Cassidy awoke with a groan, and a deep stretch as she arched her back. Her arms lifting above her head, hips digging into the soft cushion of the couch. As she settled back amongst the couch, her arms laying to rest at her sides but not until she felt a cool, pebbled length behind her. Twisting to get a better view, she was greeted by the sleeping form of Raphael, stretched behind her on the small couch. His right arm was lightly wrapped around her middle, his left arm bent amongst the edge of the couch arm, bending over his sleepy face. Cassidy could only see his lips and his snout below his arm. Lips slightly ajar, a soft snore washed over her and she tried to hide her giggle.
Raph groaned, his arm tightening around her waist, he slurped a bead of drool that formed along his lip. His left arm scratched at the mask wrapped around his head, mask tails tangled around his neck in loose strands. She couldn't stop staring at the turtle in front of her. He was quickly becoming someone that she couldn't imagine her life without. Though, she will admit, she was scared at how easy he made everything. No matter where her thoughts led her though, she'd always end at the same conclusion…He was worth the risk. Worth the risk of her feelings not being reciprocated and having to live her life knowing that he'd have permanent residence in her mind. Every thought, every memory. Basking in the solitude of the den, Cassidy took this rare opportunity to ingrain his leathery, pebbled flesh to memory, each scar and scratch that blanketed over his arms, chest and face. The deep scar that kissed the edge of his top lip, as if it was daring her to trace said scar with the tip of her tongue.
Cassidy glanced around the den, the memory of the once crowded lair crept back into her mind's eye. Donnie and Leo's recliners have been abandoned, Mikey was conked out on the beanbag, covered in cheese balls and empty beer bottles. April and Casey were nowhere in sight, they were getting a bit hot and heavy with their midnight kiss last night. I barely closed my eyes after my risky display of affection before whoops echoed through the lair. All attention was moved onto the couple beside Raph and I that were getting a bit hot. This obvious display resulted in claps and cheer for the new couple. She distinctly remembers Mikey saying something about how he KNEW that April and Casey were going to get together before making a joke about how April's massage tokens were void due to her current relations. He did try to give more massage tokens to her but Raph told him off and that the only one getting touched around here would be Mikey during a beat down. The brotherly bickering and the loud laughs created a humoring moment and put everyone into another fit of laughter. The night continued in whispered conversations before Casey remembered that he had a new Vin Diesel movie for the boys. The last thing Cassidy remembered was Vin Diesel flying from a vehicle as it burst into flames. She fell asleep against his shoulder, curled into his side.
Thinking back on last night, she realized that every time that Raph moved off the couch and came back, he'd melt back into her side. No one made a comment about the close proximity that both her and Raph displayed, even Leo made eye contact and gave her a positive acknowledgement. That alone put her at ease. She appreciated the lack of comments regarding her and Raph, made her feel that the possibility of them being a couple wouldn't be frowned upon…if it ever came to fruition. Cassidy was a patient person, always have been…except when it comes to the large terrapin currently laid against her.
Looking back at Raph, she noticed that his mask had bunch up around his head and she could see one green eyelid and a bit of his eye ridge. She has never seen him without his mask, and it only made her more curious on what else she could learn about him. She felt him fidget again, his arms flexing before sinking deeper into sleep. Cass laid her head back and simply watched him, he looked so relaxed, and albeit younger in a sense. There was no scowl on his face, no macho persona, no permanently flexing muscles, just Raphael. The most vulnerable and relaxed she's ever witnessed. She wonders if anyone else has looked at him like this, analyzed his sleeping form to commit to memory. Her eyes started too became heavy, taking this opportunity to snuggle beside him until she fell back asleep. Dreaming of what ifs and what could be.
—
Monday.
Cassidy was simply vibrating on the bar stool, her leg anxiously jumping as she thrummed her fingers against the top of the counter, staring at the clock. It was a slow shift, only 6pm and she could leave in an hour. She'd finally be able to see Raph for the first time in a few days. We've texted off and on but he's been busy with training and Leo has them preparing for something. Leonardo had a feeling that new troubles would surface with the new year and he wanted everyone on high alert and ready.
Today was going to be her first self-defense training with Raphael. She wondered what type of maneuvers she'd learn; secretly wanting to be able to land another punch to Big Red to earn his respect and approval like she did when he first saved her from her attackers. That was a fun memory to look back on, not the incident itself, but just the side smile and nod of approval from the largest being she's ever come across. She'll never forget the way her heart thrummed in her ribs at his display of approval.
Approval.
That was something that she felt that she's never had much experience in. She has always felt out of place and in the way. Her own family didn't even want her. Shaking her head, she didn't want to go down that road. The chime of the door opening signified that a customer just walked in; glancing back at the clock, it's only been three minutes. This was going to be the longest fifty-seven minutes of her life. Hoping off the stool, she went and greeted the customer with a smile, Raphael on her mind.
—
It's Monday.
Raphael was in unnaturally high spirits, he literally hummed while washing dishes. HUMMED! This unnerved his brothers, each so flabbergasted by his actions they were stunned into silence. They had no idea what had gotten into him, but he seemed in a good mood and none of them wanted to mess with him. Not even Mikey…well, after having a talk with both Donnie and Leo that is. They promised Mike that he could torment Raph the nano-second he reverted back into his normal grumpy self. Leo had an inkling suspicion as to what got his brute of a brother in such a good mood. More like who got his brother in a good mood.
Leonardo was reflecting on what he knew of Cassidy Holloway. He was not too thrilled that she had been able to ambush his family into revealing their secret to them. But…he did have to admit that she had become a great addition to the family. Especially for Raphael. Raph has always been a bundle of short fuses and heated emotions, a man of action. Yet, when it came to Cassidy, he displayed a sense of patience that Leonardo has never seen. Their friendship blossoms and Leo and Donnie have gone through the trouble of bribing Mikey to keep a distance and not annoy the red banded brother too much in front of Cassidy. Obviously Mikey had a few lapses of memory, but with the threat of his comics being taken away, or his unruly stash of naked women to mysteriously be discovered by Master Splinter knocked him back into reality. Of course, Leo and Donnie would never do that to the one in orange, but the threat held weight, and they were going to use that to their advantage.
Leaning against the brick pillar at the entrance into the kitchen, he watched his brother. Analyzing his movements and mannerisms. He liked this new found distraction for his brother, but being the oldest brother, it was his job to worry. He worried that if something were to happen and Cassidy didn't return the ever growing feelings that Raphael obviously had for her, things would get dark. He worried about what it would do to Raphael. Despite Raph's walls and defensiveness, he wore his heart on his sleeve. When Mikey referred to Raph as a "cuddly, teddy bear…if teddy bears were incredibly violent," was one of his more insightful readings. Thinking of Cassidy and Raphael, Leonardo realized that he needed to make amends with the brunette. After some conversations with Donnie about Cassidy's past, and a few sessions with Master Splinter, he realized that Cassidy was simply protecting herself through her defense mechanism. Leo has since felt bad that he made Cassidy feel as though she was unwanted, no matter how true it was in the beginning; he wanted to apologize.
"Need any help?" Leo asked, pushing off of the brick pillar and walking to stand beside his largest brother.
"M'kay, almost done."
"Mikey's got dish duty next…"
"Bout damn time, I'll dirty every damn plate in this place to get back at him for this." Raph was scrubbing the metal sponge into the burnt mess at the bottom of Mikey's latest soup concoction. Whatever Mikey scorched on the bottom of this pot was Raphael's greatest nemesis since Shredder himself.
"Cass is comin' after work today."
Wait, was Raph about to actually open and talk to Leo? This is HAPPENING!
"Yeah?"
"Dad said it was okay, today is day one of self defense training."
"That will be beneficial for her. You'll do good, if you need…"
"I got it fearless." Damn, Leo just had to try to offer his help and ruin the short moment of easiness with his brother. Looking to divert the suddenly tense atmosphere, Leo clamped a hand down on Raph's shoulder, "Happy for ya bro."
"Ain't nothin' to be happy about, just helpin' a friend. Cass is family."
"She is." Leo decided to walk away at that moment, wanting to keep the conversation light and not risk directing the conversation into chaos, especially before Cassidy gets here.
"She'll be here at 630…" Raphael trailed off as he viciously scrubbed the innocent pot in his hands, water sloshing all over the floor and counter.
"Sounds good. I'll keep Mikey busy. Give you both time."
As Leo walked away from the kitchen, he headed towards his room. Opening the door, he sat in the middle of his room in the lotus position. He focused his breathing, and wished his brother and Cassidy the absolute best wishes before he cleared his mind.
—
Cass: Headed over Sensei!
Big Red: That's more Leo's thing
Cass: ?
Big Red: Nothin
Big Red: 5 min?
Cass: Yup *thumbs up emoji*
The walk was easy and once she made it to the hidden garage, she pushed the hidden door bell and Donnie opened the door for her. A few minutes later, she landed in the open lair, she was waiting for Mikey to jump out and scare her as he wrapped her in a crushing hug, whining about how he hasn't seen his babycakes in forever. But, upon closer inspection, her training back over her shoulder, the only being she was Raph in the den. He had his back turn, taking a swig of water and watching the news.
Cass saw this as an opportunity to try to sneak up on her favorite terrapin (don't tell Mikey.)
She was able to get a total of two steps before Raph picked his head up and tossed it in her direction.
"Gotta try harder there doll."
"How!?"
"Ninja, duh" was all he offered, pointing to himself before taking another swig from a water bottle.
"Ready?" His gaze latched onto hers and she felt her heart rate skyrocket. She knew that not only would she be learning self-defense moves, she'd also be learning self control techniques.
Cass lifted her bag, "Gotta change first, can't kick her ass in my non-slip work shoes."
Raph barked a laugh and as she turned to leave to get changed, she heard him mumble something along the lines of 'it'd take more than that.'
Thirty Minutes Later -
What. The. Fuck. Cassidy felt as if her legs and arms had melted into the mat below her. Raph finally called time and she now identifies as a puddle. Cassidy thought that working out with Raphael was going to be fun, flirty and maybe a little fluffy. Who the HELL was she kidding? She knew he took his workout regime very seriously, Leonardo and him were on the same level when it came to staying in the best shape possible. For Cassidy though, she was a 5"4' plus size queen and she was regretting her decision. She has never sweated so much in her entire life, everything was wet, and not in the sexy way either. As she laid on the ground, she felt something thump against her chest, lifting her head she saw a towel and Mr. Hercules himself grinning like the Cheshire Cat, another damn toothpick in his mouth.
"C'mon sweetness, that was just the warm up."
Cassidy blanched, her red face draining of color as her head hit the mat again.
"Baby steps. I'm not she-hulk."
"Yet."
Hahah, Cassidy couldn't help the laugh that escaped her, but instantly regretted it as her ribcage burned as it expanded.
"You're enjoying this too much. I'm fat and slow, gotta take it easy."
"Nah…" Cassidy couldn't hear what else he was about to say as she heard the door of the dojo slide open.
"Raph! What did you do to my babycakes!" Mikey bounded into the dojo, magnetized to Cassidy's side, lifting her into a seated position, his arms wrapping around her as he patted the towel against her head.
"N'ough Mike. Leave. She's not done yet."
"Mikey, let's go." Leo entered the dojo, tossing an apologetic look towards Raph before making eye contact with Cassidy.
"Everything you've dreamed of?" He smirked, elbowing Raph in the arm.
"And more Fearless." She breathed, twisting out of Mikey's grip as she made to stand, half way up she used Mikey for leverage.
"What's next boss?" She put up a front, crossing her arms across her chest, daring Raph. Leo chuckled and whispered, "Got yourself a fighter," to Raphael before he grabbed Mikey by the mask tails, dragging him from the dojo. The rice paper door sliding in a quiet swish.
Raph and Cassidy were left alone again. Tossing her a drink of water, Raph instructed her on what she needed to do next. He planned that today he would push her to see her limits to better understand where her strengths and weaknesses lied.
Raph was enjoying this way more than he would ever reveal to her. He loved the way her army green, baggy shirt clung to her curves, the way that her black, camo, leggings hugged her waist, stopping just above her ankle. Despite his previous thoughts, she had a great sense of balance, her movements resembled those of a dancer. He knew she liked to dance in the kitchen, there were a few times he caught her singing and dancing as he clamored through her window on the nights they'd watch the Punisher or binge watch Cops. Her flushed face, high ponytail and the bead of sweat that dripped from her crown was doing something to him and he was slightly regretting his decision to train her. Master Splinter was right, this training would be beneficial for the both of them.
Raphael showed her a few simple katas that she could practice on her own and it was her homework. They decided that they would train three days a week, then move on from there. It was time for Cassidy to stretch for her cooldown and Raphael was having a hard time concentrating on anything but her. He was attempting to mat as Cass was standing feet together, her arms stretched above her head, fingers clasped before slowly bent at her waist. So. Fucking. Slow. Folding at her waist she moved to touch her toes, to Raphael's surprise, she was able to lay both her hands completely flat against the mat. From his current position of kneeling on the mat, he had a full view of her ass, and he didn't realize that his back straightened so much that he was wiping only air, not even making contact with the floor. Raph gulped, he felt hot, a bead of sweat accumulating above his mask, soaking the edges. He completely froze as he watched her hands crawl forward until she was in the downward dog position. Clearly this girl has done yoga before. Raphael was not affiliated with any known religions but at that moment, he glanced up and thanked God for allowing this seductive creature to enter into his life. Even if they were destined to be only platonic, it didn't mean he couldn't quietly appreciate her form from afar. He was once again immobilized as she went from downward dog, to upward facing dog. Her ass on full display, her back to him and he was able to see the slight jiggle as she settled into her new stretch.
"We're done for tonight." He all but yelled, before chucking the towel he (attempted) to use to clean the mat into the hamper by the door before making an escape from the dojo.
Cassidy watched him leave, confusion settling along her face. She tossed her head back, to get a deeper stretch, her chest thanking her for the brief relief. She thought everything was going swimmingly, she felt rejuvenated, she hadn't realized how much she missed working out and yoga. Thankfully that her muscle had the memory of an elephant, she was able to relax and get in her grove. She knew she looked like a drowned rat (sorry Splinter) and nothing about her screamed 'sex appeal,' but what could have set Raph off? She finished her stretching before lifting and making her way back out into the lair. Raph was nowhere to be found.
"He went for a run," Leonardo walked up to her, handing her two towels. Glancing at his gesture, she was a bit hesitant. Things have been a little easier with Leonardo, but she still felt a bit uneasy around him.
"Figured you would want a shower." He handed her the towels, nodding in her direction before turning to leave.
"Leo…" Cassidy called, clutching the towels to her chest, "Thank you." Was all she said. She was hoping that this could be the start of them easing the tension.
A smile graced Leonardo's usually tense face and she was surprised how he almost looked like a whole new turtle. Stress will do that to you.
"Of course Miss Cassidy." He gave her a slight wave before making his way to his room.
Yes, Cass thought, this was a step in the right direction. She trusted her gut and in that situation, her gut relaxed. She made her way towards the showers, still wondering if she had done something to force Raph to run away from her.
