Chapter Text
There was a knock on his lab door. Donnie frowned, looking up from the circuit board he was soldering in time to see the door open just enough for Leo to slip into the room.
"Leo?" Donnie questioned, as his brother quickly shut the door behind him.
"I think I may have done something foolish," Leo told him without preamble as he turned to face him.
"Is this about Usagi?" Donnie questioned, as he returned his attention to his project, finishing off the wire he'd been working on. The last thing he needed was to have to start this section again when he was so close to being done.
"Uh, sort of," Leo admitted, sounding nervous.
"I did tell you to tell him how you felt, "Donnie said with a sigh, turning off the soldering iron and removing his goggles as he turned to face him once more. "I knew you were going to end up regretting letting him leave, and now we have no idea when he will be back next," he said, not entirely able to keep the frustration from his voice.
"No, that's not… that's not what I meant," Leo told him dismissively as he moved further into the room. "Usagi leaving was necessary, regardless of my feelings."
"Oh?" Donnie said with a small smirk as he took a seat. "So we are admitting to feelings now? That's progress."
"Donnie, that's not the point!" Leo exclaimed, a blush rising in his cheeks. "I'm trying to tell you something important here."
"Right, sorry, go ahead," Donnie said, leaning back in his chair and gesturing for Leo to continue. "What is it you've done that you think is so foolish?"
"I think I might be pregnant."
Whatever he had expected Leo to say, it had not been that. He simply blinked at him for a moment, and it was only the petrified expression on his big brother's face that kept him from laughing incredulously at the ridiculous suggestion.
"Pregnant?" Donnie managed to finally ask after a long moment.
"I'm really hoping you can tell me I'm wrong," Leo told him. "I was hesitant to even say anything but I've been feeling off for a while now; tired, nauseous, appetite all over the place, headaches."
"That sounds a lot like the flu," Donnie said with exasperation as he got to his feet and crossed the room, raising his hand to press it against Leo's forehead. "Which is a lot more likely than…"
"I don't have a fever," Leo interrupted, batting away Donnie's hand. "And this has been going on for months, Donnie. I'm not sick. And… I think I felt them move. I really think I might be pregnant. I've no idea how but… can you please check?"
Donnie still found it hard to even begin to wrap his head around. But he also knew Leo, and his brother had it in his head that he was pregnant, so all he could do now was take steps to prove to him that he wasn't. Only then could they start trying to figure out what was actually wrong.
"I wish you'd told me you weren't well sooner," Donnie chastised even as he led Leo toward the back of the lab where the examination table was set up. "But we'll have a look. Hop up and I'll dig out the ultrasound."
"Thank you," Leo said, doing as instructed.
Donnie, however, detoured to the stack of machines he kept in the corner; the ones he didn't need every day but wanted to keep close to hand.
"Haven't used it since I had to check Raph for internal bleeding last year," he remarked as he pulled it out and set it on the trolley. "Hopefully it still works," he added as he plugged it in.
"Hopefully," Leo echoed, though he looked pale and worried as he eyed the device.
"It's not going to hurt," Donnie assured him as he moved it a little closer and picked up the bottle of gel he kept with it. "Though this might be cold," he added, before squeezing some out onto Leo's plastron.
Leo yelped, quickly narrowing his eyes at Donnie.
"I did say it might be cold," Donnie pointed with an unrepentant grin. "Lie back," he instructed, hand on Leo's shoulder to press him back against the examination table. "Let's have a look."
Leo let out a slow, controlled breath as Donnie pressed the wand of the ultrasound to Leo's plastron, turning his attention to the screen. Shifting the wand Donnie tried to orient himself to what he was seeing, though it didn't take him long to find one of Leo's kidneys; but as he moved to find his other organs he caught sight of something else entirely.
"What the…" Donnie trailed off as he shifted the wand again, not daring to believe his eyes.
"What is it?" Leo asked, leaning up to try and see for himself.
"It's a fetus," Donnie said with awe, as he found a clear heartbeat. "About ten, maybe twelve weeks along; I'd have to do some more research to be certain. But you were right. I've no idea how, but…" he trailed off as he turned on the audio.
"Whoa," Leo said, his body tensing as he stared down at where the wand was pressed against his plastron. "That's their heartbeat?" he asked, voice trembling.
"Yes," Donnie told him. "It's strong and fast, which from what I remember is a good thing but I'm going to do research. A lot of research," he promised, as he removed the wand and put it back with the machine.
"But you're really sure?" Leo asked, as he took the cloth Donnie handed him, and started cleaning the gel from his plastron.
"Leo, you heard that heartbeat," Donnie pointed out. "I don't think either of us can deny anything after that. And I could clearly see a head, arms, legs, and what I think was the start of a shell."
"This can't be happening," Leo said, tossing the gel-covered cloth aside as he sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the table.
"I know this isn't what you hoped to hear, Leo," Donnie said sympathetically, as he pushed the ultrasound aside. "and maybe there could have been something we could have done if we'd known about this earlier, but with the fetus as far along as it is…"
"Whoa, Donnie, no," Leo said firmly, eyes wide. "I'm more scared than I've ever been but… I don't want to…" His hand came to rest on his lower plastron. "I'm not getting rid of it."
Donnie nodded in understanding. "Okay," he agreed easily. "Then I guess I need to start figuring out how we get you through this safely. And you need to figure out how to tell the others."
"Don't suppose you could do that part?" Leo suggested, hopping down from the examination table.
Chuckling, Donnie shook his head. "Nope," he said with a grin. "You were the one foolish enough to let our favorite Samurai get you pregnant," he pointed out. "You get to be the one to tell Dad you're going to be a teenage parent."
"Thanks," Leo said dryly.
Donnie shrugged, a little amused despite himself. "Who knows," he said, patting his hand on Leo's shoulder, "maybe he'll be happy that he gets to be a grandfather."
"You don't really believe that," Leo stated.
"No," Donnie admitted with a laugh. "You're going to be in so much trouble."
-#-
Leo let out a breath as he paced his bedroom. Despite his own suspicions and the confirmation Donnie had given him, the whole thing didn't feel real. He was still male as far as he could tell and yet, he'd heard the heartbeat of the child growing inside him; his and Usagi's child. It was weirdly as exciting as it was terrifying.
But now he knew this was really happening, he had no choice but to tell the others.
Steeling himself, he took another deep breath before making his way out into the rest of the lair. His brothers were sitting together on the sofa; Mikey and Donnie playing a video game while Raph read a comic. Leo, however, paid them little mind, heading straight for the dojo.
"Yo, Leo," Mikey called out. "You want to play next after I'm done kicking Donnie's butt?"
"Maybe later," Leo told him dismissively, his attention fixed on the dojo doors.
“Suit yourself,” Mikey replied. “Whoa, Don, that’s cheating!”
Leo came to a stop in front of them and took yet another steadying breath before pushing them open and stepping inside. He found Splinter in the middle of the room meditating and quietly shut the door behind him.
"Would you care to join me, Leonardo?" Splinter asked, not moving from his spot, or even opening his eyes.
"Actually, there's something I need to talk to you about," Leo said softly, still lingering by the door. "Something I need to tell you."
"I see," Splinter said, opening his eyes as he gestured to the spot on the carpet in front of him. "Please," he said. "You seem worried."
Leo huffed, but did as he was told, sinking to the floor in the familiar lotus position. He allowed himself to breath, slow and deliberate, trying to calm his racing heart. They sat in silence for several long minutes, the tension in Leo's body began to ease.
"What is it you wished to discuss?" Splinter asked gently.
Leo kept his gaze down, anxiety growing once more. "I'm…" The word pregnant stuck in his throat.
"Leonardo," Splinter said, tone firm. "There is nothing you cannot tell me. Talk to me, my son."
"I'm pregnant," he blurted out hurriedly before he could chicken out.
Even with his eyes cast downward, he could see the way Splinter tensed, and he couldn't bring himself to look up and see his father's shock or disgust. He half expected his father to yell, or at least say something but the silence that fell was heavy and daunting.
"We don't know how it is possible but Donnie confirmed it," Leo added quickly. "I didn't know this could happen, I swear. I just…"
"Yame," Splinter interrupted harshly.
Leo fell silent.
"You are sixteen years old, Leonardo!" Splinter snapped.
"I know," Leo said softly.
"Sixteen."
"I know, father," Leo said, finally lifting his eyes to meet his father's narrowed glare. "I'm sorry."
"I am extremely disappointed in you."
"Sorry, father," Leo said, head bowing once more as he fought against the tears burning his eyes. "I didn't mean for this…"
"Actions have consequences, Leonardo," Splinter told him. "Regardless of intent."
"Hai, sensei," Leo said quietly, tears slowly starting to fall.
"Stand," Splinter commanded, getting to his own feet.
Leo followed suit somewhat more sluggishly, his eyes on the carpet beneath his feet, knowing he couldn't look his father in the eye. He had messed up, he knew that; he was painfully aware that he was too young to be a parent, but he couldn't, and wouldn't, take back what had already been done. Though he doubted very much that was what his father wanted to hear.
"I presume that despite the unusualness of the situation, this child has a second parent?" Splinter questioned, his tone clipped and tense. To Leo it sounded as though he was resisting the urge to yell.
"Yes," Leo admitted quietly.
"Who?" Splinter questioned sternly. "Tell me. Who has left my child with this burden?"
Leo swallowed hard, his throat feeling dry. He knew it wasn't a secret he could keep forever but he still felt like he was betraying his… friend? Boyfriend? Lover? He didn't even know what they were now.
"Leonardo!" Splinter demanded loudly, the cane Leo hadn't seen him pick up, cracking down against the floor.
"Usagi," Leo admitted in little more than a whisper, not daring to defy his father further.
“Miyamoto Usagi?” Splinter asked through clenched teeth. “He is the father of his child?”
“Hai, sensei,” Leo said quietly, still not daring to meet his father’s eye.
"Go to your room, Leonardo," Splinter instructed, voice icy-cold. "Now. Go. Get out of my sight before I say something I regret."
Leo didn't need to be told twice.
-#-
"Leonardo!"
Raph looked up at the sound of his father's voice coming from the dojo. He couldn't remember the last time he'd heard his brother's name used with such a tone; his or Mikey's, yeah, but not Leo's.
"Whoa, Leo's in trouble," Mikey said, clearly every bit as surprised as Raph was.
Donnie, however, just looked concerned.
Raph didn't have a chance to comment further though before the door to the dojo opened and Leo came storming out. He crossed the lair in quick strides, head low and body tense. He slammed his door behind him as he disappeared into his bedroom.
"Double whoa, dudes," Mikey said with awe.
"What the shell did he do?" Raph questioned.
"I'm going to check on him," Donnie told them.
"Hold up, genius," Raph said, hand coming to rest on Donnie's arm, stopping him. "I'll go. Got more experience with disappointing and pissing off Dad than you do."
Donnie looked very much like he wanted to argue but after a few moments, he sighed and nodded.
"Be nice," he instructed firmly.
Raph smirked. "I'm always nice."
He ignored Mikey's amused scoff as he got to his feet and headed toward the bedrooms. He knocked but didn't wait before opening the door.
"Leo?" he said as he stepped into the room, spotting his brother curled up on his side on the bed.
"Go away, Raph," Leo said, not moving.
"You okay?" Raph asked, ignoring the command.
"Fine," Leo snapped unconvincingly.
"Right," Raph retorted sarcastically, as he took a seat on the bed behind Leo's shell. "Want ta tell me what ya did?"
Leo huffed out a breath. "Not really."
"Ya know I'm gonna find out eventually anyway," Raph pointed out. Nothing stayed a secret in their family for long.
Letting out a slow, deep breath, Leo shifted; sitting up, he pulled his knees to his chest. Though he still seemed to be avoiding looking at Raph and the more Raph watched him, the more concerned he grew. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen Leo looking so… scared.
"I slept with Usagi," he said quietly.
"Whoa, what?" Raph exclaimed, not having expected that at all. He’d been sure that if any of them was going to get any it would be him or Mikey; he’d had Leo down as most likely to die a virgin in his books. Not to mention that didn’t seem like the sort of thing to get in trouble with a parent over. Which raised another question. "Wait… you told Dad?"
"I had to," Leo said firmly, curling up tighter around his own legs.
"Yeah, that ain't the kinda shit people usually tell their folks, Leo," Raph pointed out
"I know, but…" Leo buried his head in his hands as he trailed off, taking a deep breath before tilting his head back to stare at the ceiling. "I'm pregnant, Raph."
Raph laughed. Though he quickly cut himself off when he saw the tears falling down Leo's cheek.
"Wait… seriously?" he asked, staring at Leo with something close to horror.
Leo nodded.
"That's… Leo, that's not possible. You're a guy, right?"
"I don't know what I am," Leo told him, lowering his chin to his knees. "But I'm definitely pregnant. Donnie checked."
"Holy… fuck, Leo," Raph exclaimed, for once totally lost for words. "Are you okay?"
Leo chuckled wryly, shaking his head. "I have no idea," he admitted. "I think so. Maybe. But also no, not at all."
"Yeah, that makes sense," Raph said, having no idea how he'd feel in Leo's shoes. "Does he know? Usagi, I mean."
Leo shook his head. "I didn't know, not for sure, until after he'd left."
"But you suspected?" Raph questioned.
"Maybe," Leo admitted, turning to him with a watery, crooked smile. "I don't even know. I was scared, Raph. And so confused. This wasn't supposed to happen."
"Yeah, no shit," Raph agreed easily, reaching out to rest a hand on Leo's arm. "But ya know we're gonna take care of ya, right? Like, ya don’t have to do this alone or anything, even if Dad is pissed right now."
"I know," Leo said without hesitation. "Thanks."
"So ya gonna stay in here and pout or do ya wanna come tell Mikey that he's gonna be an uncle?" Raph asked with a smirk.
Leo groaned. "I'm definitely going to stay here and pout," he stated. "Seriously though, could you and Don tell him. I don't think I'm ready to explain all this again and I don't want to leave him in the dark when the rest of you know."
Raph snorted. "Yeah, we can do that," he agreed as he got back to his feet. "But don't think that means we're lettin' ya hide out in here forever," he added as he made his way back across the room. “For one thing Don’s gonna want to poke and prod at ya till he figures out how this happened.”
"I know," Leo agreed, flashing Raph something of a more convincing smile. "And thanks. For not being an ass about this."
"Yeah, whatever. You're welcome," Raph told him dismissively as he pulled open the door. He looked back at Leo. "Maybe try ta sleep or something. Pretty sure resting and shit is good for growing babies, right?"
Leo chuckled. "Something like that," he agreed.
Raph just nodded once before heading out of the room and pulling the door shut behind him. He leaned against the other side of it, his mind reeling.
"Holy shit," he said quietly to himself, though movement quickly drew his attention to Mikey, who was hurrying over.
"Raphie," Mikey whined. "What's going on? No one’s telling me anything!"
"Where's Don?" Raph asked, pushing off the door and looking past Mikey. "We gotta talk."
"Dad came out looking all serious and took him to the lab. They locked the door," Mikey told him, clinging to his arm as they made their way back to the living area. "What did Leo do? Is he okay?"
Raph huffed out a breath. Leo had wanted Mikey to know but that didn't mean he had any clue how to tell him; he'd been hoping that Donnie would do the talking, particularly given he wasn't sure he really understood half of what was happening himself. But he guessed that was why Splinter had needed to talk to Donnie too.
"He's gonna be fine, knucklehead," Raph said as he pushed Mikey off his arm and dropped onto the sofa. "But he did something kinda stupid and now is facing the consequences."
"Consequences?" Mikey asked as he climbed onto the sofa facing Raph, legs curled up under him. "What kind of consequences?"
"The kind that mean he's gonna have a kid," Raph stated.
"Seriously?" Mikey asked, eyes wide, though whether with excitement or surprise, Raph couldn't tell. "Whose kid?"
"Whose do ya think? Usagi's, of course," Raph said with a roll of his eyes. "Those two were always making googly eyes at each other."
"I didn't know Usagi had any kids," Mikey said with a gasp. "Why does Leo have to take care of them now?"
Raph blinked at him, his brain taking a moment to figure out what Mikey was talking about. "Not yet he doesn't, idiot," he said, leaning over to clip Mikey around the head. "Leo's pregnant. With Usagi's kid. They're gonna have a baby."
"Whoa," Mikey said, eyes going impossibly wider. "That's so awesome!"
"It's freakin' weird, is what it is," Raph stated bluntly, the whole thing feeling incredibly surreal.
"Yeah, but there's gonna be a baby, Raph," Mikey pointed out, shifting closer to him on the sofa. "We're gonna be uncles, Leo's gonna be a… mom, a dad? I dunno. But they'll be so cute and we can show them the whole world. I never thought we'd get to be parents."
"Leo's gonna be the parent, Mikey," Raph pointed out, though the corner of his mouth pulled into a smile.
"Yeah, but we're totally gonna help him," Mikey pointed out. "It's gonna be awesome and I'll paint their nursery to be the best room in the whole lair. Oh, I've got so many ideas; I'm gonna ask Leo if I should do a jungle theme or space," he said, moving to get up from the sofa.
Raph, however, reached out and pulled him back. "Hold up, Picasso," he said with an amused chuckle. "There'll be time for that later. Leo just needs some time to get used to all this first."
"He's not happy about it?" Mikey asked, looking seriously upset.
"I'm sure he will be once he gets over the idea that there's something growing inside him," Raph said, feeling a little queasy at his own words. "It's kind of a shock, ya know. Plus there's the whole gonna-be-a-teenage-parent thing too. It’s just a lot right now."
"Yeah, okay," Mikey said, dropping back against the sofa with a frown. "But he's gonna be okay, though, yeah."
"Course he is," Raph said, nudging him with his shoulder. "Don's gonna take care of everything. And you know Leo, he's never let anything keep him down for long."
"Right," Mikey agreed, flashing him a grin.
"Come on, why don't ya see if you can handle me whooping your ass at Mario Kart again," Raph suggested, grabbing the controllers from the coffee table and tossing one to Mikey.
"In your dreams!" Mikey exclaimed happily.
-#-
Mikey hummed happily as he flipped another piece of french toast out of the pan onto a plate with the previous slice he'd cooked. Bringing it over to the table he slid it in front of Donnie, who looked up from his phone to flash him a smile.
"Thanks, Mikey," he said, putting his phone down and digging in.
"Ya got any more?" Raph asked as he leaned back in his chair.
"You can have mine," Leo said before Mikey had a chance to answer, sliding his still mostly untouched plate over to Raph. "This isn't sitting well."
"I can make you something else," Mikey offered. He was worried about how little Leo was eating lately and he knew he wasn't the only one; but it wasn't as though they could force him to eat if he didn't want to. Well, Mikey supposed they could, but they weren't there yet.
"I'm just going to have some juice," Leo said as he stood and headed over to the fridge, hand on the now slightly swollen curve of his lower plastron.
"You should really try to eat something," Donnie said, frowning at him.
"I'll try to eat something later, but I'm just not really hungry," Leo said as he pulled out a glass and filled it. "I don't think I'd keep it down even if I did try to eat."
"Can't ya get him something for that, Don?" Raph asked, as he finished off Leo's breakfast. "Ain't this whole being sick thing supposed ta have stopped by now."
"In theory we would have hoped to see an improvement," Donnie admitted. "But even regular human pregnancies are unpredictable and this is hardly that. But I will look into it."
"My sons."
Splinter's voice drew all of their attention. Their father was standing in the kitchen doorway with a bag slung over his shoulder and a serious expression on his face.
"Sensei?" Leo greeted questioningly.
"Are you going somewhere?" Donnie asked, putting his fork down and giving their father his full attention. "Is something wrong?"
"Do not worry yourself, Donatello. Nothing is wrong," Splinter told him. "But yes, I must leave for a time and do not know when I will return."
"Wait, you're really leaving?" Mikey asked worriedly, glancing over at each of his brothers and finding them with expressions of concern and confusion. Clearly this was as much news to them as it was to him. "Why?"
"I am, Michelangelo," Splinter confirmed before turning his gaze to Leo. "I have decided I shall attempt to locate Usagi Miyamoto. There is much he should know."
"Father," Leo implored, worry written all over his face. "Maybe I should come with you."
"No," Splinter stated. "That is out of the question, Leonardo. You will remain here, where I can be assured of your safety."
Leo opened his mouth to argue.
"This is not up for debate," Splinter added firmly. "This journey is potentially treacherous and unsuitable for someone in your current condition. My decision on this is final, Leonardo. I am going alone."
With a small huff, Leo snapped his mouth closed, his head bowing. And although Mikey could see there was still much he wanted to say, Leo held his tongue. Mikey was only surprised he'd given up without more of a fight, but then Leo had been weirdly quiet ever since they'd found out about the baby.
"I may be gone some time," Splinter told them. "Raphael, I trust you will take care of your brothers."
"Wait. Me?" Raph questioned with surprise, glancing between his brothers as though expecting them to argue.
None of them said anything as Raph turned back to Splinter once more, though Mikey didn't miss the hurt expression on Leo's face.
"Yes, Raphael, you," Splinter confirmed with a small smile. "While Leonardo's condition is… as it is, I ask that you lead your brothers. Though please do so with care, and listen to Leonardo's advice whenever he offers it; he has much wisdom to share."
"We'll all take care of each other," Donnie promised diplomatically as he got up from his seat and approached Splinter. "But please come back to us soon," he added, pulling their father into a tight embrace.
Mikey hurried forward, pulling Splinter into a hug the moment Donnie released him.
"I shall return as soon as I am able," Splinter promised, patting Mikey's shoulder as he pulled back before turning to Leonardo. "And I hope, my son, I will not return alone."
"Yeah, drag that rabbit back here," Raph agreed enthusiastically. "Kickin' 'n' screamin' if ya have ta. I got a few questions for him myself.
"Raph!" Leo protested, throwing his arms in the air.
"My sons, please, do not fight among yourselves," Splinter chastised. "Be kind to one another in my absence. And Leonardo, rest assured, I have no intention of using any unnecessary violence against Usagi or anyone else."
"I know, father," Leo said, though Mikey didn't think he sounded entirely reassured. "Just… stay safe and come back to us."
"My highest priority," Splinter assured him with a gentle smile, before turning to head out of the kitchen, pausing only to rest a hand on Raph's shoulder for a moment on his way past. He glanced back at them once more before leaving.
"Soooo," Mikey said, when the silence continued to hang over them.
"I'm going to lie down," Leo told them, all but sprinting from the room.
"Should we follow him?" Donnie suggested, looking nervous. "Just make sure he isn't going to try and follow Dad through any portals."
"I'll go, you guys finish eating," Mikey said, turning off the stove. "He probably just needs a good hug anyway. And we all know there's no better hug than a Mikey-hug," he declared as he backed out of the room. "Yo, Leo," he called after his brother and he turned and hurried after him.
Leo, who was already at his bedroom door, turned and glared daggers.
"Just me," Mikey said, approaching with his hands raised in surrender. "Just didn't wanna leave you to mope alone."
"I'm not moping," Leo grumbled.
Mikey snorted. "You're totally moping, dude," he said, patting Leo on the shell. "It's cool, I get it. I'd probably be a total grump too if my super-ninja rat-dad put my little brother in charge while he went to hunt down my older and fluffier baby-daddy."
Leo blinked at him, expression twisted into something unreadable.
"But," Mikey plowed on, "if Dad does bring Usagi home, then that's gonna be awesome, right?" he asked hopefully. "Then he'll be a real part of this family. Like, forever."
"You're forgetting one thing, Mikey," Leo said firmly, brow furrowed. "This isn't Usagi's home; his home is out there, and last I checked, he had no desire to change that. Even if father does manage to bring Usagi back with him, I won't trap him here, Mikey. I won't do that."
"Yeah, but… the baby," Mikey pointed out a little desperately.
"Is my responsibility," Leo stated bluntly, almost angrily. "Look, Mikey, I'm really tired. I didn't sleep well," he added with a sigh. "I just want to take a nap for a few hours. Okay?"
"Right," Mikey said sadly, stepping back half a pace, giving Leo space to move into his room and shut the door, leaving Mikey alone in the hallway.
He knew Leo cared about Usagi, that had never really been a secret. And now he knew that… things had happened between them, he had no doubt that those feelings went both ways; Usagi was far too honorable and all that to have just slept with Leo for a bit of fun. No; Mikey was sure that Usagi's feelings for Leo ran just as deep as Leo's. And he was already sure that when Splinter returned with the Samurai, that Usagi was going to want to be nowhere but by Leo's side.