Hello everyone!

Long time no see! Hope you all are doing well! So sorry about the long wait before this chapter got up. I really didn't mean to wait so long. I was hoping to get this up around Christmas but well, that didn't happen . But what has happened happened. I will let all of you know that I do make regular editing updates to this story on Archive of Our Own under the name TheKeybladeMaster1994. There you will also find three other stories that aren't posted here on , but I might post them here once I actually finish them. I'm also hoping to put Rubics Cube on Archive of Our Own as well, which was the very first fanfic story that I ever posted and I referenced here in this story. Virtual cookies for anyone who spotted the reference! šŸ˜‰ But, if you are interested in my other stories, I am currently working on a new chapter for Surface Pressure and Curse of the Cute One, so I'm hoping those will also get updated here soonish. Sleepwalking will have to wait a little bit, but it will also get an update here ļø.

To everyone who has followed and commented on this story, thank you! I deeply appreciate it and I appreciate all of your patience .

But enough blabber from me! Happy reading!

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"And then he just kicks us through the portal!" I exclaim as Leatherhead and I enter the lair, waving my good hand around as I lean against the older mutant's head, cradling my newly wrapped wrist to my plastron. "Like, who does that?! Sensei and I were there to help! But nooooo, all Leonardos have this weird Big Brother/Sacrifice complex that forces them to constantly be sacrificing themselves for everyone else."

Leatherhead chuckles and I giggle as I bounce with the movement.

"And then what happened, my friend?"

Huffing, I rest my cheek on top of this slightly smaller Leatherhead's head.

"And then we—."

"Hamato Michelangelo!"

Jumping, I glance over just as Chichi races out of the dojo. Oh Shell. Chichi is full naming me. His ears are flat against his head and my stomach sinks as the other senseis are quick to follow. And boy howdy, none of them look very pleased to see me. Shell. Hunching into myself, I offer Chichi a timid smile as Leatherhead gently removes me from his shoulder.

"Uh, h-h-hi, Chichi."

"Where have you been?" Chichi demands, taking me from the larger mutant. "Hamato-sensei said yo—!" My father trails off when he spots the splint on my wrist. His eyes narrow and his lips purse as he looks back up at my face. I shrink into my shell at the hard look in my father's eye. "What. Happened?"

Heat spreads across my cheeks when I realize the entire room has gone silent.

Peering over my father's shoulder, I wince when I realize that it's not only the senseis that have joined the party but the other versions of my bros and Michelangelo as well. The two Donatellos are sticking their heads out of the lab while Michelangelo is staring wide-eyed from the kitchen. The two Leonardos are standing behind their fathers, unamused looks on their faces with their arms crossed. (I swear ALL Leos are just defaulted to master the look of utter disappointment.) The Raphaels are standing in the TV pit area, eyes narrowed as they stare on, irritation wafting off of them in waves.

Oh shell. Everyone's PISSED, I think, swallowing thickly as a familiar ache starts forming behind my eyes.

I didn't mean to upset everyone. I just wanted a moment to myself to work out my issues so that I could stand being in the same room as everyone else.

My jaw clenches as I try keep my composure. How embarrassing would it be if my entire other-dimensional family saw me have a breakdown?

"If I may?"

I blink as Leatherhead steps up next to me and Chichi, reaching out to place a hand on my shell as Chichi holds me close.

"Michelangelo and I ran into each other while out in the sewers. I am not entirely sure what happened to his arm, but I do know that it is in need of a proper cast." Leatherhead holds up his duffel bag. "I have everything I need to put the cast on his arm right in here. If I may be so bold, may we continue this discussion in the lab where I can properly take care of his arm? You most certainly deserve an explanation for him wandering off." Leatherhead's eyes sparkle as we look at each other. "And I am positive that he could use the distraction while I put the cast on."

Chichi pauses as he glances down at me and I widen my eyes a little, silently begging to be taken somewhere a little more private. His eyebrows furrow just a smidge and after a second, he breathes in once before sighing with a nod.

"Yes, you are correct, Leatherhead. We need to get his arm taken care of first. But I expect the ENTIRE story, am I clear?"

Nodding my head vigorously, I don't dare say anything in case I just make the entire situation worse. My skin prickles from all the eyes on me as Chichi turns toward the lab.

"Donatello, would you mind if the three of us used a corner of your laboratory?"

The taller Donatello jumps as Tiny Donnie glances up at him. The olive turtle nods, his hazel eyes wide.

"Uh, no. I don't mind. Mikey is still sleeping but the far side of the lab should have an open chair for you to work from, Sensei. LH."

Chichi merely nods and starts walking with Leatherhead right behind us. I remain as still as possible in my father's arms, keeping my gaze on the floor instead of seeing all of the disappointed stares of the others. Donatello and Tiny Donnie step aside to allow the three of us to pass. Familiar beeps fill the air and I risk a glance over at the sleeping form in the corner. Mini Me hasn't moved an inch since Sensei and I came in to check on him a little bit ago. The biggest difference is that someone, most likely one of his brothers, has pulled the blanket further up and tucked it under his chin.

My stomach rolls as we work our way further into the lab, locating a lone cot that I'm sure Donatello uses when he's just too tired to venture up to his room for the night. A folded blanket and pillow rest at the head of the cot and my lips twitch in amusement. However, my amusement is cut short when Leatherhead shifts pass us, placing his duffel bag down on the floor and starting to rummage through it. Chichi gently places me on the cot and kneels in front of me. I tuck my chin down, not wanting to see just how upset I've made my father.

Warm fingers catch my chin and gently force my face up so that I can look my father in the eye. Hazelnut brown eyes scan my face. After a moment, Chichi brings his emerald sleeve up to my face and scrubs a little at my cheeks.

"Michelangelo," he starts quietly. "I want you to know that I am not angry with you." I lift a disbelieving eye ridge, eyeing him warily causing Chichi's lips to twitch. "All right. I am a little angry with you. But, more than everything, you frightened me." My face falls and I drop my chin to my chest. "I understand that you are having a very hard time right now. And that is completely understandable, and you have every right to feel that way. But you need to understand that you and I do not know a lot about this world or it's enemies. You witnessed just how easily it was for this world's Shredder to appear and start a fight. We do not know the extent of the enemies that this version of us have. Nor do we know just how bold they are. While we have been quite lucky with our world and have only ever dealt with enemies that have come into the sewers much further away from our home, I do not think that every world has been so fortunate. The first world we went to, if you remember, we were not as lucky. You remember those Kraang robots that we fought. Those fiends were scouting the sewers for Hamato-sensei and his family and almost shot you." Chichi rests his forehead against mine as he breathes out slowly. "I…When Hamato-sensei came into the dojo and was surprised to not see you with me, I thought my heart had stopped. Because neither me nor Splinter-sensei had seen you since the two of you left. And when we could not locate you inside the lair at all?" Chichi pulls back and my heart breaks at the misty glaze over his eyes. "Michelangelo, I promise you that we WILL return home. You WILL see your brothers again. But we need to work with these versions of us in order to do so. And I know it hurts." Chichi strokes my cheek, sadness radiating from him in waves, breaking my heart more as my father tries to keep himself together. "It hurts to see people who look so close to the ones that we love and yet knowing that they are not them. I have had to catch myself a few times today as well, reminding myself that we are not home, and the boys here are not MY boys. Not MY sons. But do you know what has been getting me through?"

My vision swims as I shake my head. Chichi smiles.

"You, Watashi no nikkō," Chichi breathes out, cupping my cheeks in both hands and squishing them, making me giggle. "My little ray of sunshine and your determination to return to your brothers. It is you who is getting me through. And I know that you miss your brothers. But we need to work together in this if we are to see them again. And that means NOT wandering off by yourself without anyone knowing where you are and completely defenseless." The hard look from earlier returns to my father's eyes as he sits back as I duck my head in guilt. "What would you have done if an enemy found you in such a state? You have no mask. No belt. No weapons. And you are still injured and recovering from being ill! And do not try to deny it and say that you are fine, young man." I snap my mouth shut as he continues, narrowing his eyes at me. "I saw that wince you had when you were shifting around in Splinter-sensei's arms this morning. And this!" Chichi gestures to my broken wrist. "How in the world did you accomplish this? I do not think you were gone for more than a half an hour! Were you attacked? Did you trip? Just…How?"

I wilt the longer Chichi talks, hating the worried and frustrated energy radiating from my father as he animatedly gestures around with one hand. It's not often that he gets this worked up and I must have really scared him if he's acting like me when I start ranting.

Reaching up, I grab the wrist of the hand still cupping my cheek, gaining Chichi's attention. I offer him a sheepish and slightly timid smile.

"I, uh, I needed a moment to myself, Chichi," I start quietly when he falls silent. "So…I snuck out of the lair to just BREATHE for a moment, ya know? With no one else around. Just me. And I thought…I thought that if I tried hiding up in the rooms to center myself that you would come and make me socialize before I was ready. And…I needed an outlet. I needed to just let out all my emotions and, um…" I curl into myself, but my small smile remains. "I might have pulled a Raphie and kinda…punched the ground? A little harder than I meant to?"

Chichi freezes as I talk, his eyes staring me down as I wait for the impending storms to hit as he processes what I just said. His whiskers twitch as he leans back onto his heels, and I can see Leatherhead shooting my father worried glances as he gets his supplies ready. My smile finally slips, and I drop my gaze to the concrete floor the longer he takes to speak or even react.

"I'm sorry, Chichi," I whisper, bringing my injured arm to my chest. "Honest. I just…I needed an outlet and didn't want anyone to see it. I really didn't mean to cause a scene. I was gonna head back once I got it all out. It's just…" I chew on my bottom lip as I try to organize my words. "It's just hard looking at this world's us's and seeing the similarities. Their Don. Their Raph. Their Leo…"

My throat constricts and I trail off.

We only just got Leo back and it feels like I've lost my bro all over again.

A heavy sigh has me bringing my knees up to my chest, trying to make myself as small as possible. A thin and warm hand lands on my head and I peer up at Chichi. There is an unreadable look on his face as he strokes the top of my head.

"Michelangelo. There is nothing wrong in missing your brothers. I told you so last night. You have been through a lot these last few weeks. Same with these last few years." Chichi tilts his head as a distant look appears in his eyes. "But… I do agree. It…can be a little unnerving just how much these versions of your brothers act so closely to our own. Look so close to our own family. If it was not for the slight color differences and the fact that their chi does not feel quite the same, I admit even I would have a hard time remembering that this world is not our own." Shaking his head, Chichi returns his gaze to me, brown eyes soft. "I commend you on trying to find a way to get your emotions under control so that you can interact with this dimension's version of your brothers. But, if only for my own sanity, would you PLEASE come to me instead of wandering off by yourself? Especially in this form?" Bewilderment courses through me when my father suddenly grabs my good hand and holds it tightly in both of his, pleading hazelnut eyes gleaming in the artificial light. "Please? I was not lying when I told you I am not returning home without you, Watashi no nikkō. And after the scare of Tiger Claw taking you from me I cannot—"

My chest aches as Chichi inhales sharply and holds it as he closes his eyes.

Concern bubbles in my tummy and I shift closer, peering up at my father.

"Chichi?"

His eyes open slowly, and my father presses my trapped hand to his chest, his heart pounding under his robes.

"I cannot lose you, Michelangelo," Chichi whispers, his voice cracking. "Not now, not ever. So, please, let me help you, Little One. Do not try to do this alone. Do not shut me out. Because you DO NOT have to do this alone."

My vision blurs as Chichi speaks, hating how upset I've made my father. And just how selfish I've been up to this point. Chichi is having a hard time like I am. He's in the exact situation as me and is just as scared for my bros and missing them like I am. And here I am only focusing on myself and not providing my father with the same amount of support that he's been giving me.

I don't dare reply, afraid that if I open my mouth, the noise that will come out will be very pathetic. So, all I do is nod, leaning forward to press against my father. I don't sob as strong, warm arms wrap around me, biting my lip too hard to let any noise out. He holds me as tightly as Chichi dares with my injured arm tucked between us, but a few large tears do manage to drip down my cheeks. Chichi kisses my temple, and we just sit like this for a moment. Chichi rests his cheek on my head, rocking us as he rubs my shell.

After what feels like forever, I pull away, scrubbing at my face as Chichi uses his sleeve to get my chin. He smiles gently at me.

"Feeling better?"

I nod, smiling weakly at him. Chichi kisses my forehead.

"Hai, Chichi. Thank you."

"Good. Because when we get home, you are grounded for a month."

"Wha—What!?" I squawk, scooting back further as I try to keep my volume manageable as to not wake Mini Me. "But-But Sensei! A month?!"

Chichi doesn't answer, merely raising an eyebrow at me and I fall quiet.

"Well, you were already grounded for lying to me and your brothers with Mr. Jones. And then you were already going to be grounded for another week for disobeying me and using your chi irresponsibly while out in the sewers at home. However," Chichi squares his shoulders as he makes room for Leatherhead to squat down in front of me, eyes narrowing. "You gave me a horrible fright when you left the lair without letting ANYONE know where you were going. And while I understand WHY you did so, you cannot be walking around in this state without at least another person either knowing where you are or going with you. You are too vulnerable like this."

Pouting, I hold my injured arm out for the mutant crocodile when he gestures toward my wrist.

"This blows."

Leatherhead's lips twitch in amusement but he remains silent as Chichi stands, dusting his knees off.

"If it is any constellation, Leonardo is going to be grounded for two months after the stunt he pulled. So, consider yourself lucky, my son."

My mouth falls open in surprise. Leo?! THE LEO is going to be grounded?! For TWO MONTHS?!

I nearly start cackling before catching myself just in time, slapping my good hand over my mouth. I don't think Leo has been grounded since before he fell into a coma after the Shredder attacked him! Leo is going to LOSE his MIND when he finds out. And Raph is going to go NUTS when he hears about it. While they've been getting along better since the "Incident that shall not be named", Raph still enjoys when our aniki gets in trouble. No matter how trivial.

Except, with being grounded comes punishment…

"Does that mean I have to do flips when we get home?" I ask, mood dampening a little at the thought of my usual punishment for when I'm grounded.

"I believe, after the fright you gave your father, it is only fair."

I jump in surprise, only to hiss when my arm jostles in Leatherhead's grip. The larger mutant doesn't say anything, merely waiting for me to settle before inclining his head at the newcomer.

Glancing up, I shrink back when my eyes land on this world's Master Splinter. His light brown eyes are studying me closely as he walks closer. He lifts a white eyebrow at me but when I don't reply, he turns toward Leatherhead.

"How is our young friend, Leatherhead?"

"Multiple fractures in his wrist," the larger mutant rumbles, his eyepiece sliding back into place over his eye. "As well as strained muscles all over his body and what appears to be slightly healed cuts." He points to a spot on my thigh that, yesterday, had stitches and some bandages over it. Only, now there are no bandages and no stitches.

I blink at the spot in confusion before turning toward my father and Splinter-sensei. Chichi catches my gaze, and he smiles.

"When you did not wake for supper last night, Splinter-sensei came up to see you. While the two of us could not heal you fully without waking you, we did manage to get the cuts that you were covered in and tone down some of your bruising."

Nodding, I shoot my body another look before glancing at the smaller Master Splinter.

"Oh, uh, thanks, Splinter-sensei. Chichi. I really appreciate that. While it's great for Halloween, I really wasn't enjoying looking like a mummy." I flash the grey mutant a smile.

He inclines his head, light brown eyes sparkling as he studies me.

"I was more than happy to help you in such a way, Michelangelo." Splinter-sensei rests his hands on top of his walking stick. "A father never enjoys seeing his children sick or hurting in anyway. So, if I have a way to help elevate your and Michelangelo's pain, I shall do so. Which is why I have come to you now, actually. I am willing to offer my services in healing again with your arm."

Flinching, I duck my head, embarrassment eating at me. Leatherhead has yet to move from his spot in front of me and is still cradling my arm carefully as he examines it. Gold eyes flicker up to my face at Splinter-sensei's offer and I can feel the two older mutants' gazes on me as well.

Yikes. I really flobbed this up, didn't I? All of their energy should be aimed at helping Mini Me heal! Not me! Not because I was a dum-dum and tried to Hulk-out in the sewers and punched something harder than I should.

Wiggling in my seat, I shake my head.

"Uh, I appreciate that, Splinter-sensei, but you should save your healing stuff for Mini Me. He's the one who needs it the most."

The tiniest hint of a smile forms on the older mutant's face as he tilts his head, regarding me for a moment.

"Michelangelo, Young Michelangelo is almost healed in full already," Splinter-sensei explains, and I look up, surprised. "You and Hamato-sensei did a wonderful job on healing him. The most he is going to be suffering from is a little soreness when he wakes. Which anyone would be feeling after having their insides stitched back together so quickly. But trust me when I say that outside of being sore, he is going to be fully recovered once he wakes."

My eye ridges knit together as I glance back into the lab, hoping to see Mini Me but Donatello's machines are in the way.

"But…if he's going to be fully recovered, why isn't he awake yet?"

Leatherhead lifts his head and smiles at me, gold eyes sparkling in the artificial light.

"While you and his father managed to heal him, Young Michelangelo lost a lot of blood, and his body was put through a lot of stress. So, to recover from said stress, his body is having him sleep it off." Leatherhead shifts over when Splinter-sensei walks closer. "And from the sounds of it, Young Michelangelo was already injured before arriving here, so his body is merely trying to recuperate."

Chichi sits on the cot next to me, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"And, if Michelangelo is anything like you, his body probably knows that he would not allow himself to rest properly so it is forcing him to do so instead."

Sheepishly, I nudge Chichi.

"I just got a lot of energy inside me, Sensei. I can't help but not sit still, ya know?"

All three of the older mutants' chuckle.

"Oh, I think we all know that very well."

What does that mean? I think but Chichi does not elaborate as Leatherhead transfers my injured limb to Splinter-sensei.

I wince as I finally get a good look at my arm again. The entire wrist area is black and blue and looks as though I've stuffed Raph's fist inside the space. The bruising is traveling up my forearm and my fingers look like little sausages. There is no way I'll be able to hold my 'chuck or even a fork with this hand.

Good thing I'm left-handed.

Splinter-sensei tsks as he tries to stretch my fingers out only for me to flinch away the second he applies any type of pressure.

"At least you had your hand in a proper punch," Splinter-sensei states dryly, rotating my arm over to see the inside of my palm, whiskers twitching in thought. "However, I do not recommend making it a habit of punching concrete, my child. You shall lose every time."

Laughing, I stare at my sausage thumb.

"Yeah, you'd think I would have learned from all the times that Raph's damaged his fists from punching the walls."

"Which is the reason why I requested for Donatello to create that training dummy," Chichi says, unamused. "Now, if only your brother would stop destroying the thing so that Donatello does not have to keep repairing it, he would always have it on hand."

I start to chuckle only for it to morph into a wince when Splinter-sensei runs his fingers over my palm. Light brown eyes shift up to meet my ocean blue, wise eyes staring deeply into mine, as if searching for something.

"Michelangelo," Splinter-sensei says softly. "I will not heal you without permission. Last night, I had your father's permission as you were asleep. But now that you are awake, I am asking YOU for permission to heal you. If you are truly opposed to me doing so and would prefer to only have your father heal you, I will respect that. However, from what I have been told about your journey and the possibility of needing to fight as soon as you return, I would highly encourage you to allow me to start healing this for you. But, again, this is your decision, and I will not force you to do anything you do not want."

My mouth falls open as this alternate version of my father speaks. Seriousness radiates from his smaller frame and his eyes hold my gaze. His grip isn't overly tight on my arm, but I know that I would have to be the one to pull away.

Wetting my lips, I stare at my lap.

Should I let Splinter-sensei and Chichi heal me? Would that really be alright? Chichi has never lied to me about anything serious, so why would another version of him do so? Shell, both versions of my father have told me that Mini Me is going to be all right after some rest. So…would it really hurt to be healed?

My snout wrinkles as Mini Me's screams from last night fill my mind.

Oh…Right…

Drumming my fingers on my thigh, I catch Splinter-sensei's eye.

"How…how much is it going to hurt? I, uh, I don't wanna be in here screaming if it's gonna hurt. I don't wanna wake Mini Me."

Splinter-sensei tilts his head before glancing back at my father. Unsure what is going on, I open my mouth to ask when Splinter-sensei refocuses on me.

"I am not going to lie, Michelangelo. It is going to be quite painful. We will be stitching multiple bones back together faster than they want." Splinter-sensei smiles when I gulp. "But, if you are worried about waking Young Michelangelo, we can move this to my room in the dojo. That way you can have privacy and we will be far enough way to not bother the young one's sleep."

Biting my bottom lip, I shoot another look toward where I know Mini Me is sleeping. As much as I don't wanna go back out there where everyone will be possibly waiting, I don't wanna risk interfering with the little dude's healing process.

Sighing through my nose, I glance back toward Splinter-sensei. The older mutant has yet to move, keeping his kind gaze on me the entire time, waiting for me to come to my own conclusions.

"I…I do want to be able to fight. Just in case, ya know? My bros tend to find trouble all the time. So, uh, if you'd be willing to help heal me in your room, Sensei, I'd really appreciate it."

I swear a flash of relief gleams in the smaller ninja master's eyes, but it goes by so quickly that I could be wrong. The grey master stands with a nod, gently releasing my arm so that I can hold it close.

"Most certainly, my child. Let us head that way now." Splinter-sensei turns toward Leatherhead. "If you would like to accompany us, Leatherhead, you may. I would appreciate you checking Michelangelo's arm once Yoshi-sensei and I finish healing it. I want to make sure we do not miss anything."

The croc mutant nods also standing from his spot in front of me.

"Certainly." He glances down at me as Chichi lifts me. "If that is all right with Michelangelo, of course."

Twisting in my father's arms, I shoot the tall mutant a smile.

"Course you can be there, LH! I, uh, I would like to know if my arm is fully healed, and your little eyepiece thing can do that." My smile turns sheepish. "Not that I don't trust you, Chichi or Splinter-sensei! I do! It's just… I'm not gonna lie, dude, but not being able to hold my nunchakus properly will drive me insane, so knowing that I won't have any lingering issues would be great."

Leatherhead's face softens and he nods.

With that, Chichi turns toward Splinter-sensei and the smaller rat mutant leads us from the lab. Donatello and Tiny Donnie spare us a glance from their spot at Donatello's desk but otherwise remain silent as we pass. I drop my gaze to Chichi's shoulder once we exit the lab and I can hear the monolith of TVs playing some wrestling. I can sense both Tiny Raph and Raphael glance our way, but our small group does not stop nor say anything to the two curious turtles watching us go by. I vaguely smell some eggs being cooked wafting from the kitchen, but we pass by too quickly for me to get a good sniff in.

"Father?"

I hiss as I jump in Chichi's arms when Leonardo's voice filters through the air as we enter the dojo. I can sense another two beings also inside the dojo, most likely Tiny Leo and Sensei, watching us from the far side of the dojo.

Most likely meditating the stress that I caused them away, I think as I refuse to glance their way. It's bad enough that I've upset everyone. It's worse knowing just what kind of distress I put Sensei through when he realized I didn't return to the dojo and sit with Chichi.

I really need to apologize to him. He didn't deserve that.

"Leonardo," Splinter-sensei greets. "We shall be taking Michelangelo into my room to see if Yoshi-sensei and I can fully heal his arm. I am not going to lie, but it might not be pleasant to be in here trying to meditate as we do so. Michelangelo has multiple small fractures in his wrist."

My jaw clenches as memories of when I was tied down by the U.P. flash in my mind. The pain and the heat that coursed through my body is NOT an experience I want to go through ever again. But…But if my bros ARE in danger and will need my help the moment we return home, then I can't risk having an arm out of commission.

"Senseis?"

My head snaps up at the sound of Michelangelo and we all turn toward the entrance of the dojo. My counterpart hovers in the doorway, shuffling nervously. His sky-blue eyes flicker from each of us before landing on me. We hold each other's gaze for a beat before the turtle in orange finally looks away and stares at his father.

"Yes, Michelangelo?" Splinter-sensei inquires. "Is breakfast ready?"

Michelangelo slowly nods as he creeps further into the open space, fiddling with the tails of his mask.

"Uh, yeah it is. And the Raphs and Donnies are already in there. But, uh, I was…I was wondering if I could possibly… help… with… this?" Michelangelo vaguely gestures to our small group.

Surprise morphs on everyone's faces and I won't lie, I'm a little shocked as well. I mean, I would totally be acting the same, hoping to see if I can help in anyway if I was in my counterpart's shoes but I don't exactly know how he's gonna be able to help. I don't want EVERYONE wasting their healing chi on me. Others might need it! Like, I bet one of the Leos are secretly dying and just haven't told us, but if Michelangelo wastes his healing on me, he won't be able to help his Leonardo or Tiny Leo!

Splinter-sensei tilts his head toward his son, regarding him closely.

"That is not up for me to decide, my son. That would be up to Michelangelo. But I will say that Yoshi-sensei and I will be able to handle healing his arm as we are both fully rested."

Michelangelo smiles as he turns toward me once more.

"I wasn't actually planning on helping with the healing aspect per se." His eyes sparkle as he steps closer. "I, uh, I think I have a way to make it so that the healing doesn't hurt all that much." My counterpart flinches and shivers. "I know how it feels to have bones healed like this and if this works, it'll make it more tolerable, ya know?"

My eye ridges rise in surprise. A way to make it so it doesn't hurt? That's…that's a thing?

I bite my lip when everyone turns toward me.

"Michelangelo?" Chichi calls out softly, his hazelnut brown eyes studying me. "What do you think? Would you like Michelangelo's help?"

Taking a moment to think, I meet my counterpart's gaze, his smile never leaving his face. He looks nothing but sincere in his want to help. My snout twitches as I think.

"It's…it's not dangerous for you, is it?"

Michelangelo's smile morphs into a grin and he waves a dismissive hand, sky-blue eyes sparkling.

"Nah, dude, not dangerous at all. It'll be a little mentally draining but, eh, it's early in the day. I'll get my second wind after training."

"If you're sure…"

"Posit-tut-ley, my dude!" Michelangelo flashes me a "Mikey Smile" and I can't hold back my chuckle.

"All right, I don't mind if you wanna help out. If it means that I won't be screaming and waking little dude, then I'll do it."

Splinter-sensei nods as Chichi kisses the top of my head.

"Every well. Michelangelo, follow us please." Splinter-sensei glances at Master Splinter. "If you would be willing to make sure my eldest three do not attempt to cook any more food, I would deeply appreciate it."

Master Splinter inclines his head as Leonardo protests and Tiny Leo tries to hide a snicker behind his fist.

"I will do my best, Splinter-sensei," Master Splinter states solemnly but I can see a tiny glint in his eyes. "My oldest three are also cursed where the kitchen is involved. So, I completely understand."

"I can make ramen!" Tiny Leo defends as Master Splinter turns to usher him and Leonardo out of the dojo.

"And I will always be thankful that you can at least make that," Master Splinter states, placatingly. "But you cannot live off of noodles for the rest of your life."

Tiny Leo grumbles under his breath, it sounding vaguely like "Watch me" but he's already out of the dojo before I can be sure. Leonardo lingers a spell longer, resting a hand on his younger brother's shoulder and the two of them share a look. I drop my gaze, picking at Chichi's robe until they're done.

"I will make sure that nobody enters the dojo until you are finished, Sensei," Leonardo states, earning himself a nod from his father.

He lingers in the dojo's entrance one last time, shooting our small group a glance. I peer up at him when I notice his soft footsteps stopping. There is a concerned air around the older turtle but the look on his face is almost unreadable. He shakes his head once before disappearing into the rest of the lair.

Once Leonardo is gone, Splinter-sensei turns toward the rest of the group.

"We shall use my room for more privacy. Right this way."

Splinter-Sensei leads us over to a colorful Shōji before sliding it to the side, gesturing us to enter before him. I glance around the space. Surprisingly, it's not overly large though the rest of the lair would have suggested that Splinter-sensei's room should actually be bigger than this. But the coziness makes it worth being the smaller size.

There are many unlit candles around, but the heavy amount of dripping wax tells me that they are regularly used. There is a small lamp in the corner near a neatly folded futon and quilt. Five meditation cushions sit around a small wooden coffee table with a tea set resting and waiting to be used.

Splinter-sensei leads us over to the different colored cushions, gesturing for the four of us to take a set. Chichi places me upon a light blue cushion, careful to not jostle my arm. Michelangelo situations himself onto the blood orange cushion on my left and Chichi takes the royal purple cushion to my right. Splinter-sensei gracefully kneels on the chocolate brown cushion directly in front of me and Leatherhead kneels on the deep red cushion to Splinter-sensei's left.

Nervousness bubbles under my skin as everyone's gaze falls on me. Splinter-sensei's wizen eyes soften, and a tiny smile reappears on his face.

"Everything is going to be just fine, Michelangelo," the older rat says quietly. "All of us are here for you and will do everything in our power to make you as comfortable as possible. All we need you to do is take a deep breath and relax."

Nodding, I drag in a deep breath, hold it for a beat before slowly releasing it, just like Chichi taught me and my brothers when we were just tots. I do it one more time, allowing my shoulders to finally relax but my heart still feels like it's trying to escape from my chest. Which, ya know, is uncool as I kinda need it to stay where it's at so I can continue to function.

The sensation of a warm hand rubbing down my shell causes me to pause. Blinking, I glance up at Chichi and he smiles down at me.

"You are going to be just fine, Watashi no nikkō. Nothing is going to happen, and you shall have Michelangelo helping you shut out any pain that you might feel."

Huffing out through my nose, I nod once more and will my body to relax even more. Splinter-sensei turns to look at his youngest.

"My son, if you would like to begin what you had in mind to help Michelangelo, you may do so."

Michelangelo grins and nods, twisting himself toward me so that he is fully facing me while sitting crisscross applesauce.

"All right, Little Dude. You ready?"

My lips twitch into an almost smile and I offer buffer me a thumb's up with my good hand.

"As…as good as I'm gonna get, Dude."

Sky-blue eyes sparkle as Michelangelo chuckles, extending his hand with his palm up, indicating that he wants my free hand. Confused, I cautiously place my hand in his. My head tilts when I noticed just how big his hand currently is compared to my own even though I know that, if I was normal size, he's not all that much bigger than me outside that he appears to be able to build muscle better than I can.

Michelangelo gently closes his hand around mine, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"All right, Little Dude. I know that this might suck a little but I'm gonna need you to try and meditate with me." My eye ridge quirks causing buffer me to laugh. "I know, I know. A Mikey willingly meditating? Unheard of! But I know that depending on how deep a dude goes, you can block out external stimuli. Or something like that."

My eye ridges furrow as Splinter-sensei studies his youngest. Chichi places a hand on my shoulder as he also studies this alternate version of me.

"One has to go quite deep into themselves in order to block out things such as pain. Michelangelo is not yet strong enough to go to the Astral Plane if that was your plan, Michelangelo."

The orange-banded turtle smiles as if he was expecting this question.

"Don't worry, Grampa-sensei, we wouldn't be going THAT deep. I'm not as good as Sensei or Leo on guiding others to the Astral Plane. But I do have a place that I like to go during meditation that tends to block everything out well enough without having to go too deep." Michelangelo glances at his father when the grey rat makes a noise close to a sigh as my own bristles at being addressed as 'Grampa'. I cover a snicker with a cough as Chichi squeezes my shoulder in warning. "Leo helped me build this place for myself when my thoughts get too loud and is the only place that I can comfortably bring others without aiming for the Astral Plane."

Leatherhead has a hand over his mouth, covering what sounds suspiciously like a chuckle when Splinter-sensei sighs through his nose as he closes his eyes.

"Are you absolutely certain, Michelangelo?" Splinter-sensei reopens his eyes and gives his son that soul searching gaze that all parents seem to have. "This will not drain you too much?"

The nunchaku-wielder shakes his head and sits up a little straighter.

"Of course not, Sensei. I've brought Leo to this place multiple times and never had an issue. I like to call it "Mikey's Play Place"." He glances at me, expression softening. "Would that be all right with you, little dude?"

Eyeing the slightly older turtle, I contemplate his solution. Something tells me that there is more behind this "Mikey's Play Place" than buffer me is sharing but I think he's doing so on purpose.

But he's willing to bring me someplace so personal just to make sure that I don't scream and wake up Mini Me. Mini Us? So, it can't be all that personal, right?

Shaking my head, I refocus on the other orange-cladded turtle. I nod my head.

"Yeah, I'm ready, Dude."

Chichi squeezes my shoulder once then releases my shoulder as both Michelangelo and I close our eyes.

"All right, Little Dude. Just do what you do to get to a spot that kinda blocks most things out and I'll reach out and you'll feel me tap on your chi. When you feel that don't shove me away," Michelangelo advises with a gentle squish of my hand, but I can hear the smile in his voice. "I'll tap you twice before wrapping around you to pull you into my little fun place. Sound good?"

"Hai," I say, nodding once before forgetting that both of us have our eyes closed.

Breathing deeply, I do my best reach inside myself to find that spot where I can start to block out everything around me but hopefully not fall too deep that I accidentally go to the Astral Plane like last time. I truly think that Chichi would actually murder me if I did that again.

But only after we get home, I think, slightly amused as I breath out again. When the outside noise dies away, I can't help but be happy. It's not often that I can fall into meditation this quickly, but I guess with all the meditation Chichi and Leo have been helping me with before I got sick really has come in handy.

Just as Michelangelo explained, I feel two gentle taps against what feels like my core. The taps instantly feel like other me, bright and playful yet gentle and warm. Breathing out once, I allow myself to be embraced in the other's chi and before I can twitch, I'm gently yanked forward, almost like being pulled into a warm and tight hug. My eyes squeeze shut when a bright orange light engulfs me before what feels like arms drop around me. Tentatively, I crack one eye open and glance around.

My jaw hits the floor, and my eyes widen all the way.

"Whoa!"

The room itself is all black, almost like a void, but strangely bright and well-lit. Ramps litter the entire area. Half pipes, waves, spines, quarter pipes, and more. You name it, it's here. I spin in a circle, taking everything in. Alongside the ramps, there is an entertainment center off in the corner, looking very reminiscent of the TV pit that this world's lair has, TV monolith and all. Tilt my head back and grin when I see a few ropes and trapeze bars ready to be used.

"Dude, this is amazing!" I exclaim, dropping my gaze back down, spotting my counterpart. "And you created all this?"

Michelangelo rubs the back of his neck as he bashfully smiles, glancing around as well.

"Well, I didn't do it all by myself. Leo helped coach me through most of it, wanting to help me with all my racing thoughts, ya know?" Michelangelo taps the side of his head, chuckling. "Mind gets a little loud, even for me. But I'm sure you get that." I nod, approaching the speaking turtle. "So, Leo wanted to give me a break, ya know? Some place that I can call my own that I can aim for when we meditate. And so far? It's worked!" Michelangelo huffs with a small smile. "And Leo seemed to have approved when I brought him here to check it out. It's also a good way for me to work on channeling my chi and work off some extra energy without annoying my bros. Even I know that the Mikester can get to be a lot."

Nodding again, I stop right in front of him, blinking in slight surprise when I realize we are at eye-level with each other. Startled, I glance down. My limbs are once again that of my 19-year-old self and I have on my belt and pads. Reaching up, I relax when I feel the familiar fabric of my mask and I run my fingers down the long tail of my mask gleefully.

"Oh! It feels so good to be big again," I groan causing other me to laugh. "As much fun as it is being fun size, I prefer this height so much more."

Michelangelo snickers as he motions for me to follow him and he leads us over to the entertainment area.

"I can imagine. Though, it didn't look all that bad being carried around," Michelangelo teases as he tosses me a controller and the TVs instantly blink to life and the gaming console whirrs as it also comes to life without the other orange-banded turtle touching it.

I shrug as he drops down next to me.

"I mean, I'm not gonna lie, it IS kinda nice. Just getting carried everywhere," I agree, wiggling my toes and rotating my right wrist, pleased that I only feel a dull, inner bone ache. The ache only lasts a second however when it suddenly vanishes. I blink down at it in surprise. "What?"

"Is there a particular game you really like or want to play?"

I twitch as Michelangelo speaks and I glance over at him, eyes narrowed. He's not looking at me however, staring at the screen as he flicks through multiple different game titles. Some I recognize, many others I don't. I tilt my head.

"How'd you do that?"

Michelangelo finally looks at me, expression just a little too innocent.

"Do what?"

I gesture down to my right wrist.

"How'd you make it stop aching. And don't you deny it, Dude," I scold, wagging a finger at him when the slightly older turtle goes to answer. "Aches like that don't just vanish. I would know."

Michelangelo's eyes flicker around my face for a beat before he sighs and he places his controller down onto the couch. Shuffling around, he shifts until he's sitting, facing me, a sheepish smile forming.

"Alright, you caught me. Part of the thing being here, is that you're technically inside my…" Michelangelo pauses, contemplating his next word. "Not really "Mind Palace" but I guess it's a similar concept. So, currently I have you inside a subspace of my chi that allows me to just surround you with me essentially and I can help block out outside stimuli." He shrugs when he sees my surprised expression. "I accidentally pulled Leo in here once when we were trying to set his shell after a building collapsed on him. He was in so much pain that I wanted to do something." He scratches his cheek. "The two of us just kinda POPPED in here and Leo said that he couldn't feel Don setting his shell. And, uh, I didn't mean to listen in on your conversation with Sensei or your father, but I saw your arm when you entered with LH and I figured that Sensei was going to suggest to do some sort of healing on you." The seafoam green turtle chuckles. "I wasn't lying when I said I know how painful having broken bones healed is. During our first high stakes battle against the Shredder, a building exploding underneath us and a slab of cement landed on my ankle. Don was hoping that it was just sprained when he wrapped it with this lady's nylons." Michelangelo snickers as if remembering something. "But by the time the battle ended I couldn't put any pressure on my ankle anymore. And, well, who knows, maybe when Shred-head tossed me into a wall my ankle fully broke. Don X-Rayed it when we got back with his fancy goggles and found that I had multiple fractures. After a few days, I guess my family got annoyed listening to me grumble and moan about my ankle so Sensei offered to heal it. And at the time, I just wanted to be able to go skating and running with my bros."

My lips twitch into a smile.

"And let me guess, should have just waited for it to heal naturally?"

Michelangelo laughs causing my smile to widen.

"Dude, when I tell you that I have never felt such pain before, I'm not lying." Mirth dances in the other 'chuck-wielder's eyes. "It was like stepping on a LEGO, stubbing your toe, and getting a papercut between your fingers all at the same time. And apparently, I passed out, scaring everyone. But according to Leo I didn't scream so that was a plus."

Phantom screams from Mini us fills my head and I shiver, my hand instantly going to my injured wrist even if it doesn't actually hurt right now. Michelangelo's smile falls, seeing the movement of my hand.

"Little Dude was a lot stronger than I was though," Michelangelo says softly, fingers picking at his knee pads. "Dealing with his stomach being stitched together like that and no outlet." Sky-blue eyes meet my ocean blue. "You are too, ya know."

I tilt my head, eye ridges furrowing.

"Not sure I know what you're talking about, Dude."

Michelangelo chuckles.

"Stronger than me, I mean," he clarifies before shaking his head when I move to argue. "Dude, it sounds like you've been through a lot these past weeks. And you even learned how to heal by just watching that other Master Splinter once! That's impressive. All the while being super stressed and like bombarded by different feelings." Any amusement falls from my counterpart's face as he glances over at the TV as my heart pounds in my chest. "Even without you leaving the lair I can tell you're having a hard time and are trying to make the most of it. Can see how much you miss your bros every time you look at mine."

Ducking my head, I pick at my finger wrappings.

"I'm that obvious, huh?"

"No."

I lift my head to look at Michelangelo, a strangely serious look on his face. My lips fall into a frown as he continues with a half shrug.

"Well, sometimes you are, but for the most part, at least from the little that I've seen, you're doing a pretty good job on hiding it. It's just…" Michelangelo tilts his head, lips pursing as wheels turn behind his eyes. "Not to sound weird but I can feel this ACHE radiating from you that I know wouldn't normally be there. An ache that I understand quite well." Michelangelo presses a hand to his plastron, right over his heart and he bows his head. "It was something I felt from not only me but all of my family when Leo was gone to Japan. We all missed him so much and our family just didn't feel right without him there. And then that ache grow larger when Karai attacked our last home and all of us got scattered around. I had no idea which of my bros were still alive or if Master Splinter was with any of them or taken again or worse. And another part of me was scared that I wouldn't be able to keep Klunk and I safe long enough to reunite with any of my still living family members. It was scary and I felt lost, even more so than when the Ultimate Drako teleported me and my bros to different dimensions. At least I knew I was going to see them again when my form started fizzling out, ya know? But then? I had no clue. At least, not until Leo found me and Klunk and reunited us with Don and Sensei."

Michelangelo lifts his head, a knowing look in his eyes as my own start to burn.

"And I know you're feeling the same way. Obviously, you've already teleported once and got it wrong with your teleporter thing being broken. So, I don't blame you for being scared and uncertain. Shell, I don't know how I would be handling this if I was in your shell right now." Michelangelo rubs his hands on his thighs. "I… I don't necessarily do well when I'm by myself, ya know? I panic easily and I tend to lose focus when I should really be concentrating on my environment. I also goof around a lot and don't take training as seriously as I should so, I'm not as strong as I probably could be. I NEED my bros around me. They help keep me grounded when my mind is trying to overrun me, they give me something to focus on. Because while I don't really care all that much on what happens to me, I would be devastated if something happened to my bros when I knew there was something I could do about it." A sliver of a smile cracks Michelangelo's lips. "Something that I'm sure you and Little Dude understand way too well. Older bros always seem to attract trouble whenever they're alone. So, why not be the one to attract that trouble instead of having it aimed at them? They call us the 'Trouble Magnet' so we might as well use that to its full extent, right?"

Michelangelo scoots closer, taking my left hand in both of his.

"And I know that it's killing you to not be able to know what your bros are going through. I get it because I know it would be killing me." He lowers his head when I duck mine, maintaining eye contact with me as my vision blurs a little. "And I'm sorry that seeing my bros is reminding you of your own. I see the way your walls crumble every time you look at my Leo. And…" Michelangelo pauses long enough to get me to raise my head. A sheepish look returns to his face. "Leo can see it to. Kinda." He pokes my forehead when I open my mouth. "Uh uh. Don't apologize. Leo's just super preceptive like that even if your mask was god-tier, he'd still know if you were upset. It's a big brother thing, I think. Just knowing when little brothers are hurting and trying to hide it. Leo's always been good at figuring it out with me. Not saying that Don and Raph don't notice, because they do. But Leo? He just knows almost instantly if something is off with one of us. It drives Raph NUTS because Leo becomes this little thorn in your side until you cave and tell him what's wrong. And my bros complain that I'M the annoying one." Michelangelo leans back when I chuckle wetly, scrubbing at my eyes with the back of my hands to get rid of my still trapped tears. "It also doesn't help that he's like a master inside the dojo and our leader, so if he asks for a one-on-one spar with you, then you know that you're either in trouble or he knows you're upset and will use pinning you to the mat as a way to get you to talk."

Snickering, I pull my legs to my chest and hug them.

"Let me guess, works on Raph all the time?"

"Boy, does it!" Michelangelo laughs, mimicking my position and resting his chin on the pads. "Raphie-boy wears his heart on his sleeve even if he tries to act like the 'Tough Boy' of the family. All Leo would have to do is lightly smack him and Raph will start spewing what's bothering him. Don's a little more difficult as he tends to overwork himself when he's upset so Leo tends to be a little more delicate with him when he gets in his moods or is beating himself up over a failed invention."

Michelangelo wiggles his four toes and I do the same with my four.

"And… I want to get you home to your Leo so that you can experience that once more, ya know? So that YOUR big bros can become little annoying growths and bothering you to figure out what's going on. Because I know it's not gonna be the same coming from my bros or the little dudes. Which, is completely fine and I don't blame you at all for feeling like that. Is Leo a little hurt by it? Eh, kinda, but he'll get over it." My counterpart waves a dismissive hand when I go to apologize. "Dude, he's more upset over the fact that he knows that he can't fix your problem right this second then he is hurt over the fact that you can't look at him without wanting to cry."

"I-I…! That's not…! How…?" I stammer, sitting up. "I thought you said I was doing well to not be obvious, Dude!"

Michelangelo quirks an eye ridge at me, smirking.

"Dude, you're a Mikey and I'm a Mikey. We're literally almost one in the same. I know you were gonna cry because I would have the same problem." He winks at me before resting his head on the back of the couch, watching me. "And our acting is Oscar-worthy so don't even worry about that. But, like I said, Leo has 'Big Brother Senses' that allows him to know what little brothers are feeling at all times, even interdimensional ones. He's stressing over the fact that he can't help the little dudes either, so it's not just you."

I groan, burying my face into my kneepads.

"Dear Silver Sentry, is there ANY dimension where Leo isn't going to be the king of Mother Hens?"

Michelangelo snickers and I see him shrug as I peek up at him.

"Eh, probably not. And… if there was, he wouldn't feel like a Leo, ya know? It'd just be… weird." A thoughtful look morphs on the other turtle's face. "Though, he'd probably be far more relaxed, which would also be weird to see on Leo. I don't think my bro truly understands the concept of relaxation. None of my bros do."

I snort.

"Oh, they do, they just don't understand how to put it into practice, Dude. Sometimes I swear it's like living with three middle-aged cranky turtles who work nine to five jobs with no social life."

My counterpart chortles as he clings to the back of the couch for support. A snort leaves him that gets me laughing alongside him. We laugh for what feels like forever, but it feels wonderful and my chest is lighter than it has been in a long while. Michelangelo snickers into his forearm, wiping away tears that are spilling down his cheeks.

"D-Dude, that's so tr-true!" He snickers again, his blue eyes sparkling happily. "I'm using that the… the next time my bros complain about me wanting to play games with them. Raph'll HATE it. Phew."

"Glad… Glad I could provide ammo for you," I state, grinning as I cough a little into my elbow. "Oof. I haven't laughed like that since I don't know when."

Michelangelo huffs into his wrist guard, resting his cheek on the back of the couch as he watches me.

"There's a reason why they say laughter is the best medicine, Dude. Something we'll have to remind our bros about sometime." He hums in thought, rubbing his cheek against the cushion. "Maybe we can take them camping or something. Some place secluded and just us bros." Michelangelo's eyes light up. "Maybe, once we get you reunited with your bros, the twelve of us can take a camping trip together. Casey's grandma's farm is super pretty and secluded here or we could visit your world and go someplace similar."

Chuckling, I nod.

"Our Casey's gramma's farm is pretty nice this time of year too. And it would be super nice to get us all together. I think my bros would enjoy chatting with you dudes and tiny us's." My smile slips a little as I relax deeper into the couch. "It's been a long while since me and my bros did anything as a family, not since before Leo went to South America."

Michelangelo sits up a little bit more, his smile also falling as he tilts his head.

"Your Leo went to South America? But why?"

Sighing, I rearrange myself so that I'm sitting cross-legged and pull my mask tails over my shoulder to stroke at them.

"Your Leo didn't go to South America?" I twist my mask tails as Michelangelo shakes his head. "Then, I guess, he probably went for the same reason why your Leo went to Japan."

Concern morphs onto my counterpart's face and he leans forward.

"Did…did your Leo also experience depression after being attacked by the Shredder and then accidentally attack your father?"

I blink in surprise.

"Oh, um, well, maybe not. The reason why your Leo went to Japan actually better lines up with why my Leo went to Japan to train with Grampa. Except for attacking Chichi."

Michelangelo's shoulders relax a little and I hear a soft sigh escape him.

"Oh, thank Silver Sentry. Your Leo didn't attack anyone."

A contrite look morphs onto my face as I stare at Michelangelo and his relief instantly dies, his blue eyes narrowing.

"Which one of you did your Leo attack?"

Coughing, I offer him a smile as I glance away, shrugging as he tenses.

"Leo isn't the only one who doesn't let people suffer alone." I chuckle weakly, wrapping my fingers in my mask, tugging gently. "I just… I just don't like people arguing and I could hear him screaming at Master Splinter. Something that NEVER happens. And Raph warned me to not interfere. That whatever happened was Leo's fault and that this'll be the wakeup call our bro needed. But… that didn't sit well with me. Leo hadn't been the same since we came home from the farmhouse after he woke up from his coma. He trained all the time. He had US training all the time. He was meaner. Angier. Always serious and showed less emotions." My head lolls to the side as I think back to when we were fifteen. It feels almost like a lifetime ago even if it's only been four years.

"Raph and Don were starting to get irritated with it, deciding to let Leo work out whatever it was that he was going through. I… I couldn't do that. Don mentioned something about depression and possible PTSD. But every time Don brought it up to Leo, he'd get yelled at. Leo stating that he was fine, so Don just… stopped. It felt like I was the only one trying to get our Leo back, ya know? Not to say that he would go back to his normal self. After everything we went through, none of us were ever going to be who we were before going above ground by ourselves for the first time. And… as much as I wish we could, that just isn't possible." Michelangelo nods slowly as I pause, glancing at the other turtle.

"But that doesn't mean I couldn't at least to make my brother happy again. Make him realize that he wasn't a failure. That he isn't less of a being just because he didn't beat the Shredder and his Elite Foot. My brother was FIFTEEN. A TEENAGER. A KID. He shouldn't HAVE to deal with nearly being killed. But he did and he was suffering and slowly slipping away. And I couldn't stand it." I pull my mask tails forward and stare down at the bright orange. "So, when I heard him screaming and arguing with Chichi, I knew it was now or never, ya know? That if I didn't say anything, if I just stood by and let things escalate, then the big brother I once knew would be gone forever and there would be no getting him back. So, I just ran into the dojo, just in time to watch as Leo disarmed our father and was about to continue attacking him even though he was defenseless. So, I stepped in. I blocked an attack that would have seriously hurt Master Splinter and would have destroyed my brother when he finally came too. If he ever did."

The couch shakes as Michelangelo shifts closer, bumping our shoulders together.

"And you and Leo fought?"

A melancholy smile forms on my lips as I dip my head once in a nod.

"Yeah," I say quietly. "And I've never been so terrified in my life. Not because I thought that Leo would seriously hurt me, but because this felt like a breaking point. That one wrong move and everything we knew, everything we loved, would just shatter. Crumble to the ground in shards of what our family used to be. Words were tossed around, some very hurtful things were said. Things that I know Leo regrets to this day saying." I huff, rubbing a hand down my face tiredly. "I won't ever hold what was said against him. I know he was in a bad head space and that everything he was saying to me was things that he's been saying to himself. I just happened to be the mirror right at that moment. That he didn't actually see ME standing there, me fighting him, but instead himself. The being who he thought disappointed his family by getting ambushed and nearly killed."

"And then what happened?"

I chuckle, glancing at my counterpart.

"Leo disarmed me and drove his katana through my shoulder, pinning me to the wall." My hand goes up to my left shoulder, touching where I know a thin scar is. So thin that one would have to truly be looking for it in order to see it. "And I think what snapped Leo out of his rage was when my blood started rolling down his blade. The weird part was… I was too shocked to even feel pain right at that moment. It was like my brain couldn't register what just happened. Not that it mattered. Raph barreled Leo to the ground before I even got a chance to make a sound. I think I might have said Leo's name but all I could hear was Raph roaring and Don trying to get me to focus on him. I think Master Splinter was trying to make sure that Raph and Leo didn't start brawling or spill anymore blood." A humorless laugh leaves me. "I don't even remember how long it took for Don to detach me from the wall. But… it must have been a process." I shake my head and glance at Michelangelo. "And, after that, Chichi sent Leo to go study under our grandfather in Japan until he could finally control and tame the rage he buried deep within him."

Michelangelo nods, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes.

"And then he went to South America?"

I smile and stretch my legs out, wiggling my four toes again, absentmindedly pleased at the length of my legs.

"Kinda. He was in Japan for nine months before Grampa deemed him ready to return home. Which was good because we were dealing with not only our uncle Shred-head, but the Utrom version that turned our uncle against our father and grandfather. It was a mess. And one that we truly needed our big brother and leader to be able to manage." I tilt my head back and close my eyes. "Leo didn't go to South America until little after we were sixteen and we were done dealing with the Shredder and were on decent terms with Karai, our cousin finally realizing that her father was, in fact a psycho and the person she was calling grandfather was a bloodthirsty maniac trying to destroy worlds for the fun of it by making a mutant army by combining the mutagen that the Utrom make and mutagen-X that the Kraang make." I wince. "I really don't think we would have been able to make it through all of that if we didn't have Leo."

Michelangelo hums, drumming his fingers on his thighs.

"If your Leo went to Japan to deal with his issues like my Leo did, then why did he even go to South America in the first place?"

I contemplate my counterpart's question, trying to figure out the best way to answer such a question.

"Well," I start slowly, wetting my dry lips, "the biggest reason we were given was that Chichi wanted to give Leo a chance to go into the world like he was allowed to do. The whole reason why Sensei was in New York was because Grampa gave him a limit of five years to be out in the world and find himself. Master Splinter wanted to give Leo that chance first, being the oldest, even if he technically already did get to go to Japan. But Leo also wanted to become a better leader for us, teach himself things that no teacher could truly teach, ya know? You can only learn so much from another person. Sometimes you gotta go out and do it yourself in order for you to learn. So, Sensei gave Leo a year to do just that. But… a year turned into two and a half and it was like when he went to Japan. Except worse." I sink back into the couch. "It all was a mess, Dude. Raph and Don fought all the time and Casey and April almost never came over." My lips twist into a crocked smile. "And Dude?"

Michelangelo stares at me in confused concern.

"Yeah?"

"Don't mess with ancient statues, never create a mascot named 'Cowabunga Carl', and never allow Don to become an IT dude, okay?"

I shudder.

"I… I promise?"

I snicker at the slightly hesitant response.

"That's all I ask and all I'm gonna say on that. Maybe if we do that camping trip thing I'll explain more."

Michelangelo studies me briefly before slowly nodding.

"Alright. I'll hold you to it, Dude." He pauses and leans in. "How long has your Leo been home from South America?"

Wincing, I glance away and tug on my mask tails again.

"Not very long. Maybe little over seven months now?"

The orange-banded turtle hums and shifts back into a more comfortable position.

"That's not very long. Not after being gone for two years. So, I can see why you're even more anxious about getting home." Michelangelo folds his arms behind his head, tilting his face up to stare at the dark void above us. "When Leo was gone to Japan to train under the Ancient One, it felt like an eternity. Which only got worse when Karai attacked us. It just never feels right when one of us is missing, ya know? We're brothers. We're a team. That was how we were raised. Because in this world—"

"All we have is each other," I finish, gaining my counterpart's attention. I grin at him. "Because if one of us falls—"

"The others will fall with them."

I laugh.

"Your Leo tell you that while training for the Battle Nexus rematch again Kluh?"

Michelangelo whips up, hand flying to his head as he stares at me in excited surprise.

"Yeah! Shell, that's almost scary!" He laughs again. "Our bros really are something else."

I nod, relaxing again.

"They really are, aren't they?"

Michelangelo opens his mouth to say something only to hesitate and a distant look appears in his eyes.

"Mike?" I call out, sitting up a bit more in concern. "Is something wrong?" I follow his gaze but don't see anything but black void. "Dude? You good?"

When my counterpart still doesn't respond, I reach out and gingerly place my hand on his forearm. The moment my fingers graze his skin, Michelangelo jumps and looks at me with wide eyes.

"Sorry, what were you saying?"

My eye ridges furrow as I check him over.

"Are… are you alright, Dude? What happened there?"

Michelangelo rubs the back of his head, chuckling.

"Oh, that. Sorry, I was… checking to see how much longer we had for the healing on your arm."

My eye ridges shoot straight up and I shuffle closer.

"And what did you find out?"

A large grin morphs onto the older turtle's face as he picks up my controller and tosses it to me.

"That we have enough time to do at least one circuit of Mario Kart. You in?"

My 'Tiger Senses' are telling me that isn't all that was, but I can appreciate an attempt in changing the subject, even if it's a bad one. Besides, it's been way too long since I've played a video game. If Michelangelo doesn't want to tell me right now what he was really doing, then that's fine. We've both shared quite a bit today, more than we probably would have if the other wasn't a Mikey as well. But… it's been nice. Having someone on the outside of everything that also understands the boat that I'm in without me feeling like I'm letting them down by them figuring me out.

It's also just nice having someone who GETS me without trying, I think as I run my thumb over the smooth surface of the controller.

I smirk at my counterpart.

"Totally, Dude. This is gonna be a race of the century no doubt about it." Twisting, I face the TV monolith as the loading screen for the game appears. "Next time we'll have to include Mini Us and really see who's the best gamer of them all."

Michelangelo laughs as he wiggles.

"Oh, I think the world might come to an end if all THREE of us play." His grin turns wolfish. "I'm here for it."

I snicker as he presses the START button to bring up the menu.

"Three Michelangelos. Can the universe really handle so much cuteness and awesomeness in one room?"

"Only one way to find out, Dude."

"It's gonna be Raphie's worse nightmare."

Michelangelo's laugh echoes around the room as the race starts.