Epilogue

2 weeks later

Leo's POV

What happened between me and my brothers really opened my eyes.
I have always trusted them with everything and I always will.
I never wanted any of that to happen. And I definitely don't want to go through this ever again!

So, I really tried to be less 'overprotective'.
Hard? Yes!
Impossible? I would say so!
But the guys know I'm doing my very best and they appreciate it.

But sometimes, they thank me for it. Like when we were on patrol yesterday night.
We ran into some kraang on a rooftop and we started fighting.
I kept an eye out for the others, like always.
And good thing I did!

Raph was only a couple of feet from me, but I saw he was having some difficulties taking all of the robots down. And I don't blame him! He had like fifteen of them around him. And every time he took one done, two more joined the group.
Let's just say: he didn't stand a chance…

So, when I had finished all of 'my' robots, I ran over to Raph and took half of them out from the back.
No honor at all to attack an enemy from behind, I know.
But they should just leave my family alone!

Together, Raph and me took care of them.
I don't even want to think what could have happened if I hadn't interfered…

Back at home, I went to my room to put away my swords (it's not very comfortable to sit on the couch with two swords sticking in your back!).
When I turned around and wanted to get back to the living room, Raph was standing in the doorway.

I expected him to start nagging about 'being able to handle it by himself' and 'fearless leader should learn to let us be'…
But no such thing! He only smirked and asked to play a videogame together.
I was surprised to say the least. But I just took the offer.
I knew this was his way to thank him.

I know that me and Raph tend to fight a lot. And also WAY to much!
But we DO care about each other. I think we are very much alike, in more than one way…
Of course, none of us would ever say that out loud. But deep inside (way, way,… deep inside), we know it. And maybe that's why we get along so good. We understand each other.
Splinter lets us train together because our fighting skills are similar. Same level, same style,…
Of course, there are differences. And there always will be! But that's good! Those differences make us stronger!

When we had finished our game, we went to Don's lab to see what he and Mikey were up to.
The sight just was so touching!
Donnie had fallen asleep with his head in his arms while lying on his desk. But that wasn't even the cutest part! Mikey was sleeping on Donnie's shell in the same position as Donnie.
Before I could say a word, Raph ran to his room and got his camera. When he returned, he took a picture and whispered: "you never know when you need blackmail material…"
I chuckled and motioned for Raph to go to the living room. There, we watched some TV.

The next morning, I woke up there with Raph sleeping on my left arm. I smiled, but then I panicked. What time is it? If we're late for practice, Sensei will kill us!
One look at the clock gave me the answer. 7:45. Morning training is at 6!
But then, I saw Sensei watching us from the door of the dojo.
He didn't look angry. He just smiled and motioned me to go back to sleep.

I smiled back. He might be my Sensei, but he's also my father. And all he wants is for us to be save.
That was the main reason why he ever learned us ninjitsu. So we could defend ourselves if necessary.
Sometimes, I really wonder if Splinter is psychic.
But at that moment, it didn't matter. I was perfectly content with my life.
I just went back to sleep.
And the only thing I was dreaming about, was my family. And how much they mean to me…

My name is Leonardo and I am mature, a little serious and not very intuitive.
But most important: I'm proud to be part of this family.

Author's note: And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the end of this story! :) My next story will be a series of one-shots based an episodes from the 2012-series.
If anybody has got any requests, I would love to hear them! Also, if you would like a story based on an episode from another series, let me know! I have seen some of them. And if I liked the episode, I can write a one-shot if you want me to! :D

So, the usual: Thanks for everyone who has been reading/reviewing/…
Without you, I wouldn't be writing anymore! :)

Love,
Sweetheart91597 x