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Raph and Leo had been at each other's throats for weeks now, arguments and fights becoming a daily occurrence. It had been obnoxious, but tolerable. Until it got Mikey hurt that is.
The mission started out as usual: Leo had shouted a half baked plan and sprang into action. Raph insisted they ignore said plan and do his thing instead. Their efforts clashed, causing the mission to fail and the brothers to argue. The difference this time was Mikey had gotten caught in the crossfire. As per Raph's instruction, their youngest brother had charged the villain just as Leo was attempting to portal them away. Both turtle and fiend were sent plunging into the canal. Leo hadn't even noticed.
Donnie dived into the water without a moments hesitation. He was the strongest swimmer out of all of them, zipping through the water and retrieving Mikey in a matter of seconds. He had to fight off the dog Yokai trying to drown his little brother, but that didn't prove too difficult. Before long, Donnie resurfaced with Mikey in his arms.
The orange clad turtle coughed and spluttered, sitting up slowly while Donnie rubbed his shell. He grinned brightly, saying, "Thanks Dee."
"Of course Angelo," replied Donnie, giving Mikey a once over, "Your arm. Did the Dog Yokai do that?"
Mikey glanced at the gash across his left forearm. "Yeah. It uh... it hurts pretty bad."
"Leo!" shouted Donnie, bringing his twin's attention away from the argument he was having with Raph. Donnie wanted to scream and shout at them but refrained for Mikey's sake. He didn't need three brothers arguing with each other. Instead, he said, "Portal us home. Mikey requires medical attention."
Raph cried out in surprise and concern but no one paid him any mind. Leo made a portal and they returned to the lair, Raph and Leo's argument having already resumed. At least Mikey's injury was being treated.
Donnie, upon noticing Mikey's minute shivering, stepped out of the med bay and into the kitchen to make some hot chocolate. However, he abandoned the endeavour a couple minutes later when he heard his brothers shouting. Stepping back into the infirmary, Donnie noticed several things that caused his blood to boil. First, Mikey's treatment was only half done. Second, Raph and Leo's argument had escalated into a full on shouting match. Third, the subject of their quarrel was Mikey himself who (fourth) was on the verge of tears, retreating slightly into his shell.
"Your recklessness has consequences Leo! Mikey's hurt and it's your fault!" bellowed Raph.
"If you had just done what I told you to for once, it wouldn't have happened!" retorted Leo.
"I can't believe your trying to turn this on me! Mikey's hurt because you refuse to take our missions seriously!"
"Mikey's hurt because you told him to rush the enemy!"
"He's hurt because you rushed into danger without a single thought for his well-being!"
"For Newton's sake, SHUT UP!" Donnie cried, effectively gaining everyone's attention. It took all his willpower not to continue shouting. Instead, he silently stepped forward, snatched the medical supplies out of Leo's hands and led Mikey out of the room. He paused in the doorway, saying, "You can quarrel all you want, but leave. Mikey. Out of it."
---
Mikey allowed Donnie to lead him away from the infirmary and into his bedroom. He sat on the bed and watched silently as his brother finished treating the gash. He wasn't as good as Leo, but it was enough.
The two sat in silence for a minute, shoulder to shoulder. After a while, Mikey whispered, "Dee?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
"Of course Angelo."
"Not just for this. Thank you for all of it."
"All of what?"
"Being here when Raph and Leo aren't. Looking out for me. I want to return the favor."
"That's not necessary."
"Of course it is. I know this is hard on you too."
"I'm fine Angelo. There's no need to worry about me."
"Come on, Dee. Don't make me bring out Dr. Feelings."
"Fine! Whatever! I admit it! The situation is... less than ideal."
"Go on..."
"I don't mind stepping in for Leo when he fails to do his job as a medic, nor am I loath to protect you and Leo in Raph's place. I'll gladly do it for as long as needed, that's not the issue."
"Then what is?"
"I... miss them. Sometimes it appears that they have... forgotten about me."
"I miss them too."
"But I'm also... really really (and that's two 'really's) angry at them. They're so caught up in their own war with each other to realize that their family is being caught in the cross fire. I can't depend on them in the same way. It's not fair."
Mikey took a moment to process that before saying, "...Your amazing Dee."
"Obviously. But uh... Just so we're on the same page-"
"Out of all my brothers, you the only one who's not being a selfish jerk right now."
"That's not a very high bar-"
"Your angry and hurt just like Leo and Raph are angry and hurt, but while they're out there shouting at each other, your in here, treating my wounds and making sure I'm okay."
"I dont-"
"I owe you an apology Dee."
"What for?"
"No one's looking out for you."
"I... Michael..." he stuttered, clearly caught off guard by the statement.
"From now on, let's look out for each other," said Mikey, looking at Donnie for the first time since the conversation started. Donnie's shocked expression contrasting with his stern one.
"I... Okay," he whispered.
Mikey beamed and tackled Donnie in a tight embrace.
"I love you Dee."
"...Love you too Michael."
After a minute or so, Donnie pulled away, shuddering. "Okay," he said, "Can we be done with all the feelings now?"
"Yup!"
"Thank Fibonacci. You want some hot chocolate?"
"Yeah!"