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aquietwritingcorner · 1 month ago

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Indirectly Responsible

For @tmnt-write-fight for @turtle--thoughts @personne-writes @azucar-skull @teainthesnow @pileofpawns @rbtlvr @drebspells2022

Title: Indirectly Responsible Prompt: Donnie not coping as well as he seems with both the aftermath of Good Genes and how that indirectly led to the Foot Mystics being freed; You don’t know, you weren’t there; Bad dream; “There has to be another way”; Recovery; Turtle Pile Fluff; Scars Fandom: TMNT 2003 Word Count: 6005 Author: aquietwritingcorner/realitybreakgirl Rating: T Characters: Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo Warning: NA Summary: The Demon Shredder could strike at any moment. All of New York is under threat. And in April O’Neil’s apartment, one turtle can’t help but think that this whole situation is indirectly his fault. Notes: So, looking at the timeline, I don’t think that there’s a way for any of the turtles to know that their theft of the Heart of Tengu would lead to the heralds being freed until deep into season 5, so that’s where I’ve placed this. I also know there wasn’t actually much time between Karai waking up in April’s apartment and the final battle, but, eh, let’s pretend there was. ffn || AO3

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Indirectly Responsible

Don tossed and turned, shifting around as he slept on a pallet that April had laid out on her floor for him, moving stiffly, uncomfortably. The lights were out, the apartment dark, and quiet lay like a blanket over the sleeping occupants. Inside April’s bedroom Karai slept, Chaplin choosing to stay with her, both guarding and keeping an eye on his mistress. Casey slept on a cot out in the hallway, where he would be the first alert for any trouble that might come up that way. On her couch curled under a blanket, April slept, but with a bat nearby, just in case. The Ancient One had taken to her recliner, hat pulled down over his face, snoring lightly. Splinter slept on a small nest of pillows, curled up in a more rat-like way than he typically did.

Leo, Raph, Mikey and Don all had pallets of quilts scattered around the rest of the apartment, strategically placed. Raph was near the shop stairs, ready for any trouble from that direction. Leo had chosen to sleep under the living room windows, perhaps in defiance of having once been thrown through him. Mikey stayed near the kitchen, easily able to distinguish between the sounds the appliances made or trouble. Don, for his part, had laid out his pallet near the computer in case an alarm went off.

They had wanted to set up a watch rotation, just in case something happened in the night. However, the Ancient One had insisted that they all sleep. He felt that something was going to happen, soon, that this was the lull before storm, and they all needed to be well-rested for the coming battle. Splinter had trusted his judgment and encouraged everyone to rest while they could.

However, Donatello’s sleep was anything but restful. Dreams—memory fragments?—played through his head, distorted, hard to parse through. Most of what swirled around in his dreams were fragments, small pieces of moments that had no context. They were small enough that, should he remember them when he woke, he wouldn’t be able to glean much from them. Still, they were poignant in is dreams, leaving his mind in turmoil.

His giant, clawed hand around Mikey’s leg. His father’s sad face. Fear and a feeling of needing to get somewhere safe as he ran through the sewers. Being enraged as April held a broom that had just hit him in the face. Rage as Leatherhead and his brothers tried to catch him. Fear as Bishop’s men tried to gun him down. Anger as Leo shot him again and again with tranquilizer darts.

Pain. Pain, pain, pain, pain, painpainpainpainapain—

These dreams weren’t unusual. He’d been having them off and on for months. They’d started a few weeks after he’d gotten the cure for his second mutation. Don theorized that it was because his body had finally healed to the point that it could begin to process the trauma that he’d gone through. They’d fade out after some time, but then would resurface, usually with accompanying aches, pains, and exhaustions as his body recovered.

He had started to have these dreams again during their training with the Ninja Tribunal, something he attributed to the stress of the environment. The Ancient One had theorized that they were an avenue of mystical attack, with some connection to the situation, and led Don through some meditations to try to deal with them. Unfortunately, there hadn’t been much time to focus on that, and the dreams had continued. They grew more frequent, the memories more broken up, and left him with echoed feelings of anxiety, terror, dread, and guilt that he couldn’t shake.

Every so often, though, a more intact memory would come through. It was usually a few minutes of something he’d observed or done when he’d been mutated. Some of them were downright terrifying. Others were just painful. Most of them, though, were enlightening no matter the other emotions accompanying them, and he usually remembered those memories when he woke. Tonight, amidst the fragments that ran throughout Don’s head, an intact memory made its way to the forefront.

He was in pain. He was in so much pain. He hurt. He was terrified. Safe. He needed to get where it was safe. He didn’t know where that was, but he needed it. He’d been trying to get out of this trap for hours, beating, beating, beating on it. But it wouldn’t let him escape.

He was in pain. He was scared. He was tired.

He slumped to the floor of the cage, energy spent for the moment. His captors were just beyond it, talking, although he didn’t understand them.

“There has to be another way, Leo!”

The one addressed shook his head. “There isn’t one, Raph.”

“What about the Utroms?” the third asked. “Or the Triceritons? Couldn’t we ask them for help?”

The big creature shook his head. “It is not an option, Michelangelo. While they could help, by the time a message got to them, it would already be too late for Donatello. His cells would have completely broken down.”

Something in the third one’s expression stirred something inside him, but he didn’t understand it, and just continued to watch.

“Then is this the only option?” the furry one asked.

The big one let out a breath and walked to the wall of lights and noises that he was often at. “As much as I hate to admit it, I am afraid that it is, Master Splinter.”

“There ain’t nothing else?” the first one said. “Nothing we can steal or get for you? Yer a smart guy, LH! Or—or what about the Justice Force? They’ve got all kinds of things, right?”

“I asked,” the third one said. “But… there’s no one there that understands all of, well, this,” he said, gesturing to the group.

The first one looked back at the second one. “So, this is it? We just take Donnie to that mad man that caused this problem in the first place, and let him have him?”

“No.” The second one’s voice was strong. “No, we don’t just hand him over. This is Don. He’s our brother. Someone will be with him all the time.”

“Ain’t gonna do us a lot of good if Bishop decides to just keep us all,” the first one said.

“I know,” the second one said. “But… there’s no other options. I’ve been over this in my head a million ways, Raph. This is the only thing we can do. There is no other way.”

All eyes traveled over to him. He didn’t like it. He didn’t like the way they were looking at him. There was something there and he didn’t understand it. It made him mad, made him angry, and that gave him a surge of energy. He rose to his feet and roared, pounding on the cage that kept him again and again.

Maybe if he did it enough, if he escaped from this, the pain would finally stop.

The scene slipped back again, although not forgotten, fragments overtaking it, trying to cover it up. Yet no matter how much the fragments tried to cover it up, the scene stayed, pushing its way through them, insisting on staying in Don’s awareness.

Rage at Stockman, who seemed as little more than twigs walking. “There has to be another way!” Pain from things being jabbed in his side from Bishop’s men. “There isn’t one.” Fear as a gas filled the new cage he was in. “Then this is the only option?” Loneliness, loss, as he searched for safety, for his family for safety, not knowing when they found him, that they were who he was looking for. “I’m afraid that it is.” The overwhelming desire to runbreakhidefight all at once. “There’s no other options.”

Pain. Pain, pain, pain, pain, pain painpainpainpainpainpain—

“There’s no other way.”

Don woke up with a start. He immediately sat up, ignoring the ache that shot through him, tense, ready to roll out of bed and fight. There were no immediate threats, though, and everyone else seemed to be sleeping. The apartment was quiet, the monitoring systems weren’t going off, and Don couldn’t hear any threats from outside.

“There has to be another way!”

“There’s no other way.”

A shudder ran through Don, and he let the battle-readiness fade away, simply sitting there instead as the ache started to settle into his bones. He tried to calm his breathing, focusing instead on those two phrases. Why did they seem so familiar? What had happened around those words? His brow furrowed as he tried to think it through. What had he been dreaming about?

“There has to be another way, Leo!”

“There isn’t one, Raph.”

“What about the Utroms? Or the Triceritons? Couldn’t we ask them for help?”

“It is not an option, Michelangelo. While they could help, by the time a message got to them, it would already be too late for Donatello. His cells would have completely broken down.”

“Then is this the only option?”

Right. Right, it had been not a dream but another memory. This time one of his family talking. Talking about him and options. Or, more precisely, what they felt like was their only option. The only way they had to cure him.

“So, this is it? We just take Donnie to that mad man that caused this problem in the first place, and let him have him?”

“No. No, we don’t just hand him over. This is Don. He’s our brother. Someone will be with him all the time.”

“Ain’t gonna do us a lot of good if Bishop decides to just keep us all.”

“I know. But… there’s no other options. I’ve been over this in my head a million ways, Raph. This is the only thing we can do. There is no other way.”

Don drew in a big breath, held it, and let it out. The memory was coming back to him, now. He’d seen fragments of it before, but they were all connecting, snapping into place. He’d known his brothers had taken him to Bishop. He’d known they’d negotiated with him for a cure. He’d know that they’d had to go and get something from Karai for Bishop, although he’d had to press hard to get that information out of anyone.

And he knew it was something called The Heart of Tengu. And he knew that it had given Karai control over the Foot Mystics. The same entities that now called themselves the Heralds of the Shredder and had worked to bring about the return of the Tengu Shredder.

Not that any of them had known that until recently.

After she had woken up, and after Chaplin had come to get her, and after they had both decided to stay for at least the night, everyone had settled down to share information. Or, well, that had been the idea. Neither side trusted the other, obviously. Broad strokes were shared, until one, fairly explosive moment when Karai had accused the turtles of bringing the whole disaster about. She’d told them about the Heart of Tengu, then, and how it had kept the Foot Mystics under control. She blamed them for what was happening.

Don had been stunned. He knew that his brothers had stolen something from her for Bishop, to ensure the cure for him. But he hadn’t realized what it was—or just how it had caused this apocalyptic nightmare they were now in.

“This is all your fault!” Karai snapped. “You stole the Heart of Tengu from me! You were the ones that set the Mystics free!”

“We may have stolen it from you, Karai,” Leo said, “but we had nothing to do with setting the Mystics free.”

Karai scoffed. “Then why did you steal it, Leonardo? To control the Mystics? To try to use them against me, only to find them too difficult for you to control?”

Raph growled. “Yer barking up the wrong tree, sister,” he said, and Don could see how he was trying very hard not to grip the handles of his sai, trying not to escalate things.

“It was payment,” Leo said, interrupting anything else that might be said. “We had a need. That was the payment required to ensure the deal.”

Karai spread her hand towards the windows. “And look what that ‘payment’ has cost everyone,” Karai mocked. “Was it worth dooming the world for?” she demanded.

Something sure seemed to settle in each of Don’s brothers and his father, even as Leo spoke again. “Yes. It was, Karai. And I’d do it again. We all would.”

Don took a breath, bringing himself back from that memory, even as the guilt he felt settled into him once more. His hand went to the scar on his leg, all that was left from that infected wound he’d had all those months, and pressed down on it, trying to massage away the shooting pain he was feeling from it. That wound had introduced the outbreak virus into his system, and that wound should have been something he paid more attention to.

The scar was a raised, bumpy thing, about an inch and a half wide, and roughly circular. It made sense, seeing it came from a puncture wound. The initial puncture hadn’t been as big as the scar, but there had been some necrosis around it that had worried Don a little. Fortunately, that, as well as the wound itself, had seemed to heal up with the advent of the cure.

It was a reminder, though. A reminder of what his own inattention and lack of care had cost them. A reminder of the guilt he carried with him. If the pains it sent out into his body from time to time were his only penance, then he had gotten off lightly.

Lightning flashed outside, and Don turned to look out the windows. Everything was so wrong out there. The sky wasn’t right, the trees and the buildings were twisted, warped. Everything outside felt like a mockery of what it should be. The people were terrified. Even the criminals had backed off, everyone hunkering down, waiting for the next thing to happen.

And Don knew it was all because of him.

Don couldn’t stay there anymore. He needed to get up, to move, to go somewhere else. His scar ached, and he felt the pain from it creeping into his bones, aches settling into the stretch marks left on his skin from the transformations. It felt like there was a pressure on his shell that was waiting to snap, and he winced as he got up. As much as he tried to hide it and deny it, he was still recovering from his second mutation. His muscles often had a persistent ache to them, something he felt in his very bones, and he still didn’t have all of his endurance back. Training with the Tribunal hadn’t helped that, and he had often found himself utterly exhausted at the end of a training day.

Honestly, it worried him, and some primal part of himself wanted to give into emotions and panic. Don kept that part in check, trying to remember that it was a traumatic thing that his body was recovering from. He knew that there was still a chance that the aches and pains would fade and eventually he’d be back to normal. However, he also knew that there was a good chance that he’d be living with this the rest of his life. Again, it was a small penance to pay for being the indirect cause of the apocalypse.

Don shook his head. The dreams, the worries of a full recovery, he sat them to the side for a moment and very quietly got up, using the nearby desk for leverage as his body protested the movement. He grabbed his bo—both to have it just in case, and for the extra support it gave him--and on silent feet he made his way towards the spiral staircase that led down into the shop.

Sneaking past Raphael wasn’t an easy thing to do, especially when Don felt as bad as he did at the moment, but it was possible, and Don knew the tricks. He managed not to disturb his brother and landed quietly in the shop with only the barest of a stumble, using his bo for balance. He could see more of the outside through the shop windows, and it turned his stomach, making the guilt settle on him even harder. The pain he was feeling flared up in response, and with a grimace, Don quietly made his way through the shop and to the door that led to the hallway, using his bo as a walking staff.

The staircase was there, and Don could hear Casey snoring on the second-floor landing. Every so quietly, Don made his way to the stairs, going down them instead of going up. He headed into the basement, and down to a room that he was told he ran into when he was mutating.

Don paused in the doorway, leaning on his bo and looking around. He wasn’t sure how Kirby’s room had survived the fire and explosion of April’s building, but somehow it had. Kirby’s bed and drawing table were still in there and Don listlessly made his way around the room, his bo quietly tapping on the floor. He looked at the little trinkets and such that had belonged to the man. He’d apparently had no family to come collect the things, and April, not knowing what to do with them, had put them back. She’d intended to clean the room out and rent it again, but with all of them in her life, she never had. Don was kind of glad for that now.

He heavily sat down on the bed, not feeling like staying standing any longer, and reached over to pick up a half-geode that was sitting on the nightstand. He could see where the fire had scorched the outside of the rock, but the crystals inside were undamaged. He gently ran his finger over them, wishing that he knew the significance of this to Kirby. He’d never gotten the chance to know Kirby that well. It had been a meeting, an adventure, and a tragedy.

Something else he was responsible for.

“Don?” Don looked up to see Leo standing in the doorway to the room. He was looking at Don with a mix of curiosity and concern, clearly assessing him. He frowned when he saw Don’s bo propped against the bed in easy reach. “Are you okay?”

Don shrugged and turned the geode over in his hand.

“Just thinking,” he said. “I’m aching a little, too.”

Leo frowned sympathetically, and moved further into the room, coming to sit beside Don. “I can understand that. Anything I can do?”

Don let out a small, half-amused noise. “Not unless you can rewind time and keep me from getting the wound to begin with.”

Leo’s mouth twitched up in a smile. “If I could do that, I would have done that to begin with.

“There has to be another way!”

“There’s no other way.”

Don frowned as the memory resurfaced, complimenting Leo’s words.

Leo, of course, took notice, and his smile faded away, too. “What is it?” he asked.

Don looked down at the rough outer surface of the geode, running his thumb on it. “…Was it really the only way?” he asked quietly.

He felt Leo stiffen a little at his side. “Don, what do you—”

“The amulet,” Don said. “I—I had another dream tonight. Another memory. I was inside the cage LH and I built. You were all outside it, and Raph was saying that there had to be another way other than taking me to Bishop to get the cure. But you and LH didn’t seem to think that there was.”

Leo was still. “I remember that conversation,” he said, his voice muted, but firm.

Don swallowed, feeling emotions welling up in him. He rotated the geode in his hand, keeping the rough side up, letting his fingers scrape along it. “Was it the only way, Leo?” he asked. “Was it truly? I understand why you did it. I’m not saying that. But look what it cost us. The Tribunal. Our friends, the other acolytes. Parts of New York City. It could cost us not just the city, but so much more. Getting that amulet to save me might have doomed the world.” He was staring firmly at the rock now. “I’m not worth the world, Leo. I’m not worth all of those peopl—”

Suddenly Leo’s hands were on his shoulders, and his brother was roughly forcing Don to face him. Startled, Don dropped the geode and looked up. Leo’s face was set, grim, and yet full of barely contained emotion.

“Donatello, I never want to hear you say that again,” he said firmly, fiercely. “You are worth it.”

Don’s own mouth settled into a grim line, the startlement fading. “Am I?” he said. “To you, to our family, yes, I am. But if you compare my life to the lives of everyone else, then no, I’m not.” He gently but firmly moved himself out of Leo’s grasp on his shoulders and leaned down to pick up the geode, wincing as he did. “In the grand scheme of things, my life isn’t worth any more than anyone else’s.” He turned the geode up, looking at the crystals. “There had to be another way to get me back.”

“There wasn’t.” Leo’s voice was firm, sure.

“There would have been, in time,” Don said. He grabbed his bo and used it to help him stand up, moving across the room to put the geode down on a shelf.

Leo stayed where he was and shook his head. “There was no other option,” he repeated, his voice rising a little bit.

“The options weren’t fully explored. I’ve seen the notes and I—” Don started.

Leo suddenly leapt to his feet, fire in his eyes. “You don’t know! You weren’t there!” he said forcefully, his voice raising even more.

Don turned to look at him, and Leo backtracked, reigning himself back in.

“I mean, of course you were there,” he said, his voice a little quieter. He ran a hand across his head, frustration in the movement. “But you weren’t—you weren’t you,” he said. “It was like I said to Raph and Mikey once. I kept looking to you to ask what we were going to do but… you weren’t there.” He looked at Don, with pleading eyes. “You’ve got to understand, Don. We explored everything as best we could. There was no other way.”

Don took a breath in, turning to stare at the geode for a moment. Its crystals caught the little light in the room and reflected it. “Then it’s my fault,” Don said quietly.

Leo stared at him a moment, confused. “What?”

“Then it’s my fault,” Don said turning back around. He leaned on his bo. “You’re right. I wasn’t there. I was… I was a raging, mindless beast who didn’t understand anything that was happening.” His jaw tightened a little. “I didn’t know anyone or anything. I didn’t even understand when I was safe. All I knew was pain and rage. I wasn’t there.”

“Don, I—” Leo started, but Don shook his head and cut his brother off.

“I wasn’t there before that, though.” He looked Leo in the eye. “I saw Leatherhead’s notes. He noted the point in my own notes when I became unreliable. I was too sick, too far gone with the virus to accurately interpret the data anymore. I wasn’t ever going to be able to find a cure, because I was already ‘not there.’ By the time we got back from the past, my reasoning was too far gone.”

Leo was silent, the analysis evidently taking him by surprise. Don forged ahead, reaching to run his fingers over the geode again.

“I never was going to find a cure,” he said firmly. “And it was my fault for not taking the wound seriously to begin with.” Don’s voice began to pitch up a little. “And I only got the wound because I froze up and Raph had to push me out of the way. If I had just moved, or if I had taken the wound more seriously, then I wouldn’t have double mutated,” the words spilled out of his mouth, falling quicker and quicker, his grip on his bo tightening. “If I hadn’t double mutated, then all of you wouldn’t have gone to Bishop for a cure. He wouldn’t have instructed you steal the Heart of Tengu. The Foot Mystics would have never gotten free. They wouldn’t have been able to kill the Tribunal and our friends. The Demon Shredder wouldn’t have been revived. And the fate of the world wouldn’t be hanging in the balance!”

Don whirled back to face Leo, who had been silent, watching as Don laid out his reasoning, grasping his bo with both hands now. “So, you see, Leo, this is all my fault! The world could end, we could all die, and it’s all my fault because I didn’t move out of the way of an enemy in time!”

For a moment, there was silence. Then Leo looked at Don and frowned. “Alright,” he said, crossing his arms. “It is all your fault.”

Don wavered where he stood. “What?”

“It is your fault,” Leo said. “You’re right. If you hadn’t gotten that wound, then none of this would have happened.”

Don hadn’t been expecting Leo to say that, and he stared at his brother, his mouth hanging slightly open. The words stung. They hurt, even though Don knew they were true, and he tightened his grip on his bo again.

Leo wasn’t finished though. “But I’ll say it again. You don’t know. You weren’t there.” Leo took a step towards Don. “Your notes may not have been reliable towards the end, but they were better and more extensive than anything Bishop or Stockman had.”

“But… they made the cure…” Don said, confused.

“Yeah, they did,” Leo said. “From your notes.” Leo sighed and put his hands on Don’s shoulders, both comforting and supporting Don. “They lied to us, Don. They said they had a cure when they didn’t. Master Splinter and Leatherhead told us about it later, but it was too late by that point. You were closer to a cure than they were. They just had better resources and equipment to finish what you started.”

“They—what?” Don stared at his brother, trying to process this new information.

Leo nodded. “Leatherhead said that the only reason your notes were as well-researched and extensive was because you were testing yourself. Don’t you see, Don?” Leo asked.

Don stared at his brother, waiting for Leo to explain.

“Because you got that sting, you started your studies and research long before Bishop or Stockman even knew there was a problem. You had the most complete and accurate information available. Because you double mutated, your research went to Bishop and Stockman, and they were able to make a cure. Without you, without your research, without that sting, the city would still be suffering from mutated creatures.”

Leo gave Don’s shoulders a squeeze. “Yes, we stole the Heart of Tengu as payment, but it was because Bishop lied to us about what he could do. Not to mention, Bishop started the whole mess to begin with, with his fake invasion.” He gave Don a tight smile. “You didn’t bring about the danger we’re in now. Bishop did, by trying to build a fake danger, and then by lying to us.”

Don stared at Leo, blinking as his brain processed the information. “…Oh.” He could feel himself trembling just slightly. He shook his head. “But—still. You stole the Heart of Tengu to save me.” He glanced at the doorway, as if he could see outside through it. “I still feel responsible.”

Leo shook his head again, and adjusted his grip, leading Don back to the bed and sitting them both down. He shifted again, sliding an arm along Don’s shoulders to pull him in. “You’re not. Besides…” Leo hesitated. “I don’t know how to explain it, but… it feels like this was always supposed to be us? I think… I think that even if it hadn’t been to save you, then something would have happened to the Heart of Tengu anyway, and we’d be in a similar position.”

Don eyed Leo skeptically for a moment, but then relented. Leo had always had a sense about these things, even more so since he returned from the Ancient One. It had seemed to sharpen, somehow, during their training with the Tribunal.

“If you’re sure, Leo,” Don said, slumping a bit against his brother, tired and aching.

“If Leo’s sure about what?”

Mikey’s sleepy voice interrupted, and Mikey poked his head around the door. Raph was right there with him, moving to stand in the doorway, eyes moving over the pair, clearly assessing the situation.

“If I’m sure that Don’s not responsible for everything that’s happened,” Leo said.

“He ain’t,” Raph said bluntly.

“Ohhh,” Mikey said. “This is because of the Heart of Tengu thing, isn’t it?”

Don shot a Mikey a startled look. “How did you—”

“How did I know?” Mikey said, coming into the room and plopping himself down on the other side of Don. “You mean, how did I know that one of the two turtles with a huge guilt complex was totally and absolutely going to take what happened and blame himself?” Mikey grinned. “Come on, Donnie, gimme a little credit.”

“I don’t say this often, but Mikey’s right,” Raph said. He strode forward and poked Don in the forehead, before taking his bo from him and setting it to the side. “You’ve been overthinkin’ everythin’ durin’ your recovery. Wasn’t hard to figure you’d take what Little Miss Shredder said to heart.”

Don frowned and looked down at his leg again. His hand traced over his scar, wincing a little as he did. “I guess. It’s just—”

“Nope, no ‘it’s just’,” Mikey said. “Whatever Leo said, he was right.”

“It ain’t your fault, Don,” Raph said, his voice quiet. “It never was.”

Don sighed, his hands rubbing at the stretch marks on his thighs. “It still feels like it is.”

“Well, no matter if it feels like it or not, it isn’t,” Leo said.

Don looked up at his brothers, giving them a weak smile. “It’ll take some time for me to internalize that,” he said.

Raph made a shooing motion, obviously trying to encourage Don to lie down. “Yeah, well, while you’re working on that, we can work on you,” he said. “Yer hurting right now, aren’t you?”

Don grimaced. “It’s… never really left,” he admitted. “It’s just worse tonight.”

Raph let out a huff of frustration. “Don. You’re suppose to tell us these things.” He looked over at Mikey and Leo. “You two know what to do.”

“Right-o!” Mikey said, and practically tacked Don to the bed.

“Hey—what--!” Don protested.

“Nuh-uh,” Mikey said, draping himself over Don’s shell like some sort of starfish. He put his head right on top of Don’s. “You said that heat makes your shell feel better, so I’m about to be your own personal heater!”

“You’re too heavy to be a heater,” Don grumbled, trying to get comfortable under Mikey’s weight.

“I’ve got his legs, you get his arms?” Raph said to Leo.

“Sounds good to me,” Leo said.

“Guys, you don’t have to do this,” Don protested. “It’ll fade back to a tolerable level eventually.”

“Hm, I dunno, bro. Eventually sounds like it’ll take to long, especially when we can do something about it now,” Mikey said. He booped the back of Don’s head with his snout. “Come on, Don. Let us help you.”

Don sighed and relented. He was well and firmly trapped, as his brothers started to massage his limbs, trying to help with the pain he was feeling. Mikey’s heat on his shell helped, too, although he wasn’t about to admit it out loud. Slowly, Don started to relax as the massages and heat started to help the bone-deep aches he was feeling.

“You’re still recovering,” Leo said to him, softly, as he worked. “Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Let us take care of you. Because while you might not think you’re worth the world, to us you are.”

Somewhere above Don, Mikey snorted. “That was one of the cheesiest things you’ve ever said, Leo,” he cackled.

Don heard the thwap of Mikey being hit. “Shut it, chucklehead,” Raph said. “It might be cheesy, but it’s true.”

“Never said it wasn’t,” Mikey protested. “Just that it was cheesy.”

Don chuckled quietly at the interactions and decided to stop protesting his brothers’ actions. He let them do for him, and then, when they all somehow curled and squished and fit on the bed, the bedframe miraculously holding under their weight, he didn’t protest, but instead let himself be cocooned within his brothers’ warmth and love. They talked, softly, about stupid things, silly things, and wishes and dreams, until one by one, they all fell asleep with each other, feeling safe and secure in a way that none of them had in far too long.

Don wasn’t sure he’d ever completely recover from his second mutation. He had a feeling that the aches and pains would come and go, becoming something he would deal with the rest of his life. He still felt guilty for what was happening, too, feeling indirectly responsible for the current state of the city. But right now, at this moment? He let himself trust in his brothers’ words, and refocused his mind on them, instead of his guilt.

And this time as Don slept, not a single dream or memory disturbed him.

It was hours later when two figures silently crept to the doorway of the room, looking in on the sleeping pile of turtles that was on the bed. Arms and legs were intertwined together, making it hard to tell who was sleeping on who and where one turtle began and another ended.

“You see?” the Ancient One said, very softly. “I told you—they needed this night. Their bond is strengthened. Donatello’s spirit is a peace, cutting off that avenue of attack. This bonding will only serve them well in the coming battle.”

Splinter looked over his sons, too many emotions running through him for him to properly express any of them. “It will,” he agreed instead. “I can only hope that it will keep them safe.”

For a moment, Splinter hesitated, and then he stole out of the room, returning moments later with a couple of large blankets. The Ancient One blinked at him.

“How are you going to cover them up? They are all tangled,” he asked, although he moved forward to help Splinter unfold the blankets.

“As I did when they were mere babies. I will cover the whole pile,” Splinter explained. “Creating a ‘shell’ for them to seek comfort in.”

“Ah.” The Ancient One nodded, and helped Splinter cover the sleeping pile of turtles, smiling to himself when he saw how Splinter took the time to adjust a limb here and there, and press his nose to each of his sons’ heads.

The two slowly left the room then, leaving the turtles alone to finish sleeping throughout the night. In the morning, battle would come, the Ancient One was sure, and for that, the four would need to be bonded strongly. But tonight, their bonds had been strengthened. He just hoped that it would be enough.

But for four turtles who were sleeping in a pile, under blankets put over them by their father, nothing could feel more safe and secure in that moment.

#tmntwritefight #tmntwritefight fic #tmnt #tmnt 2003 #tmnt donatello #tmnt leonardo #tmnt fanfic #tmnt fanfiction #Turtle--thoughts #personne-writes #azucar-skull #teainthesnow #pileofpawns #rbtlvr #drebspells2022

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swiftsdelucaa · 1 year ago

Note

Being a fellow doctor at Grey salon and also Amelia's or Teddy's lover . Maybe reader got into an accident and is critically injured .

❛ 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 ❜

𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜: Teddy Altman x f!reader ♡

𝘼/𝙣: So I chose Teddy since I haven't written anything for her yet! Hope you like it and enjoyy ;)

You had seen millions of soldiers lose their minds and threaten anyone who bothered them with a weapon. So you knew how to behave. You knew how to act when that boy pulled a gun out of his pocket terrifying all the passers. You were walking to the hospital, you couldn't ignore the situation. Some of them had called the police, but no one had arrived yet, so you stepped forward. You knew somehow that boy wasn't into him, otherwise why threaten everyone with a gun?

You were about to get him to put the weapon down so that you would pick it up and he wouldn't scare anyone again, but then the police came yelling at him from behind, so he started getting really upset and angry, picking on you, saying that you tricked him, so he fired a bullet that hit you right in the belly. You felt a weight hit you, suddenly it was hard to even breathe, all you could do was collapse on the ground, closing your eyes, as the blood started flowing out and people ran to your rescue. Then you heard nothing more.

You were rushed to Grey-Sloan, where April and Teddy were waiting. She was prepared for the trauma of a gunshot wound, but with you it would have been different, and maybe finding out like this wouldn't have been even one of the best ways.

"What do we have?" Kepner asked when the ambulance arrived.

"Woman, 34, gunshot wound to abdomen, she lost much blood" the paramedics carried your stretcher off the vehicle.

"Y/n?" Teddy raised her eyes when she recognized you even you had an oxygen mask and were still unconscious. "Oh my God, what happened?!" she asked confused and afraid.

"Teddy it's okay, I'll call Owen, he'll help me with he, she'll be fine, okay?" April tried to calm her down as she just panicked.

Teddy followed her as she carried you into the room, where Owen and Meredith were already ready.

"Hey, isn't she Y/n?" Owen asked.

"God, what the hell happened?" Meredith asked too, with a worried tone.

"They said a guy shot her... she tried to stop him" April said starting to check you. Teddy was still near the entrance of your room, she put a hand on her mouth as she tried to hold on the tears. Owen noticed it, so he went to her.

"Teddy, you can't stay here..."

"I- I know, I just-" she stopped, couldn't continue the sentence.

"We'll take care of her, now you should take care of yourself" he reassured her. "Do you trust us?" she nodded wiping away a tear that she couldn't help but hold back, while Owen returned with the others to deal with you.

They gave you more units of blood and took you to surgery to get the bullet out and stop the bleeding. It had managed to puncture the intestine and diaphragm, luckily nothing they couldn't take care of. The repair was done perfectly, the most involved procedure was the extraction of the bullet as it risked damaging the artery, but you had been entrusted to the best, Teddy had nothing to fear.

When you woke up it took you a while to figure out where you were and why, then you turned around to find Teddy next to you, still crying. As soon as you woke up her face lit up and she squeezed your hand.

"God, you have to stop scaring me!" she wiped away her tears and you smiled at her.

"I... I couldn't not doing anything..." you justified yourself.

"I know, I know you" she stroked your cheek. "How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Weak, but fine" you kissed her hand which was still on your cheek.

Her gaze remained fixed on you for a while, before she started talking again.

"How would I do without you?" You sighed at her question.

"I'll be strong for tou whatever thing will happen, I promise" you smiled at her as she approached to kiss you on your lips, then laying next to you and holding you in each other arms, feeling safe.

#teddy altman #teddy altman x reader #teddy altman imagine #greys anatomy #grey's anatomy #greys anatomy x reader #greys anatomy imagine #y/n #my writing #fanfics #requests

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rubydubydoo122 · 7 months ago

Text

Jason gets de-aged because I've seen fics of Tim or Dick being de-aged, and Bruce losing his memory, but no one has realized the potential for angst if you de-age Jason.

Something was different about Gotham. Sure the streets were relatively the same, but the buildings seemed different. Less run down. Newer.

They passed a fire station that had an electrical board that showed any events, the weather, the time and… the date?

“Holy crow? It’s 2023? Does that mean I– does that mean I time traveled?” That would make him 21– nope, 20 because it was April. His birthday wasn’t for another 4 months. “This is so cool. Can I meet me?” Was he in college? Of course he was, there’s no way he would throw all that away. Did he get another growth spurt? He was probably cool.

“I’m pretty sure you got de-aged, since you’re still wearing your suit. I think if it was time travel you would’ve showed up in your…” Stephanie glanced back at him like she had just realized something, but immediately shot her eyes back on the road “Robin costume.”

Wait. He wasn’t still Robin? A grown adult being Robin did seem kind of silly though. Dick had become Nightwing when he was 18. They kept calling Jason “Red Hood” . Was that what he called himself now? How in the world did he convince Bruce to let him use guns? Why did he use guns?

Steph lifted a finger to her com, “Um..quick question, who’s in the cave right now?”

The question didn’t echo in Jason’s ear so he assumed that maybe she’d switched to a different frequency. Which was kinda rude, but also maybe polite because the reverberation is kinda annoying.

“Ok good, Oracle already filled you in. We’re coming up on the cave, Agent A, maybe you should put a sheet or something over the case.” a pause, “How am I supposed to know? I didn't know you people then.” she looked at Jason again, “He still has the white streak in his hair. If that helps?”

“I dyed… my hair?” He tried to get a glance of himself in the side mirrors and sure enough he had a streak of white near his forehead, “ Cool .”

They got to the cave, which had a lot more bat-themed vehicles than Jason remembered. No duh, it’s been like five years.

They got out of the bike and walked further into the cave. Well, Stephanie walked, Jason waddled because his pants and boots were way too big. She turned around with her phone and took a picture with a shit eating grin.

“What- hey! Delete that!” He reached to grab the phone but she moved it just out of reach. Screw her and her tallness.

“No can do, bitty bird. It’s not often I can get blackmail on the Big Bad Red Hood.”

She was basically a stranger and now she has a picture of him. Sure she was let into the batcave, and Bruce probably trusted her, but that doesn’t mean he was comfortable with her taking pictures of him. Jason’s eyes felt like they were burning in shame.

“Miss. Stephanie, don’t tease Master–” Alfred was cut off by a hug,

“Alfie!” Jason couldn’t see Alfred pale in his arms. Because other than the white streak running through his hair, Jason looked almost exactly how he did before he… left. For Ethiopia.

Alfred wrapped his arms tightly around him. Afraid that if he let go, Jason would run away and he would lose him for a second time. “...Jason.”

Jason shifted in his arms, because hugs with Alfred were never this long, even when he was hugging Dick. Did Jason not see Alfred anymore? Nah, that could never happen. Even if Jason was angry at Bruce (which he couldn’t be for that long) he would still try to see Alfred at least once a week. But the hug felt good.

Alfred cleared his throat before letting go, “Dear god, you are practically swimming in those clothes. I’ll see if I can find something that might fit, Master Jason.”

And before Jason could thank him, Alfred was gone.

He started walking deeper into the cave because if it really was 2023, there’d better be much cooler technology and if there wasn’t, Jason was gonna be really disappointed.

But of course, since Jason was wearing clothes that were meant for someone who was Bruce’s size, he stepped on the leg of his pants and tripped on his boots while trying to catch himself.

“These boots are ten sizes too big.” Jason totally wasn’t whining as he kicked them off and started aggressively rolling up his pant legs, “You could probably put these pants on a giant and they’d still be a nuisance to keep up.”

There was a huff of a laugh that did not sound like Stephanie’s. “Well, you are usually kind of a giant, Jason. You probably scare more badguys than Batman.” There was a teen in pajamas offering a hand out to him, “I’m Duke.”

Jason accepted the hand, “Thanks. It’s nice to meet you, but I don’t think it’s possible to be scarier than Batman.” Who was this kid? He seemed about Jason’s age. Did he know Bruce was Batman? Was he the new Robin?

Duke shifted from side to side, “Yeah, you’re right, I was just trying to start up a conversation.”

Alfred came back into the cave with a pile of clothes in his hands. “After you change, Master Jason, meet me in the medbay. I’m sure Master Bruce will want to run some tests.”

That meant he was about to be poked and prodded. And ever since Jason’s mom died–

No… It can’t end like this… Gotta get you out of here….I’ll save you mom…It’s locked!

“Master Jason?” Alfred had placed a hand on Jason’s arm.

“Thanks Alfred.” Jason took the clothes with shaky hands. That flash of– maybe a nightmare, left him feeling clammy. He could see Stephanie walking over to them and Duke was looking at him with a slight frown. They couldn’t see Jason like this, scared of what his own brain conjured up for no apparent reason. So he quickly headed towards the bathroom to take a shower, to wash away the sweat. Not the fear.

He had�� a lot of scars. Scars that he didn’t remember getting. The two most concerning being the one on his throat, and the Y shaped scar running down his torso. If Jason didn’t know any better, he would think it was a scar from an autopsy. But he was very much alive.

Jason peeled his eyes away from the mirror and hopped into the shower. He felt like somehow, he was intruding his own privacy. And he was grateful for the turtleneck that was slightly too big because he wasn’t sure if the scars were something he wanted everyone seeing. Because the clothes he was wearing before seemed to cover them up.

Jason could hear the roar of the batmobile. Bruce . Yeah, maybe things have been kinda rough between the both of them recently, but Jason was confused, and scared, and all he wanted was his dad.

Except by the time Jason had reached the Batmobile, it wasn’t Batman coming out of the driver's seat, it was–

“Dick?” Jason had to do a double take. His costume was a lot more muted. Less blue and more black. Also, since when did Bruce let Dick drive the batmobile?

Two other people were coming out of the batmobile too, but before he could get a good look at them, he was engulfed in a hug. Which was weird. Really weird. Because Dick rarely hugged him.

Dick pulled away, “I forgot how small you used to be.”

“I wasn’t going to point out how old you look, because I’m a nice person, but you look old. ” Even with the mask on, Jason could tell. Well, it was less physical, and more of a vibe. There was a different aura of maturity surrounding his older brother. He seemed to be less of a ball of rage and more… Well, calm.

There was a mumble that came from near the batmobile.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.”

The kid, who was maybe the same age as Jason. He held himself in a way that screamed, I’m better than you . And he had the Robin ‘R’ on his chest. But the costume held little resemblance to the normal Robin suit. Almost all the colors and light had been stripped from the costume. It fit the vibe of Gotham, but it couldn’t be Robin. He also got a sword. A sword. “Are those my clothes?”

“I dunno. Alfred gave them to me.” Jason pulled the sleeves over his hands and crossed his arms.

Emo Robin was looking at him funny. Jason could see the puzzle pieces clicking into place. Before the look was covered by a look of arrogance, “Tt” and he stalked off.

Dick watched as Emo Robin went to the cave's bathroom, and then looked back to the third person. The girl who had come out of the passenger seat of the Batmobile.

“Remembers. Recognizes.” She shrugged and locked eyes with Jason.

She had a mask in her hands, and was wearing all black with the signature yellow bat. The way she was looking at Jason made him feel like she knew everything about him, but it didn’t feel wrong. If anything, it was kind of comforting. He offered her a little smile.

“I am Cass. Your big sister.”

Jason felt his smile widen even more, “I’ve always wanted a sister.”

She just ruffled his hair in response.

Jason looked back to Dick, “um… where’s Bruce?” Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to ask the dude who was almost constantly getting into screaming matches with Bruce where he was, but Dick was driving the Batmobile, which meant they have to have made up in the past 7 years.

“He’s just tying things up with Commissioner Gordon. So he sent us ahead.” Dick gaze was searching his face. “Do you want me to ask him to wrap up sooner?”

As tempting as that was, Jason shook his head, “Nah, he’ll come home eventually.”

Dick opened his mouth like he was about to say something, but then shut it, “I’m gonna go change. I’ll be back.”

That… was probably the most awkward conversation he’s had with Dick. And that was saying something, because that conversation before Dick officially passed the mantle of Robin to Jason had been pretty tense. This was tense in a different way.

“Master Jason?”

“Oh! Right! Sorry Alfie. I’m coming.”

#jason todd #batman #batfam #dc comics #robin jason todd #stephanie brown #duke thomas #dick grayson #damian wayne #de-aged fics #cassandra cain #alfred pennyworth #bruce wayne

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taffycandyqt · 13 days ago

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Hola my dear friend I've crawled from the depths of the infinite hole I live in to submit this request to one of the best young writers I know.

The 2003 turtle boys (you can add April and Casey if you want but don't feel pressured to!) with a female reader who's always sleepy, no matter the time or place she's always napping, on the floor, in the fridge whenever it's hot, etc... While also suddenly falling asleep during the most random moments (remember Ace from One Piece? Same thing, excepts in serious fights the adrenaline keeps her up) only that she doesn't take Purple Dragons and Foot soldiers seriously so yup she may fall face first in the middle of a battle, she also does the same when training, overall she barely trains or fights because of that, sometimes she just doesn't want to and just watch the turtles fight while eating popcorn. But one day let's say the Shredder attacks, and like always he beats the turtle easily, THAT'S when she finally decides to join in the fight, and she just??? Holds her own??? Like she doesn't beat him but puts up a really good fight, lowkey gets Shredder to struggle against her and may give him some scars, then when the fight us over and the turtle are like 'wtf??' She just shrugs and falls face first to the floor, asleep, and then never elaborate on that again.

Dwaaaaaa your so sweet😭 you literally got me giggling and kicking my feet🤭🤭🤭 also this request is fricking hilarious and I love it, thank you.🩷

Masterlist

Request Rules

Awww sleepy?

Normally you fall asleep at any point, even in battle. So how the heck are you not dead when Shredder is going at you?

2003 all x gn reader

Headcannons

Fluff, crack

You sleep a lot.

Honestly a lot is an understatement.

So much so that you make the turtles wonder if you actually choose to sleep as much as you do or if your just nocturnal.

You fall asleep so suddenly it scares them sometimes.

Heck, you'll be in the middle of a conversation and then just double over completely knocked out.

Because of this no one knew you fight.

I mean, how could they? Your always asleep.

So when shredder comes rearing his ugly head, it's safe to say that the turtles, April, and Casey were all very concerned with your safety.

You were too obviously, but, not as much as they were.

It got kinda annoying actually.

They kept tag teaming shredder whilst simultaneously dragging out out of the way

Like what the heck?

You can help!

You kept trying to tell them to stop it and to go at him all at once but they just wouldn't listen.

So, that left it up to you to occupy him until Splinter got here.

No biggie(⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠)

Okay so it was a little biggie.

Turns out you can hold your own pretty well against Shredder but not for very long.

The amount of dodging, ducking, and attempts at hitting were getting to you.

Not to mention this man is buff as crap.

Any punch you caught our slash you grabbed put a shock through your entire arm!

IT WAS LIKE SHOOTING A FLIPPING GUN!

COULD SPLINTER GET HERE ANY SLOWER!?

Unbeknownst to you, your friends has started to come to.

Where they in any condition to help you?

Gosh no.

But they saw you. And the only thing running through their minds in that moment was...

When the heck did you get that good?

You. Who doesn't train.

You. Who once fell asleep so suddenly on the stairs April though you could have a blood problem.

You. Who would fall asleep during battles with the purple dragons

Is somehow you, who has been holding your own against Shredder, for the past while knows how long.

Eventually Splinter does get there, and just in the nick of time.

You body gave out almost immediately after he took the reigns.

Still, you'd kept Shredder in one place so 👏👏👏

Safe to say, that after that day the others had a bit more respect for you.

If course they still didn't trust you to be by yourself on a normal day in the event that you pass out in traffic.

But they trusted your abilities waaaaaay more after that day.

#TMNT #tmnt 2003 #mikey tmnt #donny tmnt #raph tmnt #leo tmnt #X reader #teenage mutant ninja turtle #teenage mutant ninja turtles 2003 #2003 casey jones #2003 april o neil #taffy answers #Taffy writes

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hswriting · 22 days ago

Text

Hard to Love - Part 3

[Image Alt ID: a three picture collage with a blue background. The first picture is of the shadow of an iv bag. The second picture is of an x ray with broken ribs. The final picture is of someone’s hand resting at their side in a hospital bed. The hand has an iv placed in it. End Alt ID]

- - -

Masterlist Series Part 2 Part 4

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3.0k words

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Something bad happens to April and Harry feels guilty. Guilty enough that he takes her care into his own hands.

Cw: mentions of abuse, guns, police, recovering. (Also just a note: I am not really sure how recovery for a gunshot wound works so I am doing my best to find out, but some information may be wrong)

Harry: why are you being so stubborn? If you don’t like that it’s me trying to help, I’ll have someone else ask. You know I will.

I have told Harry for several days now it’s not safe to take his offer. He could get hurt. But every evening after Robbie goes to bed, I check my phone to see Harry’s offer still on the table.

Me: Harry you know that’s not why. I can’t put anyone else at risk.

Harry: Maybe I don’t care about the risk. Fuck him. I told you I could take you to the women’s shelter for DV. They could keep you safe from him.

Me: He would search for me. The first place he would come terrorize is the restaurant. That wouldn’t be good Harry. Now quit arguing with me. I’ll be okay for now. I do appreciate your offer still. I guess you’re not always a dick.

Harry: No, I’m still a dick I’m sure. Just not about this. I feel awful for making fun of you.

Me: I would say it’s fine, but that was awful and I’m glad you are sorry.

Harry: I really am. But I’m still a dick in other areas of my life. Such as leaving the silverware rolling for you.

Me: I actually like the silverware rolling. I don’t mind.

Harry: Well, you can do it all of the time then. I’m going to get some rest. I have the morning shift tomorrow. Have a good night April.

Me: I’ll try. You too Harry.

I put my phone down and roll over to sleep. It doesn’t take long for me to drift off. My days may not always be great, but at least they end decently. Harry isn’t so mean to me right now. I don’t know how long this nice streak is going to last, but I’m going to take what little joy I can from it, and store it for days like tomorrow.

Tomorrow is going to be the fun day. I have the day off. No work. No place to go to get away. Tomorrow is going to be walking on eggshells to please him. Tomorrow is going to suck.

I eventually fall asleep.

When I wake up, Robbie is already awake and out of bed. I get dressed into day clothes. I put on a plain black t shirt and some blue jeans. I brush my hair out and look in the mirror. I would love to wear makeup, but Robbie doesn’t let me buy any. He thinks other men will look at me. He doesn’t trust that I won’t go to somebody else. I want to go to someone else, but even if I could, I don’t like anyone that way. I probably would be too hard to handle in a relationship anyways. Too much trauma and baggage. I’m better off alone. If I could ever be alone.

I walk out to the kitchen and see Robbie in his usual place. He is on the couch. I begin getting out the stuff to make breakfast. I grab the eggs and bacon and turn the stove on. I cook his food the best that I can and serve it to him. He eats it and I begin the chores of the house that don’t really get done when I’m not home. I start our laundry.

I walk around to each room and pick the clothes up off of the floor when I walk into the living room again. I see Robbie standing up, waiting for me. I look closer and see my phone in his hand.

“Are you fucking serious?” He says to me. I feel myself begin to shake. “You’re not only texting another guy, but you told someone?”

“What are you talking about?” I ask him. I know what he is talking about, but maybe I can play it cool.

“Who the fuck is Harry? Why the fuck is he telling you that he can take you to a shelter.”

“Robbie-“

“Shut up! Shut the fuck up!” He yells at me. He throws my phone across the room and shatters it. He runs towards me. “I fucking told you what would happen if you told someone. You’re a dead bitch!” He yells at me. I run to the front door. It’s locked. I try to undo the locks as fast as I can, put he catches me. He grabs me by my waist and lifts me into the air. He slams me on the ground, my back exploding in pain. The wind is knocked out of me and I gasp for air.

Through the pain, I try to scramble again to the door, another attempt at the locks. If I can just get one step out of the door.

Crack. Another explosion of pain, this time in my ribs. He brings his hand back and punches me again. I fall to the floor and hold my side. He kicks me over and over again. My arms block most of it, but I’m sure they look as awful as they feel. I can’t move from this spot on the floor. There is no chance of me getting back to the locks on the door.

He drags me to the bedroom and throws me on the bed. He opens a drawer and pulls out a gun.

“Got you something. I knew this day was going to come. Stupid whore like you can’t help yourself. He loads the gun and points it at me. It takes everything in me to move. Right as he presses the trigger, I move out of the way. He presses it again and it hits my left leg. Blood starts pouring out of me when I hear a loud crash in the living room. Robbie goes out and sees what it is. I hear shouting, but can’t make out what is being said. I press my hands to my leg to try and stop the bleeding.

I’m starting to see spots in my vision. I can’t pass out yet. I have to hold my leg. I hear footsteps and close my eyes. There’s nothing I can do. I can’t fight him. I can’t walk. I have to accept what it is. He is going to kill me.

“I need an ambulance to my current location. ” I hear a voice say. “Ma’am I’m with the police department. You’re safe now.”

How are the police here? Does it matter how? The officer grabs something off of her uniform. She wraps it around my leg. Another officer comes in the room.

“Tourniquet applied at 8:47am” she told the other officer. He wrote it down on his notepad. “Did you take him? Did you arrest him?” I ask through the haze.

“We have officers working on it. He ran outside and the officers are on his trail. Don’t worry. You’re safe now.”

“Who… called?” I struggle to say. The spots are begging to take over.

“Your new neighbors. They just moved it. They heard him yelling some things-“ is what I hear before I am consumed by the darkness.

I wake up to bright lights. I look around and I have a hefty bandage on my leg. It hurts to breathe. I see that I am in a hospital room. I don’t remember coming here. I press the call button on my beside remote and a doctor comes in. She is very tall, beautiful dark skin and brown eyes that almost glow.

“Glad to see you’re awake. You gave us a scare there Miss April. I’m Doctor Macy.”

“Did they catch him?”

“No they didn’t. But you don’t have to worry. You’re safe here. We have your room on limited contact, which means only who you say is allowed back can see you. There are two police officers outside of your door in case Robbie comes by.”

“Oh okay. Thank you.” I tell her. “I don’t think anyone would be coming to see me anyways. So I don’t think that’s something we have to worry about.”

“Alright then. Since you’re awake, I wanted to tell you about your injuries if you are up for it.”

“Okay.”

“You have the obvious gunshot wound on your leg. We were able to get the bullet out safely and fix you up. You made need physical therapy to help you walk after you get healed up. That will depend on your progress here. You also have two broken ribs. Those will take about 6 weeks to heal. I don’t want you working after your discharge, but it’s not quite time for that yet. I know I just dumped a lot of information on you. Do you have any questions?” She asks me.

“How long will I be here?”

“We are most worried about your leg. That is going to take time to recover. We are thinking maybe a week to see how you are able to walk and such. If you are still struggling with that, it may be longer.”

“Okay.”

“Anything else?”

“Is it possible I could get something for the pain? It hurts so bad.”

“Of course.” She says. She administers pain medication to me.

“Thank you.” I tell her as I wait for it to kick in.

“It’s no problem. Just one more question. Do you have anyone you would like us to call? Any family or friends?”

“I- I don’t have anyone I can call.”

“Okay dear. Just press the button if you need anything.” She says. She walks out of the room and closes the door.

The next few hours consist of doctors coming in to help me with breathing exercises for my broken rib treatment. It’s very boring in between the doctors coming in. I don’t have my phone. I don’t have a book. I don’t have a tv. It’s just sitting and staring at the ceiling, trying not to focus on the pain.

I can’t help but think about how it’s over. It’s all over. Robbie is in the wind. I hope he gets caught soon. I worry he may come back after I get out of here, but for right now I can’t help but feel something I haven’t felt in ages. A little ray of hope. A little bit of joy.

He is finally out of my life. I don’t know what I am going to do next. I don’t know where I can go. The house was his, but I now have the freedom to choose. I can go wherever I want. I can talk to people again. I can have a life outside of work and home. The possibilities are endless.

At the same time, I’m so scared. All of that possibility, all of the freedom. What am I supposed to do with it? I like my job. I liked my house. There is the offer of Harry’s help, but I’m still hesitant. I wouldn’t say we hate each other anymore, but we aren’t friends. He is simply just offering to help me. There isn’t really a risk of Robbie anymore, unless they don’t catch him, but surely they will. They have to.

Knock knock knock

A nurse pops her head into the door.

“A man is out in the waiting room for you. He says his name is Harry Styles. Would you like to let him in?” She says. I am a bit shocked. He has offered me help, but I really didn’t expect him to visit me here.

“Yes. Let him in.” I tell her. She leaves the room for a few minutes. Harry comes back with her. He has a black rain coat on. Small droplets are still sitting on the shoulders of the coat. His hair still sits in curls on his head. He has an upset look on his face.

The nurse leaves us alone and there is a minute of silence as he looks at me. I decide to break the silence.

“Must not hate me too much if you’re willing to visit me in the hospital.”

“Even if I did hate you, everyone needs someone. You said you don’t have anyone, so I can be your person. Even if I didn’t want to, I feel like the universe would make me as karma for making fun of you.”

“Awe how sweet.” I mock.

“How are you feeling?” He asks me in a slightly annoyed voice, but mostly sad.

“I’m in a bit of pain, but the medicine they have been giving me helps quite a bit.”

“What happened? Why didn’t you call me?” He asks, his tone shifting to upset.

“Robbie, he shattered my phone or I would have. I didn’t know your number to give to the nurse.” I say. He looks like he has so many questions, but he can’t sort them out enough to say them.

“What did he do?” Harry asks. I’m hesitant to answer. It’s my fault this started. I forgot to delete my texts with Harry. I don’t want Harry to think it’s his fault for texting me, so I stick to the injuries.

“He got really upset with me. I tried to run out of the house, but I couldn’t undo the locks fast enough. He slammed me to the floor. I got up and tried for the door again. He punched me and I fell. He kicked me over and over again. Then when he was done, he dragged me to our bedroom. He pulled a gun on me Harry. I didn’t even know he had one. I thought for sure I was dead. I was able to move enough to avoid him hitting my chest, but he got my leg instead.”

“Holy shit April. I’m so sorry.” He says to me.

“I’m sorry too.”

“Why in the world would you be sorry?”

“I feel bad that you’re here. I know you always were extending an offer to help. I didn’t take it. It’s my fault.”

“None of what that poor excuse of a person has done is your fault. Nobody deserves this.” He says. He finally sits down on the chair beside my bed. He sheds his coat. Another moment of silence, followed by a question.

“So, not to be annoying, but what are you going to do after this?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you able to go back to your home?”

“The home was never mine. I have stuff there that I need to get, but the house is his. I don’t have a place to go.”

“Well, just going to offer one more time. I have a spare room.” He says again, except this time, I think I might take it. Just until I can support myself on my own. It won’t take long.

“I think i just might have to take you up on that this time.” I tell him shyly.

“Good. Just don’t be a dick and eat all of my cereal.” I laugh, wincing at the pain.

“I won’t eat your cereal Harry.”

“Or touch my video games. You think I’m mean now, try touching my games. I’ll be a raging asshole from then on.” He says. We both laugh.

“It’s amazing how you can be sweet but choose to be a dick sometimes, but I see you Harry. You’re mean. You suck most of the time, and maybe the guilt of making fun of me all that time is what brought you here, but that doesn’t change that you’re here anyways. I think you’re a big softie, but you choose to put on such a harsh exterior. But you’re here, being kind of nice to me.” I tell him, getting sentimental.

“Must be some pretty good drugs. They must have given you too much to make your brain loopy. You’re looking too deep into this.”

“No. You’re just mad that I’m right.”

“Whatever you say, loopy.”

“So I’ve got a new nickname then?”

“For now.” He replies.

“At this rate, we should make a besties handshake.” I state. He looks at me puzzled.

“Really?”

“No.” I laugh again, my ribs getting more sore. Harry sees me wince in pain.

“Maybe you should take it easy on being a comedian right now. What is your recovery looking like?” He asks. I explain to him what the doctor told me earlier about a week in the hospital at least plus physical therapy. I also told him about the 6 weeks off of work.

“Damn. That sucks. Maybe you’ll be like a superhero or something and heal super quickly.”

“Maybe.” I tell him. “That would be great. I hate hospitals. I feel too needy in a place like this.”

“You’re too needy for being injured and requiring care? That’s about the stupidest thing I’ve heard.”

“Well-“

“That’s ridiculous.”

“And now you’re back to being mean.” I fake pout.

“I told you. Still a dick.” He tells me, a small smile on his face. He tries to hide it but it’s there.

“Now who’s ridiculous?” I say and he chuckles.

The day passes by a bit quicker since Harry arrived. Doctors are in and out adjusting medicines, giving treatment, and seeing if I need anything. Harry kept me pretty well taken care of as far as water, ice, and snacks go. He even went as far as sleeping in the chair beside my bed last night.

I think he really does feel guilty. He used to go on and on about my long sleeve shirts all day. He would pick on me all day about needing control over small things at my job. But now, he’s here when I have no one else. I’m free of Robbie. Harry isn’t exactly the person I thought would help me out of my situation, but he is. He puts on such a harsh exterior, but I think he genuinely cares and has such a big heart. He’s just afraid to show it for whatever reason. Maybe he’s right. Maybe I am thinking too much into this, but I bet I’m not. I know I’m right. And I plan to get to know Harry inside of his mean exterior. Im going to give him a second chance.

- - -

Masterlist Series Part 2 Part 4

#hswriting #harry styles fanfiction #hard to love #harry styles #htl

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absolutebl · 1 year ago

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This Week in BL

June 2023 Wk 3

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs. Organized by which ones (in each category) I’m enjoying most.

Ongoing Series - Thai

Step By Step (Tues WeTV & Gaga) ep 9 of 12 - There sure is a lot of drinking in this show (who am I to talk?). Omg so awkward: The not-break-up not-confession. I have heartburn. Also I could not watch Jeng break down. Just nope. Then time jump? If that was our DOOM episode the timing is off. Or next week is the final? Or we get 3 eps of domestic bliss and sexitimes? I’m confused.

La Pluie (Sat iQIYI) ep 9 of 10 - I like how trope-subversive this show is - first soulmates, then love triangle, now the faen fatal. NO SINGING. Oh good. They didn’t! Yay! So yeah I still love it. But I am also still a touch scared of where it might go. This one can’t be trusted.

Be My Favorite (Fri YouTube) ep 5 of 12 - not a bad ep this week or was I too drunk to register nuance and damage? You decide. Trash watch here.

Luminous Solution (Sat Gaga) ep 5 of 6 - I always have to psyche myself up to watch this show, because I want to fast forward through most of it, but it’s on Gaga so that’s damn near impossible. At least this is the penultimate episode. I think after 3 BLs I can safely say Gun is just not a good actor. Speaking of... crying clothed in the shower? I haven’t seen that trope in years. But I LOVE the high school boys and their story so much. Love Sick level of earnest floppy goodness, I’m such a sucker for this kind of romance. I want them to be in a completely different BL. I’m so conflicted. I NEED this show to end so I can decide how I feel about it.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Love Tractor (Korea Weds iQIYI) eps 5-6 of 8 - So much is happening, evil x-boyfriend shows up. We got flashbacks to coming-out drama + nasty dad (super unusual for a KBL). But baby’s first taste of desire is hilarious. This one is full of lovely contrasts, and contrasting life experiences. It’s all about support and neglect.

Tokyo in April AKA Shigatsu no Tokyo wa (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 2 of 8 - Very much full of hero worship and giving me My Beautiful Man vibes (only softer and office set). “Dazzling” = always an interesting word when it comes up in JBL subs. It’s clearly a Japanese word/concept like kawaii that is more complex than the English word being used. Meanwhile, this being Japan we get lots of hints as to separation and dark past events.

Tie The Knot (prev Under the Same Sky) (Pinoy YouTube) eps 1-2 of 8 - From OXIN Films (Rainbow Prince), based on a true story (?!), Briggs's family runs a bridal business but he has never fallen in love until he meets a groom to be in an arranged marriage. EXACTLY the same premise at Mame’s forthcoming Wedding Planner. There are so many characters and prospective couples (including a v bi girl with a female fuck buddy, not seen that in a BL before) that it is a little hard to keep straight (heh). I’m sure it will shake out. It’s intriguing so far, if a touch silly. I actually like the arranged marriage premise because the two rich kids involved in it are so weirdly kind & platonically sweet to each other, even if they’re both on the same page about it only being for show.

Vian the series (Vietnam YouTube ) ep 7 & 8 of 12 - Apparently there is very little difference between a cat and a demanding princess of a boyfriend. That clocks. Basically this was the dating times.

Naked Dinner AKA Zenra Meshi (Japan Fri Gaga) ep 11 of 12 - There is a lot more meat to this silly little BL then I thought there would be given the premise, but it’s Japan so that’s as it should be. But, as it’s Japan there’s also a little too much cringe for me. I do enjoy how generous Japan is with late bloomers and I would def like to host a kimchi party but otherwise... meh.

Stupid Genius (Vietnam Fri YouTube) ep 3 of 6 - Bi erasure still alive and well I see. This one remains fine for VBL but no more than that.

It’s airing but ...

House of Stars (Thai Mon iQIYI) 12 eps - I bounced at ep 3. Will binge if told it is worth it at end.

Stay (Pinoy YouTube) 7 eps - It’s mostly in English and set in LA so I’m not bothering but the first one did drop.

Ever After (Pinoy YouTube) - I investigated but as spies reported it's a real mess (not a hot one). Don’t bother.

About Us but Not About Us (Pinoy Prime?) - from 2022 supposed to be finally getting inter distribution, didn’t show in my territory. A professor grieving the loss of his partner meets an ambitious literature student. I’m not fussed.

Stay With Me ... NO!

In case you missed it

What Did You Eat Yesterday movie, BL Express posted a review. I’ve yet to get hold of it but if you enjoy Our Dining Table this is it’s grown up parent series & movie.

Café in Love - I finally got around to watching this. And frankly it hits all the tropes but is so damn bad. The setting is cute, the central brotherly relationship is sweet, the side cast is v queer (baby gay has all these auntie queens catting about) and some complex bisexual awakenings but… but… everything else is a chemistry void. Some fun language wordplay and exploration of cultural tropes like cheek kissing does not save it from an unnecessary amount of punching and a but ton of sexual harassment and statutory rape. No thank you. I had to rewatch Destiny Seeker to get over this. 3/10

I gave up

Takumi-kun Series 6: Nagai Nagai Monogatari no Hajimari no Asa (Japan Sun ????) 10 eps - NO ONE ASKED FOR THIS and no, I have no idea where to get it, why would I? Apparently it finished. I still can’t find it but it’ll be off this list next week.

Why You (Khmer ????) - Billed as a horror romance, not sure if this is a movie or a series where it aired... nothing except that it exists.

Next Week Looks Like This:

3 BLs are finishing but nothing is starting up. We running lean these days.

Just started today (Sunday): Dinosaur Love (Thai iQIYI) Trailer 10 eps - from Ultimate Troop about a uni student, Rak, whose partner cheats on him with Rak's best friend. This gives bad boy hazer Dino an opportunity to hit on Rak at last. From The Yearbook people so I shouldn’t watch this as it airs. After Remember Me? I swore never again with them. But there’s so little on right now, I might fall on the pulp sword.

I’ll include it in next week’s summation.

I’ll have the July 2023 upcoming for you next week too.

2023 forthcoming BL master post (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED)

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

I love him, Your Honor. (Be My Favorite... HIM, he’s my favorite.)

I love them, Your Honor. (Luminous Solution)

Watch a tiny GL ship set sail across the seas of overly optimistic tumblrs... (La Pluie)

MY PRECIOUS! OMG I LOVE HER SO MUCH. (Tie the Knot)

Incidentally, I would like a future as a dictatorial elder queer running a slightly shady business fleecing the straights via their dumb marriage traditions surrounded by nubile half-naked hotties.

And ya know what? I think this is achievable life goal for me.

Gotta go, I have a future to plan.

(Last week.)

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cabinofimagines · 2 years ago

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Chapter III; friends

I did not forget about this thing that I started. I just wanted to keep it as something I could upload if I ever couldn't write for a bit and I guess we're finally there!

Mind you, I only have two chapters finished so this won't last long. If anything, I might take a bit of a break from the blog because of the many deadlines I have coming up. See me return around the end of June if all goes right.

Word count: 1.6k Warnings: None!

< prev - mlist - next >

-Asnyox

You hadn’t been sure about Nico’s plan. Back in April, he had asked you for help, and after that he disappeared, only showing up to give you a definite date and an approximate where to be. You trusted Nico, or at least you thought that you did. For this plan you had to learn quickly how to heal- you were supposedly going to be a backup if his plan would fail.

Against Nico’s request you had told Will – one of the few campers you were entirely sure you could trust with your life. In the past few months, you had spent almost every minute of the day alongside Will, learning the ways of healing but also mostly finding solace in him. You figured that if you hadn’t told Will, he would have actively hunt you down into the underworld, hence why you entrusted him with your whereabouts for the coming few days. At least, that was the plan because Percy Jackson would turn sixteen in a matter of days and Nico asked you to be the last drop in convincing Percy that he needed to agree with Nico’s plan.

You had only just arrived in the clearing, gaining a small wave from Nico who was seemingly in the middle of a conversation between a nymph and satyr. He was wearing an aviator's jacket, black jeans, and a T-shirt with dancing skeletons on it, like one of those Day of the Dead pictures. His Stygian iron sword hung at his side. You barely made it to his side when a hellhound pounded through the bushes. You stumbled back, instinctively stepping behind Nico as you felt your throat close at the memories of hellhounds hunting you- the memories of your parent getting out a gun-

Nico smiled as the dog laid its head on the ground, ready to receive ear scratches from the son of Hades. You felt like you couldn’t breathe – it was not the first time you had seen Mrs O’Leary around camp, but every time Will had been at your side to calm you down. Gods if only he was here- if only-

“You alright?” Will had noticed your panicked gaze as you passed the arena. He pulled you away and looked behind him, seeing Mrs O’Leary sitting there, “Hey, (Y/n), look at me. Don’t worry, she’s friendly.” Your eyes were out of focus, seeing a different time, seeing your parents face. Will saw that you were not getting out of your stupor and pulled you away from the arena. He made sure Mrs O’Leary was out of sight as he sat you down on the ground.

“Hey, just breathe- Follow my breathing,” he started guiding you and as you slowly came back to your senses you saw the worried eyes of your friend.

“Care to explain, sunshine?” Will squeezed your arm as you sighed and started your story.

“She’s friendly, (Y/n).” Nico said as he glanced at you. You closed your eyes as you breathed in deep, counting to yourself. This was an exercise you learned quickly after encountering Mrs O’Leary a few times at camp. As you felt your heart calm down, you looked at Nico with a tired smile. He cocked his head to the side as to ask if you were fine, and Mrs. O’Leary copied his movement. “I know, sorry.” You softly said and Nico shrugged, going back to scratching her ears.

Looking at your companions in the clearing you saw the shape of the old satyr. His fur was dust-bunny gray, and a spiderweb grew between his horns. The tree nymph was pretty, wearing a purple gossamer dress and having an elfish face – although something in her eyes seemed off. You noticed a boy – Percy Jackson – entering the clearing, just in time for the old satyr that was there to explode.

"Will someone—what is this underworld creature doing in my forest!" He waved his arms and trotted on his hooves as if the grass were hot. "You there, Percy Jackson! Is this your beast?" "Sorry, Leneus," Percy apologized, "That's your name, right?" The satyr rolled his eyes.

"Well, of course I'm Leneus. Don't tell me you've forgotten a member of the Council so quickly. Now, call off your beast!" Lenues retorted, aggressively pointing at Mrs O’Leary. "WOOF!" Mrs. O'Leary said happily. The old satyr gulped. "Make it go away! Juniper, I will not help you under these circumstances!" Juniper turned toward Percy, a hopeful look in her eyes. You felt a bit awkward and left out in the situation, you looked at Nico as he stood up and took in the situation.

"Percy," Juniper sniffled. "I was just asking about Grover. I know something has happened. He wouldn't stay gone this long if he wasn't in trouble. I was hoping that Leneus —" "I told you!" the satyr protested, "You are better off without that traitor."

Juniper stamped her foot. "He is not a traitor! He is the bravest satyr ever, and I want to know where he is!"

"WOOF!" Leneus's knees started knocking. You snorted softly. Sure you are scared of Mrs O’Leary, but seeing this old satyr basically pee his pants because of her did feel good.

"I . . . I will not answer questions with this hellhound sniffing my tail!" Nico looked like he was trying to not crack up. He looked at me and then back at the group.

"I'll walk the dog," he volunteered as he motioned for me to follow him. He whistled, and Mrs. O'Leary bounded after him to the far end of the grove.

You didn’t walk far before Nico stopped and turned to you, letting Mrs. O’Leary bounce around us. “Are you scared of her?” he gestured to the hellhound, and you shuddered. “Well, you know, you were there,” the last bit was more of a whisper, but Nico nodded his head as he beckoned Mrs. O’Leary over. “Here, just,” there was often this hesitation to Nico when he wanted to help you, you noticed, “Just scratch behind her ears,” he carefully grabbed your hand, and you noticed him shivering at the contact. How long had it been since he had been held with love?

You let him guide you towards Mrs. O’Leary, accepting your fate. For some reason you started shaking, and you wanted it to stop, you didn’t want Nico to think that you were weak – too weak to help him. You closed your eyes, and as you felt fur beneath your fingers you released a breath. You heart was racing, and your felt your legs give out.

“Woah!” Nico half heartedly tried to catch you, but as you sat before Mrs. O’Leary, eyes half opened as she appreciatively wagged her gigantic tail. Nico felt his heart beat an extra time as he saw how you deflated in front of Mrs. O’Leary. Why did Nico not like it that you were so scared? Why had he felt the need to make sure that you would be alright?

“You alright?” Nico crouched down next to you, his stygian sword’s handle poking uncomfortably in his side as he put an arm on your shoulder. You slowly nodded, continuing to scratch Mrs. O’Leary’s head.

“Just peachy.” You removed your hand from her head, and she whined a little as you let out a breath of air, “You are just like a normal dog, ey? Sorry for being so scared, some of your family weren’t so nice to me,” you felt as if you would not be able to say another word, so you put your hand back on Mrs. O’Leary’s head and started petting her again.

“That was brave of you,” Nico noted as he stood up again, denying himself the warmth of your touch.

“Thank you,” you told him as you looked up at him, “And Nico, you’re a good friend.” Nico’s face filled itself with confusion. “Where did that come from?” he spluttered out.

“Mm, the fact that you just helped me, and the fact that we are friends.” You smiled at him, hoping it looked genuine after everything you just went through, “Whether you like it or not.” Something crossed Nico’s eyes, but you could not pinpoint what it was.

“Well, before attaching yourself to me, are you sure you want to help? It is dangerous, and I do not want you to do this for the sake of ‘friendship’,” he did the quotation marks around the last word. You found the strength to stand up, ignoring Mrs. O’Leary’s whines at the loss of pets. You knew Nico wouldn’t have asked you to go if he didn’t need any support

“Yes, although I would only endanger my life for friends though, so,” you held out your hand towards the son of Hades, feeling butterflies in your stomach. This was stupid – you would go on this mission for Nico either way, but you wanted him to acknowledge you¸ to acknowledge that he had friends in camp. Nico sighed but grabbed your hand.

“Alright,” he shook your hand harshly, “friends it is.” This time you smiled genuinely. Your moment was quickly disturbed Leneus quickly stomping past the two of you. “Guess it’s showtime, let’s go.” Nico commanded and you followed suit.

#requests #request #solangelo x reader #poly!solangelo #polyamourous #will solace #nico di angelo #xreader #xyou #pjo x reader #x reader #SFU #will solace x reader x nico di angelo #admin asja #coi #cabinofimagines #asja writes #lets see if anyone even notices that i am going to be gone #admin asnyox

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ear-worthy · 7 months ago

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SmartLess Podcast Welcomes Presidents Biden, Obama & Clinton

SMARTLESS’ UNITES PRESIDENTS BIDEN, OBAMA, AND CLINTON FOR HISTORIC PODCAST INTERVIEW

While one former president is in court defending himself against hush money payments to a porn star and to a Playboy playmate, three other Ex-POTUS's discuss gun violence, foreign relations, Biden’s re-election campaign, what they miss about being in office, the State of the economy, passing the baton Between Presidencies, and more on the Smartless podcast.

SmartLess hosts Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes have brought together three U.S. Presidents, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton, for a historic podcast interview.

The momentous episode is available early on Amazon Music/Wondery+ here. It will be wherever podcasts are available on Monday, April 29.

The podcast interview was recorded in-person recently with the hosts and the Presidents in New York City.

SmartLess with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity.

The award-winning podcast was launched in July 2020 and is consistently among the top five most listened-to podcasts monthly. Guests have included Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Don Cheadle, Larry David, Greta Gerwig, Idris Elba, Kristen Stewart, Pedro Pascal, Selena Gomez, and many more.

INTERVIEWS CLIPS AVAILABLE HERE:

Sean Hayes: Do you all miss something specific about holding office, obviously except for you because you’re in office, but do you guys miss something?

President Biden: I miss not having an office.

President Obama: Well, look, everybody talks about Air Force One.

Sean Hayes: Yeah, sure.

President Obama: Marine One. It’s pretty convenient, I won't lie. But I’ll tell you the thing I miss the most. Remember those music concerts I used to do at, you can basically invite anybody, and you have this concert and I mean we got you know Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney.

Sean Hayes: Everybody will show up.

President Obama: They’ll show up. And they do these rehearsals the night before a lot of times and you can kinda sneak down and could just sit there and watch Mick Jagger practicing with BB King or something on a blues night. I do miss that.

President Clinton: I miss the fact that they don’t play a song when you walk in a room anymore.

Sean Hayes: We should’ve done that today.

President Clinton: I was lost for three weeks when I left office. But let me tell you something serious, this is one reason that I so badly want President Biden to be re-elected. What I really miss is the job. Not doing it, I'm glad, I believe in the two-term limit strongly, but what I learned was on the worst day, when nothing was going right, problems are everywhere, there was still something you could do that would make somebody's life better. There is no job like that on earth.

Sean Hayes: I love that.

Clinton: And I want somebody..

President Obama: Who appreciates it.

President Clinton: …that I trust to make the most of that every day. Cause they’ll be bad days no matter who gets elected. But he’ll get up and he’ll start thinking about that. And I think his opponent will be thinking about…

President Obama: Himself.

President Clinton: …yeah, who I can get even with, who I can send away. Joe Biden will make the best of the bad days.

Jason Bateman: And the team that you have assembled and your comfort with deferment. For me personally, I love leaders that have the confidence to hire those that they respect, that might make them a little nervous.

Will Arnett: And also not to think that you're the…

President Obama: That you’re the smartest guy…

Will Arnett: Yeah, that you’re gonna have every…. We had leaders like that in the middle part of the last century who were put into government by presidents of old, and they made a lot of decisions that they thought they were right about, and they were terrible people. And when that happens, when you think that you’ve got all the answers, is the moment you don’t.

Jason Bateman: Like Ron Klain, bringing us out of COVID. It’s just on and on and on, the way in which you’ve surrounded yourself with the absolute best this country has to offer.

President Biden: I made a commitment, having an administration that looks like America. I have more women in my cabinet, I’ve appointed more Black Circuit Court judges than every other president combined in American history. I’ve kept my commitment about putting a Black woman on the Supreme Court. I’ve had an opportunity to go out and get the best people - and by the way, I sometimes pick up the phone and ask these guys who they think are the best people. And I’m looking for people that most of all, not just are good, but care about what they’re doing.

Jason Bateman: Whereas the other guy is only hiring people that won’t talk back and that’s…

President Biden: Oh mine talk back.

CLIP 2 - Download Here

Sean Hayes: What are the issues coming up that people are focusing on that you believe are the wrong things, or they may be the right things, and what should they be focusing on?

President Biden: I think they should be focusing on a couple of things. Number one, we’re gonna, in the second term, God willing, we’re gonna make sure that we do something about gun violence in this country.

Will Arnett: Yes.

President Biden: The idea that we allow assault weapons to be sold, and magazines with 100 rounds, is just bizarre.

Will Arnett: Well, President Biden, I’m so glad to hear you say that because that was gonna be my other question. Which is, the Democrats never say we want to take your guns away.

President Biden: Absolutely not.

Will Arnett: You never said that, you said we gotta be smart about what’s going on.

Jason Bateman: You don’t need to kill a deer with an AR15.

Sean Hayes: Right.

President Biden: The Second Amendment, when I taught law school, the Second Amendment wasn’t absolute ever. You weren’t able to have a cannon when you were, you know, the liberty is ordered with the blood of patriots. I mean, it’s a bunch of crap.

This episode of Smartless will be available wherever you get your podcasts on Monday, April 29.

#podcast #podcasting #presidents #politics #democracy

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incorrecttowerofgodquotes · 2 years ago

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Gundam: The Witch From Mercury Episode 12 Review

- On this episode of Gundam, we have pain and suffering!

- Already getting real fucking tired of Sophie. I mean I love psycho lesbians, but she’s seriously fucked up. Also it seems the Dawn of Fold girls are either genetically modified like El4n, or less stress is out in their body due to the absence of GUND Bits. However, the fact that they’re affected by Permet once again makes me question what the fuck is up with Aerial. Also Dawn of Fold has truly gone from resistance group to actual terrorists. Their job was to kill Delling, but they destroyed the base and murdered the people working there

- Prospera is the stinkiest fucking bitch in this series. She doesn’t even refer to Suletta as her daughter, just as “that girl.” And the brainwashing she’s doing to Suletta, telling her it’s perfectly fine to murder and not feel guilty is fucked up. The fact that her voice never changed tone in her entire convo with Suletta shows how fake she is. If she really cared about her daughter, she would comfort her and tell her that murder is wrong but sometimes a person has no choice, but they should always choose to prioritize lives and only kill when absolutely needed.

- The Earth Houses almost got caught up in the cross fire, but luckily Nika came to the rescue. Though now Martin saw her and knows she’s up to shady shit. It’s sweet that he knew she was missing and went back to her but he ended up seeing something he shouldn’t have. There are three ways this can play out:

1) Martin immediately tells the other guys and Nika gets excommunicated

2) Nika explains herself and Martine keeps it a secret

3) Nika’s terrorist upbringing kicks in and she kills him

- Shaddiq’s plans got foiled once again, but he doesn’t seem too shaken up. He wanted Delling’s head but he caused a big shakeup when in the Benerit Group still. But he’ll have to watch his back carefully. Because when one man learns he was behind this… he’s dead. Speaking of that man-

- Guel…just my boy Guel…

- I don’t think words can fully articulate how broken I am from that moment. But that’s not even a fragment of what Guel is feeling

- If this were any other anime, Guel would have came in just in time to help out, but instead he ended up murdering his dad. He tried to play the hero but he ruined his entire life. His thoughts of wanting to see Suletta again and not wanting to die really resound because he’s still just a child. He has so many things ahead of him, but now he’ll be stuck in a prison of self-torment due to his accidental patricide.

- Where will he go from this? Well they’re are a lot of ways, and none of them good. He could finally join the squad and either bond with Suletta (over both having killed a guy) or Miorine (over watching someone get killed brutally). Or he could go back to Jeturk and meet up with Lauda who’ll probably say he didn’t anything wrong, but that’s not at all what Guel wants to hear. Or he’ll go one a one man army to kill Shaddiq, either sneakily or just straight up fighting him and the harem. All I know is that my son is horribly traumatized and the show will probably go in for yet another punch in April

- Miorine and Delling’s moment really fucking hurt. Her dad wasn’t good to her, but he still wanted to protect her as decided by himself and her mother. Miorine, with all these conflicting feelings, wants her dad to lives cause even though she hates him, she still hopes that one day they could be a family. She’s doing her best to take care of protect her dad, even shielding him like he did to her when facing the end of a gun. And just when it looks like she’s saved by Suletta, everything crashes back down. The person she trusted more than anyone else and hoped to live the rest of life with committed a terrible atrocity in front of her and didn’t even care. I doubt she’ll be able to look at Suletta any longer, and any attempt to laugh it off will just hurt Miorine.

- Those tomato’s growing in the greenhouse… Miorine took such good care of them. She hoped to make them blossom and become their best selves. But Suletta squashed it. Now there’s nothing remaining but the icky guts of a once pure love.

- And now Suletta. frankly:

WHAT THE FUCK

- The way Suletta went from terrified of people being killed to happily squashing a man, making a joke about slipping in his innards, and then attempting to touch Miorine with those filthy hands is way too jarring. While some might say we’re carrying on from the Eri’s actions in the prologue, there’s a clear difference between the two. Eri had no idea what was happening. She just thought they were playing a little game on her birthday. She didn’t understand the concept of death. But Suletta fully knows well how precious life is and she squashed it under hand, making no mention of it. The problem is t that she killed a man, it’s that she disregarded him completely after he was dead. She continued on with her happy life, unburdened by the man who’s life was cut short. She had a choice. She could have put her hand in between them or pick him up and yeeted him, but she didn’t. She didn’t assess the situation and choose the option with no fatalities, she just jumped straight in with no regard for life and murdered a man.

- “If you run away you gain one, but if you move forward you gain two” This has been a message that permeates throughout the entire anime. At first, it’s very inspirational, but here we see the true colors of such a saying. Sometimes, it’s best to run away. Sometimes, it’s best to not use force. Because if you move forward, you have the capability of losing more than you gain. Guel attempted to move forward and killed his dad, Suletta attempted to move forward and lost her innocence as well as became a demon in Miorine’s eyes. Only Prospera, a revengeful woman still mad over having to leave in order to save Eri and her life would create such a saying. It’s a saying rooted in nothing but regret and burning hatred. Suletta’s blind faith in her mother has distorted the way she sees the world. Either she’ll be deprogrammed, or will be used as a weapon by her “loving” mother. However, only Suletta can do this. No one can save her but herself.

- With the second cour coming in April, we have a long ways to wait. Our three main characters, Suletta, Miorine, and Guel have all seen or committed an atrocity, one they will never fully heal from. Whether or not they can move forward in the good way, the bad way, or just run away is to be seen.

#shout out to the fact that out of all the characters only El0n and El5n made it out safely this cour #we stan these two complete dickheads #also guel comics will be feeding me for the break #delicious delicious angst please #gundam witch from mercury #gundam #g witch #suletta mercury #miorine rembran #guel jeturk

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fideidefenswhore · 3 months ago

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Hi there,

So I attended one of Claire Ridgway's events recently called the Men Behind the Throne. Talks were on the Tudor monarchs' advisors. Caroline Angus did a talk on Cromwell (she has a new book out on him) and in it she claimed that Anne Boleyn hated Cromwell from the beginning. Whereas, he for his part was always looking out for Catherine and Mary's interests. Apparently, he was also very loyal to Wolsey and played a big role in Thomas More's downfall. Is there any evidence to back up the idea that Anne hated Cromwell? In recent years more historians seem to be leading towards the belief that they weren't so chummy. However, I am not an expert on where most historians stand on this topic. She sounded like she was pushing the belief that anyone who supported COA and Mary: good. Anyone who supported Anne: bad narrative.

Whereas, he for his part was always looking out for Catherine and Mary's interests.

Yeah, that view has been a semi-recent development...it doesn't seem to have been the unequivocal belief of their advocate, though (depending on which moment in time, of course):

Cromwell has always given me to understand that he is much devoted to the Princess; nevertheless, I have found no evidence of it, except words […] [April 1535]

And as far as I'm aware, this author doesn't doubt the veracity of Chapuys' judgements (especially when it comes to Anne Boleyn), but, you know, selective reliance on his dispatches would not be anything singular to her in this genre.

Diarmaid MacCulloch, John Guy, and Julia Fox are the most recent to espouse that view (but about with the Boleyns, in general, not solely Anne).

As for the Wolsey factor...again, evidence is mixed. Missing from the Mantel narrative, for example, is that Thomas Winter, Wolsey's son, wrote that Anne, as Queen, spoke "very kindly" to him. Now, this doesn't negate the likelihood that Anne had hated his father and hardly mourned him (it doesn't seem like it was her credo to spite the family of her opponents; for example the Duchess of Norfolk was her adversary, but she highly favored her daughter, the Duchess of Richmond); but it is compelling insofar as the view that those affiliated with Wolsey unequivocally blamed her for his downfall and misfortune.

Yes, there is evidence, but it's mixed at times. They were battling for influence over HVIII, they were battling over the best ways to steer reform*, etc.

*[...] Crumwell, Wrotisley, and certain others, who, as report says, hated the Queen, because she had sharply rebuked them and threatened to inform the King that under the guise of the Gospel and religion they were advancing their own interests, that they had put everything up for sale and had received bribes to confer ecclesiastical benefices upon unworthy persons, the enemies of the true doctrine, permitting the godly to be oppressed and deprived of their just rewards.

Usually the 'smoking gun' for that theory about their contentious dynamic is that according to Cromwell, via Chapuys, Anne had said she'd like to see "his head off his shoulders", but context is sometimes missing, I don't often read this parsed as thoroughly as I believe is its due:

Cremuel said lately to me that were the Lady to know the familiar terms on which he and I are, she would surely try to cause us both some annoyance, and that only three days ago she and he had had words together, the Lady telling him, among other things, that she would like to see his head off his shoulders. "But," added Cromwell, "I trust so much on my master, that I fancy she cannot do me any harm." I cannot tell whether this is an invention of Cromwell in order to enhance his merchandise. All I can say is, that everyone here considers him Anne's right hand, as I myself told him some time ago. Indeed, I hear from a reliable source that day and night is the Lady working to bring about the duke of Norfolk's disgrace with the King; whether it be owing to his having spoken too freely about her, or because Cromwell, wishes to bring down the aristocracy of this kingdom, and is about to begin by him, I cannot say. (June 1535)

The source here is Chapuys, and the chain of report means this exchange is thirdhand: Cromwell is telling Chapuys of it, which means we can't exclude the possibility that either Cromwell is exaggerating (to ingratiate himself to Chapuys, 'the enemy of my enemy' etc) or that Chapuys is likewise (to urge Charles V, as he often does, to do anything from push for excommunication to invade England, based on evidence that Anne&Henry are extremely hated by everyone save "their party"-- or maybe even members within-- and thus any action taken against them will only increase his popularity, power, prestige, by gaining the support and gratitude of many, etc).

And Chapuys' own judgement of Cromwell's account seems cautious: he admits he can't tell whether or not this is true, and he admits that if it is, it's very contrary to the popular perception of their dynamic (of Cromwell as Anne's "right hand").

#heather123fan-blog #of course we can't exclude the possibility it was true as well #the thing is it often tends to be misdated #it fits the sermons anne was supporting in april 1536 #but the report here is june 1535 so the question is the motivation #cromwell has yet to offer his rooms to the seymours #it is possible it's about the visitations of the monasteries #it's often attributed to anne knowing about the meetings between chapuys and cromwell or their 'intimacies'#but as chapuys reports it cromwell has said it's *if* she knew about it she would cause them 'some annoyance'#i think it's possible it was about his interference with george boleyn's offices #but that's just my own theory.

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my-name-is-bunnyfoxy · 1 year ago

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For the turtles asks, 1, 14 & 19 XD

How did you get into TMNT?

It is possible my brother has shown me 2003 which is the version he grew up with, but my memory as a baby is stupid. 2012 was my introduction and that's how I got into it. I was aware of other TMNTs as well. By 2022, I got into TMNT again thanks to my curiosity about rise and wanting to see what I have missed out regarding the show. Plus that's when the movie was close to being released.

14. Which character would you want to be friends with?

Probably April and or Casey and Leo (Most likely the rise and 2012 and 2003 versions)

19. Give ONE character a gun.

I don't trust Donnie nor Mikey to handle a gun so uhhhh-... I also don't trust Casey, nor Raph. I guess I'll give the gun to April and or Leo-

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eveandtheturtles · 2 years ago

Text

Started with a Kiss - Chapter 3: Interrogations

Summary: The two worlds finally collide

A/N: I almost forgot to post this so enjoy bc I think I will post only once this month? Low chances for end of February lol. Mostly bc 1) My partner is visiting me yay! 2) Chapter 4 is still very much wip and I don't have backlog anymore, boo. Word count is 7k for this one so beware! Comments and reblogs are very much welcomed!! lemme know if anyone wants to be added to tag list.

AO3 Link

Ship: Kara (OC) x Donnie

Kara was running barefoot. There was blood trickling down the side of her face, she could feel bruises forming on her ribs and she broke her heels but she was alive. Her feet were also bleeding. Great. Her knuckles hurt. Good, she hoped she broke at least a nose.

She and Cheryl split, right outside the club. She pushed her friend into the taxi and booked it. She knew they were after her and couldn't risk her friend's life. There had to be a tracker on her. How? When? She was so careful! Not careful enough. She cursed herself in her mind. Idiot, idiot! Her lungs burned.

Once she deemed she was far enough she stopped to catch her breath. She inhaled sharply through her nose. No time to waste. She started patting herself. Bag, dress, hair? The bag was an obvious suspect, she would need to throw it out. Checked her dress. Okay, nothing she could tell from the initial search. Locs? She ran her hands over the thick coils. There!

What was that? A tiny bug, no bigger than a pinky’s fingernail. It fluttered its wings. Kind of rusty on the edges, looking like it was made of tin can metal. She frowned. Then she squashed it.

"I really hoped you wouldn't have done that," someone said from above.

She flinched at the sound that came through one of her hearing aids. During the fight, one must have gotten smashed and now was malfunctioning. Just perfect. She removed the broken aid and looked up. Then she cursed some more. It was the turtle guy.

Donnie dropped down from the low roof. Kara shifted into a fight position. Okay, Weasel and the turtles? That couldn't be a coincidence. Well, it could have been but she didn't like the look of all that. Her eyes went scanning their surroundings. Where were the other three?

He saw how on high alert she was. If he wanted to avoid an unnecessary fight he needed to play it cool. He put his tech bō away and raised his hands up in an act of non-aggression before signing.

He tried to go a bit lower, bending his knees to almost crouch. He almost forgot how tiny she was.

She eyed him, distrust on her face and her shoulders tense.

he added and her glare hardened. <The mob at the club - am guessing they are after you.> Something in her expression told him he was right.

She clearly considered what he said. He could tell she was thinking about it. It gave him some hope that she might listen. He relaxed and straightened up, ready to extend his hand to her. Kara though didn’t think so. Immediately she bolted.

He sighed disappointed and cursed and chased after her. He shouldn’t have mentioned the H0AX thing.

They both didn’t go far though. Suddenly at the mouth of the appeared two men. With guns. Kara froze. Donnie though immediately grabbed her and spun around. The bullets ricochet over his shell. Most must have hit the walls but he heard a groan or two.

Finally, they had to reload so he sprung up and ran, holding Kara against his plastron - princess style. She glared at him but honestly, this was preferable to being shot full of holes by the mob.

Suddenly a van parked with a screech in front of them and the side door opened.

"Donnie!" April yelled.

Thank god. He sped up and jumped into the car, shutting down the door. April hit the pedal just in time right before the new spray of bullets hit them and they drove off.

"That's our girl?" April asked, speeding through the street. She trusted Donnie got any cameras. She wasn’t so hot on getting a ticket.

"Yes," Donnie groaned as 'their girl' kicked him in the stomach.

"Feisty," April chuckled.

"Mhm."

He huffed and sat her down, quickly moving away before she could kick him again. He leaned back on the car's floor and took a breath in.

Kara was glaring at him while he was taking a moment in. She didn't like this one a bit. Sure it seemed he wasn't in cahoots with the mob but it still didn't explain how the said mob found her. She figured the bug was his. She recognized April, so that must have been when they got her. So far he didn't mean her too much harm. In fact, he just saved her life. With the right arguments, they might want to protect her and Cheryl. Especially Cheryl. She hoped her friend was safely back in their hotel room.

She sighed and tried to relax a little. Here comes nothing. She knocked on the metal floor for his attention. She signed once he looked in her direction.

Donnie tilted his head. <Deal?> He took in all of her injuries. They really needed to take care of it.

<You clearly are here to arrest me, I’m not stupid,> She huffed. <Those people back there? They are Big Boss's men. Ever heard of them?>

<Yeah, he's been getting a bit louder after Shredder left a vacuum in the crime world.> Donnie was already bringing up files he had on Big Boss. The brothers had a few fights with him in the past year. He was rising fast in the ranks using the fact that the Foot was pretty much scattered and disorganized. Ever since the Kraang someone has tried replacing Shredder but no one could. The brothers liked to think it was also thanks to their efforts.

Kara explained. <I- right,> she paused and looked for her bag. It was laying next to Donnie so she reached for it. Got her ID, credit card, and a small, silver cylinder. The rest she tossed to him. <Throw it out. I think they might be following me.>

Donnie nodded after catching it and threw it out the window.

she confidently suggested. <And few other big fish like him.>

Donnie tried to retort but she waved her hand at him.

<And yet he is still out there,> she pointed out. <And I have an inside scoop with proof no lawyer can ignore. Not everything can be found online. Plus, he is trying to kill me. That means I know something you don't, no?>

<That police will decide.> Donnie shot back trying not to fall for her arguments. He instead fished out some antiseptics and bandages to clean her up.

Police? Yeah no, thank you. She’ll pass. She avoided getting a record this long, she wasn’t planning on getting one now. Especially since all it would do was put her and nothing more. The state wouldn’t just put a hacker like her behind the bars. They would probably try to put a leash on her.

So in the choice between freedom in hiding, death, and a state-issued collar, she was obviously going to pick the first option.

Donnie moved closer. He was holding cotton swabs. He waved to get her to look at him again since she seemed so deep in her thoughts.

<I’m going to patch you up,> he told her and took her foot in his lap. There were cuts with pieces of glass and debris. He winced, it couldn’t be too comfortable to walk on.

She hissed when he started to clean it all up and she braced herself. Other than that she let him work. Which, in Donnie’s opinion, was nice. He usually struggled to keep Mikey in one place. Raph would try to sell a “Tough Guys don’t need stitches” but really was just scared of needles, Leo would just try and hide. It was always like herding cats.

No surprise there then when he quickly was done with her feet, and hand, and now was finishing up on her head.

Kara watched him work. Quick, thorough, precise. He probably did it a lot. Must be tough to be a vigilante. She sat still when he placed a gauze over the cut on her head and secured it. She looked up and caught his eyes. He couldn't blush but she has seen that look on men many times. The "I know it's wrong to stare but-" look. She smiled. She just found her opportunity for freedom.

Innocently she reached up. Even sitting he loomed over her a little. With the back of her fingers, she brushed over his cheek. His eyes widened just like during their first meeting but this time she could get a good look at his face. She tilted her head and stretched herself upward, raising on her knees a little.

Donnie didn't know what was happening. One second he was playing nurse and the next his heart was about to jump out of his chest. Stunned by her behavior he tried to make sense of it. Then her lips were on his and his brain turned off.

The little peck she gave him a week ago had nothing on this. He was suddenly flooded with her scent, her taste, how soft and pliant she was against him. On instinct, he pulled her closer. Her small hand traveled over his plastron up to his shoulder and neck. The unexpected heat between them was threatening to consume him.

"We're close to the house! You guys okay over there?" April called from the driver's seat.

The spell broke. Donnie pushed Kara back.

"Yeah! All good!" He called back. His mind was racing. What the hell just happened?

He looked at Kara. Her chest was raising and falling quickly trying to catch her breath. The pupils in her green eyes were blown up. She was smiling. That smile. The way she licked her lips. It was brief, her demeanor immediately melting into something more vulnerable and sweet. But he knew what he saw. A cat who caught a canary.

Despite the blood rushing in all directions but his brain, he realized something. She was seducing him. Playing him. Or at least trying.

Anger rose in him. Mostly at himself. How easily he let his guard down around her. His fascination with her was working against him. He gritted his teeth and moved away.

Get a grip, Donnie, he scolded himself. He wasn’t Mikey who would most likely fall head first for the act.

No matter how tempting it could be…

Kara watched how his face went from embarrassed bliss to silent fury. Whoops. She played her cards and apparently met her match. She watched him raise his guard, glaring from across the car.

Still, that was a pretty damn good kiss, She thought to herself. Her fingers brushed over her lips still feeling the tingles.

The car soon stopped. Donnie must have been still pissed about the kiss because as they were getting out he just grabbed her around her middle and carried her in under his armpit like luggage. No more princess-carry for the menace. She wasn't happy about it. It was a dick move considering her ribs hurt like a bitch. Unfortunately, this was probably the safest she could be at the moment. She could bear a bit of the turtle's wrath and hold onto her belongings in her hands.

He dropped her like a sack of potatoes on the kitchen chair and moved away. It was interrogation time.

She folded her feet up, one leg up, heel propped on the seat while the other was horizontal on the seat. Donnie and April were talking, whispering so even with one functioning hearing aid it was impossible for her to get. They finally faced her, how nice, and sat down. She briefly wondered which one would be a good cop and which one the bad one.

"What's your name?" April wrote down in a notebook she procured from somewhere.

"Glitch, H0AX, whichever you prefer," Kara wrote back. She looked almost bored, slumping a little in her chair.

April rolled her eyes. "Donnie said you wanted a deal, the least you could do is introduce yourself.”

Kara raised her eyebrow, reading the sentence. "Why does it matter?"

April shook her head and wrote back quickly, barely holding herself back from slamming the pen down. "The chief of police would need one to help you out."

"I don't want a deal with the police, I want a deal with you 5 or however many of you are out there. I will give you whatever you want but in exchange - no police, no mob." Kara pushed the notebook back.

April huffed. Sure, she could understand the disdain towards the police but the least this girl could do was give them her name. They weren't even negotiating anything and this half-pint of a woman was making demands without giving them much. April shot a look at Donnie. Unfortunately, he seemed to be doing something with his tech, his brow ridges furrowed and tongue slightly peeking out between his lips.

“Fine, no name then,” April glared at H0AX as she wrote. “Then whatever you have for us better be good.”

“Oh, it is. Just ask him, if he can break in,” she slid the notebook back to April and looked at Donnie with a light smirk.

“Donnie?” April asked

“Hm?” He asked as he furiously typed in code lines. He had all the holographic screens up around him, and the backpack he carried with him containing his power sources and processors was making loud noises as the coolers were working overtime.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m trying to eliminate the human error,” he responded, only briefly glancing up at Kara.

The hacker in question pulled the notebook to herself. “I imagine he wants to get all my data so that you can just give me up to the police. I might have struck a nerve ;)”

She held her phone up. The screen was glitching a little but the young woman didn’t seem too stressed about that. She just observed.

Honestly, she was curious if he could. After all, he DID find her. Couldn’t have been easy…. She made sure of it. There of course had to be elements of luck but not all of it is just a lucky guess. There were skills involved. Those holo screens? She had seen prototypes, glitchy little buggers, but couldn’t really touch them but it seemed he had sensors attached to his hands and it worked seamlessly. She needed to ask him about it. She watched him fascinated following the lines of the codes he was using. Marvelous.

Her head tilted and she prepped her chin on her hands. He was cute with his tongue sticking out a little as he worked quickly. His six fingers were zipping through the screen racing against her own program.

“Booyah!” He got in! Ready to call his victory he sprung up but then a big, red ‘Warning!’ sign appeared in front of him and his holo screen shut down.

"How?!" He yelled.

He won against Sacks’ 15-year-old computer program and even shut down fucking Krang's ship! He won against aliens! There was nothing he couldn't do. He knew that. Still, he missed the trap she set in. A subtle, little line of code…

He paced the room. He was the best, damn it! Meanwhile, she… he looked at her.

Small, cocky, confident. Unafraid to reach for what she wanted. She knew she was good. Her coding style was very much like her. Bold but with easy-to-miss elements if you weren’t paying attention. Somehow, his lips twitched in a brief smile. They tingled remembering the kiss. He quickly covered his mouth by running a hand over his face. To gather his thoughts. So infuriating.

Kara looked down at the screen of her phone with the ‘Hacking Attempt Avoided” message upfront. She looked over the data gathered from it and whistled. She really wanted to go over it all. But first things first.

She took the notebook back and wrote ‘Dr. Kara Williams’ in large letters.

Donnie made a tiny squeak as he clearly recognized the name. “Ohmygosh,” he whispered under his breath.

April looked at him confused waiting for further explanations. He took a deep breath in and held it before letting it out. Calm down, Donnie. The first wave of excitement passed and he got annoyed again. How dare she! It’s almost like with Dr. Stochman all over again!

“Dr Williams, she’s-,” he started explaining to April, “she’s the leading mind behind many inventions in biotechnology but holds no patents. ‘Wellbeings of others holds no price’.” He recalled all he knew and swallowed. “The inventions are mostly aimed at aiding in disabilities. Bionic exoskeletons, the new generation of hearing aids and cochlear implants, learning programs, AIs, microchi-.” Suddenly he realized something. he signed.

Kara looked intrigued. She leaned forward and waited for him. Donnie licked his lips as his brain finally connected the dots.

<It was never meant for machines. The material you made it out of is completely biodegradable, it dissolves when a task is done,> he started pacing, excitement building up, and his hand movements quicker. <The chip is meant for the human body. It’s not that it’s imperfect, it is completely perfect for the task at hand! Improved neural connections? Probably outside stimulation to- to speed up recovery from physical traumas? Is that what you are doing?> He stopped in his tracks to confirm with her.

<You’re close. There’s more to it but yeah.> Kara grinned, extremely happy to see him work it out so quickly. <It’s still in the Alpha stage when it comes to human trials but with minimal modification, I am able to create electronics-compatible versions.>

Donnie was so torn right now. Why was this brilliant mind dealing with criminals? What was motivating her? It was absolutely boggling his mind and boiling his blood.

April looked between the two and sighed. She reached for the notebook again and wrote: “Will you help us now?”

Kara read it and nodded. She could give them something. She pulled up all the files she had on Big Boss on her phone. Best to start there. He was an issue. He could easily hurt Cheryl and physically damage Kara’s research. If he hadn't done that already. She will need to check on the security footage later.

With a few swipes of her finger, Donnie received a request for file transfer. He shot her a look but accepted. Quickly he read through and exhaled. It was a lot.

<How did you get all that?> He asked.

she explained.

April read over Donnie’s arm and her journalistic instinct was kicking in. If she went with this to the station. It would explode.

Kara added. <As long as I and my friend are kept away from the cops and safe from being shot by the mob.>

Donnie told this to April.

“We will need also things on Archambault,” April reminded him.

“Right,” he agreed. <How much can you give me right now on Mylan Archambault?>

<The French guy? Yeah, sure.> Just like that more files were sent to Donnie. It seemed that she wouldn’t have to try and seduce Donnie after all. She looked up. Pity. It would have been fun.

Donnie and April looked through everything. Evidence of embezzlement, corruption, shady deals…. Immediately Donnie forwarded that to Chief Vincent. At least they got that case closed. He sighed and looked up.

Her bright, green eyes were on him. There were a few encounters with humans Donnie and his brothers had. They usually invoked fear, panic, and running away screaming. Sometimes they would get aggressive. A brief memory of the failed attempt at breaking into the police station from years ago resurfaced. But Kara didn’t react this way. There was something in her look that was disarming him. She looked at him like she wanted to know what made him tick. Undressing almost. Stripping him to the core. Something squeezed in the pit of his stomach. Donnie turned around to break the trance he got himself in.

While he was staring at her Kara held his gaze with ease. She wondered what was going through his head. She didn’t know why she wanted to tease him so much. Bully him gently. He was different, minus the whole turtle thing. Not naive, but innocent in some way. Brave but timid. Skilled and sharp as a knife but modest. She wanted to grab him by the shoulders and- what? Show him the world? Wow, that was cheesy as hell. He was all the things she just wasn’t.

“So, I understand we do have a deal?” She wrote in the notebook back to April.

“I need to make a phone call but I think we will,” April replied and gave a nod to Donnie. She'd better bring Leo in on this.

And so, Donnie was left with Kara alone. Again. He sighed sitting back down on a chair next to her, facing her. Might as well try to make polite conversation.

<Why do they want to kill you?> He asked.

She scratched her neck. A frown formed between her brows. To be perfectly honest she wasn’t sure. <For my fabulous personality?> she joked. She admitted. It was true. She normally kept her ‘work’ relationships brief and to the point.

Donnie looked inquisitive, waiting on her.

<One - they got smart and figured out how to copy my microchips,> she started listing them. <Highly unlikely, though.> She added. <Two - the chips gave up before they could do whatever they wanted and that’s why I’m the target. Or they want to get rid of me before whatever evil takeover they want to do in case I spill. Three, > there she just raised her arm and made a noncommital ‘idk’ shrug.

She hasn’t dealt much with Big Boss, she knew some people though. From when she was younger and would grab any job possible to keep her and Cheryl afloat.

she tried to joke but was also curious.

he snorted and shook her head, giving her a stern look.

He barked a laugh. One time, he did entertain the idea of ‘improving’ his brothers but then he visualized the downsides of such an experiment and- no. Brainiac Raph would only be the stuff of theories. <Trust me, they aren’t.>

<So, I figured. They must not know much about tracking IP addresses, since we’re not having this conversation in New York.> She said keenly observing his reaction.

He got flustered at that. She grinned. <Sneaky.> She poked his leg with her foot.

he admitted, moving a bit away from her in his chair.

<About?>

<Well, you, why you despite all your intellect chose to do,> he gestured around, <this.>

<Yeah, we’re not that tight friends yet,> she replied.

He tried to make her understand. He responded to Leo, he didn’t want to fail him.

It didn’t work exactly. <And I don’t owe them shit. I owe you. This isn’t USSR to pass my gratitude among the collective.> She frowned and sat straighter up, putting up a wall. <I’m giving you enough as it is that I don’t need your holier-than-thou pity to justify my actions in your eyes.>

He bit his lips feeling the frustration rising. Kara didn’t wait for him to reply and just got up, wincing at the pain in her feet. Wrong move. She had to tiptoe to the kitchen and see if they had anything to drink. She was thirsty.

While they argued, April called New York.

"Hey, Leo?"

"April! Hi!" There was a smile in his voice. She heard Mikey shouting his hello and Raph throwing out his own greeting. It made her smile. "How's the mission?"

"Well, the good news is we got her," she said.

"What's the bad news?" He asked a bit quieter. She could hear him walk, probably away from his two other brothers.

"Sharp as always," she sighed. “There's someone after her. She says it's the Big Boss. I think I saw Weasel outside the club so that would check out."

"Weasel? Are you sure?" He was now on high alert.

"Yeah, and here's another thing." She glanced back to the living room/kitchen. The duo there were moving their hands in a very animated manner, of which she understood nothing from.

"What is it?" He was bracing for the more bad news.

"It’s… I don’t know, it’s Doonie. I think she is trying to get some hooks into him, he’s so far not giving into it." At least she hoped so. She omitted the detail that she saw Kara kiss Donnie on their way to the temporary hideout.

Leo groaned. That could play in so many different ways. Donnie usually was on his side of things, preferring logic and pragmatism to emotional outbursts…. but he also could be incredibly stubborn when he got something into his head. He hoped that whatever feelings there were or weren’t wouldn’t cloud his judgment.

He sighed. "Donnie’s an adult.” He tried staying somewhat optimistic on the subject and trusting his brother like he said he did. “He can make his own judgment calls. If it’s a wrong one- we’ll be there to help him out.” He said. “She’s smart right?”

"Yeah and really cute," April chuckled.

“If you say so…” he grumbled on the other end of the line. “What I mean is… I think I get him, a little. We all do….”

She sighed. The four turtles were like her family now. It hurt her to see them save the city time after time but have to stay away from the light. They deserved more. “Yeah. Hang in there little brother,” she chuckled. "I'll call you again before we leave California."

"Sure, just ah, make sure that Donnie-"

"I'll give him the talk, no worries," she assured him. “Maybe I’ll reserve a shovel one for her.”

“Thanks.” They disconnected a moment later and April went to check on the nerds.

She was surprised to see Kara, not at the table. There was tension in the air.

“What’s up?” She asked Donnie, who glowered in the hacker’s direction and shrugged.

“Nothing.”

“Alright…” It seemed she had given Leo outdated news. Has the problem taken care of itself?

She grabbed the notebook and went to the kitchen and waved her hand to get Kara’s attention.

“You mentioned your friend, where is she now?” She wrote and slid it to the younger woman.

Kara read the message and raised her phone. She has been texting Cheryl for a bit. The girl made it to the hotel and managed to grab their luggage. She barely slipped by before someone stormed their room as Cheryl heard while still in the lobby.

“We need to get her,” Kara wrote. “She knows about the turtles and she’s my family.” She glared firmly at April expecting resistance but got disappointed when instead the reporter nodded.

“I’ll tell Donnie.” April wrote.

It was a quick discussion from then on. Cheryl got herself an Uber, just in case someone would recognize April’s van. Once she arrived, she knocked on the doors the agreed amount of times and said the password. This whole thing was something she actually came up with because she wanted to feel like in a James Bond movie (after all they already were chased by bad guys). April didn’t want to comment but raised her eyebrows very pointedly.

When April opened the door, Cheryl recognized her from the con. “Sneaky. I’m not sure if I like you, or hate you right now.”

“Hi,” April replied. “I’m sure we’ll work something out.”

“Mhm.” Cheryl set down her and Kara’s luggage. Then she noticed her friend, sitting by the table. Immediately she ran up to her friend and squeezed her tightly.

Kara let out a strained whine and tapped Cheryl. She was overjoyed to see her friend too but needed to breathe.

Cheryl chuckled and let her go. She took off the blonde wig. She signed.

<It might throw off the pursuit,> Kara replied.

Then Donnie entered the room and Cheryl’s jaw dropped. <Wow, you’re huge!> She both signed and announced vocally.

“Thanks?” He replied, taken aback a little.

<Sorry.> Cheryl composed herself. <I’ve only seen you in Kara’s drawings> She jumped away from a punch to the ribs from her friend. <She said you’re tall but damn, how’s the weather up there?>

<Drawings?> Donnie blinked, ignoring the joke, and looked at Kara, who blushed and stubbornly looked away, not in the mood to explain herself. So what she drew her encounter with them in La Pettite? Who wouldn’t?

<Oh yeah, she doodled you and your brothers, pretty spot on if you ask me.> She nodded, ignoring the death glare drilling holes in her skull. <A whole page just for you though.> “Ouch!” She rubbed her side where Kara punched her.

“Alright,” April clapped her hands. “Since we’re all here… I guess we should talk about sleeping arrangements since we’ll be leaving in the.” She checked the clock. Well, it was later than late. “In the evening.”

Donnie raised his hand. “Um-”

“No, you’re going to sleep, I know you took some naps but over the past four days I don't think you had more than 6 hours total, Don,” April interrupted, scolding him. “We all need to be well rested to drive AND potentially deal with the mob.”

"Alright," Donnie gave in reluctantly.

"Great, now if anyone is hungry there's food in the fridge," April offered. "I'm gonna hit the shower AND the bed."

Kara and Cheryl were given a bedroom to share. Cheryl was out cold after all the thrills of the night had caught up to her the second she touched the pillows. Kara on the other hand was still up.

She was too buzzed up to sleep. The mob, Donnie… Something else was also itching at the back of her mind. If only she could put her finger on what She tried meditating and limited yoga stretches due to her injured feet but it didn’t help. She needed to do things. Act. Get tired. Her options were limited though.

Usually, she’d solve the sleeplessness by going out, dancing the whole night away, and finding a one-night-stand. It always got her clarity of mind. Something she desperately needed right now.

But no, she was stuck inside, hurt with a target on her back.

Frustrated, she left the room to get a glass of water. As she was passing through the living room she noted the blue glow of Donnie’s holo screens. He was also up, half sitting on the sofa, legs stretched out and squinting at whatever he was reading. The curse of a brilliant mind. Overthinking. His shell and height must have been a burden with human furniture too. She smiled and rapped her fingers over the counter to get his attention.

His head jerked up.

<Oh, hey,> he greeted her, seeing her there. <Shouldn’t you be asleep?>

<Same goes for you,> she pointed out. She walked from the kitchen to him and sat on the armrest once he pulled up his legs.

He shut down his devices. <Nice scarf.> he pointed at the silk wrap around her hair.

He grinned despite himself, trying to cover it up, but his shoulders shook in a bit of a chuckle. She smiled back proud of herself.

<So what you’re thinking about?> She asked.

<Mostly what to do with you once we get back. I was texting my brothers about it.> He tried to look stern but she thought he was rather cute like that. Looking over the rim of his glasses like a strict professor.

<Ah, so I am a collective problem.> She smiled.

<You kind of really are.> He smirked.

<Thank you, that's so kind of you to say.> She grinned and he shook his head amused.

He looked over at her taking in how different she looked without her makeup and flashy clothes. Just an oversized t-shirt, shorts, hair wrapped up and- he frowned. He didn't notice that before. A jagged scar on her throat. Must have been covered by makeup before…

<What's this?> He asked, gesturing to it.

She looked at him almost startled. Her hand went immediately to it, then dropped it, but her movements were stiff and guarded.

<Nothing, unless you buy me dinner,> she tried to put him off but it didn’t work.

He still looked like he wanted to ask more. <Must have been a terrible knife fight, the cut looks like it was deep and ugly. If it wasn’t for how quickly we heal I bet you could compare it with some of Raph’s.> he theorized then he looked at her face and thought that he did fucked up a little. Her eyes went a bit glossy and her whole body was rigid.

She shot up from the spot and tried to get up and leave.

He acted quickly. An arm shot forward and grabbed her wrist. <Sorry.> He signed.

She paused looking at him. She ripped her arm from his hand and huffed. <You don’t spend time around other people huh?>

She huffed a small laugh, still uncomfortable from his little blunder. <Wild guess.> She rolled her eyes. After a deep breath and a second with her eyes closed she added. <That particular backstory you unlock at level 100.>

<Like… 5 at best. You’re on the Hard Mode though,> she warned him.

<Cool, what level do I unlock the criminal mastermind backstory,> he joked and she threw a decorative pillow that lay on the coffee table at his head.

He caught it effortlessly. He wondered if she was going to leave now but no, she sat down again.

Some of the discomfort still remained but she decided to stay.

<You want a backstory you gotta tell me how you became a badass ninja genius,> she smirked.

<Fair. You remember Sacks Industries?> It wasn’t like it was a secret how they came to be. Not after they met April and Vern. Then Casey. While they weren’t just telling everyone about it he was sure Mikey and Raph were hanging out with some humans and some of them must have been told. Not sure about Leo.

Donnie preferred the digital world instead. He never talked about himself as openly as with her. Having Kara right in front of him with no disguises felt… somewhat liberating.

Before he knew he was telling her how they met April and took down Shredder.

Kara was grinning, more relaxed, and engaged in his tale. As it was with their conversations she had to ask him to explain some signs here and there but otherwise - completely engrossed. It was flattering.

<Wow, that’s crazy,> she signed encouraging him to continue.

And so recalled the rest of the events. They both had a moment once he got to describe the outdated system in the Sacks tower.

<Wait, so he had like all of that,> she gestured widely. <For fifteen years stuck on top of a skyscraper?? Why didn’t he just take it all down? The materials could have rusted. Circuitry could have fried! And he didn’t have an antidote.>

He waved his hand at her.

<Ugh, that’s so dumb!> She groaned. <Billionaires shouldn’t be allowed.>

<Absolutely.> He nodded in solidarity.

<Continue please,> she urged him to finish.

He chuckled. <There isn’t much left to tell, April and Vern got the serum, and we kicked Shredder's ass and saved the world.>

<It still sounds awesome, you basically stopped a Resident Evil scenario, who knows!> She was sitting there all wide-eyed and in awe of him and he felt embarrassed.

he replied but then he saw her face. Serious, determined.

She stood up, wobbly, on the sofa and clasped her hands on his cheeks. The temperature raised in his body because suddenly he thought she might kiss him again but-

“Owowowowowow!” He flailed a little, his face burning.

She pinched his cheeks and started pulling at them. Then slapped her palms on his face and squished it. She looked dead serious.

<Never! Ever! Lower your accomplishments. Be proud, damn it!> She signed, pulling her hands back. She still stood very close to his face. <You were the one to stop the toxins.> She poked his chest. <Your brothers might have beaten Shredder but if it weren't for you we’d all be dead.> Then she flopped back down. She finished and crossed her arms

He rubbed his face, holding it together. She really was a hands-on person. He smiled and laughed a little. <You are so weird.>

<Yeah, I am,> she agreed proudly. <That being said, did you guys also take care of the giant alien ship four years ago?>

<Who said it was aliens?> He smirked a little and hissed still feeling the sting in his face.

She gave him a doubtful look. <Well, you cleared up it wasn’t a mothership of yours with the previous tale, but giant rift tears up the sky and an even bigger hamster ball starts assembling in the sky just to Tetris away seconds before finishing - that sounds like superhero stuff and you four are superheroes so!>

He grinned. <Well, I don’t know that’s classified information.>

She stuck her tongue at him. Suddenly, she yawned and stretched.

<You should try going to sleep.> He suggested and she whined, shaking her head.

<No, don’t wanna.> She protested. <Tell me about the spaceship. Must have been looking so cool up close.> She tried to redirect his attention.

He snorted and sighed amused. He did enjoy the attention a little bit. <If you insist but you better share something yourself later.>

<Alright, alright> She chuckled. <I’ll tell you something. Later.>

Kara woke up to something warm, but very firm under her cheek. Not a pillow. And also to a feeling someone was watching her. She cracked an eye open and slowly her vision focused. It was Cheryl. She was grinning from ear to ear and pointing somewhere. Kara's brain wasn't online just yet. She groaned and turned her head away, nuzzling the stiff, vibrating, kind of textured… She looked down at what she was laying on. It was an off-brown colored…plastron? Oh boy.

She looked up. Donnie was still asleep. His head was dangling backward, glasses gone, mouth open, drooling a little and probably snoring, judging from the vibrations in his chest.

Kara flushed a little, not remembering how she ended up sleeping on top of the turtle man. Either way, she was already up.

Her sudden movement woke Donnie up. He looked around confused and bleary-eyed, trying to locate his glasses. He said something and Cheryl answered. Then he noticed her, staring at him like deer caught in headlights.

There was a pause.

Then she darted up and ran to the bedroom she was supposed to be in. She needed a shower and a moment to compose herself.

When she rejoined the others she saw April looking like she would give her a shovel talk any moment now. Cheryl was grinning from her spot by the kitchen aisle and Donnie… Donnie had his back to them all standing by the coffee machine.

Okay, time to put on her brave face. Nothing happened plus why should she be embarrassed in the first place? Ridiculous.

They all had their breakfast, during which Kara discovered Donnie was a coffee snob. Of the extreme kind. It was kind of hilarious. Cheryl informed her he has been going off for the past half an hour on bean quality and optimal brewing methods. At least that's where she turned off her hearing aids 15 minutes into the rant.

The two friends snickered looking at April’s pained expression. Clearly, the reporter had witnessed this more than once before.

Later they all agreed on the driving order then packed and set off to New York.

It was during Donnie’s shift in the car, driving. April was taking a nap and Kara was leaning over the wall fixing her hearing aid. They just hit the highway when her phone vibrated. It was a single text. Two sentences. But it froze her blood. Her hands started shaking and she looked at Cheryl with utter terror on her face.

Cheryl frowned, alarmed, and leaned in, gently touching Kara’s shoulder. She glanced at the phone’s screen. Then in the direction of still out of it April and driving Donnie.

<It’s going to be okay.> She tried to reassure her friend. She pulled her into a hug.

She gently pried the device from Kara’s hands and turned off the screen with the message:

[Detective: He’s out. Thought you should know.]

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