Brother in Blue

"In this life, we only have each other. If one of us goes down, we all go down." A roleplay blog for 2k3 Leonardo.

[twinbladeturtle]

futureorangeturtle​:

“A rubber ducky? Oh man I haven’t had a rubber ducky in years!” Mike exclaimed gleefully. “Talk about your silver lining!”

He grinned at Leo’s laughter and offered him a cheeky wink. “Well, if you were the size of oh, say, Leatherhead… then I would absolutely insist on being carried off into the sewer sunset!” He looked over himself briefly again, then smiled reassuringly. “And I don’t think I’ve got anything open enough to worry about now that the gash is covered up, so unless you actively shove me into raw sewage I should be fine.”

He snorted as Leo helped him over the beam - he didn’t really need the help, but he could tell it made Leo feel better to provide it, so he accepted the assistance without comment. “A good chunk of said weight is shell, yes, but the rest is all grade-A, high-density turtle beef, thank you very much! It contributes to the magnetism, y’know.” He paused, then added thoughtfully, “Or possibly gravitational pull.” 

Leo’s quiet words made something twist deep in Mike’s chest, but he simply nodded with an understanding little quirk of his mouth. “I know,” he murmured as he sat down on the pile of bricks that Leo had steered him to. As Leo stepped away to make the call, Mike watched him for a moment, then turned his attention to scanning their surroundings for potential threats. Leo’s conversation was little more than a quiet background murmur, and Mike didn’t bother trying to eavesdrop on it. They’d been lucky so far - nobody else seemed to be around this area, but it wasn’t entirely dark yet and Mike wasn’t going to let his guard down. The last thing they needed right now was to get spotted and wind up in a fight. 

Their luck seemed to be holding out for once though - apart from the occasional pigeon, Mike saw no movement until Leo started heading back to him. He scanned their surroundings one last time, then blinked as Leo spoke up. “Marius, Marius… why does that sound familiar?” His brow furrowed in thought even as he got back to his feet. “That’s gonna bug me all day now…” He shrugged slightly, then returned his attention back to Leo. “Disappearing into the sewers sounds good,” he replied with a matching lopsided smile. “Lead the way.” 

Leo chuckled at Mike’s comments, struck by the similarity between the older turtle and his own brother. “Don’t worry, I probably won’t shove you into raw sewage,” he said lightly. “Just make sure your personal gravity doesn’t pull us in.”

He smiled sheepishly when Mike asked about the name Marius. “It’s from Les Miserables. Jean Valjean rescues Marius by carrying his unconscious body through the sewer. But, uh - well, you seem like you’re planning to remain conscious. And, like you said, I’m no Leatherhead.”

He made sure Mike seemed steady on his feet before slipping silently ahead a handful of paces, peering through the crumbling wall to the darkening street. “Things look clear for now,” he said quietly. “We’ve got a little ways to go until we reach the nearest manhole. It’s not far, but we’ll need to be quick. We’re on the edge of Purple Dragon territory. Stay close, okay? I’m counting on you to tell me if you need help.”

[twinbladeturtle]

futureorangeturtle​:

“No hose?” Mike brightened, and it was only half in jest. “Does that mean I can get an actual hot shower? Oh goodie!” 

He then snickered and grinned at Leo. “And since when have I ever been concerned about less-than-tidy? We live in the sewer!” As Leo offered his support, Mike blinked, then gave him a sly grin as he leaned lightly against Leo’s shoulder, careful not to rest too much weight against him. “Careful there, Leo. I may just end up insisting on you sweeping me off my feet and carrying me home - and I’m not as petite as I used to be! With age comes wisdom - and weight, apparently.” 

His humour faded somewhat as Leo brought up the rest of his family, and Mike hesitated for a moment, chewing his lip. “I don’t want to inconvenience - or worry - anyone…” he replied hesitantly, “… but it might be for the best.”

Leo grinned at the way Mike’s expression brightened. “I’ll even make sure you get a rubber ducky.” 

His grin turned into a laugh as he steadied Mike on his feet. “I would think a pretty princess like you would prefer being swept off his feet and carried into the sunset. Or, at least, into the sewer. I know you’re used to it but I was most concerned about walking through the sewer with open wounds, even though it wouldn’t be the first time.” 

He gripped Mike’s belt to provide support as he helped him over a fallen beam. “You’re not kidding about the weight,” he said with a wink, “but don’t worry, I think it’s all in the shell.” 

Leo wasn’t surprised that Mike wanted him to call ahead - it was why he’d made the offer to begin with - but he couldn’t help the regretful ache that came with the answer. “You know it’s impossible for us not to be worried,” he said quietly, “and I hope you know we’d never think you were an inconvenience. But I’ll make the call. Hang on, we’re out of the worst area now. Just sit tight for a few minutes and then we’ll be on our way.”

He helped Mike sit on a pile of bricks that looked sturdy, then stepped a short distance away and pulled out his shell cell. His thumb automatically hovered over the speed dial for Raph, but after considering a moment he shifted and pushed a different button. The phone only made it through one and a half rings before Don picked up. Leo smiled to himself. He knew Don was likely busy with a project, but he never failed to answer. “Hey, Leo, what’s up?”

“I ran into a bit of an unusual situation,” Leo said, speaking quietly. “Mike’s back. Everything’s okay, but we had a bit of trouble and he got banged up a bit. I need to get him back to the lair to get him patched up.”

“Okay.” There was a brief pause while Don let that sink in, then Leo heard shuffling and a clang, and he could picture him pushing himself back from his work station. “Okay, sure. What can we do? Do you need us to come get you?”

Having his brothers show up in the Battle Shell would save a lot of time and spare Mike an inconvenient and potentially difficult walk, but Leo knew he’d never accept, and he wasn’t hurt badly enough for Leo to insist. “No, we should be able to get home without issue. But listen, the reason I called is...well, Mike would prefer not to see anyone. I thought you should gather everyone and head out to one of our satellite locations for a bit.”

There was another pause before Don very quietly said, “Oh.”

“He hasn’t met you yet, Donny,” Leo said gently, keeping his voice low so it wouldn’t carry. “And even if he had - from what you’ve told me, I think it’d be too painful for him to see everyone. But I thought you should be the one I call about this.”

“Yes. I know. I understand.” Don was quiet for a moment longer before he took a deep breath and erased the sorrow and regret from his voice. “All right. I’ll get everyone together and we’ll be out of here in 10 - 15 minutes. Good enough?”

“That’ll be fine. Thanks. I’ll let you know when we’re gone.” Leo put his phone back on his belt, straightened his shoulders and turned back to Mike, giving him a lopsided smile. “Okay, Marius. Let’s get you into the sewers so we can go home.”

[twinbladeturtle]

futureorangeturtle​:

“Very inconvenient,” Mike deadpanned, then grinned. “And I’m not sure if it’s even possible to tone down my sparkle - I’m a shining star of terrapin perfection!” He looked down at the dust and dirt coating himself, paused for a beat, then added wryly, “although I will admit I’m not so shining at the moment. Gonna need a hose-down, at least.”

He let out a sigh at Leo’s diagnosis, confirming what he’d already suspected. “I really hope it’s not cracked,” he grumbled even as he automatically held his arm out for Leo to bandage it. “Still, no dislocation or anything is good - I’ll take what I can get.” He deliberately avoided Leo’s mention of home, not wanting to think about the possibility of encountering any of the rest of the family that would likely be there. Instead he focused on the bandage being wrapped around his forearm, keeping the limb as steady as he could while Leo worked. 

Once Leo was done, Mike gingerly flexed his hand, then nodded in satisfaction as he carefully tucked his arm in against his torso, forearm resting across his belt. “Nice work - it helps. Thanks, Leo.” He stood up and scanned the surrounding area for a moment, then looked back to Leo with a raised brow ridge and a lopsided smile. “So, where to next? Sewers? Gotta admit I’m not too keen on rooftop running right now.”  

Leo chuckled. “You definitely could do with a hose-down. But fortunately we won’t need to use a hose when we get back.”

He gave a small satisfied nod at Mike’s confirmation that the bandage had helped. “You’re welcome. And yes, I think we should head underground. I’d apologize for the less-than-tidy travel route, but, well...” He gestured vaguely at the layer of dust and grime covering Mike’s skin and shell. “Come on, let me help you up.” He crouched next to Mike and braced himself to take the older turtle’s weight. “And, listen,” he went on, speaking carefully, “I know last time we met you preferred to...keep your distance a bit. If it will help, I can call ahead and ask the others to head out for a while.”

[twinbladeturtle]

futureorangeturtle​:

Mike huffed out a short laugh, grinning. “Well, at least you acknowledge my magnetism and raw appeal. And prettiness.” His grin quirked wryly. “I still would prefer if they didn’t work on inanimate architecture though.” 

As Leo gently manipulated his arm, Mike winced and hissed another breath through his teeth. “There. And– ouch. Ow, ow ow ow ow, yikes, ouch. Hngh.” Despite the discomfort, he was careful to not jerk away from Leo, enduring the gentle manipulation with as much good grace – and okay, petulant whining – as he could muster. “Ugh. Is that gash gonna need stitches? It’s gonna need stitches, isn’t it. Damnit.”

Leo hmm-ed at Mike’s comment about architecture. “That is rather inconvenient. I guess you’ll have to work on toning down your sparkle in certain situations.”

A little furrow appeared between his eyes at Mike’s reaction. “Well, nothing’s displaced or dislocated,” he said slowly, “but I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve got a cracked ulna. And yes, this is going to need stitches. I’ll have to get you back home to take care of this properly, but we can patch it up for now.” He pulled a compact roll of bandage material from a pouch on his belt and wrapped several layers around Mike’s forearm, wrist to elbow, before tying it off neatly and tucking the ends away. “There. It’s not much, but maybe it’ll help stabilize your arm a little and cut down on the pain.”

[twinbladeturtle]

Inconvenient

futureorangeturtle:

Mike let out a snort at Leo’s ‘irresistible magnetism’ comment and gave him a wry little grin. “Man, I don’t know if I want to entertain the idea of being irresistibly attractive to walls,” he deadpanned with a roll of his eyes. “On the plus side, at least nothing hit my beautiful face! For once.”

He blinked slightly at Leo’s question, then smiled and nodded. “Of course. Some of that debris was sharp. And heavy.” As Leo checked his arm, Mike carefully stretched his legs out one at a time to look them over. Fortunately, they had escaped most of the damage, only marred slightly by minor scrapes and bruises - and a liberal coating of dust and grit, which extended to the rest of him as well.

"I think the point of magnetism is you can't control your raw appeal," Leo said mildly, carefully cupping his left hand beneath Mike's forearm. "But you are the pretty one." He gently manipulated Mike's fingers and wrist before moving his touch slowly up the injured limb. A gash along the outside of the forearm was sluggishly oozing blood, and he could already see angry bruises forming beneath a broad scrape on the outside of Mike's upper arm. He flexed and extended the elbow before moving up to his shoulder. "Tell me where you feel pain."

[futureorangeturtle]

"I'm not leaving you alone when you're like this," Leo insisted. "You may be able to take care of yourself, but you need help now, whether you admit it or not."

Mike blinked and regarded Leo searchingly from where he was perched on a chunk of debris, then gave the younger turtle a slanted smile. "That's fair," he conceded wryly. "Can't really argue with that." He gingerly attempted to move his badly bruised, battered and scraped arm, then winced and aborted the movement with a faint hiss. "It's not broken, and I don't think it's fractured, but definitely out of commission for at least a few days. Damn. That's inconvenient."

He let out a sigh as he glowered theatrically at the surrounding debris from the ruined wall that had collapsed on him before he could get out of the way. He'd managed to shield his head at least, but his arm - and shell - had taken the brunt of the impact. "Go figure - of course the bloody wall had to leap out and attack me without any provocation whatsoever. Damned Turtle Luck, running true to form."

[twinbladeturtle]

Leo had been expecting Mike to argue with him, so when the older turtle agreed without putting up a fuss, he wasn't sure if he should be relieved or worried. He decided to settle on relieved as he picked his way over the broken cinderblock to where Mike sat. "I'm glad it's not broken, but you'd better let me take a look at it."

He gave Mike a quick once-over as he approached, trying to smile a little. "You're blaming Turtle Luck? Here I thought you'd claim it was your irresistible magnetism." He stopped at Mike's right side. With his own Mikey, he wouldn't need to ask, but he thought Mike would appreciate it. "Will you let me check your arm?"

[futureorangeturtle]

Restless

[futureorangeturtle]

“Hey, hey!” Mikey protested with mock-offence, though amusement tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Okay yes that is a thing that happened, I won’t deny it - though I still swear I didn’t have corn - but that incident wasn’t because of training! I never said anything about anything other than training on a full stomach!”

He then snickered and gently butted his head against Leo’s. “And yes, we’re the same age physically, but mentally, I’m not so sure. And it still doesn’t change the fact that you haven’t been getting enough sleep lately, bro. Meanwhile, I feel like if I get much more sleep I’m going to start ageing backwards!” 

[twinbladeturtle]

“I'll allow that it wasn’t because of training,” Leo said, “but I’m not willing to risk it. I don’t care how easy our shells are to clean.”

He let out a teasing snort, nudging his brother in return. “Mentally? Are you sure you want to pull at that thread? And how do you know I haven’t been getting enough sleep, anyway?” he asked, speaking unguardedly in his groggy state and indirectly admitting that Mikey was right.

[futureorangeturtle]

Restless

[futureorangeturtle]

“Curses,” Mikey deadpanned at Leo’s affirmation that 3am ice cream was not going to become a habit. “There goes my nefarious plan. And I dunno, man, I’ve never had any problems training with a full stomach, no matter what’s in it!”

He grinned at the sound and feeling of Leo chuckling beside him. “Yeah, you better take advantage of the opportunity while you can, bro,” he agreed teasingly. “I won’t go so easy on you next time, you know! Besides, you need your beauty sleep.” He hadn’t missed the way Leo had been checking on him regularly during the nights. “You’re getting all old and wrinkly looking.”

[twinbladeturtle]

“Never?” Leo echoed. “Are you sure? Because I have a very vivid memory of hearing the words ‘I didn’t have corn!’ from you, and then seeing irrefutable evidence that you did.” He settled back with a satisfied smirk, rather pleased with himself that he’d managed a passable imitation of Mikey’s voice, as well as the word ‘irrefutable’ while fighting to keep his eyes open.

His face scrunched in exasperation at Mikey’s “old and wrinkly” comment. “We’re the same age,” he said with a huff. Somewhere at the back of his mind he knew he was playing right into his brother’s hands, but he was too drowsy to sort things out. “And if you want to keep saying you’re the pretty one, you’d better not slack off on beauty sleep yourself.”

[futureorangeturtle]

Restless

[futureorangeturtle]

“Your sacrifices never go unnoticed, Leo,” Mikey replied with equal humour and sincerity, letting his head rest back against his brother’s once he nestled down again. “Even if we don’t always show it, we appreciate everything you do. Up to and including three AM icecream.”

He then let out a quiet huff of amusement, and patted Leo’s knee through the blanket. “Well, I suppose I can agree to that just this once. As a token of my appreciation, of course.” 

[twinbladeturtle]

If Leo’s eyes prickled a little at Mikey’s comment about sacrifices, he didn’t acknowledge it.  He just let himself lean against his brother, content to be supported. “Well, don’t think I’ll be developing any bad habits,” he said. “It’s hard to train when your stomach is stuffed with melted ice cream. Believe it or not, I speak from experience.”

He chuckled as Mikey patted his knee. “Just this once, huh?”  Despite the encroaching drowsiness, his mouth slanted up in a smirk.  “Guess I’d better make the most of this chance to sleep in without needing to worry about how I’m going to beat you in a match while I’m still waking up.”

[futureorangeturtle]

Restless

[futureorangeturtle]

“Of course you do,” Mikey commented innocently. “And I do everything I can to push at them! Just to keep you on your toes, of course.”

He snickered again at Leo’s retort about his cold feet. “Hey, not my fault I apparently have bad circulation, and that you make such a nice foot-warmer!” He gently nudged his brother, careful not to jostle the head resting on his shoulder. “Your foot-warming abilities are very much appreciated, by the way.” 

Mikey paused for a moment after Leo’s last comment, then grinned an evil little grin. “Bro… challenge accepted.”

[twinbladeturtle]

“I don’t need to stay on my toes,” Leo grumbled sleepily.  “Keeping yours warm is enough to keep me busy.”  He nestled down against his brother again. “Good to know my sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Even before the words had left Leo’s mouth, teasing Mikey about a half-awake sparring match, he’d known it was an unwise thing to say, but he’d been too foggy-minded to stop himself.  “Knew you’d say that.”  He huffed out a sigh, even though he was struggling to keep back a smile, and tried to convince himself that the reason he sounded so plaintive was because he was tired. “Just do me a favor, ok?  Not tonight?”

[futureorangeturtle]

Restless

[futureorangeturtle]

Mikey snickered, grinning against the top of Leo’s head. “Well, you can’t say no for very long, anyway,” he commented cheekily. “You did try to deny me 3am ice cream for a while there, remember. And one day I swear I’ll get that pony.”

He didn’t miss the way Leo’s words were starting to slur, or the stifled yawn that he could feel through his contact with his brother’s side. “You say you don’t fear my cold feet now, but just wait until you actually experience them…!” he warned with playful seriousness, though he kept his voice low and quiet. “And okay, yeah, it might make it easier for you to wake me up… but I can guarantee it’ll make it a lot harder for you to get up!” 

[twinbladeturtle]

Leo snorted softly at the mention of a pony.  “I may be a pushover when it comes to my brothers, but even I have my limits.”

His nose wrinkled in a sleepy grimace.  “I have experienced your cold feet,” he huffed.  “Being a heater for your freezing toes is not the sort of experience you can forget.  You’re welcome, by the way.”  Mikey’s teasing threat - even though voiced in a low tone - made Leo open his eyes. He tilted his head back a bit without moving it from where it rested against Mikey’s shoulder.  “You can try,” he said, “if you think you can take me in a sparring match when you’re still half asleep.”

[dawntreaderflynne]

Mikey plz

Little fluffy best-bud ficlet.  Lazy but accurate title. XD  2k3 fic, set pre-SAINW. Takes place during Mikey’s recuperation at the Northampton farmhouse after he’s lost his arm. (Alternate title: Leo the Reluctant Teddy Bear.  Alternate alternate title: Mikey the Giant Brosnuggle Squid).

—–

Leo opened his eyes, blinking in the gray dawn light coming through the farmhouse’s attic window.  Raph tended to be cranky if awakened by a blaring alarm clock, so Leo had taught himself to wake up without one. Raph still grumbled when Leo shook him awake, but at least it kept his growling to a minimum.

He started to stretch, but the movement ended in a decidedly un-ninja-like loss of balance as he abruptly tipped forward, and he clutched at the mattress to keep from falling face-first onto the floor.  He cast an exasperated look over his shoulder at Michelangelo, who dozed blissfully unaware of Leo’s close call. Mikey had come up to the attic from his downstairs bedroom in the middle of the night, crawled over Leo, and wedged himself between his brother and the wall.  Somehow as Leo had had slept, Mikey had managed to scoot him dangerously close to the edge of the bed.  Leo wondered if he had moved himself in his sleep in an unconscious act of self-preservation to keep Mikey from tucking his cold feet against him.

In any case, no matter how things had ended up this way, it was time to get up. Leo sat up, yawning, and gently shook Mikey’s shoulder.  “Mikey, wake up.”

Mikey’s face scrunched sleepily.  “Ten minutes,” he mumbled without opening his eyes.

“I gave you ten minutes,” Leo replied.  “It’s ten minutes later than we agreed I’d wake you guys up for training.”  Mikey made an unintelligible noise and burrowed deeper against his pillow.  Actually, Leo noted with wry amusement, it was his pillow.  It wasn’t really a surprise that Mikey had managed to wiggle it away from him without waking him, but it was a mystery how he’d accomplished it.  Leo called across the room to Raph, speaking a bit louder while still keeping his voice low.  “Raph, time to get up.”  Raph didn’t budge.

Leo reached over and nudged Mikey again, a little more insistently this time. “Come on, Mikey, up and at ‘em.”  He pushed the covers back and started to swing his legs down to the floor, but Mikey swung his arm out, grabbed him around the neck, and hauled him back against the mattress before Leo was even aware that his brother had moved.

“Ack!  Mikey!”  Leo tugged at Mikey’s forearm with both hands, but he may as well have been attempting to pry open a bear trap with his bare hands.  Apparently the new exercises to strengthen Mikey’s arm had been working. “Mikey, we agreed we’d get an early start today.”

“That was then.  This is now,” Mikey said.  His drowsy voice took on a deep rasp as he impersonated their father: “A ninja must always be able to adapt to unexpected circumstances.”

Leo lurched forward and tried to sit up, but with the arm around his neck and his carapace pinned against Mikey’s plastron, he couldn’t get any leverage. “Raph!  A little help?”  No reply.  Leo glared at the motionless lump beneath Raph’s quilt.  “I know you’re awake.”  The only sound from Raph’s bed was a long, exaggerated snore.  Leo wriggled against Mikey’s confining hold again, but after a moment or two, he stopped struggling.  “Fine,” he said with weary resignation.  “Ten more minutes.”  But even as he spoke, he knew that he wasn’t going to be getting up for a long time.

Mikey gave a satisfied “hmph” behind him and snuggled a little closer. Leo let out a strangled yelp as his brother’s cold feet touched him, trying and failing to move away.  “How can your feet be so cold?” he demanded.  “We’re under two blankets and a quilt!”  Mikey didn’t answer.  He just shoved his feet more firmly beneath Leo’s.

Leo sighed, giving up entirely and closing his eyes.  “First thing we do when we get up,” he grumbled, “is buy you some socks.”

[twinbladeturtle]

reblogging from my main. :3  Inspired by the thread “Restless” with @futureorangeturtle

[futureorangeturtle]

Restless

[futureorangeturtle]

“Well yeah, but this kinda ridiculous AM is fine ‘cause it’s not ridiculous ridiculous AM!” Mikey elaborated, kind of. “Also you didn’t hafta wake me up for it, which makes all the difference!”

He could see the way Leo closed his eyes and swallowed tightly, but Mikey didn’t comment on it and just continued to lean reassuringly against his brother. When Leo finally replied and leant his head against Mikey’s shoulder, Mikey smiled and let his cheek rest against the top of Leo’s head. “Yeah, I know,” he replied sincerely, then grinned after a moment’s pause. “I am also going to take this as blanket permission to invade your room for cuddles whenever I want them,” he added mischievously. “And don’t worry, I’ll make sure not to wake up Raph! But I can’t guarantee that my feet won’t be cold.”

[twinbladeturtle]

Leo let out a soft huff of laughter, but gave up trying to sort out the semantics of Mikey Time.  Mikey could talk circles around all his brothers, even when they were at their best - and now, at Ridiculous AM with the warmth of his brother’s presence beginning to make him drowsy, Leo knew he didn’t stand a chance.

He smiled as Mikey’s head came to rest against his own.  “As if I could stop you,” he teased, voice only slurring a little.  “You know I can’t say no to you anyway.”  His mouth curled in a sleepy but mischievous smirk.  “And you can’t scare me with your cold feet. If you’re within arm’s reach it’ll just...” he stifled a yawn. “...just make it easier for me to wake you up for training.”

[futureorangeturtle]

Restless

[futureorangeturtle]

“… So does that mean you won’t be getting us up at ridiculous AM for training today?” Mikey asked innocently, even as he wriggled a little closer. “I mean, we probably shouldn’t wake Raph up if he’s still sleeping solidly, after all…”

He then smiled and gently butted his head against Leo’s. “It’s worth a lot, bro,” he murmured. “And thank you for listening, and– well, everything. ‘Sappreciated.”

[twinbladeturtle]

Leo huffed a laugh as Mikey leaned more closely against him.  “It’s already ridiculous AM.  From what I remember, you were the one who decided now was a good time for training.”

He shut his eyes when Mikey nudged his head, swallowing through a suddenly tight throat.  Although he and his brothers were all the same age, it was easy for Leo to feel as if he were older - he was the leader, the protector - but then there would be moments like this when Mikey seemed so much older.  Maybe it was because Leo had learned about the memories Mikey was carrying around with him, maybe it was seeing proof of just how hard he was working to recover and re-learn everything that had been second nature...but for whatever reason, it made Leo feel suddenly very small and very young, and he was grateful for Mikey’s reassuring presence.

“Anytime,” he said, finally managing to find his voice.  He leaned closer in return and let his head rest against Mikey’s shoulder.  “I mean it.  You know that, right?”

[futureorangeturtle]

Restless

[futureorangeturtle]

Mikey held his breath and watched his brother anxiously as he waited for a reply. When Leo finally nodded and answered, Mikey let his breath out in a silent sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing. 

He pressed a little closer against Leo’s shoulder, drawing comfort and reassurance from the contact. “Yeah, that’s okay. Thanks, Leo,” he murmured gratefully. “I really appreciate it. I don’t like keeping things from him… but you’re right about the exhausted thing.” He huffed out a low, wry chuckle. “And it’s not just him that it exhausts, y’know? So if he’s starting to relax, I wanna keep it that way, for everyone’s sakes.”

[twinbladeturtle]

Leo smiled a little as Mikey leaned against him. “I won’t argue with that,” he replied. “You know I’m never one to say no to training, but helping Raph blow off steam is wearing me out.”  

He sobered a little.  “I won’t bring it up again,” he said quietly, “But for what it’s worth...I’m glad you told me.”

[futureorangeturtle]

Restless

[futureorangeturtle]

Mikey chuckled at Leo’s reply. “You have a point,” he conceded wryly.

As Leo leaned forward to better see his face, Mikey paused, fidgeting with the blanket over his lap, and it took him a moment to meet his brother’s gaze. “Do you think you could… not mention anything to anyone about any of the stuff I’ve said tonight? Please?” he asked hesitantly, his expression anxiously earnest. “I mean, about the Dragons and Hun and that. Especially to Raph. I… I don’t think Raph really needs to know about it. I don’t like keeping secrets any more than you do, but… well, it’s not going to change anything, and Raph’s been taking all this hard enough as it is, and I’d rather not give him any more reason to do anything… well, Raph-like, y’know?”

[twinbladeturtle]

Leo looked down at the blanket, brow furrowing a little at Mikey’s request.  He hadn’t even considered what he was going to do about what Michelangelo had told him - and, if he was honest with himself, he wanted to think about it as little as possible.  Mikey’s choice of the phrase “Raph-like” coaxed the corner of Leo’s mouth up a tick, but he couldn’t quite find it in himself to smile. He took a long, slow breath as he thought, then nodded once.

“I won’t tell him,” he said quietly.  “He’s...he’s just been starting to relax, I think.  I don’t think he knows how exhausted he makes himself being angry all the time.”  Leo lifted his eyes to meet Mikey’s again.  “I think he should know,” he went on to say, “but I also think it should be your call when to tell him.  Is that okay?”

[futureorangeturtle]

Restless

[futureorangeturtle]

“More like using my power for self-preservation!” Mikey retorted with a snicker as he nudged Leo back. “I’ve already had Raph bap me, I don’t need you bapping me as well!”

He felt the couch cushions shift slightly as Leo settled, coming to rest with his shoulder pressed lightly against Mikey’s. Mikey flicked a glance at Leo but otherwise hid his surprise - while Leo was usually content to let Mikey use him as a pillow, he very rarely initiated contact himself. Mikey welcomed it though, and shifted ever so slightly to lean a little more against his brother in return without saying a word.

He continued flicking through the channels, eventually settling on a corny-looking Wild West type movie. Channel chosen, at least for the moment, Mikey let his arm rest in his blanket-covered lap. His mind began to wander even as his gaze was fixed upon the television, his thoughts running over the events of the night.

“Hey, Leo…?” Mikey spoke up suddenly, though he kept his voice quiet. “Can I ask you a favour…?”

[twinbladeturtle]

Leo grinned.  “See, the difference between me and Raph is that when I bap you, it’s because you deserve it.  With Raph, well...”  He tilted his head, considering.  “You only mostly deserve it.”

The western movie that Mikey eventually selected was cheesy, but definitely not worth a veto - Leo knew better than to carelessly throw away his vote so easily.  His smile turned fond as his brother leaned against him.  Even though he and his brothers had spent a lot of time with each other since being at the farmhouse, it hadn’t felt like they’d spent time together.  It was easy to forget the difference, and Leo had missed it.  

The warmth from the blanket and from Mikey’s presence soaked into him, and Leo could feel himself beginning to relax.  His gaze grew a little unfocused as he stared at the television, and only when Mikey spoke did he realize that his blinks were starting to get heavy.  “Hm?”  He sat up a little without losing contact with his brother, leaning forward so he could see Mikey’s face more clearly.  “Yeah, sure.  What is it?”