Author Intro:

Oh my goodness...my first fanfic posted here, ever! Sorry it's so short, this will be more like a multi-chapter ficlet. I'll be writing this as I go along, so if you like it please bear with me.

This story is set in the new series world, but was born from the old series, specifically the episode where Leonardo is shown to be afraid of snakes. I always wondered about that. And this chapter...well let's just say I was watching a bit of Naruto the other day, and a certain comment my boyfriend made reminded me of Raph. I hope someone likes it...please let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I don't own the TMNT, and nor do I want to...I'm perfectly happy with how they are now. Just writing about them for fun!

A Fear of Snakes

Leonardo placed the worn bookmark between the pages of one of his favorite books, and sat back with a sigh. He was all for some well-earned downtime, but today was just a little too quiet. Donatello was out on an errand with Splinter, Raph was doing his own thing somewhere in the lair, and Mikey was in front of Don's computer, totally engrossed in something that from the sound of it, was in Japanese.

He peered with interest over his younger brother's shoulder. "Whatcha watching, Mikey?"

"A couple new episodes of Naruto that Don snagged for me."

Leo had heard of the animated TV show, it was one of Mikey's favorites. Donatello would download the episodes off the internet for him. Whenever Mikey got to watch new episodes, the following week would be filled with endless raving about the new such-and-such skill that so-and-so had managed to pull off at the last second. Leo had watched bits and pieces of it before, and had to admit it was a good show, though the only thing he found remotely interesting was the ninja theme.

"Is it getting good?" he asked.

Michelangelo didn't look away from the computer screen. "Yeah! This one dude, he totally crashed these exams the main characters are taking...only he's like this disgusting snake person -- " He suddenly stopped and turned to give Leonardo a sheepish look. "Oh sorry, I forgot..."

Leo frowned. "Forgot what?"

"That you hate snakes."

Now Leo tilted his head in confusion. "Huh"? He racked his brain, but couldn't remember ever hating snakes. "I don't hate snakes."

Mike had returned his attention back to the anime in front of him. "Sure ya do. Okay, well I guess it's more like you're afraid of them..."

What? Indignant, Leo stood and grabbed onto the back of Mikey's swivel chair, spinning him around. "Afraid? Says who? And since when?"

His brother was looking at him as though he were slightly crazy for not remembering. "Everybody knows...I mean, it's common knowledge. Now if you're not gonna watch it with me, at least stop interrupting!" He shook the chair forcefully from Leo's grip and turned back to the computer. Leo stood back a bit and his eyes fell on the screen, unintentionally watching a little of what was going on. There was a very girlish-looking ninja carrying a scroll, who then wrapped his abnormally long and snake-like tongue around said scroll and swallowed it.

"Ewww..." He couldn't help but say it.

"Told ya."

"Hey! Afraid of snakes or not, that was just gross."

Mikey shrugged. "I guess so, but don't lump us all in with your phobia."

Leo couldn't believe this. "What phobia? The guy's tongue was freakishly long, that's all!"

Raph came sidling up from out of nowhere. "Must be pretty popular with the ladies."

Leonardo crossed his arms. "I've never been afraid of snakes, so I have no idea where you're getting your information, Mike."

But Michelangelo was now preoccupied with what was happening on the screen. He waved his hand vaguely. "It's no big deal. Everyone has their weaknesses, the whole Kryptonite thing, ya know..." He was clearly keen to get back to the show. At a loss, Leo sighed and dropped his arms in exasperation, vowing to clear up this misconception as he stalked away.

Raphael watched him go. He turned to what Mikey was watching, for a clue as to why his older brother stormed off. Catching sight of a huge snake slithering across the screen, he nodded knowingly. "Snakes upset him, eh? Always knew he was afraid of 'em."

To Be Continued!