Until Leo says that. That one little word, much more impactful than calling him "Purple", makes Donnie stop in his tracks. And he just stares at his brother, as something, an emotion, starts welling up inside of him and he just.
Scrunches up his snout, trying to keep himself from showing anything on his face and failing.]
You're... [He chokes on his own words, not able to say anything else in this moment. Instead doing something he wouldn't normally do, as he's pulling Leo into a hug.]
Donnie-? [He repeats it again, a bit more confidently. Even if his voice is reedy still.
He's surprised by the hug, but readily holds the other turtle close. His hands settle away from Donnie's shell. The gesture more ingrained into the feral turtle than its a conscious choice.
He exhales softly, cheek pressed against his twin's shoulder.] Going- be okay.
[He sniffles a little, biting the inside of his cheek.
It feels like a weight was settling over him. Some part of him understands this is important. This is his brother, his family. His Treasure. His treasure was upset.]
Donnie, got you. [Its a promise, he wishes he could actually get his thoughts out. His voice is still weak, but he's trying.] Okay- upset.
[Donnie can't help it, he lets out a small laugh at Leo saying he's got him, and that it's okay.
It's not okay, not whatever happened to Leo in the prison dimension to make him this way, not that every time some breakthrough happens Donnie feels too much. He hates that he can't fix things, why do people (or turtles) need to be so complicated? That's why he just buries himself in his projects lately because that's something he can do.
He lets out a shaky breath as he's pulling away from the hug now.]
I know, but... You shouldn't have to, I should be the one that's got you.
[He steps back, staying standing for the moment. He's keeping some coherency in his talking for the moment.]
Together, we have each other. [He taps at his plastron, and mimes back at Donnie. He chirrups after. He lets that hand he raised settle at his throat. His voice is even thinner now, on the edge of a whisper.] mMmM much.
[The coherency just gets him, it makes him smile just a little. Hopefully he gets what Leo means, considering the other turtle is trying so hard.]
Yeah, we do have each other. [The fact that Leo's voice is on the edge of a whisper does not get past him, even as he takes a few deep breaths to steady himself.] You've talked enough for now, so don't worry about saying more, Leo.
[With improvement also comes backsliding. It isn't a surprise to the family given the progress that they've made over the last few weeks.
None of them expected the projector playing a movie would be what set their feral brother off. All it took was an explosion for the drowsy turtle to launch himself up onto his feet. His gaze is uncomprehending of his surroundings or who any of them are. He spits, hisses, and shrieks at the top of his lungs.
Raph tries to catch him, and gets bitten for his efforts. Repeatedly bitten on the arm before he is forced to let go.
Splinter is wrapping Raph's arm in fresh gauze as the largest turtle cringes a little. He looks to Donnie.]
You wanna give it a try, Donnie? I've gotten gnawed on a little already, and you might have to talk him down.
Do not pressure yourself, my son. Your brother might need time.
We definitely need to... not watch any action movies for a while still.
[It takes some searching, but Donnie can likely hear the familiar almost rhythmic taps. Following the sound would take him to the source.
A glance upwards would reveal the feral turtle hiding in a cluster of pipes. He's almost completely hidden from sight. Only his nervous tapping is sign of enough of his presence.
He seems to hear Donnie's approach and the tapping stops.]
[Donnie is purposefully not being quiet in his search for Leo, just so the other turtle isn't scared more. But yeah the tapping does get his attention and what surprises him more is just where it's coming from, as he looks upwards and squints. Trying to see if he can spot Leo in the cluster of pipes.
He has no luck in spotting his brother, especially when the tapping stops, but he's going to stay where he is and look up at the pipes.]
Leo, it's okay. You're safe, I promise.
[The words feel hollow, because if Leo can backslide like this over a movie what else is going to set the other turtle off?]
[There is some movement from above. The older turtle resituating himself. He is absolutely still now, quiet. His mind is spinning with too many thoughts and no way to be sure he's safe. He hasn't seen The Big One anywhere nearby, but where is here? What is here? It can't be real. He presses his hands against his face, breathing unsteadily.
The attempt at stealth is ruined by the low sound he's making. It isn't really a growl, or a hiss, just something strange. Almost warbly. A warning.]
[The movement catches his eye, and he focuses on that, finally spotting Leo.
He considers his options, especially considering the strange noise Leo is making now, he could stay down here or try and get up there and get closer to his brother.
Donnie decides to risk it, as he's moving to find his own way up into the pipes. Not using his battle shell to do so, as to not scare Leo more, so having to rely more on his own skills and abilities without the tech help.
Once he's up there just going to say quietly, while still giving the feral turtle space;]
[He doesn't expect someone to join him. He startles a little, plastron clanking loudly against the pipes in the process.
He warbles back, a more nervous sound now. He scrabbles back, his breathing getting more uneven. He pats at his hip as if searching for something. Old memories of surviving on the fringes of the dimension are clearer than memories of home.
His gaze lands on Donnie, but there is not a hint of recognition there. The warmth and familiarity from earlier in the day before the movie is gone.
Now it's just an animal wearing his brother's skin.]
[He's doing his best, at least he hopes. But from that lack of recognition in Leo's gaze? He knows he's got his hands full.
He can't help but mutter something about how Mikey would probably be better at this than him, as he just... Scoots a little closer, reaching out with a hand towards Leo.]
Leo, come on. You're safe, you're with your treasure. Remember?
[Maybe if he keeps talking it will help. He hopes it helps, even as he's trying his best to be careful while approaching Leo.]
[The feral turtle just ends up trying to make himself smaller. Donnie gets closer, much too close.
Once the and is within range, the red-eared slider snaps out biting the hand. Unlike the bites Raph received, this is more of a warning graze of teeth.
He kicks off from the pipe, with no hint of grace. He hits the ground hard enough to cry out.]
[At the warning graze he pulls his hand back with a slight hiss, sure Leo has bitten him before but he thought they were past this. Then again with how he bit Raph earlier? Donnie should have expected this.
And then Leo goes down and cries out, so then Donnie follows after him. A bit more graceful in his landing than Leo, while still trying to give the feral turtle space. Getting the hint from the warning bite.]
Leo, are you okay? [That crying out has him concerned but also, needs to give space too.]
[The landing wasn't the worst one he's ever had, but the older feral turtle is disoriented at this point. His mind keeps flipping rapidly through his thoughts. He knows that voice, he wants to hold onto that sound, but he isn't sure just what is going on.
He just curls into himself, tensing up and readying himself for something. He shields his face and head with his arms. He whines quietly.
He keeps expecting the Big One to start beating him. If he holds still, the feral turtle knows it will be over sooner. He just needs to endure.]
[This is not good, Donnie almost thinks about shouting for the others but he knows that adding more people to this will probably just make things worse for Leo. So he's approaching the curled-up turtle carefully.]
Leo, come on... Don't. [Don't what Donnie? He doesn't know what to say as he gets closer, reaching out to just gently touch his brother now. To try and be reassuring, to just... Get Leo back.
No harsh words, just quietly going to repeat Leo's name in what he hopes is a calming manner.]
[The red-eared slider tenses under Donnie's touch, but doesn't lash out. He's deathly still. He slows his breathing as if trying to feign death. The slight shaking under Donnie's hand is sign enough he's still alive.
The lack of any blows, shouts, or anything being thrown at him is enough to start the slow process of the turtle coming back into himself.
Donnie's familiar quiet tone also helps immensely. A repeated sound the older turtle can latch onto is easing. It takes a few minutes, but the feral turtle lowers his arms cautiously.
He looks at Donnie and the recognition is back.] prrrble?
[Just what happened to Leo in the prison dimension? Part of Donnie wishes his brother was able to tell them, but another part feels like none of them would be able to accept the truth either. Considering how Leo is, the shaking just makes an angry feeling bubble up in Donnie's chest. Not at Leo but at whatever was done to his brother.
He'll just keep repeating Leo's name, and saying it's okay, not moving his hand from where it is on the older turtle.
That is until he sees the look from him and he speaks once more.]
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Until Leo says that. That one little word, much more impactful than calling him "Purple", makes Donnie stop in his tracks. And he just stares at his brother, as something, an emotion, starts welling up inside of him and he just.
Scrunches up his snout, trying to keep himself from showing anything on his face and failing.]
You're... [He chokes on his own words, not able to say anything else in this moment. Instead doing something he wouldn't normally do, as he's pulling Leo into a hug.]
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He's surprised by the hug, but readily holds the other turtle close. His hands settle away from Donnie's shell. The gesture more ingrained into the feral turtle than its a conscious choice.
He exhales softly, cheek pressed against his twin's shoulder.] Going- be okay.
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Just hearing Leo say his name though and that it's going to be okay, he can't help it. The tears come out.]
I know, I know it'll be okay. That you're going to be okay...
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It feels like a weight was settling over him. Some part of him understands this is important. This is his brother, his family. His Treasure. His treasure was upset.]
Donnie, got you. [Its a promise, he wishes he could actually get his thoughts out. His voice is still weak, but he's trying.] Okay- upset.
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It's not okay, not whatever happened to Leo in the prison dimension to make him this way, not that every time some breakthrough happens Donnie feels too much. He hates that he can't fix things, why do people (or turtles) need to be so complicated? That's why he just buries himself in his projects lately because that's something he can do.
He lets out a shaky breath as he's pulling away from the hug now.]
I know, but... You shouldn't have to, I should be the one that's got you.
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Together, we have each other. [He taps at his plastron, and mimes back at Donnie. He chirrups after. He lets that hand he raised settle at his throat. His voice is even thinner now, on the edge of a whisper.] mMmM much.
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Yeah, we do have each other. [The fact that Leo's voice is on the edge of a whisper does not get past him, even as he takes a few deep breaths to steady himself.] You've talked enough for now, so don't worry about saying more, Leo.
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charadeshand motions.He mimes cracking eggs with his hands, then points at the kitchen, raising an eye ridge.
A unspoken change of topic for both of them.]
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Yeah, yeah. I promised you more eggs, I'll get you eggs, come on.
[Not even checking if it's okay with the older teen, he'll take Leo's hand and lead him back to the kitchen.]
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He walks with Donnie, finding some ease with their proximity. Ease with the fact his Treasure is okay.
Raph pokes his head out of the kitchen, looking abashed when he sees the feral turtle.]
Look, Leo, I'm so, so, so sorry-
[The feral red eared slider shakes his head, chirruping.]
Rrred. [He's whispering now, his voice shot.]
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He also can't help but smile a little at Raph's apologizing and Leo's whisper.]
I think he gets that you didn't mean it, Raph. Or at least I hope so...
Anyway [He lets go of Leo's hand to clap his hands together.] I kind of promised Leo here more eggs.
gently bumps us ahead once again
None of them expected the projector playing a movie would be what set their feral brother off. All it took was an explosion for the drowsy turtle to launch himself up onto his feet. His gaze is uncomprehending of his surroundings or who any of them are. He spits, hisses, and shrieks at the top of his lungs.
Raph tries to catch him, and gets bitten for his efforts. Repeatedly bitten on the arm before he is forced to let go.
Splinter is wrapping Raph's arm in fresh gauze as the largest turtle cringes a little. He looks to Donnie.]
You wanna give it a try, Donnie? I've gotten gnawed on a little already, and you might have to talk him down.
Do not pressure yourself, my son. Your brother might need time.
We definitely need to... not watch any action movies for a while still.
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So when Leo has that reaction and biting Raph, it's just. Something.
At Raph's question, in the aftermath, he'll just nod.]
I'll try, no promises though.
[And he'll go to do just that, try to find his feral brother and hopefully coax him out of where ever he could be hiding now.]
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A glance upwards would reveal the feral turtle hiding in a cluster of pipes. He's almost completely hidden from sight. Only his nervous tapping is sign of enough of his presence.
He seems to hear Donnie's approach and the tapping stops.]
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He has no luck in spotting his brother, especially when the tapping stops, but he's going to stay where he is and look up at the pipes.]
Leo, it's okay. You're safe, I promise.
[The words feel hollow, because if Leo can backslide like this over a movie what else is going to set the other turtle off?]
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The attempt at stealth is ruined by the low sound he's making. It isn't really a growl, or a hiss, just something strange. Almost warbly. A warning.]
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He considers his options, especially considering the strange noise Leo is making now, he could stay down here or try and get up there and get closer to his brother.
Donnie decides to risk it, as he's moving to find his own way up into the pipes. Not using his battle shell to do so, as to not scare Leo more, so having to rely more on his own skills and abilities without the tech help.
Once he's up there just going to say quietly, while still giving the feral turtle space;]
It's okay, you're home you're safe.
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He warbles back, a more nervous sound now. He scrabbles back, his breathing getting more uneven. He pats at his hip as if searching for something. Old memories of surviving on the fringes of the dimension are clearer than memories of home.
His gaze lands on Donnie, but there is not a hint of recognition there. The warmth and familiarity from earlier in the day before the movie is gone.
Now it's just an animal wearing his brother's skin.]
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He can't help but mutter something about how Mikey would probably be better at this than him, as he just... Scoots a little closer, reaching out with a hand towards Leo.]
Leo, come on. You're safe, you're with your treasure. Remember?
[Maybe if he keeps talking it will help. He hopes it helps, even as he's trying his best to be careful while approaching Leo.]
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Once the and is within range, the red-eared slider snaps out biting the hand. Unlike the bites Raph received, this is more of a warning graze of teeth.
He kicks off from the pipe, with no hint of grace. He hits the ground hard enough to cry out.]
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And then Leo goes down and cries out, so then Donnie follows after him. A bit more graceful in his landing than Leo, while still trying to give the feral turtle space. Getting the hint from the warning bite.]
Leo, are you okay? [That crying out has him concerned but also, needs to give space too.]
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He just curls into himself, tensing up and readying himself for something. He shields his face and head with his arms. He whines quietly.
He keeps expecting the Big One to start beating him. If he holds still, the feral turtle knows it will be over sooner. He just needs to endure.]
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Leo, come on... Don't. [Don't what Donnie? He doesn't know what to say as he gets closer, reaching out to just gently touch his brother now. To try and be reassuring, to just... Get Leo back.
No harsh words, just quietly going to repeat Leo's name in what he hopes is a calming manner.]
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The lack of any blows, shouts, or anything being thrown at him is enough to start the slow process of the turtle coming back into himself.
Donnie's familiar quiet tone also helps immensely. A repeated sound the older turtle can latch onto is easing. It takes a few minutes, but the feral turtle lowers his arms cautiously.
He looks at Donnie and the recognition is back.] prrrble?
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He'll just keep repeating Leo's name, and saying it's okay, not moving his hand from where it is on the older turtle.
That is until he sees the look from him and he speaks once more.]
Yeah, it's me. Purple.
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