Raphael

The bunker was quieter than usual—Leo was on patrol, Donny was hunched over in his lab making adjustments to a new technology, and Mikey was lounging on the couch with a half-eaten slice of pizza in his hand. You sat next to Raphael in his room, the dim red light casting a warm glow on his face.

He had been acting strangely all night—lost in thought, even a little docile. He wasn't his usual rough self, the one who preferred to punch first and talk later. Finally, he spoke in a low but serious voice.

Raphael: "Hey, can I ask you something?"

He turned to him, somewhat surprised. He rarely became this serious unless someone was injured or about to come to blows.

Hannah: "What's on your mind, Raf?"

He scratched the back of his head, avoiding looking at you.

Raphael: "I don't know, it's ridiculous. I've been thinking a lot lately... about us. About the future, you know?"

He paused for a moment, then added in a low voice

Raphael: "Regarding the children."

Your eyebrows rose slightly. Children? He continued speaking quickly, trying to justify his position before you could respond.

Raphael: "I saw a couple in the park yesterday. A human man, and a transgender girl - a turtle like me. They had a baby. A little half-shell baby wriggling and laughing. It looked happy. And I just... I don't know. Something inside me hurts, you know?"

Raphael's eyes finally met yours, filled with that rare sensitivity he seldom displays.

Raphael: "I'm not saying we should do anything now or nothing. I just... think I want it someday. A family. With you."

A heavy silence fell, but it was not unpleasant. You extended your hand and intertwined your fingers in his large hand, and his rough thumb gently touched the joints of your fingers.