Disclaimer & Warnings:
I do not own the Turtles, as much as I would love to.
*This chapter contains allusions to turtlecest.*

Chapter Four

"Oh, you little shit!"

"Nyaaah!"

Donnie turned just in time to see Raph pick up a nearby chair, his eyes narrowed as he took aim at a giggling Mikey.

"Raph, no!" Donnie stood, waving his arms. "Don't break that-,"

Crash!

"-chair."

"Missed me by a mile!" Mikey taunted, then shrieked as Raph launched himself toward his brother, tackling him to the floor.

"Great. Just great," Donnie muttered, throwing a beseeching glance at Leo, who was pretending to read a book across the desk from him. Leo steadily ignored both him and the wrestling match. Donnie slowly sat back down, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

He stared gloomily at the code he was writing, having to re-read what he'd just typed to get back into the mindset. Once he remembered where he was, his fingers began flying over the keyboard again.

Donnie was glad Leo was ignoring them all. Yesterday with Mikey had somehow relaxed Leo to a point Donnie hadn't seen in a good year or two, and he was actually not walking around tense and disapproving. He did seem moody, though that could simply be because he hadn't spoken more than a handful of words all day.

He sighed, his hands pausing as his concentration was broken yet again. It was his own fault for thinking he could get any work done out in the living area. Frowning, he redoubled his efforts on the programming. It was simply a challenge he had to overcome; write intelligent, working code while listening to his brother shouting obscenities at each other.

But that chair… Donnie's fingers pounded the keys harder. He liked that chair, and now it was splintered against the floor beyond repair. It had been one of the nicer finds from one of their dumpster diving trips, and he'd been so proud of polishing and fixing it up.

Donnie shrugged gently to himself. It was past time for another dumpster run, anyway. His lips curled in a smile. And this gave him an excuse to drag Raph along with him.

What was with Raph these days? He certainly was more interested in Donnie's work than he had ever indicated before. He had to admit it had puzzled him through the years, why he and Raph hadn't connected on a deeper level due to similar interests. Raph might not have- or want- the book knowledge Donnie had, but he was very enthusiastic about anything that ran on a motor. Perhaps it was his own fault; he hadn't consciously reached out to Raph, just wondered what would happen if he could figure out how to.

And then he hadn't had to wonder anymore, because Raph had offered to help him weeks ago. Donnie couldn't remember the last time one of his brothers had offered their assistance of their own volition. He hated asking for help, but he was unsure the others even knew that.

Donnie scowled, glaring at the computer screen. His mind wasn't his own these last few days, and the last few programming lines he'd written wouldn't operate a toaster, let alone the mini robots he was hoping to surprise his brothers with. He slumped in his chair, crossing his arms as he leaned back. Maybe he would save this for later, as it was almost time to leave for their nightly patrol.

Leo seemed know what he was thinking as he stood and stretched. He gave Donnie a small smile that didn't reach his eyes before he stalked off to separate their brothers. Definitely moody, Donnie decided. Mikey had been right about something bothering him.

"Alright you two, time to act your age," Leo snorted, his hands on his hips as he glared at them. Mikey had Raph in a chokehold and was desperately trying to avoid the punches flying his way.

"Patrol time already?" Mikey asked, sparing a glance at the clock before dodging again.

"Nearly. You can expend your energy topside. Now let him up," Leo sighed.

"Fine." Mikey rolled off of his brother, giving Leo a glare. "But not because you told me to."

"Oh, of course not," Leo said dryly, offering a hand to Raph to help him up, which he refused.

"I swear, I'm gonna nail yer ass, ya little twerp," Raph wheezed, massaging his neck.

"Too bad, you're paired with Donnie tonight," Mikey said, sticking his tongue out.

Leo sighed again as he walked back to the desk where Donnie was scowling at his laptop. "Are you near a stopping point?" he asked softly.

"Apparently," Donnie snapped, though his anger didn't seem directed at his brother. He shoved his chair back and stormed off toward the dojo, muttering under his breath.

Leo frowned after him, but wasn't too worried. Donnie could have quite the temper when he couldn't force something to do what he wanted, but it always resolved itself in the end. His only concern would be if this latest upset would distract him while they were out, but Leo seriously doubted it. Donnie had the tenacity of a bulldog when he needed to focus; it was partly what made him such a great doctor for their team. Leo knew his own concern would be too distracting if he had to tend the more serious of his brother's wounds.

He plucked his twin katanas from their resting place by the exit, eying Mikey from the corner of his vision. He and Raph were still trash talking as they donned their own various weapons and gear. His hands wavered ever so slightly as he slid his weapons into their scabbards as his mind wandered to last night.

What had possessed Mikey to make such an absurd request? And why did his skin crawl with foreign feelings when he thought about that second kiss?

Leo snorted at himself. How in the world had Mikey convinced him to go along with not one, but two kisses? And why did he want to do it again?

He glanced back at Mikey, his eyes dark with confusion. It must be because it was something missing from their lives; a special relationship that none of them would get to experience. Of course he had liked it; it was an intimacy each of them wanted.

He watched Mikey with hooded eyes while they readied themselves, repeating his last thought over and over in his mind.

[Author's Note]
Donnie's back, with a vengeance. He was totally peeved and took over most of the chapter. Sorry, Don. -_-
So many reviews! Oh my gosh, people, you make me feel so loved! And fuel my writing demon!

XxNightwatchersBabexX: Yesh, Leo and Mikey are… hard to write, but it's getting a wee bit easier. I hope by the time this is over, I'll be a pro at this pairing. LOL

Livecanvas101: Yes, dominant Mikey ftw! And YES, you get an e-cookie for getting the small reference to that comic. That comic is Mikey & Don. I actually had the idea before I read that comic, so I went ahead and used it anyway, but I totally love that artist!

Kiyoko Michi: Oh, thank you yet again for your review and compliment! Hehe, Splinter is much more clever than people normally give him credit, I think. He's actually one of my favourite characters, but I rarely write him in my stories. Go figure. ^^ Anyway, yes, this is going to be a bit awkward for both Leo and Mikey- I'm not jumping right into a quick relationship. Raph x Don stuff won't be till later, I admit… But it's coming, and when it gets here, it's gonna be good, I promise! :D

Ilovehugs94: *tackleglomp* So glad you liked it! I'm so nervous about writing those two… I hope I do them justice. ^^

ninjalover13: Oh, I hope you end up enjoying it! Gosh, Raph x Don is definitely my fave, I hope I can live up to your expectations! *blush*

Saya the Awesome Ninja Cat: Splinter is so clever, go him! :D Don's TOTALLY taking advantage of the fact that Raph has no clue how to respond to his teasing. I bet that will change eventually. :P Oh man, I'm so nervous about writing Mikey, so glad you thought he went well in that chapter. I'm really getting into his personality, FINALLY. It was totally spontaneous for them both, but now that they've had a taste (literally, lol) they're going to want more…