a place for us

by taizi

Summary:

“Why did I say that,” Leo mutters. It doesn’t sound like a question.

Donnie answers anyway. “Because you’ve refused every single one of my attempts to get you into therapy. Telehealth exists, Nardo. We’re on a very good insurance plan.”

“Since when do we have insurance?” Raph says. He’s peering out from under the overhang into the rain, like maybe Mikey’s going to make a surprise reappearance. “Are you frauding some sleezy millionaire again?”

“Just doing my part,” Donnie says mildly.

—chapter 71, you’re gonna find yourself somewhere

Chapter 1: promises (2012)

Summary:

It's not the kind of nightmare monster big brothers can vanquish, but the strong arms around his shoulders and the steady lub-lub of Leo's heart behind all that warm cartilage are soothing in an absolute way, and it's only a few minutes before he stops shaking.

Notes:

This drabble was originally posted individually, but I've decided to include it here instead. For organizational purposes.

Mikey dreams of the Shredder taking Leo away to a terrible, dark place. And Mikey is useless and terrified, can't run fast enough or fight hard enough to make a difference, and he wakes up with the Shredder's cruel laughter and Leo's scream still ringing in his ears.

Since the whole family keeps odd hours, Leo's awake when Mikey bursts into his room. One look at his face is all it takes for Leo to sit up in bed and drop his book, reaching out with both hands.

"It was just a bad dream," Leo says gently some time later, and Mikey doesn't answer, tucking his face into the crook of his brother's neck and curling closer.

It's not the kind of nightmare monster big brothers can vanquish, but the strong arms around his shoulders and the steady lub-lub of Leo's heart behind all that warm cartilage are soothing in an absolute way, and it's only a few minutes before he stops shaking.

Even then, he's not quite ready to move yet, and Leo doesn't seem in any hurry to let him go.

"You haven't done this since we were babies," Leo murmurs, and he sounds so wistful it makes Mikey smile. When he pulls away, Leo lets him go.

"I've kinda wanted to," Mikey tells him. "Lots of times."

It makes Leo smile back, and he rubs a fond hand over Mikey's head. "Well, I'll always be here. Whenever you need me. Okay?"

"Okay," Mikey says, and leaves it at that. When he was little, with the dream still fresh in his mind, Mikey probably would have asked Leo to promise. Promise he'll always be here, promise he'll never leave. Tonight, Mikey knows better. And he knows Leo hates breaking his word.

So he takes Leo's hand, squeezing tight, and says something that makes his brother laugh. And right there, in the warmth and the candlelight, Mikey makes a promise of his own.