#step forward

"Yeah, dad. Come on in." He says back to him.

Splinter enters Mikey's room with the intent on checking on him. As he got closer, he sensed something off with his youngest son.

"Your aura is strange this evening Michelangelo. Tell me, what troubles you my son?" Hes noticed Mikey behaving oddly since you were brought to their domain.

"It's.....her. Y/N. She didn't freak out at me. She called me......handsome." He shyly says.

Master Splinter has known Mikey to be the heart of the group. Often being the one to defuse conflict between his brothers and crack a joke or a smile during a takedown. Seeing him in this state of confusion, baffled him for a moment.

"She has shown to be accepting of us. You especially since you saved her. This is rarity. A rarity that should be praised. Yet, your demeanor speaks a different language, my son."

Mikey sighs. He didn't want to share this with anyone, mainly his brothers. But, the anger he felt was overpowering him. He began to explain what he saw as he was passing by your place after breaking rank with the guys to get some air.

He was in the alley doing parkour when he sensed you coming. He hid himself behind the dumpster out of view from you. He stayed there for a moment due to you being a woman in the middle of the night walking home in the rain by yourself.

"I figured I'd wait until she went inside. Just in case, you know." Splinter nodded his understanding, beckoning Mikey to continue his story. He saw Mikey's lip curl and fists clench.

Mikey further explained how you threw some woman out into the sludge. He watched the woman lay there in shock. He was gonna check on her when he heard the whipping sounds coming from your apartment. The cheating male shrieking and whining for you to stop.

After a few moments, Mikey watched you throw him out too. The look of anger and heartbreak in your eyes hit hard as you went back into your apartment. He watched the guilty parties scamper away. He knew such humanly drama was none of his business but it bothered him how a human male can do such a thing to the woman he was once engaged to.

Master Splinter listened to the story. Taking in Mikey's body language, facial expressions, how he went over every detail the best he could. What the cheating male did was disgraceful and repulsive.

"Not long after is when she was about to be mugged." He finished.

"You were there for her when nobody else was. You acted honorably, Michelangelo. She will not forget what you have done. I pity her situation. Betrayal at that caliber takes time to heal from." He places his hand on his shoulder.

"When she called me 'handsome,' I felt something in my chest. It felt like Raph stepping on my chest. Like I couldn't breath."

"Ah. Her compliment has surprised you, I see. I imagine it is not often you receive compliments from strangers. I must admit, it surprised me as well." He places his paw on his chin.

"I feel like I have to be there for her. Like....she needs me or something. Am I wrong for wanting to....... see her again?" He twiddles his drumstick in his hands.

"Michelangelo." Splinter began,"Fate has a way of making things clear to us. Sometimes in the strangest of ways. You were there during her most vulnerable time and the darkest. However, be careful. Do not be forcefully with fate. If it is in the cards, you will see her again."

Mikey cringed as he recalled the flower and note he left for you, telling Splinter about that as well.

"You have a kind heart Michelangelo. It would appear she is still very fragile after the horrid ordeal she had to witness. Her acquaintances seem to share your anger towards the man who hurt her. It is best to keep your distance." He suggested. He knew how clingy and sensitive Mikey could be in certain situations. This was for the best until things settle down. Mikey sighed audibly.

"Okay, Sensei. If you say so. I'll give her some space. Let fate decide and all that." He nonchalantly said. Getting up from his spot, grabbed his skateboard and left his room.

Splinter exhaled,"Hmm. Fate may spell something out for you yet, Michelangelo."

He whispered, leaving the room to meditate.

You awoke on your couch, slobber running down your face. The look of annoyance as you scanned your living room.

Last night was hilarious and ridiculous. Your lady friends were so determined to wipe that look of depression off your face and out of your life, that they went all out for you.

You spent the night playing dress-up in the clothes you purchased. Destroying your ex's belongings, one of your friends going so far to post his ball-gag on social media with his picture and name stamped on it. Calling him the 'King of Debachery.' You got a good laugh out of it, showing signs that you were recovering.

'Amazing what technology has turned into these days.' You shook your head at the shenanigans but went with the flow.

You got up, went to the kitchen and got you a drink of water. You look around the place, a sense of nostalgia began to peak it's awkward head. The pictures of you and that thing on the fridge and walls. You were so coated with rage that you missed a couple.

His promises of a bright future echoing in your head. All the while the image of him in that way with another woman came about. Never did he ever mention he was into that. Yet, he shares it with a woman who isn't even his fiancé. As the invisible smoke started rushing out of your ears, your friend came into the kitchen to check on you.

"What's up, Home Skillet? What's on your mind?" She asked. The answer was as plain as day as she looked around the kitchen and the fridge. You didn't even say a word. She tsked, taking down one of the pictures and throwing it into your garbage disposal. Making a face as she flipped the switch.

Your counter was coated in pieces of shredder photo paper. It was like a mini winter wonderland only without a circus clown and Parson Brown. Your other girlfriends woke up and came into the kitchen to see the damages done.

"Ladies, new activity. However, we're gonna have a day on the town first. When we get back, the show begins again." She declares to you and the other ladies. One of them gagging at the picture of your ex on the wall, ripping it down and tossing it into the garbage disposal as well.

"I was gonna be one of your bridesmaids at your wedding too. This is only a start of whats to come for breaking my girl's heart!" She shouted at the shredded pieces as you watched on the side. You weren't even angry at her. It felt...... exhilarating. Like the pain was peeling itself off of you, yet pieces lingered. Your friend grabbed you, threw some clothes at you and started planning.

"Ladies! We are going to New Jersey!" Your friend announced. The ladies getting their clothes on.

"What's in New Jersey?" You asked, thinking your friend has gone crazy. Much like the psycho friends nerds watch in animes.

Her smirking only confirmed that thought.

Leonardo, Raphael, and Donatello were having a 3 way sparring session. Raph and Donatello vs Leo. Splinter suggested this form of training early to sharpen their reaction times and strength against multiple opponents. Raph and Donnie had a few moments where they had Leo down for the count then have it blow up in their faces when Leo counters their attacks. Mikey sat with Splinter watching the session.

His mind was in other places besides the match before him. The look of betrayal on your face has been haunting him. The little voice in his head kept telling him what you went through was none of his concern. Yet, he was bothered. When you called him 'handsome', it stuck like gum pressed onto the street signs during one of those bus tours tourists go on.

He felt his chest tightening as he recalled how adorable you were. How sweet even during your darkest time. It didn't occur to him the fact you didn't scream at him or told him to keep away from you. Part of his mind wanted to chuck your reaction off to a simple,'shes been through so much that her head is telling her she's dreaming,' type situation.

As he sat, daydreaming. Wondering. Smirking. His brothers were getting freaked out with the faces he was making and decided to call him out.

"Yo Mikey. Ya havin' a wet dream er somethin? Wake up!" Raph snapped his fingers at him.

Leo has noticed Mikey's odd behavior since you've been rescued by him. What you said to him. Your complete understanding of them,"This is even freaking me out. Dude, you'll be up soon!"

Donnie started scanning his brother's vitals with his goggles,"His heart rate his above normal and his breathing is off."

"What is he hyperventilating? What's up, Donnie?" Leo demanded, concerned. Donnie rolls his eyes, walks to Mikey and slaps him in the face.

Mikey whines,"I'm in love with you, Y/N!" He admitted, randomly. Raph dropped a sai at Mikey's random confession.

"Ain't it a lil soon to be fallin' in love with someone?" He questioned, Mikey shook himself out of his daydream, realizing what he said.

"I was just........ Getting in the zone. Getting ready for.......fighting and stuff." He tried to make it out as if he was paying attention, but his brothers knew him to well for that.

"You should take some time for yourself today, my son." Splinter suggested. Mikey sighed. Rubbing his neck.

"Yeah. I think so too. I'll see yinz later." Mikey walks out of the dojo, grabs his board and flew off into the tunnels.

"She must've had a huge affect on him to make such a sudden statement." Donnie rambles, Leo and Raph's arms were crossed.

"It’s probably a faze. Give him time." Leo says as he readys himself for the next challenge.

Donnie and Raph weren't too sure it was just a faze. The tone in Mikey's voice, whether he knew or not, was genuine.

You had to crack a smile for where the girls took you. This was not on your bucket list but it may as well be. The girls took you to some exotic pet store that recently opened up for people to come in and see the animals. The place had just about every animal you deemed unworthy to be pets. From pigs to bearded dragons. Snakes to gliders. Skunks to sting rays. And so much more.

You and the ladies were having a ball, looking at the animals and meeting them as well. For the first time since that night, you felt at peace and settled.

"Is it working?" Your friend whispered in your ear. You smirked for her.

"Yes. It is definitely working. I am feeling so much better I could cry." You finally admitted. The girls let out a silent squeal so not to frighten the animals. It felt homey and right.

As you looked around, you stumbled upon some rats. Some were very social and eager. Others fatigued, sleeping on each other. A few were being goofy fighting over a spinning wheel. It reminded you of the large rat you met in the sewers.

'He was so kind to me. And his son......' You came upon another animal you weren't expecting: red eared slider turtles. There were 5 of them 3 resting on a rock, 2 swimming in the water. The tank was recently cleaned as you gazed upon them. One of them stopped and looked at you. The little reptile brought a smile to your face as it gazed at you, blowing bubbles. Mikey came to mind. How he rescued you from being mugged, allowing you to sleep in his bed to recover. His smile, his enthusiasm. You couldn't help but wonder what he was doing. Where hes at. If hes safe. You blew a kiss at the swimming reptile, it winked at you and went back to the surface. Your friends pulled you back towards the rats.

"These are so adorable. I'm gonna adopt one." She says. Her other friends jumped in.

"Make sure you get 2 or 3. Rats are very social and energetic creatures, they need a friend or 2 to keep them company so they don't feel depressed. And you gotta play with them a lot." She warned, the friend shrugged. Not minding at all and looked for a worker.

You were happy for the adorable rats getting a new home. Another friend decided to adopt one of the miniature pigs. The workers let you pet them and your friend was hooked.

As the girls were at the checkout, you felt a nudge at you leg. You look down to see one of the large tortoises have decided to go for a stroll around the store. The worker ran out, apologizing to you profusely if the tortoise hurt you.

"Don't worry. He surprised me, but he didn't hurt me. Hes so cute." You got down on one knee and scratched the escape artist neck. He seemed to enjoy the attention as he closed his eyes. One would have thought it was smiling at you.

The employee apologized again, leading the tortoise back to it's enclosure.

A strange feeling was thumping your body as you watched the tortoise stroll away. It was apparent that Mikey has been on your mind since the night he rescued you. Something about him made you want to see him again. As if you craved his company. Then your head started leaking venom into your day. Bringing up that day when your ex rescued you.

'How do you know hes not the same? Your deadbeat rescued you too. Don't walk that path again. Plus, hes a mutant turtle. Friends maybe, but anything over that could lead to peril.' Your mind was filling you with so much toxic thoughts you wished you could trade it in for another.

After a day of exploring and fun, it was time to head back. Your 2 friends that got their companions had to go home and get their new family member situated in their new home. They gave you hugs and kisses to reassure you that things will get better and to focus on moving forward.

You return home with your 2 friends who wanted to stay with you a little while longer before they had to head home. They consoled you. Reminding you that today was a wake up call for you. What your ex did was unforgivable and disgusting, that a woman as beautiful and worthy as you deserves better. You started to believe it after all this time of sulking, lashing out, and headaches. Staying in the dumps won't help you nor will it bring you peace. Peace comes from moving forward and leaving the negatively and pain behind.

"Uhm. Not to kill the vibe but didn't you mention we were going to do something huge when we got back? You were giving that look when you talked about it." The one girl asked, your friend started giving that face again. She stood up and took out her phone.

"Imma order some Chinese food. A lot of it. We're gonna clean house and do something that needs to be done ASAP." She announced, at this point her antics are started to grow on you as you thought about what needs to be done next.

So far, you've been sleeping on the couch in the living room. The bed was tainted by vileness you wanted nothing to do with. Then you did something that shocked both your friends.

You gave a very sinister and suggestive smirk,"My mattress comes tomorrow. Add some spray paint to that order! Time for me to get out of my slump and start healing. The right way!"

The girls cheered for you.

Night patrol was pretty stupid for all the turtles. So much so that they all found Donnie's drone more amusing to play with as they ran the rooftops loopking for something to monitor or someone to shake down.

"I hate nights like this! Ain't nothing out here!" Raph complained, throwing a tennis ball at Donnie's drone.

"Hey watch it! I just updated this thing. Still gotta baby it!" Raph waved him off, not even bothered by the complaints.

"Fellas, chill. Just be patient. We've only been out here for 30 minutes."

"Yeah. The first 5 minutes was spent witnessing a man eating from the garbage!" Mikey added, taking a sip of soda he had tucked in his pocket.

"What were you eating at the junkyard the other day, worm?" Raph questioned, drawing attention on Mikey.

"It was just a bag of skittles in good condition." His brothers gagged at the confession.

"Dude, you picked it up out of a junk car. That's sick, man!"

Mikey shrugged, a noise was heard a few blocks away from their location. Leo giving the order to investigate. They came upon the commotion, there you were.

Hyped up. Acting out and being bad. You and your friends just dumped out the mattress from your bedroom. The turtles could see the thing was dingy and needed replaced. They watched as your friend doused it with grape juice. Spat on it. Used your kitchen knives to cut into it. You took it the extra mile, getting a few of your ex's stupid glass cups and smashed them against the wall near the mattress.

The behavior they witnessed was barbaric, so far one of the most violent they've ever seen a group of women acting. Your one friend pulled out her phone and started live streaming the destruction of the mattress and your ex's items. Raph and Leo shook his head at the crass behavior.

"I neva seen this amount of hatred towards a piece of furniture." Leo mumbled, wincing at the spitting.

"Not even Mikey's bed deserves all that. He ain't nasty enough to wanna do all this.....Sheesh dis girl stabbing it like a military man on the battlefield." Her screaming wasn't very appealing. It was cringing to say the least.

Mikey felt it was necessary. Though over the top, what you were doing was justified. Needing to let go. Set yourself free from the pain that crippled you.

Storming into your place, you did a thorough scan of your apartment to see what else of your should be added to the pile of trash thrown outside. You grabbed the last few things with the spray paint and went back outside to join your other destructive comrades. You tossed the last bit of his stuff onto the mattress.

You taped the surviving picture of that scumbag, taped it to the mattress, spray painting a message right below it. Your friends got a good laugh out of it.

The turtles, having already witnessed such unladylike behavior already, couldn't see what you were spray painting on the mattress since they were far above the drama. Your friends were hysterical.

"Yo Specks, you da only one with glasses and goggles to see. Hop over there and see what shes spray painting." Raph pointed on the other building.

Donnie already thought this was ridiculous and beneath his level intelligence. Hes seen women fighting in alleys, punks digging in dumpsters, even street vendors getting into petty disagreements. This was what he considered a waste of his equipment energy. He scoffed, hopping over the other buliding, adjusted the lens on his goggles, reading the message you were spraying on the mattress.

"Wow. If this doesn't ruin the guys life and image, I'm not sure what will. At least she isn't spray painting the walls. But, that is pretty......vulgar." He muttered, almost feeling sorry for the guy that made. you do what you just did, with your friends live streaming the whole thing.

"Don't leave us in the dark too long, Donnie. What did she spray?" Mikey was so curious it looked embarassing.

Donnie hopped back over to his brothers," She basically advertised her ex to the whole world. Mainly any woman who likes using whips and ball gags on him for a good price." He explained the best way he possibly could without getting into deeper detail.

"Posting it on social media for the world to see. His life is over."

"Dude, everyone knows once certain videos or pictures are posted on social media, no matter how much someone denies it, it is there. It's everywhere. Dude had it comin' for whatever he did ta her." Raph gruffed, Mikey wanted to see for himself as he snatched Donnie's goggles, hopped over to the other building to get a look.

Painted in red, a picture of your ex and below it a message that said it all: Cheating Masocist up for grabs. Will scream and shout for whatever price you want. Take it all from me. I'll be yours!

Mikey watched as you took a match and lit the mattress on fire with your friends on the side laughing and recording the scene like it was a cheesy reality show. The turtles couldn't act on the women's display of misconduct. Surely they couldn't have all of you burning the block down. The flame was slowly rising as they tried to figure out what exactly to do so not to draw attention to themselves while you ladies had your cell phones out. Raph looked around and saw a bucket filled with water. Leo caught the gist, not fond of it but had to do something. He was wondering what that nasty smell was, sure enough, it was the bucket in Raph"s hands.

"Your not gonna dump that disgusting bucket of sludge on them, are you?"

Raph waved him off,"Not them, just the flame. Ya gonna let her burn the city down over some relationship drama?"

"If we go down there, the chances of them directing their phones at us is 100%. Granted, girls hate sludge but we can"t have arson on our hands. The police could be here if the neighbors haven't contacted them already......." Donnie's continued on and on until you and the ladies finally called it a night with them going home and you retreating into your apartment. You felt relieved and empowered at what you did, however you still needed to get your recklessness under control since you let the fire rise. That's where the turtles finally come in

Mikey rushed down to the flame and tried putting it out with a blanket that was nearby. Raph dumped the sludge almost hitting Mikey but managed the put the flame out. Mikey saw the condition of the mattress up close. Thinking this was for the best if you were going to move forward. He agreed with what you did despite his brothers disagreement. Besides, they didn't see what happened on that bed so they couldn't say much.

As the turtles dropped down and made sure the flames didn't sprout again, you decided to come out and check the damage so the fire department doesn't show up. Fate should not be played with, forced, or taunted because when you opened that door, the first thing you saw was Michelangelo brushing off his shorts. He looks up at you as the others froze for a few seconds then realized it was just you.

Mikey's eyes glared back,"Hey."

"Hey..."

Your pulse quickened suddenly. A shock hit your chest. Leonardo finally broke the ice

"Are you gonna be having arsonist outbursts like this often? I'd hate to watch on the news a woman we just met gets arrested for lighting her bed on fire." You had to admit, setting it ablaze was a bit much, but your in the middle of recovering from a traumatic situation. You looked at the mattress and made a disgusted look.

"If ya'll dropped a turd on that, I don't care but you could've just left. But at the same time, crap belongs with crap I suppose."

They couldn't believe what you assumed they did and your reaction was odd to them.

'She thinks we took a crap on her mattress? What a good image!' Donnie sarcasm was showing through his thoughts.

'Is this lady serious?' Leo felt offended and disgusted, wishing they just used the blankets and sheets instead.

"Look, lady! If I wanted ta take a crap I'll do it at home! There was a bucket of sludge on the roof. We seen the blaze and...."

"Like I said, I don't care! The flame is out. Nobody was injured, the police got something better to do, your secret is safe with me, and you can focus on more important things. I'm getting a new one tomorrow anyway so this needed to happen. No matter what you may or may not have done to it." You had a little attitude, yes. You just wanted to call it a night and be ready for the mattress to get here. The guys thought you were strange, except Mikey.

"If you want, I can help you set it up." It just came out, Mikey wasn't thinking or meant to say anything. Like fate gave him a push. You looked him over.

"I can help set-up a baseboard. I have some materials back at our place just lying around. What size bed do you have?" Donnie asked, just wanting to ignore the burnt up and sludgy mattress sitting against the wall

'What are they doing? We're ninjas, not movers!' Leo was still a little on edge with flaming mattress and sludge fest.

"It's a California King sized bed." You looked in your apartment, feeling bashful. "I could use some help setting up. My friends have done so much already. If you don't mind I......"

"I got you, girl." There it was again, his mouth betraying him and making his brothers look bad.

You felt your cheeks get hot. Were you blushing? What the heck is up with turtle and his oh so random enthusiasm? You started feeling like an idiot standing there in front of these large turtles with sludgy mattress and shattered glass you and your friends were responsible for.

"Ooookay. I better clean this up. Don't want to spend a week plucking shards out of my foot."

"You got it from here?"

"Yes. I'll clean up these shards and head back inside. I made my point for the night."

"Yeah you did!" Donnie muttered, looking on his phone to see the video has gone viral in an instant. Leo glanced at Donnie's phone, shoving his arm.

"We outta here. Check ya later, lady."

Him calling you that started to get old in a flash,"This lady can wipe the floor with you if she wants. My name is Y/N! See to it you remember that, Pecks!"

Leo and Donnie smirked, Mikey just burst out laughing. He never felt this much humor in his life. Like a moron, Raph looks down than back at you.

"Not bad, Y/N. Not many people step ta me like dat and live. I like you already."

"Guess I'm a special case." You smirked back.

Mikey kept snickering causing Donnie to join in. The genius held his stomach from the amount of laughing hes doing.

"DA FLIP ARE YA LAUGHIN' AT, DWEEB! YA GOT EM' TOO!!!!"

"I'm sure theres a man bra out there fitting for you. Would you like me to size you up? I can look up a few sites that sell them for dirt cheap." Donnie's said between laugh. You had to laugh at that. Raph felt humiliated, chasing Donnie all over town.

"Have a safe night. Stay out of trouble, yeah?"

"Yeah. Gotcha, Commander."

Leo grinned at your comment and took off up the roof to locate his brothers.

It was. you an Mikey,"I can help you if you like." He was so sweet with his tone. Your brain was aggravating you, telling you to tell him to get lost and that you weren't up for grabs. Instead you chose a different approach.

"That would be nice. Lemma grab my broom and dust pan. Watch your feet." He stayed outside while you got your cleaning stuff. 'What are you doing? He has to join his brothers, why are you getting all.....mushy?'

You came back out, handed him a broom to sweep up the pieces while he insisted on taking care of the larger pieces. You worked together pretty well, cleaning up the best you could. When it was safe to walk around, you put the supplies by the door.

"Thanks for helping, Michelangelo. You didn't have to."

"It's cool. Happy to help. Mikester at your service." He gave you jazz hands with a chuckle. His laughter did things to you, something new.

"You....You have a cute laugh. You know that?" Now you were doing it again. He paused at your comment.

"Uhm....Wow. No ones ever told me that before." He mumbled, usually nothing surprises him much but that hit as hard as the 'handsome' comment you made.

"I better go. You probably need to....."

"Yeah, I'm pretty tired. See you tomorrow then? 4PM, maybe?"

Mikey smiled heavy,"I'll be here, Angel. Don't you worry."

This was getting awkward but for some reason it felt nice.

"Great. So it's a date?" He let slip.

Your mind was elsewhere,"Wait.......What?"

He looked at his wrist like he had a watch on,"Crap. Look at the time. Gotta fly. Well, I can't really fly, ya know. Just uh.....See you tomorrow, beautiful." He climbed the walls quicker than Spider Man Noir and he was gone in a flash.

"Did he.... call me....beautiful? And an Angel?"

You've develop a weird habit standing around like an idiot as your elderly neighbor next door came to check about the noise. Holding a baseball bat.

"Sweetheart. What are doing out here so late? It's dangerous you know." She says, yet you didn't feel she could do much with a wooden baseball bat.

"Sorry for the noise, Ms. Nickels. Just cleaning up a mess I made. I'll head in now." Before you did, she gave you a warning.

"Please watch your back. I've been hearing talk of monsters roaming about the city. Large, green, red eyed creatures who stalk women at night." She explained, you frowned knowing who she was talking about. Happy Mikey took off when he did.

"People say stuff all the time, hun. Doesn't mean it's true." You defended, keeping your word, remaining oblivious.

"Well you watch yourself nonetheless, young lady. A pretty thing like you got no business being taken away by some freakish monsters. Good Night, dear."

"Thanks, Ms. Nickels. I'll be careful. Good Night." You entered your apartment, shut the door, locking all latches.

"Monsters, huh?" You grumbled to yourself,"With all do respect Ms. Nickels, the real monsters tried to jump me the other day. Not them. Not.....Mikey."

Sitting on the ground thought of the turtles you saw at the pet store. Then Mikey. Shaking your head,"Hes not a monster. He never was." Now you started to sound like a crazy person, but was that so bad? Perhaps, perhaps not.

One thing you couldn't get out of your head was that laugh. His cute, contagious laugh.