#[ i didn't feel like writing interactions so i jus t

[ducknotinarow]

[Foot!Casey and Karai]

Well, he had said bye to Raphael, apologised, the least he could do, before ending it with a lie claiming he was heading home. Really, Casey didn't have a home anymore, if he ever did have one. He was a mess, muddled and exhausted of it all. He had one more goodbye to give, too much of a coward to even head back to the compound to do it. He'd write proper 'goodbyes' later, when he was settled at his final place.

Sat at a bus stop, waiting for his ticket out of there, Casey tugged out his phone. He doesn't have many numbers, quickly finding Karai - 'little sister with a small heart', he always called her 'shredder junior', but he knew she was so much better. Phone to ear, he waited for her to answer,

"Hey, yer a'right?" Casey asks, voice soft, "I uhm, hey, thanks for helpin' me save the guys, yer really put yer neck out for me, an', aint anythin' I'm ever gonna be able t' d' t' make that up t' yer."

Well, outside of getting out of her way forever,

"Listen, think it's gonna be better I stay at the Turtles lair for a while, yanno, jus' 'til dad calms down a lil' an' doesn't kill me on sight," He forces a small laugh at that, "I'll be back, I dunno, month or somethin'? Eh, yer know what's dads like," Casey shrugged, "Can yer d' me a favour?" As if he hadn't asked for enough of those, "Jus' tell Angel I love her an' be home soon okay?"

He'd never be able to face his baby sister again. Not after this,

"Thanks Rai, for everythin', I really d' 'ppreciate it," Casey swallows, "I'll uh, yeah, bye..."

Hitting hang up, Casey went far enough to turn off the phone completely. Leaning against the back of the bus stop, he waiting for his ticket out of there. For him to head towards his end.

| Muse Interaction [part one]

The very first thing Karai did was take Angle somewhere out from their fathers range of anger. She was sure he wouldn't out right aim or gun for the youngest but once the word got out? That not only was Casey no where to be seen but neither was the turtles? It was only a matter of time he put two and two together. Casey nearly got them out before getting caught after all so who else would have done it again? Somehow her own involvement seemed to go with out notice. And for Angel's sake? good. The air of the hideout was not good, it was a quite that not even a clan of ninja were known for. Fear was thick, even those who thought them self near Shredder's level like Dogpound and Xaver, were keeping their head's low after. One misstep or misspoken word was all it would take to set the Shredder off. Karai had been keeping Angle in their room. Waiting for well she wasn't sure.

Not like Casey could just slip back in like nothing happened. Not unless he had a death wish that is. And its not like they could sneak him back and hide him like the time they did with a stray dog before either. It was all this unsureness that was just nawhing away at her as she stood by her bedroom door. The benefit of having Shin around was she was good at distracting Angel who was a little in the dark on everything going on.

Far as she was sure Casey got away. He did get away right? They didn't follow? No they made sure they couldn't be once they were away they were away. Much as she hate to admit it they were good about slipping away from them after all. Eyes closed a moment Casey's safe she has to keep that in mind but why haven't they heard back from him? Or about him? When she feels her phone buzz from inside her pocket she nearly jumps out of her skin. Trying to keep her reaction subtle as she sure she can hear Shin telling Angel some old fairy tale she slips her way out from her room.

Door bearly makes a sound when she closes it behind herself and starts to make her way down the hall. The eeir chill dosent help. As she pulls her phone to her ear "Cae?"

"Hey, yer a'right?"

The sound of his voice is enough to settle her nerves in the second it crosses her ears. A soft sigh under her breath given. She pauses as she's walking not fully trusting how empty halls seem to be. She shifts her gaze to the windows nearby as she makes her way out. "Am I alright? I'm not the one who pulled that stunt now, am I?" Her tons were a little sharp, but that was how she best showed her concern. In her own special way to talk, especially when it came to Casey. Scaling the window edge, she easily set her feet on the concrete rails that gave her a boost to the roof. It would be easier to notice anyone out in the open this way at least and less likely for her to be followed. She wants to ask if he's okay in turn, but The words just don't quite leave the tip of her tongue. He sounds like he's alone?

Well wasn't like the turtles had a peaceful holding they were getting what Shredder felt they had coming to them when locked up after all. She's well aware those like Xaver and Bradford got a chance for some special 'treatment' to some of the turtles. Shredder hadn't stayed out it himself. Maybe they were licking wounds and Casey slipped away to talk?

"I uhm, hey, thanks for helpin' me save the guys, yer really put yer neck out for me, an', aint anythin' I'm ever gonna be able t' d' t' make that up t' yer."

She raises a eyebrow over the thank you. It just seemed so off. She knows how much it meant for him to atone for it but still. "Well I did owe you right?" She lamely excuses it behind. She was just lucky that no one knew how involved she was with the turtles escape after all. Too good if Shredder had yet to show himself to her so to express his disappointment after all.

Hearing you voice is enough Casey.

She simply smiles to herself, moving to sit down she rested her back against the stone tower behind herself. He's out she can at least take comfort in that fact alone right?

"Listen, think it's gonna be better I stay at the Turtles lair for a while, yanno, jus' 'til dad calms down a lil' an' doesn't kill me on sight,"

"I figured you would" Casey could never come back after all. Not after everything that happened. He went against their father, the shredder. You don't really get to just come back from that after all. Casey offers a laugh and part of Karai can't help but wonder if he just saying it as a joke? Because he knows the truth is that he can't ever come back. There is a good chance he would in fact be killed on sight if he were after all.

"I'll be back, I dunno, month or somethin'? Eh, yer know what's dads like,"

Her face falls, still taking this as her brother trying to down play it all. Maybe he meant he be laying low for a few months. That would be for the best really. She's a bit shocked Casey was with the turtles but well maybe he did really have something with Raphael in the end. He had to if he was willing to go through with all of this after all wouldn't he? Maybe that meant thing for them were getting worked on as well? She would like that for Casey. He seemed happier when ever around that turtle after all. Nothing compared to like when he was home at least. More like when they would escapes.

He needed away from here that's all she knew for sure.

"Can yer d' me a favour?"

"you know the deal was one Cae, already pushing your luck? what figure that since your not home i'm less likely to get at you?" she was kidding of course, "I guess it wouldn't hurt though. What need me to sneak your things to you or something?"

"Jus' tell Angel I love her an' be home soon okay?"

"oh right course." She kind of over looked needing to explain why Casey wouldn't be home. She was going to need to talk things out to Angle. Oh she wasn't looking forward to that in the slightest. She thought reaching up to pinch the bridge above her nose. Now she was a bit annoyed with Casey leaving her to clean his messes up. Not really more minor annoyance at her brother if anything. Already rack some idea in her head she felt being honest to an extent would be best. Angel was very attached to Casey but they can't risk putting Casey in danger as well. Jeez this was such a unplanned idea and not a method Karai went with for reasons like this. But well with how everything ended up? it wasn't really easy to plan a back door to this all.

"Thanks Rai, for everythin', I really d' 'ppreciate it,"

"Jeez you just learn that word or something? sounds weird when you say it."

It was weird that he kept saying it, not that Casey wouldn't be grateful sure but something just didn't sit right and Karai just wasn't sure how to explain why that was the case. Not once had Casey joked or remarked on anything she said either. Then again the way he spoke about Angle just now? No, no course it wasn't anything like that.

"I'll uh, yeah, bye…"

"Casey?!" of course there was nothing on the other end she could hear the clear tone of the call being ended. Slowly lowering her phone done she laid her eyes to the scene Casey's face still there since she hadn't closed the call out herself.

Something just isn't right, she knows something isn't right but there nothing to really tell her it isn't right. Something is just telling her that something is off something is wrong, with Casey. But they did it hadn't they? Took care of the issue here? Casey felt awful for betraying the turtles so torn up over it. Karai of all could understand why he done it. They grew up the same way Shredder word was absolute after all. Karai just figured his whole thing with Raph wasn't a big deal at first. Why she didn't out right get on his case maybe she should have more? That's why he went against them right? Because he couldn't do it after getting close to them? She knows they are evil least what they were always made to believe. But Karai had a hard time fully seeing that. When Casey would come back after being around them he always seemed. Different. In a good way.

She tried to call him back but the call didn't go through. They lived underground? Maybe the signal was bad? She simply sighs out heavily before moving to rest her head back to cool cold stone bricks. Silently trying to clam the worry in her mind. Telling herself there was nothing to worry about.

"Casey would make fun of me if he knew I was freaking out without him here." Karai simply says to herself, trying to take comfort in that alone. He would tease all 'Aw yer worried 'bout me' and smirk at her in that way that always annoyed her. When she denied it he'd not believe her and tease her for caring about him.

"What do you me with out 'im here?"

Karai's eyes snapped open, as she moved to jump the voice didn't phase her as much as the sight of the turtle. Red bandana and full blow attitude as he made himself more known to her, dropping down in front of her he was pretty quick to spin to look at her. Getting into her face best he could with the lack of height on his own end.

"Don' mess wit' me Karai tell me where Casey is now!"

"Uh can see why he seemed to get along with you now." Karai says only annoying the turtle when he was made to feel his request was being ignore at the time.

"Karai I ain't got time for this! where's Casey!"

"He said he was with you what did you lose him already?" Karai retorts with moving to stare the turtle down. It only now started to phase her at all. First to fold as she stepped back looking at him a moment before she let her attention shift on to her phone. "He said he would be with you and the others?" She didn't need to ask from how Raph's own expression changed a moment. "He said he was here?" she watched him look away.

"what did he tell ya?" Raphael turns to ask "Anythin' at all to go off of?"

"...to tell Angle he loves her." Now she understands the way that unsettled her from before. Quickly she tries to redial him again but again that automatic message comes on saying it can't connect. Doesn't stop her trying again and again. If he's not with Raph then where is he where he can't get the call? She hiss slightly and tosses her phone. Launching it clear over the roof top as she pants heavily.

"yeah I can see how you're siblings." Raphael dryly expresses stepping over to peer over the edge. After some point the light from her screen couldn't be seen anymore.

"I can't believe he duped me! Casey of all people! That idiots never be able to trick me! Years of me winning fights, or playing tricks to get my way and this!" She slightly rants out.

Slowly though that moment of annoyance fades off, she feels a chill creeping between plates of armor. The hairs on the back of he neck starting to stand on end. These unease shes been trying to push out of her mind was only growing heavier. Casey lied to the both of them? Why else would Raphael risk being here now after all? She wants to be annoyed at how obvious that is but part of her wishes to just focus on the idea of her brother being safe. But he's not safe. Her eyes start to widen as she moves to stand up a little. The hide out is so quite right now in a way it shouldn't be. No hollers from her father no one coming to get her. There's a reason she and Angel were being left alone.

"Casey took off on his own I don't know why but- he won't be safe on his own they are looking for him." She starts rambling explaining to Raphael, only beside he was there. "Did he tell you anything?" she turns his question back on to him now. Raphael just mentioned a lot of sorrys, she got some herself. "I don't think they have him but we need to find him first!" She suddenly stresses. "he doesn't say sorry! not really not ever! and he never says byes like they are so indefinite" Karai further explains.

Tyring to get them to follow and understand her points here. She has nothing else to turn to nothing for a clue. All she knows is hes not some where safe, hes clearly in a bad state of mind, hes in danger in more ways then one. Hand son the turtles shoulders now. He saw Casey last, sure he was in the same boat but he was the only thing to an answer she might have. Raphael did seem to be slowly piecing things on his own end almost like his thoughts could be seen moving behind those eyes. Before he seemed to settle on a random thought.

"Hey do ya know where 'hat farm house he an' his family use ta go to it?" Raphael.

"The farm house?" She repeats, but no that did make sense. Where else would he go? She did recall Casey talking about it Angle didn't seem to remember it much. She recalled them planing to run away there once when their Dad really pissed them off. So she did know where to go. "I do but why?"

"Casey always sounded happy talkin' 'bout it..I dunno what he's up to but I know when he 'bout to do something stupid. If he's saying good bye first?"

"Casey would want to go somewhere with good memories." She adds on. The chill in the air is near warm compared to the run going through her now. Would Casey really try and hurt himself? He seemed so regretful over the phone hell since he left. But no Casey.

Karai tried to get her thought to connect but no matter how hard she tried they didn't seem to want to connect in any way. She didn't get much time to try before Raphael grabbed at her arm tugging her a little all to a natural reaction for her to glare and jerk her arm back from him.

"Look we need to find him okay!" Raph snaps not to found of this set up but he deal with that later. "He's alone, after everything an' -an" She watched how he looked away. she saw the same fear in them that was rising in herself. Before swallowing.

"Fine."

[fellegend]

His feet are endlessly pacing, his heels worn thin, he can feel the rocks that climb into his flesh with every step he takes. The bag he wears upon his back carries  not his belongings, but the very weight that presses against his shoulders, his aching back, the very fear that he will NEVER find them, that he will never find HER, mom, he yearns for you. With every stop, he acts a facade of some SAVIOR some identity that is not himself, for every moment in which he was himself, he was torn and broken, beaten to his bone of stripped of everything he has had. His identity is hollow, so he treads the waters of some facade of a man whom he will never be. 

His fingers are rough, they a numb with callouses for they bear the blade that places itself so righteously within his hand, and some part of him hates it. Some part of him aches to be a man who knows not the way of the sword, but the way of the word. An average fellow who knows no violence, who throws his battles with a certain ease of understanding, and who walks without worry, freed from the troubles which cripple him, lacing themselves about mind’s every corridor, poisoning the youth which he never got to spend and so he ACTS. 

They call him a child, a man so immature, who knows not the ways of appropriate behavior, but he cannot help but to sink into a reality where none of this matters. A reality in which he finds an escape route, an exit sign that flashes with FIRE atop torches that scorch his old home, that burn his city to ashes and sweep the land of its crown. The very fire that breathes from dragon’s tongue, and he cannot help but COWER in fear, for what is he but a dastard in flight of a world he could not conquer, a land he could not save?

Legends are remembered, they tell stories of heroes of lands and word, and this, he strives to be. He could not save them, he could not SAVE THEM, and so he would give his life to offer a moment’s more breath for those however more deserving. This guilt is his alone, unspoken and hidden, just as his heart in fear that he is inadequate, that others deserve a heart which bears much more value than his own, and this is why he is lonely despite the radiance of familiarity that lights his face with a smile, despite those who surround him with their own hardships and mechanisms of unique ways to cope. He would DROWN himself to keep others afloat, and this, here, is why he finds himself wrapped against the flimsiest of blankets, grass blades felt through the shield of the tent, every one crushed beneath him and prodding to penetrate the barrier that divides them-- this is why he cries when all he hears is the low murmur of chirping insects and ribbetting hoppers when they find themselves near still water. This is why the moisture begs for exposure from the emerald in his eyes, taunting him each night, for they know that when the moon comes out, it is their time to ‘SHINE.’

He’s wandered so long, so long, teaching villages the way of his heroics in a manner to perhaps, just maybe, feel the gratification that comes with the PRAISE he never receives, because no one takes him seriously. Truly, truly, he reminds himself, in every event of his comrades’ passings, he tells himself that it is his fault, that perhaps if he were to OPEN UP they may let him in, and yet he cannot. The doors are locked from the outside, and he stands within them, between them, fingers torn and stained with dried, cracked crimson, because he cannot help but tear at them, in hopes that one day, one moment, someone would release him. 

[ducknotinarow]

[2012 RaphArnold - hug your father in law because here he is being a dad]

"Raphael, there yer are," Arnold grinned, just having caught a glimpse of green, "Was wonderin' if I coul' show yer somethin' pretty quick."

When the Turtle came over, Arnold showed him said thing - a book. A clearly old book, hand made, with older papers with hand written words, and a ribbon binding everything together. On the front, in faded, yet beautiful, cursive was a simple phrase: 'Jones Family Cook book'. Arnold smiled,

"This has been in my family for years, my ma gave it t' me, an' her ma gave it t' her, an' their ma t' them, an' so on, for generations," Arnold explains, "We all add our own recipes t'."

Arnold was careful as he flicked through the pages, showing as they got newer, the writing changed. Even Casey and Angel had little sections near the end, each one separated by a tab made by said person, though, Casey and Angel's parts had very few recipes added,

"I've already taught Casey an' Angel my own, an' I'd like t' teach yer the same ones t', I trus' yer won't burn anythin'," He lightly jokes, soon sighing softly, "But, there's jus' one problem with the book, it's missin' someone," Arnold looks to Raph, smile soft, "It's missin' yer section."

Arnold is careful as he holds out the book to them, waiting for Raphael to take it,

"Yer my son t' Raph, an' I wan' yer t' add t' our book, if yer wan' t' as well," Arnold asks of them, "Who knows, if yer an' Casey ever get a few munchkins of yerself, they can add t' it t' - but uh, I'm sure that's a long way away."

He barely knew Raph but was already thinking about grandkids, maybe he should slow down a little,

"Still, I'd like yer t' add to our family book, an' when yer get some more time, I'll teach yer my lasagne recipe, one of my kids gotta be able t' cook it without turnin' it int' charcoal."

| Muse Interaction

"I dunno, jus' feels 'ike a mess Case." Was the best the turtle had to offer as he spoke to his boyfriend over the phone. Sitting out not to far from their home. Casey making his way home the plan was to meet up and head out but Raphael was no longer in the mood to bash skulls or tag up any walls. Of course Casey asked what was wrong seeing if he needed to make use of their code to instead talk and vent. "I ain't ya know tryin' not to tell ya jus' I don' know how to word it?" He offers but from the tone in Casey voice he knows they know that. Hell Casey gets it better than anyone how hard it can be word your emotions. Sure he could write his out Raph not so much he needed time to figure it out. And well he had a lot to figure out, he sort of had a fight with Splinter. Not sure if you can call it a fight much. Fights were physical or verbal, Raph didn't get much word in simply cutting it all of with 'hai sense' bowed head and dipped out the first chance he had. Grateful for Casey in this moment when they offer to stay in for the night instead. Made better when telling Raph they could just hang out at his place.

If it weren't for the fact he felt like he would be imposing or whatever he would be over at the Jones' home more than he already was. Which said a few things about the turtle as is. Apparently he was slightly polite and surprisingly he wasn't over near as much as it may seem. Raph was well aware just how welcomed he was by Casey and his family. Something he never fully got his mind wrapped around, but at the same time he kept visits to a decent balance so Splinter wouldn't be on his case to much. Raphael understands it comes from a concur and a worry in his own father maybe fear too. Not to mention he didn't want to over stay his welcome. Assuming there was a limit to such a thing. Raph just didn't want to risk what had come to be his safe haven in a sense. And he has a feeling Casey aware of that fact, but Casey's such a good boyfriend not seeming to mind the times Raph wants to simply hide out in it when it's needed. Though he dose still go through Casey bed room window most the time. Best way to get right to his boyfriend after all. But now? He was allowed to come to the front door.

It was dark out so he was pretty easily hidden thanks to the lack of street lights. It felt sort of weird as he knocked on the door. So normal and mundane but filled his shell with an overwhelming sensation. It's eased away when Casey's gap tooth smile greets him at the door and invite him in hard not to return the grin. Having gotten there not too long after Casey had it seemed they were just going to head right up to his room. But it seemed the moment Raph's presence wasn't only known by Casey, rhe turtle would be summoned by another in the house.

"Raphael, there yer are,"

On instinct he paused and turned around to peek his head over, letting them better see him. As he was just met with a smile. Did they know he would be popping around? " uhhey Aronarld, I'm here, need somethin' ?" The turtle was still learning how to walk around the eldest human he was different from April's Dad course dating. Casey may have a lot to do with the approach as well.

"Was wonderin' if I coul' show yer somethin' pretty quick."

Well now he was curious by the suggestion, tossing a look to Casey a moment. "I'll catch up to ya." He idly states before turning and making his way over to thier Dad. He really liked the guy even if they could be a tad corny but it was a good kind. They seemed bejist really beyond cool with Casey dating Raphael. And even about Raoh being a turtle, sure he was bound to have some moment, but honestly? It felt nice having another human who didn't scream at the sight of him. Raphael offered a smile to them then looked down to what they wanted to show him. Tilting his head to the side as he lookong over the aged pages unevenly stacked all banded up with a ribbon actting as a spine. Reading over the cover it was a cook book, a Jones cook book at that. He didn't guess cooking was a big thing for them? Seeing how Casey cooking skills weren't much to sneeze at.

"This has been in my family for years, my ma gave it t' me, an' her ma gave it t' her, an' their ma t' them, an' so on, for generations,"

Raphael offers a nod of his head as Aronald leafs through the pages of the cook book. But he dosent quite understand why they are showing him thier family cook book still?

"We all add our own recipes t'."

That's kind of nice he thinks having something that been passed down like so entrusted to each part of thier family added on even. Made clear as some pages were newer than others. Hand writing differed between the sections even. Think back on hiw Splinter would mention heirlooms his own family had long ago. Thier weapons were part of those. They didn't really have anything like this maybe that photo album but Mikey took over on that. Leo would get Splinters sword that was always known. And kind of what caused the not so much if a fighting they had.

He let's that thought move away as he shifts and moves to get comfortable where he's standing right now. Looking at the name tabs of the sections till its gets to Arnorld he sees Casey and Angel even have sections. Course Raphael smiles at the sight if Casey's name. He's half tempted to joke with thier Dad about how many different way can one person burn a meal.

"I've already taught Casey an' Angel my own, an' I'd like t' teach yer the same ones t', I trus' yer won't burn anythin',"

The offer to teach him some of his own recipes goes over Raphs head a second as he dosen't even hide the snicker that comes out of him when Aronald makes a similar snide at his kids expense. Deciding it might be fine to add in his own but he's cut off as they contuine to speak

"But, there's jus' one problem with the book, it's missin' someone,"

Oh? This must be why he asked for Raph? Though he don't know what the problem is or even how Raph can help? Maybe a receipe was missing? Taken? Oh family drama they have a section fully missing due to some in family fighting and Raph can sneak into wherever to get it!

Honestly though the answer he's given paired with the soft smile they wore was far from what he ever would have expected to here.

"It's missin' yer section."

"My what?" Raphs bewilderment can't go unnoticed needing a second before he's even aware they were holding the book out for him to take. Raph near forgetting how his arms and hands even function before he gingerly took the book carefully holding it in his hands. He dosent knkw what todo what to see even why would he get a section?

"Yer my son t' Raph, an' I wan' yer t' add t' our book, if yer wan' t' as well,"

He lifts his gaze up to them unsure what to say to that. How could he be thier son? He bearly knew Raph yet he considered them family? What did Raph even do for them to think of him in that way? He tries but try as he can he just can't recall a time Raph had done a thing for that to be earned.

"Who knows, if yer an' Casey ever get a few munchkins of yerself, they can add t' it t' - but uh, I'm sure that's a long way away."

And now he's sure he blushing at that. Kids?! Okay well technically they did treat thier pet turtle like thier joint son but. Shit! He wants the book to go through them then?! Ugh his head his spin his tongue is tied the fuck is he meant todo right now?!

This is too much right he can't accept this? Can he? For some reason though Arnold's voice seems to clam the anxious spin out his mind was going through in that second.

"Still, I'd like yer t' add to our family book, an' when yer get some more time, I'll teach yer my lasagne recipe, one of my kids gotta be able t' cook it without turnin' it int' charcoal."

His eyes just widen a moment he can't comprehend this at all. How can he just do this? Welcome Raphael how he dose? Claim them part of his family even. Raphael hadn't done anything worthy of that. He wants Raphael part of it even a book full of Jones and he felt Raph had a place with them? Raph didn't even have a place in his father's mind as being considered worth the Hamato family's values and ways. But he was worth this?

Raph lowers his head lookong down to the pages carefully tracing his thumb on the edge of the pages. His mind suddenly went blank he couldn't think he'll he had to remind himself to breath in that moment. He manges a smile, unsure of hiw he normally wears those in the first place. He feels something swelling in his chest but he can't name it. Casey Dad was just being nice right?

"I can' make time." He simply answers with, a slient yes i want to spend that time with you hidden in his words. "I never had anythin' as good as your lasagna after all so love ta know how to make it." He offers to try and hide the welling emotions building up in him as he carefully sets the book down. Not wanting to lose a single page on the binding.

As soon as it was safe though he steps over a second and put his arms around Aronald wishing to die the second his body moved but it was quick and fast as he gave them a a faint squeeze between his arms. Praying that they can't tell how much this just hit him he can't even explain it or fathom it. It's just a cook book but it was also not just about the book. Before he let go and moved back from Aronald, eyes kept low holding his self-control over himself in that moment. "Thanks." It soft near faint before he slowly steps away again. "I uh should get back to Case for now, but definitely gonna plan somethin' out to learn from you don't wanna just drop it on ya after all." Legs move please he begs as he steps away and retreats towards Casey's room. Nothing again Aronald he just needed the comforting presence Casey offered when he felt way too much for his own liking.