Big plot twist coming up, guys...

Chapter 8

Eventually, Mikey got up from his slumped position at the kitchen table, his face set. Leo might not have wanted help, but that didn't mean he didn't need it. And Mikey was never one to give up, once he had his mind set on something.

He knocked on Leo's door and got no answer. A frown appeared on the youngest turtle's face. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Leo. You can either open the door or I can stand here until the others get curious. And I'm sure the last thing you want is for them to be poking around and asking questions."

Mikey hated to be a hard case, but he knew that Leo wouldn't open up on his own. And the tactic seemed to work, for Mikey heard a sigh and then the click of the lock turning. The door opened a second later and Leo reached out to pull Mikey inside.

"How much did you see?" the leader asked finally, not meeting his brother's eyes.

"I saw enough," the orange clad turtle replied quietly. "Leo, you need to talk to someone about this."

"Because that would go over so we'll, right?" Leo snapped. "Hey, guys, I know that I've been hurting myself for who knows how long, but don't worry about my health or anything. I'm still a good leader and I can still take care of everything with no problem."

Mikey shook his head. "Dude, you're still worried about us, aren't you? Look, we can take care of ourselves. Everyone needs to be cared about once in a while. Even you." When Leo didn't reply, he put a hand on the leader's tense shoulder. "I'm not saying that you have to tell them everything. But please. Find someone to talk to. Because what happens if you cut too deep one day and no one knows because you haven't said anything? What happens if you bleed out and we only know because we find your body hours later?"

Leo gave him a half smile. "You sound like you know what you're talking about."

Though he meant it in a teasing way, he realized that Mikey wasn't smiling. In fact, his little brother looked completely serious for once.

"You guys always treat me like I'm so young and innocent. But I'm not nearly as innocent as you think I am."

Slowly, Mikey reached for his wrist and tugged at the leather band, unwrapping it. On Mikey's skin was a series of thin, pale white lines.

It took Leo a moment to realize. When he did, he gasped.

Oh, Mikey...

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