Friends Foreva chapter 28

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"Are you done with the carrots?" Cara asked, not looking up from cutting the onion.

The entire kitchen smelt of a smooth soupy broth. Tv had gotten boring, and Cara was hungry. Saying she wouldn't touch another pizza with a ten foot poll, she dashed off to see what was in the fridge. Finding veggies, old chicken that was half eaten, and a can of tomatoes, juice included, she set about making home made chicken noodle...with a twist.

"...Yup" Raph said, a soft smirk playing across his face as he finished the last cut of the orange veggie. Grabbing the cutting board, he walked around her, dropping the carrots into the large soup pot. A scrape of the knife and they splashed into the chicken flavoured broth.

Cara closed her eyes, sighing contently as the smell wafted her way. " hmmm, needs something" Cara hummed and hawed to herself.

"Oh?" Raph said, going be hind her to go to the otherside. Pausing, Raph hesitently wrapped his arms around her curved waist. To his surprise, she leaned back onto him instead of stiffening and pulling away.

After talking in the sewers, then the tv watching, that really consisted of not watching tv, Cara had changed- Like flipping a switch. She'd opened like a blossoming flower, ready to show her colors. She'd been much more open, her answers leaving her with ease, no hesitation.

" Ya, just don't know what yet" She muttered.

Leaning his head on her shoulder, Raph watched the soup bubble and boil as it cooked. " I dunno, I aint a cook, jus' that help" He said with a smirk. " Besides it taste good to me..."

Leaning her head to his, she hummed. Perking, she moved from his arms, grabbing the can of left over tomato juice. Dumping it into the soup, the broth turned pinkish, and she smiled. "There, now we wait, add some salt, and lunch is ready."

" Well, aren't you a good cook?" Raph laughed.

She laughed, her eyes sparkling as if they were alive with tiny dancers as they sprung to life. " I work in a kitchen, course I'm a good cook"

Shaking his head, Raph moved to throw the cutting board into the sink.

" I got it" She said, grabbing his hands and the cutting board.

" Fine, what eva" Rph said, about to move he noticed she still had a grip.

" No more hiding Raphie, I promise" She whispered, her voice so timid she sounded like a different person.

Looking at her in confusion, he cupped her cheeks. " I know Care, you told me that already"

"..yes, I know, I'm just saying it again. If-If there's anything you want to know, I will tell you, okay? The medical file, it doesn't say all of the truth, yes it's truthful towards injury, but there's more to them, alright. It wasn't a wasted life, I am quite happy where I am now, es-especially with..with you"

Another thing. Cara had basically told him to just read the file. Everything in it. Raph had taken it with a grain of salt. Sure she was opening up, but what if what he read was more then he'd want? Yet she'd smiled, and sat beside him as he read through, she gave answers and stories as they went through the files of broken bones, sickness, fevers, lack of food, and harsh cuts.

Leaning up she kissed him gently on the cheek. " I know I've told you, I'm just sayin' that I promise you Raphael, no secrets"

Feeling his heart swell, Raph pressed his forehead to hers. " I know, and ya don't need ta tell me, I get it, I do"

"I know" She said, her voice soft like velvet, so different, yet so similar to her whiskey swept voice. " Now, where's Don, Mikey and Casey? They're going to need to eat."

Raph smiled at how she changed the subject. " Probably in the living room playing video games, Casey sure left fast after your lil talk with him" Raph snickered. "Though I suppose most would run, huh?"

Cara smirked. "True, well off you go, go get 'em" Turning back to the stove, she slowly stirred the soup. A pat to her side, and Raph was out of the kitchen.

" Still gotta find my damn phone, need to get that call in, 'fore poor Casey goes stir crazy." She mumbled, still stirring the soup slowly.

" I thought we had a deal, Cara"

Not turning from her soup, she answered. " Yes, we did. But I am no longer playing Leonardo, the deal is off. Besides you didn't keep your end very well, now did you?"

Hearing him, sigh, she smirked, just a little. " Fine, but this isn't the end to this discussion."

Her head lifted. " No it isn't."

Hearing voices, Cara turned with a smile.

" Lunch is ready" Cara said, pulling bowls from the cupboard as she watched Leo disappear from sight.

" Dude, smells awesome!" Mikey said happily, going straight for his seat as bowls were set about.

Don, and Casey soon came along, Raph behind them. Smiles and smirks filtered over their faces as they sat, being severed with bowls balanced upon her head and both hands.

" Smells wonderful, Care- we don't eat soup often" Don said, taking the bowl happily. Cara just smiled. " didn't think ya did, seems you just eat junk food, I can barley stand the stuff, you eat it like it's heaven"

" Uh, cause it is!" Mikey and Casey chimmed in, laughing as they high fived before diving into the hearty food.

Cara made a face, then served the food. " Where's Splinter and Leo? They not hungry?"

Don shook his head. " No, Splinter left and went to Aprils, saying his shows were on, and April had this new DVD she wanted him to see"

Cara nodded, sitting down between Raph and Casey. " And Leo?"

" Meditation, as usual" Raph said, digging into his soup.

Rolling her eyes, Cara took a small sip of the little amount of food she'd taken.

" Not hungry, Care? You aren't eating much" Don said, looking up from his food.

" She barely eats anything, dude! Every time Care's here she barley eats! And the look of her fridge says there isn't much at home she eats either"

Cara scowled at Mikey, shutting him up instantly. " I don't eat much is all, never re-really hungry so I eat when I need it, otherwise it's simply useless "

Raph looked at her with slight surprise. " Useless? Seriously Care, food is tha best thing runnin here, enjoy it for hells sake"

Cara just shook her head, eating a little more of her soup. " What eva" She mumbled, getting up and dumping the bowl into the sink.

Casey turned to Raph, a knowing smirk plastered on his face, Raph raised an eye ridge the ate a mouth full. " So hows your thing going?"

Choking slightly, Raph coughed. Cara who was turned to the sink, hid a giggle by turning on the radio.

" Aint no thing." Raph countered, only causing Casey to shake his head as he laughed, gulping down the last of his soup.

" Here ya go babe" Casey called, leaning back in his chair to pass Cara his bowl, who took it with out question. Raph only stiffened slightly, punching his friend in the arm. Casey smirked at Raph. " Wasa matter Raphie-boy? Me pickin' on ya girl gettin on your nerves~" Casey sang out, standing to dodge the punch that went his way, as the pissed turtle stood as well, charging. Thinking quick he grabbed Cara's shoulders, hiding behind her.

" Hey! I am not a human shield here!" Cara growled but laughter filled her voice, watching Raph try to reach around her to grab at Casey, Cara moved from side to side, trying to help Raph get his hands on the human.

" No fair babe! Your tha worst shield eva!" Casey said, lifting her slightly by the shoulders to block Raph.

Hearing Mikey and Don laughing Cara smiled more, ducking and moving as Raph circled around her, Casey moving to the counter.

Hearing a throat clear, everyone froze turning to the doorway with the small furry rat standing there, an amused smile playing over his furry lips. " It is time for practise my sons...And Mr. Jones, should you not be heading home, it is becoming quite late"

Don and Mikey bowed, Mikey with a quick quip then left, while Don left with a small smile. Casey, relishing in the surprised gasp he got from Cara when he tickled at her sides again, then left the kitchen. " See ya Raphie! Bye babe~" Then he was gone.

Rolling his eyes, Raph grumbled, only causing Cara to smirk. " Su matter Raph, he gettin' to your nerves?"

" Shell yes he is, damn-"

" Raphael, language" Splinter said, but the was humor in his voice.

Still grumbling to himself, Raph left with his sensei to the dojo.

Shaking her head, Cara set to cleaning off the tables.

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" Leonardo, Raphael, begin...Michelangelo, Donatello, begin as well." Splinter announced, watching as his sons charged upon their opponents

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" No way dude! That doesn't answer the question!" Mikey stated, walking beside Don on their way towards the kitchen. They could hear the radio playing so Cara must still me there.

" It answers the question Mikey, your simply fishing for the 'goods' " Don said, shaking his head in amusement.

Raph was behind them, his amber eyes dancing. " What eva, Mike. Don ya turn."

Don nodded. " Alright, Raph...if you had the choice between a dinner with..Oh I don't know the-"

" Shhh!" Mikey said, he was peaking around the edge of the door frame that lead to the kitchen. With what stealth they could muster Don and Raph came to the door.

Cara.

She was swaying in tune with the music, foot tapping and a twirl when she stepped to the fridge. But that wasn't what their attention was on, well not all of it at least. No, it was her voice. She was singing.

Her whiskey swept voice given the tune a new life, a different feel, yet it flowed like harmony, the words dancing upon her lips as if they always belonged there.

" Send me away with the words of a love song... ahoh, ballad of a peace dove, ...go with peace and love..gather up your tears keep 'em in you pocket save them for a time when your really gonna need them...oh the sharp knife of a short life..Oh well I've had just enough time...so put on your best boys, and I'll wear my pearls"

The song ended and the next began.

" Games changes and fears..where will they go from here." Cara sang, her voice was quiet as she tried to keep her voice down but that didn't stop the beautiful lower blues voice to float to the brothers ears. " when will they stop. I believe that faith, has brought us here, and we should be together babe, but we're not"

Raph stepped closer to the door, almost going in side, but not wanting her to stop. He watched her hips as they swayed to the beat, never faltering.

" I play it off but- again, for ninja your not very sneaky" Cara said, smiling lightly at the sheepish brothers, who finally came into the kitchen. Cara laughed, and went back to putting food away, humming as she went.

" Care! Wanna play a game? Donny is a chicken and can't answer a question" Mikey said, sticking out his tongue when Don glared his way.

" Sure, why not" Cara said, gabbing Raph's hand and dragging him to the sink. Sighing Raph leaned against the edge, drying dishes as she passed them to her.

" Okay~! So it's like, ya know, twenty questions. I ask, you answer! okay?" Getting a nodded from her, Mikey beamed his smile. " K...hmmm, full name?"

" Cara-Lynn Stryder" Cara said, not turning, as she continued with the dishes.

" Cara-Lynn? huh. that why Casey was callin' ya Lynn? I always th-"

" I go by Lynn at work and around people I'm not very close to, I find it easier if they don't know me completely."

Don nodded, and then Mikey continued. " Sweet dudette, glad your Carebear to us though. " Mikey said, beaming a smile. " Okay, best trait? suppose that isn't really a question though, since like ya know, your you, and you probably the best babe we've had"

Cara laughed out right at that, a blush covering her cheeks. " I'm taking that as a compliment"

Don chuckled at her blush. " Compliments new to you? You blush like your shy"

Ducking at the words, Cara busied herself. " no just, uh, no what eva, next question hun"

Mikey nodded, stretching his legs out. " Uh, oh! What were your parents like?"

" Mikey!" Don snarled, glaring at Mikey who shrunk from the gaze.

" What? I jus-...oh, sorry I was thinking" Mikey mumbled, giving her apologetic eyes.

But Cara smiled, a little sadly. " No, I don't mind, Donny don't do that, you'll give him a heart attack from the anxiety...My parents. Well my mom was Amanda, and my dad, he was Carey. They named me after them. Lynn was my moms middle name while they changed Carey to Cara."

Raph smiled softly, watching as she looked to be reminiscing.

" They were kind" Cara started, turning to wash left over dishes as she talked, back to the boys. " My momma, she was a cook, could make anything with little ta nothin'. Said that's what got them together. While-while my dad, he was a biker, always on the road with tha guys. He'd gone ta that cafe where my mom worked, and well, hit it off. They were good people, I mean, I-I didn't know everything, just what I can remember, but what is there? They were the best memories out there."

Watching the bubbles, Cara let memories flow.

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" Daddy higher! I wanna go higher!" The little girl yelled, giggling with joy as the swing was pushed again, sending her higher into the air. The man smiled happily as his daughter pumped her legs and laughed, causing his whiskered face to crinkle with a smile. His fine, dark hair shaved down, but well trimmed. His bright blue eyes sparkling with life.

" Care, I push you any higher and you'll fall! Come on now, not much longer Momma wants us home before sunset" Carey said, slowing his pushes so the girl would stop her swinging.

Smiling when she jumped off, her eyes sparkling with a gleam brighter then any star, Cara ran around in the grass before diving into her fathers arms.

"I wouldn't fall Daddy, you always catch me"

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Raph watched Cara's eyes flash with memories, only wishing she would share them.

Perking up, Cara turned a little. " So? What else Mikey."

" How bout that singing of yours? Where'd you learn that? Or like...?"

A bigger smile this time. " Well, my Dad. He-he used to sing me to sleep, every single night..No matter how tired he was. nd it wasn't any cheap lullaby, no. It was always a song with meaning ya know? My favorite was always 'I Try' just because his voice made it seem so special.- So after a while, I wanted to sing..Hell I even said to 'im- Dad, I'mma gonna sing, Daddy, sing like Macy, sing like Pink, an' Tracy and I aint neva gonna give that up...I never saw such a smile on his face" Cara said, her voice was quite, emotions winning over her shield.

" But I was a kid, ya know?" Cara cleared her throat, washing the last dish.

The brothers nodded, seeing the sadness, but also the love she held for her former family.

" I'm going to go and uh, finish my assignment, before it's due" Cara said, drying off her hands, and heading out of the kitchen and into the living room. " Raph? Are you still coming or ya gonna hang with ya bros?"

Raph's head shot up. When ever Cara had become close to emotions, she'd leave, not wanting any one to be there, so him being asked to come? That was new.

" Ya Care, I'll be right there"

Cara nodded, going out of the kitchen and heading for the couch where she not only did her work, but slept, sat, and where all her things sat. Seeing green Cara smiled as Raph joined her on the couch. Moving to get comfy, Cara scooted over, to meld to Raph's side, sighing happily as she rested her head against his shoulder. Moving slightly, Raph moved said arm so that it would be around her shoulders, bringing her closer to him and hearing no complaint, Raph relaxed against her.

Funny how she calmed him so easy. There was non of the normal anger, none of the normal haze of emotions, it was just clear.

" Thought you had to do an assignment." Raph said, and could have slapped himself.

'Good thinking moron. Ya get her with ya, actually with ya! And you think getting her ta move is smart? Dumb ass-' Raph thought to himself, scowling slightly.

Cara just hummed, snuggling closer as she got comfy. " Nah, it can wait" She whispered, her dark eyes looking up at him as they sparkled with such fire that Raph could feel his heart beating within his chest as he gazed at the beauty of that was only for him.

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Hey. Okay, long time no update. I've got sorta two reasons. First, school kicked my ass. Second, I re-wrote this chapter like 5 times, and I hated it. IDK how this one went so tell me please! ^^' I'd love to hear what ya thought! chapter was long, and I don't know if my points were put across accurately. :P Oh, the songs that were mentioned, or sung were 'If I die young' by 'the band perry' and also 'I Try' by ' Macy Gray' both good songs.

Totally unrelated~ I won silver in the speech competition! I was so nervous! But yay! ^^

KK All my love to my readers and reviewers XD R&R please! Luv ya! Ruthy.