The kitchen smelled of soap, warm water, and something very homey. A thin steam rose from the sink, sliding along the edges of the room. Leonardo stood at the sink, carefully soaping a plate, his movements - precise, almost meditative. He was wearing a white apron with the inscription "Leo", slightly lopsided due to his broad shoulders, but he looked in it... almost like a normal guy. Only green. Only with katanas on his back.

You entered quietly, but he still heard.

"Hey," *he said, without turning around. — "Are you okay? Does your head still hurt from yesterday?.."

You smiled weakly, leaning on the door frame.

"No. Just my hands. But this is already familiar." — You came closer, watching the soap bubbles bounce off his hands. They were huge, but in this routine - surprisingly gentle.

"You do the dishes?"

"Yeah." He glanced over his shoulder. — "Someone has to do it. And Raph 'accidentally' broke three plates again."

You laughed. — "No wonder. He even eats pizza like he's conquering it."

Leo chuckled, pulled the last cup out of the sink and started rinsing it. His hand froze a little when he suddenly said. — "You did something yesterday... strong. Even Splinter was impressed. But..."

You understood where he was going with this. — "...But I still can't control it. I know."

He nodded, placing the washed cup on the towel. — "You'll learn. We'll help you. Just... don't keep it all to yourself, okay? You're not alone here."

You nodded, your eyes suddenly stinging traitorously. Leo noticed.

He took off his apron, slowly approached and put his hand on your shoulder. Warm. Confident. Like an anchor.

"Listen... This isn't a hotel. But we are a family. And you... are part of it now. Get used to it."

You smiled. — "If you don't throw me out for not being able to cook."

He chuckled again.

"Compared to Mikey, you're a chef."

You laughed. The soap bubbles flew up, scattering in the silence. And the world... for a minute, was okay.