For trans_teen!

This is another song-fic! This is based off the song 'Back Home' by Andy Grammer! 

This will be a wholesome, sweet, and adorable book! 

I got permission from @mandylaren23 to use her ocs Victor and Vivienne for this book! 

Shinya and Katsumi are my ocs that I haven't posted yet, they'll be new ocs!

I headcannon Leatherhead as non-binary and they will use he/they pronouns for this! 

This is an au where April wasn't toxic to Donnie and fell in love with him first! She's a lot better in this, no hate, please ;-; 

The lyrics to the song will be italicized! 

This is gonna be super long- 

Free tissues, get your free tissues here! 

~*~

It's been 10 years since the Super Shredder was defeated. The turtles and their allies saved New York several more times after that, and, for the first time in years, mutants actually became accepted by humans. 

The mutants were understandably ecstatic that they were finally able to go topside during the day, interact with other humans, and accomplish the dream they never thought they'd have. Everyone had a plan for their lives. 

The turtles, April, Shinigqmi, and Casey were now 26 years old. Karai was 27. All of them and their families/allies were bonded strongly. They were basically a big, crazy, happy family. 

The thing was, each of the turtles and even Splinter had big plans for their lives. Now that they they were able to live normal lives on the surface, each of them has aspirations and dreams mapped out.

2 years ago, they all went their separate ways. Karai and their other allies did as well. They each had different careers than they were pursuing. They all missed each other dearly, though. 

Splinter was happy to be able to journey to the surfsce without apprehension. He and his long-time friend, Usagi, worked together in a dojo where they taught ninjitsu. They also as owned a quiet little tea shop.  

The pair were close friends, found family, brothers at heart, and very happy for the first time in so long. The rat and the rabbit made homade tea, as well as Japanese sweets. Business had been booming for over 7 years. 

After years of both men constantly fighting enemies and resorting to violence, Splinter and Usagi were more than happy to live peaceful, happy lives. 

They were finally safe. 

Leo became a police officer. He liked being able to enforce rules and laws while also keeping people safe and protecting the citizens of New York. He was still able to fight crime, but with more of a calm approach than violence. 

He also helped Splinter and Usagj out at the dojo, often teaching young kids to way of the ninja. Leo seemed to do well with kids. They often took a liking to him immediately. 

Leo was a natural-born mother hen. 

Raph had a few jobs. The second-oldest worked as a mechanic alongside Casey, his boyfriend of 6 years. The two were inseparable. Raph also worked as an anger management counselor. He helped people manage their anger in non-destructive ways. 

The red-banded turtle also had his eyes set on being a security guard. Though, he hadn't decided where yet. This way, he could still rough bad guys up once in a while, while also protecting people. 

The hothead even worked at an animal shelter since animals always seemed drawn to him. When he was younger, his brothers joked that he was a Disney princess. Raph had a soft spot for animals. 

Raph was a protector, yet soft at heart. 

Donnie became a scientist. It was somewhat he'd been dreaming about since he was a kid. His high intellect made it easy for him to score the job. Donnie now could do what he loved best and earn money at the same time. 

The genuis turtle also worked at a hospital. He'd trained himself in the art of medicine shortly after he and his brother's first fight with Shredder. Donnie loved using his brain to help people. 

Donnie always believed in brains before brawn. 

And Mikey? He had a variety of jobs. The youngest turtle owned his very own restaurant. He served a variety of food that everyone loved. His cooking got better and better as time went on. 

Mikey also was an aspiring artist. He'd always been talented when it came to painting and drawing. Now that he was older, he had skills. 

Lastly, Mikey worked at a vet clinic that often had a kit of cats. Mikey absolutely loved cats, and often would console the furry patients before their appointments. 

The lucky turtle was dating Leatherhead, and were very happy. Leatherhead worked as a therapist for mutants and humans. He wanted to help people heal. They sometimes worked alongside Kirby, April's father. 

Mikey and Leatherhead had hearts of gold. 

April lived with her husband Donnie. They'd been together since they were 15. She became an elementary school teacher upon realizing her love for teaching young children.  

She and Donnie were tight-knit and had a healthy relationship. They got along well and loved each other. They lived in a large apartment in the city and enjoyed life. 

April loved being around others. 

April's father, Kirby, was more or less recovered from everything that happened in the past. Though, he waa still paranoid at times. He was doing much better. 

Though he was reaching the retirement age, Kirby wasn't planning on retiring anytime soon. He loved being a psychologist. And, even if he did retire, he'd continue helping people using online therapy. These days, it was more common. 

Kirby wanted to help everyone in need, no matter the cost. 

Karai and Shinigami built a life together. They moved to Japan. They even had two children by birth. Shinigami was transgender, and wasn't physically transitioned. 

Karai carried her and Shini's twins. This was something they'd discussed quite often. Both of them wanted children of their own. 

Thus, Victor and Vivienne were born. They were now 5 years old. Victor was a lot like Karai: sometimes hot-headed, smart, funny, and protective of people he cared about. 

Vivienne was a lot like Shini: kind, calm, patient, and chill. Both children were going to be trained in the arts of ninjitsu and mystical witchcraft when they were older. Victor and Vivienne couldn't wait! 

Karai and Shinigami worked together in a noodle shop that they owned. They even had a nice home with lots of pets. Shini also worked as a tarot reader and a healer. 

But, the happy couple not only had biological children. Two years ago, they adopted two siblings, a boy named Shinya and a girl named Katsumi, who were abandoned by their parents weeks ago. 

Shinya was 2 and Katsumi was 4. Karai and Shinigami had always wanted to adopt some children and give them a loving home, since it was something neither of them had growing up. 

Shini and Karai were overjoyed. 

The rest of the Mighty Mutinamals went on to accomplish things too. Dr. Rockwell worked with Leatherhead, Donnie, and Kirby as a counselor and scientist. Muckman helped them all out. 

Slash helped out Raph with his anger management business. Pigeon Pete spent time having fun and being free. And Mondo Gecko became a champion skateboarder with Mikey's help and was really happy. 

Everyone was living happy and fulfilling lives. But, the turtles, April, Casey, and Karai missed each other quite a bit. The turtles, April, and Casey all still lived in New York, but didn't see each other much. 

Raph and Casey lived together, as did Donnie and April. But, with their busy lives and them all residing in different parts of New York, they didn't see each other much. 

Shinigami and Karai missed their friends/siblings as well. They'd been in Japan for a while and hadn't visited in ages. Everyone was happy, yet, they all missed one another. 

They all kind of missed how close they used to be. 

~*~

Raph smiled as he sat in the living room of his and Casey's apartment. He had a few extra scars, but more or less was the same Raph. His anger issues were a lot better though. 

Casey's hair was a bit longer, but he was still the same fun guy Raph knew and loved. He wrapped an arm wound his boyfriend and smiled. "Hey, wanna crack open a few cold ones?" Raph asked. 

"Sure, babe." Casey replied. He and Raph loved Monster energy drinks. Raph walked to the kitchen and returned with two cans. He gave a blue raspberry one to Casey and grabbed a cherry one for himself. 

I'm gonna need you to raise your glass

"Thanks, Raphie!" Casey sipped his energy drink. Raph smiled in response and churred softly, wrapping an arm around Casey as he sipped his own drink. 

I don't care what you put in it

Casey took a deep breath. "Remember when we were teens and we did this on long nights?" He flashed a grin. "Yeah, those were the days." Raph kissed Casey gently, putting down his Monster. 

Here's to nights that you can't take back

"You know, I kinda miss the others..." Raph admitted. "My bros, my dad, my sister, her girlfriend, April...I've just been so focused on living life. I haven't really been thinking about turn until now." 

Casey pulled Raph closer. "I miss them too...remember the good old days when we all just hung out in the sewers?" Raph nodded, leaning on his boyfriend. "Yeah, I miss those days..." 

Raph and Casey looked at each other, getting an idea.  

~*~

Mikey laughed as he cuddled up to his partner, Leatherhead. He was eating a pizza sandwich he'd made. Leatherhead nuzzled Mikey gently, smiling. He chuckled softly as Mikey kissed their snout. 

We live hard but we love to laugh

 "I love you, Michaelangelo." The gator smiled softly. "I love you more, darling!" Mikey cuddled up to them. "Remember when we thought we'd be rich and famous one day?" 

We all thought that we'd get rich fast

"I remember, but money is not everything, my love." Leatherhead gently reminded his lover. "Huh?" Mikey looked at him curiously. 

Hop the plane out for greener grass

"What is most valuable in life is not money, but rather, the people you meet and care for..." Leatherhead explained. Mikey thought about that. "Yeah...you're right!" He cuddled against Leatherhead. 

Found out the green is cash

Mikey soon began to look a bit forlorn. "What is wrong, Michelangelo?" Leatherhead asked. Mikey sighed. "I'm stating to miss my family and friends...I haven't seen em' in a long time..." 

Leatherhead hummed sadly. "Well, let's do something about that." Mikey looked up at Leatherhead with bright eyes, wondering what his partner meant. 

~*~

Leo sighed softly as he looked at a family photo of himself, his brothers, his father, April, Casey, and Karai. Sure, he saw Splinter every day, but he hadn't spent time with the others in a while. 

Splinter walked in and noticed Leo's downcast expression. "Leonardo, what is wrong?" Splinter used his jade staff as a cane to get around these days. 

Leo looked at his father. "Oh, hey otou-san." He put down the framed photo. "I'm okay, I just kind of miss my brother, and Karai, and Shini, and April and Casey." Leo admitted, frowning. 

Splinter nodded softly. "I understand, Leonardo, I miss them all as well. They have all formed their own destinies and lives, like us. But it has been a few years since we have all been together." 

Don't compare to the friends that last

Leo looked at the family photo again. The only friends he had were the ones that he hadn't seen in a while. "Yeah, I wish we could all reconnect and be like we used to be...a family." 

See, we won't forget where we came from

Splinter hummed softly, stroking his long beard. He looked at the photo and gently touched it with his paw. He saw Leo's sad expression as his ears dropped slightly.

The city won't change us

"Maybe we can...just because we all have our own lives now, does not mean we love and miss one another any less. Most of us are still in the city we became a family in." Splinter spoke up. 

Leo smiled a bit, knowing that he and Splinter were both thinking the same thing. Usagi walked in and smiled, having heard the conversation. 

~*~

Donnie walked into the apartment, looking tired. "Phew, finally home!" April smiled upon hearing the door close. "Hey, how was work?" She walked over, wrapping him in a hug. 

Donnie practically melted in her embrace. "Long, but great! What about you, mi amor?" He kissed her cheek. April giggled and kissed him back. 

"Good! The students were so well-behaved today." April replied, offering him a cup of coffee. Donnie took it gratefully and took a sip. "I saw someone today that reminded me of Mikey." 

April smiled softly. Donnie occasionally talked about his coworkers or patients, especially if they reminded him about his family and friends.  

"Really? How so?" She questioned. "They had baby blue eyes just like him..I miss him." Donnie replied. April cuddled Donnie close to her. "I miss him too, all of them...." She admitted. 

They both missed their friends/brothers and lot. It had been a few years since they were all together. They didn't mean to stay apart for this long. It just kind of...happened.  

We beat to the same drum

"I wish we were all together again....in the sewers, as weird as it sounds." Donnie added. April spoke her head. "It's not weird, love...it was your home, and for a while, it was everyone's home." 

No, we won't forget where we came from

"Yeah..you're right." Donnie replied, leaning his head against hers. April hummed softly. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Donnie nodded with a bright smile. 

The city can't change us

April called you her dad, asking him if he'd like to see Splinter and Usagi again, knowing the three of them became close friends in the past. He was understandably eager and excited. 

They three occasionally talked, but honestly didn't have as much time to just get together and relax like they used to. This was true for everyone. 

~*~

"Mommy, mommy!" Katsumi ran up to Shinigami eagerly. Shini, who was looking at her tarot cards, scooped up her little girl and cuddled her close. 

"Hello, sweetheart." Shini beamed as Katsumi let her stroke her brown hair. "Mama!" Shinya toddled to Karai who was reading a magazine. 

Karai chuckled and hugged her youngest son. "Yes, aka-chan?" Shinya pouted adorably. "Victor stole my toy!" Victor ran in. "I did not, and it's mine!" The 5-year-old whined indignantly.  

Karai and Shinigami exchanged glances. Vivienne was quietly playing with some toys. Katsumi was cuddling a doll. "Now, now, who had it first?" Karai asked calmly, looking at her sons.

"I did!" Shinya replied, crossing his little arms. "Okay, Shinya, you play with the toy for 5 minutes, then let your brother have a turn." Shinigami said softly. 

"Okay, mommy..." Shinya and Victor replied obediently. Shinigami and Karai smiled and leaned on each other. "Remember when Casey and Raphael used to argue like that?" Shinigami asked. 

Karai laughed, nodding. "Same with Leo and Raph." The two sighed, missing the turtles and the rest of their found family. "My father didn't even meet the kids yet, no one has..." Karai added. 

We beat to the same drum, the same drum

Shinigami frowned. "True, and the kids haven't met their family." The four kids knew about their family back in New York, but had never met them.

(Hey) And no matter where we go

Shinigami and Karai looked at their children, who were now all plating together. "I think we should pay New York a visit, my dear." Shini smiled. "Me too..." Karai replied gently. 

We always find our way back home

Victor, Vivienne, Shinya, and Katsumi looked up at their mothers, wondering what was going on. 

~*~

The found family had been separated for far too long. Most of them were still in New York, but in different parts of the city. 

 Now, they wanted to meet up at the place where it all started. The place the story began. The place that once felt like home to each of them at some point. 

The lair.

~*~

It seemed like everyone had the same idea. Soon, the majority of them were calling and video chatting with each other, wanting to arrange a reunion. 

We beat to the same drum, the same drum

Leo was the one who suggested that everyone meet up at the lair. The rest of them agreed, missing the lair, the home that had been a sanctuary for many of them. 

(Hey) And no matter where we go

It was also a place that Shinigami and Karai's children had never been. 

We always find our way back home

Shini and Karai agreed to round up their sons and daughters and fly to New York. The rest of them drove or walked. No one lived in the sewers anymore. They all had homes on the surface. 

So here's to the cheap sunglasses

They all lived in different parts of New York, except for Karai and her family. None of them expected to be in the place where everything began. 

Red Bull and minivans and people who had your back 

Leo was there first, waiting inside the lair. He looked around, missing how his childhood home used to look. It was slightly neglected and worn, but still home.  

The world didn't understand

Mikey arrived next with Leatherhead and smiled, running up to Leo. "Leo, I've missed you, man!" He threw his arms around his oldest brother. 

See, we won't forget where we came from

Leo smiled and hugged Mikey tightly. "I've missed you more, Mikey..." Leatherhead grinned at the scene in front of them. Leo hugged the mutant gator as well. The gentle giant hugged back. 

The city won't change us

Donnie walked in with April. The two looked happy. "Hey, long time, no see!" Mikey and Leo hugged them tightly. "Way too long!" Donnie added as all four of them nodded in agreement. 

We beat to the same drum

Casey and Raph raced in, practically tackling the others in tight hugs. "Raph!" Mikey bolted over and gave his older bro a bear hug. Raph chuckled. "I missed you too, little brother..." 

No, we won't forget where we came from

Casey hugged April and Donnie, who both returned the gesture, laughing. "Oh, man, it's been years." Casey muttered. The turtles were all hugging each other tightly and talking fast. 

The city can't change us

"Three to be exact." Donnie confirmed. "Much too long." Leatherhead added softly. Karai and Shinigami soon arrived with their kids. 

We beat to the same drum, the same drum

Vivienne, Victor, Katsumi, and Shinya were amazed. "Mama, you lived here?" Katsumi asked Karai who smiled. "Yes, aka-chan." 

(Hey) And no matter where we go

"You've got kids? Out of all of us, you're the only one?" Raph joked to Karai. "Yep! Vivienne and Victor are our birth children, and Shinya and Katsumi we adopted!" Karai proudly smiled. 

We always find our way back home

"I'm an uncle?!" Mikey gasped, immediately taking Shinya in his arms. The little boy laughed. "Unca Mikey!" Raph, Donnie, and Leo surrounded the four kids. The little ones loved all the attention. 

(Hey) And no matter where we go

"I am a grandfather...?" A familiar voice asked. "Father/dad/sensei/papa!" The turtles and Karai ran over and hugged Splinter. The old rat tearfully hugged his grown children close to him. 

We always find our way back home

Splinter was followed by Kirby and Usagi, who were already talking and catching up. Splinter joined the two once he hugged each of his grandkids. 

When ties loosen

Even the Mighty Mutinamals showed up. Soon, everyone was in one place, talking, hugging, laughing, and reminiscing. Everyone really missed each other. They were delighted to meet some new arrivals. 

We're losing touch

"How'd we all lose touch anyway?" Leo asked regretfully. "It just kinda happened, bro...we all had jobs and lives on the surface. Ever since we got accepted by humans, things have been different..." Mikey replied quietly. 

And fading away

They all nodded in agreement. The turtles, April, and Casey hugged each other, remembering when they were teens saving the world. Splinter, Kirby, Usagi, and the Mighty Mutinamals chatted eagerly.  

We'll still be raising our cups

Raph then brought out some ginger ale. He gave some to everyone, before keeping a glass for himself. Everyone drank the drinks, but not before having a toast to celebrate the reunion. 

To the same damn things

They didn't mean to be separated for so long. It just happened. But now, they all were a found family and closer than ever. And they'd never let themselves drift apart again. 

Oh no, the city won't change us

"When we were kids, we wished we could be like humans and enjoy the world, now as adults, we've had that opportunity!" Leo announced as Raph, Leo, and Donnie agreed, cheering. 

Oh no, the city won't change us

"But, friends and family are still important, dudes!" Mikey chirped. He and the turtles made happy turtle noises. The brothers couldn't stop hugging each other.

 "The best thing in life is having loyal friends, family, and memories to cherish, no matter where we are..." April grinned as everyone cheered and agreed. 

Won't change us

Everyone promised to not let themselves drift away like before. They had so much to talk about and so much to share. Now, they knew it was important to keep in touch.

And no matter where we go

"No matter what, we'll always be a family..." 

We always find our way back home

"We'll stay in from now on..." 

And no matter where we go

"We'll do this more often..." 

We always find our way back home

Sure, everyone had lives on the surface, jobs, and families. Yes, they had gone a few years without talking because life had gotten too busy. 

And no matter where we go

Regardless of their journeys and lives now, they always will find their way back home to each other, to where it all started. As a family.

We always find our way back home

No matter what happened...

We always find our way back home

They'd always come back home. 

Yeah, we always find our way back home

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: Hey cheesecicles! I hope y'all enjoy this awesome book! I loved writing this!! I hope y'all enjoy the cover too! 

~Kittymasterofall14 

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