A/N - Thanks to everyone for their awesome reviews! There is still another chapter or two to go, so I hope you enjoy this one!
Building blocks: Leonardo
"Are you guys sure you don't need my help?"
"We'll be fine April" I reply, offering her a small smile
I have complete faith we will be successful in our mission tonight, it's a matter of honour. Tonight we strike against Hun and the purple dragons. We will rid them of the dangerous weapons they've got their hands, bring them to justice and more importantly take revenge. After what Hun did to Raph and Master Splinter, there was nowhere he could hide from us that we wouldn't find him. We've been patient and planned this mission to the last detail; nothing can go wrong. I will admit the last few weeks in the lair have been difficult, but in the end they've made us a better team and a stronger family. Tonight I can lead the team knowing I have the full support of all my brother's. They've always supported me, but this time they had real input into the plan and I think it helped.
They all seem more invested and focused. Don and Mike usually just wait to be told what to do on missions but I think giving them some more responsibility has really helped. Raph was always challenging me, but I've come to realise it was his way of being heard. There have been a lot of awkward conversations lately, but Master Splinter pointed out how Raph challenging me can help me improve. I'm trying to change my approach. Even before the talk I had with Splinter I knew I had to do something to fix this mess.
Besides, I've actually enjoyed having my brother's share in my leader responsibilities. It definitely took some pressure off my shell. I do feel a bit ashamed for not listening to Raph more in the past. He's started helping me plan missions and patrols and he's noticed a few things I'd missed. I should have listened to him more, but now I can do better.
"How's Splinter?" asks April, as we check our gear in her apartment
"He just stares at the walls and pines for your company all day" answers Mikey in a solemn tone "honestly, he seems devastated that your not-hey!"
Thankfully, Mikey was cut off by a sharp swot from Raph as April turned to the rest of us for an actual answer.
"He's a lot better. I think he's just pleased we're out and he's got some peace" answered Donatello
"That's good. I kind of miss having him here, though" mused April
"Aww, do you stare at the walls all day April?" Asked Mikey
"No! It was nice not being here alone all the time, and he was the cleanest house guest I've ever had" she answered, sending a sharp gaze at us all
"Hey, April. I think you dropped this hint over here" said Raph, leaning back on the sofa
Deciding it was now or never, I moved to leave.
"We get it April. Now Master Splinter is recovering, we'll come visit you more often"
"We make no guarantees about being cleaner!" chipped in my youngest brother, as April shot him a dirty look
"Ok. You guys be careful, alright?" She says, as my brother's assemble next to me
"Ninjas honour" promised Mike, as Donnie shoved him through the window after wishing April a good night
"Thanks again, for everything" I say, even as she waves off the thanks
"You're family, I'm always here"
"You coming Leo?" called Raph, already halfway out the window
As I move to follow him, I think I'm ready for tonight. I think we all are. Watching Splinter struggle for weeks and Raph silently blaming himself has been hard on us all. Hopefully after night we can all move forwards.