I had a few reviewers request that I write Raphael next. I was originally planning on Leo being next, but ask and ye shall receive! ;) On that note, a big thank you to all my reviewers thus far! I'm honored by how well this story has been received. You guys encourage me to both write more and improve with your feedback, as well as offer a touch of inspiration here and there (Mystic Medjai may have had a hand in influencing the plot for one of my future installments...). :) Y'all rock! Without further ado, here it is!


Raphael stared incredulously at the television screen. For the love of… If he had been unconvinced before that humans were insane, any lingering doubts he presently harbored were quickly fading.

His stricken silence did not go unnoticed. Methodically peeling potatoes at the counter, April glanced up from the cutting board and curiously studied him from behind. "A penny for your thoughts, Raph?"

"A… what?" Raph craned his neck to regard her over his shoulder, eye-ridge arched in mild confusion. "Okay, am I missing something? Cuz I always thought pennies were useless, but from what Donny's told me, you people think you can buy anything with them. I didn't believe him at first, but now I think I'm starting to."

April sighed, blowing away a loose strand of hair in the same breath. "Donatello…" She drew out the name in a feigned groan of annoyance, although the smirk on her lips indicated otherwise. How many times had she tried explaining it to him, again? Not enough, apparently. "I told him they aren't for buying wishes. They're meant to—You know what? Forget it. Long explanation short: 'penny for your thoughts' is an expression that means I want to know what's on your mind."

Raph raised his brow but shrugged dismissively, returning his attention to the television. "Whatever you say, April. And if you really wanna know, it's this." He gestured emphatically at the screen. "I mean, what even is that? Because to me, it looks like your country's leader is having a photo op with a turkey."

April's eyes followed Raph's motion toward the television, and she felt her mouth crack into an amused grin at what she saw.

The news channel was currently displaying a live video feed of the president as he gingerly pat a rather impressive turkey. Flaunting a charming smile at the audience, the politician leaned in toward the bird, albeit maintaining a comfortable distance as the creature began to fidget. Lights flashed from numerous cameras. The paparazzi were eating the spectacle up.

"Oh, that?" she asked, a tinge of humor creeping into her voice, "That's just the presidential turkey pardon."

Raphael glanced back at her again, deadpanning. "…You have got to be joking."

"Not at all." At the look he gave her, she felt the need to defend herself. "It's just a quirky little tradition the White House has every Thanksgiving. The president basically picks a turkey and pardons it from becoming his dinner. It's supposed to be a gesture of good will, I think."

"Does the guy still have a turkey dinner?"

April's smile faltered. "Well, yeah, but—"

"Then who're they trying to kid? They're just gonna put a different turkey on the chopping block anyway, so why even bother?" Raph watched the president flinch back as the turkey agitatedly ruffled its feathers. In response, several attendants hastily stepped forward to ease the bird back down onto the table as it continued to fuss. He snorted. "Are all humans this hypocritical?"

At this question, April's eyes attained a sly glint. "Just the politicians." Offering him a quick wink, she returned to peeling the potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner.

Allowing himself a small smirk when April had turned away, Raphael picked up the remote and skipped to a new channel with a decisive click.


I published this Thanksgiving-themed one a little early because this upcoming week is looking to be a busy one. Anyway, happy turkey day! :D For those readers who aren't American: yes, we do have presidential turkey pardons. It's a real thing. And yes, we are weird. I believe Raph thinks so, too. XD