Damn, it feels like every single bone in my body is on fire. Ain't getting much relief sitting down, but it's a hell of a lot better than standing up. Maybe I'll take something later…just to catch a half-way decent nap if nothing else.

Why is Leo still standing over there? He was practically glued to me a minute ago. Now he's looking like he's lost and confused about what to do.

Is he afraid I'm gonna attack him again?

Aw, geezus, Leo. I thought we were making progress. I ain't got the energy to do anything to you even if I wanted to. All I want to do is talk. Come on already.

There you go. Just sit down here and relax. It's all gonna be okay, bro.

What should we talk about, Raph?

…hell, there's so much we could talk about…what's a good prompt that will get him going?

Seems 'bout the only thing we got in common nowadays is that we both like to fight. Why don't you tell me what goes on inside that mind of yours when you're going full force? Like what's your process or whatever you wanna call it?

And I'll be damned, after a shaky start, he does tell me. There's no stopping him. He's babbling so much I'm starting to think I'm sitting next to Mikey, but for once I ain't annoyed to hear Leo's voice.

This. This is what I wanted…to be able to talk to my big brother without feeling like a criminal on trial. To talk like we're old buds who ain't got no reservations.

Eventually though the conversation starts to lull and looking over at Leo I can see it's because he's struggling to keep his eyes open. I don't want him to stop talking. Not after all this progress. Somehow I gotta keep him going.

I'm grasping at straws when I ask him how long he thinks we've been in here.

I have no idea.

Nope. Not enough to keep him talking. It's getting quiet again.

So I ask a new question. Instead of a response, I feel a sudden weight on my shoulder. I look over and see Leo's head resting on me. He's completely zonked out.

Heh. What a doofus.

Guess we're gonna be stuck here for a bit longer, Leo. That's fine by me.

We can pick up where we left off tomorrow.