I had a lot of fun writing this chapter which is my longest chapter yet. I added a whole lot of bro fluff :), also just the others reactions to Leo sneaking out.

Chapter 10

Donnie's P.O.V

Donnie woke up to the quiet of the lair, he usually wouldn't get up for another hour or so but for some reason he'd woken up. He listened intently for whatever noise must have woke him upon finding none, he snuggled deeper into the blankets enjoying the calm serenity of the early morning, knowing that in a hour or so his oldest brother would be busy in the dojo. Despite the sweat silence, a rare gift to find when you live with four brothers, Donnie couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. Maybe that's what woke me donnie puzzled to himself something was up. Calmly Donnie slipped out of bed and tiptoed down the hall, musing to himself that he would just check up on his brothers. Everything was probably a-ok but he knew he would sleep much better if he just checked for himself. Donnie smiled as he opened the door to Mikey's room. His younger brother was curled up hugging his teddy bear deep in sleep murmuring to himself something about pizza. Donnie shook his head, grinning at his lighthearted joy of a younger brother before closing the door and moving on to the next room: Raph's. Donnie sighed to himself, he usually never checked-up on his brothers like this, this was usually Leo's department, but the narling feeling in his gut that had awoken him wouldn't go away until he knew all his brothers were asleep in their rooms, and this included Raph. Donnie bit his lip as he crept toward his older brother's door praying his brother wouldn't pummel him for invading his privacy if he happened to awaken his temperamental brother. The door creaked as Donnie pushed it open his eyes darted around the dimly lit cluttered room searching in vein for his brother. Donnie felt his heart in his throat as he realized the reason for the pit in his stomach.

"Leo, Sensei" donnie yelled. Instantly he heard feet on the stairs and hallway as Mikey, Vince and Splinter jumped out of bed and ran to Donnie's aid.

"Donatello, my son what's wrong?"

"Raph's gone" he answered curtly turning to see the worried expression on his father's face.

"W-what?" Mikey asked his eyes growing as big as scaseres

"Its ok Mikey, he couldn't have gone far. We'll find him" Vince soothed their younger brother, pulling the younger turtle into a half hug as the trio followed Splinter to the dojo. Splinter was worriedly shaking his head as he headed for the cabinet he had hidden his sons weapons. Donnie felt a surge of relief, he knew there was no way Raph would have gone to the surface without his weapons, even he wasn't that foolish. Donnie shared a relieved smile with his other two brothers knowing they all shared the same thought. There was no way Raph would be able to get to his weapons, although they were trained ninjas none of them were stealthy enough to sneak past sensei, Except for Leo. Donnie felt his smile disappear as his father turn away from the weapon's cabinate his face one of utter and complete shock. No Donnie felt his heart give one giant thump no, how? There is no way Raph couldn't have snuck past Splinter! There's no way, Raph's a ninja but even I'm not that stealthy. But there was no denying the shock that was apparent on Splinter's face, an expression that soon morphed into one of worry, and anger?

"Don't worry Sensei, Leo will get him back" Mikey's statement brightened Donnie slightly. There was no way Raph would get off that easily. Leo had a sixth sense for this type of thing. Donnie smiled imagining the lecture Raph would get for this one. Where was Leo anyway Donnie thought apbsetly Mikey's comment making him notice his older brother's absence. He's probably on Raph's trail now he reassured himself.

"Donatello" his father's voice brought him back into the dojo. "Can you track your brothers using their shell cells"

"Yeah sure thing, i'll just grab my computer, hack into their gps and.." donnie stopped half sentence as his father's words sunk in, his father had said brothers. Turning away from his computer screen (he had started the process while he had been speaking) he turned to his father. "Brothers? Don't you mean Raph?" for the first time he noticed the piece of paper in his father's hand: a note. Raph had left a note, that's unlike him. Donnie couldn't help but question, Raph was never that thoughtful especially if the whole point of breaking into the weapon's cabinet had been to sneak out.

"There were more than Raph's sais missing" Sensei stated calmly "your brother left a note"

"Raph?" Mikey sounded flabbergasted

"No" Splinter stated calmly "Leonardo"

Donnie felt his jaw drop. This was impossible,this couldn't be happening. This would mean that Leo..Leo defied a direct order. From Splinter! Leo never did that, ever! Not mr. responsible, carry the weight of the world on my shoulders, look out for everyone before himself, follow the rules to a t..Leo. Unable to believe his ears Donnie lunged for the note, needing to see it with his own eyes. Mikey and Vince were beside him instantly as shocked as he was.

Sensei

Please don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Raph, I won't let him do anything stupid, he just needs to blow off some steam, and honestly I do to.

My sincerest apologies

-Leo

Donnie would never have believed it if he hadn't read it with his own eyes.

"What?!" Mikey yelled from beside him, the realization of Leo's actons finally hitting him.

Vince just merely closed his eyes equally shocked by his twins sudden change in character.

"We've go to go after them" I stated unplugging my phone from the computer sinking the location and heading for my bo-staff

"No" splinter's stern voice stopped me in my trail "i am extremely disappointed in your brother, but we must trust in his word. We will wait for your brothers return"

"But sensei"

"No buts, there is no need to risk a journey to the surface. You're brothers actions were rash, but at least they are not alone and unarmed, hopefully Leonardo will be true to his word and avoid trouble..necessary or no. Needless to say he will be justly punished when he returns. Now I suggest the three of you head back to bed."

"Hie sensei" I sighed knowing there was no point in arguing with him.

Wordlessly we all headed back up the stairs. But clearly none of us would be able to go to bed now, so we all headed into vince and Leo's room. Pulling a pillow to my chest with my back against the wall I took a breath preparing myself for the inevitable conversation. Which to my relife Mikey started "is it just me bros? Or did we walk into the twilight zone?"

"Usually i'd disagree with you Mike, but right now I'm up for any explanation"

"It's just so un-Leo like" Mikey stated bluntly from his place next to Donnie. On Donnie's other side vince let out a sigh he had been so quiet through the whole ordeal, and Donnie secretly hoped he had some sorta twin insight into this.

"I shoulda known he was gonna do something stupid" and there it was.

"Why do you say that?" Mikey asked "don't beat yourself up Vince..this was soo crazy none of us could have seen it coming"

"Yeah i guess your right" Vince sighed

Donnie let out a sigh before continuing "what do we do now?"

"Leo will probably be grounded for like the rest of his life..I mean what was he thinking? Sneaking out...with Raph!...I mean…." Mikey suddenly turned and started poking and prodding Vince.

"What?!...Mikey get the shell away from me..what the world is wrong with you...is everyone just going crazy tonight or what? Yesh"

"Ok you're Vince..I just needed to check" Mikey grinned. Rolling my eyes I couldn't help but smile.

About a half an hour later my silent alarm buzzed on my phone signalling the return of our brothers. Quietly as to not alert Sensei we snuck down the hall and hid on the stair in perfect view of the living room and front entrance. I leaned forward as muffled voices grew nearer, it sounded like laughter. Laughter?

No ones P.O.V

"Shhh Raph" Leo whispered "do you want to wake the whole house"

Raph smirked "scared, oh 'fearless leader'?"

Leo shot him a warning grin before jumping over the turntable to the old train station that served as their home.

"You worry to much Leo, no wonder I thought you so old..Splinter's probably still sleeping like a baby. Just go sneek of and train in the dojo like ya usually do no one with think nothing of it"

Leo rolled his eyes his smile beaming "fine, just don't wake everyone up on your way up the stairs elephant feet"

"I don't got elephant feet" Raph bit back, but the snap contained no venom.

"Halt" the strict voice of their father stopped the teens dead in their tracks, turning around in union the two let their eyes linger on the floor preparing for the long lecture ahead of them.

Raph's P.O.V

Two and a half hours! This had to be a new record. Raph thought to himself as his father's voice drowned on and on. After he and Leo had returned from their little 'adventure' sensei had caught them and they had entered the dojo to receive a very long and brutal lecture. Raph winced feeling bad for his older brother who was receiving more than the lion's share of the blame and punishment. Boy Leo really is blamed for everything, I just thought it was something he just said to win a bit of sympathy. (not that it ever got him any).

"Leonardo I am most disappointed in you" splinter said for like the millionth time.

"You purposely disobeyed me and what's worse you drag Raph into this"

"He didn't drag me into nothing" I'd had about enough of this. "I was planning on sneakin out in the first place, there's nothing Leo coulda done to stop me. And look his good judgement avoided a big blow out with me and brought us both home safe" it was sacrificing my pride a little but who cares, I couldn't stand Splinter yellen at leo anymore. I mean I'm telling the truth he didn't do anything wrong.

"Raphael, I am disappointed in your disobedience as well. But Leonardo is the eldest and your leader, he is supposed to set a good example not join you in your escapades"

"Your right Sensei as leader my responsibility is to the team, and as a brother my best interests are in my brothers. What i did tonight I did in regards to both my titles" Splinter was taken aback at his silent son's sudden defense.

"Harmony and balance are main priorities in a functioning team. No one is more joyous then I am at Vinces' return, he always has and always will have a place in this family. But his place in the team is new, there is no blame or regret but the balance has shifted. Raphael is a hot head I couldn't have him run off blindly just to release some tension, especially when I know that's not what he needs. Yes my actions were rash and I have no argument against that statement. I know that no matter how many precautions I took I was still taking a risk. I know what I did was dangerous and wrong. I'm sorry I disobeyed you, believe me when I say it's not something I like doing, but it was necessary. I will take any rebuke and punishment you see fit without complaint but do not confuse my actions. The risks I took I viewed as necessary to avoid aggravation within the team. I have always and always will put my brothers and team first." With that Leo's sudden speak ended leaving Raph realing.

"Very well" said splinter after a long moment of thought "Rapheal you are excused"

"But"

"Raphael, I will talk to you in morning" splinter's stern gaze broke Raph's weak dense and with a reassuring smile to his brother Raphael retreated out of the dojo. Once outside he let out a small breath, grateful to finally be out of the dojo but also feeling guilty for abandoning his leader to face Splinter alone.

"Hey Raph, ya survived" Mikey's cheerful voice sounded from the kitchen and a minute latter the energetic youngster was beckoning the exhausted tempered turtle to the table for breakfast. "I thought ya were dead for sure this time bro" I let out a small chuckle "honestly Leo's got the brunt of this one"

"Speaking of" Donnie said setting down next to Raph a cup of coffee in his hand his eyes bearing into Raph "could you please enlighten us to what in the world is going on!" Raph was caught slightly on guard by Donnie anger. Usually Donnie was so calm.

"Chillax Don..Leo and I didn't do anything wrong. Ya know fearless he was as cautious as ever"

"Chilax? How can I chillax when our usually level headed brother just got back rampaging with you. Leo broke into the weapons cabinet he defied an order."

Raph cut Donnie off before he could continue "I just heard the list from splinter thank you very much" He took a sigh, he rarely approved of Leo's decisions and plans but this one actually made perfect sense to him. "I was the one who was sneaking off" he started his story. "Leo caught me in the act..as usual..but instead of lecturing me all he said was that 'safety wasn't something to be taken lightly', then he handed me my sais, saying he didn't want me to leave unarmed" Mikey and Donnie stared at Raph baffled, scotting in closer as their brother continued "he said he'd grabbed my sias since evidently I walk like an elephant"

"Why?"

"I don't know Mikey..stealth really is my strong suit..but I really don't walk that loudly"

"No bone head" Donnie cut in "why'd he do it?"

"I asked the same question" I admitted, taking a deep breath as I continued, I hate talking about my emotions but Leo's taking the heat from sensei so I feel slightly entitled to at least handle Mikey and Donn, I owed my brother that much at least. "I'm really glad to have Vince home you know" I struggled for the words "don't get me wrong it's great and all its just…."

"An adjustment" Donnie finished my sentence

"yeah...I guess Leo could sense I was feeling uneasy about things…"

A light bulb seemed to have donned above donnies head "he took you out to run of steam and talk things through" I smiled at my genius brother grateful he figured out the puzzle so I wouldn't have to goosh up all my eamions. Mikey gave me a winning grin "aww you got some big bro time"

I rolled my eyes at my younger brother, why did Mikey have to make everything so sappy. Donnie equally amused with the sentiment, copied Mikey's grin. They had both lost the majority of their anger and frustration now that they understood Leo's actions.

Donnie placed a reassuring hand on Raphael's shoulder "I know how you feel Raph" Raph looked up at Donnie in surprise, what did he mean? "I mean it's a miracle vince is back I mean its more than a dream come true..but..it's still so new..I'm not really one for change.." the brainiac admitted before continuing "but this is a good change Raph, it's just a little hard trying to find a new balance.. I mean there is one more of us..but..that just means were one more stronger" Donnie smiled.

"Yeah dude, one more to play with..to laugh with.. To watch movies with.."

"I know Mikey" I smiled "ya know you sound lot like Leo right now guys" he chuckled remembering the talk on the bridge. His younger brothers mimicked his smile, Donnie giving Raph's shoulder a sneeze while Mikey just beamed. After a touching moment the questions continued. "So what did you guys do ?" Mikey asked, curious to know what his two big brothers were up to, after all it wasn't like Leo to sneak out, Mikey couldn't help but be a little curious.

"We went to coney island" Donnies eyes shot up at the statement not expecting that answer.

"Connie Island?"

"Cool" Mikey grind "sounds like fun"

"Yeah it was" Raph admitted "we played some games, road some rides, Leo even managed to get us some cotton candy"

"What was the best part?" Mikey asked, while Donnie took in the fact that their older usually stick in the mud brother (in their opinion) had truly cut loose.

Raph smiled "although the rides and games were fun and all and it was great to see Leo cut loose" he laughed a little "the best part honestly was when we headed to the docks"

"What did you do there?"

"Talked"

"About what?"

"About everything"

"Well that's specific" Donnie rolled his eyes

"Well you know..Leo assuring me that having another older brother didn't make me any younger"

"Well duh" Donnie smiled "age doesn't work that way"

"It's still an adjustment though"

"A good adjustment" Donnie added

"Yeah"

"I really don't think there's much to adjust to" Mikey added slightly confused

"Well of course you don't bonehead" Donnie shot "your the youngest, your place in the family didn't change...no matter what you will always be the youngest"

"Just like Leo will always be the oldest" Mikey smiled as he made sense of Donnie's statement

"Exactly"

"Well" Raph said rubbing the back of his head, not knowing if he should correct them or not. "That's not exactly true"

"What do you mean Raph?" Donnie rolled his eyes "Even if the world stops spinning or pigs learn to fly Mikey will always be the youngest and Leo will always be the oldest. You can't change birth order Raph, nothing can. That's how it always has been and that's how it always will be"

"Well then keep a lookout for flying pigs Donnie" Raph answered sarcastically.

"Why?" Mikey looked around confused. "Did stockman mutate Pigs?"

"No genius" Raph sighed "it's just a fraze"

"Are you insinuating that just cause Leo has a twin he's no longer the eldest?" Donnie asked raising a nonexistent eyebrow

"No" Raph sighed "i guess they'll kinda share the role though considering how close they are in age and all"

"Yeah" Mikey rolled his eyes "but even I know that you can only have one oldest brother, I know Vince is younger by minutes and all but he's still younger" Donnie nodded in agreement. Right as I opened my mouth to contest, Vince walked up. "Whatcha talkin about?"

"Hey Vin" Mikey smiled "me and Don are trying to explain the birth order to Raph"

Vince let out a small laugh as he sat down across from the three younger turtles, "I was heading to the dojo to see if I could talk to master Splinter but I guess I have a few minutes to spar to help you straighten Raph out and all" He shook his head as he let out a light chuckle "i mean it is part of my role as eldest after all I guess I should start picking up the slack. Heaven knows how long Leo's had to carry it"

Donnie and Mikey's mouths dropped "what do you mean?" Mikey blurted out "Leo's the eldest"

Vince shook his head calmly "we may be twins but I am definitely older than Leo, by several minutes. He just picked up the role when you all thought I was dead, I mean in a way he was the oldest" Vince let out a sigh, obviously tired but still smiling "but obviously you can't change birth order, which means although were close in age I'll always be older than Leo..and the rest of you" Vince smiled and rubbed the top of Mikey's head lovingly as he added the last part. Before any of younger turtles could respond the door to the dojo opened and said turtle walked out. Smiling tiredly at his brothers before heading up the stairs to his room. Vince sighed as he shook his head "what am I going to do with you Leo" he asked himself before heading toward the dojo. Mikey and Donnie shook themselves out of a daze before turning to each other.

"Leo's not the eldest?!" Mikey nearly screamed

"Shhh" Raph scold not wanting their voices to carry "keep it down Mike do you want Leo or Splinter to hear and yes"

"How's Leo going to take it?!" Mikey's eyes widened, his voice lower this time.

"What do you mean how's Leo going to take it" Raph bit out "it's not like he doesn't already know"

"How do you know?" Mikey scholded

"Cause bonehead he's the one who told me"

"Wiat you knew about this?!" Donnie asked, the scenints' eyes widening

"Yeah he told me about it when we went to the docks, he was trying to get me to calm down and let me know that a little change in birth order wasn't going to ruin everything just that it would throw things out of balance for a bit. I told him there was no way he could relate to us, and he told me otherwise. Guys you got to remember that unlike us, Leo remembers Vince leaving. He's already been through this type of adjustment, but instead of toughening up to fill the shoes of the older brother we all need to keep us in line, he needs to loosen up the rains a bit." Donnie sat there silently taking in what had been said. While Mikey quitely babbled about this and that though Raph wasn't really paying attention to him, he wanted to see how his slightly younger genious brother would react.

"Mikey calm down" Donnie finally stated after a moment

"What do you mean calm down? A minute ago you said Pigs would fly before Leo was no longer oldest and look. No pigs and Leo isn't our biggest brother anymore"

"But he's still our bigger brother Mikey. Calm down this isn't the end of the world. This is a good thing not a bad thing"

"It is?"

"Yeah Leo had enough pressure on him as it is. But now he has someone to share that pressure with. Sure vince is eldest but he hasn't grown up with three trouble making brothers like Leo has, he's gonna need Leo to help share the responsibility just as much as Leo will. Don't worry Mikey you'll see this is good. It might just help us regain balance, and we'll be stronger than ever as a team as well as a family."

"Yeah Mikey don't worry. I was a little shocked at first too, but then Leo calmed me down. He put it the same way Donnie just did. Everything is gonna be just fine little bro"

Mikey smiled "i guess your right..now we have to biggest bros"

"Oh brother" Raph smiled rolling his eyes playfully.

Donnie chucked "i hope you enjoyed sneaking out Raph cause with too biggest bros around I think those days are over" Mikey chuckled as Donnie playfully nudged Raph in the shoulder and everything settled back down into how it should be.

TBC

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