(A/N: I am listening to "Fire" by Dead by Sunrise. If you haven't heard of them, look them up. They are amazingggg! Their CD comes out next month. So… Yeah. Have you ever thought something, but then realized it was a lie all along? This is what the series is about, if you haven't noticed. Just letting you know… Also, I want you guys to ask me questions about anything and everything, and I will reply on my profile! So dooo iittttt!)
Leonardo opened his eyes and checked the room. In the medic, check… His family surrounding him, check…
"It wasn't a dream… Good…" He whispered under his breath.
"No, it wasn't." Roji replied, startling Leonardo. The child let out a breath. The elder gently touched Leonardo's cheek. "Huh, Loki said all your wounds healed… Your cheek is still pretty awful..." Roji spoke to himself. Leonardo winced at the light touch.
"Roji? How long have I been down?" Leonardo asked.
"Since the last time you awoke? I am not sure. That was earlier this morning… And now it is the night time…" Roji answered. Leonardo nodded.
"Roji? Why are you here?" Leonardo questioned. Roji sighed.
"Leonardo… It is my job as a family member to watch over you. And I have not done a good job at that since your father passed…"
"Wait, what? Since when were you in my actual family? What have I missed?" Leonardo said, confused. Roji chuckled.
"Since I discovered my brother and his partner conceived you." Roji answered.
"What? You… Are my uncle?" Leonardo asked. Roji nodded and smiled. Leonardo grinned and hugged him tightly. Roji hugged him back, and was truly happy to be with his nephew. He was happy to see the young one finally well…
Months Later…
Leonardo was released quickly. He still was quite shaken up, so he needed to be aided at first.
He didn't have any long term effects… Just scars on his cheek to remind him of his victory for his lifetime.
Leonardo looked through the window. It was dark outside, and he smiled.
"Chan?" Splinter asked out of nowhere. Leonardo jumped, he didn't even know Splinter was there. He turned to the rat. "Sorry to frighten you, but Roji-san wants to have a meeting in the living area." Leonardo nodded and headed to the room. He saw his brothers and Roji already there.
"What's going on?" Leonardo asked. His family looked to him. Roji with a smile, the others with an upset look.
"Roji-san brought up something, and wants you to think about it. Tell him, Roji-san." Splinter explained. Leonardo looked to his uncle.
"Well, Leonardo, I know this is sudden… But I was wondering if you wanted to live with me in the government building." Roji offered. Leonardo's eyes grew wide as he realized why his brothers' faces looked so disappointed.
"R-Roji… I…" Leonardo looked to the ground. His heart was beating through his chest.
"It is alright, child. I will give you time." Roji said. Leonardo immediately got up and went back to his room. He was shaking. The child didn't know what to do… To go with Roji or to stay with his brothers and Splinter. The first option would bring his parents and Roji great happiness. But the second option would make his brothers and Splinter happy but would most likely make Roji and his parents upset.
Leonardo couldn't help but sigh. He looked out the window at the stars. In his mind, that's where he believe all the deceased went to. He felt tears come to his eyes as he came to a decision.
"Forgive me, Mother and Father… But this is what I want to do. I love you both… But I just… Can't." He spoke to the stars. He smiled. Somehow, he knew they could hear him. He left the room and saw the rest of his family in a awkward silence. They jerked their heads in his directions when they heard his footsteps. He cleared his throat. "Roji… I am sorry… But I have to stay here. This is my home, my family. I love you too, Roji… But I want to have a life here, with these guys…" Roji smiled.
"It is all right, my child." He hugged the child. Raph, Mikey, Don, and Splinter felt relief flow through them when Leonardo declined the offer. They knew that if he left that they would miss him dearly. Roji pulled out of the hug and went up to Splinter. "Continue taking good care of him, all right my friend?" Splinter nodded, and smiled.
Few Hours Later…
Leonardo lay in bed, not being able to sleep. He wasn't tired just yet. All he could do is look out the window at the stars, hoping his parents understood what he told them. He knew they were watching, he knew they would always watch over him.
He heard his door open, and he felt someone sit beside him. He turned and saw Splinter there. He felt his hand go into the old rat's, and he continued looking out. He heard the door open again and heard multiple footsteps. He turned to see his three brothers. But even then, his attention was pulled back to the stars.
He leaned on Raphael's chest and felt the grip of his family on him. He thought about his parents again. Of course they would be proud… He shouldn't have worried in the first place…
"When I look to the stars I know just where you are… You're looking down upon me…" Leonardo sang softly, smiling. It was then that he felt conclusion to the tragedy that happened on that night with his parents… He finally felt happy… And with his family beside him, he fell into one of his first deep slumbers that he didn't have to worry about anything.
