Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

     Donnie was getting worried. After Raph had been hit with the stinger they’d spent a few hours looking for a relatively safe place to take a break, stopping the bleeding the best they could, and getting some food together. In theory his brother should be doing better by now and he was— sort of. He could move a bit. In other ways he seemed worse. Raph seemed out of it, and dizzy if the way he’d been squinting since he sat up was any indication. Donnie did not like the implication of new symptoms appearing to replace the old ones. He may have been wrong about that stinger only holding a paralytic, and he did not want to be wrong. He really did not want to be wrong. Having any of them sick while they were here was dangerous, but Raph? Raph was too stubborn for his own good.

     Unfortunately, it didn’t seem like things were going the way he’d hoped and his brother had refused the food they’d gathered. Instead, he’d opted to stay curled up near the fire. If they were lucky, and they rarely were, Raph was just a bit nauseous and would feel fine in a couple hours. If that wasn’t the case… well they needed to split up so at least two of them could start looking for slightly more permanent shelter anyway. They were not trying to fight any more of those insects without all of them in fighting shape. If Leo’s worried looks were any indication, they were probably thinking the same thing.

     As usual, the glare Raph threw Leo’s way when the back of Donnie’s hand tested his temperature could have killed. At least he was still feeling well enough for that even if it meant he was more likely to stubbornly push through the injury. No fever yet. Telling Leo as much had his brother’s shoulders slumping in relief. Mikey seemed to relax slightly as well. Donnie hadn’t even noticed the glances he’d been giving Raph since he’d been stung. “You all realize I’m going to be fine, right.”

     “Actually, we don’t Raph. I thought the venom had only paralyzed you, but you haven’t been looking well since you started being able to move again.” His brother rolled his eyes, but didn’t open his mouth to say anything else. “I’m serious. Tell me if you start to feel any worse.”

     “Yeah, yeah, you don’t need to mother hen me.” Donnie just sighed. If his brother wanted to pretend nothing was wrong he wasn’t going to stop him for the moment. It would be a different story if or when he got worse. A few minutes passed by before Mikey piped up.

     “Maybe Leo and I should go looking for, like, a cave or something? I don’t want to be out here when those bugs come back.” None of them were going to disagree with the youngest on that one, so he and Leo left to search some cliffs they had seen nearby. Meanwhile, Donnie spent his time talking with April. He kept an eye on his red-masked brother as subtly as he could.

     Their first, and probably last, bit of good luck that day meant Leo and Mikey returned having found a cave before Raph got noticeably worse. He was still feeling well enough to put up a fight when Leo insisted on helping him walk— he was definitely wobbly— but it only lasted a minute with the combined efforts of the three siblings and April. That didn’t mean Raph stopped grumbling at any point during the walk. It didn’t make getting him to lay down again any less of a task, either. His brother was stubborn if nothing else, and Donnie had long given up on him being a half-decent patient. Ever. The most fussing the other turtle usually tolerated was a quick patch job. That was on a good day.

     Any discussion about who was taking what watch was left until Raph had fallen asleep. He probably knew what they were doing considering how long he managed to stay up. Donnie saw him shake himself awake multiple times. Leo insisted on going first, which left Donnie to make sure Leo would wake him if things got bad and then get himself as comfortable as he could. To everyone’s shock, heavy on the sarcasm, it seemed like whatever bit of luck they’d had ran out with the cave.

     Donnie was woken by the sound of panicked voices followed by retching. Groaning, he searched for the source of the noise to find that Leo had managed to move Raph to the cave entrance. His trembling brother was leaning against Leo’s plasteron for support while Leo rubbed his shell and muttered reassurances. Donnie padded over, Leo glancing up at him but otherwise not moving, and knelt down next to them. “He has a fever, doesn’t he?”

     “Yeah, he started feeling really nauseous about five minutes ago. We’ve been like this since.”

     “Where’s April?”

     “She went to get him some water.” Donnie nodded and stood back up, turning to check on the fire. There wasn’t much they were able to do for his brother’s comfort, so keeping it going would have to be enough.

     Raphael couldn’t remember a time where he’d felt this sick. The others had caught the flu or a cold on occasion, but he’d usually been able to escape with nothing beyond a stuffy nose and a mild headache. This was not that. He was fucking freezing, his head ached, he couldn’t stop shaking, and he’d just lost what was left of his last meal. His stomach was still rolling in protest anyway. Leo’s presence was helping slightly, but he really just wanted some pain meds and sleep. They didn’t have any. Had he mentioned he hated bugs? He clamped his mouth shut at another wave of nausea and buried his face in his brother’s plasteron. Fuck he hated bugs. Leo hummed in response, “Sorry, I know you’re probably feeling like shit. If it helps I'll be telling Mikey to lay off the teasing about being scared of bugs.”

     “Not scared of ‘em.”

     He heard a soft laugh, “Sure you aren’t. That’s why you scream at me to kill it whenever you see a roach.” Raph grumbled and lightly punched his brother’s arm. If anyone asked, that was not the most strength he could manage right now. “Ow, you’re a terrible patient.” Leo still pulled him closer when he shivered. Eventually he felt a little less like his stomach would turn itself inside out and Leo moved them closer to the fire. He was grateful for the heat. It wasn’t long after that April returned with some water and he was grateful for the survival lessons their father had forced on them as kids as well. Otherwise they’d have had to make the trip over to the river themselves. He wasn’t sure if he could stand on his own. He’d probably keel over just from how hard he was shaking. The drink cleared the fog in his mind a bit, but he’d decided he was very comfortable where he was so Leo would have to deal with it for now. Granted, his older brother didn’t seem to be complaining.

     “So,” oh great Mikey was awake— “anyone who now agrees with Raphie’s ‘I hate bugs’ sentiment say I.” Donnie let out an exasperated sigh. He could get behind that reaction. “What??”

     “Just stop while you’re ahead, Mike.”

     “Fine, I see how it is. How are you feeling though, Raphie?” He shrugged and waved his hand in a so-so motion. He wasn’t going to lie and say he felt good. It would have been a bit too obvious.

     “In Raph-speak that means awful.” Donnie could shove it. Leo just snorted.

     “Yeah I think we’ve all figured that out. If he felt anything other than awful he’d have shoved me away by now.” That was false. “Normally he’d just pull the tough guy ‘I’m fine’ act until he actually was.” Yo, he was right there. His shifting so his brothers could actually hear him properly was quickly aborted by white-hot pain lancing up his leg. He chirped. Everyone froze— damn it. Leo’s other hand came up to cover the back of his neck protectively. He hated that Leo remembered that; why had he told him that? Fuck his leg hurt. Donnie was the first to shake off his surprise and speak, clapping his hands together.

     “So if he’s still like this in the morning we are splitting up and finding the way home!” April, who’d mostly been keeping to herself and letting the brothers handle things, glanced between them all in confusion.

     “What just… happened?” Leo frowned at the question.

     “That noise was a chirp. We don’t make it often anymore. It was more common when we were kids, but usually we only do it when we’re really stressed or in a lot of pain now.”

     “Yeah, so Raphie doing it is kind of a big deal!” Damn it Mikey. Raph wished he could pull into his shell more than ever, now. He hadn’t made that noise in years. He wasn’t a baby anymore.

     “Well I think I've just about got everything we need from my uncle’s notes. If we do need to split up in the morning we should have what we need to get out of here.” He’d completely forgotten about the notebook full of calculations they’d found earlier. He tried not to flinch as Donnie reached for his injured leg. The mumbled apology he got probably meant he wasn’t very successful.

     “Thanks April, I’ve been a bit distracted.” He didn’t see April’s smile and nod, too focused on staying still while his brother peeled away the makeshift bandages. It wasn’t as bad as when he’d tried to move the leg himself, but it still hurt like a bitch.

     Leo was struggling to fight off the urge to stop Donnie from checking his little brother’s injury. Raph didn’t seem aware of the soft chirps he’d been making since everyone initially froze. Everything in him wanted to make the pain stop, but he knew what Donnie was doing was important. So, instead of insisting that Donnie leave it alone, he focused on doing what he could to keep Raph calm. Most of that was just staying where he was. “So good news is the injury isn’t infected. Bad news is we have no painkillers and he’s probably not going to be walking much until it heals.” Another chirp from Raph had Leo starting up a quiet churr. Donnie raised an eyeridge at him in response.

     “I guess it’s a good thing I carried him here then. He would have made it worse.”

     “He would have.” Leo sighed and leaned back against the cave wall. He wasn’t getting any more sleep tonight, and he knew it. It was rare for Raph to need protection, or to come to any of them for comfort. That meant it always hit hard when he did. For him to be so badly hurt in this situation was… not ideal. Leo probably wasn’t going to be able to leave his side, so Donnie and Mikey would be the ones handling the way out. Plus, as annoying as the protective older brother instinct was, he knew Raph would appreciate him staying. It had always been Leo he’d sought out for comfort when they were younger. That hadn’t changed much over the years. None of those instances had prepared him for his brother tucking himself impossibly closer. Whether it was to escape the cold or deal with the pain he was in didn’t matter. Leo tightened his hold— he wasn’t going anywhere.

Chapter Text

    The night seemed to drag on as Leo watched over his brothers and kept the fire going. Raph slept fitfully, waking up a few times confused and barely aware of his surroundings only to fall back to sleep minutes later. Hours of nothing. Hours of too much nothing. Leo sat waiting for the next thing to go wrong. It was almost a relief when it finally happened. Almost.

     It started as barely noticeable twitches in his sleep— something Leo wrote off as normal movement. Mild twitching very quickly turned into spasms that shook Raph awake with a gasp and a desperate chirp of pain stop help. Leo adjusted his hold, heart thudding in his chest as he opened his mouth to call for Donnie. Before he got the chance, Donnie was already kneeling down next to them and helping turn Raph onto his side. “Okay, um, we need to keep track of how long this lasts.”

     “Already started counting!” Donnie shot Mikey a small smile, but refocused on Raph when he gagged. It was a tense few minutes before the spasms stopped and they were all able to breathe again— Leo rubbing Raph’s shell while his little brother gasped for breath.

     “How long Mikey?”

     “Three minutes and twenty-six seconds. He’ll be okay right?” Donnie hummed.

     “He should be… hopefully that’s the only one.” Leo’s churring was self-soothing as much as it was for Raph at this point. He may have known what to do about a seizure in theory, but he’d completely panicked seeing one himself. Raph pushing himself up with a groan made him jolt. “Raph be careful- you should take it easy right now.”

     “‘M just sitting up Don. I’m fine.” Leo kept his hand on Raph’s shell anyway.

     “You’re shaking so hard a light breeze could knock you over, please just lay back down Raphie-” Raph opened his mouth to protest, but they never got to hear what he planned to say before his eyelids fluttered and he listed to the side. Leo caught him before he hit the ground. “Or that might happen…”

     Donnie really didn't want to scare his brothers, but Raph’s rising fever and worsening symptoms had him on edge. They had no information to work with and so no way to tell just how dangerous the venom making its way through Raph’s veins was. Raph was tough, but that didn't mean he could just fight it off if the venom was deadly. There was no antivenom, no medical equipment- should they just risk leaving now? They have no idea what’s out there, but what if Raph is on a time limit? He shook his head and looked back down at the notes from April’s uncle. They’d get out of this place in the morning, and then he'd be able to access their medical equipment and get help from Leatherhead. Raph would be fine. He had to be.

     Despite his attempts to calm his anxiety, Donnie found himself repeatedly checking Raph’s ever-worse temperature and bouncing his leg as he read and reread the notes. He learned that the wound on his brother’s leg had reopened by way of small specks of blood seeping through the bandages. Not having the supplies to fix everything made him want to scream, but he had to settle for tearing at one of the notebook’s few blank pages instead. He was eventually drawn from his thoughts by a soft trill from Raph.

     Despite hazy, half-lidded eyes his older brother huffed at his immediate fussing, “You were makin’ the ‘I’m stressed because I can’t solve a problem’ face. Quit worryin’ so much when I’ll be fine.” Donnie didn't stop fidgeting with his brother’s hand while staring at alarming stains of red.

     “I told you we don’t know that for sure and you had a seizure earlier-“ Raph cut him off.

     “You might not know I’ll be fine, but I do, so stop worryin’ so much. You’re wastin’ all your energy.” Donnie let his head fall against his brother’s shell with a soft thunk.

     “We’re supposed to be comforting you right now, not the other way around you know.”

     “We can multitask, Don.”

     “You’re insufferable and I hate you.”

     He could hear the smirk in Raph's response of, “Thanks, I try.” Donnie shifted into a more comfortable position and watched Raph roll his eyes— only to pull a face of regret when he inevitably made himself dizzy— but do nothing to fight it as Mikey joined them as well. He hadn’t even realized the youngest was awake. Mikey grinned as he whispered,

     “Turtle pile time.” It was a miracle Leo didn't wake up when Donnie snorted. He turned to watch the entrance of the cave and let his brothers drift back to sleep. He was surprised to find he did feel a bit more relaxed. Sometimes he forgets that Raph has that same uncanny ability to calm people down that Leo has, and then Raph decides to remind him. 

     “Hey, Don, when we get out of here I need you to find the most efficient way to kill a bunch of giant wasps. I want revenge.” That set off Mikey giggling again and Leo lightly smacked the back of Raph’s head. Ah, there it was.

     “Shut up and go to sleep please.” Raph oh-so-maturely stuck his tongue out in reply.

     “Hey, hey Donnie.” Oh no. “You should make, like, a giant can of bug spray. Just absolutely huge. Building-sized.” Raph snickered.

     “Mikey. Sleep. Raph you too.” When Mikey eventually stopped laughing at his own joke Donnie expected Raph to get him going again, but he looked over only to see that the older teen has already closed his eyes. He’d take that as a win.

     He should not have taken that as a win. When Donnie woke up again it was because of Mikey shaking his shoulder. He’d somehow slept through Raph having another seizure— he was very much noting how calmly Mikey had handled all of this for the future— and his brother was still struggling to breathe minutes later. That and having just enough light that they could see where they were walking was their signal to get moving. Reasons three and four to leave made themselves known when Leo went to pick Raph up only for any tiny movement to make him keen and for Donnie to notice that his leg was bleeding again.

     April nudged him towards the entrance of the cave as he’d apparently started zoning out. Right. Moving was the most productive thing he could do right now. He should be doing that. Mikey had taken the lead along with April, so Donnie was left to hover as Leo murmured apologies to a half-concious Raph.

     The hike towards the temple was slow-going— in no small part because of Leo stalling any time Raph would chirp or twitch. Donnie couldn’t exactly say anything, though, considering the way his head would whip around to look for Raph before Leo had even stopped. He kind of wished Raph would just pass back out so that they could focus. As it was, the slow spread of blood coloring the bandages each time he looked back felt like a timer counting down the minutes until their brother couldn’t hold out. Logically it wasn’t, he wasn’t even bleeding badly, but… they needed to get Leatherhead. 

     Raph’s breathing never did improve as time went on, but eventually they were able to see the temple. They were also able to see the several dozen wasps flying to and from said temple, because of course this was their nest. Now they had to sneak in with Leo carrying Raph and hope that said brother could stay quiet despite being in immense pain. Just their luck.

     This was also, of course, the time that Raph’s nausea decided to return. Leo caught on to what was happening quickly and saved them all from what could have been a mess if Raph had anything left in him. Instead their brother gagged and gasped for breath because of his stomach rejecting plain water. Donnie just hovered helplessly— wishing he knew of something that could stop it, especially when Raph kept dry heaving long enough that tears started gathering in the corners of his eyes.

     When it eventually stopped Raph was wheezing, Leo holding up the entirety of his weight. “I think we’re just going to have to go, he’s not going to get better suddenly. We’ll just… have to make sure he stays quiet.”

     “I c’n stay quiet m’self.” With how Raph was slurring his words Donnie was doubtful, but it wasn’t like they had many options. Leo picked Raph back up as carefully as he could and they all winced at how hard Raph ground his teeth. Reluctantly, they all picked their way through the woods and slipped into the temple. Donnie caught himself holding his breath several times, and it didn’t seem like the others felt much better about the whole thing.

     It seemed like a miracle when they finally found the artifact that would be their ticket home. When Leo almost seemed more worried than before he sent a questioning look the oldest’s way. The response was whispered, “I think he passed out— he’s burning up Donnie. We really need to hurry.” He didn’t need to be told twice. April stood back far enough to see the symbols clearly while he and Mikey moved them into the correct positions. None of them could stop from cringing at the noise, but the faster they were out the better. Finally everything clicked into place, and their surroundings were completely drowned out by a flash of light.

     Blinking to clear his vision and seeing April’s shop again had Donnie’s shoulders slumping with relief. They were home. They could help Raph. “Donnie! We really need to move, now!” His head whipped around to find why Leo sounded so scared before he scrambled to his feet. His older brother’s breathing had taken a turn for the worst and was visibly far weaker than it had been only minutes before.

     Casey had stepped into the room, but in their rush to get home all he got was a yelled ‘explain later!’ Mikey had already grabbed his phone and seemed to be calling Leatherhead, so Donnie was able to focus on driving back towards the lair as quickly as he could. The next half hour or so was a blur of anxiety— the only thing on Donnie’s mind was making sure his brother would live.

     By the time they were finished Donnie was absolutely exhausted. He wasn’t going to ask how Leatherhead had managed to get his hands on an oxygen mask, he was just grateful to see each puff of air that meant Raph was breathing. He wasn’t completely out of the woods yet with a temperature of nearly 104, but he was stable and safe. Leatherhead rested a hand on his shoulder, “He will be alright, he just needs to rest Donatello.”

     “I know. I just… that was too close. If we’d waited any longer…”

     “And you didn’t, so he will be okay. That is all you need to focus on now. Well, that and getting some rest of your own. I will keep an eye on him while you sleep.” At that Leatherhead left, most likely to let his family know that Raph would be okay. In the meantime, Donnie shuffled to rest his head on the bed and took his brother’s hand. It didn’t take long for him to drift off.

     His eyes felt so heavy. It took several tries to pry them open, and he almost shut them again at the assault that was light. “Raph?” That was… Leo, based on the blue blur hovering over him. When his jaw refused to cooperate he settled for reaching towards said blue blur until his older brother took his hand. “Take it easy, you’re still running a pretty high fever.” Raph managed what he hoped was a nod, half listening as Leo called what was probably Donnie. His head hurt. It seemed like he blinked and then voices were getting closer.

     “Leo? He’s really awake already?” Yep, Donnie.

     “Yeah, but he’s still pretty out of it. Is that normal or?”

     “Oh, yes, I mean I’m surprised he’s awake at all. I thought it’d be at least a few more hours.” Raph hummed when Donnie finally stepped into his field of vision, not quite getting what he actually wanted to say out. "Feeling a bit better Raphie? You're through the worst of it; as long as you actually rest for once you should be back up and moving in a couple days." Raph got an eyeroll for his responding huff of annoyance. "I don't know what I expected." His brother was smiling anyway.

      "Don what kind of pain meds do you and LH even have him on? He's so… sleepy." Mikey vaguely gestured to Raph's face as he spoke, and Raph squinted at him in displeasure. It wasn't his fault he was tired.

     "Uh, none actually, it's why his fever is still so high. We weren't sure how medication would react with the venom— it could have made things even worse. All of this is just because he's completely wiped out." Leo squeezed his hand, and when he tilted his head to look back at the oldest Raph had to blink several times for the dizziness to subside. Thankfully Donnie provided the reassurance he couldn't seem to manage, "He just needs to rest is all! He'll probably just sleep a lot the next few days or so." At that Leo's shoulders slumped and he nodded.

     Raph didn't know how much time had passed when his father entered the room. Leo was still sitting at the side of the bed, making things all that much more confusing. Their dad looked incredibly relieved as he set down a tray of tea and toast on the small table nearby. "Leatherhead suggested we try a bit of something to eat while you're awake." Raph leaned into the touch when his father stroked his head. "It certainly looks like you're feeling a bit better."

     "Donnie says he'll still be sleeping a lot. That… thing completely drained him." Splinter nodded, not seeming at all surprised by the statement.

     "Yes, most likely he'll be out again before long. Let's see about some food first, though." Raph ended up leaning heavily against Leo— who was churring soothingly yet again— while their father helped him with the food. Raph's hands were frustratingly shaky and uncooperative throughout the entire process and he was exhausted by the time he managed to finish the couple pieces of toast. He was asleep again before his head even hit the pillow.

      He ended up sleeping for most of the next day and a half, only waking up long enough to eat whatever meals his family brought to him. When he finally opened his eyes without the desire to sleep immediately dragging him back under it was Donnie sitting next to the bed. "Oh hey! Nice to see you a little more a- okay we're sitting up now hold on-" Raph let him fuss for a moment before he pushed Donnie's hands away.

     "I'm fine, Don, I can manage sitting by myself." His brother still looked ready for him to tip over at any second.

     "You're not dizzy? Shaky? Anything?"

     "Sore 'n stiff, but I'm really okay." The words barely left his mouth before Donnie was crushing him in a hug. Raph smiled as he rubbed the back of his brother's head, "Sorry for scarin' ya. Told you I'd make it, though." Donnie chirped and then proceeded to do his best impression of an octopus for the next few minutes, Raph churring the entire time.

     Mikey basically tackled him with his hug as soon as he entered the room. "Raph! You should see how clean everything is, I don't think you'll ever see another bug in here. Leo wanted revenge." Raph raised an eyeridge at the oldest and Leo looked away, rubbing the back of his head.

     "The cleaning helped with the stress…" Despite his younger brother's laughter at his expense, Leo didn't fight when Raph pulled him in for his own hug.

     "Sure, it just helped with the stress, we'll go with that." With their father joining the group, sitting on the edge of the bed to firmly remind him that he'd be resting for the next few days, Raph made his usual token protest before simply relaxing in the warmth.