LFLS [Unofficial] Sequel

Chapter 9: Child of the Stars

(But first, a meme I made because I'm hilarious- Also sorry for any spelling mistakes I got that adhd-dyslexia nerf combo lmao)

For the rest of that night Leo's brothers, and April in tow, couldn't stop prying for any information on Liam they could get from the turtle in question. And Leo ignored all questions and after a soothing cup of tea to help ease the feeling in his throat he went right to bed. Things were still a little rocky between him and Splinter, but Leo was thinking about what he could say to find some way around the awkward-ness of it all.. But the words, or signs for this matter, constantly evaded him.

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During the night Leo had a hard time staying asleep, he tossed and turned wondering why it was so hard to let himself relax.. He knew he was safe, but it was still so hard. The one time he did manage to fall asleep he thought he heard a 'Beep' and shot up, feeling something around his neck he panicked. Not remembering it was only Donnie's scarf till he ripped free from it and threw it as far away as physically possible.

He rubbed the remaining sleep from his eyes, there was no use trying to get back to bed now.. After a few minutes to catch his breath, and reassure himself that it would be okay. He got out of bed and wondered towards the kitchen, maybe someone would be awake.. If there was no one he could always walk by Donnie's lab and see if he was up.

While on his way to the kitchen he heard some kind of rummaging, who was getting food this late at night? Peeking in he saw Splinter with a defeated look, balancing on a chair to try and reach something in the freezer. Leo gave a soft sigh and stepped in grabbing the ice cream he seemed to be reaching for and handed it to him. He jumped seeing the hand beside him and flew back  to the floor just barely sticking the landing. 

"O-Oh! My son- Leo.. I... Didn't hear you enter, which is good! A ninja shouldn't be heard- But.." Leo set the tub on the table and set the chair back up. Putting two fingers up telling Splints he wanted some too. Splinter let out a dry chuckle and nodded getting another bowl and spoon for his son. Leo helped dish them out and out the tub back before sitting down across from his father. 'Why you up so late?' He asked, hoping Splinter had been keeping up with the lessons as well and would understand him.

It took a moment but he eventually got it. "Ah.. Well... Sometimes it can be hard to sleep when your mind can't relax." Leo nodded in agreement, "So I like to get a little snack to calm the mind. Why are you up so late huh Blue? I heard from Purple you went out tonight, should be exhausted and getting lots of rest by now!" He said, pointing his spoon at Leo, clearly he wasn't actually upset but more concerned that his son might not be getting enough sleep.

'I'll be fine. I've clearly been though worse' Leo made sure to sign slow as he watched his fathers eyes, knowing he didn't have it all down as much as his brothers. It still made him happy that he was trying at all.. Spilnts dug his spoon back into his bowl, "So have I, but we both know how important sleep is when you don't know what might happen next. You and your brothers do so much, you must take care of your minds and bodies to keep going. Tell me what troubles you mind my son.." Leo looked down for a moment, watching the single scoop he'd given himself start to melt. How should he word it?

I'm terrified I'll wake up back there

I nearly threw up when I woke up wearing Donnie's scarf

I can't even be the Face Man of the group so what am I

Was I even worth saving

Why do I feel so useless at the time

Will I ever really get better 

'Will things ever go back to normal?'

Splinter reached across the table taking one of Leos hands into his own, "No.. Things cannot go back." He said softly, gently patting the top of his hand. Leo looked a mix of sad and concerned hearing that, but listened intently still. "You are always growing, we all are my son. We all change like water in a flowing river. You never step in the same water twice no matter where you decide to stand. But, you and your brothers are very strong, and kind.. They will always be there for you. And me too of course, I love all the Leos in my life. From when you were the size of my palm to even now as you are, and I will accept every version of you to come. You could be just a head and I would still love you! We will make a sling shot and you will bite the enemies to death haha!" Leo rolled his eyes with a soft smile, somehow, even though he wasn't expecting any of that, it was just what he needed to hear.. He wanted to speak so badly, and say with his own words that he apricated what Splinter said and loved him so much. But all he could do right now was sign.

'I love you dad'

Splinter could feel his heart melting, must keep in the tears-

'I love you too my son' He signed back, it took him a moment but he got it. And with that weight off their shoulders they both feel like it might be that much easier to get back to sleep now.