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The Pain Game	By : hummerhouse Category: +S through Z > Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Views: 4701 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.

Chapter List
- 1-The Pain Game
- 2-Part 2
- 3-Part 3
- 4-Part 4
- 5-Part 5
- 6-Part 6
- 7-Part 7
- 8-Part 8
- 9-Part 9
- 10-Part 10
- 11-Part 11
- 12-Part 12
- 13-Part 13
- 14-Part 14
- 15-Part 15
- 16-Part 16
- 17-Part 17
- 18-Part 18
- 19-Part 19
- 20-Part 20
- 21-Part 21
- 22-Part 22
- 23-Part 23
- 24-Part 24
- 25-Part 25
- 26-Part 26
- 27-Part 27
- 28-Part 28
- 29-Part 29
- 30-Part 30
- 31-Part 31
- 32-Part 32
- 33-Part 33
- 34-Part 34
- 35-Part 35
- 36-Part 36
- 37-Part 37
- 38-Part 38
- 39-Part 39 Final
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Mikey had trained his entire life to think and act in near unison.

He did so now. As soon as Leo disappeared into his room, Mikey darted across the lair, removing his mask and weapons while in flight.

Reaching the couch, Mikey jammed both items under a cushion without missing a beat and continued on to his primary destination.

Carefully sliding Master Splinter’s shoji aside, Mikey entered his father’s room as silently as his haste allowed. Closing the rice paper paneled door behind him, Mikey practically leaped onto the futon that still occupied a space on the floor.

Thankful for the medication his father had taken that kept him asleep, Mikey pulled a coverlet over himself and curled up to feign slumber.

He was barely in time. Just as his eyes closed, Master Splinter’s door opened and Leo stepped through.

Mikey waited until he heard the sound of Leo’s approaching steps before lifting his head and blinking sleepily at his brother. Leo kneeled next to the futon and whispered, “What are you doing in here?”

“I dunno,” Mikey murmured. “I couldn’t sleep after our talk. Guess I figured being close to Sensei would help me stop worrying about stuff.” He yawned prodigiously, noting that Leo was still staring suspiciously at him.

“He didn’t want us in here with him,” Leo quickly pointed out.

“Don gave him that medicine that makes us all sleepy so I didn’t think I’d disturb him.” Mikey started to stretch, but a twinge in his lower regions stopped him. He continued talking to hide his reaction from his brother. “Sorry bro’, I must have made some sound in my sleep that woke you up. Kinda forgot about the monitor.”

“I looked in your room and found the pillows you lined up on the bed,” Leo said, a slightly accusatory tone coming through in the whispered words. “You purposely tried to make it appear as though you were still there.”

Mikey sighed, allowing a hint of exasperation to come through the sound. “Well, duh. Didn’t want anyone to know I went against Master Splinter’s wishes.”

Though he knew that continuing to talk in their father’s room might awaken him, Mikey had to buy Raphael some time to get to his own room. Leo catching onto Mikey’s trick was bad enough, if he found that Raph was gone he’s raise a ruckus that might well doom Raph and Mikey’s future.

“You could have come to me . . . .” Leo began.

“Leonardo.” Master Splinter’s voice turned Leo and Mikey’s attention in his direction. Their father pushed himself into a sitting position, fixing both of his son’s with a stern look. “Your brother did not wake me. I had only begun to doze when Michelangelo came into the room and because he moved as though he did not want to disturb me, I pretended to sleep to ease his mind. I sensed that worry kept your brother from his repose and decided it would do no harm to allow him to remain here. His presence has in fact been soothing and has allowed me to rest comfortably.”

It was clear to Mikey that his father was telling a little white lie on his behalf. He had no idea why Master Splinter would cover for him, but he certainly couldn’t ask that question with Leo right there in the room with them.

Mikey also wasn’t sure if he should ask permission to remain where he was. Once he was alone with his father, Mikey knew Master Splinter would want answers. Though Mikey wasn’t afraid to have that conversation, he didn’t want to get into it so near the time he’d just returned from a sexual rendezvous with his brother. Mikey didn’t embarrass easily, but he was sure that would do it.

Shoving the coverlet off of him, Mikey sat up. “I’d better not stay. Leo’s trying to listen to the monitor and I kinda talk in my sleep sometimes. That’s probably what woke him up.”

“If Mikey being here helps you sleep, he could stay,” Leo offered. “I can adjust for his presence.”

“That will not be necessary,” Master Splinter told him. “Both of you should return to your own beds. Let us not make this a habit.”

“If you are certain Father,” Leo said, standing. He offered a hand to Mikey, helping him to his feet.

“Good night my sons,” Master Splinter said, his tone final.

Mikey knew he couldn’t stall any longer, but he took his time walking to the door. Leo had it open and was patiently waiting for him, though his brow was furrowed at Mikey’s slow pace.

On their way to and then up the stairs, Mikey continued to drag his feet, yawning periodically in the hopes that Leo would think he was simply sleepy. He could hear his brother’s recorded snores coming from Raph’s room and wondered worriedly why he hadn’t gotten home yet. Raph had been right behind him.

Walking next to Leo, Mikey took the inside path along the corridor to their rooms, keeping himself between his oldest brother and the bedrooms. He made it a point to pass Raph’s room without hesitating or glancing towards it, expecting Leo to keep moving right along with him.

To his chagrin, Leo stopped opposite Raph’s door and looked at it speculatively.

“What are you doing?” Mikey asked in a harsh whisper, trying to hide his anxiety.

Taking a step closer to the door, Leo said, “I just want to peek in on him.”

“Are you nuts?” Mikey approached him, hoping to draw Leo away from his intention. “If he wakes up that’s gonna piss him off all over again.”

It was Mikey’s agitation that made him use a vulgar word that wasn’t normal to his vocabulary and of course Leo noticed. Eyes narrowed, Leo said, “It’s unusual for you to worry about our fights. Are you trying to cover for him?”

“No I’m not,” Mikey responded heatedly. “I’m trying to help you stop screwing up your relationship with him. You know darn well he hates feeling like you’re his babysitter.”

Mikey tried to insert himself between Leo and the door, but his brother already had a firm grip on the knob. Glancing at Mikey, Leo said, “If he didn’t act like he needed one, I wouldn’t have to keep doing it.”

Other than physically restraining his brother, there was nothing Mikey could do to prevent Leo from turning the knob and pushing the door open.

Leo took a step into the room and Mikey was practically on his heels. When Leo came to an abrupt stop, Mikey bumped into him. Peering past his brother, Mikey saw Raph lying in his hammock, facing away from them and snoring loudly.

The relief that flooded into Mikey made him weak-kneed, but not so much that he couldn’t back out of the room. Leo came with him without prompting, pulling the door silently shut.

Although he knew he should let the matter drop, Mikey couldn’t help himself. “What did that prove? Are your trust issues so bad you don’t believe your own hearing?”

Leo’s lips pressed into a thin line before he opened them enough to say, “It’s late. I’m going back to bed.”

Mikey dearly wanted to taunt his brother further, but thought better of it. Rather than say another word, he watched Leo march into his bedroom and close the door without a backward look. After listening to Raph’s snores for another minute, Mikey went to his own bed where the night’s activities finally caught up to him. He was asleep in minutes.

Something woke Mikey, making him sit up with a start. Peering at the clock on his nightstand, he saw that it was four-thirty in the morning. With a groan, he realized he’d only been asleep for just over an hour. Leo would be up soon and right after that his father.

If he didn’t want to be a walking zombie at practice, Mikey needed to go back to sleep. He couldn’t though; whatever had awakened him was gnawing at the back of his mind.

Reaching up to rub at his eyes, Mikey saw that he’d gone to sleep wearing his pads. That’s when he remembered that he’d hidden his mask and weapons in the couch.

Jumping out of bed, Mikey thanked whatever subconscious thought had pulled him out of a deep slumber. He needed to retrieve those things before anyone else got up. The mask was no big deal; he had others and could easily explain leaving one stuffed inside the couch. However, the nunchucks were his babies and he never traveled far from them. A family member finding them in the couch would raise a shell of a lot of questions.

Moving as quietly as he could so as not to be caught by Leonardo, Mikey tiptoed down the stairs. His oldest brother woke naturally at the same time each morning without the need for an alarm. To Mikey that meant that Leo probably wasn’t deeply asleep as the five o’clock hour neared and added caution would be necessary if there was going to be a chance of snagging his things without getting busted.

Reaching the couch, Mikey dipped his hand under the cushion, intent on grabbing his gear and making a beeline back to his room. The only problem with that plan was that his mask and weapons weren’t there.

Lifting the cushion, Mikey stared with disbelief at the empty space beneath it. Dropping the cushion, he yanked the second one off the couch, thinking he’d mistaken which one he’d hidden his things under in his rush to dodge Leo. To his dismay, the couch held no secrets other than stray kernels of popcorn and dust bunnies.

“Were you looking for these, Michelangelo?”

Alarmed by the unexpected voice, Mikey spun around to find Master Splinter standing nearby. In his hands were Mikey’s mask and his nunchakus.

For a moment Mikey was frozen, the edges of his panic threatening to send him into a total shut down. Master Splinter continued to gaze at him in calm contemplation, his expression more compassionate than it was accusatory.

“Yeah,” Mikey finally managed to answer. Then he remembered himself and said, “Yes Master Splinter.”

His father nodded once, as if in silent acknowledgement of Mikey’s show of respect. “Please follow me. I believe a conversation is in order.”

Master Splinter turned and walked towards his room, leaving Mikey with no choice but to follow. As he did so, Mikey didn’t attempt to formulate how he was going to explain away trespassing into his father’s domain earlier, lying to Leo about why he’d entered, or the fact that he’d hidden his belongings in the couch. At the moment Mikey was too numb to think of much of anything.

Kneeling on the rug before his father, his head down, Mikey was surprised when Master Splinter joined him on the floor. Master Splinter set Mikey’s mask and nunchucks in front of his son and then contemplated his youngest.

“You have had very little sleep,” Master Splinter said.

Mikey lifted his head, unsure as to whether that was a statement or a question. He glanced at the monitor which was still sitting near his father’s bed, not wanting their conversation to be overheard.

“It is off,” Master Splinter assured him.

“I snuck out last night,” Mikey finally said, sticking to the truth but keeping it simple. Short lies; simple truths. It kept the two things from colliding.

Master Splinter’s whiskers twitched. He knew that ploy as well as Mikey did.

“Alone?” Master Splinter asked.

Technically, Mikey had gone out alone. “Yes Sensei.”

“But you did not remain that way, did you Michelangelo? You went out in search of your brother Raphael,” Master Splinter said.

“I didn’t like the argument he and Leo had,” Mikey said, deciding it was time to bring some of his reservations with regard to his oldest brother to the forefront. “I was in the garage helping Raph with his motorcycle when Leo came up to announce dinner. That’s where the whole thing started. Usually I don’t take sides in one of their fights, but it kinda seemed like Leo was trying to push Raph. I don’t know what’s going on with him, but Leo’s been riding Raph a lot lately.”

“I too have taken notice of this occurrence,” Master Splinter acknowledged. “For a time, you were also at odds with Raphael, were you not? It seems you have worked through that situation and have grown closer to Raphael because of that. Perhaps Leonardo and Raphael will also find a way to resolve their differences.”

“Raph and I are never upset with each other for very long. When I mess with him it’s just good-natured brother type stuff. Leo’s digging at him hard, like he’s trying to set Raph off,” Mikey argued.

“Your defense of Raphael is admirable,” Master Splinter responded in a tranquil tone. “Even more so when one considers the fact that you resorted to subterfuge in order to meet him outside of our home and then attempted to deceive Leonardo as to your whereabouts upon your return.”

Flushing slightly, Mikey said, “Thanks for covering for me.”

“Raphael is your brother,” Master Splinter said. “There is no reason you should not spend time with him. One cannot help but wonder why the two of you feel the need to hide that from Leonardo.”

“’Cause he doesn’t want us to be alone together!” Mikey blurted out. As soon as the words left his mouth he wanted to bite his own tongue. He was too tired to be doing this type of verbal fencing with his father.

“I see,” Master Splinter said, eying his son. “Do you know what has prompted this change in Leonardo’s attitude towards the two of you? Perhaps it was something that occurred the night when you were injured?”

Mikey shifted, aware of a discomfort in his butt and why it felt that way. “Raph’s not the monster Leo makes him out to be,” he said in a sulky tone.

“Leonardo has never expressed those types of concerns to me,” Master Splinter said with a frown. “Why would he feel the need to suddenly disparage Raphael in your eyes?”

Thinking he saw a way out, Mikey said, “Maybe ‘cause he thinks Raph will be a bad influence on me.”

“In what way? What has changed between you, Michelangelo?” Master Splinter asked.

Mikey was silent. He didn’t know how to answer that question without opening himself up to even more of them. Raph was right when he’d told Mikey not to try to do anything on his own.

“Raphael is very passionate,” Master Splinter said, startling his son into looking up at him. “His emotions are strong and compelling. The two of you are not unlike, though Raphael tends towards a darker aspect while your aura glows with an alluring brightness. I have noticed that lately, Raphael’s dissatisfaction with the status quo has been tempered somewhat. His anger is less volatile and more discerning. Noting this, I have wondered if perhaps some deeper need of his is finally being met.”

“That wouldn’t be a bad thing, right?” Mikey asked tentatively.

“It depends on how it is being met,” Master Splinter answered.

When he didn’t continue, Mikey felt the need to prompt him. “On what, Father?”

“Upon the honesty and longevity of those emotional fulfilments,” Master Splinter said. “It is easy to do what feels good without taking the time to contemplate repercussions. We have had enough discussions for me to believe I understand what is happening between Raphael and yourself.”

“You do?” Mikey asked querulously. “Are we wrong?”

“That is not a pronouncement I am prepared to make,” Master Splinter said. “If you chose to be more forthright with me, perhaps I could offer an opinion, but I sense that you are not ready to do that as yet. In our earlier discussions you alluded to options. Until you or Raphael are at a point where you wish to be completely candid with me, I cannot offer sound advice. I will however admonish you to think deeply about the choices you make, and to ask yourself if you have made them because of a true attachment or whether it is due to an idealized notion.”

“I know how to answer that question for me,” Mikey said, knowing that statement would exhibit some of his vulnerability.

“But you are unsure of Raphael,” Master Splinter said, guessing correctly. “Have you considered that Leonardo has some inkling of this and in his own way he is trying to circumvent the possibility of your getting hurt?”

“I don’t need him to do that,” Mikey replied sullenly. “I can take care of myself. Leo says things that cause Raph a lot of pain. He makes threats that aren’t fair. You said you’d noticed that Raph is less angry and I think that’s because he needs someone to assure him that he’s not a monster. Leo spends his time putting Raph down.”

Master Splinter seemed to examine that assertion. “If I were to offer to have a talk with Leonardo about this, what would be your response?”

Mikey’s mouth snapped shut. He wanted Leo off their backs, but he wasn’t ready for Leo to defend himself to his father by fully divulging Raph’s secret. Master Splinter might not be so receptive to two of his sons being together if he knew the full extent of Raph’s desires.

Very slowly, Mikey said, “I think those two have to find a way to work it out themselves.”

Master Splinter nodded. “Yes, I thought you might say that. It has been my belief all along. Leonardo is a natural leader, and as such he uses whatever weapons are available in his arsenal. That does not mean that all of them are as sharp as he would have his team believe. I for one, while fully supporting him in many things, am not necessarily the ogre he might sometimes make me out to be. The mere threat of an action is sometimes harsher than the results of that action.”

Mikey felt a bit of weight lift from his shoulders. “I’ve always thought you were fair, Father.”

“Your ego is robust, my son,” Master Splinter said with a touch of humor. “It always has been and has never needed any help from me. The four of you have differing personalities and characters and the level of reinforcement each requires is dissimilar. I am strongly cognizant of Raphael’s dependence on me, as I am sure you are.”

“So is Leo,” Mikey said quickly.

“’And so one skilled at employing the military takes them by the hand as if leading a single person’”, Master Splinter quoted. “’Know the other and know oneself’.”

“That’s Sun Tzu, right?” Mikey guessed.

“Yes it is,” Master Splinter answered. “This is what Leonardo studies in his quest to be a great clan leader. Sun Tzu admonishes him to know his troops as well as he knows himself. He gathers his knowledge about the three of you and keeps it close, utilizing it to control your actions. That is his destiny. Leonardo works very hard at this because while his leadership abilities are natural, he does not have the innate gift of insight. That is your strong suit, Michelangelo.”

Not sure he understood what his father was telling him, Mikey said, “So, maybe Leo doesn’t understand Raph as well as he thinks he does? That maybe Raph can learn that he doesn’t need anyone to validate him?”

“Do not misunderstand me,” Master Splinter said. “Leonardo would never impede his brother’s efforts to better themselves. He truly wants what is best for all of you. However, his protectiveness may sometimes blind him to certain truths. Leonardo understands Raphael very well; understands the complexity of his nature. What Leonardo tends to underestimate is you, Michelangelo. In the past I have strongly advised him not to be deceived by your outward show of irreverence.”

“You told him that?” Mikey asked in astonishment.

“Of course. I am your father,” Master Splinter said. “Despite your display of frivolity, I know your true talents. You have a gift that can heal Raphael’s inner turmoil while also assuaging Leonardo’s fears.”

“I can do it,” Mikey responded eagerly. “I know I can.”

His father leaned forward, making sure to have Mikey’s full attention on his next words. “Remember this my son, do not lose your own needs in those of your brothers’. Do not set aside the thing that will make you happy in your efforts to provide for Raphael. That will only do both of you a great disservice.”

Taken aback at how close his father had gotten to his own misgivings, Mikey could only stutter, “I . . . I’ll try not to do that.”

The rattling of china pulled Master Splinter’s attention to his door. “Leonardo approaches with my tea. I will keep him occupied while you escape to your room for some additional sleep. Do not fret, my son. Our talk will remain between us.”

“Thank you Sensei,” Mikey said, grabbing his nunchucks and shoving them into his belt before tying on his mask.

He was rising to his feet as the shoji slid open. Turning, he saw Leo poised in the doorway, balancing a tray of tea things on one hand. The sight of his youngest brother brought a frown to his face.

“Please enter, Leonardo,” Master Splinter said. “I have been contemplating some meditation exercises that I believe would be advantageous for all of you to learn and would like to review that with you.”

“Of course Master Splinter,” Leo said, coming into the room.

Mikey took that opportunity to slide past him and make a quick exit, heading straight for his room.

Once inside, Mikey peeled off his things and sat down on the edge of his bed. Going over his discussion with Master Splinter, Mikey had the distinct feeling that he’d dodged a bullet with his father.

The same could not be said of Leo. From the look on his face, Mikey was pretty sure that Leo was now aiming a really big shot right at a target on his shell.

When Leo did decide to unleash his arsenal, he might be surprised to find that Mikey had no intention of evading him. Shoving Leonardo off balance was difficult, but Mikey was confident he could do it.

The only problem was that Mikey wasn’t ready for Raphael to find out exactly what he was up to.

TBC…………..
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The Pain Game