Friends Forever.

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Leo stood in the dojo in front of the young women, his gaze never changing.

Cara looked him over another time trying to see if there was a hidden meaning to his previous words. With her arms crossed over her chest, and Leo's stance strong anyone who came in would think they were preparing to fight.

She huffed out. " no backing out."

"yes"

"an' no loop holes..."

"exactly"

Another huff from Cara. "fine, deal."

Leo nodded. "then we are at an understanding. he said, his tone completely neutral.

"yup" She answered. With a nod she began to leave the dojo. "remember Leo this was your idea...I may not like it, but I sure as hell aint backin' out"

"Oh trust me...Cara...I don't like all of it either. But I thinkit's for the best." Leo said, his tone was quiet but there was a challenging tone to it.

Heading to the dojo door, Cara looked over her shoulder in the long black t-shirt, smirking. "agree to disagree, huh?"

Leo could stop the grin. "something like that, yes"

With her stern gaze back in place and a curt nod she left the dojo, the door closing behind her.

Don peaked from the kitchen watching as she walked out and to the bathroom up the stairs. Raph sat beside him, he glared at the dojo door. He didn't like not knowing. Not knowing meant secrets, and he was tired of how many she already had. With a growl, Raph stood, the chair sliding back roughly. Stalking up the stairs he stood in front of the bathroom door, waiting for it to open.

Ten minutes past...

The door still stayed firmly closed. Tapping his foot, Raph leaned back on the opposite wall.

God he was tired, maybe he could rest his eyes...

"Raphie...Raph...Raphie!"

Opening his eyes wide and grabbing what ever was in front of him, Raph looked about startled. "wha'?"

Looking down slightly, Raph was face to face with Cara who was smirking at him, her arms in his grasp. "ya fell asleep, hun. Were ya waiting for me?"

Raph blinked. "uh...ya-ya I was...listen Care ya gotta stay k? Don'll flip if-"

"I know" Cara said, releasing her arms from his grasp, she went down the stairs slowly so not to harm her aching and bruised sides. Heading into the living room, she smiled at Mikey who was engrossed in a comedy.

Raph stood, still staring at the spot where she had been. "wait...wha'?" Going quickly down the stairs he stood a few feet from her. "whadda ya mean 'I know'? huh? you were jus' sayin' ya were-"

She turned to him, rolling her eyes. "no worries, ya? I'm staying so done, is done" Turning back to Mikey she dropped her arms over his shoulders.

"Mikey, hunnybear, can I get ya to do me a favor?"

Blinking and slightly dazed, Mikey looked up at Cara. "huh?...oh sure thing, Care- what do you need?"

Cara smiled. "I'm going to write a list of stuff, think you can go to my apartment and get all of it for me?" Her eyes sparkled, shining brighter then any of the stars.

Mikey beamed a bright smiled. "Awesome...totally dudette. When do you want me to go?"

Her eyes softened, but the glitter with in them never depleting. " I'll write it out now" She said. "then you can go?"

Mikey nodded. " sweet! I'll tell Master Splinter" He said, running of in the direction of Splinter's room.

Shaking her head, Cara turned facing Raph before she made her way to the kitchen where Don still sat, with a book in hand which he was pretending to read. He looked up when she entered the kitchen. "oh hey, Care...you know I still think you should take a pain killer...it-it would really help-"

Cara shook her head. "nope not happening Donny...umm I need some paper and a pen- know where I can gets it?"

Don raised an eye ridge. "well my lab but what- wait Care!"

But she was already out, going up the stairs. Don shook his head, gazing back down at his book. " two hotheads in one house...and she doesn't know when to quit...what have we gotten into."

Cara emerged shortly after coming back in to the kitchen. Tucking the shirt between her legs slightly, she plopped down at the table, beginning to right her list. Don eyed her curiously, but didn't say anything.

She hummed as she wrote. The tune was familiar but Don couldn't quite place it, but he didn't mean it wasn't enjoyably to hear. With her deeper smokey voice she sound like a blues singer...even if she was only humming.

Don smiled, continuing on with his book.

A few minutes past and Cara stood slowly walking into the living room. "Mike?" Not seeing anyone she went towards his bedroom, when she saw a flash of orange to her right. Turning Cara let out a squeak when she saw how close he'd gotten with out her knowing, completely. Holding up the list, Mikey grabbed it from her reading some of it over. He giggled at spots, then groaned at others.

" all this for a week?"

Rolling her eyes, Cara crossed her arms. "Mikey, I wear clothes, I have hair, I wear make up, I need my gecko or he'll die, and I need my lap top for study purposes."

Mikey just waved her off. " ya-ya dudette...but you owe me" He said, sauntering over to the exit. He stumbled slightly when Cara wrapped her arms around his shell, and around his neck.

"thanks, Mikey" Cara whispered, planting a peck on Mikey's cheek before releasing him and going back to the living room.

Heat radiated off Mikey's cheek, as he touch his cheek with a hand. It was really the only kiss he'd ever gotten. Sure Don had gotten kisses from April, but those were innocent and out of friendship. But he, Raph and Leo?

Never.

"dude..." Mikey mumbled happily. Then tucking the list in his belt, disappeared into the the sewers.

Cara laid down on the couch. Fluffing a pillow she stuffed it under her head, then pulled a blanket from the back of the couch. Happy with her comfort, she curled into herself, sighing contently. Not caring what was on the tv, Cara let her wet hair fall in front of her eyes, slowing dozing off.

With in minutes she was in a deep sleep.

.

Raph walked into the dojo, glaring at Leo who continued his katas as if no one else was there. Growling, Raph put himself in front of Leo, stopping him mid kata.

"wha' did ya say ta her?"

Leo blinked. "it was our conversation, Raph...I have no intention of telling you, so why don't you go out and spend sometime with Cara"

Clenching his fist, Raph's blood boiled. "quit being like that, fearless...it's gettin' on ma nerves"

Leo sighed, sheathing his katanas. "Raph, I'm not doing anything. Now if you don't mind, I need a shower." With that said, he left the dojo without another word.

Punching his bag hard, Raph stormed out of the dojo. Crossing by the kitchen he noted that Don had disappeared into his lab. About to go to his room, he noticed a figure on the couch. Expecting Mikey, Raph crossed the room.

" Mike-" Raph stopped himself seeing her calm, peaceful face. Smiling softly, Raph reached down, pulling her blanket up, covering her more.

She sighed, snuggling deeper into the blanket. Leaning over the couch, Raph looked at her.

There was no scowl, no smirk, or even her normal strong gaze. She looked young. Her skin, baby soft, her messy hair falling over her face and the beautiful sense of peace that radiated off her as she slept upon the ratty old couch as if it was a mattress built for a king.

Gazing at her, Raph noticed a small scar. It ran along her jaw bone, barely there and only a pale white line. The urge to touch her soft skin was there, he wouldn't deny it but he knew better.

An old memory came to mind and he smiled at the nickname he'd given her so many years ago. "Night Carebear" He whispered, his voice light and loving.

Sighing, Raph left the living room, jumping up the stairs, and silently slipping into his bedroom.

.

Twisting on the couch, Cara whimpered softly her brow scrunched, giving her a look of fear, pain.

Turning over again, her breath caught.

Her cell phone rang out, pulling her from her sleep. Sitting up with wild and frightened eyes, Cara tried to figure out what the noise was. Realizing it was her cell, she reached for it, flipping it open.

"Sup?...Mikey?..No-no...uh huh...ya might as well grab it- the red one to, please...ugh, no...mhmm..Mike-Mikey!, listen you need to get the food as well...no, I doubt he can live off pizza." Cara laughed to herself as Mikey continue rambling, the sounds of thing being moved around, shuffled and pulled out.

" dudette seriously how do you wear this stuff? it's like tiny!"

" Mikey would you just get the stuff? and hurry up, you should get home soon, I don't want you out much longer." Cara said, her tone light, but strong.

Cara heard Mikey chuckle saying something about mothering.

"be there in twenty, babe, see ya then"

With that he hung up, and Cara slid back into the couch. Pulling the blanket up and under her chin, she sighed. A discontent look on her face, her brows taunt and her lips in a frown.

Flashes from her earlier memories that always returned in her dreams came to her mind.

Maybe sleep wasn't the best thing right now.

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Hey guys! Well what did you think? It was a hard chapter to right, gave me trouble. Any who, please R&R, they're greatly loved and appreciated. Updates will be slower because my laptop crashed, but I will update as fast as I can ^_^ tell me what you thought! kk Luv ya! Ruth.