Torn and Broken

Mikko calmed herself and let Laz lead them into Gabe's room with Ezekiel following close behind. Mikko walked in first and stood by the head of his bed. Eze made sure he a good spot to talk to his brother once he woke so he got on the other side of the bed by Gabe's head.

Laz stood out of the way by Gabriel's feet to let the others get close to him.

Mikko smiled when Gabe started to open his eyes.

Hey sleepy.

It was a difficult feat, but Gabriel finally managed to will his eyes to open. Though, keeping them that way would be a struggle. Everything was blurry at first, and the morphine coursing through his veins made it difficult to understand what was going on. One thing was for certain, his entire body ached, despite the drugs. His throat was burning and felt like it had been sliced to pieces. He heard voices, one directly in front of him but it sounded submerged. It took him a moment, but then he realized who was talking to him. Mikko. Either he was dead and she was there to meet him on the other side, or they had both survived somehow. He tried to smile at her, but the nasty tube once again made itself known.


A shaky hand, riddled with IVs reached up and made a sad attempt at grabbing the damn thing. He just needed to pull it out! It wasn't supposed to be there! Fuck! The more he tried to breathe, the more it felt as if it was ripping him apart. Panicked, he looked to Mikko for help, as if she could remove it for him...

Mikko smiled at him and reached out to run her fingers through his hair. When Gabe started to panic she softly grabbed his hand and held it.

I know it sucks. I've had my fair share of breathing tubes too. But it's keeping you breathing, for now. calm down. take slow breaths. she tried to instruct. When you get it out I promise I'll sneak you in some burgers and booze ok.

Eze watched Mikko carefully then looked at his brother. Hey man, You going to be alright. You pulled through this like a champ. get some rest ok.

Michelangelo followed his brothers to the hospital. He had been giggling the whole way, making sideways glances as Raph grew more awkward around Mikko. Raph had never been with a girl before. Usually he is so out of place when it comes to human dating rituals. Mikey is going to tease Raph mercilessly once this trip is over.

Mikey kept forgetting that anyone in the hospital can see them. Gotta stick with the shadows! Surely Mikko already have known that they cannot be seen by humans?

Nothing made sense and everything seemed delayed in his state of drugged panic, but Mikko's comforting gestures seemed to calm the thug some. For now, anyway. His eyes slid closed as her fingers slid through his hair, and he held to her hand. He had noticed that she was injured, too. If only he could speak, maybe he could express his concern for her. But it echoed in the weak hand-squeeze that he gave her, and another conveyed his gratitude. After a moment, he willed his eyes to open and looked at her as she spoke to him. It sucked not being able to talk. Even if the drugs would prohibit well formed words, he had questions. How bad was his condition? Why was there a tube down his throat? Obviously he didn't know about the additional damage that had been done to him, and that he may never walk again.


When Ezekiel spoke up, Gabriel tried to look for him. Unfortunately being in his position made that difficult. Finally Zeke came into view and Gabee grasped for his brother's hand. Was he really here? Ezekiel had been elusive for almost a week. How did he know what happened? His mind was too drugged to remember that he had been there, at what was to be his exaction. Trying to comprehend anything was making it more confusing. Still, he was afraid that his brother was angry at him over this. His hazy green eyes fixated with Ezekiel's as best as they could, trying their best to convey an apology.

Lexi stood at Gabriel's side, trying her best to hold back the tears. Unfortunately it wasn't the first time she had seen him in critical condition, but it was the first time that he had so much to lose. If this played out to be the worst case scenario and he could never walk again, how would he take it? Obviously not good. Gabriel was tough, he had proven that time and time again, but he did battle with depression.


The Purple Dragons had no room for handicaps. What would happen if he could no longer serve them? The only way to leave a gang was in a body bag. There would be no exceptions made for him. Would Hun go through with killing him.. or in some sick twist, would he make Ezekiel? Was this Shredder's intent, to prove that even though he had allowed them to walk out, he had still won? If things went down as she feared, this was certainly the more drawn out and cruel version of Gabriel's ending.


Lexi choked back a sob, not wanting to upset Gabriel any worse than he already was. She tried to push the thoughts from her mind, watching Mikko with Gabe, and now Ezekiel. The bond between those two boys had always touched her. Zeke had always been Gabe's 'safety blanket', and the first person he wanted whenever things got bad. How sad it would be if Hun made Eze finish Gabe off...


"We will need to take shifts staying with him until he's able to leave.." She told the others, knowing that as soon as Gabriel could, he would try to get out of that bed.

Raphael could only hope that his brothers would let the situation fade as they put distance between themselves and the hospital. The red-clad Turtle should have known that wouldn't be the case and his muscles tensed when Leo spouted out his smart-ass questions. Maybe it was intended as harmless ribbing, but there was a heaviness that instantly enveloped it the moment it left the former leader's mouth.


That was...sweet? So where you taking her? And when's the wedding?


They could have been fighting words, but Raph didn't even stop his trek. Instead, he sent a hard glare over at Leo as they once again took to the rooftops. "Bite me, Leo. You know damn well I can't take her anywhere..." He huffed, completely ignoring his jab about the wedding. Even for a joke, that was ridiculous, and just a reminder of the normal things that they would never get to experience.


Raph had heard Mike's giggling earlier and knew the youngest brother was probably chomping at the bit to tease him, and who knew what Don was thinking. "..an' not a word from the Peanut Gallery!" The temporary leader warned as he sprinted across rooftops, destined for home. On the surface he may have seemed unfazed, but underneath all that, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of guarded excitement. Mikko wanted to see him again. Maybe she hadn't been after just bragging rights earlier that night....

Donatello was silent, but his mind was in overdrive right now.  He knew Leo was joking about the wedding thing, and Raph probably knew it, too.  However, he caught the look intended for their brother in blue and Don just rolled his eyes.

Don was deeply curious about how this meeting went down between Mikko and Raph.  He didn't need to know every single detail, but he did want to know how they knew each other.  And just how far have they gone in this 'relationship' this early in the game.  Surely Raph wouldn't have tried going all the way...

If it did happen, Don couldn't help but feel a little jealous about it.  He still didn't think any of them could find true happiness with a female.  But, if Mikko was this attached to his brother already...maybe it would be nice to be proven wrong for a change.

Mikko leaned down and pressed a kiss against Gabe's forehead. It's alright, babe. get some rest. You'll be out of here in no time.

She looked over at Lexi and nodded. I can stay with him tonight.

Ezekiel grabbed Gabe's hand and gave it a squeeze. He then looked at Mikko and shook his head. I will. You should go. as i said before. His tone was calm but threatning. He didn't want to lose it in front of Gabe. But once Gabe was better he would explain that he shouldn't be hanging around Mikko.

I think you've done enough help for the day.

Mikko didn't say anything she wasn't about to start a fight in front of Gabe. She put his hand up to her lips and gave him another kiss.

I was teasing, Raph but in all seriousness. If you don't share her feelings you should tell her soon. And that's all Leo would say about it for now. He then motioned for the others to follow him back home. Again taking the leader role. Old habits died hard.

When Mikko volunteered, and Ezekiel strongly voiced that he would stay, Lexi was afraid those two would get into it. It certainly wouldn't help Gabriel any, seeing those two arguing and being unable to do anything about it. Thankfully they seemed to realize that, and kept it civilized, for now. Lexi was almost confident that it would be Ezekiel staying. Though, Lexi would most likely sleep out in the lobby, at least until Gabe was over this critical point.  


It seemed that having Ezekiel close was putting Gabe at ease, and Mikko's affections wasn't hurting things any, either. Though, Lexi inwardly tensed, expecting for Ezekiel to say something to her. "Zeke, I can stop by your place and make sure Isabella is okay. I'll let her know that you won't be home tonight. Is Mama watching her?" She asked, assuming that she was. Mama was the older woman that had taken Ezekiel under her wing when he was younger. She had also welcomed Gabriel when Zeke dragged him home, all those years ago. She was a God send, especially considering how busy Ezekiel had been lately.

Ezekiel nodded to Lexi. That would be great. But...Could your boyfriend not go there. Don't want the foot to know where I live and all.

Just then Tiphanny came in and slowly walked up to the bed. She looked down at Gabe but didn't say anything. This was the first time she experienced almost losing Gabe. The first time she seen anyone get this hurt. She was having trouble keeping herself under control.

Ezekiel patted Gabe's shoulder lightly. Look man, I have to step out and have a word with your girl. But I'mma be right back He looked up at Mikko.

Mikko sighed and rolled her eyes. Yeah we have very iportant things to talk about I'll be right back too. She kissed Gabe's cheek and then walked out the room with Ezekiel .

Of course Ezekiel didn't want Laz at his house. It was also obvious that Eze didn't like him, and that was slightly irritating. She understood that he was trying to be cautious, but he wasn't even giving the guy a chance. "Ex Foot.." She reminded the gang leader, but knew that it would do little good. Ezekiel's mind was made up. There would be no swaying him. It also concerned her that Zeke and Mikko needed to 'talk', but at least they were taking it out of the room.


Once Ezekiel and Mikko stepped out, Lexi moved over to Gabe and leaned in to press a kiss against his temple, and gingerly ran her fingers over his cheek. "You had us worried there.. you've got to stop doing that." She told him, but knew that Gabe had no control over it. Bad luck just always seemed to find him. Fortunately he was tough, but Lexi knew that one day that luck would run out.


Tiph had been so quiet when she came in that Lexi hadn't noticed her until she moved over to Gabriel's bed, looking as if she was on the verge of a break down. Even in his state, Gabriel also seemed to notice and he weakly reached for the girl's hand. Lexi gave Tiph a hug, then encouraged her friend to move closer to him. "He's pretty drugged up, but if you want to talk to him, he can hear you. Don't be afraid."[/color][/color]

Ezekiel opened the door for Mikko, putting up an act for Gabe. Mikko even thanked him playing along with the act. They moved into a more secluded room that was just across the hall. Then the act dropped. Eze pushed Mikko against the wall pressing his arm against her neck. You leave Gabe alone. Leave us alone. You're nothing but trouble and going to get us all killed.

Mikko let Eze pin her. She was cofident that she could get away any time she wanted. She listened to the man then shook her head. With any luck you'll be the first to go.

Obviously the girl wasn't taking him seriously. He put pressure on her throat and repeated him self. But Mikko just smiled and lifted her head to pat his cheek. So brave. ugly as sin, but brave. You should let me go now.

Or maybe I'll just kill you. Bring your body to shredder. or Hun. That should make things better between the dragons and the foot. at least for our little group.

Ok. Kill me then.

Ezekiel stared her down but Mikko kept that same sweet smile on her face. Either she was putting on an act or was really insane. He let her go only to aim a punch at her face. A punch that didn't his it's mark. Soon Eze found his arm painfully behind his back and him on his knees. Mikko holding him tightly.

Well that didn't work out for you. Mikko started to go on and on about how much better she was and that she was going to do as she pleased and he couldn't do anything about it. She was arogent for sure. She also didn't notice the switch blade that Ezekiel had pulled out with his free hand.

Mikko might have had him in a tight grip, but she was still just a 98 pound girl, she wasn't that strong. Eze used that to his advantage. Pulling from her even though it would do some damage to his arm, and turning around plunging the blade into Mikko's side.

The ex foot's eyes widen and she looked down as Ezekiel took his weapon back out and was about to strike again. She dodged the attack and kicked him in the face breaking his nose.

Blood dripped from his nose down his face. He wiped his face off and went after her again. But she countered and finally threw him out the room. She grabbed on to her side and hobbled out of the room after ezekiel.

Our friend is in there close to death and this is wnat you want to do now? This is not a fight you will win.

She passed up the man that was still on the floor and went back into Gabe's room. The close she was wearing was dark so hopefully no one noticed the wound that was bleeding. Once she got in the room she went right over to the bathroom to wash up.

_______________________________________________________________

Tiphanny took a hold of Gabe's hand and gave it a squeeze. She had nothing to say to the man, nothing she wanted to say in front of anyone anyway. So she just nodded and gave Gabe a smile.

Gabriel wondered why Tiph wasn't saying anything, but he could tell that she was emotional.. because of him. The drugs were pulling him under but he managed to give her hand a squeeze as he struggled with his eyelids. Unfortunately it wasn't a battle he could keep up, but it was an important one for now. Ezekiel was nowhere to be seen. He had left again and who knew if he was coming back. That upset Gabriel, but he had no way of conveying it, other than a deep sigh.


Lexi had noticed as Mikko came back in, and made a bee line for the bathroom. She had come alone, with no Ezekiel. That caused Lexi to worry. What had happened? Her gaze shifted to Laz and she whispered so only he could hear. "Go check on her. I'll see if I can find Zeke." Maybe he had just stepped out to smoke, but she doubted it.



After she stepped out of the room, Lexi spotted him a little ways down the hall... on the floor. The sight caused her breath to catch in her throat. "Eze!" She yelled and rushed to him, kneeling beside him on the floor. "Please don't tell me you two got into a fight.." But she knew, that's exactly what happened.

Tiph seen that Gabe was falling back asleep and that was probably a good thing. He need to rest and she knew if he was asleep he wouldn't be in pain. Then Mikko came back alone and went right to the bathroom. Laz went into the bathroom as well and Lexi left the room. She was as alone as she was going to get.

She pulled a chair up to the bed and sat down so she could be closer to his ear, so he would be sure to hear her even if she spoke low.

Gabe. I know this probably isn't the time for this but I have to tell you something. I almost lost you today. and if I had it would have been to late to tell you how I feel. Gabe I love you. I'm in love with you. You are my everything. I joined the gang because I wanted to be closer to you. I need you in my life. So you have to get better ok.

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Mikko was washing the blood off of her hands as Laz came in. Damnit. You had to fight? He asked in a hushed tone.

I swear to you it wasn't my fault. He attacked me. I stopped him and tried to calm the situation down but then.... she lifted up her shirt. He stabbed me.

Laz grabbed papper towels and pressed it against her wound. You need to see a doctor. You're losing a lot of blood.

She shooed him away and put her shirt back down. It's fine. I'm fine. I'm not bleeding that badly.
___________________________________________________

Ezekiel stood up and held his nose. It's fine. I just need to stop the bleeding before I go back to Gabe. I'm better off then Mikko is. He looked at Lexi and frowned. I had to protect Gabe. I had to get rid of that girl. She's a danger, to all of us. So is Laz. Please Lexi. I'm begging you here. Be resonable. Do you want to end up like Gabe. Because I don't want that. I'm not asking you to turn the two in to the foot or to Hun. I'm just asking you to stay away from them.

Lexi helped Ezekiel to his feet and tried to survey the damage. Of course it was broken... fuck. Zeke really needed to be in there with his brother, but now he himself needed medical attention. "You don't think Gabriel is gonna notice when your nose begins to swell and turn purple?!" She huffed. "You need to see a doctor, Ezekiel Blat." The young woman was angry. Any time she used your first and last name, your ass was in trouble.


"You need to get that set and get some rest. Looks like I'll be taking the first watch." Not that she minded, but tomorrow when Gabriel woke up and the pain and regret and depression took hold, he would be wanting his brother. And Zeke wouldn't be there. Then he told her that he was trying to protect Gabe, and that she needed to stay away from Laz. That certainly wasn't helping her mood any. "Look, I know you're trying to help. You're trying to keep us safe. You're a good leader, Zeke. But Laz... I know this is cheesy, but I think he may be my shot at happiness, so I need you to understand that. You don't have to like it, but just try to be open minded. Get to know him.. I'm willing to take a risk for him."

The bleeding had finally stopped and he found a towel on a metal roller. He wiped his face off and poked at the tip of his nose. Maybe when he sees what she did to me he'll know she's dangerous. I got her pretty good though. So we might not have to worry about her. I'm going diliver her to Shredder. As for your boy, fine. You want to take that risk I can't stop you. But the moment something bad happens because of him I'm stepping in.

He made sure he was cleaned up then started to head back to Gabe's room. I can take first watch. the nose will heal.

Gabriel was struggling to stay awake. Struggling to grasp to anything that would keep him conscious. Tiph was now setting in front of him and talking to him, but a lot of what she was saying wasn't registering due to the inevitable pull of the drugs. He did make out the word 'love' and she was obviously upset and maybe even scared. The injured thug tried to comprehend her words, but gave her hand a weak, supportive squeeze. His eyes were still fluttering but he was determined to hold on, at least until he knew where Ezekiel was.


Then a familiar silhouette could be seen by the door. Ezekiel was coming back, and not a moment too soon. The inevitable pull finally claimed him, and Gabriel finally drifted off to sleep.

Ezekiel walked in just as Gabe's eyes closed. He pulled a chair up to the other side of the bed and sat down. Tiphanny noticed his face but didn't say anything. I'll stay with you tonight. she told him.

Ezekiel looked up and nodded. He would have protested but he could see how worried she was for Gabe. If she left she might have a nervous break down or something. sure I could use the company. You want something to drink? Food or anything? I could use a bite to eat.


Maybe some coffee. Saw a machine down the hall. I'm not really hungry though.

Ezekiel stood back up and walked back over to the door. He's going to be alright. Try not to worry too much.

Tiph gave a weak smile and nodded. Wish I could do more then just worry.

After cleaning off, Mikko walked out the bathroom with Laz and started to dig through the cabnits and draws of the room. Finally she found a kit with bandages and started to dress her wound. She would need stitches But she didn't want to go to the doctor and ask. Laz could do the job just fine.

She took the seat that Ezekiel left. I should get going. But I'll be back in the morning.

Laz put a hand on her shoulder. Yer not going anywhere till you get that wound fixed.

Now Lexi was worried about how badly Ezekiel had hurt Mikko. She had gone back into the room, so hopefully it wasn't anything too serious. It seemed that he planned on turning the girl in to Shredder. And who knew what he would do to Laz. Yeah, he seemed to understand that Laz was her choice, but what was he really thinking? Would he try to kill him to remove the threat? That certainly seemed to be Ezekiel's style.


She wanted to voice her opinion on his choices, but he ducked back into Gabriel's room before she had a chance. She followed him back in, seeing that Gabe had fallen asleep. That was a good thing. He needed to rest and if he was sleeping, that meant he wasn't hurting too badly. Tomorrow, God, how she dreaded it... for him. The pain and the soreness, and he would probably be conscious enough to realize where he was.


Lexi listened to the exchange between Eze and Tip, and it seemed that the gang leader would be stepping out of the room to get food. "I will walk with you.." She offered, because she wasn't finished having that discussion with him...

Whatever. As far as Ezekiel was concerned the topic was over. He didn't want to talk about it anymore. He would do what he needed to do to insure the safety of his little family. Some people would get hurt. Physically, maybe emotionally. And Gabe might hate him for a time. But Eze rather be hated then have to bury his brother.

He walked out the room and closed the door behind them.

I'm guessing you still want to preach to me.

The brothers sprinted across the rooftops, clearing the distance with the greatest of ease. This was always exhilarating. Normally Leo's nagging would be nothing but background noise whenever Raph was in his zone, but the topic at hand certainly held the red-clad Turtle's attention. Mikko. It seemed his older brother was giving him advice.


...Seriously?


The Hot-Head slowed his pace, casting a quizzical look at his older brother... "Share her feelins'? What the fuck, Leo.... I just met the girl. I dunno what I feel, and she can't know what she feels, either. Ain't this stuff supposed'ta take time?"

Not always. I seen on TV people who meet and then a day later get married. Sometimes you just know I guess. What I'm trying to say is, the girl obviously has a crush on you. Girls don't normally go around holding guys hands and kissing them and what not. Least i don't think so. So she likes you. If you aren't interested you need to tell her that's all.

Leo leaped off the roof then they came to where they could get underground.

You have a date tomorrow it seems, maybe you might want to shower.