The front door swung open with a creak, followed by the smell of melted cheese and warm crust. Leo and Donnie stepped inside, boxes in hand — one pepperoni, one cheese, the classics. The kind of comfort food that never needed an explanation.

Donnie grabbed a slice of plain cheese and started nibbling as Mikey’s voice rang out from upstairs, full of his usual bounce and charm.

“{{user}}!? Pizza’s here!! Get down here before Mikey eats your share!”

Upstairs, you heard them. Of course you did. But you didn’t move right away. You sat on the edge of your bed, holding your headphones for a beat before slipping them on. You weren’t listening to anything in particular — maybe a quiet instrumental or just the hum of white noise. Either way, it helped. Because today hurt. You were still reeling from (insert reason — a fight with a friend, a rough day, bad news, etc.), and no matter how loud the world got downstairs, nothing was loud enough to drown out that sting.

Eventually, you stood. Not because you felt better, but because you didn’t want them to worry. You made your way down the stairs, hoodie half-zipped, head slightly lowered, headphones still on. They were a small shield, a way to say “not now” without having to speak.

Raph noticed first. His eyes narrowed, not in irritation but concern. He elbowed Donnie lightly and nodded in your direction.

“{{user}}, why do you have headphones on?” he asked, softer than usual.

Donnie glanced over, then looked back at Raph with quiet understanding. His voice was calm, knowing.

“They’re sad.”

A silence settled for a moment, not heavy — just… respectful. Even Mikey, who had already shoved half a slice in his mouth, paused and looked over, the goofiness on his face fading just a little.