Just breathe...

It's a quiet scene, made more so by the dim light and low tones that work wonders on fussing babies. And boy did this baby fuss. So much so that mom is worn out and the job of placating the infant has fallen to daddy. Hunger and discomfort have been ruled out and so the source of the fussiness has been chalked up to supreme dissatisfaction with the state of one's being.

And if there's ever anyone in the multiverse who understands that sentiment, it's daddy.

Tired as he is, Raph can't help but smile at the repeated attempts his child makes at hitting and kicking him. Surely there will be a point when such flailings successfully connect and render actual pain, but he can't possibly imagine ever not smiling at his child's will to fight. He cradles the baby on one massive arm, tiny head cupped in his rough and calloused hand. With no one there to witness, Raph leans forward and presses a gentle kiss on the child's forehead. His affections are greeted by a low grunt and another uncoordinated attack of flailing limbs. He can feel the threat of tantrum beginning to stir and knows that any further screaming will only serve disturb mommy further.
Raph can't have that.

So he resorts to the only weapon left in his arsenal, he sings. His voice is low, quiet, and barely more than a whisper.

Yes I understand that every life must end,
As we sit alone, I know someday we must go,
I'm a lucky man to count on both hands
The ones I love...

Some folks just have one,
Others they got none,
Stay with me...
Lets just breathe.

Practiced are my sins,
Never gonna let me win,
Under everything, just another human being,
Yeah, I don't wanna hurt, there's so much in this world
to make me bleed.

Stay with me...
You're all I see.

Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn't I'm a fool, you see...
No one knows this more than me,
As I come clean.

I wonder everyday
As I look upon your face,
Everything you gave
And nothing you would save
Nothing you would take...
Everything you gave.

Did I say that I need you?
Oh, Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn't I'm a fool, you see
No one knows this more than me...
like I come clean.

Nothing you would take...
Everything you gave.
Hold me till I die...
Meet you on the other side.

The child gives in and finally succumbs to sleep. Raph, afraid to move too much lest he wake the baby an additional time, makes himself comfortable in the rocking chair. First to wake and last to sleep is a cycle he's long since gotten used to. All in a day's work for the family's protector.