You shouldn't call me that.

It's a nickname that's been brushed with lies.

Yet you've influenced Mikey and Donnie to address me with that title as well.

And I've told you to change it.

But you won't listen.

I ask you why you think it suits me so well.

It takes you a moment to respond.

You probably haven't thought it through before.

You often don't think things through.

But eventually you say it's because I'm stubborn,

resolute,

astute,

brave.

But it's not true.

I'm scared out of my damn mind when we set foot on the surface,

when we face off with the Shredder,

when we're surrounded by the Kraang.

Because you're more than my team.

You're my family.

My brothers.

I don't want to lose you.

But I can't say that out loud.

Because in your eyes, I'll come off as weak,

needy,

hopeless,

desperate.

But that's what I am.

I'm weak when it comes to your downfall.

I'm needy when I feel lost.

I'm hopeless when situations become tough.

I'm desperate to keep you by my side.

Therefore, I train hard.

I go the extra mile.

I meditate for hours.

I spend that extra time with Splinter, but not because I'm trying to 'suck up to him'.

I want to be the leader you need.

I want to be the protector I'm supposed to be.

I want to live up to the name you continuously call me.

I try to tell you that.

But you won't listen.

You never seem to.

You always rush into battle, not having a care in the world.

You go in with a smile, one that screams "Come and get me."

You stare your enemy dead in the eye, daring them to come closer.

Then you glare down at me, wondering why I'm so frustrated.

But I'm not frustrated;

I'm worried.

I explain this to you, hoping for a meaningful response.

But you just laugh it off.

You tell me to stop being so poetic.

You tell me I'm overly dramatic.

You barely give me a second glance.

Then you call me it;

that name I have told you countless times to change.

Because it's not right.

It's not true.

It's not even close to who I am.

Because I'm not Fearless.

I'm not.

But to me,

you are.

A/N

I can only hope that you understand who is talking to who(:

Reviews are always welcome, so please do not hesitate to leave one!