Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Chapter Text
Baron had been living with the Hamato family for about three months now, just some time after defeating the Shredder. The old lair back in the sewers got destroyed by the Foot clan. The family had lost everything. Memories from when the turtles were toddlers, old drawings on the walls, pictures, life savings. Everything.
It was hard for the family to accept the reality of having no home, losing everything they built that took little over a decade. They had to look for somewhere else to live and start all over from scratch. It wasn't easy in the slightest. Baron didn't want to admit this out loud, but he felt for the family. When the family found a new place to live at, Baron step in to help rebuild their new home.
Having been with the family for a few months now, there have been some good days with the family and then there have been some bad days, but nothing that would drive Baron out of the abandon subway station. Leo might be a slight problem, but Baron has been shrugging it off pretty well.
The only person- Turtle!- who has been more than happy to make him feel at home and put any effort into forming some kind of relationship, is Michelangelo. Now, it isn't like the other turtles don't like him- *cough* Leo *cough*- they just didn't go out of their way to show him around, help him with whatever he needed around the station, took time of their day to have a real conversation to know each other. Mikey has been the only one to show interest in the goat.
It wasn't Splinter's idea to have Baron live with the family; it was Mikey's. Splinter was against the idea for a while but with Mikey's convincing's, pleads and puppy dog eyes, it was hard to say no forever. It was a new adjustment for everyone- Including Mikey.
Splinter and Baron's relationship is a little rocky, but better than before. Raph has a decent relationship with Baron. Donnie too has a decent relationship with Baron. Leo on the other hand... Not a fan of the idea of the goat staying with the family, and he makes sure that Baron knows that at any chance he gets.
Mikey. Mikey is a doll. He includes Baron in his conversations, includes him at the family dinner table, family game days, movie nights. He knows more about Baron than everyone in the sewers combined together.
But, after all, Baron has only been with the fam for three months. And to be quite frank, with Baron and his history with the family in the past, it's not going to be easy for the family to just walk around the lair and not think of everything Baron has done and put them through in the past. It's still a tough past to act as if it either never happened or to just kick it under the rug.
Ultimately, the family sees that Baron has been serious about doing better. He's been on his best behavior for months now- even before moving in. He has showed interest in the family, has a job, and hasn't been caught up in anything bad. And he helped them when it came to defeating the Shredder and rebuilting their new home. Now just because they let him in their home, their lives, he isn't necessarily off the hook- per-say. Any wrongdoing and he's out. No questions ask.
••••••••••
Two things Baron is grateful for; One, is he has three rooms of his own, one being his bedroom, the other being his workshop, and the last room being his med room. And lastly, he's able to perform medical work on the family. With the turtles constantly being out and trying to save the city, there is bound to be some injuries. And when one of them is hurt or sick, Baron is there to help them.
Baron has studied in the medical field for years. He has always been fascinated on how the body works, and how to treat illnesses and diseases. And with his knowledge on the body anatomy as well as the turtle's anatomy, he can easily pinpoint where everything is in the boys' bodies. It's truly fascinating with how much knowledge he has when it comes to the medical field.
And if it weren't for Baron being part of the family and keeping a close eye on the turtles, Raph would be struggling right now. Just shortly moving in with the family he notice how tired Raph was getting, how weak he was getting, he kept drinking lots of water, and overall, just wasn't feeling the best. He felt shaky, his heart beating fast, blurry vision and his anxiety would kick in. But thankfully, Raph allowed for Baron to check on his health.
With Baron's med room, he was able to do physical work on Raph and do some blood work too. Baron had his theories- he always does, but he's never been the one to jump the boat and quickly make a diagnosis. He does his testing's and then waits for results.
And speaking of results, it didn't take long for the tests results to come in and confirm his theory.
Raph has Type 1 Diabetes.
With the proper diagnoses and actually going to the Docters in the Hidden City, Baron and Splinter were able to get Raph a Dexcom to monitor his blood sugar levels. A Dexcom is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that tracks the glucose levels, and its wearable. Raph can track his levels on his phone to which Raph keeps a close eye on. And usually with the devise, it's placed on the back of an upper arm or the belly, and Raph has his placed on his left back upper arm. He can keep it on for days, but eventually he will need to change it out. He also has his own kit which has a pricker, meter, test strips, insulin, and syringes.
It was not shocking for Baron to hear that the diagnoses and the devise have made Raph's confidence drop. It isn't uncommon for those who wears a Dexcom to feel insecure. And with the diagnose, which a lot of people tend to mistake type 1 and type 2 diabetes as a health condition due to just poor lifestyle choices- which, by the way, isn't true- makes Raph insecure. Raph fears that people will look at him differently, especially by his family.
Raph has his own crate and mini fridge of snacks and drinks to help with his blood sugar when it gets low. Raph has been managing his sugar levels pretty well, and Baron is proud of him.
Donnie tries to keep an eye on his own health, but most times he's too focus on everything else he tends to not drink enough water, get enough sleep, eat enough. And when he's not feeling too good, he hardly notices it, but his family sees it and helps him, as well as remind him to drink water, eat, and sleep.
Now while he struggles to pay attention to those kinds of things, he always remembers to take his medications for his seizures. He has it written down and timers set as reminders to take them.
Now the medications are to help manage Donnie's seizures and hopefully help him to where he doesn't have one, but so far nothing has been enough to where he went months without an episode. They're still working on it.
Clonic-tonic and Absence seizures. The first time Donnie had a seizure which was a clonic-tonic one, was when he was eight years old when him and Leo were playing toys in Leo's room. Leo didn't see it coming, it had happened so suddenly.
From what Leo can recall, Donnie had drop suddenly and he was jerking his arms and legs, there were groans, and he had spit up some blood- from biting the inside of his cheek. Leo was so scared he felt stuck from where he was standing for a moment. Eventually Leo had drop everything he was doing to go run to their dad, crying hysterically explaining what was happening.
Donnie had tests done like EEG (Electroencephalogram), MRI, CT scans, and neuropsychological tests to confirm if he has epilepsy or not. Once confirm, he was given anti-seizure medications to manage his seizures. Then at ten years old Donnie experienced absence seizures which meant more testings and medications.
Having a support system has really helped Donnie over the years how to cope with the seizures and the insecurities that came with it.
••••••••••
Baron is grateful.
Really. He is. He's grateful for the home, communications, and trusts that most the boys have given him over the past few months. While it was nice Michel had gotten him an apartment a few months back, it was so quiet, and he was getting lonely there. Mikey tried to visit as much as he can, but the little turtle was busy too- saving the city and all.
But then there are times Baron felt like he didn't belong here. Almost like it was a mistake to live here. Sometimes Splinter and him will go at it and at times it can be bad, and then there's Leo who rolls his eyes at Baron, huff and puff, has no shame in discussing how much he didn't like Baron out loud, avoids talking to Baron as much as he can, and even mocks the goat. That sort of stuff makes Baron feel very unwelcome.
But then Raph, Donnie, and Mikey help with keeping him here. And sometimes Splinter when him and Baron are chill. There were indeed good days and some bad days. Baron holds onto the good days and when there are bad days, he'll just think over the good ones and remembers way he's even living here.
Saying this out loud would make someone laugh or question this family.
'What do you mean you let the man who mutated the whole family live here?'
'You let him live here knowing two out of five still has issues with the goat?'
Yeah.
This family is unique, and they wouldn't change their ways for anything of for anyone.
Chapter Text
Baron came out of his room wearing his navy-blue robe and pink slippers, his hair up in a messy bun- he didn't want to do his usual half up and half down. Not this early in the morning he didn't want to. Breakfast first before his appearance.
The smell of bacon and sausage hit Baron's nose as he made his way up to the lobby. He knew Mikey was up making breakfast in the kitchen. Mikey is the early bird of the family, and most times, (being the family's chef) he would make breakfast for everyone. The others would either still be asleep or getting themselves ready for the day or both.
Mornings like this were usual, it would be quiet with the exceptions of Mikey's soft hums and the sound of food sizzling in the kitchen. When breakfast would be done Mikey would make his way around the place to let everyone know breakfast was ready.
During this time when Baron is up, he would either be in his workshop, in the kitchen making himself a cup of coffee and help Mikey with breakfast or be in the shower. Today he felt like helping Mikey with breakfast.
Baron made his way to the kitchen and spot Mikey at the counter beating up a bowel of eggs. He noticed the sink had quite some dirty dishes in it, and he was sure Raph would be the one to help Mikey clean them after their meal. The twins are a bit lazy when it comes to chores, something Baron notice just shortly after moving in.
Baron didn't want to scare the little turtle by his sudden voice, so he just cleared his throat from where he was at the doorframe. Mikey instantly stopped what he was doing to look back and a big smile comes across his lips when he saw Baron.
"Goodmorning, Barry!" Mikey gave Baron a little wave, excitement very noticeable through his twinkling fingers and his voice. Baron gave him a nod with a groggy "'Morning." before he made his way towards another part of the counter where the coffee pot sat at.
"I just have these eggs to make and cut up some fruit and then breakfast will be done." Mikey said as he poured the eggs into a pan. Baron acknowledges him by giving him a hum in response. Baron got the coffee pot set up and ready with his mug already lined up- a mug that Mikey got him- before he grabs a couple apples from a bowel that sits on the counter, then heads towards the fridge to grab a container of strawberries. Setting them all on the counter, Baron then went and grab a cutting board and a knife to cut up the fruits.
"I was thinking maybe you can join me and my brothers when we go out later today?" Mikey didn't look up from what he was doing, but his voice sounded hopeful. Baron had stop chopping the strawberries for a moment to think. He didn't necessary had plans today- non major anyway. He would just stay in the workshop most the day if he didn't have anything to do.
So yeah. Sure, why not.
"I can monitor you boys." Baron went back to chopping when he heard Mikey let out a little squeal of excitement.
"Good! You definitely need some sun. I forgot when the last time you were out of the lair." Mikey giggles. Baron let a little grumble out at that. He hadn't realized he had stayed in the station long enough to the point someone want him out. But he supposed some fresh air, the sun, and tagging along with the teens would be really nice.
"I won't be jumping building from building. I'm still a bit sore. So, we'll be walking today, 'kay?" Baron says as he finishes chopping up the apples, now going for the strawberries.
"That's fine by me! Walking sounds nice. I've been feeling tired lately, I don't have the energy to be jumping all around." Mikey says with a chuckle.
"Lately?" Baron stops his chopping to turn and look at the orange banded turtle, an eyebrow raised.
If he recalls, for a few weeks now Mikey had been extremely tired even when he had a good night sleep in. He would be caught sleeping on places that wasn't his bed, more than twice a day even.
"Yeah. But I think if we get ice cream while we're out I'll be fine." Mikey says, turning to give Baron his puppy dog eyes. "Can we get ice cream while we're out?" Mikey asks.
For Baron, he would simply say, 'Go ask your dad.' But Splinter, the turtle's father, have given the torch of fatherhood to Baron a little while ago, giving him permission to make decisions and set some rules for the turtles. It's something Baron is still trying to get used to. Yes, he is the creator of the boys, but he's only been close to them for half a year now. But Splinter struggles with fatherhood too so, Baron step up to help.
Now, what would Splinter say to Mikey's question?
"I don't know..." Baron tried to avert his eyes elsewhere, knowing if he kept looking into Mikey's puppy dog eyes he'll give in. But Mikey isn't giving up on his puppy dog eyes. Not for something like ice cream.
Baron looked at Mikey's direction for a few seconds and caught the turtles bottom lip and chin quiver a little. Baron sighs before turning his attention back to chopping.
Mikey is a master at getting what he wants.
"Okay, fine-" Baron's sentence was cut short when he felt the younger turtle give him a tight hug from his side. The sudden physical contact made him froze up for a second.
It's just a hug.
"Yes! We can do double scoops- wait, no! Triple scoops!"
Baron only just gave him a forced smile, setting his hand on Mikey's head to gently move him away. "Yeah. We'll get two scoops- Because!" Baron had to put a hand up to stop Mikey from protesting against the idea of two scoops. "You boys already jump off of walls here. I don't want to see what it would look like with half of you on a sugar rush jumping around."
..........
Breakfast is going well in Barons eyes. Everyone was up and had served themselves a plate including Donnie. Sometimes it's hard to get the purple turtle out of his workshop to eat with the family, but today he came out of his room and join in.
Leo isn't getting on Baron's nerves much at the table. He made a couple remarks but that was it. As much Baron doesn't like the treatment he is getting from the blue turtle and how much he wants the kid to stop, he isn't going to push Leo. He's going to let the kid make peace with him on his own terms.
Raph and Mikey are pretty chill at the table. Both talked to Baron the most at the table which was nice. Splinter conversated with him but it was short. Nice, but short. Baron mostly observes everyone at the table, watching as everyone talk to each other and laugh. Mikey had quoted a line from a movie, and it had sent everyone but Baron laughing. These moments were nice.
"Oh, I forgot. Gentlemen," Mikey called to his brothers, grabbing all three of their attention, even grabbing Splinter's and Baron's attention. "Barry will be joining us on our run today." Mikey said with a toothy smile. Raph smiled at Baron and Donnie gave him a nod, but Leo just rolled his eyes. Figures.
"And," Mikey said, dragging on the word for a moment. "He promises to get us ice cream today." Now, Baron didn't promise anything, but Mikey is just being a kid so he's going to be a bit dramatic with his wording.
But the 'promise' of getting ice cream got all the boy's full attention on Baron. Including Leo's.
"You need the sun." Donnie signs to Baron, which made Baron cringe but only at himself. Had he really been in the station that long and everyone else has notices it but him?
"Some peace and quiet around here for a few hours would be great." Splinter says. "This hangover is killing me."
Baron hums softly in thought.
Splinter was out last night in the hidden city to go in Splinter's words, 'Somewhere very, very important and I will be back in a couple hours.' but he was gone for more than a couple of hours. He showed up to the lobby drunk. Baron wonders how the rat is still alive but hey, he isn't complaining about it.
"I can keep them out and busy till two. That'll give you time to recover." Baron suggested. But before Splinter can respond, the kids seemed to be on the idea, while Leo just huffed and crossed his arms, not happy with the idea of being out with Baron for hours, the others were shouting or signing ideas to Baron.
"We can go to the basketball court!"
"We can look at the new pool park they recently open to the public."
"What about the library?"
"How 'bout a little food shopping?"
"Can we stop by at April's?"
Baron stared at Splinter from across the table as the boys shouted ideas at him and at each other, slowly getting out of hand. Baron was hoping Splinter would step in and calm them, but Splinter just grins at him.
"You have many ideas offered to you. You get to decide on what you and the boys will do today."
Baron narrows his eyes at Splinter for a moment. He wasn't used to this. He didn't know what to do. He didn't want to disappoint any of the boys. He had truly hope Splinter would step in and dictate on where they could and couldn't go.
Baron sighs. "We can stop by at April's first."
Seems like everyone was on board with that. Baron was thinking of ways on what they're going to do next, but his thoughts were interrupted when the boys went back to talking over each other, arguing on how today was going to play out. Baron rubbed his temples and Splinter groans from the shouting, a hand coming up to grab his own head in pain.
Great morning they're having.
Notes:
Still trying to figure the Subway lair layout. I've seen the movie and tried to piece it together but goodness it's hard lol.
Thanks for reading!🤍