Okay, so FredGeorge said that this could turn into a multi chapter fic. I decided to add another chapter (I was debating earlier on whether or not I should anyway). Thanks for the reviews from the last chapter Honestly, it's what is keeping me writing because I tend to be too self-critical of my work. This chapter takes place during the drive to the farmhouse. Another Raph, Mikey, and Donnie fluff moment.
Raphael's POV
Casey drove up just in time! We managed to barely escape Krang Prime with our lives and with Leo and Splinter out of the picture, I don't think we would have been ready for that counter attack.
As Mikey closed the door to the van, Donatello makes his way over to Leonardo. Looking at my brother, my hero, beaten to a pulp just, I don't know, hurts my heart. And yeah, I said Leo is my hero. We don't see eye to eye at times and he is a royal pain in my ass but I look up to him. He does so much for our team as a brother and a leader. I don't know how he does it. That time I took over the leadership duty, Snakeweed got the upper hand on us and knocked Mikey for a loop. I was a nervous wreck and have never forgiven myself for it. He puts up with that chance on a daily basis. He takes on the responsibility of each of our lives and I never thanked him. I sure hope I have the chance to tell him how much I appreciate him one day.
Donatello looks over his injuries and places a blanket over top of him as April says something about going up to North Hampton. We don't really have a choice in this really and a place to re-cooperate and lay low is the right thing to do. We need to regroup and come up with a plan. We need to get Leo better. Right then and there, I silently vow to watch over Leo until he gets better. He would do the same for me and right now, he needs us.
I could see the guilt in Donnie's eyes and feel sorry for him. Usually it would have been me to defy Leo's orders but for some reason it was boy genius. The invasion definitely brought out the best and worst of us. Somehow roles were reversed, Mikey became the one who was strong, I had an emotional break down in the sewers, and Donnie showed defiance towards our fearless leader. None of this made sense now and I was too tired to try and figure it all out. I take a seat in the back of the van and place my face in my hands, trying to fight off the migraine that has been creeping up on me since we were back in April's apartment building.
I see Mikey make his way over towards me. Once he is beside me, he whimpers a little and I look up to see sad blue eyes. Usually when Mikey wants something, he gives us the puppy dog eye routine. This time it was different. These eyes were sad, serious, and showed fear. Fear of what would come next for us. Sadness for our fallen brother and father. Without giving it a second thought, I motion for him to come closer and let him snuggle. His head laid against my plastron as I place an arm around his smaller frame, bringing him closer. Very rarely I would let this happen, but after a day like today, I needed to let my guard down and be there for my brothers. Right now, I am the oldest and its about time I start acting like a good brother.
"What's going to happen now, Raph?" Mikey asks me as tears form in his eyes and he snuggles closer.
"For the first time in my life, I don't know little brother" I said as a sigh escapes my lips.
As the van veers off onto I-95, I see a sign that says 90 miles until North Hampton. This was going to be a long ride. "I miss Master Splinter", I heard a small voice say. I can't imagine how Mikey feels. Such an innocent kid who wouldn't hurt a fly. We couldn't shelter him from the horrors that we've seen happen today. We were all broken, no doubt, but I could see that our light was fading. Our light, our little Mikey, saw things that we promised to protect him from and I can guarantee there will be nightmares for him these next few weeks. I feel like I failed you Mikey. I couldn't shelter you and I am deeply sorry.
I hold him tight and rest my cheek on his head as I feel him silently cry against me. This sucks. I don't know what to do for him. I guess this is all that I can do. Provide comfort for my family. Mikey's breathing becomes slower and I can feel him go limp against me. He fell asleep. This brings a small smile to my face. I think it's the fact that he's finally resting and I would never admit this in front of anyone, but he looks so cute when he sleeps. Or maybe it's the fact that I am able to protect him at this very moment and he feels safe with me, with us.
I glance over towards Donnie's direction to see if anything has changed with Leo. Our fearless leader is still out cold and doesn't show signs of waking up anytime soon. I catch a glimpse of Donnie's expression. I know he feels guilty but I also catch a glimpse of, jealousy? He stares at Mikey's still sleeping form propped up against me with envy. I guess Mikey isn't the only one that needs a brother hug.
I know I have said that I rarely show affection towards Mikey, but Donnie, I can't remember the last time I hugged the guy. Maybe when we were six? I get his attention by waving my hand in front of my face and he locks eyes with me. I motion for him to sit on the other side of me and he scoots over. He stops short of my right side and without waking Mikey, I manage to grab his shoulder with my left hand and pull him close. I see a surprised look creep on his face. Like I said, we haven't done anything like this since we were six.
I look down and now have two brothers resting their heads on my plastron. I lean back to support the weight of both and sigh when I finally feel comfortable. I feel Donnie shift and when he looks up, his brown eyes meet my green ones.
"Rest now Donnie. You need to sleep." I say to him as I examine his tired eyes. He looks terrible.
"I need to stay awake in case Leo…" he starts to say.
"Leo is fine for now. I don't think there is much more we can do for him until we get to where we are going. We need you to rest so you can take care of him." I could see a small look of defeat, I think I managed to shut him up for now.
He hangs his head, hiding his gaze from mine and sighs. I knew he wanted to sleep but the gears were turning in that big head of his. Before I could even ask what he was thinking he started talking. "I said horrible things to him, Raph." He stated through tears. I know he was trying to fight the urge to cry but he was over tired and that fight would not hold out for very long. "I was an awful brother, Raph. I don't know if he'll ever forgive me. Or if I will ever be able to apologize".
So that's what's bugging him. "Donnie, Leo will forgive you I know it. Do you know how many times we butted heads and he managed to forgive me. It's unlike you to not follow orders and put up a fight, I know he will".
"But what if I don't get the change to apologize to him?" he said. Tears were rolling freely. I could feel them make their way down my plastron and I heard him sniffle.
"Don't think like that. All we can do is hope. Hope that he will pull through. Leo is stubborn and won't give up. He'll come back to us, trust me" I say trying to give the best comfort that I could. I wasn't just trying to put a bandaid on all of this. I truly believe what I said. I know Leo would never leave without putting up a fight. He just needs time to heal, we'll be laughing and training and fighting in no time.
Donatello must have been satisfied with that answer because I felt him shift again and take another deep breath. Supporting his weight became a greater task and at that moment, I knew sleep came for him. He's going to need all the rest that he can get.
As I lay my head back I see Casey's face peer through the rear view mirror, a smile plastered on his face. "Not a word about this Jones" I said with a sour expression on my face. I was too tired to deal with any type of taunting he was willing to throw my way.
"I wasn't going to tease you man. Chill out. I was just thinking" Casey said.
I shut my eyes and yawn as I sleepily say, "That's a scary thought right there". I guess April fell asleep in the front seat as well because I could hear soft snores come from the front passenger seat.
"You guys are lucky. You know, to have one another? You're a good brother, Raph. More than you give yourself credit for", he said as he pulled his eyes back towards the road. "Leo will pull through man, you just have to stay strong for Donnie and Mikey. They need you now".
I nodded my head and let sleep take its toll. I will be there for them even when they don't want me to be. That's a promise that I know I can make.
END of Chapter 2. Don't know if I should continue? I know that Raph was a little OOC but after season 3 has started I have noticed how much he has really grown up as a character. He has really become a better brother and is not as short tempered as he used to be (except for "The Croaking" when he lost it on Mikey). It just warms my heart that the writers are showing what a good brother Raph really is. I hope they continue to develop this. Anyhow, please read and review!
