#Leonardo overworks himself

[honorarypines]

Random headcanon of the day --> I feel like Leo Valdez would totally kin either rise!Donnie or rise!Leo

[goodlucktai]

29 with Mikey and Leo please!

29. “Tell me where it hurts, and be specific.”

x

It really was his own fault. If Mikey didn’t want to be babied, he shouldn’t have broken his wrist. 

He was mostly just annoyed it happened in such a boring way, catching himself wrong falling off his skateboard.

Yes he’d decided to sneak off and find a sewer tunnel to attempt the full pipe loop a full two weeks before Draxum said the gross mystic mandrake tea would finish running its course, but he felt fine! His hands barely shook anymore, only when he overworked himself or let himself get too tired or too excited.

But from the look on everyone’s faces when he slunk home ungraciously dragging his board behind him, you’d think he was at death’s door. 

What was worse, Donnie wheeled him by the shoulders into the infirmary and deposited him right in front of Leonardo, the only person Mikey couldn’t out-stubborn, whose affable smile faded at once into that serious look that made all of his siblings straighten their spines and pay attention.  

If the skateboarding accident had happened pre-almost-apocalypse, Dr. Leo would have probably led with a joke instead of, “Tell me where it hurts, and be specific.”

Mikey resigned himself to a ridiculous amount of mother-henning for the duration his arm was stuck in its short cast. His brothers took his newly fragile hands so personally, like they were the ones who couldn’t hold an inking pen or color inside the lines or even cook a meal more complicated than lasagna without having to give up in the middle and have someone else take over. Like they were the ones who woke up shaking in the middle of the night from some distant, half-forgotten dream of disappearing into fragments of light, arms radiating pain like it was their job, a confused jumble of grief and fear and farewell on his tongue until he went and climbed into bed with papa or Raphie and let them hug it all away. 

Leo said Mikey’s wrist wouldn’t need the full six-to-twelve weeks that a baseline human’s would due to their genetic modifications—“Thank you, Barry,” they had chorused in varying degrees of sincerity (Mikey, Raph and Casey) and sarcasm (Leo, Donnie and Splinter)—but that he still needed to give it time to heal.

“You’re the toughest guy I know,” Leo had said, poking Mikey on the beak to stall the inevitable whine, “but you gotta give yourself a break, Miguelito.” 

He said it like his skin wasn’t still bruised like a peach and his shell all wired together from going one-on-one with an actual living nightmare even as he found the energy to take care of someone else. 

He sat there in the doctor’s seat, pressing carefully around the wet fiberglass to mold it to Mikey’s wrist, all his attention bent to the task. He always tended to his brothers’ hurts the same way, as if it was the most important and remarkable thing he’d ever do. 

Leo’s own casts had only been removed last month, and he was usually very good about following his own medical advice, if only because he knew his siblings would cite his behavior in a heartbeat if it meant they could loophole around doctor’s orders. So Mikey really had no choice but to sulk and accept the distant cousin of scolding he received. 

“It’s not a race,” Leo said, smiling at him. “No one’s gonna run off without you. Where would we go that’s half as good as where you’re at?” 

It was his knee-jerk reaction to smile at Mikey, like his day got better automatically when Mikey was in it, and it soothed that jangling, frustrated thing inside of Mikey’s chest that only got loud when no one took him seriously. Leo always took him seriously, was always the first of their siblings to believe he could do anything he said he could do, and that meant taking Mikey’s injuries seriously, too. 

He’d seen the way Leo had to run himself ragged making sure Donnie kept up with the treatments to his shell and Raph followed instructions on taking care of his eye to the letter. They were trying to spare Leo additional stress, but if they knew they were only compounding the stress he was already in and making it ten times worse, Mikey was pretty sure they’d shut up and take their medicine. 

Mikey wanted to be on Leo’s team, not playing against him. So he put his sulk away and put on his best listening face instead, rewarded when some nearly-invisible line of tension in Leo’s shoulders relaxed until it was gone.

Besides, it wasn’t all bad. He got to pick what color cast he wanted, and got everyone to sign it. And it wasn’t the most horrible thing in the world not to have to do any chores. 

And when Leo announced to the lair as a whole that he was going to visit his tío Hueso and bring back pizzas for dinner—in a tone that made it very clear he was not asking for permission or inviting any worrywart older siblings along—he followed it up with, “You coming, Angie?” 

Maybe because he had been under the scrutiny of worrywart older siblings, too, and understood better than anybody how close Mikey was to biting the next person who tried to baby him. Or maybe because Mikey was the exception to Leo’s rules and he always had been—always invited and always welcome and always wanted. 

In another place, in another time, Leo asked Mikey to die for him, and Mikey died for him. 

In this kinder one, Mikey jumped to his feet with a grin and said, “I’m with you!” and it didn’t cost him anything.

It should have been silly to say something out loud that they both knew was true, but sometimes it was nice to hear it.

[kiatheinsomniac]

hi kia :) are you doing ok? i hope you are queen 💃 I was wondering if you could write how the assassins (altair, ezio, connor, arno, jacob) would react to a reader who suddenly passed out after standing up too fast 😭 it happened to me yesterday and it made me laugh so hard afterwards like thats the goofiest way to pass out ever 💀 iron deficiency queen 👏

☾ ⋆ ﾟ𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 / 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒: bestie mood. i stand up too quickly and immediately go semi-blind and have to lean on things for support lol 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒: altaïr, ezio, ratonhnhaké:ton | connor, arno, jacob 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: none

｡･:*˚:✧｡ altaïr ibn-la'ahad

♡ he's got the fastest reflexes you've ever seen, he's lunging to catch you so you don't fall or hit your head. He immediately checks that you're still breathing and will cup your face in his hands and give firm pats to your cheeks while talking loudly to you, trying to pull you back to consciousness

♡ when he finds out why you've passed out, he's immediately reprimanding you and sending you to go and eat enough nutritious foods.

｡･:*˚:✧｡ ezio auditore

♡ he wasn't quick enough to catch you yes this is based on how quick you have to be to interact with the game or you don't get to hug Leonardo sobs but he does immediately check you over for injury, your head being the first he checks. He lays you on your back with your head in his lap as he waits the few moments it takes for you to return to consciousness

♡ he immediately begins to ask how you feel and if anywhere hurts and wants to know if you're sick or if you've been eating or drinking enough. He'll pick you up bridal style and cook you a meal himself if it's older Ezio but younger Ezio will lay you down somewhere cosy while he sends for a servant to cook for you.

｡･:*˚:✧｡ ratonhnhaké:ton | connor kenway

♡ he won't show it but he panics. He's watched his village be burned to the ground as a child and his life's work revolves around killing people so when he sees you drop to the floor, his first though isn't that you've fainted but that you've died.

♡ he soon gets over that moment of gut-wrenching panic though and comes to his senses, immediately checking you over for injury, checking your temperature and your breathing. He sets you down somewhere comfortable, assuming you're now on your way to bruising from hitting the ground. He makes sure that you get plenty to eat and drink, trying to use the most nutritious ingredients he can for you.

｡･:*˚:✧｡ arno dorian

♡ another one who panics due to childhood trauma: when he sees someone laid on the floor like that, for a moment, that awful memory of his father flashes before his eyes. He's not so good at hiding his concern as Connor is though. The panic is evident in his voice as he calls out to you and dashes to your side.

♡ Arno knows to make sure that you haven't hit your head or anything and he sets your head in his lap while he waits for you to regain consciousness. When your eyes do open again and you look up at him, you'll see teary eyes and shaking hands on him. But he's just relieved you're ok. You'll get a very pointed tongue-lashing from him following by him insisting on making sure you're well-fed and hydrated

｡･:*˚:✧｡ jacob frye

♡ with quick reflexes and his very extroverted personality, Jacob is either fast enough to catch you or surrounded by some Rooks who he can call to so they can break your fall if he's too far. His first worry is that you're overworking yourself so he makes sure you get a break from work

♡ cannot cook to save his life so he's had to go out and order food to bring back for you (or he's begged Evie to cook for which he now owes her many favours) but he insists that you eat and drink well to recover

☾ ⋆ ﾟlike my work? why not: ∘ buy me a coffee? ∘ commission me? ∘ join my taglist ∘ consider following/reblogging

🏷️@gojohater101 @ayameiris4 @veryfancydoilies @asuni921  @writing-noah @danielle-marie @minimisthios @tired-lime @ghostofpolaris @etherealsdreaming @loopycorn1123 @jofie-does-things @havatnah @weasleytwins-41 @firagirl @catou1305 @daddyadler @b3k1720 @asianbutnotjapanese

[hotheadedhero]

hey so how do you think 2003 or 2012 Leo would deal with a super sweet yet fiesty s/o? Like he is in their house and he apologises for breaking in, he just needed a safe haven to relax and s/o is like casually “If it was anyone else I’d beat them up, but you can break into my house any time you want. I actually trust you”?

AN: We going with 03! The wheel has spoken :P

Exception

Leonardo x Reader

What a week. As far as cleaning the streets of criminal activity goes, it’s been one of the hardest to date. At every turn, there are muggings, burglary, vandalism, all around chaos. You name it. Pure, unbridled chaos and every time the boys think they’re safe to rest up for five minutes, something else pops up and they’re back at it. By all accounts, it doesn’t make sense. New York isn’t without its delinquency but these rates are bizarre even by their standards. If this is all part of a bigger picture then they’ve got some big fish to fry.

As it would turn out, it was: a large-scale operation by a nameless syndicate, orchestrated in the hopes of tiring out the turtles beyond their threshold. If they’re too overworked to engage in their usual vigilante-ing, thieves and rogue punks alike could swarm the streets without having to worry about capture. It would have worked, too, were it not for one of the crooks and his blabbermouth. They can thank Casey and his questionable scare tactics for that one. Who’s to judge when it gets results?

Regardless, the boys couldn’t wait to settle down back home. Leonardo more so than anyone else. He’s ready to sit down with some candles and mentally scrub himself of this strenuous endeavour. The problem with that, however, is that his siblings have their own unique choices of downtime and they’re not exactly the quietest. Machinery hums on one side of the room, occasionally accompanied by shrieking metal. The other side of the lair vibrates with the heavy boom of hip-hop. Even the gentle click-clack of knitting needles just across from his is grating on the ears. He can typically drown out the sounds of his brothers but he’s worn to the point that even meditation won’t do the trick. There’s only one thing for it: he needs to get some air. Better yet, he needs to see you. It’s been far too long. 

Before dating, you both knew there would be nights and even stretches of such where you would go without seeing one another. Plans can change last minute if trouble is afoot. Dates cancelled for the sake of pedestrian safety. That being said, these last half a dozen days have been the longest length of time you’ve endured without each other. Maybe he could surprise you with his return. You’d think he learned from the times he and his brothers have unexpectedly crashed April’s that, that would be a bad idea. This is you, though. Arguably, you’re a bit more temperamental at times but he knows your soft spot for him could trump that. Probably.

Without thinking of the possible ramifications, he trudges along to your apartment. Albeit, it’s taking a lot longer to get than normal. He’s aware of how drained he is but walking through the sewers shouldn’t be this difficult. He’ll be thankful when he finally reaches you. Perhaps he’ll even be lucky enough to lay dead in your arms if he hasn’t pushed his luck by barging in unprompted. He quietly chuckles at himself, knowing you’d call him out for being such a sap.

Leo finally makes it to the manhole cover and pushes it off with some strain. The weight of it burns his muscles, nearing the point of shaking. Nonetheless, he drives through and lets out a breath when it clangs against the tarmac. Not his most graceful of exits but he supposes he can be excused at least this once. The extra ache is worth it for the sweet wave of serenity that washes over him when he sees your window. It’s a dim light. No doubt it’s from your living room lava lamp - the one with the orange wax that emits this gentle, pink-amber glow. It’s reminiscent of a sun-kissed sky that you can enjoy in the sanctuary of your own home. He likes that one. You always turn it on when the city enters night; when you want the sunset to last just that little while longer.

Without wanting to lose another second, he carefully positions the manhole cover back in place and advances up your fire escape. He peeks through your window on the off chance he might catch you. When you’re nowhere to be found, he slides the glass up and climbs through as quietly as his irritated legs will allow him. He’s about to call your name when something suddenly hits him on the head.

“Ow!” he yells out and rubs on the sore spot. The main lights flick on and there you are, standing in a readied pose with your bat raised high. “Couldn’t you do that in a batting cage or something?”

“Leo?” Your eyes gape wide as your stance falters.

In the dully lit room, all you saw was a figure. A figure sneaking into your home. It could have been anyone or anything. Obviously, your first port of call was to take action. Befriending and even dating one of the city’s self-proclaimed saviours means potential for a target on your head. There’s no telling who or what could come for you should they want to lure the turtles in with live bait. What you hadn’t anticipated was your loving turtle in blue to be the one tiptoeing into your apartment. You prop the bat on your shoulder and lean on the wall with the other.

“Ever heard of a phone?” you ask through a playful murmur.

One corner of his lips turns up into a coy smile and he laughs sheepishly, “Sorry, it’s been a long week.”

You have half a mind to remind him why breaking into someone’s home in a crime-infested New York is a recipe for disaster but he looks beat enough as is. Whilst you haven’t had much of a chance to talk this past week, you’re more than aware of what he’s had to deal with. If he’s here now, that must mean it’s been officially dealt with and taken care of. Good thing, too, because it seems like he could drop at any given moment. Oh. The baseball. Your boyfriend has been working himself to the bone and you’ve just whacked him in the face with a baseball. 

Bashfully, you click your tongue and glance away. There are definitely better ways to greet your significant other. It’s likely he’ll use this against you when he’s feeling particularly cheeky in the future but you won’t worry about that now. You push your body off the wall and point at him with your baton.

"If it was anyone else, they'd be a bloody pulp by now." You prop the bat on the wall and turn away to your kitchen with a shrug. "But, sure, break in any time you want. You're lucky I trust you."

Your words hold a sarcastic nature, almost satirical, but he knows you mean well. The meaning behind them holds a sweetness. An apology wouldn’t have gone amiss but he did technically break in. He’ll hold his hands up and admit fault. Permission has been given at least. Not that he thinks he needed it before but if it saves him another bruise, it’s a win.

You truly love your friends to pieces but, if you’re being honest, they have their individual set of havocs they’d thrust upon your home were it them in place of your boyfriend. Raph the least, ironically enough, but his sai have a nasty habit of poking holes in your couch any time he sits down. Donnie often has a gadget on him you'd be too fearful of setting your furniture on fire. As for Mikey? He’s a food fiend who can and will deplete you of all your snacks. Let's not forget Casey but he’s a walking health and safety hazard if ever you met one. His visiting rights have been revoked after what he did to your Christmas ornaments and it’s the last time you’ve ever and will host for the holidays. You don’t like to talk about it. So, yeah, if there's any one person who can freely invite themself to your home, it's the turtle you love most.

When you’ve finished packing a cloth with ice, you sit Leonardo down and hold it to his head. His face scrunches up before easing and he smiles at you softly. This may not have turned out to be the romantic surprise he thought it would be but he’s glad to be back in your presence - in your home surrounded by personifications of your selfdom. 

“That was a good shot, by the way,” he compliments, sporting that impertinent grin you’d expected.

Your teeth clasp down on your bottom lip, fighting an annoyed smile. “Don’t give me an excuse to use your shell as target practice,” you warn but the following kiss to his bruise reveals your empty threat. “But, thanks. Sorry for hitting you in the first place.”

His brows raise at you. “I’m sure you could make it up to me.”

You hum in response and shove the ice pack in his face. Your choice to tend to his wounds after he impolitely infringed on you is you making it up to him. Ungrateful pinhead. He’s lucky you love him. Very lucky indeed.

[phoebepheebsphibs]

Double-Mutated Mikey

Chapter 9: Ethology

Continued from the short story written by @boots-with-the-fur-club

Prev || Next

Raph is awoken by a buzzing and quiet jingle of music under his thigh.

He groans as he reaches down and pulls his phone out, quickly answering it before the ringing can wake up the other two.

"Hhheello?" he mumbles sleepily.

"Ah, Raph, good morning. Casey Jr. gave me the list of Krang attributes to look out for, so I was wondering if Michael would be up for another round of tests and scans?"

Raph groans slightly, rubbing his hand down his face. His fingers catch the dried mucus left over from when he was crying last night.

"Donnie, what time is it?"

"7:30AM. Good morning, by the way."

"Mornin'. Why so early?" he complains. "Couldn't this have waited until a decent hour?"

"April is coming over later today, and I wanted to get the examinations out of the way before she arrives."

Raph yawns and stretches.

"Fine... Sure thing, Dee; I'll wake the guys and meet you in the lab. Though I assume you already knew we slept in Mikey's room..."

"I would have joined you, but I was busy..."

"You didn't stay up all night, did you?"

"No... I passed out sometime around 3:15."

"Donnie," Raph scolds. He is all too familiar with Dee's tendency to overwork himself when he has a big important project.

"I'll have a nap or something," Donnie half-heartedly promises. "But Mikey is first priority."

Well, Raph can't argue with that. He'd probably do the exact same thing.

"Fine. But just make sure you're not gonna kill yourself over this, okay?"

Donnie hesitates before humming out an answer.

"Mhm. See you in a few."

He hangs up before Raph can address the hesitation. He rolls his eyes and yawns again before standing up. He wonders who to wake first. Leo is probably the one to get ready first, since he can help corral Mikey if the zoomies kick in again. And two heads are better than one. He's the better choice to wake up first.

And yet, Raph finds himself going to Mikey's hammock instead, rocking it gently and rubbing Mikey's back.

"Heeyyyyy, bud, time to wake up..."

Mikey hums at him, soft and quiet moans. His throat vibrates, and he twists his face, scrunching it up as he buries it into his pillow. Something about the expression and tone sets Raph off. It sounds tired, but there's something else in the sleepiness... he sounds scared. Sad.

"Mikey? Big man? Are you okay?"

Mikey's eyes snap open.

He sits erect, glancing around the room, trying to gather himself and take in his surroundings. His breaths are shaking, rapid. His eyes dart back and forth, settling on Raph and peering at him.

"Mikey?" Raph asks nervously. He reaches a hand out for the little brother.

Mikey gives it two sniffs.

His expression changes. He relaxes, relieved. His eyes get glossy with tears, and he mews at Raph, who presses his hand against his cheek.

Raphael knows what happened. He's seen himself go through this so many times after the invasion, during the weeks recovering from krangification. Mikey just woke up and forgot he was home and safe. He woke up and thought he was back at the TCRI labs.

Raph sighs and rubs the tears from Mikey's cheek. Mikey leans into the touch and hums.

"Hey bud, wanna help me wake up Leo?"

Mikey's eyes light up as he looks to where Leo is lying on the beanbag. Mikey chirps with enthusiasm as he jumps down quickly and runs over to his brother, pouncing on Leo and knocking the wind out of him. Leonardo gasps and coughs and hacks, arms flailing around as he struggles to gather himself.

Raph has to muster all his strength to keep from doubling over in laughter.

"Okay, well, good morning to you too, Mike," Leo coughs, patting Mikey on the back with a groan.

Mikey beeps in response, a big and bright grin on his face.

Raph clicks the lights on, Leo and Mikey groaning at the sudden brightness. Leo covers his face as his eyes dilate, though Mikey grunts in discomfort for a moment before he seems to adjust.

"What time is it?" Leo asks, turning to Raph.

"Seven thirty-sumthin'," Raph says. "Donnie wants to do some more tests with Mikey."

Mikey's head spins at the word 'tests'. He whinges nervously.

"It's just an eye exam and saliva swab, if I remember right," Raph assures him. "Donnie ain't gonna do anything to make ya uncomfortable or hurt ya."

Mikey squirms a bit before nodding with a deep exhale. His shoulders relax. He slowly climbs off of Leo, who yelps in discomfort as Mikey steps on his legs with all the grace and tact of a newborn ostrich.

Raph leads the way to Donnie's labs, though Mikey groans again and squints once they get to the dim halls. Leo follows after them quickly.

Donnie is waiting for them at the lab doors, smiling with a cup of coffee in his hands.

"Ah, hello dear brethren," he says with a smile. "Mikey, I hope you slept well."

Mikey signs 'good morning' at him. Dee's eyes expand. Raph forgot he hadn't seen Mikey communicate yet.

"Well, let's get this started, shall we?" Dee says with a smile, ushering them inside.

Mikey crawls into the lab and jumps up onto the examination table from the previous night. His tail taps nervously against the side.

"Now, Mikey, before we begin, I want you to know that I'm not going to do anything that makes you uncomfortable or upsets you," Donnie explains. "Think of this as like... a yearly physical, or a check-up. Not that we ever had those before... but the process is the same. I just want to make sure you're healthy and see some of the changes you've gone through so I can get an idea of how to properly take care of you. Okay?"

Mikey nods with a churr.

"Okay then. I'm going to start with an eye exam. We didn't really get to do that last night, after discovering the tapetum lucidum."

Donatello grabs a small pin light and shines it in Mikey's eye. Mikey hisses at the light before reeling back, holding his head and groaning.

"What? Is it too bright?"

'Vision,' Mikey signs. 'Vision changes when light. Head hurts.'

"What does he mean, 'vision changes when light'?" Leo asks.

Donnie scratches his chin as he inspects the eye he just shined a light in. The pupil doesn't dilate to accommodate to the darkness, but shifts from round to a slitted oval.

"Mikey, describe what you see. Not so much what is in the room, but how you perceive it."

Mikey looks at Donine, and he notices that he doesn't look him in the eye, but stares directly in the center of his face. After looking around for a second, he signs to him.

'Shapes, blurry edges, no details. Silhouettes. Heat. Mikey sees heat.'

"Mikey has infrared vision now," Donnie proclaims. "That's probably a result of the boa DNA. Snakes have heat-seeking vision."

"Wait, so if he can only see temperatures, then that explains why he didn't immediately recognize Splinter or Casey," Leo realizes. "He couldn't see their faces?"

"Precisely," Donnie says, Mikey nodding along. "But Mikey, what happened when I shined the light in your eye?"

'Vision changed,' Mikey answers. 'See things better. Colours, shapes, light.'

"So, the infrared only activates when it gets dark?"

Mikey nods.

'Hurts head when switches. Headaches. But Mikey prefers normal vision, easier to see. Sometimes vision blurs... mix, and gets confused. Can't switch right when light not dark enough. Hurts bad then.'

"Does it hurt now?" Donnie asks.

'Just a little. Computers shining.'

Donnie pauses before going to the wall and flicking the light switch on. The three groan at the sharp brightness that follows. Mikey blinks and hisses, but soon his pupils round out again. He glances around the room, and he smiles when his eyes settle on Donnie.

'Purple! See colours now!'

Donnie smiles, then grabs a tablet to take notes down on.

"I'll let Papa know to maintain proper illumination in the lair for you to keep the headaches at a minimum... Anything else eyesight-wise?"

Mikey shakes his head.

"Very well. On to the next thing..."

Donnie goes to his desk and grabs a swab.

"Open wide for me, okay?"

Mikey obeys, his teeth not quite so long and sharp as they were the night before during the fight. Donnie makes a mental note to ask about them.

Dee hands the swab to Leo, the designated medic, and he gently scrubs the inside of Mikey's cheek. Once he's finished, Donnie hands him a tiny vial to store it in.

"I'll be studying this later," he says, taking the sample from Leo and placing it in a storage compartment by his computer. "Thank you, Michael."

"And Leo," the slider adds.

"And Leo. Although, I would also like to do a blood test if possible..."

Mikey whimpers at this, and starts scooting away from Donnie.

"Only if you agree to it, Michael," he says quickly. "I promised not to do anything that would upset you. The saliva will suffice for now. I'll only ask for a blood sample if I really need it, okay?"

"What do you need the saliva for, anyway?" Leo asks.

"His DNA."

"I thought you had that?"

"I have a virtual scan of it," Donnie clarifies. "And all it does is tell me what's not him inside him. The saliva isn't for that, it's to help reverse-engineer the mutations and come up with an anti-mutagen."

"You can do that from just some spit?" Raph asks, intrigued.

"...We'll see," he mumbles, turning away from them and typing on the computer.

Raph notices the hesitation again. But Donnie gets back to work before Raph can bring it up or think about it anymore.

"Mikey, do you mind if I do some small inspections of your person?"

Mikey tilts his head, furrowing his brow.

"I want to look at you closer," Donnie tries again. "See what physical changes you've gone through."

Mikey chirps in understanding and bobs his head 'yes'. Donnie starts walking around him, lifting Mikey's arms as he flips his goggles down.

"Nardo, can you take notation while I inspect our brother?"

"Sure thing," Leo says, quickly grabbing the tablet for him.

"Write down exactly what I say, okay?" Donnie orders. "I won't be able to understand your dum-dum gibberish otherwise."

Leo gawks in disgust at Donnie's accusation, which entertains Mikey to the point of giggles. Leo smiles and winks before writing down Donnie's observations.

"Make a note: Michelangelo's shell is rougher, the scutes more pronounced and rigid. Part of it looks like scarring, but it also looks as though the breakage may act like an armour for underside of his shell..."

Donnie moves down the line, carefully taking Mikey's long whipping tail and tracing his fingers along it.

"His tail has grown as well... previous size was, in general estimation, three inches long. I don't have the exact measurements currently. His post-mutation tail is now..." Donnie pauses to measure. "...65 inches, or just over five feet."

Leo whistles in astonishment as he writes down Donnie's notes.

"What did they feed you to make you grow like that, Miguel?" he jokes.

Mikey exhales, a soft huff through his nostrils. A pity laugh. Though, Leo realizes that the mention of the labs has made him a little uncomfortable, and he starts squirming under Donnie's intense gaze. He should have thought of that...

Go hold his hand, Leo telepathically says to Raph, who jumps slightly at the unannounced use of mind meld. He nods and goes to Mikey, taking his hand and rubbing it gently to soothe him. Mikey starts to relax again.

"Make a note," Donnie continues, "Mikey's tail is covered in special scutes and scales that lift up and act as barbs or spikes."

Dee gently tucks his finger under one such scale and raises it. A series of other scales lift up in company with the first. He checks to make sure it doesn't cause discomfort for Mikey, and when it doesn't, he goes to the very tip of the appendage.

"The scales at the end are more elongated then the rest. And sharper. And it appears --"

He pries the scales up. A series of them lift in unison with the ones he has fiddled with, surrounding the tail in a circular pattern.

"-- it appears that they are also in a different arrangement than the rest. My hypothesis is that the scales on the majority of his tail are for protection and defense, but the scales on the end are for offense and attack."

Donnie smoothes them down.

"Are you doing alright, Angelo? Can I keep going?"

Mikey doesn't respond.

"Angelo?"

Donnie circles back to the front of the table, looking at Mikey's face. His eyes have glossed over. He looks bored, almost asleep. His expression is one of resignation. Donnie quickly waves his hand in front of him.

"Mikey? Anybody home?"

Mikey blinks and comes back.

'Sorry,' he signs. 'Zoned out. Habit.'

"Habit?"

'We don't like tests, zone out to not get scared. Did a lot of tests before. They poke and pull. Hurt. Make Mikey sad and scared. Zone out helps.'

"You mean you disassociate," Donnie clarifies. "Okay. I'll try to finish up as quickly as I can..."

"Mikey," Raph interjects. "What kinds of tests did they do?"

Mikey's face scrunches up again, his gaze goes past Raph to an empty corner of the room as he tries to focus, think back. After what feels like an eternity, Mikey responds.

'Can't remember.'

"Whaddya mean?" Raph asks anxiously.

'Blur,' Mikey signs. 'Can't remember things. The other place is hard to think in. Mikey likes this place better, helps head to think more. Helps to remember.'

"Do you remember how you got mutated?" Donnie asks.

Mikey waves his hand on a tilt back and forth. Sorta.

'Just remember hurts. Too bright. Bad people, they scare us. Scared a lot. Sleepy after. They do lots of tests.'

Raph whimpers quietly.

"Mikey... do you remember how you got captured?"

Mikey thinks about it.

'Remember falling. Remember scared. No more after. Not much before.'

Raph swallows. He wants to say something, wants to apologize... but then he locks eyes with Leo, who raises his brow at him and shakes his head, knowing exactly what Raph is thinking, even without the mind meld.

Not a good time.

Raph sighs and chokes down what he wants to say. He'll have time later.

"Mikey, can I ask you why you keep referring to yourself as multiple people?" Donnie asks.

'Voice,' Mikey signs.

"You... hear a voice in your head?"

Mikey has a look of frustration as he tries to explain as best he can. It's hard, he doesn't have all the words he needs.

'Word missing... don't know sing for it... stink... inside stink...'

"Inside stink?" Donnie asks, raising an eyebrow. "Does something smell bad, or --"

'No, inside stink... inner stinks... in stinks...'

"In stinks...? Instinct!" Leo exclaims. "You're saying there's a voice in your head that sounds like an instinct?"

Mikey nods, chirping happily that Leo understood.

"So, this 'Instinct', does this sound like your own thoughts? Or a separate personality?" Donnie asks, slowly spiralling in possible diagnoses. "It could be DID, or schizophrenia, or auditory hallucinations, or..."

Mikey shrugs.

'Voice tells Mikey what to do. Instinct takes over when really scared or danger. Instinct in charge a lot in other place. That why no remember much.'

"Kinda like 'Savage Raph', huh?" Raphael interjects.

Mikey beeps in response, nodding and pointing at Raph as if to say 'Yeah, what he said!'

"Alright, so Mikey has a form of dissociative identity disorder," Donnie diagnoses. "Leo, write that down. In the meantime, Mikey, I'm just gonna look at your hands, feet, and teeth, and then I'll stop for now, okay?"

'Okay' Mikey signs, ready to be done.

"Great."

Donnie takes Mikey's claw in his hand and turns it over.

"Hey, look! Mikey has beans now!" Raph exclaims, pointing to the small squishy, leathery, heart-shaped pads on Mikey's palms.

"They are paw pads," Donatello corrects. "Another quirk from the jaguar mutation..."

Mikey's eyes go huge as saucers when he hears that. Apparently he didn't know about that animal trait.

"Leo, make a note... Mikey's fingers are much more pointed now, his nails seem sharp and shaped. Unsure yet if that is by nature or nurture... As for his feet, there is some webbing between the toes, possibly a trait from the basilisk DNA. Oh, and a dewclaw; see this curved nail here?" Donnie says, pointing it out. "Fascinating. Alright Mikey, smile for me real quick?"

Mikey bares his teeth for Donnie.

"Hmm. Not as sharp or elongated as they were last night. Mikey, do you know if your teeth can retract on command?"

"You mean like Toothless?" Raph asks, getting just the teensiest bit excited.

Mikey nods, and signs again.

'Happens when angry or danger. Threat. Teeth grow big. Aches after.'

"Got it. Leo, write down that his teeth can extend and retract when Mikey feels threatened. Also, Mikey, seeing as how your teeth are sharper now, does this affect your diet in any way?"

Mikey taps his fingers against his knees as he thinks it over.

'Mikey gets hungry for meat a lot. But likes other foods still. No cold. Cold hurts. But definitely hungry for meat.'

"Got it. I'll instruct Papa to add more beef and proteins to the grocery cart."

Donnie leans back with a proud smile.

"I think that's all for now, Angelo. You did very well."

Mikey smiles brightly and makes an eeeeee noise in response.

'Thank you, Purple!'

Donnie's smile wanes.

"Purple? Why'd you call me Purple?"

Mikey's happy expression falls. He looks embarrassed, afraid.

'Purple... is name?'

"N-no... not, not really," Donnie stammers. "You called me that earlier... but I thought you meant you could discern my mask -- Mikey... You do remember my actual name, right?"

Mikey is silent. His lip quivers softly as he looks in between his brothers nervously, asking for help. But they look just as scared and helpless upon the realization.

"Mikey... do you... remember who we are?"

Prev || Next

[pumpkinpie59]

“the 2012 family isn’t abusive” and “the 2012 family all have toxic traits that can affect each other badly” are both takes that can coexist

i think out of all the tmnt shows (except maybe rise, but i could go back on that if i think about it for more than two seconds; this post isn’t about them tho), 2012 has the most dysfunctional family.

this is not a criticism tho. it’s an observation and it can lead to interesting storytelling.

splinter in 2012 suffers from ptsd and it affects how he teaches his children and how he views the world.

he’s been through a lot and was lead to believe he lost his first child.

so yes it’s not shocking that he’d make bad decisions as a parent.

he’s not a bad person by any means, but his attitude about strangers, enemies, and relationships are off. he shows favoritism towards leo, though that’s not his intention. he fails to give his other children the attention they need. etc etc

so it’s not that surprising that his children also gained flaws that affect each other negatively.

leo is dedicated to his training, which isn’t bad but it gave him an ego. he believes he’s the good example, that he’s better skilled than his brothers. he has good skills that make him the best choice as leader, but sometimes his ego and his authority make him downplay his brothers’ opinions and chastise their choices.

it’s mostly seen in his arguments with raphael and donatello. raphael is stubborn, but he values his family like leo does. their opinions on how to protect their family and do the right thing aren’t always on the right page, which frustrates them. raphael goes through growth that makes him a lot more patient with leonardo, but he still calls leo out when leo makes bad decisions, and leo often refuses to listen to him bc he’s the leader. he’s in charge. why should he listen? which is not what a leader should be and he needs to learn that over the course of the series (he,, rlly doesn’t but i digress).

as for donatello and leonardo. donatello is smart and leonardo knows that and ends up using that to his advantage. he puts a lot of pressure on donnie and overworks him. donatello is smart so he has to be the one to track things down, fix mutations, learn what is going wrong. and when donatello’s attempts go wrong, leonardo gets frustrated and orders donatello to just. do better. keep working on it. since donatello struggles with insecurities, this is just added to it and he is super hard on himself when he fails.

having so much pressure put on him by splinter certainly doesn’t help his attitude either.

is he hard on michelangelo? eh not rlly but mikey’s a nothing character so moving on

raphael very obviously has his temper. he’s probably the most criticized of the team so his faults are kinda obvious. he has the most growth in the show tho so i’m not gonna go into too much depth.

obviously his temper and habit to get violent when he’s angry affects his brothers negatively. tho he’s mostly physically violent with leonardo or michelangelo. with donatello they usually are more verbal ig? when raphael is rough with donatello, it’s usually playful. idk

also his temper affects his focus and skills so he’s often chastised by splinter, which comes across to him like leo is so much better and splinter likes him more.

donatello’s turn. this guy has his heart on his sleeve and ik i mention his insecurities constantly but it does affect him more than anything else. he’s insecure about being a mutant, he’s insecure about his weapon and fighting skills, he’s insecure about his feelings for april, he’s insecure about whether he’s smart enough, he’s insecure PERIOD. he has so much going on in that brain so ofc it’s gonna affect his brothers

he snaps at people all the time. he lets his insecurities affect the way he interacts with other people (see: casey jones).

even the pride he does have about his scientific accomplishments can be easily crushed when they’re ruined or criticized in some way.

he isolates very often and sometimes when he is confident it comes across as rude.

and when he acts out of concern for april, he goes about it wrong and ends up being creepy.

it doesn’t help that splinter hardly corrects any of his behavior. plus he doesn’t get the affirmation he needs.

as for michelangelo he’s a bad interpretation of someone with adhd— oh wait no that’s not what i’m trying to talk about hold on—

so michelangelo is playful and naïve and fails to take many things seriously, which frustrates his brothers a lot so it’s hard for them to take him seriously when he is being genuine.

and for karai, we already see how flawed and rebellious she is, and it rubs off on her brothers often, particularly leo.

this family is just a wreck but that’s why they’re so interesting to explore and see them grow. it’s why i wanted more from the series. their dynamics have positive parts as well and it’s nice seeing them talk through things. but the series sacrifices a lot of that for plots that don’t rlly matter tbh (most of season 5 <3)

they are not abusive at all but they are extremely flawed and that’s okay

[chaoticspeedrun]

MASTERLIST

Hi! I'm Chaos/Chaotic and I'm currently writing for Rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles, to shut up my rants you can block the #Chaos shut up tag!

Ask box status: OPEN

Requests status: CLOSED

Rules for requests!

Discord server!

List of fics, art and games under the cut:

Rise! Leo

Anastasia AU [Interactive Fic] - ONGOING (3/5)

An interactive fanfiction game available on itch.io to be played on browser, no need to download.

It has been years since you woke up in the Witch town orphanage, with memory loss and no place else to call home, now in a quaint place just off the road towards the now Hidden city or city of the Haunted as the locals call it.

But you know there must be someone waiting for you out there, you had a family, the old relic you've held onto promises so, you just have to find it.

Romanceable characters: Leonardo, Donatello.

LINK TO INTERACTIVE GAME

ONESHOTS

Overworked

Rise! Leo x GN reader, Reader wants to do this huge project themselves instead of relying on their friends, but Leo is dead set on helping them. Fluff and slight angst.

Hold my hand before I break his face

Rise! Leo x Fem reader, Leo and you are getting ready for your date when his ex makes an appearance. Can be read by itself but goes along with the headcanons of Leo with his first girlriend.

Ponytail

Leo was touchy with you, but he only seems to realize when he starts braiding your hair.

HEADCANONS

Leo with his first girlfriend

Rise! Donnie

The little merturtle AU - COMPLETE

[5 chapters]

Prince Donatello was the third of four brothers, the prince of an underwater yokai city, but he has always been searching for something else far more interesting than the mystic arts he is used to, he wants to know everything about the human world, their traditions, their creations...But when he finds himself entranced by a human it might just be the last push he needs to make his dream of exploring the land a reality.

MASTERLIST OF THIS FIC

"HAZARD" DONNIE AU

Part 1, Part 2

ONESHOTS

Curious

You are an extremely curious person, and Donnie loves indulging you, maybe he loves it so much because it's you he answers to.

Trust fall

Donnie fell in love with you slowly but steadily, he would have trusted you with his life, which is why finding out you were working with a villain was too hard of a hit to take.

[Lovers to enemies to lovers]

HEADCANONS

Donnie with his first girlfriend

Donnie, yokai! reader with a tail

DRABBLES

King Boo! Donnie [For Sweaterrat]

Rise! Raph

ONESHOTS

Break like glass

Raph's been keeping his distance, treating you too softly since the Kraang, you're determined to let him know he doesn't have to.

All Turtles

ROTTMNT "IMYAM" MASTERLIST

A masterlist to post updates, progress, art, questions and playable versions of the game when available.

DRABBLES

Chirps and churrs

Tooth-rotting fluff with the turtles churring in happiness around you and you surprising them with your own adorable reaction.

The way I love you

Tooth-rotting fluff on how they each realize they are falling for their male best friend.

HEADCANONS

Turtles with a shy S/O

[aquietwritingcorner]

Fever

Title: Fever       Day: Febuwhump 2023 Day 11: Fever Fandom:  TMNT 2003 Word Count: 5458   Author: aquietwritingcorner/realitybreakgirl Rating: K/G   Characters:  Splinter, Raphael   Warning: Mentions of throwing up   Summary: With three of his four young sons sick, and dwindling supplies, Splinter is tired, worried, and overworked. Thankfully, Raphael is more than willing to help his father take care of his brothers—and he doesn’t want to let his father down.   Notes: The turtle tots here are definitely older than in Fathers and Sons, but not yet as old as they were in the flashbacks of Tales of Leo. I’m thinking, idk, somewhere between seven and eight maybe? Not gonna lie, part of this was inspired by a little girl in my classroom who had a fever, but had no one to come pick her up and so sat there silently crying at her desk and my heart broke because I could do absolutely nothing about it. Also, no joke, if you work with kids, you will learn to narrate how you’re thinking and it’s a hard habit to break. I’m constantly finding myself explaining what I’m doing to absolutely no one that needs to know just because teaching. Additionally, the book that Raph reads from is an older chapter book called Shadow Castle by Marian Cockrell. Like, copyright 1945 and it says that a single copy cost forty-five cents old. I read it as a child, because I think my mother had read it. It’s not something most people wouldn’t look twice at nowadays, and I can see it being a book that got left behind and Splinter picked it up as something for his boys to read.   ff.net || AO3

_______________________________________

Fever

Splinter sighed as he wrung out another cloth and laid it across little Michelangelo’s forehead. The small turtle coughed and whined, curling into Splinter’s touch. Splinter rubbed the back of his son’s shell, hoping that he could give him some comfort. Fortunately, Michelangelo was quick to drop into sleep this time, as his tired body pulled him into more healing sleep. Splinter carefully extracted himself from the turtle’s surprisingly strong grip and pulled the blankets up around him. He let out another quiet sigh and stood.

It wasn’t unusual for his sons to catch something in the winter. They were young, living in a sewer and, Splinter assumed, at least, cold blooded. It was honestly more surprising that they didn’t get sick more often.

Another cough caught his attention. Donatello. Splinter turned to go check on that son, although he stopped in surprise as he saw Raphael standing by the ladder that would take him up to his brother’s bed, a wet rag in his hand.

“Raphael, what are you doing?” Splinter asked him.

Raphael turned serious eyes on him. “Helpin’,” he said, in his young, high-pitched voice. His eyes were serious, though. “Donnie’s coughin’. You were with Mikey. I thought I could help.” He didn’t take his earnest, serious eyes off of Splinter. “Leo’s prob’ly gonna need ya too.”

“Leonardo is on the lower bunk,” Splinter said, curious as to his son’s reasoning when it came to which brother he was going to help. “It would be easier for you to reach him.”

Raphael shrugged. “Yeah, but I’m used t’ climbin’ and ‘sides, Leo looks like he’s gonna need the bucket soon and that’s gross.”

Splinter’s attention immediately redirected to Leonardo who, indeed, was curled around his stomach, a distressed look on his face that Splinter well recognized. Leaving Raphael to tend to Donatello, Splinter immediately refocused his attention on Leonardo, quickly grabbing the bucket. In short order, his serious son was leaned over the bucket, heaving as his body seemed intent on rejecting food he hadn’t even been able to eat. Splinter rubbed Leonardo’s shell, muttering words of comfort to his son as he cried and his body shook with the force of throwing up.

He all but ignored Raphael tending to Donatello, grateful to his protective son for caring for his brothers. He even went over to Michelangelo when he began to stir, calming his brother down while Splinter tended to Leonardo.

He would have to make sure to let his son know how much he appreciated his help when this was all over.

Most of the time his sons took turns being sick, usually being bundled up and taken into his sleeping area in a usually fruitless attempt to keep the others from getting sick. This time, three of his four had decided to get sick at the same time. It had started with his sons feeling cold, having a headache, a sore throat, and an unsettled stomach, and then quickly progressed to a fever, coughs, vomiting. It hit them hard and fast, and it left Splinter scrambling to keep up with it.

“Here, my son,” Splinter said as Leonardo finally seemed to be finished. “Lay back, rest.”

Leonardo sniffed and clung to Splinter. The old rat allowed him to do so for a moment, just long enough to calm down the young turtle. He rubbed his shell and, when he felt the grip on him relax, leaned him back in his bed, propped as best he could on the thin, worn pillows that Splinter had scrounged for them. Splinter reached for the bottle of anti-nausea medicine that he had sitting nearby, shaking out one of the very few pills that were left in it.

“My son, take this,” he said.

Leonardo whined and turned his head away from the pill. Splinter sighed.

“Leonardo, please.”

“Don’t wanna,” Leo’s scratchy voice came back. “’M tired of throwin’ up pills.”

Splinter softened a little. “I know, my son. But we must try. You need to be able to drink and eat. This should help.”

Leonardo whined again, but reluctantly did was Splinter asked him to do. Splinter gave him a little more comfort before laying him back and turning his attention to the other sick turtles.

Donatello was whimpering again, holding tightly to what Splinter recognized as the stuffed bear that Raphael had long ago claimed. His eyes were glassy and dull, small tears in the corners of them, and peeking out from under the blankets.

“My son?” Splinter said. “How do you feel?”

Donatello clutched the bear closer. “Hot,” he said, his voice very small, “Head hurts.”

It was unlike his intelligent son to use so few words, or to stay buried under blankets when he was hot. He only did that when his head was hurting him very badly. Splinter looked at the clock. Donatello could have more medicine if he needed it.

“May I feel your head, my son?” Splinter asked. Donatello whimpered, but loosened the grip he had on the blankets, allowing Splinter room to feel his forehead. As he feared, Donatello was warmer than he should be. Even the cloth Raphael had put on his forehead was now warm. “Your fever has gone back up. I will get you some more medicine and a cool rag.”

Donatello nodded, and then retreated back into his blankets when Splinter’s hand left. The medicine was easy enough for Splinter to find, but the bowl was nowhere to be found.

“Odd,” he said, half to himself, and half because he had gotten used to narrating his thoughts to his four small children. “Where is the bowl?”

“Here, Mas’er Splin’er.”

Splinter turned to look and saw Raphael carrying the bowl full of water.

“It’d gotten all warm, so I got some more,” the small child explained. “I got some more rags, too, ‘cause Donnie and Mikey’s felt all hot.” He glanced at Leonardo as he sat the bowl down. “I dunno ‘bout Leo’s.”

Yes, Splinter was definitely grateful to his son. “Good job, my son. Thank you so much for your help in caring for your brothers. It has been most needed.”

Raphael straightened and practically glowed under the praise. “What else can I do?” he asked.

“I must give Donatello some medicine. While I am doing that, will you please take these old dishes to the kitchen?” Splinter asked him.

Raphael nodded, and Splinter returned his attention to Donatello. He was a little more cooperative about taking the medicine that Leonardo had been, but it was clear that he wasn’t happy about having to take it. Splinter couldn’t blame him. The pills were a bit hard to swallow. He allowed his son to bury himself back under the blankets again, adding one more to help cut down on some of the light.

From there, Splinter turned his attention back to Michelangelo. The small turtle was still asleep, but Splinter could see his skin becoming more flushed. With a sigh, Splinter reached for more of the fever reducers, and doing his best to rouse his sleepy son, got him to swallow another pill.

Raphael had been slowly clearing away the dishes while Splinter did that, apparently taking his time to make sure that none of their dishes got damaged. Splinter would go wash them later. In the meantime, Splinter looked at his meager supplies of medicines. If this kept up, he would run out soon. He’d need to go get more.

Splinter looked at his three sick sons. They should sleep for a while now. He was loathe to leave Raphael alone with them, but Splinter wasn’t sure there was another choice. Some more soup or clear liquids would be good for them as well. Perhaps he could go to one of the small corner stores that didn’t usually ask too many questions. He would scavenge food from many places, but he did not trust the medicines he found on the streets. Splinter sighed and stood up, feeling the weight of caring for three sick sons settle on his shoulders.

Still, he had one more son to check on first. Splinter looked around for Raphael, spotting him in front of the television, a blanket wrapped around him. Splinter frowned a little. He had been so eager to help before. Perhaps he was just tired. Splinter certainly was.

“My son?” Splinter asked as he approached him.

“Hm?” Raphael looked up at him, rubbing an eye. Splinter could see now that he had a glass of water with him, and his blanket was tied like a cape, similar to the superhero that was on the television screen. Splinter felt a bit of relief. Not cold, then, just acting out his show.

Splinter smiled down at him. “My son, come. Would you like something to eat?”

“I took some of the lef’over crackers earlier,” Raphael said, looking a bit guilty. “I’d kinda like more.”

Splinter felt his heart twinge a little. Had it been so long since he had fed his one healthy son? It was likely. “Do not feel bad about that, Raphael. It was fine for you to feed yourself. But come now, and you can help me make some more soup.”

Raphael seemed to consider that, then held up his arms to Splinter. Splinter couldn’t help but give into it, and lifted his son up, tired though he was. The little turtle immediately nuzzled into Splinter, and Splinter felt a little guilty. Had he been unintentionally ignoring this son? He’d have to take steps to rectify that.

He took Raphael to the kitchen with him, where Splinter worked on heating the meager soup that they had, his motions slow with fatigue. In truth, he and Raphael could have eaten something more substantial, but Splinter was simply too tired to try to fix anything else.

Raphael sat at the table while Splinter cooked, being quiet and playing with a couple of the toys that they boys had. Normally his games were loud and filled with his toys having battles together, but at the moment, he was keeping his game quiet, seemingly distracted by his brothers’ sickness, as he kept glancing back towards them. Raphael was often the loudest and most brash of his sons, but Splinter knew about the caring heart and protective nature he also held, and his own heart softened a bit at seeing this side of his son.

Soon enough, the soup was fixed, and he put a bowl in front of Raphael, setting one down for himself too. He hadn’t heard any movement from his other sons. He’d let himself and Raphael eat, and then he’d stake some to his other sons. Leonardo would likely refuse to eat anything, and Splinter would have to try to coax him into even trying a little of the broth. Michelangelo would want Splinter to feed it to him. Donatello could easily go either way, depending on his mood, but chances were if Splinter left it within his reach, his son would eventually eat it on his own.

For a moment, Splinter closed his eyes, relishing in the relative quiet and the lack of demands on his attention. He was so very tired, and the silence was nice. Although it was a little too quiet. Splinter suddenly realized that Raphael had stopped eating and opened his eyes to see his son staring intently at his bowl, his brow furrowed.

“My son? Is something wrong?” he asked, praying that Raphael wasn’t about to be sick all over the table.

Raphael looked up at him, his face turning a little red, as if he had gotten caught thinking about something he wasn’t quite ready to share. He glanced toward the cabinet where Splinter kept what dry goods he could manage to find. It was, unfortunately, heading towards empty. “What are the others gonna eat?” he asked. “’s not much left. Donnie said somethin’ ‘bout sick people needin’ lotsa nursh… nuroshan… nurshamament…”

“Nourishment?” Splinter tried.

Raphael’s head bobbed. “Yeah, nour’shment when they were sick. He said that was food. But… we don’t gots a lot left.” He looked at his bowl. “Can I give some ‘a mine to them?”

Splinter’s heart both broke and warmed at this. It warmed, because Raphael wanted to help his brothers so badly. It broke, because his son was aware enough to be concerned about their food. Splinter understood that, had they been normal animals, this would have been a typical thing to be worried about. However, after seeing so many human children who did not have to worry about such things, whose parents took that worry as their own and left their children without it, Splinter wished that he could give his sons that same security.

However, that was something for him to deal with later. Instead, he reached across the table and put a hand on the side of Raphael’s still red face. “Oh, my son. That is a very noble thing that you wish to do,” and something he, himself, had done for his sons before. “However, there is enough here for your brothers to also have something to eat.”

Raphael looked at his father with earnest eyes. “What if I have lef’overs?”

“Then I will add them to the supply we have for your brothers,” Splinter said. “But only if you promise me that you eat your fill first.”

Raphael looked at him, looked at his bowl, and glanced back in the direction of his brothers. “Okay,” he said simply.

Splinter caressed his son’s cheek with his thumb, and then pulled his hand away, allowing Raphael to start eating again. As he predicted, Raphael did leave soup in his bowl, claiming that he was full, and Splinter did not try to push it. Raphael could be stubborn when he wanted to be and, while Splinter did not want to encourage self-sacrifice for the sake of his brothers, he also wanted to encourage Raphael thinking about his brothers and trying to help them.

While Splinter prepared three cups of soup, Raphael wandered back towards his brothers, checking in on them. He could hear Raphael talking to Michelangelo, comforting Leonardo, and climbing the bunkbed to check on Donatello.

Splinter brought the three cups into the sleeping area, sitting them on the nightstand. Raphael was still up on the bunkbed with Donatello, and Splinter passed him one of the cups. “See if you can get your brother to eat any of this,” he said.

Raphael nodded, and immediately started to try to coax Donnie to eat some of it, poking around the blankets. “Hey. Hey Donnie. I gots ya some soup.”

“Mmm… my head hurts, Raphie.”

“Didn’t ya tell me that food can help that?”

“…yes.”

“Then come eat some!”

There was a groan, but Splinter could hear the rustle of blankets being pulled back. Donatello was in good hands. Splinter could turn his attention to his other two sons. Leonardo, predictable, did not want to eat any of it. Splinter managed to get him to eat a few bites of broth, but when his son outright refused more, Splinter relented, not wanting his son to throw up the little he had managed to keep down. Michelangelo wanted Splinter to hold him, and feed him his soup. Normally, Splinter would have refused, but his normally active son was so lethargic that Splinter fed him anyway. Michelangelo ate all of his soup, and by the time he was finished, Raphael had managed to get Donatello to eat about half of his cup before the turtle had disappeared under his blankets again. Splinter helped Raphael down, and then they both took the cups and the remaining soup back to the kitchen.

Splinter sent Raphael off to play, telling him that, if he wished to, he could watch more television, while Splinter took the time to go over the supplies that they had.

It was not looking good.

They had two cans of soup left. Neither were the best for upset stomachs, being more hearty and having less broth. He was out of rice and out of pasta. He had a bag of beans that he might could stretch, but even that wouldn’t last long. The medications were quickly running out as well. There were, maybe, four doses left of the fever reducer, and with three sick turtles, that would only last one more round. Likewise, he had two pills of the anti-nausea medicine left. He could half them or even quarter them and hope it was enough, but it wouldn’t last long, especially if even one of the other started being as nauseous as Leonardo was.

There was no way around it. He would have to go on a supply run.

He glanced out of the kitchen area and over to the sleeping area. Raphael had pushed the couch that sat in front of the television aside, making it visible from the beds. Michelangelo was still asleep, but Raphael sat on Leonardo’s bed, his arm holding the now upright turtle against him as they watched some action cartoon. Donatello was still a huddled lump under his blankets, and Splinter was fairly sure that he was asleep.

Splinter did not want to do it, but if they were to have the supplies they needed, then he would have to leave Raphael in charge here, looking after his brothers, while he made a supply run.

The boys would be due for another dose of medicine soon. He would go after that. It would be dark enough, but there would still be places open. He would prepare everything that Raphael might need while he was gone, and he would be as quick as he could. It was not an ideal plan, but it was the best that he had.

Plan in mind, Splinter sat about readying everything, keeping an eye on the clock. When the time came, he gave his sons their medicine, and then drew Raphael aside.

His son had taken off his mask at this point, and rubbed at his eyes. Perhaps he had been watching too much television. Splinter sat that aside. That was a problem for another moment.

“Raphael,” Splinter said. “You have been very helpful to me while your brothers have been sick. Your care for them has allowed me to be able to care for all of them better. But now I need you to do more.”

Raphael stopped rubbing his eyes and stood up straighter. “Yes, sensei?” he asked, responding like they were in training.

Splinter couldn’t help the faint smile that graced his muzzle. His caring, protective little boy. The smile faded quickly, though. “You were right earlier when you noticed how low we were on food. We are also low on medications.”

Raphael looked agitated at that. “But how are they ‘possed t’ get better without medicine?”

Splinter squeezed Raphael’s shoulder. “I know, my son. That is why I am going to have to make a supply run. And, as you are the only one not ill, I will have to leave you in charge of looking after your brothers.”

Raphael’s eyes got wide. “Me?” he said.

Splinter nodded. “Yes. You know how to use he rags to cool off your brothers. You can fill the bowl and carry it. You know how to get them drinks and I have left the soup out, in case they want more. Do not attempt to heat it, my son,” he said in warning.

Raphael nodded. “Yes, Sensei.”

Splinter continued. “You know how to get the bucket, and you can set it aside for me to take care of when I return. You are good at caring for your brothers, Raphael. Can I trust you with this, my son?”

Raphael squared his little shoulders, and jutted his chin out. “I’ll take care of ‘em!” he declared. “And if… if anyone tries ‘t come in, I’ll fight ‘em off too!”

“Let’s hope that doesn’t happen,” Splinter said. He glanced at the clock. “Your brothers are sleeping. I will return as soon as I can. I must go now.”

Raphael nodded, and Splinter gave his shoulder one last squeeze before he turned to gather his bag. He headed toward the entrance, and looked back once, seeing his brave son standing in the middle of their lair, feet planted, determination written all over his young face. Splinter wasn’t sure if he caught the slight shine of tears in his son’s face, but he knew that, if they were there, it would change nothing about Raphael’s determination, nor about what had to be done. With one last look at the lair, and one last prayer to the ancestors to watch over his sons, Splinter headed out.

Normally, Splinter did his best to avoid stealing. He took old things, thrown out things, leftover things, whatever he could find. He took advantage of free giveaways, turned in bottles and whatever else he could for money, and kept every piece of change or money that came their way. Occasionally, when he was on the surface, he found himself stopping a mugger or someone else up to something bad and usually took their money, but that didn’t happen often.

Today, however, was different. He had precious little money at the moment, and he had a great need. He wasn’t going to steal for himself, but for his sons? He’d do anything he had to. The small corner shop he had targeted tonight was one that was not up to the best standards. It was dingy, there was often at least one light that didn’t work, and the cashiers were usually fairly apathetic. It would suit his needs well.

He darted in when someone else entered the shop, not completely hiding his presence, although his clothes were concealing, acting like one of the homeless that often wandered about shops like this. He “shopped” around, slipping medicine and whatever else he could into his clothes. The soup cans were a bit harder, but he managed to smuggle a few into his bag, and then slipped out before he was noticed.

The soup was not enough, though, and so he carefully and quickly hit up a few other shops, taking what he needed. It was more than he would usually take in one go, but he didn’t want to have to leave his sons alone again, not while they were sick. Finally, he had what he thought was enough, and headed back down the sewers and towards home. All in all, he had been gone for a couple of hours, and it would be closer to three by the time he returned. He was anxious to get back to his sons.

As soon as he entered the lair, he sat his burdens down and went to check on his sons. Michelangelo and Raphael were on Leonardo’s bed now, a book in front of Raphael as he slowly read through it to his brothers.

“’I understand,’ said the dragon. He led her into the house and dis.. disap-pear..”

“Disappeared,” came Donatello’s muffled voice.

“Disappeared,” Raphael continued without missing a beat, “through a doorway s…sons..ee..ah..led… k-konsee-ah—”

“Concealed.”

“Concealed by hangin’s. In a few minutes he came back wit’ a silver dish piled high with strange… luh-s-ii-oh-uhs..

“Luscious.”

“Luscious fruit and tall silver g-gob..lets… goblets frosted from the cold l-liquid they held.”

Raphael was towards the end of the book, with maybe a fifth of it to go, and Splinter wondered just how long he had been reading to his brothers, especially, when he turned to cough and clear his throat.

“I see everything is going well, my sons,” Splinter said.

Raphael’s head turned towards him, as did Michelangelo’s. Leonardo’s head shifted, but he stayed curled against Raphael’s side. The covered lump that was Donatello simply shifted a bit.

“Sensei, yer back!” Raphael said, then coughed. He made a face, and Leonardo handed him a cup of water that he was holding onto. Raphael took it, took a drink, and handed it back.

“Yes, I am,” Splinter chuckled. “Has anything happened while I was gone?”

“Leo threw up again,” Raphael said, pointing to the bucket. “’nd I’ve been keepin’ cold rags on their heads! I got more water too.”

“Very good, Raphael,” Splinter said. “If you are all fine, please continue reading while I put away what I have gotten.”

Raphael nodded his head, and his brother settled in around him as he started reading the book again.

“The fruit was de..deh-lie-k… deh-lie-s—”

“Delicious.”

“Delicious, like nothing Meria had ever tasted. The goblets were filled with ice-cold neck-tar,”

“Nectar.”

“Nectar and the moment she drank of it all her wear…wear-i… weariness d-disappeared, and she felt as fresh as though she had not just taken a five-hour ride on horseback.”

Splinter let their story fade into the background as he went into the kitchen to put away the food. It was a good haul, and he only felt marginally bad about having stolen most of it. He was, however, exhausted, and he hoped that he would be able to get a full night’s rest. With three sick children, though, he knew it was unlikely. He took a minute for himself in the kitchen, just to gather his strength again, and headed out to check on his sons.

Raphael had done an admirable job caring for his brothers, and Splinter took care of anything that he hadn’t been able to. Once that was done, he had settled on Michelangelo’s bed, taking the book and finishing it out for the boys. By that time, they had all grown sleepy, even Raphael, and Splinter took the time to tuck them into bed. Then, weary himself, he made his way towards his sleeping area. Truthfully, he would have liked a cup of tea, but he was exhausted, and sleep was far more alluring. He laid down and hoped that he could get a decent amount of sleep before one of his sons woke him up.

Splinter wasn’t sure how long he was asleep for before a crash woke him up. Snapping awake, he stayed still, waiting to hear more sound. The sound of sniffling, of a child’s tears met his ears, and in a moment he was up and heading towards his sons.

Three of the four were in bed, although Splinter could see Leonardo peeking out around his blankets. About halfway between the kitchen and the sleeping area, Raphael stood, a broken bowl and water at his feet, the water soaking into the blanket he had around him. His son was obviously crying, although it was quietly.

“My son?” Splinter said, swooping in front of him and looking him over. “My son, are you alright?”

Raphael looked at him—and burst into tears.

Splinter scooped him up, wet blanket and all, and held him close. “My son, what is the matter? What is—”

Oh. Oh, Splinter suddenly understood.

Heat was radiating off of Raphael, and the little turtle was coughing in between sobs. Splinter held him closer, and Raphael buried his head in Splinter’s shoulder. Little hands gripped his robe and his fur, holding tightly to his father.

Splinter made his way over to the living area, to a chair that he could sit the both of them in. Raphael curled up in his lap, still clinging, still crying. Splinter rocked him until his son had calmed down some.

“My son,” he said gently. “Why were you up?”

Raphael sniffed. “… was hot,” he said. “Jus’ wanted ‘t get some more water ‘t cool down.” He paused, “Leo’s hot too. I wanted t’ get him some.”

Splinter’s heart ached. “My son, you could have simply come to me,” he said. “I would have gladly gotten the water for you.”

Raphael shook his head, and then seemed to regret it, laying his head back on his father’s chest. “Nuh-uh,” he said. “’Cause I c’n help. I’m good at it. You need m’ help, ‘n I’m not sick, so I should help!”

Splinter’s heart broke a little. Had he put this pressure on Raphael? He had praised the boy for being so helpful and looking after his brothers. Had his own fatigue been that obvious? He thought back to all of the sighing, to the moments he paused to close his eyes and tried to rest and wondered just how much of that Raphael had seen.

“Raphael,” he said. “It is my job to take care of you, not for you to take care of me.”

Raphael was never one to stay quiet for long, his passionate nature coming through at all times. This was no different. “But I had ‘t help!” he burst out, his sobs turning into hiccupping things. “’s why I couldn’t get sick! ‘Cause we gotta take care ‘a each other! I didn’t wanna… I-I didn’t wanna—”

Splinter held his son closer to him, rocking him, his heart breaking a little more. How long had his son been sick and he hadn’t noticed? He thought back over the day, at the rubbing of his eyes, of the small coughs, at the sleepiness and not finishing all of his soup, at the blanket around him, at wanting to be held, the quiet play, and his warm face—warm not from embarrassment, but from fever and Splinter had been too tired to even realize it.

Raphael buried his head in Splinter again, his sobs having quieted to silent tears.

“...hurts...” he said softly, and Splinter’s heart shattered.

He had ignored his son getting sick. He had not noticed the signs. He had put pressure on him to ignore his own illness and instead help his family. And now his passionate, caring, protective son was curled up in his lap, hurting.

His guilt threatened to drown him, but Splinter pushed it back. “I know, my son,” he said quietly. “Some medicine will help. Do you think you can take some?”

Raphael’s head nodded, and Splinter stood with him, heading towards the kitchen.

“I am sorry, my son,” he said quietly as they moved. He could feel Raphael still, as if he was trying to understand what Splinter was saying. “I should not have made you feel as if you couldn’t be sick. I want you to tell me if you are feeling bad, even if it is inconvenient. I would rather know so that we can treat it, then for you to continue helping me and fall even more ill.” He found the bottle of fever reducers and opened it up. “Do you understand, Raphael?”

Raphael sniffed, but nodded, and compliantly let Splinter feed him the medicine and drank a glass of water. When he was sure that Raphael was going to keep it down, Splinter carried him back towards the sleeping area, intent on putting him into his bed. However, before he could do that, Leonardo’s arms came out from under his blankets and made grabby hands toward Raphael.

“You want Raphael to sleep with you?” Splinter asked. Leonardo nodded, and Splinter looked back at Raphael, who still had tears leaking out of his eyes. “Is that alright with you, Raphael?”

Raphael nodded, and Splinter placed him in the bed with Leonardo. Leonardo almost immediately put his arms around Raphael, and Raphael let him, curling into his brother.

“If anything is needed, let me know,” Splinter told the boys.

“We will,” Leonardo said softly.

Splinter went back to the place where Raphael had dropped the bowl, intent on cleaning it up tonight. He heard movement while he worked, and was not the least bit surprised when, after he finished cleaning up the mess and went to take a new bowl of water back towards them, Michelangelo had joined his brothers in the bed, curling up against Raphael’s other side. Splinter smiled at them, left the bowl there, and, after a few more minutes of making sure everything was alright, went back to sleep.

He did not sleep long, worry waking him within a few hours. But he found that he hadn’t of needed to worry. By that point, not only were Leonardo and Michelangelo sandwiching Raphael between them, a still-blanket-covered Donatello had joined them, curled up above their heads, one exposed hand resting on the now-warm cloth on Raphael’s head.

Splinter was still tired. He was still exhausted. But at least he knew that his sons would look out for each other. And in the future, he would be more careful not to put too many expectations on his sons.

He sat down on Michelangelo’s bed and let out a contented sigh. Perhaps here, in the presence of his sons, would be a good place to do his morning meditation. And if they broke him out of it, so be it. He’d put his sons before everything.

[imagionationstation]

I was semi-inspired by your stolen TMNT AU where Donatello and Michelangelo (alongside with Miwa, a.k.a Karai) were kidnapped by Shredder at such an early age and was used (exploited) by him to end any means of the Hamato Clan. However— I'd like to point that I 100% doubt that both Donnie and Mikey would gain any sort of positive characteristic, given of Shredder's whole, "if ya' ain't perfect, then don't bother" type of personality.

(This is Human AU btw)

I imagined that, while neither Karai nor Mikey (whose name was changed to Arai or sumn) had any problems keeping up with training, Donnie (name changed to Junko) would face numbers of difficulties. Upon finding out of his intellectual prowers, Shredder wasted no time in pulling him out of their daily practice just so Donnie could dedicate his time to his studies— only allowing him as much as 3 practice per week, and the rest are solely invested to his academics.

Donnie would be waken up at odd hours by consultants after consultants in order to secure that #1 for the next upcoming examination. He was thoroughly isolated that his skin turns pale from the lack of exposure of the sun. Before, he used to attend to the same public school as his siblings— but Shredder pulled Donnie out and enrolled him to a private education instituition that has one too many preassure on him. Donnie was kept as a sort of medic or a doctor of the clan, if not engineers or whatnot.

Karai was able to live up to her 'father's expectations of a kunoichi— she's cunning, smart, and strong enough to overpower a hundred men. However, it is due to these qualities that Shredder pinpointed her as the head of her division at such an early age, thus straining her back with burden after burden. She would often be pushed beyond her limits just to set anew, and was often overworked and injured from a single sparring against Tigerclaw.

Karai is a loving yet a very overprotective older sister who is very adamant on being her little brother's only means of protection. She took their well-beings, safety and happiness very, very seriously that she was willing to take an oath; if even the Shredder himself had hurted them, then she is not hesistant to sit through his execution. I would also like to point out that Karai was over the age of 4 when she was kidnapped— so she already had the sneaky suspicion that Shredder might not be their biological father.

Michelangelo was the invincible child, but he was loved dearly by his two older siblings. Shredder wasn't very fond of him sincr there wasn't a prominent quality that's worth being enhanced and, therefore, deem him as a good for nothing. If Mikey skipped school or went missing during practice, Shredder couldn't care less. He already had two prodigies in his hand.

The plot twist comes around when Mikey would unknowingly hung out with both Leonardo and Raphael at night, unaware of their status as the two living heir of the Hamato Clan. They, along with Karai, even attend to the same school— both completely unaware of each other's identity. It was when Mikey had invited them to pick up Donnie that dejà vu begins to hit.

"Raph... that Donnie... he looked very similar to you"

...

Also, side not— Donnie would be more and more anxious + nervous, Mikey more rebel and Karai more loving.

Link to stolen tmnt au ask

I mean- you told me being raised by Shredder would give them no positive characteristics, but we’re shown that canon Karai has good characteristics, though she still makes morally gray choices after being reformed since- yk, raised by a revenge-addicted ninja crime boss, and all.

ALSO: “Karai is a loving yet a very overprotective“ sounds like good qualities to me! I like her already. Protect thy brothers. Daddy is a terrible person and they need you 💞🥺

“If even the Shredder himself had hurted them, then she is not hesistant to sit through his execution.” DADDY GETS NO SLACK! HA! TAKE THAT, JERK!

And not to be nitpicky but: “Michelangelo was the invincible child, but he was loved dearly by his two older siblings.” This sounds like Junko also gave him some form of affection, in presents or words of affirmation or something to do with being the genius of the family. And that’s a pretty positive trait as well.

The thing about being raised by someone evil is- you don’t necessarily come out evil because of it. You can still be a good person, maybe because you’re just doing what they want because they say so, or you unconsciously cling to some trait or characteristic that makes you good, even while willing doing the evil things.

(Also, I believe that nobody is pure evil. Some horrible people believe what they’re doing is right, even if it’s clearly not.)

Canon Karai enjoyed her father’s evil empire and the freedom it gave her, but she was visibly disturbed when Tiger Claw insisted upon beating up a blind guy. She seemed to have a code of honor separate from the Foot’s, and that always gave me some respect and affection for her character.

*Don’t mind me just dissecting this AU*

I love the idea of Junko being shoved in private schools and under so much pressure and weight from his dad, but still working hard because he knows what’s required of him and hates to disappoint! (Not strictly said here, so consider it a headcanon). Maybe even with a more difficult load than Karai.

I mean, not only does Shredder expect perfection in schools and such, but he probably looks down on Junko for not being best in a dojo setting as well, even if he’s strictly meant to act as engineer or medic. I’m sure everyone in the Foot has to know how to fight and fight well, and his children are no exception. And with Junko being more mind-oriented at all times and not as adaptable as Karai, he probably doesn’t train as much, and that gets him looked down upon, which the “anxious + nervous” boy probably dreads.

I’m interested in the fact that Shredder didn’t notice Arai/Sumn’s natural, untamed skill- unless you’re removing that canon element? Or maybe he saw how Shredder treats his siblings and purposefully doesn’t make it apparent? Oooh, I love that idea. Boi gotta be sneaky to protect his freedom~

The idea of Arai/Sumn running around with Leo&Raph and nobody, including him, having any idea that he’s vibing with the enemy is awesome. 🤣

Wait, how does the last names of Hamato and Saki not trigger “WAIT A MINUTE”- sus vibes??

“Unaware of their status as heads of the Hamato clan” probably means the clan still exists, right? Like, filled with families and warriors and such, and not just Splinter&Leo&Raph? (I assume Hamato Yoshi is around).

If Shredder knows Yoshi is alive, I have to wonder why he wouldn’t know that he has (adopted?) kids and their names. You’d think he’d slander Leo and Raph’s name just as much as he slanders Yoshi, as they’re being raised by a ‘horrible man who killed his love’, yk?

The idea of Donnie being sickly(you said pale, and lack of vitamins can do that) and isolated immediately caught my interest, bc I love the idea of him completely forgoing him health to do whatever others request of him- because that means someone can step in, and since Karai is the eldest, and possibly Leo assists later, they can tag-team fixing this bad habit and reassuring him that he doesn’t need to be perfect. Shredder is being unfair in his expectations and he does just fine doing his best.

I’m a sucker for that kinda stuff. 🥰🥺

And the whole “someone leads a half-awake child to bed as they mumble stressed nonsense before getting reassured and tucked in” trope but ANYWAY-

I like this idea! It sounds very interesting and I’m so glad to have helped inspire it!! I had a clip idea I was gonna scribble out, but I don’t actually know the characters and didn’t know if you would approve, Anon, and this isn’t my AU so- yeah! Super intriguing idea!

Thank you for telling me about it!!

[tmnt-broken-bonds]

-LEONARDO-

Species: Spiny Turtle

Age: 17

Height: 5’3 feet

Orientation: Aroace

Pronouns: He/It

-MISCELLANEOUS-

Leo always looks mad but it’s a sweetheart.

Leonardo was the closest to Yoshi, it took his death very hard.

Leo takes training the most serious out of the four, though he makes sure to follow his brother’s paces so it doesn’t overwork himself.

Leonardo needs his right arm (viewers left) removed due to cancer when he was really young.

[rise-tmnt-fan]

Story Title- Please Save Me

Note- That’s not my Art! I found it on Pinterest and thought it fit the story I’m writing if you know the artist please tell me so I give them credit!!

Warning-

This story is very angsty, and follows all the characters. (We mainly go between our four turtles but we do have a couple of chapters where we follow April, Casey, Hueso, Draxum and Usagi!)

Story Description-

It was hard trying to move on it felt like a part of them was with their brother in the prison dimension. Six months living their lives without Leo's stupid one-liners without his smiles, without his bragging. It was six months of hell for everyone mourning him in their own ways.

Donnie stuck to his lab overworking himself to forget that his brother wouldn't come bursting into his lab with some terrible one-liner.

Raph bounced between the training room, his room and Leo's room wishing Leo would just appear in front of him with his signature smirk telling him he fell for some terrible prank Leo had been playing on him.

Mikey bounced between the sewers and Draxum's apartment training to better his mystic powers, holding onto the hope that he'll be able to save Leo soon.

Splinter spent his time staring at pictures of his sons asking Mikey and Raph to tell him more about the things he should have known as their father.

And Leo... Leo just hoped his family was doing okay as he danced dangerously on the line between unconsciousness, consciousness, and death.

Story Timeline- It is technically set after the movie

Story Tags-

#TCESTDNI

#Leonardo-Centric

#Leonardo remains in the prison Dimension

#Donatello and Leonardo are Twins

#Donatello-Centric

#Autistic Donatello

#Good-Sibling Donatello

#Hurt Donatello

#Donatello Needs a Hug

#Raphael-Centric

#Protective Sibling Raphael

#Raphael has Anxiety

#Raphael has anger issues

#Hurt Raphael

#Raphael needs a hug

#Michelangelo-Centric

#Hurt Michelangelo

#Michelangelo has ADHD

#Michelangelo needs a hug

#Michelangelo is a type 1 diabetic

#April-Centric

#April needs a hug

#Casey-Centric

#Casey Jones has PTSD

#Casey Needs a hug

#Guilt

#Angst with a happy ending

#Angst and Hurt/Comfort

#Heavy Angst

#It Gets Worse Before it Gets Better

#Splinter tries to be a Good Parent

#Baron Draxum tries to Be a Good Parent

#The turtles need therapy

#Injuries

#This family is kind of broken but is trying

#Graphic Violence - That’s the Kraang’s fault really.

#Everyone gets their turn to shine

#Not Beta Read

Chapters so far (Updates as I update)-

5 Chapters as of March 19th

Extras- I try my best to focus on all the characters in this story, and would love constructive criticism both in the comics and here! This is also apart of a series but I started on the last story first. (Pretty unorthodox and might be frustrating to some but that’s how my funky funny brain works!) I’m trying to do weekly updates but I’m researching as I write to be as accurate as possible (mainly the injuries aspect!)

[scarletinkthelibrarian]

TMNTVDAY (Week 1) - Donnie and Harper

(Thanks again to @tmnt-tychou and here we are with the second round!)

1. In which TMNT universe does your pairing exist?

As said before with Leonardo and Ginny, these two exist in a mixture of the 2003 series and 2007 movie's universes.

2. Introduce us to your OTP.

On the right corner we have Donatello, the genius turtle with the sass and an addiction to coffee that should be checked up on! And on the left corner we have Harper Rhodes, cybernetic engineer with the enthusiasm of a sugar rush and the clinginess of a koala!

3. How did they meet?

Technically, Harper met Leonardo first: she had set up a hidden camera - that she removed later! - outside of Ginny's window and caught him that way. Later on, she and Donnie met through the older turtles finally introducing his two new friends to the rest of the family. They clicked on pretty fast after that.

4. How is the relationship now?

Harper is naturally flirty but not really good at speaking her feelings out, so it took a while for Donnie to understand that she was actually serious about him. After Harper's big breakdown about her father, though, they finally talked out about how they felt for each other and decided to give their relationship a chance. Nowadays they basically live together, considering how often they end up spending days working together - Donnie even has spare keys of Harper's lab and she has unlimited access to his own - and have the tendency to taking care of each other: Harper is careful to see that Donnie doesn't overwork himself and Donnie pushes Harper to be more open about her real thoughts and feelings.

5. What is each other's love language?

Quality time mixed with physical affection: they work a lot together and Harper gradually got Donatello used to her basically always being in physical contact with him - sitting on his lap, leaning against his side or over his head, him resting his head on her lap… Also, Harper is Donnie's cheerleader and Donnie is Harper's Santa Claus, meaning she throws as many words of affirmation at him as possible and he likes to build up gadgets for her… and watch her take them apart to understand how they work. ^^

6. Do they get married or have any kids?

Due to her parents' messy divorce, Harper is pretty resistant against the idea of getting married, but years down the line, when interspecies marriages get legalized, she finally realizes that Donatello really isn't going anywhere and the two have their wedding not too long after Leonardo and Ginny's.

As for kids… I don't really see them having any? I see them becoming mentors, especially considering how they will create their own research team on engineering and cybernetic enhancement, but I can't actually imagine them as parents. Though they're surely going to be a very lovely uncle and aunt, as long as they leave any potentially dangerous experimental trinket home. XD

7. What is your favorite thing about this pairing? (Gush as much as you want!)

These two are just so unapologetically in love in my head! Harper may be the one who shouts it out more loudly, but Donatello adores her back just as much, they're like a human-and-mutant version of Gomez and Morticia Addams (to be clear, Donnie is Morticia and Harper is Gomez XD)!

[itzzaira]

Strawberries? Raph couldn't help the smile that took over his face. So his tiny counterpart's favorite fruit was strawberries too? "We have strawberries." He confirmed. Not really surprised about Dee being a picky eater- that's okay. Normal, really. "As many as the little man wants."

The picnic area existed out of multiple towels in the sand, surrounded by multiple umbrellas- geez. Donatello- the 2012 Donnie, must have set up more ever since he left- where did he even get the stuff? Said genius was passed out, laying on his plastron on one of the towels, in the sun- ah. Right. Turtles basked, didn't they? Donnie had talked about their turtle nature often enough, and light did always feel nice. Good. Donatello had been overworking and stressing himself way too much, the guy deserved a break.

Leonardo, Donatello's eldest brother, sat next to him, leaning on his arms and head tilted back. Behind him, there was a big bag. Mikey- Raph's own Mikey, sat in the sand. His bandages were gone, Raph noted, replaced with gloves up to his elbow. Above there, golden scars peeked out. Staring at the water with a suspicious look- the guy never really did like water. Next to him, there was a cooler in the shadow.

At Mike's call, both Leonardo and Mikey looked up Mikey's face lit up when he recognized who Raph brought with him. "Hello again!" He waved.

"Hm?" Leonardo hummed, then smiled at the babies Mike was carrying. He turned to Raph. "Do you just find babies everywhere you go?" The leader pushed himself up, wanting to greet their new friends properly. "I'm Leonardo- uhm. Our brothers left but- you know who they are."

"He met Michelangelo!" Mikey helpfully supplied. He got up too, tail wagging and starry-eyed. "Awww, these guys are adorable."

"Do you need to sit down?" Leonardo quickly stepped aside to make room. "Everyone is doing... uh... sports, I think? It's been quiet here ever since."

@tmnt-fandom-family-reunion

The Wrong Side of the Portal Raph from cabin 10 was wondering if you have enough water before you do anything fun!

"Raph wanted to swim with his family and maybe some new friends if you want to, but it's important to have enough water first. I have some extra water bottles if you need them!"

@tmnt-fandom-family-reunion

"You thirsty?" Mike, a 2k3 Michelangelo in his late twenties, looked down at his nephews, four little recently mutated Rise turtles who he carried around in a sling.

El nodded, cupping his hand to say, "drink!" and then flexing his fingers in the universal request to be handed The Thing.

Mike grinned up at the Raph in front of them. "Why thank you, kind not-so-stranger! My nephews and I were just about to wander over to the lake, too, actually - these little guys would be a little too little for swimming, but if I can get them going on sandcastles, I'd love to check out the water."

@tmnt-fandom-family-reunion

[room-of-torture]

Assumption for Leonardo; It's hard for you to turn off. Your under immense pressure to keep your family and home safe from those who wish to cause you harm. Everyone looks to you for guidance and to keep the business running smoothly and your clients safe. When the day is finally over and you can unwind you have difficulty. Your mind is anyways running.

“Correct...I am mostly, if not always, on the move and keeping myself busy. I have to, I need to make sure I’m there to keep things in order. I have a duty to fulfill and that duty is to make sure that my family, Sam, the Headmaster and the good people in this city are kept safe from any danger. I will protect them because that is my purpose...I cannot take a break from that.”

[melancholysway]

TMNT Headcanons: ZODIAC SIGNS!

Leonardo

Capricorn! ambitious, loyal, yet tends to overwork themselves, Leo is a Capri! Leo is extremely driven to be the best version of himself, yet this may cloud his mind and drive him to that overworking! He’s very controlled, direct, and strong!

Donatello

Aquarius! Smart & Independent, yet distant and standoffish- Donnie fits this so well :) in some versions (mainly rise!donnie) he gives off more chaotic energy, so I would say it’s between an Aquarius & a Gemini! Geminis tend to be smart as well as social butterflies, yet also impulsive and sarcastic!

Raphael

ARIES!! HE IS AN ARIES MAN! As an Aries, Raphael radiates Aries energy! Strong minded, leadership capabilities, and confident, yet also aggressive and reckless! He’s short tempered, but can think on his feet!

Michelangelo

Leo! Outgoing and social, yet childish and hardheaded! Mikey being a Leo makes sense, as his childish nature and comedic relief role on the team shines through each installment of the TMNT!

I’m fairly new to Tumblr so thx for the likes on my musty turtles post!

//

Masterlist

[egg-on-the-run]

How about relationship headcanon’s and yes there’s cute stuff but what about realistic shizz? The good, the bad, the ugly. The stubbornness that with time one learns the art of compromise for.

I've only ever been in one relationship and tbh it was very like relaxed??? We never argued much so I hope this isn't super unrealistic.

Leonardo:

Never tells you why he's upset. It's always a guessing game and the worst part is half the time he is not upset with you

He'll have an argument with Raphael and give everyone the silent treatment while he's huffing (and it is huffing) and you spend an hour trying to figure out what you did wrong

Leonardo's confrontational about things that Do Not Matter but avoids conversations about things that are actually important

Like yeah he'll tell you if some silly habit kind of annoys him but it takes a long time for him to confess that PDA makes him a little uneasy

That's another thing: PDA is a minimum with him. Yes he will put his arm around you, yes he will hold your hand. But please no kisses in front of his family he just doesn't vibe with it

He's very nervous about a lot of things, very nervous about going on dates, doing things with you for the first time. You do have to take things slow with him and it takes a while to perfect the art of reassuring him without making him feel patronised

His love language is acts of service and quality time.

Sometimes that quality time is napping because he's prone to overworking himself

Adores it when you take control of things. LOVES being babied and taken care of

Call him something like "sweetheart" and he becomes putty in your hands

His ideal date is he makes dinner, you buy dessert. You both do the dishes together and watch a movie afterwards 💙

Raphael:

Hahaha get ready to rumble.

King of arguments, fool of never being able to apologise

You will bicker about everything to the point where everyone is like 👀👀 but the second anyone else says something? You are both wildly protective of each other

"God you're such a prick" "Yeah screw you Raph" "Casey I swear to god if you ever say anything like that ever again I will kick you so hard in the dick you'll give yourself a blow job" "Raph you're s/o is scaring me" "Casey I'm going to put your head through the wall."

Raph likes to pretend arguments just Did Not Happen. He doesn't expect you to apologise either so at least you can't call him a hypocrite, but he just prefers moving past things. It's over now. Don't bring it up again.

And yes this does cause more conflict sometimes. But you cannot date Raph and not be stubborn. If you put your foot down firmly enough he will give in and do his best to talk about things. He doesn't necessarily like doing it, but you're both stubborn and both very much in love and he's always willing to try

Much more into PDA than Leo. Likes to hold you against him, leans on you, plays with your hair. He just constantly likes to be touching you in some way, even in front of everyone

You can pull the "because you love me" card at any time

"Can you make me some coffee?" "I'm in the middle of playing a game, why would I make you coffee?" "Because you love me."

He doesn't mind it as much as he pretends to

His love language is physical touch and acts of service: lots of cuddles, he holds all your stuff, walks you to and from work

His ideal date is just him trying to teach you how to fight

Lots and lots of gym dates, exploring sewer tunnels and the city together, him letting you win at wrestling ❤️

Donatello:

Leonardo's bad at confrontation sometimes, but Donnie? If you stabbed Donnie he wouldn't complain

Donnie is very insecure in his ability to please. So he works overtime and stresses himself out. If something is bothering him you will never find out because he would rather suffer in silence than even risk upsetting you by bringing it up

His thought process is something along the lines of he interrupts you once so he thinks he just shouldn't speak. He has not connected the dots but he's certainly jumped to conclusions

It takes a very very long time for an argument to actually happen because if you try to talk to Donnie about something he will just Immediately Agree With You, even if he doesn't

But when an argument does happen he says a lot of mean things to get under your skin and you will play the very same cards when things get heated

As time goes on you both get better at having discussions rather than arguments. But when a fight happens you can go days without speaking to each other

Very protective. Likes to know you're safe. Yes it's doting and sweet, but it's also a little annoying having text him "yes I'm still at work darling" every hour

Donnie is also an "actions speak louder than words" kind of guy. No saying sorry, but he makes you a little gift and slides it across the table. No words exchanged, but you know he's sorry for what he did

Mixed feelings about PDA. Sometimes he's more than happy to let you sit on his lap, other times if you try to hold his hand he flinches

Baby is a little touch starved. He gets overwhelmed very easily and shuts you out. Some days are better than others but again, he just doesn't tell you

His love language is gift giving and loves making you little trinkets and toys to put on your desk. But he adores receiving words of affirmation

His ideal date is both of you info dumping in your room while eating pizza. It's so simple, it's so easy. Usually whenever he starts to ramble he forgets a lot of his insecurities with touch and will let you hold him 💜

Michelangelo:

King of communication. He just does not like to argue, fighting upsets him and when you're angry with him he gets a little afraid

Even if you are very frustrated he takes you by the hand and sits you down. He has it down to a routine, there's no problem you can't solve together

It takes a good while for you to break down his walls. He puts up a very fun loving, easy going front to please everyone and even when you start dating it's difficult for him to be completely open

But when he shows you his deep emotions once he's very comfortable showing them to you again and again

Needs lots of reassurance, not with regards to relationships but with regards to himself. His brothers still treat him like the baby of the family, still make him feel stupid. You treat him like he's capable of whatever and he just bursts into tears because you have complete faith in him

You do, however, understand that his brothers treat him like the baby because sometimes he acts like it

He can be a little too high energy and sometimes you just need space and he doesn't understand that it's not his fault, you're just tired.

You have a code for when he's being too affectionate. He loves PDA to the full but it is overwhelming: a squeeze on his knee tells him to calm down a little

He's such a people pleaser that you have to make most of the decisions with everything. Where you want to eat, what you want to do, it would be nice if he took control a little more.

His love language is yes and. Jk jk he praises you 24/7, pet names, compliments, worships you. Loves physical touch as well obviously

His ideal date is something arty. He takes you to find a blank wall in the tunnels and you both just spray paint 🧡