LFLS [Unofficial] Sequel

Chapter 2: First Mission

With the help of Raph and April everyone was doing really well learning TASL, Raph hadn't told anyone about the conversation he had with Leo a few nights ago. But even Splinter was learning a few signs, he said something about how it's useful for ninjas to be able to communicate silently anyway so everyone should know it, and allowed breaks in training to learn more. April even set up a camera in her classroom for Donnie so they could record and watch her class to follow along. Everyone seemed really intent on being able to talk with Leo again.. It was sweet. 

Leo was a slow signer, he took a long time to think of exactly what he wanted to say and took extra care in doing the signs exactly how he was shown, they lacked Leos flare, but at least he was signing at all..

If you mess up they'll hate you

Do it wrong and they'll put the collar back on

You'll be sorry if you fuck up

You can't do anything right can you?

Pathetic 

Stupid

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

"Leo! Hey buddy check it!" Mikey chimed, breaking him away from his thoughts. He looked up from his scarred hands, as Mikey started to sign, very proudly showing what he'd learned today. Leos expression softened a little a the voices were pushed to the back of his mind. 

Mikey smiled at him, kneeling in front of him so he could read the signs better as he tried to explain as his hands moved, he looked up at Leo, watching as his brother took the information in. He could see behind the tired eyes and tense frame that Leo was in fact understanding and maybe even enjoying their interaction. Which only motivated Mikey further, he went and got his sketch book bringing it back with a few different markers. Gently handing him the blue one and waiting for him to take it before he started doodling on his side of the paper.  

Mikey was clearly the artist of the family.. Clearly... 

Leo saw Mikey drawing and just followed his lead trying to draw himself, he didn't really understand why, but Mikey seemed to enjoy this so this might be his way of bonding? Mikey was the youngest right? He'd have to remember to be careful around him going forward, he knew younger beings scared easily. 

"Hey what are you guys up to down here?" Donnie asked, still hesitant to approach Leo alone. His guilt plaguing his mind almost as much as Leos. "Just drawin" Mikey said with a smile, waiting for Leo to recap his marker to take the sketch book back and show Donnie, "Oh.. Wow, uh.. Nice. That's me right there. We look good." Mikey nodded, intent on keeping that page for.. Well.. Ever. 

"Well wrap it up, Raph said we're going on patrol" Mikey's eyes lit up as he got an idea, Donnie instantly took a step back knowing what this meant. "Can we take Leo??" He asked, bouncing in place with excitement, Leo hadn't been out on a mission for well.. Six months about, he felt like it was long overdue. Though he might be the only one who felt that way. "I.. Uh... Ask Raph"

"Ask me what? C'mon Mikey suit up we're goin out."

"Raaaaaph we should take Leo with us! Please? Pretty please with pizza on top??" 

Raphael glanced to Leo who was staring at the marker in his hands, he perked up hearing his name and stood up walking over to see what the commotion was about. "I dunno Mikey.. We're not doing anything big today so maybe he should stay back and-"

"Noooo c'mon Raph we both know it'd be good to get him out of the house!"

"I know I just.."

'I'm ready'

They all looked to Leo,  surprised he signed to them first this time, "Are you sure bro..?" Raph asked, "I know its been a while.. And you don't have to"

'I'm ready'

He nodded with a little hesitation, "Alright.. Alright fine, meet outside in five minutes okay?" Mikey jumped for joy hugging Leo, "Ommygosh this is gonna be so fun!" He let go and skipped off to his room to get ready. Leo was left there with Donnie, the air was suddenly a lot more tense.. " :| ... I uh... I'm gonna go get my tech-"

Leo tapped his shoulder as he turned to leave, he paused, scared of what he might say.. "Yeah..?" He asked turning back towards him. 

'I don't blame you' 

He signed giving him a last reassuring pat on the shoulder before walking towards his room, Donnie just stood there, unsure why his mask suddenly felt wet.