Disclaimer: I don't own TMNT. They are the property of Nickelodeon, Mirage, Viacom and Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.
Author's Note: This came to me after watching the season premiere last night. I had to get it down and out for you to read. Enjoy.
This Time, Yes.
He gave me an order. He told me my partner to go with and where to go. But April was going with Casey. That wasn't acceptable.
"April and Casey go off alone? Together?" I shout. Leo and I lock eyes again. And I flinch.
"Mikey and Donnie, you take that way," Leo says. The discussion is over.
And there, for an instant, I see the reminder in his face. His storm blue eyes make it perfectly clear that we are both remembering a day from 3 months ago.
"Leo, the Turtle Mech is our only answer," I say, "Be reasonable."
"I am being reasonable," Leo snaps back, "We need a second base, Donnie. Period."
I feel the memories flood my head as Leo looks at me. Another time when we had a brother to seek out. I'd argued then too.
"We can find them in the Mech," I say.
"It's too slow," Leo responds. How can he be so infuriatingly patient?
"You're the one who's too slow," I say, "You're leading us into disaster."
"I'm doing what Splinter would want us to do," Leo says.
It fell apart then. It all fell apart. I remember my regrets for not listening to Leo, for arguing with Leo that day. Leo turns away, hobbling on his crutch.
But I'm still not happy as I give a moan and turn to partner with Mikey. But I know that this is right.
Yes, this time, yes. This time, I will do as I'm told.
This time.