Hun was watching over Leo, when his phone dinged. He glanced at the text message, which was from his boyfriend, Brooklyn. Hun hadn't seen the gargoyle in two months, because he'd been on a mission with his family. How he'd missed Brooklyn, who was his link to sanity, his lifeline and the person he most cherished. They'd been an item for ten years and were madly in love, but it hadn't been love at first sight. Hun had perceived him as arrogant and brash and the latter had thought the same, but after several drinks and a steamy evening at Hun's place, they'd discovered they had tons in common and that they were both searching for the same thing: eternal love, which had so far eluded them.

Hun dialed his number and said, "Hey. Got your text, Brooklyn. Can't wait to see you. Can you skip the debriefing and come here now? Really need your help. Can't explain on the phone. Walls have ears."
Brooklyn spoke a few words to his leader, Goliath, and then said, "Yeah. I'll be there now, Hun. We'll sort it out. Love you."
"Love you too," Hun said and ended the call.

"Leonardo," Hun whispered to the still passed out leader, "You'll soon be home with your family. I promise."

Twenty minutes later, the door opened and Brooklyn entered the room.

Sensing a presence in the room, Hun stood, approached his boyfriend and tenderly kissed him.

The kiss deepened, as Hun pulled his mate's head down. He wasn't short by any means, being six foot, but Brooklyn had a good ten inches on him.

Needing air, they broke the kiss, but still stood close to one another.

"So, what's so urgent, Hun?" Brooklyn asked.
"Venom and Tyler have been on the prowl again and have nabbed two of the Ninja Turtles," Hun said and pointed at the bed. "Here's Leonardo and he…."
"Holy smokes," Brooklyn said, widening his eyes in astonishment when he saw Leo. "THE Ninja Turtles? Really? How'd they pull that off?"
"Long story. I'll fill you in later. We have to get Leonardo out of here pronto. I'll get his eyes…."
"What do you mean his eyes?"
"They were gouged out by Tyler. Another long story. I'll get the eyes. You take Leonardo to the basement. We'll leave that way via the underground passage, which leads to the city."
"Right. You said there were two Turtles."
"Yeah. Raphael was murdered by Tyler. If anyone asks why you're moving Leonardo, say he went into septic shock and died and you're taking him to the incineration room. Got it?"
"Yeah, but one last question. Why the heck are we helping Leonardo when he's an enemy? Remember all the devastation he's caused us. Why should we help this creature?"
"Because it's the right thing to do. He would if you were in the same position: blind, defenceless, weak and scared. I have seen Leonardo be merciful and spare a man's life, when he could have easily slain him. Our boss wants us to believe that they are devoid and heartless freaks. That is not true. They are more humane than us humans and we must get this kid back to his family. He doesn't belong here."
"But Raphael was a monster…."
"We are wasting time. Take Leonardo and hurry," Hun urged. "We can argue later."

Brooklyn lifted Leo up into his strong arms and headed to the secret passage that was only known by five people: Shredder, Venom, Baxter, Brooklyn and Hun.

Please let us make it out of here alive, Brooklyn thought. I don't want us to die. We are young, have the rest of our lives ahead of us and have so many plans.

XXXXX

Hun figured Tyler had taken Leo's eyes to his study and made that his port of call. He soon located Leo's eyes in the freezer, packed ice into a large container and placed the eyes in it. Then he wended his way to the secret passage and prayed that he met no one on the way.

But unbeknownst to Hun, Baxter had seen him and was following him.

XXXX

Sticking close to the shadows, Baxter saw Hun enter a secret door and then it slammed shut behind Hun. Baxter peered through the keyhole, his eyes widening in amazement when he saw Brooklyn carrying Leonardo. He strained his ears to hear their conversation and thought, looks like they're helping Leonardo escape. Must tell the boss. He is going to be so pissed. Maybe he'll kill Hun for his betrayal. I hope so. I can't bear that dickhead and his hideous boyfriend. Maybe I can even witness the killing and take photos. That would be glorious. I do love guts and gore so much.

Baxter rushed to Shredder's study, as fast as he could go.

XXXX

Brooklyn and Hun wended their way through the tunnel, thankfully meeting no one and were meters from the exit when the door was thrown open and Shredder stepped inside the chamber, his dark eyes blazing and flashing his gauntlets.

Leo was still out of it.

"Going somewhere?" Shredder hissed, blocking the exit. "How could you two betray me when I have given you everything and treated you like family and for what, that pathetic creature? Have you no honor?"

Chills ran down the couple's spines at seeing their boss, their stomachs churned in dread and they froze to the spot.

How did he find us, Hun wondered? Did someone spot us and tell him?

Hun was the first to regain composure and said, "That is true. You have done so much for us and I have always been appreciative and loyal, but I can't be in this instance. Leonardo's a mere child, who doesn't deserve any abuse. It breaks my heart that he has suffered greatly and I won't let any more abuse happen. He belongs with his family and I will take him there, even if it's the last thing I do."
"The hell you will!" Shredder roared and lunged at Hun, knocking the container out of his hand and then wrestling with him on the ground, as they traded blows.
"Take the container and run, Brook!" Hun yelled. "Quickly."

Brooklyn shifted Leo to his left hip, grabbed the container and ran through the exit, hoping his partner would defeat their boss and join him soon.

His hopes were dashed when he heard a bloodcurdling scream, which was followed by Shredder crowing victoriously.

"Hear that, Brooklyn?" Shredder shouted triumphantly. "I eviscerated Hun and he's dead. I'm going to mount his head on a spike for everyone to see, so that they will truly understand that I don't tolerate betrayal! Hun will be an example to them. I won't hesitate to do the same to you, so you'd better be vigilant and alert at all times!"

Brooklyn's heart shattered when he heard the words, but now wasn't the time to dwell on it. His priority was Leo and getting him back to his family. If he achieved that, then he could mourn his love and plot vengeance.

The gargoyle ran as fast as he could to the nearest manhole. He tossed down the container and then climbed down, Leo cradled against his chest.

XXXX

Brooklyn picked up the container, Leo on his left hip and began the long trek through the sewers.

Leo stirred, blinked and glanced around, his unseeing eyes only seeing darkness to his immense despair.

Why can't I see anything, Leo thought worriedly? And I feel a swaying motion. Like I'm being carried somewhere. Where and by whom? And where is Raph? Shit, Raph. I need him. My Raph.

Pain suddenly coursed through him and memories of all that had happened came flooding back to him.

He'd traded his eyes for Raphael's life to be spared, but the grotesque Tyler had lied and had murdered Raphael. Now he, Leo, was blind, defenceless and doomed to a life of misery and degradation. Poor Raphael, his baby brother, his life, his love, his everything. Hell, it hurt thinking about him and all he must have endured.

I just hope Raph's death was swift, Leo thought, as he bit his lip to keep from crying out.

Another stab of pain hit him and he screamed.

"ARGH!" Leo said. "It damn hurts. Make it stop."
"Hush, Leonardo. It's okay. You're safe now," Brooklyn said. "I need you to trust me, okay?"
"How do you know who I am? Who the heck are you and why should I? How do I know you aren't one of Shredder's goons?"
"My name is Brooklyn. I was one of them, but I am not one now. My circumstances have changed. I will tell you in time, but the priority is returning you to your family."
"Brooklyn? Then you are an enemy! I remember you. My family? I have no family. My brothers are dead and my dad is probably too. I also saw one of our friends being murdered. I have no one now," Leo said bitterly. "I am alone and at your mercy. I trust you will do as I wish, which is to join my family. My life has no purpose now. Everything I loved is gone, especially my…..All I am a defenceless and useless Turtle. What good would I do now? Kill me and make my death swift. I have no desire to live. Do it. I entreat you."

A figure suddenly approached them, his blue eyes and face lighting up when he saw the bundle Brooklyn was carrying.

"Leo!" Mikey yelled, rushing towards them. "Leo, you're alive. Oh, Leo, I thought you were dead."
"Mikey?" Leo said in surprise, his heart leaping for joy at hearing his brother, his unseeing eyes turning in the direction of Mikey's voice. "Is it really you or am I dreaming? Are the others alive too?"
"You're not, bro. I'm really here and we're all fine. Look at me. Can you see me? What's wrong with your eyes? Has something happened to them? Whoa. You're Brooklyn, Hun's pal. What are you doing with my brother?" Mikey demanded, narrowing his eyes.

"Returning him to his family, where he belongs," Brooklyn, said. "You can take him. My mission is done and now I will return to my family."
Mikey took Leo from him and said, "But why would you do that? You're one of Shredder's goons and you hate us, as much as he does. Is this a trap? Are your colleagues going to ambush us?"
"Because Hun asked me to and I could not refuse his request. Your brother was rendered blind by one of Shredder's thugs, but there is a chance he can regain his sight if his eyes are transplanted onto him ASAP. They're on ice in this container. This is no trap, Michelangelo. All I want is for Leonardo to be with his family."
"But why would Hun betray Shredder? And where is Raph? He is with you too, right?" Mikey asked hopefully, looking around, his heart sinking when he didn't see his emerald skinned brother.
"He didn't make It, did he?" Mikey asked sadly, his eyes filling with tears. "Raph's gone and we're never going to see him again."

"MIKEY!" April called, seeing him in the distance. "Mikey, I've been looking for you everywhere."
"Dudette, come here. Leo's alive. Leo's here."
"Really?" April said in disbelief and ran towards them. She beamed when she saw Leo and said, "It's true. You're here, Leo. What happened to you? And why is Brooklyn here? Isn't he an enemy?"
"Long story. We need to get Leo home, so Donnie can operate on his eyes and hopefully restore his vision."
"And Raph? He isn't with you, is he?" April asked, glancing around.
"No," Mikey said miserably. "Raph's gone, April. We'll talk about that later, but right now the priority is Leo."

"That's my cue to leave," Brooklyn said. "Be well, all."
"Thank you so much for bringing Leo home," Mikey said. "You have no idea how much it means to us."
"I do. I know how important family is to you. It is to me as well. My loved ones are my world and I would stop at nothing to protect them, even laying down my life for them."
"Raph was the same way. He was our protector, the backbone and muscles of the team. He looked out for us all and didn't think twice about risking his life for us," Mikey said thickly, tears spilling down his cheeks, as he talked about his brother.
"I am sorry for your loss and feel your pain."
"Yeah and we'll get justice for him," Mikey said firmly. "We generally don't believe in vengeance, but we'll make an exception in this case. It'll be a pleasure to annihilate the bastard, who killed Raph and it's the only thing that'll give us peace and closure. Raph would want that."

"I don't think it's safe for you to venture out now, Brooklyn," Leo said. "Shredder's minions will be out en masse and they won't rest until they've found you and Hun. You're Shredder's enemy now and any enemy of his is our ally, so you can stay with us for however long you need to."
"Actually, it's just me. Hun didn't make it either and I'm with you, Michelangelo. I also want vengeance."
"I'm sorry about your friend."
"But he didn't die in vain. You're safe now. That was the goal and I'm sure he's happy and smiling, wherever he is, a cold beer in his hands. He loved those, especially after a good workout. Anyway, we can talk later."

"Right. Leo's eyes," Mikey said. "Come on, gang."

The pals entered the lair, praying that the operation on Leo's eyes would be a success.

XXXXX

"Leo!" Donnie said excitedly from his seat in the lounge when he saw his brother in Mikey's arms. "Leo! You're alive," he added, jumping to his feet and then racing towards his family and Brooklyn. "We thought you were gone. Oh, Leo, it's so wonderful to see you. I have missed you, big brother. What's wrong with your eyes? Is Raph with you? He has to be, right? Why is Brooklyn here? He's Shredder's goon and Hun's boyfriend. I saw them kissing once. What's going on?"
"WHOA!" Leo said, raising a hand, his unseeing eyes staring at Donnie. "There'll be time for explanations later, Donnie, but I need you to stay calm and to do something for me. It's very important. Do you think you can do that?"
"I'd do anything for you, Leo. What is it?"
"I'm blind. It's a long story, but there's a chance my eyesight will be restored if you transplant my eyes onto me. A total eye transplant was done last year and was a success."
"Yeah. I read about it, but I'm not a qualified doctor. I don't even have….."
"I know, but you're all I have and I trust you. Will you at least try? If it fails, I won't blame you. Please, Donnie. Just think if it does work, it could help our family and friends if they're in a similar position."
"I'll do my best, Leo. I know exactly what it entails. Have you eaten anything today?"
"No."
"Then we'll begin the operation now," Donnie said, taking the container from Brooklyn. "I need an assistant to hand me the tools and to hold the gauze. Someone, who isn't squeamish."

"I'll do it," April said.
"Great. Mikey, bring Leo to the infirmary and I'll prep him," Donnie said. "Then you can make Brooklyn something to eat and drink."

Mikey nodded and said, "Will do."

"Best of luck, guys," Brooklyn said.

Mikey, Leo, April and Donnie went into the infirmary.

Please let it be a success, Donnie thought. And please let our Raph have found Tang Shen in Heaven and be with her. I know she'll take good care of him until we're all reunited.

XXXXX

Mikey settled Leo onto a stretcher.

Leo's procedure was a difficult task and entailed the reattachment of nerve endings, so that vision would be possible. Then his lower and upper eyelids would be sewn shut to prevent any debris, light or any foreign matter from entering the eyes. They would only know if the procedure was a success in three weeks' time and Leo would remain in the infirmary until then, Donnie keeping a close watch on him.

"Hey, Dad," Donnie said cheerfully. "Look who's home."

"Leonardo," the old rat said jubilantly, his heart jumping for joy at seeing his treasured son. "I am overjoyed you are home. We feared that something awful had befallen you and Raphael. Your eyes. Who did that to you, my son? Where is Raphael? How did you come home? Who helped you?"
"I am thrilled to see you too, Dad. A giant Komodo. I have a lot to tell you, but it has to wait until after my eye procedure. Donnie's going to try and restore my vision. As for Raphael, Dad, your fears about him aren't unfounded. He is gone and we will seek vengeance."
"My beautiful son is gone?" Splinter said and emitted a gut-wrenching cry, his eyes filling with tears and clutching his heart, as it broke into a million pieces. "My Raphael. My passionate, sensitive and beautiful son, who was so young and who had so much to live for. Yes. We will get our vengeance and I will not have any peace until the monster, who slayed your brother has paid the ultimate price. My Raphael would want that. I am not a violent man, but no one harms my sons and lives to tell the tale. I will protect and defend them until my last breath. They are my everything and my legacy."

"Right," Donnie said. "We can talk about Raph later. I'm just as upset as you, Dad, but I need quiet now. April will assist me. Mikey, go and attend to Brooklyn. Clara and Cassie are resting in Leo's bedroom and Casey is napping in mine. Clara and Cassie are new friends and can be trusted. We'll tell you more about them later, Leo."

"All right," Mikey said. "Leo, I'll come back after the operation, okay? I love you. Best of luck."
"Love you too, little bro," Mikey said and exited the room.

Donnie and April donned surgical gloves and masks.

The genius then injected Leo with an anesthetic and said, "I want you to count back to one hundred, Leo."
"How long will the procedure take?"
"The first total eye transplant was a one hour operation for one eye. I'm operating on both, so I'm guessing two hours. Now count back for me and know I love you."
"Love you too."

"It's going to be all right, Leo," April said and squeezed his hand. "Donnie is highly skilled and I have no doubt you'll soon see again."

"I'm with you and I love you, my son," Splinter said from his stretcher. "Good luck to you and Donatello."

I love you, Raphie, Leo thought. I know you're watching over me. I swear I'll fuck up that bastard, who robbed us of you. I won't rest until I have and I'll never stop loving you. Rest in paradise, my angel. We'll carry you in our hearts every day and we'll mourn you forever.

The anesthetic took effect and Leo was soon out.

"Blade," Donnie said calmly, but internally he was a nervous wreck, his stomach tightened in knots.
"Here you go," April said, handing him the tool. "Hey. You're going to be fine, Donnie. Take a deep breath. You can do it. I believe in you. We all do."
Donnie inhaled sharply, composed himself and said, "Yeah. Thanks. I have never been so terrified in my life, April. I have patched up my brothers many times, but this is a different ball game. This is Leo's sight and if I mess up he'll remain blind forever."
"I understand, but Leo knows the risks, Donnie, and he won't blame you if it fails. No one will. Everyone knows and that you're venturing into uncharted territory, so please don't beat yourself up if things go pear-shaped. We know you'll have done your best."
"All right," Donnie said and drew a shaky breath. "Here goes."

Donnie began the long procedure of reattaching Leo's left eye, which took him a good forty minutes. Then he stitched the upper and lower eyelids shut.

"Great job, Donnie," April said. "We're halfway there. I'm proud of you. I knew you could do it."

Donnie then reattached Leo's right eye, sewed the upper and lower eyelids shut and heaved a deep sigh of relief. It was all over.

April placed eye guards over Leo's eyes as an extra precaution and said, "There. All done. You did a sterling job, Donnie. I'm going to grab a snack in the kitchen."

The redhead left the room.

"It is over?" Splinter asked.
"Yes, Dad," Donnie said. "Leo should wake in a bit, but we'll only know if it's worked in three weeks' time. That was the most nerve-wracking experience of my life. I hope I never have to do it again."
"I am proud of you, Donatello. I know how difficult that was for you."
"Thanks, Dad," Don said, sitting on a chair by Leo's stretcher.
"We will hold a memorial for Raphael when Leonardo has recovered. One that your brother would have loved. He didn't like a fuss, so it has to be something tailored to his personality."
"I know exactly what he'd like, Dad. He'd want a small and intimate affair. Something like a barbecue at the farmhouse with all of us swapping tales about him around the fire. All of his nearest and dearest present and he'd have wanted to be buried at the farmhouse with you, but we don't have his body and it's unlikely we will, because I'm positive they'll have burned it already or tossed it out, as if he was trash. Our brother, who was the salt of the earth," Donnie said despondently, as tears rolled down his cheeks. "I know you guys had your problems, but Raph loved you and you were his hero."
"No. Leonardo was his hero. I was merely his sensei and father. Raphael loved Leonardo more than he loved anyone else. It was obvious, even when you boys were babies. Raphael followed Leonardo everywhere and copied all he did. It drove Leonardo crazy back then, but I don't think he'd have a problem with it now."
"No. We'd all give the moon to have Raph back."
"That's not what I meant, Donatello. I am old, but I am not stupid. I know the shenanigans that have gone on, when others thought I had no knowledge of them. I have witnessed things that I knew would happen one day. It was only a matter of time, given there are only four of your kind."
"What are you talking about?"
"The love Leonardo and Raphael shared went beyond brotherly. I witnessed it with my own eyes when they were kissing. They did not know I saw them."
"No way!" Donnie said in disbelief, his eyes widening.
"I saw them, Donatello. I was not shocked. They have always shared a special bond and are two sides of the same coin. That is why Raphael's death, although it is a massive blow for us, it will hit Leonardo hardest. He has lost his soulmate, his life, his heart, his takara. You must be patient, understanding and be there for him. I am worried he will do something drastic to join his Raphael in paradise. You must never leave him alone."
"But Dad, back when we were talking about them being intersex, you said we couldn't have them, because they were our sisters. Now it sounds like you're endorsing their relationship or would have."
"I said that, because Leonardo and Raphael belong together. You and Michelangelo are meant to be with other people. I did not wish to reveal a secret that was not mine to tell and yes, I would have blessed them if they had asked for my approval. They must have thought I would not have approved and broke it off, because I noticed the change in attitude towards one another. They were happier around each other when a couple and downright hostile when they'd split up."
"Wow. I had no idea they'd been together. And I call Mikey unobservant."
"I know my sons better than anyone."
"Dad, what if Raphael was alive and…..?"
"Donatello, we will not do the what if's. Raphael is gone. We must accept that, mourn as a family and be there for Leonardo. The what if's will only drive us insane."
"I understand, Dad, but what if Raphael was alive and returned home? Would you allow Leo and him to be together?"
"Yes. I would, for the reasons I explained earlier, but that is wishful thinking, my son. Raphael is with Tang Shen now and we must look to the future. It will be challenging, but we are Hamato's and can overcome anything."
"Yeah."
"And when we are strong enough, we will hunt down your brother's murderer and exterminate him."
"Absolutely."
"Now I must rest. Tend to Leonardo and remember what I said."
"Can I get you anything?"
"Not now. Later. I am tired. Raphael's death, although not unexpected , was a shock to my system."
"Okay, Dad. Rest well. Let me know when you want anything."

Splinter sank back against the pillows, closed his eyes and was soon fast asleep, his dreams plagued by memories of Raphael and of all the happy times they'd shared.

Wow, Leo, I had no idea you and Raph were a couple, Donnie thought, as he gazed at his big brother. I wish you'd told me. I wouldn't have been disgusted at all. Love is love and I would have been thrilled you guys had found it. It's heartbreaking that your love was so fleeting and that you thought we'd have been repulsed by it. I wish by some miracle Raph was alive and he'd come home, so that we can be a whole family again and so that you and he can have the eternal love story you deserve. Maybe even with a bunch of kids. You guys would be amazing parents and I pray that the operation is a massive success. If it isn't, I might have to be leader and I'm not cut out for that. I'm the scientist, the mediator, the inventor. Not a leader. That's your job, Leo, so get better and stronger. We need you more than ever, now that Raph's gone. Oh, crud, Raph. I can't believe I'm never going to see you again. Bro, wherever you are, know that I love you and I'll never stop missing you.

A/N Will Leo's operation be a success?

Is Raphael really dead?