Everyone has been adrenaline fueled, but their postures drops as he scolds them. Raph is still tense, used to bringing problems and complaints as dad’s second-in-command. Mikey and Leo seem to be processing Splinter’s intervention (Something that probably doesn’t happen often considering how blank and startled they seem at this turn of events), simply watching to see what comes of it.
And what does leaves them with a bitter taste in their mouths.
Raph seems disappointed and slightly confused.
Donnie looks like he’s taking his dad’s frustration to heart.
Leo doesn’t know what to make of this entire conversation.
And then Mikey. Me gosh, Mikey.
The dejection on his face, it’s just- I just- he’s just-
I mean, wow.
This is the kid the fandom deems to be the family therapist. I want to say that this child has never been more disappointed in his father in his life- but that’s the silent, shoulder-slumping defeat of someone who recognizes this- this blatant ignorance when faced with the problem at hand. The outright neglect of his fatherly duties when he should be stepping in, helping them to talk this out instead of simply telling them too. A child who understands that this isn’t abnormal, but somewhere deep down hoped that something might be different.
But, once again, Splinter’s not there to help solve the problem. He just wants to rant about their volume, not truly addressing anything, not sitting them down and talking them through it. He’s merely whining about a show when he should be helping solve the chaos in his household- solving the power dynamic crisis that he instigated.
This- This is the look of a son who expected more from his papi, but is forced to face a familiar reality where that won’t happen.
This is part 3! Last part! Part 1 can be found here~
2 Arms Left Masterpost
Sir the Leo's emotionally support each other dont you understand?? They would help each other through thick and thin and thinner and nothing. I am very normal about the mindscape btw