Work Text:
Raph’s love language, they discover, is physical touch.
“And this information was surprising to…no one,” Leo deadpans from the beanbag.
Mikey laughs from his position on Raph’s shell. “He is a very cuddly person!”
Raph just nods in agreement. “It’s true, I’m a cuddly person.”
"Okay, okay, me next!" Eyes wide with anticipation, Mikey shifts forward. “What’s my love language?”
Leo tilts his head up, subconsciously fingering his bandana. “Hm, I think it might be, like, words of affirmation?”
After a second of consideration, Raph tilts his head. “Yeah, that or gifts. Mikey makes a lot of cool stuff for us.”
Nodding approvingly, Mikey reaches for the phone on the center table. “Alright, let’s see if we’re right!” He carefully opens up the love language quiz. “Hm, question one-"
Donnie walks into the room, clutching a cup of coffee like a lifeline. "If anyone talks to me before I finish this cup of coffee they will be meeting with the business end of my staff." Donnie shuffles over to the sofa and half face plants next to Raph.
Leo snorts. "What were you making this time at 3 in the morning, oh Donald dearest?"
Donnie gives him a tired glare, chunky glasses emphasizing his dark circles. "If you must know, Leonardo, I was... adding upgrades to our communal cook slower. Slow cooker."
"Please don't give it an evil AI," Raph blinks.
"I'm not gonna..." his head tilts downwards, eyes sliding shut. After a second, Donnie jerks up, sitting ramrod straight. "'m awake! Bwuh?"
Raph grins at his brother. "Aww, I love sleepy Donnie! He's so affectionate!"
"Am not," Donnie grumbles, lifting his arm so Mikey can fit next to him.
Leo blinks at him. "Donnie, you're a horrible liar."
Donnie frowns, tilting forwards. "I am a great liar. Lies. Yeah. You don't even know that I'm making you a really cool birthday present." He nearly tumbles off the sofa, saved by Raph gently pulling him back. "So there."
Mikey laughs. "Hey Donnie, do you love us?"
Taking a long sip of his coffee, Donnie blinks slowly. "Obviously?"
"Ha! I knew it!" Raph pumps his fist, nearly dislodging Donnie. "Whoops, sorry!"
Settling his expression into a neutral face, Leo leans forward. "Who's your favourite brother?" Mikey freezes, then turns to Donnie. Raph holds his breath.
Donnie stares at his mug, eyelids drooping. "Favourite. Shmavourite. Yeah." Then he falls asleep.
Raph groans, quietly enough to not disturb Donnie. "Oh, come on! We were so close this time!"
Mikey eases the coffee mug out of the sleeping turtle's hands. "Well, we all know his answer's going to be me anyway."
"Wh - no way!" Leo gasps. "It's definitely me, his literal twin? Hello?"
"I dunno, I think it might be me," Raph shrugs. He gets a pillow to the face for his troubles. "Ow! Mikey, how could you?"
"I shall emerge victorious as the best brother!" Mikey laughs manically.
Leo hefts his pillows like katanas. "Bring it on!"
Donnie dreams of his brothers and a warm feeling.