Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/4909363.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Underage
  Category:
      F/M, M/M
  Fandom:
      Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles_(TV_2003)
  Relationship:
      Leonardo/Raphael_(TMNT), Leonardo/Donatello, Michelangelo/Chloe, Raphael/
      Kane, Casey_Jones_&_April_O'Neil, Leonardo/Karai, Leonardo/Mona_Lisa
  Character:
      Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo_(TMNT), Kieran, Sean, Noah,
      Cameron, Splinter, Kane, Chloe, Oroku_Saki, Agent_Bishop, Krang_(TMNT),
      Splinter_(TMNT), Bebop_(TMNT), Rocksteady_(TMNT), Usagi, Sally, Dak,
      Raziel, Justin-oc, Lucy, Karai
  Additional Tags:
      "Angst, "family", "drama", "Relationship", "Romance", "Revenge",
      "retromutagen", "Mpreg", "egg", "hatching", "turtletots", "karma", two
      headed_lizard, Technodrome, Dimensions, Portals, Turtlecest, Age
      Regression, Fluff, Cheating, Marriage_breakdown, Getting_Back_Together,
      Phobia, Cockroaches, Nightmares, Leo_is_an_awesome_daddy, Babies,
      Parenthood, Brothers, Emotional_Hurt/Comfort, Emotional/Psychological
      Abuse, Underage_Sex, Implied/Referenced_Rape/Non-con
  Collections:
      Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles
  Stats:
      Published: 2015-10-01 Updated: 2017-11-27 Chapters: 42/100 Words: 74848
****** Leo's Heartache and new challenges ******
by KerryAnne
Summary
     I don't own the rights to TMNT but own the rights to the other
     characters.
     Donatello and Leo are together and have four children :Noah, Kane,
     Kieran and Sean, who are now two. Leo is 16, Raph is 14 in the first
     chapter, turning 15 in next chapter. Don is 14 and Mikey is 13. Raph
     and Leo have always had a spark and things get out of hand one night.
     Don finds out and hatches a plan to get Raph out of the way. Life
     changes for them all.
Notes
See the end of the work for notes
***** Leo and Don *****
Chapter Summary
     Introduction to the family.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Leo and his family: the quads, Noah, Kieran, Sean and Kane, and Leo's partner
and brother, Don, were having dinner at the kitchen table. It was a noisy
affair with four two-year-olds, but Leo wouldn't have it any other way. He was
proud of his family and he still couldn't believe he was a dad. He'd always
wanted kids and had leapt for joy when he'd discovered he was gravid. Everyone
else was also happy. Well, apart from Raphael. For obvious reasons.
Leo and Raphael had always had a special bond and they'd briefly dated before
Leo had ended things and hooked up with Don. Raphael had been devastated, but
Leo had been steadfast with his decision. The break-up wasn't because he didn't
love Raphael. He did with all his heart. The break-up was, because he wanted
kids and he knew Raphael had never wanted any, but he'd have been shocked if
he'd bothered to ask Raphael again about kids before he'd announced his
decision. Raphael had thought about it and changed his mind, but Leo didn't
know that. He hardly saw Raphael these days. He was always out with Casey
bashing the Purple Dragons or over at his apartment, but the tension between
him and Raphael was as thick as oatmeal when the temperamental turtle was
around. Leo hated it and wished that he and his brother could make peace
someday. The leader sometimes wondered if he'd made the right decision dumping
Raphael, but he squashed those thoughts when he thought about his beautiful
children.
No. I did the right thing, Leo thought. It wouldn't have worked out with me and
Raph. Kieran looked like Leo. He was forest green and had his sapphire eyes and
the other three had Don's olive skin and hazel eyes. Kieran and Kane were quiet
children and the other two were mischievous imps. Noah had a bit of a temper
like Raphael, but Leo was usually able to soothe him with a kiss or a hug. Leo
adored his kids and would lay down his life for them in an instant.
Leo thought about Raphael again. I know it's wrong, but I do miss him, Leo
thought. I know we need to talk about what happened yesterday. I have to tell
him he has to get over me. I'm with Don now and he has to accept it. But I know
I'll never stop loving him. I hope Don never knows that. It'd crush him and
he's been so fantastic. He doesn't deserve that heartache. Man, I'm so
conflicted. No, despite my feelings, I have to stay with Don. I have a family
with him. Raph has to accept that.
"Evenin,'" a familiar gruff voice with a thick Brooklyn accent, said, as he
entered the kitchen.
"Hey, Raph," Leo said.
"Hi," Don said pleasantly.
"Uncle Waphie," Kane said, trying to get off of his chair.
"Get back on your chair and finish your dinner," Don admonished, and pushed his
son back down. "No dessert if you don't."
Kane pouted, but did as he was told.
"There's lasagne in the oven if you're hungry, Raph," Leo said.
"Thanks." Raphael got a plate, dished up for himself and sat down.
Raphael patted Kane's head and smiled. He loved his nephews, but he couldn't
help feeling sad and jealous, because it could have been him and Leo with a
family. Instead, he was literally forced to watch Leo and Don play happy
families every day. He pretended he was okay with it, but he wasn't deep down
and his love for Leo still burned. I'll never stop lovin' Leo, he thought.
Maybe it's wrong, but I can't help it. I wanna talk ta him 'bout yesterday. It
didn't feel wrong. It felt so right and we belong together. We always have.
"Master Splinter's in his room," Raphael said. "Said he'll be out later. Have
ya seen Mikey?"
"Out at the movies," Leo said.
"Cool. Hey, Leo. I wanted ta ask yer advice on somethin'. Yer good at
relationship advice."
"Need my help?" Don asked.
"No," Raphael said quickly. "But thanks."
"Okay."
Don got a bad feeling. Raphael had always asked him for relationship advice and
now he was asking Leo. It was strange. Could it just be a ploy of Raph's to get
Leo to talk alone? Did Raph still have the hots for Leo or was he just being
paranoid? Don decided he'd eavesdrop to satisfy his curiosity.
"Can we talk after dinner, Leo?" Raphael asked,
"Um, sure," Leo said nonchalantly.
Raphael cleared the plates after dinner and stacked them in the sink. "I'll
wash and rinse," he said.
"No. It's fine. I got this," Don said. "Just seat the kids in front of the TV.
It'll keep them busy until I'm done.
"Thanks. It was great."
"No problem."
Raphael seated his nephews in front of the TV and tuned it to the Looney Tunes.
Then he and Leo wento the dojo.
XXXXX
Leo shut the dojo door and said, "I assumed you wanted privacy, Raph."
"Ya got that right," Raphael said. He strode towards Leo, pushed him against
the wall and pinned him there. Then he licked Leo's neck.
"Raph, you can't. I'm with Don and we have a family."
That didn't matter shit ta ya when we fucked yesterday. Ya enjoyed it as much
as me. Admit it. Ya still want me."
"Raph...."
"Fearless, why don't ya just admit it?" Raphael said and nibbled Leo's neck.
"Because it's wrong."
"No. What's wrong is that yer just with Don, because ya got a family. Do ya
even love him?"
"He's been wonderful, Raph."
"Ya didn't answer the question, Leo."
Leo sighed. "I love you, Raph. I always have. I got with Don, because I knew he
wanted kids as much as me. You didn't want any."
"That's true. I didn't, but I'd been 'bout ta tell ya I'd changed my mind when
ya sprung that break-up shit on me. I wanted kids. With ya."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I wanna be with ya, Leo." Raphael tilted Leo's face up and stared into
his eyes. "I love ya. Leave Don and be with me."
"I want to be with you, too, Raph."
Raphael's golden eyes lit up and he smiled, making Leo's heart flip. "When ya
gonna tell Don?"
"Tonight."
Raphael nuzzled Leo's neck. Then he pulled him closer and their lips met in a
bruising kiss.
Raphael broke the kiss and said, "That was amazin'. And us being together
again's the best early birthday present for me. I love ya, Leo, so much, and I
promise I'll also always be there for the kids."
"I love you too and I'll never let you go this time."
"Ya better not, ya big doofus," Raphael said and smiled. "Go before he gets
suspicious."
Unbeknownst to the lovers, Don had been listening outside the dojo door. Leo
cheated on me, he thought irately. I should have known something was up when he
acted all jumpy last night. He said it was because he'd been having nightmares.
Meanwhile, he'd been fucking Raphael! There's no way I'm letting him break up
my family. I have to do something fast. And I just know what to do. Something
drastic. Bishop always said he wanted to experiment on Raphael the most,
because he pisses him off with his cocky attitude and wisecracks. Going against
Raphael is wrong. He was raised as my brother, but he's crossed the line and I
see no other way out of this. I hate him for messing with Leo and he deserves
this.
Don pulled out the phone and made a call. "Agent Bishop, Donatello here."
"Greetings, turtle. Why are you calling me? Thought you hated me."
" I do, but I hate someone else more. Raphael."
"Your brother. What's he done to piss you off? Steal your cereal?"
"Worse." Don told him and told him what he wanted.
"Okay. Suppose I do that, what will you give me?"
"Raphael, of course. You can do with him whatever you want, but you first do
what I want and I want to be able to watch."
"You got it, turtle. Be at my lab at ten tomorrow."
"Got it. Ciao."
Don disconnected the call and grinned. Raphael will soon be out of the way, he
thought. I'm being a bastard, I know, but Raphael deserves this. He shouldn't
have messed with my Leo and my family.
Chapter End Notes
     Oh. Oh. Sounds like Raph's in deep trouble.
***** Leo tells Don *****
Chapter Summary
     Don's revenge begins.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Later that night, June 21, Leo sucked in a deep breath, as he sat across from
Don at the kitchen table. The kids were in bed and it was their ritual to talk
in the kitchen after everyone had gone to bed. Even Raphael had gone to his
room just after nine, which was unusual. Leo knew it was time to tell his mate.
He nervously cleared his throat.
"You okay, Leo?" Don asked. "You look tense."
Shit. How do I go about this, Leo wondered?
"Don, there's something you need to know," Leo said.
"What, Leo? You look so serious? Are you ill?"
Leo shook his head. "I.."
"You what?"
"There's no easy way to say this, but me and Raph had sex. It wasn't planned.
It just happened."
Don blinked. "Say what?"
"Me and Raph had sex."
Don swallowed hard and a look of hurt crossed his face. "But you're sorry,
right? It was a one-time thing and you won't do it again? We'll work through
it, Leo." Don placed his hand on Leo's.
Leo shook it off. "No, Don, I don't want to work through things and I'm not
sorry. I love Raph. I always have and I always will. I'm sorry for hurting you,
but I'm not sorry for being with Raph. We love one another."
"What about the kids?"
"I love them and I'll always be there for them and for you, but I can't be with
you romantically, Don. You deserve better and someone who'll love you."
"I don't understand, Leo. Is it something I did?"
"No, Don. You've been terrific. It's me and I'm sorry, but I can't be with
you."
"You have been distant. Now I know why. It's always been him," Don said
bitterly. "You thought about him, even when we made love, didn't you?" Leo
flushed. "I guess I got my answer. Where do we go from here?"
"Why aren't you mad? Curse me, fight me. Damn it."
Don sighed sadly. "I'm not mad at you, Leo. I'm hurt, but I always felt
something...." Don tensed, sensing someone else was present. Looking up, he saw
Raphael standing in the doorway, arms folded. "How much did you hear?" Don
demanded.
"Everythin'," Raphael said. "Don, I'm sorry it came out like this, but me and
Leo..."
Don banged his fist hard on the table. "Shut the fuck up, Raphael, you fucking
homewrecker. I'm talking to Leo."
"Don't talk to him like that," Leo shouted. He jumped up, raced to Raphael's
side and flung his arm around his waist. "Blame me if you want to blame anyone.
It's my fault. I could have said no, but I didn't."
"It don't matter whose fault it was," Raphael said. "What matters is that Leo
and I love one another. Ya can hate us all ya like, Don, but ya can't stop true
love."
"Oh, yeah?" Don said. He went over to Raphael, punched him in the jaw and
hissed, "Watch me."
Raphael's golden eyes gleamed dangerously and he swung a punch at Don, hitting
him under his right eye. Don hit back and before long they were wrestling on
the ground and trading ferocious blows. Don managed to get on top of Raphael
and was punching him everywhere he could.
"Stop!" Leo roared, wrenching Don off of Raphael. "Please."
Don got off of Raphael and kicked him in the side. Raphael groaned in agony.
"That's for breaking up my family," Don said. "And you're dead to me from now
on, Raphael. And Leo..."
"What's going on?" a voice demanded. They all looked up to see Splinter, a
stern expression on his face. He was swinging his tail from side to side.
Splinter banged the ground hard with his cane. "Ask Leo and that fucking
creep," Don said angrily.
"Language, Donatello," Splinter said just as crossly. "And I'm asking you."
"Leo and him went behind my back and Leo's dumping me."
"Is that true, my sons?"
Leo had gone to Raphael's side and helped pull him up. He draped an arm around
Raphael's waist and said, "It's true. Raph and I are in love. We never meant to
hurt Don."
Splinter assessed the situation and came to a decision. "I suggest you all get
a good night's rest. We'll talk and try to come to an acceptable agreement for
the children and for us all in the morning."
"Fuck that," Don yelled. "And I'm sorry, Dad, but you don't have a clue what it
feels like being rejected and treated so badly when all you've done is be there
for your mate and the children. Having said that, I might be able to forgive
Leo someday and I'll work toward the future and hope we can be civil, but that
scumbag," he said, walking over to Raphael and jabbing him in his plastron with
his finger. "I'll NEVER forgive as long as I live. I hate him with every fiber
in my being and we're no longer brothers." He spat in Raphael's face. "Watch
your back, Raphael." He stormed off to his room and slammed the door behind
him.
"That went down well," Leo said sourly.
"Raphael, Leonardo, you should be ashamed of yourselves," Splinter said
sternly.
"I'm not," Leo said, grabbing Raphael's hand. "Neither's Raph."
"That's right, Dad," Raphael said. "I know Don's mad now, but he'll see sense
when he's calmed down. He ain't right for Leo. I am. They'd have eventually
broken up anyway."
"I should send you to the Ancient one, Raphael," Splinter said. "You bring
nothing but dishonor on this family."
"Ya can do that if ya feel ya gotta, Dad, but nothin' or no one will ever come
between me and Leo. Besides, it'd break Leo's heart. Do ya want that?"
"We'll talk tomorrow," Splinter said and clucked his disapproval. "I hope
Donatello does forgive you, my sons. I feel something tragic is going to happen
if he doesn't."
Raphael laughed. "Dad, ya know what Don's like. He gets mad, but he always
calms down fast. This'll be like all them other times. Ya'll see."
"I hope so, my sons. Goodnight."
Raphael wrapped his arms around Leo and pressed his lips to his in a spine-
tingling kiss. They panted for breath when they'd pulled apart.
Raphael looked at Leo and said, "I'm glad we don't gotta sneak 'round, Leo."
"Me too. I was thinking we could extend the lair. Build a few more rooms for us
and our kids."
"Kids?"
"Well, we'll have someday, right?"
"Yeah. I love that idea. A lot. Me and ya. The way it's supposed ta be."
Leo chuckled. Then he winked. "Let's go to your room."
XXXXXX
They basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking a while later and Leo looked
at his new mate tenderly. This is how it's supposed to be, he thought. Me and
Raph always. We'll be so happy together. Everything's going to work out fine.
Little did the lovers know that a storm was brewing and life as they knew it
would change forever.
Chapter End Notes
     Poor Don. I kind of feel bad for him. He tries so hard to be the
     perfect mate, but it just isn't enough. I know Leo seems like a jerk,
     but what's worse? Living with someone just for the kids' sake or
     having the guts to tell your partner it's not working and you both
     have a shot at happiness with someone else? I don't blame Don for the
     way he reacted.
***** Raphael's 15th Birthday *****
Chapter Summary
     Don's plans are revealed.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The next morning, June 22, Raphael woke up at six, excited. Both about Leo and
about his birthday. Looking next to him, he noticed that Leo wasn't there.
Probably went ta crash on the couch, he thought. Man, I'm so happy. Me and Leo
are gonna be so happy. Don will calm down. I know he will and he didn't mean
what he said. Raph donned his obi and gear and went into the kitchen.
XXXXX
The whole family, apart from Don, was gathered around the kitchen table on
which was a giant stack of presents. "Mornin', Raphael said.
"Morning, my son," Splinter said. He stood and embraced Raphael. "Happy
Birthday."
"Thank ya, Dad," Raphael said. He beamed and his golden eyes shone in
happiness.
Splinter pulled away and Mikey got up and hugged Raphael. "Happy Birthday,
Raph," Mikey said.
"Thanks," Raphael said and gently extricated himself from the hug.
"Happy Birthday, Raph," Leo said. He stood up and planted a chaste kiss on
Raphael's cheek. "I have something special for you later," he whispered into
Raphael's ear slit.
Raphael smiled. "Thanks, guys."
Don suddenly appeared and was holding a gift-wrapped box. "For you, Raphael,"
he said.
"Really? I thought ya hated me."
"I was mad last night, but I've had time to think. You and Leo belong together.
You always have. I hope we can all be civil for the sake of the children."
"Wow. Really?"
"Uh huh. Aren't you going to open it?"
"Um. Thanks." Raphael opened it and his eyes widened when he saw what it was.
"Wow. For me, really? Don, this musta cost a small fortune."
"So you like your new helmet, huh?"
"Love it, but Don, I can't accept it. Not after..."
"I'd be insulted if you didn't. You're still my brother, Raph. You always will
be and I don't want bad blood between us."
"Then thanks," Raphael said and smiled. "I love it, Donnie. I'm gonna test it
out later."
"Let's open your other presents," Splinter said, pleased at his sons'
reconciliation. "Then we'll have breakfast."
Some time later, Raphael looked at his presents on the table: a subscription to
a motorbike magazine from Leo and a book on bonsais. Raphael had expressed an
interest a few months earlier; a new video game from Mikey and a jigsaw and
book on Martial Arts from his father. "I love it," Raphael said. "Thank ya so
much, everyone."
Michelangelo cooked Raphael's favourite breakfast: blueberry pancakes. Raphael
wolfed them down, glad things were better between him and Don. I wonder what
Leo's planned for me, he thought. Probably somethin' sappy, but I don't mind if
it's him. He smiled at his nephews. Man, I'm so lucky I got such a great
family.
After breakfast, Splinter said, "Miss O' Neil and Mr. Jones will be here at six
for your Birthday Party, Raphael. Leonardo went all out and made your cake."
"I helped too," Mikey said. "I made the frosting."
"Awesome. Dad, when can I try out my new helmet?"
"After everyone's gone home. I'm retiring to my room for a while. Happy
Birthday again, my dear son."
Mikey and Don cleaned up the kitchen and did the dishes. Leo took his kids into
the lounge and settled them in front of the TV. Raphael went with him and sat
down on the sofa.
XXXXXX
Raphael held Leo's hand and said, "Thanks again, Leo. What ya got in mind for
later?"
"Surprise. What are you going to do for the rest of the day?"
"Ain't decided."
"I wish I could go with you whatever you do, but I'm on daddy duty."
"Need some help?"
"I got it covered. Go and enjoy your day, Raph. We'll do something fun after
the guests leave," Leo said and winked.
"Okay. Love ya Leo."
Leo smiled. "Ditto."
Raphael bent down and patted his nephews' heads. "Uncle Raphie loves ya and
will see ya later. Be good." Raphael decided to go for a long run in the
sewers. Then I'll work on my bike, he thought
XXXXXX
Meanwhile, Don had finished his chores. He went into the lounge and said, "Leo,
can you watch the kids? I'm going for a long run. Haven't been able in a long
time."
"Sure."
XXXXX
Don exited the lair and walked until he was under the manhole near Bishop's
pad. Then he climbed up and outside and walked to the house. He rang the
doorbell and thought about Raphael. I fucking hate him, he thought furiously.
That damn bastard. Acting so smug. I'll show him. And he's so dumb. Thinking I
forgave him. As if I ever will.
Bishop opened the door and said, "Hello, turtle."
"Let's talk inside."
"Very well." They went into the lounge.
XXXXXX
"Tea, coffee?" Bishop asked, as they stood in the lounge. "Your retromutagen
ray like we discussed," Don said. "You call my brother and say you have me.
Then you zap him when he arrives here."
"Understood. And then Raphael's all mine."
Bishop placed a call and said, "Raphael? This is Agent Bishop."
"What the hell do ya want, psycho?" Raphael demanded. "And how'd ya get this
number?"
"Doesn't matter how. I have your brother, Donatello. You'll come to my place if
you want to see him again. He's down in the laboratory."
"I'll kill ya if ya hurt him. I mean it."
"Bye for now, turtle."
I can't go run back and get help, Raphael thought. Don needs help now. Besides
I can take care of Bishop myself. I have done many times before. Raphael ran as
fast as he could through the sewers until he reached the manhole not far from
Bishop's place. He climbed up and standing in the bright sunshine thought, I
hope Don's okay. That bastard had better not have hurt him. Raphael reached the
house a few minutes later. He tried door, found it was unlocked and went
inside.
XXXXXX
Raphael took his sai out of his obi, gripped them and cautiously made his way
down the stairs to the laboratory. Seeing Don in a cage, Raphael's anger
boiled. "Ya okay, Don?" he asked and approached the cage.
"Oh, Raph. I'm so glad you came. I was so afraid."
"Don't worry. Yer safe now. I'm here. I'll have ya outta here in no time."
Raphael was so busy picking the lock with his sai, that he didn't hear anyone
behind him, but he did feel a massive thwack to the back of his head. He
crumpled like a sack of potatoes to the ground. "Stage one complete," Don said.
"Help me out, Bishop."
Bishop opened Don's cage. Then he and Don lifted up Raphael and strapped him to
a hospital bed. "Ready for stage two?" Don asked.
"I've been waiting a long time for this," Bishop said. "But let's wait until
he's awake."
Raphael woke up thirty minutes later and groaned. He tried to move, but found
he was unable to and was firmly tied down. "What the fuck? Where am I?"
"Hello, Raphael," Don said.
"Don, where am I? And why am I strapped down?"
"You're in Bishop's lab."
"Are ya okay? Last thing I remember is comin' ta rescue ya."
"I'm fine. You're not, though."
"I don't understand," Raphael said, blinking in confusion.
"Then let me spell it out for you, dear brother. Bishop, he's awake."
Bishop left his laptop on which he'd been tapping away, went over to them and
said, "Hello, Raphael. Did you have a nice nap?"
"What the fuck's goin' on?" Raphael snarled.
"You're mine now, Raphael."
"This is one big mindfuck or a nightmare, ain't it? I'm gonna wake up and I'll
be at home."
"Nope," Don said. "You fucked Leo and broke up my family. You have to pay for
the damage you've caused."
Hurt and betrayal flashed in Raphael's eyes. "Don, I thought we were cool."
"You thought wrong. That was just an act. I fucking hate you, Raphael. How
naïve of you to believe me. Get the retromutagen, Bishop."
"Leo will find me," Raphael said angrily. "And neither of ya will get away with
this."
Don laughed. "You won't have any memories of this and can't tell him, even if
he does. You'll have no memories whatsoever."
Raphael blinked. "What are ya plannin' on doin'?"
"You're going back to an egg, Raphael. You're Bishop's to do with as he pleases
when you hatch."
"What? Ya ain't serious, Don? Don, don't. We're brothers," Raphael pleaded.
"Look, I'm so sorry."
"No, Raphael. You broke that bond when you fucked Leo. Happy last fucking
birthday, Raphael. This is my final gift for you. Hit it Bishop."
Bishop threw a vial of retromutagen onto Raphael, who watched in horror, as the
goo hit him. He immediately began to shrink. "Don," Raphael pleaded, his voice
becoming squeaky, as he shrank. "I'll do whatever ya want. Don, please."
Don said nothing and smiled smugly, arms folded. "This is better than a movie,
Bishop. You're recording, it right?"
"I am, Donatello," Bishop said.
"Good. I want a copy to watch in my lab."
Raphael kept shrinking. He was soon a toddler, chubby arms and legs flailing in
the air. His voice now that of a bawling baby. But the goo's effects didn't end
there. He shrank even more until he was a perfect, round egg. Well, look at
that," Don said in awe. "He's back to an egg. It worked."
"So, he's all mine?" Bishop said.
"As promised. I expect he'll hatch in two months. You'll need to incubate him.
What are you going to do with him?"
"Use him as a breeder for my new batch of super mutants. He'll carry the
babies. I'll dissect him or use him in experiments if I tire of him."
Don laughed. "Raphael would hate that. He's always been afraid of needles. Get
the tape for me. Then I'll leave."
Bishop copied the tape onto a thumb drive for Don and handed it to him.
"Thanks," Don said. "Have fun, Bishop."
"Oh, I will. Raphael will have a life of pure hell. Been good doing business,
turtle."
Don stashed the thumb drive in his belt, left Bishop's and headed down to the
sewers. With Raphael gone, Don thought. Leo will come to his senses and we'll
be a family again. One big, happy family. Do I feel bad for doing that to
Raphael? No. He had it coming to him. I hope he likes his new life, he thought
and chuckled evilly.
Chapter End Notes
     Is Raph doomed to be in Bishop's clutches forever?
***** The egg *****
Chapter Summary
     Leo goes to look for Raph and makes a shocking discovery.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Don returned home and found Leo in the lounge with the kids. "Hi, Leo," he
said. He bent down, kissed the kids and said, "They been behaving?"
"Yeah. How was your run?"
"Fantastic."
"You've been gone a long time. Over three hours. You must be buggered."
"I am. Kind of. Think I'll have a shower."
"You seen Raph?"
Don shook his head and said, "Nope."
Leo frowned. "I hope he's okay."
"Why wouldn't he be?"
"I don't know," Leo said with a shrug. "I get a weird feeling something's
happened to him. Maybe I'm wrong."
"I'll see you in a bit."
Don hurried to the shower, turned on the faucet and enjoyed the hot water
cascading over his body. Raphael's gone for good and Leo and I'll get back
together, he thought.
XXXXXX
Hours passed and Leo couldn't shake off his worry. "I'm going to look for Raph,
Dad," he said. "It's nearly six and there's no way Raph would miss his birthday
party and be gone all day. I honestly fear the worst."
"Be careful my son."
"I will, Dad. Tell Don I'll be back later."
Leo walked the sewer for hours, looking for Raph. Where the hell are you, he
thought in despair?
An exhausted Leo was about to head home at three a.m., when his T-phone rang.
"Yeah, Mikey?" Leo said. "I told Casey about Raph's disappearance and he went
looking for him. He bumped into two of Bishop's goons downtown and they bragged
that they had Raphael. Casey beat them senseless, went to Bishop's pad, managed
to knock him out...."
"Did he get Raph?"
"Yeah. There's something you should know, Leo."
"I'll be home in a few minutes. Tell me then."
Leo raced home, his heart jumping for joy. Raph's safe. Everything's going to
be okay, he thought.
XXXXXX
Leo arrived home and saw that his family, sans Don, were in the lounge. Casey
and April were also there. "Hi," Leo said. "Where's Raph?" His father had an
egg in his lap and was rubbing his hands over the shell. "What the heck is
that?" Leo asked.
"Raphael," Splinter said sadly.
"What?"
"It's true," Casey said. "Me and Bishop had a not so friendly chat and he said
he'd used his retromutagen ray to turn Raph into an egg. I suppose his plan was
to raise Raph as a breeder of a new race of super mutants."
"But how'd Raph end up at his lab?" Leo asked.
"Bishop passed out before I could ask him. I found Raph in an incubator and
brought him home."
"What now?" Leo asked.
"I'm too old to look after a young one again," Splinter said. "I don't have the
strength I used to have."
"Me and April could take him," Casey suggested.
Leo shook his head. "Impractical. I'll raise Raph as my son until Don finds a
cure."
"Leonardo, it's a huge responsibility," Splinter said. "Are you sure you can
manage? You already have four small children. And Raphael was such a handful
when he was a child. He will probably be one again."
"Yes, Dad. I'm sure I can cope. Give me the egg. Don has an incubator in his
lab. I'll move it into Raph's old room and I'll keep watch over him."
Splinter handed Leo the egg. Then Leo went to Don's lab, got the incubator,
moved it to Raphael's old room and placed the egg inside. "I'm so sorry, Raph,"
Leo said, tears streaming down his cheeks. "You didn't deserve this, but I
promise you Don's going to find a cure." Leo sat down on Raphael's bed and
hugged Raphael's pillow to his face, inhaling his musky scent. "And I'll get
revenge on Bishop, Raph. Rest assured. Hang in there. We'll be together again."
Chapter End Notes
     Don isn't going to be thrilled!
***** Incubation *****
Chapter Summary
     Raph's incubation.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The family were still adjusting to life without Raphael a few weeks later, as
well as enjoying the new addition to the family. Cameron, Mikey and Chloe's
son. Chloe and Mikey had met online and the relationship had swiftly moved
along.
"How's Chloe doing, Mikey?" Leo asked.
"Worn out and sleeping. Having a new born isn't easy and she takes whatever
rest she can get."
"What about you?"
"I'm good. The little tyke keeps me busy, but I wouldn't trade him for all the
pizza in the world."
Leo smiled. "I'm happy for you, Mikey."
"What about you? Must be hard seeing Raph reduced to an egg. Did Don find a
cure?"
"No. Don said Raph was probably hit by a retromutagen ray gun and Bishop
probably destroyed it. As for finding another cure, Don says he hasn't been
able to find one and doubts he will."
"So Raph's going to hatch, have no memories of you as a couple and be your son?
That's rough."
"Yeah," Leo said and sighed sadly "I miss him. I'd give anything to have him
back as he was."
"I'm sorry, Leo. I didn't approve of what you and Raph did, sneaking behind
Don's back like that, but Raph didn't deserve what happened to him."
"No, he didn't," Leo said, choking back a sob.
A little boy entered the room, went to Leo and said, "Daddy?
Leo looked up and said sharply, "Kane, what are you doing up? It's late."
"Want Uncle Waphie. He read story to me," Kane said, showing his father the
book he held: The Tortoise and the Hare.
"Uncle Raph went bye-bye, Kane. I told you that."
Kane's lower lip quivered and he started to cry. "Want Uncle Waphie."
Leo pulled his son into a hug. "Buddy, Uncle Waphie's gone, but you're going to
get a new brother soon. Want to see? I'll talk to you later, Mikey," Leo said.
Then he took his son by the hand and took him into Raphael's room, which had
been off-limits since his transformation.
XXXXX
"Look in there," Leo said, pointing at the incubator. "See that egg? It's going
to hatch soon and you'll get a new brother."
"Oh," Kane said, his eyes wide. He touched the glass, leaving a grubby little
handprint. "Kane, touch the egg."
"No, sweetheart. You mustn't. The egg has to stay inside there until it
hatches. Then you'll have a new little brother to play with. Won't that be
fun?" The little boy nodded. "Kane, Daddy will read to you. Let's go."
Leo took his son into the room Kane shared with his three brothers and tucked
him into bed. His brothers were asleep, so Leo quietly read the story.
Kane clapped his hands with joy and said when Leo was finished, "Daddy, read
again."
"All right. Once more." Leo was halfway through the second reading when he saw
that his son was asleep. Leo pressed a kiss to his forehead, left and went into
the lounge.
XXXXXX
Don was in the lounge. "Hi, Leo," he said.
"Kane couldn't sleep, so I read him a story."
"The boys miss Raphael dreadfully, but Kane misses him most. He had the
strongest bond with him and he never stops asking for Raphael."
"I know. Did you find a cure?" Leo asked hopefully.
"No. Like I said, I can't find one. I'm sorry, Leo, but there's nothing I can
do."
"At least you tried. Thanks," Leo said in a small voice.
"No problem. We haven't been able to talk much the last few weeks, since
Raphael's accident. Are you okay?"
"Accident? Is that what you call it?" Leo asked angrily.
"Well, what would you call it?"
"It wasn't an accident. It was deliberate and I call it a tragedy. A tragedy
for us all as a family."
"Look at the bright side."
"What bright side, Don?"
"At least we don't have to deal with Raphael's moods. I for one, was growing
sick of them."
"You hated him, didn't you?" Leo snapped.
"No. I loved Raphael, even after what you guys did. But you have to admit his
temper was getting out of hand. None of us could cope. Maybe this egg
situation's a blessing in disguise and Raphael will be different when he
hatches."
"Blessing?" Leo said scornfully.
"Uh huh. Speaking of which, are you really going to raise him as your son?"
"I am. Got an issue with that?"
"No. I was going to say you can count on me if you want help with the new
baby."
"Thanks, but I'll be fine."
"Leo, I want us to be civil for the babies' sake. I really do. We owe it to
them."
"You're right. We do. It's late. I'm going to bed. Let's talk tomorrow."
"Leo, I really want to help with the new baby. He'll be a lot of work and he's
our sons' new brother after all. Let me co-parent."
"Really? And why'd you do that?"
"Two parents are better than one and I honestly want to help. Raph was also my
brother and I loved him."
"All right."
"Great. Night, Leo."
"Night, Don."
Leo went to Raphael's room.
XXXXXX
Leo lay in bed and stared att the egg. Raph, I'm so sorry, he thought, tears
trickling down his face. There's no cure and we're never going to be together.
I failed you. I'm sorry.
Chapter End Notes
     Is Don sincere or has he something up his sleeve?
     In the 1987 series, the Turtles' favourite book was the Tortoise and
     the Hare and they made April read it over and over again.
     Next chapter Raph will hatch.
***** Hatching *****
Chapter Summary
     Raphael's hatching day has arrived.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Two months later on August 12, at 3 p.m., Leo woke up from an afternoon nap to
the sound of something cracking. Glancing around the room, his eyes settled on
the egg in the incubator. He leapt out of bed, went over to it and peered
inside. The egg was definitely cracking and he could see a little figure inside
that was flailing its limbs. "Come on," Leo. "A little more and you'll be out.
You can do it."
The egg had totally cracked a few minutes later and a little bundle sat and
emitted a loud wail. "Aw," Leo said. "Come here." He picked it up, checking it
over to make sure it was fine and gently rocked it. Noticing the contour of the
plastron, Leo said, "You're a gorgeous little boy and I'm going to take great
care of you."
Don entered the bedroom and said, "Is that a baby I heard, Leo?"
"Yeah. He's hatched." Leo beamed in pride. "He's beautiful, isn't he? Looks
just like Raph. Same color skin, same eyes. Wonder if he'll have the same
temper." The baby squawked, his face turning red, as he flailed his limbs.
"Guess he answered that question," Leo said and chuckled.
Leo and Don had patched things up and were giving a go again. "Yes," he does,
Leo," Don said. "What about naming him Keegan?"
"No. His name's Raphael Firenzi, Don. Aren't you, buddy?" Leo tickled the
baby's chin and he cooed. "See, Don. He likes that name."
"Whatever," Don muttered. "Can I hold him?"
"Sure." Leo placed the baby in Don's arms and the baby immediately started to
cry.
"He doesn't like me," Don said and frowned.
"He's a baby."
"You take him, Leo. I'll go get his formula."
Leo took little Raphael to meet the family.
XXXXXX
Splinter was watching TV with the quads in the lounge and Leo showed them the
baby. "He's arrived, Dad," Leo said, handing the baby to his father. "Isn't he
precious?"
"Adorable, aren't you little one?" Splinter said, patting Raphael's head. The
baby cooed and sucked on his finger. "Quite a grip there," Splinter said.
Kane sprang to his feet, rushed over and said, "Oh, baby. Kane, want to see."
His siblings hurried over and they all pushed at Splinter's legs, trying to get
to Raphael.
"You can all see him," Leo said. "But sit down and he can sit on your lap,
okay? He's very small and he could get hurt if he falls. Sit down next to
Grandpa, Kane. Kane's going to hold him first. Then you boys." Splinter placed
Raphael onto Kane's lap. The little boy grinned, looked down at his new little
brother and kissed him.
"My turn," Noah said. Kane got up and the other siblings all had their turn.
Then Leo said,"His name's Raphael, but you can call him, Raphie." Leo rocked
Raphael and said, "I wonder where Don is with that formula. Raphie must be very
hungry.
"Waphie," Kane echoed. "I want to play with him."
"No, me," Sean yelled.
Leo laughed. "He's too small to play right now, boys, but he'll soon grow and
you can play with him. It's time for his feeding. I'll be back." Leo went into
the kitchen.
XXXXXX
Leo saw Don drinking a cup of coffee at the table. "Where's Raphie's formula,
Don?" Leo asked.
"It's nearly ready. Sorry I got a call and was a little distracted."
Leo grabbed the bottle of formula and checked its temperature. Satisfied it was
ready, he sat down at the table, Raphael in his arms, and fed him. Raphael
immediately latched onto the bottle and greedily sucked the bottle. "Hungry
little thing aren't you?" Leo said. "That's it. Drink up, so you can be strong
and tough like your parents and your brothers." Leo pressed a kiss to his
forehead and said, "isn't he amazing, Don?"
"Sure. The best," Don said sarcastically.
"You're not happy? I thought you were okay about us raising him."
"It feels a little weird raising one's brother, Leo, but I'll get used to it."
"There he's finished his bottle. I'll go change him. Want to come and tuck him
in?"
"You go. He doesn't like me."
"Of course he does. You're his daddy. Raphie, you do like Daddy Don, don't
you?" Leo set the baby in Don's arms and he immediately started to wail,
scrunching up his face and turning red. "No, he doesn't, Leo," Don said,
handing the baby back to Leo. The baby stopped crying, looked up at Leo with
his golden eyes and stretched out a hand to touch Leo's blue bandana. "Give it
time, Don. He's not even an hour old."
"You know I won't give up. I'm going to the lab. Have some things I need to
do."
"All right," Leo said and kissed his cheek. "I'll tuck Raphie in. Hey. Where's
Mikey? I forgot to ask."
"He, Cameron and Chloe went to Casey and April's place when you were sleeping.
They'll be back tomorrow."
"Okay. See you later. And try not to worry. I'm sure you and Raphie will bond
and will become close.
XXXXX
Don went to his lab and cursed in frustration. Now I'm stuck raising that brat,
he thought. He doesn't like me and I doubt he ever will. Feeling's mutual. But
I don't want to lose Leo, so I'll play nice. I know that kid's going to be a
real menace, like Raphael was. If only Casey hadn't gone looking for him!
XXXX
Don and Leo were woken by a screaming Raphael a few hours later. Leo got out of
bed and picked him up. Cradling him to his chest, Leo kissed him and said, "Sh,
Raphie, it's okay."
"It's not," Don said grumpily. "He goes to sleep for maybe half an hour. Then
he's awake and screaming his head off. We've tried everything, Leo, and nothing
worked!"
"I have one more idea."
"Go ahead, but it won't work."
"Can't hurt."
Leo climbed into bed and placed Raphael on his plastron. He stopped crying
rightaway, pleased by the warmth and closeness of his dad. "There you go," Leo
said soothingly and kissed his forehead. "That's all my Raphie wanted, isn't
it? To be close to Daddy. Shut your eyes, little one."
"Oh, brother," Don grumbled.
"See it worked."
"Bet you he wakes in twenty minutes."
Leo sang Raphael a lullaby and he closed his eyes and soon fell asleep. "He's
out," Leo said, glancing down at the baby.
"Don't get so excited. He'll be awake soon. I'm going to try and get some
sleep, while I can." Don pulled a pillow over his head and was asleep in
minutes.
Leo looked down at a sleeping Raphael and thought, he's so beautiful. We can't
be together, like we wanted and it still saddens me, but 'ill be the best dad
to him and will do everything in my power to ensure he grows up healthy, happy
and feels loved.
Chapter End Notes
     Poor Leo. It must be extremely difficult to now be raising your ex
     mate.
***** Raphael's return to babyhood day 1 *****
Chapter Summary
     Raphael's full first day as an infant again. And Don does something
     despicable.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Leo woke up early the next day and looked at the sleeping baby, who was still
resting on his plastron. He smiled and sat up slowly, cradled the infant and
planted a tender kiss on his forehead. Raphael opened his golden eyes and
stared up at him. Love filled Leo’s heart, as he stared down at the precious
angel. “Morning, Raphie,” he said and kissed his forehead again. “How’s my
sweet boy?” Raphael cooed and reached for Leo's bandana. Leo took Raphael’s
hand and the baby gripped his finger. “Solid grip you have, Raphie,” Leo said
proudly. “You’re going to be a fantastic ninja one day.” Leo looked beside him,
but didn’t see Don. Maybe he’s in the kitchen, he thought. Raphael let out a
little wail and Leo said, “You must be hungry and need a change, young man.” He
expertly changed Raphael‘s diaper and took him into the kitchen.
XXXXX
Leo saw his four other boys eating cereal at the kitchen table. Kane got up and
came over to stare at his little brother. "Baby. Waphie," he said, tickling
Raphael's chin with his pudgy finger and making the baby gurgle. Don turned
around from the stove, where he'd been cooking eggs and bacon, and said, "Sit
down, Kane. Morning, Leo. Thought you might be up now, so I made breakfast.”
“Morning, Don, and thanks,” Leo said and kissed his cheek.
Kane had sat down and Leo said, “Hold him tightly the way I told you, Kane,
okay? I’m making his breakfast.” Leo settled Raphael into Kane’s arms. The
little boy was beside himself that he was holding his brother and stared at him
with brotherly pride. “Baby so small," Kane said.
“Small, but he makes one hell of a noise,” Don muttered under his breath,
glaring at Raphael, as he sat down at the table. Leo finished making the
formula, took Raphael from Kane and sat down.
“I want to feed him, Daddy,” Kane said. “Please.”
“No. Me,” Kieran said. “He my bwother, too.”
“No. Me!” Noah yelled.
Not to be outdone, Sean said, “Me! Pwease, Daddy.”
Leo chuckled. “You can all take turns. Raphie will need a lot of bottles.
Kieran, come here. You can feed him first.” Kieran fed him. Then his brothers
all took turns. Leo burped Raphael when he'd finished feeding and said, "There.
He's done."
“I don’t know what the fuss is all about,” Don muttered under his breath. “He’s
just a baby and an ugly one at that.”
“Huh? Did you say something, Don?” Leo asked.
“No. Your food’s cold, Leo, and I made it especially for you.”
“Sorry, Don. I’ll warm it up when Raphie's had his bath.”
“Whatever,” Don said and scowled.
That baby’s not even a day old and he’s already got everyone wrapped around his
chubby fingers, Don thought angrily. But not mine. I’ll never love him.
XXXXX
Leo took his sons to the lounge, put on the TV and saw they were settled. Then
he took Raphael to the bathroom. Kane tottered after his father, eager to see
what he was doing.
XXXXX
Leo ran the tap in the sink and checked the water was the right temperature.
“What you doing, Daddy?” Kane asked.
“Hey, little man,” Leo said. “I’m giving Raphie a bath.”
“Oh. Bubbles?”
“Maybe another time.” Leo put Raphael into the sink and gently held him.
Raphael squawked and flailed his legs in protestation, splashing Leo and Kane.
“It’s just water, Raphie,” Leo soothed. “Come on. It’s all right.” Leo got a
cloth and some baby soap and gently washed him everywhere, scrubbing his shell
and taking care he thoroughly cleaned him. Kane watched, wide-eyed. “Wanna
help,” he said. “Pwease.” Leo showed him how to wash his brother and Kane
giggled, as Raphael splashed more water at him, but he was no longer frantic.
The baby had calmed down and appeared to be enjoying his bath. “Great job,
little man,” Leo said. “Raphie’s clean now.”
Leo lifted Raphael out of the sink and wrapped him in a fluffy towel. Raphael
gurgled softly, feeling safe and snug. “There’s my boy,” Leo cooed and kissed
his cheek.
“Baby, play?” Kane asked.
“No, no, Kane. Raphie’s too small. He can sit with us, but he’s too small to
play.”
Leo took Raphael to his bedroom and Kane followed him. Leo smiled. Kane was
besotted with his little brother and he had a feeling they'd be good friends,
which warmed his heart.
XXXXX
Leo changed Raphael again and placed him in his cot. Then he sang a lullaby
Splinter had sung to them when he and his brothers were small. “Baby, sleep?”
Kane asked.
“Yes, buddy. He’ll sleep a lot, because he’s so little," Leo said. "All he can
do is eat and sleep. Why don’t we let Raphie rest and I’ll come and watch TV
with you. Say bye-bye to Raphie.” Leo lifted up Kane and he kissed his
brother’s forehead. “Bye-bye, Raphie,” Kane said. Then he and Leo went to watch
cartoons with the others.
XXXXX
Later that day, when Leo was meditating, Splinter was in bed and so were the
others, Don seized his chance. He'd had to endure the family fawning over
Raphael all day, as if he were the most precious thing on earth and he was sick
of it.
Why can’t the family see he’s a nuisance, Don thought? And he’s going to be a
lot of trouble. I can’t handle another night of his crying . And what if he
grows up and wants Leo? I’m not dealing with that again. Don crept into his and
Leo’s bedroom and glared at the sleeping Raphael in his crib. He picked up the
baby, who started to cry. “Shut up,” Don snarled. “All you do is whinge and I’m
tired of it.” He smacked Raphael hard, causing him to cry louder. Don pressed a
hand over Raphael’s mouth, shutting him up. The baby’s eyes went wide and he
stared at Don fearfully. Then Don picked him up and dropped him onto the floor,
knowing that a fall could seriously hurt him and even kill him. Raphael landed
on his shell with a loud crack.
Raphael was crying indignantly, but Don paid him no need and was about to stomp
on his neck, when the door opened and a frantic Leo burst inside. “What
happened, Don?” Leo asked, scooping up his sobbing son and pressing him to his
chest. "I could hear him from the dojo."
“I came in here to get a book and I found Raphael on the floor. One of the boys
must have snuck in here, picked him up and dropped him.”
Leo pressed tender kisses to Raphael’s beak and the baby stopped sobbing. “It’s
okay, Raphie,” he said. He checked him over and noticing a chip in his still
soft shell. It was a small chip and would heal, but Leo was upset. It shouldn’t
have happened and he blamed himself. “It’s my fault,” Leo said. “I shouldn’t
have meditated so long, knowing you were in the lab.”
“These things happen, Leo. Not your fault.”
“I’m glad Raphie’s okay. What if he’d died? I’d never have forgiven myself,”
Leo said and kissed Raphael’s cheek. “I won’t be letting you out of my sight
from now on, Raphie.”
“I can still care for him. He’s my son, too.”
“Sure, but what I mean is, he won’t be left alone.”
“Oh, right. Well, if he’s okay, I’m going back to the lab,” Don said, grabbing
a science book from the bookshelf. “See you later, Leo.”>/p>
Fuck, Don, thought. I’m going to have to try something else to get rid of
Raphael!
Leo crawled into bed and placed the now soothed and quiet Raphael onto his
plastron. “I’ll never leave you alone, Raphie. I promise. You’re safe now,” Leo
said and kissed the baby and smelled his sweet baby smell. “Daddy has you. Now
and forever. I love you so much.” Leo sang a lullaby to him and it wasn’t long
before both dad and son were fast asleep,
Chapter End Notes
     What will Don do to Raph next?
***** Enter the Shredder *****
Chapter Summary
     Shredder gets a new addition to his family.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Don spent the whole evening in his lab, reading text books about murder and the
“perfect” way of getting of someone. He knew it was completely out of his
character. He’d always been a pleasant, likeable guy, but rejection and
betrayal can make one do things they’d never do. It happened all the time on
the crime shows Raphael used to watch. Now Raphael was a victim of his own
actions and deservedly so, Don mused. He should never have screwed around with
Leo. Hmm. Arsenic. Maybe if I put it in Raphael’s formula. Worth a try. Don
placed the book into a drawer and retired to his bedroom.
XXXXX
Don crawled into bed and lay down.
Raphael, who was still cradled on Leo’s plastron, sensed his presence and
started to cry, waking Leo. “Hush,” Leo said sleepily, opening his eyes and
stroking Raphael’s head. “It’s okay, Raphie. It’s only your daddy. Hey, Don.”
“Hi.”
“You were up late.”
“I was working on an experiment. Shouldn’t he be in his cot?”
“He’s happy here, aren’t you, my boy?” Leo cooed and kissed Raphael’s beak. The
baby started to gurgle. “You can’t keep him with you forever, Leo. He needs to
be in his cot, otherwise he’ll never sleep alone.”
“Chill, Don. He’s only a day old. He’ll sleep in his cot when he’s ready.”
“When will that be? Because I’m feeling in the mood. We haven’t had sex in a
couple of weeks and I miss you, Leo.”
“I miss you, too. It’s been crazy busy with the kids, but I know we also need
to make time for ourselves as a couple.”
“Start now. Put that baby in the cot and…” Don traced his fingers along Leo’s
jaw and kissed him.
“His name's Raphael, Don.”
“Then put him in the cot, Leo. I want to fuck you,” Don said huskily. Don never
swore, so Leo blinked in surprise.
Leo chuckled and said, "Now that you put it that way….”
Leo got up and placed Raphael in his cot. The infant let out an indignant wail
at the sudden loss of warmth. Leo covered him with a blanket and kissed his
cheek. “Sleep, Raphie. We’re right here.” But Raphael continued wailing. Leo
picked him up and sang to him and he fell asleep, but he started to cry again
when Leo placed him in his crib.
Forty minutes of this elapsed and Don sighed in frustration. “That baby’s
trying to stop us having sex, Leo.”
“What? He just loves being with me. That’s all, Don. He doesn’t know what he’s
doing. He’s a baby.”
“Sure he doesn’t,” Don said sarcastically.
“I’m sure we’ll make love, but it’s early days for Raphie. He’ll settle down
and will sleep on his own. Be patient. We'll be able to do what we want then.”
“Whatever. You know, Leo, I’m starting to think you get some kind of perverse
pleasure with that baby.”
“What do you mean?” Leo demanded.
“You’re still in love with Raphael. That’s why you keep him with you at all
times.”
“That’s ridiculous. He’s a baby, Don. A defenceless baby. I love him as my
son.”
“Keep telling yourself that!”
“I get it. You’re jealous of a little baby. A baby. That’s insane. I love you.”
“So you say, but what will you do when the baby grows up?”
“Still be with you, Don. Raphie’s my son. No. He’s our son. You have nothing to
worry about. I love only you and I always will.”
“Do you regret your time with Raphael?”
“Why must we talk about it? I apologized and I swear I’ll never cheat again.”
“Forget it. I’m going to sleep on the couch. You can sleep with Raphael. You
love him more than me anyway. You’re so possessive of him.”
“Not true. I love you incredibly, Don. You’re my heart, my soul, my everything.
You’ve given me more than I could ever have imagined. And you gave me a second
chance after I messed up. I’m grateful to you and for you. The baby also loves
you. Look at him. He’s a defenceless, sweet little baby, who needs love and all
we can give him. You should bond with him.”
Don studied the golden eyed infant. All he saw was the teenage Raphael smirking
about his relationship with Leo. It filled him with rage and he snapped, “I’m
going to the couch.”
“Don, please….”
Don stalked out and flopped on the couch in the lounge. No. The baby's got to
go, he thought.
XXXXX
Everyone was at the kitchen table the following morning, when Don appeared. The
genius tried not to scowl when he saw Raphael was in Leo's arms.
"Want me to make him a bottle, Leo?" Don asked.
“No. I made him one a while ago. He’s fine, aren’t you, boy?”
Don cursed internally and thought, foiled again, but I have a plan.
“Wanna play with Waphie,” Kane said. “Daddy, Waphie, bath?”
Leo smiled. “Yes and then we can all watch TV together. You up to it, Don?”
"Sure," Don said.
XXXXXX
Leo bathed the baby. Then the entire family gathered and watched movies.
The second movie ended and Don said. "Leo, can we talk?"
“Sure. Mikey, can you hold Raphie for me?”
“Of course, dude,” Mikey said, taking Raphael. “Come here, little man. Aren’t
you gorgeous? Heh. The old Raph would slap me for saying that.”
“He’s beautiful,” Chloe agreed. “Nearly makes me want to have more kids.”
“We just had Cameron!”
“I said nearly, Mikey. Keep your shell on. I don’t want more kids yet.”
Leo and Don went into the kitchen.
XXXXX
“I’d like to apologize,” Don said. “I was nasty and you’re right, Leo. He's an
innocent little tyke and I was wrong to get so upset. He’s not the same Raphael
that…”
“Precisely. He’s not, Don.”
“I’d like to spend the afternoon with him if that’s okay? You suggested I bond
with him and I’d like to do that.”
“You sure?”
“I am.”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t trust me?”
“Of course I do. It’s just why the sudden change of heart?”
“Because I’ve done some thinking and I know I was out of line. Raphael’s not
the same Raphael he was. He’s a baby and he’ll have no memories of the past
Raphael and his life back then when he grows up. He’s essentially a new
Raphael. Make sense?”
“Yes. That’s what I was trying to tell you. Sure you can take him, but I
wouldn’t leave him with the boys. Don’t want a repeat of last night. Poor
Raphie. Took me a long time to calm him down.”
“Of course. Toddlers can be so careless and should never be left alone with
babies. Great. I’ll take Raphael now. I was thinking of taking him for a walk.”
“Want me to come?”
“No. I’ve got it. Mikey will look after the other kids. Why don’t you go
meditate?”
“I think I will.”
Don got Raphael’s pram and went into the lounge. Leo placed Raphael in it and
covered him with a blanket. Then he kissed Raphael’s cheek and said, “Be safe,
Don, and have fun. Love you, Raphie.”
“Wanna go, too,” Kane said. “Please, Daddy!”
“No, no,” Don said. “It’s just me and the baby. I’ll take you later, Kane. See
you all later.”
XXXXX
Don wheeled the pram outside of the lair. Raphael was awake, his little eyes
darting everywhere.
Don stopped pushing the pram an hour later and said, "This is it. End of the
road for you, you pesky little shit!” Disliking his tone, Raphael started to
cry. “Shut up,” Don said. He raised a hand and slapped the baby across his
face, which only made him cry harder.
“Well, well, what have we here?” a male voice said.
“Shredder,” Don said. He grabbed his bow from his sheath, turned around and saw
the villain and his henchmen, Bebop and Rocksteady. “What do you want, tin can?
And why are you down here?”
“Now, reptile, no need for such hostility," Shredder said. "I was looking for
something.” Raphael’s wailing grew louder. “Is that a baby?” Shredder asked in
shock.
“You want it?”
“I thought there were only four of you wretched reptiles and you’re all male.
How's a baby possible?”
“Raphael was turned into an egg, he hatched and this is him. You always said
you wanted us. Here’s your chance.”
“Would you give me a baby?” the villain asked, arching an eyebrow.
“I got kids. I don’t want another. You want him or not? You can raise him as
your son. Beat me up first and he’s all yours.”
“I don’t like this,” Rocksteady said, glaring at Raphael, who was still
sobbing.
“I always wanted a son,” Shredder said. “Why not? Bebop, Rocksteady, beat
Donatello up.”
The mutants clobbered Don and he lay bruised and battered on the ground,
panting. “Thanks,” Don said. "Take Raphael away.”
Shredder picked up the still weeping baby and to Don’s surprise, he was tender
and gentle. “Hello, little one,” he said. “It’s all right. Stop now. I have
you.” Raphael stopped, looked up at him and reached out for his metal mouth
covering. Shredder chuckled and said, “Sayonara, Donatello. Thank you.” Then he
left, pushing the pram with Raphael in it.
Don lay on the ground, pain coursing through his body, but he didn’t mind. The
little shit’s gone, he thought happily. And now I have a story to tell Leo.
Don headed home a while later.
XXXXXX
Don staggered into the lair and saw only Leo was in the lounge. "I'm back,
Leo," he said.
Taking in his appearance, Leo gasped and said, “What happened, Don?”
“Got jumped and roughed up badly. Looks worse than it is.”
“And Raphie?”
“They took him,” Don said a choked out a sob.
“Who did?”
“I don’t know. They wore black balaclavas, Leo. They jumped me and Raphael was
gone. when I woke up. I’m so sorry, Leo. I am. It’s my fault he’s gone.” Don
let out a small hiccup and covered his face with his hands. “I’m sorry.”
“Sit down. I'll get you some water.”
Leo got the water and returned to the lounge. Handing the glass to Don, he
said, "Don’t blame yourself, Don. It wasn’t your fault. We’ll find Raphie, I
promise. We’ll never rest until we do.”
Good luck with that, Don thought, as he buried his head on Leo’s shoulder. You
won’t find that demon. Raphael’s gone for good and I look forward to the new
normal without him!
Chapter End Notes
     How will Shredder cope with baby Raph?
***** Shredder's attempt at parenting *****
Chapter Summary
     Shredder gets more than he bargained for when he tries to parent
     Raphael.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Shredder arrived home at the technodrome and carried a screaming Raphael in his
arms. The baby hadn’t stopped crying the entire time they were in the transport
module, not liking the change in air pressure, which affected his ears. “You
take the baby,” Shredder hissed. He opened the technodrome door and handed the
baby to Rocksteady.
“But, boss,” the mutant protested. “I know nothing about babies.”
“What about you, Bebop?”
“Even less,” Bebop said.
Shredder scowled and said, “Bring the diapers and bottles we got from the
transport module. I have a feeling this imp needs food and needs to be
changed.”
“Yes, boss.”
XXXXX
Shredder sat on his bed in his room and tried to soothe Raphael by singing to
him, but it didn’t work. He continued sobbing. Sighing, Shedder rocked the
baby, his patience wearing thin. No wonder that Donatello wanted to get rid of
this kid, he thought. It never shuts up.
Shredder suddenly felt something wet on his leg. Looking down, he saw a damp
spot that hadn’t been there earlier. The shit’s peed on me, he thought. And I
had my clothes dry cleaned yesterday! Shredder held Raphael away from him and
stared at him with a mixture of disgust and annoyance. Raphael gurgled and
looked at him and the villain felt bad for being angry for the first time in
his life.
"It's just a baby," Shredder said. "You're just a baby. You didn’t mean that,
did you, Raphael?” The baby gurgled again. “I’m a not nice man, Raphael, and
I’ve hurt a lot of people, but I won't lay a hand on you. I'll try to be a good
father to you. And I'll try not to get annoyed when you scream. You don’t do it
deliberately.”
“Bah,” Raphael said, studying him.
“That’s right. I’m your father. Now, where are those mutants?”
Bebop and Rocksteady entered the room. “Here you go, boss,” Bebop said, handing
Shredder the bag of diapers. “What’s that smell?”
“Don’t ask,” Shredder said. He changed Raphael, made a hash of it and said,
"How does one change a baby?”
“I dunno. Do you, Rocksteady?”
“Um,” Rocksteady said. “I seen it on TV and it’s like this.” He showed Shredder
and Raphael was properly changed. “It’ll take practice, but you’ll get it
right, boss.”
“I never thought I’d need that kind of advice from you,” Shredder said in
disbelief. “Now I need to feed him.”
“Need help, boss?”
“No. I think I can work out how to make formula.”
Shedder took Raphael into the kitchen.
XXXXX
Shredder made the formula, sat down at the kitchen table and fed Raphael.
"There you go, Raphael,” he said. “Drink up, my son, so you can become a
fantastic ninja like your old man. You'll grow up, will fight those despicable
turtles and you'll be my heir. The world will be ours.”
Krang entered the kitchen in his bionic body and said, "What do you mean
hours?"
“I mean yours, mine and this baby’s.”
“Baby?” Krang said, peering at the infant in Shredder’s arms. “Whose baby is
that?”
“Mine. Donatello gave him to me.”
“The turtles are all male. How can there be a baby?”
“Raphael was turned into an egg, he hatched and this is him.”
Krang studied the infant and said, “Ugly little thing, isn’t he? Couldn’t you
have picked a nicer looking baby?”
“Like you’re one to talk, Krang. You’re pink and all brain. Hardly a looker!”
“You need me to help you get rid of those turtles, so don’t try my patience,
Saki!”
“All right. Sorry.”
“What do you plan to do? Raise this reptile as your son?”
“Yes. I'll teach him the ways of the Foot and he'll help us conquer the world
and annihilate those other turtles.”
“I don’t like it, Saki. What if this being grows up and turns on us?”
“He won’t. We’ll teach him that the turtles are bad and need to be destroyed.
And now I have an heir to continue my legacy when I die.”
“All right, but I’m not babysitting him. I have better things to do! So do you.
Let the mutants look after this creature for a while. I need you in the control
room.
Shredder finished feeding Raphael and went in search of Bebop and Rocksteady.
“You’re to look after Raphael,” Shredder said, handing Raphael to Bebop. “I
need to work. See you later.”
“Aw, what a cutie pie,” Bebop said, tickling Raphael’s chin. Raphael
immediately bit his finger and giggled. “You little creep!” Bebop yelled,
watching blood pour out of the wound.
He nearly dropped Raphael, but Rocksteady caught him just in time. “Boss will
kill us if he’s hurt.” Rocksteady said.
“I don’t care. It bit me,” Bebop snapped. “I hate kids, especially this one.”
“I’ll look after it. Here, cutie pie. Come to Uncle Rocksteady,” Rocksteady
cooed. he made faces at Raphael, trying to get him to smile, but he started to
cry.
“Hahaha,” Bebop said. “You scared him.”
Rocksteady tickled Raphael’s chin, but the tyke also bit his finger. Screaming
in pain, Rocksteady dropped Raphael onto the floor. “He don’t like you either,
Rocksteady. What we gonna do?”
“I have an idea,” Rocksteady said, picking up a wailing Raphael. “We’ll leave
him in the broom closet and fetch him when boss is finished work. Then me and
you can go play video games!”
“Oh, oh, great idea!”
XXXXX
The mutants dumped Raphael in the broom closet and shut the door. Then they
headed to their room. Raphael, left all alone in the dark and frightened,
continued wailing until he was exhausted and fell asleep.
XXXXX
Shredder announced he’d finished plotting for the day six hours later and asked
where Raphael was. “In our room,” Bebop said. “I’ll get him, boss.” He and
Rocksteady raced to the broom closet and took out Raphael, who woke up and
began to cry. Rocksteady checked him over and said, “He’s fine, apart from
being wet and I suppose angry.”
“Wouldn’t you be angry if you were shut up in a broom closet for hours and
couldn’t get out?”
“Well, what else were we supposed to do with the brat?”
“Change him quickly. Then we gotta take him to the boss.”
Rocksteady changed Raphael and he and Bebop went to the kitchen where Shredder
was.
“So,” Shredder said, taking Raphael from Rocksteady. “How was he?”
“Um,” Rocksteady said. “He didn’t cry much and we um, didn’t put him in the
broom closet.”
“You what?” Shredder demanded. Raphael whimpered. “You put the baby in a broom
closet?”
“He wouldn’t stop crying and he bit us. We ain’t cut out to look after kids.”
“You fools. You could have killed him. I need him alive to help us with our
plans. Good help's so hard to find. I’ll take care of him myself from now on."
“Hah. Good luck.”
“What was that?”
“Nothing. May we be excused?”
“I want you to wash all the windows in the technodrome, because of your
stupidity!"
“Yes, boss!”
The mutants left. “You always complain when he makes us work, Rocksteady,”
Bebop said, as they headed down to the basement. How come you didn’t now?”
“Washing windows is easy, compared to looking after that thing. Heck. I’d even
wash all the floors, as long as I don’t get to look after the creature.”
“Me, too,” Bebop said and chuckled.
Shredder fed Raphael his bottle and the baby gladly ate. Then he took Raphael
to his bedroom.
XXXXX
Shredder tried to put Raphael to bed, but he wouldn't go to sleep, no matter
how much the villain rocked and sang to him. Raphael was still traumatized from
his stint in the broom closet. Shredder took Raphael to bed with him as a last
resort and tried cradling him on his chest. The baby flailed his limbs and
continued screaming.
“Go to sleep. Please, Raphael,” Shredder pleaded. “Please. I don’t beg, but I’m
asking you to please sleep. I’m tired.” His pleas went unheeded and Raphael
wailed louder, his face turning red. Shedder’s patience finally snapped and he
yelled, “FUCKING SLEEP, RAPHAEL. NOW.” Startled at the angry tone, Raphael
stopped crying and stared at him. But he was soon shrieking again. Checking the
time on the digital clock, Shredder saw it was three a.m. He’d been trying to
get Raphael to sleep since 7 p.m. the previous evening.
The intercom came on by his bed. “Saki, stop that infernal beast!” Krang
roared. “I haven’t been able to sleep!”
“I’m trying to, but he won’t sleep.”
“Do it now!” The intercom went off.
Shredder sighed, stood up, holding the bawling baby. He dumped him in his pram
and said, “We’re going for a walk.” He got Bebop and Rocksteady and they took
the transport module down to the sewers. “What we doing, boss?” Bebop asked.
“Shut up.”
XXXXX
Shredder pushed the pram far into the sewers. Then he stopped and wrote a note,
leaving it in the crib. “Goodbye, Raphael,” he said. “You’re someone else’s
problem now. Bebop, Rocksteady, hurry up. Finally, I can get some peace. And
sleep. My ears hurt!” The party left and took the transport module back to the
technodrome.
Raphael was still crying, his wails echoing off of the sewer walls, but no one
came until 8 a.m.
XXXXX
Seeing Leo was distracted and toweling off his brothers after their bath, Kane,
who'd already been toweled dry, wandered our of the lair and through the
tunnels.
Kane spotted the pram a while later and peered inside. "Waphie," he said and
stroked Raphael's cheek with his finger. Golden eyes opened and Raphael gurgled
happily and reached for Kane’s finger. The toddler grinned. “Waphie.” Kane,
having watched his parents push a pram, slowly pushed the pram home.
Leo had noticed Kane was missing and had left the lair, looking for him. He was
surprised when he ran into Kane, pushing the pram. “Kane?” Leo said in
surprise. “What do you have there?”
“Waphie, Daddy.”
Leo looked inside the pram and his heart nearly stopped from the shock of
seeing Raphael. Golden eyes peered at him and Leo let out a whoop. He scooped
Raphael into his arms and kissed him. "Where've you been, Raphie?” The infant
gurgled and reached for his bandana. Leo laughed. Then he grew serious and
said, “Kane, you know better than to leave the lair.”
“Sorry, Daddy, but I find Waphie.”
“You did, buddy,” Leo said and kissed his cheek. “You did good, but don’t leave
the lair again.”
“Promise, Daddy.”
Leo took them all home.
XXXXXX
The other three boys came running when they heard Kane’s excited shriek that
Raphael was home. The boys kissed his face and Raphael cooed in delight,
feeling safe and warm. He hadn’t cried once, somehow knowing he was back where
he belonged, with people who loved him.
Mikey and Chloe left their room, also happy to see Raphael. Don was in his lab.
Leo went to the lab, Raphael still in his arms.
XXXXXX
"Don," Leo said. "Kane found him in the sewers. He shouldn’t have left the
lair. I told him that was bad, but look. He found Raphie. Isn’t it awesome?”
“Swell,” Don said, his blood boiling.
How's this possible, Don thought? I left him with chrome dome. I thought I was
rid of him. Life isn't fair! Now I'm stuck with this thing again!
"You okay, Don?" Leo asked. "You look peeved."
“No, no. I’m good. Just disappointed my experiment isn’t working.”
“Take a break and come join us in the lounge.”
“I can’t. I’ll see you at lunch.”
“All right.” Leo kissed Raphael’s beak and said, “Told you he’d come home, Don,
so stop beating yourself up about yesterday, okay? Everything’s fine.”
“Okay, Leo. See you later.”
Shit, Don thought, as he watched Leo leave the room. I’m out of ideas of
getting rid of Raphael and Leo may become suspicious if I try anything so soon,
so I'll do nothing for the moment. He turned back to his experiment and cursed.
Life fucking sucks, he thought.
XXXXXX
Mikey and Chloe had had a rough night, so they went back to their bedroom with
little Cameron, leaving Leo and his brood in front of the TV. Kane was settled
on the couch with Leo, watching him, as he fed Raphael.
“Aw,” Kane said.
“You feed him, buddy,” Leo said. He placed Raphael in Kane's arms and handed
him the bottle. Kane fed his little brother, smiling proudly, as the baby
gobbled his food.
“He’s beautiful,” Kane said, saying the word he’d learned the day before.
“He is and so are you, my special boy. You're all beautiful and Daddy loves you
very much.”
“Love you, Daddy. Love Waphie.”
“And Raphie loves you. He’s your little bro and he’s going to need you. You'll
also need him and you'll be good friends.”
Kane nodded. “Yes, Daddy.”
Kane joined his brothers and watched cartoons when Raphael had finished feeding
and Leo had burped him.
Leo rocked Raphael to sleep and was about to place him in the pram when he saw
a note. He placed Raphael on his lap, picked up the note and read, “I've faced
many enemies, obstacles and been in many battles, never once fearing anything.
Until last night. I've met my match in that infant, Raphael, and the thought of
raising him for the next eighteen years frightens me. Yes. The great Shredder’s
afraid of a mere baby! Scoff if you wish, but that thing NEVER keeps quiet.
It’s been a nightmare, a living one. No wonder Bebop and Rocksteady hid him in
the broom closet, so they could get some peace! I hoped to raise him as my son,
but I can't endure another second of the endless wailing, so, Donatello, I'll
have to reject your proposal of Raphael being my son and I'm returning him to
you. Oroku Saki.
Realization hit Leo like a ton of bricks and he clenched his fists in rage.
Donatello lied about the attack. He knew who it was, Leo thought. It was
Shredder and he palmed Raphie off to him. No wonder he wanted to take Raphie
for a walk. It was his plan to get rid of him. Leo kissed Raphael, laid him in
his cot, went to Mikey’s room and knocked on the door.
Mikey opened the door and said sleepily, "Yes, Leo?"
“Can you watch the boys for a bit? I need to talk to Don and I can’t leave them
alone?”
“Leo, I just got to sleep.”
“Please, Mikey. I’ll take Cameron as often as you need. Please.”
“Fine. I’ll do it.”
“Thanks.”
Seething with rage, Leo went to the lab.
XXXXXX
Leo entered the lab and said, as he tried to maintain his cool, "Donatello, we
need to talk.”
Hearing his full name, Don froze in his tracks. Leo knows, he thought. Shit.
Leo knows what I’ve done. I’m really going to get it now!
Chapter End Notes
     Will Leo and Don break up?
***** Shredder calls a truce *****
Chapter Summary
     Leo confronts Don.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Don sucked in a deep breath, turned around and calmly said, “Talk about what,
Leo?”
“Spare me the innocent look, Don,” Leo hissed. “You know what I’m talking
about.”
“I don’t. You okay? You look tense.”
“Of course I’m tense! You gave our baby to Shredder! How could you do that,
Don? He’s a defenceless little baby. You’re lucky can head returned him
unharmed and that Kane found him in the sewers before anyone else did. What if
Leatherhead or the Rat King had found him? Or Baxter Stockman or Bishop?”
“I was…..”
“Shut up. What if they’d gotten hold of Raphie? They’d have tortured him and
killed him. And then what? Would you have cared? Did you stop to think how I’d
feel when you handed Raphie off to our nemesis? Or how Dad and Mikey’d feel?
Did you? Or how Raphie must have felt scared and all alone.? Did you know Bebop
and Rocksteady stuffed him in a broom closet, because they couldn’t handle his
crying? And why was he crying? He was wet, hungry and missed his parents. You…
I can’t even look at you!”
“No, I….I’m…”
“Sorry? Stick your apologies in your shell, Don!”
“Where do we go from here, Leo?” Don asked glumly.
Leo sighed sadly. “I can’t trust you with Raphie. That much is clear.”
“Look, I was wrong, but I love you, Leo. I just got so wound up. That baby
never stops crying. I hardly get any sleep and I’m….”
“Bullshit!” Leo hardly ever swore, so Don looked at him in shock. “Our other
sons all kept us awake when they were babies and we coped fine. You dislike
Raphie, because you can’t get it in your thick skull he’s a baby now. Whatever
happened was the old Raphael. HE’S A BABY! DO YOU GET THAT, DON? BABY!
DEFENCELESS.”
“I hear you.”
“Really? Or will you palm him off to someone else?”
“No, Leo, I was….”
“We’re on a trial separation and you won't be alone with Raphie.”
“Leo, but….”
“No buts. You'll be nice to Raphie and you'll treat him like you treat our
other sons. Then maybe I’ll forgive your stunt someday. The separation stands
until I feel I can trust you again. Got it?”
“Leo, I…”
“DO YOU UNDERSTAND?”
“Yes, Leo.”
“Were you the one that dropped Raphie and not the kids?"
“No. I’m sure it was one of the kids.”
“I hope so,” Leo said coldly. “Because we're done if I find out it was you. And
if I see any bruises, marks, cuts, whatsoever on Raphie, not only will we over,
but you’ll be cast out of the clan. And you'll never see the boys again? Do you
understand?”
“Yes, Leo.”
“Something’s bugging me.”
“What?”
“Why didn't you have marks on you when Bishop captured you?"
“I don’t know.”
“Why didn’t he turn you into an egg? Why did he only target Raph?”
“I don’t know. You know psychos,” Don said, trying to remain calm. “They always
have an ulterior motive and seeing I’m a genius, maybe Bishop wants to pick my
brains someday and that’s why he didn’t do it. Raph wasn’t…”
“Raph wasn't stupid if you were going to say he was."
“Not dumb, but not as high up on the IQ scale as me.”
“None of us are,” Leo said flatly. “Thanks for reminding me!” he added
sarcastically.
“Leo….”
“I don’t want to hear anything you say. Makes me feel ill looking at you! Get
out of my sight and clear your stuff out of the bedroom!”
Don walked out, feeling defeated, and headed to the bedroom.
XXXXXX
Don shed tears, packed his things into bags and carried them to his old
bedroom. My plan backfired, he thought angrily, as he placed his things into
drawers and cupboards. What am I going to do now? I have no option, but to play
nice for now. But that baby will never have my affection and I’ll do my best to
make sure it feels unwanted and wants to leave.
XXXXX
Later that morning, the family relaxed and watched a movie in the lounge. Don
and Leo put on a united front for their kids' sake, but it was clear there was
thick tension between them. They never spoke a word to one another and Leo
refused tea when Don offered to brew him some. Leo never let Raphael out of his
sight, keeping him close and paying him so much attention, Don thought he’d
hurl. The baby cooed and gurgled, which delighted the family. Well, everyone,
but Don, who’d finally had enough and who went to sulk in the kitchen with a
cup of coffee.
Cameron woke up around eleven and Mikey brought him into the lounge to see his
cousins. Although he’d spent some time with them, he hadn’t really met Raphael
and the family was curious to see how the babies would react to each other. Leo
sat down on the floor. Raphael was on his lap. Mikey sat on the floor, Cameron
on his lap.
“Raphie, this is your cousin, Cameron,” Leo said. “Say hi.”
“Goo,” Raphael said.
“Say hi, Cameron,” Mikey said. “That’s your cousin, Raphie.”
“Bah,” Cameron said.
Leo and Mikey laughed. “They’re looking at one another,” Leo said and it was
true. The babies were staring at one another with obvious fascination. Cameron
was a month older than Raphael and he reached out with his chubby fingers and
touched Raphael’s snout. “Gah,” he said.
Raphael gurgled and put his thumb in his mouth.
Kane came running over from the TV and said, “Bwother. Mine.”
“Yes, buddy,” Leo said.
“Mine!” Kane hated anyone else near his brother and was very possessive. “My
bwother.”
“Kane, yes, but you have to share. Raphie also loves Cameron. Sit down. You can
also play with them, okay?”
“Okay, Daddy.” Kane sat down and reached out his arms for Raphael. "Wanna hold
Raphie, Daddy.”
Leo placed Raphael in his arms and Kane bent down and kissed the wriggling
little baby. “My baby, Daddy. Mine.”
Kane sang a lullaby in his childish little voice and slowly rocked Raphael. The
baby closed his golden eyes and was soon asleep.
Mikey laughed. “Got a real little mother hen there, Leo.”
“Uh huh. The boys all love him, but Kane, especially, dotes over Raphie. It’s
all I can do to get Kane to bed at night. He wants Raphie there with him.”
“It’s nice. Means Raphie will have lots of people looking out for him.”
“How are things with you and Don? Couldn’t help noticing the tension.”
“Not in front of the kids, Mikey. We’ll talk later.”
Leo tried to take Raphael from Kane and said, “Lunchtime, Kane. You can hold
Raphie later.”
"No! Baby mine," Kane said.
“Uncle Mkey’s making pizza," Leo said.
“Pizza!” Kane squealed and handed Raphael to his dad.
Leo chuckled and said, “Take your brothers and go wait in the kitchen.”
XXXXXX
The family, apart from Don, who'd gone to his lab, ate lunch.
XXXXXX
Mikey took the other boys to his room to play video games after lunch, while
Leo watched TV, Raphael on his lap. Suddenly, Leo heard a familiar voice.
Weird, he thought. What’s tin can doing in our lair? Glancing up, he saw
Shredder on the TV.
“Ah, Leonardo,” the villain said. “I see you.”
“Get off my TV, creep,” Leo snapped.
“I don’t wish to fight, Leonardo. I…” Shredder’s eyes roved to Raphael and he
smiled. “How's young Raphael?”
“Fine now he’s with people who love him.”
“I never harmed him. I liked the baby and it would have wonderful to raise him
as my son. Maybe things would have been different if he hadn’t cried so much
and if Krang hadn’t disliked him. I’ve always wanted a son.”
“Can’t imagine you settling down.”
“Even villains have families, Leonardo. I'm glad Raphael's happy and safe.”
“I guess I owe you a thank you for returning him unharmed, but your mutants…”
“Have been punished for their actions. How are you coping with your babies?"
“Fine! What do you want?”
“I’d like to spend time with your children. I don’t think I’ll have any and
it'd be….”
“Y-you what?” Leo spluttered.
“Spend time with your children. Baby sit. Maybe I’ll pick up pointers for if I
have kids. I can handle Raphie in small doses if you need a break. I’m sure you
do.”
“You want to babysit my kids? Have you lost your mind? You hate us.”
“Young Raphael changed my mind. He's a cutie, despite being a turtle. I'll
declare a truce if you agree. Won’t that be nice? No more fighting. You can
focus on raising your adorable family.”
“I…”
“Think it over. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Later, Leonardo, and bye-bye,
Raphie.”
Whoa, Leo thought. That was weird. Shredder wants a truce, but is he sincere? I
need to talk to Dad. Leo asked Mikey to look after Raphael. Then he went to his
dad's room.
Chapter End Notes
     Is Shredder's truce sincere or does he have an ulterior motive?
***** Turtle napped *****
Chapter Summary
     Shredder kidnaps Leo and Don's babies.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
“Dad,” Leo said, sitting down on the mat by Splinter’s bed. “Do you believe
people can change?”
“If they really want to,” Splinter said. “No one can force someone to change.
Why do you ask, my son? You look troubled.”
“Shredder came to me with an interesting proposal. He offered a truce in
exchange for spending time with the babies.”
“What?” Splinter said, staring at him dumbfounded.
“Yes. He promised there’d be no fights if I agreed to his suggestion. Part of
me wants to accept, because we already have our hands full fighting our other
enemies and one less would be nice. It'd be great having another baby sitter,
but I don’t know if Shredder can be trusted.”
“Hmm,” Splinter said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “I’d also be suspicious,
Leonardo, but I trust your instincts. What do you think you should do?”
“Maybe have him over and watch him in interaction with the kids before I make
my decision.”
“I'll support you if that's what you suggest."
“Thanks, Dad. There’s something else I wish to talk about. My marriage with
Don.” Leo told his dad all that had happened. “Do you still love Donatello?”
And can you forgive him?”
“I love him, but, I’m hurt and I don't trust him right now.”
“Can you forgive him?”
“It’ll take time, but maybe if he’s nicer to Raphie. No matter what happened in
the past, Raphie’s a baby now and he doesn’t know what he did. Why should he be
punished?”
“I agree with you. I shall talk to Donatello.
“Thanks, Dad.”
Leo went to the lounge, feeling a bit better after his talk with his dad and
spent the rest of the day with his family.
XXXXXX
The kids were playing on the lounge floor with their toys at four p.m. and Leo
was cradling Raphael in his arms, when Shredder’s face appeared on the TV.
“Well, Leonardo,” the villain said. “Have you decided?”
“I have. You’re welcome to join us for supper and to spend some time with my
kids. I'll make my decision after that.”
Shredder beamed. “When?”
“At six tonight. Call me on my T-phone when you arrive in the sewers and I’ll
come and meet you.”
Leo gave him the number and Shredder said, “Thank you. I will. How are the
babies this afternoon?”
“Great. I’ll see you then. Bye.”
Leo’s T-phone rang at ten to six and he left the lair and went to meet
Shredder.
XXXXX
Leo soon located the villain and said, "Evening, Shredder."
“You can call me Saki if we're going to be friends.
“That’ll take some getting used to.”
“I understand. I really wish no harm, Leonardo, and I hope you’ll learn to
trust me.”
“Follow me.”
Leo led Shredder back to the lair.
XXXXX
They arrived at the lair a while later and Shredder immediately fawned over
Leo’s babies. “They’re adorable, Leonardo,” he said. “What are their names?”
“These are Noah, Sean, Kieran and Kane and little Raphie’s in his crib.”
“Aren’t you precious?” Shredder said and tickled their chins. “How old are
they, Leonardo?”
“Two.”
The three oldest turtletots smiled and hugged Shredder. They were very
trusting, but Kane hung back, watching the guest, his thumb in his mouth. As
young as he was, something told him the guest couldn’t be trusted. “Kane, come
and give me a hug,” Shredder said, opening his arms and smiling warmly, but the
child clung to Leo and refused to move. “He’s shy with new people,” Leo said,
patting his son’s head. “But he's just as loving as his brothers when he feels
more comfortable around people.”
“I just want to be friends, Kane.” The boy buried his head against Leo’s body
and actually hugged his legs tighter, getting a really bad feeling, but not
being able to explain it.
Mikey came out of his room, Cameron in his arms, and followed by Chloe. "What's
going on here?" Mikey asked and said, as he narrowed his eyes, "What the heck
is chrome dome doing here? Leo, explain.”
“Shredder, uh, Saki, likes the kids and wants a truce in exchange for spending
time with them.”
“What? Leo, do you really trust him? He’s tried to kill us multiple times and
now you’re allowing him in our lair and around our kids! He now knows the
lair’s location. What if he tells someone?”
“Relax, Michelangelo,” Shredder said. “I…”
“How can I?” Mikey yelled. “You’ve been our enemy for as long as I can remember
and now you want me to trust you? I don’t and I won’t.”
“You've every reason to distrust me, but I assure you I don't wish to harm
anyone. I like the kids and I’m lonely. I want to be able to spend time with
them.”
“Get yourself a dog if you’re so lonely, but you’re NOT spending time with my
son. Leo, you’re nuts believing him,” Mikey said angrily. “Come on, Chloe.
We’ll go eat at April’s place and crash there.”
Leo watched his brother leave and said, “You can’t blame him, Oroku. I’m still
sceptical myself.”
Splinter entered the room and said, "So am I, but I believe in second chances,
which is why we’ll give you one. I hope you will not make us regret that.”
“Thank you,” Shredder said.
“Dinner's nearly ready. I hope you like fish,” Leo said.
“Yes. Thank you.”
Don appeared and said, “Don told me tin grin was here. I thought he was joking.
Leo, what the hell are you doing?” Leo explained and Don shook his head in
disbelief.
“You really trust him?” Don demanded. “Do you, Dad? I know you’re big on second
chances, but Shredder? After all that he’s done to us! This is insane! I’d
leave like Mikey, but there’s no way I’m leaving my babies with that madman,
even if you’re also here. I don’t know what you’re up to metal mouth, but I’m
going to find out.”
“I assure you I mean no harm,” Shredder said. “Please, Donatello. I only wish
to be friends.”
“Yeah, right. You may have everyone else fooled, but not me.”
“Not me,” Kane said solemnly.
“See,” Don said smugly. “Even my son doesn’t trust you. You can’t fool animals
and kids, Shredder. I think you’re foolish, Leo. Tell him to leave right now.”
“I’m the leader and have Dad’s support, Don,” Leo said. “And Shredder’s
staying.”
“I don’t like this. Not one bit and I sense something bad’s going to happen.”
Leo ignored him and said, “Everyone, go to the kitchen. I’m going to get
Raphie.”
Leo went to get Raphael. He scooped him up into his strong arms and went into
the kitchen.
XXXXXX
Leo entered the kitchen and placed the baby into a carrycot on the floor. Then
he dished up his dinner. No one noticed Shredder surreptitiously lacing the
large bowl of rice on the table with one of his concoctions.
My plan will work, Shredder thought. I know it will. Come on. Tuck into the
rice.
Everyone ate the rice, apart from Kane, who didn’t particularly like it,
Raphael, who was too small for solid foods and Shredder, who said he wasn’t
keen on it. Kane nibbled on the fish sticks Leo had cooked for him and his
brothers and studied the stranger, who seemed too friendly in his opinion.
“I feel sick funny,” Don announced. “So sleepy.”
“Me, too,” Leo said. “Dad, you’re all right?” There was no answer, because
Splinter had already fallen asleep, his head in his food. “Kids?” Leo asked,
struggling to keep his eyes open. Just before he passed, he saw three of his
babies were fast asleep and Shredder was watching him, a sly smile on his face.
“You drugged us,” Leo mumbled and his eyes slid closed.
“Success,” Shredder said triumphantly. “I'm lonely and now I’ll have the sons I
always wanted.”
“Bad man,” Kane said, pointing his finger at Shredder.
“Yes, I am little boy, but you’ll grow to love me. Come home with me.”
“No,” Kane said and stood up. “Don’t wanna.”
“Then don’t,” Shredder said and zapped him with a freeze ray. “You’ll thaw soon
enough.” He pulled out a phone, dialed his henchmen and told them where the
lair was.
Raphael was watching Shredder and blabbering in his baby language. “You want to
come with me, Raphie?” Shredder said. “Sorry. You’re too much work. I’m only
interested in your older brothers.”
“Bah.”
“No, Raphie. You stay here in your carrycot.”
Bebop and Rocksteady arrived and picked up the three older turtle tots. “Let’s
go,” Shredder said. "To the technodrome."
Raphael watched them leave and desperate for the toilet, he peed in his nappy.
“Bah,” he said. ”Bah. Gah. Whah!” What he was trying to say was where are ya
goin'? Why are you guys sleepin'? Wake up. I want the toilet, but no one woke
up of course. Frustrated, Raphael started to cry until he was exhausted and
fell asleep.
Chapter End Notes
     What is Shredder planning to do with the babies?
***** Shredder's new sons *****
Chapter Summary
     Shredder bonds with the turtletots. Even Krang mellows out and Leo
     gets disturbing news.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Krang was busy in the control room in the technodrome, when he heard shouting
and the sound of raucous children. I must be losing my mind, he thought. And
that can’t happen, because it’s all I have. There can’t be children here. Not
after I specifically told Saki to get rid of that baby. Surely he wouldn’t defy
me.
Curious, Krang left the control room and was shocked to see Shredder and his
goons with two turtletots. They were on the floor, playing Lego. “Saki,” Krang
said crossly. “I told you children aren't welcome in the technodrome and now
you’ve brought three of them here. Turtletots no less! What is it with you and
the frigging turtles? You spend your life trying to destroy them and now you
bring babies home? Have you lost the plot? I think you have!”
“He angry,” Sean said, pointing at Krang. “Me don’t like him.” His siblings
just stared at Krang, thumbs in their mouths.
“Hush, baby. It’s okay,” Shredder said, patting Sean’s head. “Krang, these
babies are different. They’re older and don’t cry so much.”
“So what? They’re still children and children mean work. Have you any idea what
it takes caring for one child alone? ou have three. And don’t think their
parents won’t come looking for them.”
“Their parents are back at their lab and can’t…”
“Who are their parents, Saki?”
“Leonardo and Donatello.”
“But they’re males? Oh. Clearly one's a hermaphrodite. I get it. And you don’t
think they’ll come and look for their babies?”
“They’re stuck in their lair.”
“Yes, but Donatello’s smart and knows how to build a portal machine. It won’t
be long before those meddlesome reptiles come looking for the babies. You have
to take them back. Now.”
“I won’t,” Shredder said defiantly and held Noah close to him. “I want
children, Krang, and I’m lonely. This might be my only shot at parenting and
I’m going to take it, even if they are turtles. I can love them and train them
to help us in our plans. It’ll be fun.”
“I don’t know. I have a feeling we’re in for….”
“Mine,” Kieran said. He smacked Sean and grabbed his piece of Leo. Sean burst
into a flood of tears and smacked him back, causing Kieran to cry.
“Told you,” Krang said, looking at the sobbing kids. “How old are these babies
and what gender are they, Saki?”
“They’re two and their names are Noah, Kieran and Sean,” Shredder said, as he
soothed the weeping babies.
“Great,” Krang said sarcastically. “Terrible two’s. Take them back.”
“I won’t, Krang. I like them. They’re kind of cute, don’t you think?”
“Oh,” Noah said. He went over to Krang and hugged his android body. “Cuddle.”
“Go away, little turtle,” Krang said. “I don’t cuddle.”
“Huggles,” Noah said, looking up at him. “Me like huggles.”
Krang looked down at the little turtle, who was smiling at him, unafraid, and
felt something he’d never felt before, happiness. He'd have smiled if he had
lips. Instead, he pressed a button on his body and the android hands wrapped
around Noah and folded him into a hug, causing the little turtle to giggle.
“All right,” Krang said. “They can stay. I suppose having children around will
be nice. Just ensure they don’t cause trouble. Bebop and Rocksteady, you’ll
babysit them.”
“No way,” Rocksteady said. “It’s fun playing with them, but I don't want to be
left alone with them after what happened with that baby.”
“It’s an order,” Shredder said. “My sons need a babysitter when I’m occupied,
don’t you sweethearts,” he said and kissed Sean and Kieran on their beaks.
Feeling jealous, Noah ran over to Shredder, who also kissed his beak.
“See, Krang,” Shredder said proudly. “They’re gorgeous, little babies.”
“And what if their parents decide to come looking for them?”
“Their parents can stay with us. We’ll be like a huge family.”
“Saki, seriously?” Krang said, rolling his eyes.
“Why not?”
“Because you hate the turtles and they’d bring that baby with them. Raphael
drove me nuts and I really don’t want to endure his crying again. He was a pain
in the butt when he was a teenager with his snarky comments, but he’s far worse
as a baby! That incessant crying would drive anyone crazy.”
“You’re right. That’s why it’s time to switch dimensions. We’ll go to planet Z
and spend some time there.”
“I hate planet Z.”
“Me too, but the turtles won’t suspect us going there and I can raise my sons
in peace.”
“We’ll go now.”
Krang went into the control room, pressed some buttons and the technodrome went
through the portal to Planet Z.
XXXXXXX
Krang rejoined Shredder and the henchmen. The turtletots grabbed their crayons
and began drawing on the technodrome walls. “Going to stop them, boss?” Bebop
asked.
“No,” Shredder said. “They’re having fun.”
“But we just scrubbed those walls!”
“So what? You can do it again. My babies are having fun. Let them be.”
XXXXXX
Shredder made lunch for the turtle tots a couple of hours later. Then he took
them to his bed for an afternoon nap.
XXXXX
Shredder tucked the kids into bed and read them a story. later. "Daddy loves
you," he said when he'd finished the story.
“Daddy?” Noah asked.
“Yes. I’m your Daddy, and I love you very much. All three of you.”
“Daddy,” Sean said and nuzzled Shredder’s hand with his beak.
“Daddy,” Kieran said.
“Yes,” Shredder said, and beamed proudly. “Go to sleep, my sons. We'll play
games and watch TV when you wake up.”
The tired turtletots soon fell asleep and Shredder climbed in bed beside them.
They’re going to be a lot of work, he thought. So I need all the sleep I can
get too.
XXXXXX
Meanwhile, Don was the first to wake up at the lair. He noticed everyone else
was asleep, apart from a frozen Kane and a sobbing Raphael. Shredder took my
sons, he thought angrily. And drugged us. Bastard. I knew he couldn’t be
trusted, but I will get them back. He scowled at the baby and said, "Shut it,
Raphael. All you do is cry.” Raphael cried more lustily, but Don ignored him
and went over to Kane. “You’re going to be fine, my angel. Daddy will be right
back.”
Don went into his bedroom and grabbed a hair dryer. Then he returned to the
kitchen, turned on the hair dryer and watched as the ice slowly melted.
Kane looked at him with big brown eyes when the ice had thawed and said, "Bad
man took bwothers.”
“I know, baby,” Don said and hugged his son. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll get
them back.”
Raphael let out a mewl and flailed his limbs in the air. “Bah! Whaaaa!”
Don ignored him and continued showering his son with affection. “It’s going to
be okay, Kane.”
“Whaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”
Fed up, Don stalked over to Raphael and smacked him across his face, making him
cry louder. “Shut up. Shut the fuck up. I’ve had enough of you. Fucking
irritating shit!”
Kane’s eyes went wide and he said, “Raphie, hurt.”
“The baby’s fine, Kane. He’s just tired, okay? Don’t tell anyone. It’s our
secret, okay? Daddy was just a little angry.”
“Raphie’s hungry and hurt.”
“He’s tired. So are you. Let me give you something to eat and you can go sleep,
okay? Daddy needs to work.”
Don got Kane something to eat.
Kane was eating when Leo woke up and said, “What happened? Last thing I
remember is Shredder drugging us and he…Did he take the babies, Don?”
“He did and I'll get them back. I need to go the lab and see if I can get a
portal open.”
“But he didn’t take Raphie and Kane." Leo kissed Kane's beak and looked a still
whimpering Raphael.
"I’ll call you once a portal’s open, Leo," Don said and left the room.
Leo was about to pick up Raphael, when a foul smell assaulted his nostrils.
“You poor thing, Raphie,” Leo said, looking at the soiled baby. “Lying in your
mess. No wonder you’re unhappy. It’s okay. Daddy will change you and give you a
bath and something to eat.”
“Daddy?” Kane said.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“Raphie, hurt.”
“He’s all right.”
“No, Raphie hurt. Daddy, smack.” Kane pointed at Raphael’s face. “Daddy, hit.
Raphie cry.”
Anger swelled up inside of him, as Leo realized what his son was saying.
“Kane,” Leo said. “Raphie’s okay. Daddy will take care of it. Eat your food.”
“Raphie sad.”
“He’s going to be okay, Kane. Daddy, promise. Eat your food. Then you can help
me bath Raphie, okay?”
“Okay, Daddy.”
You fucking asshole, Don, Leo thought furiously. Abusing an innocent, little
baby. You’re going to get a dose of your own medicine.
Chapter End Notes
     Good. At long last Leo knows the truth.
***** Leo's decision *****
Chapter Summary
     Leo makes a life altering decision and confronts his mate.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Leo took Raphael and Kane to the bathroom and ran a bath. He placed Raphael
into the bath when he thought the temperature was just right and kept one hand
behind Raphael's back, so he wouldn't fall over. The little baby cried, but Leo
immediately soothed him with a tender kiss on his cheek.
"It's okay, Raphie," Leo said. "It's just water. Want to help, Kane? Get that
sponge. Great, my boy. Gently wash him and slowly. You're doing great."
" Raphie sad," Kane said.
"He's fine, sweetheart. He just has to get used to baths. I'll take over."
Leo took the sponge from Kane and thoroughly cleaned the baby. Then he lifted
him out of the bath, wrapped him in a towel, pressed a kiss to his beak and
said, "You're fine, Raphie. All good and clean. There's my sweet boy." Raphael
stopped fussing and cooed, making Leo smile.
How can Don hurt him, Leo thought angrily? He's just a little baby.
Leo took Raphael to his bedroom.
XXXXXX
Leo changed the baby in his room. Raphael gurgled happily, feeling clean and
loved. Smelling his new little son, Leo remembered when his sons had been
babies. Good memories, he thought. I loved being gravid and carrying my babies.
Feels like a lifetime ago. Me and Don were going to have another when the quads
were older, but Raphie's the last one. I won't have more. Raphael gurgled again
and said, "Gaga."
"Raphie happy, Daddy?" Kane asked.
"Yes," Leo said, tickling Raphael and making the baby gurgle again. "He's happy
he's clean and now he'll have something to eat. Then a nap. Poor Raphie, you've
had quite an awful time, haven't you, precious? Never mind. Daddy's here and
nothing bad's ever going to happen to you again. They'll have to get through me
first if anyone tries!"
"Aw," Kane said and kissed his brother's snout. "When can he play, Daddy?"
"Not for some time, buddy. How about some ice cream?"
"Oh. Please!"
They all went into the kitchen, Raphael tenderly cradled in Leo's arms.
XXXXXX
Leo entered the kitchen and to his consternation, saw that Splinter was still
out of it. I hope he wakes up soon, he thought.
Leo placed Raphael in his carrycot, made the formula, got Kane's ice cream and
fed the baby. He smiled, as Raphael greedily sucked down his meal.
Kane looked at his brother and said, "Daddy, baby have ice cream?"
"No. He's too small, buddy," Leo said. "He can only have his formula."
Raphael soon finished his meal. Leo burped him and placed him in his carrycot.
"You nearly done, Kane?" Leo asked. His son always took a long time eating his
food.
"Yes, Daddy."
Leo's cell rang. "Hey, Casey?" he said, turning his back, so it was a more
private call.
Noticing his father was distracted, Kane got off of his chair, bowl in hand.
Raphie want ice cream, he thought. He spooned some ice cream into Raphael's
mouth. Almost immediately, the baby started choking, his face turning red.
Alarmed at the sounds he was hearing, Leo spun round and dropped the cell. He
picked up Raphael and patted him on the back until he spit up the ice cream
"Kane," Leo said sternly.
"Sorry, Daddy," Kane sobbed. "Thought Raphie want ice cream."
"He's too small and will choke, buddy. I told you. Don't do that again." Leo
patted Raphael's back again and was relieved when his color returned to normal.
"Whew. He's okay. Kane, stop crying. It's okay, but don't ever give him ice
cream again."
"Okay, Daddy. I'm sorry."
Leo patted his head and said, "Good."
Leo picked up the cell, keeping Raphael close to his plastron, and said,
"Sorry, Casey. Family emergency. Kane gave Raphie ice cream and he started
choking. He's fine now. You're coming over now? Great." Leo hung up and said,
"Uncle Casey and Aunt…."
Splinter woke, blinked in confusion and said, "What happened?" Leo gave him a
quick summary of what had happened and was about to tell him what had happened
to Raphael, when Don burst into the kitchen.
"Dad," Don said. "You're back. Great. You know that old portal machine I have?"
"You mean the one that was broken, Don?" Leo asked, trying not to glare at him.
"Yes. I fixed it and I think we can travel to Dimension X and get the babies."
"Fantastic, but we'll have to wait until Casey and April arrive. They'll watch
Kane and Raphie, while we're out."
"I can do that, my sons," Splinter said.
"No," Leo said, shaking his head. "You're still not right, Dad. Please don't
argue. You know I'm right."
"Hey, guys. We're here," Casey called, entering the lair, closely followed by
April. Leo picked up the carrycot and they all went into the lounge.
XXXXXX
"Wow, is that really Raph?" Casey asked, looking at the now sleeping baby. "I
never saw him hatch, because me and Ape were away visiting my family in New
Jersey. He's so tiny."
"Yes, it is," Leo said.
"He's adorable," April squealed. "Can I hold him, Leo?"
"Of course, but don't wake him. He just went to sleep."
"Aw. You're too cute," April said. She picked up Raphael and gently rocked him.
"Time for us to have one, isn't it, Casey?"
Casey flushed, shuffled his feet, looked at his wife and said, "I thought we
were waiting for the right time, babe."
"I'm ready. All my friends have babies."
"Can we discuss this later, babe? The guys need to rescue their kids."
"Oh, course," April said. She kissed Raphael's snout and inhaled his baby
smell. "He's beautiful, Leo. How are you adapting to raising him as your son?
Must be so weird raising your brother as your son?"
And my lover, Leo thought.
"Yes. It's weird," Leo said. "I cope, April. He's a pretty placid baby.
Defenceless, innocent." He noticed Don cringed at the words 'defenceless' and
'innocent'. "But I imagine he'll be difficult when he's a teen. Just like the
old Raph."
"Can you change him back to a teen?"
"No. Don says there's no cure."
"That's right," Don said. "Can we get going? Time's of the essence. God only
knows what Shredder's doing to our angels. I'll open the portal now. April,
Kane's bedtime is…"
"I know how to look after kids, Don. Just go save the babies."
Don and Leo kissed Kane goodbye and Leo kissed Raphael on his forehead. Then
Leo, Don and Casey went into Don's lab.
XXXXX
Don pressed a few buttons and a portal opened. "Come get us, Casey, if we're
not back in a few hours," Don said.
"I will do and don't worry about the kids. They'll be fine."
"Yes, because they're not in your care, Don," Leo snapped, watching Don's face
flush.
"What do you mean by that?" Casey asked, confusion etched on his face.
"Nothing," Don said, grabbing Leo's hand. "We'll see you later." Don and Leo
entered the portal, leaving a still baffled Casey behind.
What did Leo mean, Casey thought? Has Don been hurting the babies? That's so
unlike him. Why would he do that? He loves his kids.
Casey went back to the lounge, still mulling things over.
XXXXXXX
Casey flopped onto a lounge sofa beside Splinter. Raphael was nestled in his
grandfather's arms, fast asleep, and April was playing a game with Kane.
XXXXXXXX
Leo and Don were in Dimension X and Leo said coldly, "Don, I know you've been
smacking Raphie around."
"Uh, no. Why would I? Leo, you can't…."
"Our son saw you hitting him and told me. He may be two, but you know what a
good vocab he has for one so young and he was able to tell me. How could you?
After I pleaded with you to be nicer to our son…"
"He's not our son, Leo, and I'm reminded of his fucking smug expression when he
told me you loved him and wanted him every time I look at him. That stung. I
can't help it. I know what I've been doing is wrong…"
"Did you have Raphael changed into a baby?" Leo demanded.
"No," Don lied. "I didn't do that, Leo. I wouldn't do such a thing. That'd be
totally out of my character. I'm don't believe in revenge and I don't bear
grudges."
"People do strange things when they've been scorned and betrayed."
"I know," Don said, looking at Leo earnestly. "But I didn't do that. I smacked
him. That's all I did."
"Did you drop Raphie onto the floor?"
Don shook his head and said, "No. That was one of our sons, Leo. I only smacked
him once. The pressure of losing the babies, Raphael's incessant crying and
seeing his smug expression in my head all got to me. I'm so sorry. I don't want
to lose you. I love you so much and I…"
"On behalf of me and Raphie, I'm sorry for the hurt we caused you. It was
wrong, but I can't change that and I don't regret being with Raph. I only
regret hurting you and being with you in the first damn place. I should NEVER
have gotten with you, Don. I fucking wish I'd stayed with Raph. He was amazing,
caring, gentle and my hell, he was…"
"Leo, can we do this later?" Don asked, trying not to sob. Got kids to rescue."
"No. I want to do it now. We're over, Don. I can't trust you around Raphie. You
may have smacked him once, but once is once too many and I…I'm done with you.
For good. Now we can go rescue the kids."
"But, Leo, I'm sorry. I…." Don began. "I'll do anything…"
"Shut up, Don."
The turtles started looking for the technodrome. Tears slid down Don's cheeks,
but Leo ignored him.
Suddenly, the last person they expected to see, approached them. "Usagi?" Leo
said in surprise, staring at the rabbit.
"Yes, Leo-san. It is me."
"But why are you here?"
"Could ask you the same thing."
"My babies have been kidnapped by Shredder."
"That is most unfortunate. I was trying to get back to my home planet when I
was sent here. I have not seen the technodrome, but I do have a friend here,
who's trying to help me get home and he may know where Shredder's gone. Come
with me."
The turtles silently followed Usagi. I'll kill Shredder if he's harmed my kids,
Leo resolved.
Chapter End Notes
     Baby Raph is too adorable. :)
     A/N A HUGE thank you to everyone for all your support for this story.
     :)
***** Sally's unsual snack *****
Chapter Summary
     Leo, Don, Usagi and Usagi's friend, Dak are on Dimension Z, attempt
     to rescue the babies and are confronted by a two headed giant lizard.
     Casey and April bond and after spending time with baby Raphie, Casey
     says he wants kids.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Leo, Don and Usagi arrived at Dak, Usagi’s friend’s house and told him they
were looking for the technodrome. Dak was also a white mutant rabbit, whose
parents had moved to Dimension Z when he was a kid.
“I last saw it several hours ago, Dak said. “And I have configured things
through the radio frequency, so I can listen to their actual conversations in
the technodrome. That way, I can inform friends and the other civilians of any
plans the villains are plotting. It helps." Dak pressed a few buttons and
Shredder and Krang’s faces filled the screen. The turtles listened to the
villains’ conversation.
“We have to go to Dimension Z now. Thanks, Dak," Leo said.
“I will go with you," Dak said./p>
“As will I,” Usagi said. “And perhaps I can use one of the portals on the
technodrome to get home. You will help me, Donatello?”
“I will, but how are we going to get to Dimension Z? Dak, you said your portal
wasn’t working, so you couldn’t send Usagi home.”
“My space ship,” Dak replied. “It’s only half an hour's flight away. Let’s go.”
The four friends piled into Dak’s space ship and headed to Dimension Z.
XXXXX
The turtles were blown away at how sparse the planet was when they arrived.
There were few trees, no vegetation and no sign of life.
“Does anyone live on this planet, Dak?” Leo asked.
“Not many, but it’s a very popular holiday destination. because of the
quietness, especially during the summer months. And parts of Dimension Z are
beautiful. People also love to come skiing here. I come every winter.”
“Then why’s it quiet now? It’s still summer.”
“I don’t know. This is the most isolated part of Dimension Z, so I’m sure the
technodrome isn’t far away.
They all trudged on for what seemed like an eternity, until Dak pointed and
said, “Over there. There it is, but be careful. I’m sure they’re prepared for
intruders.”
“All right,” Leo said, unsheathing his katanas. “I’m ready. Usagi, you and I'll
take the front. Dak, you go with him and take the back.”
“But, Leo,” Don said. “I should go with you.”
“It’s an order,” Leo said angrily. “Don’t question me. I’m the leader.”
“I think we should all go together,” Dak said. “Splitting up’s dangerous,
especially against a force like the Shredder.”
“You’re probably right,” Leo conceded. “Let’s go.”
The group made their way to the technodrome.
XXXXXX
The gang found an opening in the technodrome, which said entrance one.
They slipped inside and dropped to the ground. "That was too easy," Leo said.
“I wish you’d stop saying things like that,” Don said crossly, as a large group
of foot soldiers appeared.
Leo leapt high into the air and brought his katana down on two foot soldiers,
causing them to fall apart. Don smashed two away with his bo, causing them to
crash into the wall. Usagi and Dak took care of the remaining foot soldiers and
they continued their quest.
XXXXXX
Meanwhile, April was changing Raphael in Leo’s bedroom. The baby was fussing
and moving about, making it difficult for her.
“I think he misses his daddy,” April said. “Don’t you, Raphie? You miss Daddy
Leo? He’ll be home soon, precious. Don’t worry. Casey, I need some help.”
“Wha-what? Ape, I don’t….I can’t do that,” Casey protested. “I’m a guy. We
don’t change diapers. That’s…”
“That’s what?” April demanded, her hands on her hips. “A job only for women?
Casey, you misogynistic ass, many men share the responsibilities when there are
babies and change diapers. Why are you so afraid? Do you think it’ll challenge
your masculinity? Make you less of a man?” Her blue eyes blazed.
Casey didn’t like the dangerous gleam in her eyes. And it was exactly what he’d
thought. The woman’s job was caring for the house and kids, while a man’s was
providing the income, but he couldn’t tell his wife that, so he looked for
another excuse.
“Raph was my best friend, Ape. How can I change him? It’ll be too weird," Casey
said.
April looked at her husband sympathetically and said, “I understand, Casey, but
this is Raph now and there’s no cure. You have to understand that. The Raph we
know and love is gone. This is a brand new soul to love and he needs his diaper
changed right now. You’re his uncle now, Case. Be an uncle and change him. You
can do it and it’s practice for when we have kids. I’ll show you how.”
Casey reluctantly changed Raphael with April’s help. He couldn't help smiling
at Raphael when he held him and when the baby gurgled and gripped one of his
fingers.
“You’re a cutie pie, Raph, aren’t you?” Casey said. “I still can’t believe he’s
so small, April.”
“I know. It’s hard comprehending he was a teenager just a few months ago.”
Casey sighed sadly and said, “I miss him, April. Talking to him, drinking beer,
wrestling, watching the football and hockey together. I miss our guy times
together.”
April squeezed her husband’s shoulder and said, “I know, honey, and it must
hurt a lot, but you can teach this baby sports and wrestling, but definitely
not drinking until he’s old enough. You're his Uncle Casey and he’ll also look
to you for guidance.”
“Hey, Ape?”
“Yes, honey?”
“Gah!” Raphael said. “Bah. Bah.”
“What is it?” Casey asked. “What are you trying to say, Raph?”
“I think he was agreeing, Case,” April said and smiled.
“Hey, Ape? Do you think Raph will grow up to be like Raph or will he have a
different personality?”
“I don’t know. I need to get Raphie’s food going. Pass him to me.”
“No. I want to hold him. I’ll come and help you in the kitchen. Can I feed
him?”
April grinned. “Why, Casey, you said earlier…”
“I know what I said, but I feel differently after holding him. He’s so cute and
cuddly and chubby. Hah. Raph would kill me for calling him chubby, but he is.
I’d like to have a baby of our own, April. I know we’ll see tons of Raph and
the other kids, but it'd be nice to have a baby of our own. And I’m not saying
that because I feel pressured. I'll help with him or her. I want to. What do
you say?”
“YES!” April said and kissed her husband on the lips. “We’ll try for one when
we go home. Let's go make Raphie something to eat.”
XXXXXX
Leo, Don, Usagi and Dak had fought off more foot soldiers in the technodrome
and were now trapped in a room. Its walls were closing in on them, threatening
to close them in and squash them. “Think this is the trash compactor,” Don
said.
“Hey. I resent that,” Leo said. “We may be poor, but we aren’t trash. Yes. I
know Raph said that when he was still a teen when we got trapped in here, but I
thought it was funny. Hurry, guys. We need to get out fast.”
"I see a door here,” Usagi said, pointing at a door. The gang followed him and
entered it, just as the walls closed in.
“Whew. That was a lucky escape,” Dak said, breathing hard. “I thought I was a
goner.”
They walked down a passage and were about to round a corner when Leo said,
“Stay still. I hear something. And it’s coming…”
Something rounded the corner a few seconds later, causing the group to gasp in
amazement. “What the hell's that?” Leo asked.
“Looks like a two headed giant lizard,” Don said. “En guard!” he added,
pointing his bo at the beast.
“I see you’ve met my pet,” Shredder said, stepping out from behind the
creature. “Sally, destroy the turtles.” The beast growled and advanced on the
group, her green eyes blazing.
“Retreat!” Leo yelled, but the beast was faster than he was and soon had him
gripped between her teeth. “Help!” Leo shrieked, as Sally swallowed him whole.
Leo slid down Sally’s throat, until he landed with a plop in the heart of
Sally’s belly. It smells far worse than home, he thought and wrinkled his beak.
He could see the remains of Sally’s lunch. It looked like it'd once been a cat
from all the fur around the small skeleton. Unable to stop his revulsion, Leo
threw up and fell to his knees. Guys, please save me, he thought, tears running
down his face. I don’t want to die. Do something fast and kill Sally or I truly
am a goner!
Chapter End Notes
     Oh, oh. Will the guys rescue Leo or will Sally eat them too?
     The lines "Hey, I resent that. We may be poor, but we're not trash,"
     Raph did say in the 1987 series when they were inside the technodrome
     and in the trash compactor. Yes, I do know all of his dialogue from
     that series lol.
***** Shredder's sob story *****
Chapter Summary
     The guys get their kids and return home and Splinter finally learns
     what Don's been upto.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
“Leo!” Don yelled, advancing on Sally. “Don’t panic. I’m going to get you out.”
“Allow me,” Usagi said. He leapt high into the air and sliced at the beast’s
carotid arteries. Sally gave a mighty roar, as blood started to gush. She fell
forward and was dead before she hit the floor.
Usagi and Dak immediately flipped her over and cut through her belly, exposing
Leo, who climbed out, gasping for air. “Thought I was done for,” Leo said. “And
never going to see my babies again. Thanks, guys.”
“No!” Shredder yelled. “She was my prize pet. Why do you accursed reptiles
destroy everything?”
“Where are my sons, tin can?” Leo demanded. “I want them now.”
Noah came out of a room and seeing his parents, said, “Daddy?” He was followed
by his two brothers.
“Baby,” Don and Leo said in unison, opening their arms. The children ran to
them and were hugged and kissed.
“I swear you'll never hear the last of us if you’ve touched them, chrome dome,”
Don said crossly.
“I never do anyway,” Shredder said sarcastically. “I haven’t touched them.
Look. They’re in perfect health. All I wanted was a family. I’m so lonely. You
don’t know what it’s like being alone and no one likes you.”
“So kidnapping our sons was going to fix your problem? Did you really think
we’d let you keep them?”
“No. I knew you’d come, but I felt good and like I mattered in the short time I
had them. I had a family I could love and nurture. I know you guys think I’m
all bad, but…All I’ve ever wanted is to be loved,” Shredder said, blinking back
tears. “My mother was too busy being a villain to care about me and my dad died
when I was a baby, so I’ve never had a proper family or friends. We moved a
lot, so I was never able to settle and make any friends. I’m so lonely, I could
die sometimes. You should understand, being mutant turtles, right? And no one
likes you. Or maybe you hate me. No. You've every right to hate me. All I’ve
ever done is try and annihilate you!” Shredder covered his face with his hands
and started blubbering.
Feeling awkward, Don and Leo glanced at one another and Leo said, “I’ve never
believed people are all bad or all good. And even you have some good qualities.
I can see you like the kids and…”
“They’re adorable, Leonardo,” Shredder said. “And such well-behaved kids. You
and Donatello are doing a sterling job. You’re so blessed to have a family.”
“You'll meet someone one day. Some women like bad boys,” Leo said, setting the
kids down, but keeping them close to him.
“No, no, that ship’s sailed. I’ve been on heaps of disastrous dates and all my
girlfriends left. They said I had no moral compass and compassion. I mean, I
do. Am I really so bad, Leonardo? I must be if no one likes me.”
“Maybe you just haven’t met the right girl,” Don suggested. “Don’t lose hope.
The right one will come along when you least expect it.”
“Don’t buy that crock anymore,” Shredder said sadly. “I’m never going to meet
anyone. The boys were my only shot at having a family. I’m doomed to be alone.”
“Haha. The boss is all soft,” Bebop said, snorting.
“Aw, I want to cry too,” Rocksteady said and sniffed. “This is so sad. My mom
also hates me and runs away when I try to see her. Don’t cry, boss. You have
us.”
Noah wandered over to Shredder and threw his small hands around Shredder’s
legs. “Daddy, don’t cry,” he said. “Noah love you.”
“Me too,” Sean said, not wanting to be left out.
“Me too,” Kieran said, looking at Leo and Don. “Daddy nice.”
"Daddy?” Leo said. “He’s not your daddy, little ones. We are. Shredder,
consider yourself lucky we’re not going to fight. It’s only because my babies
are here. Come on,” Leo added, picking up Noah.
"Want to stay,” Noah said, squirming in Leo’s arms.
“Please don’t go,” Shredder said and started weeping. “Don’t leave me alone
again. I can’t bear it. Please, Leonardo.”
“Look, Shredder. We don’t trust you. You kidnapped our sons and now you want us
to feel sorry for you.”
“Please. I’m sorry. I’ll do anything. Just please forgive me and let me spend
time with the kids,” Shredder said, dropping to his knees and looking
pleadingly at Leo.
“I need to meditate about giving you another chance. Stop crying."
“You won’t regret it, Leonardo. I'll be a good baby sitter if you agree. The
best and I won’t kidnap them ever again. I promise.”
“Get in touch tomorrow and you’ll have my answer. Usagi needs to go home. Can
he use your portal? And we need to as well.”
“Of course.”
XXXXXXX
Leo, Don, the kids and Dak went to their separate planets after promising to
meet up again when Usagi had gone back to his home planet via the portal.
Leo and Don made their way back to the lair and Don said, "Leo, do you really
trust can head?”
“Put it this way, I trust him more than you. At least he didn’t abuse the
kids.”
Don bristled and said, “I suppose I deserve that, but I don’t trust him one
iota. What if he kidnaps the boys again and we don’t get them back?”
“We’ll talk later after some sleep, but I also have my reservations.”
XXXXXX
Meanwhile, April and Casey’s attempt to feed baby Raphael had been
unsuccessful. The baby just wouldn’t eat and kept rejecting his bottle.
Splinter had also tried to feed him, but the baby turned his head away and
cried. “It’s no use,” Splinter said and heaved a deep sigh. “Raphael won’t
eat.”
“Is it because he doesn’t want formula?” Casey asked.
“No. I think he misses his father. Leonardo always fed him and Raphael won’t
allow anyone else to feed him. We’ll have to wait until Leonardo's home.”
“But Raphael's hungry.”
“He is, but true to form, Raphael will be stubborn until he gets what he wants,
even if it means waiting a long time.”
“Hah,” April said. “Some things never change. Sounds like he’ll be a handful
after all. Has anyone tried contacting Mikey?”
“I did,” Casey said. “But his phone said the subscriber was unavailable. I
think he turned off his cell.”
“Did you leave a message?”
“Yes. I told him to call when he gets the message.”
XXXXXX
Leo, Don and the kids arrived home and Raphael wailed loudly when he heard
Leo's voice. “What’s wrong with him, Dad?” Leo asked, taking the baby from
Splinter.
“He’s hungry, but he’s been refusing to eat. I think he missed you and he’ll
only eat if you feed him.”
“Aw, my sweet boy,” Leo cooed. “I’ll feed you now. Is my little Raphie hungry?”
Golden eyes stared at Leo and chubby fingers reached for his bandana. “Bah,”
Raphael gurgled happily.
Splinter chuckled and said, “I was right. Little Raphael missed you, Leonardo.”
XXXXXX
Leo went into the kitchen, made formula, sat down at the table and gave Raphael
his bottle. The baby accepted it and guzzled noisily. Leo smiled and said,
“There, there, my little boy. Everything’s okay. Daddy’s here.”
Don entered the kitchen and said, “The kids are watching TV with Dad, Casey and
April, Leo. Anything I can do to help?”
“Yes. You can leave.”
“Leo….”
“I wasn’t kidding earlier. We’re over and I’m telling Dad what you did.”
Splinter entered the room and said, "Tell me what, Leonardo?” Splinter asked.
“That Don’s been abusing Raphael?”
“Is this true?” Splinter demanded.
“Yes,” Donatello admitted, his cheeks flushing. “But you have to understand,
Dad, that.”
“Silence!” Splinter roared. “You will come with me to the dojo and will tell me
everything.”
Don meekly followed his father, sure he was going to get the biggest lecture of
his life.
Leo finished feeding Raphael and kissed him. Raphael gurgled and smiled
contentedly. “Let’s go get you changed and then I think it’s time for a nap.
What do you say, sweet boy?” Leo said.
“Gah.”
“I knew you’d agree. I love you, Raphie, and I’ll never let anyone harm you.”
XXXXXX
Leo took Raphael to his bedroom, changed him, placed him in his crib, kissed
him on his forehead, turned on the mobile of horses and watched as Raphael soon
fell asleep. “I’ll always love you, Raphie,” Leo whispered. “Sleep well and
know you’ll always have me and your brothers watching your back.”
Chapter End Notes
     What will Splinter do and say?
***** Don's banishment *****
Chapter Summary
     Don's kicked out of the lair.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Don knelt before Splinter in the dojo and waited for him to speak. “So,”
Splinter said. “You’ve been abusing the baby, Donatello. Did you also have
something to do with Raphael’s return to babyhood?”
“No, Sensei. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t stoop so low.”
“But you hurt the baby, which is also reprehensible, so I had to ask. An
innocent baby. Are you not ashamed of your actions?”
“I shouldn’t have hit the baby, Sensei, but I’ve been under a tremendous amount
of stress. Four babies and now Raphael and Leo and I have marital problems. I
was bound to snap.”
“I warned you against marrying and starting a family so young, Donatello. Do
you forget? You and Leonardo assured me you could handle whatever came your
way. I should have forbidden your union or sent one of you away. I have not
been a good father in that regard, because I had my misgivings and should have
gone with my gut. But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine you, who dote on
the babies, capable of hurting a child.”
“Like I said, I snapped and Raphael happened to be nearby.”
“You have always been a gentle soul, even when others have wronged you. Never a
harsh word to anyone, even when your brothers get out of hand. That’s why I’m
also shocked and heartbroken to learn what happened. Was it a one-time thing?”
“Yes. I smacked Raphael in the heat of the moment and Kane saw me do it. But
Sensei, you have to also understand that baby never stops crying and it’s
exhausting. Think how you’d feel if you had four kids and now a baby that’s not
even yours demanding attention.”
“I did have and while you boys wore me out, I never once smacked you for no
reason. Raphael’s a baby. He can’t speak and he will cry. It’s his way of
vocalizing when he’s hungry, tired, wants love or needs changing. He isn’t
doing it to annoy you. You should know that having four other kids.” Looking
sternly at Don, Splinter tapped his cane on the ground and said, “I’m extremely
sad I have to do this, Donatello, but I have no option.”
“Do what, Sensei?”
“I don’t believe it was a once-off thing. Abuse rarely is. I believe you’ve hit
Raphael on other occasions. Have you not?”
“Yes, Sensei,” Don said, hanging his head. “I have, but again only when….”
“Silence!” Splinter roared. “There is no excuse for abuse, especially of a
baby, and I will not tolerate it in my home. You are no longer my son or a part
of this clan and I want you to leave.”
“But, Sensei, what about my children? My babies?”
“I want you gone and I want you to give me back your mask, your weapons and
your gear. You do not possess the right to wear them anymore.”
“Is this permanent, Sensei?”
“I have not decided. Leonardo and might forgave you in time perhaps, but I
consider you an endangerment to the children right now!”
“I'd never hurt my babies!”
“Raphael is supposed to be one of your babies, Donatello, and you promised to
love him. Enough. Do as I ask.”
Don slowly got to his feet, blinking back tears. Then he stripped and handed
his gear, weapons and bandana to his dad.
“You have fifteen minutes to make your goodbyes,” Splinter said. “Make it fast,
because I can’t bear to look at you. Get out of my sight. You have disgraced
the family name and deeply disappointed me.”
A sobbing Don left the dojo and headed to Leo’s bedroom.
XXXXXXX
Don knocked on Leo's door and said, "Leo, it's me."
“What do you want?”
“Dad’s finished talking to me and I want to tell you what he said.”
Leo opened the door, folded his arms and said, "Talk."
“Dad’s kicked me out.”
“Good. You disgust me and I’m still convinced you had Raph turned back into a
baby to punish me and him.”
“No, Leo. Honest, I swear I wouldn’t do that.”
“Honest? Yeah, right. I don’t believe a word you say. Go say goodbye to the
kids and get the fuck out of here.”
“Leo, do you think you’ll ever forgive me?”
“The way I feel now, no. Go away, Don. I feel sick just looking at you, child
abuser. You’re worse than pondscum.”
“Leo, I’m sorry and I’d do anything to make it up to you,” Don said and sobbed.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“You can start by leaving.”
“I hope you can forgive me. I was still so upset over your sleeping with Raph,
I saw red every time I was around the baby and I’m sorry now. I really am. I
hope you…”
Leo cut up him off and said, "I’ll come with you to say bye to the kids. Don’t
draw it out and don’t cry. You know they’re very sensitive, especially Kane.”
XXXXXX
Don and Leo went into the lounge and Don said his goodbyes to the kids, trying
not to cry, as he hugged and kissed them. Leo stood with his arms folded.
“Where you going, Daddy?” Noah asked.
“Away for a while,” Don said.
"Can we come?" Sean asked.
"No," Don said, shaking his head. “You can’t, but I will come back, my sweet
boys, I promise.”
“Why do you have to go?” Kieran asked.
“I did something bad,” Don said. “And I need to go away for a while. Don’t cry.
I'll be back. I love you all.”
“Is it because you smacked Raphie, Daddy?” Kane asked. “You were bad. Very
bad.”
Don nodded and said, “You should never hit anyone, boys. It’s very bad, so
don’t hit each other. Be good to one another and love each other. I love you
all and I’ll miss you. Can I have a hug?”
Although Kane was extremely close to Leo, he also did love Don and he, together
with his three brothers, hugged Don fiercely. Then Don reached out to hug Leo,
who said, “No. Just go.”
“I love you, my boys,” Don said. Then he looked around the lair one last time
and left for areas unknown.
Leo heaved a deep sigh of relief that Don was gone and said, "How about pizza?
It’s lunch time.”
“Will Daddy come back?” Noah asked. He was closest to Don and followed him
everywhere.
“I’m sure he will, but let’s get some grub. Go sit in the kitchen. I’ll be
there now.”
XXXXXX
Leo checked on Splinter, who’d gone to his room, and told him it was lunch
time, but the old rat said he was tired and wasn’t hungry. Then Leo fetched
Raphael from his bedroom, carried him into the kitchen and placed him in his
carrycot.
XXXXXX
The older boys stared down at Raphael in his carrycot with a mixture of pride
and affection and Noah said, “Baby, hungry.”
Leo nodded and said, “He is.”
Leo made the pizzas and while his boys chowed down, he made Raphael's formula.
He fed Raphael when it was ready and the baby drank it greedily. Then Leo
burped him and helped himself to a piece of pizza.
Raphael watched his dad eat and thought, what’s that? Want it!
Chubby fingers shot out and reached for the pizza. Leo laughed, put the slice
back on the plate and said, “You’re too small to eat pizza, Raphie.” The baby
let out a wail. He wanted it and he couldn’t understand why his dad wouldn’t
let have him it. It smelled so good. “Waaaah!” Raphael bawled.
“It’s okay, Raphie. You can have more milk. Good for you. It'll make you grow
up big and strong.”
“Bah,” Raphael wailed, meaning no. Want that other stuff, he thought. Not milk.
“Waaah!”
“Let’s go and bath you, Raphie. How about that and then another nap? I think
you’re feeling cranky.”
“Baby wants pizza,” Kane said. “When can he have pizza, Daddy?”
“When he’s older,” Leo said. “In six months or so. You boys done?” His sons
nodded. “Let’s go wash your hands.”
XXXXXX
Leo carried Raphael to the bathroom, followed by the quads. He decided his kids
could bath, so they all bathed, laughing and merrily splashing in the bath,
enjoying the bubble bath and making a huge mess. Leo held Raphael and chuckled,
while he watched his kids playing. Leo told the quads to go watch TV when
they'd finished and he'd then bath the baby.
Leo got into the tub, Raphael on his lap. Then he gently washed and scrubbed
him. Raphael’s little arms flailed at the water, splashing it onto the floor.
Leo smiled and said, “There’s my sweet boy. You’re all nice and clean.”
“Gah!” Raphael said, looking at the bubbles with great interest. One landed on
his snout and Raphael’s eyes widened in surprise when it burst.
“They’re bubbles, Raphie,” Leo said and chuckled. “There. We’re all done.”
Leo picked up Raphael, holding him close, and carried him into the bedroom.
XXXXXXX
Leo placed Raphael on the changing mat, sprinkled baby powder on him and
diapered him. “You smell so sweet, Raphie,” Leo said and nuzzled his beak
against Raphael’s. “I;d better enjoy it, because you'll soon be as big as your
brothers, won’t you and you’ll hate baths and fight me when I make you bath?”
Raphael gurgled happily, feeling clean, warm and contented. Leo smiled, lifted
him up, placed him into his crib and covered him with his blanket. “I love you,
Raphie,” Leo said. He kissed Raphael's beak and started the mobile horses.
“Sleep, sweetheart. I’ll be back later.”
Leo left, leaving the door ajar. Raphael closed his eyes and thought, still
want that stuff. Whatever it was. Don’t want milk. Lulled by the mobile horses,
Raphael soon fell fast asleep.
Chapter End Notes
     Will Don ever return?
***** Raph's new toy *****
Chapter Summary
     Leo makes his decision regarding Shredder and Kane gives Raph a very
     special toy. Raph discovers TV and it's clear that he's definitely
     Daddy's boy.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Mikey and Chloe arrived home with baby Cameron at five p.m. Cameron was in his
mother’s arms. “Where were you, Mikey?” Leo asked, taking his eyes off of a
sleeping Raphael, who was cradled in his arms, to regard his brother. “We could
have used your help. Shredder kidnapped the babies and we had to go and rescue
them.”
“I’m sorry, bro. I was so mad, I switched my phone off. I feel terrible. I
should have been there. How are the kids?”
“They're fine, as you can see. Shredder didn’t harm them, but a giant two-
headed lizard swallowed me and it was so gross being inside of her. The smell.”
Leo shuddered and said, “Luckily, we had Usagi and his friend helping us and I
was rescued.”
“I told you Shredder’s bad news, bro.”
“You were right and he’s apologized. Said he only did that, because he’s
lonely. He’s asked if he can spend time with the babies and has promised he’ll
never kidnap them again.”
“And you believe him?” Chloe said crossly. “There’s no way he’s going near Cam
and you wouldn't allow him near your kids either if you had any sense, Leo. i
don’t buy his sob story. I bet the real reason he wants to be near the kids is
so that he can try and brainwash them into fighting against you, Mikey and Don
someday.” Looking at her mate, Chloe said, “What do you think, Mikey?”
“I agree with you, sweetheart. I’ve never trusted tin can and I never will.
Tell him no, Leo.”
“We need a truce with him, Mikey,” Leo said. “We have too many villains to
fight.”
“You don’t get it, Leo. He’s NOT to be trusted and if you…If you give him
another chance, then I’m out of here. Chloe and I’ll leave. I’m not having my
son’s life jeopardized, because you feel sorry for that bastard. Look what he’s
done to us over the years. Have you forgotten? Raph was in a coma for six
months after a massive hit to the head the last time we fought him. Do you
remember that, dude? We nearly lost him. I almost lost an eye when Shredder
came at me with a knife. Don almost died when Shredder went at him with his
vaporizer.”
“Course I remember, Mikey, but what’s the alternative? If we don’t let him…”
“What? He’s going to continue his vendetta against us? He hates us, Leo, and
this whole niceness thing is an act. I don’t believe him, bro. I’m leaving
immediately. Chloe, go pack our things.
The arguing woke up Raphael, who wailed. He didn’t like shouting at all. “It’s
okay, buddy,” Leo said and kissed his beak. “Daddy’s here. Mikey, wait. You
don’t have to leave. I’ll tell Shredder he can go suck a lemon.”
“Good. You’re making the right decision, Leo. Hey. Where’s Don? I haven’t seen
him.”
“He’s gone.”
“Gone where, Leo?” Chloe asked.
Cameron, seeing that Raphael was awake, reached out for him with his chubby
hands. “Guh,” he said.
“Guga,” Raphael said, gurgling and staring back at his cousin.
“Aw.Bless,” Chloe said. “They’ve noticed one another. Isn’t it cute? Maybe
they’ll grow up to be good friends, Leo.” She moved Cameron closer to Raphael
and he reached out and touched Raphael's face. Raphael turned his head away and
buried his head against Leo’s plastron. Chloe giggled and said, “Raphie’s so
shy. It’s too cute, Leo. I wonder if he’ll always be shy.”
Leo smiled and said, “Probably not, Chloe. He was shy as a kid, but that went
out of the window when he grew up.
“Can I hold him?”
“Sure.”
Chloe passed Cameron to Mikey and Leo handed Raphael to Chloe, but Raphael was
having none of it. He bawled, reached out for Leo and wouldn’t stop crying
until he was back in Leo’s arms. Then he looked up at Leo and gurgled happily.
“Guess he doesn’t want to be separated from me,” Leo said and smiled
apologetically. “Sorry.”
“It’s all right, Leo. It’s sweet. I think you’re going to be a daddy’s boy,
aren’t you, Raphie?” Chloe said, patting Raphael’s head. “Getting back to Don,
where is he?”
“Daddy!” Noah screamed at the top of his lungs, as he rushed over to Leo. “Sean
took my toy. Want toy.”
“I’m coming,” Leo said.
“I’ll start dinner,” Chloe said. “How about spaghetti?”
“Sounds great,” Leo said.
Leo quickly broke up the feud between his kids. Then he settled them in front
of the TV and plopped down on the couch, Raphael on his lap. Mikey sat next to
Leo and had Cameron on his lap. The babies took in the image on the screen, a
large dragon that was breathing fire, as it battled with a warrior in the
Amazon jungle.
“Googoo,” Raphael said, his eyes wide, as he watched. What’s that, he thought?
Looks scary. Don’t like. “Gah!” Raphael said. He cried when the dragon lifted
up the warrior and tossed him into a bush.
“It’s just a cartoon, Raphie,” Leo said. He soothed the weeping baby and stood
up. “It’s not real, my sweet boy. Let’s watch something else." Leo changed the
channel to Postman Pat and said, “There you go, Raphie.”
“Want dragon,” Sean whined. “Don’t want Postman Pat and his black and white
cat!”
“Raphie’s scared, Sean,” Leo said. “You can watch the dragon later.”
“Not fair,” Kieran shouted. “Don’t like Postman Pat!”
“Too bad,” Leo said. “It’s this or nothing.”
Cameron watched Postman Pat, his large blue eyes taking in everything. Raphael
did the same, blabbering in his baby language the entire time.
Leo turned the TV off when the show ended and sat down on the floor with his
kids. Raphael was on his lap and was watching his brothers play with their
toys. “I’m going to bath Cameron, Leo,” Mikey said. “See you later.”
“Wanna play cars,” Kane said. “Raphie, play, Daddy?”
“He’s too small,” Leo said. “But he….”
“Here you go, Raphie,” Kane said, handing his brother a red truck. “Yours. You
can play with it.”
Raphael tried to hold the truck, but he didn’t have a proper grip and it fell
onto the floor.
“Waaaah!” Raphael bawled. Want that, he thought. Want it. Looks shiny.
Kane picked up the truck and said, "Here you go, Raphie." Leo took it from him
and held it close for Raphael to touch. Emerald fingers fingers reached out and
touched the truck and Raphael babbled happily, pleased he could finally touch
the toy. Kane smiled and said, “He likes it, Daddy. Raphie likes the truck.”
“He does, Kane,” Leo said. “He likes it a lot.”
“He can have it, Daddy.”
“Are you sure, sweetheart? It’s your favorite.”
“Yes, Daddy. I have other toys. Raphie needs toys. Keep it, Raphie.”
“That’s sweet of you, my boy,” Leo said, looking at Kane affectionately. “But
are you sure you don’t want it back?”
“No. Baby Raphie likes it and I want him to have it. He’s my friend. We’re
friends, aren’t we, Raphie?” Kane said and kissed Raphael’s cheek.
“Goo,” Raphael said. He’s nice, Raphael thought. I like him. Friend.
"He agrees,” Leo said and laughed. “You and Raphie are going to be great
friends, as well as brothers.”
“I love Raphie,” Kane said and kissed Raphael’s beak. “He’s my baby.”
“Of course he is,” Leo said and chuckled.
“He’s my baby,” Noah said. “Isn’t he, daddy?”
“No. He’s mine,” Kane said angrily. “Mine.”
“He belongs to you all," Leo said, diffusing the situation. “And he loves you
all. He’s going to need all of you and he’ll also be there for you.”
“Dinner’s ready!” Chloe called from the kitchen.
“Let’s get you all washed up,” Leo said. “And then time for dinner.”
XXXXXX
The kids washed their hands. Then Leo took them to the kitchen. He then,
prepared a bottle of formula for Raphael and the family sat down to dinner.
Leo fed Raphael. Then he placed him in the pram by his chair and tucked in.
"So, where is Don, Leo?" Mikey asked.
“Dad banished him.”
“Will he ever be allowed back, Leo?” Chloe asked.
“I have no idea. Hey, Mikey. Can you pass the salt?”
Mikey did and said, “Aren’t you upset, Leo? You’re so blasé about it, bro.”
“Course I’m upset and maybe Don and I'll sort things out, but…”
“Donatello needs to spend some time away from the family,” Splinter said.
“Perhaps then, he’ll be truly sorry for what he’s done. And I don’t think we
should have this discussion in front of the children.”
“Yes, Dad,” Mikey said. “You’re right.”
XXXXXX
Leo bathed his kids after dinner. Then he read them a story and went to his
room.
XXXXXXXX
Leo settled in his bed, Raphael fast asleep and nestled on his plastron. Leo
kissed his head and thought, I do miss Don, but I can’t have him around if he’s
going to hurt Raph, and as for Shredder, Mikey’s right. He can’t be trusted and
his sob story was just that. A sob story to make us pity him. I won’t and I’m
going to tell him to take a hike.
Chapter End Notes
     I just love baby Raphie. I know I've said that before, but he's too
     precious!
     If anyone would love to do a drawing of baby Raph and his brothers
     for me, or drawings for any of my stories, I'd be so grateful. In
     return, I'd write you stories. :)
***** Unexpected news *****
Chapter Summary
     Don gives Leo some unexpected news.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Don left the lair, tears streaming down his cheeks. I can’t believe I’m
banished, he thought. From Leo and my babies. From my home. My babies. How I
miss them. I want to go home so much. I hope Leo will forgive me and take me
back and that Dad will let me come home. How am I going to cope without them?
Don walked until he found a tunnel that led to a chamber he and Leo had used
when they wanted to get away and spend time alone. He went inside the chamber,
crawled into the daybed and cried until he fell asleep.
The next morning, August 19, Don woke, feeling nauseous. He upchucked into a
bucket and sank onto the floor, his head in his hands. I feel sick, he thought.
I haven’t eaten anything bad, so I must be gravid. Oh, shit. I have to tell
Leo.
Don grabbed his T-phone, dialed Leo's number and said, "Leo, we have to talk.”
“I’m busy and we have nothing to talk about. Go away.”
Don could hear Raphael’s gurgling and his kids’ chatter in the background.
Leo’s feeding them breakfast, he thought.
"Leo, I think I'm gravid," Don said.
“What?” Leo spluttered, nearly choking on his tea.
“I’m gravid. I woke up feeling sick and I know it’s not something I ate.”
“Is this some ploy of yours to come home?” Leo demanded.
“No. I wouldn’t stoop so low. You have to believe me.”
“I wouldn’t put it past you, considering all you’ve done. You’re despicable.”
“Hate me all you like, but the baby’s yours. I need to conduct some tests in my
lab to know for sure.”
“I’ll talk to Dad and get back to you.”
The line went dead and Don sighed. I hope Dad lets me come home, he thought. I
miss my babies.
XXXXXX
Leo finished feeding his kids, asked Mikey and Chloe to watch them in the
lounge and went to Splinter’s room. Knocking on the door, he said, “It’s Leo,
Dad. Can I come in?”
“Enter.”
Leo went inside and saw his father sitting on his meditation mat. “What is it,
Leonardo?” the aged rat asked. “You look troubled. Sit.”
Leo sat on another mat and said, “Don called me and said he thinks he’s gravid.
I don’t know how. We were careful, because we didn’t want any more after the
quads. Don wants to come here and conduct some tests to know for sure, but what
if he is, Dad? He’s banished.”
“Good question, Leonardo. I will permit Donatello to come here and conduct his
tests. My son, he'll need is and his family to support him if he is gravid. He
cannot face it all alone.”
“I’d be there for the kid and him, Dad. Wild horses couldn’t keep me away from
the baby.”
“You may also have to forgive Donatello and take him back. Your children need
two parents. I failed to tell you that the banishment was not forever. It was
until Donatello had expressed remorse. Everyone deserves a second chance.”
“Even the Shredder?” Leo demanded.
“Everyone has good and bad points, Leonardo, even the Shredder. However, we are
not discussing him. Donatello is essentially a good person and has been a
loving mate and father, has he not?”
“Yes.”
“It was betrayal that angered him. You betrayed him by skulking around with
Raphael. Donatello’s actions were wrong, but it was your actions that
instigated his. Do you understand?”
“Are you asking me to give Don another chance?”
“I am old, Leonardo, and probably not long for this world. I would like my
family to be all together. It is indeed my wish for you to forgive Donatello.”
“But he's a danger to Raph.”
“I think the shock of being banished made him realize how wrong he was.
Donatello has learned his lesson. I want him home and I want you and Donatello
to talk and to fix your relationship.”
“But, Dad, some things can’t be fixed. Look what….”
“Do you love Donatello?”
“I love him. Not the same way I love….”
“Raphael is a baby, Leonardo. The Raphael you loved is a tiny, defenceless baby
and your son. Your lover is no more and he won't be with you, even when he
grows up. Donatello loves you and you owe it to your children to fix things
with him. Think about your children and my wishes.”
“But I thought you hated Don. You said he was a disgrace.”
“I was furious, but I’ve had time to think and I believe Donatello’s learned
his lesson and he won’t harm Raphael. Do as I wish. That is all. You are
dismissed.”
Leo bowed and left Splinter’s room. I can’t believe he’s allowing Don to come
home, he thought irately. Leo went to his room, made a call to Don and told him
he could come home.
XXXXXX
Don arrived home not long after and his kids rushed over to him. “Daddy!” Noah
said, flinging his arms around Don’s legs.
“Miss you, Daddy!” Kane said. “Pick me up.”
“Daddy!” Noah and Sean said in unison.
Don laughed, picked up Kane and kissed him on his beak. “I missed you, boys,”
he said, putting Kane down. He pulled all four boys into a hug and said, "Group
hug."
“You’re back, Don?” Mikey said from the couch. Chloe and Cameron were lying
down and so was Raphael.
“I am. Good to be back. Kids, stay with Uncle Mikey. Daddy has to...Oh. Hey,
Leo.”
Leo had entered the lounge. "Hi," Leo said.
“Daddy has to do some tests, boys," Don said. "Stay with Uncle Mikey. Leo, you
can join me.”
XXXXXX
Don and Leo went into Don’s lab and Don said, “Take a sample of my blood, place
it in that vial and in that machine. We’ll know if I’m gravid in fifteen
minutes or so.”
Leo did and said, "Dad says you can come home. He feels you’ve learned your
lesson.”
“Really?” Don said excitedly. “And what do you think, Leo?”
“I don’t know,” Leo said, crossing his arms and staring at Don hard. “Have you?
I’m afraid you’ll hurt Raph again.”
“I won’t, Leo. I give you my word. I’ll never touch Raph again for as long as I
live.”
“Dad also wants us to get back together. Says that we owe it to our kids to fix
things and to be a united family.”
“Is that what you want? Do you still love me? I still love you and nothing
would make me happier than being your mate and knowing you still love me.”
Don’s machine beeped before Leo could answer and he said, “I have the results,
Leo. I’m gravid. Six weeks to be exact. I should drop the eggs in January and
they’ll hatch in March.”
“You asked me if I still love you. I do. You’re our babies’ dad and you’ve been
an amazing dad and mate until I transgressed. Even then you took me back and
loved me. It’ll take some time to trust you again, but I want to…I want to work
things out. Our kids need two parents and I’ll do all I can to ensure they have
a happy, united family, like they deserve.”
Don beamed and said, “Oh, Leo. I promise you. You won’t be sorry.”
“But I won't hesitate to use my katana blade, where the sun doesn't shine if
you ever hurt Raph again. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Leo. Oh, yes. I love you, Leo. Can I have a hug? Please. I need a hug.”
Leo wrapped his arms around Don and thought, I didn’t want to take him back,
but I do owe it to the kids to try to work things out with Don and how can I
not honor Dad’s wishes after all he’s done for us? But I mean it. I'll follow
through with my threat if he hurts Raph.
Chapter End Notes
     Is Don sincere?
***** Close but no cigar *****
Chapter Summary
     Raph almost succeeds in eating the prize (pizza) and when Leo takes
     it away, saying that he can't eat it, Raph gets his revenge by not
     sleeping and throwing a tantrum.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Leo said over dinner that evening, (the kids had been fed earlier), “Me and Don
are giving things another go.”
“That’s excellent, my son,” Splinter said and smiled. “I have always believed
you and Donatello were suited for another and I hope you are together for
life.”
“Thanks, Dad. There's no reason we won't be, as long as Don's kind to Raphie.”
“Yes,” Don said and flushed. “Leo was gracious to give me another chance after
all the trouble I’ve caused. I’m grateful and I’ll do whatever I can to prove
I’m worthy of his love. Raphael's a baby and I’ll…I’ll treat him right and will
give him the love he deserves and needs. On that note, Leo and I have another
announcement. I’m six weeks gravid and will drop the egg in January.”
“Congratulations,” Chloe said warmly. “You must be so excited, Leo. You and
Donnie wanted another baby.”
“Yeah. I’m thrilled.”
“What do you think, Mikey? You’ve been very quiet, my love.”
“I’m happy for you two,” Mikey said. “But I hope you and Leo aren’t getting
back together just because of the new baby, Don. That’s never a good reason and
it should be because you love one another.”
“Well, the baby was a surprise, but I do believe me and Leo love another and
that’s the real reason why we’re trying again. Our love never ended, Mikey. It
was only Raphael’s interference in the relationship, which caused friction in
the first place. We were happy before that. Weren’t we, Leo?”
Leo was saved from answering when Raphael howled from the bedroom. “Duty
calls,” Leo said and ran to his bedroom.
XXXXXX
Leo picked up a sobbing Raphael and held him tightly to his plastron. “Not
true,” Leo whispered. “I wasn’t happy, Raph. Not really. I loved Donnie, but me
and you both know I was happiest when I was with you, even when we fought.
Hell, I miss you so much. I wish you could change back and we could be
together, but I’m trapped in a loveless marriage. I’m honor bound to stay in it
for the kids and Sensei wants me to.” Raphael squawked. “Sorry. I guess I’m
holding you too tightly, my baby boy. I miss you, your scent, the fun times we
had, the sex, just being with you. I’d change that night we broke up and never
ever let you go if I could go back in time.” Leo kissed the top of Raphael’s
head and said, “Better get you changed.”
Leo expertly changed Raphael’s diaper and smiled down at the cooing baby, who
had his thumb in his mouth. “You’re a cutie pie,” Leo said. “Going to be a
heart breaker someday, huh, Raphie? Yes. You are, but your options are limited
unless female mutant turtles come on the scene. Sound disturbing? I was also
disgusted, but then you worked your charm on me and I fell madly in love. I
remember our first time,” Leo said, his eyes filling with tears. “Right here on
this bed. One of the most magical moments of my life.”
“Bah,” Raphael said, kicking his legs in the air.
“Well, I hope you're happier than I am, whoever you end up with. Don’t ever
settle for second best, Raphie, and always be with someone for love. No other
reason.”
“Goo goo,” Raphael said, as if understanding, and staring at his daddy with his
huge golden eyes.
Leo smiled, picked him up and said, “Let’s get you some dinner, huh, champ?
Formula.”
Yuck If ya mean the sucky white stuff ya give me, Raphael thought. I want that
other stuff that smells so good. That everyone else ate. Why can’t I have that?
XXXXXX
Leo carried Raphael and placed him in his pram. Then he made the formula.
Dinner was over and Mikey was washing the dishes. “How’s Raphie, Leo?” Mikey
asked, turning around and smiling at the gurgling baby.
“He’s good. Eats like a horse and wants to be fed every three hours. Going to
be a strong boy and tough like…” Leo let the words trail off.
“Bro, I know you’re not happy. I can sense it. Just know I'm always here if you
want to talk.”
“Thanks, Mikey.”
“You didn’t finish your dinner. I kept some pizza on a plate for you. Want me
to warm it up?”
“Thanks, Mikey. Are you happy with Chloe?”
“We have our fights, dude, but she makes me happy over all and I love her.
You’re not, are you?”
Leo shook his head and said, “But there’s nothing I can do. I’m honor bound to
be with him.”
“Shouldn’t have to be like this, Leo,” Mikey said, clapping a hand on his
shoulder.
“I know, but this is my lot in life and I…”
Raphael chirped and Leo automatically chirped back, making Raphael gurgle and
kick his legs in the air. “We’ll talk later, Leo,” Mikey said. “I’ll warm up
your food and you feed Raph.”
Leo sat down, fed Raphael with one hand and held the pizza with his other.
Chubby fingers reached out and grabbed it from him before he could take a bite.
Oozing cheese dripped onto Raphael’s Batman pajamas and he squealed
triumphantly. “Gaga,” Raphael said and Mikey doubled over with laughter at the
scene before him. Leo was too shocked to say anything, but he quickly
recovered, slid the pizza back on the plate and said, “No, Raphie. You’re too
small and could choke." Raphael squawked angrily at losing his prize and began
to wail at the top of his lungs. “No,” Leo repeated, holding a squirming and
angry baby. “Losing your temper isn’t going to make me do what you want. No.
Naughty boy!Time for bed!”
“He definitely has Raph’s temper,” Mikey said and stifled a laugh. “You’re
going to have your hands full and just wait until he’s a teenager, Leo.”
“I can’t wait,” Leo said sarcastically, getting up. “I’ll eat something later
when he’s settled.”
XXXXXX
Leo took the still screaming baby to his room, tucked him in and turned on the
mobile. “Sleep well, Raphie. I love you,” Leo said and kissed his beak.
But Raphael was still angry and refused to sleep, kicking and furiously
flailing his legs. Leo sang to him and just as he thought Raphael was falling
asleep, the baby cried again.
Frustrated, Leo said, “I’ll take you to the lounge. Maybe you’ll fall asleep
then. I can hope.”
XXXXX
Leo carried Raphael to the lounge and sat down on the couch. Mikey was there,
Cameron on his lap. “Where’s Don, Mikey?” Leo asked, rocking Raph.
“Went to his lab and Chloe asked if she could visit April for a girly evening.
Raph woke up this young guy. I have a feeling I’ll be up all night.”
“Me too. He’s pissed I took the pizza away. He always was grumpy and moody.”
“But you loved him anyway and he loved you.”
There was silence for a long time. Raphael stopped crying and stared at
Cameron, who stared back and reached out chubby fingers to touch his cousin.
Raphael ducked his face and nuzzled into Leo’s plastron. Leo chirped and
stroked his shell soothingly. “That’s your cousin, Cameron, Raphie,” Leo said.
“Remember? He’s so shy, Mikey.”
“Enjoy it while it lasts, Leo. Raph’s going to test you no end when he’s
bigger. I remember his tantrums. Hell, he was so stubborn.”
“But also so sweet when he wanted to be, aren’t you, Raphie?” Leo said. The
baby reached up for Leo’s bandana. He took it off, gave it to Raphael, who
squawked excitedly, promptly put it in his mouth and grinned at his daddy. Leo
smiled and said, “You can’t eat that, Raphie.” He took away the saliva soaked
bandana, irritating Raphael, who wailed.
I want that, Raphael thought. Now. First Daddy takes away my food and now he
take away that. “Bah!” Raphael screamed.
Leo caved and handed the bandana back to Raphael, who promptly put it in his
mouth again and sucked it. Leo sighed and said, “You’re right. I have my hands
full, Mikey.”
“But you’re not alone. I’ll help you and so will our family.”
“I know. Hey, Mikey. Do you think there’s a cure for Raph?”
“Not if Don said there wasn’t. He knows about stuff like that, dude.”
“But what if Don’s lying?”
“No, dude. He's been an asshole, but he wouldn’t lie about that, Leo.”
“I suppose.”
Hours passed with both babies refusing to sleep. Cameron fell asleep shortly
after eleven p.m., and Mikey took him to bed. Leo took Raph to his room.
XXXXXX
The baby still wouldn't sleep in his Leo and lay awake, clutching Leo’s
bandana. Leo took it away, making him cry. “You can have it tomorrow, Raphie,”
Leo said, placing the bandana on the dresser. “Here’s your teddy bear. Cuddle
him and sleep, Raphie.” Leo covered the baby with his blanket, turned on the
mobile and kissed him, but Raphael was having none of it. He screamed, waking
up his cousin next door, who also started crying and soon everyone in the house
was awake. Leo picked Raphael up, but he wouldn’t stop.
Kane entered the room and said, “Daddy, can’t sleep."
“Me either,” Leo said tiredly and yawned a yawn. “Your brother won’t sleep.”
Raphael’s eyes lit up at the sight of Kane and he stopped crying. Leo had an
idea. “Hold your brother, Kane, while I get a bit of sleep. Can you do that,
sweetheart?”
“Yes, Daddy,” Kane said, reaching for Raphael.
Leo settled Raphael in Kane’s arms and said, “Just for an hour. Sit on the bed
and sing to him.”
Leo crawled into bed and Kane sat on the bed, rocking Raphael and singing a
lullaby Leo sang to them.
I'm gonna get that pizza tomorrow, Raphael thought and closed his eyes. And I'm
gonna eat it this time. He soon fell asleep, miraculously before Leo.
"Thanks, buddy,” Leo said gratefully and promptly fell asleep.
Chapter End Notes
     Poor Leo. He definitely has his hands full!
***** Kane's tantrum *****
Chapter Summary
     Kane has a meltdown and snatches his toy back from Raph and Don tries
     to get Leo to go away with him to work on their relationship.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The next morning, August 20, Leo was woken by a bawling Raphael at six. Leo
hopped out of bed and approached the cot. The little baby was kicking his legs
in the air and screaming lustily. “Healthy pair of lungs you have, Raphie,” Leo
said, staring down at him tenderly. “Think you need changing and feeding.”
“Bah!” Raphael gurgled, his eyes focused on his daddy.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Leo said and chuckled. He picked Raphael up and
changed him. Then he carried him into the kitchen.
XXXXXXX
Leo settled Raphael in his pram and made the formula. Mikey entered the kitchen
a few minutes later, Cameron in his arms. “Morning, Leo,” he said. “Morning,
Raphie. Get any sleep, Leo?”
“Some. I asked Kane to help me with his brother and Raph immediately fell
asleep in his arms. Kane’s resting a bit now. He should be up soon. What about
you?”
“Not much,” Mikey said and yawned. He placed Cameron in his pram and added,
“This bugger doesn’t like sleeping.”
“Just like his old man. You never wanted to go to bed.”
"No. I didn't," Mikey said and chuckled. “Guess he takes after me and he’st an
endless ball of energy. I think he’s going to keep us on our toes.”
Leo smiled and said, “Again, just like you.”
The formula ready, Leo picked up Raphael, sat down at the table and began to
feed him. Raphael latched onto the bottle, sucking noisily, and Leo couldn’t
help smiling again. Raphael was adorable and sweet and Leo loved the one-on-one
times they shared.
Mikey prepared formula for Cameron. Then, as he fed him, he said, “So you and
Don, Leo? Think things will get better?”
“I don’t know, Mikey. Time will tell.”
“I hope things will and that you’re happy. You deserve happiness.”
Don entered the kitchen, followed by the quads, who greeted Leo and sat down at
the table.
“Can I hold the baby, Daddy?” Kane asked, stroking Raph’s face.
“He’s still eating, Kane,” Leo said. “You can after you’ve had breakfast.”
Don made scrambled eggs for the kids and said, “Leo and Mikey, do you want
any?”
“Thanks,” Leo and Mikey said in unison.
Leo finished feeding Raphael, settled him in his pram. His breakfast was soon
ready and he tucked in.
Leo said, “This is great, Don. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. I meant what I said, Leo. I want to build on our relationship
and for things to be the way they were. I love you so much.”
“Thanks, Don,” Mikey said. “This is great.”
Don sat at the table and said, "Leo, I was thinking we could go out tonight.
Just the two of us to our favorite place.”
“I don’t know. The kids….”
“I don’t mind watching them,” Mikey said. “It’ll do you guys good to talk on
your own.”
“All right,” Leo said. “I suppose we need to.”
XXXX
Mikey cleaned up after breakfast and Leo and Don sat in the lounge with the
kids. Splinter had decided to have a lie in.
“Daddy, can I hold the baby now?” Kane asked, staring at Raphael, who was
cradled in Leo’s arms.
“Sure you can,” Leo said and placed the baby in Kane’s arms. Kane kissed him
and Raphael cooed, as Kane rocked him gently. Kane got bored after a while,
handed the baby back to his dad and went to play with his brothers, who had
their Lego out and who were attempting to build a tower.
Don watched them play and said, “We did good, Leo.”
“Uh huh.”
"What would you like to name our new baby?”
“I don’t know. You thought of ideas?”
“Some. I really like Morgan and Tanya if girls. I like the name Micah for a
boy. What do you think?”
“I don’t know.”
“What will it take to win you back, Leo and for things to be like they were
before Raphael? We were happy then, weren’t we? He ruined things between us.”
“Is that why you had him changed into a baby?” Leo demanded, his eyes flinty.
“I did no such thing. Honest. I know I’m a jerk, Leo, but I wouldn’t do that.”
“You want the truth, Don? I don’t know. Maybe you were happy, but I wasn’t and
I’m not now. We’re trying to save our relationship for the babies’ sake. Is
that really a good enough reason? Shouldn’t it be because we love one another?”
“But I do love you, Leo,” Don said, touching his shoulder. “I always have. You
and the boys make me so happy. Why don’t we go away? Just me and you to
reconnect? We can ask if we can use the farmhouse.”
“I can’t leave Raphie.”
“You can’t or you won’t? He’d be fine with Mikey and Chloe for a few days. Five
days, so we can talk without any interruptions. Please. Do you still love me?”
“I don’t know, Donnie. I’m still hurt about everything.”
“I’ll change, Leo, and I’ll be good to Raphael. I promise. I’ll treat him like
our own.”
“The washing needs to be done.”
“Let me do it. You sit here and relax, Leo. And will you meet me tonight?"
“I’ll be there,” Leo said and sighed. “And I’ll think about going away with
you. It depends on how you treat the baby in the next few days.”
“I’ll be awesome to him, I promise." Don bent down, kissed Leo’s head and went
to the laundry room.
“Do you believe him?” Leo whispered, stroking Raphael's face. The baby cooed
and looked at his daddy. Leo smiled and said, “I want to believe him, but I…”
Leo’s thoughts were interrupted by Noah running up to him and saying, “Daddy,
here’s Raphie’s car.”
“Thank you, sweetheart,” Leo said. He took the car and gave it to Raphael, who
immediately put it in his mouth. “You can’t eat that, Raphie,” Leo said. He
took it out of his mouth and placed it in Raphael's hands. The baby struggled
to hold it, but he managed to after a few minutes and periodically sucked on
it.
Leo said a few minutes later, "Sean, can you hold your brother, while I go to
the bathroom? Sit here on the couch with him.
“Okay, Daddy,” the delighted toddler said, accepting his brother. “I love baby
Raphie.”
"And he loves you.”
Sean giggled, as he watched his baby brother play with the car.
Kane looked up from the Lego five minutes later and tottered over to the couch.
He frowned and said, “That’s my wed car, Sean!”
“Isn’t. You gave it to Raphie.”
“It’s mine,” Kane said and snatched the car away. Raphael started to cry,
alerting Leo, who came running out of the bathroom.
“What’s going on?” Leo demanded, taking Raphael from Sean and trying to sooth
him.
“Kane took Raphie’s toy,” Sean said.
“It’s mine!” Kane yelled. “The wed car is mine!”
“But, Kane, sweetheart,” Leo said. “You gave it to the baby.”
“Want it back. Mine.”
Leo sighed and said, “You can’t give something and take it back, Kane. Not how
it works.”
“MINE!” Kane screamed and stamped his foot. Then he turned his shell on his
father and went to play with the Lego, still muttering that the toy was his.
Raphael was still crying and nothing would quiet him. “I know how to make the
baby happy, Daddy,” Sean said.
“How?” Leo asked.
Sean reached into the toy box, pulled out another toy car, which also happened
to be red, and said, “This is mine, but the baby can have it, Daddy. I don’t
want it back.”
“Are you sure, Sean?" Leo asked.
“Positive.”
“That’s a big word, my boy.”
“Uncle Mikey told me it. Here, Daddy,” Sean said, giving Leo the red car. “My
toys are Raphie’s toys too.”
Leo took the toy and smiled. “Bless you, my son. I love you.”
“Love you too, Daddy,” Sean said and scampered off to his other brothers.
Leo handed the toy to Raphael, who immediately stopped crying and began to coo.
“Gah,” Raphael said and popped the car into his mouth.
“Yes,” Leo said. “Yours.”
Leo sat down on the couch, Raphael on his lap, and prayed that there'd be no
more tantrums that afternoon.
Chapter End Notes
     Will Leo go away with him?
     Okay. Let's put it to vote. I have always wanted to write two
     versions. 1 where Raph stays a baby and 2 where Leo and Raph get back
     together after Leo discovers that Don's lying and finds a cure for
     Raph.
     Which one do you readers prefer? And should I write both or just the
     one? Inbox me with your view, please.
***** Raph's victory *****
Chapter Summary
     Raph finally gets his prize: pizza.
     Just fluff and bonding moments between Leo and Raph.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Leo was putting Raphael down for a nap later that day, but the baby wouldn't
sleep, even though he was exhausted and kept babbling. Leo sighed, picked up
the baby and said, “Maybe a bottle will help you settle down, huh, champ?” Leo
tickled the baby under his chin and Raphael cooed, looking at his dad with his
huge golden eyes and making Leo smile. “I love you so, so much, Raphie,” Leo
said. “I still wish we could find a cure and change you back. It’s so hard
knowing we’ll never be together again.”
“Gaga,” Raphael said, stretching out a hand and touching Leo’s face.
Leo sighed sadly and carried Raphael into the kitchen.
XXXXXX
Leo settled Raphael in his pram and made the formula. It was soon ready. He
picked up Raphael, sat down at the table and gave the baby his bottle.
The baby sucked hungrily and Leo watched with a mixture of pride, sadness and
happiness. He had to admit that Raphael was a gorgeous baby and such a sweet
one, but Leo still missed being with the older Raphael and he knew that
wouldn’t change. Don was okay, but he was no substitute for Raphael and had
NEVER been. Hot tears streamed down Leo’s cheeks, as he remembered his and
Raphael’s romance.
“Why did this have to happen?” Leo said. “We’d only just gotten back together.
Why is life so fucking unfair? I have to spend the rest of my life with someone
I don’t trust, let alone love, anymore. Oh, Raph. I miss you so much.”
Leo burped Raphael when he'd finished feeding and said, "I bet you’re tired
now. I can see your eyes want to close, but you’re still fighting sleep. You
always were stubborn and I know it’ll be worse when you’re older and can talk
back. We’re going to have many epic fights. Come on, Raphie. Close your eyes,
so your daddy can take you to bed and…”
Don entered the kitchen and said, "Hey. How's the baby, Leo?”
“He’s good. How are the others?”
“Not so good. They started sniffling. I think they’re coming down with colds,
which means he probably will as well and we won’t be able to go away.”
“We can always go away when they’re better, Don.”
“I know, but I was looking forward to time away with you, Leo. Can I hold him?”
“Why?”
“I meant what I said about being kind to Raphael and he’s also going to be my
son. Let me hold him. Please.”
“I don’t think so. He’s very attached to me and doesn’t like…”
“Leo, you’re going to have to trust me. I’m your mate after all. How can I be
nice to Raphael if you don’t even let me hold him?”
“Fine,” Leo said reluctantly, handing Raphael to Don.
Raphael immediately squawked, staring at Don fearfully and stretching out his
hands for Leo. Don’t want him, Raphael thought. He scares me. Want Daddy. Want
Daddy.
“Waaaaaah!” Raphael said, letting out an earsplitting wail that made Don
instantly hand him back to Leo, who gently rocked him. Raphael cooed softly and
nuzzled into Leo’s plastron.
“He doesn’t like me, Leo," Don said.
“Maybe he remembers what a jerk you’ve been to him, Don, so you can’t blame
him, but keep being nice to him by smiling at him and playing with him and you
may earn his trust.”
“Yeah. I guess so,” Don said and pecked Leo on the lips.
Raphael looked at Don and immediately nuzzled his face against Leo’s plastron,
demanding attention. He didn’t like the mean man kissing his daddy.
“What was that for Don?” Leo asked.
“Just to show I love you and look at him. He doesn’t like me showing you
affection and is jealous.”
Leo laughed and said, “You’re paranoid, Don. He’s a baby. Of course he wants
attention, but he isn’t jealous. He just likes affection, don’t you, Raphie?”
Leo said and planted a kiss on Raphael’s snout.
“Googgo,” Raphael said, looking up at his daddy.
“I’m going to check on the other kids,” Don said, not convinced. He'd try to be
nicer to Raphael, but his gut told him that Raphael was jealous and he’d always
be a thorn in his and Leo’s relationship.
XXXXXX
Leo took Raphael into his bedroom, changed his diaper and put blue pajamas on
him with turtles that Leo had bought for Kane when he was a baby. “There. You
smell so sweet, Raphie,” Leo said, hugging the baby. “Now you must be really
tired. Close your eyes, pumpkin.”
“Baboo,” Raphael said.
“Please. I want to sleep for an hour. I’m tired, Raphie.”
“Gohoooggooo.”
“I guess that’s a no, huh? Well, I know what’ll make you sleep. It worked on
the others, so it’ll also work on you.”
Leo gently bounced Raphael in his arms, making him coo and feel drowsy, the
warm formula taking affect. Raphael yawned and tried to fight sleep, but Leo
kept bouncing him and his golden eyes closed a few minutes later and he gently
snored.
Knowing Raph would wake if was in his crib, Leo got into bed and placed Raphael
onto his plastron. He covered the baby with the blanket and placed hand
protectively on the baby’s middle. Then he also fell asleep.
Don entered the bedroom an hour later and woke Leo when he said, "Leo, It’s
time for supper.”
“Already?” Leo said. He gently sat up and cradled a now awake and babbling
Raphael to his plastron.
“Yes. I can bring you supper in bed if you prefer.”
“I think I would if that’s all right. Then Raphie needs a bath and bed. I want
an early night.”
“Okay. I’ll be back in a bit, Leo.”
I hope it’s pizza, Raphael thought. Want pizza. Tired of formula. Want pizza.
It looks so yummy and everyone else eats it, so why can’t I?
Don entered the room a few minutes later with a plate of pizza and Raphael
squawked when he saw it. “Gagooo!” he said, his golden eyes lighting up. Want
pizza now, he thought, stretching out chubby hands.
“No. You’re too small, Raphael. You'll choke,” Don said. He placed the plate on
a dresser, took a slice and handed it to Leo.
Want pizza, Raphael thought, as Leo shifted him to his left arm, so that he
could eat. “Bah!” Raphael shrieked and snatched the pizza away from his daddy.
He shoved it into his mouth before a started Leo could react. Finally, Raphael
thought happily, as he tasted the melted cheese. I got it. Yay. Raphie has his
first pizza.
“Raphael, you bad baby,” Don said, snatching the pizza away and making the baby
cry indignantly. “You’ll choke.”
“It’s okay, Raphie,” Leo soothed, rubbing his shell. “You’re not bad and just
wanted to try what Daddy was eating. Let him have it back, Don, otherwise I’ll
get no peace.”
“But he’ll choke, Leo, and by giving into him, he’ll grow up spoiled and will
think he’ll always get what he wants if he throws tantrums.”
“Just this once, Don. Give me the pizza and we're here if anything goes wrong.”
Don scowled and gave Raphael the pizza. Raphael immediately stuffed it into his
mouth with his fingers and sucked on it, savoring the cheese and tomato taste.
He spat the crust out a couple of minutes later and looked at Leo with a
toothless grin.
“Congrats, Raphie,” Leo said. “You had your first pizza, but it’s best you
don’t have any more until you’re older.”
I’ll have more, Raphael thought. All I gotta do is cry and ya'll give me
whatever I want, Daddy. Yer a softy, unlike him. who's mean. I may only be a
baby, but I know whose buttons I can push and who loves me and who don’t.
Leo decided he’d finish his dinner later and took Raphael into the bathroom for
a bath.
XXXXXXXX
Sitting down in the bath with Raphael, Leo watched, as he played with the
bubbles and babbled happily. Stubborn baby, Leo thought. But it was funny
watching him enjoy the pizza and looking like he’d won a major prize.
“Baba,” Raphael said, touching Leo’s face with his hands.
“You’re a sweetie, Raphie,” Leo said, nuzzling his face against Raphael's. “And
I love you. Do you love me?”
“Dadoo.”
“I suppose that’s yes,” Leo said with a smile and gently washed him, including
his shell.
Leo toweled Raphael dry when he was finished and carried him to the bedroom.
XXXXXX
Leo diapered Raphael, dressed him in his pajamas, turned on the mobile and
placed him in his crib. “I love you, Raphie,” Leo whispered and kissed him on
his forehead. “I’ll be back now. Want to check on your brothers and finish my
dinner." Leo picked up the plate of now cold pizza and left the room.
Raphael yawned, closed his eyes and thought, I’m so sick of these horsies above
me goin’ round and round and round. Want…He was asleep before he finished his
sentence. gently snoring and dreaming of the pizza he’d thoroughly loved.
Chapter End Notes
     I've always wanted to write two versions. One where Raph stays a baby
     and one where he doesn't and is back with Leo. Should I still do
     that?
     Or would you prefer one where Raph is ultimately back with Leo?
     Please let me know.
***** Don's deceit *****
Chapter Summary
     Leo finds out a secret Don's been keeping from him.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Don went into his lab, locked the door and placed a call. “Hey, Leatherhead.
It’s me."
“Donnie, why haven’t you called me?” the crocodile asked angrily. “I’ve left
you tons of messages.
“I know, but I’ve been unable to call you back. Want to come over? Everyone’s
gone to bed.”
“I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
XXXX
Leatherhead arrived at the lair ten minutes later and Don led him into the lab,
where things quickly heated up, as they passionately kissed and tugged off
clothing, before falling back onto the day bed, Leatherhead on top of Don. “I
missed you, Don,” Leatherhead whispered, as he parted the turtle’s legs with
his knees. “So much.”
“I love Leo, but I missed you too, Leatherhead,” Don said, looking up at him.
“Claim me. I need you in me. Leo hasn’t touched me in ages and I need you
inside of me.”
Happy to oblige, Leatherhead smiled, lined his cock up with Don’s entrance and
thrust inside of him, making Don groan and wrap his legs around the crocodile’s
waist, so that he could go in deeper. The thrusting intensified and Don’s
groans increased in volume, as the crocodile repeatedly stabbed his sweet spot.
XXXX
Meanwhile, a fast asleep Leo was dreaming about Raphael. Now a three-year-old
toddler, Raphael was watching Baby Looney Tunes on TV, when Leo approached him
and said, “Raphie, time for bath.”
“No, Daddy. Wanna watch TV,” Raphael protested and scowled. “Bathed last
night.”
“Raphie,” Leo said tiredly. “We’ve been over this before. You need to bath
everyday, so that you can stay clean. Come on, sweetheart. Your brothers love
their bath. I’ll even put bubble bath in it.”
“No.”
“Turn off the TV, Raphie.”
"No," Raphael said and continued watching.
Raphael had been sweet until he'd turned two. He then became an imp and
delighted in saying his favorite word ‘no’ every opportunity he got, gleefully
watching his parents' annoyance. Leo didn’t believe in spanking and had never
spanked his kids’, but he was starting to wonder if he should. Raphael was
spoiled, as the baby of the family, and prone to tantrums and Leo knew if he
didn’t step in soon, the kid would be worse when he was older. Leo set his
mouth in a thin line and said firmly, “Bath now, Raphael, or you’re going to
get a smack.”
“Ya won’t smack me. Ya love me too much,” Raphael said without turning around.
Leo had to admit the kid was smart, knew how to press buttons and that Leo was
a softy. Leo sighed, grabbed the remote off of the coffee table and turned off
the TV.
Raphael turned around, glared at his daddy, got up and turned on the TV with
the switch. Leo turned it off with the remote and Raphael turned it on again.
This went on for several minutes and Raphael's face darkened in rage.
"Stop it, Daddy!" Raphael screamed. "Wanna watch cartoons.”
“And I want to give you a bath,” Leo said.
“NO!” Raphael said, going over to the TV.
"Bath," Leo said, scooping him up in his strong arms before he could turn the
TV on.
“No,” Raphael wailed, kicking futilely, as Leo carried to the bathroom.
XXXXXXX
Leo shut the bathroom and placed Raphael onto the floor, while he ran the water
and put in the bubble bath. The toddler tried to run out of the bathroom, but
Leo blocked his path and said, “You’re being silly, Raphie. Come on. If you’re
good, I’ll…”
“Let me out! Wanna watch cartoons!”
“No,” Leo said, checking that the water was the right temperature. It was and
he placed Raphael in it, who began to cry. Leo sighed and washed him, but
Raphael kept sobbing. He stood up and tried to get out of the bathtub, but Leo
pushed him back down and said, “No, Raphael. I’m not finished.”
“Don’t wannabath!” Raphael yelled, splashing water into Leo’s face. “Hate
water!”
“Raphael!” Leo said, spluttering. “That was naughty. Daddy just…”
“HATE YA!” Raphael screamed and began to cry again.
Kieran ran into the bathroom, having heard the shouting from his bedroom, where
he was playing a game with his other three brothers. “Raphie,” Kieran said.
“Why are you crying?”
“Daddy wants ta bath me,” Raphael said, his sobs subsiding to hiccups. “Hate
baths. Wanna watch cartoons.”
“Baths are no big deal, Raphie. Look, bubbles are fun. And there’s a duckie and
a boat. Look, Raphie. I’ll be the duckie and you can be the boat and I want to
ride on your boat. Can I?”
“Okay,” Raphael said and began to play with his brother.
Now that Raphael was distracted, Leo quickly finished cleaning him. Then he
lifted him out and wrapped him in a towel. “All done, Raphie,” Leo said with a
tired smile. “Thanks, buddy,” he added, nodding at Kieran.
“Now can I watch cartoons, Daddy?” Raphael asked.
"No. It’s time for bed.”
Raphael off his towel and threw it onto the floor. Then he launched into a
tantrum.
Too worn out to argue anymore with his hot tempered son, Leo said, “One, but
then you have to go to bed, Raphie.”
XXXX
The cartoon ended half an hour later and Leo said, "Bed time, Raphie."
"No!" Raphael yelled. "Want more.”
“Raphael, enough!” Leo shouted, exhausted and having reached his breaking
point. “It’s bed time. You can watch tomorrow. Look at you, being a big baby
and crying. You don’t see your brothers doing that.”
“I’m not a baby,” Raphael said crossly and pouted. “I’m a big boy!”
“Then be a big boy and come to bed, Raphael.”
“Can I sleep with ya tonight? There are monsters under my bed.”
“All right. Just for tonight. Come on. Your brothers are waiting for us.”
Leo picked up Raphael. They went into the quadruplets’ room and Leo read to
them and Raphael. The kids were all asleep before Leo was even halfway through.
He tenderly kissed his quads and carried Raphael to his room. Then he got into
bed and wrapped his arms around Raphael and fell asleep.
XXXX>
Back in the present day, August 20, Leo woke up and looked at a sleeping
Raphael resting on his plastron. That was a horrible dream, Leo thought with a
shudder. Raph was such a demon and as much as I hate smacking, I’m going to
have to do it if the kids keep throwing tantrums, otherwise that dream will
become a reality. I don’t want spoiled kids.
Raphael suddenly woke, looked at his daddy and said, "Waah!”
“I bet you need a change, Raphie,” Leo said. He bent down and kissed the baby's
head.
“Googoo,” Raphael said, seeming to agree.
Leo got up, changed Raphael and carried him to the kitchen.
XXXXXXX
Leo made formula and fed the baby. Then he was about to head to his room, but
seeing lights still on in Don's lab, he thought the genius might like some
coffee or hot chocolate. He's been working so hard, Leo thought.
Leo placed Raphael in the crib in his room, went back to the kitchen, made hot
chocolate and then headed to Don's lab.
XXXXXXX
Leo opened the door and said, "Don, I thought...."
Leo gasped at the sight before him and dropped the mug on the floor. It broke,
spilling its contents onto the floor.
"How long?" Leo demanded, as the lovers quickly broke apart.
“Leo’s it’s not what it looks like,” Don began.
“HOW LONG?”
“Six months,” Don said, flushing. “But it doesn’t mean anything and is just a
fling. I love you, Leo,” Don added, going over to Leo and laying a hand on his
arm.
“You said you loved me,” Leatherhead snapped. “I thought you did, Donnie.”
“So the baby’s probably not mine?” Leo asked coolly and wrenched Don’s hand off
of him.
“That’s right,” Don admitted. “And Leatherhead knew it was just a fling, Leo. I
always said I wouldn’t leave you and I do love you. I was just….”
“GET THE HELL OUT,” Leo yelled, glaring at Leatherhead. “As for you, Donatello,
you’re a hypocrite. I slept with Raph once, but you’ve been screwing him for
six months and you had the gall to be mad at me when…”
“Donnie, say you love me,” Leatherhead pleaded. “And the baby’s mine?”
“I don’t love you. You were a fling. I said I loved you, because I wanted sex,”
Don said frostily. “Leo,” Don added, dropping to his knees and looking at his
mate beseechingly. “Leo, I love you, so, so much. Please don’t end us. Please.
I’ll do anything you want. Leo, please.”
Leo crossed his arms, narrowed his eyes and said, “Get out, Donatello. You can
return if the baby's mine and you'll stay with him if it's his. Until then, I
don’t want to see you. Get the fuck out.”
“Leo, please,” Don begged tearfully.
“NOW.”
“Leo, I never meant…”
“NOW, DONATELLO.”
Leo watched, as Don and Leatherhead left, Don’s head bowed.
Fucking asshole, Leo thought. Fucking hypocrite.
XXXXXXX
Leo went to bed, but Raphael squawked just as he closed his eyes. Leo got up,
carried him to bed and placed the baby on his plastron. "At least I have you,
Raphie,” Leo said, and kissed the baby’s cheek. “You were always honest and
caring. Not like Don. I was so stupid letting you go, Raphie.”
“Bagoo,” Raphael said, nuzzling into Leo’s plastron.
Leo smiled and said, “Rest, pumpkin. I'm going to ask Aunty April if we can go
to the farmhouse for a while and you’ll get to see horsies, Raphie.” Leo kissed
the baby again and sang a lullaby to him, making Raphael yawn. The baby was
soon asleep. Leo kissed him again and soon joined him in the land of slumber,
dreaming of his and Raphael's first date a few years prior.
Chapter End Notes
     Next up will be the farmhouse.
***** The farmhouse *****
Chapter Summary
     Don leaves and the family go to the farmhouse with April and Casey.
     Lots of fluff in this chapter. And baby Raphie makes a new friend.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The next morning, August 21, Raphael woke Leo at six, crying lustily, feeling
hungry and needing a diaper change.
Leo sat up, planted a kiss on the baby’s beak and said, “I hear you, Raphie.
Daddy’s here.”
“Bagoo,” Raphael said, looking at his daddy. “Googooo.”
“Yes. Daddy’s going to change you, pumpkin.”
Leo got up, placed Raphael on the changing mat on the table, undressed him and
gently wiped him with the baby wipes.
“Gah,” Raphael said, flailing his little limbs into the air. Leo couldn’t help
smiling. Raphael was too beautiful and he loved their one-on-one moments. The
attention to his body made Raphael drop down and release his little purple
penis. Leo carefully wiped it and said, "Don’t spray me, Raphie.” The baby
gurgled and Leo covered him in baby cream and powder. Then Leo diapered him and
dressed him in a red onesie with teddy bears on it. “All dressed, my precious,”
Leo said. “Now for breakfast.”
Leo picked him up and carried him into the kitchen.
XXXXXXX
Leo saw that Mikey and the rest of the family, sans Don and Splinter, were
eating breakfast at the kitchen table.
“Morning, Daddy!” the quads said in unison.
“Morning, babies,” Leo said and kissed each of them on the forehead. Then he
placed Raphael in his pram. “Morning, Mikey, Chloe and Cam,” Leo added and
began making Raphael’s formula. “Where’s Dad?”
“Morning, Leo,” Chloe and Mikey said in unison. Cameron was in Chloe’s arms.
Mikey set down his fork and said, as he tickled Raphael's chin, "He wanted
breakfast in his room today. Where's Don, Leo?" The baby cooed and Mikey
smiled.
“You may as well know. I caught him with Leatherhead last night. They’ve been
having an affair,” Leo said, turning around, the formula ready. He checked the
temperature, picked up Raphael, sat down at the table and fed him.
“What?” Chloe said in shock. “Don and Leatherhead, Leo?”
"That’s right. Been going on for six months, so there’s a good chance the baby
Don’s carrying isn’t mine.”
“What are you going to do, Leo?” Mikey asked.
“I’ve kicked him out until we know who the dad is. He can return if the baby's
mine, otherwise we're done. I know we have babies, but I can’t live with a liar
and a cheater, Mikey.”
“I understand, Leo. I’m sorry.”
Raphael greedily sucked his bottle and Mikey said, “Bless. He really is sweet.
Almost makes me want another one.”
“Not yet, honey,” Chloe said, cradling Cam to her chest. “We said we’d wait a
few years.”
“And that’s the plan, but things don’t always go according to plan,” Mikey said
with a grin. “The next one may arrive sooner than we want.”
The wall phone in the kitchen shrilled and Leo got up, He placed the bottle on
the table, but kept Raphael in his arms, because he knew the baby would fuss if
he was handed to anyone else. “Hi,” Leo said, shifting Raphael to his left hip.
"It’s April, Leo. You well?”
“All fine and you?”
“Same. Casey and I are going to the farmhouse later today. I know it’s short
notice, but would you like to join us? There are horses and I think the kids
would love it.”
“Baboo,” Raphael said, trying to take the phone receiver from his daddy. Want
toy, he thought.
“No, Raphie,” Leo said. “Daddy’s on the phone with Aunty April.
“Waaah!” Raphael said. He scrunched up his face and screamed at the top of his
lungs.
“Is that Raph, Leo?” April asked.
“You’d better believe it. Raphael, no. You can’t play with this, but you can
play with this. Hang on a sec, April,” Leo said. He let the phone drop and
untied his bandana with one hand. He gave it to Raphael, who gurgled happily,
stuffed it into his mouth and sucked on it. “Want to go to the farmhouse?” Leo
asked his family. “They have horses there and the kids would love it.”
“Horsies,” Noah said. “Want to go on horsey.”
“Me too,” his three brothers said in unison.
“How about you guys?” Leo asked, nodding at Chloe and Mikey.
“Sounds great, Leo,” Mikey said. “What do you think, babe?”
“I think we all need a break,” Chloe said. “When are we talking, Leo?”
“Later today, so we’d better go pack. Let me tell April.”
Leo came back on the line and said, “We’re ready whenever you are, April.”
“Wonderful. I’ll be there at nine. See you guys then.”
Leo disconnected the phone, sat down at the table and removed the saliva soaked
bandana from Raph’s mouth. “Ew,” Chloe said, as some of the drool dripped onto
the table.
“Baaaah!” Raphael howled indignantly, reaching for the bandana. Mine. Want it
back. Why take away, he wondered?
“You can have it after you’ve finished breakfast, Raphie,” Leo said and gave
the bottle. Raphael continued waling, but Leo was having none of it and said in
a tone that brooked no disobedience, “Here, Raphie.”
Raphael took the bottle and started sucking. I want that thing, he thought.
It's mine. Want toy! No one else can have it. Only me.
XXXX
Don woke up, packed his bags and wrote a letter. “Dear Leo. I’m sorry for the
pain and suffering I’ve caused you. You didn’t deserve it. I'll honor your
wishes and will leave. I pray you can find it in your heart to forgive me and
that we can try again. We were always great together, Leo, and we have four
gorgeous children, who need us. Both of us. I should say five children, for we
now have Raphael. I wasn’t crazy about raising him, because all I could see was
you guys together and not a defenceless little baby. I was wrong and cruel to
him and I’m sorry. You have to believe me. I’m a hypocrite, because I was
messing around with Leatherhead…”
The door opened and Leo entered, Raphael in his arms. The baby was sucking on
Leo’s bandana, having been given it again after breakfast, and he gazed at Don
with his huge golden eyes.
“Oh. You haven’t left,” Leo said. “I came in here to see if I had any spare
bandanas, Don. Raph seems to love that one.”
“He always loved sucking,” Don said brusquely. Leo bristled and Don said,
“Sorry. That was crass. No. I’ve packed my things and am going soon. Where are
the babies?”
"They're watching TV in the lounge. We're going to the far “They’re in the
lounge watching TV. We’re going away for a few days to the farmhouse.”
“That’ll be a fantastic break for the family and the kids will love it.”
“Yes.”
“Listen, Leo. I’m really sorry about everything.”
“Me too, but I’m not changing my mind. Please don’t drag out the goodbyes with
the kids and do it now, so we can pack.”
“Yes, Leo. Hi, Raphie, how are you?” Don asked, trying to win over the baby.
Raphael turned away and snuggled against Leo’s plastron. Don’t wanna look at
the nasty man, Raphael thought. He’s bad.
Don sighed and said, “Guess he still hates me. Fine, Leo, but can I finish what
I was doing?”
“Five minutes,” Leo said. He rummaged in a dresser, found a blue bandana. "Got
it. Later.”
Don returned to the letter and wrote, “And it was wrong. So wrong. Please
forgive me, Leo. I promise I'll be awesome to Raphael if you give me another
chance and I'll never cheat again Love you always, Donnie xxx.”
Don sealed the letter in an envelope, wrote Leo’s name on it, picked up his
bags and went into the lounge.
XXXX
“Hi, guys,” Don said, setting down his bags. He handed the envelope to Leo, who
was still holding Raphael. The baby still sucked the bandana and he tried to
snatch the envelope, but Leo put it on a dresser out of his reach.
“Gooogghh!” Raphael said crossly and the bandana fell to the floor, making him
cry.
“Hi,” the family said in unison.
Leo picked the bandana up and handed it back to Raphael, who sucked it.
“Where you going to, Daddy?” Sean asked.
“Away to visit friends,” Don said, fighting back tears. “It won’t be for long.
I’ll miss you boys. Can I have a hug?”
The quads hugged and kissed him and then Don said, “Bye, Mikey, Chloe.”
“Have a safe trip, Don,” Chloe said and hugged him. “Be safe.”
“See you later, bro,” Mikey said and hugged him.
“Bye, Leo,” Don said, turning to him.
“Later,” Leo said coolly.
Don bent down to kiss Raphael, but not trusting him, Raphael swung a baby fist
in his face and bopped him on the snout.
“Bad baby,” Don scolded. “I was just being nice.”
“Waaa!” Raphael bawled, not liking his tone.
The bandana fell onto the floor again. Leo picked it up, handed it to Raphael
and said soothingly, “It’s okay, baby boy. Sh. Daddy’s here.”
“Raphie naughty,” Kane said.
“No,” Leo said. “He’s not. Daddy Don wasn’t nice to Raphie and Raphie didn’t
like it.”
“Oh.”
“Well, I’m off,” Don said. “I’ll miss you guys.” He picked up his cases and
left.
“Will miss you too, Daddy,” the quads said in unison.
Leo took Raphael to his bedroom, because he wanted to pack for the trip.
XXXXXX
Leo placed Raphael in his cot and started packing. The baby squealed happily,
as he played with the bandana and Leo couldn’t help glancing at him. He was so
perfect and happy. I hope he’s always this way, Leo thought. He doesn’t deserve
anything bad happening to him.
XXXX
The family was waiting in the lounge when April arrived shortly after nine.
Splinter had decided that he’d go as well, He was holding Cameron, who was
jabbering away. Raphael was cradled in Leo’s arms, still sucking the bandana
and staring at April and Casey.
“Hey, Raphie,” April said. “Do you remember me? I’m Aunty April.”
“And I’m Uncle Casey,” Casey said. “Hello, buddy.”
“Baagoooooo,” Raphael mumbled. He turned his head away and nuzzled into Leo’s
plastron.
“He’s very shy,” Leo said with a smile.
“You’re a cutie pie, Raphie,” April said. “Just the cutest.”
“What about me?” Kane asked jealously.
“You’re cute too, Kane,” April said and kissed his beak. “You kids are all
adorable. Come on. Let’s load the van. We need to move if we want to get there
before the end of the day.”
XXXXXXX
The family loaded their luggage into the van and Leo placed the car seats in it
and strapped his kids into them, while Mikey did the same with Cameron.
“Googoooooo,” Raphael said, looking around the van in fascination. It was his
first time in a vehicle.
Leo smiled, kissed his beak and said, “That’s right. We’re going on vacation,
Raphie.”
Everyone piled into the van and April started the engine. Casey sat on the
front passenger seat and the others were in the back with the kids.
Raphael sucked the bandana, while babbling away non-stop and the other kids
talked among themselves.
XXXXXX
They hadn't been on the road long when Kieran said, "Daddy, can we ride the
horsies when we’re there?”
“Yes,” Leo said. “Of course you can, but only if an adult’s with you.”
“And can we swim?” Noah asked.
“Maybe,” Leo said. “We might go to the beach.”
“All right!” his quads said in unison.
What are they talkin’ bout, Raphael wondered, as he gazed out of the window?
And what’s that white and brown thing over there? And that pink thing that
looks funny.
“Gagggaaa,” Raphael said, pointing at an object outside. The bandana fell again
and Leo gave it to Raphael, who placed it in his mouth.
“That’s a cow, Raphie,” Leo said. “And it gives milk. You’ll see plenty on the
farm and horsies too and pigs.”
“Gagoooggooo!” Raphael said, dropping the bandana again.
Leo gave it to him again and said, “You boys should get some sleep. It’s still
a long drive ahead.”
“Okay, Daddy,” the quads said and closed their eyes.
XXXX
They pulled up outside the farm house six hours later, having made two short
pit stops to change and feed Raphael and the other kids.
“We’re here,” Leo announced.
“Yay!” the quads said in unison.
“Horsies,” Kieran said. “Want to see horsies.”
Leo chuckled at his son’s excitement. Then he unstrapped the other kids and a
very wide wake and babbling Raphael.
“Goooaaggo,” Raphael said, dropping the bandana.
Leo picked up the bandana, tucked it into his obi and said, "Yes, angel. We're
here." He nuzzled his beak against the baby’s, making him coo happily, and
said, “Let’s get you boys into the house. Then we’ll unpack.”
XXXXXX
The kids went inside the house and began exploring. Chloe and Splinter kept an
eye on them, while Mikey and Casey carried the bags inside. April went into the
kitchen to start the oven.
Leo was pointing things out to an excited Raphael, who was babbling
incessantly, as he stared around the farmhouse, golden eyes not missing a
thing. “Let’s go outside, kids,” Leo said.
The quads followed Leo and Raphael outside.
XXXXXX
Kieran shrieked gleefully when he saw two brown horses eating grass in the
field. “Horsies!” he yelled.
“That’s right,” Leo said. “Look, Raphie. Horsies.”
Raphael's golden eyes flew wide, as he studied the horses. He squawked
excitedly and squirmed in his daddy’s arms, trying to reach one of the horses,
who walked up to them on the other side of the fence. They look like horsies
from home, Raphael thought and squealed, as the horse bent its head, wanting to
be touched.
“Can we touch them, Daddy?” Kane asked.
“Yes,” Leo said. “But gently, kids. No, Raphie. I’m not letting you go.”
The quads stroked the horse’s mane and Raphael continued wiggling. Wanna touch
horsey too, he thought. Daddy, please.
“The baby wants to touch the horsey too, Daddy,” Kane said. “Horsey won’t bite.
He gentle.”
“Okay,” Leo said. He took one of Raphael's hands and placed it onto the horse’s
mane. The horse bent its head down further and nuzzled into Raphael's hand.
Raphael shrieked happily, his face lighting up, and he said, “Gahhoooo!”
“He likes Raphie,” Kieran said. “Doesn’t he, Daddy?”
“Of course he does,” Leo said with a smile. “And he probably wants an apple.
Kane, go ask Aunty April for an apple.”
“Okay, Daddy,” Kane said, scampering off. He returned with a green apple a few
minutes later and gave it to the horse, who immediately stepped away from
Raphael and began to eat it.
“Gaaaahhh,” Raphael said, watching the horse eat. “Googoogggo!”
“Well, Raphie,” Leo said. “You’ve met your first horse. Exciting, huh? Come on,
kids. Let’s go inside. I think Uncle Mikey has some cookies and milk, while we
wait for dinner. You can see the horses again tomorrow.”
“And ride?” Sean asked.
“Yes,” Leo said.
The family went inside and Raphael thought, wanna see horsey again. Horsey
Raphie’s friend and Raphie love horsey.
Chapter End Notes
     Aww. I can't get enough of writing the babies.
***** Leo has his hands full *****
Chapter Summary
     Leo tries to cope with his five raucous kids and this is just at
     dinner. Raphael has his first nightmare and nearly chokes on a
     cookie, while a furious Kane throws a tantrum when his cookie is
     stolen and smacks Noah. The joys of parenting.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The family sat down to a roast chicken dinner that April had cooked at six p.m.
Raphael sat on Leo's lap and gazed at the various dishes on the table. Where's
the pizza, he wondered? Want pizza. He studied Leo's plate and thinking a white
thing on the plate looked interesting, he stuck his fingers into it.
"No, Raphie," Leo said quickly. "You're too small for mashed potato." He wiped
Raphael's fingers with a cloth and pushed his plate a little out of his reach,
making Raphael whine. He wanted food and couldn't understand why everyone else
could eat, but he couldn't.
"Baby hungry," Noah said.
"I'll hold him, Leo," April offered.
"No. He won't go with anyone else."
"I'll make him a bottle, Leo," Chloe said.
Leo smiled and said, "Thanks, Chloe. I appreciate it, but my food will have to
wait until he's asleep. It's no big deal. I can always warm it up later."
"Gaga!" Cameron babbled, looking at Raphael, who immediately turned away and
snuggled into Leo's plastron. Raphael was shy and it'd be a long time before he
came out of his shell.
Leo watched his kids eat and admonished Kane when he placed his elbows on the
table. "No, Kane," he said. "You know better than elbows on the table. And
Sean, I can see you kicking Kieran under the table. Don't do that. Eat your
food and behave or no cookies later."
"Bagooooo," Cameron said from his place on Mikey's lap.
"They shouldn't have cookies at night, Leo," Mikey said. "They're loaded with
sugar."
"These are sugar and gluten free," Splinter said. "I made them and the boys
love them."
"Yes, Daddy," the quads said in unison.
Chloe handed the now ready formula to Leo. He gave it to Raphael, who sucked
the bottle and looked at his daddy with his large golden eyes.
Leo smiled and said, "Lovely yummy formula to make you big and strong, Raphie."
It's gross, Raphael thought. I'd like ta see eat it, Daddy. Raphael suddenly
felt strange in his throat and let go of the bottle. Then he hiccoughed,
spraying formula onto Leo and himself.
"Ew. Yuck," Leo said in disgust and pulled a face, while his family and Raphael
giggled.
"Raphie spit up on you, Daddy," Kieran said and laughed. "You look funny,
Daddy."
"Yes, he did," Leo said, wiping his face and Raphael's clothing. "Come on,
Raphie. Finish the rest of your bottle." He handed the bottle to Raphael, who
soon drank it down, the warm milk starting to make him feel sleepy. Leo burped
him, gently rocked him and it wasn't long before he closed his eyes and fell
asleep in the crook of Leo's left arm.
Leo pushed his plate closer and began to eat, but he'd barely eaten two
forkfuls, when Raphael began to whimper and flail his little limbs. Leo
immediately dropped his fork and turned his attention to the baby. "I think
he's having a bad dream, my son," Splinter said, as Raphael thrashed about.
"Perhaps about Donatello."
That was indeed what little Raphael was dreaming about. Remembering how the
mean Donnie had smacked him and dropped him on the floor. Raphael whined and
kicked his legs in the air.
"Waah" Raphael screamed, thinking it was Donnie holding him. "Waaah!"
"Raphie," Leo said and nuzzled his beak against Raphael's. "Daddy's here. No
one's going to hurt you ever. Come on, my boy. Open your eyes. Come on."
Soothed by Leo's nuzzle, Raphael opened his amber eyes and looked up to see his
daddy gazing lovingly at him. Raphael reached up and touched Leo's bandana,
realizing that he was safe and it was indeed his daddy, but he was still shaken
by his nightmare and he trembled, his golden eyes wide in panic.
"Is Raphie okay?" Noah asked, concern in his hazel eyes.
"He had a bad dream," Leo said. "But he'll be fine, won't you, my sweet boy?"
He nuzzled his beak against Raphael's and rubbed his shell, making the baby
calm down even more and coo. "There's my sweet baby," Leo said and kissed
Raphael's beak. "Daddy loves you. You know that, don't you?"
"Gagoo," Raphael said, reaching up and touching Leo's face.
"I love him too," Sean said.
"And me," Sean's brothers said in unison.
"He loves you too," Leo said with a smile. He ate his dinner, while holding
Raphael in his left arm.
Leo looked at his sons when he'd finished eating and said, "Are you boys done
with your dinner?"
"Yes," the quads said in unison.
"I'll clear the plates," Mikey said. "And Casey will wash the dishes. Thank you
for a fantastic dinner, April."
"Yes, thank you," Leo said and looked at his boys, who thanked her.
Splinter got out the cookies and passed them around when the dishes were done.
Raphael gazed at the large brown object in Leo's hand that everyone, apart from
Cameron had, and began to cry, knowing his tears had worked on Leo with the
pizza and feeling sure it'd work now. Daddy's a softy. He'll give it ta me,
Raphael thought, wailing louder.
"Raphie wants the cookie," Kane said and giggled, as Raphael tried to snatch
Leo's cookie, and not seeing Noah take his off of his plate.
"He's too little," Leo said. "No, Raphie," Leo added, placing the cookie on a
plate out of Raphael's reach. "No, no, no. You're too little. Stop crying."
"Waaah!" Raphael bawled. Want that thing now. Daddy mean, he thought.
Kane noticed his cookie was missing and said furiously,"Someone took my cookie.
I want it. Who took it?"
"Noah did," Sean said. "I saw him."
"You bad, Noah!" Kane yelled, his face darkening in rage. He leaned over and
smacked Noah in the face, making him shriek. "Give it back!"
"No! My cookie!"
"Boys!" Leo said, handing a still sobbing Raphael to Splinter. He got up,
yanked Kane and Noah to their feet and said, "Enough. You know hitting one
another is bad. Stop."
Raphael's sobs subsided a bit, as Splinter rocked him. Still want that thing,
he thought. And I'll get it.
"But Raphie does it, Daddy," Kane shouted furiously and stamped his foot. "Why
can't we?"
"Raphie's a baby, Kane," Leo said. "And is too small to understand that it's
wrong. I'll explain to him that it's wrong when he's older. You should never
hit anyone no matter how mad you are. Noah, give the cookie back to Kane and
tell him you're sorry. Come on."
"But, Daddy…" Noah said.
"Now, Noah," Leo said firmly.
Noah sighed and put the cookie back on Kane's plate. "I'm sorry, Kane."
"Okay," Kane said.
"Kane, say you're sorry for smacking Noah," Leo ordered. "You shouldn't hit
him, even if he took your cookie. You should have called me."
"I'm sorry, Noah."
"Now hug." Noah and Kane hugged one another. Then Leo smiled and said, "Good
boys. Sit down and finish your cookies."
"Okay, Daddy." Noah and Kane said in unison.
Leo took Raphael back from Splinter and sat down and Raphael seized his
opportunity. He grabbed Kane's cookie off of his plate before he could eat it
and shoved it into his mouth. Kane howled in rage and yelled, "Baby took my
cookie, Daddy! Want my cookie!"
Raphael started choking before Leo could comment, his face turning blue.
"Raphie," Leo said in horror. He quickly did the Heimlich maneuver, which
immediately expelled the cookie. It landed on the floor and Kane studied it in
disgust. Leo sighed in relief, as Raphael's color returned to normal. Then he
said, "Raphie, don't do that ever again. You gave Daddy a huge scare."
"Gagooa."
"Yes. You're fine now, my baby, but there are some things you can't eat."
"What about my cookie, Daddy?" Kane demanded.
"Here, my grandson," Splinter said, handing Kane a cookie.
"Thank you, Grandpa," Kane said and scowled at Raphael. "Bad baby."
"He's a baby," Leo said. "He doesn't know right from wrong, Kane, but he'll
learn and he's not bad. He's just being a baby. You were also one and always
put things in your mouth. It's Raphie's way of finding what's good for him and
what isn't."
"My cookie," Kane said crossly, waving it at Raphael. "Not yours."
Raphael didn't like Kane's tone, nuzzled his face into Leo's plastron and
whined.
"It's okay, baby," Leo soothed, rubbing his shell. "Sh. Why don't we go have a
nice bath with bubbles and then bed. I think you're tired, Raphie."
"Not me," Sean said and stifled a yawn with his hand.
"Me either," Noah, Kieran and Kane said in unison.
"I'll take them to watch a movie," Splinter said. "You bath Raphael, Leonardo."
"Mind if we turn in early?" April asked.
"No, no," Mikey said. "Go. Thanks again for bringing us here."
"My pleasure. Come on, Casey."
Casey chuckled and said, "Leo, you certainly have your hands full. You'd be
gray before your next birthday if you had hair. Thank God we've decided we're
only going to have one. I couldn't cope with five."
XXXX
Raphael had his bath, was diapered and dressed in clean pajamas. Leo then
placed him into the crib. Then he went and fetched the other boys from the
lounge.
XXXXX
The older boys were watching a cartoon in the lounge and yawning, but they
stubbornly fought sleep. Mikey and his family ad gone to bed earlier.
"Not tired," Kieran protested, as Leo picked him up.
"Yes, you are, my boy," Leo said. "Come on. Dad, can you help me, please?"
"Of course," Splinter said. He picked up Noah and Sean and led a sleepy Kane to
the bedroom they were sharing.
XXXXX
Leo and Splinter tucked the quads into bed and Leo read them a story. Splinter
stood and watched.
Leonardo is a terrific father, Splinter thought. I always knew he would be and
I am so proud of him.
The kids were soon asleep and Leo and Splinter said goodnight to one another
and went to their bedrooms.
XXXXXXX
Leo was about to get into bed when Raphael chirped. "Still awake, huh?" Leo
said. He went to the crib, peered down at the babbling baby and said, "You're
tired, Raphie. Sleep."
"Gogo!"
"Is that your version of no? You always were stubborn, Raphie. You know what'll
help you sleep?"
Pick me up, Daddy, Raphael thought. I wanna sleep with ya. Bein' with ya makes
me calm and feel safe. Please, Daddy.
"This," Leo said. He opened suitcase, took our a red pacifier and said, "Sensei
said this was yours. Long story. It's yours and I forgot to give it to you." He
handed it to Raphael, who put it in his mouth and began to suck. Leo beamed,
kissed his beak and said, "Sleep, Raphie. Daddy loves you."
Want ya, Raphael thought crossly, as he continued sucking the pacifier. He
kicked the blanket off of him in anger.
Leo sighed and said, "What do you want, Raphie?"
Ya, Daddy. Yer bein' stupid. Can't ya see I want ya, Raphael thought?
"Do you hate the pacifier? Is that it?" Raphael stretched out his arms for Leo
and Leo said, "Oh. You want me, Raphie."
Daddy, yer slow sometimes. Raphael thought irately.
Leo bent down, picked up Raphael, got into bed, lay down and placed Raphael
onto his plastron. Then he covered them both with a blanket. "I love you,
Raphie," Leo said.
Love ya too, Daddy, and I wanna touch horsey tomorrow, Raphael thought, before
he succumbed to sleep, dreaming of pizzas and horses.
Chapter End Notes
     Poor Leo, but at least he has his family.
***** Raphie and the cockroach *****
Chapter Summary
     Raphael has an unwanted encounter with a cockroach.
     Lots of fluff between him and Leo and Leo mentions to Mikey he's
     thinking of going overseas.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Raphael woke up in the middle of the night, still on Leo’s plastron. He saw Leo
was still asleep and that the room was really dark. Raphael whimpered, because
he hated the dark. What if that nasty man they call Donnie is hidin’ here, he
thought? What if he hurts me? I’m scared. A cockroach moved on the wall near
him and Raphael studied it in horror. What's that, he thought? It’s ugly.
Frightened, he nudged Leo with his beak to wake up, but Leo didn't wake. The
cockroach crawled off of the wall onto the bed and inched closer to Raphael,
waving its feelers in the air.
“WAAAH!” Raphael bawled.
Leo opened his eyes, sat up and said sleepily, "What is, Raphie?”
“WAAH!” Raphael shrieked again and pointed at the bug.
“Oh. That’s just a cockroach, Raphie. It won’t hurt you.” Leo tried picking up
the cockroach, but it scurried back to the wall and into a dresser. “See,
Raphie,” Leo said. “It’s harmless and is scared of us. Let’s go back to sleep.
No more bugs.”
Raphael shook his head and said, “Gogoooo.”
“No, huh? Well, what about a nice bottle of formula and…?”
“WAAAH!” Raphael bawled.
Leo pressed a kiss to Raphael’s beak and said, “It’s okay, Raphie. The bug’s
gone. Stop crying.”
“Gooogoo!”
Daddy, don’t like dark and shadows and bugs, Raphael thought. Bug bad. Donnie
bad. Hurt Raphie.
XXXX
Leo was surprised to see Mikey at the kitchen table. “Hey, bro,” Mikey said,
tickling Raphael’s chin and making him coo. “Hey, Raphie. Can’t sleep, Leo?”
“Not me. Him. I think he was dreaming of Donnie again and there’s a cockroach
in the room. Raphie’s scared of it.”
Mikey stifled a chuckle and said, “Raph always was. Do you remember the time I
put cockroaches in his bed?”
“Yes. He was traumatized and slept with me for a month. That’s when me and Raph
confessed our feelings.” Leo blinked back tears at the memory and said, “Can
you hold him, while I make the formula?”
“Sure,” Mikey said, reaching out his arms, but Raphael was having none of it.
He screamed and clung to Leo’s plastron, not wanting to leave him. “Never mind,
Leo. You sit down and I’ll make it,” Mikey said, standing up. “It’s okay,
Raphie. Stop crying. Your daddy has you and Uncle Mikey will have your formula
ready soon.”
“Bagooooo!” Raphael said, calming down and reaching for Leo’s bandana.
Leo sat down and said, “I know I don’t say it often enough, Mikey, but I
appreciate the help. It’s not easy raising five kids. Thank you, little
brother.”
“Only a pleasure, Leo. Do you think you and Donnie will sort things out?”
“Gaaaaggoooo!” Raphael babbled.
“I don’t know, Mikey,” Leo said. “Once trust’s gone, it’s hard getting it
back.”
“That’s true. You know what I think?" Mikey asked, as he made the formula. "Me
and Chloe fight like cat and dog sometimes, but we love one another and neither
of us could be without the other. Is it like that with you and Don? You should
try and work things out if it is."
“Not really. I love him, but I don’t trust him and I’m not really missing him.
I could easily raise the boys without Don with our family's help. That’s what
I’m thinking right now, Mikey. And I’m thinking about the future. What’s best
for the boys.”
Mikey handed the ready formula to Leo, who gave the bottle to Raphael. The baby
drank hungrily, making sucking noises. “And, Leo?” Mikey asked, sitting down.
"The the Ancient One said I could come over anytime and stay with him.”
“Yes, but what about the boys?"
"They’d go with me and they’d love Japan. I think it'd be great for them.”
“You’ve thought about it a lot, Leo,” Mikey said sadly.
“No, but it’s an option. Maybe not now, but when the boys are a little older.”
“I’d miss you, Leo,” Mikey said, blinking back tears. “You're the only one of
my brothers left with Donnie banished and Raph a baby and I…”
“Hey, hey, Mikey,” Leo said and placed a hand on his arm. “It’s not concrete.
I’m just thinking about my options and it's not like it's tomorrow if I do go."
“I know, Leo, and I want you to be happy, but I don’t want you to leave. It
wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“Nothing stays the same, Mikey, even family. Chin up, bro. I’m still here. I’ll
weigh up the pros and cons of leaving and will make the decision, but not yet,
so stop worrying,” Leo said with a smile.
Leo burped Raphael when he'd finished feeding. Then he said, "I'm going to try
and get some sleep. Do the same, Mikey.”
“Hey, Leo?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re an awesome big bro and I love you.”
Leo stood up and said, "I love you too. Why don’t you make your pancakes
tomorrow? Everyone will love it.”
“I can do that,” Mikey said, brightening a little. “I miss Raph. Our old Raph.
I miss playing video games with him and us and teasing one another and his
sarcastic remarks.”
“I do too, even him second guessing me.”
“Never thought I’d hear that out of your mouth.”
“Me either, but miss it.”
“Googoogooo!” Raphael said and reached for Leo’s bandana.
“Anyway,” Leo said. “I’m off to bed. Night, Mikey.”
“Night, Leo.”
XXXX
Leo changed Raphael into a fresh diaper. Then he got into bed, Raphael on his
plastron. He sang to Raphael and it wasn’t long before the baby fell asleep.
Leo turned off the bed side light, looked down tenderly at Raphael, kissed his
forehead and closed his own eyes. He was asleep before long.
The bug felt safe with the light off and came out of the dresser. It ran up the
wall towards Raphael. Then wanting to explore, it dropped off of the wall,
landing onto Raphael’s plastron and crawled along it.
Feeling something on him, Raphael opened his eyes and seeing the bug, he
bawled, “Waaahhhhhhh!” His eyes wide in terror. Get that offa me, he thought.
Don’t want bug. Daddy, wake up! Daddy, Raphie scared!”
Leo opened his eyes and said, "What is it now, Raphie?”
“Waaahhhhhh!”
Leo glanced down and saw the bug. It looked back at him, waving its feelers.
Leo brushed the bug off of Raphael with his hand onto the bed and brought his
fist down onto the bug, crushing it. Then he turned his attention to a still
sobbing Raphael. “Sh,” Leo soothed and planted a kiss on Raphael’s beak. “It’s
dead. Look, bug dead.”
“Waaahhh!” Raphael cried, unconvinced and still shaken.
Leo hugged him tightly and said, “Bad bug is dead. Daddy promise.”
There was a knock at the door and Mikey said, “Leo, it’s me. Is everything
okay? I head Raph’s cries.”
“You can come in.”
Mikey opened the door, went inside and saw Leo holding a still distraught
Raphael. “Is he okay, Leo?”
“He’s fine,” Leo said, gently rocking Raphael. “But the cockroach isn’t. Can
you get rid of it? It’s here,” Leo added, pointing at it. “I think it was on
the wall and fell onto Raphie, terrifying him.”
“Yes.” Mikey grabbed a tissue off of the dresser and picked up the cockroach.
He tossed it into the bin in the corner and said, “All gone. It’s okay, Raphie.
Bug gone.”
“Gagooooo!” Raphael said, feeling calmer now the bug was gone. “Googooo!”
“Thanks, Mikey,” Leo said.
“What are bros for? Goodnight, Leo. Night, Raphie. I love you both.”
“Say goodnight, Uncle Mikey,” Leo said. He picked up Raphael's right hand and
waved it. “We love you too.”
“Gaaaggoo!” Raphael said, seemingly agreeing.
Mikey laughed and left.
“Let’s leave the light on this time, huh, champ?” Leo said. He lay down,
Raphael on his plastron, and covered them with a blanket.
Ya read my mind, Raphael thought, as he closed his eyes. No dark means no
shadows, no Donnie and no bugs. Raphie hate them all and they hate Raphie.
Raphie never wanna see none of them ever again!
Chapter End Notes
     Aww. Poor Raphie. Sadly, for him, he will see many more cockroaches
     ;)
***** The new addition *****
Chapter Summary
     The family go to the beach and Raphael's first trip to the beach is
     an eventful one. Lots of fluff between Raphie and Leo and there's a
     new addition to the family.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Raphael woke Leo at seven a.m. the next day, August 22, feeling wet and hungry.
“Waaahh!”he bawled.
Leo immediately woke up and picked up the sobbing baby. He cradled him to his
plastron and kissed his beak. “Sh, Raphie,” he said. “Daddy’s here. Let’s
change you and then we’re going to get some breakfast.”
“Gagooo!” Raphael said, calming down a little
“That’s right. Daddy’s here. Have you recovered from your bad night? Poor
Raphie. Well, the nasty cockroach is gone, pumpkin."
Hope so, Raphael thought. He scare Raphie.
Leo placed Raphael onto the changing mat on the desk, dabbed baby cream and
powder over his body and dressed him in a fresh diaper and a yellow onesie with
sheep on it. “Aw. You’re adorable, Raphie,” Leo said proudly. “Daddy’s angel,
aren’t you?” Leo nuzzled his beak against Raphael’s, making Raphael gurgle and
feel loved. He loved it when his daddy cuddled him.
The door opened and Noah entered, yelling at the top of his voice. "Daddy,
Uncle Mikey says I must tell you breakfast's almost ready. We’re having
pancakes.”
“Morning, Noah,” Leo said. “I’ll be there now.”
“Morning, Daddy. Morning, Raphie,” Noah said and kissed his brother’s beak.
Raphael cooed and looked at his big brother, who smiled and kissed him again.
“Noah love Raphie,” Noah said and tickled his brother’s chin. “Aw. Baby loves
Noah.”
“Of course he does. You’re his big brother and he'll look up to you. Let’s go
eat.”
“Can I hold Raphie?”
“He only likes me holding him, Noah.”
“Please, Daddy,” Noah begged and stuck his lower lip out. “I wanna hold my
brother.”
“All right, but gently and like this,” Leo instructed, picking up Raphael and
handing him to Noah. Raphael surprisingly, didn’t cry and allowed Noah to hold
him and even snuggled against his plastron.
“Well, I’ll be darned,” Leo said with a smile. “He doesn't usually let anyone
else hold him. That says a lot, Noah. Come on and walk slowly. Don’t want you
or Raphie falling. He’s still very small and his shell's extremely soft, so any
falls could damage it.”
“Okay, Daddy. Noah be careful with Raphie.”
XXXX
Leo, Raphael and Noah entered the kitchen and saw that the rest of the family
was at the table, apart from Mikey, who was at the stove whipping up a batch of
pancakes. “Morning, guys,” Leo said.
“Morning, Leo,” Chloe said, Cameron on her lap. “I made formula for Raphie.
It’s over there.”
“Thanks, Chloe,” Leo said gratefully and picked up the bottle of formula on the
counter.
“Morning, Daddy!” Kieran, Sean and Kane said in unison.
“Hey, Leo,” Mikey said, turning around. “Breakfast's nearly ready.”
“Good morning, my son,” Splinter said. “Did you sleep well?”
“Not very,” Leo said, giving Splinter the bottle of formula. Then he reached
out his hands for Raphael, so Noah could sit down. Noah handed him the baby and
sat down. Then Leo did the same, clutching Raphael to his plastron. "Raphie had
a bad dream," Leo said. "And a cockroach crawled onto him, giving him a massive
fright. Poor baby. Did you sleep well, Sensei?”
"Indeed,” Splinter said, patting Raphael’s head and giving Leo the bottle of
formula. “Poor thing and poor you, Leonardo, not getting much rest. I slept all
right. Thank you.”
“I’ll be okay, Sensei. I’ll sleep when Raphie naps,” Leo said, giving Raphael
the bottle and watching, as he latched onto it and began to suck it.
Breakfast ready, Mikey plated the pancakes and everyone dished up, drizzling
syrup onto the pancakes. Then Mikey returned to the stove to make another
batch.
Raphael watched his family eat and thought, what are they eatin’? Bet it tastes
nicer than what I’ve got. Want it!
Mikey finished a third batch, by which time Raphael had finished his bottle and
been burped. Leo shifted him to his left arm, so he could dish up.
Leo tucked in, sighed contentedly and said, "This is awesome, Mikey. Thank you,
bro.”
"My pleasure. There’s more if anyone wants it.”
Everyone ate in silence, engrossed in their food. Mikey was an outstanding cook
and pancakes were one of his signature dishes.
Raphael watched Leo eat, thinking again how delicious the food looked. He
stretched out a chubby hand when Leo leaned over to wipe syrup off of Kane's
snout and snatched a pancake off of Leo's plate. Mine, he thought triumphantly.
All mine.
Raphael was about to shove the pancake in his mouth when Kieran noticed him and
said, "Daddy, Raphie took your pancake.”
“No, baby,” Leo said, trying to take the pancake away from Raphael.
“Baaaaahhhhhh!” Raphael screamed, his face darkening in rage. Mine, mine. Leave
it, Daddy, he thought.
“Definitely not for you, Raphie,” Leo said and grabbed the pancake from
Raphael. He placed it on a plate and moved it of Raphael's reach.
Nasty daddy, Raphael thought and whined. Want that. Want!
“Baaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”
“Poor you, Leo,” Mikey said. “You just can’t get a break.”
“Tell me about it. No, Raphie,” Leo said, trying to soothe a still angry baby.
“You can’t eat that. That’s for adults.”
“Waaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” Raphael screamed.
“You should put Raph in time out, Leo,” Casey suggested. “It’s wrong that he
keeps throwing tantrums.”
“He’s a baby, Casey. You can’t give a baby time out. Come on, Raphie. I know
something you’ll love. Yes, snookums. Daddy knows what Raphie likes. I’ll see
you in a bit, guys.”
Daddy doesn’t, Raphael thought crossly, as Leo stood up.
“Hey, Leo,” Chloe said. “We thought we’d take the kids to the beach."
“Isn’t Raphie too small?”
“He’ll sit on a towel with us, Leo,” April said. “And I think he’d like the
ocean.”
“Can we go, Daddy?” Kieran asked, turning sapphire eyes on his daddy. “Please!”
“Yes, please!” Noah, Kane and Sean said in unison.
“All right," Leo said. "There are buckets and spades in the bedroom. Go get
ready. We’ll leave in twenty minutes. That’ll give me enough time to pack a day
bag.”
“I’ll pack the lunch,” Mikey said. “This is going to be fantastic. All of us at
the beach. You’ll come, Sensei, won’t you?”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Splinter said with a smile. “But I will sit on the beach.
Swimming is not for me.”
XXXX>
The family were at the private beach behind the house fifteen minutes later.
Leo sat on a towel in the shade and dabbed sunscreen on his kids, which upset
Raphael, who turned his face away and squawked indignantly.
"Raphie, you need sunscreen,” Leo said wearily. “And this hat,” he added,
placing a blue bonnet on the baby. “It’ll protect your face from the sun. No.
Don’t try and take it off, Raphie. Aw, you’re too precious,” Leo cooed. He
placing Raphael down onto the towel, so that he could smear more sunscreen onto
Kieran, who loathed it. The boy wiped it off and Leo said, "No, Kieran. You
need this, otherwise you can’t sit in the sun. I don’t want you to burn.”
“But it smells, Daddy,” Kieran protested.
“Too bad. It’ll stop you burning. Your brothers didn’t mind it. There. You're
done."
“Can we go play now, Daddy?” Kieran asked, banging his spade against the bucket
in irritation.
“Yes.”
“Cool! I’m going to build the biggest sandcastle,” Kieran said. He sat down and
started digging and was quickly joined by Noah and Sean.
“No way. I am!” Kane yelled. “I build biggest. Grandpa, build with us and you
too, Uncle Mikey.”
“Of course,” Splinter said.
“I’d love to,” Mikey said, sitting down next to Chloe, who had Cameron on her
lap. “Uncle Mikey’s the best at sandcastles.”
"We'll also help," Casey said, looking at his wife. "April's also great at
sandcastles."
"They'll be terrific," April said.
“Wait,” Leo said. “Kane, you didn’t put any sunscreen on your face.”
“I did!”
"No. You didn’t, my boy. Come here!”
Kane reluctantly went to Leo, who rubbed more sunscreen. Then Leo said, "Boys,
keep an eye on Raphie, while I do this, okay?”
“Okay,” Sean, Kieran and Noah said in unison, but not doing as they were told.
Digging was more interesting than their baby brother and besides, what trouble
could he get up to on a blanket, they thought?
Meanwhile, Raphael peered at the sand and thought, what’s that? Is that food?
Raphael stuck out a hand, scooped up some sand and was about to eat it, when
Leo, who’d just finished with Kane, said, “No, Raphie! You can’t eat that.
That’s sand and bad for babies.” Leo picked up Raphael, who began to cry, tears
streaming down his cheeks.
Why does Daddy stop me eatin’ it? It looks nice, Raphael thought. "Waahhhhh!"
he screeched.
Leo retrieved the pacifier from the day bay and said, "Suck this, Raphael." The
baby immediately sucked on it. "Much better for you," Leo said and kissed his
forehead. There's my sweet boy. Don't cry. Daddy's here. Look, Raphie." Leo
picked up a small shell and showed it to the baby. "This is a shell, Raphie.
You can hear the ocean if you hold it to your ear.”
“He’s too little for that, Leonardo,” Splinter said, as Raphael stared at the
shell in fascination, still sucking his pacifier.
“I know. I’m just trying to distract him."
Sean stood up and kicked sand at Kieran, who’d accidentally knocked his
sandcastle when he got up and tripped, falling on it.
The sand landed in Raphael’s face and eyes, stinging him, and he wailed at he
top of his lungs. “Waaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”
“Sean!” Leo admonished, as he wiped Raphael’s face and eyes with a wet wipe.
“That was naughty! Apologize to Kieran.”
“But he broke my sandcastle.”
“Was accident,” Kieran said. “Didn’t mean it. Sorry, Sean.”
“Now say sorry, Sean,” Leo said. “And hug him.”
“I don’t want to,” Sean shouted.
“Now or no ice cream later and say sorry to Raphie too. It went in his eyes.”
“Aw,” Sean said, feeling bad at upsetting Raphael, whom he loved just as much
as his other brothers. “Sean sorry, Raphie,” he said and kissed Raphael’s
snout.
Raphael looked at his brother and said, “Bahhhhhh!”
“He forgives you,” Leo said. “Hug Kieran.”
“I’m sorry, Kieran,” Sean said, and hugged him.
“Good boys,” Leo said. “Now go and play.”
The kids played happily for a long time, while Leo cuddled Raphael and
periodically talked to the others.
XXXX
Mikey suggested they go swimming after lunch.
Leo hugged Raphael tightly and went down to the ocean. Raphael fussed and clung
tighly to Leo, as he went into the water, eyes wide, panicked at the noise and
the water lapping at Leo’s feet. Don’t want this, he thought. Want out. Want
out!
“Waahhhhhhhhhhhhh!” Raphael screeched.
“Raphie, Daddy’s just taking you to the water, baby,” Leo said. “It’s okay.
Look, water. You’re a turtle and should feel safe in the water. Look at your
brothers. They’re having a blast." And it was true. The other boys played
happily in the water with Mikey, Casey and April, while Chloe remained on the
beach with Splinter and Cameron.
Leo splashed a little water onto Raphael and he whined. Daddy, he thought
fearfully, clinging to Leo. Wanna go out. Daddy, Raphie scared.
Leo knelt down in the shallow water and dipped Raphael slowly into the water,
but still keeping hold of him. The tide gently rolled over them. “There,” Leo
said. “How about that, Raphie? Just nice and gentle in the shallow water. Daddy
has you and won’t let you go. I promise. I'll never let you go. Touch the
water,” Leo added, placing Raphael’s hand in it.
The baby started to calm down, realizing that he was safe and liking the feel
of the cool water. He splashed the water onto Leo’s plastron, making him laugh.
“Like that, Raphie?" Leo asked. "Nice water.”
“Gagoooooo!” Raphael said, splashing more water and gurgling happily. Raphie
likes this, he thought. Water fun.
Everyone got out of the water a while later and the adults were packing up,
when an Alaskan Malamute puppy came bounding towards them, having
gotten through a gap in the fence.
Raphael tensed and shrieked in fright, as it sniffed him. “Waaahhhhhhhh!” he
said, pressing against Leo’s plastron. “Waahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” What is
that, he thought?
“A puppy!” Kane yelled, his face lighting up. He stroked the black and cream
and brown eyed puppy, who licked his face and made him giggle. “Can we have
him, Daddy?”
“It’s okay, Raphie,” Leo soothed. “It’s a puppy and not going to hurt you.”
“Can we, Daddy?” Noah asked. “Please!”
“Please!” Sean said.
“Daddy, please,” Noah said, patting the puppy, who was still sniffing Raphael.
“Bahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” Raphael cried, turning and smacking the puppy’s snout. It
moved closer, unafraid, and licked Raphael’s face, making him shriek again.
The Hamato family laughed and Leo said, “Looks like you’ve made a friend,
Raphie.” He stood up and added, “I don’t know, boys. He probably belongs to
someone.”
Mikey checked for a chip or a dog tag and finding none, he said, “Nothing to
indicate ownership, Leo, and the puppy looks hungry. Poor thing. We have to
take him.”
“I don’t know. Would he like the sewers?”
“He’ll be fine, my son,” Splinter said. “I think it would be good for the
children to have a pet.”
“Okay then,” Leo said. “We’ll take him.”
“Yahoo!” the quads said.
“Let’s go home,” Mikey said. “We need to think of a name for him.”
The family piled into the van, Raphael on Leo’s lap in the back and the puppy
sat on Splinter’s lap in the back.
Raphael watched the puppy and thought, as he closed his eyes and rested against
Leo’s plastron, Raphie so tired. I hope there’s pizza for supper later and I
still wanna ride horsey.
Chapter End Notes
     I have an Alaskan Malamute, black and cream and she's the sweetest
     hound named Cassie. Every kid should have a pet, so the Hamato boys
     get their first dog :)
***** Taffy *****
Chapter Summary
     Taffy settles into his fur ever home and Raph has an accident. Lots
     of fluff in this chapter with the family. Oh, and Raph gets his own
     horse (sort of) A toy rocking horse.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Chloe and Cameron went for a nap when the family arrived home and the rest went
outside, followed by the puppy, who was barking and doing laps around the
ground, excited to be alive.
"Can we ride horsies?” Noah asked, looking up at Leo.
“Yes,” Leo said. “Uncle Mikey will stand by you, okay? I can’t, because I have
Raphie. If you don’t mind, Mikey?”
“Not at all,” Mikey said, opening the gate. He picked up Noah and placed him on
the horse’s back. The little boy giggled and Mikey said, “Hold on firmly,
Noah.”
“When can I go, Daddy?” Sean asked.
“Next. Then Kieran and Kane," Leo said.
“Yahoo!” Kieran and Kane said in unison.
Raphael watched Noah sit on the horse and thought, wanna go too. Wanna go so
bad.
“Waaah!”Raphael screeched, stretching out chubby hands for the horse. My big
brothers ride, he thought. Raphie want to too!”
Casey laughed and said, “Raph wants to go on the horse, Leo.”
“Not happening. He’s too small. Cry all you like, Raphie, but the answer's no.
“
“There’s a toy rocking horse in the house he can sit on, Leo,” April said. “Why
don’t you show him? It’s in the second bedroom. Mikey, Case and I'll watch the
kids.”
“Thanks. Come on, Raphie. I have a horse you can ride.”
XXXX
Leo placed Raphael onto a yellow toy rocking horse with red handles in the
second bedroom. He kept a gentle hand in the middle of Raphael's back, so that
his precious baby wouldn’t fall off.
“There you go, Raphie,” Leo said. "Your very own horsey. Giddy-up, Raphie,” Leo
said and touched the horse’s ear, making it neigh. Raphael babbled excitedly
and Leo pressed on the horse, making it start to rock. Raphael continued
shrieking gleefully, loving it.
This is fun, Raphael thought. Raphie’s horsey. Only mine. Raphie ride and ride
all day. Not for my brothers. Just Raphie.
Leo listened to Raphael’s squeals of joy and thought, what a fantastic idea of
April’s. I’m going to ask her if we can take it home. It’s awesome listening to
Raphie. I love these little moments we share. And he’s such a happy baby. Bless
him always.
Mikey and the others came inside fifteen minutes later.
Mikey entered the bedroom and said with a smile, "Aw. He’s so cute, Leo.”
“He is. It was a great idea of April’s. Listen to how happy he is.”
“I should take some photos of you guys. I’ll be right back.”
Mikey returned a few minutes later with his video camera and turned it on,
filming dad and son. He loved taking photos and videos of his family and never
missed an opportunity. “All done,” he said a few minutes later, as he turned
off the video camera. “A moment in time captured forever.”
“Thanks,” Leo said. “Where are the kids?”
“In the kitchen with Case and April.”
“And the puppy?”
“Same. Poor thing was hungry and April gave him some of our left overs. He
wolfed it down. I don’t think he’s eaten in some time, Leo. He’s really thin up
close and his rib cage’s showing. I’m glad we found him or should I say that he
found us? I know we’ll take excellent care of him.”
“That’s terrible. Why don’t people look after their pets? His owners should be
locked up for neglect! Why do people have pets if they don’t take care of
them?”
“I agree, but it’s possible he ran away and that’s why he’s so thin, because he
didn’t find enough food. But this little guy doesn’t have to worry anymore.
He’ll be so spoilt and will get all the food and love in the world.”
“Have the kids thought of a name?”
“Taffy. Kane came up with it.”
Leo laughed and said, “After that sweet he likes that’s similar to toffee. Very
cute. Come on, Raphie. Let’s give you a bath,” Leo said. He stopped rocking and
picked up the baby.
“Baaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!” Raphael wailed, cross Leo had stopped. Wanna ride horsey,
Raphael he thought, balling his fists and scrunching up his face. Don’t want
bath!
“Hahaha,” Mikey said. “Another tantrum, Leo and he’s how old?”
“Nine days.”
"You'd get gray hairs if you could. This kid’s going to be a real challenge.”
“You don’t say,” Leo said sarcastically, as Raphael continued screaming. “See
you in a bit, Mikey,” Leo said and headed to the bathroom.
XXXX
Leo ran a bath and got into it, holding a still weeping Raphael to his
plastron. “Stop it, Raphie,” Leo said. “It’s just water and you like water.”
No I don’t. Hate bath, Raphael thought. Wanna ride horsey. “Baaaahh!”
Leo picked up the toy rubber duck on the side of the bath, pulled a face and
said, “Quack. Quack. Raphie, stop crying. Look, here’s your ducky. Quack.
Quack.”
Raphael reached out and touched the duck, a little smile on his face. Leo
pressed it and the duck made a squeaking sound. Raphael giggled. He loved the
duck and the sounds it made and he loved it when his daddy made faces. “Quack,”
Leo said. “Quack.”
“Gah,” Raphael shrieked, holding out his hands for his toy.
“Here you go, buddy,” Leo said, giving him the duck. Raphael managed to hold it
and Leo quickly washed him all over and gently scrubbed his shell. Then Leo
tenderly kissed him and said, “All done, pumpkin. Who’s my beautiful boy? You
are, Raphie. I love you.”
“Gagggggoooo!” Raphael babbled, dropping the duck in the bath. “Baahhh.” Want
my ducky, he thought.
"You can have ducky tomorrow. It’s time to get dressed, sweetie."
Leo climbed out, wrapped Raphael in a fluffy red towel and carried him into the
bedroom.
XXXX
Leo placed Raphael onto the changing mat, smeared baby cream and powder onto
him and diapered him. Raphael kicked his little legs in the air and chattered
happily.
Leo beamed and said, “You smell so sweet, Raphie. I love your baby smell.” He
dressed Raphael in a red onesie with lambs on it and dressed him in a red
bonnet. “It’s hot outside, baby, This'll keep the sun off of your face. There
we go. Let’s go see the others, shall we?" Leo picked Raphael up and planted a
kiss on his soft cheeks. “I love you so much, Raphie.”
XXXX
Leo went into the lounge and found his kids watching TV and playing with the
puppy. “Hey, kids,” Leo said. “Where are the others?”
“Outside, Daddy,” Kane said. “We’re having a barbecue. Burgers.”
“Great. Hey, Taffy boy,” Leo said, bending and patting the puppy, who’d come
over to sniff at him.
Raphael looked down at the puppy and narrowed his eyes. Don’t put me down,
Daddy, he thought fearfully. Don’t like that thing. Raphie scared.
The puppy jumped up and Raphael shrieked and clung to his daddy. Leo smiled and
said, “Raphie, the puppy won’t hurt you.”
“Puppy friendly,” Kieran said. “We love him, Daddy.”
“He loves you too,” Leo said. “It’s okay, Raphie. Sh. I’m here. Don’t cry.”
Leo sat down on a sofa and shooed the puppy away when he tried to jump up on
the couch.
Raphael was on Leo’s lap. He whined and studied the puppy, who sat at Leo’s
feet, watching them. “Sh, Raphie,” Leo said. He undid his bandana and gave it
to the baby. "Play with this. You like Daddy’s bandana.”
Mine, Raphael thought, placing the bandana in his mouth and sucking it. The
puppy wagged his tail and Raphael thought, go away. This is mine. Daddy, make
that thing go away.
Raphael played happily with the bandana and the dog continued watching him.
Raphael dropped the bandana onto the couch a while later and the puppy picked
it up in his mouth. “Baaahhhh!” Raphael squawked angrily.
Leo chuckled and said, “The puppy just wants to play, Raphie.”
“Baaahhhhhhhhhh!” Raphael said, not understanding. Bad thing took my toy, he
thought. Want back. Now.
Leo grabbed the bandana from the puppy and gave it to Raphael, who stuffed it
into his mouth and glowered at the puppy.
Mine, Raphael thought and bopped the puppy on his snout with a tiny fist. The
puppy didn’t whine and instead looked up at Raphael, wagging his tail. He
wanted to play and couldn’t understand why Raphael didn’t want to.
“Come here, Taffy,” Noah said, going over and stroking the puppy. “Noah play
with you.”
“Gently,” Leo said. “That’s right, Noah. Nice and softly.”
Taffy rubbed himself against Noah, making the little boy giggle. Then he jumped
up onto the couch and nuzzled against Raphael. “Bwwaah!” the stunned baby
cried, scared.
“Scat, Taffy,” Leo ordered, but the puppy wouldn’t move and licked Raphael’s
hand, trying to make friends.
“Taffy wants to be friends, Raphie,” Kane said, coming over to him. “He won’t
bite. Pat him, Raphie.”
Kane picked up Raphael’s hand and placed it onto Taffy’s head. The puppy
nuzzled into Raphael again, but he didn’t pull away this time and just looked
at the puppy, realizing he was a friend and that he wouldn’t hurt him.
“Gogoooooo!” Raphael said. Maybe this is a friend, he thought. Raphie’s friend
and he’ll play with Raphie.
Leo smiled and said, “Yes, Raphie. Taffy’s your friend and won’t bite you.
You’ll have lots of fun with him.”
Chloe entered the lounge, Cam in her arms, and said, “You guys coming outside,
Leo The fire’s lit.”
“Be right there. Come on, boys. Let’s go outside,” Leo said, standing up.
XXXXXX
Leo sat down on a chair outside with Raphael on his lap and chatted to the
other adults, while the quads played tag with the puppy and each other.
Sean ran up to Leo after a while and said, "Daddy, can I hold Raphie and show
him the cows?”
"Yes. If you're careful, Sean," Leo said. "And hold him like I told you and
walk slowly.”
“Okay, Daddy,” Sean said and Leo placed Raphael in his arms.
Sean walked towards the cows, but Noah, who was too busy looking behind him,
worried that Kane would tag him, bumped into him and Raphael went sprawling
onto the ground, landing awkwardly on his right arm, plastron down. “Bwaaah!"
Raphael screamed.
Taffy was instantly by Raphael’s side and lay down by him, aware the baby was
injured and trying to comfort him.
Leo sprang to his feet and ran to Raphael. He picked him up and planted
soothing kisses on his face. “It’s okay, Raphie,” he said. “Daddy’s here. I
have you. Noah, Sean, you boys okay?”
“Yes, Daddy,” Noah and Sean said in unison.
“I’m sorry, Daddy,” Noah said. “Was accident.”
“I know,” Leo said. “But watch where you're going, next time, Noah. Raphie,
Daddy’s here.” He placed a gentle hand on Raphael’s right arm and the baby
screamed at his touch. “You have a sore arm, Raphie?” The baby's arm began to
swell and he wept again at the pain coursing through him. Leo gently checked
it, checking it wasn’t broken. Raphael would need a doctor if it was and they
couldn't go to one looking the way they did. They always relied on Don for his
medical knowledge, but he was no longer in the picture.
Please let it be just a sprain, Leo prayed.
“Is Raphie okay?” Noah asked.
“He’s sore,” Leo said. “I think…”
“Let me look, Leo,” April said, coming over to them. “I know a bit about first
aid.” She checked Raphael’s arm and said, “Only sprained, Leo. We just need to
make him a splint and he should be fine.”
“Raphie’s going to be okay?” Sean asked.
“Yes, buddy,” Leo said and kissed Raphael’s cheek. “Aunty April’s going to make
you better, Raphie.”
XXXX
They went inside to Leo’s room. Raphael was crying again and Leo rocked him.
"I’m going to need a towel, Leo,” April said. “Place it on the bed and Raphie’s
arm on it.” Leo did as he was told. Then April said, “I need a bandana.”
“It’s in the drawer over there. I have a few.”
“Great. Talk to Raphie, while I do this okay?”
“Sh, Raphie,” Leo said. “It’s going to be okay. Daddy’s here.”
Don’t like this, Raphael thought, his eyes wide in fear. What are they doin’?”
April positioned a bandana below the injured wrist and double knotted it, so
that the arm was completely and tightly wrapped in the towel. Then she took
another bandana and placed it above the injury, securing it tightly. She
checked that Raphael's fingers were visible and said, “All done, Leo. There you
go, Raphie. All done, little one.”
“Hear that, sweetheart?” Leo said. He picked up Raphael, peppered his cheeks
with kisses and said, "All over. How long will it take for the injury to heal,
April?”
“A few weeks.”
“Thank you.”
XXXX
They went outside and Leo sat down in a chair, Raphael on his lap. His other
kids and Taffy came over to see how Raphael was. “He’s going to be okay, right,
Daddy?” Kieran asked.
“Yes, Raphie will, be,” Leo said.
Taffy stayed by Leo’s feet, looking up at Raphael, who’d fallen asleep. He knew
he’d been injured and he wasn’t going anywhere. Raphael needed him. 
Leo smiled and said, “You have a soft spot for the baby, huh, Taffy? You know
he’s sore.” Taffy woofed, as if he understood, and Leo laughed. “You’re
adorable, Taffy. Welcome to our family.”
XXXX
Later that evening, after Leo had put the quads to bed, he gave Raphael his
formula. He changed the baby when he'd finished his meal and gave him a few
drops of Tylenol.
Leo then got into bed, a sleeping Raphael on his plastron. Taffy had gone to
bed with the quads, but had followed Leo to his bedroom when he’d left the
room. He stood at the foot of the bed and woofed. “What?” Leo asked. “I thought
you were sleeping with my other boys. W-what?” Leo added, when the puppy jumped
up on to the bed.
Ignoring him, Taffy curled up into as small a ball as he could, pressed himself
against Leo’s side, and closed his eyes. Too tired to protest, Leo sighed and
said, “Just for tonight.” Then Leo closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Taffy cracked open an eye and thought, yeah right. We both know I’m going to
sleep with you and the baby every night. I know it’s my job, as little as I am,
to protect you guys, especially the baby and I'll do that every day of my life.
Taffy heaved a giant sigh and fell asleep, happier than he’d ever been in his
life. This was his fur ever home and he’d love the people in it until his dying
day.
Chapter End Notes
     Taffy was my sister's dog and died when he was two years old. A
     really sweet and beautiful hound. It totally crushed us when he
     passed. I thought it'd be lovely to honour him.
***** Conniving Don *****
Chapter Summary
     Flashback to how Don plotted to win Leo. Angst abounds and drama a
     plenty. Raphael is banished to Japan after he attacks Don.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Don had spent his time cooped up in his lab working on experiments and trying
not to think about Leo. He missed him and the kids dreadfully. Don had managed
to get rid of Leatherhead, but the crocodile had informed him that if the kid
was his, he had a right to know and that he wanted to be a part of the baby’s
life. As Don busied himself, his eyes settled on a photo of him and Leo on
their first date three years prior. They were laughing and joking and had their
arms wrapped around each other. They'd gone to the movies for their first date
and seen a re-run of Brokeback Mountain. Both had loved the movies and shed
tears at the end. Then they'd found a photo booth, taken snapshots and gotten
ice cream from a vendor and sat in the park talking. The date had been a hit
and their romance had quickly blossomed. Leo had been blissfully happy with
Raphael before that and all Don could do was sit and watch the lovers canoodle,
while his heart broke into a million pieces. Don had been in love with Leo for
as long as he could remember and he’d been flabbergasted when Leo and Raphael
had announced they were dating. He’d always thought that he and Leo would end
up together. They had more in common, hardly ever agued and Don couldn’t
understand what Leo saw in his brutish brother. No, Don had thought. Leo
deserves better and I’m going to make him mine. He’d quickly set his plans in
motion.
FLASHBACK: JANUARY 8, THREE YEARS PRIOR
Raphael was slumped in his chair, a large scowl on his face, as he reached for
his spoon to dig into his cereal. His brothers and Splinter were eating, but
sensing that his temperamental son was troubled, Splinter set down his chop
sticks and said, “Is something troubling you, Raphael?”
“Ask Leo,” Raphael muttered. “He caused it.”
“Leonardo? I don’t understand.”
“I beg to differ,” Leo hissed. “You caused it, Raphael.”
“Didn't!” Raphael growled and bared his teeth. “Leonardo, I told ya a billion
times that I don’t know how that shit got on my phone and my computer. I don’t
go ta sites like that.”
“Language, Raphael!” Splinter admonished.
“What sites?” Mikey asked.
“Doesn’t matter. I didn’t go on them!” Raphael said furiously, shoving his bowl
away. “May I be excused?”
“No, my son. I want to know what’s going on,” Splinter said firmly. “Stay
seated.”
Good, Don thought gleefully. My plan’s working. Leo’s going to be mine.
"Sensei,” Leo said. “Raphael and I've been together for three very happy years
and we were hoping to become bonded soon, but he’s been cheating on me. Looking
at porn sites and talking to women online behind my back for the entire three
years and he doesn’t want kids with me. Both are deal breakers, Sensei, which
is why I’ve called things off. He swears blind he’s innocent, but the evidence
is overwhelming..”
“It was planted, Leo!” Raphael yelled.
“By whom?”
“I don’t know, Leo, but I didn’t go on those sites and I ain’t into women! As
for babies, I…”
“Oooh, what did you tell the women, Raph?” Mikey asked.
“NOTHIN’!”
“He went into graphic detail,” Leo said. “So graphic it'd make a sailor blush.
At least have the guts and own up that you cheated, Raph! It won’t save our
relationship, but it’ll make me hate you less.”
“I didn’t, Leo! Fuck! I’m tellin’ ya that it was planted. Why would I go on
those sites when I’m in love with ya? Someone wants ya ta think I cheated and
went ta all that trouble. Someone with technical skills.” Raphael gazed around
the room and his eyes landed on Don, making him feel nervous. “Ya wouldn’t know
who’d do that, would ya, Donnie?”
“Course not, Raph,” Don said casually, playing it cool. “You know I have a
thing for April.”
“But ya could find out who conspired against me, right?”
“No one would, Raph. It’s all in your head. Maybe you were mad at Leo after a
fight and went onto those sites. Or maybe when you were drunk.”
“I DIDN’T! Fuck this. I’m leavin’. I didn’t cheat, Leo, but I'm done if ya
wanna believe this shit! Fuck ya!”
“Raphael!” Splinter said angrily.
“I’M OUTTA HERE!” Raphael yelled and stomped out of the kitchen and lair.
“Should we go after him, Sensei?” Mikey asked.
“No, my son," Splinter said. "Raphael will return when he’s ready. Give him his
space. Leonardo, why did you not tell me that you and Raphael were together?”
“I didn’t think you’d approve, Sensei, but it doesn’t matter now. Me and Raph
are done for good.”
“Don’t say that, bro,” Mikey said. “You guys will work things out, Leo.”
“I don’t condone cheating, Mikey, and he won’t even admit he cheated when he so
obviously did, so how can we fix things? You know the first step to
reconciliation is admitting wrong doing and he won’t. The stubborn ass! I’m
sorry we never told you, Sensei.”“
“My son, I would have given you my blessing," Splinter said. "Because I have
always thought you and Raphael well-suited and two sides of the same coin.”
“Perhaps Raphie was telling the truth, Leo,” Mikey said. “And he never went on
those sites. Raph may be many things, but he’s not a liar.”
“No, Mikey, he did and I’m done with him. Excuse me. I’m going to meditate.”
Leo got up from the kitchen table and went into the dojo.
“What do you think, Donnie?” Mikey asked. “Do you think Raphie cheated?”
"Evidence never lies, Mikey, so yes he did.”
“What do you think, Sensei?” Mikey asked.
“I’m afraid I have to agree with Donatello. Evidence doesn’t lie.”
“I’m going to my room,” Mikey said. “Donnie, it’s your turn to wash and dry.”
Mikey got up from the table and instead of going to his room, snuck out of the
lair and went in search of Raphael.
XXXX
Twenty minutes later, Mikey found his hotheaded brother sitting on the ground
inside one of the tunnels they’d played in as kids. Raphael’s head was in his
hands and Mikey could hear him weeping.
“Raphie,” Mikey said quietly.
Raphael immediately snapped his head up, glared at him and said, “What the
shell ya doin’ here, Mikey?”
“I didn’t think you should be alone. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Raphael said, wiping his tears away with the back of his hand. “Go
home.”
“I’m not leaving you,” Mikey said, plonking himself down onto the ground. “Now,
talk to me.”
“Nothin’ ta say, Mikey. Look, go home. I’m gonna be fine.”
“Raph, I don’t believe you cheated. You’ve always loved Leo and I know you’d
never have done anything to jeopardize your relationship.”
“Well, Leo believes I did and ya know how stubborn he can be when he believes
somethin’. Ain’t easy changin’ his mind. I tried, Mikey. I even and I know I’m
gonna sound pathetic, but I even went on my knees and I begged him not ta end
us, but he did anyway. Three years and he just ends us like that. I can’t
breathe. It hurts so bad. I was always faithful ta him, even when others threw
themselves at me. I wasn’t remotely tempted.”
“Others?”
“Karai did and Mona Lisa and Casey and I said no, because my heart was with
him.” Raphael choked back a sob and said, “So, what do ya think of yer strong
brother bein’ such a crybaby? Ya probably think less of me now.”
“Never, Raph,” Mikey said, pulling his brother to him in a hug. “You’re still
my macho brother. I'd never think less of you for expressing how you feel. I
think it takes guts to show your emotions and I don’t think it’s unmanly to
cry. You and Leo adored one another. It’s natural you’d be heartbroken about
the split. Hey. Let me talk to Leo and…”
Raphael pulled away, shook his head and said, “No. Leave it. Fearless is a mule
and he won’t listen. I’m a cheatin’ asshole, as far as he's concerned and he
hates me. Go home, Mikey. I’ll go home when I’m ready. I need some time ta
myself.”
“You shouldn’t be alone.”
“I ain’t gonna do nothin' stupid, Mikey. I just wanna be alone. Please.”
“Raph….”
“Mikey, I ain’t gonna ask ya again. Go home and tell them ya don’t know where I
am, else they’re gonna come drag my ass home and I ain’t ready ta see anyone
yet. Please. I promise ya I’ll be okay.”
Mikey patted his shoulder, got to his feet and said reluctantly, “Okay, Raph,
but you’d better come home soon. I need you, bro, and I love you.”
“Love ya too, knucklehead. Now, go.”
Mikey headed home and managed to get inside the lair undetected. He went to his
room and prayed that Leo and Raphael would work things out.
XXXX
A week later, on January 15, Leo was meditating in his room, when there was a
knock on his door. “Leo, it’s me,” Don said. “Can I come in?”
Leo opened the door and said, "What's up, Don?”
Don shuffled his feet, feeling nervous, his cheeks red. He took a deep breath
and said, "It’s going to come as quite a surprise to you, Leo, but I’ve always
liked you and I…”
“You like me?” Leo said in shock.
Don nodded and said, “I have for years, Leo, and I was going to tell you how I
felt when you and Raph got together.”
“Donnie, I’m sorry. I never knew. I thought you liked April.”
“No, no. I never liked her, Leo. I've always admired you. You’re so perfect and
I...This isn’t how I wanted to say things and I know I sound like a dork. Maybe
I should…”
“What do you want to say?”
"Will you go out with me? I know it hasn’t been long since you and Raph broke
up, but I’d…You don’t have to call it a date. Um. Just go out with me and we
can see how it goes. I'll walk away if you don't want to and we can forget we
had this conversation.”
Leo had never thought about Don that way, but he didn’t have the heart to
disappoint his little brother and say no. Who knows, Leo thought? Maybe I'll
feel that way for Don. Maybe things could grow and we could have a happy life
together. I know he’d be good to me and never cheat and he's such a sweet guy
unlike Raphael. The cheating bastard.
“Sure,” Leo said. “What time?”
Don's jaw dropped in shock and he said, "You really will go out with me?"
"Yes. What time?”
“How’s eight p.m.?”
“Great. I’ll see you later.”
“Look forward to it, Leo,” Don said and he left the room.
For an instant, Leo wondered if just maybe Don had hacked Raphael’s laptop,
because there was no one else with technical know-how, but he quickly dismissed
his thoughts as ridiculous. Don’s an awesome guy and would never stoop that
low, Leo thought.
XXXX
Raphael arrived home at 7 p.m. and went into the kitchen, where his family,
sans Splinter, who had a cold and who was in bed, were seated at the table.
“Raphie!” Mikey said. He stood up, rushed to his brother and threw his arms
around him. "You’re back.”
“Yeah,” Raphael said, pulling away. “Told ya I would, knucklehead. Fearless,
Don.”
“Raphael,” Leo said angrily, setting down his fork. “Where the hell have you
been?”
“Hey, Raph,” Don said politely, though seething inside that he’d returned and
fearful that Raphael would make a play for Leo.
“I don’t gotta answer ta ya, Leo,” Raphael said, parking his butt down on his
chair. “This looks great, Mikey. Ya got no idea how starved I am,” Raphael
added, helping himself to the roast pork, vegetables and apple sauce. He
speared a piece of pork with his fork, chewed and said, “Good ta be home.”
“Where have you been, Raphael?” Leo demanded.
"Not that it’s any of yer business, but I’ve been gettin’ some tail,” Raphael
said and smirked. “And boy were they good. Satisfied me like ya never did.”
Leo’s face drained of color, he opened his mouth, then closed it and sprang to
his feet. “I’m going to get ready, Donnie,” he said and quickly exited the
room.
“Me too. Thanks for a great meal, Mikey," Don said and left the room.
“Get ready for what?” Raphael asked.
"They have a date, Raph,” Mikey said. “Donnie asked Leo out.”
“Why would Donnie do that? He don’t like Leo that way.”
"No. He always has, but before he could ask Leo out, you guys were…”
Raphael balled his hands into fists and his eyes flashed dangerously, as hurt
and betrayal registered on his face. “Donnie hacked me. He wanted Leo and
plotted, so me and Leo would break up and he could make his moves!”
Raphael jumped up and ran to Don's room.
XXXXXX
Raphael barged into Don's room and yelled, "I know it was ya, Donnie. Ya hacked
my laptop, so it looked like I was cheatin’, because ya wanted Leo!”
“You’re crazy, Raph. I'd never do that to you.”
“YA DID AND I’M GONNA PROVE IT!”
“Raphael,” Leo said sternly, appearing in the room, flanked by Mikey.
Raphael turned his golden eyes on his big brother and said irately, “Donnie
hacked my laptop, Leo, because he wanted us ta break up, so that he could
have….”
“THAT’S ENOUGH, RAPHAEL! STOP BLAMING OTHERS FOR YOUR MISTAKES AND MAN UP!”
Raphael swung a punch, hitting Don squarely in the jaw, and said, “Yer the
bastard, Donnie. Ya. Not me. I was innocent.”
“I wouldn’t do that,” Don said, rubbing his aching jaw. “You were drunk, Raph.
Must have been. You do have alcohol issues.”
“RAPHAEL!” Splinter roared, as he entered the room. The arguing had woken him.
"Come with me to the dojo!”
“But, Sensei. Donnie…”
“NOW!”
Raphael followed his sensei to the dojo.
XXXXXX
Raphael tried to speak, but Splinter held up a paw and said, “Silence. It is
clear you have a lot to learn to channel your anger, Raphael. Attacking your
brother is wrong.”
“But he…”
“No buts, Raphael. I know losing Leonardo is difficult, but lashing out is not
the solution, especially towards Donatello, who has never wronged you.”
“I know, Sensei, but Donnie…”
“I do not think I have been successful in helping you with your anger issues
and feel someone else will do a better job, which is why you will go to the
Ancient One. You will leave tomorrow. I will speak to him now and one of his
relatives will meet you at the docks tomorrow and you will leave with him.”
“But, Sensei!” Raphael protested, his eyes filling with unwanted tears. “Please
hear me out.”
“Go now and pack!”
Raphael fled the room, as hot tears streamed down his cheeks.
XXXXXX
Raphael ran into Donnie’s room, saw he was alone and said, “Yer a bastard,
Donnie, and I’ll never forgive ya. I know ya hacked me. I wasn’t drunk. I ain’t
touched booze in months.”
“But I did nothing!”
"Ya better not be here when I return, because I’m gonna kick yer ass and I’m
gonna win Leo back.”
“I doubt that, Raphael, because I’m going to give Leo all he wants. Love,
trust, honesty and babies and he’ll never leave me.”
"Yeah. He will,” Raphael said, getting in Don’s face. “Because despite the shit
ya caused, Leo loves me, we’re soulmates and we belong together. Not ya. Ya and
Leo got shit in common. And sooner or later, Leo will realize that and he’s
gonna realize what an asshole ya are."
“I don’t know where you’re going, but please shut the door. I have things to
do.”
“I mean it, Donnie. I will win Leo back!”
Raphael left the room and went to his bedroom.
XXXXXXX
Raphael penned a letter. “My dearest Leo, Sensei’s sendin’ me ta the Ancient
One, so I don’t know when I’m gonna be back. Leo, the shit I said at dinner
wasn’t true. I never banged anyone else when I was away. I was holed up in a
tunnel and all I could do was think ‘bout ya and our life together. I love ya,
Leo, so so much and I'd never do nothin' ta hurt ya. Yer my rock, my heart, my
life source. Fuck. I sound like a sappy dork, but so what. I love ya and I
ain’t afraid ta say it. I never cheated, Leo. It was Donnie. He did hack my
laptop and I wasn’t drunk. I ain’t had alcohol in months. I’m many things, Leo,
but I ain’t a liar or a cheater. Ya know that deep inside. I know yer mad now,
but when ya’ve had time ta cool down, ya'll realize that and ya'll also see
that Donnie ain’t who ya really want. Ya want me. We belong together, Leo. We
always have and we always will. I changed my mind ‘bout wantin’ babies. I want
them, Leo. Lots of them. With ya. I wanna grow old with ya and ta watch our
babies grow. I’ll mail ya when I get ta Japan. Love ya ta the moon and back,
Leo, yer Raphie xxx.”
Raphael sealed the letter into an envelope, went into Leo’s room and placed it
on his pillow. Then he went back to his room, climbed into bed and tried not to
cry, as he thought about what the next day would bring. Separation from his
mate. Possibly forever.
Chapter End Notes
     Did Leo find the letter?
     A/N I'm sorry I haven't been updating. Have my aunt and uncle out
     from the UK, so very awkward to write. Next week, my sister's down,
     so I won't be updating. This week, I can update, as my aunt and uncle
     are away for a few days to a game farm. Thanks to you all for your
     kudos and feedback. Means a lot.
***** Disobedient Raphie *****
Chapter Summary
     Raphael doesn't listen to Leo and has a near-death experience. And he
     has a very potty mouth! Poor Leo has his hands full!
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Leo dreamed, as he slept with Raphael curled up on his plastron. Raphael was
two-years-old in the dream and the quads were three.
“So you don’t mind if we go play in the sewers for a little bit, Daddy?” Noah
asked.
“No,” Leo said. “But just for an hour, because dinner will be ready then. Uncle
Mikey and Aunt Chloe have been cooking all day, so please make sure you’re on
time.”
“We will be, Daddy,” Sean said. “Promise.”
Raphael came running from the kitchen, where he’d been helping Chloe bake
cookies, and said through a mouthful, as he saw his brothers leave the lair,
“Where are they goin’ Daddy? Can I go too?”
Leo shook his head at his red pajama clad son, who had chocolate smeared on his
face, and said, “No, Raphie. You still have a cold, so you should stay in the
lair where it’s warm.”
“But I wanna go!” Raphael screamed, stamping his foot.
“Raphael, that’s enough. I said no and I mean it. You can go to time out if you
can’t behave," Leo said crossly and picked up his furious boy. Raphael kicked
his legs and continued yelling, but his dad remained firm and carried him to
the bathroom.
XXXXXX
Leo set Raphael down on the bathroom floor, got down to his level and looked at
his pouting son, whose golden eyes glared daggers at him. “Raphael, you have to
learn that throwing tantrums won’t work," Leo said. "I mean it when I say no.
You'll stay here for ten minutes and you'll think about what a naughty boy
you’ve been.”
“Fuck ya, ya asshole,” Raphael growled and looked at his dad, daring him to
take action.
Leo bristled at the foul language and said, “Where did you learn that, Raphael?
Certainly not from me or Daddy Don.”
“Uncle Casey,” Raphael said, looking pleased with himself.
“Is that so? Well, me and Uncle Casey are going to have a chat. You will not
speak to me that way.”
“But Uncle Casey talks like that all the time.”
“You will not, Raphael! Do you hear me? I don’t like it. It’s rude and Uncle
Casey’s wrong to talk like that way.”
Leo dragged his son to the sink and rinsed the chocolate off of his face. Then
he washed Raphael's mouth out with soap. A spluttering Raphael turned his shell
on Leo when he was finished, unwanted tears trickling down his cheeks.
"I'll be back in ten minutes, Raphael," Leo said. "I'll wash your mouth out
again with soap if you speak to me like that. It's unacceptable.”
Raphael turned around and slammed his fists against the wall, his fists
scrunched up in fury. I am gonna go out with my brothers, he thought.
Inspecting his bruised knuckles, Raphael felt a bit better. Hitting something
made him feel better. Leo had realized a few weeks earlier and had gotten him a
small punching bag, which Raphael loved attacking every chance he got.
Scowling, Raphael hit the wall again and blood oozed from of his knuckles, but
he didn’t care. I’m goin’ , he thought, rubbing his face with the back of his
hand, smearing blood onto it. He peered outside the door. No one was around, so
he crept into the lounge and not seeing anyone there, he hurried out of the
lair.
XXXX
Meanwhile, Leo was in the kitchen where Mikey, Chloe, Don, Casey, Cam and April
were seated, talking. Chloe was mixing another batch of cookies and Cameron was
helping her.
Arms crossed, Leo glowered at Casey and said, “What the hell have you been
teaching my boy?”
“Huh?” Casey said. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“His bad language. He called me an asshole and swore at me, Casey. Said he
learned that from you.”
"Um. I’m sorry, Leo. I sort of get upset when I watch hockey. He must have
picked it up.”
“Unacceptable! Learn to curb your language or the boy won’t be visiting. It’s
disgraceful and I don’t want my other boys copying him. Do you understand,
Casey?”
“Leo, it’s not totally Casey’s fault,” April chimed in. “I’ve heard the quads
say naughty things too and you know Raphie copies them, especially Kane. Having
said that, I'll try to make sure Casey doesn’t swear around the kids.”
“Thanks. And I’m worried about Raphie’s temper.”
“He’ll mellow out as he ages, Leo,” Mikey said. “Cam was also bad when he was
two, but he’s mellowed out now and is the same sweet boy before his tantrums
started.”
“I can hope. I’m not looking forward to his teenage years. I’d better go get
him. I left him in time out in the bathroom.”
XXXX
Raphael had found his brothers, who were jumping on and off an old sewer pipe
into a large pool of rainwater. “Hey. Can I play?” he asked.
“You’re too small,” Sean said. “Go home, Raphie.”
“I am not,” Raphael hissed, clenching his fists. "I can play and I wanna.”
“You can’t swim,” Noah said.
“Can too!” Raphael yelled. “I can swim better than ya. Ya just don’t wanna let
me play.”
Raphael jumped high off of the sewer pipe to prove his point, but he jumped too
high and hit his head on the sewer pipe above him and crashed down into the
water. Alarmed when he didn’t surface, his brothers raced home to get Leo.
XXXX
Back at the lair, Leo was shocked when he didn’t find Raphael and after a
fruitless search, he was on his way out of the lair, when his boys arrived
home.
Panting, Kane said, “Raphie hit his head and went in the water, Daddy. Come.”
Panic stricken, his heart pounding, Leo ran after his sons. No, no. Please let
Raphie be okay, he prayed.
XXXXXX
Leo reached the pond, dove in and scooped Raphael up into his strong arms. The
toddler's eyes were closed and Leo prayed he hadn't been too late.
Leo surfaced, climbed, placed Raphael onto the ground and studied his pale
features.
The quads watched anxiously and Kane said fearfully, “Is Raphie going to be
okay?”
"I don’t know,” Leo said. “Stand back. I need space.”
Leo began CPR and was relieved a few minutes later when color returned to
Raphael’s face and his chest started heaving. Raphael opened his eyes and
coughed up water.
“My sweet boy,” Leo said and pressed kisses to Raphael's beak."My beautiful
boy. Oh, Raphie. I was so worried.”
“Daddy, are ya mad?” Raphael asked weakly.
Leo was but there’d be time to lecture his son later. What mattered now was
getting him home to the safety of the lair and having Don run a medical on him.
"We're going home, Raphie," Leo said, gently lifting him into his arms.
XXXXXX
They arrived home and Don did a medical examination on Raphael. He said that
the toddler had a slight concussion and would need best for a while. Leo took
Raphael to his bedroom when the medical examination was over.
XXXXXX
Leo placed Raphael into his bed and covered him with his blanket.
"Sleep, young man," Leo said and kissed Raphael's temple.
"Can we watch a movie, Daddy? And where are my brothers?” Raphael asked.
“They’re in the lounge.”
"Wanna watch a movie, please. With ya all. Please, Daddy?” Raphael begged,
turning golden eyes on him.
Leo nodded. “One movie and I’ll make popcorn, but then you rest, okay?”
“Yes, Daddy. Get my brothers.”
“All right.”
Leo returned a few minutes later with popcorn and the quads. Kane immediately
scrambled onto the bed on the left hand side of Raphael and Noah clambered on
his right. Sean curled up next to Noah and Leo next to Noah. Leo pressed play
and Finding Dory started. They all passed the popcorn back and forth,
chattering happily. Leo watched his kids and smiled. He loved their special
moments together. He couldn’t believe how close he’d come to losing Raphael.
Halfway through the movie, Leo saw his sons had drifted off to sleep, gently
snoring, their plastrons rising and falling with each breath.
Leo got up quietly and picked up Raphael, who stirred briefly and said,
“Daddy?”
“You’re sleeping with me tonight,” Leo said. “Sh. Close your eyes, sweetheart.”
Raphael snuggled against Leo’s plastron and closed his eyes and Leo walked to
his room.
XXXXX
Leo placed Raphael in his bed. Then he got in beside him and pulled Raphael
close, wrapping his arms around him, and listened to Raphael’s even breathing.
I nearly lost him today, Leo thought. I should have known he’d have tried to
leave the lair. It’s my fault. And I won’t punish him. He’s learned his lesson.
Oh, Raphie. Why do you test me so? Are you going to be this way when you’re
older?
XXXX
Back in the present, Leo woke. His dream had felt so real and he was comforted
when he saw Raphael lying on his chest, still fast asleep.
Two things are certain, Leo thought, as he tenderly gazed at the baby. I love
you so much. More than my other kids, which is probably wrong, but I do. And
I’m baby proofing the lair and never letting you or your brothers out of my
sight. And I’m also not letting you spend unsupervised visits with Casey
either. Don’t want you picking up his bad habits. Leo kissed Raphael’s cheek,
pulled the blanket up more around him, shut his eyes and was soon fast asleep.
Chapter End Notes
     Thanks to everyone for the reviews :)
***** Separation cuts like a knife *****
Chapter Summary
     Flashback when Raph's banished to Japan. Fluff and smut abounds.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
FLASHBACK: JANUARY 8 THREE YEARS PRIOR
Raphael woke up in the middle of the night, his pillow drenched with his tears.
He’d had a restless night, tossing and turning, thinking of his impending
separation from Leo.
I left him a note, Raphael thought, but who’s ta say he got it. Don may have
gotten rid of it. That wouldn't surprise me after all the sneaky things he’s
done. I gotta see Leo and tell him how much I love him.
Raphael got up and headed to Leo’s room.
XXXX
Raphael gently opened Leo’s door and stepped inside his room. Leo was fast
asleep, lying on his shell, snoring softly, one hand resting on his plastron.
Raphael gazed at him tenderly and thought, damn. He’s so gorgeous. So perfect.
I love him. I know we belong together.
Sensing a presence in the room, Leo opened his sapphire eyes and said sleepily,
“What are you doing here, Raphael?”
“I had ta see ya,” Raphael said, approaching the bed.
“We’ve said everything that needs to be said.”
“Did ya get my letter?”
“What letter?”
So Don did get rid of it, Raphael thought angrily.
"I wrote ya a letter, Leo," Raphael said. "Tellin' ya how much I love ya. Yer
my everythin’, Leo, and I want a family with ya. I never cheated. Donnie’s
behind all of that, because he wants ya. I’ve always been faithful. Never even
thought 'bout someone else. Not ever. No one compares ta ya.”
“Don would…”
Raphael bent down and placed a finger onto his lips. “Sh. Let me finish. I
didn’t cheat. Ya gotta believe me,” Raphael said, looking intently into Leo’s
eyes. “Why would I hurt the person I love most in the galaxy? Why would I throw
away the amazin’ relationship we got? Don't talk. I ain’t done. Leo, bein' with
ya's been the best years of my life. My life was meaningless and borin' before
ya. Ya complete me and make me so happy. I wake up feelin’ alive every day I’m
with ya. Bein’ apart’s tearin’ me in two. I’m nothin’ without ya. I don’t wanna
lose ya, Leo. I know I gotta go ta the Ancient One and I don’t know for how
long. Fuck. I don’t wanna go. I wanna be with ya. Leo, do ya really want us ta
end and ta date Don? He won’t make ya happy, like I do. Ya know that. We belong
together. We’re soulmates, bound together by destiny. Two hearts beatin’ as
one.”
Leo removed Raphael's fingers from his lips and said teasingly, "You’ve been
reading sappy poetry again, haven’t you?" He smiled, patted the bed and said,
"Sit here."
Raphael sat down. Leo took his hands in his, kissed his knuckles and said, “I
love you too, Raph. You’re right about Don. I don’t love him the way I love
you. I have brotherly love for him only. You make me go weak at the knees and
butterflies flutter in my chest when we’re together. Time stands still when I
gaze into your eyes. I could look at you forever, my sexy lover, and never grow
tired. You’re beautiful inside and out. You’re the missing puzzle piece, Raph,
and you have a hold on my heart. I’m dying inside without you. I went on a date
with Donnie, but it was because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings and say no.”
“Do ya believe me now? I’m many things, but a liar ain’t one of them.”
"Yes. I believe you. I was a fool to think you would and I'll talk to Donnie if
it's true about him."
“What now?” Raphael asked, his heart bursting with joy that Leo still loved
him.
“This,” Leo said and tenderly kissed him on his lips. “If you’ll take me back
for being an idiot.”
Raphael’s answer was to smash his lips onto his brother’s in a passionate kiss,
which Leo eagerly returned. Tongues battled for dominance, as hands explored,
and the kissing grew fiercer.
Leo broke the kiss a few minutes later and said breathlessly, "You’re not going
to the Ancient One. I’ll talk to Sensei and will make him see sense and tell
him you were just reacting to the shit Donnie caused.”
“Ya said a bad word, Leo,” Raphael teased.
“I know,” Leo said with a shrug. “Let’s make up for some lost time.”
“What if Sensei don’t listen?”
“He will, Raph. You’re not going anywhere.”
“I wanna believe that, but Sensei can be pretty stubborn when he’s made up his
mind. I believe he has, Leo, and we’re gonna be parted,” Raphael said
despondently, a stray tear running down his cheek.
Then we’ll write to each other and I’ll wait for you,” Leo said. He thumbed the
tear away and pulled Raphael into a hug. Then he nuzzled Raphael's neck and
breathed in his musky scent."I’ll wait for you, Raphie. I’m yours. Forever.
We’ll have a bonding ceremony when you're home and we'll start our family.”
“Our family,” Raphael said with a smile. “That has a cool ring ta it. Little
Leos.”
“Little Raphies with your temper,” Leo said and nuzzled him again. “I want lots
of babies and I know you’ll be a terrific daddy.”
"And so will ya. If I gotta go, knowin’ yer waitin’ for me will make it a
little easier ta bear.”
“We can also call one another. It isn't the same as having you here, but it’s
better than nothing. Now, let’s love one another one last time before we have
to say goodbye.”
“Not goodbye, Leo. Just bye for now,” Raphael said, pulling away.
“I topped the last time we made love. It’s your turn."
Leo lay down, parted his legs and wagged his tail invitingly. Raphael grinned,
climbed onto his mate and rubbed his slit until Leo dropped down with a groan,
his forest green cock slick with precum.
“Gonna make ya yell my name,” Raphael said, sticking a finger inside of Leo and
prepping him. “And yer quite the screamer, Leo,” he added with a smirk.
Leo reddened and said, “Hurry up. I need you inside of me.”
Raphael chuckled and said, “So impatient. All right. I’m comin' in.” Deeming
Leo ready, Raphael dropped his own cock and plunged into Leo, causing him to
hiss. “Ya sore, Leo? Yer so tight.”
“I’m fine. Don’t stop. Fuck me hard.”
“As ya wish.”
Raphael thrust in and out of Leo, repeatedly stabbing his prostate. He soon
formed a steady rhythm that had both of them seeing stars, their eyes glazed
over, as their carnal desires were met, churring so loudly, Raphael wondered if
Mikey, whose bedroom was next door, could hear. Too bad for Mikey if he did,
Raphael thought. I don’t care. All that matters is that Leo’s happy.
“I love ya so much, Leo. Fuck. I’ve missed this,” Raphael groaned, as he placed
Leo’s legs around his waist, so he could go in deeper.
“Me too,” Leo said, digging his nails into Raphael’s arms. “Missed you in me so
much.
With a final stab, Raphael yelled, “Fuck, Leo. Gonna cum!"
A loud rumble rolled up Raphael's throat. He emptied his essence inside of Leo,
pulled out and looked down at his mate adoringly.
Leo climaxed a few minutes later, his seed spraying his plastron white, and
shouted, “Fuck, Raph! Fuck!”
“That’s it. Scream my name. Ya know I love that. Fuck. I love ya.”
“Love you too,” Leo said, pulling Raphael down beside him and wrapping his arms
around him. “That was incredible.”
“It was,” Raphael said, nuzzling his beak against Leo’s. “We got everythin’ a
relationship should have, Leo. Love, great sex, a deep connection, respect and
admiration and I promise I'll do my best ta ensure yer happy for as long as I
live."
“I already am. Let’s get some sleep and I'll talk to Sensei in the morning.
Love you.”
“Love ya too.”
XXXX
Leo got up quietly the next morning. so he wouldn't wake Raphael and went to
Splinter's room.
Leo knocked on Splinter's door and said, "It's Leo, Sensei. Can we talk?"
Splinter opened the door and said, “What about Leonardo?”
“Raphael. You can’t send him away. Please don’t.”
“I’ve made up my mind, Leonardo. He leaves today,” Splinter said firmly. “Now,
please leave me. I have some things to do.”
Tears streaming down his cheeks, Leo headed to his bedroom.
XXXXXX
Leo sat on his bed, his head in his hands.
Raphael stirred a few minutes later and said, “Mornin’, baby.”
“Morning,” Leo said tearfully.
“He said no, didn’t he?”
“Yes.”
“It’s gonna be okay,” Raphael said, scooting over to Leo and folding him into a
hug, as his own tears streamed down his cheeks. “We’re gonna get through it and
will be together again, Leo. Have faith. I promise we’ll be together again.”
They clung to one another for dear life, dreading the moment of their
separation.
XXXX
Breakfast was a somber affair with no one saying much. Mikey was visibly upset,
while Don was impassive and was the only one who ate. Raphael and Leo held
hands, stealing glances at one another, which pissed Don off. His plan had
obviously backfired and the couple had mended fences. A fact which Raphael
confirmed when Splinter had left the table.
“Me and Leo are back together,” Raphael said, his golden eyes blazing. “So yer
fuckin’ plan didn’t work, Donnie. He don’t love ya and never will.”
“That’s right,” Leo said. “I love Raph and I was a moron thinking he’d cheat.
We’re going to have a bonding ceremony when he returns.”
“Wow. Great news,” Mikey said and beamed. “I’m happy for you two. You guys are
so sweet together! You’ll name your first baby after me, right? I know Leo can
have babies.”
“Hah! No,” Raphael said. “But maybe as a middle name. So, Donnie, nothin’ ta
say? Not a fuckin’ sorry. Nothin’?”
Don sipped his coffee, thought a minute and said sweetly, “You won, Raphael. I
admit defeat. See you when you get back from Japan whenever that is. Bye now.”
He stood and added, “Please work on your temper, while you’re overseas. I’d
hate to see you banished again. Later.”
Splinter appeared and said, “Time to leave. Are you ready, Raphael?”
“Yes, Sensei.”
“Go get your stuff.”
XXXX
Everyone, sans, Don, was in the lounge, a few minutes later. Raphael’s bags
were at his feet.
“I’ll miss you, Raph,” Mikey said dejectedly and hugged him.
“I’ll miss ya too, squirt,” Raphael said, fighting back tears. ‘Stay the
lovin’, sweet Mikey we know, okay?”
“I’ll try. Won’t be the same without you, bro. I’ll write to you.”
“Look forward ta that. Look after Leo, okay?”
“Raphael, we have to go,” Splinter said.
“Ain’t finished, Sensei,” Raphael said, pulling apart from Mikey. He kissed Leo
on the lips and wrapped his arms around him.
The lovers kissed passionately, savoring the taste of one another, trying to
make up for all the times they’d be apart in one single embrace.
Mikey smiled and made a kissy face. He thought it was cute his brothers were so
in love and weren't afraid to show it. Splinter wasn’t impressed, not being one
for public displays of affection.
"Come along, Raphael," Splinter said impatiently.
Raphael reluctantly pulled away from Leo and said, "I’ll write ya and call ya
every chance I get. I love ya so much, Leo. It’s gonna be hell without ya.”
“Same here,” Leo said sadly, as tears spilled down his cheeks. Raphael
instantly pulled him close again, kissed his tears away and whispered words of
love.
“It’s gonna be okay, baby. Promise. The time will fly by and I’ll soon be
home.”
Splinter had never seen his sapphire-eyed son cry and he could see the immense
love his sons had for one another. It melted his heart. He’d been planning to
send Raphael away for two years and he knew he couldn’t do that now.
Splinter cleared his throat and said, Raphael, we’re going to be late.”
“I gotta go,” Raphael said, pulling away from Leo.
“How long is Raph going to be gone, Sensei?” Mikey asked.
“It depends on Raphael and how willing he is to learn from the Ancient One,”
Splinter said.
“So, maybe even six months if I do as he says, Sensei?" Raphael asked
hopefully.
“Yes," Splinter said.
“Ya hear that, baby?” Raphael said excitedly. “I could even be home in six
months. Oh, Leo. I thought it was gonna be like years.”
"I'd still wait for ya if it was," Leo said and nuzzled his beak.
"Ditto.”
“Come on, Raphael,” Splinter said.
Raphael tenderly kissed Leo one last time. Then he picked up his bags and
followed Splinter out of the lair towards the docks.
XXXX
Sometime later, Raphael and Splinter arrived at the docks, but the person they
were supposed to be meeting wasn't there.
"You’ll have to go on your own and meet up with the Ancient One in Japan,
Raphael,” Splinter said. “You know where to meet him.”
“Yes, Sensei. Bye,” Raphael said, turning.
“Don’t I get a hug? I don’t want us to part on bad terms, my son.”
“Yer sendin’ me away and ya don’t want us ta part on bad terms?” Raphael said,
not turning around and shaking his head in disbelief. “Look, I don’t hate ya,
but I’m mad at ya. Yer sendin’ me away from the person I adore. From my heart,
my soul. Think how ya’d feel if it were ya! I’ll do as ya ask in Japan, so I
can come home sooner, but there ain’t no way yer gettin’ a hug! And I ain’t
gonna stop bein’ mad at ya anytime soon. Goodbye, Sensei.”
Raphael boarded the ship and headed to his quarters down below, his shoulders
slumped, already missing his treasured Leo.
It ain’t gonna go by fast enough, he thought miserably. I already miss him so
much my heart feels like it’s gonna break.
Chapter End Notes
     A/N Thanks for all the kudos and reviews :)
     Has Don got something up his sleeve?
***** Surprise *****
Chapter Summary
     Flashback to when Leo gives Raph unexpected news.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Back in the present, the early hours of August 23, baby Raphael whimpered, as
lightning flashed and thunder roared outside, the rain lashing the window
panes. A summer thunderstorm. Leo heard him, sat up and cradled him to his
plastron. "Sh, Raphie," he said, and gently rocked him in his arms. "It's okay.
You're safe with me. You never did like thunderstorms," he added, and kissed
Raphael's beak. "You liked the rain, though, and there was many a time we'd sit
on the porch with a cup of hot chocolate-tea for me, and listen to the rain
pelting down. A few times at the farmhouse, we snuck out and made love in the
forest nearby, the rain pouring down on us, but we didn't care. All that
mattered was us. Of course, we caught colds and Sensei was mad, but it was
worth it. I miss you, Raphie. My big, strong, sexy lover, and I wish there was
a cure."
Golden eyes gazed at Leo and emerald fingers reached for Leo's beak. "Gagoo,"
Raphael said.
Taffy whined and pressed his body closer to Leo. He didn't like the thunder and
lightning either and remembered being locked outside in it once. It had
terrified him and he'd had to find cover under a bush.
Leo smiled, patted Taffy's head and sang a Japanese lullaby that Splinter had
sang to them when they were babies and Raphael closed his eyes and nestled
against him, feeling safe and loved, soon gently snoring.
"We had such a beautiful relationship," Leo said. "We complemented one another
perfectly. Sure, we fought sometimes, but there was immense love and respect
that never wavered. I'd have died for you and I know you'd have done the same
thing. We were soulmates. I miss you incredibly, Raph. Miss your kisses, your
hugs, your sexy voice, us making love. And you never got to be a daddy, which
you badly wanted to be. I remember that day, as clear as yesterday, when I told
you I was gravid.
FLASHBACK: THREE YEARS PRIOR: FEBRUARY 2
Leo was in Don's lab, sitting on the stretcher, while Don examined him. "And?"
Leo said. "Why have I been feeling so nauseous the last few weeks, Don? Is it
flu? A deadly virus?"
"No. It's nothing that'll cause you death. Just a lot of discomfort, but
that'll soon pass."
"Discomfort?"
"Yes. You're going to swell up, Leo. Your feet will ache, you'll experience
cravings, nausea for the next month or so, but you'll be fine."
"I'm gravid?" Leo said, and his jaw dropped open in amazement, his sapphire
eyes widening. "But I'm a boy. How's that possible?"
"You're intersex, Leo, and have male and female parts and are a little under a
month gravid, which means you'll lay your eggs in five months. The babies will
hatch two months after that. You're going to be a daddy."
"Wow," Leo said, his eyes shining in happiness, as he rubbed his flat belly.
"Me and Raph are going to be daddies. He's going to be thrilled."
"I bet he will."
"This changes everything. Maybe Sensei will let Raph come home sooner."
"Hmm."
"You're not happy for us, are you?"
"I'm delighted," Don lied. "But there are going to be huge changes around here
with imminent little ones. Are you prepared for the new responsibilities? Will
Raph be? We both know he isn't the most reliable turtle. You know that, Leo.
Will he able to adapt to his new role?"
"Yes. Raph loves me and he wants babies. We're ready for it."
"I hope you're right, Leo. Because once you have kids, there's no going back."
"Is that all, Donnie?"
"Yes. Be sure to rest a lot and hydrate and eat well. You'll be eating for two.
Perhaps more."
"How many will I have?"
"Anywhere from between two to thirty-two eggs."
Leo paled and said, "Thirty-two?"
"Yes. We are red sliders after all."
"Thanks, Don. I'm going to tell Raph. He's going to be blown away."
XXX
Leo lay down on his bed and dialled Raphael's T-phone. "Hey, baby," Leo said.
"How are you?"
"Good," Raphael said, sounding out of breath. "Ya?"
"Why do you sound like you've just run a marathon?"
"The Ancient One's trainin' is intense, Leo. Far more than Sensei, but it's
goin' well."
"Cool. I have something major to tell you, so I hope you're sitting down."
"Yer scarin' me, Leo."
"Nothing to be afraid of. It's great news. Actually, amazing news."
"Spill the beans, Leo!"
"Our wish came true. I'm gravid, Raphie. Just under a month."
"Yahoo!" Raphael whooped. "Really? Yer gravid? But yer male."
"Intersex. I didn't know that before and yes. We're going to be parents. I
can't believe it, Raphie."
"Wow," Raphael said, choking back a sob. "Daddies. When will ya lay the eggs?
Do ya know what we're havin' yet?"
"I'll lay the eggs in five months and they'll hatch two months after that.
We'll only know the gender in a couple months, but would you want to know it?"
"No. It doesn't matter what gender the baby is. Just that they're healthy. Wow,
Leo. This is fuckin' unbelievable. I never dreamed we'd have babies. Wait a
minute. We're turtles, so ya could lay many eggs. Do ya know how many?"
"Nope. How many would you like?"
"ideally, a hundred," Raphael teased.
"Seriously? You know how much that'll hurt? They'll be coming out of my
cloaca."
Raphael chuckled and said, "Just teasin', baby. I'd like three or four. I think
that's a good number."
"I think I could manage that, but popping them out will still be sore."
"I'll be with ya every step of the way, baby, and I know ya can do it. Yer my
brave Fearless after all. I love ya so much, Leo. Wow. Ya've just made me the
happiest turtle alive."
"Love you too, Raphie. More than life itself. What colors do you want to paint
the nursery?"
"I don't know. We'll discuss that when I'm home. Hey, maybe Sensei will let me
come home sooner."
"I'll talk to him, Raphie, and call you later."
"Do that. I gotta go. The Ancient One's callin' me. Look after yerself and our
babies, Leo. I'll be thinkin' of ya every second. Love ya."
"Love you more," Leo said, and disconnected the call, his heart bursting with
elation. Me and Raph are going to have a family, he thought. And I couldn't be
happier.
BACK IN THE PRESENT: AUGUST 23
The thunder and lightning flared up again, making little Raphael wake up and
whine, his small fists flailing, and his golden eyes wide with terror.
"Waaaah!" he wailed. Don't like this, he thought. Frightened.
"Hey, baby," Leo said. "It's all right. You're fine. It's just thunder and
lighting. Daddy has you and loves you so much." Leo tickled Raphael's chin,
trying to make him smile, but Raphael would have none of it and screamed, as a
clap of thunder occurred. He ducked his head against Leo's plastron, tears
streaming down his cheeks and mewled. Leo planted soothing kisses on his head
and held him tightly. "Raphie, I'm here, baby," he said. "Daddy will always be
here and look after you."
The bedroom door burst open and four tiny souls entered. "Daddy, can't sleep,"
Kane sobbed. "Scared."
"Me too," Noah said, his face streaked with tears.
"Me too," Sean said. "Don't like thunder."
"I hate it," Kieran said. "Daddy, can we sleep with you and Raphie?"
"Of course," Leo said, pulling back the covers. "Jump in, sweethearts."
The quads instantly clambered onto to the bed, snuggling up to Leo, feeling
reassured that he was there. Leo sang the lullaby again and it wasn't long
before they were asleep, even Raphael, whose tiny fingers gripped Leo's, and
his face set in a soft smile. He looks so angelic, Leo thought tenderly and
kissed his forehead. "But there has to be a cure, right? There has got to be
one. As much as I love baby Raph, I want my old Raph back and I won't rest
until I have him.
Chapter End Notes
     A/N Will Leo lay his eggs?
***** Chapter 32 *****
Chapter Summary
     Flashback to when Leo laid his eggs and heartache and loss. And then,
     in the present, Leo meets someone unexpected.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
FLASHBACK: THREE YEARS PRIOR : JULY 12
The next few months flew by and Leo was due to lay his eggs any day now. He and
Raphael had been in constant communication and the hothead was due to arrive in
two days’ time. Leo couldn’t wait to hug him and tell him how much he loved him
and for him to see the nursery. He and Mikey had painted the walls yellow with
various sea creatures, including turtles on it and the family and April and
Casey had all bought toys and diapers and other things the babies would need.
One of their old cribs stood ready in the bedroom and a horse mobile. Leo
rubbed his swollen belly and thought, not long now, little one. Your daddy will
be home and we can be a family. Leo got up from the couch from where he’d been
watching Space Heroes and waddled into the kitchen, where Donnie was preparing
lunch. “Is it ready yet, Don?” he asked. “I’m starving.”
“Soon, Leo. Go sit down.”
“Gah!” Leo said, wincing, as a stab of pain hit and he felt his water break.
“Don, I think the babies are coming.”
“Let me get to you the infirmary, Leo,” Don said, grabbing his hand and leading
him to the infirmary.
XXX
Inside the infirmary, Don helped Leo onto the stretcher and said, “Lie down and
breathe. It’s going to be okay.”
“Raph should be here! And Sensei and Mikey.”
“I’ll call Mikey and Sensei and tell them to get home, okay? But for now, just
relax. Things are going to be okay. How far apart are the contractions?”
“My water just… Argh!” Leo yelled, scrunching his face up in agony.
Don examined Leo and said, “Looks like a few minutes apart right now. I’ll get
some cloths. Hang on, Leo.” Don got what he needed, washed Leo’s face and said,
“Remember all you learned the last few months about breathing and relaxing.
Don’t panic.”
“Easy for you to say,” Leo retorted. “You don’t have a giant beach ball in
you.”
“True, but I know you’re going to be…”
“ARGH!” Leo screamed, as another contraction hit him. “Donnie….”
“Breathe, Leo. You can do it. Hold on to me.”
Leo grabbed his hand and squeezed it, his nails digging into Don’s palm. “Hurt
so bad. On fire. Donnie, call Raph.”
“There’s no reception at sea. Come on, Leo. Relax and breathe. You can do it.
Take a deep breath.”
Leo gasped and took a deep breath, as another stab of pain hit him. “Donnie,
how long am I going to be in labor?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Could be hours, but don’t worry. I’m here and we’re going to get
through this together, okay?”
Leo nodded and said, “Thank you, Don. Me and Raph are so grateful that you….
Argh!”
Don examined him again and said, “Right. Time to start pushing, Leo.”
“I can’t.”
“You can. This is it, Leo. Time to expel your baby. You’ve fought in numerous
battles, Leo, and always been so brave. You can surely push out an egg. Come
on. I know…”
“Argh!” Leo said, sweat beading his forehead, as he pushed. “Hurts.”
“Won’t be long, Leo,” Don said, mopping his forehead with the cloth. “Just a
couple more pushes.”
“I’ll try,” Leo said weakly, already feeling drained, and pushed.
“Good, Leo. One more push.”
Leo pushed for all he was worth and out popped a perfect, round egg. “How’s the
egg, Don?” Leo asked wearily, sinking back against the pillows, his eyes
closed.
“Egg’s fine, Leo. Perfectly fine. Want to hold it?” Don said, handing him the
egg.
Leo opened his eyes and ran his hand over the egg, smiling broadly. “Raph’s
going to be so excited. I can’t wait to show him our baby.”
“Mmm. I better place the egg in the incubator, Leo. It’ll hatch in two months.
Why don’t you grab some sleep? You look worn-out.”
Leo stifled a yawn, kissed the egg and said, “I am, but it was worth it. Me and
Raph are daddies and I can’t wait until the baby hatches. Thank you for all
your help.”
“What’s family for?” Don said, placing the egg inside of the incubator and
closing it. “Rest, Leo. I’m going to go call Sensei and Mikey, okay?”
“Okay,” Leo said, closing his eyes and soon drifting off to sleep.
Don waited until Leo was fast asleep. Then he went to his lab, grabbed a
porcelain egg he’d made a few weeks before, the same size and shape of Leo’s
egg, and returned to the lab. Opening the incubator, he swapped the eggs, left
the lair, went top side and dumped the egg into a rubbish bin. I don’t have the
heart to kill you, Don thought. But I don’t want you at the lair. Your absence
will bring immeasurable grief to Leo and Raphael and tear them apart. And then
I can have Leo. Good bye, little one. Don sauntered home without a backward
glance.
XXX
Raphael returned home a couple of days later and was overjoyed about the egg.
He wanted to hold it, but Don quickly said it shouldn’t be taken out of the
incubator, because what if one of them dropped them? The egg would break and
the baby would die. So, the egg remained in the incubator and Don’s deceit went
unnoticed.
Two months passed and three days after the due hatching date, a frustrated and
anxious Raphael said, “Why the hell ain’t it hatchin’, Leo?”
“Donnie says it can be late sometimes.”
“Maybe it needs some help?”
“Let’s wait.”
“I’m tired of waitin’,” Raphael said and opened the incubator. Breaking the
shell gently, he peered inside and his eyes widened in rage, fear, and
heartache, when he saw nothing inside.
“And?” Leo said.
“Um, Leo. I don’t know how ta tell ya, but….”
“But what?”
“There’s nothin’ inside the egg. No baby. Were ya even gravid?”
“Of course I was. Why would I lie to you about that?”
“Then why is there no baby in the egg, Leo?”
“I don’t know. Donnie….”
“I think I know what happened,” Raphael hissed, his golden eyes blazing. “I bet
that fuckin’ bastard swapped our egg for a fake egg and got rid of it, so he
could have ya!”
“Donnie wouldn’t do that, Raph. The baby must have died.”
“Then where’s his body? Can ya explain? Ya sent me the sonogram, Leo. I saw him
or her’s little body! What did ya do ta our baby, ya fuckin’ prick?” Raphael
yelled, lunging at Don, and grabbing his throat, trying to shake an answer out
of him.
“Raph, calm down,” Leo said, pulling his mate off of a gasping Don. “I’m sure
Don has an explanation.”
“Then tell us!” Raphael snapped, crossing his arms.
“Well, yes,” Don said. “Leo laid an egg and it was perfect, but while he slept,
it cracked open and I peered inside and saw tiny hands reaching out. I tried to
help him out, but I slipped on the floor and I dropped the egg and the baby
died. I felt terrible and I didn’t know how to tell you, so I swapped the egg,
buying time and buried the baby. I’m so sorry. I didn’t…..”
“YA MURDERED OUR BABY!” Raphael screamed, getting in Don’s face. “Our baby!”
“Raph, calm down. It was an accident,” Leo said.
“The hell it was!” Raphael roared. “He murdered the baby and then he concealed
the death for months, while we got excited, thinkin’ the baby was gonna hatch
and yer takin’ his side, Leo!”
“I’m not taking….”
“Yes, ya are! Where the fuck did ya bury the egg, Don?”
“In a ditch a long way from here. It’s probably been eaten by wild animals.”
“See, Leo. He murdered our baby and then he dumped it, so wild animals can eat
it!” Raphael shouted, his face dark with rage. “And ya believe it was an
accident. Yer so fuckin’ naïve. And ya don’t even say nothin’. Fuck this.”
“I’m just as sad as you, Raph, but I believe Donnie wouldn’t kill our baby and
that it was an accident. Come on, this is Donnie, our gentle…”
“Who tried ta break us up before!”
“But he said he was sorry…”
“No, he didn’t! Donnie was never fuckin’ sorry and he ain’t now! Tell the
truth, Donnie. Ya murdered the baby.”
“I didn’t, Raphael. And I’m sorry I hid the truth from you about his death. I
didn’t know how to tell you. Gospel truth. I swear to you and I’m fine with you
and Leo back together. Honest. You belong together, but there won’t be any more
babies. I didn’t know how to tell you either, but…here goes. That radiation you
were exposed to when you returned, Raph, has rendered you infertile. I’m
sorry.”
Raphael felt like he’d been dealt a huge blow to his gut. Not only had he lost
a kid, but he couldn’t give Leo any more. What kind of a partner was he that he
couldn’t give his mate kids? “I can’t give Leo kids?” he whispered.
“No,” Donnie said. “Sorry. I know how much you badly wanted kids. I’m truly
sorry.”
“Then I’m fuckin’ useless,” Raphael said forlornly.
“Raph,” Leo said. “You’re not. We can try. We don’t need to have kids. We
have….I love you….”
Without a word, Raphael ran and turned from the lair, tears streaming down his
cheeks.
 
XXX
Some months later, Raphael returned and found Donnie and Leo had hooked up and
he was gravid and he also learned, during a secret visit to Donnie’s lab, that
he wasn’t infertile. Raphael tried to tell Leo, but Leo wouldn’t listen, saying
that even though he still loved Raphael, he couldn’t leave Don, because he had
kids now. And Raphael had miserably stood by and watched Leo have a family with
his brother. Until that fateful day, when the quads were two and he and Leo had
given in to their still deep love and desire for one another.
XXX
Back in the present, August 23, the lightning flashed and the thunder roared,
as Leo slept with his kids. A knock sounded on his door and Leo gently got up,
cradling Raphael to his plastron, and said, “Who is it?”
“It’s April, Leo. I just got the weirdest call. Open up.”
Leo opened the door and said, “What about?”
“It’s the strangest thing,” April said, and patted a now awake Raphael’s cheek.
He turned his head and nuzzled into Leo’s plastron, making her smile. “My
friend, Justin, found a baby turtle in his garden just mow. He has no idea how
he got there.”
“And?”
“He’s about three, emerald green, Leo, and has sapphire eyes. Your eyes. I know
it’s a long shot, but it’s possible he could be related to you guys.”
Leo’s heart hammered at the news. Sounds like a combination of me and Raph, he
thought. Could it be our kid? No, Donnie said he died. Then who is that turtle?
“Leo?”
“Where is the turtle?” Leo asked, forcing himself to be calm.
“At Justin’s place. You know down the road. Do you think you could take the kid
in? I know you already have five, but he’d be better off with his own kind.”
Leo and his family knew Justin well and liked him. “Yes. I’ll ask Mikey to
watch the kids.”
“Gagoo,” baby Raphael said.
April laughed and said, “He’s too cute.”
“Tell him that when he’s older and he’d probably smack you,” Leo said with a
smile, trying not to get excited about the possibility the baby was his son. He
settled baby Raphael with Mikey, asked him to watch his other kids as well, and
then climbed into the car with April and Casey and drove to Justin’s place.
XXX
At Justin’s place, April knocked on the front door and a few minutes later, it
opened, to reveal twenty-year-old sandy haired, muscular and dark eyed Justin,
who was holding an emerald skinned baby boy in his arms. The baby wore a dark
blue T and matching shorts and fresh tears streaked his face.
“Hey, Leo, Ape and Casey,” Justin said. “How you doing? Sorry. Little tyke’s
been bawling. I think he’s hungry and tired. About to make him some grub.”
“Fine, thanks and you?” April and Casey said in unison.
Leo couldn’t take his eyes off of the baby, who stared back at him, sapphire
eyes wide. That’s our baby, Leo thought. I just know it. My eyes, Raph’s color
skin. The best of us. Ours.
“Leo?” April said.
“I’m fine.”
“Come inside,” Justin said.
“Can I hold him?” Leo asked, after they’d gone inside, his eyes still riveted
on the baby.
“Of course,” Justin said, handing the baby to Leo, who immediately pressed a
kiss to his chubby cheeks. The baby smiled and nuzzled into Leo’s plastron,
completely at ease. “Bless. He likes you already,” Justin said. “It’s almost
like you’re old friends.”
“More than that,” Leo whispered, tears spilling down his cheeks. “He’s my son.
Mine and Raph’s and I’m going to take him home where he belongs.”
Chapter End Notes
     A/N Thanks for your kudos and reviews. :)
***** Raziel *****
Chapter Summary
     Leo brings his and Raphael's son home to meet the family and Raphael
     is unimpressed.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
“Your son, Leo?” Justin asked in surprise. “I thought you and Don were a
couple.”
“Before Don, Raph and I were and I was gravid and the baby supposedly died….”
“Supposedly, Leo?” Casey asked.
“Yes. Don said he dropped the egg after it hatched and the baby died, but
it’s….It’s clearly a lie and this little tyke’s mine and Raph’s,” Leo said,
hugging the turtle tot to his plastron. “I don’t need a DNA test to determine
it. I just know he is. Gut.”
“But why would Don lie about that?”
“Don wanted me, so he got rid of the baby in hopes me and Raph would drift
apart and he could make his moves, which he did. Raph said from the start he
believed Don had done that, but I didn’t believe him and we fought and I didn’t
see Raph again for months. By that time, I was gravid with Don’s babies. I’m
such a moron! I should have run after Raph, believed him.”
“And what about Raph? Surely, you can talk to him about it, Leo?” Justin asked.
“A couple months ago, we snuck around and rekindled our love.”
“While you were still with Don?”
“Yes, and we made plans to be together, but on his birthday, Raph went for a
run and later that day, Casey learned he was at Bishop’s place, but he was no
longer a teenager. He’d been turned back into an egg. Probably to be used as a
breeding tool for Bishop when he hatched.”
“Why was Raph at Bishop’s?”
“Apparently to rescue Don, but there were no physical marks on Don and no signs
of a struggle or that he’d been tied up. He was fine. I’m starting to wonder if
that was a set-up. Don was incensed with Raph and wanted him to pay, so he
pretended he was kidnapped and got Bishop to phone Raph. Naturally, Raph would
rescue him and there you go. Don’s revenge. I’m raising Raph as my son and
there’s no cure. No damn cure.”
“That’s a lot to swallow, Leo,” April said. “Do you really think Don would
stoop that low and betray Raph like that?”
“I don’t know, but he lied about my son, he tried to break up me and Raph
before. It’s possible.”
“I sincerely doubt Donnie would do that, Leo. Yes, he tried to break you and
Raph up, but to be that cold and give Raph to that psycho? No, he wouldn’t do
that. It was just unfortunate that Raph was the one, who got zapped with that
retromutagen ray.”
“And why didn’t that happen to Don?”
“I don’t know, but I do know I think you’re wrong about Donnie. He’s a sweet,
caring guy, who’d never hurt anyone, especially his brothers.”
“And Donnie says there’s no cure, but what if there is?”
Emerald hands reached up to Leo’s bandana and the baby said, “Blue.”
“That’s right,” Leo said. “Blue. Very clever, young man. Does he have a name,
Justin?”
“He said his name was Raziel.”
“I like it,” Leo said. “Raziel means secret of God, because he works so closely
with the Creator that he knows all the secrets of the Universe and how it
operates and he’s also the angel of mysteries. We’ll call him Raz. Hey, Raz,”
Leo said. “I’m your daddy, Leo. Can you say daddy?”
“Daddy,” Raziel said, staring up at Leo with wide sapphire eyes.
“That’s right and I’m taking you home. These are Aunty April, Uncle Casey and
Uncle Justin.”
“Hi,” Raziel said shyly.
“Anyway,” Leo said. “What if there’s a cure?”
“You know what I think?” Justin said. “It’s hard, Leo, but instead of going on
a crusade for a cure, you should focus on Raziel, his brothers and baby
Raphael. It’ll save you heartache.”
“No, I’ll never stop searching for one! It’s the only way me and Raph can be
together! As for heartache, I go through it every single damn day! Being with
him, but unable to kiss and love him, like before. It’s hell and I’ll do
whatever it takes to get my Raph back to normal! I’ll do it alone if I have to,
even if it takes me the rest of my life!”
“Leo….”
An idea hit Leo and he said, “Bishop might still have the retromutagen ray and
when we get back home, I’m going to break into his pad and get it. Don’t try
and talk me out of it.”
April sighed and said, “I’ll go with you, Leo.”
“Thanks. I’d like to go home now, please. Raz is hungry and I’d like him to
meet his brothers. Thanks for calling us, Justin.”
“You’re welcome, Leo. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Forget about it. Just know I’ve never been a quitter when it comes to things I
believe in, especially my family, and my treasured Raph, and I won’t be now.
I’m going to the car. See you later.”
April and Casey said their goodbyes and they all headed home, Leo with Raziel
on his lap, the little boy chattering all the way home.
XXX
Sometime later, they arrived home and went inside, Raziel in Leo’s arms. Leo
went into the lounge and saw his kids playing on the floor, their toys
scattered around them. They jumped up and ran to Leo when they saw him.
“Daddy!” Kane said. “Daddy, you’re home. Who’s that?” he asked, pointing at
Raziel.
Raziel turned away shyly and nuzzled into Leo’s plastron. “This is your
brother, Raziel,” Leo said. “But we’ll call him Raz.”
“Raz?” Noah said. “Hi, I’m Noah.”
“I’m Sean,” Sean said. “And this is Kieran.”
“And I’m Kane,” Kane said, with a huge grin. “How old are you?”
“He’s three,” Leo said. “Raz, why don’t you play with your brothers?”
“Yeah. Can he, Daddy?” Noah said. “He can play with this truck. Come on, Raz.
Come and play with us!”
Leo set Raziel down and he studied his brothers with interest, but was still
shy and clung to Leo’s leg. “Go on, sweetheart,” Leo said, patting his head.
“Go on. It’s okay. I’ll be here if you need me.”
“Come on, Raz,” Kane said, holding out his hand. “We want to play. There are
lots of toys.”
“Okay,” Raziel said, taking Kane’s hand. “I like toys.”
Leo watched Raziel sit down on the floor with his brothers and begin to play
and his heart swelled with love. Raziel looked up and his eyes met those of his
daddy. He smiled and went back to playing, completely relaxed. Yes, Leo,
thought. He’s home where he belongs and nothing or anyone will ever take him
from me. “Where are Raphie and Uncle Mikey?” Leo asked.
“Kitchen,” Kieran said.
“Thanks, buddy,” Leo said, and headed into the kitchen.
XXX
Leo found Mikey sitting at the table and trying to give Raphael his bottle.
“Hey, guys,” Leo said.
Raphael looked up at the sound of his daddy’s voice and a smile lit up his
face. “Baboo,” he babbled, stretching out his arms for Leo and almost knocking
the bottle to the floor.
Leo bent down, took Raphael from Mikey and said, “Thanks for looking after the
kids, Mikey. How were they?”
“Gagoo!” Raphael said, snuggling into Leo’s plastron. I missed ya, Daddy, he
thought. Don’t ever leave me again.
“Apart from Raph, the kids have been fine,” Mikey said. “I’ve been trying to
feed him for forty minutes and he won’t accept the bottle. I’ve sung to him,
whispered words of encouragement, but nothing works. I quit. On the plus side,
he did take his medication and his arm seems better.”
“Ah. I know why,” Leo said, sitting down. “Pass me the bottle.” Mikey did so
and Leo gave Raphael the bottle. The baby immediately latched onto the teat and
began to guzzle the warm formula down. “He only takes the bottle from me.”
“Figures,” Mikey said with a small smile. “He was always closest to you. Hey,
where did you guys go off to in such a hurry this morning?”
“Justin found a turtle tot in his garden and thought we could help him.”
“Oh, wow. Where did he come from?”
Leo shrugged and said, “He doesn’t know, but get this, Mikey. He has emerald
skin and sapphire eyes.”
“No way,” Mikey said, quickly understanding. “Yours and Raph’s? I thought he
died.”
“Yeah, well, we all did. The kid's three and definitely ours."
“Where’s he now?”
“Playing in the lounge with the quads. They’re getting on great.”
“So you'll be raising Raph and your son as brothers. That's got to be strange
for you."
“Yes, but until I find a cure for Raph, that’s what I have to do. When we're
home, I’m breaking into Bishop’s place and seeing if I can find that
retromutagen ray.”
“I’ll go with you, bro.”
“Thanks.”
“Bah!” Raphael said, finished and shoving the bottle away with his uninjured
arm.
Leo burped him and said, “Let’s go see how Raz is doing, guys."
XXX
Inside the lounge, Leo saw the kids were still happily playing and he beamed.
It was like Raz had always been a part of their lives. He fit in so easily.
“Raz,” Leo called. “I’d like you to come and meet two very special people.”
“Who, Daddy?” Raz asked, going to Leo’s side.
“This is your Uncle Mikey. Say hi.”
“Whoa,” Mikey said. “He’s adorable, Leo. Definitely yours and Raph’s. Hey
there, kiddo.”
“Hi,” Raz said. “I’m Raz.”
“Good to meet you, kiddo.”
“And this is,” Leo began, bending down to show Raz the baby.
“My baby,” Kane said, running to his father and reaching for Raph. “Raphie.”
Leo chuckled and said, “Raz, meet your little brother, Raphael. We call him
Raphie.”
Sapphire eyes studied the baby and Raz smiled. “Baby,” he said. “Cute.” He
stretched out a hand to touch Raphael, but sensing competition for his daddy's
love, Raphael smacked him on the beak and screamed, his face scrunched up in
rage, and his golden eyes blazing.
“Raphie!” Leo said. “No. That's naughty. Raz was just saying hi."
My daddy, Raphael thought furiously. Mine. Not his. Mine!
Taken aback and shocked, a cry escaped Raz’s throat and his eyes filled with
tears. “Just wanted to be friends,” he wept.
“Raphie, bad,” Kane said. “He hit.”
“It’s okay, Raz,” Leo said, patting his head. “Raphie didn’t mean it. I promise
and he wants to be friends. Here. Hold him. Yes, like this,” Leo said, placing
the baby into a now quiet Raz’s hands. “Rock him like this. He likes it, but
don’t drop him.”
Raz did, as his daddy said, and looked down at an angry Raphael, who’d opened
his mouth to bawl, his legs ready to kick against Raz’s plastron, but the
rocking soothed him and instead of screaming, he placed his thumb into his
mouth and nuzzled into Raz’s plastron.
Maybe he ain’t so bad, Raphael thought. But Daddy’s still mine and mine alone!
“Wow,” Mikey said, visibly impressed. “You’re good with him, Raz. Very good.
Can I borrow you when Cam’s upset and has a tantrum?”
“Huh?” Raz said.
“Nothing. Aw, you’re too cute, Raphie. I have to get a video of him sucking his
thumb, Leo, so I can embarrass him when he’s older. Only kidding. Because he’s
too sweet.” Aw. Mikey raced off to get his video cam.
Raz kissed the top of Raphael’s head and said, “Brother.”
“That’s right,” Leo said. “Your little brother. He needs you and you need him
and I have no doubt you’ll be good friends. All of you. For life.”
“He’s my little brother too,” Kane said jealously.
“Of course he is, buddy,” Leo said. “He’s the brother of all of you and he
loves you all.”
“Me more though,” Kane said. “Isn’t that true, Raphie? Can I hold him, Daddy?”
“Let Raz hold him a bit longer,” Leo said. “And then we should go for
breakfast. Who’s hungry?”
“Me!” the quads said in unison.
“Me too,” Raz said softly. “Do you have lettuce? My mommy used to give me
lettuce?”
“Your mommy?” Leo asked.
“Her name’s Gina. Do you know my mommy?”
Gina’s probably a woman at a zoo or something where Raz was taken, Leo thought.
And they probably only gave him vegetables and fruit. I wonder what they did to
my son. Did they experiment on him, like they always want to on us? Or were
they kind and loving? He doesn’t seem afraid of us and is a caring boy. I
suppose there’s not much he can tell me. He’s too young. “No, I don’t know
her,” Leo said. “But she must be a very sweet lady to have such a beautiful boy
like you, Raz.”
“Will I see Mommy again?” Raz asked hopefully.
“We’ll see."
 "I miss Mommy."
Mikey entered the room with his video cam and quickly took footage of them all.
Then, he took the video cam back to his room and went into the kitchen to
prepare breakfast.
“Come on, guys,” Leo said, taking Raphael from Raz, and holding him tightly.
“Time to eat.” The kids followed Leo into the kitchen, and Raphael’s eyes lit
up when he saw Mikey cooking on the stove. Better be pizza, he thought. Sick of
that formula they keep feedin’ me and that kid better not go near Daddy or I’ll
hit him again. Daddy’s mine!
Chapter End Notes
     Will there be "sibling" rivalry between Raz and Raphael?
***** The beach *****
Chapter Summary
     The family return to the beach. Raphael sees a crab for the first
     time and is unimpressed. Lots of family fluff.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Leo had his hands full at the kitchen table, holding Raphael close, so he
didn’t try and steal food from his plate and ensuring the quads behaved. Taffy
sat by Leo's chair, gazing longingly at the bacon on his plate, salivating at
the tantalizing aroma and occasionally whining.
“Daddy,” Kane said. “Taffy’s hungry. Can I give him some food?”
“No,” Leo said. “He has his own food and if we do, he’ll never stop begging.”
“But he’s hungry,” Sean said. “Please, Daddy.”
“No,” Leo said. “If you want to feed him, do so at the end, but not while we’re
eating. Raz, how are you doing, buddy?”
“I’m okay, Daddy,” Raz said, spearing pancake with his fork. He sighed
wistfully and added, “But I miss Mommy.”
Raphael was watching everyone eat the delicious looking food and the smells
were driving him crazy. Want pancake, he thought. Want that pink stuff that
smells so good. Hungry. He reached over to grab a piece of bacon, but Leo was
onto him and pushed the plate away. “Bwah!” Raphael bawled, flailing his small
fists at his daddy in rage. Want that. Want that, Raphael thought. Daddy mean.
“No, Raphie,” Leo said. “You’re too small, but Daddy will get you a nice bottle
in a while and then you can go for a bath. How’s that, my sweet boy?”
“Bwwwaahhh!”
Casey laughed and said, “He’s unimpressed, Leo. Look at that pout of his. Raph
to a T. I hope if me and April have kids our baby won’t be as demanding.”
“With you as a dad, he’s bound to be,” Mikey piped up from his chair, where he
was holding Cam. “He’s just a baby, Casey, and everything looks and smells
wonderful and exciting to him. He can’t understand yet why he can have some
things, but can’t have others. And that we can eat this and he can’t. He might
also be sick of formula. Can’t blame him. I’d be too,” Mikey added pulling a
face in disgust. “That stuff is gross.”
And I always thought Uncle Mikey was stupid, Raphael thought. But he gets it.
Who’d have thought? Look at that Raz eatin’ like there’s no tomorrow. What a
pig. Ain’t fair and he better not touch Daddy. I’ll bite him! I’m Daddy’s baby.
Not him.
Leo rocked Raphael, who stopped fussing, and said, “You’re right, Mikey, but
until he’s older, formula’s what he’s getting. I’d hate him to choke.”
“When can he eat normal food?” Casey asked.
“He can be weaned off the bottle when he’s six months,” Chloe said.
“Poor dude,” Casey said. “Don’t worry, Raph. When you’re older, we’ll do lots
of fun things.”
“That don’t involve drinking and bashing people,” Leo said quickly. “And
nothing illegal.”
“Killjoy,” Casey muttered.
“Hey,” April said, changing the subject. “Why don’t we take the kids to the
beach again?”
“Great idea,” Chloe said. “What do you think, boys?”
“Yay!” the quads said in unison, and high threeing each other.
“Have you ever been to the beach, Raz?” Leo asked.
“No, Daddy. What’s a beach?”
“It’s a fun place with lots of sand and the ocean,” Leo said. “You can play in
the sand, build sandcastles and swim. Your brothers love it.”
“That sounds fun, Daddy. Will Mommy be there?” Raz asked hopefully.
“I don’t think so, buddy,” Leo said. “See, your mommy….”
“Has gone to the angels,” Mikey said. “And she wants you to be with your Daddy,
knowing you will be loved and cared for. Do you know what that means?”
Raziel scrunched up his face in confusion and shook his head. “What are angels
and why would Mommy want to be with them and not me?”
“They’re beautiful beings with wings,” Splinter said. “And your mommy was
beautiful, I bet. She wouldn’t have wanted to leave you, Raz, but sometimes
people have no choice. Don’t be sad now. You’re safe with us and we love you.”
Feeling Raz was getting too much attention, a jealous Raphael nuzzled Leo with
his beak. “Oh, yes,” Leo said. “Daddy will make you a bottle in a bit, Raphie.
But first a bath. If you’re done, Raz, you can come too.”
“Wouldn’t a bath after the beach make more sense, Leo?” Casey said.
Hah. Uncle Casey had a bright idea, Raphael thought. He struck me as dumb, so
I’m surprised. And what was that ‘bout drinkin’ and bashin’? It sounds fun.
“Oh, you’re right. In that case, let’s get you dressed,” Leo said, standing up.
“If you’re finished, come with me, boys.”
XXX
Inside the quad’s room, Leo helped dress them and found clothes that fit Raz
too. He was the same size as his younger brothers and it worried Leo
tremendously. He should have been taller. Clearly, his diet hadn’t been
nutritious enough. But with a new diet, he’ll thrive, Leo thought. And grow big
and strong. And this Gina person. I’d like to find out more about her and where
Raz comes from.
Leo told his kids to watch TV, while he went into his room, changed Raphael’s
diaper and dressed him in a blue onesie with a blue bonnet. Raphael fussed, as
the bonnet was tied around his chin, despising it, and thought, as Leo held him
up to see himself in the mirror, I look real stupid!
“Ah. You’re adorable,” Leo cooed, and smiled proudly.
Enjoy it while ya can, Daddy, Raphael thought crossly.
Mikey entered the room and grinned when he saw Raphael. “Aw, How precious,”
Mikey said, and tickled Raphael’s chin. “I have to take a photo!”
No, no, Raphael thought. Not another damn photo. Damn ya, Uncle Mikey. How can
I get outta this fix? I know...This…
“Ugh!” Leo said in revulsion, wrinkling his nose, as urine trickled down
Raphael’s legs and onto him. “I thought you were done peeing, Raphie.”
Mikey chuckled and looked at Raphael, who was gurgling happily. “I think he’s
laughing at you, dude,” Mikey said.
“Wouldn’t surprise me,” Leo said dryly. “Hold him while I find a clean pair of
shorts, Mikey.” Leo handed the baby to Mikey, who held him at arm’s length.
“He stinks, Leo!” Mikey said.
“I know, so I’m going to bath him.”
No, no, no, Raphael thought in dread. Bath. Me not want bath! No. He kicked at
Mikey and Mikey said, “I think he knows the word bath, bro.”
Dressed in clean shorts, Leo took the squawking baby and went into the
bathroom.
XXX
Raphael fussed and whined the entire time he was in the bath. Nothing would
appease him. Not even his ducky and boat and at the end, Leo felt incredibly
drained, as he carried the now clean baby into his room and placed him on the
bed, ready to diaper him. Raphael kicked out his legs, as he lay on the bed,
howling, and Leo said, placing his hands to his ear slits, “Please stop,
Raphie. I have a headache!”
Serves ya right, Raphael thought. For bathin’ me when ya know I hate it. Then,
Leo did something unexpected. He sat down on the floor, head in his hands and
wept. Why the heck is he cryin’? Raphael thought. I know I was bad, but really?
I’m sorry I’m such a failure as a daddy, a mate and a person,” Leo sobbed. “I
try my best, but it’s not good enough.”
A mate, Raphael thought. What’s that? And ya are a good daddy. I wouldn’t want
another. Don’t cry. I’m sorry.
“Maybe Mikey’d be a better daddy to you,” Leo said, standing up and drying his
eyes.
No, Raphael thought, reaching out his hands for Leo. I love ya and only want
ya. Don’t give me ta that moron, Daddy. Please don’t give up on me. I’ll be
good. Please.
“So you want Uncle Mikey?” Leo asked. “You probably don’t understand me.”
Raphael shook his head vehemently and Leo smiled. “You understand me? I wonder
what else you can understand.
More than ya think, Raphael thought, stretching out his hands.
“All right then,” Leo said, picking him up and hugging him. “I won’t. I’m sorry
I suggested it, but I was at my wit’s end, Raphie. I try my best and sometimes
I feel it’s not good enough. Come on. Let’s get you ready for the beach.”
Leo placed Raphael back down on the bed, changed him and dressed him in a
yellow onesie with a matching bonnet. Raphael didn’t protest, fearful his daddy
would change his mind and give him to Mikey. “You look so sweet, Raphie,” Leo
said, and kissed his cheek. “Let’s go join the others.”
Mikey yelled from outside the bedroom, “Leo, we’re all packed and ready to go.
Come on, bro.”
Leo gave Raphael one last tender kiss and went to join his family.
XXX
A while later, they were at the beach, Taffy included. The Malamute was running
up and down the beach, yapping excitedly and occasionally lapping at the foam
in the ocean, while the kids chased him. Leo sat on a towel, Raphael on his
lap, and Raz beside him. Raz was building a sandcastle with his plastic spade
and Cam and Raphael watched him, both wishing they could play too. Looks like
fun, Raphael thought, stretching out an emerald hand. “Can the babies play,
Daddy?” Raz asked.
“Too tiny,” Leo said. “And they’d try and eat it.”
“Oh. Okay. I love this, Daddy. I wish we could come here every day. Can we?”
“We’ll soon be going home to New York,” Splinter said.
“Does it have a beach?”
“Yes, but we can’t go there, Raziel,” Splinter said. “Because we are different
and the humans don’t like us.”
“But Mommy did. She loved me and said I was special.”
“You are special, Raziel. Never forget that and while your mommy did love you,
some humans do not and only want to harm you. Someday, you will understand.”
“And my brothers?”
“They would want to harm your brothers too.”
“I would never let that happen,” Raz said, setting his mouth in a firm line,
his sapphire eyes flashing. “They try, I hurt them. My brothers.”
Leo smiled and said, “That’s right. Let’s go see the tidal pool. You coming,
guys?” He undressed Raphael and added, “Raphie will like the pool.”
“Yes,” Splinter said, standing up.
“I’m going to catch some rays,” April said. “I need a tan. And Casey does too.
He’s too pale.”
“Yeah,” Casey said. “Have fun, dudes.”
“We’ll join you,” Chloe said, getting to her feet, Cameron in her arms. “You
coming, Mikey?”
“Absolutely.”
The family made their way down the beach and called Taffy and the quads, who
followed them to the rock pool. Taffy jumped into a rock pool, splashing
everyone. Some of the water went into Raphael’s eyes and he wailed. “It’s
okay,” Leo soothed. “Just some water. You’re going to be fine.”
The kids explored, oohing and aahing at the ocean wildlife and occasionally
bringing Leo objects to look at. Kane held a shell crab and said, “Look at
this, Daddy!”
“That’s lovely, Kane,” Leo said, as he placed Raphael in a shallow pool, while
holding him tightly from behind.
Kane beamed and went to look at something else.
A turtle appeared out of the water and sat on a rock next to Raphael, sunning
itself. Raphael reached out his hands, wanting to touch it, but Leo said, “No,
baby. You can’t. He belongs in the ocean and wouldn’t like it.”
“Ooh. A turtle!” Kieran yelled. “He looks like us, Daddy. Can we take him home?
Can we? Please.”
“Yes, please, Daddy!” Sean said.
Wanna touch, Raphael thought crossly. Silly daddy. Ignoring Leo, he stretched
out a hand and touched the turtle, who stared at him, and churred slightly, as
Raphael ran his hand down his shell. Raphael giggled and thought, I like this.
He likes me.
“Please, Daddy!” Noah begged.
“Turtles belong in the wild, kiddo,” Mikey said, bringing Cam to have a closer
look. “It wouldn’t be fair on him.”
“Can we touch him?” Noah asked.
“Be gentle,” Leo said. “And then leave him.”
The quads touched the turtle and then Cameron and Raz did. The turtle then
waved its flippers and moved away, wanting to be alone now. Raphael bawled and
stretched out his hands, wanting to touch the turtle again. “No, buddy,” Leo
said. “He wants to be alone now. Leave him be, Raphie. Don’t touch him.”
Raphael ignored him and feeling pestered, the turtle waved its flippers and
dove off into the ocean.
“The baby frightened the turtle,” Kane said, and glared at Raphael. “Nice
going, Raphie! Stupid baby.”
“He’s not stupid,” Raz said. “He just wanted to touch him.”
“He’s my brother and I’ll call him stupid if I want to!” Kane yelled, raising a
fist.
“Stop,” Splinter said calmly, placing paws on their shoulders. “You are both
his brothers and Raziel is right. Raphael isn’t stupid. Don’t ever call him
that, Kane. It’s not nice. You don’t like being called that, do you?”
“No, Grandpa.”
“Then don’t do it again and be nice to Raziel. You are brothers and shouldn’t
fight.”
“I’m sorry, Raz,” Kane said.
“Okay,” Raz said, moving to a different area. He picked up something andran
back to Leo. “Look what I found, Daddy.”
“Put him back, Raz,” Leo said. “The crab doesn’t want to be held.”
“I just want to show Raphie. Look, Raphie.”
Raphael looked at the crab, waving its pincers and moved his head to get a
closer look. The crab stared at him, and stretching out its pincers, pulled
Raphael’s snout, causing him to shriek and look for his daddy. Leo picked him
up and cradled the sobbing baby to his plastron. “It’s okay, Raphie. You’re
safe,” Leo said. “Daddy has you.”
“I’m sorry, Daddy,” Raz said, tears streaming down his cheeks. “I just wanted
to show the baby.” He dropped the crab, which scuttled into the ocean and hid
under a rock.
“It’s all right, Raz. You didn’t know it’d pinch, Raphie,” Leo said, and kissed
a still sobbing Raphael’s beak.
“Is he okay?”
“He’ll be fine.”
“Poor Raphie,” Kieran said. “His nose is all red.”
“Big booboo,” Kane said. “I will kiss it better, Raphie.”
Leo smiled and said, “That’s sweet, Kane, but he’s all right.”
“I think we’ve had enough excitement for one day,” Chloe said. “And I’m not
feeling very well. Would you mind if we go home?”
“No, my dear,” Splinter said. “I feel tired too. Must be the heat. I do hope
you’ll be fine.”
“Yes. Probably the heat, Dad,” Chloe said.
The gang went back to April and Casey, packed up, climbed into the van and
headed home, Raphael on Leo’s lap. He glared at Raz, who sat beside Leo, and
thought, I hate ya. Ya gave me a booboo. I ain’t gonna forgive or forget. From
now on, this is war.
 
 
 
Chapter End Notes
     A\N Thanks for all your reviews and kudos. Raphie really is a demon
     at times lol.
     Wow, the same little troll trolled me again, thinking he/she has
     upset me. You haven't. Only just fuelled my desire to continue
     writing. High kudos to you, pal. Just for you I'll have at least
     three more updates tomorrow. Who knows, maybe the guys will have an
     anonymous bully as well, who likes to put people down!
***** Raphael's dark secret *****
Chapter Summary
     Raphael tells Leo a secret that he's been keeping,
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
FLASH FORWARD: FOUR YEARS IN THE FUTURE: APRIL 13
Three-year-old Raphael scowled, as Leo dressed him in his blue Batman T-shirt
and matching shorts. “Don’t wanna go out, Daddy,” he muttered for the tenth
time that morning. “Hate school. Hate teachers. They hate me.”
“No, they don’t. They adore you.”
“Bullshit.”
“Excuse me. You know I dislike bad language. Who taught you that?”
“Uncle Casey.”
“Figures,” Leo said dryly. “Might have known. No more bad language, Raphael.”
“Ya mean like fuck and shit?” Raphael said with a smirk, his golden eyes
twinkling.
“Exactly that. I’m tired of apologizing to the teachers and the kids for your
behavior.”
“Then let me stay home! Just because we can go ta school now that we mutants
have rights, Daddy, doesn’t mean they like us. They hate us and call us
freaks.”
Leo sighed and bent down. “I know it’s rough, Raphie, but you have to go to
school.”
“Ya don’t know ‘nothin’. Ya just go ta work and I’m stuck there and ya don’t
understand how I feel.”
Raphael was only three, but his vocabulary and speech was far more advanced
than most kids his age, because Leo read to him and encouraged him to read.
“I get the same treatment, Raphie, but I just focus on my job, which brings
home the money I need to feed you all. Your job is to go to school and today’s
a special day.”
“Yeah. It’s the fuckin’ bitch Mrs Crump’s last day.”
“Language, Raphael!” Leo admonished, rising to his feet. “You don’t see your
brothers and Mikey’s kids behaving badly.”
“Raziel has a stick up his ass and the others do too. They’re borin’. Least I
have a personality and can have fun. That’s why I’m yer favorite, Daddy. I got
attitude.”
“Raphael, I said stop cussing! And I don’t have favorites.”
“Yeah, ya do. I am. Admit it. I’m yer baby and favorite. Say it, Daddy, and
I’ll be a good boy today.”
“All right. You’re my favorite!”
“I knew it!” Raphael declared triumphantly, his golden eyes shining in
happiness. “So, because I’m yer favorite, does that mean I can get a pet?” he
asked, turning puppy dog eyes on his daddy.
“You have Taffy and he loves you.”
“Yeah, but I want a horsey.”
“Raphael, we don’t have space in our house for a horse. We’ve been over this.”
“So we get a bigger house. Easy.”
“We can’t afford a bigger one, Raphie. We have to go or we’ll be late for
school. Come on. Today’s going to be fun. It’s the Easter hunt. You should be
excited.”
“I’d rather a pony,” Raphael huffed, crossing his arms.
“Get a move on and stop looking so angry.”
“I am angry. Please let me stay home. It’s just gonna be paintin’, lookin’ for
eggs and I hate it.”
Leo went through this every morning and by the time he got to the dojo, where
he taught ninjitsu, he was emotionally drained. It always ended in him bribing
his son. “Ten bucks if you go to school.”
“Twenty.”
“Fifteen.”
“Twenty. Take it or leave it.”
“You drive a hard bargain, Raphie. Deal.”
“I know. Heh. And call me Raph at school. It makes me sound tougher.”
“Oh, I get it. You want the ladies to like you,” Leo teased.
“No! No. Ya know I don’t like girls. They suck! I just prefer Raph. I ain’t a
baby no more, Daddy. I’m a big boy!”
“But you said you were my baby.”
“I am. I just don’t wanna be called Raphie at school. It’s a baby’s name.
Raph’s better.”
“All right, Raph.”
Raphael beamed and said, “Thank ya. I’ll behave today, Daddy. Is Daddy Don
gonna be at school too ta see the hunt?”
“No. He’s still in California.”
“Good. I hope he stays there.”
“Raphael…..”
“He makes ya sad, Daddy, and ya fight. That makes me sad. Ya don’t want me sad,
do ya?”
“Of course not. You’re my takara.”
“Then tell Daddy Don we don’t need him. Ain’t like he likes me anyway. Will ya
do that, Daddy?”
“It’s complicated, Raphie. See, me and Don are married and we have kids and
there’s still love.”
“What love, Daddy? All ya two do is fight and he smacks ya with his fists. I
hate him. I fuckin’ hate him. One day I’m gonna smack him back.”
“It’s not like that, Raphie, and it’s complicated.”
Raphael debated for a moment whether to tell his dad something he’d been
keeping secret and thought, no. Ain’t gonna tell. Daddy Don will hurt Daddy if
I do. Gotta keep quiet.
Noah ran into the room and said, “We’re going to be late. Come on!”
Leo drove the kids to school and thought, maybe Raphie’s right and Don and I
need to break up. I’ll talk to Don when he gets back.
XXXX
Leo watched the kids hunt for Easter eggs and listened to their laughter and
chatter. It warmed his heart, but while Raphael looked for eggs, there was no
smile upon his face and he was strangely quiet, which bothered Leo. “Good job,
Raph,” Leo called. “Your basket’s filling nicely. You okay, buddy? You look
down.”
“Fine, Daddy,” Raphael lied, as he searched under a bush and emerged, holding a
purple wrapped egg. He placed it in his basket and continued searching.
“Good job, Raphie!” Lucy, a red haired and blue-eyed-six-year-old girl gushed.
“Your basket’s almost full.”
Raphael rolled his eyes and said, “It’s Raph!”
“I like Raphie better.”
“I like Raph.”
“Want to come play at my house later?”
“No.”
“But we’re friends.”
“I don’t wanna be yer friend,” Raphael shouted, making Lucy’s eyes brim with
tears.
“What’s going on?” Leo called.
“Lucy’s bein’ a pain,” Raphael said and stalked off.
Leo sighed and went up to the weeping girl. “It’s okay,” he said.
“Raphie hates me and I love him.”
“He doesn’t hate you, Lucy.”
“Yes, he does. He calls me names and says I’m dumb and…”
“Boys do that when they like girls.”
“Huh? So Raphie actually likes me.”
“I think so.”
Lucy ran off, found Raphael and planted a kiss on the stunned boy’s cheek. “I
love you, Raphie,” she said. “I know you love me too.”
Infuriated and embarrassed, Raphael set his basket down, wiped his cheek and
snarled, “I hate ya! I hate this place and all of ya and I hate Daddy Don!”
Then he ran into the little Wendy house on the property and locked the door
behind him.
Leo knocked on the door and said, “Raph.”
“Go away.”
“No. What’s going on, Raph? You’re so quiet and when you’re not, you’re mad.
Has something happened?”
“I can’t tell ya.”
“Why?”
“It’s a secret and he’ll hurt me.”
Mrs Crump approached Leo and said, “Mr. Hamato, is Raphael all right?”
“I don’t know. He’s locked himself in there and won’t come out or talk to me. I
don’t know what’s going on. He’s often so angry and he’s not himself. I…”
“Do you think it’s possible he’s being abused, Mr. Hamato?”
“By whom?”
“Do you know of anyone who’d want to harm your son?”
Leo shook his head and said, “My husband had a fierce hatred of Raphael, but
now he gets on with him.”
“Raphael,” Mrs Crump said gently. “It’s Mrs Crump.”
“Go away!”
“I will not. I’m not mad at you for upsetting Lucy. I just want to talk to you.
Will you open the door?”
“No. Yer lyin’ and will hurt me.”
“I swear I won’t, Raphael.”
“He said that too and then he did it again.”
“Who, Raphael?”
“I can’t say, because he’ll hurt Daddy.”
Mrs Crump sent the other kids inside, returned to Leonardo and said, “No one
will hurt your daddy, Raphael. Isn’t that right, Mr. Hamato?”
“Daddy Don does,” Raphael said. “He and Daddy fight.”
“It’s not like that,” Leo insisted.
“It is!” Raphael yelled. “He hits ya and then he….When yer sleepin’, he touches
my peepee and tells me ta say nothin’ or he’ll hurt ya.”
Leo winced, like he’d been kicked in the gut, and his blood boiled, as he
thought of his precious son being violated. “When did he start, Raphie?” Leo
asked gently.
“I don’t know,” Raphael sobbed. “He touched me and rubbed his peepee against my
peepee and put his peepee in me. I cried, Daddy. It hurt so bad and he called
me a baby. I’m scared he’ll hurt me again and ya.”
“You’re safe, Raphie. I’m here and that’s never going to happen again. I
promise. Did Daddy Don do anything else?”
“He put his finger in me too. It all hurt Daddy and I didn’t like it,” Raphael
wept.
Leo clenched his jaw and said, “I’m so sorry, Raphie. I am. I should have
protected you, but from now on you’ll be safe. Daddy Don won’ t be coming home
again. I promise. Open the door.”
Raphael did, tears streaming down his face. Leo picked him up and Raphael
nuzzled his beak into the crook of Leo’s neck and said, “Thank ya, Daddy. He
scares me. “
“Has he hurt your brothers?”
“He hurt Raz and made Raz promise not ta tell anyone. He also said no one would
believe us and we’d be taken away from ya. I don’t wanna leave ya, Daddy.”
“You won’t leave me, sweetheart. You won’t and neither will your brothers.”
“I’m so sorry, Raphael,” Mrs Crump said. “You poor soul.”
“What’s gonna happen ta Daddy Don?” Raphael asked.
“You’ll have to talk to the cops, Raph,” Leo said. “And they’ll ask questions
and then Daddy Don will go to prison where he belongs. Can you talk to the
cops, Raph?”
“Yeah. Will ya be with me, Daddy?”
“Of course. Let’s go inside and go home.”
XXXX
They went inside and saw that the other kids had gone home. Leo carried Raphael
into the lounge and said to his other sons, who were watching TV, “Has Daddy
Don touched any of you? Speak up. I promise you it’s okay and he won’t hurt you
again.”
Six-year-old Raziel looked up, his lower lip trembling, and said, “I saw him
touch Raphie and he did what he did to Raphie to me too. He said he’d hurt my
other brothers and you, Daddy, if I said anything. I’m sorry, Daddy. I was
really scared.”
“I saw nothing,” Six-year-old Kane said, “But if I had, I’d have smashed his
face in. No one hurts my family and lives to tell the tale.”
“Same here,” Noah, Kieran and Sean said in unison.
“Raphie and Raz are our brothers and our job’s to protect them,” Noah said.
“It’s okay,” Leo said. “I understand you were scared. Daddy Don can be really
mean, but things are going to be different now. Daddy Don’s not coming back.
Not ever. “
“That’s right,” Mrs Crump said. “You’re all safe.”
XXX
Leo left the school with his kids, went to the police station and told them
what Don had done and, after questioning Raphael and the others, the cops were
satisfied that they’d been told the truth and issued a warrant for Don’s
arrest, both in California and New York.
The olive skinned turtle was about to board his plane back to New York the next
day, when he was stopped by security. “Mr. Hamato, I want you to come with us,”
the man said.
“What the hell for?” Don demanded.
“You’re under arrest for pedophilia and the defilement of minors!”
“What? Are you fucking insane?” Don yelled. “I’d never hurt anyone.”
“Yeah. That’s what they all say,” the man said and led Don into a room, where
after being interrogated for six hours, he broke down and said, “All right. I
defiled the little shits, but it was their fucking fault. They wagged their
cute, little tails and were teasing me. I don’t regret it one iota. Little
bastards deserved it and they loved it, despite what they say and when I get
out, I’ll do it again!”
XXX
Three days later, on Easter Sunday, Leo watched his kids search for eggs in the
garden and this time, satisfied that he was safe from Don, Raphael was laughing
and smiling and joking with his brothers, as he filled his basket. When he was
finished, he ran up to Leo and said, “Daddy, we’re all done. Any more news on
Daddy Don?”
“Just that he’s arrived in New York and he’ll be spending the next twenty years
in prison. You’re safe, Raphie.”
Raphael grinned and said, “Twenty years is a long time. By then I’ll be big and
I can protect ya, Daddy, and I’ll be a ninja just like ya.”
Leo patted his head and said, “Yes, my sweet boy. Let’s go inside. Uncle
Mikey’s cooked roast lamb.”
“Good. I’m starvin’,” Raphael said and scampered inside.
Leo followed him and thought, Don’s gone. I wish I could cut off that fucking
bastard’s cock, so he doesn’t hurt anyone else. It’s going to take time for
Raphie and Raz to recover both emotionally and mentally and it’s my fucking
fault. I should never have left the kids alone with Don. I’ll never forgive
myself for as long as I live.
Chapter End Notes
     A/N Thanks for all the kudos and reviews :)
     Happy Easter, everyone :)
     Update: Raz is six, but turning seven in July and the quads have just
     turned six. Raphael is four in August.
***** Mona's proposal *****
Chapter Summary
     Mona has a proposal for Leo.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
When Leo and the gang arrived home, they were surprised to see a motorbike
parked in the front yard, Karai standing next to it, her helmet in her hands.
Her dark hair had grown since the last time Leo had seen her, which was two
years earlier, and hung in a thick braid down her back. Her brown eyes sparkled
and her lips were painted red and curved up into a smile. “Hey, guys,” she
said. “Been ages. Leo, you’re looking good and wow, are those the quads? They
sure have grown, but who are those two? And why are Raphael and Donnie missing?
Are they dead? The baby you’re holding looks like Raphael, but ...I’m so
confused.”
Before Leo could comment, the gang pounced on her and hugged her tightly and
when they were done, Karai laughed and said, “I missed you all too.”
“Good to see you,” Leo said, having a flashback to the last time he’d seen her,
shortly after the quads’ birth. She’d told him he was a moron for being with
Donnie when it was obvious that he still loved Raphael and he was making a huge
mistake. Leo had told her to butt out and the next day she’d left for Japan.
"Come inside.”
“So glad you’re back,” Mikey said, when they’d all gone to the lounge and the
quads, Raz and Raphael had been introduced to Karai and they were settled on
the sofas. Leo took one sofa, Raphael on his lap, Raz next to him and Karai on
the other side. Raphael jealously eyed Raz and clung to Leo possessively,
occasionally looking around and glaring at Karai, seeing her as a new threat to
his bond with Leo. Karai smiled at him and Raphael scowled, sticking out his
lower lip.
Don’t like new woman, Raphael thought. Hate her. My Daddy! My Daddy! She better
stay away from him.
The quads played happily on the floor with their toys, while the adults
chatted. “I’m glad you’re here, Karai,” April said. “It’s been eons.”
“Thank you for inviting me, April.” Her brown eyes settled on Leo and she
added, “And you, Leo. We didn’t exactly part on the best terms. I am sorry
about that.”
“You were only looking out for me, Karai. No need to apologize. We’re good.”
“I’ll go make dinner,” Chloe said, handing Cam to Mikey.
“Let me help,” Casey said to April’s surprise. “What?” he said, taking in her
expression. “I want to learn how to cook, so if you’re tired, I can help out.”
“That’s sweet, Case,” April said. “I just hope you don’t burn the kitchen down
like Leo!”
Leo flushed and said, “That only happened once.”
“Once too many!”
The others laughed and Chloe said, as she led Casey to the kitchen, “Dinner
should be ready in an hour.”
Feeling ignored, Raphael whined, making Leo’s attention instantly turn to him.
“You okay, buddy?” he asked. “Is it your arm? Raphie?”
Daddy’s attention on him, Raphael nuzzled into Leo’s plastron and cooed. “He’s
fine, Leo,” Karai said. “Nothing wrong with him. Probably just wanted
attention. Babies are like that.”
“And since when are you an expert on babies, Karai?” Leo asked and planted a
soft kiss on the top of Raphael’s head.
“I’m not, but I know kids seek attention and Raphael always sought it from you
any chance he could get. Why do you think he second guessed you all the time?
Because he actually didn’t agree? No, he just wanted your attention and when he
got it, he was over the moon. Tried to hide it by being pissed at you, but I
called him out on it once and he admitted that. Is baby Raphael yours, Leo? You
didn’t say.”
Mikey piped up and said, “No. Raph was turned into an egg and he hatched and
this is him.”
“Who would do that?” Karai asked. “And why?”
“Bishop did and Don might have had a role in it.”
“I know Don loved Leo, but would he stoop so low?”
“I think so,” Leo said. “Which is one of the reasons Don was banished. And
because he was harming Raphie and he cheated on me with Leatherhead.”
“The alligator? Ew!” Karai said, wrinkling her nose in disgust. “I don’t get
it. Why would he do that when he had you, Leo?”
“Apparently, I wasn’t paying him enough attention,” Leo said bitterly.
“But you have your hands full with quads and now two more. Wait, whose kid is
Raz’s?”
“Mine and Raph’s and it’s a long story.”
“I have time.”
“Let’s go help with dinner, Mikey,” April said. “You and Karai can catch up,
Leo.”
“Okay,” Mikey said and followed her to the kitchen.
Just as Leo was about to tell his story, a knock sounded on the front door. Leo
stood up, cradling Raphael to his plastron, and said, “I’ll be right back.”
Opening the door, Leo audibly gasped when he saw Mona Lisa. The Salamandrian
smiled and said, “Hi, Leo. April invited me to come and stay. He’s cute? Is
this baby yours? He looks a lot like Raphael.”
“That’s because he is Raphael, Mona. It’s a long story. Come in. You staying
long?” Leo asked and couldn’t help smiling. He’d always liked her and they’d
been close.
“Week,” Mona said, as she followed Leo inside.
“Aunty Mona!” the quads screamed, rushing to her and hugging her tightly around
the legs.
Mona patted their heads and said, “I missed you too, boys. Oh, who is that
cutie on the couch? Oh, hi, Karai. Didn’t know you were coming. I’d have stayed
away had I known!”
Raz smiled shyly and said, “I’m Raz.”
“Mona,” Karai said bitterly, standing up. “If you’re staying….”
“He’s mine and Raph’s,” Leo said. “And you don’t have to leave, Karai. You just
got here.”
“If I’d known she was coming, I wouldn’t have come!” Karai shrieked. “April
knows we fucking hate one another.”
“Aunty Karai said a bad word,” Kane said, looking up from Mona’s side and
gazing at Karai. “She bad.”
Who is this Mona, Raphael wondered? And why does Daddy look so happy ta see
her? Is she gonna steal him away from me? Better not try!
“It’s not….”Mona began, but Karai, muttering obscenities, stomped past everyone
and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
Leo sighed, but before he could comment, Mikey entered the lounge and said,
“Did I hear yelling? Whoa, Mona. I wasn’t expecting you, chick, and that
explains the door slamming. Karai left.”
“Yes. I’m sorry, Mikey. I didn’t know she was coming. If I had, I’d have stayed
away. You know how much I hate conflict. Perhaps I should leave too.”
“Don’t,” Leo said quickly. “You just got here. I’ll talk to Karai and maybe you
guys can sort something out.”
“I doubt it, Leo, but thanks. Karai still thinks I have the hots for you and I
could see she does.”
“You guys would be cool together,” Mikey said, making Leo and Mona blush. Mikey
laughed and added, “Of course that’s hypothetical, because Leo’s gay.”
“Haven’t you somewhere you need to be, Mikey?” Leo asked crossly.
“Yeah. See you guys for dinner,” Mikey said, and added with a wink. “But you
would make cute babies.”
Mona ducked her head and winced at the statement, knowing that wasn’t possible,
because she was barren. “Mikey!” Leo scolded. “You know Mona can’t have
babies.”
“I’m sorry I forgot. I didn’t mean to upset you, Mona. Honest.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Mona said, her face still lowered and streaked with
tears. She’d always wanted kids and seeing Leo with his made her heart ache,
although she was glad for him, because she knew that parenthood was also what
he’d most desired.
“Later,” Mikey said and beat a retreat.
“Sorry about him, Mona,” Leo said. “Please come and sit down and let’s catch
up.”
“It’s all right, Leo,” Mona said, extricating herself from the quads, who still
clung to her, and moving to a couch. She smiled at Raz, as she sat down and did
the same to Raphael, but he chose to glower, still distrusting the “funny
looking woman.”
The quads resumed playing with their toys and Leo sat down, Raphael on his lap.
“So,” Leo said. “How is life back home, Mona? Met anyone?”
“We’ve been attacked by the Triceratons, but nothing we couldn’t handle. And
there was someone, but my feelings were not the same for him, as those he had
for me and I ended it.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. It wouldn’t have worked out anyway.”
“How come?”
“You know the answer, Leo,” Mona said softly, gazing at him intently.
What is she talkin’ bout, Raphael wondered?
“So,” Leo said, changing the subject. “Don’s banished, because he cheated on
me, had Raphael changed into a baby, harmed him and he also lied to me and Raph
and said our baby died. I still have hope that we’ll find a cure for Raph.
Casey found him as an egg at Bishop’s place and he hatched on August twelfth.
All that, because Don was afraid Raph would win me back.”
“I can’t believe that. Don seems so mild mannered.”
“Yeah. Was a shock to me too. Raising Raph as my son isn’t easy. I get these
flashbacks of us all the time.”
“I could raise him as mine, Leo. I don’t mind.”
“No! I love him and I will raise him as mine. I’m just saying it’s weird.
That’s all.”
“I can understand that. What if there’s no cure?”
“Then he’ll remain my son.”
“And what about your feelings for him, Leo? You’d have to quash them, because
by the time he’s a teen, you’ll be thirty and not to mention you’re his dad.
Adopted, but still. It’d be wrong.”
“I know.”
“Can you do that?”
“I don’t know. I guess.”
“And Don? Will you take him back?”
“No! I’m done with relationships. I just want to raise my kids. That’s all.”
“But you’ll need help.”
“I have help.”
“Hand me Raphael.”
“He’ll fuss.”
“Don’t be possessive, Leo. Just hand me the baby.”
“I’m warning you. He doesn’t like strangers.”
“Hand me the baby, Leo!”
Leo got up and handed her the baby, Raphael squawking angrily, as he was placed
in Mona’s arms, golden eyes blazing. “Told you,” Leo said.
“Sh,” Mona said, looking at Raphael tenderly, her heart overflowing with love,
as she began to rock him. Raphael reluctantly cooed, feeling safe and loved, as
Mona kissed his beak. “He’s beautiful. Absolutely exquisite. Look at his tiny
fingers and toes. So precious. Hard to believe he’ll grow up and be brash and
rude.”
“You’re a natural with him,” Leo said in awe. “Raph usually screams his head
off. “He must like you.”
“And I like him,” Mona said and kissed Raphael’s beak again. “He always was
gorgeous, but not as gorgeous as you, Leo. You were and are the sexiest guy
alive.”
Leo blushed and said, “That’s sweet, Mona, but…”
“But nothing. It’s true. I still love you, Leo, and if there is no cure for
Raph, I have a proposition.”
“Which is?”
“I so badly want kids and you need a mom for them. Let’s marry and make that
happen.”
Leo’s jaw dropped at the unexpected proposal and Raphael thought, as he
continued gurgling, I like her, but he’s still my Daddy and mine alone!
Chapter End Notes
     A/N Will Leo accept Mona's proposal? Will Karai return?
***** Father's Day: A near tragedy *****
Chapter Summary
     Set five years in the future. The brothers prank Raphael after he
     breaks Sean's model airplane and the prank goes horribly awry.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
FLASH FORWARD: FIVE YEARS. FATHER’S DAY
Four-year-old Raphael stared up at the model airplane on the top shelf of
Sean’s bookshelf, his golden eyes wide in fascination and thought, I wanna play
with it. His brothers had each been given an Eitech Construction set as
Christmas presents from Casey and April. Raphael, being deemed too young, even
though, he was only three and two years younger than the others, had received a
stuffed bear toy, which he’d immediately kicked in frustration and rage,
incensed he was being treated like a baby. The airplane, which Leo had helped
Sean construct, had a wingspan of 18 inches, a length of 17. 5 inches, a height
of 4.5 inches to destinations all over the world and a stand that provided a
perfect parking spot for it. It was built of steel and Raphael thought it the
best thing ever. Raphael was forbidden from playing with his brothers’ toys,
because he had a nasty habit of being too rough and he always ended up breaking
them. The other brothers hid their airplanes away, but Sean had chosen not to,
proudly displaying it. His brothers were watching TV, and seeing them
distracted, Raphael had sneaked into the quads’ room.
Raphael climbed onto a chair and reached up for the airplane, but he was too
short. He frowned, wrinkling his forehead in thought and said, “How am I gonna
get it?” An idea came to him, and after picking up Noah’s baseball bat, he
stood up on the chair and poked the airplane closer until it fell off the shell
and landed on the ground. Climbing down off of the chair, a thrilled Raphael
discarded the baseball bat and picked up the plane. Yay. I have it, he thought,
his golden eyes shining, as he ran his fingers over it. His joy turned to
dismay when he saw that the fall had caused one of the wings to break off.
Sean’s gonna kill me, he thought. What am I gonna do?
Raphael heard footsteps and quickly hid the plane behind his back. “What are
you doing in my room, Raphie?” Sean demanded. “You know you’re not allowed in
here unless we say.”
“Nothin’,” Raphael muttered and shuffled his feet nervously.
“Don’t believe you. What have you got behind your back?”
“Nothin’.”
Disbelieving him, Sean studied his room, checking that everything was in place,
and not seeing his plane, he snapped, “You have my plane don’t you, Raphie?
Give it to me now!”
His lower lip quivering and his eyes brimming with tears, Raphael handed over
the plane and said, “I didn’t mean ta break it. Steel ain’t supposed ta break.
I just wanted ta play with it.”
“Naughty Raphie,” Noah piped up, entering the room, flanked by the other boys.
They’d heard the arguing and had come to investigate.
“I told you no. I worked so hard on it and you broke it. How could you,
Raphie?” Sean yelled. “You’re a bad kid and I don’t…You’re not my brother
anymore and I hate you!”
 
Tears ran down Raphael’s cheeks, as he ran out of the room and, not looking
where he was going, he collided with Mona, who’d been woken by the yelling.
“Whoa,” she said. “What’s wrong, Raphie? Stop.”
“Mommy, I broke Sean’s plane and he’s mad at me,” Raphael wailed.
“Why did you do that, baby?”
“I just wanted ta play with it and I didn’t mean ta. And he said he hates me
and I’m not his brother no more.”
“There, there, Raphie,” Mona said, picking him up and hugging him tightly.
“It’s okay. Sean was just mad and didn’t mean it. He still loves you.”
“Really?” Raphael asked, golden eyes gazing intently into her brown ones.
“Yes, my baby. People often say things they don’t mean when they’re mad and
it’s not the end of the world. We can get some glue to fix his plane and if
that doesn’t work, I’ll buy him a new one, okay? Stop crying, my love.”
Raphael sniffled and said, “When’s Daddy gonna get back?”
“Later this afternoon, my love. Why don’t we get some cookies and milk? That
always makes me feel better.”
“Okay, Mommy,” Raphael said and wiped the tears away with the back of his hand.
“Love you, sweetheart. Everything’s going to be okay,” Mona said, and went into
the kitchen.
XXX
Meanwhile, Sean was talking to the others. “I’m so sick of Raphie breaking our
toys. We need to teach him a lesson.”
“I’m sure he’s sorry,” Raz said. “Let it go, Sean.”
“I will not! I worked so hard on this. Raz, if you don’t want to be a part of
it, leave now. But he also broke your toys and he’ll continue doing so unless
he’s taught a lesson.”
“As long as he’s not hurt,” Kane said. “He won’t be, will he?”
“No,” Sean said. “Daddy takes pills when he can’t sleep, so we get some, put it
in Raphie’s milk and when he’s asleep, we paint his shell pink and put make up
on him. And take a photo! Raphie will be so embarrassed and he’ll never play
with our stuff again. See, Raz, he won’t get hurt. So, who’s in?”
“I guess he does deserve it,” Raz said. “You have my vote.”
The other boys also consented and Sean beamed. “I’ll get the pills. This is
going to be so much fun.”
XXXX
A short time later, Sean had the pills, which were hidden in his obi, and he
joined his brothers, who were now in the kitchen, also having milk and cookies.
“Raphael’s sorry about earlier, Sean,” Mona said. “He didn’t mean to break it
and I’ll help you fix your plane and if that doesn’t work, I’ll buy you a new
one.”
“Yeah. I’m sorry, Sean,” Raphael said. “Didn’t mean ta.”
“It’s okay. Mommy will fix it. Don’t worry. Just don’t touch my stuff again.”
“I won’t. Are we still brothers?”
“Of course, Raphie. I was just mad.”
Raphael beamed and said, “I promise I’ll never touch yer stuff again.”
Mona smiled at the brothers making peace, but before she could comment, her
phone rang and she said, “I have to take this. Can you boys play nicely for a
while? If you need anything, Grandpa’s in his bedroom.”
“Yes, Mommy,” Kane piped up.
“Good boys.”
Noah left the room and pushed a chair against Mona’s bedroom door, so she was
barricaded in and then he returned to the kitchen.
“Hey, Raphie, want some more milk?” Kane asked, looking at his empty cup.
“Please.”
Kane picked up the milk carton on the table, poured him another cup and said,
“Hey, look, there’s a bug over there!”
Raphael shrieked in terror, his eyes wide in panic, and dove under the table.
While he was distracted, Sean crushed four tablets with a spoon and placed the
powder into the cup. “It’s gone, Raphie,” Raz said. “Just a spider.”
“Ya sure?” Raphael asked, trembling.
“Yeah,” Noah said. “You’re safe.”
Stifling their giggles, the brothers watched as Raphael sat up and anxiously
glanced around, checking that the bug was indeed gone. Then, reassured, Raphael
picked up his cup and slowly drank the milk down.
“I feel funny,” Raphael announced a few minutes later, his head fuzzy. “Tired.”
“Let’s get you to bed, Raphie,” Noah said, and chuckled. “Go get the paints,
guys.”
XXX
Kane got the paints, while the others dragged Raphael to his bedroom. Then,
they swiftly painted the now passed out Raphael’s shell bright pink with yellow
hearts. Giggling, Sean grabbed a tube of Mona’s lipstick, also bright pink,
that’d he’d stolen to prank his brothers, and smeared Raphael’s lips with it.
“He’s so pretty,” Kane said and laughed.
“You sure he’s okay?” Raz asked.
“He’s just sleeping,” Noah said. “He’ll be fine. Let me do his cheeks.” Noah
took the lipstick and drew pink hearts on Raphael’s cheeks. Then, the boys
stood back and surveyed their handiwork. It had taken ten minutes to do
everything.
“Photo time,” Kane said.
Before anyone could comment, Leo’s voice rang out. “Boys, I’m home.”
“Daddy’s home,” Noah said fearfully.
“He’s gonna be mad,” Kane said.
“We were just playing,” Sean said. “He’ll think it funny. Wake up, Raphie.
Quick. Daddy’s home. Raphie?”
“Boys!” Leo called again.
“I don’t think he’s asleep,” Noah said worriedly. “What if he’s dead?”
XXX
Mona, now off the phone, demanded to be let out of the bedroom. “Who locked you
in there, Mona?” Leo asked, pushing back the chair and letting her out.
“Must have been one of the kids as a joke.”
“Not funny. I’m going to talk to them!” Leo said crossly, and followed by Mona,
went in search of them.
XXX
Finding his sons in Raphael’s bedroom, Leo said, “There you are. I was looking
for you.”
“Raphie’s dead!” Raz said, tears streaming down his cheeks. “He won’t wake up,
Daddy.”
“What happened?” Mona asked.
Leo knelt down by Raphael’s prone body, taking in his “makeover”, and checked
his pulse. “Shit. Nothing.” Leo began to frantically perform CPR, praying it
worked.
“Is he dead?” Sean asked. “My fault.”
Leo didn’t answer and pressed down on Raphael’s tiny body, his own heart
hammering and dread bubbling in his belly at the thought of losing his precious
boy. What could have happened for this to happen to Raphael?”
Five minutes later, Raphael opened his eyes and said weakly, “Daddy?”
“I’m here, baby,” Leo said, and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Daddy’s here.
You’re going to be all right, my sweet boy. Let’s get you in bed, okay, but I
don’t want you to fall asleep. Try to stay awake, okay?”
“Okay, Daddy,” Raphael said, as Leo picked him up. “I’m glad yer here, Daddy. I
missed ya.”
Leo placed Raphael into his bed and covered him up. Then, leaving Mona by his
bedside, he went over to the other boys and furiously demanded, his arms
crossed and his sapphire eyes stony, “What happened to Raphie? And why is he
made up like a girl? You have some explaining to do.”
“It was Sean’s idea,” Noah said. “But we all agreed.”
“To kill your brother?” Leo asked crossly.
Five sets of eyes gazed up at him and Sean said tearfully, “No. Raphie broke my
plane and I was mad, so I took your sleeping pills and put them in his milk. I
hoped he’d fall asleep and we could make him look like a girl to teach him a
lesson, so he’d stop breaking and touching our stuff. We didn’t know that would
happen, Daddy. I’m sorry.”
“You should be,” Leo hissed, secretly resolving to hide his pills away and also
to get child proof bottles. “He nearly died. You’re all grounded. No TV, no
video games and computer for a week and you can go to bed early. Straight after
supper.”
“Yes, Daddy,” the brothers said in unison.
“Is Raphie going to be okay, Daddy?” Raz asked.
“I hope so. Now, get out of my sight.”
The boys fled and Leo went to Raphael’s bedside and said, “Hey, my darling boy.
How are you feelin?”
“Tired, Daddy.”
“I know, my sweetheart, but you mustn’t sleep now. Daddy’s going to sit and
talk to you.”
“Daddy’s it’s Father’s Day. I didn’t give ya my present yet.”
Leo grabbed a couple of tissues and blotted off Mona’s lipstick from Raphael’s
lips. Then he said, “Yes, you did.”
“I did?”
“You. You’re the best gift, my special boy. I couldn’t have asked for a more
wonderful son. I love you, Raphie.”
“And I love you too, Raphael,” Mona said.
Raphael smiled and said, “I love ya too, Daddy and Mommy.”
The trio chatted until Leo deemed it was safe for Raphael to sleep. Then,
watching Raphael’s little plastron rise and fall, as he slept, Leo thought, I’m
so grateful he’s all right. I don’t know what I’d do without my miracle baby,
the light of my love. I love all of my babies, but if I have to be honest, I
love him most and his death would have killed me. Sleep well, my angel, Raphie,
and know that Daddy loves you so very much.
Chapter End Notes
     A/N Happy Father's Day to all the awesome dads.
     A/N Anyone seen the new episodes? I don't ship Ramona, still wish
     Raph would date Alopex and Mona goes back to her planet. But aside
     from that, I did love Raph's grin. He's a sweetheart and thank
     goodness for fan fiction!
     I wonder what Rise of the Turtles will be like. Will Raph be paired
     with mona again or will it be Alopex or someone else? And are the
     2012 voice cast returning? I just can't imagine the Turtles without
     Rob. Maybe he'll reprise Raph :)
***** The deal *****
Chapter Summary
     Leo gives Mona his answer.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Back in the present, August 23, Leo finally composed himself and said, “Mona,
this is so sudden and you know my feelings for you have ever only been strictly
platonic. I can’t love you the way you want and being in close proximity to me
would be hard on you. Seeing me and knowing your love will never be returned. I
can’t do that to you.”
“But it’s my only hope at being a mommy.”
“Surely not. They have orphanages on your planet. You could adopt. I’m
flattered, but it wouldn’t work out.”
“Is it because you like Karai?” Mona asked jealously.
“Karai? Of course not. She’s just a friend.”
Raphael fussed in her arms and Mona kissed his beak before saying, “I get you
won’t love me, Leo, but with Don gone, they need two parents to love and care
for them. You can’t do it alone.”
“I can,” Leo said stubbornly, crossing his arms. “It’s noble of you, but…”
“No, you can’t, Leo,” Mona said, holding a squirming Raphael to her bosom.
“This one alone, is going to be a handful. I can help you and I have vast
experience with children. My older sister has six of them and I’ve been the
primary care taker when she’s gone on vacation and changed diapers and…”Mona
looked beseechingly into Leo’s eyes and added, “Besides, this place needs a
woman’s touch.”
Raphael wriggled and thought, what are they blabberin’ ‘bout? She talks so
much. Want Daddy! “Waaah!” Raphael wailed, reaching out for Leo.
Leo took him, pressed Raphael against his plastron and said, “I have to admit
I’m stressed and when I go to bed, I’m knackered. It’s hard to wake up in the
morning sometimes and I get no time to myself.”
“Six kids does that to you.”
“Let’s first do a monthly trial and if things go well, we’ll consider making it
permanent.”
“Very well,” Mona said, her eyes shining. “But I just know it’ll work out,
Leo.”
“What about your planet?”
“I’ve left the army, Leo, so I’m free to do as I want. I might go home from
time to time, but I intend on spending my life on earth.”
“If I did ever meet someone, you’d have to be okay with that.”
“I know, Leo, but this is a deal to help the kids. It’s not about love and I’m
okay with that.”
Feeling he wasn’t getting attention, Raphael whined and Leo, instantly in Dad
mode, said, “You okay, my little man?”
“He’s fine, Leo,” Mona said to a now babbling Raphael, who was reaching for
Leo’s bandana. “He just wants attention from his daddy. He’s such a daddy’s
boy.”
Leo smiled, kissed Raphael’s snout and said, “I know. He won’t let anyone else
hold him.” Leo held Raphael up, so he could see Mona, and said, “What do you
think about your new mommy, Raphie? You like her?”
What is Daddy talkin’ ‘bout, Raphael thought? And why is that lady smilin’.
Don’t understand. And why is Daddy so happy?
Raz entered the room and said, “Daddy, dinner’s ready.”
“Be right there, buddy,” Leo said. “Come on, Mona. Dinner’s served.”
XXXX
Leo fed Raphael before he ate, the baby watching everyone, as he guzzled down
his meal. After Leo had burped him, Leo held him in one arm and used the other
to eat his dinner. Raphael stretched out emerald hands, whining, as he tried to
grab Leo’s fork. Leo chuckled and held it at arm’s length, causing Raphael to
whine and scrunch up his face in fury. Mona laughed and said, “He sure has a
temper.”
“Course he does,” Casey chimed in. “He’s Raph. You didn’t think being a baby
would change that, did you?” If looks could kill, you’d be dead, Leo! Man,
you’re going to have a heck of a time with him. The teenage years will be fun.
Look forward to lectures, Leo.”
“I can’t wait,” Leo said dryly, before spearing a piece of chicken.
“How long are you staying for, Miss Mona?” Splinter asked.
“Indefinitely.”
“Oh?” Splinter asked, raising an eyebrow.
“The kids need a mommy,” Leo said. “And Mona’s always wanted to be one, so
seemed the right thing to do. It’s purely platonic from our point of view. And,
as long as we keep that in mind, it should work out. What do you think, kids?”
“What about Daddy?” Kane asked. “Is he ever coming back?”
“No,” Leo said.
“Why not?” Sean asked.
“He just isn’t.”
“But I want him to come back,” Noah said, his eyes filling with tears. “I love
him.”
“Yes, I understand,” Leo said. “But Daddy doesn’t want to come back, so Aunty
Mona’s your new mommy and you like her anyway, champ. You always have fun with
her.”
“I want Daddy,” Kieran said, his lower lip quivering and tears streaming down
his cheeks. “I love Aunty Mona, but Daddy’s Daddy. He has to come home.”
“He’s not coming home,” Leo said. “Boys…”
“I WANT DADDY!” Kane screamed, his face darkening. Clenching his hands into
fists, he got up and stormed out of the room, followed by his three brothers.
“That went down like a ton of bricks,” Leo said miserably.
“Give him them time, Leo,” Mikey said. “They’ll accept her. Kids are
resilient.”
“They are,” April said.
“I hope so,” Leo said. “Because I’m not taking Donnie back!”
“Maybe I should leave,” Mona said.
“No,” Leo said. “Don’t. The kids will adjust to the new normal in time. Stay.”
“I’ll go check on the kids, Leo,” Mikey said. “You finish dinner.”
“Thanks, Mikey.”
“Does that mean Mona’s our mommy?” Raz asked.
“Yes,” Leo said, turning his attention on his son.
Seeing Leo distracted, Raphael grabbed a large piece of chicken on Leo’s plate
and stuffed it into his mouth. Yummy, he thought, not chewing, and swallowing,
causing him to choke, his face turning blue.
“Raphie!” Leo yelled, realizing what had happened. He performed the Heimlich
manoeuvre and heaved a sigh of relief when the offending piece of chicken flew
out of Raphael’s mouth onto the ground. It was immediately gobbled up by Taffy,
who always sat under the table at mealtimes, hoping for a treat. Raphael’s
color returned to normal and after pressing several kisses to his beak, Leo
said, “My precious boy. Don’t do that again. You gave Daddy such a huge scare.
I thought I’d lost you.”
“Gaga,” Raphael said, gazing into Leo’s eyes and reaching for his beak. Sorry,
Daddy, he thought, but it tasted good. Better than that formula.
“See, Leo,” Mona said. “That’s why it’s important to have two parents. If one
of is distracted, the other won’t be.”
“Right,” Leo said, and nuzzled Raphael’s beak. “Well, there’s been too much
excitement for this evening. I’m going to bath Raphie and see how the others
are doing. Come on, Raz.”
Leo got up and headed to the bathroom, hoping his kids would accept Mona.
XXX
Leo climbed into the bath, Raphie on his lap, and Raz sitting in the water. The
older child picked up Raphie’s toy boat and was playing with it. Mine, Raphael
thought crossly, kicking his legs in the water and splashing Raz, as golden
eyes glowered at his “brother.”
“Don’t do that, Raphie,” Leo scolded. “You’re wetting the floor and me and
Raz.”
“I don’t think he wants me to play with the boat, Daddy,” Raz said.
“Well, Raphie has to learn to share, Raz. Besides, he can play with his ducky.
Here you go, Raphie,” Leo said, handing the duck to Raphael.
Raphael grabbed it and bopped Raz on the beak with it, grinning, as tears
formed in Raz’s eyes.
“Raphie!” Leo admonished. “That’s not nice!”
Funny, Raphael thought. Serves Raz right. That my boat.
“The baby doesn’t mean it, Raz,” Leo said. “Don’t cry. Let’s wash you and then
we’ll go and watch some TV before bed.”
Upset, Raz refused to be consoled, and picking up the toy boat, he hit Raphael
on his snout. “Bad baby,” he said, his sapphire eyes blazing.
Shock flashed on Raphael’s face, before he scrunched up his face in pain and
fury and screamed at the top of his lungs, tears running down his chubby
cheeks.
This is war, Raphael thought furiously, as Leo peppered his beak with kisses,
trying to soothe him. I hate Raz and I ain’t ever gonna forgive him.
Chapter End Notes
     A/N Thanks for the support. :)
     Will Raz and Raphael ever become friends?
***** A Halloween kiss *****
Chapter Summary
     Inspiration I drew on from the 2012 series when Mikey teased Raph
     about going as a princess one year. Thought it'd be fun. Flash
     forward to when the kids are seven, six and five and it's Halloween.
     Raph decides to go as a princess and his brothers think he looks
     stupid.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
FLASH FORWARD: FIVE YEARS. OCTOBER 31
It was supper time at the Hamato household and Leo had his hands full with the
six kids and Taffy, who was still a bundle of energy, zipping around like a mad
thing. Leo didn’t know who wore him out most: the kids or the dog. The kids
were eating supper, Raphie feeding Taffy under the table when he thought Leo
wasn’t watching. “Tonight is going to be so much fun,” Kane said, forking egg
into his mouth. “I can’t wait to wear my costume. We’ve been working on it for
weeks. It’s going to be sick.”
“Yeah,” Sean agreed. “I’m gonna get the most candy going as myself.”
“No. You won’t,” Noah said. “I will. They’re going to love my pirate costume.”
“That’s so lame,” Raphie said and rolled his eyes. “Everyone goes as a pirate.”
“Yeah? And what are you going as, Raphie?” Raz asked.
“It’s a secret. Ya will see later, but it’s better than yer Incredible Hulk
costume, Razzie. I’m gonna get the most candy.”
“In your dreams, Raphie.”
Leo listened to the bantering and thought, I only have a few hours until we go
out. I hope I can finish Raphie’s costume in time.
As if reading his dad’s mind, Raphie said, “Daddy, ya gonna finish mine on
time?”
“Of course, squirt. Have I ever let you down?” Leo asked.
“No, but…”
“It’ll be ready, Raphie. I promise. Don’t worry. You boys finished? Then go
wash your hands and start to get ready. I’ll come and help you in a bit. I just
have to make a few adjustments to Raphie’s outfit.”
“Yahoo!” Kane said, standing up. “It’s nearly show time. Going to be epic.
Come, on bros.”
The older boys raced to their bedrooms, while Raphie remained at the table.
“Come on, Raphie,” Leo said. “Let’s go finish your outfit.”
“I can’t wait!” Raphael exclaimed, his golden eyes shining. “I’m gonna look so
pretty. Just like Princess Aurora.”
Leo groaned inwardly, and wished for the millionth time his son had chosen a
different costume. His brothers were going to tease him mercilessly and there’d
be tears. It was bad enough Raphie liked playing with dolls and liked the color
pink, but wearing a girly outfit? No. No. Yes, he played with boy toys too
sometimes, but that wasn’t the point. His son was a boy, Damn it. And should
want to dress up as a boy. At three, the boy had wanted to be a fairy and the
previous year had gone as an angel. No. Leo had to intervene now, before his
son was a complete sissy. It wasn’t that Leo had a problem with it exactly. It
was fine for other kids, but not his boy. No. Raphael had to dress as a boy for
his own good or he’d be bullied.
XXX
Inside Leo’s study, Raphael gazed in awe at the pink ruffled, lame, glitter and
organza dress, complete with a tiara, lying on the table near Leo’s sewing
machine. The turtle had been taught by Mona Lisa how to use it. Leo steeled
himself for an argument and said, “Are you sure you want to wear that, Raphie?”
“Course. It’s beautiful. I wanna be beautiful.”
“Raphie, you’re a boy. Boys like to wear boy things. You know. Not dresses. I
think you’d look great as a cowboy. How about it? I can quickly find clothes…”
Raphael scrunched up his face in fury, stamped his feet and hissed, golden eyes
blazing, “I wanna be a princess. Ya promised, Daddy. Ya can’t break yer
promise! I WANNA BE A PRINCESS.”
“But, your brothers are going…”
“I wanna go as a princess,” Raphael screamed, stamping his feet again, on the
verge of a full blown tantrum. “Ya promised!”
“Raphie, calm down. I can make you a cowboy…”
“PRINCESS! I DON’T WANNA BE A COWBOY,” Raphael roared, tears sliding down his
cheeks in rage.
“What’s going on?” Mona Lisa asked, entering the room. She’d just come back
from visiting a friend and had heard the yelling.
“Daddy’s bein’ mean,” Raphael wailed, gazing at his mom.
“I just suggested that Raphie wear something else, Mona,” Leo said. “He’s a
boy. Damn it. Not a girl. Only girls wear frilly things. I’m afraid of him
turning into a sissy and being ridiculed.”
“I’m not a sissy, Daddy!” Raphael wept. “I just wanna be a princess.”
“Leo, I see no harm in letting him be one,” Mona said. “Come on. It’s just an
outfit and for one evening. What harm can it do? He is a kid playing dress up.
That’s all.”
“Girly things! That’s what. It’s not nor….”
“Leonardo, enough. He’s just a kid playing. It doesn’t mean that Raph will grow
up to be what you said. All kids play dress up. Let him do it. Raphie, I’ll
finish your dress, okay? Stop crying.”
“But, Mona, he’ll be laughed at! Don’t you care? Whatever. Don’t blame me if he
comes home in tears,” Leo snapped and left the room.
Mona sighed and got to work, Raphie watching her. “I’m no sissy, Mommy,”
Raphael said.
“I know, baby. You’re just playing, but I have to ask, why do you want to be a
princess so badly?”
“Oh. I sneaked into Kane’s bedroom one day and saw he was gonna be Prince
Charmin’, so if I’m a princess, I can be his princess and he’ll think me
beautiful. He loves Princess Aurora and he’ll love me.”
“He does love you, Raphie. You’re his brother. You don’t have to dress up as a
girl to make him love you.”
“Ya don’t understand. I love Kane, like ya love Daddy. One day, we’re gonna be
married and have babies.”
“But you’re boys and brothers.”
“I have male and female parts,” Raphael proudly declared. “I can lay eggs one
day and me and Kane are gonna have babies.”
“Hmm,” Mona said, making a mental note to talk to Leo and find out why he
hadn’t told her. After all, she was their mom and deserved to know.
“Ya will see,” Raphael said. “And me and Kane are gonna…”
“All finished,” Mona said. “Ready to try it on?”
Raphael nodded and Mona slipped the velvet leotard with a glitter dot mesh trim
over his head and then dressed him in the two tone tulle and the organza skirt.
Raphael beamed at himself in the mirror and said, “I love it. Thank ya, Mommy.
But I still need makeup and the tiara.”
Mona applied pink lipstick onto his lips and placed the tiara on his head,
wondering if Leo was right. Was she being a moron in letting her son wear a
princess outfit? He did look cute and pretty, but he was a boy. No. It’s
harmless, Mona thought. And that stuff about Kane too. They’re kids. It’s not
like they’ll grow up and really like one another.
“Let’s go show my brothers,” Raphael said.
XXX
Raphael’s brothers were in full dress when he entered the lounge. Their jaws
dropped when they saw their brother. Leo held his head in his hands and
thought, oh no. They’re going to mock him now. Sean was the first to compose
himself, and failing to hide a snicker said, “Didn’t know we had a sister.
Hello, Cinderella. I’m Sean. You look so….cute.”
“What do ya think, Kane?” Raphael asked, ignoring Sean and looking at Kane. “Ya
think I’m beautiful?”
“You look like a dork!” Kane said and chuckled. “A sissy dork. I thought the
angel last year sucked, but this? This blows, Raphie! You look stupid! Plain
stupid. Why would you want to dress up as a girl? Why? Are you crazy?”
“I did it for ya,” Raphael sobbed, his heart breaking, tears sliding down his
cheeks. He’d done it to impress Kane and here he was ridiculing him. Raphael
wanted to die.
“You look absurd,” Noah said and laughed. “Wimpy Raphie. I’m so embarrassed
you’re my brother. If you go out, stay away from me.”
“Boys, stop it,” Mona said.
Raz didn’t laugh. Instead, he wrapped an arm around a weeping Raphael and said,
“Ignore them, Raphie. You look very cute, okay? Very. Stop bein’ jerks, guys,
and leave Raphie alone!”
“Ya think so?” Raphael asked hopefully, gazing into Raz’s eyes.
“No! You look dumb,” Kieran said. “Is Raphie your girlfriend now, Raz? Razzie
and Raphie sitting in a tree…”
“Enough!” Leo chimed in, his sapphire eyes flinty. “It’s just a costume for
Halloween. Apologize for being rude to your brother.”
“You mean sister,” Sean said.
Sapphire eyes bore into Sean’s and Leo hissed, “I said apologize. Now or none
of you will go out.”
“Fine. I’m sorry!” Noah, Sean and Kieran said in unison.
“Noah, you, Kane, Kieran and Sean will go with your mom,” Leo said. “I’ll take
Raphie and Raz. Have you everything?”
“Yes, Dad,” the quads said in unison and followed Mona outside.
Raz was still hugging Raphael, who now pulled away and said, “Thank ya for
stickin’ up for me, Raz.”
“No problem, Raphie. It’s what family does and you do look so pretty. Can we go
now, Daddy?”
“Yes,” Leo said, praying the evening flew by. He prayed Raphael wouldn’t be
subjected to more bullying and that next year the boy would choose a masculine
outfit. He hoped the neighbors wouldn’t poke fun at him, but had a feeling they
would.
XXX
The first house they went to was uneventful, each kid getting a lot of candy.
At the second house, an old man answered the door, a scowl upon his face. That
changed when he saw the kids and unable to hold back his laughter, the man
said, “Wow. That’s the ugliest girl I’ve ever seen! I haven’t laughed so hard
in years. Wow. I have to take a photo of this and show my wife! Come here,
freak!”
Hot tears pricked Raphael’s eyes and before Leo could comment, Raz stood up to
his full height, punched the man in the jaw and yelled, his sapphire eyes
flashing, “Don’t you talk about him like that! He ain’t ugly. He’s beautiful!”
“I’m sorry…”Leo began.
“Don’t you apologize, Daddy!” Raz yelled. “He’s a creep and insulted Raphie.
You taught us to defend one another and now you’re apologizing? Grow a spine,
Daddy! Raphie isn’t ugly.”
“I’m going to call the cops or animal control!” the man roared, rubbing his
aching jaw. “How dare that talk to me like that!”
Leo removed a smoke bomb from his obi, threw it, and when the man had recovered
from coughing and spluttering, they were all nowhere to be seen. Muttering, he
resolved to call the cops if he ever saw them again and went into his house.
“You mad at me, Daddy?” Raz asked, as they walked along in silence.
“No, but hitting people isn’t the solution when someone upsets someone you
love, Raz,” Leo said.
“It’s better than staying quiet and letting them walk over you. What happened
to you, Daddy? You used to be brave and fearless and now all you do is
apologize?”
“Yeah,” Raphael agreed. “That guy was a dick and Raz was defendin’ my honor.”
“Language, Raphie!” Leo admonished. “Maybe we should go home.”
“Why?” Raz asked. “We’ve only been to two houses and we don’t have enough
candy. Please let’s stay out for another hour or so. Please.”
“Fine,” Leo said reluctantly.
They stopped at many houses during the next two hours, both boys given tons of
candy, their bags nearly overflowing. There had been no more snarky comments
from people opening the doors to Leo’s relief and he was thrilled they were at
the last house. Then, they could all go home; he could have a long hot bath,
soak his bones and finally get some sleep. He was exhausted.
Raphael knocked at the last door and a young, blonde and blue eyed woman opened
the door. She smiled when she saw them. “Trick or Treat,” Raz and Raphie said
in unison.
The woman smiled again and said, “I’ll be right back.”
She returned a few minutes later with two bags, gave one each to Raz and
Raphael and said, “My homemade chocolate chip cookies. I hope you like them.”
“Thank you,” the boys said in unison.
“You’re a very cute turtle princess, young lady, and I love yours, young man.”
“Thank ya,” Raphael said. “It’s Princess Aurora. Ya know her?”
“Course I do. My nieces love her. What is your name?”
“Raphie. I’m just a princess for Halloween. This is my Daddy, Leo, and my
brother, Raz.”
“Aw. What a lovely family you have, Mr. Leo. You’re turtles?”
“Thanks. Thank the lady and let’s go, boys. It’s bedtime,” Leo said quickly,
not wanting to discuss his family and wanting to get to bed.
“What’s your name?” Raz asked.
“It’s Gillian, but you can call me Gill.”
“Thank you!” the boys said. “Night, Gill.”
“Bye,” Leo said. “Thank you.”
“Come back anytime,” Gillian said, having taken a liking to Leo.
As they walked back home, Raphael said, “I bet we have the most candy, Raz.”
“I bet we do.”
XXX
Back home and after they’d gotten into their pajamas, the boys counted their
candy and Raz and Raphie did have the most. Mona was in the shower and Leo was
bathing. “Ya see?” Raphie said with a smirk. “Maybe I looked dumb ta ya, but
others thought me cute and that’s why I got more candy than ya!”
“Oh, shut up, dipshit!” Kieran said and rolled his eyes. “People just felt
sorry for the sissy.”
“I am not a sissy!” Raphael roared, his blood boiling.
“Yeah? What’s the matter? Going to cry?” Noah asked.
“Leave him alone!” Raz shouted, grabbing Raphie by the hand and their bags of
candy and going to the bedroom they shared.
XXX
“They’re just jerks, Raphie,” Raz said. “Don’t listen to them, okay?”
“Maybe I did look stupid,” Raphael said, his lower lip trembling, as tears
streamed down his face. “I am a boy and…Boys don’t wear dresses. I just wanted
Kane ta like me. That’s all and ta stop pickin’ on me. I thought if I dressed
like a girl, he’d like me and stop teasin’ me.”
“I like you, Raphie. For you. You don’t have to dress up like a girl to make me
like you. You’re funny, smart, fun and the best brother.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Kane’s a twit. They all are. Leave them alone and you can play with me.”
“Ya find me annoyin’.”
“Only sometimes, but I do love you,” Raz said and kissed Raphael on the lips,
making him blush. “Let’s go to bed and tomorrow we’ll ask Daddy to take us to
the park. How about that?”
“I’d like that. Ya serious ya like me?” Raphael asked in amazement. It was his
first kiss and he kind of liked it, feeling a warm, fuzzy feeling in his belly
that he didn't know how to explain. It was nice. Really nice.
“Of course I do.”
“I like ya too,” Raphael said and kissed him on the lips. "A lot." 
Kane reddened and to cover up his embarrassment said, “I smell something bad.
Did you fart?”
“I did not!” Raphael protested.
“Good. Let’s go to sleep.”
The boys climbed into bed. Raz was soon asleep, his plastron rising and falling
with each breath. Raphael watched him for a while and thought, no. I don’t like
Kane. I like Raz. I know me and Raz fight too, but he is nicer and he does love
me. I did get teased a lot today, but it was worth it. I got the most candy and
Raz likes me!
Chapter End Notes
     A/N Yes, Raph is falling for his own son. How does Leo explain to
     that him when he's older?
     Thanks for all the kudos :)
***** Leo's dare *****
Chapter Summary
     Leo dares Casey to look after Raphael for the night, so that he can
     get some sleep. Casey accepts the challenge.
     Raphael is an imp lol. Has Casey met his match?
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Back in the present, August 23, and after finally getting Raphael to sleep-he’d
been crying his lungs out ever since Raz had hit him in the bath-Leo was
watching the news with Mona and Splinter, while drinking his tea. The
newsreader then said, as a headline flashed on the screen, “And in breaking
news, Mutants now have the same rights as non-mutants. The Bill was passed
earlier today….”
Leo’s jaw dropped, his eyes wide in surprise, and nearly dropping his cup, he
said, “It’s true, Dad? We have rights? I wasn’t aware anyone was fighting for
us.”
“It’s true, Leonardo,” the aged rat said, equally astonished. “I never thought
I’d see the day. This means your children have the same rights as humans and
they have a brighter future and no longer have to live in the sewers. I am
glad. The kids need sunlight and fresh air. Not damp and smelly sewers.”
“The kids can go to school too,” Mona said. “And study and make something of
themselves. Travel, see the world. So many opportunities we were denied when we
were younger, however, you could still go to school, Leo. Study and get a good
job. I can too. What would you want to study?”
“I don’t know. Japanese and anthropology maybe. I haven’t really thought about
it. Anyway, just because we can do that doesn’t mean that we won’t still face
prejudice. We will. People hate what’s different and we’ll always stand out.
They won’t always vocalize it, but there’ll be looks and sniggers. My kids will
still be treated like crap, just like we will, so forgive me if I’m not leaping
for joy. And I’m sure some people will try and repeal the Law. So don’t get so
excited just yet.”
“Leo, stop being a downer! This is ground breaking. Freedom, rights…”
Raphael wailed from the bedroom and Leo groaned. “Excuse me. I’ll be back now.
No peace for the wicked.”
“I think it’s fabulous, Sensei,” Mona said. “Imagine the things we can do with
the kids now. The zoo, the beach, holidays. Give them a normal childhood, like
they deserve. The zoo. Do you think we could go there tomorrow? I’ve only been
to one on my planet and I’d like to go to one here too. They have a petting
area too, from what I read online. The kids can touch horses, goats, sheep,
bunnies etc. What do you think?” Mona asked, her eyes shining excitedly.
Splinter smiled and said, “I think that’s splendid, Mona. The older kids will
especially love it. Raphael is too young to fully appreciate it.”
“Yes. I’m going to dress him up in the cutest little onesie. Now that I can go
shopping, I’m going to raid the shops and spoil the kids as much as I can.”
“You really are embracing motherhood, aren’t you?” Splinter said with a smile.
“Loving it. It’s even better than fighting. Actually, I don’t miss fighting at
all and the bloodshed and gore. I just want a quiet life with my babies.”
“I doubt it’ll ever be quiet,” Leo said wryly, entering the room and carrying a
now wide awake and freshly changed Raphael, who was sucking Leo’s bandana, his
eyes focussed on his dad’s. “You want quiet, go to a church. This place is like
a zoo and will be for years.”
Mona giggled and said, “Speaking of the zoo, I thought it’d be fun to take the
kids there tomorrow.”
“All six of them during the day?” Leo said, shaking his head. “I don’t know.
It’s not just their appearance. They’re a handful. And what about Taffy? We
can’t leave him here by himself. He’ll eat the furniture and rip everuthng to
shreds!”
“April can look after him. Come on, Leo. It’ll be fun. Please.”
“I don’t know.”
“We’ll have Casey to help too.”
Leo snorted contemptuously and said, “Casey couldn’t look after an ant!”
“I heard that,” Casey said crossly, entering the room. He’d been outside
chopping wood and now placed the wood in a basket by the fireplace.
“It’s true. You have zero experience with kids.”
“That’s not true. I looked after my….friend’s kid one time and it was a cinch,”
Casey lied. The kid had been a nightmare, drawing on the walls everywhere and
breaking precious Chinese vases and it had been a living nightmare.
“In that case,” Leo said with a smirk, his sapphire eyes twinkling, “How would
you like to look after Raphie tonight? I dare you to. I need sleep and that
would help me a lot."
“Piece of cake,” Casey said, even as his heart sank. “I can do it.”
Leo handed Raphael to Casey, kissed Raphael on the snout and said, “I love you,
Raphie. Good night, everyone, and good luck, Casey. You’re going to need it.”
“You worry too much, Leo. This little tyke is an angel,” Casey said, as Raphael
sobbed, his little face scrunched up, as he watched his dad leave. He hated
being apart from him.
“Want me to take him, Casey?” Mona said, as the baby continued to weep.
“No. I’m good. Sh, Raphie. It’s okay. It’s just Uncle Case. You know me, bud.”
Waah! Want Daddy, Raphael thought. Not him. Not that silly Casey. He knows
nothin’ and is dumb. Why did Daddy leave me with him? Daddy mean!
“In that case, good night, Raphie,” Mona said and kissed the baby, who turned
his face away.
“Looks like you’re in the dog box, Mona,” Casey said.
“Night,” Splinter said. He kissed Raphael and he and Mona left, leaving Casey
alone with the still mewling baby.
“Just you and me, huh, champ?” Casey said. “Raph, come on. Stop it. You’re
crying for nothing. You’ll see your daddy later.”
“Waaah!”
“Oh, good grief. Stop misbehaving, okay?” Casey scolded. “You’re being
naughty.”
“Waaaah!” Raphael screamed, flailing his little fists and kicking out.
“No. Don’t do that. No,” Casey said, holding him at arm’s length. “Bad baby.
No. Man, I don’t think I’ll ever be cut out to be a dad. No.”
“Waaah!”
“Shut up, Raphie,” Casey begged. “Please.”
It had only been five minutes and Casey had had enough. Raphael sensed his
frustration and opened his mouth to wail again, but Casey placed his hand on it
and said, “No! Fuck it. Stop it, Raphael. I know what’ll calm you down. How
about some beer, huh? Yeah. It’ll put you to sleep too.”
Raphael bit his hand, and Casey, yelling in pain, dropped him. Raphael bawled,
as he hit the ground, and Leo hearing his sobs, immediately jumped out of bed
and raced to the lounge.
“Raphie!” he said in alarm, rushing to the still weeping baby. He checked for
injuries, while talking soothingly. Then, relieved there weren’t any, he lifted
the baby into his arms, kissed him and turned to Casey, his eyes flinty, and
said, “What the hell happened? Why was he on the floor?”
“He….” Casey began.
Raphael, pressed against his dad’s plastron, and feeling secure and happy,
stopped crying and nuzzled his beak into Leo’s plastron. Good, Daddy came, he
thought. Daddy comes when I cry, so now I know what ta do when I want him. Cry.
Daddy’s a sucker for my tears.
“What happened?” Leo demanded.
“I dropped him. The little shit bit me and I…You were right, Leo. I can’t deal
with kids. Certainly not that kid. No. If you go anywhere, April can help you.
I’ll stay home. And I’m not fit to be a dad.”
“Why did he bite you?”
“He was screaming and I covered his mouth. I was desperate, Leo. Five minutes
of him and I’m done, but you? You handle six kids. You’re amazing, Leo. How do
you do it?”
“Practice, I guess,” Leo said, swallowing down his rage. “You’re not bad with
kids, Casey. You’re just inexperienced. You’ll get better with more practice.”
“I don’t think so, Leo.”
“Gaga!” Raphael said, feeling left out and wanting attention. “Baba.”
Leo immediately turned to him and said, “Thank goodness you’re okay, Raphie.
I’m sorry. Daddy will never leave you alone again with anyone else, okay? Not
unsupervised. I promise. I’m sorry, Raphie. Can you forgive me?”
Golden eyes bore into Leo’s sapphire eyes and Raphael babbled, “Baboo!”
Meaning, yes, and nuzzled his beak against Leo’s plastron, making Leo smile.
“I’m sorry, Leo,” Casey said. “I really am.”
“Yeah. Me too. I shouldn’t have left you with him unsupervised. He could have
died. It’s my fault. I’m going to bed. Good night, Casey.”
XXX
Leo climbed into bed, Raphael on his plastron, kissed him and said, “I would
have died if you’d been hurt or worse, Raphie. I love you so much. You’re my
everything. You and your brothers, but especially you. You’re the light of my
life. Do you know that?”
Course I do, Raphael thought. How could I not be yer favorite? I’m the smartest
and cutest. Only natural ya love me most. I’m gonna use that as a weapon and
get my way whenever I want and ya will melt and give into me.
“Good night, Raphie. I love you. We’re going to the zoo tomorrow. Would you
like that?” Leo said, closing his eyes. He was soon fast asleep.
What’s a zoo, Raphael thought, before he too fell asleep? Does it have pizza? I
hope so. I’m sick of formula and want some real food.
Chapter End Notes
     A/N Thanks for the kudos. Ever grateful.
***** Casey's shock *****
Chapter Summary
     Casey learns surprising, life changing news.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The next morning, August 24, the family breakfasted as usual, Taffy sitting by
Leo’s chair and looking up at him expectantly. “Puppy’s hungry, Daddy,” Raz
said.
“He’s had breakfast,” Leo said, as he fed Raphael his bottle. “And we’ll give
him scraps when we’re done. Eat up, my boy. We’re leaving shortly.”
“Where are we going, Daddy?” Kane asked, as he secretly fed some of his pancake
to Taffy, who snapped it up.
“To the zoo and mall,” Mona said.
“What’s the zoo and mall?” Sean wanted to know.
“The zoo is a magical place, where you can see all kinds of animals,” Splinter
said.
“Do they have bunnies?” Raz asked.
“Most likely,” April said and sipped her orange juice, praying that her nausea
abated soon. She wasn’t hungry, because of it. “They have everything, even
snakes. And there’s a petting area, where you can touch the animals. The mall
is where you can buy anything you want.”
“Like toys?” Noah asked hopefully. “Could we get toys?”
“Yes, but one toy each,” Leo said.
Casey noticed that April’s wasn’t eating anything and he frowned, meaning to
ask her about it once breakfast was over.
It hadn’t gone unnoticed by the others either and Leo said, “You okay, April?”
“Feeling a bit nauseous, but it should pass.”
“If you’re not up to it, we can postpone the trip.”
“No, no, Leo. I’ll be fine. Water and fluids will be fine for now and I’ll grab
something later. Probably a touch of food poisoning.”
“No way, dudette,” Mikey chimed in. “I never serve spoiled food. How long have
you been feeling ill?”
“Three weeks or so. I never said anything, because I thought it’d go away.”
Casey’s heart sank. He knew food poisoning didn’t last that long. It had to be
something else and he knew what. A life changing event he wasn’t ready for. His
fears were confirmed a few minutes later.
Raphael babbled, done with his formula, and tried to get Leo’s pancakes, but
Leo moved the plate away, making the baby cry in frustration. Leo kissed his
beak and said, “Sounds like what me and Kala had. I think you’re pregnant.”
“Huh?” April and Casey said in unison, their eyes wide in surprise.
“But that can’t be!” Casey almost shrieked in panic. “We use protection.”
“Only abstinence guarantees no kids, Casey,” Mikey said. “Because condoms can
break and even if women are on the pill, kids can happen.”
“But I’m only eighteen!” Casey said hysterically. “I’m not ready for this… No.
I…”
April watched him, a sad expression on her face and tears filling her eyes. She
was stunned too, but was having a baby so bad? She was young, but she knew she
could look after it. What was Casey saying? That he didn’t want it? She got up
from the table and ran to her room, slamming the door and locking it behind
her.
“Nice going there, Casey!” Leo said dryly.
“What?” Casey said, blinking in confusion.
“You don’t think she’s also scared?” Mikey said. “But you made it all about you
and made it sound like you didn’t want the baby.”
“I’m not sure I do. I’m just a kid. How can I be a dad? I couldn’t even look
after Raph longer than five minutes. I was way out of my depth and that story I
told about babysitting was BS. The kid ran amok and I couldn’t handle it. Just
like I won’t be able to handle this kid if indeed we are having one. And having
a kid slows you down, you know. Responsibilities and I didn’t exactly have the
best role model for a father, so how can I be one? What if I screw up? No. I
will screw up. I can’t do it.”
“That’s why kids shouldn’t have babies, Casey,” Mikey said.
“But you’re a kid, Mikey, and so’s Leo, and you guys have kids.”
“Yes, but we accepted our responsibilities even though we were shit scared. We
didn’t run away from them. And we’re very lucky to have the support of our
family, just like you will have too. We’ll all help you and April.”
“What the hell do I do?”
“Talk to April,” Leo said. “Tell her your concerns. I’m sure she’s nervous too,
but you need to talk to each other and be there for one another, whatever you
decide. Personally, while I think a baby can be a handful, they’re also a huge
blessing and a miracle. I wouldn’t give up any of my babies for all the tea in
the world even if they drive me crazy sometimes.”
“Yeah. I guess so. But you and Mikey have the temperaments to be dads. You’re
patient, kind, understanding and so natural at it. I’m not.”
“You underestimate yourself,” Splinter said. “You’re a good man. Compassionate,
brave, respectful and Miss O’ Neil adores you. I believe you will be a good
father and like Leonardo said, you’ll have our help. You’re nothing like your
father, Mr. Jones. Not at all.”
"I agree," Kala said. "You can do it, Casey."
Casey stood and said, “I’ll go talk to April. That’s if she wants to.” He left
the kitchen, his shoulders slumped, and went to the bedroom he shared with her.
XXX
Casey knocked on the door and said, “April, it’s me.”
“Go away!” April said furiously.
“No. We need to talk.”
“You already made your feelings clear.”
“I was shocked. Last thing I expected was for my girlfriend to fall pregnant,
okay? I’m sorry I reacted like a dick, but I want to talk about it.”
“What’s to discuss? You don’t want it. And you never even considered me and how
I felt. It was all about you.”
“I never said that! I said that I wasn’t sure I was ready for it. Open the damn
door and let’s discuss it. Please.”
April reluctantly unlocked and opened the door and Casey saw that she’d been
sobbing. He felt like an absolute asshole for hurting his beloved and said,
“April, I’m sorry. Let’s talk.”
“Fine,” April sniffed, beckoning him to come inside.
Casey entered the room, closed the door and said, “You’re absolutely right, my
love. I was a dick and thought only about myself. I’m sorry. I freaked out. I
never expected to become a dad, let alone one at such a young age and I don’t
have a wonderful father figure and I know I’ll mess up.”
“I’m eighteen too, Casey, but loads of people are great young parents and I
know I could be one. It’ll be tough, but the guys will help and I have a lot of
love. If there is a baby, there’s no way I’m going to abort it. I want it, even
though it’s a massive shock, but if you don’t, Casey, you don’t have to be in
their life. You can live your life and I’ll raise it alone,” April said firmly.
“But if you want to be part of their life, we can raise it together. It’ll be
challenging at times, but we can do it.”
Casey sighed and said, “I don’t want to lose you and I’m scared.”
“I am too,” April said softly. “Believe me I am, but I do want the baby. It’s a
little being created out of love. Our love. And I know I’ll be a good mommy.”
“I know you will be too.”
“Your choice. What do you want? No pressure.”
“I want…I want you. I’m afraid, but I’m willing to try if you’ll accept I’ll
fuck up sometimes.”
April laughed and said, “I will too. All parents do sometimes, but we can get
through it together, my angel, and just think of all the fun we can have with
him or her. Playing with them, teaching them all we know. It’ll be fantastic,
Casey. Christmas, holidays, birthdays. You can practice on Leo and Mikey’s
kids.”
“No way! Raphael’s a horror and his other kids are demons sometimes.”
“They’re just being kids, Case. Spend more time with them and you’ll see how
much you love being around them. Ask Leo if you can diaper Raph to prepare you
for ours, because I expect you to be a hands-on daddy.”
“Leo’s still pissed at me for dropping the baby. He doesn’t say it, but he
shows it by glaring at me and he hasn’t let anyone else hold Raph, keeping the
baby with him all the time.”
“Just ask him. Leo doesn’t bear grudges.”
“Fine. What now?”
“This,” April said and kissed him deeply.
Casey eagerly returned the kiss and when they broke apart, he said, “I’ll go
ask Leo now. Are you well enough to go out today?”
“Actually no. I know you had issues with Raph last night, but you can handle
the older boys. They do listen and you’ll be a bigger help to Leo and Mona than
I will, with me puking my guts out.”
“All right. Do you want anything?”
“No thanks, sweetheart. Bring Taffy in when you go.”
Casey kissed her, and left, closing the door behind him. Then he headed to
Leo’s bedroom.
XX
Casey knocked on Leo’s door and entered, barely able to stifle his laughter at
the scene before him. The floor was littered with feathers and pillows. The
kids had obviously had a pillow fight and the feathers had come out of the
pillow slips. Leo looked at his quads and Raz in anger, arms crossed. Raphael
lay on the bed, dressed in a yellow onesie with a cow on the front and a
matching bonnet. He was fussing and kicking his legs in the air, obviously
embarrassed and annoyed and demanding his dad’s attention.
Casey hid a grin and said, “Having trouble, Leo?”
“Nothing I can’t handle. Right. Don’t do it again. Have you any idea how much
those pillows cost?” Leo demanded crossly.
“We didn’t mean it, Daddy,” Raz said, his lower lip quivering, reminding Leo of
Raphael when he was a toddler and his rage subsided. He could never stay mad at
his kids for long.
“Just don’t do it again. Go play. I’ll be there in a bit and then we’ll go.”
The kids left and Leo said, as he picked Raphael up, “Did you two talk, Casey?”
“Yes. We agreed to have the baby, which is why I’m here. I’m sorry about
dropping Raph. I really am and I’d like more practice with him, like changing
diapers and so on. Please.”
“Until he’s bigger, it won’t be unsupervised, but I’ll show you the ropes. It’s
not hard.”
“Thanks, Leo. He really is so cute and funny in that outfit,” Casey said and
chuckled.
Piss on ya, Raphael thought and scowled. I ain’t funny lookin’ and it’s not my
fault. Daddy dressed me. Just wait until I’m bigger, Uncle Casey. I’m gonna
wipe that smirk offa yer face!
“He is,” Leo agreed. “Cute certainly. He’s a precious bundle, aren’t you,
Raphie? You know how much I love you?”
“Baboo!” Raphael said, gazing into Leo’s eyes and reaching out a hand to touch
his beak.
“Just the sweetest little angel,” Leo said and bounced him up in the air and
caught him, making the baby gurgle happily.
“I don’t know about sweet,” Casey said. “Raph would hate being called that.
He’d prefer tough, but he’s not exactly tough in that get up. He looks like a
pansy!”
“Casey!” Leo said irately. “Don’t call him that.”
“Daddy!” Noah said, entering the room. “Can we go now?”
“Yes,” Leo said. “Casey, I suggest you refrain from hurtful remarks like that
and I’ll dress my kid up how I like. Got it?”
“Yes, Leo.”
“Good,” Leo said. “We’d better go. I just hope the kids don’t run wild in the
store!”
As they left the lair, Raphael thought, yeah. I’m gonna wipe that smile offa
Uncle Casey’s face for laughin’ at me and callin’ me a pansy. I don’t know what
a pansy is, but it don’t sound nice and it can’t be nice if Daddy didn’t like
it.
Chapter End Notes
     A/N Thanks for all the support.
     Next up is the zoo and mall.
***** Almost dinner at the zoo *****
Chapter Summary
     The family go to the mall and zoo and Raphael has a narrow escape
     when a boa constrictor decides that he'd be perfect for dinner.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The family piled into the van, Raphael sitting on Leo’s lap in the back and
glaring at Raz. Still hate him, Raphael thought. The other kids stared out of
the windows in fascination, as they headed to the mall. Everything looked so
exiting and new and Leo smiled at their enthusiasm. He was glad they could
experience things he hadn’t been able to as a kid, but he was worried about the
way others would treat them. They might have the same rights as humans now, but
they’d be still regarded as freaks and creatures. Instinctively he clutched
Raphael tightly to his plastron, as if shielding him from harm. Raphael
squawked in surprise and Leo said, “I’m sorry, Raphie. Daddy didn’t mean to
hurt you.”
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the mall and Leo said, “Kids, stay close
and don’t wander off, okay? And don’t touch everything you see. If you break
it, I have to pay for it. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Daddy!” the kids said in unison.
“Great. Stay close and listen. Kane and Noah, you hold Mommy’s hands, Sean and
Kieran you’re with Casey and Raz, you’re with Grandpa, okay? Keep hold of his
hand.”
“The kids nodded and the family got out of the van and went inside the mall.
The kids’ mouths and eyes were open wide, as they gawked at everything,
dawdling a bit, as they wanted to stay longer and take it all in, but the
adults were on a mission and hurried them on.
Entering a large store, Leo got a trolley and placed Raphael into it, but the
baby was having none of it and wailed, wanting to be in his dad’s arms. Leo
gave in and scooped him up into his arms.. Last thing he wanted was a temper
tantrum and to look like a bad parent.
“You give in too easily, Leonardo,” Splinter said, watching a now content
Raphael coo. “The baby is going to grow up thinking he can get whatever he
wants. You have to be firmer.”
“With due respect, Dad, I know how to handle my kids,” Leo said politely, but
just as firmly.
Splinter sighed, lifted Raziel onto the trolley seat and said, “Mark my words,
Raphael is going to grow up very clingy and spoiled if you don’t administer
discipline. Babies are smart, Leonardo. They learn what buttons to press to and
I can tell you know, even though he’s so little, he knows too. You and your
brothers were the same and if I hadn’t been strict at times, you’d all have
turned out brats. Be careful, Leonardo. Do not indulge too much.”
“Grandpa’s talking rubbish, isn’t he, Raphie?” Leo said. “You’re not being a
brat. You just like being in Daddy’s arms, which is normal.”
“Goo!” Raphael said, while thinking, Grandpa’s pretty clever, but Daddy hasn’t
caught on yet. I do know how to press his buttons. “WAAAH!” he bawled.
“What’s wrong, Raphie?” Leo said, almost jumping out of his shell. “You okay?
Raphie?”
“Dad’s right,” Mikey said, Cam in his arms. “Kids do know.”
“They are very intelligent,” Chloe said.
“Can we look for toys now?” Kane asked.
Sucker, Raphael thought smugly. I know how ta get attention. I’m so smart.
“Of course,” Mona said. “Come on, everyone.”
Splinter wheeled the trolley and said, “Remember what I said, Leonardo.”
They family got odd looks, as they headed towards the toy aisle, but they tried
to ignore it. Leo prayed his kids were oblivious. He didn’t want anything
ruining their outing.
XXX
“Whoa!” Raz said happily, his sapphire eyes shining in excitement, as he took
in all the toys. “Look. So many toys.”
“Loads of them,” Sean shrieked. “Wow.”
“I don’t know what to choose,” Noah said.
“Me either,” Kane said, just as mesmerized by the toy display.
Raphael was just as entranced, his golden eyes wide, and chubby hands stretched
out, touching a teddy bear with a red bow tie on a shelf. “Is that what you
want, my precious?” Leo asked, picking up the teddy.
“Baboo!” Raphael said, reaching for it.
Leo chuckled and said, “All right. It’s yours, sweetheart.”
Splinter clucked his tongue and said, “Leonardo….”
“Dad, he’s my kid and they’re all getting a toy today. Please, Dad. Let them
enjoy it. It’s not like it’s every day,” Leo said, giving the bear to Raphael,
who cooed and licked it.
“Gross,” Mikey said and laughed, as he got another teddy for his son. “Raph’s
teddy is covered in drool. He was always a dirty boy!”
“Daddy, can I have that?” Raz asked, pointing to a green truck. “Please.”
“Yes,” Leo said and got it down and gave it to him. “Have you other boys
decided what you want?”
“No,” Kieran said.
“Well, hurry up. You have ten minutes to make up your mind.”
My teddy, Raphael thought, slobbering over it. Mine. No one else’s.
Ten minutes later, the other boys had chosen what they wanted and they were at
the checkout counter. “What the heck are those things? a woman with frosty
blonde hair and too much makeup asked, pointing at the kids. “And that baby in
that onesie is the ugliest I’ve ever seen! Gross. Yuck!”
Leo’s posture stiffened at the insults and he hoped his kids hadn’t heard it.
Turning around, he was about to comment, when Raziel, now out of the trolley,
ran to the woman, his eyes blazing ,his face contorted in rage and his fists
clenched and said, “Don’t you call me and my brothers ugly. We’re mutants, but
we’re not ugly. You are! You’re a mean, ugly lady and I’m going to beat you
up!”
“Shut up, you little freak!” the woman shouted. “How dare you address me like
that. You should be exterminated, you little beast! Who the hell let you in
here?”
Leo was stunned at his son’s bravado and remained still, jaw dropped in
amazement. He clearly took after Raphael in the courage department. Not that
Leo was weak, but whereas Leo liked to solve things through discussion, Raphael
had used his fists and Raz was attempting to do the same thing. He was a
spitfire and so passionate and brave for one so young. Raphael would have been
proud if he’d witnessed it.
Mona strode towards Raz, lifted him up in her arms and said icily, “We have
just as much right to be here, as you do.” Raz squirmed, trying to escape, but
Mona’s grip was firm.
“Well, well,” the woman drawled. “If it isn’t a giant lizard. What are you?
Their mommy?”
“As a matter of fact, I am,” Mona said evenly. “And you’re upsetting my kids.”
“Then leave the store, bitch! Not like you’re wanted here anyway.”
Mona calmly set Raz down onto the ground and swung her tail into the woman’s
face, sending her crashing to the ground. Everyone watched in awe, not moving a
muscle. Mona then peered down into the woman’s face, her eyes flinty, and said
coldly, “Get the message now. Stop upsetting my kids. Anyone else got a problem
with me and my family?” No one responded, still in shock, and Mona said, “Good.
Then let’s leave. We’ve done enough shopping for the day. Come on, Raz.”
“You’re still a freak,” the woman called, as Mona and her family left.
Mona turned around and said frostily, “The only freak is you. You’re a bigoted,
racist woman and someday you’ll have to answer to your maker for that. My
family and I have more humanity in our tails than you do in your entire being.”
XXX
Inside the van, Raz said, “Mommy, you really showed that bad woman.”
Mona nodded and said, “I don’t condone violence, but there is no choice
sometimes and I won’t stand for anyone upsetting my family.”
“You’re right, Mona,” Leo said. “But I feel that’s just a fraction of the
animosity we’ll face.”
“Yes, Leo, but we’ll protect our family as much as we can and until our dying
breaths.”
“And so will we,” Mikey said. “I was proud of you for sticking up for the
family, Raz.”
Raz’s plastron swelled in pride and he said, “She deserved it.”
“I was proud too, Raz,” Leo said. “You have guts, kids. Ra…I’m super proud.
Great job, my son.”
“WAAAH!” Raphael wailed, furious Raz was getting attention.
Leo’s focus immediately shifted to him and Splinter shook his head, knowing all
too well what Raphael was doing.
XXX
Fifteen minutes later, they were at the zoo. First port of call was the petting
area and the kids had a blast patting the rabbits, guinea pigs, cows, pigs,
horses and goats. Raphael reached out a small hand and touched a rabbit’s fur,
marvelling at the soft touch. Wonder what it is, he thought. Raphie’s friend.
Chloe took tons of photos. “Aw. That’s so adorable,” Mikey said. “Raph’s
touching the bunny. Aw. And it’s sniffing his hand. Bless.” Mikey took a carrot
from one of the bags they’d bought to feed the animals and offered it to the
bunny, who took it in his mouth and began to chew.
Raphael watched, fascinated, his golden eyes wide and giggled in delight. The
kids then fed the goats with baby bottles. Raphael clung to his dad when a goat
sniffed him, its large horns visible. “It’s just a Billy goat, buddy,” Leo
said. “It won’t hurt you.” But Raphael wasn’t assured and thought, he looks
spooky. Not Raphie’s friend. Daddy, don’t let him touch me.
Leo sat down on the ground, held out a carrot and a bunny stopped, taking it in
its mouth, making Raphael babble excitedly. Much better, Raphael thought. Bunny
friend. Leo took Raphael’s hand, placing it on the soft fur and Raphael
squealed happily, loving it.
Afterwards, they fed the other animals and sat on the ponies. They got some
stares from people, but Leo told them to ignore it.
Done with the petting zoo, they went to look at the various animals, starting
with the aquarium. “Daddy,” Kane said, pressing his beak against the glass. “Is
that a turtle? It looks like us.”
“It is,” Leo replied.
“Can we touch it?” Sean asked.
“No,” Leo said.
“Why not?” Kieran said.
“Because it lives in there,” Leo said. “And the people would be mad if we took
it out.”
“It should be in the sea,” Raz said.
Raphael watched, his eyes locking with the turtle’s, and he remembered the one
he’d seen on the beach. “Bah!” he said, touching the glass with his snout.
“Bah!”
“That’s right, little one,” Leo said. “It’s a turtle. Come along, guys.”
“Do you think the turtle misses his family?” Raz asked.
“I don’t know,” Leo said.
“He must, because he looks sad,” Raz said. “Look at his eyes. He’s sad.”
Mikey changed the subject and said, “Look over there. Sharks!”
“Where?” Raz asked and looked at his uncle.
“Over there,” Mikey said. “Come on, gang.”
A couple hours passed, the kids oohing and aahing everything they saw. Raphael
chattered the whole time, his golden eyes wide, not wanting to miss a thing, as
little as he was. Leo went to the bathroom to change him and was pleased that
no one else was around. Last thing he wanted was another confrontation.
After the aquarium, they toured the rest of the zoo and Leo was pleased when
the kids were allowed to feed the elephants and the giraffes. They were
enjoying their outing tremendously and were behaving. Not even smacking or
teasing one another, like they usually did. Yes, Leo thought proudly. I have
amazing kids.
They stopped for a bite of lunch at the café, dining on burgers and Leo fed
Raphael his bottle, the baby greedily guzzling it down. People gawked and a fed
up Mikey snapped, “Haven’t you seen mutants before? Please stop your staring.
You’re making the kids feel uncomfortable.” The humans immediately turned away
and the family continued their meal in peace.
The meal over, Casey suggested ice cream and bought them all one, apart from
Leo, who didn’t want. Raphael fussed, wanting one too, flailing his arms and
screeching, but Leo refused and said he was too small, giving Raphael some tea
from another bottle instead. Raphael refused to drink it, turned his nose up
and continued to wail, but Leo refused to cave in.
Raphael continued to cry, thinking that Leo would give in, but he didn’t to his
immense fury. Realizing he wasn’t going to get his way, he did the worst thing
he could think of. He peed on Leo’s lap, startling his dad, who said, “Shit!
Raphie, look what you’ve done! You’ve wet Daddy! I need to change you again!”
“Hahaha,” Mikey said and chuckled, as Raphael giggled, staring up at his daddy.
The others stifled their giggles and Leo picked up Raphael, taking him to a
bathroom to change him. Placing him on the changing mat, Leo said, “Why did you
do that, Raphie? Daddy smells like pee now.”
“Baboo!” Raphael gurgled, kicking his legs in the air. Because ya didn’t listen
ta me, Raphael thought. Listen and I won’t pee on ya.
Leo groaned and said, “What am I to do with you?”
Love me, Raphael thought. And buy me what they have. Easy.
Leo expertly changed Raphael and returned to the others, who were watching the
squirrel monkeys that sat on the fence. There was a gap in their cage and they
entered and exited, as they pleased. Kane watched them, his eyes narrowed,
holding his ice cream close, not trusting the monkeys, who looked at his ice
cream with beady eyes.
Poor Sean was watching the monkeys, so absorbed, that he wasn’t focussed on his
cone. A monkey darted close and grabbed the cone, sitting a short distance
away, licking it happily. Sean yelled in indignation and shock, “Monkey has my
ice cream, Daddy.” Then he began to sob his heart out.
Raphael babbled, thinking it funny, and the others stifled laughs.
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Leo said. “I’ll buy you another one, okay?” He did and
handed a cone to Sean, who thanked him and kept his eyes locked on his treat,
as he ate.
The family finished their ice creams and moved onto the reptile exhibit.
Raphael wailed, when he saw a man holding a green, wiggly thing, and clung to
Leo, who explained that it was a snake. The other kids backed off too, apart
from Kane, who asked if he could touch it. He was allowed and proudly said, “I
touch snake, Daddy. Look.”
The man picked up the snake and Raphael squawked fearfully, as it opened its
mouth and he saw its tongue flickering out. Petrified, he ducked his head into
Leo’s plastron and wept, clinging for dear life. Leo kissed his head and said,
“It’s okay, Raphie. Nothing’s going to hurt you. Nothing. You guys…”
He paused when he a man holding a baby alligator. The older kids saw it too and
Noah said, “Can we touch that, Daddy?”
“I don’t know,” Leo said. “It bites.”
“It’s a baby and quite harmless,” the man said, taking in their appearances,
but not bothered, thinking they were just weird costumes. “I’ll hold it like
this and your kids can touch it or hold it themselves if they like.”
Cameron, who’d fallen asleep earlier, woke up and screamed when he saw the
alligator, burying his head into his mother’s plastron. “I’ll take him
outside,” Chloe said. “Keys, Mikey.”
Mikey gave them to her and said, “We won’t be long, sweetheart.”
The man then let the kids hold and touch the alligator. Raphael turned his
head, and seeing it, he screamed again and Leo said, “I’m going outside.
Raphie’s frightened and he’s had a long day. Probably cranky too. See you at
the car.”
Passing a cage, a boa constrictor happened to be out of it, its tongue
flickering, as it sized up Leo and Raphael. Judging Raphael to be easier to
catch, it lunged at him, wrenching him out of Leo’s grasp and wrapping its
coils around the terrified and shrieking baby. A stunned Leo could only watch,
frozen in shock, as the boa prepared to suffocate and devour Raphael.
Leo quickly recovered himself, as a crowd and the rest of the family gathered.
He yanked a knife out of his pocket and thrust it into the creature’s head.
Raphael’s face was turning blue, his eyes closed, and as Leo twisted the knife
deeper into the creature’s head, its eyes grew glassy and it released Raphael
before it died.
The snake handler arrived at the scene.
Leo placed Raphael onto the ground and began to give him mouth to mouth and was
relieved a few minutes later, when golden eyes opened and looked up at him.
“Raphie,” Leo said. “I thought I’d lost you.”
“Ga!” Raphael said weakly, as Leo picked him up and cradled him to his
plastron. Then, turning to the snake handler, he snarled and said, “What the
fuck was that snake doing loose? My baby nearly died!
“I’m sorry, sir! I had no idea.”
“You had no idea?” Leo growled, his eyes blazing, and looked at the man’s
nametag that read Gerard. “Your careless actions nearly killed my baby! I’m
going to fucking sue you and the zoo.”
“Is baby okay, Daddy?” Raz asked.
“He’s going to be okay,” Leo said. “But we’ve all had enough excitement for one
fucking day. Gerard, you’ll be hearing from me.”
Leo stalked out, followed by the family.
They all climbed into the van. Raphael was fussed and doted over even more by
Leo in the backseat, and the baby thought, as he closed his eyes, worn out
after a long day, I hope I don’t dream of green thing. It bad. Not Raphie’s
friend. Daddy, my hero. He saved Raphie. Daddy mine only and Daddy loves me
more than my brothers. I’m his favorite.
Chapter End Notes
     A/N Thanks for the kudos. Poor Raphie needs loads of cuddles after
     his awful experience.
End Notes
     Don really is a bit of a creep, but you can't blame him.
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