Chapter four:
I blink my eyes open finding that it has worked... To an extent... I guess since it's not really tested and such. I am back just at the night before the next day. I thought that I'd land in the morning. I glance down to Leo who is snuggled up in my arms. I find tears coming to my eyes as I hug him close. I'm back and Leo's alive. To me that's all that matters. "I won't let him kill you this time." I whisper to him and glare at my locked door. "I promise." I turn away letting myself cry a little from the relief of knowing he's alive again. I close my eyes as my body is exhausted. I suppose it's a side effect. I do know tonight is fine so I can rest.
The next day the two of us go out early.
"I'll walk you to Aprils house then I'll head to Casey's to talk to him." I tell Leo.
"I can go to Aprils by myself. We're not that far." Leo offers to me to which I shake my head.
"No. I am not taking any chances." I know I can't let him know that I traveled back. I don't want to freak him out, that is if he even believes me. "Not after what happened yesterday."
"Okay." Leo agrees, his gaze soft to show understanding, so we walk together to get to Aprils.
I keep alert for Splinter as does Leo. I spot him peeking out from behind a trash can. I nudge Leo as soon as I see that he's noticed us. "Go. Run to Aprils. I'll be following." I whisper to which he does as I tell him. I start running alongside him making sure that he knows I am there.
There is footsteps behind us so we glance back to see that Splinter has come out.
Splinter tries to chase after us to which I narrow my eyes at him.
I turn to Leo with a softer look. "Keep going." I whisper to him and after a little of running I glance back again. I see Splinter stops then goes down another path. I realize that we're coming up to the place where Leo was killed. I nudge him to take a turn in the opposite direction Splinter went. I hear someone charge then skid to a stop in the direction we were supposed to be going. I lead Leo around and we keep going until we get to Aprils. We stop in front of her place panting heavily. I look back seeing no sign of Splinter. I think us turning confused him enough that we actually got away. I turn to Leo as he hugs my arm.
"You're not going back out there alone." Leo tells me while panting.
"I'll ask Casey to come here. So I don't have to go all the way to his place." I promise to him and we manage to catch our breaths.
We knock on the door to which April answers it.
"Oh hey! It's so great to see you two. Did you have a race here?" April greets in her cheery voice.
"Yes. But it was too close to tell who won." I tell her and she chuckles.
"Well come in come in." April lets us in closing the door afterwards. "You two made it before your brothers and Casey. We're all getting together. It was Splinters idea." She heads to the kitchen likely to get us water.
Me and Leo tense and glance at each other.
That son of a bitch planned this. He was going to get them out of the way so he can kill Leo.
We force ourselves to relax and gratefully take the water. Which we of course drink. We settle on the couch to which Leo and April begin chatting.
I can tell Leo is chatting her up to try to help him relax more. I pull out my phone texting Casey.
Hey. Can you come over to Aprils?
Casey actually gets back to me pretty quickly.
Yeah. Mikey invited me to join in hanging out there.
I message him back knowing he'll know this is important.
Don't tell anyone but I really need to talk to you about something. Just between us. I'll tell you in person.
I notice he pauses in his response before sending something.
Sure. Whatever you need to talk about.
I put my phone down and now it's the waiting game. I wonder if Casey will rush over knowing I have something important to discuss. Hell, I wouldn't even be surprised if he beats Mikey and Donnie here.
To prove me right there's a knock on the door before Casey calls in. "Hey! Am I the first to arrive?"
"I'll let him in." I offer getting up and head over to the front door. I opens it to which the two of us are looking at each other. "Good to see you here." I admit to him letting him inside.
"Hey Casey! Leo's here too! Donnie and Mikey are coming too!" April calls over hearing the front door close.
"Cool! That sounds good to me!" Casey calls back taking his shoes off. He looks to me wanting to know what's going on.
We pause turning as another knock comes.
I open it up letting Donnie and Mikey in.
We all head to the living room where Donnie and Mikey join April and Leo.
"Wanna go out back and get some fresh air?" Casey casually offers to me to which I nod.
We head out back and sit away from the doors and windows.
Casey looks to me. "Raph. What's going on? Is everything okay?"
"No." I admit to him taking a deep breath. I've been so confident about telling the others... However now that I'm faced with it I feel so nervous. I know it's going to leave a huge impact and be super shocking. I almost don't remember where to even start. I try to push away my nervousness. I know I'm being counted on to do this. I am supposed to be the one confident about doing this. "There's something I was made aware of not that long ago." I begin as he listens to what I have to say. "It's not anything good. It's changed a lot of things for me. There is something about it that I need your help in. It's just I really should explain what's going on."
"Take all the time you need." Casey assures me looking worried about what might be going on.
"Just promise me you won't say anything. Pretend everything is normal. I do plan to tell the others too." I request to which he nods in promise. "I learned that Splinter isn't who we think he is." I see him tilt his head at this not sure what I mean. "There's been something going on behind closed doors. Trust me you're not going to like it. I never thought we'd have to deal with this sort of thing." I almost swear he wants to tell me to hurry up and tell him only to keep himself quiet. "It involves Leo. Splinters been horrible to him." I hear him question 'What?!' to me. I pull out my phone going to start the video.
"What are you talking about?! Raph! You're not pulling my leg are you!?" Casey stops as I hand him my phone. He takes it and watches the video playing on it.
I watch his face to see his full reaction.
Casey stares in shock at the video. His hands trembling for a moment before managing to stop it. His facial expression shifts to horror as he can't take his eyes away from what's playing before him. His eyes so wide and his mouth hanging open. His hand clenching onto my cellphone as he just keeps letting the video play out. He watches like this for a good few moments before his face changes once more. His other hand not holding the phone balling up into a fist rather tightly. His mouth closing from his horrified gap to let him clench his teeth. His eyebrows dropping down as his eyes narrow when his emotions shift to rage. He doesn't say anything for a moment or two before finally his emotions pour into words. "That fucking bastard!" He snarls clearly looking like he wants to kill Splinter. His whole body is stiff at this point. "He's nothing but a monster!" He hisses glaring at the phone as if looks could kill someone in a video.
"It's only done to Leo as far as I know." I tell him as he lowers my phone when the video ends. I see him glaring off into the distance clearly still pissed off from what he's seen. "I've been trying to help Leo ever since I figured it out by myself. Before we said anything we wanted to get proof. We knew no one would believe us otherwise."
"Damn straight." Casey runs a hand through his hair letting out a few puffs of air out of his mouth. "How could he do such a thing?! I thought he loved us all! I mean I've heard of things like this happening to human families before... It's just I never thought I'd actually have to deal with it. He doesn't deserve respect or anything. If he was human he'd be locked up due to this video."
"I'm sorry that you need to be brought into this. He may be old but Splinter is still the best out of all of us. If it was just me and Leo he'd probably beat us. Also things have gotten worse. He seems to be planning to kill Leo. I had to reveal to him that I know when I saw him grabbing supplies then asking Leo to go out with him. Stuff he wouldn't need for where he said they were going. Then today he chased us and I don't doubt he planned to take us out before we could say anything."
"You two are staying at my place until all of this is over. Even after if you two want. My door is always open to you guys. I'll just never be letting Splinter in ever again. Especially not while I have you two over. I'll make sure that you guys will be safe. So he won't be able to get to either of you." Casey tells me, Splinters name seems to leave a foul taste in his mouth, looking at me with a serious hardened look. He puts an arm around me pulling me close as I politely take my phone to put it away. "It's alright that you got me involved. I'm glad you did. I'll help in anyway that I can."
"I'll be leaving Leo with you while I talk to the others. We're planning it for tomorrow. It gives me plenty of time to talk to you today. Once we have everyone in the loop about this we'll figure something out." I explain to which he nods his head. "It's all a bit fast for Leo so he doesn't really feel like being there when it's revealed. I don't want to overwhelm him either. We just know that we have to do something now."
"I can do that. I'll keep him safe while you talk to the others." Casey confirms to this. "I understand. When a parent does things like this it can be scary to even admit it's happening. Or so I've heard. Plus it's clear to me that this has been going on for a long while. Based on the video. The way Leo reacted. I just wish I had seen any of the signs. Being human and knowing these things happen I should have been able to see it." He slightly hangs his head clearly feeling a little guilty about not seeing it before. He takes a breath after a brief moment and raises his head back up. "Well I'll just need to focus on what I can do now." He seems to be a little better though I still feel like assuring him he's not at all under any blame.
"It's okay. He was crafty about hiding it. Yeah. I'm not really sure how long exactly it's been happening though. Just a long time." I confirm and I do feel better knowing that we have a new helper. I just hope that there is a way to make sure Splinter never does this again.
"Don't worry. We'll figure out something. There is a way to stop this." Casey points out. He is still clearly angry though he's doing his best to not just snap at me over it. He knows it's not me who is the one doing this after all. So he knows that there's no point to being angry at me. "I won't forgive him for this and I'm sure the others will also feel the same. We'll make sure that he'll never hurt Leo ever again."
"Thanks." I smile gratefully at him for this. "We can take a little time for you to calm down before we head inside." I suggest to him to which he nods. "How about we switch topics a little? How have you been otherwise since we last spoke?"
"Actually not bad." Casey looks like the change is already starting to help him calm down. "I finally managed to get that laptop I was telling you about."
"What? No way!" I blink at him at this looking interested to help in calming him down.
"Yeah. I haven't put any games on it yet. Just arrived today. So I still gotta set it up. It should be up in no time when I can do so."
"That's great." I tell him and I can see the thoughts of what's happening comes back. I can see it as his mouth twitches from a slight smile to a slight frown. "Have you heard how the weather is going to be? Any storms?" I press to try to help him a little.
"Just one for tonight. A thunderstorm is expected." Casey admits to this. "It's been awhile since we've had one."
"What was it? Last month since the last one? Hopefully it shows up and is epic. It'll be nice to have a thunderstorm. Heh. I remember for the longest time Mikey was so scared of the thunder and lightning."
"How'd you guys get him out of that?" Casey is taking the bait to let this go deeper really helping him out.
"Comforting him during the storms. Turning the storms into good experiences. Plus telling him that he doesn't have to be afraid of the storms. It all came together really nicely. One time we built a fort and played board games during a nasty storm." I go off telling him all about it, except anything with Splinter, to which he chimes in here and there.
We continue our small talk for awhile longer and I think he's finally ready.
"Should we join the others?" I inquire to which he nods his head. I get up as does he then I follow him into the house.
Leo is in the kitchen seemingly grabbing some extra water. He's alone right now but the others can be heard not far. He turns to us as we come inside.
Casey heads over to Leo and hugs him. "I'm sorry that we didn't realize sooner." He tells the other quietly and I just hope he'll control himself with the rest of them.
I don't mind this right now since it'll be beneficial for them both.
"You two are staying at my place until further notice. I insist. I want to make sure you both will be safe. Something will be figured out. The horror will be stopped." Casey explains to which Leo nods his agreement to this.
After a few moments the two pull away and the three of us join the others. We sit down and join in on the conversation. We're happily included in it.
I can see talking with the others is helping all three of us to really relax. I'm glad to see it. I glance for the briefest moment to a window leading out front. I don't see any sign of Splinter. I focus back on the group quickly after checking.
Tomorrow is going to be another big day.
We stay at Aprils for a good long while even having dinner there, order in pizza of course, though eventually Mikey stretches his arms up as Donnie gets up.
"We should really be going." Donnie suggests and glances to Leo and Raph.
"Me and Leo decided we're gonna stay at Casey's tonight." I speak up catching their attention.
"I already agreed so it's all good." Casey confirms this. "I'm sure it'll be no problem at all. You can join if you want." He offers to remain polite in this. Plus he truly shows he doesn't mind more company.
Mikey and Donnie glance to each other then turn back.
"I think we're good. Guess well see you tomorrow." Donnie turns down the idea.
"You three have fun with that." April also assures us that she's good.
"Yeah. See you tomorrow." I say goodbye for now and the two of them leave.
Me, Casey and Leo follow soon after.
I think of something and I just hope that Splinter doesn't kill Mikey and Donnie. I have my doubts that he will since his anger is directed elsewhere. I think he's still too focused on killing me and Leo to really even think about killing the other two. I just hope that at least for tonight it'll be alright. I try to brush it off and we get to Casey's place. I glance up realizing the sky is definitely looking stormy. I guess we are indeed getting that storm. I just don't think it's arrived yet.
"How about we all sleep in the living room? I still got the air mattresses for when any of you stay over. Plus one of us could always take the couch." Casey suggests as we walk into the home. "That way we're all in the same place if something happens. Which I highly doubt anything will happen."
"Sure. That sounds good." Leo agrees to which Casey nods then heads of.
Me and Leo head to the living room and as he sits on the couch I look out the window. I indeed don't see Splinter out there. I do notice some lightning in the distance. I hear Casey start getting the air mattresses set up. I pull out my phone when I receive a text.
It's Donnie.
I open it up to read it.
Dude what did you do? Splinter is so angry at you guys right now. Like holy shell. He locked himself in his room probably pacing still angry.
I type a small response as I can't tell him just yet.
I'll tell you tomorrow. Promise.
Donnie is indeed quick to get back to me.
Is this why you and Leo are staying at Casey's tonight?
I respond quickly as well.
Yeah. Let's try to leave him alone for now. Like I said I'll explain everything tomorrow. Don't wanna stir things up right now.
Donnie takes a brief moment before I get the next text.
Alright and don't worry me and Mikey are already giving him space. We'll see you tomorrow. I'm really curious to hear what in the world you did this time.
I roll my eyes at the last line. I turn as someone leans against me. I see that it's Leo. I carefully turn so I don't shove him down. I put my phone away and put an arm around him. "How you feeling?" I inquire wondering if he wants some kind of comfort. I'd be more than happy to give it to him.
"I just wanted to be near you. Today was a lot of emotions." Leo explains to which I nod my head.
"That's okay." I notice the first air mattress is inflated. I bring him over to which we sit on it. I keep Leo held close.
"Do you two want anything? Drinks? A snack?" Casey inquires glancing to us.
Mainly I turn to Casey as Leo stays being close to me. I try to give him a look to quietly encourage him to say good things. I think it'll really help Leo to hear more than just me say it.
Casey quickly nods that he can do that. He sits by the air mattress to be close while giving Leo a little space. "You know even with everything you're doing great Leo." He begins to which Leo slightly turns to him. He offers the other a smile at seeing this. "I always knew you were strong. You're stronger than I ever thought I knew. Then again you've always been the best leader we could have ever asked for. You still are. You've helped us out plenty of times which we really appreciate. However I'm helping because I care about you. Not like I'm paying off debt to you for helping me before. Just to make that clear. I want to help end this and make life better for you."
"Thank you Casey." Leo does smile rather softly which does make me happy.
"Don't worry about it." Casey waves it off then after staying a moment longer he gets up. He works on making sure that things are set up.
I do move us so he can put some sheets on the air mattress for us. I let Leo sit back down once it's all good.
"Are you two sharing?" Casey asks and I nod glancing to him. "Cool. Works for me." He makes the other air mattress into his own bed.
I join Leo in sitting on our temporary bed.
A flash of lightning catches our eyes and after a few seconds the thunder booms.
I ignore it as the other two soon do the same.
We all turn to look at one another.
"Are you going to tell April at the same time as Mikey and Donnie?" Casey inquires though he suddenly looks like he worries if he shouldn't have. He glances to Leo hoping that he'll be okay with this talk. His attention is brought back to Raph who speaks up.
While Leo does look to be okay even with the subject.
"I might tell her before or after them. I think it'd be best this way. So they can truly process it all before having to worry about anyone." I see Casey nod in understanding to this idea.
We all turn as there is a crash of thunder outside and the rain starting to come down.
"Guess the storm is here." Casey mentions to which I hum in agreement to this.
We sit back and watch the lightning flash for a little bit. We then decide that maybe we should try to get some rest.
Casey gets up. "I'll make sure everything is locked and that I don't see anyone out there." He tells us. "You two can stay here. I'll be back." He heads off to begin doing what he said he would.
I stay by Leo as the two of us watch the storm while we wait. I have my arm around him as he has his head resting on my shoulder. I glance to him seeing that he is actually pretty relaxed right now. I smile and nuzzle what I can reach of his head earning me a small giggle. "You're so cute." I tell him to which he blushes at that comment. I chuckle warmly and give his head a small kiss. I keep him snuggled against me as I turn back to watch the storm with him. My heart is filled with warmth and I'm very sure that Leo's is as well.
It's only a little longer before Casey returns and I can see him smirk a little. "You two would make a good couple." He teases lightly clearly wanting to keep everything relaxed.
"We are." I confirm. "A little while after I found out." I tell him to which Casey grins.
"Ha! I knew it!" Casey says causing me and Leo to blink at him. "Come on Raph I know you. I could see that you liked him. I was waiting for you to finally confess to him." He grins at me and I try to push down a slight blush. "Glad you finally did."
"Yeah. Thanks." I nod softly glad to have Casey's support in also me and Leo's relationship. "We should probably try to rest. Todays been a big day and tomorrow will be too."
"Yes, yes." Casey agrees shutting off the lights. "Let us get that rest. Oh and don't worry if either of you sleep in tomorrow. I'll make sure to not wake either of you." He assures us. "Get as much rest as you want."
We all settle down in our temporary beds.
I share a quick goodnight kiss with Leo before we let ourselves drift off.
This place feels a lot more safe than home does so it seems to make it easier on us both.
I don't even know what time it is when I blink awake. I see that it is still dark and I can hear the storm outside. I think it sounds like it's almost over. I slightly glance around trying to figure out what woke me up. I can tell in the darkness that both Leo and Casey are still asleep. I pause at the window and in a quick flash of lightning I swear that a figure is illuminated. I sit up and stare at the window my heart racing. I also realize we forgot to close the curtains before bed on that window.
Another flash comes but the figure is gone.
I try to figure out if I really saw it or not. I decide I'm not gonna take any chances. I can't with how things have been going. I turn hearing Casey groan to which I see him sleepily raise his head.
"Raph? What's going on?" Casey mummers sounding half asleep.
"I think I saw someone outside." I tell him and he sits up waking up a lot faster than before.