Your Biggest Mistake
Truebluewarrior
Chapter 3
Raph sighed storming out of the dojo, he didn't know how he was going to have fun, bothering his brothers is the only thing enjoyable here, and leaving the lair at daytime after the encounter with the Shredder is a complete no. He groan in annoyance, he didn't know what to do, if he wasn't able to beat the Kuro Kabuto of the Shredder he at least has to beat the shell out of someone and that were his brothers, even if it meant breaking some rules.
The young 15 year old turtle stood up and decided to head back outside to look for them. He was still pissed off, he wanted to find Donnie and Mikey and do what he does best: making his brothers' lives miserable.
Raph was very sure that one of them would be in their room in fact, he spotted stupid tiny Mikey, the youngest turtle just playing peacefully with his stupid little toys like he always did. It was time to enjoy some fun, he walked into Mikey's room and found him just doing his usual thing.
Mikey was distracted with his so call Crognard figure. How sweet. But Raph didn't care. He needed to enjoy the time beating him to the ground, for him this was ridiculous, Mikey was old enough and Raph was going to put a stop to that.
Mikey: "Crognard I love you... You're my favorite"
Raph stood there by the the door and couldn't believe what was listening. Mikey was actually talking to some stupid action figure, like if they could listen, he rolled his eyes... How pathetic... Raph's eyes widened in anger ready to ambushed his brother like a predator to a prey, and before he even thought of the consequences he immediately tackled Mikey to the floor.
Mikey: "Ouch what the..."
Mikey turned around and saw his older brother, at first he was afraid but then he was mad that him for taking Crognard.
Mikey: "Raph?!, hey not cool!... Give me back! Give me back Crognard this instant..."
"No way! I'm not giving you back this stupid thing! You're old enough to be playing with this thing"
Raph inspected Crognard, ready to smashed it into little pieces. While Mikey was struggling to get it off his hands.
Mikey: "Raph...give it back!.. you're gonna break it..."
"So what if I break it? It's just a dumb toy anyways!"
Raph still held tight on Crognard as Mikey was trying to get it back from him.
Mikey: "Well if you don't give it back...then...I'll...I'll scream, and sensei won't be too happy with your actions bro..."
"Yeah, whatever. Do it. Scream as loud as you want!"
Raph's attitude was even worse now that his younger brother was threatening him. Raph decided that this moment was the perfect opportunity to teach Mikey a lesson. Mikey whined and was pouting.
"HA! Told you that I wouldn't care if you screamed! Try to reach it little brother. Do it... can't do it huh?!"
Raph yelled preventing Mikey from reaching the toy, Mikey was trying so hard even jumping to reach Crognard. This was going to get even more annoying for Mikey, which was exactly what Raph wanted pushing his brother aside with one small pushed.
"You're right...I won't scream..."
Mikey reply, taking Raph distraction and licked Raph's hand, Raph quickly let go when he felt the disgusting feeling of Mikey's tongue on his hand. He immediately started to wipe his hands on the floor out of disgust letting go of Crognard, he was now even more annoyed than before.
"YOU FREAKING GROSS IDIOT!"
Raph was now ready to give Mikey a piece of his mind and teach him a well-deserved lesson for being so gross. Mikey only laughs and grabs his toy before running away.
"YOU LITTLE FREAK! GET BACK HERE!"
Raph ran after Mikey as he tried to catch up to him. Mikey was a bit faster than him, but that wouldn't stop Raph from getting to him. Raph was determined to finally teach him a lesson.
Donnie's pov
Donnie groaned annoyed by the sound coming from outside and it wasn't helping at all, his fingers maneuver to each vile containing very dangerous substance that will react if he isn't careful but Raph constant yelling bothered him while he was trying to work was making it harder then it is, his hands fidget to every vile drop he apply.
Donnie: "can it get any louder out there?... I'm never gonna finish my experiments at this rate, who can concentrate with Raph exploding all the time?"
He sighed, too distracted to realized he was mixing together two of the same chemical, the vile began to drizzle, Donnie was confused, something of of happened, he took out his goggles coming closer in contact with the chemical, definitely was another failure but at least it didn't alert anyone before the chemical started acting and caused an unnoticed loud explosion.
Back to Raph
Raph finally got Mikey, ready to pummel him to grind but his focus shifted went he heard the explosion from Donnie's room, and instantly began searching for the source of it. Raph was ready to go in there and teach this dumbass a lesson for causing such a major explosion by being so stupid.
Donnie came out of his room, everything was in smoke because this mad scientist of Donnie think he's good but In reality he can't do something but messed things up in the wrong time. Raph thought were clouding with judgment and he was clearly every pissed off at his other morrón of a brother, he didn't care about him, weather he's coughing or not but the fact that he did it again. His careless actions lead them here.
Donnie:"..[cough]...okay... I did not see that one..[cough, cough]...coming..."
Raph: "I can tell, dipshit! What did you do this time?!"
Raph was not happy at all standing tall against the younger turtle, the room was filled with smoke, thanks to Donnie's stupid experiments which caused this in the first place. Donnie was frightened to find Raph from everyone he wish it could be, has to be Raph.
Donnie:...[coughs]...just testing new things...are you okay?..is everyone...[cough]... Okay?
"Oh, really? Did you really expect me to be okay when I'm breathing this in?!, No, of course I'm not okay! You did it again, you stupid morrón! Your carelessness is going to cost someone's life! Why can't you just understand that you're not a scientist and that you have to stop all this?"
Raph yelled in a scolding tone, still pissed off by Donnie's poor excuse. He saw how Donnie was coughing a lot from all the smoke but who cares, this geek got himself in this mess, let him deal with the consequences, he wasn't having any excuses whatsoever.
"my bad Raph.. ...[cough, cough] ...I ...I didn't see that c..coming...[cough] I'm really sorry ..."
Donnie backed away a bit and even apologized but his apologies from him meant nothing, Raph clearly wanted to beat him up even more then he anticipated.
"Don't you even say, "I'm really sorry" bullshit, like you mean it! All you ever do is cause trouble for the rest of us! Did you even once think about the consequences of your stupid tests?"
Raph was absolutely furious, and he thought about giving Donnie a full force punch as punishment for his carelessness because the audacity of this child that doesn't even know how to make a working machine such a burden to the team. Raph kept those thought in his mind, annoyed with the smoke around them.
Donnie: "I was only trying to [cough] find a cure..."
Donnie sounded quite sad, until Leo then heard the commission, not very happy how things are looking.
Leo: what is going on here!?
Raph sighed as his older brother Leo came rushing to the scene. His voice was calming but also strict, he wanted everything to be under control. Donnie was still coughing very loud and harsh.
"Look what Donnie caused! Your idiot brother here tried to build something again, and this happened"
Raph was still looking at Donnie with a deadly stare, if looks could kill Donnie would've been dead by now, before been pulled away from the smoke.
Donnie stumbled back as he was pulled away from the room by Raph, deep down he cared. Leo had his arms crossed, looking at his two brothers concerned but also very disappointed.
Raph: "Donnie made a huge explosion and now the whole room is filled with smoke because of his stupid tests!"
Donnie:.".. it was an... [cough, cough] accident..."
Leo sighs.
Leo: "Calm down... He didn't mean it."
He approaches his second youngest brother
Leo: "Don't worry, Donnie. It was an accident. We all make mistakes sometimes. I can help you clean up this mess. It's gonna be okay."
Raph: "Are you serious!? You're really going to let him get away with this again? This isn't the first time he's done this Leo!"
Raph was even more pissed off that Leo was taking his younger brother's side again. It was really pathetic. This was all because Leo thought Donnie could do absolutely no wrong... But he was wrong and he was sick of it.
Leo looks at Raph sternly.
Leo: "I am NOT letting him off the hook. But you need to learn how to deal with your anger... He made a simple mistake. It's not that big of a deal, we'll clean it but If we all act this way every time one of us makes the tiniest mistake, then we're gonna have a lot more of these arguments and it's NOT GOOD for our teamwork."
Raph was really annoyed at everything that was coming out of Leo. He couldn't believe this, almost sounding like that stupid space show he watch, teamwork?, screw that, what he needed to do was best the living shell out of Donnie, but knowing Leo... He might never do that.
"I DON'T CARE! He needs to learn how to take responsibility for his stupid mistakes! He's just going to keep doing these ridiculous tests over and over again if you keep being so soft on him!"
"And by yelling at him and getting angry, that's going to help how?!"
Leo reply, he was starting to get a little annoyed with Raph. He never listen, and again here they were arguing endless because Raph never listen.
"Raph... You need to learn that we're a team. We're going to support each other when someone makes a mistake. You can't just point fingers and yell at each other. We're better than that."
"Don't be telling me that 'We're a team' bullshit right now!"
Raph yelled back, angry that Leo was still sticking up for Donnie just because they're supposedly 'a team'. He thought that was such a bullshit excuse to make everything okay, since everything was not okay at all. Leo is also starting to get annoyed. His voice hardens and he looks like he's ready to put his foot down.
Leo: "It's not bullshit. We NEED to be a team. And you need to grow up and stop being so angry all the time. It's not helping."
Raph: "I DON'T NEED TO GROW UP! You're the one that needs to grow up!, you need to learn how to not take everything so lightly all the time! The fact that you're so calm about this whole nonsense makes me think that you're an idiot just like Donnie! I have every right to be mad about this!"
Raph now wanted to punch a hole straight through his older brother's face. Raph was also starting to get mad at the fact that Leo wasn't even scared of him at all.
Leo stands his ground, not backing down from Raph's aggressive behavior.
"I'm not taking this lightly, Raph. Just because I'm not yelling or getting angry doesn't mean I'm not taking this seriously. There is a difference between being scared of you and choosing not to let your anger get the best of me. Now, calm down before this gets out of control. Otherwise, you, me, and Donnie are all going to have a talk with Master Splinter about our behavior. Now would you be willing to help out clean this mess"
Raph: "what the?!... Hell no! ...I'm not doing this. Leo, you should know I don't give two shits about all this 'brotherhood' teamwork crap you want us to do. Donnie got himself into this shithole, he can dig himself out of it. The last thing I need to do is to clean his dumbass mess again"
"well he's our younger brother, so ...deal with it"
Leo said standing up, looking back at the room and grabbing a broom.
Raph: "So what? Just because he's young that doesn't mean he can do whatever he want. He needs to understand that his actions have consequences. And I'm tired of being the one to always take care of his messes."
Raph crossed his arms tightly, feeling frustrated and angry. He didn't want to be the one responsible for Donnie's mistakes, but he also didn't want anything bad to happen to him either. He had this urges to just run away and let them handle it themselves.
Leo: "And what do you want me to do Raph, make him clean this mess himself, he's 12 Raph, I ain't making him clean this alone, plus he's helping, so start cleaning man."
Raph: "I'm not saying you should make him do it alone, but maybe you should let me punish him. Let me teach him a lesson so he'll think twice about playing with dangerous things and messing everything up."
Leo took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. Leo knew that Raph was right, there still felt like something needed to be done about Donnie's constant mistakes but knowing Raph he would want to hurt him, and that's a definitely no in Leo's solution. He took a moment to collect his thoughts, holding the broom, and glance back at Raph.
"Absolutely no! If you're using violence as a punishment, then you better be ready for my foot up your ass. I'll be damned if I allow you to hurt him because of a stupid mistake he unintentionally did, so get that idea out of your stupid head, I mean it because that's not how we solve problems in this family"
Raph frowned, feeling even more frustrated. It was just like Leo to be the responsible one, always trying to fix things by talking it out, but sometimes that wasn't enough.
Raph: "Fine, whatever! You think that talking it out is going to solve anything? Donnie will just keep making these stupid mistakes and putting everyone in danger. But of course, you always have to be the responsible one," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Why can't you let me do something about it?"
"I rather be the responsible one than the one being angry and violent because guess what, people are going to hate you for that. You know what? You wanna do something about it, go ahead. Hurt Donnie because of his mistake. But it's all on you, just know that there will be serious consequences for you"
He crosses his arms
"What's your choice?"
Raph, feeling challenged by Leo's words, couldn't help but let his anger take over. He pushed Donnie with a smug expression, feeling like he had finally gotten some sort of payback. Donnie tripped backward from the push, and fell on the ground with a whimper. So easy to push a weakling like him, he didn't even try to defend himself, what a joke.
Raph: "There, I did it. And what are you gonna do about it, Leo?"
"Raph! oh my ...I wasn't for real!"
He picked up Donnie and check on him.
"Are you alright Donnie?"
Donnie accepted Leo's help, and stood up in his feet's, his head aching as the impact made him hit the back of his head hard, it could of ended ... so much worst.
"Yeah...I'm ...I'm okay"
Donnie said rubbing the back of his head. Leo was starting to get really furious at Raph and he even had the audacity to do it In front of him, he was unbelievable. Before turning to looks at Raph.
"You really are a complete moron, aren't you Raph?"
Raph stood there with a smirk, not feeling any remorse for his actions. He knew he messed up, but he didn't care. The satisfaction of finally getting back at Donnie was all he needed.
Raph: "What? It was just a little push. He can handle it. Besides, it's not like I hit him or anything... At least not yet, you're making a big deal out of nothing, Leo."
Leo was annoyed what did he meant not yet, not yet, he was annoyed and tired with this constant attitude, he was done with this, specially the moment he lay a hand on Donnie.
"You want to know why I'm making a big issue out of it? Because YOU pushed Donnie to the ground, he hit his head hard!, but no! You have no regard for anyone in this goddamn household except yourself and your goddamn stupid ego. I would of hit you but I'm not like you. I have self control and responsibility. So now you are cleaning the entire room, Donnie is going to rest, end of story!"
Raph's annoyed expression grew more intense as Leo continued to scold him. He couldn't believe that he was the one being punished for his actions when all he did was push Donnie.
Raph: "What the hell?! It was just a push! It's not my fault Donnie's a clumsy moron. And now I have to clean the entire room because of him? That's bullshit, Leo. I'm not the one who caused the mess."
Leo: "Do you hear yourself talk dumbass? You're not making any sense! I'm not going to tolerate you being violent towards us, you either stop your violent behavior and clean or you get out! Donnie didn't deserve to get pushed. You knew he hit his head and don't give a damn about it!. I'm not going to repeat myself, either you clean the mess or get ready for another lecture from Master Splinter. Either way, you're cleaning this, because I ain't letting Donnie clean this alone and now especially that he hit his head. What do you choose? Because I'm done asking, because I swear to Master Splinter, I will tell him about your violent behavior and you're going to be grounded for a long time, I bet you don't even care anyways. You just want to be the most selfish, egotistical, and violent turtle out there."
Raph rolled his eyes and continued to mock Leonardo. He was frustrated with the whole situation and didn't care about the consequences.
"Blah, blah, blah. Lectures, punishment, I don't care. You want me to clean up the mess? fuck you, I ain't doing that... Oh and boohoo, a lecture by Splinter. Like that's gonna make any difference. I'm not cleaning anything. You and Donnie can clean it yourself! Screw your lectures. Who do you think you are? Our mother?! That doesn't work on me, I stopped caring about a long time ago.! So if you think I'm gonna clean Donnie's mess just because you tell me to, you're dead wrong. And don't even start with 'let's find a solution together'. I'm out of here."
Raph slammed his bedroom door shut, feeling fed up with the situation. He plopped down onto his bed, grabbing his pillow and stuffing his face into it not realizing there was an intruder in his room listening in to everything.
Raph: "Ugh, I can't stand Leo sometimes. Always bossing me around, acting like he's the responsible one. And Donnie, that clumsy idiot! I can't believe I have to live with them..."
Raph was so lost in his thoughts, he didn't even notice Mikey sneak into his room. He continued to grumble and complain about Leo and Donnie, totally oblivious to Mikey's presence.
"And Leo's little lectures, they're so annoying. I swear, he thinks he's the perfect leader. Acting all high and mighty, like he's never made a mistake in his life."
Raph was so deep in his angry state, he just kept mindlessly talking, not realizing that Mikey was actually there.
"Why does he always have to be the responsible one? It's like he enjoys being the older brother who always has to fix everything. It's stupid. And Donnie...why can't he just be more careful? I swear, he makes more messes than a toddler. I'm so tired of cleaning up after him."
Mikey then spoke his voice barely a whisper trying to get Raph to say something nice about him.
Mikey: "What about Mikey. Mikey is the most awesome and coolest little brother."
Raph chuckled to himself, feeling like he was having a random thought. "Yeah, Mikey is...well, he's an awesome and a cool brother. I guess he's not so bad sometimes...not that I'll ever tell him that out loud."
Raph's words came out in a tired and dismissive tone, as if he didn't fully realize who he was talking to. He continued to mutter and groan, slowly drifting off to sleep. His eyes closed, and he began to snore softly.
Leo's pov
With Leo, he sighed, what had gone into Raph. So annoying, he didn't mind helping his brothers after all that's where big brothers, but it seemed like Raph was failing miserable at it seeing that the turtle in red wasn't going to leave that closet room of his.
Leo sighs in disappointment
"You really can't get through his head, can you Donnie? I'm sorry he was so violent to you"
Leo said to Donnie gently as he rubbed the back of Donnie's shell to calm him down. He let out a sigh looking at the room.
"It's alright Donnie, you can rest for now, you're hurt. I'll clean the mess. You just rest and take it easy" he said calmly.
"It's fine Leo, I appreciate it but... I made this mess and I'll clean it up... after all I made things so much worse, got you arguing with Raph after ...after a long time..."
Leo felt bad, even went hurt he wanted to help, what a brother. If only Raph had more compassion like Donnie does.
"It's okay, Donnie, we would've been arguing anyways. But what were you trying to do this time."
He asked, sounding a little more worried that this wasn't the first time this has happened.
Donnie was nervous, he was actually working on the retro mutagen Leo had told him, but things didn't end well. Especially now that he is unable to leave the lair while Raph and Leo could but all the things Leo brought him to find a solution couldn't go to waste.
"Nothing Leo, nothing important. I guess I went a little far with this experiment"
he spoke softly trying to avoid eye contact with Leo by looking away in another direction. He was hoping that Leo had believed him but sadly he was a bad liar.
He could tell that Donnie was lying since he had a bad habit of avoiding eye contact when he was trying to avoid something.
"I know you better than anyone else, Donnie, you can't fool me. Please tell me, I promise I won't get mad."
He said softly and gently, trying to make a safe space for Donnie.
He sighed a little, looking down slightly as he thought about what to say. Donnie didn't like bothering Leo with his problems, knowing the weight on his big brother's shoulders is large and heavy. But, at the same time he didn't want to lie to him, knowing that Leo would know immediately
"I-I'm trying to create... retro-mutagen"
He was a bit surprised by what Donnie told him, he felt bad that Donnie was pushing himself to try and find a cure to the lurking mutants out there but he had to be realistic with him, he didn't want Donnie to be pushing himself to something that he can't do. Leo gently placed a hand on Donnie's shoulder for comfort as he spoke.
"Donnie, I told you before you didn't have to rush on trying to create a retro-mutagen, it can wait, You know I really appreciate your attempt to help me find this cure but this can't keep happening over and over, you know what... it's best if you just don't do this anymore. You're only 12 years old, you're going to get seriously hurt. Maybe until you're old enough to go topside for the first time, but for now it's best if you just stop working on this."
His face went blank, shocked and confused. Did Leo really fire him from this job? Donnie felt bad, but he was still determined to create a retro-mutagen. Even if it's in his lab at night, he needs to try.
"But Leo, please! I've been stuck down here! I'm tired of just sitting around here, I want to help you guys. I know I'm young but the longer we wait the more people could be killed... please big brother, I promised I'll be careful, i can't just sit here doing nothing while you and Raph are up there risking your lives. I just wanted to help, maybe even go ...topside with you guys..."
Donnie looked up at his big brother with sad eyes, he really hated being stuck in his room only to find solutions, he wanted to be part of the team with Leo and Raph and help them out. Not staying here with Mikey waiting for their big brothers to come back and have all the fun, he wanted to help, but Splinter's orders forced him to stay behind for now.
Leo sighs heavily, Donnie was just trying to do the right thing, even if he was trying to hard. Leo just wanted Donnie to know that it's dangerous to do this, but he knew Donnie was just worried like him. He placed a hand on Donnie's shoulder for comfort like he always did.
"Donnie, I admire that you want to help us. You already help us a lot as it is. But you're only 12, You are still too young to be going topside, there are dangerous people out there, it's very risky for you to take a step outside of the lair, Master Splinter banned you from going for that reason, I know it's boring in here, you want to go topside but until you're older I want you to remain here in the sewers, please understand it's because we care about you and your safety but working on this could harm you or hurt you. If anything happened to you, I could never forgive myself...never."
"Please I...I won't ..it won't happen again"
Donnie said he was not feeling good about the outcome. Leo knew it won't occur again, asking Donnie to give him back the mutagen would be the solution, he's been using to create the retro-mutagen with it, and without it Leo would be more calm now that he doesn't possess it.
"It's not that I don't trust you Donnie. I do, I trust you but you're still too young to work on this. I know you're only trying to help, but I can't allow you to work on this anymore. It's too dangerous, and I can't risk something happening to you. Please give me back the mutagen that I gave you, I don't want you to get hurt."
He said gently and calmly, he wasn't mad, he just feared for Donnie's safety after all Donnie was still a child, and Leo wanted to protect him at all costs.
Donnie was in a dilemma, he felt that his dream of finding a retro-mutagen had been crushed. He thought about it, Leo's hand extended asking him for the item he had, he sighed looking at Leo then at his room before at Leo again.
"Right now?...like right now?.."
He just nodded his head as he looked at Donnie in the eyes patiently waiting while having his hand extend for Donnie to hand him the item.
"Yes Donnie, now please."
Leo asked calmly, his hand still extended to Donnie. He knew how stubborn Donnie can be sometimes, but he hoped that Donnie wasn't stubborn enough to give in.
"But what if I'm careful with it, like what if I don't interact with it. I promised I won't use it till I get older. Can it just keep it in my room. I won't even touch it I promise"
Leo was in disbelief. why everyone of his brothers were this stubborn, he had no time, not caring if Donnie was careful or he used help, or does it in front of him he wanted it now. He just didn't want that damn mutagen inside that room, but remain calm crossing his arms while letting out a sigh.
"That's what you said when I first gave you the mutagen Donnie, that you'll be careful, and look what happen today. Now You promise you won't touch it until you get older but what guarantee do I have that you will keep your word? Just give it to me and don't make it complicated."
Leo gently asked while having his hand still extended once again to Donnie and place the mutagen in there.
Donnie sighed, he had come to terms with all of this. He had made up his mind, he will give it up for now, Donnie walked slowly to his room, he felt he was letting everyone down by doing this, his head was down as his steps were slow and careful, when he got to his room he saw the bottle of mutagen lying in the middle of a mess of other chemicals and gadgets, he approached it slowly and picked it up, he just stood there, feeling like he was saying goodbye.
Leo stood there silently waiting for Donnie, he knew Donnie was a stubborn one, but he wondered if Donnie would actually go through with this. After all Donnie had a hard time saying no to him when he said so. He just stood there patiently waiting for Donnie to come back out with the mutagen, even though he was a little annoyed by the stubbornness of his brothers. Atleast the smoke calm down and was gone which was a relief, but he just hoped that Donnie would finally learn his lesson from this and not be so reckless for a while.
When Donnie finally came out with the mutagen in hand, Leo sighed a little in relief that Donnie actually went through it, it felt bittersweet to Leo, but at least Donnie listened to him handing him the canister of mutagen. Leo took the mutagen from Donnie's hands, placing it gently into his belt pocket.
"Thank you, Donnie. It may be hard to understand why I'm doing this, but believe me when I say I'm doing it because I love you, you're my little brother and your safety means more to me than anything else in the world. I just want to protect you."
"I know big brother...i understand.."
Donnie said softly, his voice sounding sad, and Leo could tell by the sadness in Donnie's voice, and in his eyes. Leo saw the disappointment and sadness on Donnie's face and it made him feel a little guilty. He knew that Donnie wanted to help and to find the Retro-mutagen, and Leo was also concerned about the same thing, but he didn't want to risk losing Donnie in the process. Leo knew that Donnie was young and that he was very determined and smart, but what if something went wrong, Leo would never forgive himself for handed him something so dangerous.
Leo looked at Donnie apologetically, and spoke softly again.
"It might be hard to understand now, but when you're older, you'll understand that I was just trying to protect you from harm. Trust me on this one, Okay Donnie? I promise, when you're a little older, I'll give you the mutagen again, and you can work on it with the right guidance and supervision, and I'll be there to help you every step of the way."
Leo reassured Donnie once more, knowing that this was best for Donnie for now.
"Yeah, I'll wait till then."
Donnie said softly, trying to smile to show Leo that he understood and that he was fine, but on the inside, he was sad and disappointed.
Leo tried to comfort his younger brother, sensing the sadness and disappointment in his eyes, Leo placed a hand gently on Donnie's shoulder
"Don't be sad Donnie, I know you're upset right now, but this is just a temporary setback. You're a smart and capable turtle and I have no doubt that you'll be able to create a retro-mutagen when you're ready. Just focus on your other projects for now, and remember, I'm always here for you... Always.."
Leo said with a warm and reassuring tone, trying his best to make Donnie feel better.
Continuing with Raph.
Mikey: "Mikey is also very powerful and you should ...umm..never hurt him...and and always let him play with your toys"
"Yeah yeah...Mikey is also...wait... What the!? No he's not he's-"
Raph's eyes snapped open wide, as he heard Mikey's voice. He suddenly sat up, staring at Mikey in disbelief.
Raph: "Mikey?! What the shell are you doing in my room?! GET OUT!
Raph felt a mix of surprise and embarrassment. He couldn't believe that Mikey had heard him? talking about his brothers in such a negative and tired way, and worst, he made him said so many positive things about him, he felt like he would barf.
"Aww so you love me don't you Raphie"
Raph's anger quickly started to rise as Mikey taunted him. He couldn't stand his little brother's teasing and sarcasm.
Raph: "Yeah, I love you so much that I want to smash your stupid face! Get out of my room, Mikey. I'm not in the mood for your ridiculous jokes. Now leave my room and let me sleep, I don't have time for you,... And stop calling me Raphie you dork."
Mikey: "Aw of course you do. Can't handle Leo's lecture... Like the big cry baby you are no wonder you're ugly...has dad ever told you have anger issues...?"
Raph's anger reached its boiling point. He couldn't take Mikey's taunting words any longer. He had given him a chance to leave but he was done. He stood up from bed ready to get him.
Raph: "That's it, you little piece of garbage! I've had enough of your nonsense! I gave you a chance and you blew it, you're dead. I'm gonna make you regret ever crossing me."
Raph charged towards Mikey, his fists raised and ready to strike. He was determined to teach his younger brother a lesson and shut his not so smart mouth of his.
Raph stood up ready to smack him, but the little rat quickly dashed out of the room escaping him, Raph wasn't going to give his anger ignited, and he charged after Mikey, determined to catch him before he reaches the living room.
Leo and Donnie continued to clean in silent but both turn to hear a loud rucking coming from the living room, was it Raph again, it sure was chasing after Mikey this time, Leo was annoyed couldn't he go a day without bothering his youngest brothers. Mikey came running towards Leo asking for help.
Leo: "oh come on...again!?..."
Mikey: "Leo! Raph wants to hurt me!"
Raph: "Come back here, you little weasel! You're not getting away that easily. I'm gonna make you suffer for all those stupid jokes you've made!"
Raph continued his pursuit, his fists clenched tightly and his eyes filled with wrath.
Leo sighed heavily in frustration upon hearing Raph's aggressive behavior towards Mikey, it felt like a never-ending cycle of chaos and arguments between his two younger brothers.
"For the love of- Raph! stop! don't hurt Mikey! I'm sick and tired of you always picking up a fight! Can't we just have one day without all the drama?"
Leo's voice was firm as he intercepted Raph before he could reach Mikey. Mikey was frightened, he sure seemed like the one who was teasing Raph, he even went towards Donnie and hugged him afraid. Raph seriously lost it.
Raph's anger was at its peak as he approached Leo, still determined to get to Mikey. He couldn't stand the thought of Mikey getting away with his teasing.
Raph: "That little punk deserves what's coming to him! He's always messing with me, and I've had enough of his crap. Move out of the way, Leo. I'm gonna teach Mikey a damn good lesson."
Raph's fists were still clenched tightly, ready for a fight. He glared at Leo, his eyes filled with rage.
Leo's frustration grew even more as he stood firmly in front of Raph, determined to protect Mikey and Donnie.
"Raph, back down! This has gone on far enough! Just calm down and think for a moment, What good is this gonna do? Mikey didn't harm or hurt you in any way, he's just a kid, he doesn't know any better. I know Mikey's teasing gets on your nerves, but that doesn't mean you have to react like this every single time. We can't keep going on like this, always fighting and arguing, it's exhausting and solves nothing."
Leo's voice was stern, he was hoping that Raph would listen to reason and come to his senses, this wasn't right. They had fought for the same thing. And this was the 27 time this week
"LEO! Stop acting like a damn parent all the time! Do you really not see how annoying you sound every time you defend either Mikey or Donnie? it's fucking annoying..."
Leo's expression turned serious as he heard Raph's response, his hands balling into fists.
"Someone has to be the voice of reason around here, Raph. I'm not trying to act like a 'damn parent', I'm just trying to keep things from escalating out of control. We're supposed to be brothers, we need to look out for each other and not just let our tempers get the better of us. And yeah, sure, I may sound annoying to you, but at least I'm trying to make things better, instead of always looking for a fight."
Raph couldn't take it anymore. He had it with Leo's constant preaching and lecturing. He had enough of being treated like some kind of misbehaved child. Leo was always so self-righteous, always acting like he knew best. It was beyond annoying.
Raph: "That's it! I'm done listening to your bullshit, Leo. You think you're so perfect? Guess what? You're not! You're just a control freak who thinks he knows everything. Well, screw you and your little speeches."
Raph took this opportunity to punch Leo in the face, hoping to give him what he deserved. Mikey and Donnie watching them fight again at the worst time imaginable...
Leo is taken aback by the sudden attack. He's not expecting Raph to lash out at him like this. But that doesn't stop him from recovering quickly and blocking the punch, holding onto Raph's arm.
"Stop it!, that's enough!... You're not gonna solve this issue by getting physical. This isn't how we solve our differences! You can be stubborn, and annoying at times, but I know you're better than this"
Leo held Raph's arm tightly, his expression firm, but also a tinge of sadness. Leo didn't want things to get violent, he wanted to find a way through this argument, hoping that Raph would come to his senses and back down.
Raph grew more and more furious, his anger boiling over. He couldn't control himself even if he wanted to. He hated how Leo was talking to him, and he couldn't stand it any longer.
Raph: "You want me to calm down?! How about you stop sucking on your brothers c*cks and fight me like a real man!."
Raph yelled, still struggling to get Leo off of him, for him things didn't turn out as expected and now it was him struggling against his older brother. On the other side, Mikey and Donnie were terrified by what they were witnessing, since all they saw was their oldest brothers fighting over something that started out so small. Mikey couldn't help but stay hidden behind Donnie, watching this go down and getting really nervous about the possibilities of things escalating.
Leo holds onto Raph, not letting go. His expression darkened, his eyes narrowing, his tone filled with anger.
"Enough, Raph! That's enough! You've crossed the line this time. I won't let you talk about our brothers like that. You can be upset with me all you want, but don't you dare bring Mikey and Donnie into this. They have no part in your outburst, and I won't stand for you insulting them like that. So back off!"
Leo let go of Raph's arm, his temper rising but still trying to maintain his composure.
"If you want to fight so badly, fine. But let's take this outside and keep it away from my brothers."
Raph scoffed at Leo's suggestion. He didn't want to take it outside, he wanted to hurt Leo right here and now.
Raph: "You think you can just tell me what to do like that? Well, you're wrong. I'm not going outside. I want to beat your ass right here, right now. But if you're scared, I understand."
Leo clenched his fists, feeling the tension grow, his voice low and firm.
"Do you really think this is about being scared, Raph? This isn't about fear, it's about responsibility. I know I can take you on, but we have younger brothers, and we need to set a better example for them. They're watching us, and all they see is their two older brothers fighting and arguing. Is that what you want them to learn?"
Leo glanced over to Mikey and Donnie again, his expression softening at the sight of their scared faces and confused.
Raph: "You really think I care about setting an example for those idiots? I don't. All I care about is beating your ass right here, and you'll regret ever crossing me again."
Raph lunged at Leo, who was still trying to talk him down. But Raph couldn't hear his words. He lost all sense of reasoning and self-control. The anger and frustration of the last few days, no, years, finally took over. He was consumed by the rage and the need to hurt Leo, no matter what it cost.
He used all his strength to attack Leo, disregarding any form of honor or sense. Leo sighed heavily, he knew he can't talk any sense into Raph when he was like this.
"We solve this, by acting like grownups. Stop being so angry and yelling. We use our brains to come up with solutions that work instead of pointing fingers and throwing punches. But alright Raph, if this is how you want it, then let's make it a fair fight."
Leo's voice was filled with determination as he prepared himself for the upcoming battle, both physically and mentally, evading each move as he spoke. Leo knew he was stronger and more level-headed, but he also knew that Raph could be unpredictable and reckless, so he stayed on guard bracing Raph in a tight hold.
Leo glances over to Mikey and Donnie who were watching, looking visibly scared. He gives his youngest brothers a reassuring nod that everything will be okay. Raph kept on struggling to get out of Leo's tight hold, still pissed off about the whole situation before turning towards Mikey and Donnie again, trying to calm their nerves.
"Guys, please go and look away, I don't want you to see this. I'll handle Raph and everything will be fine, okay?"
Raph felt his anger rise even more as Leo still tried to play the good guy. He couldn't believe his ears. How could Leo be so calm and collected when all he wanted was to hurt him?
Raph couldn't tolerate it any longer. He couldn't stand the thought of Leo being so much better than him. He had to hurt him, to show him that he wasn't just some stupid little kid.
Leo quickly got Raph into a chokehold and held on tight, using his superior strength to restrain him.
"That's enough Raph, you can't keep attacking me like this. You need to get a hold of yourself. This isn't the way to solve our problems. We need to talk things out and figure out a better way to handle our disagreements."
Raph: "Oh yeah!? Well who's fault is it that we're fighting in the first place?"
There was a moment of silence before Raph yelled.
Raph: DONNIE GET THE HELL OVER HERE!
Leo's face turned to utter shock and fury upon hearing Raph's command to Donnie.
"What the hell, Raph?! Donnie, don't you dare listen to him! stay right where you are!.."
Leo's grip on Raph tightened, refusing to let go
"Raph, what the hell are you doing? Don't bring Donnie into this! Leave him out of your anger. I'm not fighting you if he gets involve, so you better knock it off!"
Raph: "Oh, you really think you can stop me, Leo? I've had enough of your rules and constant lectures. You're not the boss of me! Donnie! Get your ass over here right now!"
"Stop it Raph! I already told you Donnie has nothing to do with this! This is between you and me! Leave him out of it, damn it!"
Raph continued to struggle and try to break free from Leo's grip. He felt his anger boil over even more, and he couldn't control himself. He wanted to hurt someone, anyone. And since Leo wasn't letting him go, he decided to take his anger out on the only person who he thought was responsible for all of this, Donnie.
Raph: "It's all Donnie's fault! If he hadn't caused that explosion, we wouldn't be in this mess! I want him to pay for what he did!... and so does Mikey for coming to my room!"
Leo: "You better shut your mouth Raph. You don't know what you're talking about. They are innocent and you know it! I'm not letting you hurt my brothers, do you hear me?! You want to hurt me? Fine! Do it! But don't you dare lay a finger on Donnie or Mikey! I warned you."
Leo was beyond furious and disappointed at Raph's behavior. He would do anything to protect his brothers, even if it meant sacrificing himself.
Leo: "Listen to me and listen good. Donnie is going to get whatever punishments he deserves. But you need to calm down. We're not going to do anything until you stop acting so wild."
Donnie was confused at this, glancing at Leo and Raph almost near killing each other.
Donnie: wait..[cough]...I'm getting punished for this?, I thought...giving you the mutagen [cough] was enough...
Leo only glared at him in his mind telling him to shut up and that he wasn't helping so Donnie stayed silent for the time being and look away once again.
Raph was completely taken back by Leo's actions. All he could do was stare at him as Leo pulled him closer by his arm, and looked at him right in the eye. Raph couldn't believe that he was being treated like a child, and it was pissing him off to the extreme. Just taking the mutagen, where is the abuse the really punishment. Does Raph really had to do everything here before he spoke.
"Are you for real right now?! Why is it that every time me and Donnie have one of our arguments, you ALWAYS take Donnie's side because he's younger isn't he?"
Leo stays calm and doesn't let out any reaction to Raph's accusations, he still didn't want to fight deep down he knew he could talk this out.
"I'm not picking sides, Raph. I'm trying to resolve this situation as an elder brother, but you're making things worse with your aggression. Donnie is younger then both of us, but that doesn't mean that his mistakes are any more minor or severe than yours. Now, What was it that Master Splinter taught us? A real ninja is one that controls their temper and can calmly approach any situation... So please try to relax and-"
Mikey: he also hurt Crognard!
Raph: "YOU STAY THE F*CK OUT OF THIS, OR I'LL BE THE ONE HURTING YOU NEXT"
Mikey backed away in fear, burrowing his head inside his shell.
"Enough, Raph! You're acting like a child! Donnie made a mistake, and you're using that as an excuse to act like this! And now Mikey, I won't tolerate you threatening Mikey like that. The toy is replaceable, but our brothers are not. So you need to stop and think about what you're doing. Hurting them won't solve anything."
Raph: "I don't care about your f*cking rules or what Splinter taught us. I'm sick and tired of always being the one who's in the wrong. Donnie and Mikey always get away with what they do and I'm the one who's left behind to clean up their mess. Well, no more! I won't let them push me around anymore because you think you're so much better than me all because you're the 'leader' and the 'responsible' one, but all you are is a bossy, controlling pain in the ass!"
Leo sighed it's always with Raph, glancing back at the younger turtles already bored of them arguing, what type of example they are getting, both sitting on the couch innocently and yawning. This was not how he expect to spend his day. Leo annoyance grew not caring how much Raph insult him but not his youngest brothers, his eyes narrowed, his voice cold and serious turning to face Raph hoping to end this conversation already.
"I don't pretend to be better than you, Raph. I've never claimed to be the perfect leader, but someone has to take charge and make sure we don't kill each other I let them get away with things because they are young! They're learning! They're still a kid! You, on the other hand, are a teen! You should know better by now, Raph... You're the older brother to them, you should be showing a better example.. And instead of behaving like one and setting a positive example for them, you're acting like a violent brat!"
Raph starts fuming at Leo's comment about how he should know better by now since he's a teenager. He didn't really like how Leo was making a lot of sense with his argument, Raph still wouldn't listen to him anyway he should still have the right to act the way that he acted because he felt that Leo was just too overprotective.
"Just because I'm a teenager doesn't mean that I'm automatically supposed to be mature! I can still do whatever the hell I want!"
"Ugh... I can't reason with you, can I?"
Leo glares at him for a few seconds before sighing and letting go of Raph.
"Look, Raph. I don't know if this is the right thing for me to say this or not, but I care about you. I don't like seeing you act this way, especially since it's affecting all of us... Can you please... Just for this once."
Raph was taken aback by Leo's sudden comment of caring for him. Leo had been doing a good job acting like he always loved Donnie and Mikey way more than he did with Raph during this whole argument. Raph didn't want to admit it at first, but he was starting to see that Leo was actually starting to have some point with the things he was saying. In a way, it felt like Leo was trying to give Raph some good advice right now. Leo had just surprised him with this comment and he truly love him not knowing the true meaning of it.
Raph: "I'm...I'm sorry..."
Raph's apology was very soft that he barely managed to whisper the words. This entire argument had started because of Donnie's action, but Raph realized that he should've never taken his anger out on Donnie in the first place. Raph knew that his youngest brothers had never meant to hurt him or annoy him by just being themselves. He had always felt that Leo had favored Donnie and Mikey over him, but hearing Leo say that he cared about him too was surprising.
Raph: "... I guess I was just so angry and frustrated that I didn't think straight. I didn't mean to take it out on Donnie, or you, or Mikey. It's just... I don't know, I sometimes feel like I'm the odd one out. Like I don't fit in with you guys."
Leo sighs and looks away for a few seconds. In all honesty, he wanted to say something harsh to Raph, but his anger has calmed down too much to come up with such a response. He finally turns his attention back to his brother.
Leo placed a hand on Raph's shoulder, trying to reassure him
"You're not the odd one out, Raph. We all have our struggles and we all feel like we don't fit in sometimes. But that doesn't mean we don't belong. We're a team, and we need you just as much as you need us. Don't let your anger control you. You're stronger than that. I just don't like it when we're constantly at a misunderstanding like this. I know that Donnie makes mistakes sometimes, and so does Mikey, but the three of you are my family, and you're all important to me..."
Raph: "Yeah, you're right, Leo. I'll try to be better. For the team, and for you. I promise."
That's when Splinter came into the room after figuring out both of his sons were fighting.
Splinter: what is going on here?!
Mikey: "they were fighting sensei! And it's all Raph's fault!"
Raph couldn't believe it, Mikey was still snitching on him even though he had promised to change. His anger soared again, and he couldn't keep it in. He couldn't take this anymore.
Raph: "Mikey! You f*cking snitching piece of sh*t! You always blame everything on me! Can't you just shut your stupid ass mouth for once?!"
Splinter got so angry at Raph outburst and words of profanity he scolded at him.
Splinter: "Raphael! Enough!. Watch your tone young one!"
He said hitting his cane against the ground.
Leo just watches in sadness as he sees Raph lash out again and Splinter scolding him. It seemed like Raph couldn't catch a break. He tried to calm him down, but it didn't seem to work. Leo felt frustrated and helpless.
Leo: "Raph, please...just take it easy...I'm trying to help.."
Raph tried to listen to Leo, he really did. But his anger was too strong. He was tired of always being the one at fault, of always being the one who had to calm down and take responsibility. And now Mikey was just making everything worse. He wanted to scream, to punch something, to do anything to release his frustration.
Leo slowly and quietly steps in front of Raph, getting ready to defend him if necessary. Master Splinter stares at the duo, disappointed at the state of fighting. Leo knows his father will probably discipline him and Raph for this argument, so he gets ready for the worst. Splinter crosses his arms and asks in a stern voice.
Splinter: What in the world are you two fighting about this time?
"I can explain it," Leo speaks first.
He tries to keep his voice as level and calm as possible while trying to take the initiative with his explanation.
Leo: "We were just having a friendly disagreement, that's all. No harm done. Right, Raph?"
Raph had nothing to say at this and just spoke what had in his mind
Raph: it was Donnie's fault.
Leo freezes in his tracks when he heard Raph blame Donnie for their argument. He knows he shouldn't say anything and let his father handle it, but he feels the urge to defend his younger brother because it's not his fault.
"It wasn't Donnie's fault at all, Raph. He just made a small mistake," Leo retorted.
"A small mistake!? Are you kidding me?! Donnie's mistake was the reason why this entire argument even started! He's the one to blame for us two fighting about this stupid bullshit!"
Master Splinter sighs again as he tries to keep his composure
Master Splinter: Enough you two!...I don't care who's fault it is, fighting about it isn't going to resolve anything. In fact, I want the two of you to set aside this argument, and not bicker over it ever again. Am I clear?
Leo lets out a heavy sigh and nods his head slightly, still annoyed that Raph is blaming Donnie for everything.
"Yes, father."
The way that Raph was still blaming everything on Donnie really pissed Leo off. Leo wanted to say something in order to defend Donnie, but he knew that his father would get even more angry at him if he did, so he stayed quiet as he rolled his eyes and mumbled something under his breath instead
Master Splinter turns to Raph and asks sternly
Splinter: I want the same from you too Raphael, no more bickering over each other's mistakes or faults. Am I clear?
Raph: "Sure, whatever you say, dad..."
Raph didn't look like he was too interested in trying to listen to what Master Splinter was saying at this point either, since he still wanted to blame Donnie for most of this. In fact, he was already starting to feel like this is going to be quite his habit, blame it on his younger brothers went they could easily get away with things.
(To be continue)