A TMNT Fanfic

Genre: romance, hurt/comfort

Rating: T

Warning: Hints of tcest and male slash

Pairings: Don/Usagi, hints of others

Summary: Continuation of my one-shot Different Angle. After having a heart-felt conversation with Donatello, Usagi takes time to think through his feelings for Leonardo. When Christmas comes, Usagi comes to visit the turtles for the holidays, and with this visit, he has a hidden agenda.

New Path

Ch. 10

Time had passed for preparation and New Year's Eve was swiftly approaching. This left all nervous, but hoping for the best. Some thought the idea was wrong, but the more the facts were looked at, the more that an attacked on either New Year's Eve or Day seemed likely to occur. The fact that more folks were out to see fireworks, the time of Eve would be the best time to cause an ambush. The question now was why New Year's Eve when most people as well as most guards were out. Yes, Hebi was one to make himself known and cause large amounts of destruction, but this would truly be one of the worst times to commit a crime considering all the guards that would be on duty. Did Hebi really have so many allies on his side?

Donatello chose not to worry at that moment as he worked on his bo staff. He was adding to the staff, such as putting indents in the wood so he could then put small bits of metal into the designs. This would make the staff heavier, which may make it a bit odd for Don to work with for a while since he was unused to a difference in weight. The weapon would allow Don to cause more damage in a hit from the increased mass to whatever target he chose to hit. The original bo staff that the turtle came with sat in the corner of the guest room he stayed in. If this new weapon did not work out, then he could just use his original bo staff.

After receiving all the detailed plans of where all the guards would be and his position during the celebration, Don had a few days to himself and he spent his time on this hopefully improved weapon. The staff had already been modified a few times but it never seemed quite right. It was good he had received his inquiry on the plan on what he was sure was the 27th of December of his time. There were still meeting every day, but mainly, Don sat in the room he was given and worked. It was now the day before New Year's Eve and the turtle could not be any more edgy on what is to come.

Pushing the thoughts away once more, he brushed off wood dust from the staff before deciding to stand and see how it felt. Going to the middle of the room, Don now stood firm and ready. Noises of brushing wind pushed by Don and the weapon, as he twirled and swung the staff in various forms in the ways of ninjutsu. The more the olive green turtle tried out the staff, the more he felt comfortable with it. Something still didn't seem quite right…

"You are practicing well Donatello."

A clank of wood and metal landing on the wooden floor was heard a second later as Don dropped his weapon in pure surprise from the unexpected visitor. His brown eyes turned to meet hazel that seemed to drink him in more with each second that they stared at one another. Don could not help but feel heat rush to his cheeks in embarrassment from the dropping of his weapon and then standing there like a fool.

Usagi walked in, closing the door before entering. He smiled sweetly and warmly, and this always made the genius' heart melt a little. He could not help but smile in return, despite his embarrassment.

"How is your bo staff coming along?" the ronin asked as soon as he was a lot closer to his lover. A white paw took hold of the hand that was not holding the staff.

Donnie grinned, "It's getting there. I feel like it's a lot better but I still feel like something is off about it."

"Well, have you tried to actually spare with the staff?" Dark eyes became clouded in confusion. Usagi continued, "Perhaps once you spare with it, then you will know if it is ready for battle, or you may find what is wrong with it."

"Maybe…" Don replied as his eyes glanced down at his wooden staff with metal designs etched in. "I haven't trained at all the past couple of days. I've just been working on this staff. Maybe I should try it out and see."

"There is a dojo down the hall. I will spare with you if you like."

A nod was given along with another grin from Donnie, "That sounds good to me."

Walking out of the guest bedroom, the ronin and ninja headed down to the dojo. The door was opened to reveal plain dark walls along with tan mats aligned on the wooden floor and a weapons rack by a back corner of the room. Though not decorative, it was fairly large and this seemed to excite Don. This had much more space for sparring than the dojo in his home. Both stood on opposite sides, facing one another, with enough distance for battle.

"Are you ready Donatello?"

The turtle nodded before unsheathing his new bo staff. Usagi did the same with his katana, for he decided to spar with one weapon instead of his usual two. He felt he needed the practice of one sword, for he felt almost attached to the two, and one never knows when a sword may be lost in battle.

Both stood ready before the samurai was the first to move. His feet leapt lightly on the matted floor as he raised his sword to strike.

Ready for the side slash that Donatello saw coming, he easily deflected the blow with his staff. He noticed right away that his movements were a bit slower, but the defensive blocked had worked wonders that may have proven more difficult with his lighter weight bo staff.

He knew he would definitely need to practice a bit to get used to the adjusted mass, but figured it would not take as much time to do so. After all, he had had to learn to use his brothers effectively so hopefully this would be no issue.

Now was time to test his attack. Usagi had been caught slightly off guard with the change in the weapon so the ninja used this to his advantage and struck. He swung his bo but though Usagi had been surprised, he was still ready and dodged the hit that had been meant for him.

It had been a few days in the Hamato household since Donatello had been there and everyone there seemed to be growing restless. Leo could not seem to rest because of the guilt that ate away at him for not speaking to his brother on the matter with Usagi. Then the crypt message his father told of his worries, and Leo wondered what exactly was going on with Don and Usagi to have Splinter so anxious. Michelangelo also seemed to be out of sorts lately and spent all his time with Leatherhead. Raphael was just growing with more rage by the minute because everyone was not themselves. Leo had felt bad because he knew he was one of those who seemed "not themselves".

"Leo? Ya gotta stop worryin' 'bout Don. He can take care a' himself ya know?" Raph grunted from Leo's bed as he watched the eldest cross legged on the floor with eyes closed.

His dark eyes opened to meet gold ones before he answered, "I am aware of that Raph. I'm not worried about Don being there. I'm worried about what father said. I think he fears something having to do with Don and Usagi but I don't know what."

Leo seemed to stop in thought for a moment. Raph continued to stare, knowing his partner was not finished speaking yet. "It's just… strange. Usagi and Don have barely spoken before. We all knew they got along but before this visit, I would have nothing. Now they spend lots of time together, and Don even goes and stays in his world and father is concerned. Sensei always worries when we go off on our own, but this just seemed different."

After a few moments, after Raph was sure Leo was finished, he spoke, "I dunno Leo. Ya kinda wanna know what it sounds like ta me though?"

A suspicious look was given to the hotheaded brother. He sat up and put his arms up in 'mock surrender'. "I swear I wasn't gonna tease ya or nothin'. I actually had a serious thought that might make sense."

Leo still kept his guard up but nodded for Raph to continue. "Maybe that rabbit took Don to a different somewhere besides his home world so he could sell 'em to aliens that wanna dissect 'em 'n…"

Raph stopped when Leo stood up and grabbed one of the pillows from the bed before beating him with it. Laughter exploded from the emerald turtle as he was trying his best to breath.

"Maybe next time, ya won't question me." Raph remarked after the pillow beating was done but still kept a smirk on his face. Leo took a seat next to his brother and set the pillow in its rightful place before turning to face his brother.

"You think you're real funny huh?" Leo replied with a deadpan look on his expression.

"Perhaps, though I fear if I keep it up, I'll turn into Mikey, and that's not an option for me."

This time it was Leo's turn to chuckle. He could not help but smile at that, which Raph returned as well. He then asked, "Why did you call Usagi rabbit anyway?"

"Cause he is one."

"I know, but you always used to say that. You used to not like Usagi that much and I think that's when you started it. Why is that?"

Raph expression seemed to fall to a more serious one. "Honestly I used to think he had the hots for ya so whenever ya two hung out, I wasn't really all that happy about it. But I wasn't gonna stop ya from hanging out with one of yer best friends. Appears I didn't need ta though."

Leo looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"What I was gonna say before we had a pillow fight 'n all was that I think Dona and Usagi might be datin'. Don' know for sure but considering that Usagi was practically glued to Donnie's side, I wouldn't think, would be too far of a stretch."

Silence filled the room as Leo seemed to contemplate what Raph said. Sure, Usagi spent a lot more time with Don, but that just seemed odd. Usagi and Donatello a couple? He couldn't seem to wrap his head around it. It might explain the increase in time with his genius brother, but then, he remembered hearing Usagi say on his last trip that he would like to get to know his other brothers more…

"Usago said last time he visited that he wanted to spend more time with you guys and get to know you more." Leo responded.

It was now Raph's turn for a deadpan look. "Let's be honest here Leo. Usagi didn't go outta his way to spend extra time with Mike or I. Just Don. I don't know how Don is, but I think at least Usagi has the hots for 'em. Don goin' to Usagi's world to help doesn't seem like too far a stretch considering that Donnie's always been one to help when he can, so that's why I ain't sure where he stands on the subject, but I'm damned sure Usagi likes 'em."

A shocked look made its way onto Leo's face. "You've really been thinking about this?"

"Well ya! I havta, cause if he hurts my bro, then I'm gonna kick his ass, friend or not."

Leo was slightly shocked at the brutality of the comment, but smiled a bit because it was nice to see Raph care about his brothers since he does it so rarely, with the exception of Leo. This then brought up a new question to the older brother's mind. If that was what was going on with Don and Usagi, then what was happening with Mikey.

"Do you know what has been bothering Mikey?" Leo asked.

Raph shrugged before answering, "I think I know but I dun' think it's my place to talk 'bout it." Gold eyes searched over leaf-green skin a moment. "Howeva' I think he wouldn't mind havin' someone else besides LH to chat with."

Leo looked away from the golden eyes to the floor as he spoke his thoughts. "You think I should go talk to him?"

"Ya, I do. I'm surprised ya haven't yet."

"Well, he's been talking with Leatherhead and I figure that I would leave him be because Leatherhead is a good friend, especially to Mikey. I figured if anyone could help Mike feel better, it would be him."

"That's where yer wrong bro," Raph replied before laying back on the bed.

"Are you saying I'm the one he wants to talk to?" Leo looked at the emerald turtle with a muddled expression on his features.

"Nah. I'm sayin' he needs to talk to his brothers cause the one who would really make him feel better isn't here, and cause of that, Mikey needs someone calm-minded who lives here every day. As much as LH and Mike get along, LH doesn't live here all the time and doesn't know the little things about our bros like we do. And I'm saying you go because you are calmer than me and would probably give better advice and whatever else to help 'em."

"You've been worried about Mikey too, huh?"

Redness became visible on emerald cheeks before the hothead muttered, "Shut up…"

Leo laughed softly. Raph was about ready to grab him to teach him a lesson before Leo swiftly stood on his feet and away from the bed.

"I'll go talk to him. I'll be back in a bit."

"Ya better be. Don't keep me waitin' foreva. I ain't finished with ya yet."

Leo felt his cheeks heat up slightly but removed himself from the room before other forces made him stay and that force being Raphael. He walked quietly down the hall to Michelangelo's room. Various pictures of skate boards and video games were plastered all over his door and all knew it to be much worse in the room itself.

A few knocks were given before Leo heard a "Come in," that sounded surprised. As he entered, his youngest brother than wore on expression that looked even more surprised than what his voice held. Sea green hands held a comic of the Justice League before he placed it to the side and turned his body to face Leo while his legs hung over the side of the bed.

He grinned, "What's up Leo?"

"Not much. Is it alright if I sit?" the eldest asked gesturing to the bed. Mikey just nodded as Leo came and sat down by him.

"So, I guess I'll be straightforward and get to the point." He sighed before turning his full attention to his younger brother who kept his eyes glued to the floor, as if knowing what to expect, "I've been worried about you Mikey. You haven't been acting yourself. Is everything okay?"

Silence seemed to stretch through the room as Mikey continued to stare at the carpeted floor, as if trying to debate if he truly wants to answer or not. Leo moved one of his hands and rested it on Mikey shoulder. The younger tensed and looked up to where blue met dark eyes. The leaf green turtle just smiled and nodded encouragingly. Shoulders slumped as they relaxed as Mike gave his own small smile before it quickly disappeared.

"You're right. I haven't been me lately. I'm not surprised you noticed. You usually notice everything," Mike's smile came back briefly as he closed his eyes momentarily before opening them again and turning a bit more serious. "Well, I don't really know where to start dude, but, ya know how Donnie and Usagi have been spending a lot of time together?"

Leo was a bit surprised by the question, for he really didn't know what had been bothering Mikey but now knew it was something to do with the genius turtle. He nodded in response.

"Not gonna lie, I was jealous. I still am really. I don't like Don going to Usagi's world."

Dark eyes soften at this. Of course it was Donnie. That really shouldn't have been a surprise, for the two youngest turtles hung out constantly, and like Raph had said not long ago, that Mikey missed his best friend just as Leo had missed his best friend Usagi.

"Yeah, you missed having Don around huh? I missed having Usagi around as well. Our best friends were hanging out with one another more and we haven't taken it to well. I feel I owe Donnie an apology because of that."

A deep breathe was taken as blue eyes once more fell on the oldest turtle. "It's more than that dude."

"Huh?" Leo now really was confused.

"I think Don liked Usagi, a lot. As in, has the hots for him."

"What is it with you and Raph saying the hots for instead of extreme like or a crush?" Leo asked seriously while wanting to do a face-palm like in the movies but refrained from such actions.

Mikey just rolled his eyes before continuing. "That's not the point Leo. I think Don really likes Usagi. I don't know what he feels but I know Donnie."

"Raph seems to think that Usagi likes Don."

"Wouldn't surprise me considering he was constantly with Donnie in the lab."

"Okay," Leo stated, "So Don and Usagi possibly like each other. What is the problem then? Usagi is a good guy. I'm sure he would be good to Donatello."

He then noticed the once relaxed sea green hands balled up and eyes scrunched in focus as they rest on the wall ahead of them. This comment seemed to put the younger on edge, and now Leo knew he was really missing something.

"It's not that Usagi would be bad to Donnie, because I know that isn't true." He started in a low, tense voice which surprised Leo because he hardly ever heard this side of his jokester brother. "It's that I don't want Don to be with Usagi…"

Blue eyes finally looked at Leo and what was seen was sadness and… desperation?

"…Because I want to be with Donatello."

Silence stretched around the room. Leo looked greatly surprised, for all of the reasons he could have possibly guessed, he would not have guessed that Mikey had feelings for Donatello. But on the other hand, it made perfect sense. Where Raph and Leo always argued and fought, they somehow came passed that and, what was the word…completed each other. While they spent years figuring that out, Mikey and Don were left to their own devices and in turn grew closer to one another. Don always loved working on what interested him, but more so, liked to help his family. Mikey always seemed to admire Donnie and look up to him. They were always close, the best of friends. When Donnie and Usagi began to hang out more, when Leo felt hurt by having less attention, he didn't notice that Mikey had been suffering. Raph had seen it and helped both to hang out with their best friends, only, there was more behind Mikey's intentions than he had let on.

"Did you tell him?" Leo asked after the long trail of silence had begun after Mike's confession.

"Yeah, I did," he breathed out, "Don tensed when I got close and looked shocked and terrified."

"Oh…"

"Do you want to know what's worse?"

"Hm?" Leo hummed in question.

"When I told Don, I wasn't completely sure what I felt. I knew I always thought of Don highly and that it might be nice to be in a relationship with him, but I wasn't sure what I actually felt. I almost forced myself on Donnie because I was scared that Usagi would take him away and I would have no one."

The confession shocked the eldest brother. Sure, there were times when they did things that perhaps were not the greatest ideas, but it happened. This seemed a little extreme for Mikey, but then, the look of desperation in his eyes could not go unnoticed.

"I didn't fully realize what I did until after I talked to LH about it. I feel terrible, but also, as I have been sitting here thinking about what I actually felt, I do think I like Donnie," he confessed. Leo remained silent so his younger brother could continue. "I started thinking of when we were younger. Don and I were so close. When he was going through his strange depression not long ago, it hurt so bad that he didn't trust me enough to talk about it with me. I miss when Don and I would share secrets with one another and not have a worry in the world when we told them, or when he used to talk about his inventions that I never understood, or when we would stay up real late to talk about life and how lucky we are to have gotten this far… I miss Donnie."

Tears welled up in those light blue eyes as he spoke before they began to run freely down his face. Leo saw and pulled his brother close to him in an attempt of a comforting hug.

"I'm so sorry Mikey."

"The more I think about him, the more I miss him and the more I want to show him I care!" Mikey sobbed into his older brother's chest. Leo wished he knew what to do, but there was nothing he could do except sit here and try his best to comfort his younger brother.

If Don and Usagi really were together, this would cause some problems. Don has a right to who he loves, but it might make things in the family more complicated. Also, what about the fact that Usagi lives in a whole different world? Perhaps that's why Sensei is concerned, because there could very well be issues of where Don may choose to stay. He doubted that Don would leave home at first, but if the two became serious, then would Donnie move to Usagi's world? What would happen to this team? What would happen to this family?

While the Hamato clan began to have new questions and thoughts run through their heads, all of this was unknown by the genius turtle as he focused on sparring with his opponent. The fight had gone on for some time and it was clearly visible that both were exhausted. Don's new bo deflected a blow that had been aimed for him. However, due to his brief distraction, a kick had taken out his legs and Don found himself lying on a mat with weight on him and a sword in eyesight pointed towards him.

"Surrender Donatello?"

He had been about to answer when he then noticed the weight on his stomach more and fully realized he lay between and under Usagi's legs. Heat rised in his cheeks and the change of color had not gone unnoticed be the samurai.

A smirk became visible on his furred face before putting his sword away and leaning down by one of Don's ear slits. "What's wrong Donatello? Does this situation make you nervous?"

Fingers then brushed up and down Don's side at an extremely slow pace. The turtle could not help but shiver. He was a bit nervous but tried not to be. It was only Usagi. What was there to be nervous about?

The next thing Don felt was a hot, wet appendage on the side of his neck that traveled up sluggishly along with his fingers. A groan escaped as green hands tightened and made ripples in parts of the mat they laid on.

The tongue went over Don's chin and eventually found his lips before Usagi pressed his own to them. The kiss was filled with a heat that Don had not yet experienced with the samurai, and made him almost scarred. He had never experienced such a thing and was unsure if he was quite ready for sure actions.

A knock at the dojo door had been made before a muffled voice was heard. "Dinner will be served in twenty minutes. Please meet the Lord in the dining hall." Footsteps were heard walking away right after.

Don and Usagi had stopped to hear the message. Afterwards, the samurai stood up before offering the ninja a hand. Donatello took it gratefully and stood next the Usagi.

"We should head down soon. I suggest we take quick shower before attending the meal."

Don nodded in agreement, for he did not want to meet with the Lord and his official while smelling of sweat. They left the dojo and headed in the direction of their rooms. Stopping at Don's room, Usagi swept in and gave a quick kiss to the cheek.

"I'll be back soon to come get you." Usagi smiled.

Don returned the gesture before entering his room and shutting the door. He entered the personal bathroom he had and turned the shower on. Stepping in, several thoughts seemed to fly through his head. For some reason, his mind seemed to be turned off since he got here. Maybe it was because of his fixation on Usagi.

His thoughts traveled to back home, a place his thoughts had not visited in a few days now. Leo and Raph were probably doing alright. He then thought of Mikey. He wondered how his younger brother was doing. They had hardly spoken since the time Mikey tried to kiss him. It had been so strange and unexpected. All of Don's thoughts and feelings had been thrown into a blender that day with no mercy offered at all. He had not given much thought to how Mikey had been doing since then since he assumed he was rejected by Usagi.

This made a frown form on his beak as Don scrubbed soap along his plastron. He felt terrible that he didn't make sure Mike was okay after that. He didn't know how to approach the situation, or even what to say. They barely said two words the week that followed after that. Now it's been even longer. He owed his younger brother an apology and hoped to give it to him soon.

He then thought of the battle that was assumed to take place tomorrow night. What if things went wrong? What if he was injured and was unable to return home to apologize to his brother? He did not know…

Perhaps, instead of attending dinner, since it was to be no different than the other meals he has participated in since he arrived to the Lord's castle, he could return home for a short amount of time. No, he did not plan to die within the next twenty-four hours. However, he still wanted to give a heartfelt apology, in case after the battle, he never gets the chance.

*Oh my gosh! I haven't written in so long, and then look at this! This chapter is ridiculous! So many thoughts, and emotions! And it was long too. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy! Thank you for reading!