''I think this neighborhood suits you,'' started April as both women were comfortably seated at a table in a cozy café.
Vee couldn't help her quiet chuckle, crossing her arms as her eyes ventured to the large window that offered a view to the street.
''I think it does too..., but I'll be so far from everything. Mostly far from Donnie. He's downtown and I'd be uptown...''
''It's not so bad! You know these guys can travel fast and they know the city like no one else.''
True.
A small sigh escaped the artist, her attention back to the other.
She was glad the reporter had answered her call. Vee confessed feeling stupid for her sudden departure and her attitude, but April had been quick to waive those away, answering that all that mattered was that her friend was safe. The only thing left to do was to move forward.
Harlem seemed like a nice place. It was mostly known for its nightlife and its jazz influences, to which Vee felt drawn to. Maybe she'd have opportunities up here, who knows?
Her train of thoughts came to a stop as a waitress got to their table; a lovely african american woman adorning a dark afro like a crown. Vee did admire her style, noticing her septum piercing and her 'au naturel' look. It didn't seem like much, but so many people could ever inspire the artist, and that was the beauty of living in New York.
As the orders were taken and the women left with coffees in hands, proper discussions could finally start.
''So...starting a family?'' started Vee. ''Since when were you two planning that little adventure?''
April's smile was soft: ''We were talking about it for several months, but only recently did we really start to properly consider it.''
''Even with both your lifestyles? … You wouldn't be the most 'typical' and 'calm' family.''
''I don't think that should stop us, or anyone. … It's something we both want, Vee, and we're ready to work for it.''
''I'm not saying the opposite, don't worry!'' quickly reassured Vee. ''… I guess I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around that idea. I never really thought about having kids, so the thought process kinda escapes me.''
''Oh?'' the reporter slightly cocked her head to one side, curious. ''I don't want to say I'm surprised, but still am nonetheless.''
The other woman seemed amused: ''There's so many things I have yet to accomplish.... Getting a child is the least of my worries right now. I guess I just don't really feel compelled at the idea.''
''In that case I can understand,'' added April with a soft smile. ''It's only natural that you'd want to advance your career and get more stability, I get that.''
The conversation paused as their food arrived.
But as soon as both were left alone again, the reporter couldn't help squinting a little, now curious:
''Although.... do you think you could ever have kids with Donnie?''
Vee almost spat her coffee, her thoughts suddenly rolling at a franctic pace. She frowned, reminiscing all those times they had sex without any protection.
''I, uh... I'm not sure,'' frankly answered the artist. ''I've never really thought about it, but now that you mention it, I should verify with him.''
''I think it'd be in both your interests to set things clear. At least you'll know where you both stand in this...''
''Yeah … that's for sure.''
What if he wanted kids? Could it be possible? At least for now her cycle had been steady and normal, so there was no fear regarding that. And the relationship was still in its early stages – it was too soon to think about that!
Oh, those thoughts would plague her mind for the rest of the day, she knew that...
''Anyway, enough kid talk,'' said April, thankfully interrupting Vee's thinking. ''I wanted to discuss apartment and furniture with you.''
''What, you wanna know how I'll decorate my fortress of solitude?'' playfully commented the artist.
''Oh come on now...''
''Just kidding, just kidding, don't worry. What's on your mind?''
''Since I'll be moving in with Casey and he pretty much already has everything in terms of furniture... I was thinking about giving you some of the stuff we have at the apartment. Fridge, oven, whatever you need.''
The artist lightly frowned.
''Wait... give? April, I can't just receive without giving in return. Tell me your price and I'll gladly give you so-''
''Vee, please,'' gently cut the reporter. ''… I know I'm putting you in a difficult situation and things can turn expensive. I want to help in any way I can, plus you can always repay me in other ways. Don't worry about it. I've given it some thought and I'm at peace with that.''
And the artist was absolutey thankful.
Knowing she didn't make the best of incomes, this help felt like a miracle. … Just thinking about all her future expenses was enough to make her head spin, but at least with Donnie's help – and now April – she knew she could get a good footing and proceed without immense struggles.
''Also,'' added April, ''I know you don't have the best of conversations with your parents regarding your choice of living in New York, so I wanted to ease things up by giving you a good headstart and make them less worried.''
Vee softly sighed, although showing a small smile. She knew the brunette had heard some bits and pieces of conversations ever since she moved in. Even if the dialogues had been in French, it was not hard to notice the argumentative nature of those calls.
''I, uhm … it's been almost a month since I spoke to any of them, so there's nothing to worry about for now,'' said Vee.
''Is everything alright?''
''The less I talk to them, the better! So, yes, everything is fine,'' tried to reassure the artist.
April seemed good with the answer, but there was no denying that for Vee to avoid her family, it would probably blow back to her face in a nasty way.
But today was not the day to think about such matter.
Breakfast done and over with, both women were now on their way to visit the apartments.
The first one proved to be a complete disaster; mold found in the bathroom and under the kitchen sink, only two windows and barely any natural light coming in, a broken wardrobe door in the bedroom. The landlord didn't seem like the most caring person either, insisting that he'd get the needed repairs done once a new tenant would move in. ''Those things have a cost, you know?'' he would say. … And this apartment will be a hard pass, you know?
Vee couldn't believe that she got fooled by the advertisment online. It seemed so nice...
At least the second stop was promising.
The lot was at the top floor of a five story high building. The entrance was a small hallway that had one door to the left which gave to the bedroom (with a window!), and a door to the right that gave to the bathroom. The end of the hallway gave to an open area to which the left part was planned for a living room, and the right had space for a kitchen, the area delimited by a side hall that gave enough surface for an extension of the counter tops. Some windows gave enough light into the place, as well as a nice view on the street and buildings around. Plus, the living room windows were tall and large enough, one being an entryway to the emergency staircase outside the building.
It was perfect.
***
Her step was light as she made her way back to the lair, the greatest grin plastered to her face.
She did it!
Well … almost! But it was at least a first step in the right direction.
Her first point of interest when she arrived was Donnie's workspace, but she found it empty, instantly bringing a small frown on Vee's features. Maybe she should check the garage next?
Her attention snapped when she heard a sharp sound – a can being opened.
Turning around, she slightly jumped as she spotted Mikey nearby, an orange crush drink in his hand.
'' 'Sup?''
''Jesus, Mikey, you gave me a mini heart attack,'' she breathed out.
''Oops, my bad,'' he said, taking a sip. ''You lookin' for Don? He just got out on patrol with Raph.''
''… Aren't you guys supposed to lay low for a while with the Purple Dragons and Foot Clan situation?''
The orange clad one shrugged: ''Going out on patrol doesn't mean we're looking for them, you know? We still gotta look out for the bad ones on the streets. Plus, going out in small numbers attracts less attention.''
''Huh... touché,'' admitted Vee. ''I guess the good news can wait, then.''
''What good news?''
The artist's grin was back: ''I might have found a new apartment! The landlord just needs to do a credit check and then, if it's all good, the place will be mine.''
The terrapin's smile was soon as big as Vee's: ''Yo! That's awesome! Where is it? How big is it?''
The woman didn't wast any time to grab a blank sheet of paper and a pencil laying around on Donnie's desk, already starting to sketch the layout of the apartment. Deep in her explanations, she did not notice Leonardo now standing near, trying to take a peek from behind.
''What's that?'' he asked.
Vee slightly jumped again, already on the lookout for the leader.
''JEEZE, what's with you guys scaring me tonight?!''
Leo showed an amused smile, arms crossed before him as he took some pride in that comment.
''I'm an excellent ninja. Getting to scare you means I'm doing a good job.''
''Alright, don't get too cocky.'' She briefly sighed, next bringing the paper to clearer view. ''Behold, this is probably my next apartment!''
The blue clad mutant took some seconds to observe the layout, pensive.
''… There's quite some windows in there. I'll have to get Donnie to secure the place so no one can spot you and get in.''
''Leo! Chill!'' faintly laughed Vee. ''I don't even completely own the place yet. Plus I'll be on the fifth floor; I'd like to see anyone get in other than by the emergency staircase or the entry door.''
''I'm sorry I am cursed with the leader plague. I always have to think many steps ahead.''
Vee's smile was soft: ''Don't worry, it's appreciated. But now it's time to celebrate! There's no place for worry tonight!''
''Now we're talkin'!'' added Mikey playfully, rubbing his hands together. ''… Watchu wanna do?''
The artist left her paper back on her boyfriend's desk, a smug smile now showing on her features.
''Donnie and I do have a little secret stash of red wine, and I fully plan on going through one bottle tonight.''
''Hell yeah!'' Mikey was now nudging his brother's arm with his elbow. ''Care for a drink as well? Come ooooonnnnnnnn.''
Leo was squinting, trying to appear severe, but it didn't take long for him to conceed with a grin, his posture relaxing.
''Alright. Just one.''
***
Vee was delightfully surprised to learn that Leo also had a taste for red wine, happily sharing her bottle with him – and of course he did take more than one drink. Meanwhile Mikey had opted for beer, some cans already resting in the fridge.
It felt good to kick back and just be happy, living in the present and have no worries. But soon celebrations took an interesting turn, Vee definitely inspired by her luck and feeling a little bold. An idea came to her mind as Mikey was showing her some stuff he was hoarding, especially when it came to hair dye bottles.
She had always wanted to try a new hair color...
It didn't take long before everyone was set up: Vee sitting in a chair with a towel over her shoulders, hair in layers. Mikey had ''borrowed'' some of Donnie's latex gloves (used for when he was tattooing), already at the task of applying the chosen color. Meanwhile Leonardo was sitting nearby, keeping company and enjoying the show.
''It's gonna look dope as fuck,'' commented the orange clad turtle, hair dye brush in hand as he was spreading some color.
''I'm kinda nervous about it, though,'' added Vee. ''Last time I did something to my hair, it was only some blonde streaks here and there. … It's my first time going full on with a non-natural color.''
''There's never nothing wrong with going wild once in a while,'' said Leo.
The artist threw him a glance, somewhat amused.
''Says the guy who seems to overworry a LOT about anything.''
''Hey, I have my moments, alright,'' chuckled the leader, next taking a sip of wine.
Mikey tsked; ''What, your last wild thing was to shorten your training time or somethin'?''
''Nooooo, I-...'' Leo lightly frowned, his lips forming a thin line. A sharp sigh left him as he confessed: ''I asked Mikasa out.''
Both Mikey and Vee's gazes were now locked on him, their smiles wide.
''Finally!'' let out the woman. ''How did it go? Is everything good?''
''Spill the tea, bro!'' chided in Mikey.
Leo's smile was shy, carefully choosing his words.
''We're still figuring some things out, I guess? It all started when we got to you both at the Maneki Neko... I brought her back to her apartment and we kissed. … I dunno how to explain it, it just felt right at that moment.''
''So far, so good,'' commented Vee. ''What's next?''
''I'll admit that I chickened out after that,'' continued the leader. ''I just didn't know yet if I was ready to get into some sort of relationship. I was a douche and I didn't say or text a word to her after a couple of days.''
''You're a fucking dumbass,'' added the other turtle, slightly scolding as he parted some more layers of Vee's hair.
Leo raised his glass a little: ''On that I agree, BUT! I kicked my own ass and finally got back in touch with her yesterday. I explained the situation to her and she agreed to meeting up and talk about it a little more. … I'm just-''
His eyes met Vee's, somehow pleading.
''How can I know she really likes me? For crying out loud, how did you know you liked Donnie?''
The artist couldn't help her laugh, surprising both mutants. Leo didn't really know how to react.
''Did … did I say something wrong orrrr?''
''No, no! Good gosh, no!'' tried to rectify Vee, calming her laughter. ''Oh jeeze, Leo, you and Mikasa are just so freakin' adorable. …. Would you believe me if I told you that she kinda asked me the same question a while ago?''
The blue one showed a smirk, amused: ''Welp, I won't hide that I had a smiliar conversation with Donnie as well.''
''See!'' pointed the woman. ''Dammit, you two. Mikasa likes you, okay? You guys … all four of you, there are people who're gonna like you and even love you for who you are, no matter the fact that you're mutants. Damn, get that drilled in your heads, alright?!''
Mikey couldn't contain a chuckle: ''You're pretty straight-forward when you get some drinks in you, Vee.''
''I only speak the truth without reservation,'' she added, taking a sip of wine.
She savored her beverage for some seconds before speaking up again: ''But to answer your question, Leo, I knew I liked Donnie when everything felt comfortable. I mean … whatever I would say or do, I knew it wouldn't mind him. … His presence is like a never-ending warm hug around me. I feel true, I feel seen...'' Her eyes got back to him. ''And if you feel like you can be your true self around Mikasa, then I say that it's worth a shot.''
''I'll take your word for it,'' replied Leo, smiling and slightly lifting his glass in cheer.
***
Hours later and Donnie couldn't be any more glad to be back home. Patrol had been pretty boring and tame tonight, but at least he got to spend some time with Raph, which was never a bad thing, at times.
Hanging his gear for the night, he then proceeded to his workstation, only to frown a little once he spotted a sheet of paper with some sort of layout draw on it.
By the looks of it, it seemed to be an apartment, the gears of his mind running as he also recognized Vee's handwriting.
''Bro!''
His attention snapped, suddenly realizing that he had been deep in thoughts. He turned to the source of his calling, then noticing Mikey with a big smile on his face.
Donnie didn't have time to say anything that his brother spoke again:
''I have the immense pleasure to present to you the world-premiere revelation of Vee 2.0.''
He did some theatrical gestures before bowing and backing out of view in a comical way, finally giving view to Vee who had been hiding behind him.
The purple clad turtle's eyes grew wide as soon as he noticed the artist's new hair color.
Teal.
A lush dark green color that reflected so well when exposed to any lights.
''Whoa! That's so cool!'' blurted the tall terrapin, already approaching the artist.
One of his hands was still holding the paper, but his other one couldn't stay put, gently taking some strands of Vee's hair and having a closer look at the color. He couldn't erase his grin, his eyes scanning every inches.
''You should thank Mikey, he's the one who did most of the work,'' informed the woman.
The tall terrapin did throw a glance towards his brother who was still nearby: ''No wonder it's perfect. There's always a positive outcome to any of his projects.''
''Aww, thanks bro!'' added the orange clad mutant, somehow surprised, yet glad to hear such compliment.
''So … you like it?'' asked Vee with a timid smile.
''Like it? I love it!'' answered Donnie, his gaze meeting hers. ''It really suits you. … Any specific reason for that change, though?''
The woman had noticed the sheet of paper in his hand, taking it in turn and pointing the sketch she did.
''If all goes well, this little lot will be mine.''
Donnie's happiness was renewed: ''For real?!''
A simple nod from Vee was enough for him to lift her off the ground in an embrace, unable to stop himself from spinning around a little, obviously feeling overjoyed. Relief also washed over him, knowing how the whole process was stressing the artist – and himself as well, there was no lying there.
''You did it, baby,'' he gently said, loud enough for only her to hear, nuzzling her as he came to a stop while still hugging her.
''Almost, but yeah. Let's hope for the best...,'' replied Vee in the same tone, her arms gently coming around his neck.
''Get a room, you two!'' piped in Raph's tone, playful.
The couple looked his way, the red clad terrapin making his way to Mikey.
''Come on, let's give these two nerds some space. Ya wouldn't want to catch their cooties.''
''Hah! You're just jealous!'' added Donnie comically, next suddenly hurrying to his room, Vee still in his arms and now laughing.
Raph was rather unimpressed, a sharp exhale of air leaving him as he glanced from the running one back to his younger brother.
''…. The day I'll be jealous of that bean pole, assume that I'm delirious or somethin' like that.''
***
It wasn't long before they were found in bed, exchanging everyday clothing for comfortable wears. Donnie was laying first, Vee next nestled in-between his legs, her back against his form. The artist was not finished, drink-wise, so she shared some more wine with the terrapin, a screen mounted to a telescopic arm brought over them so they could watch any videos they desired.
It was during moments like this that Vee felt at complete peace, loved, and the happiest. The warmth that invaded her could only confirm that she was at the right place with the right person.
And yet the same question kept repeating itself in her mind since her conversation with April.
''Donnie, are we compatible?'' she asked in a shy tone.
The mutant slightly frowned, his gaze still on the screen.
''Define 'compatible','' he asked.
''Can we procreate?''
His body and muscles suddenly tensed.
Both were now staring at eachother, not giving a damn about the video anymore, the turtle trying to find his words.
''… Uhm, well, no. I don't think so. … Wh- Why are you asking this?''
Vee shrugged: ''Well, we've been having unprotected sex and I don't take any contraceptive pills. I'm just curious.... How can you be sure that we're not?''
He sighed briefly, his thoughts running a hundred miles per hour. The video on screen was still going on, the subject suddenly a blur. But that didn't matter.
''First of all, we're not the same specie.''
''Ok then, why can tigers and lions create ligers? Why can donkeys and horses create mules?''
''Because to their roots, they are the same. As for us, we come from two different branches. I'm a reptile, you're a mammal; there's a huge spacing inbetween us. Plus, I'm suspecting the mutagen has something to do with it, as it mostly prevents us from contracting human diseases, amongst other things.''
Vee crossed her arms, diverting her gaze, slightly feeling uneasy as she circled her drink slowly and pensively.
''… You do make sense. … I guess I was mostly biased by the fact that you do present humanoid features.''
She felt one of Donnie's hands to her cheek, bringing back her attention on him.
''… Did you want to have a child with me?'' he asked in a hushed tone, forever soft.
Vee suddenly blushed, frowning a little.
''No! I mean- uh. Based on your explanations, no. Also I'm not ready for that and it's too early in the relationship to know. I- shit, I dunno,'' she blabbered.
The terrapin's smile was soft, amused by her reaction.
''Hey, don't worry, I was just asking! … I guess I'm just wondering too if you ever wanted one. If that was the case, I wouldn't want to prevent you from doing so...''
''What? You mean you'd let me hook up with a human guy only so I can get banged up?'' questionned the woman, confused, as she sat up straight and was still looking at the other. ''Hell to the no - yuck. The whole pregnancy shebang doesn't appeal to me anyway.''
''Adoption is also an option,'' added Donnie, matter-o-factly. ''That's pretty much this family's case!''
''For sure, and I think it's very admirable, but raising a child is still a huge deal in itself.'' She sighed, timidly rubbing the back of her neck. ''… Sorry I brought that up, I was just curious. Ever since I spoke with April, it has been bugging me. I'm really not ready for that chapter in my life and I don't think I'll ever be, but I wanted to know your opinion on that.''
Donnie rejoined her, one of his arms snaking around her form. He was softly nuzzling the top of her head, keeping her close.
''Whatever you choose or decide, I'll always stand by your side, loving every moments – every seconds - spent with you. We build our own happiness, and that doesn't mean it has to imply a child in the future. … As long as you're happy, so am I.''
''I know. … I do feel kinda weird for not wanting a child though,'' mumbled Vee.
''Hey,'' intervened the mutant. ''You're not weird, believe me. Having a child is not an obligation. This is your body, your choice, and I will forever respect it.''
''Oh, you better,'' smirked the artist in return.
