#Mikey’s happy they’re ‘known for being a family!:)’

[turtleblogatlast]

Big Mama must have lost some serious standing in the yokai underworld because it’s gotten apparent that she keeps being beaten by a small group of teenagers and the occasional rat man, and when it’s not them then she’s taking L’s from her own schemes working against her.

And in the ensuing power vacuum, the Hamatos accidentally become the most feared crime family known to all the big bads of the Hidden City.

After all, they’ve publicly outplayed Big Mama multiple times, a couple of them have taken out the heads of two of the most well known criminal organizations, one took out Heinous Green, two are responsible for the destruction of Witch Town, they have ties to both the infamous Baron Draxum and Captain Piel, they won the Doom Dome death race, they’re Battle Nexus Champions, they’ve displayed insane feats of power and defeated impossibly strong enemies, most of them have been to jail, and they regularly mingle with humans.

You can just imagine the notoriety they’d accumulate from word of mouth alone.

[nathanbatemanfucker]

The Bee & the Bear, Chapter 1: And Then There Were Four

summary: Mikey’s death brings the gang back together again.

pairing: carmy berzatto x f!reader (Bee)

contents: 18+/NSFW/heavy content, mention of suicide/mental illness, grief, longing, pining, angst, friends to strangersish to lovers

wc: 2.1k

an: this is my first time writing for the Bear so i beg of you to go easy on me.

series masterlist

The sky is gray and cloudy and birds are singing softly, perched in dead trees. There’s snow on the ground, crunching beneath the weight of everyone’s shoes. Beneath the weight of everyone’s grief, so heavy it's palpable. It’s the coldest day of the year, fitting for the occasion. Because Mikey’s dead, taken from all of you with his own hand.

You’re sandwiched between Sugar and Richie, to keep them apart, to keep them together. Regardless of their history and their care for each other, it's always touch and go– a disaster waiting to happen. But with you here and in the flesh after so many years, they’re both trying to balance that fucked up mixture of happiness from seeing your face and the pure despair from losing Mikey.

“Thank you for comin’, sweetheart,” Richie squeezes your shoulders, his eyes soft and watery when you look up at him.

You lean more firmly into his side, “You know I wouldn’t miss it.”

“You know who would.”

You know exactly who he’s talking about. Carmy isn’t here, and while anyone else would expect him to show up to his brother’s funeral it had not surprised you. Not with how the last several years have gone. Richie’s words make you sigh tiredly, and you give him a stern look. The last thing that Mikey’s funeral needs is more blaming. That didn’t start at Mikey’s funeral though, the Berzattos have pointed fingers at each other for as long as you can remember.

There are faces familiar and not around you, all of them turned to the ground, paying their last respects to Mikey. This hurts, it hurts deeper than anything you’ve ever felt before. Since you’d gotten that phone call from Sugar something heavy and dark has sat in the pit of your stomach, taking root and finding its home there. Life has always been the 5 of you, even with you and Carmy strewn across the country. You and Mikey and Carmy and Sugar and Richie. A reality that you’d always known, that you found comfort in on days you felt a little too homesick. Your relationships with all of them heavily inspired your art, they had become your family.

As you watch Mikey’s casket be lowered into the ground you can’t help but feel like your lens on life has shifted. For the first time in a long time, you aren’t completely sure where anything goes.

—

“Are you hungry?” Sugar asks as the two of you shed your coats and head into her kitchen.

There was no repass, what with the restaurant currently closed. Everyone had agreed it didn’t feel right to eat anything but The Beef in Mikey’s honor. There had been one last huddle, shared goodbyes and I love yous, and many tears before everyone had dispersed. You’d promised Sugar that you’d help her sort through everything since Carmy never showed up.

“Starving.”

She sets the file box full of Mikey’s paperwork on the counter and takes a step towards the fridge, “I’ll make us something.”

You rest your hand over hers, shaking your head, “No, it’s good, Sugar. Sit, start sifting, I’ll do it.”

“You sure?” She asks skeptically– sure you know how to work your way around a kitchen-- its impossible not to with Mikey and Carmy-- before you’ve never been known for being a cook. You're the artist, the traditional creative of the bunch who has mess and color strewn all about.

“I’m sure, just let me help. It’s what I’m here for, yeah?”

Her eyes go a little soft and she nods, “Yeah, okay.”

She goes to sit at the breakfast bar, looking at the pile of documents that hold Mikey’s life. Heaps and heaps of paper that mean nothing to her. That do a terrible job of capturing who Mikey was and what his life meant to others.

You open the fridge, poking through the contents as if you’ve done this a million times. That’s just how things are with Sugar, they’re comfortable– always have been and always will be. She has the ingredients for their mom’s chicken piccata in her fridge and you quickly fetch them and the proper tools.

Sugar does her best to stay on task, but the sounds of someone else in the kitchen, and the smell of her mother’s food are distracting. She watches the flick of your wrist and the speed of your knife. You dice and sprinkle and stir in similar ways to her brothers. It’s impossible to notice.

“You look like them,” She says, her voice a little melancholic.

“Look like who?” You ask, glancing over your shoulder at her in concern.

The smile on her face is wistful, “Like Mikey. Like Carmy. Carmy especially.”

Something in your chest cracks. You turn back to the pan in front of you, spooning sauce over the chicken one too many times, just to stay away from the tender look on her face. “They did teach me the basics.”

She’s silent for a moment, battling herself, wondering if she should ask this question. It’s a touchy subject, it always has been despite your closeness but she just had to know. “I sorta know the answer to this, but did you…did you try?”

“Don’t start with me, Nat.”

“I just want to know,” She assures you gently. “Did you really try?”

You reach for the jar of capers angrily, though this is less about the anger and more about the hurt. About the longing, this brings up. “He treated me just like everyone else. There was nothing for me to try.”

“You know Carmen’s always had a soft spot for you.”

“Not soft enough to follow through on his words,” You mumble sourly.

She goes quiet then because you’re right. Carmy had taken off for culinary school and seemingly never looked back, besides the infamous Christmas– the one you don’t even know about. All of his promises of staying in touch and showing each other new worlds fell flat.

You had tried. You offered to take him on a food crawl through Seattle where you were going to art school.

“Oh my fucking god,” She grits out, the shock in her voice sending you into fight or flight. The plate in your hand clatters to the counter without breaking, thankfully.

You turn to her, leaning across the counter, “What? What’s wrong?”

Her eyes continue to scan the page in front of her, over and over as if the letters will say something different. “Michael you fucking— he left Bear the restaurant.”

“He what?”

“Fucking Mikey,” She stands abruptly, scrubbing her face with her hands. “Ok, ok, um–uh–can you call Bear? I’m gonna call Richie.”

“Me? Call Carmy?”

Was the man that you’d fallen in love with when he was just a little boy really still out there? Sure, he was— living and breathing, walking and cooking and testing. But, all of that was mechanical. Was his smile still the same? His laugh? Did a heart still beat in that empty chest of his? Did his blue eyes still hold as much as Lake Michigan?

Sugar sees your panic, face softening with concern, “We both know he won’t answer, you’ll be fine.”

“But—“

“Please, Bee?”

The name that Sugar calls you knocks the breath from your lungs. It’s been a long, long time since anyone has called you that— since you left for college. Since the last time you’d seen Carmy. Would he still call you that? He’d started it after all. Named you Bee because you were obsessed with painting flowers, they covered your room, all of your canvas and anything else your parents deemed invaluable enough to lose to your hobby turned career.

“Hey, you okay?” She asks when you don’t respond after several seconds.

You blink a few times before refocusing on her. You shrug, trying to appear nonchalant, “What? Yeah, just fine.”

Her brow furrows, and she steps closer reaching out to run her hand up and down your arm, “Are you sure?”

You give a smile that doesn’t touch your eyes and fish your phone out of your pocket, “Yeah, I’m good. I’ll go call Carmy.”

Before Sugar can respond you make your way to the front door and let yourself out. You’re met with the frigid Chicago air, the wind whipping at your cheeks. With your coat inside, the cold chills you to the bone but the feeling is welcome. It shocks your nervous system in a way that makes it easier to call Carmy. Your head is clear, and most of your focus is now on warming your fingers as you dial his number and start to pace.

Sugar was right– he doesn’t answer. It rings and rings and rings until you hear his voice for the first time in years. It's the same message that he’d set years ago: Hey, it's Carmy. Let it rip at the beep.

Many beats of silence pass before you realize that it's time for you to speak.

“Oh fuck, sorry. H-Hi, Carmen. It’s…it’s me. Nat and I just went through Mikey’s will and well…he left it to you. The Beef I mean, it’s yours. Sugar really needs you to come home to figure this out.”

You pause for a moment, wondering if you should say anything about yourself. About your friendship that he’s let crumble. About your heart that he’s ground into dust with each day that goes by with no contact. No that won’t do.

“Just come home and help your fucking sister. Please, Carmy,” You plead softly before hanging up.

You aren’t sure if that was a good enough attempt, but you don’t want to risk calling back and having to face him. Despite your worry, it does the trick.

—

You and Sugar are tucked in Mikey’s office, combing through records of unpaid pills and disorganized expense reports when it happens.

“Cousin!” Richie yells with just enough disbelief in his voice for you to know.

You and Sugar look at each other with wide eyes, hands frozen and full of stacks of paper. You can hear them clambering through the restaurant, making their way to you and you wish that some freak accident that denies the laws of physics would swallow you up.

To your dismay, It doesn’t.

Carmy and Richie round the corner, and you’re a goner like you’ve been all these years. Soft blue eyes that give the crystal skies a run for their money and a messy mop of ashy hair. It doesn’t matter that a man waits for you at home or how many times you’ve told yourself that you’re over Carmy. It never sticks, you don’t know why you thought it would. You were hoping that he’d hurt you enough for it to fade.

Carmy stops in his tracks at the sight of you, throwing Richie a look that clearly says “you couldn’t have warned me”. You aren’t sure how to interpret it– was he excited to see you? Upset?

He stuffs his hands into his pockets nervously and leans against the door frame. “Hi. Hey,” He means to say it to you and Sugar, but his eyes don’t leave your face.

“Hey,” You squeak, cheeks heating in embarrassment. You clear your throat and try again. “Hi, Carmen.”

“Hey, Bear,” Sugar waves her hand playfully as if she’s trying to get his attention, and his eyes finally flit over to her.

He smiles, one that you know is genuine despite that lack of teeth. His eyes drop to the ground and he nods a few times before glancing to Natalie again. “So he left it to me,” He says lamely.

“Yeah, Carmy, he left it to you,” Sugar repeats his words, frustrated not only with Carmy for his late arrival or for his lack of appearance at his own brother’s funeral but for this entire situation.

None of them should be here trying to figure this out. Mikey should be in this kitchen with Richie, she should be at home thinking about what she and Pete for dinner. And though this finally brought you and Carmy home, she wishes that things were the way they were just a few short weeks ago. She wants Mikey alive.

“Guess that means I should open it.”

Richie gives out a shout before clapping Carmy on the shoulder, “See now I like the sound of that, cousin.”

Carmy flinches under Richie’s touch, hoping no one will notice. It's not something he wants to talk about or even think about. He can feel your eyes on him and quickly makes up an excuse to put some space between the two of you. “I’m gonna go check out the stock in the fridge. It— uh, good to see you, Bee.”

You nod awkwardly, though those simple words make your heart race, “You too, Carmy.”

Richie doesn’t follow after him, stepping into the office and crossing his arms. The three of you sit there in a silence that screams he has something to say.

“Just say it, Richie. Fuck’s sake,” Sugar finally says, rubbing her temples.

Your brow furrows as your head whips from side to side to look between them. “Say what?”

“You know he’ll notice, right?” Richie asks you, leaning back against the desk.

“Notice what?”

Richie looks at Sugar expectantly, and she sighs, rubbing at her temples again. She fixes you with a look that is as sympathetic as it is accusatory, “That you don’t call him Bear anymore.”

| > chapter 2: Back in the Beef

let me know if you’d like to be on the carmy taglist!

[afreakingdork]

Except for a Mouse

RotTMNT Donatello x Reader One-Shot

Tags: Christmas, Christmas Fluff, Mistletoe, Gift Fic, One Shot, Short & Sweet, Aged-Up Mutant Ninja Turtles, Gender-Neutral Reader

Synopsis: Scurrying around, you help your boyfriend as he tries to rekindle the excitement of the gift giving season.

Also Available on Ao3

A Secret Santa gift for dearest @s-s-ironnie

Didgeridoo you are an endless delight and I'm so happy to have met you! I hope you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy!

The luster of receiving gifts had dulled with age. You tried not to include yourself in that, but it was an unfortunate fact across the board. The whole how to do of the holiday had eclipsed the supposed reason for the season. It was an odd thing; understanding why your elders had been exhausted and spent most of their days lounging while the kids ran around with their new toys. Practicality won out as you got older and with it came a stagnant sense.

“Socks?! Fantastic! Oh, they’re even the boot kind!? That’s great because mine have been wearing on my ankles all season!”

“A new whetstone, this is just what I needed. You even got the right grit. Thanks! I can’t wait to use this with those new tutorial vids I’ve been watching.”

“Can’t have enough floofy soap!”

For Donnie, it was absolute misery. In all the years you had known him, he was a gift giving master. He prided himself on knowing just what to get someone even if it wasn’t something of this world. It was his chance to flex not just his inventions, but seek the validation he so desperately craved. He considered Christmas to be his big sports game and he had enough winning rings to fill a jewelry shop.

Which was why with each consecutive year, as the requests got more mundane and the reactions gentler, he was losing that glint in his eye little by little.

It crushed you.

“A gym membership renewal!?” Donnie pushed his palms into his eye sockets so hard his chair tipped lethally backward. “Nardo wasn’t even joking!”

“Nice to have the expense taken care of…” You mourned beside your partner.

“He has an entire home gym, built by moi, what does he need-!?” Donnie groaned loudly. “The rest are just as bad: ‘that shell wax you make,’ ‘back scratcher,’ ‘gift card to that craft store I like!’” In a swivel, Donnie turned to face you while throttling the arms of his chair. “At least Casey and April chose spirited items! ‘A home defense system to vanquish audacious insects’ and an upgrade to her invisibility cloak. Fine, great, interesting enough, but not inspired! They’ll receive them, but they won’t dazzle! All my intelligence! Wasted!” In another turn that made his seat creak, Donnie threw up dozens of security camera screens filled with footage of his family. “They want not! They came up with objects to appease me!”

“It can be like that…” You dampened now that he was out of sight again.

“What can I do?” He spoke a hopeless rhetorical.

“Spend time with them? Your dad always loves having the kids back home.”

“Something constructive, please.” Donnie griped with a bitterness you knew wasn’t for you.

You finally stood and approached to put a hand on his shoulder.

One of his came up to take it as he continued to glower at the monitors.

“This is what it’s like sometimes.” You leaned in and kissed the side of his head. “The child-like wonder is gone.”

Donnie stayed statuesque and you were about pull away when his grip suddenly seized to a painful degree.

“A-ah!”

“You’re a genius!” In one swift twirl, he was out of his seat and you were up in the air being showered with kisses.

So began operation ‘Help to Make the Season Bright.’ Starting right after October as Halloween was always given its due and with little to do for Thanksgiving as that was Mikey’s territory, Donnie folded you into his plan. You were there to reign him in which you knew to be an integral role.

Never mind the weather, the Hamatos were in for a white Christmas. Donnie had crafted a new-age snow machine after you’d talked him down from one that manipulated the atmosphere. Inspired by a certain famous holiday film, Donnie had acquired gifts from his family's younger days. Having had to talk him down from time travel itself to purchase the items, you then fielded him when it came to decorations. Wanting the lair to take on that magic imbued by children’s eyes, it meant for more decorations than the past.

All counting down to the titular eve, he’d knocked Splinter out with pre-festivity cake and milk and waited for the others to retreat before you were called upon. Together you spent the entire night transforming the space and setting up in a secluded section of the nearby park. Exhausted and without a wink of sleep, you’d roused the group at an agonizing 5am as was past tradition and the day began.

Grouching about the time was quickly overshadowed by wide gleaming eyes. Whispers of how Donnie had done this were brushed past as everyone was whisked outside into a winter wonderland. Donned in coats that exactly replicated ones of their youth, Raph was the first to devolve into water works. The ensuing snowball fight brought out a heat that you hadn’t seen playfully enacted in years and a break with hot chocolate made from a pilfered recipe meant Mikey was the next to weep.  

Worn out bodies were pulled inside, where upon getting their actually requested gifts, Leo stubbornly fought sobbing as he opened a mint version of his first and favorite Jupiter Jim action figure. April fell next with a newly sized version of her Hamato-crested top and Casey turned red in the face after being given validation with a combined plate of cookies and brownies.

Donnie, ever shining in his element, rode the high straight through the day until everyone collectively lost their steam. A turtle pile now with the addition of partners formed and Splinter snored loudly as a fond backdrop. Lingering sentiments meant you couldn’t join in and you had just pulled a pan of green bean casserole out of the oven to cool even though it was debatable whether it’d be eaten warm or at all. Shuffling out of the kitchen, you found Donnie leaning and watching the group and telegraphed your approach with heavier footsteps.

Instead of addressing you, he folded back an arm at the ready.

You tucked yourself into his side and he wrapped you up in the appendage. “You did it.”

“I couldn’t have without you.” He gave his family one last wistful look before bringing glowing adoration down to you.

You smiled where your head was sleepily resting against his plastron.

“One last thing…”

Your lips tugged downward. “The dinner was last…” In a slight shuffle against him, you unearthed your phone along with the list. “Yeah… we marked them all off.” You showed him.

“Oh!” He put on airs as he leaned forward to examine your phone with great feigned interest.

“Donnie…” You pursed your lip.

“Seems there was one missing.” With a tap, your list refreshed and a new item appeared.

☐ First Kiss

“When did you…?” Your head shifted back from the addition. “A kiss? Who’s that for?”

Turning confusion to your partner, you watched as an mechanical arm emerged from his battle shell. Tipping to watch it, there was a bit of green with white dotting tied up in a purple ribbon and just like that you were in your early twenties again.

Shy and at your first Hamato Christmas, you and Donnie had a brand new situationship that had started up at nearly the same time the temperatures had dropped. Nerves had him inviting you along with a flurry of worries over what you were about to be thrust into. Naivety meant you wrongly brushed him off and, it was after unknowingly boarding a rollercoaster, you had snuck away for a breather in the hall. Not second guessing your decision to pursue the purple turtle, but instead having so quickly agreed to meeting his family after what hadn’t even been 30 days, you exhaled and prepared to reenter the foray when he met you.

“There you are.” He caught your visage and softened. “You alright?”

“Yeah… just… you were right.” You gave an awkward laugh.

“I’d usually gloat, but it is a holiday.” He teased.

You chuckled as he came in to grab your hand with what looked like an offer on his lips.

“Boom!” Leo exploded a flurry of limbs into the moment causing the pair of you to back up against the wall. The slider slammed his arm between you both causing you to yelp.

“Nardo!” Donnie growled.

“You’ve been hit by!” Leo dodged a swipe from his brother with a pose.

Donnie leapt at him a second time.

“You’ve been struck by!” Leo avoided the attack a second time with finger to the air.

“Enough!” Donnie squared himself and you knew he was about to go for his weapon.

Leo stopped him with a finger pushed right into the genius’ forehead. “A smooth mistletoe!”

Fleeing with a flurry of giggles, Donnie sat a fuming mass staring after where his brother had gone where you had the wherewithal to turn toward the wall Leo had accosted. There, stuck with far too much duct tape was a sprig of mistletoe, obviously coordinated for this brother based on the color of its ribbon. “Uh… Donnie…” You paled.

“Infuriating! He was just loafing around and now he-!” Donnie spun around, saw the dismay on your face, and then the bit of greenery on the wall. “O-oh…”

“It’s a silly tradition!” You squawked. “Y-You were g-going to say something. I think!?”

“That…” He stepped closer, resuming his earlier position by your side. “… we could sneak away… That I know a good Chinese place…”

“T-that sounds good, we should go!” You went to grab his arm and flee when he steadied you by catching your appendage first.

“One… last thing…?” Donnie flicked his gaze to the mistletoe and back to you, beet red. “If you’re… agreeable?”

You gave a jittery nod, your own face a blushing mess.

He leaned in to close the gap just as he was doing now. You melted against him with a coordination you hadn’t had all those years ago and slipped your arms around his neck to deepen the move further. Parting came with a nuzzle of nose to snout and a little giggle from you.

“Next would be getting that peking duck.”

“What a coincidence, my data indicates the group will be asleep for at least 3 more hours.”

“We should go…” You breathed against him, stealing another kiss.

He nodded with an agreement that neither of you bothered making good on.

💜

I plotted two version of this fic based on Digi's preference! I thought it'd be fun the include the other here: In a similar vein, the other fic was Sweet Ironnie where Donnie and Iris go all out to give the kids the best Christmas. Only problem is that they forgot to treat themselves for the holiday so the kids snare them in a mistletoe trap! Thank you @rheawritesforfun for hearing me out!

Also thank you @thepinkpanther83 for being a beta boss!

[roselemari]

I would love to read a crossover fic where the rise turtles want to adopt 2012 Mikey because they think he deserves better brothers, and instead of 2012 Mikey agreeing and saying yes to being adopted he just looks at them and then laughs and says “no thanks I’m good”, and the rise brothers are shocked because that was not the answer they were expecting and 2012 Mikey is just like “why would I leave my brothers, the people I grew up with, people who know me and understand me for some strangers that’s I’ve only known for a few days, you may be my counterpart and you three may be different versions of my brothers but you’re not them, and you never will be”.

Or

A fic where one or all of the rise brothers see 2012 Mikey interacting with his brothers and try to “protect him” because they don’t like how he’s being treated but instead of 2012 Mikey being thankful he’s just angry at them because he doesn’t need protection when he can very much handle himself. Like, imagine they see 2012 Raph being rough with 2012 Mikey and think that he needs help because they can’t distinguish his fake cries from real ones so they separate them then rise Raph immediately starts scolding 2012 Raph for treating 2012 Mikey that way while the rest of the rise brothers are looking over 2012 Mikey for injuries. Meanwhile 2012 Mikey is just confused about what is happening but when it finally clicks on what the rise turtles are doing he is not happy so when rise Raph is done scolding his counterpart and goes to check up on 2012 Mikey to see if he’s okay he was expecting to see a face of gratitude but was instead meet with a scowl and an angry reply “I didn’t need saving, and I don’t need any of you protecting me”. He then asks 2012 Raph if he wants to go get some fresh air and a bite to eat because he can tell that his big brother needs some cheering up leaving the rise turtles baffled.

I see a lot of crossover fics where the rise turtles stand up for 2012 Mikey or just try to adopt him because they believe he deserves better and honestly, they are so annoying, and whoever writes those most likely doesn’t have siblings. It’s fine if you prefer rise over 2012. However, you can’t just watch rise and automatically assume that’s how siblings are supposed to act you have to take into consideration that every family dynamic is different. The 2012 brothers tease, rough house, and can get on each other's nerves, are they abusive? No, they’re not that’s perfectly normal sibling behavior just brothers acting like brothers. Because at the end of the day they still love each other and will always have each others backs no matter what.

[thewordworrier]

I've Been Having A Hard Time Adjusting

[Things are changing within the band and Shelly and Lux have a little bit of a heart to heart about it.]

Word Count: 6,196 words. Warning: Pregnancy talk. Notes: ~ Title from "This Is Me Trying" by Taylor Swift. ~ Lux is the gremlin brainchild of @robinrunsfiction though she's my second child too. ~ Lux is forever MyChem's drummer, kthx. ~ I was originally trying to write something cuter than this for Lux's birthday last week (which I otherwise did nothing for, sorry Lux sweetheart 🥺😭) but... This came out instead.

Setting: Danger Days Era. Maybe during the summer. If it’s August, she’s about 6 months or so. By this time, Shelly’s told the band (and Gerard, obviously) that she’s pregnant. The label and their families know and she’s definitely starting to show a fair bit at this point, though she’s self conscious about it so tries to wear looser clothing in an attempt to hide it for a bit longer. She’s thankful that her job is mostly behind the scenes, even though she’s married to the frontman of the band she works for, and is decently well known (and pretty well liked) amongst the fans - so she’s not completely worried about how the public (the fans) will take the news but… There’s always some bad voices.

Shelly was resting, taking her slightly larger body weight off of her feet for a little bit. She didn’t mind being pregnant - if anything she was super excited to be pregnant with Gerard’s (her husband!) child. She still couldn’t believe they were married sometimes. She had this wonderful man who loved her enough to stay with her, and wanted to be with her enough that he asked her to marry him! And now she was going to have his baby? And she had this group of friends who were more like family to her, who she loved and who loved her back just as much? And a career she was doing well in? Wild. It was all so… Almost insane. Her teenage self never would’ve believed that she was going to get everything she wanted like this. But she was so, so happy.

She was happy to be pregnant, but goodness, it was incredibly weird. Her size was obviously changing, as was her centre of gravity, apparently, and that was taking some getting used to. There were some things she was starting to struggle with, and she knew that list of things was going to get longer. Thankfully, the rest of the band, as well as Gerard, were always willing to help her if she needed it. Frank, already a father himself and the first of the guys to become one, was good at knowing when she needed help before she even asked for it. He knew what to look out for and seemed to be teaching Gerard as they went. She was grateful for that.

That’s why she’d been sent somewhere quiet to rest for a little bit. Gerard had noticed that she’d been looking a little worn out, had taken whatever she’d been holding out of her hands, and had tried to turn her towards the door. She’d resisted that a bit, of course.

“Go and rest, darling,” he’d said, seeing Frank nod in approval out of the corner of his eye. “You’re looking tired.”

“He’s right,” Frank chimed in. “You can’t wait until you’re exhausted now. You have to rest well before you hit that point.”

Shelly pouted at him. “I’m okay though.”

“No mama,” Gerard said quietly next to her ear. “Be a good girl, listen to me and go and rest.”

Even though he was unable to hear what Gerard had mumbled to Shelly, and also unable to hear her squeak of a response, Frank would’ve guessed the… Flavour of the words by the blush and the look on her face. He giggled a little.

“They’re right, Shell,” Ray said. “We’ve got this, you go and rest.”

“See?” Gerard said at a more normal volume. “Even Band Dad agrees. Don't make me get Lux involved when she and Mikey get back, because she will frogmarch you away.”

Shelly huffed a little bit, but ultimately she knew they were right. “Okay, okay. I’ll go.”

“Want me to walk you?”

Shelly shook her head before making sure that she had her phone. “I’m good, it’s not far.”

Gerard wrapped his arms around her for a few moments before giving her a little kiss. “Sure?”

“Mm hm.”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “Call me if you need anything, love.”

“You know I will.”

“Good girl,” he murmured again before clearing his throat softly. “Go on then, shoo.”

So, she’d done as she was told, taken herself off to go and rest for a bit. She’d headed back to their tour bus, grabbed one of her baby books and settled herself in the most comfortable spot that the rest of the band had made even more comfortable for her as she got bigger. They also made sure that it was easy for her to be able to get up on her own if she needed to because they were good like that. She’d not been reading for too long when she heard the familiar sound of the bus door opening. Instinctively, she hid the book and reached for her phone, just to see if she’d been messaged a warning that someone was coming to see her, and she’d just not heard it because she’d had her nose stuck in a book. But, no, no message.

“Shelly?” Lux called. “Are you here? Are you awake?”

“I’m here,” the blonde called from her spot, which was also a bit hidden from the entrance. That was a protection thing on Gerard’s part. “In my usual spot.”

Lux made her way over to the older woman and smiled when she saw her. “Hey.”

Shelly beamed up at the youngest member of the group. She often referred to Lux as her ‘youngest kitten’ or as her ‘Baby Cat’ - Shelly herself was Mama Cat after all, and she’d been called that before she’d even gotten married and before she’d even thought about getting pregnant. All because she referred to looking after them as “wrangling cats” once.

“Like wrangling naughty kittens,” she’d said.

“Does that make you Momma Cat then?” Frank had asked with a grin. “Or would you rather ‘Mommy’?”

Ray had promptly thrown something at him. “Don’t be gross.”

“Hey!” Frank had pouted before another lightbulb had gone on over his head. “Hey, Band Dad,” he pointed to Ray, then pointed to Shelly. “And Band Mom.”

Ray shook his head a little and Shelly had just giggled.

“Dude…” Ray had started.

“I don’t mind,” Shelly said softly. “I really don’t. Like I said, it’s like corralling children.”

“But you’re very cat-like,” Frank added. “I mean, you’re a Leo so it makes sense for you to be Mama Cat.”

“And I don’t mind that either, I promise,” Shelly had moved to pat the top of Frank’s head on her way past.

The nickname had kinda stuck for her that day. It took a little longer for Lux’s nickname to form and stick, and even then it had mostly been a sleepy slip of the tongue on Shelly’s part when they’d been sharing a room (and bed) one night. It had started as “littlest kitten” and, once Lux had been brave enough to admit to Shelly that she liked it, it had then morphed into “Baby Cat.” Nowadays, Shelly liked to use them both interchangeably and often.

“Are you okay?” Lux asked, looking at her. “Have you actually been resting or do I need to tell Gerard?”

Shelly pouted up at the taller girl. “I have been! I’ve been sitting here reading!”

Lux squinted at her for a moment before shrugging and smiling. “Okay. I believe you.”

“Let me guess,” Shelly shifted a bit in her comfortable nest. “Thousands wouldn’t, but you do.”

“Of course,” Lux stepped aside for a moment, out of Shelly’s eyeline before returning and offering the woman a bottle of her favourite soda and not only her favourite candy bar, but her favourite chips too.

“Oh my god I love you,” Shelly took them from her gently.

“I wasn’t sure if we had any left or if we needed to restock the bus,” Lux sat nearby. “But I figured extras wouldn’t hurt.”

Shelly wriggled happily for a moment before putting the snacks aside. “Thank you.”

“And I figured they could be a peace offering in case I woke you up,” Lux grinned at Shelly, who just giggled.

“Mm, I know I was told to rest, but I took that to mean, get off of my feet, not take a nap,” it was Shelly’s turn to grin a little bit. “Resting means not working, and technically I’m not so…”

“I think Gerard will allow it.”

“If only because he lets me get away with anything,” Shelly beamed as she thought about her husband.

Lux rolled her eyes playfully. “Disgusting.”

They both giggled for a moment before Shelly’s was cut off.

“Oh!”

Lux looked back at Shelly quickly. “You okay?”

Shelly huffed for a moment before rubbing her hand over her bump. “That… That was harder than normal, little one. Can you not do that? Until your dad has his face near you anyway.”

That last bit made Lux giggle, because she had seen something like that happen before, and it really had been quite funny. On the other hand… Hearing Shelly talk to her belly like that, her baby like that, just reminded Lux that things were changing.

“Baby Cat?” Shelly asked quietly after Lux had been silent for a few minutes - because that wasn’t like her in the slightest; on good days like this, when everyone was in a good mood, they had some time to themselves, Lux was normally bouncing around the walls.

“Lux?” Shelly tried again when she didn’t get an answer - instead the girl seemed to have spaced out a little bit. “Mercy!”

That got her attention and she whined in response. “Shelly! Whyyyy!?”

“You weren’t listening to me. You were vacationing.”

Lux stopped pouting at the use of her legal name and shook her head slightly. “I’m fine.”

“Hmm,” Shelly shifted her position a little. “I didn’t get as far as asking yet, but, you know I don’t believe you.”

“I am!”

Shelly raised an eyebrow. “Mer-”

“Mama Cat! Noooo!” Lux covered her face for a moment and huffed.

“I don’t believe you, Lux,” Shelly repeated, wincing a little. “Ooh little one, no please.”

“Are you okay?” Lux moved closer to Shelly. “You’re not in trouble?”

“Just the little one being too close,” Shelly patted her bump. “It’ll be fine when they settle down again and back away from kicking me in the sensitive spots.”

Lux just winced. “That sounds unpleasant.”

“Well,” Shelly hesitated for a moment, thinking about it before she nodded. “You know, you’re right. It’s not great. But, my body is doing a really incredible thing; there’s a lot going on in there. Baby is rearranging my insides, I think, that’s not gonna be comfortable. And, for the most part, I’m not doing too badly. I’ve heard about worse pregnancies.”

The drummer hummed and nodded. She knew Shelly would be honest like that.

“You’re still not gonna get me doing what you’re doing,” Lux gestured to Shelly’s bump. “It sounds horrifying.”

“Mm, I get what you mean. On paper, in layman's terms, it is fairly horrifying and a bit gross but,” Shelly patted her bump and a small, soft smile appeared on her face again. “I think it’s going to be worth it.”

Lux just wrinkled her nose a little and pulled a face.

Shelly giggled. “Babies aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to meet yours!” Lux added quickly. “I’m just… They’re so small and delicate and…” She waved a hand. “Difficult?”

“Until they can communicate a bit better, it can be hard to look after them, if that’s what you mean?” Shelly tilted her head a little, smiling when Lux nodded. “Yeah, I get that too.”

“I’m not trying to offend you,” Lux mumbled, looking at her nails.

“Baby, it’s okay. I’m not offended.”

“I just have difficulty with words sometimes.”

“I know darling,” Shelly shifted over a little bit before holding her arms out. “C’mere.”

Not one to ever pass up a hug from Shelly (even though she was pregnant and that was a bit weird to her), Lux scurried over, settled next to Shelly and cuddled up with her. She rested her head on Shelly’s collarbone and hummed happily when Shelly cuddled her close and kissed the top of her head.

“Now,” Shelly said softly, holding Lux a little tighter. “Are you gonna tell Mama Cat what’s wrong?”

Lux huffed a little bit and whined softly against Shelly. “Mama Cat… I’m fine.”

“I don’t think you are sweetheart,” Shelly kissed the top of Lux’s head. “I’m not gonna be mad. Or offended.”

Lux fell quiet, wondering if she should speak up, if Shelly would truly not get mad or anything. If this had been about anything else then yeah, she believed that Shelly wouldn’t get mad or offended. But…

Shelly squeaked very softly as the baby in her belly shifted and kicked close to where Lux was settled up against her. Lux must’ve felt the baby kick, because Shelly heard her huff a bit and the drummer shifted away from her stomach.

“Lux?”

“Mm?”

“Is it about the baby?”

Lux glanced up at the blonde before straightening up and moving away a bit.

“Mercy.”

“Shelly!” Lux folded her arms and huffed again. “Stop bringing out the government name.”

“I’ll bring out the full name if I need to,” Shelly straightened up and shuffled so she was sitting next to Lux properly. She paused before resting her hand on Lux’s knee. “Talk to me Lux.”

“I…” Lux hesitated. “I need you to promise me that you won’t hate me. Or if you do, you won’t do it to my face.”

Shelly frowned and shifted her body to face Lux before putting her hands on her friend to get the younger girl to turn towards her. “Honey. I couldn’t hate you.”

Lux stared at Shelly’s face for a moment. She really did look concerned about her. And Lux knew from Shelly’s track record, from their history over the last… However many years it had been, that Shelly really was a genuine human.

“Lux?”

She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter, really. It’s stupid and it’s selfish and it really doesn’t matter.”

“Yes, it does matter. We’re all allowed to be a little selfish sometimes. That’s not a bad thing.”

Lux fiddled with the hem of her top - normally she’d pick at her nails a little, but she was trying to stop that, (she’d last managed to have nice nails for when Shelly and Gerard had gotten married so she knew she could do it, but it was still an old habit she sometimes fell back to). She knew that Shelly would probably tut at her, and maybe scold her a bit if Lux kept doing it. Gently, of course, Shelly didn’t really have a naturally mean bone in her body. She got a bit vicious if someone came for those she loved but she wasn’t really mean for no reason. But it was that viciousness that Lux was a little worried about.

“Mercy,” Shelly repeated softly. “Sweetheart.”

Lux whimpered, both at the use of her full name and at the use of the term of endearment. Shelly’s tone of voice was also so soft, so gentle, so full of affection, it made Lux want to cry.

“It’s about…” Lux managed before she found herself having to swallow. “I… It’s about the baby.”

“Okay,” Shelly whispered. “What exactly about the baby?”

“I…” She chewed her lip for a moment. “I don’t want you to hate me. I don’t want you to misunderstand; you know I’m not good with words.”

Shelly gently lifted Lux’s chin. “Again, sweetheart, I couldn’t hate you. Say it however you need and we’ll work through it together until we pin down exactly what you mean.”

Lux’s expression softened. Shelly had always been so good like that.

“So what is it about the baby?”

“I… I am really happy for you! And Gerard!” Lux added quickly before she sighed softly, grateful when Shelly let her chin go to take her hands instead. “I really am! You two are built for this whole apple pie American life, you know? And you’re gonna be such a great mom Shell! A real mom!”

Shelly frowned at that last bit. She knew that technically Lux was right, Shelly hadn’t been a ‘real’ mother until she’d gotten pregnant, but… For some reason she didn’t like that. She didn’t know why.

“You’ll have a real baby,” Lux continued softly. “A brand new littlest kitten, an Actual Baby Cat, and you’ll be a real Mama Cat.”

The blonde blinked rapidly at the drummer - all the pieces had fallen into place really quickly with those last few sentences.

“I think I know what this is about,” Shelly said quietly, giving Lux’s hands a little bit of a squeeze.

Lux glanced up, half expecting to see… Maybe a cross expression on Shelly’s face. Instead, Shelly just looked… Soft. And concerned. But definitely not mad. Her eyes dropped down to their hands again, just to see Shelly squeeze her hands before letting them go. She didn’t really have time to react to that before the blonde was pulling her close into a hug. She heard herself squeak, but she didn’t really protest to being pulled into a hug.

“I remember,” Shelly continued, kissing the top of Lux’s head. “Just as we were wrapping up the Revenge tours…”

Lux snuggled against Shelly a bit as she listened.

“I remember a little Miss Ma’am getting all caught up in her feelings because we assumed that she knew that we wanted to keep her.”

The drummer grumbled against Shelly a little bit. “Y’all weren’t that clear.”

“I know,” Shelly leant her cheek against the top of Lux’s head. “Your feelings were incredibly valid though sweetheart.”

Lux huffed out a soft; “I know!” and Shelly giggled.

“Anyway, I remember you mentioning something about being thrown away? Abandoned?”

“Mmm,” Lux clung onto Shelly’s top a little bit, a little surprised that she remembered that.

“Is that… Is that what’s happening here?” Shelly asked, cuddling Lux as close as her baby bump would allow. “You’re worried you’re just gonna get pushed aside?”

Lux’s response was just a bit of a soft whine.

“Mm, I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Everything’s gonna change, Shell,” Lux murmured against the older woman. “Like, there can’t be a baby on the tour bus, can there? And you’re not gonna want to leave your baby with a sitter and stay on the road with us. More to the point, Gerard’s not gonna want to be away from you and the baby for long. And it’s not like we can just get in someone to replace him, it would be a bit obvious.”

Shelly hummed, not really too sure what to say to that. Ultimately she decided that she might as well be honest.

“Well, yes, that’s true, I suppose. But, before we get to the squishy newborn bit, there’s gonna come a time where I can't fly anymore so I’ll have to step back from this job.”

“We don’t know how to do this without you now,” Lux whispered. “I don’t know how to do this without you.”

“Oh, sweetie…” Shelly was a bit touched by that, truthfully. “I’m sure I can make all the bookings and stuff from home, and y’all can still call me and stuff, I just won’t be able to travel as far. And I don’t think it’s going to be long - I’d have to check my calendar again, because I can’t remember dates at the moment, but I think there’s only a handful of shows after the baby's due date anyway. I’m only gonna be gone for a couple of months of the tour.”

“What about after that?”

“Hmn, well, I don’t know. It takes time to make a new record I suppose? Y’all have to be inspired first.”

Lux hummed and nodded slowly, just to show Shelly that she was listening.

“Just because I’m gonna be a mom, doesn’t mean I’m gonna just…” Shelly paused to think about it. “I’m not gonna abandon you, Mercy.”

Lux huffed at the legal name use again.

“I may not have birthed you,” Shelly shifted to make Lux look at her, cupping Lux’s face gently in her hands. “But you’re still gonna be my littlest. You’re still gonna be my Baby Cat. I’m not gonna stop loving you, I’m not gonna stop being in your life.”

She hummed and Shelly pulled her back into a hug.

“I’m gonna be busy, sure, but I’m not gonna abandon you, little love. I fought for you, remember? I’m not just gonna toss you aside.”

Lux sniffed a little bit.

“Why would I abandon my first favourite girl?” Shelly kissed the top of her head again.

“Because you’re maybe growing a new favourite girl,” Lux mumbled.

“Not necessarily, I might be having a boy.”

“A mini Gerard!” Lux exclaimed. “You’re gonna be so in love with him, you’re even gonna forget about the adult one!”

Shelly almost cackled and shook her head. “I don’t know about that… But, seriously, we don’t know what we’re having yet.”

“I know babies aren’t for me,” Lux said, quietly and almost cautiously. “But, if they were, and I was like you and that far along… I think I’d want to know.”

Shelly hummed softly, happily as she smoothed her hand over her bump, thinking about this tidbit of information.

“Either way,” Lux continued. “You’re growing a new favourite…”

“Lux,” Shelly took her hands again. “I’m not going to replace you. I love you, you silly little lady. You’re my best friend, you idiot - said affectionately!”

“But if you’re growing a mini you -”

“Then she’s gonna love her aunt just as much as I do,” Shelly sounded a little nervous, and she knew that she did; she could hear it in her voice. “If not more!”

Lux must’ve picked up on the blonde’s nerves because she looked up at her. “Aunt? Me?”

“Yes, you,” Shelly nodded. “I know… I know babies themselves aren’t your thing, like you said, they’re too squishy and vulnerable until they can express themselves, and I know you get worried about hurting them!”

Lux nodded, wincing ever so slightly as she remembered blurting out something similar when she met Frank’s twins.

“Once they’re old enough to express themselves, once Gee and I have done the difficult raising and teaching part, you get the fun part! You get to play with them and teach them things that mama doesn’t want to know -”

Lux giggled. “Like swearing and fighting?”

“Maybe just the self defence,” Shelly said with a smile and a raised eyebrow. “‘Cause - can you imagine? A little girl who looks like me, but acts like you?”

“Acts like the pair of us,” Lux corrected softly, her tone fond. “Because there’s no way a daughter of yours wouldn’t be a carbon copy of her mama. Smart, pretty, caring, hard working…”

Lux trailed off a little, going a bit pink. Shelly noticed this and smiled.

“Having you in her life would just give her added spice, a little more…” Shelly paused to search for the right word. “A bit more attitude?”

“I do think she’d get enough of that from her parents,” Lux grinned.

“The sass maybe, but the…” The lightbulb went on above Shelly’s head. “Assertiveness! That’s the word. She’d be more assertive, like you.”

“You mean, she’d take less shit?” Lux said before glancing down at Shelly’s bump. “Sorry, bean. Take less bad stuff? ‘Cause while you and Gerard do stand up for yourselves, and everyone else, you’re kinda…”

“We’re quiet about it.”

“You use your words, I like to threaten people’s kneecaps.”

They both laughed for a moment. 

“I mean, that’s true. If one doesn’t work, the other normally does.”

Lux nodded.

“So,” Shelly continued. “Why wouldn’t I want my daughter, why wouldn't I want my kids -”

“Because we all know that you and Gerard won’t stop at just one,” Lux smiled a little. “You were made to be a mom, Shell, and the world best not take that away from you.”

Shelly leant forward to kiss Lux’s cheek.

“Why wouldn’t I want my kids to have that influence in their lives?” Shelly continued. “Because you have been such a positive influence on me.”

“And you on me, Shell,” Lux admitted, glancing down at Shelly’s stomach. “You much more on me.”

Shelly held Lux’s hand again. “I want my kids to have that too. To have that big family I have now; to have aunts and uncles and all of that.”

“Mikey and I aren’t married though Shell,” Lux sounded a little bit sad as she said this. “I don’t know if -”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” Shelly gave her a look. “Darling, he loves you. He’s just a little more reserved about showing it. I think he gets a bit nervous about it sometimes; a little tongue tied. He’s not going to leave you, he’s not gonna get bored of you, he loves you too much.”

Lux looked up at Shelly with wide, hopeful eyes. “Really? You sure?”

Shelly nodded. “I’d bet my whole marriage on it.”

The drummer’s eyes widened and her eyebrows rose.

“Besides,” Shelly continued, side stepping any follow up questions Lux might’ve had after that. “Do you really think I'd let a little thing like Mikey being slow stop you from being the Aunt to my kids? Blood has nothing to do with it,” she paused for a moment. “I mean, there’s no blood between Frank and Ray and the bean, and they’re still gonna be Uncles.”

“Hmm…  I guess that’s true,” Lux scratched her cheek a little.

“You can’t get rid of me that easily,” Shelly grinned a bit. “You’re stuck with me now. You’re stuck with all of us. Like, MyChem’s for life, we’ve been in close quarters with each other for too long now; you don’t just walk away from people you’ve been that close to.”

Lux giggled a bit.

“You don’t have to be… Tied to any of the guys to be involved in my life, Lux. To be involved in the life of my children. You could leave the band and I’d still want you to be involved. I’d still want you around and to be your friend,” Shelly paused to look at Lux for a moment. “If you want to be involved, I mean. I do understand that kids really aren’t your thing.”

“I think,” Lux glanced down at Shelly’s bump. “I think your kids, the kids of…” She swallowed nervously. “The kids of my sister…”

Shelly’s whole aura, her whole being, brightened at those words.

“Will be different,” Lux finished softly.

“I hope so,” Shelly noticed Lux’s fingers twitch slightly. “Did you… Want to touch?”

“I don’t wanna hurt either of you,” Lux glanced up at Shelly.

“You won’t, it’s okay.”

Lux nodded. “Then… Yes, I think I’d like that.”

Shelly hummed and gently took Lux’s hand, putting it on her belly and holding it. “This is how hard you can touch. It’s still a little squishy at the moment, but it’s firming up.”

“It does feel really strange,” Lux admitted. “It’s weird to think that there’s a tiny human growing in there.”

“Mm hm. That bit’s weird to me too. The whole… Physical bit, the changes, weird me out quite a bit.”

“I think that weirds me out a bit too,” Lux admitted.

“Mm, but then again, while it’s weird, it’s also… Kinda incredible?” Shelly watched Lux move her hand around a little, gently patting at her bump. “Like… Did you know that baby had fingerprints now? And a full set of lungs?”

Lux blinked as she looked at her own hands. “That’s… An odd pairing?”

Shelly giggled. “Mm hm! And they start to focus on outside noises a lot more around now.”

“I’d say, so are you and Gerard gonna talk to… It?” Lux frowned. “No. Them? More now, but Gerard is…”

“He’s very good at it already,” Shelly beamed. “He pretty much started talking to the baby as soon as I told him I was pregnant.”

“Gross,” Lux pretended to pull a face but she smiled a little. “You two are so built for this lifestyle, for each other. I can’t think of anyone who’s more suited to become a mom.”

“Thanks Mercy,” Shelly said softly.

Lux pulled another face, less of a pretend one this time, at the use of her legal name. “Shellyyy, Mama Cat, nooo!”

The blonde giggled and gestured for Lux to move in for a hug, which the other girl did happily.

“I’m not gonna abandon you, sweetheart,” Shelly murmured into Lux’s hair. “I’m not letting you go. That’s silly. You’re mine now.”

Lux giggled softly. “I think Mikey might have something to say about that…”

“And I’ll fight him!” Shelly huffed. “I fought for you first, back in the day, I’ll fight for you again now.”

“I think Gerard might have something to say about it too…”

Shelly snorted. “He can deal with it. He loves me too much to say no to me.”

“Plus I don’t think he’s gonna argue with a mama to be,” Lux grinned and patted Shelly’s bump gently. “The mama carrying his baby!”

The baby moved and Lux squeaked. Shelly felt it before Lux did and smiled as she watched the younger woman’s reaction - looking from her hand, to the bump, back to her hand again. Shelly was about to ask if she was okay but Lux put her hand where she’d felt the movement, trying to feel it again. The blonde beamed with pride and gently repositioned Lux’s hand.

“If you stroke a little,” she said quietly. “That normally gets movement a bit quicker than just waiting.”

“Like petting a cat. Which makes sense, because you’re you,” Lux said, taking Shelly’s advice. She didn’t jump as much when the baby moved again. “Oh!”

Shelly tilted her head at Lux’s words, but smiled as the baby moved again and Lux just looked at her own hand with wide eyes.

“Me being a Leo and all that.”

“And Mama Cat. Mama Cat having her own kittens,” Lux removed her hand from Shelly and sounded a tiny bit sad again.

Shelly sighed very softly, pulled Lux back into another hug and kissed the top of her head.

“I’ll always fight for you, Mercy,” Shelly said, snuggling with the younger woman. “I’ll be in your life for as long as you want me. I’m not going anywhere willingly. I’m a Leo, I’m fiercely loyal to those I love - to my pack, my pride. And you’re a part of that.”

“You promise?” Lux asked quietly, sort of nestling against Shelly.

“I promise darling,” Shelly kissed the top of her head again. “I mean, sure, I’m gonna get busy and a little isolated in that newborn baby world for a bit, but ultimately, I’ll come out of that and I’ll need people to remind me that I’m still an adult, still a person, other and more than just a mother. I’ll need some normal, non baby related conversation while everyone else around me is absorbed in my baby too, you know.”

“I… I can probably help with that,” Lux nodded, still cuddled against Shelly a bit. “To bring you a bit of… The non baby focused world.”

“Mm! I’m gonna need that. And not just after the baby’s born, I think I’ll need that before they’re here too, when I get to the stage where I can’t continue flying with you guys.”

“You’ll have to stay home, right?”

“Mm hm,” Shelly nodded. “I’m sure my mama will come and stay with me, but other than that, I’ll need to talk to someone about something that isn’t baby related.”

“I can totally call or text you often,” Lux nodded once, humming happily as Shelly squeezed her gently. “I’ll miss you so it’s not like it’s gonna be hard to remember to do that.”

The blonde cooed a little. “You’ll be able to come and see me when you’re not touring, I think.”

“Until you pop,” Lux gently, almost affectionately, patted Shelly’s stomach. “Then I’d imagine that you’re not gonna want visitors for a little bit?”

“Mm, I don’t know, I’ll have to talk to the doctors about that,” she shook her head. “I’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

“You do still have a few months.”

Shelly nodded. “But I’m not replacing you, honey. I’m not gonna stop caring about you and loving you.”

Lux sniffled a little.

“You’re just gonna have to share Mama Cat a little bit more,” Shelly said into Lux’s hair with a bit of a grin. “And you’re a good girl, I know you can do that.”

The drummer whined a tiny bit before huffing at herself for doing so, shifting away from the pregnant woman to sit up a bit more. But, she took Shelly’s hand, squeezing it gently.

“I mean, you already have to share me with everyone else, Frank and Gerard especially.”

Lux blushed a little bit before clearing her throat. Shelly noticed and giggled, squeezing her hand back.

“Yeah, I regret my word choice too,” Shelly grinned a bit more. “Damn baby hormones.”

“Shush,” Lux hushed, shaking her head.

“But,” Shelly lifted Lux’s chin again. “I promise I’m not going anywhere, Mercy.”

Lux pouted, though she knew that Shelly (and Mikey, actually) only really used her legal name when they were really serious about things.

“I promise I’m not gonna abandon you, sweetheart,” Shelly repeated gently, cupping Lux’s cheek. “It’ll be a bit weird for a bit, I admit that, but I’m never gonna not want you around. I love you too much. Okay?”

“Okay,” Lux whispered with a nod.

“Want another hug?”

“Yes please.”

“C’mere then,” Shelly held her arms out, wrapping them around Lux when she snuggled in. “Feel better?”

Lux nodded before putting a hand on Shelly’s bump again. “I think so.”

“You’re really special and important to me, Mercy,” Shelly watched Lux’s fingers stroking her bump. “I can have a whole football team’s worth of kids and you’ll still be my first kitten.”

She looked up at Shelly and grinned. “And with the way you and Gerard are, especially with the way he looks at you now, that’s very much a possibility!”

They both giggled for a moment before Shelly tutted at her.

“Naughty kitten,” she petted Lux’s hair for a moment.

She was about to say more but the baby moved again. This time, however, instead of being surprised, Lux just smiled.

“You’re gonna be such a good mom, Shell,” she said. “I can’t wait to meet them so I can tell them all about how we see you. About how wonderful their mama is.”

“And to teach them how to be a bit of a menace, I hope?” Shelly tilted her head. “A bit of self defence from their favourite Aunt?”

Lux looked up at the mom-to-be with wide, hopeful eyes. “You think I’ll be the favourite?”

“Of course. If you’re mama’s favourite relative -”

“Aside from their dad,” Lux grinned.

“Aside from their dad,” Shelly shook her head with a smile. “If you’re mama’s favourite, you’ll be baby’s favourite.”

Lux hummed a little bit and focused on gently petting Shelly’s stomach for a few moments.

“That help?” Shelly whispered. “You feel better?”

Lux nodded before sighing softly. “I’m sorry Shell…”

“Oh no sweetheart, it’s okay. I think I’d be nervous about it too if the roles were reversed.”

“I didn’t need to bother you with it though, you’ve got so much on your mind at the moment.”

Shelly pulled Lux to settle next to her again. Lux leant her head against Shelly’s shoulder and hummed happily when Shelly took her hand.

“I’d rather you came to me to talk about it sooner rather than later,” Shelly admitted. “I wouldn’t want you to sit on it and feel worse and worse, you know?”

Lux nodded against Shelly’s collarbone/shoulder area. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely darling,” Shelly kissed the top of Lux’s head. “Absolutely.”

Lux sighed happily. “Thanks Shell. I feel a lot better now.”

“Good. You wanna stay here until you’re called back again?”

“Yes please.”

“Alright,” Shelly moved to put her phone on a surface, making sure it wasn’t on silent first.  “You wanna take a nap or something?”

“That sounds like a good idea,” Lux shifted a bit. “But you can’t lie on your back. I don’t have much in the boob department, but you can lean on me.”

Shelly giggled a little bit and eventually the girls managed to get comfortable. Lux was fairly happy to be able to look after Shelly for once, though she did worry about hurting Shelly or the baby, but Shelly managed to reassure her and they settled down to rest together until Lux was needed again, or until the guys returned, whichever came first.

It turned out to be the latter - the guys returned to the bus to see the women snuggled up together, Shelly leaning against Lux for once, the drummer cuddling the blonde protectively. More importantly, they were resting. Which, ultimately, is what they all wanted for Shelly in the first place.

[gallaghersgal]

skskskslsl you’re SO right like one of the worst thing for carmy would be realizing he’s turning into his mom. like he gets angry in the kitchen or something and yells à la throwing marcus’ donut on the floor and he realizes that’s exactly how his mom would have reacted. I feel like that’s one of the reasons he’s so keen on apologizing and show respect to his team afterwards too. He knows his behavior is fucked up and he has been on the receiving end of that anger so it feels a little like breaking the cycle, you know?

Also, all the while I was watching the episode, all i could think of was how much I wish someone had been with him you know? Like let’s say he met you in Copenhagen because you were on an internship or studying there. Anyway you end up in a relationship and he very clumsily asks if you want to go back with him for the holidays. And you see how much he’s anxious about going back, you see the lack of sleep the days before and the way his shoulders seem to be lined with fucking lead. So you go, it’s an important step in your relationship and you definitely feel like you’re there with him. He gets more and more fidgety, more and more nervous the closer you get to Chicago.

But when you get there, you almost ask Carmy what all the fuss is about because you’re welcomed with nothing but warmth and kindness. Everyone is so happy to meet you, you’re being hugged and treated like you’re just one of them even if you’ve known each other for 10 minutes.

Carmy shows you his childhood bedroom and you get to see your boyfriend, a mop of honey-colored curls, big blues eyes and a toothy grin and you fall in love with him all over again listening to the embarrassing stories Mickey shares.

Donna is sweet, she’s loud and she welcomes you with open arms. You ask if she needs any help cooking but she brightly tells you she’s handling it all, go sit down and have a nice drink. But somehow the night starts to escalate, every time Carmy disappears, he comes back like he’s on the verge of a panic attack. He’s on edge, keeps looking towards the kitchen like he’s waiting for a bomb to explode there; when he goes to help his mom you see how frustrated he is.

You would pull him away, just to check on him and later, sit next to him at the table. The situation becomes even worse, even more tensed and even if your family is dysfunctional and holidays never go smooth, it doesn’t reach that point. But at least you’re there and you can literally feel Carmy’s anxiety. You put a hand on his knee under the table, squeezing gently as a way of saying “i’m here, it’s okay.” And he doesn’t have the words to express how much it means to him so he grabs your hand instead and squeezes three times.

And what we all know happens happens and the party pretty much end in screaming and tears and the house being destroyed.

But I think over the trauma of seeing his mother drive through a wall of their childhood home, it’s the fact that you had to witness the batshit crazy side of his family. He knows what they’re capable of, he’s used to it but you? And he gets so scared that it’s too much—because it is and he wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to go as far from them, from him as possible. But all you’re focused on is him, how he’s feeling and you make sure to not let go of him—even when you manage to fall asleep.

-🧸

i could sob. hello?? you wrote this so beautifully?? like there's basically a blurb in my inbox???? my love. my sweet 🧸 anon. im actually crying a little.

i know he was such a sweet kid. the sweetest, quietest little thing, who didn't deserve any of what he grew up with. and neither did mikey or nat ofc. but yeah, as someone who has comparable family experiences i know how much he would appreciate having his girl there.

and god, yeah, the fear that runs through him even afterwards, that night, smoking on the fire escape of your little apartment. you havent been back in months and you'd wanted to just collapse alone in your bed, you and carmy planning to part ways at the end of the night, but you don't hesitate to ask him to stay over. leaning against him, one arm curled around his bicep and pressing soft kisses to the skin. it's a quiet, wordless little moment but it means the world to him just to know that you're still there, that you didn't run even when he himself has been running for so long.

anyways here's pinterest pics i think give baby carms :((

[carmenized-onions]

as soon as i read the word ‘amish’ i physically recoiled because i just knew you would mess with my mental stability this chapter!

ignore how much of a shambles this is, i start off coherent but end up just making incomprehensible statements so don’t worry if you need help translating! i just wanted to make sure i gave you an idea of HOW FUCKING GOOD THIS WAS

i love the way you wrote this interaction, like i feel like it’s perfectly both average and extraordinary if that makes sense - which perfectly sets up what mikey and chips friendship was omg you are too good

of course he won’t let you have peace that’s literally a member of the berzatto family they haven’t known a moment of peace in their lives

MIKEYS ALWAYS SEEN YOU and fixer friend combo is insane don’t play with me

love me some divorce era richie angst

i’ve never heard the word jamoke before i had to google it is that so british of me

“you’re not gonna remember that” oh sweetie you will remember richie because i will make you remember

they are my fav comedic duo #guarddog vibes

a moment for the pork sandwich, and the yoink

i don’t want to go back to a time where mikey wasn’t there after reading this first section, like it’s too much

wait you giving me carmens pov of his worst friday ever is enough for me to slightly forgive you for mikey tb

random but i want to know what chips handwriting looks like - i know it’s a reader x carmy book but she’s basically an oc in my head now

no way chip is a youngest child wtf

no one gets being the guy like mikey and chip i fear

she keeps kid band aids in her wallet oh yes

YOU FUCKING TELL HIM carmy (im still mad at you btw)

her being mikeys sponsor i can’t i really cant do it

she quit being an emt for him

this is almost as painful as hearing him call her a failure

“im not a fucking patient chip” - oh you berzattos when you feel vulnerable

jazz hands away the awkwardness so real

never assume they are together ever ever

chip will not listen to people calling addicted junkies ever

the whimsy is gone

no.

get him syd go for the jugular

they’re multiplying DONT MAKE ME LAUGH NINE FAKS

eva’s richie she’s a little richie “insane uncle”

no … not the funeral … NOOOOO

she is a patoot!!!! she really is!!!!

performance anxiety… girl that’s your brother

it’s still michael’s office

richie the book nerd era

i took no notes after this as i was too upset!!! i’m sorry all i can say is it’s ur fault for being too good

IT’S THE FINAL ASK BEFORE WE UPLOAD NEXT CHAP BABY LETS FUCKING GO I DID IT I DID IT IN A NIGHT I’M GONNA BUY MYSELF LUNCH IN THE MORNING CAUSE I DIDN’T HAVE TIME TO MAKE ONE TONIGHT LMAO who wants to donate to my ko-fi kidding kidding kidding

I WAS SOOOO HOPING FOR THAT RECOIL. What I love about the “what are you amish” is that I don’t know if everyone remembered— But that story chip told was so specific and so immediately upon seeing amish which has only been used one other time, it IMMEDIATELY TRANSPORTS YOU AND I LOVE THAT. 

Thank you thank you thank you— Any thoughts are good thoughts and you’ve always sent the most wonderful analysis’ so to see you rendered kind of speechless really is a genuine tremendous honour so thank you I do appreciate i DO!

I absolutely wanted that like perfectly average yet extraordinary meeting— It’s like Tina and Mikey meeting to me— Or even honestly like, us as viewers meeting Mikey for the first time in his first scenes he actually speaks in— Those were genuinely so magical to me. It was like getting to meet the fucking wizard. Or the ghost that haunts us. Two things can be true. 

This family doesn’t know the WORD peace, they know the word piece. Like pieces? Is that what you ordered? Torn to pieces u say? FIXER FRIEENNDDDD!! I can’t believe Jamoke hadn’t made it across the pond until now. Happy to educate. Had to look up if Jamoke is used in chicago— A solid 5 articles came up so I think I’m good. 

Genuinely while writing everytime I had to switch I was like MOM DONT MAKE ME GO OVER THERE I HATE IT THERE!!! And then I’d get stuck in and have a lot of fun, and then I’d have to switch back, and the cycle would repeat. 

Ahhh Chip’s handwriting. What would it look like? I feel like it’s gotta be either really neat like wrote the most insane school notes in college with mildliners and everything or it’s literally fucking incoherent. Maybe both. When she’s got time it’s the first, when she doesn’t, it’s the second.

I WILL NOT TAKE YOUNGEST CHILD SLANDER ITS MY TURN ON THE XBOX I GET TO CHOOSE THE SIBLING DYNAMIC REPRESENTATION!!!! No one’s gonna ever get being the Guy like Chip and Mikey (and her child bandaids)

I should clarify also— Did Mikey’s OD act as the final nail in the coffin of quitting? A million times yes. Does Mikey think she abandoned the career for him? A million times yes. But she really WAS considering quitting already— SHE GETS TO MAKE THE CALL OF WHAT SHE BETS ON MIKEY YOU FUCKER !!!!

Berzattos when anyone tries to take care of them in any way: Oh so you think i’m fucking crazy? You think I need to be put in a ward? I’m going to prove you wrong by going ape shit right now.

Chip gets so defensive over Carmen sayin’ junkie ESPECIALLY because Mikey said it about himself!! To hear the brother that Mikey loved so much say that shit OH her blood was boiling. Jazz hands the pain away. Sydney get his ass. 

Faks are multiplying, Richie is multiplying with a little Eva— PEOPLE GET PERFORMANCE ANXIETY OVER A LOT OF THINGS— I GET PERFORMANCE ANXIETY WHEN I MAKE TUMBLR POSTS OKAY

I don’t honestly remember if I intentionally wrote it being ‘he goes back to Michael’s office’. I hope i did that intentionally because it’s fucking gutting. I also did forget they redid the office in S2— Which like. Why. Why are we spending any of the budget on anything not required. I dont. Gettit. Regardless, in CK, it’s absolutely the old shitty S1 office and i have NO intention of changing that. 

Thank you for these thoughts i would spend so much longer thanking you but we have to get thIS FUCKING CHAPTER OUT BECAUSE I WANT TO REREAD IT BEFORE BED THERES NO TIME I LOVE YOU LOVE YOU NEW CHAPTER IN LIKE 10 MINUTES OKAY PROBABLY LESS

[fabuloustrash05]

TMNT 2012 Characters Having The Madrigal’s Gifts

Why? Because I’m really in love with Disney’s Encanto right now and I wanna combined it with something else I really love.

Raphael - Pepa (Weather Manipulation aka Emotions Control the Weather)

Everyone says Raph would have Luisa’s super strength, but that is way too easy and obvious of a gift to give Raph despite how much Surface Pressure fits his character, but has anyone consider Raph having Pepa’s weather powers??

Pepa’s gift involves controlling the weather based on her emotions, and if you know 2012 Raph that boy has major emotional problems mainly with his temper, so him having that gift and forcing himself to have a positive attitude to control his gift all for the sake of keeping his family safe and happy would be interesting to see. 2012 Raph’s is a very emotional person, he’s had a lot of feelings that he struggles to express, now add a gift where his emotions are tied to the weather and now he really can’t express how he feels in fear of hurting others.

Bonus! Mona Lisa is Raphael’s Felix. Just like Felix to Pepa, Mona Lisa is loving and supportive towards Raph throughout the series, especially with his emotions, and never shames him for being soft or angry or vulnerable. She wants him to embrace all his emotions, good and bad, and never picks on, gets upset, or scared when he is angry. She helps him get through it just like Felix with Pepa.

Michelangelo - Julieta (Cooking Healing)

I was originally going to go with Mikey having Antonio’s gift of talking to animals, but I feel Julieta’s gift fits Mikey’s character and personality much more. It’s very well known in the 2012 universe and Mikey loves to cook, whether if the food is good or bad he’s always coming up with crazy new recipes and meals that many characters enjoy (or dislike). It was even confirmed in season 2 that he’s the one who always makes breakfast for his family, so wouldn’t it be cute if Mikey’s gift was him being able to heal people with his food? 

It would be even more funny if Mikey cooks the most disgusting food ever and his brothers are injured and they’re like “I don’t wanna eat that!” and he’s just like “Well do you want to be healed or not?!”

Bonus! Renet would be Mikey’s Agustin cause Renet is well known in the series to be very clumsy like Agustin so Mikey always heals her with his cooking every time she gets hurt.

Donatello - Bruno (Future Seeing)

I’m mostly picking this gift for Donnie because I’ve seen some fanart already of Donnie dresses as Bruno, but honestly it does actually fit! Both characters have talents/gifts that are actually very impressive when you look at it but no one around them or even their families acknowledges or appreciates it.

Donnie always made incredible inventions from scrap and junk but he was never really acknowledged or appreciated for it, let alone given a “Thank you”, while Bruno had the ability to see into the future that many people in town, including his own family, saw as a curse. 

Both also come off as socially awkward and rather shy, but loving and cares about their families, plus they both got that awkward scrawny little brother vibe, so I can imagine Donnie having Bruno’s gift of seeing into the future.

Leonardo - Isabela (Phytokinesis aka Controlling Plants)

There is without a doubt that Leo was the “golden child” of his family in the 2012 series, just like Isabela. Throughout the series you see Leo desperately trying to be the perfect leader, he can’t make any mistakes and he wants to make his family proud. He doesn’t do it for himself he does it for the family just like Isabela. 

So Leo having the ability to control plants and flowers fits perfectly with his character of into trying to constantly be the perfect image and representation for his family and clan. 

Splinter - Alma (The Head of the House and The Candle Protector)

Both lost their homes and were forced to leave due to tragic circumstances, their spouses where murdered when their babies were still young, and were left to raise many children on their own, along with suffering from many years of trauma and unknowingly placing it on their own families in fear of losing the only thing they have left that gives them purpose in life.

I rest my case.

April - Dolores (Super Hearing)

Super hearing gives me a similar vibe to April’s canon powers in the 2012 series of being a psychic. So April having a gift where she is able to hear everything reminds me of how she’s able to sense everything and read peoples minds. 

Casey - Camilo (Shapeshifting)

Camilo and Casey just give me a similar vibe of both their characters and personalities. There’s really not that much to say, it’s obvious why I picked shapeshifting to be Casey’s gift. These two are just basically the same character and I love it!!

That’s just my personal opinion, feel free to share your thoughts and ideas!

[azucarian]

Second part to my idea of how Tokyo Revengers could possibly end (First part here)

MANGA SPOILERS(?)

TR ; mental illness, major character death

A world without Hanagaki Takemichi felt unnaturally bland - anyone would admit. It had only been days since he passed away and yet the impact of his death was so blatantly apparent.

Mikey and Draken had explained to each of their friends that Takemichi had passed away - but, by far, the worst reactions came from Hinata and Chifuyu. The moment the news slipped from their lips, Hinata asked them if they were joking and, if they were, it wasn’t funny. Neither knew how to react, and averting their gazes. Chifuyu just broke down into silent sobs - he could tell instantly by their pale complexions and the dark eyebags under Draken’s usually clear eyes.

Mikey whispered apologies, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry - I couldn’t save him, I didn’t save him— ” Hinata didn’t let him finish and simply cried, realising the severity - her boyfriend, her happiness, was dead. She embraced Mikey, and he held her tightly in turn.

The funeral caused agony for everyone involved - especially as Takemichi's mother collapsed to her knees, screaming "my baby" through her tears. As a mother, she felt as if she had failed - and no one would be able to convince her otherwise. Hinata approached the casket, hardly holding it together - but her hands shook as they pressed themselves against the wooden structure holding her late boyfriend.

“Come on, Takemichi... Now’s the time to tell me you’re joking—” Those words broke everyone else into an endless stream of wailing, tears and regrets.

I feel as if Hinata would never truly get over his death - especially considering she still loved him twelve years into the future. She would likely be placed on medication, or be consistently seeing a therapist, due to her claiming that she had “gone on days out” with Takemichi (which was obviously impossible).

Mikey would become Hinata’s support - he felt as if he owed that much to Takemichi. He would do an all-round trip to everyone’s graves every week - first to Shinichiro, then to Emma, then a small visit to Izana’s, then to Baji’s.

Then he’d finally sit down for a few hours to tell Takemichi about his week. How much he misses him “I wish you could see how everyone was doing, Takemitchy— We all miss you like crazy. Mitsuya made you this memorial blanket, look—” And he’d show the sewn fabric to the grave. There would likely be with something cheesy like ‘Toman’s Little Hero’ or ‘Crybaby Hero’ on the front, or stitched into the corner. Mikey would definitely be in tears by the end of it, blurting his regrets - and it always made him feel better (it made him believe that Takemichi was comforting him, even beyond the grave).

Chifuyu would always make it a habit to visit his grave weekly too - and (in the future), occasionally, he was joined by Kazutora (especially on days where the pet store was closed). He’d always bring a new puppy or kitten along, because he knew Takemichi would appreciate it if he knew. Kazutora always paid his sincerest respects, bowing so deeply that anyone would think he would break his back - he may not have known Takemichi very well, like, at all, but he was the boy who tried to save Baji from his bad mistakes. Kazutora could only hope they were looking after each other in the afterlife. Chifuyu would always light incense on his grave, and place his favourite snacks - jokingly saying how Takemichi couldn’t steal his food anymore. He’s another one who would cry, probably because of his own poorly timed jokes - but it was how he coped and no one judged him for it.

After the incident, Draken found it difficult to not scrub his hands raw - the staining feeling of his friends blood on his hands haunted him for the longest time (he only stopped when Mikey made him promise to, because Takemichi would feel upset knowing Draken was hurting himself). He didn't visit the cemetery often but, when he did, he came sporting a bunch of flowers and a few gag gifts (he wasn't great at gift giving, so he opted to be funny instead) "You're probably sitting up there worrying your ass off about us— Give it a rest already," although his words were harsh, a smile was on his face the entire time. He whole heartedly believed Takemichi was probably panicking and bothering Emma and Baji in the afterlife (if there was one, he wasn't too sure). He wouldn't cry, and he wouldn't rant - he'd just run his hand along the grave stone before he left with a "I'll see you later, Takemitchy". He didn't know how to appropriately express his sadness.

Mitsuya would always join Hakkai and Yuzuha on their trips to visit Takemichi's grave - mainly because Hakkai couldn't stand visiting alone. It hurt him to much to see his hero no longer living alongside them. The blonde had done a lot for Hakkai and his sister - but neither of them could escape that loneliness that came with his sudden death. The trio always sit and have a natural conversation and, occasionally, Mitsuya would pipe up with a "They're idiots, ain't they, Takemitchy?" in an attempt to involve him in their chatters. Oddly enough, Mitsuya always found himself sewing extra clothes - during the winter he'd bring a sweater to Takemichi's grave as a gift (although he was aware he couldn't never wear it) and always jokingly tell the tombstone how atrocious his fashion sense was "You dressed like a four year old had picked your outfit— Hell, even a four year old could dress better!". Hakkai and Yuzuha would always bring little trinkets that they found in the local markets - tiny figurines, poker cards, etc.

Other old members of Toman try as often as possible to visit the grave and offer their condolences - Smiley and Angry visit it together, despite not being overly close to the boy; they appreciated him and his loyalty to Toman and his friends. Pah-chin and Peh-yan visit with Pah's wife, bowing deeply and leaving cecelias on his grave before leaving. Inui occasionally asks Koko to visit with him but, when he's alone, he just quietly talks - knitting stupid scarves and wrapping them around his grave when he was finished (he was already used to grieving, especially after Akane).

Every year, on Takemichi's birthday, everyone gathers together for a celebration - over the years they've learned that, instead of remembering him for his death, they should honor his memory through celebrating his life. Everyone would get drunk, someone would cry, and many adoring speeches were made - a picture of sixteen year old Takemichi Hanagaki would be on the table, a drink poured for him as a sign of respect. As life continued, the ex-gang members started having families - and they all spoke highly of the blonde who had improved their lives. Their children adored Takemichi and his insane stories, inspiring them to be as courageous - even when they're scared.

Although he was no longer with them, he remained as a sacred memory to each of them - and they were sure he was happy with that ending.

FIN

[chifuyuzu]

leap of faith — sano manjiro x reader.

word count — 1.3k.

genre — fluff fluff fluff, i love sweet mikey.

contains — cursing, timeskip SPOILERS present, reader is gender neutral.

description — sano manjiro is in love with you, and he realizes how much he loves you at the ass crack of fuckin' dawn.

author's note — hey besties, this is my first published fic here, kinda short but mikey brain rot is heavy. i hope you enjoy this cute fic before i rip your hearts out with some angst in a few days :^) reblogs and likes are always appreciated! and please give me feedback in my inbox! hehe, enjoy.

“it’s late.”

you know. but you still wanted to hear the sound of his voice before bed.

“mm… i missed ya’, is that a crime?” your voice echos through the receiver, the sound of your duvet crinkling in the background as you shift in place. sano manjiro was a busy man. always has been, always will be. being the leader of a biker gang was never easy—let alone some “new age” criminal organization.

you didn’t understand why manjiro persisted to play this game of russian roulette with his life. but it was never your place to overstep, especially since this was his life. it was all he knew, all he understood. you’re not sure what he’s doing, or if he’s even allowed to talk on the phone at this hour, but you still wanted to hear him. just so you know he’s alive and well.

you hear him chuckle, the sound of his feet scurrying against whatever floor his sandals were clacking against. the background noise that accompanied him earlier has dissipated; you realized he probably went outside to hear you better.

“your crime is loving a fool like me way too much. don’t think you’re sane.” he’s right. you’re actually crazy for even pursuing him. there was a lot of push and shove in the beginning, both parties scared of being hurt and getting hurt. but you were always there, even when manjiro went through whatever darkness was eating at his soul.

“crazy for you.”

“corny.”

“you love me.”

a pause. eerie enough to send shivers down your spine. why wasn’t he responding? did something happen? did you smother him too much? is he regretting—

“marry me.”

… not what you were expecting. especially not over the phone.

“sano manjiro, did you just propose over the phone? what kind of shitty rom-com are we in?”

“is that a no?”

“... never said that.” you wanted to marry him. but you wanted him to put that lifestyle behind, for the sake of the family you might have in the future. kids, dogs, cats, etcetera. you wanted him to be in, one hundred percent. but you knew he was too deep into this world to run now—especially since he’s so well-known as the ‘invincible mikey.’ you still longed for a happy home with manjiro, and a normal life.

“maybe you’re right. it’s not my style to ask you this over the phone.”

“try again later. when you’re really ready.”

the gag is, he is ready.

manjiro hurries home, blond locks hidden underneath a thin, black hoodie. he’s shaking, like a pomeranian in the presence of fireworks. his hand meets the left side of his chest, back pressed up against the grey colored wall of your shared apartment as he slides down to sit on the floor. it was four in the morning, and manjiro was about to shit himself.

he gulps, eyes peering around for you, double checking that you were fast asleep before he makes a phone call. his fingers tapped the back of his iphone, impatiently waiting for the other caller to answer. though it was the crack of dawn, he still needed some moral support.

“mikey? fuck you callin’ for at this hour? haven’t heard from you in mo—”

“ken-chin. i’m proposing.”

a loud ‘flop’ rang through the receiver, accompanied by the bedsheets seemingly slipping underneath draken’s feet. it was a huge bomb to drop, especially when the duo has been separated for months on end. manjiro hears more shuffling, followed by a few curses. “you’re fucking lying. the one you’ve been one since—?”

“yeah. i’m crazy as hell. but i love them. head over heels. i’m a goddamn simp.”

“why the hell am i the first to know, man?”

“you’re m’best friend, even if i need to stay away from you. and, also… you’re not the first to know. i asked them already.”

“you WHAT? don’t fuckin’ tell me you did it some dumb way like over the pho— you did. you’re impulsive enough to do it like that, too.” regardless of how long it’s been, draken still knows and understands manjiro like nothing ever happened.

“yeah… not romantic. but i can’t see myself with anyone else. i trust no one else. but i… am…”

“scared? man, you’re the head of a criminal organization. ‘course you’re scared. you don’t want the love of your life… to get hurt…” his voice trails off and manjiro’s heart tenses even more. the memories of the past still felt fresh. all the people they lost in tokyo manji… could never be replaced. not in a million years.

but the living must live.

“i love y/n. never felt like this before. i’d quit everything. but i would have to make sure they’re safe and whatever future we have together is secure. i know i promised takemichi that i’d protect everyone and that future he worked so hard to save… but what about mine?”

manjiro really did sacrifice everything for his friends. being the type of person who carries everyone else’s burdens takes a toll on his mental. he felt selfish for wanting to leave it all behind. but maybe being selfish was beneficial once in a while.

“listen—”

“do you think i’m stupid?”

“mikey. you’re not stupid,” draken sighs, shuffling again in place. “you just want to love someone and be loved in return. nothin’ stupid about that. what is stupid though, is you proposing over the damn phone.”

he’s not wrong. it was a spur of the moment decision that could drastically change his life forever. but with you, he doesn’t care. as long as you’re his, forever.

“how do you think i should do it?”

“well. i guess, tell me some sappy shit. how do you feel about them, and whatnot.”

“i don’t think i could ever imagine me with anyone else. a lot of people have tried to grab my attention but i only have eyes for y/n. sometimes when shit gets real hard…” manjiro takes a deep sigh, fingers threading through his hair, tilting back the hood to let it fall onto his back. “i think of y/n and i remember that even in this shit world, someone is here for me. someone cares about me. they make me feel like i’m not alone anymore.

i have dreams ‘bout us, y’know? me and y/n… kids running around. a little mikey clone. pissin’ them off because we want little flags on our meals. going to the park and letting kids be kids. maybe i’ll teach ‘em at a dojo like gramps did for me and my siblings. maybe i’ll teach ‘em about bikes—with your help, of course.”

draken laughs, letting his friend continue his little speech as he gets comfortable in bed again. don’t think i’ve ever seen mikey like this, ever, draken muses.

“man, we can own a whole zoo if we wanted. chifuyu could hook us up, in secret, of course. still have to protect everyone,” manjiro is grinning from ear to ear, head resting against the wall. “i wanna grow old with them. honestly, i didn’t think i’d make it to my twenties. more so, i didn’t want to live past twenty-something. but now… things are different. wanna be old and gray. see grandkids terrorize our children. die together.”

the tension in manjiro’s chest has faded away, only left with warmth that only you could bring him. his free hand reaches into his pocket to fumble with a small box, snapping it open to reveal the engagement ring his grandfather handed down to him.

he wasn’t the marrying type. but for you, he was.

“that all? you sound good like that, man. make an exception and let us come to the wedding.”

manjiro wants that more than anything. his friends, you... all safe. all happy. but again, the fear creeps up. he doesn’t know what to do with himself if any of you get hurt.

“... how do i tell y/n that?”

“you already have.” your voice makes him jump, knocking the velvet box out of his fingers and onto the hardwood floor. his face pales, followed by a huge lump forming at his throat when he sees your figure emerge from your shared bedroom.

“i-uh… i thought you were a-asleep.” manjiro mumbles, earning a huge laugh from draken on the other side. he hears him say something along the lines of ‘my cue to leave. good luck. send me an invite.’

“i was waiting for you.” 

he’s sweating now, a small bead forming at the base of his neck. his phone is now at his side, the screen flashing from draken’s caller id to the lockscreen photo of you on your first date together, a few years back. your eyes zone into the box, though.

“i was going to do this… better. god, i fucked up, huh?”

you’re laughing now, rubbing your tired eyes before you join him near the wall, picking up the box. “what makes you think that, dummy?”

now he’s confused. you wanted him to ask when he was serious, but in his head, serious meant rose petals, candles, someone singing celine dion in the distance.

without a word, you slip the ring onto its appropriate finger, holding up to the small rays of sunlight that peaked through the window from the approaching sunrise. manjiro’s hands fly up to your face, holding his whole world in his hands. his eyes are shiny, on the brink of tears. you nudge your noses together, foreheads connecting tenderly. your hands hooked onto the hem of his hoodie, bringing his frame closer as you whisper a soft ‘yes.’

“yes?”

“yes, i’ll marry you.”

manjiro’s lips curl up into the silliest grin you’ve ever seen him sport, before he presses a soft kiss to your lips. now he’s kissing you quite desperately. as if he’s trying to make sure you’re real, that this isn’t a dream. you feel his words vibrate against your lips, “gonna make you so happy, i promise. i love you. i love you so, so much.”

“forevermore.”

“forever yours.”

[turtle-go-brrrr]

General bayverse headcanons part 2

Splinter

A very light sleeper

Anytime something happens in the lair, he knows

He knows so many of his son’s secrets but act as if he didn’t to protect their feelings

Like that one time he saw Leo flex in front of his mirror (he never did it again because ‘what if it was Raph or Mikey’)

Or that one time he went to ask Donnie a question and realized too late he was having some... alone time... and Donnie tried to play it off to save what was left of his dignity: “haha no I’m not doing anything, I’m fine, how can I help you?” but left a tab open

Let’s just say Splinter knows way more about his sons than he wish he did

He feels honored every time one of them, or hell, April or Casey, come to him for advice or just to vent

He’s jsut so happy to know they trust him

He loves watching movies with them

Doesn’t really understand pop culture but is thrilled when they take the time to explain it to him anyway

He keeps every single drawing Mikey ever made him, he has multiple boxes of them and he keeps his favorite in his room

It takes so much space, but they’re really important to him

Raph made him a really soft scarf that he wears every time they go to the surface (it reassures him)

He also has a sweater and a blanket, and he loves bragging about them: “Oh, this? Yes, my son made it for me :) Isn’t he talented :)”

He finds Donnie’s smarts both impressive and intimidating

Sometimes he’s scared he will never truly understand him or that he won’t have anything else to teach him

But then Donnie comes to him when he can’t sleep or had a nightmare, and he feels warm inside

He’s really scared for Leo

He has so much pressure on his shoulder and so many responsabilities, he’s terrified he will break someday

But Leo knows he can count on his family to support him if anything turns sour and is learning to open up (thanks to Splinter)

All in all, he’s the proudest dad there could be and definitely bragged and showed embarassing memories to April and Casey when they joined the mutants

His favorite animal is the canary

April

Mom Friend ™ 

She’s the one to bring them snacks or useless trinkets they might like

Leo thinks it’s stupid and they should hoard that kind of things

(he does anyway)

She’s also the one to bring medical supplies to the lair when they’re getting short on them

She knows many people because of her job, and comes so often to the pharmacy that the people who work her eknow her and know to not ask too many questions

She doesn’t care about the sight of blood but the smell makes her sick

She still follows Splinter’s instruction when doing stitches and she took a few first aid courses with Casey

She’s the one who takes care of the biggest bugs of the lair

She’s also the one they all go to when they have an embarrassing question to ask (the kind of stuff you’re too embarrassed to ask one of your parents, no matter how close you are)

Doesn’t really listen to anyone, really

Except maybe Splinter from time to time

But like, if she wants to investigate something messy or dangerous, she won’t let anyone stop her

She won’t run straight into danger, she’s not stupid, but she’s not gonna back off just because it might be dangerous

“Okay, April, I’m sorry but you’ll have to sit this one out, it’s way too dangerous for a hum-” “She’s already inside”

 She’s brave like that <3

The best at Just Dance

Even beat Raph from time to time

She has a terrible singing voice tho and loves to scream-sing just because she knows it drives Leo crazy

Sometimes will get picked up by one of the boys and just acts as if nothing hapened and keep talking about whatever the conversation was while being carried around everywhere

Speaks 3 other languages to varying degrees of fluentness: Spanish (fluent), French (still learning but she’s getting there), Arabic (beginner)

She knows insults in a lot of other languages tho (you know, just in case ;) )

The only one who doesn’t pull pranks on Casey (she takes pity on him and he gives her kisses when she takes his side so win-win)

Her favorite animal is the fox

Casey

Pray for him

He’s so fed up with their sibling nonsense

He’s always in the middle of their fights and he’s tired of this

But he’s even more tired of being the victim of their endless pranks (especially Raph and Mikey)

The payback is worth it tho

Surprisingly good with kids

Especially troubled kids (he used to be one, so he knows what to say to help them)

Also really found of small animals

Unlike Mikey who talks to them as equals, Casey baby talks and it’s both adorable and kind of silly

He’s well known in most of the rescue centers of the city because he always brings in stray animals here

Also volunteer in some of them from time to time

He’s really conflicted because of all of the horrible things othe cops do  and he often wants to quit because of that

But if he leaves, he knows no one will try to make a change

He believes he can make things right and tries his best to callout his collegues when they say or do fucked up things

Also completely understand all the hate against cops, and don’t hesitate to let everyone know it’s justified when his colleagues try to play the victim

Despite his anger issues he tries to keep a level head when on the job

He wants to be a good cop, but being a good person is even more important (and almost got him fired multiple times, the only thing keeping him from that being his connection to Chief Vincent)

This is why he’s also doing his vigilante stuff at night

He knows that sometimes, the law won’t protect the most vulnerable people

But that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t

Once accidentally cut himself on the left with a piece of glass

He broke a glass jar, cleaned it up but forgot one little piece, and later stepped on it

It didn’t cut his foot, but he felt something under it and tried to get it off by rubbing his foot against his leg

Hence the stupid cut

Most of his scars aren’t really from his numerous fights, they’re just stupid injuries like that

His favorite animal is the cheetah

[kinncman]

A LIST OF PLOTLESS TOWN RP-FRIENDLY CHARACTER IDEAS & CONNECTIONS INSPIRED BY MOVIES! (PART 1)

click here for part two.

i collected a couple of plot ideas from some of the movies i thought had interesting stories or characters that i hope can help you with your applications / character connections. please note that a lot of these are, by no means, the actual plots of the films and are only inspired by them. i’ve taken the liberty of making a couple of edits for them to be ‘plotless town rp-friendly’. also, i would’ve separated them by category (platonic, romantic, familial, etc.) but tbh a lot of these can be taken in any way so feel free to put your own spin on them, too, or even make combinations!

trigger warnings: nothing too specific, but there are light mentions of death, road accident, infidelity, illness, injury, drug addiction.

now, without further ado:

BAY OF ANGELS  // muse a met muse b on a vacation several years ago, brought together because they were both from the same home country and realized that they were traveling to run away from something. muse a came to learn that this wasn’t muse b’s first rodeo, and where this was the first time that muse a had tried to run away from their problems, muse b had been running for most of their life. muse b initially wished to emulate the same free-spirited, high-risk-high-reward principles that muse a lived by. however, muse b started to display totally erratic behavior that prompted muse a to question whether they were making the right choices. eventually, they went home. jump to present day where they meet again in their home country— muse b has toned down somewhat due to a traumatic event (a hard lesson to learn for them) meanwhile, muse a’s life remains the same cycle of events they can’t seem to break free from.

CLEO FROM 5 TO 7 // muse a suspects they are sick but refuses to go to the doctor to have it checked. most of their days are plagued with this feeling of doom enshrouding them, causing them to have a general distaste for life. they meet muse b who has profoundly positive disposition towards life. their company helps muse a to come to terms with the fact that perhaps their illness is something they should deal with. with muse b’s help, muse a starts to find meaning in death.

HAPPY OLD YEAR // muse a left town / the country for college, leaving behind all their friends and family, cutting all ties in a heartbeat, only to come back several years later a completely changed person who subscribes to the idea of minimalism and wants to get rid of all the clutter in their life, material or otherwise. this brings them to reconnect with muse b (and a variety of other muses if the mun wishes) when they find their old belongings and return them in order to be ‘minimalist’ and get rid of all the garbage in their home, which means getting rid of memories, too. however, muse b, who has now moved on from muse a and is with someone else, isn’t too pleased with having muse a back in their life. muse a is desperate to find the closure that muse b isn’t giving them, primarily because muse b knows that muse a is after starting over on a clean slate only to clear their conscience and not to make amends.

YI-YI: A ONE AND A TWO // muse a and muse b were each other’s first and greatest loves but are currently married to other people. when they are reunited through a chance encounter, they decide that it’s better to have each other in their lives as friends than not at all. they realize they still do have feelings for each other but because of their spouses, know that they can never be anything else other than friends. thus begins a journey of trying to bring their old selves back into the light as new people.

MIKEY AND NICKY // muse a and muse b are best friends since childhood. muse a is neurotic, childish, and wildly impulsive, and often has to depend on muse b to get them out of trouble only to show very little gratitude for it, much to muse b’s chagrin. in fact, muse b often finds themself thrown under the bus in muse a’s favor, though it’s not entirely muse a’s fault: muse b is an enabler. however, muse b can’t quite seem to quit muse a (either because they love the feeling of being needed and there’s no one who needs them more than muse a or maybe they’ve been in love with muse a since childhood— or both) until a certain event causes muse b to question whether they are healthy for each other at all.

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE // muse a and muse b are neighbors, both living with their significant others. both muse a and muse b often see each other in the hallways or share an elevator up to their apartment when they come home from work. maybe they even carpool sometimes. however, they spare very little in the way of words until one day, muse a breaks down while drunk and admits that they think their partner is cheating on them. in an attempt to comfort them, muse b reveals that they think the same thing of their own partner. desperate for answers, they conduct an investigation until they realize that their partners are cheating on them with each other. muse a and muse b become each other’s support system, as they try to coach each other through an impending breakup all the while realizing that they might be developing feelings for each other and must now choose between indulging their feelings or deny themselves the hypocrisy.

TAKE THIS WALTZ // muse a meets muse b on a trip out of town and they instantly connect. they share the same flight back home and even a cab ride from the airport. however, they soon realize that muse b is muse a’s new neighbor, which makes things plenty awkward considering how a) they’ve been borderline flirty the whole time and b) muse a is married to someone who they now consider to be far less interesting in comparison to muse b. regardless, once they’ve recognized a mutual attraction with each other, muse a demands for muse b to keep their distance, only to keep running into each other everywhere, much to muse a’s chagrin.

LAST LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE // muse a is witness to a terrible road accident involving a pedestrian. muse a takes the pedestrian and their sibling, muse b to the hospital where muse b’s sibling is declared dead on arrival. despite being total strangers, muse a stays with muse b through the entire process. eventually, muse a takes muse b home but muse a refuses to let muse b leave, claiming they don’t want to be left alone in the house that they previously shared with their now deceased sibling. having money troubles of their own and on the brink of an eviction, muse a ends up staying with muse b not just for the night but for the week until they get comfortable enough with each other that muse b invites muse a to officially live with them to help with their financial problems, but mostly because they don’t know how to handle their grief alone.

THE FALL // muse a is in an outpatient physical rehabilitation facility after suffering from a near-fatal injury when they meet muse b. the pair are polar opposites in terms of their attitudes towards recovery: where muse a is more hopeful, muse b only throws pity parties for themself considering that this injury might prevent them from fully getting back to doing what they love. despite this, the two form an unlikely bond where muse b is completely enthralled with muse a, who tells them stories about their travels and their career and all the amazing things they’ve done, without realizing until they’re in too deep that they are all fabricated versions of the truth and muse b falls for every single one of them. what started as little white lies becomes a source of anxiety for muse a when the lies just get bigger and bigger.

COLUMBUS // muse a is a young, aspiring [insert career here] but to pursue this passion, they must leave their hometown, which they have constantly been refusing to do despite the numerous opportunities having been presented to them on account of the fear that no one else is going to take care of their mother (who, in the movie, is a recovering drug addict but it can be for any reason or relative in this case). muse b’s father is a well-known [insert career that muse a wants here] and is in town to hold a lecture/exhibit/performance/etc etc depending on the career, but then he suffers from a stroke. muse b, despite being estranged from their father for having been scrutinized by the man for most of their life, is forced to come to town and take care of him being their closest living relative. they meet muse a by chance, only to learn shortly after that they are a huge fan of muse b’s parent’s work. having spent their whole life in this town, muse a becomes muse b’s tour guide of sorts, while inadvertently helping each other come to terms with their relationship with their parents and how they can be kinder to themselves.

SECRET SUNSHINE // after their spouse’s passing, muse a moves from the big city to their spouse’s much, much smaller hometown so they can raise their child there. they meet all of the important figures of their spouse’s childhood including muse b, a local shopkeeper and an old friend of their spouse’s, who, despite muse a’s reluctance, helps them adjust to small town life. the pair eventually closer to each other and muse a to their spouse as they find out more about who they were before they met.

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU // (originally lgbtqia+ and written about older characters with grown children, but make of this plot what u will, tbh) muse a and muse b are best friends. both married, both with grown kids. muse a’s spouse died a long time ago so they’ve had plenty of time to help muse b take care of their spouse in the couple of months leading to that spouse’s death. in the process, the pair have grown intimate (with muse b’s spouse’s knowledge— in fact, they encouraged muse a to ‘take care’ of muse b in the event of their passing and wouldn’t trust anyone else to do so) but haven’t told their families yet in fear of what they might think of them given their age and how they’re basically uncles/aunts to each other’s children.

[turtle-steverogers]

hi mikey!! i was wondering what ur thoughts are on prewar stevebucky with trans steve?? everything u say is completely poggers btw :)

hello anon!! thank you very much!

and OH BOY DO I HAVE THOUGHTS

so being a trans guy myself, trans!steve is a very very dear concept to me... like the serum could be a parallel to testosterone... vaguely!

ANYWAY!!

i imagine it’s a point of deep shame for stevie. at first he thinks that he just wishes his body were stronger in general... not so skinny and sickly looking. but he realizes that whenever he thinks of a stronger version of himself... or even a happy version of himself, he’s male. that terrifies him and he doesnt really have a word for that thought process, so he vehemently shoves away where it can’t scare him more. maybe he’s just jealous of bucky, he thinks. yeah. that has to be it— bucky with his strong, healthy body and his easy demeanor and his popularity. bucky and his nice family and dad who isnt mean and drunk all the time. he’s jealous of a lot of things when it comes to bucky... maybe this is just another one of those things. he was 8 then.

bucky always called him a tomboy. once he even said that if he cut his hair, he could be just like a boy, in his hand me down trousers and shirts that he only wears when his father isn’t around the house. steve had told him to shut up, and bucky had, but it had stuck with him for days afterwards. was he just like a boy? only with long hair?

standing in front of the mirror, at 12 years old, steve holds his hair up out of his face. tucks it into a hat and thinks, yeah. that looks right. the thought makes him cry

of course... years later, when he turns 16 the thoughts still remain and hes self aware enough now to know it’s not jealousy.

there are clubs and bars for queer folk. he knows about them now, and he knows that what he’s feeling has a name. “tranvestites” are what folks like him are called, and maybe he’s crazy, but there are other crazy people like him, so maybe he could find that safe haven. maybe. he prays he can

bucky kisses him when they’re 18. it’s a lock sliding into place, a puzzle piece steve hadn’t known he’d been missing. he kisses back and that night, bucky takes him apart in bed, worshipping his body as if it were something good. under his touch, steve thinks maybe it is. maybe it can be good. if only for a few soft moments.

19 years old, grieving and broken from his ma’s death, steve cuts his hair. he’s tired. he’s so tired of losing people. losing a fight hes not sure he can win, and he’ll be damned if he’s going to lose himself too. bucky catches him in the act, and theres a suspended period of a few days where confusion and fear run rampant between them. they barely speak, but bucky can hear steve up crying in the night.

on the third day, bucky tells steve that he’s a queer. bisexual, if they’re getting into semantics. it’s a door— an opening. bucky has figured it out and he’s letting steve know it’s okay for him to let him in. let him know. and through relieved tears, steve tells him. it’s choked and messy— he feels off kilter and ugly with his knock up haircut job— but bucky pulls him close and bucky kisses him soundly and steve learns to breathe again.

bucky cuts his hair for real that night, and when he looks in the shitty cracked mirror, eyes welling with tears, he finally recognizes himself. bucky must see something in his eyes— a relief. something clicking into place. because he leans down and kisses his temple.

“there’s my sunshine boy,” he whispers. and it feels so fucking good. “what do i call you, darling?”

and oh yeah, steve hasn’t always been steve. with his body curling into the magnetic pull that is bucky barnes, he whispers back, “steve.”

“steve,” bucky smiles. “my stevie”

anyway yeah i wrote this on mobile cuz i got excited maybe i’ll write a fic one day we’ll see. but yeah!!! thanks anon, i love trans steve and i love any opportunity to talk about him

[crimsonandcloverwrites]

ok bhah ch11 my longest yeah boi ever

i’m literally... so excited I can’t even read it ok ok

oh no not the wedding invitations not this

i swear to god if we have to go through this wedding. knifeemoji

listen I have a fear that we’re gonna get the break up and the car accident same as canon dear god don’t put us through that either

no fears *literally everything that could make bhah more painful* several fears dot meme

god not the jamie invite. she cant even do it. another sign from god you are choosing to ignore

straight to Jamie’s house oh

lmao the red door I just worked out that’s a hill house reference from when I was wondering in like ch3(?) lol the inner workings of my dumbass brain never stop

“can we talk?” it’s happening what is happening

Dani was so tired of lying oh my god

my heart is literally beating so fast

alone in Jamie’s room bro wtf wtf

Jamie is just so soft and understanding always always aaaahhhhh

fuck she just wants out of this wedding so bad but she can’t even tell him

AAAHHH SHE KISSED HER OH MY GOD IT’S HAPPENING

fuck fgkjhdfkjgh this is not good oh no. Dani finally finally fucking doing something for herself and Jamie so aware that this cannot be happening like this right now

and yet both of them just falling into it anyway oh my goddddd

jesus christ jesus christ “Dani had half crawled into Jamie’s lap, kissing her with a fierce and fervent heat” I am on deaths door

god they’ve both wanted this for so so so so long I can’t believeeeeee

(i am so thrilled that y’all just went there right away btw)

“Please, just - I just want to feel how I’m supposed to.” oucchhhh Dani

god her just... knowing. after one kiss w Jamie that she can finally do it and talk to him and end it and it’s so terrifying but goddd yes

“You think I can ever say no to you?” oof

“Ask,” Jamie breathed. “Ask me.” fucking fuck the power of this line oh my god Jamie is so fucking ready to jump of a bridge for her it’s- the dedication the love the longing the everything I am going insane is it too early to start drinking at 1pm

you’re not you can’t NOT THE CANON DINER SCENE

fuck this is like watching a car crash i can’t look away it’s so fucking visceral and nerve-wracking and painful

but god I’m so proud of her for finally saying what she wants

oh thank fuck y’all didn’t take him out with a passing delivery truck

“You must have known. You know me.” oh god this sentiment always kills me

“She couldn’t say it — the words ‘I’m gay’ forever out of reach — so instead she said, “I can’t.”” my whole body is on fire oh my god this is.... too fucking real

jesus christ the near miss w the truck are u trying to kill me (i actually kind of love that Dani will have to deal w her feelings w him face to face instead of having to bury it all in grief like in canon I am so excited to see how y’all handle that)

a fucking HOUR in the car dfkjghdfkjh the torture

oh honey. literally both of them suffering so much ouch

her favourite saucepan pls this is all so awful and sad but that make me laugh so much the poor confused little duck I am glad she has her comforts

god poor Dani

"Is she here to cook something?"  fgkjdhfkgjhfkjgdf

“No. I think you’re brave.” oh

“We’ll figure it out." listen listen I am undoubtedly losing my mind god this is soft

“She had spent so long being asked and not asking. Never asking. She never dared. To ask was to be known, to be made visible, words forging reality as surely as a smith’s hammer. And yet Jamie waited, letting Dani gather the courage herself.

"Can I -?" Dani said, "- stay?"” please fuck I am just so !!!!!!!! about Dani getting to know what she wants and having a fucking voice. just !!!!!!!!

“Jamie inviting her in” fucking just both of them finally getting some of that quiet courage w each other I am yelling so much

“Dani knew that it wasn't just her feeling this, that it had never just been her.” YOU’RE GODDAMN RIGHT BABEY

““But you do?” Dani asked. “Want to?”

Jamie’s answering laugh was brief and incredulous. “You have no idea.”” I AM: HOOTIN. AND: HOLLERIN

“I am here” hello? hello I am not coping I am on another plane of existence. DANI FINALLY FEELING SO PRESENT AND WHOLE IN THIS MOMENT

god they’re just holding each other i’m tearing up. Jamie is her home

Dani finally sleeping through the night ow my fucking heart

Mikey’s so chill about all of this sdkdhfdkj I love him

Jamie going out n buying her favourite jam... god the tenderness. love is stored in the strawberry jam and the hairdryer

hmmmmm her attraction to Jamie is so closely tied to a lot of really hard feelings this is gonna take a bit to work through huh???

aw Jamie going to Carson I am so happy she has her little band of gays to help her rn

I love that she can just kiss her now when she gets the urge like maybe chill out a lil just landing all these surprise kisses but like good for u girl. good for both of u

the warmth of the house hmmmmm I love that she’s found this esp because she is perpetually cold and Jamie is always warm but keeps it like that for the kid (and probably for Dani too) aaahhhh

cgjkdfhkjgh Dani is so thirsty poor Jamie trying to keep them in check. these moments are so fucking loaded holy shit

Dani Jamie and Mikey are the cuuutest lil family aw

god the tentativeness between them trying to figure this all out and the casual intimacy and just. all of it is so much and so beautiful to watch unfold

i love this little bubble inside Jamie’s house and Jamie kind of drawing the curtains around them both physically and metaphorically while she lets Dani figure things out and lets it settle between them

it’s all about the hands

oh my god Hannah instantly asking if she needs a place to stay she really is the best

soft little mornings with her Jamie like... once Dani finally defeats the ball of guilt in her chest there is so much goodness to look forward to and I am v glad she has that right now even as she is still struggling a bit. my girl needs all the sweetness in her life

also the idea of Jamie getting to wake up to sleeping Dani in her bed every morning after a lifetime of trying to repress her feelings... god

heh she’s already figuring out all the ways to push Jamie’s buttons god these two are going to have some fun w each other

this idea of learning the creaking floorboards of a new home is so... warm

Jamie leaving all the curtains drawn for her oh my heart keeping her safe keeping her safe

Nan would be so proud of ms Dani u know it’s true

awww Mikey comin home to keep her company

Mikey Dani time is always so sweet I love them

my god Dani n Jamie are so intense w each other and just so full of fucking desire... when those floodgates finally open will they even survive

oof Dani is dealing with soooo much ugh. Jamie always there with a gentle way to bring her back down to earth tho my hearrrtttt

“You’re allowed to be happy.” she is SHE IS ty Jamie Taylor voice of reason

a pinky promise to deal with everything together awwww

“why are you so good to me” “you know why” oh my goddddddd. that’s so soft that’s so gentle that’s so much love

Dani finding little bits in herself in media god i love this

Dani Mikey hours best hours

god Carson... sweet boy. And Judy sending over a whole bunch of food oof just. these quiet little reminders of their love for her. Dani’s about to go through a whole bunch more emotions huh?

fkjdfkjgfh Mikey going into protector mode when Carson is there pls i love hm

ohmy “our room” aaaaaaahhhhh

god Dani expecting him to be upset with her I am so fucking emotional. I relate far too much to Dani in canon and in this story and it’s just. painful as hell to see someone go through the things you know hurt the most holy shit

please Carson is so sweet and understanding and telling her he’s proud of her is making me cry so much I can barely see

this whole like.. uncomfortable but relief-filled kind of coming out between her and Carson is so so beautifully done I can’t stop fucking crying

“God, you two were agony to watch.”  fglkdfgkjdfhkjgh Carson a voice of the people

“You deserve to be happy.” - Carson and also me and also everyone reading this

god he is so wonderful!!!!!! this reminder that she’s not alone and everything will be ok!!!!!!! Carson I love you so much

the box being described as “the beating heart of their childhood“ god the imagery

Jamie so sweetly making room for her and welcoming her into a home I am emotional again the tears have really been unlocked now I’m gonna be a mess the whole rest of this chapter (i say as if I haven’t been already)

the really sweet way Jamie gets her to open up and trust her with the things that have been on her mind

and Dani doing the same for her god this gentle honest space between them makes my heart feel so full I am just so happy that they’ve got each other

“I want you to stay.” please (also now I’m thinking about AE putting Stay on her Jamie playlist jesus christ I am being tortured)

they get... to wake up.... in bed together. i’m so close to crying again when will this stop

i kind of love there hasn’t really been any like... just no more kissing u know but we still get this insane intimacy between them in a way that’s not them shying away from the way they want each other but so carefuly and sweetly and honestly coming towards each other

awww them always waking up all tangled is so cuuute (also Dani feeling so safe and comfy with her that her subconscious is like lets latch on she is good she is home)

lmao Dani having to mediate between these two dweebs and their playfights is so good

Jamie having her lil family surrounding her aww

(also i just noticed the rating change oh god)

sfkjfhdg Jamie looking at her hips all dark eyes and wanting we’ve all been there girl

“you can look” BOLD DANI MY BELOVED

god these two........ the grabbing her silver chain god @ google how to breathe properly??????

“Then show me.” oh my god

fkgjhdfkj so much electricity they shorted out the power

“this is just as nice” when they’re just hugging please they are so soft

i love that there’s just like... gentle soft banter between them in these quiet moments so much

“Dani, give him more homework.”  ghrfjkhjgkjgh

god the heated cheek kiss

this ‘game of chicken’ god they’re just.... really in it huh this is so fun

hmmm Dani going through the suitcases and sort of being able to bring some of herself/her past into this new place is so nice

heh this lil family and their snowfights are so cute

:( she can’t bring herself to eat Judy’s food

Jamie bringing her flowers oh soft

ugh they’re just so softly melting into being together it’s so sweeeeeeeet

“You’re lovely.” and the way Jamie just sinks into her with Dani’s fingers in her hair pleeease I am dying this is so warm

aaaahhhh they’re dancing soft soft soft

“gray eyes fluttered closed, as though the weight of Dani’s touch was too much to bear” god i am..... aaaahhhh

“a gentle calm settling within her. It had seemed that for all her life she had waited for the quiet of this” y’all this is so beautiful and lovely and wonderful and all the good things

ah that kiss. kinda feels like their first real kiss where they just get to be god I am so happy “a profound sense of finally” oh oh oh that’s such a pretty concept

god I love how much they just want each other that second kiss and them just all over each other is perfect and having to try and reel that in and being able to because they know it’s not going anywhere please it’s so so good

god Dani vs Desert Hearts I love this callback and the entirely different circumstances of her watching it again

dsjfhdkjfh oh no Dani losing her mind at Jamie touching her knee god these two have got the biggest storm coming

dfkdjhkgdjh god them like.... trying to take things slow but still letting things happen while having to be aware of Mikey is so funny but I kinda love it and how indicative it all is of them being so grown up and able to approach their relationship in such a mature way. as much as I wish they’d had their teenage love story I do like that it’s unfolding this way now.

“it struck Dani then that she couldn’t remember ever laughing while doing this.” aww

Mikey’s “oh gross” hahahaha poor kid

god this is so funny

“ferret kid” jamie why are u like this sfkjhdfkjf

oh lordt it seems we have reached the unabashedly horny phase good show ol’ chaps

god they’re still so soft tho this is so fun to read

i looove how flustered they both make each other w just their presence. it’s just so !!!!!!

lmao Dani knowing exactly what to do to drive Jamie insane is fdkgfdkjgh perfect amazing show stopping more neck kisses more teasing more barely restrained desire i love it

“the reckless rush of being in each other’s arms” AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

lmaooooo Mikey Jamie is going to lock you outside if u keep doing this

the fact it can just fade back to comfortable companionship too is like. ugh i love them together

“Yeah. You can touch me whenever you want.” oh jesus

“No more interruptions, no more waiting, no more holding back.” it’s happening god it’s happening everyone stay calm (also the slow build to this point has been so fucking perfect y’all are writerly geniuses)

lmao Dani is like please can we just get naked why do u want to watch a movie I am literally right here

oh she is not waiting anymore THAT’S MY GIRL GO GET EVERYTHING YOU’VE EVER WANTED I LOVE YOU

“What do you want?” god the tension

aaaaahhhhh just. them being so out of their minds with want but still all nervous and wanting to check in but still just. wanting this so much god this is *chef’s kiss*

lmao Dani already having the hair pulling thing figured out is so good. poor Jamie lol is she even going to survive this

god the fact they’re both still fully clothed n still getting this fucked up just making out n grinding on each other I love this for them

mum just came in to tell me dinner is ready I AM ALREADY EATIN GOOD

lmao fuck I am just... so thrilled for Dani finally getting to experience this get ur whole world rocked baby u deserve this

thumb in her mouth i-

“my idiot” pls that’s so soft

“You have me.” i know this is like. horny but it’s also so romantic sfgkjhdfkjg

ayoooo Jamie’s tattoo excuse me while I lose my mind a lil bit

my god Dani is so impatient to get her naked I love her for it so much “I just want to feel you”... ma’am

Jamie being all nervous is so cute aw

god having this lil moment where they just call each other beautiful n get all cute about it while they’re fully naked n grinding on each other.... perfection

god I can’t stop thinking about every other mention of Dani having sex w Eddie and it just being like adequate or like her not letting him touch her and now LOOK AT MY BABY GO SHE’S REALLY HAVIN THE TIME OF HER LIFE LITERALLY BEGGING TO BE TOUCHED LET’S GO LESBIANS LET’S GO

I feel like I’m like cheering Jamie on rn sfjkghdfkj u guys need anything? some snacks? a condom?? ur doing great!!

Dani crying and thanking her like this is an acceptance speech love that for her

Jamie kissing all over her face aww

I can’t believe this whole chapter is them just getting to fall in love for real

“I want to taste you” i am blushing goddamn Jamie get it

oh my god the dream. she’s literally living out her dreams

“that same focused intensity that could make kingdoms fall” I love that Jamie is just as into getting Dani off as Dani is getting off lmao GOOD FOR THEM

Dani: desperately tryin to get Jamie off. Jamie: are u sure u want to tho??? miss ma’am let the girl touch u already she deserves it (but i do love that she’s always just like.... never wanting to make Dani do anything she doesn’t wholeheartedly want to)

“You sitting here on top of me like this is doing more for me than you can imagine.”  iconic jamie moment

Jamie literally just like.... ‘you can do whatever you want to figure this out’ is so sweet I love her capacity for just. giving herself over to Dani in every way (not just the horny ones) to let her forge her own path

“It was easy to understand now, the exhilaration of it, why people went crazy for it.” god I love this for her so much everything just falling into place

they’re so soft n comfy together and it’s all just so right and lovely

i love that once they’ve started they basically can’t stop honestly get it girls u deserve all the orgasms

“When did you know?” “Sixteen years.” oof my heart she’s known the whole time aaahhhh. all these lil memories god it really was all out of love I could cry. and Jamie admitting the scarf/scar thing whew she really carried around that moment on her face for the whole world to see (also lol at Dani being so fixated on it this whole time that’s so perfect)

heh they’re so cute with their lil teasing banter exchange

lol goddamn this so so spicy I am just dfklghfjkdjghkjdf (that is to say well fucking done I can’t even speak rn)

Jamie just being like you could literally just look at me and I am turned on I... love this whole situation for her so much

god they’re really just going all in Dani is getting like the.... lesbian sex speed run amen

oh god not Karen on the phone just hang up Dani do it do it

god she is so evil

omg she told her abt Jamie go off Dani I am v v proud of u right now

and she hung up on her godbless babe i LOVE your audacity

heh Jamie so transfixed by Dani’s lil purple sweater and skirt I love her

Dani u are such a tease sfkgjdfkg good 4 u tbh

awwww she got Dani’s desk for her oh my god that’s so lovely

Dani n Jamie being entirely not subtle over dinner w their lingering glances and Carson just laughing at them fkjghdkfjgh i love it. he’s so happy for them even w his teasing aw

aaahhh i just love Jamie giving her this space and this room in the house and Dani feeling so right in it

oooh an almost “I love you” god they’re just fuckin u-haulin in love perfection huh

and now we’re back to horny hours love this for them. gotta bless that desk somehow huh!?

i love the mentions of all this soft stuff about belonging when they’re about to rail each other it really rounds it out emotionally

“Get on your knees.” OH MY GOD THE JAMIE ON HER KNEES REDEMPTION MOMENT IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING

HELL YEAH IT IS this is truly what we all deserve

oh my god literally ripping her clothes off her fuck i love how desperate they are for each other and just how into this they both are always

dfgkjdfh jesus Dani are u ever going to be able to get work done at this desk again after Jamie does.... all of this to u on it

“Good girl.” the single most powerful sentence in the lesbian language

jesus christ this is still so incredibly steamy sdflkhskhg it never ends. and them like.... experiementing a bit w some different um. approaches? lol good 4 them good 4 them (and us)

my god them instantly getting all soft after about making each other happy please they’re so dang cute

ok love that we are also getting Dani on her knees it’s equality.gif

this little “I like you” “I like you too” confession right now is... so fucking soft and like... after everything they’ve gone through they still have the power to kinda knock each other off their feet w lil things like this huh?? sappy lil shits

oh no Judy I am scared

holy shit Dani “Didn't think you'd love me anymore” owwww my heart

god Judy is such a good mama I love her so much. reassuring her she’s still a part of the family my god I am so emo. she loves her so much

aw I love this lil shared bathroom scene after so many awkward moments w Dani and Eddie in their bathroom and so many mentions of her fogged reflection. things are finally clear and it’s wonderful!!

lol Jamie well if u didn’t want Dani to get all horny u shouldn’t have worn suspenders!!!!! it’s simple math!

god Dani has changed so much this chapter which only takes place over a couple of weeks right?!?!? after so much anxiety and being so unsure of herself this is so fucking beautiful to see

stop the car thing oh my godddd. she doesn’t even care about having her own cause she’s so happy w the person she’s sharing with I’m so overwhelmingly happy

“You’re perfect.” please I will cry this chapter was so perfect (also so are the memes I cackled so much)

[danzinora-switch]

Typing the Turtles (ROTTMNT) Part 3 - Leonardo

This started out as an investigation into the turtles’ insecurities, because one thing the show does so well is demonstrate that they are still teenagers. And being a teenager is a confusing experience - there’s angst, drama, exploring one’s identity, a lot of growth, and overall figuring out who you are. That’s a messy process, too! And we see this mess in our turtles: they mess up, they’re learning, they self-doubt, they have fears and insecurities, but they’re also discovering their strengths and how to overcome their inner obstacles.

So after thinking about all this way too long, here’s my psychological breakdown of each turtle (I’ll be referencing MBTI and the Enneagram a ton, but will include links for more general information on those if you don’t know what I’m talking about). 

Parts One and Two found on the links for Raph and Don.

Leo: ESTP, 3w2

The Achiever, the Entrepreneur, the Charmer, the Explorer

I’ve wanted to say this for a long time: Leo is such a 3, he is such a 3 it hurts, oh my goodness. Read this: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-3 and tell me that isn’t Leo to a T.

It took me a little longer to figure out the MBTI for him, but he has a lot of similarities with the ESTP. This does mean we need to step away from the ‘frat bro’ stereotype of ESTPs, though. They are a lot more keen than convention would suggest.

Really, a big thing with Leo is his need to be The Best. What that means, to him, is normally something physically-related. He needs to be the best at sports or performing certain moves, which we see in episodes like The Longest Fight where he bets he can pull off the impossible skateboard move, or Shell in a Cell where he asserts he can out-perform Ghostbear. Additionally, episodes like Air Turtle really showcase the ugly side of his competitiveness. But he also desires physical perfection. He is rather image-conscious, fretting about his body in Stuck on You, and routinely referring to himself as the team’s Faceman. The biggest example of this was his idea for a disguise in Hidden City Job: the Turtle Adonis. An adonis is considered the peak physical ideal, handsome and attractive to boot. If this drive doesn’t scream Enneagram Three I don’t know what does.

Leo at his worst: Leo’s competitive side can certainly get the best of him. We see this in episodes like Air Turtle, where his ‘win at all costs’ attitude starts to alienate him from the group. Raph has also described him as a ‘poor winner’ which refers to his tendency to gloat when he does beat out the competition, or was proven right (Bug Busters, The Gumbus, You Got Served, LAIR GAMES). He’s smug, gloating, and when he does lose tries to wiggle out of it through technicalities. The one time he says something isn’t a competition is after Mikey beats him at Skateball (You Got Served). And when he ‘loses’ the Lair Games, Donnie’s win comes with a catch that Leo built in.

Threes do this for approval and validation, though, and we see that underlying his need to be the team’s Champion in Minotaur Maze and Portal Jacked! “I’m nothing without them!” he cries to Hueso. “What good is a team with just a Faceman?” Threes have a need to distinguish themselves from others, to be admired, to have attention, so that they then feel valuable and worthwhile. Other people, then, are necessary. When Leo wants to get on the Wall of Champions in Minotaur Maze, his brothers factor in to his unmet needs. “...because what good is being a Champion if you can’t rub it in your brothers’ faces?” Leo doesn’t just need to be The Best… he needs others to acknowledge it, as well.

Average Leo: He’s got a practical eye for situations and the quickness to adapt and act as needed. The ESTP is known for being bold as well as perceptive. We see this in fight scenes such as Battle Nexus: New York when he is quick to determine that physical comedy is the key to making the sprite laugh and immediately changing his approach.

He also displays a remarkable amount of common sense when making decisions. In Origami Tsunami, as the guys discuss becoming heroes, he’s the one who shoots down ideas until they reach a more achievable goal: taking on paper thieves. And he’s got a point, can you imagine the turtles taking on a spine-breaker or mangler at that point in time? When everyone else is blinded by ideals concerning fixing the Mutant Menace, he’s the only one who asks “anybody down for staying home during the anti-mutant panic?” Of course, he still goes along with their adventure, because ESTP’s live in The Moment, so why not?

Something else that I want to mention is Leo’s appreciation for the Machiavellian. He has an incredibly intuitive grasp on it, and actively appreciates twists, turns, betrayals and deceptions. His love for magic probably stems from this (The Clothes Don’t Make the Turtle) and he is the only one enjoying the series of betrayals in Warren & Hypno Sitting in a Tree. Hidden City Job also expands on the fact that Leo doesn’t have a problem with betrayal, as he revels about brotherly betrayal happening all the time. He’s cool with being betrayed… just know that he can betray you back. It’s all fair game.

This can have upsides and downsides. On the upside, his understanding of trickery can lead to brilliant plans and solutions such as what we saw in Many Unhappy Returns, where he was able to outsmart Big Mama herself. On the downside, this kind of behavior is not always the best move - his family does not appreciate being left out of the loop of his schemes, or actively being manipulated as part of them (Leo’s plan in Many Unhappy Returns worked, but he still left his brothers alone and exhausted, and did not consider the emotional effect it would have on Splinter being sent back into the arena). At that point it’s no wonder he asks “why does no one trust me?” Because you tend to have an angle, ‘Nardo. Be careful how you use that.

He is also incredibly persuasive. This is partly why I feel he is a 3 wing 2, ‘The Charmer’ because he knows how to communicate to get what he wants. When used for the right reasons, we see him settle discord such as cooling the mobs in You Got Served or apologize when he knows an apology is needed (Todd Scouts, Air Turtle, Hidden City Job). We see it used neutrally (and a bit skeptically) in Many Unhappy Returns when he declares he’ll just go to see Big Mama and “turn up the Leo”. It can also be used deceptively, however. Todd Scouts shows this when Leo is the one who convinces Todd that they’re ready to kick things up a notch by going out alone… when really they just want to get away from him. He’ll also use words to get under people’s skins: dismissing Warren Stone in Stuck on You, but also pointing out Donnie’s beach ball fear in Mind Meld. He knows which words will get the responses he wants, for better or for worse.

Leo at his Best: Leo is the team’s motivator. He’s the one giving the others the pep-talks and encouragement they need to continue (Origami Tsunami, Finale: Rise). Donnie said it best after Leo’s redemption in Air Turtle: “your confidence is giving me confidence!”

Because that’s the healthy thing about Threes: they strive to reach their own full potential, which also inspires others to reach theirs. Leo doesn’t like to fail/lose, but he won’t let anyone else succumb, either. He has the most confidence in each Mad Dog’s ability. “I knew you guys could handle it!” he says in Many Unhappy Returns, and points out with amazing accuracy just what his brothers are capable of. He not only believes in himself, he believes in those around him. And he’s able to inspire them when they’re feeling down about their own abilities or not enthused about the task (see his speech about standing up for the paper men in Origami Tsunami).

This also includes encouragement and compliments in other areas. Regarding the Shell Hogs: “Donnie, these are amazing! And I know everything I say sounds sarcastic, but I’m being completely genuine this time” (Stuck on You). When Mikey isn’t sure Hypno will like him: “What? Of course he will, you’re adorable!” (Newsworthy). To Raph, “Does this place have smoke detectors? Because you’re on fire, Big Daddy!” (The Clothes Don’t Make the Turtle).

He’s also able to step in and take charge when Raph falls because he can see what action needs to be taken (that practical and observant, yet bold ESTP side coming in). When Raph gets separated in the sewers, Leo’s the one who doesn’t treat it casually and gets the others moving to find him (Man vs Sewer). When his older brother is hypnotized by Hypno in Stuck on You, he quickly reacts and tells Mikey and Donnie what the plan is and enacts it. We see this leader potential grow bit by bit, and his awareness of each individual’s role on the team allows him to step back from areas that he knows aren’t his forte: Raph can handle the ‘teamwork’ stuff, Donnie has got the technical know-how, and Mikey takes care of positive outlook for any situation. Leo can keep things fun and inspire confidence. His puns help lighten the mood, his jokes break the ice of tense situations, and he never stops believing in their own abilities, which keeps them all going (Donnie’s Gifts, Many Unhappy Returns).

Leo Relationships:

(While Leo has a competitive episode with each of his brothers: Shell in a Cell, Lair Games, and You Got Served, there is more going on than just that).

Raph: Both Leo and Raph have strong gut feelings that can be blindsided. Leo picks up immediately that Big Mama is not trustworthy while Raph is more than happy to believe her, but Leo is blinded by his fan-love for Jupiter Jim to realize that Marcus Montcrief is a crazy and suspicious adult, which Raph becomes aware of early on (Bug Busters, Jupiter Jim Ahoy!). They both can be a little too head-first when diving into plans, such as checking out the creepy bus in One Man’s Junk or doing their best to help April in Hypno: Part Deux. But they do trust each other to have each other’s backs, and there’s (thankfully!) no Leo vs Angst in this version of their characters. It really allows them to be comfortable with each other (and egg each other on with more than just missions: see the pizza pigeon in Mind Meld).

Donnie: In some ways Leo acts like a foil for Donnie. His own natural confidence counterbalances a lot of his twin’s insecurities. They butt heads over it, sure, with Donnie perhaps taking things too seriously and Leo seemingly not taking them seriously enough, but I like I said in Donnie’s typing: one’s chill and one’s uptight. There’s a ton of back and forth between them: they are the epitome of siblings fighting one minute and getting up to no good together the next (Example from The Mystic Library: Leo grooves out with Donnie’s rap one moment and tries to get him kicked off the team in the next scene). They may antagonize each other in Lair Games, Smart Lair, the beginning of Snow Day and Hidden City Job, and so much more, but also demonstrate brotherly love (and antics) in Operation: Normal, the end of Hidden City Job and Smart Lair, and, of course, Battle Nexus: New York. “For Donnie’s honor!”

Mikey: Leo sticks up for Mikey a fair amount, especially to Raph. He supports Mikey trying to open the portal in Mystic Mayhem, and going out on his first solo mission in Hot Soup: The Game. We actually need more Leo and Mikey episodes; of the two we have one is a competition episode (You Got Served), and The Gumbus has Leo tag along intent on proving Mikey wrong. It seems they like to hang out during the down time a lot, as they play in the arcade and skateboard off-screen in episodes such as Mrs. Cuddles, You Got Served, Mind Games, and Sparring Partner. And of course, we have the gripping image of Leo protecting Mikey’s shell with his own in Battle Nexus: New York. I’d really like to see them get up to more shenanigans, though. (hint, hint @nickelodeon​, @netflix​).

Ultimately, Leo is a confident, competitive turtle striving to reach his full potential. He is normally great at encouraging his brothers to do the same, and devising grand strategies, but tends to forget the emotional effects his actions can have on them, especially if he gets carried away on his quest to be The Best. He’s still learning, and these traits will likely flesh out as he grows into a more leader-like role.

For more information on the ESTP and Enneagram 3 personality types, click here:

https://www.16personalities.com/estp-personality

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-3

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-3-wing-2

https://ih0.redbubble.net/image.155775924.2701/flat,800x800,070,f.u5.jpg

[ashby389]

Let’s get married when we turn 18

So angst tuesday is the theme here we go by the way again it’s a little long please bear with it I cried while writing this

Takemicchi stood in front of Mikey who was sitting on a pile of debris the first thing he noticed about him was how thin he was. Mikey wasn’t the same person he was when he left after defeating Valhalla. He looked resigned bags under his eyes and no light in his eyes. If Mikey is here where is S/O? They were inseparable “Never one without the other” as the quote goes. “Mikey......Have you been well”? he asked. Mikey stared at him there was something wrong the look in his eyes were off some how. “Yeah” was his only reply. Takemicchi started to feel overwhelmed and try as he might he felt the familiar burning behind his eyes. “I’m sorry” he blurted out. Trying to wipe the tears away so he didn’t make more of a fool of himself. “Still the same crybaby you never change huh” said Mikey. (I’m not trying to plagiarize so I’m tweaking a few of the word) Takemicchi looked up at Mikey again he was resting his chin on the palm of his hand with a smile on his face. Takemicchi grinned back at him he was happy to se that smile again. Mikey stood up and put his hands in his pockets he felt the cool metal of the gun he had in one of the pockets. “I brought you here because I need to ask you for a favor ”he said. This confused Takemicchi because normally Mikey either asked Draken or S/O to do things for him. Which again is the question Where is S/O. Naoto had no information on their where about for the last year. “A favor”? he asked. Mikey looked around with a sadder smile. “I brought S/O a couple of times to tell and show her things about Shinichiro it was nostalgic for a time. When we were young we fought we learned things laughed and cried together. That’s how Toman grew” he said with a closed eye smile. Takemicchi stared at Mikey with hope and a smile on his face. Mikey in his eyes was still the same there is no way he killed Mitsuya and the others. The Mikey of now is still the Mikey I got to know in Toman he didn’t change. Mikey looked up at the sky through the opening from above clouds moved so slowly his eyes went blank for a second. “Toman changed so much” he mumbled. This shocked Takemicchi he gave Mikey a confused look. “Huh”? Mikey looked back at him with a smile. “Hey Takemitchy why did you leave Toman? I wanted us to stay together I wanted you to stay with me like a big brother would” “W-w-what”? He left Toman? Why would he- “I tried to fix everything myself without S/O’s help they were stressed enough but I couldn’t control everything. It made me realize I’m never going to be like I was in the past” he said. “Mikey what do you mean”?. Mikey’s hair covered his eyes tht wer filled with the same darkness he used to fight to keep at bay. “ I tried to stop you from leaving Toman but Mitsuya and Draken tried to stop me which was a mistake” he said. (I know im skipping the flash back but yall wanna know what happened to S/O) No no no no no is the only words going through Takemicchi’s head when he realized what that meant. “Those two-” “Were the last.....I’m the one that killed them. The Toman from before is gone I made sure of it ” Does that mean he killed S/O too no way he would never! They were talking about actually getting married when they turned eighteen but Mikey didn’t have a ring or anything. What the hell kind of reality did we create? Thoughts just kept running in his mind. “That’s why I want you to stop me” Mikey walked down from the debris and stood right in front of him. With a smile he said. “Kill me” “What happened to S/O” he asked. A light sparked in Mikey’s eyes but just as quick as it came it was gone. “I want it all to end here. My dream” “Mikey what happened to S/O what did you do to them? I just wanted to see you again and now your asking me to kill you! Where is S/O why aren’t they here with you”? Mikey started to feel his heart shattering the more Takemicchi said their name. It made him remember their smile how they would call him my love unless he was in trouble then it was Manjiro. “Hakkai said the same thing before I killed him. I remember when I first killed someone I felt nothing. It worried S/O they tried over nd over again to get me to talk They stayed with me even after finding out that I killed all of our friends. When I told them that things were easier when you kill those who get in our way” Takemicchi grabbed Mikey’s shoulders and stared at him tears falling. “No it’s not true you haven’t changed S/O would have stopped you they would never have let you do all those things! So why are you talking about murder and all that bullshit! S/O would have- Mikey flipped him over his shoulder slamming him on the ground taking out his gun her pushed it against his cheek and glared down at Takemitchy. “Don’t you get it? I killed S/O” he declared. That shook Takemicchi to his core but if what he said about the others was true. Mikey put another gun next to him. ”Take the gun because if you don’t kill me I will kill you” he said. Mikey had tears in his eyes they fell on his cheeks everything mikey was doing was contradicting with what he told Takemicchi.  “We can’t go back in time no matter how much we want to” BANG!! Mikey felt the burning of the bullet as it went into the side of his head(I don’t know medical stuff so please don’t ding me for this) Mikey blacked out for a couple of seconds he heard someone screaming his name. Opening his eyes again he saw Takemicchi holding him it made him happy not to be alone. “Thank you Tachibana Naoto, Takemitchy wouldn’t have been able to do it....Finally” “Mikey please tell me where S/O is I can call them to meet us” said Takemicchi. Mikey had the saddest look in his eyes as tears fell from his eyes. “They’re gone Takemicchi- “You would never have hurt them- “I lied when I said I killed them but I might as well have” The wound was bleeding more the blood spread down Takemicchi’s fingers onto the dirt floor. Mikey looked to the side Takemicchi’s eyes followed to the spot next to them there was dried blood next to them. How? How didn’t he notice it? Mikey reached out and touched the spot.

                                               FLASHBACK

S/O walked into the same place Mikey and Takemicchi were on the phone. “Listen we don’t have much time left can you do this one last favor for me”? “Yes I know but I need to get Mikey away from them I knew Kisaki was a piece of shit but that other bastard pun intended is worse than him! He’s twisting Mikey up so badly that he doesn’t know left from right” S/O looked at her hand Mikey had proposed to then a couple of nights ago and that solidified their stance they need to leave Japan with Mikey even if they have to drug him. He can be as mad as he wants with them away from the parasites known as Izana  Kurokawa and Tetta Kisaki. “Look if this fails i’ll take the heat for it Mikey might have done horrible things but he would never kill me even if Izana and Kisaki told him too. I gotta go Mikey’s supposed to meet me here soon I’ll broch the topic when I see him for now get everything ready” They hung up sighing it’s for the best after all the bullshit they went though. Clapping came out of nowhere turning they saw said parasites both with big grins Izana clapping. “Wouldn’t have said it better myself unfortunately your right he wont kill you no matter how many times we tell him too” said Kisaki. S/O shrugged putting their phone away. “Being their S/O and best friend since before Draken comes with the territory but tell me something. Have either of you ever had that someone that is your person? That you didn’t have to break to be loyal and love you they just did out of reflex. The one you can always count on to have your back? Someone that will be in the cell next door of you get caught with a plan that gets both of you out or neither of you? That person that will walk through hell with a smile on their face while holding you hand the whole time. Or go to the heavens and laugh with you talking about the good time the bad and the complicated. Your ride or die? Or someone that will always choose you over everyone else no matter what? That is who Mikey and I are to each other so whatever your scheming now to try and break us up again it won’t work. Mikey will never leave me for you” they said glaring at them. The more she spoke the more hatred they had of S/O. Kisaki because of Hinata, Izana because of how deep the loyalty and love Mikey had for S/O. Izana chuckled and stood right in front of them taking a step back S/O was met with a wall they looked up Kakucho Hitto. HE looked sad because at one point they had started to become real friends They glared at Izana. “So you brought your lap dog with you too” they hissed. “Now that’s just mean S/O you might hurt his feelings” said Kisaki with a smirk. “I’m sorry” said Izana looking right in their eyes. This baffled S/O Izana  Kurokawa apologizing it wasn’t just them Kisaki and Kakucho looked confused as well. “I’ve been a terrible brother in law I know it’s a little sudden but now that Mikey proposed maybe we could start over”? he asked smiling. BULLSHIT came to mind Izana always made it very clear that he wanted them gone. At the same time though they had to think about the plan if this was legit it will be easier to get Mikey out. “What are you playing at Izana”? demanded Kisaki teeth clenched enraged. “Shinichiro would have wanted us to get along and be there for Mikey” was the only thing he said. He spread out his arms with a smile. “We should hug it out like families do” he said. They felt movement behind them and they looked at Kisaki he was grinning. S/O felt the air move and heard the crunching of the dirt they moved. Kakucho had a knife in his hand whirling out of the way they spun kicked Kakucho in the rids as hard s they could. Oh the joy they felt when they heard the crunching of his ribs and the snarling pain he felt. S/O made tried to run this was an assassination they realized. They weren’t fast enough Kisaki body slammed then into the dirt dragging them up. S/O kicked wildly screaming as loud as they could trying to elbow Kisaki to let them go. The hope was Mikey would already be near by and would hear that they were in trouble. Mikey had just arrived but he didn’t hear S/O screaming. “Hmm I wonder why wifey wanted to meet here” he asked himself happily. He was so excited finally after waiting all this time since thy were kids he knew that S/O would be the one he would spend the rest of his life with. They would marry have children grandchildren. He knew he didn’t deserve to be happy after all the terrible things he did but he wanted to be selfish and be happy for once after so long. The best part he’s marrying his soulmate cheesy yes but true. He started walking in the building. “Izana please don’t do this to him”! they yelled. Izana walked over to where kakucho was laying glaring down at him Izana picked up the knife. Kakuch scrambled to get up he helped kisaki steady them “No Kakucho please please your not like them! He won’t survive this please” they begged screaming and crying. Kakucho couldn’t meet their eyes a lump forming in his throat and a familiar burn in his eyes. “Wow what a change of heart after that passionate speech S/O” said Izana walking towards them. “Izana please don’t do this Mikey is your brother” they begged. “Yes but like you said he will always choose you over me and I can’t have that. He is my Shinichiro” he said glaring. “The real Shinichiro and Emma would never have wanted this- A horrible burning sensation went through her mid section. They looked down Izana stabbed them pulling out the knife he plunged it in again and again and again. S/O had never seen so much of their blood until now. Kakucho and Kisaki dropped S/O who fell to their knees. Izana held the knife admiring it and the blood. That’s the scene Mikey walked into his heart dropped when he saw S/O drop to the ground coughing up blood. Izana saw mikey still smiling he said. “Hello brother don’t worry everything will be fine now” he said. Mikey ran to S/O falling to his knees he picked them up there was blood everywhere. “We should leave let them say goodbye see you soon little brother I hope now you understand i’m the only family you have left” said izana smirking. Kisaki followed him. Kakucho stood the for a moment and bowed he was so full of regret he thought S/O was a good person but in the end good people in their world never last long. “Hey wifey wake up please” he begged quietly crying. S/O opened their eyes and looked at Mikey. “What took you my love”? “Ha I was asleep i’m sorry baby” he said. “You will always be a child my love that’s what made me fall in love with you that and when you would hold me just like this I always felt safe and protected” thy whispered. “I couldn’t protect you this time” he cried. S/O smiled gently they raised their hand to touch his cheek. “Silly love you couldn’t have known that they would be here” “I should have guessed they always hated you” “Manjiro enough” He looked into S/O’s eyes the bright lights in them dulling. “I want you to promise me three things” they said. Mikey took their hand and kissed their knuckles nodding, “One don’t go after Kisaki or Izana” S/O- “No- they started to cough with more blood. “Okay okay” he said trying to calm them down. “Second Find Takemicchi make sure he is okay I don’t trust them not to hurt him” “Ha of course you would think about the cry baby hero” he said with a watery smile. “He was my favorite after you and Draken I spoiled you three equally....mostly you” “You are my wifey so obligations fall on you” That made S/O smile they loved Mikey so much it just hurts so badly that they didn’t even get married and now they are going to leave Mikey behind. “The last thing”? he asked. “Escape from them leave Japan there is a number on my phone I as going to tell you we should leave together but looks like it’ll just be you this time my love”  Their breathing was getting labored they stopped feeling pain a minute again. “Hey Mikey”? “Yes wifey”? “In our next life let’s get married when we turn eighteen”? He closed his eyes in agony he could hear them as a child in middle school and high school saying it again and again. When he opened them the light in their eyes was gone they had stopped breathing. He held them closer. They were gone. “AHHHHHHHHHHH”!!!!!!!!!

                                          PRESENT TIME

Takemichhi couldn’t breath they murdered S/O infront of mikey. “That was a week ago” “That’s why you wanted me to kill you” he whimpered. “I just want to see their face one more time even if I never see them again after” mikey as crying from a broken soul. “It’s over all my life I have been suffering it was worse when S/O was gone even breathing became it’s own hell” “No Mikey I can change it all I can go back in time and bring S/O back Please don’t say such sad things” Mikey looked to the side and he saw a blur then he saw them with wide eyes. S/O was standing there they were so young in their middle school uniform with a black jacket over their shoulders smiling at him. He looked back at Takemicchi he stopped feeling pain and that was a good thing. With a breathy laugh he leaned closer to takemicchi. “You word comforted me even if they are beautiful lies....your hand is so warm” he said. The next thing Mikey knew he was standing in front of S/O confused but happy he held S/O in one of his octopus hugs like they called them. “You came back” he whispered. Shaking their head they touched his blonde hair. “Huh”? he asked touching his hair. He was in his Toman uniform he spun around and round confused. “My love stop” they giggled. “Wait if your here and I’m a kid again- He looked over and he saw takemicchi holding his body. S/O wrapped their arms around Mikey’s waist pressing their head in his back. “I died” he said. Nodding S/O kissed his back sadly. He turned to them with a sad look in his eyes he wished he didn’t do this to Takemitchy. “You waited for me”? he asked. “As your wifey I have obligations like waiting for your lazy butt” they laughed. He laughed kissing them then deepening the kiss until they couldn’t breath. (I know they died but they aren’t vampires that’s another fic) “ We should go” they said. Mikey hesitated because he knew they might be separated again. S/O scoffed knowing what he was thinking. “Manjiro stop talking” they said “I didn’t say- “Your thinking so loud I’m sure the llorona heard you” (weeping lady) “We aren’t separating not ever again but there are some people that wanna see you they missed you so much but first sit your butt down and let me fix your hair” He complied laughing she pulled his blonde locks back to the way it was before he cut it short. As they stood looked over at Takemicchi, Naoto was comforting him as he cried over Mikey’s body. S/O took his hand and pulled him away there was a huge bright light they looked over at him. “Ready”? they asked. Mikey interlocked their fingers holding tight. “Always” he said happily. “Oh wait no your not” they said. This made Mikey freak out will they separated what what what was he missing!!!. S/O took off the jacket and held it out to him. “Huh”? he asked. “What’s a president and or commander without his uniform”? they asked cheekily. “You brat you scared me “he exclaimed. “You knew I was a brat the moment we started dating and got engaged no take backs” they said wagging their finger at him. He pretended to bite at their finger putting on the jacket. It felt weird wearing it but at the same time it felt right. He grabbed their hand again smiling they pulled him into the light. Mikey opened his eyes and looked a round confused he was standing in the shrine. “S/O what is this”? he asked. He looked around they were gone he started panicking no no no not again he thought. “Oy Mikey” that voice. It made him freeze on the spot. “I think you broke him” said another familiar voice. Mikey turned there stood Draken, Emma, Baji, Chifuyu and the others. He had tears in his eyes but he didn’t care they were here. “My love you look shocked” said S/O pulling a man forward. Shinichiro smiled at his brother he knew the pain Mikey went through and he had so many regrets. “ Hey little brother” he said Mikey lost it he rand and jumped on his brother. The others were watching happily knowing this is the most emotion Mikey has ever displayed in front of them. “It’s alright now stop crying your embarrassing me” Shinichiro laughed. Emma smiled hugging S/O she was so happy to have her family back. When they stood Mikey looked at his friends the ones he killed. “I’m sorry” he said bowing to them. Draken had a tick on his forehead. “Oy Mikey stop apologizing your a president you don’t bow to anyone” he snarled. Mikey froze and looked up they were all smiling at him. He was never more grateful to have a family like this more then this moment. Baji got tired of the mushy stuff and punched Mitsuya on the shoulder. “What the fuck” “Hey I’m happy deal with it”! “You wanna go”! They started fighting in the background. Emma hugged Mikey as tight as she could. “They are both Octopie Octopuses I don’t fucking now but they are” said Draken. “Your right they are it’s cute though” said S/O Draken couldn’t argue there he missed his best friends now they’re all together laughing and just being happy. “By the way my love you only bow to one person” said S/O. Mikey let Emma go and stood in front of them. Emma went next to Draken he rapped an arm around her shoulder both blushing. “Oh yeah who is that”? he asked pulling them close. “Me” the said kissing him. Wolf whistles and cat calls is all they got separating. He held them from behind resting his chin on their shoulder. “My love”?  “Hmmm yes wifey” he looked at them “Let’s get married when we turn eighteen”            Fin