Chapter4 - Unexpected Circumstances

Don and Raph made their way into the kitchen, still chuckling over their conversation. Mike was drying a bowl, and Leo was still reading that paper of his. Raph wondered briefly where he'd gotten it from.

"Mmmorning." Don said.

"Good morning!" Mike greeted him, a smile on his face.

"Morning, Don." Leo said politely.

Mike saw Raph throw a glance his brother's way that was nothing short of murderous. Mike sighed.

Don sat at the table and grinned when Mike set a glass of juice in front of him. "Th-thanks."

"No problemo, bro." Mike said, then put the pitcher of juice away. "Hungry?"

"No." Don said simply, lifting his glass to his mouth.

"April's coming over today." Leo said from behind his paper.

Don dropped his glass on the table, sending juice and pieces of glass everywhere. Raph jumped at the sound, as did Mikey. Leo continued reading his article.

"Wh-what?" Don asked, his eyes wide, looking at Leo and ignoring the juice as it dripped off the table and onto his legs and the floor.

"She called last night… said she wanted to come for a visit."

"N-No!" Don shook his head.

Mike jumped up and grabbed some paper towels, attempting to mop up the spilled drink. "Something wrong, Don?"

"Sorry, sorry." Don repeated, still obviously shaken, and ignoring Mike's question. He attempted to help clean up the glass, but only succeeded in cutting himself.

Mike saw tears well in his brother's eyes, and felt his own eyes begin to fill. He looked over and saw Raph looking at Don, also.

"Whoa, whoa." Raph said, bringing a paper towel over and pressing it over Don's cut. "What's goin' on, huh? It's just April…"

Leo glanced up at this statement. He'd always had the feeling that, with Don, it was never 'just April'.

Don's mouth moved without making sound, then he promptly shut it, and got up from the table. "I'm gonna go pa- pa-… fix this up." He said softly.

Them he left the room, leaving the rest of them in silence, looking away from each other.

"I'm off to get April." Leo said, as he walked into the living room. He stopped when he saw Don heading towards the door.

"Where are you going?" He asked, quickening his steps until he reached his brother.

"Out." Don said, reaching for the door.

"No." Leo said, putting a hand on the door, effectively stopping Don's exit.

"Why?" Don looked despairingly at his brother.

"Because, you can't go out there yourself."

"I'm… a bi-big boy, Leo."

Leo sighed. "I know, Don… I just… I can't let you go out there by yourself… I just can't. I'd hate myself if something else happened to you."

Don threw his brother a look. "More th-than you seem t-to hate me?" He said, then went into his room, shutting the door quietly.

Leo sighed again. He did not need this. Not now.

"He doesn't wanna see April."

Leo turned quickly at his brother's soft voice. Mikey stood, arms crossed, leaning against the wall by the kitchen. He pushed off the wall, sighing, then began walking towards Leo.

"He really… Couldn't he go, Leo?"

Leo shook his head. "No… I… I can't…" He began, then shook his head again. "Look… April's gonna be there soon, I have to go and meet her." He said, walking out the door.

Once outside, he glanced back, and caught Mikey shaking his head sadly, and rubbing a hand over his forehead. Gritting his teeth, Leo turned back and walked through the sewers, his head bowed towards the ground.

Leo watched the city from the alley he stood in, waiting for April. It was a peaceful night, as far as the city went.

He shivered involuntarily. Being in an alley reminded him of Don…

"Leo?"

He looked up at the whisper. Staying silent, he motioned for April to follow him, and they made their way down into the sewers.

They walked together in silence a few moments, until April spoke.

"How is he?" She asked.

Leo looked over at her. "He's… fine. He's fine. You know, he's doing pretty well, considering…" He trailed off. April nodded and pulled her coat tighter around herself. Then they made their way back to the lair in silence.

"We're back." Leo called, opening the door.

"What a nice greeting." April commenting, laughing at the lack of response.

"April!" Mike said, peeking his head into the room, and then going up to April and pulling her into a hug.

"It's been too long." He said, and she nodded sadly. "Yeah, Mikey, it has…"

He grinned, chuckling quietly, until he saw her scan the room, and her eyes saddened instantly. He frowned.

"April!" Raph called suddenly, entering the room.

"Hey, Raph." April said, her voice and face brightening a bit.

They all stopped, looking at each other for a minute, in silence.

"So, how is… everyone?" April asked.

"We're good!" Mikey broke in, smiling.

No one said anything again, and the room was filled with an awkward silence.

"Mikey…" Leo began quietly. "Do I smell something burning?"

Mike jumped at that, then took off towards the kitchen.

A few moments later, a cry of "My casserole!" reverberated through the lair. April looked first at Leo, and then to Raph. His lip twitched, and that was all it took for them to dissolve into some much-needed laughter.

Raph righted himself, and wiped his eyes. "I'm sure it's fine, Mikey." He called, walking across the room. He put his hand on April's shoulder as he passed her. "I'm gonna go get Donnie." He said.

She nodded, still laughing.

Raph chuckled all the way to Don's room. He stopped, knocking on the door, then opening it. "Hey, Donnie, it's time for…" Hey cut off, looking in the room. He looked at the bed.

He was gone.

Leo smiled as April and Mike talked about some TV show or another. It was good to see them both laugh. A few minutes later, Raph walked into the room. Leo looked over at him.

"Hey, Raph, I thought you were gonna get…" He cut off as he looked at his brother. Raph's face was pale, his eyes… unsure. Leo began standing. "Raph?"

"He's gone."

"What?" Mike looked over at them.

"What do you mean he's gone?" Leo demanded.

"What do you think I mean, Leo? I mean he's gone. As in not there." Raph snapped, moving his hands and arms to elaborate his words.

April gasped. Mike sighed.

Leo looked down for a moment, and had to grab the back of his chair as he was hit with a sudden wave of dizziness.

"Leo?" He heard Mike ask, and he looked up. He breathed deeply, trying to make the room stop spinning. He looked down, concentrating on the chair, and he noticed that he gripped the chair so tightly, that his knuckles were turning white.

He felt as if he'd been punched in the chest.

Then he blanched, realizing what was happening.

He was having a panic attack.

Author's Notes - Again, many apologies for the delay. Real life had some sudden, unexpected bumps. Some of which I'm still dealing with. I thank you all for your patience, and continued support.

Chapter 4 - Coming Soon.