A/N: This oneshot is placed in normal-2003/2007/2012-mix universe. Generally just the basic "Raph = hothead", "Leo = leader", etc. Except that Jasper exists, obviously. :)

AGES: Leo (21), Jasper (5)

Oneshot – Monster In the Corner

Leonardo looked up from his book as his door creaked open, a small head popping inside. Jasper had tears dribbling down his cheeks and was clutching both his blanket and toy bunny close.

"Jasper?" Leo asked.

He set his book on his bedside table and gestured for his son to come inside. Jasper hesitated before stepping in, shutting the door behind himself. The boy wore a slightly-too-big white shirt which had blue lines on the edges of the gaps left for his head and arms to fit through. Leonardo helped Jasper onto the bed when he was within arm's reach. A small sob left the boys lips, causing Leonardo's heart to tremble.

"It's okay." Leonardo said quietly, concern tinting his voice.

Jasper nodded vigorously and another tear slipped down his cheek. Leonardo could feel Jasper's small chubby arms wrap around his neck and his face bury itself. The blue clad ninja pressed his hand onto Jasper's shell and began to move his fingers, rubbing soothing circles in the way Splinter used to when Leonardo had been younger.

"What happened?" The blue clad ninja asked, his tone soft.

Jasper slowly pulled back and sniffled, rubbing at his tear-covered cheeks.

"Th-There was-was a-a-a m-monte-ter in my-my cor-corner an-and-," Jasper sobbed; a hiccough left his lips.

"A monster?" Leo asked, not sure whether he should be feeling better or worse.

After all, he knew better than to not believe in monsters. Was what Jasper had seen real, or fake? Leonardo hoped it had been the latter. A train from an overhead subway rattled past, the sound faint due to the thickness of the walls and floors of the sewers. Jasper whimpered and snuggled closer to his father.

"He m-mad now, s-see? He growl-wling." Jasper whimpered.

Leonardo hesitated. What was he supposed to say? What had Splinter said when they were younge-that was it!

"Don't worry." Leo said, sitting up, "I know how to keep it away from your room."

"You-You do?" Jasper asked.

He was sitting cross-legged, his blue eyes brighter due to his tears, one hand half way through wiping away one of his tears and his other hand was in his lap. Leonardo smiled lightly and bent down, placed a kiss on his son's head and then got up from his bed. He opened the bottom draw of his bedside table and opened the box that was there. He shuffled through the items before pulling out a small nightlight.

"What's that?" Jasper asked quietly.

"It's a nightlight." Leonardo said, "If you put it on in your room, then the monster won't come in."

"How does that work?" Jasper asked, sliding down from his bed, eyeing the small globe, "Where did you get it?"

Leo smiled sheepishly as the memory replayed in his mind.

"Uh, your grandad gave it to me when I was little and it helped." The blue clad ninja said, his cheeks burning at the memory.

Jasper bit his bottom lip and reached out for it. Leo carefully placed the light in his son's hands.

"You want me to help you put it in?" The father asked.

Jasper nodded. Leo picked his son up and stood, carrying him to his room. The walls were painted a soft blush-pink, upon Jasper's request, and books and stationary were scattered around on the floor, in an 'organised mess' sort of way, apparently. Leonardo walked to the bed and sat Jasper down, taking the lightbulb and putting it into the nearby wall. Jasper leaned over the edge of the bed and stared at it.

"That's gonna keep the monsters away?" Jasper asked, disbelief clear in his voice.

"I know it doesn't look much." Leo said, placing a hand on his sons shell, "But it'll help."

"If you say so." Jasper shrugged. He hesitated and then leaned forward and kissed his father's cheek, "Thanks, Dad."

"Anytime, Buddy." Leo smiled, wrapping his arms around his son.

"I.. I love you." Jasper murmured, his cheeks darkening.

Leonardo cupped Jasper's cheek and he rested his forehead on his son's.

"I love you more." Leo whispered.

"Love you most." Jasper said, and smiled.

A/N: Please, please review? (any ideas, requests or suggestions are very welcome & remember the more details the more likely you get what you want :)