I do not own TMNT in any way, shape or form.

Whimpering

Splinter could hear something...abnormal. Living with four healthy boys he was used to various sounds. Shouting, screaming, fighting ext, even crying, all part of everyday life in the Hamato household. Whimpering however...not so much.

The first child he checked was Michelangelo. As the youngest and the most expressive, Mikey was prone to over emotion. It probably wasn't him because he'd be over reacting if injured or upset. Sure enough he was watching TV with Raphael, happy and joking. Raphael looked less happy as he was on the receiving end of Michelangelo's jokes, but Splinter was pleased to see he was certainly not upset in any way.

Donatello was next. Knowing how much Donatello hated being interrupted while he was working, Splinter placed one ear against the lab door instead. He was rewarded with the sound of a saw. The sound grated and he stumbled away rubbing his ear gently. Serves him right for listening at doors…

Now concerned Splinter headed to Leo's room. Leo hardly ever cried. The last time he had it was because he'd badly twisted his ankle. He knocked on Leonardo's door. "Leonardo? My son? Are you alright?"

Leonardo whimpered again and sniffled, wiping his eyes. "Fine." He said, sadly.

No way was Splinter believing that. "Are you sure, my son? You don't look alright."

Leo sniffed again and cuddled himself. "Donnie hates me."

"Why do you think that?" Splinter asked gently, sitting himself down.

"I went into his lab to ask if he wanted to watch Space Hero's with me. He said no, so I asked again cos I thought if I annoyed him like Mikey does he would say yes, but…" The child sighed heavily. "He told me he wouldn't watch TV with me until he finished his experiment, which will take AGES. But he didn't stop like I would, so he must not like me anymore."

"I don't think that's it." Splinter said, in what he hoped was a reassuring fashion. "I think it simply means Donatello is in the middle of something and will join you when he's finished."

Leo scrunched his nose up. "Maybe…"

Thankfully Splinter didn't have to play damage control much longer, as he heard Donnie calling for Leo. His eldest son cheered up pretty much immediately and quickly hugged his father before running off.

Splinter smiled and shook his head fondly. Oh, to be young again and have his problems disappear so easily…