Twenty-eighth Theory [Action]

[i_speak_softly]

((All-over-the-place-dated, from this morning to whenever Raphael gets back from his mallynapping. Call it the 18th or so.))

((ETA: Ends on the 12th with Raphael's return[Raph never comes out of his room this morning. Don knocks on his door as he goes to start the coffee. Comes back a few minutes later, bangs again, tells him it’s time to get up

Comments

Night sometime

[after_march]

[April is sitting on the front steps of the house she shares with the turtles and Derek. She's got a hot cup of coffee cooling beside her and a warm sweater and hat on.

She knows from reading the guide and talking with others that Raphael has been taken by the droids--an event that brings back uncomfortable associations from her past with Stockman's mousers. It's bad, but...at least she knows where he is.

Donatello, on the other hand, is really worrying her. And she doesn't blame him for his behavior, and she won't say a word to him about it when he comes back. That doesn't stop her from sitting out here and keeping watch for him, even though it's pretty late.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don nearly trips over April as he comes out of the house, which pretty much puts the kibosh on ninjaing away unnoticed. He could run for it but - he doesn't. After he regains his balance, he just stands there awkwardly, waiting for April to say something.]

[after_march]

Hey.

[i_speak_softly]

[He readjusts his pack on his shoulder.] Hey.

[after_march]

Going out again? [Stupid question, April.]

[i_speak_softly]

[A yearning look towards the dark road should be all the answer you need.]

[after_march]

[She nods, fumbling around for her now chilly cup of coffee.]

Be safe, okay?

[i_speak_softly]

[He can't promise that. No one can, in this place. For a moment he's torn between going out again, and staying here to protect the only person from home he has left.

But family wins. Family always wins.

In the next moment he's gone, melting into the night. All he leaves behind is a soft:] You too.