@aflockoffeathers said [spilterVon] "You know who I am, don't you?" (Legit dont know what I did it was there and then not XD tumblr ate it)
| Send, "Wait, who are you?" for sender to get amnesia!Send, "You know who I am, don't you?" for receiver to get amnesia.
Splinter knew it he really did that somehow someway, he would be reunited with his sons again. Splinter knew they were all being strung along in this 'game' of theirs. Knew he was safe in some way that his sons were likely being tested. Of course, that thought made even the usual tranquil rat's blood boil. It always felt like the world just painted a target on to his son's shells. They just wanted to live, be able to have that same luxray humans did of just getting to exsit. Sure they had to hide away and Splinter knew they never could have a normal life. But he still would give anything for them to have it anyway.
Where Leonardo could happily study away the way of Budshido, Raphael likely would still fight working along side Casey even. Though Splinter would love if the two of them could just be free to horse play in the sewer tunnels, peace for Casey as well. Donatello could work away on any endeavor that came his way and Michelangelo could just goof off.
It was a simple want but one he wished for so strongly.
But, Splinter had to say being surrounded by his family. His son's and daughter April. Good friends like Slash even? Splinter felt like nothing could be better. Finally his son's seemed to pass what was likely only one phase of this test they been made to take. Over with.
Home, felt like a dream to return to. His son's eger to show they had places his belongs back into the section of their lair, that was his 'room'. Splinter smiled, soaking in the excitement of his sons. It was almost like when they found anything for him and gifted it to him. Excited to have him home, near about crowded around him, he didn't mind the few times one would step on his tail and almost elbow him in the face.
He was just happy to be home with them. With all his family till he noted a new presence in the lair. Another mutant it seemed from the bug like traits she possessed. A butterfly he wanted to guess from the wings alone nothing else scremed moth at least to him. He smiled his whiskers twitching slightly as he walked over to her. Setting his cane under his paws as he offered a bow of his chin to her.
"You know who I am, don't you?"
"I'm heard mentions of you Yvonne." He gave a slight glance towards Donatello before looking back at her. She had no idea what she represented to the rat. That possibility of 'normal' she gave Donatello a chance for. His gaze soften he could see it all on her face, on Donatello’s scent even. He walked over and took a hand of her between his own and offered her a slight bow of his chin before he looked back up at her. “You have been a good friendto my sons, and a great addtion into Donatello’s life.” Even if Splinter didn’t hear the tidbits from his sons about the new mutant they met during all of this he would still be able to see just how much this women had come to mean to his son.
“Sorry I am late to meeting you, I was away from home for sometime.” His polite way of brinnging up his kidnapping, mostly to ligthen the blow for his sons. He knew they were likely to hover over him for a few days. “My room is a mess but if you give me a few moments I know I can find some photos of my son when hewas just a tot. I don’thave many but we got lucky with a find of a camera once so I keep those in a safe spot. Oh you must be hungry as well! I’ll get my apron you’ll love it Donatello got it for me” Splinter went on leading the butterfly over to the couch now so to make her feel comfortable during her visit fully tuning out any protest from Donatello in the moment. “Can ou tell what thi twitter is as well?”
"Going from a rat on the streets thst no one wanted around? To a mutated ray in the sewers no one also wanted around. Only find my whole world suddenly centered around four baby turtles? Really made a big change in my life. Heh of course the mutating thing mostly but even if I hadn't mutated I had still come across my boys. Suddenly it was my job to look after and protect them and then teach them how to protect themselves. Going from looking for myself to them I guess made me hover a bit. Hold them to close. The world already was scary and bad and it got worse when changed. I want a better world for them so they don't have to hide anymore and can live freely...even if that means letting go."
Send 🤛 for my muse to talk about (one of) their cousin(s)/niece(s)/nephew(s)
"Our little family has expanded a lot these days now that the mutanimals are part of out family. Though I am glad they all found their own homes as well."
I will say! I do not care for the whole Splinter and scumbug thing, like least the series committed to that so I didnt have to suffer for nothing in the movie buuuut im uh yeah just not having that be a thing XDD
ANYWAY
As in the movie showed the mutants with Superfly had move in with the turtles and splinter/ joined them to become like an extended family. After it seems most of them have moved on to their own home or doing their own thing. Though their clearly still some mutant that each member seems at least close to like Raph with Beepbop and rocksteady, Donnie with Wingnut. Mikey with mondo, and well I don’t feel Leo really has one since he bonded with April the most XD anyway Splinter I wouldn’t say dislikes any of them he offered his home after all. But he clearly isn’t all to close with them. Enough to sort of take over being in charge of them from Superfly though. Splinter is very clearly the head of the family after all. I’d say the only mutant he likely friend with is scumbug since he was best friends with a cockroach before and is one of the only mutant who can speak with each other.
That would leave the rest? For sure much more like extended family and Splinters more like thier uncle?? Grandpa maybe even XD So its more like a generation sort of split between him and the others. He still sees them as family and welcomes them to thier place if their own home isn’t suited to the weather like a rain storm after all. Splinters pretty good abut feeling kinship with others seeing how he went from feeling no one wanted him around not even his own kind? Makes sense why he’s so happy to have such a big family. Why he was so protective of his sons when it was just the five of them as well. I feel part of him has felt some relief knowing his sons wont be alone if anything ever happens to him now and why he tends to push for his sons to be good role models despite many of them being older than his sons. He’s pretty big on sticking together and solving conflicts and such truly take on the role of head of a family with that in mind after all.
Send 👶 for my muse to talk about (one of) their child(ren)
“I love my boys, like I said they became my whole world and I would give them the world if I could. I want to protect them from so much but keeping them away from things isn't the same. Letting them go to have chances I never did? Is though even if I worry and fear everyday. Though some humans have least gotten on to my good side...some begrudgingly."
Obviously Splinter is very much a dad, he loves his four turtle sons more than anything in the world. Because the universal law has stated no matter what splinter will find the turtles and adopt them as his sons ;3;. Splinter a character I truly love a lot i mean clearly since I write him lol. I can be back and forth when it comes to 12 Splinter feeling he wasn't always the best dad but clearly loves his sons anyway. 03 splinter is like my biased favorite he just such a dad and teacher.
I feel MM Splinter falls more into the Dad role/ head of family over teacher. Just on what his main drive seems to be. He seems to have the usual dynamics with his sons.
Leo is the eldest and the one Splinter tends to place most responsibility on too, because he is the oldest. Splinter clearly sees Leo as the leader of his brothers. And tends to trust a lot of family issues to him like not even speak up when Leo tries to help with Raph raging out during the storm. Or tasking Leo jobs that deal with handling family issues.
Raph of course still struggles with his anger issues but Splinter seems very hands on in trying to help Raph deal with it. Raph seems more willing to try Splinters ideas out as well. Even having his own meditation pillow he pulls out when told. He doesn't seem to like it but he listens and tries which is a pretty big step up from past iterations imo.
Donnie still seems to be the son Splinter doesn't full always understand due to his interest and smarts. Personlly I feel he still tries he would be the parent that calls pokemon pokeyman XD he knows Donnie watches 'them animes' he dosen't get them but I feel like it can easily be blamed that Splinter found an old anime movie maybe a ghibli one? and likely what stated Donnie on this dark path XD it's kind of funny cause he also is clearly the parent that thinks his son can fix all tech issues. if he used a computer you know Donnie would be standing behind him the whole time explaining opening a window isn't a real window XD It's funny that he will both scold Donnie about driving but also see him as being dramtic about things. You can see he really tries but hes not above some snide hits even on the weeb son
Mikey ofc his youngest as of now i cant say they have done anything for Mikey having raw talent least being stated by Splinter atm. In truth Splinter seems to feel Mikeys the best about keeping the peace between his brothers and extend family even and seems to be the one picked as errand boy most on top of it. But I say its cause Mikey just good with people.
April is the firsty good human on Splinter list since she tried to help save his sons he seems pretty close to her later in the series as well. He treats her pretty much on par with his own sons even. Not above acting the dad way he does to his boys. But also seems to take what she has to say seriously and not brushing it off. He can even have serious talks he never dose with his own sons.
Yvoone after everything with Donnie and his bullies, yes im calling them that uwu, Splinter just so excited that this girl seems to really actually like donnie and isn't using him. She even was fine following along his conditions for Splinter allowing Donnie having an extended stay at her place. He always goes all out for her visit to the lair as well pulls out all the chris' uwu. Splinter can't help but go a bit extra there because he is just so grateful to Von. Splinter wasn't all to happy when he heard about the kids taking advantage of one of his sons. Didn't really help Splinter's stance when it comes to his mistrust of humans still. So in truth it was partly so he could see if Von was good like April. And he was happy to see she was. As mean as it may sound he hoped Donnie would make more friends as well, not for any bad reason he just feels Donnie is the one who can benefit most from connecting with others. He sees the friendship Donnie has with wingnut. Even if he don't understand what they are saying XD and he just wants Donnie to have more of that so he isn't so alone in what he likes.
Casey of course has been in a up hill battle when it comes to being on Splinters good side but well to be fair all splinter knew of the guy from first mention was the fact he beat up his son Raph. So that protective side came out full swing he just didn't understand how Raph could like someone who hurt him like that? Then again when he had a chance to really reflect on the fact. HE could see how someone Raph could fight with and not be like someone that is a threat or even one of his brothers is in fact someone Raph could befriend and get close too. First time he saw Casey though Splinter was pretty sure they were in a gang or something though XD He over heard Raph mention the purle dragons and some guy nambed Hun even so for like a month Splinter thought Casey was this Hun and in the purple dragons and would get Raph to join his gang! Seeing that Casey fainted when they first met? He felt confident he could handle them XD
Splinter dose start to change how he feel and thinks about casey later on. When Raph had to explain once why he was home late was to be there for Casey hearing they had lost thier Dad. Splinter isn't sure what would happen to his own Sons if they lost him at such a young age so his heart felt for the poor kid. So when he found Casey looking through his vinyl collection. Splinter decided to use it as a chance to really speak to this kid he judge to harshly, in truth being no different from humans towards mutants. He starting to see what Casey really is. A lost kid and well how can Splinter turn away from a lost child?
Casey was quiet as he looked around the lair; it was surprisingly quiet. Raph was busy getting ready or whatever, leaving Casey to his own devices. A bad idea.
He soon found himself drawn to an old record player, with a box of vinyl's next to it. He made himself at home, casually looking through them - not that there were many. He soon found one he recognised - De La Soul's 'Eye Know'. He casually slid the disc out, and popped it into the player, nodding his head along to the music as it began to play.
Turning, Casey went to find a seat, only to jump back upon seeing Splinter behind him. He hadn't even heard the rat approach. He stumbled back slightly, clearly still terrified of them. But there was no Raph to protect him, so he had to try and not faint this time,
"U-uh...hey mister Hamato..."
Wait was Hamato even their last name? Was that the right thing to say? Did they even have last names?? Where the Hell did he get 'Hamato' from him they didn't?!
"Uh, good song, Eye Soul... De La Soul, my uh, ma used to play it all the time before my dad..."
He made a few gestures with his hands, never actually finishing the sentence, but, enough was implied for Splinter to understand.
"Yeah, whatever, uhm, sorry probably shouldn't have uh gone through ya stuff, or fainted when we first met but uh... never got over the whole fear..." Casey found himself over explaining, unsure what to say in the presence of his partners father, "Soooo...uh, Raph mentioned you taught him and the other's Ninjitsu...that's pretty cool, how'd you uh do that?"
Casey was never good at talking, especially to giant rats. He just hoped Splinter didn't judge him more than he probably already did.
| muse interaction
During the day home could be very very quite, with the mutananimals having moved out and found their own homes each in the city. Only coming by to visit or like the flood in need of shelter. And of course the boys being off at school also made things far more quite so it was really only Splinter and the rats in the sewers that would stop by for the occasional visits. Splinter knew his family was all just happy to get a chance to life a real life, where they didn’t have to hide away from the humans. Splinter? Wasn’t still too fully convinced humans were all good. Seeing it more like a few rare exceptions at best. Course he couldn’t say he liked every one of those exceptions for humans that his sons had decided to grow close to. Maybe he shouldn’t be all that surprised that Raphael was the one to decided to befriend a trouble maker though. Seeing that he himself could be one. Than again this Casey Jones hadn’t done nothing like what Donatello went through with their own so called ‘friends’.
Even if Splinter did feel this Casey wasn't still a good influence on Raphael. Considering the calls and reports about Raph being tardy to classes or skipping out and often because he was tangled up with Mr. Jones.
But at the same time? Splinter had noticed a change in Raphael since Casey came into his sons life. As his ears flickered in thought watching the same human he was currently fixing his gaze on to. Raphael must be home was his first thought he did see a text from him mentioning he had to drop by to grab something before he headed back out so not to worry about him for dinner that night. Seems he caught them on their quick stop back home. Eyeing the human he noticed they were snooping around his record player. Flipping through the few vinyls he had gotten over the years. Tilting his head a bit as he just sort of watched them. Not really in a 'I got my eyes on you cause your clearly up to something' type way.
More curious on the fact Casey seemed to be interested in the vinyls, his sons always seemed more bored by them something about them being old which meant they just worth the interest. He slightly tried to look around to get a better look at what Casey seemed to find the most eye catching when they finally stood up with their find. Looking for a closer look at it when they turned nearly right into the old rat.
"U-uh...hey mister Hamato..."
Splinter was still getting used to the whole last name thing. April had been the one to explain they would need a last name for the school when he went to enroll them and such after all. After some searching around the name Hamato had come up. But Splinter didn't really use it outside of that but he guesses he would be Mr. Hamato by all rights? Glancing down to the vinyl he got a look at which one seemed to catch Casey's attention so much.
"Uh, good song, Eye Soul... De La Soul, my uh, ma used to play it all the time before my dad..."
Whiskers twitched as he watched Casey nervously fumble with their hands as they tried to say it without saying it. Raphael had already mentioned to Splinter before that Casey's father had passed away a long time ago. It was when Raphael had to explain not getting back to anyone after school one day because 'Casey needed me'. And well even Splinter could argue when Raph told him why, Casey was still mourning that loss after all.
And that was the other influence this human held over Raphael. His second oldest truly fit the bright fiery red mask that had just seemed to becomes so much apart of who he is. Raphael temper ran hot always in such a need to vent out that building rage. Years Spent helping find ways for his son to handle it. But sometimes he still reach his limit and broke. But then? Something changed he met someone who seemed able to understand. Not that Splinter hadn't tried he truly tried and tried his best to be there for his poor son. Not that Raphael ever seemed to say he wasn't but Splinter felt he wasn't doing enough.
But then? Raphael came home covered in bruises and cuts, but he wasn't upset at all he was smiling. Brightly a gleam in his green eyes as he proudly claimed that the kid who he got into that fight with was his 'friend'? And of course that had changed over time, Splinter couldn't fully deny the way Raphael mood seems to lighten the closer he grew to this human after all. Soon coming to tell Splinter he was gay and at that dating Casey.
Splinter shouldn't be but he still very much did hold his resent towards humans. maybe more with the few bad run ins his sons were having. Sure they weren't chasing them down like before but knowing humans could still hurt his sons? And when he looked at Casey? All he saw was the pricing unaware only one was real. The color in their hair. Casey just looked like a gang member to the rat.Well based of old movies but he felt it still stood.
But watching the boy now? Fumbling with their words making it known what he meant without wishing to say those words. It reminded Splinter of his days as a normal rat. All the friends he had and lost and wished could be like him now.
"Yeah, whatever, uhm, sorry probably shouldn't have uh gone through ya stuff, or fainted when we first met but uh... never got over the whole fear..."
In truth, watching this so called gang member sweat by just being near him? Was always a bit on the funny side. This tough looking human reduced to squirming over the sight of a rat. Though Splinter had to wonder if it was only due to him being a rat?
"Soooo...uh, Raph mentioned you taught him and the other's Ninjitsu...that's pretty cool, how'd you uh do that?"
"I learned from movies and tapes on it and taught my sons." Splinter answered as he stepped over to take a better look at the vinyl Casey was still holding. It was a way to protect his sons and for them to protect themselves the surface wasn't safe for them. Maybe in a way he was still trying to protect his sons. "I got lucky on finding tapes and such that we could learn from. Many of those older movies had actors who were actually trained so learning from them was a good way to go about it." Splinter expressed "I found this on one of my lucky finds even."
Splinter stated smiling up at Casey trying to show he didn't mind them looking "My boys find this stuff boring and old" Like himself, "I'm surprised you even know it. Guess you learned good taste. I find these discs just sound best when it comes to music. Donatello tries to get me to 'update' but it just doesn't sound right, besides his music choice sounds like a fork trapped in a garage disposal." he chuckles slightly. "I actually got this from a box labeled free to take. Was really all I had for music for a long time. Might be why my own boys are sick of this one" He chuckles again fondness in his tone as he did. Gesturing to the player with a hand "Why don't you pop it in, least Raphael found some one with good music taste, the only thing he seems to lack taste in." He smiled enough to make his brows lift up as he playing teased his own son.
[2k3 follow up from the RaphFatal Blow meme ;3; literally from everyone for everyone ;3; Don's there, Casey's there, Von's there, Master Splinter, and I imagine Mikey too so everyone suffers]
Donatello frowned as he looked to his phone, a hand rubbing his throat, feeling a weird lump forming,
"I'm sorry Master Splinter, but I still can't track Raph's Shell-Cell," Don murmured, soon coughing in an attempt to shift whatever was stuck in his throat.
"Well I say we jus' go out there an' fin' him!" Casey spoke up, worry in his voice, "I know Raph's got his moments but this still aint like 'im, I've seen 'im mad he wouldn't jus' ghost us all this bad!"
"I'll have to sit the search out," Don murmured, "Sorry, I think I may be coming down with the flu; I've just felt really tired for once, and had a headache I just can't get rid of, the sore throat isn't helping..." He forced a smile, "Don't worry, I'll do what I can from my lab..."
The soft sound of boots clicking touched the air, as a familiar stranger slowly approached them. Yvonne. She had her head bowed, a solemn look on her face. She had avoided all of them for so long, ever since the blow up from Raphael. The event that led to him disappearing.
Yvonne didn't speak, as she walked passed Casey, Mikey, Don, not saying a word as she approached Master Splinter. It was what she was carrying that revealed why she was here, without a word said. Her voice shook as she did find something to say,
"...I'm sorry sir..."
Her hands trembled, as she held the two Sai, and red mask, out to him; they rested gently in her palms. The usual stone face she wore cracked, she did not hide her tears. Death was an inevitable in life, but it still twisted like a knife. Even when their last moments were an argument, it didn't make it any better.
"I tried to bring him home...I swear I tried..." Yvonne promised Splinter through tears, "I'm so sorry..."
| Continued from [here]
No one was sure what was going on, Casey came to the lair trying to find Raphael which already seemed to settle in worry among the mutants. They had all assumed Raphael had been with Casey this whole time. That was often always the answer, or in the slightest someone would have known about him leaving. He hadn't had any major blow up least from what they could think of. Soon they were all recounting the last time they may had seen Raphael trying to map out the time table and maybe narrow down when exactly the last sighting of Raphael had been. Try and understand if he might be in trouble or not. Everyone seemed to pause and think over the past few days.
Donatello spoke up first, taking a moment because he seemed to be dealing with a headache but was able to recall that Raph and him had spent time together looking at making some upgrades to what they named the shellcycles. Mentioning that they were going to work on them together even. Leo offered if maybe Raph was out scooping for the parts they might need then. Splinter shared in the thought, it was often how Raphael tried to assist Donatello when it came to trying ti lighten the load Donatello bared on to his shoulders so often. Michelangelo spoke up next pointing out he didn't think so because Michelangelo had managed to rope Raphael in to playing a game with him.
Even recalled he intercepted Raph when he had left Donatello's lab, literally hooking them by the arm and dragged them to the living room. Splinter did recall the same event playing out though. Raph was grumbling about it but still went along with getting 'forced' into playing with his brother. Michelangelo didn't shy away from even making a mention that he won and beat Raph. And of course mentioned that Raph beat him physically after all his gloating. Leonardo piped in from there because he had pulled them apart.
Leonardo said Raphael seemed upset about something and felt it wasn't just cause of Michelangelo being well Michelangelo . Having offered to help Raph work it out with a sparing session even. Raphael agreed but during the fight Leonardo could just tell it wasn't a usual temper issue. It seemed like Raphael was miles away from everything going on. It was one of the rare times where Raphael seemed to seek Leonardo out for advice. Though it was hard to give with how vague Raphael was being. Just admitting his mind had to much going on in it so Leonardo suggested maybe Raph needed a breather away from the lair. Seemed funny now because Leonardo was often always having to be on their case about going topside. Maybe spend time with Casey even and Raphael seemed to take the suggestion said he would text Casey but wait till it got later.
There Splinter spoke up next. Splinter had mentioned Raphael being in the kitchen he seemed troubled. Not too willing to speak about what exactly had happened. So Splinter offered his son some tea. Hoping it would clam whatever was working through his son’s troubled mind at the time. Raphael did seemed to open up a bit more to confirm that something had been on his mind at the time. They seemed to be more at ease after the one on one time. Raphael had smiled and offered Splinter a word of thanks. Before he told them he was heading out to see Casey. Which is the last anyone could say they had saw him. Casey said they had played around in the snow together.
Something felt off. Splinter couldn't explain it. They all seemed to notice something off with Raphael was it connected? His son was troubled looking for distractions at best. Till they weren't working so he took advice? Which wasn't very much like his son to do in the first place. Splinter was the last of the mutants to speak to him he knew his son looked troubled. What had they talked about Raphael said he felt guilty about a fight he had. But Splinter knew it could been between him and Michelangelo that was a far more usual sibling spat. Didn't seem like it was with Casey either though, they didn't show any sign of that having happened.
"I'm sorry Master Splinter, but I still can't track Raph's Shell-Cell,"
Splinter didn't like the sound of that, something was truly off about this all. Where are you my son, was all he could really think over and over.
"Well I say we jus' go out there an' fin' him!"
And it wasn't just him alone, as his ear flickered to the sound of worry in Casey's voice. Something very rarely heard from the human. But looking at his other son's their faces each reflected that same feeling.
"I know Raph's got his moments but this still aint like 'im, I've seen 'im mad he wouldn't jus' ghost us all this bad!"
It's ture. Splinter may hardly understand his own phone but as he slipped it out for a quick look even he lacked anything from Raphael. They always texted him no matter what. The last message he had was he made it to his meeting spot with Casey. But nothing since. That wasn't like him, it was their deal. Why Splinter never worried much when Raphael took off he always texted Splinter so they would know at least that he was okay.
"I'll have to sit the search out," Don murmured, "Sorry, I think I may be coming down with the flu; I've just felt really tired for once, and had a headache I just can't get rid of, the sore throat isn't helping..."
"I think that be for the best Donatello, we don't need you out there in the snow like that." Splinter spoke up showing he was still part of the conversation at least. Hand extending to rest on to Donatello's arm a moment. "No need to push yourself when sick again." Raph may be missing but he still had three others son's to look after.
"Don't worry, I'll do what I can from my lab..."
Leo gave a nod and turned to Michelangelo and Casey seeming ready to start forming his plan. When again Splinters ear's twitched to the sound of foot steps echoing in the tunnels. Turning to the entrance just moments before Yvoone of all people walked through. And for a small second Splinter wonder if Raphael would show up behind her but there was no other sound to accompany Von's own steps. Having wondered if the fight was with her, she hadn't been around after all. But something seemed wrong the moment she came into the lair. Something that cause his fur to stand on end, turning face ever as he tempered the rising fear in himself. He felt this dread before when his master Yoshi was taken from him. She paid no attention to anyone else. Not even Mikey who spoke up to her. Or Donatello who was involved with her.
No she was here with purpose. Only stopping by Splinter, the rat took a moment to look up at her. She been through something fur sure. Shaken so badly a mess in the shape of Yvoone stood before him. The poor women.
"Yvoone what is?" Splinter began to speak clearly she went to him for a reason. And he already knew it had to do with his missing son. The twist in his gut the way his heart seemed to quicken. The sense of fear triggering all around him.
"...I'm sorry sir..."
Splinter had his answer. She didn't even have to say it her just knew. From the way the words trembled out from her mouth. "no" and yet he still couldn't believe it. Looking down to find Raphael's red mask and sai held in her hands. "..Raphael." Splinter spoke the name so soft and so sadly. Reaching out he let his can fall to the floor he hardly noted how the wooden can sounded as it dropped on to the bricks.
"I tried to bring him home...I swear I tried..."
Splinter looked at the weapons, he had given to Raphael they were meant for him specifically. Splinter waved the red mask between his fingers. Tattered fabric. Splinter closed his eyes as he let his hands curl around both the sai and mask. Ears flooded back as he worked to control his breathing in that moment. He could feel the remaining traces of Raphael's soul lingering on them. Such important parts of Raphael's identity. His son who put all the worlds problems on his shoulders. It was a trait to admire because all Raphael wanted to do was to protect. Protect his brothers, his family. His temper always seemed at risk of that want. Never himself. Never allowing himself to be protected either.
"I'm so sorry..."
Those three words were all the confirmation any of them might have needed.
"it-it's okay Von you that just means you know where he is right?" Michelangelo spoke up, his voice shook as he seem to try and keep his usual tone. "we'll just go and get him right?" He looked around to everyone else around him who all seemed to be coming to the same harsh truth. Splinter opened his eyes and lifted his head looking over everyone one before locking eyes with his youngest.
"it's fine Splinter we can go get him back." they insisted, and Splinter heart ached for his son. As they walked over seeming ready to ask Yvoone more about his brother's whereabouts. So Splinter spoke up again.
"Raphael was strong, passionate and loyal to fault. His greatest merits"
"He is you mean is those are his merits!" Michelangelo shouted on shakey ground. "We'll go get him back! he's fine he's"
"Raphael was more stunboorn than anyone" Splinter continued.
"He is you know he is!"
Splinter reached out his hand holding the mask out to his youngest son. Watching them step back as if touching it would make it real. He shook his head hard unsure where he could even go. "Raphael carried the worlds problems on his shoulders, and though he may have acted other wise. His family his loved ones were his whole world to him. There was nothing he wouldn't" Splinter reached over to place his other hand on to Yvoone feeling she needed to hear this part most. "Have done for those few in his life that made up his world"
"....he can't be though." Michelangelo took hold of Raphael's mask vision blurred by the tears that soon filled his eyes. Trying to swallow back his cries but he couldn't as he lowered his head into his hands. Letting his tears drop on to the fabric and soak into it. He turned towards Leonardo and Donatello. Not wanting to keep it to himself huddling in with his last remaining brothers. As Splinter Lowered his head once more looking down to the sai. Recalling the moment in the kitchen. Wishing he had just noticed a little more that night.
[MM Don and Von with Splinter - i don't remember if i ever sent an ask with Don bringing Von home before he was allowed to stay at her house or not xD]
Donatello was somehow both nervous, and completely fine, as he led Yvonne to the lair. He was fine, as, well, there was nothing bad about Yvonne - in his humble opinion. The nerves came from how his family would react. He never mentioned that this 'friend' of his was a girl after all - he can already see the looks he's going to get.
But Yvonne just smiled, expected it all. That was the fun of siblings after all.
After meeting everyone else, Don finally took her to meet Splinter. Admittedly, he'd been avoiding it. He offers a smile, showing off his nerves,
"Hey dad - you know that friend I mentioned?" Don begins, "The one who invited me to stay at their house for the weekend?" Don gestured towards her, "Well, this is them," No duh, "Dad, this is Yvonne, and Yvonne, this is my dad."
Yvonne smiled, and took a step forward, offering out her hand to shake,
"It's nice to meet you sir," She smiles, "Don's told me so much about you - is it true you taught them ninjitsu all by yourself? You must be very skilled."
| Muse interaction
Splinter supposed that all of the changes in hi life were bound to just continue going from his simple life as just an ordinary rat on the streets of New York just trying his best to survive and he guessed in a way that never really changed if anything surviving became his main goal and focus because he now was in charge of four baby turtles who along with himself had all mutated. And the mutation was such an odd experience? It sort of changed how his mind worked. Giving him a different mind set that felt like he was always needing to combat with the old world view but it seems sayings of old ways not dying and old habits were all very true. Splinter just wanted to keep his boys safe and he didn't think that was such a bad thing to want and wish for.
And sure, he taught his sons to fight to protect themselves and by doing so gave them skills to find the resources they needed to live. But they weren't really living now were they? Now they were living how he had lived for years before he suddenly mutated into the form he had now. They were only surviving day after day down under the streets of the city far away from the humans. It was safe no question about that but was that really living? Locked away from the world, hidden away from it getting glimpses of what was other there but something they never could never really have.
They only had each other, who else could understand them? was always Splinter's thoughts and he dreaded the idea that one day? His sons wouldn't even have him anymore to be around and protect them to take care of them. Back when they were so small and able to climb into his arm chair with him it was so much easier.But it always came back to on single truth.
That wasn't living it was just surviving.
Now? Now home was loud again. It was rare for it to ever be empty in the lair. Despite the varying types of mutants that now lived in the lair together they made it work but what made Splinter more happy? Was seeing his boys able to smile. Genuinely smiling everyday so happy and excited as they dressed their best for school everyday. Rushing off soon as they good to get there even. How they seemed almost disappointed but the fact sometimes school wasn't in session anymore.
They always smiled bright and had so much to tell and share about thier days everytime they came home and maybe it was worth the risk in the end? Maybe he should have tried harder for his sons. Why he was happy to learn they were gaining mkre friends even. As Donatello brought up a new friend all his own. And they even brought them into thier home to meet everyone else.
"Hey dad - you know that friend I mentioned?" Don begins, "The one who invited me to stay at their house for the weekend?"
And the time was finally here. Splinter's ear twitched a little as he paid a look towards the entrance he had set up the table with a couple types of snacks he had the cut outs of all the Chris' behind him and balloons even tapped around the table for him this was toning it down as he smiled brightly at the pair of them. Of course he wanted to meet the fired who invited his son over just to make sure they were good lile April. Splinters forever stand in for humans good human measuring now. But he still wanted to make a good impression himself. This wasn't like that Casey, after all. Donatello friend was also good least far as he knew.
"Well, this is them," No duh, "Dad, this is Yvonne, and Yvonne, this is my dad."
Splinter turned his attetion towards the young human girl she seemed to have a good air about her at least from what he could tell, moving to gestuer to the bowls of snacks he set up on the table. "I wasn't sure what you like best so I put out all the good snacks for you. It's nice to meet you. I just wanna make sure my boys are meeting good people." Well three out four was good odds at least.
"It's nice to meet you sir,"
She was polite as well Splinter could see him being fine with this human as well he guesses. So The sleep over should be fine he can be on board with that she seems like a good influence maybe even as well?
"Don's told me so much about you - is it true you taught them ninjitsu all by yourself? You must be very skilled."
Splinter looked bettqen Von and his son a moment before turning attetjon fully on to his son. "I like her second on my list after April." Not caring too much how that may come across as he turns to look at Von. "April is my favorite human you see so second means you are very high in my list." He at least offers to explain. Whiskers twitching a little as he thinks over a moment. "Know what for you Von I bring out the good snacks. I'll share the cool ranch Doritos with you. My boys got me the party size after all so I don't mind sharing them." Clearly a esteemed sign of approval from the older rat mutant.
"Sit sit you two why don't you tell me what your plans are for the weekend well we are all here." He offers indirectly stating that Donnie had the permission to go now as he was busy getting a bowl for the chips to be poured into so that they could be eaten along with the rest of the spread on the table.
Things were different now. Humans were accepting of them. Sure, they were smart enough to know not everyone would immediately be okay with mutants, but, most were. It's why they were allowed to go to school after all. And it's why Don was currently approaching his dad, fingers pressed together as he offered a shy smile,
"Hey dad, uh, you know how humans are now all totally cool with us like existing?" Don starts, clearly wanting something, "Well, I was wondering, if you would be cool with me, maybe, staying over at a friends, a human-friends, house for the weekend?"
They'd never been away from the sewers, by themselves, for more than a couple hours. But a whole weekend? He's not sure he can get away with it. But Don's hopeful his dad is willing to give this a chance.
| Muse interactions
Splinter muttered under his breath as he went about sorting clothes into piles as he would fold each article he came across. Slightly counting his blessings that his boy seemed to stick to their 'color' so it made it pretty easy to know what went to who and all. Leonardo wore mostly blue. His outfits were more thought out neat and clean. Buttons and collar shirts. Raphael of course red, more flannel shirts that he tossed over mostly black graphic tees, Michelangelo wore a lot of orange Hawaiian shirts and Donnie seemed to really favor his purple anime hoodies. Smiling as that was what he was in the middle of folding in the moment. Arms folding back before he flipped it over. It was the rare time he got some peace and quite in their home these days. Splinter didn't regret extending the hospitably to the other mutants. It did make home more lively, full even he loved it. He loved their home before but he had to admit it was nice for him as well to have others to spend time with himself. He was starting to understand a bit about why his sons were so desperate to be part of the human world.
They seemed for the most part to be doing well with going to school. Thought Splinter wasn't the happiest when it came to Raphael's antics. Not to sure hoe he feels about this Casey character either. His other sons seemed to be doing well at least with making friends so that had to be a good sign right? Splinter tune didn't suddenly change over night he still held some worry and fears. Some humans might not accept his sons still after for being different. Even if they shown to be good didn't mean that risk wasn't still there.
His ear flickers slightly, sure he hears footsteps off to his side he sets down his sons hoodie and turns in his arm chair to fine Donatello. Gaze slightly averted fingers together and a faint smile. Splinter just smiles at them, they may be growing up but he's happy these little traits seems to stick around still. Donatello's little shy side when he wants something. Adorable as ever.
"Donatello, here to get your pile? I'm not all done yet" Splinter knows when his sons want something but sometimes it was better to make them come out and say it themself. "Or are you just trying to snag your hoodie right away?" Going ahead to hand it over to them as he just smiles.
"Hey dad, uh, you know how humans are now all totally cool with us like existing?"
Splinter just hums turning back to the hamper of clothes as he pulled out the next shirt that needed to be folded. "Yes?" trying to take guesses at where Donatello was going with this. He wasn't really all to sure what it was Donatello might want that related to his starting question.
"Well, I was wondering, if you would be cool with me, maybe, staying over at a friends, a human-friends, house for the weekend?"
Now Splinter stopped blinking a few times as he mulled over the request. "Stay the weekend? like the full weekend?" He asks once again turning fully towards his son trying to gauge their reaction for his question. Letting his sons go off to the school was already hard enough he had to admit. Heck letting them take over on running the errands when they got older had been a bit of a battle between the five of them finally giving in once there had gotten into their teen years. Going to school was a bit of an easier battle simply because he knew it make them so happy. And it seemed to be for the most part but they always came back home in the end. Now Donnie wanted to spend a whole weekend away from home. But weekends were his time with his sons.
Now now Splinter come one now you have to be a reasonable cool parent. A inner prep talk given to himself as he hummed and rubbed at his chin just a little bit.
"Well, maybe." Not a no that was an improvement on Splinters end "I would like to meet this friend of yours, and their parents first before I can agree." That seemed fair, he met April after a while and saw she was one of the good humans in the end after all. She even went to get him when he could have lost his boys for good! So it seemed only fair Splinter meet any of his sons friends. Least any they spend a lot time around right? just to make sure they are good not bad influences either or will get any of his sons into trouble.
Not that his sons needed help with that actually. Honestly Splinter wouldn't be surprised if any parent felt the same and needed to meet him someday.
Splinter was sure his sons could tell when someone was good or not though. They met April and April was good, she was Splinters favorite human in truth. But well they also met some bad humans, much as he did come see the other mutants as family though they weren't the best at first either. Which suddenly flipped that little switch in his mind. Sure they all seemed nice at first but they were all easily influenced by Super fly and if mutants can be that way with their family? Suddenly moving to stand alert as he looks to his son. Nose shifting as his whiskers twisted a little here and there.
"Not just your friend, but your friend's parents as well, and their parents." When Donnie gave a reasonable confused looked Splinter went on to explain his reasoning " I know from many tv show sometime behaviors are passed down generations after all, so I want to make sure no one person opinion will sudden sour your whole friendship." Ah yes sound logic of a over protective and non rational thinking father. In his defense he was right about that milking thing though. "wait! but there also was the trope of the racist drunk uncles as well!" Splinter suddenly announces fixing his son with a serious expression "Do they got uncles or aunts? Them as well. Great grandparents and any great relatives also of course. we best cover all grounds with this matter" He reaches out and task hold of his son's face pressing in their cheeks as he just hold a look of concern over his little baby turtle. "I do not want to risk my baby boy being made to feel unwanted and uncomfortable when he simply wants to spend time with his friend." slightly squishing Donnie's face skewing their black framed glasses with the act.
"Then and only then maybe I will allow it." Luckily for Donatello Splinter would relax on a lot of this and be fine with just their friend their parents. "Oh! I'll get another party together! that will make a great way to meet and break the ice as well." Finally letting go of Don's face as he start to make his way off to who knew where. "I'll get the others to help me putting it together, send your brothers to get snack food, i'm sure mondo can help make it 'chill' and 'vibe' nothing to worry about my son." He said feeling a little giddy now as he went to find his party supplies. "We'll make sure your friend's family all like you by the end of it."
"I cant take much more of this, sensei." Leonardo's quiet as he admits to Splinter late that night. One hundred percent certain no one could listen in this time. With everyone but him & Mikey avoiding him, home didn't really feel like home anymore.
"I think I need to get away from here again. To gather my thoughts & give everyone space." ( 2k7 :'3 )
| Muse interaction
Leonardo's visits to the dojo weren't uncommon or new. When they were younger Leo often spent his free time along with Splinter either for extra training or to mediate sometimes just to speak and seek advice. However, these days? it seemed more like his eldest son just needed a place to hide away from all going on. Breathing was relaxed and clam, as Splinter's held his eyes shut. Hands neatly folded in his lap, whiskers twitch a moment. You can just feel it in the air Leonardo struggles seem to be escaping his mind and fill the air surrounding them.
"my son" Splinter speaks to break the silence between them before he opens his eyes to look at his eldest. Ears flicker slightly when he settles his gaze on to his son "Leonardo, you know speaking your mind is always better then letting your thought stick in your mind like this." he tries to push in hopes it's enough to get them speak. All to aware of the troubles that have been stirred between his sons. Once again. Seems something truly never change as time goes on. If his fur wasn't showing the signs of age yet he was sure this would start it.
"I cant take much more of this, sensei."
He nods his head, well aware of all going on. Not everyone was taking the news about Leo and Bishop the best. Well by that he meant Donatello and Raphael. Michelangelo seems far more willing to be open on the matter. But that was his youngest for you. "I know my son. I feel Raphael's react was more foreseeable but Donatello's? I will admit even I wasn't expecting at the time."But Splinter didn't blame any of the reactions he was well aware of Raphael's feelings about it all, even when they apologized for staying away from the lair so long.
"Big changes like this are bound to bring times like this it's not the first after all. Though I hate that this is such a common thing between you four." Splinter admits, he knows they always find a way to come back together and he trusts it will be that way again. Dose that lessen his worries? No.
Not at even a little.
"I think I need to get away from here again. To gather my thoughts & give everyone space."
Splinter falls silent. It was him who sent Leonardo away the first time after all. But it was for a different reason than what they are thinking now. His sons are grow though they can seek advice from him but it's no longer his place to keep nets and fences around them to prevent them from getting hurt or making the choices he wouldn't instead Splinter takes a moment to consider his eldest place in all of this going on. "are you sure?" he asks watching them closely.
"Leonardo I can not tell you what to do in the end the choice is yours. Much as I have said goes for your brothers." He looks down a moment "I would hate to see you leave myself but I know it would be what you feel you need. Though I hope you are thinking about this, I know you don't make choices without thinking. Raphael's the rash one. But I can tell there is a lot of hurt in your choice." Reaching over to set a hand to their shoulder. "If you choice is to leave and clear your mind then do so, but give them a chance." Splinter at least hopes for their own sakes they can mange that.
