirs even though she had plenty of reasons to fear the idea. She supported him through and through even though he was a complete freak of nature. She picked him up when he was down. She literally saved his life by stopping all his blood from leaving his body.

"Morning. Yet another day in paradise hmm?"

"Everyday" she chuckled, going back to her task of cleaning up from breakfast.

"Hmmmm, I can clean up babe. As usual. You literally hold down the entire fort all morning every day."

She came over and kissed his jaw which pulled a deep groan from his chest. "Mikey, you literally have saved the world multiple times and have nearly died doing so and still have the most beautiful smile every single morning. You don't have to clean up from breakfast for literally one day."

"Yeah but, doing all that takes me away from all this. I'm not thrilled about that."

"Dad, you're being dumb. Just give us your speech or whatever" Donavan huffed, but smiled and fist bumped his adoptive father. As the oldest at 8, he had embraced all of them in a way that made his heart swell in his chest.

"All I have to say, to all of you, is that I am not gonna cry but I am gonna make out with your mom most of the day and would appreciate little pushback on that."

collective groan

"I love you guys. Everything I do is for you guys. And it is my absolute privilege that you are all here, willingly, in some cases. For a guy like me, this was impossible yet here we are. Thank you, all of you."

A chorus of 'we love you too daaaaddd' erupted and he laughed because it was laced with irony but also filled with absolute honesty. He shook his head and chuckled.

Mikey grinned. "So what's the plan for the day? What do you guys have planned?"

"Nothing but the best!" the second oldest declared. "Mom let us pick so you're in for it."

"Can't wait" he downed a few pieces of bacon. "You literally can't throw anything at me that is weirder than anything in my life so far."

Shadow glanced at him, with a glint in her eye. He might have to eat his words.

Day 357

//a guy can't help but see his wife as an anime protagonist girl boss.

Not LMK related, but sometimes I’m gonna have non lmk stuff. Inspired by tho…absolutely!

"Mr. Hamato, thank you for your time. We want to be clear that this is an unofficial visit, off the record, we would just like to get an idea of your experiences."

Mikey smirked. "Yeah, sure. Earth Protection Force not doing so well these days?"

"That agency has been disbanded as we have adequate plans for multiple potential scenarios regarding alien transgressions. We just have a series of questions to help us gauge the security of not only our country but the world."

"No pressure" he chuckled. "Trust me though, anything I might know that you don't, I won't be able to elaborate."

"Are you aware of alien civilizations?"

"You were around when the Triceriton thing happened yeah? I think that speaks for itself."

"Are there others?"

"Of course there are. You think the only intelligent life forms are humans and a literal dinosaur species?"

"Are there any you can specify?"

"You mean are there any that are a threat to Earth? Sure, plenty coud take us out, but Earth isn't exactly a target destination so I really doubt we have to worry about it."

"The Triceritons disagreed."

"The Triceritons had Earthly origins."

"What about multiple dimensions? There are theories that there are layers of alternate realities."

"Closest I've gotten is a really wild dream where my father was a villain and I had to take him down. Sorry."

"Have you been in contact with any foreign entities on this planet that might be a threat?"

"What, like other mutants? Spies from other countries? My life isn't that exciting. The only people who aren't regular humans I have regular contact with is my own family and friends."

"Would you be willing to share information if you happened to come across it?"

"This is sounding a lot more like recruitment than a friendly chat. Look, if there is an immanent threat I would weigh my options. I'm not taking sides or any of that shit. I'm just one guy."

"One guy with very unique skills and" the man looked him up and down. "One guy with unique skills and physical opportunities. We can make you a citizen, if that's something you would like. Give you a pension in exchange for those skills."

Mikey paused at that. "I don't really like the idea of opening up the pandora's box of being a recognized person. I'm good. "

"We'd just like you make you aware that there are options. We do have a lot to offer, in exchange for favors."

"Mmm okay. Although we both know I'm capable, I'm not an assassin, I'm not a soldier, and I'm not for sale. I do what I know is right for the people right in front of me. That's all."

The man, dressed formally, suit and all, nodded. "You could be doing a lot more for your country. We'd just like to ask you to keep us informed if you become aware of anything regarding national or worldwide security, and we would like to do the same for you."

"Alright." He shrugged. "You get wind of an end of the world thing you let me know and I'm happy to help. And I'll let you know if I hear anything. We good?"

"I believe we're good Mr. Hamato. We look forward to any correspondence. Call this number at any time for any reason."

"Like a late night pizza service? Nice!"

The man stood and looked at him with zero humor. "Have a nice day sir."

"Yeah. Yeah, um, you too."

@accioturtur

"Three Valentine's Days in. Not bad for a relationship that began at superspeed based on mutual murderous professions, hidden from everyone until it wasn't, interspecies at best, and by far the best thing to have ever happened to me."

"Happy Valentine's Day Mikey" she answered with a smile that brighted his entire day.

"Do you know that you mean more to mean than my entire comic book collection? More than my babies?"

"I'm sure your nunchucku are very offended" she laughed as he kissed her neck lovingly. "But yes, I know."

"I can't wait to go out. First time out in the world on the most romantic day of the year with my wifey? Best time ever."

"Everyday with you is the most romantic day of the year baby" Shadow was milling about the desk, piling various papers into piles to keep everything organized.

"You wound me. Today will be extra heavy on romance!!"

"Hmm. What have you got planned?"

"Dinner."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"It's a lonely table, off in the back where we can be alone."

"Are you sure? Laying low has been working wonders for you."

"I'm sure. Going out to dinner with you on Valentine's has been one of the highlights of this whole thing. I literally woke up in the hospital after it was all said and done and thought, Ah ha! Finally we can go out on a proper Valentine's Day date!"

"I see you have your priorities straight."

"Always. I even know a spot nearby where we can have a quickie if you want."

"It's a too cold for a quickie!"

"I didn't say it was outside!"

"We don't have to do anything Mikey, I promise I don't mind. I just want you to be all right."

"Again with the wounding. This is the day of love, my love! As soon as you're ready we're going out for a day of good times only."

********************

The table was indeed lonely and quiet, which suited them both perfectly. He coudn't even see anyone else and it allowed him to snuggle up to her affectionately without distraction and she was free to do the same.

They were there for at least an hour, lingering with conversation that never seemed to run out or get old. After a few glasses of wine and a delightful three course meal they burst out laughing over the the fact that they would definitely rather be doing something else.

"Well we checked this box. Not nearly as great as I thought it would be but I had a damn nice time." He giggled.

"It was really nice Mikey" she laughed. "It's not exactly the center of the multiverse or any of the other wild things you've taken me to do but it was fun."

"I have fun every minute I'm with you."

"You are literally always with me Mikey."

"And I'm always having fun. Do you want to…" He was interrupted by his phone buzzing in his pocket. He'd ignored it a few times, but when it rang for a 5th time within a couple of minutes he decided to check. He pulled it out and put it on speaker.

"Mikey. Shit about time! There is something really wrong here. One of them things, at least one, I think is headin' topside."

"Where?" Shadow asked.

"Still at dinner? We lost it not too far from there, a few blocks north. I think. Too big to get through a manhole but fuck it can probably just break through the damn street."

"A'ight. We're on it bro."

"That's not all Mike" Leo took the phone. "Something else is going on. Renoir and Donnie are acting strange. This isn't good. I'm going to go back and check on them. Raph will meet you topside. Call Casey. I'm calling in the Foot. I think we're going to need everyone."

Mikey hung up and stood, Shadow right behind him. He waited next to the table and grinned at her. "Maybe this is more like it. Care to do the honors?" He held out his arms.

It was hard to not simply run out the door, but dammit, it was Valentine's. Shadow reached up to unbutton his collar, then the rest of his shirt. There was always a few seconds to undress him, and it still felt like an hour's worth of foreplay. Once he was sufficiently undressed, a telltale sign to the public that there was trouble afoot, he kissed her. "I'll see you on the other side."

She took his clothes and set them on the seat of their table. "I don't like it when you say it that way."

"I'll see you when I get home from work?"

"I'll see you after you kick that things ass."

AKA yes utter devotion can most definitely be quite a big fallacy but that doesn't mean it's necessarily a bad thing, right?

@accioturtur I thought this would surely lead to some real fun times someday. If I don't completely forget anyway.

***************************************

"You're home late, any good stories to tell?"

"Nah. Just went back with Raphael for a bit. Our extracurricular activities haven't let me spend much time with him lately."

They shared a laugh as she crossed the kitchen to give his cheek a good morning (more like early afternoon) kiss. "Well I certainly don't mind our increase in activities but I'm glad you're spending time with him."

"It's getting harder to not mention anything to him. It's been a month, we've got these monsters appearing, we know it's all tied together and Leo still hasn't told Raph anything. Most of the time I have to avoid him so I don't accidently spill the beans. How long should I give him?"

"Baby, it took a year for you to be willing to listen. Leo just needs some time. He's afraid it may be the last conversation he ever has with him. I know how that feels."

Mikey grunted. "I'm still sorry about that."

Shadow wrapped her arm around his and tugged him into the living room. "Call him later and tell him it needs to be sooner rather than later, but for now, you stink. You need a shower and probably a nap."

Relenting but not letting her go, they both disappeared into the shower. If she noticed how he was trying a little harder than usual to make her giggle she didn't say anything.

While they enjoyed their playful bathing, his mind played back the events of the night over and over in his mind.

*********************************

Manhattan could be a beautiful place, especially when seen in the early morning hours of the morning from the highest rooftops. It was in the alleys, where he using the darkness to head home, that were rarely full of anything but things that ought to stay hidden. Drugs, violence, sex. Today, it was something entirely different, and very unexpected.

"I've got something for you. If you want it."

Michelangelo didn't need to turn around and peer into the shadows to know who was talking.

"You tell me. Do I?"

"Probably not. But we both know that really doesn't matter."

He sighed heavily, then turned to face his visitor.

"How's Shadow?" his twin asked. Older. More worn down. But he wasn't filed with grief. Not exactly.

"Yours not well?"

The other him twitched but didn't reply right away. "She's ok, all things considered."

Mikey couldn't imagine what worse things could have been thrown their way to make this other version of himself so. . . not sad, but he'd lost something. He looked like Mikey felt sometimes. His eyes fell on a broad scar across his right neck and shoulder. "This Shadow is good. Things are good. You're more like me than any others I've come across. It's unsettling. Cursed?"

He nodded.

"Figure it out?"

He shook his head. "Not exactly. Took care of it well enough though."

"Brothers?"

"All alive. Everyone's alive and well. Mostly."

Mikey narrowed his eyes at his mirrored image. "Donovan?"

A small but genuine smile crossed the other's face. "Great kid. Doing fine."

Mikey nodded this time. "World not in danger. Everyone's alive. Things can't be too bad."

"It's not bad at all. Look, I know you know Shadow is capable of incredible things. Things that could change the world. And beyond. I know you won't admit it but her potential vastly outweighs anyone we've faced before."

Mikey froze at the phrasing and waited for more.

"Anyone wrapped up in our lives is capable of amazing things. They have to be. But if she's in a position where . . . to, well . . . you know. She'll do anything. Literally."

"What happened?"

"Doesn't matter but I really hope you don't have to go through it. I just wanted to be the one to bring you this. And to tell you."

Mikey took a large hard drive from the older, weathered version of himself. He looked down at the cold metal weighing down his hands, then back up at him. "Tell me what?"

"Hold the hell onto that woman. In every way imaginable."

"I plan to."

"I know. But even more than you do now. She's so strong, but she needs you. And you really, really, need her."

It wasn't anything he didn't think about every day.

"But you both need to know when enough is enough. That need can get ugly."

Mikey let out a sharp breath. "I know." Mikey practically whispered. He knew exactly what that meant.

His older self turned to leave.

"Hey?"

"Hmm?"

"At least tell me if you're both okay. Still married? Whatever happened, were you able to get through it? Together?"

He stiffened. "Sometimes the solution and the problem are the same thing and that is probably the hardest lesson I've ever had to learn, but yeah. Still madly in love. Still married. Love conquers all and all that, right?"

Mikey frowned, deciding maybe he didn't want to know any details. "Good." It seemed irresponsible to not ask about the curse's outcome or how to beat it without anyone dying from it, but he also knew if there was anything important to say his counterpart would say it. "How long have you been with her?"

"Depends on how you look at it. Actually together? About 5 years give or take. Time wise, you could say more like 15. It's hard really, to know for sure."

Mikey sucked in a deep breath. He knew what that meant too. He held up the drive. "What is this?"

"I can't even begin to explain that. Just give it to Shadow. Or Don someday. Maybe just warn them that this information is a little mind blowing. And maybe think about just destroying it for your own good. But that is what she is capable of. She paid a very heavy price for it. It also cannot end up in the wrong hands or it's over for all of us."

Mikey caught the drop in his tone when he mentioned it was Shadow's work. "Dude, you need to lighten up."

"I know you tell yourself that a hundred times a day but there are levels of trauma that you can't come back from."

"I'm aware and you know I am, but your face is all stuck looking like you haven't slept in a week 8 times in a row. That's got to be ruining your reputation."

His older self relaxed in understanding and grinned. "Not in the bedroom and we know that's what really counts."

The two of them looked each other up and down for a split second before they both burst into mirrored hearty laughs.

"Oh if only we had more time, right? This could get really fun."

"Yeah, if only."

Mikey gave his older self a smile. "You are still a handsome devil. Even though you got old."

"Hey, I age like fine wine. Shadow can confirm. So does she if you want to know how much better it can get."

The younger turtle smirked. "I actually feel bad for those of us out there that never find her."

"I feel sorry for those of her that never find us" the older turtle grinned and winked as a doorway opened behind him.

Mikey stared into the open space before him. He could see a vague outline as his eyes adjusted that sharpened into an older, very different looking Shadow. Her hair was much shorter, greying, and its still healthy bounce didn't match the years of clearly-not-so-good-times that made her skin seem to hang heavier over her cheekbones and shoulders. Their eyes met only for a moment before his other self stepped in front of him to block his view of her. He didn't need to ask why. It was haunting.

"Don't worry." he said, meeting his eyes with a deep understanding. "She's ok. I'm sorry for bringing that to you."

Mikey nodded slightly and looked at the drive again. "What is this going to do to her if she figures it out? What if she won't tell me?"