Leo's POV

I woke up at the noise and grumped.

"LEO! ... Yo LEO! get up. It's Saturday and it's already 11 am in the morning. Get up! ...Don is hungry and Mikey has been crying for ever now." Raph yelled at Leo while ponding the door with full force.

God...im so glad he didn't bust down the door with that force. I felt bad for the door though. Raph always had the raw strenght in him more than any of us. He just never uses it for good reasons. Always trying to do everything with force.

"I'm up! Stop pounding on the door please it's making my head hurt!" I sounded like I was a baby crying for something.

And reality just stabbed me right in my brain. I overslept. My little brothers have been hungry for God knows how many hours. And here i was sleeping in my bed like a lazy cat. How the heck could I have been so careless.

I jumped out of the bed and opened the door only to crash in Raph who was still standing infront of my door like a statue ...an angry statue i might add. Since Raph was almost my height,his head collided with mine and a loud tump sound after that which meant Raph had surely fallen backwards since i was still standing. Funny how it didnt effect me as much him.

"Raph! Are you ok? Im sorry I didn't know you were still standing at my door." I looked down at him and I sounded a little worried,dont know why becouse wasnt something that big. Maybe its my instincts.

"Quite being a motherhen Leo! Im fine.! I can take alot more than that." Raph said while standing up and dusting off his clothes like it never happened. His hand moved to rub the sour
spot on his forehead.

"Does it hurt?! Is it bad?! Do you need some Pain killers ? Maybe I should call the doctor, just stay still and sit tight! "
I got worried. I should b worried .My little brother was hurt.

"Idiot..." I heard Raph said called me an idiot. I guess that's my cue that he's gonna call me a ...

"Quit it you over protective 'mother hen'. I'm fine. Just go and make something for Don and Mikey. Mikey has been crying for ever . That little brat doesn't even know when to shut up!" Raph almost roared the whole statement.

My eyes shot open as I got back to my senses that my brothers where still waiting for breakfast and i'm here wasting time...well no,not wasting time. Worriying about your brothers is not a waste of time. Right? But I have to hurry,I overslept and I have alot of chores to do.

"Woah slow down Leo! " Raph yelled as I ran down the stairs.

As I entered the kitchen I saw Donnie sitting at the table with little Mikey on his lap. Donnie was playing with Mikey and slightly jumping him in his lap causing Mikey to giggle. They just looked so damn adorable. Donnie looked at me through his glasses. His dark brown eyes meeting my blue eyes. Maybe I looked worried or maybe funny...since he made a wierd face after seeing me which was very odd.

"Sorry I overslept. I'll make you something real quick" and I hurried to the fridge to pick some eggs and milk.

"Leo! what are you doing?" He asked me like I'm doing something strange. Really? Itsn't this the normal routine? well...sure it's not since I overslept and i'm rushing but its still the same.

"Making you breakfast Donnie,what else? " my tone slightly bored.

"Well... hate to break it to you bro but we already ate our meal" he said while showing his gap in the tooth. His trademark or something.

"What?"

"We already ate our breakfast Leo no need to rush about it...ofcourse if it's for yourself than please by all means ...go ahead!" Donnie said while fixing his glasses like some kind of a know it all.

"When... Who...? How... did you...? Did you guys order something?" I felt kinda bad. It made me feel like I can't even take care of my own brothers. Am i over thinking?

"Raph made it for us. And Mikey here liked his cocoa milk bottle... right little Mikey? " He turned his head back to Mikey and pressed his forhead in Mikey's little head. Mikey giggled loudly at the action and clapped his hands.

Raph entered the kitchen at the same time and looked kinda... Stunned?

So Raph already made them breakfast...why did he wake me up like it was some kind of an urgent thing?

"That brat is LAUGHING now?!" he said angrily. "How did you do it Don? He was crying for hours and when I just hand him to you he shuts up? JUST LIKE THAT?!

"Raph everyone knows your a monster and kids don't like monsters. They 'hate' monsters. That's why..." I smiled at Donnie's clever reply. But I knew it's only gonna get louder now.

"WHY YOU ... I SHOULD HAVE LEFT YOU AT THE STATION BACK IN THE OLD DAYS" Raph just said it like its nothing. My eyes drifted to Donnie only to see a sad look on his face. He lowered his face and that smile was gone, replaced with sadness. It broke my heart to see him like that.

"Donnie...I'm sorry... I ... really bro. I didn't mean it. I was just annoyed because of Mikey. I swear... U know I would never mean that..." Raph instintly said after regreting his own words.

Donnie got lost on a train station while he was a kid. Dad was alive at that time. I helped him look for Donnie. We were scared to death thinking that someone might have kidnapped him or something. I was with Raph,looking for Donnie. Dad adopted Donnie after 5 years when Raph was born. Raph is just 1 year younger than me. But still I felt I had to stay by his side so I wouldn't lose him too. I was careless enough to let Donnie move out of my sight. I didnt want to lose an other one. I will not make the same mistake ever in my life. Donnie never liked this topic since it got him scared to hell. He gets sad when ever someone talks about it.

Mikey sensing the tension the in room and noticed that Donnie was sad...started fussing and tears appearing in his eyes. He's a smart kid he understands us perfectly even though he still can't talk. Now that the tension was on it's peak and Donnie and Mikey both were about to unleash river of tears ...Yup Don too sinse he's sensitive and he's only 13 so...why not? But Mikey sure was ready.

Raph looked at me with pleading eyes and regret was clearly present. He wanted help. He knew he made a mistake. And he asked for help. That's why I'm here ...to help my brothers. To be there for them when they need me.

I nodded at him.

"Hey baby ...up you go! No...No,don't cry sweetie everything's just fine." I picked Mikey from Donnie's lap and started cooing him so he won't cry. He stared at me with his big baby blue eyes. Sparkling with the tears that were rolling down his big chubby cheeks. He was sad that one of his brothers were sad. He never really liked when someone got sad. It tore my heart to see the little baby cry like that especially when its because of one of us. Raph is sooooo gonna get a lecture when we are done with this.

I cooed Mikey in my lap and made him jump in my lap, the little goofball loves it. I wiped his tears away and kissed his chubby cheeks and smiled at him... HE LAUGHED! That was all...it's that easy to make my little baby Mikey happy. I love his sunshine smile to the end. I handed him my smart phone which he took gladely and started inspecting it with great interest. Then I turned to Raph and Donnie.

"Don? ... come one bro! I'm sorry... I didn...

"I know..." Don's reply was very short and it came out as a wisper.

I walked over to Donnie and Raph with Mikey still in my arms playing with my smart phone and making baby noises.

"Don,you know Raph didn"t mean it. And you'r making Mikey sad too. Raph's really sorry about it. Come on buddy...You know he's not good at saying sorry with that ego of his. "

Donnie giggled at that statement.

Raph visiably relaxed a little. I smiled when he let out a big relaxed sigh.

"I guess you'r right Leo. Raph does have a big ego... too big that he doesn't even know what he's saying and he's aways a jerk!" Don said with a smile.

Raph returned to his tough mode and frowned.

"Whatever!"

I never liked his attitude but that's just who he is. And I still love him. Mikey saw Raph turning towards him and offered my smart phone to him which was now covered in spit. I just realized that he was chewing on it.

"Ewww...Whipe his face Leo. He's drooling everywhere"

I just laughed at his statement. He's a baby what do you expect? He always shows that he dosn't like Mikey or that he doesn't get along because he hates kids and stuff but he's a softie. He cares for this goofball. So much for a tough guy.

"Why didn't you wake me up early?" I asked Raph while whiping Mikey's face with a wet tissue paper especially made for babies. He squirmed when I gently wiped the drool off his face and looked at Raph with puppy dog eyes.

"Because you needed that long sleep since you came home late last night looking like a friggin zombie and... Leo he's giving me that look again!" Raph said with half horror.

"Oh! Oh! ...I wanna give him a hug! " Donnie offered. I looked at Raph who was pleased at the offer.

"Better you than me"

Donnie was by my side in the next second hugging Mikey with full force crushing him in his chest. I was sure the poor thing stopped breathing for a second.

Then Donnie left the kitchen with the huge smile clearly all sadness gone because of the hug. But Mikey was still looking at Raph. Demanding something. It was only a matter of time till Raph gave up.

"FINE! " he said pretending to be bored.

Raph placed a light kiss on the top of Mikey's head making him laugh and clap his hands. Trying to tell Raph that he loves him too. His baby voice was just something that made us filled with love. And his efforts to talk were adorable too but he was still too young and just learned how to walk ...not properly though. He still crawls.

"Don't you dare give me that look fearless!"

"Ppffttt ...Sure Raph no problem"! I laughed at him. Who wouldn't?

"So you lied about the breakfast thing?"
I asked him after having done with Mikey and his drool problem.

"What!?" His tone again in bored mode.

"Then why did you wake me up? Even though you took care of the whole breakfast thing." I wasn't sure why would he lie to me.

"Because I'M hungry! ...I only made it it for Don and Mikey. I wanted waffels and ... I don't know how to make em. " Raph said the last part with a whisper.

It hit me again that he's been hungry because of me. And he even let me rest because I was busy and tierd from office work. Father's business ... that he handed to me before he died. Told me I had to be Raph's and Donnie's father now. To be with them. To look after them. Although Raph never accepted it.

I handed Mikey to him and started making eggs and waffels. In a short time, I was done. Handed Raph his breakfast and gave Mikey his baby food...which he never eats by the way. It's a real struggle!

"Don't stress yourself too much Leo" Raph said that came out of the blue...out of no where.

It just surprised me. I miss dad. Ever since he died, things were never the same. It was too hard to keep everything in line. Then after 2 years we found Mikey. He was about 4 months old. In the old building...when Donnie and Raph were running after each other,I was with Karai in a near by park. We had something to settle. But when we were done and I was just about to leave for home too... I noticed they were nowhere. I lokked around abit and they came runni g to me. The look on Raph's face was most concerning,like he wanted him help. They told me theyheard someone crying. I wasn't sure if I wanted this but gave up because Donnie looked like he really wanted to k ow what it was. So went to the darn my luck, the weather wasn't going alone with my plans.

I focused on my senses and tried to follow the voice. It was from inside the building. We went in. Raph and Donnie right behind me. That building must have been a school or a hotel. ...because there were so many rooms. One after another. I was still focused on the voice. I didn't even look inside any door. I already knew that this place was abandoned for along time now...which means that dust should have covered the doors and Spider webs on the door corners. If someone recently entered in any of these rooms,the web and dust should have left a track or a clue. Dad taught me these tricks when he was alive.

I felt like the voice was getting close. Then I noticed a certain door, the webs on the corner were damaged and there the dust from the door handel was a little bit off too. I felt like I should turn around right now, because I don't want to risk my brother's life for something else.

I silently motioned Raph to stop. I turned the handel of the door and pushed it.

I couldn't believe it. I felt anger,rage...sad.

A BABY?

SERIOUSLY?

I stood there like an idiot,I had no idea what was going on. That baby looked me for a second and then started crying again. He looking like he wanted to get away from us. Like he thought that we were here to hurt him.

Why would you leave a little baby like this? He didn't do anything wrong. What is the matter with people leaving a baby to die like this. That baby was crying, looking for someone to care for him. The look in his eyes was the same when dad brought home Donnie from the orphanage . Donnie was bullied by kids,he was scared. The same look was in the baby's eyes. He wanted a warm place. The blanket he was placed in was dirty and wet since the building was old and had water seeping everywhere in the room. Raph took Donnie outside because we both know that this might effect him. I never take any chances when it comes to Donnie.

I picked up the baby that was constantly crying. The baby felt warm... he was having a fever. Gosh someone left a baby in a fever to die like this. I sat down on the damp muddy floor with the baby still in my arms. The baby was struggling too much and I didn't want to risk dropping him I removed his dirty blanket to replace it with my dried jacket, I almost had a heart attack. There were injuries all over his tiny body. He started squirming away from me. Maybe he thought I was here to hurt him. He just wanted to be safe. The baby started to struggle in my arms, trying to get away. I didn't know what to do.I felt like crying. I felt helpless. I wrapped him up quickly and in an oddly manner since he wasn't allowing me to do anything.

I thought maybe after getting a little warm he would calm down alittle bit. And it worked too. I cooed him and he started to calm down a little. Though his hiccups were still going on. But I was glad atleast the heavy tears and shreaks were somewhat less now. The baby looked at me with sad eyes... making grabby hands, asking me to come close. The baby had no idea what it was doing. I just lowered myself to him and he places a tiny hand on my cheek and smiles with no teeth.I couldn't leave him here. I didn't have the guts to do the same thing like the person who did this to the baby. It made me wanna cry. Who was that monster,why would he hurt an angel like this?

I took the baby home. Knowing that if dad were here he would have definately helped the baby. So that's what I did. I took him home. Gave him a bath. Dried him up with a soft towel. Then wraped him in a warm blanket after taking care of his injuries. The tiny thing would wiggle around everytime. It was so hard to make him swallow the fever syrup. He cried a little when I forced the medicine into his mouth but I had no other choice. Then I tickled him and cuddled him to gain his trust. I was tired after an hour of taking care of him...

It made me realize...Parenting is really hard, we should really respect our parents from what they go through with us.

The baby had ALOT of energy in him. And I could tell that he's one of those kids who never stop talking. I would take the baby to the building every day and wait for someone to come if they had wanted the baby back or not. Looking at him like this was heartbreaking. I was loosing hope. I had no clue why he was left behind in the first place. He was a happy baby,not even disable,I guess. Then 'why?' But all I knew was that it changed us. We were more active,more alive somehow. Donnie loved him. Raph was more protective about the baby. It was the first time i've seen him that serious about something. But I had double responsibilties now. Babies require attention and affection. I was willing to give my time to this adorable baby but I had to go to office too. And I didn't want to bother my brothers by handing them something that I decided to take care of. I wanted them to play,be happy...enjoy their life. This wasn't their burden to handel. It was mine alone. I decided to take that step.

But Raph never approved it. He always wants to help me. I appreciate it. But is it right to give my responsibilites to him? He's just 18 afterall.

"SHARE IT..."

"Let me carry some of your burden Leo... please bro!" Raph said to me.

I knew what he meant.

I smiled at him. He kept looking with angry eyes. Seriously! anger...what is up with him!?

Mikey looked at me and made grabby hands. This kid never gets tired of hugs. I just pick him up from his chair leaving the baby food behind which was wasted ...since he wasn't eating it. And I did what I always do... I squeezed him tightly in my chest. I love doing that. Is it wrong? Do parents do that too? Mikey responded by wrapping his arms around my neck and burying his chubby face in the crook of my neck and trying to sleep. I looked at Raph again who was still looking at me with ANGRY EYES.

"What!?"

"You didn't reply to me Leo! "

"Well ...is't it obvious that I just ignored you?" I replied to him with a huge smile plastered on my face.

"You always do that Leo... STOP IGNORING!" He yelled at me.

I was really surprised. Donnie came in after that. He must have heard it. Mikey turned his face to Raph. Almost scared. Maybe Raph's anger reminds Mikey about the person who did THAT to him. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Guys...don't start a fight please. " Donnie said in a nutral tone. We know that Mikey's afraid of loud noices.

"No Don...! this needs to end... why won't he let me help him. What is wrong with him? I'm just trying to tell him that he shouldn't take everything on himself. I'm not that useless Don!"

"Useless...!?" I asked him with acid in my tone. Why is one of MY brothers thinking so low about himself?

Mikey started wimpering in my hold. He wanted us to stop. Same was with Donnie.

"Yeah...useless! I'M NOT USELESS"

"I never said that Rapheal. I wou...

"Well Leonardo...You sure as hell make it obvious with your actions. And even Brains here agree with me." Raph said while pointing at Donnie.

I looked at him.

He looked scared and I could tell he didn't want to admit it infront of me.

"It's true!" Donnie finally said it.

I took a deep breath to calm myself. I handed Mikey to Donnie and 'ordered' him to go to his room. I didn't want to start an argument infront of him...it could have a bad effect on him and Mikey. And we all know that it's true. Mikey looked at me with pleading eyes,he didn't want to leave me. He started making baby sounds. I just gave him smile and nodded at Don to go. He did what he was told. Atleast I think he went to his room.

Raph's eyes were lit with fire. He looked like he could tore off someone's neck right now. And honestly I know what he means but it's not his job. Parents sacrifice so much for us and they never ask us to carry their burden so why would I do that?

"Look Rap..."

"Save it Leo... I know what your gonna say. And I don't care that you'r sorry about making me think like i'm useless" Raph started with no chance of stopping. "You know what? Ever since we took Mikey in you'r even more busy in life. You'r not resting. You'r not eating. You'r ignoring Karai. You'r ignoring you'r self. Always running around us like a hen. Do you have any
idea how I feel when you don't ask for help...or reject my help?! "

"Raph look bro..."

"What?! ... what do you wanna prove Leo?" Come on! spill it...that you're better than me?"

My eyes went wide at that statement.

He lowered his head. He didn't want me to look at his eyes. I couldn't tell if he was crying or not...his hair was blocking the view. I'm never gonna wake up late ever again. Gosh I wish Dad was here.

"Leo please... don't carry it all on yourself. I KNOW you're tierd" Raph whispered.

That's it ... I felt myself broken. I didn't want to cry. I have to be strong for them. I wanted them to have a good life. Just wanted to see their smiling faces again. See Mikey grow up into something my father always wanted ME to be. Parents don't ask their kids to carry the burden...it's parent's duty to take care of the children. . ..and Dad told me that I had to be their father now and their sensei. So why would I let Raph take my burden, it's my duty alone.

"I... Rap...h...I didn't... " Words didn't come out of my throat.

Thats when I realized that Raph was hugging me. I wanted to stop my tears but I had no control on them. They just keep rolling down. And I sobbed like a baby in my little brother's that's so pathetic of me.

"Let it all go Leo...it's alright! I'm here for ya buddy. And you know i'll do anything to help ya" Raph wispered in my ear.

I pulled back and wiped my tears. I felt light. Is it possible that I might have decreased a little weight while crying? I chuckled while looking at Raph.

"What are you laughing about!?" Raph sounded annoyed.

"Didn't know you were a big softie Raph"

"Just shutup already!"

"Thanks Raph! " I thanked him and he just nodded at me.

"You two can stop hiding now. We know you're their!" Raph smirked at my statement. He also knew that his baby brother and Donnie was hiding behind the kitchen wall to listen. Well...Donnie did all the listening part since Mikey was clearly interested in the rubber ball Donnie handed to him.

Donnie came out slowely with Mikey in his arms. He had his head lowered to the ground, in shame maybe? He just carefully placed Mikey on the floor and walked towards me. Then he did the same thing like Raph... hugged me. I hugged him back and rubbed my palm on the top of head. Making sure gets the message that everything is ok.

"Well...that was a wierd way to start a morning" Raph said while looking very unimpressed.

"Tell me about it!" I laughed at him.

Mikey toddled his way towards us, stomping his palms and knees on the ground. He tuggged at my pants and helped himself to stand up. Looking up at me with bright eyes and a grin.

"Awwwww...he's just too cute" Donnie commented.

"Yeah... sure...Whatever!" Raph said while looking down at Mikey.

I picked him Mikey up in my lap and kissed his temple. He responded by giggling and laying his head in the crook of my neck.

"Now that the drama is over...can we go to the park now?" Donnie suggested.

"Why?!" I asked.

"Technically...it's for Mikey. When a baby observes other people walking and talking, it tries to copy them. Mikey will learn how to walk and talk quicky that way!" He explained and I was surprised.

"Wow D...you sure did you'r homework!" Raph injected with a smirk on his face.

"I'll go change. Donnie be a good a boy and get the car keys. We're gonna stop by Karai's too." I smiled at him.

"Yess! " Donnies jumped in joy and ran off to get the keys.

Raph looked at me with a frown.

"What...? You're gonna take us out wearing you'r PJs?" Raph asked him.

"No! I was just gonna go change. And here ..." I handed Mikey to Raph and pinched Mikey's chubby cheeks with not too much want to kill him ofcource.

I looked at Raph for a few seconds before an evil smile made it's way on my face.

"Wh...why are you looking at me like that Fearless?!"

"Change Mikey's dipper please. And change him in new clothes too. Make it orange in color since he loves it" The evil smile never leaving my face.

"What the...HECK NO!" Raph looked baffeled. I laughed. Even Mikey was laughing now and clapping his hands in Raph's arms.

"You wanted to help me...Now's you're chance!" I replied while turning towards the door to go back in my room for change.

Leaving an annoyed Raph and a giggling Mikey in the kitchen.

Just can't live without them. What I am is all for them. Hopefully I'm becoming a better brother everyday because of them. I hope this never ends.