"Not much of a vacation for you two, huh?" I said, as more of a comment than a question.

Casey shrugged and looked at April. "Mike, we're all in on this together. It's better that we're all here," April said.

"So long as we get out of the way when Raph's feeling like his brooding, 'wreck everything and everyone in my way' self again," Casey commented, leaning back in his chair.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that, Casey. Look at all of us: we've all changed. The thing is, with Raph, it's more mental than anything. I think everything he's been through will have a lasting effect for the better," Don said.

"Thanks for the diagnosis, Doc Don-san," Raph said, appearing in the doorway, a slight smirk on his face. However, he looked worse for the wear: he had one hand on the doorframe and looked like he was holding himself up.

"You really sholdn't be up and about, you know," Don said.

"'Course I know that, but I could smell Mike's supper," Raph said, looking my way.

I grinned triumphantly. "I knew it'd get him!" I got up. "Take my seat and I'll getcha a plate."

Raph took my seat and looked over the others. He gave a snort, then commented, "I bet you guys're wishin' I hadn't shown."

"Why do you say that?" Don asked, as I sat the plate in front of Raph.

"The three-a you woulda had a nice quiet little rememberance and you two would had your vacation. I showed up a mess and just worse for all to see," Raph said, then took a forkful of spaghetti. "How in the hell do ya put up with me?"

"Years of training," I commented.

Don tossed me a look, then turned to Raph. "It isn't that we put up with you, Raph. We really do understand--well, for the most part--the problem you had with Sensei." He paused. "Did you know that for months after you took off, we looked for you? We looked everywhere..."

"We got to see Vermont!" I threw in, receiving another look from Donnie. I shrugged, grinning.

Raph shoveled another forkful. "Ya actually looked for me?" He raised an eyeridge at that.

"Yeah, they did. I burnt myself out after a while," Leo said, entering the kitchen.

"And they made me clean your half of our room when we got back," I said.

Raph smirked, but remained silent a moment. He sighed. "I've gotta be the biggest idiot in the world." He paused and looked at me. "Don't say it, Mikey. I wanna finish. I'm an idiot for the way I'd acted, then. I shoved everyone away cuz I couldn't handle Sensei dying. And that was only when I left. Before he even got sick... well, I had to do something for attention and it was stupid." He got up, went to the fridge, pulled out a Coke, and rejoined the table. "Obviously, I was never very good with emotions and, well, despite being a total wreck the last few days, I think I might finally have it all figured out."

"So... no more arguing and storming off when you don't get your way?" I asked, smirking.

"Mikey," Raph said, casually, "don't make me hurt you, cuz I will."

"You coulda done better," I teased, still smirking.

Raph finished his plate. "Now that I spilled my guts again, anyone seen Addy around?"

"She's out in the barn with Shadow," April answered.


Chapter Thirty Four: Raphael