A Blast from the Past・゜・
My reaction? OUCH! Anon, you just stomped on my freaking heart, did a little jig on it. Damn, you’re good!
Author’s Note: Adding a little something to this angsty bit. Just imagine future Leo unable to stop himself from pursuing. The implications…the jealousy…the age gap. Just a thought, okay?
Warnings: Angst, cursing, more angst, flashbacks, mentions of death, and unedited asf
About a month had passed since Leo dropped out of the sky and returned to the past. He explained himself as best he could, and surprisingly, his brothers accepted the concept of time travel. Maybe they had experienced weirder things! Fortunately, Leo had arrived a day before his younger self made a mess of things. This time, he had enough time to explain the situation with the Kraang and devise a foolproof plan. They saved the world without any casualties, ensuring the Kraang never escaped the prison dimension. Leo had fulfilled his mission, saving their world. Perhaps this could make up for the mistakes he made in his own timeline. It didn’t feel like enough, but there was a glimmer of hope knowing that his brothers would be safe this time.
Afterward, there were matters to settle. The main question was, what would he do now? A 40-something turtle in a timeline that wasn’t his own. He didn’t belong, even though this was his home. So when the dilemma about what to do with the key arose, Leo readily stepped in. He had his reasons. First, he had already lived his life, so living on the run away from New York and the Foot Clan didn’t bother him. Second, he was older and had learned from his mistakes. And third, who else could do it? The key couldn’t be destroyed, and it couldn’t stay in the lair or any place the Hamato Clan held dear.
So, he decided to take the key and embark on what he called a “vacation” when speaking to the younger turtles. He made it sound grand—a mutant turtle world traveler, going to Tahiti and beyond. Besides, they could always call or FaceTime him. It would be like he had never left! At least, that’s what he hoped. He thought he had convinced them, and maybe even himself, until he saw you.
Rarely leaving the lair now, especially with his departure approaching, Leo couldn’t risk everyone’s safety by staying for too long or keeping the key in one place. But he wanted to spend as much time as possible with his brothers. So when they invited him to join them on patrol, he accepted with a smirk, teasingly commenting about his “old bones.” The competitive glint in everyone’s eyes was a good sign. Leo had a massive lead, as the young turtles still had much to learn. However, his imminent departure made everything harder.
As he stopped on a low-rise building, looking back at his brothers racing for second place, he turned to face the street. But then, it hit him like a punch to the gut. There you were, oblivious to the ninja watching you from above, headphones on, happily walking and occasionally breaking into a dance. It took his breath away. You were alive. It brought back memories of when he lost you in his own time. The pain in his chest resonated as he recalled your lifeless face, a Kraang standing tall over your body. Leo wobbled for a moment before regaining his composure. You didn’t need to get involved. Maybe, in this timeline, you could have a normal life without mutants and villains. You could continue your happy dances down the sidewalks of New York City.
Leo murmured, “What are we looking at?” His voice was serious, as expected, but he made sure his expression gave nothing away. You didn’t need to know. He wanted to protect you, to keep that spark in your eyes alive. “Nothing,” he replied, opting for a half truth. Then, before Leo could stop him, his younger self, Leon, appeared in front of you through a portal. Leo’s gut twisted as he pictured your lifeless body, a memory from his own timeline. He watched as his younger self animatedly chatted with you and pointed up to the rooftop. Leo stepped back, letting his brothers take his place and wave down at you.
Raph gave him a questioning look, but Leo shook his head. He couldn’t face you. It was a miracle that he crossed paths with you in the first place. “You guys done saving the world yet?” you hollered, and Leo flinched. Attention should not be drawn to them, even if it was dark and not many people were around. Mikey yelled back, “Soon! In like a couple of da—” Donnie swiftly covered Mikey’s mouth with his robo hand. He spoke into the voice channel, telling you they weren’t done yet and that he would text you. Leo felt nauseous, a mix of emotions overwhelming him. But then he saw Leon return through the portal…and you came with him.
He tensed up again. However, as an adult, he had to act like one. Maybe pretending he didn’t know you had been selfish. You were always a joy to be around, even in the darkest times. That’s what drew him to you initially. He couldn’t be the leader anymore, couldn’t put on a brave face and pretend to be fearless. But you picked up the slack. You were his lighthouse during the eternal night. The rest of the patrol went smoothly, although Leo was distracted. It wasn’t until they returned to the lair that Leon finally called him out.
“So, what was that about?” Leon asked, his persistence showing.
Leo didn’t want to explain himself, especially not to himself. The less Leon knew, the better. So, he brushed it off, saying, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Classic Leo move.
But Leon wasn’t letting him off the hook. “No, that’s not happening. What was that look?” Leon continued to push.
One by one, the other turtles left, until it was just the two of them in the common area. “What look?” Leo feigned ignorance.
Leon crossed his arms, refusing to back down. They stared at each other, silent but intense. “Yeah, sure, I knew them! Alright?” Leo finally blurted out, exasperated. He turned to leave, heading for his room to escape further interrogation. So much for being an adult.
“Hey! We’re not done here. How did you know them? Why did you look so…so sad?” Leon’s persistent questions followed him.
Leo froze in place, his escape halted by Leon’s haughty tone. He couldn’t resist getting into his younger self’s space, his voice deadly low. “Fuck you. You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about. So, I suggest you stop talking altogether.” The words spilled from Leo’s mouth, his frustration taking over. “They deserved better,” he added, partly directed at himself. He wanted to see Leon flinch, to stop his usual antics. If it weren’t for him—for me—Leo’s face crumbled. “You need to cherish them. All of them. Dad, Raph, Donnie, Mikey, April! And especially…them.” Leo’s voice softened slightly, his gaze still locked with his younger self’s. He watched as Leon nodded, his fists clenched as if ready to fight. It wasn’t necessary. Leo just wanted to make sure his advice got through to him. “Good.” The rest remained unsaid, but Leo was tired. It wasn’t healthy to berate a teenager, even if it was himself.
A mess, that’s what it was.
