HUMAN AU

Michelangelo's pen shook in his hand. Struggling to concentrate he bit his lip and tightened his grip. Today, Monday 23 March, was the one year anniversary that the eldest child of the Hamato family left for Afghanistan. Fighting in war, risking his life like their father had years ago. Mikey couldn't help but feel afraid of a tragic phone call one day claiming that Hamato Leonardo was no longer with them.

His other brothers tried hard to make Mikey feel comfortable but the fifteen year old could clearly see the pain in their own clouded eyes. Only twenty year old, Leo had left with a promise he would return in two years. Letting out a deep breath Mikey rested his head in his hand when he remembered that one more year of fear was left.

The test in front of him was only half complete with ten more minutes to go. However, he could not focus. His shoulders tensed up as his mind cruelly reminded him of yesterday's nightmare where he witnessed his brother's heart being pierced by a small metallic bullet.

The young boy's throat clogged and his heart clenched. Tear pricked his eyes but he refused to let them fall in class, where his reputation was to always remain happy. But how could he, Leonardo left for his family as well as the country. He wished for both the safety of his land and money to provide for them. And he did this by risking his life.

A single tear splashed on his paper. Silently swearing, Mikey blinked the water away just as the bell rang loudly. Clearing away his desk he put his mask back on. Smiling and mentally preparing himself for soccer.

In the changing room Mikey sighed because he knew his father would have his head for failing the class again. Slipping on his soccer boots his eyes clenched shut when an image of his brother on the ground flashed in his mind. Quickly, he ran to the outside sunlight. Craving for a moment of joy to cover his fears.

However, during the practice his concentration continued to divert from the game. Causing Mikey to fall hard onto the ground when someone collided hard against his body for the ball. Hissing at a bleeding cut on his elbow he rubbed it, smiling and reassuring his team. Now frustrated, afraid and in pain he was meant to practice his shots.

Staring straight at the goalie he forgot to call out his daily joke. Brows furrowed in annoyance as the child rushed towards the stationary ball yards in front of him, turning his leg to the side to aim for the high left corner of the goal. Slamming his foot into the ball he gritted his teeth in irritation when it bounced off the pole and was too stressed to laugh it off as usual.

"Don't worry, Mike, you'll get it next time."

Violently gasping in recognition of the voice his eyes widened. Unsure of himself, Mikey slowly turned to face a twenty one year old holding a loving smile. Standing in shock for a moment he ran up to his brother, jumping up into his strong arms and wrapping his legs around his waist. Burying his face into the laughing man's shoulder Mikey began to sob. Forgetting about the people clapping and taking memorable pictures.

"Leo-"

"Shh, I know, bro." Leo comforted as he rubbed Mikey's back. "But I'm right here."

Pulling away from his brother the teenager stared into the grinning face. "A-are you real?"

Laughing out loud with adrenaline filled happiness Leonardo reassured him. "Yes, I'm very real." Leaning forward he kissed the boy's forehead. "I missed you."

"I-I missed you too." Hugging him tightly again he allowed more tears of shock and joy to fall. "What about ever-y-yone else?"

Brushing his fingers in his blond hair Leo gently rocked him, "I met them at the airport. They told me to wait for after school to meet you but I was too excited."

Chuckling a bit through his tears Mikey grinned, "Welcome back home."

"Glad to be back."

...Been watching too many 'soldier returns' videos...don't judge me!