Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ah, yes. Here we have two mutant family members arguing for the third time today, about what? No one knows. All everyone knew was Splinter was blaming Donatello for the breakage of something, and the turtle was putting his two cents in as well. . .

——————

"Damnit Purple you said you have fixed the T.V.!" The rat man snapped, scowling.

"I did! But you got angry at it and threw the damn remote at it for the fifth time in a row!" The latter countered.

"Well it isn't my fault these shows are terrible!"

"Then choose better shows!"

"How about you find me better shows!"

"How do I do that?! That's cable television in case your little rat brain hasn't noticed!"

"I dunno! Hack it or do that weird techy stuff or something!"

"Oh, yes, because that's all I am to you. Your little crime-doer and hacker! Bet you want me to hack the Pentagon next, huh? Or- or maybe the damn Whitehouse?!"

". . ."

"I bet you just keep me around because of that, huh?! You know what don't even reply to that I already know the damn answer."

"No, I do not. I keep you around because your brothers need—"

"YOU DON'T NEED ANYTHING MORE THAN MY TECH!" He screamed, tears spotting the corners of his eyes. "So why would they. . ?"

"Damnit child shouldn't those sessions with oranges counterparts be helping? Because they don't seem to."

"He shouldn't have to do that. . ." He murmured.

"Speak up child, I cannot hear you." He growled.

"I said, he shouldn't HAVE to be giving me those sessions! He's just a kid! He shouldn't be the damn family therapist!! You should have realized, or can you not remember that either?" He scowled.

"You are one to talk, you helped provide him with a degree in the subject, do you not remember?"

"Oh I remember very clearly old man. I also remember having to remind him about the fact he isn't useless after doing so because he specifically said he quote- 'wanted to be helpful' because he thought he wasn't useful enough! He came to me because he didn't trust you enough to come to you with his problems!" He screamed, voice wavering and unhelpful and, in his opinion, quite pitiful amount.

"I do not get why he-"

"Because you don't act like you care! The most you do to acknowledge us is to yell at us for being too close to the t.v. and to get you your stupid milk and cake! Or when you need something to yell at for a show's horrible ending!"

"I do not."

"Yes, you do." He narrowed his eyes, leaning down ever so slightly closer to his father's face. "But apparently you're too blind to notice when your sons are in need of you more than just the bare minimum."

"You are no son of mine." He stated coldly.

"Wh- what. . ?" His eyes widened, standing up straight and pulling his arms close to his chest. His eyes watered.

"Get out."

"Wh-"

"Get. Out." He snarled, pointing to the exit of the lair. 

"I—" He started, before his voice caught in his throat and the tears started to spill over. "F- fine. . ." He swallowed thickly, his throat feeling dry with shame as he turned and speed-walked to the lab. He shut the door, grabbing a backpack from a corner and beginning to pack the necessary things for survival. He packed multiple pairs of clothes, a few water bottles, some granola bars, and most importantly; money.

He threw on the backpack after pulling on his hoodie, putting his phone in his pocket and sprinting out. All in a blurry haze of tears and choked sobs. He didn't even bother to stop when the other three greeted him in the kitchen, taking a painful gasp for air as he wiped his tears with his arm and exited the lair completely.

The other three blinked in confusion, and soon their faces grew into looks of worry. 

"Was Donnie. . Crying. . ?" The snapper asked.

"Yo am I the only one who saw how fast he was trying to leave? And right after—"

"Why does he have a backpack on?" Mikey interrupted, earning a confused glance from the other two. "He had a backpack, and it looked full."

"Maybe we can call him? I don't think he wants to be bothered right now to be honest—" Leo began.

"We're talking to pops. Obviously he has something to do with this." Raph decided, walking out of the kitchen and towards the lounge.

The other two followed close in tow.

——————

The softshell stifled a wretched sob, trying not to draw attention to him as he walked through the busy streets of New York. His feet slapped cold concrete as he walked, going as fast as possible to. . Who knows where? He isn't even sure which way he's going let alone where he's going. Most likely somewhere near Staten island or nearby, so definitely east I suppose. . He decided, too hyper focused on trying to not draw attention and stopping his crying. In his opinion, it was rather pathetic. Why was he crying over being kicked out by a man he didn't even deem worthy of being a father figure? He shouldn't be crying, he was prepared for this. He's been prepared for this for years. Up to this point he was just waiting for it to happen.

The softshell turned into a long alleyway. Perhaps he could find some place to rest for a few minutes while he searches for a hotel or something online. He found an empty milk crate within a pile of boxes, snatching it and flipping it upside down so he could sit. He set his backpack beside him, leaning against the wall. He pulled out his phone, going straight to the Google search engine and beginning his search.

There were faint footsteps from the other side of the alleyway, which the softshell hadn't noticed. They quickly grew nearer, along with loud barked laughs from what sounded to be teenagers. There was a large group, probably around 5 or 6. The laughing seemed to quiet as they grew closer, only small Snickers coming from the late few as they stopped in front of the softshell, turning to face him with cocky grins. "Oi, what're you doin' man?" One questioned.

"Nothing of your concern—" The terrapin stated, not looking up from his phone.

"Oh? I think it is though, bud. This is our hangout."

"Fine, I don't want any trouble, so I'll leave." He decided, reaching for his backpack before suddenly having his wrist grabbed and yanked towards the boys.

"I don't think so. What if you tell your dumb little friends and they start coming over?"

"Don't have any, you are safe. Now please release my wrist—"

"'safe', huh? What would they do? Beat me with a textbook?" He questioned, causing the rest of the group to bark with laughter.

"It's a figure of sp—" He began, abruptly being cut off as he was yanked forward into a stand. His hoodie being grabbed and him being yanked down to the jocks level, trying to pull him off.

"Don't try and be a smartass, nerd."

"Been called worse, imbecile. Now please unhand me—" 

"The hell did you just call me?!" He snapped, letting go and winding up a punch.

The terrapin's eyes widened, narrowly avoiding a fist to the face as he grabbed the boy's wrist, twisting in such a way the jock went spinning and crashing to the ground on his back.

"OW, damnit!" He yelled, sitting up.

Donnie took that as his chance to leave, grabbing his backpack and sprinting towards the exit.

The boy scowled, snapping and pointing to him.

The others nodded, speeding after and tripping the purple-clad.

He flew forward, launching his bag too far away to reach and causing his phone to shatter upon impact with the ground. His chin smacked into the ground with a yelp, suddenly feeling his arms being yanked from behind him and pulling him up.

The boys pinned his arms to the side, causing him to wince from the tight hold.

The main jock stood, walking over and scowling. "Stupid BRAT!" He snapped, landing a punch straight to the gut. 

Donnie winced, keeping his beak tightly shut. Don't scream don't scream don't scream—

There was another, and another, and another. . . Finally causing the terrapins knees to buckle after endless shaking. The jocks released him, letting him crumple to the floor and gasp for air before beginning to pummel him with angry kicks and heavy punches.

You get what you fucking deserve, kid. A distant thought appeared in the softshell's mind, in which the jocks seemed to repeat aloud as if reading his mind.

He cried out whenever they hit his shell, curling in on himself the best he could as his weak cries grew louder. Stop stop stop stop—

After a while, they eventually stopped. Finally growing bored and leaving while loudly celebrating. 

The terrapin was left in the alley, gasping desperately for the air that was knocked out of him while juggling the pain both his shell and the rest of his body was in. He whined in pain whenever he moved, a new spike of pain shooting his body as he weakly cried out again. Pathetic. Useless. Defenseless. Stupid softshell. His mind provided mercilessly. Didn't even think to bring your stupid battle shell.

There were more footsteps from afar, to which Donnie assumed to be the jocks returning either with more friends or for another round of "turtle punching bag".

It turns out it was neither, it was someone much, much worse.

"Hello, Donatello." A deep voice spoke menacingly.

He couldn't find it in himself to respond, instead just moving wrong and whimpering in pain.

They must have made it really easy for me, haven't they? The sheep man thought fondly. Easy takings. Although. . . He glanced back down at the softshell, who lay on his side still curled in on himself. I suppose an injured soldier is a dead soldier.

He awaited for the Baron to do something. Kidnap him, kill him, something. But it never came, which further terrified him.

"What has caused such painful noises, child?" He questioned, voice staying flat and monotone.

He just sharply inhaled, wincing as his lungs began to burn. He flinched as he felt vines snake under him, eyes squeezing shut and awaiting his capture. Pathetic. Can't even fight back for your own life.

The Baron lifted the mutant off the ground, examining the wounds he was able to see on his legs. He wasn't able to see much, due to the fact the terrapin was nearly curled into a ball. "Relax your body, child." He ordered.

The softshell hesitantly complied, ever so slowly relaxing as he bit back another cry. He was on his back now, legs dangling off the vines and arms at his sides. His legs were ever so carefully lifted to be straight by some vines, whimpering and tensing up for a second before relaxing again.

Draxum examined the bruises that lined his skin, shaking his head in an unknown emotion. "What has caused this?" I must know so I know how to ensure it does not happen again under my command. . . Surely.

"F- from. . From the beg- ginning—?" He questioned.

"Yes."

"W- well. . ." He began, proceeding to tell the Sheep man everything. After all, Not like he could use it against me at all. Or if he could, it wouldn't matter anyway.

By the end of the explanation the Barons face looked of mild concern and anger. "Child, why have you decided to live with this man? Your scientific genius was wasted away living in such conditions." He commented.

"W- well. . I mean I don't anymore, re- remember. . ? And, wh- where else would I go, anyway. . . ?" He rasped, letting out a singular chuckle before whimpering again in pain at the action.

The sheep man shook his head in disdain. "No, child. Even I know you do not deserve such treatment by a father." He pulled him close to his chest, cradling him in his arms as the latter leaned against his chest with a sharp inhale of pain and a clench of his teeth. 

"A- aren't you gonna. . Kill me- or something—?"

"No, I am not."

"B- but what. . What about your plans—"

"My plans can wait, for now I have a child to tend to." He stated.

"Heh. . Ow—" He winced. 

He shook his head, picking up the bag via the vines and taking it with him towards the spot he had arrived at the human city from.

"Y- y'know. . That's the first— ow, time a parent aged. . Adult called me b- by my name. . . Unsure H- how to feel. ." He rasped, a small chuckle emitting from him as he winced.

"I am a supposed 'villain', not a monster, Donatello." He stated, adjusting his hold so the latter didn't fall by accident.

"Mhm. . ." He mumbled, feeling quite drowsy. He attempted to stay awake, just in case there was something needed of him, but ultimately failed. He fell asleep, cradled carefully in the Barons arms with his head leaning against his chest.

New father figure acquired ✔️

Chapter Text

"So, from what I am gathering, he has always been like this?"

"Well— I- I'm quite unsure, I don't remember much from when I was a tot. I don't think he was always like this— b- but I also don't not think so. . I'm not sure if that makes sense—" He replied, nibbling on a pack of yokai food he had not known the name or origin of. (Neither did he want to know, to be honest. Although it didn't taste bad)

"It makes sense plenty, child. Though it matters not whether he has been like this since his 'glory days' had long since left, he still shouldn't be acting like. . That." He commented, munching on something as well. 

"Yeah. . I- I guess— I dunno. . . I'm still grappling with the fact I was disowned so quickly." He sighed, wincing slightly as his lungs were still inflamed. "Does. . Does the yokai realm by chance have a hotel-? Preferably one that doesn't force people to fight in a giant battle arena— Or- how is- what?" He stumbled over his words, unknowing of what the situation was right now.

"There is no need for a hotel, you will be staying with me." He stated.

"Right— forgot, the whole 'destroy humanity' thing. . ." Idiot how could you forget?

"Perhaps. . That could wait."

"Oh? But—"

"I know what I said child, but I will postpone said plans for a while. You need tending to, and so do your brothers."

He didn't know what to say, to be honest. What would the others think? Had he accidentally just saved humanity? What was going on?

"And besides, the hotels here are pitiful at best. You would have better success within the bottom of a dumpster."

"Oh— Good to know—" He nodded slightly, munching on some more of the mystery food.

The Baron nodded.

——————

"What the shell happened with you two?" The snapper scowled, snaggletooth poking into his chin as his Raph-chasm was visible through his mask.

"Purple was being an ungrateful brat, is what happened." The rat snapped harshly.

"Why did he have a backpack with him?" Mikey questioned.

"And why was he crying?" Leo added.

"He has. . Left. You need not worry my sons, it does not matter." He waved them off, sitting back into the recliner and pressing play on his show.

The three stepped in front of the T.V., effectively blocking it's view.

"What did you say to our brother?" Raph practically snarled, arms crossed and nails digging into his skin.

"Do not call him that." He ordered.

"What? Brother? Why so, he is! And he's your son, too!" Leo snapped, stepping forward and using his hands to emphasize his point.

"He is no son of mine, and he is no brother of yours any longer." He scowled.

The three's eyes widened, expressions dropping slightly into a look of confusion and horror.

"From here on out, you are all banned from any and all communication with him, you will not speak to, see, listen to, or even mention him. He is but another stranger to us all." He added.

Mikey's brow ridges furrowed. "You can't do that! He's our brother! He's our family!"

"No he is not. And never will be, now begone. Go skateboard or something. I must finish my show."

"Why did you kick him out?! He could have very well been hurt by someone or kidnapped or something!"

"Not my problem, Blue."

"Yes it is, because you were the cause of all this! You probably don't even have a good reason to kick him out!"

"Yes I did." He growled.

"Oh? Then what is it?" He questioned, crossing his arms and tapping his foot. "C'mon I'm waiting. I have all day."

"I do not have to explain myself to you."

"Uh, yeah, ya do. You kicked our brother out because of some stupid argument that probably didn't even mean anything! He could be hurt or taken by now because. Of. You." He hissed.

"Well perhaps he should have been more careful out there, then." He stated bitterly.

The slider gasped, scowling. "Oh that. Is. IT!" He lunged at him, suddenly being yanked back by the two brothers and held back.

"Blue, I am your father. You are to listen to me. Is it so hard to ask for cooperative and quiet kids?" He scowled.

"You don't deserve the father title!" He hissed.

"Like you are one to say such things. You are but a reckless, cocky, attitude-filled child!"

"And you're nothing but a grouchy, cranky, overdramatic rat!" Mikey suddenly burst out, tears filling his eyes.

"You know nothing."

"We know a lot more than ya think, Splinter." Raph snarled, picking up the two and cradling them in his arms. "I'm taking these two, and we're leaving. We're going to find Donnie and find a better place to live than this miserable place."

"You will not find any place that will accept mutants."

"We'll probably find some place better than if we stuck here with you." He snapped back, walking out and towards the rooms.

——————

"Alright, start packin' you two. I'll be packin' my own stuff if ya need anythin'." Raph set the two down in the hallway, leaving to his room once he knew the other two understood.

Raphael sighed, retrieving a large duffel bag he had shoved in a corner (other bags would rip easily) and beginning to pack his things. He ensured to grab the bare necessities, unless there was room to spare. He made sure to pack clothes, a charger, his tōnfas, and what little money he had left in his savings. Once he felt content with what he had, he grabbed a few sentimental things. One being a small picture frame that was cracked on the glass and a little bit of the frame itself, with a small picture inside of the four brothers and April. It was a snow day that day, and it just so happened to be the same day Mikey had his coat turned into a vest (courtesy of Donnie's recklessness and quote: "middle child nonsense")

Leonardo, on the other hand, had no idea what to pack. He was still furious about what he had found out, and even more furious about the fact Splinter didn't even care. He haphazardly shoved clothes and other random things in his bag, not even bothering to fold the clothes or organize anything. He didn't have any money (spent it all on comics and figurines) so he hadn't grabbed it. His mind often wandered as he packed, commonly pondering the same question over and over; "Where is 'Tello?"

Michelangelo had trouble deciding what to pack after he packed his clothes, his vision often blurring as tears erupted from him, quick and merciless. He looked over to his piggy bank, grabbing it off the shelf and smashing it. He picked up the spilled coins and little cash he had inside, placing them in an empty pencil pouch he had. He put the pouch inside his bag after cleaning up the mess, along with a sketchbook and some other drawing utensils. He even managed to fit his drawing tablet as well. He zipped up the bag, taking one last look around the room before sighing and throwing it over his shoulder. He walked out, wiping his arm over his face.

"Everyone ready?" Raph questioned, slinging his bag strap over his shoulder and crossing his arms.

"Y- yeah. ." The box turtle nodded, wiping his arm over his face again.

"Yeah, I sure am." Leo nodded, adjusting his bag."

"Alright, let's go before somethin' else happens. ." The snapper nodded back, turning towards the exit and leaving.

The other two followed in tow, all collectively ignoring the lounge as they turned the corner to the main sewer system.

——————

"Does it still hurt to move, child?"

"Most of it is bearable. . it's just my stupid shell and ribs that are giving me issues. . ."

"Mhm, perhaps I have something to soothe said problems." He stated, standing up from the side of the couch.

"O- okay—" He nodded slightly, distantly expecting it to be some sort of syringe of unknown substance or to be knocked out. He pushed away the thought, even if he was unsure completely if he should trust the man. No you dumb dumb, you would have still been writhing on that stupid ground in pain had it not been for him. He deserves your trust.

"I shall return shortly." He said, turning and leaving the room. The familiar clicking of his hooves hitting hard flooring being heard as it faded away.

The softshell lay in silence, staring up at the ceiling with a faint smile. I wonder what the others are doing, I hope they are doing well. .

The sheep man returned about five minutes later, a few things in hand.

"W- what are those—?" He rasped, turning his head slightly to the side to face him.

"I am unsure fully of what your species requires, but I have gotten Huginn and Muninn to retrieve these for you. One is a heating pad, and one is a weighted blanket of some sort." He explained, examining the objects himself. "I am unsure as to how these truly work, but I have heard the weight of said blanket provides comfort to the subject beneath. The heat of the pad provides a soothing property to the sore or injured area, I have heard."

The terrapin's eyes seemed to light up, hands tapping the couch cushions at his sides happily. "Y- yes— They are very helpful, es- specially when someone can't sleep or has trouble sleeping."

The sheep man nodded, seeing the supposedly happy action of his hands and the sparkle in his eyes and assuming he did the right thing retrieving these. "Alright then, I shall situate everything for your aid in the healing process."

"O- Okay." He nodded slightly, watching as the Baron turned a dial on the heated mat and nodded in content with himself. He was suddenly lifted up by some vines, set back down after a few seconds and instantly feeling the warmth of the mat beneath his aching carapace.

The sheep man carefully draped the heavy blanket over the relaxed softshell, ensuring it covered his entire body (except the head, of course.)

"S- so what do I call you. . ?"

"I suppose. . you may call me whatever you want for now."

"Okay. . Papa. . ." He murmured.

The baron was taken aback, not expecting that nickname. He decided to just nod and pat the softshell's head.

The terrapin couldn't help but smile, snuggling into the blanket and suddenly feeling a drowsy feeling wash over him. He dozed off, head tilting to the side as he let out a relieved exhale.

He hadn't remembered the last time he felt so calm and safe without the help of his brothers.

The Baron nodded, glad with his work. He turned and made his way out, calling over the goyles and instructing them to find the other three turtles. He then retreated back to the room Donnie resided in.

——————

The three walked the busy streets of New York, searching for their softshelled brother while also looking for a place to stay. They avoided the alleys as much as possible, knowing most of them either ended in dead ends or were filled with very unwelcoming people. Finally, they decided to take an alley, as it was one of the few that were empty and didn't end in a wall or another building.

They walked through the alley, noticing something lying towards the other end of the concrete corridor. It looked like it had been dropped or something of that nature. They walked, finally stumbling upon the unknown object and stopping.

Leo bent down to pick it up, standing and examining it. "It's. . Donnie's phone—" He noticed, turning it over screen-up.

"Why is it here? And why is it cracked?" Mikey wondered aloud, noticing the scuffs and web of cracks all over the screen. 

Raphael had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach, his Older Brother senses tingling an unsettling amount. "Guys. . I don't got a good Feelin' that he's okay." He pointed out.

"Yeah— He doesn't just drop his phone like that, especially not that hard." Mikey agreed.

Leo nodded as well, shoving the shattered device inside his fanny pack.

Suddenly, distant wingbeats could be heard, as if there were multiple bats or large pigeons.

The three turned to the unusual noise, eyes widening as they spotted the goyle duo flying straight towards them.

"Turts- turtles-!" Muninn called, panting as he skidded to a stop mid air. Huginn crashed into him right after, though.

"Ow! Muninn let me know when you're stopping next time!"

"What are you two doing here?" Raph growled, narrowing his eyes.

"We- We were sent to let ya know about the Purple guy, Uh- I think his name was—"

"Donnie!" The three exclaimed.

"Eh- yeah. Him. Draxum wanted us to let ya know he was hurt but is recovering. And was wondering if ya wanted to see 'im." Muninn said nervously.

"Why the shell does the goat have him?!" Leo questioned, concern and anger thick in his tone.

"Dunno, something about finding him banged up over here and taking him home to heal. I dunno the full details." Muninn shrugged.

"Take us to him!" Mikey spoke up, scrambling in front of the two brothers. "Please take us to him!"

"Will do little man!" Huginn nodded, putting a thumbs up.

"Wait Mikey, what if they're lyin'?" Raph suggested.

"Eh, not like we haven't taken on the guy before. I say we trust them but keep our guard up just in case." Leo stated.

"Fine, as long as we don't let our guard down. Take us to him then." Raph agreed.

"Youuu got it!" They grinned, turning and beginning their way towards where they entered the city from.

Chapter Text

"Where is he?!" The brothers exclaimed, sprinting into the room they were told to go into.

The softshell groaned at the sudden loud noises, shifting ever so slightly and humming in relief for the heating pad.

"Shhhh, I urge you to silence yourselves. He is. . Alright, he is just asleep as of now." Draxum stated, standing from the chair that sat in front of the couch and setting down a book he had been reading.

"What happened to him? We were told he was hurt, why do you have him?" The slider questioned quickly, receiving a large hand on his face to quiet him. (courtesy of Raph) 

"I suppose I will explain what I have been told, so long as you are not loud."

The other two glanced at Leo.

". . Fine." He agreed, shoving the hand away.

"Sit, I will begin from when I found him, and leave the rest for him to explain" The sheep man gestured to a row of seats that was provided for them, sitting back down and setting his book on the stand beside his own seat.

They sat, eyeing the sleeping softshell and awaiting for the Baron to begin speaking.

"I found him in an alleyway, lying on the dirty concrete flooring in high distress, so I decided to take him here for recovery. I will admit, at first my intentions were not well, but I changed my mind after seeing how urgent it was. I have since postponed my plans to further aid him in his recovery process, and taken it upon myself to let him reside here for however long is needed."

"Do ya know what happened to 'im. . ?" Raph questioned after a small pause.

"Indeed, I do." He nodded. "A group of juvenile humans took it upon themselves to injure him greatly because he was quote; 'in their hangout'."

"And—"

"There were around five or six, as I was informed." He said, already knowing what the question was before it was even asked. 

They all nodded, glancing back over at the fourth terrapin solemnly.

Suddenly there was a small groan, followed by the slight shift of the blanket and a small whimper. "P- Papa. . ?" Donnie croaked, turning his head towards the Baron.

"Yes, child?"

"Who- who are you talking. . To?"

"Papa?!" The three exclaimed, nearly jumping out of their seats out of shock.

"Ah, perhaps I should have mentioned that detail sooner."

"G-" He went to turn to them while laying on his elbow, wincing and whimpering in pain. "Guys. . ?"

"Donnie!" Mikey called, jumping up out of his seat and going to hug the latter.

"M- Michael?"

"I highly suggest you do not touch his shell or rib areas, they are unwell." Draxum pointed out.

"P- please. ." Donnie agreed.

"Sooo, we just gonna skip over the fact he just called you papa?" Leo questioned.

The genius sunk back into the blanket, thoroughly embarrassed.

"Because he seems comfortable with the name so I suppose I will be letting it slide. Is there perhaps a problem, Leonardo?" He crossed his arms, cocking an eyebrow.

"W- well— uh— I mean—" He stumbled over his words, trying to find the correct wording.

"What he's tryin' to say is, you're kind of a villain and supposed to be our enemy— and it just caught us by surprise 's all."

"Mhm, well I suppose you aren't quite in the wrong, though you could have said it a little quieter."

Donnie murmured something inaudible, pulling the blanket over his head.

"Eh, so, what was it ya wanted to explain Don?" Raph turned back to him.

"Hm. . ?" He removed the blanket from his head, confused.

"About earlier. What we have agreed on doing for the current situation." Draxum reminded.

"What. . ? Oh— R- right—" He took a breath, exhaling slowly and beginning his explanation. "M- me and Papa agreed I was gonna stay for awhile, at least until I heal. . Erm— He also suggested that- you guys stay here, too. Because- because erm. ."

"Because the rat is not fit to take care of the four of you whatsoever. At least not from what I have been informed of." The Baron finished for him.

"Uhhhh. . Okay— not what I was expectin' to be honest—" Raph chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head.

"Understandable." He nodded.

"Uhh, question, is there other options?" The slider asked, receiving a small slap in the back of the head. And by Mikey of all people.

"Oh just give him a chance Lee! If Dee trusts him I do!"

"Oh, sorry I'm still upset about being thrown off a ROOF!" He snapped, pouting and rubbing the back of his head.

"Fair enough, I wouldn't either." The sheep man nodded.

"Well, then I guess we can if it's alright— Otherwise we woulda just found a hotel or somethin' instead."

"Y- you'd have better luck in- the bottom of a dumpster." The softshell said.

Draxum couldn't help but give a faint smile at the quote, eyes drifting to the latter but staying facing the three. "Yes, he is correct. As I told him before, you would have better luck in the bottom of a dumpster. The majority of the hotels in this city and even in the human realm are quote; 'rip-offs', or they do not provide the necessary needs for one to reside there for longer than a day."

"Oh, good to know." Mikey nodded.

"T- that's what I said. ." The genius chuckled lightly, wincing.

"And this entire situation works out because we ran away." The slider spoke, crossing his arms and leaning back in the chair. "Betcha five bucks we would've been kicked out next if we stayed there another day."

"Leo— really?" Raph rolled his eyes.

"Whaaat? I'm not wrong! The guy would've probably got mad and broke the T.V. again expecting us to know how to fix it or something. Also I'm broke so it's a perfect way to make money." He grinned.

"Yes, but it should not have been that way." Draxum pointed out. "A father should not act in such a horrible manner." 

"Right. ." Leo's expression fell slightly, as did the other three's.

"True, but we ain't in that situation anymore, are we?" Raph pointed out, attempting to lighten the mood. "We don't gotta worry 'bout 'im any longer now. Sure, we got some. . Unexpected help, but at least we ain't on the streets."

"Right!" Mikey nodded, clambering onto the snappers back. "And we got big ol' Raphie to protect us!"

"Yep!"

"Surely he will not make such hostile attempts if he knows what is best for him." The sheep man scowled.

"Well- he hasn't actually hurt us that bad so far. . He mostly just takes it out on the wall or T.V. or something. . ." The box turtle said.

"The most he's done is pop us in the mouth or put us in time out from what I remember." Leo added.

"Yeah, for hours on end." The snapper scowled. "Ya gotta remember, he also didn't pay much attention to us either."

"And left R- Raph to practically raise us. ." Donnie murmured.

"These are still not things he should have ever been doing, angry at you or not. You did not deserve such treatment from your father. And for years at that."

"Well I guess Donnie claimed you as his new pops now so maybe things will change!" The youngest smiled, resting a hand on the softshell's head and patting it lightly.

"He has . . 'claimed me' as his new father? What an interesting choice of words. I must say, I have never heard such terminology used."

"Yeah well, I'd get used to it. He gets attached easily." Leo snickered.

"D- do not—" The twin mumbled.

"Do too!"

"Do n- not!"

"Oi! Enough with the middle child nonsense before I knock some sense into ya!" Raph ordered.

"Empty threats work not dear brother! And plus, he started it." Leo grinned.

"Is this an every day occurrence with the two of you?" Draxum questioned.

"Sorta, only when they're mad at each other or need someone to blame something on." Mikey stifled a giggle. "Or just when they're bored."

"Ah, so I see." He nodded. "Fair enough, natural sibling rivalry is common in most species from what I have witnessed."

"Huh. Cool! Me next Leo me next!"

"No, there ain't gonna be any more rivalries, we already have to deal with two bozos I don't wanna have to deal with more." Raph cut in, using a hand to separate Leo and Mikey.

"I say let them deal with it on their own, it gets their pent up energy out. Perhaps they will learn something, even."

"No! We ain't lettin' them fight!"

"Yeah! Because he knows I'm gonna kick your ass Lee!"

"In your dreams little man!"

"Mikey, language! Leo, stop antagonizing him!"

"I'm not little!"

"Uh yeah, ya are."

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

The Baron grinned at the squabble from the two brothers, before suddenly sapping his attention to the softshell. He noticed he was shifting rather uncomfortably, with a face of clear distress, so he stood and made his way towards him. "Donatello, are you alright?"

"Sh- shell— H- hurts—" He replied, voice sounding very broken and scratchy.

"Understood, would you like for me to examine it for any other possible damage?"

"I- I just wan- want it to s- stop. ."

"Hmm, very well then." He nodded. Then grimaced. "Silence you two!" He ordered, not taking his eyes off the clearly pained terrapin.

"Heyyy! You ca—" Leo was suddenly cut off, the large hand returning to his face as he was pulled close to Raph's plastron, squirming and dramatically flailing around.

The Baron carefully took off the blanket, setting it at the end of the couch and returning to him. "I am going to lift you up now, is that alright Donatello?"

He nodded slightly in response, squeezing his left wrist tightly with his right hand.

He nodded in response, gently maneuvering his hands underneath the softshell and lifting him up. He sat in the spot the latter once lay, carefully setting him into his lap into a sitting position.

The terrapin's legs hung limply off the side of the sheep man's, whimpering again as he was sat up.

The Baron allowed the genius to lean forward into his arm, as it was the support, and examined the injured carapace. He noticed there were large bruises still forming in random spots, most commonly by the spinal area. And there were even a few minor scrapes along the edges of it as well. "So far I do not notice anything potentially threatening to your health. Although your shell is severely bruised, especially near the vertebral column, therefore you mustn't do many strenuous activities so as to not cause further injury."

"O- okay—" He rasped.

"Huginn, Muninn!" He snapped.

"Yes bossman?" The goyles asked, flying haphazardly through the doorway.

"Go retrieve my medical supplies, immediately."

"You got it chief!" They salute, zooming out.

He shook his head, annoyed at the two as he returned his gaze to the other. He thought for a moment, then slowly leaned him back, resting him against his arm and chest carefully.

He leaned his head into his chest, latching to his other hand tightly and pulling it close.

He was caught by surprise with the sudden movement, allowing his hand to be taken. He was thoroughly confused, though assumed it was a comfort thing.

The others just watched, moving closer to the two with worried looks on their faces. 

". . And human teenagers did this?" Leo questioned, receiving a nod in response and shaking his head. "Must've been the overly sporty ones April talks about."

"What I had explained was merely a summary of what had happened. I am sure he will not mind informing you of the details when he is well enough to do so." The sheep man stated.

"Alright—" Raph nodded.

Mikey pulled up the chairs, sitting in his and pouting as he looked at his injured brother.

The softshell squeezed his eyes shut, exhaling sharply out of pain and squeezing the hand harder before relaxing immediately after. Pathetic. Get up, now.

Raph just reached forward hesitantly, gently stroking his brother's head in attempts to soothe the distressed younger.

Get up. Get up. Get up don't be weak. Pain is merely a minor setback, get. Up. Now.

Chapter Text

April walked along the busy streets, humming to herself as she listened to a random Spotify playlist. Her hands were shoved inside her pockets, her hair up in her usual dual buns, and her signature yellow jacket being worn. She bobbed her head along with the music, making sure she didn't accidentally rip the headphones out by getting them caught on her sleeve or something.

She made her way to the main entrance alley, looking around to make sure no one was watching before lifting the manhole cover and hopping in. She closed the cover, climbing down the ladder and hopping to the solid ground beneath. She dusted herself off, marching her way towards the lair using the path she memorized all those years ago when she met the family. She continued humming, drumming her fingers in the air and doing a little jig every once in a while because she could. She finally arrived at the lair about twenty minutes later, stopping in her tracks at how unusually quiet it was. Weird. . . Maybe they're doin' something in Don's room? She turned off her music and neatly rolled her headphones up, shoving them into her pocket and marching in.

"Ohh boys! I'm back!" She called, pausing for a minute before calling out again. "Boys!"

Nothing.

"Okay now I'm gettin' freaked out—" She said to herself, looking around as she walked towards the lounge.

"Splints? Have you seen— Huh-? Yo splints you okay?" She asked, walking over and kneeling beside the recliner.

The rat just sighed, shaking his head. Perhaps she will understand.

"Okay, talk to me then. What's wrong?"

"Alright, I suppose. . . Purple and I got into another argument because of the T.V. and we had said some quite unnecessary things. . I admit, we both had gotten angrier than needed. Although he had gone as far as to say that I only keep him around because of his tech machines. I simply asked if he had been taking those therapy sessions with orange and he blew up at me. So, in defense, I snapped back. Although I didn't go that far. He proceeded to then tell me that all I do to acknowledge them is to 'yell at them' or 'use them for errands'." He frowned. "He blamed me for his mistakes, then saying that I was apparently too blind to notice when they 'needed more than just the bare minimum.' And yet they fail to realize I provided for them since they were but little creatures." He summarized.

". . So- what else was he saying? And did you say anything back?"

"He was being an ungrateful brat is what he was." He growled.

"Sooo. . ?"

"So I kicked him out. The only smart option I knew."

"You did WHAT?!" She exclaimed, causing the rat to flinch back slightly.

"I-"

"No no. . I heard what you said I'm pretty sure. You said you kicked him out? Just because he had an opinion?! What the shell splints?!"

"I do not see the problem."

"He's your son!"

". . ."

"What?"

"He is no son of mine. If he cannot follow simple rudimentary instructions, and has an attitude or screams at me when he doesn't like my ways or get his own, he does not deserve to live under my roof. He can go find his own home and follow his own rules if he is going to act in such a way."

"Where are the others?" She growled.

"Wh-"

"Where. Are. The. Others?" She repeated.

"They. . Left."

"Good."

"What?"

"I said good. They shouldn't be livin' in a place like here if you're gonna act like this. They took the smart route. So good."

"But—"

"No, I don't even have to hear the rest to know you screwed up. You screamed at your child over a t.v. because you knew you were to blame and didn't want to take the fall. He just defended himself. Sure, he might've taken it a bit overboard but that's because he doesn't have a filter. So you should be working with him on that, not making Mike's do that! You should be taking initiative for your son's well being instead of throwing him out onto the streets of New York. He's a damn mutant! What if someone sees him?! What if someone doesn't react the way you expect them to?! This city is practically unpredictable and you just decide to let your son out alone with probably nothing but a backpack and his hoodie."

"I—"

"I ain't done yet, Splinter." She scowled. "To be honest, I understand what he's getting at. Because whenever I come over, all you're doing is sitting in this damn recliner and watching that now broken T.V.! The most I hear from you for hours on end is you asking one of them to do something for you or to say hello and goodbye to me. I don't hear nothing else from you at all."

"I do not do that—"

"Oh and here you are again, playin' victim and denying it all! I assume you have been doing this for awhile now haven't you? I'm also guessing you left out quite a few details when you explained what happened. So, I'm not taking your side until I find out the rest. And I'm gonna find them and bring them back so you guys can talk this bullshit out! I've heard of family problems but this is a whole new level! This could probably be considered neglect and, I hate to say this but, abuse."

". . . ."

"Mhm, wordless now, huh? I'm pretty sure I got more to say but I can't think of anything right now. So consider this my formal goodbye until I find everyone." She stood, dusting her pants off and turning to leave. She stopped in the doorway, turning back to the recliner for a second. "Oh, and Splints? You're really gonna regret not havin' them here. Just sayin'." She stated, turning back and leaving without another word.

——————

"Yeah so—" Leo began, suddenly pausing as his phone began to ring. He sighed, yanking it out of his fanny pack and checking to see who it was. "Oh shell— it's April."

"Well answer it dumb dumb!" Mikey said.

Leo nodded, answering it and putting it on speaker.

"WHERE ARE YOU GUYS!? DONNIE AINT ANSWERIN'!" The girl snapped from the other line, worry thick in her tone.

"Oops— Uh- hangin' out- why?" Leo asked.

"I don't believe that for a second mister! You better tell me or I'm cutting you off from my Lady Gaga playlist!"

"NO NOT LADY GAGA PLEASE ANYTHING BUT THAT!" He shrieked, freezing up and grinning nervously. "Eheheh. . Uhhh— Anyways— We're Uh- hangin' out with G-man."

"DRAXUM?!?" She yelped. "You're hanging out with DRAXUM?!" 

"Uh, yeah, just said that, duh. Ow-!" He glared at Raph, rubbing the back of his head. "Apriiiiiil Raph's hitting meeeeee!"

"Raph probably had a good reason, Lee. Now where are you? I'm comin' over!"

"Uhhhhhh," He looked over at the Baron, wordlessly asking for help.

He sighed. "I will go have my goyles retrieve her, I suppose."

"Right-o. Hear that April? G-man's weird flying dogs are gonna come get ya."

"Fine but if they try anything I'm hitting them with my bat! I still don't trust 'em after last time!"

"Youuu got it sister! Byeeee!" He hung up, sighing with relief. "She's mean." He pouted.

"Yeah well, she also doesn't sound too happy soooo—" Raph pointed out, tapping his index fingers together.

"True I guess." The slider grumbled, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. He glanced over at the sleeping softshell, who was still in the Barons lap snuggled against his chest. He noticed the blanket was back over him, with the heating pad propped against the arm rest of the couch for his shell. "That does not gotta be comfortable man. I dunno how he does it." He commented.

"Well, he is a softshell, so he's more flexible than us, remember?" Mikey replied, patting the purple-clad's head lightly and smiling.

"True but still. Dude can legally be considered a contortionist by now with how bone-shattering that position is. He's literally twisted like a pretzel."

"No he ain't!"

"Mi Hermano, he is LITERALLY laying like he got hit by a bus. His right foot is beside his side with that same knee bent completely, his left leg looks like it is twisted all the way around somehow, his right arm is completely straightened and latching to this dude's arm like he's gonna die if he lets go, his back is laying flat on G-man's lap with his upper carapace against the arm rest, his neck is completely to the side and his other arm is nowhere to be seen man. C'mon you know I ain't wrong."

"Well, when ya put it that way—"

"Just admit I'm right Mike, I know what you're doin' man."

"You know what no! You aren't right. That's actually how he normally sleeps."

"Well if you mean he sleeps in the most spine-shattering positions then yeah, you're right."

"Yep!"

"And you sleep like ya can't ever find the right temperature for your room so you ain't really much different." Raph grinned.

"Do not!"

"Usually the right half of your body is hanging off the bed and the left half is buried under the giant bed sheets you got piled on the mattress." Mikey giggled.

"So, little mister Ebenezer Scrooge, wanna try that again?" The snapper crossed his arms.

"Would ya stop callin' me Scrooge! I ain't Scrooge! If anything Donnie is because he hates Christmas!"

"He only hates it because he never gets his Uranium man, and because you always get him beach balls."

"Need I remind you what happened three Christmases ago Lee?" Mikey smiled.

"Uhhh, yeah?"

"You filled his lab to the brim with them and hid in the middle."

"Ha! That was the loudest scream I have EVER heard from him man, so worth being thrown into the icy-lazy river."

"Not worth havin' to fish ya out though because ya froze like a popsicle." Raph rolled his eyes.

"Leosicle!" Mikey giggled.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." The slider rolled his eyes, scrolling on his phone.

Suddenly the brown-haired teen burst into the room, scrambling to get her footing. "Man those things are annoying! They were singin' ninety nine bottles the whole way here!"

"Aprillll!" Mikey exclaimed, jumping up and wrapping his arms around her waist to hug her.

She smiled and patted his head. "Sup lil man."

"Greetings, O'Neil." Draxum greeted, tone unintentionally flat and monotone.

"Uhh, sup—" She turned to him, waving a bit before noticing the genius in his lap. "Uhh, that's new—"

Suddenly he shifted slightly, murmuring something barely audible as his hand finally released the sheep man's arm. "Papa. . Hurts. . ." He murmured.

"PAPA?!?" The teen exclaimed, eyes widening. "Did he—"

"Indeed, he did."

"And you—"

"Indeed, I am."

"But—"

"It will make sense here shortly."

"Okay—"

"Sooo, what brings you here 'Pril?" Raph questioned.

"I'm pretty sure ya already know big man." She put her hands on her hips, or at least tried to with a Mikey still attached to her waist. 

"Oh. . Right— Uhh, it's kinda hard to explain if that's what you're gettin' at—"

"I can wait. I got all day. It's Friday after all."

"Well first of all how did you know?"

"Splinter told me his side of the story. It wasn't a very good or detailed one at that, so Imma need answers, and now." She said, looking to the side before adding, "Please. Take your time though."

"Alright, Draxum ya wanna explain this one? You know the most about Don's side."

"Very well." He nodded, then gestured to his empty seat that was still in front of the couch. "I suppose you would like to sit down for this, as it is quite lengthy."

"Alright then. Mike's, wanna sit on my lap since you don't seem to wanna let go."

"Yeah!" He nodded, letting go so she could walk to the chair.

She did so, sitting and patting her lap for the terrapin to sit, letting out an "oof!" When he leaped and landed harshly with a giggle.

"Alright, so I am aware you must know a bit, correct?"

"Yes, probably— I don't quite trust his truthfulness right now so I'm gonna go with a very doubtful maybe."

"Very well." He nodded.

 "So it begins when they had an argument. . ."

Chapter Text

"Holy shell. . I- I'm so sorry you guys— I shoulda—"

"Don't, April. It's fine, we ain't there anymore." Raph reassured.

"Right— But still, ya shouldn't have had to go through that—"

"Yeah, guess so."

"Though. . That does make me wonder—"

"Hm? About what?"

"Donnie says he records everything right?"

"Uh- yeah. . ? Wh- ohhhhh, smart thinkin' April!" The snapper smiled.

"Where's his phone? He always sends a copy to his phone and his computer just in case one is damaged." She looked around.

"It is not wise to go through someone's personal belongings, although since this is a rather important matter, I suppose I shall let it be for now."

"Uhhhh. . About that—" Leo started, pulling out the shattered device from within his fanny pack. "It's kinda— cracked?"

". . Well— Is his cuff okay? Maybe he recorded it on that?"

"Oh! Yeah! Smart!"

"It is within his luggage, small front pocket." Draxum stated.

She nodded, walking over to the coffee table and kneeling down. She unzipped the front pocket on his backpack, silently thanking Donnie for being organized and pulling out his tech cuff. She returned to the seat, allowing Mikey to sit back down on her lap and beginning to sign into the device.

"And how exactly do you know his security information?"

"I'm his best friend. Also, in case of emergencies." She said, scrolling through his long, alphabetized list of files.

"This is gonna take—"

"Found it!"

"Wh- how?!" Leo exclaimed.

"Easy, I went to his recents." She grinned. Then held out the cuff for everyone to be able to see the video. "Ready?"

"Yes" Everyone replied in unison, watching closely as the teen pressed play. Suddenly, a large projecting showed above the device, with a very high quality camera footage. 

"Damnit Purple you said you have fixed the T.V.!" The rat man snapped, scowling.

"I did! But you got angry at it and threw the damn remote at it for the fifth time in a row!" The latter countered.

"Well it isn't my fault these shows are terrible!"

"Then choose better shows!"

"How about you find me better shows!"

"How do I do that?! That's cable television in case your little rat brain hasn't noticed!"

"I dunno! Hack it or do that weird techy stuff or something!"

"Oh, yes, because that's all I am to you. Your little crime-doer and hacker! Bet you want me to hack the Pentagon next, huh? Or- or maybe the damn Whitehouse?!"

". . ."

"I bet you just keep me around because of that, huh?! You know what don't even reply to that I already know the damn answer."

"No, I do not. I keep you around because your brothers need—"

"YOU DON'T NEED ANYTHING MORE THAN MY TECH!" He screamed, tears spotting the corners of his eyes. "So why would they. . ?"

The group froze for a second, registering the last sentence and glancing over at the softshell. They jumped as he began to shift uncomfortably, squeezing his eyes tighter as he had apparently heard the entirety of the footage.

"Do we have his goggles?" April questioned.

"Large pocket, I could not fit them inside the smaller one due to the cuff." Draxum stated.

Mikey just nodded and stood, going and grabbing his goggles from the bag.

Meanwhile April paused the video as they waited, rewinding it slightly to where they were all last focused.

Mikey ran over to Donnie, slipping the device onto his head and gently stroking his forehead in soothing motions.

The softshell slowly ceased his shifting, body relaxing as the noise-cancelling setting was put on.

Mikey smiled and ran back over to April, taking his spot back and resuming the video for her.

"Damnit child shouldn't those sessions with oranges counterparts be helping? Because they don't seem to."

"He shouldn't have to do that. . ." He murmured.

"Speak up child, I cannot hear you." He growled.

"I said, he shouldn't HAVE to be giving me those sessions! He's just a kid! He shouldn't be the damn family therapist!! You should have realized, or can you not remember that either?" He scowled.

"You are one to talk, you helped provide him with a degree in the subject, do you not remember?"

"Oh I remember very clearly old man. I also remember having to remind him about the fact he isn't useless after doing so because he specifically said he quote- 'wanted to be helpful' because he thought he wasn't useful enough! He came to me because he didn't trust you enough to come to you with his problems!" He screamed, voice wavering and unhelpful and, in his opinion, quite pitiful amount.

"I do not get why he-"

"Because you don't act like you care! The most you do to acknowledge us is to yell at us for being too close to the t.v. and to get you your stupid milk and cake! Or when you need something to yell at for a show's horrible ending!"

"I do not."

"Yes, you do." He narrowed his eyes, leaning down ever so slightly closer to his father's face. "But apparently you're too blind to notice when your sons are in need of you more than just the bare minimum."

"You are no son of mine." He stated coldly.

"Wh- what. . ?" His eyes widened, standing up straight and pulling his arms close to his chest. His eyes watered.

"Get out."

"Wh-"

"Get. Out." He snarled, pointing to the exit of the lair. 

"I—" He started, before his voice caught in his throat and the tears started to spill over. "F- fine. . ." He swallowed thickly, turning and speed-walking to the lab. He shut the door, grabbing a backpack from a corner and beginning to pack. He packed multiple pairs of clothes, a few water bottles, some granola bars, and money.

He threw on the backpack after pulling on his hoodie, putting his phone in his pocket and sprinting out. All in a blurry haze of tears and choked sobs. He didn't even bother to stop when the other three greeted him in the kitchen, taking a painful gasp for air as he wiped his tears with his arm and exited the lair completely.

"Do we even really need to continue. . ?" Mikey questioned nervously, obviously feeling quite uneasy about the video.

"Sorry little man. But we gotta keep going so we know just exactly what is goin' on with 'im." Raph replied.

"Okay. ." He nodded, turning back to the video and adjusting to a more comfortable position.

The softshell turned into a long alleyway. He found an empty milk crate within a pile of boxes, snatching it and flipping it upside down so he could sit. He set his backpack beside him, leaning against the wall. He pulled out his phone, going straight to the Google search engine and beginning his search.

There were faint footsteps from the other side of the alleyway, which the softshell apparently hadn't noticed. They quickly grew nearer, along with loud barked laughs from what sounded to be teenagers. There was a large group just as the softshell had mentioned, probably around 5 or 6. The laughing seemed to quiet as they grew closer, only small Snickers coming from the late few as they stopped in front of the softshell, turning to face him with cocky grins.

"This must be when he got hurt—" Leo pointed out, sitting on the edge of his seat nervously.

The others simply nodded.

"Oi, what're you doin' man?" One questioned.

"Nothing of your concern—" The terrapin stated, not looking up from his phone.

"Oh? I think it is though, bud. This is our hangout."

"Fine, I don't want any trouble, so I'll leave." He decided, reaching for his backpack before suddenly having his wrist grabbed and yanked towards the boys.

"I don't think so. What if you tell your dumb little friends and they start coming over?"

"Don't have any, you are safe. Now please release my wrist—"

"'safe', huh? What would they do? Beat me with a textbook?" He questioned, causing the rest of the group to bark with laughter.

"It's a figure of sp—" He began, abruptly being cut off as he was yanked forward into a stand. His hoodie being grabbed and him being yanked down to the jocks level, trying to pull him off.

"Don't try and be a smartass, nerd."

"Been called worse, imbecile. Now please unhand me—" 

"The hell did you just call me?!" He snapped, letting go and winding up a punch.

The terrapin's eyes widened, narrowly avoiding a fist to the face as he grabbed the boy's wrist, twisting in such a way the jock went spinning and crashing to the ground on his back.

"OW, damnit!" He yelled, sitting up.

Donnie took his chance, grabbing his backpack and sprinting towards the exit.

The boy scowled, snapping and pointing to him.

The others nodded, speeding after and tripping the purple-clad.

He flew forward, launching his bag too far away to reach and causing his phone to shatter upon impact with the ground. His chin smacked into the ground with a yelp, suddenly feeling his arms being yanked from behind him and pulling him up.

The boys pinned his arms to the side, causing him to wince from the tight hold.

The main jock stood, walking over and scowling. "Stupid BRAT!" He snapped, landing a punch straight to the gut. 

Donnie winced, keeping his beak tightly shut.

There was another, and another, and another. . . Finally causing the terrapins knees to buckle after endless shaking. The jocks released him, letting him crumple to the floor and gasp for air before beginning to pummel him with angry kicks and heavy punches.

"You get what ya fuckin' deserve, kid." The jocks spat coldly.

He cried out whenever they hit his shell, curling in on himself the best he could as his weak cries grew louder. 

After a while, they eventually stopped. Finally growing bored and leaving while loudly celebrating. 

The terrapin was left in the alley, gasping desperately for the air that was knocked out of him while juggling the pain both his shell and the rest of his body was in. He whined in pain whenever he moved, a new spike of pain shooting his body as he weakly cried out again.

"Perhaps we should stop here. The rest is after my arrival." The Baron informed, his voice noticeably more irritated-sounding than before.

"I know those kids. ." April said, voice practically a whisper. 

Mikey looked practically about to cry, latching onto April and shoving his face into the crook of her neck.

Raph and Leo's faces looked of pure shock, unknowing of what to feel about the whole thing at the moment.

The softshell shifted in his sleep, resting in a more comfortable position and humming lightly in relief.

"Is- is Donnie gonna be okay April?"

"Well, I mean you guys said yourselves that he was fine so, I assume so."

"Okay. . Right—"

She nodded, patting his shell soothingly.

"So, what now?" Leo asked, looking between them all.

"I will be having a talk with this man, but that is for after I ensure you all are well and alright." Draxum decided.

"Actually, I'm comin' with to talk to 'im. I got a few words to say to him." The snapper scowled.

"Same here, I got a lot of stuff I haven't been able to say for a long time to him." Leo agreed with a scowl.

"Very well, I suppose you shall come."

"I am too! He hurt Donnie and all of us! It may not have been physically but it was emotionally, and mentally." The box turtle stated, arms still wrapped tightly around April's neck like a little kid.

"Very well, I suppose we shall see what Donatello's choice in the matter is then, when he awakens." He nodded, which received a nod in response from everyone.

"Imma come too, I probably got a few more words to put in." April decided as well, still patting Mikey's back soothingly.

"Alright, it is decided. Now we must wait for him to heal. I do not trust him alone with the goyles. ." He grimaced.

Chapter Text

"Hey, 'Tello, ya there? Wake up bud it's time for lunch."

There was a stubborn groan, the blanket lifting off of the softshell's upper face. " 'm just gonna. . Throw it back up—"

"I know you still aren't Feelin' well but ya gotta at least try, 'kay?"

"Mmmm. . Hurts—"

"I know, but from what I see it's just bruising and such on the ribs and shell so you should be alright in about a week or two."

"W- wanna. . Help—"

"No, I get you don't feel very productive and all that jazz just layin' here but ya gotta lay down and heal. Otherwise ya ain't ever gonna help man. I thought you knew that already?"

He just shifted slightly and whimpered in response.

The slider sighed. "Alright, fine. But you're at least eating dinner, got it?"

There was only a groan in response as the latter went back under the blanket.

"Good. Wanna watch a movie until I gotta leave?"

"S- sure. . ."

"Alright, lemme find my phone—" He rummaged through the fanny pack, letting out a small "aha!" When he found what he was looking for.

The latter just lifted the blanket off his head completely, turning it to face him. "N- 'Nardo. . ?"

"Yeah-?"

"What if I don't get better—?" 

". . Dude don't say that. Did Mikey give you more of that weird pain medicine again? I think it's makin' ya delirious right now."

"No. . I mean- really. It- it isn't supposed to take this long to heal from bruised ribs. . ."

"Well they did hit ya pretty hard. . And it has only been a little over a week so I doubt it woulda' been fully healed by now."

"Alright. . I guess you are the medic. . ."

About 2 ½ weeks later, present day:

SCREAM!!!

"DONNIE—?!"

——————

The three brothers dead sprinted for the room Donnie was supposed to be resting in, busting the door open frantically and spotting the genius gasping desperately for air on the ground.

He was on his knees, shaking like a leaf while holding a death grip on the side of the couch. He was hunched forward, the other hand lightly hitting his plastron to try and gain the air into his lungs. He soon gave up, clawing with his free hand at the ground. He gasped loudly, crying out in pain and squeezing the couch harder.

Draxum was the fourth to bust in, nearly breaking the doorframe as he sprinted past the others and to the softshell's side. He gently rubbed circles onto his carapace, only receiving a scratchy cry of pain in response.

His vision suddenly went white, body tensing unwillingly and causing the Baron to pull away as white hot pain surged through his body.

"Don- Don what's wrong-? Why are you on the ground did you try to walk again?" Leo spoke, kneeling in front of the twin and carefully lifting his head to face him. He noticed how uneven and heavy the breaths were, sounding as if he was practically suffocating, and how his pupils were pinpricks. He examined his plastron, as well as a small portion of his shell, and noticed nothing unusual. "All of the injury must be internal- that's probably why he can't breathe!"

Suddenly, the softshell's eyes rolled back, falling forward into Leo's lap as his hold released from the couch.

The slider managed to catch him just in time, careful not to touch his rib area as he did so. "Guys- guys we need to get him to a hospital. NOW!" He snapped, maneuvering his arms underneath the latter and shifting him on his back so he could pick him up. He stood, frantically walking out with the others in tow.

"I know of one, it is not far from here." Draxum stated, beginning to lead the way.

"He's not fucking breathing, we don't have time! Someone grab my Ōdachi!" He turned his head to the other two, in which Mikey ran to grab it.

Raph stepped forward, looking worriedly at the softshell. "Do ya need me to carry him?" He offered.

"Yes, I can't use it while holding him." He thrust the twin to the latter, reaching out for his sword as Mikey came bounding in and promptly slicing open a large portal. "In. Now!"

They all sprinted in, Leo following after just before the portal snapped shut and vanished.

——————

Everyone arrived at a large white lobby, not even bothering to look around before bolting straight for the front desk.

"We are in dire need of medical assistance as of now." Draxum stated.

"You're gonna have to wait, our doctor is on his brea-"

"Baron Draxum waits for no one! I demand to see a medical professional this instant." The sheep man growled, in which the desk clerk froze and slowly looked up from their computer.

"Please he can't breath! We don't know what's wrong!" Mikey pleaded desperately.

"O- oh uh- R- right away- follow me—" They cleared their throat, ushering them towards the back.

They all followed as quickly as possible.

"Please, set him down quickly." The doctor walked in, snapping his gloves on and walking to the wall where a breathing machine hang.

The snapper complied, practically jumping foot to foot with worry as he laid him down upon the medical bed.

The doctor quickly grabbed the machine, hooking it up and placing the mask upon the softshells face. "And how long exactly has he been like this?" He questioned.

The machine began to pump air into the terrapins lungs, aiding him greatly.

After a second or two there were faint breaths emitting from the genius, causing everyone to let out their own collective breath they had not realized they held.

"About three and a half weeks." Draxum stated.

The doctor nodded and held some sort of bone-framed screen over his plastron, shaking his head with a sigh. "Based on the X-ray, he has two fractured ribs, one broken rib, and another that is mere centimeters from puncturing one of his lungs."

"So. . ?"

"He has to go under emergency surgery—" Leo blinked blankly, hands dropping limply to his sides.

"Correct. It is a miracle he has survived such an amount of time like this. Most would have died within the first week from pain or internal bleeding. He is a strong fellow I must say." The doctor nodded.

"And how long would that take, exactly?" Draxum questioned with distrust.

"Quite a few hours. Unsure of an exact amount but- he would have to stay here for a day or two afterwards to ensure nothing else is wrong."

The sheep man nodded, glancing at the unconscious terrapin that lay on the table and frowning.

"We will be able to start immediately, you just need to fill out the paperwork agreeing to the terms."

"Where is it?"

The doctor nodded, turning and opening a drawer within the counter space. He took out a small packet, as well as a clipboard and pen, and walked over to the Baron.

He quickly snatched the packet, scanning through the many paragraphs informing of what would happen and then signing. "Just hurry up. He does not have all day." He handed the packet back to the doctor, crossing his arms.

"Very well. You can wait in the lobby." He gestured to the door, opening it for them.

With one last glance over at the injured softshell, they took their leave, sitting within the rather large, empty lobby. They sat in a very uncomfortable silence for a while, thinking to themselves about who knows what. (Everyone knows what)

"So. . What now?" Mikey asked, looking up at the others.

"Well, all we can do is wait. ." Raph replied, sighing and fiddling with his hands as he sat hunched in his chair.

"Do ya think he's gonna be alright?"

"I- I dunno bud. To be quite honest lil man, I don't think so. I mean his rib nearly punctured his lung so—"

"But how could it get like that. . ? Surely it couldn't have been like that just from being hit— That shouldn't even be possible—"

"Dunno bud. I mean he did hit the ground pretty hard, too. So that probably did somethin', and they did aim for his chest and shell—"

"Oh. . . Leo-? What do you think?"

". . . ."

"Leo-?"

"It's my fault. ."

"What do you mean Leonardo?" Draxum questioned, cocking an eyebrow ridge.

"He- He told me something was wrong— He- I—" He took a breath, clenching his fists tight. "He was right— But- But for once that dumb dumb didn't use his logic to try and convince me! He- He trusted me, all because I was the medic— it's my fault I told him it was just bruising!"

"You didn't know Lee—"

"But he did! And he even told me straight to my face! But since I didn't listen, he's on a damn surgery table ready to have his damn ribs rearranged!"

"None of us could've prevented this—"

". . . . You know what, you're right—"

"I'm gla—"

"Splinter could have."

"Wh-?"

"If he hadn't kicked him out this would have never happened! If he hadn't gotten pissed off at the T.V. and started an argument over it, this wouldn't have happened!! None of this would have happened! Those stupid kids wouldn't have found him, he wouldn't have had the scales beat off of him, and he wouldn't have had to get help from someone he didn't trust!" His voice started cracking uncontrollably. Hot, wet tears pouring down his face. "He wouldn't have had to be here. . On- on a table- W- with a breathing machine- a- and- and probably scared out of his mind. . . ."

The others just went silent, looking away. Raph went to comfort Leo, as well as Mikey, and Draxum just glanced outside.

The sheep man spotted a father with two kids walking past, one in a stroller-like cart and one being held in his arm. The kid in his arm was crying, so the man stopped to hold them close, laying their head upon his shoulder and patting their back soothingly. The kid had slowly ceased crying, and the man continued on.

Draxum thought for a moment with a frown, before turning to the trio and sighing. He stood, snatching Leo up like a small child and doing as that man did to his child.

"W- what the shell—?" Leo questioned with a sniffle, attempting to push away from the Baron. Suddenly he was held close, head being laid upon the sheep man's shoulder as his shell began being patted firmly.

"It is alright Leonardo, as long as you recognize it is not your fault, or any of yours for that matter."

The slider just tensed up, suddenly pulling his arms close to his plastron and beginning to sob.

"I suppose you must 'let it all out', so you do not feel any distress any longer."

The blue-clad's body wracked with choked sobs as he lightly pounded on the Barons chest, face pressing into the latter's shoulder. "'m gonna kill 'im. . ! 'M gonna kill 'im, I'm gonna kill him. . . !!" He repeated, squeezing his eyes shut. "He hurt Dee I'm gonna— I- I'm gonna. . ." He slowly trailed off, the sobs growing quieter and quieter by the second. 

"I understand, Leonardo. But not right now, your brother needs you." He stated calmly, continuing to pat him on the shell.

"But- but. . . He-"

"Yes, I know what he did. We all do. But I also know your other half is currently undergoing surgery and will need you there when he awakens."

"But. . . ." He soon fell asleep, falling deadweight into the Barons embrace as he continued to be patted.

"Yes, I know." He repeated. Then turned his head to the other two, who were smiling.

Mikey was practically bouncing up and down with glee, smiling huge. "Awwww! Lee! That's so cute!!"

Raphael just nodded, smiling softly as he watched the slider.

"I do not understand, he was in need of emotional assistance so I merely did what I assumed was worthy." (He will die before he admits he took the method from another parent)

"He means it's cute that you were able to use the 'baby method' on Leo to get 'im to calm down." Raph summarized.

"Ah" He nodded, grinning slightly. "Well I suppose he isn't that far off now is he?"

Mikey giggled. "Nope!"

"Not at all." Raph chuckled lightly.

Chapter Text

Leo awoke with a drowsy groan. His eyes felt drier than the Sahara desert and his face felt gross from all the crying. He realizes quickly that he is being cradled by someone. At first he assumed Raph, but then decided against it once he saw that the culprit's chest was blue.

Wait. . . 

His eyes widened, immediately shooting up and nearly headbutting the Baron in the process. He rubbed his eyes with his fists, hoping that maybe it was just his mind playing tricks on him. (It wasn't.) He scrambled up, nearly tripping over Mikey's extended foot.

"Leonardo, is something the matter?" The sheep man questioned.

He decided to just pretend whatever happened didn't happen, and ignored the question as well. "Where is 'Tello? Are they done?"

"We have not yet gotten the confirmation by them about the surgery."

"Damnit. . How long has it been?"

"It has been around four and a half hours. Your brothers have since fallen asleep while waiting and no one has come out since you have fallen asleep."

He nodded, looking away and frowning.

"It seems something is on your mind. Though I think I know what it is, would you. . Like to converse on the matter?"

The slider glanced at him, then away, sighing. "Yeah, I guess since we got nothing else to do. ."

"Come, sit." He pulled the chair beside him closer and gestured to it.

He nodded, walking over and sitting down. He hunched, arms resting on his knees and hands clasped together as he stared at the ground. 

"Take your time child, there is no rush."

"Yeah- alright. . Uh- well—" He thought for a moment, trying to figure out what to say. "What- what's gonna happen when all of this is fixed?"

"Unsure, we will just have to leave it to when that time comes."

"Right— Well- I guess I don't got many things I know how to explain or whatever so yeah. . ."

"Understandable, emotions can be. . Confusing, at times. Words describing said emotions more so."

He nodded, sighing and dragging his hand down his face as he looked at the far wall. "What do you think is gonna happen to him-?"

"Hmmm. . Well I would assume he will likely not be very conscious for awhile due to the anesthesia and other medication. He will also likely have to be on a breathing machine for quite some time until he can gain the strength he needs to breath on his own. He will most definitely not be moving for quite some time as well."

"Yeah, figured that would be the case. . We're not gonna hear the end of it are we?"

"The end of what?"

"His whining for his tech and stuff." He said, a small grin pulling at the corner of his mouth.

"Most likely not, no. Although depending on how long that medication lasts, when he wakes up he will likely be very 'out of it'."

"True—"

He nodded.

Both sighed, sitting in comfortable silence for awhile.

"Hey, can we just pretend that whole— thing- didn't happen? That was kinda. . Embarrassing—"

"What thing? Oh, that."

"Yeah—"

"Well, I suppose so, yes."

"Good, thanks. I don't want 'Tello findin' out. He won't let me live it down."

He chuckled and nodded. "Good to know."

"Thanks though I guess— That surprisingly helped—"

"Glad it did. I was unsure of how to approach the situation so I chose the best way I could find."

"Heh— usin' the 'baby method' was the best way?"

"It worked, didn't it, Leonardo?" He side-eyed him, grinning.

"I- Yeah—"

"Exactly."

It went silent for another minute or so, the two just thinking to themselves.

Suddenly, a nurse walked out holding a clipboard. "Donatello's family? Is Donatello's family here?"

The two looked up, jumping to their feet and causing the other two to awaken with a jolt.

"Y- yes! Yes we're here!" Leo said quickly, running over.

"Alright then, follow me." They turned, beginning to make their way into a small corridor.

The family followed close behind, anxiously awaiting to enter.

"I must inform you not to touch his upper plastron, as it is still healing." They informed, before opening the door and stepping aside.

The squad filed in, making a beeline for the medical bed and looking down at the softshell.

"He is asleep, and will be for quite a while. Please be mindful of the breathing mask so as to not jostle it or knock it from his face." The doctor advised.

They nodded, checking to make sure nothing was messed up at all before returning their gazes to the sleeping terrapin.

"When will he wake up doc?" Raph questioned.

"Most likely in quite a few minutes, possibly hours." He guessed.

The snapper nodded.

The Baron gently cupped the side of the genius's face, rubbing his cheek lightly. Oh. . Donatello, if only we had figured it out sooner. . .

——————

Pathetic. . .

What-?

Pathetic.

Why-? Did I mess up again. . ?

Yes you imbecile, of course you did! You were fine you were only being dramatic. But of course you wanted to be the center of attention and apparently couldn't handle a few injuries so here you are. Probably being babied and nursed back to health because your stupid self couldn't do it on your own. If you were like your brothers you wouldn't be like this. . .

. . . . 

Maybe if you were like your brothers he wouldn't hate you. He wouldn't have made you make up for being so damn useless by having you fix things. 

. . Stop-

Why should I? Without a filter, you don't know when to stop. It's just like April said. You need help with that issue. Just like how you need help with everything else wrong with you.

I—

Face it. The family only pities you. Draxum is only manipulating you. April is only acting like she wants to be friends with you. They only "care" because they feel bad. Face it. It's no one's fault but your own for being such a way, Donatello. You will never be special. Not in the way your brothers are. They deserve an apology, and you better give them one.

——————

"Is. . Is he crying-?" Mikey questioned.

"Yeah— But he don't look upset—" Raph added.

"But then why isn't he waking up-? If he's upset shouldn't he wake up—?"

"Lil man, remember, that's not how it works. Doc told us he won't be wakin' up for awhile 'cause of the medicine."

"But- but he's upset! He needs to wake up and tell us what's wrong so we can make him feel better!" He protested. Then turned to the still sleeping softshell. "Wake up Donnie! We gotta help ya feel better! I know you can hear me!" He cried, tears beginning to stream from his own face.

"Mike, Hermano, he can't hear us. And yelling isn't helping clearly so chill out." Leo frowned, gently holding the twins hand in his own two. It felt cold, even with the recently-found-out heat setting on the bed. He sighed, gently rubbing his thumb across the latter's knuckles in hopes to both let him know he's here, and to hopefully warm him up a little. He shouldn't feel so cold. . It's wrong— Even if doc says it's alright it's just not right. . .

"Leonardo, I understand you feel distressed as of now, and I urge you to express such an emotion before it consumes you."

"But- We have to—"

"He will not know. As of now he is unknowing of even the touch of your hand upon his own. So long as you do not tell him—unless you want to—you are alright to express whatever emotion you are currently feeling."

"I- I. ." He trailed off, beginning to tear up as he gave a gentle squeeze to the softshell's hand. He felt a squeeze in response, only causing him to tear up more. "'Tello— T- 'Tello please wake up! I just wanna hear that you're okay. . ! I won't believe it until I hear it from you!"

There was no response.

"'Tello please just please wake up. . !!" He cried, screamed, even. He squeezed slightly harder on the twin's hand, holding it close to his chest with both of his own.

. . . .

"L- Leo. . . ?"

His head suddenly snapped up, gaze meeting his other half's. He noticed he was holding the breathing mask in his opposing hand, eyelids dropping about halfway over his eyes. He suddenly grinned widely, nodding furiously. "Y- yes— Yes it's—" sniffle- "Me—"

"W- Where. . Are we—?"

"At the hospital man— You- you collapsed— You had to be put under emergency surgery dude—"

His head lowered ever so slightly, returning the mask to his face and signing instead. "Oh. . I- I'm s—" 

"'Tello don't you dare— Don't you fucking dare apologize—!"

"B—" He cut himself off as his face was abruptly cupped in his other half's hands.

"I swear to the pizza supreme in the sky I will ban you from your tech until you learn to stop doing that!" He snapped, forcing him to look at him.

"I- But—"

"'Tello!"

"Donatello, he is right. You need to stop apologizing for something entirely not your fault."

". . ." Well? Answer them you imbecile! Don't make them feel worse than—

"Donatello, what are you thinking as of now?"

"Wh-? N- No—"

"Donatello, I see the twitching of your eyes making a futile attempt at looking away. Do not lie to me."

"Y- yeah— You're bad at it." Leo grinned slightly.

". . ."

"C'mon Dee— You can tell us." Raph reassured.

"N- no. Nothing's wrong. I'm fine. . Just- Tired—"

The snapper frowned, but nodded and decided not to push any further.

"No, 'Tello. Don't you dare shut us out!" The slider snapped, yanking ever so slightly on his hand.

"I'm not—"

"Yes you are! I know you are!"

"Leonardo, I advise you calm—"

"No! He's pushing us away for some reason and I wanna know why! I just wanna help and I know everyone else does too! He always does this and I'm tired of it!"

He looked away slightly, internally scolding himself for being such bad liar. He squeezed his eyes shut. Look what you did, they were supposed to be happier that you're awake.

"No— Wait 'Tello I—"

He shook his head furiously, pressing the heels of his palms to his temples and squeezing his eyes shut tighter as tears threatened to break through.

"'Tello I didn't- I didn't mean—"

"Leonardo, I suggest we leave him be for awhile. He needs rest and you need to calm yourself." He placed a hand on his shoulder, gently leading him out.

"No wait— wait Don I'm sorry I didn't mean it I swear—" He reached for him, attempting fruitlessly to resist being led out before the door shut behind the two.

"Don, you want us to stay or you want us to leave-?" Raph questioned, holding a now passed out Mikey in arms.

He didn't respond, his head continuing to shake furiously. As if to shake something away. Your fault your fault your fault—!

The snapper frowned, reaching a large hand out and gently grabbing the younger's hand. He pulled it away from his head, rubbing his thumb across the top. "Hey, hey. It's alright bud." He cooed. "You're gonna hurt ya'self if ya keep doin' that."

The genius stopped his head shaking, the tears finally making their way down his face at a rapid speed.

Raph simply let go of his hand, moving his own to his face and caressing it soothingly. "Hey, 'ts okay. You're gonna be okay."

He just shook his head lightly again, leaning into the snapper's hand and grabbing his wrist with both hands. His eyes opened, meeting the older's gaze.

"Whatever's goin' on inside that big head of yours, needs to cut it out. You better not be talkin' bad about ya'self." He frowned. "It doesn't take a psychologist like Mikey to know you ain't okay."

The latter just looked away, letting go of his wrist and shakily beginning to sign. "You're right. I'm just being dramatic again, sorry."

"No, that ain't what I mean. Somethin's up and you won't tell us. We wanna help you, no strings attached. We're ya brothers, and your pops, too. We're ya family. And I bet 'Pril is over at the school breatin' the livin' daylights outta those boys as of now. If she hasn't already done it."

"You don't have to. Trust me."

"We know bud. But we are, so deal with it." He grinned, placing his hand on the top of the latter's head and rubbing it like an older sibling would ruffle a younger sibling's hair.

Chapter Text

"Leonardo, I understand your anger on the matter. I truly do, but it is not wise to lash out upon ones close to you. It never ends well."

"I didn't mean it! I- it was a spur of the moment! I wasn't thinking let me apologize!"

"No, we mustn't risk him distressing over the matter. Raphael has it under control. For now you need to calm yourself first."

"But—"

"No 'but's, Leonardo. Worry for thyself before anyone else. Because if you worry for others first you are at risk of injury to yourself."

"I- but-" He began to protest, sighing in defeat. "Fine. ."

"Good, I'm glad we have that resolved." He patted the top of his head, receiving a stubborn swat away in response.

"Well then can we at least go get something to eat? I'm hungry—"

"Yes, we may. I suggest you message Raphael though, so he does not worry."

"Got it." He nodded, yanking out his phone and walking towards the hospital exit.

Draxum followed close behind. "So, what cuisine are you interested in eating?"

"Uhhhhhh, I dunno." He shrugged. "Y'all have pizza here?"

"Indeed, it is quite a popular food down here." He nodded.

"Can we do that?"

"Indeed, we may."

"Great!" He grinned, looking around. "Eh- lead the way?"

He couldn't help but give a light chuckle, shaking his head in amusement as he began walking towards the direction of the pizza place in question.

——————

"Where am I. . ?"

"Always such a foolish child. . ."

"What. . ? Who are—"

"To return here even after I have specifically stated to leave. I did say to get out of my home, did I not?"

"W- wait I don't remember—"

"Silence! Leave this place this instant, child."

"Wait no please- I don't wanna be hurt again—"

"Well then maybe you should have thought about that before you became this thing."

"But pa—"

"Do not call me that, child! You do not deserve to use such a term for me."

"S- sorry I didn't—"

"Out! Out I say! Before I have to resort to force to be rid of you."

"No please wait I'll do anything!! I'll fix the T.V. i'll- I'll build you whatever you want I'll enhance your recliner again just please don't kick me out!!"

"Get. Out."

"Please. . Please—"

. . . 

"Wh- where— oh. No- nonono—" His breaths increased, panic quickly rising as he recognized the ever familiar alley.

(Faint footsteps growing)

"No- No please I'll leave—"

"It's too late for that, freak. We don't want your friends coming and ruining this place."

"I don't have many— I won't tell anyone I promise just please don't touch me—"

"All I hear is lies, nerd."

The figures grew closer, stepping into the light.

"Wh- Wait— There were only five—"

The figures grin in sync maliciously.

"Seems your friend list just dropped to zero, Donatello." A feminine voice spoke. Oddly familiar. . .

"A- April— Why are you here—?"

"How pathetic, stuttering like the scared little child you are. Thought you'd have been better than that, 'Tello." Another voice spoke, Leo.

"Bad 'xcuse of a softshell if I've ever seen one." A third spoke.

"Raph- Leo— I'm sorry whatever I did I can fix it—"

"Like how you 'fixed' our problems with whatever those trashy metal and cloth pieces of junk were?" A fourth snapped harshly.

"Mikey- I didn't— That's not—"

"I don't wanna hear it Dee, this is why you're my least favorite. You always try to make up for your stupid problems with tech and it never works out. I'm sick of it. We all are."

"I—"

The 9 figures stepped closer, cold gazes meeting his own frightened look.

"Wh- what are you doing—?"

"What we should have done long ago." They spoke in unison, voices echoing faintly as they cornered the softshell.

"N- No. . No please stop— Don't hurt me- not again PLEASE—"

——————

Donnie suddenly let out an ear-piercing scream of terror as his arms jerked close to him, unable to physically move further due to the lead-like feeling in his bones. He instinctively flinched away as he felt a touch on his arm, beginning to feel the seering pain in his chest as he attempted to suck in a strained breath. The mask felt as if it were only making things worse, as if it wasn't even working at all.

Turns out it wasn't.

"Donnie! Donnie wake up man!" The snapper suddenly yelped, lightly shaking his arm in hopes to awaken the younger. He gently caressed his face, rubbing it soothingly. 

It only caused him to cry out weakly, voice further being muffled by the breathing mask. "S- stop! I'm sorry. . !"

"Donnie! You're okay man just wake up!"

The softshell's eyes abruptly snapped open, pupils pinpricks and sclera bloodshot. He made a desperate gasp for air, failing miserably as he instead took in CO2.

Raph quickly noticed and frantically glanced at the tube for the mask, noticing it was bent in half and completely blocking the flow of air through it. He quickly grabbed the tube, unbending it and setting it into a safer spot. He visibly winced when he heard another desperate gasp of air, this time more successful than the last. He breathed out a sigh of relief, turning back to the softshell and cupping his face.

"You okay bud-? Can ya breathe—?" He asked, already receiving his answer when he heard the shaky huffs of air from the latter. He rubbed his cheek soothingly, using his other hand to hold the younger one's with a gentle squeeze.

"Ra- Raph. ." A crackly voice rasped.

"Yeah-?"

"Raph. . 'M- 'M sorry. . . ." 

"Why bud? There ain't nothin' to be sorry 'bout."

"Raph. . don't- don't hurt—" He rasped again, cutting off at the end as his voice began to grow strained and tired.

"Don't hurt what Don-?"

"Not again. ." He whispered, eyes drifting shut from how exhausted he was. The pain was practically unbearable, causing even breathing to become a chore for his already weak body. He fell back into a dreamless sleep, head lolling to the side as his heart rate slowed to a slightly more even rate on the monitor. 

"Don-? Don what are you saying—? Donnie!" He questioned, concern growing a significant amount.

——————

"Damn this pizza's good!" The slider exclaimed with a grin, munching down on a slice of pizza with a plethora of unknown ingredients on top.

"I agree, Leonardo. It is quite delectable if I must say so myself." The Baron agreed.

"Yep!" He shoved the rest of the slice in his mouth, practically forgetting to chew before he swallowed it with an audible "gulp" and a hum of delight. "Man, Hueso might be gettin' some competition." He chuckled.

"Who is this 'Hueso' you speak of?"

"Uh- only the best skeleton pizza shop owner in the business!"

"You mean the only skeleton pizza shop owner in the business?"

"Same difference. Kinda gotta be the best even if you're the only one. Just means he ain't got no similar competition!"

"We must really work on your grammar, Leonardo." He commented. "Although, perhaps one day we can visit this 'Hueso' and partake in some of his yourself-proclaimed 'best pizza'."

"Shell yeah! And he won't even care that you're— uh—"

"A powerful warrior alchemist feared by most if not all of Yokai kind?"

"Ehhh, sure. We gotta work on your title man."

He made a small huff in annoyance, rolling his eyes and taking another bite of pizza.

"Ha! Who's the child now. What, wittle Draxy angwy?" He grinned, talking in a voice as one would to a baby.

"Leonardo, cease that annoying speaking if you must." He frowned, pinching where his nose bridge would be.

"Mannn!" He dragged out the word, throwing his head to the side with a dramatic sigh as he slumped into his seat. "You're no fun!"

"You sound eerily similar to Michelangelo as of now."

"Do not!"

"You are only further proving my point. If not further proving you are even more childish than the youngest."

"Rude!"

"And who exactly do you think you're talking to?"

"I'm starting to figure out why 'Tello 'claimed you' as his 'papa' more and more. You two are basically the same, just in different fonts."

"Excellent use of grammar, Leonardo." He grinned, completely dodging the previous statement.

"Thanks, I pride myself in my work." He grinned back, flashing a random pose and chomping on another pizza slice.

The Baron simply chuckled and shook his head.

The slider stopped posing, sitting back down normally and taking another bite. "Y'know—" chomp— "I just realized somethin'."

"Oh? And what is it?"

"We ain't never seen ya without the helmet thingy. Or is it just me you haven't shown? Are you playing favorites?"

"I know, no, and perhaps. You will never know."

He gasped dramatically, throwing a hand over his plastron with his mouth agape. "You so are!"

"How exactly do you know this?"

"How much did 'Tello pay you? I heard he has a lot of money I know it's him!"

"Leonardo, I assure you. Even if I did tell you if I did have a favorite, it wouldn't be by bribery."

"Lies! Lies old man! Lies I say!"

"It is no lie, I can assure you."

"Prove it!"

"How so?"

"I dunno! Just prove it or something?"

"You are one doubtful child, you know that?"

"Says the one who threw me off a roof over a jar of bugs."

"That has absolutely nothing to do with this subject."

"I know, I just like reminding you. It's funny."

"Perhaps that isn't a bad idea, then. Unsure, Leonardo, ready for 'round two'?"

"NO—"

"Didn't think so boy, see? Two can play at that little game." He chuckled contentedly, taking a small bite of pizza.

The blue-clad frowned and crossed his arms like an angry little kid. "So rude, just makin' a joke—" He murmured, pouting.

"As was I, Leonardo."

"How am I supposed to know man?! You're basically a wild card!"

"What is that supposed to mean?" He cocked an eyebrow ridge.

"Unpredictable, unknown, crazy, ring any bells?"

"Ah, yes. Many."

"Mhm."

——————

The rat sat in silence within his recliner, rubbing his temples stressfully. I am not in the wrong, I know it. I cannot be in the wrong, I am an adult. And they are but kids. They know not what I do.

He got up, pacing around the room and stroking his beard thoughtfully. The lair was silent, the only thing able to be heard being the faint hum of tech from the lab and other parts of the house, the AC unit from the main area of the lair, and some other things from the other three brothers' rooms. He scowled, face scrunching in annoyance at the noises. Why won't those stupid machines just quiet?! He thought, anger beginning to bubble within him as he grabbed his phone. Perhaps these two will know what to do. . .

Totallynotthefoot: 4:45 AM

Hello Lou, seems you got yourself a situation?

ThegreatLouJitsu: 4:57 AM

Yes, yes I do. What do I do if I want my three sons back, but they are out looking to bring back their. . Friend- who is not allowed back?

Totallynotthefoot: 5:01 AM

Heh, well this- "friend" you say, do they happen to have anything in your home?

ThegreatLouJitsu: 5:03 AM

Yes, actually. They happen to have a room.

Totallynotthefoot: 5:07 AM

Excellent. . Destroy it all, or get rid of it. If this "friend" isn't allowed back they won't need it, right? Especially if it's annoying you. . .

ThegreatLouJitsu: 5:10 AM

Actually. . Do you happen to want some of it? I have no use for such devices and I'm sure you'd want them for your Carnival.

Totallynotthefoot: 5:13 AM

What Carnival?

ThegreatLouJitsu: 5:15 AM

The one you were talking about a few weeks ago. Do you not remember?

Totallynotthefoot: 5:17 AM

Oh! Yes yes I remember I was just testing you! To see if you remembered

ThegreatLouJitsu: 5:20 AM

Ah, yes! Good memory trick indeed my friend! Lol! Now, when would you like it?

Totallynotthefoot: 5:22 AM

Shall we come over in a few weeks? We're kind of- busy- for the next week or two

ThegreatLouJitsu: 5:24 AM

Yes! Just let me know if when and I will be there!

Read

——————

The slider barked with laughter, nearly falling out of his seat. "Wait- wait! So you did know those two weren't the ones you ordered?! And they still don't know you do?"

"Precisely. They still think they have it kept secret. They are not very good at hiding it."

"HAHA—!" He verbalized, hand slapping to his face and sending him spinning in his seat somehow and landing on the cushion.

"Although I must say that they are quite strong compared to what those stick limbs looked like they could do."

"Are they strong enough to pick up sticks?"

"They were strong enough to pick up your friend, Leonardo." He deadpanned.

"Woah. I owe Mikey so much money—"

"For what exactly?"

"We made a bet to see how strong they were. I guess we kinda forgot they did that—"

"Ah, yes. And how much did you bet?"

"The entire worth of my ninety one Lou Jitsu comic books—"

"And that is. . ?"

"Twelve. ."

"Twelve?"

". . Hundred—"

"Twelve, hundred. . ."

"Twenty—"

"Twelve hundred twenty?"

"Four—"

". . . And how exactly did you acquire such money?"

"I dunno, an allowance Splinter gave us I guess." He shrugged.

"You- guess?"

"Yeah. He just asked Don to do something one day after we were all quizzed or something on Lou Jitsu's entire life story and the next thing we knew we were making an allowance."

"Ah, so that's what he meant by 'crime-doer'. . ."

"What?"

"Leonardo, have you ever thought of what exactly he asked your brother to do?"

"No not really. All I know is it made him happy making the old man happy sooo—"

"He was asking him to hack into banks and government funds."

"WHAT!?"

"Yes. How else would he have accumulated such a stash of money without a job?"

"Huh. Sweet." He nodded his head in approval.

"Yes, well, I question how you will acquire such a stash."

"I got my ways." He grinned.

"If it involves your swords I highly suggest otherwise."

"Awww man!"

"You have not yet mastered the art of portalling. I doubt you would make it anywhere near back here in the time it takes a normal being who has mastered it."

"Yeah, I'll probably end up in Jersey or Egypt or something."

"Mhmm. . . Well, I have just remembered, I have not yet shown you what I look like."

"Oh YEAHHHH! Can ya show me? I won't tell the others promise!"

"Leonardo, I see you crossing your fingers behind your shell, you are not slick."

"Damn—"

"Though it does not matter. I will have to show the others sooner than later." He stated.

"Yeah yeah just show me! I wanna know how much money Mike's owes me!"

The Baron sighed, shaking his head and reaching for his horns with the roll of his eyes. He grabbed them, lifting up and pulling the helmet off of his head.

"YOU'RE PINK?!?!"

Chapter Text

Called to the Devil and the Devil said

"Hey! Why've you been calling this late?

It's like 2 A.M. and the bars all closed at 10 in hell, that's a rule I made"

Anyway, you say you're too busy saving everybody else to save yourself

And you don't want no help, oh well

That's the story to tell

——————

Donatello had finally returned to the home after having spent two and a half days within the hospital. His chest continued to ache but that did not deter him from attempting to move around, unlike he had been the past few weeks.

His legs felt like jello and his feet felt like lead. He couldn't make it more than a few steps without stumbling and nearly falling. He felt useless, utterly useless, and it was horrible. He couldn't do his work to enhance anything that might be needed of him, he couldn't do anything with everyone that wasn't involving him sitting on the couch tucked under a weighted blanket and heating pad, he couldn't make his tech,

He was useless.

Completely and utterly, useless. It made something akin to guilt and most definitely shame bubble within him. Like he had done something wrong—so very wrong. He hated it. He hated every bit of it. But he didn't show it, he was worried to. He didn't want to burden his family with more problems than they already have. He had already messed many things up, and wasted the time of the others just because his body wouldn't work correctly.

You should have been able to take on those kids. It would have been easy even with your little knowledge on combat and your. . Flaws. And yet you didn't. You allowed it to happen and you didn't do anything but cry like a pathetic—

"Yo Don!"

"U- uhm— Yeah—?" The softshell blinked,  realizing he had gotten lost in thought. . .

"Wanna help teach the goat man how to play candy land?" His self-proclaimed twin questioned from his place in the doorway.

He thought for a moment, face scrunching into an unknown expression before nodding.

"Want me to carry you?"

". . If you could— Still can't walk. . ." He mumbled, shame dripping from his tone as he looked to the side.

"Yo, it's fine dude. No biggie. That's why we're givin' ya physical therapy for them! Your training shouldn't be that bad." He grinned reassuringly, walking over and scooping the latter up into his arms.

"I- I suppose. ."

"Yeah, yeah. 'Suppose' stuff later! Now it's time for candy land with the G-man!" He suddenly sprinted from the room, running towards the main area where the others sit.

"'N- Nardo-! You're gonna drop m- me—!" He exclaimed, clinging to his shoulders subconsciously as the latter continued sprinting.

"No I'm not! See? Look, we're here." He grinned, slowing to a simple walking pace until entering the room. "Sup! I have acquired the beach-ball fearer!"

"'Nardo! Stop bringing that up!"

"No! It's funny so I, in fact, won't." He grinned, laying him down on the couch that sat across from a coffee table. He sat with the others, huddled around the table in question while the others finished setting up the game.

"So this is this 'candyland' you have spoken of?" The Baron cocked an eyebrow.

"Yep! We would've chosen something like Uno but Braniac over here always uses his 'special tactic' and wins,"

"And these two're always at each other's throats with Sorry. It's always Mikes who goes feral for the other games." Raph finished.

"Hey! Not my fault this family's always so competitive! You are too so don't even!"

"Oh? What game then, lil man?"

"When we're all playing fashion show or Mario kart!"

"And smash bros!" The slider added.

"Not my fault, y'all're just jealous Peach is the best one." He grumbled, crossing his arms.

"You LITERALLY threw me across the room because I picked Peach as a joke man! You go feral!" Leo snapped.

"Hey, not my fault you're very throwable."

"He has a point—" Donnie agreed.

"Oi! Don't even get me started with you man! Your gaming rage is way worse than all of us!"

"This isn't about me. And we don't talk about that—"

"Oh! So we're not gonna talk about the time you leaked someone's IP address because they said something you didn't like?"

"Not my fault they just suck at the game."

"YOU WERE PLAYING MINECRAFT!"

"My point still stands."

"What is this about you four leaking IP addresses?" The sheep man questioned.

"This dumb dumb leaks people's IP address when they're being rude."

"In my defense—"

"Ay! No! You don't got a defense for that man!"

"Wait he's been leakin' IP addresses?!" The snapper exclaimed.

"Oop Donnie's in trouble—"

"Raphael- Raph— big guy— Raphie-?" He grinned nervously as the older towered over him, putting his hands up in defense.

"How am I just now findin' out about this?" He scowled.

"Uhhhhh- I don't know what they are talking about dear brethren I haven't done such a thing totally didn't do it because they blew up my base no I didn't-" Nailed it.

"Donnie. I know you know you suck at lyin'. I'm onto you." He narrowed his eyes.

"Oh but I am not lying not at all, 'Nardo cease your snickering this instant you aren't helping—"

"Nah I'm good—" The slider said, before breaking into a laughing fit as the latter glared.

"Alright! Now just move two spaces to the red—"

"Hey wait we started?!" The blue-clad suddenly sat up, glancing at the two already-playing family members.

"Sorry Lee! You're just distracted!" The box turtle smiled innocently, setting down his piece while still facing the older.

"No fair! I get blue!"

"We know, Leo." Raph rolled his eyes, shaking his head and sitting beside the couch. He was careful not to accidently catch his spikes on anything, though.

"Yep! And I get yellow, Raphie gets red, and dad gets green!"

"Dad?" The red and blue clads questioned, eyes widening slightly.

"Oops- uh—" He nervously grinned, rubbing the back of his head and turning to the sheep man.

While the Baron was slightly taken aback, he just simply grinned slightly and patted Mikey's head. "I suppose I do not mind, I am already called a plethora of names so it does not make much a difference."

The youngest's face lit up, leaping up and at the sheep man, enveloping him the best he could in a hug. "Yay! Thanks dad!"

"I suppose you are welcome?" He replied, unsure of how to return the sudden gesture. He just awkwardly patted him on the back, looking at the two snickering olders.

The purple-clad was grinning, reaching over and smacking Leo upside the head while he was distracted. 

"Ow! Hey what was that for?!"

"You left yourself open dear brethren, I just couldn't pass up the chance." He replied.

"Oh you are so going down next time we play a game!"

"I'll be waiting for that time to come in three-to-seven business years."

"Hey! This is the four-time lair games champion you are talking to!"

"You cheated to get those wins!"

"Did not! You just sucked! You couldn't even break a watermelon!"

"You rigged it!"

"What proof do you have?!"

"Video evidence!"

"Sureeee, how did you even get it if I did?"

"I record everything, dear brother."

"Oh- shit—"

"Leo! Language!"

"Sorry Raphadoodle."

"Apology accepted, next time ya phones bein' confisca- confis- uh—"

"Confiscated?"

"Yeah! What Donnie said!"

"How could you not say confinscated?"

"Confiscated." The twin corrected.

"Whatever!"

"It is not 'whatever' you hypocrite!"

"What is happening?"

"Don't know. Never do." The youngest shrugged, still latched onto the sheep-mans back, arms wrapped around his neck to keep him stable. (And to hug him.)

"Mhm." He nodded, continuing to watch the chaos ensue.

——————

"Aha! I am victorious! For this land of candy is mine to control!" The Baron slammed down his player, directly onto the candy-kings face.

"Aww come on! That was just beginners luck!!" The slider exclaimed, crossing his arms.

"I still won, didn't I Leonardo?"

The latter just crossed his arms, grumbling something and leaning back against the couch.

"Aww, it's okay Lee! Maybe next time!" The box turtle smiled, patting the latter on the head.

"Says the one who got third place."

"Hey! It doesn't matter what place we get, it matters whether we have fun!" He frowned, leaning closer to the slider. "Watch your back." His voice lowered at the sentence, ensuring the older was the only one who heard, before pulling away and smiling innocently.

"H- wh- DID YOU NOT JUST SEE THAT?!" He exclaimed, wildly gesturing to the youngest and whipping his head around.

"What? What'd he say?" The snapper questioned.

"You know what, no, I won't, because I'm gonna win next round!"

"Okay Lee!"

"You little—"

"It's alright 'Nardo, second place isn't all that bad." The twin teased.

"You weren't even playing!"

"Correct, great observational skills brother."

"Don I swear—"

"Raaaaaph— He's threatening me!" The softshell whined dramatically.

"Well stop antagonizing him! Leo stop threatening everyone we know you ain't gonna do nothin'! Mikey— Actually you didn't do nothin' you're fine."

The twins gasped. "Favoritism!!"

"Is not!"

"Is too!" Leo protested.

"Since when?"

"Since always!"

"Since now." Donnie carefully crossed his arms, hovering them over his chest so as to not jostle the still healing wounds.

"Draxum, lil help?" The snapper turned to the sheep man, gesturing to the duo.

"I quite like this, it is very entertaining." He chuckled.

"Draxum!" The blue and red clad exclaimed, with the purple clad exclaiming "Papa!" At the same time.

"I apologize for nothing."

"Don't yell at dad!" Mikey protested.

"Yes, listen to Michelangelo."

"Well, found Draxum's favorite." Leo rolled his eyes.

"I do not pick favorites." He stated.

"I call bull."

"I assure you, I do not." He reassured, putting his hands up in defense.

"Mhm, sure."

"Very well, believe what you must. Just know you are still in second place amongst me." He grinned.

"It was beginners luck!" He snapped.

"I do not believe in such a thing."

"Well I do!"

"Very well then. Though you still could have swayed the odds had you played right."

"It's a game of chance what do you mean?!"

"Surprised you even know the term."

"Hey, I know a lot of things."

"Anything useful?"

"Yes-"

"Highly doubt so." He snorted.

"I highly doubt your high doubt!" He snapped back.

"Go ahead, there is no one stopping you."

"Even if he's wrong?"

"Yes, even if he's wrong."

"I'm not wrong, you're just under the false belief you're right."

"Perhaps you actually do read sometimes, 'Nardo." The softshell snickered lightly.

"As long as it isn't big, thick books I'm good."

"You could barely read a book created for third graders, 'Nardo."

"In my defense it was about the states and I saw New Jersey on there and I couldn't handle even going near that section."

"Fair enough, I suppose."

"Could you four enlighten me on this 'New Jersey' subject? Why do you despise this state so much?"

The slider sighed, scooting over and placing a firm hand on the elders shoulder. "It's a lot to explain, you sure you could handle it?"

"You say this like I haven't heard of worse."

"Eh true." He shrugged, removing his hand and scooting back beside his other half.

"Alright so—"

——————

"And those are the New Jersey horror stories." The slider nodded.

"Hardly even startling, although it does not sound like a place I would willingly go to—except for that one time. ."

"Yeah it wasn't so much scary as it was generally annoying."

"Thank you for the advice, Leonardo. I will be sure to keep it in mind for the future." He nodded, receiving a nod in response.

"Well, eh- seems the others fell asleep pretty quick." He chuckled, looking around at the sleeping brothers.

"I suppose they will just stay out here for the night?" He stated, more of a questioning tone.

"Guess so. Turtle pile!" He leapt onto Raph's back, simply receiving a grunt of annoyance in response from the older. He flopped onto a less spiky part of the shell and began snoozing away instantly.

"Hm. Such fascinating children indeed. . ." The Baron smiled, standing and walking out after dimming the lights.

Chapter Text

"I thank you again for ridding of the clutter within my home. I hope you are able to find some use to those gadgets in your Carnival project."

"Ah, yes. I'm sure we could find use of these. . ." The scrawny man grinned, tossing an orb-like contraption up and catching it a few times as he gave out a raspy chuckle.

"I am glad." The rat man nodded, walking towards the exit of the lair. 

The two followed, each holding a box of unknown tech. The insides of the cardboard clanked and clicked, shifting around from the movement as they were jostled.

He turned to the two men with the mustaches and jumpsuits as they reached the exit, smiling and bidding them farewell. "I cannot wait to see how it turns out for you, then."

"We will be sure to keep in touch." The scrawny one rasped, waving innocently as they walked into the main tunnel.

Splinter waited for them to turn another corner, turning on his heel and walking back towards the lounge.

The two chuckled to each other, removing their poorly-stuck mustaches and jumpsuits and picking the boxes back up. They continued walking, leaving the disguises in the tunnel.

"Idiotic rat, he just gave us some of the exact things we've been looking for." The smaller one barked a laugh.

"I'm sure he wasn't meaning it."

"No you- ugh. . I mean, obviously he wasn't meaning to! But— you know what nevermind I don't have the patience."

The two continued out of the sewers, boxes held close as they climbed the ladder rungs and lifted the manhole cover. They hopped out, not even bothering to close it back up before making their way back to the abandoned warehouse by the paper factory.

——————

The two returned to the warehouse, setting their boxes down with a content sigh. They were greeted by the emotionless faces of their paper soldiers, all standing at attention in four large lines.

"I think we should start some testing on these. Y'know, just in case."

"Sounds good to me!" The muscular one nodded, picking up a blaster-like machine and examining it. He pointed the barrel towards one of the soldiers' heads and pulled the trigger, sending a burst of electricity in the form of a spherical ball directly towards them. He and the scrawny one quickly ducked down, being blinded by white for two full seconds before opening their eyes again.

The soldier in question was hit square in the forehead by the ball, the ball's shell shattering upon impact and sending a shockwave to the soldiers that were a few feet too close to it. It suddenly it up in sparks, body jerking for a few seconds before it shriveled up and shredded in an instant, leaving nothing but a pile of paper shreds and dust in its place.

The two blinked, grinning and turning to each other as they nodded.

He set the blaster-like machine aside, allowing the scrawny one to retrieve the sphere he had been tossing around earlier.

The scrawny foot-face stood, pressing a button on the sphere and throwing it at the soldiers. He watched as the sphere broke into four sections, spreading out as a glowing purple net attached them together. Said net landed directly on five of the soldiers, the four ends of the sphere making a mechanical click noise as they stuck to the floor like magnets. It took about three seconds before the paper soldiers' bodies began shifting, contorting a few times before suddenly unfolding back into simple pieces of paper. Their original form.

He grinned, walking towards the net and pressing one of the spheres sides' buttons. The net retracted quickly, the sphere beginning to piece back together as the net disappeared into the center. The four sides attached with a click and rolled over to his foot, hitting it lightly. He picked it up, turning to the other and tossing it up into the air, promptly catching it again.

"So, what're you gonna do with that doohickey?" The muscular one asked, cocking an eyebrow curiously.

"I think I know exactly what to do." He grinned, chuckling devilishly and returning the orb to the box.

——————

Donatello shifted around in his sleep, murmuring something inaudible as the others sat near him whilst playing a game.

They took a quick glance towards him, noticing the shifting but thinking nothing of it other than them possibly being too loud.

He walked through the void that was his mind, looking around for any sign of life or anything other than darkness. He spotted nothing, not even the slightest indication of something other than him. "'Nardo-? Raph? 'Angelo—?" He called, looking around the endless black mindscape as he walked endlessly. "Is anyone there? Where are you? Where am I?" He called again, receiving nothing but deafening silence in response. "C'mon this isn't funny, 'Nardo this better not be another prank or so help me—"

*Crash!!*

"What—? Hello?" He turned, seeing nothing still. He flinched back when he actually heard something respond.

"Donnie. . ." An oddly familiar voice murmured, sounding quite weak and frail.

"Hello? Who's there? Where are you?"

"Donnie. . Donnie look what you've done—"

"How? I can't see— Who are you, where am I?"

"Donnie. . You hurt Dad Donnie. . ."

"What? What do you mean how—"

Three turtles appeared from the darkness, a furry gray mass within the largest's arms.

He stepped back, startled. "G- guys?"

"'Tello, how could you?" The medium one spoke.

"I- I'm not sure what you mean—"

The gray mass suddenly shifted, sitting up and patting the largest's plastron as an indication to set him down.

He nodded, lowering the rat and straightening as he set him down.

"You hurt him Donnie. How could you?"

"But- But I didn't—"

"Why weren't you nice to him Donnie?" The smallest interrupted, tilting his head.

The softshell noticed all of their eyes seemed to be blurred out, replaced by a static-y white bar. He stepped back as the rat began walking towards him, shrinking in on himself a bit.

"Why couldn't you just be kinder?" The orange one added.

"I—"

"Yeah, why couldn't ya have just done what he said? I thought you had the brains for it." The red one crossed his arms.

"I- I do but—"

"It was just a T.V. Why did you start an argument over it 'Tello? None of this would have happened if you didn't make it a big deal." The blue one frowned.

"I didn't- I wasn't—"

"Dœñætë//ø. . ." The man spoke.

He flinched, looking back down at the rat that stood in front of him.

"Why do you insist on being stubborn?"

"You have no room to speak. . ."

"Donnie. . Stop being so mean to dad." The smallest turtle stepped forward, close behind the rat.

"I- I'm not—"

"There you go again, being dramatic and playing victim. Just like always." The medium one scowled, following the orange-clad.

"Wait no I wasn't meaning—"

"Oh shut it Donnie."

"Raph- What?"

The snapper walked up behind the other three, easily towering over the purple-clad by a foot or two. "The last thing we need to hear is another meaningless excuse from you."

"M- meaningless. . ? Excuse—?"

"Are you that stupid 'Tello? What else do you think he's saying?"

"Please stop— I wasn't meaning for any of this—"

"How do we know? You basically plan everything out before it even happens so how do we know this wasn't your intention?"

"Leo what are you saying-?"

"I'm saying you need to shut up. Shut up with your useless apologies. Shut up with your meaningless speeches. Stop acting like you don't know what's happening."

"N- no. Stop you aren't real you wouldn't really be saying that—"

"Doesn't make it any less true now, does it?"

"Go away- Get out I don't want you here—"

"Hmm. . That sounds oddly familiar, though." He tapped his chin, grinning as he watched the softshell's face scrunch up in realization.

"Why are you. . Why are you saying this. . ? What did I do wrong— I can fix it- I can fix it I promise—"

"You mean like how you 'fixed' everything else you ruined? Like how you tried to 'help' without using any tech? Like how you tried 'fixing' the mess you made when you threw a fit in the kitchen over something small and meaningless?" He pressed, stepping closer and causing the latter to take a few paces away. Suddenly, the white blur vanished, replaced by his cold, angry stare. "Face it, 'Tello. You're nothing without your tech. You're nothing without us. You will always be nothing without us to be the source of your usefulness. Anything you try doing without your tech fails. Every. Damn. Time. And even when you are using your tech, something always manages to screw up. Seems like something you and those piles of silver junk have in common, though."

"I—"

"Aww, cats got your tongue? We're done. Have fun being abandoned once again. Whatever you have won't last long, I'm sure of it." He turned away, beginning to walk off as the others did as well. He paused a few paces away, turning to face the still shocked twin with a grin. "Do you wanna know what they call a burnt out lightbulb?"

The latter lifted his head, eyes shiny with tears.

"As good as gone." His expression dropped, turning to follow the others back into the void.

The softshell just stood in the darkness, falling to his knees and staring into nothing as he felt warm liquid cascade down his cheeks. His mouth hung open in shock, unsure of how to fully process what had just happened without the possibility of breaking down.

Leave it to his twin to crack a pun after something traumatic. And leave it up to him to manage to crack a tech related one with a horrible follow-up.

But leave it up to mindscape Leo to do it after basically telling Donnie he's nothing.

He hunched forward, hands pressing into the ground as he sat on his knees, facing the floor as his body began to tremble, small sniffles emitting from him as the tears grew heavier.

Finally, it all settled in. The names, the 'joke', the insults, everything. It all came crashing down on him at once, his body beginning to wrack with sobs as he repeatedly whispered broken apologies to nothing. He was alone, and by what the mindscape Hamato's were saying, he would always be alone. No matter what he tried. He screamed, pounding the ground as he curled into a ball, gasping for air that never seemed to come. He continued apologizing, continued pounding the ground, and continued crying. He didn't care if they would return, he didn't care if he would be laughed at by the real brothers if he was actually crying while sleeping, he didn't even care about the many invisible hands seeming to shake him. 

"It wasn't real, it wasn't real, it wasn't real. . ." He silently told himself, as if it would make any difference. It may not have been real, but it doesn't mean it's wrong. He felt the shaking grow more harsh, as if someone was attempting to get attention. . . .

He suddenly gasped, eyes shooting open as he processed his new surroundings. He was on his side, as he remembers being when in the void. . But, this time he was on a soft cushioned piece of furniture. He could actually see things this time, instead of just pitch black nothingness. Then he realized. . 

"Hey, Dee— it's okay, it's okay. You're okay." Mikey stated, keeping a firm hand on the older's shoulder to ground him.

"Yo, Don. What happened? Was it a nightmare?" Raph spoke, kneeling beside the couch and looking at his brother with an empathetic and worried look.

"I- I—" He began, feeling his eyes begin to water again but squeezing his eyes shut before they could get any farther. He suddenly felt a hand on his cheek, flinching and opening his eyes to see who the culprit was.

His twin smiled down at him, sitting on his knees in front of him and gently rubbing his thumb across his cheek. "Hey, Hermano. What's wrong?"

He kept his beak tightly shut, unknowing of how to respond. 

"It's alright, you can tell us bro, we won't judge. We just wanna help, that's all." He reassured calmly.

Chapter Text

"N- no. . No—"

"Donnie, you can't just ignore your problems, you know that isn't good." Mikey said, frowning.

He softshell shook his head furiously, hands clutching his head as if it would pop straight off his body if he let go.

"Hey- Hey, stop that dude—" Leo warned, attempting to pull his hands away from his head but to no avail.

"N- no— Stop— Stop! It's another nightmare isn't it—" He gasped heavily between the stops, the heel of his palm beginning to hit at his temple as a way of attempting to get away from this 'nightmare'. "Not real it's a trick- It's a trick I'm not believing it for a se—"

The slider quickly yanked the latter's arms off his head, lowering them towards his chest and pulling him close. "Hey, hey, no. Don't you dare—" He cooed, paying no mind to the fact the other tensed up almost immediately.

His eyes widened as his head lay on his shoulder, tears beginning to well in his eyes as he squeezed them shut. He moved his arms from between the two chests, latching them around the twin's neck and shoving his face into the crook of it. He began to release choked sobs, keeping his face pressed closely to his other half for comfort.

He attempted to whisper comforting words, rubbing his shell in a soothing motion and frowning as the sobs grew heavier. 

The other two watched helplessly, frowning as well as they felt bad for the brainy brother.

He hadn't noticed any of it, trying to divert his attention to the comfort Leo was trying to give.

"It's gonna be okay, this isn't a nightmare, promise. It's all real. You're okay." He said calmly, receiving a slight pause in sobbing in response before it started back up.

The softshell began to mutter quiet apologies, saying things like 'I'm sorry, please don't leave me' and 'you were right'.

"No, no don't apologize—"

"It's all my fault- it's all my fault please don't leave me I can fix it— I- I can—" He paused, gasping again to attempt to bring air into his lungs normally. "Please just don't leave me. . ."

"We aren't gonna leave you, bud. Don't worry. We wouldn't leave you for the world." He reassured, continuing the shell rubs.

The softshell just went silent, eyes kept squeezed shut as the crying quickly died down.

"Hey, you wanna tell us what happened. . ? I'm sure it'll help." He offered, leaving a small pause of silence before he received a small nod in response.

The slider nodded back, gently pulling away and instead taking the latter's hands in his own. He rubbed his thumb across the knuckles soothingly.

"Whenever you're ready Dee. ." The box turtle reassured.

——————

"A- and. . Then you started— You started complaining about how useless I was- and you wouldn't stop— and whenever I tried defending myself you called them excuses- a- and you started saying I was playing victim but I wasn't meaning to but you didn't believe me and started—" His voice grew quieter, eventually turning into incoherent mumbles as he teared up.

"Hey, they weren't 'xcuses, you're okay. Mental me ain't real." The snapper said, smiling reassuringly. "And it ain't playin' victim. You were just defending ya'self."

He gulped and nodded, going silent for a moment before taking a shaky breath and continuing. "A- and then there was— there was you. ." He turned his gaze to his other half, the sliders eyes widening in response.

"You- it-" He took another breath. "You were— blunt. . To say the least—" He stated.

"That- doesn't sound good—"

". . . You were agreeing with them, and- and you asked if I was 'that stupid'. . . I tried believing they weren't real- that it was just me imagining everything but— but it felt too real— even if it was all in a void. . . He snapped back- he said 'Doesn't make it any less true now, does it?' and when I told them to leave he- he reminded me of how familiar the saying was—" He paused, noticing the visible face drop from the three.

"I- I asked what I was doing wrong. . That I could fix it— he wasn't happy about it. ." He trailed off, a solemn look crossing over his face.

"W- what happened—?" Mikey gulped.

"He— he sort of. . Went off—"

"What does that mean?" The snapper questioned, cocking an eyebrow ridge in concern.

The slider was staying uncharacteristically silent. . .

"He said- 'You mean like how you 'fixed' everything else you ruined? Like how you tried to 'help' without using any tech? Like how you tried 'fixing' the mess you made when you threw a fit in the kitchen over something small and meaningless? Face it, 'Tello. You're nothing without your tech. You're nothing without us. You will always be nothing without us to be the source of your usefulness. Anything you try doing without your tech fails. Every. Damn. Time. And even when you are using your tech, something always manages to screw up.'" He paused, taking another breath. "'Seems like something you and those piles of silver junk have in common, though.'" He looked down, refusing to look at any of the three.

"Hey- well it's not true. He wouldn't say that and either way none of it's true." Mikey stated, crossing his arms.

The snapper nodded in agreement, placing two firm hands on the twins' shoulders. "He's right. About both things. I know you wouldn't say that and I know none of what the fake one said was true."

The two didn't respond, the room going radio silent for a few seconds.

"Did anythin' else happen?" The snapper questioned.

"Erm-. ." What if they hate you for saying what happens next? Surely Leo would. I'm sure he already—

"Hey— you can tell us. 'Ts fine. It doesn't matter."

"I—" Don't. "He. ." Don't you fucking dare Donatello. "He said— 'Aww, cats got your tongue? We're done. Have fun being abandoned once again. Whatever you have won't last long, I'm sure of it.' " You're the worst! "And when he went to walk off to follow the others— He- he asked me a question. ."

"What was it-?"

He sighed. "It- It was— 'Do you wanna know what they call a burnt out lightbulb?'. ."

"What was it. . ?"

He smiled faintly, eyes going shiny with new tears as he looked at the far wall. "As good as gone. . ."

The room went silent once more, quickly being cut off by the sound of sniffling.

Suddenly, the slider pulled his other half into a tight—but not too tight—embrace, shoving his face into the other's shoulder.

The softshell was startled, but didn't pull away. Silent tears began to cascade down his face as he pulled him close, enveloping him in his own hug. (even if it was slightly more robot-like movements due to not knowing how to)

The slider just sobbed. "I'm so sorry! Please don't ever believe any of that! Please 'Tello! Please—" He pleaded, hold never faltering.

The softshell suddenly felt a very protective urge wash over him, pulling him into his lap and keeping him close.

The other two went to scoot closer, attempting to help comfort the Slider.

He suddenly hissed at them, pupils vanishing momentarily and being replaced with white before returning as he realized what happened. He quickly looked away, pulling the latter close to his chest in a protective but comforting hold.

The two flinched back as he hissed, blinking in confusion at what that was. They stayed where they were, not daring to move any closer.

The blue-clad just continued crying, still latched tight to his other half. He hadn't noticed what just happened, neither did he really care. He needed to keep Donnie close. He needed to know the other was safe and not possibly doing something stupid because of what false-him was saying. Even if the other couldn't walk, it didn't ever stop him from trying, and that's what worried him most. . . Keep him close. Keep him safe.

The softshell didn't quite know how to properly comfort him, and was far too embarrassed now to ask for help. Even with the very unexpected startle, a small part of the feral-mind stayed for just a moment longer. Keep him close, keep him safe.

The youngest and oldest just watched helplessly, eventually deciding they would leave the two to their own and standing to go make lunch. They walked out, going to the kitchen in hopes to find something within the space for everyone to eat.

Something faintly sparked on his face, his nose marking glowing for about half a second before stopping. He just blamed it on static shock, resting his head on the twin's shoulder and sighing softly. He listened to the thump of the other's heartbeat, steadily beating at an even pace slightly quicker than his own. He noticed very quickly that their heartbeats began to sync, whether it be his speeding up or the latter's slowing down, he did not know. He began rubbing circles onto Leo's shell mindlessly, mind racing as per usual.

Pretty soon the slider fell dead weight into the other's embrace, soft snoring beginning. It confused the softshell, before he realized he was just asleep. 

He was about to lay him against the couch rest but his mind decided against it. Keep him close, keep him safe. He is not safe if he is not close. A voice provided, a slight hiss to its tone. He decided to listen to the voice, adjusting slightly so he could lean back against the couch to rest his spine. He carefully rested his other half against his chest, only feeling a slight amount of pain. He kept Leo's head against the crook of his neck, noticing it seemed like a comfort thing while the other was asleep. He would be shifting around otherwise.

Leo seemed to relax, releasing a breath he had apparently been holding since before he started crying. His hold was still around the other's neck-shoulder area, but it was significantly looser than before he had fallen asleep. Now his arm was simply draped over his twin's plastron and shoulder, his other arm nestled between the two's chest like a small child keeping his arms close while asleep.

"Sleep well 'Nardo. . . I'm sorry." He whispered, draping his arm over the latter as if it were comfort for both of them—which it was.

And if he stayed like that for the next few hours, asleep beside each other in comfortable silence while the others were off doing their own thing, that wasn't anyone's business. And if the Baron returned home to see them like that, being completely and utterly confused as to how the two are so suddenly getting along, that's his problem. For now, Leo was protected by Donnie, and Donnie was protected by Leo, keeping each other safe even while both asleep.

——————

The slider awoke, blinking the blurriness from his eyes and shifting so he could wipe his face of the dried tears. He blinked a few times, getting used to the dimmed lights of the room and looking around. He quickly realized he wasn't alone as he began to hear faint breathing from someone beside him. Or rather, sitting directly next to him. His eyes widened, turning his head to meet the culprit. He immediately spotted the purple-clad turtle asleep, still holding him close while his head lay against the back of the couch. He smiled, adjusting and laying back against his plastron just as he was before. He hummed, head resting against his chest and listening to the steady heartbeat of the latter. "Thank you." He whispered, still smiling. "I needed that. . ." He wrapped his arms around the twin's torso for comfort, closing his eyes so he could return to sleep.

"You are welcome, dear brethren. . . Glad I could help." The softshell whispered back, resting his arm on Leo's back.

The slider shot up, nearly uppercutting the other with his head in the process. He opened his mouth to say something, eyes wide in surprise.

"I won't tell, not this time at least." He quickly reassured with a faint grin.

"Good—"

Chapter Text

I wonder how I managed to end up, in this place

Where I couldn't get away,

There's no escape. . . .

——————

"Oh. . I'm back here—" He sat up, realizing he was laying down for some reason but deciding to ignore. He stood, looking around and beginning to walk aimlessly through the void that was his mind space. He noticed quickly that he seemed to be glitching, as if he were some broken T.V.

"Hello, Donatello."

"Hello, figure I'm going to ignore—"

"Pushing away your problems again, I see? Typical Donatello move."

"Why are you just now saying my name?"

"Am I not allowed to say my family's names?"

"We aren't family, you said it yourself."

"Oh, I remember now."

"How could you forget that you literally kicked me out and left me for dead?!"

"Purple. You are hurting my feelings as of now—"

"I don't care. You and stupid feelings can shove off."

"Donnie— Donnie that isn't nice—"

"I don't care, Mikey. I'm sick of this— I'm sick of this torment this- this manipulation!" He snapped, fists clenching. "You aren't real! None of this is real it's all a dream like always!"

"You're only doin' this to ya'self, Purple."

"Raphael, why did you just call me—"

"Because you don't deserve a name."

". . Leo. . ."

"That's my name, don't wear it out." The slider deadpanned, stepping out from the black of the void and crossing his arms.

"Again with the barbs, how typical." He hissed.

"Oh please, as if your pathetic insults are any better."

"I never intended them to be harmful, 'Nardo."

"I call bullshit on that."

He grinned, crossing his own arms. "Y'know, Raph doesn't like swearing, remember?"

"I don't think he cares if it's directed at you."

"Highly doubt that, dear brethren."

"Don't call me that, Purple. We aren't brothers, remember? Dad said it himself."

He couldn't help but wince slightly at the 'purple' comment, scowling and straightening again. "He isn't our dad. You three disowned him, remember?"

"No, we don't."

"Unsurprisingly, I mean you're all just figments of my imagination."

"And because it's all in your head."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"All of the things you've been doing, it was all in your head. You're probably still lying in that alleyway as of now, damn near dead."

"Don't bring up that damn alleyway. And none of that was fake! It clearly happened in real life!"

"Oh, it seems Donatello doesn't like the alleyway being brought up. How interesting. What exactly happened in there?"

"Like I would tell you."

"Purple! Stop it!" The box turtle snapped.

"Of course you lot take his side. Especially you Leo." He didn't mean it, but he wanted payback after last encounter.

"Why would we ever take a liar's side?"

"You saw visual evidence! I know you did!"

"Well, seeing as how you were the one recording, it could have very well been edited."

"How could I have edited that—?"

"Oh, right. You couldn't even move after what happened in the alleyway. Almost forgot. You had to get help from a fucking villain."

"Shut up—"

"Couldn't even defend yourself against five—or was it six?—human teenagers."

"Silence— I didn't have my battle shell—"

"Of course, relying on the battle shell to fix all of your problems."

"No-"

"Well it still hasn't fixed one."

"Shut—"

"The fact you're just a pathetic fucking softshell."

His fists clenched, tears pricking his eyes and glitching away mere seconds later.

"You know I'm right, Purple, admit it—"

"I fucking GET IT!! I KNOW IM JUST A DAMN SOFTSHELL YOU DON'T HAVE TO RUB IT IN—!" He snarled, small sparks appearing on his markings. His eyes sparked a purple bolt of lightning before promptly stopping.

The four just grinned.

"Wow, that's all you have? How- what's the right word? Laughable."

"What?" He growled, panting lightly from the energy the unintentional sparks took.

"Did you not see?"

"No— But knowing you four- it's something stupid."

The slider just grinned.

—————

"Woah what the— Don?" The slider blinked, sitting up and looking at the softshelled twin. He glanced at the markings just before the sparks vanished. "Yo- wake up man—"

Nothing.

"'Tello— 'Tello wake up." He lightly shook him, receiving nothing in response once again. "Don this isn't funny wake up." He tapped him on the cheek, narrowly dodging a fist to the gut as the softshell shot up, frantic.

"Don't you DARE— What-?" He blinked, looking around. "Wait—"

"Finally! It only took nearly getting the wind knocked outta me." He frowned, crossing his arms. 

"What? What did?"

"I forgot you kinda- sleep punch? And I tried waking you up." He grinned nervously.

"Oh. ."

His expression dropped, now confusion-written. "Yo what's wrong Hermano?"

"It was—"

"It was another dream, wasn't it?" He leaned closer, tilting his head and attempting to meet the latter's eyes as the other looked more down.

He sighed, shoulders slumping and head tilting down towards his lap. "Y- yeah. . It was—"

He just sighed, uncrossing his arms and resting one on his shoulder before suddenly pulling him into a tight embrace. He loosened when the other tensed, silently cursing himself for forgetting about the chest wounds.

"'Nardo it's fine—"

"No, it's not. Because it almost always goes to your head."

". . Alright—"

The room went silent for a few heartbeats.

"So, what did not-real me say this time?" He hesitantly asked.

"Oh- just- just the usual." He lied, attempting to be funny while doing it. He clearly failed.

"C'mon, you know I'm the jokester in the family. Just tell me. I won't even tell anyone what you tell me if you don't want me to."

"I- I guess. ." He sighed, finally returning the hug as a grounding method for himself.

"Well— for some reason you— he, wasn't saying my name. Now that I think of it, none of them were except Splinter—"

"What were they calling you?"

"They. . They called me Purple. . ."

"Splinters code for you?"

"Yeah- that one."

"Geeze. ."

"Yeah. . Said it was because I didn't deserve a name."

"I hope you didn't believe him." He scowled.

"I didn't, you've drilled it into my head I don't know how many times."

"Good."

"Well, they tried making me believe it wasn't real. That none of what is happening as of now and after a certain point was ever real. . ."

"Oh shit—"

"Apparently mindscape Raph doesn't care about you cussing, though, so that was kind of a shocker."

"What?! So unfair!"

"I know, right?" He smiled.

"Wait why did you bring that up?"

"Oh- because. . Erm—"

"Donnie."

"Right- Right, I know. . Erm- so he brought up how my 'pathetic insults' were no better than his- uh. . His barbs—"

His eyes diverted away for a second, returning to their original spot right after.

"So he called bullshit on that, so I told him how Raph wouldn't like that and he snapped back with 'I don't think he cares if it's directed at you.'. Which kind of caught me off guard but- y'know. . I don't know why I was, it was just the usual—"

"No. . Don't say that—"

"And they. . They brought up the alleyway incident. . ." He sighed.

"Oh—"

"And I may have gotten a little defensive— I wasn't intending to but I did and well it only made it worse—"

"That must've been what the sparks were. . ." He murmured.

"So he noticed and basically started shaming me for it, y'know. . The usual—" He chuckled half heartedly.

"Don. ."

"And well— heres how it basically went—

'Why would we ever take a liar's side?'

'You saw visual evidence! I know you did!'

'Well, seeing as how you were the one recording, it could have very well been edited.'

'How could I have edited that—?'

'Oh, right. You couldn't even move after what happened in the alleyway. Almost forgot. You had to get help from a fucking villain.'

'Shut up—'

'Couldn't even defend yourself against five—or was it six?—human teenagers.'

'Silence— I didn't have my battle shell—'

'Of course, relying on the battle shell to fix all of your problems.'

'No-'

'Well it still hasn't fixed one.'

'Shut—'

'The fact you're just- just. .'" He teared up a bit, wiping it away hopefully before the other noticed. (He did) "'Just a pathetic fucking softshell.'"

"No- no you aren't pathetic dude—"

"And- And it only continued— something happened and I felt really drained somehow— But they must've seen. . I don't know what happened— I want to know what happened all I know is I felt really drained afterwards and—"

"Hey, hey, you're starting to overthink it bud. Just calm down, squeeze my hand if you need—" He pulled away quickly, grabbing his hand in his own.

"Sorry— I- I just—"

"Don't apologize man, there ain't nothing to apologize for."

"Right— right. . ."

"Well, is there anything else?"

"No, I was awoken right after they started going after you guys—"

"What does that mean?"

"They were shit talking about you three and Papa." He said bluntly.

"Oh. Alrighty then." He blinked, before grinning and nudging his arm. "Hey, what do ya say we go to Huesos? Just me and you?"

"I would accept but- kinda still can't walk—"

"Piggyback ride, duh. Unless you want me to pull a Loki and Thor and use 'get help' then throw you through the door?" He teased.

"We are not doing that again— you nearly threw me off the building while fighting a villain."

"Hey, what can I say?"

"Yeah, what can you say?"

"Uhhh, like father like sons?"

"You're still on the Draxum building incident aren't you?"

"Yep!"

"Sigh. Let's just go then. And no 'get help'!"

"Fineeee, you're no fun!"

"I'm the only one who will agree to helping you in your dumb antics, 'Nardo."

"Fine! You're sorta fun."

"And the one who supplies you with your little pranks."

"Okay you're half fun."

"And—"

"Alright alright I get it!" He snapped, pouting and crossing his arms.

"So do you admit it?"

". . Fine. You're a lot of fun. Happy now?"

"Very much so. Now, onward and upward!"

"What?"

"Let's just go you imbecile."

"I don't know what that means but I don't like it with that tone." He narrowed his eyes, standing and putting his hands on his hips. "OO! What if I carry you bridal style? Bet hueso would get a good laugh!"

"No! Piggyback is embarrassing enough!"

"Rude." He huffed. "Fine, let's go then."

"Excellent."

He rolled his eyes, helping the twin onto his back and making sure he was latched on before walking out.

"So, got any money?"

"You spent all of yours on comics, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"Sigh times two. In my backpack, second smallest pocket on the left."

"Right-o!" He turned to the room the bag was in, striding in and snatching up the bag. "Uhh, which one is left?"

"The bulky pocket."

"Got it!" He reached in, snatching up a wad of something and pulling it out with wide eyes. "What the— why do you have this much?!"

"I'm the money supplier for everyone, what do you expect?"

"Not a wad of cash just casually thrown in here!"

"Oh. Well then you aren't gonna like the lab—"

"How much do you have?!"

"Enough." He stated.

"Whatever, let's just go before Raph finds us sneaking off." He turned, bumping into something before taking a step back. "Uhh, hey Raph— lovely weather today innit?"

"What are you two doing? Donnie's still healing!"

"Why do you think he is giving me a piggyback ride?"

"You still haven't answered my question Bozos."

"We're heading to Huesos. Want us to bring you back a box?"

"It is way too dangerous alone in the hidden city!"

"Why do you think we got phones?"

"What if someone tries attacking you?"

"Run away?"

"With Donnie not able to even walk?"

"He'll be on my back."

"What if they have a weapon."

"I got my sword."

"What if there are multiple?"

"Again, run away."

". . Fine. But if I find one scratch on either of you—"

"'Kay love ya byeeee!" The slider ran off, softshell still on his back as the two stifled laughs.

"Brothers. ." He sighed, shaking his head and leaving in the opposite direction.

——————

The slider walked through the streets, occasionally showing his other half something funny or interesting on his phone feed as he made his way to Run of The Mill Pizza.

"Heh, look at this—"

"Ouch! That does not look pleasant—"

"Well, I mean parkour is pretty gnarly." He shrugged.

"Yeah." He agreed, glancing around every once in a while.

It took another half hour before they arrived, the blue-clad strutting in like he owned the place and the purple-clad rolling his eyes. 

"Ah, yes. Pepino. Long time no see."

"Eh- yeah sorry about that. Kinda got caught up in something—"

"Mhm, the usual, I presume?"

"Yep!"

"Here or to-go?"

"Uhhh, Don?" He glanced up at the other.

"How about we eat ours here and get the other's to go?"

"Sounds like a plan. You hear that Hueso? Is that allowed?"

"I may be a skeleton, Pepino, but I can still hear. And sí, it is allowed." He nodded.

"Great!"

"Just don't make a fool of yourself like the last time. . And absolutely do NOT distract my workers!"

"You got it!" He walked towards an empty booth towards the back of the restaurant, setting the latter down and then sitting in the one across from him.

"I'm worried to know what happened last time."

"Heh. . Yeah— It was kinda chaotic—"

"Oh please, enlighten me." He grinned, resting his arms on the table.

"Alright, guess I do owe ya."

"Indeed."

"You little—

"Actually I'm a full millimeter taller than you, so it's you little—"

"Don't go into specifics!"

Chapter Text

"There you go Don! One step. . Two steps. . . Th- oh crap—"

The ornate box turtle ran and caught his immediate older softshelled brother before he fell to the floor, gently setting him down on the floor afterward. He sat in front of him, smiling. "It's okay Dondon, maybe next time!"

It went silent for about two seconds.

The genius scowled, looking down towards the floor. "No,"

"Huh?"

"No. I'm done, I can't be here not able to do anything while you guys have to take care of my pathetic ass! I might as well cut my damn legs off and make new ones. It's not that hard anyways."

"Donnie no- don't you dare say that! You're okay! We chose to help, remember? I chose to help. I could have just left and hung out with dad but I didn't because I wanna help you. I want you to be able to go back to making those cool machines and hanging out with us doing dumb stuff! It's fun when you and Lee do what Raphie calls your 'middle child nonsense'!" He crossed his arms, obviously not having any of it.

"But it's been weeks and I can't even take three steps. You literally had to take me to the hospital because of something as dumb as a broken rib." He snapped back, brows furrowed irritably.

"Two broken one fractured and one nearly piercing your lung."

". . Right— but still, if I had been just—"

"Nuh-uh, no. Bad Donnie."

"I swear- Why do you guys keep—"

"Because you're saying this stuff! You need to stop!" He grabbed the latter's face, ignoring the flinch as he yanked him close. "You are amazing the way you are and if you don't believe it I'll make you!"

"But—"

"No."

". . Fine—"

"Good! Here, have a lollipop! Courtesy of doctor feelings." He pulled a red lollipop out of a pocket on his belt.

"Doctor feelings? I thought you were 'Doctor Delicate Touch'?"

"Doctor Delicate Touch feels nothing." He smiled, clasping his hands together after releasing the older's face.

"Oh."

. . .

". . . Is it cherry?"

"Yes, yes it is. Will you accept the cherry lollipop?"

". . . Yes."

"Good job."

——————

"So, how's Don doin'?" Raph questioned, turning towards the box turtle as he walked in.

"Beating himself up about it again. But he can walk a few steps now!" He sighed, perking up at the last sentence.

"Hey guys—" Leo suddenly poked his head in, mild concern written on his face.

"Yeah?" The two turned.

"Check your phones—"

"What happened this time? You don't seem very- Leo." He pointed out, gesturing vaguely to the slider.

"Just- just check them—"

"Okay Lee!" The youngest pulled his phone out, turning on and unlocking it.

The snapper did the same, both turtle's faces dropping as they saw a notification in a group chat.

"Oh. I thought we deleted this group chat?" 

"I did too." Raph scowled.

"Yeah, soooo, what do we say?"

"We tell him no. He hasn't proved anythin' to us and he sure as shell ain't off the hook for what happened."

"Got it." He nodded, typing in a reply and turning the phone off.

-The Fam GC-

Splinter:

Hello boys, and April. I came on here to inform you about my recent decision. . I hope you will understand I know I have not been very well recently but I wish to get better for you all. I understand what I did was wrong, but I hope you will forgive me even if you do not forget, and my boys, if you're reading this. I apologize. I know Donatello will most likely not read this, as he has recently blocked me. So to the boys who haven't, I apologize.

Leo:

No

Raph:

Talk to us when you can prove you've changed. We don't trust you, and we absolutely don't forgive ya after that stunt

Mikey:

Yeah I'm still mad at you too

Read by Raph, Leo, Splinter

"Well, I'm up for some pizza, wanna go get G-man and Dee and go to Huesos?" The slider suggested.

"Yeah!" Mikey smiled, leaping onto his back and making Leo give him a piggyback ride.

"Ay- Hermano! Unstable! Unstable!" He yelped, stumbling before finally gaining his footing.

"Alright, let's get pops and him then."

The room went silent.

"Eh- what? Somethin' on my face?" He blinked.

"Dude. You just called him pops." Leo pointed out.

"Oh- Uh-. . Oops—" He chuckled nervously.

The two giggled lightly, looking to each other with mischievous grins.

"I'm telling him!" Leo sprinted off, a brightly smiling Mikey still latched to his back.

"Ay! No! Stop it's embarrasin'!" He ran after.

——————

"So, what do y'all wanna do when we get back home?" Raph asked, munching on a slice of pizza.

"Anything but a visit with doctor Feelings." Donnie mumbled, nibbling on a slice of his own pizza.

"Doctor Feelings? I thought he was—"

"Doctor Delicate Touch? Yeah I did too. Guess he has another." He mused.

"Yes, what Donnie said." Mikey smiled, taking a bite of pizza and humming.

"Epic." Leo nodded, snatching up two slices and biting into them at the same time.

"Leonardo, do not do that or you'll choke."

"You're no fun G-man." 

"Yes I understand but, your safety is top priority as of now."

"Ughhhh, when is it not?" He whined, slumping back in his seat and chomping back down on the slices.

"When you're no longer my responsibility to care for." He stated.

The slider just grumbled to himself, swallowing the last of his bite and huffing.

"Awww, is wittle weo sad?"

"Mikey! You're literally smaller than me! And younger!"

"And? I can still say it."

"No you can't you hypocrite!"

"Yes I can!"

"Here we go again." Raph grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Donnie just watched and nibbled on his food.

Draxum watched as well, grinning in amusement.

——————

"Here Don! I found a way for you to get around!" Mikey beamed, trotting over with two forearm crutches in hand. 

The softshell sat up from the couch he was on, a look of hope plastered upon his face. "Really. . ?"

He nodded, handing them to the older and looking down nervously. "Lee helped with his doctor skills to find these so I thought that maybe they would work for you. . ."

He examined them, nodding as Mikey spoke. 

"So maybe we can start practicing with those instead of the bars or nothing at all. . But you have to have a lot of forearm and upper body strength for those, just as a warning. ."

"Thank you Michael. . These- these are a big help. . ." He looked up, smiling slightly.

The younger looked up, meeting his gaze and smiling brightly. He held a thumbs up, nodding. "Glad we could help! Wanna try them out? I'll be right next to ya just in case."

"Yeah, yeah I would. If it means I can finally walk again then yes." He nodded, setting the crutches down for a moment so he could carefully stand. He turned, picking the crutches up with the help of Mikey and placing his arms into the slots. He sighed, turning his head to the younger.

"Whenever you're ready Dee." He smiled.

"Alright. ." He nodded, turning his head back forward and taking a breath. His face hardened, nodding and taking a step. He quickly moved the crutch on that side forward as well, the arm shaking under his weight as he leaned against the crutch. He took a second to stable, before doing the same with the other leg and crutch. His brows furrowed in concentration, very slowly getting used to the stabilizers.

Meanwhile Mikey was at his side, ready in case the latter were to fall.

He took another few steps, grinning slightly.

The younger hyped him up, cheering lightly with each few steps.

Suddenly his knee buckled mid step, sending him falling to the side and his crutch slipping from his grasp. His eyes widened, awaiting collision with the floor before noticing the other had caught him.

Mikey carefully helped him back up, brushing him off and going to his other side to pick up the crutch. "See? Told you I'd be ready to help."

"Sorry. ."

"Why? It wasn't your fault."

"Erm-. . I guess my leg just gave out— I dunno—" He cleared his throat, looking away nervously as he returned his arm to the crutch slot. 

"It's cool! Probably just put too much weight on it." He shrugged. "Wanna continue or wanna stop?"

"Well- I made it this far didn't I. . ?" He smiled a bit.

"That's the spirit Donnie!" He cheered, clapping. "C'mon I'll make something special for dinner after this for how much progress you've made!"

"Ooo, that's motivation right there dear brother." He chuckled, facing forward and beginning with his walking again.

Mikey nodded, staying beside him just in case.

——————

"Sooo, how did the crutches help?" Leo sat beside his other half, leaning into the latter's arm.

"Surprisingly they helped quite a lot. Me and Mikey practiced with them for a few hours."

"What do you mean surprisingly??"

"Well, you suggested it so, I would have assumed they would either have been rigged or it was a prank."

"I would never prank you!" He gasped, putting on an offended face.

"Leon. . Need I remind you all of the two-thousand eighty one pranks you have pulled on me alone? Precisely two hundred thirty eight of them being about my room, four hundred eighty two of them being about my lab, one thousand twenty nine being about beach balls and three hundred thirty two being about jeans and-or other gross textures."

"Wow, only that many? Would've thought it'd be at least three thousand not gonna lie." He grinned, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands behind his head. He closed his eyes and raised his eyebrow ridges.

"Leon—"

"What?" He dragged out the A, opening one eye and side-eyeing his twin.

"Nevermind, it's not surprising." He rolled his eyes, jumping slightly when a plate was set in front of him.

"Aww, sushi??" Leo groaned.

"Yep! Donnie suggested sushi so I did it!"

"Heh-" The genius side-eyed the slider, grinning.

"TRAITOR!" He screeched.

"When did I pick sides?" Mikey cocked an eyebrow ridge. "I don't remember ever picking sides."

He narrowed his eyes at the youngest.

"But if I did it would be Donnie." He smiled innocently.

Meanwhile Donnie just grinned and handed the box turtle a small wad of cash under the table.

Leo gasped, noticing the hand-off and widening his eyes in betrayal. "You little— you're paying him! I knew something was up all those times!"

"Hey, gotta make money somehow! And we don't technically have chores so." He dragged out the 'so', waving the wad beside his head and turning to walk off.

"I'm so telling Raph."

"What's he gonna do? Lecture me?" Donnie questioned.

"He's gonna put you in time out! And take away your tech privileges."

"Then what entertainment would I have? I can't technically just walk out and explore anywhere. That's a safety risk and would only result in me buying some things like a new phone."

"Damn."

"He's done it before, 'Nardo. It's not new."

"What if he tries a different method then? Like uhhh. . Taking away your money?"

"I have stashes hidden in many different places because of you always trying to touch my money with your grubby sticky hands. He can't take much away."

"They are not grubby or sticky! They are normal hands!" He protested, scowling.

"Keep telling yourself that, 'Nardo. But I see some of the windows and your phone. There's fingerprints—matching your exact hand shape and pattern—all over those. Not to mention I have to deep clean my phone or iPad every time you use it."

"Liar."

"Alright, says the one who thinks spaghetti is finger food."

"I only do that to annoy you."

"Well it works, and it makes your fingers all gross and dirty. So my point still stands."

"Rude."

"And I'm brothers with who?"

"Fair point. . . Still gotta teach me how to leak IP addresses though. I got a few people I ain't too happy with."

"Will do dear brethren. Now eat your sushi, it's good."

"Ew no! You have it!"

"Gladly, at least I don't eat it with my fingers." He grinned, using some chopsticks to grab a small sushi roll and popping it into his mouth.

"Ew. ."

Chapter Text

"It's been quite a while since he texted. . Ya think he's improved?" Mikey questioned, looking up from his phone.

"Why d'you ask dude?" Raph cocked an eyebrow ridge.

"Dunno. . Just looking through my messages 'cause April was texting and I just had that thought." He shrugged.

"Well, he ain't wrong Raphadoodle. I am kinda curious myself, has he improved?" The slider agreed.

"Maybe. . maybe we can check?" He suggested. "You sure?"

"Yeah, doesn't hurt to check, right?"

"True. . Should we bring Don?"

"I say no, we don't even know if the rat's better, don't wanna stress 'im out more with the whole situation." Raph pointed out.

"I agree with Raphie. And maybe we can just get some of his tech and bring it back. He can't walk too far yet anyway. He needs to practice more with his walking." The box turtle nodded.

"Right, right." Leo nodded. "Well, when do ya wanna go?"

"Whenever I guess. We can text him?" The youngest turned his phone back on.

"Yeah, that's a good idea Mike." Raph nodded. "Text 'im and ask if we can come over today."

"You got it!" The youngest nodded, fingers flying around his phone keyboard and messaging Splinter.

"And let's make sure we don't tell Don. Maybe we can see if Pops can distract 'im while we're out."

"We can ask him to help with his walking training?" Leo suggested with a shrug, picking at one of his nails as he leaned against the wall.

"Sounds like a plan."

——————

"And you are sure you want to do this? You cannot truly trust this man, I urge you to be cautious." The sheep man said.

"Yeah, we got it pops. But uh. . Can ya maybe- not tell Dee? We don't wanna stress 'im out more, y'know?"

"Understandable, I suppose I will ensure he does not find out."

"Good, thanks pops."

"It is not a problem Raphael." He nodded.

The snapper nodded back. "Alright."

"Oh! And don't forget to help Dee with his training! He can't miss it!" Mikey added.

"Yes, I will not forget, Michelangelo."

"Right-o dad!"

The three filed out, bidding him farewell as they departed the room.

——————

The trio walked through the sewer tunnels, talking in a hushed tone as they grew nearer to the lair. When they entered, they found it silent and seemingly empty. They jumped as the rat man appeared in front of them, a large smile upon his face.

"My boys! It is so nice to see you!" He exclaimed joyfully, spreading his arms wide.

"Ehh-. . Hey Splinter—" Raph replied nervously, rubbing the back of his head and glancing away.

His expression dropped slightly. "Is something the matter, Raphael?" He questioned.

"Nothin' it's just kinda, awkward?" 

"Understandable, I apologize for that. ." He nodded.

"Sooo, uhh. . How've you been?" Mikey asked.

"I am not sure to be quite honest. But I've been attempting to get better so I would say—"

"Still not well?" Leo spoke up, earning a confused look from the trio.

"Well. . I suppose not too far off—"

"Figured." He nodded, glancing around the quiet lair as he leaned against the entranceway.

"Well, how have you all been?" The rat man questioned.

"Better." The slider replied, still looking away with a look of mild annoyance.

"That is good."

"Yep! And it turns out Draxum is really nice!" The youngest smiled, his face suddenly being covered by Raph's large hand.

"You're. . Living with- Draxum?" The man blinked. "Your enemy?"

"Ehh. . Yeah— we were pretty confused at first when he offered to take us in but turns out he ain't that bad." The snapper nodded.

"And you're sure he isn't just trying to trick you all. . ?"

"Yeah, we're sure."

"Well while you all talk imma go get some stuff from Dee's lab." Leo whispered to Mikey, who nodded as he marched off.

"Where is Leonardo going?" Splinter cocked an eyebrow.

"Uhh, the bathroom!" The orange-clad said.

"Oh, alright then." He nodded.

——————

Leo walked through the oddly cold hallway, towards the end where the lab resides. He didn't hear the familiar hum and whirr of technology as he got closer to the lab, which concerned him. He walked past the mostly empty bedrooms, frowning as he did and continuing on. He paused for a moment as he reached the large metal doors, a worrying feeling washing over him as he reached for the handle. He noticed the doors already slightly open, with an eye-wide space between them. He peaked in, the feeling growing worse by the second. Yet all he saw was black. He pulled away, yanking open the heavy doors with both hands and freezing up as a burst of cold air greeted him. 

His face dropped, filled with shock and horror.

——————

The three family members were talking amongst themselves, the awkward air slowly being lifted as they spoke. Suddenly, all conversation stopped as they jumped from a yell.

"SPLINTER!!"

The rat man turned towards the voice, spotting a very angry Leo in the hallway entrance. "Leonardo, what—"

"Leo you okay? What happened?" Raph interrupted.

"What. The shell. Did you do with 'Tello's stuff?" He snarled.

"What do you mean?" He had a look of confusion plastered upon his face.

"Oh I don't know, does the empty lab ring any bells? Maybe the wires poking from the walls of it?"

"Wait what?" The snappers eyes widened.

"O- oh— Uhm. . I—" Splinter started.

"Show us." Raph ordered, receiving a nod in response as they began to make their way back to the hall.

The slider stepped inside, stepping to the side and gesturing around the room.

The youngest and oldest's eyes widened, looking around the room in shock. 

The room was barren, wires and metal bars and poles sticking out of the walls and floors. There were marks from where heavy and old tech once lay, outlines in the walls and floors, oil stains, and dull grey everywhere. The only colour that was within the room was paint splotches from past projects and old drawings from Mikey years ago. 

"M- my boys. . I can explain—"

"Explain what? How you just got rid of our bro's prized stuff he worked hard to make?!" Raphael suddenly snapped.

"Yeah. . Not cool Splinter." Mikey growled.

"I—"

"He spent years workin' on that just for you to trash it in days."

"I did not think—"

"What didn't ya think? That he was gonna need it all? That he woulda' just made more?" He glared daggers into the old man's eyes, snaggletooth poking into his chin in a scowl. "Y'know, ya coulda' just texted him or us about it or left it! Ain't like you gonna use the room anyway." 

"Where did you put it all?" Leo questioned, stepping beside the older brother with a look of disgust and anger. His face looked as if a shadow was cast upon it, eyes looking as if they glowed with such emotion it slightly frightened his father.

"I uh. . ." He looked away, shame written upon his face.

"Splinter," Mikey spoke up. "Where did you put it?"

"I. . Gaveitaway. . ." He mumbled quickly.

"What?" Leo cocked an eyebrow ridge, the furious glow to his eyes never ceasing. If anything, it seemed to pass to the other two as well.

"I- I gave- it away. ." He spoke slightly louder, clearing his throat afterwards.

"You. . What-? Who? Where?"

"To some friends of mine, they said they would take great care of them during their carnival."

"Who were they?" Raph asked.

"I never quite got their names from what I remember. . But their username was 'totallynotthefoot'."

"Dude. . THAT WAS THE DAMN FOOT!" The snapper snarled. "You just gave that to the damn foot clan!"

"Oh—"

"Yeah, 'oh'." He growled, crossing his arms. "What made you think that was a good idea?"

"I- I am not sure. . ." He looked down in shame.

"Well, now the foot has a fuck ton of guns and other weapons and is probably trying to take over the world as we speak." Leo said, attitude dripping from his words with an underlying venom to it. "Nice going."

"I apologize, let me help if you wish to get it back. I will do my best—"

"No. You've done enough Splinter. We're leaving, so do what ya want with my room. I ain't comin' back." He sidestepped, leaving the once-laboratory and going towards the entrance to the lair.

"But—"

"Me too, I'm not spending another minute in here." Leo hissed, following the older.

"Me three. ." The youngest walked after the other two, looking anywhere else but at splinter.

The rat man went to say something, but decided against it. He slowly follows after, meeting them at the entrance and bidding them a shameful farewell before they departed back to the hidden city.

——————

The trio arrived home, opening the door and filing in. 

Huginn and Muninn went to greet them, but noticed their faces and decided against it. The turtles looked pissed to say the least.

"Where's Pops?" Raph spoke up, thanking the duo when they said that he was in the lounge.

The brothers walked through the long corridor, making their way towards the large room known as the lounge area. Once they arrived, they walked in.

Draxum looked up from his book, only glancing back to put the bookmark in and close it. "Hello boys, what is the matter?" He set the book on the coffee table, careful not to jostle the softshell currently sleeping with his head in his lap.

"He asleep?"

"Yes, he had tired himself out from his crutch training."

"How long did he do it for?" Mikey spoke up.

"Around four hours and thirteen minutes, without breaks." He estimated, gently patting the genius's shoulder.

"Dang. . He must be very impatient—"

"He is, so I have found out." He nodded.

"Well Uh- turns out there's no more lab." The snapper began, clearing his throat.

"What do you mean?"

"He Uh- he gave away all the stuff—"

"To whom? And why?"

"To the damn foot. Because he was still mad about everything." Leo growled.

"Oh, I see."

"Yeah, so now we don't know what to do now that the stupid foot has his stuff—and we all know how dangerous even him using it is—we don't even know where they are, we have to make sure he's there to help, and we don't know how to tell him without him freaking out and beating the shit outta someone."

"Why are you worried about him doing such a thing to the foot?"

"Oh it's not just the foot I would be concerned for, it's Splinter. If he finds out Splinter gave his stuff away he's gonna be pissed."

"Ah, understandable."

"Well I would postpone informing him until he can at least walk again, and then possibly tell him when he can. For now it is wise to keep an eye out for the foot clan, they could be quite dangerous with such machinery. Unless they decide to use it on paper. ."

"Wouldn't be surprised if they rebuilt something into an origami maker." The slider snorted.

"Well that would not be much of a surprise, you are right there." The Baron agreed. "But seriously, keep an eye on the foot clan, we do not know what they have found out about the weaponry yet. For all we know they could have found out how to make use of many of his 'battle shells' and his 'tech bō'." He informed.

"Yeah, we know pops." Raph spoke up, nodding.

"Excellent. Now shoo, we mustn't awaken him. You know how- upset he gets."

"You mean pissed off? He literally sleep-punches when someone tries waking him up by touching him."

"I think he's bitten me once—" Raph said, a nervous look on his face.

"Yeah! But I mean it won't be me being punched sooo— Ow!" The slider rubbed his arm, glaring at Raph, who lightly punched him.

". . If I allow you to order food will you leave?" The sheep man cocked an eyebrow.

"Uh- yeah! Can we order anything?"

"Yes, you may order whatever you desire. Just as long as the entirety of the hidden city doesn't arrive at my doorstep." He nodded.

The slider pumped a fist and scurried out, followed by an equally excited box turtle and an unsurprised snapper.

"And Raphael," The Baron spoke.

The snapper paused, turning in the doorway to face his pops. "Eh- yeah?"

"Check your rooms." He informed.

"Alright, will do pops." He nodded, turning and leaving to follow the other two.

The Baron just chuckled lightly, shaking his head and returning to his book.

My chaotic kids. . .

Chapter Text

"Ohmigosh— Donnie you did it!!" The ornate box turtle exclaimed, jumping up and down and clapping happily.

"I- I did— I did!" He smiled, looking down at his very lightly trembling legs as he stood.

The younger sprinted to the doorway, calling out to the others before running over and hugging the older tightly. "You did it! You can walk!"

"I can—"

The three burst in, thinking the worst as they spotted the softshell with the younger. He was. . Standing?

Their eyes widened, Leo and Raph immediately running over and enveloping the two in a big hug.

"Nice job man!" Leo cheered. 

"Great work bud! And you too Mike!" The snapper agreed.

"Thanks Lee, and Raphie!"

"Heh- thanks—" He muttered, attempting to remove himself from the hug as unnoticeably as possible.

"Amazing work you two. What big progress you have made." The Baron smiled. 

"Thanks dad!" Mikey smiled.

His eyes suddenly lit up, smiling at the praise. "Thanks Papa."

He nodded, walking over and patting them all on the head.

The two smiled, finally being released from the bear-hug the group was in.

"So. . . can I finally work on my—"

"No!" Raph spoke, a little louder than intended

"But I'm able to do stuff on my own now!" He whined.

"Bad Donnie!" Leo frowned, bopping him on the head.

"Did you just—"

"Why can he not? He is right, he is fully capable of walking and moving around on his own. And he would have one of us near him at all times." Draxum pointed out.

"How is he supposed to do anything when all of his stuff is- erm-. . Gone—"

"Oh. . Right. . ." The softshell sighed.

"Well, I suppose he could use my laboratory. I am not currently using it for anything large due to caring for you four."

The genius perked up at the offer, eyes lighting up once more. "W- wait really? Like- Actually? I— Ohmigosh what—"

"Yes, really."

He squealed uncharacteristically loud, hands flapping and feet tapping the ground. "Yesyesyesyes!!"

"Wonderful, just do not use up my entire uranium supply."

"URANIUM?! You have uranium?!?"

"Oh shit, shouldn't have said that man." Leo grinned.

"Why not? It is a useful element in technology and general science work."

"Because he quite literally goes feral without uranium, just think what would happen with it."

"Oh. How interesting."

Meanwhile the softshell was pacing around carefully, having subconsciously grabbed the forearm crutches. He paced back and forth, mumbling about random projects he could finally finish or upgrade now that he is allowed to have access to the supply.

"Don- Don. Donnie chill man! We get it you're happy but ya gotta calm down." Raph said, grabbing the latter's shoulders and forcing him to face him.

"But Raphael! Just think what the possibilities could be now that I have access to the one thing I couldn't get! With it, we'll be virtually unstoppable!"

"Yeah, yeah. But ya just learned how to fully walk without help. Your legs are still shaking like mad dude, and your ribs are still healin'."

"Not a problem, dear brother! I could just—"

"No."

"But—"

"Donnie. Ya can't fix every problem with tech. I get it, ya finally happy that you can continue your— eh— science-y stuff but ya gotta calm down and take it slow until you're fully healed."

"Fine. ." He slumped forward slightly, shoulders drooping and weight on the crutches being slightly released.

"Good." He patted him on the head and smiled, releasing him.

"But can I still—"

"No!"

"But you never let me!"

"Because it's a BOMB!"

"Experimentation, Raphael! Everything must be tested! Don't you want me to live up to my full potential, brother?"

"I do but not with BOMBS!"

"But how come Leo's allowed to do stupid reckless stuff!?"

"Because his level of stupid and reckless doesn't involve giant explosives! Or fire, or weapons! Mostly—"

"Hey! I'm right here!" The slider crossed his arms stubbornly.

"How do you know? Do you spy on him or something?"

"No, he brags about it all the time."

"Damnit. ."

"Oi."

"But Leo—"

"I know, he's gonna get the lecture later."

"Not fair! 'Damn' technically isn't even a swear word!"

"Life ain't fair Donnie!" Mikey smiled.

"Using my words against me are you Doctor Delicate Touch?"

"Yep!"

"Well then tell Doctor Delicate Touch he needs new material."

"What did you just say?"

"I said for you to tell Doctor Delicate Touch to— Oh."

"Yeah, 'oh'. You done messed up little man."

"You're literally shorter than me."

The younger said nothing, just nodding and snatching the softshell by the arm, dragging him off.

"Help! Kidnapping! Brother-napping! Release me! Raph!" Donnie called, struggling and kicking at air.

"You on your own Dee, shouldnt'a talked bad 'bout Doctor DT." He chuckled.

"FAVORITISM!!" He shrieked, nails dragging across the doorframe as he was ripped from it. The two disappeared.

"Bet we ain't gonna see him for a while." Leo grinned.

"His choice." The snapper shrugged. "He knows how Mike gets when he's in 'Doctor mode'."

"True true." He nodded.

"Anyways wanna go get Huesos?" The older questioned.

"Uh, yeah! And then we can watch Dee get scolded like a little kid while we eat!" The slider chuckled mischievously.

"But Mike said—"

"Dude, you're literally the oldest. You really gonna take orders from your younger brother?"

". . But he's scary when in doctor Delicate Touch mode."

"Yes but you can also pick him up like a ragdoll. You do it to us all the time when we're in trouble anyway."

"True—"

"Also you can just give him a pizza box as a peace offering or something."

"Right, I guess." He shrugged.

"Alright let's go!"

"Sounds like a plan." He rolled his eyes, following the slider as he bounded through the corridors towards the exit.

——————

The two giggled as they watched Doctor Delicate Touch scold the softshelled scientist through the crack in the door. They munched on their pizza, attempting to be as quiet as possible so as to not get caught by the Box turtle.

Turns out they weren't as quiet as they thought, because next thing they knew the youngest swung the door open, glaring at both of them with his circular framed glasses pushing up on his snout. "What do you think you're doing, you two?"

"Uh oh, you two just got caught." The genius grinned, dragging out the last word with a chuckle.

"Heyyy— Sup Mikester— Ho- how ya doin'?" The slider chuckled nervously, glaring at his twin for a few seconds before returning his gaze to the youngest.

"Answer the question, Lee."

"Ooo! Now this is a show." Donnie snickered.

Raph slowly began to inch away, before his mask tails were suddenly grabbed and he was yanked inside the room, along with Leo.

The next thirty minutes in total consisted of Mikey (Doctor Delicate Touch) scolding the two and Donnie watching while eating some pizza he stole from Raph's box (Leo had pineapple on his, eugh)

"Mikeyyy— Hermano- Favorite brother?" Leo grinned, shrinking his head into his shell a bit as the younger put his hands on his hips and cocked an eyebrow ridge.

"Yes, Leo?"

"We got a pizza for ya—?" The snapper spoke up, attempting to bribe the Box turtle into not scolding them anymore.

"What kind, exactly?"

"Your favorite—" Leo smiled, lifting a somehow still piping hot pizza box to the other.

His face scrunched up in suspicion, before he opened it and it immediately shifted to one akin to joy. He narrowed his eyes at the two, doing an 'im watching you' gesture to them before snatching it and dragging Donnie off with him with a bright smile.

The two let out a baited breath, slumping forward a slight bit as their shoulders dropped. They stood up, high-threeing before walking to their pizza.

"Hey! He took a slice of my pizza!" The snapper exclaimed, frowning.

"Start putting pineapple on it! It tastes good and it's a good Donnie-repellant!"

"Donnie-repellant? Seriously?"

"What? It is! He hates pineapple and you know it!"

"Whatever, it was only one slice anyway, not like it hurt nothin'." He shrugged, walking out.

——————

The Baron whistled, striding his way towards the laboratory. (Surprisingly without the goyles)

He went to open the doors, before pausing as he heard noise from within the room. He simply smiled and entered, attempting to stay as silent as possible so as to not startle the other that was inside.

Donnie sat at a small bench he had found (somehow) with scrap metal and other parts that the sheep man couldn't find the name of from his distance, strewn about the top and stored underneath. He held a blowtorch in hand, a welding mask resting upon his face as sparks lit up the spot he was in orange and white light.

The Baron strided up to the younger silently, leaning over the latter's shoulder to examine whatever he was working on. About a second or two after he did so, the torch turned off and the mask lifted.

The genius looked up at him,slightly nervous. "Erm- I'll clean it up- Promise—"

"It is alright, I do not mind one bit. Though I would have assumed you'd have taken up the large desk instead." He grinned.

"Oh- I didn't- I didn't know— Sorry. I didn't wanna touch something I wasn't supposed to—"

"Why are you apologizing? A scientist should never apologize for working." He stated, straightening and glancing around at the work in progress of parts laid upon the desktop. "Say, what exactly are you working on, child?"

"Oh- Uhm—" He was startled by the sudden question, looking down at the floor for a second before glancing back up at him. "Y- you actually wanna know?"

"Yes? Is that a problem?"

"No! No it isn't! Nevermind—" He shook his head quickly in defense, turning back to the desk and scrambling to find whatever he was looking for. Once he spotted it, he made a small "aha!", grabbing the blue parchment and holding it up to his papa. "It's a new battle shell prototype! I was thinking perhaps if I enhanced it with some of the uranium I could ensure the strength and durability of it is at least twice as improved from what it was before!" He rambled, pointing to some images on the paper before retracting his arm.

The sheep man nodded, examining the paper closely. "Very impressive Donatello. You are quite the creative one, aren't you?" He smiled.

"Actually Mikey helps out with most designs— this one is just a replica of my previous shell, battle shell eighty-seven point five."

"Ah, so I see. Well a great scientist doesn't always work alone." He shrugged, neatly rolling up the paper and returning it to his son. 

". . But you do?"

"Not all the time. Sometimes I have Huginn and Muninn to assist." He informs.

"Oh—"

"Yes, and if you four would like, I suppose you all could help—just as long as you do not touch any unknown buttons, switches, levers. ." He trailed off.

"Well that would just be an ignorant move." He grinned slightly. "But I can help whenever you want papa, just let me know when and I'll be there- Here—?"

He nodded, patting him on the head and chuckling lightly. "Such interesting kids you are."

"Thanks?" He said, sounding more like a question than a statement. 

"Yes it was a compliment, apologies for making it sound sarcastic."

"It's fine papa, thanks." He nodded, glancing slightly at the desk before averting his eyes back to the Baron.

He paused for a moment, before removing his hand from the younger's head and walking away after putting a finger up as a sign to 'wait'.

Donnie watched him disappear into another part of the lab, looking around for a few seconds before ultimately deciding to turn back to the desk and continue, thinking he must've gotten bored or something similar.

He returned, setting a chair beside the desk and sitting on it. He watched the terrapin work, arm resting on a clean part of the desk's edge.

"Oh- sorry, I thought you left."

"I did not, and do not apologize, I simply went to go and retrieve a chair to sit in." He replied.

"Okay."

"So, please, tell me more about this prototype shell of yours."

His face lit up, a small smile growing upon his face as he returned his gaze to the desk and picked up a few more notes previously strewn about the area. His hands shook happily, flapping as he turned back to face him. "Okay- okay— So. . ." He began, rambling on for the next half hour or so.

Chapter Text

The three brothers entered Donnie's room, nervous looks upon their faces. They looked down towards the floor, or in Leo's case, at the wall.

"Hey Don?" Raph spoke up.

"Yes dear brethren?" He looked over at them, face dropping onto one of mild concern. "Is something wrong? You didn't break anything did you?"

"No- not exactly. We kinda have to tell ya somethin' before we tell ya the other thing—" The snapper shook his head in defense.

"Alright. . That isn't suspicious at all, he said without sarcasm." He cocked an eyebrow.

"Heh. . Yeah uhh— Well y'know how your tech is at the lair. . ?"

"Yes—? What does this have to do with my tech?"

"Well. . It- It ain't really in the lair. ." He said slowly, twiddling his thumbs.

Wow raph, straight to the point, huh?

"You- you're kidding. I may be slow to jokes but I can just tell this is a really bad one— How would you even know? You haven't even been to the lair." He crossed his arms.

"It- it ain't a joke Dee." Mikey spoke. "We actually went a few days ago. ."

"You. . You did what?"

"We—"

"No no- I heard you— but why? Why did you— What made you—" He threw his hands around in exasperation, trying to find the question.

"Because we wanted to know if he had improved. And we were gonna go grab you some blueprints and a few materials for you and that's how we found out." Leo replied, stepping closer.

"Oh, alright then. . So he- he got rid of it all—?"

"Yeah, he did." The slider sighed.

"Wh- where? Maybe I can find it—" He stood, walking towards the exit of the room before being held back by his twin.

"Don— It- It isn't anywhere you could find it—"

"Then where is it?! That was important stuff! I need that!!" He protested, attempting to pull away from him.

"Don stop!"

"Let me go Leo!! I need to find it all! It's important, I need it all! I need SHELLDON!!" He screeched, thrashing about.

"Donnie if you don't stop I'm gonna get Raph to hold you!"

"Why won't you let me get my tech?!" He whipped his head around to face the latter, teeth clenched angrily as tears pricked the corner of his eyes.

"Because it's with the Foot!!" He screamed back, hold tightening on the other's arms so as to not let him escape.

He froze, eyes widening. "W- what. . ?"

"Its- its with the foot. ." He repeated, slowly loosening his grip with a sigh.

"H- how-?"

"Because that damn rat gave it all to them."

"No. . No no no—" He shook his head, pulling his arms from the sliders grip and close to his chest. "No. . No no no no. . ." He fell to the floor, pulling his knees close to his chest as he sat and hid his face. He began absolutely falling apart, shutting down and mumbling in a monotone. He held his head, still shaking it. "Shelldon. . No no they have Shelldon— they have my battle shells they have everything no—" He mumbled.

"Donnie. ." The snapper frowned, kneeling in front of the softshell and resting a hand on his shoulder. "Donnie it's okay— We can find it all don't worry none." He spoke in a quiet tone, hunching down to the younger's eye level and rubbing his shoulder soothingly.

He just tensed up, unbelieving of anything he had said. They have everything— They have Shelldon. . They- they have the battle shells and information and—

". . Hey, didn't ya say you had a tracker on like- everythin'?" He questioned calmly.

Suddenly his head snapped up, eyes wide as the older flinched back, startled. "Trackers. . TRACKERS!" He exclaimed, scrambling to a stand and looking around frantically.

"What are you looking for Dee?" Mikey questioned, tilting his head.

"My cuff— I can track it all on the cuff!" He replied, noticing Leo grab it and toss it to him. He caught it, fumbling to get it on his wrist before typing on it.

The others gathered around, watching him type away at an unnatural speed closely.

. . .

"FOUND IT!!"

——————

The squad hid within a large dark corner, watching as the foot generals tinkered with some of the tech from some boxes. 

"You were right. . They took- they took everything. . ." Donnie breathed out.

"Yeah. . But it's okay, we'll get it all back Dee." Mikey rested a hand on the latter's shoulders, smiling in reassurance.

"That's- they don't know what some of that could do if they use it wrong. . They could hurt someone— It could explode—"

"But that won't happen Don, not while we're here." The oldest said firmly, turning his head to face the three youngers. "Now, anyone got a pla—"

"Hey!" Leo suddenly yelled out, leaping into action with his swords drawn.

"Leo!" Raph called out, running after the slider with his tōnfas at the ready.

Mikey followed after, kusari-fundo swinging. "It's okay Raphie! It's just the foot faces!" He giggled.

"Give those back!" The slider snapped.

The foot generals looked over at the trio, simply grinning as the skinny one pulled out a small silver orb from his pocket. 

Donnie's eyes widened in realization at what the orb actually was, frozen in place within the darkness of the corner. "G- guys!!" He stuttered out, "Move! Move now!!"

The three didn't seem to hear, running directly at the foot generals and ready to—

Click—

Wshhhhh

"Looks like we got ourselves some new pets."

"H- hey! Let us out!" Mikey exclaimed.

"Hang on guys lemme just portal us—" Leo began, flicking his sword. It lit up in an array of bright blue sparks, the markings of it glowing before suddenly stopping altogether. "Uh- weird—"

"Maybe I can just—" Raph slammed his fists together, his entire figure sparking in a similar array of sparks (but red) before stopping abruptly. Just as Leo's did. "Why aren't our weapons workin'—?"

The softshell watched as his brothers were caught like flies in a fly trap, unable to use their weapons or mystic abilities whatsoever. His eyes were pinpricks, breaths becoming quick and uneven as terror pooled in him like a raging river filling a lake. They're gonna hurt them— Don't let them hurt them— protect them, save them, be useful. His mind snapped, an underlying hiss to it. His snout sparked, followed by his other markings.

The generals just laughed, high-fiving each other and walking towards the net-caught turtles. "Who knew it'd be so easy."

Suddenly a large beam of purple shot at their feet, causing the two to jump back, startled. They looked at the scorch mark, then where the beam came from, a sudden fear washing over them.

Out stepped a brightly glowing figure, sparking as neon pixels broke away from him, fading away mere seconds later. His eyes glowed a blindingly bright magenta-like purple, almost pink looking in contrast to a normal purple. His markings bore a similar, almost exact glow. His mask tails bounced as he walked, shredded and burnt at the ends as if the pixels had tore it apart. The figure slowly walked, muscles jerking slightly every few seconds as a low hiss emitted from him. "Don't you dare touch them." He snarled, paying no mind to the worried looks of his brothers from the net. His eyes were locked on the people in front of him, blazing with an undecipherable emotion as his fists suddenly clenched.

"Ah, I knew there was a fourth—" The skinny one spoke, attempting to not sound worried in the slightest.

"Don- Don you okay what happened. . ? How did—" Raph began, suddenly being interrupted by Leo's hand over his mouth. That's a first—

"Step. Away." He snarled again, taking a few steps closer. His hand twitched, quite literally glitching as it did so. A battleshell-like shape materialized in the air behind him, pixels connecting to each other to finish off the build as it attached to his back, much like a real one would.

"Or what? Are you gonna shoot us with another little laser?" The bulkier one grinned, crossing his arms.

"Hmm. . That doesn't sound like a bad idea. . ." He stopped walking, feet glitching as they slowed to a halt. His entire body began glitching as he jerked his arms to the side, summoning what looked to be some sort of machine gun type weapon.

His face dropped, grin fading just as fast as it came. "O- oh— Uh—"

His head twitched again, body beginning to glitch like mad as he let out an insane cackle. "I'll give you a five second head start."

"I'm not scared, it's nothing but a bunch of pixels and pretty lights." The skinny one rasped with a grin.

"I beg to differ, your floor says otherwise."

"Well, I got something of my own now, anyways."

"Is it another paper man?" Leo called, grinning.

"Leo!" Raph scowled at him.

"No! It's a new little weapon I would love to try out." He rasped, yanking out what looked to be a small gun. .

"That was in beta, I wouldn't test it unless you want the possibility of blowing yourself up in the process." He scowled.

"I'll take that chance." He grinned, lifting the gun and pointing it at the net.

His eyes widened, glancing over to his brothers—in which Raph seemed to be shielding the youngers behind him. He suddenly snarled, gaze snapping back to the two in front of him. His once-fear was replaced with sheer rage for his family. It flooded within him faster than any stormy river ever could, and before he could think rationally, he began to spark with purple. His glitching grew worse, making him look as if he were in a broken computer that was attempting to work rather than a real being. He launched at the two, disappearing in a burst of pixels and reappearing behind the skinny one. He raised his fist, swinging down as hard as he could on the other's head and causing him to drop the weapon. He kicked the gun away, suddenly feeling a hand on his shoulder. he froze, glowing somehow brightening even more. His lips curled up in a snarl, teeth barred as he slowly turned his head to glare at the brute behind him with narrowed eyes. His glowing eyes shined with such a brightness it looked as if they would blind you if you looked at them for too long. Before the general could remove his hand from his shoulder, the softshell whipped around, hissing loudly and lunging straight at his neck.

The brute went to throw him off, suddenly yelling out as a sharp pain erupted into his lower shoulder. 

The softshell latched onto his shoulder, refusing to let go as his teeth bore deeper and deeper into the flesh. His teeth felt like bear trap spikes, the pressure only increasing until the brute felt as if his arm would come off.

He suddenly released, spitting out a chunk of the flame head's shoulder and standing. He snarled again, eyes flickering over to his brothers and spotting the skinny one making his way towards them. He hissed, disappearing in a blur of neon purple pixels and suddenly slamming his shoulder into the man's side.

He went flying into a wall, a loud boom followed by the sound of cracking echoing throughout the building. He hung within the crater, wincing as he gained his breath back.

The brothers watched in horror as the genius did such things, attempting to process the situation that had just occurred.

The purple-clad hissed, glaring at the gasping foot general lodged within the wall and flickering his gaze to his brothers to ensure they weren't hurt. Once he came to the assumption the skinny one would take a minute or two to regain himself, he went to turn to where the strong one once lay. Only to receive a strong kick to the gut by that same one. He didn't so much as scream or even yelp, simply wheezing as he slammed into the floor, the wind knocked right out of him.

The skinny one scrambled out of the crater finally, running to where a box of tech sits against a wall and snatching a few objects he deemed useful.

The brothers yelled, thrashing within the net in futile attempts at escaping. They screamed threats and insults at the two and for Donnie to "get up!" So he didn't get even more hurt. . .

However the softshell had already been trying to get up, sparks growing with each attempt as his anger grew. He hadn't heard what they said, only that they were yelling. Yelling and absolutely terrified. 

Get up- get up they're hurting them— Get up now you pathetic softshell

just get up damnit!!

Chapter Text

Get up! Get up they're hurting!! GET UP—

He hissed, his glitching growing almost out of control looking as he attempted to push the foot off of his chest. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted the skinny one marching his way towards the net with another piece of most likely dangerous tech. No no nononono!! He pushed on the foot again, digging his nails into the top and hissing.

The brute yowled, recoiling back and hopping up and down on one foot as he held the other.

The softshell shot up, swaying slightly before shaking his head and launching at the skinny one with a snarl. Protect them— Don't let them be hurt or it's your fault! Don't let him hurt them!!

The skinny one's eyes shifted to the genius, twisting and crossing his arms in front of his face to block the oncoming attack.

Donnie landed directly on him, slamming him into the floor and pinning him down. His teeth barred, the corners of his eyes sparking a few times as what looked like a small arsenal of various guns pixelated behind him, facing the foot face. Kill him. . He can't hurt them if he's dead! His mind provided, eyes narrowing.

"—onnie!"

. . .

"Do- ie!! Do—"

What?

"Donnie!! Don't- ill—"

Oh, his brothers were yelling. .

"—Onnie don't kill—!- Em!"

But I have to. . They'll hurt you—

"Donnie!!"

His head snapped up, turning to them with worry.

"Donnie, Dondon calm down— We ain't hurt we're okay—" The snapper assured, attempting to keep his voice as calm and level as possible. He kept the other two behind him.

He wanted to say something in response, but all that came out was a concerned chirp. 

Raph's face was one akin to concern and another indecipherable emotion. . . It didn't help him at all that he was letting off his fear-stink.

He went to sit up, noticing the visible flinch back from the trio. His eyes widened slightly, his markings growing slightly dimmer. They're— they're scared. . Scared of me— I scared them. . . They shouldn't be scared of me— That's not right. . He just chirped again, attempting to say something to reassure them he won't hurt them. It went fruitless, his attempts. He looked back down at the foot face he was still on top of, flinching back in realization at what he'd done and even what he would have done had he listened to the voice. . .

And he wasn't even thinking anything of it when he did. . . .

He shook his head, turning back to his brothers and chirping loudly. Speak!! Why can't I speak damnit—!? 

No no stop! They're scared of you. Enough with your futile attempts! Something hissed from the back of his mind.

No they shouldn't be scared— I just want to protect them—

Then protect them. You still can, even if they're scared. . .

No I don't wanna scare them!!

But you did. And you still are! You know you want to protect them, and you know you want to make these things pay for what they want to do. They want to make your brothers pets! They want to hurt them, force them to be in the foot clan! Do you want that, Purple?!

. . .

Purple. . ?

He hadn't noticed, but his breathing had grown significantly quicker, tears streaming heavy down his face. He breathed through his teeth, keeping them clenched tightly. He returned his gaze to his brothers, noticing the other two peaking over Raph worriedly. He diverted his gaze to the skinny general, brows furrowing as he inhaled heavily. He raised his hand, snatching the man up by the neck and standing as the other struggled. His artificial battle shell shifted around, four large disks appearing upon it, much like his hover shell but slightly larger for a heavier load. The disks whirred, neon fans spinning at rapid speed and lifting the two into the air. He spun around, launching directly at the large one and snatching his wrist before shooting up through the ceiling into the big black ink sky.

"DONNIE!!" The three screeched, watching as the figures disappeared into the night.

"Raph what the shell do we do?!" Mikey yelled, latched to the oldest's arm.

Meanwhile Leo was slashing at the net, desperately attempting to slice it.

"I- I don't know. . . Um. . Mikey- d'you got your phone-?"

"I think— I don't know—" He patted himself down, shaking his head no.

"Crap— Leo you still got yours? Leo?" He turned to the slider, who wasn't letting up his escape attempts.

"Leo, stop. It ain't gonna work."

"I- I gotta try— We don't know where he went and we gotta make sure he doesn't get hurt! You saw how worried he got- you had to've!"

"I think him gettin' hurt is the least of our worries." He sighed. "Let's just call pops to get us outta here."

". . Alright— Fine—"

——————

The softshell hovered over the building, glowing brightly as ever. (Or so it seemed.)

The generals glared up at him, somehow mildly intimidated by his sheer height advantage over them alone.

The three shared equally hostile glares, wordless at the moment as they just stayed still.

Suddenly the skinny one spoke. "We're gonna have fun turning your brothers into our own personal weapons and pets. Why don't you join them? You won't get any more hurt than you already are." He snickered in a tone that made him sound like his lungs were filled with smoke.

Perhaps that had to have struck a nerve, because next thing they knew the softshell was hissing in fury and spreading his arms wide, pixels dancing off of him and materializing into different sized guns behind him.

He grinned, yanking out his blaster-like gun and turning the dial. He grinned, and before the latter could react, he pulled the trigger, a small orb instantly shooting directly at the genius's chest. 

An almost ear-piercing scream of anguish would have been heard, the softshell's body tensing up and mildly seizing for a few seconds before the glow of his markings faded away, along with the materialized guns and pixels surrounding him. Suddenly, it seemed that all his energy had been zapped straight out of him. . .

——————

The four family members watched it all play out from the bottom of metro tower, eyes widened in fear as the next things they saw were an eerily still Donnie, the materialization of what looked like an entire arsenal, the large sparks,

Then the collapsing of their genius family member. . . .

Leo quickly created a portal to the top of the building, sprinting in as he was followed closely by the other three.

——————

The terrapin collapsed to the ground, laying on his stomach as his body smoked from the electricity that once coursed through him.

The generals laughed sinisterly, the strong one walking beside him and lifting him to his knees with his arms held rather uncomfortably behind his back.

Donnie huffed, attempting to level his breathing before glaring up at the skinny one. With the last of his energy, he tensed up, markings sparking once more before dying out just as quick. He exhaled sharply, as if he was holding his breath while doing the action. His body went limp, head being lifted by a cold hand gripping his lower jaw to look at the now kneeling foot face. He growled weakly, teeth clenched both from pain and anger.

"Shame, you would have been such a great asset to the clan, y'know." He rasped. "Too bad you're not obedient enough, weren't you the smart one? We don't want you revolting, now, do we? Let's just see if your brothers are any different from you, though."

His heavy breathing grew slower, eyes blazing as he made futile attempts at being intimidating to the duo. He slightly jerked his head back, attempting to get the other to let go of his aching jaw.

"I thank you for your tech and stuff, though. It's proven useful." He grinned. "Your father was a big help, too."

He snapped weakly at the latter, before suddenly exhaling slowly, eyes rolling back and closing. He fell unconscious.

He grinned, releasing his hand from its hold on the other's lower jaw and standing. "Toss 'im." He jerked his head towards the edge, to which the other nodded and picked the genius up by the shell, barely hesitating before tossing him over the edge and sending him plummeting from where they were on the tallest building in New York.

The four screamed as they all exited the portal, running towards the foot faces at the edge.

Draxum suddenly launched himself off, reaching out to the unconscious form of his son as he, too plummeted towards the ground. 

The three brothers fought off the foot, overpowering them rather easily even with the tech enhancements they have. (Or rather had. Their weapons were confiscated rather quickly) They used Mikey's kusari-fundo to tie them up, running to the edge and looking over it. They had been thinking the worst. . .

Draxum managed to grab Donnie's wrist, having been falling at a faster rate than the younger due to his weight compared to the other. He held the unmoving form close to his chest, summoning some large vines to catch the two as they neared the ground. The sheep man braced for impact, in case the vines were not successful in catching the duo. Thankfully, he felt the plants wrap around him and his son, slowing their fall rather quickly until finally coming to a stop. They gently set the two down on the ground, disappearing back to wherever they came from. 

The three sigh in relief, before turning back to the foot generals and scowling.

"What the shell did you do to 'im?" Raph growled.

"You saw it all, didn't you spiky?" One snapped.

"Not everythin', start talkin'. Now."

"Why don't you see for yourself? It's right there." He rasped, nodding his head towards the blaster-like weapon with a grin.

The snapper paused, thinking for a moment before turning and making his way over to the weapon in question. He kneeled down, picking it up and examining it. "What does it do?" He turned back to them.

"Try it, and turn the dial all the way." He grinned, chin lifting.

"No, tell us." He ordered, glaring back at the duo.

Leo just scoffed and snatched the weapon, doing as instructed and pointing it at them. "Alright, if ya want."

Their faces dropped, heads shaking violently. "Wait no not on—"

He pulled the trigger, watching as an orb shot out with his brow-ridges furrowed.

The two screamed, tensing up as sparks erupted from their beings like a lightning storm.

The slider lowered the weapon, grimacing at the two pathetic generals before turning to the other two. "We gotta check on Don and Pops. Let's go." He stated, voice uncharacteristically monotone compared to his face—which showed of anger, sorrow, and another indecipherable emotion. He pulled his sword from its sheath, swinging it down and slashing a portal in the air in front of them.

The other two just stayed silent, deciding not to mention that he called Draxum pops or that he just shot the two with what looked like a revamped taser. 

Mikey snatched up his kusari-fundo, climbing into Raph's shell and latching on.

Raph nodded, following the blue-clad into the neon portal. It snapped shut behind the three, leaving the duo laying on the ground and smoking largely.

——————

The trio exited the portal, running straight to a standing Draxum and the limp body within his arms. Their expressions changed to concern as they spotted the Baron's solemn face.

"Pops- Pops what's wrong why ain't he wakin' up?" Raph spoke up, tone laced with thick concern and fear.

"I'm afraid he- he isn't going to be awake for quite a while my boys. . ." He sighed, looking down at the softshell, who's head lay rested against his chest and body cradled in his arms closely.

"What-? What does that mean? Why won't he?? You caught him right?!" Mikey exclaimed, tears pricking his eyes.

"I did. . But I have come to the conclusion that, that unsurprisingly wasn't the cause." He shook his head.

"Then what was?" Leo questioned, voice low as a visible scowl crossed his face.

"It was his overuse of mystic energy mixed with the powerful shock he had fallen victim to. The added stress his body has seemed to have gone through didn't seem to help either."

"So, when is he gonna wake up. . ?"

"I do not know, Leonardo. There is no official estimate for whatever he received. It could vary from a few days to. . A few months. . ."

"So you're saying he's—"

"He has unfortunately fallen comatose."

Chapter Text

Look at the stars in the big black ink. . . .

Click

Tell me what you feel and tell me what you think. . . 

Click

Is it cold outside?

. . .

Is it cold out?

Click

Click

Click. . .

What the-

Click

Click

Click

Click.

. . . . .

*ZZZZT!*

Stop Stop STOP!!!

Click.

Click. .

Where am I. . ? Am I just asleep?

Hey,

Am I back in my room?

Hey,

Why is it so dark. . ?

Hey,

Wait- am I back in the—

Hey,

Hey,

Hey,

Hey,

Hey,

Hey,

Hey,

HEY!-

. . . .

Shouldn't you be dead?

. . . What?

You should be dead, shouldn't you?

Why-? Should I?

Yes.

. . . . But I don't wanna die-

Yes you do.

I do-?

Don't be so childish, of course you do. You always have.

But. . I haven't- I wanna live with Papa and my brothers—

What brothers?

What do you mean? 'Nardo, Raphael, and 'Angelo, of course.

They are not your brothers.

Yes they are- They always have been.

No they are not, they are with the foot clan now. 

The foot clan that you let hurt them.

I- I didn't— I tried protecting them I swear!

Well apparently you didn't try hard enough, did you?

. . . . .

You didn't try hard enough, because you would have saved them if you really did. You would have prevented the foot from capturing them and taking your tech.

You would have stopped them from hurting them.

But you didn't, and now they're scared. They're scared and alone and hurting because you failed yet again.

I- I tried— I really did I swear. . .

I said stop acting so childish, because if you really did try you would have succeeded. They wouldn't have been scared half to death, they wouldn't be in whatever situation they are currently in, they wouldn't be hurting, they would have been home. They would have been safe and sound playing board games and eating snacks with Draxum.

Please. . Please believe me I tried! Please!

You tried, and you failed, Purple.

It's Donnie. .

You don't deserve a unique name, Purple.

Please- Please. . Please please please!!

Click

Click

Click. . .

Click.

——————

He felt something squeeze his upper torso. . .

——————

"Donnie, Donnie wake up please—" Mikey murmured, sitting on a stool beside the turtle in question's bed and holding one of his hands in his own.

The older didn't so much as stir or even twitch, breathing only hitching every once in a while as a sign of brain activity.

Leo and Raph sat beside Mikey, Leo sitting closest to the softshell's head and Raph sitting on the other side of Mikey.

The slider brushed his hand over his twin's forehead gently, face solemn as a few tears fell from it.

The snapper rested a hand on the youngest's shoulder, patting it gently to comfort him.

Draxum just walked in, trying not to pay any mind to the three's current state as of now and focusing on getting them to eat. "My boys, you must eat, I know it has been a tiring day indeed, and a very. . Unfortunate one— But you need sustenance, otherwise your bodies will not like that you skipped." He stated.

"Right, food. Uh- Alright." Raph nodded, turning to the others so he could take them to the kitchen.

"Would you all like for me to just order?"

"Um. . If that's alright— I don't think cookin' is the best idea 'cause of. . This—" He gestured vaguely to the other two, both in which with faces solemn and distraught.

"Very well, what would you three like for me to order?"

"I ain't picky. Mike, Leo?" He turned his head back to the youngers.

"I don't care. ." Mikey mumbled, leaning against Raph's side.

"'Kay. . Leo? What 'bout you?"

The slider didn't answer, simply sitting down on a stool and laying his head on the bed facing away from the others. He held the hand Mikey once held, keeping it close to his chest as he rubbed his thumbs across the knuckles.

"Leo?" He repeated, receiving silence as another response.

"He must have shut down already, I will just order us something simple." The Baron left, walking to his nearest phone.

The other two just frowned, deciding to leave as well despite their minds protesting. Raph picked up Mikey, walking out after patting Leo on the back reassuringly.

"We'll leave ya be, 'kay? You can let it all out when we're gone. We'll just be in the lounge, probably puttin' on a marathon or somethin'. ." He informed, before leaving without another word.

The next few minutes were filled with deafening silence, before small sniffling could be heard. The sniffling grew, finally turning into choked sobs, then sorrow-filled screams.

The slider's body wracked with his cries, holding the hand as tightly as humanely possible. As if the hand would disappear if he even loosened his grip. He shoved his face into the latter's chest, climbing up on the bed and curling up in a position much like a small child would with a parent. This lasted for quite a while, about twenty minutes, before his crying finally began to slow. He kept a death grip on Donnie's arm, shifting around and realizing how exhausted and tired he was from it all. He mumbled some inaudible things, shifting to lay beside his other half and pulling the weighted covers over the both of them. He released his hold on the arm, having taken to hugging him from the side and burying his face into his shoulder. He stayed like that for awhile, finally falling asleep soon after.

Raph walked in, Mikey having fallen asleep on the couch with Draxum comforting him. He paused, taking a moment to realize Leo was in fact not gone, just sleeping beside Don. He smiled, walking over and pulling the covers up a little bit more so they were more comfortable and rubbing his cheek with a thumb. He glanced over to the softshell, smile slowly dropping with a small sigh as he promptly left before he, to, admittedly had a breakdown.

Goodnight you two, hopefully I'll see ya both in the morning. . .

——————

"Raphael, come, sit. You need to rest after what has all happened today. We can check on them in the morning." Draxum stated, holding a sleeping Mikey in his arms.

The snapper nodded, sitting beside him quietly as the couch creaked from under his weight. "So uh. . What- What do we do?"

"What do you mean, Raphael?"

"About- y'know—"

"I'm afraid there is nothing we can do, my boy. Other than waiting for him to hopefully awaken soon enough." He shook his head.

"Right. . Alright—" He nodded slowly, turning his head to face the floor.

The Baron sighed, spreading his free arm (coincidentally the arm closest to Raph) wide.

The red-clad turned back to him, face full of confusion.

"You need your much-deserved moment of vulnerability. It is not wise to bottle up your own sadness for the benefit of others."

The snapper just sat for a moment, registering the sentences before beginning to tear up. His lip trembled for a moment in vain attempts to hold in his pent up emotions, but it fell fruitless as he began to sob. He leaned into his father's embrace, body wracking with devastated sobs and wretched screams as he finally allowed himself to break down.

The sheep man stayed quiet, allowing the younger to let it out as he gently rested his arm over his shell, patting it in attempts to comfort.

Who would've thought Raphael Hamato would be one to break down in front of Baron Draxum, one of his once enemies (now 'pops') when he was supposed to be keeping it together for the others. . . He didn't regret it, though. It actually helped a lot, even if he accidentally fell asleep on him because of how exhausted he was from everything, effectively making him stuck because of it. Even if he would surely regret it later on and proceed to spend the next hour and twenty minutes straight apologizing. . He was just glad the Baron kept secrets, and glad he had someone that he could go to with it all now.

——————

The slider awoke an unknown amount of time later, sort of wishing he hadn't as he felt the dry tears stuck to his face. He removed his arm from whatever he was hugging and wiped his face, attempting to rid of the gross feeling he felt. Once he deemed his work good enough, he turned to face whatever he was hugging, eyes widening as he saw the unmoving form before remembering everything that happened a while ago. His expression dropped, looking down and away slightly as he sighed. Right. . . I remember now. . He shifted, fanning out the arm that was originally wrapped around the other's shell. Once he felt the blood flow start to return, the pricking, needle-like feeling slowly dissipating and temporarily feeling cold, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He hopped down, yawning and rubbing his eyes once more before slowly making his way out towards the kitchen.

He noticed the leftovers from what he assumed was last night's dinner, and even a full container with his name on it. He shrugged, snatching his container up and throwing it into what was supposed to be the mystic-city version of a microwave. He pressed a few buttons, hearing the dreadful beeping with each button pressed before finally pressing the 'press heat' button and sighing as the microwave began cooking his food. He leaned against the counter, fingers drumming against the surface as he zoned out. His nose scrunched up at a particular (presumably bad) thought or memory, head shaking the thought away and eyes drifting back to the microwave. He jumped slightly as he heard the loud beeping, indicating it was finished before promptly opening it and pulling the container out. 

He strolled out, glancing over at the lounge doorway and drifting over towards it out of curiosity. He took a bite of his food, chewing it before swallowing and peeking his head into the room. Immediately he noticed his (he said it himself that he will die before he admits such a name for him) dad, along with the sleeping forms of his younger and older brothers. He couldn't help but let out a small rasped chuckle, shaking his head and turning to leave before freezing at a sudden voice.

"Leonardo, it is nice to see you awake. I see you have found your food from last night's dinner." The Baron smiled slightly.

"Eh. . Yeah—" He slowly turned back to face him, a bit awkwardly at that.

"That is good, how are you doing?"

"What d'ya mean?"

"Leonardo, you know what I mean."

"Uhh, nope! No I do not! I don't know what you're talking about, I'm fine! Fit as a fiddle. ." He put on a very awkward (and nervous) smile, looking side to side before leaning his head down to take another bite of food.

"Leonardo," The sheep man sighed. "You may easily fool your brothers but not me. Do not make me use the baby method on you again." He warned.

"Please don't— I've kinda had enough crying for a lifetime." He replied. "But even if you tried you couldn't get to me. You're kinda stuck." He gestured to the two sleeping turtles in question.

"I have my ways, child." He stated. "But I suppose I will not push, it is not wise for me to do so. Just know that even if I am not the greatest at comfort, I will be here to listen at any given time I am able."

"Alright— Well I guess if ya need me I'll be in Don's room. ." He nodded, receiving a nod in response before turning and walking towards the doorway. He paused at it, head turning back and hesitating for a moment before sighing and giving a small smile. "Thanks anyway, dad."

The Baron's eyes widened ever so slightly, but he said nothing of it and just simply nodded. "It is no problem, Leonardo."

He nodded, turning his head back and marching his way back towards Donnie's room. He shut the door and sat in the genius's desk chair in the corner as he finished his food. 

The Baron smiled, turning his head back to the other two and sighing softly.

Chapter Text

"Hey guys! What did y'all wanna tell me?" April walked into the home, shutting the door behind her and noticing how unusually quiet it was. Okay. . Weird— At least I know what my answer is to one question— She looked around, slowly making her way towards where she remembered the lounge was. She was even more weirded out when she hadn't seen any of them there, not even Draxum or Donnie—Who usually either read or watched something.

She sighed, cupping her hands around her mouth and calling out to the brothers. "Guys! Where are you?"

There was a faint voice from down the long hall, which brought the girl towards Donnie's room. "In here, April!"

She shrugged it off, assuming Donnie was just showing the family something new he made from the laboratory and striding towards the doorway. She adjusted her backpack, turning into the entrance and stopping with a look of confusion. "Why are y'all watching him sleep? That's kinda creepy— Y'know he's gonna lecture y'all if he finds out—"

"We- we ain't necessarily watching him sleep per sé. ." Raph spoke up, voice sounding scratchy as if he were crying some time before she arrived.

"What? What does that mean? Is he being dramatic again?" She cocked an eyebrow.

"I wish." Mikey sighed. "Uh- Dad— You wanna- y'know— Give her the deets?"

"Yes, I suppose I can." He nodded, turning to the girl and gesturing to an open stool beside his own.

"Okay y'all are freakin' me out here— You always but you three especially—" She shuffled over to the stool, sitting down and glancing to all four of them. "And why is Leo not jokin' up a storm?"

"April. . You understand that the foot clan has recently been. . Detained- Correct?"

"Uh- yeah? I saw it on the news. They were found at the top of metro building or whatever. I assumed y'all finally beat 'em."

"You are correct, they were defeated, but it did not go as. . Planned—" He dragged on, attempting to talk without her freaking out immediately. (Wasn't out of fear, his ears just could not handle how high her voice gets when she screams "what?!" Really loud—)

"Just give it to me straight G-man. You know I hate suspense like this. I'm still confused as to why Dee ain't wakin' up, Raph looks like he just watched his teddy bear get torn apart in front of him, Lee ain't joking about how funny he thinks my confusion is, and Mikey ain't clingin' to ya like a koala." She crossed her arms.

"Don isn't necessarily asleep. Nor is he awake. He ain't even conscious." Mikey mumbled, just loud enough for April to hear the last part.

Her eyes widened, turning her head to Mikey, then Raph, then Donnie and Leo, then back to Draxum. "What?!"

Well there goes his ears. "Perhaps we should converse outside on the matter, so as to not make things worse." He stated, standing and leading the girl outside. He shut the door, sighing and frowning. "He is comatose, to put it simply."

"WHAT?!" She shrieked. "What do you mean he's in a coma?! What happened while I was gone?!"

"Ow." He grimaced. "I mean what I say miss O'Neil. It turns out the Foot had acquired his technology from Splinter and decided to attempt to capture the boys with it. It is quite a long story but to put it bluntly, these kids weren't necessarily being smart whilst attempting their attack and these three were caught. I was informed that Donatello here hadn't been very happy with it and nearly obliterated the captors whilst obtaining his mystic abilities."

She just blinked, opening her mouth to say something before having a fuzzy pink hand cupped over it.

"Please, miss O'Neil. Cease the screaming, my ears cannot handle such a frequency like that." He stated, slowly removing his hand before continuing. "It had gotten rather. . Out of control, the battle. He had apparently had the bright Idea to take them to the tower in question and finish it off there. Unfortunately he was caught off guard and taken down. . ."

". . And how-?"

"They had used his own weapons against him, one being a taser-like gun on its highest setting."

"So he was—"

"Yes, he was electrocuted to unconsciousness. It didn't help he had been drained from his overuse of mysticism. The two pathetic foes unfortunately had the ever bright idea to throw him from the building just before we arrived to the scene."

"Oh. . ."

"'Oh' indeed, miss O'Neil. Fortunately he was caught before he collided with the ground below, but it hadn't made much a difference anyway. I am unsure as to what the three had done afterward, so you will have to ask them yourself, but as far as I know the foot have been defeated and we have unfortunately lost Donatello consciously for quite a while."

"Holy crap. . I- I'm sorry y'all— if I'd've known I coulda' helped." 

"Do not apologize for something that was completely out of control, for it is meaningless to do so if you have not done anything wrong."

"Alright— So I'm guessin' the gang haven't been dealin' with it well?"

"No, Leonardo has seemingly taken it the hardest, assuming it is having to do with their age similarity."

"You mean the fact they're twins?"

"Precisely." He nodded.

"Yeah. . I don't blame 'im. I would too if it was my twin in a literal coma."

"Yes, well, do not expect him to be quite active outside of the room for awhile. He has not come out since it happened."

"How long ago did this all happen? Did it just happen earlier or—"

"Approximately a day and a half ago." He estimated. "He has only left the room once since we have arrived."

"Geeze. . Alright, well then mind if I come over more? So I can at least try to help y'all?"

"I do not mind, just do not destroy anything or go into the laboratory."

"You got it G-man." She nodded.

"Question,"

"Yeah?"

"What does the term 'G-man' mean? I am unfamiliar with the name."

"Huh? Oh, it's just somethin' me and Lee made up for funsies. It's short for goat man."

"I am a sheep man, thank you."

"Yeah but we don't wanna call ya 'S-man', it doesn't sound right."

"Fair enough, I suppose. The two species are close enough." He sighed.

"Well, what do we do now?"

"I suppose we could get the boys to all do something together." He suggested.

"Alright, what about a movie or a game day? Y'all can stay home in case he does wake up but still have some fun to try and get your minds off of things."

"I suppose that could work. . Michelangelo was meaning to inform me on how to play 'BattleShips', as it is called."

"Alright! Love that game. Just mind you it gets intense." She chuckled lightly.

"As does every other game I have watched them play."

"True— But what can I say? We're a very competitive family." She shrugged. "Now c'mon, let's get them outta there and into the lounge."

The Baron nodded, following the girl back into the room and standing beside the doorway.

"Alright guys, out to the lounge. We're havin' a game day." April stated, more of a demand than a suggestion.

"But what if—"

"Raph, it's fine. He'll be okay, but you won't be if you guys stay here any longer." She crossed her arms.

"But—"

"It's BattleShip, Mikey. Aren't you gonna show Drax how to play?" She cocked an eyebrow.

"Yeah- Oh yeah-!" He perked up slightly, gaze flickering to the form on the bed before taking a breath and striding over to the sheep man. He took his hand, leading him out towards the lounge.

That's two down. Two to go. She thought, turning to Raph, who would be easier to persuade. "Raph, he's safe, you don't need to worry." She reassured. "You need a break, anyway. You all do."

"But what if—"

"He won't, don't worry. And even if he did I'm sure we'd hear it."

"Right—"

"We're just down the hall anyway, you can always pop in to check if you want. Just don't be stayin' here for days on end. Ehem. Suggested for no one in particular." She said.

"Alright, fine. But I'm checkin' in every twenty minutes then."

"Good enough." 

The snapper sighed, patting the bed and walking out wordlessly.

The girl waited for him to leave before walking over to Leo. "Leo, I know I ain't gonna convince your stubborn shell, so I won't try. I get it's hard, and you're scared. We all are, but at least eat and sleep. Maybe even walk around a bit even. Just don't be sitting here all day doing nothin'."

The slider simply grunted in response, hold never faltering on the softshell's hand.

She sighed, patting him on the shell and giving him a quick hug before walking out.

——————

April walked into the room, plopping down beside Raph and placing a comforting hand on the anxious snapper's arm. "He's gonna be okay, Raph." She whispered so the other two didn't hear.

"I know, but it's my job to worry, Y'know?"

"No, it's your job to stay optimistic ya big mother Hen." She smiled.

"I'm not a mother Hen!"

"Are too, isn't that right Mikey?"

"Yep! Mama hen Raphie!"

"I'm just an older brother, it's my job to—"

"Ah, ah, ah, no. Don't finish that sentence." She cut him off.

"Fine. . " He pouted, gaze diverting to the game board as Mikey began explaining the rules of the game.

"Alright dad, so—" The box turtle began, proceeding to explain the rules of the game word for word from the pamphlet.

——————

"Aww man! You sunk my battleship!" Mikey whined, throwing his hands in the air dramatically.

"So it seems. Then again you're very predictable and prefer to put your ships in the left side of the board."

"The left side is underrated! Just like left-handed people." He pouted.

"Leonardo is left-handed, isn't he?"

"I don't remember." He shrugged. "Raphie is though!"

"Heh- yeah—" The snapper smiled awkwardly.

"From what I remember Leo thinks he's ambidextrous but prefers right hand, Donnie is ambidextrous and uses both hands equally—left hand in front of Leo just to spite him—Mikey is right handed and Raph is left handed confirmed." April spoke up with a smile.

"That is quite interesting indeed." The Baron nodded.

"Yep! I think that's right." Mikey nodded as well. "Anyways I pick B-three!"

"Oh, it seems you have sunken my carrier ship. A shame."

"Yeah!" The box turtle clapped, putting the red knob onto the board's wall's B3.

"Way to go Mike! Kick his tail!" April cheered, gaze diverting to Raph for a second as she noticed him shift a bit.

The snapper glanced nervously to the doorway, fiddling with his hands and thinking.

The girl turned to face him, placing a hand on his and nodding. "You can go check bud, I know you wanna."

He nodded in thanks, standing and walking around the couch, leaving towards the room.

April turned back to the game with a faint smile, dropping it into a frown a few seconds later with a silent sigh.

——————

The snapper entered the room, noticing the Slider was snuggling back with the softshell again as if he were a teddy bear he didn't want to lose. He smiled, walking to the side of the bed and gently patting his shell. He pulled his hand back as the latter shot up, looking around frantically. "Hey, hey! It's just me bud, don't worry nothin's wrong." He assured calmly.

"Oh- alright— uh what did- what did you need?" He cleared his throat and glanced nervously around the room.

"I just came to check on ya, y'know, see how you're doin' and stuff." 

"Oh- Uh- as good as I can be I guess— what about you?"

"Tired, not gonna lie." He chuckled lightly, picking at one of his arm spikes.

He hummed and nodded, looking around and suddenly getting an idea. He turned back to the older. "Well— Mini turtle pile?" He gestured to the bed.

He went silent for a moment, seeming slightly hesitant before shrugging and climbing into the bed carefully. Thankfully it was a king sized.

Leo smiled, laying back down beside the genius and feeling strong arms wrap around them both. He looked over to see Raph curled around the two, almost protectively.

Raph just cracked an eye open, smiling slightly and closing it again. 

He smiled back, shutting his eyes and burying his face into Donnie's shoulder, almost immediately falling asleep.

Chapter Text

Splinter sighed, stepping up to the front door of the establishment and raising a fist to knock. This is not a good idea. . They don't want me here, but why did they ask me to come then? Was it to scold me more? No, they would have just come to the lair. Perhaps they have just did it to see if I would actually come to this- place. Well I came— But is it really a good idea? Trusting the man who ruined my life and— No stop it splinter, you are no better than that man. You have proved it yourself many times over. . He hesitated, slightly pulling his hand away from the door before shaking his head and going through with the action. Almost as soon as he made his second knock, the door flew open. In the entranceway revealed two- flying cats??

What. . ?

"Oh, you must be the rat we keep hearin' about." Huginn greeted, which followed by a small smack to the back of the head by Muninn. "Hey!" He dragged the word out. He frowned, rubbing the back of his head and opening the door wider for the rat man.

He nodded, stepping in hesitantly and immediately being led through a small series of corridors towards an unknown place.

"Don't say that ya ding dong! Rats have good hearing!" Muninn whispered.

"Then why did you hit me?! And why are you talking so loud?!" He whisper-yelled back.

The rat man rolled his eyes, feet pattering against the cold tile floors. How do they deal with these things? I have only known them for three minutes and they're already—

"Hey bossman! We're here!" The two exclaimed, dragging out the last word for dramatic effect. (For some reason??)

He sucked in a breath, preparing himself for what was going to possibly happen next. Alright. . It is fine, no big deal, it's just going to be a simple conversation between us. . Right?

The goyles led him into the room, waving and promptly perching within a dog bed beside the Baron.

I have a very strong feeling this is not a good idea—

——————

Click.

"No— No no— please don't do this to me I can't deal with it anymore. ."

"Dramatic, aren't we Purple?"

"I'm sorry—"

"Sorry doesn't make up for the unforgivable things you've done."

"I know. . I know it's all my fault I just wish I could change how things went—"

"You can't, though. For all we know you could be dead, and sentenced to dealing with yourself for the rest of your miserable afterlife"

"I don't think I'm dead—" He said quietly, recalling the feeling of seemingly being hugged quite a few times.

"Probably imagining things again."

"Again? Why do you mean again—?"

"Well, how about we recall the times you imagined the praise from the rat."

He swore he could feel a chill run up his spine at the mention of the word 'rat' alone.

"And all the times you actually thought a mission went well because your tech didn't explode."

He remembers the pitying faces he received when he cheered about that. . .

"Maybe even 'papa'. You don't honestly believe he cares, do you? He's just going to betray you like every other person you befriend."

Right. . Purple Dragons, Repo Mantis, even Mayhem at one point. . .

"Just give up already."

"Why? But Mikey said to—"

"MIKEY ISN'T HERE, IS HE?!"

He flinched. "No. ."

"Then don't try that."

". . . . . I just want my brothers. ."

——————

Twitch.

——————

"Greetings, all. . ." The rat man stated, standing by the doorway and glancing nervously at the group. Leonardo isn't here. . Or Donatello.

"Sup, Splinter." April replied, sitting within a small cushioned chair beside Draxum and Raph. Mikey was in her lap, refusing to look at him and taking to playing on her phone instead.

Raph gave a cold stare instead of speaking, resentment clear within it that made the Rat shift uncomfortably in his spot.

"Greetings, Splinter." The Baron stated, voice flat and monotone, which somehow made Splinter even more nervous than before.

"You- called me?" He cleared his throat.

"Yes, indeed we did." The sheep man confirmed.

He sat down at a chair the others gestured to, fiddling with his claws nervously. 

"So what was it you wanted to talk to me about?" He sat, continuing to fiddle with his claws.

"I would assume for you to better yourself for the boys, you must know what has happened over the course of these past few months. More specifically what happened two weeks ago."

He nodded.

"It is about Leonardo and Donatello. . ."

——————

The slider was walking through the corridors, going to grab something to snack on as he was hungry after not eating for the past day and a half. (He forgot) It'd been about two weeks since the entire thing happened, and in that time span he had only left a total of four and a half times. (Decided against it one time after making it just past the doorway.) He heard the faint sound of chatter from the Commons area, deciding to not check it out and assuming it was another movie they had put on or someone was talking about something they found interesting.

Leo made his way towards the kitchen, passing through the main hall before pausing at the sound of shuffling near the end of the hallway. He cocked an eyebrow ridge, turning his head towards where he heard the sound. His eyes widened, tears immediately spotting the corners of his eyes as he noticed a skinny figure in the doorway of the softshell's room. 

". . Donnie. . . ?"

His voice was barely even a whisper.

Before he knew it, his feet were moving, speed walking towards the figure as they seemed to take a few struggling steps towards him as well. His speed walking grew into light jogging, which grew into full sprinting once he noticed the figure falling forward as their legs seemed to give out. He caught them before they hit the ground, enveloping his twin into a tight hug and burying his face into his shoulder. "Donnie. . !" He cried, tears staining his mask and cascading down his face, dripping onto the latter's shoulder.

"L- Leo. . ?" He rasped, nearly sounding like a whisper. He clung to him for support, eyes half lidded and tired-looking. 

"Yes Hermano—? What is it?" He questioned worriedly.

"Why are you here. . ?" 

"What?"

"Why are- are you here-? The- the foot—"

"They didn't do anything, they're gone." He interrupted, having already known what he was going to say.

. . . . .

"Leo. . ."

"Yeah?"

"What's my name-?"

"What. . ? It's Donne, of course. I just said it not too long ago—"

"No. . No that isn't right. . ."

"What do you mean Hermano? It's true—"

"No- No it's not. . It- It starts with a P—"

"Wh-? You mean- You mean purple?"

"Yes. . That one." He nodded.

"No, no it's not— That was just a code colour. It's not your name—" His panic arose slightly, fearing he could have some sort of memory loss (amnesia, the doctor part of his brain provided) or something.

"But- but I don't deserve a name. . Not after—" He choked up.

"Not after what I let you go through. . ."

His eyes widened a bit, mouth slightly agape. "Don't say that— You shouldn't say that about yourself—"

No response was given by the latter.

He just frowned, soothingly rubbing his shell whilst staying as support for the clearly weak brother.

". . . Why- am I here. . ?"

"What do you mean-?"

"Why am I not- not dead—?"

"Because dad saved you before you got pancaked Hermano. We weren't just gonna let you die saving our shells like that." He informed, gently rubbing his shell.

"You should've. . ."

"W- What?" He stuttered, "Why? No, no we shouldn't have- don't say that—" His eyes widened, pulling away just enough to look him in the eyes.

They were so exhausted looking. . .

"I- I let them. . Win— I wasn't strong enough. . ." He looked down solemnly. "I'm weak, weak and- and fucking pathetic— A- and—"

"Hey, hey, no. None of that! Stop it!" He pulled him back into a hug, as tight as he could without hurting the other. "It's okay, you aren't pathetic, whoever put that bullshit into your head needs to have their ass beat." The slider scowled, glaring at the far wall.

". . ."

"Who's been saying this stuff, 'Tello? You better not be saying this about yourself." 

". . . ."

"'Tello?"

". . ."

"Don— Who was it?" He repeated.

He murmured something inaudible, wrapping his arms around the slider's neck and shoving his face in the crook as tears pricked his eyes.

"I couldn't hear you— Ya kinda need to speak up—"

"Spln. ." He murmured.

"Who?"

"Splntr. . ." He repeated,

". . Him—?"

"Splinter. . . ."

His expression dropped, hold loosening ever so slightly as his eyes went to pinpricks.

"'M srry. . ." He mumbled, a small sniffle emitting from him as he tightened his hold. "'M sorry 'M sorry 'M really sorry. . ."

"N- no, no don't apologize. . Please don't apologize for something that isn't even remotely your fault." He pleaded.

He just sniffled again, letting out a small quiet sob as his body shook with the action. He gasped lightly for air, squeezing his eyes shut to stop the tears. (It didn't work)

"Hey, hey, here lemme sit you down Don. ." He carefully guided the latter back to the room, scooping him up and setting him on the bed. He sat in front of him, legs crossed and hands holding Donnie's gently as he rubbed his thumb over his knuckles. "Please, tell me what's been going on— What has he said-? What's been going through your mind—?"

"No. . 'ts dumb—" He shook his head, hands jerking back slightly. "It doesn't matter it was a while ago. ."

"Don't you dare go on about that again. You know it does if it's been stuck in that big head of yours for this long."

". . . He— It's just— I dunno. ."

"Hey. . If you need some time it's alright. I can wait—"

"When we argued. ." He finally began.

Oh. Oh. . 

"It would. . It would get pretty bad— That's another reason why I- I soundproofed half the house. . ."

"Oh. ."

"He said some things— I said some things back— It was- harsh. . To put it simply. . ."

"I bet—"

"But I didn't want you guys to- erm-. . I didn't want you guys to get mad at him—" He gulped. "You guys just seemed so- happy when I fixed some of the stuff he and you wanted me to fix— I didn't wanna ruin it. And- and maybe it was just wishful thinking but I- I wanted to hear him say he was proud of me— I wanted him to say it at least once, even if he didn't mean it. . just hearing it would have been enough. . . I know- it was probably just me being- being selfish again but— But I really just wanted to know he cared. . And- and maybe I was the one at fault for the arguments—" Before the softshell could continue, he was pulled into a tight hug.

"Sorry— Should've asked. ." He apologized.

He just froze, arms close to his chest as his head was under the latter's chin.

"I know it probably don't mean much coming from your goofy ass twin 'n all but. . I'm proud of you man. You don't know how much you've done for us over the years. . ."

The softshell stayed frozen for a few seconds longer, eyes watering before promptly melting into the hug and burying his face into Leo's plastron. He squeezed his eyes shut, attempting to hide the tears cascading down his face. It failed, though, only causing them to drip onto the other's plastron. He listened to the latter's heartbeat, finding some sort of solace in the gentle thumping of his chest. 

He smiled, holding him close and rubbing his shell. "It's okay dude. . I won't tell no one. Just let it all out. . ."

The next thing that was heard was faint sobs, the purple-coded turtle keeping his face pressed close to the chest of the slider. "Please. . Please don't tell anyone. . ." He rasped, barely over a whisper.

"I won't,

I won't. I've got you brother."

Chapter Text

He sniffled, crying finally ceasing as he continued to lean against the slider. He sighed, hearing a small shuffling from just outside and slowly pulling away to wipe his face.

Leo helped, smiling and sitting beside him with an arm draped over his shoulders just loose enough that he could push it off if desired.

The two expected it to be Raph or April or something, but it was someone much less desirable. . .

Small pink feet padded into the room slowly, almost immediately recognized.

Leo subconsciously pulled Donnie into a protective grasp, scowling hostily to the rat man. "What the shell are you doing here?"

No. . No no— Why is he here did he overhear us-? Donnie thought, eyes pinpricks and breathing picking up slightly. He pulled his legs closer, as if to make himself look smaller.

The slider noticed the rising panic and shifted so he was in front of the latter, hopefully posing as a sort of shielded feeling from the rat for him.

"Leonardo, Donatello— I mean no harm, promise." He raised his hands in surrender.

"Do the others know you're here?" He growled.

"Yes, in fact they urged me to come and apologize about. . Everything—" He stated, lowering his hands slowly.

"Okay— Where are they?"

"They are in your Commons area. The room is three doors down from your lounge, as I was told to say."

"'Kay. ." He nodded slowly, not taking his eyes off the man. "And you're not lying?"

"No, I am not." He shook his head. "If you would like I can—"

"No, no we're good. We'll stay right here." He interrupted hurriedly, shaking his head quickly and narrowing his eyes.

"Alright. Understandable."

". . May I-?" He gestured to a stool somewhere beside the nightstand.

He went silent for a moment, glancing at the stool in question, before hesitantly nodding. "Fine."

He nodded in understanding, knowing the distrust that radiated from the blue-clad and making sure to honor his promise. He slowly made his way over to the stool, feeling the boy's eyes practically burning into him like hellfire as he did so. 

A hellfire ready to spread if provoked.

He carried the stool back to the end of the bed, making sure to keep his distance as best as possible. He scrambled up onto it, huffing a few times as he finally situated. He looked back up at them, smiling faintly.

He didn't smile back. In fact, his eyes narrowed even more. "What was it you wanted—or rather were forced to say?"

Ouch.

He took a breath, sighing softly and making sure he didn't lose eye contact. "I am truly sorry, you two. I know it most likely doesn't mean much, especially with all I have put you all through, but I truly am. There is absolutely no excuse for the horrid things I have done and I understand that. And especially after finding out what happened to you all recently—and even a few months ago—I know I am at fault for everything. I have no idea what went on in my head when I did such things, and I fear I will never know. Nor will I come close to it. I just hope I can at least attempt to be better for you all- No, I will become better for you all. It doesn't matter how hard of a process it may be, or how long it may take. I will ensure you all do not feel threatened by my presence, and I will ensure you do not remember me as the horrid man I once was. I have had much time to contemplate my actions and how to better myself from them. Please just know I am sorry, I'm so, so, sorry. I hope that someday you will forgive, even if you do not forget." He surprisingly didn't break eye contact once as he spoke, tone as sincere as he could be.

"Cool." The slider replied, tone almost dismissive sounding. "You are right, we don't forgive you. But I will hold you to your statement."

"Understandable." He nodded.

"For now, you ain't goin' near me or Donnie for a long time. It's the other's choice whether or not they want you around them."

". . Alright. Thank you, Leonardo." He nodded.

"Yeah, whatever." He nodded back, slowly turning to the softshell to check on him.

The rat took it as a sign to leave, and promptly did so, returning the stool to its original place and walking out.

He waited a second before completely turning to face the softshell. "You alright bud?"

There was a small nod as he stared at the bed, scratching his right hand as he leaned against the latter. 

"Hey, don't do that, 'kay? If you're gonna do that use my hand." He said quietly, gently grabbing his hands and giving a small squeeze and smiling.

". . But it'll hurt you."

"No it won't, it's fine."

"No, I'm not gonna hurt you—"

"You won't hurt me, I offered anyway."

"No, it's fine I'll stop, promise—"

He sighed softly. "Alright, but if ya ever need, I'm here Hermano."

He just nodded and subconsciously squeezed Leo's hands, leaning against him again.

He smiled, thinking of whether or not he should hug him. He decided against it, not wanting to make him feel worse.

"Hey 'Nardo. . ?"

"Yeah bro?"

". . Please don't leave me."

"I won't, promise." He assured, deciding to pull one arm away and drape it over Donnie's back reassuringly. He assumed it was the right choice, seeing as the latter relaxed in his embrace.

He yawned, clinging to Leo's hand as he slowly drifted off into a surprisingly dreamless sleep. He snuggled against his plastron despite the logical side of his brain protesting. This time, he let the feral part of his mind win, the side that said 'family, brother, safe.' rather than 'selfish, careless, pathetic.'

Leo just sat, slightly surprised but deciding not to comment for once and letting him sleep. He decided to stay, to be his rock, his comfort. Even if that was Raph's (self-proclaimed) job. He was going to protect him, even if there wasn't anything to protect him from physically. He knew of the battles his mind was constantly in, the constant belittlement unfortunately engraved into his brain by sort of unknown things. He knew of the doubt, the 'arguments', the self-blame, all of it. And he wasn't just going to let it happen, because if he did, who knows what he would convince himself to do. . .

He was going to protect him, maybe not physically, but mentally. He was going to make sure he knew all of those- thoughts, were wrong. He may not be a Mikey, who was the legal psychologist of the family, or a Raph, who could comfort anyone and make them feel better with just a simple hug. He may not be an April, who can get anyone to talk using her 'big sister powers', or even a Draxum, who could just use the 'baby method' on others to let them cry it out. But he was the face man, and the twin of one of the most stubborn, thick headed brothers on the planet. And he was gonna ensure his twin didn't get hurt anymore.

And that was a promise.

——————

The rat returned to the Commons, sighing and hanging his head.

"How is Leo?" Raph spoke up, standing up as if about ready to leave. (He was)

"They are fine, it seems he and Donatello are still very much cautious. Which is understandable."

"You mean he is?"

"No, they both were very hesitant. If anything Leonardo seemed as if he would—"

"Don's awake?!" The snapper and box turtles exclaimed, jumping up and running out.

"Erm- alright then— I assumed you all already knew—"

"No, he has been out for weeks, remember?" Draxum reminded.

"Oh—"

"Yeah, and we gotta see him G-man!" April leaped from her place on the chair and ran out.

"I expect this is my sign to leave?"

"Stay if you must, as long as it is alright with the others. But I will be with them, in Donatello's room." Draxum stated, standing and leaving.

——————

Donnie had ended up falling asleep, rested in Leo's lap with a weighted blanket draped over him.

Leo had draped said blanket over him, trying to make him more comfortable. He hummed a small tune, jumping slightly as the others barged in.

Raph was the first to run in, a Mikey latched to his shell. "He's awake-?!" 

"Shhhhh!!" Leo shushed him, brow ridges furrowed. "He's sleeping, so quiet will ya?"

"Oh- sorry—" The snapper apologized, head slightly retreating into his shell. He made his way over to the duo, smiling. "Aww, now that's a sight."

"Yeah, yeah, don't talk about it. He tired himself out earlier and is kinda konked out for a while."

"Ah, y'know you'd think he'd be more awake from sleepin' for the past half month."

"Well considering he hadn't eaten for that amount of time, plus the fact he quite literally was electrocuted to unconsciousness, and his apparent overuse of mystic energy, I think anyone would be."

"True—"

He nodded, glancing over to the doorway almost as soon as April barged in. "Sup April, quiet."

"Is he-?"

"Yeah, just sleepin' for a bit." Raph smiled.

"So you think he'll wake up soon?" Mikey questioned.

"Yeah, he's probably just takin' a little cat nap." Leo chuckled.

"Good, good." The box turtle nodded.

"I assume everything is alright?" The Baron entered, not as hastily as the others had.

"Yeah, all good G-man." The slider grinned.

"Excellent, I am glad." He nodded, gaze diverting to the softshell in his lap and smiling faintly. "Do you need any assistance with that?"

"Uhhhh, Nah I'm good. I am kinda hungry though—"

"On it Lee!" Mikey exclaimed, leaping off the snapper and running out.

"Oh- alright then—"

"So, what do we do about Splinter?" April questioned. "Clearly him and Dee can't be around each other otherwise something might happen, but he seems adamant on gettin' better so—"

"If you all trust 'im, I trust 'im." The snapper spoke. "I just still ain't happy with 'im."

"Fair enough." Draxum agreed.

"I don't trust him, and he better not go near me or Dee, but he can stay if you all want I guess."

"Maybe we can give him a month and see if he actually does try?" April suggested.

"I agree, perhaps we could give him a test." The Baron nodded.

"I guess that works, Leo?"

". . Fine. You all tell me how he does then."

"Deal, now let's go check on Mike and get his opinion." The girl stated, turning and running out.

"I will go with her, to help better explain." The sheep man turned and followed after.

Raph nodded, turning back to the twins and smiling once more. "'M glad he woke up. . Did he say anythin' when he did? He looks like he's been cryin'—"

"Ehhh, I'll let him tell you about it. . y'know— since it's his actions or whatever."

"Alright, well, uh— mind if I sit as well?"

"Sure," He shrugged. "I don't mind."

"Thanks—" He carefully made his way onto the other side of the bed, getting onto it and scooting over to the two. "Surprised it ain't cuttin' off blood circulation in ya leg with the weighted blanket 'n all."

"Oh my leg is very much numb, I just don't wanna move and wake him. You know how cranky he is when he's woken up."

"Yeah— Had A black eye for a week." The older grinned embarrassedly. "Safe to say I ain't volunteering to wake 'im up ever again."

"I warned you big bro. But you denied it and look where it got you."

"I mean you sleep kick so—"

"That was once!"

"Nah, it was three times. Mikey ended up bein' the one to find that out. Remember the giant bruise on his leg?"

"Ah, yeah, almost as big as this dude's forehead!"

"And your ego." He grinned.

"It is not that big!"

"It is, trust me."

"Lies! Lies I say!"

"Nah, I ain't lyin', just ask the others."

"Why do you all always bully me? Am I a joke to you?"

"Yes, yes ya are."

GASP!

Chapter Text

"Dee—"

"Yes 'Nardo?"

"Do- do you think we'll be together forever? Y'know. . Me, you, Mikey, and Raph? Even when we grow older?"

"Well. . Logically I would have to say no, because we all have our own dreams and goals we wish to pursue. You wanna be a stand up comedian or a movie star, 'Angelo wants to be a famous artist, Papa wants to go back to his old title as an action star, and Raph. . Well I'm not sure what Raph wants to be quite honest."

"Oh. . ." He dipped his head sadly.

"But—" He rested a careful hand upon the latter's shoulder, leaning down to face him directly. "On the off chance we don't end up pursuing our futures, I feel as if we should."

"You mean it?" His head lifted with a hopeful gleam to his eyes.

"Yes," He nodded. "I mean it 'Nardo."

"Especially us?"

He nodded once more. "Precisely, especially us. I feel as if 'Angelo will one day end up pursuing his dream, it wouldn't be hard for him with how good he already is at it."

He giggled. "And he's only five!"

He snickered as well. "Yeah. . And it seems Raph is in full support of your little dream, and 'Angelo's dream."

"But what about yours?"

"What ever do you mean dear brother?"

"What about your dream? Don't you have one?" He tilted his head slightly in confusion.

"Oh. . Well— I- I'm not sure what I'm going to do, to be quite honest. . ." He sighed.

"Oh that's alright! I'm sure ya got somethin' in that big head of yours!"

He chuckled.

"Yeah. . Yeah I guess so. . . ."

——————

Donnie awoke with a heavy gasp, sitting up and breathing frantically. His hand pressed against his plastron in attempts to breathe correctly but it just wouldn't work. "L- Leo?! Raph, Mikey?! Where- where is everyone—!?" He yelled out, noting the dark void that was this space he was in. He went to stand, falling off of whatever soft surface he was laying on and tumbling to the floor loudly. He got onto his hands and knees, chest heaving for air so he could just breathe! Oh God why couldn't he breathe?! Breathe damnit!

He gasped once more, it coming out as more of a scratchy cry as tears cascaded down his face in large droplets. "No- no no no no!!" He screamed, body wracking with wretched sobs as he failed once more to gain his breath.

Suddenly a loud muffled voice was heard from nearby, busting down the door (when was there a door??) and flipping on the lights. " Donnie?! Donnie what's wrong are you okay?!" The figure—now recognized as Leo—looked around for a moment before locking his eyes on the gasping softshell. His eyes widened and he immediately ran to him. He kneeled beside him, resting his hands on his shoulders and gently pulling him to his chest. "Hey, hey, breathe, it's me Leo. I'm here, it's okay— breathe. . In, out, in. . Out. . ." He instructed, rubbing his shoulders soothingly.

He continued gasping, attempting to inhale and exhale along to his words. Slowly—ever so slowly, it began to even out. He hiccupped, mouth hanging open before snapping shut a few seconds later as a new stream of tears came rolling down his face. "L- Leo—" He choked out, not as much of a question, but more as a statement that it was truly him.

"Yeah, 'ts me, Leo. I'm here buddy, just breathe. I'm not going anywhere." He cooed, smiling and continuing to rub his shoulders.

The latter simply nodded before abruptly twisting and wrapping his arms around the slider, shoving his face into his plastron as his crying resumed. "L- Leo. . ! 'M sorry— 'M sorry Leo. . I'm so, so, sorry. . !!" He sobbed, squeezing his eyes shut.

"Hey, hey, no. Don't apologize dude, you're alright. It's fine. I'm not hurt, you're not hurt—are you?" He pulled him into his lap, arms wrapping lightly around him so he didn't fall out.

He shook his head rapidly. "N- no. ."

"Good, good, see? No one's hurt. Everyone else is asleep, and the— erm-. . Bad guys— are in jail." He reassured.

"Okay. . Okay. . ." He nodded slowly, sniffling.

"Yeah, you alright now? Somethin' else on your mind?" He rested a hand on his shell, rubbing it in attempts to comfort the latter.

"Yeah, 'm fine. . Thanks—"

"No prob, but ya mind tellin' me what caused this?" He questioned. "Was it another nightmare?"

"Yeah. . Just another dumb nightmare—"

"Nah, it's fine. It happens. I'm just glad I got here in time to get ya to breathe—"

"Mhm. . Thanks—"

"Don't mention it bro, just makin' sure you're safe 'n all." He smiled.

He smiled slightly as well, snuggling close to his chest and tightening his hug. "'M just glad you all are. . . ."

"Oh, it was one of those ones, wasn't it?"

". . Yeah—" He sighed, slight shame lacing his tone.

"Hey, no it's fine! I was just wonderin', 'tis all." He quickly reassured.

"Okay—"

"Mhm." He nodded, sighing softly and looking out to no particular place. "Sorry I didn't notice sooner, I wouldn't have let it get that extreme if I'd've known. ."

"But you didn't. ." He mumbled. "And that's fine— You didn't have to."

"Oh, yeah, I kinda did though." He chuckled lightly. "Otherwise you would have still been having that panic attack. You know those are dangerous dumb dumb."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. ." He nodded, looking down towards the ground as his head leaned against the other's chest.

"I know I am." He giggled, placing a hand on the softshell's head and giving it a playful pat.

He simply huffed and glared up at him. "You're such a child." He commented.

"You can't be acting like you don't act the same way twenty-four-seven 'Tello!"

"Because I don't." He grinned.

"You so do." He frowned. "You just did yesterday when we were playing pool."

"Because you keep hitting the ball wrong."

"How do you hit the ball wrong?! It's pool!" He snapped.

"There are many ways you can hit the ball wrong, for example, the way you did."

"It's simple! Hit it with the stick, get it in the net thingy!"

"You chose to swing the stick like you would a baseball bat and hit the ball into the wall—which is still there by the way." He pointed out.

"Meh meh mehmehmeh. ." He mocked, rolling his eyes and flicking him in the forehead. "Smartass"

"Dumbass"

"Idiot"

"Dumb dumb"

"At least I don't have a planetary forehead."

"At least my ego doesn't orbit the sun."

"At least my eyebrows aren't sharpie."

"At least I have eyebrows."

"Fake ones."

"Like your hair was."

"No, it was real it was just cursed!"

"By a guy with no hair, smart move—he said sarcastically." He grinned.

"Hey! I was desperate."

"Even though you could have just asked me to build you a hot tub."

"Okay first of all, it was a sauna with a hot tub, get it right. Second of all, it was V.I.P. how could I not go?! It's basically got my name written all over it!"

"Righttt. . ."

"And didn't you destroy an entire witch town?" He cocked an eyebrow ridge.

"We- we don't talk about that—"

"No, we will, because wasn't this all about a chair?"

"Science still beats Mysticism any day in my books."

"Can science make portals?"

"If you build the machinery and do the calculations right, yes."

"Can it make holograms around you that act as shields?"

"Possibly, if you get the materials right, and, again, calculations."

"Hmmm. . . Can it—"

"Yes."

"I didn't—"

"You were about to ask if it could make a flaming weapon that you can use in combat."

". . . ."

"Yeah, it can."

"Damn. . Then I got nothing."

"Ha! Science wins again!" He cheered, pride filling his tone. "I told you."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." He rolled his eyes, smiling. "I'm just glad you're better now. But uh. . Can- can we get up? My legs fell asleep and they're starting to buzz or tingle or whatever it's called." He stated.

"Oh- right yes sorry." He scrambled up, holding a hand out for the slider to grab.

He pushed the hand away, attempting to get up before falling right back down. "Nevermind, already there—"

He rolled his eyes and held his hand back out, smiling faintly when the other finally took it. He helped him up, stumbling over to the bed so he could use it as support until his legs 'awoke' again.

"Thanks. Legs are being rude again."

"I know." He grinned, crossing his arms.

"I— You did not."

"Oh, but I did." He retorted.

"Asshole."

"Cry about it."

"Maybe I will!"

"Alright, I'll collect your tears in a jar as a little souvenir."

"What?"

"Did you not hear me?"

"I think I did. I'm sorry you're going to collect my tears?"

"Correct."

"In a jar?"

"Precisely."

"As a souvenir?"

"Correct again, dear brethren! Good job!"

"What're you gonna do, wear it as a necklace and count how many tears there are?" He joked.

"Well. . You know that doesn't sound like a bad idea now that you mention it. Just more data collection."

"No—!"

"Relax it was a joke, as was the tear jar. . Mostly—"

"Mostly—!?"

"What? I didn't say that?"

"Say what?"

"Mostly."

"Ha—! You just did!"

"I- Wh- wait— DAMNIT!"

"Ooooo, if Raph hears you cussing you're so gonna be grounded." He giggled.

"You literally just swore like not even five minutes ago." He deadpanned.

"That was different though."

"It literally wasn't but okay." He sighed, pinching his nose bridge.

"Yeah, well, I'm tired. Mind if I crash here tonight? I don't wanna walk all the way back to my room."

"It's literally twenty-seven steps to your door, what?"

"Not the point!" He snapped, leaping onto the bed and flopping plastron-first onto it. "I'm tired, and I don't wanna waste all that time staring at the ceiling to sleep."

"Well it doesn't help that your room is completely silent, and that you have the worst insomnia possible—light sarcasm intended." He pointed out.

"Uh huh. . So that's a yes?"

". . . Fine. I suppose it wouldn't hurt." He decided, dropping his hands to his sides and walking to his side of the bed.

The slider beamed happily, scrambling under the covers and shifting to get comfortable under the weighted blanket. "You're turning off the lights, you're the one who's up!"

"Fine, I suppose I will." He huffed, trudging over to the light switch—or rather dial—and turning it. He noticed he would have to fix the emergency-turn-on button because Leo ended up breaking it when he stormed into there. That wasn't a problem though, and he was grateful he even managed to come in and help. He made his way back over to the bed, climbing in and getting himself comfortable before turning on some quiet music and closing his eyes to sleep. He turned his head, surprisingly not hearing any dumb one-liners or Leo making fun of his music taste, only to see the slider passed out facing him with his mouth hung open in a light snore.

He smiled slightly, shaking his head and rolling his eyes before closing them again and slowly drifting off to sleep. Must've been really tired to have passed out that quick. . . He yawned, shifting a slight bit more before finally getting comfortable and falling into a dreamless slumber.

——————

The Baron smiled from outside the softshell's room, having been rushing there when he heard the screaming only to find Leo had already made it to him before he could. He had both heard, and seen the entire thing and honestly thought it was both amusing and heartwarming. He crossed his arms, shaking his head lightly and chuckling softly as he watched the two sleep. My ever-chaotic children. . I am honored to be your father. He thought, closing the door slowly and walking back to his room. He shut the door, deciding to go back to bed himself now that he figured out the time. Apparently it was around 3 A.M. as of now, which it wasn't very preferable for him to be up at such a time in his opinion.

Oh kids. . .

Chapter Text

"Breaking news! Two members of what is formerly known as the Foot Clan™ have managed to break out of jail. Be on the look out for two strangely grey-pink skinned men with apparent flames over their heads and orange tattoos along their body. Unfortunately as far as we know they have not been seen since their escape, so we do not have a set location on them. Stay safe, stay alert, and report anything that might be suspicious and possibly lead to these two's arrest."

"No. . No no no—"

"Hey have you guys seen the ne— Oh no— Shit Donnie hey, hey. ." April walked in, noticing the shaking softshell and immediately running over.

The terrapin stared blankly at the ground, vision blurring slightly and ears beginning to ring. No. . No no no—

"Hey buddy, can ya look at me?" She gently lifted his chin to look up at her, smiling when he obliged. "It's gonna be okay, they aren't gonna get to ya—"

His breathing only picked up, making a small whine of fear. "B- but they'll hurt—"

"No, no they won't. . They won't ever get to them. You're safe, they're safe, and it's all because of you. The police just couldn't catch them in time, I'm sure they'll be easy to find. I mean they're two flame men for cryin' out loud!" She interrupted, cupping his face in her hands and smiling softly.

"R- Right. ." He gulped, nodding slightly and pulling from her grasp, looking away. 

The others walked in, worried looks on their faces that grew as they spotted the duo.

Leo ran over, hopping over the couch and sitting beside his twin. "Yo you okay—? You didn't see it did you. . ?" He asked, hoping that maybe it was just something else he was upset about.

"He did. ." April sighed, taking Donnie's phone and placing it in her jacket pocket. She sat on Dee's other side, rubbing his shell soothingly. 

He just fiddled with his hands, scratching nervously at the backs of them. He stared at the floor, mind racing with possibilities and even some very not-logical conclusions as to what the foot might end up doing now that they're free. He flinched when a small hand was placed on his own, looking up to see Mikey crouched in front of him.

"Hey Dee! I know it's very. . Not good for you right now— But it's gonna be okay, they aren't gonna do anything to us. They're probably just gonna go back to making their origami people. We have all of your tech back anyway, it's in your room. So they can't get a hold of it." He smiled, patting his hands and grabbing them, holding them in his own and giving a reassuring squeeze.

"Okay. . Okay." He nodded, closing his eyes and looking back down.

The snapper and sheep-man stood there behind the couch, sighing as they watched it happen.

"'Ts gonna be okay Dee. . ." Raphael said quietly, sighing heavily.

"I must agree with everyone, The Foot Clan poses no threat without the assistance of your technology—Which they don't have." He stated, turning and realizing Splinter wasn't there with them. He frowned, shaking his head in disdain and turning back. Where is the Rat?

Leo sat close to the purple-clad, scrolling through YouTube on his phone and playing some random compilation to distract the twins. "Here,"

"Leo what if—" Raph began.

"Relax, I don't have a News app, I'm not that much of a dumb dumb." He rolled his eyes.

The snapper just nodded hesitantly, watching the video with everyone else.

Draxum ended up watching as well, confused but curious as to what they were watching and why.

Suddenly there could be a faint pitter-patter of small feet coming from the corridors, quick and hurried—but also calm and controlled.

Everyone glanced towards the doorway, visibly surprised when none other than Splinter walked through the door.

"Erm-. . Hello, I was just at the markets when I saw the news. . . I am sorry that happened, but I have come bearing gifts to lighten the mood!" He smiled, hesitantly walking over with a few bags and setting all but one in front of the couch. He stepped back, fiddling with his claws and looking down. His tail held the last bag.

Everyone curiously went to look through the bags, Donnie continuing to watch the compilations, distracted.

"Woahhh. . . Candy!" Mikey exclaimed, giggling and snatching up a package of candy from one of the bags. His eyes lit up even more when April handed him a pack of coloured pencils and a sketch book from another.

Donnie shifted to the more empty end of the couch, the others huddling around the bags while he simply pulled his knees close and stared at the cracked phone screen.

"Erm-. . Donatello—" The rat man said carefully, walking up to the softshell and shifting the last bag into his hands. "I have got you something as well. . You do not have to accept it, I just thought you would possibly like it. . ." He cleared his throat nervously, setting the bag down in front of the genius and stepping back quite a ways. He knew he still liked his space, and he didn't mind complying.

Slowly, ever so slowly, the purple-clad looked up from the phone and lowered his legs into a criss-cross position on the cushioned piece of furniture. He eyed the bag, lowering and opening it curiously. He reached in, pulling out a small pencil-pouch-like bag from within and unzipping the opening. The first thing he noticed about the pouch was that it was in a nice violet purple, and made of a soft sensory-friendly fabric. He pulled out a few trinkets from the pouch, examining them and immediately recognizing them as small fidget toys. More specifically things related to chewing or picking—or pulling and rubbing.

Splinter watched nervously, worried he wouldn't like what the bag contained at all. Oh no, have I messed up? I do hope he likes it all. . .

The terrapin smiled slightly, putting the trinkets back into the pouch and setting it aside after closing it. He reached back into the bag and felt a few other shapes from within, pulling a few bag-like-shapes that seemed near identical to one another out and looking at them. He recognized the brand, a random thought in the back of his mind questioning how he acquired them. They seemed to be a sort of candy, more specifically dark chocolate from a smaller brand he liked.

Splinter glanced at the others, who he had noticed were subtly watching them as they sorted through the array of goods he had in the jumble of shopping bags they surrounded. "You do not have to accept these if you do not wish. I will understand, I just thought that maybe you would like these, as I have heard you talk about them before. . ." He reassured, looking back towards the lone son in front of him.

Draxum watched the duo not as subtly, munching on a few pieces of the candy Mikey had given him from his package.

Donnie simply nodded, having pulled out a few drinks from within the bag as well. Wow, splinter went all out. 

He looked back into the bag, assuming everything was already pulled out but ensuring he double checked. He spotted a giant piece of purple fabric within the depths of the package, with a pi symbol on what looked to be a large pocket. He cocked an eyebrow, reaching in and pulling it out. He spread the fabric out as he held it, noticing the large sleeves with two smaller pi symbols on the shoulders. He immediately recognized the article, gasping lightly when he examined the hoodie closer. He turned it around, noticing the first 100 digits of pi in a neat array of rows going down the back of the hoodie. He slipped it on, pulling the hood up over his head and feeling the soft fabric of the sleeves. "By Darwin's beard. ." He murmured. He knows my favorite fabric. . . He distantly thought, examining it much like a little kid would.

"I uh. . I knew you liked your purple hoodie as a young child, and you loved the one hundred digits of pi song. . So—" He began, cutting himself off as the softshell slid off the couch and sat on his knees in front of him. 

He looked to the side for a moment, rubbing one of his sleeves between two of his opposing fingers before taking a small breath and spreading his arms out. He hesitated, pulling back for just a moment before embracing the elder into an awkward hug.

He stood, stunned and unknowing of what to do at first. This rarely ever happened—but he decided not to think much of it and embraced the moment. He slowly wrapped his arms around the latter, returning the small (but huge) gesture of thanks.

"Thank you. . Papa—" He mumbled, just loud enough for the latter to hear alone.

His eyes widened, tearing up before squeezing shut and smiling joyfully. My son. . . "You are very much welcome, Donatello. I am glad you enjoyed the gifts."

After a few more moments he pulled away, scooting back a bit and rubbing the hoodie fabric again. "So- erm-. . . How did- how did you know that I liked all of these things. . ?"

"Well, I have heard you talk about it, but I may or may not have also gotten assistance from someone—" He turned his attention towards the Baron, who simply nodded as the latter did the same.

His eyes widened, a small sparkle seeming to form within his eye as he suddenly smiled and squeezed his eyes shut, squeezing and fanning his hands in a happy stim. They listen! They listen they listen!! He thought, overjoyed.

The rat man turned back to face him again, smiling before beginning to chuckle softly. He hadn't seen him do that in quite a while.

"Sooo, where exactly did you say you got this stuff again?" The slider, Leo, questioned.

"Some of the markets, and. . Possiblystealingfromafewmajorcompanies—" He looked to the side nervously.

"What?!" Raph suddenly exclaimed.

"What? Donatello teaches some very valuable things." He stated. "And they were major companies, they wouldn't notice."

Leo suddenly burst into laughter, along with April and Mikey. Even the Baron joined in with his own light laughs of amusement.

"Donnie! Guys!?" The snapper yelped, throwing his hands out in exasperation. "That's a crime! We're supposed to be heroes! Heroes don't steal!"

"You've done it!" Mikey suddenly shot up. "You've stolen from a gym before!"

"That was an accident! And I returned it!"

"You also help me steal medical supplies, Hermano." Leo crossed his arms.

"I— Well— That's a different situation?"

"Is it though? It's still technically stealing."

"But we need that!"

"Still stealin' big guy." April chuckled, resting a hand on his shoulder and popping a few pieces of candy in her mouth.

"Okay fine. ." He huffed, finally having given up.

"Yay! Dad's in the Steal Squad now!" Mikey cheered.

"Dad?" Leo glanced over.

"Steal Squad?!" Raph did as well.

"Oops- uh— force of habit—" He chuckled nervously.

"Ah, yes, the Steal Squad™—trademark pending—a group 'Angelo created for the family secretly after our first thievery mission. We have known about it for a while now, how did you just find out?" Donnie questioned, munching on a piece of chocolate.

"Oh I knew." The slider grinned.

"No shit Sherlock."

"Fuck you watson!"

"Language you two!" The oldest snapped.

"He started it!" The two exclaimed.

"I don't care who started it, I'm endin' it!"

"Fine." They both huffed, crossing their arms and side-eye glaring at each other.

"It baffles me how you two can be in such effortless sync." Draxum spoke up. "How do you do it?"

"Twin stuff." Leo grinned.

"We are not twins 'Nardo!"

"You literally admitted it awhile ago!"

"You have zero proof of that claim dear brethren."

"How do you know?"

"Because I am the creator of your devices, and I have set it up to track when my voice and face is recorded. It sends them to me for possible deletion."

"Isn't that illegal?"

"I know you are not talking about illegal things 'Nardo."

"Maybe I am, 'Tello!"

"It isn't illegal if you don't get caught by authorities, but I also didn't give you permission to record me so I have that legal claim against you."

"Damnit. ."

The two eldest shook their heads in sync, both thinking; Oh kids. . Always having something to say.

Chapter Text

Whine. . .

"What the- 'Tello?"

Flinch

"Donnie. . ? Hey, you alright—?" The blue-clad slider inched closer from the doorway he had entered through, reaching a hand out as he made his way towards the bed of the hopefully not hurt softshell. Shit you aren't hurt are you—? He thought. He merely received another faint whine.

"No. . No stop- Please no I'm sorry—"

"Donnie—? Hey, hey it's alright!" He cooed, stopping beside the bed and noticing the softshell in question still apparently asleep. So it's a nightmare—? It was more of a questioning tone, though quickly realizing the observation was likely correct and sighing softly.

"Stop. . Stop please I'm sorry I didn't mean to. . Please don't go. . ." He murmured, tears pricking his eyes as he held a death grip on the blankets draped over him.

He just said please twice in one sentence. Oh something is definitely wrong—

"Hey, hey Dee it's alright I'm not leaving, wake up it's just a dream—" He reassured, gently placing a hand on the latter's shoulder before pulling back when he flinched harshly. Oh my gods what is happening—?! He was much more alarmed now, especially at such an abrupt and fearful action.

He whined, shrinking in on himself as if to make himself look smaller. "Please don't. . Not again please—" The tears grew, eventually spilling over onto the pillow below him. He pressed his face into it a bit.

"No, no no Dee wake up— Wake up it's not real—" He spoke firmer, only earning a smaller—but still very noticeable—flinch. His heart sank a little more, shaking his head lightly before reluctantly grabbing his purple-themed twin and pulling him in for a hug. He must be in a really bad nightmare to not have woken up by now—

The genius merely latched onto him tightly, shoving his face into the crook of his neck and nuzzling as he wrapped his arms around his neck like that of a small child. "Please no. . Please don't leave me— Not again I don't wanna be hurt again. . ." He murmured, body trembling a scarily noticeable amount.

His heart only dropped at the statement. His eyes widened significantly, arms instinctively wrapping back around him in a firm and protective—and yet still hopefully comforting—hold. "Hey, hey, no it's alright. . I'm not leaving nothing's gonna hurt you—" He cooed softly, resting his head atop of the others gently. "It's just a nightmare. . Not real, not real." He continued reassuring, beginning to gently pat the latter in a soothing pattern. He hoped it would help at least a little more. He should have been awake by now.

He took in a shaking breath, murmuring something else almost inaudible to the sliders hearing, almost.

The slider froze, eyes watering as his mouth hung agape. Did he just- No. . No no no— He shook his head and hugged him tighter, pressing the side of his face into the other's to comfort him, and admittedly, himself. "No, no hey buddy you gotta wake up. Whatever's happening right now in your nightmare isn't real, none of it is. Please wake up man." He began to gently pat his back instead, hoping that would help.

"Click. Click. Click." He merely verbalized, emphasized by a small click of his tongue as his hold tightened. "Click. Click—"

Why is he- Oh my god. . Oh no, no—! "'Tello wake up, you gotta wake up now!" He released his hug, shifting a hand up to tap his face gently. "Wake up dude—" He began to freak out even more as he felt the small spasms from the scientist, who had apparently been reliving that horrible building event all over again. Muscle memory— His medic mind supplied. Where is everyone else?!

The spasms continued, before a harsh flinch had possibly concluded the nightmare.

"Dee, please please wake up man. . . C'mon dude." He whispered, tears of his own beginning to form. "Please. ."

"L- Leo—" The softshell croaked faintly, the spasms finally stopping. His body continued to tremble like mad, though.

He was startled by the sudden voice, but let out a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding right after. "Hey, hey, you alright? You awake—?" He asked quietly.

He merely let out a pitiful whine, his hold finally loosening around the sliders neck. "'M sorry. . . 'M sorry Leo—" He murmured. It really hurt to talk.

He felt something wet drip down his shoulder, tears. He sighed, shifting the twin to rest in his lap as he sat on the bed. He pulled him against his plastron and cooed, to which he tightened his hold and patted the soft shell of his brother in a soothing pattern once more.

He only continued, hiccupping quietly before pulling his arms close to his body similar to a small child and beginning to cry. "I'm sorry Leo, I'm really, really sorry. . ."

That's two 'really's', what the shell was happening? Oh you know what was happening, dumb-dumb!

"I should've gone alone I shouldn't have dragged you along I'm sorry you were hurt because of me. . You were trapped and nearly killed because of me I'm sorry, I should've died on that building you should've let them kill me, I'm the weakest anyways it wouldn't have—"

"Hey! That's enough of that, don't say that shit because you know they didn't hurt us, mostly just inconvenienced us." He interrupted, mumbling a small apology as the former flinched when his voice raised. He inhaled, "We weren't hurt at all, we were fine because you got them away. You made sure they didn't do anything, you saved us. Stop saying that stuff when you know it's not true. We wouldn't just be saying that to make you feel less bad. Now that belief that you should have died should be shut down and thrown away immediately. We weren't gonna let our fucking brother die to save our asses. Or at all for that matter. You're only weak because you used up too much of your, newly obtained, mind you, badass mystic mojo when beating the crap outta those guys. So stop saying that, or I'm gonna put a beach ball under your pillow." That immediately shut the former's talking down, rubbing circles onto his back. "I wasn't just gonna let my twin die because of my dumb ass stunt when we went to get your stuff. . It's my fault you were nearly killed, my fault we were caught, all of that was my fault. I thought they would still be basically the same but with new 'toys'—granted I should have expected said 'toys' to be lethal. Stop taking the blame when you know none of it was your fault."

He didn't answer, only relaxing slightly.

"I swear, for a 'genius' you can be a real dumb-dumb sometimes. . ." He murmured lightheartedly.

He merely stayed silent, continuing to not-so-subtly cling to the latter.

He smiled, rubbing his shell again and softly patting it. "Don't worry, I ain't goin' anywhere. I can't sleep anyways." At that he felt the former relax slightly. He simply chuckled softly, holding Donnie closer. "Let me know when you wanna leave the hug, I know it can get overwhelming sometimes." He kept his voice quiet and soft—so as to not startle the twin (again) or hurt his ears.

He nodded, instead only shifting to hug him back and bury his face in the crook of his neck. 

He smiled, allowing the gesture to happen.

". . Leo. . ?" He murmured.

"Yeah?"

"Promise you won't leave. . ?"

"Promise."

"No matter how much of a dumb-dumb I can be at times?"

"Yeah, no matter what."

"Okay. . Thanks."

"Mhm. . Although that doesn't mean you go around being a dumb-dumb and nearly getting yourself killed man!" He snapped, though there was no venom to his tone.

"No promises, dear brother." He smiled, pulling his face away a bit and noticing a glare from the former. Ow it hurt to talk—

He rolled his eyes and flicked him in the forehead, snickering. "No, you will promise!"

"Never." He croaked back.

"Do it! Promise!"

"No, hypocrite."

"Aye! I'll get Raph!" He threatened.

"That would only get both of us a lecture." He reminded drowsily.

"Damnit—" He huffed. "Alright well I don't think you wanna have a Convo with Dr. Delicate Touch."

"Touché, dear brother."

"Mhm, mhm."

"Although, that would get you equally as in trouble. He'll hunt you down like a dog."

"Damnit!" He exclaimed.

"Ha. . . I win."

He merely rolled his eyes and grinned. "Now shut up, I can hear the scratchiness of your voice. I don't wanna hear you complaining later about a sore throat." He ordered.

"Unlike you, I don't—"

"Ah, doctor's orders, egghead." He interrupted, earning a glare. "Don't give me that look, you're supposed to be in bed anyways."

He raised an eyebrow, earning an awkward laugh.

"Yes, me too, but I can't sleep. Insomnia 'n shit. I dunno."

"Then stay." He said, before immediately wincing slightly.

"Fine, I guess I will, then." He sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes to sell the act.

He reached a hand up and flicked his snout.

"Hey!" He whined, scrunching up his nose and rubbing the offended area. "Just lay down idiot." He gently shoved him off.

He immediately scooted back to his spot on the bed and curled up, yanking the blanket over himself before clearing a space for Leo to lay.

He climbed over to said spot, laying down and pulling the blankets over himself as well before staring up at the ceiling. "Just don't steal the blankets." He joked, earning a scoff from the other. 

They lay in silence for a few minutes, before Leo finally spoke once more.

"Hey. . You sure you're gonna be alright? Like— for real? You've been getting nightmares a lot but this one definitely takes the cake." He pointed out, glancing over at the softshell. He waited for a few beats before opening his mouth to speak again.

He shifted, turning to face the slider and letting out a small sigh. He glanced to the side. "I dunno, to be honest. ."

He sighed, nodding. "Figured. Well. . Maybe we could use walkie-talkies? Like when we were tots?"

His nose scrunched at that. "We got phones. . ?"

"Yeah, but walkie talkies don't need a passcode. And you just press a button. Also they just got a nostalgic vibe, y'know?"

He nodded. "Okay. . But why?"

He shrugged, smiling. "Well maybe if you feel like it's not gonna be a good night you can just ring me through that and I can come over? Maybe we could just hang out or something or I can lay with you like right now." He glanced over at him.

He nodded once more, looking up at him as well. "Maybe. . I suppose we could try it." He shrugged slightly.

They held eye contact for a minute or so, before Leo grinned and looked away, cupping a hand over his mouth to stifle his beginning Snickers.

"Gods. . You look so much like that one evil turtle from The Amazing World of Gumball."

His eyes widened and he slapped him in the face. 

"What? I'm right!" He snickered, though they quickly grew into quiet laughter.

"I do not!" He protested.

"Hey, aren't you supposed to not be talking right now? Doctor's orders."

He merely grunted, rolling his eyes and turning his back to him.

"Wow, okay, ignoring me now? How rude."

The other simply flipped him off—or- tried to flip him off. (They kinda only had three fingers—)

"You ass! That isn't very nice now is it?" He grabbed his hand, forcing it back down in a pathetic excuse of protest. He gasped when the other hand shot up instead, doing the same gesture. "I'm gonna tell Raph you flipped me off twice."

"Sooo scared." He murmured sarcastically, wincing mildly at how much his throat hurt. Damn, Leo was actually right for once. He wouldn't ever admit it out loud, though.

"Aye!"

He rolled his eyes and shoved him away, adjusting and closing his eyes to sleep.

He grinned, adjusting and beginning to close his eyes as well. He let out a large yawn, smiling. "'Night, Don-Don." He murmured, hearing a small "'Night, Lee-Lee." From his twin and giving a content sigh.

Things were gonna be okay, at least tonight. 

Chapter Text

Unfortunately this is not a chapter, but it is an update.

I doubt I'll be able to continue this fic due to the lack of motivation and me now being extremely busy and such. I also don't have any ideas for the continuation and with the ideas I have acquired (thanks to those who suggested, by the way) I can't seem to get a good groove on when writing. So unfortunately I will have to end it here, and will leave the ending up to your interpretation! Feel free to leave comments on what you think it would have ended like or what it would have continued as if you so choose, I love reading your comments and I'm glad I was an author you liked. I feel honored to have been able to share this silly fic with you all.

And who knows? Maybe some day I'll decide to either continue it or re-write it a little to be longer.

- Sincerely, 0thello.