A/N: I do not own any part of the Ninja Turtles corporation. All credit for the turtles and the rest of the TMNT characters. I do not own any brand names seen in this story. All credit goes to their respective owners. I only own my OCs.

** These are the revised & reworked Chapters of my first ever FanFiction. These are probably still trash but I enjoy writing them. Thanks to anyone who's stuck around, I'd love to hear your input!**

Chapter 6: Just Teasing

"Hey," April flopped down beside her on the couch, but her smile faulted as she noticed how distraught the young brunette looked. Quickly covering them both with a blanket, she tucked Cass into her side.

"Hey," Cassidy's whispered response only worried April, she was under the impression that Cassidy liked Red and now…she wasn't sure.

"What's wrong?"

"Huh, nothing's wrong," Cass' flustered response did not convey honesty and by the look she received from April, she knew that no one believed her. April quirked her eyebrow again before she opened her mouth, to which Cassidy snapped back and decided to confess before April asked a million questions.

"Okay, okay," her head on a swivel to check the area, the rest of the boys went their own way, Donnie had been called away with Leo which was how April ended up bestie her. Coast is clear.

"He wouldn't even look at me Ape," fingers fidgeted in her lap as she played through the events leading up to 'the incident.'

"Well Raph is—,"

"No…it wasn't right, it wasn't…" Cassidy wasn't sure what she was trying to say. She was at war with herself because a part of her was upset with how it happened while the other half wished she didn't allow him to get away so easily.

An all knowing 'ah,' left the reporter as she shifted beside Cass to look at her directly, grabbing her hands in a tight grasp.

"You need to tell him."

"Tell who—,"

"No. Don't. You know exactly who I am talking about Cass, you need—,"

Cassidy dismissed her with a shake of her head, before settling deeper into the worn cushions of the couch.

"Even if, hypothetically, you were right…it wouldn't even matter."

That confession shocked April. What does she mean it wouldn't matter? Of course it matters!

"Now why—," the words died on her lip[s as the sound of Mikey rolled into the living area.

"FOOD'S HERE!"

The announcement opened the floodgates and all the boys, including Vern, Casey and even Master Splinter filed into the room.

"Bought time!" Vernon called, rubbing his hands together as he looked around, albeit awkwardly, as he realized that there were no more open seats at the table for him.

Cassidy watched the boys interact with each other as both her and April made their way over from the couch. Leo was helping Splinter while Mikey was giving him first dibs of the orange chicken and chow mein noodles. Casey and Donnie were overheard talking about upgrades to Casey's cruiser before Donnie's eye was caught by April to which Casey clapped him on the shoulder and mumbled, "go get yer girl." Donatello giggled with a snort before hesitantly walking up to April, reaching for her hand so he could place a kiss to her knuckles. April's body deflated with a sigh as she moved to crowd into his side, his arm encircling around behind her. They are so natural together. She was happy for them but she couldn't help but notice that Raphael hadn't come back yet. Cassidy was worried that she had royally screwed up and—

The sound of someone clearing their throat caused Cass's eyes to refocus, only to land on the bulkiest of the Hamato brothers to enter the lair. Raphael. She loved the way his name felt along her tongue, imagined playing with the letters, her tongue rolling to graze the top of her mouth only to send a forbidden shiver through her body at the thought of him. Ugh, this is torture, she concluded as she watched his toothpick fidget between his teeth. To the untrained eye, it looked as if he was snarling at her, but she knew better. His eyes said something different, and she wanted to break open the cover and read him like a book.

"Hey Red, ready for Chinese?" Really? That's your attempt to break the ice? Cassidy's little voice rang and only caused a cold sweat to break over her skin as she waited with bated breath for his response.

"Yeah." Well, at least he answered… They both moved at the same time to find their spots along the table, but as they passed the threshold, Mikey was going after Leo again.

"You are BANNED from the kitchen DUDE!" Mikey was in rare form today, she's never seen him this upset, honestly didn't think it'd be possible.

"I don't understand how making tea leads you to change the oven settings!" Michelangelo's outburst filled the small area and, by the look on Leo's face, he didn't know what to say.

"Mike, I didn't—,"

"No. No Leo, HOW! Ape, Cass and I slaved over it ALL DAY!"

"Mikey, it's okay, I'm pretty sure I messed up the cocoa mix earlier for the brownies." Leo noticed Cassidy's attempt to diverge the issue and made a nod in her direction in acknowledgment. Both understand each other a little more.

"But!"

"Mikey, he wasn't even in there that long, even if he did mess with the oven, it wouldn't be enough to ruin the food," she giggled, before leaning on the back of April's chair. This seemed to silence the brothers, and shocking everyone, Leo apologized first and the two made up.

"Yeah, alright." He shrugged, and acted as if everything was all good and resumed being happy and cheery, which gave everyone a bit of whiplash before the rest of the night continued. The night was entertaining, Donnie and April talked with Master Splinter and made goo-goo eyes at each other. Leonardo and Casey were deep in conversation and Mikey and Vern seemed to be up to know good. Everyone was having a grand time, well, except for Raphael, who was currently positioned to her right and was brooding. He was aggressively biting and twirling his toothpick so much that she was worried that it'd splinter his beautiful lips. She tried not to stare, but as everyone was off in their own world, she was being sucked into his. The sounds coming from his mouth and the occasional grunt and flex of his crossed arms only made her teeth grit as everything about him intensified.

She's had enough.

"Ugh Raph, chill on the pick!" Her sudden outburst caused everyone to pause and his eyes went wide as she plucked the offending object from his lips. Cassidy's anger fizzled quickly as she came to terms with what she just did as her eyes locked with his. Amber eyes burned bright as he watched her lips move and realized that she had begun to speak.

"Has no one ever told you it's an annoying habit?" She challenged but as she finished her sentence, she realized that his eyes had dropped and was watching every word that fell from her lips. Taking this as her chance, and a sudden burst of courage, she decided to push the issue further. Claiming his property as her own.

Raphael was completely enamored as he watched his pick slip between her plump pink lips, her small teeth biting the edge of the wood. He could feel his whole body tense and his mind flooded with all the ways he could get his pick back…despite the fact that is the last thing he wanted. What Raphael wanted more than anything in that moment was—. His thoughts died as her deep pink tongue wrapped and twisted around the toothpick.

In a flash, he stood from the table and she felt a million times smaller as his large body shadowed her entirely. Cassidy felt as though she could hear the heavy thumps of his heart mimic the feel of his ragged breath that swept over her crown. He growled as if to warn her yet, it did not have the desired effect he was going for. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Cassidy shivered as she felt her nipples harden against the fabric of her bra and her thighs flexed in anticipation. She wanted to hear him growl again, wanted to watch the way his chest bristled and fingers flexed as the muscles in his biceps shook. He was a walking masterpiece and Cassidy wanted to trace every stroke of his canvas.

"Game night!" Michelangelo broke their trance with a yell as he waltzed into the den, arms full of different board games, movies and a soccer ball that rolled out of his grip and he kicked it out of the way without losing a step. The bomb that Cassidy had ignited in Raphael quickly dissipated between them as they both looked anywhere but at each other. Then, to Cass's dismay, she locked eyes with April, whose face features the biggest smirk she'd ever seen as she leaned back against Donnie in her chair.

Oh dear

The rest of the night went on without a hitch, everyone played Uno, Bullshit and were now attempting to play Monopoly after Mikey had kicked everyone's ass in 'Just Dance.' Vern had, surprisingly, been pretty good at Just Dance but was no match for the king himself. After sorely losing to the rambunctious younger brother, Vern left with his tail tucked as Leonardo said he'd be in contact with him about what they all talked about earlier.

Everyone was now completely beat, lounging across piles of bean bags, blankets and pillows were piled all throughout the den. It was a comfy and carefree atmosphere. Cassidy wondered if this was how having a real family felt like, having a space that was filled with so much love and warmth, she could see herself getting used to all of this. Her eyes lit up as she looked around at everyone and simply basked in the atmosphere around her. She was currently perched between Mikey and April, then Donnie was curled around Ape, while Leo, Casey and Raph filled the extra space, forming a lazy circle in the center of the den.

"God dammit Don!" Raphael growled as his younger brother beat him in buying up Parks Place.

Emotions were running hot and patience was running thin with each passing round.

"Yo, let's play something' else Mike," Casey groaned as he stood, stretching his arms above his head.

"Where ya goin?" Game isn't over yet!" Mikey whined, as he watched Casey walk back towards the kitchen.

"Grabbin' a beer, Raph ya want anotha'?"

"Is that even a questions ya knucklehead?" Raphael smirked as he too made to stand, Cassidy couldn't help but watch the way his shorts rode up and bunched at his waist. His large, emerald scaled flesh on full display. She couldn't stop as her tongue moved to lick across her lips, wishing she knew what he tasted like. Raphael looked down at her then, a smirk along his lips which caused her eyes to drop, face flush and her to squirm in her seat. Hoping no one had noticed her blatantly ogling their brother. She refused to lift he head as he began to move to meet Casey in the kitchen when Mikey perked up again.

"What should we play then?" He asked after Donnie had, yet again, landed on free parking.

"Truth or Dare?"

"We're not thirteen Leo," Donnie drawled with an eye roll as he sipped on his coffee. How much coffee has he consumed within the last six hours? Cassidy made it a note to ask April about her boyfriend's coffee addiction later on.

"Marry, Fuck, Kill?" Casey offered, walking back into the den with Raphael. Each carrying a pack of beer, with a bottle of Jack, a 2 liter of Coke and a plate of nachos.

"Leo wouldn't be good at that game," Mikey stated matter of factly which earned him a glare from his oldest brother who grumbled with a cross of his arms. April and Donnie began to put away Monopoly as the rest tried to figure out what to play. After a few more minutes of options that were leading us to know where, April piped up, giving her first option.

"What about Twister?" Cassidy has never heard such a loud gasp come from the orange-banded terrapin then at that moment.

"What, really! You've always said no Ape!" Mikey's eyes were bright and smile wide as he tried to ignore the slight glare that Donatello was currently shooting his way.

"Think of it as an early Christmas present," she cooed at the youngest brother before sitting back to be wrapped in the arms of her lover. April's eyes, though, weren't focused on Mikey at all, instead they had been locked in on Cass. That look was all too familiar and Cass tried to hide her gulp with a cough but it just brought on more unwanted attention. This is going to be a long night.

Not even five minutes later, both April and Cass were regretting playing Twister with the ninja brothers all together.

Donnie was in charge of calling out positions, making sure no one was cheating, and on the edge in case anyone got injured by an accidental knock of a shell or stepped on. April had mimicked that 'Dr. Don to the rescue,' and by the way he had looked at her, Cass was surprised that Donnie hadn't disappeared with his girl for some alone time…yet.

Right now, both of the girls were in an easy plank while each of the boys were showing off their balance. Mikey's left foot was currently under April's belly on blue, his right foot on green and his corresponding hands were on yellow and green. Raphael was in the zone, positioned in a deep lunge, his right and left foot along with his left hand were each placed on a red circle; while his right hand was placed on blue to Cass's right. Casey was almost in a kneeling position behind Mikey. Both of his feet were placed on separate yellow circles, his right hand stretched to green and the other on blue. Next, it was Cass's turn, her eyes shifting between Donnie and the spinner, willing that he spun in her favor.

"Right hand, green." She immediately felt everyone's eyes on her because the only way to achieve that move from her current position was to move in a way that may throw her off balance. With a concentrated breath, her torso twisted, moving her hand under her belly and she could feel her abs tighten to keep her from toppling over. Turning to look over her right shoulder, she locked eyes with Raphael, who was waiting on Donnie to tell him what his next move was.

"Right hand, yellow," Cass inwardly groaned, of course fate would have him move closer to me.

"Alright Donnie, what did you get for me?" April's voice turned sultry as she locked eyes with the purple-clad mutant and Cassidy giggled at the way Mikey groaned with a, classic, 'get a room,' comment.

"April…you are—," the dial spun with a faint whirring sound, as all eyes were on the board.

"Right food, red." Monitoring the mat, Cassidy realized that April's chances were slim, as she was currently surrounded by two hulking mutant-turtles and the only available red was in the back corner. She would have to stretch as far as her body would allow, and then some to be able to reach the edge. Everyone watched with a bated breath as she moved and but as her foot landed at the weird angle, her sock covered foot slipped and she fell with an 'oof.' Now, it was up to Cassidy to win, but as she analyzed the board, the odds were not in her favor as she was no up against two ninja turtles and an overgrown hockey player.

It's now been eight minutes and Cassidy could feel the strain along her body as she inwardly cursed herself for not working out more consistently. Glancing around didn't heal her inner turmoil as each of the boys looked complete at ease with their positions. Mikey was blowing large pink bubbles with his bubble-gum. Casey was giving suggestive eyebrows at Raphael while Raph was threatening to beat his ass before closing his eyes in an attempt to ignore his best friend with a growl. Still looking over her shoulder, Cassidy admired how at peace Raphael looked, his breathing calm, eyes closed with a crease in his brow. If she hadn't known any better, she would think he was asleep.

"Cass, right hand on Red," Panic overtook her system as her eyes locked with Donnie's. The smug look on his derpy face was the most infuriating thing she's witnessed all day. His gap tooth grin mirrored Aprils which was filled with nothing but mischief. Glancing over to see April clutching her belly, a hand covering her mouth to stifle a laugh. Oh no, Cassie could feel her heart drop as she surveyed her options, or lack thereof.

The only available circle was positioned under Raphael's chest and her throat constricted, a bubble forming in the base of her esophagus, causing a small whine to pass her lips. Focusing, her eyes narrowing in concentration but as her hand touched the red circle, she made the mistake of looking up. His eyes cracked enough to see the amber flame burn in his side-eyed gaze. His eyes closed again a few beats of her raging heart and he proceeded to remain stoic. Then, it was his turn, his legs adjusting in a way that made Cassidy's hand lay just below the apex of his hips instead of his chest. She tried, truly, to not focus on their current predicament but she was certain that her cheeks were going to be stained with a permanent blush for the rest of her life. After both Mikey and Casey moved, they were now in a circle, their faces in the middle of the mat as their limbs extended and overlapped each other. They were now fifteen minutes in and she was beginning to really feel the strain of her under-practiced muscles. Honestly, she was surprised she had lasted this long, considering she was more curvy then the brunette reporter and at least five inches shorter.

After Casey's turn, it was Mikeys and as he moved his shell pushed into Casey causing them both to topple over, leaving only Raphael and herself to the mercy of Donatello and the spinner. In that moment, Cassidy cursed her stubbornness because if it wasn't for her competitive spirit, she'd have tucked tail and dipped.

"Left hand, blue," her body tensed at the realization, "uh…" her eyes wide as the only viable option could only be reached if she crawled under Raph's chest. She could feel his eyes on her as his hips lifted, creating a bridge tall enough for her maneuver under him without touching.

"Red, I think you're goin' soft," she joked, half mumbling to herself as she planted her footing, and even though she couldn't see his face, she sensed his smirk.

"Ain't nothin' soft about me, promise." He grunted in return as she watched the muscles in his arms ripple.

"Right foot, green," Donnie called, before taking the glass of grape juice from April after she said he needed to lay off the coffee. Hearing his brother's order, Raphael had to focus and hone in on his ninja training. The only way for him to reach the green circle was if he either: 1. Did the splits, which was going to be near impossible since Cassidy was in his way, 2. He could try to kick his leg up and around, twisting so his chest faced the sky and he'd be hovering above her. Praying that his shell wouldn't crush her.

A few more seconds and he made his decision, and Cassidy's breath caught in her throat as she watched him move around her. Her body was shaking, either from embarrassment or lack of stamina, she didn't know, only knew that she was going to lose. He had posed himself so easily above her and the grooves of his shell barely grazed her back. I don't wanna lose, I can't lose. That's when Cassidy decided to play a little dirty, as she watched his head tilt as she lifted to nuzzle against the side of his cheek.

"Whatcha doin'?" He grunted, eyes barring all emotions unto her soul.

"Winning."

Her back arched and before Donnie could give Cass her next move, she shimmied her ass to move along the lower region of his shell, letting a breathy moan wash over his cheek. His eyes bugged as he leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding crushing her with his weight. The second he moved out of the way, Mikey jumped, pulling Cassidy into a bone breaking hug before spinning her around with praises of congratulations.

"Bruh! You just got beat by a girl!"

"So did you, ya idiot." Raphael grunted with an eye-roll as he made to stand, dusting off his shorts as if to keep his hands from strangling his younger brother.

"Still bruH! Ya lost!"

"SHE cheated!"

"How'd I cheat? I was simply stretching." She shrugged nonchalantly but her confidence soared as she watched his muscles shake and his stare become fire. She knew it wasn't fare but neither was playing Twister with a group of ninjas.

"You knew exactly what you were doin'. Don't play dumb, it ain't cute." His teeth ground with each word, his jaw flexing with each syllable.

"I was at a disadvantage so I used what I had. I thought you were a ninja? Where's your control?" She teased, pushing his buttons was quickly becoming one of her favorite pastimes as it allowed her to be herself and get a genuine reaction out of him.

"HAHAHA just take the 'L' bro! She beat you fair and square!" Chimed in Mikey.

"Donnie, Cassidy cheated." Raph grunted, looking at his purple glad brother, ignoring the one adorned in orange for the moment.

"Raph…Cass has a point. You have at least three hundred pounds on her and have been trained in the art of ninjutsu since the age of five. With her thinking, if she commits, she'd probably become one heck of a kunoichi.

"What's a kunoichi?" Turning towards Donnie, his words have peaked her interest.

"A kunoichi is a female ninja, trained in the art of ninjutsu and seduction. Even though in old Japan they rarely participated in fights. Mostly, they were conducting surveillance, small assassinations and would gain details of their enemies by getting close. Including in the..uh… biblical sense." Donnie stuttered the last bit, his eyes moving from mine to Raphael's.

"I have been wanting to learn how to defend myself." Cass admitted, flopping down beside Donnie on the couch.

"Wait, really dudette? I could teach you!" Mikey said, grabbing his nunchucks, giving us a display of his talent with the weapons.

"I don't know Mike, she may be better off with something like the bow staff." Donnie said as Cassidy chimed in.

"You might be onto something Donnie, an old friend in high school did show me some techniques she used in color guard, it's sort of the same thing."

"That's actually a really good insight, there's definitely a lot more responsibility when it comes to the practice of ninjutsu itself."

"Hmm, good to know, d'ya think if I asked Master Splinter he'd teach me?" She wasn't able to finish when Raphael interrupted.

"I will be the one to talk to Sensei in regards to training Cassidy."

"I don't want to slow you down Raph." She knew his training was rigorous, intense and way more advanced than what she'd ever dream of being able to do.

"You won't, I'm your best bet. I specialize in hand to hand combat." He shrugged, as he bit a new toothpick between his teeth before turning to grab another beer from Casey.

"Raph does have a point, Cassie. When wielding his sai's and with hand to hand combat, Raphael relies on his strength and knowledge in striking and blocking. He would be your best option, other than Sensei himself." Donatello confirmed, as he flicked through the tablet that was in his hands.

She locked eyes with Raphael and she loved the promises that his eyes held yet there was something else that she couldn't quite place.

"What should I call you? Boss, Sensei, Master," She offered, teasing with a wink as she wanted to see if she could get a rise out of him again

"Daddy?" Michelangelo butted in.

"MIKEY!" Both Cassidy and Raph yelled, each of their faces blooming in deep crimson.