[Rue will keep Raph in that hug for as long as he needs, but he'd best be prepared for the quick peck of a kiss to the side of his head as they hold him. I'm sorry, Raph, but you are absolutely son-shaped and Rue needs more to keep strong.]

I never knew my siblings - [or their parents, for that matter, but shush, that is irrelevant for the moment] So it is more difficult for me to put myself in your place without that experience, but even still, I can see how much your younger brothers mean to you. [Their wings squeeze around Raph, dragging him in closer.] I know what they mean to me and I have known them for a fraction of the time.

[The thought alone of any of them getting hurt (again) makes them sick. They do not know if they'll ever be able to forget the distinct smell of iron in the air as Leo was bleeding out in front of them.]

But I do hear you and your concerns, Raphael. I apologize for putting you in the position that I did. I knew even then how unfair it was.