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Chapter Text

NEW YORK ,SEWERS, SEP 20 2003 

5:30 PM

"MIKEY!!!!!" A familiar aggressive squeaky voice yelling echos through their home a red bandana tot chasing the tot with a orange headband

Raph was chasing Mikey again ,it was probably because Mikey found a toy cockroach and hid it inside Ralph's room, most likely in Raphs bed

"Get back here!!" Leo grumbled turning to look behind ,he could not hear his show captain Ryan was battling against an evil counterpart of himself with his team and were about to talk the evil counterpart out and listen to his backstory , searching for the remote he paused the show with a simple button 

 Leo stood up from where he sat stomping his way to stop Mikey and Raph who ran into Donnie's lab ,opening the sliding door Leo jumped back nearly crashing into a running mikey 

"Sorry Leo!" Mikey exclaimed the oldest stared surprised, Leo's other two younger brothers ran past him leaving him spinning and with his butt landing onto the floor 

"GET BACK HERE!YOU TWO MESSED UP MY BABY!" Donnie chased after Raph and Mikey, his wooden staff raised into the air ready to hit the two

Looking inside Donnies lab Leo spots a broken small invention on the floor its parts scattered, it was the latest invention Donnie has been yapping to him all about, the same invention he's been working on for the past two weeks. A crash from the kitchen startled Leo ,sprinting towards where the sound was made Leo found his brothers who were in an unbeatable round of around the table 

"Bleh!!" Mikey pulled his lower socket with one finger sticking his tongue out to his other brothers mostly to Raph, clenching his fist Raph growled "You're so dead Mikey!" Donnie on the other hand was getting tired of their games "You both are dead when I get my hands on you two!" 

Massaging the bridge of his flat nose Leo let out a loud sigh "you three are so annoying!" Leo exclaimed but was ignored by the three

Raph jumps onto a stool,going to tackle Mikey ,but with a quick reaction Mikey sprints away and Raph crashes hard onto the lower cupboards face first on the wooden cupboard "Raph!" Leo exclaimed the air shifted, looking up the large metal pot slowly tilted off the hanging cupboard and started to fall

A gasp left Leo's lips and pushed Raph away from the upcoming danger , the pot hit hard on top of Leo's head, the collision forced his head to plunge down hitting the lower cupboard's handle , and Leo felt a straight line marking his skin "Leo!" He could hear his brother yelling out 

The pot landed down beside him making a few clanging noises, irritating his senses , his head was throbbing, it was beating hard like it was about to explode- "Mikey! Get sensei!" Raph..? No Donnie had ordered Mikey to get their father, why though?

"Leo! Are you ok?!" Donnie knelt down in front of him ,why was Donnie's face blurry?his third younger Brother earned a hit on the back of his head by Raph earning a temporary pain that would probably last for a while "Ow!" Donnie yelped holding the area Raph hitted 

"He's bleeding donnie! How can he be OK!?" Raph yelled too loudly it irritated  Leo's senses ,why did Raph sound worried?

Wait. Did Raph just say he was bleeding?

Leo pulled his hand away from his closed eye ,a sticky dark red liquid was attached to his palm ,smoothly gliding down his green skin, flowing heavily and dripping onto the tiled floor the smell of metallic rust filled his nose clouding his senses...Oh. he was bleeding

Staring at Donnie in front of him Leo sat unable to move, should he move? What can he do? He was hurt and felt numb, but... at least it wasn't his brothers in his place, why were they getting more blurry? He couldn't see Donnie nor Raphs faces on color that blended together in movement 

"Leonardo" snapping out of the daze Leo slowly looks up and saw his father kneeling in front of him instead of Donnie , tilting his head to the side, he saw his younger brothers standing behind their father with familiar worried expressions

"what happened?" He stares silently at his father observing the way his fathers facial expressions move ,why wasn't he saying anything? He wanted to speak but his mouth won't let him ,opening his mouth slowly he tried to make a sound but nothing came out ,it felt like his throat burned down any words that tried to pry out and made him swallow it back

A feeling of a hand placed on Leo's cheek, his father warm palm tilts his head inspecting his closed eye to the liquid coming down and staining the floor, slowly blinking Leo watched his father's hands placed under his arms and lifted him into the comfortable familiar warmth he felt Al familliar of.

"Donatello go get the medical kit in the bathroom" Leo curled in his father's arms, his legs pulled against his plastron arms around it, being in a comfortable position Leo leans against his father's chest hearing the fast heartbeat coming from within splinters torso, Leo lets out a soft sigh listening to the heartbeat ,Leo stares in a dazed his surroundings going on like a blur the colors blurring into a beautiful sight.

Being laid down Leo stares at the ceiling trying to register his surroundings ,all noise was muffled Leo could not understand ,almost like his head was underwater where everything is silent ,what his brothers and father saying? 

He didn't feel like moving.. he was tired but- all of a sudden a sharp agonising pain shot through his head like a train-

IT HURTS

"Ack-!"

he sprung out of bed sitting up ,Leo's hands held his head gripping hard on his scaled skin, the pain was unbearable and the growing noise in his surroundings wasn't helping "Leo!" Only voice he could focus on was one of his brothers, Mikey? Yes. It was mikey who exclaimed near him 

Darting his gaze to the side he saw his three younger brothers' familiar warm hands were placed on top of Leo's small ones "Papa- I-it hurts!" Leo cried for once warm droplets trailing down his cheek 

It hurted- he didn't like pain, he hated feeling pain! It wasn't leaving him alone-

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Everything started to blur- it darkened- he couldn't see his families faces, the world was tilting and leo felt a pair of cold hands covering his eyes before a feeling of weightlessness and darkness took over 

"LEO!" 

"LEONARDO!"

___________

Hamato Raphael is many things but being scaredy cat was never one of them,It's true! He wasn't a scaredy cat like Mikey when his night light turned off, he wasn't scared when he got hurt in training, he wasn't scared of the sight of blood on TV, but that doesn't mean he can't feel fear.

He was scared, he was scared because his brother took the hit of a falling pan and his face got damaged by a stupid handle!

He was scared when Leo didn't speak, didn't respond , nothing! He didn't even give his dumb reassuring talks; he was just there staring, unmoving , motionless; he had blood coming from his face! He wasn't scared when their father went to Leo and picked him up, that's their dad! He can help Leo!

His father knew a lot of things, he made them feel warm and safe, Raph can trust their dad to help ,Leo stayed unresponsive no matter how Mikey and Donnie whined to get his attention, not even their father could snap Leo out of the his own trance

He was scared- no. Terrified when Leo finally made a sound, Leo was crying- Leo never cries! That's Mikey's job. But Leo cried in pain, Leo his big brother crying in front of him yelling how it hurted- how he was in pain

Raph watches as Leo held his head in agony ,tears coming from his not bandaged eye Raph has never seen Leo looked so scared and it scared even him, but it terrified him to the core when Leo's body suddenly stopped moving and fall against splinters hand 

"LEO!" His two younger brothers screamed they were afraid of course they were! But- "LEONARDO!" Their father was afraid ,he was afraid.  He's never seen his father afraid not once, his father was the calmest man he knew even when Raph scraped his knee or when they tried to scare him, he was never afraid.

Panic surged Raph's mind ,fear kept him from moving. Moving towards his brother, the same brother who pushed him out of dangers way and is now suffering the consequences of it

He was scared 

Leo wasn't moving- Leo, he wasn't moving. Raph watches as his Father started to check on Leo laying his big brother down on the mattress 

Raph watched his dad placed two fingers under Leo's flat nose and above Leo's lips then pressed his ear against Leo's plasteron ,His father let's out a sigh placing a hand on his chest

"Raphael, could you get the ice pack?" His father spoke gently, pressing a cloth on Leo's forehead wiping off the sweat. Immediately Raph rushed to the kitchen, the scene of the crime. Raph took a moment to look back on where it happened

Blood still stained the yellowish grey tiles, the cabinet handle that scar'ed Leo's face stained with his big brother's blood the pot that fell on Leo stayed on the floor ,his big brother's blood stained the pots bottom

Shaking his head ,Raph took a chair and opens the fridge taking out the ice tray closing it after getting down, he opens a drawer and took out the ice pack ,turning the lid as to pops off and pour the ice inside moving to the sink turning the faucet and filled it with a small amount of water 

Raph sprinted back to Leo's room sliding the door open Raph gave the ice pack to his father ,not before noticing Mikey hugging their father's waist his eyes red and puffy

And Raph couldn't get upset at that, Mikey was scared like he was. Donnie was fidgeting silently sitting against the end of Leo's bedside softly tapping his finger against the floor 

Raph looks to Leo then to his father who wears a serious expression "sensei i-""what happened?" Raph froze hearing his father's question, his father gently pressed the ice pack against Leo's head ,His big brother sleeping ever so peacefully..

"I-it was me and Mikey ,sensei!" Raph blurted out pointing to himself ,why did it hurt to speak..? his vison started to blur his surroundings ,closing his eyes Raph head tilted down "I- I got mad at Mikey,He hid a toy cockroach under my blanket-" 

Opening his eyes Raph could feel the burning liquid escaping his eyes "I- we- Leo- he pushed me out of the way when the pan fell- And- an-" Raph let's out a loud hiccups, furious rubbing his eyes to stop the tears

Why couldn't he stop crying? Why can't he speak properly Damn it!

"The- pan fell on Leo's head and- the handle of the cabinet gash Leo's eye" Donnie who still was fidgeting on the floor pulled his legs against his plastron burying his face against his knees ,Donnie was shaking- He was terrified.

"Hm.." Raph looks to his father, swallowing down his nervousness "Le- Leo will be ok.. right papa?" Mikey mumbled asking with hopeful eyes "come here my sons" his father spoke 

Hesitantly walking towards his father Raph sat beside him ,glancing to Leo a few times as he settled himself looking to his dad, mikey sat on his father's leg and Donnie seated himself on the opposite side

"Your brother is a strong and brave one, He will be alright. we must let him rest as this event has taken a large amount of his energy" looking at Leo , He felt his lips trembling ,it was his fault Leo had gotten hurt because of him.

"Raphael" Raph blinks flinched looking to his father ,a warm familiar hand was placed on his head "No one could've predicted this, Do not blame yourself over an event you can't control ,what can we control now is taking care of your brother till he's fully healed"

"Yes, sensei.." Raph mumbled. His father sat up with a serious look on his face "though some consequences will be needed to be sure you three won't cause trouble for the time being" 'knew it.' Raph small hands slowly turned into a ball pressed against his thighs 

"You three are grounded" Raph winced at his father's serious tone ,the heavy guilt still lingering in him "That means no video games ,shows, arcade games" Mikey and Donnie gasp at their father's words "Bu-but papa!" Mikey exclaimed but stopped covering his mouth to look at Leo who stayed unconscious 

Mikey turns his head away when his eyes traveled to the bandaged area on Leo's face, there was silence none of the brothers spoke 

"Am I clear ,my sons?" Splinter voice cuts through the atmosphere like a knife "Yes. Sensei.." the three said in union glancing at each other, then to their eldest brother

Each of them felt their stomachs twist at the weakened state of Leo

NEW YORK ,SEWERS, SEP 28 2003

6:00 PM

Hamato Michelangelo sat at the floor leaning back against the wooden structure of Leo's bed. It's been eight days since Leo fell unconscious ,Mikey didn't like it one bit.

 His father , his brothers and Himself would exchange every two hours watching over Leo ,mostly it was their Raph who watched over Leo, Mikey looks up to his big brother, He was still asleep. Days ago Leo had gotten a fever ,that went away yesterday 

Mikey didn't like it at all, it was their Birthday ,a special day to be celebrated all together.... Leo was still asleep not celebrating with them

Their papa cooked up rice with fish which was a rare occasion other than having worms and algae ,or bugs which papa says their nutre- nutrients- nutritious! 

Yes papa said bugs and algae are nutritious for their growing bodies and now they are six years old! That's like a bigger number than five!

"Hey- Mikey?" Mikey blinks his thoughts cutted off by Raph's soft spoken voice, it was odd though Raph. he's been more quiet when he's angry, it was a strange change for mikey, he's always had Raph yelling and upset getting all mean with him when he did something or pranked his second big brother but...he's been more quite and hasn't hit him

He's been uh- what do you call it again? Redervs?...Reverbs? Oh! Reserved! Raph was more reserve and quite ever since Leo had gotten hurt, he acted really weird when Leo gotten hurt as well

Donnie and his papa to ,they all have been acting weird. Donnie zones out in conversations with anyone mostly he zones out in the kitchen the most, Mikey knew both Donnie and Raph were feeling bad for what happened ,Mikey tried asking if anything was wrong but Donnie pushes him away and keeps his own feelings down

His papa became more frequent in coming out of his meditation room , checking on Leo's temperature and changed the cloth on Leo's forehead every hour or so , a sad expression was always there when he sees Leo 

Leo, oh Leo... our family is acting distant with each other, what would you do? He doesn't know how to make them happy, Leo. When will you wake up? please wake up-

"Mikey?" Mikey paused his thoughts looking to his side where Raph had now opened the door, his eyes red and puffy...was he crying?

"Uh- Yeah?" Mikey slowly stood up ,Raph rubbed his nose with his arm "sensei, he said we're gonna open our presents.." Mikey paled looking to Leo 

"But Leo's..." they have never opened their presents without Leo sure they would do it first racing to see what is inside, but Leo was always present all smiling when he receives a gift taking his own time to open it, his smile was always the brightest when it came to that.

"He's not awake yet!" Mikey gestures to his unconscious brother ,his lips trembling Raph eyes moved to Leo's unconscious figure his hand curling into a ball "just come on already Mikey" Raph spoke he sounded tired, like he didn't have energy to argue

"..ok" Mikey follows Raph ,giving Leo one last glance closing the sliding door and followed his second eldest brother to the training room ,Raph opens the door and Mikey saw his papa and donnie already sitting on the floor knees folded under him, feet tucked in, back straightened with a purple colored gift placed in front of him

There were three other gifts lined up just like always the blue color gift just placed beside the red gift , Mikey and Raph sat down beside Donnie who stares at the blue gift the person who was gonna open it wasn't there

Mikey senses the uneasy atmosphere and clears his throat "Hey Raph" Mikey starts catching Raphs attention "I bet my gift is cooler then yours!" Raph blinked then looking annoyed with mikey 

"Yeah right, it's obvious my gift is much cooler!" Raph retorts the two bickering brothers looking to their sensei "could we please open it? PLEASE???" Mikey asked giving his best pleading eyes he could give 

Mikey paused when he heard Donnie let out a small laugh, and Mikey smiled seeing this looking to his papas face, Mikey saw a smile made itself clear on their papa's lips ,they were happy..temporary distracted that's good

"You may my sons" their papa spoke Nodding and they immediately opened their gifts, Mikey and Raphs were messy ripping the Gift wrap opening it and eyes widened in joy

"AHHH!!THANK YOU!!" Mikey grinned hugging the MMO RPG tapes ,his eyes gleaming with joy, Mikey looked to his brothers. They were smiling as well but.. their smiles were off. Raph held a teddy bear ,Raph always smiled when he saw and stuffed toys- Donnie's gift was a bunch of tools for his invention , He held a small smile on his face but it was wavering.

They were sad. Mikey knew they were sad, he was sad too- But! Leo wouldn't want them to be sad! "Hey guys come on! Leo- he wouldn't want us to be sad!" Mikey reasoned his two brothers looked at him in silence

It was hard to reason with his older brothers "Mikey is right, don't let me ruin your special day" he froze- scratch that they all froze hearing a familiar voice behind them

Mikey turned his head as fast as he would when someone touched his video games. There was his big brother leaning against the door frame for support like he struggled to even stand..He- He was awake! 

"Leo!" Mikey instinctively exclaimed, he rushed to Leo wrapping his arms around his big brother , Mikey could feel Leo's hand placed on his head a smile was on Leo face 

Feeling two more people crash against him and Leo tumbling them onto the floor where Leo instinctively raises his arms to keep their heads from hitting the floor, mikey raised his head to see Donnie and Raph , Mikey hears Leo let out a soft laugh hugging them back

"You- Big Meanie!" Raph exclaimed he sat up letting go of Leo, Mikey turns his head shocked to see Raph crying- Raph.. he rarely cries.. not a rare as Leo- but Leo and Raph rarely cry mikey knew that , he and Donnie cry a lot for different reasons

"Wh-why did you do that!? Why did you save me?!" Raph exclaimed yelling at Leo Donnie sinked into Leo's arms feeling the warmth his brother was giving

But Raphs crying held guilt in it fat tears streaming down his face ,Mikey watches Raph cover his face, he did that days ago when he tried to explain to papa about how Leo had gotten hurt, feeling Leo shift he and Donnie slowly got up, Leo sat with both donnie and him in his arms ,but pulled away he letted go-

Nononono don't leave-

And pulled moved to face Raph pulling his crying second older brother into a hug "it's ok Raph, I'm here" Leo spoke softly Mikey stares Leo held Raph like he was fragile- and Raph accepted the hug clinging onto Leo-

No-

Raph held onto Leo tears falling fast on Raphs cheeks, Mikey looked to Donnie who stared at his two older brothers with a blank expression staring at them "Leo's..crying..." Donnie muttered under his breath, Mikey blinked confused looking two the two who embraced each other 

Leo was actually crying ,his two big brothers were crying- "I'm sorry" the three turtle brothers froze hearing their brother speak Raph slowly pulled away confused if Leo actually just said those words. Leo he was crying again- he hates it, Why was Leo crying?

"I'm sorry ,I'm so so sorry-" Leo spoke covering his own face as small soft hiccups left Leo's lips tears staining his cheek and the bandages on Leo's covered eye were getting soaked ,the small hiccups turned into sobs the three brothers looked confused looking at each other 

Then to Leo who started to sobbed hysterically Mikey rushed to Leo's side and held his big brother with confusion taking his thoughts "It's Ok! It's OK!" Mikey panicked Leo held Leo he held his Big brother- who... was so fragile and vulnerable in his arms.

Donnie and Raph stared frozen at their places- Why aren't they helping?! Leo, Thier on oni-chan! He was crying and they weren't doing anything to help!

Mikey fist slowly turned into a ball staring at Raph who looked frozen in his place ,Mikey looked to where his father stood kneeling down to them Leo's attention moved to their sensei 

"Papa" Leo muttered lips trembling "I'm sorry- I'm so sorry i- I failed you-" their father hugged his big brother stopped his words and movements at the action "you did nothing wrong my son." Mikey could hear the father's confusion on what Leo was talking about but stopped when he cupped Leo's cheek

"Donatello get the medical kit" their father spoke Slowly unwrapping the bandages ,Mikey breath hitched seeing The blood on staining Leo's bandages Mikey spots Raph immediately standing up to see Leo's injury then covered his mouth the second he got a clear view

"Oh shell-" Raph yelped looking away , Mikey seeing Raphs reaction decided to look and- Oh what the...

Mikey's hands flew to his mouth covering it to keep him from puking. Leo's scar was bleeding dripping from his face, tears mixed with it , Leo looked confused "wh-whats wrong?" 

Mikey turns away gagging at the sight ,It looked so bad! He doesn't think he can't take it without puking at the sight ,Mikey looks to where Raph- oh. He was crying again.

Mikey shook his head. Mikey knows Raph blames himself, Mikey does too, even Donnie blames himself! Their papa guides Leo into the training room ,Mikey and Raph followed after

Their father seats his big brother down gently tilting Leo's head and taking a cloth from his sleeve and wiped the blood staining Leo's face.

"I-i have it!" Mikey turns to see Donnie with the medical kit that was in Leo's room ,almost in an instant Donnie opened the jit placing it down Mikey watches his smartest older brother pale at the sight of Leo's scar

Mikey looks to Leo who is letting their papa and Donnie fix him up- wait

Wait. Why is Leo's bright blue sapphire eyes.. dull?

Chapter Text

This dream is weird.

His family was surrounding him, all warm giving him affection, they were inside the training room? He thinks?

 Raph sat beside Leo, on the opposite side Donnie held the bandages handing it to their father ,Mikey sat behind Donnie staring at him ,this dream is incredibly realistic to be honest.

It's more realistic than the hallucinations or other dreams he had,how long would it be before it becomes a nightmare? Although this realistic dream is quite nice... their faces are clearer than usual.

Did Donnie ever have a gap in his teeth? Has Raph always had a small dimple on his cheek? Were Mikey's eyes always baby blue? God was this his father's voice? Was it always this soothing? 

The photo. God it's one of the only things he had left of his family. The same photo he held on for a long time was crumpled, smudged ,and torn on the edges from the long years he kept it during the apocalyptic war, it was a miracle it was still intact but seeing their actually faces was better then any photo or hologram 

Tears blurred his vision, his father was cleaning his face with a cloth, a small weak chirp left his lips feeling his father's warm hand pressed against his cheek

It was so realistic and warm ,if only Leo could actually feel this again then it being a dream, small chirps left Leo's lips while tears slipped from his eye streaming down his cheeks 

He was pulled into a hug, it was his father hugging him, this dream is really the best. Leo hugged Splinter back, his small hands clinging onto Splinters garments, he was so tired, all the fighting, the war, the guilt he was tired of it all.. dreaming about his family seems to be the only thing that eases him

"Le-Leo?" Leo perks hearing Mikey's voice turning to look at his youngest brother's child form, he looked so small, did he always look this small?

"Yeah..?" Leo replied seeing Mikey fidget where he sat ,slowly pushing a blue box wrapped into a present towards him. Oh, how nice of this dream to let Mikey give him his gift for their birthday "thank you.." Leo let's out softly , a small smile forms on his lips taking his time to unwrap the gift, the silence was quite nice

Opening the lid Leo paused seeing a captain Ryan themed notebook, How sweet.

Leo's hand slowly drags on the texture of its cover, feeling it for a moment then picking it up and placing the box away, a smile slowly grows on his face ,pressing the notebook against his plastron, his arms around it.

"Thank you.." Oh how thankful he was, A gift given from his brothers and father- its a shame he won't have it when he wakes up, he had the same notebook but... lost it when the krang bombed the earth ,Mikey had remade the cover of the notebook and gifted it to him in their 25th birthday.

Leo made sure to keep his tears from hitting the notebook "thank you..." Leo smiled through his tears lifting his head to look at his family who- wait. Why did they look shocked?

A familiar smell of metal enters his nose, a dark red liquid drip onto his thigh catching his attention, blood seeped out from his newly wrapped bandages,it seem dream Splinter didn't wrapped it firmly enough, placing the notebook down Leo unwraps the bloody bandage "wha- Leo what are you doing!?" Raph exclaimed his tone full of worry

"Leonardo let me-" Leo stopped his father from helping by putting a hand in front of him taking the bandages from his father's hand ,Leo held the end of the bandage pressed against his cheek and started wrapping his wound, did he get injured when he was a kid? He doesn't remember.

Leo wraps the bandage firm giving some loose ends so as to not suffocate the damaged part of his skin, cutting the end with a scissor from the med kit giving the leftover clean bandages to Donnie who stared, Donnie always did stare at him in the mirror.

He was tired, a yawn left Leo's lips leaning against his father 'I guess you can get tired in dreams as well' ,he looks to his brothers the three had shocked expression on , a soft chuckle left Leo's lips

"Thank you for the gift.." Leo muttered even if it won't be there the moment he wakes up it's still a nice gift, Leo closes his eyes letting the dream fade away ,he'll be awake soon....

SEPTEMBER 29 2003

3:00 AM

Waking up Leo's body left incredibly lighter and that felt wrong, his body didn't ache like it always did nor did his joints felt stiff-

His body felt wrong.

"What the fuck." He spoke immediately the second he opened his eyes, his breathing fastened ,slowly getting stuck on his throat

Leo stares at the ceiling. It was the wrong color- it's not the color his daughter painted it to be- it's wrong yet familiar.

Slowly taking in breaths through his mouth, regulating his breathing patterns , he kept himself calm to assess his situation. Panic only leads to death.

 Leo's head turned from one side to another scanning his confinement ,it felt..homely and warm. But the bed that was supposed to be on the opposite side of the room wasn't there.

Yep, he was definitely kidnapped. Honestly the situation just seems dumb ,his limb seemed to have become smaller with little to no scars, this skin was more smooth and soft unlike his old scar'ed and rough skin, the small head ache was the only thing letting him know he was not dreaming.

Slowly sitting up Leo looks around, he can't help but feel a strange sense of daja vu ,the room was decorated with Japanese culture writings and paintings with space hero's merch, the familiar captain Ryan covered notebook stood on one shelf being displayed to see 

'Ok ,Leo, focus, you've been through an apocalyptic war and survived, this is nothing, whoever took you and changed you into a child's body is nothing!' 

Taking the blanket off, Leo slowly stepped on the ground. The cold tiles sent a cooling sensation on Leo's feet ,usually the tiles would always be warm in his house.

Walking to the door, it looked the same as it did in his dream last night or maybe it was a memory? Spotting a ballpen on the night stand, he picks it up and holds it tightly in his dominant hand.

Any weapon would do, ballpens are good stabbing objects, carefully walking out of the room, Leo closed the sliding door stepping into the unfamiliar[?] hallway 

Where was he..? Seeing a sliding door with a light glowing coming from inside ,it was just another part of the hallway, Leo made his way towards it gripping the pen hard he took a deep breath and slid the door open to find-

A mutant child.

Sleeping on a table using his arms as a pillow , papers stacked evenly around on the floor, there were multiple tools and gadgets that were taken apart on the desk, thankfully not functioning 

Though its dangerously near together, one wrong move and it could explode right onto the child's face 'he must be the child of who kidnapped me..' strangely enough the child looks like a turtle tot, not very common as he adopted the only two mutant turtles in existence , the others were just regular turtles

And strangely the child has the same body structure as child donnie did in his dream, tilting the tots head, Leo blinks seeing a familiar facial structure, the gap on the tots tooth 

'How eerily similar..' Leo thought looking at the blanket on the bed, he wondered.. How strong is the body Leo's in? 

Slowly Leo pulled the tot away from the desk and with much struggle carried the tot to the bed laying the child down ,Leo smiles seeing the comfortable face of the child, the tot slowly stirs awake surprising Leo

"Le...o?" The child spoke, how funny. If Leo didn't know better the child sounded the same as dream, though when he had any dream about Donnie, he never really talked that much yet Leo knew what Donnie would say.

But this child knew his name, so the child could either be conspiring with the person who turned him into a child or the child is forced into this

No, Leo doesn't hurt children. They don't know better. They need guidance and a better role model when Leo gets out of this body. He will take the child and the child who lived in this body.

"Leo.." the child muttered slowly sitting up in an uncomfortable position "He-Hey, don't sit up, it's ok. Just go back to bed" Leo told softly helping the child lay down and made sure the kid was tucked in

"You..look funny with the bandages.." the child muttered groggily confusing Leo looking around his body Leo's hand slowly pressed against his face realising there were bandages covering his eye

The realization poured down on him like an ice bucket.

Leo bolted leaving the sleeping child in the room, his breathing became erratic. 

Bandages, The diary on the shelf, The child that looked like dream Donnie- 

Leo looked around the hallway find a open door, he rushed inside to panic to care about stealth that he nearly hitted the wall but didn't with instinct

He was in a bathroom shutting the door quickly, locking the doorknob, Leo found himself shorter than the sink and spotted a stepping stool carrying it, stepping up his hands gripped the sink his green scaled slowly turning a lighter shade with how hard he was gripping the sink

It was him. He was a child. He was a kid again. What kind of dirty trick or pitifull plot are the fucking krang pulling!?

Heh- hah. "Ha- hahahahahHaHa𝑯𝒂𝑯𝒂𝑯𝑨𝑯𝑨𝑯𝑨!!" Leo laughed at the sight of his face, his eyes were a brighter shine of blue so different so bright, so pure- his child face innocent, no wrinkles, no trauma affecting it, his child body was unscathed ,No scars, No burn marks, Not a single trace of krang on his body.

Sure he was now shorter- BUT WHO CARES!? He was in a damn child body! A body of his past self! How ironic- but the problem?! Not a single krang could have pulled this off- Wait no..dimension travel and timetravel and mind swapping is... possible but not in the same time

But that couldn't happen, he and Mikey destroyed half of Krang's tech and killed 25% of the Krangs species, those bastards seem to thrive in any environment or had reform to the Utroms 

Could they have trapped his mind into the form of his child self? And this whole thing is a simulation taken from the memories of their brother? Or perhaps.. he had regressed?

it's nearly impossible! Of course it was. Regression only happens in manhaws and novels! And in those cringe tiktok stories who never even drop the actual names of the stories because they want to gatekeep!

He didn't even die!- wait. Did he? He was sure he just spoke to his children and told them good night, before falling asleep...

Damn why is this so frustrating?He didn't even say goodbye to his kids. Would they hate him? Shell they probably will....

Who is he kidding? he didn't deserve his children's love-

Ouch! Wha- oh. There was blood spilling from his head, the wound was small, the smell of metal made him more aware of his situation ,a smell he was used to but the body wasn't prepared for.

It made him gag, the blood slowly stained the bandages wrapped around his head, change of bandages . After all, blood cover bandages are bound to attract bugs, and Leo didn't want maggots on his face.

Taking the bandages off Leo winces at the sight ,it was quite ugly. At the same time it was cool,MIkey told him scars are meant to be embraced sometimes, scars are proof you are a survivor of the worst events

Unwrapping the bandages it gravity brought it down and naturally fell onto the sink, the cloth stained ,it was stained of the blood of his younger self, the scar on his eye, it looked quite badass but might get in the way when he'll do his face routine, Leo loves to keep his facial routine it's only of the things he kept ever since he was a teen.....He thinks?

Though, it would take a few weeks before he can clean his face with facial soap, Wait do they have facial soap? Considering how young Leo looks he must be around.. five? Six? They didn't go to the surface at least until they were about fifteen..

"Ow-" Leo muttered the scar ached, touching his cheek tasting his blood the liquid was heavy with many symbolism but It tasted good but not as good as Krangs and Utroms blood that tasted Heavenly

He wonders if he should leave the lair early and go hunting for food...No! Bad Leo. Think of food later!

He needs to disinfect his scar first, instinctively Leo's hand reached for the mirror and pulled it hard expecting for it to open but-

CRASH!!

Leo yelped and stepping back nearly falling off the stepping stool but his one hand gripped the sink before he could tumble down and die with embarrassment 

"Shit." Leo muttered seeing the broken glass shards on the floor pieces of cement scattered around it , quick on his feet Leo started to gather the pieces of cement and glass into one place cutting his hands a few times

'Damn it' Leo winced watching his hands bleed onto the white tiles staining it ,all the same the door was forcefully kicked it open , the old wooden door lets out a puff of dust that enveloped the room 

 Coughing up violently, God why did his lungs hurt? This pile of smoke is nothing to the amount of poison he smelled in his time- oh wait. Child body ofcourse! Leo opens his eyes as the smoke immediately cleared up

Turning his head towards the door Leo paled at the four mutants staring at him 'oh for crying out loud.'

Hamato Yoshi is a Father and sensei

He is a father to four boys, Four boys he hadn't anticipated to raised years ago but after the loss of his wife and daughter, he didn't know how he'd be a father again, but he is proud to be raising these boys 

Though raising sons, who are mutants can oddly confusing at times, but they hold the same desires as any other human being 

He can't say he expected life to go easy, after all taking care of children and four at that are handful, but he knew his sons could rely on each other 

His youngest Michelangelo, holds plenty of raw talent though he can be scattered, he is quite good at reading emotions ,Splinter learned that when his youngest was just a tot

Truthfully they were still tots in his eyes.

His second youngest Donatello, a gifted genius and inventor amongst his brothers , one of the reasons why he gifts Donatello equipment for his invention when he goes drumster diving, though he can get confused with his sons inventions he can see his son means well, even though some tend to explode ,failure is how you learn your way to success 

His second oldest Raphael, he can be Hot headed at times, but truthfully he has a soft spot for the people around him he gives aggressive affection to his love ones ,but sometimes his anger can overwhelm him to the point it could hurt someone, a he can let's his emotions out in his arts

And his oldest Leonardo, a natural born leader amongst his brothers, he is open minded and quite relates to his brother the most he tends to act motherly from what he observed he acts similar to Tang Shen , he acts that way to his brothers, given it could be the eldest child trope on stories he had read through books...

It's always the eldest who holds the most responsibility.

He wasn't surprised that day when Raphael had chased his brother across the lair, its natural for brothers to bicker ,nor was he surprised when Donatello had joined in ,their voices could be heard after all

But what he hadn't anticipated was the silence after a loud clang. His children are never silent when together nor alone, what he feared was the day he would see his sons getting injured. The day their blood escaped their bodies and that they could be dying.

Leonardo took the hit for Raphael leaving a deep wound on his eye, it was nearly a miracle that his eldest eye wasn't gouged out or damaged, it so happened to only be the skin

But Leonardo the ever so quite son, was never too quite in his arms his son was bleeding in his arms- bleeding, bleeding out- he's gonna die, he's gonna loose him like he lost THEM-

Leonardo screaming had jolted splinters out of his shaken state , His eldest had cried, wailed in pain how his head hurted and begged for him to make it stop- he doesn't know how.

His eldest fainting in his hands made his blood run cold. What's worse was his son was heating up like a fever had suddenly burst up from his distress and cries 

The ice pack his second eldest gave cooled down his eldest ,It was odd. The boys weren't prone to sickness. mostly Leonardo and Donatello with them being the cleanest out of their two brothers

Days went by and his eldest temperature would frequently shift from ice cold to hot temperatures 

He's not experienced in the medical field ,but it seemed the healing hands would work lessening the rapid temperature shift in Leonardo's body, but Leonardo hadn't woken up for approximately eight days

The first day where Leonardo didn't wake up cause confusion amongst his brother , Splinter had told them its normal for a person to be unconscious for a day or two and that Leonardo would wake up the day before their birthday 

Leonardo hadn't woken up ,he barely moved in his sleep which the reason could be that Leonardo is the heaviest sleeper out of his brothers ,second goes to Michelangelo who could sleep through an earthquake.

But when the second day came, Raphael started to stay inside Leonardo's room more than often, coming out for their required three meals a day

Michelangelo would often check on Leonardo every 10-20 minutes ,Donatello would use some of his invention to check on Leonardo, of course Splinter had to be in there to make sure Donatello's invention didn't explode right at His eldest son's face.

Third day came and the lair that was once held warm felt cold, not one of his sons had made a ruckus nor did any of them fought.

It was unsettling ,two of his sons were quiet for the most part, Michelangelo on the other hand would try to strike up conversations but it would last about two to three minutes.

Fourth day, came and Leonardo was scorching hot to the touch, drenched in his own sweat but Leonardo did not move ,with the thermometer his son's temperature reached about 49.5°C

He panicked it was impossible for one to reach this temperature ,this wasn't normal- it wasn't possible! 

"Leonardo-" Splinter spoke trying to get his son conscious but the way Leonardo's hand fell off the bed made Splinter stop in his tracks, the world had muffled and with out thinking Splinter placed his hands on top of Leonardo's plastron, a white glow emanating from his palm

The glow flickers its light dimming till it fully went out taking in small breaths Splinter placed a hand on Leonardo forehead ,taking a dry cloth he prepared on Leonardo night stand and wiped the sweat that drenched his eldest

Small shaky breaths left his mouth, pressing his hand on his eldest forehead and relief washed over him like a tidal wave

His son was alright stable for now ,he took the thermometer placing it under his sons arm and waited 

He'll wait till he wakes up.

Fifth day came, Raphael was watching over Leonardo , he was curled up on the mattress Splinter had placed to let his son feel comfortable, lately Raphael and Donatello have been waking up at night about having nightmares, they would only calm down when they enter Leonardo's room or when they have physical contact Leonardo or Michelangelo 

Michelangelo though would sometimes whine how his two sons would barge in his room just to sleep on his bed.

Sixth day came, none of his children were awake putting Leonardo aside ,his other three children were sleeping in, constantly waking up from nightmares. They were all curled up on the mattress blanket covering half way of their bodies ,it seems they will be skipping lunch then.

Seventh day came, and his sons would keep themselves inside their own room but mostly Leonardo's room. Michelangelo had started talking to Leonardo ,though he often mistaken that Leonardo was not in his coma like slumber when he entered the room due to how lively Michelangelo was talking to his brother.

Donatello was back in his lab inventing a new gadget of his, Splinter had told him to get sleep but often finding Donatello back at the lab, it seemed to be the only way to get his second youngest to stop being restless

Raphael kept himself in his room though Splinter would check on him , he would find his second eldest sketching on a notebook, he had noticed Raphael's sketching has gotten incredibly detailed then last time with lots of amount of shading to it

The eighth day came, the lair was deathly silent.

None of his sons came to breakfast eager for their birthday, they ate breakfast with solemn looks not a good way to let one spend their special day

Looking to the living room the TV stayed untouched for days, Leonardo's space hero's comic still on the pillow that his eldest used to sit on was displayed on the floor unmoved

At one point Michelangelo asked if they could go to the surface, which was immediately turned down the moment it was asked, Usually it was Leonardo who would ask..

Other than that, the lair felt colder. The moment Michelangelo entered Leonardo's room, he could feel it. But it was also odd There was another type of cold like someone had just lost something or grief, but it wasn't from his children it came from Leonardo's room

Unsettling as it was, the problem would be when he enters Leonardo's room the atmosphere shifts to a feeling of warmth and comfort , yet the child who owned the room was still unconscious, walking up to his eldest

He knelt down pressing a kiss on his eldest forehead "Happy birthday Leonardo" he said softly.

His eldest didn't even move, but Leonardo would be fine. He's strong willed, his son can get through this. And he'll be waiting to greet his boy with open arms 

At least Leonardo's fever had gone away...

The entire day it was silent ,it wasn't supposed to be silent it was supposed to be noisy, cheerful and loud, where his sons would gather to open their gifts all excitedly waiting to see what they had gotten 

But now he sat alone inside the training room with four gifts aligned in a vertical line, the boys who were supposed to open the presents were coped up in their own rooms ,a tired sigh left his lips

He stood up walking out and towards Donatello's lab where small sounds of clinking could be heard stopping at the door he clears his th

"Donatello, I will come in now" Splinter spoke and slid the door open find that Donatello was tinkering with his invention his eye noticed the discarded previous invention on the floor near the trash can

"Oh hi, sensei" His son's tired voice entered his ear, looking back to Donatello he approached the young inventor 

"It seems you are making a new invention.. what is it?" Splinter spoke ,small conversation if he will, dark noticeable eyebags were under his son's eye "just a new..heater.." Donatello spoke letting a yawn leave his lips 

"Ah, I see. Well I came to inform you that it is time to open your presents" Donatello stopped in his tracks "what?" He heard a weak surprised voice from his son who looked at him like he committed a great crime against him

"Ah.. yes.. do inform your brothers. I will be awaiting you three at the training room" it felt wrong. He said three, it felt wrong in his tongue. It felt wrong to him. It wasn't supposed to be three...

Walking out Splinter let out a sigh, what was he doing wrong? He isn't skilled in taking care of children, Tang shen and Miwa would've loved the boys.

if only they were still here....

Splinter waited in the training room, Donatello had come first seating himself in front of his present, within a few minutes Raphael and Michelangelo entered the training room, both looked solemn 

The atmosphere was so bleak, one could mistaken they lost someone..but they didn't.

Michelangelo his ever observant son had started bicker with his older brother Raphael about whose present were bigger their bickering had lighten up the mood along with Michelangelo giving him the baby eyes that he was all to aware off and weak to he lets them open their gifts, as well with making Donatello laugh.

Michelangelo was always too good at reading emotions.

Splinter fully expected Michelangelo's screaming, his son loved video games mostly those RPG tapes he never really understood but what ever keeps his sons happy

Raphael was given a new teddy bear he found , though when Splinter found it it was clean and new in the present box the people who threw it away found it to be too boring.. rich people these days..

He just took the bear and replaced the box in Raphael's shade of red

Donatellos well it wasn't too hard to find tools, he just has to go dumpster diving in the right places when he means 'right places' he means near factories or workshops

Leonardos gift.. well quite a challenge to find a gift that had the space hero's theme considerably they stopped making merchandise of the show after its cancellation a year ago, but much to his luck he found space hero merchandise of various kinds in a box meant for junkyard...

Well he has many gifts to give to Leonardo in the future..

Leonardo wasn't there to open his gift, that is what his two sons realised, when they looked for their older brother's presence but he wasn't there. The atmosphere turned depressive which Michelangelo took immediate notice

"Hey guys come on! Leo- he wouldn't want us to be sad!" Mikey reasoned his two brothers who looked at him greeted with silence

Then- "Mikey is right, don't let me ruin your special day" a familiar child voice echos through the room looking up away from his three sons Leonardo stood against the door frame ,he hadn't heard Leonardo approach.. nor did he hear the door open.

Before Splinter could process anything Michelangelo crashed onto his big brother followed by his other two sons ,there was something off.

Leonardo's spirit was off. 

something was wrong-

"You- Big Meanie!" Raphael's scream got him out of his thoughts. Raphael was crying and yelling at older brother. His eldest let go of his two younger brothers to hug Raphael, but Splinter noticed his two youngest sons stared at their older brothers with blank expressions.

It looked wrong, his sons weren't supposed to look like that. They weren't-"I'm sorry"

Splinter's mind came to an abrupt standstill, his eyes trailed to his sons watching over who just spoke out those words, and then he saw it.

His eldest was crying again. Speaking apologies like a mantra, clinging onto his hot headed brother like it was a life line. The ice cracked when Leonardo started to sobbed uncontrollably

Michelangelo rushed first to help his oldest brother calm down and Leonardo accepted the hug , Splinter stood up brisk walked to his sons and knelt down

His son started to apologise to him, but why? What did he need to apologise for? He didn't do anything wrong-

His son was bleeding again.

Splinter told Donatello to get the medical kit which was in Leonardo's room, watching his second youngest leave. He slowly unwrapped his eldest bandages; the sight was not for the weak stomach.

His two sons who had weak stomachs had looked away the second they saw Leonardo's scar, his eldest was confused on the other hand why his brother was acting that way and what was wrong.

Slowly guiding his children inside the training room Splinter seated Leonardo down wiping the outside area of his scar, the small chirping coming from Leonardo made him confused, it was rare to hear his children chirp due to them calling it embarrassing,Donatello came back in with the med kit

Splinter took the bandages from Donatello's hand wrapping around His eldest head and over the eye making sure it was loose so it wouldn't damage the skin

His eldest stared absent minded ,looking over to his brother Splinter finished wrapping the bandages, Michelangelo had called out to his brother giving him his unopened present 

He noticed his eldest eye becoming glossy lips trembling slightly as he took the present and opened it to find the Captain Ryan theme notebook. What he didn't expect was Leonardo muttering broken thank you's while tears streamed down his cheek ,his bandage becoming damp from the tears.

Slowly a patch of red stained the new bandages Splinter had wrapped, which was taken immediate notice by him and his other sons, Leonardo carelessly took off the bandages earning a yell from his hot headed brother

When Splinter tried to intervene Leonardo stopped him by placing a hand in front surprising Splinter, Leonardo's started to redo the entire process

Leonardo had wrapped the bandages around his head and over his eyes, the way he did it seemed like he was a professional 

But Leonardo had no interest in the medical field, the only ones with any field experience were him and Donatello, once he was done Leonardo let out a small yawn leaning against Splinter, pulling the notebook he was gifted and... fell asleep!? 

"Leonardo?" Splinter spoke softly, placing a hand on his eldest shoulder "Wha- He's asleep!? Just like that?!" His second eldest exclaimed but Leonardo did not stir at the noise instead a smile was formed on his face

Splinter looking to his second eldest sighs, adjusting Leonardo and carried him, Raphael had started to mutter angrily in his breath about Leonardo worrying them and falling back asleep, Donatello was hugging the med kit, a look of relief plastered on his face but Michelangelo..he was holding Leonardo's empty box ,eyes never leaving the box as he stood up holding it in one hand

Nevertheless it's late.

Splinter's eyes met the clock on the wall ,it was past 9:00, he clears his throat looking at his sons "boys.. its time to go to bed" Splinter stood up and walk towards the hallway his sons rooms were located

Splinter had tucked Leonardo into bed first his sons didn't enter their older brother's room staying outside to watch ,Splinter looks to the three who immediately rushed into their own rooms 

Shaking his head in amusement Splinter started to check on their rooms, but all his other children except Michelangelo had tucked themselves in

"Papa.." Michelangelo spoke looking to him "will Leo be ok?" Splinter hummed "your brother will be fine my son, He has awoken from his.. nap" 

"He napped really long.." Michelangelo spoke, clutching the edges of his blanket "what if...he doesn't wake up again tomorrow?" His youngest asked 

"Do not think that Michelangelo, Leonardo will wake up and he will join us for breakfast. I am sure of it" his youngest nods ,Splinter gives a kiss on the forehead before walking out

'It seems I'll be cooking rice tomorrow...' Splinter thought entering his bedroom the lair felt more warmer than those long days of cold and barrenness

SEPTEMBER 29 2003

3:34 AM

CRASH!!

Jolting from his sleep, Splinter's sleepiness vanished quickly on his feet ,he sprinted to where the noise came from "boys?" He called out and his sons door opened 

"What was that..?" Donatello asked yawning his blanket wrapped around him ,Raphael was rubbing his eyes holding his old and new teddy bears, Michelangelo was leaning against his doorframe tired and was about to fall right back to sleep

Splinter marches to Leonardo sliding the door open to find an empty bed ,his head immediately turns to the bathroom and blood started seeping out of the doorway

Splinters breath was stuck in his lungs, he rushed to kick the door open ,smoke filled the bathroom and a small weak coughing could be heard 

The smoke clears and-

Leonardo was bleeding

"Wait!" He paused hearing his eldest yell "there's glass and cement on the floor" Splinter paused seeing Leonardo's hands, then to the floor pooling with blood, cement, and glass mixed together

"Leo- are you ok?" His son Donatello asked, speaking from behind Splinter along with his other two brothers ,Leonardo paused for a moment before smiling "yeah- I'm good, woke up to clean my bandages.." 

Leonardo had already gathered the pieces in a pile ,Splinter walked to Leo who stood up "Are you injured my son?" Leonardo nods "just my hands, some alcohol and bandages will do , maybe some time off with training-"

Leonardo had stopped when Splinter looked at him , Leonardo.. sounded mature. More like he was talking to an adult then his own son

"Ah,Gomen"¹

Chapter Text

Ok so maybe ,speaking formally to your own supposedly dead father is wrong? He doesn't know! he forgot what having a dad was like, since becoming leader in a war ,he can't really remember much of his childhood but more on specific events from what cause the war

Stupid because he can't even remember his own family's features.

Leo chews on his food, it was about 6:57 in the morning his father cooked breakfast, which was Rice and fish.. quite delicious, fish was rare in the future due to the ocean being polluted with mutagen- there were a lot of mutant fishes but they weren't edible due to a lot reasons

Glancing to his brothers, they were fast asleep on the couch stacked on top of each other like a turtle pile, his father sat across from him while he ate ,it was a calming atmosphere ,the food tasted good in his mouth savoring the taste, Leo took a small sip of water 

He really must've regressed back in time, you can't feel pain in dreams, and simulation of dead family who are younger? impossible. Though the krang had little to non workers ,the Utroms would've gotten him out by now and this would've ended before it made to the next day

Maybe some krang decided to kidnap him? Scratch that thought, all houses were made with a high level security system to prevent intruders made by the Utroms and His son, the ones who could over ride the system were Leo and Jr.

But did he really die? In various media's Regression and reincarnation are not so uncommon for Leo, maybe he entered a different timeline? Maybe those long yapping sessions with Casey Jr. And Frida wasn't so bad when learning about the multiverse and concept of timelines

Leo's eyes trailed to genius brother, now that he thinks about it- Donnie also had spoken about the multiverse... but in all honesty? He didn't pay much attention to him.

Now that Leo thinks about it, he didn't pay much attention to his brothers. He was so focused on being a good leader and making Splinter proud that he didn't spend much time with his family even after Splinter died. He didn't spend time with them like a brother ,he spent time with them like a sensei and a father..

When they died Leo broke.

He had wished, pleaded, and begged. The world to give his brothers back, To whatever God's or Goddess existed to not take his family away, and to take him instead but it was never answered nor did it make any difference 

Leo had lived till he was ninety-eight, he saw many die ,many lived, he had to be strong to keep every survivors of the apocalypse to continue with the legacy of those who lived before

He had always wished to turn back time with no consequences, but the high counsel had refused. Renet told him that it would be rule breaking and the whole world would be at stake.

Now here he was back in time in his child body-

Wait a moment.

He can change that!

Leo can change their fates! 

Munching quickly on his food, chugging his water down ,Leo rushed to the sink cleaning his plate ,placing it aside brisk walking past Splinter "I'll be in my room" Leo told giving one last glance to Splinter then to his brothers

Entering his room Leo shuts the door and then remembers there were no locks in sliding doors back then... God he feels like a teenager being upset over the fact there are no locks on the doors..

He'll find a way to get a lock- but right now? 

Leonardo snatches the new note book on the shelf taking a ballpen from his desk, plopping onto his bed the springs made him bounce for a moment before settling his weight, opening the notebook 

He pauses for a moment biting the end of the ballpen, he can't write in English cause his brothers will know! And he certainly can't write in Japanese because his father will know.

Out of the category of the languages Leonardo has learned over the years, he'll have to write in...Morse code! Ofcourse- Wait no. Donnie is too smart and he will understand it. 

Wait a minute.

He can write the language his kids made, oh those geniuses.... He'll miss his kids, but knowing them? They are incredibly independent and Leo can count on them, besides if any of his kids did anything irrational or reckless, Leader Utrom and Mona would always keep them safe.

They'll be fine.

So.. important moments where it led to the apocalypse.

• Leonardo and his brothers
• April getting mind controlled 
• Earth is bombed
• Donnie Dies
• Aprils Dies
• Casey adopts a child
• Raph, casey, karai, Shinigami Dies
• Cassandra is Casey's child
• Cassandra has a child
• Casey Jr is born
• Chloe died
• They destroy krang lab
• Mikey and Cassandra Dies
• Children 
• The Utrom high council and Resistance arrives 
• Peace. 

Leo stopped his writing, some things were missing...but what?

Ughhhh him and his old man processing mind.. it ain't easy being the oldest earth living thing, Then again.. he's a damn fossil, a fossil who lived longer than anyone else 'Hah!' Leo held back a laugh

Softly laughing by covering his mouth, shoulders slightly shaking, letting out a small sigh he then realised.. he's not wearing shorts. 

HE'S NOT WEARING CLOTHES!

'Holy fuck-' Leo scrambled and fell off the bed, landing on his shoulder "Ack!" The blow hurted, he hiss slowly sitting up and rubbing his shoulder, his door slides open

And there was Raphael standing there with a panicked expression "Are you ok!?" Leo blinks seeing Raph rush to him "Oh I'm ok" Leo let's go on holding his shoulder and his entire arm slumped down, Ah...

Leo has dislocated his shoulder, just great. Is it just Leo, Or this world reallyyyyy trying to kill him? 

"Oh shell- I- wha- what do i- how can-" cutting his words short Raph was trembling his eyes glistening,Leo took immediate notice placing a hand on his brothers shoulder, seeing the dilated pupils, counting seconds of his little brothers breathing, Leo paused seeing Raphs short coming in breathing, seemingly like he was choking on water.

Raph was having a panic attack.

"Hey Raph- Listen to me ok? Listen to my voice." He spoke slowly getting Raphs attention "just follow me ok? Breath-in-" Leo gestures breathing in himself watching Raph struggle to take in a breath but he did ,it was shaky and small but Raph was doing it.

"Breath out." Leo breaths out Slowly waiting Raph to follow, he did Leo smiles at the sight they both repeated the breathing exercise , it took a while but Raph was now calm, Leo was about to pull Raph into a hug but stopped himself and looked to his dislocated shoulder placing his hand on it, Leo relocates it back ,with a satisfying Pop!

Spooking Raph as he physically flinched at the sound, testing his arm by moving it slowly, Leo clicks his tongue at the small pinching pain, he's spends barely a day in his child body and he's already dislocating bones

Wow, Mikey would be so proud 

"No ,I'm disappointed!!" 

A tiny disoriented voice spoke in Leo's mind making him smile, Then Leo just realised again that Raph was staring at him "Hey... Raph you ok?" Leo asked seeing Raphs shaken state ,His little brother's face twinge into anger- just like venus 

"Why the heck are you asking me that!?" Raph snapped, rubbing his eyes furiously with his hands ,Leo placed both hands on Raphs wrist stopping him "You're a big dummy! You're the biggest idiot in the world!" Raph yells through his tears

'It's a miracle no one in the lair has heard raph yell yet..' Leo frowns seeing his baby brother crying and pulled Raph into a hug ,Raph's yelling stops at the sudden action Leo slowly cooed, a trick he learned that turtles loved, his finger slowly tapping on Raph's shell which worked like a charm on calming his scared brother

"You ok now?" Leo asked softly. Raph didn't answer, staying silent for a few moments, Leo didn't mind ,slowly chirping Leo made his hug firm, Raph was warm and alive. He was alive in Leo's arms.

'This time I'll protect you guys' Leo thought and blinked when Raphs stiff body slumped against him, Oh. Raph fell asleep... how adorable Leo hugs Raphs in his arms he doesn't mind staying in this position.. oh damn Leo's touch starved..

Leo chuckles to himself about his issue, reaching for his diary and ballpen. He'll have to make a step by step plan to prevent the apocalypse from happening... he needs some wine and a smoke.

Hours past it was about..., leo looks to the clock on his nightstand, 9:30 am. Raph was laying on Leo's bed fast asleep, while Leo sat on the floor pondering for a moment 'if I potentially kill krang prime,I would save the other Utroms, But..' Leo was to young- well the body is too young, and isn't trained that well to stand the hell he did in his first life

'And I won't be able to eat any of them...' Leo pouts to himself ,ever since the Utroms lend aid, Leo wasn't allowed to eat any krangs that were under prime krangs control, the Utroms were terrified of him... it isn't his fault! They were delicious.

And quite Heavenly to the taste, His Top chef brother Mikey made it extra delicious. It was such a shame Leo can't cook but he can roast food through fire, at least one of his achievements he had to learn the hard way

Standing up a soft CRACK! Could he heard from Leo's knees, shoulder and back, well he had stayed in one position for a few hours taking his time, Leo hid his notebook under his bed getting the tape in his drawer, Leo tapes it against the beds wooden frame 

'Perfect!' Leo grinned sliding out under his bed, he walks to the door sliding it open quietly as he could ,looking to Raph who still slept peacefully, Leo leaves walking to the living room where Mikey and Donnie were still sleeping on the couch

A comic book caught his eye, jumping down Leo walks to the TV picking up the comic and analyses it 'Oh..my..gods.' 

IT WAS AN ACTUAL SPACE HEROES COMIC BOOK.

THE ORIGINAL!

Space hero's were remade in the future suggested by Leo himself! One of his daughters, Venus had decided to take on cartoon animation and remade space hero's, due to the fact she was a space heroes fan herself and wanted to remake the alternate endings, though it was still on going, he wished that he could have seen it till the end.

He's proud of her.

Leo happily opens it sitting down at the conveniently placed pillow on the floor ,giggling like a child as he took in every panel and text bubble on each chapter ,Leo nearly let's out a squeal but stopped himself with his two younger brothers sleeping right near him

Slowly reading the panel Leo felt like a child being given candy, of course the lore was different but that's what makes it the original! Leo is in fact the biggest writer with the longest chapters that reached 30k words each, it comes well when you're trying to cope during the apocalypse.

And Leo is silly so what's wrong with that?

A sudden weight leaned against him,turning his head, Leo saw younger Donnie clinging onto his arm,his little brother was trembling and gripping quite firm "Donnie?" Leo spoke seeing Donnie flinch at his voice Leo pulls his younger brother into a hug, seating Donnie in front of him

"What's wrong?" Leo asked confused watching Donnie tremble in his arms ,soft hiccups leaving Donnie trying to make himself smaller in Leo's arms

 'he must've had a nightmare..' Leo taps Donnies shell in a small rhythm similar to the Golden song by the Huntrix from K-pop demon hunters

'It's a miracle that it will still be so popular in the future...' Leo thought softly humming the tune ,one funny thing is that Leo had gotten the song engraved into his mind all thanks to his kids, "I'm done hiding, I'll be shining like I was born be.." he mumbled singing to Donnie who sniffles..

Why was Donnie cold?

'Leo's warm..' Donnie thought shivering from the cold, you would think turtles wouldn't get cold since they were cold blooded but that's wrong and Donnie felt like he would go through hibernation, if the cold kept up.

Leo's warmth seemed to help, which is weird turtles aren't usually warm. They're always cold or room temperature but.. Leo felt warm... he couldn't fall asleep but it was better than experiencing those dreams. Well said dreams were more of nightmares.

Nightmares he can't remember yet keep coming back everytime he falls asleep.. It has been happening for a while now.Donnie doesn't understand why these nightmares keep coming but it always had Leo in it crying.

Leo was always crying yelling something at him ,Leo's mouth moved but Donnie couldn't hear anything from Leo in his dream, looking up to his brother who was smiling at him, Donnie paused listening to Leo's humming 

A unfamiliar tune but it sounded nice.. quite calming

Donnie sniffs, wiping his tears ,Leo had pulled him in a firm hug. Donnie noticed the claw mark he made on Leo's arm earlier, Leo didn't flinch nor did he get upset, he just let Donnie do it.

Donnie felt Leo shift letting go of him- Wait- no- no- nononono- please let don't go of him-

Leo sat back down with a pillow in hand  placing it down beside him, Donnie looked to his brother then slowly placed a hand on his own chest ,what was that? Why did he panic?

Donnie blinks confused leaning against Leo, Donnie felt his brother place his hands on Donnie's cheeks cupping them, then pressing his forehead against Donnies, letting out soft chirps of affection 

Donnie was more confused than before.

Leo was acting weird. And not the weird Donnie is used to where Leo would talk about his show or about captain Ryan, It was an all new type of weird! A weird where it gives Donnie a warm comfort feeling yet... hates it when someone else receives it.

What was wrong with him? Why was he feeling that way? Donnie left Leo's shift again, looking up He saw Mikey, leaning on Leo's shoulder, blanket wrapped around him 

"Oh mikey" Leo's tone was soft and gentle. Like my parents. Donnie's watches his younger brother curl up against Leo, slowly laying his head on Oni-chan's lap and falling asleep, Onii-chan chuckled at mikey's action

'Leo has never spoken to us like that..' Leo has never spoken in that soft tone, sure there were times he talked to them softly but he spoke to Mikey like he was precious and delicate and would break.

Does he favor Mikey?

What is he saying? Of course he favors Mikey ,He's the baby of the family he gets to be cradled and adored upon just for being the youngest. How dumb.

Leaning his head against Leo's plastron,He pulled his legs against his chest letting out a shaky breath,it was still cold. "Donnie?" He hums in response to his name "do- uh do we have a heat lamp?" Leo asked placing a hand on Donnie's head and crested it up and down

"Uh.. yeah- it's in my lab." Leo hummed in response "and uh- where is that?" Leo adds Donnie didn't really have enough energy to retort "its right there" He points to the first door on the left of the living room 

"Ok. So Don I'm gonna get the lamp ok? Your freezing cold" Donnie made a small whine wrapping his arms around his Onii-chan ,"your warm.." Donnie spoke his whines growing louder when Leo moved him away to stand up, moving Mikey's head to the cushion "I'll be back, don't worry" Donnie's Onii-chan spoke immediately rushing off to his lab

Donnie's eyes followed as Leo went into his lab, though his eyes were starting to drop

Moments past and Leo brought out the heat lamp placing it down ,Leo flipped the switch, and a warm light hits Donnie's skin ,the coldness slowly started to disappear, a yawn left Donnie's lips his vision darkening ,leaning on one side

Donnie let the sleepiness take over ,gravity taking hold of him, a hand stopped Donnie's head from hitting the floor ,He looked up to see Leo smiling..

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Leo was crying again.....

Why did he look older?

Chapter Text

"Could I look around the sewers?" Leo asked his father, eyes never leaving his bowl while chewing on his moss and worms, the taste didn't bother him its quite delicious compared to expired and rotten food

His brothers bickering disperse immediately which was unnatural..or was it natural..?

Slowly looking up to his father he awaited for an answer, Splinter took a moment to drink his tea silence spread across the table ,his brothers had looked up from their foods to look at Leo "just for a little bit" Leo added softly looking back to his food, it would be reasonable for Splinter to say no of course.

After all, it's only been a week since Leo had awoken into this body ,along with the scar on his eye which changed an event in time that was not supposed to happen.

Leo needs to plan ahead of the Krang, he knows their future plans, what they are gonna do to the earth and Who their gonna take for it to work, planting seed to make his plan successful is a must while it's still early

Leo looked to his father. There was a perfect expression of someone who decided "I do not see why not" Splinter spoke. Leo lit up, a smile grew on his face "thank you Father." Leo spoke bowing his head in acknowledgement 

Continuing to eat his moss, the silence that took over the table was comfortable, though usually his kids would bicker with themselves and with argue who would get the first bite

He misses them..

______

Ok so Leo's first plan was to build a small garden for fruits, Vegetable and plants he needs eating, moss will not satisfy their hungers in the future then again they had pizza when they grew up thanks to Splinters money, honestly their father was rich, too bad they didn't cook other foods.

Okay mapping the sewers won't be too hard, it's a maze that easily could be solved! He just needs a starting point.

"Boop!" He presses a piece of red duck tape on the wall at the entrance of the lair ,Flash light at hand and duct tape on his small bag, he slinging over his shoulder

Softly humming to himself Leo starts walking through the train track stopping at the entrance of the sewers placing a duck tape on, entering the sewers the dirty water splash as he walks on it, the sound of dripping from sewers pipes reminded him of a sinking town...

"Namida no oike wa.." he tested his voice echoing through the sewers ,his voice loud and clear as it continues to travel

"Tenten tenten tsuzuiteru" he sang softly letting his voice echo for a moment before continuing 

"Watashi no heya made" Leo tapes another piece of duct tape on the wall continuing forward

"Tenten tenten asu mo tsuzuku darou" he paused when the sound of dripping water became frequent looking for the source easily spotting it across from him

"ꂑꎭ ᣘᣞꌅꌅꌩ" 

"....." Leo paused turning to where the sound came from staring at the empty space , He turns away the tin line slowly returned into a smile as he continued, the sound of dripping growing louder and frequent

"ꂑꎭ ᣘᣞ ᣘᣞ ᣘᣞꌅꌅꌩ ʅᣣᣞ..." 

 Leo felt a chill run down his spine now hearing the voice clearly, slow he picked up the pace ,turning on a another corner

"ʅᣣᣞ ᣚℓᣣꍏᣘᣣ-"

 He ran. He ran faster, and faster. Turning on many corners to escape the sound of dripping, the sound of that Voice. And he tripled falling into a new area, falling over stairs before landing harshly on his but

"Ish! Ow.." exclaiming at the pain, he rubs his rear 'ow..' he pouts searching for his flashlight seeing it landed not too far from him '..eh..?' Leo came to realize he had entered an open area looking back to the stairs... it was only about five steps..

That's embarrassing.

'Shut up Mikey.' Leo retorts looking up to the entrance he exited 'that certainly was a long way..' Leo took in his surroundings ,the area was quite large, nearly as big as The living room, standing up Leo made his way near an opening , targeting the light of the flashlight inside, it was another vacant space similar to that of a room

Exploring the large area Leo found more empty spaces one after another the built was alright, good walls and structures too

"This could be a new hideout!"

Leo hummed in agreement ,Venus was right,with some cleaning and decorating, it could be used as an extra place to crash in when he's bored or when the lair is destroyed ,which he is sure would happen a lot, considering the amount of time it did get destroyed.. 

Though an extra space wouldn't hurt after all there are many areas that could be used as rooms! though he needs to do a deep cleaning and sanitisation

"Boop!" Leonardo lets out, placing a piece of red duct tape on the the wall, looking to the entrance of the tunnel he came from he walked towards it ,taking one last glance to the area before leaving

The surrounding area was dirty as he remembers it to be , he paused for a moment looking around for any red duck tape he placed on the wall...

Oh.. Leo's lost. That's just great.

'How many turns did I take?' Leo paused walking deeper into the tunnel, his flash light illuminating the area he walked into nearly tripping a few times

 It would've been nice if he could use his night vision, but then again it did take years for it to fully develop where he could automatically see properly in the dark, though his current night vision was blurry ,curse the blurriness! He wants his actual night vision! 'Ok. Senses Leo! Use the force with you!'

Leo sniffs the air immediately cringing at the air 'Oh god. At least the sewers in the future were cleaner...' oh he misses the advance technology ,a small tear escapes Leo's eye with the expense of his dramaticness, Leo is a great actor

Anyways- wandering around the tunnel Leo found various manhole covers and places to climb to the surface ,but no way to the lair yet.

How long has he been wandering around?

He doesn't have a watch... which sucks, turning a corner, a familiar tape caught Leo's eye 'oh!' He smiled, walking towards it, he took about fifteen left turns and seven right turns in total..

So that means his new lair is quite far perfect for escape routes

'Oh!' He sees the familiar train tracks and jumps down walking straight where he was sure the lair was located in

He was home...

What a sour taste.

Stepping inside the lair Leo walks glancing around then spotted the clock. It was 1:30 pm, Leo left at 9:00 am was he gone for that long? Time really does fly faster than he expected

"I'm back!" Leo yells out walking towards the kitchen, hearing yelling originating there , he found Mikey and Raph chasing each other in a impossible round of a round the table.. a feeling of familiarity of the scene made his body stiff 

Unconsciously looking up to the hanging cupboard where a large pot was located above 'why the hell would father put that there? Hasn't he learned from the first tim- wait..' 

What was he thinking about? Why did it feel familiar?

"Mikey!" Donnie's voice jolted Leo out of his thoughts looking at what happened to his youngest brother, he was on the floor rubbing his head and the large pot on the hanging cupboard tilts.

Leo's body moved, he moved in instinct, with the blazing word that was engraved in his mind Protect. Leo ran past Raphael pushing him aside as it seem His younger brother had the idea of saving Mikey, Raph to land on his but just near Donnie

Leo ran to Mikey crashing into him causing them both to tumble away from the coming danger ,Mikey was under Leo while Leo hugged Mikey protectively, covering his youngest Brother 

The pot clangs loudly and the silence stretches across the kitchen ,his chest felt tight,the instinct of being a medic kicks and Leo immediately checks on Mikey in his arms scanning and inspecting his baby brothers face and body for injuries his breathing fastened ,somewhat getting caught in his throat, his chest hurted, like he was trapped inside a tight space where he couldn't get out, His arms wrapped around his baby brother cradling Mikey against his plastron 

"You're okay.. it's okay.." Leo muttered to Mikey but it seemed like he was comforting himself then his own little brother who nearly had gotten injured, trying to feel his brother's warmth Leo took deep breaths, Mikey was alive, he was alive and it's ok. Leo saved him this time 

"Leo..?" A small familliar god. A familiar voice spoke ,Leo looked up to see Donnie and Raph in front of him, Leo's flat nose felt stuffy trying to breath through his nose. It was blocked. He noticed water stained Mikeys bandana and head 'oh..I'm crying.." Leo bit his lip his hug on Mikey slowly becoming loose as to not suffocate his baby brother

But Mikey, oh Mikey.. He hugged Leo back and the water works were happening again. Leo's eyes started to sting tears streamed down his cheeks, He winces as his scar got hit with the tears, Leo blinks staring at his two younger brothers who stood in front of him, Donnie was worried, Raph... oh Raph... he look like he was burst into tears.

 "Are you-" Donnie's words were cut immediately short ,Leo had pulled his two younger brothers into a Hug, similar to that to a group hug Leo let's the tears fall after all what's good of tears if you keep it suppressed while you're still a child?

His breathing slows down taking in deep breaths through his mouth, he winces when Mikey suddenly tightens his hug, Leo sighs seeing Raph was shaking, Leo's hand met with Raphs head ,moving to Raphs shell ,he started tapping rhythmically on Raphs shell, Leo's other hand hugged Donnie seeing his smart brother stunned at the affection.. Jr. was like that too.

Maybe getting that new lair up and cleaned through wouldn't be a bad idea...

Chapter Text

Ok, maybe Leo was overreacting when he was hugging his brothers and reminded himself they were alive..

Of course they were alive! It's the past. They won't experience that kind of future on Leo's watch; he'll make sure they will live longer than him.

They will live longer than him.

_____

"Father, I shall be off exploring the sewers again." Leonardo told standing at the doorway of the training room, Splinter was seated beside the tree meditating

"Ofcourse my son, be careful now" Splinter spoke and Leo nods closing the sliding door pausing for a moment feeling a familiar joyous energy behind him, Leo sighed turning to his youngest Brother who was basically vibrating with excitement 

"Yes Mikey?" Leo spoke with a smile growing on his face "Could I come with you?" His youngest brother asked ,Mikey clasped his hands together giving Leo puppy eyes with a grin bigger then the sun...to bad for Mikey, Leo was immune to these type of tricks

"Maybe next time" Leo said and Mikey immediately deflated "what??! Come on!" Leo shook his head placing a hand on his brother's head "I'll let you come along with me next time. But for now, how about I watch anime with you later when I get back?" 

There was a moment of silence before, Mikey's face lit up like the stars, Leo smiled at this sight his eyes started to sting.

Mikey suddenly latched onto Leo "Really!? Oh!! I'll show you my favorite of all time then!!" The ex-leader of the resistance nods "yeah, can't wait! why don't you set it up for me?" 

His baby brother hurriedly rushed off to his room and Leo went the opposite direction, taking the clothes he prepared and walked out of the lair ,a small writing pad and ballpen

'Ok, so I need..'

• Materials for the garden
• Seedling
• Soil
• Ceaning materials
• Furniture
• Groceries 

Leo paused 'if I go dumpster diving near a facility or a military base. I might be able to make a simple weapon.. a gun or blaster if possible' Leo hums stopping when he sees a ladder up to the surface with the manhole cover on top

Wearing the long sleeves and pants he made for himself ,he felt comfortable wearing clothes again.

Climbing up the ladder and pushing the manhole cover ever so slightly up ,he took a peak of the outside; it was dark, though there were lights.

Pushing the manhole cover aside ,Leo climbed up and light shined on Leo's face, it wasn't the sun. It was lights.. New York City lights.

'Ah..' he thought as he climbed out,he stood at the edge of the alleyway. They were dimmer than the newly rebuilt New York but the old one is nostalgic. He closed the manhole cover so he had no time to get stuck on nostalgia.

Looking up, he huffs jumping on top of a dumpster and onto a fire escape ,climbing up , Leo found himself on the roof he couldn't help but stop, taking in the city's lights, the sounds, the smell, all of it, it was just so.. nostalgic.

A sigh left Leo's lips looking at his list , he needs to find a store first, looking to the next building Leo felt the thin line on his lips turn into a smile 

He rushed to the ledge of the building jump high up and landed on the next roof "Ha..- hah.." left Leo's lips 

It felt so exhilarating, he felt so alive ,every part, every bone, and his blood felt so alive! It was so satisfying feeling free..

"Ha- hahaha- Hahaha!" Leo laughed ,his face hurted, the large smile on his face never leaving, looking to the next building Leo ran. He ran and jumped. The wind pasting by felt good when it hitted his face, the stars were shimmering tonight

He laughed and his but met the concrete floor of the roof, yet it didnt hurt when he landed, he was too caught up in euphoria that pain did not exist for a moment, his laughter died down ,Leo could finally catch his breath, A heavy sigh left Leo's lips looking up to the sky he smiled 

It felt good.

He shouldn't stay out for too long.. his father will take notice. Standing up from his place Leo walks to the ledge scanning the streets below the lights were quite bright, but it wasn't as bright as it would be in the future

Leo paused taking notice of a small store, squinting his eyes Leo sees a alleyway next to it, 'a manhole cover could be there' jumping onto the next building Leo now could get a clear view of the store

It was a simple one, a lone store with no customers and with a male teenager about the age of 18 - 20 running the register. The teen is occupied with his phone, he's probably one of those kids who don't care much what happens in their daily lives, just mind their own business..

Perfect.

Pulling the hood of his jacket over his head, Leo jumps down to the alleyway ,a sigh leaves his lips, putting his hand into the pockets Leo hummed to himself , he doesn't have money..

"Hey pretty lady" Leo blinks at the sudden voice looking to the opposite side of the alleyway ,Leo sees a guy holding a ladies arm "let go of me!"

'Ah.' Leo thought he saw this type of harassment before "Come one babe, don't play hard to get now" walking towards them Leo went unnoticed due to his height "I said let go of me!" The lady exclaimed and the guy pulled her shirt up ,standing behind the guy Leo swung his leg in between the guys own legs

Right as Leo's leg made contact with the guys inbetweens ,the man fell to his knees then on his side ,Leo's expression turned exactly like lobotomy krishima on tiktok

 'Hopefully he won't reproduce in the future.' He thought looking up at the lady who stood there stunned, "are you alright ma'am?" Leo asked ,slowly pushed the man aside with his foot 

"Uh huh.." She muttered nodding slowly, "you should probably call the police on his man, have a good night madam" Leo bows slightly and jogged away back to where his original destination was, stopping when he reached the sidewalk

He looked back to where the lady was and she was on her phone, now there was another lady with brown hair with her rubbing her back in a gentle comforting motion 'must be a friend' Leo looks away, a smile grew on his face looking at the wallet he had snatched from the man

Sure it seemed out of character for him for him to steal,but it was better stealing from a man who was a dark shade of gray then an actual store, putting the wallet inside his pocket , Leo sees the pedestrian lane; the walk sign was now glowing green with the walking motion 

Leo head looks from one side to the other the cars had stopped, Leo walks along with the people stopping in front of the store he huffs, it seems to be convenience store. Pushing the door open the cold air of the air conditioner hits his face

His eyes scan the inside basic necessities, taking a basket from the side he uses his hand to carry it , walking to the first aisle he paused scanning the familiar and unfamiliar can foods ,his hands picked up the can foods he was familiar with 

Checking the expiration dates on the bottom , the words "September 25 2005" labeled on ,a small hum left Leo's lips as he reached up for the bread and remembered he was short. 

'Damn it' Leo took in a quick breath and jumped snatching the breath from its shelf and smiled raising the bread like a prize, checking its expiration date Leo huffs placing it inside the basket

He went on choosing foods on the shelves and fridges, soon Enough the basket was filled to the brim with necessities , checking and rechecking for everything He needs 

"OTO-SAN!! Come one! 

We have everything on the list!" 

Leo shook his head at his daughter's whining ,turning to exit the aisle, paused for a moment sensing a violent presence ,and that was when the door swung open Leo was right he watched as the man pointed a gun at the cashier 'my day just keeps getting better.' 

I told you oto-san,

You are a trouble magnet!

Ignoring his son's words, Leo stares at the man from behind "Give me the money on the register!" Ok, Leo is having a sense of Daja vu right now fr fr

The teen hesitantly opens the register and the man shoves the gun forwards "hurry up!" Walking up to them Leo flexes his foot under the man in between the legs 

The registers pops open and Leo's leg swung up, hitting in between the man's legs you could hear a crack from it ,and the man fell ,the robber hand his hands on his crotch area ,Leo sighed pushing the man aside

"Hey, so can you call the police?" Leo asked looking up to the teen who stood there stunned "Uh.. yeah.." Leo pushed the basket onto the counter ,looking back at the man ,He spotted the gun laying on the floor ,bending down to pick it up Leo noticed it wasn't even loaded.

'Huh..' Leo stuffs the Gun into his sling bag as well with the mans phone which was a which was a Samsung phone, pushing the man further aside, Leo watches the teen put his groceries into a plastic bag then another "he-here you go" the teen stuttered, opening the stolen wallet Leo huffs "how much?"

Leo looks over the money which was ten thousand dollars or so.. "Uh- twen- twenty- five dollars in total" Leo hummed 'everything was so cheap back then..' Leo places fifty dollars "keep the change kid" Leo took his plastic bag stepping over the man 

"You might wanna call the police on this dude" Leo told pointing down and walked out of the store 'I've got my Groceries.. just need to find a hardware store' Leo paused for a moment 

'What time is it..?' Shifting a bag to his one hand he took out and turned on the stolen phone ,Leo hums seeing the time '7:34.., to think I had already stopped two crimes early this hour...' stepping towards the alleyway Leo squats down opening the manhole cover looking around and jumped in, not before closing it of course.

Walking in the sewer,Leo ponders 'if I were to remake the cleaning system for the sewers.. would I be considered the smart one? I'm not as smart as my Brother or my son but- I have all the information down in my head, the only problem is....' Leo huffs, it wasn't hard to make a temporary filter system, it's just that he is lacking pliers ,threads and needles.

'I should get them next week..' Leo took a turn stepping into his new lair, walking into a room he lit up with a singular bottle filled with oil and a string connected from the inside to its lid 

Sitting down on the dirty floor Leo opened the bread taking out two slices , he didn't have any knife to spread the nutella on, so Leo took out the small knife in his bandages, dipping the blade into the chocolate and spread it on the bread. Is it considered dirty? Yeah.. but hey he's living in the sewers might as well.

Taking a bite Leo slowly chews, feeling the soft texture of the bread and the sweet taste of chocolate melting in his mouth. ‘Would father question me if I brought home groceries?’ If Leo brought his brothers once the lair was done, they would know about his hideout too early, but then again better later than never..'

'Though.. I realised Father rarely steps out of the training room, it's it unhealthy coping over Mother and Miwa? Well the again I went through the same unhealthy coping mechanisms ,so like father like son I guess' Leo swallowed the now chewed down food in his mouth and took another bite of his sandwich 

'But it would be wrong for my brothers to keep eating small stuff everyday.. Although my father would find food, it's not enough.' Leo bites down his sandwich and stuffing his mouth ,chewing slowly Leo left the powdered soap and chlorine bottle placing the two aside in a hidden corner of the dark room

Leo looks to the light and hummed ticking up the plastic bags and walk out of the his lair

Stepping into a familiar place ,Leo walks to the living room seeing no one Leo walks towards the kitchen ,taking one food out after another , he slowly organised it on the cabinets and fridge though he know it would seem suspicious so Leo had deliberately placed some cans and food on other cabinets,though his father wouldn't be all that convinced it was clear so hiding food in his room was optional

Taking the plastic bag Leo walks to his room, passing by his brothers rooms and slid open his door looking around his room Leo pulls the cover of his bed up tucking the small paper bag and sling bag Leo used into a blind spot where you couldn't see it from afar

Getting off the floor Leo layed flat on his shell against the mattress of his bed maybe a moment of rest is neede-

"LEO! You're back!" Yeah no.. seems life has other ideas "so! How was you're exploring?" Oh sweet Mikey, how Leo wishes to tell you everything... but not right now.

"it was alright, found this too" Leo pulled out a Naruto manga he found in the store ,there was a long silence from Mikey, confusing Leo since Mikey wasn't never quite for a long period of time

You're just noticing?

Suddenly Mikey squealed and took the manga from,surprising him at the sudden noise "OH MY GOSH- OH MY GOSH- OH. MY. GOSH!!! AHHH!!!" Mieky squealed.. too loudly that Leo winced at the noise 

"Oh- sorry-" the door swings opens again,his two other younger brothers stood there panicked like they were prepared to see a bloodbath ,they only found Leo laying flat on the bed while Mikey was jumping up and down on said bed 

"What the shell!?" Raph exclaimed furiously to Mikey "what the shel Mikey! We thought you were dying or something!" Donnie hand his hand on his plastron where his heart would be "jeez you guys nearly gave us a heart attack" 

Leo smiled sitting up "¹Gomen, Gomen neh~" Leo grinned waving his hand up and down dismissively "I just gave Mikey a Manga and he got excited over it" Leo confessed ,his brothers looked confused at Leo's words but Mikey seemed know with how his face lit up

"Neh, Mikey ²Quieres ver Naruto?" And now all his brothers were staring at him..'Shoot!' "Uh- hey look at the time! Mikey! Didn't you want to show me your favorite anime?" Leo walks past Raph and Donnie in a hurriedly manner Mikey followed behind 

Catching up to Leo ,Mikey smiles showing his teeth while the Manga is held firm against his plastron, Leo was aware of the stares his two younger brothers gave.

"OK, that's just wrong!" Leo exclaimed pointing to the screen where the credits were rolling ,the scene last played Haku and Zabuza's death and Leo was upset that the two had died 

Mikey was crying at the scene "Wahhhh!!" Mikey had always been a fan of anime, Leo didn't watch any other media then Space hero's , though Leo was incredibly familiar with the titles with the amount of boredom Leo gets in the future.. sometimes wish his Old man mind would erase some of the things he saw..

"It's ok, Mikey they're in a better place..." Leo solemnly patted Mikey's shoulder as he sobs, Fat tears streaming down his face "Whyyyy!!???!" Mikey hiccups sniffing his nose 

"Its ok.. its ok" Leo sweatdrops at Mikeys hysterical crying if he remembers correctly.. Mikey cried due to his favorite characters being "re-animated" something something.

Did they reanimate the anime? Or was it fanmade? Leo didn't know..he didn't pay much attention to Mikey's likes or dislikes in anime but Mikey seems so happy while he's crying.

Looking to his youngest brother's face, Mikey latching onto Leo confusing the eldest but accepted it

After all, how can Leo resist a comforting warm embrace from his brother?

Maybe he should try spending time with Raph and Donnie..

Chapter Text

A sigh left Leo's lips boredom taking his mood, he currently watching space hero's, Captain Ryan is ordering his crew to evade the coming laser beams from the enemy , ofcourse the show was good but Leo never could stay still in this body ,there's so much to do and so much he needs to do.

But his family and friends always scolded him to take some rest before working again. Ofcourse! Leo knows how to relax! He's the most relax and calmest out of his brothers!

But..the TV looks so bland, he was so used to the hologram screens and flat Tvs in the future that he has forgotten what box Tv's looked like, then again most box Tv's were used as weapons or the parts from inside were used for weapons,his eyes drifted to the clock it was about 9:00 am and they had just finished training 

In all Honestly Leo had learned alot from those holograms, the data had gone back centuries from masters of the old era with many ancient and forbidden techniques but the one Leo was most proud of was thet memory recorder technique. No it wasn't the actual name but saying the name of it was to long so nicknaming it was a better option.. Mikey was always good at nicknaming.

Placing his hand on the floor Leo flinched at the cold tiles, pulling back his hand, He was still not used to the cold.. dirty..? Tiles.

Looking at his hand Leo hummed to himself ,the lair itself feels messy, unorganised and disarray.. yet it was still clean and organised at the same time, just not in Leo's preference 

Standing up Leo let's his show play arranging the pillows on the couch ,the lair is so.. uncozy like for him, it doesn't have flair, any pizazz, nor anything that is colorful.. and color is a must need in a child's growth, that's what he learned when he looked for baby advices online.

Pushing the couch with his strength Leo huffs when it easily moved, continuing to push it Leo cringed at the sight of dirt and dust with cobwebs sticking to the back of the couch He needs a broom and duster. Looking around he spots the equipment cabinet on the wall he opens it and found various cleaning materials and tools 'Bingo.'

Taking the broom out Leo also took out the powder soap and bar soaps inside with the mop and floor brush, he'll might borrow the floor brush when he goes back to his lair

'But won't papa 

notice its gone?'

Leo blinks at Mikeys words and hummed "Yeah.. he'll notice.." Leo muttered ,from what he seen, his father is very observant. Too observed. Leo's been trying to avoid his father detection, which he thinks is going well.. his father doesn't seems all that suspicious of Leo but he is curious. 

It was annoying.

"Notice what, may i ask?" Leo flinched turning his head to find Splinter, his father in the flesh. Ah he must've sneaked up on him when he was distracted 

"Or you're just getting old"

'Not the time Lia.' Leo thought wishing to glare at his human daughter, "I must ask, what are you doing Leonardo?" Shifting his stance Leo looks up to Splinter "just wanted to clean the lair" he told lightly shaking the broom and floor brush on his hands, it was already obvious

"Ah, I see is that why the couch has moved?" Splinter looks to where the couch was and Leo nods "Yes, father" it's odd ,did Leo call Splinter father or sensei?

Eh, doesn't matter all that much to him "and you decided to do this...why?" Ah right kids do not usually clean voluntarily unless told or scolded by a parent. "Well, I wanted to clean because it felt dirty." 

Splinter nods "and you do not need any of your brothers help?" Leo didn't need help, he hasn't asked help for the longest period of time.

All because it took so long

for one single help

to actually be received.

"No, I'm good" Leo shrugged turning away from Splinter and picked up the plastic bucket ,then walked past Splinter leaving the broom and brush against the wall ,bringing the powder soap with him to the bathroom

Placing the bucket under the faucet Leo pour a small amount of soap, turning the faucet Leo let's the water run, he turned to look up at the mirror, pulling the stepping stood ,he climbed up to look at himself 

'Damn. I look so badass' Leo thought smoldering infront of the mirror ,and man imagining himself in his prime with a scar on his eye would be so cool! He'd probably get some rizz- wait. Leo deadpan for a moment

The Gen z influence was too strong on him. Curse the Internet. Stepping down from the stool, Leo turned the faucet to the opposite direction taking the bucket and carried it out towards the living room 

'Phew.' Leo huffs leaving the bucket he took the broom, he paused looking around he saw there was no one ,taking a moment to breath Leo senses Splinter in the training room, meditating again

Stepping down to go behind the couch Leo started sweeping the dust and cobwebs off, taking notice of the lights of the lair 'so dull..' well he's sure the lair needs more lights.

"What about firefly lights?"

Leo huffed Frida was right firefly lights were very colorful, simple , and very beautiful but he's not quite sure if they have any of those ,but it wouldn't hurt to try to find it

Leo lifts the TV up placing it on the upper level of ground along with its wires, sweeping the floor throughly then placed the dustpan and broom beside the Tv he picks up the bucket pouring some soap water on the floor feeling the water touch his feet

Leo steps on the soapy water flexing his leg on the floor ,the friction of his feet with the soapy water slowly made bubbles, Leo took a small glance at space hero's and- It was already showing the credit scene.. 

Gliding towards where the TV stayed Leo changed the channel pressing on the Tvs button, his first time using the square TV was confusing ,flat Tvs had a remote or was a touch screen. This one had nothing but buttons

Pressing the small button the channel changed to a weather channel where a woman was explaining the recent events of sunny skies 'Boring' Leo thought pressing the button again there wasn't anything interesting just news and animal shows ,he even went past a turtle mating show.

Yeah. He was already normal to that.

He continues to change the channel and stopped staring at the screen, it was a ballet show. One he was familliar with 'the Swan Lake..'

His feet slowly moved on its own, more like om instinct seeing the dance of Odette the music slowly covered over the noise his brothers were making in their own room, Donnie was probably tweaking on someone his inventions, Raphael sketched in his room, Mikey? Probably asleep

He winces his child feet wasn't accustomed to ballet yet, stepping on his tiptoes the floor brush was a support for him, following what he remembers in his memories he danced.

He danced on what had seemed to be forever..

Ok, maybe he had gotten carried away with dancing and scrubbing the floor and cleaning because-

"Bro what did you do?" Mikey asked in awe the lair was shining so much it hurted when light reflected on the floor 

"I uh..." He clears his throat "I cleaned" he looks to Mikey who stares at him with a dumbfounded expression like Leo was stating the obvious

"Clearly.." His little brother muttered moments ago Mikey had walked out of his room and nearly slipped but Leo caught him before he fell ofcourse 

"Do we have Christmas lights?" Leo brought up and Mikey nods "yeah in the storage cabinet" Leo winced "and uh where is that exactly?" Mikey looks to Leo confused

"Over there" Mikey points towards the sliding door in the far part of the lair "Ah.." Leo smiled "Thanks mike" Leo slipped out and rush towards the storage door

Opening it there were many boxes labelled with small hand writing, scanning on the boxes names one caught his eyes there was a box on the top with the words 'Christmas' Leo huffed when it was on the top shelf pressing his feet against the wall he used some momentum to hop off the wall, Leo snatched the box off landing on his feet 

Walking out Leo huffed placing box down and searched through it, the familliar Christmas lights caught his attention there were about three to four long wire of Christmas taking it to his room Leo plugged it in, and the color only consists of yellow..

'Boring!' Leo would've hitted the box if he wanted to throw a meme but the word meme doesn't exist yet so he could call it Vine for now, also his brother would look at him like he was crazy if he did

Leo needs color markers. Standing up Leo unplugs the Christmas lights, stepping over them and slid open his door and walking towards Raphs room ,he knocks on the door Leo waited for a moment and opens it "Hey Raph do you have color markers?"

Raph who was coloring on his drawing and laying on the floor looks up to him "Uh yeah why?" Leo smiles "could I borrow it?" Raph stares at him "why?" Raph added with a curious expression "because I wanna color with it" Raph and Leo stare at each other for a couple of minutes before Raph reluctantly sighed standing up and took out his box of color materials

'Oh so nostalgic' Leo couldn't help but smile seeing the familliar color set, he gifted that to Cassandra when she was about 6 years old because he found it in a abandoned town, if he remembers correctly your supposed to put some water inside it then use

"Don't lose any of it." Raph told the threat was serious but Leo didn't mind "don't worry I won't" Raph nods and Leo closed Raphs door with Raph's coloring set in his hands

"Whatcha doing?" Leo smiled when he hears Mikey who had been standing behind him for the entire time spoke up "I'm gonna color some lights, wanna join me?" Mikey lit up at the suggestion "would I!?" 

"Could you get a cup of water and bring it to my room?" Mikey saluted Leo "Aye ,aye captain!" In a spongebob type of way and ran to the kitchen, Leo walk to his room setting the colors down and unbulbing the Christmas lights placing it on the bed ,one by one

"Got it!" Mikey voice lit up Leo's whole room "come sit" Leo gestures to the empty area across from him ,Mikey with plastic glass in hand walks and sat down puttingthe cup infront of him, Leo used a small plastic measurement cup which was usually for medicine that he found hidden in his drawers

Pouring small amount of water Leo closed the markers bottom and shake it, drawing experimentally on his plastron ,leo drew a small heart with the red marker

It fully made a heart and Leo hands the marker over to Mikey "can you color some of the light bulbs?" Mikey took the marker from Leo's hands and started scribbling on the light bulb, Leo pours water on the other markers ,repeating the same process till all the markers were liquefied.. Well with the exception of Black and brown

"So any updates on Naruto?" Leo started striking up a conversation Mikey face lot up brighter then ever, Leo didn't think he could see Mikey so happy..

Was mikey ever happy with Leo in the past?

"Yeah! I haven't see the full episode but the chunin exams arc just started and what it is about is that they need to raise to a higher level of being a ninja" Mikey rambled while coloring 'didn't naruto stay a genin before he became hokage?' Leo thought to himself 

Mikey would often ramble to Cassandra about Naruto since that was one thing she loved from Mikey, his story telling.

Cassandra...

"Stop brooding Oto-san, 

You look dumb when you do"

Leo shook his head amused "that great Mikey, how about we watch another episode next time?" Leo suggested and Mikey impossibly lit up even brighter 'seriously he's like the freaking sun now' Leo winced abit seeing Mikey basically gleaming 

"I'd love to!" Mikey grinned changing to a different color marker and color another light bulb ,the warm feeling blossomed in Leo, pushing the extra Christmas lights under his bed

As the hours past Mikey would talk about Naruto and his friends , telling him how different Sakura was from the manga and that the animators weren't doing well with portraying in the anime and that sakura and sasuke deserve their romance scenes to be animated 

Well he doesn't blame Mikey, from what he seen most of the fandom they shipped Naruto with the emo Uchida , though in tiktok there were many ships about naruto and the red haired dude...uhh Garra, yeah Garra from the sand village?

Once Leo and Mikey were finished coloring every light bulb and reattaching it onto the wire Leo set Raphs color materials aside picking up the many untangled Christmas lights,Leo carried them out Mikey bring the half empty-half full? Cup of water pouring the it down the sink 

"So..Leo what are you gonna do?" His little brother asked with innocent eyes ,Leo pats Mikeys head in response "I'm gonna be decorating the lair" Mikey blinks "oh, Makes sense" Leo grinned handing the Christmas lights to Mikey "be right back" Leo told walking to Donnie's lab and slid open the door 

"Hey Dee, you got any cable clips?" Leo paused seeing Donnie face planted on the floor "you good?" Leo asked walking inside and squated to Donnie's level Leo could hear a muffled "no" from Donnie "Got creative block?" Leo asked again and could hear a "Yeah" from Donnie 

"Wanna join me and Mikey?" Donnies head lifted off the ground just a little "sure, and yes I do have cable clips which is over there" Donnie lifts his arm to point to the small box under his desk "cool" Leo stood up and went towards the desk 

Picking up the box Leo turns back to look at Donnie who slowly got off the ground, Leo grinned and puts an arm around Donnie's shoulder "Good to see you out of your hole Don!" Leo laughed Donnie pouts in response 

"Yeah yeah, Woah-" Leo practically dragged Donnie to the living room, Mikey sat on the ground rocking back and forth with his legs "Oh hey, Dee!" Mikey waved to Donnie, Leo let's go of Donnie and placed the box full of nails and cable clips on the floor taking on out and found the end of the christmas light from Mikey

"Dee could you hold it like this for me?" Leo asked looking to his brothers who stood behind him staring at Leo with curious gazes, Donnie nods holding the christmas "Mikey could you hold the box for me?" Leo turns to Mikey who miraculous already held the box in his hands "Ok thanks" Leo smiled 

"What are you doing." Leo blinks hearing Raphs voice "Oh hey raph wanna join?" Leo asked gesturing to the small hammer from the box he held in his hand "Uh sure, I guess.." Raph 

"Ok you guys ready?" Leo asked looking to his brother through the darkness of the lair, they sat on the couch waiting for Leo to plug in the lights

BLING!

All the hanging light turned on and it lit up the lair "woah!" Mikey muttered the lair blaring into soft color lights, one whole line is red, another is blue ,then purple, orange, yellow, green and lastly blue

"Wow, for once Leo's idea isn't so boring" Raph muttered his eyes focused on the lights on the ceiling "what is going on here?" Leo blinks turning his head he lit up seeing his father "Oh! Father ,we have decorated the lair" Splinters eyes moved above then to Leo

"Isn't it a but early for christmas?" Leo sweatdrops "Oh no I was redecorating and my brothers decided to help" Leo gestures to his brothers on the couch "Oh, I see well it looks very nice" Splinter said and Leo smiled "yeah it is" 

'Now I just gotta decorate my lair..' Leo sighed in defeat and walked to the couch and fell down face first "what the-" Raph who was just near Leo jumps back in shock "what the shell Leo?!" 

Leo gave a defeated shrug "ehh.. I'm tired put on some-""No spaceheros" his three brothers told sternly ,Leo was amused by their response "sure what ever movie suits the best for you guys" Leo muttered listening to his brother bicker on what channel they should play

In the ed the night was drowned down by the sound the Disney movie; Hercules

Leo stared at the TV where Hercules was just kidnapped by Pain and Panic 'well it may be enjoyable but inaccurate' Leo thought lifting his head alittle and rested his head on Raphs Leg

A small yawn escapes his lips, His vision slowly darkening as the sounds of the TV slowly drowns out ,He let's sleep take him afterall Sleep is a wonderful wonderland

He can continue his redecorating in the morning

Chapter Text

"Ah!" Leo fell on his but , exhausted from the long hours of labour "Well,doing labour on your own while being a child sucks!" Leo complained to no one after all he was alone in his lair, No one to help him..

"Ah! I'm thinking negatively!" He exclaimed slapping his cheeks with both his hands 

"Dont worry Oto-san!

You have us!"

Leo blinks and sighed "your right Frida, I'm thinking too negatively about this" Leo huffed laying on the now clean floor "kids, Do you think I can pull off saving the world?" Leo frowned looking up to the well lit ceiling 

"Well considering all the bullshit

we went through" 

"Language" Leo quips, giving Venus an annoyed stare "and you're right. I survived the Years! Of War, torture and Hell. I can do it again!" Leo sat up enthusiastically and immediately deflated "right. The long part is that I have to grow a garden.. and there's no alien tech to help grow it faster." Leo muttered annoyed

"The Krang 

could be anywhere in the city, 

you just need to find 

which area and

 facilities they are using"

Leo nods at Jr's words "that is true.." Leo huffed and looked at the soil he had asked Splinter to gather for him a few days ago, though his father didn't pry into why he wanted soil but Leo saw the curiosity in his father's eyes, well who is he to keep small secrets?

Such a liar

He sighed, waving off the negative thought "shut up" he pouts looking around the free space , He needs to close off the other rooms to keep it hidden- Oh! Wait- Leo has the tools for it already!

Taking out the phone he took along with the wallet and gun he grinned 'well this will be entertaining' Leo giggled pulling out the small blade he kept hidden

___

"Leo's weird" Mikey blinks glancing to Raph who sat on the ground coloring his drawing, Donnie glances up from his invention there was a small silence between but cut short by- 

"Come on! I can't be the only one who thinks that?!" Raph adds looking at his younger brothers "Leo has been acting weird for a while now.." Mikey muttered puffing one side of his cheeks 

"Leo has been showing signs of changed of his regular behaviour ever since he has gotten his scar" Donnie spoke up placing his invention down, Raph couldn't help but glance to the kitchen his lips trembling as he shakes off the thoughts

"Well! I don't like it! That's what. I don't like his changed behaviour! I don't like how he's exploring the sewers alone! I don't like how he just straight up ignores us!" Raph listed down standing up from the floor "maybe its just how he copes Raph" Donnie suggests 

Mikey huffs it's true Leo has been weird, but weird in a fun way! Leo was never interested in anime like he was, Leo even brought back a Naruto manga for him! It is in perfect condition!

Well Leo has always liked things that are clean and organised that what made Leo.. Leo! Leo always trained, write, and watched space heros- now.. Leo barely does any of those things, the space hero's intro is rarely heard in the lair nowadays.

Leo was always coped up in his room and now he's barely in the lair! Always going off to the sewers to explore..

"Well, I'm gonna look for him!" Mikey's thoughts were cut short by Ralph's statements, his head turned to where raph stood- he was gonna exit the lair without Splinter permission!

"Wait- Raph! You can just go out there alone!" Donnie protested, standing up his invention now forgotten "why not? Leo does it all the time!" Raph walks out ,Mikey rose to his feet and immediately followed after his two older brothers 

"Guys wait for me!" He exclaimed trying to catch up to them leaving the well lit lair and into the darkness, after a while they made it at the entrance of the sewers

 "Is this a good idea..?" Mikey asked looking to his brothers who stared at the entrance with fearful expressions "Raph maybe we should-"

"No Donnie! We will find Leo even if I have to drag his but back!" Raph marched forward leaving Donnie and Mikey to look at each other "Raph wait up!" Mikey exclaimed and Donnie let's out a loud groan 

"if we get lost I'm blaming you two!" Mikey's genius brother exclaimed following behind them following Raphs lead they turned to various corners ,always winding to longer and darker tunnel paths much to his two brothers annoyance "creepy.." Mikey muttered

They walked down further down the tunnels seemingly going deeper and deeper as time went on "Raph...do you know where we're going?" Mikey finally asked looking to his red bandana brother 

"Yes- afterall all the sewers are connected." Mikey notices Donnie pause after hearing Raphs words "yeah to one way only raph! Into the large sewer water where it gets cleaned!" Donnie exclaimed 

"No it's not, If we keep walking we'll find Leo!" Raph blurted Mikey stopped walking looking in between his two brothers "what are you two waiting for?" Raph asked looking to them 

"We're lost aren't we Raph?" Donnie asked glaring at his older brother who blinks 

"what- no! We were not lost! Like I said we'll find Leo soon Enough-" Donnie cuts in immediately 

"You said that already! And just admit it! We're lost! And thanks to you we can't find our way!" Donnie points his finger to Raph ,his older brother grints his teeth 

"Are you not listening Donnie!? We'll find Leo it just-" Donnie stepped forward towards Raph "Yeah well we listened to you and now we're lost and have no way back!" Mikey flinched at the words 'No way..back..?' 

"There's..no way back..?" Mikey asked his brothers, falling silent when Mikey spoke, lips trembling "wait- Mikey I didn't mean-" "now look what ya did!" Donnie was cut off by Raph ,the hot headed brother shoved Donnie back causing the genius to tumble back

"What was that for?!" Donnie exclaimed and saw Mikey's eyes glistening even if it was dark the small light was able to show Mikey's tears that threatened to fall any second "Mi-Mikey its ok" Raph held Mikeys shoulders 

As Mikey sniffed, a loud splash echoed through the tunnel "do you hear that?" Donnie asked his brothers confusion on his face "Quite Donnie!" Raph snapped 

"I.. sniff I hear it too.." Mikey muttered falling silent rubbing his eyes with his hand ,Raph blinks looking around for the sound ,the sound seems to only get closer

"What-" A gush of water suddenly hits them pushing them causing the three tots to fall back, Mikey was pulled being submerged underwater the current was bring him down ,he tried to swim up but his arms and legs were no use against the strong current 

Mikey was spinning in water making him dizzy, with some miracle Mikey managed to resurface breaking through the water ,he coughs some sewer water had entered his mouth. It tastes horrible! 

"Raph!? Cough! Donnie!?" Mikey cried out trying to keep himself up as he searched for his brother "Mikey!" Mikey head whips where he heard the yell he sees Raph 

"Raph!" Mikey exclaimed watching his brother disappear underwater "RAPH!!" Mikey cried panicked he was pulled back down underwater ,squinting his eyes he tried to search for his brothers but-

He was now falling!

"AHHH!!!" He was falling! Oh shell he's falling! "MIKEY!" He looked up to see his brother "RAPH!-woah!" Someone had caught him Mikey immediately clinged onto the stranger- who- "Raph hold on!" Mikey flinched at the familiar voice looking up briefly and it was-

LEO!?

And Donnie! He was on Leo's back- what was going on?!

Leo had a rope wrapped around his waist swinging towards Raph who was still falling ,Leo caught Raph with his hand on Raphs shell He landed against the wall ,Leo pants "no one move-" he spoke softly but there was some strain on his voice, Mikey didn't care he clinged onto Leo trembling against his Onii-chan frame 

The sound of rushing water could be heard besides Leo's heavy panting- it made sense Leo was carrying the three of them. It would make sense if Leo was getting tired ,Mikey could feel Leo shift "Mikey I need you to hold on tight ok?" Leo spoke moving Raph to hold him properly "don't let go" Leo muttered 

"Like shell we will-"

"quite Raph!" 

Mikey could hear his two brothers bicker. Leo slowly walked up the wall holding the rope hard ,a small slip- "Ah!" Donnie exclaimed his legs wrapped hard around Leo as he cringed hard on his Onii-chans torso "Leo-!" Donnie stopped hearing Leo pant 

"its- its ok! Were almost there, see?" Leo spoke gesturing to another opening where water wasn't running down 

Mikey could barely see it but he knew what Leo meant, His big brother's heart was beating really fast.. maybe too fast for a normal turtle. On what seemed forever Leo pushed Raph up a small 

A "Hey!" Could be heard ,though Raph immediately turned to help Leo up with the strength he had, Leo got up and layed on his side Mikey and Donnie still clinging onto him like koalas

"A-cough!- are you guys alright?" Leo asked sitting up coughing a few times before looking to them 

"What were you guys thinking?! Swimming in rushing water- that was dangerous!" Leo scolds starting to inspect his younger brothers Mikey was the first, the stench of sewer water didn't seem to bother him, not when Leo's warm hand was pressing against his cheeks

"God's your lucky I heard your yelling when I was nearby! If not, who knows where you guys could end up!" Leo's lecture continues as he inspects Donnie who was trembling "that was terrifying..." Donnie muttered "yeah" Mikey replied absent mindedly

"Ok, you two don't have injuries." Leo turned to someone else and stood up to walk behind them "Raph-" Le was cut off when Raph punched Leo-IN THE FACE?!

"What the hell is Raph?!" "Bro, not cool!" Both Donnie and Mikey exclaimed

Leo though was silent, slowly touching his face ,then looked to Raph "Raph.." Leo spoke softly reaching a hand to Raphs shoulders 

"It's ok" Leo hand met Raphs shoulder Mikey couldn't see what was Raphs expression due to how Leo as blocking their view but not a second past and Raph was clinging on Leo hugging him

"It's ok.. no one is hurt.." Leo's soothing voice could be heard through the tunnel ,though they couldn't hear what Raph was saying the rushing water was covering over the small voice of Raph

"Shhh it's ok.. it's ok.." Leo hugged Raph ,turning to look at Mikey and Donnie. He gestures his hand for them to come closer and they did, they hugged, they held each other. It felt no different from a turtle pile, yet somehow it felt more warm. More soothing. The hug Leo gave was incredibly warm.. "you guys ok now..?" Leo's voice cuts through the atmosphere "because you three really stink."

Ok that was just rude. Raph punched Leo's arm "Seriously Leo? We were having a moment!" Earning a soft laugh from their Onii-chan, Donnie gave Leo a small smack on the shell, "way to ruin it bro.." Mikey only huffed in the hug cheek pressed against Leo's shoulder "but your really cool" 

"Thanks..?" Leo spoke and looked around "can you guys get off..?" Leo asked "No" they collectively said in union "Oh.. ok hard way it is then" Hard way? 

"Hey-!"

"woah!"

"What th-!" 

Holy moly Leo was carrying them! Wait- since when could he do this?! "Geez this body is so weak.." Mikey could hear Leo mutter under his breath, weak? Leo thought he was weak?

 "Hey put me down!" Raph exclaimed in familiar anger ,Though Mikey liked the carry it felt safe and warm 

"Leo put us down!" Donnie exclaimed squirming in Leo's hold "Ok" Leo puts Donnie and Raph down but paused when Mikey didn't let go 

"You wanna stay there little bro?" Mikey nods enthusiastically and Leo sighed "Alright let's go" Leo started walking Ralph and Donnie behind him

"Do you even know the way?" Raph asked Donnie gave Raph an annoyed look "yeah. Better than you.." Raph froze and glanced away, Mikey could see guilty for a moment on Raph's face "shut up." Raph grumbled 

Donnie nearly tripped on his own feet and Raph looked like he was gonna tumble over and fall asleep , their walking gradually slowed down Leo seemed to not have noticed though..

"Leo" Mikey mumbled, catching his Onii-chans attention "they look tired.." Leo stopped in his tracks turning to look where Donnie was now on the ground and Raph was leaning against the wall

"Ah.." Leo smiled to Mikey "thank you for telling me" Leo shifts Mikey onto his back Mikey clings onto Leo's back arms around neck clinging and watching as Leo picked hoisted Donnie up from his position and carried his genius brother in his arms '...when did Leo get so strong..?' Mikey thought watching Leo's pulled Raph and carried him like Donnie 

"Leo we can walk.." Raph mumbled tiredly trying to get off Leo ,Donnie nodded in agreement but it looked like he was barely conscious "Nuh uh. You guys are tired, filthy and stinky. Were going to my lair to clean you guys up" 

Wait all the way to the lair?! Mikey blinks surprised at Leo's words yet he was too tired to argue and stayed in place

Mikey watches in silence ,Leo carries Raph and Donnie so easily.. not to mention he is on Leo's back aswell.. 

'Suge...'. The walk was quite silent, obvious because Raph and Donnie had passed out due to exhaustion and couldn't bicker Mikey sighed he was quite tired 

"so..wanna talk about what happened...?" Mikey froze at Leo's question the soft sounds of water rushing became distant and the splashes of water with every step Leo took seemed to get louder in the silence 

"Mikey..?" Leo spoke up again and Mikey pouts

"Raph wanted to find you, and well we followed him then..Donnie got upset because Ralph was leading us to nowhere, and then the water-" Mikey's lips trembling at the fresh memory closing his eyes as he tried to hug Leo tighter

"The water swept you three away" Leo continued for him the small soft snores of his two older brothers could be heard through the quiet sewers 

"How are ya holding up?" Mikey blinks he was a expecting a scolding of some sort like earlier

"Uh- Well.. I'm doing alright?" Honestly he wasn't sure either ,he was tired and wanted to sleep yet the fear of letting go of Leo and going back to drowning in the water seemed to be keeping him awake

"Ok, we're almost there" Mikey blinks slowly darting his eyes around the area they didn't seem close to the lair but maybe Leo was talking about out of the sewers?

Slowly a soft light entered Mikey's vision as Leo continued on walking ,with in a few blinks they had arrived in a new place ,a very big place with familiar christmas lights decoded on the walls it was quite bright and colourful unlike the lair 

 "Ok, up we go" Leo walks around towards a hallway entering a larger space peaking over Donnies head Mikey blinks with surprise 

"Why is there a large bathtub..?" He asked in a barely audible tone with a confused voice watching Leo place Donnie down seated inside the tub ,then Raph was seated next Leo turns the water putting his hand over the water and hummed with satisfaction 

"Ok Mikey get in" stepping in the tub Mikey hummed the warm clean water slowly turning brown as it made contact with his skin

"Geez.." Leo had a bottle on his hand with a shower puff..where did he get those? Leo steps into the bath ,Mikey rubs his eye yawning as Leo puts his foot on the edge of the tub reaching for the shower thing, Leo successfully gotten it and sat down letting the shower thing hang, Mikey huffed Leo reached out of the tub pulling back he held a dipper? That's the name right?

Mikey yawns, feeling the warm water fall down on his back ,black spots slowly enter his vision, a small sigh left his lips and he leaned back against Leo..? He thinks.

He's too tired to know anyways..some sleep wouldn't hurt.

The lair has been oddly quiet for a while now.

Splinter hummed that there hadn't been a single noise from any of his sons. He assumed they had fallen asleep around 3 pm ,the TV had been turned off and he just came out of his meditation state. It was around 7:30 pm already, dinner time. He should be cooking now.

Standing up from his spot Splinter walks towards the door ,sliding it open the bright soft lights decorating the living room was a nice touch, it seemed Leonardo has been showing more of his childish imagination again, though still the same child he loves he couldn't help but wonder why his eldest seemed more...stiff around him

A sigh left Splinter lips raising his head to look around first then it dawned on him.

Where were his sons?

The lair was hollow. Quite. Not a single sound that there was anyone in the lair but his presence ,he brisk walked to Donatello's lab, usually his son would be here tinkering but..it was empty ,Splinter took notice of the invention in the living room left behind, as well with Raphael's drawing book, the page has been opened where the drawing was half way been coloured, and there laid a manga on the the couch

He couldn't feel his son's presence..

Wait- HE CANT FEEL HIS SONS PRESENCE!

WAIT WHERE ARE HIS SON?!

"Achoo!" Leo rubs his nose sniffing as he dried his sleeping brothers with a towel, seriously how did they get into that predicament? Like- how?!

One moment Leo was planting flowers he had borrowed- Stolen.-From the blackmarket. The next his sense started to blare about sewer 25 and lives in danger so Leo did the reasonable thing and grabbed a rope and rushed to the scene and Oh boy he found his little brothers being carried along with the sewer water

So with instinct of course he swooped in and saved them in a good Spider-Man style and of course the theme song of spectacular Spider-Man ran through his head I mean how could it not? He swung like Spider-Man!

Anyways-

Though he was relieved realising his brothers weren't hurt but checking on them is a must, Raph though was acting weird he stood behind his younger baby brothers shaking. Leo knew what it was ,with Raphs mind he thought it was his fault. Though the punch still hurted..

Leo opens his mouth feeling the small stinging pain, it'll go away late. Stretching his arm he flexed it, wincing at the soft Pop! 

Man even in the past he had to take care of children..

Oto-san you're a child aswell..

"Psh.. I know that!" Leo waved off Frida's words looking to his sleeping brothers he huffed "you know you kids would've loved to meet them.."

Leo muttered looking to Venus and Frida who stood amused at their fathers words

"you know we will someday"

Leo nods in agreement

They will after all this time he'll make sure his kids will live a happy life but baby steps first Leo baby steps...

Oto-san you should get some sleep

Leo hummed in response, smiling to Jr with a grin "always so strict huh?" Leo rubs his eyes glancing to the main room and sighed ,it can wait after all he had finished his garden now..

Some sleep wouldn't hurt...

Leo lays on the side his shell pressing against the cushion a small sigh leaving his lips as he felt Mikey roll onto his back his hand resting on Leo's plastron ,turning to his side Leo's smiled cresting Mikey 's cheeks 'so much like Frida..' closing his eyes Leo let's himself drift into dreamworld

Chapter Text

"Geez you guys are heavy."Leo muttered currently, he was carrying his brother back to the lair, like damn- he didn't expect to have a full two hour nap! That resulted in him carrying his brothers back to the lair and trying to not get them dirty. 

Leo adjusted Mikey on his back jumping up a bit to make sure his baby brother didn't fall, man he misses his old body..

L imagen missing being an old man

"Hahaha- very funny Venus." Leo replied to his hallucination of His youngest daughter, a huff left his mouth he finally made it to the train tracks and honestly? he was relieved to be finally out of the sewers, it stank!

Obviously cause it's the sewers...but even the krang dimension didn't stink that much. Then again the entire air was filled with nitrogen and sulfur...

Dragging himself along the side a familiar lighting shone out in the dark train tracks- finally his salvation has come!

Walking inside the lair he nearly tripped on his feet due to Donnie tilting his head back 'Shi-' Leo caught himself before he fell honestly being in a child body is hard work, with heavy pants Leo made his way to the rooms and he can go back to his lai-

"Where have you been?" A voice spoke not too far from Leo ,and Leo just wishes he could scream in frustration but his brothers would wake up and he'd have to get more questions from them then his own father.

"Why are you carrying your brothers..?" Leo slowly waddled, turning to look at Splinter lifting his bros to gesture for Splinter to take Donnie and Raph ,Splinter took them with ease and Leo's arms immediately dropped when they were gone 'Geez their heavy..' Leo thought it was a good thing he used multiple ripped t-shirts to support Mikey on his back so his baby brother wouldn't fall

"You and I will talk this about Leonardo." Leo blinks looking up at Splinter, face now serious with a small hint of worry "...Yes father.." Leo mumbled turning away and walking to Mikey's room reaching his hand out to slide the door open, entering the room Leo leaned back on the edge of the bed carefully untying the support he had for Mikey and with that his baby brother fell onto the bed with a small BOING!

Leo arch his back and came a satisfying CRACK! A huff left Leo's lips He turned to Mikey pulling the blanket over his brother and tucked him in a smile grew on Leo's face ,turning away Leo walks out of the room strolling past his two younger brothers rooms soft and loud snores could be heard ,he stopped seeing a familiar figure looking up Leo saw Splinter 'Ah.' Leo thought 

"So your brothers were wandering the sewers searching for you, and they got swept away by the water nearly falling to the system where it connects to the ocean and you saved them and took them to your small hideout?" Leo nods at the clarification of Splinter it would be wrong for Leo to hide it from Splinter, he deserves to know after all he's their father, Leo knows how it feels when something bad has happened and you can't force them to speak because they're scared...

Looking up to Splinter ,a small hum could be heard from Splinter "and where is this hide out of yours?" Leo blinks "it's inside the sewers, Father. it's a large space I found when I was walking around and stumbled upon my journey"

Quite literally.

I mean yeah- didnt 

Oto-san fell down 

the small steps of stairs?

'Not helping' Leo thought his eyes were twitching at their words "I see.." Leo blinks nearly forgetting he was in front of Splinter right now, Leo huffs "please do not blame my brothers father, it was my fault they that they got into that mess due to them searching for my presence" Leo spoke up bowing his head down

"Is that why you recently have been staying out of the lair..?" Leo blinks confused "Huh?" Leo eyes met Splinters "you mentioned, you had a garden"

Leo perks at his father's words "ah- yes father! I have been planting for a while now and I've been using light from the surface by poking holes through manhole cover" which was an easy task by using a literal drill he had found from a box in the storage cabinet "where did you get the plants?" Leo froze 'Shit.'

Oh god how is he supposed to say to his Father that he broke into facilities to steal plants? Cause in all honesty that sounds bad,which it kinda is and not that you should steal from anyone-

Didn't you technically steal us

From the Krang?

Leo paused sweating bullets, God even hallucination Frida wasn't helping Leo- "I took wilted flowers I found in the water and some moss from the walls to plant, and with that I am now growing a garden" Leo answered hoping that it seem convincing- but moss can grow new plants by both asexual and sexual reproduction those gardening tips from Venus are really paying off

'Heh, grow a garden Reference Lmao-'

Ah Leo walked into that joke. Well can't be helped- "so may i be allowed to look into this garden?" Splinter's tone was hopeful and curious ,was his father always this expressive...? Ah, what's the point of trying to remember when he's alive in front of him right now?

"Ofcourse Father" Leo bowed his head with a smile growing on his face 'maybe I can actually save you in this timeline..'

"Yame!" Father exclaimed Leo huffs staring at Raphs fallen form on the floor ,sweat dripping from his brother's scales panting as he hit the floor with his fist. walking towards Raph. Leo extended a hand helping Raph up from the floor "you good Raph?" Leo brushed the dirt on Raph's shoulder and smiled 

"Yeah whatever" his younger brother replied and Leo's hand pats Raphs head walking away after to kneel down beside his other two younger brothers Raph follows right as their Father walks past them "You have improved alot Leonardo" he blinks, improved..? Bruh what? Nah-

"Uh- actually Father" Splinter stops in his tracks and Leo looks to him "it was Raph, Donnie, and Mikey who improved" Splinter raised an eyebrow turning to him "Oh how so?" 

"Donnie was able to block Mikey's attack coming from behind with his stick and Mikey countered it with a kick to the legs but Donnie knew it and kicked Mikey away first, Mikey was able to catch Donnie out of guard when he swooped below and legged locked Donnies legs causing Donnie to get defeated when his face met the floor-" Donnie mouth drops open at the words letting out a small "Hey!" 

"-Raph, found one of my opening spots and used it to his advantage to trip me, though I apologise on leaving myself open" Leo bowed his head in defeat while his brothers and father stared at him Leo took in a breath 

"Sensei-" Leo couldn't help but flinch on his word "Could we spar against you?" Leo's lips trembled, staring at his father whose eyes widened in surprise "you would like to spar against me..?" Leo shook his head "No. Not only me, I have thought about it and.. Could you let me and my brother fight against you in a spar"

Leo couldn't help but take a small glance to his brothers whose mouths were dropped open shaking their heads in refusal and glaring at him in despair which mean- "'we aren't prepared to take father down, and we will literally not let you watch space heroes for weeks if you do this'" Leo sweatdrops he feels like he seen this before....

Casey really took this part of 

Oto-san huh?

You mean being a literal

Gremlin and menace?

Yeah.

Leo ignored his daughters voices and looked at his father expectantly "I see..but may u ask.. why?" Splinter crested his chin in curiosity Leo took in a small breath "Well you see from what I noticed on our fighting and compared to Captain Ryan's team in space hero's. Captain Ryan works along with his team while we fight separately which made me wonder if we were to ever go to the surface 'what would happen' in parts of my thoughts we will be working together not as separate and I have seen, we know how to fight against each other more than with each other."

Splinter hummed, staring at Leo and smiled "so this is a trial when you four go to the surface?" Leo nods agreeing immediately Splinter hummed "I see.. Well then I will give you four the entire day to try and work together then at noon before dinner ,You four will go against me." Splinter turns away and Leo smiled satisfied

Watching Splinter close his room door a pair of hands grabbed Leo's shoulder "LEO ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Raph shook violently that it was kinda giving him a headache though the shaking stopped when Donnie placed a hand on Ralph's hands "allow me Raph-" Raph let's go off Leo's shoulder though- "YOUR CRAZY LEO!!" Donnie was now shaking Leo back and forth violently 

"I know you wanna be a good student to Sensei- BUT WHAT WAS THAT?!?" Donnie's voice became high pitched in tone Leo had to wince at the volume "Leo bro, that wasn't cool." Mikey spoke from behind Leo can definitely see his baby brother pouting behind Raph and donnie

"cou-ld yo-u g-uys -s-sto-p-sha-ki-ng me!" Leo exclaimed dropping to the floor on his shell geez it was like the world was spinning in a loop "eughhh..." Slowly sitting up a fist punch against Leo's arm "Ow, what was that for?" He looks up to see his brothers staring at him like he grown Two heads 

"You deserve it, genius!" Raph exclaimed as raising his fist again to hit Leo "sorry, just thought if we were ever to go to the surface we would work together as a team..." Leo muttered looking away from them his shoulders slumping down in defeat

"I mean we could always not fight Father if you guys want-ow!" Raph hitted Leo's shoulder again "idiot when did we say we don't?" Raph grumbled Leo blinks in surprise looking to Mikey and Donnie who nodded in agreement 

"How can we go against Sensei Leo? It was your idea you should be able to figure out a plan" Raph sat beside him crossing his legs in turn Donnie and Mikey followed making a small circle "I got it!" Leo grinned snapping his fingers, gesturing for his brothers to come closer 

They huddled together and Leo knew exactly what they were gonna do.

Ok maybe things didn't go as planned, I mean how was Leo supposed to know his father would suddenly grab his wrist?!

Oto-san you dislocated 

your arm again!

'Shush Cassandra, your papa is having a moment' if you mean the moment where his father was staring there stunned along with his brothers who haven't realised the situation, Leo huffed seeing the small dislocation though it kinda hurted when it did..

Didn't you plan this though..?

Leo sweatdrops and narrowed his eyes beads of sweat falling down his face

Well....

"So my sons, are you four ready?" Splinter stood in the middle of the training room with his four sons surrounding hims in defensive stances, Leo sighs glancing at his brothers who nodded to Leo "Hajime!" Leo room a step back preparing his stand his eyes darting to Mikey ,his little brother rushed towards their father

Swinging his nun-chucks ,his father's tail tripped Mikey causing his little brother to tumbled towards Leo placing a hand in front Leo stopped Mikey from rolling, Raph and Donnie attacks Splinter but his father took a side step causing Donnies staff to hit Raphs head 'Oh-' Leo winces along with Mikey 

He nods to Mikey crouching down his little brother jumps off his back ,swinging his nun-chucks down which was caught in between his father's fingers and Mikey was thrown against the tree ,Raph jumps behind Splinter only to be hit by their father's palm against the plaster on send Raph back towards Mikey, Leo blinks seeing an opening on Splinter's legs, back and waist area he grinned but-

Donnie rushed forwards swinging his staff ,He was tripped by Splinters feet causing Donnie to tumble on the ground like a bowling ball and crash against Raph and Mikey. Loud groaning coming from them ,Splinter looks towards Leo with a smile his hands gesturing for him to come forward, Leo squints his eyes and Sprinted towards Splinter swinging his sword down the other one swung on the Left their father took a few steps back moving his body fluidly dodging Leo's wooden swords

'Not bad father' Leo thought taking notice how Splinter moved his right foot more and balances with his tail when stepping back ,Leo continued to swing his swords dodging Splinters kicks and hits by second as to act as if he didn't see it before his father made his moves 'How.. predictable.' he thought jumping back gaining distance then immediately rushed towards Splinter he was about to Swing up but-

Splinter was about to grab Leo's hands a quick grin appears on Leo's face and he jumped, flipping above Splinter he was immediately grabbed by his father's hand and with out a thought Leo moved his arm down causing it to make a loud-

CRACK!

Falling and rolling onto his side Leo hissed at the impact, slowly sitting up he winced at the stinging pain "ow-ow- Ow.. Leo muttered immediately his father had knelt down in front of him with concern on his face "Leonardo- are you alright?" Splinter's hands were hesitant to move, Mikey his sweet baby brother rushed to his side kneeling down "Leo are you ok?! That sounded like it hurt!" Raph and Donnie followed behind Mikey standing behind him "I told you that part of the plan was risky Leo!" Donnie exclaimed annoyed while Raph hit his shell "You ok bro?" Raphs voice was filled with worry

Giving them a small smile Leo gave a small laugh "ha- its Fine! I just can't feel my arm" Leo rubbed the back of his head in defeat but took notice of the deafening silence coming from them "What." Ohh uh- Maybe he shouldn't have not told them?

"Oh it's nothing I'm pretty sure my arm is dislocated but I don't think I have any broke bones" Leo explained pointing out to his shoulder area gesturing "I just need to reconnect the humerus to the glenoid and I'll be ok-" his arm that he had been cradling drops down and causing distress to his family 

"OH SHELL- OH SHELL!" Mikey couldn't speak the right words as he watches Leo's arm stay limp ,Leo though was unfazed by the panic watching his Father move his hand over to Leo's shoulder "father what are you doing..?" Splinters breaths hitch and let out a small sigh "I am going to put your shoulder back in place" Leo stares blankly at his father 

"Oh god I can't look-" Donnie looked in another direction, covering his eyes with his hands. Raph immediately pulled Mikey away to give Leo and their father space "Dad just help Leo!please!" Mikey panicked ,Leo though slowly moved away protecting his arm, he trusts his father but he isn't quite sure due to his years of experience as a medic ,he can perfectly do it on his own "Leonardo let me-" Leo grabbed his shoulder and- CRACK! 

Everyone went still slowly. Leo let go of his shoulder the familiar twinging pain "Ow- ow- Ow.. ish.." Leo experimentally raising his arms flexing as he grumbled to himself Leo looked to his family and smiled "see? No need to worry about me" slowly Leo stands up ,Mikey gets out of Raphs hold immediately rushing to Leo's side

"Your- your ok?! Didn't it hurt?!" Mikey hurriedly asked though Leo was having a sense of Daja vu from this.. "I'm alright Mikey besides I've had worse" Leo laughs it off patting Mikey's head and bows to His father's direction "I apologise for the inconvenience Father but I need to check on myself before I can continue with training" Leo walks past Splinter giving him a nod

"Sorry for ruining the plan.." Leo muttered looking to Donnie and Raph they blinked in shock when Leo passed by them opening the door and closed it once he was out

'Geez.. that was stupid..'

Oto-san! It's alright you didn't know!

Yeah, Though that hand snatching thing was 

kinda a stupid move ,considering 

How you are in a child form and

there was a risk of  internal damages

if your father was gonna throw you 

to the floor

Opening the door to his room Leo shook his head "Ehh I can handle-" 

But your body can't. Oto-san I know you wanna fight and train to get stronger.

But your body can't handle it! There 

Could be extreme damages 

if you're not careful next time!

Closing the door behind him, a brief silence took over

Oto-san...

I know you want to protect them.

But you can't protect them if your

Being incredibly reckless with your life.

Oto-San, your not as strong as before

As much I don't wanna agree with Casey

You aren't exactly in the state of body where you can handle  an explosion to the face

Dang it. His kids were right. Even if they were just hallucinations his memory serves him too well in remembering every detail of their character and features..

Swaying from one side to the other Leo bee lined his way to his bed plopping down his face meeting the soft cushions first his eyes dropping in a heartbeat ,though he could feel a ghostly hand touches his head

Sleep first Oto-san... you need it

Leo hummed at Venus words his head sinking onto the pillow under him

 Donnie watches as Leo limps his way out of the training room his hand hovering on the air, he tried to reach for Leo but Leo passed by him to quickly he could see the dejected look on his Onii-chans face when he passed by, did they...hurted Leo's feeling? 

Oh man he's feeling so bad...Leo saved them last night and didn't even say anything about it this morning! Just hugged him and went inside the training room, Mikey said Leo had carried us back to the lair all by himself and and considering the distance it must've been exhausting.

Oh now he feels like a idiot right now...he wasn't great at feeling that the one thing knows Mikey has always been the emotional out of them and Leo was the emotionally reserved one, seeing Leo becoming showing emotions is... weird 

Mikey was already trying to walk out of the training but- "Yame!" The three tots froze in place turning to look at Splinter "let Leonardo rest, we also have to discuss on your little adventure last night"

The three Tots paled looking at each other wonder who had told Splinter ,the three hesitantly sat down looking up to their Sensei ,He lets out a sigh "what you three did was incredibly irresponsible and reckless, I had raised you boys to become aware of your surroundings and you deliberately left the lair with no permission nor telling me where you three would go. You boys are lucky Leonardo brought you three back safely not to mention he had to carry you three on his back alone." The boys hung their head in shame wincing at the reminder

"Now. Explain to me what you boys were thinking about leaving the lair without my knowledge?" Splinter sat down watching his three sons stay silent though Donnie was sure Splinter already knew what this meant Donnie could feel his Sensei's eyes scanning them, waiting for one to crack and -"It was Raph's fault!" Donnie exclaimed pointing to his hot headed brother ,Raph immediately turned to Donnie 

"HEY! I didn't force you two to come with me!" Raph countered "Well if we didn't you could've died!" Donnie pointed out Mikey looks between his brothers, his hand rubbing against wrist in nervousness "Well I wouldn't because Leo would've saved me!" Raph argued "Leo wouldn't have found us if he wasn't walking around the sewers.." Mikey added in a low voice hoping his brothers heard what he said

And they did ,both had paused before looking to Mikey shock written on their faces "wh-what?" Mikey took in a small breath "Leo said..that he was looking around the sewers when he heard our screaming, he said if he wasn't near.. we..." Mikey trailed off too nervous to continue speak ,his throat felt like it was closing up in him, his hands needed to find something to hold but it didn't so his hand started to tighten the grip he had on his own wrist it hurted but it was comfort 

Raph and Donnie stayed silent staring at Mikey ,Raph let out a small "tch" kicking air and turned away from Donnie ,and the genius brother rubbed his hand up and down his arm both looked defeated "I still think Leo would've saved me.." Raph muttered under his breath and Donnie grunts his teeth 

"Well we could've died Raph!" Raph and Mikey froze when they heard those words. It felt heavy like it carried too much for a simple word ,they could've died or worse but they weren't. "We didn't." The hot headed brother muttered his nose scrunching "you three didn't." Splinter finally spoke up the three tots looked to Splinter 

"And that is thanks to your brother Leonardo." Splinter added a long sigh dragged out of Splinters lips "I think a punishment is suited for the three of you, I would ask Leonardo since he was the one who brought you three back, but since he is resting you three are grounded." 

'Again.' Raph thought bitterly this was the second time this month, not to long ago they got grounded because of Leo getting hurt, and now they got grounded after they tried to look for Leo and nearly died "you three are dismissed" Their father said standing up walking to his room ,Raph stood up from where he sat taking one glance to Mikey and Donnie and walked away from them

Opening the sliding door closing it behind him before any of his youngest brother could talk to him ,making his way towards their bedrooms Raph stopped seeing Leo's room door he scoffed turning away from his own room to open his big brother's door, inside it was dark but Raph could clearly see Leo laying flat on his bed face against the pillow 

Walking inside Raph sat on the floor leaning against Leo's bedside, his shell pressing on the wooden structure of big brother's bed. He pulled his legs towards his chest, his arms above his knees, and hid his face against his arms, "you're so stupid Leo.." Raph muttered 

Jolting when he felt a hand placed on top of his head "heh, I know.." biting his lips Raph turned to look at Leo who was half asleep , moving over Leo gestures for Raph to lay down with him "come on.." Leo muttered Raph hesitantly laid down his head against the pillow turning to look at Leo,his big brother hugged him ,Raph froze feeling the warm hold his eyes slowly dropping against his will

Leo felt warm, comfortable and safe. He felt safe. His eyes started to close while he stared at Leo ,sleep slowly taking him as he relaxed on the bed

Why did his brother look older...?

Chapter Text

"This is stupid." Raph muttered kicking a rock watching it land on the water making a small splash while Leo was in the water ,checking on the metal fence thing [where did this even come from?]

 "Didn't force ya to come Raph" his older brother told as he searched around in the water,his hands picking up whatever in the water before throwing it near Raph 'ew' he thought staring at the pile of garbage "why are you doing this anyways?" He gestures to whatever Leo was collecting 

"I'm cleaning the filtering system" Leo said like it was the most obvious thing in the world "we have a filtering system?" Raph asked confused looking to the metal wire blocking the trash from the filtered water, he walked past the metal fence and after that was just sewer water not to far from, he saw another mental fence but it had a weird small contraption attached to it, something donnie would definitely make, walking towards it Raph squints his eyes 

"Hey Leo, what's this?" Leo looks up from his work behind the first metal fence "Oh that's just the cleaning filter" Leo told looking back to his work on throwing trash up to the side "what does it do?" Raph asked looking after the second fence to see it was pure clean water... huh???

"It filters the dirty water and turns it clean" Leo told in a Donnie smart tone that Raph wasn't aware his Big brother could do, "Oh.. cool I guess.." Raph muttered "Did Donnie build this?" Leo paused looking to Raph and nodded "yeah, He made it" his big brother paused looking behind himself ,Leo hurriedly stepped out of the water grabbing Raphs wrist dragging him to another tunnel 

"Wha- Leo!" Raph stumbled on his feet but thanks to Leo's firm hold he managed to stand back on his feet "what was that about!?" Raph exclaimed Leo looks to him and points back to the tunnel way they were just in and a strong gush of water rushing past them "oh" Raph blinks looking to his big brother,there was no change of expression in the slightest he just stared at the running water

"So.. how'd you know the water was coming this way?" Raph asked looking at his brother who just stared at nothing "I heard it" Leo immediately replied Raph tilted his head confused ,"He heard it? That's sound incredibly dumb since Raph didn't hear it or he could've been too occupied with the metal fences that he didn't realise the sounds of water rushing

The water slowly went back down to its original flow, Leo stepped down first walking back to the first metal fence "Geez I just cleaned it..." Leo muttered seeing the plastic bottles, plastic bag, and wet cardboard on the metal fence stuck in between the small gaps or stopped entirely by the fence

"why are you even cleaning it anyways? It would get dirty later by the amount of sewer water coming in" Leo shrugged "Oh you know since we'll my Lair is here,I didn't want stinky sewer water passing by" 

Raph paused his head snapping so fast to look at Leo the tails of his mask snapped in the air "a what?" Raph asked, wondering if he heard it right "what?" Leo replied with confusion on his face "You said "My Lair", what do you mean by that?" Leo blinks "Oh you don't remember?, I brought you three to my lair to get you guys cleaned up then carried you three back all the way to our lair" Raph glances around the sewer they were in "You have your own lair?" Leo hummed getting out of the water ,scooping up the trash he threw to the side "yeah" Raph watch as his brother started to walk away 

"HEY! Wait a minute-" a small chirp cuts Raph from his words Leo had paused in his walking too turning to look at him ,Leo gave a confused expression "was that you?" Raph blushed at the assumption "WHAT NO!!" Leo hummed in response though his brothers face didn't looked all to convinced ,Raph watched his big brother scan the sewer tunnel ,then another soft chirp echos through the tunnel 

Before Raph new it Leo dropped the rubbish he was carrying and ran past him ,Raph nearly stumbled back but Leo had grabbed onto his wrist dragging Raph with him ,they went down the tunnel Leo running in absurd speed Raph could barely keep up with, and then Leo stopped in his tracks when another chirp echos through the tunnel Raph slowly catched his breath taking in deep breaths and place a hand on his chest at the amount "wh-what the hell what that Leo!?" Raph exclaimed gasping between breaths 

Leo looks around sniffing the air which was weird, Raph sighed taking a look around, cautiously walking around his foot bump into something looking down he saw a small, small turtle upside down on its shell "ah-" a small chirp from the small creature cutted Raph from what ever he was about to say slowly the red bandana turtle picks up the hatchling flipping it over on his hand, it was so small... "Hey there little guy" Raph whispers in a tone he never thought he would hear himself in "did you get flushed down the sewers, buddy?" The hatchling chirps in response Raphs at its sound

"Oh my shell, you're so cute..." Raph muttered he could feel tears swell in his eyes at how adorable the hatchling was "whatcha got there Raph?" Raph yelps, moving his hands to his plastron to cover the hatchling in case of danger ,stepping forwards and turning around to see Leo standing with a curious look "i.." Raph starts as he blinks he slowly shows Leo the hatchling in his hands his big brother blinks "Oh...a snapping turtle.. you don't see those everyday" Leo muttered brushing his finger on the hatchling head then pulling back shaking his hand up and down slowly "ouch- ish spikey.."

"Spikey..?" Raph blinks thinking for a moment ,No that name doesn't sound cool enough "Spike. I will name him Spike." Raph said proudly raising his hand up slightly like he was presenting his new found friend "you really up on taking care of your new friend, Raph?" Raph nods enthusiastically

"yes! I will bathe him, feed him, even clean his poop! Please! Please help me convince sensei that I can keep him!! PLEASESS!!" Raph looked to Leo with pleading eyes, his big brother stares at him with a blank expression, something Raph has somewhat grown accustomed to "Sure, I don't see why not" Leo said looking around "now where did I leave the trash?” Raph blinks, oddly it usually takes more than that to convince Leo..

Leo walked ahead of Raph the red bandana turtle grinned at his older brothers approval while the small hatchling in his hands chirps tilting his small head to look at Raph's happy expression then to Leo's walking figure

"OH MY GOD THATS SPIKE!?

WAR VETERAN SPIKE?!

HE'S SO SMALL!!"

"Well duh, all turtles were 

small before as hatchlings

I mean look at Oto-san!"

Leo stayed silent ,glancing at the hatchling who chirped occasionally in Raph's hands.It was adorable to say the least in Leo's perspective, Spike was a family member that Leo lost in the future… how selfish of him to say that he wasn't the only one who lost Spike, There were many more who mourned him yet he was the one who had known him, and told their story, they weren't all that close yet they were family.

Spike saved his ass to many times he could count, and he did the same as well as many others followed. Can he really say that he missed him when he died when Raph cried incredibly hard at the loss of Spike? The battle cry Raph made still linger in his mind, it was faint yet Leo could still hear Raph crying and screaming for Spike to get up after the snapping turtle was blasted through by a laser in the chest protecting Karai and Shinagami from it-

-The enormous snapping turtle fell on his side with a loud deafening ,it was silent yet Loud at the same time Leo stared stunned as he held the child in his arms firmly, his breathing becoming shaky while his sister and her wife were stunned at the Snapping turtles actions trying to reel their minds back on what happened ,Leo's had froze the baby in his arms the babbling slowly turned into small whines but Leo in instinctively comforted her while trying to regulate his panic

Suddenly-

"AHHHHHGG!!!"

A loud devastated scream cuts through the treacherous battle field ,Leo's eyes widen scanning the area looking for the owner of that scream his eyes met with panicked one from Casey who held Raph stable preventing the turtle from falling onto his knees as he baby brother was crying, tears streaming down his face as he tried to call for Spike but his words were coming out incorrectly , Leatherhead and Mikey ran towards the two females who were being trapped under Spikes arm, Leatherhead lifted the snapping turtles arm by turning the dead family member onto his shell 

Mikey took a step back seeing at the damage, he wasn't moving- No- no- Mikey- you have to move! There are Krang bots pointing their guns at you! Leo couldn't move his entire leg was in pain the baby in his hands was wailing He tried to calm the distressed child- he is! He's trying! He's stupid. Stupid leg won't let him move. He can't yell his throat still hurts from the hit the krang bot cause to his neck earlier just breathing was painful

He looks to the baby who was frailing around ,trying to reach for Leo's face the Resistance leader winced at the his leg's pain giving the child his hand while using his hurt leg to kick down a Krang bot in front of him panting he tumbled back while the baby in his hands was babbling

"MIKEY!!" Leo froze hearing Raph yelling Mikey's name ,kicking another Krang bot Leo turned back to look at Mikey's direction searching around for his baby brother his eyes unconsciously moved down- his whole world stopped 

Mikey- the babiest of his brothers was on the ground Raph- his 2nd baby brother on top of him- there was blood -so much blood- blood was pooling under his precious baby brothers- No- No No No No 

Please- Not his brothers- He can't lose another- Not both of them- please No-!

"LEO!"

-Startled he turned to the one who grabbed his wrist, looking behind him to meet the eyes of his younger brother ,who had let go immediately once Leo looked at him ,he softened at his brother staring at him with surprise "uh..yeah? You alright Raph?" Leo asked Raph sweatdrops

"I should be asking you that, you didn't respond when I first called out your name" the small hatchling chirps in agreement with Raph ,scratching the back of his head "Oh...sorry" Leo spoke glancing around in the sewer seeing the familiar opening of his lair

Leo was acting weird again.

It frustrated Raph to no end. Spike in his hand would occasionally rub his head against Raph's thumb, Raph took a look where they were for a while now they had been following Leo down an endless path a small sense of Deja vu hit him hard ,

"hey uh Leo? You sure were going the right way..?" Raph looks to his big brother though he could help but feel.. hypocritical about his own question, his younger brothers asked him that same question which led to their argument, maybe if he had waited he could've gotten answers from Leo in a way where they didn't nearly die

Shaking his head at the thought ,Raph took notice how Leo hadn't responded to him "Hey, Leo? you good?" His big brother kept walking, confusing Raph "Leo?" No response came "Leo?" Raph called out again a tad bit annoyed his brother ignoring him

"Leo!" Raph grabs Leo's wrist which was immediately moved away ,his big brother staring at him hatred in his eyes causing Raph to flinch at the look, the hatchling in his hand chirps in fright too seeing how hard Leo was staring at him, but the look immediately faded like Leo had realised who just grabbed his wrist

 "uh..yeah? You alright Raph?" Leo asked Raph gulps at the question but he couldn't help but sweatdrop at the question"I should be asking you that, you didn't respond when I first called out your name" the Spike nods his small head in agreement following with a chip, his big brother stares at him processing Raphs words "Oh...sorry" was all Leo could managed to say before continuing to walk ,Raph held Spike close to his plastron Leo has never looked at him like that, it was unnerving and a sense of dread settled inside Raph.

Raph maybe...just maybe his big brother hates him...

That's alright 

He loves his family 

Even if his big brother doesn't love him anymore