Author's Note: Hi there, long time no see. Been a while since I released a Ninja Turtles story, well I've been busy with a new fandom but I'm slowly trying to get back into writing more Ninja Turtles stories, as some ideas have swelled up. I'm going to be working on two fandoms at the same time. Now first off, I wrote this story on my own, so it may be different from the usual style. But I have some good news. My partner in crime, Glazier Blue and I are collaborating on a small chapter story for Ninja Turtles in celebration for Halloween. Not quite Halloween themed but it has the scary, eeriness that the month presents. Can't reveal much without spoiling it but we hope that it'll be good.

Now this story is one I had in the works for a long while, it's a small fluff piece that I thought would be good to do and i'm glad I did. I hope you all enjoy it.

…the Hero walked and walked through the cheery bright meadow, as he knew that his village was near. Tired, and clutching his wounded side he kept on going, determined to make it across the threshold of his home. For he knew that once he took one step onto his homeland his mission would be complete, and he could finally achieve the rest he deserved. He took one step, after slow step and…and…

And…

"A-ACHOO!" Leo sneezed out loud as his train of concentration had been thrown off due to the unexpected bodily reaction.

Using his thumb as a bookmark, he closed the hardback book for the moment to wipe his nose, feeling it backing up some. A wave of nausea then hit the leaf green turtle as he attended to himself, making sure there was no mucus, or tears or anything of the like.

Leo shuddered as a small chill shot through him, making him pull the wool blanket, draped on him, closer to provide some extra warmth as shifted his position on the couch so he could retain his comfort spot. Unfortunately, that had been a bad move since the movement caused his head to spin a bit, causing a groan to emanate from his mouth.

Leo hated being sick, with a cold most of all. Especially since it meant his day-to-day activities would be limited as his body wouldn't be working like it used to. And after a checkup by Donatello, the purple clad turtle told him that he needed nothing but bed rest, which meant no training, patrols and anything strenuous for at least a week. This had been a downer to the blue clad turtle as he was basically quarantined in his room so the risk of getting the others sick was minimized. Still, that didn't stop him from coming and going when he needed things, as his self-reliance never turning off as he didn't want to be a burden on his family while being sick.

Most of all that didn't stop him from being the leader, as currently he is waiting up in the den for his brother to come home for the night. Not too long ago he awoke and found that it was past midnight. Feeling his throat being dry he decided to go to the kitchen to get something to drink. When he got out of his room, his older brother instincts got the better of him, so he decided to check on his brothers one by one. Relief came as he found them asleep in their beds, unaware of his presence, but when he checked Donatello's room, he frowned upon finding it empty. Despite feeling nauseous Leo looked around the lair and found that he couldn't find his brother anywhere.

Worry then started to get to him.

He tried the shell cell but there was no response. He kept trying over and over again for a long while, yet that didn't help his panic. Eventually he got a text message which made the worry diminished some. It had said:

Be back soon, don't worry I'm ok.

Despite hearing some confirmation about his brother's status, it still didn't make the worry go away. The blue clad turtle would have love to have gone out to find him, but sadly his body wasn't in it, and the thought of quick movement brought nausea to him. So, there was only one thing he could do in a time like this. Wait.

He relented and made some tea, which helped with his nausea some, before grabbing one of his books and making himself comfortable on the couch. Grabbing the book marker, he opened it and started to pick up right where he left off, the words registering him in the text. He got lost as he kept reading every single word on the page, feeling a thrill with every page that had been turned.

This had been his favorite book series so far, well as far as he could remember. The premises is of a young samurai from childhood to adulthood as he proved his skill and honor as he goes around Japan to offer his services. Right now, he was finishing up the latest in the series…well…it was latest a couple of hours ago.

The Newest book of the series was to be released this very night, well actually it happened a couple of hours ago right at midnight. This has been something the blue clad turtle had been looking forward to for months, maybe even a year. Ever since he caught wind of the book's release date he's been counting down the days, growing anxious as time passed. For being such a well-rounded ninja, this even tried his patience.

Thankfully he managed cleared it with Master Splinter and get permission ahead of time to go, so he wouldn't have to worry about it at the last minute. Even though the rat master had said he disapproved of them being late at night, Leo managed to convince him that it was just to the bookstore a few blocks away. Thankfully his father agreed, even though Leo figured that this might be a one-time exception. Still, he was happy his request wasn't denied.

As the days went by and the release day got closer the wait started getting to him. He reread the first two books that he owned, multiple times. Like everyone else who was a fan of the book series the desire to know what happens next kept building. It came to the point that he would do anything to keep his mind busy, which wasn't hard as he occupied himself with his training, which helped take up most of his time and distracted himself.

Then one day it happened, the very thing that would derail all the careful planning he made. Don had just finished working on April's laptop, installing some new firewalls and security programs for her. The Genius turtle had said he would go and deliver it to her, but Leo had offered to do it. Saying that he would be faster at doing it, plus he didn't mention that the news said there would be some rain coming. Being the overprotective brother that he was, he didn't want any of his siblings going out and being caught in it.

Safe to say it started raining as he was halfway to April's apartment, heavy rain. What made it even worse is that the temperature dropped, making it feel like he was being pelted by ice. The redhead was shocked to see that her friend drenched in water, but Leo didn't mind as he managed to keep the laptop dry. April had insisted that Leo stay until the rain stopped. It was then the blue clad turtle would soon realize his mistake.

Declining the offer Leo stated that the rain would go on all night, and he would rather not be away from home just in case. Before April could protest, Leo left, crossing the puddles of the rooftops. He got home safely but after going to sleep Leo woke up feeling terrible. His body felt hot all over, nausea flooding his head, and sneezing. He couldn't hide it at all as he stayed in bed, feeling drained and not being able to get out. Don came knocking soon enough and found him, and immediately went into doctor mode. After being examined by the family doctor Don announced that Leo caught a cold because of being in the rain.

Splinter chastised him for doing something so reckless, which to his other sons was rare. Still Leo didn't fight back and took the words as he deserved it. After his brothers left his room Splinter stayed back and sighed heavily. He then announced that his planned trip to the bookstore was off, that had Leo bolting upright protesting, but had to lay back down as he felt dizzy.

"Leonardo, you are not leaving the lair until you feel better…and that's final," Splinter repeated in his parental tone, the very one that none of his son's would dare to defy when used on them.

"Y-Yes sensei," Leo had relented sadly. He couldn't believe he got sick and now is going to miss getting his book. It had looked like his waiting would have to be extended.

Now the obvious solution would be to ask if any of his brothers, or friends, would go to the store for him, but that wouldn't work. Leo wasn't the kind of turtle that wanted a lot of materialistic items. When he did, he strived to get them personally and not bother others with it. Shell, he didn't even bring up missing his midnight release to any of his brothers, as he didn't want to burden them with something so small.

"Leonardo?" a voice called out, knocking the turtle out of his train of thought as he saw his father a few feet away from him. His confused and worried expression filled on his face as he found his son still up.

"Evening Master Splinter," Leo bowed his head in respect. Despite being sick he still could manage to show his respect for others... Something he never been able to switch off!

"My son, you should be in bed, you won't get better if you are up at this time," Splinter responded as he quickly moved to his son's side, not worrying if he caught the virus at all. The rat would risk his own health just to make sure his sons were safe, and if he had to be sick in order to achieve it then so be it.

"I'm sorry for waking you if I did," Leo apologized, as he avoided eye contact. Despite being sick Leo could never turn his leadership duties off and still chose to wait up for his remaining brother. "I just can't rest knowing one of my brothers is still out."

A sigh is heard as Leo turned back to look at his father, who had a displeased expression now. One of which the blue clad turtle seemed to have witness more often now. And who could blame him, his father seemed to have to use his parental authority more and more these last few days, and it was tiring for him.

"Where did Raphael go now?" Splinter question was automatic, knowing that it was always his second eldest to stay out late. Out of all his sons, Raph had always been the one to go out and not return until dawn without even a call. Now he was in for it, because now Splinter wants to wait up for him.

"Well…actually," Leo tried to speak but stopped as his father started speaking once more.

"I have warned him so many times…." The rat started to go on before he let out a disappointed sigh. "I don't want to, but I will have to punish him when he returns."

A few days ago, Raph came in late, and Splinter had noticed this when the red clad turtle thought he was in the clear. But in the morning during breakfast Splinter called him out on it and he was so busted. Even with his brothers there Splinter lectured Raph on staying out late and not informing them, and had warned him that if he does it once more he would be grounded for two weeks.

Of course, like Leo, Raph had to put his two cents in, expressing how unfair it was. He was always getting the harsher punishments, even when the others may have done something just as bad! Seeing his point, Splinter addressed all of them, warning them that they would all suffer the same level of punishment if they failed to check in.

"Master Splinter," Leo quickly had to cut in. The rat looked down at his sitting son. "As much as a surprise it is…it's not Raph who is out."

That comment caused the rat to freeze in his tracks, both eyes widening in surprise as he turned to face his eldest son, "It…isn't?

Leo shook his head, taking a moment to suppress a shudder from a chill. "It's actually-"

A sudden noise from the entrance made them both turn, watching as a lone figure entered. Clad in his street disguise, Donatello had a smile plastered across his face, which quickly disappeared upon seeing his father and sick brother looking right at him, "Uh…Hi?"

"Donatello!" the purple clad turtle cringed as his father used that parental tone. The same one that could even make a veteran ninja cringe in fear. "Care to explain why you were out in the late hours of the night?" he asked, walking up to his second youngest.

"I'm sorry sensei…I was just running an errand," Don said as he bowed in apology to his father.

The rat was about to chastise his son further but stopped as he noticed something inside the jacket pocket. He could see the item just a bit, but it was enough to let him formulate the reason why he's late and was kind of touched at his actions. But still even though he did a good deed it couldn't go unpunished, since he had to be fair to all his children equally.

"Still my son, you didn't inform me or your brothers of your departure, and you stayed out late. Like I have said the other day I have to be fair with you and your brothers, so because of your actions you are grounded for two weeks. Also, you will have an extra hour of practice on those days."

Don expected this, if he had been worried about the punishment that would occur from his excursion then he wouldn't have gone out. He accepted this as he bowed once more to his father, "Yes father, it won't happen again."

The rat nodded and leaned in some so his eldest son couldn't hear what he had to say, "Do what you have to do, and then get to bed."

"Yes, Sensei," Don responded once more as he and Leo then watched in silence as their father slowly made his way to his room.

Once behind the sliding doors, Leo then looked over at the purple clad turtle, "Don, why were you out so late?"

"I was just picking something up." he smiled at his brother, but then frowned as he saw the blue clad turtle's appearance. "Leo, why aren't you in bed? I told you that you need rest."

"Don't turn this around on me." The leaf green turtle tried to suppress and shudder from another chill, which nearly threw off his focus. Thankfully, he still had a good mindset to keep in the conversation, but not for much longer as he could feel the fatigue coming on. "You're the one who was out late."

"You know me, I have my reasons, unlike you who should be in bed." Don responded as he started removing his surface disguise, wanting to help his brother back to his room.

"What could be so important that you would be out after midnight?" Leo asked in curiosity, despite feeling so sick, he couldn't help but feel the need to lecture... though he wasn't up to his usual par.

"Well, does this answer it?" fully undressed now, the purple clad turtle reached into the jacket pocket and pulled something out.

Leo's mouth opened up but stopped as his eyes rested on what his brother held in his hand. All protests and words of lecture were caught in his throat upon seeing a hardback book. The title visible for him to read, causing an elated feeling of joy to fill him, and he couldn't believe what he is seeing. For a moment he looked up at his brother, "T-That's….

"Your book bro," Don smiled as he handed it over, his eldest brother's trembling hand reached out and took the item in hand, looking it over almost as if it wasn't real, and felt it over to be sure.

"B-But why?" Leo looked back up in confusion. "You didn't have to do-"

"Would you have honestly allowed it if someone offered?" Don then asked with a smile. Knowing his brother fully and would never ask someone else to do his own errands. The genius turtle figured he would be nice and do him this favor as a kind gesture.

"But how, I didn't make a single mention about the book at all," the leaf green turtle then asked, now curious as to how this got found out.

"I may be consumed with all my own pet projects, but I am observant like you. Seeing you getting really antsy, and trying to occupy your time, plus how you kept reading the same books repeatedly," Don smiled, making Leo blush a little. He didn't know his bro had been paying such close attention. That had changed. "Plus, after you used my computer you left the web-page from the bookstore open."

"A-Ah, right," Leo rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, can't believe he forgot about that. He was quite good with some technology but sometimes when he got antsy and excited about something even his mind forgets certain things. Still, that's beside the point. "But Don, you got grounded doing this, I didn't want that happening."

"It may have come at a bad time, but still I'm happy to have done it," Don reassured, showing no regret in his actions by smiling. Well, he is a bit irritated at the whole extra hour of practice thing, as he would need to get up earlier, but it was still worth it.

Leo again smiled, looking at the book once more and still not believing that he has it. Still, something was nagging in the back of his mind as he saw the time. "Um, Don, it's past two in the morning, the book released at midnight, yet you only got back now, why were you out so late?"

That only caused the purple clad turtle to smile. "Open the book."

"What?" Leo raised an eye.

"Open the book." is all he said again.

Still confused but the leaf green turtle looked down, opening the book cover. He was surprised to see some writing on it. Eyes scanned the large signature on the bottom, both eyes widened upon recognizing the name before looking back up at his brother in disbelief, only to see a smile on his face along with his head nodding. Leo looked back down and started to reread what was written.

To one of my devoted fans, I'm sorry you couldn't make it to the book release. I hope you are hanging in there and get back to your normal self. I was told you were excited for this release, so I hope the latest installment won't disappoint. I hope one day we can meet in person.

Sincerely

Ito Kenji

Leo continued to reread the author's message over and over again. Looking back up in disbelief, "T-The author was there!?"

"Yeah, it was a last-minute thing." Don smiled, going over and placing a hand on his shoulder. "I had gotten the book but had a feeling to stick around. Other people were doing so, reading the book and hanging out with others as well. I listened to that instinct and just over an hour later the author showed up ready to sign some of the books. He explained he would have been there right at the release but had car trouble, but he wanted to keep things a surprise for the fans. Took a while in line but once I got to the front, I explained the situation and he seemed touched that I was doing this for you and decided to write the message in for you."

"I…D-Don….T-Thank you," Leo was completely blown away at this gesture. True, he would have left the bookstore after getting the book, meaning he would have missed out on the author's visit, something the blue clad turtle would have hated himself for missing. Still, for his brother to stay out late enough to get the author to sign the book, he was speechless.

"You do so much for us Leo, I think it's alright once in a while for us to return the favor." Don responded.

"There's no need for that," Leo couldn't help but smile, starting to feel a bit better.

A hearty chuckle came out of the genius turtle, "I knew you'd say that."

"It's true," the blue clad turtle nodded, deciding to allow this moment to slide as it was a generous gesture his brother did.

"Alright, enough of this, let's get you back upstairs and into bed, I have to be awake for practice in a few hours," Don ushered along. Leo had no complaints and complied, actually ready to get off his feet and back into bed. Now that Donatello was back, his mind can rest easily. Nothing else was said as both brothers went upstairs to their rooms, Donnie helping his brother along to make sure he got in bed safely. Once inside his room Don helped his brother into bed, covering him with the blanket, putting the book on the bedside table. "Comfy?"

"Yeah, I'm good," Leo smiled on his side. "Don?"

"Yeah?" the genius turtle responded just as he was about to leave.

"Thank you," Leo said again.

"Anytime bro," Don gave a thumbs up before turning and leaving, making sure to get the lights as he exited the room, plunging it into darkness.

The leaf green turtle got comfy where he was and closed his eyes, yet part of him wasn't as tired as before. Now that he had the book, he was anxious to see what was in store. He was technically resting while in bed, as he didn't necessarily need to be a sleep to recover. And he had all day tomorrow to catch up on his sleep, right?

Deciding on his acceptable reasoning, he reached out and turned on his bedside lamp, eagerly grabbing the book before making himself comfy against the headboard.

"Just one chapter wouldn't hurt, would it?" Leo said to himself as he began reading. Thankfully for been able to still get the series, and thankful for a brother who still noticed when he needed a little help.

END.

A/N: Hope you like, I always figured that Leo would be the kind of turtle to not rely on others for something he considers small. Yet, I figured Donatello would be the kind hearted person to help his brother out in his time of need, even if it meant getting into trouble. I love interactions between Leo and Don as I find them to be the closest in terms of brotherhood. I hope you all enjoyed it.

Also, I have some news. This has been a long time coming, but after so long i'm happy to announce that i'm finally getting back to writing my unfinished story "Sinister Plot". Yes, that story has been on hiatus for years, but i'm finally getting the inspiration to get back to it. This is for real because I already have the next five chapters already written. I just need to heavily edit them to flow with the story. Now I have to change things around but I hope to finally finish it as it's my first Ninja Turtles story and it holds a special place. Those of you who are still fans of the story, it's going to get finished. Till next time.