Me: I just love the concept of the turtles in high school though most high school stories I saw always have something to do with love and OCs that the main character falls in love with them and such. No, don't get me wrong, I love those kinds of stories too; but I wanted to make a different kind of high school story that doesn't involve with that kind of stuff. No OCs, just the characters of TMNT (unless I have to make up a character like those caretakers from last chapter). Love… let me think about that.

Well, in any other case; this is purely and mainly on the turtles… mostly Donatello because I love him to death *looks to the side*. Enjoy!

Three Princes and the Pauper

I'm totally, undeniably ashamed. Do you know why?

Well, you see, I was on my way to school (after a long and hard talk down from April for staying awake all night again) and I passed an alley just across from the school… I backed up to look at that very same alley.

There were all kinds of imitating people there in that very same alley. I've guessed that this is the regular hideout for delinquents. Many had with piercings, tattoos and all those other stuff that rebels wore just to scare people. But my attention wasn't on those guys, no matter how terrifying they are.

My attention is on my big brother, Raphael, smoking a cigarette…

Without hesitance and without thinking it through (wow, this is happening a lot lately), I quickly shuffle through the crowd to get to Raph and dash to my brother, soon after taking his cigarette right from his mouth and throwing it on the floor, smashing it under my sandals soon after. My rebel-like brother looked rather outputted by what I did.

"What in the he- was that for you fu-"

"Don't you use that tone on me!" I became mother-hen mode just then, a trait that I picked up from April. Raph had the good idea that it would be better to shut his mouth at the moment.

"Do you have any idea what smoking can do to your health? The effects of smoking on a human health are serious and in many cases, deadly. There are approximately 4000 chemicals in cigarettes, hundreds of which are toxic. The ingredients in cigarettes affect everything from the internal functioning of organs to the efficiency of the body's immune system. The effects of cigarette smoking are destructive and widespread! Are you baka?"

After that, I began to scold him in Japanese. I always do that when I'm mad or upset.

It wasn't until I'm finish with my lecture that I fully realized what kind of situation I am in. Everyone was giving me looks, as if I was some kind of crazy old bat, including Raphael; who looked as if he's trying to pick between looking stupefied or livid.

At that moment, I decided to run; putting our best track runner to shame.

Now, slumping on my desk, I decided that, even though I had a perfect grade average, I'm rather stupid. How is it that I know the dictionary definition of "down-low" yet I couldn't do it?

"Donatello…? Are you well, my friend?"

I pick up my head from my desk and look up at my classmate, Leatherhead, smiling reassuringly yet tiredly. He didn't seem convince.

I've made instant friends with Leatherhead on the first day we met, who is also a very intelligent being but he isn't the butt of jokes from the jerks of the school, unlike me. It's probably because that Leatherhead is rather handsome, but it's mostly towards the fact that he's pretty much muscular and strong. So I pity the person who would ever try to anger him, despite the fact that he also had the gentlest soul I have ever seen. Really, he wouldn't hurt a fly!

"I'm fine Leatherhead, I'm fine. I'm just trying to unscramble my thinking process…" I reassured my big friend, smiling softly. Leatherhead is really just a worrywart sometimes- well, I shouldn't talk, I guessed; especially when mother-hen mode has been switched on…

At the mention of my mother-hen mode, I slam my head back onto my desk and remembered to mind my glasses over my eyes, surprising the worryingly big lug in front of me.

How embarrassing; but it is Raph fault in the first place for doing something so life threatening like that. I wondered how long he has been doing that… if too long, his lungs would turn black… maybe I can drag him into the hospital just to check…

"M-My friend…"

Oh right, shouldn't make Leatherhead worry more than necessary.

"I'm sorry LH; it's just that I have a really bad morning."

I'm glad Leatherhead had decided not to ask any further; he probably could tell that I didn't want to talk about it in the first place. I mean, how could I explain about that I am meeting my long lost brothers? I'm pretty sure it would be confusing to an outsider.

"I have one of the princes in my next class!"

"Me too!"

"Do you think they might fall in love with me?"

"You? Why you?"

"I want the cute one!"

"Silly! All of them are cute!"

I knew that I'm going to regret this, being how my day is so far, but I just have to know or this is going to haunt me for a while. Just in case they might be some of the people that I have to avoid…

"'Princes'? Should I know of them, Leatherhead?" I asked him, who seemed glad that I was willing to take my mind off of whatever ails me.

"I supposed so; almost everyone does. Well, to start off, there are three princes that have been quite famous since middle school." I nodded for him to continue on, straightening myself up on my seat. "They have been known for their unique personality and mostly because of their exquisite looks."

"No surprise there."

Leatherhead couldn't help but chuckle at that statement, though it is pretty sad that society decided to rate others by skin-deep beauty.

"Well, the first prince that I would mention is quite the 'looker'; but his personality is quite likeable. He is a very happy teenager, mostly known as the 'class clown' of the whole freshmen year. No one could compete against his mischiefs and there hasn't been one victim who escapes any of his pranks."

Heh, if anything; you would think that LH is talking about-

"Michelangelo Daimyo."

I look upon my intelligent friend in disbelief.

"Mikey."

"Yes, Michelangelo."

"…Mikey."

"Mr. Daimyo, yes."

"…Mikey?"

Leatherhead gave me an amused expression.

"It does seem hard to believe, I inquired, but his personality has always been very popular among the others." Well, I can't argue with that. His happiness has always been contagious on many occasions. "Thus, making him popular with many girls."

I still can't think of Mikey as a prince (I hate to know how big his ego has been since then) but in one way, I couldn't disagree to how popular my little brother has gotten. Back then when we were still in grade school, and together; many of his classmates loves to play with him.

"The second prince is Leonardo Hamato."

That's not shock worthy. Leonardo did seem like a prince at times; polite, kind, a leader, serious, and true to himself. Perfect to the point that he might be a bit… robotic. And… a bit uptight. But nonetheless the princely-type… wait, Hamato..?

"Hamato?"

But Hamato is our father's name… Leo had kept our family's name?

"Yes, a name originated from Japan if I recognized it."

I didn't question the matter further. It concerns me to know that Leo had kept that kind of reminder of our family. I had thought that Leo went to find his own happiness when he left us, yet he kept that sad shadow of the past. No, I love Master Splinter. I love being his son. But I changed my last name so that I could begin a new life with my adoptive parent, April. I'm sure that Master Splinter would've wanted that if he would ever disappear; for us to not regret the past. But nothing would ever change the fact that Master Splinter is my father. And I will never forget the memories that I held dear.

I nodded for Leatherhead to continue.

Hold on a second; if Mikey and Leo are the famous princes… then please don't tell me-

"The last prince is Raphael Jones."

"That's impossible!"

Because of the fact that I suddenly yelled, I gathered the attention of the whole classroom. I slightly went red at the embarrassing situation that I put onto myself, and chuckled nervously.

"That sin(2x)= x/2 is solvable?"

Many rolled their eyes while others went to see if that it would be on the homework packet they have.

"Geek."

'Said the person attending geometry at a freshmen year.' Of course, I don't say that out loud since the guy looks as if he could pummel me very easily.

When I turned back towards Leatherhead, he gave me a sympathetic expression, but continues on with his explanations.

"Yes, I supposed you know of him."

I could only nod numbly. Raph as a prince… what has this world come to?

"Since we are on the subject about him; has he tormented you?" LH looked really concern about that. Well, it isn't his fault. I am a magnet for jerks.

"No, he hasn't." I did not add the word 'yet' for it would no doubtfully cause Leatherhead more distresses. I did scold the guy two times already so I have to at least face him sooner or later.

"Please continue on to how the all-powerful Raphael became a prince." I said, thick with sarcasm. Judging by how my friend had flinched, maybe the sarcasm is a bit too much, since Raph is pretty much probably the scariest person in the whole school; so I've heard. The whispers from others when he passes the halls pretty much set it.

"His attitude his pretty famous for the girls as well as his rebel look."

"Of course." I sighed. When back at grade school, he's scary and no one would approach him. And when he gets older, he's cool. That's how the system works as we grow up.

Well, it's good to know that the princes that I was planning to ignore are the people that I'm trying to currently ignore; well, until I have a plan to get us back together without any confusion… probably.

The bell rung, indicating that class has started. The students are then already in their seats, and the teacher soon after then walks into the classroom, starting today's lessons.

But once again, to the point that people might be worried, I wasn't paying attention to the lesson taking place right now.

My brother's: princes. I expected Leo maybe; but never Mikey or Raph. Especially Raph. I doubt that my easily angered brother would like to be called a 'prince', especially grouped together with Leo and Mikey. Mostly Leo.

Then again, if I could find any similarities between my three brother, I could see how they could become princes to the female population if I look towards a girl's perceptive (April had taught me to be polite and sensitive towards any kind of girl, no matter how loony they are. Because of that, I came to an understanding of both the female's and the male's mind).

All are kind in their own way:

Mikey had that "everything is going to be fine!" sense of kindness; able to brighten anyone's day. So, of course he would get many admirers because of it.

Leo had that "polite" sense of kindness; the kind where you wanted to do your best and be presentable for him. And since his politeness is rather a prince kind of feature, of course he would be nominated as a prince.

Raph had that "I supposed it's only fair that I help you" sense of kindness. Well, he's not exactly "kind", but he has mortals (or at least, I hoped he still have mortals). He is never to hit a girl, only restrain them so that they couldn't fight back. If someone gives him respect, he'll try his best to give respect back. He should never start a fight… unless provoked (then again, everything provokes Raph). And also, his oh-so "rebel" attitude. I bet that Raph did an "I guess someone as cool as me could help someone like you" kind of thing whenever he did tried to help anyway. Only towards the boys, of course. Raph is much shyer towards girls; therefore earning him points… but I still don't believe that Raph is a "prince". If he didn't know that I was his brother, I would tease him to no end.

They all have very noticeable talents, ninjutsu not included:

Mikey has the artistic talent of the group. I remember looking around the school (right after the somewhat fateful meeting with Raph), since I came early, and found many artwork on the wall; almost all that goes to Michelangelo. There were even some with awards on it. Sure, the style is rather comic like; but nonetheless beautiful and meaningful.

I frowned when I noticed a picture of a family; consist of four brothers and a father. Though the father and the brothers look far beyond to what my family looks like; it seemed that I am looking into what was.

Leo… well, he's talent at everything basically. Sports, academics (actually, I still rule at that department but now that we are comparing the princes), and a whole lot of other stuff. Of course, Leo was never artistic; so that never counts. Especially if Leo tries to cook… Just this one time when we were little, and he was never allowed to be near a stove ever again. But something he is very amazing at is his strategizing and his leadership skills. There were already whispers of him becoming next year's student council's president!

Raph talent's is basically sports; shock there. And pretty much pissing every kind of teacher here. Whether it would be basketball, soccer, baseball, track or football: he's your guy. When we were little, Raph has always been the fittest of us all. Leo's has the most skill, yes, but Raph is strongest. When it comes to sports, especially ninjutsu, I would remember that Raph seemed happy doing those kinds of things… I wondered if he's still doing them now.

And of course, all of them are drop-dead gorgeous (I can't believe I'm thinking that about my own brothers):

Mikey had that popular surfer look; a basic pretty boy.

Leo had that 'knight in shining armor' thing going; a girl's dream boyfriend.

Raph had that 'get off my back' kind of look; making girls want what they thought they couldn't have.

And compare to them…

Well, I didn't care about what others think about me in the first place anyway. With my 'dorky' glasses, I have dark-brown wavy but slightly subdued hair. It's rather messy and unkempt, since I don't bother to brush it very often or rather not at all. My clothes are rather unfashionable, I guess: just a plain purple t-shirt tucked in with light tan slacks that I just found in my closet. Since I didn't care about the shoes I wore, I picked the sandals that I found near the front door… wait, since when did I have sandals? Anyway, people say that they didn't like to see my eyes for some reason. Something about my eyes being hideous and small.

"Oh yes, we have a new student; I should introduce him."

Please tell me that the teacher isn't talking about me. If he is, then I'm kinda relieved to know that some of my classmates aren't even paying attention to him anyway.

"Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael; do you know that they're all renaissance masters name?"

"All we need is a Donatello!"

"What if there is a fourth prince hiding from us right now? O-Or maybe he's transferring soon!"

"Maybe he's like Leo!"

"No way! Another Mikey is better suited!"

I paled… I hate to know what would happen if I happened to own the name of that very same "Donatello". Well, one: the girls will kill me. Two: I might give my identity to my brothers. Number 2 might not be so bad, but I kinda need to be alive for a while now from number 1.

"What was his name… um-"

"Donnie sir! Or… um, Don."

I was red in the face, hoping my other classmates wouldn't even give me a single glance. But they did, and laugh at my face.

Leatherhead looked confuse to why I wanted my name shorten out, but, bless his soul, he didn't ask either.

"Ha! What a dork!"

At that instant, Leatherhead then glared at whoever said that, shutting the person up instantly.

I grinned at, no doubtfully, my best friend to show my thanks.

I stared at Leo's sitting figure, who is currently staring outside, expressionless.

Leo's in my biology class.

Yeah, Leo's in my biology class.

…LEO'S IN MY BIOLOGY CLASS?

I quickly swerve around to escape whatever fate has planned for me, only for the door to be blocked by the teacher, who looked confuse to why one of his top students would want to leave.

Slowly, I turn around and slump in defeat.

Fate: 1 Don: 0

I look around to see where I could sit… to only figure out that the only seat available is by Leo… I hoped and prayed that the teacher has planned for me to assemble somewhere else.

"'Donnie', right? It seemed that the only lab opening is right next to Leo. Please take your seat right there."

Fate: 2 Don: 0

Well, at least I know that the shorten version of my real name is catching on and there is no way people would know that I'm Donatello.

But anyway, I had no choice but to comply with the teacher, no matter how much I'm cursing fate.

When I sat down, I used all my willpower to ignore the human right next to me. Despite so, Leo, having to be mister polite, decided to greet me.

"Hello; Donnie, right? My name is Leonardo Hamato; it's very nice to meet you." And he then shines his polite smile at me. Even though it made many of the girls in that very same classroom swoon, I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous when I can detect how fake it is now that I'm a bit closer to see. And how there seemed to be loneliness laced into it.

"Y-Yes, it's very nice to meet you too…" I greeted back nervously, just lifting my hands up a little as to say hello.

I can practically feel the arrows of jealousy digging into my back, from the girls no doubtfully. I wondered if they have started their own fan club yet… I wouldn't be surprise.

"Ok, enough, enough. It's time for lesson."

There were many groans, but all have no choice but to submit.

Biology went as what a biology class should, except this is an advance placement course. Since Leo is too busy paying attention to the lesson that the teacher is explaining, he didn't even give me a single glance for the whole time.

That is, until, we have to do a work sheet assigned by our teacher.

I was putting down the answers to the work sheet faster than an average person should. And because of that, it caught Leo's attention.

Ok, this is the answer. And I know that this is the answer; what the heck, "Is the bat a bird or a mammal?"? What kind of elementary question is this doing on a high school work sheet or is the teacher trying to separate the brainless to the-

"Are you just putting down random answers?"

"Hm..?" I answered nonchalantly, not bothering to look up at him.

"And you went farther on the work sheet than you're supposed to be."

With that comment, I immediately snap out of my trance; grumbling out of the fact that I did it again and look to see how far I went on my paper. Just at least five question farther, not bad. Sometimes, the teacher hates it when I went farther on my work than I'm supposed to be. So I tried not doing it so often.

"Besides that point, are you just putting down random answers on your work sheet?"

I look at him confusingly.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean AP Biology is a serious class. If you're just goofing off on the work, even though the grade on this work sheet wouldn't do much to affect your overall semester grade, then you should've gone to regular Biology."

Somehow, the way Leo had said that; it seemed as if he's insulting my intelligence.

Being the reasonable and calm one, I sigh to get rid of my frustrated feelings. I understood why Leonardo would've thought that. I have gone through the questions on the work sheet faster than most would. Of course he would be a bit suspicious. Then again, he shouldn't assume something like that without any proof…

"Leonardo, I reassure you that I'm answering the questions responsibly and quite appropriately."

My older brother (who still doesn't remember me) looks at me skeptically.

"Ok… answer to #5."

"The Esophagus, Liver, Stomach, Pancreas, Gallbladder, Large intestine, Small intestine, and the rectum makes up the digestive system."

"Answer to #13."

"Cell Wall."

"Answer to #4."

"Cytoplasm."

"Answer to #16."

"Takes 43 muscles to frown."

Leo frowned, probably doubting himself now judging by how guilty he looks.

"…Can I see your paper?"

Shrugging, I just casually hand my work to him.

After looking at the paper for a few minutes, his frown deepens, looking rather sheepish. Soon after, he hands me my paper.

"Um yes… right… it seemed that all are… accurately answered…"

Leo blush out of embarrassment of being wrong. Leo did never like being wrong in the first place anyway.

"I'm… so…rry…"

At that moment, I burst out laughing, using the counter in front of me for support as I bang my fist upon the lab table. As tears of joy gathered around the corners of my eyes, I noticed how Leo seemed to become red even more.

"I-I'm sorry, I-I'm sorry; that was i-insensitive for me to l-laugh." I managed to choke out as I tried to keep my laughter regulated. For some reason, this surprised Leonardo that I had apologized. "It j-just that, it seemed hard for you to apologize at all."

By then, my laughter is controlled and I wipe off the tears in the corners of my eyes, but the amusement is still there etched onto my facial features.

Leo looks as if he had to argue about that but then shut his mouth, not denying that it's true. Because of that, he looked very guilty.

"I'm sor-"

"It's fine, it's fine. As you could probably tell, I'm pretty smart. So when I get things wrong, I tend to be a bit stubborn about it too."

He seemed glad that I understood his feelings.

"So, now that we got that over with; smile. Didn't you hear me when I answered question #16? It takes 43 muscles to frown. For smiling, it only takes 17. So I think it would strain your muscle less if you smile more."

At the fact that I'm trying to cheer him up with a biology lesson, he couldn't help but smile (with a small laugh, which is a bonus for me).

Much better, a genuine smile. Leo looks kinda scary when he frowns anyway.

Before I could make another possibly lame joke, a crumbled piece of paper hits me on the top of my head and then lands onto my lap. Ever so curious (even though there is a scary black aura coming out of that single piece of paper), I opened it to see what could be written in it. I don't dare find out who wrote it.

"Leave my Leo alone, geek."

And from that point on, I can feel the pitchfork glares now literally stabbing my back.

I should take note that Leo is their prince, one of the most popular boys in school. Yes, he's my big brother that I love so much; but currently, he's their prince and I should steer clear unless I like to be mauled by the girls, the bad way.

Lunch is now in session…

Fate just really hates me today, doesn't it?

Right there in the far corner away from everyone else is Raphael's little gang, doing stuff like smoking, laughing, and tormenting whoever is near. From the corner of my eyes, I could see that Raph isn't smoking. I try not to swell with pride when I did.

Mikey, right in the middle of the whole popularize crowd, is hanging out with what I supposed are his friends. Some are skater friends, some are his fangirls and some are just really snobby looking.

So in other words… they have the same lunch time as me.

Fate: 3 Don: 0

I decided that eating in the cafeteria is bad for my health.

And so, here I am, wondering around the halls to find a suitable place to eat. I memorized the map so, I remember there was this old garden structure that was abandon because the groundskeepers are just plainly too lazy to take care of it. I think it was here-

I opened the rusted door that leads to the garden, widening my eyes as I looked upon its beauty. A bit overgrown but that somehow gives a feeling of nature's exquisiteness itself. There are some flowers over here, some bushes over there- oh they have a pond!

I have declared; this would be my lunch spot.

As I step out further into the sun; I then froze as I felt a chill down my spine.

Forget about my declaration; I can't eat here.

For Leo is there.

He's at the other side of the pond, sitting under the only tree that belongs to the garden. It seemed that he is reading a book of some sorts. I would love to know what it is; but signals and the horns kept blaring in my head to escape before he had notice me.

Slowly, very slowly, I turned away and started towards the exit.

"Donnie?"

Busted. Well, I never could sneak away from Leo when we were young anyway.

I turned my head and smile nervously towards Leo, who looked confuse to why I'm here.

"I'm sorry… did I bothered you in any way?" I asked sheepishly as I fully turn my body towards my student body representative.

Leo shook his head as a positive no, seemingly surprise by my presence.

"Not many people know this place, so I didn't expect anyone here."

'Well, neither had I.' I thought as I could only give a grin ever so awkwardly towards my big brother.

I was about to turn away, hoping to run away, till I saw the title of the book. Then I turned into geek/dork mode.

"You're reading Hamlet?" I exclaimed, already jogging over to Leo. "I don't take you as a Shakespeare reader."

Leo only quirked up an eyebrow, but complied nonetheless. "Yeah, I'm trying to understand the diction and how the wording is used."

Without fear or thoughts of my action, I sat next to him, looking at the book over his shoulders.

"It's pretty easy."

He gave me a look.

"For someone like me probably." I revised, grinning as he rolled his eyes. Heh, never seen that in a long time. Leo rolling his eyes.

"But, you know, there is a translated version on the internet. You could compare it to the original version to make it more comprehensible."

He gave me a look of disbelief.

"Seriously? I wished someone would tell me that before I considered burning this book."

"You've considered burning the book?"

I couldn't help but laugh at that, earning a stern look from Leo.

"You don't know what this book put me through!"

"Oh, but I can imagine."

At that… he pouted. I tried not to pay any attention to the fact that he pouted, since I don't want to realize what he's doing and revert back to unbearably perfect Leo. My big brother, even when we were little, always thinks that everything he does has to be perfect. But we never wanted him perfect; we just wanted him as our brother.

But apparently, he notices it himself, putting his mouth into a straight line. I raised my eyebrow.

"Ya know, you should pout more often. You might look like an actual human." I tried teasing.

Leo rolled his eyes once again, only to catch himself in the middle of it and immediately put his gaze downwards. Ok, now I'm a bit annoyed.

Taking away his book to grab his attention, I purposely attended for him to look at me in the eye. As soon as he does, he was able to keep up my stare for a few minutes before immediately looking away to the side. Huh, guess my eyes are a bit scary if Leo looks away from them; but this will help me straighten out my point.

"I beg of you, don't be perfect."

Leo looks confuse by my request.

"What do you mean? I'm not-"

"Yes, it may be out of habit but learn how to be…" I try to think of how to describe Leo's freaky need for perfection in... well, everything. "Less… me when I'm on a very complicated project."

The side of his lips perked at the comparison. It seemed that he could imagine what I would be like; just by meeting me for more than an hour.

"In other words; your shoulder is tense, you look like a statue!" It seemed that he didn't notice before, soon after relaxing it significantly. Why is he on his guard for anyway? "You are allowed to laugh, cry, smile, frown, pout, etc., at least show some emotion on your face. The emotionless expression on your face is somehow creeping me out; like you're supposed to be some kind of white marble bust." He opened his mouth as if to say something. "Yes, you do smile; in a fake kind of way. You may be able to fool everyone else, but not me. That just makes you even creepier, like some kind of robot or something."

I was about to say something else, but then stop. I would slam my head against the trunk of the tree several times if I didn't know that I would get strange looks from Leo.

Once again, I spoke without thinking (wow, that has been happening all week).

Who was I to tell Leonardo how to act? He's a big boy now; he doesn't need my criticism… But… why does it seemed that he wanted to laugh, that he wanted to pout, and that he wanted to be… a teenager? What worries me more that he's all alone in this place; with no one around him. Not his friends (assuming that he does have friends), not his fangirls, not anyone. He's all alone here.

"What I mean is…. You see…"

Ok Donnie, baby steps here, baby steps. Remember and think that Leonardo could be a socially isolated child. Not likely, but he's giving off that kind of thing.

"When you're around me… don't be like that, ya know." I look to the side, embarrassed. "I don't think of you as Leonardo Hamato. I don't think of you as my student body representative… Wait, you are my student body representative so I have to think of you as someone to listen to and respect; but besides that point. Right now-"

As my glasses slid down my nose, I try to look at him in the eye once again. For some reason, this time, he kept looking at my eyes as if mesmerized.

"I'm the new student and so I don't know many things. Right now, you're a regular student." I could see how his eyes widen, though I wasn't sure if what I said made any sense. "You're a student of this school, a teenager here to get an education."

I wrack my brain to try and think of another way to say what I feel.

"Not some perfect puppet with no emotions of his own; I don't expect you to be perfect."

In that instant, my face went red… why in the heck does that sound like a confession? I sooo didn't mean for it to sound like a confession! And to make it worse, Leo is just staring at me, like I have grown three heads or something. I can't even know what he's thinking about what I said.

"Well, lunch is almost over and I think I'm going to go early. I'll see ya later, right; bye!" I then dash to the door inside the hall, not giving Leo a chance to say anything back.

Nice going Donnie, really nice. Now; your oldest brother thinks that you might be a freak. Well, wouldn't blame him in a way.

Fate: 4 Don: 0

Hopefully, I can have some piece of mind in World Geography.

I can't believe it. I have to rub my eyes several times to see if they are working properly. But apparently, they are.

I heard from another classmate (a girl if that doesn't surprise you) that Leo has Geometry this period. So seeing that there is no way that Mikey or Raph would be in an advance class, I thought that I was out of the bag for a while…

And so I thought wrong.

Mikey is here.

This is actually a miracle itself.

Fate: 5 Don: 0

I headed for the seat in the back of the classroom.

"Mr. O'Neil, please be seated next to Mr. Daimyo."

Fate: 6 Don: 0

One of these days, I'm going have to at least score a point, Fate. Just one of these days…

Grudgingly, I drag myself over to the seat next to Mikey and sat there, putting my dirt-brown bag settled right next to me.

"Hey, you were that geek that back in the halls!" I twitched under my eye as I look back at Michelangelo, who grinned at me happily. "Awesome, we're seat buddies!"

For you probably; you're not the one being glared by every single girl in the whole classroom. But…

"It's great that you're here! You could help me with my work since I have no clue how I got into this class but since it made my family happy, I have no choice but to actually take it but I'm doing so bad and I'm going to fail so you have to help me dude or I'm cooked! You see-"

I miss my little brother. His smile, his laughter, his happiness; I miss them all.

I sigh as he kept talking on and on.

I guessed a few glares would be worth it.

"And since you have probably finished your homework, I'm sure that, since you're my most favorite geek in the world, that you would let me have a peek-"

"No."

Mikey's expression falter quite noticeably.

"But whhhhhyyyyyy? ~" Michelangelo whined, trying to pull fake tears on me.

Yep, this is definitely my little brother Michelangelo. Good thing I was stubborn then as I am now.

"Because you wouldn't learn anything if you just copy from my paper. Explain to me how that would help on the semester test."

Mikey opened his mouth to argue his point but then shut his mouth, pouting. It seems that I was right on that part.

"BBBBBBuuuuuttttt~"

"No buts. You have to be more prepared than that."

I can practically feel the glares, now pointed, stabbing me through and through, but I kept my ground. I'm not going to let Mikey ignore his responsibility. He's the one who decided to stay in this class.

I look back at my supposed little brother, seeing him slumping on his desk looking dejected… Dang it.

"Bring out your homework." I sighed. "The least I can do is to try to help you understand and answer the questions."

He seemed to slightly perk up. No, he still wants to copy my answers but he realized that at least it is better than nothing. Quickly, he took out his paper and his pencil, his whole attention on me as if he's expecting me to say all the answer. I raised an eyebrow skeptically and he then deflated, realizing that I wasn't saying that just for a cover up.

"Donnie~ I'm not as smart like yooouuuu~"

"I don't expect you to be-"

"Hey!"

"-but I do expect you to do your share of the work."

Mikey grumbled about me being an 'unfair geek' and such as he looks at his paper dejectedly. Once again, I sighed. Mikey isn't usually this stubborn, even if his grades are that bad. He knows that it wouldn't earn him anything if he didn't do it by himself and would eventually give in…

"You know, all the answers on our homework are in our assigned textbook."

"…text-whatchamacallit?"

"The thing that you used for your pillow during class."

Mikey made a long "ohhh" sound and bring out that very same book that I mentioned. But what caught my eyes are the bent pages inside and the worn out edges of the cover. He used the textbook before. The World Geography textbooks are newly brought out this year; but this looked so used. It seemed as if he's tried many times to understand the book but couldn't and find no will to. I wondered what had stopped him to actually try to study. I know he can study; it's just the matter that if he wants to or not.

"Man, this thing is heavy but it is good for sleeping! Actually very comfortable when ya laid it on the desk and put your head on it! I doubt geeks like you would do that but you have to try that someday! I mean, really, it's kinda fun though when you drool on it, you, like, get in trouble and I mean there is this one time the teacher caught me sleeping because I was snoring. Never again will I snore but I heard it can't be helped-"

"Mikey-" I said in a quiet voice, quiet enough for no one else to hear us beyond our two desks. "-stop acting like an idiot when you're not." He seemed stupefied and shocked, and I only look upon him with nonjudgmental eyes through my thick lensed glasses. "I'm not stupid, and neither are you."

With that, I silently reached over to the textbook that he brought out and opened it to a certain chapter. I didn't give him a chance to say anything about it. I just need to prove that he isn't an idiot. He never was… wait, let me think about that.

"Our homework is based on Chapter 7, South-East Asia. As you could see on our homework; the first page had the title 'Chapter 7 Section 1', which is based on South- East Asia's Geography." I pulled his paper further in front of him, grabbing his attention a little. "Now look at this fill-in-the-blank question. Try reading this paragraph and tell me the answer."

He gave me a confuse look –still a little bit shock over what I said– as if he's wondering if there is some kind of trick to this. But nonetheless, he complied and I watched as I followed his eyes to how fast he's reading. I couldn't help but smile, for I noticed that he's quite the speed reader. Guess those comic books aren't for nothing. He's comprehension level is still pretty low but he knows the basics of what to do. Like reading and writing at least.

"Tropical-hot and humid all year round! That's the answer to #1!" Mikey then exclaimed excitedly, happy to found out the answer all by himself. I couldn't help but give him a proud smile.

"Judging by the level of how fast you read; you could finish this homework before the teacher decided to pick up the homework." He didn't need any more encouragement than that, for he was already reading through the questions and the pages like mad. One: because he didn't think that it would be this easy, that the textbooks actually have the answers to the questions. Two: also because he really needed a good grade.

Trying not to laugh at the fact that Mikey is actually concentrated on something (maybe that's a bit stereotypical for Mikey); a paper airplane hit me on my cheeks. Judging by the frustrated growl in the background, I could guess that whoever threw it was planning for it hit somewhere else on my body… maybe preferably my eyes. I silently thank Mikey for giving me these glasses; fake or not.

Unfolding the paper, I wasn't surprise by what was written in it:

"Stay away from the Princes."

Not wanting to deal with this, especially for today, I crumbled up the paper and stuff it in my bag. Don't these girls have anything better to do than list out who's the enemy and who's not? All I did is taught Mikey how to actually do his work, which is something I should be commended for.

But I decided not to question their actions out loud currently, for I could feel that someone is actually trying to burn me with their glares.

"Um… can you help me on #21…?" Mikey asked, panicked that he couldn't find the answer.

I sighed at the predicament that I'm in, but I smiling softly and tenderly towards him soon after. What a doofus; how he got so popular is beyond me.

"Look at page 456. You're on Section 2, right?"

His answer was a long stare towards me as if I'm some kind of alien, making me raise an eyebrow.

"What?"

Mikey, snapping out of his trance, just quickly look back at his paper as soon as he realized that he's staring at me.

"N-Nothing, you just remind me of someone. Section 2, right?"

Of course I caught on of what he meant; I'm his brother not to mention that I'm pretty much smarter than him, but I decided to go with his flow. Now is not the time to be mentioning… the you-know-what. He still doesn't realize it, and if I tell him now, he'll probably deny it and won't believe me.

"Section 2, page 456; listen to me Mikey."

"Ah, sorry Don~" He said, laughing as he went to the page that I had told him. I noticed how fake the laugh is. Other people wouldn't notice, but I did.

"Did you know that in Thailand, the letters "ph" are pronounced as a hard "p" sound? For example, the resort island of Phuket is pronounced "Puket." Another example is Phi Phi Island, which is pronounced as "Pee Pee" Island."

"… Pee Pee Island…? PEE PEE ISLAND?" At that moment, Michelangelo laugh out loud, banging his fist against his desk.

I couldn't help shake my head. Only Mikey would find some kind of humor in that. But at least he's laughing till his stomach burst. Even if I did feel a spit ball landed on my head.

Ok, I'm sick of Fate getting the better of me. But then again, I didn't know that my brothers would be at my new school in the first place or maybe that is actually fate's fault? I guessed I should've hack into the school's system and look up at the student's files in the first place anyway… whether it's illegal or not…

"Welcome to Auto Mechanics, you moronic drop outs." Most, if not all, of the students here growled at the teacher's subtle greeting. Apparently, in this school, Auto Mechanics are for helping the "drop outs" to at least get a job. And since boys love to build and destroy things; this is the most filled class with delinquent. There are just very few who came here for another purpose. And they are not in my class sadly. Except for the fangirls that is, but they barely count.

The way the teacher is looking at me, I would've thought that he thinks that I have green skin or something. He moves his gazes up and down, inspecting my body.

"Now, what is someone like you doing here with all of these befuddled animals, Mr. O'Neil?"

I was not sure how to answer that, nor do I want to when I can feel the garage's air becoming a lot thicker. I wished the teacher would just keep his comments to himself.

The Auto Mechanics Teacher is the famous Stockman Baxter. Why he's a teacher, that's a mystery. I mean, he already has his own million dollar corporation, practically famous for his technology. Why does he need to teach to kids for?... I think I rather not know.

But he's the least of my problems.

"Tch. He's a fu-in' geek, yer a fu-in' geek; why wouldn't he be here?"

"Mr. Jones, if you use that tone on me once again; I'll take you out of my class and recommend you for crafting class."

That immediately shut Raphael up.

Fate: 7 Don: 0

…Why am I keeping up numbers anyway?

"And since you are so hospitable to us 'geeks', then I'll partner you with Mr. O'Neil."

No matter what exquisite technology that Stockman made; I hate him right now.

Apparently, Raphael agreed with my thoughts.

"No way in he-! I'll git with even any one of these fu-in' stupid girls-" Raph pointed towards his fangirls that applied on this elective only to see Raphael. "But there is no way I'm gonna get wit' this lame-brain!"

I wondered if I could tell Raphael that just arguing about it would just only encourage him even more to get us together.

And by then; we both were now partnered to find the missing parts of the vehicle in front of us. As one could guess, Raph isn't all that happy about it. And we can't go home until we were finish with this assignment. Now, I really have to steer clear of these girls, they're out for murder…

Sighing, seeing how there is no way out of this, I began to pop the hood open. If there are any missing parts; it's likely under the hood. If not, then a thorough check on the exterior and the interior of the car-

"Geek. Betcha' already found out the missin' parts, right? Think ya so high n' might, huh?"

I looked up at Raph, who's frowning quite deeply and murderously, glaring at me as if it would help our situation even further. It's seems that he's mad at something, but it's not just really towards me… yeah, he's mostly unhappy about being with me but that's just not it… there is something else bothering him.

A light bulb appeared above my head.

I pointed towards the car, making Raph raise an eyebrow.

"Want to look?"

He seemed shock by my invitation but it was only momentarily. Soon, he grabs me by the collar of my shirt, slightly lifting me up.

"What in the he- do you mean? Are ya implyin' that I'm fu-in' dumb?" I would ask how I could think of him as dumb by just asking that question but I decided to just hear the rest of the rant. "You think you can do this all by yerself, doncha'? 'Want to look?', sayin' that as if I'm hopeless!"

… Oh, now I understand. I guess my indifference, when I said that, kinda made him misunderstand to why I said that in the first place… It just seemed that he wanted to do the assignment too, rather without me, but he wants to do the assignment nonetheless. Raphael has always adored fast vehicles since we were little; always looking up motorcycles the most.

I sigh, which must've slightly irked him since he just threatened me not too long ago.

"Look, if you want to get away from me that badly, let us just finish this assignment then."

He tightens his grip around my collar for a few seconds before letting go not so gently. Fixing my shirt, I noticed that he seemed to be heading for the exit out of the garage. I immediately fumed.

"Uh, where are you going?"

"Out."

In that instant, I was behind Raphael grabbing his ear. Without any mercy, I pulled him towards the car like he was some kind of ruthless child and I was disciplining him. He's just lucky that everyone is already gone, finished with their assignments, so that they couldn't see him in this state while we're just wasting time arguing.

"OW– What the-"

"When I meant 'let us just finish this assignment' I meant us."

Right when we're at least a few feet away from the car, I let him go, seeing the confuse expression on his face.

"I thought ya wanna do it by yerself."

"I never said that. You assumed that." I sighed, rubbing my temples. This is Raphael alright if he can make me this frustrated over the simplest things.

"Look, I know you aren't stupid. I asked if you want to look because it seemed that you won't come and do the assignment yourself unless I ask. Nothing more."

At least he had the decency to look sheepish.

"Beside, you like this class, don't you?"

He looks as if he was going to protest but then shut his mouth once again. It seemed that he knew he couldn't get pass me and my observation.

"Wat made ya think that?" He grumbled, looking to the side in defeat. Raph really does wear his emotions on his sleeves. It wasn't always clear to as why, but when he's angry, he's angry. When he's frustrated, he's frustrated. When he's happy, he tends to be shy about it; but you could see a significant change in his expression despite so. I couldn't help but grin at that. Same old Raphael all right.

"Because if you didn't like the class, you would've skipped it in the first place."

Raph snorted in humor at the truth of it, slightly smiling. The air became a lot lighter just right then.

"Come on, let just get this assignment over with." I said as I push him towards the opened hood of the car. He grumbled, since he hates to be ordered, but complied nonetheless, looking for whatever is missing so that we could just complete this already and get on with our lives. I walk next to him to help, but in the corner of my eyes, I notice that he didn't have his piercings on.

I grinned happily.

Me: Yesh! I finally finish this unusually long chapter. I don't know why it's longer than usual but I'm proud of it!

*hugs a Donnie plushy*

Man I love Donnie… and I'm proud of it too ^^ Hope ya enjoyed it!