50.0

Present

A loud banging knocked Raph from his memories and he sat up, moving around to stand and pad his way to the closed door. He unlocked and opened it, scowling down at the sheepish face of his youngest brother. "What do you want, Mikey?" He grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest again while the orange-masked turtle shuffled nervously.

"Dinner's ready…" The nun-chuck wielder turned and strolled away, his earlier happiness quickly filling him up as he scampered up to Kagome's side, who was moving the dishes onto the kitchen table. His other brothers and their adopted father was getting settled around the table and smiling and chatting animatedly. Or, at least, Mikey was animated, the other two were more subdued but still talking.

He walked across to the dining room and sat down heavily and scooted his chair up to the table. He grabbed his utensils and looked expectantly at the dishes presented before him.

Kagome set down the last plate and smiled at the spread before sitting down next to Splinter.

The group quickly started to chow down and the dinner conversation was pretty muted compared to what it used to be.

At least until April and Casey showed their faces to finish off dinner with the group.

"Kagome!" April's excited voice called out as she jogged across the lairs living room to hug the other human female, pinning her to the chair. "How have you been? You didn't answer my texts this morning." She pouted adorably as she ruffled her fingers through the Asian's sweat-slicked hair. Casey sidled up beside his girlfriend, gently brushing his fingers against the small of her back before walking over to the wall to grab two extra chairs for them to sit down on.

After placing down the seats and moving into the kitchen to grab some plates and utensils, Casey deposited the silverware and dishes onto the table. He sat down heavily beside Raph and started to dish out the food onto his plate. "You guys seen any unusual activity last night?" He asked, glancing at his best friend questionably.

"Just the usual thugs." Raph waved his hand absently. "What brings you two over besides the free food, ya freeloader?" He shoved his elbow into Casey's bicep.

"Naw, just missed your green mugs." Casey chuckled as he shoveled a large bit into his mouth. "Red's graduation is coming up." He pointed his fork at his girlfriend, who rolled her eyes at his lack of manners. "Wanted to see if ya were gonna make it?"

Leonardo scowled faintly and shook his head. "It's too risky. Even if we come in disguises I don't think we'd be let in. Who's gonna let in five guys dressed in trench coats, hats and scarves? Especially if they have huge lumps on their backs?" He pointed to the large shell, arching the skin above his eye as if to say 'See?'

"We understand perfectly, Leo." April said, scowling at the dark-haired male who scowled right back.