Turtle Luck

Despite having been the last one to bed last night, Leo is up early. Knowing Lilo likes to sleep late, he lets her sleep on. Leo likes these early morning hours in the lair. They're typically quiet and good for meditation, if he's up before the kids are! If the past few mornings are anything to judge by, he should be.

And frankly, after last night, he could use a little meditation. Raph and Haley had been in with the kids last night, and Leo trusts the little guys to them. He doesn't want to risk waking anyone accidentally, so lets them sleep if they're not already awake.

What he finds when he exits the bedroom only solidifies his need for spending some time in meditation.

The sounds are quiet, but listening carfully he can definitely hear someone going at the wing chun dummy.

"Hey, Leo."

Don sounded okay, but he looked tired.

"Good morning, Donnie. Um... How long have you been in here?"

Don shrugged.

"Not that long. Just finishing up. I was about to make some tea if you want some."

Had it been just about any other time of day, Leo probably wouldn't have through twice about finding a brother in to dojo like that. Even Don and Mike would turn up there once in awhile outside training of their own volition. This though... is far too early. However, it is not outside the realm of possibility that Don is just taking advantage of a moment to himself. Those moments have been few and far between since the kids, and the girls, and the frequent guests arrived.

Leo nods, outwardly accepting the statement, but Don's pretty well dripping sweat and his breathing has that hitch that tells Leo that he's been in here - probably going at that dummy - for quite awhile. He watched as Don grabbed up a rag to wipe off with a bit before leaving the dojo. Apparently to make tea...?

"Thanks, Don. If there's still hot water, I'll be there in a little while."

It was more than enough to tell Leo that Don had slept just as long as he could but had given up at some point during the night. He is almost certain it will be Master Splinter's restoring tea in Don's cup this morning. The one he sometimes drinks in lieu of sleep.

Leo watched as Don smiled and headed off to the kitchen.

Once the water has started, Don will check to see if there's a response from Mortu.

The lair was still fairly quiet.


Splinter was perhaps an hour from being up and around, being beaten by two sons out this early is rare. But does happen.


There is the smell of faint sexins from the guest room. And those two would probably therefore be late to breakfast.


And so will Erica for the first time in a long time.


Lilo will be up at a reasonable time to breakfast, hula and get onto some studies Stitch to get ready to get home and retrieve cousins who choose to come and fight.


Kiddoes were about the same time as Splinter away from waking for piddles and food and play!


Haley and Raph maaaybe snuck off to Raphie's room some point during the earliest morning time barely missing bumping into Don and only for those plastron scratchies and some making out before snoozing on a little, Raphie will drag himself out of bed sometime for training.



Mortu it would transpire had clearly taken the time to respond to Don's email, it means he has put thought and read as much of the material as he could, everything Donatello requested of him and not even asking about being left hanging.

Mortu wrote:"


Donatello,


I have found a little regarding the Kraang, so far back in Utrom history I was surprised just a passage about a reality, a dimension that is like a Nexus, but more than that more the anchoring point of Nexuses of universes. We were unable to decipher a name. But it appear we Utrom may in fact have been decedents of an early expedition out of that dimension into this universe, we must have settled somewhere that was suitable enough, evolved a little and became utroms.


The main guardians have opted to return to active duty on earth to help you and your family remove any lairs of the Kraang in your world, They will be contactable by your shell cells on the original contacts and if you need them on your local terf they will be there asap.


After our interrupted chain of emails previously, I have looked into all I could about dragons that lay outside the usual human history and it appears they two may share some origins with us from this other place, and something mana or gaia... not sure what that is and the first shifters. It's a bit vague aside from mentions of a order of humans with unique strengths and capabilities rising to slay these shifters and any one they protect, called the Huntsclan, like a band of ninjas.


As for PTSD I have a recommendation to start with Yoshi, it may seem a strange suggestion. However, he was an excellent source of comfort and wisdom, a old soul lost too early, for the guardians in rough times serving as our protectors and ears and eyes and I believe has been a source of comfort for your father Master Splinter. For anyone with a hurting heart, wary mind and damaged spirit he can help. He has helped many. Also for anything that requires genetic aid for mutations as I know there have been adventures in your families past and I want to be covering all possible bases, I have researched long and hard and there is perhaps one scientist in all this part of the Galaxy that can be of any help. Dr. Jumba Jookiba his location is currently unknown but I can keep looking into that if the family needs it.


Please never hesitate to reach out good friend Donatello Splinterson.


I hope all is okay and will be much better, I will send on any more information I find and also when you are all feeling comfortable in sharing we will receive an invite to visit or invite yous here and catch up.


Mortu.

If Raph and Haley had slipped off, Leo would have at least listened at the door of the kids' room for a moment to make sure all was well. And he's pretty sure Stitch would still be there.

But in the lair's early morning quiet, Leo takes advantage of the time in the dojo, and the early hour that should be child-free to actually light a couple candles and properly meditate. It's something he feels like he hasn't had a chance to do right since the kids arrived. Not a complaint, really, but it feels good to get this moment.

As they add some things in his room for Lilo, he might have to claim a small space on the floor for something like this. Their room? Can he say that yet? Create a space where he can slip away to a space that isn't as readily available to the kids... or his brothers.

~~

Don left a note on the white board by the bed for Erica. It says "Good morning," and that's all, but the effort was there.

After starting the water, Don took a moment to read the message. He then hid the paragraph about the PTSD and genetic issues and printed out the rest of the message, keeping that one paragraph for himself. Don will show the rest to the others, particularly Leo, Master Splinter and Haley when they wake up. Lee will probably be interested in the presence of the Guardians too. And possibly the historical information too, given that they have their own version of the Utrom.

Don also keeps a digital copy, with the hidden section, on his phone that he will be able to send more easily if anyone needs it, but he knows that Master Splinter in particular and Leo to a lesser extent both prefer reading from paper, over reading off a device.

Don then takes a moment to respond to the message.

Donatello wrote:"Mr. Mortu,

Thank you for the access to the Guardians. I will let Leo know, and we will get in touch soon. We have gotten in contact with at least one other dimension's turtles, that has more information about the Kraang. And I will pass your information on to them regarding the Kraang and the Utrom. We are hoping to find a way to sort of deprogram some of the lower level Kraang who are not necessarily evil, but rather seem sort of brainwashed into following Kraang Subprime. We're working on catching one, but if there is someone willing to help with that endeavor, I would appreciate the assist.

That's fascinating about the Utrom and dragons. We have a contact here that I might be able to get some more information from. Possibly even access to a library! I'll see what I can find on my end and keep you updated.

As for the rest... Thank you. And I might actually have a line on Dr. Jumba Jookiba.

A visit would be wonderful, perhaps once this Kraang issue is sorted. Thank you again.

-Donatello"

He then sent off a brief message to Jumba with some specs for the Hauler, a few notes he made about the metal Jumba's little hover car was made from just to check that his impressions matched Jumba's, as well as some genetic coding from himself and his brothers. Should at least be interesting for the guy. Don doesn't say which is who, because he doesn't want to bias the guy's assessment. And, well... maybe he can help. He doesn't doubt that Jumba will be able to tell the various codes apart.

Once the message is sent, he will return to the kitchen to make his tea. Yes, the exact blend that Leo had suspected he would have. And he will take it to the garage since Leo is in the dojo.

Don does not try to contact Hamato Yoshi. Though Leo might consider it.

~~

At some point today, and GIANT package will be delivered to Haley's address. It is full of every imaginable skin care product, far more facial masks than Raph probably even believed existed, no fewer than 47 different colors of nail polish, a large, very fluffy bathrobe and matching bunny slippers. They're very, very pink, and definitely intended for (Spa Buddy!) Raph.

Splinter is the next to wake, and this morning though he proceeds to shift into his comfortable kneeling position to the lower end of his bed and on the floor to the little table at the end, kneeling and touching Yoshi's orb to bring his one time owner and mentor and honored grandfather of the turtles now.


Just to fill him in on everything that had happened since the last time. This was a memory, a little bit of essence of the man that Yoshi once was, perhaps there is not a lot of words said back from Yoshi. But a sense of warmth filled him - and at times when he has needed it, like now when he fears for his intelligent son and doesn't know how to help him. There is the light warm touch on his shoulder and leaning forward to touch foreheads. An exchange of soft encouragement.


He doesn't know Mortu had told Donatello to seek this out - to have, solace and quiet comfort the way he, Splinter was feeling.


Here there would be just listening, a place to be entirely vulnerable and cry and just a reassurance.


Splinter loves his new full house and family, but he knows they may have to find a balance with all their visitors, his sons growing attachments and the grandsons. Maybe portals, Lilo , Haley and the magical world have a solution they could implement to find that balance.


He will stay here just relaxing with Yoshi and feeling the comfort like he had last night with Leonardo for another hour. It was still quite early for lovers, ladies and little ones. His sensitive ears could just make out the little aliens paw padding and light claw tapping as he moves.


~


Stitch heard and smelt Leo moving about - he grins and moves to open the door to the kids room and lounge in the door way - eager to be out and moving but will wait until the kids are up and supervised before rolling off to lounge with his best friend a little longer then maybe they will hula?!


~


Necking, Haley and Raphie got a little neck and light scratching against his plastron and her back with his kept blunt nails.


Turtles grew claws, and quite sharp ones but he and his brothers like their father who also grew claws took great care to keep them short and blunt. More so their not scratching each other in practice or leaving horrendous wounds on opponents that are not the weapon intended ones.


but Haley was welcome to scratch him as much as she liked!


~


Lilo rolled onto her belly, not deep asleep and maybe mumbling, disturbed by old nightmares of her own. But she had these for like a decade now of living so was an old hat at settling easily enough - sometimes the scarier experimental catches and failures still shook her to waking. But not at the moment.


~


Like wise Erica will still be a while. And when she does wake not put out, rather touched, there was a message of mornings on the board.


~


DonnieBoy cuddled around Red and they were still rather quiet on the couch.

((OOC: AAARGH! My computer keeps updating and eating my post! *tries for fourth time!*))

Don had sighed upon reading Mortu's suggestion. He probably should have tried to contact Hamato Yoshi as Mr. Mortu suggested - part of him knows that - but Don just cannot fathom what his grandfather could possibly have to say that Leo, Master Splinter or even the Ancient One have not already tried. He cannot begin to imagine what Yoshi might have to say that isn't the same, old, unhelpful song and dance he's gotten from the rest of his family.

Don also doesn't have it in him to rephrase his question, or ask for a second option. No, in his mind he has struck out here, and only succeeded in telling one of their friends that he's crazy.

So Don copes in the only way he knows how. He keeps himself busy. It is a very productive morning. Except for the hour, and the telltale smell of Master Splinter's rejuvenating tea that Don drinks when he hasn't slept well, Don actually seems happy at the moment.

As the hour before others start to wake comes to a close, the hover car that Stitch brought in is back in one piece and space worthy once more. Much of the vehicle either went back together intuitively, or Don had taken it apart himself. A couple sections that had been disassembled by others have been mildly to moderately adjusted. Some work, but maybe not quite as well, or are at least less refined than the original, and other parts are a  slight improvement. Most won't actually be obvious until someone opens the small craft up again.

There had also been the matter of the bit of hull that Stitch had torn off. As it happens, this fascinating material that Jumba had constructed the vehicle from does not respond to traditional methods. It had required just a little bit of experimenting for Don to find a way to reattach that piece. It's not particularly pretty as he had been experimenting on the spot, but it's solid and sealed. Don has several notes he made throughout the course of the hour about the ship as well as the metal itself.

Oh, he is so making one of his own! Though he needs some of that metal to play with!

The problem with this method of coping, is that Don can only keep up the pace required to run from his problems for so long. Eventually he will be caught, and everything will come crashing down again, at least as heavy, if not heavier than before. It's unsustainable, but he doesn't feel like he has any other options. So for now, he keeps running.

Leo is definitely taking advantage of this time. he had started the morning session just calming himself. Getting ready for the day and using that technique that helps him be 'obnoxiously perky' in the mornings when the others wake up.

At first, he had focused on himself. Leo knows that he cannot help anyone else if he is in turmoil.

Only once Leo felt centered again, does he explore other topics.

Leo was definitely worried about his brother, but he just didn't know what else to try there. Additionally, there is the upcoming battle, and the timeline they are trying to break. There are already two additional groups of turtles on board to fight, and Leo is sure that the other group they met once before would assist as well. Then there is the matter of the clones.

So there is a lot, and Leo lets go so that he is open to whatever he might learn or realize during this time, not trying to focus on any single problem in particular because trying to force the session like that might cause him to miss something. It's a needed session, and mostly just quieting his mind and making himself open to options again.

Mike rolls over - unless there is a big brother come to rouse him from bed he is liable to lay in until about nine!


PHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBTTTT!!!

OO


unless that happens of course and he spooks himself with his sheer volume - laying there wondering what the heck that was, but feeling distinctly happen and relieved and ahhhhh yeah he'd been meaning to read that issue - reaching and stretching languidly to read the latest issue of ower pigmy puff power gals! oooh yeaaaah!


~


It's a sound that is familiar and shocking and even here in this restful peaceful surroundings Splinter winces a little - and to his surprise, Yoshi also winces - bot of them ai ai aing silently and palming their foreheads.


~


On the couch a sleeping DonnieBoy grumbles 'Miiiiiiiiiiikey' whilst a jerking aware but deciding to lay there until there is more movement Red giggles and rubs her snuggling purple clad turtles wrinkled in sleep frownie face lovers bald head.


~


Lilo has learned to sleep right through a screaming alarm clock. Literally. But somehow a massive fart disturbs her a little and she rolls pulling one of Leo's pillow sin to smother any incoming smell - not awake enough to know that whilst possible the loud noisy farts are rarely the stanky ones and that she is at least some distance away and should be safe.


~


Lying in the doorway of the kids room Stitch cackles softly his ' slightly ebils' cackle and rolls to watch the bed of children tail stub wriggling away as the sound made a bunch of little bodies all start, and that - made a snuggling into Elena Malcolm move, and those golden hairs on his face tickle his golden snout -


" achewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!" the little fellow squeaks in shock and surprise and - makes his brothers all sit up - or attempt to randomly, Duncan up but where he had been sprawled his toe was in Randals nostril and the red little guy was sitting in Liam's lap -Liam rubbing his eyes.


Elena streeeeetched and unawares of all the chaos and the startled boys - or that she added to it as she suddenly shot up onto her feet, " it's moooooooooooorning!" giggling and giving her little buddies hurry up and wake up shoves and tickles!


Duncan protests that diving under the blankets to avoid the tickling! "meh!" he informs her!


hahahaa Elena giggles and pokes the feet of the lump of blankets. " come on I need to pee! ... must get Ser Raphie!" so brightly and moves to the edge of the bed to shimmy off. " hey Stitch wheres SerRaphie?" she asks brightly moving towards the alien and rubbing his belly cause he flopped over onto his back and patted himself there. He sniffs and points.


Duncan lump wriggled to the end of the bed and then the shape slowly melts and he appears at the foot of the bed, Randal grumps a bit but follows, Malcolm simply flops off the side of the bed to hurry around to join his brothers and Elena and Liam finally brings up the rear, maybe walking a tad funny cause his brothers weight had been on his little legs but perfectly fine.


Stitch makes a shhhhh gesture, sticks an ear into the main lair, pulls it back and gestures for a follow me and leads the little ones to Raphie's door. He listens carefully, no adult activity smells from in here and no more rustling sounds so he crawls up the wall to the handle juuuuuuuuuuuuust out of their collective reach and turns it, pushing the door open, dropping down beside it with a eager " Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" ooooh yes definitely encouraging the kids to go right in and get DaddyRaphie and MamaHaley.


And then gleeful cackle again as there is a collective YAY! from eager toddlers and their child friend in the lead they scurry across the floor and try to leap onto Raphie's.... hammock... this then puzzled them and they crowded under the hanging structure...


Haley giggles Raphie's snores in here smothered the fart sound far away and the sounds of eager babies - she dragon ups her tail and drops it down for little ones to climb up. " come on..." softly and encouragingly cause their cute and sooooooooo confused about this as they had been about Don's loft bed.


~


Erica - thorough she heard something. but she is not quite ready to do more than smiiiiiile at the good morning message. Minimal but it was there and she appreciated it all the same but stays where she is eyes still closed and humming softly to herself.

Leo opened one eye at the noise. It had been an impressive sound, but... well...

Not the first time.

Under different circumstances, Leo probably would have roused Mike out of bed about the time that the kids got up. As it is, he will probably do so anyway! Leo cannot imagine that he was the only one who had been disturbed this morning. In fact, he's pretty sure there's a bit of movement out in the lair now.

Leo gets up and peeks out of the dojo, just in time to see Stitch lead the kids to Raph's room. That was sort of amusing right there. Leo does nothing to stop them, but he does watch quietly to make sure all is well. And yes, amusement at the awe over Raphie's hammock! He just caught a peek of it through the still open door. Cuties. But Leo doesn't interrupt the moment.

Once it seems that Raph and Haley at least mostly have a handle on things, Leo makes his way to the kitchen. The water Don started is still warm, but he heats it up a little more and starts at least getting things together for breakfast. Any dishware that might have been left in the drying rack is put away, and the kitchen is ready for whatever anyone wants to start. While Leo is content with cereal again, others usually have different ideas. If cereal is cool, everything is ready. And tea is ready when Splinter wants it, and Leo has his own. There is hot water for anyone who wants coffee or tea.

Next, spelling boards are wiped of yesterday's work and are ready for the day. He left a cute doodle in the corner of Malcolm's board.

Then he will meet the bathroom crew, and be ready to take kids as they're finished.

"Gooood Morning!" Obnoxiously perky and ready for kiddies!

~~

Don, off in the garage, heard something, but didn't really pay it much mind.

Raphie snoooooooooored!


Flopping a little more seemingly instinctively keepign the hammock balanced as a brave - or perhaps desperate little girl took a deep breath and climbed up Haley's tail. Followed by Malcolm and Duncan. Haley giggles, sure it was a little uncomfortable once three kids were all but sitting on her and she wraps tail about the last two bringing them up - but worth it when the entire bundle went tumbling onto Raphie!


" snooooooooooooooooooooore - ack!" cause from happy making out induced slumber to many little hands and feet chilled by first contact with the floor were all over his warm reptil self!


And as his eyes focus he at once notices a little girl, and four little boys all crammed into his hammock on top of him with a very amused Haley beside them!


" great your up SerRaphie! loo time!" says the little girl cheerfully.


And there was Leo -


when a wake and yawning Raphie leaves his room, a bed haired Haly beside him and arms full off kids, Elena and Randal in one arm tucked to his side and giggling, Liam and Malcolm dangling off the other, Duncan hanging onto a leg all beaming around their holds at DadLeo and Dad slash Ser Raphie mumbles something back to Leo that was not of the good and morning variety -


" hey Leo, it is a good morning."[/.color] Haley giggles, amused! And well she may have lots of work to get onto so she can focus on the Kraang and stuff and should check in with Grandpa. And there was still all they had to accomplish looming and what they learned... but she is choosing to be positive and well having made out a bit and stinking of Raphie snuggles helps!


" Aloha Lionturtle!" Elena answers brightly.


Four little guys mimic her, Liam almost perfectly, Duncan stopping half way to ask DadLeo what Aloha meant, Malcolm playing with the alooooooha sounds but in his sing song happy greeting sort of way and Randal happily reaching for Leo from Raph's arms as their passing.


Donnieboy is... moving - Red giggles in and un wraps her arms from around him so the lean turtle could do his zombie thang to the kitchen - uninterrupted this morning... she looks over eagerly at the crowd of kids, dangling off Raphie! Awwwwwwwww their so cute when asleep but equally cuuuuuute now! She gets up and stretches making her way that way! " Morning!"


Stitch rollllllllllllllllllllls into a ball and rolls to Leo's room vanishing within to go snuggle his bestie for a bit before food will, like Mike draw him out!


Mike was eager for food but - five more minutes! - wait no babies were up!... oooh but he's at a good part in his latest issue! annnnnd in his indecision as he reads marching back and forth on the spot!


Lilo smiles and rubs Stitch's belly in the quiet of Leo's room, she heard the greetings, but she is not quite ready!


Splinter will materialise beside the tea pot ... sniffing the air and a little rattled Donatello had been here already and had restorative tea... siiigh he hopes today they make some ground on helping him. Erica or someone! He himself. was thinking of meditating after his stories to see if Ancient One had some ideas. Ooooooooh cereal again - he would love it but decides on some toast! - and will add a few pieces for the toddlers to try some too hearing they are up!

Leo is amused by the juxtaposition of the happy kiddos and a grumpy Raphie. And he's not doing a single thing to hide it.

In part because he knows it irks his sleepy, grumpy brother when Leo is chipper in the morning like this.

He smiles, a slight nod to Haley, just an acknowledgement of her response. "Indeed it is, and it does seem that you have your hands full." But is Leo moving to actually help? No. There will be too many in the bathroom. But he is there to take kids as they finish!

"Aloha, Elena. And Duncan, right now it means 'hello,' but sometimes it means 'goodbye.'" Leo gets the impression that there's really more to it than that, but that's his minimal understanding, and probably as much as Duncan would understand anyway. "But I think Lilo would be the best one to ask about that."

~~

If Don is aware of movement in the lair, he has not responded to it. It's really a 50/50 chance at this point. He might not have noticed, or he might know and is ignoring it for the moment.

Raphie grumbles but lightly catches Duncan's shell as the eager purple mini Donnie immediately turned to look for Lilo to ask more that face all lite up in that Don way of oooh I must know! that Raphie hadn't seen much of lately until Stitch's little craft had come into the lair. " not yet lil dude, Daddy Leo might go wake MamaLilo sometime or she'll join us soon, in meantime come, loo and breakfast." in a tone that was still slightly grumpy, but not as much so. It was a close thing there had been the expected glare at Leo for his waaaaaaaaaay too perky self, but there was a nawwwww moment when alohaing Elena giggled at Leo's response to her and the boys attempts to mimic her and she snuggled against Raphie... he melted.


Was it the boys being cute or the snuggling? who knows.


Probably both -


but its as obvious to Haley as she is sure the others the way the grump face melties and she smothers a giggle and lightly taps Leo' in a playful sort of way on his bicep with her tail tip - keep the tail out to guide the little ones as Raphie puts them down to the loo. " come on DaddyRaph is right, and I needs to pee so me and Elena first?" she offers holding a hand out to Elena.


Elena nods, squeezes SerRaphie again, thanks him for the ride and once down takes Haley's hand and the girls go in first, boys waiting where the tail of their mother had shuffled them to beside DadRaphie.


Duncan still looking about eagerly hoping Lilo would get up so he could bombard her with questions - ooooor sometimes looking at the garage and bouncing eagerly. Malcolm beams up at DadLeo " sea all yesth?" eagerly! mis pronouncing cereal. Liam oooohs and looks up eagerly too tail wagging - Randal is a little like Raphie, once on his feet he'd yawned and buried his own 'grump' face in the back of Raphie's knee.


~~


Torn between wanting to stay in bed just that bit longer still a little tired and wanting to join in with the toddlers and kids Erica for the moment just remains, lying on her side and gazing at the simple good mornings left... then sort of thinks over what Don had told her had happened, and how things had gone with his father the night before and Splinters sort of worried, defeated old frail look. She moves, bed hair and all slipping down the ladder to the floor and pull on the shirt and shorts from the night before but nothing else. Carefully wiping the good morning away and replacing it with her best outline of a bat - smiling.


she slips out of the room and again a moment of pause deciding whether to join the others yet... no not yet. She crosses the lair to the garage, just to look in, she wont join or disrupt or disturb Don any more than just to let him know she was there whether or not she can see him from the door way, with a soft, " Good morning button." as in chocolate button - its a soft greeting. Only for him and also light so as not to interrupt.

Leo chuckles softly as Duncan tries to take off to ask Lilo his question. It was so cute! and an all too familiar expression on his little face!

Raph's glare at Leo's morning mood only makes him smile a little brighter!

"After you guys are finished going potty, and are eating breakfast, I'll go see if Lilo is ready to get up." Leo told the curious little guy. And he can't help but chuckle at the little Randal, burying his grumpy face in DaddyRaphie's knee! Definitely like father like son right there!

Leo steps back around the corner so Haley and Elena can pee without the additional audience.

"That's right, Malcolm. Cereal again! Though I think Ratpa is also making some toast. So you might get to try that too."

~~

Don isn't really busy at the moment. Really, he's just sort of tidying up after this morning's task. He can always find something to do, but at the moment, it's nothing pressing. He's aware that the kids are getting up, and breakfast will be soon so he was actually making a point of not starting anything new.

He looks over as Erica pokes her head in and he smiles at her as he puts away a tool.

"Good morning, Thecosomata."

She had a new name for him this morning, and he loves that! And he has a new one for her. Don gives the garage a quick once over glance, making sure there's nothing else that needs to be put away right now, then moves to Erica for a hug.

Even human senses can probably pick up that he spent a little too long in the dojo this morning, and she can probably see the garage grime on him!

"Sorry, I should shower..." Maybe when the kids aren't in line to potty though!

Dawwwww Raphie has melted and he rubs Duncan's head as little guys bounces eagerly, " heeeeeeeeey let DadLeo sort out MamLilo okay? yoooou have to eat." yeeeeep knowing Leo, and himself were definitely trying to make sure the little guy didn't develop the habit of skipping meals.


Liam does a very Mike thing and hugs his grumpy face hiding brother - but so much like Leo very chipper! - all tail wags and chirpies!


Haley comes out of the loo with Elena and grins at them all, " You handsome fellas are up." she winks and still with Elena heads towards the table to get the little lady settled and wait for the boys, awwwwwing a bit when she sees the older table, now the kids play and learn table had the boards set out on it ready for teaching little minds, and that Malcolms had a drawing - heheh she won't give away the surprise let the little fellow discover that on his own and be delighted!


Raphie grunts a little and turns Liam and Randal towards the bathroom, gently pushing Duncan and Malcolm towards Leo. " you heard Leo, handsome next!" tease! and well his grumpies are fading, Randal's hasn't, he'd been trying to wriggle off his chipper blue brother and now was scurrying after Raphie to keep his face hidden - hahaha but it wouldn't last, Raphie did see a small grin there. " you two handsome little guys can come in when I send your brothers out okay?" they had to learn after all they didn't have to go into the loo en masse they could take turns and one day would be taking themselves when they needed to. But pairs were fine for this morning. Annnnnnnnnnnnd over to the loo with the no longer able to keep up the pretense of being cranky Randal and Liam gently urging the little fellows to share the space with each other, stand side by side on the little stool. Only encouragement as they had the getting the stool bit and putting the seat up almost down to an no longer thinking about it art.... okay maybe a little thinking...


Malcolm and Duncan miss the tease meant for Leo, and their not sure of all Raphie said but they do know wait here! And Malcolm is happy bouncing! Duncan watching Leo eagerly, " me is wait?" not yet having mastered the art of trying to weedle his way into following Leo into the room!


~


Erica grinned, ooooh she didn't mind she no doubt looked all messy haired and rumpled from just getting out of bed, and she didn't mind he looked grimy, given the warm reception and that she wasn't interrupting anything she definitely accepts that hug with a shake of her head, " I don't mind at all... and you, under the grease smell... sorta smell like corn chips..." she sweaty part of him, she wonders how long she missed him out of bed, but doesn't ask, if he wants to share she knows he will and encourages it with the eagerness and warmth of her embrace melting into the hug he'd come over for. All the while a curious look, what was this new name for her to think over?!


" mmmmm-" up careful to pick a spot on him she could lick a little of his post dojo sweaty self, along his pulse starting from neck crook to just under ear hole. " you taste yummy." at least there! fingers brushing over the scutes of his shell just to lightly scratch there feeling the rough ish firm surface.

Leo does know that Duncan has escaped the potty line at least once already, so he is taking a little extra care to make sure the little guy doesn't escape again. Though last time it did get Don to actually come to the table.

Leo somehow suspects that Lilo at least doesn't actively avoid meals the way Don has been known to, so it probably wouldn't be as helpful an escape as last time! Though Leo does trust she would get him back where he belongs.

Leo is amused by the tease, and winks at the two still with him and teases back.

"No one likes a line jumper."

Not that they would understand the comment, but Raph would!

Leo chuckled at the little ones, and Duncan's comment. Yeah... Don had trouble with that too, especially as a kid.

"Yes, you need to wait, but we'll get you some breakfast, and she'll be up soon."

~~

Don made a bit of a face at the corn chip thing. Yup, definitely time for a shower! And he doesn't answer the unasked question about how long he had been up. In the dojo long enough to have a corn chip smell, and the garage long enough to put the ship back together.

It's been awhile.

If she voices the question in any way, he'll tell her.

He's not chilled, but the garage is cool, and she still has that just got up warmth, and he's definitely holding that hug a little longer than she might have first expected. And he had been amused by her curious look! But if she wants an answer, she is going to have to look it up or ask!

There's a soft churr as she licks him like that, and it's actually a laugh when she says he tastes good.

"I spent the better part of the morning in the dojo, and putting back together the ship that runs on Stitch poo. And you say I still taste good? I have questions."

Erica is definitely keeping the hug going! She has no intention of letting go unless Don really really wants her to, enjoying watching his face, giggling at the face made in response to her description of his scent - it wasn't a bad smell though! it was, consciously to her a chippie smell, the sort of corn with salty flavor that was comforting when one needed a nibble on something that was fairly both light but naughty as far as calories go.


And a pleasing look at the amusement - oooh she was going to puzzle over the new name for a bit before she would cave and ask -


A laugh with his and she carefully cups his cheeks so she could gently tilt his head up a little if he lets her and continue her exploring for another... not so grimy spot to give another teasing lick to, she'd love that chur and wanted more of those, and more laughing! " quesssss.....tions?" in delight her fingers sliding away, word drawn out by her tasting him and inviting those questions! she'd lick just under the curve of his chin, enjoying the slightly salty flavor. Fingers brush down his neck to shoulder and then lightly to biceps squeezing them. " I'd love to give you shell scrubbies again."


Maybe then she may ask how his morning went. Right now she just wanted to tease a little by trying to find another spot that wasn't greasy or maybe might have been somewhere ship fuel might have gotten on and taste a little more - ooooh right those lips! she grins and there is a soft half kiss half lick right along bottom lip eyes playful and on his.



~



Raphie gave a raspberry as a response but there is some hehehe's under the sound and he carefully watches the little boys at the pee stance making sure they both pay attention to what they are doing and then leading them over once Liam finishes, hops down and waits for his brother, Randal finishing up with a loud sigh that makes Raphie snigger, then he nudges the stool along behind them to the sink.


Then shooing the giggling little fellows back to the door way and almost grabbing for Liam when he tripped over Malcolm as he bounces excitedly about - the little blue guys sprawled onto his plastron... but didn't seem hurt by it - his big for toddler but tiny compared to theim hands and feet went every which way!


and Randal growled in delight and pounced on his brother they rolled on the ground beside DaddyLeo and in front of an very amused DaddyRaphie tusselling and kicking and squeaking happily. " weeeeeeeell might have been a part of a scene like that once or twice...." he muses to Leo and gives it a moment - if Leo looks like he is taking Malcolm and Duncan into the bathroom he will move out of the way, disrupt the wrestling cuties and take them to get settled - if not Raphie will swap and leave them to Leo... amused and either way -


Malcolm laughs and leaps ontop of his brothers! " I looooooooooove you!" soooooooo eagerly to the two he is now sort of sprawled on top of and mushing them! but then again that was definitely how Mike showed love sometimes.


And Raphie smothers a laugh as Haley over there melts, as Red over there muffles a squuuuuuuuuuuueeeeeeee and their father too makes a muffled sound of clearing his throat that was a little more hiiigh pitched and unnecessary as possible.


Duncan was hoping from foot to foot, and looking like he was torn between jumping right on in that pile, rushing into bathroom to pee! and glancing about to the table and then to DaddyLeo's room...


decisions decisions was definitely keeping him from making like a Houdini and scampering away again!

Mm... she's warm, and the hug feels soooo darned good, and he really did need it. Sure, when he'd woken up, he had needed to escape, but now the contact was needed.

"Mm hmm... Do you allllways enjoy sweat and Stitch poop? Which I'm pretty sure he said was radioactive now that I think about it... and--" Oh, there's a rabbit hole he would have gone down if she hadn't mentioned shell scrubbies!

He is going to need a sample of Stitch poo at some point...

But first things first.

"Oh, that would be amazing."

And he does catch that kiss, and pulls her a little closer. Just for a moment. It sounds like the others are getting up and getting ready for breakfast, but Don really does need to wash up before heading anywhere near the kitchen or the table!

~~

Leo chuckles at Raphie's raspberry.

When the kids already in the bathroom come out, Leo is sort of just barely out of their way, and he chuckles at the collision with Malcolm.

"Don't even think about it, Duncan. Potty first. Then breakfast. Then questions." Just to make sure the expectations are clear! And Leo does position himself between Duncan and where Lilo was sleeping. He is positioned in a way that almost forces Duncan to go into the bathroom. There just aren't any other easy alternatives.

Then Leo chuckles at Raph's comment about the crash.

"I suppose that miiiiight look somewhat familiar." He agreed. And darn it if those kids weren't completely adorable! And Malcolm! Definitely a Mike move there, but it's just sooo cute!

And Leo does take over potty duties with Malcolm and Duncan.

"It's breakfast time. If you want to eat, you have to let Duncan and Malcolm potty first!"

"mmmmm only Don sweat... Stitch poo not so much..." but oooh she will deal with it just to lick him!


Amused the shell scrubbies offer distracted him from those thoughts. And murmuring to him in the kiss as he pulls her closer, pressing to Don's plastron, "I would risk radiation for tastes and this ... Closeness with yoooou." and mmmmm she doesn't know her scent is warmer, potent. Not full excitement but a little.


And she had questions about his morning for him but they can wait until the rush of water covered up any conversation he might not be ready to share to his brothers.

Don chuckled softly at her response. Because while Stitch poop clearly has some fascinating properties... yeah, he's seen what Stitch eats.

There's another of those soft sighs. Oh, she smells good. Like... extra vanilla this morning. It's... Mmm... Definitely noticeable! But Don is wired a little differently. And he's not necessarily excited, but he does notice, and he nuzzles into her hair for a moment. Oh, shell scrubbies from her sounds amaaaazing!

Until what had been sort of stirring in the background of his mind interrupts that rather blissful train of thought.

"That other Mikey eats like Stitch does. I wonder if his poop could power the ship too."

Nooooo! Oh, kill that right there.

But now it's out there in his brain.

No, wait... did he say that out loud?!

Shell. He said that out loud!!

Bluuuuuush!

Panic!

"Um... no. Ew... I mean. Um... Sorry, I uh..." Yeah, there's no saving himself now!

Erica was a mite offended by the outburst, really thats where his mind went now?! - was she just not exciting to him at all that way? Soooooooo much so that poop thoughts were there... escaping...


And a whole lot amused.


Caught off guard and silent for a moment... then he'd feel her shudder a bit and - well she is not at all successful in smothering the musical, low and a little on the hysterical side giggling.


its not working and his blushing and apology is not helping.


" I... its... fine - sorry... I should not be giggling - just so unexpected." yeah not at a moment like that!


but she does move a little out of the embrace so they could move along... still trying to reassure him and reign her giggles in at the same time. " hehehe adorable blush.... lead on?"


((ooc: bwhahahaha ))

~


Chuckling Raphie lightly prods apart the wrestlers, Malcolm was easy to move scrambling off his brothers and unintentionally helping keeping Duncan from trying to find a moment around Leo to rush off to the bedroom, by scrambling off Liam and Randal, that Raphie is lightly pulling apart to take to the table and right into his purple brother -


Duncan hadn't been about to try right now with the way blocked and being bumped by an eager Malcolm -


" brefest seaal!" Malcolm chirps eagerly rushing into the loo and right past the stool to stand on. Luckily for him following Duncan did remember after nodding at DaddyLeo, beaming and distracted in anycase by his eager golden brother, Malcolm was for a moment bouncing about the bowl trying to hop high enough to aim over - Duncan baps him on the shoulder lightly and points, the stool!


Ah the bright golden MiniMike climbs right up - aims and with tongue out of the corner of his mouth in concentration as he barely is in right aim and stance to peeeeeeeeeee freely -


Duncan careful in joining his brother, and a hand back for Dad's as he takes aim.


Raphie chuckles watching them go, and now little playful boys apart he lightly lifts them to make them cackle, " Off to the table giggle gurts, save some of that energy for lessons this morning..." heading towards their waiting for them mother and Ratpa - and eeeeeing Red. Amused her turtle was behind her and looked like he was about to wake properly at any moment coffee in hand and steaming fresh!

He saw that moment of hurt and that's sort of what tipped him off to realizing he had actually spoken aloud! Noooo!

Yeah... he can't blame her for the shudder. He feels the same on that one!

But she's giggling now. And it's that beautiful, musical one! And he loves that sound, though... he's pretty sure there's a liiiittle hysterical edge on it.

There's another little cringe as she said his comment had been unexpected, but it's more a bashful one than anything else.

"Heh... uh... so... welcome to my brain. Um... it's weird. I know. I'm sorry. I'm... usually better at filtering things like that." Definitely still blushy. He really hadn't meant to break that moment! He'd been enjoying that! Maybe not excited, per se, but it did feel good!

Unlike DonnieBoy who will just ramble away if a topic strikes his fancy, Don has been pretty well trained to keep unnecessary thoughts to himself. Usually.

Alone in the garage is his safe space. Raph, as an occasional garage buddy tackling a separate task, has probably heard his share of weird questions and ramblings as Don just thinks aloud to himself. It's uncommon when they're working on the same project, but if they're doing different tasks in the same space, Don will occasionally ramble to himself. It's only when he sort of forgets that Raph is there though. If others are obviously around, Don will work in silence. It is entirely possible that Raph is the only one who truly knows that Don's weird thoughts can rival Mike's.

Blurting that out to Erica was actually him considering her a safe space, like when he's alone in the garage.

And to be fair, he's spent at least the last hour working on the poop-mobile. Much of that time had been spent piecing back together the power system that ran on the aforementioned substance. It takes a little while for his brain to fully change gears!

But yes, lead on, okay. At least by this time, the kids have vacated the bathroom, and the space is available! Don is quiet, slipping around the edge of the room with Erica. He's not necessarily hiding from the adults, but he doesn't really want any residue of what he's been working on to get on the kids! So he is taking a little care to hide from them at least until he's showered.

~~

Leo is careful to maintain his position that sort of prevents Duncan from leaving, but he does help Raph break up the little pile of players.

"That's right. breaKfast cereal." Leo confirmed, carefully enunciating the letter sounds that Malcolm hadn't quite gotten. It's not really that noticeable, just Leo making sure the kiddo heard them.

And oh did some of their mannerisms and behaviors look familiar. He can't help but chuckle as Duncan has to remind the (over)excited Malcolm about the stool. Little gold tot remembered quickly enough though. There had been a tense moment where Leo had been a little concerned that he was going to have to clean the bathroom floor before Malcolm actually managed to aim just well enough to keep things in the toilet! And he did take the little purple hand that reached back for him.

Leo's got the little guy's back. Always. And hopefully they will grow up certain of that.

Once the little guys have peed, Leo scoots the stool over to the sink for the kids. Then, to help the little hand washers, Leo puts one arm around each of them and washes hands with them. All three sets of hands scrubbing each other! A quick kiss to two little heads before setting them off to dry hands and follow their brothers.

"Breakfast time. Off to the kitchen with you two!" And he will make sure that Duncan goes that way! Once they're in the care of another adult, Leo will go wake up Lilo as promised.

As the kids are herded toward breakfast, Leo spotted a slightly blushie Don, and was Erica almost still giggling? Cute. They seemed to be moving toward the now available bathroom.

Maybe he would make sure the kids are all eating contently before waking Lilo. It would give Don and Erica a few minutes.

Erica cannot help giggling! And brush her fingers over those blushie cheeks as he speaks, shaking her head a little. " it's okay Don - I -"


And their on the moooove -


Sneaking about the lair, and she gets its for the kids benefit mostly, smiling at the scene and the others as they go.


And she waits until their in the bathroom. Before she will tug Don back closer again, both hands catching both of his if he allows it. Holding them, eyes on his. " no matter how... oddly timed that was or mildly alarming or confusing or even if it makes me a little jealous if only because our kissing was not forefront of your beautiful mind right then, and I absolutely understand why with that cool craft there.... I adored it Don, and would love more of those very random out loud thoughts." her cheeks are pink from her giggles and her eyes twinkling in delight.


And well yeah as much as it threw her for a loop, she loved it none the less. And would always want him to feel happy and safe to blurt out anything around her.

Don let's Erica catch his hands and pull him close once they reach the bathroom, and he turns on the water to warm up. He had watched her, a little worried, but she still seemed mostly amused.

Don blinks for a moment when Erica finished what she had to say. He is typically quiet, especially with those sort of weird thoughts, in part because his family has sort of discouraged them. Subtly, and probably without really meaning to, but Don was quiet in general, and had found it easier in the past few years to keep them to himself. Much better than Mike taking the thought and running with it. Not out of malice to be sure, but Mike was just Mike.

And to have her here standing in front of him saying she wants to hear those weird thoughts!

Kisses are at the forefront again! At least for a moment.

"I promise not to hide weird thoughts from you." Everyone else? Probably still won't hear them!

Oh, but Ew... should get this off. He doesn't want to be responsible for anyone getting sick from what he was working on. Sure, he had been careful, and had taken precautions, still... best wash up.

"I need to clean up now though. I don't want anyone getting sick. You included." Even if she's willing to risk illness, he's not willing to let her risk that anymore than she already has! He also doesn't want to tie up the bathroom too long. Others may need it. He removes his gear quickly, once again, tossing it haphazardly on the counter, and ready to get in the water.

He really needs to do something about the bathroom situation... taking their time in here would be fun.

And while Erica is getting undressed, Don will go about quickly clearing the top layer of yuck off himself. Mostly because he doesn't want Erica touching it more than necessary. Even if he knows she's willing to do so.

" ssss.... sssss eeee rrreeeal?!" Malcolm mimics happy dragging the word out and maybe not correct on the lettering but sounded right!


Little Duncan squeezed Daddy's Leo's fingers with his smaller ones -


And indeed small moments like this the kiddoes will remember.


Especially when followed up but being at the hand washing and both focusing on washing their dads hands more than their own! and both, feeling those light kisses turn, dripping wet hands and all  hug a shoulder each and nuzzle in, churring!


And even when ushered out toward the table, eagerly waiting DaddyRaphie and MamaHaley the two little guys tails wagged!


Awwwww Ratpa helps Malcolm into his seat whilst Raphie, grinning at Leo scooops up Duncan and gives him a light little play toss int he air and nuzzles him. Malcolm gleefully waving his spoon at Red, " Seeerrreee alll!"


Splinter had a ear tracking the progression of Don and Erica through the lair but his focus was on the little ones and he smiles, " Yes Malcolm, cereal, and toast." he waits until all little guys are at the table, haley is moving about scooping random half cups of cereal into kiddie bowls and Red behind her with the milk, Raphie nudges Leo with a grin, its sorta a 'hang on a moment bro' to watch the little ones enjoy toast the first time - oooh camera!


And Haley has to fight a giggle at the eager way Raphie fished in his belt for his cellshell to get pics, cause it reminded her of her mother whose reaction to every milestone her two children had was 'get the camera!'... she was gonna have to tell the story of when she, her brother Jake, Trixie and Spud tried to knock out her first dragon tooth!


Splinter can hear Raphael fumbling so draws out handing over onto little plates, a square of toast for each child, Elena mumbling a bright thank you around her spoon.


The toast had a smear of butter and a little honey on each cut into four slices, a first time for honey for the little guys and toast!


And - he smothers a laugh -



the appearance of the extra little plate and .... was this food? all the little boys first look surprised, Malcolm more melodramatically so as in ducking behind his spoon and peering again at his little plate and toast slice as if it might vanish and reappear if he ducked in and out - Duncan missing his mouth becoming distracted his free hand leaving his bowl to touch his piece of toast with a finger. Randal picking up one of his little squares of toast and sniffing it curiously -


then three boys look at Liam, he meanwhile was inspecting one piece of his toast, spoon in hand... " Wassit? Ratpa? wassit?"


oh the happy shivers that cause for Splinter! " toast Liam, that is called toast and is quite yummy." he sits, with his own toast and tea to show them.


Liam oooohs and smiles at that, " t oo... t!  t teee DadLeo! for t oooast!" he calls happily recalling the previous lesson... and taking his first nip of toast... oooooooooooh! happy crunching sounds -


Randal all but stuffs his first square into his mouth whole and chews tail wagging mimicking Liam's eager recollection of t teee t chatter!


Duncan watches Liam for a moment, takes a mouth full of cereal and chews whilst he inspects his toast piece, feeling the rough warm crunch surface, and sniffing the scent warm toasted bread smell, licking the sticky honey side...


Whilst Malcolm couldn't decided if he wanted to eat toast or a mouth ful of cereal first or his toast... and dunks his in his bowl to eat it!


" hah! right on Malcolm why did I never try that?" Mike laughs and joins the table, bumping past his brothers ont he way past, mostly just to annoy Raphie but at least planning it when the red clad brother had lowered his phone and no longer filming. " looks yummy."


Raphie missed the return smack to the back of their brothers head by a hair - a hair!


" ooonly you would think so you weird, thanks Red, Haley - grab yourself some grub... you awake in there yet DonnieBoy?" sniggering when that made the lean turtle stop leaning against the bench snoozing softly and sip his morning wake up juice.


~


Ooooooooh she did adore his smiles, chuckling and following Don into the shower -


deliberately slowly, taking time to streeeetch and let her clothing fall off when it could, and her hair bounce a little, only just to give Don more time to wash off the grime that worried him so and maybe enjoy the view a little before stepping up to the side of the tub to step in with him. woooould you be my doctor if I got ill?" she flirts, is playful she fully trusts he'd care for her.


hand out for his when he is ready for her to step in and well she is enjoying the view!

Leo couldn't help but smile at the little ones as he helped them through the morning potty break and got them to the table for breakfast.

The little hands trying to wash his gave him the perfect opportunity to wash theirs and show them what it should feel like when they're washing their own. He's pretty sure they actually got a pretty good scrub out of the little endeavor.

When they turn to nuzzle and churr, and hug him with those wet, little fingers, Leo picks up both kids, one in each arm, and returns the nuzzles and churrs for just a moment. He doesn't take too long, but does take just a moment to give them a little affection before sending them off to the table for breakfast.

Leo gives Raph a slight nod. Yup. He will definitely stay for watching the kids try the toast. Especially since Don and Erica have slipped off to the bathroom. Leo suspects a shower, so is happy to enjoy this moment with the kids before going to wake Lilo.

Since Raphie had already taken camera duties, Leo mostly enjoyed the show! Helping where he can, and staying out of the way when that's the best call.

"Absolutely right, Liam. Toast does start with the letter T!" And Leo patted Randal on the head when he repeated the little line. "And you too, Randal."

Oh, they were so cute, and the warm toast and honey smell was actually really good. Sure, why not. He put some toast in for himself, and got another cup of tea after Mike bumped past him and Raph.

It was tempting to trip him.

But Leo refrained. They didn't need Mike crashing into the table while the kids ate breakfast.

"Pretty sure you did, Mike. The rest of us just got tired of the mess." Though he doesn't really do a whole lot to stop Malcolm at the moment. They're still little at the moment. He'll offer for now, and guide, and be a good example. That's enough for now. No need for anything more.

A soft chuckle as Raphie calls out DonnieBoy. The guy was up in time to avoid being pranked this morning.

~~

While Don is pretty intent on making sure he's rinsed off as much of anything that might have gotten on him as he can before Erica joins in him in the shower, there is definitely a little peeking going on from time to time.

He does enjoy the whole naked cat look! And he is also enjoying the moment.

He is slightly taken aback or confused by her question that sort of stepped on some of his anxieties. And instead of responding to the flirt, he answered the question as truthfully as possible.

"Um... I guess so... for now. Since you're not fully human, and this is Stitch poo we're talking about, going to a regular hospital probably wouldn't be ideal. I'm an engineer though, not a doctor. Haley might know someone--" And it finally clicked that that was not what she meant! He blushes again and laughs a bit nervously.

"Wait, that was flirting wasn't it? And I just screwed it up again?"

Oh, he's on a roll today. And not the good kind.

She takes all the longer just for the peeking. He is cuuute.


And she gets a peaceful sort of look as he answers, not quite the flirt back, but it's that explaining, soothing to her professor sort of voice that she had told him she would listen to happily even if she didn't understand all of it.


And when he asks if he'd messed up again Erica is in the tub, moving close to his plastron, tracing hands lightly up from his, touching so gently those hands capable of delicate inner phone workings but also strong, and she had a feeling had been less delicate this morning. " nooooo yoooou didn't," fingers light and soft brushing up his forearms, over biceps, her eyes on his until she is under the stream of water, closing as her head tilts upwards just enjoying it, and him, " I do enjoy your teacher voice." tracing over his shoulders.


Eyes reopening to find his, light kiss to his lips finally reaching for the scrubbers to give scrubbers. Kiss light unless he wanted more.

Don is pretty sure she's purposely taking her time getting undressed. Not certain, mind. Just... he thinks so. Maybe? And he does enjoy the moment, and it did give him just another minute to rid himself of anything potentially dangerous.

There's a slight smile as Erica says he hadn't messed up. That she enjoyed that tone he'd used. And he does accept the light kiss. And the light kiss is much appreciated. Don will linger with it for just an extra moment. He then pulls her into a hug though and, for a moment, is reluctant to let go. He wants to linger, take their time. Just... stay in this moment for awhile, but he knows they can't take too long.

There's only one bathroom, and limited hot water. And he really needs to do something about that. Plumbing was far too frustrating for this morning though. And it can also be noisy and disruptive. He didn't want to wake anyone.

He does though, and helps with choosing a scrub brush.

If she does take a moment to pay attention to his hands, definitely less delicate this morning. He busted a few knuckles on the dummy this morning. It's mostly cleaned up and taken care of by now, but there's still evidence of the time he spent in there if she knows what to look for.

The ship had needed to be put  back together, and it was enjoyable, relatively east and had mostly larger, more durable parts. He had reasons for choosing that project over some of the others he still needs to accomplish. Other projects that were perhaps less relaxing, or required a truly steady hand.

Between Erica and the warm water, Don is actually, truthfully relaxing. Given half an opportunity, he probably could fall asleep after this. He doesn't expect to be afforded that opportunity, but honestly relaxing is still probably a good thing. He's quiet at the moment. Very content to just be here with her.

She has a brush, she uses the embrace, both just loving the embrace but also brush in hand using it as a moment to begin the scrubbing with the barest amount of soap over his carapace, because its just a rinse more and a scrubbies of what ever was left of the grim.


And she had noted his hands.


And as the embrace comes to a gentle not quite parted ways as she doesnt feel like leaving his arms she shifts just enough to scrubbies his plastron next with light circular scrubbies as she had his carapace, there is a soft hum, a soft song just for him. And in the great acoustics of the bathroom she was able to sound like she had a duet partner timing herself just at the perfect moments to have the soft echo, and mingle with it every third line, or it was sooo easy a little ditty he could have joined right in right over top.


"I love you,"
"I love you,"
"Oh I do!" Annnnnnnd sooooo attentive in washing him, laying brush on bath edge when she is done with his hard surfaces, prefering her fingers and the soap lather, skin to skin to scrub rest of Don, sort of squatting to start from feet upwards.

"you’re my one,
"since day one,"
"oh, it’s true!" so light her washing over sides of his body armour, not to tickle him but knowing its probably unavoidable and not minding, singing, she'd be all sorts of blushing and pink cheeked if he's joined in, in not just a glow with the delight... and she's sort of going to ask about his morning with her words and voice as her hands move up him more. Back to shoulders.

"have no fear,"
"oh I'm here,"
"And I so care." over shoulders and down biceps with her first small sentence, over aforearms with the next and catching, sooo very careful with each hand with last. kissing the hurt knuckles if he lets her.

"cause with you,"
"no more blue,"
"you’re my boo."

"oh, with you,
just us two.
you’re my booooooooooo..." Finish with letting hands go and inviting him to embrace her again, hold her close just some moments more as he is rinsed by the water, " Wanna tell me about this morning?" encouraging, if he didn't it would be entirely okay with her, but she felt - maybe he did need too.


~


Mike makes a disappointed face as DonnieBoy, yawning and sipping his coffee and plopping in an empty seat. And even whilst over there cutie Malcolm is making huge mess with his milk and toast dunking there! And making a disappointed sound and begging sort of chirpies when he runs out of toast.


" pweeeeeeeeas?"


and Raphael chuckles, moving to add a couple more pieces after Leo's just encase Leo gives his pieces to the kiddoes for their all scraping at bowls and looking for more, or to do up after. " good manners Malcolm. Awwwwwwwww." oh he was a mush ball, he and Casey were going to have to escape topside sometime and make sure they still had bad boy tough guy shells.


Yep.


Elena chewy chews and beams around at her strange new little brothers then back at Leo and Ratpa, " we do more school?.... can Lilo teach us hula after?" she wonders oh so brightly, she had managed not to make as much mess as her four younger companions, but still a milk mustache was a happening and a little goatie of toast crust.


Hahahhaa Haley grinned and raised her brows at the little lady's question but its a happy wondering eyebrow, " I may have to love and leave you guys after lunch for a while, I have classes and dragony duties to do, plus check on grandpa... check to see if Raphie really got a package." sliiightly teasingly and there is a playing smiiirrrrk around her lips.


Raphie points a piece of bread at her thats half way to the toaster after Leo's pieces, " heeeey if my new noodly friend wants me to skin care then we are gonna skin care, and we are all doing it." he warns, making her giggle and Mike wonder out loud if they can eat eye cucumber slices -


DonnieBoy and Red chuckling.


Ratpa preens a little, " surely not meeee, all this lucious fur and spring chickeny no wrinkles face?" he is testing to see how serious Raphael is about this... and even battering his eyes!


Mike snorts with laughter thnakfully not spraying anyone with cereal mush.


Raphie jabs his bread piece at their father, " can never be too beautiful Dad." and a grin at Leo jabbign the bread at him too.

Oh, what she's doing feels good. As Erica sings and works at the grime, she can probably feel some of the tension relax out of his shoulders. And her song!

How does she do that?? But he keeps quiet. He wants to listen. He will ask later. Must be a siren thing. It's tempting to join in with her, it really is, but whatever she's doing to make that duet sound... he hates to interrupt.

Don is expecting the light touch to his sides, but it does still tickle! Still, expecting the touch, he manages to mostly stay still. There is a bit of a squirm, but it's minimal.

When he would normally churr under her song, this time it's actually more of a hum. Unlike some of his brothers, Don can't churr and speak or hum at the same time.  Very briefly once in awhile, but not intentionally. It's a soft tenor under her tune, but it's definitely there.

And he loves the way she lights up! He Isn't a great singer, but he's not bad either. And the tune she chose is simple enough. Singing while anyone else is around is somewhat out of his comfort zone, but it's worth it to see her light up like that!

By the time she's finished and he's actually mostly rinsed off, Don has finally relaxed. He pauses at her question. He sighs, debating for a moment. Not necessarily whether or not to tell her, more... how. He's not certain he could explain to himself, much less someone else.

"I had a nightmare and couldn't get back to sleep. So I got up a bit early."

Okay, if he's honest, it was a lot early. Getting up with Leo and Master Splinter is a bit early. Getting up well before Leo? That's something else.

Erica had been sleeping so soundly after what had to have been an emotionally draining evening, he hadn't had the heart to bother her with his problems.

"It happens sometimes. Usually in sort of fits and spurts. I guess with everything going on...? Don shrugged. He's stressed.

I spent some time in the dojo until Leo came looking to use the space, then I went to the garage."

It's am abbreviated version of his morning, but not untrue.

Leo can't help but chuckle a bit when Mike's hopes to prank DonnieBoy again are thwarted by the guy actually having his coffee already and beings somewhat awake.

And awww... little Malcolm was cute. And those were very good manners. Leo does hand over the toast he'd made to the little guy. Raph was already making more, and Leo somehow doubts that Malcolm will be the only one asking for seconds.

"We will definitely do more school again, Elena. And some more training. As for hula? Well, that will depend on what Lilo's schedule. You can ask when she gets up. And Duncan has been patient with his questions for her too." Leo is definitely still making sure that child doesn't escape without a good breakfast!

There's a nod of understanding as Haley outlines what she needs to do today. And a chuckle as Raph's box of face creams or whatever Pleakley had sent is mentioned. And... just shaking his head at Mike with a chuckle.

"Would you listen if they said 'no'?" Leo is pretty sure Mike would find a way to eat the cucumbers anyway.

Leo might have also snorted behind his cup of tea at the banter with Master Splinter. Leo does take the proffered bread with a soft "Thanks, Raph." And one more set of toast into the toaster.

There is no outright objection to the little skin care session. Sure, Leo finds the whole situation a little weird, but... he's open to new experiences.

Oh, she is enjoying watching him as she sings and cleans, the way his shoulders shift into relaxing, she feels the squirm and for that reason didn't linger for now and sighs with him. She heard his hum, heart thumping, she will have to some time encourage him to sing just with her... and indeed that makes her light up, even if her expression is troubled at his explanation of his morning - and she doesn't notice it it's more than just a brightened look, there is actually a glimmer to her skin, like an opal that's been held and turned under lights to make inner colors shimmer. And she is all eyes on him so hasn't noted it about herself. Because he hummed with her song.


Feeling extreme protectiveness over Don, and moves a kiss to the crook of his neck and shoulder, nibbling there, slowly nibbling upwards with each kisses following the pulse under his skin. " Don, when you proposed and I said I do... to living down here... being with you... I meant it all the ways possible someone could mean those words... I mean you don't have to wake me when invention strikes you.... though... even if I am deeeeep asleep... pleeeease when terrible dreams and unrest hurt you... wake me... let me safe guard you in those moments... share your burdens as much as I can, I want to try and... make it lighter, if only by support and love and a safe spot to land." and over his jaw line.


And she still doesn't notice her shimmering. " diiid Mortu write back?" she wonders gently, again there is not a demand to answer, an encouragement.

Elena squirms happily in her seat and spying more toast being made she quickly slurps the rest of her milk from her cereal and puts her hand up, " YaY! I is never liked school too much until down here, my teachers wouldn't come see bones wid me - and the others no play with me." she just didn't know the children sensed something off about her, or that they didn't know, so young like her, didn't know how to be when Elena had only a big sister as a parent and not a mum and dad like they had mums and dads or dad and or mums.


Down here she had friends and liked her school.


" I have some more too Ser Raphie?... please?" kicking her feet happily and smiling at Leo, she looks curious!. " Lilo good with questions and so much fun!" a grin at Duncan.

Haley giggles, watching, and awwwing a little, smiling at her sons, again that rush of gratitude at Leo for not letting her flake away. She lets her tail extend out again and now she could actually reach them where they reach sat and rubbed little shells of tapped Elena's shoulder.


" Lots to do Haley?... would... um how would... I meet your grandfather?" A little curious and well ... a someone his age?


Haley smiles looking to Splinter. " most days its small tasks and making sure magics are working, that there are no internal conflicts that might spill over to the human world... and I have heard yoooou are a bit of a card shark so I would suggest, you go to one of my grandfathers card games, usually its just him and Fu Dog, sometimes it is sharkardians or leprechauns. You wont look out of place." she looks at Leo - was it okay and a good thing to offer that to his dad? she thooought it was and felt it... was a good thing for him. Not to mention her own grandfather.


She did see Raphael look a bit melty over there at the toaster. and Mikey grinning. So... maybe definitely a good thing?


Also, " Pleakley is going to want to be on vid with you guys and do the pampering together." just so they knew!

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm - maaaaybe a slightly smugish but still sleepish grin at Mike for having been alert enough to definitely avoid a pranking this time. He slips an arm around his April and draws her against his plastron, its a sor tof hug as he sips his coffee, listening.


He smiles a little, aware there was to be brother swapping today and he and April would be home again. But for now they just enjoy this here with the other turtles. Himself wondering if he... or Lee or Raph... or Mikey tried to encourage their father to find friendship... maybe with April's father or Kurtsmen maybe he woul....


no don't go there! he shakes off the what ifs. They did no good after all and it was a sweet thing to hear this interdimensional father actually curious about such a thing himself!

And Raphie is stuffing an entire toast into his mouth and chewing and making up another couple with butter and a jam spread this time, strawberry, he is swallowing with a friendly bump against Leo - and a grin as Liam, Randal and Duncan join in the please please pleasing for more!


and then look half awed, half baffled by the new toast pieces... dawwwwwwwww he does melt... their dad actually asking about making friends - it was a big thing for him!


And he griiiins yep she was awesome.


He churrs a little as he offers their dad another slice of toast. And a bit for Elena, beaming as she ooooohs and says thanks! their settled.


Duncan blinks at Elena, beaming already jam all over his fingers and face cause he was fascinated by the seeds int he jam and the butter that had not quite melted on his toast yet.

Don hadn't noticed the change in her skin either... at least not at first. He had been more focused on her song, and what she was doing. He just doesn't have his eyes open.

He is actually startled by her reaction. It's almost rough in a sort of... well, he's not entirely sure what he's reading off of her. But it's strong. Almost... wild? No... not quite that. There's an intensity that he can't ignore. It's definitely very different, but has a similar sort of effect on him as Master Splinter or Leo snapping an order in the dojo. Whatever it is, she has his full and complete attention.

The kissing and nibbling, that would normally sort of distract him from her words, this time seems to be almost forcing him to focus on them. This is helpful, because he just noticed the opalescent quality that her skin took on! As she finishes telling him to wake her whenever he needs, he is staring. Partially at her words, and partially at that incredible shimmer! He runs a hand along her arm, just... touching whatever that is!

And raises his eyes to hers for a long moment before he nods and just says a soft, "Okay."

He's listening, and he will wake her, even if he doesn't want to bother her. But there is still a distraction as he keeps looking away and watching that colorful shine she suddenly has!

The question about Mortu's response doesn't have the same sort of command feel to it, and it takes Don a moment to process that it had been asked!

"Oh... um... Yeah. He did." And he will absolutely tell her what it said, but he's far too distracted and awed at the moment.

"Erica, look." Pointing out her arm, because it's simple for him to move it into her line of sight.

There's a hint of a frown on Leo's face as Elena tells him that the other kids at her school didn't like her. He has to wonder why. She was a sweet kid. And really, he feels it has more to do with the other kids than Elena. But the kids wouldn't notice the momentary lapse. Some of the adults might though.

"Well, I'm glad you're here with us now then because we are more than happy to have you." And he affectionately ruffles her golden curls just a little. And he smiles, agreeing that Lilo was fun, though perhaps he had additional reasons for thinking that! And Elena's reassuring words to Duncan... daww...

Leo also caught that slight look from Haley, and there's a barely there nod of 'you're welcome.' And there's a smile as Master Splinter asks about meeting Haley's grandfather, and the offer of a card game for them to meet. That sounds perfect. And after having visited the magical world briefly, Leo doesn't expect that Master Splinter would look out of place at all. He should fit in perfectly!

Something like that would be a good chance for their father.

A chuckle at Pleakley wanting everyone involved in the little makeover session. And Leo already got this warning from Lilo, so... he's not surprised. And sure, why not, he's open to new experiences. He'll play.

And sure enough, it wasn't long before all the kids were begging for more. Aw, they were so cute! Once they had more toast, this time with jam, Leo does finally get a piece for himself. He also managed to get himself a little cereal.

She was about to embrace him at his okay. It was soft and she hopes she sounded lovingly protective not bossily so! and her first instinct is to close in tight again and just thank him, embrace him and enjoy the wash of the water over them both knowing their time in here was drawing to a close.


So she is very surprised when the attempt to press jus that bit closer was hindered by him showing her something on her arm - oh she'd felt his eyes and touch and was trying her best not to get overly excited by the sensations, not easy to do unintentionally or intentionally he caused those feelings.


There is shock for a moment as she blinks at her glittering skin - also slowing her soft encouragement though he probably still got it.


" Wanna tell me about... that?... Whaaa... woooow... that meeee?" then a bit of a shake of her head, kiss, kiss, kiss to his snout, " ... its me... because of you - because you hummed with me and your my mate..." and his cheeks, her voice is full of all the glee she feels for that. Eyes too as they leave her arm and body and meet his eyes again, finds his skin in a light love bite right at the hollow of his throat where neck and collar bones meet the edge of his plastron.

The lovingly protective had definitely been clear. He did read just a little bossiness in the tone, but it was just enough to make sure that Don listened. Just enough to make sure that he knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that she was serious. That he did, really, truly and honestly have to wake her up when he was struggling. That not doing so was not an option.

So perhaps a little bossy, yes. But it was what he needed in the moment.

Don is willing to tell Erica about Mortu's response. There had been some interesting information in there about Utroms, Kraang and dragons. And he had questions that he needed to take to Haley. Though he knows that's not really the part that Erica's referring to. No... that part had been decidedly more disappointing. Still, there is a slight nod in response to her question. He'll tell her... later.

There's no answer just yet though, because he is thoroughly distracted by the kissing. He's busy being amazed that his humming along with her actually caused that shimmery, glittery look to her skin.

"It's beautiful."

And the churr at that bite is maybe a strange combination of excited and content. It's so very close to the spot that turns him to goo! She's not on it, but it's close, and he responds. So not goo, but he is a bit of a putty in her hands.

After the nip, he's searching for a kiss, and will hold that. His tail is definitely out by this point, wagging slightly to match the sort of near blissful excitement she's caused. He is far more relaxed than earlier, and right here, kissing and just holding Erica in the warm water is exactly where he wants to be!

He is losing track of time, and will not notice right away when the water starts to cool.

Awwww the blush and thanks from Elena, her little hands trying to catch Leo's larger fingers, halted by the addition of jam toast, " me too! and I is has the best lil bros!" she giggles as their all trying jam for the first time, licking the sweetness off their pieces of toast and getting a smidgen messier faced that herself - but not by much and she is eating hers fairly normally!


Splinter was pleased and it showed in the flick of his ears and tail even if he hides the great after giving Haley a nod of thanks, sipping his tea and working on some cool honied toast watching his grandbabies with amusement, and a gentle look at Elena, its even possible the young kids she had previously been around may have sensed on some level herself and her older sister were a little different and were mostly unsure of it. Either way she was here now and he chuckles at her words -


Especially at the way a eager looking Duncan, reassured by her words turns his jam and honey and toast covered face towards Leo eagerly -


huh he supposes waiting for him to magically produce Lilo for the questions he had on his little mind -


awwwwwwww those big purple eyes!


Haley sniggers with Raphie at that! He smirks a little at Leo - well he is up for a evening of Pleakley guided pampering - and is behind Leo in getting himself some toast, whilst maaaaybe helping along Erica and Don a bit from the shower by turning on the water time to time to take some of their pressure away. Just the cool if he wanted to shock them he'd have to go and flush the loo. But the small amounts should be annoying enough -


though they might be distracted by each other....

Well, it's a good thing that Leo hadn't actually gotten the milk for the cereal yet. Not with that look he's getting from Duncan! Aw, big purple eyes.

Leo might not be a complete sucker for big eyes like that, but this time...? Alright, Duncan has been patient long enough.

"Alright, Duncan. You stay here and finish your breakfast. I'll go get Lilo."

There's some amusement at the sniggering. Well, it should be an interesting evening at the very least.

Leo took just a moment to finish the piece of toast he had managed to actually keep. Then quickly washed his hands and returned to the bedroom where he had left Lilo, and he saw Stitch roll off to earlier. He paused as he passed the bathroom door. Normally he would have knocked to hurry the occupant out, but this time he doesn't. He doesn't really know why he didn't, but this time he let it go. And he'll let Don and Erica finish in there on their own.

No, instead he slipped quietly into the bedroom without disturbing anyone.

And Erica grinned, a blush of delight over her cheeks, time was a forgotten concept for a moment and the cooling of the water fo rthe moment she barely registered, it was slight for now. What mattered was definitely catching that searching kiss with a gentle, " you are so beautiful... to me..." half sung but mostly smothered into the kiss.


and boy was he with the rush of water and gentle eyes, and the way the soft glittering on her skin seemed to reflect off his scales at moments, under her fingers moving down him to light brush his sides and lower just tickle the lower edge of his plastron over the tops of thighs not aware of tail being in range and when she is its a gentle tease of finger tips barely reaching from thighs to just stroke along tail sides.


Cause even now when excitement fires up her scent and makes her pulse beat and that kiss is into deep snog territory she recalls the first time she'd touched tail and so was just soooo careful and caring and gentle.

Elena giggles, " awwwww thats a cute face." like any big sis reaching her toe out to poke Duncan's side as he wriggles in his seat in delight and beams at DadLeo - the wide oooof answers are the best rule!

And like any lil bro Duncan eeeeeps indignantly and swats at the offending toe - it's a miss he was aware of some instinctive level he was almost as large as Elena and much stronger than her. And like Don his arm on that side closest to her is now plastered down to his side to prevent the attack again - eyeing a mischievous looking Malcolm on the other side... toast slice is eaten save for crusts.


Raphie makes sure to tuck Leo's bowl out of kiddie reach on the bench but there are 'suuuuckerrrr' muttered snickers behind his brothers shell he miiight pay for later in the dojo. Worth it.


Haley rubs Duncan's head. " don't forget to thank DaddyLeo, he will be very hungry when he and Lilo get back so tell him you will be patient!" just encase it takes a bit to disrupt Lilo and Stitch.


Duncan blinks looking up - and oooohing and nodding - leaning out to call after Leo, " Thaaaaaannnnns you! I waaaaais!"


Ratpa chuckles sipping tea and tail twitching, amused behind him he can hear Raphie playing with the water still, probably in a effort to hasten Don and Erica out of the shower.


Mike had been thinking about cucumbers and wondering, out loud in mutterings that got looks from the little ones with giggles and rolls of eyes from Raphie and Splinter and sniggers from Haley if the cucumbers would taste nice dipped in face cream.


~


Stitch's head popped up at his tail stub waggled he happy growls seeing Leo. Waiting for the turtle to come over to them.


Lilo is mostly still sort of snoooozing but not really asleep so she reaches a hand over to rub her besties ears and back.

Don is definitely enjoying the kiss! And yes, meeting Erica's deep snog. He's going to have to leave his comfort zone and sing with her a little more often if that's what it does to her! Because that was incredible!

Normally he would have noticed the water cooling. And he almost did. Such a very close thing. Even kissing, he probably would have noticed, but it coincided with Erica tickling the lower edge of his plastron and brushing his tail.

So the change in temperature is unnoticed under the change in her pulse, scent and warmth!

Don meets this change in energy with a churr. It's one only for Erica. Definitely only for her! It's not that deep, excited one. This churr is one very content with exactly what she's doing to him right now, though not exactly encouraging more. He's still putty, and her light touch is sort of adding to that. He is also affected by the cooling water, the lowering temperature of their shower only juuuust beginning to make him a little groggy after a rough night and a long morning, but he's not noticing yet.

But Don meets that kiss, and wraps his arms around her, running a gently hand down her side, and around to lower back. Not seeking anything exciting, or goo making, just gentle touch and pulling her close against him. Staving off the chill for now. Oh, he is very much enjoying her presence, and her light touch. And the feel of her body against his own.

Leo can't help but chuckle at the little ones. Elena poking Duncan in the side was adorable! and the way that Duncan eeped and plastered his arms to his side was so very reminiscent of Don! As well as the look the little guy is now giving to Malcolm. Who has a very Mike look on his face!

Oh, Raph will definitely be paying for the Sucker comment. Well... probably. It wasn't entirely untrue. And they all know that Raph is worse.

"Look who's talking."

And he couldn't help but smile and pat the little, purple child on the head.

"Thank you for being so very patient, Duncan. We'll be back out here soon."

Mike is getting eye rolls from Leo as well, not unlike the ones he's getting from Raphie and Master Splinter. Just... Oh, little brother.

~~

Leo chuckled at the greeting he got when he entered the room. As he approached, he rubbed Stitch on the head, before giving Lilo a light, good morning, kiss to the forehead. Just a gentle wake up call.

Red grins, these were different turtles but sure she could still see bits of Mikey and Donnieboy in the way the little ones behaved. And it was soooo cute! She grins and kisses DonnieBoy's cheek.

Streeeetch and a lazy grin, oooh she loved nights where Casey was so damned eager! She shifts her cool toes to brush Casey's warm shins.


A normal wake up touch!

Malcolm beams at his brother ooooh so innocently! But definitely thinking of tickling him - but was too short! So his foot sort of waves pointlessly in Duncan's direction.


Liam is politely finishing his breakfast, the same mess everyone else is but finishing! And looking at Ratpa! " Mmmays has yes?.. pleeeease?" eagerly!


Randal omnomnoms and is delighted when DadRaph puts a last square quarter of toast on each little kiddoesplate with just butter... And the tiniest smear of peanut butter.


Ooooh all little boys get distracted at that and munch!

A grin at Red, and nodding, one day yeah they may have little ones too, for now they could come and gawk and enjoy the crazy of these little ones.


He was sipping his coffee thoroughly enjoying a no prank morning and when the little blue Leo look a like set off requests for tea from Ratpa he moves away from his April cheeks pink to turn the style back on.

Erica only teased tail, there was no attempt to linger, if there had been that deep excited churr maybe she might have but the contented one called her light touch back up to his shoulders, slowly drawing the kiss back to light softer and briefed kisses, held to him like this the only response was to wrap arms around his shoulders and smile between those kisses.


" mmm.... you... myyyyy... sweet... muuust Hummmmm... or sing... with me morrre." she glitters, some of the sheen fading a little with her efforts to calm her own momentary excitement. Return herself to content. It's working slowly her scent and body warm and glitter all dimming a little.


And finally realising what she was feeling, cold water! But not... cold feeling to her? More a cool... Mmmm. "... coooold?... tired?" soft kisses!

"Mmm hmmm..." Singing is still a bit outside his comfort zone, but he learns! "That... waaaass... incredible." And yes, he very much does want to see it again. But for now, he is very content to hold her.

Though... it is getting cold. Especially for a reptile that is trying not to acknowledge just how tired he is. Otherwise, he would probably be okay.

He does not lie to Erica though, when she asks about him being cold and tired.

"Mm hmm... to booooth."

He's sort of realizing now, that the 'quick rinse' he needed has turned into something somewhat longer! Don doesn't yet know that Raph had been playing with the water in an attempt to get them out!

"I really need to do something about the water heater," is more a tired mutter than anything else. If Erica doesn't stop him, he will go do exactly that!

And the water is getting truly cold almost as Don turns it off. The water heater might be smaller than would be ideal, but it's one of Don's appliances. It reheats very quickly. In a couple minutes it will be ready to go again.

Don reaches out to get a towel for Erica. Once he wraps her up in it, he will actually get one for himself this time too. Mostly because he's cold.