Always Be There

Jones's Word

Casey was the one to fall asleep at his desk this time. He had been working all night on his project and had barely been able to do much of anything. Most of his time was spent planning and rummaging through the scrap metal In Donnie's scrap box, nearly cutting himself a few times in the process.

"I already mess up in every damn way possible, so why pile something as stupid as emotions on top of it all? I know, you've seen me get frustrated, I know you've seen me get excited for stupid things. Hell, you've probably seen me cry. And I'm sorry. You shouldn't have seen it, none of you should have. I'll try better next time."
"Are you seriously that slow? He's never smart when it comes to people he likes, you idiot. He'll do anything for them. Which is why you are the bait"
"I'm sorry Jones."
"You know it's unhealthy, so why do you do it?"
". . Because I don't want you all to hate me more. . ."
"DONNIE! DONNIE WAKE UP PLEASE!!"
Crunch!

He jolted awake in a cold sweat, frantically looking around until spotting the turtle still laying on the bed. He let out a sigh of relief, relaxing and looking back at the desk. Maybe I'll take a break. I gotta find that coding book anyways. He yawned, stretching and rolling the chair back a bit before standing.

He walked over to the turtle, looking over the bandages and nodding. "Good, I didn't want ya to get worse. I'll change the bandages out later." He walked over to the turtles bookshelf, blinking as he tried to figure out where to look. He looked at the side, realizing each shelf was labeled and grinning. "Man am I glad you're organized, dude. Just makes it ten times easier for me."

He looked at the 3rd shelf down, running his finger along the books until stopping at the one he was looking for. He pulled it out, looking at the cover and nodding. "Perfect." He decided to pull the chair up to the bed and sit, opening the book to the first page and blinking. "Wow- this- this looks hard. How the hell-" He squinted, looking at the small pictures of code on the bottom of the page. He shook his head and began to read the paragraph.

"Damnit why do I have to be bad at math! Why couldn't this just have been a history or English related one? I swear-" He went back to reading.
"Oh. Wait this is actually way easier than I thought- I mean it's only two numbers- I think- hopefully? Ehhhh. . ." He trailed off, continuing to read.
"Wow, this is the most I have ever read like- ever." He laughed, closing the book. "Imma take a break, that was way more confusing than it should be." He stood, patting D's shoulder and pushing the chair back to the desk.
"Imma go get some breakfast. I'll be back later."
He walked out, shutting the lab doors behind him.

-----

The boy walked into the kitchen, spotting Leo and scowling as he sat. He was handed a plate of pancakes, looking up and spotting Mikey with a glum look. "Thanks, Mikester."
"Don't mention it, dude." The orange themed turtle replied with a nod. Then walked back over to the counter to finish cooking.
Casey looked at his food and began shoveling it into his mouth.
Leo just watched him, sighing. "Hey, Casey."
The boy tensed, pausing mid bite and glancing up.
"Listen, after breakfast, could I talk to you?"
The boy looked down for a second, then back up with a nod.
"Good, I'll meet you in the dojo." The leader nodded back, eating his food.

-----

Casey walked into the dojo, closing the door behind him and looking around. He spotted the turtle standing in the middle of the room. "Eh- you wanted to talk?"
"Yes, I did." He nodded.
The boy walked over, crossing his arms. "So, what about?"
"I know you're still mad at me, but I talked with Master Splinter and- I'm sorry."
The boys eyes widened.
"I know It sounded like I was taking April's side, but I'm trying not to pick a side. I just want what's best for everyone. I know I sound like I will be taking her side either way, since I have only heard her side of the story, but maybe you could talk with her about it. She can explain to you herself. Then you and Don could decide if she is allowed back or not. Master Splinter said everyone had to agree if she comes back, including you and Dee."