Me: sorry that this took so long! I haven't been able too since school has started and homework didn't give me enough time to go and work on my stories. I'm glad that you enjoy this though. Please, I hope you would like this chapter as much as I did when I thought of it ^^

Oh, there may be some of you guys that are probably thinking "shouldn't Don get them back together soon more quickly?". Despite so, think about the reason to why he let them go in the first place. He wants them to find their own happiness; to have their own life and not go back to how things are back then. And so he's hesitant to go back into their lives again when he doesn't know whether how they would feel about it. Are they happy with their current lives? Do they even need him to appear? Do they need their brainy brother? Even if he wants, he has to think about how they would feel too.

There is also the fact that even if he tells them that he is their brother; they might deny it or wouldn't believe him at all.

And so, I hope that would answer some questions if you have gotten rather curious.

And so, this chapter would be dedicated to those thoughts =3

Did I Decide?

I have decided, replaying all that has happened yesterday, that I would leave my brothers alone. I won't tell them that I'm their brother. I won't tell them that I'm their Donny. They're happy; content. They don't need me.

Leo has a bright future ahead of him. Sure, he's a bit uptight but I'm positive that his friends would be glad to help him. His grades are extraordinary, as well at his talented skills as a leader. I'm pretty sure that he could take care of himself; he's always someone you could depend on. He never really did need anyone to depend on.

Raph's just fine on his own. He's strong, popular, and seemed to have many followers that would go with him through he-. I'm not positive on Raphael's academics skills, but he's great at sports. I heard he's the football team's number one star. Even if he's still fighting on the streets; I'm sure that his guardian would protect him along with his friends. I don't need to worry about that big lug, he always have been an independent person.

Mikey… sweet, innocent, mischievous Mikey. Despite that he's my little brother; he's probably the one that I least need to worry about. He's a bit crazy and has a few screws loose in his head, but once he had his mind set on something, I knew he could overcome any object that gets in his way. Mikey is always like that and I couldn't help but be a bit jealous at that admirable trait. I hoped that someday: I would see his artwork being recognized in history. Could do without his fat ego though.

That's just it. They're all content with their lives while I'm content living with April and having her as my mother.

I regretted nothing. There is nothing to regret.

I kept a blank expression as I watched the track team running, sitting in the stands along with my coach who is standing up beside me.

I'm in second period: PE. Apparently, I survived Hun's abuse in first period during Civil Engineering. Who knew that the big lug with the small head would want to learn about Civil Engineering?

But that's beside the point right now.

I heard some movement from Coach Hisomi –Or Hisomi-Shishou or Master Hisomi as he prefers at times– and sigh as I glance at the rather large teacher in the corner of my eyes.

"No thanks, I'm sorry Hisomi-Shishou, but I don't feel like participating. Besides, I have yet to gather my P.E. uniform."

He nodded silently in confirmation, looking at me. Hisomi-Shishou isn't a big talker. He rarely talks at all, which is pretty unusual for a coach. But he could usually get his point across with just a few gestures, though some of the kids would only understand what he's talking about unless it had to do with sports. For some reason or another (probably because of my upbringing from April to observe everything in detail), I could pretty much know what he's talking about as if he's saying them out loud.

Hisomi-Shishou stares at me.

"No, I don't want to interact with the other kids."

He continues to stare at me.

"I don't care if I won't get popular if I kept acting like an outcast. They're all jerks and fakes anyway."

He blinks.

"Sorry, that was narrowed minded. But some of them are."

He looks away in content, and I grumbled while shivering in the November air, cuddling with my jacket. I don't know how in the world all of those guys are able to run around shirtless. It's probably has to do with the fact that the cross country girls are running nearby.

I shifted my eyes towards the field and away from my coach as I look at three specific people. And those people are my brothers. I wanted to duck my head into my jacket like a turtle retracting itself into its shell. So much for my plan to avoid them and let them have their own life, but I could've sworn that they weren't here the last time I had this class…

"Last time, did Leo attend a student council conference?"

Hisomi-Shishou nodded.

"Right… so it's safe to assume that Michelangelo and Raphael had skipped the last time I had this class also?

Hisomi Shishou nodded again, before coming back to look at me once more. I understood that he was curious to know why I even bothered asking about the three most popular boys in school. It seemed that he recalled my resentment for the popluars.

"Oh… nothing, nothing. Just curious…" I waved off, hoping that he would drop the subject. He could tell that I was lying but decided to leave it at that. I've decided that this would be my favorite teacher this year; despite that he is teaching my least favorite subject.

I narrowed into the figure of my little brother, Mikey, sprinting across the track field. When he crosses the finish line, I could hear the timer announcing that Michelangelo had acquired a new record. I couldn't help but smile when all of those people decided to swarm around him just to congratulate the happy teen.

Leo was at the pole-vaulting event, his own group of fans and friends there. As soon as my oldest brother lifted himself into the air, my jaw slack just a bit. Looks like Leonardo had kept up his ninjutsu training, for his movements are magnificently graceful and precise; yet somehow deadly and silent. In the background, I can hear the girls squealing his names. When he made it over the pole, he twisted his figure so that he could land on his feet, rather than his back, on the mat. People then immediately complimented him with esteem praises; I can even hear Hisomi-Shishou humming in approval.

From the other side of the field, boisterous laughter can be heard from the rowdier group of boys. I look over to see my second older brother, Raph, playing a game of tackled football with his posse. It seemed rather dangerous and rough to any outsider's view but they are having fun nonetheless. I can hear Raphael's laughter and teasing from all the way here, and I couldn't help but smile. I'm glad that he's happy.

"Donnnniiiieee~"

I was attacked from the back, making me yelp in surprise. It was no brain teaser to know that it was Mikey who had done that.

"Race with me! I'm bored and there is no one who wanted to race against me!"

That's because you are the best and fastest track runner in the school. Michelangelo has always been the fastest out of the three of us.

"No, I'm not properly dressed and I don't have the stamina to keep up with you."

Mikey pouted at the excuse but understand nonetheless. But he didn't go down without trying to convince me one more time. And so, he pulled the fake tears on me.

"Oh! Woe is me, what sin hath I've done to make Donny hate me so-"

"Cut it; it's not going to work."

Michelangelo pouted once again, but dejectedly went back to the crowd waiting for him (to get away from me probably; I'm pretty much infamous already because I dared to 'defile' the princes) nonetheless.

I try not to burst out a 'fine, I'll do it!' when I saw the cloud of despair hanging over his head. I kept telling myself that this is for Michelangelo; for his happiness, for the life that he's so happily living…

"I'll race you when I get my uniform…" I grumbled, loud enough for only the two of us could hear –and Master Hisomi but he knows better than to burst into our conversation– as I turn my head away from him in embarrassment. At my promise, Mikey turned around to shine a happy and joyful expression towards me.

"Promise?"

"Yeah, promise."

With that, he contently skipped towards his posse; all are looking at their elated prince with a confuse expression. Seriously, he's too easy to please. That or maybe he actually planned this…

I look at Hisomi-Shishou when I felt that he was staring at me again.

"Please don't say anything master…" I grumbled in embarrassment as my cheeks had gone a bit pink, looking down at my lap.

I saw Hisomi's lip twitch upward.

"Yo Don!"

I automatically turn my gaze to whoever is calling me, seeing Raph wiping the sweat off his body below me as he was near the foot of the stands where the seats for the stand ins are. I just made a noncommittal wave, but it didn't seem like my rebel-like brother gave it any thought. At least he took his jewelry off during P.E., though I wouldn't be surprise if Hisomi-Shishou had somehow convinced the heart-throb of many girls to take off his piercings and rings.

"Why doncha' you join us? We'll give you the thrill of yer life! Geeks like you need it!"

I refrain myself from defensively blurting out a 'no!' to him. Those guys will pummel me! Crush me! Annihilate me! I wouldn't survive! Raphael might go easy on me, but his posse wouldn't

"N-No thank you… I don't have my uniform…" Nor the will to survive whatever that would crush me and my breakable ribs… and bones… and skull…

Raphael 'tch'ed at me and mumbled something along the lines of 'wimp'. Hey, I'm not a wimp; it's called wisely backing down.

"Fine, but when you get yer uniform, we'll be goin' el mano-a-mano."

He flashed a devious grin towards me before going back to his group, who were watching our interaction probably thinking that Raph is bullying me or something. Because of the fact that it looked like he was picking on me, I could hear the laughter and insults coming my way. To think they could learn to be quiet when trying to talk behind my back. They stopped soon after Hisomi-Shishou had given them a look and went back to their activities. Yep, my favorite teacher.

"Donnie, good morning."

I stiffen at the greeting, slowly –and almost mechanically– turning my head towards the voice. I lost track to how many times fate has gotten the better of me but I'm pretty sure fate is winning by a large margin.

It seemed that Leonardo was just coincidently coming here near the stands to get a drink of water from the bottle that he had bought specifically for this class.

"G-Good morning…" I greeted back; it would be rude not to.

At the simple greeting I gave him, he grinned at me and I was almost blown away by the sheer shine to it... Did Leo just grin? I would've cried tears of joy if I wasn't me, but it was really touched. And as if the smile was as infectious as Mikey's, I grinned back. The awkward meeting back at the secret garden was then completely erased from my mind.

"Do you mind joining me in pole-vaulting? It looks as if you do have a good form."

'Heck no!' is something that I wouldn't say out loud in front of my older brother. He would scold me, I know it. And if I remember our childhood days, he would've lectured us for hours. That and I could feel the girls' (and guys'?) glare pointedly stabbing me on the side. Despite that their glares are just expression of discontentment towards a specific object or person; I could've sworn that something is really poking me on the side.

"N-No thank you… I don't have my uniform as you see…"

Being the ever so responsible and dependable teen he is, he understood and didn't complain a word.

"Ok then, maybe next time when you get your uniform." He planned out for me as he waved a 'see ya' and went back to his group of fans and friends… did I just book three play dates with my brothers..? What happened to avoiding them?

I shivered as I felt the field going darker and darker. I swear, my brothers are all out to get me… for now all of their fans and 'friends' are staring at me like I'm some kind of disgusting disease-ridden rat.

Hisomi-Shishou patted me on the head, as if he was trying to make me better. I made a grateful smile towards him, happy to know that Hisomi is my P.E. teacher. I wasn't sure if I could survive P.E. if he wasn't the teacher.

Get lunch and get out: that was the plan. During the blissful, tiring, and horrifying interactions with my brother; I have forgotten of the fact that I was supposed to avoid them. How can I move on and live my life, and let them live their life, if I can't do such a simple thing? I'm the geek that can blend into the background! Yet, this school had some type of technology that is making me visible to everyone around me. I swear there is a curse on me– if I believed in such a thing.

And so, I put my plan into action. I should really think about making my lunch at home these days just to avoid going to the cafeteria… April is too busy with her new job that she didn't really have time to make lunch for me, but I don't mind. I know she is working very hard for us. I, at least, know how to make simple dishes like fried eggs and sandwiches and such.

I made sure to hide and blend myself into the crowd. I'm pretty much use to this since I have to hide and avoid bullies often back then, but I don't know if I should think that it is rather ironic that I feared interacting with my brothers even more than any kind of bully I remembered going against. Bullies are people that I'm not afraid to hurt at any rate. But I'm afraid to hurt my brothers.

I decided, thinking that I had lingered in the cafeteria for too long, to just take a bag of chips and make a break for it to the exit. Punching in my account number to the lunch lady and swiping the chips before anyone would, I dashed towards the exit, dodging and swerving around the crowd yet still being able to make sure to use it to conceal myself. Heh, I sound like some kind of ninja or something.

"Ah, Donnie? There you are."

At the voice of Leo, I lost my concentration and accidently trip over someone's foot; and landed face first onto the tile. Ah, that hurts.

"Donnie! You ok?"

I grumbled, though I doubt Leonardo could make out the words I'm saying. Of course, I have forgotten one small factor that is needed to be mentioned in my plans more often. Leonardo and his sixth sense. Yes, I should've taken account on the fact that we were never able to get pass Leonardo on anything when it comes to sneaking or escaping. I rubbed my sore nose, hoping the pain would go away. At least my glasses seemed to be in one piece.

A yelp passes my lip as I felt someone grabbing my underarm, lifting me up and settling me on my feet. I gaped at Leonardo as he brushes me off, though he gave me a 'what?' look at my gaping expression. For some reason, I felt a bit irritated at the fact that he could easily pick me up as if I'm as light as a feather. Then again, he is a sport star. Actually, all three of my brothers are… and I'm skinnier than any of my brothers and smaller… Somehow, I felt a bit depress at the fact that Mikey is actually taller than me, and he's my little brother…

"Do you need to go to the nurse..? That was a nasty fall…"

I snap out of my trance when I heard Leonardo speak. Well, so much for avoiding my brothers during lunch also.

"No, my nose is a little sore, that's all." I reassured, grinning sheepishly. "Do… you need something…Leo?" I questioned. Well, I'm pretty sure that Leonardo isn't here talking to me just to watch me trip. He's not one to do things impulsively or without reason.

Leonardo gave me a polite smile. "Ah, yes: I need to talk to you–"

"YO DONNIE!"

I flinched at the loud and rough greeting as it was able to be heard over the noises of the rest of the student body that was in the cafeteria. Now, there are only two people who can have a voice loud enough to do that; Mikey and Raph. But since I'm pretty sure that Mikey doesn't have a gruff voice, it has to be Raph.

I look back to see the roughest of my brothers pushing through the crowd to the point that people would make a path towards me just to avoid any casualties. Judging by the whispers and the fact that the cafeteria had suddenly turned deadly silent; everyone was expecting Raphael to beat me up or something. And judging by the narrow of Leo's eyes, so does he.

Oh dear… just oh no.

"Hey Donnie! I have a question for ya!"

I have to wonder whether Raphael realized the fact that the cafeteria had gone quiet to the point that you could probably hear a pin drop. Should I be amazed or worried?

"Wat's with the look? Like I'm crazy or somethi–"

He then noticed Leo. I could practically hear something snap inside the two of them as they stare at each other in the eye.

"What are you doin' here, prissy prince?"

Right now, I wish that the heavens would strike me dead. Or pray for mother earth to swallow me whole right where I stand. I just have to be in the middle of these two tempests and I have a feeling that I would be blown away if I don't do anything about it.

"Talking to Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Jones. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid whatever you are discussing with him must wait. The matters that I'm about to explain are important."

No! Don't include me into this Leo!

But it was too late, Raphael's eyes darkened towards the calm and suave looking teen.

I'm still amazed at how the girls in the background found this rather exciting. I really think that the people in this school really need their brain check… mines included.

I felt my hands starting to get sweaty and clammy as Raphael harshly grabbed my wrist, holding them as tightly and securely as cuffs.

"Yer matters are fu-in' shi-."

This time, Leonardo's eyes have darkened. He securely grabbed onto my arm. I feel like tearing up in despair at the situation I gotten myself into. But… they are really being immature. Do they not know that they are making a scene? Well, not that many minded, since it seemed one side hated the other and are waiting for their leaders to beat each other up (I don't need to explain the fangirls). I'm practically just the sacrifice to make this fight even more enjoyable.

I really wish that Mikey had this lunch period. For some reason, he doesn't; but no sense in wishing something that wouldn't come true any time soon.

"Oh? And I'm sure that your matters are more important than mines?"

"They sure fu-in' are!"

Raph pulled me closer to his side.

"I doubt anyone with no sense like you would make any matters seem important."

Leo pulled me closer to his side instead.

"Yer the one with no sense here!"

Pull.

"Said the one with all brawn and no brains!"

Pull. Ah, my ears are starting to hurt.

"Better than BEIN' A BORIN' CREEPY ROBOT!"

Pull.

"BETTER THAN A HOPELESS DROP OUT!"

Pull.

"LIKE YER ANY BETTER; A FU-IN' PRINCE IN HIS FU-IN' KINGDOM!"

Pull.

"DON'T TALK TO ME LIKE YOU KNOW ME!"

"THEN YOU DON'T TALK TO ME LIKE YA KNOW ME!"

That was it…

Yanking my stiff and sore arms out of their grip; I wasn't so hesitant to pummel my fists into their faces. Both had fallen backward in shock and landed on their butts on the floor. The imprint of my fists on their faces somewhat calm me down… somewhat.

"SHUT. UP."

They opened their mouths as if to say something in the first place but my words effectively shut their mouths.

I didn't notice that everyone had back away from me; because of the fact that I looked particularly pissed and angry. Not to mention dark and murderous…

"Look, I don't want to know what had happened with the two of you back then. Frankly, I could've care even less."

The way my head is casted downwards creates a dark shadow over my face, and my glasses seemed to make my eyes even more dangerous and nerve-wreaking than before, because of the fact that they had made my eyes smaller and narrower.

"But leave your freakin' business where you couldn't bother anyone else." I could see their eyes significantly widening.

"It's immature, idiotic, selfish and annoying."

Each insult seemed to stab something in them. But I didn't bother to find out what. I feel like cussing. Yes, I feel like cussing like a sailor. Or maybe a Raphael would be a lot more descriptive.

Fuming, I turn around and stomp towards the entrance. No one dared to get in my way since they seemed to know better than to try to upset me like this. Plus, there is the fact that Leonardo's and Raphael's cheeks are swelling up from the punch. Now that is some scary strength, to even hurt two of the school's strongest teens.

I could've care less what kind of trouble I would get in the future at the moment.

"Will you really be okay, my friend?"

I nodded tiredly. I really don't feel like talking. It almost seemed as if I had spoken a month worth of words all in one sitting.

"I heard what had happened in the cafeteria, will you really be okay?"

I couldn't help but smile at Leatherhead. He really is such a caring big lug. We both had just gotten out of English and Leatherhead had tried to comfort me the whole time with small gestures security. I'm lucky to have a friend like Leatherhead.

I patted his arm as to reassure the big lug that I will live throughout the day. He didn't look convince but nonetheless drop it.

Because of my big act in the cafeteria, everyone is practically staring, pointing and whispering at me. Some looked as if they were planning to jump me (mostly the girls of course), but when Leatherhead growled, it kept them at bay. I look up at my large friend with tired and emotionless eyes, patting his arm as to calm him down. I don't particularly care what happens to me but I don't want Leatherhead to get involve with the mess I made.

Suddenly, the whispers had gotten louder and more frequent, and I haven't had the clue as to why. My question was answered when I was yanked back as a hand grabbed my shoulder. Looking back, I saw a heaving Leonardo with his eyes looking particularly wild. The whispers turned into a full-blown commotion, people declaring that there is going to be a battle between the freshmen's student representative and the already infamous geek.

I could see that Leatherhead was about to get defensive but I shook my head. He understood that there is no ill intent from Leonardo and calm down soon after.

"I think he's telling Leatherhead to back down!"

"Does that mean he wanted to fight Leonardo face to face?"

"What an idiot!"

"That's pretty noble dude but stupid!"

"Haha! This will be a quick battle!"

I swear this whole thing is draining my energy. I need to rethink a plan to convince April to once again let me take online classes. Not likely but I could hope.

"Donnie–" Leonardo then shut his mouth quickly as he looks at the crowd warily. I could understand his discomfort.

"LH."

He stares at me while I stare back at him. I couldn't help but grin when he nodded in understanding. I really am lucky to have Leatherhead.

Without a warning or a go, I grabbed Leonardo's wrist and we made a dash/run/sprint out of the crowd. It would seem that they would follow us to the ends of the earth; if there wasn't the fact that Leatherhead is blocking their way.

"Wha- Move out of the way Leatherhead!"

"Move!"

"They're getting away!"

"Leeooonnarrrrddoooo!"

I still couldn't understand the girls in this school, even though I have been here for only a few days. Then again, I doubt I'll ever understand them these days. Man, there are too many things that had happened during these few days that I'm not sure if my mind could even keep up at this rate.

Quickly, I burst into the garden where Leo and I had met yesterday. There is just something about that his place that made me all so peaceful. I should've come here after my rant with Leonardo and Raphael… oh yeah, Leo.

I turn around to see my oldest brother staring at me. Of course, he seemed unaffected by the quick get-away that we had to do. There should be no problem with Leonardo telling me whatever he wanted. This place is pretty much only known between the two of us and probably some of the faculty members. I didn't initiate the conversation to start as I sat near the pond. I'm pretty sure that if he really wanted to say something, then he would say it.

There was a still yet tense silence in between us. I didn't know what he's going to say and I bet he's trying to figure out what my reaction would be to whatever he wanted to say.

I took my eyes off the scenery and look at Leo in the eye. Just like that, the words burst out like a dam.

"Donnie! I'm so sorry- I just don't know what came over me!" Now that I look directly at Leonardo's face, I could see the swelling is still there. "It's just- I know there isn't really an excuse… but I'm sorry for the way I acted! I know that it's rather immature to get you involve in it even though you have nothing to do with it–"

"It's fine Leonardo, I forgive you."

"But I'm sincere in my apology– wait, you forgive me?"

Looking at his expression, I wondered why it seemed so unbelievable that I forgave him.

"Well, you were brave enough to apologize to me. As long as you understand what you did wrong, I couldn't stay mad forever." Heh, I sounded like April; probably because they were the same words that April gave to me.

Leonardo's jaw seemed to linger open for a little more while but he then close it, nodding his head slowly as to understand my logic. "I… see…"

I smiled softly (Leo looking like a little child at the moment somehow amuses me for some reason) and gently press the tender spot on his cheek. He had the decency to flinch. "I'm sorry also. I supposed that was a bit extreme for me to punch you like that."

"N-No! You have every reason to!"

My lips quirked up into a smile once again. Leo has his pride but he knows when to take responsibility for his actions.

"I didn't expect you to forgive me so soon…" I heard Leo said, making me blink. Well, I'm fine and they didn't really do anything harmful to me so I found no reason to keep a grudge on them. As long as they apologize, then I'm content.

"How come? You didn't exactly do anything to me."

Leo looked rather sheepish, scratching the back of his head. Mister Perfect looking nervous; Raphael would love a picture of this.

"It's just that… you're different from everyone else…" Should I feel insulted or complimented? "You don't judge quickly and always so sensible. I always know what everyone is expecting out of me but I just don't know what you expected me to do…"

I blinked a few times, my mouth opening in a response. "How about except for wanting to know my expectation; what are you expectations for yourself?"

He looked shocked for a moment before smiling softly, chuckling.

"See, this is why you are different."

I shrugged nonchalantly, finding nothing special about it. "Of course I'm different, everyone is. Don't just group people into one stereotype."

"I'm not trying to, but people just don't realize things that you do."

"I'm just observant."

"But still, you don't think like others."

I'm pretty sure that Leonardo here is a lot more special than me. I mean, he's a sport star, all around heart-throb (I snickered inwardly in my mind about it) and one of those people who almost had the perfect grade! Compare to him, I'm plain as the floorboards.

"S-So, why are you and Raph fighting? It seemed like a long time grudge or something…" I tried to change the subject into something more related to the problem right now. It just doesn't sit me right to know that Leo is actually complimenting me… or at least I think he is.

Leonardo blinked at the question, as if he's trying to find the reason himself. I didn't particularly care if I was late or something. I felt that this is actually more important than my classes… wow, April would be in shock when she heard that.

"In truth… I don't know."

I raised an eyebrow at that… what?

"So, basically, you fight for no reason to the point that you both would beat each other black and blue?"

Leonardo opened his mouth to say something more but then closes his mouth and furrows his eyebrows. "Uh…" It seemed that he realized how his words sounded to me. It does seem unreasonable and rather idiotic.

"I just don't know… it's just that whenever I saw his face; it irritates me."

So, it's almost like hate in first site? Wow, that does sound like something both Leonardo and Raphael would do if they ever get the chance to meet each other again. Even as children in our younger years, they just don't agree with each other on anything. Sure, they respect each other but find the other's faults irksome.

"Go on…" I let him continue, it seems as if he wanted to say something more to defend himself- though I haven't react to what he said in any negative way. It just seemed a bit unbelievable, that's all.

Leo had the decency to be at least awkward about it and look away. Well, when Leonardo did do something rather irresponsible, he hates to admit it; probably because he had his own ideals about one thing to another. Like how I hate to admit that I'm wrong about something.

"I met Mr. Jones in my last year in middle school. Originally, I didn't have a problem with him but he was breaking the school's dress code and so I have to reprove him on that." No offense to Leo, but I doubt it was anything gentle really… he gets into his lectures too much at times- if I remembered right. "I don't know why but I found his presence irritating and distasteful. But since he had yet to do anything to me, I try not to bother him. Then all the sudden, he tries to pull a punch on me!"

I blinked at that. I know that Raphael is impulsive but not that impulsive.

"I'm pretty sure that you know the rest…"

In detail. And I'm pretty sure that I could make it into a short story too.

"I don't know what Mr. Jones' deal is but he criticizes me and attacks me with no reason whatsoever."

"I'm sorry Leonardo but you are not any better. You don't give out the first verbal attack or physical bout, but you are handling it in a way to make him feel very defensive." I couldn't help but lightly scolded. At least he looked guilty about it; but he seemed a lot less stress as his shoulders are less tense.

"I know, you're right Donnie… then again, should I assume that you're always right?"

"That's so stereotypical of us geeks! I can make mistakes too you know!"

I couldn't help but grin when he grinned. Somehow, I feel better throughout this whole ordeal.

"Donnie… about what I wanted to talk to you about…"

Oh yeah, that's right: Leo wanted to talk to me about something. I waited patiently for what he was about to say. I don't know whether it was actually really important as he had said back at the cafeteria, but it had to have some kind of significant for him to come and find me.

"…Do you mean what you had said…?"

…Huh? What did I say…? It seemed that he is going to continue further with his explanation, seeing my confuse expression.

"That when I'm around you… that I don't need to be perfect..?"

I blinked several times before I truly understood what he was talking about. My cheeks felt warm at the reminder of our meeting last time in this garden. It was rather embarrassing, blurting out stuff that weren't my business. I was rather surprise at the fact that he would even mention about that. And happy to know that he was depending on me in that aspect. I shouldn't care. I shouldn't be happy about anything that would have to do with my brothers. But I'm happy nonetheless.

I was planning to say no. Maybe this was the chance for me to get rid of all the ties that is between me and my oldest brother. I could say no and that's it. We could become complete strangers after that-

"Yes." I told him. "Let me bear some of the weight on your shoulders too."

His face held an expression of shock, but he gave me a genuine, happy-filled smile. There is no way for me to say 'no' after seeing that.

"Thanks Donnie."

And then I realized: when we're alone, Leo would call me by my name. Not that formal title 'Mr. O'Neil'. He pronounced everyone by their last name but not mines.

I told myself that he does that with everyone; when they are alone, he calls them by their first name.

I hoped to avoid my other brothers soon after my conversation with Leo. I felt my resolve weaken every time I see them. I…

I sigh as I saw Raphael pace in front of my Latin classroom's door for the umpteenth time. I have to wonder if he noticed that there is a little window on the classroom door where I could see him. It's driving me crazy. Others are trying to avoid looking at the pacing teen; probably out of fear. Some look at me as if they were expecting me to die in the next minute.

After seeing Raphael pace once again, I snapped.

"Professor O'Neil, may I be excused?" Otherwise known as Uncle Augie. He's actually April's uncle but he acts like my uncle as well. I love him but I had to be reminded that he's my teacher in school. Apparently, he doesn't care of the fact.

"Donnie, you could call me Uncl-"

"Professor O'Neil, please?"

As much as I love to go into a good debate with him whether there is anything inappropriate about calling a relative by a familiar nickname in school (in Latin nonetheless), I just wanted to know why Raphael is here and get it over with. I just don't want to linger near them too long…

Seeing how desperate I was, Uncle Augie nodded in agreement and without complains. Not because he was showing favoritism towards his nephew over his students, he understood what needs to be done.

Silently, as he continues to teach, I move up from my desk and made my way towards the door. As soon as I open it, I was met with a surprise Raphael, looking at me with wide eyes. It seemed that he was planning to pace in front of the door once again judging by the lift of his foot. I sigh as I close the door.

"What is it Raphael?" I questioned as I cross my arms. I have to make this short and straight to the point, just being near them…

He opens his mouth to say something but close it soon after. He scrunches up his face as if contemplating what to say next. He opens his mouth once again but slowly closes it. I could tell from the shifting of his eyes, and the fact that he's avoiding to look at my face, that he was nervous and indecisive.

I feel like sighing once again.

"Go ahead and tell me what you want. I'm not mad so don't worry."

He seemed a bit relieved at the encouragement but his cheeks went a bit red.

"I'm sorry."

…I think I need my ears to be checked. Did Raphael just say 'sorry'?

"Why ya lookin' at me like that..?" He grumbled in embarrassment, trying to duck his head into his leather jacket.

"… Could you repeat that again?"

"LIKE HE- I AM! I ALREADY SAID IT ONCE!" he snaps out of embarrassment but quickly flinch in remorse. "I mean… I'm sorry…"

I blinked a few times; in disbelief or in confusion, I don't know. Raphael is very prideful and hates to admit that he is wrong at times. Guessed he had matured over time, a feat that seemed impossible to happen. "It's fine. I forgive you."

"Look, I was I stupid and- wait, wah?" Now it was his turn to give me a look of disbelief. Seriously, why is it so hard to believe that I forgive them?

"You apologized and learned from your actions. I have no reason to hold a grudge against you."

He stared at me like I was some kind of alien before I saw a quirk up his lip.

"Heh, you really are weird."

I swear everyone is telling me that. Well, Leo called me different but I doubt that is anything dissimilar from 'weird'.

"Is that all?"

Raphael slowly nodded and finally looked up at me directly in the face. "Thanks Don… It's just…"

Why do I feel a sense of deja vu here?

"Wheneve' I see his face; it pisses me off!" Yeah… this sounds very familiar. I'm pretty sure that I don't have a sign on my back that said 'consultant' here… "I just wanted to bash my fist into his fu-in' skull!"

Looks like Raphael had the case of hate in first sight also. Somehow, I'm just not surprise at all. Like I said, they weren't the best of friends (or brothers) even back then when we were all together. But it doesn't seem like he was planning to stop anytime soon so I decided to listen in to what he has to say.

"So, you basically fought him with no reason whatsoever?" I said in a familiar sentence that I had told to Leo before.

He opened his mouth to retort back till he figured out how unreasonable it sounded like in any outsider's view. It does seem pointless.

"Well- he- I- that fu-in' jerk…." It seemed that he was at the loss of words. "I don't fu-in' know, k? His face just irritates me."

I couldn't help but smile in response. Raphael is just so simple with his feelings.

"W-What are you lookin' at?" He grumbled, blushing in awkwardness. I wanted to pat his head at the fact that he's actually looking rather cute (Mikey would love to tease him at this moment) but I'm pretty sure my hand would be broken off if I do.

"So, from the first time you've met him; you had hated him?"

He nodded in response.

"Back in middle school or somethin'. Was about to tell my ear off or somethin' and it pisses me off." He scratches his cheeks as if he was ashamed about something. "Then I punched 'im. The bas- blocked it but it went to he- after that."

Then… I realized something. So, Raphael and Leo recognized their hate for each other in first glance but they never got to realized that they are brothers? Are they just really oblivious or is their hate for each other ruling out the thought that they could be brothers…?

… In truth, both sounded like reasonable deduction and I couldn't figure out which is true. Another mystery left unsolved caused from my brothers… Like how Michelangelo could stuff four boxes of pizza into his stomach and never gone fat.

"His haughty attitude… treating me like I'm some kind of street scum… he has no right to say that I'm hopeless!"

I softly put my hand onto his shoulder. "You're not hopeless. And Leo doesn't think of you as hopeless."

"How in the he- do you know?" Raphael challenged defensively.

I couldn't help my smile. Even though this would be contradicting to what I had just said; my brothers are sometimes hopeless idiots.

"Because he wouldn't kept on bothering to argue with you if he thought of you as hopeless." I answered confidently. "If he gave up on you, he would've stopped reprimanding you long ago."

Raphael's mouth hung opened at what I said. It's obvious that he doesn't believe me. Well, I wouldn't blame him; but that is one way that Leonardo would show his love to us- lecturing us so that we wouldn't make him worry again in the future.

"Yer talkin' shi-."

I smiled in response, making it seem rather mysterious.

"So, what was it that you wanted to tell me about?" I changed the subject. Raph is stubborn so there is no point in trying to convince him any further. He'll figure it out for himself in the future.

At the question, he looked even more sheepish than he was already.

"Err… it was just some question about vehicles or somethin'…" He mumbled in a somewhat shamed tone. I'm a bit surprise that this was all Raphael wanted to talk to me about but I didn't mind. We were polar opposite since we were little so there weren't many things we could talk about. Having a chance like that is rare really.

"That's fine. I believe there is no such thing as stupid questions." Should I rethink about that…? Nah, I believe that if people bothered to ask a question about anything, it means that they really wanted to know something. Like striving for this one piece of knowledge to expand your mind. I supposed there is no such thing as being too curious; so April and Uncle Augie had said.

"Well… when ya hear my question, you'll change yer mind…"

"Well, let me hear it then."

"…"

"Do you even have a question for me Raphael?" I asked with a trace of amusement in my voice. His face instantly turned red, proving my theory even though I was just teasing him. I didn't think that he had no question.

"S-Somethin' wrong with just wanting to talk to ya?"

I blinked at the confession. He blinked back at me.

"F-FORGET WHAT I SAID!"

I gape for a few minutes as he stomped away, red in anger and embarrassment.

"W-Wait a minute! You can't really expect me to forget that!"

I found it hard to breath. I feel like wanting to cry. But I couldn't. I shouldn't. I shouldn't go after him but I did. God, please let me have this peace longer.

"I supposed your conversation with Leonardo and Raphael are… dreadful?"

Leatherhead looked at me worryingly as he could see the bags I'm developing under my eyes. I waved off his concern, mumbling that I'm okay and that there is nothing for him to be worried about. Avoiding them seemed harder than I thought…

"Should I stay with you, my friend?"

I immediately shot down his offer. Leatherhead's company is enjoyable and peaceful, but I need some alone time with my thoughts. Understanding my needs, he nodded with no words of complain. I could tell that he was still rather worried but there was nothing I could really say to reassure him. Leatherhead is just one of those people that could read me like a book. Even if I tell him I'm fine, he wouldn't believe me.

The big teenager patted my back, which made me relax and comforted significantly, before saying his good byes and leaving me to my thoughts.

My interactions with my brothers are draining my energy. I would blame fate but that is pretty much the same thing as blaming the wind for blowing.

"Donnniiiiieeeee~"

I should've ignored the voice, I should've walk away and pretend that I was never here.

I turned around to see Michelangelo waving towards me.

"Dude! I heard what had happen in the cafeteria! I'm, like, surprised you're not dead or something!" Michelangelo said in good humor, flashing his million-dollar grin at me.

"You're my hero now, standing up to Mr. Stuck-up and Mr. Moody! I mean, no one has ever done that you know!"

I smiled couldn't help but smile softly to Michelangelo. He just has this boundless of energy that makes my day. He walks ahead of me with a grin that never seems to go away.

"I mean seriously, Raphael and Leonardo? They're pretty scary when they fought, ya know?"

Yeah… they are. I remember as children that when our two oldest brothers would fight, Mikey and I would hide until Master Splinter comes and pull them apart. But Master Splinter isn't here anymore to stop our fights and end our arguments. He's not our voice of reason anymore.

"You know, they're not as bad as you think they are. Sure, you should watch out when they fight but individually, they're pretty nice. Raph's a hard case though- fun to tease!"

Yes… they haven't change at all through all these years… Raphael is so opened with his emotions as always. Leonardo is reserved as he was when he was little. Michelangelo has been full of energy as if the world is a happy place.

"Leo's kinda like a creepy robot, but I have no problems with him I guessed. Well, overall, just try to avoid them when they're fighting. I don't know how you survive this long but I'm pretty sure that they're not going to let you go!"

Avoid them. That was what I'm supposed to do in the first place. Just simply avoid them and don't interact with them. Why in the world is that so hard to do? I could've use an excuse to avoid going out to the track field. But I wanted to watch my brothers. I could've skip lunch and decided not to go to the cafeteria. But I didn't… was I hoping to see them at the very least? I could've simply refuse to talk to them, say no, do something else than what I did. There are so many ways that I could've avoided them; but I just didn't. I just couldn't.

"Should I –Mikey: The Turtle Titan!– save you from impending doom– H-hey, why are you crying Donnie?"

Realizing that, I couldn't stop the tears. It's true, while they probably don't need me; I needed them. It was selfish. I already got April and her family. I have a roof over my head, a home to come to, and warm food to eat. Yet, that wasn't enough. God, I wanted my brothers back. Even if we couldn't back to the way things were before: I wanted to laugh with them, cry with them, and live life with them. I love them so much.

"Waaah! I-I'm sorry, did I saying wrong D-Donnie? I-I mean, I'll make sure that they wouldn't pummel you if that makes you feel any better!"

I'm so selfish; wanting so much when I already had enough. I'm so selfish.

"I-I'm so s-s-selfish..!" I sobbed, rubbing my eyes repeatedly from under my glasses as if it would stop the tears from flowing out of my eyes. Everything just burst out like a huge dam and my heart ache with loneliness.

"So? There's nothing wrong with being selfish!"

Hiccupping, I slowly lifted my hands away from my swollen eyes and look up at Michelangelo. He had a determined gaze and I had just noticed that he was grabbing onto my shoulders.

"We're all selfish! What makes you think that you have to be any less selfish?"

I couldn't say anything as I stared at Michelangelo, tears still falling down my cheeks.

"If you really want it, go for it!"

I feel my eyes scrunch up as I wanted to cry again. I wanted us to be together again. It might take a hundred years. We'll probably have some difficulty along the way. But it would be worth it in the end.

"D-Don't cry again Donnie! I don't know why, but it's really nerve-wreaking!"

I won't let them go. I don't want to let them go.

Me: Yes Donnie! Go be selfish!... Is that something one should encourage?

Donnie: No, not really *blow nose*

Me: *pats Donnie on the head* Well, I try to make this as in character as possible but I obviously failed at that prospect *sweatdrop*

Well, hope you enjoyed this chapter! It took a long time to write- err, type.