Risen from Ashes

Act one, Part Twenty: Mind over Love

Nine days later

As the days passed, it was now Christmas Eve. With Christmas coming tomorrow, the turtles can hardly hold their excitement for tomorrow's big day. The tree has lights, ribbons, and ornaments with presents under it, the lair has lights and decorations, and we have even pulled out the Christmas movies, too.

Speaking of, the turtles are all sitting in the living room while watching a Christmas special of Jupiter Jim, where he went out searching for the alien Santa Claus who went missing during his gift ride by visiting each planet. Raph carried a bowl of popcorn to share while each had hot chocolate in hand.

Ginny has a massive smile on her face. "Jacob would love this. He is a super Jupiter Jim fan." She added.

Leo smiled warmly at her. "Your little brother has a great taste." He told her. "Which is his favorite?" He asked her.

"Jupiter Jim's First Trip to the Moon," Ginny answered.

Leo's eyes widened by this. "No way! That was a major classic!!" He exclaimed happily. If he had the courage to meet her family, he and Jacob would get along excellent.

Ginny let out a chuckle at his response. After returning from dinner with her family, she thought she would get into trouble for leaving without him. Only she finds him acting normal and happy she is okay and alive. Her homesickness is gone, and she can finally relax. The two begin to get close and become close friends.

The movie has reached the end credits, hinting the movie is over. The turtles all stand up and stretch their muscles from sitting.

"That was amazing!" Judi was bouncing on her feet. "I can't believe that they show how some creatures celebrate the holidays in their own way!"

"Yeah, quite amazing." Ginny nodded. Then she walked away from the turtles, heading to the kitchen. "Now, who's up for some cookies?" She asked them.

"Me!!" All replied, wanting some cookies.

Ginny grinned. "Great! Will get started right away!" She walked straight to the kitchen.

"Oh! Let me help you!" Judi ran off to catch up with her.

Ginny sighed. "Fine, but don't eat the batter!" The two disappeared from the entrance.

Donnie looks at his wristband, looking at the time. "Nina, it's time for our Chaquan lesson." He informed her. "Let's go." Nina followed him as they headed straight to the dojo.

Then, Leo and Julian both left, going to the game room and leaving Raph and Mikey alone to clean up. Raph put the empty mugs inside the empty bowl, then grabbed a broom and swept the extra popcorn into a hole that led to the other part of the sewer. He then turned to check his brother, only to find him staring in the direction Judi and Ginny left. He placed the broom by the wall and approached Mikey.

Mikey faced the way the two headed to the kitchen; he looked so nervous and doing his best not to freak out. But he can't help himself; he is a turtle in love with the sweetest being in his world. A being that has a protector that refuses to let her get hurt again. His legs start to shake, and his hands tremble, too.

"You okay there, little man?" Raph asked in concern.

Mikey turns his head to face his big brother. "I...I am falling hard for Judi; I am going crazy every time I look at her." He confessed to him. "I can't eat pizza when she's around; I can't sleep when I am dreaming about her. And the worst part is that I am scared of how I'm feeling or what I can do about those feelings." He added. "I need to tell her how I feel for her." He frowned deeply.

Raph placed a hand on his shoulder, making Mikey look up at him and see a grin on his face. "Then go to her." He implied. "I can tell how much you care for her and how you always help her. So tell her. Cause if you don't, who knows what can happen." He gave him a firm pat on the shoulder.