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“Why do you never listen to me!?” Lavinia yelled back at her brother.
“You’re not the boss of me!” Raph snarled, his fists clenched at his sides.
The two turtles were arguing in the abandoned living room. Mikey had already left when the yelling started, and went into Dee’s lab. Lav felt her anger rising, she hated how Raphael knew exactly how to get under her skin, it was like he did it on purpose. Her arms shook as she dug her nails into her palms, trying to control her anger.
“Why do you think I’m trying to boss you around?” Lavinia shot back, her voice sharp and unforgiving. “I’m just trying to look out for you! You always do this, running off, acting reckless, like you don’t care what happens!”
“I care! You just don’t get it!” Raph's voice rose, filled with frustration and hurt. “I’m not some kid you can just protect. I want to do things my way!”
Lavinia’s eyes narrowed, her breath shallow. “Doing things your way is going to get you hurt! You don’t understand how dangerous it is out there! You think it’s all fun and games?”
“It’s not like you’re perfect either! You act like you’re so much better than me, but you’re just as trapped as I am!” Raph fired back, his anger spilling over. “You think being responsible makes you better? It just makes you boring!”
Lavinia’s jaw tightened, and she felt her temper flare. “Boring? This isn’t a game, Raph! We have responsibilities! If something happens to you because you can’t control your impulses, it’ll be on my shoulders!”
“Maybe I don’t want to be your responsibility!” Raph shot back, taking a step closer, his voice low and intense. “Maybe I want to be my own person without you hovering over me like some kind of guardian!”
“You think I enjoy it? You think I want to feel like I have to babysit you?” Lavinia snapped, her hands trembling with anger. “I’m trying to help you see how serious this is! You’re not invincible, Raph!”
“I know I’m not!” he yelled, his face flushed. “But I’m tired of being treated like a little kid! Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you know everything!”
“Then stop acting like a child!” Lavinia’s voice cracked, the anger morphing into something more vulnerable. “I’m scared for you! Every time you run off, I’m terrified I won’t see you again!”
Raph paused, the weight of her words sinking in. The fire in his chest dimmed for a moment as he registered the fear behind his sister’s anger. “You don’t get to decide what I can and can’t do. I’m my own turtle!”
“And I’m your sister!” Lavinia shouted back, her voice raw. “I care about you! Just because you think you can handle everything on your own doesn’t mean you should!”
A tense silence enveloped them, both siblings breathing heavily, frustration thick in the air. Raph's eyes softened slightly, his anger wavering as he considered her words. But he wasn’t ready to back down completely.
“I’m not a child, Lav,” he snarled, punching the wall next to him. He winced at the pain in his knuckles, and stormed off in the opposite direction, out of the lair.
Raph stormed out of the sewer, his heart pounded with anger and frustration. It was always the same, she wanted him to listen more, be more obedient, but all he felt was suffocated.
He emerged into the night, the air was thick and humid, and the sounds of the city surrounded him. He looked at the wall in the alley, grimacing at the chipped bricks from all the times he’d punched it. Raph ran a clawed hand over his shell, still simmering from the fight. He took a deep breath, letting the tension slip from his shoulders. “I just need some air,” he muttered to himself. But as he walked deeper into the alley, he noticed movement at the other end. A boy, about his age, was rummaging through a pile of discarded cardboard boxes.
“Hey! What are you doing?” Raph called out, his voice rough like gravel.
The boy jumped, turning around with wide eyes. He had tousled black hair and wore a faded T-shirt with a band logo. “Who the fuck are you?” he shot back, taking a step back as he eyed the turtle warily.
“Not a creep if that’s what you’re thinking,” Raph snapped, crossing his arms. “Just curious about what a human is doing in my territory.”
“Your territory?” Casey scoffed, folding his arms. “This is the city. You think you own this place just because you’re an alien?”
“Nice to meet you too, shitface,” Raph shot back, rolling his eyes. “I’m not an alien, I’m a turtle mutant, thank you very much.”
“Mutant, huh?” Casey raised an eyebrow, looking Raph up and down. “You look more like a alien.”
Raph hissed, clenching his fists. “At least I’m not some kid scavenging for scraps. What’s your deal?”
“Hey, I’m not scavenging! Just...exploring!” Casey retorted, a grin creeping onto his face. “You know, just seeing what the city has to offer. Like mutant turtles in alleys.”
Raph could feel a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. “Exploring, huh? Looks more like dumpster diving to me.”
Casey chuckled. “Okay, fair point. But you should try it sometime. You find some interesting shit, like me, for instance.”
Raph raised an eyebrow, trying to still be annoyed. “You’re interesting? I think you’re just a punk with a bad haircut.”
Casey ran a hand through his messy hair, feigning offense. “Hey, it’s called style! Ever heard of it?”
Raph couldn’t help but laugh. The tension between them was starting to dissolve, replaced by something that felt oddly refreshing. “Alright, Mr. Style, what’s your name?”
“Casey. Casey Jones. And you are…?”
“Raph.”
“Raph, huh? Lame name for a turtle,” Casey teased, nudging Raph’s shoulder playfully.
“Very funny, human,” Raph replied, smirking. “You’re not half bad for a city kid.”
“Likewise, turtle boy,” Casey shot back, a spark of friendship igniting between them.
As they began to chat, Raph learned that Casey had a passion for sports, especially hockey, and an adventurous spirit that reminded him of his own rebellious nature. They talked about their lives, swapping stories of siblings and adventures, each discovering a little more about the other.
“Hey, wanna go explore some more?” Casey suggested, his eyes bright with excitement. “I know a spot where they have the best pizza in the city.”
“Pizza, huh?” Raph’s stomach growled, reminding him just how hungry he was. “Lead the way, city boy.”
As they walked side by side, the earlier insults faded into laughter and banter. Raph felt lighter, the weight of his earlier fight with Lavinia slipping away. Maybe this night on the surface wouldn’t be so bad after all. With a new friend by his side, Raph realized that sometimes the best adventures started with a little conflict. And as the city lights flickered around them, he felt something he hadn’t expected, a sense of belonging.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The neon sign flickered overhead, casting a warm glow over the small pizzeria that had quickly become one of Casey’s favorite spots. The scent of fresh dough and cheese wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and clinking plates. Raph hesitated at the entrance, looking down at himself and recoiled.
Casey turned around and looked confused at his hesitance. “Oh, right, here,” He handed the turtle his jacket as he realized it was because of his appearance. Raph took the black jacket and zipped it up, pulling the hood up. He followed Casey inside, his eyes widened at the vibrant decor, posters of classic films and local sports teams decorated the walls.
“Welcome to heaven,” Casey said with a grin, motioning toward the counter where a chalkboard displayed the day’s special: “Flash Bash Pizza.”
Raph raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, “Seriously? They couldn’t come up with something better?”
Casey laughed, unfazed. “You’ve gotta try it, it’s loaded with all the toppings. Trust me, it’s awesome.”
Raph shrugged, “Fine, but only if they have extra pepperoni.”
As they approached the counter, a friendly woman with curly hair greeted them. “What can I get for you boys?”
Raph looked down and hid behind his friend. Casey leaned on the counter, “We’ll take a Flash Bash pizza with extra pepperoni, please!”
Raph nudged him in the back. “You didn’t even ask me if I wanted that!”
“You were too busy brooding,” Casey replied, smirking. “Just trust me on this one.”
“Alright, but you’re paying for it,” Raph countered, a hint of a smile creeping onto his face.
As they waited for their order, Casey turned toward Raph, curiosity flickered in his eyes. “So, what’s it like being a mutant turtle? Do you have, like, superpowers or something?”
Raph chuckled, shaking his head. “Not exactly. I’m just a regular guy, well, kind of regular. I’ve got strength and a shell, but I’m still just me, y’know?”
“That’s pretty cool, though! Like, you could totally kick ass if someone fucked with you,” Casey said, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Do you ever, like, fight bad guys?”
“Sometimes,” Raph admitted, his expression growing serious. “But it’s not all cool moves and action. There’s a lot of pressure, especially with my family. Sometimes it gets to me.”
Casey nodded, his demeanor shifting to one of understanding. “I get that. Family can be tough. Mine’s… well, complicated.”
“Yeah? What’s complicated about it?” Raph asked, trying to get the conversation off of him.
“Just a lot of expectations, you know? My dad wants me to be certain things, but I’d rather hang out and do my own thing,” Casey confessed, scratching the back of his head. “It’s like everyone’s got their own plans for me, and I’m just trying to figure it out.”
Raph could relate. “I know what you mean. Lavinia has her ideas about how I should act, and sometimes it feels like I can’t breathe.”
“Exactly! It’s like, why can’t people just let us be ourselves?” Casey replied, a sense of understanding forming between them.
Just then, the woman behind the counter called out, “Flash Bash pizza, ready for pickup!”
Casey grabbed the pizza box with excitement, turning to Raph. “Alright, let’s find a spot to eat!”
They climbed onto the roof of the building and sat on the ledge, Casey opened the box, steam rising from the cheesy masterpiece inside. “Dude, check it out! This looks amazing!”
Raph leaned closer, his mouth watering at the sight. “Okay, it does look good.”
They each grabbed a slice, the cheese stretching as they pulled it away from the pie. Raph took a big bite, his eyes widening in surprise. “Whoa! This isn’t shit!”
“I told you!” Casey said triumphantly, taking a bite of his own. “Best pizza in the city, right?”
“Maybe you’re not such a bad guide after all,” Raph replied, a genuine smile breaking through.
As they ate, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter. Raph felt a sense of ease he hadn’t experienced in a while. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he could just be himself, no expectations, no responsibilities.
“So, what’s next for the great Raph?” Casey asked, wiping his hands on a napkin. “Any big plans?”
Raph thought for a moment, his mind drifted back to the arguments and pressures waiting for him at home. “Honestly? I just want to enjoy tonight. Maybe explore more of the city. I’ve never really done that.”
“Then we’re doing it! I know some spots where we can check out the city, maybe some skate parks, too,” Casey suggested, enthusiasm bubbling in his voice.
“Skate parks?” Raph raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “You skate?”
“Of course! I’m pretty good at it. You should try it out!” Casey challenged, his competitive spirit shining through.
Raph chuckled, shaking his head. “I don’t know about that. I’m not really a skate kind of turtle.”
“Come on! I’ll teach you. What’s the worst that could happen?” Casey grinned, and Raph could see the spark of friendship glowing brighter.
“Famous last words,” Raph replied, but he felt a thrill of excitement.
Casey tossed the empty box into a bin and led the way to the skatepark. “Welcome to my kingdom!” Casey grinned. He picked up his skateboard, a well-worn board with stickers plastered all over it, and tossed Raph one of the extra boards. “Here, give it a try!”
Raph caught the board awkwardly, feeling the weight of it in his hands. “You really think I can do this?” he asked, skeptical.
“Absolutely! Just follow my lead. It’s all about balance and confidence. You got this, turtle boy!” Casey encouraged, hopping onto his board with ease. He rolled a few feet away, then turned back, gesturing for Raph to join him.
With a deep breath, Raph stepped onto the board, wobbling slightly as he found his footing. “Okay, okay…I got this,” he muttered to himself. He pushed off the ground, immediately feeling the rush of speed. But as he gained momentum, he lost his balance and tumbled to the ground, landing with a thud.
“Whoa! Nice dismount!” Casey laughed, rushing over to help him up. “But you’ve got to keep your knees bent and stay low. Trust me, it helps!”
Raph brushed off the dust, a mix of embarrassment and determination bubbling within him. “Yeah, yeah. Let’s try that again.”
After a few more shaky attempts and a couple of falls, Raph began to get the hang of it. He focused on his balance, using his core to stabilize himself. Casey cheered him on, offering tips and encouragement.
“See? You’re already looking more like a skater!” Casey said, grinning widely. “Now, let’s try a little push and glide. Just push off with one foot, then shift your weight to ride.”
“Right. Push and glide,” Raph repeated, nodding as he tried to center himself. He pushed off again, this time feeling a bit more confident. As he glided forward, a thrill shot through him.
“Nice! Now just try to carve a little. Lean into your turns,” Casey instructed, demonstrating by shifting his weight from one side to the other.
Raph watched closely and followed suit, attempting to lean into his turn. It wasn’t perfect, but he managed to navigate a small curve without falling. “I did it!” he exclaimed, exhilaration lighting up his features.
“See? You’re a natural!” Casey said, giving Raph a high-five. “Now let’s try going down the small ramp.”
“Oh, you’re on!” Raph smirked and approached the ramp. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through him as he pushed off, gaining speed. The world blurred around him as he ascended the ramp, a mix of fear and exhilaration swelling inside.
He reached the top, pausing for a brief moment before gravity took over. Raph tilted forward, feeling the rush of wind against his face. He leaned back, remembering Casey’s advice about keeping his knees bent. The board flew down the ramp, and for a heartbeat, he felt weightless.
Then he landed with a thud, skidding to a stop. A rush of excitement washed over him as he realized he hadn’t fallen. “I did it! Fuck yeah!” Raph shouted, grinning.
“See? I told you it would be fun!” Casey cheered, racing over to high-five him again. “You’ve got the hang of it now!”
Raph laughed, the thrill still coursing through him. “This is way better than I thought!”
“Just wait until you try some tricks! You’ll be a pro in no time,” Casey said, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. “Now, let’s see if you can go faster!”
As they continued to skate, Raph felt an exhilarating sense of freedom. With Casey’s guidance, he was discovering a side of himself he hadn’t known before. The skate park buzzed around him, and he knew this was just the beginning of a new adventure, one that would help him find his place in the world, one push at a time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Raph walked back into the lair the next morning, having spent the whole night with Casey. He walked into the main room and noticed Lavinia sitting on the couch, phone clutched tightly in her hand. Her head darted up and her shoulders relaxed as she noticed her little brother was safe. Raph looked down and felt a bit guilty. “I just want to find my own way. Can’t you see that?”
“I do see it, Raph,” Lavinia replied. “But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. You’re my brother, and I want to help you, even if it feels like I’m smothering you.”
Raph sighed, the fight draining out of him. “I just wish you’d trust me a little more.”
“I wish you’d listen to me a little more,” Lavinia countered gently, her expression softening.
In that moment of vulnerability, both siblings realized that their anger, while real, stemmed from a deep concern for one another. The distance between them started to close, but the wounds of their arguments would take time to heal.The diamondback terrapin walked over to the couch and sat next to his sister.
“Fine,” Raph said, looking down. “I’ll try to listen more. But you have to give me space to make my own mistakes.”
Lavinia nodded, finally relaxing. “Deal.” She her brother up and down and tilted her head. “Where’d you get the jacket?”
Raph realized he forgot to return Casey’s jacket and quickly thought of an excuse. “From the trash.”
Lav accepted the answer and stood up, yawning. “I’m going to head to bed, love you.”
“Yeah, whatever,” Raph huffed. Lavinia smiled and walked toward her room. Raph stood to do the same but the vibration of his phone distracted him. He took it out and look at the text message.
Shitface
𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐮 𝐭𝐦𝐫 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐲?
Turtle Boy
𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐞
Raph smiled and made his way to his room, finally feeling like things were turning around.