Don't Let The Darkness Consume You

Chapter 12

Leo's POV

After patrol I walked back to the lair. As I entered, I saw Mikey, Donnie, and Splinter sitting on the couch, looking worried. They all looked up at me, at each other, then back at me.

"What?" I asked, waiting for an answer.

They looked between each other again, as if they were having a hidden conversation that I couldn't be a part of.

Before I could ask again, Master Splinter spoke up. "Raphael is ill, so we are going to have to take care of him for a while."

Now I'm mad. First he pushes Karai off a building, and now I have to take care of him?! That's stupid!

"Leonardo, please go check on your brother." Ugh, more orders that I have to follow.

I nod, walking towards Raph's room. When I arrive, I knock on the door.

No answer.

I knock again.

No answer.

"Raph, open the door." I said, getting annoyed.

"Leo." I heard Donnie's voice behind me. "He's not going to open the door."

"Why not?"

"Because he can't." Drama queen.

"I'm confused." I can tell they're keeping something from me, but I don't know what. Donnie unlocks the door, not bothering to explain. As I peer into the room I see Raph laying on his bed with an oxygen mask on his face.

"What happened to him?" I asked, still utterly confused.

Donnie looked towards the living room, then back at me. "It's not my story to tell." He said sadly.

Ok...that was weird. I walked into Raph's room, up to his bed. As I looked down at him, memories of when we used to get along flooded my mind. We were best friends, we did everything together. I remember when I first figured out that I loved him. I was so ashamed of myself that I vowed to never tell another living soul. Raph could never find out. He's the hothead, who knows what he would think of me. He would never forgive me.

I remembered when I pretended to love Karai, pretended to be mad when she died. I was only doing it for the sake of Master Splinter.

As I look down at Raph, I couldn't help but feel like it was my fault. He looks so peaceful, but his aura is troubled and sad. I could feel tears springing to my eyes as I remembered our childhood selves, always laughing and playing games. Tears started rolling down my face as I thought of how horribly I had been treating him this past week.

I felt so bad, I just wished I could say sorry. I wished I could tell him I loved him. But I couldn't find the courage as I wiped my face and left the room.