Soooo, my first fanfic. Yay! I, unfortunately, do not own TMNT, but I do own all of the OC characters so far. I may ask people for some more OC's when I have a massive writers block but for now there won't be to many. Anyway, this story is based off the 2012 TMNT but I am not adverse to creating side bits about the other verses. Hope you guys enjoy reading! Criticism is accepted but flaming will be ignored.

Prologue: Introduction

My name is Giotto but my brothers call me Gio. I'm a fairly normal guy. I like video games and pizza, I enjoy a good book here and there, rough housing with my brothers is always fun when I'm allowed, and I have a photographic memory. Okay, maybe that last bit isn't considered every day stuff but compared to my brothers it's practically nothing. My four younger brothers are amazing.

There's Leo, the 2nd oldest. His full name is Leonardo and he is the most levelheaded out of the four by far. He is a great strategist and can keep a cool head in any situation. He loves to practice and perfect his skills and although he lectures us constantly I know its because he cares. Although he likes to take on the role of big brother and tells me not to treat him like a baby can he really expect me not to coo over how cute he looks when watching that show of his? Every quote, pose, and excited squeal makes me want to smother him in a big hug.

Next would be Donatello, or Donny. He is a genius. His inventions far surpass anything I have ever read about before. I mean sure, he can be a total geek some times and half the stuff he says sounds like an entirely different language, but I find it cute. I can usually find him in the workshop at all hours of the day and, unfortunately, night. I worry about his sleep patterns sometimes but I can usually stop him before it gets to far. He is far too easy to guilt trip.

Then there is Raphael. Big hearted, stubborn, easily angered Raph. I have no idea what I even do half the time when he starts yelling at me. Normally I would get upset but I know he means well. He worries more than Donny sometimes (a near impossible feat I assure you). He loves to tease everyone and wrestle, and if you are ever in need of a good fight he will be the first to volunteer. Most of the time. Raph is extremely protective and loyal, as well as our best fighter when it comes down to it. When one of my brothers is in danger he will be the first to act. He hates when I tease him about his temper. Not because he thinks I'm lecturing him like Leo, but because I find it adorable. I can't help it; he looks like a child throwing a tantrum.

Last but not least would be Michelangelo. Oh, boy where to start with this one. Mikey may not be the … brightest out of all of us, but he is definitely the warmest. He is always smiling, and happy, and ready to prank. I can't even remember all of the times when his laughter broke the rising tension between my bros. It amazes me how he can always see the good in life and, though Raph teases him relentlessly, I know he's not as stupid as seems. Though some of the things he does makes me wonder.

All five of us are watched over by our father and master, Splinter. I am eternally indebted to him for all he has done for my brothers and I. He teaches us, cares for us, watches over us, and loves us. Not once have I seen him lose his temper. I mean, sure, he snaps at us when things go to far but I'm pretty sure it's just to get our attention before he lectures us. Father has done everything for us, for me, and though days can be tough I am always grateful for what he has done. Even when I just want to run away and be free, if only for a moment.

I love my family, I really do. It doesn't matter to me that we are mutants (oops, did I forget to mention that?) and have to live in the sewers. It doesn't matter that our father is a rat and we are turtles or that we can't be seen by people for fear of what will happen. All the matters is that we are together, happy, and safe. But sometimes, when Leo or Dad ban me from training for the day, or Donny barely even lets me move a finger, or Raph refuses to spar/wrestle with me, or when Mikey gives me that look. The look they all give me when they think I can't see. It is days like that when I want to just run away. Be free of the worry, guilt, and… pity. Be free to do what I want to do without anyone to tell me it's too dangerous, or I can't handle it, or I'm to weak! But I don't. I return to my room instead of insisting that I am well enough to train to. I smile indulgently as Donny mother hens. I shrug and laugh off Raph's rejection. I ignore the look in Mikey's eyes. All because I love them more than the thought of freedom. I want to do what I want to do with them. I want them there to laugh with me. I don't want to be alone.

Ever since I was little I've been different. I was weaker, and I got sick all the time. It's dangerous getting sick in the sewers, mutant or not. I have always been sickly and because of that I am limited in ways my brothers have never been. If it is to cold I get sick. If it is to hot I get sick. If I eat too much I get sick. If I eat to little I get sick. If I do this I get sick. If I do that I get sick! Every possible thing I do can end with me getting a small cold or fricking pneumonia. I hate it. I hate living like this. I hate how it creates a barrier between my siblings. I may be the oldest but they treat me like the youngest and I let them! I let them limit my actions and I let them tell me what is best even when they have no idea…! I let them do all of this because they are my family, and I love them more than anything.

They worry over me and fret over nothing. I know they do it because they care but just because my body is in good shape doesn't mean my heart is.

I love my family and they love me.

But sometimes that isn't enough.