Author's Note: I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. ;) So so so so so sorry, readers! Dx I understand it's been WAY past my ten day deadline, but I have a multiple amount of reasons as to why I've taken so long to update for this chapter. Mainly, I blame school for taking away all my free time as well as work. (Haven't had a day off since last Wednesday. Dx) But, I think the main reason as to why I haven't updated to this story in a while is because I've been attacked by a hoard of horrifically cute plot bunnies! x3 This is truly an exciting moment for me, seeing as I haven't had this many creative ideas pop into my head since I was in high school. :) I've already have an idea planned out for another TMNT chapter fic, so keep a look out for that, readers. :D If you're interested, it's about Leo's time in Central America where he befriends a rather brash young Honduran woman. Yes, there will be romance, because Leo's my favorite turtle, he gets all the girls. Haha! ;D But to avoid any confusion, that story will have absolutely no tie-ins with this one, because in THIS story, Leo's heart (and eventually body ;D) will strictly belong to Sam and Sam only. :) I'm already writing out the first chapter, but I figured I'd update to this story first before I continue on with anything else. Don't wanna keep you lovely readers hanging because you guys have been nothing but supportive and amazingly awesome that it'd be downright cruel to post a completely different story before I update to this one. So, here you go. :D

Now, before we get on with the chapter, I'd like to thank my lovely reviewers. :D Thank you so much to SleepingSeeker, adventuresstime, clary2008, CrazyGeekyLove, and Enimul. You guys rock and keep the reviews coming! They're what fuel my passion to write. :D Also, I'd like to point out a few things to both CrazyGeekyLove and Enimul. I love hearing input from readers about their thoughts and little guesses on to who's going to be paired up with who. :) To avoid spoilers, I'm just going to say your guys' assumptions are pretty much right on the dot. CrazyGeekyLove, don't doubt yourself too soon. You never know what direction this story might twist and turn. ;D We'll get to see more of Renee's personality later on in the story and as we learn more about her, I'm sure it'll get clearer and clearer on what role she's going to play in this story. ;) I really wish I could say more, but I'm keeping my lips sealed. You'll just have to wait and find out. Mwahaha! XD And finally, to SleepingSeeker, I'm sorry I haven't had time to just sit down and read, but I promise I'll get to reading your stories real soon! I'm a sucker for anything that has to do with Leo and/or Raph. They're my two favorite turtles, after all. But don't worry, I haven't forgotten about those two titles you mentioned. ;)

Alright! Without any further delays, I hope you like this chapter! It's rather short, but I promise the next chapter will be much longer! You have my word. ;)

Enjoy the fic!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

"The Waiting Ones"

Chapter 13

A Vigilante's Purpose

He'd fought an army of Purple Dragons.

He'd faced countless Foot Ninja grouped by the dozens.

He'd stared death in the face, standing his ground with nothing but a golf bag filled with wooden bats, hockey sticks, and the occasional golf club—although he preferred the thicker, wood shaven weapons of choice because he loved the way they cracked when bashing them against his enemy's skulls.

Casey Jones was one tough, brute vigilante who could take on any challenge thrown his way. Yet here he stood, quaking in his mud-coated, over-worn track shoes as he stared into the burning emerald eyes of his younger cousin – fear palpitating in his chest.

"Uhh, mornin', fellas." Casey waved sheepishly, his hands shoved deep inside his pockets until he felt he was going to rip the stitching. He kicked at an invisible object before taking a cautious step further inside the lair, his eyes scanning to each turtle all while trying to avoid the searing gaze he knew Sam was throwing his way. "Mind if I come in?"

"You're already in, so there's no point in asking, Case." Sam bit acidly, her arms folded over her chest in a defiant manner as she shifted her posture. She took a quick glance in the direction of the kitchen, but those emerald irises of hers never faltered in their blazing gaze of molten resentment as she surveyed her cousin before opening her mouth to speak. "Wasn't expecting you so early. Don't you have work?"

"I called in sick just in case you still weren't feelin' too well," Casey explained, taking one more cautious step toward Sam before he noticed her eyes narrowing into an even colder glower.

"I'm fine." She growled through clenched teeth.

"How's your head?"

"It's fine, now leave me alone! I was having a nice time with the guys until you decided to show up and remind me about how I was deceived the other night by my own flesh and blood. Now do me a favor and just get the hell—"

"—Sam, calm down," Leo urged, placing a gentle hand atop of Sam's shoulder. He could feel the rigidness seeping through the fabric that covered her skin and it nearly made Leo draw his hand back in fear that such contact would cause her to snap. She didn't, thank God, but he could still trace the opposing shivers coming from her body, her hands clenched into knuckle-whitening fists as she desperately tried to compose herself – eyes narrowed, teeth bared, and stance stiff. It pained Leo to see Sam in these conditions and knowing there wasn't really anything he could do to ease her into a relaxed state of mind brought up his own form of tension emanating from his shoulders. However, the blue-banded turtle quelled these heightening emotions with a calming breath and turned Sam toward him, her face softening into a questioning glance before he offered her a small smile.

"I know you're angry, but arguing is doing nothing but adding fuel to the fire. What Casey chooses to do with his life was a decision he made for himself, not for anyone else. It may sound selfish and unfair, but he has his reasoning's, Sam and I'm sure if you just set aside your hurt and anger just for a few brief moments, he'd explain why he kept you and his family in the dark all these years."

He glanced over at Casey, who in return looked back at Leo with a mixture of hope and uncertainty swimming in his dark eyes. Without exchanging a word, the blue-banded turtle turned his attention back to Sam, who was no longer looking at her guardian, but over at her cousin, her eyes narrowed not with anger, but with something else Leo couldn't quite detect, almost as if she were mulling something over in her head that was making her both frustrated and yet buoyant. It was a start and Leo could feel his lips tugging into an accomplished smile before he nudged Sam in the direction where Casey stood, offering her an approving nod.

With a sigh, she followed her guardian's silent instructions and looked up at Casey, her shoulders sinking just the slightest bit before she glanced over her shoulder. "I'll give you a call when our little chat is over. Uhm, you guys have cell phones, right?"

"Shell Cell's." Donatello spoke, pulling out his own for Sam to get a visual perspective of what he was talking about. "They're basically shell-shaped communicators that are programmed to April and Casey's phones for dual purposes. I can patch you into our network, but I'm gonna need your cell phone in order to do so."

"Awesome. I'll just give you guys a call when our little chat is over." She grinned. "After all, you guys still owe me pizza."

"Hey, no way! We never determined a winner!" Mikey piped up, pointing an accusing finger at Sam before she chuckled amusingly and glanced down at Leo, the features in her face softening into a relaxing smile. "See you later, then?"

"Y-Yeah. See you later." Leo stuttered, watching as Sam offered him a little wave before following Casey out of the lair, the mechanical doors swooshing open before finally swooshing back closed.

"Alright, I gotta give you mad props, Leo. You sure know how to pick a smokin' hot babe." Mikey grinned, slapping Leo on the shell while he wrapped his arm around over his shoulders and poked his face teasingly. "Think you can find me a girl? Ooh! Maybe Sam has some hot friends she can introduce us to! Donnie, check her contacts!"

"We are not snooping through Sam's phone just for your own personal needs, Mikey. That's incredibly disrespectful," Leo argued, wiggling his way out of his younger brother's grasp while shooting him a warning glare.

"Pfft, you wanna talk about respect, Leo? Last I checked, droolin' over a girl with yer eyes ready to pop out of yer skull while she dances isn't what I'd call 'respectful'." He emphasized the word with air quotes, grinning wickedly at the way his brother squirmed at the rather embarrassing actions that were still fresh in Leo's mind.

"I totally caught that, bro. You're lucky you didn't wind up with a stiffy. Talk about awkward." Michelangelo laughed, gracefully moving out of the way when Leo made a lunge for him, the blush radiating from his cheeks only making the orange-banded turtle laugh even harder. "Seriously though, I'm mad jealous of you right now, Leo. Sam seems like a nice girl. Not to mention she moves like friggin' Shakira. Those hips can lie to me all night long."

"Mikey!" Leo growled before Michelangelo let out one last chuckle.

"Relax, Leo, I'm just pulling your leg. I'd never hit on my bro's girlfriend. I know my limits."

"She's not my girlfriend," he said through clenched teeth before straightening himself up. "And I'd appreciate it if you cease the raunchy remarks, both in front of Sam as well as when she's not in the room. She's a friend and she deserves the exact same respect we give to both Casey and April. That goes for everyone."

"Are you actually going to follow your own advice this time, Leo, or is this authoritative speech just for shits and giggles?" Don asked, fiddling with Sam's phone while also handling a few adjustments to his own Shell Cell, not even giving Leo a sideways glance to emphasize how serious he was with this sudden point of the matter.

"I show Sam respect just like I do with Casey and April."

"Oh, really? Because if memory serves, I don't recall you ever sleeping with Casey or April." Don grinned, this time glancing over at Leo with a devious glint in his muddy brown eyes that made Leo's body go completely stiff.

"What?" Mikey and Raph shouted, their eyes locked on their older brother before rushing to his side as if he were going to take off and hide in his room.

"You slept with Sam?" Mikey emphasized, his eyes wide with both excitement and curiosity.

"Oh, gross! It better not have been on the goddamn couch! I swear to God, Leo, if I wind up sittin' in a glob of your own jizz, I'm gonna—"

"—I didn't sleep with Sam!" Leo cried, his cheeks now darkened into the deepest shade of red, it was almost a maroon. He looked up at Don, who was still busy fiddling with Sam's cell phone before he glared daggers at the brainiac turtle for insinuating him and Sam delved into sexual intercourse the other night. With his lips pursed, Leo pointed an accusing finger at Donatello, his voice raised to a rather high-pitched squeak before he forced himself to calm his rattling nerves. "H-How did you know Sam asked for me to sleep beside her the other night?"

"I didn't." Don shrugged. "I was just taking a shot in the dark to see if I could get a reaction. Looks like the odds turned in my favor."

"You sneaky son of a bitch." Raph chuckled, folding his arms over his plastron. He could practically feel Leo's anger radiating from his body while Mikey shook his head both amazed and slightly disappointed.

"Donnie, you're one conniving little asshole."

"Just doing my job."

"Alright, we're here, you have my attention, so let's hurry up and get this over with." Sam plopped herself on the couch, her feet propped up against the coffee table with her arms folded over her chest, flashing Casey a rather impatient look.

The vigilante stood his ground, his hands fidgeting and his eyes darting back and forth. "You're not hungry or anything? I can whip us up some toaster waffles and—"

"Save it, Case. I already ate back at the lair. Now quit stalling and tell me why you've kept this whole vigilante double life a secret for so long. I mean, I know another nickname for New York City is Gotham City, but that doesn't give you a free pass to don a mask and take to the streets like you're friggin' Batman. This isn't a comic book, Casey."

"I know, Sam, I know." His shoulders sank, an exasperated sigh escaping his lips before Casey took a seat next to his cousin, pinching the bridge of his nose while he gathered up his thoughts and let them jumble inside his head before he decided on how to approach this situation as delicately as possible. He knew in due time, he was going to have this talk with Sam whether he wanted to or not. Then again, the vigilante figured he would've had more time to prepare rather than spew everything out in a series of run-on ramblings that didn't make sense. Sam was already mad at him and Casey didn't want to make matters worse by not getting the message fully across. He wanted things to go smoothly and right now, things weren't going as well as he had hoped. Maybe it would've been a better idea to have Sam hangout with the guys for a little while longer to cool off. At least then Casey would've given himself a little more time to think of something else to say other than the occasional 'uhh' and 'uhm' thrown in every two seconds.

Shit, why was it so much easier pummeling baddies than it was explaining this sort of situation to his younger cousin?

Because she was pissed off that he kept this sort of lifestyle from her, that's why. If only he hadn't yelled at her for running off and getting herself nearly killed by a gang of Purple Dragons. Maybe then this conversation would've been approached differently. But there was nothing else Casey could do, so that only left him with one other option.

Suck it up and just tell her the truth.

"Well?" Sam raised an intolerant eyebrow.

Casey let out one last sigh, running his fingers through his mop of hair while he forced himself to look into Sam's eyes, his heart racing a million miles an hour in his chest before he wet his lips and began to speak. "Do you recall the day your uncle Arnie died, Sam?"

"Of course I don't. I wasn't even born yet, remember?"

"Did your parents ever tell you how he died?" Casey asked, searching into Sam's evergreen eyes while she pondered at the thought.

"Dad said he was caught in a shooting. That's why he went above and beyond to try to convince me not to move up here. Says it's way too dangerous, especially for the profession I want to get into."

"Sam, your dad had every intention to keep you safe. The moment your uncle was killed, he put the apartment him and your mom lived in up for sale and moved back to Northampton as quickly as he could. He didn't want to grow up in a city knowing there was a chance either you or your mom or even himself would wind up on the News as another victim caught in the crossfire of gang violence. He just wanted what was best for you … even if it meant keeping you in the dark about certain things."

"What do you mean?" Sam asked slowly, sitting up gradually before Casey continued to speak.

"You're uncle Arnie wasn't caught in a shooting like your dad told you," he explained, taking a moment to pause as he gathered up his thoughts and released them in one swift breath. "He was murdered … in a fire caused by the Purple Dragons."

She stood up, the coffee table nearly knocked over as she bore her teeth in a fierce snarl, her chest heaving up and down frantically. "The Purple Dragons? They're the ones who … who—to Uncle Arnie…?"

Casey nodded his head slowly, bringing himself to his feet to place his hands on Sam's shoulders, feeling her body quake with unresolved tension and fury. "Your dad didn't want you to know because he was afraid you would be blinded by anger. He figured if you knew the truth about the death of your uncle, you'd form this solid hatred towards the Purple Dragons that you'd make it your sole mission to take on any case that dealt with one of the most dangerous gangs in all of New York. He was only doing it to protect you, Sam."

"So it's not just you, but Dad's been lying to me too?" She growled, pulling herself away from her cousin's hands, her hands clenched into tight fists.

"Sam, please understand I had every intention to tell you about my double life as a vigilante. I never wanted to keep a secret from you."

"And when exactly were you planning on telling me?" She asked acidly, her eyes narrowed into dark slits.

Casey's shoulders sunk as he brought up a hand to rub the back of his neck in a nervous gesture, his eyes scanning to the floor almost timidly. "Well, now wasn't exactly the time I had in mind. But I guess there's never going to be a better time, so might as well make it today." He paused, wetting his lips once more before glancing up at his cousin, his eyes soft and careful before he continued to speak in the gentlest of tones he could muster.

"When your uncle Arnie was killed, I wanted nothing more than to put an end to the creeps who burned him alive. I formed a hatred toward anyone who had anything to do with the Purple Dragons and I made it my mission to find them and put a stop to them once and for all, even if I had to scourer all of New York in order to do so. I was blinded by fury, Sam. I had the intent to kill, to do the exact same harm that was brought upon my father – no matter what the consequences. I didn't care whether I got caught or whether I got arrested in the process. All I cared about was revenge."

"Did you get it?" Sam asked, her body stiff, yet she could feel her limbs shaking from the adamant bloodlust her cousin had sought out many years ago. This was her cousin—the same loveable bonehead who would buy her ice cream and walk her to school whenever he came to visit her in Northampton. He wasn't a killer. Her Casey would never shed any blood, not even to teach someone a lesson. Was this really her cousin standing before her with pleading eyes? Was this really her Casey Jones?

The vigilante shook his head solemnly and Sam could feel a wash of relief flood her instantaneously. "I never found the fuckers who killed my dad, but that didn't stop me from taking to the streets. I got into a few tussles with a couple of Purple Dragons I would rough up in order to snag any info I could find on my dad's killers. The rush of adrenaline I would get from bashing Purple Dragon skulls was enough to fuel my anger – to satisfy the growing hunger that yearned for revenge. I fell in love with it and I never stopped, no matter what dangerous situations I got myself into. I've had guns pointed at my face, machetes grazing my skin. Hell, I've even gotten stabbed once or twice. But it never scared me away."

He looked up at Sam, watching for any hint of emotion emanating from her evergreen eyes – a flicker of fear, anxiety … interest. When she hadn't said anything, Casey took this as an opportunity to take a step toward her, resting his hands on top of her shoulders and looking her straight in the face, his tone serious and calm.

"This is why I was so hesitant on telling you, Sam. You're dad isn't the only one that can sense your need for justice and peace. The reason why vigilantes are hated by the police so much is because they live by the same code: to honor and protect, no matter what the circumstances. No matter which way you look at it, vigilantes and cops are pretty much the same thing – only a vigilante will go to greater lengths to rid the streets of crime and protect the people of their city. You hold the potential of being a vigilante, Sam and that both excites me … and scares the shit out of me."

"Case, I—" She paused. What else was there to say? Even before she knew how exactly her uncle was killed, Sam always had an interest with cops. She thought it was awesome that they went out and risked their lives to protect people from scumbags like the Purple Dragons and any murderer or rapist or child molester that mucked up the streets. It was what she wanted to be when she grew up – something she could see herself making a career out of. What Casey chose to deal with the crime of the city – that was his decision. It certainly was better than sitting around complaining about it while watching the News and sipping on a cup of coffee. However, it didn't change the way she thought or her decisions on becoming an NYPD cop. She still wanted to graduate from Roosevelt High, she still wanted to attend the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and she still wanted to be a cop. Whether her father's intentions were to keep her in the dark to protect her or another way of preventing her from delving into such a dangerous profession, Sam didn't care. Because her intentions were still the same and nothing was ever going to change that.

Ever.

Clearing his throat, Casey shoved his hands inside his pockets and kept his gaze to the floor, the emanate silence surrounding them in a suffocating chokehold. "So, now you know."

"Let me ask you this," Sam spoke, catching her cousin's attention as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Why not just become a cop? Why don the vigilante guise in the first place?"

Casey chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck while his eyes flicked back and forth. "Wasn't smart enough. But you are, Sammie. That's why I support you in whatever decision you make. Nobody can tell you what's best for you. That's for your heart to decide."

"So why the whole mother hen act ever since I moved up here?"

"Because even if you become this big badass cop chick who can snap a guy's neck without so much as batting an eyelash, you're still gonna be my baby cousin." He winced, noticing the dark glare Sam was shooting his way before he cleared his throat apologetically. "I mean, my cousin. I just want you to be careful, Sam. Your dad isn't the only one who's afraid of one day seeing your name on the News."

"So you're okay with me becoming a cop?" She asked, raising a questioning eyebrow before Casey placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and smiled.

"I support whatever decision you make, Sammie. Just like a trust you support whatever decision I make."

At first, she didn't say anything, the silence drifting between them like a grazing wind, making Casey slightly nervous until he heard Sam make a quiet, gruff noise. Her lips tugged into an impish grin and as she gazed up at him, Casey could feel the heavy weight lifted off his shoulders before Sam spoke.

"Just don't hog all the action whenever I'm on duty. Got it, Dirty Harry?"

"I hear you loud and clear, Sheriff Jones."

D'aww. :3 I have to say, I really do like writing interactions between Casey and Sam. Probably because I get along so well with my own cousin. I tried to start you guys off with a splash of humor before we delved into the serious topics, but I made sure to end it on a happy note. Now the next chapter will have room for nothing but silly goofiness and super happy fun times! Haha! XD I'm kidding and yet, I'm not. Let's just say the next chapter will be both a hoot to write for me and a hoot to read for you guys. :) Should be fun, but since I'm also preoccupied with another project, it might take me a while to update again. I'll try not to make it as long as it took to update this chapter. I miss your guys' input too much. TwT

Whelp, as always, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I hope you find it in your hearts to leave a little review. Whether it be good, bad, short, or long, it always makes me smile when I see a new review for this story. :D Catch you guys later! And as always:

DFTBA!

(Don't Forget To Be Awesome!)