Hey guys! Thanks for all of the reviews! I actually have a question, I'mthinking of starting up a secondary "unbreakable' verse story that's full of one-shots from before the events in Unbreakable. Like from when they were growing up with their adopted families. It might be fun!

Chapter 19

Step Back

Ok, so Raph wasn't a nice guy. He didn't claim to be, and he didn't try to be anything other then what he was. To strangers, that meant he was rough, cruel cold and a genuine ass. But to his little brother all his aggressiveness turned to playfulness which normally ended up in body slams. it helped that his Ma would skin him if he ever lost his temper around Donnie and hurt him. Even with that threat looming over his head, Donnie was his best friend. It wasn't a stretch.

But it wasn't exactly a secret he hated Fearless. Seriously, he stayed up at night wondering how he could get away with knocking out the idiot and getting rid of the body. So when he saw Donnie loose his temper and send Fearless flying across the yard and laid on the grass with a dazed look on his face he felt his rib busting laughter was well past justified. Laughing so hard he had to pull his mask down to wipe his streaming eyes, "This is the best day I've had in along time" he grinned to no one in general.

Well, it was. The door to the house slid open and that orange masked kid poked his head out, probably drawn by the loud laughing. His blue eyes falling on the motionless (still shocked) filling with horror which was enough to choke him in mid laugh

Crap

"LEO!" Mikey ( at least, Raph thought that was his name) scrambled on over and knelt by Leo, shaking him, "Leo!? Are you ok?! DI-did you pass out again!?" his head turning to the house, '"USAGI!"

Oh right, the other brother. The white rabbit was outside and by his side in a blink, one arm around Mikey's' shaking shoulders and the other on Leos', his dark eyes looking him over with concern before searching around. When they fell on him they began to burn in anger and suspicion. What the hell did he-

Oh right

He didn't have the best track record with Fearless getting hurt.

The white rabbit was up on one knee, his hand falling on one of his turquoise colored blades, "YOU. My brother traveled across Japan for you and to reunite your family and you think its funny to bring him harm?! In our HOME nonetheless, you dishonorable horrible-"

Raph really didn't know what else he was saying, because he began to tune out Usagi and wonder what they had to eat around there. That is until he heard the sound of drawing metal. He was about to tell Usagi to shove his 'bushido' up his fuzzy ass when Leo's hand shot up and grabbed his wrist, "A-Ani no. He-he didn't do anything."

"But-but then what happened to you?"

"it was-" there was sadness on Fearless's face, his teeth gritted, "It- it was Donatello. B-but it was m-my fault- I-I need to find-find him-"

Seesh, who thought Leo could get a stutter as bad at Don? Speaking of which. He stood up (ignoring the frantic ramblings between the three Miyamoto brothers) He had his own brother to worry about. Raph brushed off his pants. Where did he go again? He headed back around the house. Stepping off onto the walkway again and rounding the corner already he could see the mountains. Huh. Nice view.

The sound of soft thumping caught his ear and his eyse fell on the tree, fighting the urge to laugh at his brother standing right at the roots, his bo staff on the ground and thumping his head softly off the trunk. His eyes half closed.

Uh oh, Raph knew that look. He smiled softly, walking on over and putting his hand on Don's shoulders. The young turtle looked over at him with sad light brown eyes, "There you are bro." he called lightly, "You worried me for a sec there."

Don bowed his head lightly before turning back to the tree with a tired sigh. Raph knew that look. He knew when Don was frustrated, he'd close himself off from everyone around him and lock himself up in his brain. It took a pretty great big brother to get him out of that mess. He smiled lightly, luckily Raph was a pretty good one "I'm pretty sure that I'm softer then some dumb tree baby bro." he offered.

Don nodded slightly and turned to rest his forehead off of Raph's plastron with a heavy sigh. Crap. He rubbed the back of Donnies scalp with his thumb lightly in a attempt to allieve his fustrations.

"Is your young brother alright Raphael?"

Raph's head jerked in reaction to the voice, the form of Fearless's and Mikey's adopted father, (Dorinbo was it? Dam he was bad at names). With one foot on the walkway his face was concerned and soft. Raph felt Don hug him tighter his beak firmly into his plastron. OH geeze not again, "you're smarter then that." he reminded him, "Clear your head."

It seemed to have helped, a smallest of nods. Raph looked back over to Dorinbo. Flinching when he saw Dorinbo standing so close now. Even though his face was kind and father, one that was probably used often as father to 3 boys and headmen to his village. But Raph wasn't sure he liked it.

Growing up, Kaede had been both mother and father to him and Donnie. She was all they ever needed or wanted. But Raph liked to think himself as the male role model in his baby brothers life. When Kaede had to leave and they were home alone (despite the 'equal groundings rule) Raph had always been the one in charge. He was always the one to walk Donnie home at night. He was the one to hold him when his nightmares were too much for his mind to handle. To keep him warm when his numerous fevers kept his body chilled beyond bearable.

Or times like now.

When Don's mind was its own hell.

And his words would stop as he fell back into the self mutisim that plagued his childhood.

But Raph knew he was doing something right. He could feel Don's breathing relax. Raph smiled gently and reached his hand up to feel the side of Don's throat. The child pulled his head away lightly knowing full well what Raph was doing but Raph didn't care. Bu he was relieved feel this throat relaxed. That was one less thing to worry about.

"You do that quite a bit, Raphael-kun."

Oh geeze, couldn't Dorinbo take a hint? Him moving Don away from him didn't mean "please come closer. And it defiantly didn't mean touch his little brothers shoulder. Though he wasn't sure how Dorinbo got so close without Raph noticing., "Do what?" he asked as politely he could (though his tone was anything but)

"You feel his throat quite often. My sons might not have noticed, but few things escape me. Is it because of his Byoki?"

Was that some kind of threat? Wait, Byoki meant diseease right? His formal speak wasn't the best, "His not diseased, he's just" he paused, taking a moment to stroke Don's scalp gently, "he's just not well."

"Can you tell me why? Its none of my business, but you boys are under my care while you're here. I don't want anything bad to happen to you boys."

Raph wanted to tell it really WAS none of his business. But the combination of Don pinching his elbow and his memory of his mother reminding him to always be polite to elders made him sigh, lowering his chin so it rested on Dons scalp. NO matter how Dorinbo felt, Donnie was HIS responsibility even so, he sighed and hugged Donnie a little tighter to him,

"We have this I-sha back home, Leatherhead. He's been Don's I-sha since we got there. He told me and Ma that he thinks Don' got really sick when he was a baby. He doesn't know what, but whatever it was damaged his lungs and airway. And he still gets sick. But as long as he takes his medicine he's fine." Raph loved his little bro. He wasn't afraid to say it either. Donnie was his little man, he trains even though he hates it, and now matter how sick Don got, Raph always knew he'd pull through, he dug his chin a little deeper into Don's scalp, "Problem IS he hates being treated like a child. "now he was talking more to Don, adopting a humorous tone and a smile as Don turned his head from his shoulder to glare at Raph meekly. Raph grinned though , "If he wasn't such a stubborn brat he'd tell you himself. "

"Pardon me if I don't understand. "

Ugh, he hadn't had to explain Don's habits to anyone in a long time. Raph wasn't even sure how to do it. He looked down at Donnie trying to figure out how to do that when a familiar, very ANNOYING voice hit him

'DON! DONNIE!"

Raph sighed when Don pressed his face back into his shoulder at the sound of Fearless. Raph growled in recognition, (and annoyance) , "Him again-"

As if he was summoned by a annoying spell, Leo burst from the comer, his mask hanging around his neck with wide dark eyes which seemed to relax when he looked over at them, "Thank the spirits-"

Geeze as if it wasn't bad enough trying to coax Don out of his metaphorical shell. He wished he hadn't left his chains in the house or he could use to to hog tie him. But when Fearless took a step in their direction Dorinbo covered the distance and took Leo by the shoulders., "Hold, Leonardo-"

"Father-"

"I believe they would like sometime to themselves-"

Fearless's eyes filled with shock, (Raph really didn't understnd why) his he'd turning to look at them Dorinbo's hand went up and guided his face back to look him in the eye, "Calm yourself my child, I know I raised you to have more self control then that."

"b-b-"

Raph could of very easily kissed that big fluffy bunny at that moment. You know, if he wasn't a big fluffy man bunny. He pulled away from his little brother and took his hand , "Come on Don." he said gently "we still have unpacking to do right?" he waited for Donnie to nod before puling him forward back towards the house. Pulling him into the house, he was about to slide the door shut when he saw Leo close his eyes, his head bowed in sadness.

Oh the spirits, even Raph felt a little bad for him. He heard Don shuffle behind him and quickly closed the door before he could see and turned to him. But Judging by the worried look on Dons face he had a pretty good idea what was going on. Raph smiled at him and pulled him into his side into a hug, his free hand rubbing his scalp,, "don't worry about him baby bro. He's fine, he has his old man. And you have me." he added with a smile

"I'll always be here for you baby bro."

(#)(#)(#)(#)

7 year old Raph looked around the store that made up Leatherheads shop. He was mostly a I-sah so cabinets were lined with shelves with strange items and jars. But his Mama told him that some of the items were dangerous, so it was best ot stay by her side. His mothers arm resting on his scalp and pulng on his red bandana in a teasing manner. Raph grinned up at Kaede before pulling his mask back inot place before resting his head against his mothers waist. When was Leatherhead going to be finished?

"Please Chisanai ichi, open up."

Oh right, Raph looked over to the wooden table Leathered used for examination. Donnie was sitting on top of it, his face screwed up with disgust and a blanket tight around his shoulders in defense to his recent fever. But Raphie really couldn't blame him. This was just one of the many checkups the youngest had been subjected to in the past year. Donnie looked down to look at their mother, hoping for a savior from her. But Kaede put on a stern face (and shook her head. This was something Don needed, he wasn't getting out of it.

The baby sighed and turned back to Leatherhead, opening his mouth obediently. The big croc smiled at Kaede before pressing a thin piece of wood against his tongue and peered into his throat. Already Raph could see Donnie getting restless, he reached out and took Don's foot into his hand. Which seemed to work as the child stopped squirming around. Leatherhead released his hold and pulled out the wood. The baby shook his head from side to side in relief before looking over to their mother hopefully.

"You were a little impatient, but you were very good baby boy" Kaede assured him (seeing as Raph needed to be pin down during his examinations'). Even though They had only been living with Kaede for a year, there was no adult Raphie loved more then their mama. Kaede reached out and gathered Donnie up into her arms, going him a affectionate kiss on the forehead. Raph felt a little worried and tugged on Kaede's leg, "Can I hold him Mama? Pease?" he made sure to add.

Kaede smiled down at him, "Ok baby bear, try to get him to go to sleep. He has to get rid of that nasty bug he as."

Raphie nodded with his best 'good boy' smile and held his hands up taking Donnie from her and balancing him on his hip, making sure the blanket was covering his shoulders. But Donnie smiled at him as though to say 'sleep is for the weak, fool'. Raph stuck his tongue out before taking Don's hand with his free one , like he saw his Mama do when she danced with them, his thumb tickling Don's palm and making the baby squeak with giggles.

"Any change Leatherhead?"

"I'm sorry Kaede nothing has changed sine last week. His vocal chords appear to be developed for his age, I even compared them to Raphael's."

"then why doesn't he talk?" Raph's Mama really sounded concerned. Though Raph didn't understand. Donnie never talked, why did it matter? Donnie also hated being held and carried around, but no one seemed to care about that, "its been a year, I've done everything I could to make them feel at home. He's been happy-"

"I agree, you've been a wonderful mother. You even moved into the house you inherited from your parents when you feared the steam from nearby houses would put further damage on your babies lungs. But the problem doesn't appear to be in his physical being.

HuH? That didn't make sense to him. That's all they ever talked about, if it wasn't that Donnie was 'sickly' it was Leatherhead marveling over Raph. He said that Raphie was already bigger then anyone else his age and was only starting to grow. That's why it was so easy for him to take on their mother fighting lessons or carry Donnie on his hip (especially when Donnie got fussy and started fighting back)

Why was it so bad that Donnie didn't talk? Raph always knew what Donnie was saying, and Mama did too.

"What do you mean?"

Raph looked from Donnie to Leatherhead, who had sighed and put a hand over his long snout, "As you know, I used to be a battlefield I-sha. I would go treat citizens caught in the crossfire of Shoguns. I have treated children who no longer spoke. Horrified by the things they had saw. When I returned years later to treat the same children, some of them still couldn't' talk even though they were now in adulthood. Even though they didn't remember what they had seen."

What did that mean? Judging by the confused look on Don's face, he didn't get it either. But their Mama's face dawned with realization, "You think he saw something ? That' he was traumatized/"

"I believe so."

Twuama? What was that? It sounded bad, but Raph didn't think he was going to get time to ask right then. But his mama didn't look happy. He looked over to Donnie again, he LOOKED fine

"Do you think it was from their time in Akai Forest?"

"no, if it were then Raphael would be suffering from the same experience. And he appears to be fine with no signs of stress other then his time in Akai Forest. What ever traumatized your child in the past, it was when he was alone and Raphael wasn't with him."

Wasn't with Raph?! That didn't make sense! He was always with Donnie, if they weren't playing together, Donnie was following him around or hanging off his hand. They even shared the same futon. He shivered lightly at the name "Akai forest." he never knew the forests name till Kaede took them from their and he had no intention of him or Donnie going back there anytime soon. Raph released Don's hand to wrap his free arm around him and hug him close, the child giggled and pressed his face into Raph's cheek. The contrast of Don's feverish skin against his cool skin was only a small reminder of the child's poor health. And why he always needed to be with his baby brother. TO make sure he never left Donnie's' side again

Ever.

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Raph pulled Don's blanket up over his shell. Like he suspected (And in repetition of history) Donnie had shoved his futon right next to Raph's. But it wasn't a big deal, he would of done it if Don didn't. Just like history told him Donnie would probably suffer nightmares if he didn't do anything.

Good thing that wasn't the case here.

He reached to Dons' shoulder blades, his fingers brushing across the thick scars that covered them, two on each and stopped right at his shell. Raph sighed lightly, he couldn't think about that now. He rubbed Don's shoulders lightly, smiling lightly when Don's breath deepened, "You were always the good one, weren't you?" he told he sleeping brother lightly. "too good for your own good."

He glanced at his own futon, thinking it might be a good idea for him to get some sleep too. Raph moved to one knee and braced himself to get up. Pain shot through his back with the swiftness of lightning going down under his shell into the unreachable parts of his body. His body creaked and shook as he fell hard onto all fours, thankfully his hands landed on either side of Don's head, undisturbing his sleep. Raph gritted his teeth at another spasm, pressing his wrist into his teeth to hold back his shouts the bile rising to his throat as eh squeezed his eyes shut. After what seemed like a eternity the spasms' began to fade from his body. Slowly, leaving him. Raph sighed in relief, lowering himself onto the ground, careful not to wake Donnie up as he took several deep breaths to calm himself. He felt something escape his eyes and fall onto his hand oh shit not now. He wiped his eyes no the back of his hand before deciding is body was good enough to try again. This time he moved slowly, one foot then the other, using the wall for support till he was on shaky legs. He sighed again and wiped the sweat off of his brow. Raph put his hand on the wall, some fresh air would do him some good right now. He stepped over his sleeping brother and was outside without another sound.

He wasn't' really surprised that no one from the 'Miyamoto' Family had come to talk to them for the rest of the day. He would of sent them away if they had. He didn't care what they said, even if they wanted him to go visit that "splinter' guy again.

"What ever traumatized your child in the past, it was when he was alone and Raphael wasn't with him."

Raph paused in the doorway looking back at Donnie sleeping form. A thought against his little walk. It seemed like whenever Raph left Donnie alone, he got another scar and another nightmare.

No, he'd be fine. Raph would be back soon. With that thought he stepped out and closed the door behind him

The bright moon illuminated the world around him, the crisp wind catching his skin and sending blissful coolness over it. He sighed a bit before closing the door behind him. He had no doubt no one followed him but he waned to be sure-

A light caught his eye from the house not 10 feet from him. That was Dorinbo's' house right? What was he still doing up? It really wasn't any of his business though. Raph turned to head back inside, glancing at the light again

Still

Raph turned his feet and skimmed across the grass. His time as the NightWatcher ensured he could walk very easily without leaving a trace. Instinct he pressed his back against the wall, moving over to where the light let out of the propped open window. The faded smell of green tea filled his nose as he turned his head ever so slightly to look in. He could see the form of Dorinbo kneeling on the ground, the low table pushed to the far wall and a candle set to the side illuminating the room. Raph could see the form of someone else opposite him. He moved his head ever so slightly to change the angle

Leo?

Yeah, that was him. His head was bowed and his mask trails hanging over his neck, without his mask the kame who claimed to be his brother (BIG brother at that) looked so young, he could see a yunomi in his hands, it appeared to be cold due to the fact there was no heat stream coming out. The cup was limp in his hands. He just looked so sad

"I wish you would talk to me, my son. Have I not always told you that you could?"

Fearless's head tipped up and down lightly, "I-I know that father, y-you have been nothing but gracious, fair and giving since you took me and Mikey in. S-since then I've t-tried so hard…" his words were weak. Barely supported by his own breath. Raph had never imagined that Leo had the same stuttering problem as Donnie. Dorinbo reached forward and took the yunomi from his hands to keep it from falling but the Fearless Kame simply folded his hands together, " I've tried so hard Father, to be a good son. To be a good brother to Usagi, to be a good role model for my Aka-chan. T-to be a samurai worthy of the Bushido code." a sniff

"I never said you weren't. You've made me and your family very proud." Dorinbo's' words were gentle. But Leonard shook his head again,

"NO, I'-I'm failing them. Raphael and Donnie." he voice broke on Don's name, "I-I already lost Raph. He wants nothing to do with me. B-bu-but Don a-atleast want=wanted to kn-know me. I-I made-ade them leave their home. A-a-way from their mother j-j-ust to see a f-family they d-don't even rr-remember." he took a shuddering breath that sent a small wave of pity through Raph, aw dam it, "He-he's been so p-patient. B-but I-I've be=been tr-trea-ttreaing him like a ch-child." his form curled up tighter Raph could see him shaking , "He-he hates me…I know he-he does. I-I deserve it Father-"

"NO my child." Dorinbos' voice snapped, demanding his attention, but still marinating some trace of fatherhood, "You were simply trying to carry out your fathers wishes."

"But YOU'RE my father too. A-and I-I haven't called you that in years-"

"It doesn't matter what you call me, Leonardo. You're my son and you always will be. And when Splinter wakes up, I'm sure he'd say the same thing. 'Dorinbo's hand wrapped around his sons shell and pulled him close almost out of Raph's view. The only reason he knew Leo was still there was because he could see Leo's scalp resting on Dorinbo's' shoulder, shaking slightly. Was he sick?

NO

Wait.

He was CRYING

Ah crap…

Suddenly spying didn't seem to be the best idea. Raph took a few steps back and hurried over to the other walkway, turning the corner he knew would head for the room he and Don were sharing-

A figure suddenly bounced off his chest and fell back on the walk way. Raph probably would of reacted badly had he not realized the figure was wearing bright orange with a matching mask, "Mikey?"

The kame blinked obviously dazed from the sudden transition to moving to on floor. His blue eyes lighting up in retaliation, "Hey !Sorry about that!" he rubbed his head lightly. Did he hit it? Raph reached down and took Mikey by the elbow, gently lifting him up onto his feet. In his mind he acknowledged the youngest kame's weight. He definitely weighed more then Don, he had been hoping that 'runtiness' was a kame thing. Guess not.

"What are you doing Raphael?"

"Just taking a walk. Don says it softens my snores when I do. What about you?"

"I was looking for Leo, have you seen him?"

Uh oh, Raph had a feeling Leo didn't want his kid brother seeing him so broken up. But eh couldn't lie, "Er, I saw him."

"Really?! Where?!"

"At the outhouse I think he has the runs or something." it wasn't his best cover-up. But it was the best one he could think of at the moment

"Oh, " Mikey's face fell lightly, as though he ad been expecting something else, "ok then-"

"Usagi's' been staying at your guy's place right? And you have school tomorrow, I don't' think either of your brothers would want you to be up this late-"

"They're your brothers too. Atleast Leo is." his eyes frowned.

This kid was testing his patience, "That's different. You know him, I don't-"

"He's trying to though. He left for a long time looking for you. You cant say you never thought you had more family out there besides Don- "

"I didn't CARE." he tried to keep the growl out of his voice, but it nestled in his throat like the reflex it was, "We don't exactly look like our Ma. I'm the dumb one and even I figured it out. Don did too, sure he was upset but-" he stopped in mid sentence when Mikey bowed his head, his bare toes curling over each other in discomfort. What was with the change in attitude? There wasn't a need to get so emotional. It wasn't like- then it hit him like a bears right hook.

Crud

Mikey didn't know

How could he be so stupid?! Or heartless!? He backtracked quickly, rubbing the back of his neck as a excuse for his silence, trying to find the right words, "You really didn't know you and Fearless were adopted, kid?"

Mikey gave a half shrug, but his chin stayed plastered to his chest, "N-Not really. We never talked about it so I just-just thought." there was a small sigh that made Raph pity him a bit, "I-I asked Dad where our mother was when I was 8. I-I guess he never realized I didn't know we weren't' related. I-I felt so stupid. So ridicules We-we don't even look alike." he shook his head sadly, "I-I should of realized it sooner. I cried like a freaking baby while Dad held me and calmed me down. I guess it hurt more then anything else to think that someone had given us up or hurt Leo. B-but when Dad was holding me, it just sort hit me. It hit me that Dorinbo and Usagi DID want us. That-that me and Leo were there because we WANTED to be there. And-and that's what made a family." a small laugh. The orange kame wiped his eyes on his sleeve lightly. Oh spirits, not another crier. What was Raph supposed to do? He looked around frantically what was he supposed to do?! What if it were Donnie? What would he do? Slowly with hesitation, Raph reached out and placed his head on the child's bowed head. Mikey tensed at the contact, raising his head up lightly to look at him confused with a small sniff.

Raph put on a smile, using his thumb to stroke his brow, "You gotta good life here kiddo. A good father, good brothers and a good home. So don't forget that ok?" Mikey smiled and nodded. Good. Nice to know Raph was up on his karma chart ,he gave the youngest kame a small shove, "Go ahead and lay down, Leo will be back soon I promise."

Mikey nodded again and started hurrying in direction of his room when he paused and looked back at Raph with a curious look on his face. Raph twisted his face lightly, "What? I gotta booger on my face-?"

"You called Leo by his name. YOU didn't call him Fearless."

Crap! He did! For some reason he felt a rush of heat go to his face. He scratched at it trying to hide his embarrassment, "Yeah well, that stays between us ok kid? don't tell anyone."

"I wont!" Mikey grinned bright and ran back the way he came and turned the corner with a , "NIGHT RAPH!"

Raph found himself smirking despite himself, running his hand over his face. Enough with the night walk he was tired. His back was still tense but he could ignore it. He headed back to the room, sliding the door open, a creak of wood against wood filling the air.

Don sat up straight, his bleary unmasked eyes looking around for the source when he saw Raph. Raph cursed himself and put on a smile, "Runs got me baby bro-"

But his face was even less convincing then his lie. Donnie jumped out of bed and hurried over, yanking on his arm and dragging him on over to his futon, "ok OK." he pulled his arm free and went down onto his stomach. It was the only way Donnie could really reach him (as Raph loved to remind him). Don circled back out of his sight but he felt his small hands pressing into the back of his neck and shoulders, even down to the back of his legs. A blissful numbness going through his back as he moaned in relief and closed his eyes. Almost half asleep till he felt a small shuffling sound. He grinned lightly and put his hand on the retreating futon. The sound of body against ground probably meant that Raph's suddenly weight had sent Don flying again, he opened one eye to see Don down on the ground rubbing his tail , "Runt." he called lightly, when Don's eyes looked up to him, he drug Don's futon with one hand back over to his side and raised his arm up, "C-mere." he said with a grin

Don smiled lightly and hurried back over, Rah noted he tripped slightly over his folded samue before crawling over to him and cuddling up under his blanket. Raph pulled the blanket over him before hugging him close with one arm, his head resting against Raph's collarbone. Raph dug his chin into Don's scalp lightly, "Night."

A small yawned a beak nuzzling into his shoulder childishly, "Night Kuma-ni."

Raph grinned at bit harder, resting his cheek against Don's scalp.

"That's my baby bro."

He was someone Raph could always depend on.

(#)(#)(#)(#)

"AND WHAT THE HELL DOES THIS MEAN!?"

It was only a little satisfying to watch the 13 year old jump so high, grabbing the cabinet to keep from jumping completely through the ceiling of the 'examination room'. Looking over at him with a almost horrified look on his face, 'Raph-"

Raph pushed the rest of the way in through the back of the shop, pulling off his happi. It would be a understatement that he was a angry. You would be too, if you got a bird sent from your brother saying something absolutely stupid. That's why he chose to go through the back way and scare the metaphorical soil out of him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the note, reading it back. It had taken him a while and but he had gotten the messge, (he wasn't the best reader), "don't COME GET ME. I'M BUSY. STAY AWAY? DONNIE?!" he crumbled the note in his fist, "What the HELL is this supposed to mean DONNIE?"

"Raph-"

" do I EMBARRASS you? Does the thought of being seen with your big brother SCATH your social status? Or maybe I'm SLOWING YOU down."

"Raphie-"Don looked over to the door that lead to the front hall then back at him frantically "Kuma-ni-"

"ALL THAT DOESN'T MATTER. I WALK YOU HOME TO KEEP YOU SAFE!" he shoved the cabitnet by him' SO I'M SOOOOO SORRY IF IT SOILS YOUR PRECIOUS SOCIAL STATUS-"

"SHUT UP RAPH!"

He wasn't sure what he had just heard. But surely SURELY misheard him, he walked over to Don again , bearing down at him with burning eyes, " .YOU-" hands flew up and covered his mouth. A foot hooking around his knee and sent him slamming against the floor. A weight on his chest and Don's hands firmly over his mouth . Normally Raph would send him flying across the room. But he chose to exercise his patients at the moment. But he sure as hell hoped his eyes were burning holes into his head.

But Donnie looked to the door again, what the hell was he so nervous about? He looked back down at his big brother with scared eyes, "I'm going to uncover your mouth but you have to promise to listen, ok?"

Listen!? He would be lucky if he didn't get moms belt. But once again, lessons of patience bore on him like a annoying woman's cane. He took a deep breath, (though it was humorous to note Donnie rose slightly s his chest swelled) and nodded. Donnie slowly removed his hands, "Raph, I'm SORRY I hurt your feelings."

"You didn't hurt my feelings you TICKED ME-"

"SSSSSSSSSSHH! I have a good reason!"

A good reason? Raph crossed his arms, "I'm listening."

"There's a girl.'

Pause

What? "What?"

"Th-there's a girl who comes -she's my age an-and she c-c-comes b-b-by wi-w-th he-her f-f-father. Sh-she al-also co-comes by fo-for his me-med-I-dichine. I- I ask-asked if she wan-wanted me to wal-walk he-her home. She-she sa=said yes."

What?, "You have a DATE?"

"NO! I-I mean I d-don't THINK so ,sh-she ask-asked if I wan-wanted togo to th-this dango stand on the way home-"

"DONNIE!' he couldn't explain his feelings, but he sat up with the same angle of a rake and sent Donnie flying across the floor. Raph was on him in a instant, arm around his neck and palm rubbing his scalp, 'YOU SLY DOG! You got yourself a date you little ladies man?!"

"Raph-"

"I'm so PROUD. My baby bro's becoming a man!"

"RAPH-"

"I haven't even had the talk with you yet" he paused that was a horrendous thought, "do we have time for that though?"

"RAPHIE-"

"Ok." if he had ot do this he had ot do this fast. He released Donnie and took him by the shoulders. Oh sprits, he didn't even have time to prepare for this. Where ws he supposed to start?! "Don, I know you've been looking at girls a lot. That's' ok, and I know you've probably had weird feelings about that. Some sensations you don't' understand-"

"RAPH." hands grabbed his shoulders. Raph paused in midspeech. What was HE so weirded out about? HE didn't have to give it, "Raph , I KNOW the speech. I give it to patients all the time. Hell I've given YOU the speech."

What? Oh right. That was the worst day in his whole existence. That was the night he discovered sake could block out horrific memories. Which had lead to his first hangover.

Wait.

Raph looked up to the door. Why did Don keep looking towards the door? Like he was nervous or scared-

Wait.

OH spirits

Raph shoved Don to the ground and stood up, looking through the slotted window. On the 'customer' side stood a neko girl about Don's age, her blonde hair tied back in a bright yellow ribbon and clothed in a simple pink kimono. He felt something hug him around the stomach and yank on him, "RAPH STOP IT."

"is that HER?"

"what if it is?!"

"Oh Donnie she's ADORABLE-"

"Knock it off Raph she can hear you!"

"And she's still sticking around?" he hooked his arm around Don's neck, pressing his face right next to his, "She's a brave one, you better not let her goooo-"

"RAPH STOP IT."

Raph paused, Don had his head ducked now, clinging to his opposite arm. His socked toes curling into themselves. He knew that stance. His poor brother. He smiled softly, "Donnie, you really that nervous.'

"oh gee REALLY?!"

He laughed for a sec before going over to the cabinets, picking up a stray rag from a wooden bowl and walked on over, he started to wipe off Don's face lightly, trying to get the extra grime off. He expected Don to squirm and pull away. But his little brother stayed mobile, his eye on twitching slightly when he wiped too close to his eye, 'What are you nervous about Don?" He asked gently.

"I-I'm not good with talking to people Raph. I didn't even have friends, I-I'm scared I'm going to mess up."

"Mess up WHAT? Going to get Dango?"

"I'm serious. You go on dates all the time."

That was true. Girls did like him, but the 'talk' never came in handy during them. "Don, this girl likes you.. And you like her." he straighten Don's samue out, making sure his white under sleeves were straight, waiting for Don's timid nod, "Well, you know. I know something that'll work for you." he smiled again when Don's eyes widen,

"What? What is it?'"

"Well, whenever you think of doing something. Just ask yourself, 'is this something you're big amazing strong big brother would do?' and if the answer is YES.." he paused lightly, watching Donnie lean in with wide eyes, "Then , for Spirits sake. don't DO IT."

A confused blink, 'That's all you have for me?"

"bro, that's the best advice I can give you." it really was. It was the reason why he never got a second date. He smiled and turned Don from him, '"don't be home late." he smacked Don on the tail and sent him scampering forward with a backwards glare, pushing the door open. Raph moved over and pressed his ear through the door.

"Y-You ready to go Yukina-san?" aw that was his big Donnie

A small shy giggle, '"Indeed."

Raph heard the door creep open and two sets of footsteps leaving. Now, he could get his Nightwatcher gear and follow them, just to keep Donnie safe-

Or

He could go home and trust him.

A few hours later

Raph lowered himself from his 30'th set of 'vertical pushups' but his restlessness stayed in his bones as he shook out his arms. Maybe he should of followed Don. What if he got jumped? What if Yukina turned out ot be a bandit? Dam it he should of set a curfew.-

There was a creak of sliding door, Raph spun to see Don step in. His head bowed low and hands to his sides. Uh oh. Raph was over there in a instant, "Don? Everything ok?"

"Y-Yeah."

"Did it go well?"

"Y-yeah." but his voice was quiet. He couldn't really get a tone from it.

Raph leaned down lightly and took Don by the shoulders, looking at his face the best he could, "Don, its ok if didn't go well. It was your first date, my first date ended with my arm dislocated by a angry ex boyfriend. Course I dislocated his face, and the other date ended with a broken shop, oh man Ma skinned my tail for that-"

"It didn't go bad Raph.'

"Huh?" Raph looked back at his face. Don didn't look, 'devastated.' he looked sheepish, shy. That's when it hit him and sent a smile across his face, "did you kiss her?"

Don's eyes looked up to him for a moment, his mouth tight in a attempt to stop himself from smiling and a dark blush across his face as he nodded ever so slightly

"That's my bro."

(#)(#)(#)(#)

"He looks so sad…"

Raph gave a small sigh, pulling on his top and putting his sleeves through his happi. He didn't 'have to look to see Don standing at the door looking out. NO doubt he had caught a glimpse of Fearless sitting on the walkway, looking like a lost koinu. And the only reason Raph knew he was out there was because he had looked when Donnie was stretching out his sleepiness and cracked the door open so slightly to let the light in. Enough to catch Don's attention.

He hated using his baby bros' own soft heartedness against him, but he had to. Raph knew in the long run that Don would regret if he didn't try to connect with Fearless again. Raph raised his mask and pulled it over his eyes with a yank the trails. He couldn't let Donnie do that to himself. He caught a glimpse of Don's mask and picked it up, moving to his feet and over to Don. He turned his bro to face him before putting the mask over Don's eyes, the younger Kame squirmed lightly, 'I can do that myself."

"I know bro." he smiled lightly, tying the mask so it stayed in place, "Me and Ma used to have to do this for you though. If you went without your mask, you always got anxious. I did too." he moved the mask holes so they lined up with his brothers eyes, "there." he smiled,

Don smiled up at him lightly but it was obvious he was feeling a little bashful. As he always did in reference to his childhood. Before looking back towards the door. Raph found himself urging him mentally, to save his baby bro from future guilt, "I-I'm going to go talk to him. O-ok?"

Now was his chance. If he said no, then Donnie would stay HIS little brother. To hold his hand forever and make sure no one ever hurt him. To protect him from world that had already caused him so many scars.

But he couldn't, "Up to you." he gave a shrug.

Don bit his lip and nodded lightly, hearing back in th direction of the door. Raph felt a pause , his body tensed, "Hold up-"

"yeah?"

Raph didn't know how to say it. HE closed the space between them and took Dons' hand, gently tickling his palm with his thumb and smiling lightly as Don's hand squirmed in retaliation a small familiar laugh escaping his brothers lips. Why were his hands always so small? They always fit so snugly in his hand. How many times did he feel Don try to pull away in the middle of the city because something interesting caught his eye? How many times did Don and he get into so many arguments about Raph treating him like a child only to have him ignore his hand altogether and seek the comfort of his arms to sob out his angers, fear and frustrations? How many times did he fail Donnie only to have his little brother smile at him and forgive him so easily? Even when he didn't deserve it? How many times had he smothered Donnie with his overprotective ness till the younger was in tears which would lead to a screaming match between them? How many times…he was sure eh could start a hundred more sentences with that phrase. But he smiled lightly at his brother, "I'm-"

Tell him stay away from Fearless.

Tell him to never leave your side

Tell him to never let go of your hand, just like when he was a baby and he could barely breath or talk.

But he couldn't

He couldn't be selfish

"I'm proud of you Donnie. I'm proud that you didn't turn out a empty-headed bruiser like me. I'm' he paused, 'dam it Raph you broke your arm and didn't blink, he thought to himself angrily, "I'm glad I didn't screw you up ."

As expected, Don smiled, confused but amused, "What are you talking about? First you ty my mask and now you sound like Ma." after a few seconds his smile slid off his face, almost in suspicion, "A-are you making fun of me because I got so clingy? I didn't mean-"

"I aint allowed to say I'm proud of you?" he accused lightly, he raised his free hand to poke Don in the chin. The younger smirked as another small chuckle escaped him, his other hand swiping at his hand in protest,, "Just, " he paused again, why was this so hard? "Just don't forget I'm always here for you. Ok ? I love you baby bro?"

"Yeah I know Kuma-ni I love you too" he smirked lightly "Its no like I'm gong across the country" he smiled, "I'll be right back." with that , for the first time when Donnie tugged on his hand to get free, for the first time Raph let his hand go and felt it slip away like the strings of a kite. He watched Don walk out the door. He watched Don approach Fearless with the watchful eye he had always given him. One he would remain to keep over Don always

"L-leo?" all jokiness was gone, concerned was all that was left. The same concern Don showed to every other creature, "Are you ok?"

The blue masked kame's head shot up from his downward cast, wide at the sight of him, "D-don! Y-You're talking again?"

"Y-Yeah sorry about that." his voice was sheepish , "I tend to 'mute up' when I get frustrated="

"D-don't apologize." geeze Leo could sound a lot like Don when he stuttered, the oldest was on his feet, hands on Don's shoulders. There was a bit of hope in his eyes. Raph took a deep breath

This is what Donnie wanted

, "I'M sorry Donnie, you didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one who insulted you. I-I misunderstood your concerns. I insulted your-your skills and your teacher-'

"LEO." the younger kame raised his hands ot rest on Leo's, Raph could practically see the smile on his face, the kind understanding one, "you're beginning to sound like me-"

For the first time Leos' face soften. Almost into hope, Raph couldn't' deny it was nice to see him finally ending his self angst,

Seriously

The guy angsted a lot

, "I was born first Otouto, so really you sound like ME."

A small laugh. Raph smiled lightly resting against the wall ,

"Doesn't change the fact I kicked your butt yesterday."

"Yeah you did." a small admittance, "You're a really good fighter."

"not really, Kuma-nis' the best at it. I'm really bad, which means you're REALLY bad at it."

"I gues you have to show me a few moves then. Is that ok with you?"

"Sure." Raph could of smiled at Dons small voice crack, ah puberty "How are you feeling Leo? Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, Mikey's been a very effective 'nanny' since you sic'd him on me." all traces of the guilt were now gone. His tone was friendly and warm, a tease behind it. Like the way one SHOULD speak to a brother.

"OH that's not the worst part. The worse part is the fact I'M your I-sha who forgot to give you your examination yesterday."

Raph watched Leos' face fall into mock horror as Donnie turned him around, shoving him lightly towards the house, "Hey!"

"You shouldn't of hid yesterday!"

"I'm the oldest here! If I don't want a exam-"

"I-sha outranks oldest!"

"Oh REALY?" Fearless's face broke into a fiendish grin, "Well, the oldest OUTWEIGHS I-sha." the larger kame leaned back. His legs straightening out, Raph almost laughed at the similar method as Leo started to put more of his weight on the child pushing him. Even more so at his frantic squeak as Donnie struggled to keep his weight off of him," That's not fair!"

"Big brothers don't have to be fair! Hasn't Raph taught you that yet?"

"oh please! Raph's way worse then you are!"

"Oh really?"

"Yeah?"

"Oh yeah?"

"YEAH!"

Raph flinched lightly with a smirk. He could hear Leo struggling not to laugh with each rebuke, it was almost nice. He could also 'hear' Don's beaming face from here. Deciding he was no longer needed he walked on over and sat against the wall, Don would be back soon for training, he could wait till then. He could take a step back,

If only for his baby brother

Translation

Koinu, "puppy."