Hey guys! Thanks so much for the reviews, I loved them! I hope everyone's enjoying the NC trip so far. On a side note, my dear friend made us a beautiful cover for this story! Yay. If you want to see more of her beautiful artwork, check her out on Devianart. Her name is Nightcore-Reality, and she is an amazing artist. Anyway, enjoy and review!
Michelangelo Pov
Light seeps in though the peek between my eyelids, letting the world come into view for the first time today. The second my eyes are open, I want to shut them immediately, as my head pounds rapidly. I let out a faint grown at the sudden pain.
Turning on my side, I expect to see Kala sleeping beside me. So, when she's not there, my heart snaps clean in half.
Kala..
That's when I realize where I am; in the top bunk in Jake's room. He slept under me, snoring as he did so. But the sound is no longer filling the room, so I make the assumption that he's downstairs, leaving me alone.
Sighing, I sit up and look around the room. It's then that I notice the tear stains on my pillow, and my puffy eyes. A single salty drop dripss down from my baby blue eyes, cleansing my sinful soul.
I squeeze my eyes shut as I recall the wretched memories of yesternight. Yelling, screaming, fighting. Threats, anger, hatred. Sadness, humiliation, hurt. The bitter taste of those emotions lingers on my tongue, and I can't help but scowl at the sour memory.
Visions of Raphael telling Kala off, her scrambling to this house, Donnie attempting to whisk April away, and her fighting him. Leonardo punching Raphael square in the jaw, Mona shoving Karai, Karai scratching Mona.
It all happened so fast. One second me and Raphael were happily drinking, and the next second everyone was on each other, me having nothing to do but sit on the floor in a ball.
If I concentrate hard enough, I can still feel the aching pain of my own nails digging into my head, clawing at my dry skin as I held back a tsunami of tears. My knees pressed against my screaming chest as I leaned back against the wall.
My body shook like an earthquake as I kept myself from fainting. I could barely control myself as I began hyperventilating, rocking back and forth, shaking my head wildly like a monster torn between two worlds. I had become Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, there was no longer a barrier dividing Sanity and Insanity, it was now the same thing, I couldn't tell them apart.
How horrible it is, to awaken to such a beautiful morning, in such a peaceful environment, only to have it rained on by inferior memories. And even worse, to have that horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach, urging you to realize that it's all your fault...
Everyone would be better off without me. No more screw-up-everything Mikey, no more annoying-pest baby brother. No one to infuriate my brothers. No one to tick Kala off. How nice that world would be. They'd all be so happy without me.
All these years I've been doing everything in my power to make sure my brothers are happy, and even that hasn't done any good. Now I'm opening up my eyes though, and realizing that maybe all of this time l I had to do was disappear.
Of course, I can't do that. Not right now. Today is the wedding day, I have to be here for my dad.
I hop down from the bunk bed, landing perfectly on my feet. I grab my phone and when I click it on, my eyes widen at the time. 10:40. That's the latest I've slept in all summer. I must be the last one to wake up, and I wouldn't be all that surprised if breakfast was over with and everyone was in the pool. If there even is breakfast.
Ever since we met April and started bringing food to us, I've been the family cook. Everyone relies on me to make breakfast and lunch and dinner, never doing anything themselves.
I'm the one who makes sure that my family gets the nutrients they need. Donnie won't eat if we don't make him, and I'm the only one who does. I guess they need me for that. That's one reason I can't leave, I guess. Though, it's not much in compare to the millions of reasons I'm unneeded. Still, it's something.
After dressing, I leave the room and head downstairs. I linger at the bottom of the steps, observing everyone's activities before joining them.
My father and mother sit together at the table, his arm draped over her shoulder, her fingers laced with his. Jake sits across from them, with Kala at his side. She stabs at her food, seemingly disinterested in the nutrients. Her sorrowful expression tears my heart into two, making me wanna get down on my knees and beg for forgiveness. I'll never do that, though. Me and my brothers were raised not to beg, it's a sign of dishonor. I can't make myself look like a fool in front of everyone, not when everyone else is so distracted with their own lives and problems. Mine is just the smallest fish in the pond.
Donatello sits on the couch, sipping what looks like a fresh mug of raw, black coffee while watching the Yankees pre game on tv. I've never quite understood how my brother can harvest the stomach to drink black coffee without any sweeteners or milk, but he does. And on a normal day, Donnie drinks about four to five cups. We—me—are always lecturing him about the dangers of caffeine overdoses, but he doesn't seem to care. Am I failing him when I heave a sigh of defeat and pour him another round of Coffee? Or am I simply giving in? Even that's horrible, because I'm letting him poison himself.
I allow myself to smile when my eyes wander over to April, stacking another few pancakes onto an already tall pile. Usually, that tower would be wolfed down quickly. When I make breakfast, no matter where we are, or who's there, I have to work at high speeds, restocking the pancakes and adding more bacon to the plate just so no one will complain about not getting their share. Now, though, it's as if no one has an appetite at all.
My parents and Jake don't know what happened last night, so when I walk straight past my girlfriend and over to my brother's, alarms must go off in their heads.
I slide onto the stool beside the one April just sat down on, taking a sip of the orange juice she poured me. "Thanks April." I say with a small smile.
My friend returns the gesture, setting two hotcakes on my plate. "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't?" April's words are sketchy, and they paint a vivid painting of what our conversation really is.
Neither of us are talking about breakfast, but instead last night.
After the fight faded into nothing but cold shoulders, April walked me back over to this house. Donatello was ahead of us, and went straight up to his bedroom. Just before we walked into the house, April took me into a warm embrace.
Completely stripping myself of mine and my brothers uptight rule of not looking vulnerable, I allowed myself to cry into April's offered shoulder, burying my woeful face in the crook of her neck. Her long, orange locks were straight and let down, tickling my nose when I went to pull back. April wouldn't let me, though, because she wanted me to cry my eyes dry. I obeyed, and we didn't go inside until my river of sorrow had evaporated, dispersing into the air we breathe.
Now, we eat in silence, enjoying each other's company. We'll always be here for each other, even when times are rough.
I can feel angered eyes burning into the back of my skull; Donatello's.
Burgundy eyes filled with a rage that burns as quick as fuel, staring me down with as much hatred as Satan. My arms shake as I try to ignore the feeling.
Donnie...
He's supposed to be my best friend. And Leo is supposed to be Raph's. Mona and Karai are supposed to get along, as well as Kala and April. Everything is going downhill, though.
Sides are switched, an earthquake created a firm barrier, splitting our family in two. War is on the rising, one which walls are built between the family.
Brother turns on brother until there is nothing left but the ashes of the fallen. They think I'm stupid, that I'm oblivious to what goes on around me. Hell, are they wrong, because I'm already one step ahead of the game.
Raphael Pov
My long fingers struggle against my tie as I attempt at wrapping it neatly around my neck. I've been at this for who knows how long, and I've gotten absolutely nowhere.
Tearing the tie off of me, I throw it to the ground and stomp on it. Fury exhales through my flared nostrils. I can practically feel my veins popping out of my head.
Rage courses through my veins as I try to hold back a storm like howl, and I'm able to downgrade it to low, hardy growl that sends vibrating ripples throughout my vocal cords and throat.
Suddenly, I'm no longer alone in the stuffy bedroom, as Mona walks out of the bathroom. Her appearance sent me into a frozen state of shock. Her marvelous body silenced my hissing demons, calming me down immediately.
Mona's dress is candy red, hugging her body tightly. In the front, the hems reach just above her knee, while it dips down in the back, hitting past her knees, half way down her calves. A white belt is clasped at her waist, it's leathery strings braiding together in the most exquisite way. White sandals are worn on her feet, and her toes broadcast a bright red polish, identical to those on her long fingernails. Tawny hair curled, a white head band with a stringy bow goes perfectly in her hair. Her makeup is simple, as usual. She knows she's beautiful without layers upon layers of it. I taught her that.
"Mona..." I was speechless. What to say? What to think? I didn't know how to process this, she's so beautiful, so perfect. And she's mine.
My girlfriend twirled, the skirt of her dress spiraling in the air. Red laces chase after her, dancing with her smooth and curvy edges. I smile, my heart melting.
Ever since Mona and I got back together, we've been closer than ever. It was amazing, being able to hold her in my arms again after a four months break. During that time apart, I felt like I was missing something, like a part of me was gone. And I don't think I really noticed that I missed—and needed—Mona. I thought we were over. But..we weren't.
As soon as I had awoken from my faint, after being shot in the arm, I'd begged for Mona. Yes, begged.
I completely ignored the pain, refusing to listen to the doctors until she was with me. I knew she was out in the waiting room, becoming more and more apprehensive by the second as she waited for the news of my finery.
I recall hearing her scream my name, just before everything went black as the lurching pain of the bullet wound consumed me, sending me into an unconscious state.
And, despite being asleep, I swear, I could feel Mona holding my hand as the ambulance drove us off, I could hear her sobs and apologies, begging for forgiveness.
I guess we're even. We are the only two who know of each other's begging, and we keep those secrets to ourselves, holding them to our hearts as if they were inside jokes. Which, I suppose they could be. Perhaps.
I take as many steps forward as it takes to reach my Angel of a girlfriend, and I pull her into my arms, lonely from the absence of her heavenly body. "You are so beautiful." I don't even know how else to say it, any other words would be lies. She's not perfect, no. Believing someone is perfect in infatuation, knowing someone isn't and not caring is love.
They say love is blind, but I disagree. Infatuation is blind, love is all-seeing and accepting.
Love is seeing all of the flaws and blemishes and accepting them. Love is accepting the bad habits and mannerisms, and yet, working around them. Love is knowing all of the fears and insecurities, knowing your role is to comfort. Love is working through all of the challenging and painful times, whilst infatuation is fragile and will shatter when life is not perfect.
Love is strong, because it will mold you and your partner into your best selves. Love is the importance, meaning, even, of life. Without it..we'd all just be skin and bones.
Before we broke up, split apart, whichever your prefer, me and Mona were not in love, we were simply in a deep state of infatuation.
And the universe, not liking this, gave us a hand to which we must deal with; my bullet wound.
That brought us together, made us realize our love. Made us realize what love is.
After that, I no longer hated Karai, as I knew that hers and Leo's relationship really was love, nothing short of it.
Same with me and Mona.
My girlfriend caresses my face in her right hand, smiling up at me, as I'm nearly a head taller than her.
Mona's other hand breezes through my bristled hair, like a child walking through tall grasses. "Thank you, Raphael."
My lips are in the widest smile. Before I met Mona, my happiness seemed incapable. I was such an angry man, and I still am. I love Mona, not for the way she dances with my angels, but for the way she silences my demons. She brings out the best part of me. She is the best part of me. "Why Red? Your color is pink."
"Because your color is red." How nice it is to hear that. My girlfriend, the most pure, precious thing in the world, as perfect as a tiger lily, wrapped her outfit around me. I should return the favor, do something nice for her. And I will. Sometime soon, maybe when we get home. I'll take her somewhere, somewhere where it will be just us two, no one else, no distractions.
I lean down, as she does up, and pull her closer to me as our lips meet, dancing together in a wondrous way that still gives me butterflies in the pit of my stomach.
Obviously though, we're interrupted.
"Raph, Dad wants us over at the other house. He's gonna tell us who the best-man is." Leonardo speaks quickly, a revolted gleam in his sapphire eyes. He rushes away, seemingly disgusted by just the sight of me. Though we all agreed to keep our burning war in the water, for our own father's sake, I still can't help but glare at Leo and Karai every time I see them. They do the same to me and Mona, so I guess what's fair is fair.
"I'll help you put your tie on when you get back." Mona promises, her ice blue eyes staring deeply into mine.
Her warm hands rest on my chest now, as if she's ready to shove me away at any second. Why she hasn't, I'm surprised. She's only hurting herself when she's in a relationship with me. She's only causing damage to herself, not anyone else. To herself..
Leonardo's taunting words mock me as I stare down at Mona in panic. She notices, of course. She loves me...somehow.
"Hey, shh, calm down. You'll be fine. Even if you're dad doesn't choose you, you're still his son. If he chooses someone else it isn't because he doesn't love you, and even if he doesn't, I do, so don't forget that." Mona brings my hands to her lips, glancing up at me as she kisses them.
"Okay." Okay. Okay. What does that word mean? To be fine, perhaps. If so, that word is not me.
Maybe my brother was right to say all of those hurtful things only three short weeks ago.
Maybe I do just cause trouble to watch the world burn.
Maybe I am a hypocrite.
Maybe Mona is only getting herself when she kisses me with her fine lips.
Maybe I'm a hypocrite.
Or maybe, just maybe, I'm me.
Me; Raphael Hamato.
No Pov
Raphael met up with his three brothers in their Father's bedroom. All four teens were bursting with anticipation, though, Michelangelo and Donatello both knew that the competition was between Raphael and Leonardo. And deep down, they all knew Leo would win.
Still, that aching gut feeling didn't put a halt to Raphael's endless denials. He wanted, just once, to be the chosen one. He was sick and tired of always being second. When would he get the spotlight? Could tonight finally be it?
Michelangelo and Raphael looked out the window together. They gazed out at the beach, where Claire's family was setting up the wedding scene. The after party would be held at the house Claire's parents are staying in, which holds a gigantic pool and bar area on the deck.
Leonardo sat on the edge of the king bed, Donatello at his side. The former couldn't hold back his grin, he knew his father was going to chose him. He wasn't being cocky, he repeatedly told himself, he was just being reasonable.
Why wouldn't Yoshi chose his eldest son as best man? He chose him as leader, he's the most responsible of the quadruplets. He was also the most loyal, and the closest to his father. Leonardo thought he was being chosen, so if he wasn't, he'd be sent into a state of shock.
Yoshi walked into the bedroom, his tux in place, his hair combed back gently with the help of some moose. Jake stood behind him, becoming his shadow. He looked up to Yoshi just as his stepbrothers did.
"My sons, thank you for coming." Four anxious sets of eyes fell upon the groom, igniting an uncertain feeling in the pit of his stomach. He didn't want to hurt any of his sons, and he knew he wouldn't hurt the youngest two. It was another particular son that would take the news rather harshly. "After a long time of debating and meditating, I have finally made my decision."
Everyone held their breath, their hearts racing, and then skipping a beat or two when Yoshi makes the announcement.
Yoshi clears his throat. "Raphael, I have chosen you to be my best-man."
Woah, cliffhanger. What is everyone reaction going to be? Will tension increase? What will Leonardo do? Did Yoshi make the right decision, or was it a mistake? Stay tuned to find out. I'd like at least four reviews before next chapter, so please leave a review!
Have a nice weekend,
-RaphSai03