Life in the Apocalypse

[apuckalypse]

Dumping ground for Earth 2044 shenanigans.

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[apuckalypse]

I'm sure! [Casey's voice is determined, hopeful.] I want to help you, sensei. With this, or anything I can.

[neonleon]

[KIDDDDDDD ugh his kid. He's too good.]

We'll make it quick, then. I don't want you to miss out on dinner.

[apuckalypse]

You need dinner too.

[As stern a voice as a ten-year-old can take with his parental figure. He just came back from a rough mission, it's important to eat and keep his strength up! Everyone keeps telling him that, at least, so he can use it against other people too.]

[neonleon]

[Okay he has to laugh a little at that; it isn't mean spirited, just that natural kind of laugh of a parent whose kid is turning his logic back against him. They come up to the shower area, and he makes a bee-line to the sinks to grab a cloth and soap.]

Don't worry, I plan on eating too. We gotta go quick though so let's go. [Sink wash go!!]

[apuckalypse]

Okay... just wanted to check. You kind of felt like, um.

[Hm. Maybe he shouldn't say it. Sink wash is so go!! He'll do that instead, scrub that shell like a champ.]

[neonleon]

[He piques at that, grabbing another cloth to start scrubbing his arms.]

Felt like what?

[apuckalypse]

[...Mrrrrrrrgh.

Sensei don't get mad, he's gonna call you out.]

You're all stiff. [He's tense as heck. He felt it in the hug, in his posture where he'd perched.] Like you want to run away.

[neonleon]

[well....

He continues scrubbing at his arms.]

You're not wrong. I kinda do wanna run away.

[apuckalypse]

[Hmm. Thought so.]

I'd want to run away, too. [He's done it before. He only got as far as a secret storage room, and it hadn't helped much, but the act of running had felt good. Sensei's very brave for staying.] If you run away, take me with you.

[neonleon]

[He keeps working, making sure to get any mess out from his scales, the nooks and crannies.]

...You got it. But I dunno if anyone would let me actually run away.

[apuckalypse]

[Casey's still working hard. Shells can stay dirty more easily since it's a hard-to-reach spot, so he's putting his back into it.]

Do you want to run away for a little while? Or forever?

[neonleon]

[He just keeps scrubbing himself what he can reach easily. Really ponders Casey's question.

Where would he run? Could he keep Casey safe if they ran out? No, of course not. But maybe one of the lower store rooms. The makeshift brig.]

Maybe after I catch up with everyone first and get some food.

[apuckalypse]

Mm... then after we eat, we'll go! Wherever you want. Until you're ready to go back.

[Sensei wouldn't go forever. Uncle Tello and Master Michelangelo are here. But it's okay to vanish for a while; everyone knows what to do already. They can manage without him.]

[neonleon]

Hm.

[It's sweet. Casey's always sweet, which is such a nice turnaround from when Leo had to take over caring for the boy. He lets out a quiet sigh, smiling tiredly as he scrubs at his chest plastron.]

We'll see. Maybe after we eat I won't want to runaway then.

[apuckalypse]

Maybe... [Casey thinks a moment, then lightly knocks his knuckles on Leo's shell. It's so soft, barely an impact with his little hand, but enough to be felt.]

If you go, I go. If you stay, I stay.

[neonleon]

[It's soft but he still feels it. Just kinda half smiles over his shoulder.]

Well, then I guess I can't go anywhere. These folks need you too.

[apuckalypse]

[He blinks at that, lifting up onto his tiptoes to see Leo's expression.]

People need me?

[neonleon]

[He's smiling but it's tired. Worn out, not something he lets the rest see.]

They do. They don't know it yet, but you're gonna be great.

[apuckalypse]

[He does look and sound very tired. Casey glances down again, checking over his back, and he looks done. Enough that he can discard the cloth and reach out to hug him again, not caring that he's still kind of wet. (Honestly, Casey could do with more washing anyway, but he didn't just come home covered in dormant Krang goo and blood.)]

Because you'll teach me, right? You'll show me how.

[neonleon]

You can't teach greatness, CJ. Something you're born with. And you've got it more than half the others combined.

[apuckalypse]

I don't understand... I haven't done anything yet.

[How can he be great without doing great things?]

[neonleon]

You just helped clean me up where I wouldn't let anyone else. Pretty great to me.

[apuckalypse]

[That sounds so simple... but if sensei says it's true, then it must be.]

...Then, I'll be so great! One day, I'll be great enough to fight at your side for real. I won't just wash your back, I'll watch it!

[Which is 100% a more useful skill, but he's not there yet.]

[neonleon]

Can't wait. You're going to be amazing.

[apuckalypse]

[Casey just beams and hugs him tighter. He wants that... he wants it so badly. To be amazing and strong and great just like sensei believes he can be. To be helpful, useful. So maybe sensei won't look so tired one day. He can rest better knowing he doesn't have to protect Casey anymore- Casey's gonna protect him.]