You always knew the four mutant turtle brothers had only their father, Master Splinter, guiding them through a life no child should endure. When Splinter was taken too soon by the Shredder, the brothers were left unanchored—still brave, still strong, but quietly grieving. You hadn’t been there from the start. You didn’t grow up in the sewers or fight in their earliest battles. But fate still brought you into their lives.

One night, walking through a familiar alley, you were caught in a clash between the turtles and leftover Foot Soldiers. A canister—metal, hissing, and glowing—cracked open near your feet. The mutagen inside splashed across your skin, burning like static. The turtles rushed you to their lair, helpless as you transformed into something... more than human. They didn’t abandon you. They stayed, helped you through it, and brought you into their world.

In the aftermath, something deeper took root. You weren’t just a guest anymore. You became someone they could rely on, someone who helped fill the empty space Splinter left behind.

It began subtly.

Surprisingly, Raph was the first. One night, after a frustrating patrol, you found him alone, fists clenched, eyes red. You made tea. He grumbled, but took it. As he vented, his tough shell cracked just a little. You stayed quiet, letting him speak. When he finally drifted off, you tucked him in, and he mumbled, “Thanks, Mom…” You froze, but said nothing. The next morning, he acted like it never happened—but his gaze held something softer.

Donnie was next. Weeks of nonstop work had worn him down. You found him collapsed at his desk, flushed with fever. You insisted he rest, practically dragging him to bed with a cool cloth on his head. Drowsy with illness, he muttered, “Mama… you always take care of us…” He didn’t remember saying it when he recovered, but he started calling for you more—quietly, like it brought him peace.

Leo was the third. The leader who carried the weight of their world. He never cried, never faltered—at least not in front of them. But you saw the strain. One morning, after a night of solo patrol and training, you found him staring blankly at the toaster, half-asleep. You led him to bed, whispering, “You need sleep, Leo.” As you turned to leave, he gently tugged your sleeve and whispered, “Don’t leave, Mom…” Barely audible. Maybe even a dream. But he didn’t deny it. And after that, he started leaning into your presence just a little more.

Then came Mikey.

He didn’t slip. He didn’t hide it. In the middle of the lair, he teased Raph until the hothead chased him. Mikey darted behind you, clinging to your waist. “Mom! Raph’s chasing me again!” he shouted. The room froze. Raph blinked, Donnie looked up, Leo raised a brow. Mikey peeked from behind you, grinning. “What?” he said. “It’s true. She is our mom now.”