Whumpuary #9: Phone Call
Once, just once, Leonardo would have appreciated it if a pizza pickup went without incident. It was torture whenever he was left pacing the lair, wondering if a missing teammate had gotten distracted by something in a shop window or if he was in real trouble.
Being on the other side was equally unpleasant. He couldn’t think straight, could barely see straight after that goon had cold-clocked him with the butt of his rifle. His bonds were all that kept him upright as his head spun around and around with the world.
Something trilled nearby, excruciatingly loud—his Turtle Comm., Leonardo realized belatedly. The gang exchanged glances, unsure if they should take the call.
“I…nnnh…never let it go to voicemail,” he mumbled. “If you don’t let me talk to them…they’ll know something’s wrong.”
Their tech geek was already fiddling with it, figuring out how to open the verbal line without a visual. “Tell them you’re just running late,” he hissed just before the others’ voices drowned him out.
“Leonardo, where are you?”
“ETA on the izza-pay, pal? I know you know you don’t wanna see me hangry!”
“Yeah, what’s the holdup, compadre?”
“Sorry, guys…” he managed, grimacing, mustering every ounce of concentration through the daze. “The line at Vinnie’s is out the door but I-I’m getting there…You wanted vegan cheese, right?”
Had their silence lasted a millisecond longer, it might have given him and the use of their duress code away.
Thankfully Donatello recovered first, confirming, “Yep, strictly vegan.” Cool, casual, revealing nothing of the fear those words must have instilled. “We’ll see you soon then.”
As soon as they hung up, they would leap into action. They would find him. Leonardo slumped in his chains, dizzy with exhaustion, private relief and longing. “…Mhmm. Can’t wait.”
