Always Be There

Times Up

I've given him far too much time to rest. That stupid pest is to be dealt with, and tonight.

The phone buzzes.

Oh? And it seems I don't have to do anything. How wonderful.

See you tonight, pest.

—————

Donatello awoke that morning, his headache not much better and his temple throbbing. Great. . Just what I need. He sighed, sitting up and going to the medicine cabinet to get some ibuprofen.
He left soon after, heading to the kitchen for breakfast.

He entered the obnoxiously loud kitchen, his headache seeming to worsen the closer he got. Ugh. . . I'm glad they're having fun but come on. . . He sat down, resting his face in his hands tiredly.
Leo seemed to take notice, eyebrow ridge cocking in concern. "Hey, Donatello are you alright?"
He lifted his head just enough to look back at his older brother. "Huh. . ? Oh yeah— just a headache, that's all. . ." He muttered, dropping his face back into his hands.
"Alright, if you say so." The leader in blue nodded, continuing to eat his breakfast.
Mikey came up beside Donnie, setting a plate down in front of him and looking up. "Yo, bro, you okay? Your head—"
"Huh? What's wrong with my head?"
"Dude, you got a nasty bruise on ya temple." He pointed to the bruise, careful not to touch it.

Donnie's eyes widened, and he abruptly stood. "Oh I'm quite alright, just a lab accident, you know what imma just go work on that retromutagen some more—" He quickly turned and left.
The others just sat there in silence.
Raph was the first to break the silence. "Imma go talk to em'. Somethin' obviously ain't right."
"I'm coming too, I think I know what's wrong." Casey piped up, standing.
Raph nodded, walking out with Casey.
"So, what do ya think happened?" Mikey questioned.
"Dunno. . Doesn't seem like it's good if he doesn't want us to know." Leo responded.

—————

Raph and Casey barged into the lab, concern painted on their faces.
"Yo gap tooth, where are ya?" Casey called, looking around.
He received no response.
"Oookay— He isn't here-"
"C'mon, he probably went to his room." Raph stated, dragging Casey out.
The two made their way to the room, opening the door and walking in once they spotted the purple clad terrapin sitting on his bed.
"Yo, what's up this time?" Raph grunted, shutting the door and crossing his arms.
"Huh? Oh- Uh- nothing. Why?" Donnie looked up, then nervously looked away.
"Because of the big ass bruise on ya face." Casey scowled.
"It's fine I just fell out of the bed last night—"
"Bullshit, scoot over." Raph began walking over, sitting down beside his immediate younger brother. "You said it was a lab accident."
Casey followed suit, sitting on the genius's other side.
"Guys I assure you—"
"No, stop it. Ya ain't goin' back to those habits." Casey stated, resting his arm on the scientist's shoulder.

"Yeah genius, not after you've been healin' for the past few weeks." Raph added gruffly.
Donnie's eyes widened, turning to face Casey.
"Yeah, I told him. He wanted to know. And he was kinda buggin' me about it— Though I didn't tell him about that new habit you've picked up. Care to explain?"
Donnie looked down at his feet in shame. "Um. . Its- no big deal— I swear—"
"Gap tooth I swear to every god in existence if you don't stop it with that bullshit I will make it my personal mission to stop you from saying that shit." Casey hissed.
"Okay- sorry—" He nodded slightly. "Erm. . I- its- When I get-" He sighed, shaking his head. "I- it's hard to explain in a way you won't be angry at me for—"
"Okay, start slow then." Raph stated.
"Okay. . Um— When I get- angry- or frustrated- with myself. Um- I don't really have anything I can take it out on. . And- and when I get overwhelmed by my frustration- I- I um. . . I tend to. . Take it out on myself—" He gulped, wincing and awaiting to be screamed at.