To the guest reviewer- I wanted the next scene to start a new chapter. A chapter doesn't have to be a certain length. The next few chapters are kinda short, but that's okay.

Back to updating once a day! (Until the end of the weekend, at least.)

Finally!

Raph watches the house get bigger as they drive closer. He sees that none of the lights are on. 'But it is daytime,' he tells himself, 'they shouldn't be.' But something about the house feels, ominous and daunting.

The car stops and Hazel goes to his door and helps him out. April shuts off the engine and grabs his stuff to bring to the dojo. Raph and Hazel walk right up to the door, after a slow ascent up the drive and walkway.

But he stops right before opening the door. 'Should I knock?' He asks, 'I haven't been here for a while. I don't even know if it is the same house anymore.' Hazel sees his trouble and turns the knob for him. She pushes the door open and they step through.

Raph looks around the space as April walks in behind them and goes for the dojo. It looks.. neglected. The floor isn't swept, the couch is a mess, even when seeing it from behind. The entrance to the kitchen shows a disaster. April disappears into the dojo. Muffled words are spoken and a light comes on under the sliding door. Raph watches it slide away, giving the living room more light. Hazel helps him take a few steps forward.

Master Yoshi looks out from the short and shallow steps leading to the dojo. He locks eyes with Raphael, his second oldest son. Tears spring up and his hand leaves the door frame. He walks over, millions of thoughts running through his head. He didn't truly believe April when she said he was coming home. He thought she was fooling herself. But now he's here.

Yoshi stops right in front of Raph. He sees the box in Hazel's arms. She lets go of Raph and backs away. Raph is looks at his father, who looks older than he should. Raph starts to tear up. "I'm sorry-"

Yoshi enfolds him in a fierce hug, "I know son, I know." Raph sniffles into his father's kimono, feeling like a child.

He feels the need to go on, "I'm sorry for everything... I shoul-ldn't have stayed away so long. I should have -hic- helped my brothers instead of running away.. And you should have been able to know where I was."

"It is alright, musuko. You are home now, it's alright." Yoshi smoothes his hair down and kisses the top of his son's head. "I still love you, Raphael. You never left my heart." Raph stays in his father's arms for a few more moments. Hazel stands nearby, not saying anything.

'Raph is lucky to have a father like this,' she tells herself, tearing up a little at the tender moment. Raph looks over the sensei's shoulder and sees the mess again.

"Where.. uhh.." Yoshi senses that Raph is okay enough to let go, "Where, are my.. brothers..?" He asks, hesitantly.

Master Yoshi looks at his son's scared green eyes. "They are in their rooms," Yoshi says, turning his head to the stairs. Raph dips his head once. His father still has his hands on his arms, but now he lets go so Raph can leave his side. Raph takes the box back from Hazel.

She sends him an encouraging smile. He turns to the stairs and starts to them. "Do you want-"

"No.." Raph says. He freezes, realizing he interrupted her. He turns to Hazel again, "No thanks. I'll be okay. This is something I.. I gotta do myself." Hazel nods and Raph turns back. Master Yoshi comes up to Hazel's side as she watches Raph climbs the stairs slowly.

"Thank you, Hazel Reinberg," he says softly, "For bringing Raphael home." He sees again the box that Raph is carrying. He can only assume that Spike is inside.

"I only wanted to help, Mr. Hamato," Hazel says, humbly.

Yoshi places a hand on her shoulder. She turns to him and sees the eyes of a truly grateful father. "You have done far more than what you realize," he tells her.

Again, another short one. I wasn't paying attention too much to the length and honestly, I don't really care how long they are.

HE'S HOME! Guess what's next?