Author: Alizbeth Erin Younkins

Captured
Chapter 6

Red manages to come back from the brink of death to make a slow recovery. He is determined to get better so he can get back to having the things that he wants. 

PG-13 for turtle love. 

**

With each day that passed and Red didn’t wake up, Donnie started to lose hope and his mind would go to the worst possible place. He spent hours crying as he fell into despair and despite Dee’s protests, Raph would comfort his brother through his tears. 

Each day, every few hours, Donnie moved Red’s legs and rubbed them to keep the blood flowing. The last thing they needed was for him to develop a blood clot on top of everything else. He spoke to him as he worked, telling Red how much he loved him; he needed Red to know how much he loved him. 

Donnie sat with his hand on Red’s forehead. He had a fever which meant that he had an infection and there was nothing that could be done for it. They had already used up the few bags of antibiotics that Dee had and they were on the last bag of saline.

With a heavy sigh, Donnie moved down to Red’s legs and grabbed one then bent the knee. He moved and rotated the hip joint then rubbed his thigh before moving to the other leg.

A hitch in Red’s breathing had Donnie looking up. Red’s eyes flitted but did not open as his head turned to the side. With tears in his eyes, Donnie rushed to Red’s side. “Open your eyes,” he pleaded. “Let me know you’re alright.”

Red groaned and turned his head towards Donnie but kept his eyes closed. Donnie placed his hands on Red’s face and caressed his cheeks before placing his forehead on Red’s. “Come on Red,” Donnie whispered. “Open your eyes.”

Red’s eyes parted open briefly then closed again. He sighed deeply and brought his heavy hand up to grab Donnie’s forearm. Happy tears streamed from Donnie’s eyes and he let himself cry as he gently kissed Red’s beak.

“D…Don..ie,” Red choked out.

Don shushed him, “It’s okay. Don’t try to speak.” Reluctantly, Donnie pulled his arm away from Red and got up. “I’m gonna get your brother. He’s the one who has been tending to you so he needs to know that you are waking up.”

Red grunted and moved a bit but didn’t try to say anything. Donnie ran from the lab and made his way up to Raph’s room, where Dee was staying. Knocking gently on the door, Donnie hoped that he wasn’t catching them at a bad time. “Dee. Red’s waking up,” Donnie hollered through the door.

The door opened and Dee pushed past Donnie without even looking at him. Donnie rubbed his arm where Dee had knocked into him, “He really doesn’t like me.”

Raph came out of the room, rubbing his wrists and sighed. “He… ah… feels threatened a little, I guess.” Raph smiled at Donnie, “He really doesn’t like it when I hang out with you.”

“Is he so insecure?” Donnie walked away so that he could get back to the lab.

“Yes,” Raph answered, following after Donnie. “He’s terrified that I’m gonna leave him for you. Just like Red thought that you would chose me over him.”

Donnie stopped and turned to look at Raph, “That’s what hurts the most.” Tears filled his eyes and he had to blink them away so that he could see. “He’s in there fighting for his life and he thinks that he is gonna lose me. I’m afraid that he’s just gonna wanna give up.”

“You said that he’s waking up,” Raph pulled Donnie in to a brotherly hug. “So he’s getting better and you can tell him how much you love him.”

Donnie buried his face in Raph’s plastron, “I need him to know how much I love him and that I would chose him over you.” His words were muffled but Raph understood him.

Raph laughed, “That’s good ‘cause I don’t think I could ever settle for you after being with Dee. It would be too boring.”

Donnie pulled out of Raph’s arms and playfully hit him, “I wouldn’t be boring.”

“Don,” Raph smiled. “You wouldn’t have the stomach to do half the stuff he does.”

Donnie blushed, “That doesn’t mean that I would be boring.”

Grabbing Don’s hand, Raph led his brother to the lab. Inside they saw Dee sitting next to Red, whispering to him while he worked. He turned to look at the pair as they entered the lab. His eyes drifted briefly to their conjoined hands but he didn’t say anything about it.

“He opened his eyes for a moment,” Dee stated. “He’s still very weak and needs to rest but it is a good sign. I’ve given him something for his fever and hopefully he will be able to wake up enough, soon, so that he can eat.”

“April brought broth for him,” Donnie walked over and placed his hand on top of Red’s.

Dee stood and walked over to Raph, “I know.”

“I’ll get back to working his legs then,” Donnie moved back to the foot of the bed and lifted Red’s leg.

“It’s good that you do that for him,” Dee stated then then glanced at Raph before he turned to leave the lab and Raph followed.

**

“Donnie?” Red’s voice woke Donatello up from a deep sleep and he jumped up out of the cot. He was by Red’s side in a heartbeat, holding his hand.

“I’m here,” he reached over to turn on a dim light so he could see better without blinding Red. Even though the light wasn’t all that bright, Red still turned away from it so Donnie moved it back a little. Hard shadows drastically showed the sunken features of Red but Donnie smiled at seeing that his eyes were open. “Hey, sleeping beauty.”

“I hurt,” Red whimpered.

“I’m sorry,” Donnie whispered back. “We don’t have much to give you for pain. What Dee has given you is the best he has and too much would do more harm than good. But the pain means that you are alive.”

Red’s right hand came up to scratch at his shoulder, “It itches.”

“That means it’s healing,” Donnie grabbed Red’s hand to prevent him from scratching too much. “Don’t do that, you might break the stiches.”

Red’s heavy hand reached up to grab hold of Don’s and he closed his eyes again. His strong grip told Donnie that he was still awake but resting so he sat down as he turned his hand in Red’s so that their fingers could intertwine.

**

Donnie rubbed Red’s thighs while the large clone sipped some chicken broth. “Don’t drink it too quick,” Donnie warned. “Your system is still getting used to consuming food again.”

“But I’m hungry,” Red complained. “I need more than soup. I’m sick a soup. It’s all I had for… too long.”

“I can give you some crackers, but you’ll have to nibble them,” Donnie offered. When Red scrunched up his nose and put the cup down, Donnie laughed. “Maybe you’re ready for some noodles in your soup.”

“I wan’ eggs,” Red huffed. “An’ pancakes, an’ real food.”

“Well then,” Donnie turned from red and folded the old quilt that he had put near Red while he was recovering. It still had their combined scents on it and Donnie hoped that it would help motivate Red to get better. Red slept with it over himself every night. “When you can stand and walk on your own, then I will make you some pancakes.”

A grunt from Red had Donnie turning in time to see the large clone sitting up and moving his leg over the side of the bed. “What are you doing?” Donnie rushed to Red’s side, regretting the challenge. “You’re not ready.”

“I’m hungry,” Red pushed Donnie back to make room. 

“You’re gonna fall,” Donnie moved forward again and placed his hands on Red’s plastron. “Or worse, pop a stitch.”

Red relented and let Donnie push him back down. “I wan’ real food,” Red complained again. 

“I’ll talk to Dee,” Donnie offered then kissed Red’s forehead before heading to open the door. “I’ll be right back.”

Donnie ran from the lab in search of Dee and found him in the garage working with Raph on his bike. He made his way past the parts that littered the ground to where they sat. “Red wants more solid foods,” he stated. “And he’s about ready to jump out of bed to get it.”

“Why don’t we see if he’s ready to get up then,” Dee stood and walked over to the sink to wash the grease off. 

“That would be another thing that I would need you for,” Donnie admitted. “If I were to try it alone and if Red were to fall, I would be powerless to stop it.”

“It seems you’re mind has cleared up a bit over these past few months,” Dee smirked as he dried his hands. “You’ve realized that Red needs me to help him get better and you would only make things worse.”

“Dee,” Raph sighed. “We’ve talked about this.”

“No it’s alright, Raph,” Donnie held up his hand. “If degrading me makes him feel better about himself then let him. I understand how a bully’s mind operates.” 

Dee glared at Donnie who stood his ground and glared right back. After a brief staring contest Donnie lifted his chin, “Are you gonna go help Red or just stand there drying your hands?”

Throwing the towel down, Dee stomped passed Donnie on his way back into the lair. Raph walked over to Donnie and sighed, “You’re not helping any.”

“He’s the one being an ass,” Donnie said then turned to follow Dee inside. “I tried being nice and I’m tired.” He didn’t wait for Raph’s response. His relationship with Raph wasn’t hurting because of the little spat Don was having with Dee, there was not anger between the two of them, but the purple mutant wasn’t making it easy on them to spend much time together.

When Donnie got back to the lab, Dee was helping Red off the bed. Red looked up and smiled when Donnie entered the room, “I’ll be back in our room afore you know it.” His legs shook a little but he managed to keep his balance with his brother’s help. “Can you make me pancakes,” Red pleaded. “And eggs?”

Donnie glanced at Dee first then nodded his head, “I still want you to take it slow. I know it will be hard but I want you to take small bites, okay?”

Red nodded then a huge grin split his face, “You can feed me.”

Donnie chuckled, “Okay. I’m gonna go make you those pancakes now.” He turned to leave and headed for the kitchen. Fortunately it was passed lunch and early enough before dinner that Mikey was not in the kitchen so Donnie set about making the requested food. 

He hummed to himself as he worked, whisking the eggs and flipping the pancakes. Mikey must have heard the noise in the kitchen and came in to check. “Want any help?” he offered. 

“I’ve got it,” Donnie smiled, knowing full well that Mikey was not going to simply let someone other than him cook. 

“You sure?” Mikey pressed the issue. “If you’re cooking for yourself, that’s great but if you are cooking for poor, sick Red, you don’t want to make him any worse.”

Donnie glared at Mikey over his shoulder, “Are you implying that I’m a bad cook?”

Mikey flashed one of his wide grins, “No. It’s just that I’m a better cook. That’s all. And you’re not doing it right.”

With a heavy sigh, Donnie stepped away from the stove as Mikey took over. By that time, Dee had guided Red to the table and sat him down. “I see that you have learned when to yield to your superiors again,” Dee’s voice oozed with contempt. 

Donnie clinched his jaw to keep from snapping a retort but Mikey picked up a plastic container and threw it at Dee, “Knock that off already or I’m gonna shove my fist down your throat.”

Dee growled at Mikey but said nothing. 

Red looked confused, “What wrong? Why did Mikey throw dat atcha, Dee?” 

“Dee and I don’t really get along right now, Red,” Donnie answered. “Dee’s not treating me any better than he treated you before.”

Dee huffed and stormed out of the kitchen and Red watched him go, confusion still plastered on his face. He looked back at Donnie, “Why?”

Donnie sighed and sat down next to him, “I don’t know. He’s threatened by me, maybe or he wants to prove himself better since he’s the clone. I can only guess. All I know is that he is trying to tear me down.”

“I don’t know what Raph’s sees in him,” Mikey placed the plate of food down in front of Red. Donnie couldn’t help but wonder how Mikey managed to make his pancakes so perfectly round. The one Donnie did, looked like abstract art. He was surprised that Mikey even put it on the plate. 

“He’s good to Raph,” Donnie moved the plate away from Red before the he had the chance to dig in. He cut a small piece of pancake and added a bit of egg then held it up for Red. “He gets along with everyone else. It’s just me that he doesn’t like.”

Red took the small bite and practically swallowed it whole then opened his mouth again. Donnie frowned, “Make sure you chew it.” 

Red closed his mouth and looked down, “Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Donnie soothed. “I’m just worried about you getting sick. Go slow.”

“Okay,” Red nodded and opened his mouth again. 

Donnie collected small bites of food and Red chewed each before swallowing. It took some time and Mikey was finished cleaning the kitchen by the time Red was done but he was able to eat it all without any ill side effects. 

After Donnie had washed the plate and fork and put them away he turned to Red. “I’ll go get Dee to help you up to our room.”

Red shook his head, “I think I can do it.” He placed his hands on the table but put all of his weight on the right one, using the left for moderate support, and stood up. Donnie held his breath and waited to see if Red would be able to keep his balance. He had no misgivings on his ability to catch him if he fell so Donnie stayed back. 

Red managed to stay on his feet and made his way over to Donnie, who smiled up at his love. Tears of joy filled his eyes. Just a few weeks ago Don was afraid that he was going to lose Red and now Red was standing on his own. 

“Why you crying?” Red reached up to wipe the tears from Donnie’s cheek. 

Donnie leaned his head into Red’s large hand, “I’m just so happy that you’re better.” He grabbed hold of Red’s hand and gently tugged. “Let’s go to our room.”

Red nodded and let himself be led. He had to rest half way up the stairs but he was able to make it on his own then he flopped down on the bed as soon as they entered the room. He curled up on his side to doze for a little bit. 

Donnie pulled the blanket over Red then turned to go sit at his desk but Red grabbed his wrist and pulled him back towards the bed. With a soft smile, Donnie allowed himself to be pulled onto the bed. 

After a moment of shifting, Donnie and Red managed to get comfortable, curled around each other. Red’s arms wrapped around Donnie and Donnie nuzzled against Red’s plastron, his fingers tracing along the groves and scars. 

Red’s breathing leveled out and he was soon asleep. Donnie was trapped under Red’s large arm but he was perfectly happy where he was.