Afterglow - Chapter 22

Rated: T

Happy Valentine's Day

Chapter Summary: Just in time for Valentine's Day, April buys something super special for Raphael.

This is totally goopy, fluffy, lovey-dovey and full of feels, but that's what Velentine's Day is about right? lol. Hope y'all enjoy. xoxo.

Seeing April awake at 5am on a Sunday morning was a rare sight indeed; she'd dragged her ass out of bed because of persistent, familiar taps on her bedroom window. When they didn't let up, she had no choice but to reluctantly get up and greet the day.

Blue eyes opened in full expectation to see Raphael waiting for her to open the window so he could come in to lay next to her in the wee early morning hours before even her dad awoke. Instead, she was blinking sleep out of her eyes as she took in a post-it note with the word 'KITCHEN' with an arrow in the direction of said room scribbled messily in black marker. April glared at the note, blue eyes bloodshot and a dramatic sigh fluttering from her lips at Raphael's supposed sense of humor depicting the direction of her own kitchen before doing precisely what the note said to do.

"This better be damn good..." April muttered to herself while stumbling sleepily from her bedroom and into the kitchen.

The first thing she saw was Raphael hanging upside-down right outside her locked kitchen window, giving her a wicked smile even as she glared daggers at him. Second thing was that it was snowing; the redhead instantly perked up, running for and opening the window so Raphael wouldn't freeze to death like his cold-blooded nature intended.

"What are you doing?" April half-laughed, half-scorned her boyfriend for still not making a move to come into the warmth of her apartment as well as letting cold air and big flakes of snow shower onto her kitchen floor. Raphael still didn't come in, smile only widening as he began speaking.

"Gooood morning, beautiful." he greeted in his deep rick baritone, making her skin prickle in a way that wasn't caused by the cold air leaking in through the open window.

"Morning, Raph...What brings you here at five in the morning?" April replied, thin brows lifted and arms crossed as she awaited his excuse for being here so damn early. Although she was a bit irked at him waking her up at this ungodly hour; seeing his handsome face, bright eyes, and big smile, it was nearly impossible to stay mad at him for it.

"I had a quick question for ya."

"It couldn't wait til the sun came up at least?"

"Nope!" the green-eyes terrapin answered quickly, his smile not letting up.

"Alright. Shoot." April sighed, tilting her head and giving him her full attention even if sleep was still clinging to the edges of her subconscious.

"So..." he started, one of the hands that was holding him up, lowering a single red rose between his teeth before continuing, "...Will you be my Valentine?" he finished with a smirk, brow ridges wiggling; huge, green puppy-dog eyes glittering, and damn, it was working its magic.

The pretty redhead stared at him for a long while, taking in his upside-down face, the tails of his mask and scarf drifting through her open window along with white flakes of fresh snow gathering at her feet. Resisting the temptation to roll her eyes but still couldn't stop the warmth that filled her chest at his words and kind gesture. It was hard to stay mad at him when he was just so fucking cute.

"How could I say no?" she whispered, pulling the flower from his lips and placing it on a counter beside her. Cradling that adorable face, she smiled at him, recalling a particular instance of this moment in her all-time favorite superhero movie. It was too good an opportunity to let pass, so without any further hesitation, she pulled him in for a mind-numbing kiss, softly moaning upon experiencing the sensation of those cold smooth lips against her warm mouth. When she pulled away, Raph chased her mouth and she reluctantly had to refuse his advances; giggling when he nipped at her.

"Sorry, big guy, but you'll have to wait until my dad leaves on his date tonight before you get your Valentine's Day present." she promised with a seductive wink, ghosting her lips back over his own.

"Ooh, goody!" Raph said while pulling back, noticing the cold air and the effect it was having on her; those hard pebbled nipples poking through her red spaghetti-strap tee in particular.

April scowled when she realized exactly where his eyes were focusing and crossing her arms across her chest to effectively block his view of her frozen nips. "Thanks for the rose, Raph. I'll see you tonight." she said with a scolding voice, ineffectively fighting the smile inching up her face when she noticed the tint of red on his sharp cheek bones.

"Oops. Hee-heh. Can't wait, babe. Stay warm." he winked, swiftly swinging himself upright to a standing position on her fire escape. The slight vertigo of the blood rushing from his head was ignored as he quickly stuck his head in the window and kissed her soundly before taking back off into the predawn darkness.

Shutting the window behind him, April smiled. She'd took a moment to gather a small vase to place the rose in; filling the small glass container with water and taking it back to her room. After setting it on her nightstand, she'd collapsed back into the still-warm covers and let sleep take her quickly back to dreamland.

Jumping from roof to roof, enjoying the feel of the wind brushing across his face and the friction of the rough rooftops scraping thickly-padded feet, Raphael made quick time of the distance from the lair to his girlfriend's apartment. Landing atop her building, swiftly climbing down the fire escape before stilling in front of her warmly illuminated kitchen window. Gathering from the text she sent just half an hour prior, he knew her father had just left, which left them completely alone for the rest of Valentine's Day (at least he hoped anyway). The red-banded terrapin didn't even bother knocking, lifting up the window and sidling into the apartment before closing the glass pane closed behind him.

"April? Yo April, ya here?" Raph called out, placing his weapons upon her dining room table as he waited for her response. A swift reach into a bag he'd attached to his belt, he drew out a large box of chocolates and a dozen roses he was initially horrified wouldn't survive the trip, but if one did this morning, the rest could as well. Bright green eyes scanned her apartment for any sign of the redhead when she didn't speak out; placing the gifts he got her on the dining room table, he called out again.

"Hey, O'Neil, you said I should be here at 5o'clocl sharp, and for once, I'm exactly on time. ...April?" Raphael vocalized, his brows furrowing as he walked toward her living room. Removing the scarf and hat and placing those items on the coffee table as he awaited her response.

"Sweetheart?" Raph called out again, the nickname left his lips smoothly while continuing to search the apartment, wondering if perhaps she was in the shower and simply couldn't hear him. With that thought and smirk inching up his lips he made his way toward her bedroom.

April smiled when he disappeared around the corner to head to the living room. Thankful for her ninja training, she had successfully and quietly made her way to the living room while his back was turned. After all, she didn't want to ruin the surprise by speaking.

Looking through an adjacent hallway, he still didn't see her. A soft padded footstep was picked up with his sensitive ears, turning around to greet the source of the noise, he immediately froze upon the sight that greeted him.

Raph couldn't help but stare, his eyes roving down her body as she stood silently and allowed him to take it in. He fully expected to see her in her normal oversized t-shirt and dorky flannel pajama pants with faded smiling moons and bright yellow stars but this wasn't was he was expecting at all. While meeting the redhead as a lanky teenager, April didn't stay that way long, her hips widening and breasts filling out to showcase a more womanly shape. It wasn't overtly obvious by her choice of wardrobe she tended to lean toward, but he knew by his own personal exploration of her body and the few times she wore a swimsuit. It was an entirely different story as she stood just feet away from him in a pale blue negligee, leaving practically nothing to the imagination, Raphael was all too aware of the woman his beautiful April had become.

The thin fabric coiled around her torso and hips like a second skin, the translucent blue cloth showcasing her glowing skin and complimenting gorgeous tumbles of red hair drifting around her shoulders, the tips of the fiery locks brushing freckled porcelain shoulders. He could easily see her exposed breasts, pebbled nipples poking at the thin cloth, as well as the black lacy panties he'd never seen her wear before.

Raphael completely forgot how to breath as he remained transfixed with her radiance. When his eyes finally met hers, he couldn't help but notice the flush in her cheeks and the nervous trembling of her lips.

"Happy Valentine's Day... So...do you like it?" she asked, the uncharacteristic nervousness making her voice falter.

Still not having any control over his vocal chords, all Raphael could do was nod stupidly as his eyes roved over her form again. He knew he was making an absolute fool out of himself but he could fucking care less right now.

"Are you just gonna gawk all night or are you gonna come over here, ya big lug?" April said smugly, the spunk he fell in love with returning in her voice as she opened her arms in invitation.

"Yeah." he replied in a dry whisper before clearing his throat, his early machismo rearing its head as he strutted easily over to her even if his legs were virtually green jelly underneath him.

Standing right in front of her didn't make him feel much relief. If anything, he became more aware of how just being closer to her very being made him feel positively weak in the knees. Taking in every ounce of her alluring beauty, Raph never knew just what he did to deserve someone who was just so freaking perfect to him in every sense. This fiery, passionate, stubborn, sexy and spunky girl loved him, and he vowed to make the absolute most of every second she allowed him to be in her life.

Raphael placed his arms upon her thin shoulders, her warmth immediately encompassing his cool callous fingers as they brushed gingerly over her freckled skin.

April bit her bottom lip, moaning softly at his gentle touch. She would never get over just how tender he was with her; this angry, hotheaded terrapin knew just how to handle her body. Only after months of being physically intimate, he'd striven to learn every inch of her; likes and dislikes, and what made fireworks go off in her head. Having this incredibly powerful ninja warrior touch like this - knowing the strength in those massive fingers made it all the more erotic and sensual when he touched her with such gentleness.

The nervous jitters soon fell by the wayside as he pressed his mouth to hers. His lips purposefully and masterfully gliding against hers, learning over time just how to perfectly meld them together.

Pulling away from her warm lips, he smirked, nuzzling his face against hers lovingly.

"So, why the change in your attire tonight, O'Neil?" Raph grumbled against her neck, languidly kissing her warm flesh as his hands started eagerly caressing her soft breasts.

"Ooh... Well, it is Valentine's Day and this is the first year we're celebrating it the right way...So...what do you think?" April asked, gesturing to her new change in attire.

"Oh, hell yeah... It's gorgeous, but ya know, I love you just the way you are. But if we're gonna nitpick, I prefer you just be naked all the time." he replied snidely, leaning back down to continue his exploration of her neck with his mouth.

April shook her head and chuckled at his cocky attitude, his machismo did nothing but quench her insatiable lust for her boyfriend. Saying he loved her just the way she was was almost enough to send her over the edge.

"What about my ratty pink pajamas with the fluffy unicorns you love so much?" April moaned into the side of his head.

"As many boners as those have given me, I have to say, this takes the cake." he mumbled, face cushioned between her perky breasts, the satin of the cloth and her silky skin feeling like utter heaven.

April laughed breathlessly, the soft airy sound music to his ears. Fuck, he loved her so much. With that obvious revelation, he reluctantly pulled away from her flesh and smiled at her; it still made his heart hammer and palms itch in just the simple way she looked at him. Even after so much time had passed, it still felt the same way it did during the first week they were together; if anything, the feelings intensified tenfold. The glorious eruption of passion he felt toward her and just wanting to give her absolutely everything, he forgot about his own desires; wanting to make this night about her - to give her the time of her life; one she would never forget.

"Want to take this to the bedroom?" April asked suddenly, hands brushing eagerly over those glorious, massive biceps.

"I thought you'd never ask." Raph growled in her ear, picking her up bridal style and sprinting toward her room.

April just squealed and laughed as he launched her onto the bed. The bouncing subsided as she awaited him to join her, but instead, the terrapin muttered, "Be right back" before taking off out the door again.

The redhead wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but the last thing she did was when Raphael returned with a large heart-shaped box of her favorite dark chocolates and what she assumed was the remaining dozen roses from the single one he'd brought that morning. The flood of emotion from seeing him just standing there; nervousness apparent in the way his hands softly trembled as he presented them had her swallowing back a sudden lump that clogged her throat; the back of her eyes burning with rising tears.

"R-Raph...but...what? When... How did... Thank you." she decided on, accepting the gifts from her beloved terrapin; mind overwhelmed with just what she could have done so well in her life in order to deserve someone as wonderful as him. When she first accepted the fact she was indeed in love with him; she also accepted the fact that a "normal" relationship was basically out of the equation. It wouldn't be like the movies or even a semblance of "normal" dating for either of them. The harsh truth was he wasn't human and she was; he couldn't just take her out to shop, out to eat, or even go to the movies like other couples without inciting a riot. A 'societal norm' courtship was never going to be a part of her relationship when she chose to be with him.

She'd fully accepted that, but it didn't change facts when it came to things like holidays.

Raphael wasn't a person who celebrated much. The only day he'd grown up thinking was an annual "holiday" of sorts were him and his brother's mutation day; but even that occasion was just a simple algae cake Splinter made for the boys; that was basically it for the first fifteen years of his life. Yet every single holiday, Raph stepped up without being asked; buying her presents and making her such wonderful and thoughtful things. He was always so giving and about making the day special even if it was something small; he'd done it.

It didn't make sense really especially since the way he'd been brought up. Long story short, Raphael had been raised without much of anything; shunned by a society that would never accept them as one of their own. Forced to live underground in dark, dank sewers; craving sunlight and acceptance but never getting it. You'd never know it when you got to know him. Just underneath that rough exterior, Raph contained a fierce bleeding passion for the city; an incredible love he was willing and had protected it with his life on numerous occasions even if the citizens would never care to even know his name or even the fact he existed.

Staring at the packages in her hands, it hit her... Not full comprehending just what an incredible gift she'd been given. A gift that didn't come in a packages, sentimental Hallmark cards, or bright red boxes filled to the brim with fluffy tissue paper. He'd given her his heart. This passionate, beating soul inside this wonderful being and he was hers...and she was his. Candy and flowers didn't matter even if she appreciated the sentiment; this holiday was about love and he'd given it so willingly and without asking for anything in return; especially in a world that never gave him anything... This huge heart under such a gruff exterior was too beautiful for this world; to a city and to her, who was so undeserving of him.

"You're welcome." he replied after a long silence, moving to sit next to her after she'd gone quiet.

Raph noticed her quiet contemplation on her face; instead of interrupting her inner dialog, he took this free moment to take her in; sitting cross-legged on the dark blue comforter, the transparent lingerie allowing his eyes to absorb every beautiful curve, bump, and perfect imperfection on her entire body. If he was honest with himself, he would never get used to seeing her this way; never understanding the reason she'd chose him over anyone else on this planet. Much less choosing a short, hotheaded, stubborn mutated turtle; he was so undeserving of her constant presence in his life.

This year, he wanted to make this day special for her since she'd been patient with him over the course of almost two years together. Previously, he'd just made cards or done some sick art she could hang on her wall - this time, he wanted to do it the "right" way. His inability to take her nice places and treat her special with nice presents and dinners deterred him for a short time, wracking his brain for what exactly he could do for her. So he hatched a plan; for the past two months, he'd collected dropped bills and change throughout the streets during patrol and around deserted streets, subways, and alleys until he had enough to buy her a nice Valentine's gift (telling Casey what to get, of course). She always gave everything to him so selflessly for nearly every holiday and this year, he strove to give her back a fraction of the generosity she'd given him and his family over the course of these past four years. Looking at her now, he still wondered how he deserved to be so damn lucky; but didn't ponder too long as reached over to cup her cheek and turn her face to his.

April couldn't prevent the shiver that crawled up her spine when he suddenly touched her face. Without allowing him the time to make another move, she'd placed her gifts down on the bedding between them before throwing her arms over his thickly muscled shoulders and pressed her mouth over his. Words became unnecessary as the two laid back on the comforter, mouths pressing and tongues fighting for dominance. April pulled away suddenly, worried the gifts right next to them would be crushed in their sudden passions.

"Wait a sec, okay?" April said more than asked, rising out of the bed much to Raph's grumbling distaste. He didn't complain too long as he used the time to make his way under the covers to keep off the sudden chill of the February night.

Gathering the items, she'd placed them on the nightstand when her eyes fell upon the card she'd bought him. Biting her lip, she questioned if she could give it to him now or wait. Her hand made up its own mind as the letter was picked up and presented to the terrapin before she had realized what happened.

Raph's eyes widened slightly before accepting the card; gingerly tearing it open as April crawled into the covers next to him. The card was simple, just a couple, dare he say, 'manly' looking hearts decorating the front cover, a script font with "Happy Valentine's Day" finishing off the look. Turning the page, Raph read what it said inside and his heart leaped into his throat at the words she'd written. Addressing him as "the man I love" and as "hers". So poignant and powerful yet simple all at the same time. She'd told him she loved him on numerous occasions from in the midst of orgasm to as simple as ending a call. Those were words that came easy to her, but there was something about reading it that made it seem permanent. How this relationship that started so sporadically turned into something that just may last forever.

Raphael would be lying if he said he knew they'd always be together. There was still some demented side of him that believed that this was somehow just all a dream. That April would one day wake up and realize what a mistake she'd made; leave him to find someone that could give her everything he couldn't. He'd lived in this perpetual state of limbo waiting for that day she'd crush his soul and Raphael knew if it came, he'd never recover. He'd given her everything; every corner of his hard, blackened heart on a silver platter - it was hers - it always had been. But as he continued to finish the last paragraph, something inside of him cracked.

"Words can't express exactly how I feel about you, Raphael. But of one thing I am certain as we make our way through this little crazy thing called life - there is only one thing I want right by my side throughout it all - and that's you. I love you more than you'll ever know. Happy Valentine's Day.

Love Always,

April"

Raph re-read it at least ten times before he looked up to meet her teary eyes and smile. He didn't break eye contact as he placed down the letter on the nightstand; reaching over and embracing her, pulling her down to lay beside him. Content with just holding her soft form close to his body, catching the soft smell of strawberries lingering in her silken strands of fiery orange hair.

"I love you too, April." he whispered, closing his eyes. Focusing on the sound of her breathing and the prickle of her velvet touch along his arms.

April allowed his comforting touch and arms to envelop her in warmth. Long forgetting their initial plans for this Valentine's Day in lieu of just enjoying the feeling of being together; savoring these moments of pure bliss and looking forward to all the ones to come...