The moment of hope passed. Leo fell still, silent, once more. Comatose. Tenacious in his hope for his wounded son, Splinter leaned over the lax hand he gripped, murmuring a fervent mantra of healing. Not dissuaded by the soft grunt of despair from the son that stood behind him.
However, the grunt did gain Aprils’ attention. Her eyes full of compassion as she took in the pitiful sight of the three stood, cold and dejected, as they watched intently over their fallen brother. It only took a few seconds before she could no longer bear to watch them shivering, uncaring for their own welfare in their vigil.
Not wanting to disturb them, she gave Casey a light nudge to his ribs with her elbow, urging him back to the unlit fireplace with a nod of her head. Despite his brief, obstinate look in return, Casey complied with Aprils’ request. Satisfied the room would soon be warmed; April made her way into the kitchen in the hopes of finding a kettle she would be able, and willing, to use.
Don wasn’t totally oblivious to the cold, nor to his brothers’ anguish. Gently he slipped a casual arm about Raphs’ shoulders. The hot-head tensed a moment, then relaxed, his eyes never leaving Leonardo.
“Damn it! I need ta find somethin’ dryer to use for kindling. Maybe there’s still a roll of paper in the can…” muttered Casey, traipsing to the bathroom.
Mike gave a despondent groan at the delay in getting the fire started. Clenching his teeth in an effort to stop them chattering, he slipped his arms around Raphs’ midriff.
“What the hell d’ya think you’re doin’?” Raph protested, foiling Mikes’ attempt to snuggle against his side.
“Trying to get warm!” countered Mike.
“Well, ease up a bit, will ya? Wha’dya think Case an’ Ape will think, if they see ya clampin’ onto me like that? Huh?!”
“You let Donnie cuddle ya.” pouted Mike.
“This,” Raph indicated Dons’ hand resting lightly on his shoulder with a sharp jerk of his thumb, “is not a ‘cuddle’.” he pointed out, his tone derogatory.
“Whatever.” grumped Mike. “Since when do you give a sh-” a quick glance at their Masters’ unmoving back, “-ell about what anyone else thinks of ya, huh?”
“I don’t!” glared Raph.
“Well then…?” Mike opened his arms in hopeful invitation. Raph didn’t accept, rolling his eyes with a dismissive “Tch!”
A hush fell, Raph returning to his watch over Leo. He was determined to ignore the prickling up the back of his neck, growing stronger with each passing minute. But Raph had his limits, and it soon got to the point he could no longer stand it. Knowing full well he’d regret it, he glanced at Mike, and copped the full force of his brothers’ glistening, pleading, sorrowful eyes.
“Damn it Mike! Wha’dya want from me?” he snapped, exasperated.
“Is it really too much to ask to share a bit o’ body-heat with a brother who’s not afraid to show he cares?”
“I’m not afr-! Ugh! C’mere, ya nimrod.”
April, tray of steaming mugs in hand, quietly swung open the kitchen door. She spotted the three stood; Don with his arm about Raphs’ shoulders, Raph with his arm crooked around Mikes’ neck, Mike trying his darndest to include both his kin within the circle of his arms. With a crooked smile, she retreated to leave them in peace a moment longer. And to head out the other kitchen door to find Casey, and his excuse for not yet lighting the fire as she’d asked…
