Cute little Turtle tot fic I just couldn't not write. Hope you like it!

I do not own the TMNT. If I did I would take them all and run away somewhere so I would have them all to myself. Mwa ha ha ha!

My Superhero

Splinter sighed. Now that his three oldest sons were tucked securely in their beds, it was time for the most difficult chore of the evening- finding and catching his youngest and most exuberant son. Contrary to all common sense, Michelangelo seemed to become more energetic at bedtime.

Splinter entered the main room of their small room to a surprising sight. Four-year-old Michelangelo was lying flat on his plastron, quietly flipping the pages of a well-worn and slightly waterlogged comic book. The old rat was mildly surprised to see the youngest turtle engaging in a quiet activity instead of bouncing off the walls like usual. At least tonight there would be no scrubbing crayon off the sewer walls.

"My son, what is it you are doing?" he asked as he approached. Michelangelo looked up at his father.

"I'm readin' a comic book! Raphie found it on our scavenger hunt with you, and Leo helped me dry it off, and Donnie read me some of it before bedtime! See, it's a book with pictures and cool stuff! Donnie says the people init 're called "Superheroes"!" Splinter smiled at the cooperation his sons had shown in helping their youngest sibling.

"That is very nice Michelangelo, and I am glad you are enjoying your new book, but it is time for you to go to bed."

"Aww!" the young turtle whined, and the comic book was forgotten in the flurry of bedtime routines before the four-year-old was tucked securely into the bed made from a large cardboard box. As his eyes started to blink slowly, he looked up trustingly at his adopted father.

"Daddy," he asked with a yawn, "are you a superhero?" Splinter blinked, truly startled.

"Why would you think that, my son?" the rat asked, stalling for time. Another yawn.

"Well, Raph says superheroes've gotta be strong, and Leo says they gotta win when they fight bad guys, and Donnie says they're 'sposed ta protect people. An' you're a lot stronger than me, an' you're a real good fighter, an' you always keep us safe." Hamato Splinter looked into his young son's eyes, and was unable to come up with an answer. While he did not want to lie to any of his children, he simply could not bring himself to disappoint his son, to see that absolute confidence in him disappear from Michelangelo's eyes.

He opened his mouth- and then closed it again. Too tired to wait for an answer to his own question, the young turtle had already fallen asleep. With a last loving look, Splinter stood and left the small room after checking that each of his sons was still fast asleep. He walked to his own room and lit a lone candle before sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of it.

Splinter closed his eyes as his breathing took on a familiar rhythm. Master Yoshi, he begged silently, let me raise them well. Let me protect them and teach them the way they deserve. Let me be worthy of such faith and love…

I figured Don would probably be the only one who could read at this point. Any argument? Didn't think so.

This story is dedicated to my Dad, who will always be my superhero.