#turtlebabe83

Donnie rarely asked for help.

Especially when it came to his inventions. They were "his children" as he so eloquently put it.

Which is why it was such a surprise when he asked you to help him in his lab.

Thankfully, it had nothing to do with math or the stupidly long equation written on his chalkboard, but the underground vent system in the lab.

When you arrived at his lab, two large floor panels had been taken out and leaned against the adjacent wall. Leaving a large square in the floor where Donnie was currently working.

You could hear the drill as you got closer. Donnie's purple head, just peaking out over the metal rim.

"Hey, Don!" You yelled over the noise. The drill stopped as he glanced up, goggles down, a large grin appearing when he saw it was you.

"Y/n, perfect timing, I'm just about ready for the ventilation system," He lifted the goggles just above his eyes, wiping dirt and dust off his face.

"Geez, how'd that thing get so dirty?" You crouch down, leaning over the hole and seeing large pipes that he was currently balanced on.

"Raph and Leo took SHELLDON to extreme Frisbee, and he tracked in about 30 pounds of just dirt and sand," He groaned. He hated his workspace dirty, but sand, dirt, and dust were the worst.

"Ugh, it's everywhere," You fanned the air as another cloud puffed out from the vent under Donnie's leg. "I see why you need to clean it,"

Donnie reached up, setting the drill next to your leg and pulling his mask up, spitting and wiping at his face. "Ugh, it's in my mouth,"

You tried to hide the smile that crawled on your face, he was so handsome and didn't even know it.

"Right, so what do you need my help with?" You put your hands on your hips, glancing around.

"Drag that toolbox over toward you and hand me tools as I need them," Pulling down his mask and goggles, Donnie hunkered down, and pulled open a small control panel.

You got the toolbox and waited for him. It was a slow process, the engineering was very specific incase a toxin or chemical got released.

The system was supposed to suck out any bad chemicals and move them through the sewers to an abandoned factory where it could be dissolved and dispersed without harming anyone.

But the system wouldn't work with dirt and cobwebs stuck in the gears.

Donnie would call out the tool he needed and hold out his hand, not even looking up. Your fingers brushed against his as you placed it in his palm.

This gave you a chance to admire him, he had strong shoulders and muscular arms that looked delicious as he tried to take out a rusting bolt.

Feelings your knees start to ache, you turned to lay on your stomach, resting on your elbows and looking down at him.

You both chatted calmly, this is how it always was. You could talk about everything with each other, even if you knew he didn't care about the traffic on your way to work or how you had no idea what half the words he said were.

You both just clicked. And recently you'd gone and messed it up by falling in love with him.

It's impossible not to. He was funny and charming, and looked fantastic in leather pants.

But he'd never responded to your flirting, never made any moves, despite the obvious openings you gave him.

"Could you pass me the..." He started, setting down the wrench and clicking his tounge. "...screwdriver, please?" He seemed unsure, humming to himself as he inspected the rusted metal in front of him.

"Which one?" You look over at the toolbox, seeing several different shapes and sizes.

"Green handle,"

"There are five with green handles," You rested your chin on your hands, and he still hadn't looked up at you, keeping his head ducked down.

"Long and skinny," He pulled off a small metal plate, unplugging two blue wires.

"Slot or Phillipshead?"

He groaned, his patience getting thin. "It's the-" He rose up very fast, not expecting you to be hanging over the edge of the hole.

In a move that only fate could pull, Donnie lips met yours. Being on your stomach prevented you from quickly moving away, but did you really want to?

Donnie stared wide-eyed at you before jerking away, taking a clumsy step back, needing to grab the edge of the square for support.

"Y/n....I am...." He turned bright red, shaking his head and not meeting your eyes. "I am so sorry, I didn't know that you were right there," He put his finger to his lips, as if your touch was still lingering.

"It's alright," You gave a little laugh, trying to ignore the butterflies in your stomach and the deep blush on your face. "No harm done,"

Donnie sighed deeply, throwing his goggles off his head, skidding across the floor. "Oh, I can't do this," He rubbed his palms up his face, covering eyes, looking up at the ceiling.

"Can't do what?" You hated how worried you sounded.

"I can't keep acting like this, I thought it was simple infatuation. You're beautiful, no denying that, but I figured everyone else felt the same, but no. The nerves, the fidgeting, and countless dreams I have of you all lead to one thing." He rambled, laughing as if he finally solved an advanced equation thats been stuck in his head.

"What're you saying, Donnie?" Your heart had stopped, you were sure of it. Your lungs felt tight, your eyes wide as you watched the turtle before you.

"I've fallen in love with you," He chuckled, shaking his head as if he never thought that was a possibility.

"You say it like it's a bad thing," His eyes lifted to meet yours.

"On all accounts it is," Donnie shrugged, looking away. "There's about a 30% chance you like me back, another 26.3% chance you'll be alright with a non-normal relationship like this, and if you don't return my feelings then by all accounts our friendship is ruined,"

"You think there's only a 30% chance that I like you?"

He looked up again. "Well, yes, given the data I've taken and your responses to my flirting-"

"Flirting?!" You laugh, rubbing your temples. "What flirting, Donnie? I've been in love with you for months and have given you several opportunities to see that I like you and you didn't notice!"

"What? No, you haven't!" He argued, crossing his arms.

"Why do you think I always ask you to walk me home after movie night?" You sigh.

"Beacuse you're afraid of getting mugged?"

"And the reason why I sit on the windowsill and talk to you for another 30 minutes even though it's freezing?"

You see the gears turning in his head, his brain processing every moment the two of you have ever shared.

You see the moment it clicks, the light bulb flashing overhead. He sighs, dropping his head into his hands.

You chuckled softly. "~told you so~"

"So...." Donnie cleared his throat, face turning red again. "What do we do now?"

"Well, the way I see it, you can either ask me out or kiss me again," you smile, seeing him gulp.

"Can't I do both?"

"I don't see why not,"

Getting stitched up by a pretty girl really had its advantages, at least that’s what Raphael thought. Donnie’s bedside manners weren’t the best and plus, each time you got closer to wipe blood away he got a phenomenal view.

“Don’t hit me with the ‘you should see the other guy’ because I’m seeing you and all I’m seeing is blood” He quite liked how annoyed you sounded, annoyed with that mix of scared. Concern etched onto your features. Raph did his best to not grin so much, especially when your hand rested on his jaw, the other dabbing blood off.

“But ya really should” It took only a second for your eyes to turn stern and for Raph to simply shut his trap. The quiet of the room didn’t bother him, he was still feeling your hands on his face, so when they had slid to his shoulders, dug into the stress, he couldn’t help but close his eyes.

A slow contended sigh left him, just as you leaned down against his ear.

Raph felt those soft lips there, the shape of a kiss against it. “Why do you insist on bruising up that pretty face so much?”

Is the lair getting smaller?  It has to be getting smaller!  There is NO WAY this space was the same space Kassie, Valerie, Lucy, and Rebel had entered just a few weeks ago!  Ugh…the walls, the ceilings, hell even the floors, are closing in! 

What day is it?  Is it even day time?  What month is it?  How long have we been here?  Oh my god, this is torture.

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Master Splinter, being the wise and observant father that he always is, notices that the women’s moods and, with some in particular, their tempers are starting to strain under the weight of the forced confinement.

These women are of the top-side world, born under the sunshine and raised in the open air, the dark tunnels and caverns of the sewers aren’t something that they are used to facing day in and day out.  If all of his sons are to have a fighting chance at their own happily ever after, something needed to be done quickly because as of now, some inter-personal situations were getting a little tense.

The astute rat waits for all the women to retire for the evening before catching the eye of each one of his sons and silently signaling them to meet him in the dojo.

Leo and Raph walk into the training area together. 

Raphael’s large frame crowds into his older brother’s space and his broad palm smacks the back of Leo’s shell, “Miss Sassy pants really knows how ta slam da door in your face, duhn’t she? The best part is…it’s YOUR door! Ha!”, the big brute chuckles heartily at his old brother’s misfortune.

Leo knows that he should ignore Raphael and not let the his brother’s taunts get under his green skin but needing to release his own tense frustration he wheels around mid-stride and bites back, “Yeah, well, I see that Kassie went to bed without you for the 3rd night in a row”.

Raphael’s face turns sour at the reminder as he and his old brother face off.  He’s about to buck-up and challenge the eldest when Michelangelo bounds through the middle of them doing flips, nearly colliding with Raph’s head, “Watch it, Mikey!”, the red masked beast barks his ire at the youngest.

“Sorry, bruh!”, the exuberant turtle calls over his shoulder.

The three brothers kneel before their sensei as the fourth belatedly joins them, his glass framed eyes still engrossed in the data on his tablet, periodically glancing up to give his master his divided attention.

“My sons”, the rodent master solemnly begins, as he stands with his hands clasped behind his back, “I have noticed that our guests are stressed”.

“Ha”, huffs Raph with a grumble in his voice, “dat’s an unda-statement”.

“Raphael!  Do not interrupt.”, Splinter’s correction is quick and sharp. 

Mikey’s half-hidden chuckle can be heard in the resulting silence and Donatello slowly puts away his tablet hearing the seriousness of his father’s tone.

The ninja master continues, “As I was saying, our guests were forced here under circumstances that were out of their control.  They are not used to our way of life.  We must endeavor to make their stay more comfortable and to gift them a reprieve from the confinement of the sewers”.

Leonardo and Donatello exchange quick worried glances before Leo hastily, but reverently speaks up, “But, dad, they’re being hunted.  We can’t just let them wander around the city unprotected until we stop whatever it is that Jared and Karai are planning”.

“I concur, Leonardo”, the old rat acknowledges with a dip of his head, “However, we must not imprison them as our adversaries would do, even if it is for their own safety.  We must figure out a way to give them a break while keeping them safe”.

Mikey is in complete agreement with this father’s words, he can see the effect that the lack of control and freedom is having on his shining sun Lucy.  Even with his best jokes and antics, it is getting harder and harder to get her to smile and giggle.  These aspects of her are what he treasures the most and he isn’t willing to sacrifice them.  Remembering the fear and darkness in her lovely blue eyes when he found her strapped down in that cage that Stockman had her in, sets his blood boiling each time he thinks about it. 

His bright sunshine needs a taste of freedom soon and he’ll do everything he can to ensure she gets it, “Guys, they need this.  They’re slowing fading down here.  At least, we get to go out and patrol at night, but they aren’t allowed to leave the lair”.

The four brothers take turns looking at one another, silently agreeing, but shrugging as to how to remedy the situation. 

After a moment of quiet contemplation, Donnie raises his hand in the air and offers, “Actually, I believe there are several issues that we need to address…”. 

Turning to Leonardo, the purple clad terrapin continues, “One, we need to get close to Jared to see if he’ll let something slip.  Two, we need to build more trust and cooperation with the police force, to align them with our cause. After all, it is one of their own that we suspect to behind kidnappings and mutations.  And, three,…the ladies do need a distraction.”, the slender turtle acknowledges, while nodding his head, seeing the wisdom in his father’s words and inwardly acknowledging the frown he’s notice marring the beautiful face of his own sweetheart lately.

Leonardo looks from his father and his genius brother, seeing the logic of their thinking but still worrying for the safety of those under his charge, “What do you suggest, Donnie?”.

A clever smile graces the face of the Donatello as the plan springs to life in his overactive mind, “I suggest we host a Halloween party for the police department personnel and city officials that know about us. We can gain the favor of police with our party.  The ladies can hide in costume and enjoy some time outside the lair.  We, of course, will be there to watch and protect, as well as see if Jared’s behavior will give anything away.”

Not surprisingly, the two brothers best known for action than for caution hop on to this plan right away. 

Raph eagerly agrees with his nerd-brain brother, “Yeah, yeah, yeah…a party is a wicked idea!”. 

Rubbing his sizable palms together and envisioning this feisty red-head in some type of naughty costume has him grinning wide.

Michelangelo starts vibrating with excitement, “Guys, I can see it now!  Music, drinks, all the pizza and candy we can eat…and all the women in as little as possible”.  Splinter gives a small sigh and cups his forehead in his hand.

Leonardo rubs his chin absentmindedly as he thinks through the proposal.  All of Donnie’s points are valid and a party that they hosted would be a more controlled event than a casual stroll through the city, “Okay, then, let’s do it.  We’ll use one of the abandoned buildings closer to the docks.  Donnie, see what surveillance you can rig around the property.  I’ll get a meeting with Chief Vincent to get the invitation started.  Raph and Mikey can handle the music, decorations, and food.  We’ll get Casey and April to help with that as well.  The ladies can help from here crafting decorations, it will give them something to do while we’re patrolling.”.

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The next morning the women are instructed to sit around the kitchen table, relax, and enjoy being served like the queens.  Kassie and Rebel sip on the coffee loving prepared by their turtles as Val and Lucy stir the hot cups of teas set before them. 

The ladies all look at each other knowingly, something is up. 

The guys are too happy and chipper this morning.  Additionally, while a big family breakfast is their norm, it is rare to see them all dancing around the kitchen helping Mikey flip eggs, fry bacon, toast bread, slice fruit, and squeeze fresh orange. 

Something was definitely going on.

As Raph adds strips of crispy bacon to Kassie’s plate, Kassie takes the opportunity to press for information, “Okay, big guy, spill it.  What happened?  What did you do?”. 

Raph’s face morphs into a comical expression of feigned innocence, “What do ya mean?  Nothin’s happened.”. 

Kassie continues to stare at him, watching for the innocent mask to fall but he just turns and starts adding the salty crispy strips to Rebel’s plate.

Mikey’s dishing out large portion of eggs on Lucy’s plate while coming to Raph’s defense, “Yeah, nothing’s wrong sweet cheeks, we’re just trying to make your morning a good one.”. 

Donnie sets small plates of toast and muffins in front of each of the women, planting a kiss to Rebel’s forehead as he sets her plate down. 

Lucy and Val exchange glances. 

Finally, as a green hand slides over her shoulder to add slices of orange to her morning tea, Valerie has had enough of the odd behavior and quickly places her hand over the steaming cup, blocking the attempt.

“Okay, that’s it.  What’s going on.  Ya’ll are acting strange”, she asks directly at the blue eyes staring at her in surprise.

Leonardo sighs and rolls his eyes, this woman is going to be the death of him, “Why are you suspicious of everything?”. 

Valerie just sits staring at him. 

After several tense moments of them silently staring at one another, the Leo brings the stalemate to a close with a sigh, “Fine.  Look, we know this whole situation hasn’t been easy on you ladies.  Your lives have been turned upside down.  We wanted to make your morning easy and enjoyable.  Plus, we have a surprise for you.”.

At the mention of a surprise, the cautious faces of the ladies brightened a little.  “A surpise?”, squeaks Lucy in glee, “You blokes don’t keep us waiting, what is it?”. 

A broad proud smile pulls at Mikey’s face, “Angel Cakes, you’re going to love this!  We are throwing at Halloween party and you get to be my date!”.

“Wait! What?”, Rebel exclaims in disbelief around the bite of eggs in her mouth, “Are you guys being serious?”.

Donnie takes a sip from his coffee mug before sliding a seat up beside Rebel.  Sitting down, he loops his long arm around her shoulder, “It’s already planned out and guests invited.  Now, we just need to come up with costumes.”.

The atmosphere around the table changes, the heavy down-cast mood lifts, and everyone is excited to discuss the event. 

It is decided that the women will order parts of their costumes online have them shipped to April’s apartment.  They’ll get to spend the day there getting ready and enjoying a bit of sunlight, something that they have truly been missing.  Later that night, they’ll be escorted to the party location by Chief Vincent and several other officers to ensure their safety.

Mikey and Lucy decide to do a couples themed costume.  As they discuss the logistics of their idea, Raphael grows a little jealous of their excitement.  A couples theme…huh…something he thought he would never have the opportunity to do in his life. 

Later, as he helps Kassie back in bed, he asks if they could do a couples theme as well…which shocks the hell out of Kassie.  She never imagined her rough ninja would be so sentimental.  She readily agrees to allow him to pick their couples theme, which makes his face light up like the sun.

As they are discussing their theme, there’s a knock at Raph’s door.  Lucy peeks her head into the room and asks, “Ready to discuss our girl costumes?  Val and Rebel will be in to join us as soon as they are done washing the dishes.”.

“Dat’s my cue ta leave”, Raph states as he skirts around Lucy to leave the room.

“An actual American Halloween party!”, Lucy exclaims as Raphael shuts the door behind him, “I’m gobsmacked.  I haven’t been to a costume party in years.”

“I’m just excited to get to spend the day at April’s apartment and seeing the sun for a bit”, Kassie replies.

The two women chatter excitedly as another knock is heard at Raphael’s door.

“Come in”, Kassie calls from the bed, where Raphael has propped her up and tucked her in for comfort.

Leonardo and Donatello enter looking sheepish and awkward.  This should be interesting, Kassie thinks as she studies their body language. 

Leo clears his throat, keeps his eyes on the ceiling, and starts to speak, “We’d like to ask your advice, ladies.  We’d like to know what kind of things Rebel and Valerie might be…uh…well, you see we’d like to…ummm….”.

Donatello rubs the back of his neck and stares at the floor as he speaks up to help finish Leo’s failing sentence, “We’d like to impress them with our cosplay choices.  Are there any genres or themes that they would appreciate?”

Kassie and Lucy fight to hold in their giggles at the obvious discomfort of the two males asking how to impress their friends.  Kassie keeps her face as neutral as possible as she replies, “Aw, that’s sweet guys, I’m sure Lucy and I can help you pinpoint something that will interest them.”

Moments later Valerie and Rebel pass Donatello and Leonardo exiting the room. 

As the two women join their friends on Raphael’s bed to discuss their wardrobe plans, Rebel has to ask, “Why did I just over hear Donnie stating that he needed to pull out his welding equipment? What is that industrious turtle up to?”.

Lucy and Kassie exchange looks and bright smiles.  “Ohhhh, nothing.”, Kassie replies in a sing-song voice as Lucy snickers in the background.

“Okay, so what are we all dressing as?  Should we do a group theme?”, Valerie asks as she falls onto the bed.

“Mikey and I are doing a couples costume”, Lucy replies back.

“Interesting enough, Raph and I are too.”, adds Kassie, “So, sorry, no group theme, Val”.

“Fine. I guess I can go to my standard ideas comic hero or video game character.”, the burnette replies nonchantlantly.

“What do you see Donatello getting hard over?”, Rebel inquires to the group.

“A computer or a tool?”, Lucy chuckles jokingly.

Kassie scrunches up her face at the suggestion, “Mmmm..maybe you could a naughty nurse?”.

Rebel piffs at the suggestion, “I’m that every day, I want something to really knock him on his shell and have him worshipping at my feet.”.

Valerie rolls on to her back and throws her arms under her head for support, “The boy’s a gamer.  I’m on his system all the time, he plays WoW like me, hell, he even plays a Warlock like me.  You know, those Warlocks have a very sexy succubus minion.  I bet he’s watched that animation many-a-time and thought it would be interesting to have one in real life to play with.  She’d be easy enough to replicate, add some horns, some wings, a corset bustier and a whip and you’re golden”.

Rebel smiles wide…”Ohhhhhh….I likey”.

To be continued.... part 2

"Stop being a sour puss and help me!" You chided, moving your step stool for the third time.

You had invited Raph over to help you decorate your new Christmas tree, well, more like had to bribe him with food and begged him because you couldn't reach the top to put the star on.

He was lounging on your couch, failing to hide his wide grin at watching you try to hang lights on your tree.

It seemed he was more interested in watching you struggle with the lights.

You'd just moved into a new apartment and bought a new tree to fill the corner by your fireplace. It was perfect, until you actually checked the height and realized your mistake.

If you were honest, it was a great excuse to get some one on one time with your crush, normally one or more of his brothers would also be in the room. Not that you didn't like them or didn't want to hangout with them, but your crush on the big brute was driving you insane and you couldn't gage if he felt the same.

He always had this annoying chill persona on, nothing bothered him or got to him but he had no problem complaining or mocking you when he felt like it.

As you peer over your shoulder at him, sitting on your couch, legs spread too far for it to be comfortable, one large arm dropped across the back of the couch, you prayed your face wasn't as red as his mask.

Why did he have to be that buff?

"Alright, alright, if ya stop yelling at me I will," He stands, coming up to your step ladder, taking the lights from your hands and easily reaching up and hooking it in the branches.

"There, now will you stop complain-" He turned his head to mock you more, but noticed just how close he suddenly was.

For the first time you were eye level and he could see all the individual colors that made up your eyes. Your skin wad glowing in the light from your fireplace.

Man, he had it bad for you.

You stared deep into his green eyes, gushing over how the flames flickered across his green face, noticing all the little knicks and scars on his face.

His eyes were wide and for the first time since knowing him, he actually looked.....vulnerable.

You shakily exhaled, licking your now very dry lips.

"Do you want something to eat or drink?" You blurt out, mentally smacking yourself. Why are you talking?! Just kiss him!

He shakes his head, taking a step back, rubbing his hands on his sweatpants. "Um, yeah, I wouldn't mind something, I guess,"

Great going, you just ruined the moment.

You step off the ladder, now very small compared to him. You saw his walls go back up and that annoying persona come back.

He smirked, staring down at you. "Will you make me a hot chocolate?"

You scoff, pushing past him toward the kitchen. "Name all the reindeer and I will."

Reaching the the cabinet, you pull out two Christmas mugs and start making the drinks.

It takes a minutes for the water to boil and you take deep breaths to calm your racing heart. You were so close, were you scared to make the first move? What if he rejected you?

You shake your head, even if he did reject you he wouldn't be an ass about it like your other ex crushes. But what if he did like you? That'd be a fun conversation you'd have to have with your parents.

The water was finally boiling and your poured an almost even amount into each mug, then getting the powder packets and pouring them in.

Raph saunters in, leaning over your shoulder. "Smells great,"

"Thanks," You smile, trying to not enjoying how your side is practically pressed against his chest.

"Are you putting crushed up candy canes in it?" He steps back, noticing how you tensed momentarily.

"Yeah, I'm a sucker for it, have you ever had it?" You hand him his mug, his large hand brushing against yours as he takes it.

"Yeah, I have, but it wasn't on purpose, Mikey has a tendency to just put stuff together and then not tell us," He rolled his eyes at the memory with a small laugh, taking a careful sip.

You giggled, knowing full well he's done the same to you.

"This is really good," He smiles at you, a genuine smile, not the smirks or cocky face he makes when he gets his way.

Now would be a great time to kiss him-

"I'm gonna go finish the tree," Setting the mug down you turn on your heel and head out of the kitchen.

What's wrong with you?! So what, there's a 50/50 chance he'll reject you? That's better then crushing on him for years and years, acting as his best friend.....until he might eventually find someone else to like....then you'll have to support him while silently suffering.

You shake the thoughts from your head, opening up the decorations box and pulling out ornaments.

You start putting them up, trying to not look back at Raph, wherever he might be.

You get the bottom and middle down, you hear Raph sit back down on the couch.

You can't tell if it's a comfortable silence between you or if you both have no idea what to say.

You climb up the step ladder, putting up the ornaments. You reach out to place one of the very edge of the tree, but you're wearing socks and your foot slips on the metal.

It's so fast, you're headed straight for the floor then, staring up at Raph. He jumped from the couch, rush to your side, spun you around in his arms and is now holding you a fee feet from the ground.

"Are ya alright? Yer not hurt?" He voice is low, eyes scanning your face.

You shake your head, hesitantly placing your shaking hands on his shoulders. "No, I'm....I'm alright, I just slipped,"

Raph stared down at you, so small in his arms, clinging to him in the glow of your stupidly nice electric fireplace.

He moved before his brain could talk it out of him, messily pressing his lips to yours, hoping the small gasp you let out wasn't a bad sign.

He pulled back far too quickly, leaving you shocked, red faced, with wide eyes. "I...I'm sorry, I should-"

You cut him off, cupping his face in your hands and pulling him back in for a more controlled kiss. His arms tightened around you, engulfing your waist. He straightened up, pulling you with him, keeping you flush against his chest.

You pulled away, unfortunately, needing air, panting and giggling softly in his face.

"I'm really hopin' that means ya like me too," Raph breathlessly laughed, eyes shining with hope.

You nod happily. "Yes, I do, I really like you," You press three quick pecks to his lips.

"Does that mean I can ask ya to be mine?"

"Recite all the lines from '12 days of Christmas' and I'll think about it,"

Casey Jones had been a loyal and trusting friend of the turtles for over a year now.

He helped them with the Kraang and promised to keep their secret. He was funny, a stubborn piece of shit, and their best friend.

He often picked up takeout for them and rented movies and even went out super late with the guys to play some basketball at an abandoned court.

About two or three weeks ago, Caseys buildings washing machine finally hit the bucket, the old machine was dead and no amount of faith or new parts could bring it back.

Even Donnie had looked at it and agreed it was dead.

At first April had offered her buildings machine, and he agreed for a little bit, then when the water bill got a little too high for her liking, the boys stepped up and offered him their machine.

Now Mikey was sneaking up to the surface after dinner and rushing to Casey's place.

Mikey had misplaced his favorite pair of boxes and he was sure it got mixed in with Casey's laundry.

Casey had agreed that Mikey could look through his basket that he had yet to put away.

He lived about 15 minutes from the lair, but with a rocket board it took 8 ½ minutes. He landed on the fire escape with a quiet thud and slid the living room window open.

"Case? You home?" Mikey peered around, stomping his feet on the mat he had placed under the window. "Don't freak out dude, its just Mikey," He called again, still not getting an answer.

Maybe he stepped out for a minute? Or maybe he just went to the bathroom?

Mikey shrugged sauntering through the rookie detectives apartment and opening his bedroom door. At the foot of the bed was a tall gray laundry basket filled with clean clothes.

Without thinking twice, Mikey started rummaging through the clothes. He saw a lot of cool band t-shirts that he wish he could steal, several pairs of very tight pants and boring black boxer briefs.

After dumping out and sorting through the whole basket, Mikey stepped back with a huff. Hands on his hips he throught for a moment, this basket was from just the other day, his underwear has been missing for over 5 days.....so he must've put them away thinking they were his!!!

In his text, Casey had said he had full permission to go through his laundry, so that clearly must mean the stuff in his dresser.

Having no shame, Mikey went up to Casey's dresser and started opening all the drawers. When he found the socks and underwear drawer he pawed through them, his underwear was a bright color so it should be easy to spot.

But something else caught his attention, as he moved a few pairs out of the way, something.....lacy.....hit his hand. Pulling out said underwear made Mikey stop, holding the pair between his two pointer fingers.

These were April's. He knew that because one time April had started her period while he was over and had texted asking for a new pair. Mikey -having no idea what a period was- had grabbed this exact thong.

Why was it in Casey's dress-

"JESUS, MIKE!" Casey yelped, coming into the room, not expecting to see the youngest turtle. "Don't scare me like that, dude," He laughed, running a hand over his hair.

Casey's smile dropped when he saw what exactly Mikey was doing....and holding.

"Why do you have a pair of her panties in your dresser?"

"WHY ARE YOU IN MY DRESSER?!"

Mikey glanced at Casey, never had he seen him so startled, his eyes were wide and his face bright red.

He hoped the underwear was an accident, maybe something leftover from when he used April's machine a week ago, but it was clear the only mistake was someone finding them.

"Are you-?!" Mikey gasped, dropping the thong to the floor like it was poisoned, hands covering his large mouth.

"Mike, I can explain-" Casey took a step into the room.

"Have you and April-?!" Came Mikeys muffled question, still not removing his hands. He couldn't bring himself to ask the question.

Casey cringed, looking away, he wasn't sure how but Casey turned an even darker red.

"Oh my god, you guys still are?!" Mikeys hands slid up his face to cover his eyes, he turned away from Casey, groaning as if he were in pain.

"Alright just....just listen, Mikey-"

"You banged my sister?!" Mikey all but screamed, Casey sighed, running a hand down his face.

"Whose bangin' whose sister?" Casey's stomach dropped hearing Raphs voice in the living room.

He slowly turned, seeing the giant red behemoth standing about ten feet away, stomping his shoes on the mat by the window.

"Raph, what're you doing here?" Casey quickly asked, leaning on the doorframe, preventing him from entering.

"Leo sent me out to get Mikey, if he's not back soon he's gonna miss Splinters evenin' training," Raph shrugged, coming up to Casey, looking over his shoulder at a very distressed Mikey.

"What happened with him?" Raph jutted his chin toward Mikey, Casey stumbled, feeling himself start to sweat.

"HE'S BANGING APRIL!"

Casey saw his life flash before his eyes. Looking up at the largest of his four friends, April's confidant and biggest brother, and his best friend.

He saw the recognition flash across his green eyes and the scowl form on his face.

"You're what?!"

"I-I can explain, cause there's more than that-" Casey took a step back wanting to put space between them, but Raph stepped with him, entering his bedroom.

"There's more?!" Both turtles yelled.

"Can you guys please stop yelling, you're going to wake up the neighbors," Casey took a deep breath, turning so he could face both brothers.

"I can explain, and the truth is.....the truth is that....April and I are dating," Casey started rubbing his sweaty hands together, unable to meet their eyes. "We've kinda been flirting for a while now and things really took a turn about three or four months ago."

"So April letting you use her washing machine was just a rouse?" Raph crossed his arms, throwing daggers with his eyes.

"She did that because she's a good person," Casey argued. Both turtles raised an eyebrow ridge which made Casey back down. "Alright, yeah kinda, we're both busy with work sometimes and it was a good reason that wouldn't be suspicious if you guys caught us in her apartment,"

"Wow," Raph murmered, hand covering his mouth as he sighed heavily.

Casey stared expectantly at the turtle before him, he knew he was going to snap.

"Well I guess that only leaves one option left," Raph didn't meet Casey's eyes but the rookie knew he was addressing him. He spoke far to calm for what was being discussed.

"Which is?" Casey knew the moment the words left his mouth that he was fuc-

"I'M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS CASEY!" Raphs fist swung fast, but Casey had been around long enough to know when to duck. He just narrowly missed his friends fist and ducked into the living room.

"Wait, wait, Raph!" Casey tripped over his coffee table, landing on the hardwood floor. "Let's talk about this!"

Raph stepped heavily out of his bedroom, eyes in a permanent glare, he cracked his knuckles as he stepped toward him.

"Raph, just-" Casey couldn't bring his legs to stand back up, instead just scooting back on the floor.

As if the universe was truly trying to punish him, Casey's apartment doors lock started to rattle, and both men turned to see the one and only April opening the door.

"Hey, baby, I got food-" She unlocked the door with her personal key, a wide smile on her face, large brown bag of takeout in her arms. Seeing her boyfriend and brother in the living room made her smile drop instantly. "What's going on?"

"'What's going on?' What's going on?! You wanna know what's going on?!" Raphs voice rose as he redirected toward the reporter. "What's going on is I just found out that my best friend," He spat the word out through gritted teeth, glancing back at Casey before turning back to April. "Is.....is doing my sister!"

April raised an eyebrow, raising a single finger to Raph. "Watch your tone," Raph sighed heavily, lowering his shoulders. No matter how hard any of them tried, no one could 'out Alpha' April.

April sighed and gave a small chuckle in relief, clearly worried the boys were fighting about something much worse. She set the bag of takeout on the counter as Mikey slowly walked out of Casey's bedroom and stood beside Raph.

"So you guys found out...." She made eye contact with all three men, putting her hands on her hips, unsure of how to have this conversation.

"Yeah, I found your thong in his drawer," Mikey piped up.

April glanced down at Casey who was still sitting on the floor. "You took my underwear?"

"It isn't an important part of this argument," Casey blushed hard, angrily whispering and not meeting her eyes.

April rolled her eyes and turned back to her brothers. "Yes, Casey and I are dating, and I know this is unexpected, but it's my decision and, you know, I'm -surprisingly- really happy. I know it's going to take some getting used to, but please know that I wouldn't be with him if he was a genuine asshole,"

Both brothers lowered their heads, they knew she was right, April could handle herself and they would just have to learn to get over it.

Raph spared one last glance at Casey. "Break her heart I break your face," and with that he promptly turned and left for the window.

"That went better than I was expecting," April happily clapped her hands together, turning to the youngest brother with a smile. "Do you wanna get some food for the road?"

Mikey chuckled, maybe April and Casey dating wouldn't be so bad....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About three hours later after Splinters evening training and eating the food April gave him, Mikey was back on the surface heading for Casey's apartment.

In the mix of the argument, Mikey completely forgot about his underwear. But thankfully it was still relatively early so Casey should still be up.

Like before Mikey opened the window, and just headed right for the closed bedroom door.

"Hey, don't freak out, Case, you're not going to believe it but I forgot to grab my underwear earlier-" Mikey swung the door open and for the first time in his life wished he had patience and the ability to remember to knock.

April was laying on her back -thankfully under a blanket- but let out a loud scream at seeing Mikey, yanking the blanket to cover her chest. And while he couldn't see him, the large lump in the blanket in between April's knees was evidence enough that Mikey should just leave.

He slammed the door closed, covering his eyes. "I am so sorry!"

"What's wrong with you!?"

"Would it kill you to knock?!"

Those were the only things Mikey heard before rushing back out the window.

Maybe them dating was a bad thing.