Chapter 16

"Watch out!!" 

You jump to warn them, but the explosion shoves you back. Your body hits the side of the wall and Raph breaks right through the window, rushing over to you.

"(Y/N)!!!"

He catches your arm, right before you go over the ledge. You aren't moving, and your head is hanging low. He hoists you up, out of danger. As he pulls you into his arms, there isn't a response, and there's a notable gash on the right side of your head. The blood is dripping, and he's praying you're okay.

"Raph is she alright!" Leo is dealing with his own little crisis, because the blast has not only left you unconscious, but also managed to force Mikey into a tough position. He's buried under the rubble. Donnie and Leo are trying to clear the path. None of them even saw this coming. It was clearly an ambush. 

Apparently the criminals weren't as stupid as they thought. There was word about an upcoming gang forming. Vincent insisted she wanted to bring in their team, but Leo thought it best that they check it out first. Which proved to be the right call. Who knew how many casualties there would have been if officers had stormed the place.

The rocks are cleared, but Mikey isn't conscious. Leo grinds his teeth. Both boys move on either side, raising the younger turtle up to his feet. They support him by the shoulders.

"We need to get out of here." 

This whole situation has gone sour. Leo can read the look on Raph's face. Not only have these scumbags hurt his brother, but they've caused you harm as well.

"Don't worry Raph, we'll find out who's behind this." For now the best approach is looking for an exit. Donnie clicks on his navigator, and before long they head through a back entrance. It's almost closed off by all the destruction. With slow steps, they make their way out. Leo's a bit anxious. If they trigger another explosion that would be bad. With the narrow exit of this warehouse, there's minimum places for shelter. "It's clear, move." Donnie orders. So they do.

Raph is a few meters behind, looking every few seconds in hopes that you'll open your eyes. But nothing changes. As they duck and search for an exit. Leo can feel his anger bubbling. He felt responsible for their predicament. He was supposed to be the leader, their protector.

"It aint your fault. " While they're waiting to make an escape, Raph looks over. Raph is looking at him. He's shocked at those words. He thought for sure if anything Raph would blame him. He's never been shy to question his leadership skills in the past. 

"Let's get through this, then we'll give those bastards a good beating."

Leo doesn't respond at first, but after a moment, he nods. He appreciates Raph's words.

"You know we will." he states. This is the first time Leo's in agreement with his brother's violent streak.

~~~~

Two hours, no response. Splinter couldn't hide his concern when he saw his boys coming in with two casualties. He'd never stop worrying. After careful instructions on where to place the both of you, all they can really do is wait.

They were all gathered at one point But bow their taking shifts between you and Mikey. Fighting to stay awake.

There's movement.

"Dudes I'm starving, where is the food?" Mikey's groan makes Donnie perk up, and he's wearing a lopsided grin. Donnie nearly falls out of his seat to race over. "He's awake!" Donnie's scream has gained all their attention, and they come running from different parts of the lair.

They settle around him, smiling and shoving his shoulder playfully. "Got any leftover pizza." Leo just laughs. "Of course the first thing you think about is food. "

"Good to see ya okay dumbnut." Raph says.

"Really scared us." Leo adds.

He finally sits upright, rubbing his head. "Where's (Y/N)." Raph's head lowers.

In their rush to ensure the both of you were safe, they raced to the lair. There was no doubt Mikey would recover. He'd been through worse. You on the other hand, they had no clue. As able as you were, you were still human. Donnie assured them that you were simply concussed. After cleaning the wound, they'd set you down on a bed. Leo's first thought was to get you to a hospital, but in your current attire, that would do more harm than good. So all that's left is to wait.

"That bad huh." Mikey mutters. It's never a good sign when even Mikey sounds serious.

"She's strong, she'll pull through." Leo encourages. It's more for his own comfort. He's ridden with guilt. He was careless, and it's caused not just the safety of his brother's but also his friend. He wasn't sure he'd be able to live with himself if you didn't wake up. His shoulders slump, and before he can dig himself any deeper, Raph smacks his head, hard. He stumbles forward, looking on in disbelief.

"I already told ya to quit it. Aint shit gonna happen if you sit there pouting. She's strong, she'll be okay." Raph knows that given the circumstances, he has to step up. Leo is astonished at the sheer will he sees reflected. It makes him believe the words. So he straightens. 

"Thanks Raph, I needed that." Raph grins. "I'm always available if ya need a bit of motivation." he says raising his fists. There's the Raph he knows.

"Please tell me..I didn't just mess up this brand new suit." The statement is said from a distance, and Leo is slow to turn. Raph looks on, bewildered. "(Y/N)..." it's a whisper.

"Hey guys." you mumble weakly. Leo's not sure he's ever smiled so wide.

"I think introductions are in order." A deeper voice fills in.

You screech, almost jumping five feet in the air.

"THERE'S A FREAKING TALKING RAT IN YOUR HOUSE!!!"

They pause for a moment, and all at once they start laughing. It's loud and filled with the joy and relief of how well things turned out.