Raph woke up at the hospital. He had a throbbing headache, cotton-mouth to go with it. He turned his head around and spotted Mikey sitting on a chair next to his bed reading a magazine. Cosmopolitan to be precise... Raph snorted. "Cosmo, dude? Really?"

Mikey crumpled the magazine nervously and sat on it, turning to Raph. "I-it has really good articles!!!"

They both looked at each other and chuckled.

"How is he...?" Raph asked.

Mikey smiled. "He's awake. The cops are taking his statement now.

The cops, Mikey said. Amongst those cops was his brother. When he saw Donatello in his uniform, Raph thought for sure the Shredder had actually killed him and he was in some sort of afterlife alternate reality, or something.

A knock came to the door as it slowly opened. Donnie peaked in, as if called by some sort of psychic-sibling power or something. "Hey, bro... Can I come in...?" Raph stared at Don for a moment, then gave Mikey a light nod.

"Alright, I'm gonna check on Leo now that ya have company... Smell ya later, Raphie-boy." Mikey jumped towards the door, leaving the two siblings to their conversation.

"So~... I guess I have a lot of explaining to do..." Donnie grabbed the elbow of his shirt and started twisting it between his fingers nervously. Raph sighed and continued to watch him. "I'm sorry, Raph... For everything."

"Don't be." The hothead straightened his body as he sat up a bit. The bruising to his body making every movement a bit painful. "If it wasn't for you we would be gonners." Raph smiled. "I just want ta know... You a cop, Don? I mean... What the fuck, bro? How he hell did that happen and when?"

Donnie chuckled nervously, pulling the chair closer, he took a seat. "Well... I'm not re~ally a cop, per say... Remember that night at karaoke? Before you left for Japan?"

Raph nodded.

"Well, the next day when I went in for my pre-internship meeting with Mister Bishop, I told him about my encounter with TMNT's Michelangelo... And instead of him finding the whole thing to be as funny as it appeared to me... He proceeded to question me, or better yet, interrogate me on the matter. He got very, passionate about it." Donnie scooted the chair closer to the bed, sitting on it with a straight back. He licked his dry lips. "The things this man... Shredder... The things he was doing... I had nightmares over them, Raph. I couldn't bare to know THAT evil was touching so close to home... So close to us... To YOU."

"Don... I still don't-"

"I went back to Bishop's office and presented the possibility of me infiltrating the organization as a member of the band." Raphael's mouth dropped. He couldn't believe his soft-spoken, shy brother would gather such courage. He couldn't help the swell in his chest.

"Well, shit, Donnie... That's kinda bad ass, bro." He strained to sit, Donnie hurried to his help, and Raph took the opportunity to wrap his arms around his neck and hug him tightly. "Ya shoulda' told me, knucklehead... Would've switched all that anger fer pride..."

Donnie melted into the embrace. He had been so scared of facing his brother's disappointment... His rage and hatred. "I-I couldn't just, walk away form that... I couldn't just put on a happy face and keep on living, like nothing... When I knew that stuff like that could touch the ones close to us. The way Stan touched you... And even worse..." He let a soft sob slip through his lips. Raph held him tight, letting his own tears run free as well. "I should've told you... But I knew you would want to get involved as well, you being a hothead and all... I'm sorry I let you go to Japan alone... I'm so so-."

Raph shushed him "I'm so proud of ya, Don... My big bro is a facking hero... How 'bout them apples, huh..?" He chuckled, loosening his grip on Don, leaning back enough to look him in the eyes and smile a lovingly.

"I'll say..." They both turned to the voice coming from the doorway. Raph felt his cheeks go red immediately. There stood Leonardo, in a hospital gown, shifting his weight nervously between both legs, trying not to avert his gaze from the brothers.

Donnie stood up. He walked to Leo who stiffened immediately. The older turtle opened his mouth to say something, but Don didn't give him a chance; he flung himself around him, hugging him tight. "I'm so sorry, Leo..." Leonardo froze at the words. A pinch to his throat wouldn't allow his vocal cords to function. "Please forgive me..."

Forest green arms came up to hug Don back. "There's nothing to be forgiven, my friend..." Don looked at him, he smiled and kissed Leo on his cheek.

"Raph, you cool if I go talk to Bishop for a bit...?" Donnie winked at his younger brother who in change started to shake his head softly. Don giggled, patted Leo in his shell, and walked out. "You two behave yourselves, don't get any more trouble..." He whispered loud enough for the turtles to hear.

Leonardo stood at the door for a minute, avoiding eye contact with his beloved. He then cleared his throat, and courageously looked up. Raph's eyes went wide when they connected to the hazel pools. "Can I come in...?" he said softly...

Raph looked down, and nodded quickly.

Leo walked in slowly, kinda limping a bit. "I got a call from Karai..." Raph's head snapped back up. Stupid him had completely forgotten about Splinter and the state he last saw him in. "My dad is stable... Thank goodness you guys were there... If not... He-.." Leo couldn't finish the phrase. He tightened his fists and took a deep breath. "Thank you... That's all I wanted to say..." He bowed to Raph, two tears dripping to the floor. He turned to leave, not able to handle the tension anymore. He felt so guilty to see Raph prostrated on a hospital bed thanks to him, and he could feel the uneasiness emanating from the larger male. He thought for sure the words spoken before had been panic induced... But now here he was, hurt and battered, and it was his fault.

Raph opened his mouth to speak, but another body walked into the room, interrupting the moment. "Yo! Ya shell-head! Wanna explain ta me what da fack happened!?" Casey and a sobbing April ran towards the bed, hugging the turtle and asking a million questions per second. Leo simply smiled, and despite the tug to his heart, he walked out into the hallway. Raph saw him leave, he couldn't say anything... The thought of almost loosing him because of his lack of strength still tugging at his mind. He looked at April, his eyes swelled with tears, and he sobbed into her chest.

The guys were released from the hospital the next day. Raph hadn't seen Leo since the day before, and he had managed to gather the courage to go talk to him, but to his surprise, Leo had left earlier. Raph bit his lip.

That night he stayed with April and Casey. That night he couldn't sleep at all... That night he had nightmares about Leo getting stabbed by the Shredder's gauntlet, bleeding out to his death in his arms. April held him tight... Casey might be his best friend, but when it came to the mushy stuff, April was his go-to girl.

"You have to talk to him, Raph..." He looked at her through puffy eyes. "He risked his life for you too... Don't forget that. You guys both did your best for each other... You can't blame yourself for what happened, and he shouldn't either. Call him."

Raph nodded. He held her hand and pulled out his phone. "Please don't think I'm a pussy for this... Just know I'm a pussy and stay by my side while I make this call... Will ya, sis?" April chuckled and nodded.

Raph dialed Leo's number, it rang twice before a recorded message came up: 'the number you have dialed has been disconnected...'

"Fuck!"

April rubbed her face against his shoulder. "It's ok, Raph. You have other ways to find him..." She kissed his forehead.

Raph's look grew serious. "Yer right. Thanks Ape!" He stood up and dashed for the door.

Raph dialed Donnie's phone. His brother picked up while at work and hurriedly told him that he hadn't seen Leo since his hospital release. Since the Shredder had been apprehended the three of them had moved out form their shared apartment, the rent was being payed for by The Foot Productions, and all assets had been frozen for the time being, pending investigation, which left them kinda homeless. "Maybe check with his dad? He's at Bellevue Hospital." Raph thanked his brother and left for Manhattan.

At the hospital he asked the receptionist for Splinter. He was directed to his room.

"Raphael! Come in, my son... It fills me with joy to see you!" The old rodent looked perky and well. Raph smiled as he walked in, taking a therall look around the room. "If you are looking for Leonardo, I'm afraid he is not here today."

Raph's smile faded a bit. "Nah it's cool, sir. I wanted ta see how ya were doin'."

Splinter's eyes narrowed. "Hmm... Indeed..."

Raph couldn't help a blush creep into his face.

"My son was also here to see how I was doing, early this morning." The mention of Leo and the fact he was up and walking and doing ok was like music to the larger turtle's ears. "He left shortly after on a mission to move my belongings from that atrociously large apartment I lived in, into a more appropriate and humble one."

The old man winked at Raphael, which didn't help the heat in his face not one bit. The young man smiled giddily. "Thank you, sir! I'll be back later ta visit ya, I promise!" He turned to leave.

"Raphael." He turned to the rodent. "It has come to my attention that I am no longer the one my son goes to when in turmoil... And I must say I am overjoyed with his choice..." Raph smiled again. He gave two big hops and was next to Splinter's bed, towering over him, he hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Master Splinter..." He felt bony fuzzy fingers wrap around his neck and tap him lovingly on his head. His drive to find Leonardo multiplied by the thousands.

The hospital was near Splinter's apartment, so he made a run for it. His body was still hurting, he had stitches on his arms and sides, and even his brow; but it didn't matter, he needed to be fast. Once there, he found the door to the lobby open. He took the stairs three at a time. He was panting ferociously as he stood in front of the entry. His hand was shaking when he reached out to turn the door knob. To his surprise it was open. He stepped inside... The large space was empty. He felt dread roll down his spine. Where could this guy be...?

He slowly walked into the empty penthouse. He strolled the living room, not wanting to spend much time there since it made him remember the sight of Splinter coughing his lungs out on the floor under his feet. He shook his head and headed for the kitchen. It was there where they had sat and shared stories over a bowl of fruit salad... He smiled. He craved for the sound of Leonardo's laugh so bad...

Raph walked into the dojo. It was there where he and Leo had shared their first intimate moment; a sincere hug... A hug that told each other of their true nature. Raph held his breath for a moment. He remembered Leo wearing that hakama... He bit his lip. Where could this guy be...?

He turned to leave the dojo. Maybe if he stayed at Bellevue Hospital? If he did it was for sure he would eventually see Leo, right? He felt optimistic and walked towards the exit, stopping on his heels as he saw that there was a man standing in the middle of he living room, blue hoodie over his head, holding a box marked as 'miscellaneous'.

Leo heard the stomping of feet and turned quickly, dropping the box as he did. His face, filled with the bandaids covering his cuts, was suddenly pale. When he saw Raph his shoulders slumped, his eyes went to the floor. It broke Raph's heart.

"Hey..." Leo whispered.

"Hey..." Raph answered.

"Uhm... What are you doing here?" Leo bent down to pick up the box, first checking its contents.

"I... I was... Uhm..."

Leo smiled kindly.

"Don't give me that face." Raph kinda growled, kinda mumbled.

"It's the only face I have..." Leo stood up, box in hand.

"Leo... I'm sorr-"

"Thank you..." The older turtle's voice hitched a little. "Thank you for saving my life."

Raph's cheeks got so red his facial markings were indistinguishable. "But I didn't save ya... I couldn't."

Leo shook his head. "You did... You saved my humanity. You reminded me of my honor... Thank you."

Raph couldn't speak. All the words he had rehearsed in his head were long forgotten. He just wanted to hug Leo, to kiss him, to beg him not to push him away... Cause it felt like if he was being told 'goodbye'...

"I was selfish, and my actions were nothing less than disgusting, for putting you in so much danger... I know it's unforgivable..."

Raph looked straight at him, his mouth agape with a mix of panic and anger.

"I know that what was said... When Saki had us pinned... I-I... I won't hold you accountable for those words..."

THAT'S IT. Raph was done hearing this idiot talk. He needed to quiet him before he kept making a bigger fool of himself. He threw himself forward, closing the gap between their bodies, pressing his lips to Leo's in a hasty, sloppy kiss.

They both hissed at the contact, their swollen lips still tender from the injuries they had endured. But they wouldn't let that stop them... Leo's kiss was equally as sloppy. They were like two teenagers kissing for the first time...

The box of miscellaneous dropped to the floor, the two turtles paid no mind to the obvious clatter of stuff breaking as they fought to keep kissing in between their laughs and their sobs.

"Ya beautiful idiot... Didn't ya hear me when I sed I loved ya...?" Raph cupped Leo's face between his two hands, wiping his tears with his thumbs carefully to not hurt his cuts.

"But at the hospital... You couldn't even bare to look at me... I thought... I thought that-" Raph pressed another kiss to Leo to keep him from saying the words.

"I felt ashamed... I thought we were going to die... So much for me saving ya..." The emerald terrapin chuckled breathlessly.

Leonardo wrapped his hand around Raph's neck, and going on his tip toes he pulled him down for a soft kiss. "You did save me... You made me feel alive again... I love you, Raphael..."

Raph's chest tingled. He wanted Leo so bad. He wanted to hold him, to sear him with his heat, to caress every inch of his body and show him just how much he loved him. The kiss started to grow more and more intense, as if they were reading each other's minds. "Hmm, Fearless..." Raphael hissed as Leonardo trailed love bites down his muscular neck.

"Yeah~, Raphie...." The other shuddered as his sides were caressed tenderly under his shirt. Raph pulled the smaller turtle's arms up as he relinquished the clothing garment from him. As soon as he saw a glimpse of naked skin he pressed his lips to the inside of Leo's bicep, scrapping his teeth against it. Leo pressed his leg between Raph's, rubbing softly his groin area with his knee, gaining him a soft moan.

Leo grabbed Raph's injured hand. He remembered how his beloved had bravely grabbed that sharp gauntlet before it impaled him. His eyes filled with tears again, he kissed Raph's hand over the bandages. "I'm sorry you got so hurt..."

"Nah, this ain't nothing, babe..." Raph nuzzled Leo's collarbone, his hands working on ridding him from his pants. Leo pushed Raph against the wall, he looked at him through slitted, lusty eyes. He licked his bottom lip. "Hey... Where's yer piercing...?" Raph noticed the jewelry was missing.

"Damn thing almost made me loose my lip during the fight..." He pulled Raph's shirt over his head, kissing and licking down his plastron as his hands unbuttoned his jeans. "I know how much you liked it... So as soon as I heal I'll get it repierced for you... Wouldn't want to loose any sex appeal..." He pressed his thick warm tongue over Raph's growing bulge, making the larger turtle hiss. Leo smiled, then ran his thumb over the opening slit, lapping at it with his tongue again. "Drop down for me, Raphie..."

Raph let out a guttural growl that sent a shiver down Leo's stomach into his own cock. "Baby, you will never stop being sexy in my eyes... Lip ring or not..." Raph let his erection free from his pouch with a soft grunt. Leo grabbed it between his fingers and started to pump it, he glanced up at Raph. "Show me, Leo... Show me how sexy ya really are..." Leo's lips curled into an almost evil smile. He lifted Raph's penis up and passed his tongue from its base, up to the tip, his eyes never leaving Raph's, he took the head in his mouth and swirled his tongue over the sensitive skin. "Ah~..." His hips bucked, Leo kept pumping him as he continued to stroke his length with his moist limb.

Leo pulled Raph's pants down to his ankles, he used his other hand to caress the emerald green tail tucked between his legs. It sent shocks through Raph's dick. Leo nibbled on the inside of Raph's thighs, pressing his teeth with different pressure into the reddening skin. He suckled on his groin, never unattending his rock hard cock. Raph had to press his eyes shut, the stimulation pushing him to his limits. When Leo started to bob his head, swallowing him to the hilt, he thought he would loose his mind to the pleasure. He could feel his lover's eyes burning through him, and couldn't resist peaking down on him. To his delight, Leo was in fact staring at him, his eyes screaming his desire for Raph's throbbing cock, his mouth swallowing all of him... And that tongue...

"Ngh.... Leo.... F-Fuck..." Raph's hands cupped the sides of Leo's head, slowly thrusting his hips forward to Leo's rhythm. Just as he was reaching his peak, the smaller turtle released the engorged dick from his warmth, and stepped back, staring at Raph as he bit his painfully swollen bottom lip. "Yer such a tease... Fuckin' love it..."

The two turtles made love to each other. They were as gentle as they had ever been, careful as to not inflict any pain on the other... Only pleasure was deserved between them.

They basked in their afterglow, legs intertwined, Raph's head resting in he crook of Leo's neck as he painted imaginary lines and circles over his lover's plastron. "I heard he got endited..." Leo's eyes opened. "Shreddah'. Donnie told me. After the news report came out a ton of people came forward to pile up more stuff on top of the charges Bishop already had lined up for him. Basterd is gonna be put away fer a loooong time." Leo let a deep breath out. "I heard that chick is now in charge..."

Leonardo's head turned to Raph, his body propped on his elbows. "Karai?"

"Mhmm. She had some money saved up... Apparently a lot of money... So even though they froze all of the basterd's assets and seized all his shit, the company fell under her name, and she had enough doe to not let it sink right away."

"She's been calling me... But I haven't answered. I sent her a card thanking her for helping my dad-"

"A fucking card, babe!?" Raph sat up so quick a twinge of pain ran from his side reminding him of his bruised ribs.

"I know... I'm an asshole... It's just that it's hard to see her... She reminds me too much of that guy." Leo stared at the ceiling. "But you're right... She deserves a phone call at least... It's not for the children to be blamed for their parents' sins..."

Raph smiled at Leo, leaned down and pressed a kiss to his temple. "That's my Leo... Righteous, Fearless Leader." Leo rolled his eyes at Raph, sitting up as well.

"Care to join me for a walk...?"

Raph's face was starting to hurt so bad from all the smiling. He truly was happy; he felt at bliss. He nodded to Leo and started handing him his clothes before taking his own. They helped each other slide their shirts on, wincing at the pain of lifting their arms, some of their stitches stretching burningly across their skin.

The two turtles left the empty apartment and made their way to their precious Central Park. Once there, Leo pulled his phone and dialed for Karai. Raph gave him some space to talk to her, being that now he had found respect for this woman. "Hello, Karai... It's me..."

"Leonardo... Thank you for returning my calls... How is Splinter-Sama...?" They spoke casually for a moment. He asked about her father and confirmed the information Raph had received form Don. "I want to turn The Foot around, Leo... I want to bring good out of it... Give back to society for all that that man took. I want it to sponsor programs to help children find safety... Children like you once were..." Leo listened attentively. "I have enough to not let it drown at this immediate moment.. But we need funds to keep floating... The concert this weekend... It needs to happen."

At those words his hazel eyes opened like saucers. He tried to swallow but there was no spit in his mouth. "You want us to perform...?"

"I am offering a chance for redemption... But the choice is yours... Think about it. I'll be in touch." She then wished him a nice day, and ended the call.

Leo looked at Raph who was buying them a pair of soft-serve ice cream cones, his mind was drowning in a mix of euphoric fear and confusion. Redemption, she said...