LFLS [Unofficial] Sequel

Chapter 5: Call It What You Will

The next morning Mikey woke up earlier then usual to go check on Leo, he'd learned from Splints how to properly wrap bandages and a few other things that could help. He gently knocked on the wall entering Leos room, "Goodmoooorrning~" He said in a sing-song tone. 

Leo was still asleep, laying still except for the slight twitches here and there which made it seem like his dream might not be one he'd want to stay in. Mikey took a deep breath and went over to his bed, gently putting a hand on one of the more unscarred parts of his arm, "Leo, it's time to get up." He said, still trying to keep his voice soft. 

The room was dark, Leo had preferred it that way since he got home. He couldn't see as well but if it helped Leo sleep easier he wouldn't argue it. He'd left the curtain to his room partly open anyway so there was at least a little light on its way in. He called Leos name again, a little louder this time and within seconds Leo shot up, looking around like he didn't know where he was at first. Mikey slowly stood up, his hands showing trying to ease him, "Woah buddy it's alright, you're home. You're safe."

Whos voice was that again..? Which brother.. Not the big one. The tall one? No.. No that must be the younger one. What was his name again? Orange? Fuck think harder- Quick, he's waiting- You have to do better or-

"Leo. It's okay, take a few deep breaths for me yeah? In.... Aaaand out.. Just like that. I'm gonna sit next to you." He slowly went and sat beside Leo, watching as he tried to steady his breathing. He could barely make out Leo's face trying to study his, probably searching for something he wasn't going to find. "Can I give you a hug?" He asked softly, he really wanted to but he knew better to ask first now. Leo paused for a moment, he wasn't saying no or showing any signs like he didn't want a hug, so he went for it.

Mikey opened his arms gently pulling Leo into a hug, holding on intent on staying like that for a while. Leo took a moment to process before he slowly raised his arms to hug back, things finally piecing together as he hugged his brother tighter. His eyes felt like they were on fire as he buried his face into his neck. "You're alright.." Mikey said quietly, trying to rub his back like their dad used to do when they were little. "Whatever it was, it was just a dream. Mikey's here for you big bro" He stayed like that till he felt Leos grip loosen, only pulling away when Leo was ready, "Let me turn on a light-" He said, reaching over from the bed and activating one of the touch lamps Donnie put in not too long ago. The soft light just enough to illuminate the room without hurting their eyes.

He looked back to Leo asking is he wanted to talk, but stopped mid sentence when he noticed his hands were shaking. Probably wouldn't be great at signing or writing right now. But that's okay! Mikey would figure it out! He grabbed everything he'd need from the little drawer beside Leos bed and carefully took one of his hands, "Here. Let me see" He took the bandage off tossing it away, it was all just scars now but he knew it could take up to two years for burns this deep to fully heal. He likely wouldn't have much feeling in them again, "If it hurts you can pull away to let me know." He said as he got out some medical goop Donnie game him, he couldn't remember the name. 

He could feel Leo tense up, which made him to the same, but he didn't pull away. "Right- Sorry I know its probably cold. But it looks like it's been helping, so that's cool right?" Leo didn't really respond to that. Mikey applied the goop to the other hand as well, being extra carful about how much pressure he was using. "Let it dry a little then Ill go ahead and wrap it okay? In the mean time- Can I tell you something?" Leo looked a little confused but nodded, of course, his brother could tell him anything. 

Mikey leaned against him, resting his head against Leos shoulder, "I'm really glad you're back. I know I said it before but I'm gonna say it at least a hundred more times. And y'know what, I don't care how you've changed. You're still our brother, and no matter what you do or feel or think, you're stuck with us~" He said with a soft chuckle, "And if you disappear again we'll be right there to drag you back home. As many times as it takes."

He felt Leos shoulders move and pulled back making sure he wasn't uncomfortable, but he didn't expect to see Leo tearing up-

Fuck don't cry, don't cry, don'tcry don'tcrydon'tcrydon'tcry-
Too late

"Aw beans- Its alright, let it out big guy, this here is a judgement free zone 'kay?"

_________________

About forty minutes later, a good cry and Mikey finishing wrapping Leos hands later.. He headed back to his room for a little rest before he needed to get up for real. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep but once in a blue moon he had the motivation to try and meditate so that's what he did. Leo however, had an errand to run. 

He quietly made his way to Donnie's room, taking a moment to brace himself.

Deep breaths. You're ready.

He pulled the curtain back, Donnie was already awake to no ones surprise. His hands carefully putting some kind of modification on S.H.E.L.D.O.N. He perked up seeing the lighting change and stared up at Leo, waiting to see what he had to say.

'I go?' He signed

"Not yet, I have to finish this last thing so you can take S.H.E.L.D.O.N with you, I know you have the watch but this'll make me feel better since his tech has more space to hold all the functions those watches don't have right now. Give me like ten minutes."

He nodded letting out a quiet sigh and sat across from Donnie on the floor, crossing his legs and watching him work. "Are you sure you wanna do this? I mean I know nothings gonna happen, you'll be around people.. But you know Raph is gonna flip out right? He hasn't let you out of his sight in months. I'm surprised he didn't ask us to guard you or something-" He paused remembering Raph did ask that.. But it was months ago so clearly that request wasn't still standing.. Oh well.

"I mean Aprils gonna come over next week for winter break so.. You could just talk to her then or we can call her to come over after school- I'm just saying its a little..."

'reckless?'

"No shit- I mean, Leo you know I'm gonna try to support you in just about everything, especially when I'm bribed. But can't you be patient?"

'No'

"...Fair enough- I have go get more parts anyway so I'll walk you out, and I'll be across town if you need anything. And most important" He stood up closing the back panel on S.H.E.L.D.O.N and looked to Leo and they both signed

'Don't tell Raph'