A/N: Hey guys! I know i need to update my other stories, but this has been buzzing around in my head like an angry hornet forever!

I wanted to explore an element which I think has been at the very least hinted at during the Farmhouse story arch, which is about April becoming a bit of a mother figure to the guys in the absence of Splinter. It started out as really cute, buuuuut...I kinda got mean at the end! Sorry guys!

Thank you to everyone who has faved, reviewed or followed this story thus far! I love you all!

I OWN NOTHING!

Enjoy!

Motherly

"You got everything we need, Casey?"

Grunting with effort as he struggled to pick up the cardboard box of food, medical supplies and other stuff that neither of them wanted to talk about, Casey nodded as he carried the heavy load over to Burnie's check-out. "Yep! I think so," he wheezed, letting out a sigh of relief as he set the box down before bending backwards to crack his stiff back. "Jeez, that was heavier than it looked," he huffed. April only giggled, attempting to stifle it with a hand over her mouth, which didn't work as Casey sent her a pout.

Behind the counter as he rallied up the prices of their items, Bernie chuckled fondly at the pair of human teens. They'd been regular customers to his store ever since the 'Dream Beaver' incident (after which he'd slept for three and a half days straight without fear for the first time, and feeling better than ever if he said so himself), and he'd gotten to know them quite well. They occasionally shared stories about their strange turtle friends, such as how they had met and what they were doing out so far from the city. Though that story had been…well, almost horrific. It had been years since he'd last been to New York, and due to his lack of contact with society for the last forty (admittedly wasted) years, he hadn't been able to catch up with anything currently going on everywhere else.

Hearing that it'd been invaded by aliens of all things…and how only six teenagers, only two of which were human, was rather saddening. Poor kids…

However, despite everything that had happened and everything they'd lost because of the invasion, they'd carried on. In fact, from the few visits Bernie had made to their old farmhouse to check up on them, they seemed to be doing pretty well, though one of them, Leonardo, was suffering from a bad knee. But even so, they pulled themselves together and kept their heads screwed on tight…unlike he had been for the past forty years.

Bernie had even had the tremendous privilege to watch the six of them train together occasionally, sitting by the porch as they sparred on the front lawn. He was utterly blown away by their skills, but what made him smile the most was the way they bantered back and forth during the match, the way they all rushed to Leonardo's aid when his leg gave way…and the way that April had scolded them all after one thing led to another and resulted in a full on wrestling match which covered the five boys head to toe in grass.

It was a strange sight to behold to those who knew them little, but not to Bernie. To him, it was as clear as daylight that they were not merely friends. They were a family. A big, strange, broken yet happy family.

And it even more clear on whom the mother was of this particular family.

Bernie chuckled again as April reached up to flick a dead bug off of Casey's shoulder, who grunted as he shrugged her off. "I'm fine, April! It's just a bug, leave me alone," he whined.

Cocking a brow, April folded her arms. "Well excuse me for trying to make at least a little less like a caveman," she shot back sarcastically. "Honestly, you and the guys have no sense of cleanliness."

Casey rolled his eyes to the heavens. "Pssh. Whatever you say, mom."

April made a face. "I don't act like a mom!"

"Yeah you do."

"No, I don't!"

"Yes you do," Casey and Bernie chorused before sharing a grin.

April pouted and folded her arms. Bernie laughed as he handed the box of supplies over to Casey and regarded the red head. "Now April, we don't mean to rile you up," he said with a kind smile. "But'cha can't deny that you're acting a little maternal over the lads, now can ya?" He shrugged as he leaned against the top of the desk. "It's not uncommon, y'know; a girl in a home full of boys a year or so younger than her would eventually start to develop those maternal instincts at some point or another, even if they are giant talking turtles and a caveman."

Casey had been nodding his agreement throughout most of Bernie's commentary, but then did a double-take at his last comment as he glared at the cashier. "Hey! There's nothing wrong with being au naturel," he boasted, puffing out his chest as much as he was able to with the crate in his hands. Bernie and April both shook their heads with a smile, before the two teens bid him goodbye and left the store.

Through the window of the shop, Bernie watched them as they loaded their goods into the hippie van, with April prodding an accusing finger at Casey as she reprimanded him on being careful, which he shrugged off once again before the two climbed into the van and drove off into the night. Bernie smiled to himself.

"Ah, kids," he mused out loud. "Always in a rush to grow up."

As they drove down the vacant roads in the dark of the night, Casey spared a side-glance at April, who was staring thoughtfully out of the window with her brows furrowed. He inwardly winced at the thought of actually offending her back there with the 'mother' quip. After all, it had only been a few weeks since they'd all almost been eaten by her fake mother…perhaps they'd unintentionally stirred up those old feelings of hurt and loss…

"April," he said, snapping April out of her daze as she looked at him. He bit his lip uncertainly before venturing, "You're not mad about what I said earlier, are you? I mean, I didn't mean to –"

"Oh, no, no Casey, I'm not mad at you," she assured with a smile. "It's just that…do I really act like a mother to the guys? I mean, it's not like I meant to, but…"

"It wasn't really noticeable at first," Casey mused as they rounded a corner and entered the forest path that sloped upwards as they passed the old 'O'Neil' mailbox. "It was kinda gradual; I only figured it out after you actually told Mikey and Raph off for sitting too close to the T.V." He then laughed. "That was hilarious! Did you see the look on Raph's face?! He was like, 'what'chu says ta me, fool?' Haha!"

April rolled her eyes at Casey's 'thoughtful' commentary as they approached the old farmhouse and parked. "Yeah, really funny, Jones," she droned as she got out of the car and shut the door behind her, planting a hand on her hip as she waited for the boy to gather their supplies. She frowned again as she glanced back at the house, where he lights were still on in the living room and in the kitchen. "…do you think they're bothered by it?" she asked quietly as Casey came to stand by her side, box in hand. "I mean, I've kinda always been like their 'big sister' figure…is it wrong of me to suddenly turn into something more than that?"

Casey appeared thoughtful for a moment as they walked side by side towards the front door. Just as April opened it and stepped aside to allow Casey to enter first, he surprised her by offering her an understanding smile as he shook his head. "Nah, I don't think they mind," he said. "In fact, if I didn't know any better…I'd say they kinda like the attention."

April chuckled with a shake of her head as Casey struggled through the door. "I don't doubt you on that one, Jones," she sighed as she closed the door behind her, locking it securely before following Casey into the living room. "Hey guys!" she announced. "We're back! We could use some help with unloading the – oh."

Casey and April stopped in their tracks upon finding all four turtles fast asleep in the main room, the T.V playing yet another repeat of Crognard the Barbarian despite its audience remaining oblivious to it. Raphael was sat in the chair on the left side of the couch, stirring slightly in his sleep as he subconsciously scratched his knee with one hand. Donatello was in the rocking chair on the other side of the room, his hands resting one over the other as he snored lightly, his head lulled to the side. And on the couch was Leonardo and Michelangelo; the oldest turtle had laid himself out across the length of the couch and had his head pillowed on the armrest, and the youngest had practically climbed on top of him like a kitten as he laid his cheek against his chest. Leo must have not been bothered by this in the least, for he had his arm wrapped around his youngest brother as he snuggled up to him contentedly.

Standing before the sleeping reptiles, Casey and April blinked once, and then turned to each other. It took everything within their power to prevent themselves from laughing, lest they wake up them up and shatter the rare peace hat had descended upon the ninjas.

April put a hand over her mouth as she gazed at them. "Awww, this is so cute!" she whispered with a giddy little grin.

Casey just smirked. "I'm just disappointed that none of them have drawings on their faces like last time," he whispered back. "Should we leave them here? I kinda don't wanna wake them up…"

April hummed in agreement. It was rare to see the boys in such a peaceful state, even in their sleep. But even so, they couldn't sleep like that; they'd end up being stiff in the morning otherwise. And April was certain that Leo was having trouble breathing properly with Mikey curled on top of him like a cat. Reaching a decision, she stretched up and laid a hand on Casey's shoulder. "You go put the groceries away, I'll sort the guys out," she said.

After Casey gave her a knowing smile and a nod, he left the living room to do as ordered, leaving April with the sleeping terrapins. Shutting the T.V off, she planted her hands on her hips as she regarded them all one by one. Getting them up would be no easy challenge, that she was certain of; they could sleep like rocks when they wanted to, and they were just as heavy.

Alas, it was her duty to at least attempt this seemingly impossible feat of getting them to bed.

With a ready sigh, she decided to start off with Raphael, knowing that he was going to be the hardest to awaken. Taking a seat beside him on the armrest of the chair, she reached out and laid her hand gently against his cheek, rubbing her thumb across it. "Raph," she called softly. "Wake up, Raphie."

Grunting, Raph lazily swatted at her hand, missing by inches. "Three more minutes, Leo," he moaned.

Biting her lip to stifle the laugh, April tried again, this time taking his shoulder and shaking it. "Come on, Raph. You've gotta get up now."

His brows knitted together at the sound of her voice, and he slowly opened his eyes to find her smiling at him. Raph blinked at her once. "…hey," he yawned. "…h-how long've you been…?"

"We just got back," she replied as she got up from the armrest to stand in front of him. "Let's get you guys to bed now, shall we?" she teased as she reached out and took him by the hands, grunting with effort as she hauled him to his feet. He yawned again, louder this time as she led him to the staircase. She quickly planted a kiss on his cheek, and swiftly dodged as he attempted to swat her again with an embarrassed growl, which was met with her own little giggle as he rolled his eyes. "G'night, Raph," she said with a little wave.

He sent her a tired smirk. "Later, Ape," he said before climbing up the stairs and disappearing into his room.

Shaking her head with a fond smile, April turned around to head back into the living room, only to nearly collide with Casey, who much to her surprise, had Mikey hoisted up onto his back. His cheek was pillowed on Casey's left shoulder, and he boy had his arms hooked underneath Mikey's knees as he adjusted him more securely on his back. When a small trickle of drool pooled onto his shoulder, Casey turned o April and gave her a weary yet accepting look. April giggled again. "How cute," she cooed.

Casey shrugged in response, or as much as he could with Mikey as his cargo. "Eh, I figured you'd need Casey Jones to help you out with turtle wrangling. Besides…" he turned to look back at Mikey, a soft yet sad smile graced his normally boisterous features. "…he kinda reminds me of my little sister…"

April's smile fell slightly at that. But before she could let the sadness take over, and understanding smile took its place as she laid a hand against Casey's cheek, softly patting it reassuringly. That earned her a genuine smile of thanks from the black haired vigilante, before she moved out of the way and allowed him to climb up the stairs. "You can get Leo up, I'll handle Donnie," he whispered over his vacant shoulder as he reached the top of the stairs.

April nodded and went back into the living room, only to find that Donnie was already stirring as he stretched and yawned loudly. Standing up from the rocking chair as he rubbed his eyes drowsily, he caught sight of her standing in the doorway and immediately began to blush. "O-Oh! Um, hi April," he stammered. "Sorry, we meant to go up earlier, but Mikey wanted to watch a Crognard marathon with us and…wait, where is Mikey? And where's Raph?"

April smiled at him. "Casey just carried Mikey upstairs to put him to bed, and I just sent Raph up. Now it's your turn," she said, beckoning him forwards with a tilt of her head in the direction of the stairs.

Donnie waved a hand at her. "Oh that's okay," he said as he made his way to the backdoor, "I need to go back into the barn to finish off that –"

"Donatello Hamato."

Donnie froze on the spot, not daring to turn around as his eyes widened at her tone. He gulped nervously as he felt her presence behind him, and he slowly turned around to find her glaring up at him with her hands planted firmly on her hips. He opened his mouth to try and argue, but she pointed her finger towards the stairs once more, her glaring blue eyes never leaving him as they narrowed.

"Bed. Now," she snapped, daring him to disagree with her again.

His head nearly drawing into his shell, Donnie nodded. "Yes ma'am," he squeaked sheepishly as he tip-toed around her and then booked it towards the stairs. Once he was out of sight, April finally allowed her glare to fade as she chuckled. That's what I thought, she teased inwardly.

Then her brows rose in realization. Holy crap…Casey and Bernie were right all along. She really was acting like a mother.

Oh well, if that's what it took to get the job done, then April didn't really mind. Perhaps it was just Splinter rubbing off on her.

She was about to back to get Leo up, but a voice stopped her in her tracks.

"…no…no, keep away!"

April frowned. It was only faint, but April could hear it loud and clear as she approached the couch. She found Leo stirring, his face no longer peaceful as his brows creased and his teeth ground together. His hands balled into tight fists as he tossed and turned on the couch, sweat trickling down his brow. "N-no! No, keep away! Get away from them!" he cried, louder this time.

Eyes widening, April gasped. He was having a nightmare again.

Wasting no more time, April hurried around the couch and sat beside him, reaching out and grasping him by the shoulders as his struggles and moans became more intense. "Leo, listen to me," she called to him firmly, "it's not real, it's just a dream! Wake up, Leo!"

But he wasn't heeding her. Instead, he began to lash outwards, his struggles becoming violent as he thrashed in her grip. "NO! Stay away, leave them alone!" he shouted. "Don't hurt them! DON' HURT THEM!"

His clenched fist swung wildly and struck April in the face, making her cry out in pain as a bruise already began to form under her left eye. It stung like hell, but instead of reeling backwards, she narrowed her eyes as she clenched her teeth. She refused to let him go. So she shook him harder. "LEO! WAKE UP!" she shouted.

Leo's eyes snapped open as he let out a cry. He sat upright as he panted, his breaths labored and shaking as sweat trickled down the side of his face. His eyes were unfocused for a moment, clouded with fear from the dream, before he blinked rapidly back into reality. The first thing he noticed was that there were hands, very small hands, gripping his shoulders firmly. He then looked up to find April staring at him, worry creasing her features as they gazed into each others eyes in silence…

…and then Leo noticed that her left eye was blackening, a small trail of blood tricking down her cheek from a cut just beneath her eye, and he gasped.

"…o-oh my god, April," he quivered, his shaking hand slapping over his mouth as his eyes widened with dread. "I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

April's heart clenched painfully in her chest when she heard his voice hitch as he hesitantly reached out to touch her face, but then quickly drew back at the last second as his fearful gaze darted to the side instead. She quickly shook her head as she tightened her grip on his shoulder. "No, no Leo, it's okay," she assured him gently, though she cursed herself when she heard that her own voice was shaking. "I'm okay, Leo. It's just a bruise, it'll be fine."

Shaking his head rapidly as he squeezed his eyes shut, Leo drew into himself as he held his head between his hands. "…I thought you were…h-he was gonna…I-I had to…I couldn't let him hurt any of you again. And now I just…" he whimpered. April could see the tears brimming in the corners of his shut eyes, and her heart broke further upon watching them slip down his cheeks.

He was still in fear of the nightmare he'd faced. He felt guilty for striking her…and he continued to feel guilty for the losses and failures they suffered…

Oh, Leo…

Biting her lip, April leapt forwards and wrapped her arms around the oldest turtle, bringing him close to her chest as her cheek came to rest atop his head. Despite his feeble attempts to pull away from her, she held on as tight as she dared. "I know, Leo," she whispered, her hand stroking the back of his shell soothingly as his struggles stopped. "I know."

A moment was all it took before Leo's strong arms came to wrap around her middle in a crushing, almost desperate embrace. He made no sound, but his tears dampened her t-shirt as he held her. She paid it no mind as she gently kissed the top of his head, allowing him to release his sadness.

As the two of them sat there on the couch in the silence, Bernie and Casey's words began to echo in her thoughts…

"…a girl in a home full of boys a year or so younger than her would eventually start to develop those maternal instincts at some point or another…"

"…I don't think they mind. In fact, if I didn't know any better…I'd say they kinda like the attention."

April tightened her hold around Leonardo, her eyes squeezing shut as her sore cheek nuzzled against him, but she could care less. Whether she was acting like a mother or not, it didn't matter. What mattered was that they still had someone to rely on, a shoulder to lean or cry on when they needed it.

A parental figure may not have been what they wanted in the beginning, but it was without a doubt what they needed…what Leo needed right now.

She was no Splinter, and was definitely no Tang Shen either. But right now, April knew that she could be that mother for them, even if it was only for a little while.

"I'm here, Leo," she whispered to him. "I'm here…"

A/N: Another emotional turn for the feels you guys! DX

I hope you guys liked this! More are on the way!