Here's the next chapter! I was going to post this one a few days ago, but my internet was down so here it is now.

Dislaimer: I do not own anything TMNT related!

(Leonardo)

Lollypops, chocolate bars, bright obnoxious colors, red glittery bouncy ball, finger painting, crayons, milk and cookies, owies, and a lot of woops!

A while back Mikey tried to determine what made a kid a kid. He came up with the kid-list before some other thing became more important and the kid-list was soon forgotten by him to be never completed. However that list was never forgotten by me. I have to admit, the kid-list just plainly bothers me for many reasons.

The only thing about the list that I actually agree with is the 'woops'. How many times have you seen a kid make the 'woops face' right after they made a mistake and realize that they're in trouble? That's the thing with kids; they may make more mistakes than adults, but the mistakes are minor in comparison and don't cause as much trouble.

One thing Mikey did not add to his list is responsibility. When you are little, you might be in charge of making your bed or cleaning your room or not picking on your brothers… When you're a kid or even a teen, do you think you are told that you are in charge of your brothers? That you must protect them? Lead them? Console them? Control them? …Any mistakes that are made are on your head...You are responsible for everything! And perfection is expected from you! If any one of them is injured, you are at fault... But it's not going to come down to that because nothing will happen as long as I am there... Anyways, who am I kidding? No one would ever put something like that on someone's shoulders.

A part of me wants to help Mikey with his kid-list, but I can barely remember a time when I could do anything childish without thinking of my leadership duties. I guess ever since I was appointed leader by Master Splinter, I've had to grow up. It honestly stinks; I hate having to act the adult when I should be acting a teenager. If I let up, do you think my brothers will still respect me? No! I know Raph jumps at the chance to challenge every decision I make. It just doesn't work like that. If I back down just once, my leadership will be compromised constantly or at least more than usual. I can just imagine what that would be like.

'Alright, we should stop at April's before we-'

'No, Fearless Leader! We should stop after!'

Yes, it wouldn't go very well... Getting back to that kid-list, I do feel like acting like Michelangelo from time to time. But whenever I feel like doing something that seems irresponsible, I force myself to practice a kata. Oddly, my brothers think that I enjoy constantly practicing, but that's not necessarily true. The only thing I enjoy is that by practicing I will be a better leader for them.

Next time Mike wants me to save the day with his "action figures", I will probably say "no". When Don asks me to watch the newest science fiction film with him, I will most likely say "not now". I guarantee, I will refuse to go on a joy ride with Raph. It's not that I don't want to, but I can't. I'm the leader now, and I have certain responsibilities. I just feel older now. I mean, I am not a teen.

Hmm, I'm still not content with this one...but anywho, I still enjoy reviews!