Step to This
Chapter 5
Summary: Break ups are hard, yours wasn't. One gets tired of the same games being played time and time again. You're getting even more tired of Leo's face popping up in your head. The Block Party is quickly approaching. The turtles have encountered some Turks. They know whose in town, but a 3rd party still remains to be discovered. Let the fun begin.
Chapter 6
A few nights go by of the turtles cleaning up the city. Trying to at least. Yet, with each member comes more. Each member just as uncooperative than the last. Despite the numerous gang members being taken down, they still haven't encountered Bebop, RockSteady or the 3rd leader of the group. They were all on their toes if the chance comes for a battle. With Leo taking it more serious than normal.
The night before the Block Party came, the entire week everyone kept buzzing about the event.
Talks of vendors bringing their guns for protection. Parents having those little bookbags for their kids to wear with a leash on it so the kid doesn’t wander off. Even barracades stationed in certain parts so the police can track who comes in or out.
The turtles have set up at the abandoned buiIding with Donnie and Raph going to the junkyard to collect some things to make it somewhat homey. Mikey would stay at Aunt Vees to help babysit and relay any info he could get during salon hours. Donnie, Raph, and Leo stayed at the abandoned building. Splinter also stayed at Aunt Vees.
You started to get along with the turtles a little better than before. Just tolerating Raphael. Yet, when it came to Leonardo it was......uncanny. Like hes there and acknowledges you but it felt forced. At times he ticked you off because of it. Then you'd wonder to yourself why you even care.
Many things coursed through your head. Minus the break-up, if your ex even registered that before his game. You've practiced with your crew, wrote out a few poems for the contest, food pantry was put on hold until the hype from the block party has died down. With all this talk about The Turks invading the block party did give you pause. You didn't want to show it to your crew, trying to avoid causing a panic.
Your folklore believer friend only made it somewhat better as she continued to spew tales of the lizards she mentioned to you before. They were reptiles, but not lizards.
The Block Party to you was another way to wake up the hood to get them to start taking action or at least speaking up. The biggest thing you despised when it came to ghetto life, is the hush hush game. No one wants to talk. No one wants to step in. Much of it out of fear. Some being related to those involved in the chaos. Too many not wanting to get involved. A smirk came to your face when you were chosen by the event's supervisors to recite one of your poems. It was double the amount of pep for the people to rise up.
You sat in the busted out window moments after dance practice. The city noise brought a word to you. You began to recite.
"They want to tell you that this block is a scar. A blip on a map for the news to mar. A statistic, a number, a jigsaw piece. A place where the hope of a city can cease."
Your words echoed through the walls. Forgetting the terrapins next door, reciting a much different dialogue.
Donnie was on his makeshift computer area, going over the many locations they've encountered the Turks. Trying to find a pattern. Leonardo and Raphael were looking over a board they found with a map Donnie and Mikey drew up of Mott Haven to better pinpoint the Turks moves and any potential hideouts.
"We first encountered them in this alley." Leo pointed at the pin that was placed to mark the first takedown.
"Me and Mikey caught some punks selling drugs at dis corner the other night." Raph marked the place so they all know the exact location, recalling the fire he felt when one of the punks called him a 'joke.'
Leo circled a large area, placing his finger on the spot,"The Block Party will be right here. Police will place baracades on both ends of the streets with additional security doing their rounds from what we gathered from Ms. Vee and her daughters."
Raph shook his head,"These posers gotta be idiots to wanna start somethin' at a Block Party. There's gonna be kids!"
"I know." Leo stepped away from the board to look over the board,"Whether they do or not, we should still be on guard. Remember these aren't just gang members, they're punk kids trying to make a name for themselves. Even if it means crashing an event that should be about unity."
Leo walked off the take a breather while Raph kept studying the board. Leo wandered upstairs to higher grounds to get a view of the area. He could see what was once a thriving area, littered with lost hope and depression. He relaxed his arms on the window sil, the sounds of the city enhancing his duty to want to make that change it so desperately needs. He gets a call on comm link from Mikey.
Leo: Whatta ya got Mikey?
Mikey: I got a little princess in my arms. I just got done changing her diaper and shes ready for another round of fun. Oops! She got my mask again!
Leo smirked a little. Amazed Mikey may have found his calling but they had other matters to address.
Leo: Adorable, Mikey. Really. But, I was talking about any information you got from the ladies.
Mikey: Oh, my bad. The Party starts at 4:30PM. Tyreeka managed to nick one of their itineraries for us to look over. Some of the lady customers up top mentioned that something may happen as it gets darker.
Leo: Like what?
Mikey: Hard to say. The main theory floating around is that there may be a shootout!
Leo growled. Worried for the people who will be caught in the crossfire. Whether or not Bebop or RockSteady will make an appearance. Then theres the 3rd boss. The mystery. Leo kept in mind that Bebop and RockSteady are more like lousy henchmen than gang leaders. Coming to the conclusion that the 3rd party is the one who calls the shots. It makes their job harder knowing these thugs aren't giving names.
All the turtles knew was that Bebop, RockSteady, and a new criminal was involved. Question is: What are they really doing and what are their intentions?
As he stood, he heard your voice reciting another poem. Once again falling prey to your thought-provoking dialogue. Hes been catching himself watching and listening to you. He hasn't been very verbal about your poetry since that night he dropped you off at your house. Yet, you somehow have been on his mind with your spunky attitude, the fire you possessed, your drive to want change for the neighborhood you spoke about.
'She speaks of it. Yet, she doesn't really want to stay here forever. Does she?' He wondered to himself.
Silence. You may have been further away from the window he was at, but he felt your presence was so close. He pulled out his comm link and dialed the Chief to give her updates. Though it wasn't her jurisdiction, shes still connected to Aunt Vee.
You were about to leave when you heard Leo's voice on the phone.
'Wonder who hes talkin' to.' You wondered as you followed the sound of his voice to the window he was posted at. You didn't peak from the corner to see him. You just stayed out of view, just listening.
"Yes. The Block Party is in a few hours. We gathered as much as we could but still at a dead end. None of those members are saying anything." He spoke.
As you listened, you really started to take in the sound of his voice. It was so deep, strong, a little....hypnotizing? You've heard him speak before but it started to register how good he sounded. You were already pass the fact that he can talk. No turtle you've encountered before him ever talked. Yet, this particular turtle was doing things just from talking normal.
'Wonder what he sounds like when he moans? Nah, he ain't the moanin' type. Hes more of a groaner or heavy breather. Wait???? What is up with my brain right now!!??' You did a double take of what you just thought of. This dude barely wants to be around you and your having these thoughts of him. 'I'm stressed and I need to get ready for later.' Your non-ninja self was so busy whacking your head that you failed to notice the sudden silence. Your small groans caught his attention.
"Well, well, well." He spoke, you covered your gasp,"Look whose eavesdropping now."
You were caught. Ain't no getting out of it, but you weren't gonna act guilty about it. You stepped out into view so he could see you. His face lacked emotion, his hands placed at his hips. He in one building, you in another as you stared across from each other.
"Whatever. You were talkin' so loud. I was gonna head out." He could tell you were putting your guard up from the bit of sass you added in that sentence. Your feet wouldn't move from the spot despite verbalizing you were gonna go. It got awkward again so you changed the subject,"So....I guess I don't have to ask if you'll be at the Block Party tonight, huh?"
He shook his head,"I have to be there. I have a job to do."
There he goes again acting all high and mighty with that voice. Despite your brain wanting to tell him to tone it down, you couldn't allow the words to escape your lips. What confused you the most, was that you wanted to hear his voice some more before you left. He tried to excuse himself, about to rejoin his brothers. 'Please wait......'
"Hey uhm......" You called out, he stopped to look at you,"Block Parties here are like endless pasta at Olive Garden." He squinted his eyes, your brain kicking you in the butt,'You are an absolute mess, girl! You were just spittin' some hard poetry, now all of a sudden you can't talk right!!??'
He waited, noticing how you started getting flustered from what you said,'Okay.....'
You tsked at yourself,"It's gonna be endless fun, performances, and food. So, if yinz get hungry, just let me know and I'll get it for you. Or my dad. Hes gonna be there too but not too long. Or somethin'....." You sounded so stupid. 'What the crap is wrong with me? I need to get it together. But, more importantly he needs to just get out of my face! And stop starin' at me with them eyes!!' You were all over the place and so was he.
He wasn't even doing anything wrong to you for him to earn such a negative and rude thought. He never did. He was just being himself. Leo was just standing there, appearing to be puzzled but inwardly, he was just as flustered as you.
'Shes trying to be nice. Why does it feel like something else? No. Not in the cards. Besides she has a boyfriend. A human boyfriend. Why am I even thinking about this?' He nodded his head as you rambled on about areas he and his brothers can post themselves at, trying not to come off any more awkward than it already has been. 'Can she just get out of my head? Seriously! I try to avoid her. Not even look at her! All this in vain. Because here she is! What is this?'
While the 2 of you were having yet another awkward conversation, that gruff voice came out from the corner, ending the misery.
"Hey Leo, Donnie gotta theory he wants ta tell ya....." He paused as he saw a glimpse of you across the way from his brother, sheepishly waving at him,"I ain't interruptin' somethin', am I?"
Leo breathed a sigh of relief for once that his brother stepped in before things got worse. It wasn't bad, it was just.....odd. You didn't say anything, just let it flow.
"I'll be right there, tell Donnie to give me a minute." He says, waving Raph off. He had a look on his face you didn't care for, but you weren't gonna start since the turtles have enough on their plate just like you. Leo turns back to you.
"I appreciate your offer. I'll let the guys know and maybe we'll work something out. I know Mikey would be thrilled to eat." He says, the weird vibe shifting to a less awkward tone.
"Yeah. I gotchu, Leo. You and your brothers. Just try not to cramp my style. I got a crew to run too." You warned, teasingly more than hostile. He silently chuckled.
"Wouldn't dream of it." He says.'You can do that on your own without my help! Okay, that was just wrong, never mind.' He started willing his mind to think negative towards you, even he knew that wasn't like him. "Stay on your guard." He reminded you.
You gripped the bottom of your shirt, lifting it up just shy of your bra, to show him the gun you had on you,"It's the hood, Leonardo. I'm always on guard." You lowered your shirt, adjusting yourself, as he stood there wondering whats come over him as he looked passed the gun to your trim and mocha skin. His composure being picked at just being around you, then you went and did that. He knew you had a gun because you told him a few days ago, respecting your caution and need to protect yourself. But, to him you only made his struggles to figure out whats up with him even worse.
His throat got dry, his palms started sweating,'I gotta get away from her!'
Your brain was seething, realizing you made yourself look more goofy lifting your shirt halfway. You just wanted to confirm to him that you're strapped too. His eyes made your heart jolt as you came to your senses,"Well, see you later......" You waved.
He waved back,"Yeah. See you......"
You left the building as Leo went back downstairs to join the others.
Raph glared at him as he came back down,"Sup wit you and Ms. 2 Step? Yinz looked pretty cozy when I came ta get ya." Leonardo looked at him with a plain face, deciding if he really wanted to debate with his brother over what he feels is 'meaningless.' Trying to clear his mind of your well-toned body.
Leo folded his arms, maintaining control of his composure,"It's nothing. Just talking. She said she'd get us some food from the vendors if we get hungry." Leo stood beside Donnie waiting for him to finish his typing, wishing he'd hurry up.
Raph huffed,"Food, eh?" He says with a handful of attitude,"Ya sure it was just food yinz was talkin' about?" He recalled how mouthy you've gotten with him, thinking his brother is slipping when it comes to being around the right people,"Maybe shes the one whose hungry. Or are you hungry?" Now he was being a jerk. Before Leonardo could give a response, Donnie got up from his makeshift chair to address his brothers.
"Guys, I did another scan on that canine fur we found along with Bebop's clippings and I found something off." He says as he pulls up fur on his monitors.
"Don't leave us in the dark, Donnie. What is it?" Leo rushed, having dismissed the canine fur as a simple dog just walking by relieving itself.
"I dug deeper and found an unusual substance littering the fur. It appears otherworldly. I tried to compare it to other chemicals I have saved in my database, but there is no match. Even the small sample I gathered from the remnants of the purple ooze wasn't a match to this." He finished, excited but also worried.
"What are ya sayin?"
Donnie adjusted his glasses,"Whatever it is, it may be like us......" He looked at his hands,"Mutant."
This was shocking to them. Leo didn't want to believe it due to it being so absurd. The last known chemical that they had in their possession was the purple ooze from Dimension X. Forever gone after Raphael smashed it against the wall. He didn't even know Donnie collected the samples from it.
"That can't be. Are you sure about this, Donnie? It seems farfetched. Bebop and RockSteady are enough already!" Donnie rolled his eyes.
"When have I ever not been sure?" He retorted,"The evidence kinda points to it. Bebop and RockSteady being in the area, The Turks numbers increasing, this strange piece of canine fur that just so happened to be in the same area Bebop's DNA was found......"
Raph leaned against the wall,"We got a dog on the lose teachin' kids tricks of his own? Like a said, just a theory......"
"We'll have to see. You know what to do. When it get's darker, we move." He walks away from his brothers to meditate in a quiet corner.
"Way to ruin the mood, Dork!! I was just havin' fun doin' the questionnaire thing on Leo fer a change!" He flipped, Donnie scoffed.
"Questioning him on what?" He replied,"It's not our business. Besides, she has a boyfriend."
Raph recalled how the guy talked to you on the phone, clenching his fists,"That piece of crud? Ya heard how he talked to her! What if she didn't have a boyfriend?" He asked.
"What? Are you interested? I thought you had a thing for Monet?" Donnie wondered, finding it weird that Raph is curious about you and Leo's exchanges, asking himself why he cares who Leo associates with.
"I ain't gotta thing fer nobody! And I ain't interested in some hoodrat with a mouth. Ain't got da time fer dat."
Donnie shook his head,"That 'hoodrat' is helping us out by keeping our presence a secret and allowing us access to her home when necessary. Does she have a mouth? Yes, all females have mouths. But this one is keeping hers shut for us and she doesn't have to." Raph huffed as Donnie continued,"Besides, even if she didn't have a boyfriend. It wouldn't matter. It's between her and Leonardo."
Raph was silent for a moment, then decided to hop the buildings until night fall. As he scaled the buildings, he had his own thoughts.
"With how much he gets on our shells about not forgettin' who and what we are. He betta not start forgettin' eitha!"
The Block Party Begins
The entire street was hype and loaded with so many vendors and a lot of families looking to have the time of their lives. You wandered the streets, dancing and swaying to the music as you came across some familiar faces. Aunt Vee was one of them, along with her daughters.
They gave you hugs and kisses,"Good to see you, Sweetie. You gonna share some words of wisdom on us tonight?" Monet teased, Trudy and Tyreeka shoved her before their mother could get on her.
"Heck yeah, I am. I was gonna get to the stage but I wanted to say 'hey' before I got there."
Aunt Vee smiled,"With words as deep and provoking as yours, girl you should be a millionaire!" She complimented, planting a kiss to your forehead,"Wake up these streets, girl!" You gave her a nod as you bid her farewell to get ready to recite.
The turtles scaled the buildings looking down at the festivities going on below. They saw a glimpse of your father talking to a few vendors.
"Man I so wanna be down there! The smell of the food is driving me bananas!!!" Mikey quipped.
"Yeah, not everyone can tolerate ya ugly mug Mikey or ya weird eating habits! Raph mocked.
"Tyreeka doesn't mind." That earned looks he was expecting but didn't care too much.
"Dude!! That's Aunt Vee's daughter! You know the rules! Are you trying to get us killed!?" Donnie stuttered, recalling the fire in Aunt Vees eyes when she gave them the rundown of her house. Sensing a familiar vibe from her and her daughters as he got to know them.
"She said 'not in her house." Leo pinched his forehead in annoyance,"She didn't say 'not outside her house."
"Shes gonna drop you like a ton of bricks! Aunt Vee may even do worse!" Donnie warned Mikey.
"Gettin' scared of an old lady. I thought I knew ya betta then dat. Guess not." Raph elbowed Donnie's arm.
'Say that to her face and her youth may come out.'
"I don't know, man. Tyreeka seems to like the way I swing it!"
The guys scoffed.
"We didn't come here to get attached to the locals!" Leo barked, stunning his brothers, changing the vibe to an awkward one,"Keep your guards up. Theres a growing gang in this city and we need to focus!"
"Yeah sure, bro! Focus on that then!" Mikey pointed at the woman walking towards the stage. Wearing a shawl covering your blouse, jeans, with black heels, your braids decorated with gems, a pearl necklace that snugged against your neck, not choking.
His snout twitched, his eyes widened just taking in your natural beauty. Mikey elbowed Donnie's chest, snickering but not saying a word. Rather than stand there and his brothers tease him, he ordered them to take different rooftops to cover more ground.
He stayed in the same spot as his brothers scattered, he watched you climb the stage with a sway in your hip and the fire he realized he was drawn to.
The announcer introduced you as the neighborhood's poet, giving you the microphone to share your poems.
They draw borders with asphalt and glass They tell us the future is a thing of the past. But look at this corner, this sun-beaten square It’s not just a place, it’s a breath of shared air.
Your voice flooded the entire block. Some people stopped what they were doing and listened, while others dismissed it as malarkey. But they still listened. Leo listened and listened hard.
We are not rubble. We are not debris. We are the rhythm that refuses to flee. We are the chorus that the sirens can’t drown, The soul of a city that will not bow down. When the lights flicker out, we don’t fall apart. We just hum a new song from the depth of the heart. Cause unity here isn’t perfect and clean It’s the resilience you see, and the hope you can’t glean.
Even the other turtles heard your poem. It struck them pretty hard in different ways.
'That got me.'
'Her choice of words and the strength within it is provocative. Encouraging. I never sat through a poetry reading before.'
Raph was only moved just a little,"So she gotta few fancy words. Gonna take more than a paragraph to see somethin' else." Though you helped them, he couldn't bring himself to trust you just yet.
Leonardo was speechless. Allowing the words to sink in. Studying those cracks. Seeing the need for change in this city, whether some needed it or not. You finished strong.
So let the map call it a scar if it must. We are the healing, the fire, the trust. From the ashes of silence, we raise up a sound. On this block, in this 'hood', we are holy ground.
You threw up your fist. The audience erupted with a mixture of snapping fingers and claps. Mikey and Leo were snapping their fingers while Raph and Donnie kept watch. You left the stage, the people patted your shoulder, gave you hugs. But the night was not over yet.
You met up with Aunt Vee, her daughters, a few kids, and your father and enjoyed the party. There was line dancing you all participated in. A few middle aged ladies did a performance using The Supremes old tracks and choreography.
The party was lit and hype with families enjoying one another to vendors making plenty of cash just to stay afloat. You and your father slow danced. Aunt Vee and her daughters were leaders of a special line dance. It felt warm, but it didn't change the reality that a gang was lurking around somewhere. Planning who knows what.
Leonardo paced the building, keeping a stern eye out. He gets a call on his phone. It was you.
Y/N: Hey Leo. You got a minute?
Leo: A few. Everything alright?
Your heart skipped a beat,'Oh my gosh hes even sexy on the frickin' phone!' You cleared your throat, shaking yourself up.
Y/N: Monet, Trudy, and Tyreeka went to get food for Mikey, Donnie, and Raph. Aunt Vee went to drop some food off at her place for Master Splinter. Dad left a moment ago. Can I get you anything?
He thought about it, though it was sweet and he was happy you were so kind and willing to hook him up, he had to stay focused.
Leo: I'm good for now.
Y/N: Okay. Can you make time to meet me? I wanna tell you something face to face.
As if earlier's conversation didn't jazz him up enough, now you wanted to tell him something. It sounded serious.
Leo: I don't know.
Y/N: It'll be quick. My crews in town, but the flash mob starts in 30 minutes. Saying it on the phone is weird, I want to.......
You hesitated, he heard your silence on the other end. Wondering if you wanted to sass him again. For his own sanity, he hoped you were gonna sass him and end the call. He spotted you standing in the middle of street, teasing the ends of your shawl.
Y/N: I'll be in the alley. If your up top somewhere, just follow me. For real, I...... just be here, okay?
His face felt numb on one side. The battle within himself started to surface. 'If I leave and something happens......' He placed his hands behind his head in aggravation. 'She said it'd be quick, but what is her definition of quick? What do I do?' He took a few moments to pace. Trying to get his composure but the sound of your voice kept breaking it down. He grit his teeth.
You were leaned against the wall, waiting. Beating yourself up for even asking him to meet you. 'It just came out. Hes working right now and here I am wanting to tell him what? Ugh! No wonder he tries to avoid me, I'd avoid me too if I was actin' all......' Your thoughts were cut off from the sound of grunts landing a few feet behind you. Turning around to face him was a mistake as his eyes literally glowed in the shadows, glaring at you. 'Them eyes......they dangerous'
"You wanted to see me?" He said, nonchalantly. You couldn't breathe for a second as he slowly approached you. You averted his gaze, clearing your throat.
"I wanted to thank you for overlooking the Block Party." He tilted his head,"The cops and security may be around, but some I cannot trust. That most of the neighborhood cannot trust."
"It's nothing. Me and my brothers are just doing our part. From the shadows. Cops in the Bronx are much different than the ones in Manhattan." You started getting hot. This confused you even more.
"I also wanted to give you a better 'thank you' than before. I was hype and I don't wanna be that way to you." The shyness kicked in, you wanted to be mad, but his presence balanced you for some reason,"You saved my father. And hes forever grateful to you and your brothers. So am I."
He waved his hands at you,"Really, theres no need. I just....." He looked at you, his heart started doing some funny stuff as he gazed into your light brown eyes.
It was getting awkward again, which ticked you off more than the strange feeling you get when you're around him. You sighed, motioning for him to come closer to your level. Hes very tall and he had to lean down to hear you.
The heat kept rising as his snout hovered over your shoulder. You didn't even say anything, you just.....pecked his cheek!
He was not expecting that. He was expecting you to tell him something important. Or give him any details he may need to spot out the leaders of this gang. You pulled back slowly. His body betrayed him as his head turned, his lips pecking yours!!
You both stood there like morons, staring. Your eyes glued to his. Your cheeks burning embers. The commotion on the streets getting louder and more radiant. Yet, there wasn't a sound to be heard as you took in this terrapin.
'What just happened?'
'Did he just.....? Did we.....? Oh my gosh!' Your brain turned to straight up mush at what the 2 of you just shared.
He didn't realized he was holding his breath as he breathed out, audibly. Your mouth opened, then closed. His muscles clenched as he caught a whiff of something strange. He never smelt anything like it. Moments went by, he finally spoke.
"I better get back to it. I .....have to make sure...... " He stammered.
"Yeah. I have to meet up with the crew. Gotta get changed....ya know...?" You stuttered.
You and him slowly backed away from each other. You watched as he climbed the walls back to the roof, he glanced down at you for a few seconds longer, your eyes stayed on him. He swiftly disappeared to continue his task.
Placing your hand over your mouth,"His lips were so........smooth." You licked your lips, this time you didn't catch yourself. All of a sudden earlier's odd encounter had faded. Now, new questions began to arise as you ran a few circles around the buildings to get to your spot to get ready.
'The heck is this? What's up with all these feels?' You questioned, bumping into a trash can as you continued your run. 'Did he mean that....kiss? I know I kissed him first and I meant it. Did he....mean his?'
Leo went right back to surveying the party. Trying and failing miserably to erase the kiss. Willing his mind to deny the emotions surfacing within him. Denying it aggressively. He bit his lips, growling at the gesture.
'It didn't happen. It never happened!'
25 minutes later, the flash mob began.
The crowd was taken aback by the dance crew taking over the block.
They dominated the block like they owned it. Performing tricks that made old ladies wish for their younger years. Doing moves that made the turtles question reality itself.
The turtles continued surveying the party. No signs of any gang activity yet. They commicated back and forth through their comm links.
Mikey: This just became my new favorite song. Imma add this to my playlist.
Donnie: This crew does well being discreet. They blended in with the crowd so well. I also suspect one of the member's of Y/N's crew may have had something to do with the sound systems. The music changed automatically.
Raph: Okay, genius! She got a member that messes with music! Big Whoop.
While they had their exchanges, Leo's mind kept wandering.
'What the shell were you thinking, Leonardo?' He mentally scolded himself,'She has a boyfriend! I am not human. She needs to be with a human man, not me!'
Mikey: Hey Leo, think we can call it quits? Maybe have the girls give us some more grub?
'She doesn't need someone like me 'cramping her style.' But why was she acting so bashful? What was that scent?'
Raph: Yo Fearless, ya fall off a roof or somethin?' What's up?
'This is not happening. I appreciate her helping us but that can never happen again! Shoot! Why is she even in my head at all!!?? I am a ninja and a mutant turtle! Shes a human female trying to make a living! Her lips, her eyes, why can't I........?'
Donnie: Leonardo!!!!
He jolted at Donnie's shrieks.
Leo: What's up? You guys see anything?
Donnie: No. You're very quiet all of a sudden.
Mikey: Yeah man. The food givin' you the runs or somethin?' I hope you didn't try that sushi at the one vendor. I just got better!
Raph: Shut the shell up, we don't wanna hear dat!!!
Leo: Guys, pipe down! I'm alright. I'm trying to......
The flash mob was still going on. The crew was aggressive. Energetic. Doing tricks and adding a bucket of attitude and power behind every move. Every step. The turtles predict their were 20 to 25 crew members doing the flash mob. So many cameras were out, people screamed, egging the crew on as they brought the lightning and the thunder.
Mikey: Oh snap! They hittin' dat Eastside Stomp! Awww, they doin' The Brooklyn! WHOOOOO!
Leo: Seriously? In my ear!
Donnie:We don't have ears but.....
He spotted a female that stuck out to him. Just like before. Only this time was different. No matter what mask you wore, no matter what you did to cover your skin, he knew it was you. Dominating the routine, showing power, grace, skills he can't imagine possessing. The dance had everyone dancing, cheering, and acting just as big a fool than they ever been.
'Shes too much.' He watched you and the ladies drop it low, causing the crowd to go berserk. 'Slow down.' He shook his head frantically, trying to rid his mind of any thought pertaining to desire. However, the scent he could not escape as it reached his snout once more. He was far up on the buildings and he still smelled you. To make it more inopportune, his shell started feeling weird. It felt itches, he tried to avoid scratching it. As soon as you started pop, lock, drop, and finally twerking, the sensation in his shell went from itching to something else. He became agitated with himself
'Is this what it feels like? Is my shell seriously doing this right now? Am I.....really doing this right now?' He made a note to create his own version of the Ha-Shi, deciding how long he should stay in there.
As the performance continued, it got darker and darker. The cops were on edge with your crew dancing all over the block, jumping off of streetlights, pouncing from vehicle to vehicle, some tried to put an end to it, but you and your crew knew better than to get caught. Donnie and Leo at the edge of their ledges as they watched a few cops barely keeping up with a few members.
The performance came to an end as the crew did their stomping routine, threw their fists in the air, shouting to the crowd.
"RISE UP!!!!"
The crowd clapped as the crew bowed and swiftly disappeared into the city. Security didn't want to waste their energy on a mysterious dance crew that did no harm to anyone. The only one that stayed behind was you and you ran back to your spot to change.
Unaware of what was about to happen.
A while after the crew left the scene was when screams rang out from the stage, people dropped what the were doing to see what was going on. Some stayed out of fright while others ran off. The turtles looked around, the only one closest to the stage was Donnie as he got a glimpse of what was going on.
Donnie: Guys! It's Bebop and RockSteady! They're on the stage!
Mikey: Ahhh man, why these guys gotta crash the partay!?
Leo: Everyone go to Donnie's location.
They did as they were told as Bebop and RockSteady wrecked the stage, damaged the equipment, acting like fools in a circus.
"These guys really are block heads to go as far to show themselves in front of all these people!" Raph gruffed, impatiently waiting for Leo's order.
Security and police drew their weapons, ordering Bebop and RockSteady to put their hands up. RockSteady started laughing as he jumped off the stage, swiping his right foot back, ready to ram the cops into oblivion.
"Go head! Pull them triggers and yinz'll be takin' a the next flight to Timbuktu!" He warned. The cops and security weren't sure what to do. They were unfamiliar with these foes, they weren't human. The one thing on their mind was to make sure civilians were not hurt. They and the crowd were frozen in their spots.
Bebop snatched a mic from a terrified female performer, she ran off, as he tested it.
"Check 1, 2! Testing! Testing! Can ya'll hear me out there!?" He shouted, the crowd's eyes were stuck on him that he was a walking and talking warthog. RockSteady's intimidation keeping the reminding crowd under control. "Nice ta see ya'' havin' this much fun. Wish ya didn't start without me!" He snorted,"How times flies and this pig flew before. Now I'm back!"
This had the turtles curious as they were trying to figure out how to approach the situation.
"What's the game plan, Leo? I think we should go down their and kick some butt!" Raph suggested, cracking his knuckles.
"Not a good idea!" Leo spoke,"We go down there, the people will think we're with them! It'll be just like before, we'll be hunted again!"
"Or most likely cause them to harm someone, anyone in the crowd. We have to be creative." Donnie finished.
"What's he mean 'hes back?" Mikey questioned,"Don't tell me Pigalicious is from the Bronx?"
You creeped around one of the corners, watching the situation unfold. Vendors have closed shop and ran off. Mothers held their kids tight against them. While many others were just frozen, wanting to know what these party crashers wanted.
Bebop slobbered as he spoke,"As of tonight, The Turks are running this town!" He announced, the gasps erupted from the crowd,"If yinz gotta problem with that, ya'll can take it cup with us or the boss!" He starts this whole spiel on how the city will run like normal but The Turks will be paying businesses visits from time to time, making offers they cannot refuse.
A bold cop pointed his gun at Bebop,"Whose this boss!? And what if we don't cooperate!?"
Raph and Mikey's palms clenched their weapons.
Bebop hocked up a loogie, spitting it at the cops face, covering him with a thick and disgusting saliva,"Yous a cop! You should know the deal of what happens! Doesn't take much to run a city, it won't take much to burn it down either!" The cops and security's fingers teased their triggers when RockSteady roared, throwing the cops on their butts. He gives them a warning.
"Next one will hurt. Wanna play with a rhino, pigs!"
Bebop squealed angrily,"Watch It, Rock!"
RockSteady raised his hands,"My bad, Beebs!"
Bebop went on to tell everyone to not try anything funny, guaranteeing the boss will punish them severely.
"Any time, Fearless!" Raph growled, his toes piercing the edge of the building.
There were too many people. It was a risk. Then a voice rang out from the crowd.
"You ain't runnin' nothin' round here!" The turtles turn to find the source of the voice. Jaws dropping as they realized it was you, back in your other attire, your gun at your side, as you stomped your way to the mutant criminals spewing trash you heard too much of. "Ya think a side of ham and some stank rhino scare me!?" You hissed, clenching your gun. Leo could not believe the bold and reckless move you just pulled. Neither could the frozen cops.
'What the shell is she doing!!??' He growls under his breath.
"She got balls!" Raph muttered, watching you step to RockSteady, not a hint of fear in your eyes, he huffed in your face.
"Yo Beebs, check it out! We got feisty one here!" He pointed out, his stench made you wanna vomit.
Bebop gave you a look,"Don't mess with this, girlie." He hopped off the stage, stepping to you,"Ya ain't gotta clue what you're in for! I suggest you put that bee bee gun down!"
The turtles stilled as the people slowly backed away from the intense stare down, you weren't backing down no matter what he was,"I ain't puttin' nothin' down, Fool!" You lashed, you could hear the gurgling in his throat as he huffed at you,"Ya need to get up outta my face before somethin' bad happen to ya!"
RockSteady quirked his eyebrows at your fiery spirit, while Leo tried to figure out what exactly to do before the situation turns deadly,"This chick got blows, Beebs. Think the boss will like her?"
Bebop snort laughed,"Yeah. He definitely gonna like her!"
His hands reached up to grab your face, the turtles withdrew their weapons, ready to pounce when a sudden smoke bomb exploded around them, spreading throughout the streets, causing confusion amongst the crowd. Seizing the opportunity, you reacted.
"Everybody run! Get away from here!!!" You yelled out, snapping everyone out of their trances as they scattered away from the scene. Even some of the cops. Despite the fog thickening and flooding the streets, Bebop swatted your gun out of your hand, getting closer to you.
"You comin' wit me!" He was about to grab your neck when a large figure tackled him away from you with an aggressive grunt.
"No she's not!!!"
The sound of grunts, punches, and rustles surrounded you. The fog continued to grow as you crawled away from the ruckus. Adrenaline was around you and within you as you got further away. You made it to the curb, looked around to see the area was familiar and began to run home.
The turtles, RockSteady and Bebop were having quite the tussel as the fog concealed their presence. Having heated exchanges, side comments, and confusion.
"Whatta you 2 idiots doin' ere? Shredder ain't here!" Raph grunted, slugging Bebop in the face. He returns the punch with a tackle, brawling with Raph on the concrete.
"Whatta we doin' here? What are yinz doin' here? Thought you were in Manhattan? What business you got in the hood?" RockSteady questioned as he tried to crush Donnie in his grasp. Mikey tackled him to the ground. Leonardo had at it with Bebop when he slammed Raph to the ground.
"Who do you work for!!??" He shouted, he was met by a gurgling chuckle.
"Ya'll will find out soon enough!" He pushed Leo off of him, RockSteady tossing Mikey and Donnie on the hound. They were ready for another round, when the sound of a howl erupted from a distance. RockSteady and Bebop glared at each other, than at the turtles.
"We'll put this playground pound on hold for now, turtles." Rock gruffed, Bebop giving a reminder.
"Betta watch ya backs bein' on our turf, turtles! Cuz the boss will soon be chewin' on it!"
The 2 jerks ran from the scene, laughing like maniacs, leaving the turtles in more questions than answers.
"Who is this boss?"
"Where are these punks hidin!?"
Leo and Donnie had a lot of questions of their own.
"Did any of you guys set off a smoke bomb?" He asked.
The guys shook their heads,"With how scared them cops were, I don't think they set it off either."
"Do cops even carry smoke bombs?" Mikey questioned, equally curious.
"Although some police are generally authorized and use smoke bombs, this one in particular exceeds the strength of one any regular police officer would use." He explained, the smoke continuing to thicken, giving them a chance to clear the area before anyone sees them. They climbed the building where they were originally perched, looking over the entire area coated in smoke.
"Are ya sayin' that this ain't the work of a cop?"
Donnie shrugged,"It could have been Y/N."
Leo responded,"No. It couldn't have been her. It was someone else in the crowd."
"Guess party is over." Mikey sighed.
"Yup. Better get back to Aunt Vees. Hope the old bag is alright." He gruffed, running off back to her house.
Donnie and Mikey followed while Leo hung back, looking down into the smoke. There wasn't much movement and everyone was gone. You came to mind, angering him, worrying, confusing him more.
"So much I want to say to you. For now, please be safe." He followed his brothers.
On a far building, hiding behind obstructions, a growl erupted. Teeth chomping, smiling.
"This is will fun."
