[OOM: The Fray-Hamato household]

[mnr_splinter]

Mel and Mike's comfortably cluttered home has become a bit more tidy and refined with Splinter living in residence.
It smells less of baking, there is no sign of dust anywhere, and for the first time EVER there is tea in the kitchen

Comments

[realmrsreynolds]

"Don't tell me they've been making you clean around here."

The voice is from the woman in the doorway, who has long since gotten over her compulsion to knock and wait for someone to let her in at Mike's.

[mnr_splinter]

If Splinter is surprised by Sallie's sneak attack on the flat, he doesn't show it. Rather, he pauses briefly to smile at the barman before continuing from the kitchen to the low table.

"Oh hello, Sallie. It is very nice to see you again. Could I interest you in a cup of tea?"

Why yes, there are two cups on the tray. Why do you ask?

[realmrsreynolds]

"Dangran, sure - how's Mike?"

She holds up what looks like a platter covered in a blue terry cloth.

"I brought food."

[mnr_splinter]

"Taking a break from the dotings of his father, I can only imagine. He mentioned something about basking and I have not seen him since."

Kids.
Splinter places the tray dead center on the table. Hands now free he approaches Sallie.

"Please come in and make yourself at home. May I help you with that?"

[realmrsreynolds]

"Help eat it, maybe -- "

Sallie figures like son like father, really. But she hits the nearest flat surface and pulls off the terry cloth to reveal a peach cobbler and cracked-wheat bread.

[mnr_splinter]

No one eats as much as Mike does.
No one.
Or rather, no one who isn't out hunting for a gastric rupture.

Still, peach cobbler and fresh bread are nothing to sneeze at. Splinter's life has been lacking in home-baked goods since Mike relocated.

The old rat's eyes widen as his senses take in the sight and smell of the foods. Then they narrow.

"You were not sent by Donatello to tempt me with things I am not supposed to eat, were you?"

He's mostly kidding.

[realmrsreynolds]

O rly.

Sallie starts to cover up the food again, "Well, if you have dietary restrictions far be it from me to -- "

[mnr_splinter]

He quickly holds up a hand.

"Supposed to does not imply can't. My third born is...meticulous when it comes to my blood sugar, and seems blind to the fact that I am an adult and can manage such things on my own."

It's frustrating, to say the least.

[realmrsreynolds]

"Fantastic! Where were we? Oh, plates -- "

Mmmm dessert and hijacking a coworker's living space. Awesome.

[mnr_splinter]

Oh good, for a second there Splinter thought he was going to have to wrestle a nice lady for a pan of peach cobbler.

"Cabinet to the left of the dishwasher."
That's not where Splinter would have put them, but then...this isn't his home.

He pads back towards the living room table and removes the tea supplies from the tray.

"Thank you for stopping by. I am glad for the company."
When Splinter gets bored, he cleans.

[realmrsreynolds]

"You should have told me - I've been over in my apartment for the past couple hours at least."

There are two plates and a steady hand with a serving knife going to town on the dessert.

[mnr_splinter]

The tray is placed on the counter next to the whole slicing endeavor.

"I do not wish to intrude upon the workings of this place anymore than I already have."

Much as he loves to be around his sons again, the feeling that he's in the way is strong.

[realmrsreynolds]

"Don't say that."

It's quiet, but it's sincere, and heavy in its meaning.

"Mike loves you. You're nothing but a joy to him."

[mnr_splinter]

He snickers.

"The joy seemed to be lacking the other morning when I woke him at the usual training time for practice."

[realmrsreynolds]

"Well, you weren't his ba then, you were his trainer. Difference."

[mnr_splinter]

"This is true. And a very important distinction."

There's a pause, while he scratches his chin.

"Also, Melaka is quite formidable in the early hours of the day."
He hadn't been expecting that.