Seven vignettes for Tumblr's Raphril Week.
He recalled of a faded memory when he first caught a glimpse of her, all while exhaustion kept him from slumbering. Bringing an arm over his head, eyelids soon fluttered shut as the images of that one night from five years ago interrupted his dreams.
The cold breeze caused him to shiver, ineptly rubbing his hands together as his brothers stood around him, overlooking the foreignness of the topside. Always forbidden, their master had argued, from ever leaving the safety of the lair. To never let anyone see them, for it would cause havoc, and separation. Long before becoming a juvenile, he imagined humans to be monstrous, untrustworthy, and unpredictable. The thought of ever meeting one had crossed his mind many times, but always resulting in tragedies for him and his family. His prejudice views altered when he met her, across the streets of Manhattan, that one hasty evening.
Fear and excitement and hope jumbled around his mind, stomach churning and heart racing as his eyes locked at her appearance from afar. At first glance, the roused terrapin only stared, arms crossed, as the corner of his mouth lifted. Something about her arose within him. He dared to reach out, to jump down the building, to run across the streets, only to hide in the shadows of the closest alleyway. Frightened of how she would react, made him hold back. Yet, the words were wedged in his throat, ready to burst out, and prepared to embarrass himself in front of his siblings.
Enough. He told himself. He was no coward, but a combatant. Believing in himself for the first time, he made his decision.
Once brushing away the prolong thoughts of what may happen, he lowered his arms, stood upright, and breathed in, chest filling with air, parting his lips to declare—
"She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen!"
Emerald gaze unhurriedly shifted to his left, confidence parting him, as he met the love struck gaze in his brother's cherry brown eyes.
It was too late.
The third oldest sibling had proclaimed his love, to the same girl that walked several feet away from them.
"She's the only girl you've ever seen." Raphael nonchalantly retorted.
Secured and protected. No one would ever know about his little crush at first sight.
Soon, all the brothers took notice of a black van blocking the girl and father, as several men in suits made a grab for them.
His heart raced once more. Adrenaline pumping, stomach dropping, but ready to fight. Engaging in battle for her. For them. Clutching his sais, he perched on the edge of the building, ready to dive in. But, he was beaten, once again. The purple masked brother leaped ahead of them, inclined to save both humans.
Raphael followed behind. Fought. Showing his skills in an authentic battlefield. Emerald orbs focused at the swiftness of his opponents' moves, but peripheral vision searched to see if she was alright. Noting that she was being cared by the gangling brother, he turned away to fight off another adversary, letting the anger do most of the work.
After rescuing her, but failing to save the father, they walked with her, until reaching the home of a family member. He stood away from her, wanting to forget about that stinging sensation he had when first spotting her after his brother pointed the girl out.
No, he concluded, it wasn't meant to be. His heavy gaze shifted to his brother, feeling pity for him. It will never happen, for neither of them.
He shut himself away in his bedroom, as pretentious and mindless erogenous thoughts skewed his mind. Taunting him, he invited such rapid pleasures of envisioning her close against him, bare legs running up and down his own rough reptilian skin. Crimson hue across her freckled cheeks, heavy breath and foggy stare would keep him tossing and turning.
He awoke to the feathered touches alongside the ridges of his plastron, nails scraping the indents, preventing him from further sleeping. The gentle caress soothed his memories away, inviting the prolonged sensual tease. A smile appeared, large hand covering her slim fingers, thumb stroking the back of her hand.
"Raph?" She slurred, slowly lifting her head from the cushions. Blinking the slumber away, her fingers combed through her messy hair, cheeks flushed as he stared.
"Sleep well?" he asked in a hush tone. "You doing better?" April nodded as she sat up, stretching her arms over her head.
"I feel pretty good." He smiled once she relaxed. "I could probably go to that patrol tomorrow." Brushing the strands of red locks from covering her tired face, he shook his head.
"Nah. You better just relax some more. You had a tough day at yesterday's combat." His eyes scanned at the purple bruises on her shoulder and thighs, before bringing the covers over her form. "Better not risk anymore injuries." April oddly agreed, yawning behind her hand, wanting to lie back against the comfort of the bed.
"Think I can't handle myself?" April teased. "Because," she playfully punched his shoulder, taunting him, "I can handle myself just as much as you can." He chuckled.
"Bet you can." Rolling them over, she squeaked at the weight, hands instinctively reaching up to grip his broad shoulders. He skimmed at how her bright hair spread over the pillow, red tint on her cheeks, and lithe form stilled. Leaning down, he nipped beneath her jawline, causing her to chuckle and wrap her legs around his shell. His hands sneaked under her shirt to feel the warm skin across his calloused palms. He prolonged to tease her, lips travelling toward her neck, leaving behind faint licks and pecks. The redhead enjoyed his tender embrace and kisses, especially after the tough days of training.
Releasing an arm, to further demonstrate gentle care, she pushed him, hovering above, astounding him with her strength. Winking, she shrugged the covers away, a fair hand moving her hair to the side prior to leaning down.
"I…," she began quietly, "never had the nerve to say this, but…" Inching close, her lips met his pronounced snout, hands gripping his biceps while he waited, "I had this crush on you back then." A kiss instantaneously swallowed his overjoyed response.