Disclaimer – I do not own TMNT, some lucky comic type guys.
Disclaimer - Nor do I own the lyrics to 'Perfect'. They are the property of the Maverick record label and come from the mind of the wonderful Alanis Morisette.
A.N – This is my take on the turtles at around the age of ten, it is also my take on why Leo may be so serious. As always please review, cos Lord knows I'm not gonna get any better without any pointers. The lyrics are in italics.
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Practice Makes Perfect
Sometimes is never quite enough
The small metal light flashed green, "C'mon …" Leo yelled, speeding to the front of the pack. "We can make this one! I know it!" Training wasn't his favourite part of the day, but at least he could recognise the importance of doing it.
If you're flawless, then you'll win my love
The light flashed again, this time orange, to his right Donny stepped up the pace, even Mikey put in the extra effort, and they had been working towards this moment for the past three weeks.
Don't forget to win first place
Reaching the end of the lap first Leo span around and yelled at his slacking brother, "RAPH!" slowing to a walk the turtle stared at his brothers bunched up around the small marker. Watching it flash red he broke into a sprint to the finish.
BEEP
It looked for a moment as if he wouldn't make it, watching him cross the finishing line Mikey hit the button on top of the marker, cutting off the beep before it stopped. Falling around on the floor the four boys smiled, they had finally cracked level 9.
Don't forget to keep that smile on your face
"Master Splinter!" Leo turned to look to his sensei, smiling happily. Two sad brown eyes met his, discipline was something that came with time, he understood that, and now, at age 10, was the time that his children must learn it. "Again my sons."
Be a good boy
Try a little harder
The constant training and increased work load was taking its toll on them too. Leo turned back to see his father watching them all, studying the face carefully the eldest thought he saw disappointment there.
You've got to measure up
And make me prouder
And that disappointment hurt him, they were trying. They all suffered when one fell behind, and celebrated when one of them succeeded in completing their relevant form. Turning towards the piece of gym equipment he resolved to make his father proud once again. Of all of them.
Hearing the three beeps, the intermittent flashing of the green light began. Gritting his teeth Leonardo began to jog down. From the kitchen the harsh whistle of the kettle screamed through the lair. From his vantage point the four brothers watched as Splinter left the dojo.
How long before you screw it up
"STAY AWAY FROM MIKEY!" Raph issued the challenge the moment he saw Master Splinter leave the room, breaking to the right, and far corner of the room.
"Stay away from Mikey!" Donny repeated, breaking to the left of his baby brother.
"No! W-we have to beat the beep!" Leo yelled, pausing midway up the length of the room. "Hurry up!"
How many times do I have to tell you to hurry up
Racing back Leonardo got behind Donny and began to push him up towards the machine, getting the picture, his brother relented and started to jog towards the finishing line.
With everything I do for you
The least you can do is keep quiet
Abandoning Donny Leo raced after Mikey, "Stay away from me!" he chimed ducking away from his brother's frantic attempts to get a hold of him.
"Go Mikey!" Raph cheered, "Stay Away from Leo!"
Turning to face Leo the two circled each other, the eldest warily, the youngest in play. "Come on Mikey …" Leo begged, "We need to do this!"
Be a good girl
Watching the two play in the centre of the room was becoming far more interesting than loitering near the finishing post. Glancing towards each other, Donny and Raph wandered over to watch, blocking off any sorts of exit the two might try to make.
"No! You have to stay down there!" Leo told them, "We have to try harder!"
You've gotta try a little harder
The light that flashed in the back ground was not lost on the young leader. Watching it go from green to amber he turned back to his rebellious brother. Gritting his teeth he spread his arms wide and leapt at him, with a soft "Oomph!" the two crashed into the ground, Mikey playfully rolling away from the tangle of limbs and getting up to scramble away.
That simply wasn't good enough
To make us proud
"Mikey, please!" From the floor he grabbed a hold of one of his legs, weighing it down Leo pulled him into the floor, before scrambling round to hold him in place. Looking back to the flashing amber light, he saw it flick to red. Wrapping his arms round Mikey's middle he began to pull him towards the line. His brother's flailing limbs and ecstatic giggles filling the room. They could do this ... they would do this
I'll live for you
"Leo!" Mikey whimpered, he didn't like this game anymore. It hurt, and with Leo yanking him along the floor by his upper chest he was having a hard time breathing. His playful giggles had stopped, "Leo!" he let out a tiny pained cry, "You're hurting me!"
I'll make you what I never was
If you're the best, then maybe so am I
Compared to him compared to her
I'm doing this for your own damn good
BEEP
You'll make up for what I blew
What's the problem ...... why are you crying
"Leo!" Watching their eldest brother and self appointed leader play the exact opposite of 'Stay Away From Mikey' was losing its appeal. The little turtle was beginning to visibly cry in pain as Leo dragged him towards the now beeping machine. "Leo!" Raph repeated his angry yell moving over to pull the two apart with Donny's help.
"It's alright Mikey …" cradling his little brother protectively Raph looked up at Leo with a look that shot daggers. "You went too far dude …" helping Mikey up he responded to his brother's weak watery smile with an almost gentle one of his own.
"We … we have to practice …" Leo continued quietly, staring at the red light and continuous beep with dismay.
"No Leo …" Donny piped in, watching Raph and Mikey head out, "We have to check on Mikey."
"Don …" he implored, his voice losing its practiced authority and steely determination. Biting down onto his lower lip to stop it shaking his eyes belied a vulnerability and sadness he didn't normally show.
Be a good boy
Push a little farther now
"You made Mikey cry …" Donny repeated, a small degree of sadness lingering on his own features.
That wasn't fast enough
To make us happy
"B- but …" Leo watched Donny walk out of the room in pursuit of his brothers. His visibly shaken features lingered on the door way before turning to the still squealing machine in the corner. How could they ever make his Father proud if they weren't prepared to practice? How could he earn his Father's love …
We'll love you just the way you are if you're
if he wasn't …
perfect
perfect?