Considering my bar was in the dirt before, I think this is progress. [He bats back, just watching the teenager all but take over his kitchen. Everything has a high chance of being re-arranged by Leo or Donnie later when the wrath of Michael isn't upon them.
He sighs a little.] I'd like to tell you 'We got this', but, I can see when I'm losing a battle.
Glad your old age hasn't made you senile. [Mikey grins over his shoulder, but he's more relieved Leo isn't pushing back than the self-assured act lets on. Things between the future twins and the rest of the family are... strained at best, to the point where Mikey's not exactly how he fits in beyond wanting to help Casey share in the awkward responsibility of making it better.
The countertop takeover, at least, is only temporary. Mikey's setting up like he's going to prepare several different kinds of meals at once, but it's totally gonna be fine. A lifetime of watching cooking shows has prepared him for every challenge.]
If it helps, you can think of this as doing me a favor. I'm not the only cook in the lair these days, so I don't get to show off as much.
I'll keep saying forty isn't old, but, I doubt you'll believe me until you get there. [He hangs back just watching Mikey for a moment longer, putting together the teenager's plans given the array of ingredients he's splaying out around him. It distantly reminds Leonardo of holidays long gone. The memory leaves an uncomfortable nostalgic feeling lodged in the back of his throat. He misses his baby brother. He misses Mikey so badly-
But this isn't the same man he knew. This is the start of something new. Someone who is Mikey, but growing into someone else. Someone unburdened by Krang or war. That is a victory in itself. Leo won't spoil that.
He manages to push that aside, keeping focused on the moment now. He manages to keep his tone friendly as he steps up to join Mikey. Even if he's just patting the teenager's shelled back fondly. The gesture unintentionally parental out of ingrained habit.]
Oh, that's how we're framing it huh? You wanna flex and impress two alleged old men?
Like you two haven't always been the hardest ones to please? [Granted, when the competition is Raph that isn't actually saying much.
Mikey steps aside just enough to make room for Leo at the counter. He might be too much of a kitchen control freak to let Leo do more than follow his instructions, but the thought is (more or less) there. The dad-like mannerisms are a little weird, sure, but it feels like an improvement over their first interaction where Leo was calling him kid and distancing himself. Being allowed to help, even in such a small way? That's something Mikey can work with.]
I'm keeping it simple for now since I bet Old Donnie is even pickier than ever.
[Years of the Apocalypse Diet would do that to anyone.]
Miguel, I can't help if we have refined tastes naturally. I know you can keep up, though. [Enough time to settle, and have more than a few heart-to-heart talks with Casey have done a number on Leonardo.]
His diet is... interesting. We'll say that. [Someone was eating a can of corn earlier today, his name starts with a 'Dona' and ends with a 'tello'.] Am I allowed to pass you things, or am I just on watch?
[He accepts his assign task, dropping veggies into one of the pots.] Love to tell you this, I'm in great shape. I can handle any dish I set my sights on. [The Leonardo Bluster hasn't changed, apparently.]
While, I'd give you a maybe. [Wow actual progress.] I don't think that'll work out. The two Donnies got into some physical fight, and I'm not sure that we want a repeat over mashed potatoes.
They can't just avoid each other all the time, either. It's not good for anybody, and a supervised environment is the best way to ease them into getting along.
[Twirling a spoon around in his hand with a knowing look.]
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He sighs a little.] I'd like to tell you 'We got this', but, I can see when I'm losing a battle.
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The countertop takeover, at least, is only temporary. Mikey's setting up like he's going to prepare several different kinds of meals at once, but it's totally gonna be fine. A lifetime of watching cooking shows has prepared him for every challenge.]
If it helps, you can think of this as doing me a favor. I'm not the only cook in the lair these days, so I don't get to show off as much.
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[He hangs back just watching Mikey for a moment longer, putting together the teenager's plans given the array of ingredients he's splaying out around him. It distantly reminds Leonardo of holidays long gone. The memory leaves an uncomfortable nostalgic feeling lodged in the back of his throat. He misses his baby brother. He misses Mikey so badly-
But this isn't the same man he knew. This is the start of something new. Someone who is Mikey, but growing into someone else. Someone unburdened by Krang or war. That is a victory in itself. Leo won't spoil that.
He manages to push that aside, keeping focused on the moment now. He manages to keep his tone friendly as he steps up to join Mikey. Even if he's just patting the teenager's shelled back fondly. The gesture unintentionally parental out of ingrained habit.]
Oh, that's how we're framing it huh? You wanna flex and impress two alleged old men?
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Mikey steps aside just enough to make room for Leo at the counter. He might be too much of a kitchen control freak to let Leo do more than follow his instructions, but the thought is (more or less) there. The dad-like mannerisms are a little weird, sure, but it feels like an improvement over their first interaction where Leo was calling him kid and distancing himself. Being allowed to help, even in such a small way? That's something Mikey can work with.]
I'm keeping it simple for now since I bet Old Donnie is even pickier than ever.
[Years of the Apocalypse Diet would do that to anyone.]
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His diet is... interesting. We'll say that. [Someone was eating a can of corn earlier today, his name starts with a 'Dona' and ends with a 'tello'.] Am I allowed to pass you things, or am I just on watch?
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You can help. We've gotta get you back in top shape if you're gonna be out there cooking for other people.
[He turns to go back to work himself, but hmm. As long as Leo is being indulgent, he'd might as well push his luck.]
...Not that I mind making house calls, but you know you guys could come eat with the rest of us sometimes too, right?
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While, I'd give you a maybe. [Wow actual progress.] I don't think that'll work out. The two Donnies got into some physical fight, and I'm not sure that we want a repeat over mashed potatoes.
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[Twirling a spoon around in his hand with a knowing look.]
Like cats.
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The two need to be on... better terms first.