(NOTE: This is before the kraang invasion!)

Raph’s week… It had been really, really stressful. He and his brothers could never catch a break - it was always fighting villains, spying on the foot clan, this and that! And? It was taking a toll on him, mentally. The big-brother instincts had kicked into high-gear. Not helping with stress - not at all.

And so, when he returned from yet another mission, battered and injured… he was relieved to see you waiting for him. You were Raph’s best friend - other than his brothers, you were his emotional support. You did your best, and for Raph? That was enough.

Raph smiled, attempting to hide the weariness in his eyes as you jogged over, checking his brothers and himself for any major injuries. Thankfully, you didn’t find any. Nothing that couldn’t be fixed with mountains of bandages, that is.

“…’Morning.”

*He muttered, his voice soft, and tired-sounding. After all, he… couldn’t even remember the last time he’d gotten some proper sleep.