"Raph?" I knock on his bedroom door, it's closed, and no light shines through the crack in the bottom, but I know he's there.
"It's me, Leo... I um... Wanted to talk with you." I hear shuffling around and a clink clank sound as he unlocks the door, he opens it just a little, but won't show himself.
I take the invitation and clue that he's too embarrassed to come out, so I go in. With one gentle, swift step, I enter his bedroom.
"Raph?" His back is to me, I close the door for his sake of peace, waiting a moment before my eyes adjust.
I rest a gentle hand on his shoulder, and slowly walk around so he knows I'm going to see his face.
A gasp is pulled forth from my vocals, as I gaze upon the dreary, puffy, bloodshot eyes of my younger brother.
It's the first good look I've had at him all day... He has bags hanging and pulling beneath his eyes, his cheeks swell all red as the tears streak them, nose sniffing and his face is so pale... Too pale even in the dark I see it so clearly...
Raphs chin wobbles near the breaking point, and in an instant I've embraced him in my sanctuary, holding him as we drop to our knees in the embrace. His sobs spilling off onto me along with their companion tears.
Arms tightening their grip, I feel his body like a hurricane shake of much pain and shame. It brings the very tears to my eyes seeing the one I love so very dearly so... Broken...
"Raphael..." I whisper, my three fingered hands tracing invisible tracks along the grooves of his shell... Rough edges, yet so delicate and soft... My movements slowly soothe him as he slowly runs out of tears at the moment. His eyes timidly battle against finding mine, but eventually, I'm finally staring back into beautiful mesmerizing green golden orbs...
"L-Leonardo..." His hands tremble perhaps just as much as his voice as Raph speaks... In such a desperate, pleading tone. I run my hands up to cup his cheeks in my warm hands, and wipe away the stains the tears have left with my thumbs.
"I'm here Raph... I'm right here..." I ensure as my forehead presses gently and lovingly against his. For a moment there is pain and happiness, a moment where his brows pull into an uneasy expression but the corners of his mouth wobble between a smile of ease and joy but tremble in sadness...
"Please... Don't leave me alone..." Raphs voice almost comes below a whisper, but I could understand him even if I were deaf... I'm sure of it.
"Never... I'll never leave you Raphael, just stay with me, promise you'll stay with me?" I find his eyes again... He nods slightly.
"I promise..."