A WEEK LATER

Y/N's POV

I couldn't quit pacing in my room from nervousness. I needed to talk to someone about this and now. I quickly grabbed my cell and went to speed dial. There was only one person who can help me with this.

"Hello?" April answered.

"April, it's me. I need your help with something. Can you come to the lair and in my room?" I asked.

"Yeah sure. What's this about?" she wondered.

"I'll tell you when you get here," I told her.

"Alright, I'll see you in a minute," she said before hanging up.

I sighed as I sat on my bed. Should I really do this? I mean, it just might be safer for the guys, especially Raph. I know they face the Shredder time and time again, but when he might be looking for me, he might not harm the turtles and Splinter. This is for the best. Then I heard a knock. I opened the door and saw April. I dragged her in and locked the door.

"Y/N, what's going on?" she asked.

We sat on the bed as I sighed.

"Okay, I've been thinking about leaving the lair so Shredder doesn't come and hurt the guys," I explained.

"WHAT?!" she practically yelled in my ear, stood up, then added, "Do you know how hurt they're gonna feel because you left? Even more so, Raph?"

"I know. But I'd rather leave and them be alive than me stay and them possibly getting killed," I protested while standing as well.

"You don't even know if Shredder is looking for you. And even if he was, the guys have faced Shredder millions of times. They would do anything to protect you," April replied.

"I know and I'm returning the favor. This is my choice. So please don't tell the others. I plan on leaving tonight at midnight," I said sadly.

She thought about it for a minute then groaned, "Fine. But just remember, the safest place you'll ever be is with the people you love and who love you."

She left the room as I just stared at the door. I just got in my normal clothes for patrol and grabbed my bat. I wrote a quick note to the guys:

Dear guys,
     I'm sorry you have to find out this way, but I couldn't bear to face y'all and say this. I can't stay here anymore. I've loved every minute with all of you, especially with you, Raph. When I'm with you, I'm in heaven. But this is my choice and I can't stand the thought of Shredder hurting any of you or worse. I love you all, never forget that. And if I ever see you guys again, I hope you can forgive me.
Love,
Y/N

I folded the note and wrote "To Splinter, Leo, Donnie, Mikey, and Raph" on one of the folded sides. It was already midnight so I took off the necklace Raph gave me and walked out of my room. I tried to be as quiet as I could be. I set the note and the necklace on the table. I left the lair and headed to the nearest manhole. But just before I could climb up the ladder, a Brooklyn accent stopped me dead in my tracks.

"Were you just going to leave without saying goodbye?"

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Raph's POV

I was in the dojo when I heard a door close. I stayed there for a minute until I saw Y/N start leaving the lair. I saw a note and Y/N's necklace that I gave her. I grabbed the necklace and went after her. Just before she could climb up the ladder, I spoke up.

"Were you just going to leave without saying goodbye?" I asked.

She froze and slightly turned her head. I still couldn't see her face, but I could tell that she was crying.

"Why are you here?" she said.

"I was worried about you. Why are you leaving?" I replied.

"Because it's for the best. I can't stand the thought of you and your family getting hurt or dying because of me," she explained.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, on the verge of tears.

"Because of Shredder, okay?" she said as she turned around to face me then added, "I know he may or may not be looking for me, but if he is, he could use the ones I care about against me. If he doesn't know about me living with you guys, he could leave y'all alone."

"You do realize that no matter what, he'll come after us, right?" I asked.

"I still don't want to risk anything. Look Raph, I love you. And that's why I'm doing this. And if you really love me, you'll let me go," she said, crying.

I was shocked as I watched her go up the ladder. I started crying myself as I went back to the lair. I just lost the girl of my dreams and she feels like she has to leave because of Shredder. When I finally made it back to the lair, there was an unexpected surprise waiting for me.

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A/N Woah! Things just got real! Will you and Raph settle things or will you guys never see each other again?