A/N: As always the biggest thanks goes to Mikell for beta-ing the chap and being my rock as always. :-) Cindy, a huge thanks goes to you as well for tweaking me back in the right direction. Hope I done you proud girl, you know I love you. :-) Polaris, Mel, what would I do without you, it's a joy to know you. Storm Seer another huge thankyou goes to you. I'm thrilled you're enjoying the story. :-) For those of you still reading, hope you're enjoying it and thanks for sticking by the fic. :-)

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters from TMNT and make absolutely no profit whatsoever from this fic.

Raph sat in Ruby's temporary room, staring down at the picture in his hand. Who'd have ever guessed that a simple photograph could reduce him to such a state, filling him with a range of emotions hopping from anger to sadness and back again?

The scenery was beautiful, taken straight out of a winter wonderland. Snow capped mountains rose majestically from the ground, three people huddled close to each other for warmth. On the right, a tall, distinguished looking man with chiseled features, his arm wrapped round a very attractive woman with porcelain features. In the middle was a teenage girl, about fifteen, her face bright and open. A smile captured forever in that moment.

Ruby's unscarred and beautiful face looked back at Raph, her eyes twinkling; her smile revealing her happiness. It tore at Raph's heart to see her like that. Not a care in the world, a moment captured forever that would serve only to haunt her in the future.

In his other hand Raph held a ring. One he'd seen sparkling on Ruby's mother's hand, which rested lightly on her daughter's shoulder.

Raph looked from the picture to the ring, his mind working fast. He didn't know that much about jewelry, but he knew enough to know this was an engagement ring. Was it the same ring Sean had used to propose to Ruby? The thought filled Raph with a rage even he hadn't known he was capable of. What the hell was she doing clinging on to it, if that were the case? Did she still love Sean? How could she after he could now see for himself what Sean had taken from Ruby? Why did he even care if she did?

Raph growled softly, staring down at Ruby's smiling face. This was the closest he'd get to seeing her carefree smile and for some reason that thought hurt.

"What the hell did you do to me?" He muttered softly.

His gaze fell on the ring in his other hand, a sudden image of Ruby smiling at an unseen face flashed before his eyes. A furious snarl erupted from his mouth and he stood, flinging the ring hard at the wall.

"What the hell did you just do that for?"

Raph heard the indignant cry, saw the open door and Ruby's startled and hurt face staring from him to the ring spinning circles on the ground.

Raph's chest heaved painfully. "Ruby…you're…you're ok?"

"Of course I'm ok." she said, picking up the ring and clutching it tightly to her. "What are you doing in here?"

"It's my brother's room!" Raph said lamely, fighting the urge to clutch Ruby against his plastron. So Leo had found her and somehow she was ok. Did she know about the missing person report?

Raphael studied her for a moment, completely confused. His brief glance at the face she used to have was burned in his memory. Her scars seemed even fainter than before. He doubted she knew about the report. She didn't seem phased and Raph guessed if she knew, she'd be high tailing it out of the Lair, maybe even the country.

"What the hell did you think you were doing, running off like that?!" Raph exclaimed, his gaze narrowing on Ruby's face. He didn't like the way she clutched the ring protectively to her chest.

"Never mind that." Ruby replied. "What where you doing with this and…" she looked at the picture he clutched possessively against his plastron. Her voice softened. "…where did you get that?"

Raph looked down at the picture, "It was lying on the bed when I came in."

"It must have fallen out." She muttered gently, running a hand along her waist. She took a few tentative steps forward, reaching out for the picture. Raph didn't move. Something inside him refused to move so she'd have no choice but to take the picture out of his hand.

Her small hand brushed against his briefly. Raph swallowed, his gaze locking with hers. She was looking at him, confusion written clearly in her eyes.

Looks like she don't know what's going on here anymore than I do.

It was a magnetic pull, pulling the two closer together. All Raph wanted to do was put his arms round her and hear her say she didn't love Sean anymore. But he didn't dare ask. What if she gave him an answer he didn't want to hear?

Standing this close to her wasn't good for his blood pressure. His eyes dropped involuntarily back down to her lips, remembering the smooth texture against his own. His heartbeat started thumping loudly in his ears and he wildly started to wonder if she could hear it too.

Strange, he hadn't realized up to now that she was slightly shorter than he was. He didn't tower over her, but the height difference was enough that the top of her head would brush against his nose.

The scent of her hair suddenly reached him, the coconut smell filling his senses and still he couldn't move away from her.

What the hell have you done to me? He tried to ask her without having to use his voice; he was sure it wouldn't work, even if he wanted it to.

A strand of hair fell across her forehead and without thinking he reached out to brush it away, his hand lingering against her skin.

"Ruby?" Raph's mouth formed her name, even though no sound came out. He knew the expression in her eyes mirrored his own. A mixture of confusion and fear.

Raph swallowed again, his tongue suddenly felt too thick for his mouth, his throat felt too tight.

Ruby gently removed the picture from his hand, her fingers brushing against his plastron. She looked down at the ring in her hand.

"My mother's engagement ring." She said softly.

Raph's eyes narrowed on her face, watching her closely, but refusing to say anything.

"She left it to me in her will. She said she hoped it would bring me the same happiness it brought her, when my dad first placed it on her finger."

Raphael couldn't help himself. He snorted loudly, "That worked real well didn't it?"

Ruby's head jerked back up, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You ain't seriously gonna tell me you were ever happy with that guy are you?" His mind screamed at her to tell him she hadn't been. But he could tell from the expression on her face she wasn't going to fling herself into his arms.

"Actually I was happy; at least at first!" She bit out, glaring at him even as she moved away from him.

Raphael growled, "Guess it didn't do much to help you."

Ruby actually looked surprised. "This isn't the ring Sean used to propose to me."

Raphael had to physically stop himself from breathing a sigh of relief.

"It ain't?"

Ruby's surprise gradually changed to amusement as she stared at him. "Is that why you threw this? You thought Sean gave this to me?"

Raph flushed. "Nah, I just…" he broke of, stunned as Ruby laughed.

"You're an idiot Raph? You think cause you kissed me that gives you the right to go jumping to conclusions about my personal life without even talking to me?"

Raph blinked. At least she admitted the kiss had happened. That was something at least, but it was infuriately also enough reason to stop him getting angry with her for laughing.

"Look, Ruby, I'm sorry…" he broke off again as she sighed, her voice sounding oddly strained.

"Not that it's any of your business, but Sean didn't think his precious bride to be should have some tacky second hand ring, his exact words and instead of being angry, I was relieved." She hid her face from him. "Guess I should have heard the warning bells then. My mother said only a prince should place this ring on my finger, just as my dad had done for her and Sean was never my prince."

Raphael grimaced. Typical romantic crap. But he could see the ring and meaning behind it meant something to Ruby and that was enough to stop him snorting.

"So why'dya marry the guy?" Raph needed to know; he also needed to put some distance back between them. He needed to think straight and her being so close wasn't helping that.

Ruby sighed, raising her face to his. "Gratitude Raph. He took care of me when I thought I was alone. I was scared." she shrugged her shoulders, pocketing the ring. "Guess you were right. I'm not strong."

He'd grabbed her before he knew what he was doing, wrapping his arms round her slender frame. "I'm sorry," he muttered into her hair. "I shouldn'ta said that. You're tougher than you look."

Her head jerked back, an amused twinkle dancing in her eyes. "Well sure, I mean I kicked your ass."

A growl erupted from his throat as he pulled her closer, relishing the brief moment he could hold her. "Figured I owed you them two shots. I was being an idiot."

"Yeah you were." Ruby nodded, chuckling. "But I forgive you. You did save my life after all."

Ruby stumbled as Raph released her abruptly. "Don't even think about it. I don't want your gratitude." His voice was sullen.

"Good, cause you don't have it." Ruby replied gently, cupping his chin in her hand. "I'm grateful I met you, I'm not grateful for what you did."

"You mean that?"

Ruby smiled, surprising the sullen turtle, by wrapping her arms round his neck.

"Boy you really are an idiot," she laughed. "I mean it Raph. Now come on, I'll make you a snack if you're interested."

Raph looked surprised. "You cook?"

She laughed again. "Don't get too exited. I'm no gourmet chef, but yeah, I cook. When the need arises."

Raph grinned suddenly. "After the day you've given me, you owe me."

"Whatever you say…Raphie." Ruby winked, grabbing the turtle by the hand and dragging him out the door.

"Take it easy would ya?" Raph grumbled, wincing at the tug on his arm.

Ruby adopted an impatient expression. "You want blueberry pancakes or not?"

"That doctor's orders again?"

"It's my best bed sit manner, take it or leave it."

"This better be worth it." Raph muttered, allowing Ruby to take his hand again and drag him down the stairs.

Surprisingly, it had been worth it. Even more surprisingly, Raph realized he'd missed Ruby. Things had gotten a little crazy since he'd come home and he'd missed just being able to talk to her without it ending in a fight.

Ruby had turned out to be a pretty good cook and he'd spent an enjoyable evening with her. He'd caught himself sneaking glances at her whenever he could, but mostly he just enjoyed listening to her laugh.

He hadn't seen his brothers all evening and Raph suspected Leo was avoiding him. He was also surprised how Mikey had managed to avoid the kitchen and again suspected that might have something to do with Leo.

Raph sighed, remembering the promise he'd given his baby brother. Better get it over with. He glanced at the clock on the kitchen wall. Ten in the evening.

No prizes for guessing where Fearless is.

He paused briefly as he passed the stairs, hearing the sound of running water. He knew Ruby had gone up to take a shower. He took in the familiar sounds of his home, sounds and smells he'd greatly missed. The smell of incense burning in his father's room. Donny tinkering away in that lab of his. Mikey snoring on the couch.

Chucklehead fell asleep watching…whatever the heck that is. Raph shuddered, looking at the screen. He moved over to the couch, watching Mikey for a moment, an affectionate smile crossing his face. Carefully, so as not to wake him, he covered his baby brother with the blanket they kept handy.

"Night Bro." He said softly, rubbing Mikey's head gently.

Raph turned to the dojo. As he'd suspected he could just make out a sliver of light between the doors.

Raph sighed again, edging forward. He wasn't exactly sure what he was going to say to Leo. They hadn't really spoken since before he left.

He stood by the sliding doors, wondering what exactly he should say to his brother when Leo slid them open, nearly colliding with Raphael.

"Geez Bro, little warning next time?" Raph muttered crossly, stumbling back.

"Raph? Why aren't you in bed?" Leo sounded genuinely surprised.

Raphael shrugged. "Came to see if ya wanted to talk."

The simple reply sent an even more surprised look flashing across the blue-banded turtle's face.

"Course I do, I just wasn't sure if you wanted to."

"I'm here ain't I?"

"Ok. Kitchen?" Leo offered.

Raph shrugged again. "Sure."

Leo led the way back to the kitchen.

"What did you wanna talk about?" Leo asked, after a moments silence.

Raph stared at the kitchen table. "Guess I should probably say thanks and sorry."

"Sorry? What are you apologising for?" Leo's shock was evident.

"That dumb fight we had…"

"Raph don't!"

Raphael looked up in surprise. He hadn't imagined it. His eldest brother was angry, furious even.

"Don't you dare apologise! This…none of this was your fault!"

"Come on Leo, that ain't true an' you know it."

It struck Raph as rather comic, usually it was him to lose control first, but here he was the one being calm.

"Raph, I should never have lost it like that. I shouldn't have told you to leave."

"You wouldn't have if I hadn't baited you Bro." Raph pointed out.

Leo looked at him quietly for a moment. "So why did you?"

Raphael sighed, rubbing his head for a moment. Leo had done what he said he would. He'd brought Ruby home, the least he could do was tell his brother the truth.

"Leo…Bro, sometimes it's just nice to see you have flaws like the rest of us. You're always so goddamn perfect…"

"Perfect? That's how you see me?"

"Come on Leo. You know you fucking are. There ain't nothing you can't do. Me…come on Bro, let's face it. I ain't no genius like Donny. I ain't the leader. Hell…I ain't even funny like Mikey. I guess that's why it's just nice to see you not be so perfect. Kinda reminds me it's ok that I'm not."

"Raph are you serious? This team would be nothing without you. This family would be nothing without you. You have to know that."

"That's just it though Bro. I don't. You guys see me as the hothead, always out for trouble."

"Raph…we don't see you like that! How can you not know this? We know that's part of who you are, but…dammit Raph! You have no idea how hard it was without you!"

"Take it easy Leo, I didn't wanna start another fight."

"That's just it though Raph isn't it. That's all we've ever had, or at least that's what you seem to think."

Leo sounded genuinely hurt.

"Nah Bro, I don't think that, just…"

"You think it was easy for me to deal without you? It was my fault you left, then when you didn't come home…" Leo sighed. "…you're always the one I turn to Raph and you don't even know it. I'm the leader, I have to stay strong. You know where I get my strength? From you Raph. Cause that's who you are. You're the strong one, always there for us, always protecting us and when I can't cope, all I have to do is look at you and know it's ok. Cause if I fail, you'll be there to put right what I couldn't."

Raph gaped at Leo. Not once in twenty years had he ever heard his brother talk to him like this.

"It weren't your fault Bro." Raph felt he needed Leo to understand that.

"There you go again. It was my fault and you're putting right what I did wrong. That's just the way it is Raph. Only, when you weren't there…I kept turning to you for strength and you just…you weren't there."

"Leo…I…" twenty years and he'd never known his brother depended on him so much. It physically hurt Raph to think he'd never even noticed.

"Just forget it Raph. It's ok. I just didn't want you blaming yourself."

Leo turned toward the counter, reaching for the teabags. Raph stopped him, placing a hand on his eldest brothers shoulder. It was late, he needed sleep, but Leo was his brother.

"I missed you Bro." Raph muttered. "I guess I never realized how much this place, all of you mean to me, till I thought I weren't gonna see you again."

"Yeah, I understand." Leo admitted smiling suddenly. "For what it's worth, I missed you too. You should get some sleep, you look exhausted."

Raph chuckled. "Yeah Fearless, you're right as always." He smiled awkwardly at Leo, turning on his heel to leave.

With a sigh of frustration he turned back, glaring at his eldest brother. "I'm only gonna say this once so don't ask me to repeat it. You're a pain in my shell Leo, you always have been, you always will be. You're also my brother an' I love you. That's just another thing you're perfect at, being a big brother. I'm lucky to have ya Bro."

Leo's face split into a grin as he pulled Raph into a hug. "I love you too Raph and I'm sorry for what I said. You're a hothead, but your place is here with us. This family wouldn't be the same without you."

"Yeah, whatever." Raph grunted, pleased in spite of himself. Leo released him.

"G'night Bro." Raph said simply.

"Night Raph."

Raphael was almost out the kitchen when Leo's voice stopped him. "Hey Raph? Next time we fight, cause you know we will, if I say something stupid…" Leo broke off.

Raph grinned. "I ain't going nowhere Bro. I'm kinda liking this new, not so perfect Leo."

Leonardo glared. "Don't push it Hothead," he muttered, his eyes betraying his relief.