Raphael woke up at six the next morning, feeling something he hadn't felt in a long, long time. Alive and happy. Someone liked him and not just someone. A beautiful, caring girl, who could have anyone she wanted, but she wanted him. It feels too good ta be true, Raphael thought. Has ta be a catch in there somewhere. I never get that lucky. Why would such a hot fox like a mutant? Oh, right. She doesn't know I'm one yet. Fuck. I gotta tell her. But I know the minute I do, she'll bolt and I'll be alone again. No, I know it's selfish, but I'm gonna continue the charade a little longer. I just hope when she learns the truth she don't hate me. His phone dinged and he reached for it on the box he had as a dresser and read, "Morning, handsome. Hope you slept well. I've been thinking about you. Hope you have a wonderful, relaxing day and Leo doesn't annoy you. Alex."

"Hey, babe," Raphael typed. "Been thinkin' bout ya too."

"Oh, you're awake. How are you?"

"Good and ya? Yer an early riser like me."

"Same and yes. Lying in is boring unless you're with someone. Wink. I wish it was you. Do you like cuddling?"

"Yeah. It's nice if ya have the right person, but don't tell anyone. It'll ruin my rep."

"Your secret's safe with me, stud. You are one, you know. So manly and adorable."

Raphael's chest puffed up at the compliment and butterflies fluttered in his stomach. She has me hooked, he thought. I think I'm fallin' in love. Can ya love someone ya've never met? "Ya think I'm manly? Well, I guess I am. I work out a lot. Do ya?"

"Oh, I'd love to run my fingers over your muscles, you gorgeous hunk. Sorry if I'm so forward, Raph, but I feel a connection with you I've never felt with anyone else. And yes, I do work out and I eat healthily. Junk food's a no unless it's a treat day."

"Oh, that's no fun, babe. Ya got ta live a little, ya know, and I like a little extra meat if ya know what I mean." Shit. I can't believe I typed that, Raph thought, blushing. This girl's bringing the beast out in me and in more ways than one. Fuck. My shell fells so tight. Fuck.

"I bet you're a huge boy," Alex typed.

"I am," Raphael bragged. "Ten inches of fun, baby. Wanna go for a ride sometime?"

"I have to go, Raphie. I'll speak to you later."

Fuck. I think I scared her off, Raphael thought miserably. Typical turtle luck. We were flirtin' and then she just leaves. I hope she comes back. In the meantime, at least I can think of her. Closing his eyes, Raphael stroked his slit frantically and it wasn't long before his semi-erect and leaking purple cock popped out of its protective pouch. He massaged it faster, thinking of him and Alex having sex, her lying beneath him, her face flushed and glowing, her blonde hair fanned out on the pillow, her gorgeous blue eyes gazing at him, her perky breasts erect, as he kneaded and sucked them, his cock buried in her and filling her up with his seed. I bet she tastes of strawberries, Raphael thought, as he churred loudly and came, his sticky and salty essence coating his plastron white. Sighing contentedly, Raphael lay back and clasped his hands behind his head. I wonder what it's like kissin' her, he thought. Ta hold her in my arms and tell her I love her. Ta know she feels the same way 'bout me, ta hold hands with her, ta go on a date, ta have babies. Sadness clouded his eyes and he thought, who am I kiddin'? This is just a fantasy. An internet thing that ain't gonna go anywhere once she knows the truth, but it sure is nice ta dream. Humans don't realize how lucky they are that they can do anythin' they want without bein' called a freak. If we did meet, how would she feel 'bout me havin' male and female parts? Would she be acceptin'? Or would she run a mile? Bad enough me bein' a mutant turtle with scales and a shell, but havin' male and female parts. Now that's just the fuckin' icing on the cake! No, I gotta delay the truth for as long as I can if I haven't already lost her.

"Raphael," Leo called from outside his bedroom. "Time for practice."

"Fuck off, Leo. It's only six thirty."

"Well, good morning to you too, little brother! We're training earlier today, because we're expecting company later and we won't have time."

"I'm sleepin' in."

"Since when do you like sleeping in?"

"Since none of yer fuckin' business, Fearless. Leave me alone."

"Are you sick?"

"I ain't sick." Well, I am, kinda, Raphael thought. Love sick, but what would he know 'bout love? Fearless has no interest in romance or findin' a mate. All he cares 'bout is meditatin' and trainin' and bein' the golden boy.

"Then get your ass to the dojo pronto."

"Since when are ya boss, Leo? Seem ta recall that's Sensei's position."

Leo rubbed his face and sighed in frustration. "Raphael, we've been over this. I'm in charge now that Sensei's passed. Now, get to the damn dojo."

"After my shower. Wow. Ya cursed, Leo. Yer halo's gonna come off!"

"Fine. Five minutes, otherwise you're getting an extra hour of meditation with me."

"Keep yer shell on, Fearless. I'll be there," Raphael said, rising to his feet, wrapping a towel around himself, grabbing his gear and mask and heading to the shower.

XXX

In the shower, Raphael soaped himself, washing off his spunk and thought, Leo's such a prick. All he does is bitch and moan. Fuck. We wouldn't have worked out, would we? Too alike. No, we're not alike. At least I know how ta have fun! His idea of it is war books and meditation. What a bore. Snorting contemptuously, Raphael finished washing and dressed, donning his mask last. Then he headed for the dojo, hoping he'd be sparring with Leo, so he could bring him down from his high horse when he won. Leo was too high and mighty for his own good and he needed pegging down.

XXX

Once in the dojo, Leo informed Raphael that he'd be sparring with Mikey. After that, it was practicing their katas. Two and a half hours later, Leo said, "That's it for now. Breakfast and then we need to clean the house."

"Fuck," Raphael said. "Ya'd think it was someone special vistin'. It's just Usagi."

"Who's my boyfriend," Don said. "And I'd appreciate the house being clean, Raphael. You'd want the same thing if you had a mate visiting. Or maybe you don't care about hygiene."

"Fuck ya, Don! Ya sayin' I'm dirty?"

"Calm down, Raph," Leo said. "Don wasn't saying that. He just wants things to be neat and tidy. That's all and the house could use sprucing up. It's becoming quite a cess pool. Raph, you can sweep the kitchen and do the laundry and then you can clean your room."

"I got better things ta do than clean! I ain't the fuckin' maid!" Raphael snapped and stomped off to his bedroom.

XXX

Curled up in his hammock, Raphael checked his phone for any messages and was stunned when he saw one. His heart hammering and fully expecting a rejection, he clicked it open and read, "Sorry I had to run. Had some errands to do. Alex."

"Thought I'd scared ya off."

"Not at all. On the contrary. It got me thinking. Me, you. That'd be fun."

"Listen, Alex… I…"

"What?"

"Nothin'. What do ya see in me? Because I know I ain't anyone special. I fight with my brothers, my ex-girlfriend betrayed us and I got a fuckin' big chip on my shoulder from that, other things, and a temper ta match. Ya deserve better."

"Are you trying to break up with me, Raphie?"

"Break up? Huh? We ain't a couple."

"Oh, I kind of thought we were. I'm so sorry. I tend to get so attached very quickly. It's my fault. I should leave you alone. I really liked you, Raphael, for your sparkling personality, your sense of humor and I enjoyed our time together."

"Whoa, wait. Ya really like me that much? What 'bout my temper and I can be real sarcastic sometimes."

"Everyone has flaws, Raph. I certainly do. I'm stubborn and I also have a bad temper, but I try to temper it. Meditating helps. My brothers think I'm holier-than-thou, but they don't know how hard it is with my responsibilities. I want to have fun all the time, but I can't afford to. It's so tough being the oldest. I often wish I was a kid again and could goof off."

"My brother, Leo, meditates. He says it calms him. He's such a prick sometimes. All he does is moan and gripe at us when we try ta have fun. He'd be at home bein' in charge of a concentration camp! Von click and all that!"

"I think you're too hard on Leo. Imagine being in his shoes. Having all the responsibilities he does at such a young age. I can relate. Instead of getting pissed at him, do what he asks. It'll take a load off of his mind and maybe allow him to have some fun too. Wouldn't that be cool? I bet you miss spending time with him like you did when you were kids."

"Yeah. Me and Leo were super close and then he became leader and that changed. He thinks it's because I resent him bein' leader. That's not true. I wouldn't be a good leader. I'm brash, impulsive and I have a massive temper. He's cool, calm and collected and was born to lead. Leo's always trainin' and meditatin' and talkin' ta Sensei and the only times I see him are at trainin' and meals. I miss the times we had together."

"You should try and talk to him, Raph. I bet he misses spending time with you too."

"We'll just end up fightin'."

"Make Leo a cup of tea and try and talk, Raph. Worth a try."

"Okay. I'll try. I hadn't thought that 'bout Leo before, ya know. How it must be for him. Yer so smart, Alex. Thank ya."

"My pleasure. And to answer your question, I really do like you. Very much and I think we'd be great together. If you can deal with my flaws, I can deal with yours."

Impulsively, although he still knew it wouldn't go anywhere, because how could one have a relationship based on lies? Raphael typed a message. "Will ya be my girlfriend, Alex?"

"Love to, Raph. Hey, I have to run again, my sweet prince. My brother needs help with his homework. Will talk later. Kisses."

"Kisses and hugs. I'll miss ya."

Wow, Raphael thought, his green eyes shining in happiness, a wide grin upon his face. I have a girlfriend. I ain't gonna tell her yet. I'm gonna enjoy this ride for as long as I can. And I'm gonna go talk ta Leo. Hopefully, we won't fight. Taking a deep breath, Raphael left his room and went in search of Leo.