Here's a very short and impromptu fanfic based on the latest part of @somerandomdudelmao 's apocalypse series because my brain will not stop thinking about it.
Donnie had never felt so tired. Even after a lifetime of frequent all-nighters and years of constant battle with the Kraang, Donnie couldn’t remember ever feeling an exhaustion quite like this. It was like his very soul was being drained.
He knew, that morning when gravity had finally gotten the best of him, that he may truly be nearing his end.
He’d thought he would have longer though. He’d thought he would live another month or more, be able to get more done, help prepare his family to take over his many tasks before he would pass. But now, he couldn’t even stand. Now, it felt like he hadn’t shown his brothers enough, like he hadn’t done enough.
Now his body, heavier than ever, sank into the blanket pile his brothers had built in the nook of Raph’s arm. And all he could do was lie there and stare into space as he contemplated what to say. Was there anything to say? Maybe he should tell them that he’d missed this; forming turtle piles and just hanging out together. How long had it been since they’d done this, again? Years? It wasn’t often in the apocalypse that they’d all get to relax and just be together like this.
Not that this was relaxing, though. Even asleep, Donnie could feel how tense his brothers were. The fear and uncertainty lingered in the air around them.
Ah. Maybe they could sense it too, then….They could sense that his life was nearing the end.
He should say something. “It’ll be alright,” or “I’ll be fine.” Maybe even an “I love you guys.”
But he’d already said all of that through his actions and his gifts already. And now, for once in his life, Donnie was at a complete loss for words. His mind was reeling, going over anything and everything, and yet, he couldn’t find a single thing to say. Maybe he should just wait for April and Casey to join them. Yeah, those two always had a way of getting Donnie to talk whether he liked it or not. April, always with that sisterly sass, and Casey with a million questions that Donnie had always loved to answer.
Yeah, he would just wait for them. Then he’d know what to say.
A green light reflected off of Donnie’s eyes, and he was met with a familiar warmth as two figures faded into view in front of him.
Once again, he thought he’d have more time.
Once again, he’d been wrong.
Donnie could only stare as Splinter and Karai's spirits smiled down at him.
His father outstretched a hand, offering to guide him over. It was time.
A calmness washed over Donnie just then, as he used the last bit of his ninpo to reach out to his father.
And as Donnie’s eyes closed for the last time, all he could think was one thing:
He’d been silent for too long.
He’d missed his chance to say goodbye.
