A cute idea that popped up in my head Sunday night. My grandpa has given me old candy before, hehe. Happy Valentine's! - M
The morning of February 14th gave new meaning to the word 'busy' in the Hamato household. Splinter curiously watched his sons bustle around the sewer and hand gifts to one another. Was it Christmas? No. Easter? He didn't think they celebrated that holiday too much. Nobody shouted at each other either which stirred his slumber and poked his interest.
His legs ached a bit as he shuffled into the den and watched his sons' eyes focus on him. The television wasn't on and there was already breakfast on the table. What in the world was going on, he kept thinking.
"Good morning, Sensei!" Leo cheerfully greeted and bowed. The others followed their brother's lead. Mikey was hiding something behind his back, but Splinter could tell it was flowers because some of the weeds were visible.
"The same to you, my sons. You look content this morning. This is a new development."
"Uh," Leo looked almost hurt, "well, it's Valentine's and we got gifts for you. We thought we could give you some quiet time."
If Splinter had color in his face, it would have drained from it. Valentine's was a big deal in their household, and he always made it a point to make his sons feel appreciated and loved especially on a day meant for couples. They were teenagers and sometimes a little moody about things.
He had to play it cool. "Oh, thank you. Please wait while I go to retrieve your gifts. I forgot them in the bedroom. My old mind plays tricks on me."
"Have my gift first, Sensei!" Mikey shouted as he pushed his flowers and weeds into Splinter's face. He had look around the disastrous bouquet and smiled at his delightful son.
"Quite impressive, Michelangelo."
The others eagerly conformed and presented their gifts despite Splinter wanting to leave for a moment. Leo gave his sensei a box of mixed sugar free chocolates, Raph's gift was a stuffed gorilla, and Don handed Splinter a gag book: "Sex Life After 50" and it was blank. Splinter was less than amused but chuckled anyways. If Don hadn't presented a better replacement book, he would have gotten a cane to the gut. Splinter was going to enjoy reading about Japanese self-mummification.
He had to wrestle out of his sons' grips and hurry back to his room. He had never forgotten Saint Valentine's day, but he did this year and he was coming up empty-handed. He scampered to his secret stash in the corner of his room and pulled out candies that weren't tailored to specific holidays. Mikey would be the only one to find it amusing if Sensei gave Christmas crunchies on Valentine's. He had to make one stop to the kitchen just before handing out his gifts.
Splinter gathered up what he thought were decent last minute gifts: an antique sword that he was going to give Leo one day anyways, six month old candy to Mikey, his secret affection for AC/DC music to Raph, and some old cake out of the freezer to Don. Splinter hoped that would teach Don a lesson about humility and karma.