NEW CHAPTER! Completed 07/2020.
I realized after I read this back that Marius could be like interpreted as Marry us. This was honestly not my intention, I promise!
*Song playing when Tyler gets to the BBQ & her & Mikey see each other: Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish.
*Song playing as Raph talks with Splinter: The Feeling by Justin Bieber feat, Halsey.
*Songs playing in the background: Helpless by Backstreet Boys feat, Pitbull. Jealous by Nick Jonas. Luv Me, Luv Me by Shaggy. Little White Lies by 1 Direction. Anything by JoJo
Chapter 22. The Wedding part 1.
"Finally!" said Casey as he wiped his brow as sweat rolled down his face. "…that's the last of those fuckin things!"
He carefully adjusted the large flower bubble that was hanging from one of the eight large Greek like columns that surround a beautiful dance floor and podium.
Casey and April were at the farmhouse in Northampton, preparing everything for their wedding the day after. They had decided to have it outside in a beautiful orchard. The dance floor was also going to be the main area for the ceremony, the chairs that were set out for the guests would be moved to the rear end and the outside of the dance floor later for the party. The columns were covered in white, pink and peach coloured flowers and fairy lights. The flowers continued upwards, gathering in the centre of the floor, they were then lifted and attached to beams, like a makeshift canopy. There was a huge chandelier in the middle.
Casey, somehow, had been roped into helping, even though they had a wedding planner.
"Marius!" shouted Casey as he realised no one was holding the ladder he had climbed up. "Marius, a little help please!"
He watched as the little French guy zoomed around the chairs over to him.
"I am sorry Mr. Jones, my staff were not doing what I had asked, and I needed to make sure everything was correct for your beautiful day!"
Now with the support from Marius, Casey climbed down the ladder.
"Everything is beautiful, no?" he continued.
Casey looked around and nodded.
"It is very beautiful…" said Casey as he took a cigarette from its packet, placed it between his lips and sparked it up, "…but, I still don't understand why I'm the one up a god damn ladder hanging decorations for my own wedding!"
April was at the other side of the dance floor talking to the caterers, she heard Casey giving her wedding planner a hard time and made her way over.
"…I've paid like a million bucks for you and your little gang here to do all the work, so why are we having to do it all?!"
Marius looked as though he was going to burst into tears.
"Casey!" snapped April, as she turned to her helper, "…ignore him Marius. Everything is perfect, I think it's just wedding jitters and nerves that are getting to him."
Marius looked Casey up and down, "Very well, I understand. I will forgive you Mr Jones but that is just because I have seen you in your wedding suit and you even make me, how do you say, weak at the knees!"
Casey started to choke on the smoke of his cigarette, surprised by the comment.
April shot him a huge grin in amusement.
"Excuse me Miss O'Neil…" Marius continued, "…I will go and continue to spread my magical spell. We are almost done and ready for your big day!"
He spun round and made his way towards his staff who were waiting for their next instructions.
"I think someone has an admirer…" April chuckled as Casey finished coughing and spluttering. "…should I be worried?"
"Nah, he's only got eyes for you April."
They heard a voice from behind Casey and saw Raphael wading through the overgrown orchard area.
"Hey Raph!" said April who was surprised and happy to see him.
He winked at her as he patted Casey on the back trying to stop him choking.
April looked around, "…where are the others?"
"Mikey is somewhere behind me, Leo and Donny are just getting Splinter settled in and putting the bags in the house, Keno will be through later," he took the cigarette from Casey and took a deep drag of it himself.
"You smoking again bud, you stressing about something?" asked Casey as he watched Raph exhale.
"Something like that…" he said passing the cigarette back, "…this best man thing isn't really my deal."
Mikey suddenly appeared from the orchard, "Wow, this looks amazing guys!" he looked around in awe at the decorations and lighting.
"Thanks Mike," said April as he squeezed her and kissed her on the cheek, he turned and knuckled Casey.
"Yeah, it should look amazing for the money it cost…" said Casey as April nudged him hard. "…I appreciate you being the best man Raph, I know that you guys are far from wanting to be the centre of attention, but it means a lot that you're a part of our big day. You all deserve to enjoy our day as well as us."
"Oh no, no, no!" came a fussy French voice from behind April and Casey, Suddenly Leo darted to where Mikey and Raph was, getting chased by Marius.
"This simply will not do!" continued Marius, "…what are these clowns doing here? This is not a fancy-dress party!"
"Woah little dude…" Mikey put his hands up to the frisky French guy, "…take a chill pill!"
April quickly got between Marius and the guys. "Marius, these are our guests, they are meant to be in, um, costume…"
Raph rolled his eyes.
"…we are going to be putting them in suits to, you know, dress them up a little." She looked at the guys apologetically.
"So…" said Marius as he looked at the three turtles, "…they are your creation, like a gimmick, something you hire out for parties?"
"That's right!" she replied, "…we are using our wedding to promote them, kind of,"
"Ah, I see…" he said as he got closer to Leo, looking at him closely, pushing his hands on Leos face, pulling at his cheeks and mouth, "…well, amazing!" he continue excitedly, "…I can work with that, no problem, they are so real!"
"Well that's what we are going for," said April with an awkward smile.
Marius clapped his hand above his head, "Ok! I shall continue with the wedding planning." He turned dramatically and wandered off back to the tables.
"What the hell was that?!" said Mikey as he, Leo and Raph watched him disappear. They all looked stunned.
"That's Marius…" said Casey, "…he's a little flamboyant but April says he's the best."
"I kinda feel violated," said Leo rubbing his face where Marius had poked and prodded him.
Casey Chuckled.
"Where's Donny?" asked April.
"He got talking to Irma, is it? She was up at the house with that Ed guy…" continued Leo, "…he made a beeline straight for her. I think there's a little crush going on there."
April smiled, "Yeah, she told me they had been texting one another since the engagement party."
Casey raised a brow, "Looks like I might not be the only one getting some on our wedding night!"
April smacked him round the back of the head as Raph pinched between his eyes. Mikey let out a loud giggle as Leo just shook his head.
"Anyway, what's on the agenda for today?" asked Leo.
Casey rubbed where April had hit him on the head, "Well, we are pretty much finished here. I'm gonna get the BBQ going in a while and set up the fire pit. We can all eat, have some beers and relax before tomorrow."
"Sounds good brah!" said Mikey rubbing his hands together, "…and where is Tyler? I've been itching to see her,"
"Man…" said Casey, now chewing on some gum, "…she's only been away one night!"
"Yeah well, it feels like I've lost a limb…" Mikey smiled, "…she's like the salt to my pepper, the hog to my warts, the mozzarella to my Pizza, the…"
"We get it Mikey!" said Raph folding his arms.
Casey smirked, "Aww that's cute Mike,"
"Thanks, Dad!" Mikey grinned.
Casey clacked his gum and pointed at Mikey, "Don't start,"
"She's just had a refitting for her bridesmaid dress…" said April smiling, "…that's probably where Irma was coming from. Just some finishing touches that need to be done."
One of Marius's staff ran to April, "Excuse me Miss O'Neil, but Marius has asked me to collect you for your final dress fitting."
April clapped her hands excitedly. "Ok guys, I shall see you later at the BBQ…" she waived slightly as she turned and followed the young man that came to get her, she turned back as she went, "…I'll let Tyler know to find you all."
"Come on then guys…" said Casey as he watched his soon to be wife walk away, "…lets go get the BBQ going."
They all followed Casey.
Tyler walked out of the front door of the Farmhouse. It was becoming dusk, and she could see the wedding area lit up further down the field in front of the house, just on the outskirts of the orchard. The smell of the BBQ and fire pit was caught on the evening breeze making her stomach rumble a little. She had not eaten all day as she wanted to get into her bridesmaid dress and not feel bloated. She walked down the steps of the porch and headed toward the noise of people and the smell of food. Tonight, there were only close friends and family here, a little bachelor and bachelorette get together before the big day. As she wandered over, she noticed some movement through the trees. She detoured and walked down the path that had been made over the years, an indent from people walking through the grass. She walked through the trees and came to a little clearing next to a field that once housed the many horses that April's family used to own. She entered the clearing to find Leo training.
"God Leo…" she said grabbing his attention, "…you never stop, do you?"
He straightened up, his swords in his hands and looked her over. She was wearing a little turquoise short legged all in one with a low neckline and straps. Her hair was scraped back into a messy ponytail.
"You look, lovely," he said, a little surprised by her change from all dark clothes to something with colour.
She smiled and blushed as he began to walk over to her. "Thanks, Aprils idea," she watched as Leo picked up his holsters and slide his swords into them one by one. He did not put his belt or holsters back on. He was bare apart from some baggy linen ankle cuffed trousers. He was bare foot, as was she.
They both sat down on an overturned tree that was to the side of the clearing. This was the place that they all used to train in, whenever they came to the farm with April.
"It suits you, brings out your eyes…" Leo continued, "…it's nice to see you looking fresh and less depressed, no offence."
"None taken…" she said back, "…I suppose being away from the city helps and the wedding tomorrow, it takes your mind off things I suppose."
Leo nodded.
She studied him for a moment, he didn't seem himself.
"Are you ok Leo? Something seems a little off with you."
He looked back at her. Was it the right time to tell her what was on his mind? This was about him now, not Raph or Mikey and them being in love with her, this was an issue that was plaguing him for a change. He always dealt with his brothers' issues and put them before him. He made sure that they were all ok before he thought about himself. Anything that was bothering him was automatically put to the back of his mind. He mainly went to Donny with his own problems, he wanted logical answers to things and he knew he would get them from his brother but this was something different, plus, Donny was having a good time with a girl, so he didn't want to interrupt that.
He sighed and rubbed his hands together. She could sense that he was going to be as open as he could with her.
"Ok…" he said still looking at her, "…I have feelings, strong feelings for someone and I'm worried about what it would mean if I pursued them."
Tyler lifted her eyebrows. "Right, ok. Is it someone I know?"
"Sort of," he said, not quite believing that he was telling her his secret.
"So, are you worried how everyone will react?" she continued.
He sighed and looked at his hands, "definitely, especially Raph. It's kind of complicated."
Tyler smirked, "Don't worry about him Leo, I'll get round Raph,"
He looked back at her and smiled. "I can trust you not to say anything, right?"
Her brow furrowed, "of course you can. Leo, what's going on?"
"I'm still in love with Karai." he said, searching her face for disapproval.
She lifted an eyebrow and he waited for a reaction. There was nothing.
"Are you gonna say anything?" he asked, confused by the lack of response.
"Wait, that's it?" she replied.
He gave her a blank stare.
"Leo, that's good, isn't it?" she was starting to look as confused as him.
Tyler wasn't around when Leo and Karai were together. All she knew was what he had heard from the guys and what she had witnessed for herself during their fight. Mikey didn't seem to mind that Leo was with her, she was ok with him and she enjoyed pizza, there wasn't much else she needed to do to win him over. Donny was cautious but kept his opinion to himself. He knew that if Leo trusted her there was no need to doubt her. Raph on the other hand didn't give her the time of day, he made Tyler very aware of his thoughts and feelings toward Karai after their fight in the alley. And both Casey and April were not her greatest fans.
Tyler could see how Leo was struggling, and any girl that made him feel this worried and unsure and lovesick deserved a chance, for his sake. He was her big brother; he had supported her through so much. They had a closeness that was hard to describe. How could she not support him and help him through this?
"Does she feel the same way?" she asked.
Leo looked at her surprised that she was not upset with him. "I think so. I wasn't sure until the way she acted when we met up with her last."
Tyler took his hand. "Leo, there is obviously something between you two, it might not be right for everyone else but if it feels right for you then that is all that matters. She clearly feels something for you to put on the little show she did."
He nodded, soaking up all she was saying and looked away.
She waited for a moment before continuing, she knew he wasn't going to ask what he should do so she went ahead and suggested.
"I'd tell her…" She said. He looked up, "…I'd contact her, meet up, just you two and, talk."
"Talk?" he said back.
"Yup, you do talk don't you, or do you just, you know, meet up and, do stuff?" she made a circle with her hand and repeatedly pushed and pulled her finger in and out of it.
Leo's eyes widened, "No!" he said abruptly, "…no we have never…" he looked at her sheepishly.
Tyler nodded with a little grin. He looked at her and grinned back.
"…I'll arrange to meet up with her and talk,"
Tyler squeezed on his hand, "I'm here Leo, whenever you need."
He squeezed her hand back and pulled her in for a hug. "I would surrender my soul to see you whole again Tyler. Thank you."
They sat there for a moment holding one another.
"Well, well, if it isn't my big fearless brother and Tyler…" with the sarcasm in his voice it could only be Raphael. "…am I interrupting something!?"
His voice was deep and gruff. It only got that way when he was angry. Leo and Tyler pulled away from one another and looked up at him. Raph was bare too, wearing the same kind of linen trousers as Leo.
"Hey Raph…" said Tyler as she smiled at him, "…I was just helping Leo with a problem he was having."
Raph noticed Leo's hand on Tyler's leg, he had unintentionally placed it there as he pulled away but as it was nothing to them neither of them had noticed.
"Really!?" spat Raph, "…cos it looks like you two are getting cosy together!"
Leo and Tyler looked at one another then realised where Leo's hand was.
"Oh my god, Tyler, I'm sorry!" Leo panicked, now hovering his hands above her body, scared to touch her.
"Leo, stop, it's nothing, its fine…" Tyler wasn't fazed, "…it's not a problem, I didn't even realise."
They stood up. Tyler brushed away the creases that were forming in her outfit, then started to walk towards the BBQ area.
"Come on you two, let's get some food," she said.
Leo picked up his swords and holster and he started to follow. Raph stood in front of him, stopping him from leaving. They looked at one another. Leo knew what was happening in Raphs head.
"You go on Ty…" said Leo, "…we'll be there in a sec,"
Tyler turned and saw the two look over at her. "Ok, see you there."
When she had disappeared Raph turned sharply, pushing Leo hard in the chest.
"What the hell Raph!?" Leo snapped pushing him back.
"I see what's going on now…" said Raph with a snarl, "…all this bullshit about not pursuing Tyler because of Mikey, it was just so you could get in her pants!"
"What?!" snapped Leo again, "…that is not what's going on, she was helping me!"
"Yeah, helping you get your dick rubbed!" Raph glared at him.
Leo shook his head and tried to walk past him, "This is ridiculous!"
Raph grabbed Leo's arm and Leo turned sharply knocking him away. Raph retaliated and went for a punch but Leo was ready and knocked him back again.
"Stop it Raph! She was helping me with Karai!" he spat as his Raph lunged forward, attempting to punch his brother again but he stopped as he heard what Leo had just said.
They glared at one another for a moment.
"Karai? What she got to do with anything?!" Raph was confused.
Leo sighed, "I was worried with what I was feeling about Karai, I needed someone to talk to. Tyler being Tyler obliged and you just caught us as I was hugging her, saying thank you. The hand on her leg? I didn't even realise I'd put it there…"
Raph looked at him searching his face for dishonesty.
"…I promise you, that's all it was." He continued.
Raph nodded, still unsure. "so, what are these feelings that you're talking about, for Karai?"
Leo let out another sigh, "Look, just bear in mind your feelings for Tyler…"
Raph raised an eyebrow.
"…I'm still in love with her, whether you like it or not, that's how I feel…"
Raph took a deep breath and exhaled out of his nose.
"…I look at you and Mikey and now Donny, and you're all in love. And so am I. I know you guys aren't Karai's biggest fans, but I love her and I'm going to do something about it when we get back."
Raph looked his older brother up and down.
"Ok." Said Raph as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Ok?" said Leo in surprise.
"Yeah, ok…" Raph said again, "…Do what you gotta do Leo,"
Raph started to walk of slowly in the direction that Tyler did.
"So, you're not going to ruin this for me? You're not gonna make her feel uncomfortable if she comes back?" Said Leo as he walked with Raph.
"Well, like you said, if,she comes back."
Leo grabbed Raphs shoulder and pulled him back, "Raph,"
Raph stopped and looked back at Leo. "Ok…" he said, "…If Karai does love you too and comes back, I'll be cool, but, she's gotta quit the Foot and the Purple Dragons!"
He glared at Leo, who nodded sheepishly. "I mean it Leo, if she loves you the same way you say you love her, she'll do that for you."
Leo understood. The last time him and Karai were together Leo took on a dark side, he was not like Karai per say, but he made excuses for the bad things she did. He agreed with Raph. She had to stop what she was doing if she wanted to be with him. This time, it will have to be all or nothing.
"Agreed!" said Leo.
Raph nodded and knuckled Leo and they walked up to the BBQ.
It was getting dark now and Tyler had just rocked up to the fire pit.
Mikey was talking to Donny, Irma and Ed when she got there. She spotted him as she walked through the people, saying Hi to them as she passed.
She was fixated on him as he laughed and drank from his bottle.
She was stopped suddenly by one of April's family members, who was asking where she got her outfit. At that moment Mikey looked away from his friends slightly. It was as though something was calling to him and trying to get his attention. He looked around and saw Tyler talking. She looked amazing in the light of the fire. Her eyes lifted and connected with his and he felt a hot flush rush up his spine and a cold sweat cover his body. He smiled at her and she smiled back. Their eye contact was broken by someone walking in front of her to say hello. As they moved away, she looked back to where Mikey was, but he was gone. She glanced around looking for him, but he was nowhere. She turned as someone else went by her, but as she did, she was met by Mikey's huge smile.
She gasped and put her hand to her chest and looked up at him. He was stripped of all his weapons, his belt and holsters. They all were. Just wearing the cool linen trousers. This was a chance to relax and enjoy themselves in a safe and comfortable environment. There was no need for the weapons.
The light from the fire shone on Mikes torso, the sight of him taking her breath away. She could not stop herself and she went in for a hug, grabbing at him. A little shocked, he took a small step back from her force, then smiled, wrapping his arms around her.
"Hey Tyler," he said kissing the top of her head.
"I missed you," she said as she buried her face into his chest.
"Me too…" he said back, "…I know it's only been a night, but it felt longer."
Raph and Leo joined the party. Raph looked over at Mikey and Tyler who were still hugging. He let out a sigh of frustration and disappointment. He looked around and caught eye contact with Splinter. He gave Raph a knowing nod prompting him to go and sit with him.
Splinter had moved away from the group of people but was still near enough to the fire for him to feel the warmth. Raph wondered over and sat down next to him.
"Hello, my son," He said softly.
"Hi Dad," he replied.
Splinter looked at his son and watched him for a moment before looking out to the crowd of people. "Have you decided what you are going to do about Tyler?"
Raph shot his head to his father.
"I might be an old rat, but I see what is happening." He continued.
Raph sighed and looked at the floor. "I don't know what to do."
"This is a delicate matter…" splinter stroked his beard, "…is it the right time to put Tyler in this particular predicament? She has a lot on her mind and is fighting a war within herself. She wears strength and darkness equally well, this girl has always been half goddess, half hell,"
Raph smirked, "You got that right."
Splinter continued, "She is a paradox. She is faithful yet detached. She is committed and yet relaxed. She loves everyone and yet no one. She is sociable but also a loner. She is gentle and yet tough. She is passionate but she can also be platonic. In short, she is predictable in her unpredictability. Does that remind you of anyone?" He put his hand on his son's shoulder.
Raph continued to look out to the fire. He could see Tyler sat laughing and drinking with all the people gathered around the fire.
"It appears that you are the one that has affected her life the most. She has the most in common with you out of all your bothers. She looks to you for her strength."
Raph looked back at his father. "Are you saying I shouldn't take this any further?"
Splinter smiled, "I am simply saying that what will be will be. There are certain places she can go where she does not have to be perfect. Be one of them."
Raph smiled back. "She always talks about crazy things, and I never understood a word she said. All I know is that she's a girl I sit up every night thinking about, and when I'm with her I feel happy to be alive."
"And there is nothing wrong with that my son. Michelangelo has expressed the same feelings towards her. All I can offer both of you is the truth, and that is that only one of you might hold her in your arms as your own. That is, if she holds the same feelings, of course. Neither of you should hold any resentfulness towards each other. You need to be able to understand that before you take the next steps."
"And what are the next steps?" Raph glanced at his dad again then back to Tyler.
"That is up to you. They are whatever you decide. You are all grown men and life is for living with many bumps in the road."
Splinter stood up and reached for his cain. "I will now retire to my bed. It will be a wonderful day tomorrow for all of us. Enjoy your evening and relax my son. Good night."
Raph smiled as his sensei walked off. He got up and wondered over to his brothers and Tyler.
They were sat on the grass chatting and singing along with the music. Mikey and Tyler were dancing around doing silly moves and laughing at one another.
Raph sat on the grass next to Leo. Leo reached into the cooler box pulling out a cold beer and handed it to Raph. "You ok?" He asked. Raph opened the bottle and took a long hard drink and looked at his brother. "I don't know yet…" he looked to Tyler who was laughing at Kenos dance moves, "…I'm just gonna concentrate on tomorrow, hopefully I won't make a dick out of myself,"
Raph felt arms wrap around his neck from behind, "But you're already a dick, so you can't get much worse!" Tyler gave him a peck on the cheek.
He smiled and rubbed her arm. He grabbed it and pulled her over his shoulder and on to his lap. Tickling her as he did so.
"You got your best man speech done bro?" asked Mikey as he sat down next to them both.
"All sorted…" said Raph, still attacking Tyler, "…with the stuff I got on there, April might be filing for a divorce by the end of the week!"
Raph stopped messing with Tyler and she laid there catching her breath. Raph laid down beside her, Mike was at the other side and Leo was sprawled out at her feet.
"Hey guys," said Donny as he laid next to them all.
"Hey Donny, where's you girlfriend?" sniggered Mike.
Donny smiled as he put his arms behind his head and looked up at the sky like the rest of them. "Irma's gone to bed, she likes to read for an hour before she drifts off, which I can understand, being a reader myself,"
"Any action bud?" continued Mikey as Tyler and Raph punched at him.
"No…" Donny smirked, "…but if you would like to know, she will be accompanying me to the wedding tomorrow as my date."
The guys gave out sick style moans except Tyler who was excitedly clapping away for her friend. "Aww Donny that's great, Irma is lovely, I knew you'd like her."
"Yeah, thanks Tyler…" he chirped, deciding to use this moment to his advantage, "…I decided to act on my feelings and look what happened, I got a nice girl, and look what else happened, she's coming with me to a wedding party. Oh, and what's this? she likes me back? Yes, she does, but would it have been a big deal if she didn't? no, I would have gotten over it, but hey, I asked, unlike some people I know!"
"We get it Donny!" spat Leo trying to get him to stop.
Raphs eyes shot about, now feeling uncomfortable, he blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"Leo's still in love with Karai and gonna ask her out again!"
They all started squabbling with each other, questioning Leo about what they had just heard.
"Stop arguing guys, come on!" yelled Tyler as they all went quiet. "…this is difficult for Leo so just cut him some slack."
They laid in silence for a moment.
"When did you decide this?" asked Mikey, calmer now.
"I fully decided today." said Leo as he put one arm behind his head.
"Isn't she kinda, crazy?" continued Mikey.
"Oh, she has moments when she seems stable…" said Donny, still looking up at the sky, "…but then so does nitro-glycerine."
Mikey, Raph and Tyler laughed as Leo sighed. "I know she's far from sane, but she's the right kind of crazy, the kind you get addicted to."
"Kinda like this one here, right?!" said Mikey as he started to tickle Tyler, along with Raph this time.
Eventually they stopped and continued to look up at the sky.
"Here you go…" said a voice coming from above them all, it was Casey, he passed Tyler a blanket, "…just in case you fall asleep out here with these guys."
"Thanks Casey," she said as Mikey helped cover her up.
"Right, I better go get some sleep, big day, big day!" Casey walked off towards the house as they all said goodnight.
"We should do that…" said Leo, "…all of us stay out here tonight, what do you guys say?"
They all agreed. Tyler curled up in the blanket and Raph and Mike slid up next to her to shield her from the cool night breeze.
They all continued to chat about nothing as one by one they fell asleep.
She slept with wolves without fear, for the wolves knew a lion was among them.
– R.M. Drake.