Author's Note:

Hello readers! Sorry for the hiatus, I haven't been feeling well recently. Migraine, conjunctivitis and fever,all back to back! Couple that with some additional issues I've been having, and you could say I need a vacation.. Anyway, story time!

Chapter 21: It's a Draw

The three-way sparring session had commenced. Mikey went high, and Leo dodged the blow,while swinging his ninjato at his midsection, while his other blade came up to block Karai's wakizashi. Mikey blocked the counter, and deflected the sword upwards, before using a push-kick to create space between him and Leo.

No sooner had he put him foot back down, that Mikey was kicked in the face by Karai, her right foot connecting with his jaw. It was not full impact, of course. Briefly stunned, Mikey turned around and found her wakizashi pointed just inches from his neck. Smiling slightly, he raised his arms in defeat."Ya got me, lil' sis." He said cheerfully.

As he stepped out of the sparring ring, Karai turned to face Leo, who had regained his balance, and was now waiting for her.

As cold steel clashed and collided, Master Splinter watched, stroking his beard, his keen eyes following every step and swing.

Karai and Leo seemed evenly matched, but eventually Karai gained the advantage, when she parried him,and used the opportunity to trip him. As he sprawled to the ground, she tapped him with her blade on the plastron.

"You fought well, Leo, but I am victorious." she whispered sweetly.

Leo smiled back. "Oh,you think so?" his eyes guided her's to her side, where his own blade was positioned precisely for a quick stab through the ribs. He had caught her by surprise.

"Looks like a draw to me." He said,smiling again.

Master Splinter gave the command to stop, and Karai helped Leo up,before they both bowed to him, to Mikey, and finally to each other.

"That will be all today. Now, time for breakfast." Master Splinter called.

"Alright! That was an awesome spar! What would you guys like for eats?" Mikey crowed.

Karai smiled at her youngest brother. "Does nothing ever get you down, Mikey?"

Mikey thought it over for a while."Well, yeah, but I never let it get to me."

Karai nodded, and gave a small chuckle, before saying, "Well,in any case, I would just like some jam on toast, with tea, if you please."

Leo joined in. "I'll have the same."

Mikey looked disgruntled, and moaned,"Awww,you guys are no fun! I was just getting in the mood to make you a fancy breakfast!"

Leo shrugged. "You asked,we answered."

Mikey huffed. "Just you wait. When April and Donnie and Raph and his girlfriend come by, I'll make them the biggest, nicest breakfast ever!" He ran off to get their breakfast done.

Karai and Leo caught each other's gaze. "Wait," Leo started. "Did he just say, 'Raph and his girlfriend'?"

-XXXXXXX-

Donnie's T-phone buzzed. Picking it up,he read the message.

/-Brother, I think Mikey knows about Haley. -/

Donnie stared at the text, before coming up with a reply.

/-He does. But I nd u 2 lead hm on a lil. Mislead him 4 nw.-/

/-He was adamant to visit you. Father has forbidden him from doing so. -/

Donnie bit his lip.

/-Wht did u tell dem?-/

/-I told them you were helping Mr O'Neil and another mutated person.-/

Donnie had to re-read the message twice before he understood what she was saying.

/-Bt they're still clueless right? Bout Haley? -/

/-Yes-/

Donnie eased back into his chair, his mind going into overdrive. He quickly typed in a reply, and hit send.

/-Let's keep it dat way. Thks Karai.-/

Turning back to his desk, Donnie brought his focus back to work.

-XXXXXXX-

Haley and Raphael were seated on the couch, with the TV on. Some nature documentary was on, but neither was paying attention. Haley had dozed off on Raphael's shoulder. He had wrapped a blanket around her to keep her warm,and was gently stroking her cheek, watching as she slept.

As she nuzzled into the base of his neck, Raphael kissed her lightly on the side of her head, taking in her lavender-and-citrus scent. Haley's eyes fluttered open, and she sighed contently. Their lips met, before Haley said, "I could get used to this."

Raphael smiled his signature crooked grin. "Oh,you're not already used to it?" His expression turned to one of concern, as she started coughing. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Just that my throat's a little dry." she smiled.

Raphael's face did not relax, so Haley whispered, "Want to make me feel better?"

"How?" He asked.

"Like this." she leaned forward and kissed him passionately. Raphael reciprocated her in kind, and pulled her closer. They competed with one another for a while, fighting for control. They were so engrossed with each other, that they didn't realize the door opening.

"HEY RAPHH! We're back with the groceries! Thought I'd drop by and check on-" Casey's voice echoed through the hall, as he and April walked in, bags of groceries piled in their arms. He stopped abruptly, ogling at Raphael and Haley's entwined state, as they pulled apart when they heard him.

"Hot damn." He muttered, as April blushed a deep red.

"Errrr..." Haley stuttered, while Raphael scowled at Casey. "Fuck, Jones, don'tcha ever knock?"

Casey tugged at the collar of his t-shirt uncomfortably, as April hurried to put down the groceries on the table. "Hey,you're the ones makin' out on the couch. Gahd damn, I can't un-see that." he said in a daze.

"Eyy, who asked ya ta look? What I do with my girl, where I do it, and how I do it, is my business. Not yers." Raphael declared boldly, as his hand wrapped protectively around Haley's waist.

They exchanged glares for a while. Neither party noticed April discreetly passing Haley the small blue box,which she slipped into her pocket,quietly nodding in thanks.

"Well,ya coulda at least do it in yer own room." he defended, giving his best turtle friend a suggestive grin.

Raphael gave Haley a devilish smile, which she returned. "That's a great idea, Case!" he retorted.

Casey watched with incredulity, as Raphael picked Haley up in his arms and bounded off the couch, bolting off to their room.

Took me a while to rewrite this, and hopefully I can update again soon.. Ugghhh...I'm becoming an insomniac again...read,follow and reviews please?thanks very muchie..