Unbreakable

by CharmyPI-5 the VIII

My name is Leonardo. For all that I can remember, I've only ever had my brothers: Mikey and Usagi. But now I am told we have 2 other brothers out there. As the oldest, it is up to me to find them and make all of us into a family again. But will their past come to hurt us? AU. Nominated for "Best OC" and Best AU/Crossover and Multi-chap in Stealthy Stories 2013! Voting in progress!

25. Burdens we Share

Chapter 25

Shared burdens

"Donna-chan!"

Donnie looked up from his current project at the low table (making his stick people fight each other). Immediately he went to his stomach and crawled under the table, already there were giggles at his throat that he tried to smother with his hands. He looked around the room he was in. to make sure he was safe from the tickle ambushes he knew his family to throw on him. He liked the attention, but Raphie tended to tickle him till he coughed his eyes out. Donnie hated coughing.

Wait, Raphie was in school. So why was he hiding? Donnie moved forward and poked his head out before crawling up, using the table to pull himself to his feet and ran towards his mothers voice. It sounded like she was in the training hall. She didn't sound sad, or mad. Was he getting treat? He saw the doorway and took a step in. His mother was standing with Leatherhead. Donnie didn't talk to Leatherhead much, but he sometimes brought small toys for him and Raphie to play with, and-

What?

Donnie was back in the hallway before he knew it, poking his face out with a consumed fear. The stranger he had overlooked looked older then leatherhead, but he his limbs were thin, wearing a long dark gray kimono. His ears were low on his head and his white hair was pulled back into a know Donnie knew Samurai to wear. Donnie wasn't really scared of them, but new people did. He didn't want to go out there with that stranger there. He could feel shakes consuming him as he looked back to his mama. But she was smiling at him in that way Donnie knew was most comforting, moving down to her knee with one hand out," Come on Baby boy, its alright."

Well, if his mama said so. He looked at the stranger (for some reason he was smiling like mama was, what was so funny!?) He closed his eyes and ran forward, all but ramming into his mother. He put his face right in his mothers stomach. Donnie could feel his mothers hand going over the back of his head in a soothing way, Raphie did the same thing when he was scared and it always made him feel better (if not sleepy). He felt another arm go under him and lift him up so he was sitting on his mother hip, lifted off the ground, her face was still warm, "Its ok baby, I just want you to meet someone."

Someone? Someone new? The weird gray Neko! Nuh uh! His arms wrapped tightly around his mothers neck. Nope no way, new people made him shake. He didn't feel like shaking today, he didn't care how much his mother stroked his head. Donnie kept his face right in his mothers collarbone. He felt his mothers body turn, "Sorry Obito-san. He's quite shy."

"So Leatherhead-kun told me." there was a small chuckle to the voice, almost like a hiccup but it was kind of like his voice was running through rice. Donnie didn't know why but he liked it., "He's quite a bit younger then Leatherhead lead me to believe."

"I know how he looks." huh? What was wrong with what he looked like? He took a bath, "Leatherhead thinks he's about 5."

"He's quite small for his age."

"We think he was born early, which would explain his weak respiratory system. But he's extremely bright for his age. He's learning so fast for someone his age." Donnie found himself smiling lightly at his compliment, "That's why we came to you. I wanted him to learn under Leatherhead but he was scared of his temper. And we tried school, but he's just so bored there he acts out. His teachers have a hard enough time dealing with his mutism and aren't very patient with him."

Wait what? Was Donnie going back to school? It was so boring there! He already knew everything there, and when he tried to work on his own he got swatted. He hated the people there. Raphie wasn't going to be there for much longer either. No, it sounded like this old man was going to teach him. NONONONONONONO he just said he didn't want to meet anyone new! Why didn't anyone ever listen to the thoughts in his head!? He felt a hand finger his hand lightly, like how he saw a neko baby play with string one time. Donnie whined lightly and squeezed his eyes shut, nope sorry. He was NOT going to look. But the fingers kept pushing his hand around, it was playful and almost nice.

Curiosity got the better of him and Donnie slowly pulled his head away from his mothers collar bone to look at the new man ( maybe he was a Inui?). The old Inui was smiling at him warmly, course now that Donnie wasn't looking he stopped playing with his hand and held his hand out to him with the palm out. Donnie wasn't sure what he wanted. He looked from the old Inui's face to the hand before reaching out and taking the old Inui's hand, which slowly closed over his like a flower. Donnie couldn't help but giggle lightly. He liked this game, he wasn't' sure why but he did. Maybe this old man wasn't so bad, he guessed it would be ok if he wanted to teach Donnie a thing or two-

"I'll teach him everything I know, I promise Kaede-san."

"Good." but there was a tone to her voice that Donnie recognized. Sometimes she used it with Leatherhead when she was secretly angry. Or was about to do something scary. The hand that wasn't' holding Donnie reaching out and gripped his shoulder lightly. But her fingers were stiff, like she was about to break something, what made her so upset? Was it Donnie's' fault? "My son may not be able to speak, but if he comes home with so much as a BRUISE or ANYTHING, I'll have no problem hunting you down and tearing you apart LIMB by LIMB and feeding you to the tokage hounds."

"You do not have to worry about that. "the old Inui didn't sound scared at all. Normally Leatherhead would be shaking at this point but the old Inui sounded amused, " I swear on my honor nothing will be fall your child under my watch."

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Ugh

Why did his head hurt so bad? Everything remained in a fuzz around him, like he was surrounded by bees. His whole body was shaking with chills and his throat ached as though someone had been punching it over and over again. But that only happened when he had a fever-

Oh

Aw man

Last thing Donnie remembered, he was in Akai bawling into Raph's neck. But he had just been so happy to see his big brother that he couldn't stop himself. It was almost embarrassing. Not only that but the blankets were tucked so tightly around him that he could barely move. No doubt Raph's doing-

"Who else would if of been!? it's the only thing that makes sense=" was that Leo!? Who was he screaming with. Aw man did he and Raph get into another argument-

"This is not a matter we need to discuss, Leonardo. Daisuke was killed by his own fault. He knew better then to wonder off into the battlefield. He was not trained-" wait that was Dorinbo. Leos' adopted father, Leo was arguing with his dad?!

"But it's the TRUTH, I stabbed him, I killed him-'

"My son it was war, your adrenaline was high-"

"Dam it father! !? I know what I did and his family deserved justice. Why wont you believe me!?" the door slammed so hard that Don had ot press his face back into the pillow to stop the migraine he knew was coming. What was Leo doing? Did he think he killed someone!? It was certainly serious enough for him to disregard his fathers word. He had to get closer. Donnie slowly moved his aching body into a sitting position (the only thing that ached worse then his body was his hungry stomach, which was rare enough). He moved his arms around till they came free of the blanket. Someone had changed his shirt in his sleep, once again, he suspected Raph. Donnie Rolled over and put his hands to the ground to move himself onto shaky legs. If he moved slow enough then he knew that he would be able to stand without falling. He moved over to the wall and put his hand against it, slowly using the sweat on his hands to act as a suction, he moved himself to a standing position-

Suddenly the door to his room opened and Dorinbo poked his head in, "Donatello?" his voice was curious if not confused

Caught in the act, Don could feel his infamous stutters return, "I-I'm sorry Dorinbo-sama, I-I heard yelling-" but the sudden sound of churning stomach choked off the rest of his words and made his already warm face warm to dangerous levels. Especially with Dorinbo's' stressed face giving him such a sympathetic child, "I imagine you must be tired of being in that bed for so long, Donatello. Why don't you sit at the table and I'll warm up some soup that your little brother made before he went to school.'

"Y-You don't need t-t-to-"

"sorry Donatello, its not in my nature to let children go hungry." he smiled lightly. Don ducked his head down lightly .Soup did sound good so he nodded lightly, but he wasn't sure if he could walk without the walls support. Dorinbo seemed to understand as he reached his hand out to wrap around his shoulders. Grateful, Donnie let the old rabbit guide him over into he living room and at the low table. Before he was even situated he felt a blanket being draped around his shoulders. When did Dorinbo grab that? Oh well, it was warm and it made Donnie nuzzle it lightly. Invoking a small chuckle from the old rabbit, who was already taking out a yunomi,

"Wh-where is ev-everyone el-else?"

"Splinter has been putting his energy towards helping provide food to the people of the villagers. I believe Raphael has been helping with heavy labor and repairs. Usagi is with him and Leonardo is the one who just stormed off." there was a small joke in his tone but also a sadness that Donnie couldn't push away. He wanted to help. Maybe he could distract Dorinbo, "Kuma-ni's in town?" he really didn't expect that.

"You've been out for a while child, your brother hasn't' rested since you were taken, he even sat by your bedside till your fever fell to a less dangerous heat. He only went to sleep when Leonardo and Usagi promised to share shifts with him. It was quite hard for him not to pass out after that. But it was hard for him to leave your side even with that promise."

"WH-why?"

"after your 'kuma-ni'" Dorinbo turned enough ot give Donnie a small smile, "fell asleep, Leonardo had quite the panic when you stopped breathing. Even when he got your breathing going again, he was quite shaken."

"I-I did?!" he coughed lightly into his hand, oh shell. He didn't mean to do that. Oh man, he had to apologize to Leo. He should of warned him- but a large yunomi was placed in front of him, he could smell cooked yams wafting at him almost hypnotically. But where was the chopsticks? He really wasn't sure he had the dexterity to use them but-

"Its alright child. Do not worry about manners right now."

Well, if Dorinbo told him to, he lifted the large Yunomi to his lips and began to slip out of it slowly, as to not irritated his sore airway. But the warm delicious liquids ran down his throat in a hypnotic manner that made it very hard for him not to down it all right then and there. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Dorinbo set down another yunomi. More soup? Sure he was hungry but he wasn't sure he could eat that much. NO. he set down his yunomi and the smell of licorice, aching sic kingly familiar hit his nose, "How did you get my medicine?"

"Raphael showed us all how to make it, he even made sure we all had water sacks to carry it around in,"

He did?! He must really think they were going to be there a while. He must really trust this family. But Donnie wondered if that included Mikey? He didn't want his little brother having to worry about him. Hell, if he had any cognitive thought when he had his coughing spells he would of just started carrying it around himself. He hated the idea of having a army of 'nurses' around him. But he looked back to the door that he had heard Leo storm out of, "Is-is Leo ok?"

"Your brother is, "there was a small pause, "Upset. He has been since the battle," Dorinbo knelt down at the table, "he is convinced that he killed one of the villagers in the heat of the action. Even though he did not have vision at the time."

"Who died?"

"Daisuke, he was the one who killed your pet. I'm sorry he wronged you but he was still a victim. And this is a small village.'

Of course, Donnie nodded. He had been angry with that rat for taking his best friend from him. But it didn't feel right to hold qualm against someone who died, "how did he die?"

"A stab to his stomach, it was shadow so he bled out slowly. But Leonardo is convinced it was by his blade that Daisuke fell, he has even tried talking to Daisuke's older brother Daiki about the situation. But Daiki doesn't' believe it was Leonardo's fault either. But that has only added to my sons paranoia." there was a deep sigh, Donnie could tell by the wrinkles in Dorinbo's fur the stress of the situation had on him

"Is it more then that?" Donnie ducked his head lightly, he should of spoken. But once again Dorinbo was smiling at him tiredly. OH spirits he shouldn't of spoken-

"Yes, since Usagi found your two brothers, I have taken care of them and thought of them, and treated them as though they were my own son. But since Leonardo's' return from finding you, I fear he has not been the same." his hands wrapped around the yunomi that Donnie had seen him prepare himself, "Leonardo has always taken on burdens that no one his age should and acted as such. A trait that eh and Usagi share quite closely. But he had never forgotten his age. He has always been happy. But, " there was another sigh, "I fear that my son has been haunted for some time, he has woken up screaming in his sleep and there have been times when I have seen him washing his hands with intensity. What ever has been haunting him, it is something he has decided not to share with anyone. Not even with his father."

Donnie's eyes shifted to the wall, he could see the swords that Leo adored hanging there, his heart aching lightly. 'not again.' Donnie could see the wear on Dorinbo's' face, his heart pulling sympathetically. He couldn't blame Leo for hiding his burden. If Donnie could of hid his own, he would of very easily.

He opened his mouth but a cough burst out instead of his words, he dropped the bowl of soup and crossed both hands to his mouth as his body shook with painful coughs. His throat straining painfully and his vision blurring with streaming tears. Head tucked to his chest in a attempt to smother the loud obnoxious sounds.

A hand went out and fell on his shoulder, a yunomi was being pressed into his hands. He tried to nod but his neck was stiff to keep his head from rolling round, he squeezed his eyes shut in preparation as he tilted his head back to down the medicine as quickly as possible. Even though the liquid was thin, the taste clung to the sides of his throat. He set down his yunomi and shook his head from side to side. He didn't get to eat much but it was ok. He wasn't' that hungry, "I-I'm sorry Dorinbo-san-"

"Its alright Donatello, it must be burdensome to have such a traitorous body." oh if he knew the half of it, "And do not worry about your brother. Leonardo has never been a angst teenager, but I will deal with it." Dorinbo really did have a nice smile, it was so soft, "In the mean time, it does not appear you like your medicine very well."

"Not at all. When you have to drink the same thing multiple times a day for as long as you can remember, you tend to grow a disdain for it. Not only that, but it ruins the taste of everything I eat afterwards. I understand that it helps me breath better and opens up my lungs and airway and stops my coughing, but that doesn't' mean I like it."

"And what of those candles that Raphael brought with him?"

Oh right, Leo probably had to use those to restart his breathing. He was grateful his oldest brother had figured out how to use them, "they're a form a moxibustion that my teacher leatherhead created. He and my mother figured out a while ago that a combination of high fever and stressed respiratory system will make me stop breathing in my sleep. It scared my poor mother and Raph to death. But Leatherhead was there and found out some form of moxibustion will restart my breathing.. But its hard to keep moxibustion dust together, and hard to carry it around or have it ready. He mixed it with the wick of a handle and used a special black wax to help maintain it. It doesn't happen very often, and I never remember when it does. "he held the yunomi tighter in his hands, "Its just another way I burden my family."

"no." for the first time in their conversation, Dorinbo's' tone hardened lightly, Donnie had a feeling he used this tone with his own sons, "You are not burdening your family child, you have no control over how your body turned out. The only way you would burned your family is if you tried it hinder their efforts to help you."

"th-then-" oh he didn't want to be rude, "Wh-why are you helping me Dorinbo-san?"

"In a way, we are family. You have saved two of my sons. You helped save Usagi from the bandits who wanted to kill him, and Michelangelo from becoming a prisoner. You can count Leonardo when he collapsed, that tea you have him has done wonders in restoring his body and spirit."

"I-I have a certain amount of experience in his troubles." Donnie muttered into his yunomi shyly before looking up at him, "I guess that makes you my Oji right?" he was almost embarrassed for saying it, his gaze going right back to the yunomi he had drained as he heard Dorinbo chuckle lightly

" I would rather be called Oji Dorinbo then Dorinbo-sama."

That made sense, were they compromising? Did Donnie just get a uncle? He'd have to say yes by the way Dorinbo was patting him on the scalp. When did he turn into Mikey!?

The sound of footsteps came form outside, a hand on the doorway and sliding open, Leo had stepped in obviously watching his steps with the large bundle of blankets under his arm, "Father I didn't-"but then his sad dark eyes went up, falling right on Donnie. He smiled lightly ot be friendly but Leos' face almost looked almost horrified,' What are you doing out of bed!?" he demanded before looking to Dorinbo (before Donnie could answer), "What's he doing out of bed!?"

"Your little brother was hungry and I was simply providing him a meal-"

"you didn't have to let him out of bed for that!" Leo had already dropped the bundle and was over to Donnie's' side, but before Donnie could say anything he felt a arms go underneath him and lift him up with such speeds his mind became disoriented and dizzy, dropping the yunomi he had been holding and his vision blurring, "Leo-"

"What were you thinking Donnie?!" oh so now it was his fault?! He felt Leo sway in his steps. Knowing exactly where he was being carried, "you need to stay in bed until you fever goes away-"

Maybe it was the growing headache and dizziness, (he didn't realize how quick the soup had risen up to the backs of his teeth.) He would of cussed Leo out, but he was already being lowered onto his futon, one hand lowering his head down onto a new pillow and the other stuffing his mouth with blanket (at least, that's' what it felt like), he spat out, "'eo-"

'You need to be more CAREFUL." how much longer was Leo going to lecture him!? Leo could of very easily of been his mother right then with that scowling expression and the way he tucked the blankets in around him, "if you need something you just need to yell for it."

Really? In that case Donnie would rather starve. He thought about yelling for Raph, but he had a feeling the two kame's would fuse into one single overbearing mother hen figure. Through blurring eyes he could see Leo placing a cloth into a bowl. How did he miss that? He really must be dizzy. The blissful cold wet material was placed on Dons scalp, "Just stay here-"

"D-do you really think you killed Daisuke?" he stuttered out he felt the hand on the cloth tense up slightly,

"That's not something you need to worry about right now."

But Donnie shook his head from side to side (which was about the most he could do at the moment) sending the cloth sliding off, his hand wiggled free and grabbed Leo's, "T-tata-talk to me ." he begged lightly, his eyes burned lightly in a way he hated. He was always more susceptible to tears while under a fever, he was lucky he had been as lucid as he had been. He didn't care how tired he was, "Please Aniki." he begged lightly. He didn't want Leo to put himself through this pain. Wait , did he just call Leo Aniki? When did he start doing that?

He felt his big brothers hand freeze under his, through his blurry vision he could see Leo looking down at him. Donnie almost got the feeling that Leo was pitying him at that moment. OH if he had more movement, he would of socked him one, but he could blame it on the tears. He felt Leo's warm hand go up to the side of his face, stroking gently, "Please don't make yourself worse worrying about me, its not worth it."

No. Donnie knew that tone, at one point in time those same words had left his lips, he could suddenly feel the bandages wrapped over the hand he was holding. Leo what did you do, don't do this to yourself, he begged, "Leo-"

Donnie felt Leos' hand go up to the back of his neck. His forearm supporting his head, "there's nothing you or the others have to worry about that I wont take care of, ok?"

NO, that was NOT ok. Angry tears filled his eyes and poured over. His attempt to fight the sleep he knew was coming. How did Leo learn Raph's neck rubbing technique?! He turned his head and pressed into Leos' forearm the best he could. 'Please listen to me' he begged lightly with his mind, 'let me help you-' but he felt Leo pull his hand out of his and run over Don's eyelid, his thumb gently straining the tears out. Before they closed again, Don could see Leo's sad sympathetic face, one he had seen many times on his own mother

"Shhhh Just go to sleep Otouto."

Aniki don't….

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Donnie stumbled away from his work counter, deep coughs were already tearing from his mouth, he flung off his thick gloves and his white mask and went down to his knees, hacking into his tiny hands

"Donatello!"

He felt hands go to his sides and he was lifted off the floor and hugged to a chest, he immediately pressed his face into the shoulder of his savior and did his best to smother his coughs, he felt a yunomi being put right next to his mouth.

Normally he had qualms about someone helping him drink. But he turned his head and allowed the drink to be poured down his throat. Soft relief going through his aching throat and helping him breath deeply. Returning his face his Obito's soft shoulder. He felt his teachers hand going back up to his head and stroking it lightly "Are you alright Donna-chan?" he asked in a way that always reminded him of his mother. He nodded looking over his him with his cheek still resting on his shoulder, "You didn't breath any of it did you?" Donnie shook his head again. One thing about Dons' job, was that he always worked in the back of Obito's large shop.

In the mornings he worked up front with Obito and helped him with customers, but mostly it dealt with him writing stuff down while he sat at the counter. All the customers always made sure to give him praise for his hard work, sometimes they even brought him treats and extra money. He tried sharing them with Obito, but the old aardvark would just shake his head and say he had earned it. Sometimes he would even give Donnie treats himself, when he walked Donnie home. But in the afternoons he worked in the back, wearing heavy shirt and gloves, a white mask over his face as he worked on mashing up certain things that Obito told him to do. They had a recipe to them that Obito said only he and his teacher knew. But Obit also stressed it was VERY important he didn't intake any of it. One time he almost touched it with his bare hand but Obito had caught him in time, but luckily Donnie didn't' get scowled. Obito had said that if it got into his system it would do bad things to him. But if that was the case then why was Donnie making it? But he pushed the questions away. He trusted Obito. He was always there when he fell into his coughs, he was so nice too. Donnie didn't have friends like Raphie did, but he considered Obito to be his best one

. He felt Obito's hand going up t his forehead, "You seem a bit warm today Donna-chan. I don't' think it would do either of us harm to let you lay down for the rest of the day before I take you home, would you like that?"

Donnie smiled and nodded lightly before closing his eyes. The best part about Obito was that he always seemed to understand what the little kame was saying. He even took some of Donnie's ideas and gave him credit for them.

He felt Obito carry him out of the room, he knew he was being carried to the storage room. When Donnie had first started working there, Obito had set up a cot in the back for Donnie to rest if he needed it. He felt himself being lowered onto the soft surface, his head connecting with a pillow that he nuzzled with a yawn. A warm blanket being pulled over him with a hand stroking his scalp lightly

"Yoku, sukoshi tensai suripu"

Donnie wished he knew formal speak, or that he could talk. That way he could give Obito and his family good wishes too. For his Mama, for his Kuma-ni, even for Leatherhead. He nuzzled his beak into his pillow again before tucking it under his blanket

Whether it was a second later or a day, Donnie wouldn't of known. But he was jolted awake by the sound of cracking wood, a tremor going through the cot that he was resting in,

'YOU MONSTER!"

"Leather-head, please I can explain-"

Obito? Leatherhead? What was going on? It sounded like Leatherhead was really mad. His deep monstrous tone sent Donnie's body into tremors, he pulled the blanket tightly around him and over his ears to block out the loud shouts in the other room

"I TRUSTED you, KAEDE trusted you with her CHILD! AND THIS IS WHAT YOUV'E BEEN HAVING HIM DO!?

"I-I was in debt!" Obito really sounded scared, "it-it's the only way I can pay them off. Th-they say they're going to c-cut off my legs and tear me apart-"

'ITS WHAT YOU DESERVE!' another crashing sound filled the air. Donnie slid off of the cot . What ever was going on, Obito needed help! His tired legs ran over to the curtain that separated the storage room from the rest of the shop grabbing it and opening his mouth to call for Obito, but like every time before, no sound came out-

Suddenly the curtain was thrown back, sending Donnie flat on his shell, he curled up into a ball on his side and covered the sides of his head with his hands and began to sob to himself. What was going on!? Why was Leatherhead being so mean-

A large hand move under him, lifting him up to a familiar bare chest. One that had never held him before in all his life. He remembered Leatherhead saying how he was scared he might hurt him or Raphie. "its alright Donatello." came that same voice, its gravely tone, almost like grinding, it wasn't' soft and gentle like Obito. Where was Obito?! What was going on!? What was alright, cause right now NOTHING felt aright! He sobbed harder, he felt coughs began to form in his throat , He wanted Obito-

He felt himself being put into the crook of Leatherheads arm, so his face was right in Leatherhead's coat. he couldn't see a thing as Leatherhead walked out , he heard Obito though, he still sounded so scared, so sad, "Leatherhead-"

Donnie moved around, tying to free his vision, he had to help Obito! Leatherhead was being bad and scary! If Donnie had broken as many things as Leatherhead he defiantly would have been punished.

"If you EVER come near this child or his family again I will burn you ALIVE, Mayaku no bainin."

Great more formal speak, what was a Mayaku no bainin?! He didn't have time to look, or to reach out to Obito before he found himself being carried out of the shop. Leatherhead was next to running, his other hand had come up to hold onto Donatello. But if Donnie had his way, he would of bitten Leatherhead's hand. Maybe then he could go back and make sure that Obito was ok-

But another door slip open, "Kaede!" came the shout, it wasn't as angry as it had been before. But almost sad. But Donnie wasn't buying

Wait.

He was home?

He felt another pair of hands grab him and pull him away, mama! It was mama! Her face concerned as they looked over him, " Are you alright baby?" she asked

Despite the fact Donnie was still shaking so bad, he nodded with a sniff, her face relieve before glaring over at Leatherhead, yeah get'm mama! He deserves it! Give him a swatting!, "What is the MEANING of this Leatherhead!? Were you TRYING to scare us to death!? Why isn't Donnie with Obito?"

Don looked over to the big meanie, but Leatherheads face didn't have the same paralyzing anger that he had seen, his eyes had faded back to their normal brown. He could of sworn they had been green. Those same eyes fell on Donnie, but Donnie hugged his Mama all the tighter with a small whine, "I-I can not talk in front of your child. Pl-ease send him away-"

don't listen to him! He's mean! Donnie looked back to his mama's face, but it was furrowed lightly, she gently kissed Donnie on his cheek then on his temple in the way she always did, "Baby go play with Raphie ok? Find your big brother."

Mama didn't have to tell him twice. The instant Donnie's feet touched the floor he was running out of the room, ramming into the form of his big brother (probably coming to investigate the shouting), "Donnie what's wrong?!" came his frantic voice, his arms already wrapped around him in the comforting embrace that Donnie so wanted. He wish he knew, what did he do that was so wrong? That made Leatherhead attack Obito? Already the tears were back and he was sobbing into Raph's chest. He felt arms wrap around him and pick him right off his feet, "Its ok." he heard his brother whisper to him over his sobs, "don't be scared."

How could he not be scared!? Not a second later their mother would be screaming at Leatherhead. Then she'd be right over to them, her hands shaking so bad. Telling them they needed a quick back, though Raphie pointed out they had already had baths today. But they took another one anyway. The clothes they had been wearing were burned outside. Donnie couldn't remember a time he had ever seen him Mama look so horrified and angry. She held him so tightly in a smothering away that Donnie wasn't used to. But no eon told him what was going on. But he figured he'd find out from Obito.

Except he didn't go back to Obito's' shop the next day

Or the day after that

It was a bit after that when Leatherhead said he'd be Donnie's' new teacher, except Donnie was still mad at him for hurting Obito and breaking his shop. But he learned to forget his anger. His mother would come and walk him to work and from work everyday. Raphie even came till Raphie was old enough to walk Donnie himself; Donnie asked his mother one time what happened to his old teacher. But his mothers hands had begun to shake so bad that Donnie had taken away his question immediately and instead laid his had on his mothers lap, the way he knew made his mother feel better.

Donnie never saw Obito again.

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Donnie woke up to a painful shiver tearing through him. Despite the mounds of blankets, he found his teeth shattering in a way he feared they'd crack, his hands going in between his thighs to warm them up with his own body heat (which was next to useless). His own socks were barely doing their job. He tucked his beak under his blanket when a hand touched his shoulder. It wasn't big like Raph, Leo's or Usagi's. But small like his. He felt his blanket being lifted up lightly, cold air going underneath the covers and making him shake all the harder, who ever this was had better have a good reason for free-

Except the body lying next to his was warm. Not the ball of fire like Raph's was, but it was still really warm despite his size., he struggled with his swollen eyes to see bright blue ones beaming right back at him, 'Hey sunshine!" came the hushed happy voice

Mikey? "Wh-wha are you d-doing?"

"Raph said you had gotten cold. So I thought I'd come keep you warm."

Raph had been there? What time was it? But his tired eyes had closed again before he could look towards the window. Fighting the painful shivers in his body, he felt Mikey's' arms move over and under him, hugging him , his warm beak nudging his cheek, "wow you really are cold."

"S-Sorry." he wanted to put his beak under his blanket again and absorb the warmth that Mikey was offering him, but then he couldn't' talk. And since he was being cuddled by Mikey, he could assume that's' what he wanted, "A-are you ok?"

"Yeah course I am!" came the bright cheery voice, but Donnie couldn't buy it. He could hear that tone in many of his customers who were mothers. Concerned about a loved one at home or about paying for their child's check up. Donnie never asked for their money though. , "Is Leo ok?"

He could physically feel the sadness now, there it was. A small sniff, Donnie nudged his beak forward to touch Mikey's cheek like a blink tokage, "What's wrong?"

"h-he's not being Leo. He tried telling Dad that he killed Daisuke, bu-but no one believes him not even Daiki. H-he wont talk to anyone not even me and I'm his aka-chan, and he keeps scrubbing his hands. L-like he's possessed" a small sob left Mikey's' lips. Donnie felt his own hands ache in phantom pain. But he pushed it away. Donnie moved forward again, allowing his forehead to rest against Mikey's, "he's going to be ok Mikey-"

"Ho-how do you know that though?"

"Because I do. He's just feeling guilty because he beat up Daisuke before he died. He's going to realize he didn't kill him and he'll be ok."

"Pro-promise?"

Donnie felt his lips twitch lightly as he nodded. He heard Mikey sniffle and gasp for a few seconds before his sorrow died down. Donnie almost thought that Mikey had fallen asleep and was about do the same, "Donnie?"

"yeah?"

"WH-why did you save me? You took my place and my clothes so they'd think you were me. You could of died-"

Donnie was freaking tired, but he could tell this was something Mikey had been wondering for a while, he could stay awake long enough for that, "I-I'm yo-your b-b-big brother, we'-we'r-we're supp-pposed to pr-protect our l-little br-brothers. I-I kn-knew it w-wouldn't be e-easy, bu=but I could han-handle it again." he hoped that was a good enough answer. He finally tucked his beak back under his blanket.

"so, we ARE brothers?"

Donnie found himself smiling as he dipped his head tiredly in a response. He could hear Mikey giggle lightly as his beak once again pressed into Dons' cheek, he could almost say it was a nuzzle, like how Raphie did sometimes. Guess those two had something in common after all besides being warm. Donnie felt his lips twitch again before sleep began to over take him again, hopefully this one would have anymore painful dreams-

(#)(#)(#)(#)

"You really think that was smart?"

"Shut up Raph." he pulled his wrist to his chest but his 13 (almost 14) year old brothers hand pulled on his elbow to free it. He hated it when mother was gone, cause then Raphie got to be in charge of EVERYTHING, including training. Which is why they were in the training hall now. Raph putting a splint over Don's swelling wrist, "you should of listened, you're not supposed to block or catch your openness attacks."

"YOU DO." Don glared up at Raph before putting his gaze back into his crossed legs,

"I was trained to, you weren't. You know DAM why I can and you can't."

"Because you're a meathead and I'm just a freaking weakling?" he knew he was pushing his luck, but he didn't care. He was tired and angry. If dealing with Raph being in charge wasn't' bad enough, it was dealing with being locked up in the house for 2 months while his stab wound healed. He wasn't allowed to leave or NOTHING.

"If that's what it takes for you to get it through your head, then YES."

"you're so stupid-"

"I'm stupid?" Don could hear his growl in his undertone, "You're the one who got stabbed at work, how could you of let that happen?!"

Not this again, "I didn't LET it happen. My patient wasn't in his right mind-"

"And his dumb ass son didn't do ANYTHIGN to help you-'

"Gennosuke TRIED, but his dad overpowered him-"

"Murakami Gennosuke is a wanna be samurai. Dam it Donnie you could of BLED out. You could of knocked HIM out atleast-"

"I TRIED. But I was scared it would cause further damage due to his disease-"his words were cut off when eh flinched as Raph's hand brushed his side. The two freezing. Donnie prayed under Raph's suspicious glare he would just let it go-

True to his luck (he thought about calling it, kame luck). Raph's hand grabbed his opposite elbow to keep him from moving away and his other hand lifting up his samue top and undershirt to reveal his blood stained bandages, "Don, I thought you said it didn't hurt anymore-'"

"what, you never lie?" he bit out. But regretted it when Raph glared at him hard. There was a huge difference between what Raph lied about and what Donnie lied about. Raph only told small fibs. But Donnie found himself often having to lie about his well-being, just to get a bit of freedom, and he knew he wasn't going to like the repercussions, "Fine then. No workshop or store for 2 weeks."

"What?!" he could of slugged Raph if he didn't think it would hurt his side, "I'm supposed to go back to work tomorrow-"

"Not anymore. You know I hate it when you lie to me about stuff like this. You deserve it." with a final know in his wrist bandage, Raph stood up and began to walk away, Donnie felt his eyes begin to burn in anger, but he didn't want to give Raph the satisfaction of seeing him break down. He drew his knees to his chest and pressed his face into them, whispering in a tear filled voice,

"Why do you hate me so much?"

There was a pause. A tired heavy sigh. Donnie really didn't think that Raph had heard him. He heard the footsteps return till they were right by his side, Donnie hugged his knees tighter. He wanted to tell his big brother to go away. Hadn't he done enough?

A pair of thick arms wrapped around him, pulling him so he was resting against a familiar chest, Donnie tried to raise his head but his scalp was caught under Raph's nuzzling beak, Raph must of really felt really sad, the arms gripping even tighter, "I will never hate you Donnie.' he said lowly, his voice gentle but Donnie could feel his voice vibrating in his chest. The tears in Don's eyes slipped out and were caught by a sympathetic hand, "I don't care what you do, I don't care what kind of person you grow up to be. I will NEVER hate you. Me and Ma both. But," the hand wiped his streaming eyes again, "that doesn't' mean I'm not gonna do what I think its best for you. Especially when you lie or when you're hurt."

Don pressed his face to Raph's chest. He hated how Raphie could be mean and angry one minute then brotherly and nurturing the next. It was enough to give Donnie whiplash, "Wh-why do you talk like that?" he sniffed,' you're not mama-"

""That doesn't mean I'm not responsible for you. Me and Ma will always love you."

"I love you too." he sniffed again, aw hell. He couldn't stay mad at his big brother, "do-doest this mean I'm not grounded anymore Kuma-ni?" he asked with a hopeful tone that ended with Raph chuckling lowly, another nuzzle to his scalp

"Nice try baby bro."

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Donnie moaned lightly as once again, awareness returned to him, he tightened his arms lightly to hug the source of warmth but his arms grasped nothing. Mikey? "m-key?"

"My apologies little brother, but Orenji chan had fallen asleep wand had begun to drool on you."

That was Usagi's voice He rubbed his cheek on his pillow lightly to try to get the ghost spit off. He heard Usagi chuckle lightly, he waned to open his eyes but once again they betrayed him, "What're you doing here?" he asked through sleepy lips

"It is my turn to keep watch over you. Myself, my father, Splinter-san, Leonardo and Raphael have been taking turns."

Oh right Dorinbo had told him that. He hated the thought of having a army of nurses, "K-Kuma-ni?"

"He's still working. He has been a great help in repairing our village. But he has made time to check up on you every half an our or less. Especially when Splinter watches over you." His birth father had been there? He didn't remember that. He was probably asleep. But he wasn't surprised about Raph, That sounded like him. He would probably still himself raw if he just saw around and did nothing At least this way he was getting work done. Which required food and water so he'd force himself to eat and drink. Though normally Raph could eat a town broke.

"Are you thirsty, Donatello?"

Don shook his head the best he could. He really wasn't, which surprised him. Splinter probably did that too. He felt a furry hand nudge the cloth off his forehead and feel his skin," You're still quite warm."

"th-this is nothing. But-but its h-hard for my b-body to b-break fe-fevers. I-I can as-s-ss-sure you I'm w-working on it." He heard Usagi chuckle lightly. He felt like Usagi was one of the few people who really appreciated his humor. It was probably why Donnie liked talking to him, the hand returned a newly wet cloth to his brow before a thumb stroked his temple, "Michelangelo told me you two were talking."

Donnie nodded slightly, "I-it was n-nice. He sa-said he w-wanted to keep me w-warm. I ap-p-preci-ciated it." he felt the hand on his brow freeze up lightly, that wasn't good. He turned his head lightly in Usagi's direction. He wished he could open his eyes, "Wh-whats wrong br-brother?" he asked

"It is something Michelangelo told me you said, "huh? Donnie didn't really remember what he and Mikey talked about. He knew they talked about Leo for a bit- "he was half asleep but he said you saved him because ,' you knew it wouldn't be easy, but you could handle it again."

Don's body began to stiffen. His sore airway vibrating lightly as his feverish mind struggled against what he knew was coming, despite the gentle hand on his brow

"Donatello, is there something you wish to tell me? To tell your family? Its alright, you can trust us. Even if you don't' want to tell-"

"Is he still not taking his medicine? Stupid brat, force his mouth open."

"No." the forecenss of his voice made his throat hurt lightly

"this is the kid we told you about Makato,"

A snobbish look looking down on him. He yanked on his bounds. His mind going through numbing panic, the bat smiled in a thin line with wide sharp teeth

"It's a pleasure to meet you, HideakI"

"Its alright Donatello,' You're safe here. I just want to help-

So dark, so cold, metal digging into his wrists so deep that the manacles were doused in red the cold stone of the wall. Deep shivers going through his body, curled up in the tightest ball he could manage to keep his warmth.

He wanted his mama

He wanted his Kuma-ni

"don't."

"GRAB HIM!"

Donatello used his one good hand to swing around his weapon, catching a Neko in the skull and sending him flying into the wall. His broken hand close to his side. Weak thin legs carrying him through well lit decorated wall's shouts and calls behind him, tears filling his eyes, following the cries of pain

"HAYATE!"

"Donatello?"

A crack to the back of his skull, his legs collapsing beneath him,

"you are such a fool, Donatello chan."

clawed hands grabbing his body, a foot to his stomach, blow after blow on his already broken form, confused heart-

"don't' KILL him you fool." came the harsh bark, Don looked up on the face , smiling cruelly on him, a face he had once considered kind, "Make sure he learns his lesson. No food for a week."

Hands grabbed his shoulders, 'Donatello!"

Don fell back hard of the floor, his hand falling on the weapon closest to him, tears pouring out of his eyes,

"GET AWAY FROM MY KUMA-NI!"

"DONATELLO!"

The ferret face looked down on him, red lips dripping onto his face, eyes already fading, falling on the object protruding out of his chest.

"DONNIE!"

Don hacked heavily into his hands, his airway and lungs burning and twisting. Tears pouring out of his eyes as he face went right back into his knees. The smell of cinnamon in the air, his candles?-

A arm around his shoulder, moving behind him so he was resting against a familiar chest. It wasn't Usagi,-

"What the hell happened Usagi?!" he heard Leo demand, "why was he choking like that-"

"We were simply talking, then he began to seize-"

A angry groan, no, don't' be mad at Usagi! Donnie begged, though once again his body refused to work,

"Ju-just please go Usagi."

The sound of footsteps leaving. Donnie's heart ached, he didn't want to get Usagi in trouble- a hand went up and began to massage his neck. Reminding him of the chest he was resting against, if Leo was over here then who was-

Kuma-ni

His Kuma-ni was here now

"Is he alright?" Leo was back, his hand going up to Don's face. Don wanted to snap at Leo for being so mean to Usagi. It wasn't his fault-

"Yeah , just a panic attack." thank the sprits for Kuma-ni and his neck massages. He missed his kuma-ni so much. He nuzzled Raph lightly, but it only came out as a twitch, "You cant blame Usagi. It was pretty smart of him to use those candles. They relaxed his airway enough for him to breath right again." he could feel Raph turn to Leo, "I'm surprised you snapped at him so bad. Seriously I thought you two were the 'honor twin's or sumthing."

"Um, yeah." there was already regret in his voice. Donnie struggled with his voice. To tell Leo to stop torturing himself and talk to him., "D-don had a panic attack?" oh don't change the subject Aniki-

" Yeah, he used to have them when he was a kid. He probably had a bad fever dream." wait, was Raph nuzzling his scalp? He must know that Don was still kind of awake. But he wasn't' trying to worry Leo. That was nice of him, "He had all kinds of anxiety as a kid, after he became Leatherheads assistant. It went away but it comes back sometimes in his fevers. But he has to be really stressed out for it to happen. He even tried carrying around his whistle to lessen his anxiety."

"His whistle?"

Donnie could sense embarrassment coming. Especially when he felt Raph chuckle lightly, " think it was from when we all lived together. It must have been a toy he had as a baby-'

"C-can I see it?" why did Leo suddenly sound so weird? Almost expectant. Raph must of pointed, because Donnie could hear Leo moving through some stuff , Raph's arms tightened around him lightly, Raph must be resting against the wall, Donnie didn't care though, he hadn't felt this safe in a while. Atleast not since he fell sick ,"You know," there was a small tease to his voice, "Ma will be here when she's done with those bandits. I think I might talk her out of kicking yer ass-"

"this Whistle?" wow, Leo was ignoring Raph's threats? That took guts

"Yeah, you remember it or sumting?"

"Y-yeah." Leo almost sounded breathless, confused. It kind of reminded Donnie of when Leo first found him, "I carved this for him."

He what!? "You what?" thank goodness Raph had adopted Mothers ability to read minds.

"When Mikey was first talking , like really talking in full sentences, I guess I assumed that Donnie would never talk. I- I carved him this whistle so that he could call for me if he needed me. I remember giving it to him, I sat him on my lap and t-told him I would always find him if he blew that whistle" his voice had fallen to almost a whisper. Donnie silently begged Leo to stop feeling so angst. How was he supposed to remember that? He hoped Raph might say something comforting-

" I guess that means he did remember you, kind of. that's' the one thing he kept from everything. We even burned our masks, but he held on to that."

But that didn't seem to help him. Donnie could still hear Leos' fingers running over his whistle, dam stupid hands that wouldn't move-'

"Kuma-ni."

"Huh?"

"That was Donnie's first word." Donnie wondered if he had already begun to blush, he knew either he was blushing or Raph was. But judging by the way Raph just stroked his scalp, it was only Donnie, "one day he just walked up to me and Mama and said it. Like it was no big deal, course, he was REALLY saying 'Uma-I. So we had no freaking idea what he was saying. But he was pretty excited. He just kept saying it over and over again. Finally Ma drew some pictures and laid them out. Telling him to point it out. But being the smart ass he was and still is, he took her lead and wrote out, 'kuma-ni.'. My little assy brother could freaking WRITE this whole time and he never bothered to do it. I aint sure when he taught himself to write, but he just walked over and hugged me. I guess it was his name for me before "Raph" was. To him, Kuma-ni was my real name." Donnie felt Raph chuckle lightly, "I aint real sure how he put those words together, but I'm just glad he wasn't scared of me anymore."

Don mentally blinked and he could feel the air around Leo stiffen," Raph-"

"Aint no point in denying it Leo." when did Raph start sounding so sad? He felt his arm tighten around him, "I know he was scared of me at one point. After Ma adopted us, I kept having dreams where he'd be bawling his eyes out but wouldn't want anything to do with me. I just thought it was a nightmare. But after we met you, I saw the way you kept trying to protect Donnie from me for no apparent reason, the way you kept lecturing me on stupid stuff. I figured there was a reason."

"And-and you're ok/"

"Not really, I was ticked as hell at first. I hate the idea that Donnie used to be scared of me, but I figure I must of deserved it. And I can't really complain about it Donnie could feel Raph's arms rubbing his , his cheek resting on his scalp. Sometimes, when Raph was sleepy and Donnie was reading, he would just lean on over and rest his cheek there. He joked that it was his favorite place to sleep '"Can you swim?"

"Huh?"

"I asked if you can swim Leo."

"Um, yeah. I've always been able to swim. Why are asking-"

"Because Donnie cant." how much longer was Raph going to embarrass him?!, "I thought about teaching him, mom tried. But when he got close to the water I'd freak out and drag him away."

"Why?"

"Because my first memory is of him drowning."

Donnie stiffened up lightly, dam it if his body was going to work NOW would be the time! But his body remained stubbornly stiff and cold. Dam it all to hell-

"I never told Donnie. I just never talk about Akai with him. But I remember waking up in the bottom of a small boat. I remember my head aching' like freaking crazy. I remember seeing this weird red forest, Akai, where the boat had gotten stuck in some reeds. Then I heard it, splashing, coughing. He went to the side of the boat. " at this point Donnie could feel Raph shaking, why didn't he ever tell him this!?, "His little hands were the only sticking out of the water, trying to grab onto something. I grabbed him and yanked him up. He was just coughing and crying into my chest. Soaking wet, covered in mud. I remember not knowing who he was, but I thought I should. He looked up at me, den suddenly it hit me. Just his name, 'Donnie. This is Donnie'"

"You-you must of hit your head when you and Donnie got in the boat. That's why you haven't been able to remember anything."

"I figured as much."

"Leo?"

"Yeah Raph?"

"Will," there was a pause, come on Raphie, Don encouraged quietly, "Will you teach him how to swim? I feel like I've been holding him back his whole life, but I figured since he has another big brother, well. Two if you count Usagi, I guess it would be ok. Cause I' know you'll protect him."

Aw man now Donnie knew how mama felt when she was proud. When he got feeling back he was going to give Raph a big old hug. He loved his Kuma-ni so much and was proud to call him that.

"K, so since I poured my freaking heart out to you, do you wanna tell me what you and your old man were arguing out?"

Ahha! Donnie knew Raph wouldn't of had such a big heart to heart without a reason! Get Leo to talk to you, "NO," aw dam it Leo-

"You sure man? You don't want to talk about Daisuke?"

"No I don't." a hand fell on Donnie's face again, new bandages, No. He did it again. Suddenly the massage on his neck changed, going up his neck and down to his shoulders in the frustratingly familiar rhythm he was used to. Oh dam it Raph-

"I'm fine Raph I promise."

Liar.

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Donnie slammed his hands against his work table, "DAM IT!" he grabbed the edge of it and slammed it against the wall so hard that one of the containers on the wall fell right off the wall with a crash. Tears poured out of his eyes as he crouched down and rested his head against the table, fighting back angry bitter sobs

"Donnie?!"

Oh shell, of course he would hear, "I-I'm fine Raph-" a pair of hands grabbed his sides and all but lifted him away from the table back on his feet, his amber eyes searching his, "What happened?!" He demanded

"Nothing happened-"

"don't stand there and lie to me, " a hand wiped his streaming face, he didn't look as angry as he was concerned, "especially after that episode, its too soon for you to be back at work. I knew it was too soon for you to come back to work-"

Like that would fix anything," I'm not LEAVIGN, they NEED me here-"

"Don its been 6 months, if I say yer not ready to go back to work, then you're not. You're coming home with me till you ARE-"

"QUIT TRYING TO CONTROL ME RAPH! I'M NOT A FREKAING PRISONER, I'M SICKAND TIED OF BEIGN LOCKED UP ALL THE TIME! I=I CAN'T EVEN WALK OUT THE DOOR WIHTOUT YOU THERE DRAGGING ME BACK?! AM I A SLAVE TO YOU TOO RAPH!? AM I SOMETHING TO BE USED-"he couldn't stop the tears from pouring or his throat constricting painfully, his lungs constricting in painful gasps that made his whole body tense up. He could something rising up in the back of his throat

He felt Raph push him onto a stool, a bucket being pushed into his hands as vomit began to pour of his mouth. Tears streaming. Most big brothers might not even stay in the same room as their struggling vomiting siblings, but Raph had one hand on Don's neck and the other helping him hold onto the bucket, soft murmurs of comfort being whispered into his ear. Finally his stomach was done with its torture, he felt the bucket being pulled out of his hands. Set down to the corner of the room before his big brother was back, "I'm going to hold you Donnie ok?"

Donnie nodded. 6 months ago, Raph wouldn't of even asked. But Since Donnie had gotten back to his family, he had been overly touchy. Overly sensitive, his weak body hadn't' even been able to move on most days. At nights he had been plagued with horrors that would send him screaming in his sleep, the comfort of his big brothers arms doing nothing to ease his feverish mind and send him into even deeper panic. SO Raph had adopted some new things. Some new techniques to help him. Donnie wrapped his arms around Raph's chest, deep sobs coursing through him, shaking him as Raph held him close the crushing embrace that showed Raph's empathy more then anything, "K-Kita H-Haru-"

"Hm?" he felt Raph look down on him, "What about him?"

"H-He-He died, whi=while I was g-g-one. He gg-g-ot sick and d-d-ddidnt' get better."

"What did he have?"

"Leatherhead d-doesn't k-know, but-but I co=could of-"

"you've had patients die before-"

"THAT DOENST' MAKE IT EASY RAPH-' he didn't mean to scream like that but he couldn't help it. He felt the arms around him all but lifting him all the stool he sat on. Till his thick heavy sobs fell to hiccups then to small whimpers. Donnie felt Raph's hand move down, fingering the bandages on his wrist, Donnie couldn't help but flinch lightly, "Don-"

"I d-idn't mean to. I wasn't fo-focusing." he closed his eyes his hands being turned over, the wet blood soaked cloth pressing to his wounded wrists and hands. He felt his wrists and hands being unwrapped, a new bandaged ones going over them, "Do your wrists sill hurt Donnie?"

Donnie nodded, he didn't want to lie. He just wanted his big brother to hold him forever, "D-does your back hurt?"

"Nah, Leatherhead has some pretty good medicine for dat."

"D-do you hate me?"

"What? Where did that come from-"

"IT-its my-my fault you got hurt-"

"NO. I don't' hate you Donnie. And its not your fault either." his arms tightening around him, '"I'm not trying to push you Donnie, you don't' have to do anything you don't want to. Its ok that you're still recovering. You don't have to go to work before you have to. You just tell me what you want and I'll do everything I can to help you."

Donnie nodded with a small sob,

"Do you want to go home?"

Donnie nodded again

"can you stand on your own?"

Shamefully, Donnie shook his head.

"its not a big deal Donnie, I'm going to clean out that bucket and leave a note for Leatherhead, but I'll be right back, ok?"

Donnie nodded again, he sat there until Raph came back and wrapped his happi around Don's shaking shoulders, lifting him into his arms with ease. Don turned and buried his face in his big brothers shoulder

He hated himself.

He hated himself more then anymore

He didn't deserve to live

(#)(#)(#)(#)

He was going to get in so much trouble for this.

But for the first time, he actually had control over his body. He had all but crawled over to the wall again to pull himself up. He could tell that someone had changed his clothes in his sleep by the crispness of his clothes, and by the fact he was wearing Mikey's' white hakamas.

Would his humiliation EVER end?

Donnie used his shaky hands to pull up his hood before moving over to the door, slowly he slid it over so slowly. The main room of Leos' house was empty. Since it was the middle of the day he assumed that it was midday. Which was funny cause his body kept saying that it was sleep

NO dam it body, it was NOT sleep time. Yet.

He looked over to the opposite wall of the room he had slid in. There, resting on hooks, Leos' swords.

It was the only way to relieve Leo of that pain. Donnie slowly, a bit grudgingly lowered himself to the floor. He hated the idea of crawling across the floor. But he knew his legs wouldn't be able to carry him across the room, so he put himself on his hands and knees. Pushing past his pride,

He couldn't' save Leo from the guilt he felt about whoever he killed before.

But he could save him from guilt about Daisuke

There was no way in hell he was going to let Leo suffer more then he had to.

He moved forward and rocked back onto his knees , offering a small prayer to the mother he didn't know and lifted it form its place. He moved his shell against the wall and took a deep breath his body was already shaking from exertion he held the holster with one hand and the hilt with the other, pulling it back and the revealing the blade, but he pulled out the entire blade, resting it on his lap before holding up the holster and sniffing it, he could thank his over developed sense of smell but the smell was light, even though his blade smelled clean, there was only a minute trace of blood in the holster-

"DONATELLO!"

Oh shit- how did he not hear Leo approach!? The blade and holster was yanked out of his hands and slammed back into place before he put it back on the wall by the form of his dark clad Oldest brother, "What the hell are you doing out of bed?!" came the demand, hands on his shoulders,' What if you had collapsed?! What if you got too cold and your got a bad fever again!? Dam it Donnie-" he had never heard Leo raise his tone to him in such a way before Whether it was the fever talking or not

"But-"

'you can't put yourself at risk like that! It was STUPID and DANGEROUS."

"Leo Please-" but his hands were already under him, lifting him back up even as he tried to push him away. Except Donnie shoved hard on his chest tears in his eyes, "LEO-"no he wasn't' going to let Leo go through what he did. Not again. His fist shot out and he grabbed Leo by the shoulder, twisting his body and making the two fall hard on the ground, Leo flipping over him and literally onto of the low table. Don fell hard on his side, he could already feel his lungs trying to betray him, he put his hands over his mouth and coughs went through him, thick and painful. He saw the shadow Leo crouching over him, hands on his shoulder "Don are you ok-"

"YOU DIDIN'T KILL HIM!' he screamed, his face in his hands he was sick of getting screamed at. Even if it was just in his dreams he hated it. He wanted to push it away, to hide in his Kuma-ni's arms till it stopped

But he couldn't

He wasn't going to let Leo suffer.

He could hear Leo sigh tiredly, "Don-"

:'NO!" he wasn't going to be ignored! He sat up so fast that his vision blurred the world around him, his face slamming into Leo's stomach. His oldest brother went flying off his crouched form and right on his ass, Donnie all but laying in Leo's lap, his face buried into Leos' dark blue kimono to, he could already feel his tears returning. Dam it he hated how 'sobby' his fevers made him. But it seemed to help Leo calm down cause he heard him sigh sadly "Otouto." his arms wrapping around him, "don't cry-"

"You didn't kill him! Daisuke bled out! If you had stabbed him, you would have been covered in his blood, it would still be in your holster! Which its NOT Leo! You haven't ev-even cleaned it so I know it wasn't you-"

"Don I stabbed someone-"

"th-the cir-circumstance ss-st-still applies! If you had stab-bed someone you w-would of heard them screaming even. But you DIDN'T Leo. You probably stabbed a freaking tree or something."

Donnie gasped painfully, finally sucking in oxygen, MAN this is why he never get away with 'holding his breath till he got what he wanted'

He began to feel Leo's form begin to shake, he felt warm liquid running onto his scalp, but he didn't raise his head, fighting his own angry tears

"But- " for the first time since Donnie met him, Leos' voice was uncertain. Scared even. "Ho-how can you be s-so sure?"

"Because I'm right Leo I know I am. There's no point in you hurting yourself because of something you didn't do-'

"I-I cut myself-"

"You cut your hands and you're washing them so hard that they wont heal right" he hiccupped, he wasn't' so sure how sane he sounded between his tears, "don't LIE to a I-sha Leo! It'll never work! Everyone's WORRIED about you Leo! Your father, your brothers, we're all scared for you. So STOP hurting yourself. STOP acting like I'm going to collapse just because I'm out of bed, DRINK your freaking MEDICINE and STOP BLAMING YOUR SELF OR I'M GOING TO THROW YOU AGAIN!' Donnie pressed his face back into his own shoulder hacking into it to keep from coughing into Leos' stomach. But he felt the shaking arms around him tighten, pushing his face back into Leos' stomach as a hand wiped his face lightly. Donnie felt his racing heart finally start to slow down. The sleep his body craved so badly began to come back. Just before he was pulled back into the tides of sleep, he felt face being pressed against his scalp in protective arms,

"thank you Otouto."

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Don was getting real sick of waking up. His aching head a reminder of the stubborn fever laughing at him. He couldn't even think straight, Leo must of put him back into his bed, judging by the warm blankets over him. Well, Donnie guessed he could try and deal with Leos' overprotectiveness. So long as he did everything else he had said. But he knew the hand under his head, he knew the dark chills going through him, "Kuma=ni?" eh said with a rough voice. He knew he was going back into a fever, it would over take him again. And, just like all the other times, he was scared, he felt a yunomi being pressed against his mouth, he turned his head away with a angry sore whine. He didn't feel like choking on his medicine right then, he heard Raph chuckle lightly, "it aint your medicine you freaking brat. Leo gave you your medicine when he put you in bed."

He did? It wasn't? Donnie turned his head back to the yunomi, already he could smell the sweet herbs that were achingly familiar, "I gave, th- this me-medicine to Leo-Leo."

"I made more, I thought you might need it."

Donnie could of hugged him, but instead he allowed Raph to trickle it down his throat. It wasn't going to do much to him now, but he'd definitely feel it in his sleep, "Tha-thanks Raphie."

"don't thank me Don, I should of given it to you when you first got sick. At least then we could of kept your nightmares away."

Donnie shook his head lightly, nuzzling the hand holding his head, 'K-Kuma-ni?"

"Yeah?"

Donnie could feel his lips trembling, dam it he was NOT crying again. But he hoped that, like usual, Raph understood. With the same properties of a miracle, he felt hands move up and scoot him over lightly, his big brothers form laying right next to him wrapping around him and holding him against a plastron he knew would always protect him. Who would always reassure him in his fears and tears "Pr-promise you'll stay with me till morning?"

The softest of laughs, a hand stroked his forehead

"Anything you want baby bro."

a/n

Translation

Yoku, sukoshi tensai suripu/ Sleep well, little genius

Mayaku no bainin/ drug dealer

Also, Children in Japan tend to wear brighter clothes. Even though Donnie and Mikey are closest in age, Donnie felt embarrassed over wearing such bright clothes (he thinks himself a adult)

Charmy: THE BLOB IS OVER!"

Raph: And a shit long chapter

Leo: Do you have anything else you want to say?

Charmy: Commence the countdown

Mikey: Wait what-