It had been a routine patrol, it was supposed to be like any other one, easy. But something had gone wrong, oh so wrong. He was holding his mate in his arms, watching him pant for breath, his eyes glazed in pain.
"Am I going to die, Leo?" Mikey shuddered as the pain racked through his form. His baby blues shining from repressed tears.
Leo shook his head. He only hoped Don and Raph got there in time. If he moved him without properly sealing the wound, he'd bleed out.
"You're not Mikey, you'll be okay. So don't close your eyes, okay?"
Mikey fought to do as he was asked. "I don't want to die Leo…"
"Don't even think of that Mike, Don will get here and you'll be fine." Leo was lying to himself. Only a miracle would save him.
His hand shook as he held it over the bullet wound in Mike's plastron. Red dribbled down the side and pooled on the roof below.
Leo closed his eyes tight, trying to hold back the tears. He couldn't believe that this had happened. He'd been careless. He knew he wouldn't be able to dodge completely, and Mike had known it too.
He could recall the memory too clearly. Mikey had pushed him out of the way, taking the bullet meant for him. He hadn't even thought of what he did next, but the gunman lay dead at his feet within a moment.
That brought him to holding his mate close, praying that he could hold on.
Mikey's breath slowed as he fought to stay awake. A whine of pain coming from his lips. "It hurts…"
"I know Mike, but be strong, please." Leo pleaded. He was lost. He was no medic, he didn't know what to do.
His head snapped up when he heard his name, hope rising. Don and Raph were here.
Don landed neatly on the roof, rushing over and kneeling beside his baby brother. He asked no questions and set to work, pulling things out of his bag.
Raph grasped Mikey's hand. "Come on bro, stay wit' us."
Mikey turned glassy eyes to his older brother. He managed a small smile. "Trying…" he whispered.
Don looked up at his brothers. "We need to get him back to the lair. Now."
The bullet wound had been covered with a bunched up cloth which was tied tightly with Mike's belt.
Raph hefted his youngest brother up into his arms, careful not to jostle him too much. Leo stood up as well, not aware that he was shaking. He jumped when a hand was placed on his shoulder. "He'll be alright Leo, but we have to go."
Leo nodded and followed after his brother's, praying that Mikey would live. The Purple Dragons better hope that his mate didn't die, or there would be hell to pay.