Chapter Four

The strong scent of motor oil hit Leo like a wave as he passed the lab's threshold, curses echoing off the walls.

"Donnie?" he called, only mildly concerned.

An olive hand waved over a line of bins and Leo picked his way carefully over. Donatello was mopping up a shiny black pool of oil on the floor.

"I know Mikey's upstairs; so what happened?" Leo asked, amused as he grabbed a nearby towel and bent to help.

"I- Well…" Donnie gave him a sheepish smile. "I was distracted and clumsy."

"What were you distracted by?" Leo asked, though he could already guess the answer.

"Lexi said she'd-," Donnie paused, flushing slightly. "She promised me something tonight when she came to bed. That's all."

Leo made a noncommittal noise in the back of his throat, trying to not laugh. His mirth faded when he remembered why he was there.

"Donnie, I'd like to run an idea by you."

"What about?" Donnie glanced up, unable to hide the instant curiosity in his eyes.

Leo rinsed his towel in the nearby bucket of soapy water before replying. "You and Alex had a honeymoon; Raph and I have been discussing having one of our own…"

"Really?" Donnie's eyes lightened further. "That's an excellent idea for you two. I'd wondered if you'd come 'round to the idea at some point."

"I'd like to go on a trip," Leo said evenly, pausing to lean back on his haunches and look at him. "I want to take him to see the jungle."

Donatello froze, his hand stilling in mid-swipe as he stared at the floor. Leo swallowed a lump in his throat before continuing.

"No more than two weeks in and around Costa Rica. I want him to experience the good I found down there. But that means breaking my promise to you, and our family."

"Exactly," Donnie snapped, finally looking up.

Leo's heart sank at the controlled anger in his brother's eyes. "Donnie, if you would prefer us to not go, we won't. We both agreed our promises mean more to us than anything- especially a silly trip."

"Good," Donnie snorted. "Then you're staying. Hand me that sponge, would you?"

Leo did so automatically, flattening his expression to hide his sorrow. If this was the way Don wanted it, then that's the way it would be.

But…

Raph would love the ocean. He would go crazy over the endless possibilities in the shadowed treetops. The exotic colours and smells of the seaside ports. The strange and interesting noises of the jungle at night.

He mentally shook himself. As much as he wanted to explain that to Donnie, there was no point. It was over; the idea was done, impossible-

He blinked when Donnie lightly punched his shoulder, laughing.

"Gods, Leo, you think I'm selfish enough to keep you here?" he chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. "You're too damn easy."

"But-," Leo blinked at him in confusion.

Donnie motioned at him with the sponge. "Leo, you aren't in the same state of mind when you left before. I know you'll come back."

"You do?" Leo said, relieved.

"Yes; you have Raph. He'll make you come back," Donnie smiled. "No matter how much he enjoys it there, he'll drag your ass back home eventually. And I do hope he enjoys it. I want you both to relax and do whatever you can and want while you're there."

Donnie gasped gently as Leo threw the oily towel on the ground, grabbing his shoulders and crushing him to his chest in a fierce embrace. "Thank you, Don."

"Allow me to do one thing for you, though," Donnie said, patting his shell affectionately.

"What's that?" Leo asked, leaning back.

"Let me prepare a small medikit for you to take." He held up a hand as Leo started to protest. "It'll be small and light, trust me."

Leo dipped his head in acknowledgement. "Let us find out if Alex and father agree, first."

Donnie shook his head. "Help me with this mess, then I'll get it packed for you. I don't think you'll find any real resistance with either of them." He gave Leo a fond smile. "And stop grinning like a fool; that's Raph's department."