A/N: Here it is, the last chapter and some overdue brotherly fluff for Nature Versus Nurture.

Please note: Character thoughts are in italics.

Disclaimer: Seventeen chapters later, and I still do not own the turtles. Maybe next time.

Chapter 17-Epilogue

Leonardo was sitting on the cot in Donatello's laboratory. The genius turtle had just changed the bandages on his leg. Now Donnie's attention was focused on the wound to Leo's arm. His gentle fingers unwrapped the gauze skillfully as he appraised the injury. "It's looking good Leo."

The eldest turtle hated the attention, but he had to admit that the gashes were healing nicely. Leo still had a slight limp due to his injured leg. The leg wound ran deep, grazing the muscle, and would require more time to heal. However, in few days he should be able to hold his swords again without danger of aggravating his injured arm. Leo couldn't wait to get back to training. As if the resident genius could read his mind he announced. "In a few more days you should be able to wield your katanas again. But you'll need to take it slow for a while." Donnie placed the gauze on the table. Looking at his eldest brother with gentle eyes he continued. "Are you in any pain from your leg? I can give you something for it."

The stubborn turtle shook his head, No.

Donatello let out a sigh as he taped the gauze on Leo's arm in place. What a liar. He had already learned that his eldest brother was really stubborn, and hated taking pills. Even when it was obvious to everyone around him that he should. Well I guess that's it then.

Leonardo stood slowly, gingerly adding weight to his injured leg. He turned his gaze onto his purple banded brother as he gave him a soft smile. "Thanks Donnie."

Thrilled that Leo was talking, even if it was only a few words, the bo wielding turtle warmly replied. "Anytime bro."

Leonardo slowly shuffled his way into the kitchen. He turned to grab a mug from the cabinets and found himself facing Master Splinter.

He respectfully bowed his head. "Sensei."

Master Splinter handed the injured teen a steaming mug and beckoned him towards the table. "Come, sit down my son."

A sweaty Raphael and Michelangelo entered. Raph grabbed a chair, flipped it around so that the back was facing front, and sat down. Mikey paused at the refrigerator to grab two cold bottles of water, before joining at the kitchen table. Mikey handed one of the bottle's to Raph as they honored the presence of their father and sensei.

"Master Splinter."

"Sensei."

Master Splinter nodded his head in acknowledgement as he sipped his tea.

Donatello entered, making a beeline for the coffee pot as he too greeted the Ninjitsu master.

"Master Splinter."

The red masked turtle raised an eye ridge. "What is that, your fourth cup today? You're a caffeine addict Donnie."

Donatello shrugged his shoulders in response. "It helps me think Raph."

For a moment, the room fell into a comfortable silence.

Mikey eyed his quiet eldest brother. "How're the injuries bro?"

Pulled out of his thoughts, Leonardo looked up from his mug. "It's healing well. I should be able to resume training in a few more days."

All he thinks about is training. Raph leaned back on his chair as he challenged his eldest brother. "Looking forward to kicking your shell in a few more days then, Fearless."

At first Leonardo's eyes narrowed at the challenge. But when the eldest turtle's eyes found his brother's, he did not find any defiance within their depths. In fact, the only thing Leo did see, was a hint of mirth within Raph's passionate eyes. Leo's eyes briefly flickered with amusement, as he replied to the jest. "We'll see about that, Hot Head."

Leo's finally starting to come out of his shell. Let's see if we can draw him out more. Mikey interrupted before Raph could respond. "Hey, I'm the Battle Nexus Champion. I'm the turtle to beat around here."

Donatello let out a snort. "Leo and I weren't even in that tournament Mikey. I bet I could beat you."

The energetic turtle raised his eye ridges up in surprise. "With a wooden stick, sorry bro." Mikey shook his head. "I don't think so."

A mischievous gleam crossed Leonardo's eyes as he quickly locked his gaze first to Don, then to Raph. A silent command was sent between the three elder siblings.

Donnie had to bite back a grin as he kept talking. "It's not just about the weapons Mikey."

A predatory grin crossed Raph's face as his muscles tensed.

Leo placed his mug on the table and waited.

Donnie continued. "It's also about the plan of attack."

Mikey let out a yelp as Raph and Donnie sprang out of their chairs and lunged for him. The orange masked turtle ran towards the door, only to find the entrance blocked by Leonardo.

The startled turtle stammered at the eldest. "Leo, wha, wait how did you? Umm, when did you? But your leg?"

Delight flickered in the leader's eyes from behind his blue mask, a gift from his brothers a few nights earlier. Leo softly chuckled at the orange clad turtle. "It's my job as leader."

Then before his speedy youngest brother could escape, Leo swiftly pinned Mikey against the wall. He quickly ran his hands up and down Mikey's sides, causing the ticklish reptile to laugh out loud. Raph and Donnie joined in. Soon the youngster slid down the wall and found himself lying on the floor underneath his siblings. Mikey's laughter echoed throughout the lair as he begged for them to stop.

"Guys, stoooppp, pllllleeeeaaaassseee."

Still in the kitchen sat Master Splinter, with a smile on his face. The old rat observed his sons having fun. They still had a long way to go. After 10 years of being raised apart from each other, his four children had a lot of adjusting and catching up to do. And it wasn't always going to be easy. But the proud father had no doubt that his sons would prevail, because being part of a team of four mutant ninja fighting turtles, was in their nature.

A/N: A big thank you to those who have written reviews. Your support really fuels my plot bunny. In fact, the ol' plot bunny has been nibbling on the idea of a sequel to Nature Versus Nurture. Interested? As always, I bribe with virtual treats, so please leave a review before you go! Virtual black and white cookies to those who do!