I got this idea from Moonsetta's story Hypothetical. This is my own version. Let me know what you guys think of the experimental style.

"Leo?"

Instant wakefulness. Identify owner of voice: Donatello. Probable severity of problem: low to moderate. Possible diagnosis: a nightmare. Recommended course of action:

"Yeah, Don? I'm awake."

"Leo… can I talk to you?"

Modify diagnosis: emotional problem. New course of action: listen.

"Of course. What's up?"

A measure of silence. Slight modification to diagnosis of severity of problem.

"Do you think I could have done better?"

A non sequitur. He's clearly been thinking about this for some time. Proceed with caution.

"Done what better?"

"My plan. To kill the Shredder. When we…"

"Oh. That. Hm."

Problem identified. Review available intelligence regarding event. Information regarding specific question incomplete. Gather more intelligence.

"What was your plan? I remember you mentioned the driller…"

Listen closely. Take in data on the plan as well as on Donatello. His voice grows quieter and less agitated as he speaks. Listening is working. Now focus on the plan. Identify flaws, formulate improvements. Ask clarifying questions. Edit diagnosis for maximum peace of mind to Donatello. Wait until he's done talking. Pause. Speak.

"Don, I don't think there's anything more you could have done. It was a brilliant plan. And it did what you set out to do."

More agitation. He is not soothed. Try a different tack.

"It sounds like you just had bad luck. It happens. And it's not your fault."

"But they died because of me." His voice is soft and vulnerable, like a child's. Change strategy.

"Donnie, come here." He does, obediently. Hold him close to you, like you did as children and Splinter wouldn't soothe your nightmares anymore because you had to learn to deal with them on your own, like men. Hold him close, to remind him that you don't have to be a man all the time. Hold him close to remind yourself of the same thing. "Donnie, if those turtles were anything like us, they would have gladly chosen to lay down their lives to stop the Shredder. They knew the risks going in. And they knew you would get the job done, no matter what happened. And you did. Their deaths were not in vain."

He sniffles, but his posture is more relaxed. Allow the words to settle. Then add a few more.

"I'm proud of you."

He hugs you, and then asks if he can stay. Calculate Donatello's need for comfort versus your own desire for sleep, and cross reference it with your own need for comfort.

"Of course, Donnie."