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It was late in the evening by the time Leonardo received the notification that Mikey had returned to the penthouse, the soft chime immediately pulling him away from the book he'd only been half paying attention to anyways. Getting out of bed, he walked over to the computer screen—a fixture of pretty much every room of Cody's penthouse—and pressed the notification icon just like Donatello had showed him. After confirming Mikey's location, he was soon out of his room and headed to the elevator, hoping to catch his brother before he went to bed for the night.
It wasn't unusual for Leonardo's brothers to go off on their own and stay out well into the night, even before they'd landed themselves in the mutant-friendly future of 2105. But after the fiasco with the new Turtle Titan today and Mikey storming off, Leo was thankful that Donatello had shown him how to set up the notification in Cody's security system to keep track of when one of them returned. There were so many entry points into the penthouse, he couldn't guarantee Mikey wouldn't sneak past him before they had a chance to talk.
And they did need to talk. Because despite Mikey being one of the more emotional members of his family—or rather, one of the more outwardly emotional (Leonardo was still trying to change his mindset and remember that they all processed their feelings in different ways, himself included)—Mikey's angry outburst today over learning about the new Turtle Titan had felt out of character for the normally affable turtle. Particularly for something that was clearly a reflection of the positive impact Mikey's superhero gig had had on someone in the future. Leo couldn't understand why Mikey had reacted that way, which meant he had to be missing something important—he was determined to figure out what it was.
The elevator dinged as it opened up onto the rooftop terrace, allowing Leonardo to make his way out into the garden. He stepped along the stone path, taking a moment to appreciate the tranquility the space offered in an otherwise frantically paced world. The height of the building keeping the rooftop well above even the elevated streets and hovercraft traffic that filled the lower city.
At the edge of the space Leonardo finally spotted Michelangelo, leaning against one of the parapet walls that ran along the roof's edge. He had his elbows up on the short wall, chin in his hands as he stared out at the New York skyline. His body backlit by the electric glow of city lights.
They were all used to living in the city that never slept, bright lights drowning out the night sky above. But this future seemed impossibly brighter, the lights reflecting off the glossy sheen that seemed to coat every surface of this strange, future world. But as Leonardo made his way over to his brother, the mask of his Turtle Titan costume pulled back over his shell, Leo couldn't help but be reminded that the brighter the lights, the starker the shadows they typically hid.
"Hey, Mikey," Leonardo called quietly in greeting as he came up behind his brother. More than likely Mikey had already become aware of his presence, but they'd all learned the hard way how dangerous it could be to sneak up on a preoccupied ninja. Even if they were meant to be perpetually vigilant.
As expected, Mikey didn't seem surprised by his presence, but his usual enthusiasm was nowhere to be seen. His brother barely sparing him a glance and a mumbled greeting before looking back out across the glowing City.
Leonardo took the opportunity to quickly scan his brother for any injuries, noting some marks and scuffs along the fabric of his Turtle Titan costume. He'd clearly seen some sort of action that night, but thankfully it didn't seem like his brother had been injured, which at least meant he wouldn't have to deal with any physical wounds this evening.
Pulling up next to his brother, he leaned against the short wall, leaving a bit of space between them while he gauged Mikey's mood. Mikey could be an incredibly affectionate turtle, seeking out physical comfort and reassurances at every opportunity. But there were times, particularly when he was upset with one or all of his brothers, that he would refuse any attempt at comfort, becoming prickly and ill-tempered instead. Mikey had certainly been at that point earlier today—lashing out angrily over discovering the existence of the new Turtle Titan who had saved them at the museum. While Mikey seemed to have calmed down since then, Leo wasn't sure how well he would be received.
"I see you found your old Turtle Titan costume," he decided to start with, testing the waters.
Mikey shrugged, not bothering to look away from the city skyline. "Yeah, Cody had it. Though back in our time it's my fancy new costume… the one the Justice Force gave me."
Leonardo hummed in acknowledgement, remembering back to the day Mikey had come home with the new outfit. His brother practically floating through the lair with how excited he was to finally be accepted onto the superhero team, even on a limited basis. The memory of his brother's bright smile that day contrasting heavily with the gloomy turtle in front of him.
Leonardo stayed quiet as he joined Mikey in staring out over the city, letting the silence linger between them as they watched the floating lines of hovercraft twist their way between the rows of tall buildings. Aware that sometimes all Mikey needed was an open ear and a clear runway.
Sure enough—
"I went to meet the new Turtle Titan today," Mikey confessed, eyes dropping down towards the bright streets below.
"It didn't really go the best; I used the Turtle Titan signal to get his attention, but then that constable guy showed up and fell off the building while we were fighting and I broke the new dudes flying pack, and then we had to stop a robbery—" Mikey continued, lifting his head off his hands as he started gesticulating along with his words. Leo couldn't help the small smile that crossed his face as he watched his brother get lost in the story, having listened to many similarly recounted tales over the years.
Eventually catching himself, Mikey dropped his hands down onto the ledge.
"But it's fine," he said, voice going quiet. "We talked. Turns out he's the Silver Sentry's grandson. Pretty cool, huh? No powers though. Just wanted to be a hero and was inspired by the Turtle Titan. So… it’s fine." He shrugged. "You guys were right. I should be happy."
Leonardo leaned forward on his elbows, taking in the somber expression on his brother's face.
"You don't seem happy," he prompted softly.
Mikey looked down at his hands, twisting them together. "…No," he whispered. The quiet admission pulling a deep frown onto his face.
"Which is pretty selfish, isn't it?" he asked, releasing a sharp, bitter laugh. "Guess I am just a petty, selfish jerk, huh?"
Leonardo frowned, the worry he'd been trying to dismiss all evening now impossible to ignore. He knew Mikey struggled with self confidence at times, often choosing avoidance and procrastination when faced with self doubt, but it was rare for him to be so hard on himself, so openly critical and negative. While that kind of self-flagellation felt a little too familiar to Leonardo, it was disconcerting hearing it coming from his normally positive and resilient brother.
Mikey released a harsh breath.
"I just—I was so mad, Leo." Mikey confessed, the rasp in his voice growing more pronounced as he squeezed his hands together.
"I've worked so hard to become the Turtle Titan and no one's ever just… believed in me." He nodded towards Leo, not meeting his eyes. "Not even you guys," he whispered.
Leonardo felt his stomach drop at his brother's words, a familiar knot of guilt starting to form in his chest as Mikey continued.
"Every superhero connection I've made, every team up I've joined, being accepted into the Justice Force… I've had to prove over and over again that I can do this, that I'm worth it.
"No one just gives me the benefit of the doubt. I'm too young, I'm not serious enough, I'm a mutant… even the people I save, it's still a toss up if they'll be grateful or terrified when they see me." He explained, his growing frustration evident in his voice.
"But I did join the justice force!" He stated forcefully, pressing his hands into the ledge as he stood up straighter. "I earned that! They trust me now and they'll call on me when they need help."
He finally turned to look at Leonardo, meeting his gaze with a defiant look, as if daring Leo to disagree with him.
"I'm proud of that."
Leonardo studied his brother's face, taking in the conviction behind his words. Thinking back to Mikey's boastful story that morning and the subsequent teasing he had endured.
Mikey's eyes darted back and forth between his, looking for something in his gaze before turning back towards the city. All the tension draining away as he slumped over the wall.
"But then this new guy shows up and he's just… accepted, loved even," he mumbled into his arms.
"Everything I worked for, he just gets it no questions asked. Everything I did, all the struggles I faced; it's all forgotten and some guy, who never had to deal with any of that, gets all the glory."
He sighed, staring morosely forward.
"But there I go again, just being selfish. It's stupid…"
Silence filled the rooftop again as Mikey trailed off. Leo taking a moment to gather his thoughts as a cool breeze drifted across the dark rooftop and brushed the tails of his mask across his shell.
It was true that Leo had never really approved of Michelangelo becoming a superhero, had always thought it silly and unnecessary when they already did so much good for New York and the world as it was. He had seen it as showboating, grandstanding, to want an alter ego to receive praise and admiration for the work they already did every day of their lives. But maybe he'd been selling his brother short, not seeing the very real effort and dedication Michelangelo was putting into something he truly cared about.
It was no wonder then that Mikey hadn't appreciated someone taking his superhero identity; he was already fighting an uphill battle in a world of super powers and humans, while the Silver Sentry's grandson had found success and respect in a way that Mikey still struggled to receive, even from his own family.
"That's not stupid, Mikey…" he finally said, keeping his tone soft. "The Turtle Titan is something you've worked hard for. The Silver Sentry's grandson, while his intentions seem good, still used your identity without ever acknowledging where it came from. That's not right."
Mikey glanced up at Leo from where he was slouched over the wall, before looking forward again.
"I just… I've always thought that if people would just get to know me, they'd like me, right? How could they not? I'm adorable," Mikey joked, a half-hearted smile gracing his lips before it once again faded away.
"I thought it'd be the same with the Turtle Titan. People would eventually come around and see me as a real hero. But I guess it's just not enough no matter how hard I try." His voice wavered as he spoke. "Should have just been born a human, I guess."
In the face of Mikey's uncharacteristic defeatism, Leo turned fully to face his brother. Determination fueling him as he leaned over the parapet wall so he could meet Mikey's eyes.
"I'm sorry we haven't been more supportive, Mikey," he said seriously, trying to show he was sincere. "I don't think any of us realized how important being the Turtle Titan is to you, even though looking back we clearly should have."
Leo leaned forward, placing his hand over top of Mikey's.
"It is something you should be proud of, Michelangelo. And you deserve to be acknowledged for everything you've put into it."
Mikey looked up at him for a moment, his eyes reflecting back the brilliant glow of city lights, but the shadows there still remained.
With a sigh Mikey pushed himself up, a grin too casual to be real suddenly crossing his face.
"Well, you know what they say Leo; you either die a hero or stick around long enough to see yourself become the villain." He quipped, pulling his hand out from Leo's as he began to walk backwards, quoting a movie from the future they'd watched together the other night. "Maybe it's time to hang up the ol' cape and let the new generation have a chance."
"Mikey…" Leo tried, unconvinced by his brother's deflection. Hating the sudden distance between them and not sure where he'd gone wrong. But Mikey ignored him and turned with a wave.
"Thanks for the pep talk, Leo, but it's getting late and you know I need my beauty sleep. Night!" he called, making his way quickly down through the garden and back into the building.
Leonardo watched Mikey go, his heart sinking at his brother's reaction. Apparently a few words weren't going to be enough to fix what had been broken. To convince Mikey that his family believed in him.
But Leo was glad he'd sought out his brother tonight, even if the discussion was brief. It was rare to catch Mikey in such an unguarded moment without all the banter and bluster. While he tended to be quite open with his emotions, those emotions could be their own type of wall. Manufactured so as to hide what lay underneath. Maybe today's outburst hadn't sat right with him because it had felt raw and ugly in a way that Mikey's outbursts usually weren't. Messy in the way that only our deepest insecurities could produce.
Leo looked back out over the city, an idea already starting to take shape in his mind. With an excited tap of his knuckles against the ledge, Leo finally turned and followed his brother's path back across the roof.
Maybe his words hadn't worked, but Leo was nothing if not a turtle of action. Leonardo had a plan.
The next day, Mikey had bounced back like he always did. Loudly making them a home cooked breakfast in the kitchen to smooth over any lingering concerns from the day before.
Raphael had attempted to make a comment about the sudden change in his brother's demeanor, but Leo had stealthily kicked his shin under the table before he could finish speaking. It was a testament to how far their relationship had come over the years that Raphael hadn't immediately retaliated, instead sending their leader an expectant glare that quickly cleared as Leo glanced pointedly towards Mikey. A silent exchange ensued, watched carefully by a curious Donatello, and soon they were all back to casually eating their meals as Mikey turned back towards the table to put out more food.
Later that day, Leonardo had explained his plan to Raphael and Donatello, and after a few weeks of calls, planning, and diversions to keep it all under wraps; it was finally the big day.
"Come on, Mikey! The museum's going to arrive any minute!" Leo called, running back to drag Mikey away from the VR gaming arcade he had stopped to stare at longingly.
"Ugh, but Leo," he whined. "Didn't we already go to this museum a few weeks ago? Pretty sure we almost died in a museum heist. I still haven't recovered!"
"Yeah, but there's a new history exhibit that's supposed to be really interesting," Leo explained, tugging on his brother's arm. "Come on, didn't we always wish we could go to a museum when we were younger?" he coaxed.
"Yeah, except those museums had dinosaurs in them, Leo!" Mikey shot back. "No offense, but history is totally lame."
Leo just smiled and continued to drag his brother by the arm until they'd caught up to the rest of their family.
"Aren't we supposed to be avoiding learning about our future?" Mikey asked, trying a different tack. He looked over at Donatello and Master Splinter, who had been the most adamant about the rule.
"Yes, but it turns out Cody is a big enough donor to the museum that he could get us a private viewing before doors open," Donnie explained, seemingly just as excited to go to the museum a second time. "They're going to have anything from after our time covered so we can't accidentally learn something that we shouldn't."
"Great," Mikey mumbled. "So we're going to a museum where we can't even see most of the exhibits. Sounds like a blast," he stated sarcastically.
He turned to Raph with a pleading look, hoping for some sort of back up on the matter, but the red-banded turtle just shrugged, leaving Mikey with no other option but to continue on to the museum with a frustrated groan.
The museum had already landed by the time they reached the right location, a line already starting to form outside the entrance. But Cody quickly waved them in from the front of the line, giving them VIP wristbands and leading them into the main lobby of the museum.
Leo watched Michelangelo look around at the darkened and covered displays with a grumbled complaint, arms crossed over his plastron in clear protest, until an open exhibit in the corner caught his eye. Mikey stared for a moment, then started making his way over, distracted enough by the sign that read "New York's First Mutant Superhero" that he didn't seem to notice his family following slowly behind him.
When Mikey finally made it to the entrance he stopped, dropping his arms as he stared wide-eyed at the displays inside. With a private smile, Leo came up behind his brother and carefully took his hand, squeezing it gently before guiding Mikey forward.
Mikey followed without a word, letting Leo lead him as his head darted back and forth between the various gadgets, news articles and comic books. Each and every item on display an artifact from Mikey's time as the Turtle Titan, on rent from the private collections of Cody Jones and the new Turtle Titan.
While large parts of the exhibit were covered, hinting at the Turtle Titan's future adventures, there was still lots for them to see. Displays on his tools and weapons, his acceptance into the justice force, and videos about anti-mutant sentiments in the early 21st century. Even an open letter from the new Turtle Titan himself, explaining how he'd been inspired by Michelangelo as a kid with no powers, how he'd developed gadgetry and tools so he could continue on the Turtle Titan legacy.
Leo stayed quiet as a he slowly pulled Mikey along, watching his brother take in the exhibit with quiet wonder, until they finally stopped in front of the costume display. A few of them covered where Mikey's future outfits had been hidden.
Above them, a lit sign read "Michelangelo: The First Turtle Titan", the words shining brightly for all to see. Together they stood in front of the display, Mikey staring up at the sign like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Eventually, he turned to Leonardo, the uncertainty and disbelief clear on his face, his eyes bright with unshed tears. But before either of them could say anything they were joined by the rest of their family finally catching up with them.
"Wow, Mikey." Donatello said, looking up at the display as he came to stand next to Michelangelo. "Looks like you made it into the history books."
"No surprise that outta all of us it's you that got your name all up in lights." Raphael teased as he gave Mikey's shoulder a gentle punch.
Master Splinter walked up to Michelangelo, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "We couldn't be more proud of you, my son," their father said, looking up at Michelangelo with a fond smile.
Mikey stood there looking between them, at a loss for words as the tears that had been shining in his eyes since he'd first entered the exhibit finally spilled over onto his mask. His stunned silence finally breaking with a wet sob as he scooped up their father into a large hug, pulling a startled Donatello into it with them. Raphael managed to dodge the impromptu hug, but jumped in himself to give Michelangelo an affectionate head noogie, making his brother laugh through the tears as his family held him close.
Then noticing that Leonardo had yet to join the pile, Michelangelo disentangled himself from the rest of his family and threw himself bodily at Leonardo. Wrapping his arms around him like a big, green koala bear.
"Thank you," he whispered, squeezing his brother tightly as Leo returned the hug in kind.
"Hey, you did all the hard work yourself," Leo responded as they finally pulled apart. "I'm just sorry it took us so long to see it."
Mikey beamed at him, a big, toothy grin taking up half his face before Raphael and Donatello called him over to ask him questions about one of the displays. Eventually they all started making their way back through the exhibit, his family listening as Mikey pointed out various items and explained the story behind each—sound effects and impressions included.
Leonardo just followed along silently behind them, taking in the warm glow as his brother's bright smile lit up the whole room.