Chapter Text
Leonardo knew life wasn’t one to give out second chances; losing half of his brothers in the apocalypse broke him in ways he wasn’t sure he would recover from. He felt like he had nothing left to live for except for Casey and Mikey. But when you came through the hideout door to sit beside him, he was reminded of a third. At least you were here with them, alive and okay, and despite being human, you were pretty resilient. Yet, your eyes were red and watery as you looked down at the red dirt beneath your feet. He glanced in your direction, his brow furrowing in distress.
“You okay, princesa?” Leo asked, trying to stop his voice from cracking but failing miserably; almost everything reminded him of his brothers—especially you while you were wearing Donnie’s old purple hoodie. If there was one thing he couldn’t do, it was hide his emotions from you, but he tried to swallow his grief. You looked over at him, grabbed his arm, and buried your head in his one good shoulder. “Is Casey alright? Talk to me, baby? What’s going on?” You were taking the death of Donatello worse than any of them; Leo was hardened after losing Raph and chose to build up a wall, and through that, he became used to death, and he was able to ‘recover’ quicker. Leo couldn’t necessarily blame you; Donatello was your first everything, a promise he made you keep as soon as all the brothers agreed to date you.
Donatello was always the first in your heart, and you were in his.
Even so, you were with them, all of them romantically, and you cared for them all with your entire being. Raphael's death happened so fast that no one really had time to mourn him, and it hurt you to try to go back to apocalyptic normalcy after he died. There was no time to swallow any woes, for as soon as Casey was pushed into your arms by the snapping turtle, you were put into mom mode.
“Leo…” Your voice broke as sudden sobs began to wrack your entire body. He panicked, pulling you into his lap and shushing you softly. When you sat in his lap, it reminded him of how small and fragile you were. Brushing away your tears with his lips, he lifted his one good hand and tapped his fingers against your cheeks to say, ‘I love you, always.’
“It’ll be okay. I promise you we won’t lose anyone else; we’ll be extra careful, Mikey and I. Even Casey, I’ll work to train him better so you won’t have to cry over any of us ever again. Donnie would-”
“I’m pregnant.”
The world went silent, his entire body freezing, and you sat in his lap shaking, “I…I must've misheard you. Princesa, you almost gave me a heart attack,” He laughed breathlessly, pure, unbridled agony in his eyes. But the look on your face was even more devastating; tears rolled down your cheeks as your nails dug into the tops of your thighs through your pants. “por favor me diga que não é verdade meu amor,” His voice was shaky, and you let out a loud sob in response. “Fuck. Fuck.” Leonardo’s hands were trembling; decades ago, he would’ve been ecstatic, jumping up and spinning you around, peppering kisses all over your face. He could tell his father he was going to be a grandpa and informed his brothers they were all going to co-parent. “Who’s-?”
“Well, it’s not Raph’s.” You shot back, panic spiking in your tone as Leo gave you a sour look, and your bottom lip trembled. You were just like Donatello in these moments, always saying something regretful out of panic. “Donnie’s…” Your voice cracked, “He promised he’d come back after his last mission. I didn’t know…I’m two months out. He never even knew Leo…I thought I was missing because of stress.”
“Fuck. Fuck. FUCK.” Leo’s good hand dug into his scalp, “Does Mikey know? Casey?”
You rapidly shook your head, “I’m gonna die.” You choked, hand slapping over your mouth as you shook, “I’m going to die having a baby in an apocalypse.”
“Listen. Listen, you’re not going to die.” Leo sputtered, panic clear in his features; he was as pale as a ghost, knowing there was a great possibility that you would die out here. No one he knew knew how to deliver a baby, maybe April, and that’s if they could locate her. She’s been MIA since Donnie lost his life, and- oh fuck- they were eating rats.
Babies can’t eat rats!
How didn’t he pick up on it? Your changing pheromones or the fact that you would suddenly have traces of mystics' powers in your blood. Leo should’ve been able to smell the change your body was going through. He cursed his nose for being so damaged; he cursed himself for being damaged.
“I promise you’ll be okay.”
“Okay? Okay! Leon, this is far from okay. I’m going to be completely out of commission,” He watched your hand press against your stomach fearfully but tenderly. It was only then that Leo even noticed the small bump that was under your hand; shit, you would need more food; you were eating for two. “I won’t be able to hunt for food in a few months. Or help on any missions. I’m nothing more than a liability!”
“Shut up.” Leo grabbed your cheeks between his fingers, “Don’t. Don’t ever call yourself a liability to us. What do you think Mikey would do if he heard you saying that? Or Donnie? Or Raph?”
“They’d tell me I’m being stupid…”
“And?”
“And that I’m loved and deserve to be loved.” You choked as Leo pulled you close to his lap, “I’m gonna be a mom.”
“You will. But we’ll all help you. Mikey and I will help raise the kid. That’s something we all agreed on before the attack happened, no matter who it is. Casey will have a niece or nephew, and it’ll all be chill.” Leo jazzed his hands but with one hand, trying to add some fun to the situation. “You gotta tell Casey and Mikey, though,” Leo said seriously, and you whimpered in response, “Hey, they’re not going to be mad at you. It’s not your fault shit happens.”
“Babies don’t just spawn Leon.” You drawled, “I wasn’t careful.”
“Well, neither was Donnie.” Leo was quick to point out, “Neither are we, to be honest…” Leo trailed off, fingers drumming against your hip, and you laughed. It was something other than a sob that made his heart lighter,
“We didn’t even know a baby was possible.” You sighed, and it looked like your mind was running a million miles an hour and trying to calculate if you were going to have a human baby, a turtle, or a hybrid. “If I have to lay an egg, I will kill you.”
“ME? Donatello’s the one who knocked you up!” You sent him a scathing glare; Leo pouted, knowing that since Donnie was gone, he was the next twin on your hit list. “You’re telling me Dee definitely didn’t calculate this in his notes.”
“Oh shut up, Leon,” You shoved him gently, and his hand pressed securely on your stomach. “We’ll be okay, right?”
“I’m not going to let anything happen to you or the squirt. That’s a Leonardo promise.” He watched you sit up and press a kiss to his lips, and Leonardo hummed pleasantly, tail wiggling in response, a thing that rarely happens nowadays. His stub of an arm twitched, the phantom limb desperate to reach out and squish your cheeks like he used to do in the past.
“Leo! Dudette! Dinner’s ready; come in!”
Leon let out an annoyed huff, asserting Mikey shouldn’t call you dudette.
“What girl likes to be called that?” The overprotective voice of Casey argued,
“She’s my girlfriend, kid. It’s fine.”
You let out a shaky laugh, holding a hand to your forehead before brushing the hair out of your eyes. “It’s okay, CJ! " you called back, standing up. Leo looked up at you with fondness in his eyes. You slowly slid the hoodie off and draped it gently around Leo’s shoulders. “Don’t stay out too long. Please? You know how cold it gets at night.”
“Hm…no promises.” Leo teased you and gave him a look, “Kidding. You know Mikey will drag me in to eat something if I’m not in soon after you.” He eyed you once more, and the swell in your stomach was now much more noticeable. You must’ve caught him looking cause you flushed shyly under his gaze, “Princesa?”
“Hm?”
“Você está brilhando~” He purred with a wink, and he meant it too. You were glowing even as dusk was beginning to emerge around them; you looked good like that.
“Charmer, " you teased, leaning down to press a chaste kiss to his lips. I love you.”
“Amo voce tambiém.” He watched as you slowly made your way back into the layer; the tension in his shoulders returned as he let out a shaky breath. He reached slowly into his pants pocket and pulled out a purple bandana that was frayed at the edges and covered in dirt. “I promise, Donnie. They’re going to be safe, I swear it, nothings going to happen to them.” He promised, whispering to his brother’s bandana.
This baby was his second chance, and he wasn’t going to lose it.
—
“Dearest…”
“Hm?” You looked over at Mikey, who had been staring at you all morning, nostrils twitching now and again. Casey and Leo went out on another mission for food. Mikey wasn’t sure why they had more than enough for the four of them but didn’t protest, especially when Leo was so persistent.
“You smell.” You deadpanned, an eyebrow raising into your forehead, and Mikey flushed red. “T-that came out wrong!” He sputtered, waving his hands in front of his face, “Not bad. Just different.”
“Oh? And what exactly do I smell like Michelangelo?” You teased him with a hum, and he hesitantly ran his hands through his hair. He knew you knew the question always disconcerted him; his nose was always sharper than his brothers. It was how he was able to pick up on everyone's fluctuating emotions so well,
“Well…” He trilled, walking over to you and taking your hands within his own, even though he was cold and scared, you never pulled away from him. “As always, you smell like honey and the air right before a rain,” He mused, leaning close to pepper your face in kisses. He loved hearing your little giggles as he churred in response, tail wagging rapidly. “But…you also smell like…” He paused a moment, pulling away before coming close and taking another sniff. “You smell like Donnie…Donnie and mystic-” He stilled hands pulled away from your own before resting on your stomach. “You’re- you-” Michelangelo’s hands were shaking as he locked eyes with your own,
“Uh… surprise.”
“You’re gonna be a MAMA!” He squealed in a pitch you haven’t heard him use since before the invasion. “Leo and I are going to be PAPAS! OHMIGOSH!” His voice broke, lifting into your air and spinning you around rapidly, “Oh, you’re gonna be the prettiest mama in the world; you are the prettiest mama in the world.” Mikey finally put you down. He kissed you promptly on the mouth, churring softly, his hands splaying over the bump in your tummy. “Oh my god, you got a lil’ belly; there’s a baby in there.”
“Yeah, Mikey, there’s a baby.” You laughed, trying not to cry as Mikey bent down to press his face against your belly, cooing softly at it. He paused, looking up at you,
“Dee’s?” He watched your bottom lip tremble as you nodded. Mikey didn’t console you; he just smiled sadly. “Hi, baby…your papa was an amazing hero and brother. He loves you so much. But Leo and I are going to take care of you and your mama.” He pressed a little kiss to your tummy before sliding up and placing his hands on your shoulder. " Are you okay?”
“I will be; I got my boys.”
“And we got you.” Mikey swore, “on everything. Casey, too.”
“Thank you.” Your voice broke, and Mikey frowned only slightly. He kissed the corner of your mouth.
“Don’t worry your head about a thing. Stress isn’t good for you or the baby; Mikey’s got this.” He mused before a smirk broke out over his lips, his arm wrapped around your waist, dipping you slightly. “So does Dr. Delicate Touch if you need any help with anything-”
“Angelo!”
“What~ I’m just sayin’, baby.”
“You’re a pervert.”
“Me? Never.” He snickered, “Leo knows?”
“Yeah, Leo knows. I think he’s going to tell Casey on the mission today-”
“That’s why we need extra food! For da’ baby.” He cooed, bringing his hands to his mouth, bouncing on the balls of his feet, “da’ baby. What’re you going to name them!”
“Jeez, Mikey, lemme have the baby first!” You snorted, rubbing the back of your neck, “I don’t even know the gender…or…if they’ll make it.”
“She’ll make it.”
“She?”
“I just know these things.” Michelangelo nodded thoughtfully, tapping his snout, “So, think of girl names,” He said with a smile. You snorted,
“Alright, if you say so.”
“I know so.” Mikey corrected, poking your cheek gently,
“SHE’S WHAT!?”
“Oh, Casey’s back.” You hummed as Mikey took your hand,
“STOP EXPLAINING HOW IT WORKS SENSEI! I KNOW HOW IT WORKS!” Leo’s rancorous laughter fell through the lair as Casey’s wild footsteps began to stomp toward you.
“This is going to be fun.”
—
“LEONARDO! MICHELANGELO! CASEY” You shrieked from Donatello’s old lab that you’d made your room. Especially when you were mourning or feeling particularly wistfully, all the men’s heads snapped up to the sound of your yelling. Casey watched as his Sensei and Master’s pupils shrank, instinct fully kicking in, sparks wrapping around Mikey’s hands, and swords appearing at Leo’s sides. Always faster, the turtles made it before Casey, both men swarming their partner while keeping an eye out for threats. “I’m alright, silly,” You giggled softly as the boys fretted, and Casey huffed.
“Then what the hell was all the shouting about then?” Casey walked up to you, lifting his mask off his head, “You gave us a heart attack!”
“Aw, were you worried, Casey?” You cooed, batting your lashes at him,
“Yes! You’re pregnant and can’t defend yourself! Your screaming had us all on high alert.” Casey scolded before Leo put a hand on Casey’s shoulder, squeezing it softly. " Sorry…”
“It’s okay. I get why you’re worried. I just…I got excited.” You flushed now, feeling shy. " The baby kicked…” Casey paused before Michaelangelo let out a positively elated squeal, jumping on his toes.
“She’s kicking? Oh god, she’s kicking! I wanna feel!” He reached his hands out before pausing, “Er, can I?”
“Of course, love. I can’t promise when it’ll happen, though- ooph.” You grunted, placing a hand on your swollen stomach, “Okay, I’m a liar. They’re a kicker.”
“Yep, he’s definitely Donnie’s kid.” Leo snorted, placing his hand beside Mikey’s, although he was a little shaky. Casey stood behind them, looking uneasy,
“Case.” You called, and his eyes locked with yours. “You can feel it too if you want.”
“Er…” He rubbed the back of his neck; Casey had his thoughts about your pregnancy. Obviously, he didn’t blame you or the baby; shit happens. He was old enough to understand that idea. But, even so, he was worried that if this baby took you away from all of them, it would not only break his Sensei and Master, but he wouldn’t be able to recover either. He wanted to be happy for you, and he really did, but Casey didn’t want to get attached to something that was more than likely going to die.
“You don’t have to,” His sensei smiled softly, his blue knowing eyes staring into his very soul. “I get it,” and Casey knew he did. Casey’s eyes looked over at you, and you were smiling; he realized then why Leo and all his brothers loved you so much. You understood him, you understood all of them, and you were never judgemental. Casey swallowed thickly, stepping forward to add a hand to your stomach; he made a startling sound, feeling the tiniest of kicks against his hand.
“Aw man,” Mikey whined, “how come she kicks for Casey…”
“Casey’s gonna be their favorite.” You teased, winking at the boy who flushed under your gaze, “I just know it.”
“Jeez, don’t put that much pressure on me,” Casey whined, pulling his hand back, “I don’t even know ‘em yet.”
“You will in a couple of months, kid. Get ready.” Leo teased, nudging Casey likely, “Then you’re on babysitter duty.”
“Oh fuck off!”
“Language!” Mikey gasped, turning quickly to your belly, “Don’t listen to him. That’s a bad word. If our kid ever says the word fuck I’m coming for you, Casey Jones.”
“Won’t happen again, Master Michelangelo.” Casey crossed his heart as Leo snorted,
“I’m gonna make his first word be fuck.”
“You better not taint our daughter!” Mikey hissed, “Tell him, honey!”
“Leon.” He looked at you with a pout, “Fuck off.”
Mikey wailed your name as Leo laughed, slinging an arm around your shoulder and pressing kisses all over your cheeks.
“You’re all ridiculous.”
“Well, you’re part of our family, so you’re ridiculous too,” you scoffed, looking over at Casey with soft eyes. He couldn’t help but smile back.
Casey was okay with being ridiculous so long as he could stay a part of this family.
—
Leo yawned, turning over to snuggle into your neck; you let out a slight churr-like sound. He snickered to himself. You’ve been mimicking Mikey and his sounds. It seemed the more your hormones went wild, the more habits you’ve picked up. You were approaching the final month of your pregnancy and were strictly on bed rest; at least, that’s what Mikey insisted, being the only one who could really pick up on anything regarding the baby with his powers. He did feel bad; you hadn’t been able to get fresh air in a while. The Krang had slowly gotten closer to their base, and they couldn’t risk you stepping outside and getting hurt. You made a little sound, turning around to face him. Your nose just inches from his own, and he hummed, nuzzling his nose against yours gently. He watched as you blinked your eyes open blearily,
“Leo? You ‘mkay?” You asked, voice low and filled with sleep,
“Yeah, you?”
“Yeah-” You yawned. “-Baby’s being a squirm and sitting on my bladder.”
“Sorry, Princesa. Worst of it is almost over.” Leo hummed, lifting his arm to brush sleep from your lashes, “Didn’t mean to wake you up.”
“It’s okay,” you smiled, snuggling closer to the pillow with a small sigh. “Do you all really have to leave on the mission?”
“We do. I’m sorry…” He sighed, “I don’t want to. But we need this info, and we all need to be there.”
“I know. I’m just worried…and selfish…”
“Explain.”
“I don’t wanna have the baby alone; we don’t know when they’re coming. I’m just…I have a bad feeling.”
“You and your bad feelings,” Leo teased, pretending not to let the anxiety you were feeling affect him. He was worried about that, too, about you having the baby alone and losing both of you in the entire process. “It’ll all be okay, I promise you. " He nuzzled his snout against your cheek.
“I’m just scared of being alone, I think.” You sighed, turning on your back with a slight huff, “It’s been a while since I’ve been left here alone. I get it, but I want to be there to help.”
“The way you can help is by keeping yourself and the little one safe,” Leo reassured, sitting up in bed; he rolled his shoulders, stretching both to the best of his ability. His missing arm ached like phantom pain, which usually was a sign of rain. “Stay and rest; we’ll be back tonight,” Leo smiled down at you before leaning down to capture your lips with his own. “Love you, and I love you too.” He placed a palm on your stomach, feeling the baby kick at it lightly; you smiled at the fluttering sensation it left behind.
“He’s saying bye.”
“You mean she’s saying bye.”
“Get out of here ‘nardo.” You snorted, eyes full of love and longing, “Love you too.”
—
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” Your teeth gnashed together as you leaned against a worktable in Donnie’s lab. The sudden movement caused your palm to slice open on an exposed blade, leaving a trail of blood sliding down your wrist and arm. Water gushed between your legs, and your eyes squeezed shut, another contraction taking its toll. Of course, the baby had to come now, when no one was here and when you were in Donnie’s old laboratory mourning him. “Donnie, this is so your fault. Fuck you.” You stumbled your way over to the computer, knocking against one of the monitors; you yelped as the monitor turned on, blinking and loading ever so slowly in front of you. You grunted another wave of pain passing over you as you sucked in air through your teeth, “Enter the password, my ass Othello, fuck you and the horse you rode in on, you pretentious bitch-FUCK!” Your scream turned into a loud whimper as you fell to your knees,
“Voice recognized as Pookie, access granted, initializing reboot sequence.”
“Donnie…” you whispered, eyes blowing horrifically wide, as on the screen in front of you, a giant pixelated version of your husband's head appeared in front of you. Same face, same eyes, shining and purple. “Holy shit,”
“Hello, dear one. It appears you are doing well. Please tell me what issue you are currently experiencing.”
It was an AI Donnie. It wasn’t really your Donnie, just a simulated version of your lover, but still, you couldn’t stop the tears from sliding down your face. You were going hysterical as he raised a pixelated brow in your direction as if asking for a directive.
“Having a baby.”
The AI Donnie blinked once, twice, and then three times before pixelated hearts appeared around his face.
“Help. Is there some -shit- protocol? I’m alone.” You clutched a hand to your abdomen, squeezing your eyes shut in pain.
“Yes, of course, there is, yes, yes. Baby protocol initiated.”
Did he install a baby protocol? That bastard knew before you did.
The lights in the laboratory dimmed, and the doors to the lab opened. Cool air began circling through the vents—cold air you didn’t even know could flow down into the lair anymore. “Water is the optimal choice for an at-home birth, and seeing as all hospitals were destroyed in the invasion, this is subsequently your only option.”
“Thanks for the advice, Donatello.” You spat, waving your hand, causing blood to splatter across the monitors; AI Donnie clicked its tongue.
“Scoff, just listen to me. Use the lab’s bathroom. I’m currently filling it with the optimal amount of water. I added your preferred fragrance to the room. Is it still peaches and cream? Silly question, of course it is. I remember everything. All your likes and dislikes are programmed into my memory for all of time—” You screamed in agony. “Ah yes, baby, first amazing AI made by yours truly later. Oh god, get in the bath!”
—
“Master Michelangelo was all like Bam and Woosh and MAGIC!” Casey shouted, practically skipping into the lair. Mikey and Leo followed close behind, chuckling to themselves; Leo let out a snarky comment about how he also did a great job today as they entered the lair. “Mom!” Casey called in delight, not even processing the slipup, “We got you your favorite!” He held up an interesting-looking bag filled with some food.
“CJ, calm down. She could be asleep.” Leo snickered, ruffling his hair as he walked towards his room. Mikey paused in the doorway, sniffing the air slightly,
“Leonardo.”
“Hm?”
“The entire lair is overflowing with mystic energy. Something happened.”
Leonardo's pupils shrunk; he shouted your name once more, only to be greeted with silence, “Fuck! Answer me now, damn it!” Mikey ran past Leo swiftly in the direction of Donatello’s lab; as he got closer, his energy only increased. He could feel both his brother and Casey on his heels. Case’s hockey stick was raised high, and Leo’s swords were drawn. All three halted outside of the bathroom, all stilling with bated breath.
Mikey’s voice cracked as he called out, hand pressing shakily on the door,
“Mikey…?”
“Holy shit.” Leo breathed, shoving his brother out of the way and throwing the door open,
“Shhhh.” You whispered, eyes red, dried-up tears on your face. “You’ll wake her up.”
“Wake w-” Leo sputtered, “Ough boy.” As you turned the purple blanket in your hands around, Mikey had to throw his hands over his mouth to suppress a shriek. “B-baby-” Leo sputtered,
“Eloquently said, Leon.” You shot back with a yawn and a tired smile on your lips. In your arms was the smallest turtle halfling the boys had ever seen. Her eyes were wide open and striking (e/c), and purple marks littered her cheeks and arms that matched Donatello’s to a T. She was basically a little Donatello with your eyes; she babbled softly chubby arms reaching up in Mikey’s direction—a half-human, squishy and tiny with a turtle shell on her back, tail flicking lazily.
“Can I?” Mikey whimpered, and you nodded sleepily,
“Please.”
Mikey took her from your arms as she cooed. Leaning into his shell, the sorcerer began to sob as he held her close. “Oh jeez…” Leo grunted, kneeling by your side. " Are you alright?”
“As I can be, I did just give birth.” You mused as he pressed a kiss to the side of your face,
“I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks…”
“What’s her name?” Casey murmured, staring at the baby in awe; you smiled at him kindly,
“Marie.” You smiled softly, “After Marie Curie, a famous chemist and physicist, I Thought Don would appreciate it.” You closed your eyes,
“He absolutely would.” Leo mused, churring softly, “Let’s get you out of the water and into bed. We can watch her.”
“You sure…” Your voice broke softly, eyes showing clear signs of distress.
“Of course, mama,” Leo reassured, glancing at Mikey and Casey.
“One hundred percent sunshine!” Mikey squealed excitedly, and Marie giggled alongside her co-father. See, even she agrees; get some rest.” Casey silently nodded, eyes hard and determined. He looked like he would go to the ends of the earth to protect the bundle of joy in Mikey’s arms.
“Okay…then. Leo?”
“Hm?” He looked at you with all the love in the world.
“Carry me to bed?”
“Anything you say, your gloriousness.” Leo scooped you up in his arms, and even though you were dripping wet, he didn’t seem to mind. He had you, his brother, his son, and his daughter, and for once, he felt unadulterated happiness.
—
“Duck!” Leo shouted, covering you and little Marie with his body as a laser from the Krang just barely grazed your heads. You were trembling, trying to quiet Marie’s loud shrieks and sobs; the noises were far too noisy for her sensitive ears and lights dangerously bright for her eyes. This wasn’t in the plan; the Krang wasn’t supposed to break past Donatello’s defenses and find their base so quickly. You should’ve been prepared with your weapons and Marie’s baby carrier, which Mikey and Casey hand-made to keep the baby as safe as possible, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. You screamed; luckily, this time, they were all home to gather what they could and fend off the monsters, giving you all ample time to escape.
“Master Leonardo! Mom, Are you all alright?” He called, slicing through one of the monsters with his hockey stick shredder.
“Just peachy.” Leo’s voice dripped with unintentional sass,
“Not the time!” You snarled,
“Papa!” Marie sobbed weakly, “Dada!”
“Mike?” Leo called, wrapping his arm around you tightly, “You alright!”
“Fine!” Mikey called his orange magic and sliced through a Krang monster behind Leo’s left shoulder, “Don’t worry, Riri! Dada’s over here!”
“Guys love the reunion, and I love that we’re all okay, but we have to keep running!” Casey trotted over nervously, bouncing on the tips of his toes, a habit he’s had since he was a child. Casey grabbed your arm and tugged you gently. “Mom?” He watched as you stared at Master Leonardo and Master Michelangelo. You all seemed to be having a telepathic conversation. You turned to Casey as the ground rumbled beneath all of you, causing Marie to shriek and rub her striped cheeks. “Mom?” Casey stressed again as you placed Marie gently in his arms, her baby sling sliding over his shoulder.
“Casey,” you brush his hair out of his eyes and kiss his forehead. “My sweet boy, it’s time.”
“Time? Time for what?” His voice shook as his eyes widened considerably, “Mom, time for what?” He pulled Marie close to his chest, and she immediately quieted in the presence of her older brother. Leo stepped forward, his voice shaking,
“Casey, look at me.” Leo watched as Casey’s eyes turned from you to his. From behind him, Mikey shot a ball of magic at some of the Krang coming in close. “Find the Key, Stop the Krang,” Casey sputtered, a distressed sound almost as if he was trying to mimic a trill or a concerned chur like he’d seen his sensei do thousands of times. Even his little sister managed to make odd human mutant churrs on occasion.
“I’m not going!” Casey snapped, “You can’t make me! What about Marie? I can’t raise a baby on my own!”
“You won’t be on your own; find us, and we’ll help you.” Leo swallowed thickly. " My pops will help you.” Leo gently pulled off the necklace around his neck, handing it over to Casey. Before Leo held you close by his one good arm, you began to shake and tremble, nails digging into your pale skin.
“Why can’t Mom come? She can help, can’t she?”
“We don’t know how it’ll affect the future.” Mikey frowned, landing close, “As far as we know, you don’t exist in the timeline yet. You can still save everything.” His hair was white, and whisps as old age hit him hard in the years. Marie grew into a toddling toddler as he leaned forward to ruffle Casey’s hair and kiss Marie on the forehead.
“I’m staying.”
“Case-”
“Fuck DODGE!” Leo grunted as another large laser blast cut through the air, separating the group in two different directions. The smell of burning flesh hits Leo’s nose first, and the sound of your shrieks causes Marie to wrack her tiny body with sobs; your name tore from Leo’s throat, frantic and pleading.
“I’m okay!” You hissed, but all of them could see the charred skin bubbling across the right side of your face, dangerously close to your eye. Mikey frowned, locking eyes with you; you sent him a shaky smile and nodded at him. “It’s time, my love,” Michelangelo clicked his tongue, wringing his hands together nervously, the burnt flesh on your face already peeling off. He watched Leo rush forward to wrap you tight in his arms, trying to shield your face away from Marie. Michelangelo stared at his daughter, shaking in Casey’s arms; she was small, too small for her age, and the diet of this world didn’t suit her development correctly. Marie was clever, but she could barely speak, whether it was out of not understanding how or selectively muting, aside from a few specific words no one knew for sure. He watched her curl tight against Casey’s chest. Her shell began to chip away because of the stray debris and little notches of a baby like she shouldn’t have, especially because her soft shell was already overly sensitive.
“MIKEY NOW!” Leo shouted, not in anger but in panic. Your skin was hot against his plastron as you sucked in through your teeth, the flesh sloshing off in clumps. Michelangelo nodded, an orange glow emanating from his hands; Leo felt you move to stare at Mikey with your one good eye. Leonardo saw your mouth moving, and Mikey smiled, mouthing back an ‘I love you too.’ Fuck, fuck Leonardo was about to watch another one of his brothers die again; Casey let out a sound of absolute distress as Michaelangelo held out his hands. A beautiful orange portal slowly opened up behind Casey,
“MOM-”
“GO CASEY!” You shouted back, a loud, desperate hiss to your tone that made Casey let out a little sob. “I love you.”
“I love you too…” He took a few steps back, watching Mikey’s hands crumble away into dust; he cursed, looking back over at his Sensei. He gave a stern nod, and Casey disappeared through the portal as a bright flash of light exploded at his family.