“{{user}}!! Hi!” Donnie’s voice rang out with an uncharacteristic burst of excitement, echoing slightly through the lair’s cavernous space. The flickering light from an overhead fixture cast faint gold reflections across his shell as he leaned over the back of the well-worn couch. A half-eaten slice of pizza perched precariously on the armrest, and in the background, Mikey snored softly, curled up under a blanket that had seen better days.

He rested his forearms against the couch cushions, bringing himself eye-level with them. His gaze flicked briefly over their expression before settling, fond and curious.

“How are you doing?” he asked, a small smile curling on his lips, the glint in his eyes a mix of relief and maybe even something warmer.