Chapter Text
April sat cross legged on her bed, replying to Splinters text. He was worried the boys wouldn’t like the idea, but April assured him she’d get them to agree. She looked up, her four turtle friends were fidgeting restlessly waiting to hear the “idea” she’d called them all over to discuss. “So, as you know I go to college” she begins.
Donnie barely looks up from his phone. “Yes April, we are aware you go to college.” April sighs. There was no easy way to approach this topic, and she didn’t want to scare any of them off. “Well,” she continues, trying to be enthusiastic. “My college offers therapy sessions, and they’ve reaaallly been helping me after the Kraang-“ this gets the boys attention. The attack isn’t something they really… talk about. “I don’t need therapy” Leo is the one who interrupts, standing up abruptly. He turns to leave but Ralph is blocking the door. He rests a hand on Leo’s shoulder and speaks gently, but there’s no hint of condescension. “We all do Leo. Whether we think we do or not” April is about to agree but Donnie beats her to the punch. “And you need it most of all Nardo” this earns him a glare from Ralph and a gentle kick from April.
Mikey jumps up, grinning. “Dr. Feelings would be happy to be everyone’s personal therapist!” He gives a thumbs up and is met with blank stares. “I meant you need it too Mikey” she gives the youngest brother a pitiful smile as he pouts. “Nuh uh!” The response is childish but it’s easy to forget… he really is still a kid. They all are. Raph sighs. “I think it’s a good idea. We should at least try it.” Donnie gets up, leaving April the only one still sitting. She observes them with worry. Donnie is arguing with Raph about being able to “outsmart a therapist” and Mikey is crossing his arms, thoughts seemingly elsewhere. It’s Leo who brings the focus back in when he yells “enough!” He seems to have shocked himself a bit, because he tenses as he sees everyone turn to look at him. “Look, we all clearly have things to work out. If I go, will you two go too?” He looks at the floor as he speaks.
Mikey’s eyes shoot up. “Really? You mean it?” He quickly clings to Leo, who nods. “Ok! For you then” Mikey agrees. They all look at Donnie. “Fine” he agrees. Raph and Mikey erupt into cheers, and April doesn’t miss the way Donnie gives Leo a barely noticeable smile. And that’s how the Mad Dogs started going to therapy.