Follow the Leader. Mutant Melee.

Grinning in amusement at Violet's fascination with the swab, Raphael opened up his mouth, giving silent permission for the turtles in purple to take his DNA. And hopefully the Healing Hands would happen soon. His ribs were beginning to throb again.

Sensing more than knowing his comforting was helping Raph in a way Crimson snuggles him more, going so far as to lay down on his little plastron beside the bigger turtle and pillow his head on the injured ones shoulder little tail flopping away happily little churrs in his throat.


"Go on." Donnie smiles larger hand gently nudging Violet whom hesitated, and when the boy was not sure Donnie helped guide the swab into Raph's mouth and rub inner cheek, then showing the boy how to cap it. Violet reaching a hand to gently pick at Raphs tooth before Don stopped him, "No no, now its over to Master splinter and Leo to make Raph feel better." He smiles watching the little red boy do what he could to try snuggle Raph's pain away.

"Ohhhh... tay." Violet blushes a little looking at Master Splinter.


Happily snuggling Mikey Gold missed a lot of the talk, he'd found it amusing to lightly tug on Mikey's bandana tails, and giggle when the short tails fluttered. "Ee and En and Ee and En and Aaaay." he sing songs having heard the girls names.


Cyan flailed, flailed! not that he was in any danger of choking immediately being a turtle... then his mild startled protest faded and he gave a small churr burying face against Elena a hand reaching shyly to touch Leo too.

Nodding and reaching over to tenderly rub the little red head - amused and touched the little fellows were that much at home, so happy right now. Especially Mikey's little golden armload.

"When Leonardo is ready we will begin and ease as much pain, try to force some healing into yours ribs Raphael. It will take few days to really make a difference though. Training for all will be suspended until then... well except for little children, no time like as soon as possible to start their tuition." cautioning patience.

Thinking hard still snuggling Leo and a thoughtful sort of frown in place "Not sure... I is just feel... like I gotta... den it all goooesss... fuzzie and I see what made owies..." trying to describe an almost trance like state and being unable to resist the pull on her own.

With Leo's intervention she could avoid it.

She catches Cyan's pouty face and frees one hand to grab the little guy pulling him into  an almost one armed choke hold -

but not meaning too!

Chuckling and grinning at Raph Donnie reached out and tapped Leo's shoulder the little purple turtle still in the other arm, "Bro, Dad says when your ready yous two should do some more healing hands." Maybe because of the two children Leo seemed to have missed both he and Splinter nudging for it before.

Understandable.

"And Mikey - could you and Gold-" a grin here at the happy little golden fellow busy talking nonsense to Mikey and playing with those short orange bandana tails. "could you go get April and Shen for Raph? The girls can then take the kids with them out of here whilst healing hands happen if yous want them to go - or not." It seemed for most the part the little fellows just made themselves at home. Especially Crimson all snuggling Raph... Carefully.

Elena beams at Leo, "He better now - he wanna hugs like - dem." She wiggles a finger towards gold, violet and Crimson beaming at Leo and then her eyes still wide and reflecting even Donnie and said little turtle, but her words were directed at Leo with genuine interest the small blue turtle still clutched to her like she would her stuffy Ottis.

Her stuffy - she missed her stuffy.

"Can I waaaaatch Mr. Turtle - pleeeease.... pweeeease?" eye doubling in siiize! Well no they just appeared to do so with her grin.

Shen could literally feel the disapproval coming from Erica and the slight smugness from April.

Well this certainly will not paint Mikko in a favorable light to the turtle she was trying to attract. Though it might also open more opportunities for him too. In a way she doubted he would ever take advantage of an inebriated woman.

"Girls... come on being an addict in hard, takes will power and time and support to over come." She warns gently in a low voice for the two girls that were not currently being held by the tall youth.

Siiiigh - "Yeah that true... uh Casey Raph and the guys are in there - but might want to wait until one comes in here before going in to see Raph... and speaking of naughty things you better not have dirty magazines for him." she warns playfully having a feeling among Raph's fave comics and tabloids indeed there would be a booby rag or two.

Not that she was going to push the issue - teen boys and all.

Gold beamed at Splinter, "Otay!" - not that he had much idea what the warm friendly fuzzy had said however he knew the names of the friendly ladies and that was all he needed still happily pulling on Mikey's bandana tails.


Violet was still puzzling over a new swab one that was not Raph labeled with a bright red sticker and put in the boo boo box with all the others and their teeth. He was utterly fascinated.


Crimson was still happy churring hands up in front of him and fingers twiddling away.


Cyan nods at Leo grinning not bothered now Elena squished him so, "Yesth..." not sure what Elena was asking but joining in none the less eyes equally as blue as hers going wide, "Pweeeeeeeze?" He echos.

"Yeah thats true, still -" Erica debated making any mention that Leo would certainly not be glad this young woman was drinking in their home.

And now dangling drunkenly all over a good friend of theirs.

And she had no idea what it would do to Donnie whom she felt probably dangled on the line somewhere between what Mikko offered so willingly and what April was afraid to let go of and allow in.

Mikko pushed herself off of Casey and fell back towards the couch. Missing the couch she instead landed on the floor and winced in pain rubbing her back side. That was not pleasant at all. She was starting to feel a bit sick from the drink and capped it up sitting it to the side. No doubt she would have a headache in an hour or two, but right now she was feeling pretty good.

She didn't know, nor care what the girls were talking about. It was probably about her. But she was doing good! No drugs. Just a bit to drink. No one said she couldn't have anything to drink.

Pulling her bag to her she dug in it and pulled out a sketch pad and some pencils. Turning to a clean page she let out a loud belch then started to draw images of monsters and other horrors. Mostly things she seen that others didn't.

I could really go for like...a hundred tacos right now.

Eagerly Elena and Cyan grab for his offered hand - a brief sort of half sissy battle then they settle on sharing, Cyan holding Leo's thumb, Elena his 'pinkie' that she insisted he hold out every time he had a cup of tea! Nodding she makes her face as serious a possible, "We be quiet - shhhh quiet!" she tells Cyan whom gives her a bewildered look...

Not that he had been making much noise aside happy happy little churrs.

"Well there not tacos buuuut might have a similar after taste." April answers pointing towards the kitchen and the heaped plate of pizza pockets she and Erica made, whilst moving forward to lightly shove a stunned looking Casey Jones, "Come on stop hanging about go and see your buddy." She urges unawares just yet the Mikey within was being equally as urged to come out seeking her and Shen.

"Or put your gear down first, it will be a bit of a fit in there without all those poking out all over the place." she suggests grinning a little.

Then looked a little hesitant. "Case... also... Erica, Shen... uh I do not know if Mikko wants to join us... we need to go topside most of today, Erica needs cloths, and her little sister Elena whom is here too. Would you come with us or spend the day here with Raph?" only offering to be polite mostly as she figured most guys did not want to go shopping and she wasn't entirely sure Mikko should be after having just that little bit of alcohol.

He hated that the girl fell on her ass, but hey she shoved away from him! He had been trying to help, and not grabbing her anywhere he shouldn't have....


Well he was pretty sure...


April caught his attention then and he nods listening, maybe shiftliy clearing his throat a little. The idea of shopping... as with most guys filled him with dread. He might have been more excited to know the trip most likely would involve a little misdemeanor behavior...

"Uh... I will see what the guys are doing first then decide, and yeah go chuck this stuff in Raph's room for now." He gives the pretty brunette and good looking asian lady a salute a nod to sexy but wasted Mikko and hurries away to Raph's room to put down his weapons.

And the few naughty thing hidden in among them.

A nod to Leonardo and amused by the pride on big brothers face, Donnie squeezes Raph's shoulder, " Whilst Dad and Leo and... those two start, Vee and I will prepare a little pain meds, Mike! wanna see if April and Shen will pop in briefly?" He asks again of the orange clad brother, possibly way caught up in his arm load of Gold turtle boy.


" wass ain eds?" 'Vee' asks eeping a little when Donnie shifts him onto his shoulders - Whooooooooaaaaa his eyes went so round! he was taller than the furry friendly here! he squeaks excitedly his little purple tail dangling down Donnie's shell wagging way, his toes wriggling hands holding onto the bald head.


Chuckling and now the little fellow out of his hands, he Donnie got to fiddling with sharp needles and medication that could be a lethal dose if he accidentally stuck the boy. Or at least make him sick. [b]"Pain medication Vee, makes owies feel better."

Shen left the girls to chatting, or April to Casey and moved about the lair herself now exploring.

Finding a few empty boxes of various sizes in what was just evidently a spare room of sorts, and after shaking a spider of one and brushing dust off the woman brought the back to the lounge pit for the children to play with, so much opportunity for imaginative game play even just plain boxes.

Mikey saluted, jolting back to reality, having been caught up in the cuteness that was Gold. "Yes, sir, doctor Dee," he said. "Come on, Gold. Let's go see the girls."

Taking Gold with him, Mikey headed out into the main area of the lair. He wasn't exactly sure what was going on with everyone, but it was nice to see Casey had shown up. Raph could use his best bud's company right now. Mikey walked over to April, Erica and Shen.

"Would you ladies mind coming to the dojo? Raph wants to talk to you," he explained.

"Sure Casey - " April waved him off and ws tempted to take that alcohol and dump it, though she knew the turtles kept it for first aid purposes. Aside the occasional beer and once when Splinter intentionally got himself drunk in a sparring match that was immensely hilarious if not amazing he still defeated four able strong turtle sons, she didn't think she had seen any drink.


Mikey's voice made her look up and she squees moving over to him and his little Gold doppleganger, " Yeah I don't mind Mikey - would love to see Raph and see how he is going... and look at you!" she tickles the little turtle under his chin gently, "You playing with Mikey?" she asks. The two looked so much alike. The boy even had almost the same arrangement of 'freckles' of scaling over himself, only in shades of gold. "It will be crowded in there so I'll go first." she adds to Erica and Shen winking at the giggling little turtle and moves to head into where Mikey came from quiet stepping around Donnie and his - eeeeee so cute! - little friend looking down at Raph and his snuggle buddy of red. 'Ooooh so sweeeet, hey Raph you doing better? Casey's come to see you."

Hearing the younger turtle talk to her, Shen smiled gently, waiting until April had left announcing she would go first, moving closer to Mikey and the boy smiling, "I take it being a big brother is too your liking?' she asks Michelangelo gently smiling the little boy looked very happy.

Waiting for her turn to go and see Raph hearing Casey's loudness as he put things away for now.

"Weee!" Gold cheered happily born along in Mikey's hold and waving energetically about to everyone when they saw them - especially to Mikko, " looooeeeth looooeth -!!" he told her eagerly a happy squirmy tot of gold the light int he lair glittering over his golden hide and shell.

Erica moved to gather the drink and put it away - coming back when Mikey came out - smiling at the sheer cuteness of Gold and Mikey. Nodding. "I'll go and see Raph after April and Shen."

Tang Shen wrote:Hearing the younger turtle talk to her, Shen smiled gently, waiting until April had left announcing she would go first, moving closer to Mikey and the boy smiling, "I take it being a big brother is too your liking?' she asks Michelangelo gently smiling the little boy looked very happy.

Waiting for her turn to go and see Raph hearing Casey's loudness as he put things away for now.

Mikey blushed. He still wasn't used to seeing Shen here, alive and well. She was a lot prettier than the picture Splinter had of her. He looked down at Gold who was wiggling in his arms.

"I've always been the little brother. So, having a turtle that's younger than me feels great. For the first time in my life, I'm the big brother," he said. He cuddled Gold close, tickling his belly. He looked up at Shen and Erica. "Raph really is sorry for how he acted last night, but he wants to tell you that himself. We all appreciate your help, and you have no idea how grateful I am that you came to my bro's rescue." He winked at Erica. "I don't think I've seen Leo smile so much in my life." He turned his blue eyes to Shen. "And you'll never know how much sensei enjoys having you here, Shen. Thank you."

Raphael looked up when he heard April's voice. His cheeks darkened with a blush. "April, I'm...I'm really....really sorry for how I acted last night. I know you were trying to help and I acted like a jerk." He lowered his gaze to the floor, eyes growing sad. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Her turn to blush and chuckling watching the happy little boy wave trying to get Mikko's attention Erica clears her throat  little and beams, "I don't think I have smiled so much either Mikey -" giggling a little naughtily, " I guess ... a excellent breakfast really does make the day..." not entirely meaning just the food then clears her throat and tries to look not so naughty. " and you all have been so welcoming. Must thank Raphael when I see him for his help out of that bin after I jumped off the roof. And I hear from Elena he had got her out of the way of the get away car." she adds thinking about it.

April smiles and lens down careful in the sort of hug, because Raphael wa clearly hurting and also his little snuggle turtle was there still, little churrs in the tots throat and made her squee as she pecks a friendly kiss to Raph's cheek. "Dawwww it's okay I know you were in pain and sore and probably not thinking right and tired so totally forgiven." She draws back and grins. "And look a cuddly turtle right next to you." she winks glancing about and finally seeing the little blue fellow and Elena play fight over Leo's hand then decide to share - haha ! cute and Violet was still there asking Donnie endless why's.

So curious. Her gaze comes back to Raphael and the red tot snuggling him. Rubbing both their heads. "Absolutely forgiven."

Gasping with giggling and distracted from calling out to Mikko proudly showing off his -

"brudfer?" he asks Mikey curiously amid his happy giggling and playful huggling the fun orange wearing turtles hand to himself.

Chuckling and watching his sons and their mini me's with pride Splinter nods to Leonardo, "When you and the children are set we will begin." patiently waiting for Leonardo to make the little ones sit and watch.


They may or may not get bored long before they two were finished but hopefully even so he and Leonardo would begin making Raphael's condition more bearable and towards healing.


The pride in knowing he raised the four young men so well they all but accepted the smaller turtles as little brothers was a filling, beautiful thing.


He kneels and begins to concentrate, deep breaths, centering himself ready to start the chant with Leonardo.

Crimsons tail flip flipped madly and he nuzzles further into Raph's side beaming up at April. Churring away like a happy little puppy dog


Violet had the best seat in the house! so tall ! and he was happily repeating words he had learned from Donatello gabbling away in delight.


Cyan meanwhile watched Leo his head tilting a little, he tries to kneel like the bigger blue turtle, toppling sideways the first time, face planting the second time - but finally he got it - nearly poking himself in the eye as he tries to copy the hand movements - mouthing those strange new words...


~~~


Out in the room where he was nuzzling Mikey and having a ball Gold also made those puppy like churrs, tail wagging away.

Elena sat crossed legged, and she was determined to get this riiii - her momentary serious focus broken by spotting Cyan, Eeee! she giggles silently covering her mouth and watching with great amusement as the little turtle does his utmost to perfect his Leo Copy.


She was still giggling when she sits beside him and offers a bit of a support for him to get his kneel right. The two of them still not sure of the words but trying.

Mikko looked up from her sketch pad and smiled brightly at the little turtle giving him a wave. She soon made it on the couch and laid down on her back, letting the pad fall on the floor next to her. She was so tired. felt so sick. Liquor was a bad idea. But she could still see the little gold turtle from where she was and attempted to make silly faces at him despite how sick she was suddenly feeling.

You being good? Not eating any bugs are you?

Knowing that he was forgiven for his rude behavior, Raphael smiled and settled down as Splinter and Leonardo began their Healing Hands mantra. He hoped this round would ease off the throbbing in his ribs and he would be able to get up and move around a little bit.

Just take it easy and rest, Raph, he told himself.

Casey was just returning and almost stepped on the sketch pad staring down at it - then up at the new girl Mikko, 'Hey thats cool, you do that?!" he asks eagerly looking up at the room - his eyes passing over Mikey and the little gold turtle first. "Hahah that looks like a mini gold Mikey of course it has eaten buuuuuuooooh-" He eyes widen and he looks back to said orange clad Mikey.

"Mike!... who?! how?! whaaat -man there is a small golden turtle in your arms that looks exactly like you!!!" he exclaims probably louder than necessary but that was typical Casey Jones inside voice! And his shock and surprise could not have been more evident his first questions of whom Mikey must have scored with and how Mikey could have scored without telling everyone! ow! brag yo! dying away and instead the obvious exclamation making itself heard. Moving closer - maaaan was he seeing things?

Amused by youth Casey's reaction Shen still waited by the door for April to come out so she could go in and see Raph as he wanted. She would have to check on her home when she and the girls went topside.

Leaning over to plant kissy on Raph's forehead - and the forehead of the little red fellow cuddling him, "Give him a little cuddle back Raph." she encourages her red clad friend then a grin. "And with all these healing hands I am sure you will be fit as a bull soon enough so just be patient. I'll send in Shen to talk to you okay?" She grins and with that a glance the others, smothering a very girly squee at the cuteness overload of Donnie and his mini me - an Leo's own copy cats.


Still grinning she leaves the room waving Shen over and chuckling as she realized Casey had just spotted a little turtle for the first time and was of course floored by the sight. " They are cute no?" she giggles.

Smothering her own giggles at Casey's reaction Erica rubbed Mikey's shoulder, liking that he had taken to them so quickly. And that the little fellow was so happy.

Opening his eyes at Elena's giggling and smiling Splinter slowed his hands and his voice, slowly so the very young blue turtle and the little girl could copy, encouraging Leo to slow as well. They were seeing to Raphael's pain and discomfort, if they could teach whilst at it.

Chuckling Donatello rubs the spot he just gave Raph meds in and says in a low voice, "I'll send Casey in Raph, try to hug Crimson he is trying so hard to snug you better." He tells Raph chuckling the little red fellow was still there nestled and churring and doing his best indeed.


Violet still on his shoulders and shushing him gently whilst giving him a tongue depressor to play with Donnie leaves the room quietly with his boo boo box and blood samples, time to set them up for analysis and -


"Heeeey Casey..." chuckling but letting Mikey answer Casey's surprise about the small turtle attached to him. Seeing as Donnie had one two. "How's everything out here?" He asks Mikko and April and Erica too smiling at Shen. "How are you?" The word 'mum' hovered on his lips. But he knew not to rush this.

Raphael hummed in response to Donatello's whisper. He put his arm around Crimson, pulling him close. The presence of the little turtle helped calm him, on top of the Healing Hands Leonardo and Splinter were performing. The motion of cuddling the little turtle reminded Raphael of snuggling his teddy bear.

Casey's here, huh? Raphael thought. That's either really good or really bad. But, right now, I really don't care. I just want sleep.

Soft chuckles and patting Raphs shoulder April winks. "I'll make sure Casey knows o shut up for now Casey whilst he hangs, just try to get some sleep." Rubbing the little red boys head as he tries to simply snug Raph better.


He would have to be moved when Raph did go to sleep but for now could stay.

Andso having excused herself she backs off a bit and fighting a squee at the sight of the little blue boy and Elena doing their utmost to imitate Leo backs out of the room towards the main area of the lair.

Mikko perked up when Don came in and smiled brightly at him. As brightly as she could. Was she even smiling? Her face was a little numb.

Hey, handsome. everything is...oooooookey doooookey.

She gave him a thumbs up then let out a loud burp as she reached out for a hug. excuse me.

"Sha aaaa?" Elena wasn't sure what that meant, or any of the words and that was the one that stuck out most for her and she says it now her eyes wide and watching Leo... then Splinter he had as many fingers as herself and it was easier to copy those, though she was still glancing to Leo from time to time to try pronouncing those words as he did.

Cyan was eager to learn - eager to copy Leo, his hands though struggled with making the motions yet, though he didn't get frustrated, just kept trying, forgetting to say the words sometimes, other moment he would forget the motion but get a few of the words right.

Big blue eyes focused.


Crimson wagged his tail, he wasn't sleepy, but he was definitely enjoying the return of the hugging and nuzzles against the bigger turtle little happy churrs.


~~~


Gold, not aware of the surprise and fuss he created with Casey - a bit shy of the loud 'big' hooman male youth cuddling against Mikey and hiding his face in the larger turtle's neck. A chirp was answered by a brother and it made him look sideways to see Violet - he waves!


Violet waves back perched on Donnie's shoulders and hanging onto head he also waves eagerly at Mikko - then spotted Casey and ducked his head to 'hide' behind Donnie's head. Only the top of his head and large eyes visible.

A gentle smile watching the children, Splinter expected neither to glow with energy and warmth as Leo would, stronger than his own glow as Leonardo was younger and stronger. But maybe Elena would show some signs. Cyan was far too young. However teaching the movements and word could not hurt them for now.


And both were keen to learn. Only when it became time to transfer the warmth and energy to Raphael for healing glad at least his usually hotheaded son was content and sounded like he would sleep. Which he would need. They would wake him for lunch later.


A smile at Leonardo for joining in the instructions for the children as well. Even slow as it was he felt the beginning extra warmth and lightness of self as the energy built and he began to glow.

Mikey patted Gold's back. "It's okay, little dude. Casey don't bite. He may seem big and intimidating, but he's...well...yeah, he's big and intimidating." He excused himself from the living room and headed back towards the dojo. "Come on. Let's see what our bros are up to."

Don reached up rubbing Violet's shell feeling the little body curl around his head and knowing like Gold there was some nervousness about Casey -

hmmm he wondered if it was Casey or the human maleness of him? Which ever, a wink towards April and seeing Mikko's offered hug went closer and one arm hugged her - sniffing.

"Are you drunk?" his voice almost a hissed whisper.

Mikko pulled Don into a tight hug nuzzling his cheek with a kisses. No. She told him sounding a bit offended. Just a little tipsy. No one said I couldn't have a drink to take off the edge. I didn't go overboard.

She let him go with pout.

You mad?

Donatello sighed a little. It was hard to be really mad at pouty face especially with Violet on his shoulders still clinging to his bald head. "No, not mad... maybe a little but not mad mad... huh come here." He motions to his lab, he had to put the boo boo bow there and prepare the samples before something happened and he left them out where children could find and get into and ruin the sampling by mixing them up or losing or otherwise contaminating.


Many many mishaps with Mikey has taught Donatello to be vigilante about these things.


And... on that note, he stops making the journey to his lab briefly lifting Violet off and missing the weight handing him off to April. "I need to speak with Mikko, Casey looks confused you may have to fill him in." He and the teen vigilante clashed, over April mostly, but they were friends and Mikey had literally not answered Casey's questions and the tall youth was looking a mix of offended and confused and still a little alarmed by extra turtles.


Then a gesture for Mikko to follow.