Hey guys! I'm at my parents again, gotta love visiting family! :D Hope all is well with you guys! Anyways, you're all amazing with your support, as always. I was so touched. *Anime tears*
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I'm glad everyone liked and was shocked about my inclusion of Spike! I hope you like my other surprises to come! Please enjoy the chapter and leave me your thoughts! :D
Leonardo's P.O.V
"S-Spike?" Raphael gasped in surprise. My eyes widened at the familiarity in his tone of voice. Spike had this fond look in his eye that Father gives me and the guys every now and again. They know each other? I stood my ground and shifted a bit over as to cover Casey a bit more.
After all...this huge guy just came out of no-where looking like a super villain! I have no idea what his problem is but apparently it was with me and not with Casey like I originally thought.
"It's "Slash" now, Raphael," the huge teenager replied in a tight tone, his eyes going from fond to a bit angry again. I had a defensive position in mind already and shoulder "Slash" attack me, I would be ready for him.
"Slash? B-But...you-"
"You haven't changed at all, Raph," Slash growled and I was a bit startled to notice that he was eyeballing me in the very corner of his turquoise eye. "Why did you deliberately hurt Shawn and let this reject-hero hurt Oliver?"
Raph's eyes went wide with disbelief and surprise. My skin crawled at his tone but my eyes narrowed. Reject-hero?! Who gave him the right to call me that?! He doesn't even know me! Behind Raph's shoulder I caught Mikey shooting me a calculative glance, which pretty much shocked me, as if he was trying to figure the guy out. Donnie had caught up, looking really intimidated by the new guy. Don't blame him.
"What are ya...how did ya know 'bout that? Did Oliver tell ya?" Raph scowled and crossed his arms. I didn't miss the way he ever so slightly shifted to block Mikey, Don, and April from his view. Wait...so Slash knows Oliver?
"Of course he told me all about how you just attack Shawn out of anger and let this guy beat on my little brother!" Slash was growling now and my eyes widened slightly. Little brother? Oliver was? And wait...wait!
"All I did was kick him because he was attacking me first!" I blurted, feeling miffed. I nearly froze when Slash turned around and glared at me, his pupils shrinking a bit.
"My brother would not attack someone without a good reason!" He yelled and I felt Casey flinch behind me.
"Leo and Raph were protecting me!" Mikey blurted from over Raph's shoulder. I felt a chill roll down my spine when Slash looked away from me and flicked his eyes to Mikey. Everyone was tense and a bit frightened at what Raph's friend would do. "O-Oliver was holding me down and stuff...he went to attack Leo so Leo kicked him away, only once!"
"It's true," Raph spoke up while standing his ground. Slash didn't move or anything, just stared at them. But his eyes changed. The rage was contained again, you could still see the anger, but he was also looking confused. "I don't know what Oliver told ya, but I defended Mikey. Shawn cut him with a switchblade above his eyebrow there."
For some reason I nearly cried out when Raph side stepped, showing our youngest friend to Slash. His turquoise eyes widened a little and then he eye balled me. "I trust my little brother had his reasons for lying to me?"
"I over heard 'im. He wanted ta get back at me for hurtin' Shawn. He wanted ta hurt me by usin' you ta hurt Leo," Raph's voice was cold and angry. My eyes widened at the new bit of information. I looked and saw Mikey and Don shift anxiously. They knew too?!
"Tch. Whatever..." Slash drew away from me and Casey with a sigh. He began walking away and the tension left my body. I noticed Casey sigh in relief. "See ya around Raph."
Raph suddenly smirked a little and used one hand to wave. "See ya Sp-Slash..."
Donnie and Mikey rushed around Raph to get to me. I laughed a little as Mikey hugged me and Donnie touched my other arm. April met us and Casey threw his arms around her, making her groan.
"Oh, and by the way," We all froze and looked up, Slash looked back and his eyes went cold and promising. "If ya hurt my kid brother I won't hesitate to put your friends in the hospital."
Mikey and Donnie both went rigid and I glared at him. I looked at Raph to see a weird understanding but angry look in his eyes. Wow...they really have a complicated relationship, huh?
"If Oliver tries anything he'll be the one in the hospital, Slash," Raph warned and Slash continued to stare for a minute before nodding his head once and resuming his walk around the corner. As soon as he disappeared Raph practically flew over to my side. "Are ya okay Fearless?"
I blinked wide eyes. April laughed. "Raph was worried about you Leo!"
I smirked in amusement when Raph glared at her and turned red. "I-I was not!"
"Sureeee~!" April giggled and hid behind Donnie when Raph swiped at her playfully. I laughed put up a hand.
"I'm fine, it was Casey that I was worried about," I teased and Casey growled while looking embarrassed. "He went all pale and stuff when Slash approached us..."
"Don't blame me, the dude is huge! And seriously ripped!" Casey wailed and we all laughed, or by all I mean everyone but Mikey. I frowned when I noticed him staring at the corner Slash disappeared around.
"Mikey? You okay?" I asked as I put an arm around his small yet leaner shoulders. Mikey flinched in surprise and then smiled.
"Oh, oh yeah, definitely.." He said and we all just rose an eyebrow to signal that we did not believe him. It's something that he's learned recently. "Well...I just know that this isn't over between Slash..."
We stared at each other and then looked back at him. The way his shoulders were hunched made him look smaller than he was. Donnie stepped forth and put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry Mikey, Slash just got the wrong idea that's all.."
"Yeah, I can't believe he lied to his older brother like that!" April frowned as she glared. The guys and I smiled anxiously when she got that familiar fiery "older sister" look. "How dare he try to use Slash to hurt Leo!"
"I'm fine guys...seriously. I can handle myself," I replied, feeling a small blush forming. Donnie grinned at that. I could see Raph looking uncomfortable and angry so I changed the subject. "Anyways, what about coming to my place again?"
"Actually I gotta babysit my kid sister tonight..." Casey slumped over in defeat and I watched in amusement. Raph grinned and slung an arm over his shoulder.
"Sounds fun. I'll go with Fearless so ya go ahead and play Barbie with yer sister, Case," Raph laughed when Casey turned red and they began wrestling.
"Actually I was gonna see if Donnie wanted to tutor me in Biology?" April smiled as she turned her gaze to Donnie, who blushed. The guys and I, other than Casey who had a challenging gaze, smirked.
"S-Sure...so...the library..?" Don smiled shyly and April nodded her head, her smile ten times brighter. I grinned knowingly and patted Don on the back. "Well see you guys tonight?"
"Sure, Don!" Raph pushed Casey to the ground and fist bumped him for whatever reason, probably for scoring time with April, I have no idea. Mikey gave Donnie a big hug and then the soon-to-be couple left our group.
"Um, actually," Mikey spoke up as he turned around with a cheeky grin. "I'm gonna go and see my Mom.."
"Oh, right," I smiled and ignored the way Casey suddenly jumped Raph, starting another play fight. "You want me to tag along?"
"Nah, I'm good. I'm gonna call Frank! He's nice!" Mikey beamed and I laughed. Frank would be insulted if we ever went in another taxi but his own if he was working. And he was working today. "See you cats tonight!"
"Bye Mikey," I waved while smiling warmly.
"See ya Mikester!" Casey cried when Raph pushed him again.
"Stay safe, Squirt," Raph grinned at Mikey briefly and Mikey rolled his eyes with a pout that made him look even more childish. I chuckled and rubbed his hair before he ran off. "So, you really gotta babysit, Case?"
"Yeah, but my sis is pretty cool with TV time," Casey replied with a smirk. He slapped me across the back, catching me off guard and sent an award winning smile to us both. "See ya dudes tomorrow!"
"Bye Casey," I rolled my eyes and waved as Raph just flicked his hand to shoo Casey away. I swear those two also have a weird relationship. I smiled to myself. As Casey disappeared I went back for my bag and walked up to Raph. "You don't have anywhere to stop do you?"
"Not really," Raph answered with a unreadable expression. The sudden change in his mood made me slightly awkward and uncomfortable. As we walked I noticed he'd give me side-way glances.
"Is there something you want to say?" I asked, feeling amused and pleased when he jolted in surprise. I almost laughed. He looked conflicted. "Spit it out Raph.."
"Just noticin' how I wouldn't have any friends if it weren't for you..." Raph rubbed his head and looked away. Suddenly I blushed and felt a warm feeling in my chest. My eyes went wide.
"Uh...well..same here.." I looked away too, feeling my face burn. Raph laughed a little.
"I always feel like there is much more than just a coincidence that ya discovered me when ya did," He looked up then and I gave him a curious look.
"How so?"
"Well I mean...I don't know. Me, you, Mike, and Don have a lot in common yet we're different. But the stuff we have in common is...well..." He looked frustrated and I smirked.
"I understand what you're trying to say," I nodded at him and he blinked at me. He shrugged and then sighed. "I found it funny too. We all were or are in foster care. Don't remember our real parents and have been adopted at least once. We all love pizza, skateboarding and know martial arts."
"Yeah, exactly! It just...I don't know...seems like there is more to know..." Raph shrugged again and looked at his feet. I continued to stare at him for a moment before looking ahead. I know exactly what he means.
"Hey...can I ask you something..." I sighed reluctantly. Upon noticing his surprised and curious look I added, "You don't have to tell me but I'm kinda hoping you will..."
"Well what is it?" He rose an eyebrow and I smiled a little at the ground.
"How do you know Slash?" I asked and his eyes slowly went wide. He rubbed the back of his head nervously and looked away. "Raph?"
"I knew him since childhood..." He revealed and I gave a small gasp. I knew it! "When I lived with my foster Dad/Sensei he and Oliver were my neighbors." I tilted my head.
"But you didn't know Oliver when Shawn introduced him in the hospital?" I questioned and Raph had a thoughtful look.
"I haven't seen them in years. I didn't think about it. The Oliver I knew didn't look...goth," Raph answered with a slightly amused look on his face. I nodded. "But I made friends real quick with Spike, that was his nickname at the time, and we went to the same grade school and middle school."
"So...what happened to him?" I asked, sensing the angsty part of the story. Raph sighed and gave me a look that I couldn't recognize.
"I don't know how you'll take this but don't judge me right away, kay?" He looked so serious and a bit worried that I just smiled and nodded. "Me and Spike would go around and steal things. Or vandalize cars, mainly that part. But we always got into a lot of trouble together. We'd also beat on weaker kids..."
I kept my face impassive. Raph was practically a child, we all still are kinda, when he did those things. The Raph I know now is not like that. "What changed?"
His face grew a little sad. "The middle of our first year as middle school students Spike disappeared. He didn't tell me he was movin' or where he was goin' or even why. We were best friends and he just left me. And since I didn't have him to watch my back people would start gangin' up on me."
My eyes widened as I remembered the day I met Raph and the size of the Seniors that were beating on him. I felt waves of anger and angst for Raph and I clenched the strap of my bag to calm myself down. I grit my teeth. So why did he act familiar with Spike...
"So you still don't know why he left in the first place?" I asked.
"I don't. Seeing him today...really surprised me. I only knew it was him because of his eyes." Raph grinned a little but then it vanished. "But then he was all monstrous and cold, took me by surprise and I didn't like that he was threatenin' you and Case."
"I can take care of myself," I reminded him with a smirk and he rolled his eyes. Mikey was right, Raph really is a softy. I chuckled. "So..still think you could be friends with Slash...?"
"Dunno..." He replied instantly and it caught me off guard. He sounded so unsure yet something in his tone was resolved. Like he knew a secret answer to the question. He looked down. "When he left I had no one else 'cept my foster Dad. But no friends. I had been such a bad guy that everyone hated me. Then my foster Dad died and I was alone. Sent here to the Manhattan foster home."
"And people avoided you here too," I added with a frown. I didn't like thinking of Raph so alone and hurt because his only friend up and left. Raph nodded but with a small grin.
"Don's right, my eyes are slightly more slanted than you three. But we are all Japanese decent," He said and I nodded with a smile. "Well there, that's most of my life story!"
We both laughed. We continued to walk until we were close to my house. I looked at Raph, who was whistling and watching a random flock of...pigeons? I smiled and looked down. Raph hardly ever opens up to us like that...especially to me since we have kind of a rival thing going on..
"Before Sensei adopted me I was in a foster home as you know..." I spoke up, feeling a faint blush. Raph looked at me confused and surprised. "I didn't get along with the older kids because I always went by the rules..."
"Rules are meant to be broken," Raph grinned like a shark and I rolled my eyes.
"Also the older kids thought I was always trying to suck up to the foster guardian but I just liked to help," I shrugged and felt my mouth tug into a frown. At least Raph seemed interested. "I was always told to be serious so that's what I became. I was more mature than kids were supposed to be at that age. Because of that I kind of became like a caretaker of the other kids."
"Like a mother hen," Raph nodded with a smirk and I narrowed my eyes at him. He laughed and urged me to continue.
"I had become a quiet kid and when I enrolled at Sensei's dojo I put everything I had into learning martial arts because it was something I enjoyed, a reason to get out of that house. The other students ended up either envying me or becoming jealous of my easy going progress..."
"So ya've always been a loner?" Raph asked but it wasn't in a judging tone. I smiled sadly and nodded.
"People always assume that I'm trying to be better than them. And they dislike me because of that. It got to where I never really knew how to interact much with people that weren't adults. And then I met you," I laughed when Raph's eyes widened. "And through you I met Don and April and Casey."
"But Mikey came on his own," We both said at the same time and then burst out laughing.
"Aha, kid really is special!" Raph laughed and I nodded, smiling. We came across my house and I unlocked the front door. We kicked off our shoes and threw our bags down. Raph immediately sat on the couch lazily and I looked at the dojo.
"I thought Sensei didn't have classes today?" I sighed as I turned and joined Raph on the couch. He had turned the TV on and was channel surfing.
"What was that?" He asked as he stretched.
"Oh, just thinking it was weird how Sensei isn't here. He said he didn't have classes today," I shrugged while looking behind me at the dojo. "Thought we'd have practice is all..."
"Well..." Raph shrugged too and things became quiet. Suddenly he turned to me with a challenging gleam. "Wanna spar?"
I smiled. "You're on!"
Master Splinter's P.O.V
I walked into the Manhattan hospital with my nerves on in. I made myself appear impassive and calm as I walked through the halls to find Dr. Kurtsman's office.
He had called while my sons were still in school to say that he got the news of the DNA tests between my four boys. He had wanted to personally deliver them to me. What if the test said they were not brothers? They seemed like brothers so it's hard to believe otherwise.
I was worried that them not being brothers would ruin my chances of adopting them...but why should it? They don't know they could be brothers and believe they are just friends. So why would it change anything for them? They can still be close to one another without that bond...
"Ah, Hamato-san, there you are," I looked up and politely smiled as Dr. Kurtsman extended his hand. I shook it and he turned. "In here, this is my office."
I nodded and walked after him. His office was spacious and had tons of pictures and signed cards in it. Dr. Kurtsman sat at his desk and pulled out a brown file. He smiled gently and opened it as I took a seat.
"It didn't take as long as I thought it would but lucky for you I have special ties," He winked and I smiled as he extended the open file to me. I took it. "Those are just the charts. Read the paragraph at the bottom."
I skimmed the paper eagerly and read as much as I could before the bold statements caught my attention.
'Tests show that probability of sibling-ship estimates to be around 99.99% for Leonardo Hamato, Donatello Nevarez, Michelangelo Levard, and Raphael Tanaka.'
My mouth parted and my eyes grew wide. It was true. They ARE siblings. They are long-lost quadruplets! These charts and graphs can prove that!
"Hamato-san, are you okay?" Dr. Kurtsman's voice made me drift back to reality. I had leaned too far back in my chair and he looked concerned. "You did want them to be biologically related, right?"
"Yes...I had suspected it...but now that it is confirmed...I feel-"
"Relieved? Happy?" He smiled at me and I blinked. I looked at the charts and statement again. Tears welled in my eyes and I closed the file and set it in my lap.
"Yes, I am very much happy and relieved. These boys are quadruplets and now everything makes sense," I looked up to see Dr. Kurtsman looked very happy for me. I smiled. "I cannot wait to tell the boys!"
"Yes, you can keep that file. It's a copy," He beamed and I bowed gracefully as I stood. He laughed a little. "I do want to see the boys again soon. To check up on them. I wish you the best of luck."
"Thank you, Dr. Kurtsman, for everything," I replied and he smiled and bowed his head to me. I left his office and stared at the brown file in my arms. I could tell the boys everything I had discovered.
I will do it tonight. I will tell them they are brothers tonight!
Michelangelo's P.O.V
"I am so happy you are alright," My Mom frowned as she fussed over the bandage. I was grinning a mile wide. Seeing Mom always made me feel better! But mom was livid when I told her about Shawn attacking me. She wasn't very happy that I didn't go straight to the hospital but was quite impressed with Donnie for his stitch job.
"Donnie would make a great doctor," I laughed and she smiled as she rubbed my cheek. I had a chair pulled up.
"And they are alright too?" She asked and I nodded. She seemed relieved. "Very good..."
"But what about you?" I replied and she looked confused. I took her pale hand in mine and sighed. "Don't lie to me anymore, Mom. Are you feeling okay?"
Her eyes flashed surprise and she gently squeezed my hand. "I am doing fine. I just tire easily and get headaches from the Chemo. I'll be glad when Scott moves in."
"Oh yeah...Scott. He's coming soon, right?" I smiled eagerly and she laughed.
"Sure is, Sweetie. He's interested to meet you. Probably because of all the stories I've been telling him over the phone," She smirked and I blushed.
"Ugh...ruin my image why dont you?" I teased and she laughed again. I smiled wide. I love making my Mom laugh! Things got quiet as she lightly coughed after her laugh. She continued to smile though. "Um, Mom...?"
"Yes, Sweetie...?" She turned to me and I fidgeted in my seat. Her smile vanished. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah..it's just..I have something to tell you..." I looked up and she looked worried. "It's nothin' bad or anything...just somethin' I'm confused about." She looked uncertain.
"Please tell me then," She urged and I nodded, squeezing her hand again.
"You know I love you right?" I started and she blinked wide eyes.
"Of course!"
"And you know I want to take care of you, always, right?" I asked again, feeling nervous. She looked suspicious and concerned again. Oh man...
"Yes, of course dear. But that's not your job. I was supposed to take care of you," She pointed out and I shrugged.
"Well...it's not that I don't like living with you...but...I'm just so confused!" I cried and hid my face in the blanket, making her gasp.
"Honey, don't get upset. I know you love me and love staying with me. What's making you so upset?" She sounded more worried and tears burned my eyes. I looked up at her again.
"I just...I can't help...I mean, I don't know what's wrong with me! I get so happy whenever I'm hangin' out with Leo, Raphie, and Donnie, but it's like something's missing! I don't like leaving them...and now...now.." I looked down and my Mom gently tilted my head up, smiling patiently.
"Now what, Honey?"
"Now...Raphie and Donnie are gonna be adopted by Sensei. That's great! But...they are gonna be Leo's little brothers...and for the first time in my life...I felt-"
"Jealous?" I jolted at her knowing tone of voice. I looked up and my Mom had a sympathetic and warm look on her face. Tears fell down my cheeks and I wiped them away.
"Yeah..I'm so jealous that it's all I can ever think about. Wanting to be their brother...I want to be with them too. I don't want to be a awkward third wheel. I don't wanna be "just their friend" while they are all brothers..." I cried as I wiped more tears. "But..then what does that mean for me? I love you and I don't wanna leave you either! How could I want to be with them so much when I have you?!"
"Hey, hey...shhh..come here," She soothed and I didn't care if I was too old to hug my Mother, I did anyway. She rubbed my back and I sniffed, trying to stop the pathetic tears. "Honey, I'm glad you told me this. But just because you love them doesn't mean you don't love me..it's just different..."
"But-"
"No buts," She argued and I fell silent. "You wanting to be their brother is not a bad thing. You wanting to live with them too is not a bad thing either. That Hamato Yoshi is a good person, I feel it."
I smiled. "Yeah he is..."
"I had actually been thinking about giving you to him," She commented and I froze in her arms. Give me to him? Wait...as in...letting him adopt me?
"C-Can you do that?!" I leaned back and she laughed.
"Well...I can't...take care of you like I could before..." She shifted her glance and I looked down sadly.
"You know I never cared about that," I smiled as I stood and grabbed her hand again. She nodded.
"When Scott moves in and I'm officially discharged I planned on talking to him about it. I can't take care of you, and you shouldn't have to care for me. This is the best. But you'll always be mine." She smiled and I blushed a little hugging her again.
"Excuse me..." We both blinked in surprise and parted our hug. A nurse in blue scrubs looked sheepish. "I'm sorry, sir, but it's time for Chemo again..." My Mom smiled at me and I sighed.
"Okay, I love you Mom," I said as I kissed her forehead and she pushed my hair off my forehead. "See you tomorrow!" She waved to me as I left her room and sighed. I fixed my boggin and went for the exit.
I was surprised by who I saw. I smiled brightly. "Sensei!"
Sensei stopped short of the exit in surprise. He was looking at some brown folder thing in his arms. He turned and spotted me. Then he smiled that warm Sensei smile I have grown to love. I jogged over to him and beamed. "What are you doing here?!"
"I was just chatting with Dr. Kurtsman," He answered with a weird twinkle in his eyes. I cocked my head in a confused manner and he chuckled. "You were visiting your Mother?"
"Yup! She's great! She says hello!" I smiled and he did too. "Can I ride home with you?"
"Of course," He smiled fondly and pushed the door open for me. We walked to the car together and I told him about Donnie and April studying at the library. Even Sensei knew that those two should be together.
As we got in the car and was ready to go I looked at the brown folder thing that Sensei kept in his lap. I was curious. What was it? Why did he need to talk to Dr. Kurtsman? He wasn't secretly sick was he? I felt myself becoming more panicked at that possibility.
"Sensei, what's in the folder?" I asked somewhat fearful. He noticed my tone of voice and just smile a little.
"Just some good news," He answered and I found the panic leave my body in favor of confusion.
"Good news?" I asked and he smiled wide this time. Sensei must be very happy with this good news. "Oh! Does it have to do with Donnie and Raphie and the adoption?"
"In a sense," He answered mysteriously and laughed when I pouted. "Patience, my child. I would advise Donatello on the phone not to stay too late because you all have to be present for this."
"For what?" I asked, not helping myself.
"For the surprise," He smiled at me and for some reason I was growing really excited. I had that feeling again. That feeling that nothing was gonna be the same after this 'surprise'.
YEEEY! They are gonna know next chapter~! YES YES YES! I love writing this! It's refreshing! x3
Anyways, thanks for your support and for reading the chapter! I'd love to know what you think! Don't worry, there will be more of Slash! And you'll know more of Mike and Don's past too. I liked that LeoxRaph bro fluff moment!
Anyways STAY AWESOME! BYE BYE! ;3