Mona's 23

Leo's 16

Don's 16

Mikey's 16

Raph's 15

Raphael pumped his fists in the air in jubilation, his green eyes shining in happiness, and thought, as he and Mona hugged, it's finally happened. Mona's gonna stay here with me and we got a real shot at makin' things work. I can't believe it.

Mona said after pulling apart, "So, what now, Raphael?"
"I'll introduce ya ta the Mutanimals. They fight crime like we do and ya can stay with them."
"You mean I won't be staying with you?" Mona asked disappointedly.
"I think it's best ya stay with them for the moment. We don't really know one another that well yet and I'm afraid that…" Raphael paused, searching for the right words.

"What he's trying to say," Leo chimed in. "Is that he's not ready for a sexual relationship and the responsibilities that could come with it. And he'd like to wait."

"I can speak for myself, Fearless," Raphael snapped and glared at his older brother.
"Oh!" Mona said. "You mean babies? We're different species, Raphael, so not likely we'll have any, but as for waiting, sure. I'm fine about that. No worries."
"That's okay. I never wanted babies anyway. All I want is ya, babe," Raphael lied, even though his heart sank at the news that they may never be parents. He so badly wanted to be a dad, but that was typical fate. He'd found love, which he'd thought he'd never would, but he couldn't have kids.

Typical Turtle luck, Raphael thought. But ya can't have it all, right? I should be grateful. I got a lovin' girl and she's gorgeous, so why am I so down? Gotta get outta it. Mona's all I need.

Mona smiled and said, "Back at you, Raphael. I love you."
"I love ya more," Raphael said and pressed his lips onto hers.

"Get a room!" Mikey piped up, earning a scowl from his emerald skinned brother.

Raphael broke the kiss and said, "Yer just jealous that ya don't got a girlfriend and one as hot as Mona!"

"I can't believe Raph has the hots for a giant newt," Karai said.

"I know, right?" Leo said, elbowing her. "He has weird taste."

"Hey, hey, Fearless. I heard that," Raphael hissed, his green eyes blazing. "Yer jealous too, because I got a girlfriend and yer never ever gonna get one, unless ya grow some balls and make a move on Karai!"

"Me?" Karai said in surprise. "Leo and I are just good friends and that's all it'll ever be."

"That's right," Leo said. "I don't have time for romance anyway."
"Then make time," Raphael said. "Ya need a girl, Fearless. Someone ta love and share yer life with. Trainin' don't keep yer warm in the middle of the night. I didn't think I needed no one either, but meetin' Mona has changed how I feel and I couldn't imagine my life without her in it."

"Aw, Raph's gone soft," Mikey teased.

"Mock all ya like," Raphael said. "But it's true. Love's the best feelin' and adrenaline rush. It's awesome knowin' that someone loves ya and that no matter what, they'll always be there for ya."

"You're just a giant teddy bear, Raphael," Mona said and looked lovingly into his eyes.
"I'm yer teddy bear and yer my sweet rose."

"Barf!" Casey said, rolling his eyes. "I'm going home. You coming, Ape? Bye, zombie."

"Yeah," April said, grabbing his hand. "I'll see you guys later."

"I'll meet ya back at the lair, guys," Raphael said. "Just droppin' Mona off with the Mutanimals." What the hell did Casey mean by zombie, Raphael thought? Gonna phone him when I'm home.

"All right," Leo said. "Be safe, Raph. Later, Mona."

"Bye," Mona said.

XXX

Raphael returned home, went to his room, undressed, plonked onto his bed and dialed a number. "Case, what the shit did ya mean by zombie?"
"Raph, it's two a.m.," Casey groaned. "I was asleep."
"Answer my question!"
"Look, I don't want…."
"Now!"
"All right. I hate that you're a puddle of goo when she's around. Brainless and like a zombie. Isn't because I'm jealous. I have April and I love her. It's just that you're so different. No fun and no personality. All you do is kiss her and it's gross, man. You're so soft. So different from the Raph I know. You're like a love sick puppy. It's degrading and disgusting to see that she has you so wrapped around her fingers."
"Ya are jealous!" Raphael yelled, hurt by his comments, even though he was aware that was how he behaved. But don't all men in love act this way, he thought?
"I so am not! I don't find Mona attractive. Look, Raph. I'm not trying to upset you. I just miss my buddy. The one I can call whenever and go bash Purple Dragons with. That's all. I don't even know what to say to you now. And if you ask me, the romance seems forced, Raph. You've met her a few times and now you're planning on spending your lives together. Intergalactic mail isn't really…"
"Then say nothin' and leave me alone!" Raphael shouted. "I love Mona and if ya can't accept her and the way I am now, ya can fuck off. I'm just a guy in love and I thought ya'd be happy for me. And what Mona and I got is real and gonna work out."

Raphael hung up and threw the phone onto his bed in frustration. Fuck, Casey, he thought, dragging a hand down his face. Don't need a jerk like him. All I need is my sweet Mona. So I'm soft. Big fuckin' deal. I like how she makes me feel. All gooey and mushy and if no one can handle that, fuck them! Raphael lay down, closed his eyes and soon drifted off to sleep.

XXX

The next morning, Raphael joined his brothers in the kitchen for breakfast. "Morning, Raph," Leo said. "You sleep okay?"
"Humph," Raphael grunted, staring into his bowl of cereal.
"I'll take that as a yes," Leo said and smiled. Raphael wasn't a morning person and Leo doubted he ever would be.

"Hey, Raph," Mikey said. "I'm sorry I teased you. I am happy for you, bro."

"As am I," Don said. "It's nice that at least one of us has a girl, Raph. Gives us hope we will find someone."

"It's okay, Mikey," Raphael said. "And thanks. Do ya guys think I act like a zombie when Mona's 'round and that I'm borin'?"

"Well, look at that," Mikey said quickly. "I think my phone's ringing in my bedroom." He sprang up and rushed out of the room.

"And I have something to do in the lab," Don said, standing up. "See you guys later."

"Do ya, Leo?" Leo hesitated. "Go on. I can take it."
"Sometimes, yes. It is kind of sweet, but also annoying, because sometimes we want to talk to you and all you want to do is kissy face with her. I can understand, though. You're in love and love does change people."
"Do ya think our romance is forced?"
"It was a whirlwind one, but forced? I don't know, Raph. Why are you asking me this?"
"Casey thinks so and that I don't got brain cells when she's 'round. It's almost like he's jealous. That's insane, right? I mean he ain't interested in Mona. He said so, so why would he be jealous? And why can't he be happy for me that I got someone? I don't understand, Leo."
Leo scratched his chin thoughtfully and said, "I do."
"Then enlighten me, bro."
"I think Casey's afraid of coming out and he's using April to deny how he feels."
Raphael's eyes widened in shock and he said, "Casey's gay? No way, man. I've seen him and April kiss and ya can't fake passion. Can ya?"
"You can and I've seen…"
"What, Leo?"
"He stares at you when he thinks you're not looking, he looks pissed off when Mona's hugging and kissing you. He asked me out once. Of course, I said no. I'm not…"
"Yeah, yeah, yer too busy ta date. He's crushin' on me?" Raphael said, his eyes widening in disbelief. "No way. No damn way! I'm a fuckin' boy and so is he! This is so…" Raphael said and wrinkled his beak in disgust.
"Watch how he behaves when he's here."
"He ain't comin' here. We had a fight. This is so sickenin', Leo!" Raphael said and shuddered. "Casey digs me in a non-friendly way. I don't want that, Leo. I ain't into guys. I love Mona and I wanna spend my life with her. Casey…Ugh. I feel sick ta my stomach. Hey, Leo? I kinda wish ya'd never told me this. It's made me think differently 'bout him. And I don't believe yer excuses that yer too busy ta date. Is there another reason, Leo?"
"You should talk to Casey. Be clear about Mona and try and stay friends," Leo said, avoiding the subject. "He's your best friend and you need one another."
"Stop bein' evasive, Leo!"
Leo's lower lip trembled, his cheeks reddened and he said, "Yes, there is, but it's not one you want to know. Some things are best unsaid."
"Does it concern me?"
"Yes."
"I can't fuckin' believe this!" Raphael snarled, understanding. He angrily pushed his chair back and stood up. "First Casey and now ya, Leo, because ya fancy me, don't ya?"
"I always have, Raph, but….."
"But nothin'. Yer twisted and sick, Leo!" Raphael growled, baring his teeth. "Lustin' after yer brother!"
"Let me finish, Raph."
"No! Stay the hell away from me, Leo!" Raphael roared and bolted out of the room, intending to lock his door and stay there all day and avoid everyone.

Nausea bubbled in Raphael's belly at the thought of his brother loving him more than a brother should. Casey was bad enough, but Leo? No. That was far worse, because Leo was his brother. They'd grown up together, shared a bed as kids, played together, talked about dreams and girls. Had Leo always liked him? Leo had said that he did. When did it start? Did Leo fantasize about him alone in his bed? The thought revolted Raphael. His proud, noble older brother, the golden boy, wasn't so perfect after all. He was a sinner, because wasn't lusting after guys and your brother a sin?

Raphael was almost to his bedroom door, when Don stepped out of the lab and said, "Hey, you okay, Raph? You look a bit green."
"I'm fine. Just wanna be alone for a while."
"Aw. Really? I was hoping you could help me with a project I'm working on."
"I really don't wanna, Don. I need time alone. Go ask Leo or Mikey."
"But you're here and they never want to help. Please, Raph. I won't ask you again for a long time. Please."
Thinking he'd have no peace if he didn't agree and that maybe it'd distract him a bit, Raphael crossed his arms and said, "Fine."
"Thanks, Raph," Don said. "I appreciate it."

XXX

Inside the lab, Raphael said, his arms still crossed, "What do I gotta do, Donnie?"
Don held up a vial of a suspicious looking pink liquid and said, "Try this."
"No way!" Raphael said, narrowing his green eyes. "I ain't drinkin' no potion. What the fuck is it?"
"Remember when you and Mikey said that you wished you could be human? I think I've finally perfected the formula."
"Yeah, but I got a girl now. I don't…"
"Think of the freedom. The opportunities. Mona could become a human and join you and so would we if this works. You and Mona could have lives as a normal couple. Get jobs, have babies, travel. Think about it. No more damp and smelly sewers. Hello, fresh air and a normal life. The one you've always wanted."
Raphael's eyes gleamed, as he thought of everything he could experience, and he said, "What the hell? I'll do it." He downed the pink liquid and said, "What now?"
"Now we wait!"

Raphael suddenly began to feel dizzy, his head swam, his knees buckled underneath him and he fell to the floor with a dull thud, his eyes sliding shut.

His transformation began and when the changes were complete, Don thought, it's done. I know I was devious, but it's for the greater good and it'll please Leo, so who cares if Mona's heart is shattered when she learns of this?