2

I've stood at the wrong end of a gun before. I've been threatened and interrogated. I've had my shell kicked so hard I almost died. I've suffered the wrath of a vindictive woman. I've been chained, beaten, and tortured.

But out of all the people who did that shit to me…

…Purple Dragons, Hun, the Shredder, Karai, Bishop…

…not a single of them ever looked at me with as much anger as you are right now.

They at least let me know what I did to piss them off.

You? You ain't saying a goddamn word. All you can do is stand there with your fucking nose in the air, glaring at me. As if I should be able to read your mind. Shit, kanji is easier to understand than you.

So I try to get you to talk to me. You, of course, take it the wrong way. And there's that condescending tone you like to use so much, especially on me. I hate it when you start talking that way. What the hell makes you better than anyone else?

Oh, that's right, you got that "leader" title attached to your name. Throw that in my face one more time. Yeah, I know I ain't cut out to be a leader. I figured that out a long time ago, thank you very much. And guess what? I got over it. Why the hell can't you?

I'm trying to keep my hands to myself, but that smug ass look of yours is testing my patience.

And if you're not talking down to me, you're talking over me. Why won't you listen? I'd give you an explanation if you'd give me more than two seconds to answer you!

Now I'm yelling. I just want you to hear me, Leo, but you're screaming back even louder. For Christ's sake, shut up!

I can't deal with this anymore. If I stand here any longer, I'm going to throw a punch at you. It's hot as hell in here. I need fresh air, I can't even breathe.

Surprise, surprise, you ain't going to let me leave.

Dammit, Leo, what the fuck do you want from me? I can't ever do anything that makes you happy. All you focus on is every wrong that I've done, every time you've had to get me out of trouble. What about all the times I came to save you? Doesn't that count for anything?

I ain't going to hit you this time. God help me, I'm not. I don't want this fight to go to the next level. We both know what'll happen if it does. Splinter will get involved and take your side because you're his favorite. Don't try to tell me any different.

Well, since I can't leave the lair, I'm going to my room. I've had enough of this shit. You wouldn't believe how much relief I get just walking away from you. Keep screaming at the back of my shell. I ain't listening anymore.

Because every word you say only helps convince me that I'm better off alone.