Down on the Farm
Chapter 1: Red
A/N: So now I have another plot bunny that just popped into my head again. This story will be a series of prompts that are actually the titles of songs. The challenge I'm setting myself is that I pick a song title and write either one prompt or more than one based on the title alone. For now they're going to be based on songs by Taylor Swift since I'm such a huge fan of hers and some of her songs are just awesome. But as this goes on, I might choose other songs, too. I hope you enjoy this.
Disclaimer: TMNT and all related characters are property of Nickelodeon. I only own the plot.
Summary: They were forced to flee the only city they'd ever known. Now they must adjust to life on the farm and how that will affect them. Takes place after "The Invasion."
"Hey, Red, you want somethin' to eat?" Casey asked April.
April looked up at him from where she sat in the living room. She was thinking about all that had happened and hadn't heard him speaking to her. "I'm sorry, what did you say?" she asked.
"I asked if you want somethin' to eat," Casey clarified.
"Yeah, that would be great," she answered.
As Casey left to go to the kitchen, she thought of a question she'd never asked him and decided it was time to get an answer. He came back with a sandwich and set it down before her.
"Casey, why do you always call me Red?" she asked him.
"Well, a few reasons actually," he replied. "I mean, you have red hair, but I also call you that 'cause you've got a fiery temper and when you get really mad, you turn red."
"So, that's it?" she asked. It seemed so simple and yet she couldn't believe that she never realized it before.
"Yeah, that's it," he answered. "But if you don't want me to call you that anymore, I won't."
"No, I like it," she said. "I was just curious is all."
"Okay, fair enough," Casey said with a smile. "I'll leave you to your lunch."
"Where are the others?"
"Don's in his lab, Raph's upstairs with Leo, and I think Mikey's upstairs takin' a nap. I'm gonna go to the barn and check on Don."
"Good idea. Thanks for the sandwich, Casey."
"No problem, Red."
April smiled and watched him leave. She could understand why he called her that, and it didn't bother her at all. It felt familiar and almost like something a brother would call a sister or a friend would call another friend. She knew how Casey felt about her, but sometimes she thought that maybe he was confused about his true feelings and masked that by acting like they were just friends. She knew that in time she'd have to make a choice on whether to choose Donnie or Casey, but for now, she was content just to enjoy her time with both of her boys and to not take them for granted. With that last thought, April ate her sandwich, a happy feeling washing over her for the first time in days. Things would be okay as long as she had the Turtles and Casey by her side, and that was all that mattered.
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Raph sat by Leo's side, wishing just once that his brother would wake up. Every time he looked at his brother's broken body, a flash of red would tint his vision. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths when that happened, afraid of what would happen if he didn't calm himself. All he knew was that he wanted to go back to New York and beat Shredder and his goons to a pulp for hurting his brother. Then he remembered the many times he'd threatened to hurt Leo on purpose. He would often say things like, "I'll beat you to a pulp" or "When I'm done with you, there won't be anythin' left." Thinking of those words now filled him with such guilt. How could he have said such horrible things to his brother? And now it had come true without Raph doing anything.
Sure, Raph had a temper, and he knew it, but he'd never forgive himself if he hurt his brothers in this way. He looked at his brother again and willed him to open his eyes.
"Come on, Leo, I know you're there, bro," he whispered. "Just open your eyes so I can look at you and know you're gonna be okay."
He waited, but Leo remained where he was with no movement.
The flash of red filled his vision, and he closed his eyes once more. He couldn't afford to lose control now. He had to be strong for his brothers. The feeling passed and he opened his eyes once again.
"Don't worry, Leo, everything's gonna be fine," he assured his brother. "I'm gonna stay right here until you wake up. Just don't leave me, okay, bro?"
He reached over and stroked his brother's forehead the way Splinter would do when they were sick. He didn't know if Leo could feel it, but he hoped that he could. He also vowed not to lose his temper and to control himself better because he had to lead the team for his brother. And if Leo somehow didn't make it, Raph promised he'd step in and fill his brother's place even though he didn't want to. It was the right thing to do, and that was all that mattered.
He closed his eyes once again as red filled his vision.
A/N: And that's the end of that chapter. I know it was a bit short, and some of my stories will be like that, but I'll try and have longer ones, too. It just depends on what comes in my head and what I can type out. In the meantime, feel free to leave a review and have a shelltastic day.