Disclaimer - I do not own the TMNT, that is the honour of a couple of comic book types. However I do own 'Lotus', her name is a direct nod to the Lotus of the 80's cartoon to which she is based very loosely off. Her character, and her actions are mine.

Disclaimer A.N - This is to Amberlovez (?) They say that great minds think alike, and I can assure you that it is a 100 coincidence that we are both exploring the premise of Raph and Leo walking a mile in the others shoes. I have yet to read your tale in full, but should you look at mine I hope that you see the funny side.

--

Prologue - Switching Gears

"Dammit Leo! Y'know that isn't what I mean!"

"Flawless Leader?" Leo repeated quietly, tired eyes looking up to stare at Raph incredulously. "Great"

On the sofa Mikey looked to Donny, "Turn the TV up?" from the kitchen a sound of smashing plates rattled forth, Mikey turned from Don to the control and gave a tiny shrug. "Turn the TV up."

"It was a slip o' the tongue Le-O"

In the kitchen Leonardo and Raphael were partaking in one of their alarmingly growing pass-times. Arguing over nothing. With his arms folded Leo looked at his younger brother with a cold disdain. The constant warring was slowly but surely beginning to take its toll on the eldest turtle, even meditation was currently doing nothing to relieve his sense of growing indifference towards his younger brother. Since when had it become a given that he would calmly take all of this? His eyes scanned the room, the tipped plates from the washer lay scattered over the floor, not that it had been a deliberate mess caused by Raph, and they had just got in the way of his slamming fist. Pinching the bridge of his nose he tried to answer Raph. "Why ... ever-" he paused to watch as Raph made his way towards the door. "RAPH! I'm talking to you ..."

"Yea? An' maybe I don't really wanna hear it oh 'Fearless Leader'!" Rolling his eyes Raphael continued to make his way towards the exit.

Inside something snapped, characterised externally by the microscopic flick of his right eye. Jerking slightly Leo moved to block his brothers exit, how many times did he have to endure his brother storming off over the trivial? Well, not today, "You know what Raph?" Leo snapped loudly in his brother's face, "If you think being the damn leader is so easy ..." with shaking arms he reached up and pulled his katana's from his back. Swinging them round he shoved both of his sheaved blades into Raph's chest, his voice dropping into a steely staccato, "YOU DO IT!"

Turning on his heel Leo walked away from Raph, already feeling naked without his weapons and irresponsible for taking such dramatic action. But now that he had started he couldn't exactly stop, turn around, take back his swords and meditate until he cooled down. If Raph was having so many problems with his style of leadership then he could damn well find out how much pressure his elder brother was under every time they went out to fight. And Raph could damn well find out how much he didn't need the extra stress from him on top of it.

"Leo?" Donny called at his rapidly moving brother exposed back, more than a little concerned. Moving along the sofa with the intention of intercepting his brother he paused at his Sensei's interruption.

"Leave him my Son" Splinter instructed Donatello softly, his own black eyes turning curiously to see what a stunned Raphael had to add to the turn of events. "I think that perhaps it is wise to hear the side of the story that is still present."

From the kitchen a confused Raph emerged, nursing in his arms his brother's two katanas and a stunned expression. Looking up to Leo's retreating back he only succeeded in muttering "I think 'e just quit."