Disclaimer: I don't own the TMNT
~ONESHOT~
Not An Option
Leonardo stood staring down at the counter before him, fingers of his right hand absently tracing the lines in the woodwork.
A finger was slowly tracing each trail, swirling around each curve, and stopping suddenly when a line broke off.
He took a deep breath, closed his golden-brown-eyes and tipped his head back before letting the breath out.
There was faint laughter in the den area.
They were waiting for him.
He opened his eyes and stared blankly at the cupboard before him.
Leonardo glanced down at his cup and then just as the kettle started to scream, his left hand snaked out and lifted it up, abruptly cutting off the scream.
Leonardo paused before pouring the boiling water, dark eyes glancing again at his mug and the contents within.
With steady hands he poured the water into his and then into another waiting at the side.
He turned and the light shone briefly on his narrow shoulders.
His frame was wrapped in bandages, nasty burns covered his face, and his right eye was lifeless.
He was thin, almost skinny, even the muscle looked nearly gone.
As he walked into the den lights from the TV flickered and laughter from something on screen brushed his ears.
They were waiting for him.
As he sat, Klunk leapt up to greet him, rubbing her head on his hand, her orange-gold fur glinting in the light.
He was sitting in his usual spot, on the edge of the group.
They were waiting for him.
The second cup was sat on a small TV stand as Leonardo took up his own.
As someone laughed to his right he smiled sadly before lifting the cup to his lips and taking a sip.
A hand brushed his head and Splinter's tired gaze met his.
Leonardo took another drink and rested his head against his father's chair.
It didn't take long before his eyes closed.
They were waiting for him.
The cup tilted at first and then slipped free, spilling hot liquid across Leonardo's lap as his hand released it.
There was no reaction other than the shuddered breath and a soft sigh.
April found him the next day, Klunk still curled in his lap, purring softly.
Her green eyes scanned the room in sorrow, empty all of it.
The TV was still on droning out some midday drama as she turned it off and knelt down to close Leonardo's eyes.
"You still had me," she whispered softly, a tear rolling down her cheek.
She glanced at the second cup on the TV stand and fought tears.
Leonardo always made his father tea…even after he died.
"Hey April I have the groceries….you really think Leo is actually going to eat all of this? The guy hardly eats anything any-" Casey cut off when he saw April standing in the den.
Her green eyes met his blue.
Casey's shoulders dropped.
"He?" Casey whispered, unable to finish the question.
She nodded.
"We'll take him up tonight," he whispered.
She nodded before silently scooping up Klunk and nuzzling the cat's fur.
It was early the next day when April finished setting the headstone and stepped back.
Four others were beside it, all overgrown in varying degrees.
Casey rested a hand on her shoulder.
"Ape…you know how he was…they…they were everything to him," Casey whispered.
April brushed away tears.
"I know…he always said failure was never an option…he blamed himself for his brothers' deaths," she murmured, "at least maybe now…maybe he'll be at peace."
A/N: Wow….crying my eyes out….not sure where this even came from, it's not connected to any of my other works but…wow…please leave me reviews folks.