[The smile Rue aims at him is all warmth, their big eyes squinting with affection for the way Raph ever-so-gently turns into their touch. More than anything, they think Raph deserves a chance to just be a kid, just the same as the rest of their boys do. He's spent too long living beneath the burden or leader and older brother and pseudo-parent. Let a teen just be a boy and a brother and a peer for once.]

Believe me, it is sorely needed. It's not just Donatello and Leonardo anymore, after all, now we have a whole circus of rambunctious, mischievous boys!

[And really, Rue could not be prouder.

They lean in to peck a kiss to the middle of Raph's forehead before pulling back again just to beam down on him.]

Of which you deserve the chance to join them while they play too. You're still young, my darling. Don't make yourself grow up before you have to.