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twstgabrielle · 2 years

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Reading Guideline: 2012 boys will be addressed by their full names unless their brothers are talking to them. Rise boys will be addressed by their shortened versions of their names. Also their will be spoilers from both shows the further we go in so heads up y'all.

Dinner was a tense affair, filled with cautious yet curious looks from both sides of the group of turtles. Raphael especially seemed to bore holes into the other group, his green eyes sharp and protective as the group of eight ate pizza. It wasn't unusual though if Leonardo was being honest, his younger brother always was suspicious of others making sure that they were within eyesight and glaring literal daggers at anyone who looked too long at them. Not that he could blame him, after everything that he and his brothers had been through within their lifetime and the near death experiences. If anything the intense glaring was quite tame compared to what Raphael was known for doing in situations of this nature, which mostly ended up with Raphael getting into fights rather than glares.

'Gotta count my blessings when I get them, not that I have any room to judge since I've technically done the same thing.....'

The blue clad leader thought feeling a wave of slight embarrassment and guilt as he recalled his own reaction to his counterpart not so long ago. Leonardo wasn't proud of the fact that he'd pointed his twin katanas at the younger blue turtle, with the full intention of taking him down if he so much as twitched. Then again when they'd first just popped into the lair the older turtle had been relaxing and on the verge of falling asleep when his sixth sense had suddenly gone haywire, blaring warning bells and screaming at him. He could still feel the prickling sensation that erupted on his skin as the air had changed, the aura of the lair that he'd known since childhood changing into something completely foreign to him for a brief moment. It was those little things that had made him instantly awake and moving on pure instinct alone, already on his feet and unleashing his blades fully ready to take the threat down......

Leonardo shivered silently thankful that his brain had enough reason to stop the attack before he could have caused some major and irreversible damage that he knew later that he'd severely regret once the adrenaline had worn off. The leader glanced at his counterpart and saw how young he was, his face still having some of the leftover baby fat from his youth. He had to be at least fifteen or sixteen years old if Leonardo had to take a guess, basically a child in a way.

'If I hadn't stopped myself in time.....'

Leonardo shook his head to banish the horrific train of thought, not wanting to imagine how their meeting could have ended had he not gotten ahold of himself at the right time. The older turtle forced himself out of his thoughts, forcing himself into reality than in the what ifs. Dark blue eyes flickered around the room, taking small notes and observations of the people around him. The sound of Michelangelo's laughter made him look over to the youngest of his family, noticing that his orange clad baby brother was animatedly talking to his counterpart. Mikey was gesturing vividly with his hands to his older counterpart, obviously telling a story that Michelangelo found extremely amusing. The small box turtle was full of energy, bouncing in his seat slightly as he spoke fast and chipper like, engaged with the conversation. Leonardo couldn't help but begin to watch the younger turtle, taking in the different colors that painted his chest plate and shell.

Bright colors of different paints seemed to pop off of him, adding a somewhat chaotic yet creative look to this version of his baby brother. His eyes unlike his little brother's were a light brown and seemed to sparkle with childish delight. A smile was on his face, enhancing his still round face even more and added with the small gap in his teeth it just made the whole vibrant childlike image even more noticeable. If Leonardo had to guess, Mikey was most likely thirteen or fourteen years old. Yet Leonardo couldn't help but also notice other things beneath the visuals of youth and innocence. There was a hidden place beneath it all, something that was wild and chaotic and waiting to be unleashed at a moment's notice if the situation called for it. A seriousness that was rarely shown or used but it lingered beneath the surface, much like his Michelangelo there was a side of Mikey that wasn't shown much but if used correctly could cause some major problems for those unfortunate enough to get on his bad side.

It was clear that Mikey just like Michelangelo was not one to be underestimated in a battle. But other than that Mikey was also like his brother with his optimistic attitude and somewhat naive approach to things such as talking to people who were complete strangers like them. From what the leader in blue had managed to get just from watching he could already tell that Mikey and Michelangelo were the closest personality wise when it came to certain traits. As if to prove his findings the box turtle's gaze turned to him, catching his eye which in turn made Michelangelo look over. Two bright twin grins were thrown in his direction and Leonardo felt his heart melt at the sight, his gaze softening a bit and a quirk of a smile sent back to the two. Michelangelo seemed to brighten immediately at the gesture and Mikey's eyes sparkled with a childlike happiness before they went back to their conversation, chatting about anything and everything. Leonardo let out a breathless huff of amusement before tearing his gaze away from the two orange turtles.

A flash of moment caught his eye and Leonardo turned his attention to it quickly catching sight of Donatello's counterpart who had gotten up to grab another slice of pizza. The older turtle watched the younger turtle as he quietly ate his second slice only speaking when he was spoken to, his intelligent gaze taking in everything that was happening around him. It was clear to Leonardo that the soft shell was gathering information but on a much more detailed level. The purple turtle was quite different from Donatello, covered in head to toe with gadgets and other pieces of technology. Red and blue goggles sat on top of his head, and a strange purple shell sat on his back. Where it not for the way it looked and some of the buttons on the side of it Leonardo would have believed it to be his actual shell.

'It almost looks like a type of shield for protection, almost like a battle shell.....'

The blue turtle mused as he continued to watch and notice things. The soft shell turtle unlike his brother wasn't quite as tall as him, yet he obviously had some height on him. He was younger than Donatello as well, at least about fifteen or sixteen years old. Leonardo couldn't help but realize that he was probably about as old as his doppelganger.

'Perhaps they're twins?'

He pondered surprised by this possibility. He never imagined being twins with Donatello but then again if he thought about it, it could very well actually work. His gaze was calculating and curious yet cautious as he watched everything, especially Donatello who he seemed extremely curious about. His eyes were a dark brown, with no hints of a reddish hue to them like Donatello had and he seemed to hold himself with a confident air, as if he knew he was the smartest out of all of his brothers and he wouldn't let anyone forget it. Borderline narrassitic and superior in a manner of speaking, and his entire aura was cold and unwelcoming, as if daring anyone to even breathe wrong in his direction. All in all he came off as not a very nice person, yet Leonardo deep down knew that despite this first glance that this simply wasn't the case. Not when he caught glimpses of Donnie's watchful gaze flickering to his brothers in a quick and discreet manner, ready to intervene at a moment's notice should they show even a hint of distress. Not when no matter how much this soft shell seemed cold and uncaring upon first glance, that flashes of kindness flowed beneath, his emotions guarded much more closely than Donatello's.

It seemed that despite the vast differences between Donnie and Donatello, there still seemed to be that familiar beacon of kindness that made him who he was. Leonardo had no idea why Donnie seemed so guarded with this, but just catching those small glimpses and flashes of the familiarity that he'd seen on his own much more open little brother put the blue clad turtle more open to trying to understand this alternate Donnie and keep a closer eye on him. Leonardo was so deep in his thoughts that he failed to witness Donnie's gaze landing on him that was originally following the figure that he'd been staring at the most but now curiously watching him, until a familiar voice spoke up from beside Leonardo.

"I'm not feeling too hungry anymore, do you want my slice of pizza?"

Donatello's voice sounded out from his side, making Leonardo's attention snap up towards him. The oldest brother blinked and finally noticed his little brother who had sat himself next to him. The taller turtle was holding something out to him and Leonardo finally took notice of the slice of pizza that was being handed to him. Confused he looked at Donatello and it quickly clicked why his little brother was giving him his other slice of pizza. The blue clad brother felt his face warm slightly in embarrassment.

"Donnie-"

He'd began to say however he went quiet at the look he got.

"Leo, you literally haven't grabbed any pizza from the moment we started dinner. Take it."

Donatello said softly his tone leaving no room for arguments as he again held out his other slice of pizza. The two stared at one another for a beat before Leonardo reluctantly took the plate from his younger brother who gave him a small pleased smile that his older brother wasn't going to argue with him. The eldest brother just gave his younger brother a small suspicious look as he took a bite of his slice unaware that he'd been hungry until he took that first bite. It took everything within his power not to inhale the whole thing. Feeling his little brother's knowing gaze on him his suspicions were confirmed when he met his triumphmet reddish brown gaze.

"You planned this didn't you."

It wasn't a question but rather a statement from the blue turtle. Donatello just gave him a small smile obviously pleased.

"If you're referring to the fact that I waited until your focus wasn't completely there and that I'm making you eat in front of our guests so you don't try to be the noble idiot who puts others before himself first then yes it was planned and obviously it was a complete success."

The genius turtle said somewhat smug that he managed to get the upper hand on his brother. Leonardo just gave him an annoyed/amused yet resigned look. He should have known that his brothers would be keeping a keen eye on him just as he did with them.

"I just wanted to make sure that everyone got their share first."

Leonardo said his tone soft and raspy as he pouted somewhat at having been caught. Donatello gave him an exasperated yet fond look.

"By the time everyone was done eating there'd be nothing left. Quit being so selfless for once."

The younger turtle stated in a matter of fact kind of tone making Leonardo awkwardly look away. He was about to reply back when an amused huff of laughter came from the direction that Donatello had come from. Both boys looked up startled and quickly took note of Donnie who was watching them, his eyes alight with amusement at what he just heard. Leonardo felt his face grow even warmer in embarrassment at having been caught being lectured somewhat by Donatello when Donnie spoke.

"It's nice to know that it's not just my dum-dum of a twin who pulls these kinds of stunts either."

Donnie said his voice soft as to not draw attention to them and highly amused by this little fact he'd just learned. Donatello despite being hesitant was quick to respond.

"It's a nightmare I swear. If me and our brothers weren't around he'd probably starve to death doing these kinds of things."

Donatello said bluntly and teasingly looking at his big brother.

"Donnie-!"

Leonardo hissed embarrassed beyond belief while Donatello's alternate snickered.

"Leo does the same thing, he thinks that we don't notice him doing it but it's kinda hard not to. He's very lucky that I give him the time of day to make sure he doesn't get left out."

Donnie said sounding a bit egotistical and rude but Leonardo and Donatello could clearly see the way he softened at the mention of Leo and keeping an eye on him, could hear the soft undertone of care and exasperated affection for the slider.

"That's what we do, it's our job as their brothers to keep an eye on them."

Donatello said a small gapped tooth smile on his face while Donnie's own face mirrored his own.

"Yep it is. A tiring one, but one nevertheless."

Donnie said a tone of understanding breaking through his cocky one. The two purple clad turtles continued to speak or rather complain about their blue brothers and the similarities between them, and though the conversation wasn't as easy going as their orange clad little brothers it flowed a lot easier than their earlier tense but curious filled stare down. Leonardo despite being embarrassed by being somewhat called out and in front of his little brother's alternate self, couldn't help but feel relieved that the two were at least talking somewhat.

'At least I won't have to worry about them possibly getting violent with each other. That takes some of my worries off of my plate.'

He thought, considering it a win even if it was at his expense and pride. As the two geniuses spoke to one another Leonardo ate his slice of pizza, he found his gaze landing on the largest turtle in the room. Raph unlike his little brother Raphael was a rather large and imitating, with broad shoulders and large muscles and a spiky shell and pointy chest plate and sharp jagged teeth the large snapping turtle left a definite and lasting impression on those who caught sight of him. When Leonardo had first laid eyes on him the large turtle had been shimmying restlessly behind his counterpart, a nervous, angry and protective aura coming off of him in waves, his dark green eyes zoned on him and the slider the entire time. At the time it was clear that Raph was restraining himself from intervening between Leonardo and his double, not wanting to make the situation worse and end up with someone being hurt. Much like Raphael, Raph had wanted nothing more than to protect his brothers from Leonardo who at the time was posing as a possible threat to them. Yet there was something different about the way Raphael and Raph took their approaches in the area. Raphael was more of the threatening looks and in some cases going straight for violence if something happened to threaten or harm them. Which a lot of the time worked well for them, since Leonardo was the one who planned and thought quickly on his feet while Raphael was the brute force behind him, making them a terrifying duo.

Raph on the other hand seemed to have an air of caution to him, an awareness of potential problems should he rush head first. It was a type of air that Leonardo himself was all to familiar with, having experienced it himself for his entire life. And now that he was looking more closely than before Leonardo could see that Raph was older than the rest of his brothers, at least sixteen or seventeen years old give or take.

'Raph's the oldest out of them, that's a surprise but it makes sense...'

The leader mused turning it over in his head as he processed it. It was strange to think about Raphael being older than him, to imagine him as the little brother instead of the big brother. Then again they were from a different reality then theirs so it made sense that things weren't exactly the same. Leonardo obversed the other turtle realizing that if he was the oldest out of them, then he was probably the leader of them.

'That explains the way he acts, the way he thinks before jumping into action depending on the situation. But if he's the leader......then why didn't he take charge of the conversation? Why did my other self take the lead?'

Leonardo thought puzzled. He was obviously missing something and knowing that made him feel a bit frustrated with himself. If there was one thing that the leader in blue couldn't stand it was missing something critical to the entire picture. Shoving the frustration down as well as his questions Leonardo watched the snapping turtle once more, taking note of how he was listening to Mikey and Michelangelo who had at some point dragged him into their conversation. The older turtle was listening attentively, hanging onto Michelangelo and Mikey's every word, a small gentle and patient smile on his face looking every part of a gentle giant. It was weird to see Raph looking so patient, usually his little brother was restless and got irritated easily. Thoughts now on his little brother Leonardo tore his gaze away from the snapping turtle and towards Raphael who was sitting a bit further away from Michelangelo. The hot headed turtle was keeping a close eye on their baby brother as he interacted with his counterpart, his bright green eyes zoned in on him ready to intervene and protect Michelangelo should things go south.

Raphael's posture was tense and nervous and he radiated a protective aura for their youngest. Much like how his counterpart was earlier Raphael was in the same mindset. Leonardo frowned slightly wanting nothing more than to go to his little brother and see how he was doing, yet with Donatello and Donnie near him and Donatello practically glued next to him to make sure he ate, he couldn't. Not without drawing their attention and thus towards Raphael by extension. As if sensing his dilemma Raphael's gaze met his. Dark concerned blue hues met restless and uneasy glowing green ones, a silent conversation taking place.

'You okay?'

Blue eyes asked, making green eyes softened slightly and relax.

'I'm okay, just twitchy. I'll live.'

Green responded back in an attempt to ease. Leonardo continued to stare at Raphael his eyes furrowed in worry. Raphael rolled his eyes dramatically and with a small smile waved Leonardo off making the oldest one relax and finally drop it. The blue leader took a deep breath to ease the nervousness for his little brother, trusting him to get him if things got bad. Leonardo's attention was taken when the sound of a laugh filled the room. Dark blue eyes snapped towards the sound and landed on none other than Leo. The red eared slider had joined the conversation of the two orange clad turtles and their large red clad one, a teasing mischievous smile on his face as he practically draped himself over Raph's shoulders. Leo unlike from before who had been cautious and serious was now joking around with the trio, an air of ease surrounding him like a thick blanket. The slider seemed to not have a care in the world, completely at ease to just mess around and kick back. It was a startling sight to see if Leonardo was being honest with himself. Seeing the younger turtle who when he first met him was serious and cautious suddenly act completely at home and unaffected gave him whiplash. It was obvious that the slider wasn't taking things too seriously, and if the wisecracks he gave said anything was the jokester amongst them. His alternate self displayed an air of cockiness and snarkiness that by the reactions of Raph and Mikey showed those things made it hard to take him seriously.

Yet.......

Leonardo at this point was practically boring holes into his counterpart, puzzling him out and catching little details that would be lost to many unless you were looking for them. Despite the seemingly uncaring and laid back personality that was being currently displayed Leonardo managed to see things hidden beneath it. The sharp, intelligent light blue eyes that flashed behind the mischievous humor. The slightly tense and jittery current that was buried underneath the wisecracking non caring attitude. The unease, the nervousness, the lack of confidence in his position among his brothers. All of it for Leonardo was on display, hidden from sight to the point where no one noticed.

But Leonardo saw it all.

It was like looking into a mirror almost. A distorted one, where the reflection was somewhat the same, yet still deep within its glass pane, there remained even more hints and pieces that were left to be uncovered if ever at all. Leo despite the front he showed to everyone else was an enigma, a puzzle that was beyond complicated and always changing, always hiding bits and pieces of himself. Leonardo was willing to admit that if he wasn't in a way the same person that he'd miss all of it. Leo much like Leonardo was difficult to read and pin down, just when you think you had everything there'd be something more making the picture of them even more confusing. Leonardo's gaze suddenly met with his counterpart's at that moment, dark blue meeting light blue and at that moment Leonardo gathered enough to complete the picture.

The nervousness, the uncertainty, the look of someone who's been through things that no one should ever have to go through, the look of being lost as if he had no clue what he was doing. All of them flashing before him like a movie, all of them familiar from when they'd met the first time not too long ago.

It all clicked and the question that had frustrated Leonardo about Raph being the leader and why Leo took the lead during their meeting was finally answered whether willingly or not by the slider would remain unknown. Leo was the new leader and based on what he saw the blue clad youngster had no idea what he was doing if the lack of confidence he displayed briefly said anything.

'This isn't good.....'

Leonardo thought as it all finally came together and his heart went out to his counterpart. Leonardo knew how terrifying being a leader was, knew how heavy of a burden it could be. From the moment he was born he had been the leader of his brothers even before he'd gained the official title at fifteen. And knowing that Leo had the job basically thrown at him completely unprepared made the older turtle extremely concerned for his counterpart. And what made it worse was that he couldn't say anything to Leo, knowing that if he was anything like him personally that his younger double wouldn't take kindly to it and might end up with hurt pride. Or worse he might shut down completely.

'This really isn't good....'

Leonardo couldn't help but curse himself and his abilities to read people and situations when he needed to. Now with this small discovery from his observations Leonardo found himself completely lost on how to possibly if needed to help Leo with this type of ordeal and judging by the horrified and embarrassed look that briefly swept across his counterpart's face, Leo had figured out that Leonardo probably figured something out that he didn't want him to know.

'Leonardo Hamato you really do get yourself into the most insane situations.'

His mind scolded him. Leonardo and Leo looked at one another once more before the two looked away quickly wanting to forget the whole thing.

"Leo you alright you zoned out."

Donatello asked noticing his older brother's sudden uneasiness. Donnie who had been conversing with him also paused, curious about what was happening. Leonardo's gaze snapped to the two purple turtles and their gazes, before he caught sight of Leo's panicked look. The slider was practically begging the older turtle to not say anything, to not throw him under the bus. Leonardo took a deep breath, forcing his frazzled thoughts to shimmer and die down before giving Donatello his most convincing and relaxed smile.

"I'm fine Don, just tired is all. It's been a long day."

The oldest said and Leo about sagged with relief. Donatello's expression became full of concern and he quickly went into medic mode.

"Do you want to call it an evening? I'm sure me, Raph and Mikey can get our new guests settled in for the night if you're tired."

His little brother said his hands already hovering to take his empty plate and force him to rest however Leonardo waved him off.

"I'll be fine honest. I'll help you guys get them settled in and when that's done I'll head to bed if it'll make you feel better."

The oldest said offering a compromise already knowing that Donatello wouldn't let go of this now that Leonardo said he was tired. His purple clad brother paused thinking about it, obviously just wanting to send Leonardo to bed now but also knowing that his older brother was incredibly stubborn. The blue clad turtle could feel Raphael and Michelangelo's gazes on him now radiating concern while their guests besides Leo himself watched in a curious confusion. Leonardo bit back the sudden anxiety that hit him at all the stares, not liking all the eyes on him especially the ones of his concerned and protective little brothers. He didn't mean to make them concerned about him, and he knew that this was probably overkill in the overprotective area of things when it came to his well being but at the same time Leonardo had no room to judge given that he'd done the same thing several times with them.

'Not to mention everything else that's happened......they've got every right to be concerned.....'

The thought whispered in his head as he recalled several moments where things hadn't gone so well. Forcing the thoughts back he forced himself to pay attention to Donatello.

"Alright.....but! If you feel worse than now you've got to promise me that you'll call it a night and leave the rest to us okay?"

Donatello asked his voice soft but stern making Leonardo smile slightly.

"Yes mom, I promise mom."

He said a bit of teasing snark popping out which earned a bemused look from Donatello.

"Wouldn't have to be mom if you learned not to push it."

The genius sassed right back but he'd relaxed and by extension Raphael and Michelangelo as well. After all if Leonardo could send his rare and occasional snarky or smartass comments to them then he was alright for now. After that Leonardo and his brothers began to help clean things up along with their counterparts who continued to watch them silently and curiously. Once they were done and trash was thrown away they'd began to settle for the night, with the alternate turtles settling in the pit area in the living room given how big Raph was. Soon the lair lights were turned down or off and Leonardo's brothers with a few last concerned looks finally settled into their rooms for the night. As Leonardo took one last look around the lair to make sure everyone was okay and that everything was in order he began to make his way to his bedroom when a small soft voice spoke up from the pit.

"Thanks.....for not saying anything."

Leo's voice soft yet awkward and sincere said, making Leonardo turn to look at the younger turtle. The red eared slider was perched over one of the ends of the couches, his light blue eyes bright and focused on the older turtle with a look of gratitude. Leonardo gave the younger turtle a small look of understanding before responding.

"Consider it apart of my apology for nearly taking your head off earlier. Have a good night."

The blue clad leader said softly before disappearing from the living room and leaving the younger blue clad turtle behind him. Making his way to his room Leonardo settled in for the night, making a mental note to start on a plan to help Leo and his brothers get back home before drifting off to sleep.

*I've once again given into madness and finally got my plot bunnies onto paper thank God. Now to explain I firmly believe that Leonardo as well as Leo see things a lot more than they let on when they really want to so Leonardo figuring out that Leo's somewhat new to the whole leader thing made somewhat sense at least to me. I also like to think that Leonardo and Donatello have their moments where they can bicker and tease each other much like their Rise counterparts they just do it very rarely. I apologize in advance if this sucks I'm just kinda rolling with what my brain wants and I'm not quite sure if there will be a plot to this or not we shall see. Anyways if any y'all read this I hope you enjoyed it!!!*

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