I don't own TMNT or UY

Don't forget the Epilogue!! I'm submitting it at the same time so as not to break flow :)

Also, Artists' notes at the end for those who want to check it out.

Xxxxx

"For the last time Mikey; no." I sighed, rolling my eyes.

He gave a long, drawn out whine. "Aw come on Leo! Why not?!"

I pulled a face at him. "Do you seriously need me to tell you why you can't go with them?"

Mikey pouted at me. "Yeah! I mean what's the big deal?! It wouldn't be forever and I'll come back!" His pout broke and he grinned widely at me instead. "I mean I know you guys would miss me but I'm sure you'll be able to get along somehow!" He clasped his hands together, widening his baby blues at me. "Please Leo? It won't be for long I swear! Please please please?!"

I gave a groan, rubbing at my eyes with my fingers irritably. "Mikey. How many times do I have to say 'no' before you get the message? You can't go with Jotaro and Usagi. End of story."

He frowned, crossing his arms and puffing his chest out at me. "This is 'cause I got struck by lightening isn't it?! But I'm fine now! I can take care of myself! Besides, lightening never strikes the same place twice right? So technically I'm safe for the rest of my life."

I gave him a levelled stare. "Ok. First of all, none of that makes even the vaguest form of sense, second of all it wasn't lightening, and third this has nothing to do with that."

Mikey grumbled at me. "Sure it does."

I shook my head. "No, honestly it doesn't."

He sulked, leaning back against the side of the armchair as he glared at the floor, his legs dangling sideways over the chair's arm rest.

We'd finally reached that time, and Usagi and Jotaro were preparing to go home that evening. Usagi had healed up nicely. He no longer complained from any chest pains and we'd stopped giving him painkillers every day. His wrist was also fully functional again as he was eager to demonstrate during our last sparring match together in which, I must admit, he completely wiped the floor with me. After he'd made it clear his swordsmanship was back up to standard and he was perfectly capable of looking after himself again, we realised there was no point in keeping him here any longer. Besides, Jotaro was getting homesick and anxious for his mother.

Master Splinter had done what he could for Usagi's torn kimono, but he was gonna need to see a seamstress to get it properly mended. As for Jotaro, we had little to offer the boy. He mostly scurried around the lair in one of our disguises, usually a t-shirt that was miles too big for him tied at the waist. Somehow I never got tired of seeing him dressed like that. It was as amusing as it was adorable.

As for the rest of us, we had all more or less healed apart from some tenderness here and there. Mikey was definitely back to normal again. Master Splinter had started getting him involved in our training sessions again, and even though our sensei was taking it easy on him and it was obvious Mikey was a still a little slow in his reactions, I could tell with practice he'd be back up to speed again in no time.

Besides, he must be doing better if he was able to irritate me this much.

I sighed, uncrossing my legs and leaning towards him a little more from my position on the couch.

"Mikey honestly, It's got nothing to do with you getting hurt, there's just no way you can go with them. At least not today."

"Bet you'd go if you wanted to." He grumbled irritably.

I shook my head. "No, I wouldn't."

He blinked, looking up at me. "Sure ya would! You and Usagi are really tight! If you wanted to go he'd let you like, no question!"

I sighed. "Maybe he would, but that's not what I mean." I gave him a much more serious expression. "He needs to take Jotaro home, and he's gonna need to explain what happened to the boy's mother."

"Which is why I should go!" Mikey whined. "I could help! I could back him up and like, stop her from killing him and stuff!"

I couldn't help but smile at this. "Maybe, but... this is something he's gotta do on his own Mike. I think you know that."

Mikey made a reluctant noise. "Ok, maybe... but I still wanna go!"

I gave a nod. "I know Mikey, but you really can't."

He gave a huff, falling back on the chair. "So unfair."

I gave a light laugh. "Why don't you just say you wanna go 'cause you're gonna miss them?"

He turned back to me, blinking wide-eyed. He then gave a sheepish grin. "I'm that transparent huh?"

I rolled my eyes. "No offence Mikey, but you're not exactly hiding your intentions very well."

He stuck his tongue out at me with a frown. "So what. If I wanna go I wanna go." His face brightened suddenly. "Or maybe-!"

"No." I quickly interrupted. "They can't stay here either."

"Ya mean we can't keep them?" He said with an overly pathetic tone of voice, his bottom lip quivering.

I burst out laughing. "No! What, you wanna keep them in a box under your bed or something?"

"Ew! Dude! No need to be all psycho killer about it!" Mikey scrunched his muzzle at me.

"That's not what I meant and you know it!" I laughed at him.

"Geez Leo, remind me to never go into a dark alley alone with you!" Mikey carried on, grinning at me.

"Oh please." I rolled my eyes. "If I wanted to kill you I'd have done it years ago!"

"Unless," Mikey threw a finger into the air. "This was all part of your brilliantly crafted master mind scheme all along!"

I cocked a brow at him. "Really?"

He gave a nod. "Yeah yeah! I can see it now! You plotting to yourself, coming up with plans and stuff on how you're gonna take us out one by one 'till you're the only awesome cool turtle left in New York!"

"Ok, now you're just getting ridiculous." I said.

"Oh am I Leonardo? If that is your real name?!" He gave me a deeply suspicious look.

I blinked at him, finding myself drawn into the game. "You know what?" I got up out of my seat. "You're right."

His grin dropped as he stared at me wide-eyed. "I'm what?"

I walked over towards him. "You're absolutely right. But now that you know of my plan I'm gonna have to destroy you."

Mikey blinked at me before giving a girlish shriek and leaping out of the chair but I grabbed him before he could get away. I got him into a headlock before I proceeded to knuckle his skull. He squirmed wildly with a squeal.

"No no no! Leo come on! Get offa me!! No fair! You play dirty!! I'm all sick and hurt and stuff remember?!"

I gave a laugh. "Yeah right! You can't keep using that excuse forever you know!"

He wriggled, trying to break my hold, despite laughing wildly to himself. "If ya don't let go I'm gonna call Raph and he's gonna kick your butt!"

"And what makes you think he's automatically gonna side with you and not help me instead? You forget, you and Jotaro stole his mask this morning and then lost it! He's still pissed about that!"

"Hey! We found it again didn't we?!" Mikey pouted.

I chuckled, letting him go. "Yeah, in the sewer."

"Aw, it's not like they're that hard to make." Mikey waved a hand dismissively. "Besides, he's got a spare."

I smiled. "Even so, he's still annoyed with you two, especially since this isn't the first time you've pulled this stunt."

Mikey grinned at me. "Yeah, but we keep needing it to play ninja with! Besides, if we took yours or Donny's, Raph would get lonely with no-one to play with."

I laughed at this. "Maybe you're right."

"You know it!" His grin widened.

I smiled more affectionately at him. "You've done a good job keeping the boy's spirits up Mikey."

He blinked at me, his smile disappearing into a more surprised stare.

I felt my smile brighten. "In fact... you've probably done more for that kid than any of us put together."

Mikey smiled again, more seriously. He dropped his gaze slightly. "I'm gonna miss him."

I nodded, giving his shoulder a well-meaning pat. "You'll see him again. You can count on that."

He lifted his gaze, smiling a little more happily again and giving a nod. "Oh yeah! Totally!"

I smiled back warmly.

"I should probably go find him." Mikey said, turning to trot away. "I don't want him to get all gloomy and sulky 'cause he's leaving."

I nodded, watching him go. I thought for a moment as I watched his shell trot in the direction of the dojo where I could hear Raph and Donny face off against each other in their daily training session. Usagi and Jotaro were more than likely watching the event with Master Splinter surveying the match. I smiled to myself.

"Hey Mikey!" I called after him.

He stopped, turning to blink at me over his shoulder questioningly.

I beamed at him. "You seem a lot better."

He blinked at me for a moment before he broke into a bright, cheerful smile. "Yeah... I was able ta work some stuff out...."

He turned and continued to the dojo, a light bounce in his step.

----

We stood, waiting patiently as Master Splinter finished drawing the intricate symbols and runes against the wall.

Usagi stood beside me. I could see his hands clench and unclench themselves as he waited. He was anxious. I smiled, putting a hand on his shoulder and giving it a squeeze. He blinked, shaken from his thoughts as he turned to look at me. My smile brightened a little but I said nothing, merely giving him a look of encouragement. He relaxed, giving me a grateful smile in return.

Raph stood on the other side of me, his arms crossed as he watched master Splinter work. His usual scowl was still on his face, but I knew it was merely a mask. Raph hates emotional good-byes. They made him uncomfortable because he wasn't sure how to keep up his 'tough-guy' appearance but not come across as a jerk. That and, of course, he was sad to see our friend go.

Donny stood close by, smiling widely to himself. I don't think he was even aware he was doing so. Relief was practically pouring off of him as he waited for this final step in the journey to be completed. Donny was not satisfied that we'd succeeded in our mission until Usagi and Jotaro were both back safely where they belong. He was truly happy for them, and that was overpowering any sadness he was feeling over our parting.

Mikey however wasn't even trying to hide his unhappiness. He was biting down on his bottom lip very hard, his eyes shining brighter than they should as he watched.

Jotaro blinked up at him before elbowing him lightly. "Nii-san!" He reprimanded him.

Mikey blinked, turning to stare down at the small boy. Jotaro gave him a disapproving, childish frown. "(You are embarrassing me!)"

Mikey immediately went into a pout. "(Well excuse me! I suppose you want me to start doing cartwheels and dancing around!)"

Jotaro blinked up at him with wide eyes. "(You don't need to go that far!)"

Usagi gave a laugh. "(Do not be so harsh on him Jotaro-kun.)"

Jotaro sighed. "(He needn't act so depressed about it! We're gonna see each other again!)" He blinked, tilting his head upwards at Mikey again. "(We will won't we?)"

Mikey gave a laugh, crouching down and promptly wrapping his arms around the child tightly. "(Of course! Heck if it were up to me I'd kidnap you myself!)"

Jotaro gave a wriggle against Mikey. "(Alright, but make sure to ask me first before you do ok?!)"

"(And make sure to double check with me.)" Usagi added, giving Mikey a sideways glance and a grin. "(I am busy and can not come rescue Jotaro-kun every second day you know!)"

Mikey stuck his tongue out at the samurai but said nothing. Jotaro giggled.

"If you do not mind, I am trying to concentrate." Master Splinter grumbled, his hands clasped in front of him as he tried desperately to focus on his chant.

Mikey gave a sheepish grin. "Sorry Master Splinter!"

Splinter nodded, closing his eyes and reciting the chant again. We waited patiently, our eyes glued to the wall with the intricate symbols scrawled on it in chalk. The puddle of water Sensei had thrown in front of the wall slid upwards against the concrete before it arced over itself, curled inwards and then poured downwards, forming the shape of a doorway. It glistened for a moment before it lit up, turning a bright, powdery blue, light streaming from it. A soft wind rose around us, rushing inwards towards the portal.

Master Splinter nodded, turning and coming over to us. He turned to face the Samurai before he gave him a warm, caring bow.

"Sayonara Miyamoto Usagi-san. I wish you nothing but good fortune and prosperity." He straightened again, his smile widening slightly. "And please, do not wait until a tragedy to visit us next time. Your company is very well received... and you are welcome in our home at any time, as if it were your own."

Usagi smiled warmly at Splinter, giving him a bow in return. "Your kindness and hospitality knows no bounds Sensei. If it were not for you and your family I would have been lost. I am forever in your debt, and I have no means to ever repay you or express my gratitude."

Splinter gave him an understanding nod. "Know this Miyamoto-san, as one father to another, I understand your gratitude but you owe us nothing at all. Your friendship is enough if not more."

Usagi smiled warmly at him before turning to the rest of us.

"Raphael-san, I want to thank-"

"Nah nah nah." Raph waved his hands in the air dramatically. "Don't ya dare put me on the spot Bunny-boy! I'm no good with all this mushy good-bye crap!" He glared at Usagi, shooting out a hand. "Just promise you'll come back and keep Leo outta my face for a while ok?"

Usagi gave a laugh, taking his hand and squeezing it tightly. "You have my word my friend."

Raph nodded before he broke into a wide smile. "Take care of yourself cotton-tail."

"Good-bye Usagi." Donny said with an affectionate smile. "We're really gonna miss you. This place is gonna be very quiet with the two of you gone."

Usagi shook his hand as well, giving him a pat on his shoulder. "I am sure your Sensei will be appreciative of this Donatello-san. And thank you for all of your help and expertise, you really astound me with your knowledge and skill."

Donny said nothing, his cheeks flaring up darkly as he smiled.

Usagi turned to Mikey. "Mikey-kun-"

"Don't go!" Mikey wailed before bursting into tears.

Raph groaned, palming his face and shaking his head.

Usagi laughed before making a sympathetic noise. "You know we must Mikey-kun." He smiled more happily. "But I want to thank you for everything you have done for us. For your kindness when I needed it, your devotion, your bravery and your good-hearted spirit. You really are a shining individual, and I will never forget what you were willing to do for us."

Mikey snivelled, giving a watery nod as his lip trembled.

Usagi gave him a last smile before he turned to me.

I swallowed but the lump wouldn't go away. I was aware of the fact that I was blinking more than what was natural. I cleared my throat.

"You really have to come visit again when things are more normal and not so hectic." I said, although I could hear the quiver in my voice.

Usagi merely smiled, giving me a nod.

I pulled a slight face, thinking of what on earth I could even begin to say to him that would describe how I was feeling. How could I possibly express in words what I felt? Everything we'd been through together, everything we'd shared together. It was beyond words. I wanted to let him know how important he was to me, how much I cared about him and what it meant to me to be friends with him, but nothing I could think of could possibly do my feelings justice.

"Take care of yourself." I said pathetically, holding my hand out for him to shake.

He stared at it for a moment.

He reached out, gripped it tightly, then tugged me violently forward, throwing his arms around me.

I blinked, so stunned that for a moment I didn't really register what he was doing. I blinked, blinked again, and then hugged him back. His arms strengthened their hold around me as he clutched me in a death grip.

"...Thank you....."

My chest tightened and my vision blurred. I had nothing I could say in response. I shut my eyes tightly.

I hugged him a little harder before I let him go.

He beamed at me, full of adoration and care, blinking away the water in his eyes. I smiled back, my heart feeling both elated and torn in two at the same time.

Usagi wiped his eyes before he turned, holding his hand out to the boy clinging to Mikey.

"(Come Jotaro-kun. It is time we leave.)" He said.

Mikey gave the boy a last, bone crushing squeeze before he let him go, grinning widely at him.

"Sayonora, Onii-san." Jotaro said, smiling back fondly before he turned, taking his father's hand.

Usagi gave us a heartfelt smile. "Sayonara, Hamato family."

We each gave our calls and well wishes, Mikey standing up and waving his arms above his head wildly. Splinter merely beamed at the two of them.

I found myself unable to call out anything, merely smiling brightly as I waved.

Usagi gave us one last smile before he turned, leading the small, waving boy through the shining portal.

A brilliant flash of light filled the whole lair. The portal sparked and shone a little brighter for a moment before it faded, leaving nothing but the blank wall behind. Excess lights and glimmers from the dimensional door hung in the air as we stood in silence.

I could feel a gaping void in my chest, steadily growing as I stared at the empty wall in front of us.

Good luck Usagi, with whatever life chooses to throw at you.

You will always have a home here, wandering samurai.

"Well." Raph said, giving a cough and clearing his throat. "Now that that's done... anything on TV tonight?"

"Not really." Donny said with a sigh, turning to give Raph a look of mock disapproval.

"Whose day is it to pick?" Mikey said, turning to walk to the entertainment area.

"Mine." Raph said with a wide grin, turning to walk with him as he gave Mikey a love-tap against his arm.

Splinter shook his head as he tutted to himself. He gave me a loving smile before he walked to join them.

I followed after my father, sticking close to him.

"Aw great." Mikey moaned, rubbing his arm. "I guess that means Clint Eastwood's on the menu! Again!"

"Nah, I'm gettin' kinda sick of Westerns." Raph said, walking over to the DVD player. "How 'bout some Akira Kurosawa instead? I suddenly have the urge ta watch some guys in pajamas wavin' Butter-knives around."

I found myself laughing at this, blinking away the last of my tears.

Xxxxx

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