The instant the words leave his lips, his mouth feels sour.

What the hell? How could he say that?

Any physical wound Raph inflicts on him tonight will heal. But Leonardo can't take the words he's just said back. How dare he? How dare he accuse his own clan, his kin, his brother of being like the enemy bound to them by blood? What is wrong with him?

Raphael telegraphs that punch miles ahead, just as he always does when he's angry - but Leo moves neither to dodge nor block it. He deserves this one. He deserves it and more.

Until Mike throws himself forward, ready to take that blow for him. No, no no no. Poor Michaelangelo has nothing to do with this - it was Leo's error, his sin, and he's not letting Mike, who's done absolutely no wrong from the first day he appeared in the world, take the hit for him.

Absolutely not.

Just as Mike darts forward, Leo does as well, reaching out with his good arm in an attempt to push him away and ensure he takes the blow himself.