Chapter Text
"I'm good"
The faint sound of students' shoes chattering against the floors and rushing throughout the school's hallway sounded like white noise in the boys' bathroom. A couple of people were talking and standing around discarding the real use of a restroom, including himself. He's probably seen some of them in a class or two before.
Why did he come in here again? Oh right, Casey Jones. Some kid from his Geometry class invited him to come to the bathroom alongside him during the passing period.
Raph couldn't say he didn't find something about Casey interesting. He played on the school's hockey team and ALWAYS had some weird unexplainable hockey injury. He was a whopping 6’2, had the biggest gap tooth Raph’s ever seen, and had long black hair that framed his face. His baggy jeans always hung low on his hips in a way that was usually borderline dress code, and he had on a well-worn band tee shirt, riddled with holes and tears. He was rouged, and physical, and seemed to know everyone. Popular. Raph thought abcently. Casey Jones was a whole different breed than him, figuratively and literally. So, when he asked Raph to come with him to the bathroom he had to double-take; Raph didn't even think he was talking to him.
Anywho, he was now standing next to some kid with whom he was 99.9% sure that he shared the same 2nd period. In his hand he held a vape, freely hitting in front of him. Raph fidgeted uneasily, his hands tightly gripping his backpack, while he nervously averted the other teens’ judgmental gaze.
“Hey man you good you look lost” Raph turns his head to the side to look at the dude, accepting the inevitable conversation, squeezing his backpack strap so hard his knuckles probably looked white. If the other kid saw it, he didn't say anything.
“Uh no I’m fine thanks just meeting with a friend” Raph sputters out before looking back at Casey hoping to catch his eye and save him from this interaction. The senior slowly walks in front of him blocking his view of Casey and the others.
“Well if you're sure” he holds out his vape again and inhales some, “I got a bit left before I gotta head back to class you want a hit?” He hands the cartridge to Raph as he blows some smoke to the side of him.
“No thanks,” He takes a step back, deciding this dude is standing too close for comfort.
“Don’t worry it’s fine you won’t get caught. The janitors never come in this bathroom”. He was right this place never looked like it had been clean in over a decade (and smelled like it too) but it wasn’t getting caught that put Raph off, it was the addiction. He wasn't dumb, he had seen documentaries before about just how harmful nicotine was.
“I said I’m good man I don’t need an addiction” His tone held more bitterness than intended, setting the older one-off.
“Come on man don’t be a pussy, you think you're too cool for it huh?” The guy steps into Raph's personal space once again, takes a hit, and blows it toward his face.
“Ew- dude don't do that–” Raph tried to move to step back coughing, waving his hands in an attempt to get the smoke away from him.
“It's Strawberry Mango, c’mon dude isn't it like your entire thing that you like red?” The guy not being aware of personal space in the slightest, steps forward putting the vape way too close for Raph's liking.
Casey Jones was now standing somewhere off in the corner near a stall not seeing what was currently happening. Raph eyed him in a way that screamed, ‘Help me’ but Casey was too deep in a conversation to notice. For fucks sake–
He's seriously regretting blindly following Casey here, it felt like he was seriously suffocating.
"Aw, dude c'mon! it's the new one that lights up on the side, Don't tell me you think it isn't super cool.” Ok, now Raph's blood was actually starting to boil "Don't be a wuss just hit it once! it will soothe your nerves-" The kid shoved it towards his mouth, and Raph narrowly moved his head inconspicuously.
"I don't wanna dude-" Raph took a cautionary step back, but the kid just took another step forward.
Like God answering his prayers, by some miracle, Casey Fucking Jones stepped in between them.
"Dude, he said he was good, Take the hint and fuck off." he eyed the kid harshly, almost making Raph feel bad for him. The air felt heavy as the two glared at each other. Raph quickly backed up, thankful to be able to fuckin’ breathe again.
“Woah Woah Woah-” The kid waved his hands dismissively, but before he could speak Casey interrupted him.
“Save it John-” Huh. So, the kid's name is John. That tracks. “-It ain't cool to try and force him to smoke like that! Ya’ know that” Casey shoved him a bit, but for some reason, John tried to dismiss the thought of a fight as much as possible; almost as if he was scared. Has Casey fought before?
A little circle of kids began to form around the confrontation; a couple of eyes fell on Raph in a way that made his shell feel 3 sizes too big. Before it turned into anything, John tried to de-escalate the situation.
"Woah, dude, my bad. I just thought he smoked--!!! like literally everyone else in this bathroom. Don't come for me-" For some reason that made Raph's gut twist weirdly. Before He could think hard about it, Casey stepped towards John and put a finger in his chest.
"He said he was good like 5 damn times-!!" Casey poked him harshly "You should've just stopped then." he swiftly backed off John noticed the small crowd and sighed. "It's all good dawg– but you really gotta be a tad bit more aware. not everyone smokes dumbass" Casey fondly crossed his hands.
The weight and seriousness of the conversation simply vanished alongside the audience. It's almost like the other kids wanted a fight. Most left to their respective class periods, some continuing whatever conversation they were having.
John rubbed the back of his head apologetically turning to Raph "My bad broski." He put his hand out and they dabbed up, something the kids at the school did a lot "We chill?"
"Yeah of course" Raph smiled awkwardly, looking for every possible opportunity to get out of this situation. Just as he was about to turn around and leave, he felt an elbow grab his head in an awkward side hug. Raph turned his head to the side to see Casey leaning into him.
“Don't worry dude, I got you!” he exclaimed with his hands “Just stick with ya boy Case, and don't even worry about those guys, Johns is just a stoner who lacks understanding of context clues” They walked out of the bathroom and began making their way to their classes through the vacant hallway, chatting lightly.
“Class is like practically over... Do you just wanna skip?” Casey walked confidently as he passed classes filled with students.
“Skip?” Raph paused. Skipping. He's probably heard that somewhere in one of those school assemblies that talked about bullying and other boring topics. Don't get Raph wrong, bullying is severe; you don't think he's gotten those rude remarks about the fact he's a whole turtle? A 35-page bullet-point slide presentation will be boring no matter what you're talking about, bullying or not.
The way Casey asked so casually made skipping sound... fun. Like super fun. Unlike how the school depicted it was like.
“Yeah, like walk around ‘n like maybe do something dumb?” This kid was like an idol in his eyes, and Raph didn't want to seem like he was just some wuss. As much as he tried to convince himself that he should like, totally go with this kid; he couldn't get rid of the what-ifs involved with skipping.
“Elaborate...” Raph cautiously said.
“You’ve never skipped before? Oh. My. God.” Casey's belly laughed, and to Raph, he looked like he was glowing. At that moment raph realized how much taller Casey was, how built he was, and his beautiful deep brown eyes .. hold on what the actual fuck was he thinking-
“Why don't we just leave then?” Oh right- what was Casey saying again?
"Uh..." Raph hesitated, realizing what Casey was suggesting. “You sure we won't, like, get suspended or something?” Raph's voice betrayed his nerves, despite his attempts to sound nonchalant.
“You only live once, right?” Casey nudged Raph playfully with his elbow before giving a thumbs-up, sensing Raph's discomfort. He began to subtly tiptoe toward the nearest exit. “Well, let's see what happens. Fuck around and find out.”
“Something tells me you've got a pretty good idea what happens when you skip,” Raph rolled his eyes but decided to go along with Casey's antics anyway.
“Oh, absolutely! No greasy adult can hold THE Casey Jones back,” Casey laughed, pushing open the door to the PE field. "I've ditched enough times in my high school years to probably add up to a whole semester." They both stepped onto the field, the sun beating down relentlessly on them as they walked over the fake, probably plastic grass.
Then, out of nowhere, Casey took off running.
"Wait, where are you—" Raph squinted against the harsh sunlight, momentarily blinded.
"RACE YA' TARTARUGAA!" Casey's shout echoed across the field, his laughter infectious as Raph fondly watched him, shaking his head at his friend's reckless enthusiasm. He began sprinting to catch up.
"Dude, I was practically MADE to be a weapon! You think you can beat me... in a... race?" Raph gasped between breaths, struggling to keep up with Casey's pace.
"Is that a challenge? I could totally beat you in a fight if you wanted, let alone a race," Casey retorted, his glare softened by a playful smirk. “I've fought more kids ghetto-style than you can count on your fingers!" Casey laughed as their speed gradually slowed down when they approached the school's farthest fence.
"Dude, I fought Super Fly. He's like, a hundred times your size," Raph bragged, catching his breath.
“Size means nothing,” Casey said, wiggling his eyebrows. Raph just laughed, shoving Casey playfully to the side as they came to a stop.
“Ahh... you must be one of those kids...” Raph said mimicking his rat dad’s accent “The ones that think with the wrong head..so to speak” He stroked a beard that wasn't there, trying to sell the look as much as possible.
Casey burst out into laughter, clutching his stomach Raph felt a little guilty for making fun of his dad, but Casey was laughing so that meant it was fine; It's not like his dad is here or anything.
“D-Dude-" Casey wiped away a fake tear from his eye and then straightened up his posture dramatically, clearly getting into character. “My dearest apologies, sir-" he bowed theatrically, then put his hand to his head in a mock salute. “-I shall never make those nasty jokes again, for I am a son of the lord; Kanye West.”
“Good!” Raph chuckled, patting Casey’s shoulder, feeling warmth at the contact. “You’ve been cleansed from the devil's grip,” Raph said dramatically, placing his hand over his heart as if deeply moved. “How does it feel?”
“I feel… I feel like George Bush doesn't care about black people.” Raph stopped laughing and stared at Casey, his expression deadpan. Casey smirked, clearly pleased with his joke.
“Is that a… Kanye quote? Please tell me it’s not,” Raph struggled to maintain a serious expression, barely containing his laughter.
“Hey, he’s God’s chosen one,” Casey retorted, hopping onto the fence. “C'mon-" He extended a hand to help Raph over. "-If God picked him, he's gotta have some good insight or something." Raph took his hand and leaped up, chuckling all the while.
Once they were both comfortable on the other side, what Raph had just done sunk in. Like, REALLY sunk in. He was going to, like, get his ass BEAT when he got home. Maybe he's being a bit dramatic, but it sure felt like it. Now, Raph was never the pessimistic one, nor the panicky one. But right now, his heart was beating so fast Casey could probably hear it; and if he didn't, he totally saw Raph's shaking hands.
Raph's heart pounded, his breaths quick and shallow, his chest gripped with anxiety. It was as if a heavy cloud of worry hung over him, making it hard to breathe. With each heartbeat, he couldn't shake the feeling that there would be consequences waiting for him at home, sending a chill down his spine.
Casey turned his whole body to Raph, concern showing on his face like he was an open book. "Woah, Woah, Woah, dude, chill, it's gonna be fine," Casey laughed, trying to ease the tension. "It's not a big deal, you'll be fine. I promise." Casey's words were a lifeline to Raph's escalating panic. Though the sincerity in Casey's eyes offered some comfort, Raph still felt like his breakfast was making a return for a big part 2. Ew.
"Ughhh..." Raph groaned loudly, dragging his hands down his face in a desperate attempt to ground himself. "Sorry, dude... Not trying to be a buzzkill."
"Nahh, don't worry 'bout it, you're not," Casey easily said as they started walking down the sidewalk, not exactly with a destination in mind. Despite Casey's reassurances, Raph's nerves continued to coil tightly within him.
They strolled around for hours, chatting about anything and everything under the sun. At some point, Raph glanced at his phone, the bright screen revealing it was already 4:35. Raph winced, turning his hand so Casey could see.
“Dude, didn't school end at 3:30? How long have we been walking?” Raph stopped, pinching his temple in realization.
“Shit, I think I gotta work at like... 4,” Casey groaned loudly, pulling out his phone to send a quick text.
“Holy crap, you have a job?” Raph was intrigued, but the looming threat of Leo snitching on him made him reconsider. “Wait, wait. You can tell me tomorrow. If I don't leave right now, I might get my ass whipped.”
Casey snorted, ruffling his hair. “Do you need a ride to your place? My Ma’s picking me up, she can drop you off on the way.”
“Er... nah, I can just walk,” Raph pointed to a nearby alleyway where a sewer cap sat. “My family kinda sorta maybe... lives in the sewers.” Raph rubbed the back of his head, chuckling shyly.
“Dude no way! I would never have guessed. You smell-” Casey leaned into his plastron and Raphs’ heart probably stopped. “-not like the sewers. You actually smell really good-”
“-oh, shit my dad texted me! I really gotta go.” Raph quickly took 3 steps back, pretending to cough in his elbow hopefully hiding the pink on his cheeks. “I’ll just,” Raph said dragging out the word ‘just’ as he started making steps to the sewers.
"Wait here before you go, give me your phone,” Casey said suddenly.
“Huh?” Raph responded, puzzled.
“So I can add my Snap? Unless you don't want me to,” Casey added, a hint of shyness creeping into his voice.
“Oh, uh, yeah, sure,” Raph replied, handing Casey his phone, his fingers fidgeting with the strap of his backpack. It was an awkward yet oddly comforting sensation, the repeated curling and uncurling of the strap.
“And... here,” Casey said, handing the phone back. “Now you can text me and tell me all about your sewer home. Anyway, it was fun hanging out with you, Raph. See you tomorrow.”
“You too!” Raph waved as Casey dashed off, disappearing around a corner. Left alone, Raph couldn't ignore the loud pounding of his heart.