Chapter ten:
Raph has been sick for two weeks though today he's finally up and about again. He comes out of his room only for him to be rushed over to by his two remaining siblings.
"You're up!" Mikey chirps happy as he had been worried that Raphs illness would get worse. "You've been down for so long!"
"It feels like it." Raph admits as despite having his phone say it was two weeks it felt longer. He stretches as his body feels a little stiff.
"How about a nice walk around the lair?" Donnie suggests gaining Raphs attention. "It'll probably feel good after so long."
"That sounds lovely." Raph agrees to this and Mikey hops in happiness.
Donnie and Mikey walk around the lair with him.
Splinter glances to them from his spot while his show is on commercials. He smiles softly also glad to see Raph up and about again. He turns back as his show starts up again.
Donnie and Mikey realize they're starting to head towards the shrine. They share a glance before changing the direction away from it.
Raph blinks at them at this though doesn't say anything.
They walk around every part of the lair then take a break in the kitchen.
Mikey happily skips around to start something for Raph.
Donnie slips out of the kitchen. He sneaks into Leo's room and he stands there looking around. He swears that it's almost like Leo is going to return any moment. He walks along over to the bed where he plops himself down with a sigh. He manages to keep his gaze up to glance around the room. "Leo..." His voice is quiet like a whisper. His brain imagines Leo standing there giving his usual smile. He almost swears that he can see the other there. He tries to hold back as tears start to come to his eyes. He doesn't want to cry in here. He gets a strange feeling and he closes his eyes following a gut feeling. He almost swears that for a moment he thinks he can sense Leo. He shakes his head as surely that must be wishful thinking, him sensing his twins dead body in the void... Or... His eyes snap open at this thought. He might be sensing that Leo really is alive!
Could Leo still be alive!? Surely he was killed by the Krang! Unless...
Donnie shudders as he imagines if Leo got Krangified like Raph did. He could imagine one of Leo's eyes covered and his arm turned. He wonders if more of Leo's body would be covered as surely the Krang didn't beat him up first. He shakes his hands scrunching his eyes shut as he tries to get rid of those thoughts. He tells himself that there'd be no reason for Leo to be Krangified.
So surely he's gotta be dead then right? Right!
Donnie takes a few breaths attempts in calming himself down. He keeps shaking his hands as the whole thought of Krangified Leo is too much. He leans back lightly bonking the back of his head against the wall. He blinks as a bag falls from a hook. He stares at it swearing it looks like the pouch Leo tends to carry around. He decides to head to it despite his hands still giving little shakes. He stops as he spots a tag that says 'Spare emergency bag.' he wonders if it's packed full. He never actually asked Leo about what he holds in it. He guesses it's gotta just be medical supplies. He decides to take a look in case it might be something they need. Plus he can have his first ever look inside. He opens it only to find that it is split into three parts by hot glued cardboard.
It isn't the most efficient though it does work.
Donnie looks at the first part on the far left of the bag where he finds some medical stuff.
Bandaids, polysporin, burn ointment, and other things for a quick fix out in the field.
Donnie moves to the middle part. He finds that there is some of his favorite fidget toys. He just knows that they aren't the ones he has around, because he knows that those ones are where they should be. He can't believe Leo bought the same ones just to have for emergencies. He looks to the last part now really curious about what is in there. He investigates finding that it has a small plushie for Raph, and a small notebook with stickers for Mikey. He didn't realize how prepared Leo truly was for something to happen.
Leo literally has something for each of them if needed. He could truly use this in a number of ways like in helping them through an emotional time, or helping them get through a potentially hard healing part of an injury.
Donnie knew that Leo could be clever and yet he didn't think it went this far. He blinks shifting his head up to look at some of the posters on Leo's walls. He wonders just what other clever tricks Leo had up his sleeve that they didn't know about. He couldn't help thinking about how observant Leo truly was, especially if he had prepared this much for what could happen out there. He smiles softly to himself as he thinks of Leo finding ways to use his portals in order to spy on his family. He doesn't doubt that is how he knew of the best things to have in his pouch for each of them. He wonders if Leo also has a plan for April just in case she needed a comfort object. He finds himself trying to imagine it, and he finds himself thinking about if Leo had an extra spot for an item for April. He also wonders if Leo would have done the same for Casey if Leo was still with them now. He looks back to the bag and zips it closed. He doesn't put it away instead standing with it in his hands. "I'm taking this Leo. I hope you don't mind." He mentions to Leo before leaving the room with it.
Mikey and Raph can be heard chatting in the kitchen.
Splinters snoring is in the direction of the couch.
Donnie gets to his lab without being spotted. He puts Leo's emergency bag on his desk then grabs some paper to start getting ideas. He figures that it is the least he can do to help honor Leo's memory. Plus he thinks Leo's planning is quite genius. And who else but Donnie himself is better for finding a way to carry it on. He ends up deciding to put a spot on his own belt for it. He feels like it wouldn't feel right to stick such things anywhere else. He looks to the bag which he thinks he can make better. He'll make a pouch with the pockets better separated. He could even make one that reacts to if it senses a comfort item is needed. He starts to perk up as he plans into this leaning into his love of creating things. He starts up the design wanting it to be perfect.
There's even an addition of crescent moon like marks on the front as a tribute to Leo; this whole thing was started by him after all.
Donnie is so focused on his planning of this that he doesn't realize the time flies... Until someone lightly taps the back of his chair. He turns after being broken from concentration. His eyes landing upon a smiling Mikey holding some food on a plate. "Ah. Seems those gloves I made from researching kind of similar things in humans, are working really well." He smiles as he glances to the black elbow length gloves he gave Mikey only saying he's experimenting something.
Luckily Mikey has a lot of trust in Donnie so he wore them easily. He blinks then glances down realizing that Donnie means the shaky hands thing. "Oh! Right!" He smiles at Donnie. "Was this part of the experiment?"
"Sure was." Donnie hums softly while Mikey puts a plate of cheese quesadilla down for Donnie. He gets a hug from a happy smiling Mikey which he blushes letting his robot arms hug back. He does one more glance to his plans to which Mikey looks too.
"What's that for?" Mikey inquires to Donnie who isn't fully sure if Mikey actually wants to know, or if he's just being nice.
Donnie doesn't actually care either way because it makes his heart flutter in his chest. He starts explaining each part of the little bag while Mikey listens. He finishes his whole explanation about each part of it on the plans.
Mikey is silent for the first bit. He speaks up after a moment, turning his head to look at Donnie fully. "I think that's a wonderful idea. And I really like your design." He looks over the sketched design one more time giving a small nod of approval.
"Thanks. Hopefully I'll have this thing ready soon enough."
Mikey nuzzles into Donnies neck getting an even deeper blush from the other. "How about you take a break though? Eat some food and maybe we can turtle pile together."
Donnie actually thinks that it sounds like a lovely idea. Though if he honest with himself he only thinks this because it's Mikey. He would have told anyone else that he's busy. Yet he can't help wanting to accept for the usually very cheery turtle. "Alright." He agrees getting an adorable happy chirp from Mikey.
The two of them move apart and Mikey waits as Donnie eats the food brought to him. They get up once the food is gone then head to where the mattress in Donnies lab is for late nights.
Donnie takes off his battle shell putting it aside before laying down on the mattress. He is laying on his stomach with his legs straight out, and arms folded to rest his head on.
Mikey carefully lays on top of Donnie on his stomach. He is laying with his head reaching to a little below the top of Donnies shell, his cheek turned to rest against the soft shell, and his legs stretched out with one on either side of Donnies legs. He stretches his arms out before bringing them back to gently trace shapes on Donnies shell.
Donnie shivers a little though it is because it actually feels nice. He's usually very picky about touches to his shell, because he is so sensitive, and yet Mikey always manages to make it really nice. He's never had a bad shell touching experience with Mikey. He blinks as he realizes something. He thinks that he has been a bit more reactive to Mikey compared to before. He wonders if he is perhaps really tired. He is usually really good at controlling himself even around the other. His thoughts dash away as Mikey's fingers gently massage his sweet spot on his shell. He lets out a small churr at this.
"Stop thinking so much." Mikey demands as he keeps massaging that spot, getting pleased small sounds from Donnie. "Just relax and don't think. This is relaxation time. And don't try to hide it I can see it on your face when you're thinking lots."
Donnie slightly turns to look at Mikey. He figures to himself that if the other wants him to not think then he can do that. He shifts slightly getting up causing Mikey to shift up too. He turns managing to brush his lips over Mikey's. His eyes closed as he does so. He swears that he can feel the other stiffen against his legs. He opens his eyes to see pure shock written across Mikey's face including wide eyes. He blushes heavily as soon as he realizes what he had done. "Ah! Mikey! I'm so sorry I-" He doesn't get to say anything more as Mikey surges forward sealing their lips together.
This kiss is harder than the first one though still conveys the feelings.
Mikey's eyes are closed as he enjoys the kiss.
Donnie blinks only opening his eyes half way. He closes his eyes fully and leans into the kiss. He is enjoying it as well. He feels sparks of pleasant feelings going through his body, he is sure that Mikey is feeling them too based on the muffled quiet churr.
The twos lips continue to move together for a bit longer before they pull apart. They lean their foreheads against each other opening their eyes to look into one another's eyes. They both are also smiling at one another.
"Been waiting to do that for a long while." Mikey admits and Donnie can't help widening his smile.
"Maybe we can do it again then?" Donnie inquires getting a chuckle from Mikey, though the other does lean in again stealing another kiss.
They kiss for a few moments then pull away again. They both let out happy churrs. They feel so much relief that their feelings are returned. They settle back down on the mattress together after a nuzzle. They are back in the position before with it now feeling even more special compared to before. Neither of them realize that they have a watcher as they drift off into sleep.
Raph smiles softly as he watches the two of them fall asleep. He had only seen their third kiss before they settled to sleep. He is at least glad that the two can be happy together. He turns away leaving the lab since he only went there to check on the two, after Mikey said he'd try to get Donnie to eat so Raph wanted to be sure Donnie ate. He sure got his answer, seeing the empty plate left forgotten, and then some when he found where the two had gone. He goes into his room and curls up on his bed. He does reach out grabbing a unicorn plushie. He pulls it close imagining that the plushie actually belonged to Leo, thus in a way he's getting a hug from the other. He falls asleep with warm thoughts about Leo filling his head.
...
Today everyone is here to watch Leon's progress in walking. Including Casey and April.
Leon is holding onto Donatello's arm while Michelangelo holds the forearm crutches.
Leon can feel Splinters gaze which also briefly brings up a thought that he hasn't answered him. He hasn't said whether he will go home or stay here. He pushes it away for now to focus on his walking. He feels like he needs to really show how much he's improved. He is being watched by the biggest audience he's had here.
"Okay. Ready?" Donatello inquires to which Leon nods his head. He starts by leading Leon letting the other hold his arm. "You're doing great." He mentions as Leon's steps are so much more confident than before.
Leon gets bold and lets go of Donatellos arm; which moves away before the other realizes he let go. He takes a few steps to follow after Donatello finding that he does feel unstable yet he did it!
"You're finally doing it on your own!" Donatello gasps in happy surprise to see this so Leon tries to see how far he can get.
Leon gets a few steps before he stumbles catching himself on Donatellos offered arm. He feels like his chest could burst with pride of his achievement. He did it! He really did it!
Michelangelo, April and Casey all cheer for him happy for the achievement.
Raphael just gives a slight smile though stays quiet.
"Good job." Leonardo congratulates Leon.
"It's good to see you recovering so well." Splinter mentions with a proud smile gracing his lips.
Leon shifts to stand properly as his stumble made one of his feet land not in the right spots. "Can I try again?" He requests to Donatello with shining eyes.
"Sure." Donatello agrees without any hesitance. He backs away as Leon lets go of his arm once he is stable. He stays close by ready for if Leon does stumble.
Leon moves his legs taking step after step moving towards Donatello, who backs up as Leon moves forward. He gets two more steps in than before then he stumbles being caught by Donatello.
"Keep going! Maybe you'll get the hang of it!" Casey cheers Leon on with a big grin on his face.
"Perhaps three more attempts at most before we at least take a break." Splinter insists and no one argues.
Leon manages to go an extra two steps each attempt before he is made to stop. He leans on the forearm crutches understanding why Splinter put a limit. He does feel tired and his legs a bit sore.
"I'll make us the best celebratory dinner!" Michelangelo announces before racing off towards the kitchen.
"I'll get to work on the machine to get you home. I should be able to get it done by the time you're walking fully." Donatello heads off with that going to his lab.
"You two should probably get home. I heard that there is going to be a heavy thunderstorm soon. I don't want you two caught in the rain and getting sick." Splinter suggests to April and Casey who nod in agreement.
"We'll see you around." April promises the turtles.
"Yeah. And good job man." Casey adds with a smile at Leon who returns it.
The two humans head off to start heading back to their homes.
Raphael just heads out of the room, clearly believing he has no business around Leon currently.
Leonardo glances to Leon after watching his mate go.
"I'm probably gonna nap. You go after him." Leon assures Leonardo who nods then leaves to go find his mate.
Leaving Splinter and Leon alone.
Leon is about to head out when Splinter clears his throat causing him to stop. "I believe we have something to discuss." He tells the other who doesn't turn to him knowing what this is about.
"Heh. Oh. Right. I forgot." Leon chuckles hoping that Splinter wouldn't notice the lie. "Sorry man. Just ended up not even thinking about it further."
"You don't need to lie to me." Splinter tells Leon who ducks his head a little. "Now. Please tell me what you have thought about of our discussion."
Leon lets out a slightly heavy sigh. "Well I haven't really decided yet." He admits to Splinter. "I would prefer to go home. I just think that maybe something is telling me that I need to remain here. For whatever reason that may be."
"And why do you think you might need to remain here?" Splinter presses a little and Leon goes quiet for a moment to think.
Leon finds that this is still hard to figure out in his mind. He tells himself that he needs to think of something as to why he feels this way. He lets out a breath after he thinks that over a little. "Maybe because it feels wrong to leave after all you have done for me. And after all the time I have spent here."
Splinter moves closer placing an assuring hand in Leon's shoulder. "Leon. You don't need to worry about that. You may not be the Leo from our world but you are a Leo. You're still family." His words cause Leon to turn to him. "And we don't turn away from family when they need our help. However if it really does bug you that much I am sure that Donatello could find a way to make visits possible."
"We already discussed that and he's looking into it." Leon confirms with a small smile.
Splinter smiles back. "See? There is nothing to worry about. You can return home and be able to come back here when you want to. I have faith that Donatello will find a way to make it possible. I'm more than sure that your family does need you. Even if you get doubts within yourself about that. They'll be overjoyed for you to have returned."
Leon lets out a breath supposing that Splinters right.
If Donatello can make a way for visits to be possible then Leon can return as he pleases.
Leon doesn't have to worry about turning away from this worlds versions forever. "Yeah. You're right." He agrees. "Okay then. I will still head home and I promise that I will visit. One way or another."
Splinter nods with a smile still on his face. "Just don't make your visit because you almost got yourself killed again." He lightly jokes getting a chuckle from Leon.
"If that happens it won't be on purpose." Leon promises and Splinter looks glad to hear it.
"Get some rest. You deserve it after your hard work today." Splinter pats Leon's shoulder before heading away to go to his own room.
Leon watches him go and his smile widens a little. He does feel like everything really is going to end up being okay. He heads on his way to go nap just like he had said he would.
In the lab...
A bit later Michelangelo enters the lab carrying food that he has made. He heads to Donatello's work desk expecting him to be there. He pauses when the other isn't there. "Donnie?" He inquires putting the food on the work desk. He starts to look around the lab trying to find where Donatello is. "Dee! Foods ready!" He tries calling out not getting a response. "Donnie! Come on answer me!" He continues to search the lab for any signs of where Donatello went. His heart starts to race as he wonders if something might have happened.
Had one of Donatellos projects gone wrong? Is he lying hurt somewhere? Was there an explosion?
Michelangelo starts racing through the lab as his mind whirls with images of a hurt Donatello. He has to know that the other is okay. He wouldn't be able to stand it if something happened to the other. He tends to bother Donatello in his lab because he wants to know he's okay. He knows that the other gets a bit annoyed by it, however he can't help it as he just has to check on him... Without letting Donatello know why he is actually there. Plus he finds that spending a little extra time with the genius is nice so he doesn't plan to stop. He even finds it cute when he gets the other to go on about this or that. He shakes those thoughts away as he returns his focus back to finding the other.
A groan is heard a little up ahead.
Michelangelo perks up at hearing the sound. He hurries towards it thinking that maybe something had fallen onto Donatello. He turns a corner about to call out when he pauses. He notices Donatello sitting in his chair by his computer. He can see the others arm moving in a very obvious motion. He gets another groan that comes from the other drifting over to him. He also catches some quiet churrs from Donatello. He ducks back around the corner blushing, while he is glad that the others back was to him. So he wasn't noticed.
"Ahh yes!" Donatello slightly calls out. "You make breaks from my work worth it."
Michelangelo wonders who Donatello is thinking about while doing this. His blush darkens as he wonders if it could be him. He brings a hand to his mouth to stop himself from making a sound at the thought. He can imagine himself being the one pulling those sounds from the genius. His tail twitches in interest and he can feel his hidden cock hardening. He shakes his head and sneaks away deciding that he needs a cold shower... At least before he gets caught by the one he has been dreaming of for so long. He isn't even sure how he's going to be able to admit to the other what he had seen. He isn't even sure how he's supposed to look Donatello in the eye now without blushing. He lets out a breath knowing that he's going to have to jerk off before he'll be able to sleep tonight. Especially since he knows that he's going to be seeing and hearing Donatellos jerk off session for the rest of the day. He shivers as he steps under the cold spray of water, hoping that he'll at least be able to hold off until bed time. He doesn't want anyone to know about this.
Not yet at least.