Days, weeks, and even a couple of months passed by in a blur. Through that time, Leo had been (not so secretly) practicing skills and new techniques from Splinter with Raph in his mind. Sometimes, Mikey, Donnie, and even Splinter meditated to join and help, but usually it was just Leo and Raph.

At the end of one long day, Raph pushed up his bandana, panting. "You're killin' me, Leo," he complained.

"You love it," Leo said back, breezily. He looked like he had eight hours ago, not a pad out of place. "Besides, I think you're almost ready."

"You mean to fight?" Raph instantly shot up. He pointed the blunt end of the sai towards Leo. "You better not be messing with me."

Leo put his hands up in a defensive position, sheathing his katanas and grinning. The months of dealing with Raph's temper and frustrated moods had paid off, because Raph was just as good as before his injury, if not better. His other senses had slowly improved, and most of the time their fights were evenly matched. "I think you've got it," he said.

Raph laughed. "Ooh, I can't wait to kick Mikey's shell again." He paused for a moment. "You think Splinter will let me on the surface?"

Leo hesitated. "Do you want my nice answer or the realistic one?" Raph grimaced, so Leo took that to mean the realistic one. "I don't know. Most likely, no. I think you need to work on him more. Show him what you've done."

Raph's grimace turned into a scowl. "I should've known..."

"You never know," Leo reminded him. "Maybe you'll kick my shell in the real world, and he'll be so impressed he'll let you go."

Raph barked a laugh. "Yeah, and turtles will fly."

Leo ignored him. "I talked to him yesterday, and Mikey and Donnie. They've all agreed to try out dueling with you again."

Raph's eyes widened, and he grew uncharacteristically quiet. "Do you really think I can this?" He sounded... incredulous, like he couldn't believe everything was coming together.

"If anyone can, it's your stubborn shell." Leo patted him on the shoulder and sat down, crossing his legs. "Come on, it's time to go back. I'm starving."

Sorry for the long break between updates. Next chapter we get to see everyone fight! How do y'all think that's going to go? ;)

By the way, to whoever nominated So Long, Honey into the Adult Fanfiction Awards, thanks! I'm excited to read some of the other stories out there and vote when the time comes. Y'all should check it out on Tumblr!

R&R, everybody. Hope you enjoyed!