I know that Raph is easily frustrated.
Still, it's rare to see him frustrated to the point of tears.
The last time I remember seeing him like this was when we were kids and he was upset because he was struggling to learn a complicated kata. Mikey wasn't helping the situation any with his taunting. I saw a tear slip down his cheek before he stormed out of the dojo to go hide in his room. He didn't want anyone to see him cry.
Just like now.
His teeth are clenched and his hands are shaking. He's trying so hard not to break down, but I can see the tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. I don't dare say anything about it. If I do, he'll only deny it and then probably take a swing at me. We've already disobeyed Splinter's order not to lay a hand on each other. I should at least try to follow that request from here on out.
Raph's shifting from one foot to the other. I can tell he's just dying to run out of here. He'd probably head straight to the surface, with or without permission.
I don't like this silence that's fallen between us.
Everything he's said to me keeps echoing inside my head.
I'm a liar…
…I treat him like a dog…
…He's sick of me…
…I'm not his brother.
Is that how he really feels? Truly? I make him feel like that?
How can I convince him otherwise? How do I make him to see that no matter how mad I am at him, I'm always going to be there for him? How do I get him to call me brother again?
Please answer me, Raph. I want to know.
Of all the times to clam up and refuse to talk, why would you pick now?
Don't go sit back down. Stay here.
Talk to me. Say something. Say anything.
I'll listen this time.
I swear.