(Untitled)

[mnr_splinter]

There's a little known fact that if you wish to keep something secret from a ninja the best place to conceal it is in plain sight. This is especially true if what you're trying to conceal are plans for a birthday celebration, and the ninja you wish to keep these plans from is Michaelangelo

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[ginsu_master]

Leo trades out the teapot for a fresh brew and glances vaguely down at the list of Master Plans.

"...you haven't been convinced to have strippers yet, have you?" he asks in almost morbid curiosity.

[mnr_splinter]

"Of course not, Leonardo," he says without looking up. "I'm saving those for your birthday."

Most would not notice the almost non-existent way his shoulders shift when Splinter is fighting back against a good full belly chuckle. But...Leo isn't most.

[ginsu_master]

Leo looks betrayed and rather terrified.

Then scowls.

"You are a very cruel man."

[mnr_splinter]

"I have practiced many years to become so," he says finally releasing the chuckle from it's imprisonment. "It is good to see you, my son. Please join me."

Here he gestures towards the chair to his right.

[ginsu_master]

Leo moves a few papers around to settle himself without destroying too much "order".

"How are the plans going, besides lacking clothing removal specialists?" Leo can make jokes. Really. He can.

[mnr_splinter]

"I am afraid to admit that they are slow going, and fear I have become the sort of man who wishes for simpler times, when options weren't quite as plentiful.

I believe this is what is referred to as first world problems."

[ginsu_master]

Leo snorts.

"We could get a cake? He likes cake. He likes an excuse for cake."

[mnr_splinter]

"Truer words have seldom been spoken. Sallie has offered to make food, I do believe she could also be asked to make a cake as well. That is, of course, unless you or your brothers would like the honor?"

[ginsu_master]

Leo's ears actually wiggle slightly at the mention of Sallie. Father has mentioned her before. This is worth more thought!

"I think Mikey might want something more than rice and fish. I'll be very happy to help, though. I am much more of an assistant in the kitchen than a chef." He knows how to cut thinks but can't be allowed to do things more than boil tea or prepare sashimi-esque like things.

[mnr_splinter]

Yes, they do. Wiggle, that is. Leonardo's ears. It is most disconcerting. Splinter's not sure he approves.

"I think you do not give yourself enough credit, my son. But...having said that, I know the feeling."

Have you ever tried to frost a cake when you yourself are covered in fur? Yeah, it works about as well as you'd imagine.

[ginsu_master]

"If you think Mrs. Reynolds wouldn't mind making a cake, a home family meal like that would be nice. It is kind of her to offer."

It's almost like he's teasing.

[mnr_splinter]

Splinter eyes his eldest son. His ears don't flatten, but boy does it look like they want to.

"As you know, she and your brother share a very special bond."

[ginsu_master]

"Yes, and I understand she makes very delicious, homemade pie."

[mnr_splinter]

"Also cobbler."

It should be noted that things like pie, cake, and cobbler are not usually on Splinter's diet. But...what Donatello won't know won't hurt him.

[ginsu_master]

"If you convince her to make at least one healthy thing, I promise I will distract Donnie from noticing that your obi is getting a little tighter." Entirely straight faced, of course.

[mnr_splinter]

On the one hand, it is clear to Splinter that Leonardo is forgetting his place. Splinter is the master, Leo is the student. A certain level of respect and decorum is demanded at all times.

On the other...having someone distract Donatello would come in handy. Not that there is anything wrong with his obi, thankyouverymuch.

"I assure you that the four food groups will be well represented, Leonardo."
Splinter sniffs at the accusation that he is going soft in the middle.

"....and my obi is fine."
That last bit might have been said into his cup as he sips at his tea.