<div class="floatleft">(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/352/3/2/splinter_by_jennyverse-d8a97sl.jpg)</div>She smiles, knowing April would be kind enough to do her this favour. Splinter simply turns to look over at her son. As he spoke however.... A soft sigh escapes her lips, she stands still letting him speak. He was losing faith, losing nerve. She couldnt blame him. Raph was... Not making it easy. As he sat to the ground, she walked towards him. Her hands resting down upon his shoulders. Slowly she rubbed them, her long slender fingers squeezing against his tense muscles. Her nails, gently sliding along his flesh.<strong>"Leonardo..."</strong>She said, looking down.<strong>"I hope you didnt think leading your siblings would be easy? Nothing is how they say, a piece of pie."</strong>Despite her butchering figure of speech, she continued.<strong>"My son, you cant let yourself become prey to doubt. Question yourself, your actions, your  ability. That is natural, that is important for a leader. But doubt is like poison."</strong>As she spoke she leaned down, holding her son close, her arms lightly wrapping around him.<strong>"I cant make things right, I cant ease the pressure. I can only watch from the outside, and give you advice. Your brother? Whats happening is a crack in the road, bowing down from leadership is not the solution. It will give him regret, on top of resentment. You must repair the crack in the road, the scar will remain, but it will no longer hurt. And when it no longer hurts, then you can move on. It will be hard, but it is your burden. Your challenge. And Ive never known my Leo to refuse a challenge."</strong>With her closing words, she held him tighter from behind, her soft breasts warmly pressing against his shoulders and neck. The back of his head barely pushing between them. She did not notice. She merely nuzzled against his cheek. Closing her eyes, and keeping a moment of peace with her son.