Cat got your tongue (tag Raphael)

Splinter nods again monitoring April's movements with his ears this time glad and heartened by what she said.

Chuckling at her choice of words in regards to Casey Jones and further celebratory-ness for Raphael, he himself would just be happy to assure Raphael his family awaited his return and in the case of his brothers one day his forgiveness.

He breaths deep and slow monitoring his shell cell occasionally to ensure none of the three at home sons left messages or tried to call. They had not yet. That was promising it meant nothing in the kitchen or laboratory was on fire and Leonardo was for the moment keeping Donatello and Michelangelo busy.

"Also my child whilst Raphael stays here, I might suggest he lead you through some of the basic self defence Leonardo and I have been teaching you in preparation to begin learning ninjitsu." He smiles, "if you and Raphael consent it will give him purpose whilst here and distraction and you can still receive your tuition until Raphael is ready to come home. And it will be a morale and confidence booster for my rogue son." He explains further.

Sharing the chuckle with Splinter and finishing up with the hot chocolates - very fresh and hot because she was not sure if Raphael was soaking in the tub with water or not! and brought hers to the table nodding to Splinter as he explained his idea. Then Raphael's to place near his cake box and weapons and present.

She was actually touched, and confident that the big turtle would be as good, if maybe blunt, teacher as Leonardo and Splinter were with her and felt also a giggle at the irony.

She intended to teach Raph as much as she could load him up with on ladies and in turn he'd be showing her how to correctly posture herself whilst punching someone. Ha! so cool.

But she understood, a way to ease boredom in the moments he was not running about after Casey or maybe Love, give him purpose and something to work on, rebuild the confidence he might have lost in himself with this blow out with his brothers.

Again April was reminded of her own father - it was a very strategic O'Neil way of thinking. "I am fine with it as long as Raphael is." She nods.

As the underwear began to come off, Raphael struggled with doing what was right.. but there was no one around to know that he was being a complete 'creeper'! Soon she was standing there completely naked, and his entire being reminded him that he was 100% teenage boy and 'things' were becoming really unbearable. A deep, low churr rattled in the back of his throat, saliva building in his mouth. He felt himself slipping into that trance and quickly closed his eyes and finally shoved back from the window...


"What the hell am I doin'??" He huffed to himself, then roughly pulled the curtain back into place. His tail was stiff and painfully throbbing, temples pounding with each erratic beat of his heart. It was one thing looking at females in a magazine, but seeing them in the flesh? Something inside him snapped, and he wondered if it would be like this every single time and if so, how could he control himself?



One thing was for certain, he couldn't go back out in this state. First, things needed to ..'relax'...

Taking a moment to view herself critically without the last layer of clothing Erica had to partake in something that most would think was vanity - but was in fact her being careful.

She had a best friend whom lived in the sewers! She daily inspected herself for bumps or crazes or scratches and even little acne spots to ensure there was no infection...

Picking up a soft soft bristle brush - accidentally knocking the toothbrush cup with a louder than should be crash... meh she would clean up after showering... she began at her face, working in slow circles fingers searching for anything, brushing downwards over her neck and collar bones, then towards her .....

Nodding Splinter turns his ears about as he hears odd noises here and then, but each time returning to April and her movements. "I have been thinking of sharing your tuition amongst my sons and myself for some time now in the hopes of building all their confidence, they need to know each is as capable in their learnings and self as they must be in their team leader. Whomever they each decide on." The rat sighs sipping his tea and nods at April.

He was not in a rush, he knew as both a turtle and a teenager sometimes bath time takes a while.

Except for Michelangelo, whom seems to regard those bathings as something to be had on the rare occasion and under threat of limb loss from his brothers or loss of privileges from Splinter.

He sniffs the air and his whiskers twitch.

The lure of 'the curtain' continued to taunt him, but Raphael was frustrated with himself for getting himself so worked up. Pffft, then again... it wasn't his fault! It was her fault for getting him so hot and bothered! But how was little miss pasty to know that she had a secret admirer?



The temptation for one last peek became overwhelming and the big guy finally gave in, moving back the curtain just in time to see her brush go 'down under'..


Holy!


Once again he forced himself to step back, cursing himself for worsening his 'condition'. It was painfully obvious that he would need to.. 'take care of things'.. before rejoining April. There was no way in shell that he was going back out there with..this! No way of hiding it or thinking himself down now...


It took some private time, and another quick clean up, but much later, Raph was as good as new. Well, as good as someone who was sexually flustered could be. After checking himself to make sure there was no 'evidence' of his cum-apart.. Raphael geared back up and stepped outside of the privacy of the bathroom...


It didn't take him long to detect a familiar presence, and then he heard his voice. At first, the rogue Turtle was tempted to retreat into the bedroom, as if he wasn't here.. but deep down, he knew that he needed this. There was also no denying how happy he was to see his father, much like a lost toddler who had been reunited after being lost for too long.


Mustering up everything he had, the red-clad Turtle moved closer to the kitchen doorway, and loomed just within the frame, sadden gaze slightly downcast as he gently bumped his knuckles against the wood, his eyes apologetic even though his father wasn't facing him right now. How to approach him? How do you apologize when words have never been your thing?

April might have just noticed Raphael in the door frame, looking so down cast she wanted to leap the table and drag him over telling him it was fine.

Splinter gave off no sense of anger or disappointment or seemed he'd come all this way to only berate the big reptilian son whom now seemed to somehow have 'shrunk' a little if it were possible. Her great green eyes watched moving towards Splinter whom no doubt had heard Raphael long before those knuckles lightly knocked against wood.

Exfoliated, and clear of anything sus, and now fresh from a shower.

In which she had let her mind wonder in song... unawares the drifting lyrics and her voice not only directed her hands and knowing fingers in pleasurable pursuits under the hot water - but also some one elses... timing her release with a high note in the song - voice strong, amplified and easily carried in the quiet of the night and the excellent acoustic properties of the elegantly designed small bathroom!

But she was clean and exhausted... and quivering. and with a vigorous rubbing and squeezing her hair dry she had then simply flopped into her bed nude - fast asleep within moments.

His excellent ears picked up the singing... alluring and sensual...

some time later... Splinter indeed did hear Raphael moving long before April's smile and the soften glance she cast behind him confirmed the big son was there almost as soon as the soft knock of knuckles registered.

And his reaction was all father.

The rat - agile as a minx and just as fast - turned in his seat

Tea and present and weapons and other thoughts were silenced.

He hops from his seat and wrapped his tail about the leg he dragged the chair over to his son whom seemed almost - frightened of the impending - reception.

But the rat was not mad, his first reaction was to get that chair over so he could simply wrap his arms about his way ward rogue sons shoulders and hold him close in a fathers embrace. "Raphael." His soft greeting like the whiskers and furr that tickled his son.

When his father moved toward him, Raphael didn't know what to expect. Part of him envisioned that tail lashing out and taking his feet from beneath him, or coiling around his arm and dragging him home... but none of that happened. Instead Splinter's forgiving arms wrapped around his shoulders, and the wayward Turtle found himself in a comforting embrace. One that conveyed forgiveness before any words could be exchanged. The tough guy completely melted into the gesture, returning it gently. His snout buried into his father's soft fur, finding comfort in that familiar scent and warmth.


His father wasn't angry, but seemed to understand that he had made a mistake and needed reassurance more than anything...


Moments of silence passed as Raph struggled to get his emotions in check. To swallow down the shame and insecurities that would surely choke him up. Taking a deep breath, he finally released his father from the embrace and met his gaze, conveying his deepest apology. Word were often hard for the reclusive Turtle, but his eyes never lied.


"I'm.. sorry, Sensei..."

April excuses herself to the loo squeezing past giant turtle, chair and rat and heads to the loo.

No in fact she didn't need to go but just for a few moments she would let father and son talk. She knew emotions and expressing them were not Raphael's forte and being there in such a emotionally charged moment would seem so... Awkward.

So she fobbed off, she would be back in a few moments but for now left the two men alone to reunite. Her little huge green brother needed his fathers comfort right now.

One hand. Clawed and seemingly small on his sons left shoulder but iron strong- and one lightly stroked the red cloth covered head in that old rub that he used to bestow upon his sons when they had been younger. A gesture to calm and reassure them of his maybe sometime tough love, but love none the less.

And still to Michelangelo at times.

He could see the insecurities, the shame... as if it was written in as bold white letters as the 'Mikey was here' on Raphael's shell. He knew Raphael was composing himself and sighs softly his smile warm. "Remember my son, there is a sacredness in tears, they are not the mark of weakness, but of power." He let the embrace slip away but the warmth and comfort for his son still hung in the air about them like a cloud. Inwardly he thanked the pretty Miss O'Neil for the space to be alone with Raphael for a few moments.

She understood them in ways only few ever would.

"Apology accepted Raphael, please accept my own - I went about stripping Leonardo of his title in the wrong way - I should never have elevated you when... when the issues were not so clear cut and heavily charged with emotions - I have rectified the situation as best I can. But it still does not relieve me of my part to play. I am sorry my son." He met those eyes usually so full of fire and fight - now looking to him in such regret and sadness. "I will not force you home Raphael, when you are ready you shall come home in your own time... and yes you will be welcomed." He gestures to the table now to bring to his sons attention his weapons his brother brought home, they had been cleaned and cared for. And the wrapped gift. The fresh hot chocolate still steaming away next to the birthday cake box.

The gesture had provided the same comfort as when Raphael was a small child and in need of his father's embrace. Raphael rarely admitted to that need, but tonight had been different. Sure, Raph had walked away several times before, but never had things escalated to this level. Not even after Raph had received busted sinuses from Leo, and in turn the hot-head had cracked his brother's shell. The latest stint had been an entirely different ball game. Because he had tried to keep his brothers safe, and that made him the bad guy. They hadn't listened to him, and Leo went over his head. Everyone followed.


..he couldn't keep them safe, and that scared him to death. That, coupled with making all of the wrong decisions had been too much for the teenager, and the dropping of his beloved weapons was indication that everything had been thrown into question, even his purpose in this family. A hot-headed danger, a raging inferno that needed to be kept at a safe distance. He had been so certain that he was done, but now, gazing at his father.. he wasn't so sure.


As his father spoke, a tear slipped past the massive tough guy's best attempt, rolling a short distance before becoming absorbed by the fabric of his bandanna. His glossy eyes told the story, though. A storm was being kept at bay, but the struggle would not be an easy one.  



The rogue son never blamed his father for any of this, nor had he questioned the old Rat's decision to make him leader, even though it seemed to be in haste. Splinter was often stern, but it was usually with good reason and yielded incredible results. If anyone was to blame, deep down Raphael pointed his finger at himself. He knew that he had made poor choices in the past, hence why the others were so reluctant to follow his lead. And besides, Donnie and Mikey were only being their caring selves. Even though Donatello had been attacked, he was compelled to help out a struggling soul. Even though Raph had been heated on the subject, and still didn't want his family around the potential danger, he couldn't fault his brother for being so compassionate.


For the most part, Raphael had remained silent with only the occasional soft sniffle and not-so subtle eye rub, but finally  he gave a nod, accepting and deeply understanding everything that the aged Master had said and was grateful that he was understanding that his pain would take time, and he needed distance. Master Splinter had forgiven him, but had his brothers? He had even managed to do the seemingly impossible and had pissed off Mikey.

Slowly, his glossy gaze shifted in the direction that his father had gestured, seeing his beloved pair of sai and the wrapped present waiting at the table, resting beside a very welcoming cup of hot chocolate. The sight earned a faint grin as he slowly moved in the table's direction, stopping against its edge and gazing down at the extensions of himself that had been so hastily left behind. A large finger traced over a middle prong, remembering all of the times these guys had saved his life. Had saved his brothers. How much they were a part of his very soul.


"Thanks, Sensei." He said, sniffling quietly. Now the wrapped gift caught his attention and he carefully sat in one of the chairs, always afraid that they would give out beneath his bulk. Fortunately time and time again, they had proved him wrong. His eyes took in the square package as he carefully and almost cautiously took it into his hands, trying to determine what could possibly be waiting inside. He gave it a small shake, then looked over at his father...


"It's uh... not gonna explode, is it?" Yeah. The gesture had touched him deeply, but being the recipient of one too many exploding presents and cakes had left 'Red' a little gun-shy.

April poked her head from the bathroom as she heard the chair move a little. And seeing the two she pulls her head back in and hastily goes to wah her hands, even if she had done nothing but sat on the toilet with its lid down and given the two their space and time.

Now she fought a giggle at Raph's question and gently brushes his shoulder on the way past, smiling at Splinter and moving back to her seat parking herself there taking a sip of her hot chocolate.

Splinter had not hurried Raphael, simply and tenderly keeping up the soft fatherly gesture, being a quiet comfort and his eyes sincere, he was sorry. He had made a bad choice.

Though his gaze and words made it clear he didn't believe that Raphael was a bad choice as leader, he hoped when he gave the red clad turtle his little assignment later and if he accepted it will be a reminder that Splinter had the faith in Raphael as much as any of his brothers. No Splinter was making it clear he'd made the mistake in doing it at such a bad time. Seemed this Love threw his family and sons into chaos and he felt a touch of resentment for that fact. But fought it down, sometimes his sons did not choose whom they helped, they were chosen.

He lightly hoped down from the chair when Raphael made towards the table tail still wrapped about the leg he dragged it back with him chuckling as he spies April - having rejoined them subtly. His ears swivel to Raphael and he shakes his head a grin playing over his mouth. "usually I would caution you, Michelangelo seemed determined that they give something to you today," he pats Raphael's shoulder moving his chair beside his son and nodding, "I doubt it is an exploding gift, but just encase I shall sit here and if it does we will both be covered in it." He says bravely.

Seriously one had to have courage. And sides he just needed to be near his rogue boy for longer.

Casey had gotten April's text and told her that he was on his way. before heading to April's place he picked up a 24 pack of beer. He tossed the drinks in his truck and was on his way. Beer may not have been the best gift at the moment, but how was Casey suppose to have known what was going on. He figured he would drag Raph out and they could hang out somewhere and get drunk, or beat someone up, or both!

Soon he arrived at April's place and he walked through the door. He had left the beer in the truck for later.

Honey I'm home! Where's the birthday boy?

Well, it certainly made Raphael feel better that his father was willing to be at the receiving end of Mikey's prank in the event that the gift was boobie-trapped. But surely Splinter would have detected is something was amiss.. he did have that 10th Rat sense, after all. Or maybe it was a Father's intuition. Whatever the case, having his father so close gave the big guy the courage to go through with this...


Still he was cautious, slowly removing the wrapping and bracing himself for something to splatter his face. After a moment had passed without a big boom, he cautiously cracked one eyelid and looked to see a small picture frame type thing with a large red button that needed to be pushed.


Oy. Big red button... this couldn't end well. But... nah. Mike was sneakier than that. If the thing hadn't exploded upon impact, then maybe.. just maybe he was safe. Swallowing down his reluctance, Raph finally pressed the button and the screen flickered to life and a home-made video began to play...




Throughout the lengthy video, Raph was struggling to suppress the tears, but even his best efforts weren't enough. A few tears managed to escape and he sniffled quietly, but through the emotions he found himself snickering at certain parts. Finally, the video came to an end and the large reptile was quiet for a moment, trying to gather himself. The video was much needed and touched him in a way that mere words could never penetrate. It was a thoughtful gesture, and gave him hope that someday, maybe things could be okay again. Maybe they really did need him... or at least missed him.


Sniffling quietly and rubbing at his eyes as if it was nothing more than dust irritating them, he glanced at his father. "Mikey made this, didn't he.." It was pretty obvious. The text, the beat.. everything seemed so Mikey.


"How.. how are they?"


And then a familiar voice could be heard in the main room. It seemed that Casey had made an appearance..

April giggled -

hysterically but softly behind her hands. Because it seemed rude to laugh out loud - especially at this moment!

But HAH!!

And she watched Raphael - drinking her lil big green brothers reactions to his gift from his brothers, their brothers and felt immensely happy they had not let each other down. Even if there was tension.

What a fund, touching little gift and she was subtly wiping a tear from the corner of her eye just as she heard Casey's voice - of course she had not said nothing when she got Casey's text to say he was coming over.

Looked like Raph was in for a repeat earlier than they both thought. She stands and moves to her door beaming - "Casey!" She greets with a snug and kiss to his cheek and as ever, "Take your shoes off." as part of their usual routine. "And the birthday boy is at the table - want some cake?" She makes a vague gesture towards the kitchen dining area.

He looked well so she guessed he'd not been beating too many crimes up of late - though that probably could change tonight.

Splinter was torn between exasperated humor at the little film of pictures, some that were clearly hand drawn by the looks of hings and the 'music', and a warmth of chuckled enjoyment. One hand lightly rubs his massive sons shoulders just above the point where his carapace formed a lip in comfort.

He nodded at Raphael's first question, "Yes, and no - Michelangelo started the process, he nagged and annoyed and begged and pestered. But when he finally, simply told Leonardo and Donatello what he was trying to do their reluctance faded as if it had never been and they joined in eagerly to find pictures and make the beat." He explains with whiskers that twitched in amusement and eyes that where just as watery as Raphael's in this moment.

One round ear moves towards where Casey could be heard the other stayed on his rogue son and his gaze gentled further his tail slipping across the table to bring tissue closer so the pair of them could wipe evidence of their emotions off their faces if so desired. "Your brothers are ..." He wanted to say well.

Because physically they were.

"Missing you. Michelangelo is a little more subdued - though for how long I do not know. Leonardo is without direction and Donatello is torn between what he feels he must do and guilt. I know he feels this is his fault." He sighs a little. "You are their protector, the strength of the team. And their brother - the three fear they have pushed you away for good and each has his own guilt - but like you they hope it is not an unsalvagable situation."

He hears April greet Casey and chuckles subtly wiping his own eyes, tail now bringing his tea and Raphael's hot chocolate closer to this reach. "I have a ... assignment ... if you wish to call it such, for you Raphael if your willing to take it on whilst you are here with our April."

Raph drew comfort from his father's gestures and efforts to put his mind at ease. It seemed the old ninja master had also became choked up and when that tail that could be so stern (and painful!) so carefully drew in the tissue box, Raph reached and snagged one of the soft clothes and wiped at his eyes...


"It's.. a lil dusty in 'ere.." Because the big guy couldn't admit that his emotions had gotten the better of him, even when it was painfully obvious. His father knew better than anyone that underneath that tough exterior, Raphael was a softy. The big guy had almost composed himself, until his father reminded him that he was their protector and the strength of the team.. and most of all, their brother. Like the video implied, he was stuck with them and honestly, he wouldn't have it any other way. Now he would just have to work toward finding his way back. Splinter assured him that he would be welcomed, but Raph still felt at odds with himself and how he had decided to handle things. He chose to walk away. Now that the dust had settled, the red-clad bad boy was more upset with himself than anyone else.



Overhearing April greet Casey, his gaze shifted in the main room's direction, but redirected to his father as he spoke up, informing him that he had an assignment for him... okay.. so now he was a little worried.


"Assignment, huh? As long as it ain't educational.."

Splinter subtly sniffled, allowing Raphael to see he was as affected, also just being close. His tail curled back around the chair as they both began composing themselves, "Indeed must tell Miss O'Neil to dust more." He nods as they wipe teary eyes and noses, yes he new under the iron hard exoskeleton shield there was a marshmallow layer.

He felt a chuckle bubbling and made no effort to stem it. "It might be a little bit educational," He warns playfully, "But mostly it involves teaching our April to punch so I am sure if you take it on you will enjoy it." He sniggers a little, "I have asked Miss O'Neil and she seems keen, that whilst you stay here or at Casey's you take it upon yourself to continue April's tuition in ninjitsu - we have been starting her off in basic self defense. You know Leonardo and I have been doing the majority of the teaching, and you know the kata's almost instinctively, you will be just as able to continue her instruction as any of us." He fills his son in the warm glow of having comforted him as much as he could and the sounds of a happy greetings between their human friends made Splinter feel almost - whole -

Though it would not be complete until Raphael made his way home entirely.

He sits patiently waiting for the older teen's response, giving the big boy a chance to think over it by sipping at his tea and subtly moving his sons' cup closer to his hands - after all a hot chocolate was best hot!

Hot chocolate long forgotten, until his father moved it close enough to grab his attention. Listening as the ninja master spoke, the hint of a grin tugged at his lips, not at all minding the job that was being asked of him. "You know me.. always eager to punch.." He chuckled quietly as he took the mug between his palms, letting the heat absorb into him. Warmth. A Reptile's best friend. And April's apartment had been so full of it. No wonder he always felt so comfortable here.


Taking a sip of the sweet drink, he gave a sincere nod and licked his lips as he placed the mug back on the table. "I would be honored, Sensei." He told his father, agreeing to become her trainer while he was here. Who knew how long that would be, but even if his spirit mended faster than what her training would take, he would see this through. April meant the world to them and while he vowed to protect her with his life, he knew she had to engage in a normal human life and they wouldn't always be there. They needed to make sure that she could handle herself if and when that day came.

Casey took his shoes off then gave April a kiss. He then walked up to raph and Splinter.

hey! He gave Raph a playful punch in the arm. You ready for a night of debauchery?

Splinter chuckled and nodded, "Excellent than you design and follow through with your own teachings for our April and remember my son, patience, she is starting later in life than you all did and whilst a fast eager learner needs to be reminded she does not have out strength or endurance, do not allow her to take on more than she is capable of." He grins taking a big draft of his tea - wondering if Raphael would note the familiarity of that small speech as Casey joined them here at the table?

When they had met April and she began her instructions Splinter had said the same thing to Leonardo. It was a simple way of reminding the big red clad son he believe them all of the same capability in this venture of instruction - as he did actually them all leading the team.

He would tell Raphael about his handling of the leadership role and maybe encourage his son to talk about this female Leonardo had told him about. And try and offer a once upon a time human man and fathers experience in the matters of the heart.

"I am sure you will do great with our April." Of course April was not 'theirs per say but they all had a habit of calling her such at times, Splinter more than any. He nods his head to Casey. "Hello Mr. Jones." He chuckles. Though he wondered if he should be worried about what Casey had planned for Raphael?

Following Casey and thank his compliance to her request with a peck to that cheek April moved about the chairs back to her own and seats herself comfortably.

She wondered what Splinter and Raphael had spoken about - but was not one to press either and grins, hoping Raphael agreed to train her. She thought learning under him would be vastly different than the tough and firm Splinter and relentless pursuit of perfection in each move like Leo.

And looked forward to it.

She giggles at Casey's words, oh dear looked like Raphael might be having a repeat sooner than thought... but she did give him plenty of warning and he'd had plenty to eat in the last hours of the evening.