Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

«What are we doing here, boss?» Bebop snorted, looking around the abandoned building they’d just dug their way into. 

«Are you a rhino or a goldfish, you dolt! You have no attention span!» Shredder huffed as he emerged from the drill.

«To be fair, boss, we break into labs like, all the time!» Rocksteady said.

«This time is different!» Shredder declared. He walked over to something covered by a sheet. Dust danced in the air when he removed it, revealing a bright pink, heart shaped ray gun.

«Woah…! If Barbie was packin’, that’s what she’d have!» Bebop chuckled.

«Silence! Don’t let the appearance of this apparatus fool you. This is a powerful weapon in the wrong hands… that is to say, mine.»

«Well, what’s the plan, boss?» Rocksteady studied the gun closer. There was a small, heartshaped dial that could be easily moved over a chart of colors. He pushed it upwards, to the highest setting, only to have his hand slapped by Shredder.

«This gun was made to alter negative feelings into positive ones. Dislike to like, hatred to love… but the team that invented it realized it’s dangerous potential, and left it here… for me to take! With this gun, I’ll be able to make the entirety of New York adore me. My popularity will make every citizen in this town my willing slave. And thus, I will bring those blasted turtles to their doom, torn apart by every man, woman and child they have sworn to protect!» Shredder chuckled gleefully, before gasping. «Even better… I’ll make the turtles so fond of me, they will be incapable of refusing anything I ask of them! The possibilities are endless! I’m getting giddy just thinking about it!»

«Anything that makes you giddy should be outlawed!» came a voice from above.

«Boss, it’s the turtles!» Rocksteady yelled.

«Of course it’s them, you dolt! Who were you expecting, Batman?» Shredder shrugged out of his robe and got into battle stance. «Bring it on, you green pests!»

«You remember the plan, guys!» Lavinia said, leaping down and letting her sword crash with Shredder’s claws.

«Drop the gun, Shredder!»

«Make me, reptile!»

Michelangelo and Raphael went after Rocksteady, while Donatello tangled with Bebop. The large brutes chased the boys around, running into each other and the equipment while Raph taunted them.

«You won’t get away with this!» Lavinia cried, forcing Shredder into a corner.

«I already have! And you will serve as my guinea pig… now, stand still!»

The gun fired, and Lavinia leapt up into the air, avoiding the blast. The ray was sent into a mirror behind her, and bounced back, hitting her and her sword. All it took was her wrist angling, and both she and Shredder were enveloped in a soft, pink glittery cloud.

They both sank to the floor, moaning.

«Ow, my head…» Vinnie mumbled as she sat up.

«I’ll really make that head of yours hurt, you little--!» Shredder said, grabbing Lavinia’s belt and pulling her close. «I…» He blinked a few times, «I… never realized how lovely your eyes are…»

«Oh…» Vinnie blushed.

Her hands were on his chest in an attempt to brace herself. She let her hands slide up his shoulders. His own eyes shone, dark and beautiful, like the ocean at night.

«Boss! Don’t worry, I’ll save you from the toitle-chick!» Bebop yelled, only to come to an abrupt halt when a *crunch* was heard. «Uh-oh…»

Looking down, the ray gun was in pieces under his sole.

«BEBOP!» Shredder yelled. He was about to continue, but was interrupted by a crash. The building shook and Rocksteady called out: «Uh, boss? I think I set the drill in reverse…»

Lavinia and Shredder got up in time for the other turtles to join them.

«Lavinia, the building is coming down!» Donatello called out.

«But I…» She gestured toward Shredder.

«Not looking to get my shell knocked in, boss lady! The day’s won, let’s get movin’!» Raph said, dragging Lavinia with him.

She still looked over her shoulder at Shredder, who was staring back at her. He disappeared slowly in the dust of the debris.  

«Ey, dudette, are you gonna eat, or what?»

Lavinia was pulled out of her stupor as Mikey waved his hand in front of her. The lair was thick with the smell of pizza. A comedy special was playing on the screen, and far away, she heard Sensei’s tea kettle whistle.

«Hm? Oh. No, I’m fine. You guys can have mine.»

«For real?»

«Yea. Actually, I think I need to lie down.» she said, getting up and disappearing down the hall.

«That’s weird.» Raph said.

«Tell me ‘bout it! It’s her favorite, too, shredded cocnut and sweet pickle!» Mikey put a slice on his plate, barely able to avoid drooling.

«Gross. What’s wrong with raisins and avocado?» Raph said.

«I can think of a few things…» Donnie muttered into his own slice.

In her room, Lavinia curled up on her bed and sighed. She couldn’t get Shredder off her mind! And not in the sense that she was planning their next move.

In fact, she felt warm and tingly all over when she thought about how strong his muscles had felt under her hands, and at the compliment he paid her.

She buried her face in her pillow and sighed deeply. How could she be feeling this way about their sworn enemy?  

Chapter Text

«Lavinia?» she started at the sound of Master Splinter’s voice, «May I come in?»

«Of course, sensei.»

He walked over to her and put a paw on her forehead, «Your brothers tell me you’re not eating. You haven’t taken ill, have you?»

«No, sensei. I’m just not hungry.»

Splinter cocked his head. His students spent so much of their time moving about and training that they seemed to always be starving!

«Just remember that fighting crime will be difficult on an empty stomach.»

She chuckled a little, «I promise I’ll eat later.»

She cleared her throat as he was about to leave. «Master Splinter? How do you know if you like someone?»

«Like someone?»

«Y’know… romantically…» her cheeks darkened, and Splinter’s eyes widened.

«Are you in love?»

«I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.»

Splinter ran his fingers over his chin. «Well… when I was a young man in Japan, I knew a lovely girl by the name Tang Shen. She worked as a nurse and usually arrived home quite late. I started to meet her at the bus stop so I could walk her home.»

He hummed quietly, lost in the past.

«She was almost half-asleep most nights when she returned, and I started to carry her on my back. She was much too tired to protest.»

Lavinia smiled. «That was kind of you.»  

«I was desperate to do something for her. To see her and be close to her. I suppose that is how you know you are in love. Even the smallest smile from her made me feel like I could take on the world. On her days off, she would come by the Dojo with a homemade treat just for me. We would sit out in the garden and talk until she had to leave. Our time together was short, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.»

«What happened to her?»  

Splinter sighed sadly. «One night, as I was walking her home, we were ambushed by members of a rival clan. I easily disposed of them, but she got a cut on her cheek. When her parents saw this and heard what had happened, they forced her to break off all contact with me. And she, being an obedient daughter, did as they asked. Five years later, she married a doctor at the hospital where she worked.»

«That is so sad, sensei…»

«It hurt very much for a while, but I hold no grudge. Fate is a strange thing, Lavinia. After all, had I married her, I might not have come to New York and met you four,» he petted her cheek, «and I wouldn’t give you up for anything.»

Vinnie tried to keep her expression under control. She was tocuhed, of course, but the guilt of who she was crushing on was terribly heavy. What would Splinter think if she told him?

«So. Who is it you have your sights on?»

Speak of the devil.

«I, uh… well…» She had to make something up, but her brain only kept bringing up the memory of Shredder holding her, making her even redder.

Splinter chuckled, «I suppose a girl is entitled to some secrets. I will let you tell me when you are ready.»

«Thank you, Master.» She sighed.

«Think nothing of it, my dear. Rest now. And do promise me you’ll eat something before you turn in for the night.»

Chapter Text

The lair was quieting down, but Lavinia couldn’t sleep. No matter how much she tossed and turned, she couldn’t get comfortable.

And she couldn’t stop thinking about Shredder, or about how guilty she felt about her crush. All the terrible things he had done to Sensei and the city, and yet here she was, unable to think about him without sighing.

She rolled over again, only to start when her turtle-comm went off. Opening it, she expected April, but instead came face to face with Shredder!

«Lavinia.»

«Shredder?» She sat up, nervously looking towards the living room. She could hear Raph snoring and Donnie muttering about calculations in his sleep, but had no way of telling if Splinter could hear.

«I… you may call me Saki, if you’d like. We have known each other for quite some time now, haven’t we?»

«I suppose so…Saki,» she muttered, twirling her bandana like it was hair.

«Listen, I need to speak with you. Can you meet me now?»

«This is a pretty lazy trap…»

«Maybe so. Bring whatever weapons you want. I’ll be waiting.»

Lavinia was insane. That was the only explanation. She had gone completely cuckoo! She strapped her gear on, snuck through the lair, and went to the surface.

She leapt onto a roof top, and found Shredder leaning against an old chimney. She walked over slowly, looking left and right for footbots. 

«So. When’s the ambush going to happen?» she asked, rolling her shoulders.

«Now,» he said, and pulled her into his arms.

She gasped, but quickly relaxed. «Saki…»

«I cannot stop thinking about you. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, I can’t even plot. You have driven me to the absolute brink. What do you have to say for yourself?»

«Don’t be stupid,» she hissed. «I-I mean, I don’t believe you.»

«Believe it! I’ll do anything you want.» He lowered himself until he was on his knees in front of her, holding her hands. «You have but to ask.»

Lavinia bit her lip. «Would you stop trying to take over the world?»

He hesitated for a moment, but then he nodded. «If it will make you happy.»

A warm feeling spread through Lavinia’s chest. «It would. In fact, it’s the greatest gift you could give me.»

He rubbed his thumb over her hands. «Then I will stop.»

«Thank you. But may I ask for another thing?»

«Whatever you want.»

«I want to see your face.»

Saki obeyed, removing his mask. He was handsome. Lavinia gently traced his cheek and chin before leaning in and pressing her beak to his lips.

Once it ended, she felt near dizzy with joy.  

«Thank you, Saki.»

They sat together with their backs against the old chimney, just holding hands. The sun peeked over the horizon.

«I have to go.» Vinnie said, only to have him hold her back.  

«No! I don’t want to be apart from you!»

«My family will wonder where I am,» she whispered, pressing her snout to his nose. «Please let me go.»

Slowly, reluctantly, he obeyed. «I want to see you again.»

«Soon, I promise. But I have to leave now.» She punctuated it with another kiss, before she leapt across the rooftops and disappeared down a firescape.

Chapter Text

Lavinia swore she had just laid back down when her t-phone went off.

«Mmm, didn’t we just say goodnight?» she muttered as she rubbed her eye.

«Did we?» April sounded confused, and Lavinia started.

«N-nevermind! What’s wrong, April?»

«Well… nothing’s wrong exactly. But could you and the guys come over?»

She heard a violent sneeze in the background, and Irma screeching in disgust.

Later, they made their way into the Channel 6 building, wearing their usual disguises. Not that they would have needed them. Everyone on April’s floor was preoccupied pushing past what looked to be a field’s worth of flowers.

«What is all this?» Donnie scratched his head and picked up a boquet.

«There’s enough flowers here to throw two Easter parades,» Raph said, «And enough candies to keep Michelangelo satisfied for at least a month!»

«Let’s put that theory to the test, compadre.» Mikey picked up a box.

«Don’t touch that!» Vinnie said. «For all you know, it might be poisoned!»

«Maybe. But what a way to go…»

The sea of flowers parted, making way for April. «Hey, you guys. Thanks for dropping in.»

«What’s going on here?» Lavinia asked.  

«No one knows for sure! The place was chock full of flowers when we got here this morning!»

«I guess someone’s happy with the work you’re doing!» Donnie said.

«That’s just it. It’s not for us! Look at these!» April said, handing them a thick stack of cards.

‘To Lavinia’

‘To the lovely Lavinia’

‘To the loveliest turtle in New York’

‘Roses are red, your mask is blue, I love you madly, do you love me, too?’

«Oh, wow. Someone’s down bad for ya.» Mikey said.

«H-how silly!» Vinnie said. «Some of these have to be for you guys!»

«I hope not. All my real fans know that I’m partial to rhododendrons!» Raph snorted.

«Besides, the candy is all your favorites, Vinnie! Look at this! Nothing but hazelnut and peanut butter truffles as far as the eye can see!» Donnie said.

«I think you have a secret admirer, Lavinia!» April smiled.

Not that secret, Vinnie thought to herself. What on earth was Saki DOING?

«Lavinia?» Donatello said.

«Earth to Lavinia! Come in, fearless leader!» Raphael bumped her with his shoulder.

«S-sorry.» she mumbled.

«Geeze, dudette, you been weird lately! Maybe you should sit this one out!»

She was about to answer Michelangelo, but the doors to the elevator opened, and Vernon emerged with a loud sneeze, «Oh, you four… I should have known.»

«Leave it, Vernon. The turtles are gonna fix this mess.» April crossed her arms.

«Whatever you do, just fix it fast! I’m not sure how much longer I cah-ah-atchoo!»

«AIM AWAY FROM ME!» Irma screamed.

Chapter Text

«SAKIII!» Krang squealed as he wheeled into the room. «You have been using my credit card again, you louse! And you’ve bought flowers and candy and-and teddy bears! Whatever for?»

«Huh?» Shredder looked up from his breakfast, blinking slowly.

«HAVE YOU NOT HEARD A WORD I’VE SAID?»

«I’m afraid not. Excuse me, Krang, I have something I must attend to.»

He got up and passed Bebop and Rocksteady with nothing more than a polite nod in their direction. Both henchmen scratched their heads in confusion.

«What has gotten into him? He’s always been a fool, but never an easily distracted one!» Krang muttered to himself.

«So that’s the story, Master Splinter! Looks like Vinnie’s gotten really popular!» Donatello said between bites.

Lunch was on the table, with Master Splinter enjoying sushi, and the turtles eating pizza.

«I see. Now, not to put a damper on things, but I hope you were careful. Such gifts could have been poisoned.»

«The Poison-o-Meter I brought says otherwise!» Donnie waved around another one of his doo-hickeys.

«Isn’t it convenient he had that on him?» Raph chuckled.

«In that case, you seem to have a generous suitor, Lavinia.» Splinter said.

Vinnie just blushed furiously and shoved a slice into her mouth to avoid talking.

«Let them know you have brothers, too, huh? Brothers who looove coconut and cherry-filled chocolate!» Raphael laughed. 

«Yeah, sure. I think I’ll go up for some air, if you don’t mind.» She rose from the table and bowed to Splinter.

Her brothers looked after her with worried faces.

«Was it something I said?» Raphael said.

Once Lavinia was certain she was alone, she opened her turtlecomm and pressed a few buttons.

«Hello, my little turtledove.» Saki said, eyes gleaming.

«Thank you for the flowers and candy. And, well, everything else.»

«Of course! I’m just sorry I couldn’t send it to you directly. No reason to ruin the city’s sewer system.»

«That was so considerate!» She smiled, but it faltered slightly.

«My love, you look so sad…» 

«It’s just… I don’t know how much longer I can keep this secret from my family.»

«That has worried me, as well. They will never accept us being together.»

«They might…» she whispered.

«Do you truly believe that?» Saki asked.

Lavinia bit her lip. It was only wishful thinking, of course. She was dreaming about a traditional wedding with her in a white dress being led up the church aisle by Splinter with her brothers a flower turtles, April as her maid of honor, and Bebop and Rocksteady as ringbearers, but it was shattered as she tried to think logically about it. Why would Splinter ever agree to this? Why would the guys? They hated Shredder as much as she loved him!

She thought back to Master Splinter’s story about himself and Tang Shen. They had been separated and while he said it had been for the best, he had sounded so heartbroken…

The very thought of not seeing Saki again felt like agony!

Like he was reading her mind, Saki said gently: «Darling, I might have a solution. Can you meet me tonight?»

«I think so. The guys are gonna have movie night, and it’s a killer-robot-marathon. They know I don’t care for that.»

«Good. Meet me at Feng’s Fabulous Feast at 10.»

«You got it,» she said, but didn’t close the lid on her t-phone. «Well? Aren’t you going to hang up?»

«Nice try. You first.»

«No, you hang up first!»

«No, you!»

Chapter Text

«Whatcha workin’ on, brainiac?» Raph peered over Donnie’s shoulder. 

«I went back to the lab and retrieved the gun that Shredder was after.» He held up the gun. It looked a bit worse for wear, but it was back in one piece. 

«Why? It doesn’t really match your get-up.»

«Very funny, Raphael. I figured it’d be best to have it here, rather than leave it out for Shredhead to find. And you know I enjoy taking things apart to see how they work!» 

«Well, as long as you don’t go after the TV again, it’s fine by me.» Raphael said. 

Michelangelo cocked his head to the side as he looked at the gun, «What d’ya suppose Chromedome wanted it for, Donnie?» 

«Well, if he set it up right, he could have had the whole city love him in a matter of minutes!»

«Boy, good thing he didn’t get a chance to use it,» Mikey shuddered. 

«What are we talking about, fellas?» Lavinia peeked into the lab. She was in her standard disguise, wearing a trenchcoat and a fedora.

«None o’ yer business, ya meddlin’ dame!» Raph said, cracking up at his own impression. 

«Hilarious.» Vinnie sighed. 

«Well, where are YOU going all of a sudden?» Mikey asked. 

«Out. I need some air.» She pulled collar up. 

«What, the fresh breeze of the sewer not doin’ it for ya?» Raph chuckled.

«But tonight’s the marathon! I know you don’t dig the killer robot-movies, but the grub’ll be first class!»

«I know it will. I just… well, I was planning to hang with April.» 

«Oh, girls’ night? Gonna eat bonbons and talk about boys?» Raph elbowed her lightly, and she released a weird, nervous laugh.

«S-something like that,» She replied. «Have a good night, ok, guys? I’ll be back later.»

They watched her as she walked off. 

«Is she ok?» Donnie said softly. 

«I dunno. She’s been kinda distracted lately. And she keeps heading up to the surface. You don’t suppose she’s seeing another superhero team behind our shells, do you?» Raph mused. 

«Very funny, dude. The chance of Vinnnie leaving us for the Super Friends is as likely as me leaving you guys any pizza if you keep standing there, gawkin’,» Mikey said, dragging them along to the couch.

Lavinia walked through the town, staring at the pavement. She didn’t like lying to her brothers, and the improvised one about April would do more harm than good. What if they called April and found out she wasn’t there? She was so tired of this whole charade!

Her thoughts kept swirling in her head when she realized she was outside of Feng’s Fabulous Feast. She slipped into the alley, through a door, and there, as promised, was Saki. He was out of his usual attire, instead wearing a smart suit. 

He kissed her hand. «There you are.» 

She was about to respond, but was rendered speechless by their table. It was hidden away from the rest of the guests by a painted screen, and was nearly overflowing with food.

«This is…»

«Excessive, I know. I ordered everything on the menu, paid for it, and asked the waiter to leave me alone.» 

«I don’t know what to say!» 

«Say you like prawns. It’s in every other dish. Oh, and forgive the view. I imagined this would be the last place anyone would want to sit.» 

He motioned towards the window that led out to the alley and an impressive pile of garbage.  

Lavinia chuckled and slipped out of her hat and coat, leaving her in a sparkling, blue dress.

«You look lovely.» Saki said, looking her over from top to bottom. 

«Thank you.» She reddened when he pulled her chair out for her.

They dug in. It was delicious. Not as good as pizza, of course, but it was fun to try something else. 

«No trouble getting here, I hope?» Saki asked after a while. 

«No more than usual. They… well, they bought my excuse.» 

«I suppose that brings us to the matter at hand…» he poured her a glass of champagne.  

«Yes. What is this plan of yours?»

Saki folded his hands and looked right at her. It was hard for her to meet his gaze without blushing. She pretended to be very fascinated with the dumpling between her chopsticks. 

«Come away with me. Let us go to Japan and live there in peace.» 

«Japan?» Vinnie dropped the dumpling.  

«I have a house there,» Saki continued, pouring her more champagne, «or we can move out into the countryside, if you prefer a more sheltered life.» 

Lavinia emptied the glass in one gulp. She tried her best not to fidget.

«I understand that I am asking much of you, but this way we can be together, unhindered by my past and your family.»

Lavinia thought for a moment, then nodded, «If you give up crime, I suppose it makes sense that I give up my family.» 

He put his hand over hers. 

«You are going to have a new family with me, Lavinia, don’t you worry.» His eyes shone as he spoke. 

«Oh, Saki…» She leaned towards him over the table, relishing the feeling of his lips against hers, when she suddenly noticed a presence outside the window. 

Opening her eyes, Lavinia stared into a camera lens, and Vernon Fenwick’s grinning face. 

Chapter Text

«NO, DON’T GO IN THERE!» Mikey yelled. He was hiding his snout behind a pillow, staring wide-eyed at the screen where two teenagers were headed to their doom.

«Louder, Mikey. I don’t think they can hear you.» Raph said, opening another can of soda.

Master Splinter stuck his head out of the kitchen just in time for the ad break.

«Do you mind if we watch a few minutes of news, my pupils?»

«Hey, anything to avoid watching commercials, Master Splinter!» Donatello

«Shut up, how d’ya think we can peddle action figures without ads!» Raph hissed through his teeth.

Donatello was about to answer him when the familiar news jingle broke through.

«We interrupt this program to bring you a special news bulletin.»

Vernon was smirking at the camera.

«Scandal today as it seems that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ leader, Lavinia, was seen having a romantic rendezvous with a mystery man!»

It cut from his smug face to Lavinia who was sitting at a table kissing a man. Once they realized the camera was on them, she pulled at the tablecloth and sent it flying towards the lens. An unknown number of dishes stained the window, and sank to the floor, revealing that the table had been flipped, and the two were nowhere to be seen.

«Who this man is, and what he could POSSIBLY see in that girl is anyone’s guess. But a better question is what interspecies… mingling… such as this will mean for the city of New York, as there seems to be a new Mutant Menace every week!» 

The turtles stared open-mouthed as Vernon continued his spiel.

«Gee, I guess the sensitivty training didn’t take…» Donnie mumbled.

«Nevermind that, dude! This ain’t like Vinnie at all!» Mikey finally said.

«Tell me ‘bout it! She’s the kind of girl who’d at least bring a chaperone!» Raph nodded, «And who is that joker, anyways! Nice monkey suit…»

The clip replayed, and the turtles heard pottery hit the floor. They turned around to see Master Splinter stand in a pool of tea and tea cup shards.

«Master Splinter? Are you ok?» Donatello asked.

«That…» Splinter said hoarsely, «that is Oroku Saki. Lavinia is in love with Oroku Saki!»

Chapter Text

«And where have YOU been?»

Saki didn’t even flinch as Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady met him at the entrance of the Technodrome. He calmly passed them and kicked his shoes off.

«Out.»

«Ah. Out.» Krang said sarcastically.  

«Spare me the theatrics, I’m not in the mood.»

«Oh, I would like to, Saki. Unfortunately, YOU are about to see just how theatrical I can be!»

With the flip of a switch, the TV turned on, and showed him and Lavinia kissing before being interrupted. It played on a loop.  

«What the devil is this?» Shredder barked.

«A news report, you DOLT!» Krang slapped the screen with his tentacle, «All of New York has turned on the evening news to see you make an absolute fool of yourself!»

«I don’t have to listen to this.» Saki said, and tried to walk away.

«Are you insane!» Krang wheeled up in front of him, «She’s a turtle! A mutant! And more importantly, OUR ENEMY!»

«Ain’t she also a teenager…?» Rocksteady mumbled to Bebop.

«Well, yea, but I think for this particular story, they’re aging her up,» Bebop answered.

«I don’t care what you say, Krang! Lavinia and I are in love! I’m leaving behind this fruitless pursuit of world domination, and running away with her.»

Krang gawked at him, before bursting into laughter, «Alright, Saki. Alright, you had me going there. Now stop your nonsense. What is this, a plan to get closer to the turtles and their Rat Master? Are you playing honeypot?»

Saki remained firmly in place, crossing his arms.

«M-my goodness, you’re serious about this, aren’t you?» Krang said.

«Completely. Find someone else to conquer the world with, I am leaving.» He kicked the wall, and a packed suitcase fell out.

«You can’t do this to me! Saki, do you hear me? You can’t do this to me!» Krang kept screaming as Saki walked off.

«Excuse me. I have a turtle to marry.»

Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady were left in shocked silence as the door to the technodrome shut.

«What has gotten into him!» Krang was pacing. «We have spent all this time hunting down those reptiles, and he has never shown anything but disgust and hatred for them! Where is the sense in getting involved with one of them!»

«Gee, I dunno…» Bebop grunted, «Maybe it’s cuz’a that love-ray he hit himself and the blue toitle with?»

«Oh yea, that might be it!» Rocksteady concurred.

Krang stared at the two of them before exploding: «AND IT DIDN’T OCCUR TO YOU TO TELL ME THIS!»

«You didn’t ask!» Rocksteady argued.

«Good grief… hire goons who have at least graduated kindergarten, I told him. Did he listen? Of course he didn’t, the moron!»

Krang sighed and closed his eyes, «If the raygun brought this ridiculousness on, then surely it can reverse it.»

He went over to his keyboard and began his research. 

Chapter Text

Master Splinter had sunk into his chair, eyes glassy and distant. He hadn’t touched the fresh tea they had prepared for him, nor said anything beyond ‘no’ or ‘yes’ whenever they asked him questions.

Obviously, the movie marathon was off, and Mikey was carefully putting away the food.

«Look, this is stupid! Lavinia’s the most level-headed one of us! Why would she suddenly go out with Shredder of all people!» Raphael said.

«You don’t s’pose she’s undercover or somethin’? Tryin’ to extract information from him?» Mikey suggested.

«She would have told us if that was the case,» Donnie said, «she knows that kind of mission is dangerous…»  

«Wait, is this why she’s been so weird lately?» Raphael said, «I mean, she keeps disappearing up to the surface alone…ugh, this is so frustrating! I wish someone would just tell us straight up what’s happening!»

Just as he’d said that, a man stepped into their lair, lifting his hat.

«Telegram for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!»

«Oh, cool, do that again, Raphael!» Mikey clapped his hands.

Donnie opened the telegram while Mikey tipped the carrier.

‘My dear sensei and my beloved brothers,

Thank you for the time we have spent together. I’ll never forget you, but I need you to forget me. I have a new life ahead of me, and I will spend it far away from you, so as to not shame your good name and reputation.

Please don’t look for me.

Lavinia’

An agonized moan was heard from Splinter’s chair.

«It’s gonna be ok, Master Splinter…» Mikey said, patting his paw, «the dudette-in-chief’s just…just…»

Raphael took Mikey’s shoulder, «Look, no matter what’s gotten into her, we gotta put a stop to this! Let’s go to Channel 6 and figure out what’s going on! if nothing else, that creep Vernon might know where she took off to!»

«Oh…» Master Splinter sighed, «my poor student… what will become of you? How can you have fallen in love with such a man?»

Chapter Text

«What are you TALKING about!» April cried.

Channel 6 was still clearing out flowers and boxes of chocolates, but there was enough room that the turtles could comfortably chat with April in the hallway.

«Lavinia is in love with Shredder!» Donnie said.

«No, I heard you, but what are you TALKING about! Lavinia is the most sensible one of you four! How could she ever fall in love with your sworn enemy!»

«Like I said…» Raphael said under his breath.

«You gotta admit, it’s kinda romantic…» Irma piped up from her desk, «forbidden lovers, kept apart, and then escaping together…»

«Oh, Irma, not now…» April sighed.

«If not now, then when! Oh, I’d do anything to have some guy sweep me off my feet despite our differences…»

«A full house, I see.» Vernon said, entering the office.

«Scratch that…» Irma muttered, grimacing.

«YOU!» Donnie shoved his finger into Vernon’s chest, «After everything we’ve done for you, you go ahead and humiliate our sister like that?»

«The truth must out! Just because you have saved the station and me a handful of times, the public should be made aware when one of you try to get involved with one of us… like that.»

«Well, YOU have nothing to worry about. At least Shredder’s handsome compared to you!» Raphael snorted.

Vernon made an offended noise, only to be pushed aside by April.

«Get outta here, Vernon. You’re not a reporter! You are a paparazzo!»

Vernon gasped, «You… how DARE you! Take that back immediately!»

«Nah, dude, she’s right! What you did was totally bogus!» Mikey said.

«If you criticize me, I’ll have you do it without made-up words!»

«All words are made up, ya dingle.»

Mikey was starting to look really angry, and April put herself between him and Vernon.

«Forget about him, Michelangelo. Some people just aren’t worth it. Especially not paparazzos!»

«Jealousy is a terrible color on you, April.» Vernon snorted and left.

«Well, we were gonna ask him if he saw where Vinnie and Shredder were off to, but I guess we won’t get anything useful out of him.» Donatello said.

«I assure you that you won’t!» an all too familiar voice trilled. Irma leapt up and shrieked as Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady made their way up the hallway.

The turtles immediately got to their weapons.

«April, Irma, get out of here!» Mikey yelled.

«Are you kidding?» April immediately picked up a camera and started filming.

«Such a work ethic, this one…» Raphael chuckled.

«I come in peace, you ridiculous reptiles! In case you haven’t noticed, your leader has made off with my second in command!»

«Yea! And our boss!» Rockstady said.

Krang sighed deeply, but gathered himself, «Listen. I spent some time studying the ray gun you squabbled over a while ago. My working theory is that your leader and Saki were both hit, and as a result, are behaving… well, the way that they are.»

Donatello lowered his bô, his eyes widening, «Oh no, no, no, no…»

He then started scampering away, shoving his staff back into his belt.

«It’s best to follow him when he gets like this.» Raph said to April, «And as for you, Krang… um…»

The villains were already on their way in the opposite direction. Krang waved a tentacle at him,

«If it turns out I’m right, I expect a call. Ta.»  

Chapter Text

Back in Donatello’s lab, they watched as their resident genius continued to mumble ‘no, no, no’ to himself and look the gun over.

«Well?» Raphael said.

«… I owe Krang a phone call.»

«How so?» April asked, leaning over his shoulder.

He picked the gun up and pointed to it, «The strength is turned all the way up. It would explain why Vinnie was ready to just up and leave us like that.»  

«Wait, so…this means Lavinia isn’t in love with Shredhead for real!» Mikey said.

«She’s still in danger! Can you reverse it?» April said.

«Of course I can! It’s just a matter of actually blasting the two of them with this! But we have no idea where they are!»

«Well, we better hurry up and find them before we get a wedding invitation!» Raph said.

April opened her purse and pulled out a newspaper, «There’s a ship headed for Japan tonight. If the letter is true, that’s probably where they’re headed, don’t you think?`»

«It’s worth a shot. You guys go inform Sensei. I need to make some adjustments to the gun!»

«Well, that’s the long and short of it, Sensei. What are we gonna do?» Raphael said to the sliding doors of Master Splinter’s room.

«Sensei?» Mikey said gently, «are you feelin’ ok?»

Just as they moved, the doors parted.

«… wow.»

Master Splinter was armed to the teeth and busy tying a bandana around his head as he left his room. His eyes were like fire.

«If Oroku Saki thinks for even a moment that he is going to steal Lavinia from us, he has another thing coming! Hurry, my students, Ms. O’Neil, we don’t have a moment to lose!»

Chapter Text

The fog was thick down at the harbor when Lavinia arrived, a suitcase in hand.

Moving past crates and piles of rope, she pushed her hat down to avoid attracting attention.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t come.” Saki said, stepping out from behind a crate.

Lavinia ran into his arms and kissed him, “Nothing could keep me from you, Saki.”

“We sure are gonna try!”

The lovers parted at the sound of the unfamiliar voice, turning to see the turtles with Master Splinter in tow.

“I’ll be darned if we have to invite you over for Christmas, Shredhead!” Raphael continued.

“Sensei!” Lavinia said, clutching Saki’s sleeve. He, in turn, stepped in front of her, “Why do you continue to hinder my happiness, Hamato Yoshi!”

“You are not happy, you fool! You are under the influence of the very ray gun you tried to steal!” Splinter said, unsheathing a katana, “But do not for a moment think that I will go easy on you…”

“Master Splinter, don’t!” It was Lavinia’s turn to stand in front. There was a slight hint of tears in her eyes.

“Lavinia, come here at once!”

“I can’t choose away happiness, sensei! What about you and Tang Shen!”

“Forget that story! What I felt for Tang Shen was real, but you are not yourself!”

“But, I… I’m so happy,” it burst out of her like a sob, and Shredder held her shoulders.

“Sensei, I never thought I would be able to find someone who could love me! Even if this isn’t real, it feels real! Please, don’t make me give it up.”

Splinter’s grip on his katana loosened. The turtles stepped up to the plate, instead.

“I know it feels that way, Vinnnie, but I promise you, your brain is lying!” Donatello said.

“Yea, dudette, this is not you! Think about it!” Mikey said.

“B-but I…” Vinnie’s fingers braided into Shredder’s.

“No one’s been more dedicated to takin’ this clown down than you! Why would you fall in love with him out of nowhere? This is a Saturday Morning Cartoon, not Days of our lives!” Raphael said.

“Your brothers are right,” Splinter chimed in, “you are an honorable warrior, a loving sister, and the hardest-working student I have ever taught! Don’t throw all these things away for the sake of a criminal low-life!”

“How dare you, Yoshi! Lavinia is able to make her own decisions!” Shredder exclaimed, shrugging out of his coat.

“She might be, but YOU are not!” Krang appeared seemingly out of nowhere, flanked by Bebop and Rocksteady.

“I told you I was done with you, Krang.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Saki. We won’t be done with each other until we’ve split up this blasted planet into equal parts! And that won’t happen if you’re off in Japan, playing house with the enemy!”

“We’re not playing anything!” Vinnie cried, “If you want him, you have to fight me first!”

“Oooh, I was hopin’ you’d say that!” Bebop cracked his knuckles.

“Heh, yeah,” Rocksteady chuckled, “I haven’t knocked anyone’s lights out in hours!”

Lavinia also shrugged out of her coat, and she and Saki stood with their backs to each other, ready to take the others on.   

As if on cue, they leapt up, delivering kicks to Bebop and Raphael’s faces.

From there, it devolved into chaos. The turtles had their hands full with Shredder, even with Master Splinter helping them. Lavinia, meanwhile, seemed fueled by her love for Saki as she delivered blow after blow to Bebop and Rocksteady, using them against each other in a final, painful headbutt that knocked them both out.

She barely had time to revel in her victory before Krang came at her from behind, and picked her up.

“Let me go!” she yelled, kicking into the opening on the robot’s stomach, hitting Krang in the face.

“IF YOU DON’T STOP THAT, I’LL SQUEEZE YOU TO DEATH, YOU -OW!”

“Krang! Bring her over here!” Donatello shouted.

It took all three turtles, and Master Splinter, but Shredder was momentarily subdued, the side of his faced pressed into the wood of the docks.

“La-Lavinia…” he said.

“No! No, let us go! You don’t know what you’re doing! Saki!” Lavinia struggled in Krang’s grasp.  

“Ok, you two, smile.” Donatello said, pulling the gun out of his belt and blasting it.

“DONNIE, DON’T!” Lavinia screamed, landing one final kick into Krang’s face. This time, he let go, and Lavinia landed in front of Shredder, who managed to break free, just as a pink, glittery cloud covered them.

They embraced, and shared a deep, intense kiss.

Once the cloud faded, the two of them parted, staring at one another.

“D-did it work?” Michelangelo whispered, almost too afraid to speak at all.

“What…” Shredder mumbled.

“GET OFF ME, SHREDDER!” Lavinia yelled, punching him in the face, “What are you doing!”

“YOU kissed ME!”

“I did not! What a disgusting accusation!”

Master Splinter sighed happily, “Thank goodness…”

“You can say that again!” Krang rubbed the middle of his face, “Enough of this foolishness, Saki. Let’s go home.”

“I am going nowhere until we have beaten the turtles!” Shredder said, getting into a fighting position. Krang grabbed his cape and pulled him along.

“Wha- Krang!”

“You can thank me later. Right now, move! And get your stupid henchmen to wake up!”

The turtles and Splinter gathered around Lavinia, either hugging her or touching her arms, “We are so glad to have you back, Lavinia! How do you feel?”

“Like I just wake up from a dream, sensei.”

“More like a nightmare! You were this close to wind up in Japan, married to chromedome!”

“… I was?” Lavinia looked to Shredder, who was glaring at her over his shoulder before he disappeared into the fog, Bebop and Rocksteady lumbering after him and Krang.

The night was settling over the lair when Splinter knocked on Lavinia’s door.

“I just came to see how you were doing.”

“You and the guys have been checking on me since we got home! I promise I’m not gonna run off again.”

“That’s… not what I am concerned about, Lavinia.”

Splinter sat down on her carpet and looked intently at her, “You said something this afternoon that has worried me.”

She reddened, “Master Splinter, the gun made me…”

“You said that you thought you would never be able to find anyone who would love you.”

“Oh.”

They were quiet for a moment, and then Splinter sighed, “I must confess, I have feared for you and your brothers in this matter. We are different, and we will always be different from the humans you four fight to protect. That does not mean that I want you to think it is impossible for any of you to find love.”

Lavinia’s lips parted slightly, and she straightened her back, “Sensei…”

“We are part of strange events and chaos constantly, my student. The very least of which would be someone thinking of such a kind, clever and sweet person as you romantically.”

Lavinia became somehow even redder, and Splinter petted her cheek, “All I ask is that the next time you fall in love, it’s not with our arch-enemy!”

Lavinia tried to look offended, but both of them burst into laughter, instead.