Chapter Text
With a heavy sigh escaping his lips, the turtle dressed in purple slouched heavily at his cluttered desk, his weary eyes fixated on the myriad of formulas sprawled out before him. Each one had been an attempt, yet all had ended in failure, leaving him frustrated and disheartened. He was desperately trying to create the retro-mutagen that was crucial for restoring April's father, Kirby, back to his normal self. The pressure weighed on him more than just the burden of sleepless nights; it seemed he had also lost something else far more significant—his connection to April. The thought that she might not ever want to speak to him- them again gnawed at his insides like a constant, unwelcome reminder. He found it difficult to come to terms with the reality of the situation.
After all, the whole purpose of their work was to protect the city, to keep the dangerous mutagen out of the wrong hands. Yet, they had somehow become the very reason why mutagen was now scattered throughout the streets, resulting in Kirby's unfortunate transformation. It was a cruel twist of fate, especially considering that April had just gotten her father back, only to see him taken away again in such a shocking manner. It seemed so unfair, and a sense of guilt washed over Donatello every time he thought about it. How could he hold any expectation that April would want to reach out to him? He was plagued by questions and self-doubt, feeling the weight of responsibility for the mess they had found themselves in, feeling like he was somehow to blame. The thought of losing April’s trust and support loomed over him like a dark cloud, making it even harder for him to concentrate on the task at hand.
The most Donatello could manage at this point was to finally get this infuriating retro-mutagen working the way it was supposed to. But before that could happen, he realized he had to track down Kirby first; without him, all the tinkering in the world wouldn’t lead to any solutions. It was frustratingly ironic that, despite his hulking mutated bat form, which should have given him an advantage, locating Kirby had turned into a monumental task. Every time they caught a glimpse of him, he seemed to vanish like smoke, slipping away just when they thought they had him cornered.
Sighing in exasperation, Donnie pushed himself away from his cluttered desk, where gadgets and half-finished inventions lay scattered like fallen leaves. He grabbed his bo staff, which was resting against the entrance, its familiar weight a comfort as he prepared to head out. With each step, he made his way quietly through the lair, careful not to disturb the peace. As he entered the main room, he caught sight of his three brothers sprawled out in a deep, undisturbed sleep, their rhythmic breathing filling the silence.
"I wonder how good it feels to be able to sleep like that again," he muttered to himself, a hint of envy creeping into his voice. The cool air hit his skin as he stepped outside, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the lair, and he felt a wave of determination wash over him. He needed to find Kirby, no matter how difficult it was going to be. This was his chance to set things right, and he wasn’t going to let anything stop him.
When he first laid eyes on April O'Neil, it was as if the world had shifted around him. She stood out in a way that made everything else fade into the background. In his mind, she was the most beautiful girl he could ever imagine, and it didn't hurt that she just happened to be the very first girl he had ever seen. Since he and his brothers had made their way to the surface, that initial impression of her beauty had only deepened. April had a presence that felt both captivating and comforting, that they all appreciated in their own way.
What really set her apart was how she chose to stick around, despite the chaos and craziness that surrounded them. Most people would have run away at the first sign of trouble, but not April. She had this incredible ability to accept them for who they were—mutant turtles living in a world that didn’t understand them. Her willingness to hang out, to join in on their adventures, and to be part of their lives was a gift they appreciated more than they could express.
She wasn’t just a pretty face, either; she was tough, both physically and mentally. It was never easy for her to navigate the mess that had been thrust upon her. Before they met, her life was simple, completely free of the chaos brought on by the Kraang and other mutant mayhem. But then, everything changed, and now she found herself in the middle of their wild world.
Still, April faced it all with resilience. She handled the out-of-the-ordinary situations that kept arising, proving time and again that she could rise to the occasion. However, there were moments when it seemed like the toll of it all weighed on her. She had mentioned feeling overwhelmed, and it was clear that she might not want to be wrapped up in the chaos anymore. The carefree life she once knew felt like a distant memory, and it worried him to think that their adventures could be pushing her away.
After effortlessly soaring through the air, flipping and twisting above the city's rooftops, Donnie suddenly came to a halt. His heart raced as a loud, familiar screech pierced the air in the distance, breaking the serene atmosphere of his high-flying adventure. Instinctively, he recognized that unmistakable sound—it had to be Kirby-bat. Without wasting any time, he quickly pivoted and set off in the direction of the noise. Leaping from one building to the next, his mind focused on finding April's father.
Just as he was about to leap down and land in the alley to confront him, he hesitated. His attention shifted as he noticed a human approaching the dumpster. His gut twisted at the sight. This was just fantastic. He could already imagine how this would unfold. The unsuspecting person, probably completely oblivious to the chaos around them, was about to stumble into a situation that would leave them completely unnerved. He could picture the panic setting in, their eyes widening as they registered the creature that had taken up residence in the trash.
That’s all they needed—another human freaking out over Kirby's presence. The last thing he wanted was for Kirby to get spooked and take off again, leaving him with nothing but confusion and frustration. He felt a knot tightening in his stomach as he observed the unfolding scene, his focus sharp. Every muscle in his body was wired with tension, waiting to see how the human would react. Would they scream in terror, bolt away, or just stand there frozen in shock? Each possibility played out in his mind like a bad movie, and he knew none of it would contribute positively to his mission. He needed calm, and chaos was the last thing on his checklist.
However, to his surprise, none of those panicked reactions occurred. Instead, the human appeared to be searching for something—or someone. Their features came into clearer view as the light caught them, revealing dark skin and a wild mane of curls that bounced with every slight movement. They wore an oversized sweater that looked comfortable and slightly worn, the kind of clothing that suggested they felt at home in their skin. Then, they began to speak in a calm tone directed towards Kirby-bat. "Hey now, it's alright, I'm not here to hurt you, man. I just wanted to find you before... Sh*t."
"Kraang, it was the human known as Juno that seems to always be in the way of Kraang's plans."
Just as the reassuring words hung in the air, Donnie’s attention was abruptly pulled away, his senses suddenly on high alert. He leaned forward from his perch, straining to get a better look, and his nearly let out a groan in frustration at the sight that met his eyes. The unmistakable figures of the Kraang loomed closer, their grotesque, unnatural forms marching with a menacing purpose that sent chills racing down his spine. What was once a moment of calm was now overwhelmed with a palpable dread as he watched them advance toward the human and Kirby, their intentions clearly anything but friendly. Donnie knew instinctively that this situation was spiraling out of control, and he needed to formulate a plan—and fast—if he hoped to prevent everything from collapsing into chaos, but didn't want to risk being spotted himself.
Just as he was weighing his options, preparing to leap down in a bid to protect the oblivious human who was undoubtedly in over their head, he noticed-- Juno--(was it?) springing into action. They rallied Kirby-bat with a swift command, urging him to take flight and get out of harm’s way. Meanwhile, without missing a beat, Juno bent down to pick up a rusty old pipe that lay forgotten next to an overflowing dumpster. The scene was frantic but focused; but he could tell with the look at the humans face, that they weren't at all prepared to protect themselves.
With a burst of energy, Donatello propelled himself off the rooftop, soaring through the air with a mix of determination and urgency. He landed squarely between the unsuspecting human and the menacing Kraang, fully aware of the risk he was taking. The situation was tense, but he felt a fleeting sense of hope; if this human had already encountered mutants, then there was a solid chance they wouldn’t freak out at the sight of a turtle in a mask wielding a bo staff. It was a gamble worth taking, and in the heat of the moment, Donatello decided to trust his instincts.
Just as he hit the ground and steadied himself, a barrage of laser bullets came flying toward them, bright streaks of danger that cut through the air. Without missing a beat, Donatello swung his bo staff with precision, the weapon dancing in his hands as he deflected the first wave of projectiles. Each twist and turn of his staff was a testament to his training and quick thinking. He knew that keeping the human safe was his priority, so he adopted a defensive stance, ready to take on whatever the Kraang threw at them next. His heart raced, adrenaline pumping through his veins, as he prepared to protect not just himself but also the life of the person standing so close to that chaos.
Juno, who he thought they were, didn’t waste any time getting ready for the fight. Instead of just standing around, they quickly scanned their surroundings and spotted a garbage bin lid that had been left behind. Without a second thought, they grabbed it, using it as a makeshift shield to defend themselves. It was clear that Juno was resourceful, ready to improvise and adapt to whatever was coming their way. This quick thinking showed that they were ready for action, not waiting around for someone else to hand them a weapon or help them out. With the lid in hand, they were now prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, showing a determination and readiness to fight that was hard to miss.
As Donnie charged forward, his focus sharpened and adrenaline coursing through his veins, he managed to weave his way closer to the menacing Kraang. With every fluid motion, took them out one by one like they were mere obstacles in his path. He swung his bo staff with precision, striking a couple of the Kraang droids and sending sparks flying in all directions. The sounds of clanging metal and sizzling circuits echoed through the air as he expertly utilized the hidden blade integrated into his weapon, stabbing through their alien droid bodies with deadly accuracy.
In the midst of the chaos, he caught a glimpse of Juno on the periphery, their eyes locked on the skirmish unfolding before them. With everything happening so fast, Donnie couldn't help but shout over the noise, "You know, this is the part where you’re supposed to leave and not stick around?" It was hard to tell if Juno even heard him, as they just stood there, seeming completely unbothered by the danger surrounding them. Instead of retreating from the intense battle, they looked like they were ready to stay and fight, completely ignoring the warning he had just issued. It was a reckless move, but there was something about that determination that intrigued him, even as he continued to keep the Kraang at bay and protect them in the process.
Juno furrowed their eyebrows, a mix of frustration and disbelief crossing their face. "Seriously, where do you expect me to go? Am I supposed to just run past them and pray that this stick is long enough to fend them all off?" The thought seemed ridiculous. As they glanced around, the only other option that came to mind was to scramble up the fire escapes, but that was a major issue. Heights freaked Juno out. The mere idea of climbing up those metal ladders sent a shiver down their spine.
Juno couldn’t shake off the worry that if they slipped even for a second, it could end badly. It was a real pickle of a situation, and panic started to creep in. But in the middle of this chaotic moment, Juno couldn’t help but feel a wave of gratitude wash over them for the strange mutant turtle who had come to their aid. That turtle had jumped into the fray like a hero, and Juno knew without a doubt that if it hadn’t been for this unexpected ally, they would have been in serious trouble. Toast, as in completely done for. The combination of the looming threat and Juno's personal phobia made them realize just how precarious their situation truly was.
They turned to look back at the turtle, and it seemed like the trained ninja was struggling to keep his balance for a moment there. "Hey! Watch out!" Juno shouted, a sense of urgency in their voice. They quickly scanned the area around their, searching for anything they could grab that would be hard enough to make an impact. Their eyes darted around until they spotted a solid rock that was just the right size. Without wasting a second, they picked it up and took aim at the approaching Kraang droid that was getting ready to attack Donnie. They wound up and let the rock fly. The projectile soared through the air, a blur of motion, before making solid contact with the droid. It struck the mechanical opponent right in the face, the impact sending a jolt of satisfaction through them. In an instant, the droid's head was knocked off, clattering to the ground like a broken toy. The once-menacing robot now stood with a disoriented body, eyes flickering in confusion, a testament to the force of that well-aimed throw.
Donatello had been pushing himself for too long without enough sleep, and deep down, he understood that this deficiency was going to catch up with him sooner or later, especially in the heat of battle. He felt a gnawing fear that if he continued to fight in this state of exhaustion, he might end up making a critical mistake that would put Juno in harm's way. His instincts kicked in as he backed away, positioning himself closer to Juno. He twirled his bo staff expertly, using it to deflect the barrage of shots coming from the Kraang. The tension in the air was thick, and he knew they needed a quick escape to avoid getting overwhelmed.
"Hold your breath and grab my hand," he commanded, urgency threading through his voice. Juno nodded, her expression a mix of trust and fear as they carefully reached out. Without giving them a moment to reconsider, Donatello quickly threw the smoke-bomb to the ground. Instantly, a thick cloud of smoke erupted around them, obscuring their escape from the Kraang.
The moment the smoke filled the area, Donatello scooped Juno into his arms, moving with the speed and agility. They surged upward to the rooftops, leaving the chaos behind them. As they leapt from one building to another, the heart-pounding adrenaline rushed through him, momentarily pushing aside his fatigue.
Juno appeared to be questioning their decision as they clung tightly to the unfamiliar savor-turtle. Panic coursed through them with each leap Donnie made across the rooftops, the thrill of the chase igniting a mix of fear and adrenaline. "Okay, okay! Just put me down! We got away!" Juno exclaimed, their voice a blend of urgency and relief. Finally, after a sudden, skidding halt, Donnie carefully set Juno on the ground, allowing both of them a moment to catch their breath and let the rush of adrenaline start to fade. "Sorry about that, but I needed to get us out of there fast," Donnie said, his tone laced with genuine apology, reflecting a sense of responsibility for what they had just escaped. The weight of the situation lingered in the air, leaving both of them to process the close call in their own way.
The human ran a hand through their coiled hair, a mix of confusion and contemplation playing out on their face as they reflected on the whirlwind of events that had just unfolded. A lot had happened in such a short time, and it felt like everything was still buzzing in their mind. Donnie and Juno stood close by, the tension between them palpable, as neither knew exactly how to bridge the gap that had formed after the intense experience they had just shared.
After a moment of silence that stretched on a little too long, Juno finally broke the stillness. "I, uh... Thanks," they said, their voice a bit hesitant but filled with sincerity. Their gaze shifted upwards, meeting Donnie's eyes, which were steady and calm despite the chaos. "I don't know who you are yet," Juno continued, their green eyes shining with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity, "but you really saved my ass back there. Thank you."
The turtle chuckled softly, a hint of shyness evident in the way he scratched the back of his neck with his hand. "Oh, it was nothing, really." He glanced away for a moment, trying to brush off the whole situation, but then turned his gaze back, curiosity creeping into his expression. "But hey, can I ask... what were you even doing with that bat in the first place?"
Juno was about to answer the question when their eyes caught sight of an injury on Donnie's arm, a visible reminder of his encounter with the Kraang. Panic surged through them as they realized that he had gotten hurt because of the situation they were in. "Crap," Juno exclaimed, feeling a wave of guilt wash over them. "You got hurt because of me. Here, sit down. I have something in my bag that can help." Juno quickly motioned for Donnie to take a seat, their concern evident in the way they guided him.
Without hesitation, Juno crouched down next to him, rummaging through their bag with a sense of urgency. Donnie, aware of his own abilities and skills when it came to caring for injuries, felt a mix of emotions. He knew he could easily patch himself up without any trouble. This was just a minor scrape compared to what he had dealt with in the past, but there was something comforting about Juno's determination to help him. Instead of interrupting them, he chose to watch and let Juno take the lead.
As Juno started to dig out supplies, they began to explain their recent actions. "Well, ever since I found out about those alien creeps, I knew they were out there looking for mutants all around the city. So, I decided to track them down first. I wanted to make sure they wouldn’t capture them." The urgency in their voice made it clear they were genuinely worried, not just for Donnie but for all the mutants in the city. In that moment, Donnie couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Juno's efforts.
Listening to Juno, Donnie couldn’t shake off the overwhelming sense of gratitude that swelled within him. He appreciated Juno's dedication and how much they genuinely cared about the wellbeing of others, especially when the stakes were so high. It was in moments like this to realize not all humans were going to turn away.
As Juno meticulously wrapped a bandage around Donnie's arm, taking care to ensure it was secure but not too tight, they paused for a moment. The tension in the air was thick as Juno considered Donatello's words. "You mean the ooze that scattered around in the first place? Yeah, I know it's not my fault," Juno replied, their voice steady but resolute. "But I can't just sit there and do nothing when I know this is happening." There was a fierce determination behind Juno's statement, a sense of responsibility that could not be ignored, despite Donatello's concern for their safety.
For a moment, Donnie found himself lost in thought, processing what Juno had just expressed. He realized that in all their conversations, they hadn't even taken the time to properly introduce themselves. An unspoken connection was forming, but something fundamental was missing. He knew he heard a name from the Kraang, but he needed to ask anyway. "... What’s your name?"
Juno let out a soft chuckle, their eyes meeting Donnie’s as they looked up from their task as they realized the same thing. “I’m Juno,” they replied, a hint of warmth creeping into their voice as they finished wrapping the bandage around Donnie, a task that seemed to demand both concentration and care. “And you?” Juno asked, genuinely curious.
"Donatello, Donnie for short," he responded, looking over the patch work.
"Alright, Donatello, Donnie for short," Juno said with a playful tone, teasing him slightly. "It seems like we’re on the same page here, which is great. But how can I make sure we meet again? I know I have tons of questions, and I can tell you’ve got your fair share too. But honestly, I’m feeling pretty wiped out after everything that’s happened."
Donatello reached for his belt and pulled out a small piece of paper, along with a pencil that was tucked away for just such moments. With quick, precise movements, he jotted down his phone number. After finishing, he handed the little note to his new ally, a slight grin forming on his face. "You can contact me with this number," he said, "I'm sure we have a lot to discuss too..."
As he said this, a thought crossed his mind, nagging at the back of his consciousness. He couldn't shake the idea of whether or not he would tell his brothers and their sensei about this encounter. Would they even understand? The fact that he had revealed his existence to another human was a big deal. It wasn't something he took lightly, and he wondered how they would react. Would they be supportive, or would they feel he had crossed a line? The weight of the decision sat heavy on his shoulders, and as he watched the new ally tuck the paper away, his mind raced with possibilities, questions, and the implications of his choice.
Juno pushed themselves up from their spot on the rooftop, leaving behind the quiet moment shared with Donnie. "Well, then I'll see you around, Donnie," they said, trying to keep things casual as their mind raced with thoughts. They had to come up with a plan to sneak back into their apartment without raising any suspicions. The last thing they wanted was to get caught sneaking in at a weird hour, especially after being out late. With a lazy wave towards Donnie, accompanied by a soft smirk that hinted at their playful nature, Juno turned away. They made their way to the fire escape, the metal creaking slightly under their weight, and quickly descended, the thrill of the night still buzzing through them as they plotted their route back home.
Donnie was now by himself to his thoughts as he made his way back to the lair. He couldn’t shake the feeling that getting to know someone like Juno, a human with a mix of boldness and consideration, would be something to look forward to. There was just something about them that piqued his curiosity and made him think differently about their potential friendship.
Instead of diving right into his usual routine of working on the retro-mutagen for the rest of the late night, which was always a pressing task, he chose to take a break and do something he rarely allowed himself to do. He finally let himself fall into his bed and let sleep take over him.