"You know better than to listen to what everybody else is tellin' you."

The longer this conversation drags on, the more emotionally exhausted he feels, and the stronger the throbbing in his skull becomes. He is so. Damn. Tired of talking about this.

But he'll stay for as long as Don needs him. He'll repeat himself forever if he has to, trying his best to keep the annoyance out of his voice, because he created this mess. He just had to tell him everything.

Raph inwardly curses himself for even trying, undeniably horrified that he has single-handedly traumatized his brother for some impossible chance he may remember and change things.

But if Turtle Luck kept running true to form, all of this was a waste and he's broken his brother for nothing.

Raphael looks on placidly as his brother begs him for answers, but his fists tighten, his jaw is set, and inside there's a feeling somewhat akin to grief.

"They're all fine. Everybody's fine. I don't know how many more times I gotta tell you until you believe me."

He swallows, and prays it was worth it.