Really sorry for the late update, I got busy in studies. I really appreciated all the questions and reviews that were sent by you guys in PM and review section. I wish I could personally reply the guests, they are really nice ^^ and I love you guys. Thankyou so much ^^

Here is another chapter, I hope you guys like angst. Plz forgive me for any grammatical mistakes since English is not my mother language.

Enjoy ^^

Tmnt

I've been sitting in the same damn spot for almost 6 hours now. I haven't moved a single inch. It's still quiet in the house. I guess Raph, Donnie and Mikey are still sleeping.

I can't blame them, they deserve all the rest that they can get. Anyone would have been tired after that crazy event.

To be honest I want to rest,but somehow I can't. There is just too much in my mind. My body hurts. It's been awhile since I got in action and last night took a toll on me. But I'm glad I wasn't rusty or anything.

I looked around my office room and noticed I had so much paper work to assemble and cover. Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only teenager who is going through all of this or not.

My office room is a mess, I would probably have a hard time finding some papers of office, if needed. I remember last time I couldn't find Mikey's adopation papers...

Mikey.

Yup, the main thing that's on my head.

My eyes ignored the surrounding and landed back to the papers that were infront of me.

I wanna think rationally about everything, but I can't.

If I look at our lives, it's been ... unbalanced. Like, my time schedule is off. I have to keep an extra eye on everything. I need to fulfil the needs of my REAL brothers. Taking care of a toddler. Going to college and then straight to office. Keeping up with my girlfrien, which isn't really working out because I'm not free at all. Looking out for Raph's haste. Telling Donnie not to get overrun by his smart brain...

Sure we're alot active or happy every since Mikey joined us but I just-

I just want a break...

If I let the family adopt Mikey. We can go back to our normal lives, right?

No, I don't think so.

None of us would be ok. We all love him. He's a sunshine. And plus, we don't even know if the new family is even safe. I can't risk that. I WON'T risk that. I love him too much to let go.

I picked up the papers and read it again for the thousandth time this morning, only to put it back down again. I think I'll need another cup to tea. My biscuits from previous time are still untouched. I was supposed to take them with my tea but it somehow skipped my mind.

Alot of things are skipping from my mind.

I was spinning slightly in my chair when I heard a knock on the door of my office room. Bringing me back to the world. I spun around in the chair to face the door.

"Come in!" I replied calmly. I wonder who it is.

The door openes and Donnie poked his head inside in room. His glasses weren't on his face. Maybe he left it behind in his room.

Wait...

They were broken in the fight. I gotta get him a new pair of glasses. Another thing added in my list.

"Hey Leo" Donnie's voice came in as a whisper. His voice his raspy but I'm happy at the efforts he's putting to make it believe he's completely fine.

"Hey Donnie, how are you holding on?" I ask him casually.

I can't understand why he's not stepping inside the room. Is there any problem?

"Oh, I'm fine. I just thought maybe y-you needed any h-help?"

Donnie's eyes looked everywhere in the room except mine. He's nervous about something.

"Is there something you would like to tell me? I know you're hiding something Donnie" I tried to smile a little bit to encourage him.

"W-Wha? NO no, no Ofcourse not..."

"Really?" I raised an eye brow.

"Yeah. It's just that-that...

But before Donnie could finish his sentence, I saw his head being pulled back behind the door. A little baby giggles and an angry roar coming along with Donnie's whinning.

I blinked in confusion.

I was about to make my way towards them when Raph and Donnie busted into the room half wrestling each other. Mikey clapping happily behind them.

"Eat it already ya Nerd!"

"I said I'm fine you thick skull!"

Donnie pushed Raph away while he wasn't even moving an inch. But the struggle was still going on.

"Hey, stop it you two!"

Their constant yelling is making my head hurt. But they aren't showing any signs of stopping.

"I SAID STOP!"

And they finally froze at their spot with Donnie giving the 'ok we are dead' look and Raph giving the 'what the heck was that?' look.

"What is going on? And why are you two acting like barbarians?"

I expected Donnie to start first because he has a tendency to answer questions really quickly.

"Donnie wouldn't take his meds Leo. I've trying it for hours now. Tell him to stop acting like a baby"

Donnie turned his head back towards Raph.

"Don't you know the meaning of ' I'm fine and I dont need extra medications!? " What is wrong with you? "

I took a deep breath.

They shouldn't be fighting like this. They're still healing.

Wait a second.

Raph just said 'for hours'... They were up for hours and I thought they were resting. I need to focus on my surroundings more.

"Ok guys cut it out. Raph, let go of Donnie..."

He did is without an word.

"...Donnie do what Raph told you to do. You're not healed properly"

"But Leo..."

" That's final Donnie. And I'll go make something for you guys to eat. You must be hungry!"

I felt Raph shift in his position.

"Don't sweat it Fearless. We're done already"

Another duty done by Raph. He's really growing up fast.

And better than me.

Mikey made his way to Raph and hugged his leg. That bandage around his head his a constant reminder of how I failed epically.

A true failure.

"What do you want now ?"

Raph looked down at Mikey his expression softened but that tough guy attitude in his voice remained.

"Can wwe gwet shom candies pwease?"

"Yeah...I don't think so squirt. You just had you cocoa Milk and I don't it's ok to give you much sugar!"

Mikey huffed at Raph's statement.

"But why?"

"Because you'll be high on energy and bugging me all day!"

Raph stated simply like Mikey knew what he was talking about the energy stuff.

I chuckled at that.

"How are you doing Raph?"

Raph turned towards me. Mikey let go of him and ran towards me, finally acknowledging my presence in the room.

"Ewwooooo!"

Mikey jumped in my arms that were stretched him to fill the space.

"Hey, little man. Someone's really happy today!" I nuzzled him and kissed his head. I love him to much.

Mikey wrapped his tiny arms around my neck and rubbed his messy blond hair under my chin, like a cat.

"Weo, Wraph and Donnie happy, so I'm hwappy. I waent some candies pwease!"

Yeah, sure, goahead, show some love and affection and then jump straight to the point randomly. So like Mikey.

"Sorry baby, candies can rot your teeth if you eat too much"

"Weeeoooooooooo, pweaseeeeeee. Only - "

Mikey looked at his tiny hand and pulled out his index finger.

"...only one candy pwease!"

Gosh I'm so proud of him. He can't even talk properly and he knows his numbers quiet well. He's good be a good student, I just know it.

"Ok ok buddy, but it's only one!"

"Yesshhhhhh!"

I let go of Mikey and placed him gently on his feet to the floor. He toddled his way to Donnie who picked him up and held him like he was holding a teady bear to his chest. Mikey looked fine with it, thought in all honesty I think it was not that comfortable for him. But that's just my view.

Donnie looked like a lost kid with a cat in his arms. For some reason I couldn't tell why his mood was suddenly off.

"Ummmm...Leo?"

Donnie lowered his head, and his grip on Mikey tightened. He pressed Mikey further into his chest. I'm sure Mikey didn't even notice since his face just tells everything.

"Yes?"

I could see Donnie's shoulders shaking. Instantly my heart rate increased. Was something wrong? Was he hurting somewhere? Did something happen? I stood up abruptly.

"Donnie what's wrong?!"

I took a step forward. I only needed 5 more steps to reach him. But before I could reach him Donnie's voice came to me, stopping me dead at the track.

"I'm sorry Leo!"

I blinked.

"...What do you mean?" I asked him.

"I'm sorry for not listening to you and lying to you. If I had only listened t-then none o-of this would have happened..."

"O Donnie..."

"...you told me to come home straight and trusted me with Mikey's safety. And I broke it"

I was getting worried, I thought in any moment he would go into a panic attack. I wanted to stop him.

"...Mikey got hurt. Raph got hurt and then You were hurt...I'm sorry Leo!"

"He's right, I'm sorry too Leo..."

What the hell is happening. Now Raph is saying sorry?

"Look Leo, I'm not good at these thing but bro trust me...I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have lied to you either. And I know that Saki said something to you ,I don't know what he said but it got you bad. The thing is, we're both sorry for letting you down!"

Raph turned his head away.

I know you too well little brother. Turning away your head won't hide the tears forming in the corners of your eyes. I still need time to process what just happened.

I noticed how everything was quiet and Mikey was looking around in confusion that why Donnie was sad or why was he apologizing. Even I was confused.

Was my behaviour 'that' odd?

I'm suppose to keep them relaxed and take care of them. Gosh! and here they are worrying about me and my mood.

I had no idea they were feeling so down. They thought that I was still mad at them. I want to say something but I know that the moment I release my voice...I'm gonna break down.

But I gotta stay strong, for them.

"Look...you guys, I'm totally -"

"I'm showery too Ewo " Mikey happily chirped in cutting my sentence in half.

This caught me off guard and I wondered why the hell Mikey say that.

Raph's expressions were the same...confused.

Donnie on the other hand looked more sad, like he knew why Mikey was apologizing.

"What? You're not suppose say THAT Mikey!"

"Hmmm? Why not Wraph? You and Dawnie say it so I say it too" Mikey clapped his hands who was still facing Leo and was in Donnie's embrace like a teady bear or cat being held by the owner.

"Mikey, your NOT suppose to say that, it was my fault we all got into THIS mess and I - "

I moved forward and hugged Donnie along with Mikey, who didn't seem to know what was going on.

I didn't let Donnie finish his sentence, I already know he's sorry for it. And I don't blame him for anything. I mean...if I had such a curious nature, I would have done the same mistake of spying on some mysterious thugs too.

"It's all right Donnie. I'm not upset with you or anyone...Infact I'm proud of you all..."

Donnie stiffened in my hold.

"...I'm proud because you stood up for yourself and fought those guys. That was quiet something. Your a strong kid Donnie!"

I softly rubbed his head up and down to calm his tears. I could feel him trying his best to hold back his emotions.

"T-Thanks L-Leo ..."

I looked at Raph who turned his head other way to avoid my eyes.

"I don't know what I would have done of you weren't there."

Raph slowly turned his head towards me with clearly not a happy look.

" I don't wanna know Leo..." his voice barely over a whisper. But I know it got him frightened.

I opened my other arm for Raph to fill the space, which he calmly accepted, to my surprise. I had Raph in my left arm, in a half embrace and Donnie and Mikey in right arm. This little group is hug all I can offer to them right now.

And mostly, I think I was the one who needed it badly, more than them.

As much as I wanted to stay like this...I couldn't, Donnie and I had Mikey practically trapped between us. I had to break the little group hug.

"Ewooooo, candy?" Mikey made his signature grabby hands.

I took him from Donnie and went towards my table where I had the biscuits. I sat down and picked up a biscuit to feed him, carefully not to let him take huge bites. I turned towards my other two brothers who looked confused.

"Why the long faces guys?"

"Leo, what is that your hiding dude?"

Raph asked me and by judging Donnie's reaction I can tell he had no idea about anything. Which is surprising since he most likely the one to connect the dots in anything.

I couldn't help but smile to see how determined they were to help me, even after I failed them.

I looked at Mikey in my lap who was slowly chewing on the biscuit, happily.

"Mikey's still warm, I think we should give him a cold bath to break the fever"

Mikey looked directly into my dark blue eyes and giggled at the mention of his name. He probably doesn't even know what I'm talking about.

"I did that already, Leo. I can't believe he's still jumping around though" Raph replied.

"What about you Donnie?"

I picked up another biscuit from the plate and handed it to Mikey. I pulled the plate near the edge for Mikey to help himself out while I listen to Donnie. But somehow he seemed more interested in my stationary stuff.

I don't mind though, as long as he doesn't hurt himself with something sharp.

I turned my attention towards Donnie.

"I - I'm ok Leo. I'll get back to school tomorrow so I don't fall behind"

"That's good to know Donnie but I want to rest and take it easy!"

"B-but... I- I understand Leo!" He didn't put up an argument.

In all the talking and wondering I didn't notice Mikey had made a mess on my table. He scribbled and wrote broken words on my office papers . There were biscuit crumbs all over the table.

"No no no no no no...not my papers!"

I took the pen out of his hands immediately, to which he got upset. I felt bad but it was necessary.

"Aw come one! Really Mikey?"

I took away the papers and pen and adjusted them. While Mikey fussed and squirmed in my lap. He wanted them back. I really don't want him upset but he just messed up the original papers.

And they were the papers that uncle Saki gave me. Darn it.

"Now I'm gonna need an ink remover!" I sighed. I'm slightly glad that it's not a permanent ink.

I held down Mikey from fussing in my lap while I adjusted the papers in the other hand.

I felt Donnie and Raph giggling behind me.

Really mature guys.

"What's the papers for Leo?" Donnie asked me.

I looked up in his shiny brown eyes.

"Papers for Adoption Donnie!"

"Oh, court wants them again? I thought this whole case ended a year ago, Leo"

Donnie was talking normally, so I guess he didn't figure it out.

"Actually-"

"Hold up! If those are the adaptation papers then what the heck is the other?"

Damn it Raph, you're really vigilant right now. I guess it's now or never.

"Yeah, these are the papers for legal owner of our business!"

"Oh, so you gonna give a copy to court for an evidence?" Donnie asked me.

I can't help but notice how innocent he is, even though he's the most smartest of all of us.

I was getting a little worried now. I didn't expect to be on this topic so soon. I haven't even thought of my words yet. How am I suppose to tackle this?

I wish... I could take your place, father.

I adjusted Mikey properly ignoring his wines and planted a peck on the top of his head to calm him down. It's a little trick that always works on him. I gave another biscuit to him but he started playing with it. Good enough, atleast it will give me time to think properly on the questions instead of handling Mikey along with them.

I took a deep breath.

I looked directly towards Raph, because he the only thick head in the room. I want him to focus on me completely.

"Actually these are Mikey's adoptation papers..."

"Yeah, I know. You just told us that Leo"

"No Raph, what I mean is that a family wants to adopt Mikey!"

The room went silent. Not even a breath from my brothers. Honestly it feels like I've travelled back in time. When we first heard about Dad's condition.

It's all the same again.

Not even a movement, not even a blink. Just down right dumbstruck on the reality. I pity myself.

Oh how I managed to bring them all in the same miserable state like the last time. I had promised myself that I wouldn't let them suffer again but..

Here we are.

Again in the sadness.

The only thing moving and functioning in the room is Mikey, right now. I don't blame him. He doesn't even know what's going on. Or what's gonna happen to him. Hell, even I dont know what's gonna happen. But do know what I must do to protect my real family.

"Are you serious?" Raph broke the ice.

"Yeah, I'm serious. About 3 families are willing to adopt him. I havn't checked on them-"

"WHY the hell would you want to check Leo? It's not like we are giving him away,right?!"

Raph's temper was starting to blow. I could tell he was having was having a hard time keeping himself in control.

"I'm...I'm not sure if I have much of a choice Raph!"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? JUST SAY 'NO' , FOR JESUS CHRIST!"

Donnie still hasn't moved from his spot. I guess it's too much to take in for him.

"Calm down Rapheal!"

I didn't move from the spot. I remained seated. I hate when I have to do this...have to use this tone with him... but he never leaves a choice.

"What do you mean you got no choice, huh? And why now? After all these damn years?"

"Listen to me, the court said I either keep Mikey or our Father's business!"

"...what?"

"Exactly! They said I'm too young to take care of everything and until I'm old enough either Unkle Saki will take care of the business while I focus on you guys and myself ...or I let Mikey get adopted to I can continue with the business and you guys!" I tried now to fade my tone.

"L-Leo? Don't let em take Mikey please "

Donnie's faint pleading voice made it's way to me. This is the only thing he's said.

"I'm sorry Donnie, I can't afford to loose everything. You two are more important to me-"

"What about Mikey Leo?! Are you out of your damn mind?!"

"That's enough Raph-" I raised my voice.

"No it's not enough-"

"I CAN'T RISK GETTING EVERYTHING OUT OF OUR HANDS, JUST FOR MIKEY! WE'LL BE LEFT WITH NOTHING OF UNCLE SAKI GETS TO TAKE DAD'S BUSINESS!

"But Leo- "

"NO! Just s-stop both of you!"

"There must ANOTHER way Leo! Come on dude let's just think it through!"

"These is no other way, Raph. You two come first for me!"

"Then let me go with Mikey!" Donnie chimed.

" Excuse me ?"

"Leo, he's my best friend. I don't want him gone!"

"Your out of the option Donnatello! I want no other arguments from your side."

"Dude, I-I can't let you do this"

"Sorry Raph, but I have to"

"But Mikey-"

"He's gonna be fine, I'll make sure he goes in the right hands!"

"He's g-gonna miss you Leo..."

"He's a baby, he can't even talk properly. He'll just...forget us ...soon enough!"

I looked at Mikey, who was busy playing with biscuits.

"...WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?"

"Lower your tone Rapheal, and I have no intention on breaking this family apart by giving away everything that our father worked so hard for!"

"Yeah, and that's what you're doing right now big brother"

Raph turned his head away from me. I guess it's the end of the discussion.

"L-Leo, what if the new people hurt him?"

"Oh Donnie-"

"No, please hear me out. I get that you...WE don't have much options but I can go with Mikey and keep him safe-"

"Don-"

"I'll even arrange some place where we ... you know we could meet up again and you can see Mikey too-"

"Donnie-"

"- wouldn't that be great? He'll still be under your care and ..."

I watched how Donnie broke down...

In fear.

He had this experience, being adopted by someone who didn't love you. I can't help it. I can't help them this time. I just can't...

Can't save them.

Can't save myself.

"Come here Donnie"

I motioned Donnie to come towards me which he did without questioning, wiping away his tears with the back of his hand.

As soon as he got close enough, I wrapped my left arm around him and burried him in my chest. I could feel Donnie shaking and mostly I could fell my own heart breaking.

" ... Leo please ..." Donnie whispered in my chest.

I planted a kiss on his head.

"It's gonna be ok buddy. I- I'll make sure no body hurts him. We'll just have to go back to our normal lives...that's all"

I heard Raph's scoffing.

"Normal? For God's sake Leo, that was anything but normal!"

I let go of Donnie and focused my attention on Raph. I need him to understand what's at stake. But it might not be that easy since everyone is emotionally stressed out.

"Think rationally Raph, Mikey was never ours to begin with. And we are too young to provide him the same environment that 'real' parents and real families do... and ... it's Mikey we're talking about...he loves making new friends-"

I scooped Mikey up and made him stand on my lap, pressing my forehead with his.

"- you love making new friends, right Mikey?"

This caught his attention, as usual.

"...yesh I wove making fwrinds like you, Dawnie and Wraph and Wetherhead...!"

A part me wants to kill myself for doing this and another part of me wants to crawl it a corner and cry.

"I'm out. I've had enough with this!"

I watched Raph leave the room and after a few seconds a loud slamming of door echoed towards me.

Raph closed himself in his room... just like the old days...the normal days.

I watched Donnie having conflict with himself whether to leave me with Mikey or not. He clearly didn't want to leave Mikey.

"Here Donnie, take Mikey -"

Donnie instantly obeyed and carefully yet gracefully takes Mikey from me.

"- can you please give him a cold bath? He's still running a fever."

He nodded at my command.

"W-what about you Leo?"

"I- I'll be working ... on his papers. "

He didn't respond, only tightened his grip on Mikey.

" I do my best to hand him over in the most suitable family, if this helps you...!"

"...Thanks Leo..."

With that he finally left the room with Mikey , who waved goodbye to me before leaving. Donnie closed the door and left silently.

Finally ...

A moment of loneliness.

To let my tears out.

To breath with the pain in my heart.

To see my family break by my own helplessness.

Tmnt.

Do tell what you think about this chapter, I would like to read your thoughts and last time some comments were soo accurate xD they guessed it all out, i was surprised x) Good job you guys ;3