Day seven: rocking around the Christmas tree

December 20th

It wasn't until Leo was staring at the red paper with little party hats decorating the corners, the chocolate peanut butter cup of the day long gone, did an important realization hit him.

Time to get your Christmas on.

He'd forgotten to plan a party.

Since he was nine, he'd thrown a little Christmas party for his family. Usually as a surprise because it was the only way to get them to go along with his hyperactivity. Even then, he was usually met with some reluctance.

He meant it when he said he was aware of how crazy he got this time of year.

Nevertheless, his family participated, so he wanted to believe they enjoyed it. They'd never technically told him otherwise, and if they didn't, surely they just wouldn't attend, right? That's what he certainly chose to believe.

He couldn't believe he'd forgotten, or that his family planned one themselves, even with how odd they'd been recently. Maybe it was a good thing then that he hadn't planned one, he'd hate for his brother's work to go to waste.

One thing was for sure, if all his brothers had pitched in, then this party was going to be an interesting one. Each of them had their own methods when it came to planning parties.

Many of which butted heads.

He could only imagen what the three of them had put together…well, together.

He didn't doubt it would be a sight to behold.

"So when's the party?" Leo asked over breakfast. He doubted it was meant to be a surprise, otherwise they wouldn't have left the note. Unless it was supposed to be discreet, in which case he'd just blown it.

"Later tonight" Mikey answered casually, much to Leo's relief. Thank pizza supreme, he was supposed to know about it.

"Do you need help setting up?"

"No need, Nardo" Donnie replied "it's all been arranged and taken care of" he finally put his phone away and began eating his waffles.

Okay now, that was odd. Leo hadn't seen any party supplies anywhere and none of the rooms were decorated. The only explanation was the party wasn't going to be in the lair, but then where else would it be?

Maybe they were going back to Run of the Mill? Would Hueso be generous or patient enough to let them sing karaoke and host a party?

It couldn't be Cass's place; it was too small. Not that his parties had ever been that big, being only the six of them in the past.

He doubted they were having it at Draxums. The yokai didn't strike him as the party type, if it turned out that was where the party was, Leo would eat his entire comic book collection.

"Any chance of an elaboration?" He asked carefully, studying their faces closely for anything. Sure enough, he caught a look of apprehension between the three of them. Splinter's expression was familiar, but he couldn't quite place it, just that it made him deeply uncomfortable.

"Just…promise you won't be too mad?" Mikey asked hopefully, looking afraid of his response. It made Leo worried but his desire to ease his baby brother's fears and put a smile on his face outweighed that.

Leo smiled, giving the box turtles head an affectionate pat "I'm sure I won't be mad, it's a party after all." Mikey and the rest of the family smiled, but still looked anxious, which wasn't reassuring. He kept his smile on, as he often did, but he couldn't help wondering about their cryptic answer. Maybe they were just concerned about how good a job they'd done? Or Leo was overthinking it, like he said, it was a party.

How bad could it be?

"You're kidding."

It was all Leo could say as he stared up at the large, all-too familiar for comfort building.

Behind him, everyone was wearing the most painfully forced smiles he'd seen in a long time. "You promised Mikey you wouldn't get mad" Raph reminded him gently, sounding more like he was dealing with a feral animal then his brother.

"I'm not mad" Leo said carefully, eyes still on the accursed building "I just have more questions than I know what to do with."

"That is fair" Donnie agreed, equally carefully "we understand this is unexpected-"

"Draxums apartment would've been unexpected" Leo calmly cut him off, turning to face them. He threw his arms out towards the building that had been the bane of their existence on more than one occasion "this is the Grand Nexus Hotel, Donnie!"

Of all the scenarios he'd thought of, the party being at the Grand Nexus Hotel never crossed his mind. Sure, he'd began to wonder if they rented a place in the Hidden City, but the Grand Nexus Hotel?!

"I just…how fast are we gonna have to run away?"

"We won't!" Mikey assured him quickly, holding his hands up to pacify Leo. "Big Mama is in on it, she was actually the one who offered to let us have the party here" he explained.

"And that's not raising any red flags?"

"Oh, I assure you it absolutely has" Donnie nodded, taking Leo's hand in his "but we choose to believe we are prepared for whatever she might throw at us." Leo didn't like that answer, but still allowed his twin to lead him inside. He trusted his family far more than he distrusted Big Mama. Besides, the spider yokai hadn't done anything since the Shredder and especially since the invasion.

Maybe this would go well, or at least not too painfuly.

All he could do was hope as they walked through the doors.

"Turtley-boos!" Big Mama sang as she walked up to them, arms outstretched. "So lovely you made it" without missing a beat, she snatched Leo away and pulled him into a hug. Leo went limp, caught off guard by the act and especially by how gentle she was "come, come" she clapped once she pulled away, taking Leo's hand "the night is young yet, but shan't get any younger!"

The rest of the family exchanged glances, they didn't want to say it and make Leo anymore uneasy, but they were just as worried. They'd been burned by Big Mama too many times in the past to count, but Donnie had been sincere when he said they'd planned for any potential trap she might've set.

"Maybe this was a mistake. What if she ruins the plan?" April whispered.

"We'll make sure she doesn't" Splinter said, voice and expression filled with determination. "And we'll make sure Blue knows nothing. This will not be ruined for him; I won't allow it" his sons, April, Draxum and Cass all shared his resolve.

Casey was the only one who didn't look concerned.

The elevator ride was a quiet and, quite frankly, tense one. The atmosphere was so thick it was a miracle no one choked on it. Amazingly, Big Mama was the only one unbothered, but then again it took a lot to phase her. Casey looked to be faring better as well, he was still uncomfortable, but noticeably less so.

"Oh!" Mikey suddenly gasped, startling everyone "I almost forgot!" He cried, looking at Leo like his life depended on whatever he'd just remembered.

Before Leo could question him, Mikey suddenly grabbed his bandana and turned it around, blinding him. "And I can't see now why…?" He asked slowly, feeling for his family despite Big Mama still holding his hand, if anything it gave him more reason.

He heard Donnie groaned dramatically "for the record we had nothing to do with this. Mikey insisted, said it would make the reveal more epic or something."

"It will!" Mikey insisted, clinging to Leo's arm. He took that to mean Mikey would be the one guiding him, or so he hoped.

Leo couldn't help chuckling, he could practically hear Donnie rolling his eyes. "Alright" he shrugged, he was questioning the logic himself, this wasn't a surprise party after all, but Mikey was so excited he just couldn't refuse.

Finally, the elevator dinged, and Leo was carefully guided out. Even though he couldn't see, he could hear faint music and smelled a variety of foods, particularly lots of pizza and chocolate. Also known as the two best foods in existence.

So far this was very promising.

"Okay, ready?" Mikey asked, not even trying to contain his excitement. Leo could feel him vibrating, unable to hold back a fond laugh at his brother's joy. Not waiting for a response, Mikey fixed his mask, allowing him to see again.

Once his eyes adjusted, they lit up.

They were in a large ballroom, the same one from the mission Bullhop had taken over and miraculously pulled off. The place was decorated to the nines, like it was straight out of a movie, there was even a huge Christmas tree set up and a large table filled with food.

"Sooo…" Big Mama cooed "what do you think Turtley-boo? Is it not splendifferice?"

"I gotta admit, it's amazing" Leo agreed in awe, doing his best to take everything in at once. Behind him, his family exchanged excited and victorious smiles "but…" he continued hesitantly. Instantly, their faces fell into expressions of dread and fear, even Big Mama looked concerned. Had they forgotten something? Messed up in some way only Leo's keen eye had picked up? "isn't this a bit much for just the nine of us?" He asked, eyes still roaming the large room.

"Oh, is that all?" Big Mama giggled with a wave of her hand; the relief not lost on the others. Especially not when they were just as relieved "don't you worry your little head into a tizzywinkle" she patted Leo's cheek "your brothers may have extended an invitation or two for your little get together."

Leo glanced to his brothers, seeking clarification "we invited a few other guest" Donnie translated.

"Other…like who?"

"Well, there's Todd, Hueso and his fam, Bullhop, Sunita, Piebald…" Raph counted each one off on both his hands "…and DIGG is going to perform but they're technically guest as well." He pointed to the stage where, sure enough, the band of rodent mutants were currently setting up, Prairie offering a wave.

"They really all came?" Leo asked in genuine surprise.

"Is-is that alright?" Mikey asked hesitantly, head sinking into his shell ever so slightly. Leo's parties had always been just them and April, mostly because that had been their entire social circle, but what if Leo preferred it that way? As much as he liked their new friends, he might want to keep their party more personal and just in the immediate family.

They were embarrassed to admit they didn't think of that until they'd already sent out the invites, they could only hope they hadn't messed up.

"Why wouldn't it be?" Leo asked slowly, tilting his head, not understanding his youngest brother's sudden apprehension. He especially didn't understand why they all looked so relieved by his answer "although I am surprised they wanted to come."

"Why wouldn't they?" April asked, watching his face closely without being obvious. If he said something self-deprecating…

"We're at the Grand Nexus Hotel. Home of Big Mama, who's probably planning on coming as well" he glanced to the spider women in question "no offence" he said half-heartedly.

Big Mama waved her hand again "perish the thought, you've said nothing that wasn't true. And of course I'll be attending, it is my hotel as you said, and I've never been one to resist a good shindig!" She laughed with a little dance.

"Just behave yourself" Splinter scolded her lightly. He knew better than most not to cross her, but she was even more out of her mind than usual if she thought he'd let her upset any of his boys.

Especially not after all their hard work.

"Of course, Lou" Big Mama assured him far too innocently. Yeah, he didn't completely trust her, none of them did by the looks of it, except for Casey who was unreadable. "You have such little faith in me…" she reached over and played with his hair "…my Snuggle Muffin" she cooed suggestively, getting a blush out of Splinter and simultaneously disturbing everyone else present.

"Aw, it's even worse than you described" Donnie groaned to Leo. They hadn't wanted to believe him when he told them their Dad and Big Mamas dated.

Splinter cleared his throat "yes, well…you've given me plenty reason, so forgive me for keeping an eye on you" he reminded her awkwardly. "And…not in front of the children" he mumbled.

"Or myself?" Draxum pleaded dully.

"Anywizzle" Big Mama continued, completely ignoring him, and clapped her hands. A few of her men approached them, each one holding a bag "the rest of your guest should be arriving soon, so you'll have to hurry."

"Hurry…?" Raph began cautiously.

"Why getting dressed of course! You can't attend a party like that! Especially not at my hotel, I have a reputation Turtely-boo!" Big Mama giggled shooing them off as they were escorted away by her men, their protests falling on deaf ears.

"For the recorded Leo, we had nothing to do with this!" Mikey assured his brother urgently.

By the time they returned to the ballroom now dressed in suits, everyone had arrived. They should've told Big Mama the party wasn't black tie, but then again, she probably wouldn't have listened or cared.

At least they weren't too fancy.

"Hola again" Hueso called, Junor instantly rushing over to hug Leo "this is quiet the fiesta you've put together, I'm impressed."

"Thanks, but you should see the Christmas parties Leo throws" Mikey said cheerfully.

Leo snorted "I'm pretty sure a few homemade decorations in the living room have nothing on all this." He motioned around the room with a sweep of his hand.

"Now don't sell yourself short" Bullhop said as he joined them "there's beauty in simplicity, after all. I'd be happy to attend next year if you'll have me."

"Ditto" Sunita agreed cheerfully as she all but talked Leo into a hug. "You've gotta try the food! We've been waiting for you to have first dibs" she began dragging him towards the many tables.

"You guys didn't have to wait for us to eat" Leo said, not noticing the look the others shared with each other. In actuality, it had been an unspoken agreement that Leo specifically be the first to partake in the refreshments. They hadn't been waiting for all of them, just him.

This party was for him after all.

Not that anyone was going to tell him, it would jeopardize the plan.

"So do we have you to thank for this spread?" Leo asked Hueso as they approached the table. Now that they were closer, he was able to get a better look at the refreshments. There was every kind of pizza, mostly Hawaiian, several kinds of pastas and lasagnas, and a variety of Japanese delicacies. The desert table was something to truly behold, he'd never seen so many cakes, cupcakes, and brownies in one place, it was like they'd robbed a bakery.

Hueso chuckled "alas, I believe Big Mama went with her own high-class connections and chiefs" he confessed.

"What? You're totally high class, if not better" Leo insisted, earning a genuine smile from the skeleton.

"Oh, I know this bakery!" Splinter smiled "you kids are in for a real treat, they're cheesecakes to die for!"

"Ooh, chocolate and cheese fondue!" Mikey squealed at the sight of the fountains side by side. "Go on Leo, pick something" he gave his older brother a small shake.

Leo laughed, taking a slice of said cheesecake drizzled in what appeared to be chocolate and caramel sauce. Everyone watched as he took a bite and his eyes lit up "ohmegosh, Dad wasn't kidding. That might be the best cheesecake I've ever had!" He gushed, that was all they needed to hear, and they wasted no time digging in.

"I meant to ask" Leo began, already grabbing five slices of Hawaiian "you said it was Big Mama who offered to let you have a party here…how did that happen?"

Donnie hummed as he ate a bowl of noodles "we're not entirely sure how she found out, but basically she approached us with the offer." Well, technically her goons abducted them while they were shopping for party supplies, dragged them to her office, and after confirming that they were indeed going to be throwing a party for Leo she'd all but took over preparations.

It'd all happened so fast; they hadn't fully processed everything until maybe a day later.

Not that Leo needed to know any of that.

"Uh huh, and exactly how much is all of this going to cost?"

"Big Mama says it's on her" Raph assured him, but he sounded a little hesitant himself "called it a Christmas gift. Besides, you let us worry about that." He'd noticed Leo hesitating to take more goodies, worse, he'd been about to put some back. That wasn't acceptable, they wanted Leo to enjoy himself to the fullest.

Leo nodded a little reluctantly, which was fair, when his eyes lit up. "Oh, its Piebald! Hey Piebald!" He waved at the fish mutant eagerly, Piebald jumped slightly before slowly waving back, an anxious grin on her face as Leo handed his plate to Raph and jogged over to hug her.

Piebald instantly froze, but if Leo noticed he didn't comment. "H-hey, kid" she greeted awkwardly as she gave is head a pat. "It-its good to see-oh we're moving" next thing she knew, Leo was bringing her over to the others.

"C'mon Piebald, you know we're over that whole 'I-know-what-you-did-last-summer' thing" he laughed. It was true, he and his brothers had been…less then pleased with their Father and the fish's method of teaching them about honesty. April had given them an earful when Mikey filled her in after admitting he'd been having nightmares in passing.

"Yeah, r-right, I know that."

Leo glanced back at her worriedly "you've forgiven the guys, right?"

Piebald stared at him; they all did. It wasn't the first time one of them had asked just to be safe, the problem was the way he worded it.

Did she forgive his brothers.

Not them, not him, just his brothers.

The fish mutant gave him a genuine smile "I forgave all of you long before I made it home" she told him, making sure to emphasize all of them. This brought a smile to his face, though it was debatable if he picked up on exactly what she was saying.

"Piebald! Good to see you" Splinter greeted happily, already on his third helping.

"Once again, my condolences for your name. Evidently Lou used all his brain cells naming the boys" Draxum sent a smirk to the grumbling rat. The others snickered at their exchange, including Piebald.

For a while they all just mingled together chatting about whatever topic struck them. Bullhop was doing well with his dancing, Piebald had found a job in the Hidden City that she appeared to enjoy.

Maybe it was his imagination, but Leo felt like he was doing most of the talking. He was about to let them all know they could shut him up anytime when Junior came running. "Leo! Dance with me!" He cried excitedly, taking his hand and attempted to drag him out onto the dance floor.

Leo smiled warmly, unable to resist. "Sorry guys, I'm needed elsewhere" he apologized playfully, grabbing another slice of pizza from his plate as he followed the young yokai.

The collection of mutants and yokai waited until they were sure Leo was out of earshot before turning to the remaining turtles. "So how's the plan going?" Bullhop asked eagerly "Hueso was saying on the way over the karaoke caroling went great."

"So far so good, Leo's been enjoying everything" Mikey confirmed, glancing at his brother on the dance floor "I mean he dose suspect something, we saw that coming, but he hasn't figured out what exactly is going on."

"Doesn't stop him from trying" Raph chuckled.

"As long as he doesn't before the big day, there shouldn't be an issue" Donnie said confidently. Or as confidently as he could, they had five days to go, and he'd be lying if he said he wasn't getting nervous.

So much could happen in that time. Leo could easily piece it together before then. Worse, something might mess up the remaining days in a way they couldn't fix. Just because the last six went off without a hitch, didn't guarantee smooth sailing going forward.

"It'll all be fine, you'll see, now let's go Dee! They're playing our song!" April cheered, grabbing the genius by the arm. Donnie didn't fight it and allowed himself to be dragged off with a smile. The others looked on with grins, even Leo, watching the two pass, sent a knowing smirk their way.

Raph's attention went back to watching as Leo danced with Junior, both laughing as they spun around with clasped hands. It warmed his heart to see his little brother so happy and carefree, almost like the invasion never happened.

Like he hadn't spent months recovering physically and mentally, undergoing therapy in more ways than one.

Like they hadn't almost lost him in every sense of the word.

Raph took an extra second to memorize Leo's joy filled smile. There'd been too many times he'd feared they would never see it again; he was determined to appreciate it every chance he got now.

"You doing okay there Big Red?" He blinked out of his train of thought and looked at Piebald.

"Yeah just…" he trailed off, his gaze going back to his brother.

Piebald hummed, looking down at her drink "you still blame yourself." It wasn't a question, more like a statement, Raph wanted to argue but couldn't because they both knew he did. "I know you Red, don't forget I was your family pet for quite a while" she reminded him.

"Speaking from experience?" The fish's expression became somber. He knew, they all knew, the real reason she'd been so anxious when Leo spotted her moments ago.

He still didn't know how she'd gotten it into her head her little "prank" played a part in Leo's…choices during the invasion. Well, maybe he could, not that he was in a place to judge anyway. None of them were, it seemed like everyone had a reason to believe they played a part.

"I keep telling y'all you gotta stop doing this to yourselves" Todd shook his head as he took a slice of cake "now, do you know why Leo always threw his little parties for you in the past?"

Mikey cracked a small grin "to make us happy."

"That's right, and what's one of the reasons for your plan?"

"To make him happy."

"Exactly!" Todd pointed at him "so, none of these frowny faces cause there's no room for pity at this party!" He said vigorously with a nod. He was right of course, it made Leo happy to see his family happy, that's one of the reasons why he tried so hard on every holiday.

Now it was their turn to return the favor.

"Todd's right" Mikey said with newfound equal vigor.

Bullhop nodded in agreement "yeah, he's clearly enjoying himself, so your plan is definitely working" he said encouragingly. This brought a smile to the two brothers' faces. They were right, the plan wasn't over yet, and it had been a success so far.

They were confident they would continue to succeed going forward.

"If anything, Big Mamas our biggest concern tonight" Raph mumbled as he eyed the spider woman, who waved at them with a cheeky grin.

"I wouldn't worry about her intentions; Big Mama always had a soft spot for Sensei" Casey said casually as he ate. He had that tone that implied he knew more than he was letting on, being from the future and all, but wasn't sure if he should elaborate. More often than not, they were too afraid to ask, sure they'd changed the future already, but they didn't want to take too many more chances.

"I think I know what Future Boy is talking about" Splinter suddenly groaned, dragging a hand down his face "I didn't want to say anything but…Big Mama told me she wants to name Blue her heir."

Draxum choked on his drink as he and everyone but Casey gawked at him. "Yeah, that's about right" he said, taking a bite of pasta, that was enough to tell them this had come up at some point in his future.

"Dose…dose Leo know?" Raph stuttered.

Splinter shook his head "that I'm aware of? No. If Big Mama's brought it up with him, he hasn't said anything." He sincerely hoped his son would talk to him if and when she did and given his boys' level of trust in the spider, those were good odds.

Meanwhile, Leo and Junior's dance was slowing down. "Ah, I think I need a break" Leo laughed breathlessly "I don't know about you kiddo, but I'm getting dizzy."

Junior giggled "old men always get dizzy fast" he teased. His laughter increased as Leo shoved his hat over his eye sockets with a chuckle of his own as he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Mind if it cut in?" Big Mama cooed. Leo was tempted to decline, but he worried she might call off the party and kick them out if he upset her. That was the last thing he wanted after all his brother's hard work.

"I'm gonna dance with her for a while, okay?" He told Junior with a smile. The boy looked a little reluctant to leave Leo, even a child his age knew Big Mamas reputation, but he nodded and went to his Fathers side.

The spider women waisted no time sweeping him off his feet into a slow dance, the music complying. "Are you enjoying yourself Turtley-boo?" She asked sweetly as they glided along gracefully.

"Believe it or not, I am, actually" he admitted "still waiting for you to throw us all in the arena."

She chuckled good naturedly "I supposed I deserve that" she confessed with surprising honesty. Or she was putting on that good of a performance "but whether you believe it or not, cross my heart, my intentions tonight are sincere" she promised. Leo was still doubtful but decided to give her the benefit of the doubt, it was Christmas after all "everyone in this room was quite tickled pink for tonight, you know" she said softly.

Leo shrugged "well who doesn't love a party? Especially at Christmas."

Big Mama hummed "of course" she agreed halfheartedly. In actuality, they wanted to come for the same reason she'd insisted they have the party here once she'd caught wind of the turtle's plan.

They were there for the very turtle she was dancing with.

For better or worse, these boys had made an impact on many individuals. When word spread about how they'd risked their lives against those Krang, how Leo nearly sacrificed his and why…well she couldn't speak for all residents, but she knew many who'd gained a new respect and perspective for the brothers.

That included Big Mama herself.

Not that she hadn't begun to develop a soft spot for them prior, she'd especially taken a shine to the blue clad turtle in particular. He'd been the first in a long time to see through her, to beat her at her own game, she truly felt she'd met her match in the boy.

After all, both were underestimated by peers who assumed they had them figured out and they wielded that assumption against them like a weapon.

For example, she doubted anyone had figured out who'd paid the medical bills when they'd been forced to bring Leo to a hospital in the Hidden City.

The difference was he was a far better yokai than her.

Everything she did was for her own gain at the end of the day, a means to an end. Whereas everything Leo did was with his family in mind, a lesson said family had learned the hard way.

This plan Lou's boys had concocted was evidence of that.

"So" Leo spoke up "I'm just going to assume you know what my bros are up too." Whether it was because she snooped, they willingly let her in on it, or both were up for debate.

She chuckled "nothing gets passed you, dose it? But I'll save you the trouble. My lips are sealed." Her laughter grew as his expression soured "come now darling, do you really want to hear it from me instead of your brothers?"

Leo sighed with a small smile "I guess you have a point" he relented.

Big Mama nodded "that's a good lad, now, none of this getting our heads in a tizzywinkle. Just enjoy the celebration." She spun him around dramatically and dipped him, getting a laugh out of him.

'It is all for you after all.'

Big Mama, why you talk like this?

Seriously, what sick bastard came up with her dialogue?! I don't think I did a very good job, forgive me.

I'm not surprised I couldn't finish this before Christmas, I kind of knew that might happen. I'm amazed I got as far as I did truthfully, I can only hope I get this finished before February.

Did I have enough party in this party themed chapter? I don't know, I hope so.

Until next time.