The following morning, the group decided to check out the front deck. Even though the sun was barely visible, the boat was filled with life and a growing crowd was forming. Some were dressed in costumes, others were not.

"Hey guys!" Raph ran towards the builtin board excitedly. "This says all the activities going on today! What do you guys want to do?"

"I know exactly what I'll be doing," Donnie stated. "I shall be recreating my favorite scene from the hit film Titanic."

"Oooh, what's your favorite scene, Dee?"

Without missing a beat, they replied: "When the boat sinks."

Mikey's eyes went wide and he backed away slowly. "Aha...sorry I asked."

Donnie smirked, patting Mikey on the head. "Kidding. I'm getting some serious Zs by the pool."

"You? Sleep?" Raph laughed. "Funny joke."

"Groans in exasperation, I haven't slept properly since I was ten, Raphael! My bags over my eyes have bags. I need to catch up on my precious beauty sleep." Donnie started walking away, waving their hand dismissively. "If you need to contact me for whatever reason...don't." They turned around briefly to give everyone a serious death glare.

"You'll be fine on your own?" Raph asked, debating on following them like an overprotective mother duck. "And they're gone. Great." He went back to the sign to check on the others.

"Ohoho!" Leo glanced at the poster, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Shuffleboarding? I've never heard of that. Sounds awesome! Can I do that?"

"Well I mean-"

"Coolthanksbye!" And the red ear slider zipped off without letting the snapper finish his sentence.

"And then there were three." April said, amused. "What about you, Captain? What do you want to do?"

"I was thinking of checking out that costume party." Raph said with a casual shrug. "What about y'all?"

Mikey and April shared an excited look before revealing two unicorn floaties from nowhere.

"We're checking out the water slides!"

"This one called the Tidal Wave is said to be super intense." She said in agreement. "Plus we'll stop by for some food."

"Well...at least you're in pairs." Raph looked relieved. "Alright, well have fun! We can meet back at our rooms later. Just keep your phones on!"

As Mikey and April headed in the opposite direction, Raph decided to find his way to the costume party.

There was something truly nice about taking a vacation. The relaxing air, the various activities aboard the ship, and of course spending quality time with the ones he loved most. Raph couldn't be happier as he ambled along the deck, admiring each place with wonder and amazement. He had never gone on a boat before—let alone a cruise ship and was completely out of his element. And the last time he went on vacation, it ended up with him being confused for a criminal mastermind and having to go on the run...so hopefully this would be a more positive experience.

Even though Raph was solo at the moment, he had some hope that he would have an awesome time at the costume party. Sure he initially wanted to go with the rest of the Mad Dogz, but he could still have fun on his own.

Still, it stung a bit that they all went off to do their own things. Leo was off playing shuffleboard, Donnie was napping, April and Mikey were checking out the water slides. Raph wondered if he would have a better time hanging with them as a group instead of aimlessly wandering by himself. But several hours passed and before he knew it, it was time for the party.

He checked his phone. 5pm. Okay, so he was a little early...

"Here goes nothing." He mumbled, taking a few hesitant steps forward before deciding to stroll inside.

It was like he walked straight into a comic book convention. He hadn't seen so many humans dressed up in costumes since the last time he visited Galaxy-Con. There were all sorts of outfits too. Aliens, vampires, sexy corn, anime superheroes, characters from video games and movies.

"Woah..." he uttered, overwhelmed. There was of course a huge snack table, plus a DJ in the corner playing some of the latest hits for the dance floor in front. He whistled lowly. "Now this is a party. I almost feel like I don't belong here."

On his way to the snack table, his shell lightly brushed against another person. Since he was so large, the poor guy was knocked to his knees. Raph turned around, cheeks burning with embarrassment as he apologized profusely. "Oh gosh, I'm really sorry I didn't mean to—"

The uptight man wearing a truly ugly turtle alien costume scowled at him, as if the snapper was something gross growing on the floor. "Watch where you're walking, you big brute!" He said, narrowing his eyes at Raph's attire and turned to his companion. "Ugh, and he has the nerve to copy my costume! Some people have no originality."

The man's companion sneered. "Except his outfit is absolutely hideous. Did he find it inside a dumpster?"

"Listen, I said I was sorry! Don't insult my appearance— er I mean my costume!" Raph retorted, already backing away to the snack table. The last thing he needed was some kind of confrontation with randos. Even though he was innocent. He slumped down moodily, prepared to indulge in the chocolate fountain and sulk.

"Well, hello again," mused a familiar sweet voice, scooting beside him nonchalantly. The same lizard girl from earlier. As Raph turned his head, he noticed she was now dressed in a pretty red cocktail dress, the straps hanging loosely on her shoulders. "Twice already we've crossed paths," She smirked, amber eyes twinkling. "Do you think it's fate?"

Raph was unsure how to respond besides chuckling awkwardly. "Uhhh...maybe?"

"So, do you normally cause fights in turtle costumes or was this just a one time thing?" She teased, raising an eyebrow.

Defensively, Raph sat up, sputtering. "I didn't—it was a complete misunderstanding!"

The teen giggled, the sound alone making his stomach tie in knots. "Relax, I'm only kidding. That guy was a huge jerk." She bumped his shoulder playfully. "You got a name, stranger?"

"Raphael," he replied automatically. He thought for a moment, then added; "Everyone calls me Raph. You?"

"Lisa," She rolled her eyes in disgust. "The most boring, average name ever."

"Hey, I like Lisa!" Raph protested. "It's pretty."

Lisa had a mischievous glint in her eye. "You can have my name then. Let's switch." She joked. "I think Raphael would suit me, don't you?" She dipped a strawberry into the chocolate fountain, and helped herself to a plate.

Raph laughed with her. "I think it would. But you should stick with Lisa." He copied her, taking a piece of fruit and dipping it into the fountain.

"Still, I'd like something more exciting."

Raphael would argue that Lisa was certainly an interesting name to him, as he didn't know anyone with that name. But he had a strong feeling she would be stubborn and disagree with him. He paused to chew on his dessert before changing the subject; "I meant to tell you before you ran off, but I love your costume too."

For a split second she looked puzzled, maybe even a little hurt but she quickly masked it with a smile. "Thanks! And yeah, sorry about that. I didn't mean to—it's a long story."

"Hey, no worries," Raph said, taking a huge bite of strawberry, the melted chocolate covering his cheeks. He was still curious why she used him to catch a ride (without a ticket no less!). Before he had a chance to speak however, she stood up from her seat.

"So, do you wanna dance, Raph?"

Raph turned around, assuming she must be referring to some other guy named Raph. There was no one behind him save for the chocolate fountain. "You— wanna dance with me?" He nearly choked on air from shock. "Are you sure? I'm not very good at dancing. Unless you count Dance Dance Revolution."

Lisa nodded shyly. "Come on, it'll be fun!" she slipped her hand into his, leading him to the dance floor. The obvious height difference was awkward to say the least, but Lisa took charge as they swayed to the gentle rhythm, and kept a few inches apart.

"Okay, so we're doing this," Raph gulped. "No sweat."

The sweet melody chimed through their ears as they danced together.

I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways

Maybe it's all part of a plan

I'll just keep on making the same mistakes

Hoping that you'll understand

But baby now

Take me into your loving arms

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars

Place your head on my beating heart

I'm thinking out loud

That maybe we found love right where we are

"I love this song," She hummed, amber eyes meeting dark brown hues. "It's a bit romantic for my taste though."

"Tell me about it," Raph clumsily spun her around in a small circle. "Hope they switch to a faster one soon."

His wish came true, as the next song was one of those loud pop tunes that always replayed on the radio. He tried to follow the beat, but his eyes were drawn to his partner.

Lisa danced so naturally, without looking down as she owned the dance floor. Her movements were swift, but elegant. Each turn made his stomach do somersaults, and even though she was currently dressed as a lizard she looked...

"Incredible..." He whispered.

"Hm?" Lisa stopped. "Did you say something?"

"What?" He shook his head furiously. "Nope! Raph didn't say anything! Nothing at all! How about we um...take a break for a sec? For..." He scanned the bar area, hoping there were non alcoholic options. "lemonade?"

"That would be nice. It's getting too hot here anyway."

They found a secluded, quieter table to sip their drinks and try to have a normal conversation. Which was easier said than done with the loud bass chiming in every other minute.

"You gotta tell me Lisa, what movie is your costume from." Raph said eagerly. "I've never seen a lizard lady before."

Lisa seemed hesitant to respond, and automatically Raph panicked —thinking he had accidentally offended her by the question. But she smiled easily; "It's from a pretty obscure movie. One of those...film noir classics that rarely get released on T.V. I'm not surprised you don't know it."

"What's it called?"

"Sherlock Foam and the Skink Woman of Doom." She said, completely serious.

"You're kidding!" Raph stifled a giggle.

"Maybe," Her beady eyes stared at him for a second, and then she winked. "And I'm assuming you're dressed as the turtle alien from the Jupiter Jim movies?"

"Yes!"

"My brother and I are obsessed with Jupiter Jim. We used to wait outside the movie theater whenever a new one came out." She looked deep in thought, as if she was recalling the individual memory. "He'd collect all the action figures, I'd collect the trading cards, all that jazz."

"My siblings and I love them too. Gosh, I remember when we first discovered them. They washed up one day in the sewe..." He trailed off, realizing how he was about to reveal way too much information. "We found them on the streets when we were five and the rest is history."

Lisa's expression softened. "Rough life, huh?"

"Huh? No, no way. I wouldn't trade my life for anything!" Raph said, rubbing the back of his neck. "So, where are you..."

A phone chimed. "Ah, sorry." She gave him an apologetic look as she peered at her phone. Her eyes went wide. "Oh God."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing!" Lisa pocketed her phone anxiously. "I just have to go. I'm helping my brother with a school project about marine life and apparently he found a crazy dolphin swimming around by the main deck. I swear, middle schoolers have some imagination, but I promised I'd help out..." she rambled as though she had rehearsed this exact scenario before.

"Hey, no problem."

"I'm really sorry for bailing on you."

"No worries," Be smooth Raph. Be smooth. "Um, maybe we can hang out some other time? In a less crowded place?"

Lisa nodded, standing up so that for a brief moment she was taller than the sitting, massive turtle. With a soft peck on his cheek, she beamed. "Sounds great!"

Raph's face went as red as his mask, watching her leave with a stunned look on his face. "Uh...um...yeah. See you!"

Although he left in the opposite direction, texting his siblings about dinner plans, his mind was only focused on one thing. Or really, one person.

Raph suddenly had a good feeling about this vacation.