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No money being made.\nWord Count: 4,781 multi-chapter 2k3\nSummary: Something has changed in Raphael's treatment of Leonardo. It's obvious enough to arouse Michelangelo's curiosity. The discovery of that secret forever alters the Turtles' lives.\nRating: R\n\n~~The preview image was commissioned from the amazing @NeatTea", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.
Word Count: 4,781 multi-chapter 2k3
Summary: Something has changed in Raphael's treatment of Leonardo. It's obvious enough to arouse Michelangelo's curiosity. The discovery of that secret forever alters the Turtles' lives.
Rating: R

~~The preview image was commissioned from the amazing @NeatTea", "writing": "\tThe following morning Mikey noted with some surprise that his entire family was in the kitchen all at the same time.\n\n\tIt was by no means an extraordinary thing, but it was uncommon. Leo and Master Splinter were early morning risers, while Raph and Mikey usually only managed to drag themselves out of bed before mid-morning. Donatello was a night owl, which meant he was generally just beginning to sleep deeply when the call to practice sounded.\n\n\tMikey had a good idea as to why Don looked well rested this morning. The pair exchanged glances and then quickly looked away. He didn't know about Don, but Mikey was certain his feelings for the genius would show on his face.\n\n\tNot that it mattered at the moment. Leonardo's eyes were entirely on Raphael.\n\n\tIf Raph felt them, he gave no indication, other than the stiffness in his shoulders. He was surly, barely acknowledging the greeting that Mikey tossed in his direction.\n\n\tLeo appeared to be brooding as he sat at the table, teacup in hand and barely eaten dry toast on a plate in front of him. Raph remained at the kitchen counter, shell turned to his family as he scarfed down a bowl of cereal. Mikey didn't think he was tasting it.\n\n\tWhile those two played whatever game this was, Master Splinter studied the pair from his vantage point at the table.\n\n\tMikey wanted to bash both Leo's and Raph's heads in with his nunchucks. How could they not see the speculative look on their father's face?\n\n\tThey were going to ruin everything. Master Splinter was already suspicious of their behavior. If he figured out that hormones were running wild and that his sons were attempting to engage in certain not so brotherly acts, he might very well put his foot down.\n\n\tIf he pronounced an absolute no to the concept of Leo and Raph being together, then it meant that Mikey couldn't be with Don either. That was just not acceptable.\n\n\tMikey had to get his father's attention. He had to pull that contemplative gaze off of Leo and Raph before Sensei figured something out. Unfortunately, Mikey wasn't sure how and he started to panic.\n\n\tBefore he could do or say something idiotic though, Donatello came to the rescue.\n\n\t``I've figured out where the draft in your room is coming from, Sensei,'' Don said, drawing Master Splinter's attention in his direction.\n\n\tMikey could have kissed his brother right then and there. Not to do so took willpower.\n\n\tMaster Splinter's brow lifted. ``Yes?''\n\n\t``One of the pipes running through your room has corroded. I'll have to weld in replacement pieces and it isn't a one turtle job. Raph, do you think you could help me with it?'' Don asked.\n\n\tAnd there went Mikey's triumphant feeling. Despite Don's assurances, those two spending time together would probably always bother the youngest turtle.\n\n\t``Sure,'' Raph muttered, sounding indifferent.\n\n\t``I am hoping it will be a simple fix, Donatello,'' Master Splinter said. ``The July heat is pushing warm air into my room and though not as bad as the cold that will come in during the winter, it is still uncomfortable. In addition, the draft is continuously extinguishing my candles.''\n\n\tLeo finally looked away from the red banded turtle, his gaze dropping on Mikey. ``We have some work to do ourselves. Your form during the Bassai Dai needs improvement, especially your hip movements.''\n\n\t``I'm a turtle, my hips have limits,'' Mikey complained.\n\n\t``If I can do it, you can do it,'' Leo said. ``There is nothing wrong with your hips.''\n\n\tThere was too much complacency in his tone for Mikey's liking, but he had to lump it. The idea for extra training had been his, even if it was just a tactic to make Raph jealous.\n\n\tThinking of Raph made Mikey glance at him again. Raph's expression had dissolved into a scowl.\n\n\tOkay then. It looked as if the jealous thing was still working.\n\n\t``This is very true, Michelangelo,'' Master Splinter said. ``If you apply yourself then you can accomplish anything.''\n\n\t``I've always found you to be the most flexible of the four of us. It really is very intriguing,'' Leo said.\n\n\tThere was a distinct purr in his voice. His sly eyes had once more found Raphael, who in turn was glaring at Leo.\n\n\tThen Raph's countenance smoothed out, one corner of his mouth lifting. ``The two of ya' have fun with that. I'm sticking with Donny today. Ain't fair how hard he's been working lately while all we've been doing is sitting on our butts. Our bro' here deserves better.''\n\n\tLeo's lips twitched, clearly amused at his brother's attempt at a turnabout. Mikey was close enough to see a tiny vein pop up on Raph's temple and begin to pulse, but other than that, he remained a picture of serenity.\n\n\tMikey had to admit that it was kind of fun watching those two dance around each other, but it wasn't accomplishing anything. Entertainment factor aside, this was not a progression towards the real goal of getting Leo and Raph together.\n\n\tAssuming that Don's aim in getting Raph to himself was to attempt to make inroads on that front, Mikey plastered a grin on his face.\n\n\t``I'm gonna nail that Bassai Dai today and make the rest of you look like amateurs,'' Mikey told his brothers. ``There is no challenge too great for the . . . .''\n\n\t``Do not say it,'' Raph warned.\n\n\t`` . . . Battle Nexus champion!'' Mikey finished.\n\n\tThe legs on Leo's chair screeched back as he hastily rose. Brushing past Raphael, he quickly deposited his tea cup and plate in the sink.\n\n\tPausing where he was, just inches from Raph, Leo said, ``We'd better hit the dojo before he hits you, Mikey.''\n\n\t``I ain't gonna hit him, I'm gonna strangle him so he can't ever say that again,'' Raph growled, rounding on Leo. ``Last I looked, your job title ain't peacekeeper.''\n\n\t``Leonardo's title is leader,'' Master Splinter snapped, looking put out at what he could see was the beginnings of another bickering session. ``Team unity is a part of that function, Raphael. You would do well to remember that.''\n\n\t``Sure, Sensei,'' Raph mumbled, shooting a dirty look at the brother in question.\n\n\tLeo maintained the air of amused tolerance, which had Raph's skin flushing. With an effort he swallowed the other words that wanted to come out and turned to Don.\n\n\t``Let's get out of here. The kitchen is too damn crowded,'' Raph said. On the way out with Don, he took the opportunity to sneer at Leo. ``I'll take the smart one over the dumb ass any day.''\n\n\t``Raphael!'' Master Splinter exclaimed.\n\n\t``Pardon me, Master Splinter,'' Raph said, not sounding in the least bit apologetic.\n\n\tMikey quickly finished the glass of orange juice he'd poured for himself, promising his stomach something more substantial later. He did not want to get off on the wrong foot with Leo this morning by making said turtle wait for him.\n\n\tTo get Leo into a more amenable mood, Mikey put all of his focus into their training session. Together they ran through several katas, focusing especially on the one that had caused Leo some concern.\n\n\tAfter running through it for the third time, Mikey completed the final movement and then bowed to his brother.\n\n\t``Excellent, Mikey!'' Leo said enthusiastically, nodding his approval. ``Your form was flawless and you have mastered the pivot you were having problems with.''\n\n\t``Hips okay this time?'' Mikey asked.\n\n\t``Your hips were flawless too,'' Leo said.\n\n\t``Yeah, they are, aren't they?'' Mikey said, preening and laughing all at once.\n\n\tLeo rolled his eyes good-naturedly. ``Let's see how you do with the Goju Shi Ho Dai. I'd like to see more fluidity in your hand placements.''\n\n\t[i]``Bet you'd like to see that in Raph's hand placements too,'' [/i]Mikey thought to himself. It seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up, so out loud, he said, ``My hand placements are better than Raph's. You should work with him. All he ever wants to do is make a fist.''\n\n\t``Raphael does everything with his fists,'' Leo said, a sour note to his tone. ``Even talk.''\n\n\t``But not always, right?'' Mikey asked. He decided to go with his instincts. ``He doesn't use his fists on Donny unless it's called for in practice. Raph and Donny get along just fine without fighting.''\n\n\tLeo's expression darkened and Mikey had to hide his glee. [i]``Score,''[/i] he thought.\n\n\t``Donny isn't tasked with the job of keeping Raph in line,'' Leo said. ``I doubt they'd get along quite so well if Don had to give Raph orders.''\n\n\t``I kinda don't think Don's got the temperament for that,'' Mikey said. ``That's why you're the leader, dude.''\n\n\t``Unfortunately, that's something of which Raph must be constantly reminded,'' Leo replied. ``Kata now, Mikey. That's what we're here for.''\n\n\tAs Mikey got into position and began the kata, he let his body follow the familiar routine while his mind raced. He had Leo all to himself and knew they wouldn't be interrupted. Mikey resolved to talk to Leo about whether he noticed that Raph had seemed upset over the two of them spending time together.\n\n\tHe would not mention the word `jealous'. If he worked it right, Leo would believe that Mikey thought he and Raph were just being competitive again.\n\n\tOne advantage that Mikey had was that his brother would think it out of character for him not to be curious. That meant that Mikey could pry into everyone's business without raising any real red flags.\n\n\t``Stop,'' Leo ordered.\n\n\tMikey froze mid-kata and waited.\n\n\t``Left hand rolls under the right arm,'' Leo instructed. ``You're flipping it. Don't be impatient. Slow it down and try again.''\n\n\tFollowing his direction, Mikey repeated the move. When he heard no more critique, he continued.\n\n\t``Stop,'' Leo said once more. ``Punch, one, two, three. You're using a circular motion. The blows should be sharp and straight. Leave the spinning to your nunchucks.''\n\n\tOnce more Mikey ran through the movement, this time as Leo had directed. Mikey had to hand it to him, Leo had turned into a really good instructor. These days Master Splinter was leaving more of his sons' practice sessions to Leonardo's lead.\n\n\tThat hadn't bothered Raph nearly as much as Mikey had expected. It was pretty clear to all of them that based purely on skills, Leo was hands down the best. His katas were perfect and his combat techniques, whether hand to hand or with weapons, were impeccable.\n\n\tIt was also clear, at least to Mikey, that Raph sort of resented Leo for being so good.\n\n\tOkay, so maybe a little more than `sort of'.\n\n\tMikey amended that thought when he remembered how Raph had reacted to being pinned by Leo during their sparring session. Apparently there were some situations in which Raph didn't seem to mind that Leo was so skilled.\n\n\t``Stop,'' Leo called, startling Mikey out of his reverie. He gave his brother a guilty look, knowing that his thoughts had drifted a little too far away from what he was supposed to be concentrating on.\n\n``Where is your mind?'' Leo asked disapprovingly.\n\n\t``Sorry, bro','' Mikey said, and then scratched at his neck self-consciously. ``Something's bugging me and I gotta ask.''\n\n\tWhen he paused it made Leo frown. ``If you have something to say, say it.''\n\n\t``What's the deal with you and Raph using me and Don to try and one up each other? Like, you barely looked at him until he said he'd prefer to hang with Don and he acted pissed when you said the two of us were going to work out together.'' Mikey stared at Leo, watching for even the smallest micro-expression.\n\n \tLeo's face had smoothed into an unreadable mask though. ``Please don't allow Raph's gutter language to influence your speech, Michelangelo. It's bad enough that he talks that way.''\n\n\t``What way? Pissed?'' Mikey shrugged. ``It sure is more expressive. You're our leader, not our dad, so I get to say what I think. Using me and Donny in whatever's going on with you two is totally not cool.''\n\n``The problems between Raph and I have nothing to do with either of you,'' Leo said.\n\n\t``I guess it does,'' Mikey argued. ``You're the one who's always telling us we're a team, that we have to communicate, and then spouting off about that Sun Tzu stuff. How a leader must understand his army, blah, blah, blah. If you don't listen to my gripes, then how are you gonna understand me? That goes for Raph too. How much listening do you actually do when he starts bitching about something?''\n\n\tIt was a lot for him to say all at once, but Mikey needed to sound impassioned.\n\n\tLeo folded his arms across his chest. ``I listen to him.''\n\n\tMikey snorted a laugh. ``Is that the body language you use when you're supposedly `listening'? `Cause that looks pretty defensive to me. Kinda closed off and insulting, if you want my opinion.''\n\n\t``I don't actually remember asking for it,'' Leo said rudely.\n\n\t``Tough,'' Mikey snapped. ``You get to hear it anyway. Wanna know why? `Cause I give a damn.''\n\n\tAfter a moment of silence, which Mikey spent pointedly staring at Leo's crossed arms, the older turtle sighed and lowered them to his sides.\n\n\t``I guess we're having this conversation,'' Leo said.\n\n\t``Looks that way,'' Mikey said. He pointed at the floor. ``Pull up a chair and sit with me for a couple of minutes.''\n\n\tHe sat down and gave Leo an expectant look. With an air of resignation, Leo walked over and sank down onto the floor mats next to his brother.\n\n\tLeo glanced at Mikey and then looked away to study his hands. ``I'm not trying to use either you or Don against Raph,'' he said.\n\n\tIt struck Mikey right then that maybe Leo truly [i]wanted [/i]to talk. He didn't really have anyone he could open up to about personal type problems. Sure, with Master Splinter he could discuss training, family dynamics, and stuff pertaining to team building or their enemies. But Leo would think that sharing his own needs or doubts would make him sound weak to their father.\n\n\tWhen the four of them had returned to the Battle Nexus for Mikey's rematch against Kluh, Leo had remained at his little brother's side to help him through it. Mikey had opened up to him about his doubts and insecurities. Leo hadn't judged him. Instead, he listened and then calmly guided Mikey past his self-doubt. It was Mikey's turn to offer a shoulder.\n\n\t``So what is going on between you guys?'' Mikey asked in a caring tone. ``Arguing I get `cause that's normal. This hasn't been anything even close to normal.''\n\n\t``We have some . . . issues that haven't worked themselves out yet,'' Leo said.\n\n\t``If they haven't worked themselves out by you two beating on each other do you really think that'll happen if you don't change your approach?'' Mikey asked.\n\n\tLeo shook his head, a slight grimace on his face. ``Probably not.''\n\n\tLeaning towards his brother, Mikey said, ``You know Raph, maybe better than you think you do. You're smart, Leo. What does he want from you? Is it something you can give him? `Cause if so, and if it's not something that is totally life threatening, then give it to him. Make the first move. You are the leader, but more important, you're his brother and someone he cares about.''\n\n\t``I wish it was that simple,'' Leo said. ``I've tried approaching him to talk things through, but we usually wind up shouting at each other.''\n\n\t``You know, Leo, I've spent my whole life listening to the pair of you argue,'' Mikey said, staring earnestly into his brother's eyes. ``A lot of what you say to him is how he's wrong. Whatever subject has the two of you going at it, no matter what it is, you tell him he's wrong. He's not always wrong, bro'. You should maybe lead off with that.''\n\n\tLeo's brow was furrowed, as though he was thinking hard about Mikey's words. ``That's pretty insightful, Mikey. It's possible I have been going at this the wrong way.''\n\n\t``I totally understand the urge to keep him under control,'' Mikey said, choosing his words carefully. ``And I think that deep down, he depends on you to call the shots, maybe even needs that from you. Not that he'd admit it in so many words.''\n\n\t``Then why does he fight me about everything?'' Leo asked. ``If I said that grass is green, he'd argue the point.''\n\n\tMikey shrugged. ``Some attention is better than no attention.''\n\n\tHe could almost see Leo's brain working on that. His stoic brother was forgetting to mask his emotions and Mikey had to be careful not to seem to be staring at him.\n\n\t``I remember when we were little,'' Leo began, speaking softly. ``Four of us, all clamoring for Master Splinter's notice. All of us with individual needs. Father directed each of us towards our own natural inclinations.''\n\n\t``You liked to train more than any of us,'' Mikey said, carefully setting Leo back on track when his brother paused.\n\n\t``He made certain to give me the extra time I needed,'' Leo said. ``Keeping up with Don's inquisitive mind required a great deal of attentiveness as well.''\n\n\tMikey grinned as he remembered a number of incidents that ended with either small fires or things exploding. ``Donny was always way too good at taking things apart.''\n\n\t``And then there was you.'' Leo looked at Mikey, his indulgent expression much like the one their father often wore when dealing with his youngest. ``What was that board game you liked so much?''\n\n\t``Trouble,'' Mikey supplied.\n\n\tLeo chuckled. ``Appropriate name. I'll bet if we counted the number of times you cajoled him into playing that game with you it would be in the thousands.''\n\n\t``He wasn't very good at it and I liked winning,'' Mikey said.\n\n\t``He let you win,'' Leo said.\n\n\t``Shut up, he did not,'' Mikey argued good-naturedly. At Leo's knowing smile, he rolled his eyes. ``Okay, he did. But he stopped when he saw that I'd figured it out. After that, any time I won it was for real.''\n\n\t``I'll grant you that.'' Leo sobered again. ``Do you recall what Raph did to get Master Splinter all to himself?''\n\n\t``Yeah, how could I forget? Something dangerous or something he was told he wasn't supposed to do,'' Mikey answered. ``It was a total cry for attention.''\n\n\t``There were so many other ways he could have gone about it, things that would have been more constructive,'' Leo said. ``I could never understand why he was always acting out.''\n\n\t``Pushing boundaries is kind of his thing,'' Mikey said. ``I mean, we all had a slot we fit into except for Raph. He wasn't the best student, he wasn't the smartest, and he sure wasn't the cutest.''\n\n\t``Don't be so modest,'' Leo said.\n\n\t``Glad you know who I was talking about,'' Mikey retorted. ``Anyway, what I'm trying to point out is that he got the attention he was craving, even though it wasn't exactly healthy. Patterns, dude. He's repeating them with you.''\n\n\t``But Mikey, you're saying that I need to listen to him,'' Leo said, the frown returning. ``Master Splinter has tried that and the problems still exist.''\n\n\t``You're not trying to change Raph, you're just trying to understand him,'' Mikey said. ``Once you do, or at least show him you care enough to work at it, you'll have him.''\n\n\t``Have him,'' Leo repeated in a near whisper, his gaze directed towards the lair.\n\n\tA thrill of excitement ran down Mikey's spine. It didn't require much imagination to guess what was going through Leo's mind at the moment.\n\n\tMikey teetered on the edge of coming out to Leo right then and there. ``It always pays to go for what you want, Leo.''\n\n\tTheir eyes locked and Mikey could swear he saw in Leo's a dawning of comprehension. They might actually have stopped talking in circles if their father hadn't chosen that moment to enter the dojo.\n\n\t``Ah, Leonardo, Michelangelo,'' Master Splinter said, walking towards them. ``Have you completed your training for the day?''\n\n\tLeo rose to his feet, followed swiftly by his brother. ``Yes Father. Mikey made great strides today and mastered the techniques we were working on.''\n\n\t``It pleases me to hear that,'' Master Splinter said. ``Michelangelo, perhaps your enthusiasm for additional training extends to meditation. Would you care to join me? I will be doing so here, since the noises your brothers are making in my room do not lend themselves to quiet contemplation.''\n\n \t``As great as that invitation sounds, I think I'll go help Don and Raph,'' Mikey said, inching his way towards the door. ``You know, fetching stuff, making sure they don't trample anything in your room . . . .''\n\n\t``I'll join you, Sensei,'' Leo said. ``I'm sure that if they need my help, Don will send Mikey back to get me.''\n\n\tThere was zero possibility of that happening, not while Raph was in a mood. Leo knew it, but the offer helped Mikey escape his Father's clutches. Extra physical training was something Mikey could suffer for his cause, but having to meditate was going beyond the call of duty.\n\n\tLeonardo actually liked meditation, and Mikey was sure he'd given his big brother a lot to think about. As he walked towards Master Splinter's room, Mikey wondered if Don had worked on Raph at all.\n\n\tIn their old lair, Master Splinter's room was just across from the television monolith, the entrance visible from almost anywhere. The space that was his in their new home was down a hallway past the living area. It was a lot more private.\n\n\tMikey moved on silent feet, not wanting either Don or Raph to know he was approaching. He could hear banging coming from inside the room and saw that the shoji doors were open. Flashes of light came from within and when Mikey glanced inside, he saw that Don was atop a ladder, using his torch on the pipe than ran overhead.\n\n\t``There, got that section fixed,'' Don said, tossing the torch down to Raph before making his descent. ``How are you doing with the remaining metal plates?''\n\n\tRaph waved towards the work bench they'd set up. ``Finished banging out the rough edges. They're ready to go.''\n\n\t``I think Master Splinter will be happy to know we were able to finish this in one day,'' Don said. He glanced at Raph. ``You know what else would make him happy?''\n\n\tHolding up a hand to stop Don, Raph said, ``I heard ya' the first time, Donny. It ain't as easy as ya' make it out to be.''\n\n\t``Of course it is,'' Don said, sounding slightly exasperated. ``Talking things through is a very simple process. You open your mouth and say something constructive, then close it to listen.''\n\n\t``What am I supposed to do when the other person don't listen?'' Raph asked. ``That's what happens with me and Leo every damn time. We both wind up yapping at each other, trying to drown each other out, and it always ends the same.''\n\n\t``With you two fighting,'' Don said. ``If you don't like what you're hearing, then count to ten and give the words time to sink in. Try to see where Leo is coming from. If you go quiet and don't yell, it's very possible he'll stay calm too.''\n\n\t``Or start lording it over me like he's just won,'' Raph said.\n\n\t``Neither of you are winners if you can't find a way to connect,'' Don told him. ``I think you know that perfectly well. You two aren't enemies, you're family trying to work through an issue. There's no trophy at stake, there's only peace of mind.''\n\n\t``What happens if what I want from him is something he ain't willing to give?'' Raph asked.\n\n\t``You won't know for certain that he's unwilling if you haven't fully stated your case,'' Don said. ``Getting frustrated and yelling at him to `shove it where the sun don't shine' isn't actually telling Leo anything you want him to know.''\n\n\t``It makes me feel better,'' Raph said with a lopsided grin.\n\n\t``No it doesn't,'' Don said flatly. ``That's pure reflex. What would make you feel better is an acknowledgment from him that he's not just hearing what you're saying, but that he's making an effort to understand your point of view.''\n\n\tRaph picked up the hammer off the work bench, looked at it for a moment, and then dropped it again. ``I know what I want. I don't know what he wants.''\n\n\t``Then create an environment in which he feels comfortable in opening up to you,'' Don advised. ``Nothing that could even remotely be construed as confrontational. Show him that he can tell you things and you won't throw anything he says back in his face.''\n\n\tMikey nodded at that, still silently eavesdropping on his brothers. He had to hand it to Don, the genius was good at this.\n\n\t``What if it turns out we ain't on the same page and never will be?'' Raph asked.\n\n\t``We can play the `what if' game all day, Raph,'' Don said. ``Do you know why that's not a good game? Because you'll psyche yourself out of doing what needs to be done. It builds irrational fear and leaves you petrified into inaction.''\n\n\tIf there was such a thing as `psychology monthly' then it sounded to Mikey as though that was something Don had been reading.\n\n\t``I'm not afraid of anything, especially about Leo,'' Raph insisted hotly.\n\n\t``I didn't say you were afraid of him,'' Don said, his voice even and reassuring. ``The fear I'm talking about is dread. Like how you are when you've been injured badly enough for stitches and do your best to try and avoid them. It's got to happen, you know it's got to happen, and your imagination makes it ten times worse than it actually is because you've spent five hours dodging the needle.''\n\n\t``So now Leo's a needle I'm trying to dodge?'' Raph asked.\n\n\tDon clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. ``Don't be obtuse. You know what I'm talking about.''\n\n\t``Yeah, yeah, I got the gist of it,'' Raph said. ``Can we get back to work now? I'm growing old here. Me and Leo will work this shit out, okay? We always do.''\n\n\tThat was as near to `shut the fuck up' as Raph ever got with the genius, and Don accepted that the subject was now closed. Mikey watched for several minutes as they sorted metal pieces into stacks according to size, letting enough time pass so that neither of them would suspect he'd been listening all along.\n\n\tEventually he did join them and made an extra effort to be useful without getting underfoot and annoying Raph. When the job was complete, they cleaned up the mess they'd made in Master Splinter's room and then had their father inspect the work. He was pleased with the repairs and effusive in his praise of all three of his sons.\n\n\tThe hard work had helped ease some of Raph's restlessness and the family made it through dinner without any conflicts.\n\n\tWhen their father disappeared into his room for the evening, Raph plopped down on the couch to watch a boxing match. Leo bade his brothers a good-night, announcing that he was going to read for a while. Mikey did not miss how his eyes met and held Raph's for a moment before he turned to go to his room.\n\n\tDon and Mikey sat at the kitchen table, quietly playing cards. In whispered voices they discussed their day, agreeing that what they'd learned was that both Raph and Leo were suffering from similar mindsets.\n\n\t``Do you think we did any good?'' Mikey asked. ``I mean, are they gonna take our advice?''\n\n\t ``We'll have to wait and see, Mike,'' Don said.\n\n\t``I hate waiting,'' Mikey said, sliding his fingertips across the back of Don's hand.\n\n\tHe was pleased to hear a tiny catch in Don's breathing. ``We can keep working on them, help them . . . .''\n\n\tWhen he stopped talking, Mikey looked at him curiously and saw that something on the other side of the lair had caught his attention. Turning his head to see what it was, Mikey spotted Raph entering Leo's room.\n\n\tMikey's eyes met Don's and they both jumped to their feet at the same time.\n\n\t``Guess we didn't have to wait for long after all,'' Mikey said.\n\nTBC...............\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "\tThe following morning Mikey noted with some surprise that his entire family was in the kitchen all at the same time.

\tIt was by no means an extraordinary thing, but it was uncommon.  Leo and Master Splinter were early morning risers, while Raph and Mikey usually only managed to drag themselves out of bed before mid-morning.  Donatello was a night owl, which meant he was generally just beginning to sleep deeply when the call to practice sounded.

\tMikey had a good idea as to why Don looked well rested this morning.  The pair exchanged glances and then quickly looked away.  He didn't know about Don, but Mikey was certain his feelings for the genius would show on his face.

\tNot that it mattered at the moment.  Leonardo's eyes were entirely on Raphael.

\tIf Raph felt them, he gave no indication, other than the stiffness in his shoulders.  He was surly, barely acknowledging the greeting that Mikey tossed in his direction.

\tLeo appeared to be brooding as he sat at the table, teacup in hand and barely eaten dry toast on a plate in front of him.  Raph remained at the kitchen counter, shell turned to his family as he scarfed down a bowl of cereal.  Mikey didn't think he was tasting it.

\tWhile those two played whatever game this was, Master Splinter studied the pair from his vantage point at the table.

\tMikey wanted to bash both Leo's and Raph's heads in with his nunchucks.  How could they not see the speculative look on their father's face?

\tThey were going to ruin everything.  Master Splinter was already suspicious of their behavior.  If he figured out that hormones were running wild and that his sons were attempting to engage in certain not so brotherly acts, he might very well put his foot down.

\tIf he pronounced an absolute no to the concept of Leo and Raph being together, then it meant that Mikey couldn't be with Don either.  That was just not acceptable.

\tMikey had to get his father's attention.  He had to pull that contemplative gaze off of Leo and Raph before Sensei figured something out.  Unfortunately, Mikey wasn't sure how and he started to panic.

\tBefore he could do or say something idiotic though, Donatello came to the rescue.

\t``I've figured out where the draft in your room is coming from, Sensei,'' Don said, drawing Master Splinter's attention in his direction.

\tMikey could have kissed his brother right then and there.  Not to do so took willpower.

\tMaster Splinter's brow lifted.  ``Yes?''

\t``One of the pipes running through your room has corroded.  I'll have to weld in replacement pieces and it isn't a one turtle job.  Raph, do you think you could help me with it?'' Don asked.

\tAnd there went Mikey's triumphant feeling.  Despite Don's assurances, those two spending time together would probably always bother the youngest turtle.

\t``Sure,'' Raph muttered, sounding indifferent.

\t``I am hoping it will be a simple fix, Donatello,'' Master Splinter said.  ``The July heat is pushing warm air into my room and though not as bad as the cold that will come in during the winter, it is still uncomfortable.   In addition, the draft is continuously extinguishing my candles.''

\tLeo finally looked away from the red banded turtle, his gaze dropping on Mikey.  ``We have some work to do ourselves.  Your form during the Bassai Dai needs improvement, especially your hip movements.''

\t``I'm a turtle, my hips have limits,'' Mikey complained.

\t``If I can do it, you can do it,'' Leo said.  ``There is nothing wrong with your hips.''

\tThere was too much complacency in his tone for Mikey's liking, but he had to lump it.  The idea for extra training had been his, even if it was just a tactic to make Raph jealous.

\tThinking of Raph made Mikey glance at him again.  Raph's expression had dissolved into a scowl.

\tOkay then.  It looked as if the jealous thing was still working.

\t``This is very true, Michelangelo,'' Master Splinter said.  ``If you apply yourself then you can accomplish anything.''

\t``I've always found you to be the most flexible of the four of us.  It really is very intriguing,'' Leo said.

\tThere was a distinct purr in his voice.  His sly eyes had once more found Raphael, who in turn was glaring at Leo.

\tThen Raph's countenance smoothed out, one corner of his mouth lifting.  ``The two of ya' have fun with that.  I'm sticking with Donny today.  Ain't fair how hard he's been working lately while all we've been doing is sitting on our butts.  Our bro' here deserves better.''

\tLeo's lips twitched, clearly amused at his brother's attempt at a turnabout.  Mikey was close enough to see a tiny vein pop up on Raph's temple and begin to pulse, but other than that, he remained a picture of serenity.

\tMikey had to admit that it was kind of fun watching those two dance around each other, but it wasn't accomplishing anything.  Entertainment factor aside, this was not a progression towards the real goal of getting Leo and Raph together.

\tAssuming that Don's aim in getting Raph to himself was to attempt to make inroads on that front, Mikey plastered a grin on his face.

\t``I'm gonna nail that Bassai Dai today and make the rest of you look like amateurs,'' Mikey told his brothers.  ``There is no challenge too great for the . . . .''

\t``Do not say it,'' Raph warned.

\t`` . . . Battle Nexus champion!'' Mikey finished.

\tThe legs on Leo's chair screeched back as he hastily rose.  Brushing past Raphael, he quickly deposited his tea cup and plate in the sink.

\tPausing where he was, just inches from Raph, Leo said, ``We'd better hit the dojo before he hits you, Mikey.''

\t``I ain't gonna hit him, I'm gonna strangle him so he can't ever say that again,'' Raph growled, rounding on Leo.  ``Last I looked, your job title ain't peacekeeper.''

\t``Leonardo's title is leader,'' Master Splinter snapped, looking put out at what he could see was the beginnings of another bickering session.  ``Team unity is a part of that function, Raphael.  You would do well to remember that.''

\t``Sure, Sensei,'' Raph mumbled, shooting a dirty look at the brother in question.

\tLeo maintained the air of amused tolerance, which had Raph's skin flushing.  With an effort he swallowed the other words that wanted to come out and turned to Don.

\t``Let's get out of here.  The kitchen is too damn crowded,'' Raph said.  On the way out with Don, he took the opportunity to sneer at Leo.  ``I'll take the smart one over the dumb ass any day.''

\t``Raphael!'' Master Splinter exclaimed.

\t``Pardon me, Master Splinter,'' Raph said, not sounding in the least bit apologetic.

\tMikey quickly finished the glass of orange juice he'd poured for himself, promising his stomach something more substantial later.  He did not want to get off on the wrong foot with Leo this morning by making said turtle wait for him.

\tTo get Leo into a more amenable mood, Mikey put all of his focus into their training session.  Together they ran through several katas, focusing especially on the one that had caused Leo some concern.

\tAfter running through it for the third time, Mikey completed the final movement and then bowed to his brother.

\t``Excellent, Mikey!'' Leo said enthusiastically, nodding his approval.  ``Your form was flawless and you have mastered the pivot you were having problems with.''

\t``Hips okay this time?'' Mikey asked.

\t``Your hips were flawless too,'' Leo said.

\t``Yeah, they are, aren't they?'' Mikey said, preening and laughing all at once.

\tLeo rolled his eyes good-naturedly.  ``Let's see how you do with the Goju Shi Ho Dai.  I'd like to see more fluidity in your hand placements.''

\t``Bet you'd like to see that in Raph's hand placements too,'' Mikey thought to himself.  It seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up, so out loud, he said, ``My hand placements are better than Raph's.  You should work with him.  All he ever wants to do is make a fist.''

\t``Raphael does everything with his fists,'' Leo said, a sour note to his tone.  ``Even talk.''

\t``But not always, right?'' Mikey asked.  He decided to go with his instincts.  ``He doesn't use his fists on Donny unless it's called for in practice.  Raph and Donny get along just fine without fighting.''

\tLeo's expression darkened and Mikey had to hide his glee.  ``Score,'' he thought.

\t``Donny isn't tasked with the job of keeping Raph in line,'' Leo said.  ``I doubt they'd get along quite so well if Don had to give Raph orders.''

\t``I kinda don't think Don's got the temperament for that,'' Mikey said.  ``That's why you're the leader, dude.''

\t``Unfortunately, that's something of which Raph must be constantly reminded,'' Leo replied.  ``Kata now, Mikey.  That's what we're here for.''

\tAs Mikey got into position and began the kata, he let his body follow the familiar routine while his mind raced.  He had Leo all to himself and knew they wouldn't be interrupted.  Mikey resolved to talk to Leo about whether he noticed that Raph had seemed upset over the two of them spending time together.

\tHe would not mention the word `jealous'.  If he worked it right, Leo would believe that Mikey thought he and Raph were just being competitive again.

\tOne advantage that Mikey had was that his brother would think it out of character for him not to be curious.  That meant that Mikey could pry into everyone's business without raising any real red flags.

\t``Stop,'' Leo ordered.

\tMikey froze mid-kata and waited.

\t``Left hand rolls under the right arm,'' Leo instructed.  ``You're flipping it.  Don't be impatient.  Slow it down and try again.''

\tFollowing his direction, Mikey repeated the move.  When he heard no more critique, he continued.

\t``Stop,'' Leo said once more.  ``Punch, one, two, three.  You're using a circular motion.  The blows should be sharp and straight.  Leave the spinning to your nunchucks.''

\tOnce more Mikey ran through the movement, this time as Leo had directed.  Mikey had to hand it to him, Leo had turned into a really good instructor.  These days Master Splinter was leaving more of his sons' practice sessions to Leonardo's lead.

\tThat hadn't bothered Raph nearly as much as Mikey had expected.  It was pretty clear to all of them that based purely on skills, Leo was hands down the best.  His katas were perfect and his combat techniques, whether hand to hand or with weapons, were impeccable.

\tIt was also clear, at least to Mikey, that Raph sort of resented Leo for being so good.

\tOkay, so maybe a little more than `sort of'.

\tMikey amended that thought when he remembered how Raph had reacted to being pinned by Leo during their sparring session.  Apparently there were some situations in which Raph didn't seem to mind that Leo was so skilled.

\t``Stop,'' Leo called, startling Mikey out of his reverie.  He gave his brother a guilty look, knowing that his thoughts had drifted a little too far away from what he was supposed to be concentrating on.

``Where is your mind?'' Leo asked disapprovingly.

\t``Sorry, bro','' Mikey said, and then scratched at his neck self-consciously.  ``Something's bugging me and I gotta ask.''

\tWhen he paused it made Leo frown.  ``If you have something to say, say it.''

\t``What's the deal with you and Raph using me and Don to try and one up each other?  Like, you barely looked at him until he said he'd prefer to hang with Don and he acted pissed when you said the two of us were going to work out together.''  Mikey stared at Leo, watching for even the smallest micro-expression.

 \tLeo's face had smoothed into an unreadable mask though.  ``Please don't allow Raph's gutter language to influence your speech, Michelangelo.  It's bad enough that he talks that way.''

\t``What way?  Pissed?'' Mikey shrugged.  ``It sure is more expressive.  You're our leader, not our dad, so I get to say what I think.  Using me and Donny in whatever's going on with you two is totally not cool.''

``The problems between Raph and I have nothing to do with either of you,'' Leo said.

\t``I guess it does,'' Mikey argued.  ``You're the one who's always telling us we're a team, that we have to communicate, and then spouting off about that Sun Tzu stuff.  How a leader must understand his army, blah, blah, blah.  If you don't listen to my gripes, then how are you gonna understand me?  That goes for Raph too.  How much listening do you actually do when he starts bitching about something?''

\tIt was a lot for him to say all at once, but Mikey needed to sound impassioned.

\tLeo folded his arms across his chest.  ``I listen to him.''

\tMikey snorted a laugh.  ``Is that the body language you use when you're supposedly `listening'?  `Cause that looks pretty defensive to me.  Kinda closed off and insulting, if you want my opinion.''

\t``I don't actually remember asking for it,'' Leo said rudely.

\t``Tough,'' Mikey snapped.  ``You get to hear it anyway.  Wanna know why?  `Cause I give a damn.''

\tAfter a moment of silence, which Mikey spent pointedly staring at Leo's crossed arms, the older turtle sighed and lowered them to his sides.

\t``I guess we're having this conversation,'' Leo said.

\t``Looks that way,'' Mikey said.  He pointed at the floor.  ``Pull up a chair and sit with me for a couple of minutes.''

\tHe sat down and gave Leo an expectant look.  With an air of resignation, Leo walked over and sank down onto the floor mats next to his brother.

\tLeo glanced at Mikey and then looked away to study his hands.  ``I'm not trying to use either you or Don against Raph,'' he said.

\tIt struck Mikey right then that maybe Leo truly wanted to talk.  He didn't really have anyone he could open up to about personal type problems.  Sure, with Master Splinter he could discuss training, family dynamics, and stuff pertaining to team building or their enemies.  But Leo would think that sharing his own needs or doubts would make him sound weak to their father.

\tWhen the four of them had returned to the Battle Nexus for Mikey's rematch against Kluh, Leo had remained at his little brother's side to help him through it.  Mikey had opened up to him about his doubts and insecurities.  Leo hadn't judged him.  Instead, he listened and then calmly guided Mikey past his self-doubt.  It was Mikey's turn to offer a shoulder.

\t``So what is going on between you guys?'' Mikey asked in a caring tone.  ``Arguing I get `cause that's normal.  This hasn't been anything even close to normal.''

\t``We have some . . . issues that haven't worked themselves out yet,'' Leo said.

\t``If they haven't worked themselves out by you two beating on each other do you really think that'll happen if you don't change your approach?'' Mikey asked.

\tLeo shook his head, a slight grimace on his face.  ``Probably not.''

\tLeaning towards his brother, Mikey said, ``You know Raph, maybe better than you think you do.  You're smart, Leo.  What does he want from you?  Is it something you can give him?  `Cause if so, and if it's not something that is totally life threatening, then give it to him.  Make the first move.  You are the leader, but more important, you're his brother and someone he cares about.''

\t``I wish it was that simple,'' Leo said.  ``I've tried approaching him to talk things through, but we usually wind up shouting at each other.''

\t``You know, Leo, I've spent my whole life listening to the pair of you argue,'' Mikey said, staring earnestly into his brother's eyes.  ``A lot of what you say to him is how he's wrong.  Whatever subject has the two of you going at it, no matter what it is, you tell him he's wrong.  He's not always wrong, bro'.  You should maybe lead off with that.''

\tLeo's brow was furrowed, as though he was thinking hard about Mikey's words.  ``That's pretty insightful, Mikey.  It's possible I have been going at this the wrong way.''

\t``I totally understand the urge to keep him under control,'' Mikey said, choosing his words carefully.  ``And I think that deep down, he depends on you to call the shots, maybe even needs that from you.  Not that he'd admit it in so many words.''

\t``Then why does he fight me about everything?'' Leo asked.  ``If I said that grass is green, he'd argue the point.''

\tMikey shrugged.  ``Some attention is better than no attention.''

\tHe could almost see Leo's brain working on that.  His stoic brother was forgetting to mask his emotions and Mikey had to be careful not to seem to be staring at him.

\t``I remember when we were little,'' Leo began, speaking softly.  ``Four of us, all clamoring for Master Splinter's notice.  All of us with individual needs.  Father directed each of us towards our own natural inclinations.''

\t``You liked to train more than any of us,'' Mikey said, carefully setting Leo back on track when his brother paused.

\t``He made certain to give me the extra time I needed,'' Leo said.  ``Keeping up with Don's inquisitive mind required a great deal of attentiveness as well.''

\tMikey grinned as he remembered a number of incidents that ended with either small fires or things exploding.  ``Donny was always way too good at taking things apart.''

\t``And then there was you.''  Leo looked at Mikey, his indulgent expression much like the one their father often wore when dealing with his youngest.  ``What was that board game you liked so much?''

\t``Trouble,'' Mikey supplied.

\tLeo chuckled.  ``Appropriate name.  I'll bet if we counted the number of times you cajoled him into playing that game with you it would be in the thousands.''

\t``He wasn't very good at it and I liked winning,'' Mikey said.

\t``He let you win,'' Leo said.

\t``Shut up, he did not,'' Mikey argued good-naturedly.  At Leo's knowing smile, he rolled his eyes.  ``Okay, he did.  But he stopped when he saw that I'd figured it out.  After that, any time I won it was for real.''

\t``I'll grant you that.''  Leo sobered again.  ``Do you recall what Raph did to get Master Splinter all to himself?''

\t``Yeah, how could I forget?  Something dangerous or something he was told he wasn't supposed to do,'' Mikey answered.  ``It was a total cry for attention.''

\t``There were so many other ways he could have gone about it, things that would have been more constructive,'' Leo said.  ``I could never understand why he was always acting out.''

\t``Pushing boundaries is kind of his thing,'' Mikey said.  ``I mean, we all had a slot we fit into except for Raph.  He wasn't the best student, he wasn't the smartest, and he sure wasn't the cutest.''

\t``Don't be so modest,'' Leo said.

\t``Glad you know who I was talking about,'' Mikey retorted.  ``Anyway, what I'm trying to point out is that he got the attention he was craving, even though it wasn't exactly healthy.  Patterns, dude.  He's repeating them with you.''

\t``But Mikey, you're saying that I need to listen to him,'' Leo said, the frown returning.  ``Master Splinter has tried that and the problems still exist.''

\t``You're not trying to change Raph, you're just trying to understand him,'' Mikey said.  ``Once you do, or at least show him you care enough to work at it, you'll have him.''

\t``Have him,'' Leo repeated in a near whisper, his gaze directed towards the lair.

\tA thrill of excitement ran down Mikey's spine.  It didn't require much imagination to guess what was going through Leo's mind at the moment.

\tMikey teetered on the edge of coming out to Leo right then and there.  ``It always pays to go for what you want, Leo.''

\tTheir eyes locked and Mikey could swear he saw in Leo's a dawning of comprehension.  They might actually have stopped talking in circles if their father hadn't chosen that moment to enter the dojo.

\t``Ah, Leonardo, Michelangelo,'' Master Splinter said, walking towards them.  ``Have you completed your training for the day?''

\tLeo rose to his feet, followed swiftly by his brother.  ``Yes Father.  Mikey made great strides today and mastered the techniques we were working on.''

\t``It pleases me to hear that,'' Master Splinter said.  ``Michelangelo, perhaps your enthusiasm for additional training extends to meditation.  Would you care to join me?  I will be doing so here, since the noises your brothers are making in my room do not lend themselves to quiet contemplation.''

 \t``As great as that invitation sounds, I think I'll go help Don and Raph,'' Mikey said, inching his way towards the door.  ``You know, fetching stuff, making sure they don't trample anything in your room . . . .''

\t``I'll join you, Sensei,'' Leo said.  ``I'm sure that if they need my help, Don will send Mikey back to get me.''

\tThere was zero possibility of that happening, not while Raph was in a mood.  Leo knew it, but the offer helped Mikey escape his Father's clutches.  Extra physical training was something Mikey could suffer for his cause, but having to meditate was going beyond the call of duty.

\tLeonardo actually liked meditation, and Mikey was sure he'd given his big brother a lot to think about.  As he walked towards Master Splinter's room, Mikey wondered if Don had worked on Raph at all.

\tIn their old lair, Master Splinter's room was just across from the television monolith, the entrance visible from almost anywhere.  The space that was his in their new home was down a hallway past the living area.  It was a lot more private.

\tMikey moved on silent feet, not wanting either Don or Raph to know he was approaching.  He could hear banging coming from inside the room and saw that the shoji doors were open.  Flashes of light came from within and when Mikey glanced inside, he saw that Don was atop a ladder, using his torch on the pipe than ran overhead.

\t``There, got that section fixed,'' Don said, tossing the torch down to Raph before making his descent.  ``How are you doing with the remaining metal plates?''

\tRaph waved towards the work bench they'd set up.  ``Finished banging out the rough edges.  They're ready to go.''

\t``I think Master Splinter will be happy to know we were able to finish this in one day,'' Don said.  He glanced at Raph.  ``You know what else would make him happy?''

\tHolding up a hand to stop Don, Raph said, ``I heard ya' the first time, Donny.  It ain't as easy as ya' make it out to be.''

\t``Of course it is,'' Don said, sounding slightly exasperated.  ``Talking things through is a very simple process.  You open your mouth and say something constructive, then close it to listen.''

\t``What am I supposed to do when the other person don't listen?'' Raph asked.  ``That's what happens with me and Leo every damn time.  We both wind up yapping at each other, trying to drown each other out, and it always ends the same.''

\t``With you two fighting,'' Don said.  ``If you don't like what you're hearing, then count to ten and give the words time to sink in.  Try to see where Leo is coming from.  If you go quiet and don't yell, it's very possible he'll stay calm too.''

\t``Or start lording it over me like he's just won,'' Raph said.

\t``Neither of you are winners if you can't find a way to connect,'' Don told him.  ``I think you know that perfectly well.  You two aren't enemies, you're family trying to work through an issue.  There's no trophy at stake, there's only peace of mind.''

\t``What happens if what I want from him is something he ain't willing to give?'' Raph asked.

\t``You won't know for certain that he's unwilling if you haven't fully stated your case,'' Don said.  ``Getting frustrated and yelling at him to `shove it where the sun don't shine' isn't actually telling Leo anything you want him to know.''

\t``It makes me feel better,'' Raph said with a lopsided grin.

\t``No it doesn't,'' Don said flatly.  ``That's pure reflex.  What would make you feel better is an acknowledgment from him that he's not just hearing what you're saying, but that he's making an effort to understand your point of view.''

\tRaph picked up the hammer off the work bench, looked at it for a moment, and then dropped it again.  ``I know what I want.  I don't know what he wants.''

\t``Then create an environment in which he feels comfortable in opening up to you,'' Don advised.  ``Nothing that could even remotely be construed as confrontational.  Show him that he can tell you things and you won't throw anything he says back in his face.''

\tMikey nodded at that, still silently eavesdropping on his brothers.  He had to hand it to Don, the genius was good at this.

\t``What if it turns out we ain't on the same page and never will be?'' Raph asked.

\t``We can play the `what if' game all day, Raph,'' Don said.  ``Do you know why that's not a good game?  Because you'll psyche yourself out of doing what needs to be done.  It builds irrational fear and leaves you petrified into inaction.''

\tIf there was such a thing as `psychology monthly' then it sounded to Mikey as though that was something Don had been reading.

\t``I'm not afraid of anything, especially about Leo,'' Raph insisted hotly.

\t``I didn't say you were afraid of him,'' Don said, his voice even and reassuring.  ``The fear I'm talking about is dread.  Like how you are when you've been injured badly enough for stitches and do your best to try and avoid them.  It's got to happen, you know it's got to happen, and your imagination makes it ten times worse than it actually is because you've spent five hours dodging the needle.''

\t``So now Leo's a needle I'm trying to dodge?'' Raph asked.

\tDon clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth.  ``Don't be obtuse.  You know what I'm talking about.''

\t``Yeah, yeah, I got the gist of it,'' Raph said.  ``Can we get back to work now?  I'm growing old here.  Me and Leo will work this shit out, okay?  We always do.''

\tThat was as near to `shut the fuck up' as Raph ever got with the genius, and Don accepted that the subject was now closed.  Mikey watched for several minutes as they sorted metal pieces into stacks according to size, letting enough time pass so that neither of them would suspect he'd been listening all along.

\tEventually he did join them and made an extra effort to be useful without getting underfoot and annoying Raph.  When the job was complete, they cleaned up the mess they'd made in Master Splinter's room and then had their father inspect the work.  He was pleased with the repairs and effusive in his praise of all three of his sons.

\tThe hard work had helped ease some of Raph's restlessness and the family made it through dinner without any conflicts.

\tWhen their father disappeared into his room for the evening, Raph plopped down on the couch to watch a boxing match.  Leo bade his brothers a good-night, announcing that he was going to read for a while.  Mikey did not miss how his eyes met and held Raph's for a moment before he turned to go to his room.

\tDon and Mikey sat at the kitchen table, quietly playing cards.  In whispered voices they discussed their day, agreeing that what they'd learned was that both Raph and Leo were suffering from similar mindsets.

\t``Do you think we did any good?'' Mikey asked.  ``I mean, are they gonna take our advice?''

\t ``We'll have to wait and see, Mike,'' Don said.

\t``I hate waiting,'' Mikey said, sliding his fingertips across the back of Don's hand.

\tHe was pleased to hear a tiny catch in Don's breathing.  ``We can keep working on them, help them . . . .''

\tWhen he stopped talking, Mikey looked at him curiously and saw that something on the other side of the lair had caught his attention.  Turning his head to see what it was, Mikey spotted Raph entering Leo's room.

\tMikey's eyes met Don's and they both jumped to their feet at the same time.

\t``Guess we didn't have to wait for long after all,'' Mikey said.

TBC...............

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