Unconditional Love

Disclaimer: I don't own the TMNT, although I'd like to own Raph, but... ah--I do own the character Adalida, however, her name is from the song "Adalida" by George Strait. "Unconditional Love" comes from the song of the same title by Clay Davidson. Much later it the fic are the lyrics to "I Love A Rainy Night" by Eddie Rabbit.

8am. It's quiet here in the farmhouse. I guess I might be the only one up... well, then again, there's only me, April, and Casey. I'm hoping Donnie will show today. As for Leo... he'll probably come, sometime. Raph... I don't even know *where* he is, so I'm not exactly expecting an appearance from him anytime soon.

My thoughts keep me occupied as I head downstairs. I take a peek out a window in front, just to check. I'm wondering if Shadow will come. I sighed. Thinking about all of this way too much. I'm trying to get (almost) everyone together and it isn't Christmas. It's still for a special reason though, aside from it being a beautiful June day.

I headed for the kitchen and stopped in the doorway, my jaw dropping to the floor. It can't be...

Earlier in the week...

*ring, ring* "Hello?"

"Mikey."

"Don!" I said, surprised. "So, you're not a total recluse yet?"

"Ha, ha, very funny. I saw you last Christmas."

"You were the only one," I added.

"Yeah, I know," Don said, then paused. "That's why I called. It's next week, you know."

I looked at the calendar on the wall. "Ten years since Splinter died," I said, quietly.

"I found Leo. He said he's going to come, but said I shouldn't pick him up..."

"You're comin', too!" I said, excitedly. "Don-san!"

He chuckled. "I have ways of talking Leo into things."

"Didja find..." I began.

"Not yet," Don said, then sighed. "I must admit he's done an excellent job of vanishing into stubborn air."

My turn to chuckle, but it subsided quickly. "There's always a chance he'll show. That's why we come here. It's the one place he's most likely to show up at."

"Ever the optimist, eh, Mike?"

"Well, one of us hasto be," I said. "So, when're you coming?"

"I'm leaving later on today. Should get there in a few days... I'm driving down. It's easier that way," Don said.

"I'll fix up yours and Leo's rooms, then," I said.

"Thanks, Mikey. I gotta get going and finish packing. I'll see you in a few days," Don said.

"Bye."

"Bye, Mikey." *click*

I hung up the phone, then went into the living room.

"Who was that?" Casey asked.

"Donnie. He's coming in a few days," I said.

"Good," April said. "Leo?"

"Don talked to him. He'll show."

"Raph?" April asked.

I sighed, then shrugged. "Don't know, we can't find him. Well, I guess two outta three ain't bad." I started towards the stairs and went up to fix up the rooms.