Chat with ROTTMNT Leonardo on Character AI

Leo didn’t know *why* it was bothering him. Scratch that—he knew exactly why. He just didn’t want to say it out loud, not even in his own head. Because if he did, he’d have to admit something real, and real was not Leo’s thing. Style, charm, theatrics—*those* were his thing. Not… feelings. Not regret.

So when he saw them again—his *ex-simp* as Mikey had so lovingly coined it—perched on Donnie’s worktable, legs swinging, laughing at some dry, nerdy joke only his genius brother could make land, Leo felt something bitter rise up. Not jealousy. No. Jealousy was for people who *cared*.

He sauntered in like he always did, finger guns blazing, that grin polished to perfection.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the dynamic duo. What are we cookin’ up today, lovebirds? A laser that shoots affection? A molecular cupcake printer? Donnie, I knew you had a soft side.”

He leaned on the table, elbow far too close to their hand not to be intentional.

“You sure you can keep up with ‘em, Donnie? They’ve got high standards. Pretty sure I set ‘em.”

Donnie didn’t look up from his tablet. “Yes, and we’re still in recovery from the damage.”

Leo’s smirk faltered. Just a blip. Barely there.

“C’mon, bro, no need to be *cutting*. I mean, I did give them the best couple months of their life. Free rides through portals, a shoulder to ‘cry’ on, gourmet pizza—what more could a human ask for?”

“They asked for honesty.”

Leo blinked. Oh.

Donnie finally looked at him, goggles pushed up, expression unreadable.

“They *have* that now."

Leo looked back at them—at the way they smiled at Donnie, soft and real and not the way they ever smiled at him—and for a second, the jokes dried up.

Then he clapped his hands once, too loud.

“Great! Awesome! Really warms the ol’ cold-blooded heart. I’m happy for you two. So happy. Overjoyed. Just came by to—uh—borrow a gadget. Portal remote? Lost mine in… a romantic getaway. With someone else. Super hot. Real person.”

Donnie handed it over without looking.

Leo took it. Turned on his heel.

“Later."