Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Last one to the water tower gotta clean Mikey’s room for a week!” Leo’s voice rang through the crisp night air, cocky and grinning as ever.

Donnie groaned mid-flight, jetpack humming beneath him. “You mean your room. Mikey’s looks like a crime scene from a glitter explosion. I’m not risking my dignity for that.”

Leo laughed from somewhere above, flipping through a portal and landing on the water tower with effortless grace. “C’mon, Dee. Live a little! By the way I won!”

Donnie rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the twitch of a smile. The city glittered below them like a sea of lights. For a moment, it felt simple again. Quiet. Normal. Just two brothers…two twins patrolling a city that never really slept.

Then came the shimmer of unnatural magic.

A cloud of purple smoke swirled into existence on the next rooftop over, glittering with golden sparkles. The air warped. And just like that, Hypno-Potamus materialized with a flourish, cane spinning dramatically in his chubby hand.

“Ah! What a delicious coincidence! My two least favorite turtle teens,” he purred, twirling his mustache.

Leo groaned. “Ugh, not tonight, man.”

“We’re off duty,” Donnie added, already bringing his bo staff to life with a pulse of purple energy.

“Oh, but I’m on, darlings!” Hypno winked and swung his cane. A wave of magical light burst from the gem at the tip, spiraling toward them.

Leo darted forward, slashing through it with his katanas. Donnie rocketed into the sky, firing a pulse blast that disrupted the spell midair.

“Split formation!” Leo called.

“Already on it,” Donnie replied, taking to the higher vantage point while Leo danced between buildings below.

Hypno teleported—disappearing and reappearing every few seconds. They kept up, but just barely. They were dodging curses, illusions, and energy blasts. Rooftop to rooftop, the chase led them across the city until Hypno finally made his grand stand on the George Washington Bridge.

The wind was stronger here, whistling through the cables. Hypno hovered at the center, flanked by illusions of himself that shimmered in and out of reality.

“This ends now,” Donnie said, breath heavy as he landed beside Leo.

“I was literally just thinking that,” Leo grinned, katanas crackling with mystic energy.

The battle exploded in a blur of movement. Leo was a blue streak, warping and dodging, his blades slicing through Hypno’s illusions. Donnie hovered above, launching suppression pulses and calculating every angle, every teleportation pattern.

But Hypno was faster than they’d anticipated.

Donnie’s systems began to overheat. His muscles ached. Leo was visibly flagging, his breathing labored, reaction time slowing.

Then it happened.

Donnie caught a flicker of movement—a real one—not an illusion.

“LEO! ON YOUR LEFT!”

Leo turned too late.

Hypno’s cane smashed into Leo’s side with a sickening crack. His body folded from the force. Blood spattered the concrete.

Leo staggered, eyes wide with pain—and then his foot slipped on the rain-slick beam.

Donnie’s scream split the night as he extended a hand towards his twin.

“LEO!”

Unfortunately, Donnie wasn’t fast enough

Leo’s arms pinwheeled for a desperate second—then he was falling.

The sound of his twin’s body hitting the water echoed like a gunshot in Donnie’s ears.

Without thinking, Donnie moved to jump—only for Hypno to lunge at him again.

Rage flooded through him. Cold, burning rage.

Donnie snapped.

He surged forward, bo staff flashing, movements sharp and brutal. Hypno tried to blink away—but Donnie anticipated it, slamming him mid-teleport and sending him careening into a support beam.

His battle shell sparked violently. Systems overloaded. Alarms screamed in his ear

Donnie didn’t care.

He tore the shell off, letting it crash to the bridge as he sprinted to the edge.

Without hesitation, he jumped.

The water hit like concrete.

Cold. Heavy. Suffocating.

But all Donnie could think was: Find him. Find Leo.

Darkness swallowed everything below. He opened his eyes underwater, scanning wildly. His chest burned.

Come on, Leo, where are you…?

Then—blue.

Leo floated just ahead, blood mixing into the river like ink, arms limp, head bobbing.

Donnie’s heart cracked.

‘Thank the good Lord above Nardo and I are the most aquatic turtles’ Donnie thought to himself as he propelled himself towards his twin

The thought of his twin drowning made him kicked harder, fingers outstretched. He grabbed the back of Leo’s carapace, hauling him upward with everything he had.

They broke the surface. Donnie gasped and started coughing.

Leo didn’t. In fact, Leo was unresponsive

Panic gripped him.

They were drifting down the river. The city lights were far. Too far.

They were moving away from New York City

He looked around. Shallow water. Get him to shore—now.

Donnie dragged Leo toward the muddy bank, stumbling to his knees as he pulled his twin onto the shore.

His twin who appeared to not be breathing

“Leo?” he said, gently shaking him. “Come on, come on—wake up, please—”

No response.

Donnie’s hand shook as he pressed it to Leo’s chest.

No heartbeat.

He desperately placed his fingers against Leo’s wrist

No pulse

“No. No, no—no, Leo, please—don’t do this. Not again.”

Tears burned his eyes as he started compressions, his hands pressing down rhythmically, mechanically, desperately.

“Breathe, dammit! You always get up! You always—!”

He paused, gave Leo two breaths, then resumed.

“You can’t leave me. Not like this. Not again— I just got you back. You promised, Leo—!”

He choked on a sob, slamming his palms against Leo’s chest with renewed force. “You promised you’d never make me watch you die again!”

He gave another breath. More compressions. The world narrowed to the sound of his fists hitting Leo’s plastron and the ache in his chest.

“I can’t lose you again Leo. I need you. I-I need my twin” Donnie sobbed as his compressions became weaker “Please come back to me”

And then—

A gasp.

Leo jerked, coughing violently, water spewing from his mouth. He clutched his ribs, wheezing and gagging as Donnie scrambled to hold him upright.

“Leo?!”

“D-Don?” Leo croaked, voice barely there. “Wh…what happened?”

Donnie yanked him into a crushing hug, sobbing openly into his shoulder.

“You absolute—moron,” he choked. “You scared the shell out of me.”

Leo coughed again, leaning weakly against him. “M’bad.”

They stayed like that for a long minute, just breathing. Two halves of the same whole feeling each other heartbeats.

Eventually, Leo shifted with a groan. “Where… are we?”

Donnie looked around, squinting at the skyline. “Far,” he muttered. “Way too far. We got carried by the current. I think we’re in New Jersey.”

Leo slumped dramatically into Donnie’s side. “Oh, come on…”

Donnie managed a watery laugh, relief still soaking his bones.

But then, sobered, he asked, “Can you portal us home?”

Leo shook his head slowly. “Katanas are gone. And I’m… tapped out. Nothing left.”

Donnie frowned. “My battle shell is back on the bridge. I toss it when I dived in after you, so looks like we are not flying home”

They stared at each other for a beat.

Then Leo gave a tired grin. “Guess we’re walking.”

Donnie sighed, but nodded. He helped Leo up, slinging one of his arms over his shoulder.

Their hands found each other’s instinctively, interlocking.

“Let’s go home,” Donnie said softly.

And they walked.

Chapter Text

The world felt unnaturally quiet.

The distant hum of highway traffic echoed like ghosts, muffled by the wind and the lapping waters of the Hudson. The moon was high, casting a soft glow over the muddy bank where two shivering turtle mutants stood.

Leo staggered a bit as they finally moved inland, his limbs still trembling from the cold and the trauma. His blood had stopped flowing in thick streams, but his side still throbbed sharply with every step. Donnie had looped his arm firmly around Leo’s waist, holding him steady as they walked.

It wasn’t raining anymore, but the summer heat had long given way to the cooler breath of September nights. And with no hoodies, no protective gear—just their bandages, pads, and still-damp skin—the cold cut deep.

Leo coughed lightly, trying to play it off. “Could be worse,” he said, his voice rasping. “Could’ve drifted off into the—” sniff “—the Atlantic Ocean. Lost at sea forever.” Leo paused for a minute, realizing what he just said “Oh wait no never mind. Jersey is so much worst”

Donnie gave him a sideways glance. “Your humor is as dry as our nonexistent clothing.”

Leo smirked faintly but winced immediately afterward, hand clutching at his bruised ribs. The blood loss had sapped most of his strength, and Donnie could feel how much Leo was leaning on him.

“No phone, no portal, no jetpack. Honestly, I’m impressed we made it to land,” Donnie muttered, scanning their path. It was industrial on this side of the river—some warehouses, fences, gravel. No foot traffic at this hour, thankfully.

“We’ll… make it,” Leo whispered.

Donnie exhaled slowly. “Phones are probably sitting at the bottom of the Hudson right now. But it’s fine. I’ll either repair them or build new ones when we get back.”

Leo grinned weakly. “New phones? Sweet. Put that in the 'bright side' column.”

Donnie didn’t smile back this time. He kept his eyes ahead, jaw tight.

Every few blocks, Leo’s steps grew uneven, and Donnie would halt them gently. “Break time,” he’d say, not waiting for Leo to argue.

And every time, Leo collapsed onto the nearest flat surface—an abandoned loading dock, a broken crate, once even a patch of grass—and Donnie would kneel behind him, arms pulling Leo against his chest, soaking in the warmth.

Leo never fought the closeness. Not anymore.

He curled into Donnie like it was instinct, like he needed it.

“Your shell’s really warm,” Leo murmured during one such stop, voice soft with fatigue. “You’re like a built-in space heater.”

“You’re lucky I run hot,” Donnie mumbled, shifting slightly to shield Leo from the breeze.

Leo chuckled, but the sound quickly faded.

Donnie rested his chin on top of Leo’s head, arms tight around his twin’s frame.

He couldn’t help it. Every time he blinked, he saw Leo’s lifeless body drifting under the water again. The stillness. The silence. That horrible second of no heartbeat.

“Donnie,” Leo said quietly, sensing the tension in his grip. “I’m here” He nuzzled against Donnie’s chest before cupping his cheek “I’m right here…thanks to you”

Donnie closed his eyes, his voice barely a whisper. “You fell. And I couldn’t catch you.”

“You still found me.”

“I had to bring you back.”

“I know” Leo said softly, before bumping their foreheads together “But I’m not going anywhere. Not again.”

Donnie swallowed hard.

“I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you again,” he admitted. “It would destroy me, Leo.”

There was silence. Not awkward or cold—just heavy with shared weight.

Finally, Leo tilted his head back enough to look up at him, eyes soft and clear under the moonlight. “You won’t lose me. Not while we’re still walking side by side.”

Donnie didn’t answer. But he let out a long breath—and nodded.

Eventually, the exhaustion caught up with them. Their legs felt like lead. Their feet ached. And the temperature was dropping.

“We’re not gonna make it far like this,” Leo muttered. “We need to stop.”

Donnie agreed, reluctantly. He scouted ahead a little and found a hidden alcove between two rusted-out trailers behind an abandoned lot. It wasn’t ideal, but it shielded them from the wind.

Leo settled down with a groan, stretching out slowly. “So… what, we’re camping now?”

Donnie lowered himself beside him, sitting with his back to the wall. “We’ll continue in the morning. Once you’ve rested.”

Leo hesitated, then without a word, scooted close and curled up against Donnie’s side. His head rested on Donnie’s plastron, and his arms wrapped loosely around his twin’s waist.

Donnie blinked. “Are you… chirping?”

Leo hummed softly, a contented noise vibrating in his throat. “Yeah. You’re warm. You’re safe. You’re mine.”

Donnie rolled his eyes, but his voice betrayed him—gentle and amused. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Mmhm. You still love me though” Leo mumbled sleepily

Donnie smiled softly as he nuzzled the top of Leo’s head “Yeah…I do. And you’re mine too. My twin. My other half. My heart”

Donnie let his own arms encircle Leo’s form, drawing his brother close as Leo snuggled in. His soft shell pressed against the back of Leo’s head, acting as a makeshift pillow.

The wind whispered around them.

The moon kept watch.

And for a while, it was still.

But Donnie couldn’t sleep.

Even with Leo’s warmth beside him, even with his brother’s familiar scent and soft sounds, his mind wouldn’t stop racing. What if Hypno comes back? What if Leo crashes again? What if we don't make it? What if I fall asleep and something happens to him?

Leo’s breathing shifted slightly. It was clear that he haven’t fallen asleep yet

“Don?” he murmured.

Donnie tensed slightly. “Yeah?”

Leo moved just enough to press a gentle kiss to Donnie’s forehead.

“Try to sleep,” Leo whispered. “You’ve got me, okay? We’ll worry about everything else in the morning.”

The quiet sincerity in his voice finally cut through the fog.

Donnie sighed.

And as Leo tightened his arms around him protectively, Donnie let himself relax. The rise and fall of Leo’s chest. The soft puffs of breath. The solid warmth above him.

It was enough.

Slowly, finally… Donnie drifted off.

Chapter Text

Morning came too fast.

The faint orange glow on the horizon painted the edge of the sky, and the cold morning mist clung to the earth like a second skin. Donnie stirred before Leo did, blinking against the fog, the chill of the morning already gnawing at his arms.

But what truly stirred him was the brightness creeping over the rooftops.

Sunrise.

And with it, danger.

“Leo,” Donnie whispered urgently, shaking him gently. “Leo, get up. We don’t have much time.”

Leo groaned, blinking slowly as he stretched his aching limbs. “Morning already…?”

“Yes,” Donnie said, already standing and scanning their surroundings. “And with sunlight comes people. Cars. Civilians. Cameras. And I unfortunately don't have any of my tech with me to disable the cameras”

Leo sat up, sluggish but alert enough to catch Donnie’s tone. “Okay, okay, I’m up.”

It didn’t take much longer for them to gather what little they had

Which was absoutely nothing.

The only thing they carried was exhaustion and each other.

The streets were still mostly empty as it was really early in the morning, but that would change in less than an hour.

Leo winced as he walked, still limping slightly, but his jaw was set with determination.

Donnie noticed.

“You sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine,” Leo said a little too quickly. “We need to move fast.”

“You’re still bleeding.”

Leo narrowed his eyes at Donnie and gritted through his teeth: “We need to move, Donnie.”

That was the problem.

They were both on edge. The early morning light felt too exposed, too risky. Every turn of a corner held the potential of being seen. The further they got from the water, the more populated the streets became.

Fear settled between their ribs like ice.

Leo pushed forward faster, his steps growing more aggressive.

“Slow down,” Donnie warned, jogging a little to keep up. “Leo, seriously. You’re going to make it worse.”

“We don’t have time,” Leo snapped, teeth gritted against the pain. “We’re not safe. You said it yourself.”

“I know what I said,” Donnie bit back, frustration bubbling over. “But if you pass out again or collapse in front of a pedestrian, what exactly do you expect me to do—wave and say ‘don’t mind us, just a couple of mutant turtles on a death march’?”

Leo stopped walking, turning sharply. “Well maybe if someone had caught me before I fell—!”

The words slipped before he could stop them.

Donnie froze. His breath caught in his throat, and for a second, neither of them moved.

Leo’s eyes widened. “Don—I didn’t mean—”

“Don’t,” Donnie said quietly, fists clenched, feeling like he was just stabbed in the heart...and it hurt even more that it was his twin who said it. “Don’t you dare throw that at me. You think I don’t relive it every time I blink?”

Leo’s voice softened, guilt overtaking the fire. “I know. I know you tried—”

Donnie looked up with a wet sheen in his eyes, a lone tear escaping and Leo felt his heart break, the guilt immediately setting in “I watched you fall. I heard your body hit the water. I thought you were gone, Leo.” Donnie sniffled as he wiped away his tears "I thought I had lost you...again"

The street remained silent for a heartbeat. The twins were silent for a heartbeat, with Donnie trying to control himself and Leo trying to find the words to fix this and to erase that sad look off his twin's face

Then the soft rumble of an approaching car shattered the stillness.

They weren’t alone anymore.

A figure turned the corner up ahead—jogging, hoodie pulled up, earbuds in. But if they looked left, they’d see two tall, green figures standing under the early morning sun.

“Move,” Donnie hissed, grabbing Leo’s arm.

They bolted into the nearest alleyway, ducking behind a dumpster and pressing against the brick wall. Leo’s injured side made him hiss softly, but Donnie held him tight, hand over Leo’s mouth just in case.

The jogger’s shadow passed.

Then nothing.

The twins remained frozen in fear, breathing together in silence, clinging to each other as if letting go might make the other disappear again.

Finally, the sounds faded.

They stayed quiet for a minute longer before Donnie slowly removed his hand.

Leo slumped a little, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry.”

Donnie nodded slowly. “Me too.”

They sat there a moment longer, knees pulled close, hunched together in the shade.

“This sucks,” Leo said after a beat.

“Agreed.”

Leo turned slightly, looking Donnie in the eye. “We can’t keep doing that. Snapping at each other. Saying things that we don't mean and hurting each other feelings”

Donnie nodded again. “Won’t get us home any faster.”

Leo exhaled. “I’ll stop trying to be a hero. I'll try to stay and not leave you guys anymore. I want to be here for you”

“I appreciate that Leo...and I’ll stop hovering like you’re made of glass. You may be my little bro, but you are also my twin. Which makes you my equal.” Donnie thought for a minute before he added "That don't mean that my protective side won't come out every now and then"

Leo shrugged his shoulders "Eh...that's fair"

They shared a weak smile—tired but genuine.

Leo leaned in again, his energy clearly fading. “If you don’t mind… I think I’d rather walk with your help again.”

Donnie immediately shifted to support him, one arm under Leo’s as he helped his twin stand. “You sure? Might mean more hugging.”

Leo snorted softly. “Guess I’ll just have to suffer.”

Their steps were slower now, but steadier. Donnie kept Leo close, one hand always curled around Leo’s wrist like a grounding tether.

They didn’t talk much after that.

But their silence was no longer afraid.

Chapter Text

Night returned with its saving grace of shadows.

The world was quieter again. The warm buzz of city life had dulled into distant lights and occasional traffic. The twins sat beneath the skeletal remains of an abandoned billboard off the highway, tucked into its steel support structure and wrapped in each other’s warmth.

Leo’s head rested on Donnie’s shoulder, his breathing still shallow but steadier than it had been. Donnie’s arm cradled him close, eyes sharp as ever, scanning the horizon for danger—or hope.

“We can move in a little while,” Donnie murmured.

Leo gave a tired nod. “Night’s still ours, right?”

“For a few more hours,” Donnie confirmed. “Long enough to make a little more progress.”

They stood again, slowly, wearily, and began walking. Quietly, carefully, with Donnie holding Leo up when his limp grew too noticeable. They moved in short bursts—half a block, then a rest. Donnie took every chance to calm his racing heart and check Leo’s pulse. Leo never complained about the stops, though he grew quieter with every one.

Eventually, after what felt like hours of careful maneuvering through side roads and industrial areas, they reached a break in the night: the border between New Jersey and Staten Island.

Leo squinted ahead at the sign.

“Ugh. Staten Island?”

“I know,” Donnie said grimly. “Not ideal. At least it is better than Jersey”

“I’d rather crawl back into the river.”

Donnie didn’t answer.

Because now, they had a problem.

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge stretched ahead of them, a long artery of steel and concrete connecting the two states. The river it crossed was dark and wide—and uninvitingly cold. Even at night, occasional cars rolled over the bridge. Too few for cover. Too many to go unseen.

Donnie stared. Leo did too.

Neither spoke at first.

Then Leo said softly, “I… I don’t want to go back in the water, Dee.”

Donnie looked at him. Leo’s voice was quiet, almost ashamed.

“I’m still sore… I’m not sure I’d make it across.”

Donnie nodded slowly. “Okay.”

Leo blinked. “Okay?”

“I said I wouldn’t leave you again,” Donnie replied, his voice solid. “We’ll take the bridge. We’ll be fast. Quiet. Shadows all the way.”

Leo hesitated, then gave a slow nod.

Before they moved, Donnie turned toward him and opened his arms.

Leo didn’t need to be asked twice. He melted into the hug, burying his face into Donnie’s plastron, arms curling tight around him.

“Ready?” Donnie asked quietly.

Leo took a shaky breath. “No. But let’s go anyway.”

Together, they stepped onto the bridge.

Their feet barely made a sound against the concrete, their forms barely noticeable in the low orange glow of the old street lamps. Donnie kept one arm around Leo’s waist, holding him steady. The wind whipped harder here, unobstructed by buildings.

They moved fast.

Or, as fast as Leo’s condition allowed.

Halfway across, Donnie saw a car’s headlights flicker around the curve of the bridge. He pulled Leo into the shadows of a support beam, waiting for it to pass. One car. Two. A third.

Then, they went for it again.

They almost made it.

Almost.

Leo’s foot caught on a crack in the concrete. He cried out sharply, collapsing to one knee. His hand flew to his side—his already tender injury.

“Leo!” Donnie dropped beside him. “Talk to me—”

“Hurts—hurts—!” Leo gasped, clutching at his side.

Without a second thought, Donnie swept him up into a bridal hold. He heard the crunch of another car coming and didn’t care.

Let them see, his mind spat. Let them all look. I’m getting my twin out of here.

Leo cried out again when Donnie started running.

“Shhh… shhh, I got you,” Donnie whispered, trying to soften his voice even through the panic. “It’s okay. It’s almost over. We’re almost safe.”

Leo whimpered, his head pressing weakly into Donnie’s shoulder. “It hurts…”

“I know. Just hold on. Please, Leo. Just a little longer.”

Donnie reached the far end of the bridge and ducked into the first alleyway he found—a narrow gap behind a fenced-in junkyard. The darkness swallowed them whole. He dropped to his knees, carefully laying Leo down.

Leo trembled in pain, his face slick with sweat.

Donnie immediately got to work. No supplies. No proper medical gear. Just makeshift wrappings.

He tore the remaining cloth from Leo’s arm guards. Pulled off his own wraps. Tied them around the worst of Leo’s wounds, layering them for pressure. He was careful, gentle—but quick.

Please don’t get worse. Please let this be enough.

He stared at Leo’s mask and considered it for a second, but shook his head. Not unless I have no choice.

When he finally leaned back, Leo was trembling—and crying.

Silently.

Donnie reached for him. “Leo? What’s wrong?”

Leo flinched.

And shifted just out of Donnie’s reach.

It felt like a knife through his chest.

“Leo…?” Donnie whispered, voice cracking.

“I’m sorry,” Leo whispered back, the tears finally spilling. “I’m so sorry, Dee…”

Donnie froze, unsure what to say.

Leo curled into himself, shaking harder now. “I—I’m a liability. I’m slowing us down. I got us into this mess. It was my idea to go on patrol. If I’d been faster, if I’d seen Hypno coming… maybe you wouldn’t’ve had to—”

Leo’s voice broke.

And then, in the smallest voice Donnie had ever heard him use, Leo whispered:

“Maybe it would’ve been better if you just left me. In the water. I wouldn’t’ve felt it.”

That was it.

Donnie snapped forward, yanking Leo into the fiercest hug he could manage, crushing their bodies together.

“Don’t you ever say that again!” Donnie sobbed. “Not ever!”

Leo let out a choked gasp as Donnie buried his face into his neck.

“You’re not a burden. You’re not a liability. You’re my brother—my precious baby twin—and I love you more than anything!”

He pulled back slightly, cupping Leo’s tear-streaked face, his own cheeks wet with emotion. “I didn’t catch you fast enough. I wasn’t fast enough. That moment—watching you fall, watching you die for even just a moment—will haunt me forever. But I’d never leave you. Never.”

Leo shook his head, tears falling faster now. “I’m sorry—I just… I didn’t want you to hurt because of me.”

“I’d rather hurt than lose you,” Donnie said, forehead pressed against Leo’s. “You’re the best part of my life, Nardo. The funniest, brightest, most annoying dum-dum I’ve ever known. You’re everything to me.”

Leo collapsed into him again, clinging to Donnie with all his strength as broken sobs escaped his lips. “I love you, Dee…”

Donnie held him like the world could shatter at any second.

“I love you too. So much. We go down together, remember?”

“Disaster twins for life,” Leo whispered hoarsely.

They didn’t speak again. Not for a long time.

Eventually, they curled up in the small shelter they’d found, huddled together. Donnie propped himself against the wall, letting Leo use his chest as a pillow. His arms wrapped protectively around his twin as Leo’s breathing slowed.

Leo chirped quietly. A sleepy, vulnerable sound.

“Thanks Dee… I love you.”

He was out instantly.

Donnie stayed awake, brushing his fingers through Leo’s bandana tails, staring at nothing. His chest ached—not from exhaustion, but from how broken Leo had sounded. How long had he been carrying that? How close had I come to losing him completely…?

Donnie made a silent promise.

No more doubt. No more pain without reassurance. I will show him every day what he means to me.

He kissed Leo’s forehead softly, whispering against his skin:

“Sweet dreams, Nardo. I love you.”

Then he curled tighter around Leo.

And just before sleep claimed him, one final thought anchored him in peace.

Almost home.

Chapter Text

The morning air was crisp and still heavy with the lingering chill of night. Dew clung to every leaf and blade of grass as the soft hum of an awakening world stirred in the distance. Donnie adjusted the wrappings around Leo’s legs, tightening them just enough to provide some support without causing discomfort. The sunrise barely touched the horizon, casting long shadows over the two battered twins as they packed up the last of their makeshift shelter.

Leo wordlessly crawled over and climbed onto Donnie’s back with a soft groan, arms wrapped securely around his twin’s shoulders, his cheek resting against the base of Donnie’s neck. His body was still sore, still aching from the fall, but there was comfort in being carried—comfort in the solid strength of his twin’s arms, in the steady rhythm of Donnie’s steps, in the quiet unspoken love radiating between them.

“You okay back there?” Donnie asked gently, already knowing the answer but needing to check.

Leo nuzzled against him with a quiet, “Better now.”

Donnie smiled faintly, tightening his grip beneath Leo’s thighs as he nuzzled him back. “Then we keep going.”

They moved in silence for a while, the only sounds being Donnie’s steady breathing and the occasional flutter of Leo’s whispered turtle chirps—barely audible murmurs of gratitude and soft reminders of presence. They didn’t talk much. Words felt too big, too clumsy for how much they’d been through. But their silences were full, heavy with the things they couldn’t say and the bond that made speaking almost unnecessary.

When they finally stepped foot onto Staten Island, something shifted in the air. Donnie’s feet faltered slightly. Leo tightened his grip around Donnie’s neck.

This place… This was the site of the final battle. Of the Technodrome crashing. Of Leo’s sacrifice.

Donnie’s knees buckled for just a second, and he instinctively crouched low, setting Leo down beside him. His hands trembled as his mind filled with the vivid memory—Leo standing there, weapon in hand, eyes set with terrifying resolve as he opened the portal and hurled himself and the Krang into that wretched, endless dimension.

Donnie’s breathing hitched.

He remembered screaming.

He remembered falling to his knees, unable to stop sobbing, unable to understand how to exist in a world where his other half wasn’t coming back.

Next to him, Leo went rigid.

His vision blurred. He wasn’t on Staten Island anymore—he was back in that moment, being crushed by Krang Prime’s monstrous limbs, feeling the life being drained from him, hearing his brothers scream his name as he faded into the prison dimension.

Donnie turned toward him at once. “Leo—Leo, look at me. It’s okay. Breathe. You’re here.”

“I—” Leo stammered, “I’m sorry, I just—I remember—”

“I know,” Donnie whispered, grabbing both sides of Leo’s face. “Me too.”

Their foreheads pressed together, the world around them softening into quiet.

“I’m here,” Leo whispered.

Donnie nodded, tears already welling in his eyes. “You’re here. You’re alive” Whether Donnie was saying it for his comfort or Leo’s was unknown

“I’m not going anywhere again,” Leo swore, voice shaking. “No more sacrifices. No more portals. No more leaving.”

Donnie let out a trembling breath and pulled Leo into a tight hug, arms squeezing fiercely like he could anchor Leo to this world, to this moment, to him. He wanted Leo to stay attached at his hip, literally at his hip, so badly. He never wanted to leave Leo out of his sight again. If that meant somehow finding a way where he could fuse them together, so be it

He loved his twin so much that he was willing to do whatever it took to keep his twin with him forever

“You promise?” he whispered.

Leo nodded against his shoulder. “I promise, Dee. I’m here to stay. Forever.”

Donnie didn’t respond with words. Instead, he held Leo until the panic faded, until they both remembered how to breathe again. Then, gently, he helped Leo back onto his back, arms securing around his legs like a lifeline.

“Okay,” Donnie murmured. “Let’s keep going.”

Luckily, they were near the harbor now. The traffic was light. Early commuters or shipping workers, no crowds, no stares. It gave them enough cover to keep moving, sticking to the shadows of warehouses and quiet roads.

“Once we get through Staten Island,” Donnie said softly, “we’ll find a way to contact our brothers. Maybe we can sneak a signal through or find a safe spot to drop a portal anchor.”

“Sounds good…” Leo’s voice was sleepy, slurred from exhaustion but still warm. “Just… not water, okay?”

Donnie gave a soft chuckle, patting Leo’s arm and squeezing it gently. “No water. Promise.”

They finally reached a ridge that gave them a view of the city skyline across the water—New York in all its chaotic, polluted, beautiful glory. The sun was rising now, golden light spilling over the buildings like a promise.

Leo stared in awe, arms tightening around Donnie’s chest. “It’s beautiful…oh how I missed it”

Donnie’s lips curved into a soft, tired smile. “New York. What a town.”

Leo hummed, shifting slightly to rest his head against Donnie’s shoulder again. “Thank you… for everything… for being my twin.”

Donnie blinked back fresh tears. He reached up and grabbed Leo’s arm, squeezing gently. Then he tilted his head, pressing a kiss to his twin’s cheek.

“I’m grateful for you too, Nardo,” he whispered. “I love you more than anything.”

They touched foreheads one last time, eyes closed, breaths mingling.

Then Leo snuggled against Donnie’s shell and said, “Let’s go home.”

With the skyline ahead and his baby twin on his back, Donnie took the first step forward.

The last leg of their journey had begun.

Chapter Text

The early morning light cast long shadows across the edge of Staten Island as the twins made their way out of the borough. Though it was quieter here, the closer they got to the city, the more careful they had to be. Donnie adjusted the straps of Leo’s weight across his back, not once complaining. Leo, though still weak, clung gently to his twin, sensing the tension in his muscles.

It had been about an hour when Leo finally broke the silence.

“Dee… you’re slowing down.” His voice was quiet, full of concern. “Do you want me to get off for a bit?”

Donnie didn’t look back. “No. I’m good.” His tone was firm, but there was a breathlessness to it. “We’re so close, Leo. We can’t stop now. Not when we’re this close to home.”

Leo didn’t push. Instead, he simply tightened his arms around Donnie and rested his chin on his twin’s shoulder. “I’m here, Dee,” he whispered. “I’ve got you.”

Another hour passed, the buildings of New York City gradually rising around them like steel giants welcoming them home. The moment they stepped foot on familiar ground, their eyes widened. The skyline… the streets… the rhythm of their city. They were back.

They were home

Leo let out a choked laugh, and Donnie dropped to his knees, both of them shaking from exhaustion and emotion.

“We did it, Dee,” Leo whispered, tears blurring his vision.

Donnie nodded quickly, wrapping his arms around his twin. “We did it, Nardo.”

As they held each other, a flash of orange zipped past their vision—then red.

The world slowed.

“Wait—was that—?” Donnie gasped.

Leo squinted. “Mikey…? Raph?!”

Donnie didn’t hesitate. He picked Leo up and placed him back on top of his shell. Adrenaline shot through him like lightning, and despite his fatigue, he scrambled up the nearest fire escape. Reaching the rooftop, the twins screamed in unison:

“RAPH! MIKEY!!”

Across the rooftop, both red and orange-clad figures paused mid-step. At the sound of those voices—ones they thought they’d never hear again—Mikey whipped around first. His eyes went wide, and before any words could be formed, his eyes welled up with tears and he bolted.

“Leo! Donnie!” Mikey cried out as he ran towards his long lost brothers

“Mikey!!” Donnie gasped, quickly setting Leo down as Mikey launched into them.

The three brothers collapsed into a heap, Mikey clinging to them like his life depended on it. “I thought—I thought I’d never see you again,” he sobbed. “I was so scared—I missed you both so much—”

Leo and Donnie clutched Mikey close, eyes squeezed shut as they kissed the top of his head. “We missed you too, Mikey. So much. It’s okay. We’re okay now.”

Raph had yet to move, frozen at the edge of the rooftop, mouth agape. Tears welled up in his eyes as he slowly approached.

“…Leo? Donnie?” His voice cracked.

Leo and Donnie turned to him, tears streaking down their faces.

Raph’s hands trembled as he reached out, cupping both their cheeks gently, as if touching a dream. The second his calloused fingers met skin, both twins broke into sobs again.

“It’s us,” Donnie whispered. “We’re here. We’re really here.”

Raph let out a choked sob, pulling them both in. “My babies. My precious baby brothers. I thought—I thought you were gone—I thought I’d lost you—” His voice gave out as he held them both tight, kissing their foreheads through his tears. “I love you boys so much.”

“We love you too, Raphie,” Leo and Donnie whispered together, collapsing into their eldest brother’s arms.

Mikey soon joined them in the hug and they finally felt complete again

The rooftop held nothing but the sound of four brothers sobbing and clutching one another in a moment of raw, overwhelming relief. Minutes passed. Hours, maybe. None of them cared.

All that mattered was that they were back together and nothing could tear them apart again

Eventually, Leo let out a weak laugh through his tears. “Okay… you guys are crushing my ribs—”

Raph pulled back instantly, panic flashing across his face. “Your ribs—Leo, what happened—? Are you hurt? How bad is it—?”

Donnie stood, wiping his face as he stepped forward. “It’s… a long story. We’ll explain everything once we’re home. First priority is getting Leo to the med bay.”

Raph nodded, no hesitation. He carefully scooped Leo into his arms, holding him like something precious and fragile. Leo melted immediately into his big brother’s embrace, head dropping onto Raph’s shoulder as a low, content purr escaped him.

Donnie laughed softly, relieved to hear it. “Leo, don’t you dare fall asleep on us just yet.”

Leo tilted his head toward Donnie and smiled, warm and full of love. Then he reached out and grabbed Donnie’s hand, squeezing it gently.

Donnie smiled back, threading his fingers through Leo’s. And just like that, they began their walk home—hand in hand, brothers at their side, the lair finally within reach.