Work Text:
LEONARDO'S TRAIN CAR - MIDNIGHT
There’s the faint sound of a fan whirring in the background and the listener can hear Leonardo toss and turn in their bed. Short gasps escape his breath every now and then when suddenly, the bed creaks and Leonardo gasps. He tries to steady his breathing, and begins to calm himself down from the nightmare.
LEONARDO
You’re not there anymore, Leo. It’s over; your brother’s got you out. You’re home. You’re safe.
Leonardo is cut off by the sound of a train car door sliding open. There’s a brief pause.
LEONARDO
You didn’t hear that…did you?
Another short pause, then a sigh.
LEONARDO
You shouldn’t be awake, it’s late.
Pause.
LEONARDO
Yeah, yeah, I shouldn’t be awake either. Raph was two seconds away from letting Donnie knock me out, so I gave in. Guess that didn’t work out, haha.
Pause.
LEONARDO
Yeah sure, you can join me. Just don’t hog all the blankets.
The bed creaks as the listener sits on the bed.
LEONARDO
Why was I refusing to sleep? You know I have insomnia and…
Leonardo hesitates to speak, clearing his throat before continuing.
LEONARDO
…I get memories. Whenever I close my eyes, all I see is that place. Kraang ships and mechs, bits of broken planets and buildings floating around. It’s-
Leonardo sucks in a shaky breath.
LEONARDO
I know now it was a bad decision. Hell, I knew it even then, but it was the only way. I just-
Pause. There’s a shuffling sound which leads to silence. After a few seconds, Leonardo begins to softly cry. He does so for however you desire, with the occasional hum of affirmation every now and then. There’s shuffling again, and then Leonardo sniffles.
LEONARDO
Thanks for the hug. I needed that. Just- promise not to tell anyone?
Pause.
LEONARDO
Why? I just don’t want the others to worry about me. They have enough to deal with. I don’t want to be a burden. I’ll handle it myself.
Pause.
LEONARDO
Yes, this is me handling it. I’ve been fine this whole time. Just because you caught me this one time doesn’t mean I’m useless.
Pause.
LEONARDO
But I am. I’m a terrible leader and a terrible brother. I almost left them behind, and for what? To save the world?
Leonardo chuckles. It sounds empty, devoid of feeling.
LEONARDO
Some nights, I think about how lucky I am to have them. They’re so amazing…and I’m just the face-man. Without them, I’m nothing.
Pause.
LEONARDO
Don’t look at me like that. Please. I don’t want your pity.
Pause.
LEONARDO
But-
Pause.
LEONARDO
Okay, okay! I’ll talk to Dr. Delicate Touch. I don’t want you to get caught up in this. You deserve better.
Pause. The listener says something that flusters Leonardo, and he starts to stammer.
LEONARDO
Wh-whatddaya mean you “don’t want better,” you’re just saying that! Don’t think that cause I’m a bit flustered that I like you like that! You just- caught me off guard, that’s all!
A short pause, only a second or two. The next lines should be spoken in a lighthearted way, like a weight was lifted off Leonardo’s chest.
LEONARDO
Don’t laugh! Ugh, I cannot thrive in these conditions.
He chuckles happily, and the sound of shuffling occurs again as Leonardo readjusts himself.
LEONARDO
You can lay down too, ya know.
The shuffling occurs again, and the sound of a blanket being pulled over them is heard. There’s a comfortable silence between Leonardo and the listener.
LEONARDO
You can sleep if you want. I know I won’t.
A short pause.
LEONARDO
Fiiiine, I’ll try. Happy?
The bedsheets shift as the listener gets closer to Leonardo. The sound of soft breaths can be heard, indicating the listener is asleep. You can hear Leonardo smile as he speaks.
LEONARDO
Sleep well.
And more quietly, almost a whisper, is a confession.
LEONARDO
I love you.