Work Text:
Leo hated this.
He hated feeling so weak. He hated needing so much help. And he hated that stupid medicine Donnie made him take.
As he stumbled through the woods, he couldn’t help but just feel so frustrated with everything.
Technically he wasn’t even supposed to be up and walking. His brothers deemed him too fragile to even go on a stupid walk.
Leonardo sighed, kicking a near-by rock in an attempt to vent his frustration, only to miss and go stumbling, his crutch clattering to the ground next to him.
That was the tipping point. As he kneeled on his hands and knees, the turtle couldn’t find the energy to stand up, instead rolling over onto his shell.
Laying on the soft forest floor, arms spread wide, Leo allowed just a few tears to trickle down his face. He relished in the small mercy, finally letting himself express just a fraction of the despair he felt.
Off in the distance, Leo could hear his brothers calling his name.
He groaned as he sat up, clearing the tears from his face.
Get up, he ordered himself, you're better than this. But no matter how much he chastised himself, his body refused to listen.
Sighing, the turtle pulled out the small vial of medicine Donnie had slipped into his belt. Uncorking the cap, Leo tipped his head back and took a swig of the vile substance.
The liquid had the most disgusting texture combined with an unnaturally foul taste, and as it rolled down his throat Leo felt the urge to purge it just as quickly.
But, ignoring the impulse, he downed the medicine.
It did its job, as the sickening flavor seemed to snap his body out of whatever pitiful state it was in before. Just as his brothers’ voices grew closer, Leo found it in himself to stand, grabbing his crutch and leaning on a nearby tree.
He wasn’t weak.
He didn’t get to be weak.
And as long as he lived his brothers would never see that pathetic side of him.