Disclaimer: I don't own the TMNT

*The guys are 25 years old in this fic.*

Chapter Eight: A Sigh

In the four months since Trish's death the family had adjusted to the invasion by Jamie. All of her things and much of Trish's had been moved into the lair and the family had gotten accustomed to the loud music, the constant intrusion of a camera being panned around in their faces as well as Jamie's rather annoying habit of taking up the bathroom for over an hour every morning.

Although Mike had formed a tight bond with the young woman and Don had come to appreciate her intelligence and knowledge of technology, Raph remained bitter and cold towards her. Splinter had found a pleasant surprise when he found out she knew how to kick box and could very nearly take Leo in a duel if he was on his pills and/or she was prepared for his intense duel style.

Jamie could take care of herself but seemed reluctant to move out on her own she had quickly adjusted to the family and seemed to be deeply attached to the group. April and her had quickly become friends despite the fact that they were vastly different in personality. Jamie seemed to have a strange knack for both calming Leo down as well as getting him into a good mood. Jamie maintained contact with Jordan in the same medical ward that Trish had been in, who with the wishes in Trish's will, had continued to supply the medication that Leo needed to stay alive and to maintain his depression had a livable level.

Raph had remained bitter and distant from Jamie and his relationship with Leo seemed to have become even more unstable. Raph was picking fights at a near constant with Leo who seemed reluctant to even be in the same room as Raph. Leo seemed to as a result grow more reluctant to be near the rest of the family, especially Raph. Although the family was happy to have the new addition for the most part, Raph continued to treat Jamie with a cold indifference, she didn't seem to care, but would often shout back when they argued in such a way that Raph would retreat to avoid confrontation with either Leo, Mike, or Splinter.

It was an uneasy truce that Raph didn't bother Jamie and Jamie didn't bother him.

But with Leo and Raph, it was a fight waiting to happen and most likely it was going to be a bad one.

Add that to the fact that Leo had drastically lost weight and had very nearly stopped speaking completely. Jamie seemed deeply concerned for his health both physical and emotional as Leo seemed to retreat back into habits that Jamie claimed he had been practicing when she had first met him.

Starvation, self-mutilation, and over extension, which lead to a constant near exhaustion at all times, Leo was sinking and the only one who didn't seem to care was the one Leo needed support from most.

He seemed to nervously approach Raph, seemingly seeking permission to enter the same area as his brother. Tentatively approaching and retreating, even when defending Jamie.

It appeared that the fact of Leo not fighting back in a fight with Raph was becoming an increasing possibility.

With Raph's bitter anger…there was no telling if Leo would even survive an all-out fight with the larger turtle…especially if he didn't fight back.

A/N: Transition chappie, a catching up period.