Previously:
Leo lets out a shaky breath and nods, sending April a small smile. She returns the smile and stands up, helping Leo to his feet. Leo holds Mikey with one arm and grabs April's hand with the hand that is not holding Mikey. Leo stood on his feet and exhaled, sending a wary/weary look at everyone else in the room. Leo's mind was running through several different scenarios.
He just did not know what to do anymore.
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Mikey looked up at Leo, reaching up and patting his brother's head. Leo startles a little. He glanced down at Mikey and smiled at his protective and comforting baby brother. Mikey grinned and giggled at his sort-of-happy brother.
Leo kissed Mikey's forehead in thanks and picked up the shuriken. He turned to give it to the owner. Leo watched Donnie wall over to him with a sheepish awwing look.
"Uh... Here," Leo said, hanging over the weapon.
"Thanks. Sorry for that, Leo," Donnie apologized, sheepishly rubbing his neck.
"It's okay...uh..."
"My name is Donatello, and that's Raphael. But you can call me Donnie, and him Raph," Donnie introduced, pointing to himself and his brother.
"Well, my name is Leonardo or Leo, and this little guy is Michelangelo or Mikey," Leo introduced himself and Mikey.
Leo gave a weak smile at the two turtle brothers, holding Mikey tighter in reassurance. Mikey snuggled more into Leo's hold, nuzzling his face into the nape of Leo's neck.
"Leonardo, I would like to speak with you alone for a moment," Master Splinter all of a sudden spoke up.
Leo hesitates. His father always made sure the two of them were alone before he... Will this mutant rat be the same?
Raph and Donnie field out of the dojo, off to do their own things. April and Casey gave one last hug, or in Casey's case a bro hug, then walked out of the dojo. Leo and Mikey turned to the mutant in front of them. Will he hurt them? They hope he does not. Mikey especially does not want to see his big brother hurt anymore.
"I will not hurt you, young ones," Splinter reassured, kneeling in front of a small table with a steaming kettle and two cups on it.
Leo took a deep breath, tightened his hold on Mikey, and walked over to sit in front of the mutant. He settled Mikey into his lap. Leo nuzzled into Mikey's hair, trying to calm his racing heart. He does not know why, but the mutants here are too nice for comfort. Leo was never used to anyone, except April and Casey, being this nice to him. It's... disconcerting.
"I have yet to introduce myself. I apologize. My name is Hamato Yoshi, but you may call me Splinter," Master Splinter introduces.
Master Splinter poured the substance from the kettle into the two cups, then handed one to Leo. Leo took it cautiously, looking into the cup at the mysterious liquid. He brought it up to smell it, humming when he smelled his favorite tea. He remembers the first time trying this tea. April had it at her house and let him try some. Leo brought the cup to his lips and took a small sip. He gave Splinter a small smile in appreciation.
Mikey, being the curious little smol bean he is, sat up a little in Leo's lap and tried to peer into the cup. What was it? Could he try it?
Leo noticed Mikey and chuckled, lowering the cup so Mikey could see. Mikey looked into the cup, a curious look on his face. Mikey wanted to try some. Mikey brought his hand up and rugged on Leo's shirt, right where his chest was. Leo tensed, breathing deeply to calm his frantic nerves. He removed Mikey's hand from his chest, placing it back on Mikey's lap. He tried not to show his discomfort, giving Mikey a tense smile when his baby brother pointed to the cup then at himself.
Leo carefully brought the cup up to Mikey's mouth. Mikey took a sip from the cup, among a face when his mouth tasted something strange he had never had before. He grinned when he found he liked the taste. Leo gave a laugh when Mikey stoke the cup from him and began to drink from the cup. Mikey giggles as Leo pokes his side.
Splinter has watched the entire ordeal, even when Leo tensed at the pull of his shirt. Although, he did not have a clue as to why.
"How are you feeling, child?" Splinter asked Leo, taking a sip from his own cup.
"I...I'm okay, I guess," Leo replied with a hesitant shrug, darting his eyes away.
Splinter hummed and stroked his long rat beard. Mikey looked up at his brother to see the distant sadness and fear in his eyes. He turned in his brother's lap and wrapped his arms around his brother's waist. Leo flinched at the unexpected hug, his eyes glancing at his baby brother.
Leo smiles and cradles Mikey's head. He gave Mikey a kiss on his head and nuzzles into his baby brother's soft, fluffy hair.
"How would you like to learn ninjutsu?" Master Splinter suggested.
Leo's head shot up, eyes wide. "U-Uh... I... Can I have more time to... think about it?" Leo rubbed the back of his neck and glanced away from Splinter, his grip on Mikey tightening.
"Of course, child. Now, go and relax," Splinter said, sipping his tea.
"Actually... C-Can I stay here?" Leo asked, hunching over Mikey and giving Splinter a hesitant smile.
Splinter smiles warmly and nods. Leo gave a genuine smile and sips the tea he had finally gotten back from Mikey. Mikey snuggled into Leo and smiled, falling asleep in his brother's protective embrace. Leo smiles down at his baby brother.
Maybe things are going to be okay. But one can only hope.
