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[He feels their feathers slowly wrap around. And it's not quite the same heaviness of Raph-hugs, but not the same fuzziness as dad-hugs either. It's different and it's enough to jolt Leo out of his stupor. And maybe it's a little childish to lean into that. Accept it and want to be hugged and cry about it. He's only sixteen, after all.

But the reality is he doesn't have that luxury here. His brother needs him, whether Donnie knows it or not. They can cry about it afterward, big ugly anime tears that he knows Donnie will hate and say "ew gross" about but let Leo do it anyway because that's just how they are.

And then...

Then they'll get up and work together. Because that is just how they are. Leo lets himself settle into that soft feathery down for a few breaths, a couple big ugly sniffles before he wipes at his eyes.]

You're right. It's why we've gotta fix it. [He looks down at his hands. He didn't give up on Raph, they didn't give up on Leo. He nods once with a little tired smile, clenching his fists.] Hope is my greatest weapon. So we're definitely going to fix this. I already helped save the universe once, what's getting my brother's memory back compared to that, right?

[Being sixteen is a challenge all on its own, even without all of the extra hardships that have come into Leo's life. Truly, if Rue could wash away the heavy weight that Leo, Donnie and Peter have all had to carry for so long, they would give them all the chance to simply be silly, carefree teenagers. But not even fey magic can truly alter the past, so Rue will just have to be certain that none of them carry their individual burdens alone from here on forward.

It's a quiet, heartfelt moment between them, the owlbear gently tucking Leo into the warmth and safety of their wings, just until they feel that he's found his composure again. But even as Rue finally pulls away, a feathery paw drops to the young man's shoulder, squeezing, a gentle touch of their unwavering support.]

I should very much like to hear about that sometime.

[Another time. When so much less is at stake. When Leo and Donnie are back to teasing one another. When they can finally look back at this mess and just laugh.]

But you're right. I believe in the bond you've both created. To be quite honest, I somehow doubt whoever is responsible for this had any idea just who they were messing with.

Oh, they really didn't.

[His voice is stronger now, full of confidence and determination. They will figure out what happened and fix his brother's memory. And whoever did it? Is going to get their butts kicked.

But he looks to Rue, takes in their expression and how they're holding themself. And after a moment, Leo smiles.]

Thanks for... all of this. Usually I've got my other two brothers and our friend April to soundboard off of until I get my footing a little, but. I appreciate it.

[There. That's the Leo that Rue knows. He looks unshakeable in his determination, ready to do whatever he must to get his brother back.

And they will.

Their eyes smile back, warm and bright and full of tender affection.]

You're most welcome. Now, drink your cocoa before it gets cold. Hob should be here shortly with dinner and then we can make a plan of attack. However you want to do things, I am fully prepared to follow. I know that I am not the brothers or friends you have relied on in the past, but I refuse to let you go about this alone.

[!!! RIGHT hot cocoa!! He'll just pile himself up on the couch cross-legged and sip.]

Thanks, Rue. I- really appreciate it.

[And if Rue just casually drags the blanket against the back of the couch over his shoulders for a little support, well, no one needs to know.

He's going to be just fine.]

Think nothing of it.

[Oh soft. He settles under the blanket, sipping at the cocoa.]

I'm definitely gonna think of it. I'll pay you back.

If that isn't a threat, I don't know what is.

[But Rue is beaming while Leo snuggles beneath his blanket, cocoa in hand, already looking better suited to handle the next fight ahead of them.]

Think nothing of it until we have Donnie back. If you choose to shower me in gifts after, I'll be able to do nothing but graciously accept.

That is exactly right, you won't be able to do anything but accept. We're very affectionate turtles, so get ready.

Well then, I suppose I shall prepare myself for some affectionate turtles.

[please consume them in affection, rue needs it]

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