Archive of Our Own

A portal opened in the middle of a storm above the Hudson. Two figures come screaming out of it. The smaller of the figures grabbed the larger one, then aligned themselves to land on the water of the river feet first.

The smaller of the two surfaced first, taking a deep breath, trying to see how far they are from land. The figure tugged to try keeping their companion's head above water.

A light shone on the two and the figure waved desperately.

The light came from a fishing boat. The boat carefully approached the two and a lifesaver was thrown their way. 

Strong hands, a flash of red and orange, grabbed the two and hauled them on board.

The littler one of the pair protectively curled around the taller, lankier one and prayed;

" Please, when we wake, let me and Leon be in safe hands"

Then everything turned dark.

---

An enormous turtle wearing a blue mask was in front of the window overlooking the Hidden City. In his arms was a little bundle wrapped in a blue blanket, and the turtle sang quietly to it.

" Sigue andando el camino por toda su vida ~"

Behind him, a door opened. An ogre clad in blue walked in…then hesitated. 

The turtle turned to face the ogre, gave him a nod of acknowledgement and continued singing to the bundle in his arms. 

" Respira"

The Oni relaxed and headed toward a seat close to the turtle where he can keep a close eye on the bundle.

" Y si pierdes mis huellas que Dios te bendiga~"

The two locked eyes and the large turtle breathed out; "Respira"

The ogre chuckled. "I would never have pegged ya for a Broadway guy" 

The turtle shrugged, mindful of the bundle. "Had to find some amusement somewhere"

He hesitated then kneeled down in front of the ogre and gently offered the bundle to him.

The Oni turned red in embarassment at the gesture but stretched his arms out and carefully took the bundle. It was larger in the Ogre's arms as he gently arranged it in a position to not disturb it. 

The Oni said softly, "I noticed when I usually visited…I mean…not to pry…and the song… but how are you fluent in Spanish?"

The turtle's brow rose in surprise. 

"It wasn't obvious? Same reason why our sis can speak in Japanese and Russian, and why you can speak in her language. I had what you and Riley had"

The bundle suddenly moved and the two froze. The blanket wobbled a bit and a little mumble came from it…then it settled down. 

The turtle and the oni exhaled in relief. 

The larger of the two arranged himself on the floor and the once unsure atmosphere became cozy. 

When it was clear that the bundle won't move, the turtle said, "My soulmate really loves that song"

The oni looked up at him, "Pardon?"

"The one I was singing earlier. It gives him a lot of comfort," the turtle sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "Whenever he had nightmares and when we were younger, that song struck such a chord with him after what happened to him and going away to Mexico and coming back…and uh…" 

There was a pregnant pause. 

The oni looked down at the bundle, then up at the turtle, still towering over him even as he's sitting down. 

He made a face, seemingly coming to a decision. 

"Can you sing it again? For us?," he gestured at the precious cargo in his arms. 

The turtle smiled, "If you can tolerate my voice, then I'll be glad to"

The turtle opened his mouth, and took a deep breath.

---

Leo woke, surrounded by soft, cozy, material. He blinked as his eyes adjusted to the warm glow of a metal brazier in the middle of what he can guess is a cabin. In front of him was Leon, also swaddled in a warm blanket, looking troubled in his sleep. 

Leo did what he found himself doing regularly for his younger soulmate whenever he noticed the boy having nightmares. He scooched closer, took Leon's hand in his, placed it next to his heart and chirped quietly. 

The boy instantly calmed down. Leo sighed in relief. He has been with Leon long enough to decide he doesn't want his younger counterpart (or any of the younger Hamatos for that matter) unhappy. It's like…seeing any of the Mikeys unhappy. It's unnatural . 

Leo turned his head to focus on what he is now sure are voices. He frowned. Voices…that are speaking in rapid Spanish…and are coming closer. 

Leo shut his eyes and eased his breathing as soon as he heard the door open. 

There was silence. Leo dared not move, his heart began beating faster. Why wasn't there the sound of footsteps?

He then heard a quiet, but amused, voice over their heads.

"I know you're awake. Your heart rate is in flux" 

Leo opened his eyes to a turtle, smiling warmly at him. The other turtle chuckled and said, "You also changed your position. It's not that hard to guess what happened" 

Leo sheepishly got up to properly greet his and Leon's saviors…and took in their appearances. 

Ah.

The turtle that greeted him took a step back, giving the young lad space. Leo noticed that despite that, it seemed the turtle in front of him desperately wanted to say more to him, but he figured the older turtle didn't want to make him uncomfortable. He was lanky, he had his arms folded and even though he was not wearing a mask, (which was the most surprising thing) he wore a comfortable, knitted, light blue jacket. Leo knew . This was another version of him…another Leonardo. Wild.

Leo peeked at the other turtles he knew were blending in the shadows behind the turtle in front of him. At the back he could see a turtle scowling, all in black, leaning at the wall very near the Leonardo in front of him. No hint of red he can see but that's definitely a Raphael if he's that protective and guarded. Seated at a crate, in orange overalls and doing tricks with a rope was a Michaelangelo…so where was…ah. The last turtle was standing obscured furthest away, in a lilac polo neck, an arm on his hip and a hand resting on a cane. Strangely, his eyes were closed but it seemed he was aware of what was happening in front of him. So this was their Donatello.

Leo carefully put his hand still holding Leon's on his lap. This did not go unnoticed. The Raphael snorted and turned away with a sneer. 

Leo decided to ignore that and focused on the turtle in front of him. 

"I…"

"Um…"

The two Leonardos stared at each other for a few seconds, then laughed. 

"I guess, we both know each other's names if it's this obvious," Leo sheepishly said.

Here, the other Leonardo tilted his head and gave his brothers a glance (all looking amused). He then turned back to Leo and gave the young turtle a wide grin "I think you'd be surprised," the older turtle finally extended his hand towards Leo. "I'm Eli. My full name is Elias Winters" 

Leo startled for a minute at a completely different name, took the other's hand in awe. "I…um…hi. I'm Hamato Leonardo…" Leo glanced at the still sleeping Leon, fondly. "And so is my companion here. I go by Leo, and he goes by Leon"

It seemed their name surprised Eli and his brothers. 

"Hamato? Not Splin- I mean O'Neill?"

Leo shook his head. It would be cool to share a surname with April but no, he'd keep the surname Hamato to honor his father…and now to keep this connection with Leon and, by extension, his new family. 

He took pride in his name. So why was this Leonardo's name so different?

Eli gestured to his brothers. He pointed at the Raphael who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. "The grumpy one over there is Azarias. Azi for short" he then gestured to the Michaelangelo playing with the ropes. "That's Miguel, our youngest". Miguel waved. "'Sup, hermano!"

Not "Angelo", huh? Thought Leon as he waved back. 

The Donatello tapped his cane once and walked toward Eli. The blue turtle reached out and guided his brother toward the light in front of Leo. 

The Donatello opened his eyes…and Leo realized, with blank irises staring ahead, that this Donnie was blind. He stared in shocked horror. 

"My brother, Donato. Wouldn't have gotten out of a lot of scrapes if it weren't for him"

Donato chuckled, "You put yourself down a lot, Elias… have some pride"

The purple turtle squinted at Leo and Leon's general direction, then at his brother, then back at the younger Leonardos. Leo knew him and Leon were being intensely scrutinized. 

Leo didn't know exactly what to do…but he reached out a hand and said. "Do you…do you wanna touch my hand or face? I'm okay with it, but Leon should be awake for this decision"

Azi and Miguel snap their heads toward them in surprise. Eli looked at his brother, wide eyed, but Donato? The turtle smiled, quite pleased. It seemed Leo passed whatever test he was doing.

"No need," Donato said, giving Eli an affirmative squeeze on his arm and Eli relaxed. "What you just did told me all I needed to know" 

Leo blinked. Okay. He wondered why though…

Donato tapped his cane on the floor to get his brothers' attention and spoke to them in Spanish, gesturing to the ship. 

Something clicked in Leo's head. 

"OH! Eli, you're part of Lee's cluster. Right? His soulmate?"

All four turtles snapped their attention to Leo making the boy slightly shrink into his shell.

Eli made a move to grab Leo but was stopped by Azi. Eli had a wild look of desperation and pleaded, "Yes! Where is he!? Is he safe? Are the others with him as well?"

Leo put his hand up to reach out to Eli in a placating gesture, careful not to jostle Leon who was already stirring. 

"He's fine! He came to our- to Leon's dimension and it's been like…almost a month since they arrived"

He doesn't think going into detail how they came into the dimension would help in the slightest or the fight that ensued, or the result of that fight. 

Not with this set of turtle brothers already so worried about their soulmates.

The Winters all settle down somewhat  hearing that news. 

Miguel finally stood and walked toward them, Leo noticed that the sound of his footprints, now that he isn't hiding it, sounded different. Slightly heavier and metallic. Miguel put a hand on Eli's back and rubbed it.

"Our hermanos arrived safe and sound?" Miguel directed the question at Leo. Leo nodded with a grin, "Yep! Em can't stop talking about how cool it would be to see all of us together and how he can't wait for us to meet"

Miguel laughed, "That idiota . I love him, but I swear to God, he's too optimistic and chatty for his own good"

The tension from the other Winters left as they all sagged in relief. 

Azarias closed his eyes, deep in concentration, Donato eased his head to the side as if listening to something and nodded once, and Miguel turned his back to them to give a thumbs up to something behind him Leo cannot see.

Must be the other cluster mates,  Leo thought. This cluster is very close and have a deep bond.

Eli had his hands clasped over his heart. He looked at Leo with a watery smile.

"Lee is alright? That's good… I couldn't…I couldn't reach him but I could feel him through our bond. I didn't want him to go…and it's been three months but…if he went through that portal, if he found Riley…then that means the plan worked and they're looking for ways to get to us next…and we'll finally be together. I'm glad," Eli rubbed his arm for comfort and Leo wanted to take his hand. 

He glanced down at Leon. He understood that feeling. It would hurt now if Leon or Nardo disappeared. He is used to Leonardo's guidance and amused but warm indulgence. Used to that fuzzy feeling he gets when he catches Leon about to prank his elder brothers, and allows it anyway to experience that surge of joy as they run away. 

If their connection was cut for whatever reason, he knew he'd feel hollow. 

Eli looked out the window of the cabin. "We're close to the docks. Even if the boat is automatic, my brothers and I still have to do some preparations. You'll be okay in the meantime?" 

Leo nodded, "Yeah, I'll have to wake this guy here too and explain to him what happened" 

The other Winters filed out and Eli turned to follow, then hesitated. 

"I…um…," Eli stammered. 

Leo smiled at his elder, guessing what he wanted to talk about. 

"We can chat later…but before you go, thank you so much for saving me and Leon, and making us comfortable"

Eli blinked. "Oh. It's nothing. Even if you weren't my counterparts, it's the right thing to do. Mutants have to stick together"

Leo didn't exactly think much of the sentiment…but this Leonardo was sensitive and very kind…and missed his soulmate deeply. It would be good to give him some comfort. 

"Lee is…" here Eli fully focused on Leo and Leo continued, "It's only been a month and things are just settling down…and I…well I kinda meetup with Lee by proxy…" 

Because of a certain blue Oni and he will not turn into a tomato thinking about him, damn it. 

"So I don't know much about him yet, but Lee gets along great with Leon here. I think they said something like…"Youngest blue kid solidarity". Leon was so giddy finding out about that".

Eli blinked … then laughed hard until tears started forming in his eyes. Leo was concerned. "Oh…oh no . That kid. I swear to God. He hasn't started pulling pranks with his brothers has he? Is he causing trouble with Leon here?"

Leo has a hard time connecting the super stoic, quiet, intimidatingly HUGE turtle to someone who loves doing pranks. But he wasn't Lee's soulmate and if Eli missed him terribly, then it goes without saying Lee missed Eli as well. Maybe that's why he was so quiet. 

He'd love to get to know this brother then.

Leo looked down. Eli reminded him of his own soulmate. Quietly, in something that he has learned to do because of a few trials he, Nardo, and Leon had been doing out of curiosity, Leo concentrated…and pulsed a warm question to his older brother, " Nardo?"

At once, a faint, panicked, " Leo!?" was heard .

Leo frowned. Eli was telling the truth. It seems it's really hard to connect to Leon's dimension from here…but for some reason, he can talk to Leonardo. 

"We're safe with Lee's soulmate. Me and Leon fell through a portal to their dimension" 

There was a pulse of relief back and a faint, " Hang in there, guys. We'll get you home" 

Leo smiled and looked up at Eli to find the turtle giving him a calculated look. Then the older turtle turned and hastened towards the door.

"I really have to go and navigate the boat safely. Let's continue our discussion later?"

Leo nodded, "Sure! Leon will be up by then. He'd love to talk to you"

Eli turned a bit red. "Oh…um…I hope he doesn't think I'm boring or a nag…"

Leo laughed. That was something he shared with Eli then. "He won't. And if he does, I'll deal with him. But I'm pretty sure he'll think you're cool" 

Eli gave a chuckle, "Alright then…I'm glad we met, little brother". He finally left. 

Leo quietly counted, listening to the sounds of commotion outside. He let a minute pass before flicking Leon's forehead. 

"Aight, you diva . How long have you been awake?" 

Leon fluttered his eyes open, grinned, and stretched.

"When Eli introduced himself to you," drawled Leon as he stretched and got up. "He's not bad. Just skittish and with his fashion choices more of a mom type of Leonardo. Kinda like you if you know what I mean"

Leo pinched Leon's side. The boy gave a yelp.

"Watch it. I'm still older than you, buster," Leo huffed out. He was smiling though, glad Leon was still his chipper self. 

Leon stuck out his tongue. " Four years older. You're still in the same boat as me"

"I'm turning nineteen soon. What's your point?"

"And I'm turning fifteen soon. Semantics . My point is, we're closer in age than you and Nardo or Eli, yet you're like a mom , already. It's okay to lighten that load of responsibility sometimes with people who love you, you know?"

Leo had progressively turned redder as Leon talked about it. He knows. He can't help it but…he knows.

Not going to lie, Leonardo lightening that load somewhat and Leon to remind him to just enjoy being in the moment had done wonders for his health, but he had a long way to go.

Leon wrapped his arms around Leo, hid his face on Leo's shoulder and pouted.

"I miss Nardo. Its weird he isn't here"

Leo patted Leon's head. "Yeah, me too, bud"

He looked at the sun slowly coming over the horizon in this strange new world wondering how their elder brother is holding up without them. "Me too"

---

Leon, ever the friendly one, easily charmed Eli and Miguel.

While they were making the last rounds on the boat, the younger Hamato bounced between the two Winters and regaled them with his stories while helping them out.

Not all the Winters were pleased though. 

Azarias was scowling, picking up nets, rope, a harpoon, and stashing them safely away.

Leo decided to tail Donato as the lilac colored Winter picked up some sharp implements, carefully checked them using his hands, then put them away.

"Do you need any help?" asked Leo nervously. 

Donato chuckled. "It's just the usual chores me and my brothers do before leaving the boat and making sure everything is alright before we go ashore. You're a guest. Don't feel obligated to help," he chided Leo. 

Leo rubbed his arm sheepishly. "It would give me something to do at least" 

Donato turned and stared at the general direction Leo was and tilted his head. 

"I'm not fully blind, but I'm under that bracket, if you're wondering" 

Leo's eyes widened. Oh no. He caught me. 

"It's alright," Donato waved a hand and inspected a wicked looking knife before putting it away.

What exactly do the Winters do for them to have this many weapons when they're not ninjas? What got them to be like this?

Donato must have decided to take pity on Leo when he said, "I can only see vague shapes of things directly in front of me and even that, I need a lot of help. Everything else is a blur or a mess of colors. So I've learned to read braille and navigate the world through echolocation, hence my cane. If you could be so kind, can you check the docks and see if our Papa is there?"

Papa? Not even the kids call their Splinter that. Then Leo shook his head as he peered over the edge of the boat. New dimension, new family dynamics. 

The Splintersons called their Splinter Sensei a lot but he is their Father. The older Hamatos call their Splinter Father but mostly it's Sensei as well, while the younger Hamatos call theirs Dad, Pops, etc. They even have another Dad in Baron Draxum and a terrifying Mom in Big Mama. 

Man, Leon will be in so much trouble when he comes home to very worried parents. I have to help him out when we get back. Leo thought. He searched the docks. It was early morning as the mists dissipated over the water. The boat they're in isn't small by any means but it's also not "ship" large. There were a few humans on the docks working…and a few mutants as well so that means this world has them and they aren't hiding. Good to know.

There was no one that he could see that looked like Master Splinter…

The only one that looked out of place was a middle aged human man in an expensive looking suit, a cup of coffee in hand, leaning against a limousine looking like he was drifting off to sleep. 

Surely, not?

"Donato? There's a very rich looking guy at the docks looking like he's waiting for something. Is that who we're looking for?"

Donato closed his eyes and sighed. "Yes. That's our dad. I told him not to wait for us. He always does this whenever we go out hunting" 

Hunting? Hunting what? Leo asked as Donato waved to his brothers and spoke something in Spanish to them. 

There were groans and a "Dios mio, Not again!" from Miguel. Leon joined Leo, and when he found who they were looking for, whistled. 

" That's Mr. Winters? Damn. This family is loaded, if you know what I mean" Leon leaned down on the railings. "So why was Azarias such a dick to Raphie?," muttered Leon. Leo frowned and decided this conversation does not need eavesdroppers. 

Leon, please don't go looking for fights. Not when we don't know where we are or how we're gonna get back home. Leo broadcasted back to Leon. 

Leon looked pissed now. There is one thing Leo knew about his younger soulmate. He was fiercely protective of his brothers (as Leo himself found out the hard way…and it now includes Leo and Leonardo because Leon is such a sweet kid with a big heart) and that he has a massive complex about being liked. Leon cannot understand that there are some people that won't like you no matter what, and that's okay. You don't have to give those people your time or effort. 

Leo put his hands on Leon's face. You know now that I would do anything for Raphie just like he's my own brother, right bud? If we want to ask Azarias why he was such a douchebag, then we do it like mature adults. I'm also angry that he was a dick to Raph as well. But we have to be civil, not only for our own bros but for Eli, our newest brother.

Leon sagged into his older brother's hands and pouted. Fine. But if Azarias starts shit, I'll give it back ten fold. 

Leo nodded, And I'll help you. But only if he starts it. Okay? 

Deal, grinned Leon

"Penny for your thoughts? You two are speaking to each other through the soul bond, right?" Eli asked, appearing so suddenly behind them. 

He had a slight grin on his face at their reaction. "Is it so hard to believe I got ninja training as well?" 

Leon, whose face is still being smooshed by Leo's hands, says, "Yesh? Because you look cute and not at all deadly- hey, shtop that Leooooo!!!"  

Leo pinched Leon's cheeks. 

"Man, kids say the darndest things, huh Eli?" Leo said in a tone warning Leon, squishing and then pulling his face. 

Eli laughed and gestured at his knitted jumper. "I don't know. It's the first time I was ever called cute. Thank you, Leon. I'll take that as a compliment, so go easy on the cheek pulling, Leo"

Eli looked over their shoulder, seeing his father, and an unexplainable look came on his face. His hands once again folded across his chest like he was nervous, but he also had a slight, tired, smile.

" Ay, Papa," he sighed, fondly.

Eli then ushered the two toward the dock. "Come on, I want him to meet you both. And maybe soon he'll get used to having more than four turtle children. He can meet Lee and big brother then" 

The three blue turtles approach Mr. Winters, now wide awake and getting a lecture from Donato, with Azarias and Miguel next to him.

"Papa, what did I tell you about sleeping out in the open? Where everyone can see you? Do we have to worry about both your health and safety?"

Mr. Winters waved a hand. "I bought the dock. Everyone here is working for the Winters, Donato. And even if they weren't and were out to get me," here the elder Winters gave a sharp grin. "I'm still the most dangerous man here"

Azarias sniffed, "Tío Aguila would disagree"

Winters narrowed his eyes, "Your uncle has never beaten me in a fight. He's not one to talk". Then he sighed and put a hand on Azarias and Miguel's shoulders. "Can you blame me for worrying about my boys? The important thing is you're home safe"

Miguel grinned and gave Winters a one armed hug and Azarias had red tinging his cheek. Donato was harder to please. 

"Did you at least take your medicine?"

Winters looked to the side and muttered a "Yes…"

Donato's mouth thinned. "He looked away, didn't he?"

"Yup!" Miguel said gleefully. 

"Miguel!" chastised Winters horrified. 

"Papa, we will have words, " promised Donato. 

Winters sighed and pleaded "Just…get in the car, your Tíos and Tía are waiting at home" 

All three turtles froze.

"I'm gonna go back to the boat," Azarias said seriously. 

Miguel grabbed his brother and hissed, "If we are going to suffer Tía Serpiente and Tío Gato's nagging then you will as well. We're doing it as familia , my dude" 

Azarias comically squeaked out a "Noooo!" as Miguel bodily hauled him in. 

Winters helped Donato ("Gracias, Papa") in and then turned to his last son approaching him. 

"Ay, mijo. There you are!" Winters exhaled in relief. He briskly walked toward Eli. When they reached each other the man picked up and hugged the turtle tightly. 

Leon rested an arm on Leo's shoulder. Winters really loves his sons. 

Leo wistfully replied as he squeezed Leon's hand. Yeah, yeah he does. 

Eli hugged his father just as tight and closed his eyes. "I'm alright, Papa. The hunt went well. You can stop worrying about us" 

Winters shook his head and let go a bit to stare softly at his son, "I will never stop worrying about you, Eli"

Eli looked down at the dock's floorboards, "That's what I feared"

Eli then gestured toward the two Hamatos to come closer. "Boys, I want you to meet my Papa. Papa, these two are my counterparts from another dimension who fell from that portal in the sky"

Winters did a double take seeing the boys, looked at his son closely, then shook his head seemingly remembering his manners and extended a hand. 

"Greetings, I am Maximillian Winters. To whom do I owe the pleasure?"

Before Leo could introduce himself Leon put out a hand and chirped out, "Hola, Señor! I'm Hamato Leonardo, and my companion here is also Hamato Leonardo. I go by Leon, he goes by Leo and I'm the older one"

Forgetting all manners, Leo screeched outraged, " WHAT!?"

Leon turned to stick out his tongue to his smaller counterpart.

Eli put a hand up to cover his mouth and his shoulders shook, as Winters took the younger Hamato's hand. He then turned to Leo with a grin, "You're the older one, aren't you? My younger siblings pull this trick on me as well"

Leon pouted, Eli burst out laughing, and Leo sighed as he shook Winters' hand in relief. " Yes . It's bad enough I deal with four other younger turtle brothers, but a very excitable and younger version of me as well"

Eli giggled, "Do I know that feeling!"

Leo smiled at Leon still pouting. "I wouldn't have it any other way"

Leon muttered mutinously, "I can't pull a prank over you guys. I will do so one day"

Leo walked hand in hand with his younger counterpart, following Eli whose arm is linked with Winters to the car. 

Eli grinned and glanced back at Leon, "Just so you know, I've spent years seeing Lee's shenanigans and I'm immune . It will be hard pranking me"

"And me," chuckled Winters. "The burden of the Eldest sibling is also a boon sometimes. I can sniff shenanigans a mile away"

Leon pouted even more, "That's not fair "

Leo flicked Leon's forehead again before allowing Winters to help them in the vehicle. 

"Now you know what Raphie deals with, go easy on him"

"I'm the epitome of good behavior for Raphie! What do you mean? Ask Don, he's the one who revels in the chaos!" 

"That's because your twin is a mad scientist. I am sorry to say, you are no better"

"Oh, so Michael gets a pass but I don't because I'm the second youngest?" 

"Michael and Mikey do not get a pass because they're the youngest. They get a pass because either you or Don egg them on" 

Leo sat down next to Leon in a huff, then looked up to see the stunned faces of the Winters. 

Leon realized the same thing as Leo;

"We…said all that out loud, huh"

Max Winters laughed and his sons politely looked away or grinned as Leo turned a bright shade of red and sank into his shell. Leon hid his face in his hands.

Miguel patted Leo's knee and said, "Don't worry. Papa has caught us doing that with our own soulmates as well, and sometimes we think we're talking to each other in our heads but we actually said it out loud, so…don't think it's bad. Just be careful next time, yeah?"

The boys nodded. Winters had stopped laughing and took out a bottle of wine and poured himself a glass. 

"I am honestly glad that you are here, little ones. My sons are so much livelier with you around" 

Donato swivelled his head listening to the sound of the wine filling the glass…and timed what he said next as Winters was about to drink. 

"I don't know, Papa. We are perfectly well behaved and always have been"

Winters caught himself in time before he choked. He narrowed his eyes at a smug looking Donato.

"So maybe I'm not immune to all pranks," sighed Winters, putting the wine glass down.

Chuckles abounded as the limousine finally moved toward their destination.

---

Leon chatted happily with either Miguel and Mr. Winters with Donato sometimes asking a question then returning to scanning papers noticeably in braille.

Azarias has returned to sulking which was awkward since he was right in front of Leo. 

Leo decided to turn to Eli who had taken out a ball of yarn, an unfinished project and a crochet hook from a compartment in the car (thanks to Raphie, Leo knew the difference between crochet and knitting) and began to crochet. Leo looked out the morning window. The vibrant colors of the night bled into the grey of the dawn. Leo shivered and scooched closer to Eli.

"Do you like crochet too?" Leo asked, a bit sheepish given the context clues.

Eli smiled, "Yeah! It gives me something to do in my downtime aside from meditating. But I like crochet more" 

Leo nodded, "Raphie, Leon's older brother, is teaching me. I must admit it's a slow start, like I'm having trouble with the magic ring?"

Eli tilted his head a bit, "I could teach you if you want?"

Leo nodded eagerly. Eli opened the compartment and took out another ball of yarn. "Okay, so what you do is to make a backwards loop…"

It took a few trial and errors but Leo is able to do a stable ring. "Oh. I get it now"

Eli smiled at his younger counterpart as Leo showed it off to him. 

"I'm glad! Azi's younger soulmate, Ray, taught me how to crochet. He prefers knitting though. He really likes lots of details on clothes"

Then Eli realized something. "Wait, so not only is Leon the younger twin… and Raphie is the oldest…is he the leader?"

Both Leo and Azi visibly froze. They turn to look at Leon who had narrowed his eyes. 

" Yes , and he's a great leader. Why do you ask?" Leon said with gritted teeth. 

The Winters see the change in attitude in Leon and they all become wary. All of them except Eli who gave a warm smile to the younger turtle. "That's cool. You really love your big brother a lot, huh?"

Leon bounced back dangerously fast. He brightened considerably and said, "I do! He's the greatest big brother I could ever ask for" 

Leon burst into a tangent on how his big brother is amazing, stunning the Winters once again.

Leo chuckled, shook his head then looked forward at Azarias who had an almost wistful look on his face.

Azarias noticed Leo staring at him and scowled. 

"What're you looking at?"

Leo cocked his head thoughtfully. Then leaned back on his seat and answered in a way only Eli and Azi would hear, "Nothing. I know it's a Raph thing to have this complex about being the "leader", but it's pretty weird for it to spill over and have you acting like a bitch to my own brother and Raphie"

Azi growled and tightened his hands into a fist. 

Eli's eyes widened and he whispered, "Azi, what have you done ?"

Azi snapped out of glaring and he stammered, "I-I…"

"We're here!" Miguel cheered as the limousine finally stopped. 

---

The two Hamatos stare at a large, ostentatious building with stairs feeling like it's leading up to the sky. 

Holy sh-itake mushrooms. This is way beyond snob hell. I should know , I'm one of  Big Mama's heirs and I still cannot believe what I'm seeing. Leon nervously broadcasted to Leo. 

Leo nodded, stunned as they were all ushered into a grand receiving area. 

Waiting for them at the dais were four intimidating figures. 

A woman with immaculate long hair that almost seemed alive as it gently encircled her waist, a man in a metrosexual fit inspecting his well manicured and very long nails leaning against a wall, a man towering all of them appearing to look asleep, and a man in a well fitted suit, strong facial features, above his suit is a cape of feathers hanging off on one of his shoulders. 

When one of the figures spot the group coming toward them, their demeanors changed.

"Mijos!¡ You're home!" the woman exclaimed as she walked toward them, arms open. She gathered Eli and Azarias in a hug and gave them each a kiss on the cheek. Azarias greatly protested but Eli let it happen with a smile, "Hola, Tía Serpiente. How was your trip?"

" Dismal! My hair barely survived! Airplane trips are such a chore" Serpiente lamented. Her hair shook, annoyed as well. Leo decided he has seen weirder things and it would be impolite to comment out loud. 

"Serpiente" because she has hair that's alive or because she's wearing a snakeskin suit? Leon asked through the soulbond. 

Leo thought about it…then replied, Yes. 

They all focus attention on the others instead. The largest one lifts up Miguel who giggled. 

"Ay, Tío Mono, It's good to see you too! You can put me down"

The man shook his head as he gestured to Miguel's legs. 

Miguel chuckled. "I'll change to my house legs. I didn't put spares in the car. Donato and I have tuned these for hunting so don't worry about me too much" 

The man sighed and hugged Miguel instead.

Ah. Leo said. 

Oh. I mean, it was obvious but I didn't wanna be rude. Leon agreed. 

"I should hope those are tuned," sniffed the fabulous cat-like man with long, perfectly sharp fingernails. If name theming followed with fluffy fur accents and a fur stole, this would be their Tío Gato. 

"And what about you, Donato? Is my old cane treating you well?" Gato asked the lilac turtle. The turtle smiled in a very Don like way and twirled the cane to rest it on his shoulders, hip jutting out. 

"Yes, Tío. It serves me perfectly,"  Donato drawled. Gato clapped his hands, before doing air kisses on Donato's cheeks which Donato returned. 

" Bueno! I'm glad, Mijo. Accessories always make or break a man. Sometimes literally ," Gato smiled revealing unholy, sharp fangs. 

Donato chuckled, "Of course, Tío. I learned all my moves from the best"

Gato gleefully cackled. "Damn straight you did, Mijo. That would be me . La prima brujeria" 

Leo tore his attention away from the two divas laughing like ojou-samas in an animé, to the last elder Winters. Aguila was circling both Eli and Azi, like a (heh) hawk. 

He stopped in front of them both, frown evident on his face. 

There was silence, until Azi broke it. 

"Tío, what's wrong?" Azi hesitantly asked.

Aguila stood next to Winters and said, "Fix your posture, Azarias" and the turtle hastily did before Aguila turned to Winters and said angrily, "Why did the children go out on a hunt? Not only are they competing against those bastardos in the Foot Clan but the monster this time was bigger than a building!"

Maximillian Winters sighed. This seemed to be a normal argument within the family. 

"The children can take care of themselves, Aguila. And you've seen them fight. Your incessant helicopter parenting has to stop," Winters said, massaging his temple.

"You stubborn, old man!" Aguila raised his voice in anger, "If anything happened to them again, it will be on your head! It's like you do not care enough!" 

Winters glared at his brother, "I hope you are not insinuating what I think you're saying. I love my children more than life itself. They are the reason I am still here and decided to continue living. It pains me to let them go on a hunt every time, but what can I do? I will not keep them here like caged birds!"

Aguila hissed, "There is paperwork that can be done. Give them all office work! Surely there is a place in our vast Empire for each of them. Donato can work on his inventions in a lab of his own, Miguel can run to his heart's content in our gyms, Azarias can compete in MMAs under our jurisdiction and Eli can work on yarn projects far away from the monsters. We can give that to them, Yaotl. Tell me one good reason you keep sending out my nephews to die!?"

Winters was about to retort when a soft voice cleared their throat. Eli quietly said with a smile, "But Tío Aguila, if we don't go out there, who will stop you and the others from taking over the world?"

A pin could drop at that moment, and everyone would hear it. 

Leo and Leon stare wide eyed at each of the Winters. 

The silence is broken by the cackling of Serpiente and Gato, Mono shaking his head, Winters giving Eli a proud, fond smile and even Aguila laughing. 

He put a hand on Eli's shoulder and grinned a wicked smile. 

"To have the cojones to say that to me, means you have at least a backbone. Don't think this is the last we are talking about this though" 

He then pulled both Azarias, who squeaked, and Eli into a hug and said, "Welcome home, mijos". 

Maximillian Winters watched his children dealing with his siblings then turned to the two Hamatos and gestured to them to come forward.

Leo pulled Leon with him and stood in front of the Elder Winters siblings.

Gato and Serpiente dropped what they are doing and scrutinized the two boys. 

Gato sniffed…then straightened up in alarm.

"Elias Winters, why do these boys smell like you!?," he screeched.

The reaction was instant. Serpiente squealed and grabbed both Leo and Leon and happily said, "Oh we've always hoped for grandchildren! Welcome to the familia, hijos!"

Miguel and Donato were laughing silently, Mono was signing his distress. Azarias had his head buried in his hands. Winters closed his eyes, probably praying for strength. Elias was red, head to toe. 

Aguila took Elias by his shoulders and said seriously, "Tell us who the father is. I will personally string that bastardo by his cojones and make him do right by you-"

" Tío, NO!" Eli exclaimed, scandalized. "They're not…when would you think I had them!? I'm just twenty-eight! Leo is almost nineteen and Leon is turning fifteen!"

Serpiente drooped sadly, but she did not exactly let Leo and Leon go. "They're not related to you? Gato's nose is never wrong though…"

Eli sighed as he extracted himself from his uncle. "They're… well, they're me from other dimensions"

Silence.

"Timey-wimey portal shenanigans," Eli clarified. 

This time there was understanding.

"Oh, okay"

"That explains it"

Aguila frowned. "You said the turtles connected to you…weren't their names Lee and Leonardo?"

Eli nodded, ignoring the reaction of Leo and Leon at the names. 

"These two are from different dimensions. Lee is so much bigger, Leonardo is so much smaller and older" Eli patiently explained. 

No way, whispered Leo. Could it be? 

What's up, bro? Leon asked, concerned.

I'll confirm it later, Leo broadcasted back. Leon nodded…then he said out loud, "Yeah, Lee is this tall," and he grabbed Leo by both his armpits and lifted him up like a cub from a certain lion movie. 

Leo's brain short circuited at the audacity . 

Eli hummed in thought ignoring how Leon and Leo's antics have stunned his family into silence, yet again.

"Lee's not that large. That's Dee's height"

Eli's brothers snap out of it as they all argued;

"Dee's not that tall," Azarias scoffed.

"No, bro, he is. He definitely is. Em would not shut up about it" sighed Miguel in a tired voice saying he has heard about it one too many times.

"Well, I can't see shit, so I'm just assuming that Leon is trolling Leo again?" Donato asked. 

"Yep, yep he is" 

" Ah . This is starting to become a pattern"

Leon, knowing Leo wouldn't respond right away, quickly said, "Hi, we uh…we come in peace and like Eli said, we're his counterparts. Also I'm the older one, which is obvious by my height"

Leo narrowed his eyes at his younger counterpart and said, "I am going to suplex you right now if you don't put me down, baby brother"

Eli quickly ran to the boys and plucked a fuming Leo from Leon's grasp as the Winters all burst into laughter. "Alright. That's enough teasing of Leo, Leon," Eli chided.

Winters chuckled and opened a small door leading to a cozy dining area.

"Come, let's have breakfast together"

---

Despite their reservations about it, Leo and Leon enjoyed eating with the Winters. 

For one thing, it was like back at home with the Younger Hamatos, now tripled to include the Older Hamatos, and the Splinterson Clan. 

Absolute chaos. 

Almost. 

Leo had taken a seat next to Eli. Unfortunately this put him in front of Azi again, and Aguila next to him, but at least on Eli's other side at the head of the table, was Maximillian. 

Leon, the charm magnet, was regaling the table with stories about his world. Leo wondered if that was a good idea knowing now that the elder Winters siblings were all pretty much like Big Mama. Fiercely devoted to their family but definitely were considered the "villains". 

"So, Leon, any special person you're seeing back home?" Gato inquired with a purr, a mischievous glint in his eyes. 

Leon pouted, " No . Dad said books before boys"

Aguila sniffed as he cut into his food, "Your father is right. You're too young to be dating"

Serpiente and Gato glared at their older brother. "You have no romantic bone in your body, hermano. The boy is fourteen. He can experience romance at his age and has that choice to," Serpiente said, taking a sip of her juice. "Oh, as long as you establish boundaries, of course, hijo. Bring a chaperone so the old fogeys don't worry"

"Ay, no no no no . Que horror ¡! What use is a chaperone? Let them find out about it for themselves," Gato interjected, appalled. 

Miguel, who had indeed taken out his artificial limbs and replaced them with comfier ones at home said, "Is this why we aren't allowed to date?"

The elder Winters (except Mono) all answered;

"No, you're allowed to, darling," Gato said.

"It's about time you did," agreed Serpiente.

"Absolutely not," groused Aguila.

" No" Maximillian said calmly, cutting into his steak a little too harshly. 

The older siblings all stared at each other, narrowed their eyes…then all burst out arguing in Spanish.

Donato passed a bread basket to Leo. Leo took an empanada con queso before passing it to Eli. 

"This is normal for your family, right?" Leo asked.

"Normal for most hispanic families," agreed Donato as the arguing steadily got louder. 

"Our boys are almost thirty , Max!" Gato angrily cried and he pounded the table. "What happened to letting them choose for themselves!? During our time, they'd be considered old-maids!"

"Their choice in jobs and what they want to do in their life is different from their choice of partner. A life partner would mean they'll be adding someone to the familia, and frankly they are too young for their species to do so" Winters reasoned. Aguila nodded to this.

Azi sighed as he picked up a few bundles of tamales and salad, "There goes our dating prospects"

"Hipócrito!¡!" hissed Serpiente and the arguing once again started. Leo decided he would like to learn Spanish, if only to learn a few swear words and phrases. Sounds very colorful and fun, actually.

Eli, ignoring the banter once again, turned to Leo to ask, "And what about you, Leo? Do you have someone special?"

Leo opened his mouth…then gave a quick peek at Leon. The boy is distracted, wide eyed at the carnage of rapid fire, angry Spanish flung at the table. Good.

Leo turned to Eli and said quietly, "I…think…I have a crush. But if you…if you met him, you might disapprove" 

There. He said it out loud, finally. Leo looked up to see Eli looking at him sadly. The turtle put a hand on Leo's arm. "You seemed troubled by it. Thank you for telling me, I appreciate it and am touched, but honestly, why would my opinion matter ?" Eli asked kindly. 

Before Leo could reply Azarias rudely butted in, "Does your big brother know about your "crush" or is this a forbidden love thing that even the great Leonardo Splinterson would be angry at finding out? If it is, go for it. I'd love to see his face at that"

Leo grit his teeth. Eli glared at his brother, "Stop antagonizing the kids, Azarias. They don't know anything about why we have beef with the Splintersons. Stop taking it out on them. They don't deserve it"

Just like all of the O'Neills thought Leo. All eight of Riley's brothers; the large turtles, and Big Mama's Yokai assistants, have opinions about the Splintersons and it was unfair. Why?

Leo shook his head, sticking to the topic at hand, focusing on Eli. "It doesn't matter. My…the one I like has something far more important dumped on him recently. He won't have time to deal with something silly as a crush"

And that was that. Leo could feel the tears in his eyes but he refused to show weakness in front of Azarias. 

He felt a hand gently take his face and wipe his eyes. Eli gave him a wistful smile. "It must be hard not telling anyone, harder still to make that responsible choice. I don't think love is silly, Leo. At least talk to your crush and tell him. Maybe it might help him, maybe it won't. But it's better to get it all out of the way than to let things fester" 

Eli gave a glance at Azarias who looked away. "I am telling you this from experience" 

Leo thought about it then hiccuped. "I…I will…when we get back" 

Eli gave his little brother a one arm hug which Leo returned. 

This was nice. 

---

Breakfast ended relatively safely all things considered. 

The elder Winters all moved to the kitchen talking as they're cleaning up the table.

Leo and Leon were with Eli in the drawing room, the other Winters all sitting as well.

Eli blinked then stood up straight. 

"Leon? Leo? You said your Donatellos worked together to calibrate a portal to connect your dimensions together? Right?"

Leon nodded a bit sleepy. "Yep, they did"

Eli turned to Donato, "I think I know how to make the plan go faster. We can't exactly keep relying on Azi's patchy connection to the Ralphs of their world, and some of the time they keep ending up in other universes"

Leon's eyes bugged out, " What!? Really? The Raphs? What's happening!?"

Azi sniffed, "Hate to say it but Eli's right. It's tough relaying bits and pieces of instructions to the different Donatellos. Whatever expedites this stupid process and gets us to our soulmates quicker, the better"

Eli nodded, thankful Azi wasn't arguing. 

"So what is it?" Donato asked, leaning closer to where Eli and the Hamatos were. 

Eli gestured to Leo and Leon, "The boys. I can use them as conduits to Leon's world. I could then talk to Lee and from there, you know the drill" 

Miguel hissed, "Woah woah woah! Is it safe ?" 

Eli took a glance toward the kitchen, then bent down to whisper, "Never know until we try"

Leo scooted closer and lowered his voice as well, "So, what do we do?"

Eli leaned back to look at the kitchen again. Then he sighed. 

"First, I need to get rid of eavesdroppers" he then turned to his brothers. "I'll talk to you guys later about the results"

The other Winters nodded. 

Eli got up, pulled Leo and Leon with him and headed toward the kitchen. 

Maximillian Winters had his sleeves rolled up, wiping the dishes dry and putting it away. 

His siblings were at the back arguing while cleaning. 

"Yes, mijo?" the man asked without looking up with a smile on his face. 

"Papa, I'll be bringing Leo and Leon to my room"

Winters stopped cleaning and he looked up, a dangerous gleam in his eye. "And why is that?"

Eli sighed exasperated. "Papa, my door will be open. But I'm going to change and then go to the garden with the boys. I have questions …and I don't want us to be disturbed. It's very crucial we don't get eavesdroppers," Eli pointedly said. He gestured toward his Tíos and Tía who were listening in…and when they were spotted they casually began arguing amongst themselves.

Winters relaxed, then winced, " Ah . I see. Well…I can give you an hour, my child. But I cannot promise more than that. Serpiente and Gato are super slippery and I don't think my sanity can keep them entertained for that long"

Eli kissed his father's cheeks, "Gracias, Papa"

"The things I do for you, my dearest" Winters chuckled. "Go on now, shoo"

Eli pulled the boys through long hallways until they reached the end of one.

They opened the door to a room decorated in different shades of blue, but mostly baby blue. There was a nook in the room with a cabinet stuffed head to toe with yarn (arranged by color, of course), a vintage record player, with vinyls neatly stacked, and a basket full of amigurumi (probably all made by Eli). There was also a strange looking but elegant sheathed weapon on a dais. A rapier, Leo thinks. It fits Eli.

Everything was neat and tidy.

Really the only thing that was almost out of place was an old but well-loved large sea turtle plush on the bed. 

Eli left the boys at the entrance, opened a door connected to a garden, then headed to what looked like a walk-in closet. 

"Go and sit by the garden, guys. I'll just freshen up and grab a few things"

Leo took in the room for a few more minutes before Leon tugged his arm. 

They sat down in the gazebo by the fountain. 

"This is wild, " whispered Leon to Leo. "Man, I never expected…did you think you'd be living a life like this? Even as a kid?"

"Sometimes, as a kid," admitted Leo. "When we were hungry and rations were low, but we were content. Our Sensei gave us as much as he could and took care of us…I miss Father"

Leon became subdued at that. "I miss Dad too… so much. Seeing Eli with his Papa? It hurts. The Winters are very sweet but they remind me of my family…our family. I wanna go home and see them," Leon had tears in his eyes.  "Dad would be worried sick. Draxum will be tearing out his hair. Even Big Mama…I swear she's going to do something stupid if we don't get home"

Leo put an arm around Leon to stop him from babbling. He knows Leon could suddenly spiral in self loathing because he does that too and he won't have that. Not for his younger brother.

They sit in the garden quietly, allowing its sounds to wash over them.

A little later, Eli comes into view. "I got everything. I'm ready when you are, boys"

It took a minute to realize what was different with Eli, because his arms were full. When he put down his things; a cloth, blue incense, incense holder, an hourglass, the sea turtle plush, three bottles of water and some snacks for them, the boys realized…

Eli was wearing a cute, full puff sleeve periwinkle dress.

Before Leo could stop him, Leon blurted out, "Eli, what are your pronouns again?"

"They/them," Eli answered without missing a beat. "I'm fluid so I go by either He or She, too. Donato, is nonbinary. He uses they and he. Miguel and Azi though strictly use masculine pronouns"

Leon grinned happily. "Aw, yis. Another Blue part of the Rainbow!". He extended his hand for a high five which Eli gladly reciprocated.

Leo chuckled, thankful that went well. Maybe he could trust Leon with his crush…Leon was accepting, and very sweet but the problem was…the reason why he couldn't tell Leon…it was embarrassing and Leon was very chatty. Leon works with the guy! That could get really awkward.

Leo shook his head. Leon deserves to know. He's his soul mate and Leo knows he can't deny him anything. Not when Leon is so open about pieces of himself. 

Um Leon…when we get back, I have to tell you something…okay? Please don't freak out…and definitely don't tell Nardo.

Leon stared at his soulmate in worry. Okay. It must be really important to you if you're serious about this.

Leo grasped his hand thankfully. 

They turn to Eli who has lit the incense and set the hourglass. 

She arranged the sea turtle on her lap and sat in between Leo and Leon. 

"Kay, let's do this"

Leon looked wide eyed at the setting. "Why do we need all this?"

Eli patted the sea turtle, "Well, if my hunch is correct that I can use either of you to connect to Leon's home, I figured if I can get things that remind me of Lee, I can connect to him faster"

Leo sniffed in curiosity, "Lee reminds you of the Ocean?"

Eli nodded, "Yeah. He likes it a lot. He said he loves any body of water that doesn't smell like the Hudson river"

"Ah yeah…"

"Yep, that's true" 

Eli extended her hand toward them both. They each take it.

"So…I'm guessing Lee didn't tell you about how my bond…our cluster's soul bond works?"

"No" Leo said.

"There's a difference between clusters?" Leon asked excitedly.

Eli grinned. "Ah. This should be fun. Hang on and whatever happens, don't let go of my hand" 

The three settled into a deep breathing exercise (Leon struggling a bit, bless him) and the world shifted.

Leo felt his feet touch marble before opening eyes. His jaw dropped, recognizing the surroundings. 

They were back at Big Mama's hotel!

"Did it work?" Eli looked around, fascinated at the sight. 

They were at the bar that overlooked the Hidden City. There were no patrons at the moment as staff were cleaning up at the far end of the bar.

Which made it easy to spot a humongous turtle meditating by the windows. Meditating might not be the case as he was humming a tune.

Eli's breath hitched. "Lee?"

The turtle turned, and when he saw them, his eyes widened. "Eli…"

"Lee!" Eli cried. 

Eli briskly walked toward him while Lee stumbled toward them. 

Lee picked all three of them up in one swoop. 

"Hey…Sis…" Lee said, voice watery.

"Hi!" Eli answered with a laugh. 

Lee loosened his hold on them and Leo wiggled himself a bit without letting go to give Eli and Lee some space.

"I thought, maybe if I kept singing one of your fave songs, I'd get to hear you" Lee said in uncertainty. He seemed to look Eli over, checking if she's alright.

"You romantic sap," Eli had a fond smile on her face. "Who taught you to do all that?"

Lee laughed in lieu of saying anything else and nuzzled her, quietly chirring. 

It's very sweet. 

Leo gave them a minute before he cleared his throat. "Glad to know this plan worked. What next?"

Lee blinked. “Plan?” He glanced at Eli. “What’s he talking about, sis?”

Eli was about to reply, then realized…Leon was sitting on Lee's shell.

"Leon! I told you to not let go!"

Lee looked up at Leon. The boy was happily dangling off the large turtle's shoulder.

"Sup, Lee?" Leon grinned and extended a hand for a fistbump.

Lee grinned and fistbumped back, "My man! How're ya, Leon?"

Eli blinked. "The connection didn't break…"

"Maybe because Leon is my cluster mate…and the two of us are still holding hands so we're both connected?" Leo pointed out, raising the hand still holding Eli's.

Eli's eyes widened, "Oh that's so convenient!". She swung her hand holding Leo's happily. "Whenever I do this with my siblings our connection breaks" 

Leo tapped his chin with his other hand. 

"So what you're saying is…that each cluster has a different skill?"

Eli nodded. "Whenever I visited Lee, I found out that Riley's cluster operated differently to mine…it took a while for my cluster's ability to stabilize and we can visit each other at will…same with Riley's cluster…I was told you guys took just days to stabilize?"

Leo blinked. Him connecting right away to Leo and Nardo was not normal ?

"Yep! It took us just a few days to be able to visit each other at will!" Leon said. "And that's before we met each other in person. That's how the Donnies were able to connect our dimension"

Lee and Eli looked at each other. "That's…if we had that…we would have met each other sooner," Eli said wistfully.

Lee laid a hand on Eli's cheek. "Then we wouldn't have grown up together. I wouldn't have gotten to know the prettiest turtle ever-"

Eli laughed, red like a cherry. " Stop it! You're probably saying that because you most likely have something terrible to tell me"

Lee, to his credit, kept a straight face. Both Leon and Leo's faces on the other hand were comical.

Eli stopped laughing, frowned…looked at each turtle's face, then said, "Boys…what is it?"

Leo muttered, "I fully believe now that Lee is trouble" 

Lee looked aghast at Leo, "Wait, what have you been telling them about me? What if Eli's Papa heard it!" He then turned to Eli with almost a hurt look on his face. 

"I was telling the truth too. You're very pretty"

Eli softened her stern look, "My baby brother is such a charmer. How can I say no to that pout? I didn't damage your reputation with these two and Papa, don't worry…" she tiptoed, reached out and patted his cheek. 

"I just told them the truth about you being a wily man who loves pranks"

"I'm also the most handsome turtle you know," sniffed Lee, not commenting on the pranks. 

"Yep, just like a little brother would say" Leo sighed. It seems if Leos become little brothers, they become sassy gremlins no matter the size. This is his fate. He has to accept it now. 

"I dunno about who is the most handsome now that Eli met ME. And I'm automatically the best because I'm the youngest" Leon rubbed his muzzle. Lee narrowed his eyes at Leon, then turned to Eli. 

"You haven't replaced me already as your precious baby brother?" Lee said aghast.

Eli narrowed her eyes, then turned to Leo with a grin. 

Oh. Oh no. I'm in danger. 

Eli grabbed Leo in a hug and said in the snootiest voice she can muster, "Leo is the perfect baby brother! We're so alike in temperament too. Therefore he's the best according to the sibling rulebook"

Leo had a constipated look as he bore the glares of Lee and Leon and lowered himself into his shell, "I want no part of this conversation"

Leon wiggled to leverage himself higher on Lee's shoulder as Lee accused, "Eli, you're choosing Leo over me and Leon because he's the middle soulmate"

"Yes!" Eli chirped happily. "He knows the pain I go through dealing with you "

Leo nodded his head so fast like a bobble head. Leon's mouth dropped in offence. 

Before they could all continue teasing each other, a quiet voice asked, "I heard you say Leo and Leon's name…"

Leonardo entered the bar, hands over his chest. 

He looked like he hadn't slept and was in pain. It was clear he was worried sick.

Leon and Leo sobered instantly.

"Leonardo!"

"Nardo…"

Leon dropped down and ran to his Elder soulmate to hug him…the boy fell through Leonardo. 

Leo's eyes widened. His arm began to tremble…no…that's not his. Leo looked to his sister who had clenched his hand, shaking. 

"Are they alright? Are they here?" Leonardo asked, unaware of how close his younger soulmates were. 

Leon stood then ran to Lee whose face became as stoic as ever. 

"Lee, please connect with Nardo! We need to tell him we're okay," Leon pulled at Lee's arm but Lee was watching his sister's reaction. 

Eli looked sick…then looked up at her brother. "Lee… it's okay. I…the boys need to see him". Lee wouldn't budge, unwilling to hurt his soulmate.

Leo knew that tempers were going to rise between the younger brothers because they both loved their elder soulmates deeply. 

Leo squeezed Eli's hand back in understanding, "It's okay, Lee. You don't have to do anything"

"What!?" Leon angrily cried. 

Lee and Eli stared at Leo, wide-eyed. 

Leo took a deep breath and looked at Leon, who was on the verge of tears. 

"It's okay, buddy. We don't…we don't know or understand why you have beef with Leonardo but…when we all get back, we can have this conversation. Because my big brother is a wonderful person who has been through a lot…and I suspect you all have as well in a way"

Eli's mouth dropped, then she looked away, ashamed. 

Lee stared at Leo, then said out loud. "They're okay. They miss you deeply"

Leonardo's shoulders relaxed and he exhaled a breath.

"Oh, thank god"

Leo looked at Leon, who was crying now, frustrated. 

"Buddy, did you know we could talk to Nardo?" Leo put his free hand over his heart then gestured his head at Leonardo with a smile. 

Leon blinked. Put a hand on his chest and broadcasted loud; Nardo!!!

At once, the older blue turtle brightened.

"Hey, bud! I can hear you"

Leon cried harder, but he had this goofy grin on his face. 

" Nardo! I missed you! Me and Leo are okay "

Leo nodded as well and said, "We can hear you loud and clear. Is it the same on your end as well?"

Leonardo smiled, eyes watery, "Hi, Leo. Yes. I can hear you both clearly"

Leon began to bounce up and down.

We have so much to tell you… Leon then stopped and took a peek at Eli. But it's best if we tell you face to face. Lee's soulmate's family is very kind in taking care of us. Don't worry, we'll soon be home. 

Leonardo nodded and turned to Lee. "Please tell your soulmate, I'm extremely thankful to them for taking care of my boys"

Eli turned her head to look at Leonardo…then at Leo and Leon, then looked away and sighed. 

"I…don't think I can talk to him yet, but Lee… tell him…it's not hard to love the boys" she smiled at Leo. "They're very charming, even if they like playing pranks on each other"

Lee relayed the message. Leonardo groaned. 

Boys, behave. You're guests.

Leon starts it!

I'm the epitome of good behaviour! 

The two Hamatos stared at each other, and then narrowed their eyes. 

Lee chuckled. "They always like this?"

Leonardo gave a helpless shrug. "They're good kids, but I discovered that when they let loose, they become gremlins"

Despite her feelings, Eli curled on the floor laughing.

Lee flattened his mouth trying not to smile as Leo and Leon protested their innocence.

In my experience, take worries and responsibilities away from a Leonardo…any one, and they become very excitable. 

That was a new voice that was broadcasted to all of them. 

Eli gasped, Lee straightened up, Leonardo looked shocked, and Leon looked confused.

Leo's eyes widened in realization even before the mysterious voice came forward.

He was small, like Leo remembered him. But he had that smile that bordered on goofy that had always given him comfort. He was wearing what looked like travel gear, goggles and a vest where he rested his hands in but even then, he had his blue mask on. 

It's been two years for him, and it looked like it had been longer for the other, but Leo knew. 

It was the Leonardo from the other dimension he met when he became Sensei.

The older Leonardo grinned at Leo and then at Nardo, even though Nardo couldn't see him.

" It's good to see you both, again," the older Leonardo broadcasted.

Leo almost broke the connection to run to him. Nardo took a deep breath and choked out, "Leonardo? Is…is that you? You're Lee's soulmate?"

Leon looked at both his soulmates. Then deciding it was more important than being annoyed right now, the boy walked to Eli's other side, took her hand and said, "Leo, go"

Leo did not need to be told twice. He rushed over to hug the older Leonardo.

"Oof, hiya! Look at you! You've grown" the older Leonardo said. He patted Leo's back then rubbed the boy's shell as Leo broke down crying. 

The older Leonardo turned to Nardo and said, " You too. You've grown. I…haven't seen you in two decades on my end "

Leo froze. Twenty years!? Nardo had the same reaction. 

The older Leonardo scratched his cheeks, " Both of you shouldn't feel bad. I've lived a full life and I'm forty years young. I still have more years of adventuring to go"

The older Leonardo turned to his soulmates, Lee and Eli, and smiled at them, full of love. " And I wouldn't have watched my own kids grow. All the pain and joy I experienced with these two…all my memories…I maybe would have wished my soulmates to not have suffered at all but for everything else? I wouldn't have it any other way " 

Lee grinned at his older brother while Eli sniffed and rubbed furiously at her eyes.

"Love you too, man"

"Big brother…"

Leo had a feeling he was drenching Old Leonardo's shoulder, so he eased up and sniffed. 

Leon hesitantly asked, "Um…so do I call you Leonardo as well?"

Old Leonardo grinned mischievously. " Leon, was it? When I'm with my soulmates, I know who they're talking about when they call me Leonardo…but it wouldn't mind changing it for that kid over here "

Lee and Eli voiced their protests at the same time.

Nardo shook his head, "No. Don't change anything for me"

Old Leanardo raised his hand to calm down his younger soulmates.

" I mean…I always knew we'd meet each other again… so I've prepared for this eventuality! I'd like to be called Blue when we're together"

He looked at his siblings with a triumphant smirk, " After all, I AM the oldest"

Everyone groaned. Of course he'd use his age as a factor to make his point. 

"Are you sure?" Leonardo asked. "I can't…I haven't seen you in years and I can't just…"

" I'm sure . I've always wanted a cool nickname. Don't worry about it, little brother," Blue said with a smile. He looked at Leo who had stopped crying. "You too, Leo. It's okay. Don't cry"

Leo sniffed again in response.

Leonardo wiped his eyes and turned to Lee. "I…thank you… for connecting me to my brothers and reuniting me with an old friend. I'm glad that I'll get to meet his soulmates as well. Should I go get your Donatello so you can get the portal done faster?"

Lee nodded, looked at his soulmates and then at Nardo's soulmates then finally gave Leonardo a half smile. 

"Hey. I'm sorry I've been cagey. When my brother gets here, I'll tell you why but, for now, cheer up, yeah?". He gave Lee and Leon a grin. "Being sad doesn't fit us Blues, you know? We are the good looking ones after all" 

Leonardo laughed.

" Damn straight we are !" Blue piped up cheerfully. 

Leon grinned back and Eli shook her head fondly. 

Leo sniffed, wiping his nose and eyes and said, "Are all Blues…are all Leonardos' weakness pride ?"

Blue laughed and patted the boy's shell. 

"Yes. But it is also our greatest strength. Stand tall, little brother. We represent and carry our family through thick and thin. The best thing about the soul bonds though? We have backup and aren't alone. Have confidence, Leo. You're a Blue "

Leo smiled at the smaller turtle. "That's…that's such a wise thing to say. Did that come with you growing up?"

Blue's smile twitched. "This is coming with years of experience from these yokels" He gestured towards Lee and Eli. 

Lee said, "I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm an angel compared to sis"

Eli glared at her brother. "Oh we're going there , Lee? We're not going into the ethics of your day job "

Lee narrowed his eyes at his sister. "And we're not going into the ethics of yours , big sister"

Blue whistled quickly, then he chastised them in Spanish. 

Nardo blinked in surprise. Lee and Eli looked properly scolded and muttered "Sorry" at each other. 

Leonardo chuckled nervously, "I uh…that would be me with Leo and Leon soon huh?" 

Blue nodded and said cheerfully, " I'd like to say it gets easy in time but I'd be lying. Raising kids are hard, man "

Leo, Leon, Lee, and Nardo froze and had constipated looks on their faces. 

Blue blinked and Eli looked worried, "That's the second time you guys did that , you know? At some point, you'll tell us," she said.

Blue asked wide-eyed, " Boys, what's going on? "

Nardo rubbed an arm and said, "I…I'm going to find Lee's brother, Dee. It's better to explain when everyone is here. It's…it's something big"

Before Lee can agree, another voice sounded from above, 

"You can find Dee with my brother. They're hanging out in the kitchen with the kids"

Up on the roof lounged a yokai, dressed in blue. He isn't in his usual rocker getup but he is wearing distressed loose jeans and shirt with his usual geta sandals. He is flicking his retractable comb in and out. His hair isn't gelled but flows around his face in fluffy waves.

Leo audibly hiccuped. 

Leonard O'Neill dropped down. Nardo and Lee seemed to change their attitude around him. The atmosphere became tense and unsure. 

Len narrowed his eyes at Nardo, then turned his attention to Lee. 

"You sayin' Leo and Leon are with you right now? Are they safe?"

Lee nodded, "They're with one of my soulmates. She's taking good care of them" 

Len blinked. " She?"

Lee grinned and winked at his sister, "She's fluid and enby. Doesn't matter what pronouns you call her" 

Len's mouth twitched upward in a smile, "Heh. Another Blue for the Rainbow then"

And that's what broke the ice. Lee and Nardo chuckled. 

"I'm going out on a limb saying this, but I don't think any of us are straight?" Nardo hesitantly asked with a smile. 

Lee shrugged. "Wouldn't know. Never was interested in anyone"

Eli slanted a hip, "There is a word for that, you know?"

Leonard said, "Still part of the Rainbow, dude"

"It counts," Nardo agreed.

Lee grinned. "Thanks"

Nardo scratched the back of his head, "I…I need to get to Dee now," he smiled. "Leo, Leon. I love you both. You both be good for Lee's soulmate until we get you home, okay?"

" Bye, Nardo" Leon chirped happily.

" We love you too, big brother" Leo pulsed back warmly. 

Nardo nodded at Lee and Leonard then walked towards the elevator. 

Eli tugged at Leon's hand and said, "I'm sorry"

Leon nodded and said back quietly, "I'm sorry too. Will you talk to my big brother when you get here? If…if you don't get along after clearing a lot of things up…I'll accept it"

Eli touched Leon's face and smiled. "Thank you for being so understanding. For you and Leo and my big brother, I'll do my best"

Leon turned slightly pink with a lopsided grin. He really is a sweet kid. 

Blue walked closer to Leonard and observed him. "So this is Riley's soulmate…"

Lee nodded and said out loud, "Len, my soulmates are here aside from Leo and Leon. So…just a heads up!"

Leonard smiled and scratched his neck in embarrassment. 

"Well..um..hi. I'd love to meet you both when you get here. And uh…" here he trailed nervously. 

Lee stopped him there. "If you're going to say what I think you're going to say, I think we all need to be here for this conversation" 

Lee peered at the confused looks of his soulmates. He gave them a helpless shrug. 

"I'm so sorry, guys. It's very important you're here to see it for yourself, okay?"

Blue and Eli looked at each other, and then nodded seriously.

Leonard exhaled in relief. "Ah, okay. That's…you're right. When they get here". Len took a scrunchy from his pocket and tied his hair. 

Leo hiccuped again, redder now. 

Eli turned her head to stare at Leo…then at the newcomer. Something clicked and her mouth dropped.

"If Leo's there safe, I'm glad. Your brothers miss you a lot. I'll tell them and the Aprils and Caseys you're okay" Len said, a real smile on his face.

Leo is now fully tomato red. 

"H…Tell Len thank you. I appreciate it," Leo said in an almost squeaky voice. 

Lee stared at Leo… and repeated what he said out loud. 

Leon and Blue both realize at the same time. 

"DUDE! WHAT!?" Leon shouted scandalized.

Lee winced and Blue stared at Leo then at Leonard, then at Leo again.  

Leo's head disappeared into his shell, and he hiccuped again. 

Eli took pity on Leo and grasped his hand. 

"Is this him?" She asked kindly. Leo squeaked and squeezed her hand in affirmation. 

"Leoooo! You…He's my co-worker! One of my Mom's high ranking employees. Oh my GAWD" Leon said bug-eyed. 

Lee was sweating and he broadcasted to them all; You have a crush on my sister's soulmate? Riley is very protective of them…of us really. I hope you know what you're getting into…

Blue had a different protest. "Leo. How old are you?"

"Turning nineteen soon" answered the shell timidly.

Blue flattened his mouth to a thin line. "And how old is Leonard?"

My age. Lee said as he glanced at Leonard who looked at him in confusion. Twenty-five.

Blue glared a very parental glare at him. Leo squeaked again and hid in his shell. 

"Hey…uh…Blue? It's um… Leonard doesn't know ," Leon said, coming to his brother's defence. He frowned. "Right, Leo?"

Leo's head slightly popped out of the shell, shook his head furiously, and then dropped back in. 

"Please don't- don't tell him. It's not his fault. And um…don't tell Riley either…or Nardo" hiccuped Leo. He sounded like he was going to cry again. 

Blue's face softened and he sighed. "Oh. Oh, Leo "

" Enough , all of you," Eli scolded. She then nudged Leo. "Leo, it's okay. I understand. It's fine to have a crush, but due to circumstances, it's better this stays a crush. Until you're ready and mature enough, we won't tell anyone"

The other Blue turtles agreed. Leo slowly came out of his shell. 

"Yeah…thanks Eli…" Leo squeezed her hand and she squeezed back. "No problem!" She replied. 

Leonard sensed something was going on but decided to not comment on it. Instead he asked, "Leon's there too right?"

Leon's eyes bugged out. 

Leonard gave a grin that promised there was hell to pay. 

"You left me with a ton of paperwork, buddy. I'm doubling it when you get back and every hour you stay over there, I add a paper to the stack," he said cheerfully. "I found out it was a portal you made that you and Leo tumbled into" 

Leon turned to Leo and hissed, "Why HIM, Leo!? He's a work freak"

Leo said nothing but gave his younger soulmate a helpless shrug and a grin. 

Lee grinned as well and said, "Leon is very excited to get back to work"

"NO I'M NOT" Leon screeched.

"No, he's not," Leonard said, smile getting wider and full of teeth. "But he better learn the consequences of his actions. Leo or his own brothers shouldn't suffer because the kid thought it was a good idea to showboat"

Leon stopped protesting and looked down, ashamed. "I… it's not….it's my swords. I wanted to show my Odachis to the Donnies and they wanted to see if the portals can travel further than our dimensions. It must have reacted badly while I was demonstrating and Leo jumped in to save me"

Lee relayed all this to Leonard and he sighed. "Kid. You have to be aware of people around you. I know this is hard to hear, but not everything is about you"

Leon looked like he wanted to curl up and cry.

Blue reached out and put a hand on the boy's arm. 

Leonard seemed to sense that the energy changed and said in a softer tone, "I get it. I do, especially when you find people just like you. But remember you're part of a family. A team . You have to learn to not fly solo and rely on others for strength. Do you know how worried sick your loved ones are? Look at Leonardo"

Lee sighed. Eli let Leon rest his head on her shoulder and he mumbled out a defeated, "Okay"

Leonard nodded. "We'll talk more when you get home. Come back safely, alright? Both of you"

He turned to Lee, "I can't wait to meet your soulmates then"

Lee returned it with an excited grin, "I can't wait either…it will be the first time we physically met"

Blue and Eli pulsed a warm, affectionate wave at Lee. Lee smiled at his soulmates fondly. 

Leonard scratched the ground in embarrassment. Leo realized, he must have felt that. Was that Leonard's cluster's power?

Before anything else happened, the doors to the elevator opened and a large turtle, taller than Lee, with a purple bandanna tied around his head hurried over. Behind him followed a very worried Nardo.

He stopped next to Leonard and said to the ogre, "You and Nardo are needed in the kitchens, ASAP. The situation down there got very sticky"

Now that Dee was close to the light, they could see that his body was splattered with flour and bits of honey. 

Leonard groaned, " No… Where are my brothers?" He glanced at Leonardo. "Or his? Or yours ? What happened ?"

Dee narrowed his eyes and looked exhausted. "Hard to do anything when the adults are pinned to the wall with ingredients. The gremlins revolted and took over. The chaos spilled over the labs…"

Lee exhaled audibly. Leonardo covered his face with his hands and muttered a tired, "Oh my God…" . Leonard pinched the bridge of his nose and counted to ten then exhaled. " Okay . I'm going and I'll be bringing Leonardo with me. Lee, after you do whatever you need to do with Dee, Please… for the love of the Titan, PLEASE help us" 

Lee gulped. "Alright"

Leonard called out, "Leo, Leon, see you on the flip side!" Then he turned and ran for the elevator. Leonardo smiled at Lee. "Come home safe, boys. And Blue and Lee's other soulmate, let's meet each other soon," he hurried away as well.

Dee extended his hand and so did Lee. They held hands and Dee looked around at the people he can now see. 

"Hello, Leo, Leon. Your families are worried sick. But have no fear. The Purples will get you home…" he winced. "After we stop the chaos downstairs, of course"

Leon winced too. "We…we have to get back" 

Leo nodded, he was worried as well. 

Lee scratched his neck. "It can't be THAT bad-"

Dee looked like he could murder his brother right now. "It's very bad. We're going down there. The Caseys and Aprils can only distract them for so long" 

Lee sighed, defeated. "Oy, vey . Bless Riley for handling them so well, I have no idea how she does it"

Dee then turned to Blue and Eli and smiled at them both. "Hi guys. Sorry it took so long, but I figured how we can all finally meet face to face"

Eli smiled up at Dee. "I never doubted a Donatello's ability"

Dee gave her a fond smile, "Thank you. You look great in that dress. It suits you" 

"Aw, shucks," Eli laughed as she swayed her dress. 

Blue reached out and patted Dee's arm. "Do you have something for us?" 

Dee nodded and took out a piece of paper that showed a diagram with lots of intricate text. 

"I'll need you to relay this to your Purples" 

Blue took the paper, looked it over for a minute, then held it up for Eli to ingrain in her mind. 

"Thanks. Donato will unpack that when they review this memory" Eli said. 

"That's how your soulbond works?" Leo asked, fascinated. 

"Curious, that's not how it works for you?" Dee asked, tilting his head. 

"Nope!" Leon answered. 

"Hmm" Dee glanced backward. "I wonder…then it's different for Riley's soulmates as well"

Blue rubbed his arm. "Purple…Donatello is going to need these equations right away. He messaged us. I'm at the farm already. Raphael and Michaelangelo will be here soon"

Dee nodded. "That's good. It'll give him time to work on it. I'm glad you went to him right away. He sometimes isn't good being alone with his thoughts. Thank you for being there for him"

Blue doesn't live together with the others? What happened? Leo thought to himself. 

Blue nodded and rubbed his arm. "Yeah…I just wish…I just wish he'd talk to us, you know? Not just obligatory messages"

What?  

Dee sighed. "He…he's …what happened to him? It broke him. And changed him. Please understand, he doesn't trust you. He doesn't trust anyone that isn't me or Donato or Miss Irma. It will take him a herculean effort to even consider talking to anyone who isn't from the farm. It will take time"

Blue nodded, "I know". He glanced at Leo and Leon, eyes wide in horror. 

"Whatever happens, our sins shouldn't be taken out on the children"

Dee nodded solemnly, "I agree". He looked at his brother then at Eli. "I'll make sure of it, big brother"

"We're done here right? Go do what you need to do. I'm taking this knowledge and the boys with me," Eli said.

She grinned at Lee and Dee. "Can't wait to see you guys soon"

---

The trio opened their eyes to birds chirping in the garden, under the shade of the gazebo. It was almost noon. 

Eli let go of the boys' hand and said, "Well…I know you said you won't tell unless we get there. But what happened in the kitchens? Is it related to the thing ?"

"Ninety-five percent chance? That's a yes. Wouldn't help if my brothers are panicking about it" Leon had shrunk low in his seat.

"It is. I'm worried about how everyone is handling it" Leo admitted. 

Eli nodded. She glanced at the hourglass and then stood up. 

"I'm getting this info to Donato. From there, we'll get you home to deal with whatever that is"

Leon shimmied out from his seat and caught Eli's hand. 

"Thank you so much! I-- I don't know how to return the favor…" a docile Leon admitted. 

Eli squeezed the boy's hand and patted his face in the other. "You're such a sweet kid. Live well. That's all I'd ask of you" 

Leo got up as well as she let go of Leon. 

"There are towels on the bathroom sink near the shower. You can freshen up if you want" Eli said and turned to leave. 

"I'm glad we're family, big sister," Leo called out. Eli turned, grinned at them both, "So am I," she half twirled, then left. 

The two boys were alone in the garden. 

"Man…that was an experience," Leon said slowly. Leo nodded. 

"Race you to the bathroom?"

---

Despite the boys rushing to see who gets to use the shower first, they made sure to touch only what they needed. Well, Leo did.

Leo was absolutely floored at how decadent everything was. Leon wanted to try everything and the bathtub but Leo allowed a choice of only three bottles of scented soap and shooed him into the shower. 

When everything was done, Leo took their damp towels and put them in a basket. Leon followed his good behavior and took out a mop to clean. 

Eli was taking time to return…

The boys wandered out of Eli's room and returned to the hallway connected to the little dining area (thanks to Leo's memory) and found the four Winters siblings all huddled outside, demeanor all serious. 

Miguel spotted them and gestured to them to be quiet as they came closer. The boys stood behind Eli, arms crossed over her chest, and were trembling. Leon scooched near her then put an arm around hers and tucked his head on her shoulder. She allowed it. 

Leo glanced at the other's reactions. Donato had tilted their head towards them, assessing the shapes and colors they could see in front of them. Miguel, even in distress, gave them a small smile and nodded his head. Azarias though…Azarias either looked angry, sad, or both. He then looked away. Man, this guy really has issues . 

Leo decided to turn his attention elsewhere.

There was shouting in the kitchen. In English. The Elder Winters were arguing. 

"Why does that bastardo have our number, Yaotl!?" Serpiente demanded angrily. 

"Because he's still their father," Maximillian Winters answered back with grit teeth. "Whatever we feel about him, He still was there for the majority of their lives"

"YOU are their father now, Yaotl!" Aguila's voice boomed out. " We are their family! He renounced the right to be their father when he sent Elias away from home. Alone . We lost contact for TWO FUCKING YEARS. And when we found Elias again thanks to Miss O'Neill's timely help, what did we find?"

"DON'T YOU DARE BRING UP WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CHILD!!!" Winters roared, properly furious now.

There was silence, probably Mono signing. 

Eli shook. Leo quickly came to her other side and hugged her. 

Serpiente spoke again and she sounded like she was crying, "Elias was in mine and April's arms, hermano. He was screaming for the pain to stop. He was calling for you . We may have killed the fuckers who did it and you carved out the leader's heart and balls…but scars like that never heal. The damage was done. It took months for him to rehabilitate. I cannot forgive that rat who sent our child out into the wild, all because of this sick sense of duty"

More silence. Leo opened his eyes. He had wondered why Eli had covered her neck with scarves or a choker. Or why her clothes were always long-sleeved. He closed them again as he felt dampness hit his face. He wishes he could make all the bad memories of his sister go away. 

"I know…Sister" Winters said, almost a whisper, full of sorrow. "I was there throughout that rehabilitation process. Every step of the way" 

Gato's voice came out, like a hiss. Low and angry, "Need I remind you; Donato's sight, Azarias's damaged shell that had to be replaced, and Miguel's legs were because of his negligence? It is a wonder that any of his children still want to keep in contact. Let that man go on and focus on his revenge. Just keep our children out of it" 

Winters said nothing for a while. Then answered, "Our children are their own person. I want them free of worries and regret. It's their choice if they want to speak to him or leave everything behind. But at the end of the day, they're ours and he cannot ever change that. That's all that matters to me"

Silence again. Then there were footsteps that went the other direction out of the kitchen. Some stomping, some in a quiet shuffle. 

Miguel sighed and patted Eli's back, then the boys, then shuffled off down the hallways. Donato put a hand on Eli's shell and said quietly, "I'm going to the lab to make the final adjustments to the portal. We can tell Papa later"

He gave a thankful squeeze on Leo's and Leon's arms. "Let's get you both home," then he left. 

Eli did not budge. 

It took a minute, then Azarias broke the silence. 

"Eli…come on. Let's get ready"

Eli didn't answer. 

" Eli " Azarias said, a little firmly. 

Leon raised his head to glare weakly at Azarias. "Give her a minute, please" 

Azarias scoffed, "Oh, so you now know what's best for her? News flash, brat. We just met"

"Dude, ease up. She's clearly in shock" Leon said, more force in his voice. 

"Tch. She always does this. Always freezes when something reminds her of her trauma. We cannot have that luxury of reminiscing in our line of work, or we die" 

Leo opened his eyes to stare at Azarias, in shock. Leon's jaw dropped in outrage. 

It took a minute before Eli turned her head to look coldly at her brother, face drenched with tears. 

"You just can't help yourself, can you, Azi?"

Azarias froze. Eli did nothing. Azarias shook his head and doubled down, "You…you fell in love with these two boys too fast. It's fucking suspicious. They're strangers! They don't know what we've been through…they're not our family"

Eli shook her head and pulled Leon closer to her. "And what would you know? The only thing that has been driving you is envy and pettiness," Eli turned to walk away. "I think I know what you did to Leon's brother, Azarias Winters. You did what you do best. You broke his heart just like you do with mine"

Leo was about to follow Eli and Leon…when he made a mistake and looked at the kitchen. 

Maximillian Winters was observing them. 

Leo stared back, almost like a deer in the headlights. He then heard a soft sob. He looked back and saw Azarias's back turned, shoulders shaking. He was crying. 

It must be the eldest sibling in him, but Leo moved toward Azarias instead. 

"Here," he said quietly, offering a handkerchief. 

Azarias turned to face Leo, eyes wide. He shakily took the handkerchief, then turned away to wipe his face.

Leo glanced back at the kitchen but Winters was gone. 

"You…you remind me of him," Azarias commented softly, almost a whisper. 

"Who?" Leo asked, giving Azi his full attention.

Azi gestured helplessly. "The kid. You're both too nice for your own good"

Ah. 

"You mean Raphie? He's a good lad," Leo agreed. Then he hesitated. "I fought with Leon because I was shocked that Raphie was the leader. Raphie told Leon to get along with us, and it was a rocky start but Leon is eager to learn and forgave me. Is it so hard to accept them? The kids are not that hard to love. Their hearts are big enough to accept everyone, warts and all"

"If their hearts are big enough, they'd be easier to break too," Azarias snapped at Leo. He remembered himself and winced. "I- Eli was right. I hurt the kid bad…and your brother in the crossfire. Because I couldn't believe it… I couldn't fathom why or how…they're so…carefree"

"This isn't the pain Olympics, Azi! You don't know jack shit about what happened to them! What they've been through! Leon lost so much and still, he has the courage to smile. I admire that about him," Leo inched closer to Azarias…then decided to sit on a bench next to him. The other turtle did not seem to mind. Or at least he was too distracted to. 

Leo looked down, "My Sensei…my dad was murdered by the Shredder. Raph saw it happen before his eyes. I- I had to become Sensei in his place and avenge him. I and Raph took turns parenting our younger brothers but…we were just kids. There was only so much we could do" 

He looked up at Azi who was staring at him. "It changed us, yes. And my relationship with my brothers isn't the same anymore. But it didn't make us," he gestured towards Azi, "bitter and jaded to lash out at everything. Some of it is…just you , man"

Azi looked down. Leo hopes he was reflecting.

Leo scooched closer. "Azi? Do you hate us Blues?"

"No" Azi looked away. "I can't…I don't hate any Leonardos…I guess I just…I resent you"

Azi took a minute to gather himself. Leo let him.

"Eli was forced to take that training by our Fath--by Splinter. She left without saying goodbye, and I hated her for it. Two whole years of silence. Then one day, when Splinter was asleep, Tío Gato infiltrated our sewers and told us… we rushed to where Eli was. I…When I saw her…She was awake, but there was no life in her eyes, and Papa was asleep, holding her hand. Tía Serpiente told us that she had just stopped screaming because of the medicine "

Azi wiped his eyes again, his voice now wavering, "If…if I…I thought…was it our fault? Maybe we should have asked her not to go. I went back to the sewers to confront Splinter, but he wasn't home. So I packed Eli's things that were left and passed it on to Papa. It took months for her to get better, Papa and the others didn't want Eli to return to the sewers but me and the others were welcome to visit her. He adopted her then, you know? But I think in his heart…I think… he thought of her as his child already when they first met when he opened the portal and freed his siblings from a thousand-year curse. She was a baby, then. She wandered out from the sewers and just…grabbed this scary Warlord's leg and got away with it because she was so cute. In a way, it's Eli who introduced the Winters to us…Then the thing that happened to us happened because of a mission gone wrong and I guess Tío Aguila put his foot down and claimed the rest of us as Winters"

Words spilled out of Azarias like a fountain. He must have kept this in for so long. 

"I'm angry she didn't trust us enough to share her burdens…not until it was too late. And I'm angry I wasn't there for her when she needed me. I'm angry that my stupidity and uselessness got my brothers' eyes and legs and my shell. I guess we all match Eli in trauma now, huh?...but…you're right. This isn't the pain Olympics. The real reason I'm furious…why I'm angry? How is it that you guys have such a good relationship with each other when I can barely talk to my sister? Even my soulmates. In a way, they understand but…in a lot of ways they don't"

Leo stretched his legs. "I… don't know how to answer that. I'm not even twenty…our circumstances are different from yours, and I'm thinking so are your soulmates…You love Eli a lot, right?"

Azi snorted. "That goes without saying"

"Then actually tell her. Or show her. She's not connected to you like your soulmates, you know? She isn't a Raphael" 

Azi took a deep breath. Exhaled then nodded. 

Leo stood up and started to walk back to Eli's room, "I'm gonna check on Eli"

Leo was almost at the corner when he heard, "Thanks, Leo"

"For what?"

"For listening"

"Oh. Yeah. No problem"

Leo left Azi sitting quietly in the company of his own thoughts.

---

When Leo neared the entrance of Eli's room, he could hear music, and a voice, probably from the record singing:

This is my street

I smile at the faces I’ve known all my life

They regard me with pride

And everyone’s sweet

They say, “You’re going places"

So how can I say that, while I was away

I had so much to hide?

Hey guys, it’s me

The biggest disappointment you know

The kid couldn’t hack it

She’s back and she’s walkin’ real slow

Welcome home, just breathe

Leo opened the door to find the bed in a mess as clothes were strewn on it next to an open suitcase. 

Leon was no help as he was on the floor on a beanbag listening and humming to the vinyl player while playing with the sea turtle plush balanced on his plastron. 

Eli poked her head out of her wardrobe, "Oh hi, Leo. I'm having a bit of trouble choosing what clothes to bring. Can you help me pick? Ooh, is this dress cuter? Or this jumper? How about these boots?"

Leo is happy his big sister isn't crying or sad. Until he gets covered with clothing thrown on him. 

Okay, nah . He's happy Eli is this excited. 

"You'd look great in anything, Big Sister"

Eli stared at Leo. He feels she is slightly disappointed. 

"Leo. I love you….but I'm starting to think you don't have any fashion sense"

Leo shrugged. She got 'im. "Considering I've been wearing clothes just recently, I think I'm not the right person to ask ," he gestured to Leon. 

Leon stood up, turtle plush under one hand, then scrutinized the pile, the clothes on Leo, and the ones Eli is holding up. 

He pointed to some of them, "These, that and that, paired with the boots, and the summer sandals. I like the flower and bracelet choker I saw in your jewelry box. Don't bring too much. You can buy more clothes in my dimension"

"Thank you, Leon!" chirped Eli. She grabbed what Leon suggested and arranged them neatly in the suitcase. 

She then picked up the pile of clothes, and waddled back to the closet, probably to put them away again. 

"Leo, Leon? What would your brothers want as gifts?" Eli said after she emerged from her closet.

"Oh…you don't have to…" Leo began.

"Mikey would want more sports stuff, Michael new recipes, and spices. Don and Donnie would want something new to tinker with in the labs but Don would be fine with Broadway stuff, drama queen he is," Leo recited. 

Eli nodded and texted something on her phone. 

"Those are easy to get. I've already put my gifts to my brothers and their soulmates aside. And… your Raph and Raphie?"

Leo and Leon looked at each other. 

Eli rubbed her arm, "I- it's not going to fix what Azi has done…but I'd like to apologize all the same" 

Leon shook his head, "Don't apologize for someone, Eli. That's their responsibility"

Eli nodded, "True. But I hate that he keeps hurting people for my sake. He needs a break, and to properly heal," she looked up shyly at Leo. "Thank you, by the way. For offering kindness to him, even if he was such a beast to you"

Leo shook his head. "It's…I get it though, you know? Trauma changes people. The road to recovery will be hard but he'll need people with him on his side to have his back. The rest of the way, it's up to him". 

Eli reached out and hugged Leo. She opened her arm to invite Leon in as well. 

"I'm so blessed, to have met you both. You're such good kids. I'm happy that you're family"

She eased up to look at them and smiled, "So, what does Raphie and Raph need? You guys never answered me"

Leo answered with a smile. "Raph would like treats for his pet turtle, Chompy. That or paint cans. And for Raphie--," here he looked at Leon and they both said, "Lots of Yarn"

The sound of laughter echoed out into the garden while the song quietly played in the background.

~~~

"Mira, Nina"

"Hey"

"No me preocupo por ella"

"They’re not worried about me"

"Mira, allí esta nuestra estrella"

"They are all counting on me to succeed"

"Ella sí da la talla"

"I am the one who made it out

The one who always made the grade

But maybe I should have just stayed home?"

~~~

The portal was done in an hour. 

Donato's efficiency was very scary, even for a Donatello. The lilac turtle was directing people around to help him build and stabilize the thing, but everything else was all him.

Miguel was overseeing the luggage and gifts. He was also stopping his Tíos from packing more food.

"Tío Mono, Tío Gato, the text said spices and recipes. Not a whole dinner course"

Mono had an apron that said "I don't wanna Taco bout it". He looked quite sad about what Miguel said. 

Gato sniffed. "Our family recipes stay in the family, mijo. The boy better impress us if he wants to get his hands on them"

Serpiente put a bag of new kitchen utensils for Michael down, "This will do instead, yes? Also, you can give the recipe for empanada con queso to the kid. If he is respectful, I can guarantee that whatever he makes, it will be loads better than whatever abomination Gato makes every Noche Buena" 

Gato and Serpiente start arguing again.

Leo is near Winters and Aguila, giving them space to talk. From the bag, it seems like Winters will join his children while the Elder Winters siblings will stay back. For now.

Leon and Eli are bumping shoulders in anticipation when Azi shuffles over. 

Leon automatically scooched closer to Leo, with narrowed eyes. 

Azi hesitated, and then said, "Eli…I'm sorry. I really am. I didn't mean…"

Eli pulled Azi into a hug and Azi returned it. 

"That hurt, you know?" Eli said quietly. 

"Sorry. I--... Eli, you're number one to me. You…our family…I just. I love you so much but I just…it pisses me off that I can't keep you safe from harm"

Eli kissed her brother's forehead, "And I love you too, you big lug. I wish…I wish the circumstances were different. That none of us got hurt. But it is what it is. I'm not a child. I don't need 24-hour protection. I can only move forward…and I can walk hand in hand with you towards that future. If you'll let me, of course"

Azi buried his head in her neck and inhaled shakily. 

Eli and Azi part. Eli gestured to Leon, who reluctantly shuffled forward. 

Azi rubbed his arm. "I--I'm sorry, Leon. I was such a shithead to you"

Leon took a minute…then looked away. "I…it's Raphie you really hurt"

Azarias wanted to say something but thought better of it. "Yeah. I know…I'll talk to him"

Leon nodded and put out his hand, "Okay. I accept your apology"

Azi nodded as well and they shook hands. Eli simply gathered the two into a hug.

Good.  Leo thought as he observed what was happening. 

"May I know what to expect when we walk through that portal?" 

Leo looked up at Maximillian Winters smiling down at him. How the man moved so silently with his heavy-looking bag, Leo will find out.

Leo gestured at Leon still wrapped in a hug with Eli and Azarias. 

"My soulmate's home dimension. His family is large. Very large. He has three parents, and many godfathers and godmothers. It's a world of both humans and Yōkai…so I guess weird is normal to them. I…they're family readily accepted me and my siblings as theirs. I'm very lucky but honestly also confused at how fast things happened. It's chaotic but it feels like home," Leo rambled nervously.

Winters nodded his head solemnly. "Then it's an adventure for me and my children. This will be fun". The man observed his children, then turned back to Leo. "Thank you. For not only accepting Eli as family so quickly, but for choosing to be kind to Azarias. Not many people tolerate him"

Leo shuffled his foot. "It's nothing, sir. I'm a big brother. It's…I guess I'm used to dealing with it"

Winters chuckled. "Still. I owe you one. If you need anything, just ask" He looked up to see Eli approaching, Leon and Azi following her.

"Ah, mija. Perfect timing. Is everyone all set?"

"Yes, Papa" Eli said, all smiles. 

She shuffled closer to her father who hugged her. 

"Ay, te adoro, te quiero, mija. It is wonderful to see you so happy" Winters whispered. 

"I love you too, Papa," Eli answered quietly. Then she pulled away and grinned. "I can't wait to go on this adventure with you! It's been a while since we had a family trip"

"Your Tíos and Tía will catch up when April and Casey get here. Yes. It's a proper family trip," Winters chuckled. 

Leo looked at the portal…and made a decision to do this family another kindness.

He took Leon's arm, breathed in, and said, "We have to tell them"

Leon wilted in relief. "Oh thank GOODNESS, this anticipation was killing me" 

Eli was now surrounded by her brothers and her father, her Aunts and Uncles catching up as well. "Oh good . This will make things so much easier if someone faints," muttered Leon.

Eli raised a brow, "Oh? Are you finally going to tell us what the thing is?"

"The what now?" Miguel asked. Eli offered her hand to both Azi and Miguel and they take it to see her memory.

Leon waited until everyone was gathered. He opened his mouth…closed it, then decided the Elder Winters were the road to least destruction. 

"So you know when you said you guys were excited about grandkids?"

Leo put his face in his hands. Goddamit Leon . 

Serpiente, Gato, and Mono's eyes were wide. Aguila's narrowed his. Winters blinked, "And what did you mean by that?"

Leon gestured wildly, “So there was this fight, and it was wild, and these guys soulmates came in through this portal, and…and… Riley and her soulmates were doing this thing…but it backfired spectacularly…”

Leo put his hand over Leon’s mouth to keep him quiet, which didn’t do anything to stop the boy’s frantic gestures.

“What he meant is, there was a mixup with this ritual. Riley’s last few soulmates, who are also clones of my soulmate and his brothers came through but as babies”

He turned to Eli and her brothers, who would have had comical expressions on their faces if Leo didn’t feel the same as well.

“And since we are ALL connected, that means we uh…we’re parents. We have kids ” 

There was a silence, the only sound coming from the active portal.

Then chaos. Serpiente and Gato squealed, hugging a stunned Mono and jumping for joy. Aguila looked like he wanted to keel over. Winters dropped his bag in shock.

“WHAT THE FUCK!?” screamed Azi. Donato was massaging his temple furiously. Miguel was squatting on the floor hands on his face, seemingly like his brain has overloaded.

Eli grasped Leo’s shoulders, “Really?” She asked. Eyes wide in wonder.

Leo exhaled out a shaky “Really” with a nervous smile. Eli laughed and hugged him and Leon.

That went well, he thought. All things considered.

---

Just Breathe