So I decided to do a couple of chapters focusing on the characters and how they're dealing with the situation at hand. So last chapter was Leonardo, this chapter is Mikey and then Don. Thank you for the kind reviews! I enjoy reading them! I love seeing how you guys have been reacting to the story so far! Thanks for all your kind support! ! You're awesome, last thing I'm gonna say.

-Leah by Michelangelo

Ch. 10-A brother's love

I heard more than saw my bro return to the lair, heading down the hall, presumably to his room. Gee…for a midnight patrol, Leo sure wasn't up there very long. I stood up from behind the kitchen counter where I'd been bending down to get the big pot we usually make ramen in. I was going to make some pizza noodle soup. Yeah, that sounds good…at least I think it does.

Honestly, I'm not even sure why I chose to make soup in the first place. I guess it's because I just didn't feel like pizza. I can't believe I actually said-er-thought that, but it's the truth. I guess I've just been feeling a little down lately. I mean, who wouldn't be if they knew that their best friend and brother was fighting an all-out battle to the finish with a foe even we can't protect him from: death.

I know that Raph would want me to stay cheerful and happy-go-lucky; I know he would say that I have to stay strong. My bros have always pegged me for an optimist, and most of the time, they're spot on, but now…this time, I can feel myself beginning to lose faith. My bright blue eyes dulled, blurred with tears as I stared at the sleek grey surface of the lab doors.

Raphael, how could you have been so stupid! He-he told you come and you just went! How could you?! Didn't you know it would hurt us? Didn't you know it would break our hearts?

…didn't you know it would break mine?

Oh, Raph. I just can't take this anymore! Knowing whether you're going to live or die, being alone with all this tension and insecurity…I wish you were here. I know that you'd give me a hug and tell me that I don't have to worry. But I am worried, big bro. I'm worried about you.

I know that you don't like it when I get worried about you, Raph. And, despite what you might think, I do appreciate everything that you've done for me. Don't think I haven't noticed, I'm not as dumb as you guys think I am. I'm not as clueless either. I know that the reason why you always bear the weight of the world on your shoulders is so that I can afford to remain aloof, and free spirited. You were...are a good brother, Raph. I know that sometimes you don't think you are, but you are. The best brother a turtle could ever ask for.

I continued staring blankly at the door of the lab. Please pull through this bro. Your brothers need you. Your little brother especially.

I love you, Raphie.

I may be the acknowledged 'medic' of the family, but I hate treating my brothers, it always makes me feel guilty, especially when there's nothing I can do. Like now.

It had been far too close. The knife had penetrated the bridge of Raph's shell and proceeded to slice directly into his abdomen.

It was hours before I'd finally gotten him stabilized.

With that I realized I'd been staring at a blank computer screen. I sighed, hanging my head in my hands.

Oh Raph…

I looked over at my brother's still, frail form lying motionless on the lab table. Mona Lisa sat beside him, holding his hand. A couple of hours ago she had scooted right up next to table and laid her head down. About thirty minutes ago she drifted off. I just didn't have the heart to wake her.

She hasn't slept since…I don't know when...probably not since any of us slept last, before all of...this happened.

I've lost track of the hours since Raph was…stabbed. When we saw Shredder stab Raph the only thing I could think about was getting to his side as quickly as possible, but Leo had told us off. He's said it was too dangerous, and he was probably right. I just couldn't take it. Seeing my brother in such a state and being helpless…it was too much.

I trembled and stood, slowly making my way over to Raph's side, checking his vitals.

I stared at my red-clad brother's slack face and frowned. Why must you always be the one that gets so badly injured? I mean, we all get injuries, it can't be helped. But why? Why is that every time it's life-threatening or serious, it's always you?

Because he protects us, my mind supplied, because he's always the first one in and the last one out.

Because he loves us.

Raphael… I could feel the tears forming at the corners of my eyes. And I sniffled. I reached down and placed my hand lightly over my injured brother's. "Wake up, Raph." I pleaded the tears escaping down my cheeks, "…please." I whispered.

And then it was silent. Everything else faded until only one sound in the room remained: the gentle, steady beep of the heart monitor, my only consolation.

"I love you older brother." I whispered in his ear, too quiet for anyone else to hear. I stared at him for a few more moments, and then I heard Mona stirring. I moved slowly to the door, to give her a few moments with him alone. I have to get out before the grief consumes me.

Her chocolate brown eyes met mine somewhat sleepily and when she saw that I was leaving she nodded, whether it was in gratitude, or understanding, I am not quite certain.