The chilly and crisp night air blew a draught underneath the dungeon door, as Raphael stirred and then shook his head to clear his fogginess. Blinking again, he glanced around the dark room and winced at the searing pain in his tail and everywhere else.
His body was a roadmap of abuse, bruises and lacerations virtually everywhere, three cracked ribs and a split lip.
But his tail stung most.
His tail, a place no one should touch, but someone had and it burned, like someone had shoved a red hot poker up it.
Why does it hurt and where am I, Raphael thought fearfully? Why can't I remember? Everythin' is so unclear. Maybe I was drugged or somethin', but why and by whom?
He shook his head, his haze fully dissipating and tried to move, but found that his arms were suspended above him at an awkward angle, he appeared to be chained to a wall of some sort and something was chafing his neck.
Panicking, as the memories suddenly came flooding back, he kicked out at empty air, his green eyes wide, heart pounding, sweat beading on his forehead.
Ambushed, hit by a paralyzing ray, raped on the rooftop, as the rain poured down.
By Shredder.
The villain's breath smelling of coffee and tobacco and tickling Raphael's neck, as his huge cock thrust in and out of the hothead, pain coursing through the Turtle, his screams ignored, as blood dripped out of his abused hole and later crusted between his legs.
Shredder's touches making Raphael's skin crawl, as he lay there, unable to defend himself against the sheer brutality.
The wicked fiend chuckling, as Raphael's moans soon turned to churrs.
The villain endlessly fucking Raphael and glorifying in his defilement, Shredder's laughter ringing in Raphael's ears.
Shame descending on Raphael, like a ton of bricks for reacting the way he did. How could he have? He hadn't wanted it. He was nothing more than a whore, wasn't he?
He was tainted, worthless, trash.
What would his family think?
What would Leo, think?
Would he still be wanted?
No.
Why would anyone want him when he was garbage? How could he look anyone in the face again? Some ninja he was. He couldn't protect himself, so how could he defend his family now?
He wasn't strong. He was weak, pathetic, everything he despised. How could he recover?
Death.
It'd be preferable to the shame, the degradation, the anguish, seeing the pity on his family's face.
He'd been the tough one. Now he was….He didn't know anymore.
Captured again, drugged and taken to the dungeon.
Stripped of his weapons, his gear, robbing him of his identity, his place in the world, his purpose.
Who was he now?
Shredder knowing that just that act would make him crumble far more than any torture would.
Suspended, chained, collared.
Like a pet.
Beaten, flogged, mewling.
Sounds that he never expected to make. Not him, the toughest and most macho of the brothers.
Bebop and Rocksteady watching the show, turned on, jerking off to Raphael's screams, enjoying his degradation, their eyes hazy with desire.
Shredder's hot breath, him taunting Raphael, as he undressed and then…
"GET ME OUT OF HERE!" Raphael screamed, his trepidation escalating, as the dungeon door creaked open and the icy air blew inside.
No. It couldn't be Shredder again, surely? It'd only been a couple of hours since the last time or had he, Raphael, lost track of time?
"Good morning, freak," Shredder said, as he entered the room. "Had a nice nap?"
"Get bent!" Raphael snapped, trying to be brave, his green eyes flashing, as a shiver went down his spine.
"Hahaha. That's cute, freak, but I seem to remember that it is you, who was bent over and you, who loves being submissive, don't you, cutie?" Shredder said and caressed Raphael's cheek, making him cringe and dread creep into his heart. "You love your Master, a real man, and his thick and huge cock sliding into your hole and filling you up with his seed. That's why you churr so openly for me. You know who's the Alpha. You're nothing but an Omega, who was born to serve me. That's your place. You'll be wise to remember it. Got it?"
"My brothers will rescue me! Ya will never win and then they'll kick yer ass!"
"Your brothers, my darling Cum drinker, are why you're here. Have you forgotten?" Shredder said and smirked. "They got bored of fighting on the side of good, deeming it thankless and joined my organization and then they gave me to you, because they thought it would be fun watching their heroic and strong mate reduced to a pathetic plaything. And that's what you are," Shredder said and ran his thumb along Raphael's slit, making his blood freeze more if that was possible.
"Yer lyin'. They love me and wouldn't do that ta me….."
"They also tired of you, because and I quote, "Raphael lies there, like a piece of meat in the bedroom, can't perform and he's ugly. We don't want him anymore and want it just to be us."
"They would never say that! Yer fibbin'. They're gonna come here, rescue me and…."
"Hmm. So trusting of them, huh? What a fool you are, Cum drinker. I'll be right back," Shredder and said and exited the dungeon.
The goon returned with Leo and Donnie a few minutes later.
Leo and Donnie wore the Foot's attire, their emblem tattooed on their right shoulders.
"Hey, Raphie, what's up?" Leo said casually, his arm slung around Raphael's waist.
Raphael's green eyes widened in amazement at his brother's nonchalance and clothing and said, "Leo, what the heck's goin' on? Why are ya and Donnie dressed that way? Have ya guys lost yer minds? Shredder's our enemy! How could ya betray our family for that slimeball? Tell me that I'm dreamin'."
"You're not," Donnie said and kissed Leo's cheek. "We left the clan and joined the Foot. I'm sure Dad's already informed you why. It's all true and we're so happy. Leo's already second-in command and will take over one day. Dad's been so great to us."
"D-dad?" Raphael spluttered in disbelief. "He ain't yer dad. Master Splinter is. Look what he's done for us. Taking us in, raising us. Where's yer loyalty?"
"It died when we got a better deal with the Foot," Leo said. "Isn't life about bettering your lot in life? We were going nowhere with Dad and we got no love. Dad gives us tons and we love him. He's the best thing that ever happened to us. As for that blasted rat, don't worry. We took care of him," Leo said and grinned wickedly.
A chill ran down Raphael's spine at Leo's callousness. How could he be that cold and unfeeling about Splinter, who'd taken them in, given them a home, taught them everything he knew, been there for them? Maybe he hadn't been as openly affectionate, as he could have been, but that was just the way he'd been raised. His family hadn't been openly loving, but they had shown their love for one another in their actions.
Raphael knew that Splinter had loved them by his caring actions, so how could his brothers dispatch him and then talk about it as flatly as if they were discussing the weather? Hadn't Splinter meant anything to them, like he did to Raphael?
He gave his dad shit sometimes, but he did love him and the thought of him dead shattered him. To think that he would never again hear Splinter's calm voice or to get the odd hug or was like a dagger to his heart.
He had to be dreaming, right? He'd open his eyes and then he'd be home at the lair.
Raphael shut his eyes, opened them and saw that nothing had changed. He was still chained in the dungeon, his brothers and Shredder looking at him.
It was real, so did that mean everything else Shredder had said was also true? But why would his brothers do that to him? What on earth could he have done to be given to a psychopath, their arch enemy, especially when they knew what he'd previously experienced by the villain's hands and how much it had traumatized him? Did he matter so little? And why? He'd tried his ultimate to please his mates, even giving them babies.
The babies, Raphael thought anxiously. Where are they? Did Leo and Donnie kill them too? No, no. Please let them be okay. They gotta be. I love them so much.
As if reading his thoughts, Leo said, "You're ugly and you never satisfied us in the bedroom. All you did was lie there like a piece of meat and whine about your trauma. That got old fast. I can't stand whingeing. Donnie and I soon grew bored of you and thought what better way to prove our allegiance to our new dad than by giving you to him? I know you guys had a blast before. You will now. Dad has some fun toys in mind for you..."
Hurt, betrayal, anguish and despair flashed on Raphael's face, as he said wretchedly, tears streaming down his cheeks, "How could ya, Leo? I loved ya guys so much."
"If you did, you'd have tried harder to be a better mate and to stop thinking about yourself," Donnie said. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. Leo and I are happy and we'll have an amazing life together with the babies. Our bonding ceremony is tomorrow. It's a shame you'll miss it, as you're a bit tied up at the moment," Donnie added and laughed at his joke.
Leo and Shredder joined in, throwing their heads back, reveling in Raphael's misery.
Raphael's hung his head, his heart disintegrating in a billion pieces, the laughter ringing in his ears. It was true. He'd been betrayed in the cruelest way by people he'd trusted the most. People he thought loved him and would treasure him always. What an idiot he'd been, but how could he have foreseen the deception when everything, their relationship, had seemed perfect and everyone appeared to be happy?
"Anyway," Leo said and then kissed Don's lips, "We have some things to do. Have fun, Raphie. We'll see you at dinner, Dad."
"All right, my sons," Shredder said, as he unzipped his pants, the sound causing fear to coil around Raphael's heart, his stomach feeling like lead, as his heart pounded.
Fucking déjà vu. He was about to be brutalized again and there was nothing he could do!
"No!" Raphael screeched, seeing his brothers turn to leave. "No. No. Don't leave me. I'll be a better mate. I promise. Guys, please!"
"Toodles," Leo said with a wave and he and Donnie left the dungeon.
"Hmm. I have a new toy, Cum drinker," Shredder declared, holding the object up to a terrified and blubbering Raphael's face. "It's called a CBT. Cock and ball torturer. Look at its spikes. Guaranteed to cause pain, but then you do like that. We'll play with this first and then you'll ride me. Don't cry, my pet. It'll be fun. I promise," Shredder and stepped closer...….
"NO!" Raphael screamed, as tears fell down his face, his legs kicking out at the villain. "NO! DON'T TOUCH ME!"
Jolted awake by their mate's shouting and his thrashing around, Leo and Donnie immediately went into proactive mode, Leo peppering Raphael's face with soft kisses, as Donnie whispered soothing words, while caressing his arm.
"Sh, baby," Leo said between kisses. "It's all right, Raphie. You're safe. No one will ever hurt you. I promise."
"That's right, hon," Don said and kissed Raphael's shoulder. "You're just having a dream. You're at the lair with me and Leo. Open your eyes, my love. You have nothing to fear."
Trembling and whimpering, Raphael opened his green eyes uncertainly, looked up into Leo's sapphire eyes and sighed in relief at seeing his mate.
"Leo, this ain't a dream, right, and yer really here. Donnie too? I'm safe," Raphael asked hopefully.
"Yes, sweet Raphie. You're in the lair with me and Don. It's clear you had a bad dream. Want to talk about it?"
"No. I'm fine," Raphael said stubbornly. "Don't worry, Leo. Go back ta sleep."
"Raph, you were screaming and kicking about. You are not fine," Donnie said. "Talk to us. We want to help you. Please."
"I don't wanna talk 'bout it. I just wanna forget and go back to sleep. Drop it, Donnie!"
"I will not! You were crying and….."
"I wasn't crying! I don't cry," Raphael snarled, his green eyes flashing, as he shifted away from Leo and sat up. "I ain't fuckin' weak! I'm the backbone and the protector of this family. That's my job. I ain't pathetic, weak or a coward. That ain't me. Do ya fuckin' hear me? I ain't. I'm strong, a ninja and tough and can take care of myself. That's my identity. Not the broken mess that Leo found on the rooftops! That was someone else."
"Easy, Raph," Leo said and ran his thumb lightly over Raphael's hand in a soothing gesture. "Donnie wasn't calling you weak. None of us have ever thought that of you. You're our courageous and strong Raphael and we love you so much. All we want to do is help you through whatever was troubling you. Let us in, okay? I promise you we won't judge you or think ill of you and just so you know, if you did cry, it's okay. It's a normal reaction to what you've endured. I would, so please take a deep breath and tell us how we can help you. That's all we want to do. I know discussing feelings isn't easy, but in order for us to help you, you have to try, okay?"
"That's right," Donnie said and grabbed Raphael's other hand in his. "I just want to help. I love you, Raphie, and seeing you distressed cuts me up."
Raphael dragged a hand down his face, drew in a shaky breath and said, "Okay. I was in a dungeon, naked, suspended, my arms chained high above and at an awkward angle I woke up groggy, so maybe I was drugged or somethin'. Every part of me hurt, but the worst pain was in my tail. I can't do this. Please let me stop," Raphael begged, tears falling down his face at the memory.
"You're doing fine, my love," Leo said and kissed Raphael's cheek. "We have you and everything is going to be okay. I assure you."
"It was like someone had shoved a red hot poker up it, ya know, and the memories of what had happened on the rooftop came flooding back. Him takin' what he wanted. Me lyin' there and just havin' ta take it, unable ta defend myself. Me reduced ta a playthin', his toy, ta fuck up, instead of the tough and macho guy I've always been. His laughter ringing in my ears, as he fucked me, enjoying my defilement. I wept like a baby. That's right. I did. Me, who don't cry. What do ya think of me now? It wasn't my first time, but he was savage and blood dripped out of my ass. I kept wondering what ya all would think of me now and then the worst thing happened. My body betrayed me and I fuckin' churred, as if I was lovin' the degradation, only makin' the bastard chuckle more and fuck me harder! I wanted ta die. I would have stabbed myself if I'd had my sai. Would have been better than dealin' with the weight of the shame and disgust of it all. Not just at the situation, but bein' unable ta help myself! I hated myself and was confident everyone would too, because I was trash now. Just trash and not worthy of love or respect or….."
"We told you that wasn't your fault, Raphie," Donnie said. "You have nothing to be ashamed of. It was Shredder's and one day we will wreak our vengeance on him."
"Hush, let me continue, Donnie, or I'll lose my nerve," Raphael said. "So anyway, I'm just hangin' 'round, freaking out and expectin' fuckin' déjà vu and the door opens. Canhead enters the room and tells me that ya two have joined the Foot, as ya were bored of gettin' no appreciation for doin' good and that ya'd given me to him, as ya were tired of me, because I didn't perform in the bedroom and so on…."
"We would NEVER do that to you, Raph," Leo said. "Never. Do you really think we would do such a terrible thing? And we certainly wouldn't join the Foot. Not under any circumstances. I despise Shredder, especially after what he did to you and I want to rip his throat out, vivisect him and throw his entrails to the vultures."
"Leo, please let me continue!" Raphael said irritably. "Talkin' 'bout it ain't easy and each time I'm interrupted makes me hesitant to continue!"
"Sorry. Please continue."
"Anyway, I didn't believe the scuzz bucket and told him my brothers would rescue me and they loved me, so he fetched ya guys. Ya wore the Foot attire, had the emblem tattooed on yer shoulders and said ya were his sons now, that ya'd killed Dad, that ya were gonna raise the babies together and that I was Shredder's ta do with, as he pleased, because I was ugly, didn't satisfy ya and ya didn't want me. Then ya said ya were leavin' as ya had last minute plannin' before yer bondin' ceremony the next day. Leo, ya were so proud of the fact that ya'd killed Dad and discussed his death as flatly, as if ya were talkin' 'bout the weather. I was floored that ya could be that cold 'bout the man, who'd raised ya! And then ta call that bastard Shredder Dad in front of me, knowin' all he'd done ta our family and ta Dad! Donnie bragged how ya were already second-in-command and would take over the Foot one day. The Foot, not our honorable clan. Our clan, whom ya so willingly betrayed for a psychopath, who don't care 'bout ya and who only wants ta use ya for his nefarious plans! Ya left me ta Shredder's devices, knowin' that he was gonna hurt me again and not carin'. Ya left yer mate, who'd only tried his best ta please ya, even givin' ya babies. Have ya any idea how much agony there must be in layin' eggs? I ain't laid any yet, but I imagine it will be fuckin' painful for me. Betrayin' our family hurt and angered me, but betrayin' me was…." Raphael said and wiped his face with the back of his hand, as unwanted tears rolled down his cheeks. "That was far worse, because I loved and trusted ya guys and that wasn't enough. Ya gave me ta the man responsible for all of my nightmares, my fear, and it was all goin' ta happen again and I could do nothin' but take it. Shredder had a new toy called a CBT, which is a cock and ball torturer. It had spikes on it and he came closer with it. That's when I woke up. It all felt so real, ya know. So fuckin' real," Raphael said and shivered. "I've had tons of nightmares, but that was definitely one of the worst."
Leo gently kissed him, pulled him close and said, "That's never going to happen, my love. We love you incredibly and we will never betray you or our family. You're safe and we will love, protect and treasure you for the rest of our lives. You have nothing to worry about and that Shredder will pay. I'll see to it. You have my word."
"That's right," Donnie said, wrapping his arms around his brothers. "Everything is going to be okay, Raphie. You'll see."
"What if ya tire of me?" Raphael asked, his face buried in the crook of Leo's neck, as he melted into his big brother's embrace.
"Why would we?" Leo asked.
"Because I might never be the same Raph ya knew again and I might…I might be a disappointment in the bedroom and…."
"You could never be a disappointment to us, Raphie," Donnie said. "We love you and that won't ever change. I swear, so please dismiss those thoughts from your mind."
"Why do ya love me? I ain't special. Ya will realize it one day and leave me. I'm filth. Shredder knew and called me Cum drinker. Perfect name for trash, like me."
"Bullshit!" Leo said heatedly. "You ARE special, precious and you mean everything to us, Raph. You're amazing, caring, passionate, sweet, courageous, protective, loyal and we will never stop telling you that. You are the best thing that's ever happened to us and we are proud to call you our mate. I wish you could see yourself through our eyes. You are not broken, damaged, a fucktoy or something to be pitied. You are our treasured and much adored Raphael. That's your identity…."
"I ain't…."
"You ARE magnificent, wanted and adored. Tell me that."
"It's stupid."
"It's not. Tell me, I, Raphael, am magnificent, wanted and adored."
"I, Raphael, am magnificent, wanted and adored. Leo, yer such a dork," Raphael said and smiled.
"If words are said often enough, you believe them," Donnie said. "Which we want. We want you to believe in yourself again, Raph, like we believe in you and everything we said is true. You are not trash, a pet or a toy to use and to abuse. We want you to feel good about yourself and to stop blaming yourself for all that's happened. I know it'll take time, but both me and Leo will help you through it and beyond. You will always have us by your side, okay? And, like we have both said, Shredder will pay. We will never rest until he's paid the ultimate price for his actions."
"Like ya said, it'll take time," Raphael said, pulling away from Leo. "Ya gotta be patient."
"I'm the king of patience. Leo is too, so don't worry. We have all the time in the world. You will get better, Raph. I know it and you'll be stronger than before. Shredder won't win."
Buoyed by his mate's words, Raphael nodded and said determinedly, his lips set in a firm line, "I will and I'm gonna personally eradicate Shredder and put his head on a spike for all ta see. I'm gonna make ya proud of me and get back trainin' and…."
"We are already immensely proud of you," Leo said and kissed Raphael's lips. "It takes guts to talk about it all. I know that was difficult and it is difficult accepting help, because you've always prided yourself on being independent and you hated a fuss, but you're doing amazingly, Raphie. I doubt I would as brave."
Raphael nodded and said, "Yeah. It is. Thank ya, guys. I'm grateful ta ya. I don't know what I'd do without ya."
"No need to thank us, angel," Donnie said and hugged him. "It's what mates do. Protect, love and help their mates any way they can. You'd do the same for us. Do you feel a bit better now?"
"I would in a heartbeat. I'd do anythin' for ya guys. I do feel a bit better, but I don't think I can sleep yet. I'm sorry. Still a little tense."
"No need to apologize," Leo said, glancing at the digital clock on the dresser, which read 5:28 a.m. "I know what'll relax you. It always has in the past. I know we say we love you, but actions prove more than words."
"Leo, what are ya up to?" Raphael asked.
"Stay here. I'll call you when I'm finished," Leo said, standing up and then striding out of the room.
Raphael raised an eye ridge and said, "Donnie, what is he up ta?"
"I have no idea, Raph," Donnie said. "But knowing Leo, it's something specially designed to please you and to help you feel great about yourself again."
"I don't know why he'd bother. I'm tainted…"
"You are not tainted!" Donnie said and smothered Raphael's mouth with his own, silencing him. Pulling back, Donnie said, "You are perfect in every way and like Leo said, we won't stop telling you that."
"Sorry…."
"Stop apologizing. You've done nothing wrong."
"Sorry. Bad habit. Hey, Donnie, what if the kids are human and I can't bond with them?"
"Raph, if you can't, me and Leo will until you think you can, okay? Stop stressing and just focus on getting better, my darling, okay?"
"I'll try."
"Good," Donnie said, touching his forehead to his brother's. "Relax. I have you and you're going to be just fine."
Leo entered the bedroom ten minutes later and said, "Ready to see your surprise, Raph?"
"What have ya done, Leo? It ain't my birthday. I…."
"So I can only do something nice for you on your birthday, huh? Nope. I'm your mate and I WILL spoil you as often as I want, because that's what you deserve and nothing makes me happier than seeing you smile. It's the most beautiful thing in the world and could light up the darkest room! And your laughter. How I love hearing it. It's the most spectacular sound."
Blushing profusely, his plastron swelling in pride at the endearments, Raphael threw a pillow at Leo and said, "Ya are a dork. That's so cheesy!"
"Maybe, but all true and I know you love hearing it, even though you'll deny it. Come on, Donnie. Join us."
"Ya know me too well. All right. I'll bite."
The trio left the room.
What on earth has Leo planned, Raphael thought?
XXXXX
Leo led his mates into the bathroom and said, "Here you go, Raphie. This is all for you."
Raphael gazed in astonishment at the scene before him. The bathtub was filled with hot water and bubble bath, lavender permeating the air. Leo had clearly used the lavender bubble bath April had left behind. Dotted around the tub were several lit candles, casting a soft glow around the room and filling the room with the intense and thick scent of sandalwood.
Leo knew him so well. A bath had always done wonders for him in the past. As kids, he'd always whined at leaving the tub, because he loved being in the water so much. It soothed him, much like Leo had always done.
"Aw, Leo, ya didn't have ta," Raphael said, moved by the gesture and a little embarrassed.
"I did. This will help you relax and take your mind off things. Hop in."
"Yeah. Come on, Raphie," Donnie said. "Get in and relax. I'll be in the kitchen getting you something you love. See you in the bedroom," he added and left the room.
"Well, okay," Raphael said and climbed into the tub, slowly relaxing and sinking lower, the water reaching his chin. "This is great. Thank ya, Leo."
"It's a pleasure," Leo said. "And this is just the start of things."
"Leo, ya don't have ta do things ta prove yer love ta me."
"Yeah. We do and the more we do it, the more you'll get it into your thick head that you are loved and wanted and the nightmares will end," Leo said, kneeling down by the tub.
Raphael closed his eyes and sighed contentedly.
Leo grabbed a sponge, dipped it into the water and slowly washed his brother, dragging the sponge down and over Raphael's shoulders, down his arms, and praying it would help his brother relax even more.
It had the desired effect.
"Hmm. That's awesome," Raphael said and hummed in appreciation. "So soothin'. Ya really know what I like, Leo. Thank ya. I needed this."
"I knew you'd like it," Leo said and continued his ministrations.
Raphael heaved another happy sigh and it wasn't long before he fell into a light slumber.
Leo watched him, taking care that he didn't slip under the water and when the water had become tepid, the leader leaned over the tub and gently nuzzled Raphael's cheek with his beak.
"W-what, Leo?" Raphael said sleepily.
"It's time to get out. I'll help you."
Raphael held onto Leo, as he helped him out and said, "That was great. Thank ya, Leo."
"You're welcome, sweetheart," Leo said, rubbing him dry and then wrapping him in a fluffy towel.
Raphael stretched and hummed in happiness at finding his muscles and joints relaxed and warm, all his tension having left his body.
It was amazing what just a bath could accomplish.
"Feel better, Raphie?" Leo said.
"Much. Thank ya, but Leo, ya and Donnie really don't have ta do things for me. Just bein' with ya is enough."
"Yes, we do," Leo said firmly. "I told you before why and seeing you happy, content, feeling loved and relaxed warms my soul. It makes me feel good that I can do things for you," Leo said, stepping closer and cupping Raphael's face in his hands. "I love you with every fiber of my being and being able to bring a smile to your face is the best feeling ever. I love knowing that even just this small act helped ease your fears and tension. You do so much for us, Raphie. Let me continue doing things for you and taking care of you. Donnie feels exactly the same way as me."
A moved Raphael gave an embarrassed grin, as tears rolled down his cheeks and said, "Heard yerself lately? Yer so lame, Leo. Ya've been readin' too much romance fiction."
Leo chuckled, folded Raphael into a hug and said, "Maybe, but it's true. I love you fiercely and I always will and I know you love hearing how much you're loved."
"Yeah," Raphael said, wrapping his arms tightly around Leo. "I do and I love ya just as much. Thank ya, Leo. Thank ya so much for everythin' ya do and for never givin' up on me."
They stood there for a long moment, savoring their closeness and the special moment.
Then Leo pulled apart and said, "Let's get back to the bedroom."
They linked hands and headed back to the bedroom.
XXXX
Raphael and Leo entered the bedroom and saw a tray on the nightstand containing chocolate cupcakes and three mugs of hot chocolate.
"Had a nice bath, Raphie?" Donnie said. "I hope so and that you feel much better. This isn't much, but I do hope you like this. I know chocolate and hot chocolate are two items you choose when you're down."
"Aw," Raphael said, his green eyes misting over at the gesture. "Thank ya, Donnie. Yer too sweet. Thank ya."
"You're welcome, love," Donnie said and kissed his cheek. "Tuck in, guys."
They sat on the bed and munched the cupcakes, the hot chocolate warming their bones and soothing the hothead.
Raphael snuck glances at his mates and thought, I'm so lucky ta have two awesome mates, who'll always take care of me and I vow ta always do my best for them. I love them so much and I'm also gonna do things ta show how much I value them.
They soon finished.
Raphael removed his towel, climbed into bed, yawned and said, "I think I can sleep now, but what's the point? We gotta get up soon."
"No, we don't," Leo said. "Dad knows what you've been through, Raphie, that you need rest and that I'm with you. He'll probably think Donnie is here to comfort too, because he often does. So don't worry. Close your eyes and sleep."
"Okay," Raphael said and lay down.
Leo and Donnie lay down and snuggled as close to Raphael, as they could, their arms wrapped around him.
"I love ya guys. Thank ya so much for all ya do," Raphael said.
"Love you too," Donnie said and planted a kiss on Raphael's cheek.
"Love you, Raphie," Leo said. "Close your eyes."
Raphael shut his eyes and thought, I'm safe and that won't change. I'm loved. I'm blessed and nothin' and no one will ever tear me apart from my Leo and Donnie.
Leo sang Chugoku Chiho komoriuta (Chugoku Region Lullaby), a traditional song from Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture, in the Chugoku region. It was one of the songs Splinter had sang to them as young kids and it had never failed to calm them.
The lullaby had always been Raphael's favorite lullaby and even when he was much older, he'd asked Leo, as he flushed in embarrassment, to sing it to him when he'd had a nightmare.
It had the same affect now.
Raphael was soon fast asleep, his plastron gently rising with each breath.
Leo beamed and thought, that's right, Raphie. Rest. We have you and we'll always honor and love you. You will soar again, my darling, and be stronger than ever. No one will ever harm you again. I promise.
Donnie also fell into a deep slumber, his loud snoring echoing off the sewer walls and irritating Leo.
A disgruntled Leo thought, we will have to talk about that.
The leader closed his eyes, inhaled Raphael's intoxicating scent and soon joined his brothers in the land of nod.
A/N Happy Easter to those of you, who celebrate it. Hope you liked the chapter :)
Thank you for your support.
