#hea guaranteed

For most of his life, Mikey had been humming a song, a tune unique only to him and the person he was meant to be with. That perfect person he could only dream about having. It was a legend, an ancient tale he’d beg his father to regale him with at bedtime. The Turtle’s Song. He didn’t know whether it was real or not, but he’d wanted so badly to believe it was. The human princess falls in love with a turtle creature because, out of every suitor, none could identify her song except for him.

Michelangelo had always been a romantic at heart, and for a long time, he believed that the perfect person was waiting for him somewhere. He waited, hopeful she’d come along, but as the years went by and he got older, the idea of true love started to fade, and a harsh reality threatened to take hold. Maybe it was just a childish fantasy—something only found in fairy tales. No, he refused to lose hope! He couldn’t allow himself to fall into that dark pit of despair; he refused to.

Mikey was thirty years young, according to him anyway. For the most part, his life was good. He and his brothers had continued with their sheltered lives, but their presence as the protectors of New York was no longer a big secret. Mikey was a popular video game streamer and had a sizable online following. He didn’t bother hiding his face because what was the point? There were no longer any dangerous threats to worry about. He and his brothers had saved the city multiple times and taken jobs from Chief Vincent on a regular basis. Humans, for the most part, had accepted him and his brothers. The only thing left to do was to leave the sewers and live among them as proper citizens of New York.

Mikey knew his mate was out there. He could feel it! One day, she'd hear his song and come shining into his life like a beacon of hope. He tried to imagine how she would look. Beautiful, of course, no matter what she looked like, with eyes that shone with kindness and hair like silk. Somehow, he knew she was a woman—sweet and lovely, with soft curves and rosy cheeks. He probably spent an unhealthy amount of time thinking about this mystery girl, but who could blame him?! His brothers had already all found their mates, and he wanted it to be his turn.

One day, when hope was almost lost, he heard it. The song. He didn't realize it then, but his mate was stuck, trapped in a loveless marriage to another man.

-----

You didn't think things could get much worse. Your witch of a mother-in-law, yet again, had taken time out of her day to remind you what a useless and incompetent wife you were, and your husband had been acting as cold as ever. You'd cry if you hadn't grown numb to this type of treatment long ago. If you weren't financially dependent on him and in need of a place to live, you'd have left a long time ago.

It was clear you were both miserable, yet every time you brought up the topic of divorce, he refused and warned that you would be homeless if you left him. So, you stayed, enduring the cruel treatment for years like some housebound Cinderella character, since it was your responsibility to keep the house in order. 

You had been married for several years, and though you tried, it seemed you were unable to have children with him. Labelled barren and useless by your mother-in-law and husband, you’d all but slipped into depression, feeling broken and deserving of the contempt directed toward you.

There were two things that brought you comfort in your darkest moments. First, there was tending to the rooftop garden at the top of your apartment building, and second, a soft, familiar melody that you hummed as you went to sleep. You’d been humming it since before you could talk. On those nights, you had a recurring dream. It was always the same. You could never make out his face, but he was familiar, kind, and more than willing to take you away from all of this. You felt the outpouring of love and affection, so pure and beautiful it made you want to weep.

You couldn't shake the feeling that this was who you were meant to be with, and lamented the fact that he wasn't real. Such things didn't exist in real life, after all. No Prince Charming was coming to save you, and the sooner you accepted that, the sooner you would save yourself from any further heartbreak.

Still, you craved those dreams. Your only escape from reality was a pair of baby-blue eyes and the words, 'You are my mate.'

It seemed hopeless, as if things would never get any better, so you had to suck it up and keep it together as best as you could. Still, the dreams of your saviour kept that flicker of hope alive. You started hiding money from your husband, squirrelling it away in a metal tin to buy your freedom. You hummed the song while you worked, the melody bringing you comfort and helping you stay positive. You were careful not to let it show around your husband or his mother, in case they suspected anything.

One day, you were leaving, and nothing was going to stop you.

-----

On particularly lonely nights, Mikey often took to the rooftops for some peace, taking time for himself to think and reflect. It was one of those days when everything felt like too much. It seemed as though his brothers were being extra affectionate with their mates. Their actions, though not deliberate, only served to stir up unpleasant feelings of jealousy within him. He had to get out of there.

Moving swiftly into the night, Mikey decided to explore a little. For once, he allowed his instincts to guide him, jumping across rooftops and taking in the sights and sounds of the city as he went. He couldn’t explain it, but it felt like there was somewhere he needed to be right now.

His actions brought him to a charming little rooftop garden. Clearly, someone had invested time and effort into maintaining it, as the plants and flowers appeared lush and healthy.

His heart nearly leapt out of his chest when he saw her, and his song stirred deep within his soul. The moment was cathartic, and he instantly knew she was the one. Staying hidden in the shadows, he watched her tend the garden, humming to herself as she deftly snipped dead flowerheads and watered the plants that needed it.

Feeling his heart swell even more, Mikey’s eyes filled with tears as he was completely overwhelmed by emotion. She was humming the song, his song, like a siren in the night. After all this time, he’d finally found her, and she was just as beautiful as he’d always imagined.

Everything inside him was screaming to make his presence known, yet he remained frozen in hiding. How was he supposed to approach her without scaring her? He’d imagined this moment a hundred thousand times in his head, but nothing compared to actually experiencing it. 

He was almost ready to throw caution to the wind when he saw something that made his heart sink. She had moved close enough that he could see a wedding band on her left hand. His face crumpled with sadness when he realized she was taken. Someone had found her before he did, and from her demeanour, he could only assume she was happy.

He left quickly, crushed with the weight of his discovery. She wasn’t his, she’d never be his, and he would never experience the kind of relationship his brothers shared. Fated to be alone forever. He ran, tears streaming down his face until he could no longer see where he was going. He sobbed, clutching his chest with each heaving breath.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she was meant for him, wasn’t she? He’d expected her to be wary at first, but ultimately come to her own realization that this was right. That they were meant to be together.

Another terrible thought crossed his mind. What if she had children? There was no way. Even if he had announced his presence, he wouldn’t be able to bring himself to tear the family apart. As much as it hurt, he’d just have to accept that this was never going to turn out the way he thought it would. 

He hated the idea of heading home, feeling like a failure and a loser, the only one of his brothers who would remain alone forever. The last shred of hope had been torn away from him the moment he realized he’d never have her.

For the next few days, he kept to himself, staying in his room and only coming out to eat or use the washroom. All attempts to speak with him were met with one-word answers or silence. Everyone was becoming quite concerned, but none more than their father, who was determined to get to the bottom of it. 

On one of Mikey’s trips to the kitchen and back, the old rat thumped his walking stick on the floor to catch his youngest son’s attention.

“You will join me for a cup of tea.” It was a simple request, yet one his son could not easily refuse. He could see his resolve was hanging by a thread and longed to ease his troubles, whatever they may be.

Hesitantly, Mikey followed, his footsteps heavy, as if even his small trip to his father’s room took more effort than necessary. He watched as his father lowered himself neatly onto his cushion and gestured for him to do the same.

“Kneel before me, my son.” Mikey did as he was told, still reluctant to speak as Splinter gently placed a small cup of tea into his hands. “Tell me what is troubling you. What has happened?”

Mikey knew that if he were to explain everything, he would break down completely. He sipped his tea and resolved to keep it together, instead directing his anger and frustration at the one person who could and would handle it.

“You lied.”

“To what are you referring to?” Was his father’s calm reply.

“You told us…” His voice was shaking a little. “That we would find our…” His hand clenched around the cup as he swallowed thickly. “The one who could hear our song…”

“Ah, your song? I assure you, I did not bend the truth in any way.” He sipped, ready for his son’s next outburst of emotion.

“YES, YOU DID!” Mikey slammed the cup down, causing the small wooden table to shake slightly from the force. “It’s never gonna happen for me! There must’ve been some mistake, some kind of fucking mixup because she’s…!”

Still remaining calm as ever, Splinter began to piece things together. Everything was about to be explained. “You have found her, haven’t you?”

Mikey’s lip trembled as he slowly nodded, furiously wiping at his eyes. “I was stupid to think it could happen for me…” His father patiently waited for him to explain, placing his aged hand upon his.

Speaking barely above a whisper, Mikey looked down at his knees. “She’s… she’s married… I saw the ring…”

Though his heart went out to his son, Splinter knew there had to be more to this. “Oh, my son, I can imagine the pain you must have felt, but I must remind you, fate makes no mistake. You must dig deeper if she is truly the one.”

I can’t...” he mumbled. “I’m not a homewrecker…” There was no holding back the tears that came streaming down his cheeks. His heart was broken, caught in a vice-like grip of despair. He angrily wiped at them until his father gave his hand a gentle squeeze. 

“Michelangelo, do not be so quick to mourn. You assume it to be a happy marriage, yet she, and she alone, is the only one who can hear your song. There are far too many unanswered questions that must be addressed. You must go back.” His words were firm with an air of finality.

His crying had stopped, his father’s words making him reflect on a few things. He was right; Mikey hadn’t stayed long enough to see the full picture. Could her marriage be a happy one? Maybe it wasn’t. In fact, it was entirely possible she married the wrong person.

Sucking in a breath, Mikey suddenly feared that maybe her husband didn’t treat her well. Maybe she was in trouble. “Dad, I..!”

“Go to her.” He sipped his tea calmly. “I sense that you are needed.”

Mikey was up and out of that room in a flash. His heart was pounding as he raced through the tunnels to the surface. Hold on, I’m coming!

This was it. You were finally getting out of there. Having gathered enough money, you packed a bag and waited for him to fall asleep before retrieving your stash. You’d placed it in a small metal box that you buried in the soil of the rooftop garden.

When you went to retrieve it, you were horrified to find that it was missing, no longer where you had carefully hidden it just days earlier. After a few frantic moments of searching, you heard mocking laughter behind you and froze.

“Looking for this?” It was your mother-in-law carefully holding the object in mind, a smug look on her face.

You felt your stomach drop as you stammered. “Th-that’s… how did you—?“ This was not good. You were screwed, and things were about to get even worse.

“I knew you were worthless, I didn’t know you were a filthy little thief, girl.” she spat. “Good luck explaining this to the police.” She was already pulling out her phone, and you were panicking.

“W-wait! I was just trying to-“

Slap!

It was your husband, having appeared behind his mother just as you were trying to prevent her from calling 911. “You steal from me? I gave you a home, food to eat, and this is how you repay me, you ungrateful bitch?!”

“I want a divorce!” You sobbed, holding your cheek. “Just let me leave!”

Mikey heard the slap and felt it reverberate through his very soul. Someone was hurting her, his mate, and in that moment, he saw red. Fuck staying hidden; she was in trouble, and he had to act now. 

Before you even had a chance to shed a tear, you heard his mother emit a blood-curdling scream and felt something rush past you with a swiftness that did not seem possible. Something resonated within you as your husband was knocked to the ground with a yelp of pain while clutching his nose. It was the song you’d been humming for years; you could feel it deep within your soul. Could it be...?

Your husband's mother was still screaming about a monster and yelling into the phone that she needed officers there now before it killed her son!

You felt absolutely no fear as you focused your gaze on the large creature? Turtle? Turtleman? Then he turned, worry and fear etched on his face, as he seemed to prepare himself for you to pull out your phone and call the police on him as well.

His eyes… bluer than the sky on a perfect summer’s day met yours, and you gasped aloud. You knew those eyes, you knew him! He’d finally come for you, and when he'd determined that you weren’t going to run from him, he quickly offered his hand to you.

“Come with me, I’m gonna get you outta here.”

You didn’t think twice. Taking his offered hand, you were swept into his arms and carried off into the night, away from the two people who had caused you so much pain, mistreated you for years, and were still faintly screaming in the distance. 

This turtleman was covering a lot of ground very quickly, but you held on tight, armed with the knowledge that you were finally safe.

Once both of you were far enough away, he gently set you on your feet and took a few steps back, feeling the need to give you some space while speaking very quickly.

“…Sorry, sorry! I didn’t mean to—the police were on their way, and he was hurting you and I just-“

You silenced him, holding your hand up. Now was not the time for explanations and regrets. You needed answers.

Clearing your throat, you began to hum, starting low and hesitant before increasing in volume and pitch to see how he would react.

Mikey stood rooted in place for a few seconds. Happy tears began streaming down his cheeks as he gently took your hands, his own low-pitched voice blending with yours until you both were humming and crying, overwhelmed with happiness and the joy of finally finding each other after all this time. 

“It really is you…” you smiled, managing to choke out the words.

Mikey squeezed your hands. He felt a mix of relief and inner peace as he managed to rein himself in emotionally. He needed to know why you seemed to know him already. “H-how come you weren’t scared of me?”

You did the same, taking a few deep breaths before speaking. “I dreamt about you, I knew your eyes and your voice, you told me you were going to rescue me and take me away from… him." You waited a moment before continuing, feeling the need to explain everything.

Now, Mikey was getting the full picture. Yes, you were married, but it wasn’t the happy union he thought. There were no children involved either. He listened as you spoke about how you’d been saving money for years, planning your escape, and how you’d been caught that very night. He understood you needed to keep up appearances beforehand, which meant wearing your wedding ring and acting the part of the meek little housewife. 

Said ring was most definitely absent now. You’d left it on his side table with a note.

“I’ve already got the papers in order for the divorce, I just need to—” Your final words lingered on your tongue as he tugged you close against his chest, wrapping his warm, muscular arms around you. The way he held you made you feel as if he was afraid you’d disappear on him—careful, gentle, yet reassuring.

“I’m sorry…” he whispered. “I should’ve found you sooner, I’m so sorry you had to go through all of that.” He spoke with such regret that it made you want to cry all over again. “I promise, no one is ever going to hurt you again.”

In theory, this was crazy. You’d only just met him and didn’t even know his name! Yet, it all felt right. Being in his arms felt so natural. You’d never experienced a feeling this with anyone before, and somehow, you knew he was being honest with you.

“What’s your name?” The words were whispered against his chest as you tilted your head to look up at him.

“Michelangelo, but call me Mikey… heck, you can call me whatever you want. What’s yours?”

You giggled, telling him your name in return before asking another question. “What is this? How did I know your song without ever meeting you?”

Now it was Mikey’s turn to speak, and he started from the beginning, weaving together the classic origin story of him and his brothers along with the old legend. “My brothers have already found their mates… I was the last one.” He finished quietly.

Oh, your heart just about broke hearing that. He’d been searching for you all this time.

“Hey… better late than never, right?” This was your attempt to lighten the mood, and it worked. He smiled and squeezed you a little tighter before letting go slightly.

“Um, I know this is a lot to take in, but is it okay if I take you home with me? I won’t send you back to them, but if you’re not ready, we could find a hotel for you or something.”

It was very sweet of him to be so considerate of your feelings and you took a moment to think over your options. You knew your now ex-husband would have told the police that a ‘monster’ punched him in the face and that his wife tried to steal his money, but you hadn’t actually taken any of it. You doubted he had a case anyway and found the idea of separating yourself from your hero to be quite unpleasant indeed.

“I’ll go home with you.”

The way his face lit up, you’d think he had just been told he won a million dollars. You had no idea what you were getting yourself into. It was all so fantastical and unbelievable, yet he was right here, standing before you like the lead character in a romance novel.

You thought he might kiss you to complete that little fantasy, but he shyly backed away from it and offered to carry you again instead.

Things moved quickly after that. Mikey took you into his home, a cozy underground lair where he and his brothers took refuge with their father and partners.

He narrowly evaded getting an earful from his older brother in blue as he stepped aside, letting you come into view. You shyly waved with a small “hello.”

He was warmly congratulated by everyone, as each member of the clan came out to greet you. They were so pleased and relieved that he had found you. Although the situation was complicated, you were assured that everything would be taken care of. It felt like another one of your dreams, how they all welcomed you so effortlessly. You’ve never seen this level of kindness and acceptance before.

His purple-banded brother, who was something of a tech genius, immediately began sorting out the situation with the police. It turned out that Mikey and his brothers had a partnership with the NYPD and thus had protection against incidents like this. No charges would be laid against you either, and your divorce would be finalized the next day. 

The brothers offered to retrieve your belongings, which you gratefully accepted. Some of your heirlooms were irreplaceable, and you wanted your clothing returned.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Mikey sensed that you were tired and guided you to his room to rest. You both still felt a little shy, especially when you borrowed one of his T-shirts to sleep in. He politely turned around to give you privacy to change.

Though you were tired, when the two of you lay in his bed facing each other, you found yourself full of questions. What did he like to do? His favourite foods? You wanted to know everything about him, and he was more than happy to explain.

He accepted you fully and completely, even after you told him you feared you couldn't have children. Mikey was quick to reassure you that there was no rush and it was likely that your ex was the problem, not you.

In the early hours of the morning, you had slipped into his arms again, feeling sleepy and content, with a sense of peace you had never experienced before.

“Mikey…? I want…”

He knew and carefully placed his hand on the back of your head. A gentle press of your lips to his, and he was gone, lost in the feeling of you. The song within you both ringing true in your hearts.

If you didn’t believe in fate before, you certainly do now. It was truly like a dream come true, and if you were Cinderella in this situation, then Mikey was Prince Charming, the perfect fit for you, just like the glass slipper.

The End

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