Chapter two:

I sit in my room waiting for Leo to come into said room. My eyes adjusted to the darkness that is the night here.

After a little waiting the door opens carefully.

Leo steps inside and softly closes the door behind himself.

We all know each other well enough to be able to tell who it is even in the dark. We are close siblings after all, even if we don't always agree on something.

I approach him putting an arm around him. "Glad you made it." I whisper to him leading him towards my hammock.

"Yeah. It's a way better option than just trying to fall asleep in my own room." Leo whispers back and we stop by the hammock. "How are we supposed to do this?"

"You can lay on top of me. You can use this to rest your head." I grab my pillow showing it to him. "I don't mind."

"If you're sure it's no trouble." Leo gently takes the pillow as I offer it to him. He seems worried that he is troubling me.

"It's fine, really." I assure him and climb into my hammock. I offer a hand to him to join me. I pull him close as he accepts then shift my hands under his armpits. I lift him up so he's laying on me. "Move around and get comfy." I tell him feeling pretty comfy myself.

Leo shifts a little until he is good with the pillow resting on my chest for his head. He is laying between my legs, his legs bent turned slightly to the side against the hammock, and his arms up by the pillow where his head rests. "Thank you Raph." He speaks so grateful to me as I wrap my arms around him. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

"Don't worry about it Leo. I am glad that I can help. Get some sleep. I have a feeling you need it." I hush him gently wanting to make sure that he gets a good nights rest.

Leo snuggles into my chest letting his arms hang off the sides.

I keep my arms around him as I sit there waiting for him to fall asleep. I try to rub his shell soothingly, only slowing to a stop as he falls asleep. I can tell by his breathing changing. I smile softly at him then turn to the doorway with a serious look. I almost dare Splinter to try to find where Leo went tonight, just so I can try to get some revenge for what he's been doing. At the same time I hope that he doesn't because I want Leo to have a good nights sleep.

Feeling safe now that I'm here to protect him.

I try to fight my heavy eyelids as I try to keep alert for any signs of danger. I don't know how long it has been when I lose the fight. I pass out into a state of slumber still holding Leo in my arms.

We'll make sure that we aren't seen leaving from the same room in the morning. But thats a morning thing to deal with.

The next day...

Training comes to an end for the day.

Splinter had us try some new moves, and we all messed up at first before getting the hang of it.

I keep a close eye on Leo while trying to not make it obvious. I don't want to let him out of my sight just in case. I wait for Splinter to head to his room.

Calling Leo to his room too much would cause some bad stirs in the family. Even possibly leading to suspicions that there is something going on.

So I'm not surprised that he didn't call Leo into his room. I notice Leo head to his room and I quickly check where Mikey and Donnie are. I see Donnie head to his lab while Mikey goes to his room. I wait for the coast to be clear before heading to Leo's room. I open the door and feel bad seeing Leo jump then spin around.

Leo's eyes are a little wide before he calms down at seeing me.

I put a finger to my lips telling him to be quiet. I move further inside so I can stand close to him. I make sure I whisper to him. "Sorry about that. I didn't want anyone possibly hearing me knock. I gotta try to pretend that I haven't figured out anything." I stop as Leo places a finger over my lips. I look to him at this.

"It's okay. I understand. We have to seem like our usual." Leo whispers back to me before lowering his finger.

"Yeah. You think you can get out of here? So we can talk? We can meet on the roof of the apartment on fifth street. Without worrying about anyone finding out when we talk." I inquire to him glancing back to the doorway. I look back to him soon after that.

Leo nods his head. "Yeah. You go ahead first. I'll meet you there."

"Okay." I agree then leave his room as quietly as I can. I let myself walk normal once I'm far enough from Leo's room it wont be seen as weird. I head to leave our home.

"Where are you going Raph?" Mikeys voice makes me jump a little.

I turn to him seeing that he had come out of his room and is in the hallway. I suppose he came out for whatever reason then paused seeing me head for the door.

"Just out. To do some of my own training." I quickly lie about my intentions of going out. "I am so going to win the next time I challenge Leo to a spar." I boast to him though those words feel wrong on my tongue now. I want to lose if I do challenge him, because I know that there's horrible consequences if he messes up. I don't want to knowingly be the reason for that to happen to him. "I gotta get going if I'm going to get a head start." I open the door ready to leave.

"Okay! Have fun!" Mikey cheerfully calls back then heads off towards the kitchen.

I head out of the home closing the door behind myself. I head to the surface and hop across rooftops to get to the meeting location. I sit by the edge though where I can't be seen from below. I stare at what I can see of the bustling city folk going about their day. I'm too high up to be able to tell if anyone is April or Casey. I can see details just not enough to identify any humans. I turn hearing someone land on the rooftop behind me.

Leo is there and he looks to me as I get up to my feet.

I walk over to him so we are standing facing one another. "Thanks for meeting me here." I tell him glad we don't have to worry about being caught as easily.

"What did you want to talk about?" Leo inquires and he clearly knows it involves what's going on. He just can't seem to figure out what it is specifically.

"I have a plan I want to do. To bring this whole thing to an end." I tell him as he listens to what I have to say. I do notice some worry sweep across his face. "I'm going to hate doing what I plan to do but it's for a good cause. Leo. I think the next time it happens I should record it. Splinter is strong and better than us at fighting. But if we show the proof to our brothers then we can get their help. We can force him to stop and chase him away."

"Raph that sounds so dangerous. If he catches you it wouldn't end well." Leo reminds me. "And I'm worried about how the truth would affect them. I mean you are emotionally strong. Them not so much." His shoulders slump with a sigh. "I do want to try to end this. I just don't want to bring pain to them."

I pull him close causing him to stop talking. "It's okay Leo. How about we get the proof then we can talk about how we'll go from there? At least we'll have the proof that we aren't lying." I feel him nod softly as he places his hands on my chest snuggling close. I keep him held close wanting to make sure that he is comforted about it all.

After a little hugging we pull apart to look to each other.

"Then it's a plan. After the next time we can meet up. I'll want to make sure you're okay and be there for you afterwards. If one of us doesn't show up then it'll be because of something like being followed. We'll skip a meeting if any of them follow either of us." I tell him as especially since I won't be allowed to stop it. So I'll want to see him afterwards that way I can still be there for him.

"Thank you Raph." Leo agrees with a soft smile directed at me.

"Don't worry about it Leo." I assure him glad that he's at least agreed to getting proof.

We figure out a good location to meet up at, when it happens, and it feels good to have that set.

"We should head back at different times so we aren't known to have been together." Leo tells me which I do agree with.

"You can get back first. I loudly told Mikey I was doing some training of my own. So I can do that so I clearly won't be lying." I instruct him to which he agrees to that idea.

"Okay. I'll head back. Maybe I can sneak back in and it'll seem like I didn't even leave."

I reach over cupping his cheek and our eyes meet. "I believe in you. I know you can do it." I encourage him to which he stares at me a little surprised. I am saddened that he hasn't heard it genuinely as much as he should.

Leo blinks away the surprise and raises a hand touching my own. "Thank you Raph."

We pull away and I watch as he heads off.

I turn away heading to a small wooded area to work on my training.

Really it's just me practicing my moves, climbing trees which doubles as balance practice as well as climbing practice, punching trees to try to strengthen my hands especially, and running to make sure I have good stamina.

I start with the punching trees. I throw some punches at one tree imagining it's Splinter. "You wanna hurt someone you're supposed to care about?! Who doesn't deserve it?! Consider this pay back!" I snarl at the tree punching it as hard as I can. "I used to love you! Respect you! Now I hate you! How could you do such a thing?! You really show what a dirty rat is! You're filthy with evil!" I can see some of the bark coming off as if crumbling from my punches. I am not holding back this time. "I will protect him from monsters like you!" I slam another hard punch to the tree feeling that I am starting to make a dent in it. I throw a few more punches at it before letting myself stop. I am panting a little as I threw all I had into those punches. I move a step back and it looks like someone tried sledgehammering the tree. I close my eyes taking a deep breath before opening them. "I will find a way to save you from him Leo. Just in a way you feel comfortable with." I promise quietly to myself before turning to continue my other training.

Awhile later I return home to see Mikey and Donnie in the living room.

They turn to me as I close our front door.

"How'd your training go?" Mikey inquires blinking at me in curiosity.

"Well enough. I'm happy about how things are improving." I shrug casually as I head over to them. I notice a new laptop sitting on Donnies lap where Mikey can see. "That's new."

"Yeah. I found it in the dump. I cleaned it up and fixed it. It took a bit longer than planned. But now everything is working. Except the camera. That is still broken. I had to focus on getting this thing to turn on then work first." Donnie explains to me. "We were trying to see how well the internet works. Hopping from site to site to see if there's any issues."

"I see. Well by the looks of it the thing is running smoothly." I can guess that by seeing the video playing on YouTube.

It's a simple video about funny animals, with the one that's on now showing a squirrel chatter to a chained dog just out of reach.

I turn away at first planning to take a shower. I hope that Leo made it back safely.

"Oh. Splinter and Leo are in the kitchen making supper." Mikey mentions causing me to change my plans as I freeze at hearing this. "Hopefully they'll be done soon."

Crap! Leo's alone with him!

"Yeah. Some food will be good. I think I'll get some water for right now." I agree heading to the kitchen to check for myself. I have to make sure he doesn't try anything on Leo. I glance inside as a quick peek before heading inside.

Splinter is working on something on the stove.

Leo is cutting up some of the veggies across from the other.

I hold back a sigh of relief. I walk by Leo who looks to me. I let our eyes meet silently asking if Leo is alright. I do this while making sure that Splinter won't be able to see our silent conversation.

Leo silently assures me that nothing has happened though he is on edge.

I blink assurance to him. I turn opening a cupboard to grab a cup to which I do so. I close it turning towards the sink. I notice that Splinter has glanced to me. I give a friendly nod then fill my cup with water. I settle down in a seat at the table. I even start to play around on my phone. I drink some water here and there. I subtilely glance to them seeing that Splinter has just turned to focus on cooking. I look back to my phone determined to stay there, so Leo doesn't have to be all alone with Splinter.

Sure enough the plan works and everyone enters the kitchen at Leo calling for them. All of them enjoy the stew that the two had made.

Leo manages to finish first and leaves the kitchen after putting his dishes away.

Donnie soon follows to which he also heads off.

Splinter also finishes his food however he stays at the table for a little longer.

I finish my food and put the dishes in the sink. I hear someone get up and can guess it is Splinter. I know that I should avoid hanging out with Leo right now. I instead head to my room quietly shutting the door. I do some weight lifting in order to pass the time. I feel like I had a small victory in the kitchen. I'll have to be careful about how much I am around. I wonder if perhaps there could be a way to trick our brothers into helping. I could send them there for something or to do something. I might have to think about that more. I frown as a thought reminds me of a simple fact. I'll have to let it happen again if I am to get footage of what's going on. I don't like it but it has to be done.

Four days has gone by since the last time it happened.

I figured it didn't happen all the time. I know that Splinter doesn't want things to seem suspicious. Plus I know that any visible injury afflicted will pile up if done everyday, plus won't really heal. So I've been playing the waiting game for when it will be decided that it's due time. I've been making sure that I pretend everything is normal. I however sometimes have to resist the urge trying to pull me to be at Leo's side. I am right now watching Mikey play some video games. My eyes drift away to where Leo is.

Leo is sitting on the armchair flipping through a book.

"Leo." Splinters voice causes Leo to turn to him. "May I speak with you for a moment in my room?"

Finally it seems the waiting has paid off.

Leo gets up not daring to cast a glance at me while Splinter is watching.

I don't watch them go to Splinters room. I keep my gaze focused on the TV screen. I do hear his door close.

"I'm gonna go eat some snacks!" Mikey proclaims to me pausing the game before heading to the kitchen.

It's go time.

I pull out my phone and head towards Splinters bedroom. I just need at least enough evidence to really be worth it. I glance around making sure that Donnie hasn't come from his lab.

Mikey will be enjoying the break in the kitchen so he'll be out of the way.

I just can't risk Donnie seeing me then possibly ruining everything. I turn to the door after seeing no sign of Donnie. I reach for the knob turning it as quietly as I can... Only this time the door doesn't open. My eyes widen realizing that Splinter has locked the door. I hold back from cursing out loud. I have to find a way to fix this. I have to get the proof. I glance to the wall above the door. I wonder if there's an air vent I could use. I'm not even sure if Splinters room even has one. I clench my teeth feeling frustrated at this. I hear a muffled cry from Leo then Splinters muffled shut up. My heart drops down to somewhere deep inside of me. I can only imagine what he's doing to Leo, who doesn't deserve it! My hands tighten into fist as I am just about ready to kick down the door.

There's nothing that can be done about the lock.

I glare at the door as though it's just as bad Splinter. I force my body to turn heading off before I lose control. I grab some first aid stuff hiding it by the door leading out. I settle back onto the couch like nothing happened. I wanna be here when they come out, I want to make sure things don't escalate to a point where Leo is killed. I have to make sure that he walks out of there at least. For me every second feels like it's been an hour. I just want them to come out of there. I hate how long it feels like Splinter is keeping Leo there. Then again I just hate that this is happening at all.

Mikey returns to which I watch not really paying attention.

I keep alert for the moment that they emerge from the room. I swear it took so long until finally the door opens. I turn to glance as casually as I can to it.

Leo steps out with his head down. He quickly raises his head to look normal, probably by Splinter scolding him to do so. He moves further away to out of Splinters view, still pretending to be okay.

I can tell that he wants to hide away after what had just happened. I get up and head towards the way out which does catch his attention. I let our eyes meet which that alone seems to help in getting him to go with me. I feel satisfied at seeing this so I head off first, grabbing the hidden first aid as I leave, I go straight to our meeting spot. I sit waiting for Leo to come. I don't rush him since us leaving can't be seen as suspicious. I'll probably drop by Casey's to make sure I have an alibi if asked.

Finally Leo arrives walking over to me. He gives a look of usual calmness and glances around to make sure that we're alone.

I take him to a spot there that I know we won't be disturbed. "Here. Let me check you over while we talk. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. You can nod or shake your head. I won't be offended if you didn't want to speak." I am worried about what happened in there though, I add in my head to finish what I wanted to say. I don't say that part as I don't want to stress him out.

Leo sits down allowing me to check him over.

"I'm sorry." I apologize as I carefully look for any visible marks left behind. "I wasn't able to get it. He locked the door."

"I know." Leo assures me to which I look to his face. His eyes flicker away before our eyes can meet. "He didn't even try to hide him locking the door." He doesn't say anymore though I can read the truth he's letting me see. He's truly letting me in, letting me see the stuff he used to hide.

"I don't blame you for being scared. I'm just happy that you're still alive and still walking around." I admit to him before resuming my check on him. I happen to notice a nasty looking bruise by his collarbone. "I'm just gonna check something." I warn him to which he nods for me to go ahead. I gently use my fingers to check his collarbone. I want to make sure that Splinter didn't break it. I do see a slight wince though don't feel anything alarming. I only saw the wince when I touched a bad spot of the bruise. "I don't think he broke it." I admit and now that I know I think about it.

Was this some kind of warning to me? Did he want to show me that he knew I knew? Perhaps he was trying to warn me that bad things would happen if I meddle with this?

Honestly I'm not really sure. I know that for all I know it could have just been one of the marks left from that session. I take out a cold pack that once the stuff inside is mixed it gets cold. I use my hands to mix it up then gently place it on that bruise.

His one bruise seems to be the main worst spot left on him. He has some smaller marks, though once again his shell probably took most of the hits.

"Do you want to talk about anything? How you're feeling right now even? It's okay if it's just that, anything else, or even nothing at all." I inquire wanting to make sure that he is doing okay... As okay as he can be... I just don't want to push him into talking. I keep the cold pack on his bruise wanting to help it disappear faster. I wait patiently for him to decide showing no signs of rushing him.

Leo opens his mouth then closes it as his eyes glance away. He seems to think it over almost fighting with his thoughts. "It was really bad this time." He mummers barely letting me be able to hear it. "At one point I thought that he was going to strangle me or something. He's never actually done that but he's even mentioned it before. Mainly using it as a threat to make me do what he wants." His words make me clench the cold pack harder. "He was so angry today. I didn't notice any hints that he knows that you know. Sometimes he's worse than usual like this. Always reminding me of how much I deserve it. How much I have failed and that I'm not the perfect one I'm supposed to be." He pauses there as if he could easily hear Splinter saying it all over again. His eyes shift to almost wanting to cry.

I pull him against my body. "It's okay Leo." I gently shush him as I keep him held close. "He's wrong. You don't deserve any of this. He just wants to bring you down to make you listen to him. You're amazing. I know that Mikey and Donnie see it you as amazing like I do. No one can be completely perfect. It's impossible. That part is just an excuse to do this to you." I keep him held close as he happily stays like this. "You don't have to hide your emotions from me." I add knowing that he seems to be trying to push away the urge to cry. "You know I won't judge you on how you're feeling. Even if you cry it'll be okay. No one will even know. I won't think any less of you."

Leo finally lets a tear slip through then another. He's soon crying a little to me a lot more softly than the other time.

I keep him held close to me as I let him get it out. I should have anticipated the chance of him locking the door. I should have planned for this.

There has to be another way to do this.

I push those thoughts away for now. I can look into that later. For right now I need to keep my focus on Leo. I gently nuzzle the top of his head assuringly. I want to make sure he doesn't forget that I really am here for him through it all.

He cries for a little longer before settling down.

I still keep him held close even as he calms down. "Do you still wanna talk about this? We can drop it for now if you're not feeling up to it." I offer to him then wait for him to decide.

"It's been so hard. What kept me enduring it was the thought that if I didn't then he'd turn on one of you three. Or even all." Leo tells me quietly as I listen to him. "As it kept going I just started to believe him that it was deserved." He has his head laying on my chest turned to the side as if listening to my heart.

I don't mind him doing this.

"I had no to turn to. It hurts inside and I don't like it." Leo goes quiet so I decide that I'll take my turn to speak now.

"I'm sorry you had to deal with this all alone. But don't forget what I've told you. He's wrong about what he says about you. You're a lot better than he wants you to believe you are. We all know it. And I'll do whatever I have to in order to make sure that you see it that way too." I tell him keeping my eyes on him.

"Can we stay like this?" Leo hesitantly inquires.

"For as long as you want." I confirm that we can. I move the cold pack to not leave him too cold there. I put it down and have both arms wrapped around him. "I'm not going anywhere." I promise to him as he lets himself completely relax against me. I just hope that he's really believing my words that he is a lot better than Splinter is letting him believe. I'll tell him it how many times he needs to hear it and more. I know we can brush off the worst bruise as that we found an enemy or criminal that we fought. I don't want to rush Leo into revealing things to our brothers yet. I know that telling them has a time and place.