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daflangstlairde-art · 13 days ago

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Turtle and the Fox

Work 4 of DFL's Whumptober 2024

Work summary:

And it was embarrassing. Leo could choke down the pain, he could choke down the anger and hatred, he could turn hope into a sickly sweet thing like a mirage. But the embarrassment. It was always so strong. It was humiliating, always sharp and churning. Always made him far, far too aware. — Instead of getting evil hair and going to a spa, Leo ends up kidnapped by some weirdo. Shockingly, he has a bad time.

Content warnings for the work include: kidnapping, dehumanization, electrocution, conditioning, creepy behavior, and more. More details on ao3.

Chapter 6/11 — 4670 words

XI.

The turtle calmed down. Eventually. Kind of. Really he just cried himself out, which didn't take long with how dehydrated he was after throwing up.

Fennec got him up. Fennec unlatched the chain from the collar, got him to the bathroom and took off the muzzle so he could drink some water. Fennec put the muzzle back on, but didn't reattach the collar.

“We’ll be doing some more training, since you did so well last time,” Fennec said, and Leo wasn't paying much attention. “And if you're good, I'll give you treats,” and suddenly Leo was, in fact, paying attention.

Treats? What does that mean? He really hoped it didn't mean dog treats, those would probably be gross. Although there was this one memory of when they were little and Splinter brought them a bag...

Fennec brought him to the iron bars, still unleashed, and said “Stay,” so the kappa stayed. Fennec lifted the iron bars and passed through.

There was a tupperware box on the table. With food.

Not just plain rice and chicken or whatever, but instead, bite-sized things separated by little plastic... uh, separations. From here, the turtle could see cheese and salami bites, strawberries and grapes. And a baggie with little cookies. Some plain type, maybe oatmeal? But still—cookies.

Holy shit Leo wanted it. He felt so abysmally bad, the variety alone sounded sooo appetizing.

And fruit? Sweets? It sounded like heaven. Leo wanted some of that sweet sweet comfort soo bad. So bad. Some sugars to make him function.

“Good boy,” Fennec praised, smirking, and the kappa blinked. Huh? ...Oh, because he’d stayed inside the parameter of the cell.

Well. He'd learned that lesson.

Apparently, that earned him a treat. For which Fennec had to briefly remove his muzzle as he kneeled. The instinct to bite the fingers holding the piece of cheese flared up, but the turtle wanted that stupid cheese and also really really couldn't handle more punishments. So he waited patiently, watching the treat like it might vanish.

Fennec praised him and gave him the bite. Put the muzzle back on.

So they started on today’s plan.

Stretches. The kappa completed them a set at a time, and earned himself treats along the way.

A bite-sized piece of salami. A grape. Some more cheese.

There weren't that many strawberries and the cookies felt more special for some reason, so it made sense Fennec was keeping them for now.

After that, they moved along to learning some commands, and practice to automate them. It was becoming easier, to just block off thoughts and feelings and everything that sucked, and just allow his body to be a machine. An obedient animal. Just doing as it was told.

“Heel,” and he heeled.

“Stand up,” and he stood up.

“Stay,” and he stayed.

“Lay down,” and he laid down.

The movement was... considerably light. Sure, it made the kappa feel sore and all, because he was sore in general. But it wasn't overwhelming.

And the treats were awesome. They helped settle something inside of him. The immediate reward. The way it eased the edge of nausea and hunger and thirst. The taste. The kappa was genuinely salivating. Disgusting.

They finished with the commands.

“Now,” Fennec started speaking, and the kappa stood at attention. “We’ll need to start implementing a proper routine, with more advanced training. If I want a guard out of you, you'll need to be in top physical shape,” he spoke. The kappa was sure he felt... some way about that, but he didn't bother with pinning it down. It didn't matter.

Fennec approached and by reflex Leo winced back.

“...And we'll have to get rid of that,” Fennec mumbled, thinking out loud. “But you've been so, so good for me today,” he praised, hand reaching to smoosh the turtle’s cheek affectionately. “And you've been under so much duress, so, I think we’ll call it off here for now,”

Relief. A foggy... satisfaction, at succeeding, at behaving well.

“But,”

Anxiety shot up.

“Only if you promise to not bite me again, sound good?” Fennec said, amused.

The kappa nodded immediately. He wanted a break. He just wanted a break.

“With words,”

Ack. That was... Leo swallowed. That was more uncomfortable.

“Uh, I promise. That I won't bite you. Sir.” Leo managed to get through, each part tacked on as he remembered he should.

“Good booyyyy,” Fennec grinned, patting his head and Leo smiled against his will, calming down. “C’mere,” and Leo followed.

Fennec sat him down on the mattress, and clipped the chain on. Then he carefully, slowly unlatched the straps of the muzzle yet again.

Leo watched him take out two strawberries from the box, and a couple cookies from the bag, and he felt tentatively excited. Unless the situation was about to turn bad again. Which it could. It could do that at any moment. It made Leo unpleasantly aware of his own heart pumping. His muscles twitching at random, leftover background tension.

But Fennec returned to him, lowering the iron bars closed behind himself, and sat cross-legged on the mattress as well. Patted his thigh, and, okay then. Humiliating, but what hasn't been?

The turtle laid his head down, looking upwards. His eyes latched onto the sight of the strawberry when it was offered.

It was sweet. It was so nice. So nice.

The kappa tuned Fennec out, whatever he was talking about. Only really registered whatever was relevant to him—commands or praise or anything like that.

He was given strawberries, and he was given cookies, and it was so, so nice. There was a pocket inside his brain that felt good. Padded with insulation against the overwhelming, ten-times-bigger awfulness surrounding it. A pocket reserved for treats and hugs, the smell of coconut and linen, and warmth.

It was easy to doze off.

He just hoped he wouldn't have another one of those dreams.

—

The sound of footsteps and the clicking of a lock cut through the post-sleep haze. He didn't know how long he'd slept for, and it didn't matter. He hadn't bothered properly waking up because there wasn't anything to do anyway.

Until now.

Until the sound of two pairs of footsteps processed in his brain, and Leo was dragging himself into consciousness. Raised a hand to wipe the drool off his face– oh. Right. Muzzle.

Okay. Whatevs. Roll with it.

Leo placed a hand on the wall to push himself up, swaying, chain clinking with his movement. He couldn't imagine the presence of a second person could mean anything good–

Leo was pretty sure the expression on his face, at that moment, sounded like ten windows falling to the ground and shattering.

So. There were two possible reactions he could have to what he saw.

One: immediately go into his shell, viciously embarrassed, and pray to be eaten by a glitch in physics.

And two, the one that won over:

“I TOLD you to KEEP them OUT OF THIS–” Leo snarled, hands gripping the iron bars. “You– you– I am going to kill you–” he laughed in disbelief. This couldn't be real. He was dreaming again.

Fennec rolled his eyes, keeping his hands raised up for... whatever reason. “They involved themselves,” he said, clipped, clearly unhappy about it.

“...Much as... much a-as I hate to be in agreement with the scum of the earth, that is a factual statement,” Donnie said, once he broke away from gaping at Leo with a bluescreened expression.

Donnie.

What the fuck was Donnie doing here. Donnie couldn't be here.

"How does one open the iron bars?” Donnie asked Fennec, Donnie was talking to Fennec. Donnie was in the same room as Fennec. It was wrong, it was so wrong, it couldn't be real. It was making Leo’s brain buffer completely.

“You can't, I'll have to,” Fennec said. “They are also–”

“–Etched with runes and a spell that only you can control at the moment, yes, yes, we know. Open them,” Donnie said tersely, and Leo twitched and Fennec obeyed.

Donnie was avoiding looking at Leo. Leo– Leo– he didn't know how to process his. He was frozen. This couldn't be real.

Fennec stepped closer and Leo was torn between the reflex to wince back, away; and the desire to lunge at him and bash his head into the wall so he could never, never even look in Donnie’s direction.

(He couldn't lunge even if he wanted to. He was chained.)

He just stayed frozen, eyes moving from Fennec to Donnie to Fennec to Donnie. It was like an awkward collage, the way Donnie’s presence simply sat wrong in the room. Like his rich green skin and strong purple accents clashed with the muted beige palette of everything else. Like a Photoshop beginner’s work. Like a nightmare.

Donnie wouldn't look at him. He wouldn't meet Leo’s eyes, even with the steeled expression on his face.

Fennec raised the iron bars with a flick of his wrist that made Leo flinch. Leo could see Donnie’s jaw grind.

“Remove the...” Donnie cleared his throat, he was trying to sound authoritative, “Remove the– the muzzle and the thing at his throat,” he forced out.

“The collar,” Fennec said coyly, the ghost of that same grin he always wore passing over his face as he closed in on Leo, hands reaching–

And maybe it was the presence of another turtle that broke out a whine from Leo’s throat as he stumbled backwards, teeth baring–

“Shut up you cretin,” Donnie snapped and the noise was choked out. Leo couldn't see his expression because his eyes were now stuck on Fennec Fennec Fennec he's going to kill me he's going to–

–unlatch the collar and let it fall to the ground with the clatter of the chain still attached. Undo the straps around his face and take off the muzzle.

Leo stood there, breathing heavily, shaking, twitching here and there and everywhere. Like his body didn't quite get the memo that it wasn't being violently electrocuted. Heart running so intensely it ached.

His... neck felt... bare. The stale air of the room hit it, and it felt bare. Empty. Like something was missing. Like there was an itch Leo needed to scratch. Oversensitive and vulnerable out in the open.

The collar was at his feet. It was off. Beige and white frill and clip and leash and all.

He was free. It couldn't electrocute him, it couldn't restrain him.

Leo’s eyes flicked back up to Fennec’s expression.

His arm reared back, and he punched Fennec in the face with a crack.

...

It was an ugly satisfaction, the way the yōkai’s neck snapped to the side and his hands flew up to hold his snout. The fox even stumbling back from the force.

Leo was distantly surprised the hit landed. From Fennec’s stance, Leo would've been sure he’d been expecting it.

Leo was twitching. His heart was literally pounding, body expecting that same violent assault of electricity to gut him. Despite the way the shocks always blinded him to reality, the sensation was so clear in his mind he could feel it. Like a phantom sensation slamming into him, brain firing off all the alerts.

It never came. The only thing sparking through his nervous system was the tension. His heart was pounding. He felt faint, hands shaking.

The fox let out a quiet growl-groan, holding his nose with a sleeve. The sharp smell of blood leaked out anyway.

Fennec was grinning, mean, regardless.

“Little soldier kappas,” was all he said, and Leo grabbed the collar of his shirt and slammed him back against the wall, putting himself between the freak and his twin. He twisted Fennec’s wrist, forcing him to drop the muzzle to the ground too.

Leo learned close, close, his shadow crawling over Fennec’s face. He was bigger.

“Don't forget what I told you,” he reminded, quiet, dangerous, teeth grinding.

“Your brother is already threatening to bomb my entire house,” Fennec said, far too unphased.

Leo wanted to physically grab and shake his composure.

There was a throat cleared behind Leo, and a “As much as I fully support your violent outburst towards this man—and that is not sarcastic, I really am cheering—I would love to get out of here,” Donnie reminded.

Leo ground his teeth as he and Fennec stared at each other in the eyes. The yōkai was still holding his snout, sleeve slowly soaking up blood.

Leo considered biting.

“D, you got hand-cuffs or something?”

“Uuhhh Iii–” rustling, “–do not, no, but worry not, he won't attempt anything or I will nuke his entire genetic lineage,” Donnie said casually, calmly, and Leo snorted.

Donnie is here and that is DISGUSTING was slowly doing its best to morph into Donnie is here and that is GREAT.

Donnie was here, with Leo. The muzzle was off. The collar was off.

His brothers were finally here to save him. For real. Leo smirked, letting his teeth show. The satisfaction of finally, finally having a leg up on Fennec was no longer ugly.

Oh it was great.

XII.

First, he grabbed the pink sheet off the mattress and wrapped it around himself, holding it at the front.

Donnie wasn't looking at him. Leo refused to follow behind Fennec. Leo was free.

This is why he lead the way as he marched the fuck out of that door, no longer locked.

Behind it was... an honest to god spiral staircase.

“Dude, what are you, a cartoon villain?” Leo poked fun as Fennec followed behind him. His voice echoed up the claustrophobia-inducing space. It wasn't the type of spiral staircase with a drop in the middle—just a thin hallway weaving up and up.

“Yeah, and didn't even bother with good lighting in here, tsk tsk tsk,” Donnie immediately backed him up and Leo loved his twin so much.

And sure, Leo didn't miss the opportunity to make fun of Fin the Fennec Fox now that Donnie was here and ready to pull a railgun on the yōkai, but... well. He imagined getting past that door and trying to run up these stairs. He imagined how difficult it would've been.

He ground his teeth, exhaling loudly through his nose.

Unfortunately, all the terrible sensations (soreness and pain and hypersensitivity, hunger and nausea and thirst, headache and a simmering bodily panic) remained. But they climbed those dang stairs. All the way to the top—reaching a short hallway with a door at the end.

Heavy. With a lock. Another barrier.

Leo stopped in front of it. His stomach twisted, nerves twitching.

He could hear Fennec’s and Donnie’s breathing behind him, much quieter than his own. Waiting.

Leo just had to open the door. He'd opened the bottom one with none of this... this...

“Leo?” Donnie chimed in from behind him, concern tinting his tone.

“Yeah,” Leo cleared his throat. “I, I got it,”

He was just... going to open it. Just grab the handle, and press it, and it would be unlocked. And he would open it. And he would just... walk out.

And he would be fine. Fennec was right behind him, sure, but Donnie was here, and Leo would bet Raph and Mikey were just outside.

And the collar was off.

It was off. When he raised his hand and pressed it to his throat, he could feel it was off.

It was fine. It was toootally fine.

And more than that—it was over. Here was Leo’s rescue!

So– so he needed to be normal. He needed to just be normal, to bury everything that had happened in the lowest depths of the ocean until even he couldn't un-bury it. All the pain, all the panic, all the anger, all the shame.

Leo just had to be normal. Normal people opened doors normally.

Do it.

Leo swallowed, and his hand wasn't as stable as he'd like, when he reached forward. He pressed down on the handle and–

And there was a click and Leo–

Whenever someone talked about flinching, he always sort of imagined it as a sudden cowering backwards, like a snap backwards. But he was discovering there was a spectrum at play here. Fun!

Like now. It was like a jerking stiffening of his body, a reflex faster than his mental processing, carrying the memory of pain. Like muscle memory of pain.

He exhaled, forcing himself to do it as steadily as possible.

“Just open–”

There was a whack behind him, and again. It wasn't quite a wince, just a sudden spark-pop of tension in him that snapped off in the same second.

Leo swallowed.

He opened the door.

He...

He wasn't sure what he was expecting outside. It was just– a hallway, with two more doors, but now, like, a normal hallway. Decently spacious instead of cramped and difficult to move in. One of the doors was solid like this one, on the side; the other was on the other end of the hallway, with a fogged window at the top half.

There was also a painting. On the wall. Not very big, not accurate to its real proportions. It was from the Renaissance.

The only reason Leo knew its name was because, in textbooks, he'd see his own above it.

“Lady with an Ermine” by Leonardo DaVinci.

His teeth were gritted and his hands were shaking. And he was just standing there, again, just staring, again.

He felt sick. He felt rage and hatred.

“You think you're soo funny,” Leo whispered, staring at the painting.

“I’m a connoisseur of the arts–” Fennec started, casual and easy-going,

“Shut up,” Donnie snarled. Leo freaking loved his twin. Leo hated the way his own throat locked with the command.

He breathed in, slowly. Held it. Exhaled. He was shaking; no, he was twitching.

He marched forwards and yanked the painting off the wall.

“Hey bro, you got a lighter?”

“I have a blowtorch,”

“Perfect, hand it over,”

So they took a five minute break to blowtorch that cursed painting. The hallway smelled like fire smoke, now. When Leo threw it, half-burned, onto the floor, it singed the wall paint.

Good.

Fennec looked like he was holding back a protest. Like he wasn't happy about their destruction of his property. Fantastic.

Leo had zero qualms about this. Not even a shred of shame. This man had forced him to his knees through sheer mind-cracking pain, he deserved a little property destruction!

It wasn't even an actual painting, it was a fucking print!

—

“LEO!”

“Mikey wait–”

“Mikey–!”

As soon as Leo has stepped out the door into the main of the house, he had a whole heapin’ portion of little brother slamming into his front to hug him. Leo oofed with the wind knocked out of him and stumbled back. Had to place one hand on the wall to steady himself.

And, well. Leo kinda wanted to burn off his skin, sure. He didn't want his brother anywhere close to whatever Fennec Particles were left on his skin.

But Mikey was literally already hugging him full koala style, so like... too late?

While Raph had frozen, hands hovering and stinking of worry, Mikey nuzzled his cheek, grinning.

“Leo!” he exclaimed again, “Bro, we missed you!”

And– and Leo blinked, still catching up with the surreality of everything going on.

“Hug me back, dumbass,” Mikey said flatly.

And Leo wrapped his arms around his little brother, a grin finally breaking out over his face.

“Dude, Mikes! Jeez, give a guy a warning!” he dramaticized, squeezing Mikey and spinning him in a circle against all his personal bodily protests. It was worth it, to hear Mikey laugh that brightly. It twinkled around in Leo’s brain and it was, like, the best sound Leo has heard all week.

Even if the spinning really didn't help the nausea. Jeez-louize, Leo was going to take a twenty hour long nap back home.

A bit of the tension lowered from Raph’s shoulders with this display, though not much. He was still looking at Leo in a haunted sort of way. Leo hated it. It made his skin prickle like he was a furred mammal, hyperawareness and sensitivity starting to tick back up.

And Raph’s gaze moved over to Fennec, and Leo saw in real time as his big brother’s morals looked at murder as an option for the first time. Whipping out his dual tonfa with a twirl and slamming them together, red constructs forming over his fists.

And honestly? More power to him! Leo was fully on the same page!

“Donnie!” April’s voice called out from somewhere upstairs. “Come check this out real quick!” she yelled.

“On it!” Donnie yelled back, and Leo turned enough to see him give Fennec the I'm watching you gesture. “If you do anything–!”

“You will bomb my house, yeah,” Fennec said, once again making Leo grind his teeth. He hated how unshakeable the man presented himself as. Even with his visibly-was-punched-hard nose (hopefully it was broken). He exhaled forcefully.

Mikey’s hands tightened around him, and if it wasn't for his caparace, Leo was pretty sure he'd feel claws digging in. Raph let out a low growl. Both of them glaring at Fennec like he'd– well. Like he'd kidnapped and hurt their brother, so. Fair’s fair, actually.

Raph, bless his heart, strode over to the fox. Fennec tried to back away, but within the time of a single step, a giant red fist slammed into him so hard it directly rammed him into the wall.

Leo and Mikey wooped.

Fennec stumbled out of the Fennec-shaped wall crater, visibly disoriented and groaning with pain, holding his abdomen.

“Let's get outta here,” Raph huffed, and Leo straight up admired his self-restraint. Donnie or Mikey would not have stopped at a single hit. At this point maybe Leo wouldn't have either. “Leo, you all good to walk?”

And.

Well.

Hm.

...Sort of?

His skin was permanently burning-peeling, at this point. He felt thirsty and hungry and exhausted on levels that made him feel like he was about to faint. All his muscles were stiff and aching from the forceful contraction of electrocution. All his nerves felt barren and overactive, sending occasional twitches and tics through his system. There was a headache somewhere in the back, mingling with dry-red-hot eyes and an awful taste in his mouth.

All in all, Leo felt wrung out.

He just wanted to teleport right back home into a turtle pile with his brothers. Mikey was still squeezing him, and even as it was getting increasingly more difficult to hold him up with every second, that was nice. The warmth, the good physical contact. Physical contact that Leo wanted to lean into and soak in.

But.

He realized he did not want Raph knowing any of this. If Leo didn't have to be on his feet and moving, if he didn't have this sucky Fennec-smelling sheet covering him up, he would've already disappeared into his shell. To hide. In shame and embarrassment.

And the less he thought about it all, the easier it was to shove those feelings under the rug with all the other trash.

Leo just wanted to get home. He just wanted it all to be over.

“Yep!” he said brightly, slapping on a grin.

“Okay great,” Raph clasped his hands. “DONNIE!”

“Almost done!” came the yelled reply from upstairs. What they were doing there, Leo hadn't a clue. Hopefully thrashing more of Fennec’s belongings. Maybe a framed photo of his mother or his beige wardrobe or something.

Now that Leo was seeing it for the first time, the house continued the yōkai’s aesthetic. Beiges and browns and grays and whites and blacks, a creamy muted palette. It was spacious and clean, decorated in the style somewhere between British Classic and Italian Mafia Wannabe.

While waiting for the two upstairs, Leo put Mikey down on the ground. His brother remained latched onto his hand, though.

Raph had his arms crossed, still glowering at the Fennec fox.

“You're comin’ with us to HCP– uh.” Raph seemed to reconsider. “...You're comin’ with us to... until we decide how to deal with you in a legal manner.” he settled on.

Fennec snorted.

“Heck yeah Raph, get his ass!” Leo cheered, because like hell was he just gonna let his big brother feel in any way smaller than the fennec fox yōkai. Fennec did NOT get to snort at Leo’s brothers. Only Leo (and his brothers) got to do that!

“Got it!” came Donnie’s voice, him and April rushing down the stairs.

“Got what??” Mikey asked.

Donnie’s eyes flicked to Leo and immediately away, and wow, haha, that felt awful. “I’ll– I’ll tell you later.”

Okay then. Okay. Right. Only Mikey and April were being normal so far. In contrast to Donnie’s weirdness, Raph’s eyes kept breaking their glare at Fennec to flick to Leo in... in... concern maybe? Leo pretended not to notice. He also pretended it wasn't making him want to start scratching at his scales, uncomfortable.

He redirected his attention to–

“My ōdachi!” he exclaimed, grinning with stars in his eyes, and he crossed the distance to April in half a second.

She snorted and offered it to him with no hesitation, and he took the blade in delight. Pressed the hilt to his face and caressed it lovingly.

“Oh my sweet sweet sword how I missed you–” Leo lamented dramatically. It was true, and it also successfully eased up the tension. At least with the two normal people in the room.

“You think you can portal us straight home, Blue?” April suggested, and that sounded great, she's a genius and Leo loved her.

“You are a genius and I love you,” he voiced, turning the sword in his hand to get into the familiar feel of it. It was always a little uncomfortable in his grip, but he'd more or less learned how to hold it over time and use. “Okay, huddle up everyone! Weird creepy foxes as far away as possible in the huddle though!”

His family members stepped closer, Donnie and Raph taking charge of their new criminal. They should find some rope or handcuffs or something.

(Or a chain leash.)

“HAAACHIII MAACHII–” Leo declared, waving his ōdachi in a circle and trying to summon his mystic portaling ability. That thing was always so slippery. He focused on home. On the physical space of it, sure, but also the feeling of safety, the memories of childhood. Putting in directed intention.

The sword started sparkling and–

–loudly clattered to the ground as Leo yanked his hands away like he'd been burnt.

(Or shocked.)

Silence. His rapid heartbeat, breath in his throat and too loud. Twitching-trembling in his hovering hands, muscle memory of voltage speaking. Anxiety thrumming through him.

They stared at him. They saw that. It was wrong wrong wrong. He wanted to yell at them to stop looking at him. He wanted to yell at Fennec to stop fucking smiling.

Leo ground his teeth together.

He pulled and arranged his limbs like stiff metal. Crouched down. Reached.

His hand locked before he could actually grab the hilt. The idea of taking the sword felt like biting a bullet. Or like intentionally grabbing an exposed circuit.

The tension felt charged, like an undercurrent of electricity.

...

“Haha, got your sword!” Mikey cackled, in one swoop snatching the sword and turning on his heel to walk out the door.

Leo exhaled and straightened up, relief washing down his shoulders. He loved his little brother so, so much.

“Noo!” he called after him half-heartedly. “How dare you!”

The sharpness of the tension melted away.

Instead, it turned into a puddle of–

Leo mechanically marched his legs forwards to follow Mikey. To ignore Raph’s pinched worry and April’s concerned frown and Donnie’s avoided eye contact. Shame-embarassment-humiliation gripped at his feet and at the bottom of his intestines like mycelium.

He pulled the bed sheet tighter around himself and wished he could scrub his skin with a giant eraser.

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daflangstlairde-art · 19 days ago

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WOOOO!! First time participant AND completionist babeeyyy! I will make a masterlist with all the works I made once I finish posting everything <3 For now everything should be found at #dfl's whumptober 2024 on this blog, and the fics at DFL's Whumptober 2024 on Ao3!

Completionists of 2024 - 3/4

@ahmoseinarus | Ahmose_Inarus on AO3

@jamietarttsnorthernattitude | Cartwrong on AO3

@whumpdoyoumean

@mischamouse | Worried_Mouse on AO3

Eve | @e-v-e-l-l-e

Drunk Breadstick | @drunkbreadstick Masterlist | Drunk_Breadstick on AO3

Moni | @minu-moni | Advogada_do_huaisang on AO3

@crimsonlyinglilly | CrimsonLyingLilly on AO3

Taxi | @taxi-cab-to-slowtown | TaxiCabToOwTown on AO3 | BlueSky

@galaxymagitech | GalaxyOwl13 on AO3

JRourke | JRourke on AO3

Sevenlemen | @sevenlemen | sevenlemen on AO3

Kat/Server | @amood | ServerNotFound on AO3

@andthentheybow | andthentheybow on AO3

Kyanako | @kyanako5972

FartasticDurge | @fartasticdurge | FartasticDurge on AO3

Jaelijn | @jaelijn | jaelijn on AO3

Zaniida | Zaniida on AO3

Dashing_through_snow | @dashingsnow | Dashing_through_snow on AO3

Max | @kidzwithbugz | gardensofedenx on AO3 | Scarlettbutterfly622 on Wattpad

Orso | @perpetuallylatetothefandomparty | OrSomething23 on AO3

@machaonreads | Machaon_Wahnsinn on AO3 | Fanfiction.net

Nataliya | @natk2002 | NatK on AO3

@emerald-hobbit | Emerald_Hobbit on AO3

Jayce | @fantasyismyonlyrealescape | wrestlinginjeans on AO3

@nagisreader | nagisreader on AO3

@geelizzzie | geelizzzie on AO3

@doctordiscord123 | Doctor_Discord on AO3

Quietlyimplode | @quietlyimplode | Quietlyimplode on AO3

Val | @ifitmeanslosingyouthenno | ifitmeanslosingyou on AO3

@b0amagination

@ronilani | LaniAhava on AO3

@actress4him

@2day4u-2morrow4me | 2day4u_2morrow4me on AO3

Freckles | @sylvanfreckles | sylvanfreckles on AO3

DaFlangstLairde | @daflangstlairde-art | DaFlangstLairde on AO3

CorpseBrigadier | @corpsebrigadier | CorpseBrigadier on AO3 | NeoCities

VHS_Scientist on AO3

@astralpenguin | astralpenguin on AO3

Teddog | @teddog | Teddog on AO3

NWA Creative Completionists | Creative Completionists AO3 Collection

Phase | @set-phasers-to-whump | escapsimandsharpobjects on AO3

SciFiMedic | @scifimedic | SciFiMedic on AO3

@musewrangler | Wishfulthinking1979 on AO3

@tildeathiwillwrite

#whumptober2024 #whumptober completionists 2024 #whumptober #completionists

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daflangstlairde-art · 23 days ago

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Turtle and the Fox

Work 4 of DFL's Whumptober 2024

Work summary:

Content warnings for the work include: kidnapping, dehumanization, electrocution, conditioning, creepy behavior, and more. More details on ao3.

Chapter 1/11 — 4772 words

Leo should've been worried as soon as he woke up.

Look. Leo’s portals? They were the coolest thing EVER, because Leo is the coolest!

...But admittedly, they were kinda sucky. He was still getting the hang of them, okay? They’d brought him to many weird places, like the top of the Eiffel Tower, or to a weird alien... dimension... planet... place. They sent his brothers to Tahiti once, it was a whole thing. Ending up in weird places was kinda becoming his thing. He's traveled half the world at this rate, no biggie, just more cool points for ol’ Leon.

But he was getting better at it! He was adaptable, and he kept his cool pretty well... mostly. He was chill like that.

But waking up in a weird... basement jail cell??? Maybe not as immediately terrifying as the alien planet, but it definitely ranked high on the What The Fucky-Wucky list, huh?

Leo pushed himself up, groaning, rubbing his face. And a headache, too? And nausea? Not looking too great, but it's fiiinee.

He was calm, because he’s gotten himself into so many messes, getting out was practically his specialty at this point. His first instinct was to reach for his ōdachi.

Things immediately went from “a little weird” to concerning as his ōdachi proved to be nowhere in sight. Actually, Leo didn't have any of his stuff in sight—not even his sash or gloves or socks.

Um. Okay. Weird, off-putting, but hey, ‘tis the life.

He blinked, and squinted, and started trying to orient himself. Really hoping he wasn't dealing with a concussion here.

The “bed” squeaked weird, which was explained as soon as he looked down and saw it wasn't a bed, not fully. It was just a mattress on the floor, pressed against the wall. There wasn't even a blanket, just a crumpled, pinkish-beige bed sheet and a sad looking white pillow which wasn't fluffy at all.

Leo wasn't very hopeful, but he still lifted the mattress to check if his sword just so happened to be under there.

Predictably—it wasn’t.

“Love a good disappearing act, but now is really not a good time,” he muttered quietly.

There was a ceiling light, which wasn't totally obliterating his eyes, sooo... if he had a concussion, it probably wasn't a severe one. Score. The light from the lamp was warm.

The ceiling light was in the other half of the room. Y'know, the half Leo could not reach, because it was barred by thick vertical iron bars. Like a prison cell. Yeah. He assumed this space was a basement, since there were no windows and it had a distinctly basement-y vibe. It was not claustrophobic, but it wasn't massive either. It wasn't freezing, or damp, but it wasn't very... cozy.

Leo knocked on the wall. It wasn't bare bricks, but behind the eggshell paint he was a hundred percent sure he'd only encounter thick concrete.

The gaps between the iron bars (or... whatever metal they were made from) were too small to fit his butt through, much less his shell.

O...kay. Very bad start. But he had this! He’d be out in five minutes tops.

It was also super empty in here. Like, completely empty. There were all of two doors in the room. One was on his half of the basement, on the other side of the cell. Leo didn't waste a second to clamber up and—as stealthily as he could—sprint over, yanking it open.

He almost cheered when it did, in fact, open!

...Only to reveal a bathroom.

A very small bathroom, with a toilet, and toilet paper, and a small bathtub. Weirdly fancy for a prison! And the type of sink that had a hose-thingy and you could unhook the faucet and make it into a shower head. And a mirror above the sink. And a bar of pastel orange soap.

This reassured the discomfort in his gut only a little, but not a lot. Leo grimaced.

“Aw man, my brothers are gonna kill me,” he muttered, dragging a hand down his face. Still trying to be quiet, lest he attract unwanted attention.

Well. He was already here in the bathroom sooo... Leo walked over and turned on the faucet, got some cold water streaming (oh good, there’s water), and cupped his hands to drink. At least he didn't have to worry about dehydration if he was really stuck in here.

It soothed his dry throat. It made the headache and the nausea ease up a little. Okay, nice. Getting out will be easier if he didn't feel like throwing up.

He splashed his face with the cold water, and oh, great, his mask was missing too.

“Okay, wake up Leon!” he lightly slapped his cheeks, watching the water swirl down the drain. “You don't have your ōdachi, but you're a certified Mad Dog! You beat Baron Draxum and THE Shredder!” he hyped himself up. Come oonnn! He was Leonardo... uhh... Splinterson! He was a one of a kind turtle mutant ninja! How cool is that?? Clearly, chance was on his side.

Even if he was having very little leeway so far.

Ugh, it was moments like this where he really wished his dad had taught them more of the ninja arts–

–Leo jerked back as he caught his reflection upon glancing up.

Okay... What. The Fuck. Now that deserved some bad words.

What the fuck.

He stared, disturbed.

Slowly reached up a hand, pressing it to... the... thing on his throat.

Was that a... a collar???

Not like that stupid gag gift Donnie had given him, not like that collar. Not like a dog collar, either. Or– well– a little bit like that?

It was like... like some sort of Victorian style collar. Or something. Like a fancy corset but for his throat. A thick circlet of leather, with thinner frilly decoration coming out of the top and the bottom. It was beige with white lace. It had a little metal clip at the front, very much like a dog collar.

Okay. Okay, this situation just went from concerning to “get out of here PRONTO”. He really hoped some human with an interest in exotic pets didn't get their hands on him.

Leo tried yanking the freaky collar off. And then he yanked harder. This yielded precisely zero results. He turned it around and tried fiddling with the latch, except it was weird, and he couldn't figure out how to get it open.

Leo had to admit. He was starting to get just a little nervous. Only a tiny bit. Because he's the Face Man, the master of keeping it cool.

Which is why he totally didn't startle upon hearing the telltale sounds of someone approaching.

Leo slammed the bathroom door closed and then cursed himself for it. He was supposed to be stealthy!

...Well. To be fair. It's not like he really had anywhere to go. So hiding was never going to be the winning strat.

Okay, whatever.

He pressed the side of his face to the door, to listen. Luckily, he and his brothers have always had pretty good hearing. Leo’s wasn't as good as, say, Donnie or Raph’s, but it was still good.

It sounded like the person was... walking down a set of stairs. And then a jingle of keys. The turning and click of a lock.

The second door in the basement had been across the iron bars, inaccessible to Leo. It now sounded heavy as it opened. And then clicked closed again. And—damn—once again the sound of a key in a lock.

“You’re awake earlier than expected,” a voice spoke. They sounded... they didn't sound hostile, or creepy. Their tone didn't stand out in any way at all, actually, except maybe for a very slight fancy accent, too mild for Leo to pinpoint it. There was no lisp, no cackle, nothin’. It wasn't particularly deep or high. It sounded male, but who’s Leo to assume? But he really couldn't infer much from it.

He gave up on being a smartass for a moment, because he needed to figure out how to navigate this. Especially if it's a human.

“Didn't even give me the time to furnish this place a bit,” they said, and was that a twinge of humor in their voice??? “But I suppose this will be a learning curve for us both,” ...okay, what is this guy talking about.

They sounded so... normal. Not at all like a creep or a jailer or a millionaire or a government agent. It was jarring. Maybe this was just... a, a misunderstanding...? Leo tried to recall what he remembered last.

It was... he and his brothers were in the Hidden City... which was still SUCH a crazy thing to think about. And so new! They were only just starting to get used to going there, every now and then.

So they’d been exploring. They’d split up to do their own thing—he wanted to go enjoy a fancy spa place—and... uh... he couldn't because... and then...

...Yeeahh thhaaat’s about where Leo lost the thread. He must've been knocked out or something.

Maybe he portaled here accidentally. And his sword got portal-jacked again. After... acquiring a weird collar that couldn't be removed. And losing his clothes.

...Yikes.

Maybe he could talk this out with the stranger who was surely a reasonable person, and Leo could walk out of here and go home, and they could all laugh about it tomorrow and forget about it the day after! Yeesh. His brothers would never stop reminding him about this. Leo chuckled quietly. He'd have to bribe them or something.

“You know there isn't really anywhere for you to hide, right? Come on, come out and meet me proper,” they beckoned, not hostile.

Leo took a breath, and relaxed himself. Okay, here goes. Go and face, Face Man.

He opened the bathroom door and walked out.

On the other side of the iron bars stood a mutant. Or– wait, maybe they were yōkai? They were... what was it called... oh, right, a fennec fox. Fitting for the animal, they weren't very tall. Leo may be just fifteen, but he was pretty sure he had two or three inches on ‘em. They had those aesthetic thin-wired round glasses and a sweater vest on. A light brown, pleasantly matched with the color of their fur. All in all, a very normal guy, just standing with his hands halfway tucked into his pant pockets.

Except for the neutral, kinda sly looking grin that sort of reminded Leo of Big Mama, but hey, who was he to judge? Leo himself had been punched more than once for his smarmy smirk.

“Heeyyy mi amigo! Bud, pal,” Leo approached the iron bars confidently, clasping his hands together. “Real weird situation we've found ourselves in, huh?” he commented like it was about the weather. “You know how to open these things? Yeah, so, you do that, and I will just walk out, and we can both go our merry way and pretend like this never happened. Sound good?”

The stranger chortled. Leo smiled, hopeful that the next words out of their mouth were going to be yeah, let me get right on that.

Instead,

“That's the attitude I like to see,” they said, looking satisfied. Or maybe glad. Or... pleased.

“Hah, yeah, I’m a real treat to have,” Leo rolled easily onwards, “Ssoooo about those bars...”

The stranger sighed, still amused but like they were done with introductions now and could get on with the business meeting.

“You’re adorable,” they were smiling, “now heel, kappa,”

Leo blinked.

“...Heal...?” he echoed, not quite sure what the guy was asking of him. “Heal what, you got a sprained wrist or something–?”

“Heel. H-E-E-L. You are literate, right?” the fennec fox raised his eyebrows. His eyes weren't black and shapeless like an actual fennec fox—they were a strong hazel color. Red, really. Piercing.

“Uh, yeah, I guess? What does that have to do with anything?” Leo scratched his head.

“I’ll be lenient with you for now, considering we're only starting,” he said calmly, still with that same grin. “But this is try number three: Heel.”

“I... don't–”

–The yōkai raised his hand and there was a shock–

“–understaAAA–”

Just like that Leo’s vision whited out.

In the span of less than a second, his entire body started spasming, muscles and nerves contracting and screaming– no, he was the one that screamed, as a full body electroshock slammed into him with the force of the Turtle Tank, and it didn't stop–

Within less than a second Leo was shrieking, mind blank and unable to even comprehend the physical assault that was everywhere, and he could barely even claw at his throat with the intensity of it, because it felt like that's where the sudden agony–

How strong was this– what is happening?!

He collapsed to his knees, unable to even hear his own screaming as an unfiltered WRONG sensation burn every part of him–

He collapsed to the floor, choking and unable to breathe and unable to think–

His body spasmed and convulsed–

And just as suddenly as it began, it ended.

Leaving him hunched over on the ground, choking on his own copper-tasting spit and gasping for breath, ragged and desperate. Shivering from head to toe, burning. Hot and cold waves, his vision swimming. It felt like pins and needles jamming into every inch of his body again and again and again; no, it felt like– like an old TV, that very specific flickery-wavering effect. Noise and static. Leo felt like he’d just been doused in boiling water for a few seconds, like, like he’d been tazed or something. Everything was vibrating and too much and hurting.

“What the fuck–” he gasped, still incomprehending of the situation. Too hot under his skin.

“I told you to heel,” the fennec fox man said calmly, lighthearted, now standing above Leo. Because Leo had collapsed. After that– that– “Rule one—you will obey all commands, without question. Sound good?” he said all smart and cheeky.

“What the fuck,” Leo simply repeated, shaking, eyes flicking to look at the stranger. He– he was still smiling in that same way. He–

He–

...He did this, didn't he? He’d done that. On purpose. The fox guy did that on purpose.

“You,” Leo leveled him, “are a weird little man,” he declared.

The man tsked, and grinned. “Rule two—respect your new owner, kappa. That’s me,” he clarified, cheeky.

“You’ve got some wires cro–”

–Leo’s breath was stolen as the fox raised his hand and another shock freaking wrecked through his body, immediately locking his muscles in tension, wrenching more screaming from his throat as it dragged out–

He barely heard the man speak up over the burning, he barely processed–

“Apologize,” said calmly, with authority, as Leo shrieked and writhed with the voltage, how strong it was, this intensity of electricity could hospitalize a person–!

There was obstinance. There was pride. There was dignity.

It took all those about three seconds each to buckle under the assault on his body, unceasing and painful painful painful make it stop–

“You know, I’d be very sad to kill you before I've had you for even just a day,” the fennec fox remarked, each word taking longer and longer to stick in Leo’s brain, preoccupied as it was with “PAIN PAIN PAIN HURTING DYING THIS IS AWFUL MAKE IT STOP”, but eventually, eventually–

–I don't want to die, a desperate animal instinct inside him roared.

“STOP, STOP, MAKE IT STOP PLEASE–” Leo cried, teeth buzzing, digging his feet and digging his hands and convulsing.

“That's not what I asked for, kappa,” the fox said kindly.

When Leo swallowed obstinance and pride and dignity, it tasted like copper and electricity and it was still going it was still going–

“I’MSORRYI’MSORRYI’MSORRY–” he shrieked with growing desperation because the torture wasn't stopping–

And then it did, just like that.

Leo was left on the basement floor, gasping static, eyesight blurry and sparking. Body trembling and occasionally spasming like there was leftover electric energy inside it.

Everything. Hurt. Everything was sore, his nerves felt burnt out, frayed. Hands and knees and forehead rested on cold floor, feeling his heartbeat in his fingertips. Leo dreamed of submerging his entire body into burn cream, just for a small chance at soothing the scalding over all of his skin.

It wasn’t just his throat, even though that's where it seemed the electricity came from. It was, inexplicably, everywhere.

This was nothing like Donnie’s gag gift. That thing had been barely a buzz.

This was actual, genuine torment.

“Good boy,” the fennec fox cooed, and if Leo wasn't lying on the floor right now, he might've thrown up at it.

“You are seriously sick,” Leo said, hoarse, fists clenched, he couldn't stop trembling. He felt like he was physically and mentally short-circuiting. “What– this, this–” he gasped, “I don't know if it’s a shock to you, but this is against basic human rights–”

The stranger tsked again. “You are difficult to discipline, aren't you?” he grinned, and his fangs weren't large but they were sharp all the same, “But that’s what I was hoping for, I do love a good project! Now, let's try again—this time, I want you to apologize, and repeat what rule you disobeyed, mkay?”

“You–”

And the fennec fox yōkai raised his hand.

And Leo’s blood-curdling screams filled the small space yet again.

II.

Leo met this yōkai man barely a few minutes ago, and it was already one of the worst first impressions anyone has ever made, in his humble opinion. Abhorrent presentation.

And he was yōkai, because it was only ever yōkai that called them “kappa”, always assuming they were yōkai too.

Anyway.

Leo got the memo quick, and bit his tongue to shut the hell up because he did not want a lobotomy via electrocution at the ripe old age of fifteen.

His mouth tasted like blood. This was actually because he’d accidentally bitten his tongue two minutes ago, whilst, y'know, being violently electroshocked.

It hurt.

Everything hurt. It hurt like he got a week-long non-stop beatdown. It was like a migraine, but for his entire body. It hurt worse than anything ever.

Everything was swimming and every little movement sent a spike of pain. His muscles and nerves were exhausted, entirely burned out in a vibrating sort of way. Leo was so close to hurling. He was sucking in shallow breaths, on the floor.

“Did you get it all out of your system?” the fennec fox asked. What a condescending jerk. Leo wanted to snark back at him. Leo wanted to spit in his face. Leo wanted to kick his ass and run out of here and go home.

Leo swallowed down all of that. Leo didn't do any of those things because Leo wanted to live.

His brothers were looking for him, zero doubt about that. And they were going to find him, they were. And– and Leo needed to be alive for that. Electrocution could get real dangerous real quick and easy.

Or he would escape before they even realized he's gone! There had to be a way to get out of here, for sure. He was going to find a way out of here.

But he needed to be alive for that.

Trembling, on the floor, Leo—for once in his life—didn’t talk back. It only took, what, three torturing electroshocks?

“Well?” the fennec fox prompted.

Leo swallowed, and swallowed again. His throat hurt, and he wanted water.

Hhnh. With the ridiculous strength of the shocks, Leo could have a heart attack right here, right now. And he promised April to hang out! Boy was his heart pounding.

“I’m s– I’m sow–” he gagged, “I-I’m eigugh– I’m sorry,” he forced out, even if it audibly tasted gross in his mouth.

“And?”

What else was it that he wanted–?

...Oh. Right.

Leo ground his teeth together. He hated the way the yōkai was still standing above him. And could he just say this—it made him feel actually naked (as opposed to the regular turtle-naked) with how the fox was fully clothed.

Whatever. Leo isn't ashamed of himself! Embrace the turtle!

He forced himself to put a hand on the floor. He forced himself to push himself up, just a little. Just so he wasn't completely laying down at the guy's feet. Eugh.

His skin all felt hot and gross on the outside. Shame made his insides match, curling like a fat maggot.

“I... disrespected... you,” Leo made it known through his tone how displeased he was about this. “Which, for the record–”

“And?”

“And? ...And– didn't... do what... you told me,” he grumbled, scratching his head. “And may I just say, I am not–”

“That's right, good boy,” the yōkai praised, and okay, that was creepy. High levels of creepazoid. Someone call the Creep Cops.

...Which... Leo supposed were just the regular cops.

“Well! Now that we got that out of the way,” the man clasped his hands together. “Introductions. My name is Zerda Vulpes, my friends call me Fin–”

“Fin the Fennec Fox,” Leo chuckled. What a stupid name. “How’s your best friend Jake, Fin the Fo–”

He yelped with the slap of another shock. He caught himself almost feeling relieved when this time it was brief, momentary, though no less painful. Just a sudden tightening of all his muscles all at once.

He slammed his fist into the ground, teeth grinding. He was starting to really hate this.

“Respect, kappa,” Fin reminded, again, not unkindly, and his whole demeanor was really giving Leo whiplash. “As I was saying. You won't be calling me that. To you, I am commander, I am master, I am sir. Understood?”

Leo glared at him. This guy was so cringe. Get on Roblox so I can bully you, loser–

Fin raised his hand and–

Y'know, Leo wanted to tough it out. He was a tough guy! Him and his brothers fought mutants weekly, just ‘cause they wanted to! Again, they’d beaten Baron Draxum and Shredder! Leo himself was the best of the best, longest Lair Games streak out of anyone!

They've always been tough. Tough shells, tough scales, tough minds. To them, street brawls were like going to a martial arts class—just an activity, a hobby, normal, casual, never considered danger even on the off chance it left them a bit bruised up.

Leo was able to tough this out, if he really wanted to. If, for example, his brothers’ lives were on the line, he would tough it out.

But.

Fin the Fuckface Fox raised his hand, and Leo’s stomach swooped and– “Nonono, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Leo pushed out before he could catch himself. Palms raised placatingly, trying to get the yōkai to just be reasonable, to see that there was no need for this.

Fin—because Leo was not gonna call him any of those other ones in his head—paused. “I’m sorryyyy...?” he trailed off expectantly. Like he was speaking to a dumb kid instead of Leonardo.

Leo felt... humiliated. He caught himself feeling relieved that he was alone here—that nobody would watch him... go through this.

This was surreal. This didn't happen to real people in the real world! This didn't happen to people like Leo! It was bizarre, and it was ridiculous. And Leo wanted it to be over already.

Despite his wishes, here he remained. Fin kept watching him and Leo remained trembling on the ground like a beaten dog, sore and embarrassed.

“I’m... sorry... sir,” he forced out, looking away, hiding his face with a hand, and hating it. This was embarrassing. It was embarrassing. His brothers would piss themselves laughing if they saw this. Leo could never, ever tell anyone anything about any of this. He was taking this to his grave.

“Good turtle,” awful, awful, awful, stop calling him that. “Now. What’s your name?”

Leo didn't want this freakazoid to know his name. He was actually gonna barf if he heard his beautiful awesome name from this guy’s mouth, so he said the first thing he could think of: “J– uh, Jimmmmmson. Jimson,”

Fin raised his hand and fear sparked through Leo, and immediately he screamed with the shock that followed.

He slammed his fist into the ground, irritated and frustrated and wanting to just kick and yell. It felt like all his nerves were exposed, his face hot and buzzing. Was this overstimulation?

“What was that one for?!” Leo yelled, voice almost cracking.

“Just asserting. That is no longer your name,” Fin said casually, and it was so ridiculous Leo almost laughed, because it wasn't his name in the first place.

“Oh yeah?” he wanted to snark, oh yeah? So what is it? Franklin the Turtle? We going to match, buddy?

“And don't question me, mkay? No talking back. I won't punish you now—like I said, I’ll go easy on you in the beginning—but I will in the future,” Fin continued, and Leo seriously felt like he was in the weirdo alternate dimension. Everything about this man and this scenario was insane.

Punish. What is he, a two year old? A dog?? This man is insane.

“So, I think you'd like some context, huh?” Fin spoke like anything about this was normal. “Well. To make a long story short, when Baron Draxum went haywire, rumors spread about his project for mutant soldiers. I was lucky to be around at the time! And I’m in need of a new bodyguard and wanted a new pet, so when I saw– ah, well, you get the jist,” no no, back up saw what–? “We just need to break you in. House train you, y'know?”

Leo stared at this man. Speaking like– like–

What in the flippity fuck has Leo been dragged into? Was the guy dropping exposition on him??? How was he perceiving this scene, because Leo was NOT seeing the same!

“So– so you–” just kidnapped me?! Leo started, and then the words choked in his throat.

(And don't question me, mkay? No talking back.)

He didn't want to receive another shock. Everything hurt and it all felt too much.

“R... right,” Leo just nodded lamely.

Fin smiled. “Great. Well, welcome to your new home. I know it's looking quite drab right now, but if you're good, we'll get it decorated,” he explained. “Are you hungry?”

Leo couldn't tell, past the nausea.

“I... No, I– I think,” Leo answered, because he just wasn't sure what else he could do. And at the fox’s look, he belatedly added “Uh, sir,” with a grimace. Eugh.

“Good. See, you're already learning so well,” the fox delighted. “Well, I’ll bring you food later, mkay? And we’ll chat more. Now, feel free to rest up a bit, this was very jarring to you, I'm sure. I really hate to run you ragged like that, but asserting strict and clear discipline from the get-go can yield very good results and fast,”

Leo was just gaping at the man from the floor, at this point. He would call the yōkai delusional, if it wasn't an insult to people with genuine mental health struggles. This man was just... messed up.

“The faster we get you to behave, the more pleasant for both of us, right?” Fin grinned, turning to walk to the door that, presumably, led to the outside world. He pulled out a keyring with a few keys on it. Unlocked the door, and pulled it open. Leo watched the process carefully. “See you later, little kappa!” he waved to Leo, still cheery.

The door, heavy, closed with a click. The key turned inside the lock again.

The sound of footsteps retreating upstairs.

Leo, still on the ground, slowly exhaled. With Fin finally out of the room, a bit of tension leaked away.

Leo's body was exhausted. Everything was sore, making him hiss and puff as he pushed himself up. Barely managed to stumble to the mattress, half collapsing against the wall. He wondered if he did need to be hospitalized. Double-hospitalized maybe, with how bad he felt. His thoughts were swimming and his head hurt. Bad.

Nausea rolled through him, and Leo considered changing his trajectory towards the bathroom at the other end of his... cell. It really was a cell, jeez.

But he might have to save all the food he could. He did not trust Fin’s promise to bring him some grub.

So Leo, shaking, in pain, and—more than anything—humiliated and baffled, just collapsed on the mattress.

It should've been harder to fall asleep.

#rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #rise of the tmnt #rottmnt #tmnt 2018 #rottmnt leo #leo rottmnt #hamato leonardo #fan fiction #fanfic #whump #whumptober #whumptober2024 #angst with a happy ending #kidnapping #dfl's whumptober 2024 #daflangstlairdefanfic #electrocution

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daflangstlairde-art · 27 days ago

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Whumptober 2024 No. 29: FATIGUE | "Who said you could rest?"

Inspired by how when I can't sleep sometimes I need to slap on a shirt or a hoodie to feel cozier

Picture Leo stealing his brothers' (in this case Donnie's) clothes

#whumptober2024 #no.29 #fatigue #Who said you could rest?#rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #art #fan art #rise of the tmnt #rottmnt #tmnt 2018 #rottmnt leo #leo rottmnt #hamato leonardo #disaster twins #digital art #whumptober #insomniac leo #daflangstlairdeart #dfl's whumptober 2024

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daflangstlairde-art · 30 days ago

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A Catalog of Non-Definitive Acts — Chapter 3, 4580 words

Part 3 of DFL's Whumptober 2024

Work Summary:

Love was cauterized out of him young, because that is how you survive. But coming back home with the Splintersons, Leo craved. He craved and he ached and he hungered. Because the Jitsu family loves. They love ardently, fervently, they love in a way Leo has never, ever seen before, they love in a way Leo could never even conceptualize much less dream of. (She’s always taught him, by word but much more by example, to take what he wants and settle for nothing less.)

Here's chapter 1

Here's chapter 2

Leo woke up at around 7 a.m. again, because if they were gonna take ages to give him a schedule, he was going to make a placeholder one on his own. His life has had clear, written out steps for years.

Today, he would be doing nothing, Mikey said. Okay, that's fine. Leo could fill the time of his punishment on his own.

He started doing his morning exercises. He didn't rush through them—he had an entire day worth of time to endure.

He tidied up his cell—made his bed, checked for dust, that sort of thing. He dressed himself in his new outfit, even though his previous one was washed now.

Aaand that's about when he ran out of ideas.

Leo sighed, flopping back in bed, to stare at the ceiling. He didn't have any upcoming dinners or Nexus performances or public appearances to think on. He didn't have any classes to revise.

So, Leo started on his first tactic to pass the time: analysis.

He could use this time to better himself. He closed his eyes, and began going through old and recent interactions with the Jitsus. Started rotating them in his head, picking at the tiniest of details. There's always something that can be useful.

Gosh, it was such a moment, to learn he had three lost brothers. Like, he knew he wasn't actually Big Mama’s child—in multiple ways, including the fact that he didn't remember his earliest childhood. But brothers?? Insane. They'd been even more baffled than him.

And that sentiment was tripled when, apparently, Baron Draxum of all people dropped the craziest lore—that they were all made with Lou Jitsu's DNA. The former Battle Nexus Champion! The Mad Dogz' beloved movie star! Like what?!

Gah! And finding little pockets of time, tiny opportunities to slip away from his duties to see them? To get to know them, bit by bit? Hear about the mutants they've fought, the fun they have? As dangerous and nerve-wracking as it was, it was also so much fun, every time. He'd always looked forward to it.

It turned into a mess, of course, haha, but hey! Here Leo was, better off for it.

He chuckled, thinking about the random times he’d run into them. Like at Laberinto de Muerte, their first meeting. Or at mamá’s hotel, trying to wrangle those oozesquitos, when they learned from the baron that they were related. Good times, haha.

It was nice, reminiscing on his moments with the Jitsus. He was looking forward to having more. And it made him feel at least a little productive, to revise what he’s learned about them, think up ways to ever so slightly alter and correct his behavior.

It also got him thinking about his life before meeting them. About people he would call friends.

...He wished he’d gotten to keep those friends, but, well. He was stupider, back then. Sure, he'd known that if he got too obviously attached to something, it would be used against him or taken away from him, but... he hadn't considered that rule would apply to people, too. Idiot. That was one of his worse mistakes. Leo made sure to learn from it.

Love was cauterized out of him.

...But man did it really, really want to regrow. Leo seriously had to keep it in check, or it might end him in big trouble.

Big hearts are also big targets.

He was jarred out of his thoughts by a knock on the wall beside his curtain. He checked the time—9:34 a.m. Slightly earlier than yesterday. Ah, probably breakfast then, sweet. Leo couldn't help but grin as he hopped up to his feet, excited to see someone. Especially considering he probably wouldn't get much of that today.

“Leo?” Raph’s voice, a little hushed.

“Still here, boss man,” Leo said, cheeky.

Raph pulled the curtain aside, and smiled upon seeing him. “Damn! You always wake up early?”

“Mhhmm,”

“Oh, awesome! Mikey and especially Donnie kinda like sleeping in a little more, but uh, if you want, I do some exercises in the morning,” Raph said, fidgeting a little. Interesting. “You could join me! If you want,”

Yes! Aw yeah, baby! Even during his punishment, Leo would still get to hang out with someone and to do stuff. He was nailing this.

“That sounds like a great idea,” he agreed, smiling in return.

“Oh! Heck yeah!” Raph whooped. “Let's go!” he pulled the curtain open a little wider, and Leo followed him out. Probably to a training room of some sort.

Leo wouldn't mind some physical work, honestly. He’ll start getting agitated if his only work-out was his own morning stretches and patrol. He hoped his schedule had a little more than just that.

“Oh, wait, I think I forgot my water bottle in my room,” Raph mentioned, turning towards a different tunnel, one on the floor of Leo’s cell.

Leo didn't say anything, there wasn't anything calling for his commentary, just followed along.

To...

...A-another– another cell.

He stopped in front of it. Watched Raph open its curtain—red—and look around for his water bottle.

The cell was... just the right balance between small and large, not restricting (enough for Big Red, haha), but cozy. Red sheets. All kinds of clothes, but most prevalent—red. A whole heaping pile of all types of plush toys. Rafts with trinkets and action figures. A skateboard. Posters on the walls. A rug.

Leo stared at it all, entirely uncomprehending.

“Oh here it is!” Raph exclaimed, picking up his water bottle. It was made of metal, red and black.

“Wh– huh...?” Leo breathed, to himself, still staring at the sight in front of him.

He, he didn't... he didn't understand.

He didn't understand.

Why was Raph in a cell? What did he do??? Who was above him in authority to put him there??? Why was it so... full? It was downright cluttered, in a way that spoke of so much use, so much... attachment.

Leo– Leo didn't understand.

If Raph—the older brother, their leader, a certified OG part of the family—was in a cell... what were the hopes of Leo getting a room?

“Leo?” Raph asked, and Leo blinked, and fuck, his smile had fallen, his smile never fell, his smile wasn't supposed to fall.

“Yeah?”

“You good?” Raph was looking at him.

“Totes,” Leo reassured, even though inwardly, he felt his heartbeat had picked up and his thoughts were a hurricane.

“Uh... o... kay then,” Raph accepted. “Let's roll!” he moved in the direction of the training room.

Leo’s stare lingered on the red-themed cell for a few moments longer.

He forced his legs to follow after Raph.

He had to keep his cool. He had to be normal.

He would simply find a way to ask without directly asking.

—

Training was going pretty well! At some point, Donnie and Mikey even joined them, just to hang out!

And it really was more like hanging out than anything. Leo initially expected it to be more like his martial arts lessons, but while Raph did take it pretty seriously, it was nowhere near that.

Most of it came from the fact that... well. It felt like Raph was treating him as an equal, rather than a student. He was asking for Leo’s technique just as much as he showed Leo his own cool moves. He corrected Leo kindly, rather than with disapproval or disappointment or irritation. He didn't want to hurt Leo, which was a little crazy, considering they were training to fight.

But that's the thing. With Raph, it didn't feel like they were fighting against one another. It felt like they were doing this together. Like they were both students, and they were each other’s tutors, all at the same time.

And they also chatted and made jokes. Raph was really fun to tease, Leo was finding. He had to be careful not to get too comfortable and cross any lines, but that hadn't happened so far, even if Leo felt like he was really pushing his audacity with some comments, haha.

It was awesome.

...Hoooweveeer.

He didn't find a convenient spot to ask his question. Aaand now Donnie and Mikey were here too, even though they weren't taking part in training. Literally just hanging around for company.

Impeccable vibes, so-so atmosphere for risky questions. Now this might actually cross a line.

That's fine. Leo just had to be casual. Project that it wasn't a big deal, just a little question, same weight as asking “Oh did you step backwards before doing that spin-kick?” and no more. No big deal, you know? Just plain ol’ curiosity. Neutral information exchange, and then move on.

“Yeah, I learned that from Ghostbear too!” Raph exclaimed, showing him a cool trick to pinning an opponent. Leo dusted himself off as he was released, settling back into a stance, to try and replicate it as was their rhythm.

“Oooh, nice,” he hummed. Raph liked wrestling, specifically that Ghostbear guy.

“Yeah!! Although he’s kind of a cheater, he still has some real technical ability that you can learn from!!” Raph was smiling, also in a readied stance.

There.

Leo snorted, “Is that what got you Cell Time?” he said in a joking tone.

Raph blinked. “Huh?”

Roll with it. “No? Something else?” Leo metaphorically poked like he was just teasing.

“What do you mean?” Raph asked, and his stance un-readied itself though he still held it. Okay then, Leo paused too, wouldn't wanna take him off-guard. Which was also weird—usually he’d take any openings. That's what he’s always been taught.

“You know,” he shrugged, still keeping it lightly, “Your cell? I mean, you're the leader, right? Boss man?” Leo teased, “What landed you in there?”

“...Raph is so confused right now,” the big guy confessed.

“Cell? What cell?” Donnie spoke up. Great, him and Mikey were looking at them weirdly too. Damn it. Gah. No no no. This wasn't going great, abort mission, play it off.

“Nevermind,” Leo shrugged, rolling his eyes, still smiling as always. “A man’s Cell-Time-deserving crimes are his and his only,” he joked, once again taking up a stance to continue with training.

“Cell time?” Mikey echoed.

Tthhheeeyyy weren't moving on from it. Hm. That, that’s, okay. Interesting. Did Leo stumble upon yet another Jitsu quirk?

“Yeeeahhh? Cell time,” he said easily. “When you spend time in your cell? Anyway,” he once again tried to redirect the moment away from it. He didn't like talking about Cell Time. It was, frankly, a little embarrassing. It's not something you bring up in conversation. Bad image. That must be Leo’s mistake here, and the reason why they were making it into A Thing.

Donnie cleared his throat, while the other two had... uh... not great expressions on their faces. For some reason. They didn't look judgemental or disgusted or anything though... Leo wasn't... quite sure what their expressions were.

“Is that... something that... happened a lot to you?” Donnie asked, in a careful sort of tone.

And like... what?

They literally put him in a cell first thing upon arrival. Raph was in a cell, and by the look of it, it wasn't the first time at all.

“I mean, not a lot,” Leo chuckled. That would imply he behaved terribly. And– okay, he wasn't the best at behaving, you can't internalize “take from the world exactly what you want and nothing less” and not have a large degree of Do-What-I-Want attitude, but he wasn't badly behaved. He’d say he was quite good, actually. He learned to be good at it. “Definitely not that much more than everyone else, huh?” he joked.

“Aha. Right.” Donnie coughed.

“Leo...” Mikey said and– why did he sound sad??? Leo was really confused right now. The Splintersons were confusing him. Maybe more than ever.

“And you think Raph was put in one at some point?” Donnie asked for clarification.

“Either that or he has a weird place to store his water bottles,” Leo joked.

Raph gaped and his expression shattered.

“You think my room is a cell?” he said in a high-pitched, strained voice. He sounded crushed.

Leo– Leo was lost. What?

“Your room?” he carefully kept his own expression away from a frown.

Raph nodded, and everyone was looking at him with shattered expressions now.

“Did you think that... that your room...” even Donnie looked upset.

“Did you think we put you in a cell?!” Mikey exclaimed, incredulous and devastated.

Leo didn't know how to respond to that.

Was it... not... a cell...?

That... but that couldn't be right. Looking past the lack of windows (they were technically in the sewers), there was no proper door, the walls were rough, it had minimal interior design, etcetera? How could that be a room???

His mental scripts were entirely failing him right now. He had to improvise and he had to do it well. But it was really hard to improvise when he was clueless as to where he’d messed up.

All over again, he was a little child trapped in a cell, wailing and banging on the door that he’s sorry! and that he wouldn't do it again, ignorant that it was his wailing that he was being punished for. It was always hard to better his behavior when he didn't even know what he was supposed to better.

“Leo, we’d never put you in a cell,” Raph stated, strangled with shock.

“Why did you think it was a cell? What made it seem like a cell? Are you still missing furniture? Is it too cold? What– why–” Donnie was frantically tapping away at his phone, for some reason.

“Leo,” Mikey stepped forward, him and his sad eyes. “You know we love you, right? You're our brother! You're a Mad Dog now, boy!” he exclaimed, “You know we wouldn't do that to you, right?”

Leo just didn't know how to respond. He just smiled and kept smiling.

There was a little child inside him, a little child crying and banging on the door of a constantly locked room, like a little fly struggling inside a web, screaming no no no it's a trap it's always a trap.

“Of course,” he said, smiling, nodding. “You guys have been nothing less than fantastic.”

Mikey somehow got even sadder at that.

Outwardly, Leo kept his composure.

Inwardly, Leo was frantically slamming all the bright red buttons. Everything about this situation was wrong, he’d messed up bad bad bad. If he wasn't punished before he would surely be punished now, he didn't want to, he didn't want to.

He’d been trying so so so hard, to be good, to be perfect, to figure it all out, but like a freaking DUNCE he just HAD to go and shove hisfoot in his mouth! Idiot! He could NOT have been a bigger clown, his image was in tatters–

He’d been trying so. Hard.

...It's not over yet. He could salvage this, he had to salvage this, damage control scripts engaged. Clean this mess UP.

“I’m sorry,” Leo cut off whatever was about to be said next because it would surely make this all worse. Even though interrupting others is rude, bad manners, bad image, bad bad bad– “I did not mean to insult you, you have been stellar hosts. I am more than satisfied with what you have generously provided me,” smile, calm, placating, well-mannered, well-behaved– “My words weren't intended to imply anything negative. Any line I have crossed was not out of malice or lack of appreciation, merely ignorance oof–” a box turtle crashed into him, cutting him off.

Mikey wrapped his arms around him, squeezing tightly. And Leo’s heart was beating too hard, and he worried Mikey could hear it like that and Leo couldn't hide it–

Raph picked them both up, just like that, easy-peasy, and started walking somewhere. Donnie quickly following next to him, muttering under his breath.

And for a moment, Leo’s heart beat even harder, and he panicked. Despite the Mikey latched onto him, Leo thought, this is it, I've crossed too many lines, their patience has ran thin.

For a moment, he thought now I will be punished.

And for a moment, he thought something much, much worse—now they're going to kick me out.

“I’m sorry,” crawled out of his throat, trying to look between all the brothers with wide eyes, to gauge their state, to, to figure something out. He didn't want to leave, he didn't want to lose them, he didn't want to have to return to Big Mama, please, he didn't want to. “I’m sorry, my apologies, I-I just misunderstood, I insist–” stuttering, stammering, pitiful mess. Inelegant and disorganized and who would want this?!

Mikey tightened his embrace, letting out a high sound.

“Leo, it’s okay,” he insisted, and Leo didn't understand, he didn't understand.

“I don't understand,” Leo’s voice wavered, lost and cracking and desperate. A mess, uncontrolled, unable to cover up his weakness, stupid reactive bad–

“This is my room.” Raph held Leo up in front of the– the– his room, apparently.

It was only due to years of conditioning that Leo didn't cry. I know, I get it, I messed up, you don't have to rub it in, something petulant inside him begged.

But Raph kept carrying him, his walk brisque.

“This is Mikey’s room.” was the next destination, an orange curtain pulled to the side to reveal...

...What Leo would've assumed to be another cell, but he was wrong, he was wrong. So what did he know? Nothing. Clueless little child, doesn't know how the world works, will be eaten alive.

The– the room was well-sized, like the other one. There was a hammock. A big mirror. Paint tubes and spray cans rolling around the floor or organized in boxes. Scattered brushes and pencils, worn clothes, blankets and pillows in many colors. Cutesy lines of fairy lights. Trinkets and toys.

A space that was lived in. A space that was clearly occupied constantly. A space that was shaped through years of use to be cozy and familiar and fun. Leo was so stupid. How could he ever think this was a–

Raph was walking again, and Leo dreaded the next destination. He knew what followed.

“This is Donnie’s room.” and finally Leo was put on his feet.

He was a beloved Battle Nexus star. He’s brute-forced himself through terrible injuries, blinding he crowds with his smile even as blood dribbled down his chin. He was a master at sauntering with a broken leg.

And yet, Leo nearly swayed. And not because of Mikey’s weight. Come to think of it, the roaring in his head didn't feel too unlike a Nexus audience on his worse days. Loud and incoherent and distracting, making everything a little blurry and very overwhelming.

His smile was a trained muscle.

Donnie’s room was the largest. Likely because it didn't stop at his room, but continued into another space, which was his lab.

Leo had literally already been here before. They'd just entered through the laboratory’s second entrance. The one that connected it to the second floor of their Lair.

He hadn't even thought about– he hadn't thought–

“I’m sorry,” Leo whispered. The stupid child in him wanted to collapse to the ground and start screeching, bang his head against the floor until it stopped being broken and useless.

He wasn't doing anything right! He was just– mechanically apologizing! He was supposed to pay attention, to think, to fix this! Not, not just... stare and have an internal tantrum! Gah!

Say something worthwhile. Do something worthwhile.

Be worth something.

Donnie stormed off, and Leo’s traitorous heart was aching in its rampant beating. He was frozen in order to perserve the shreds of his composure. He was breathing far too steadily, which was telling enough.

He wanted to cry. Crying was one of the worst options right now.

...Unless.

Unless... Leo could guilt trip them. They were Splintersons, they weren't Big Mama, right? They said they operated differently, right?

They were so emotional. So kind and empathetic. So genuine. They were good.

Leo could absolutely guilt trip them.

He just– he just needed to let out the cry building up in his throat. Needed to let the tears burst through.

...Why... why couldn't Leo cry?

He couldn't cry.

...That's fine, that's fine, he's a performer, he can fake it.

“Leo, I’m not–” Raph put a hand on Leo’s shoulder, turning him so they were face to face and Raph’s expression was visible. Wide-eyed, a chasm in his forehead, wet.

“I’m sorry,” Leo declared, ugly and wet, face twisted, and Raph physically recoiled in sheer surprise.

“No, you don't have t–!”

“I’m sorry, please don't kick me out, you guys are just so good and I messed up and I didn't mean to and I’m just so stupid and–!” it was a very ugly act, words unclear and snively. The kind of tantrum you'd get beaten for, or be locked in your room with no dinner.

By the distraught look on Raph’s face, it might be working. Even Mikey unlatched himself from the hug (and Leo ached) to observe Leo’s performance, shocked.

Right. They... they've never seen him emotional. Well, certainly not like this. Leo just– he didn't usually engage with people on whom guilt tripping would be effective!

But he knows how to do it. Quite well.

Even if the desperate need to break down into tears just refused to surface, for some reason. All these years being beaten over the head to stop all this crying, and NOW he can't cry?! Psh. Of course.

“Kick you– Leo we're not kicking you out, what–?” Mikey gaped.

“It’s okay, Leo, hey, it’s okay, just calm down,” Raph placated. “You didn't do anything wrong, it’s okay!”

“Sorry, I’m sorry,” Leo sniffed loudly, miming rubbing his face like he’d teared up.

“You don't need to apologize! It’s okay!” Mikey joined the insistence, both of them hovering over him. Oh yeah baby, just like Big Mama’s minions hovering over her dramatic demands. Woe is little Leonardo.

Okay, note to self, guilt tripping absolutely works on the Jitsus.

“Raph is really sorry for overwhelming you!” Raph exclaimed, wringing his hands. “I, I just– I wanted to show you– to show you! You know? That I wasn't like, lying or, or tricking you or something!” the poor guy explained.

“Man, why didn't you mention something? You just– accepted being in what you thought was a cell?” Mikey was very saddened by this.

“I didn't see anything wrong with it?” Leo said, now calmer after he regained the reins of the conversation. “I mean, I’m new. Makes sense there will be a trial period,” he chuckled.

Both brothers looked like they wanted to burst into tears.

“No,” Mikey’s voice cracked. “No, it doesn't make sense! This isn't, this isn’t–!”

“This ain't just a team, Leo!” Raph sniffed. “We're a family! And you're one of us, you're family!”

Leo would cry all the tears he must to make that happen.

And then Donnie returned.

And Donnie shoved something in Leo’s hands.

And Leo felt calmer now. He felt like he could get things under his grasp now.

All of that crashed when he looked at the small ball of blue cloth in his hands.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, and I could be wrong,” Donnie fidgeted, a little awkward, “but from my observations, you... I thought blue would fit.”

Leo stared, completely thrown back.

Leo slowly unfurled the strip of cloth.

“And we’d have to make additional alterations to ensure it will not shrivel up or fray,” Donnie added. “But I– I think it's pretty good, for the short notice,”

…A mask.

A bandana, a headband, a, a– like theirs.

It was cut like Mikey’s. It was long like Raph’s. Donnie seemed to have cut it himself.

And it wasn't red. It wasn't black or white, or something neutral like gray or brown.

It was blue.

Blue, blue, blue. A really, really nice shade of blue. Right now, maybe Leo’s favorite blue.

“You're one of us now,” Donnie said quietly, a hand on Leo’s shoulder.

“You're part of the team!” Raph insisted, his hand on Leo’s other shoulder.

“You’re our brother,” Mikey crushed him in a hug again. Raph followed his example and dragged them all into his expansive embrace.

Leo– Leo has never been part of a family group hug before. And not just because he never had the family for it.

Big Mama wasn't really into hugs. And when she dished one out, it wasn't... warm, personal, affectionate. Not really. Not truly. Never.

Not... not like this.

The blue mask was still held (clutched, really) in Leo’s hand. And Leo was held in–

In... in his brothers’ arms.

Oh. Oh.

His brothers.

They– they–

“And you're our equal,” Donnie vehemently insisted into the hold that was crushing him just a little. “This isn't a trick or, or manipulation, I have no ulterior motive or secret gain, I'm not doing this for kicks, you're not below us and we are not above you, you're our equal, okay? Am I missing something?” Donnie rambled, like he was trying to tick off all boxes. Like he was making a contract and was trying to dodge any and all possible loopholes.

“And it's not a hypothetical and there's no hidden strings attached! And you don't have to put up with unpleasant stuff or prove yourself!” Mikey joined him. “And you don't have to act or lie or... change yourself so we like you ‘cause we already do!!!”

“You’re family, we love you–!!!” Raph exclaimed.

“Okay, okay!” Leo laughed, though it was a little too quivery, raising a hand to–

–to wipe off his face.

...What?

…When did he start crying?

What??? Leo stared at his hand, with the teensy spot of wet from the tear.

Oh no, oh no was he ruining the moment? He totally ruined it, he–

–Mikey grabbed his hand and gently pulled it away.

“I’m crying too,” he giggled, “It's a Mad Dog thing,”

The sentence rang and looped in Leo’s brain.

I’m crying too. It's a Mad Dog thing.

Oh, oh he was crying more now. Yikes.

It still made him feel panicky and wrong. It was the destabilization of his breathing, blinking his eyes to clear up his vision, a warmth, the way the tears tickled his cheeks.

But he was laughing. Shaky and wet, he was laughing.

It built off of Mikey’s giggle, and then Raph also snorted and then he was laughing too. And it was so ridiculous, it just made Leo cackle more.

Heck, even Donnie huffed, cracked up by the absurdity, and then they were all just snorting and chuckling in a group hug. Like a bunch of weirdos.

And with it all, Leo felt so ridiculously light. So warm. There was a warm buzzing within him, like pins and needles.

Love love, or whatever, haha.

“I haven't even put the mask on yet,” Leo pointed out, and with a couple “Oh right–” and “Whoops!” and such the group hug disbanded.

Leo unfurled the blue cloth. There were even two holes for the eyes. How stupid would it be if they didn't fit, hah?

The others looked at him with anticipation. Excitement. Giddiness, even.

Leo lifted the mask, and tied it at the back with a double knot.

It fit perfectly.

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daflangstlairde-art · 1 month ago

Text

A Catalog of Non-Definitive Acts — Chapter 2, 4737 words

Part 3 of DFL's Whumptober 2024

Work Summary:

Here's chapter 1

Still no schedule, not even a mention of it, nothing to clue him in about anything that's going to happen. That's alright. Maybe it was another test! Leo would nail it. The novelty of everything was as fun as it was scary, like facing a type of Nexus opponent he's never faced before, mind ticking away with ideas on what he could do.

Still, he did not expect the next slot to be reserved for shopping.

He supposed it... kinda made sense? He did need more clothes. The others also wanted him to get stuff for his room, but later.

As far as Leo knew, mutants and yōkai were supposed to stay hidden from humanity to the best of their abilities.

But here they were. In a thrift shop. In broad daylight. Standing in front of a packed clothes line, the other three huddled around him as he tried to pick. The Splintersons had reassured him new yorkers didn't pay odd sights much mind—that’s normal apparently—and yet they still had... “disguises” on. So, just... clothes.

He would say regular clothes, except the clothes were barely regular, and he was saying that as a performer. They insisted they had to be inconspicuous, and yet wore bright colors in fun shapes and patterns. Leo was so bewildered it circled right back around to being impressed.

Confidence and standing out were admired in his line of work. Also it was just... charming. They liked the fun colors and shapes, so they wore the fun colors and shapes, heedless of, like, any external factors. Bold!

But anyway. That's not the point.

The point is, that during breakfast, Raph accidentally knocked over Mikey’s juice and it stained Leo’s shirt (the big guy was still very apologetic over it). And that’s when theyrealized Leo didn't have any clothes with him. He didn't take anything from his old room, because it wasn't really his. None of it ever was.

(“Why didn't you mention it?” Donnie looked at him, eyebrows furrowed, and Leo... didn't know how to reply to that. Was he supposed to mention it–?

Yes, apparently, judging by the disapproval on Donatello’s face.

“Now I’ll know for next time,” Leo reassured, easy-going as always.

(I’ll do better, I promise.)

So. Mikey excitedly brought up the idea about going thrifting. And now they were thrifting. Shopping second-hand, which is another new experience to be written on the list of many.

Right alongside the fact that they encouraged (wanted) Leo to pick out clothes on his own. For himself.

He’s coordinated outfits for himself before, but... it was always a test? Like– an assignment. He would not only get to but he’d also be expected to ask for details—what type of event is it? Is there a theme? What are our business relations with the attending guests? Will there be food, movement? What’s the general temperature? What theme is Big Mama going for with her own wardrobe? On and on and on.

And now all he got was–

“Yeah, you just pick anything you like!” Mikey beamed at him.

And make sure what you like aligns with what is acceptable and what we like.

“Riiight,” Leo nodded, feigning understanding, even though this is the third time he’s tried to subtly ask for clarification without outwardly asking for clarification. He just needed something to work with, anything, but it's like they were purposefully making it as vague and open as possible!

“Don't worry about money,” and “Nah, not for any special reason,” and all.

(This theory got even more credence as Mikey literally elbowed Donnie when he started opening his mouth, probably to give some pointers.)

They hadn't even told him the budget! Or how many articles he was supposed to get! He was completely lost and he did not like it.

Well, at least he was rarely punished for janky outfit coordination... he could just completely improv it, he supposed... was that a good idea? What if they didn't like it? What if they didn't like him? What if they didn't have the funds? Leo knew they were far from Big Mama’s class. Or– well, that is why they were getting second-hand...

If the uncharming habits hadn't been broken out of him ages ago, he’d be biting his lip or his nails, or fidgeting.

Okay, Leo, what can you deduce? The sewers were... moderate temperature, thanks to Donnie’s air conditioning. But the surface got very cold in winter, right? It wouldn't be winter for a while, but... he should probably get something warm? Or would that be implying his room was not a satisfactory temperature, which would be insulting?

They... oh! Right, they go on patrol and fight crime! Right, so something to allow for movement, okay, perfect. That ruled out a lot of options. And! They're ninjas! Sneaky! So less flashy stuff, right? Even if it was so wildly different to his usual direction, which was to gather as much attention as possible.

He probably shouldn't pick anything they had trademarked, mainly through their individual color schemes. But he wasn't sure whether he would be allowed to claim a color, so... neutral palette. Can't go wrong with a neutral palette. White stained easily—as previously shown, so maybe something low-maintenance instead.

...Well, he did need better pants...

Leo could almost hear the others hold their breath as he started looking through the hanged clothing. Following him like ducklings as he carefully started browsing the options.

...Hm. Well, he’s always liked the idea of tank tops and T-shirts, they’d been pretty comfy the few times he’d worn them...

There. Two articles of clothing picked out.

First, a sage-olive colored T-shirt, large and loose to not only accommodate his shell, but also give him a pleasant range of motion. Fit his skin tone, didn't clash with the red on his face, and since it was a relatively dark color, it would be pretty okay with sneaking during the night. Cotton meant it would be pretty easy to wash, and would be good with most temperatures.

The second article was harder, because accommodating the lowest lip of his carapace in a way that didn't look awkward was always a hassle. So he chose some sort of... black pants, baggy. Not sure what the type is called, even as he wracked his brain. He really hoped he wouldn't be quizzed on it. You could say memorizing things like this was also never his strong suit, haha! The material wasn't stiff or itchy. Good for movement. Had two pockets.

It was a bonus that both articles of clothing seemed really comfy to wear, and Leo has almost never gotten the opportunity to indulge in loose, genuinely comfortable clothing. Not unless it was, like, pajamas or silk.

“I think this might work, huh?” he turned to the others with the two things. Not great to ask for feedback like that—it showed insecurity over whether he was successful and a lack of mastery over the subtleties of conversation—but it was the best option he had.

He didn't pick out accessories, because one pointer they had given him is that they were here to shop for clothes–

“That's it?” Raph blurted out, a little... surprised?

Dang. Okay, so, Leo messed up, what else did he need? What was he missing? Shoes??? He already had shoes, and this store didn't cater to yōkai, how would he find shoes here–

“N–”

Mikey sent Raph a withering glare, and Raph seemed to... catch himself, immediately waving his hands and saying “No no, I meant–!” he took a breath. “Leo, if these are the clothes you like, they're yours. If you like ‘em.” oh, right, they knew he usually had his clothes picked out for him. Hm. “If this is all you want and-or need for now, that's totally okay. We can always get more later if you change your mind. But! If– if there's something else you also want, don't, uh...” Raph’s speech trailed off, gesturing around. The big guy wasn't very big on words.

“Don't hesitate to get it, we’ve got the money,” Donnie finished for him. “Don't feel restricted based on how much it costs, or, hm, what else do you feel restricted about?”

“Or about anyone else’s opinion but yours!” Mikey tied up their reassurance with a little bow, grinning.

Leo was, for the tenth time in the last twenty four hours, once again left baffled.

That– hm. Okay. That was... an incredibly directly communicated concept. So much so that he was struggling to find the underlying meaning, leaving him to question simply, wow, do they... really mean that?

He couldn't catch their game. They were still looking at him expectantly. Probably for his reaction.

Was this... also a test? Did they want him to double down on his choice, and then tell him if it’s right or not? He was getting more and more lost.

“...I think it’s a good starting point,” he said carefully. That was pretty neutral. They could build off of that if anything was wrong.

They grinned at him, appearing genuinely happy, and he relaxed a little, and they moved along to pay for the new set of clothes.

Phew. Another test that he simply nailed. He was so good at this.

—

“So, anything else you want for your room?” Donnie brought up, as they were exiting the thrift store. Leo had a single bag with his clothes. The others also had a bag each because they simply couldn't help but get some stuff for themselves. They also seemed to simply enjoy browsing.

Hm. What else could Leo be expected to get? It's a cell. What is he going to get, wallpapers? No.

He also didn't know how long he would be staying there. Since he was inside it all the time, he would start to get worried about a vitamin D deficiency or something, but... they'd take that into consideration, wouldn't they? Big Mama always did, she always wanted him in top shape. Managing his diet, his room, consistent medical check-ups, yada yada. And they were turtles, they’d know how important it is to bask and stuff. So they’d give him what he needed in regards to that.

Hmm. Dang. Donnie pulling out the hard questions.

Well, so far, they were always happy whenever he showed some... “personality”. They kept nudging him to “get what he liked” and to “do what he liked” and all, so, maybe something along those lines? They wanted him to cement his persona well, rather than sticking to what’s neutral and therefore safe?

But what would he get for his room?

They had a dojo for exercise equipment, they had separate bathrooms. Make-up and body-slash-skincare wasn't included in the specifier “for your room”.

He could see them waiting, expectantly, for his reply, could see they wanted to offer stuff but were holding themselves back. Interesting. Probably because they wanted him to guess the right thing again.

What the heck was it???

A carpet??? What would he need a carpet for??? Interior design was not his thing, one of his worst subjects. He was lucky it was one of the most minor, too, reserved for the future for when he would manage Big Mama’s hotel; but it could really help right about now.

A different curtain? Some other type of furniture?

...Oh! Right! He's an idiot, jeez! He wanted to facepalm. Of course, how didn't he think of it sooner?

“I think a mirror could be helpful,” he answered indirectly. “To keep up a proper image,”

How had he forgotten that he didn't have a mirror? He supposed it skipped his mind, because last night and this morning he’d used the one in the bathroom when brushing his teeth and washing his face.

“Got it, anything else?” Donnie noted it down on his phone.

...

Okay. Um. There was more? How much more was there??? Leo thought he'd figured out the only thing???

“...Mikey’s drawing might get stained or worn without a frame,” he added, answering and defending his answer all in one. “I wouldn't want that to happen,”

“Awweee,” Mikey cooed, and Leo felt satisfied he’d figured that out as well. “Hey, just so you know, if anything happened to it, I’ll happily make you another! I barely even had to stay up to make that one,” he patted Leo’s shoulder. Aw. That's sweet.

“That's impressive,” Leo replied.

“Mhm, is that all?” Donnie asked next, and Leo exhaled, subtly.

Asking “Is that all?” meant it was all. Great. Another test that he breezed through.

“Yes, thank you,” Leo answered, smiling, and so they went to get a mirror and a frame. A regular mirror and a super cute orange frame.

—

Mikey was incredibly happy to have his drawing framed and placed on Leo’s shelves. One of the first official decors in the cell! Joining Boss Bearhug.

The mirror gave Leo insight into his appearance, which... well. He was working on it.

The new clothes were... casual. Much, much more than what he was used to. And it was only now dawning on him that he really did have just the two sets. Heu boy. He grimaced. Perhaps he really should have picked out more...

But the Jitsu brothers didn't scold him. Did they? He replayed the conversation in his head again, analyzing it for the tenth time, as he does with all of them.

(“If this is all you want and-or need for now, that's totally okay. We can always get more later if you change your mind. But! If– if there's something else you also want, don't, uh...”

“Don't hesitate to get it,”)

Hngh. Dang. Maybe this was on him, then.

Well. “We can always get more later” they said, so it would be a part of his schedule, right?

The schedule that Leo still didn't have.

That's fine. It was fine! They– he was new here. They were all getting acclimated.

Which gave Leo an idea.

Lunchtime. Supper? It was like, 4 p.m. Whatever, doesn't matter.

He waited for everything to be served even when the others didn't. He casually sat a little more casually, totally casual as he carefully observed the others’ reactions to it. Zero reaction, they did not even notice—okay, they didn't care how he sat.

Homemade steak. Leo paid compliments to the chef, Mikey, and waited for– jeez, wow, okay, Raph was just grabbing it and goin’ for it. Aaand so was Donnie. Oookay.

Leo cut his own with a knife and fork, and thankfully so did Mikey. For a second there, Leo thought he’d have to switch his manners completely to fit.

Once again, he laid low in the conversation, whilst still attentively listening.

So when Raph brought up “Hey, Leo, you goin’ on patrol with us later?” it was the perfect opportunity. Time to inquire.

“Your call, bossman,” Leo said with his usual grin. “That's a regular thing for you guys, right?” he was already slipping into more laid back sentence structure around them.

“Yeah! The Mad Dogz, protecting NYC!” Raph pumped a fist.

“Every night?”

“Of course, and we are very consistent with it,” Donnie said, and Leo recognized that tone. It was the tone he’d used years ago, when he’d try sooo hard to be casual that he'd end up stiff and unnatural all over.

“Uh-huh,” Raph said flatly, arms crossed. “They slack like, half the time, so sometimes it's just me. If we're not feelin’ well, we also don't do it,”

Okay, that was perfect. Leo will be attending the patrols with Raph and he'll be actually consistent with it, won't miss a single one. It was the perfect opportunity to prove himself!

“Well. I’m feeling great,” Leo said, in lieu of saying I’m joining you tonight.

“Yay!” Mikey exclaimed.

“Anything else you guys have on your schedules? I’ll gladly stick to one of yours until mine’s figured out,” Leo noted. Again, a perfect idea. He’d just copy one of their schedules, until his own was finished.

He received shrugs in response.

“Donnie is in his lab tinkerin’ a lot. I like to draw, sometimes I go out for graffiti,” Mikey said, counting off on his fingers. “Raph does exercises, sometimes we watch movies, that kind of thing. Whatever we feel like, really,”

...

Okay. So. Leo was expecting something more along the lines of 6 a.m.: wake up and morning routine, 7 a.m.: warm-ups, 8 a.m.: breakfast, 9 a.m.: tutoring, you know? Something with structure. Heck, he didn't even care if it repeated daily, weekly, or monthly! He'd take anything!

Not... that.

Were they just bad at relaying data like that or... no, no way that was it. No way that was all. No way they just... free-styled all their time. It was preposterous.

...Right?

...

It was occurring to Leo that they have never mentioned a schedule. Donatello has mentioned routines, Michelangelo has mentioned plans, Raphael has mentioned chores and responsibilities. The only one who has ever mentioned anything close to a schedule was April—about school.

To use a recently absorbed expression—pizza supreme in the sky, they were completely off the chain.

...Oh no, they were looking at him again. Leo wasn't emoting correctly, he'd forgotten to react at all, but how was he supposed to react to this–

“What... were you expecting?” Donnie raised an eyebrow.

“We ain't gon’ control your life, Leo,” Raph said, going gentle but no less genuine. “You’re a Mad Dog now! You ain’t Big Mama’s! You can do what you want!”

Leo could not even begin to process that.

“Have you just been... acting like you would with Big Mama this whole time?” Mikey asked, going for gentle but overshooting and starting to tumble into concern. Or maybe pity.

Crap. Leo was being way too transparent, or Mikey was better at reading people than he thought.

Leo kept his mouth closed and smiling, if only because gaping and stammering would be awfully inelegant and telling. He's pretty sure the way his expression carefully did not change was telling enough.

He licked his lips, just to react in some way whilst buying himself just a few more milliseconds to think of how the fuck to respond.

Because... yyyes? Was he... supposed to act... differently?

“...I’m still getting acclimated,” he said smoothly. So far so good. “Though I’m open to constructive criticism, would love some pointers,” he said jokingly, even though it was entirely true.

He just wanted to grab them by the shoulders and ask, no double-speak, no subtlety, tell me how to act! Tell me what you want from me and I will do it, I will!

It was a deeply familiar feeling. Even as good as he was at it, navigating constant conversational and behavioral puzzles and traps was tiring at best. At worse—infuriating.

...Terrifying and dangerous, at worst.

But that's just not how things go. Leo couldn't just ask them, he couldn't just talk to them, that would be insane behavior. He just had to figure it out. Just be careful and think.

“Alright!” Mikey declared, reaching over to take his hands. “Here's a pointer! How about this: tomorrow, you are totally free. Okay? No expectation, no plan, nothing. The whole day. You can do whatever. You. Want.” he emphasized.

Leo, again, almost gaped. What??? What was he supposed to do with that time??? It wasn't even like a day off! Those still had things planned, just... lighter things, more enjoyable things.

Was this another test??? If so, it was crazy. Maybe they wanted to see how he would behave when left to his own devices? It hadn't even been a week, he hasn't even shown how he behaves according to their devices.

...Or... was it... oh.

His first punishment.

It felt like a stone sank down his trachea and digestive tract both.

He messed up. He’d– he’d behaved according to Big Mama’s rules instead of the Jitsus', and now he was really going to be left in his cell.

Yeah. Yeah, that... that made sense. It had to make sense. Leo just had to take it in stride and fucking behave. He had to show how good he could be.

Mikey said tomorrow. That meant he still had the rest of today to show how good he is. Act correctly, speak correctly, don't break any rules, don't go out of line, be likeable, be perfectly curated. Go on patrol with Raph and the other two if they show up, and show them how skilled he was.

Leo almost replied with a yes sir, instead landing on an awkward “Yes sssssuunderstood,”

“And just to be extra clear!” Donnie spoke up. “This is not a trick, nor a ploy, nor some complicated scheme!”

Yes sir, Leo nodded. “I understand.”

“And we ain't mad at you!” Raph also butted in. That... okay, yeah, they weren't mad, just– disappointed, probably. Or maybe not even that. Maybe they didn't feel any negative way, just wanted Leo to behave, teach him how to behave. “You haven't done anything wrong!”

...What?

What???

Leo was so incredibly confused right now. Of course, he showed none of that.

He's been confused before. He's dealt with confusing individuals and their confusing rules before. That's all he's done his entire life. He just had to figure things out, like every other time. He kept his breathing calm, and smiled.

“I understand,”

—

“That was a sick twist, Leo!”

“How did you do that???”

Patrol went well. Yeah, Leo needed a few minutes of running across rooftops to get into the rhythm, but they faced off against some mutant lady, and Nexus Mode clicked inside his brain.

And Leo loved the Battle Nexus, actually. It's the one place where he could curate the mask he wore, his presentation, his presence, who he is. It's the one place where he got to make the rules.

“Oh, you know,” Leo was grinning, as they traversed the rooftops back to the Lair. “I suppose I’m just that good,” he got to boast, and it made them laugh and roll their eyes and it was great.

Leo loved the Nexus. He loved getting to show off, and boy did he show off now as well, doing a whole lot of unnecessary maneuvers. Not to hurt! It wasn't about the violence.

...Okay it was a little about the violence, but that's specifically for the Battle Nexus, not for now.

A lot more of it was about being capable.About having the opportunity to do, well, His Thing. Go out, charm the crowds, get them hyped and cheering, show them how awesome (how talented) he was. On the arena, Leo was center stage and the director all at once. Leo decided what was right and what was acceptable and what was desired.

In the Nexus, free to choose who he performed as, Leo felt the most like himself. Like there was an actual person, under the layers upon layers of rules and games and tricks and lies and masks.

And the Mad Dogz had loved it. He kept subtly pressing with “Hey how about that spin-kick huh?” and “I haven't seen you guys try diversions much, so I thought I would–” and whatnot, thrumming with what did you think? Did I do good? Did I do good?

And with a laugh or with a nod or with encouragements or with jokes, they kept answering you were good, you did well, that was right, that was acceptable.

“OOH!” Mikey exclaimed, “We should go to Run of the Mill!!! To celebrate!”

“Oh yeah!” Raph readily agreed, “First job well done with all four Mad Dogz!”

“Ah, an idea per excellance, my fellow Crazy Canines,”

And Leo’s heart swelled at the idea. At the eagerness with which they were already calling him “one of the Mad Dogz”—their team, their family. Heck, this patrol was lightweight compared to a low bracket fight in the Nexus, and yet they wanted to celebrate.

Big Mama does not feel love. Leo is the thing that has come the second closest to being loved by Big Mama, and Leo comprehended a long time ago that he has never been truly loved, not really. Big Mama does obsession, does appreciation, does desire, does value, does all those things, but she just doesn't do love.

And she taught him everything he knows about the world and its workings. She taught him everything she knows.

“If you ever surpass my skills enough to escape without getting caught in my wibbly-web, my turtely-boo, Big Mama shall simply let you go,” she’d said to him, affectionate and coy and condescending. And she made true on her promise—she never let him go easily. Leo’s new life was all thanks to what he’d learned from her and from his own experiences. It was all thanks to his careful planning and execution.

Love was cauterized out of him young, because that is how you survive.

But coming back home with the Splintersons, Leo craved.

He craved and he ached and he hungered. Because the Jitsu family loves. They love ardently, fervently, they love in a way Leo has never, ever seen before, they love in a way Leo could never even conceptualize much less dream of.

And every little stray droplet that lands his way feels like lava, warm and acidic and ruinous, corrosive through his layers. And only at the smallest taste was he realizing how he’s starved for it his entire life.

Leo is not a thing that is loved.

Not in this fierce, personal way.

But he wanted to be. He wanted it so bad, he was ready crack himself open and model his innards like clay for it. He would do the coolest tricks and he would navigate all the conversational mazes and he would pass their tests. Big Mama only ever loved him the way she loved her possessions, her achievements, her treasures; his mother never loved him like this, but he was almost grateful to her, because she’d given him the tools to get it himself.

She’s always taught him, by word but much more by example, to take what he wants and settle for nothing less.

—

Leo behaved at Run of the Mill as well. He was already starting to get used to the Jitsu rhythm, their incredibly differing and saturated mannerisms. He wasn't yet slotting into it quite as perfectly as he’d like, but he was on the way there.

He behaved the way h– to the Lair too. He made them laugh, and he always handled it when he stepped on their metaphorical toes.

Leo was doing good.

So even though he was still trying to work his way out of being in a cell, he flopped onto his bed, smiling, and honestly? He felt... happy. The Jitsus made him happy.

The satisfaction of making them pleased with him left him with a tingling feeling in his chest and shoulders, one that usually made him want to move. He allowed himself just a little shimmy—it was his cell, after all, so it was probably fine, right? And all the others had way larger bursts of movement and emotion, so.

Yeah.

After a few moments of hesitation, Leo also reached over and grabbed, uh... Boss Bearhug. He really really wanted to hug the pillow-like plush. He's secretly always adored plushies, they were just so cute! But he didn't want to be too showy with his love for the gift, so he simply placed it next to his pillow. And laid down on his side to face it.

Leo exhaled, covered by a... pretty nice blanket, actually. And laying on a nice pillow. But it made sense—the Splintersons weren't cruel, they were soft souls. ‘Course they made even cells feel homey and comfortable and nice.

Leo felt warm.

He’d had some bumps here and there, sure, but hey, he'd navigated the whole day! Things should only be looking up from here.

He could do this. He could so do this. It was starting to feel like a fun puzzle, now. He could learn them. He could figure them out. And then he would make them love him. And it would be good.

For once, maybe, maybe he could have something real and good and keep it.

It was an idea so sweet it made him dizzy, haha.

It wasn't hard to fall asleep, even through the excitement.

#rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #rise of the tmnt #rottmnt #tmnt 2018 #rottmnt leo #leo rottmnt #hamato leonardo #rottmnt mikey #rottmnt raph #rottmnt donnie #rottmnt separated au #fanfic #fan fiction #whump #whumptober2024 #dfl's whumptober 2024 #daflangstlairdefanfic #save rottmnt #unpause rottmnt

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daflangstlairde-art · 1 month ago

Text

A Catalog of Non-Definitive Acts — Chapter 1, 6167 words

Part 3 of DFL's Whumptober 2024

Work Summary:

“Three, two, one–”

“TAA-DAAAAAA!” all the Jitsu siblings yelled in a chorus, Michelangelo doing jazz hands, Donatello setting off some sort of sparkler, April popping confetti, all as Raphael yanked the off-white curtain aside to reveal–

Oh.

...A cell.

Leonardo—well, Leo, he supposed—shouldn't have hoped for anything different. He was new to their family, and he hadn't proved himself yet. It made sense!

“Wooowww!” he hummed, grinning, stepping forward with none of the disappointment he felt, to look around the cell. It was a nice cell, to be fair. Nothing like his old bedroom, but leagues better than Big Mama’s dungeons, eugh. Those things were a violation.

This cell had an actual bed with a bed frame, and a mattress, and bed sheets! Even a pillow. Wow.

And it was all furnished! It didn't have a window—which made sense, they wouldn't trust him to not run off at first opportunity, and they probably wanted to keep an eye on him at least in the beginning. But really? Not even a window with some thick metal bars or something? But it had a ceiling light, and a night light on a nightstand by the bed.

There was also a wardrobe, which implied he’d get to keep some of the outfits he would be given! That’s fun. He was looking forward to that. Well, if they were nice outfits. The Splintersons weren't really the “dressing” type...

Even now, they were just... wearing gloves and socks and sashes and stuff. Only April had the decency to be in her usual fit. Leo himself was dressed decently. Not his favorite, but hey, he was in a rush, and he needed to be comfortable. Just a white button-up of a flowy material, and black slacks—not exactly comfortable wear, but it was better than the fancier stuff, and he hadn't exactly had access to his Nexus fits designed for movement. And he had to literally move, during his “moving out”. He took exactly zero accessories, too.

There was also a desk, so that meant they had some studies planned for him! That could also be fun, maybe... depending on the studies. He usually preferred learning hands-on, not... hunched on a chair, but, he’s excelled at his teachings for years now. He was sure he could keep impressing even more.

And there were empty shelves on the wall. For... he wasn't sure for what. Weapons? Gifts? Probably gifts.

While he was doing his inspection, the Jitsus all had their hands clasped, leaning in, waiting for him to act out his part of the script.

“Soo?? What do you think???” Michelangelo– well, Mikey, since they were brothers now. Officially, that is.

Oohh, that meant Leo was pushing it, if he was being nudged so obviously to reply. Had to play up his reaction even more then, to justify the build-up.

Because he was long, long trained in easily picking out the meanings of people’s words that laid underneath what they said. In this case: Where are your manners? We did this for you, now return the gesture and behave as we want. Be grateful.

He whirled around, a grin on his face (not too wide, so that he doesn't look manic or obviously artificial), and exclaimed “I love it!”

“YAAAYY!”

“WOOOO!”

The other four cheered and wooped, and it threw Leo off for a second. That wasn't the script he was expecting, but, okay! That was a lot of emotion, but he was starting to learn the Jitsus are... kind off... like that. In general.

No wonder Mamá had tricked them so hard in their first meeting. If Leo hadn't interfered– well.

...Oh no. He didn't know where the script went from here. Usually when it was Cell Time, he’d just... be left inside, locked, to endure his punishment or until he did better or something.

But they were just looking at him. They expected something–?

Oh, right! Leo was such an idiot, how could he forget? Years of classes on manners and how to do social interaction, and the moment he’s starting his own life, boom, fail.

“Thank you so much,” he told them, smiling. When receiving gifts, he has well learnt he needs to show his gratitude (even if he didn't like the gifts), and then work hard if he wanted to keep the gifts (even if he didn't want them) and to repay them. Big Mama liked giving gifts. And then taking them away. And then giving them again. Making sure the script stuck with Leo. “It’s wonderful,”

“I installed air conditioning,” Donnie pointed to a sort of vent close to the ceiling. So it was secured, then, if he was pointing it out so obviously. No escape from there either, emphasizing that it wasn't worth it to even try.

Leo, of course, read the meaning under the comment: Look how much effort this is. Your reaction isn't satisfying.

Damn, what was he missing? He didn't know their specific scripts yet, but he was trained for this stuff! He should figure it out quick. For now, he’d just rely on the standard ones.

“Oh, that is great, I love my air conditioned,” Leo said cheekily, and felt a little relief and satisfaction as Mikey giggled and Donnie rolled his eyes and all.

Okay, not perfect, but he’ll figure it out. He will.

He wanted to stay here. He wanted to be with the Jitsus—they were nice, and not fake-nice, actually nice. Even when it was at their detriment.

He’d gone through aaall the trouble of... hm, let's call it moving out, away from Big Mama to join them, because he really did think they could be worth it.

And he was grateful, he was over the moon actually, that they also wanted him here. That they had not only accepted him, but helped him make his elaborate, arduous get-away.

So he would put in the work. Learn their scripts and earn his place until they even allowed him to be in a room and not a cell.

“Bathroom one is down the hall there, and bathroom two is next to it,” Raph pointed.

Oh, was Leo even allowed to go to the bathroom whenever he wanted? Sick!

“Wanna see my lab??” Donnie said, excited in a manic sort of way.

“Of course!” Leo voiced his dialogue, grinning.

“And then we can have dinner all together!!!” Mikey waved his arms around.

And you can show us how well you behave now that you are in our territory.

“Sounds like a plan!” Leo agreed.

“Let’s go!” Donnie declared, whirling around to lead the way.

Leo followed. He couldn't help but note that he had no door. It was just a curtain.

No lock, to keep him inside. But no privacy. It was the final confirmation—this was his trial period. They’d observe how he followed his schedule and behaved and they’d judge whether he was fit to earn a real, permanent place in their home.

He really, really hoped he would.

—

Dinnertime rolled around, and if Leonardo didn't have years of experience, he’d be drained. The last few days were already so close to leaving him a wreck—he had to not only spend weeks planning how to “move out”, the whole time not letting even a single sign that anything is happening; and then he actually had to execute that plan. With all the obstacles that had popped up.

And let's just say—outplaying the biggest criminal boss in the entire Hidden City wasn't easy.

Good thing Leo was probably the one person who could match her. He was raised by her, after all, and she was thorough in teaching him her ways.

But it's fine. Leo could handle a dinner! Even if mealtime was always one of the most taxing slots in his schedule. He had to watch all tableside manners (which he used to really struggle remembering), while also keeping his perfect act.

But he was good at the social events. He was a master at them, at this point. He could handle the underlying meanings of conversation like a professional handling a bomb. He could navigate conversational minefields in his sleep.

...

Even if the Mad Dogz evidently had no interest in, like, any of that.

There was no order to the seating arrangement, because the table was circular, so Leo had no clue who was supposed to be the head. He was currently between Raph and Donnie, April next to the latter, face propped on her hand with her elbow on the table, and there was one seat left for Mikey because he was serving. Right, they didn't have servants, that's... weird to them, apparently.

It smelled really good. Some sort of soup. Fish stew?

Donnie had his feet up and was tapping away on his phone. Raph was already chewing on bread before any set of cutlery was even arranged. April was debating with Mikey... uh, which types of fish prep was better? Wait, was she also a chef?

“Leo! How hungry are you??” Mikey asked in the middle of their argument(?).

Weird way to ask, but Leo knew his lines. Like he said—social events are so his thing.

“Hungry as a turtle,” he said, cheeky. When uncertain, he could always rely on answering with a half-joke—it was just ambiguous enough to be inoffensive and charming, and therefore had a low likelihood of bring incorrect. Even if the lack of commitment and confidence showed, which made him look incapable.

But the Jitsus were highly receptive to his smartass responses so far—and again, Mikey giggled and April snorted.

“So, two ladles? Three?”

No. Leo hadn't eaten nearly all day. He was hungry.

“Perfect,” he said easily.

“We were gonna order pizza to celebrate, but Mikey wanted to do it with a homemade meal!” Raph chimed in, and Leo hummed in acknowledgment.

We're doing even more for you. You’ll have to pay it back.

“Awe, Mikey, that’s so touching,” Leo commented, with the appropriate amount of heartfelt-ness.

Mikey flashed him a grin, and then he started serving the soup.

And, insanely enough, he placed the first bowl in front of Leo–? Instead of... whoever was the head at the table???

...Oohh, right, he was like... an honored guest! Right? Yeah, that made sense. Like a special occasion.

The second bowl went to Raph, who immediately started eating. Third bowl to Donnie, then April, then, at last, Mikey, and he sat himself down as well.

So Raph was the head of the table. Got it.

Well, he was eating, so Leo followed suit.

...Even if... they had only one spoon per person, that's it, not even a napkin. And also... no glasses for water or other beverages–? Except for Donnie, who had a single regular glass cup???

Boy, Leo had a lot to learn. He's barely been here for a few hours and already everything was wildly different than his previous life.

“Man, Leo, can't wait to show you Jupiter Jim–!”

“Oh we really gotta skate together–!”

“Oohhh and we can show you our favorite spots around NYC–!”

Leo nodded along and agreed to their enthusiastic ideas with a smile. Chipped in with a fun little comment or joke when there was a pause.

It really felt like the Mad Dogz might want him here.

Anyway. In the middle of the conversation, April just... got up, opened a cupboard, and poured herself water from the sink. Sat back down, continued like nothing had happened.

Aaaalright theeeen. Soo... there was a level of self-serve...? That– that made sense, Leo supposed.

Right, again, no servants. And they had insisted multiple times that they were all “equals”... he was still trying to understand that.

Still, he didn’t risk it for now. Wouldn’t want to majorly goof it up on the first dinner! That would be humiliating. He’d save that for the thirddinner.

Plus, they were being so welcoming. Making a nice meal just for him. He wouldn't want to be unappreciative and rude.

—

They were only waiting for April and Donnie to finish up their meals, and after that dinner would be–

“So, how ya feelin’ Leo?” Raph asked. “We can have a movie night! Or do you wanna head back to your room and rest? You gotta be pretty tired,”

–oh, dinner was ending now, apparently.

Leo inwardly groaned. Damn, thanks Raph, giving him virtually nothing to figure out the correct response.

He knew what “movie night” meant in concept—they’d mentioned it, during that one conversation about Lou Jitsu and stuff, way back when they'd realized he was the current Battle Nexus champion. It was one of the ways they spent time together, like, bonding and stuff.

I.e. it was their time. It was family time. Wouldn't that be intruding, if he joined? Or would it be rude if he declined the offer, instead? Raph had suggested it. But he’d also offered Leo go to his cell.

...Oohh, or! Or maybe it was a weird way of saying, join us and behave, or do you WANT to go back to your cell? You know, behave or be punished.

All this figuring out, of course, happened in the span of a second, because not replying for long periods of time is awkward and rude. Man, all of this had become like second nature after years of practice—it was wild, being back to having to actually think about it.

“I’d love that,” Leo answered.

“Watching movies or going to your room?” Donnie asked flatly, just looking at his phone, and Leo kept his reaction entirely internal. It felt a little like he’d been shot with a dart.

Nuts. He totally blundered that. Idiot. Get a grip, think. Be better!

Come on, he had to give an actual, clear answer now, commit.

“You guys wanted to show me some movies, right?” he replied indirectly, still grinning, always grinning.

“YEAH!” Mikey yelled, grabbing him by the arm, and wow the little guy was as intense as always with his reactions. It was a Mad Dog Thing™. It still took Leo off-guard, though, especially in tense moments like that. “You will LOVE Jupiter Jim, I JUST know it!!!” Mikey exclaimed.

Leo exhaled unnoticeably. Great, perfect, he’d nailed it. Okay, more social time. He’d be introduced to something they love and to a nigh sacred familial ritual of theirs, he could not mess this up.

...

Easier said than done, because rules and structure at the Jitsu household were only getting more confusing.

In front of their projector, there was a couch and two beanbag chairs at each of its sides. Leo wasn't sure where to sit. Nobody told him.

The three brothers were too busy squabbling over which movie to start with, which was a little funny. April was the only one who sat on the couch like a normal person. Well, sort of like a normal person, considering she kicked off her shoes and brought her feet up, stretched out, instead of just... sitting.

Leo stared at the tussle happening while he tried to figure out his place in this arrangement. The couch? No way. He hadn't reached that level of... acceptance, yet. That'd be invading on their turf. Not his place.

So, one of the beanbags? But which one? There were two, so probably, usually two of the Splintersons would occupy them? Which one belonged to who, however?

...Aaand then April noticed he was still standing and leaned over, patting the spot on the couch next to her.

Okay.

So.

The couch then.

A clear invitation like that overrides previous structure. He was grateful to her as he moved over to the couch and sat. Normally.

The brothers were still arguing which Jupiter Jim movie was the best, and Leo absentmindedly kept track of their conversation, as he did with all conversations. Well. Whenever he could.

Paying attention wasn't... his strongest suit. To this day, he struggled with it, always a tiring fight. But! He really cared about figuring out the Jitsu ways and mastering them, so he paid attention to each specific word use and each preference stated, keeping a log in his mind. Memorizing their personalities. You never know what information could turn out to be useful, and if you're skilled enough, all information can be useful in some way, even minor.

Like, for example, if he was one on one with one of them, and they asked which movie was his favorite, he could say, well, I quite liked– and then say whatever their favorite is. One of his favorite cards to play, because it always worked well. It let him charm them by saying their favorite, while not explicitly marking it as his favorite, so if two opinions clashed, he could say I like both of them and please all parties.

“BOYS!” April finally cut off their arguing. Pretty sure all three had resorted to biting, hah! “Just pick the first one and let's start! We have loads of time, Leo will see them all!” she reasoned with them. Good compromise.

They huffed and grumbled for a moment, but quickly moved on, inserting the first movie.

Everyone sat on the couch. Luckily it was big enough.

Everyone besides Donnie, who sat on the beanbag to the left, pulling his knees in. Actually, Mikey also sat with his legs crossed, right next to him. Okay, so, Leo was slowly learning they had... no care for how you sit. He was still going to sit properly, but, good to know.

Despite the movie not being their chosen favorite, all the Mad Dogz were full of energy as they watched it. Donnie sang the musical numbers and Mikey commented on the set design and Raph reacted to some scenes like he was seeing them for the first time, even though by the way they were able to recite the dialogue, Leo was sure they’d seen it at least a dozen.

And April seemed to be mirroring Leo’s own reaction—watching the goofs do their goofy thing, amused and affectionate. Even if she was far more open about it.

She also seemed to have lower energy like him (she had school today), which made him feel more comfortable with not forcing himself to be... well, like the other three in order to fit in.

It was... nice.

Busy with the movie, there wasn't a whole lot of performing that Leo had to do. He could just observe, and occasionally react with the emotion that a specific scene called for. But he really could just... enjoy the others’ presence, the expectations for his behavior far lower than he’s used to.

He hoped he would get to get used to this now.

—

Leo kept his composure until he was cleared to finally leave to his cell. He kept his composure as he brushed his teeth with a toothbrush they’d gotten him. He kept his composure as Mikey and Raph hugged him for good night, although that had been a close one. It's not that Big Mama was never physically affectionate, it's just... it was just different. He didn't know how or why.

(“And don't hesitate to holler if y’ need anything!” Raph clapped him on the back.

“Will do,” Leo was smiling back, and made a mental note that he should go to Raph if there was a medical emergency. Weird, he would've thought Donnie was better at that stuff, what with his affinity for science stuff.

“Yeah! Even if you just wanna hang out!” Mikey beamed, and that– hm. Leo would decode that later.

“Thank you,” he said simply, and thankfully it was enough for them.)

He kept his composure even when he was finally alone in his cell, because first he had to check for cameras. He found none, which meant they wanted to observe him without him knowing it. Ugh, he always hated that.

Only when he finally got in bed (a bed!), and almost completely covered himself with the blanket, facing the wall, did he let the act slough off of him just a little.

They didn't give him his schedule, which was unpleasant since he didn't know what to expect from tomorrow, but that's alright. Thinking on his feet and adapting are some of his best strengths. They probably didn't have time to quite organize it yet. He had a clock in his new cell (which, again, big step up compared to his old one), but he was not informed of when to wake up.

Would someone come wake him? Or would it be safer to wake up early and just wait until they came to get him for his first slot, whatever it contained? Hh.

Leo sighed soundlessly. All of this was kinda bringing back unpleasant memories from his early childhood. Before he got good. Before he started understanding how the world works.

Back when a cell was his only room, and he didn't have the plush, spacious, beautiful-though-still-locked, real bedroom. Back when he’d go weeks at a time in there, months even, with barely any human contact, except for Big Mama and whoever Big Mama approved that’d work with him on his education and behavior.

He'd been such a... raw child, was the only way he could describe it. He’d expressed his emotions as they were, the moment he felt them. He hadn't understood a lot of things. He’d been desperate for an affection that just doesn't exist and would only ever be given to him as a manipulation tactic. Which always worked shamefully well on his stupid, stupid brain, always starving for even a shred of love, even fake love. Heck, he still sometimes fell for it to this day! That desperate, childish, emotional hope that he could be loved, actually loved, in the way that just doesn't happen.

Except when Raph picks Mikey up in a tight hug and spins him until Mikey laughs. Except when Mikey gets Donnie going on a real good infodump. Except when Donnie spends hours neticulously personalizing a gift for them. Except when they cuddle up and watch movies and share hugs and snacks and I love you’s, again and again and again–

Leo gritted his teeth. Curled into his blanket more.

...He wanted that. He’d learnt it would never happen with Big Mama, but... with them?

Maybe. Just maybe, it could. He was almost actually grateful for all the lessons she’d commanded be branded into his bones, because now, when it mattered, he could prove himself. Could prove just how perfect he was, so perfect it was basically art. And maybe like art, he could be loved.

But for now, he went to sleep, dreaming of things he’d learnt to regard as nonexistent.

—

Okay, Leo was awake for three hours already. He'd managed to wake up at 7 a.m., which he would usually consider late.

He frantically got dressed, luckily his one and only current outfit was simple. He made his bed—ages ago, he'd tried doing it even if he didn't have to, considering the staff usually did; but Big Mama had been pleased with him, so, trying to be a good son and impress, he kept it up. It was a habit now.

He’s checked everywhere for anything out of place, and everything was as it was the night before.

Aaand then nothing happened.

He’d already waited, he’d already done some light exercises (handstand push-ups, some split stretches, the usual). And then he'd done some more waiting and exercises.

Kept checking the clock. With each empty minute, he got more and more worried that he was doing something completely wrong. That he hadn't gotten the memo for what he’s supposed to be doing.

He was doing his best to keep calm, but it was really building up, because he really, really didn't want to mess up on his first real day with the Mad Dogz.

It was as the second hour passed to the third that it occurred to Leo, oh. Right.

Cell.

Of course.

He relaxed once he remembered that. Duh! Of course he’ll be made to stay here! This is how cell time always goes!

It’s like being told to stand in timeout in the corner, but, you know. For a few hours at minimum. A couple years at most, haha. He was deeply familiar with it.

He could never decide which type of punishments were worse. Sure, Cell Time wasn't really... painful, like the other types, or emotionally awful. It wasn't boring like doing piles of paperwork.

But Cell Time was its own kind of awful. It was fine for the first few hours, when Leo could take it as a sort of... break. Rest on the cot, take a nap, enjoy the relative quiet that differentiated it from his otherwise incredibly packed schedule (he hoped the Jitsus would give him his new schedule soon, and he secretly hoped it would be lighter, considering they weren't managing all of the Hidden City’s crime).

He’d get to stretch, his wounds would get to heal more naturally, if he had any leftover from his most recent performance at the Nexus.

But as it all dragged on, it really started dragging on. Despite the sheer amount of energy and stress that all social situations brought, Leo was a social kinda guy. He liked mastering social situations, he liked single-handedly manipulating the flow of it, he liked being charming. He liked talking to people, being in their presence. Most of all when it was someone... how could he say this... plain. People who weren't as educated as he was on manners and manipulation and whatnot. People who just said what they thought, who had sincere dreams and experiences instead of a carefully crafted life script.

It fascinated him. He liked studying them. He liked being around them. Maybe they felt less threatening.

So being deprived of all contact for hours upon hours? It... it reminded him of a lonely and locked off childhood. As the boredom and isolation started settling in during Cell Time, he often wanted the worse punishments. Cell Time was way too good at wearing him down, because at least with pain, he could feel strong and active as he endured it.

Cell Time always continued until Leo cracked and started saying exactly what was wanted of him to say. And especially in the past, that took a while.

But!

That wasn't happening yet, for now. Well. He was close to it. He really really did want the Jitsus to like him, so he was sitting at the desk’s chair, fervently trying to analyze all interactions he's had with them—before and after getting away from Big Mama—for the right things to say. Should he apologize? What for? Did he make a mistake? Or did they want him to ask politely? Beg? Promise to be better?

He had to be careful, because whenever he got Cell Time and said the wrong thing, Big Mama would just chuckle or sigh, and say oh, turtely-boo in that condescending tone, it is more than obvious you have learned nothing, my dear, and are simply saying anything to get out, hm?

Which... he was, because he wasn't always sure what got him in trouble. He had to figure it out. But he couldn't show that he didn't know, that was the problem.

He got better at it over time. He was smart and adaptable like that.

But he got smart with Big Mama’s rules. He was playing by different rules now. And it was like he was eight all over again, crying about how sorry he was and how he would be better, face pressed to the cold door. Because he didn't realize he was in timeout because of all the crying (it was loud and ugly and improper, and it broadcasted your weakness and emotions to everybody).

He hated being reminded of all that. It was embarrassing, and it was tying his stomach in knots. But if he figured it out once, he could figure it out again. He will figure it out.

So when there was a knock at– not his door, the wall beside the curtain, Leo shot to his feet. He appreciated the signal to let him know he should compose himself, that was nice.

He smoothed out his shirt and schooled his face into the same easy grin, standing to attention. Hiding away all the tension, because dammit, he still hadn't figured it out, and time was up.

“Heeeyyy Leeeooo–” Mikey’s hand pulled the curtain aside slowly, and then he paused and blinked with an “Oh! ...You're awake!”

He was surprised? Didn't they see it on the cameras? ...Hm, no, the monitors had been in Donnie’s lab, he was probably the one who handled security.

“Ready to face the day,” Leo said easily.

“Nice!” the praise eased him a little. Okay, he'd done one thing right. He made a note to always be awake when they came to get him.

“Good morning!” Raph also poked his head in, pulling the curtain further to the side, and oh, Donnie was also there. All of them looked to be in a good mood, so, that's good. And they weren't really... good, at hiding their emotions, not like him and Big Mama.

“Good morning,” Leo returned.

“We have gifts for you!” Donnie declared.

“Yeah! Like... welcoming gifts!” Mikey grinned.

Wow, really? More gifts? Jeez, they were really hamming up the love bombing. Leo would have to watch himself, make sure he didn't get lost in it. He reminded himself it would be pulled away the moment he messed up or they wanted something.

“Oh? That's so sweet of you, you didn't have to,” Leo said, humble.

“‘Course we did! You're our brother!” Raph stated proudly, and something inside Leo twisted and lurched. An ache, a hunger, something grasping for that title—brother. Brother to them meant love and belonging and support and care and a myriad of other things that Leo has only ever gotten the fake, cheap version of.

He wanted it so badly.

And Raph said it so easily.

“That’s...” Leo said quietly, a little in awe, and then blinked, and caught himself slipping, and recomposed his act. Get it together, Leonardo. You can't blunder it now. “That means a lot,” nuts, too sincere, too genuine, reign it back in or it will be used against you–

“I drew us all!!!” Mikey was striding forward first, handing Leo a... drawing. Of the Jitsu family, all three turtles and April and their sensei Splinter, smiling and together.

All four turtles. Because Leo was there, too.

...First gift and he was already breaking. Damn, perhaps he underestimated them. Perhaps they were master manipulators, and they were actually so good Leo hadn't even realized it.

Emotions were something he’d been conditioned for years to bury and hide and lock away, burn whenever possible. And yet here he was. Feeling... feeling... he wasn't even sure what. Just an overpowering emotion as he stared at the drawing, with him included.

...There was... one detail that stuck out to him. Because, well, April and Splinter are a human and a rat, of course they’d be a little different to the rest, though they remained just as loved and just as accepted.

But Leo was... the only turtle with a bare face. As always, Raph had his red bandana and Donnie had his purple one and Mikey had his orange one, and only Leo’s face was empty, save for his markings of course. He was grinning, neutrally smug, the way he’d been taught and the way he’d practiced in the mirror. To always look in control. Casual, easy, unbothered, unshakeable, intelligent, coy even.

All the others were smiling in joy or amusement, some of them with grins so big their teeth showed.

Leo wanted to be part of that so, so badly.

...Oh no, he’d lingered on it way too long, no no, dammit, now they knew it had affected him, oh no–

He wrenched his gaze away from the drawing and again recomposed himself, thinking up a response on the fly–

“And this is Boss Bearhug!” Raph declared, placing a... stuffed turtle plush in his arms. It was big enough to be called a tiny pillow. "'Cause he gives great hugs!"

Leo couldn't help but notice the red markings on its face. That looked exactly like his own.

Like... like the plushie was personally customized for him.

“And I,” Donnie spoke up before Leo could process that emotional hit, because Donnie can never be too behind, hah, “thought I’d give you a more practical gift, to hopefully aid in the integration within semi-human society, because while I know you weren't entirely shut off from humans, you were mostly distanced from their—and our—way of casual living, and phones are–” he started rambling.

“It’s blue,” Leo whispered, staring at the smartphone in astonishment, and Donnie paused.

“Huh?” he blinked, and fuck. Fuck. Leo has apparently completely lost his filter, huh? He's messing everything up, he had to get ahold of himself, he was going to ruin all of this– “Well, yes–? I– based it off the color of your mystic powers,” Donnie bulldozed ahead, unaware of Leo’s internal nervous breakdown (as he should be).

When he was little, Big Mama had taken one look at his face and immediately began building his brand around the color red. And Leo quickly caught on and began always claiming his favorite color was red, so when his red clothes or red make-up or red toys would get taken away as punishments, he could only act like it had an effect on him.

But the truth is... well. When that whole fiasco at Laberinto de Muerte happened, and he was forced to save those dum-dums from “saving” him (he’d been training), things got a bit... heated, haha. And when that was the moment that his mystic ability decided to unlock itself after a lifetime of being a disappointing dud?

Well. Secretly, Leo had been pleased. Because the portal was blue.

Blue was his real favorite color. Like the pattern on his shell! But, well, red sold more. Red was aggression and passion and blood and attention and confidence, or, at least that’s what Big Mama and her consultants and Leo’s marketing tutor claimed. It was a great color for his stage presence in the Nexus.

Blue was always something he kept close to his heart.

The phone... case, he was pretty sure it was called. It was a light blue. It wasn't Leo’s favorite blue but it was blue. How did Donnie know to make it blue?

“...I... I can swap it for, um, rrrred, if you don't like it...?” Donnie spoke up again, and was he hesitant?

No! Leo did not want that!

Okay, Leonardo, time to grab the reins of the conversation again.

“Donnie, I adore it,” Leo said, smiling, hands too busy with the gifts to gesture with them but that's alright. Donnie’s eyes still widened and he still grinned with those sparkles in his eyes. “In fact, I love all of them, really,” he turned to the other two as well, and they were also smiling.

“We wanted you to have something for your room!!!!” Mikey was flapping his hands in what Leo had learned was excitement.

“And to not be alone at night!” Raph added.

“And to feel less out of place,” Donnie nodded along. “And to have an easy, convenient way to communicate with us even when we’re not around, and to entertain yourself, and to learn about the world–” he once again picked up rambling about the greatness of phones.

Leo nodded along, turning around to place the plushie on the shelves, the drawing on his nightstand, and... uh... where was he supposed to keep a phone–? A pocket? Yikes, he didn't have pockets on these pants–

Wow. This cell... was really looking a bit weird. Like... a hybrid between a cell and a room. There was no window like the big-though-locked one of his old room, no plush carpeting, no fancy wallpaper, the bed was small and didn't have all the fluff and frill he was used to. Leo wondered if they'd keep the same furniture or give him new when he earned his own room here.

He could hear the Mad Dogz losing their minds with excitement behind him over his enjoyment of the gifts, even though they were trying to be inconspicuous. It made his grin even more real, amused. Dang. These idiots are so charming. They're open like children. It was fascinating. It was endearing. He politely made no mention of it, because he didn't want them to stop.

“Oh!!!” Donnie exclaimed. “Wait! I can show you how it works!” he waved his hands.

So, bizarrely enough, that's what they did over breakfast. No manners, no behavior, no script, no rules—leaning over plates and talking with their mouth full, showing Leo how to use the phone.

Insane. Leo was kinda loving it.

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daflangstlairde-art · 1 month ago

Text

YOOOOO AND IT'S A GIF?? AND YOU MADE IT SO FAST WHAT THE HECK??? Oh my gosh I am so <3333 I LOVE IT I love both the frames so much, the POV switch, all the floating words, this is SO COOL AAAAHHHH

.... so, um.... @daflangstlairde-art made me sad with disaster twins angst again.

(From the fic: attached, severed (you're here, you're not))

#rottmnt #rise of the tmnt #art #rottmnt leo #rottmnt donnie #strangulation #AAAAA

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daflangstlairde-art · 1 month ago

Text

attached, severed (you're here, you're not), word count: 4,763

Work 2 of DFL's Whumptober 2024

Summary:

The Technodrome never wanted to let Donnie go of its own volition. Krang One quite literally had to pull him out. Something terrible lingers, not quite gone. (Alternatively, The Prison Dimension never wanted to let Leo go of its own volition. Mikey quite literally had to pull him out. Something terrible lingers, not quite gone.)

Okay, so, everything was a little woozy. Leo would be right back on his feet, like, tomorrow at most—sure, Krang One beat up pretty solid, after they’d already had a whole big time fighting, but they're tough! Mutants, huh? Couple of bruises, couple of strains, that sort of thing. Some cracks along his carapace, yeah, yeah, nothing lethal.

But he was still bed-bound, mostly due to his fam’s worries. He didn't wanna worry them, because he will be okay, he was fine. It was really a very small price to pay for, y'know, saving the entire world. Heroes simply do this kinda thing. It's what they do.

Anyway, point was: Leo was on pain meds and maybe kinda had just a little concussion. Just a tiny bit.

So. He was dozing off. The lights in med bay were pleasantly low, and the beeping of the heart monitor and Donnie’s tapping around on his tech were pretty soothing.

Leo was just focusing on resting. Feeling the way his plastron would gently rise and fall, as the air passed through his nostrils and throat and lungs and abdomen. Yeah, okay, the sensation had to pass through some obstacles, like bruised ribs or a bruised throat, but really, it was okay. Considering everything, it was okay. The bruises were already halfway faded after just a day or two of resting. Or however long it’s been. Not like he was all that conscious for it.

He still had all four limbs. He still had all three brothers alive. Earth kept spinning. Leo kept breathing in the faint smell of antiseptic and bandages.

So, he didn't really care for a random tap-tap-beep from somewhere off to the side. Donnie was just moving around quietly, doing whatever Donnie did. It was sweet, the way he also fussed. Heck, Leo heard him shoo Mikey and Raph away to go make dinner.

Leo’s eyes were closed, but he sorta just sensed the presence of his twin approach. Probably to fuss over him more, haha. Man was Leo lucky to have brothers who love him so much. Even when he was being a bit of a dunce.

He loved them so much. So, so much. It was so much bigger than some bruises and sprains and whatnot.

He swallowed and oh, he should drink some water. Tried to crack his eyes open. His eyelids stuck, and when they finally gave way to vision, they were heavy. Leo breathed. He blinked lightly, to clear up his sight.

“Hey,” he said, voice a bit raspy, to the sight of his twin standing over him. Couldn't help but smile up at him.

...

Donnie was... looking at him weird. A kind of... stare. Kinda like the way your sleep paralysis shadow man stares at you at 3 a.m. haha.

“Wha’s with th’ look?” Leo huffed in amusement. “Got somethin’ on m’ face?”

Donnie stared.

He wasn't... really saying anything. Or reacting. Ooor doing anything except keep his hands to his sides. That couldn't be good.

Leo’s mood wilted a little.

Y'know, it’s fair, it made sense, that Donnie would be mad at him, actually. Or otherwise upset. Leo did kinda cause a whole apocalyptic event... and then almost got himself killed too... and right after he'd given Donnie the chance of a lifetime—to control a spaceship! Probably totally rained on his parade. Leo should ask him how that went later. He was sure it must've been totally badass.

Maybe asking him now would help his mood...? It was understandable that everyone would be feeling... complicated, after the Krang stuff. But Leo wanted to make them feel happy. He wanted to help them as much as he could.

“Hey you–” Leo started, and then blinked, trying to catch up with– okay, Donnie’s hand was at his throat. Alright. Maybe that's what he was concerned about. Him and Mikey did watch Leo get a little strangled and almost killed by the Krang-controlled-Raph, yikes.

Leo tried to make his smile soft and reassuring as best as he could.

“Hey, I’m alright,” he placated his twin. “I really am, I knew Raph wouldn't actually–” okay, well, he didn't know know, but he had hopes–

–Donnie’s hands circled his throat. When Leo swallowed, he felt the tight press of it against his brother’s palms.

“Pretty sure my throat is structurally sound, Dee, you don't have to check,” he joked, voice rasping. He just needed to drink some water. “Hey, can you–”

Donnie squeezed.

“Okay, okay, keep your water, yeesh!” Leo reacted, sounding appropriately strangled. Except–

Except Donnie started squeezing much harder, and, okay, that was actually hurting–

“Donnie, hey–” Leo tried to speak around his constricted airway, hands lifting, placing them at Donnie’s wrists. “Bro, chill, loosen up a lit–” his words cut off entirely from the pressure, and okay, okay. Uh.

Donnie was positively gripping his throat now, zero mercy. And sure, Leo could hold his breath for a hot minute, maybe a dozen or two, but his throat was bruised. And the sensation of the walls of his airway pressing against each other and the harsh jab of his larynx and–

Leo’s throat reflexively started spasming, and he gripped Donnie’s wrists in return, legs curling under the blanket. The pressure building in his head.

Leo tried to jam his fingers between Donnie’s hands and his throat, the way he did with the Krang tentacle thing Raph used. To get just those precious few moments of air, to talk, because it worked with Raph, it had to work now–

But, well, Donnie isn't the Krang. Donnie is smarter. Donnie knows Leo’s affinity for blabbing and with the pressure pressure pressure at his throat, he was giving Leo zero leeway.

Leo couldn't even yell for help.

Instead, Leo’s jaw worked soundlessly, popped open with the building pressure, the pressure. It felt like his eyes were going to burst from his skull, and he was choking, now. Lungs spasming, the bottom of his throat convulsing and gurgling. Feet kicking uselessly, tangled under the blanket.

Leo’s hands were weakly thumping against Donnie’s arms, desperate but never, never hard enough to actually hurt his brother. He was slamming his heels into the gurney to make noise, scrabbling for anything, he didn't have his panic button, anything to grab onto, anything to do, he can't BREATHE–

Lungs convulsing, straining, aching–

“You don't get to escape that easily, little pest,” Donnie spat–

There was drool sliding down Leo’s chin now and hot tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. And he stared up, up into Donnie’s cold eyes, and past the confusion, he tried to plead, Donnie, Donnie it's me, it's Leo, Donnie it’s okay, please just calm down, you're hurting me bro–

—

After all the stress of the Invasion, Raph only felt a little ridiculous when he finally BUSTEDthat door open. He’d just– he heard the heart monitor! And it was way too fast! Leo could be freaking out after a– a nightmare or something! Who the heck locked the med bay door anyway?! It was usually with a sensor, automatically opening when someone passed, why did someone need to lock–!

And at once, all that sheepishness was blasted away through the sight that greeted him.

In two strides Raph was by Donnie, grappling him and wrenching him away from Leo.

Leo, who immediately gasped for air like he hasn't breathed in a week. But it was too thin, too weak. Immediately, Raph heard him start choking and coughing and spluttering.

Meanwhile, Donnie broke away from his stupor, still in Raph’s tight hold. He didn't waste a moment to start thrashing and snarling and biting! To the point where Raph was struggling to hold him! Especially ‘cause he didn't wanna accidentally hurt Donnie! The guy still had his entire torso BANDAGED!!!

(Raph’s had enough of hurting his family for a lifetime.)

“Donnie!” Raph cried, “Don, chill! What the heck is goin’ on–?!” sure, the twins bickered, but all of them bickered! It was never like this!

“Let me go you PARASITE–” Donnie sneered at him, and, what??? What?!

Leo was still gasping and choking, and, and– a-and Raph couldn't handle this on his own, he, he–

“MIKEY!” Raph yelled, “DAD! HELP! SOMETHIN’ IS GOING ON A-AND RAPH CAN'T–”

Donnie fighting in his arms, clawing at his arms, Leo’s awful awful desperate gasps–

—

“Hold him, Raph!” Mikey’s voice raised against his will, “I think– I think he's infected–!” his hands (hurting, trembling, swathed in bandages) hovered uselessly.

“INFECTED–?!” Raph’s voice cracked, still wrangling the feral Donnie.

“How?” Splinter’s head snapped towards them. He was taking care of calming Leo down, and the beeping of the heart monitor was still too fast.

“From the ship!” Mikey exclaimed. “It makes the most sense!” right??? Right?!

Leo, in the middle of coughing and gasping, turned to gape at him.

Oh. Right. They hadn't told Leo about the ship yet.

...MORE IMPORTANT THINGS!

Raph yelped as Donnie finally bit down on his forearm. And Mikey practically saw the word INFECTED slam in Raph’s poor panicking brain, and he wrenched his arm away–

No, no, no–

Don't panic Mikey, THINK.

He yanked open a cupboard and then a second and a third–

“DAD!” Mikey yelled because his hands, they were useless right now, he couldn't do it himself–!

“To me!” Splinter exclaimed and Mikey tossed him the syringe and the bottle.

“YOU CANNOT DEFEAT THE KRANG, WE ARE INFINITE–”

And in a few swift moves Donnie collapsed, knocked out by the tranquilizer liquid thingie.

Splinter drew the needle out of his neck in order to catch him, so he didn't crack his skull on the floor.

They all, collectively, sagged in relief. Heavy breathing filling the room. The loudest of which was Leo’s, labored and struggling. Raph held his arm, where a little bit of blood trickled.

“O...kaayy,” Splinter drew out. Cleared his throat. “Good thinking, Orange. Uh. Do weee... have... a second bed maybbeeee–?”

Raph sighed, already moving. “I’ll get it–”

“Uh, you're bleeding and might be infected, I’ll get it,” Mikey snarked.

“...Mike, your hands–” Raph hesitated.

“Can handle a bed on wheels, Raph,” Mikey deadpanned. And then softened up a little, “Do us all a favor and take care of that dang wound,”

“Yes,” Splinter agrees. “We don't want a second case of this,”

Or third, rather, but Mikey prided himself on being emotionally intelligent, so he kept that comment buried deep, deep down, and moved along to bring out the second hospital bed.

—

Donnie is... well. April supposed his reaction was fair enough.

She’s the one that took charge of driving while the others took care of each other in the back, so she couldn't see that much of it. But she saw enough.

While she was... okay, sore and sticky with sweat and tired as hell, and probably gonna bruise ugly; she was, objectively, not that bad compared to some others in their group. She was a human, sure, but she knew how to take care of herself, and Splints and Casey Two really helped. They themselves were about in the same boat as her.

The guys? Yeah, they were mutants or whatever, but man.

Raph’s eye was jacked up, and there was a whole hole in his shell, and his left hand was shaking. Mikey’s both hands were crawling with some worrying mystic nonsense, and through his manic-delighted laughter, she'd caught something about a portal. Leo was... well. Leo, apparently, cracked a quip and dropped unconscious. April thought that spoke volumes about his current state. It ain't easy to knock these thick-headed turtles out.

Donnie’s right hand was also shaking. That was the least concerning part about him.

His back was... eugh, Casey was taking care of it in the back while April kept her eyes on the road. But she'd seen it for a few moments, when the construct of his battle shell dissipated to make way for treatment.

It was bad.

So bad. It was gross. Skin pulled and stretched and torn, like the worst amalgamation of flaccid stretch marks and bloody cuts. Like prosciutto made of dead flesh. April has never seen skin be torn by being pulled apart. Like ripped fabric, but all loose and mangled and eugh. That stuff only happens in horror movies!!!

She shuddered, clenching her jaw. Trying hard not to gag, because it would not help. Stay strong, O’Neil.

Maybe it would've been better if Donnie acted normal. And he did! ...For a few moments. After they'd (apparently, somehow, they hadn't shared the details yet) saved Leo, and informed everyone else about this through the comms, Donnie sounded fine! He sounded just as vibrant and relieved and elated as everyone else!

But in the few minutes it took for Sister Squad to free the Turtle Tank and drive it to Staten Island to pick ‘em up...

Maybe it was an adrenaline crash. She turned the wheel again, waited for the garage door to open. Entered into the Lair.

Maybe it was just a simple adrenaline crash. Everyone was visibly exhausted. Raph was swaying on his feet and Mikey was trembling and Splinter was basically limping.

“Commander–”

“Got it,” April immediately joined Casey’s side to help him lift Leo. He needed a lot more than just emergency first aid, though he seemed stable. “Dee, wanna–” she turned to ask–

Donnie... just stared.

He just stared.

This. This is what was worrying her.

Maybe it was an adrenaline crash. Maybe a shutdown. Maybe processing everything was just too much for him at the moment.

She was trying really hard to not judge how he was just staring.

At Leo.

“...Ooor not, nevermind,” April said quietly.

Maybe... maybe it was grief. Or something. They did have that whole “twin” thing after all. So.

“Casey, uh–” April turned back to the guy as they started moving Leo to med bay. “Donnie...?”

“Not great, but he'll live,” Casey said quietly, picking up where she trailed off. “There was leftover matter, but I couldn't tell if it was dead Donnie flesh bits or dead Krang flesh bits. Just... a lot of dead flesh,”

April shuddered. Gross. Casey, however, kept speaking like the grossness of it didn’t affect him.

“I had to wrap him quickly to stop the bleeding, but I think I’ll need to cut off more of that skin, he'll definitely need stitches in some places but hopefully no grafting–” he spoke briskly, getting onto the task of filling her in on everyone’s condition. As they brought Leo in to med bay, she prepared herself to assist Future Boy with medical treatment.

Thank fuck for Casey Jones, huh? They always seemed to save the situ at the most critical times. Bless.

They started hooking Leo to an IV drip and a heart monitor and stabilizing him, a flurry of movement. April doing her best to follow through on whatever instructions Casey handed out—man, he was definitely experienced with this, the way he worked fast but efficient and calm.

And to her even bigger relief, Donnie joined in. He seemed to be in a daze, disoriented maybe, but he started pulling up scanners and data on some monitors in the room.

His hands kept... kinda lagging. His face remained... well. Well. It's like his face simply wasn't a part of the rest of his system, just slapped on top.

But, well. He was helping them. So.

Maybe it was okay.

...April would just... pull him aside, once Casey’s done with him too. Donnie was definitely not in a talking mood right now, but leading him through some grounding, maybe some comfort, it might help. Get him to drink water, get his headphones on, that sort of thing.

Oh, and then she should also do that for the rest of the fam too.

With an action plan in mind, April O’Neil focused on the task at hand.

—

There was something wrong with Leo, Donnie was sure of it. And he was sure it happened while he was in the Prison Dimension.

He just didn't know what.

It was fine mere moments ago! It was fine during his altercation with Raph dearest! It was fine.

It was not fine anymore.

But no matter how much Donnie stared at Leo, he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He didn't stop staring at Leo’s prone form in the Tank, in fact. And all he had as proof at the moment was this wriggling, invasive pulse of something's wrong, something's wrong, something is seriously wrong.

Something was so, so wrong with his brother.

Donnie couldn't help but feel a... revulsion, looking at him. Something that made him curl his hands into fists, nails pressing in.

He felt like if he stopped looking at Leo for even a smidge of a moment, he would... he would... he didn't know. Donnie didn't know. And he hated it.

He felt like Leo would snap up and lunge at him. Or their brothers. He felt like Leo would die on the spot. He felt like– he didn't know.

All he could do was stare.

He didn't register anything else. It was only this. It was only this.

Buried in his shell, this bone-deep conviction that something was disgustingly wrong, and the moment he took his eyes off of Leo, it would all surface with a bang.

He wanted–

He needed–

Donnie needed to know.

So he stared. He watched, he observed, he waited.

When they brought Leo home, he took advantage of the moment. While O’Neil and Jones took care of the... remnants of violence on Leonardo, Donnie did one of the things he did best: he collected data.

It was simple: just a scan whilst the other two hurriedly patched up wounds. And when that scan showed nothing out of the ordinary—a second one. And when that yielded no more results—a third one.

And when Leo’s injuries were taken care of, when everyone’s injuries were taken care of–

(Skin flesh living snipping away from his back–

No, no, no, they would live. They would live, they would triumph.)

–Donnie simply sat and watched.

For a bit, Raphael and Michelangelo and the rest were with him. For a bit, everyone took care of each other. Then–

Oh who cares?!

It was waiting, it was injuries, it didn't matter. None of it mattered! It all fell into a blur.

Until, finally, finally.

Donatello knew.

It was as easy as locking the medical bay’s entrance. It was as easy as a few steps to his “brother”’s body, laying on the hospital bed, bruised and cut and ruined and wrong wrong wrong.

That was not Leonardo.

Donatello knew. It.

He knew it the way he knew his own heartbeat.

That... thing, inside that body, was not his brother.

He saw it. He saw its true nature, the way its skin wriggled. Tendrils under the surface, eating away at the insides and taking their place.

It was something so ugly, so heinous, so repugnant that it was difficult for the mind to conceptualize and therefore circled right back around to awe-inspiring.

It was as easy as his hands around its disgusting little throat.

It spoke to him in his brother’s voice, the wretched thing. How dare, how dare it use his brother’s voice, his smile.

Donatello wanted to rip it apart. It was a nuisance, a parasite, a pest. Lowly and disgusting and undeserving of its breath HOW DARE IT BE FREE HOW DARE IT LIVE–

—

Donnie woke up sore and dazed.

“Wh... huh...?” he muttered, swallowing dry, trying to blink for the sake of his vision clearing. What... did he fall asleep...?

He lifted his arm to–

He– couldn't lift his arm. Huh. That's... odd...

Donnie blinked, everything a bit blurry at the edges. A little cotton-y. He felt a bit nauseated, to be quite frank. Not a pleasant thing to wake up to.

There was... noise. Speech. Somebody was saying something. To him.

“What...” he muttered again, lifting his arm– nope. Right. Right right right, he... couldn't do that. Hm.

Did he get kidnapped by the government?

...Mmm, no, no. There was the beeping of a heart monitor, the smell of antiseptic, yes. But he's always had sensitive senses. Beyond that, he could hear... papá’s shows? Breathing in the same room, as well. He could smell home. Raph was here.

Raph smelled like... hm. Something sharp, tangy, sort of unstable. But warm.

Worry, concern? Perhaps hesitation? Meh, Donnie has never been good at parsing emotions.

“Donnie? ...You with us?” floated in his older brother’s voice.

“Mm,” Donnie affirmed, trying to look around more properly. Yes, the medical bay. Yes, Raph, alongside Mikey.

...Hm. That's... odd. Why was Donnie strapped down on a gurney, exactly?

“Wha...” he vocalized, staring down at the restraints. He didn't even know they had those. Maybe The Fam simply used a couple of belts.

“Heeeyyy buuuddd, how... are you feeling?” Raph approached, with a careful smile.

“Confused, disoriented even,” Donnie stated. “Uh. Nauseated. Do I... do I have a concussion?” he tried blinking, squinting.

“...You could... say that,” Raph said, trying to be gentle in an off-putting manner.

“Boy you were infected!” Mikey delicately informed him and–

And.

Donnie’s brain blue-screened as it loaded the history of what he'd done.

Oh, dear Cain.

What has he done?

The way he’d stared at and spoken to Leo, contemptuous, inimical, disgusted. Murderous.

The way his palms had wrapped around his very own twin’s already bruised throat, feeling the fragile pulse under, the pulse he’d scrambled to preserve. Head deluded by thoughts and visions of parasites, of wriggling little things under the skin, hidden and revolting and deadly.

The way he’d squeezed–

A single tear rolled down his face, soaking into the bed sheet of the gurney.

“BUT WE FIXED IT!” Raph was quick to exclaim, worry cranked right up at Donnie’s absolute stupor, the horror no doubt glinting off the whites of his eyes. “We, we–!”

“CJ and Barry cut it all off!!! You're totally clean, Dee!” Mikey attempted with increased cheer.

But all Donnie could think was no, no, no, how could he do this? Is this how Raph felt? How could this happen?

What had he done?

“Donnie, hey, hey, it's okay, you gotta breathe,” Raph reached out a hand, forehead scrunched in anxiety. Donnie flinched back, but it's like it wasn't him. He could hear the rapid alarm of his electrocardiogram, but he could not connect it to the existence of the heart beating within his ribcage.

It's like he wasn't himself.

How could he possibly recognize if he's not himself?

His older brother was talking to him, but it was all static, it was all ringing. It was sinking into a squirming-squelching-living nightmare, repugnant and alive and all-encompassing oh unholy Lorecraft–

Shouts, a clattering–

Red and green turned away from his face, and, and–

Replaced by green and red and blue, blue, blue. Standing over him, smiling. Green skin and red markings, white eyes and red bruises, blue mask, blue bruises, colors of the flesh of the flesh the flesh–

“Heeyyy bro,” a jarring moment, a smile, how could he be smiling? “Wanna help me calm down real quick? I’m feeling a lil’ panicky here,”

Something inside Donnie reached out, fell into line at that. His hand shot up��

–no, it didn't, they were restrained, the hands he'd used to–

Lighter green. Unlatching the restraints.

“Leo–!”

“You said he's fine now, so chiiilll it's fiiine! Donnie would never hurt me,”

Donatello never would, but how could he possibly be sure he’s Donatello?

Hand freed. He jerks them back close to himself, pushed himself away.

“Hey, hey, naw don't do that, or I might get sad,” pouting, silly, like it's all fine and not horror-inducing. “Mikey, could you get a glass of water, and Raph– yeah the blanket–”

“His headphones too–?”

“Oh great idea, yeah, totes– Dee? Donnie-dee? Wanna show me how to breathe, huh? I can't get my numbers straight,” Leo’s eyes back to him, smiling, smiling.

The image of his beatific smile as Donnie’s hands strangled him to death–

The way he’d smiled at Raph as he was being STRANGLED TO DEATH–

Why was he SMILING?!

There was something wrapped around Donnie’s lungs and squeezing, and his brain screamed KRANG KRANG KRANG–

“Donnie, focus on me,” Leo snapped his fingers in front of his face and Donnie wanted to bite him, Leo knew how much that irritated him–!

Wait, why the flippity pancakes was Leo OUT OF BED?!

The panic, jittery and sharp and ringing, was suddenly replaced by anger, jittery and sharp and ringing.

“Why,” Donnie hissed, and his suddenly narrowed focus picked up on Mikey stiffening several feet away. Leo, smiling, calm, subtly moved to cover it.

“Why wh–”

“WHY ARE YOU OUT OF BED.” Donnie seethed, high-pitched, hands on Leo’s shoulders. Shaking him a bit. Leo was smiling and it felt surreal.

Leo was smiling the entire time Donnie was strangling him to death.

Leonardo, his beaten and bruised brother, his brother wrapped in bandages– the idiot, he must've torn something getting up to reach Donnie because he was bleeding through said bandages–

Leonardo, his brother who’d dished out serene reassurances before throwing himself into a death trap–

–was just smiling at him.

God, he hadn’t even fought back.

He didn't even fight back.

“Why didn't you fight back?” Donnie’s voice broke over whatever Leo had been saying. “Why, why did you– I-I w-was going to kill you–” horror, oh horror.

“What?” Leo blinked, and he turned as Raph walked back in, yet Donnie had mind only for one thing and it was his stupid, stupid twin.

“Why didn't you fight back? Leo, why didn't you do anything?” Donnie spoke in desperation. He needed to know. It would ruin him, but he needed it. Just like the stream of information from Technodrome, the knowledge was cursed and horrifying, and yet he needed to know. “I could have killed you are you listening to me? Leonardo you could have DIED–”

“Hey,” Leo, bleeding, supposed to be resting, smiling, was putting a weighted blanket over Donnie’s shoulders. He offered Donnie his noise-canceling headphones, and Mikey was finally handing over that water he’s been holding for minutes now, hands shaking. Leo was looking him in the eyes, and saying “It wasn't your fault, bro,”

Donnie stared back at him, shaking with the shock of– of– frankly? Of everything. There was a parasite in his brain, apparently, right after the Invasion, so it was all crashing on top of him in the worst way possible.

“Took you guys long enough,” Leo had said, had smiled and laughed and hugged them, like it was fine, but it wasn't, it. Wasn’t.

There was absolutely no conceivable way for Leo to have known Mikey could rip apart reality itself. There was no conceivable way he’d known there was any way out.

And the Krang were hateful, hateful things. Donnie would know.

So Donnie stared at his twin, smiling and saying something to Mikey that made their little brother crack a laugh. Donnie held a glass of water in one hand and noise-canceling headphones in the other, given to him by his twin Leonardo, Leonardo whom he’d strangled with those very hands.

“I’m so sorry,” broke out of Donnie, crushed and angry and disbelieving and sad and loving and grieving and ecstatic. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry–”

“It’s okay,” Leo said, easy, “Hey, it’s okay, it wasn't your fault,” he opened his arms and Donnie put the items aside to drag Leo into a hug. Leo oofed and laughed, and a tension dropped from Raph’s shoulders as well.

“You're okay Marsh-Tello,” Leo said, teasing and lighthearted, rubbing the back of Donnie’s neck instead of his bandaged shell. “It wasn't your fault, mkay? It was those big dumb aliens, and we got it all off. It wasn't your fault,” he reassured Donnie, Donnie, as if Leo wasn't the hurt one, as if Leo wasn't the one who’d nearly died several times. What a moron, apparently caring for others even at the end of his own rope, what a dummy.

Donnie just shook his head, holding the idiot closer. He reminded himself to not hold him too closely, because Leo was still littered with injuries, including cracks in his shell and his inner ribs. And now Donnie knew, if he wasn't careful, Leo wouldn't even eek in pain about it.

His twin. His idiot. Gah.

Donnie squeezed his eyes shut and held him close.

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daflangstlairde-art · 1 month ago

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AAAAAA OH MI GOSH???? Fanart?? For MY FIC????? !!!!! I am so flattered!!!! Thank you so much, I am so so happy you enjoyed the fic!!! I will go link it immediately

And the art is LOVELY!!! It looks incredible, I LOVE how you mixed up the look of Donnie in Leo's body — it is clear that it's Leo's body, but somehow the pose and the expression looks so Donnie!! <333

Rise August 2024

-- Day 24: Secrets --

“...Why does the magic born from the power of family, love and togetherness hurt you, Leo?”

“I think that if you're asking it like that, you... kinda already know why."

It may be October, but I'm still determined to finish out these Rise August prompts!

The thing that immediately came to mind for "secrets" was Lightning in our Fingertips Today, an incredible fic by @daflangstlairde-art that I am very much enjoying right now! Go give it a read, if you haven't yet!

(Rise August 2024 Masterpost)

#rise of the tmnt #rottmnt #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #dfl's whumptober 2024 #art #fan art

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daflangstlairde-art · 2 months ago

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lightning in our fingertips today

Work 1 of DFL's Whumptober 2024

Summary:

Donnie and Leo get hit with a wayward body swap spell. You could say it gives Donnie a new perspective on the matters of his dear twin. When was Leo going to tell them that his Ninpō hurts him?

—

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Draxum rubbed the bridge of his snout, sighing, already tired of their crap.

“And you're sure you don't know anything else about the spell that you are being affected by, the caster, or their method of casting?” he repeated.

“Nope,” Leo repeated, popping the p sound.

“So then how do you expect me to, and I quote, fix this?” Draxum raised his eyebrows.

Donnie shrugged. “You're the mystic guy, right? Isn't that kind of your job?”

“I–” Draxum sighed again, dragging a hand down his face. Donnie couldn't help but feel greatly amused by it. Judging by Leo’s expression, the sentiment was doubled. “Can you at least discern whether the spell affects only your bodies or your minds as well?”

...Donnie and Leo shared a look.

“...Uh, what?” Leo asked the question for them both, thankfully, looking at Draxum.

Draxum sighed yet again. He should check his lungs.

“Swapping spells and curses can function in a variety of ways,” he began explaining. “They can only switch your bodies—the way you experience being in that body remains the same as you’d experience the world in your own body. Or they can, ah... let’s put it like this—they can swap out your self but put you in the experience of the other person,”

“Ah, they can swap our essence through mystic-magic-whatever but they don't swap our brains,” Donnie echoed, “Ergo all those neural pathways and malfunctions and whatnot remain the same,”

“Hey! Don't call it malfunctions,” Mikey chastised. Him and Raph were mostly here for the Exposition™.

“I... suppose you can put it that way,” Draxum blinked. “Though don't take it so... literally. As I've mentioned before, spells, curses, any sort of mystic–”

“–involvement can be highly metaphorical and swayed by our mere perception of things, yes, I remember,” Donnie said like he was in pain. Eugh. These are some of the parts of magic that he wasn't strongly affectionate towards. He didn't like their loosey goosey rules.

“Well?”

Oh right, Draxum had asked them a question.

“I mean, I dunno,” Leo scratched his head, “I guess I kinda think more... uh... like Donnie? Sometimes?”

Donnie frowned. “...Huh, that would explain your sudden willingness to view your own mystic powers through a more scientific lens,” he realized.

Leo cleared his throat, “Right, yeah, that's what I was talking about,”

Donnie sent him a look, but didn't have time to question it.

“And you?” Draxum turned the question to him.

Hmmm.

Had he noticed any odd behaviors in himself? Anything that wasn't very like himself?

...Hard to say.

Him and Leo overlapped in many a manner, and where they didn't, they differed greatly.

...Donnie remembered the craving, the need for a second person’s presence from last night. Which also made him realize his inability to sleep wasn't born from obsession over a project, which was the reason why he usually couldn't sleep; he kind of just... wasn't able to, which... did sound more like Leo. They were aware of his insomniac struggles.

Huh. Donnie hadn't thought about it. This line of thought was making him view the last two days in yet another new way, comparing his behavior to Leo.

It wasn't much like Leo to freeze up in the middle of a fight—that one was admittedly more of a Donnie thing. However, it was supposed to be a thing of the past—a thing that happened when he was overly reliant on his tech, when it would suddenly be unavailable to him for whatever reason. Ever since he got on the same page with his Ninpō, obstacles like a piece of fried equipment or drained battery weren't so monumental.

...He suppose it was logical he’d return to that state of mind due to the sudden inability to use his trusty mystic powers. Which sounded a bit too uncomfortably familiar.

The meltdown it induced was more Donnie’s thing as well.

...Except... except...

...The way his thoughts sounded.

They... they didn't sound like Donnie. Whereas so far his mental voice still sounded the way it always did.

No no, they sounded... like Leo.

The realization made liquid nitrogen pool in his stomach.

He– he would have to reflect more on it later, because the others expected an answer from him. Donnie cleared his throat.

“Uh, yes,” he said, coughing awkwardly. “Yes, I have also noticed... the same. As what Leo answered,” smooth.

“...Ssssoooo,” Leo, thankfully, turned the conversation back to Draxum. “Can you do something about it?”

“Yes,” which made Leo grin, “I will do research,” Draxum stated, and Leo’s expression turned to a groan.

“Duuuudeee!”

Personally? Donnie wasn't all that mad about the fake-out.

Quite frankly, he had some research of his own to do.

“...Pluuss it would be too risky to initiate any spells involving your bodies and minds currently, considering one of you is concussed.” Draxum deadpanned.

Raph reached over and flicked the side of Leo’s head, making him loudly complain. Donnie snorted and Mikey giggled.

—

Night come, Donnie had two options.

A. Try to sleep on his own. Observe the effects it had on him.

B. Immediately head to somebody else’s room to spend the night with them.

He was a scientist, so of course he went with option A.

This yielded the expected results, though still, Donnie was unable to figure out the exact cause of his sleeplessness. Due to his usual modus operandi, he just wasn’t that used to pointedly analyzing his feelings, much less differentiating them from someone else’s. It was a bit frustrating, which did not aid the sleep matter!

Sooo here he was, once again rooming with Leo for the night. He’d kicked Leon to the outer side of the bed this time, so Donnie could lay on his left side, because his right shoulder was still hurting for no particular reason. And his shell, Leo’s shell, was aching. And once again, he felt nauseated after dinner, and he was starting to feel like that really wasn't just because of his personal sensitivities.

It was dark in the room, though not completely. There was a night lamp on. And the light of Leo’s phone. He wasn't sleeping either, just scrolling aimlessly. Donnie didn't pay much mind to it. He was here for research.

Aaand also to sleep, but, you know. Research.

...Though with Leo here, he was admittedly growing sleepy. It was just the two of them. Leo’s room didn't smell like much, but it still smelled like home. Donnie was laying on his side just passively observing the side of his twin’s face. His own face, that is, maskless in the night.

Just the two of them and their slow breathing. The subtle sounds of tapping whenever Leo would scroll down. He didn't even have the volume turned up. Some video popped up on his feed, and Donnie watched Leo watch it soundlessly for barely three seconds, with no indication of interest, before he scrolled to the next post.

Donnie idly played with the edge of the blanket over him (of course they had two separate ones because otherwise it will be WAR at DAWN). It was... a nice texture. He wondered if it would be a nice texture were he back in his body. He wondered if it felt nice only because he was sensing it through Leo’s.

He wondered how much this whole body swap thing was really affecting him. Draxum’s words made him realize there was a lot he hadn't noticed, likely because, well. He was operating like Leo now, and Leo acting like Leo wouldn't be odd to Leo’s perception. However, Donnie’s perception also still remained, and it was odd to him. But was it odd when compared to his normal or to Leo’s normal?

Gah. It was all so... so...! He wished this stupid spell had clearer lines!

But, alas, dramatic sigh. It does not, which meant Donnie had to map out the lines himself.

Was Leo not sleeping right now because of his usual insomnia? Or did he feel preoccupied with the desire to Do Something, which is what usually kept Donnie up?

...Was there a distance?

...It occured to Donnie that he wasn't entirely sure how Leo perceived his own Slumber Struggles. Donnie– hm. This situation was making him realize a lot of things like that, and it hasn't even been that long. He wondered just how much they didn't really know about Leo. How much they didn't think to learn, because it just... it just... it was just never brought to focus. Donnie wondered if that was just him, if Raph and Mikey did know. He wondered whether it was intentional.

Leo wasn't commenting on his staring. Donnie appreciated it.

“...You know you're supposed to rest with a concussion, right?” Donnie muttered.He frowned. “And– aren't screens also bad?”

Leo’s thumb (or, well, Donnie’s thumb, technically) paused. Donnie wasn't sure whether it was due to the comment or just because he was reading a post online.

“Yep, I know,” Leo said simply. Resumed scrolling.

“Theennn... why aren't you still up?”

Quiet.

The distant sounds of papá’s running shows. Some electrical hum. Soft breathing.

At last, Leo shrugged. “Can't sleep, you know how it is,” he glanced at Donnie just for a moment to throw him a grin, before returning to his task.

All in Donnie’s voice and with Donnie’s face. It made the action less smooth than it would be on Leo’s. Donnie wondered why, exactly, it felt that way.

“...I don't, actually,” he voiced his earlier thought. It came out flatter than he wanted, maybe because he was tired. “You've never really told us how it is,”

Leo paused again. Or maybe he was just idly reading another post, none of it really sinking into his brain. He shrugged.

He exhaled, and shut off his phone, slapping it somewhere on the bed to be immediately lost to the caverns of blankets and pillows. Donnie scheduled a morning expedition to dig out the lost treasure of Phone.

Leo shuffled a bit, getting more comfortable and laying down, blanket over him. Donnie could only see the larger shapes of his face in dim blue light from the night light.

“Happy?” Leo asked, and Donnie was pretty sure it was meant to be teasing, but it fell flatter than what was probably intended.

“Most definitely,” Donnie replied smugly, grinning, and shuffled to also get comfortable for some actual sleep.

Now it was just the darkness and the two of them. He felt relieved said darkness wasn't absolute, and when he caught that feeling and tried to examine it, he wasn't sure why he felt it.

The room was pleasantly chilly, so they felt just the right amount of cozy under their respective blankets. The air was well ventilated.

Donnie breathed in, and out, closing his eyes. He yawned. Leo yawned two seconds afterwards, and then mumbled an unintelligible complaint at Donnie for making him yawn. Donnie exhaled through his nose in mirth.

Why was his shoulder hurting? The shoulder Donnie remembered watching Casey Junior and Raph set after the Invasion? Why was there a persistent crick in this one specific spot in his shell? A spot that Donnie distinctly remembered having a crack post-Invasion? Mm, he forgot to ask Leo about it. Whatever. He’ll ask Leo tomorrow, or, something.

Donnie’s thoughts floated around, and he once again circled back to their fight with Baxter and his big robot.

In all fairness, Leo had been trying to get him involved in the tussle. He’d gotten quite skilled at coordinating them, actually. But he himself didn't want Donnie to use the portals if they hurt (hypocrite), and without them, there just wasn't much to do against a huge metal machine.

The plan was just to open it so Donnie could deactivate it. It went awry due to Mikey needing to step aside and Stockboy’s miscalculations. However, Donnie wondered if the whole thing would've gone smoother if he’d just sucked it up and used the portals. Their efficiency vastly overshadowed some mystic zippy zaps at his fingers.

...But it just– it just– it felt uncomfortable. There was an element to the faux shocks that felt... wrong. He couldn't quite describe it, but it made him feel... discomfort. Unease. Like sitting on the edge of a chair, a hard and lumpy chair. Like code that is ever so slightly buggy, even though he’s already spent hours making it as efficient as possible. Like that time his brothers (cough, Leo, cough) reprogrammed Shelldon. Something that just... isn't supposed to be Like That.

But for the life of him, he couldn't identify what exactly that meant.

Why did Leo fly directly into a collapsing building? Why did Leo keep a concussion away from their attention?

...Why did Donnie freeze up during the fight like that? Why was he hit with a meltdown like that?

...It just... it felt...

He tried to double down on everything he’d felt in that moment, like pressing down with your thumbs to locate a bruise.

There was just something about... something about...

It just overwhelmed him.

Watching debris and glass rain down in pieces, a curtain of destruction. Listening to the cacophony of car alarms, of people yelling in concern, sirens approaching.

His Ninpō was bust, his brothers were missing, his brothers were in danger. Two of his brothers were down for the count, and they were going to die and there was only one thing to do.

And it was terrifying and it was all his fault. It was the scariest moment of his life.

So Raph was off to save them, and he pushed himself to his feet. Even though his body was so sore, it all hurt from all the fighting, but he didn't have a choice.

Even as his knees betrayed him, he forced himself upwards. This was all his fault and it was choking him. He had to fix this, for his family.

A hulking figure in the distance. Metal and sharp and hateful. A red light, like a sign screaming GET AWAY.

But he couldn't. This was his last chance to just make. Things. Right.

It was a desperation that made him want to cry, so he set his expression and readied his stance.

The wind blew past him, as he shot forwards into the fight. And he lunged through a portal and he hurled his sword, and the Krang grabbed him and hurled his sword away and–

“YOU'VE RUINED EVERYTHING!”

–and–

“YOU WRETCHED–

–LITTLE–

–PEST!”

Each vitriol-packed punch from the Krang leader, massive and hulking and sharp and metal, rammed into his body with the force of an entire failed genocide.

Each hit was an admirable competitor to be his last. With each hit, the harm tripled—shell and bones shattering and collapsing, blood desperately trying to escape.

The only thing he had in his personal hell was a reminder of why and how he earned his place here in the first place.

Life swam in and out of his vision, everything blurred by pain until the pain blurred too. He dedicated the last flashes of color to that reminder, the most important thing in the world:

A small photograph showcasing his family’s smiling faces.

Tears rolled down his face, and he loved them so much it hurt. Everything hurt, and he was dying, and yet, and yet, and yet.

It’s okay.

They would live, this time around.

He hoped they would forget him, because selfishly, he didn't want to drag them down even in death, not more than he already has. He hoped they would thrive.

He couldn't help but feel... happy to be dying, haha. Because they would live, because they won, because it was over. Because he deserved it the most. It was right.

He couldn't help but smile.

“WIPE THAT GRIN OFF YOUR FACE, GAH–!”

–Donnie awoke with a desperate gasp for breath as his entire chest and lungs and heart collapsed under the–

–the...

...the nothing.

It was just him in Leo’s bedroom, trying to inhale in big wet gasps. Shaking in Leo’s body, washed in cold sweat, blanket half kicked off.

That... that was not a nightmare. There is no way that was just a nightmare. It was too, too... clear, detailed, too potent, too real.

Donnie would know, because after the Invasion, he had nightmares. It was like... leftover data from the avalanche that came with his connection to The Technodrome. Data, horrible data, that just needed an outlet, and his subconscious was the perfect ground.

“Leo–” Donnie let out, strangled, feeling around for– for–

Leo wasn't there.

Donnie shot up, but no, the half of the bed Leo had taken up was empty. In fact, Donnie had imposed upon it in his sleep.

The sight sent a fresh new wave of terror through his body, doing the exact opposite of helping him in this highly stressful situation!

Donnie stumbled to his feet, frantic, looking for his arm brace to track Leo down– no, wait, not the blue dot, he had to look for the purple dot–

—

“YOU!” Donnie leveled the shape of his twin with an index finger immediately upon stumbling out of the portal and onto the rooftop. Teeth gritted through the sharp sparkling between the layers of his hands' skin and flesh. “You gave me a HEART ATTACK!”

“Sorry,” Leo sheepishly shrugged, dissipating the purple constructs.

Donnie halted his terrified-infuriated momentum, gaping.

Wait.

Was Leo... training with his Ninpō?!

Did Leo. Get up in the middle of the night. And fly with Donnie’s hover shell to a random rooftop. To train with Donnie’s Ninpō?

The Ninpō that SUPPOSEDLY HURT HIM?!

Donnie was just beyond himself with this brother of his! His heart was in too fragile of a state to take this! He made strangling motions in the air, and Leo just looked amused.

“Are you– are– are you training with my Ninpō?!” Donnie exclaimed, incredulous.

Leo just shrugged, idly spinning his bō and turning around.

“No– no! You aren't– slithering out of this one!” Donnie seethed, following after the casual walk of his twin much less casually.

Leo just went to the edge of the rooftop and for a moment Donnie’s stomach swooped and his heart stopped–

(The portal collapsing on itself, an explosion, colors–)

–but Leo just... sat down. Legs dangling, but otherwise, considerably safe. Looking over the night life of NYC.

Donnie slowly exhaled, heartbeat erratic. He observed the figure of his brother, even if he was technically in Donnie’s body.

Dark, in the night. Though still visible, what with New York’s light pollution.

His back was to Donnie. He was looking out at the buildings. The bustle far down below.

He was... so... subdued. Smaller, even with one of Donnie’s shells on; smaller in presence, somehow. Like instead of spilling outwards and filling up a whole cathedral, his presence was kept neatly to himself. No more, no less.

Donnie rushed to be beside Leo, arms crossed.

“I had a nightmare,” he stated, and that got Leo’s attention. He winced, turning sympathetic eyes to Donnie.

“...Yikes, Dee, I’m sor–” he began, all soft and gentle and ready to turn the concern towards Donnie, but Donnie was not having it.

“I had YOUR nightmare,” he clarified through teeth.

Leo cringed. He rubbed the back of his neck. “Augh, I’m really sorry about–”

“THAT'S NOT WHAT I’M TRYING TO SAY!” Donnie yelled, throwing his hands.

“Okay, I’m sorry,” Leo said, calm and gentle as ever, “I’m listening to you bro,” he affirmed, smiling.

Donnie clenched, unclenched, and re-clenched his jaw.

“You,” he whispered, “never told us you had nightmares.” he emphasized each part.

And Leo, Leo had the audacity to shrug.

“I mean, who doesn't, am I right?” he joked.

Donnie dragged a hand down his face, and sat down on the edge, next to him. At last, he tried to get his breathing under control. Tried to get his heart to stabilize. Tried to get the sheer horror thrumming through him to chillax.

That nightmare hit something sensitive. And not just to Leo’s brain.

Through all their altercations with all the different types of foes, there were few tragedies Donnie and his family experienced. Few real tragedies.

Because sure, it wasn't fun when, say, Draxum snatched them up to use them as bait for dad. It wasn't nice when Raph got Got during Big Mama’s Battle Nexus: New York.

But they handled it! Because they were still together! At the end of the day, they were together. And they could do anything together.

Shredder was one of those real tragedies.

Karai’s death, even though they didn't get to really know her– well. That is a tragedy in and of itself. They didn't know her well, but she was family and then suddenly she was no longer with them.

All of the Invasion still haunted them, in little and big ways.

But...

...That moment. That chain of moments.

(“Casey, listen to me. When I get to the other side, you close that door.”

“This is the only way.”

“Hero moves–”

“I’m proud–”

“–Casey, PLEASE!”)

Staring up at an objectively marvelous explosion as the portal closed around The Technodrome for good. Colors of light expanding, crystalline through his tears, it was the ugliest, most horrible thing Donnie had born witness to.

It was the scariest, worst moment of his life.

Donnie brought his feet up, propped his elbows on his knees to hold the sides of his head. Squeezed his eyes shut, tears prickling just at the memory of it.

He would go through the entire Invasion twice over, if it meant he would be sure to never go through that one moment ever again.

“You–” his voice cracked, and he swallowed. “You almost died, Leo,”

We almost lost you. I almost lost my other half, my mirror, the outline of my own existence.

How could you feel that was ever “right”?

“But... I’m alive,” Leo smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. Well. Donnie’s hand on Leo’s shoulder, technically. “Soo it's all good!”

Yes, Leo was alive, and that was all well and good. Except it wasn't, because Leo wasn't well and good.

And, to make matters substantially worse, none of them noticed.

His physical injuries recovered, and he bounced right back up. Better than ever. Less pestering, more serious, more dedicated. More sincere, or so they thought.

It was a beautiful act, crafted oh so carefully, and it was by design that none of them noticed. It was the second ugliest thing Donnie had ever seen.

“Hey,” Leo caught his attention, gentle and soft and caring. Because he was still directing this Donnie’s way, he was still trying to take care of Donnie.

Donnie glared at him. It wasn't as effective with the built-up tears.

Leo was unaffected by it, and even though he wore Donnie’s face, Donnie recognized the smile he was giving.

Leo opened an arm.

Donnie’s lip wobbled, and he readily sunk into the embrace. Immediately clutching onto his twin like he was going to perish right here and right now.

It was a little awkward, with the way they sat side by side on the edge of a rooftop. But it was good. Cars and people moved far below them, lights humming against the blue of the night sky. It was starting to smell like autumn chill. But being held by Leo, his twin, Donnie felt a little warmer.

He swallowed the distress, to say–

–Oh.

He winced as the sharpness of a concussion headache sunk in very suddenly.

Oh.

O– okay then. Huh. Hm. Well. This is... fine.

“Ack, wait, hold on–” Leo tried pulling away from his hug, because it was Donnie who was holding him now. Donnie didn't allow it, just squeezed him tighter to indicate he was not letting go under any circumstances!

Leo was going to be hugged and loved, whether he wanted it or not!!!

...Well, no, of course Donnie would let go if he was genuinely uncomfortable. But he wasn't going to let Leo deny himself some affection.

This was about him.

“My head hurts,” Donnie muttered a complaint, just to taste his voice that was his own yet again. Leo had the audacity to chuckle.

“Sorry,”

“Yeah, yeah,”

But... thinking about it... really, beside the head injury...

Donnie rubbed his fingertips together. There was no leftover static to it. No soreness, no displeasure, nothing. Even though Leo had supposedly been training for a bit now.

Donnie had been looking for something definitive, this entire time. But if there were any definitive signs, they would have noticed something was wrong much sooner. They didn't.

Something that would spell out, in no unclear terms, Leo is struggling. Leo has been struggling. Leo needs help. You aren't just overthinking this.

The nightmare-flashback, yes, but.

“...Using my Ninpō didn't hurt you, did it?” Donnie whispered.

Silence. Their breathing. Their heartbeats.

Minutely, Leo shook his head, now his head.

Why did you lie? Donnie didn't ask. How long has this been going on? he didn't ask.

“...Why does the magic born from the power of family, love and togetherness hurt you, Leo?” Donnie dared to ask, quiet. Like otherwise it would scare away the poor skittish animal that was vulnerability.

“I think,” Leo started, now in his own voice. In a tone that was trying to make it a lighthearted matter even as Donnie’s heart was audibly being ripped apart. “that if you're asking it like that, you... kinda already know why,” Leo answered in mirth, teasing.

But he was wrong. Donnie really, really didn't. He didn't know why. He didn't understand. He didn't understand why Leo would hide from them, why he would feel this way.

And all his well-informed theories hurt. They hurt. He supposed he knew why the feeling of Leo’s Ninpō was so... wrong.

Something like that wasn't supposed to hurt him.

Was that... really... how Leo felt about it? About their, their–

Donnie squeezed his eyes shut again. Might as well make them match, both tearing up due to his emotions.

“My head hurts,” Donnie said, just a bit choked up but you have no proof.

“Sorry,”

“You already said that,”

“Sorry 2.0 then,”

Donnie snorted. Damn Leon.

“We are going to bed,”

“Whaaattt! Dude–”

“Do not argue with me, Leonardo, or I sweear– you are going to sleep,” Donnie emphasized, squeezing Leo tighter.

Leo complained, but didn't resist being dragged to bed.

They still had to work on fixing his Ninpō. Donnie had questions to ask, including the matter of Leo’s shoulder and shell and his persistent nausea and on and on the list went.

But for tonight, this was enough.

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daflangstlairde-art · 2 months ago

Text

lightning in our fingertips today

Work 1 of DFL's Whumptober 2024

Summary:

Donnie and Leo get hit with a wayward body swap spell. You could say it gives Donnie a new perspective on the matters of his dear twin. When was Leo going to tell them that his Ninpō hurts him?

—

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Raph was, in fact, able to fit through Donnie’s portal, though it was a tight squeeze, him and his bombastic size. Which was beneficial as always, considering today’s foe.

“Mikey!” Leo yelled in Donnie’s voice, but with his own Leader Voice™, “He's gonna bring down that building, there's people–”

“ON IT!” Mikey yelled back, which was as much of a relief as it wasn't. He was one of their heavy hitters, yet nimble and dexterous enough to greatly evade the giant robot they were fighting at the moment.

Oh, yeah, by the way. They’re fighting a big robot, controlled by one boy wannabe-genius Baxter Stockboy.

(That little twerp was lucky the robot was bulky and colored and didn’t quite resemble the K–)

“I’LL SHOW YOU WHO'S A LITTLE TWERP!” the kid belted through the robot’s intercom, swinging yet another massive fist. He wasn't quite Godzilla sized, thankfully, he was smaller than that Purple Dragons mech; but he was big enough to cause some concerning destruction. Especially with his uncoordinated piloting of the thing, and he had the gall to call himself a kid genius, Donnie could do better in his sleep–!

Ahem.

Raph was matching him swing for swing, taking the brunt of the damage.

What was Donnie doing during all this?

Oh, not much, thanks for asking. Mostly feeling useless.

Leon’s swords were akin to toothpicks compared to this guy’s sheer size. Metal against metal? Not very useful. And it was becoming horribly evident to Donnie just how much they’ve grown to rely on Leo’s portals during battle—moving them in and out and sideways and up and down at a constant pace based on so, so much trust of his sheer capability to conceptualize and execute it all in mere seconds.

And yes, sure, Donnie would try. He would eat one of Raph’s post-workout socks before he ever said Leo was smarter than him!

If it wasn't for the NEAR-LITERAL SHOCKS OF EVERY PORTAL.

(Yes, he had attempted the thing where Leo hurled his sword and teleported to it. It made him immediately bend over and almost vomit. Woo.)

And Donnie wouldn't be feeling quite so cripplingly superfluous in this altercation, if he wasn't watching Leo use his own mystic powers unbothered.

He watched Leo laugh with his voice, whizzing through the air with his hover shell. He watched Leo summon a construct of a large rocket at the end of the bō, spinning in a circle for momentum and slamming it into Stockbot, synchronizing it with Raph’s attack to try and bring the robot down. Leo then immediately flew away, flipping and stumbling through the air to avoid the big hand attempting to snatch him. He readied several constructs of... something... sharp, not any specific object (he was already building his personalized way of using Donnie’s Ninpō–), and sent them off to barrage the control punct of the robot. It had admittedly durable defenses, unfortunately, but if they just managed to crack it open, Donnie could get inside and disable it.

Or he could just portal in, haha! Not.

Donnie swallowed the thorns in his throat. His right shoulder hurt, sending its painful pulses down his arm and between his shoulder blades as well.

It– it was an awful feeling. It was choking and freezing, this inner mockery of useless useless useless.

What good was he, as the robot punched Raph so hard his projection wavered? What good was he, as Stockbot slapped Leo and sent him hurling through the air? What good was he, as concrete and glass rained down from all the fighting, narrowly avoiding Mikey as he rushed people out with the help of his chains?

(There were more people than they thought, Mikey sure was taking his time–)

What good was he, small and weak? What good was he, with complicated and janky portals?

What good was he, cocky and arrogant with nothing to show for it? What good was he, lazy and careless?

What good was he, a leader stationary in the middle of a fight?

What good was he, letting his BROTHERS get HURT?!

What good was he alive when they were DY–?!

“NO YOU STUPID MUTANTS–!”

“MIKEY GET OUT FROM–”

Donnie was snapped back to reality at the sound of his own voice, and then there was a massive crash as finally, finally the robot was sent toppling over.

...Right into an already compromised building, concrete and glass and supports all shattering and crumbling under his weight.

“MIKEY!”

“MIKEY–”

“NO!”

Crumbling right on top of their little brother.

(And, like, a whole bunch of people, or whatever.)

And Donnie was hurling a sword through the air before he thought twice about it. And to the same melody, only the afterimage of purple flew through his vision, and then everything. Collapsed.

Donnie braced in place, going into his shell for protection as rocks fell to the ground and shattered. Car horns going off, glass shards raining, dust and pebbles kicking up and expanding outwards and making him hack and cough even hidden inside.

“MIKEY!” Raph’s yell was loud enough to echo off alongside the cacophony of the scene. The creaking and crashing kept going off, alarms blaring, people yelling, sirens in the distance getting nearer.

And judging by the sudden oddness of some of the sounds, Donnie immediately knew exactly what his older brother was trying to do.

“RAPH WAIT NO!” Donnie shot out of Leo’s shell, picking up the one katana still with him, that he'd dropped. He coughed in the middle of all the dust, but the red glow of Raph’s Ninpō was easily visible through it.

“I’M GETTING ‘EM OUT!”

“NO!” Donnie insisted, desperate. “RAPH, LISTEN!”

And Raph paused, hands on the rubble of the collapsed building.

“Leo used my Ninpō, he probably created a pocket of SPACE for them!” Donnie yelled up at him, “Do NOT move the rest! You may set the structural integrity off and SEND IT ALL CRASHING ON TOP OF THEM!”

He couldn't quite make out Raph’s expression at this, though the dust was settling. However, so very carefully, his older brother put aside the pieces he was already holding.

“And YOU!” Donnie snarled at Stockboy, flying away through an emergency parachute and ditching the robot in the still-collapsing remains of the building. Dust was still being unsettled, so he couldn’t even see the kid’s face. “You better DEAL WITH THIS!”

“What do you want me to do?! I CAN’T EVEN GET THE MECH OUT BECAUSE YOU TURTLES BROKE IT!” Stockboy seethed. However, he sounded much less confident than before. Notes of nervousness, perhaps guilt in his voice. Donnie would guess he did NOT mean for all this to get so out of hand.

“Then what the heck do we do?!” Raph exclaimed, panicky.

“I– I sent a sword in there!” Donnie informed him, “I can... get them out!” he stated, though he himself was... unsure quite how to do that. Uh. Uh.

(Useless good for nothing selfish they're dead because of you you're NOTHING–)

He squeezed his eyes shut, trembling beneath the weight of... of... of whatever he was feeling, what was he feeling?!

Panic, surely. He had to get their brothers out of there.

Raph dissipated his projection to come up to him and place his hands on his shoulders—Leo’s shoulders, Leo was in there, they were going to die–

“Hey, hey, L– Dee, it's okay,” Raph spoke and Donnie latched onto it. “Breathe, brother,”

Argh, right, he'd forgotten to do that, what with all the dust. But it was settled now, and Donnie gasped in a proper breath, and then another, and another, coughing a little.

“You've got this!” Raph clapped his back, looking towards the debris. People were coming out to crowd around the massive pile of crumbling concrete, concerned and scared for those trapped inside.

Right, Donnie had to get them out. Right.

...How in the FLIPPY TIME AND SPACE was he going to get them out?! His body felt too tight, and he felt overwhelmed. There was some tar-like feeling absolutely choking his lungs (hateful inadequacy). It felt like there was a building collapsed on top of him.

“I, I...”

“It's okay! You've got this Don! You just gotta focus!” Raph encouraged him. And... and that did help. A smidge.

Even though Raph’s claim was entirely baseless.

Even though he was useless he's always been useless all he’ll ever be good for is GETTING THEM KILLED–

Donnie bonked his head with a fist, clenching his jaw. He had to focus.

Focus on the sword.

Focus on your brothers.

Focus on how needed you are. Focus on how much you love them.

Focus on– why couldn't Donnie just focus?!

Human emergency personnel were arriving to deal with the immediate damages of the situation. The Invasion was a mere month ago, the city still hadn't healed from that; this won't be their priority for long. Save whoever you can, add another wreckage to the tally.

Donnie needed to get his brothers out. So why couldn't he?

There was a background screaming in his head. Drowning out everything else with you're useless you've always been useless you're nothing without them you're nothing to compared to them. Selfish and arrogant and lazy and uncoordinated and mean and annoying and unpredictable. Waste of space of air of life, they're so much better off without you.

You should've went into that building. You should've bit the bullet and endured the wreckage and made yourself worth something for once in your pathetic life.

(Donnie was on the ground, curled up, hands pressed to the sides of his head. He wanted to vocally beg it all to just shut up shut up SHUT UP–)

You should've made better calls during the fight, you should've moved, you should've done SOMETHING besides STANDING there and being WORTHLESS.

You were supposed to LEARN. You were supposed to be BETTER and you couldn't even do THAT. You RUINED them, you've ruined them your ENTIRE LIFE and you will never, EVER stop.

You died once and it didn't even stick.

Might as well have STAYED DEA–

—

Donnie had a meltdown in the middle of the wreckage. Donnie almost threw up on the ground while his oldest brother held him, desperately trying to figure out how to help. Donnie felt like screaming. Donnie felt like taking the katana, Leo’s katana, and–

...

Thankfully, he calmed down faster than the emergency services work. Or... “calmed down” is... too good of a label. Really, something inside him cut into his flesh, and his thoughts gained a metallic sharpness to them.

Hand clutching onto a singular katana. His right hard, the shoulder of which was hurting for literally no reason.

But it's fine! It's fine. He is. So fine.

He was not fine at all but he needed to act.

He could teleport to the other katana, because he was eighty three percent sure he landed it right next to Mikey, having planned to–

...To what? Teleport into the midst of an actively collapsing building? Insane. Why did he do that?! That made no sense!

But now, it could be buried under nothing but rocks. Not ideal, for sure.

Portal, then.

...GAH, except how was he supposed to portal in there when he doesn't know exactly where “there” IS?!

Donnie let out a long high-pitched sound, teeth clenched, throwing the damn sword to the ground hard enough for it to bounce off.

“Donnie, Dee, hey, heeeyy, it's okay!” Raph was still trying to calm him down. He was fretting, he was freaking out too. Leo was usually the one to stay calm. Leo wasn't with them right now.

...Wait. WAIT.

Donnie whipped his arm up, pressing on the comm, oh he'd completely forgotten their comms!

“Leo, Mikey, come in,” he demanded with a cold, desperate edge to it. “Leo, Mikey, come in. Come in.”

Raph huddled close, fidgeting and wide-eyed and smelling of concern–

A crackle. Coughing.

“Donnie!” Mikey exclaimed, and Donnie felt relief douse over him and Raph like a fire extinguisher. “We're okay! ...Well. Sort of. THERE'S A BUNCH OF US! You gotta get us out!!!”

“Any bright ideas on how to do that, Michael?!” Donnie said through teeth.

There was a pause. Someone speaking in the background, and if Donnie strained, he could recognize–

“Leo says your– I mean his sword is here!!!” Mikey exclaimed.

Oh, oh dear chocolate chip muffins, thank you Universe.

“Leo, answer your comm!” Raph exclaimed into his own, voice cracking. Wait, why didn't he think to contact them earlier–

(He was busy dealing with his useless meltdown–)

“He uh, kinda can't at the mo!” Mikey replied instead.

“WHAT?!”

“HE'S OKAY! But he's using Donnie’s Ninpō to hold up the rocks from crushing us!”

Oh. Oh.

Oh, that was an excellent idea. Once again Donnie profusely thanked the Universe. They were okay.

He exhaled, infused with relief.

“Alright, put him on with yours then,” Donnie pointed out.

“Oh. Right.” shuffling,

“Heeeyyy bros,” Leo’s—or, well, technically Donnie’s—straining voice came through the comm.

“Leo, how do I–?!”

“Okay D-boy, listen up,” Leon immediately began, and Donnie listened up. “You don't have much space to get in here, but you can use the sword as an anchor, mkay? I’m sorry bro, I know they’re not all fun, but we're gonna need another portal,”

“Okay.” Donnie said readily, the clear guidance settling the vibrating animal inside his brain.

He was prepared. He knew he'd do anything for his family, anytime. It was never a question.

“You just gotta focus on it. Think of it as, like... uh... hm... the swords are like– like the same, right? So think of them as one object! And that object just exists simultaneously in two places at the same time, like... like that guy Schröder’s cat or whatever–”

“You mean Schrödinger's cat?” Donnie deadpanned.

“Yes, exactly! Both are equally–” a grunt, background speaking, “–possible at the same time, right? So you just... get one to be the one you focus on instead, which is the current one. And it's just, like– same with taking people with you,”

That... made positively no sense.

...And yet. It was far, far more logic than to just wing it, to go by the feeling of it. Far more logic and, quite frankly, science than doing it like magic.

It... occurred to Donnie that Leo has never spoken of how his mystic abilities actually worked. It's always been “Oh, you know how it is, haha,” or “I just fhwip and slash and boom, portal!” or such.

Donnie would not have guessed in a million years that his twin actually put that much thought into it all. And all so physics-based, too.

“Dee?”

“Yeah, yes, I understand,” Donnie stated, and to his shock, he... may have even meant that. “Alright, if we're lucky—see you in a moment, Nardo,” Donnie started getting back to his feet.

“Hey,” Leo’s, or, well, his own voice with Leo’s tone made him pause.

“Yeah?”

“You've got this,”

Said so sincerely. So full of trust and love and faith. Leo’s smile was audible. And Raph put his hand on Donnie’s shoulder and smiled, echoing the same.

Leo actually knew what the portals are like. Leo had easily used Donnie’s Ninpō. So maybe, he did know what he was talking about when he said that.

Donnie took a deep breath, and picked up the sword for the umpteenth time.

—

It is nauseating, it is painful, and quite frankly, it is draining. Bafflingly draining. But Donnie got into the little pocket that Leo was holding up using abstract constructs of supports, and then Donnie made as big of a portal as he could for all of them to exit through.

They left the authorities to deal with the remains of today’s failure, and instead headed home. For which Donnie had to muster up yet another unpleasant portal.

Agh. If he’d just... managed to swallow down his hesitation during the fight, all of this could’ve been prevented! This entire mess!

Well. At least his brothers were okay.

“You’re not hurt? Anywhere? You’re sure?” Raph fretted over Mikey, as they all went through the portal to their living room.

“Yes, Raph, I’m sure,” Mikey insisted for the fourth time, getting more irritable about it. “It is literally JUST a sprained wrist, do you see my intestines spilling out from it?!”

“...no,”

“Then I’M FINE!” Mikey threw his hands in exasperation.

“Leo? What about you?” Donnie directed. Leo was strangely quiet, just grinning in amusement off to the side.

Was he tired? Or was he staying out of it on purpose in order to not call attention to himself?

...Or... was he being strangely quiet? Now that Donnie thought about it...

...Huh. Leo was quiet a lot, recently. Not to the point where any of them would notice, but he’s been less annoying than ever.

Donnie had just attributed it to him becoming a bit more serious after the Invasion. Or perhaps as a natural effect of growing up and maturing from a rowdy teenager—a settling into contentment.

But now that he was wearing Donnie’s face... well. Like all the other... points of notice, it was only becoming evident now. Donnie would bet their other two brothers hadn’t noticed any change in Leo’s presence whatsoever, either.

“Hm? Oh yeah, I’m all good,” Leo shrugged, easy, idly twirling Donnie’s bō. A neutral smile on his face.

“Are your hands hurting?” Donnie asked.

“What?” Leo blinked at him.

“You know,” Donnie gestured. When his twin’s expression didn’t clear in understanding, he continued, “Because of the Ninpō...? You said it hurts you to use it as well, right?” he pointed out.

“Oh–” Leo opened his mouth to respond–

“It hurts you to use it?” Raph frowned. “What??? But you were training with it yesterday and today?”

Donnie’s eyes shot to Leo at the newly revealed information.

...What?

Leo had practiced using his Ninpō???

That explained how he was so proficient with it during the altercation, but... but he said it hurt him! Did he lie about it??? But why???

Or did he simply... bite the bullet, power through the hurt to train?

But that was–! Leo? Taking initiative to train? When he had a perfectly good reason not to?? What????

“Yeah, I mean,” Leo shrugged, chuckling, stepping away. “It wasn’t that bad, and hey, it paid off, right?” he twirled Donnie’s bō. “Speaking of, dude, Dee, I totally get why you fly so much with this thing, it was awesome, bro you really are epic with this tech stuff–” Leo gestured with a thumb to the battle shell on his back, turning around, and wait what is that– “I’ll go leave it uuuhhhh you said in the lab, right? Should I leave the staff there too–”

Donnie rushed forwards before Leo could slip away and yanked him back by the mask tails.

“All good, huh?” Donnie repeated Leon’s earlier answer, sharp. “Then what is this?” he flicked the bruise on the back of Leo’s head, making him wince. Well, technically Donnie’s head. Eugh, that won’t be fun to deal with once he's back in his body.

Leo’s smile turned sheepish. “Huh? What’s what? Do I have something on my head–?” he reached over to feel the spot.

Oh. Did he really not notice the... frankly big bruise deepening in color as they spoke...?

Donnie squinted at his twin’s face. Well, his own face currently being worn by his twin, except with Leo’s blue mask.

Hm.

Instead of replying, Donnie just began dragging Leo to the kitchen for a bag of frozen peas. Leo-in-his-body felt heavier than him-in-Leo’s-body, and Donnie chose to blame it on the battle shell. And not on the weird nausea that came with having a full meal.

Leo complained, but it was more jokey than anything, dramaticized. It brought a little more normalcy to this entire situation. But not enough normalcy. Because it still felt off.

Maybe it’s because of the body switch, Donnie kept excusing to himself. But all these teensy tiny things were shaping up to an ugly picture. A concerning picture.

Donnie was concerned for his twin.

But they really were very tiny things, things Donnie most definitely could be overthinking. Seeing signs where there are none. Symptoms caused by much more reasonable reasons

Maybe Leo did simply become more responsible and decided to train. Maybe he found it fun to goof around with Donnie’s Ninpō and just called it training. Maybe he really didn’t feel whatever whacked him on the head hard enough to cause the nasty bruising. Maybe the nausea was Donnie’s own distaste for food heightened by being in a whole different body. Maybe Leo was just as loud and talkative as he was pre-Invasion and it was only Donnie’s perception that was altered by other factors. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

Donnie slapped his hand over the light switch in the kitchen, and Leo winced, squinting.

Donnie opened the freezer and shoved the bag of frozen veggies into Leo’s hands. With a “Aw you’re being such a sweet pea,” Leo pressed it to the back of his head.

“Stay here,” Donnie demanded, and then strode out of the room. He needed a penlight.

“Dee?” Mikey asked as he passed by, a bit concerned.

“I’m fine, just gotta take care of a certain moron,” Donnie exhaled through his—Leo’s—nose.

He fetched a pen light from med bay. He returned to the kitchen, where the rest of his brothers had gathered.

He returned just as Leo was seemingly trying to smoothly exit, actually, but Donnie wasn’t letting that happen. He took Leo by the arm and brought him to sit at the kitchen island, instead. The way Leo went along with it made Donnie doubt whether he’d actually been trying to leave. Maybe he’d just moved out of Raph’s way or something.

“Eyes open, look over here,” Donnie situated himself in front of Leo. Leo blinked, and turned his eyes towards Donnie. Donnie clicked the penlight on and shone it at Leo’s eyes.

Immediately, Leo winced and snapped his eyes shut, turning away from the light with a complaint of “Dude, are you trying to blind me–”

“Leonardo, what date is it?” Donnie clicked the penlight off, crossing his arms. Leo’s arms, technically.

“Um, I dunno, Thursday,” Leo huffed, rubbing his eyes with a hand.

Wow. First question and he already got it wrong. Impressive. But, to be fair, it was Leo, it’s not like he was the master of keeping track of time. That would be Donnie.

“Can you spell your name backwards?”

“Okay, that one is just unfair–”

“Can you stand up and hop on one foot three times?” Donnie stepped back to give him space.

Instead, Leo just squinted at him. “...Dude, I don’t have a concussion,” he snorted. “I’d know if I did,”

“Uh-huh,” that remained to be seen. But this did remind Donnie of how Leo had performed the very same checks on him just yesterday, right after they got switched up. Donnie ran through Leo’s behavior since then, to check if that’s actually when the concussing occurred.

If it was, Leo had covered it up excellently.

“Then you won’t have trouble hopping on one foot three times, hmmmm?” Donnie raised his brow ridges. He hadn’t bothered with asking questions such as “Are you dizzy?” because at this point, he had a well-educated guess exactly what Leo’s answer would be. They needed concrete evidence on this.

Leo huffed a laugh and rolled his eyes. Donnie watched him catch the eyes of their other two brothers with the gesture. The way they were watching. Also waiting for him to simply do it.

That’s what finally incited Leo to sigh, and push himself up to his feet, eyes squinting again. He put the bag of frozen vegetables on the kitchen island, and stood on one foot.

Safe to say, he absolutely did have a concussion.

And he hadn’t mentioned even a word about it. Nay, when Donnie outright asked after his well-being, Leo lied.

...

The question was, why?

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