Well everyone, here we are, the last chapter of Brother Blunders! Sorry it took so long! It was tech week for a play I was in and now it's time for finals, so I've had a lot on my plate. But I felt like I needed to get this out there for you. Enjoy! (And bear with me, it is long)

Ch. 30-Swap 5

Leo's POV

Slash and I began to painstakingly search every inch of the Mighty Mutanimals' base. Over an hour passed and still no sign of the kunai. But I'm determined to keep looking.

About an hour and a half after Slash and I had begun searching, the other Mutanimals showed up to report their findings. Apparently they'd been out on patrol. Hm. I wonder why Slash hadn't gone with them. He was their leader, after all. Had Raph…called ahead and told Slash he'd be dropping by today? That didn't seem like something Raph would do.

But then again, given the circumstances I suppose that it does make sense. Raph attaches a lot of sentiment to objects. Probably much more than he should. If this kunai is as important to him as Slash said and I come home empty handed…Raph will be really upset. I've looked everywhere and this is the only place left to search.

Leatherhead's voice penetrated my thought bubble and my ears listened carefully to his hushed words. "Slash, my friend. We don't have much to report. There was a little bit of Purple Dragon activity. Other than that there was nothing that might be considered out of the ordinary."

I glanced over at Slash as the large turtle hummed thoughtfully. "Good. Then there is probably no need for the four of you to go on patrol tonight, Leo. Due to your current activities that is probably for the best."

Pigeon Pete canted his head in the manner that only pigeons can. "Leo? But isn't that—"

"Leonardo." I stated with a sly grin. "This could be a useful battle tactic if we were able to implement it correctly." I muttered making a mental note to myself for later.

Slash frowned at me. "It would only work on those who aren't very observant. While I was initially puzzled as to why you were wearing Raph's mask, I knew it was you and not him."

"Slash is right." Leatherhead concurred. "I was easily able to detect a different scent from that of Raphael."

Slash sighed a little, but nodded. "That, and there are other, more blatant differences."

"Much as I'd like to keep talking about this, I do have a task to perform." I said, cutting off what promised to be a rather dull conversation and resuming my search for the kunai.

"Searching for Raphael's kunai with the red-wrapped handle?" Dr. Rockwell asked flatly.

I stared wide-eyed at him for a long three seconds. I tried to form a sentence, but in the end all I could do was nod.

Slash's eyes narrowed knowingly. "Your psychokinetic powers don't give you the ability to read minds, Rockwell. The best you can do is reflect emotions. So how did you know that's what he came for?"

"For someone who relies heavily on his impetuous and intuitive nature to get him out of difficult situations, you are surprisingly more intelligent than you look." Rockwell observed rather dryly.

A deep growl echoed through the room. "Rockwell." Slash chided warningly.

The monkey professor sighed. "Alright, alright. I noticed it under the briefing table in the my lab when we were preparing for nightly patrol. Here." Rockwell pulled the small throwing weapon out of his belt and handed it to me. "I figured I would run by your lair to return it and exchange Sudoku strategies with Donatello, but since you're here I suppose I'll do it some other time."

I took it from him with a bow of gratitude and tucked it safely away in my belt. I couldn't stop a smile from spreading rapidly across my face as I struggled to retain my laughter. I was picturing Raphael frustratedly shoving Rockwell out of the lab, tossing Donnie's Sudoku puzzles out with him. "I don't think you would have been too successful with that!"

At their blank stares and raised eye-ridges I could no longer hold it in and I burst out laughing. Through my chortles I managed to sputter: "Raph is Donnie for today. And he hates Sudoku! Can you imagine? Raph playing Sudoku? He'd explode!" I leaned heavily against Slash as I laughed until my laughter finally died down. I grinned goofily, and found that the Mutanimals were all smiling as well, even Slash.

"You are probably right about that." Slash agreed with a grin. I smiled. "You better head back to the lair. Didn't you say something about a schedule?"

I blinked and checked the time on my t-phone. "Oh, yeah. I better get going. I have to make sure I drag Raph away from Donnie's busy schedule and make him eat!" I realized.

Slash nodded and I headed for the exit.

"Thanks Slash." My expression grew a little more serious as our eyes met. "Thanks." I repeated slowly as my mind raced, trying to compose what I wanted to say. "You've given me a lot to think about today." I turned to leave, but Slash's hand caught my shoulder and pulled me back.

"Just be patient with him Leonardo. And remember what I said: never stop trying to understand him."

I looked back over my shoulder and up into his eyes. His squeezed on my shoulder made me swell with confidence. I will do as he says.

Even though I don't always understand Raphael and even though our personalities clash a lot, I know that from this day on I will always be there for him. After all, it's the least I can do. Because despite all of his temper and attitude issues, Raphael has always been there for me. Always.

Raph's POV

I glance uncertainly over at Leonardo. He looks just about as unsure as I am. He catches my stare and I pull my eyes away. I glare and pull my eyes away. I'm still mad at him for pulling me away from my research. I'd almost made a breakthrough. Before Fearless decided to drag me away from the computer! Oh well, I'll have to finish that later. After dinner I need to head over to junkyard and scrounge for parts. But that doesn't mean I'm letting Leo off easy.

My anger doesn't last long, at least not nearly as long as I would have liked it to. This situation is just a little bit too strange. What's more, Leo, Mikey and I have no idea what to do. Donnie is standing there with his arms crossed over his chest and his head held high, looking incredibly pleased with himself.

Tentatively I decide to take the plunge. I lean forward and scrutinize the warm pizza on the table in front of us. I take a deep inhale. "Well, it smells…normal." That remark earned me a glare from my smart brother.

Donnie bristled and grimaced the way he does whenever someone ticks him off. Obviously my comment wasn't appreciated. "What did you expect, Raph? A radioactive pizza?"

I gave him a flat stare to show him that I was not impressed by his sarcasm. I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back, away from the pizza. "Coming from you? Yes." I answered plainly.

I swear there was steam coming off Don's forehead and I grinned a little. But it didn't last long as Leo put a hand on my arm, which is his way of silently telling me to back off. I yank my arm away and growl at him, but he ignores it. He's very good at that.

I watched as my older brother pressed his fingers together calmly, the way he always does when negotiating between us. I can't help but roll my eyes. My older brother may be wearing my mask and my weapons, but he sure as shell ain't actin like me.

Leo spoke calmly and plainly. "Cool off, Donnie." I watched as Donnie completely deflated and I realized that sometimes, Leonardo is really good at this. "Now understand that I mean no offense but you are certain that this is safe to eat?"

Don's annoyance returned full force. "Yes, Leonardo I am certain. You aren't going to die." Then he pouted. "I wish you guys would trust me." He looked…hurt.

Mikey stood up and pulled Donnie into a hug. "Don't sweat it, bro. It's okay. Not everybody can be as awesome a chef as I am."

Donnie looks crestfallen. Oh no. Not that face. Ugh. I can't say no to that face. Not only that, but I can't stand seeing my brothers hurt. Aw…crud. I'm such a sucker.

I reach out and tear a slice of pizza out of the pie. I can feel Leo and Mikey's shocked stares on me. But I ignore them and stare only at Donatello. He looks shocked and hopeful. I look back down at the slice of pizza in my hands, close my eyes, take a deep breath, and sink my teeth into it.

I chew it slowly and swallow before opening my eyes. Leonardo looks like he's about ready to launch forward and catch me if I suddenly collapse from pizza poisoning. Michelangelo is clinging to Donatello as though he's afraid I'll turn into a monster. A thought hits me: hmm, this could be amusing. I conceal any and all trace of emotions and my brothers look concerned.

"…Raph?" Leonardo asks slowly, taking a step towards me.

I turn to him and my blank expression seems to make him even more concerned. He tenses and steps towards me once again, but his step is a little more hesitant this time. I briefly glance over at Donnie and see that he looks a little horrified. I better wrap this up quick. I put down what's left of my slice of pizza and leap at Leonardo.

My older brother lets out a startled squawk as I pin him to the ground. I begin cracking up as he struggles frantically to escape my grip. "Man, you should have seen your faces!" I said as I laughed hysterically.

They all let out a sigh of relief. I pulled off of Leo and yanked him up. He was smiling. In fact, they all were…well, all except Donnie. He looked a little ticked off.

"Haha…very funny Raph." Don muttered and began to turn away.

I put a hand on his shoulder and turned him back around to face me. "Hey, relax Don. I was just having a little fun with ya." He shrugged my hand off and I frowned.

"Yeah, yeah. Very funny Raph." He repeated.

With a roll of my eyes I put my hand on his shoulder again, this time with a stronger grip that won't be easy to shake off. "Lighten up little brother, I was just foolin'. The pizza was okay." He looked down into my eyes with shock. I grinned. "It wasn't great." His shoulders drooped a little and I forced him to make direct eye contact with me. "But not bad."

His jaw dropped. All of my brothers know that I'm not big on compliments. I'm usually more effective in the insult department. Let's just suffice to say that 'not bad' is a pretty big compliment coming from me. I went as stiff as a board when my immediate younger brother suddenly yanked me into a tight hug. "Can't breath." I wheezed.

Donnie immediately pulled away, beaming at me.

I turn to my other brothers and grin mischievously. "Well, go on guys."

Leo and Mikey slowly took slices of pizza and ate a few small nibbles. Don tensed up a little, and I rubbed his shell encouragingly.

After a while Leo took his first bite and chewed slowly. As soon as he finished, he smiled. "Good job, Donnie. Sorry for doubting you."

Donatello chuckled in his nerdy way and returned Leo's smile. "Thanks Leo."

We all looked at Mikey as he cleared his throat to get our attention. "Great job bro! Glad you finally tamed the oven!"

Don glared at him and I smiled. If Mikey's not careful, he's gonna get it. With a bō to the head.

"You could be my new sous-chef bro! We could start our own business! We'll make pizzas together and ship them out all over the place! We'll call ourselves the Tartaruga Brothers!"

Don crossed his arms and shook his head. "Sorry Mikey, cooking may have been fun for a change, but I think I'll stick to chemicals from now on."

"Aw…come on Donnie!" Mikey begged. And I could tell that Donnie wanted to say no, but goodness knows it's hard to say no to Mikey when he's begging.

I smirked. "I don't know Don. With a little practice you could be better than Mikey. Then you can do all the cooking around here."

Don rolled his eyes.

Mikey looked mortified and I smiled. Mission: Make Mikey stop pestering Don about being his sous-chef: Complete.

"On second thought, I think you're right. You should stay in the lab doing the sciencey stuff."

Leo and Mikey resumed their seats at the table. I smiled a little and turned to head back to my seat and finish my pizza. But a hand on my shoulder pulled me slightly backwards. I glanced back into my immediate younger brother's eyes.

"Hey Raph…thanks. For everything." Don whispered.

I waved it off. "No prob, Don."

Once again he pulled me back to look at him. "I mean it, Raphael. Thanks."

I met his eyes with a serious stare and nodded. He smiled and we rejoined our brothers at the dinner table.

Don's POV

All throughout dinner I found myself becoming increasingly distracted. My brothers had been very hesitant regarding the pizza I had made for dinner until Raphael surprised us all by proving that it was safe to consume.

After that I was suddenly hit in the face by a realization: Raphael does so much for us. Not only had my hotheaded brother broken the tentative hesitation regarding my pizza, but he lightened the mood with his prank on Leonardo and he saved me from what was looking to be like an unending campaign from Michelangelo to get me to start a pizza business with him.

I suddenly found myself overcome by the need to express my appreciation. When the others headed back to the table to eat, I pulled Raph aside to thank him.

But his initial reaction bothered me. He completely dismissed my gratitude, acting as though it was nothing. I'm not quite sure why that bothered me so much. But it did. So I pulled him back to look at me and force my point across. I'm still not sure whether he realized how much I meant it.

After we were finished eating, my brothers began talking about their schedules.

"I'm not meeting Casey until ten o'clock. That gives me about two hours to kill. Is there anything you guys need help with?"

"I'm going to scrounge the junkyard for parts and now that you've asked, there's no going back, Fearless. I'm dragging you with me." Raph said plainly.

Leo shrugged. "That's fine. I'm happy to help."

Raph's smirk made me raise an eye-ridge out of curiosity. My hotheaded sibling is up to something. "You're gonna be eating those words later, Fearless."

My oldest sibling sent Michelangelo a sideways glance. "I seem to remember someone else having free time tonight."

Mikey began glancing around frantically, obviously searching for some way out. Finally, his eyes landed on me. "Uh…I…could help Donnie with the dishes!" He blurted out.

I smiled wickedly. "I'll hold you to that, Mikey."

"Aww…" He said, his shoulders drooping.

Leo, Raph and I all smiled. Raph and Leo both stood.

"Alright, Fearless, let's get going."

Leo nodded and they headed out to the garage. They're probably taking the Shell Raiser. Good thing Leo's going along. I appreciate all the hothead's hard work today, but I'd rather not have them taking any chances with his driving.

Mikey's POV

I was kinda hoping that Donnie wouldn't actually make me work, but oh well. I don't mind that much. It won't take very long to clean the dishes and then I'll have free time.

Leo and Raph just left for the junkyard. Donnie and I put some sushi on a plate for Sensei. His evening Meditation isn't quite finished yet, but he'll probably be hungry when he's done.

So here Donnie and I are. Cleaning dishes. He's washing and I'm drying. I'm the one doing the most of the talking. Nothing odd about that...but this time, I feel like something's off. I stop talking and Don doesn't seem to notice. Hmm…

"Alright Donnie." I draped arm over his shoulder. "Talk to me bro."

He glanced dazedly at me. "Huh?"

"C'mon Donnie, what's eatin' ya bro?" I asked him with my serious face.

He looked at me as though he was uncertain.

I smiled. "C'mon bro. You can talk to me."

He sighed a little and paused in his work to look at me. "Mikey...have you ever thought about Raph?"

I blinked. "What do mean, bro?"

"I mean really think about him Mikey. How much do we really know about Raph?"

I was a little surprised by the question. "Well, he's a hothead. And he likes cars and engines, and punching bags, and wrestling, and giving noogies, and yelling, and fighting." I listed off plainly. Then I paused and thought a little, and then I went on. "He pretends to be tough, but he's really just a big softie. He likes animals. He also likes stabbing things. He doesn't like blueberries. He's afraid of cockroaches. And he hates that he can't control his temper." I paused to think again and then I more began to surface in my mind. "Oh! And he's a great brother! He's good at keeping secrets and at he used to comfort me after nightmares. He's big and strong and he's great at scaring monsters away! He hits me and teases me a lot, but it's just his way of saying he cares about me. Sure sometimes he gets angry and explodes, but underneath that tough, angry exterior, he cares and-"

"Wait! Wait! Slow down! I guess you have thought a lot about him." Don said, giving me a weird look.

I shrug apathetically. "You don't have to think much about him to realize any of that."

I could just see all the gears turning inside Don's head. Finally he spoke. "Mikey...I feel...well I feel like I've been completely blind. I never realized how much Raph does for the four of us. And I now that I have, I respect him so much more. I...just want to show him how much."

I blinked slowly and smiled. "He knows Donnie. He knows."

"Does he, Mikey? He's always saying that we don't understand him. Well…what if we really don't? I mean, if I didn't even realize how much he means to us until now, who's to say that Raphael doesn't realize it because we never express our appreciation?"

I frowned at the insinuation and shook my head in disagreement. "But we do express our appreciation, Don. We do it everyday. Sure we don't make a big deal out of it, but we express it through our actions, the same way he does for us."

"So what, Mikey? We express it by belittling his intellect? We express it by yelling at the top of our lungs? We express it by teasing him and goading him into losing his temper?"

My bottom lip pushed out and I shook my head. "No Donnie. I don't know about you, but I express it every time that I do something for him. Like getting him a slice of pizza even if he didn't ask me for one, or thanking him for doing something for me. Or hugging him, even though he pretends he doesn't want it. And I express it with every: I love you bro!"

Don still looked upset. "But I hardly ever tell you guys that. How can I be sure that you—?"

I smiled sweetly and yanked my immediate older brother into a tight hug, patting his shell reassuringly. "We know, Donnie. We know."

Leo's POV

The ride to the junkyard was strangely quiet. Oddly enough, Raph didn't even protest when I said that I would drive. I was a little surprised, but mostly relieved. Not that Raph's a bad driver…but he isn't exactly…careful. As I drove the only sound that carried through the Shell Raiser was the sound of a pencil scraping over the paper. Much as I hate to admit it, the silence is slowly getting to me.

"So...what exactly are we looking for?" I asked, hoping that Raphael would be in a good enough mood to grace me with an answer. I heard him muttering something under his breath and I raised an eye-ridge. "What was that?"

"Just keep drivin' Fearless, you'll find out when we get there."

I shut my mouth and did as Raph said. The tone of his voice indicated that no matter how many times I asked I wouldn't be getting anything else out of him. But that didn't mean I wouldn't keep trying. "I suppose there would be no point in my asking what to expect when I meet Casey at his place later?"

"None whatsoever." He answered distractedly, the way Donnie usually does. See, when Don answers that way it's a bit of a marvel because his voice is dreamy and seemingly inattentive, yet his response indicates that he completely understood. I suspect that Donatello has the ability to respond without consciously responding. If that even makes any sense. It's almost as though the words filter into the back of his mind and it automatically conjures up an appropriate response. Apparently it's an ability which Raphael and Donatello share.

I've been pleasantly surprised by Raph today. He seems to be doing pretty well in Donnie's stead. I haven't heard of any complaints or incidences since that talk he had earlier with Sensei in the dojo. Hmm…on that note… "Raph?"

"What, Fearless?!" He asked, obviously annoyed that I was bothering him yet again.

"Things all patched up between you and Don?"

"What the shell is this Fearless? The inquisition?" He asked rudely.

"Fine, if that's how you're going to be about it. Excuse me for caring!" I retorted, annoyed and completely fed up. I'd had a long day. I'd been working out and running around and doing things for Raph and this is how he thanks me?! Urgh! Sometimes I wish I hadn't gotten stuck with a brother that was so—

I glanced over into the mirror that let me see the back of the Shell Raiser. The sound of the pencil on paper stopped short and I caught my brother's eyes in the mirror.

The look on Raph's face made words from earlier begin to echo in my head:

"Raphael has a tendency to beat himself up about all kinds of things whenever he gets enough time alone. The three of you get so caught up in his tough guy performance that you forget how sensitive he really is."

My heart suddenly began to feel heavy, making my chest muscles tighten. Even though my eyes were on the road, my mind was spinning around my brother's facial expression. There was a long silence before I finally broke it. "Raph I—I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—"

I glanced in the mirror just in time to see him look up in shock. Before I could say anything else he cut me off.

"Wait—you're…apologizing?"

Just then we arrived at the junkyard and I parked the Shell Raiser in the dark alley adjacent. I stood and turned to him. "Yeah."

He blinked slowly. "Why?"

I'm stunned by the fact that he seems surprised, but I don't show it. Instead I answer him truthfully and plainly. "Because I was being unfair to you. And I shouldn't have snapped at you."

Raph gave me a strange look, but nodded. "Okay…" There was a short awkward silence before he grabbed the paper he'd been writing on. "Come on, let's go get some junk." He stated, hopping out the door before I could even come up with a response.

Raphael was right. By the time we were done I was definitely regretting volunteering to come along. I was already getting sore from that harsh workout earlier. And now…I swear that Raphael is trying to kill me via over-exhaustion.

"Tell me again why we're gathering engine blocks?"

"Spare parts numb-shell!"

"Then why can't you just take off what you need and be done with it?" I whined, sweat running down my brow as I struggled to lift my end of the insanely heavy engine block. I growled and glared at my younger sibling. "H-h-how the Shell—have you not—broken a sweat?" I panted at him.

He laughed and I mean actually laughed. I couldn't help but smile. Raphael doesn't laugh openly very often and seeing him do so almost makes me forget my aching muscles.

"I don't think we should spend any more time out in the open than we have to bro. We don't wanna get spotted."

We finally set the engine block down in the Shell Raiser and I let out a sigh of relief. "I certainly hope you don't want any more of them."

"Nah, I think that's enough for this time."

"This time? You plan to be doing this often?" I asked, genuinely curious.

He rubbed the back of his neck almost shyly. I blinked. I'd never seen Raphael act like that before. He shrugged and looked down. "I don't know…I might…"

I closed the door of the subway car before turning to look at him. "Hey, I'm sure Donnie would love to have the extra help."

His lips were pressed in thin line and his eyes gleamed. "You really think so?"

For the first time in years I could see the softhearted core of my immediate younger sibling. I smiled and spoke softly. "Of course."

The soft innocence in Raph's eyes faded and he punched me amicably in the shoulder. "Thanks."

I smirked at him and whacked him over the head. "You're welcome. Now let's get these back to the lair and into the lab. I only have half an hour."

"We won't have enough time to get them all out of the Shell Raiser and into the lab. Not if you wanna be on time for your appointment with Casey. Don't sweat it. I'll get Mikey to help me when we get back."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep."

Don's POV

My head shot up as my oldest brother, currently wearing a red mask and toting Raph's weapons burst out of the lab and rushed across the room. "Hey Donnie, how's it going?"

I opened my mouth to answer and also to ask just what was going on, but he cut me off before I could even get a word in edgewise.

"Sorry, don't have time, tell me later, gotta go I'm running late!" He was just about to dive into the water and swim out, but he turned back to me at the last second with one foot still up almost as though he had been frozen mid-run. The expression on his face just made it that much more priceless. I put a hand over my mouth to stop myself from bursting out laughing. "Tell Sensei I'm going to Casey's place, I don't know when I'll be back, thanks, bye!"

He hit the water with a splash, which is opposite of his usual behavior, and vanished. I couldn't help it: I exploded. I was laughing so hard that I literally rolled off the couch. The door to lab swung open once again with a groan and I looked up from where I was rolling with laughter. Raphael was staring at me as though I had just fallen from the sky and landed at his feet. It just made me laugh even harder.

"Leo gone?"

I nodded and began to say yes, but the memory of Leo's face as he left flashed in front of my eyes and I broke out laughing once again so it came out more like: "Ye-he-he-he-es! Hahahahahahahahaha!"

He rolled his eyes and stomped over to my side, heaving me up by the carapace and setting me down in a sitting position. When he spoke his voice was gruff and tough as always, but I could sense the soft undertone of worry that lay beneath it. "Alright Chuckles, I think it's time we switch you to decaf."

Unfortunately since he jostled me upwards as I was still laughing, I began choking on air. Raph dropped to his knees by my side and began whacking my shell. Good thing too. As soon as I was breathing normally again, Raphael started getting frantic. "You okay? You okay? Are you okay, Donnie?"

I was still struggling to catch my breath, so the best I could do was nod. He pulled me into a big, warm hug. I hugged him back and rubbed his shell softly, comfortingly and his panicked breathing slowly evened out. When he pulled away I saw that he had a guilty look on his face.

"I'm sorry Don. I didn't mean to."

"It's not your fault." I managed to croak out. My voice was still a little bit strained. I could tell from his expression that he didn't believe me. "I mean it, Raphael." He wouldn't look at me. I sighed. "Hey Raph?"

He slowly looks up at me.

"I know you always say that we don't understand you…but you know that we all love you, right?"

Raph looked shocked, confused and guilt-ridden. "Donnie what—"

"There are a couple of things I want to talk to you about."

Leo's POV

When I arrived at Casey's place and rapped my knuckle on his window he opened it rapidly. "Well it's about time you showed up. Do you know how long I've been—" his voice died mid-sentence as he finally took a good long look at me. He grimaced and pulled away. "Leo?"

I nodded and rubbed the back of my neck a little embarrassedly. "Yeah. Master Splinter made us switch places for today, which includes agendas, weapons and masks."

"Oh." He said plainly. Then he frowned. "Aw man, bet Raph was real bummed out."

"Well…he was a little upset. But he wouldn't tell me what you two had planned for tonight."

Casey chuckled nervously, which made me raise an eyebrow. "Hehehe…yeah about that…meet me in the alley."

That only made me more suspicious.

Ten minutes later Casey finally emerged in the alley…

Wow. Just wow. When…? I raised an eyebrow. "Wow Casey. When did you buy a motorcycle?"

Casey smiled. "About a month ago actually. It was actually just an old rust heap that Raph and I found in a scrap pile. He…uh…helped me fix it up. And well I promised him we'd take it out for a spin tonight somewhere secluded."

I stared open-mouthed. The bike looked awesome and the engine sounded great. "You said that…Raph helped you?"

"Yeah dude, Raph is totally awesome when it comes to cars. Together we were able to make this old jalopy into a beautiful, sleek ride. Not only that, but Raph knew all the best places to get parts for almost nothing. We took this baby to the top from an old broken down heap and it didn't even cost me two month's worth of allowance. Plus I was even able to convince Raph to suit it up with a totally rad paint job! Your bro is the best, man!"

I drew closer to bike so that I could further admire my brother's handiwork. "Wow. The paint looks really good. I hadn't realized that Raph had gotten so good. I mean, he was always good with a can of paint or a pack of crayons, but this…"

"I know, right?!" There was a brief pause in the conversation. "So…ya wanna go for a ride?"

I blinked and stared uncertainly at the vehicle. "I don't know Casey…are you sure that thing is safe?"

"Totally. Besides, Raph was gonna go riding with me. So you can trust his judgment, right?"

I frowned. Raph doesn't always have the best judgment. When it comes to these sort of things Raph can be very hedonistic. He does dangerous things just to get the thrill, the rush of adrenaline that goes along with it. But…since I am supposed to be Raph for today…I guess a little bit of a rush won't hurt.

So after a little bit of bickering we are finally seated on the motorcycle. Casey's up front driving and I'm on the back. "Alright, just take it slow and be careful."

Casey pulled his helmet down over his head and smirked. "Sorry, dude, Casey Jones doesn't do slow!" And he gunned it down the alley.

"AAAAHHHHHHH!" I yelled as we went racing through the city.

Mikey's POV

I walked out into the main room just in time to hear Donnie telling Raph that they needed to talk. I stayed somewhat off to the side to watch silently as my smart brother pulled my hotheaded brother into a hug. I watched as Raphael tensed up and Don's questions from earlier made me wonder: does Raph realize how much we love him?

"Raphael…I don't know why…but I didn't realize until now just how much you do for me and I want to make sure that you know—"

"Don, stop." Raph interrupted.

Donatello obviously didn't like the fact that Raph had stopped him mid sentence. "Raph, let me—"

"No Don just—Stop!" Raph yelled and I flinched. So did Donnie. Raph sighed and put a hand on Don's shoulder. I smiled at the care in Raph's eyes. Aw…He's such a softie. When he finally speaks, his voice is filled with emotion. "Trust me Don…you don't have to say anything. I know." He pulled Donatello into another hug.

"Raph…"

"No. Shh! Save the words for a time when they are really needed. That will make them even more special."

Don was getting a little choked up, but he nodded. "Okay."

I smiled at them and slowly made my way over. Raph looked up, saw me, and wasted no time in yanking me into the hug.

We stayed that way for a while. I was just about to peel away when the sound of footsteps at the lair entrance made me look up. "Leo! Perfect timing! Come join the circle of love, bro!"

He did and the four of us basked for a few minutes in the closeness brought about by everything we've learned today. "Are you guys okay?" Leo asked slowly.

Donnie, Raph and I all looked at each other. Then Raph smiled. "Better than okay, big bro. And…I know I don't say this very often, but…I love you guys."

"Same here." Leo said softly. "I've learned a lot today."

"Yeah, me too." Don agreed.

"Me four." I stated with a bright smile, which they all returned. "But as much as I liked being swapped…I can't wait to get back to just being me."

"Same." They all said simultaneously.

Leo's POV (later that night)

I knocked hard on Raph's door, shifting nervously from foot to the other.

It opened slowly with a creak. He blinked sleepily at me and I immediately felt guilty.

"Oh, were you sleeping? I'm sorry! I'll just go."

Raph caught me by the carapace and pulled me back. "Wasn't sleeping. Just trying to. Usually takes a while. Don't sweat it. Now what did you need?"

I frowned a little. Raphael looks exhausted. He has dark circles under his eyes. Hm. I wonder how I didn't notice that earlier. "Umm…Can I come in?"

He stepped back and motioned me to come in. "So what's up?"

"Uh…when I was looking for your kunai with the red-wrapped handle I noticed that you have a copy of Musashi in Japanese and I was just wondering if maybe…I could borrow it?" I asked, my voice growing faster and quieter as I reached the end of the sentence.

He raised an eye-ridge and when he realized I was being serious he shook his head and sighed. "You had to come inside for that?"

"Well…can I borrow it?" I asked, leaning in towards him.

He rolled his eyes and chuckled at my expression. "Of course. Take it."

My smile was so wide it made my cheeks hurt.

Raph took the book off the shelf and tossed it at me. I caught it with one hand and glanced up as he cleared his throat to get my attention. "You can even keep it if you want." Raph added and I stared disbelievingly at him.

Then I realized that he was giving me a gift that I'd wanted for a very long time. I surged forward and practically jumped on him as I wrapped him in a bear hug. "You're the best, Raph!"

He chuckled. "Sure, Leo, sure."

I sent him a very serious stare. "I mean it, Raphael. And I wanted to come in because I wanted to ask you a question."

"You mean other than the one you already asked."

"Yeah." I nodded and looked at him contemplatively. "I want to talk to you about your sleeping habits. I'm concerned. You look exhausted and that scares me, Raphael. So I just want you to answer me honestly: Are you okay?"

Raphael sat down on the side of his bed and I sat beside him. He sighed and slowly looked up at me. "Honestly?" He asked, his eyes questioning me.

I nodded.

"I'm not sure."

I frowned. That isn't what I wanted to hear.

"But you don't need to worry. I'm working on it."

"I'll always be here for you, you know that." I said softly.

He grinned and nodded. "Yeah, I know, big brother, I know."

"You know little brother…Today I learned just how awesome you are."

Raph seemed amused by that. "Really?" He scoffed.

"Really! That bike of Casey's?" I smirked as I saw him blush.

"Eh, he probably made it sound way more dramatic than it actually was."

"No, I'm serious Raph, that paint job was—"

Raph cut me off, his eyes sparkling excitedly. "Have you seen the turtle van?"

I blinked. "Huh?"

"I repainted it. Have you seen it?"

I shook my head. He frowned and the next thing I knew he was dragging me down the hall to the garage. We stopped just inside the door and he pointed. My jaw dropped. "Whoa. Raph, this—this is amazing! It is totally sick!"

He beamed. "You really like it?"

"Like it? I love it! Seriously, you should start selling paintings online or something, I bet you could make a ton of cash! You're so good!"

"I don't know Leo…"

I put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't underestimate yourself Raph. Never. You're an amazing person. And an even better brother."

There were little tears in his eyes. "Thanks Leo."

I threw my hand over her shoulders. "Anytime Raph, anytime. Now come on, let's get some sleep."

"Good idea."

The End

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P.S. Did you enjoy the final chapter of Brother Blunders? How did you enjoy Brotherly Blunders?