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«•*.+.*•»Lea didn’t know what was wrong with her.This was the first time she had ever tried something like this- having children. She supposed she shouldn’t have been surprised when she failed so spectacularly.Leonora, age 25, sat on her bathroom floor, the remains of what looked to be a deflated egg smushed into her hands. Yes, there was blood, but that wasn’t the concern. The concern was that the blood wasn’t hers. The baby hadn’t made it.Surely this wasn’t normal, Lea thought as she clutched her hands to her heart. Leonora had laid a clutch about three weeks ago. It was still so early. So why?This had been her last egg. Leonora had become more and more protective over the precious spheres of life as more began to fail. There had been ten. And oh she only needed one, please please please just one!But no.Leonora sobbed, her whole body keening forward and curling in on herself. What could she do? What had she done? It wasn’t fair. None of her other siblings had the possibility to create children like Lea did. And yet, Raph managed with Mona and Donnie had their own creation to look after. So why? Why couldn’t Leonora have one child?What was wrong with her?Lea didn’t even register when the front door opened and clicked shut, soft footsteps echoing from the kitchen. A voice sounded, calling for her. But Leonora didn’t- couldn’t hear. She only sobbed harder, breath eluding her as she hiccuped and gasped unevenly.She knew what she must look like at the moment, but frankly there were other, more pressing matters at hand.Like her baby.She hadn’t known what the gender was, or if said gender would stick past puberty, but she had still picked out names.Leonardo for a boy, a homage to her past name.Venus for a girl, the name of a sister she never met.Haruki, a beautiful name that painted a lovely picture regardless of the gender.Yuki, meaning snow, something Leonora loved.Lea had gone through a list of dozens of names. Pulling from family history and her husband’s language. She had been foolish to assign names to eggs that would never hatch. Talk about counting your eggs before they hatch! But she hadn’t known. Now she would never get to use any of the names she loved so much.The voice from the kitchen called to her again but Leonora still wasn’t able to hear it. Crying crying crying ‘I feel like I’m dying’ she thought despairingly. ‘Maybe I am’ maybe this is my punishment’ Lea rationalized something that made zero sense outside of her echo chamber of intrusive thoughts.She couldn’t breath and someone knocked on the doorShe couldn’t breathe and someone knocked againShe couldn’t breathe and the door openedShe couldn’t breathe and soft hand held hers.She couldn’t see through the tears but the hands wiped them away. More came. And more came. And more came.“Was that the last one?” The voice asked her so gently that Lea didn’t have to think about whose it was. She nodded, her head full of cotton as the tears only continued.It was her last egg.
…
“I’m so sorry Lee. I know how much you wanted this.” Usagi whispered as he held his hand on Leonora’s shell. Lea had been moved to the bed after cleaning up the mess, where she now laid propped up against her husband’s chest. Usagi rubbed her shell comfortingly, though the comfort was minuscule.“I thought you did too.” Lea sobbed, her voice stuffy from congestion. Usagi worried she would give herself a headache if this persisted. Although, she probably already had one.“I did, but this isn’t about me.” Usagi sighed and pulled his wife closer. Lea sniffled and buried her head further into Usagi’s shoulder.“What did I do wrong?” Leonora asked desperately, as if Usagi would have the answers.“Nothing! You did so good, and you were so ready to be a mother too!” Lea sobbed at his words, knowing deep down he was right. But she still felt the need to assign blame. Onto herself, naturally.“But I messed it up!” Leonora wailed and Usagi dipped his head down to nuzzle hers.“No, no, you did not mess it up!” Usagi tried to assure her. It didn’t work.“I did! They all died!” The distressed turtle bawled, her fists clenched tightly as her whole body shook with her sobs.“I know love, I know. But what if it wasn’t you? What if it was me? We’re different species after all.” Usagi reasoned with her, running his hands up and down Lea’s trembling shell. Leonora stiffened a bit, processing his words.“Mona did just fine, and she’s a lizard.” Usagi winced, she did have a point. Leonora shook her head, her tears still flowing but no longer sobbing.“It’s me. There’s something wrong.”“There is nothing wrong with you.” Usagi insisted, trying to be supportive.“They DIED!! How is that not proof of something being wrong??” Leonora growled angrily, though mostly at herself.“Right, but it’s not something WRONG with you, you’re not a problem.” Usagi tried to clarify, wincing as he made things worse with his word choice.“Okay but THEY DIED. Obviously there is A PROBLEM!” Leonora cried out with exasperation and saddness.Usagi kept quiet this time, he didn’t want to make things worse. What his wife was saying was true, but it still sounded wrong.“I don’t know how to help you, I’m so sorry.” Usagi admitted defeat, hanging his head as he felt tears prick behind his eyes. They had been there as soon as he walked into the bathroom to find the horror scene before him. But he had kept it in, knowing it wasn’t fair for him to cry when Lea was so obviously needing to more. Even now, he didn’t let more than a few drops fall as his wife lay on him for comfort.“Hold me tighter?” Lea pleaded and Usagi obliged, wrapping his legs and arms around the turtle girl more snuggly than before. His soft white fur brushed against Leonora’s smooth green scales, Lea nuzzling into her husband’s comforting body. Leonora dissolved into fretful hiccups and cries as she ran her claws gently through Usagi’s fur.“We’re gonna get through this Lea, and I’m going to be here for you. No matter what happens.” Usagi promised, pressing loving kisses to his wife’s head.“Should we.. should we try again?” Leonora wondered, sniffling miserably.“I think we should wait- figure out if there’s anything we can do to make sure this doesn’t happen again.” Usagi breathed deeply, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. He felt Lea nod her head in agreement, she didn’t want to go through this again.Never again.«•*.+.*•»
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«•*.+.*•»“Y’ttrinaji Hamato! I swear if you don’t clean yer’ room, I will throw away everything in there!!” Raphael yelled to his salamandrian daughter who was currently skittering up the walls rather than taking responsibility.“Even the floor?” Y’ttrinaji tilted her head to the side and asked innocently, her large eyes boring into her father’s inquisitively.“Wh- NO not the floor!” Raphael exclaimed exasperatedly. His daughter knew all too well how to annoy him. An amused chuckle sounded from behind Raphael, a beautiful sound on all accounts.Y’gythgba, Raphael’s warrior wife, stood just behind him, leaning against the wall with a soft smile on her face. Raphael felt heat rise to his face as Mona Lisa approached him and leaned down into a kiss.Raphael had gotten taller over the years; taller than Mikey, and almost as tall as Lea, but he knew he would never be as tall as his towering wife. He was fine with that. More than fine, actually.“It seems our daughter is just as literal as I.” Mona Lisa chuckled softly, slipping her hand into Raphael’s as he felt his temper fade.“She’s yer spittin’ image too.” Raphael grumbled, crossing his arms as Y’ttrinaji continued to climb the walls.“She’s so stubborn, quite like you. And she has your smile, those adorably sharp canines of yours.” Mona Lisa teased, holding her husband’s face and touching their noses together.“Mona!” Raph spluttered, turning his face away and looking for his daughter, hoping she hadn’t seen the display.Oh, she was on the ceiling now. That’s normal.Suddenly, a frantic buzzing from within Raphael’s pants pocket startled him out of the conversation with his wife. Whipping out the offending device, Raph cringed when he saw the screen light up with Usagi’s contact information. ‘The shell does he want??’ Raph thought bitterly. He never really got along with the guy, considering he married Lea and all.Pulling the tphone up to his ear, Raph answered in the gruffest tone he could manage.“Ey, ya need somethin’?” Raph wasn’t expecting to get such an earnest and panicked response, especially from Usagi from all people.“Could you please meet us at our house? It’s an emergency.” Usagi said stiffly in a rushed voice. That was enough to jump start Raph into action. Because he KNEW that this was about Lea.“What happened?” Raph demanded grimly, Mona Lisa giving him a concerned look.“It’s Leonora, she’s had… an accident. She needs you.” Usagi’s voice matched Raph’s grimness perfectly.“M on my way.” Raph didn’t waste any time and hung up, turning to gather the first aid kit just in case.“What’s happened? Need I sharpen my plasma sword? I shall ride into battle by your side with Y’ttrinaji strapped to my back!!” Y’gythgba exclaimed, raising her fists into the air with her triumphant bellow. As much as Raph loved how enthusiastic Mona got about battle, now wasn’t exactly the time.“Perhaps it is time I gave our daughter her first plasma blaster…” Mona contemplated thoughtfully.“Sorry Mona, but no time to explain! I gotta go meet my sis at her house, you stay here and watch Y’ttrinaji. I’ll bring back dinner!” Raph called as he grabbed the first aid kit and rushed out the door. Mona Lisa stood and let her hands fall back to her side, watching her husband disappear as disappointment pricked through her. That was fine, the glory of battle would simply have to wait.
…
Leonora couldn’t quite place it, but the way she was feeling just wasn’t natural. When you lose someone, you’re supposed to feel sad. Well, Lea had lost ten someones and she didn’t feel sad.She felt empty. Hollow like the promises she had made to Usagi that she wouldn’t blame herself. She felt useless. What was the point of having her biology if it didn’t function as it should? She knew she was being unfair to herself and unreasonable on the topic usefulness. But she couldn’t help it could she? She had been raised to value things only for their use, after all.She was simply forgetting that living beings were the exemption to that rule.Leonora had surrounded herself in blankets and pillows, her bed stripped of all its covers and piled onto her nest. In the center she sat, letting herself wallow in her sorrows. She was allowed to do that.Usagi sat in the same room, not speaking or looking at her but there if she needed him. Right now she needed him to give her space. Surprisingly, Usagi stood up, as if sensing his wife’s mood.“I’ll be in the living room if you need me, I’ll be back soon.” Usagi assured her, his black nose twitching. Leonora didn’t acknowledge her husband’s words, continuing to stare at the wall blankly and pick at her claws.Maybe she wasn’t sad. But she was devastated. And surprisingly, she was angry as well. The hardest part about that was simply that she didn’t know who or what she was mad AT.Herself probably, cliché as it was.Maybe she was mad at the world. No… she was mad at God. He made her like her brothers, but with an extra component. One she hadn’t known about until she was thirteen, when she got her first period.Intersex was the term Mikey had suggested, Donnie agreed. Trans worked too, but the latter felt like a stretch to her. As she grew older, her body matured. Her voice slowly changing and her limbs taking a shape distinctly different from her brothers’. It was a welcome change thankfully, one she had wanted before she knew it was even possible.At the time, she had felt like the luckiest girl on the planet. God had answered her prayers and given her exactly what she had longed for.But now she felt like she had been slapped in the face by the very same God who had granted her her deepest desire. Perhaps this was what she got for being ungrateful. She got the biology she wanted, but not the functionality that other girls had.She really was ungrateful.Leonora’s throat was tight and her lungs felt as though they might collapse. Lea didn’t have the strength to cry like she had before, but keeping it in now felt like swallowing a bomb. Her eyes watered, though she didn’t know how considering how dehydrated she was. She remembered the cup of water Usagi had set in the bedside table for her and she reached for it.Voices sounded from outside the room as Lea drank all the water in two greedy gulps. VOICES not voice. She could hear Usagi’s gentle and panicked voice clash with familiarly irritable and gruff tones.Raph??Leonora immediately wanted to see her brother, pushing some of the blankets away from herself as she tried to climb out of bed hastily.Too hastily in fact as her leg became tangled in her comforted and she fell off the bed completely with a loud ‘thump!’Lea groaned and the door to her room was thrown wide open, Raphael standing in the threshold.“R-Raph!!” Lea cried reaching her hand out to him as he ran to her and scooped her into his arms. She couldn’t help but freeze as her gathered her in his arms and hugged her tight.“I heard about what happened.” Was all he said, breathless as though he had run to see her. Leonora whimpered pathetically as she pulled her trembling hands into herself, cradling her arms in the warmth Raphael created.“Raph!” Lea sobbed for what seemed to be the fifth time that day, laying her head atop her brother’s shoulder. Raph rocked slowly and kept his arms tight around her, his eyes closed and brow furrowed.“I k-killed the-em all!” Lea wailed bitterly, biting down on a broken whine.“You did not kill them.” Raphael growled dangerously, his embrace tightening ever so slightly.“I could- I couldn’t kee-ep them alive!!” Lea bawled, pushing her hands into Raph’s chest and propelling her away. Raph held onto her arms but let her separate from him, her head dropping low.Raph slowly lifted his sister’s face with his hands, peering into her eyes. Leonora’s eyes were puffy and swollen from all her salty tears, stars sparkling in her vision as she looked at her brother with quite possibly the most helpless expression he had ever seen on her.“You’re gonna get through this.” Raphael assured her, no room for debate in his tone. “But first, you’re gonna drink some water and come home with me.”“But, I can’t leave Usa-“ Lea sniffled before being interrupted.“Cottontail’s commin’ too.” Raph said with finality, Lea deciding not to question it.«•*.+.*•»
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«*•^+^•*»“Leelee! You look awful, what happened??” The first to notice her was Mikey, running to her as she entered the lair.Raphael had insisted on taking her home for dinner, claiming some time with the family and a home cooked meal would lift her spirits. Lea hadn’t complained, wanting to see her father anyway.“I’m okay Mikey.” Lea said in the deadest voice anyone had ever heard.“Well that was the worst lie you’ve ever made.” Donnie piped from the couch as they got up to join his brothers. Their face displayed deep concern for their sister, tear tracks a rare occurrence when it came to their blue leader.“Come sit down and tell us what’s wrong.” Donnie took their sister by the bad and led her to the dinning room, sitting her down at the table.“I’ll go get splinter.” Raph mumbled before disappearing into his father’s room.Silence fell as Lea and Usagi settled themselves at the diner table. Leonora ran her hand along the grain of the wooden tabletop, feeling the memories stored there from a childhood she both resented and cherished.Things hadn’t exactly been carefree as many would describe their childhood. However, it had been slower, simpler to the mind of a child. The days were short but years seemed to last forever, their growth the only thing that measured the time. Lea wouldn’t say life was overly complicated, though as of late that was a fair statement to make. But nowadays she felt more lonely, despite having the love of her life and her wonderful family all in the same state.Donnie moved around the most, traveling for ‘scientific inquiry and data collection’ as they phrased it. He would often leave New York for weeks at a time on little notice. But he was always back before you could really miss him.Mikey had certainly traveled as well, though he preferred sticking with Splinter. He often went to visit Renae and Mondo, even paying Leatherhead the occasional house call. Lea knew all of Mikey’s friends appreciated it.Raph sometimes left the planet. No big deal. His wife was raised on another planet so it was only fair they made biannual trips there. Y’ttrinaji loved it too, her Mother’s home planet one of her favorite places. Something told Lea that someday biannually would not be enough to satisfy the salamandrians. Lea also knew that Raph would do anything for his wife and daughter so it probably wouldn’t be a problem anyway.“Leonora, what a pleasant surprise.” Lea startled at her father’s smooth voice, turning around in her seat to see him striding forward with Raphael by his side.“Though you do not look well daughter. Tell me, what ails you Leonora?” Lea loved the way ‘Leonora’ and ‘daughter’ slipped from her father’s tongue so easily, as if there was never a time when she wasn’t addressed as such.“Oh, Father-“ Lea shook her head despairingly, loose tears falling from her eyes.“I have nothing but bad news.” She whined, her throat closing up as she couldn’t bare telling another soul what had happened.Master Splinter took the hand of his daughter as he kneeled beside her chair, stroking her hand gently and waiting patiently for her words.“I’ve lost all of them Father, all my children, gone.”A horrid silence screamed in the dinning room, Mikey’s hands shooting up to cover his mouth. Donnie looked horrified, an expression of pity washing over his demeanor. Usagi patted his wife on the leg gently, offering some sort of comfort. Raphael simply stood with his arms crossed, looking at the ground sorrowfully.“What?” Splinter asked, sounded winded and confused from the bomb Lea had just dropped.“The last one died this morning. None of them made it.” Leonora shook and dropped her head into her hands.“But you- there were ten!” Mikey cried, not understanding how on earth every single one of her eggs had perished.“I know!!” Leonora keened as she rocked herself forward, the desperate noises from her throat startling and concerning everyone in attendance.“Oh my poor daughter!” Master Splinter exclaimed and threw his arms around his eldest child, holding her as she breathed heavily with distress.“Ten…ten eggs all- all gone… how..?” Donnie mumbled with a terribly saddened voice.“I think there’s something wrong with me.” Lea quivered, her arms wrapped around her Father’s broad back.“Leonora, there is nothing wrong with-“Splinter began, disappointed but not surprised that his daughter would blame herself for something like this, but he never got to finish his sentence.“No, you don’t understand!!” Lea yelled and everyone fell quiet, listening to her carefully.“I’ve been trying to tell you all this time but you always dismissed it! Something IS wrong!” Leonora insisted, gaining looks of pity and sympathy as she wept.“I’ve been having terrible pains ever since I had the clutch and even before then! My mood swings have been far more severe until recently it just… I haven’t felt anything but sorrow and pain in so long!” Leonora faltered in her explanation but kept going. She had everyone’s attention now, and they were staring to worry as Lea continued talking.“Not to mention the fact that the clutch I laid was supposed to come three weeks earlier than it did!” Lea gulped for air as tears welled up in her eyes once again, an anger filling them like an icy blue flame.“There is something wrong and it hurts. Whatever it is, is probably also to blame for… for the death of my eggs.” Lea took deep, steadying breaths as she finished her explanation. Five pairs of extremely concerned eyes bored into Lea as she lowered her head in shame.“I need- I need help.” Lea pleaded with her Father and brothers, her eyes flicking up to meet theirs. And in that moment, the brothers knew that Lea in her most vulnerable state and needed to be protected fiercely.“We’ll help you Leelee! I’ll do anything you need!” Mikey was the first to speak offering himself instantly and latching on to his grieving sister. Mikey’s eyes watered and he let a few tears fall as he touched his forehead to Lea’s.“I as well, offer my services to you Leonora. I’m sure I can find the root of your pain through a few medical tests.” Donatello straightened their back and stood tall as a rod, as though they were addressing a military superior. Lea smiled a tiny bit at their offer, and that meant a lot to her at the moment.“Whatever you need my daughter, we will be here to supply it.” Master Splinter whispered lovingly and kissed the top of her head reverently.“You know well always be here for ya’.” Raph smiled crookedly, his eyes still portraying sadness that only seemed appropriate. Lea nodded her head in thanks.“I am here for you Love, whenever you need me. I only apologize that I haven’t known how to help so far.” Usagi lowered his head, one of his fingers curling around Leonora’s.“Nah, ya’ did plenty bunny-boy.” Raph said begrudgingly to the surprise of everyone present.“Ya told me, and now we’re here. You knew what to do.” Raphael explained shyly, rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably.“He’s right, thank you Usa.” Lea agreed, smiling softly at her stunned husband. A single tear dropped from Usagi’s eye, a look of gratitude displayed on his face.“I’m glad I could help.” Usagi whispered, Leonora hugging him gratefully.Mikey stood up suddenly and planted both hands on his hips, a decision etched into his brow.“Right! Im gonna make dinner!” He proclaimed and promptly marched into the kitchen. Lea could go for some food right now.
…
Leonora slept soundly as her brothers, Father, and Usagi kept watch. Raphael had returned home, a Tupperware container with some of Mike’s cooking in hand. His wife and daughter were expecting him home, though he had stayed until Lea had fallen asleep.“It just doesn’t seem fair.” Mikey mumbled suddenly.“What do you mean?” Donnie asked his younger brother.“Well, Lee was so excited when she found out she was biologically a girl. I mean it wouldn’t have mattered if she wasn’t because she always wanted to be a girl anyway, but we were all so happy for her. But now that she wants to start a family… it’s like her biology is betraying her.” Mikey whispered grimly, his eyes trained in the steady rise and fall of his sister’s breath.“Michael…” Donnie breathed, horrified by his brother’s words.“I know I know, that sounds awful and I shouldn’t say it! But… ten eggs Donnie. All of them.” Mikey whimpered, rubbing his hands together nervously.“I cannot imagine the agony she is going through.” Splinter admitted to his sons surprise.“I thought I lost my Miwa long ago. The pain I felt from that loss was immeasurable. But for Leonora, an expecting mother to lose every single one… My daughter truly is the strongest woman I have ever met.” Splinter wept softly for his daughter, his dark brown eyes so full of admiration and sadness.“She truly is.” Usagi agreed, his ears dropped low against his neck. A wave of tiredness washed over Usagi as he approached his slumbering wife. She looked so peaceful now, despite the horrors she had endured.As Usagi sat on Leonora’s old bed beside her, he noticed her breathing was slightly faster than usual. The others seemed to notice too when Lea began twitching in her sleep. Her legs would jolt occasionally, her shoulders trembling and fingers gripping the comforter tightly. A frantic hum rumbled witching her throat, followed by distressed clicks and chirps.“Oh no, Lea-“ Donnie said sympathetically as he rushed forward, Michelangelo not far behind. They understood the emotions behind the noises their sister made, a language neither Usagi or Splinter could understand.Leonora suddenly thrashed in bed, turning her face to the sky and screaming loud and true, the horrible ripping of her voice rattling the room. Lea jumped awake, panting and whining, confusion and distress clouding her vision.“It’s okay Lee, you’re safe. We’re all here!” Mikey alerted his sister to his presence, holding her clammy hand in his as she slowly calmed down.Splinter took up a position behind his daughter’s head, laying it on his lap and gently rubbing the sides of her temples and forehead. Donnie and Usagi each remained by Leonora’s side, Usagi guiding her through a breathing exercise to lower her heart rate and steady her breathing.“There we go, here we are.” Splinter sighed gratefully as Lea’s breath evened out and her eyes became unclouded by fear. Quiet sniffles replaced her previous blind panic, her eyes still held wide open as though she expected something to jump out at any moment.“Can you tell us what you dreamt about?” Usagi asked gently, holding her hand and raising it to his lips to kiss. Leonora hummed undecidedly before nodding hesitantly.“There was umm, it was like usual. Y’know the one abut Shredder.” Lea explained bashfully in a meek voice. Oh boy, they definitely knew the one about Shredder all right. Lea had been visited by that nightmare for years after the whole battle was over as even still was sometimes plagued by it.“But this time it was… different.” Lea continued, her voice beginning to waver. Usagi squeezed her hand a bit to let her know he was still here with her.“It wasn’t there it was- it was here. And I was the only- the- the only one left.”“And I had to protect my-“ Lea’s breath caught in her chest and she let out a shaky sob. The rest of her family leaned in closer, whispering comforts and assurances to her as she fought to regain control over her cries.“-My eggs!” Leonora blurted out the last of her sentence with a wail, and instantly everyone’s hearts were crushed.Splinter leaned over his daughter and kissed her forehead, keeping her head elevated so as to relieve the stress on her trembling body. Her limbs twitched terribly as Mikey and Usagi each held on of her hands.Lea gazed up at her father, her liquid sapphire irises shining with warm tears flowing freely down her cheeks.“I only want-I only wanted one Papa! I only need- needed one!” Lea agonized with a sob. Splinter couldn’t bear it anymore.“My daughter, oh my little one.” Splinter cried softly as her pulled Leonora into his arms, wrapping his tail around her like a shield. Lea settled into his arms and just cried, holding tightly to her fathers fur and buriying her face into his robes.The night passed slowly, with a heavy weight settling on Lea’s chest. A burden of great sorrow that was hers alone to carry. She was surrounded by those who loved her, mourned with her, and would do anything to help her, but none of them truly understood.None of them could ever begin to fathom what she was feeling at the moment. It wasn’t just a feeling, it was a state of mind and a plane of existence for Lea. One that she wasn’t sure if she could ever escape from.«*•^+^•*»
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«*•^+^•*»Usagi hadn’t traveled back to his home ever since the egg incident. He was more than willing to remain by his wife’s side during this period of grief. He was determined to help her in any way he could.The unfortunate reality was that he really couldn’t do much except offer physical and verbal comfort.Leonora had been irritable lately, enough so that Raph had been spending less time at the lair in an attempt to avoid her. Lea didn’t mean to drive him away, something was making her feel crazy half the time though.Normal noises became full volume screeching cacophonies of sound rattling around in her head.Little comments were taken at their most literal meaning, the intention of the words stripped away. Lea had been taking so many things personally and found herself offended regularly.Small changes in routine disgruntled her deeply and often threw off her entire mental train.Unfortunately, the grievances didn’t stop at mental and emotional strain. Leonora still found herself in physical pain on certain days.Today was one of those days.“Lee, you alright?” Raphael asked her on one of his rare visits to the sewer family home.Leonora squirmed on the couch, her lower stomach being stabbed by daggers of fire and lightning. She was being shredded from the inside, hot metal claws raking through her lower organs.“Hhh-hurts!” Lea keened, tightening herself into fetal position and rocking slowly on the couch cushions.“Okay, do you want me to get you to bed?” Raphael dropped into brotherly mode, sibling protocols kicking into high gear. Lea shook her head ‘no’ slightly and continued to rock.“Oh, um…” Raph looked around frantically, trying to remember that one thing that was supposed to help with these types of pains. ‘Oh yeah!’ Raphael remembered suddenly and sprang off to the kitchen to find what he needed.A minute later, Raph returned with a hot water bottle, holding it close to his sister’s abdomen as he knelt beside her.“Sorry I haven’t been around lately.” Raph apologized as he gently rubbed his sister’s head, her hands curling around the hot water bottle.“I just… didn’t know what to do or say. I wanted to be helpful but I thought maybe you would just want space from me or something?” Raph huffed with indecisiveness, feeling Lea lean into his touch which made him smile a bit.“I’ll try to come round more often though, ‘kay?” Leonora nodded eagerly and Raph grinned, his hand still resting atop his sister’s head.“It’s okay Raph, I know you have your own family to worry about.” Leonora said mournfully, a forced smile wavering on her face.“Lea, what the shell are you talkin’ about?” Raph huffed in annoyance, giving his sister a confused glare.“You are my family dum-dum!” Raph scoffed as he chastised Lea for her self deprecating thought process.“That’s not what I meant and you know it!” Leonora bit back, a snarl stuck in her throat. Raphael recoiled a bit, taken aback by his sister’s uncharacteristic snap.“You have a wife and daughter to get back to.” The older sister whispered mournfully, drawing her hands in close to her plastron. Raph hesitated, realizing the type of family she had meant. She meant children.“Lee I’m sorry-“ Raphael began with an uncomfortable shiver. Was his sister upset by the fact that he had a child and she didn’t? A sniffle cut off his thoughts before he could get any further. Raph’s amber eyes flicked down to where Lea lay on the couch, tears welling up in her ocean eyes and spilling over her cheeks.“No, don’t-“ Raph pleaded, cradling his sister’s head as her breaths began to come in short hiccups. ‘Aw geez.’ Raph thought. ‘You idiot, ya’ made her cry again!’“Raph, what if- what if I never-“ Leonora stuttered falteringly, her bottom lip trembling.“You will. I know ya’ will.” Raph interrupted her, knowing already her train of thought.“But what if it’s impossible for me!?” Leonora shook, her voice terrified.“Then you’ll adopt, or find sum’ other way.” Raph assured the distressed she-turtle.“And who knows, maybe ya’ just gotta try again.” Raph sighed, pulling his sister into a hug as he joined her on the couch. He made sure to keep the hot water bottle close to her as she shifted to allow the embrace.“You think so?” Leonora sniffed breathlessly.“Yea, I do.” Raph replied with no hesitation. Lea’s arms tightened around Raph’s shell as she calmed her breathing and heart rate.“Thanks Raphie.” Leonora breathed deeply.“Anytime sis.”From the doorway to the living room behind the couch, Usagi watched his wife and her brother hug and talk about her pains. Leonora was so comfortable with Raphael in a way that was distinctly different.Usagi didn’t feel envy, rather he felt relief. He knew Leonora needed her brothers and their support. And while Usagi did wish that he was enough to help Lea through this, he also knew that was unrealistic.Leonora was such a family oriented woman. It was no surprise to him that she was so disturbed over the egg ordeal. It made sense that she needed the love of her birth family to help ease her pain. It made sense, and Usagi was just glad that it worked.
…
“Okay, so your X-rays came back normal. Which means there’s nothing structurally wrong!” Donnie grinned, his voice tight with fake enthusiasm. This could only mean one thing, Leonora knew. Donnie was saving the bad news for last.“Your urine test came back inconclusive. Which is great because urinary tract infections are indescribably painful!” Donnie added to Leonora’s mounting annoyance.“Oh! and-““Donnie, just get to the point!” Lea snapped impatiently. Donnie stopped, lowered his head slowly, and nodded. A soft white hand rubbed Lea’s thigh comfortingly. Leonora sighed through her nose and straightened her posture.“I’m sorry Donnie, I didn’t mean to yell.” Lea offered apologetically, her voice soft and sympathetic.“No no, you’re right. It’s okay.” Donnie waved away her concerns with a flippant hand.Inside Donnie’s lab, an impromptu med lab for all medical testing, Leonora had taken several tests the day before. Some of the tests took more that a few hours to germinate or process, so Lea decided to just wait until everything was ready to hear the news. So now, she sat on workbench with her husband beside her for support.Also because he was her husband and Lea wanted him to know what was going on with her.Donnie took a deep breath, gathering a small stack of papers into his hand and looking away from his computer screen.“The X-ray did reveal something.” Donnie confessed, Lea and Usagi’s eyes widening.“It’s nothing to do with your bones or anything but… there are these things called cysts. They’re hardened calcifications that usually form on other bones of muscles after sustaining some sort of impact like a-“ Donnie jumped into an explanation.“Donnie, I know what a cyst is.” Leonora sighed, unimpressed.“Right, sorry.” Donnie fumbled to return to his original point.“Anyway. You have them. Cysts that is.” Donnie coughed awkwardly.“Where?” Usagi asked with consternation, leaning forward as if to revive the information faster.“On her Ovaries.” Donnie clarified, turning to face his sister fully. Lea’s eyes were wide as tea cups, her hand clutched firmly in Usagi’s.“I.. I don’t understand.” Lea spoke slowly, sounding disoriented from the revelation.“I didn’t think I’d ever been punched in the Ovaries.” Lea said sadly, her lip pouting and eyes watering. Usagi wrapped an arm around her shoulders, planting a gentle kiss atop her head.Soft laughter surprised Leonora as she looked back up at her tech savvy younger brother. He chuckled softly, shaking his head in the ‘no’ motion.“While I wouldn’t be surprised if you had been punched there, after all we’ve certainly taken a lot of hits over the years, that’s not exactly how this works.” Donnie gave his older sister a sympathetic look as he handed her a paper he had printed out.The paper seemed to be the front page of a website printed out, the url visible at the top of the paper. The title read ‘So You Have PCOS.’ Lea stared hard at the acronym, wondering what the shell it was and why it was ruining her life.“Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom, or PCOS, is when an individual with a female reproductive tract develops cysts on the ovaries. It’s actually pretty common!… sort of.” Donnie began doing what he did best (explaining things).“Some of the symptoms include hiruitism, androgynous features, acne, temperature fluctuations, severe mood swings, worsened cramps before and during your menstrual cycle, and… increased chances of miscarriage.” Donnie sulked and nearly mumbled the last part.Leonora gasped, her hand clutching at her plastron.“Lee?” Usagi leaned in carefully, caressing her face with one of his paws.“So that’s why… and some of those other things too- I never realized..” Lea was caught breathless by the newest revelation, her hand beginning to shake.“Are you okay Lea?” Donnie scooted forward in his rolling chair, his brown eyes full of knowing concern.“I’m… I don’t know.” Leonora admitted, swaying her head as she leaned into Usagi.“What’s the rate?” She asked suddenly. Donnie stilled.“Rate of what?” He said with a skeptical tone and raised brow ridge.“Rate of miscarriages.” Leonora persisted, her eyes flicking down to the paper she had been handed to search for any kind of statistic. Her eyes found it at the same time Donnie said it out loud.“30-50% in the early stages of pregnancy. It decreases as the term continues.” Donatello sighed heavily. Usagi stiffened and waited for a reaction from his wife.It didn’t come.“Okay.” She said simply, folding up the paper and standing to leave.“Lea??” Usagi called after her as she left the room, a dazed look in her eyes. Donnie caught Usagi’s arm as he made to follow his wife.“Give her a bit of time alone. She needs to process this.” Donatello explained grimly. Usagi nodded solemnly and walked off to go sit in the front room. Donatello was left alone in his room, his eyes glazing over with the knowledge that he hadn’t helped Lea at all. All he had done was tell her exactly why she couldn’t have children.Unless…Donnie returned to his computer with a new directive fresh in his mind. He could still help, he could fix this!«*•^+^•*»
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«•*.+.*•»I’m just so worried about her. Ever since Donatello gave her that diagnoses she’s been extra quiet.” Usagi lamented, his hands folded around a warm cup of tea.Master Splinter had invited the samurai rabbit to have tea with him in his room, an offering Usagi felt honored by. The last time his wife’s father had invited him to tea was when Usagi intended to propose to Leonora. That was a memory he would never forget. The mere thought of it nearly sent a smile tugging at Usagi’s lips, though he repressed it under the solemn circumstances.Splinter sipped his tea thoughtfully from across the table, his eyes closed as he considered Usagi’s words.“Has she said anything to you of what she may be feeling?” The older master inquired.“No. That’s what concerns me most! She always tells me how she’s feeling but now it’s like there’s nothing for her to tell.” Usagi dropped his head slightly, his ears drooping sadly. Splinter nodded mournfully.“Unfortunately, I’ve seen this behavior in my daughter before.” Splinter admitted regretfully, his mind returning him to a time of great torment.“It should not be long then,” the Master continued with downcast eyes, “until she breaks down.” Usagi’s eyes widened. He hadn’t known that.He had only been married to Leonora for two years, and during that time they had been happy. No problems had yet arisen in their relationship. Usagi supposed, this was the first.“Will she become violent?” Usagi wondered, unable to imagine his calm and collected wife flying into a blind rage in any situation other than intense battle. Splinter chuckled softly, a bit of genuine amusement gleaming in his dark brown eyes.“No, in fact it’s quite the opposite.” Splinter shook his head, though a small smile remained.“My daughter, ever one for organization, will resort to productivity to release her frustrations.” Splinter explained.“Many a time this has happened that I, along with her brothers, simply thought she was taking initiative as the eldest child.” Splinter sighed fondly, the memory replaying in his mind.“You mean to say she-“ Usagi began with slight confusion.“Yes, young samurai, Leonora will clean, and organize, and rearrange anything that is messy or out of place when her emotions get the best of her. She is quite the enigma, isn’t she?” Splinter asked humorously.“I’ll say.” Usagi gaped with awe as he downed the rest of his tea in a swift swig.
…
Raphael had come to visit and Donatello was currently explaining to him what he had discovered about Leonora’s condition since he had been away. Usagi and Master Splinter were sat on the couch, an old movie playing that had absolutely fascinated Usagi. Michelangelo was in the kitchen, ice cream kitty mewing happily as Mikey cooed to her and gave her ear scratches.And then Leonora walked in and everyone grew quiet. The movie was paused and Donnie’s chatter was postponed. Ice cream kitty was put back into the freezer where she belonged and Mikey joined the rest of his family in the main room.“Mornin’ Lea! how are you feeling?” Donatello inquired in a voice far too cheerful to belong to him.“I did some research.” Leonora stated, disappointment dripping from her gaze.“What didja find?” Raphael asked as the rest of the family was far too tense to speak. Lea walked over to the couch and sat between Usagi and Master Splinter. Both gave her an encouraging smile, albeit nervous and concerned.“I found out a bit more about my condition.” Lea started, folding her hands collectively in her lap. The family hung on her words.“Donnie told me that PCOS could cause my features to be more androgynous despite being a female. I think that might be the reason why my face still looks… masculine.” Leonora wrung her hands nervously, her eyes flicking from the ground up to Donnie.“Well, that’s possible, it could be one of contributing factors. But Lea, you really don’t look that masculine!” Donnie tried to assure his sister. She smiled but shook her head sadly.“It’s okay Donnie, I know I’m not exactly the most feminine girl out there. That’s fine. I mean I did spend half my life as a boy.” Lea chuckled almost bitterly, though she seemed to be accepting the fact. Her family on the other hand…“No way Leelee! You’re like the prettiest girl ever!” Mikey exclaimed, throwing his hands up for emphasis. Lea laughed as Mikey ran up to her and gave her on of his best hugs.“Aww, thanks Mike.” Lea smiled, her façade of unbothered happiness wavering as she returned the youngest’s supportive embrace. Leonora was a good actor, because no one seemed to notice the pained grimace hidden behind her joyful grin.“I have to agree with Michelangelo. You truly are the most beautiful woman I have ever met.” Usagi held his wife’s hand soothingly, praising her as though she deserved it.Leonora’s head spun with her family’s compliments as Donnie and Master Splinter joined in. They were all affirming that she was pretty, that she was feminine. But they shouldn’t say that.Because it isn’t true and Lea hates lies. Especially lies that make her feel loved. Because of course Lea liked being complimented, of course the things her family was saying made her happy. But that was just it, they were only saying those things to cheer her up. Lying through their teeth to make her happy.And Lea couldn’t cope with the false hope.Lea’s eyes swam with fresh tears, her head filling with cotton. But before a single tear could fall, the blue turtle stood abruptly. Her family was startled by her sudden movement.“Lea?” Raph called to her as she seemed to be somewhere else mentally. Leonora shook her head subtly and took a hesitant step forward, her hands coming free from Mikey and Usagi’s gentle holds.“Uhm-“ Leonora stuttered eloquently, her mind swarming with intrusive thoughts.“I.. need a minute.” Lea croaked falteringly, walking briskly out of the room and towards hers. She trembled as she approached the room, her resolve crumbling.What if she just believed them? Would it be so hard to just stop fighting this and believe her family’s words of encouragement?She really wanted to believe them.
…
“Leonora? May I come in?” Usagi’s voice called from behind the door to her room. Lea stiffened, surrounded by blankets on her bed like a nest. She didn’t exactly want anyone to see her like this, but it wasn’t like they’d never seen her in a nest before.That and she was feeling really lonely. So she said nothing, stuck on what to say and how to say it. The words just wouldn’t leave her tongue.The door slowly creaked open as Usagi came in anyway. ‘Oh thank goodness!’ Lea thought as Usagi hesitantly approached her nest.Usagi’s black nose twitched as he folded his hands together, taking in the sight of his wife snuggled into numerous pillows and blankets. He fought back a smile at the scene, Lea was undeniably cute.“How are you feeling?” The white rabbit queried softly, sitting on the bed but avoiding messing up her nest. He knew better than to mess with his wife’s nest.“I think I’m sad, Usa.” Lea sighed truthfully, locking eyes with him as she spoke.“I know, and I’m glad you can articulate that with me. I’m sad too.” Usagi smiled with mournful eyes, his ears falling to rest against his head. Lea’s eyes seemed to brighten, leaning forward in her nest as she felt the urge to reach for Usagi.“You are?” Lea inquired meekly.“Yes. I am sad because you are sad, because more than that you are in pain. Because we lost something. And I know this pain is far worse for you, more physical and tangible. But I do feel it as well.” Usagi spoke kindly, the tragedy of loss weighing heavily on his heart. Lea wanted more than anything to just be next to him in this moment.“I’ve been feeling something else too.” Lea began, looking away with embarrassment.“What is it?” The rabbit Samurai inquired, gentle concern pricking his mind.“Loneliness.” Lea admitted bashfully, fiddling with her fingers and hoping she wasn’t blushing profusely. She felt the bed sheets shifting and looked up to see Usagi leaning closer. Leonora simply stared at him with a pleading look in her eyes, simultaneously asking him to come closer and giving him permission to enter her space.Usagi crossed into her nest, disrupting some of the pillow and blankets in the process. But that was okay. Usagi was more important than blankets.Leonora’s husband gathered her up into his arms and nestled his head I to the crook of her shoulder.“You’ll always have me.” He whispered softly into her ear, lovingly holding her as tight as he could. Leonora took a few steadying breaths, a shudder running down her spine as she held onto Usagi’s warm embrace.“I love you.” And Lea felt like crying again.But this time, it felt good.«•*.+.*•»
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«•*.+.*•»Lea stirred and sighed contentedly as she awoke from her peacefully dreamless slumber. An all encompassing warmth surrounded her, a reminder that her loving husband was still embracing her. Lea tilted her head upward to find that Usagi was asleep just as she had been a few moments ago. Lea’s eyes softened at the sight of Usagi’s gentle resting face, his brow smooth and mouth soft.Lea chirped and turned her head into Usagi’s chest, her arms wrapping around his torso to hold him the way he had held her before she fell asleep. Lea hummed and rubbed her cheek into her husband’s haori, seeking his warmth as a comfort.A soft chuckle announced that Usagi had woken up, or rather he had been woken up by Lea’s movement. Leonora didn’t even feel the need to apologize, nuzzling further into Usagi’s fur as he brought his hands up to cup and cradle her face.“Good morning love.” Usagi laughed softly, pressing a chaste kiss to Lea’s forehead. Lea smiled and made a happy chirping noise from the back of her throat, returning a kiss to Usagi’s cheek.“Someones in a good mood today.” Usagi chuckledd positively, his dark blue eyes squinting with joy. Leonora nodded eagerly in response, her voice still warming up yet to speak (non-turtle language) words.“May I ask why?” Usagi inquired with a friendly quirk of his eyebrow. Leonora didn’t waste any time in answering.“I’m not in pain this morning and you’re still here!” Lea giggled giddily, leaning into Usagi’s welcoming warmth.“Just like you promised.” She sighed, settling against the samurai’s chest with a churr.“Of course I’m still here. I always will be.” Usagi remarked, hugging Lea close and letting his ears fall over her head. Leonora laughed at Usagi’s flustered and bashful reaction when she kissed one of his drooping ears, his face heating up with a flush. Lea couldn’t help but think of when they were seventeen and Usagi always seemed nervous and goofy around her.Lea now knew that that’d been a crush. And she would never let Usagi forget how cute she found that.“Usagi?” Lea hummed thoughtfully into her husband’s chest.“Yes dear?” Usagi answered immediately, a peaceful smile on his lips.“I want to try again.” Lea stated confidently, though on the inside she was scared and worried beyond belief. Usagi went silent.
…
It took a few moments for Usagi to recover from that shock. But when he did, he was still confused.“Are you sure?” Usagi gasped.“Yes.” There was no question in Leonora’s voice. She was absolutely certain. Usagi leaned forward, curling himself around his wife protectively. A storm of thoughts tumbled through his head, his brow furrowing contemplatively.“I worry for you.” Usagi sighed, a Look of consternation crossing his face. Lea huffed, slumping her shoulders and biting her lip.“You’re worried that this will happen again.” She sniffed assumingely. Usagi did his best to school his expression, but he couldn’t keep the emotions out of his words.“I’m worried what it will do to you if it happens again.” The white rabbit corrected, his long ears twitching nervously.“I don’t want you to ever have to go through that again!” Usagi shuddered with a panicked look in his dark eyes. He squeezed Lea’s hand gently and shook his head.“But-“ and Leonora’s hopes were reignited as Usagi continued.“I do think we should try again. I know you want a child, and so do I.” Usagi smiled softly, laying his head atop Lea’s shoulder from behind. Lea was practically vibrating with excitement. She could try again and prove that she isn’t broken!“I just,” Usagi sighed exasperatedly, his ears drooping low and falling to either side of his face.“I think we should talk to Donatello.” The ronin all but groaned, already dreading the conversation to come. Lea didn’t care, throwing her arms around Usagi’s neck and hugging him warmly.All that mattered to her was that she got to try again. Lea needed to see for herself if she could do it. And she was prepared to fight for it.
…
“Lea, I just don’t think it’s a good idea!” Donnie insisted pleadingly, following after their storming sister as she stomped away from the med lab. Usagi ran after the two, confusion as to what the heck just happened swimming around in his brain.“Don’t wanna hear it Don!” The blue clad turtle snapped as she continued at her brisk pace. The three passed by the living room, Michelangelo watching the strange parade with befuddlement. ‘They’ll work it out’ Mikey thought as he shrugged and returned to watching tv.“But Lea-“ Donnie tried to reason with their unreasonable sister.“No!! I don’t care Donnie! This is my choice and I won’t let you take this away from me!” Lea shouted and threw open the doors to the dojo. Usagi trotted behind Donatello, frustration rippling through him on his wife’s behalf. And also with the fact that both turtles were pretty much ignoring him.“I’m not trying to take anything away from you, I’m trying to make sure you don’t end up getting hurt!” Donnie protested, shaking their head violently and passing through the doors as well.“That’s not your responsibility! I can take care of myself!!” Lea shot back angrily, coming to a stop in the middle of the dojo floor. Donatello stopped dead in their tracks, their sister’s words hitting them like a slap in the face.“Not my responsibility??” Donnie scoffed angrily, throwing their head back and rolling their eyes.“Your safety is just as much my responsibility as my safety is yours!! So excuse me if I’m not willing to let my sister kill herself for a dream!” Donnie roared, his righteous anger crackling like a mighty flame. The air became tense as silence fell and the dojo echoed with the two turtle’s raging emotions. The tension was so palpable that Usagi could practically hear his wife spitting curses and Donatello doing the same. But all was quiet.And Lea’s shoulders shook with rage as she stood alone in the middle of the floor. Until Usagi and Donnie noticed, albeit too late, that rage was not the emotion that held Leonora’s body captive.It was fear.“I won’t die.” Lea whimpered in the smallest voice she had ever used. Donnie switched gears from hurt to help immediately at his sister’s reaction. Perhaps they had gone too far.Usagi was at Leonora’s side in an instant, taking advantage of Donatello’s hesitation to finally get a word in with his wife.“Of course you won’t, 恐れるな (fear not) love. Your brother is merely being dramatic because he worries for you.” Usagi soothed, rubbing Lea’s shaky shoulders lovingly. Lea nodded sharply, swallowing the hard knot in her throat. The tears that threatened to form in the corners of Lea’s eyes dried as she focused on the support Usagi offered.Leonora breathed slowly and deeply, grounding herself through her husband’s touch and presence. She let the feelings of love and acceptance wash away her anxious spirit. Lea wouldn’t let this moment be stolen by blind panic.“Lee, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Donnie apologized genuinely, despite being a bit miffed about Usagi calling them dramatic. Lea fixed her brother with a hard stare, one not of judgement but of curious discernment.“Is there really a chance that I could die?” Lea inquired thoughtfully.“Is that why you’re so worried?” She searched imploringly, her ocean blue eyes ruefully melancholic. Donnie winced at how careful and nervous their sister looked in that moment.Leonora was a porcelain sculpture; beautifully and perfectly balanced, but fragile and on the edge of falling apart.Donnie knew first hand how strong Leonora was. She carried many burdens as a child, and many more still. But lately she had dropped the act of stoicism in leu of having her soul shattered and world flipped upside down.No one blamed her. They’d be hypocrites if they did. It was just foreign, and thus startling, to see their older sister so vulnerable and openly emotional.Donnie heaved a sigh, knowing they had to correct their inadmissible statement.“You are higher risk for birth complications that could endanger your life. However, it’s not a high enough percentage to make birth entirely dangerous for you. Also, the fact that we aren’t viviparous reduces the possibility of you being in any real danger.” The purple clad turtle sighed regretfully. Lea and Usagi hung on their every word, anticipation growing. Donnie knew that Lea really just wanted him to say one thing.“If I’m being fully honest, there’s almost no way your life would be endangered physically if you tried again.” Donnie groaned internally, knowing they had just thrown away any possibility of winning the argument. But it was worth it to see Lea’s face when she got the news.Donnie hadn’t seen her smile like that in a long time.Yeah, Donatello had definitely lost the argument. And maybe, for the first time ever, that wasn’t such a bad thing.
…
“Is everything alright? I heard quite the ruckus coming from the dojo.” Master Splinter inquired as the three returned to the main room.“Yeah dudes, sounded like you were having a screaming competition in there-oof!” Mikey exclaimed before being slapped o the carapace by Raph.“Don’t be an idiot.” Raphael hissed, crossing his arms again as he set next to his brother on the couch. Lea huffed in amusement, the behavioral tendencies of her siblings not changed since they were sixteen.“All is resolved.” Donnie said flippantly, shrugging their shoulders and flopping onto the couch next to Mikey.“As long as you are all unharmed. I trust you worked through your disagreement honorably?” Master Splinter already knew the answer to his question.“Yes Master.” Donnie and Lea replied, a wry smile on each of their faces. Honorably was one way to put it, not that either turtle would describe it that way.“Lea! I need a player 2! Help a bro out?” Mikey suddenly asked his sister.“What about Raph? He’s better at Mario Kart than I am.” Lea admitted shamelessly, noting the smug grin that spread across said brother’s face when he heard this revelation.“Nooooo Raph is such a killjoy!” Mikey whined in typical youngest sibling fashion.“Hey!!” Raph growled indignantly.“Pleeaaase Leelee!!” The box turtle pleaded with his sister, his bright blue eyes widening with a watery woeful glisten. And that was all it took to get Lea to say yes.“Oh, of course Mikey!” Lea smiled, plopping down in between her brothers as Mikey pumped his fists into the air and passed Lea the games controller.“Aww yissss!!” Mikey laughed at how easy that was. Donnie and Raph both rolled their eyes, wondering how on earth Mikey still managed to pull the puppy eyed look at the age of twenty two.“Thank goodness we only got one a ya’.” Raphael grumbled in regards to Michelangelo as the tv came to life with the game’s electronic beeps.Usagi leaned over the back of the couch right behind Leonora, leaning forward so that she could see him out of her peripheral.“Do you want to tell them?” The samurai asked in a whisper to his wife as she began mashing the B button on the wii controller. Lea considered it for a few moments before replying.“I think I’ll wait.” She whispered back, Usagi nodding understandingly.“That’s is,” Lea began again, “until I have something to tell them about.” Leonora giggled, winking at her suddenly very flustered husband. She knew exactly what she was doing. … just not in Mario kart apparently.“Oi Lea, stop flirtin’ and start payin’ attention! Yer’ in eighth place ya’ dingus!” Raph pretended to gag as Usagi straightened his posture and cleared his throat, his face flushed and heated. Lea only laughed coyly, putting on her ‘little miss perfect’ smile as she prepared to wipe the floor with her brother in Mario Kart.“Yeah yeah, I’m working on it!” Leonora huffed humorously, Raph and Donnie giving her the stink eye as Usagi decided to sit beside her. Splinter watched for a bit with mild intrigue before returning to his room, evidently not knowing or caring much about video games.The afternoon wore on, peppy music from the game and playful trash talk filling the air. The family settled into an old routine, one that was familiar and nostalgic to the turtles. Despite so much changing about their lives, including the addition of Lea’s husband and the current absence of their other friends, the Hamato clan still found their childlike and carefree happiness again. Lea hoped that they would always be able to find that joy when together.And something told her they would.«•*.+.*•»
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
«•*.+.*•»One might say that life had returned to normal.For the past few months, Leonora and her brothers had continued protecting New York and patrolling the night. For the most part, everyone tried to just move on and forget about what had happened to Lea’s eggs. It was easy not to think about it.But not for Lea, of course. No, she could never forget her first failed clutch. And frankly, neither could Usagi. But for Leonora, there would always be this sense of heaviness in the deepest part of her heart. It was that part of her heart that she had made space for her children. Children that just weren’t meant to exist yet.It was okay, Lea always reminded herself. There are plenty of humans who go through the same thing. There are plenty of humans who never get to have children despite trying endlessly. But Lea didn’t let that discourage her. It only pushed her forward.Tonight, Leonora’s thoughts were elsewhere. Specifically, the mugger just below her.Atop the rooftop of a small business building, Lea watched as a young man was cornered by two more who, were far more burly than the victim. Under the cover of darkness, the pair of punks knocked their target unconscious and began to check his pockets. It was almost comical to Lea how they truly believed they were slick and that they’d actually get away with this crime.Lea hopped down from the roof and swung off the fire escape, doing a front flip and landing silently in front of the criminals. Their eyes went wide as Leonora unsheathed one of her katanas.“Hello.” She said menacingly, letting the boys think she must have some sort of bloodlust with her psychotic grin. As quickly as the wind blew and ruffled her mask tails, Lea took down both men with practiced precision. The criminals fell to floor with little more than a startled and pained grunt.Leonora sighed as she tied the boys together and pushed them into under the nearby street lamp. Lea returned to the young man who had been the victim of the attempted mugging, making sure all of his belongings were returned to his pockets. When he began to stir was when Lea knew it was her time to go.Flipping back up into the fire escape and ducking onto the roof, Leonora ran from the scene of the crime with silent footsteps. A buzz in her belt alerted her that someone had sent her a text message, one that she would read later. For now though, she just continued to run.Not because she was being chased, but because she liked the feeling of the air rushing past her and blowing on her face. Though the New York City air certainly didn’t smell good, it was something Lea had become blind to. She vaguely knew that it smelled rancid, but she also just didn’t care and was very used to it at this point.It was all she had ever known.Slowing down as she jumped across one last rooftop, Lea perched herself on the edge of the roof and decided to check her phone. Whipping it out from her utility belt, the screen lit up and displayed a message notification from Miyamoto Usagi.Lea’s heart skipped a beat, hoping this was the text she had been waiting for.Anticipation mounted as Leonora opened the app and read the text left by Usagi three minutes ago:“I’m home.”Lea squealed, yes squealed. She was all alone and she deserved it after being serious for so long. Her heart fluttered with joy as she jumped up and skipped off the rooftop. Lea ran towards her home, renewed vigor in each of her steps.It wasn’t long before Lea met her destination. An abandoned subway i2tunnel. But not just any abandoned subway tunnel, no no no. It was the tunnel! It was home.You see, Usagi and Lea had this wonderful little set up. One were they spent half the year in New York with Lea’s family, and the other half in Japan with Usa’s family. While I’m Japan, Lea and Usagi traveled together like they used to before they wed. Often times they would visit villages that they had once saved or the houses of Usagi’s closest friends. Gennosuke-San and Kitsune-San among them.When Leonora and Usagi were in New York however, they had a much more improvised living situation.Because Lea wanted to have her own place with Usagi so that the couple could have more privacy, Lea had decided to move out of her childhood home. The two had scoured the city in search of a suitable home for a week before finding the abandoned subway station. And it was everything they needed.Donnie had visited a few times to help Lea and Usagi install a water heater, a fridge, some hanging lights, and even a few dividing curtains. The couple was grateful for their help in setting things up. Nowadays, the empty station did feel a lot like a home.Leonora tip-toed down the stairs and bolted down the tile floors toward the repurposed train car that Usagi had made into a kitchenette. Lea paused outside the door, listening for any sounds coming from inside. She heard the gentle shuffle of Usagi’s feet across the floor and realized he was probably pacing. Lea smiled fondly and without any further hesitation, opened the train care door.Usagi’s reaction was immediate and honestly, so was Lea’s.“Leonora!” Usagi exclaimed happily, his eyes lighting up with delight to see his wife. The samurai caught Lea by the hands and spun her around playfully, laughing and pulling her into a tight hug.He had missed her.“Sagi!” Lea giggled, nuzzling her snout into the soft fur on Usagi’s neck. Lea could hear the rabbit’s heart beating excitedly in his chest, the deep thrum of it calming and invigorating all at once.Usagi suddenly peppered Leonora’s face with kisses, his nose rubbing her scales softly as Lea laughted boisterously. Lea cupped her husbands face and pushed herself away, a mischievous glint in her eyes.“Miyamoto Usagi!” Lea cried out sternly, fixing her husband with a very serious look.“Could you possibly have missed me??” Leonora gasped as though that were out of the question“Hmmmm Possibly…” Usagi hummed thoughtfully, playing along to Lea’s amusement.“How was your trip?” Lea began to ask questions as she led Usagi to the dining table. The couple sat down and Usagi poured them both tea; chamomile. Lea found his choice of blend odd but didn’t question it. Usually chamomile was reserved for colds, stressful situations, or when someone couldn’t fall asleep. It was a calming tea, so Leonora wondered briefly why Usagi hadn’t chosen a more energetic blend. Perhaps something with hibiscus in it.“It went smoothly, though I hadn’t intended on staying so long.” Usagi sighed apologetically.“It’s fine Usa, you needed a longer visit.” Lea smiled gently, doing her best to sympathize with her husband.Usagi’s trip had been back to his home, back to Japan. While he loved living with his wife and her family, New York just wasn’t home to him. Usually when Usagi made the trip back home, he would stay there for the rest of the year. But because of the… incident, Lea had been staying in New York and not traveling with her husband. And Usagi just couldn’t bear to leave her for very long. He already felt guilty as it was making the trip without her.“You look tired.” Usagi noted as he laid his head atop Lea’s. Leonora giggled and let her shoulders slump just a bit.“I ran all the way here. Stopped a mugging right before I got your text.” Lea yawned, leaning into Usagi’s warmth as her mind began to cloud with a sleepy fog. Usagi sighed exasperatedly, shaking his head in mock scorn.“I’m sure you handled the situation perfectly.” The ronin remarked.“You know me Sagi!” Lea beamed, eliciting an amused chuckle from Usagi.“Come to bed, I’m tired and so are you.” Usagi began leading Lea to their bedroom in a separate train car. Leonora considered complaining, but Usagi was right, she was tired. And she wanted nothing more than to lay down next to her favorite portable heater (Usagi).Hoping under the covers, Lea let her tired body rest for the first time all day. Her spine and joints screamed with the sudden lack of pressure but soon adjusted to the pillowy support. Usagi lifted the blanket and curled himself around Leaonora, her soft heartbeat echoing in his large ears. No doubt Lea could hear his heartbeat as well.The couple drifted off to sleep after three weeks of separation. Here they were happy and safe and comfortable. This was Lea’s favorite place to be- under the covers and in Usagi’s arms.And if Lea felt a dull stabbing pain in her lower abdomen, then that didn’t matter. It would pass.
…
The sound of labored breathing slowly set in Usagi’s long ears. The sound was familiar and somewhat worrisome, but the fog of exhaustion still permeated the ronin’s mind. It wasn’t until he heard a shrill whine and sharp gasp that Usagi jolted fully awake.“Lea?!” Usagi rolled over on his side to find the turtle curled into fetal position, her shell shivering violently. Another long groan of pain slowly built in Lea’s throat that she couldn’t contain. Her breath came in quick ragged gasps as sweat rolled down her forehead as though she had run a mile.“Lea, what is hurting?!” Usagi rolled Leonora over to face him and pulled a blanket over her waist. Lea shivered and panted heavily, writhing and folding her body as much as she could.Lea knew exactly what this was. And she was terrified- excited, but terrified. Usagi was just straight up panicking. He hadn’t been there the first time so he didn’t know what labor pains looked like.Yeah, labor pains.“Usa, I think I’m having anotheyaa- another clutch!!” Leonora gasped painfully, her eyes screwed shut and brows knitted together.Usagi’s eyes blew wide and his heart skipped a beat. Had he heard her right? Another clutch? Already!? Usagi felt dizzy as he propped some pillows beneath Lea’s feet and removed the blanket so as to cool her down. Was this really happening??Lea gasped sharply as all of her muscles tensed. It was going to be a long night.«•*.+.*•»
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
«•*.+.*•»BzzzztMikey stirs in his sleep, tossing gently in his hammock.
…
BzzzztDonnie frowns, pausing from his work to stare at his t-phone.
…
BzzzztRaph groans and slaps his hand on the bed side table to smother the offending noise. The buzzing tone sounds again and, despite it being an unholy hour of the morning, Raph figures he should check the t-phone just to be sure no one is being murdered.Picking up the small device, Raph nearly drops it when the screen glares so brightly in his eyes that he swears he can feel his retinas burning. Squinting angrily at the horrible little phone, Raph reads the text notification.Raph jumps out of bed, the covers flying upward. Mona Lisa, now alone I’m on the mattress startled awake.“What has happened now?” The salamandrian rasped with urgency on her tongue.“Jus’ somthin wit’ Lee.” Raphael grumbled sleepily as he rooted around for his jacket.“I’ll be back in th’ mornin.” Raph huffs before disappearing out the door with his brown leather jacket pulled over his shell. Mona watched him leave, frustration flooding her brain at being left for a second time.
…
“Don! Didja’ get the text from Lee?” Raph yelled over the phone as he jumped over a roof turbine. The sun was high over the Manhattan skyline and the sky was a bright blue. The afternoon was not a usual time for the turtles to be up, but emergencies couldn’t be postponed to a better time.“Yes, I am on my way with medical supplies.” Donnie’s voice crackled on the other line, the sound of motion following them and Raphael assumed Donnie must be running.“Why didn’t ya’ take the shellraiser??” Raph barked, sprinting across a rooftop.“I would have if MIKEY hadn’t trashed it the last time he took it out! I’m still working on the engine!” Donnie rebuked with audible annoyance. Raph rolled his eyes and sighed. That DID sound like something Mikey would do.“And where’s the little goober now?” Raph asked, dodging a metal railing as he continued to run.“Probably still sleeping.” Donnie huffed, a first aid kit rattling by their side.“One o’clock babeyy!!” Mikey’s exuberant voice sounded clearly from over Raphael’s head. Raph craned his neck upward to see his youngest brother flipping off a tall building, his orange mask tails rippling wildly in the wind.“I’ll see ya’ there Donnie.” Raph grumbled as he hung up, shoving his t-phone back into his pocket.“Where’ve you been, shell-for-brains?” Raph directed his slightly panicked ire towards his younger brother. Mikey grinned widely, his eyes squinting as he jumped over a voltage box and landed next to Raph.“I was grabbing something important!” Mikey exclaimed as he kept pace with his older brother. Raphael scoffed.“Sure ya’ were.”Mikey ignored his brother’s jab and just focused on getting to Lea’s place. Raph would see. What Mikey had brought would become important. Especially to Lea.
…
Usagi was Lucky his fur was already white. Otherwise it would all be grey by now. This was one of the thoughts running through his mind as Lea lay exhausted on the bed.The blankets had been scrunched together to create a sort of nest that now held four eggs, soft and pale yellow. Lea’s body was curled around the nest, her eyes unfocused and wide. Usagi worried for her more each second that went by without her moving or blinking. Lea’s breathing was soft and even, her plastron rising slowly and her breath filling the train car.Usagi ran a hand through his ears, which had fallen down during the whole ordeal, and sighed deeply. This was insane. Usagi wondered if having less eggs this time would mean a higher survival rate. He hoped and prayed that it did, for his and Lea’s sake. But especially for Lea.“Sagi.” Leonora called suddenly, her voice raspy from grunting through the birth process. Usagi was by her side in less than a second.“Yes Lee?” Usagi asked with dedicated diligence. He would do anything for her in this moment.“I don’t think we’re done.” The teal turtle admitted breathily.“You think there’s more to the clutch?” Usagi sighed sympathetically. He knew this whole process was taking a toll on Lea. He was starting to think it might be too much.Lea swallowed hard, the knot in her throat bobbing dryly. She shook her head dismally and suddenly there were tears gathering in her doleful eyes. Usagi jolted at his wife’s sudden sorrow, placing a gentle hand atop her carapace and rubbing comfortingly.“It doesn’t feel right.” Leonora’s voice was strained and tight with what Usagi new to be a floodgate of terrified tears that she was barely holding back. If something didn’t feel right to Lea, then there was something wrong. Pregnant women were known to have a sixth sense; a danger sense. Something women retained through motherhood as some sort of premonition power.“Okay, okay, it’s going to be alright. Don’t worry. I’m sure it’s only a few extra eggs that are just taking their time!” Usagi reassured his wife, doing his best to believe the words that he spoke. Lea nodded curtly, somehow willing the tears in her eyes to dry as if it were something that came naturally. Usagi nearly grimaced when he considered that it probably didn’t, rather Lea had learned to conceal her tears over time.Leonora breathed deeply, slowly steadying herself through breathing exercises. Usagi gave a small smile and joined his wife in the slow breathing pattern, their hearts beating at different speeds, but their breaths coming in the same.The muffled landing of feet on concrete not far outside the subway car alerted Usagi’s large ears to approaching visitors.“I contacted your brothers with your communication device.” Usagi admitted sheepishly, watching for Lea’s reaction.Leonora sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes piercing through Usagi’s.“Why?!!” Lea gaped, her tone more surprise than anything else. Usagi leaned in and placed a kiss on Lea’s creased brow.“Because I thought you might like a bit of support from your family.” Usagi said simply, hearing the visitors approach swiftly. Leonora huffed as she let her brow smooth with a contented look on her face. She was glad Usagi was there for her, but she really did want to see her family.“Lee!!” Raph’s disgruntled voice sounded as the door to the train car was suddenly thrown open. In rushed Raphael, Michelangelo, and finally Donatello. It seemed Donnie was a late addition to the group considering their quick and short breath. Raph and Mikey were at their sister’s sides in an instant, Raph asking Lea if she was okay and Mikey cooing over her little eggs.Leonora visibly relaxed, her tense limbs loosening and her head falling back onto her pillow.Next came Donatello hauling a rather large and bulky first aid kit. They set it unceremoniously at the foot of the bed as they began asking both Lea and Usagi questions. Donnie of course insisting on giving their sister a field check before allowing themself to rest from their early morning sprint.Lea was smiling warmly, her brothers’ presence easing her fear every moment that they stayed. But Usagi could tell that behind her fond smile and thin layer of cold sweat, she was actually panicking and probably still in discomfort. The irises of her eyes were still sharp pinpricks of fear and panic, something Usagi usually only saw when she was stressed out during a mission.Lea noticed Usagi staring contemplatively at her and she blinked, her third eyelid slipping into place. Everyone around her startled.“Leelee? What’s wrong?” Mikey scooted closer to his sister, his voice gentle and calming. Mikey had the softest voice out of all of his siblings, which was great for when he needed to calm somebody down *cough* Leatherhead *cough*.Her third eyelids remained down, but the forced smile began to slip, so that was a start. Usagi inched closer, careful to avoid ruffling the sheets that surrounded the makeshift nest. Taking her hand in his, Usagi kissed the top of Lea’s hand before cupping it in both of his.“Leonora, we’re all here. It’s going to be just fine.” Usagi consoled supportively. Lea shook her head adamantly, something twisting in her stomach and rising in her chest. A burning hot acid clawed its way up Lea’s esophagus until she could contain it no longer.Lea shoved Usagi away, his face contorting with confusion and hurt that only lasted until Leonora vomited onto the bed.Calamity formed around Lea as her husband and siblings clamored to help her and clean up the mess. Donatello was immediately pulling out the disinfectant, Raph reaching for the eggs to keep them away from the soiled sheets.On an instinct, Leonora hissed and made to snatch her eggs away from danger.She stopped, eyes wide with her arms outstretched protectively over the three eggs. She hesitated, something inside her screaming in a possessive nature. Raph had retracted his arms quick as a bullet, watching his sister worriedly with his ever stoic face.Lea pulled back, a look of guilt washing over her features as she breathed heavily from exertion. Usagi moved to her side and laid a hand on her shoulder, rubbing her carapace soothingly.“I’m- im sorry I didn’t mean to-“ Leonora’s voice wavered, her hands trembling and bottom lip quivering. Usagi shook his head, as did Raph, at Lea’s continued self-depreciation.“Yer’ fine Lee. I woulda done the same in yer’ position.” Raph huffed, giving his sister a rare loving glance, his amber eyes swimming with hidden affection. The sides of Lea’s mouth upturned, the care Raph showed for her warming her heart.“Don’t worry about anything Lea! It’s perfectly normal to throw up before and after birth. Especially if you ate anything recently.” Donnie jumped into an explanation, their deep brown eyes shimmering with thinly veiled concern. Lea suddenly recalled the tea she had drank and wondered if that was the culprit. It seemed unlikely, considering that chamomile was an anti-inflammatory with calming agents. But it could simply have been the fact that her body couldn’t hold anything at the moment. That made sense, after all, she had just spent the last hour pushing out eggs.But something still didn’t feel right.«•*.+.*•»
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
«•*.+.*•»“Leelee, I brought you something!” Mikey whispered happily, still mindful of his sister’s condition even as his excitement was huge. He was gonna be an uncle!! And he was gonna be the fun uncle too!Mikey opened up a pouch from his utility belt and unfolded a square of pastel fabric. Leonora’s eyes were transfixed on the material and she gave a little gasp as Mikey unfolded the fabric with great care. Soft fleece the color of mint trimmed with blue knitted lace unfurled in his careful digits. Tiny depictions of eggs dotted the blanket ranging in a handful of pastel colors.“Mikey did you- did you make this??” Lea asked incredulously, her breath caught in her throat as she felt the soft material with her thumb. Mikey bobbed his head up and down eagerly, his bright smile infectious.“Well- I can only take half the credit.” Mikey admitted bashfully, rubbing the back of his neck.“Raph knitted the lace. I just hemmed the fabric and sewed it together.” Mikey smiled coyly.“But I thought you might want something to wrap your eggs in, something nicer than bedsheets anyway.” Michelangelo handed his sister the blanket, letting her bundle the eggs in the soft fabric. Donnie immediately moved to retrieve the dirty sheets and disinfect them. They stuffed the soiled comforter into a hamper and set it to the side for when they left.“And this’ll keep em’ warm!” Mikey exclaimed, moving away from the bed and sitting beside Raph. Lea bubbled with soft laughter, her eyes creased with joy as she took in the sight of her four eggs safely swaddled in the handmade gift. She couldn’t think of anything better.“Thank you so much Mikey! And you too Raphie!” Lea beamed, her eyes welling with tears of joy. Mikey grinned at his sister’s happiness, Raph smiling softly as well. Seeing Leonora so delighted was a refreshing scene to behold.“This is perfect.” Lea whispered as she gathered her tiny eggs into her arms and leaned back into the headboard of the bed. Usagi nearly shed grateful tears as he wrapped his arm around Lea’s shoulder, pulling her closer and letting her head fall onto his chest. She had done it. Lea would be a mother, Usagi a father. The thought was exhilarating and staggering in the ronin’s mind. But he was eager to be for Lea’s children what he could not be for Mariko’s child.The tensing of Lea’s body alerted Usagi and the turtle brothers to her approaching discomfort. Leonora suddenly sucked in a sharp breath through gritted teeth, her legs trembling as waves of pain crashed through her muscles and nerves.“Lea?” Donnie worried, standing beside the bed with increasing concern. Usagi’s ears flattened out to the sides of his head and Lea’s breathing became more labored with every passing moment. A shrill whine made everyone in the room jump as Leonora keened and rocked forward. Her arms tightened around the eggs in her lap and she hunched over them, curling in on herself like a defensive shield.Mikey and Raph got off the bed to give their sister some room as her pain increased. Usagi too moved away to shift his wife into a more comfortable position. Lea exhaled laboriously as the birthing pain returned, rippling through every one of her nerves.“A-again.” Leonora hissed, throwing her head back into the pillow behind her. Just as Lea had warned Usagi, it seemed There was indeed More to the clutch. Leonora on the other hand, knew that this felt different. And it certainly did NOT feel like an egg.Usagi wondered if now would be a good time to hold the four of eggs currently swaddled in his wife’s arms. Judging by the way Lea’s grip tightened every few seconds, he’d have to move fast.“Here love, let me hold them for you.” The snow furred ronin offered, outstretching his arms to receive his children. Lea looked distressed and mildly annoyed but ended up passing the eggs to their father anyway. ‘At least she’s aware of the situation’ Usagi thought mirthlessly.More struggling whines and hisses (turtles hiss a LOT) ensued as the beginning of another birth ramped up. Lea could already feel the ring of fire developing and she knew she’d have to push soon. She hadn’t had to push for the eggs. They were painful as they traveled through her body yes, but they always slipped out easily; no outside force required.But like Leonora had TRIED to tell everyone, this was different.Leonora’s brothers really didn’t know what to do in this situation. Even Raph, who had two children, didn’t know how to help. All he had needed to do for Mona was hold her hand and bring her cool washcloths and water every now and then. But that was his spouse, so in this situation he had even less to do. So he ran and grabbed a bucket in case Lea needed to vomit again, placing it on the floor next to the crowded bed.Mikey was sitting beside Lea on the far side of the bed. He watched with wide, worried, piercingly blue eyes. He definitely had no idea what to do here. He didn’t have any children yet (and he didn’t think wanted to, to be honest) and this scene was starting to become more medical than emotional. Emotions were as far as his expertise went.Donnie wasn’t panicking. Nope. Because that would be unprofessional. No, they knew how to handle this, they just- needed to get their thoughts together. But it was hard with the sound of Lea’s heavy breathing and pained whines in the forefront of their mind.“I love you guys,” Lea began, panting for breath.“But I’m about to give birth! Can I have a bit of privacy here?” Lea huffed, the exertion of maintaining her composure cracking under her rising body heat. The three brothers exchanged a concerned glance, before nodding solemnly and filling out of the room one by one.First was Donnie, knowing there was nothing more to be done for their sister. She would have her husband, but ultimately Lea would be in charge of this next part. And Donatello had accepted this, albeit begrudgingly.Second was Mikey, respecting his sister’s wants and emotions despite the dreadful twisting in his stomach that begged him not to leave. This was Lea’s moment and she was entitled to her privacy.Last was Raph, his stone gaze lingering on his sister a bit longer. His only (turtle) sister, his only older sibling, his only leader. Raph felt rooted to the spot by his loyalty burning fiercely in his heart for Leonora. But he knew that she needed her privacy, and he knew that he couldn’t help here even if he tried. He didn’t know scooby doo about childbirth.Finally, as the door to the bedroom car clicked shut, Leonora rounded her shoulders and let out a long hissing groan. Usagi stayed by her side, clutching the eggs firmly in his arms.“Is there anything I can do to ease your pain?” Usagi asked out of politeness, knowing the answer would be ‘no’.“Actually…” Lea rolled her head to the side, her strained eyes locking with Usagi’s.“I’m going to need help this time.”
…
Outside the subway car, the turtle brothers waited patiently. Well, Mikey and Raph waited patiently. Donnie was pacing.“Don will ya’ calm down?! She’ll be fine, she’s done this before!” Raph barked, his arms crossed tightly over his plastron. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t a bit worried for his sister, but he had faith in her.“Actually no! I don’t think she has Raphael!” Donatello shot back, their voice tight with apprehension.“W-what do you mean Donnie?” Mikey piped up from the sidelines as the crackling tension between Raph and Donnie grew.“What I mean Michael, is that the way Leonora is acting is irrational and makes no sense!” Donnie huffed with frustration.“The shell?? Of course she’s actin’ “irrational” Don, she’s about to give BIRTH!”“Think about it!” Donnie insisted, continuing to pace in the underground subway.“The last time Lea had a clutch, she called me. She wanted me to be there. But this time she doesn’t want any of us in there!”“Not only that, but she was acting different from the last time. She seemed to be in more pain. Usually the eggs cause extreme discomfort but not too much pain because of how small they are!” Donnie ranted, gesticulating wildly as their brothers watched.“She’s acting as if she’s about to give live birth!” Donnie exclaimed, throwing their arms up in defeat.“Bro isn’t that like… impossible?? Cause we’re turtles?” Mikey ventured carefully, a bewildered squint crossing his face.“Normally, Mikey, I would agree with you and also compliment you on paying attention to my biology lessons for once-“ Donnie began, eliciting an amused huff from the orange clad turtle.“-But at this point would it really be the most impossible thing we’ve encountered? I mean Lee got married to a freaking rabbit yōkai samurai from Japan’s Edo period for crying out loud!!” Donnie snorted, shaking their head dismally.“I dunno Don, I think yer making a stretch here.” Raph said with an utterly unimpressed tone, his arms crossed over his plastron.
…
“Sagi,” Leonora breathed heavily, locking eyes with her concerned husband.“I think I’m about to give live birth.”«•*.+.*•»
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Usagi really was not prepared for any of this. He might faint actually.No no, not now. Not a good time.The pale furred rabbit held his wife's hand in her vice grip as she grunted in pain. He could see the sweat beading on her forehead as he wiped it away gently with a cool cloth. Leonora arched her back (shell?) and keened as another contraction shot through her nerves and muscles.Usagi grew ever more nervous with each cry from Leonora, panic slowly building in his chest. He sent a sideways glance at the newly laid clutch sat carefully on the bed beside their mother. Once this was all over, Usagi swore he would never put Lea through this whole ordeal again!Suddenly, Leonora sucked in a sharp breath, squeezed Usagi's hand impossibly tighter, and gritted her teeth as she began to push. Usagi was startled by the sudden action, but grateful to see that progress was being made.Leonora's breath became faster and uneven, her plastron expanding at random, pained intervals. Usagi ran the cool cloth over Lea's head once more and cooed softly to her."Slow, deep breaths my love. Breathe, just breathe." The gentle rabbit soothed, leaning over to kiss his wife's forehead. Leonora caught herself and followed her husband's advice, breathing deeply with a slow and steady rhythm. Usagi too mimicked the breathing pattern, the couples' breath falling in sync.Another wave of pains wracked Leonora's body as she continued to push, whines of effort slipping through each breath. Usagi remained by her side, his hand clutched tightly in hers. Lea's grip was becoming painful, but he didn't mind. It was a small sacrifice he was more than willing to make for Lea's comfort.Leonora moaned laboriously and her bent legs spasmed, sending shivers throughout her body. She trembled under the effort of pushing continuously, but did not stop despite the pain. Exhaustion was creeping into the corners of her mind and her vision was becoming spotty with darkness but she kept pushing.Usagi was about to suggest Leonora rake a break to breath until she suddenly gasped as she felt something move inside her.Soft, round flesh pushed against Lea's insides and she nearly screeched with surprise. The pressure built until Lea felt it could be contained no longer lest she burst open. With a heaving push and an audible 'pop', the head of a fair skinned infant escaped Leonora's lower half.Usagi gasped and immediately shifted to help ease the child out, preparing to catch the baby. He knew better than to try and yank the infant out, which could cause terrible consequences, but he was tempted. He only wanted this to be over as soon as possible for Lea."I can see their head Leonora, you're nearly done!" Usagi breathed with pure nervous energy and excitement.Things were moving so fast now, and a wave of tremendous determination swept over Lea. Her eyes blazed with perseverance as Leonora urged her tired body to continue its herculean task.Lea was able to push hard enough to get her baby's shoulders out. This, however, worsened the fiery pain of stretching in her lower body. Leonora sobbed, dropping her head down onto her pillow as the baby suddenly slid the rest of the way out.Usagi's shoulders shook, now holding a tiny precious infant in his arms. She was ever so small, and every bit as perfect. She was all white, with rabbit ears and a rabbit tail. Usagi was flabbergasted, absolutely and completely blown away at the fact that Leonora had given birth to a rabbit.How was this possible? He didn't think he had the brain space to figure that out. He would ask Donatello. But for now..."S-sagi, r' t-they alive?" Leonora rasped, her voice wrought with exhaustion and creeping despair. There was a sense of dread filling her stomach over wether or not the child was alive. Usagi fumbled in realizing he hadn't checked for a pulse in his wonderstruck stupor. But it was there, and the baby breathed peacefully.Usagi had the task of removing the placenta from around the infant as a protective barrier. The wrapping was placed on the bedside table without much care to staining the furniture."Leonora, its a girl. She's alive." Usagi whispered tearfully, emotion coursing through his every breath. He slowly stood with the now shivering baby in his arms, moving closer to Lea. He bent over and gently deposited the infant into her mothers' arms. Usagi helped Leonora prop herself up with pillows and adjust to the baby she now lovingly cradled.Leonora stared at the shivering bundle of snow white fur, noticing little hardened scutes lining her back in place of a shell. A chirp escaped from her throat, inquisitive and awestruck. This was hers? It was alive? A girl? A baby, a baby girl. And a rabbit hybrid no less!More soft and eager chirps sounded from Leonora's beak as she nuzzled her baby and let warm tears flow from her watery eyes. The baby sniffled and sneezed, a warbled gurgle pulling from her tiny snout. Usagi watched with unbridled emotions as his wife and child sat before him, safe and beautiful. So beautiful.'Mine? My baby. My baby girl? She's alive! She's mine? So beautiful, my daughter. I have a daughter!' Leonora couldn't stop repeating in her head, an ecstatically happy smile tugging at her cheeks."Look at her Usagi." Lea sobbed, tears of joy plopping onto the bedsheets. Usagi reached out and gently ruffled his daughters fur. It wasn't much longer than peach fuzz now, but it would grow fast."She looks just like you!" Leonora cried happily, rubbing her daughter's teeny ears to warm them. Usagi couldnt help but laugh softly, tears rolling down his face."She does." The new father hummed."But I'll bet she has her mother's eyes." He added adoringly."We'll have to wait to find out!" Leonora laughed, knowing that the baby bunny wouldn't open her eyes for another day or so."What would you like to name her?" Usagi asked as the calm began to settle in. Leonora closed her azure eyes and breathed deeply for a few moments. Inhaling and exhaling as she considered her husband's question thoughtfully."Chiyo." Leonora said decidedly with an air of bliss. Usagi felt his heart swell, a purr blooming despite his efforts to contain it. Lea giggled, wincing slightly at the pain it caused to do so."You like it?" Lea asked, already knowing the answer. Usagi's fur fluffed out in embarrassment as he pulled the blankets up over Leonora's legs and picked up the clutch of eggs."Its beautiful. Perfect for her." The new father nodded bashfully."We should probably get these incubated." Usagi hummed thoughtfully, tucking the blanket around the four eggs and caressing them in his arms.A harsh gasp ripped itself from Leonora's throat and she shot up straight in bed. Panic flared like an angry warning light in Usagi's mind as he jumped with such a fright."What? What's wrong?? Are you in pain again?!" Usagi blurted urgently, his free hand flying to Leanora's face and resting there fretfully. Lea leaned into the gentle touch but did not cease her panicked breathing and teary eyes."Usagi!" Leonora whimpered despairingly. "I'm not a mammal, I can't- I can't feed her!" The new mother cried with alarming anguish, her tears no longer shed for joy.If Usagi's fur weren't snow white already, he would have visibly paled. A thick, dry knot of dread bobbed in the rabbit's throat as he tried to swallow this information."I don't have- there's nothing for her to- Usagi! What do i do?!" Lea hugged baby Chiyo close to her plastron and rocked softly, trying to calm herself down."We'll figure it out, don't worry love! Im sure there's an alternative." Usagi tried to put on an air of knowing tranquility to soothe his poor wife. 'Her nerves must be fried at this point' he thought. Leonora didn't seem entirely convinced by her husband's words, but took comfort in them nonetheless.
...
When Splinter got the call on the cheesephone from Donatello, he hadn't been expecting such startling news. His daughter was giving birth?It wasn't long before Mikey and Raphael arrived at home, Raphael immediately leaving for his house. He had some explaining to do to his wife.Mikey began explaining what was happening to his father as he ran around gathering supplies. The master was reeling with all this new information when he noticed that Donatello had not returned home with his other sons."Yes but, where is Donatello?" Master Splinter urged, his brown eyes searching for his purple clad son."Donnie went to April's house to get a few things for Leelee's babies." Michaelangelo said simply as he finished gathering his things."Now c'mon Papa! I'll bet anything Leelee's gonna wanna see you!" Mikey urged his father forward, heading towards the lair entrance. Splinter didn't need any more convincing than that and the pair took off.The sun had set and night welcomed a new member of the family. But would she live to next morning's light?
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Leonora cradled Chiyo in her arms, rocking gently as she hummed to her newborn daughter. The infant was fussy, cold and hunger nagging at the poor girl. Lea wouldn't admit it, but the rocking was helping to comfort her as well.Usagi sat next to her, his shoulder pressed against hers. He held the clutch of four in his arms, his body heat helping to incubate the cooling eggs. There were things that the couple needed to sustain their babies lives, but no way for them to get them. If Usagi were to leave, the eggs could die from the cold seeing as Lea gave off less body heat. If Lea were to leave, Usagi would have to watch all of the children. That and Lea was still recovering from labor!But the panic was raking its claws through Leonora's battered heart and distressed tears were waiting to fall behind her tired eyes. In her gentle hold, Chiyo made a soft, cooing babble that earned Lea's attention with a snap.Looking down, Leonora settled her eyes on the sight of her daughter, her perfect and beautiful daughter. To Lea's astonishment, the little yōkai blinked open her eyes with wide curiosity. Leonora gasped and felt tears gather in her eyes as she stared into the bright, crystal blue irises of her daughter."You were right 'Sagi." Lea gasped breathlessly, stroking Chiyo's soft cheek with a finger. Usagi leaned forward with a jolt, a surprised exhale pulled from his parted lips."She really does have your eyes." Usagi chuckled warmly, turning to press a chaste kiss to Leonora's cheek. Lea churred happily, leaning into the touch and nuzzling into Usagi's fur. Usagi wrapped an arm around her, snuggling the bundled clutch closer to his chest.And for a moment, it was only warmth and relief and pride that surged through the couples' mind. Nothing but love and calm happiness.But then the instincts returned to Lea, pounding into her head that something was wrong. And it was, because she had nothing to feed Chiyo."Usagi-" Lea mumbled anxiously, already feeling like a terrible mother. She couldn't feed her daughter, she couldn't keep her alive.An unexpected interruption came in the form of a rattling knock at the door of the train car. Leonora and Usagi startled, realizing that they had left Lea's brothers outside without much explanation. Usagi muttered something about getting the door as he stood from the bed with the eggs still huddled in his arms.At the door, Usagi opened it and was immediately enveloped into the shadow of a very tall man...."Oh! I was beginning to wonder when you would come." Usagi sighed with relief as he backed away from the door, allowing a stream of family members in.Splinter was the first to enter as he approached his daughter, eager to be sure she was unharmed. He saw Lea's eyes brighten as he walked towards her swiftly, the new mother giving a wobbly smile. Splinter's eyes went wide as he stood at Lea's bedside and found the snow white bundle in her arms."Papa, meet Chiyo, your granddaughter." Leonora sniffled happily, tears of joy once again welling up in her eyes. Splinter nearly gaped at his daughter, her words still processing in his mind."What a lovely name." Master Splinter breathed as though he had been punched in the gut. He didn't know what to say or do. But he couldn't help but stare at Chiyo as she shifted and made small bubbling noises."Oh Leonora-" Splinter all but sobbed as the shock finally wore off and the feelings of pure gratefulness and relief flooded through him. Lea laughed, weeping gently as she pressed loving kisses to the top of her daughter's fuzzy head."I did it, I- I really did it Papa! A-and look, isn't she just perfect?" Lea giggled, nuzzling Chiyo softly as the infant chirped. Splinter laughed and wrapped his daughter (and granddaughter) in a warm hug, tears falling from his eyes."She is wonderful my daughter, just as beautiful as her mother!" Splinter smiled lovingly, warmth flooding his heart as he gazed upon the newest member of the family.From behind splinter, in came all three of Lea's siblings, each holding something more to give.Mikey looked so overjoyed that he might pop as he saw Chiyo in Lea's arms. Donnie, though they did their best to hide it, had pinpricks of tears gathering in their brown eyes. Raphael smiled with a watery gaze, behind him standing his wife and children.Lea and Usagi both jumped when they saw what the brothers had brought with them.Raphael had brought an incubator, plugging it into the wall and helping Usagi get the eggs situated. Usagi breathed a big sigh of relief and thanked Raph as though he had saved his life.Mikey had brought more blankets and a small knitted baby cap. He gently slipped the soft hat over Chiyo's fuzzy little noggin. Leonora smiled and chirped thankfully, Mikey purring with overflowing joy as he pecked his sister's cheek.Donnie had brought- and oh thank the stars that they had- formula for Chiyo."Donnie! How did you- where-?" Lea gasped, her heart hammering in her chest as she felt her panic begin to fade. Donnie sat beside Lea and slipped their hand into hers, his eyes wandering curiously to Chiyo. Their baby niece.Oh god they were all uncles now.Well, they had already been uncles since Raph and Mona had Spike and Y'ttrinaji. But still. Doubly Uncled if you will."I called April and had her find some rabbit formula. Then I... tweaked the recipe as I saw fit based on her turtle to human to rabbit ratio. This should work just fine but if she has any gastrointestinal issues in the future, I'll alter the recipe to better suit her specific needs." Donnie said softly and matter-a-factly. The room went quiet as they processed what Donnie had said."Thats- amazing Don but-" Lea's eyes were wide with that astonishment she always held for her sibling's ingenuity."How did you know Chiyo's human to turtle to rabbit DNA ratio exactly?" Lea tilted her head to the side inquisitively, Chiyo flinging an arm and smacking her mother in the face."Ow." Look, babies are insanely strong, inhumanly so. Something so dense and doughy should not be endowed with that much strength and yet-"Tisk tisk, do you know me at all dear sister? Punnett Squares of course!" Donnie scoffed and shook their head as if to say "obviously". Leonora laughed, wiping tears from her eyes as she winced with regret.Ah okay so laughing thirty minutes after childbirth is painful. Noted."Of course, why didn't I think of that?" Lea grinned as she leaned back against the pillows. Snuggling Chiyo closer, her eyes fluttering closed and her consciousness fading.Splinter sighed fondly and pulled one of Michelangelo's blankets over his daughter's legs and torso, rubbing her arm gently and humming softly as she drifted off to sleep. Lea chirped sleepily and each of her brothers sent a reassuring one back like a call and response.Chiyo made her own little "eeep!" noise as Usagi lifted her gently from his wife's exhausted sleeping form. Her soft exhales the most comforting sound in the world to Usagi and the Hamatos."Thank goodness, she's been panicking for the past half hour. She really needs rest right now." Usagi tutted and rocked gently with a fussy Chiyo in his arms, booping her nose affectionately. He couldn't help it.Chiyo whined and balled her shakey little fists as she made upset squeaking noises."Mm, yes I should feed you shouldn't I?" the ronin voiced to no one in particular. Donnie nodded and handed Usagi a baby bottle with approximately three ounces of formula inside. Usagi frowned as he held the slightly warm bottle however, and hesitated.Mikey seemed to read what he was thinking and feeling in that moment."Do you think Leelee will be mad if she doesn't get to be the first to feed Chichi?" Mikey asked innocently, walking up to rub Chiyo's soft little cheek."Already with the nicknames-" Raphael mumbled before replying in earnest"Not if Bunny Boy is the one to feed her." Raph shrugged and Usagi nodded gratefully."Don't you think we are a bit old for that nickname Raphael?" Usagi sighed humorously."Nah." Raph smirked, his arms crossed while he watched Usagi feed his new baby niece."Papa!" Y'ttrinaji tugged on Raphael's hand, already climbing up him like a jungle gym before he could even acknowledge her. She was just that fast!"What is it princess?" Raphael smiled, letting his daughter settle around his shoulders."I wanna see cousin Ichi!!" the
salamander hybrid piped and did lil grabby hands in Chiyo's direction."Ichi-? Yer' just as bad as yer' uncle Mike, y'know that kid?" Raph chuckled and shook his head, Y'ttrinaji squealing as she clamored to stay atop her father's shoulders."She learned from the best!" Mikey boasted, holding out a fist to Y'ttrinaji, which she punched playfully with her own. Raphael rolled his eyes fondly."Ichi is not a bad nickname for a little one as unique as her." Master Splinter considered aloud. Donnie and Usagi nodded thoughtfully."It means "one" in japanese." Usagi said solemnly. And he was right. Chiyo was the one that survived. The only one to be birthed live rather than in an egg. And the first one that Leonora for sure knew was alive.Speaking of knowing if something was alive-"Ah, I should check the clutch for viability." Donatello shifted and brought out a small flashlight from his utility pouch....Everyone held their breath as Donnie gently handled each egg, shining the light close against their milky white shells.The first egg brought a soft smile to Donnie's face as they found a teeny vascular system pumping inside the thin shell."This ones viable- alive." Donnie sighed contentedly. Everyone in the room cheered at a whisper level, Mikey even pumping his fist into the air triumphantly.Donnie examined the second egg, turning it slowly in their fingers and for a second, fearing the worst. But after a moment more Donnie found the bitty heart beating wildly like a drum. Their smile grew wider as he confirmed once again that the egg was alive.Usagi stifled his joyous laughter to let his wife sleep, but the sheer ecstacy written on his face was enough to convey a thousand emotions. Raphael and his family huddled closer together as the counting continued. Mona was glad to be a part of this family event.Donnie moved on to the third egg, their movements now holding more confidence than they had before. The family waited as Donatello shone the light against the egg's pale shell. Donnie's smile fell as they set the egg back down into the incubator without a word. There was a vascular system there, but it wasn't alive.Usagi's heart pinched, looking away and focusing on Chiyo.'Its just an egg, just an egg! Nothing more!' Usagi reminded himself as disappointment and grief nagged at his stomach. But it didn't make it any easier. It was only an egg, but it was HER egg. The samurai knew Lea would be upset when she found out.Mikey pouted and moved closer to his father, Master Splinter giving his youngest son a comforting hug. Mikey returned it, watching as Donatello moved on.Mona Lisa felt bad, squeezing her husband's hand as his face grew cold. She knew Raphael was extremely protective over his older sister. Mona saw Y'ttrinaji's tail give an inquisitive flick and the Salamandrian could tell she was confused. Spike stood behind his father and put a supportive hand on his shell.Donnie's hardened frown grew lax to represent a bit of relief as the fourth and final egg was found to be viable. A sigh of melancholic happiness parted from them then; grateful and uninhibited joy for the gift of life, but tinged by sadness by the loss.It was similar for the rest of the family. Usagi was beyond grateful that there were more alive than not. He could come to peace with one not making it as long as the others were healthy and survived.He hoped that Leonora could as well.Usagi buried his nose into the bundle of blankets held in his arms, tiny peeps coming from a surprised Chiyo.'She smells like sunshine.' Usagi thought as he rocked and cradled the infant in his care. He couldn't wait to be a dad. He was going to be the best dad there was possible!! At least- he would try to be.More than that- he was so excited to see Leonora finally get to be a Mother. She had wanted that for a long time now. And though she was still young, Lea had already been through such difficulty just to successfully conceive. Chiyo was their little miracle, and soon they would have three more.Usagi paced around the room absent mindedly, his thoughts wandering to the egg that wouldn't hatch. 'I could just... throw it away now. Maybe then Lea wouldn't notice and it wouldn't be so hard for-' Usagi stopped moving and his face contorted into a look of horror as he realized where his train of thought was going.'No, that would be dishonest and disloyal to Leonora. Not to mention dishonorable.' Usagi shook his head shamefully. What had he been thinking??"Usagi, you seem troubled." the white rabbit jumped at Master Splinter's calm baritone voice."Yeah dude, you look totally freaked out! What's up?" Mikey added, though he already knew why Usagi was pacing. The whole family knew."I just..." Usagi took a deep breath, contemplating his next words."I don't know how I'm going to tell Lea that one of her eggs won't hatch." He decided sadly, his ears drooping low against his head."I know it is unfortunate and upsetting. I am sure it will cause Leonora just as much grief as it has caused you. But she is strong, and all things considered, I think she will be more grateful about having four children, rather than agonizing over the loss of one." Splinter said with finality, stroking Leonora's cheek lovingly as she slept.It took a moment for Splinter's words to set in. It took a moment for Raphael, Mikey, and Donnie to recognize their father's meaning."It is easy to get caught up in loss and grief, which is why it is important that Leonora has her children here to remind her that not all is lost. She is a mother now, and I know she will love each of her children unconditionally." Splinter nodded his head, turning to look at each of his sons in turn."Just like I do." The old master smiled softly, beckoning his children to come closer. With no hesitation, each of the turtle brothers wrapped their father in a warm embrace. Mikey being the closest and most eager for a hug.Raphael couldn't help but lean into the warmth of his family, hugging Donnie beside as well. This time of turbulence had been rough for everyone, but it was finally coming to a close. Master Splinter felt bad to admit it, but he didn't always show equal affection to his sons. He didn't always show that he loved them. But he really and truly did! It was just a matter of creating moments like this to assure his sons that they were loved and appreciated.Splinter knew he owed each of his sons more acknowledgment and value. So starting from now, he would make an effort to do that.Usagi smiled at the overdue show of affection as the brothers finally seemed to resolve dormant tension in their family. He shared a look of fondness with Mona Lisa and her children, the warrior mother beaming with pride.Raphael returned to his family and gave each of his children a tight hug, telling them that he loved them. Mona Lisa caught Raph in his short burst of affection and managed to steal a kiss. Of course, Raph was always willing to give his wife one of those.Usagi watched as Leonora slept, her soft breaths filtering though her nose as her plastron rose and fell peacefully. Usagi couldn't help but think that this was the most beautiful life he ever could have stumbled upon. Perhaps his ancestors hadn't intended it, but it was everything he ever wanted.Chiyo whined as she finished the formula, swinging her uncontrollable little arms in every direction she could manage. Usagi huffed with amusement and wrapped a finger around her little fist."Look at you Chiyo, already fighting like your mother." Usagi laughed softly, nuzzling his daughter's tiny form. 'So small' the new father thought with astonishment. Chiyo peeped and stared up at her father with wide glassy eyes like giant blue marbles. Usagi was enraptured by his daughter, swaying gently as he hummed to her."Our little miracle." Usagi whispered into Chiyo's short fur.The night wore on and Leonora slept through it thankfully. In the morning, though not too early, Lea would see her daughter again and begin her life as a mother. And oh what an adventure that would be!...