Festive
Sometimes Raph wondered why he still celebrated Christmas. Sometimes he wondered what joy could be found in spending it alone, with only ghosts to keep him company. Nostalgia had turned bitter over time. It hadn't been very long, but then, Raph never needed to wait very long before bitterness set in.
Or was it loneliness? Was it the realization that the lair was far too empty? Was it the lack of voices, the lack of personalities filling the halls, the rooms, causing life to burst from every pore of the bricks?
In the distance, he heard the shutting of a door. For a moment, Raphael felt his heart lift in hope. It didn't last long before resignation settled back on his plastron, a heavy weight.
No. Just Donnie. Just him and Donnie living like strangers under the same roof. Celebrating in different ways. Did Donnie even celebrate Christmas anymore?
Raph sighed, tilted back his head, and downed his drink, feeling it burn the back of his throat.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow, he'd be out searching again, once again burning with grim determination.
But today, just today, he'd sit and think, and remember.
Raph always wondered why he still celebrated Christmas.
Maybe he celebrated it because they'd always loved the festive season, even when he hadn't.
AN: Finally up to date, for now!