#about how the turtle aspects of the boys are really interesting
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turtleblogatlast Ā· 4 months ago
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i see your post about leo being relieved that hes trans because he learned his stripes would go away and i raise you: leo, who spends his entire childhood in fear because donnie told him that he will lose his stripes when he is younger, only for them all to realize hes trans when they dont
Ohā€¦Leo having so much value in his looks and especially his stripes because theyā€™re what make him stand out the most, and in turn it helps solidify himself a role in the team as the ā€œFace Man.ā€ Sure, he absolutely thinks himself good looking with or without the stripes, but his stripes are striking and he knows it, and they mean more to him than just looks anyway. Knowing all this time that his stripes were going to fade and yet still taking on his title and still being as confident as he is - imagine heā€™d already come to the conclusion that his worth on the team, in his family, was always on a timer.
Then that timer goes away. And heā€™s left with relief and tells himself that hey, heā€™d have been just as cool looking without the stripes anyway! Butā€¦heā€™s glad to keep them. Even if his role isnā€™t quite just ā€œFace Manā€ anymore, his stripes are a part of him.
And itā€™s been really scary to think that someday heā€™d look in the mirror and see a part of himself missing.
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theyhavetakenovermylife Ā· 9 months ago
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Can I request more 2012? I really like your table tease story with Donnie BTW! My request is what do you think would be good turn ons and turn offs for the 2012 turtles.
Turn Ons and Turn Offs (18+)
2012!Turtles x reader
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A/N: Of course you can!šŸ’š And Iā€™m happy that you liked itšŸ˜˜šŸ’œ These focuses mainly on the spicy stuff, but thereā€™s also some general relationship aspects in there. As you know, not all turn ons has to be strictly sexualšŸ’™ā¤ļø šŸ’œšŸ§” (Btw, thought you all should know I wrote this while listening to Shady Lady by Ani Lorak).
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All characters are aged up.
Warning: Talk about sex, and possible break ups. And spelling. My head did a upsi every once in a while.
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Leonardo:
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Turn Ons:
Your admiration for his leadership skills is evident, and Leonardo is drawn to your determination to better yourself, just like he always tries to better himself. He finds your disciplined nature and eagerness appealing, often finding himself lost in admiration as you dive into whatever youā€™re passionate about.
Your respect for tradition and loyalty to your friends resonates with his own values. Your ideas of a relationship matches up with his, and both of you found that you had the same goals for your love lives.
When you let him geek out and take an interest in his sci fi series, board games and martial art rants. It made him weak in the knees to have you sit next to him, listening intently to all his words.
Leo likes to view himself as an independent leader with a mind of steel, making the decisions and leading the flock. But, he did like it ALOT when you took control in the bedroom. It gave him a change to relax, and, well, you looked hot as fuck on top of him.
But as much as Leo LOVED it when you took control during intimate times, it made him feel like a true man and a real leader, whenever you looked to him for protection or help. It made you look so small and cute, and he could just eat you on the spot.
Training you. More than once a small training session between you and Leo had turned into a heated makeout.
Calling him Sensei. Leo will lose his shit and become dominant very quickly.
Your eyes. Leo loves to watch your eyes during sex. Both of you made a big deal out of looking into each otherā€™s eyes during your climax.
Teasing. Him or you? It didn't matter. Leo just had a thing for teasing and foreplay, finding it amazing the longer it lasts.
Turn Offs:
If you did not understand his role as a leader and what it meant to him, Leonardo was OFF. Leo is committed to his given role, and he can become frustrated if he senses any disrespect towards their mission or disregard for his orders. That same goes for his partner, if they decided not to see how important it is for Leo.
He values structure and organization, so if you're too spontaneous or disregard the importance of training and preparation, it might put a strain on your relationship. Itā€™s not that Leo doesnā€™t like a few spontaneous things, but he has a daily routine that he needs to follow.
Leo doesnā€™t like it when it gets too messy in the bedroom. Sure, he can get into the kinky stuff, and bodily fluids tend to get involved, but it has to be easy to clean. So itā€™s a big no when it comes to bringing food into the bedroom. Maybe something to drink so you can keep going, but other than a few snacks for movies, no food.
Degradation. Leo likes it when you call each other things; good boy, good girl, Sensei, slut has even been used, but he will never talk down to you. Heā€™s not against talking about how much one of you was loving it, but peeling each other apart with words. Never ask or expect him to call you dumb, stupid or something worse, because he wonā€™t do it.
If you bleed, either from a bite or Leo being a little too rough with you, he shuts the whole thing down. You can say you liked it, but Leo wasnā€™t having it. Blood meant pain, typically a pain that was way stronger than any pleasure. Leo did not like it, fearing that he was hurting you too much.
Raphael:
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Turn Ons:
Your fiery spirit and unwavering determination catch Raphael's attention from the start. He's drawn to your confidence and independence, finding your willingness to stand up for what you believe in incredibly attractive.
Raphael appreciates your straightforwardness and isn't afraid to engage in some friendly banter and teasing with you, loving the challenge you present. Nothing could get Rapg in the mood, like when you returned his comment with an even fiery one, continuing back and forth until one was the ultimate winner. That winner tended to be the dominant one that night (even though Raph tended to take that role from you very quickly), or some very hot brat taming.
Ā Just like playful banter, playful fighting could rail Raph up so easily, trying his best to keep you pinned to the ground. He found it adorable to watch you struggle against him, and at times he would let you think you had the upper hand, before he pushed you to the ground, smiling mischievously at you, your flustered expression keeping him going every time.
Rough sex is his favorite kind. Though he would never try to intentionally hurt you, he did have a thing for hearing you whimper and plead for him, often turning into a whole game of dirty talk.
Begging has Raph spinning. He could lose his mind, just to the sound of your begging. However, if you really want him to enjoy it, donā€™t beg straight away. Make him fight for it. Thatā€™s the most fun part.
This man LOVES spanking. It is the sound, and the way your flesh jiggles afterwards, and the reddening of your skin, almost matching the color of his bandana. Raph loves watching your ass turn red during doggy style, calling it proof that he has been the one doing this to you.
Sex outside the bedroom? This man will do it anywhere with you. All you have to do is ask, and he will do it.
Turn Offs:
While Raphael admires your independence, he can become frustrated if he feels like you're shutting him out or keeping secrets. He values honesty and loyalty above all else, so if he senses any deceit or manipulation, it could lead to some serious clashes between you two. He can easily become insecure, overthinking very quickly, and make up ideas in his head, based on things you once said. Just talk to him, it makes everything easier.
Raphā€™s not a fan of overly clingy behavior and needs his space to process his emotions. That does not mean that he doesnā€™t want you around, but sometimes, when heā€™s mad at his brothers, he just needs to punch a punching bag first, before he tells you what's going on.
Raph loves to choke you doing sex, but if you choke him, he will pull away. Make sure heā€™s okay with it before you do it, otherwise he will start gaining some real trust issues when it comes to your intimate activities. He may be open for it one day, but he NEEDS to know it before you get down and dirty.
Stay. AWAY. From. His. ASS. No finger, no nothing. He ainā€™t doing it. Nope. Nuh-uh. Your butt, hell yeah! But his butt? FORGET IT.
His tail too! Ask first, otherwise, he will get aggressive or just walk away.
If you as much as joke about getting down with one of his brothers, his done. Leave. Raph is a pretty insecure guy, so a small joke can easily break him. Donā€™t do that to the poor guy. Heā€™s trying his best.
You can get your ass spanked and your throat used and choked, but he will never make you bleed. He wants you to enjoy it just as much as him, so as soon as you tell him you donā€™t like it, he will stop. He will shut the whole thing down, even if you protest, deciding to spend the time cuddling instead.
As much as Raph loves to do nasty things with you, donā€™t you dare tell anybody. Itā€™s not because he doesnā€™t want people to know that you two are intimate, but he just doesn't want people all up in his and your very personal business.
Donatello:
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Turn Ons:
Donatello is captivated by your intellect and curiosity, often finding himself engrossed in deep conversations with you about science, technology, and the mysteries of the universe.
He's drawn to your creativity and innovative thinking, appreciating your unique perspective on the world. Your passion for learning and exploring new ideas resonates with his own interests, creating a strong intellectual connection between you two.
Donnie is a BIG fan of phone sex. Masturbation together over the phone or sexting when you couldnā€™t be together. He loved it all. If youā€™re in the mood, just send him a pic and he is ready. He can fix whatever he was working on another time.
He has a thing for seeing you in his color. A purple shirt, or maybe even surprise him with purple underwear, and he will be ON. Sometimes he will even let you wear his bandana, maybe even wrapping it around you during sex. He just loved the sight.
Donnie LOVES dirty talk. All of it. He can be so sweet and caring on any other occasion, but during sex, he can talk so nasty to you, making you wonder where all that came from. But in truth, he had always been like that. It just took a person he trusted to bring it out of him.
Neither you or Donnie have a set role when it comes to sex. You feel like being submissive? Sure, then heā€™ll dominate you until your world starts shaking. Or letā€™s say that you feel like dominating, Donnie will happily be submissive, begging and pleading for you.
Let him watch you. Please! He finds it so hot!
Your purple genius turtle likes to try out news in the bedroom. He has a very open mind when it comes to your sex life, and will pretty much try anything you bring up, and things that has been thinking about for some time.
Turn Offs:
Donnie doesnā€™t have a lot of sexual turn offs, most of them having something to do with the maintenance of a relationship. But he will NEVER do anything you donā€™t want him to! Never ever! If you donā€™t want to, he will throw the idea away, prioritizing your comfort way more.
Donnie values honesty and transparency in a relationship, so if he feels like you're hiding something or being evasive, it can cause some tension between you two.
When it comes to relationships, he's also not a fan of recklessness or impulsiveness, preferring to carefully analyze situations before taking action. He wants to talk to you first, going through all the pros and cons, making sure that both of you are on the same page, and that nothing is left in the unknown. If you disregard safety protocols or act without thinking things through, it could lead to some disagreements.
Donnie is not always available, even though he really wants to be. Since heā€™s the only one that knows how to fix a toaster, his help is often needed in the lair. Therefore it would really discourage him in the long run, if you didnā€™t come down to visit him.
Cut him off during his long rambles about the newest thing he was working on, or show a general lack of interest in his work, and Donnie will quickly find himself rethinking the entire relationship. Itā€™s not a lot heā€™s asking for, and his trying his best to make space for you in his life, so if you canā€™t give him that, is it even worth it?
Break some of his work on purpose, and he will feel like you have betrayed him.
Michelangelo:
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Turn Ons:
Your fun-loving nature and sense of humor immediately click with Mikey's laid-back personality. He's drawn to your adventurous spirit and willingness to join him on spontaneous escapades around the city. Mikey loves your positive attitude and ability to find joy in the simplest of things, often finding himself laughing and smiling more when you're around.
Thereā€™s many ways to get Mikey in the mood, one of the easiest ones being just telling him. Whisper in his ear and tell him youā€™re in the mood, and youā€™ll find that he too will be in the mood. It doesnā€™t take much more than that.
Something as simple as cuddling could get him going. Hug him in a certain way that reminded him of how you would press yourself against him, and his mind would go wandering until he couldnā€™t contain his excitement anymore.
Dress up in something revealing, and Mikey will not be able to keep his hands from himself. Especially something that puts focus on your chest. It will definitely help with this boob man.
Thereā€™s no way around it, but Mikey will bring food into the bedroom, and he will find a way to involve it in your acts. Licking syrup off of each other, or maybe eating ice cream from your chest. If Mikey can think of it, he will do it.
Mikey genuinely wants sex to be fun and enjoyable for both of you. It is a light hearted and pleasurable affair, and he will not see any reason to stop before you and him are satisfiedā€¦ for the time being.
Sneaking around in the lair and in the city above can also really get him going. Mikey canā€™t help it. The thought of getting caught did some very interesting things to him.
Does Mikey like to be a little submissive sometimes? Yes, yes he does.
Roleplay? YES! This man LOVES it! Anything creative in the bedroom and he is hooked!
Turn Offs:
Mikey is not a fan of negativity or pessimism, preferring to surround himself with positivity and optimism. He understands that not everything is a dance on roses, but if you continuously point out the negative, he can find himself growing quite bored or maybe even tired of the relationship.
If there is one thing Mikey canā€™t stand, it is when he is forced to put a damper on his imagination and creativity. Tell him no to a good roleplay one too many times, and he will become quite agitated.
Mikey understands that sometimes life gets serious, he does not like it when his sex life has to be serious too. Mikey is not against intense intimacy with eye contact and all that, but let him have fun dammit! Canā€™t he have fun, then what is the purpose?!
Stick to one position for too long, and Mikey will get bored. And once Mikey is bored, the mood is gone. Keep it interesting, listen to his suggestions and have fun.
Keep Mikey stuck in the bedroom for too long, and he will - you guessed it - get bored. If you wonā€™t sneak around with him, he will feel utterly lost in boredom. It takes a lot to make Mikey rethink a whole relationship, but with everything combined, he may be getting close to that point.
And the worst of them all. Probably the one he would put as the base for a break up; make him feel or call him childish. Now, Mikey wouldnā€™t care if his brothers called you and Mikey immature and childish, but if you called him that, along with sucking all the fun out of his life, Mikey would call it quits. He wants to have fun with his partner, and if his partner refused to do that, he wouldnā€™t want to be with them.
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plothooksinc Ā· 1 year ago
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As promised, I have arrived with a prompt for NRFTW extra-content. I would loooooove to see the Hamato family come over to meet April's parents over dinner. šŸ‘€šŸ˜Ž
this was less written and more 'the characters stuffed the author in the trunk and drove the plot themselves, but at least they gave the author popcorn'
WARNING: THIS IS A 30 PAGE STORY, IT IS THE UNDERDARK OF FAMILY DINNERS--
ā€œOkay, so remember what I said about Raph.ā€
ā€œHeā€™s big. Donā€™t stare.ā€
ā€œGreat. I mean yeah, heā€™s huge, but heā€™s a big softieā€”ā€
ā€œI get it. Stop being so worried.ā€
ā€œOh, and keep the gravy separateā€”ā€
ā€œI got it!ā€
ā€œā€”for Donnie, he hasā€”ā€
ā€œApril.ā€
ā€œ...sensory issues?ā€
ā€œSo does your dad. Business as usual. You remember weā€™ve had this conversation three times already, right?ā€
ā€œSorry, mom. Iā€™m just, uhā€¦ā€
ā€œYouā€™re sitting down with friends youā€™ve known for years, not going to prom with a flock of mean girls. Stop pacing, for Peteā€™s sake. Look, get the potatoes out of the oven for me.ā€
ā€œYou got it.ā€
ā€œHow isā€¦ Leo? Is it Leo?ā€
ā€œYeah. Heā€™s coming. AOPBA.ā€
ā€œI have no clue what that means.ā€
ā€œHe has over-protective brothers.ā€
ā€œWell, great, two birds with one stone. Go make up the couch so I donā€™t have to look at your face. Green is a better look on your turtle friends, baby, just sayinā€™.ā€
ā€œThanks so much.ā€
---------
There was really no good reason to be nervous. Donnie had already met her parents in less than stellar circumstances, and it had put Mom in a good mood for the rest of the evening. The ice had been broken; the guys had wanted to meet her family for ages, and she knew now it would be okay.
It didnā€™t stop the low level jitters as April padded the couch out generously with pillows and a comforter or two. It was like elation and terror had decided to go clubbing together somewhere in her rib cage. In the end, it came down to this being new. Something life-changing. The status quo forever being overturned. It was a good thing.
(It was damn terrifying, was what it was.)
The living room floor was generously covered in rugs and loose carpetingā€”both new and borrowedā€”because they werenā€™t made of money and the floor was still in the process of being repaired. Her dad had made fretful noises about inviting guests over in such conditions, and it was Carol that had reminded him, dryly, that ā€œHoney, those kids live in a sewer. I donā€™t think theyā€™re gonna judge us.ā€
ā€œThey live in an old subway station now,ā€ April had said helpfully, and August had perked up with some interest and asked about logistical details, because her dad was a nerd like that and enjoyed his boats and trains, and his nerves about the floor were long forgotten. Nobody mentioned the fact that the guys already knew her apartment had been half destroyed in the little Krangā€™s attack. It was a fact that, by unspoken agreement, they had all decided to sweep under the rug.
Literally.
Hah.
Anyway, given Carol had slung a whole bunch of rapid-fire questions her way about the boysā€™ dietary requirements and August was fretting about being judged, April was reasonably sure her parents had come to terms with the fact her four best friends were giant walking turtles with comparative ease. It probably helped theyā€™d been thrown into the deep end of things, even if it had led to super uncomfortable conversations and her parents staring at her as if they were expecting her to don a cape and go fight crime or some dumb stunt. It probably also helped that they knew Donnie and Mikey had come to bail her out, and that they were literally, yā€™know, responsible for saving the city.
Most of Aprilā€™s nerves werenā€™t about the turtle aspect. It was whether her two families would like each other. Which was hilariously one of the most mundane things to worry about, considering literally everything else.
Story of her life, honestly.
Sheā€™d just finished squishing a pile of pillows into the corner of the couch when she heard her phone buzz, and fished it out.
Donnie: >> Weā€™re here. Wardrobe check? Puppy eyes face.
Dumbonardo: >> Donnie has no class. šŸ„ŗ
Donnie: >> Leo has no brain, but you already knew this.
She snorted. Then April glanced toward the kitchen to make sure Carol was busy with the oven and sidled toward the front door, slipping through as quietly as she could.
They were waiting there for her in the hallway. Splinter stood slightly apart from the boys, arms folded and looking sulky, but his fur was neatly washed and combed through and he was wearing a nice shirt whichā€¦ was more flattering than some things sheā€™d seen on him. April could be that generous. Donnie was wearing his sweater vest combo and standing ramrod straight like someone was about to push him onto a stageā€”no surprise thereā€”and Mikey was wearing some nice slacks and an orange turtle-neck and beaming widely, carrying a casserole dish.
ā€œHiii, April,ā€ he whispered. ā€œWe clean up good, right?ā€
ā€œPuttinā€™ the rest of us to shame, Mikey,ā€ she said with a grin, and gave him a fist bump.
ā€œSpeak for yourself,ā€ Leo said lazily, draped over Raphā€™s shoulder like a blue and green fur stole. He was wearing one of his over-large hoodies; comfort over style, and April was relieved, to be honest. ā€œI think Raph gives him a run for his money.ā€
April turned to take him in, and-- ā€œDamn, son.ā€ She gave a low whistle at Raphā€™s white suit and pink shirt, hanging on him pretty stylishly for all that his spikes had already done a number on his elbows. ā€œYou go shopping for that? Tell me you didnā€™t just have that hidden in your room this whole time.ā€
Raph preened a little before glancing down at the carpeted floor, pushing his fingers together bashfully. ā€œWe had to find something nice for Casey to wear anyway, so Raph thoughtā€”ā€
ā€œRaph thought right.ā€ April gave him a double thumbs up. And then frowned. She couldnā€™t see the last invited guest. ā€œIs he not here?ā€
ā€œOh, heā€™s here,ā€ Leo said quietly, a small helpless smile on his face. ā€œHeā€™s just shy.ā€
And Raph and Donnie separated so she could peer down the hallway; at Casey, who was literally lurking in the gloomy corner by the entrance to the stairwell, hunched as if trying to make himself small.
April frowned.
ā€œBe nice, April,ā€ Mikey whispered. ā€œHeā€™s, uhā€¦ā€
ā€œI get it.ā€
April made her way past them all, coming to a stop in front of Casey. He cleaned up pretty nicely, actually; she wasnā€™t sure whoā€™d dressed him, but dress jeans and a nice jacket over a dark T-shirt nearly made him look like a different person. His hair was tamed and in a neat braid, and he looked up and gave her the shyest of smiles. ā€œHi, April. Sorry, uhā€¦ā€
ā€œNot used to the idea of family dinner?ā€
ā€œNot really a thing where I come from, no.ā€ He ran a hand through his hair, causing some of the strands to come loose, and she hid a grin. ā€œBut itā€™s not that. Umā€¦ are you sure Iā€™m... welcome? Iā€™m not reallyā€”ā€
ā€œYou think these guys would take you for a fashion montage if you werenā€™t?ā€ she said drily. ā€œMom and Dad know youā€™re coming, trust me. Theyā€™ve made some simpler food just to make sure you can stomach it okay, and theyā€™re looking forward to meeting all of this extended family. Which you are a part of.ā€
ā€œTooold youuu,ā€ Leo sing-songed down the hall.
ā€œShut it, Nardo.ā€
ā€œYou canā€™t talk to me like that, Iā€™m walking woundedā€”ā€
ā€œWhoā€™s walking?ā€
There was some general cackling. Caseyā€™s next smile was more relaxed, and he let April tug him back down the hallway.
...and then they all jumped as the door to Aprilā€™s apartment was flung open suddenly and her mother leaned casually in the open frame, tugging her oven mitts off, meeting their deer-in-headlights stares with a wry look of her own.
ā€œHiā€”um, thatā€”um--ā€ Donnie pushed forward and saluted her mother, and April clapped a hand over her mouth to stop the laugh. ā€œHello, Mrs Oā€™Neil! As you can see, I am a sweater vestā€”I meanā€”ā€
Leo made a strangled sound and flopped limply over Raphā€™s shoulder; heā€™d have slid down if Raph hadnā€™t reached out to steady him with a tired move that said he was very used to this happening. ā€œOh pizza supreme, donā€™t make me laugh, you know Iā€™m fragileā€”ā€
Mikey slapped a hand over Leoā€™s mouth, smile bright and eyes a little too wide. ā€œHi, Mrs Oā€™Neil!ā€ he chirped. ā€œItā€™s nice to meet you, we brought casserole!ā€
Said casserole was snatched out of his hands a moment later by Splinter, coughing dramatically before he gave a dramatic bow that meant he was mostly addressing Carolā€™s knees. ā€œI brought casserole, in fact! Itā€™s my traditional green bean casserole, handed down through generations, made for one of my biggest fans!ā€
Carol raised an eyebrow.
ā€œDad, we talked about this,ā€ Donnie muttered.
ā€œNo, you talked about this,ā€ Splinter huffed. ā€œI was going to come dressed in style, until you rudely tackled me to the ground and took my clothes.ā€
Carolā€™s raised eyebrow took on a level of alarm, and April sidled up to her mother with a quick hiss. ā€œItā€™s not as bad as it sounds.ā€
ā€œNo, we did in fact do that,ā€ Donnie said flatly. ā€œTrust me, it was necessary.ā€
ā€œ...okay, it is as bad as it soundsā€”ā€
ā€œMy own sons,ā€ Splinter grumbled. Then he straightened, beaming at Carol. ā€œChildren, am I right? Full of well-meaning hypocrisy. Sure, my son gets to dress as that hack Don Johnson, but when I try to dress asā€”ā€
ā€œYeah, Raph still doesnā€™t know who that is.ā€
Splinter wilted. To Aprilā€™s delight, Carol seemed to wilt right along with him. Maybe this wouldnā€™t be so bad after all.
ā€œWell,ā€ her mom said, dry as the desert. ā€œIf youā€™re done making us feel old as dirt, wonā€™t you come in? Unless you want to spend the evening in my hallway doing more fashion checks. I could always bring you a mirror. But if youā€™ll take my word for it, I think you all look just fine.ā€
She stepped aside and they filed past, shuffling into the living room more bashfully than April had ever seen them, which was altogether kind of endearing. Carol paused long enough for April to close in with Casey still in hand, and gave him a warm smile that made him relax just a little more.
Then she hissed quietly to April, ā€œBiggest fan?ā€
Eugh boy. ā€œYeah, you uhā€¦ā€ April trailed off, wondering if she could just deflect that question with a shrug as if to say she had no clue. But she knew Splinter; he would keep making comments, so better forewarned, right? ā€œYou know how you started watching Lou Jitsu movies with me? And, uh, how much you like them? To the point Dad threatened divorce if you mentioned Louā€™s tight pants one more time?ā€ Which was an empty threat, given Dad watched those movies almost as closely as her mom did, and April suspected it was for the same reasons. It had been a running joke for a while.
ā€œYesā€¦?ā€
ā€œGreat! Get ready to be emotionally scarred.ā€
ā€œ...what?ā€
---------
They introduced themselves properly once they were all inside, and to her credit Carol was still smiling, even if April could see the faintly wild look in her eyes. At least sheā€™d never told Splinter just how much her mom liked him-- enough to say she was a huge fan, nothing more.
ā€œAugust will be here in a moment,ā€ she said cheerfully. ā€œHeā€™s just finishing up with the roast, and then weā€™ll serve. You can call us Mr and Mrs Oā€™Neil, or you can call us Carol and August. We donā€™t mind. Itā€™s lovely to meet you at last. Donatello, your sweater vest looks great.ā€
Donnie jerked ramrod straight again, voice high-pitched. ā€œThank you!ā€
Bless her mom for throwing him a bone. April grinned. ā€œSo, this is Splinter, or Hamato Yoshiā€”ā€
ā€œYou can call me Lou,ā€ Splinter said with a small bow, taking the casserole from his hands with his tail and depositing it onto the table with a flourish. April had never seen him like this. It was hilarious and painful, but the mortified looks on the guysā€™ faces made it worth it. (Casey just looked clueless. Lucky kid.)
ā€œNice to meet you, Lou,ā€ Carol said, politely and as if April hadnā€™t upended her world not thirty seconds ago. Damn, but her mom was good. ā€œAnd Donnie Iā€™ve already met. Hmm, can I guess the others?ā€
ā€œOh, go ahead,ā€ Leo said cheerfully, waving at her from his perch, and her smile softened considerably as she glanced up at him, taking in the curve of bandages just visible through the over-large neck of his hoodie.
ā€œYou would be Leo, then. You doing okay, sweetie?ā€
Leo blinked. ā€œUhā€¦ yes? I mean, of course! I meanā€”ā€ He darted a look at April, eye ridges raised.
ā€œShe knows,ā€ April assured him. ā€œItā€™s okay.ā€
Leo grinned in response, letting himself flop loosely in Raphā€™s grip to finger gun with both hands, and April grinned as Raph obligingly kept hold of him and rolled his eyes. ā€œI may be a little bruised, but I wouldnā€™t have missed this for the world. Itā€™s nice to meet you, Mrs O! I also rock a mean sweater vest, but my brothers would only let me travel casual.ā€
ā€œYouā€™re lucky we let you come at all,ā€ Donnie muttered.
ā€œYouā€™re just jealous because I, unlike some brothers I could mention, did not make my first impression inā€”ā€
Then he yelped as Splinter smacked him in the side of the head with his tail. A light smack, April noted with amusement, as Donnie flicked him from the other side. Clearly Leo was slowly losing all his coddling rights.
ā€œWell, a little bruised or not, itā€™s nice to meet you too,ā€ Carol said easily. ā€œApril did tell me youā€™ve been laid up until just recently, so weā€™ve made up the couch for you, okay? Thereā€™s no shame in tapping out early if you get tired.ā€
Leo blinked at her, looking taken aback. And then his answering smile was a faintly relieved, hesitant thing as he held out a hand for her to shake, voice small.
ā€œDeal. Thanks, mom.ā€
You could have heard a pin drop.
ā€œMom?ā€ Mikey said slyly.
Leo promptly went as red as his stripes and planted his face on Raphā€™s jacket. But he kept his hand out until Carol shook itā€”gently, holding back a laughā€”and then went full limp noodle. ā€œCase,ā€ he whined. ā€œHelp me out here?ā€
Casey helpfully reached out to tug the hood over his head. Leo gave him a thumbs up.
April dissolved into cackling as Carol turned a carefully blank face on Raph. ā€œAprilā€™s told me just enough about all of you, really. You must be Raph. And this sweet little man here must be Mikey?ā€
She was expecting a clap back from Mikey about being little, so April was very surprised when he just dimpled sweetly and gave her his best I-am-an-innocent-child impression. His cheeks were faintly flushed, and for the first time she wondered if she should be recording this for posterity. That was likeā€¦ three blushes, so far.
ā€œThatā€™s right! Raphā€™s all gentle giant and I am just the sweetest little package, baby.ā€
ā€œIā€™m sure,ā€ Carol said, straight-faced. And then lastly she turned to Casey, and her smile was warm. ā€œAnd youā€™re Casey Jones. Are you nervous?ā€
ā€œA little,ā€ he admitted, tugging at his braid but he smiled back. ā€œBut itā€™s so nice to meet you again. I meanā€”sorry, the first time, Iā€™ve just heard a lot about youā€”ā€
April blinked, mouth open as she considered that particular insinuation. And wasnā€™t surprised when Leoā€™s head suddenly shot up, all sign of embarrassment gone and with a blinding smile. ā€œYeah, I gotta say April has told us so much about you guys that it does kind of feel like weā€™ve met you already!ā€
ā€œWell, then,ā€ Carol said lightly. ā€œYouā€™ll have to tell me all about yourselves to make us even. Aprilā€™s told us a little this week, but it seems we might have years to catch up on.ā€
ā€œWe would be more than happy to regale you with tales of our exploits,ā€ Splinter beamed back. ā€œAnd in turn perhaps you could tell me yourā€”ā€
ā€œAnd we should all sit down because Dadā€™s probably almost done,ā€ April said loudly. ā€œSave the talking for after dinner! Iā€™m starved.ā€
ā€œI should help August bring the dishes out anyway.ā€ Carol gave April a pointed look. ā€œHon? Would you give me a hand? The rest of you, tableā€™s just through hereā€¦ā€
---------
ā€œWhat do you mean thatā€™s Lou Jitsu?ā€ August hissed, handing April the cauliflower bake. ā€œHeā€™s a rat. Lou Jitsu isnā€™t a rat.ā€
ā€œHe is now, babe,ā€ Carol said blandly.
ā€œA rat with four turtle children?ā€
ā€œAnd a human child.ā€
ā€œHow does that evenā€”ā€
ā€œRemember asking about the skeleton, sweet pea?ā€
ā€œ...okay, fine,ā€ he muttered, nose wrinkling. ā€œIā€™ll be good.ā€
April eyed them both. ā€œLook at it this way, dad. The longstanding threat to your happy marriage has been removed.ā€
ā€œAprilā€”ā€
ā€œā€”Oā€™Neil!ā€
She burst into giggles and skipped out of the kitchen, balancing the cauliflower and potatoes and the jug of gravy, and wasnā€™t surprised to find Mikey just outside the kitchen door, making grabby hands for her dishes. April cheerfully palmed them off and returned for more, grinning sunnily at the twin glares of her parents. ā€œAnyway, Caseyā€™sā€¦ uh, adopted? Thatā€™s the simplest way of explaining him.ā€
ā€œGotta admit, I wasnā€™t expecting the one I find the strangest to be a normal human boy,ā€ Carol mused. She frowned. ā€œIs he the one from the, uh. Future?ā€
ā€œThe future,ā€ her dad repeated back mechanically.
ā€œShush, dear.ā€
ā€œYeah.ā€ And April had both a burning curiosity of how Casey knew her mother in the future and a dread to find out, because she was pretty sure none of them got happy endings where Casey came from. ā€œBest to leave that well alone. Too heavy for a dinner topic.ā€
ā€œRight. Future discussions are off the table,ā€ August said, with a weary tone that said sure, fine, this might as well happen. ā€œThe invasion too, obviously. Anything else we havenā€™t already covered?ā€
ā€œNo. But just so you know,ā€ April said mildly, ā€œRats have excellent hearing.ā€
She nudged aside her suddenly frozen parents, scooped up the roast tray, and sailed back out to the table.
Mikey took that from her, too, apparently intent on setting the table with a certain amount of flare, and April let him, more than happy to watch him handling pans that he might have had difficulty holding a week ago. She knew his arms were still bandaged under the sweater-- and knew also why he was wearing an actual turtleneck, no pun intended. The scarring up to his chin was still fading, but theyā€™d stopped hurting days ago, leaving him with full range of movement.
(ā€œUnless Iā€™m really tired,ā€ heā€™d said, giving her jazz hands at their last movie night. ā€œSo Iā€™m still being careful.ā€
ā€œYes,ā€ Draxum had said flatly. ā€œItā€™s amazing how fast one heals when one actually pays attention to a mysticā€™s expert advice.ā€ Mikey had thrown a pillow at him, end of discussion.
...which reminded her--)
ā€œHey, Mikey. Barry knows heā€™s invited, right?ā€
That earned her a predictable snort from Leo, who had been settled into a chair by Raph. ā€œIā€™m not sure Draxum does family dinners.ā€
ā€œYouā€™d be surprised,ā€ Mikey muttered.
ā€œWhat was that?ā€
ā€œI said what a surprise.ā€ He twirled the roast tray once and settled it down on the table with flare. ā€œHeā€™ll be here. Just in time for dessert, he said! Heā€™s looking forward to it.ā€
ā€œUh huh.ā€ Donnie eyed him. ā€œYou threatened him, didnā€™t you?ā€
ā€œI would never.ā€ Mikey waved a finger at them, planting his other hand on his hip. ā€œI merely pointed out it would be sad if he wasnā€™t included in this family get-together, given he is now family, unless he wants to deny any such attachment, and shunning a family dinner isnā€™t the proper or the neighbourly thing to doā€”ā€
ā€œOh, my apologies. You emotionally blackmailed him.ā€
ā€œThatā€™s better.ā€
ā€œWhy dessert?ā€ April wanted to know.
ā€œHeā€™s, uhā€¦ā€ Mikey trailed off. ā€œWell, it. Takes a while to bake brownies.ā€
Raph squinted. ā€œDraxum is baking. Brownies.ā€
They all paused to take in that mental image.
ā€œOh, thatā€™s not going to be edible,ā€ Donnie muttered. ā€œThe guy can make a sandwich. Barely.ā€
ā€œHe can make a mean gruel, though,ā€ April said wryly. ā€œI mean. Literally.ā€
ā€œI left him a recipe!ā€ Mikey defended, though the way his shoulders hunched told April it was more out of loyalty than any actual belief in Barryā€™s capabilities. She frowned.
ā€œShoulda just told him store bought was fine, Mikes. Then heā€™d be here for dinner.ā€
Mikey gasped theatrically. ā€œFirst of all, how dare you.ā€ Leo gave a snort at his little brotherā€™s affront and reached out for the gravy boat, flinching back when Mikey slapped his hand away without even looking. ā€œSecond! He wanted to try. You donā€™t want to hurt the nice goat scientistā€™s feelings, do you?ā€
ā€œYou want an honest answer?ā€ Leo muttered. Mikey yanked his hood violently down over his face.
ā€œLetting him try is just fine,ā€ Splinter said with great generosity, leaning back in his chair. Heā€™d been sporting the same cheesy grin since April walked back in from the kitchen, and that promised to be entertaining. But later. ā€œWhen he fails, we can point and laughā€”ā€
The way Mikey just teleported right in there to tower over his dad was impressive, and April reached out automatically to grab the back of Splinterā€™s chair before he could tip it all the way backwards in sheer terror. ā€œWe are not doing that.ā€
ā€œNo, we are not,ā€ Raph said comfortingly, hands up as it to forestall a tiny mystic warrior explosion. ā€œI know some will hate to hear it, but Draxum really pulled through for us. We should support him! In his, uhā€¦ domestic endeavours.ā€
ā€œAnd his mad science endeavours.ā€
ā€œDonnie.ā€
ā€œWhat? I have my interests.ā€
ā€œI do hate to hear it,ā€ Leo said slowly, and they all turned to look at him as he peered out from his hood like some evil alternate Kermit!Leo. ā€œBuuut you know. Thereā€™s petty, and then thereā€™s mean. If heā€™s trying to be nice, let him try.ā€
There was silence at the table for a second time.
Then Donnie stood and pointed dramatically. ā€œWho are you and what have you done with our brother?ā€
ā€œWow, Leo, thatā€™s very mature of you,ā€ Raph said suspiciously.
ā€œI know, right?ā€ Mikey wiped away a fake tear. ā€œHeā€™s come so far.ā€
ā€œI am the very model of maturely letting my grudges go,ā€ Leo said, stifling a yawn. ā€œAnd if he accidentally poisons us all, I can hold it over you for at least a month.ā€
Oh. That was more like it.
---------
It took her parents longer than strictly necessary to bring out the rest of the food, and April was pretty sure theyā€™d just been schooling their expressions into the most poker-faced they could, mortified by the knowledge that Splinter had probably overheard every word-- and honestly, given that Splinter occasionally gave a small muffled snort into his hand and tried to look innocent every time his sons stared at him, Carol and August were. Probably still talking about him. She was kind of glad she couldnā€™t hear them. April shoved his chair with a foot as she sat down and levelled him with mock glare over the rim of her glasses.
ā€œBe nice,ā€ she whispered severely.
Splinter leaned towards her to whisper back. ā€œApril, such little faith. I am already having the time of my life at this dinner. Why would I do anything to spoil the mood? I know how to act around fans.ā€
ā€œThese arenā€™t just fans, these are my parents.ā€
ā€œWell, I know how to act around parents, too,ā€ he said, waggling his eyebrows and outright leering, oh god. ā€œI was a teenager, once, and dating wasā€”ā€
ā€œPlease stop talking,ā€ she hissed.
Splinter gave her a wide and mischievous grin, and thatā€™s when it occurred to her he was being a little shit on purpose. But his smile faded, and he folded his hands delicately on the table in front of him. ā€œTrust me. I know this is important.ā€
She breathed out. Yeah, okay. She did, after all, trust him, and he had dressed nicely for dinner. If he was truly set on arriving dressed as his eighties-Lou-Jitsu persona, April was pretty sure the guys wouldnā€™t have been able to stop him.
ā€œWhatā€™s important?ā€ Mikey said from the other side of the table, and she glanced up to find the others looking at them with curiosity.
ā€œGood table manners,ā€ Splinter said mildly. ā€œWhich means you should all stop leaning on the tablecloth like that. Elbows off!ā€
They all immediately pulled back and sat primly at the table, looking various shades of guiltyā€”except for Casey, who flinched back from the tablecloth as if it might bite him. Poor guy had no reference for things like this, did he?
ā€œSurprised you know decent table manners,ā€ Donnie muttered.
ā€œIf it is such a surprise to you, I have failed as a father and we shall practice them more often at home.ā€
ā€œDonā€™t youā€”ā€
ā€œLeo,ā€ April interrupted, watching Leo list faintly to the side. ā€œYouā€™re hurt. Nobodyā€™s gonna care if you keep leaning.ā€
ā€œThank you,ā€ he said fervently, and promptly flopped forward again, just as the kitchen door swung open.
Oh, good. Her parents had gotten over their crisis and were ready to feed the hungry. Carol hip-checked the door with her arms full of dishes and Mikey immediately jumped to his feet to help, and she shook her head at him, smiling gratefully. ā€œIā€™m okay. But if you could help August with the glassesā€”ā€
ā€œOn it!ā€ he said cheerfully and caught the door for her, holding it until she was clear before vanishing inside.
Carol smiled widely at the table and the guys smiled back, some smiles more natural than othersā€”Donnie still looked like he was trying to get A Good Grade In Family Dinnerā€”and she slid her burden of plates easily onto the table around the roast platter.
ā€œOkay, so itā€™s a bit more buffet style than a usual roast dinner, but I thought that would be better, given I donā€™t know what youā€™d prefer. Casey, hon?ā€ She favoured him with a warm look, and Casey straightened even more. ā€œIā€™ve got both seasoned and steamed vegetables here, and a few alternatives in case the meat is too much for you to handle. The seasoned ones are on the spicy side. April tells me youā€™re still getting used to richer food?ā€
ā€œOhā€¦ā€ Casey blinked, darting a look at April that was both surprised and faintly grateful, and she huffed. Sheā€™d told him this already. Did he think sheā€™d lied to him? ā€œThatā€™sā€”yes, thatā€™s right, maā€™am. I appreciate it, Iā€™m sorry you had to go to so much effortā€”ā€
ā€œNone of that.ā€ She handed him a plate. ā€œThis is a dinner for all of us. Iā€™d feel like a lousy host if you couldnā€™t enjoy it. Pick and choose as you like, take it slowly. No oneā€™s gonna judge. That includes the rest of you, just FYI.ā€
ā€œNo judgement!ā€ Raph saluted, eyes darting to Donnie. ā€œWe appreciate it, Mrs O.ā€
ā€œThank you,ā€ Donnie muttered quietly, eyes on the tablecloth.
ā€œYouā€™re very welcome.ā€
Mikey exited the kitchen with a tray of glasses and August trailed behind him with a collection of bottles-- soda and juice, and something that distinctly looked like the wine from the top of the fridge, and April squinted at it before raising an eyebrow at her dad.
ā€œNone for minors,ā€ he whispered back. ā€œLiquid courage.ā€
She snorted. ā€œYouā€™ll be fine.ā€
ā€œBut will your mom?ā€
ā€œI heard that.ā€ Carol snatched the wine away and deposited it by Splinter, whose eyes lit up. ā€œAnyway. Weā€™re sorry to keep you all waiting. Dig in! Donā€™t wait on us, thereā€™s plenty for everyone.ā€
Leo put his hand up. ā€œI admire your optimism, but I still vote Raph goes last. Heā€™ll inhale everything here if he gets the chanceā€”ā€
ā€œLeo!ā€ Raph sounded scandalised.
ā€œWhat?ā€ Donnie said, finally looking up with a more natural smirk on his face. ā€œYou know heā€™s right.ā€
ā€œThereā€™s a lot of me!ā€ The poor guy was going as red as his mask, and April hid a grin. ā€œYou know Raphā€™s still a growing boy!ā€
ā€œRaph can have as much food as he likes,ā€ Carol said firmly, reaching up to pat him on the shoulder. God, April loved her mom so much. She was just rolling with this table of lunatics. ā€œI honestly wasnā€™t sure how much to cook, so weā€™ve got plenty extra even if you do somehow inhale everything here. Just try not to inhale the dishes.ā€
ā€œI would never,ā€ Raph said, sounding horrified. ā€œTurtleā€™s honourā€”ā€
April burst into giggles. ā€œSheā€™s joking, Raph, chill.ā€
ā€œOh.ā€ Raph blinked. He met Carolā€™s gaze, who stared unflinchingly back and held up a hand.
Raph blinked again. Then he hesitantly gave her a high five, watched Carolā€™s smile grow, and finally grinned, the tension going right out of his shoulders.
April loved to see it.
ā€œAight, everyone,ā€ she said, clapping her hands. ā€œNo more picking on Raph unless you want me to poke fun at you fussy eaters to make it even. Dig in, and donā€™t you dare insult my mamaā€™s cooking.ā€
ā€œWe would never!ā€ came the chorus.
Yeah. This shouldā€™ve happened years ago.
---------
The meal passed with some minor chatterā€”mostly complimenting the chef and asking for plates of food to be passed around. Mikey helped Casey pick out some simpler fare for his plate and he ate sparingly, but the expression on his face said he savoured every moment of it. Donnie was similarly picky for Donnie reasons, and looked faintly apologetic about the whole thing until April kicked him gently under the table and sent him a text.
April: >> Dad has sensory issues >> dw abt it
He relaxed a little after that, flashed her a small relieved smile, and even unwound from his stage fright enough to engage in conversation with her dad about the subway station and its abandoned trains. Mikey and Raph ate with their usual flare, though Mikey paused on each individual dish to gleefully exchange cooking tips with her mom. Splinter was surprisingly well-mannered, given April had seen him more than enough times with cake crumbs all throughout his fur.
Leo was being uncharacteristically picky, but heā€™d only come off a simple diet himself not so long ago, and the painkillers would be doing a number on his appetite. Raph and Donnie were both piling his favourites on his plate and he was clearly enjoying the food, but April had never seen him eating so slowly before, still balancing one arm on the table to support himself. Poor guy.
She wasnā€™t the only one to notice. Carol watched him waver and frowned. ā€œYou doing okay, Leo?ā€
He promptly flashed a peace sign at her, beaming. ā€œOh, for sure! Iā€™m just a little low on energy. Kinda want a little bit of everything here, butā€”ā€œ
ā€œSpirit is willing, but the flesh is weak?ā€
ā€œHahā€¦ā€ His grin became rueful, and he lowered the fork to his plate. ā€œNot weak enough to stop me eating your delicious food! Tragically, I have no devoted servant to feed me lovingly by hand, so Iā€™ll make do.ā€
ā€œUmā€”ā€
ā€œThat was absolutely a joke, Case, donā€™t you dare.ā€
April grinned at Casey as he wilted back into his own seat. But okay, yeah, she could read the signsā€”from Leoā€™s slouch, growing worse by the minute, and the glances from his brothers that probably werenā€™t as surreptitious as they hoped. April nudged her mother quietly and made a meaningful gesture toward the living room, and Carol gave her a thumbs up and kept smiling pleasantly as if nothing had happened. ā€œWell, Iā€™m glad my delicious food has such a draw to it. I heard Barry is gracing us with a visit and dessert, is that right?ā€
Donnie visibly shuddered, but Mikey beamed as if sheā€™d complimented his six year old sonā€™s bronze swimming medal. ā€œYeah! Heā€™s making brownies! He assures me theyā€™ll be edible.ā€
ā€œConsider me assured,ā€ Carol said dryly. ā€œI must say Iā€™ve never tried Barryā€™s cooking before this in any form. We invited him for dinner a few times but he always refused. I guess I know why, now.ā€
Splinter peered at her. ā€œYou do?ā€
ā€œWell, uhā€¦ā€ She looked sheepish. ā€œI never really saw him out of his robe. He seemed like such a shut-in at the time, butā€¦ I guess dressing for dinner might have given away a few things.ā€
ā€œAh yes, that sounds like Draxum,ā€ Splinter muttered. ā€œShut-in, barely bothers dressingā€”ā€
ā€œSounds like someone else we know,ā€ Leo said sweetly, and Splinter choked.
ā€œLeo defended Barry,ā€ Mikey whispered in awe, and Leo pointed his fork at him.
ā€œLeo saw low hanging fruit and went for it,ā€ he corrected. ā€œBesides, something about houses and stones? Isnā€™t that how it goes? Donā€™t throw glass at a stone house, itā€™s pointless and makes a mess?ā€
ā€œNardo, that is not how it goes and you know it--ā€
Carol coughed politely. ā€œIf youā€™re done being mean to your eldersā€¦ā€ They all shut up and tried to look innocentā€”save Splinter, who merely stared back at his sons mournfully as if he could not believe the wrong theyā€™d done him. ā€œIt seems there might be a pause between dinner and dessert, so I was going to suggest you kids go pile up in the living room after and go through our movie collection. August and I can continue to pick on your dad in your absence.ā€
ā€œYou can?ā€ Splinter said warily.
ā€œIn a manner of speaking.ā€ Her smile was warm, and maybe only April saw the sharpness around its edges this time, and she swallowed. Butā€¦ again, she knew this was coming, too. ā€œA parent to parent talk, as it were. Nothing too serious, I promise.ā€
And it gave them a good reason to transfer Leo to the couch without him feeling like he was ruining anything. April grinned to see his eyes light up at the idea.
ā€œOh, are you roasting our dad, too? That seems so fitting given the spreadā€”ā€
ā€œI dunno, Leo, a roast followed by a roast seems a bit overkill,ā€ Mikey said thoughtfully.
ā€œThereā€™s no such thing as too much delicious roast.ā€ Leo leaned forward. Which also had the effect that he could support his weight entirely on the table, April noted. ā€œWeā€™d be more than happy to clear out of your amazing hair until the totally safe brownies arrive.ā€
Carol transferred her smile back to him, the sharpness gone. ā€œYou can take your plate with you, if you like. I donā€™t want you to feel you have to rush through eating. April, could you find him one of our TV trays?ā€
ā€œIā€™m sure thatā€™s doable.ā€ Actually, at this point she had no idea if those had survived the home invasion, but there was one way to find out. ā€œIs everyone else done? I could help clear the platesā€”ā€
ā€œNo, thatā€™s fine, hon. Your dad and I will clear the table.ā€ Carol gave her a peck on the cheek and a small, meaningful squeeze to her shoulder. ā€œYou stay with your friends. August?ā€
August blinked up at her, startled, half a potato still speared on his fork. ā€œOh, now? But I just-- okay.ā€ And he shoved the potato into his mouth, fork and all, to gather up empty dishes.
Leo watched him do it, and smiled lazily.
Then there was a sudden quiet after both of them vanished into the kitchen, and he slumped forward.
ā€œThat wasā€¦ an attempt at subtlety, right?ā€
April grinned. ā€œDad doesnā€™t do subtle too well, thatā€™s for sure. But theyā€™re parents, Leo. Theyā€™re just worried about you.ā€
ā€œThey only just met me,ā€ he grumbled, resting his head on his arm. ā€œTheyā€™re really nice, butā€”ā€
ā€œMy mom probably decided you were adoptable at about the point Donnie made high-pitched noises in her general direction, my guy. Just accept her concern and move on.ā€
ā€œOh. So good to know my humiliation had some kind of strategic effect,ā€ Donnie muttered, reaching across the table to snag Leoā€™s plate. ā€œYou want any more while weā€™re here?ā€
ā€œ...Iā€™m fine.ā€
ā€œWell, Raph wouldnā€™t mind a bit more beef,ā€ Raph said comfortably, sharing a glance with Casey over his head. ā€œAnd some potatoes! We can just use Leoā€™s plate for that.ā€
ā€œBlue?ā€ Splinter was quiet and out of his chair, patting his knee, and Leo lifted his head to peer at him. ā€œYou are okay, arenā€™t you?ā€
ā€œMan, all this fuss.ā€ Leo grinned faintly. ā€œI promise Iā€™m fine--ā€
Mikey loomed on his other side, not saying a word.
ā€œā€”okay, maaaybe I wasnā€™t quite ready for sitting upright at a table for so long.ā€ He made a face. ā€œBut I refuse to be banned from the Oā€™Neil family dinner! You know how long weā€™ve waited for thisā€”ā€
ā€œWell, congrats, achievement unlocked,ā€ April said, holding out her fist, and he obligingly bumped it with his own. ā€œNow go curl up on our couch and quit your whining.ā€
ā€œI wasnā€™t whining!ā€
Donnie raised an eyebrow. ā€œHe whined, whiningly.ā€
ā€œRaaaph, theyā€™re picking on me!ā€ Leo whined.
Raph raised an eyebrow. ā€œYou wanna complain about it some more or do you want the comfy couch?ā€
ā€œ...couch, please.ā€
---------
Splinter stayed at the table, waving them off dramatically with a napkin, but the smile he gave April as she left was reassuring. It settled her nerves a littleā€”she wasnā€™t stupid, she knew what was comingā€”and so she trailed after Raph as he carted Leo into the living room and settled him on the couch, burying him in comforters.
The sigh of relief Leo made as he sank into the cushions was more than enough to convince her that the move was well timed. ā€œHeaven. I think everyone at family dinners should laze on a couch, honestly.ā€
ā€œWeā€™d need more couches for that.ā€
ā€œThat could be arranged,ā€ Donnie said, passing a bottle to Casey and thenā€¦ dropping to his hands and knees to investigate the carpet. What. April folded her arms and watched him.
ā€œI think theyā€™d need more room for the couches,ā€ Casey said, opening the bottleā€”and oh, those were Leoā€™s painkillers.
ā€œThat could also beā€”ā€
ā€œDonnie.ā€ She scowled at him. ā€œWhat are you doing?ā€
ā€œChecking the damage,ā€ he said absently, finally finding the edge of the carpet section and peeling it back, scowling at the torn up flooring beneath. ā€œHuh. Bishop really refused to help pay for this?ā€
ā€œYeah, well. Bishop also didnā€™t arrest me for, I dunno, cavorting with evil yokai or whatever, so. Iā€™ll take it.ā€
ā€œThis balance doesnā€™t add up,ā€ Leo said mildly, taking his pills from Casey and his glass of juice. ā€œMr Edgelord also put you in danger in the first place. And your parents. Who we are adopting, by the way.ā€
ā€œI donā€™t think it works that wayā€”ā€
ā€œIt does, I donā€™t make the rules. Donnie, verdict?ā€
ā€œHuh?ā€ Donnie peered up at him. ā€œOh yeah, yeah, I guess we can adopt.ā€
ā€œI meant the floor. But okay! Duly noted.ā€
Mikey started cackling as April threw her hands up and went on a hunt for the TV trays. Donnie blinked at Leo for a moment, then turned back to run his hands over the damage, flicking his goggles down. ā€œIā€™m not much of a handyman type, but it looks like the structural integrity is intact. Itā€™s just cosmetic and not particularly safe to walk on in the dark. Though thatā€¦ is an understatement. The Krang did this?ā€
ā€œBarry did, actually.ā€ The TV trays had survived after all. April fished one out from its hiding place and passed it over to Raph. ā€œBut if he hadnā€™t, Iā€™d probably be kind of torn to pieces, so--ā€ She broke off to smile softly at Raph as he full-body flinched, and then stumbled as Mikey latched onto her like a koala. ā€œSorry. Anyway, I figure Iā€™d give him a pass on that one.ā€
Leo slow blinked at her, resting his chin on the back of the couch, and his smile was an oddly cold one. ā€œYeah. Seems fair. Donnie, you still got a back door into Bishopā€™s stuff and things?ā€
Donnie hadnā€™t looked up, and his voice was very flat. ā€œFirst of all, stuff and things is like literally the lamest way you could explain a black ops infrastructure, and second of all, why is it you just assume I would still be in his systems now that weā€™reā€”ā€
ā€œDee.ā€
ā€œHeā€™s upgraded his security in the past week. Iā€™m doing the digital equivalent of eating popcorn and sidestepping his laughable experts.ā€
ā€œGood to know. I sā€™pose getting on his nerves wouldnā€™t be the smart thing to do right now.ā€
ā€œIt is the opposite of smart. But the EPF is already footing the bill for the Oā€™Neil hotel stay, I donā€™t see why they canā€™t shell out for the floor as well.ā€ Donnie finally sat up, flicking his goggles back, and frowned at the scratched walls. ā€œNew paint job all round, actually.ā€
Leo nodded in satisfaction and settled into his nest of comforters, taking the tray from Raph who was surprisinglyā€¦ not seeming even slightly upset about the whole idea of stealing money from a bunch of amoral secret agents.
April opened her mouth and shut it. ā€œUhā€”ā€
Donnie finally smiled at her. ā€œDonā€™t worry about it.ā€
ā€œButā€”ā€
ā€œSeriously, he deserves it.ā€
ā€œThatā€™s not the part Iā€™m worried about!ā€ she snapped, and she waved an arm at Donnie as aggressively as she could with Mikey still limpet-clinging to her from behind. ā€œYou guys are on thin ice with him as it isā€”ā€
ā€œSo?ā€ Leo said, eyes drifting shut. ā€œHeā€™s also on thin ice with us.ā€
ā€œApril.ā€ Donnie finally got to his feet to regard her intently, leaning on the edge of the couch and deftly avoiding Leoā€™s attempt to nudge him with a foot. ā€œI see youā€™re worried, but please give me some credit for basic money laundering tactics. The manā€™s never going to notice where the money actually went, if he even notices itā€™s gone at all. Heā€™s got bigger fish to fry and itā€™s not as if we took millions.ā€
ā€œYou know, it says a lot when you say ā€˜basic money laundering tacticsā€™ and everyone just rolls with it,ā€ she said wryly, but her hackles settled a little. Bishop did deserve a little payback. She just didnā€™t want them painting even more of a target on their backs. ā€œRaph? You sure youā€™re okay with this?ā€ He was quiet and looked a little troubled, so--
ā€œWell, see, the thing you gotta remember isā€¦ā€ Raph paused, clasping his hands together in front of him for a moment, and then exhaled gustily.
ā€œ...Raph only got to hit him once.ā€
There was a brief pause.
Leo burst into laughter, then hissed an ow and sank out of sight onto the couch, which caused Raph to dive for him with a panicked look. April wasnā€™t particularly concerned, given she could see Donnie rolling his eyes. She huffed a faint laugh herself, finally relaxing, and was rewarded with a squeeze of her shoulders and a full hug from behind.
ā€œHe messes with family, we mess with him!ā€ Mikey said cheerfully in her ear. ā€œJust go with it, April. You know Donnie covers his tracks.ā€
ā€œHmm.ā€ But she smiled anyway, reaching up to pat his head. ā€œOkay. Not gonna complain, as long as I can find a way to explain to my parents. But seriouslyā€”donā€™t go getting arrested or dissected or whatever on my account.ā€
ā€œDepends on if we get a sequel or not,ā€ Leo wheezed from the couch, resurfacing as Raph helped him sit back up.
ā€œYou sure youā€™re okay?ā€ Raph said, still fretting.
ā€œOh, peachy. I canā€™t believe you punched a government agent and I didnā€™t get to see it.ā€
ā€œSkill issue,ā€ Donnie said, sounding bored. ā€œDonā€™t get kidnapped next time, idiot.ā€
ā€œWow, rude. Raph, throw a pillow at him for me.ā€
ā€œYeah, Raphā€™s not doing that. Eat your dinner.ā€
ā€œAw, cā€™mon--ā€
A cushion sailed across the room and clipped Donnie in the face, sending him reeling backward, and Mikey caught it on the rebound, hollering. ā€œFor Leoā€™s honour!ā€
ā€œYou got kidnapped too, you knowā€”ā€
ā€œFor my honour! For everyoneā€™s honour except yours!ā€
ā€œGASP!ā€
And the room promptly descended into chaos, which honestly sheā€™d been expecting sooner than this. April just grinned, clicking her phone camera on to record Mikeyā€™s subsequent attempted pillow beat-down of a hissing Donatello. Raph alternated between snorted laughter, half-hearted attempts at lectures, and trying to keep Leoā€™s tray of food balanced while Leo picked roast potato daintily off the plate with his fingers like popcorn, observing the proceedings with glee. He caught Aprilā€™s filming and nearly choked, before sinking back out of sight on the couch again with a wave of his greasy fingers as April giggled.
It took her a few moments to realise that Casey had vanished from the room.
---------
ā€œThey sound like theyā€™re having fun,ā€ Carol noted.
ā€œTheyā€™re probably destroying your living room,ā€ Splinter replied glumly, taking the glass of wine August offered him. ā€œBoys.ā€
ā€œIā€™m sorry. Have you seen our child?ā€
ā€œ...teenagers.ā€
ā€œBetter.ā€ Carol grinned and offered her own glass for a toast. ā€œHereā€™s to new friendships?ā€
ā€œVery traditional!ā€ But he beamed anyway, clinking against her glass and then Augustā€™s. ā€œTo new friends and old fans. Aaand awkward conversations.ā€
Ah. ā€œKind of obvious, isnā€™t it?ā€
ā€œA little.ā€ His smile faded, showing a seriousness that seemed somehow out of place. ā€œBut you are good parents and April thinks the world of you. If we did not have this conversation, I would be a little concerned.ā€
August took his seat again, sitting far more relaxed now that the kids had gone, and tapped the rim of his own glass. ā€œYour boy, Leo. How did he get so hurt?ā€
Something flickered through Splinterā€™s eyes that she couldnā€™t quite catch, and he stared down at his wine, mouth twisting. ā€œA very long story. All of my boys were hurt during the invasion, but Blue unfortunately took the brunt of it. I am as proud of them as I was terrified for them.ā€ His voice was far too mild for that statement and all the depth it contained, and Carol bit her lip as he tossed half the glass back.
Then he beamed at them. ā€œBut that is not the question you really want to ask.ā€
No. No, it wasnā€™t.
Carol needed to know, but she wasnā€™t sure how to phrase it and found herself hesitating for other reasons besidesā€”so she glanced to August, who had a knack for being terribly blunt at times. He gave her a brief nod, and put his glass down.
ā€œHow safe is our daughter?ā€
Straight to the point. Splinter took a smaller drink, and met his gaze.
ā€œAll things being equal, far safer than the average teenager.ā€
August frowned unhappily, and his voice was flat. ā€œShe was involved in an alien invasion. They came to our house. Her nose was brokenā€”ā€
ā€œLou,ā€ Carol said softly. ā€œWeā€™re just worried about her. Your boys werenā€™t just here for the invasion, they fought on the front line. And so did she. Didnā€™t she?ā€
ā€œYour daughter,ā€ Splinter said steadily, ā€œTook out one of those aliens with a wrecking ball. She blinded it, one eye at a time.ā€
ā€œIs that meant to make us feelbetter?ā€ August demanded, and Splinter turned a sober gaze on him. ā€œWe know April can look after herself. She shouldnā€™t have to. How much danger is she in just by associating with your family?ā€
ā€œAugust.ā€ Her voice was sharper that time.
ā€œIā€™m sorry,ā€ her husband said more quietly. ā€œI donā€™t mean it quite like thatā€”theyā€™re obviously good kids. You should know, the turtle and rat thing isā€¦ confusing, but in the end that isnā€™t what this is about.ā€
Splinter smiled a little. ā€œWhat this is about is that you think my boys dragged April into their fight and made her a target. Has April ever told you how long she has known them for?ā€
August paused, but it was only to calculate the passage of time. They both knew when it was that April had come home talking about the boys sheā€™d met on the roof. Sixā€¦ seven years ago? Maybe eight? And...ah.
ā€œThis is the first time sheā€™s been in trouble,ā€ Carol said, feeling relieved. She understood. After all, holding an alien invasion against Splinterā€™s family would be extremely rude. April could have been hurt worse if she didnā€™t know such powerful people--
ā€œOh no,ā€ Splinter said bluntly. ā€œSheā€™s definitely been in trouble before this.ā€
ā€œ...what?ā€
ā€œLetā€™s seeā€¦ā€ He sipped his wine. ā€œSheā€™s been captured by your upstairs neighbour at least twice by my countā€”ā€
ā€œWhat.ā€
ā€œDonā€™t make those faces, he was nice enough to let her go again. Then there was the fiasco with Big Mama and Shredder, the yokai train, tangling with the Foot clan and fighting at the stadiumā€”ā€
August stood up. ā€œIā€™m sorry, she was at the stadium? When that maniac was threatening to wipe out the human race!?ā€
Splinter raised an eyebrow. ā€œYou do know who that maniac was, donā€™t you?ā€
---------
April found Casey in her bedroomā€”or half in, half out, leaning out the window and breathing in the night air. She could hear sharp voices carry over from the kitchen window, and distorted with only a word here or there making it through, but she recognised her motherā€™s voice all right, shrill with stress, and winced. Splinter had said to trusthim. She was wondering if that had been a bad call.
She sat on the window ledge next to Casey, and he jumped, smacking his head on the window frame before ducking back inside. ā€œCommanderā€”I mean. April. Sorry, I didnā€™t meanā€”ā€
ā€œTo get some space?ā€ she asked dryly.
ā€œWellā€¦ā€
Casey rubbed his head for a moment with a wince, then pulled himself inside, and April listened briefly to the yelling before she decided to resist all temptation and closed the window. She didnā€™t want to hear it, really. It would just make her feel awful and sheā€™d be hearing the fallout soon enough.
ā€œI did come out for space, and to see where the rats, uh. Came in. Or tried to? I feltā€”felt like it should be looked at,ā€ Casey said awkwardly. ā€œThe eavesdropping was unintentional.ā€
ā€œI believe you,ā€ April said easily. She did. He wasnā€™t the typeā€”or at least, she didnā€™t think so. None of them knew him too well, yet. ā€œAll quiet on the rat front?ā€
ā€œOh, yeah. I meanā€¦ evil alien rats, anyway.ā€ He smiled a little. ā€œI think thereā€™s some normal ones further down.ā€
ā€œGuess weā€™ll have to live with that.ā€
They sat in silence for a moment, listening to the laughter coming from the living room. Her light was off, but there was enough coming in from outside that she could just catch Caseyā€™s wistful look at the door, and April nudged him gently with a shoulder.
ā€œYou wanna go back out?ā€
ā€œ...in a minute. Justā€¦ getting my head in order.ā€
ā€œToo busy? Too loud?ā€ She hesitated. ā€œWeird seeing more people you used to know?ā€
He jumped a little at that, turning to look at her in the gloom. ā€œHow did youā€”ā€
ā€œKind of obvious, Future Boy,ā€ she said dryly. ā€œā€™Nice to meet you againā€™?ā€
ā€œAheh.ā€ He ducked his head. ā€œYeah, I guess Iā€™m not so good on the spot. I wasā€¦ trying to prepare myself for seeing them again, but it was so different once I did.ā€
ā€œMore of a shock than meeting those idiots again?ā€ She gestured toward the living room.
ā€œA little. The turtlesā€”when they grow up, theyā€™re a lot bigger. Sensei is so much taller! And Uncle Raph was huge.ā€ He smiled, looking down at his hands. ā€œAnd like-- you were an adult. Commander Oā€™Neil. I knew what you would all look like from the photo, and it was kind of likeā€¦ meeting you all for the first time, even though-- well. Itā€™s complicated.ā€
He really wasnā€™t good at it, was he? Not giving things away. Sensei is taller. Raph was huge. It told her so much. It was painful, and a small part of her turned over in grief-- an empathetic grief for the kid next to her, a pang of knowing it could have been so much worse. She was so relieved she could hear Raph through the door. (...yelling ā€œNot the gravy!ā€ which, eugh boy, okay, she would pretend she didnā€™t hear that.)
Then it occurred to her what Casey was trying to say, and April froze. It didnā€™t mean anything. Theyā€™d avoided the whole apocalypse thing. But--
ā€œMy parentsā€¦ they look the same to you?ā€
Casey shrugged. ā€œWell, theyā€™re already grown adults. Theyā€™re not gonna get another five feet taller or something weird.ā€
Oh. Oh, that wasā€¦ she was an idiot. ā€œHah,ā€ she said after a moment with a small laugh. ā€œFor a sec, I thought you meant they like... died young. Orā€”ā€
And she felt the silence change, in that dark room.
An idiot twice overā€”looking at the crystal stillness of Caseyā€™s reaction to her opening her dumbass mouth, April curled up on the seat next to him and knew sheā€™d basically tripped into a minefield. A personal one, because this wasnā€™t just people Casey had known and grieved.
Theyā€™re not dead. They were yelling at Splinter two rooms over, words echoing off the fire escape outside, and she tried to focus on the more rational dread that they were gonna try and stop her from seeing the guys. Butā€¦
...she couldnā€™t stop her stupid brain from picking over the what ifs.
Casey saved her the struggle, touching her arm gently in the dark. ā€œDo youā€¦ā€ He swallowed and tried again. ā€œYou wanna hear about them? Iā€™ve probably given you the wrong impression. Wellā€¦ half of one.ā€
She found her voice, rough, and forced a smile. ā€œNot if itā€™s gonna stress you out. Besidesā€”ā€ And this time she stopped herself in time, because saying itā€™s never gonna happen now, right? to someone who had lived those events was so cheap and awful. It had sure happened for Casey.
ā€œI donā€™t mind,ā€ he said. ā€œUh, if you want to knowā€¦ it might. Actually help.ā€
Share the grief, huh. Let him not be alone with some of this.
April breathed out. ā€œYeah. Yeah, okay.ā€
---------
ā€œOh! And there was that one time when she accidentally got a job with an evil ninja organisation, but now that I think about it that was sheer bad luck...ā€
Carol was getting a headache. She refilled her glass, trying to sort out whether she wanted to laugh or scream or just throw a wine bottle at Lou, which definitely hadnā€™t featured on her list of Ways To Impress Him before she realised he was now a mutated father of four turtle boys. August had left the room, but the door to the kitchen was open and so she knew he was still listening; he was going through the bottles on the fridge perhaps a touch more violently than he needed to.
ā€œLou,ā€ she said wearily, pinching the bridge of her nose, ā€œI donā€™t get you. I would have thought youā€™d be trying to show us how safe she was with you, notā€”ā€
ā€œNot be honest?ā€
She startled, glancing up to find him watching her shrewdly, and the smile that tucked into the corner of his mouth was an amused one, which made her bristle. Splinter put down his empty glassā€”his second glass, and he was still very sober in a way she wished she was notā€”and leaned forward. ā€œSure! I could have said, ā€˜Mr and Mrs Oā€™Neil! My boys lead very boring lives! The worst scrape theyā€™ve ever been in was an unfortunate one involving a skateboard and a cat and one too many magnets, and this alien invasion was a complete anomaly! Of course it will never happen again!ā€™ That certainly is one way to lie to your face. I can think of more subtle attempts, butā€”ā€
ā€œSo youā€™re making fun of us?ā€ Augustā€™s voice wafted from the kitchen, curt, and there was the snap-fizz sound of a fresh can of something being opened. Lord, Carol hoped it was strong and her husband was about to share. ā€œYouā€™re treating this whole situation with such irreverence thatā€”ā€
ā€œAugust.ā€ Her voice was too sharp, and she softened it before she continued. ā€œHeā€™s not making fun. Maybe heā€™s being a bit of an ass, butā€”ā€
ā€œIā€™m being a whole ass, thank you very much,ā€ Splinter said mildly, and she pointed at him, baring her teeth.
ā€œYou are not helping. Tell me why.ā€
He raised his eyebrows at her in genuine curiosity. ā€œWhy be honest? Seriously?ā€
Carol paused, retort dying on the tip of her tongue.
Because. Because while he was telling them in the most irreverent way, it was the truth. Their lives were crazy and chaotic, and he was saying to expect nothing less. That the insanity of their lives had reached out and snagged their daughter at an early age, thatā€”that sheā€™d already been a target before these aliens came along. That Barry wasnā€™t who he said he was, had been a danger well before this and sheā€™d been trying to introduce him to a daughter heā€™d apparently already kidnapped twice by that point--
Wait. That didnā€™t make sense.
ā€œBarry saved April from the zombies,ā€ she said slowly. ā€œAnd reunited us. Are you saying thatā€™s an act?ā€
ā€œGood grief, no.ā€ He tapped his empty glass and made a mournful sound, and one ear twitched back. ā€œMuch as I hate to give him any credit, Draxum is a changed goat. There is much behind his early motivations that I enthusiastically suggest you ask him about, if for no other reason than that it would be funny! But he just needed to see the bigger pictureā€”that not all humans seek the destruction of anything they donā€™t understand.ā€ He raised his eyebrows. ā€œI am not sure if he would have come to that conclusion so quickly if it were not for your daughter. She is absolutely his favourite human, you know.ā€
There was a soft click as August exited the kitchen, shutting the door softly behind him. He came bearing another two bottles of wine and an opened can of Twisted Tea. Carol smiled at him, and he smiled back tiredly, a smile that faded into seriousness as he looked at Splinter. ā€œDo you trust him?ā€
ā€œWith everything but money and my dignity,ā€ Splinter said at once. ā€œHeā€™s a jerk, but heā€™s our jerk, I suppose.ā€
ā€œYou could have led with that.ā€
ā€œI could have,ā€ he said agreeably. They waited for him to explain further.
He didnā€™t.
ā€œOkay,ā€ Carol said finally, accepting the can from her husband and nodding as he refilled glasses all round. ā€œSo, what? You gave us a litany of horrific danger that our daughter has been involved with becauseā€¦ā€
ā€œBecause to lie would have been extremely disrespectful, and you both seem strong enough to take the truthā€”oh thank youā€”ā€ To August as his glass was refilled, and he snatched it up. ā€œOf course I do not want you to separate the children. But you are both her parents, and good people, and you deserve to know all the facts so you can make a decision without any of us pretending that anything about this is normal.ā€
ā€œAs if it were as easy as that,ā€ August muttered. ā€œSheā€™s already eighteen.ā€
ā€œWell, thatā€™s a you problem, Iā€™m afraid.ā€ Splinter sipped his wine. ā€œBut Iā€™ve told you all about the disaster situations our children like to land themselves in. Thatā€™s only the ones I know of, mind you.ā€
ā€œThatā€™s so much better, thank you.ā€
ā€œYouā€™re welcome!ā€ He cackled, offering his glass up for a toast. Carol gave him one, half-heartedly, and he favoured her with a softer smile.
ā€œNow, I have a question for you,ā€ he said. ā€œHow often has she come home hurt? Upset? Scared?ā€
August went to retort and then paused, looking thoughtful. Carol glanced between them both and frowned, thinking back. April had been hurt beforeā€¦ there was a sprained ankle she knew had come from an accident at school. A few minor bruises from early scraps with that girl with the purple hair. Nothing she wouldnā€™t expect from an outspoken teenage girl who picked fights with bullies.
Nothing that had raised alarms, until now. Until Aprilā€™s poor face, bruising turning her skin even darker, coated in dust with blood in her hair, because aliens had attacked them directly. Because Agent Bishop had set them up as bait, which was a fault that could be laid at his doorstep, not the Hamatosā€™.
It took an alien invasion.
ā€œI cannot make promises about how safe she will be. How safe any of them will be.ā€ Splinter spoke gently now, drawing circles around the rim of his glass with a claw. He glanced up to meet their gaze. ā€œChaos magnet teenagers, the lot of them. But I will tell you that she is their big sister, and they would never let anything happen to her. And I will protect my family with everything I have. All of them.ā€ He paused, then flashed a small smile. ā€œIt turns out I donā€™t do too bad a job!ā€
ā€œAll things being equal, you said,ā€ Carol murmured.
ā€œYes, well. One would hope we donā€™t have to deal with anything as ridiculous as alien invasions again.ā€ Splinter made a face. ā€œTheyā€™re so exhausting! Barring city-destroying events, I truly think your daughter is safer than the average teenage girl. And I swear, large amounts of time go past in which the most exciting thing to happen is weā€™re late returning a DVD to the store, or the pizza order is wrong.ā€ He paused. ā€œ...actually, that second one is generally a cause for alarmā€”ā€
Carol snorted in amusement, and she was relieved to see a faint smile on Augustā€™s face as well. ā€œSo. Family, huh?ā€
ā€œEr, well. I know she already has a father and all,ā€ Splinter muttered. ā€œJust think of me as, I donā€™t know, cool wine uncle Randall.ā€
ā€œRandall?ā€
ā€œOh, and while you are considering what to doā€”ā€ Splinter put his hands together. ā€œPlease take into account that we would miss her a great deal. But also, she is the intelligent one. I would appreciate it if you did not remove the brain cell from my boysā€¦?ā€
Carol grinned outright. ā€œIā€™m sorry, are you sure you know my daughter that well? Becauseā€”ā€
---------
Carol Oā€™Neil died when Casey was seven.
ā€œThere werenā€™t a lot of kids on base,ā€ he said. ā€œI mean-- there were bunkers, and civilians and their families mostly hid there, all through the cave systems below usā€¦ but for kids whose parents were active soldiers and had no one else-- I think there was maybe four of us all up. My mom and yours knew each other pretty well. Mrs Oā€™Neil gave her a lot of advice about kids. I mean, my mom was your age, soā€¦ā€ He paused, staring into the darkness for a long moment with a mild frown. ā€œYou guys were friends, too. A long time ago.ā€
ā€œYour mom and me?ā€ April asked tentatively.
ā€œYeah. So I got to see you guys a lot as a kid. You worked out in the field more with my mom, and youā€™d both come back after days on end and mom would demand reports from the playroom and youā€™d laugh at her.ā€ He grinned at her in the gloom. ā€œBut Iā€™d see Mrs Oā€™Neil a lot more because she stayed at base. I think she did a lot of behind the scenes stuffā€”I was too young to really get it. But I know she looked after us, too, and made sure we ate and got clean and slept safely. Ran drills for us on what to do if we were attacked. Where to run, where to hide. That kinda thing.ā€
Wonderful way for a kid to grow up. She gave him a small smile. ā€œMom does like to boss people around. Sheā€™s real nice about it, though.ā€
ā€œYeah, she is. And sheā€™s, uh. Fierce when threatened.ā€
And a mama bear through and through. The Krang tried to take out the base while diverting most of the resistance fighters to another location, and they had to run. And Carol had made them go first and put herself between a bunch of scared kids and a pack of Krang war dogs. Casey didnā€™t see it happen. But he heard it, on the other side of the heavy trap door, too small to really understand what was going on, huddling with three other kids in the corner of the tiny secret basement.
He spared April the details. Her imagination had no problem filling them in for him, and April curled her knees up to her chest, wishing she couldnā€™t see it so clearly. A sick feeling curled in her gut, and she tried to remind herself her parents were still two rooms over with Splinter, but--
ā€œIt was a bad day forā€¦ everyone,ā€ he said slowly. ā€œThe Krang hit us hard on two fronts, and we lost a lot of people that day. Includingā€”ā€ He broke off, and winced. ā€œWell. Sensei and Master Donatello were the ones that pulled the survivors out, and I donā€™t remember much following. But I know the base was trashed and we had to move. Thatā€¦ happened, sometimes. Less as time went on.ā€
So her mom was a casualty amongā€¦ dozens? Hundreds? More? She had trouble wrapping her head around the numbers and, if she were being honest, April didnā€™t want to think too hard about it. It was awful enough as it was. There was an odd, terrible relief that her mom hadnā€™t been singled out somehow. Because sheā€™d seen what the Krang liked to do when they hated someone personally.
It was still a horrible way to die.
(There were no good ways to die in an apocalypse, huh?)
ā€œYou okay?ā€
She blinked, and found Casey much closer than heā€™d been a moment ago, hovering in concern, and April unclenched her fingers from each other and gave him a wan smile. ā€œHey, I knew going in it wouldnā€™t be pretty. Iā€™m more worried about you.ā€
ā€œYou donā€™t need to be,ā€ he said softly. ā€œThis was a long time ago.ā€
ā€œTime doesnā€™t magically make things better.ā€
ā€œI guess not,ā€ he murmured. ā€œBut I grew up with this story. This is the first time youā€™ve heard it.ā€ And he sounded so apologetic about it that she patted his shoulder.
ā€œSā€™okay, Future Boy. I appreciate knowing. My mom was a total badass to the end, right?ā€
His smile was hesitant, but there all the same. ā€œRight.ā€
She took a breath. ā€œSo, in for a penny, blah blah blah. If youā€™re up for itā€¦?ā€
ā€œ...yeah.ā€
ā€œDadā€¦ did he outlive Mom?ā€
ā€œBy a whole lot.ā€ His smile faded. ā€œI really didnā€™t know him much until after Mrs Oā€™Neil passed. And then he was kind of everywhere. He threw himself right into intelligence support, and he was so good at itā€”his strength was logistics and efficiency of movement on a mass scale, and we were still struggling with organisation, soā€¦ he and Master Donatello worked together a lot. He wasnā€™t a fighter, your dad, not like your mom. But he knew his stuff, and I know a lot of his ideas helped keep our home safe and our supply lines going as long as possible. He worked way too muchā€”you came to drag him back to his room so many times.ā€
Wow. Was it weird to feel proud of her future and now non-existent dad? She hoped heā€™d never have to go through something similar. August was generally a laid back, quieter guy who enjoyed his trains and ships as hobbies.
That heā€™d weaponised his knowledge was amazing, but also heartbreaking. April could read between the lines just fineā€”he buried himself in work because Mom was dead.
ā€œI canā€™t tell you exactly how he...uh.ā€ Casey bit his lip. ā€œWe were always kind of awkward around each other. I think because of Mrs Oā€™Neil. So I kept my distance.ā€
April frowned. ā€œHe canā€™t possibly have blamed you kids for Momā€™s death. Iā€™ll kick his ass. Iā€™ll march right into the kitchen now--ā€
That surprised a laugh out of him. ā€œNo! No, I donā€™t think he did. Butā€¦ you know. She died, and we were there. I thinkā€¦ it was just a reminder. And every time I saw him, Iā€™d remember her too, and it justā€”it was like this presence in the room, I guess. By the time both of us got around to being rational about it, things were just weird. And I wasnā€™t really a logistics guy and had other places to be, soā€¦ we just let things go.ā€
She wondered what had happened to the other kids. The answer was obvious, givenā€¦ well, everything. April kept her mouth shut and let Casey tell her the rest: that, actually, her Dad had survived up until the last days before Casey was thrown through Mikeyā€™s time portal. That it was only when they were close to a full rout that he finally fell, along with the rest of the base personnel. That, as far as Casey knew, April had been with him when he died.
And by the clipped, hesitant way he spoke, constantly glancing to her as he paused and searched for wordsā€”giving her this heavily edited version, trying not to give her any other informationā€”April could gather that sheā€™d probably died at the same time.
That they all had, maybe. With the base down, and the guys choosing to send Casey back more than twenty years instead of continuing to fightā€¦? That was some Terminator shit right there. Only this time, the good guys were the ones that lost. That wasnā€™t exactly a surprise; it had been kind of obvious since Casey first arrived. Time travel was a last resort kind of option.
In the future, they all died.
April wished that changing the future would wipe the slate clean for Casey, too. For the rest of them, it was a case of Hooray! Disaster averted! and they could be relieved that none of this would ever happen. But it had, for one of them. She wondered how he was going to cope with that.
ā€œ...sorry.ā€
Annnd he was apologising to her again. April wrinkled her noseā€”gingerly, it was still healing, stupid Krangā€”and flicked him on the forehead, smiling grimly at his yelp. ā€œCasey Jones, Iā€™m fine. Is this why you didnā€™t want to meet my parents?ā€
Casey blinked at her owlishly in the dark, and then pulled back, looking guilty. ā€œWhat? N-no, I did, I swearā€”ā€
ā€œLemme put it another way,ā€ she said, taking pity on him. This kid still took everything so seriously. But, you know. Justified and all. ā€œIs this why you were so nervous about it?ā€ More ninja than the guys, hiding in the one gloomy patch of hallway and trying to be invisible. But he could probably have gotten away with not coming for any number of reasons, so the fact that he was willing to tryā€¦
ā€œ...a little,ā€ he allowed after a moment. ā€œI meanā€”I know itā€™s dumb. Your parentsā€”your dad has never met me in this time. But I kept thinking heā€™d take one look at me and just kind ofā€¦ know.ā€ He paused, then ran hand through his hair sheepishly. ā€œNot very rational, I guess.ā€
April smiled. ā€œNah. But it still makes sense. And you made it through dinner okay, right?ā€
ā€œYeah.ā€ He smiled back. ā€œYour parents are really nice. I can tell the guys like them, too.ā€
ā€œDonā€™t remind me. Theyā€™re threatening to adopt.ā€
ā€œ...does it work that way in the past?ā€
She couldnā€™t help the snort of laughter at his genuine confusion. ā€œOh, man. We so have to give you a crash course in literally everything, donā€™t we.ā€
ā€œProbably,ā€ he said wryly. And paused again, before sighing. ā€œAlso, I think they finally worked out weā€™re not in the living room anymore.ā€
April blinked at him, and then turned toward the doorā€”and yeah, it had gone suspiciously quiet out there. She put a finger to her lips, grinning at Casey, and reached down for her Journalism and Media Studies text book.
Then she threw it at the door hard and burst into laughter at the girlish shriek that came from the other side. Even Casey gave a soft huff of amusement as the door was flung open a moment later by Donnie, Mikey sprawled on the ground behind him.
ā€œSee,ā€ Raph grumbled in the distance, ā€œI told you guysā€”ā€
ā€œApril Oā€™Neil,ā€ Donnie demanded, ā€œAre you throwing books at us?ā€
ā€œItā€™s the outdated thing they gave us in class that you found the newer edition of.ā€
ā€œIn that case, carry on.ā€
ā€œDonā€™t carry on,ā€ Mikey wheezed, rolling up to his feet. ā€œBooks are scary.ā€ And he dropped his voice to a stage whisper. ā€œAlso, Leo is asleeep.ā€
Oh, whoops. April glanced at the sofa, where Leoā€™s hood and red stripes could just be seen under the comforter, Raph sitting in front of him and polishing off the last of Leoā€™s food. She lowered her own voice to something more reasonable. ā€œThen you shouldnā€™t have been eavesdropping.ā€
ā€œOf course we were!ā€ Donnie proclaimed, arms folded. Then winced. ā€œ--nā€™t. Werenā€™t eavesdropping. Donā€™t be ridiculous, we were merely concerned that you had run into emotional difficulties of someā€”ā€ Mikey smacked him in the shoulder. ā€œI mean. Eaten by rats. Because rats. Are a thing in these parts. Zombie rats. They could still be here.ā€
ā€œUh huh.ā€ She folded her arms. ā€œCasey?ā€
He honest to god saluted her with a perfectly straight face. ā€œNo rats in the apartment, Commander. Could be a liar or two, though.ā€
Raph snorted, choking on his mouthful of beef as Donnie gaped at them. Mikey planted his face on Donnieā€™s shell and gave a muffled giggle. ā€œSomeone tell Casey the house rulesā€”ā€
ā€œWe have house rules now?ā€ April wanted to know.
ā€œUhh, something something donā€™t be funny while people are eating?ā€ Donnie suggested. ā€œYou nearly killed Raph.ā€
Raph pointed in their general direction but said nothing, still coughing.
ā€œThatā€™s not a house rule. Thatā€™s something you came up with to get Leo to shut up and eat.ā€
ā€œIn our defense, his puns are very painful,ā€ Donnie noted. ā€œAlso, how long has he been Dumbonardo in your phone?ā€
ā€œMyā€”ā€ She glanced down to see her phone in his hand, and April snatched it back. ā€œGive me that.ā€
ā€œI was updating it for you.ā€
ā€œWith what?ā€
ā€œAnswer the question and Iā€™ll answer yours.ā€
She glared, but after poking at her phone to make sure he hadnā€™t put Yet Another Firewall on it, April gave a shrug. ā€œSince the invasion.ā€
ā€œHmm. Some might say I am required to speak in my beloved brotherā€™s defense, but I merely question why you didnā€™t do it earlier.ā€
Raph finally found his voice, still pointing. ā€œDonā€™t use Raph as an excuse. Also Leo went to sleep, like, five minutes agoā€”you sure you wanna be roasting him like this?ā€
ā€œItā€™s a night for roasts,ā€ Mikey said sagely. ā€œSpeaking of, dā€™you think we can stick a fork in Dad and call him done yet?ā€
ā€œI donā€™t know,ā€ Splinter said from behind the couch. ā€œCan you?ā€
They all yelped and jumped away from himā€”with the exception of Leo, who let out a small snore, and Casey, who just lifted a hand and waved. Splinter beamed at them and continued picking his teeth clean with a nail which, ew. April made a face. ā€œWhen did you get in here?ā€
ā€œA good ninja never reveals his secrets.ā€
ā€œOh, so youā€™re going to tell us everythingā€”ā€
Splinterā€™s tail cracked into Donnieā€™s head, and April cackled, flopping into the armchair as he waved a finger. ā€œThe Oā€™Neils will be in shortly! I came to warn you in advance so you can repair all the damage youā€™ve done.ā€
ā€œHuh?ā€ Raphā€™s brow furrowed. ā€œWhat damage? If youā€™re talking about the gravy, we dealt with thatā€”ā€
ā€œThere was no gravy,ā€ Donnie said swiftly, and April immediately started scanning the cushions and the carpeting with dread. ā€œItā€™s all in your imagination.ā€
ā€œWho cares about gravy?ā€ Splinter hissed, flailing his arms in dramatic outrage. ā€œWhat about what youā€™ve done to the walls?ā€
They stared back at him in disbelief.
ā€œOkay, first of all, that wasnā€™t us,ā€ Donnie said, voice flat. ā€œSecond, I admire your faith that we can somehow put the walls back to rights in the moments we have before the Oā€™Neils descend upon us with whatever imagined wrath you think we deserveā€”ā€
April raised a hand, sighing. ā€œIn light of Leo being asleep, let me be the one to tell you that was totally Draxum, and the walls were like that before you guys arrived.ā€
ā€œDraxum, you say?ā€ Splinter said gleefully. ā€œI meanā€”oh no, your poor walls.ā€
ā€œHey, he did it saving April!ā€ Mikey defended.
ā€œYeah, heā€™s off the hook for that one,ā€ Raph said, ruffling Mikeyā€™s mask tails. ā€œYou can blame him for a lot of things, butā€”ā€
ā€œIā€™m sorry,ā€ Draxum drawled, towering behind Raph suddenly. ā€œWhat am I being blamed for now?ā€
They all yelped and scrambled in the opposite direction. Except for Casey, who waved again, and Leo, whose snoring took on a more stubborn sound, and April eyed him suspiciously. Draxum loomed over them all, dressed in a surprisingly nice kimono, its stylishness ruined somewhat by the traces of chocolate staining its sleeve, and he was holding a tray that wasā€¦
...gurgling. Huh.
Splinter recovered first. ā€œEverything I can possibly get away with, and surprise ninja entrances are my thing! Get your own!ā€
Draxum raised an eyebrow. ā€œSurprise ninja entrances? I walked through the door. Perhaps your supposed ninja family needs more training in observation.ā€
April glanced behind him to see that, yes, the door to the kitchen was open, and Carol was leaning against the frame watching them all. She caught Aprilā€™s stare and grinned, offering her a wink.
And April relaxed. Whatever her parents had talked about with Splinter, it had turned out okay.
Draxum eyed them a moment longer, then gave a disdainful sniff and set the tray down on the coffee table. It was full of brown, bubbling and uneven sludge, and an attempt to slice it into squares had clearly been made before the pieces melted back together again. They surrounded it and eyed it dubiously.
ā€œBrownies,ā€ Draxum said proudly. ā€œI grew them myself.ā€
Mikey peered at him. ā€œDonā€™t you mean bakedā€”ā€
ā€œI said what I said.ā€
There was silence as they all stared down at what, honestly, looked a little like a horror story. Like a village buried under a sudden mud slide, maybe. The lumpiness did remind April a little of tiny drowning people, and the fact that it was still bubbling didnā€™t help.
It did smell delicious, though--
ā€œWho would like to try one first?ā€ Draxum asked. ā€œCarol? As hostā€”ā€
ā€œOh,ā€ Carol said cheerfully. ā€œAs host, Iā€™llā€¦ find you some plates.ā€ And she was gone with a speediness that April envied. She wondered if she could somehow vanish through the same doorway without being noticed.
ā€œIā€™ll pass,ā€ Casey said, raising a hand, and he looked sincerely apologetic. ā€œIā€™m still meant to stick to a simple diet, and I think your brownies are tooā€¦ rich?ā€
Nice save. April felt a little bad for Draxum as he looked around with confusion and frowned. ā€œI promise you they taste just fine.ā€
ā€œDid you follow my recipe?ā€ Mikey asked weakly.
ā€œI improved on your recipeā€”ā€
ā€œIā€™ll go first,ā€ Raph said, face dark and slamming a fist into his open palm. ā€œIā€™ve eaten weirder.ā€
ā€œYeah, good luck with that.ā€ Donnie was on his phone. ā€œI am not eating anything that looks like a crime scene. Tampering with evidence is a no-no.ā€
Mikey peered at him. ā€œThatā€™s not what you said at the college labsā€”ā€
ā€œYouā€™re all babies.ā€ Raph rolled up the sleeves of his jacket, wincing slightly as the holes at his elbows grew a little bigger. ā€œI bet itā€™ll taste great and you should all give Barry the benefit of the doubt.ā€
ā€œThank you,ā€ Draxum said with a sniff. ā€œI tasted them myself and I am in perfectly good health. I donā€™t know why all of you are such cowards when it comes to yokai cooking.ā€
ā€œRaph ainā€™t no coward.ā€ Yet despite this, he hovered over the tray for a long time, fingers wiggling as if he wasnā€™t sure what to grab, and April watched the drop of sweat roll down his cheek. Everyone watched him in silence. Except for Donnie, who was humming. April thought it might be a dirge of some kind.
Another green hand reached out and stabbed a finger down into the tray, twirling a pile of warm goop around it, and they jumped. Leo stuck it into his mouth, eyes still half closed.
ā€œUhā€”ā€
ā€œSenseiā€”ā€
ā€œNardo, donā€™t swallow thatā€”ā€
ā€œOh, sweet pineapple on pizza,ā€ Leo breathed, eyes flying open. ā€œThis is amazing. Who made this?ā€
There was dead silence. And then everyone pointed to Draxum. Leo blinked at him, wrinkled his snout, and snuggled back into his pile of comforters. ā€œOh, thatā€™s right. Well, whatever, canā€™t win ā€˜em all. Can I have a plate?ā€
ā€œWait,ā€ Donnie said, disbelieving. ā€œYouā€™re serious? Youā€™re not just trying to trick us all into food poisoning?ā€
ā€œYou donā€™t wanna eat any, Dontron, itā€™s more for me.ā€
ā€œWell, not that I doubt you...ā€ Donnie squinted at the plate. ā€œBut brownies are meant to have a certain internal consistency. If you can twirl it around your finger I feel they should be classified as something more liquidā€”ā€
ā€œSave me from picky eaters,ā€ Draxum said, rolling his eyes. ā€œIf you wait a little longer Iā€™m sure theyā€™ll set.ā€
ā€œTheyā€™re meant to set before you serve them, Barryā€”ā€
Mikey crossed his arms. ā€œHey, he tried! And therefore nobody should criticise him!ā€
ā€œOh, I think we can find plenty to criticise,ā€ Splinter said, dabbing chocolate goop away from his mouth, and April gave a start and wondered when heā€™d managed that theft. ā€œBut I suppose in this case the brownies are exempt. I hate to say it, but they are delicious. In a strangely muddy kind of way.ā€
ā€œOh, nobody died?ā€ Carol had reappeared, holding a stack of small plates. ā€œI brought spoons as well, given theirā€¦ unique texture. We can call it pudding instead of brownies, right?ā€
ā€œBut I made brownies,ā€ Draxum said sulkily.
ā€œSpecial recipe yokai brownies,ā€ she said with a dry smile. ā€œClearly we poor humans donā€™t recognise quality when we see it.ā€
ā€œWell, seeing as you brought it upā€”ā€
April stomped on his foot. Hard. Which probably hurt her more than it hurt him, given he had hooves and he merely gave her a blank look, but it did shut him up.
ā€œEveryone stop arguing about dessert and eat it already,ā€ Leo said, yawning. ā€œMrs O, dinner was delicious. I donā€™t know if I said that before, soā€¦ā€
That prompted a general round of agreement, and she smiled at them, handing out the plates. ā€œYouā€™re very welcome. Maybe when youā€™re feeling better, we can do this again, huh?ā€
Splinter perked up. ā€œYou mean like a traditional Sunday dinner?ā€
ā€œNot every Sunday,ā€ August said, finally entering with a tray of glasses. ā€œIā€™m not sure our poor apartment can take it. I heard something about gravy?ā€
ā€œThere is no gravy.ā€
ā€œOh, glad to hear it. Drinks, anyone?ā€
A chorus of hands shot up.
ā€œI think thereā€™s enough room for all of us,ā€ Carol said, pointedly flopping down on the ground by Aprilā€™s chair. ā€œYou guys havenā€™t picked a movie out yet. Anything in particular?ā€
ā€œDo you have any Jupiter Jim?ā€ Leo said, peering over his comforter.
ā€œWho cares about Jupiter Jerkface.ā€ Splinter huffed. ā€œI happen to know they have the entire collection of Lou Jitsuā€™s hidden 80s gemsā€”ā€
ā€œWe are not watching Lou Jitsu movies.ā€ Draxum paused between serving up his pudding-slash-brownies onto plates to give him a disdainful look. ā€œWe already have to look at you enough today.ā€
ā€œYou only just arrived with faulty brownies, you donā€™t get a sayā€”ā€
ā€œMy delicious brownies. Even the annoying one thinks so.ā€
ā€œDonā€™t drag me into this, Iā€™m horribly injured.ā€
ā€œWhat does that have to do with anything?ā€
ā€œAnyway,ā€ Mikey said determinedly, stuffing Leoā€™s mouth full of chocolate before he could retort, ā€œThatā€™s one vote for Jupiter Jerā€”Jim and like minus five for Lou Jitsuā€”ā€
ā€œHow dare you!ā€ Splinter gasped. ā€œThe lack of respect!ā€
ā€œLou Jitsuā€™s ā€˜hidden 80s gemsā€™ are uncut and not for children,ā€ Carol said firmly. ā€œDonā€™t scar them.ā€
ā€œWhat do you meanā€”ā€ Donnie paused, and then went a fascinating shade of grey as April hid her face. ā€œOh. Never mind.ā€
ā€œI havenā€™t seen much of the Jupiter Jim franchise, actually,ā€ August said thoughtfully. ā€œAre they any good?ā€
ā€œActually,ā€ Casey said, raising a hand with a hesitant smile, ā€œI havenā€™t seen any. For, uhā€¦ obvious reasons..?ā€
There was silence as everyone stared at the two of them.
Then Leo reached out and smacked Donnie in the arm, making garbled sounds through his mouthful of chocolate sludge, and Donnie sighed. ā€œTranslating for my dum-dum brother here, I believe he wants me to say ā€˜Well, now we have to watch them. From the beginning.ā€™ā€
ā€œWe donā€™t own any of them, thoughā€”ā€
ā€œThat is not a problem, believe me.ā€ Donnie produced his tablet from out of thin air. ā€œApril? May I borrow your laptop?ā€
ā€œYou got it, Dee.ā€ She wriggled out of the chair and scrambled past them to her room, cackling as Splinter stopped grumbling and snatched up a plate, perching on the far arm of Leoā€™s sofa. By the time she returned, dad had pulled in a chair from the kitchen to sit on and the rest were mostly lounging on the floor with what spare cushions they had, and Donnie was perched in an unlikely sprawl across the back of the sofa, setting up the connections theyā€™d need.
ā€œOkay!ā€ Donnie straightened up as she handed him her laptop. ā€œGiven there are more than eighty films in the franchise we will clearly start with just the one, so letā€™s go for one of the more iconic for new viewers and take bets on how long it takes Nardo to fall asleep againā€”ā€
ā€œHey,ā€ Leo protested sleepily. ā€œRude. I wanna watch people watching JJ.ā€
ā€œAgain, skill issue. I suppose we can ask April to throw more text booksā€”ā€
ā€œI know who Iā€™m gonna throw ā€˜em at if I do.ā€
ā€œā€”but books are sacred and should not be treated that way. I give him five minutes.ā€
ā€œEight,ā€ Carol said mildly.
ā€œMom!ā€
ā€œOh no, Raph is not losinā€™ another Leo bet. I give him three minutes, look at him, heā€™s already yawninā€™ā€”ā€
ā€œYouā€™re all jerks.ā€
ā€œShush, Leo, or Iā€™ll rig the bet in my favour. You will not like my methods.ā€
ā€œDad, Donnieā€™s threatening me again.ā€
ā€œBe quiet and go to sleep! Preferably after four minutes.ā€
ā€œYouā€™re all gonna lose,ā€ Mikey sing-songed. ā€œLeo loves these movies. Iā€™ll give him a full half hour.ā€
ā€œThank you, Miguel, but also youā€™re still a jerk.ā€
ā€œI love you too.ā€
ā€œShh, shh-- the movieā€™s starting.ā€
ā€œShh.ā€
ā€œSsh!ā€
Aprilā€™s phone buzzed as her dad got the lights, and she blinked down at it.
Donnie: >> I updated your panic button. For all your potential home invasion needs. If we canā€™t answer, itā€™ll summon a drone. No more zombies. Share it with parents?
Ohā€¦ right. The update. April smiled, and offered him a thumbs up in the dark as the movie started. Sheā€™d have to break the news to her parents that they were adopted after all.
Her chair hadnā€™t been stolen, which was nice of them. She settled back into it, and Carol glanced up at her with a small smile.
ā€œOkay?ā€ April whispered.
ā€œMore than,ā€ Carol whispered back.
And...okay. Good. Great. Something in her settled into pure warmth and she curled her knees up to her chest, glancing at her dad. He smiled and gave her a quick nod. Two for two.
It was gonna be more than okay. From here, it was gonna be amazing.
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coffinpal Ā· 2 years ago
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If you're not okay with questions feel free to delete this but damn I am intrigued in your redline thingy
1. What kind of turtles are they? Raph seems to be an albino variant of some sort and I know that in the photo thing Leo was suggested to be a hybrid but goddamn I love biology
2. It's very interesting that yall are going with the red masks for all of them approach. Is there any reasoning behind it or just for funsies? In any case it's very unique just like every other aspect of their designs!
3. So like. I love that your Splinter is a lady???? Rat mama ftw???? But how specifically did she get mutated and what the hell is going on between the Hamatos and the Foot Clan bc god I love the drama those guys got going on in tmnt
No pressure if you answer or not!! Love y'all's work and wish y'all a happy February!
You are so sweet! @0ddbugs and I are totally open for questions and we appreciate all the interest and love we've been getting!! šŸ’–
0dd answered this one here
2 and 3.
Rat mama is Tang Shen! The woman who is extremely important to most Hamato Yoshi's but also usually dead in most iterations of tmnt.
We wondered what she would've been like as a mother for them.
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2012 made us want this concept even more when they got to meet her.
Shen is the backbone of Redline. We made her story before we even had the boys designed.
Any way the way she was mutated was mentioned by me here.
But basically these two disgruntled scientists were trying to create mutagen for different reasons. They had a very limited supply and decided, drunkenly, to go test it on animals at the college.
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Perry and Baxter
Shen was in another room that held a rat when she heard them break in. We had a joke in our first draft for the comic that she left her baton with the rat because she's a martial arts master and felt she needed it more.
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When she got to the room with the turtles and the men, the turtles had already been stuck by Perry with his samples of mutagen. Baxter, in self defense, stuck Shen with the only other sample of mutagen he was holding.
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Being that the last thing she touched was the rat in the other room, she mutated into one. The turtles were last touched by her (the two had gloves on).
There's some stuff about Baxter and Perry we really dont wanna talk about til we get to it in the comic so it'll have to wait. I'm sorry. :,D
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Their red masks are cut from an old scarf that belonged to her late husband, Hamato Yoshi. As they didn't get to meet him, she cut the scarf in fours so they'd all have a gift from him.
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Her past is also mostly a secret but to simplify, Splinter and Shredder are bitter exes.
We can't wait to post more Redline, and we have the first comic coming within this month. Thank you!! I hope you have a good February as well!!
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nerves-nebula Ā· 2 months ago
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There are a lotta things I could say about about panda wolves (itā€™s a tmnt csa trauma recovery fic) for one thing a lot of the abuse dynamics in panda wolves are similar to the ones i decided on for my neglected boys (leo as the main sexual victim, with Raph as a kind of ā€œbackupā€, thereā€™s other stuff too, like the food insecurity issues & stuff but I donā€™t remember all the similarities rn)
Like, reading it I was like holy shit. How did we come to so many of the same/similar conclusions with such different setups & characterizations of the turtles?????
BUT I think most of that can be accounted for. I think a lot of it comes from seeing similar potential dynamics and being interested in exploring trauma in a similar way. Less of a total coincidence and more of us running on similar trains of thought.
What is a genuinely surprising coincidence is the entirely original aspect of the story, the titular Panda Wolves themself. Pandas were nominally my favorite animal growing up, I used to collect panda toys and stuffed animals and statues (until one of my siblings destroyed and lost a bunch of them while I was away one day. which is why i donā€™t collect anything anymore lol. Painful fucking memory)
And my oldest sister was really into wolves. I had printed out letter sized picture of pandas on my side of the room, my sister had wolves. And obviously thatā€™s not insane, pandas and wolves are very popular among kids. But -and you might know this if youā€™ve been here for awhile- my oldest sister molested me growing up. They also defended me and all my siblings from our physically abusive brother. They kind of raised us, in some ways. so in my mind this combination of pandas and wolves is like. Top tier symbolism for siblings who both protect and hurt you.
But it doesnā€™t stop there. The panda wolves also remind me of these cow bears I made up as a kid. Bears that had the patterns and hides of cows. Strong vicious predators with the black and white pattern of a different animal, who loved and protected each other. Thatā€™s the coincidence that really tickles me. Like, whatā€™re the odds.
Anyways Panda Wolves is really good thumbs up. It made me break down like twice last semester
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thedawningofthehour Ā· 6 months ago
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What do you think would be Draxum's favorite Disney movie? Other than The Lion King or Bambi.
Hmm, ignoring the timeline aspect of it-he probably hasn't seen anything made past 1992, considering Bella was too old to watch children's movies at that point and Pax experienced a lot of rapid adultification after the death of his parents and was no longer interested in a lot of kid things, and Draxum wouldn't have watched them of his own volition. (Bella would absolutely be down to watch Disney movies now, but she was one of Those teenagers who were too cool for that) Plus while Draxum will consume human media, (kind of hard not to, especially considering Yokai don't really have much of a TV/movie industry themselves) he's pretty picky about it and would probably be overly critical of Disney and consider it to be a harbinger of intrusive Americanization and commoditization. He let his niece and nephew watch Disney, but he also encouraged them to watch foreign movies and shows just to branch out. If he raised Gale as a child he probably wouldn't have allowed him to watch much Disney at that point. (though if he raised all the turtles I expect he'd eventually give up as the reality of raising four hyper-destructive children who were designed to be hardy and relentless and basically hell on earth came crashing down on him and he would be willing to turn on anything if it meant he could get a break for an hour and a half)
That said! Well, he'd love Mulan. Draxum grew up very close to his mother and the warriors of his tribe skewed more female, so he was surrounded by a bunch of tough Norse ladies and thought that was just how all warriors were. (finding out that humans did not do this probably contributed to his resentment, lol) He loves a good girlboss. Really, a Draxum who raised the turtles would be starved for good female representation, considering they're all boys being raised by gay dads and don't really have any women in their lives. (besides Bella and her endless line of girlfriends) (the first time Leo repeats something misogynistic he heard on Youtube Draxum goes fucking apeshit on his ass) On top of that, Mulan is honestly just a really well done movie. He'd also appreciate the emphasis put on Mulan's brains over her innate talents-she's a badass fighter, of course, she worked very hard for that and deserves to be recognized for it, but the movie makes a point of repeatedly showing how intelligent she is and what a naturally strategic mind she has. She doesn't outfight Shan Yu-she outwits him. Draxum would go absolutely feral over her.
He'd also like Aladdin for similar reasons, his wit and compassion towards others. I feel like he'd also begrudgingly enjoy Robin Williams as Genie. "Well, humans are on the whole abhorrent beings, but this Williams man defied the odds. He is...strangely delightful to behold." He's also 100% that person that criticizes historical and cultural inaccuracies in movies though, and he'd absolutely do that here. Splinter is sitting next to him groaning and telling him just to enjoy the movie and to stop bothering Purple with his lecture about orientalism and actual history about the Islamic golden age.
I feel like he'd also really love The Little Mermaid. No particular reason, just kind of that vibe.
Hmm, what else. This is all Disney Renaissance stuff, because that's what I grew up with. Atlantis, he'd love Atlantis, and he'd bemoan how uncultured humans were for not appreciating it. He'd watch The Emperor's New Groove very begrudgingly, because his kids begged him, and try to hide how much he actually enjoys it. The Incredibles, for obvious reasons. He'd cry at Up. And at Coco.
He'd also like anything in universes where everyone is animals, for obvious reasons. But be like, really really critical of it. "Why does this hippo child need to duck to go through her doorway?! Her house should be built to accommodate animals of her size! Her society has failed her!"
(Draxum is not a fun person to watch movies with)
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pianocat939 Ā· 2 years ago
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Hey hey hey how are u doing? i was wondering could you maybe do a blurb or general headcanons on having a horror movie marathon with the yandere turtle boys? Like what their favorite type of horror films? Some tropes that they love/find stupid? Oh, and how a movie night like this will go for the group as a whole, like including y/n? whether y/n is afraid of horror films or is calm during the whole movie night is up to you, I am extremely interested in what you come up with this once :) so yeah i am basically asking for more INDULGENT THOUGHTS of yours from that post about Lou Jitsu movie marathon BUT now with horrors! (holy shit this ask is long, i am really sorry)
Apologies for taking a long while to answer this. I was wondering whether or not to do this as a blurb or as a request. Turns out I'll do a blurb and then write a bigger piece some other time.
Tw: extremely brief mention of trauma
(I'm not very familiar with horror movies, but I do occasionally watch horror TV shows. Idk if it's similar but that's all I got)
Raphie likes the last remaining trope. He enjoys seeing the person strive to survive on their own (lowkey relates to his trauma).
Leo loves and I mean absolutely fucking loves a creepy mirror scene. It gets his heart pounding with thrill.
Donnie is analytical so the creepy house, great aunt's mansion trope is his favorite. He gets to predict the future becoming as the movie progresses.
Mimi doesn't enjoy horror in general but likes photos or videos of a killer/creature roaming around the area whenever he is.
So how would the night progress?
I'm gonna assume you guys are going to be stuffed onto a couch when having this marathon. At the start, everybody is in their respective spaces, just watching the movie.
If there are any jumpscares, Mikey will cling to you by the first one. He buries his head into the crook of your neck, freaked out by the sudden movement.
Raph is pretty good for about halfway before he grabs your hand for comfort (the plot of the movie kinda stresses him out a little).
Leo, on the other hand, would rather have you cling to him. If you're a scaredy cat when it comes to jump scares, by all means, clutch onto his arm for reassurance (I can handle all the gore but jumpscares freak me out so bad).
Donnie doesn't react too much, but when it's done he'll discuss the movie and basically turns it into a full-on analysis of plot/character development, all that literary aspects.
Now let's talk about MC's position.
If you're pretty much calm throughout the movie:
Mikey admires you but is panicking over the intense sounds that flow from the screen.
Raph silently grips your hand and doesn't say anything.
Leo is pissy you don't get scared.
Donnie appreciates that you're just like him.
If you're a scaredy cat:
If you don't mind, Mikey's going to be hugging you tightly while rubbing your back to soothe the nerves that buzz in your veins.
Raphie brings you closer, just so you don't feel so exposed/lonely. Gives you a few pats for bonus points.
Leonard wraps an arm around your waist and if you're fine with it, sits you in his lap with his head on your shoulder.
Donnel doesn't explicitly state his mind, but worries every time you react to the scenes. Checks your heart rate after for extra precaution
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jinxthejubilee Ā· 2 years ago
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Venus de Milo - We Need to Talk
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Because I'm desperate to see Rise of Tmnt get a third season, I need to talk about it more. And for that, I must ask this question: What do you guys think of Venus de Milo?
Honestly, I think she could be a great addition to the series. Pretty much anything they do with her would be better than the disgrace that was The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation.
I feel really bad for her because the writers never gave her a chance to be her own character. They just fell back on a bunch of period-typical tropes for female characters and never even utilized those tropes in an interesting way.
So if Venus was in ROTTMNT, here are the questions/ideas I have for both the writers, and the audience:
Since the boys are all four different species of turtles, what kind of turtle would she be?
(Maybe a diamondback?)
What color should her mask be?
It shouldn't be just a lighter color of one of the boys, she needs to be distinct.
I would say yellow, but that's Jennika's color.
Maybe silver?
Should they change her name to an actual female Renaissance artist?
If so, what would it be? And if not, what is the backstory of how she was named "Venus de Milo?"
If they keep her as the long lost sister of our main 4, how did she get separated from them in the first place?
Did Draxum keep her separated on purpose before they all got mutated?
Was she thrown out because Draxum no longer thought she was a suitable candidate for his experiments?
What was the reason?
How would they all meet each other?
Probably fighting each other, if I'm being honest. That's basically how they've met everyone in this series.
What would her weapon be?
I would say a fan, but people might be bothered that they assigned a traditionally "feminine" weapon to the only other girl in the group.
Maybe the tetsubo?
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The kyoketsu-shoge?
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Either way, she needs her own weapon unless they want to keep her magical powers from the original show, which would actually work really well in this particular series.
How would the creators revamp her personality?
Raphael in this series is kinda like a den mother already, so if they keep that aspect of her character the same as she was in The Next Mutation, they may need to dial that back a notch.
Maybe she could be very shy, skittish, and awkward, but once she warms up to her family and friends' love and acceptance, she gets more excitable and fun.
Also, maybe replace "motherly" with just "very formal," as in she speaks very formally and has a hard time loosening up around people.
She can still have that somewhat oblivious nature when it comes to references and cultural idioms, like she did in The Next Mutation, but not too much to the point that it becomes annoying. She just doesn't know how to interact normally due to her upbringing.
I've seen art and a few stories like this before, but what if before Draxum became a good guy (or this could be Big Mama, whoever works), he created Venus by mutating her with a small sample of Splinter's DNA?
If not a baby, then a little girl? Around 10 years old or so? Just throwing some ideas out there.
Which goes into my next question: Should Venus be older or younger than Mikey?
We all know that Mikey is baby, and people might want him to stay that way.
Unless they want Mikey to be the older brother for once and be the best and awesomest big brother ever!
I'd say this is less likely to happen though.
The most likely option is Venus being older than Mikey, but younger than Leo and Donnie.
I can dig the awkward big sister and excitable little brother dynamic.
Another idea that I saw was making Venus the same age as Leo and Donnie so that the three of them could be "triplets," and personally, I love that idea.
Speaking of Big Mama, I saw some people speculating that this person:
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Might be Venus, who works for Big Mama.
That could be an interesting take on her.
Maybe after Draxum threw her out, she was found by Big Mama or one of workers and now serves under her.
Building up relationships
This is definitely going to be a separate discussion for another day, but Venus' relationships with everybody could be an awesome topic to explore.
The personalities of every single character in this show are very distinct and they bounce off each other very well, so what would happen if you throw Venus into the mix?
First off, getting rid of the idea of Venus as a love interest is a must since she will be revamped as their sister.
The boys are used to having a older sister figure in their lives because of April, so how would having a younger sister work?
Raph would obviously be a bit overprotective as usual, making sure she's comfortable and feels safe around them, which depending on her personality, she could appreciate it immensely, or not, but for the sake of his feelings, she doesn't say anything.
Donnie would be happy to have another person to show off his inventions, and they could bond over her actually taking interest in what he has to say.
Leo would be the one she talks to/is the most comfortable around, since he's pretty chill and understands that he shouldn't overwhelm her like Raph or the others tend to do. That said, Leo would be siked to have another sibling, and would show her all that she needs to know about their family, their favorite pizza places, and how they work together as a team.
Mikey would be the top brother excited to have a sister. Younger or older, he'd drag Venus around like a ragdoll to show her anything and everything! Pizza, games, arts and crafts, the Jupiter Jim movies, everything! He might be a little annoying when he gets like this, but that adorable smile on his face breaks down any resistance Venus has.
Master Splinter is an interesting one. He might feel guilty for essentially abandoning Venus, leading her to work for Draxum, Big Mama, or whatever villain she serves, if she serves anyone at all. Maybe she'll be a bit resentful of him for that, and avoid interacting with him for a while, until he eventually apologizes and makes an attempt to kindle a father-daughter relationship with her. Once they get there though, it's very sweet, with Splinter promising to be there for her and make up for lost time.
GIRLS NIGHT WITH APRIL AND SUNITA!!! This needs to happen! All three girls banning together and having little adventures of their own. If Venus is the shy one of the group, April and Sunita can show her the ropes and help build up her confidence. Positivity is a must! šŸŒŸ
And, of course, like every character on this show, we need some trauma. Paranoia is her worst enemy.
A plausible reason of why Venus is so quiet is because she was order never to speak out of line or she would be punished. She was like a robot, who never gained her own identity as she was only seen as a tool.
She's so afraid of making others upset to the point that she overthinks everything and just stops talking altogether.
Sometimes her fears and ridiculous assumptions about what could happen can be played for laughs, but her anxious nature is just...not fun for her.
Which leads to everyone helping her break out of her comfort zone and become more comfortable with the family and the outside world overall.
They might be too pushy at times, but they only have good intentions. However, these things take time, and they must learn to be more patient.
All in all, I think that Venus could be a splendid character if the people in charge of TMNT actually TRY to play with her personality and backstory, and not just let her become a walking don't list for how not to create a female character in a male-centric franchise.
Soooo...that's it! If you made it this far, first of all, thank you so much! And second, let me know how you would interpret Venus' character. We NEED this show to come back, and I want to give this girl justice!
Once again, thank you all so much for reading! Stay safe out there! And I'll see you later! Byeee! šŸ’—
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milkb0nny Ā· 2 years ago
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hello friend ! i hope you're having a great day/night
I want to request for Hwajin na ( get schooled ) with an autistic kid who hates adults alot, they have interests like biology life and other sciences ( i'm a proud nerd :]ā˜† )
Thank you !
ļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒøļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒ™ļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒøļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒ™ļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”
š‘Æš’˜š’‚š’‹š’Šš’ š‘µš’‚ š’˜š’Šš’•š’‰ š’‚ š’„š’‰š’Šš’š’… š’˜š’‰š’ š’‰š’‚š’•š’†š’” š’‚š’…š’–š’š’•š’”
ļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒøļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒ™ļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒøļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒ™ļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”
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āšœļø š‘Æš’˜š’‚š’‹š’Šš’ š‘µš’‚
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šŸŒø Hwajin Na encountered many children. Some very special, others normal and some really twisted. He knows how children work and he's passionate about his job. Leading kids into the right direction gives him own fulfillment.
šŸŒø When he got called to your school, it was because a boy in your class bullied girls a lot. He'd take pictures of their panties, drew degrading names on their desks and he'd film them when they change clothes for sports. The reason why the teachers are so hesitant to help the matter is that he's the son of the principal.
šŸŒø You despise the teachers. You do know what's up with this one boy and you disagree with everything he does. But the teachers... They are way worse. Looking away and acting like nothing is up, even when parents approach them, is right up disgusting.
šŸŒø The first time the black haired man stepped into the classroom you were aware of danger. Another teacher who's gonna let girls get harassed? You usually welcome the other girls in your arms when they start crying but the more you help, the more you get bullied as well. Luckily Hwajin Na is there to help this matter.
šŸŒø Everytime he started to teach English lessons and made the boy do a lot of homework, you liked him more. After your last class, you visited the biology room just to find the boy who touched a girl way younger than you. You screamed. The boy looked at you in anger and ran to you, wanting to hit you right in the face. Hwajin Na stopped him, with a camera in his right hand. It was the evidence needed to prove the crimes to the police.
šŸŒø You thanked him. He smiled, patted your head and asked what you do here. You answered that you like the turtle in the room and you've been studying some fishes lately. To calm you down, as he didn't know in what state you were mentally, he watched the animals with you.
šŸŒø "May I ask when you need to head home?" - you shaked your head. You didn't want to go home. You loved your parents yet they never seem to really understand your needs. They're the only adults you don't despite but you don't like them either. Silently, you continued watching the turtle how it hunted for some frozen fish dropped in the tank.
šŸŒø Hwajin Na noticed your hate towards adults. Every teacher he encountered told him and he noticed as well the first times he took over some English classes. Though he's relieved you trust him enough to share some moments with him.
šŸŒø He handles you very gently. With care, as he doesn't really know how to deal with an autistic kid. He's not aware how well you take some emotions and he doesn't want to intrude your space. So he stays quiet, enjoys time with you and asks you questions.
ļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒøļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒ™ļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒøļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”šŸŒ™ļ½”ļ½„ļ¾Ÿā™”ļ¾Ÿļ½„ļ½”
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Quick notice: I'm not familiar with autistic behaviors. Since I don't have autism, I don't feel comfortable with writing an autistic child because it feels very intruding. I appreciate the request a lot though. In favor of you, I'll include some aspects I saw online quite a lot but I won't focus on the autistic topic. I hope headcanons do the job quite well. Thank you very much! šŸ’ž
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turtleblogatlast Ā· 8 months ago
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Something I love about Leo is that, canonically, he IS capable of cooking, heā€™s just completely incapable of using a toaster. Heā€™s banned from the kitchen not out of an inability to make edible food, but because being within six feet of a toaster causes the poor appliance to spontaneously combust.
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lollipopsub Ā· 2 years ago
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~ getting to know your BL mutuals ~Ā 
I was tagged by @leonpob so lessgo
Iā€™ve been stressed about this for days cause I need to make the RIGHT choices?????!
rules: answer the questions and @ some people. include the tag 'g2ky BL mutuals 2022' on your post so we can find everyone's answer.
what have been the BLs that took you by surprise this year?
I think I was the most surprised by Eternal Yesterday. I went into it expecting something more along the lines of Senpai, This Can't Be Love or Kabe Koji, which is kind of slapstick, lighthearted and not too intellectually challenging, but boy was I proven wrong. The show manages to take a ridiculous premise and turn it into a well-written, well acted story that is probably going to break my heart (at the moment the final episode is yet to air...)
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what have been the BLs that you felt a bit a lot disappointed with this year?
Sing In Love.
I was excited about a grittier plot and a new Japanese production, but it just made me uncomfortable and I did not want to finish it.
Cherry Magic The Movie also felt like a letdown. It just bored me, honestly.
what has been your favorite BL this year?
omg i looked up a list to see which ones were from this year, and it was like 5 Japanese, 5 Korean, 5 Taiwanese and then 60 billion ThaišŸ˜‚
I think my favorites are Old Fashion Cupcake and Eternal Yesterday.
Old Fashion Cupcake is everything I wanted in a good drama; good pacing, relationships between characters that make sense, believable character behavior and good acting and also really hot actors.
Eternal Yesterday has just absolutely overwhelmed me. I am a sucker for melancholic stories (to the surprise of literally no one), and the way Japanese dramas manage to wrap up some quite profound thoughts about the world and what it means to be a human is something I really adore.
In Episode 6 when Koichi asks if it's impossible for the people you love to be tied in the same place; for two people to be equally important to and loved by you. Or Episode one, where Mitsuru says it's not that Koichi broke down his wall, but he opened a door through it.
I really thought about adding More Than Words to the list, but I feel like it shouldn't really be grouped into the BL-genre. I still feel like the frames of the genre are limiting many aspects of film-making and storytelling, and that it's more an LGBT+ story than a BL drama.
favorite BL couples (not just of 2022)?
BounPrem and YinWar I think. Now that Prem has gone independent, I just want him to drag Boun with him to Yin and War to create a Supreme Company for Hot Peopleā„¢ and to actually make the YinWar Concert Trailers into a really hot show.
Especially War is an absolutely incredible actor, so I just really hope the two of them will get some interesting projects in the coming year!
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what's your non-BL favorite this year?
Silent.
No doubt, no question. It's so good. Everyone and their grandmother should watch it pls.
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.... Oh wow I am really biased, huh? šŸ˜¬šŸ˜¬
I didn't intend for every show on here to be Japanese, I just think the Japanese shows I'm mentioning are a lot more well-rounded than the Korean and Thai and Taiwanese counterparts that I've seen this year. I am intrigued by how Korea seems to be branching out more and embracing the genre not as adaptations of fictional stories, but as stories about people. I just feel like the genre is so old in Japanese medias that they're a step ahead and I like how the Japanese shows are carried by the stories of the characters and their little lives rather than some large, daunting outer factor.
I want to tag a lot of people but I am an awkward turtle so I don't have a lot of people to tag. I hope it's ok to tag @storge and @chaeunwoo šŸ„ŗ
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marukissnack Ā· 1 year ago
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A cackle can be heard from a dark corner as on your screen an anon hath asked for more turtle ranting!!!
šŸ§« šŸ§ŖšŸŖ°šŸ§‘ā€šŸ¼
and one more that isn't on the list
Please tell me more about Sandro if you can!!!!
Anonā€¦youā€™re after my own heart here. Ily, (but like platonically)
Find the list of questions here!
šŸ§« Were your turtles mutated intentionally or on accident?
Their mutation was VERY much an accident. It happened during what was supposed to be a quick ninja-in ninja-out mission, butā€¦somebody else was there when they shouldn't have been.
It was really a major case of wrong place; wrong time. Or right place; right time? Eh, depends on who you ask I guess.
šŸ§Ŗ Where does the mutagen come from?
I talked a bit about this in the Shredderā€™s Motivation question, but I can go a little more into detail.
T.C.R.I is a science & technology research company, with multiple locations across the states (and still branching out). Their main location is in NYC. They have many fields of research, but the only branches that matter for this question are the ones specialized in medical enhancement formulas (likeā€¦steroids) & DNA.
Saki persuades (read: bribes) the lead scientists of these branches, Dr. Baron Draxum & Dr. Victoria Falco, to create a formula that genetically alters a personā€™s DNA & essentially turns anyone who takes it into a nearly unstoppable force: increased strength, speed, senses, the works (of course they canā€™t remove the humanity of someone so theyā€™re still mortal and all.)
The substance, or ooze if you will, that mutates the turtles is the first remotely successful batch of this formula. Still not perfect, but highly potent stuff.
šŸŖ° Is there a Baxter stockman in your au?
Currently, no. But I would like to include him somewhere if I can, as heā€™s one of my favourite B-list villains. He will most likely have a more minor role, similar to his Mirage origins or in Rise, if I do add him.
šŸ§‘ā€šŸ¼ How does Splinter raise the boys?
ā€¦ā€¦ā€¦.
Splinter tried to give the boys as normal a life as possible, given their whole turtle situation. They are not hidden away, never to see the light of day, but they are not paraded around either. They often went to the grocery store when needed, went to parks to play (albeit usually later than most kids would), etc. they were simply covered up and layered in clothing. One of the perks of having a human presenting guardian, I suppose.
Other than thatā€¦they were raised with the best intentions an ā€œI am an early 20ā€™s adult living in a bachelor apartment suddenly now a parental guardian of four toddler boys wtf am I doingā€ can possibly offer. Sure it wasnā€™t perfect, yeah there were a lot of mess ups, but they were family, and there were rarely doubts about that.
Still arenā€™t, really.
ā“Please tell me more about Sandro if you can!!!!
Sandro: Named after the Italian Renaissance painter Alessandro Filipepi (AKA Botticelli), artist behind the famous work ā€œThe Birth of Venusā€ amongst many others.
He can be rather obnoxious, and has an abrasive, nosy, and younger-sibling brat personality. Heā€™s the type to insult you with the most innocently sincere smile on his face. Never seems able to sit still, even when talking directly to him. Competition is his main driving force, with a great desire to be better than others. But only when he wants to succeed in that aspect; heā€™s not gonna bother being better than you at knitting, ā€˜cause that pastime doesnā€™t interest him.
What does interest him is fighting and sparring, as it helps him regulate his energy. Heā€™s quite strong, despite not being a very big guy, and prefers a hand-to-hand combat style. Although heā€™s learned to restrain himself from jumping into any and every fight, the moment he gets the green light youā€™d better be prepared ā€˜cause he will move in FAST. He also likes a good prank (who doesnā€™t??), and snacks. Ninja Diet be darned, the boy will have his oreos if he wants them!!
And yes, Sandro is a turtle. Heā€™s a red-eared slider. His colour code is Emerald.
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rainbowsky Ā· 2 years ago
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Hi rainbow!
Do you believe in or know things about astrology? I've been doing some late night reading of the birth charts for the boys and their compatibility report is quite fascinating, with how high the result is. It has almost all positive aspects and it really fits them well. It's all very much giving soulmates, and I'm here for it. It gives me a warm feeling šŸ„°
I am by no means an astrology expert nor a true believer, really. I only read the text excerpts and understand little else about the charts. I find it interesting to read nontheless.
Have you read any compatibility reports before? I could link the page I used if you want to check it out.
Happy new year! šŸŽ‰ Have a great weekend!
Hi Anon!
Happy New Year to you as well! I hope you have a great weekend too, and good fortune in 2023! šŸ¾
I don't personally believe in astrology or any of that sort of thing, but I know it's something a lot of turtles get excited about. There have been many astrologers and fortune tellers over the years who have dug into their charts and found GGDD to be 95% compatible. That is a big part of why 95 is such a beloved and important number to this fandom. You can read more about that here.
You might also find this story interesting:
youtube
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zehecatl Ā· 5 months ago
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2024 media thread part FEBRUARY
1st February: Cult of the Lamb
decided to replay COTL, since i haven't played it since i 100% it at launch, and tbh, my feelings on it haven't really changed? as a game it's rather mid, and the main appeal is, hands down, everything surrounding the game aspect. the art, the lore, the setting. it is SO fucking appealing, and interesting, and there is SO MUCH you can do with it, as a fandom. but as a game, COTL is... lacking
the combat is mid. the cult management portion is shallow, if interesting, and there is SO MUCH here that could be fantastic, but just. falls short of it. like, do not get me wrong- i've now officially clocked 75 hours into this fucker, so it's not bad, but it just cannot compete with its contemporaries. its main draw truly is the fandom
also i did 100% it again, which i'm only saying because i feel like it needs repeating. do you know. how fucking ANNOYING. IT WAS TO GET THAT LAST LORE PIECE... CRIME
14th February: TMNT (2007)
rewatched TMNT with the fiance for the like, i think fourth time? and i know people generally don't care about this one, but MAN. it is my favourite iteration, and i will die on that fucking hill
the CGI isn't that good, but i think the Turtles look fantastic, and the fact that it sometimes looks like a PS2 game is like, part of the charm, at least for me
also, i think the story is WAY underappreciated. like, there is some GOOD fucking bones here, with the parallel between the Turtles and Yoatl, and ngl, i DO love the whole. immortal wants to die bit. like that's tasty shut the fuck UP
also, yes. the Raph vs Leo scene is ICONIC. it fucking goes HARD, and i love it so much. Raph's whole deal in this movie is engrained in my head, like that is my sad self-destructive BOY!!
anyway, i just love this movie a lot, and all TMNT fans should watch it. for me <3
14th February: Hazbin Hotel
honestly, Hazbin Hotel is just a fun show. there's stuff to criticize, absolutely, but at the end of the day, it's just such a fun little season to watch. the characters are interesting, the plot is good enough to keep you engaged, and the songs are like- such fucking bangers. like, what the hell. did anyone see that coming??
i do wish the season had more episodes, more time to flesh out the six months the season takes place over, but it's. what it is. the animation can be kind of stilted at times, likely due to puppets use, and the colours is- well it's a choice. but idk, i had a good time with it. it's still in my head, weeks later (because i forgot to write this LOL) and i think that's, if nothing else, a mark of something interesting
i'm very much looking forward to season 2
15th February: The Amazing Digital Circus
so i've seen TADC before, but i wanted to show the fiance, so rewatch, and oh my god. i forgot how good this pilot is???
like the humour! the animation! the CHARACTERS!! everything about this pilot is a fucking hit, like it perfectly nails what it's going for, and i am so looking forward to the full season, like it is going to burrow into my brain
16th February: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
i might still wish they had picked a different animation style, but MAN. Mutant Mayhem was just such a good movie. it perfectly executed what it set out to do, and it's definitely a very... teenage mutant ninja turtles iteration. and that's good! that's what they set out to do! and i think they nailed it
i feel like i had a lot more to say after watching it, but looking back.. it's just a really good movie? and yeah, the animation style is not my thing, but it's well done, it suits the movie, you get used to it- etc etc. so really what can i say, except i liked it a lot, and i'm looking forward to the spin-off series?
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bluepeachstudios Ā· 2 years ago
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So, me and @wondrous-art kind of went insane and just started talking about this TMNT AU where Splinter raised them in the forest outside of New York City instead of in the sewers of the city, and now it's become its own monster. So here are the turtle designs and April and Master Splinter. Infodump about the turtles in this AU below the read more.
Leonardo
Leo's an eastern diamondback terrapin and he's the oldest at 15 and the one "in charge" because he's the oldest. He fights with a bokken and is working on using two of them because Splinter didn't have access to a whole ass blacksmith, so the boys get wooden weapons. Leo's got some issues with OCD, mostly he's got hurt-obsession and has intrusive thoughts about accidentally hurting his family, and his rituals are based around keeping that from happening. He likes his long mask tails and thinks they make him look like a hero. I tried to combine a bit of 2003, 2012 and Rise Leo so he tries to be responsible but he's still a teenager and goofs around and makes jokes. He wants to be a dang hero!! Anime is cool! He's especially interested in learning about Japan because it's Splinter's culture, and Splinter raised them with aspects of Japanese culture. His main interest is still training to become better at ninjutsu, but he's also got Heavy Interest in anime. He's the family medic.
Raphael
Raph's a wood turtle and the second oldest at 15 (just a month behind Leo). He argues with Leo a lot because Leo wants to do the right thing and Raph thinks they shouldn't get involved with stuff that isn't their business. Again, I tried to get a mix of the Raphs, so he's got anger issues but the one thing that overrides that is the protectiveness over his family. He does a lot of weight training, climbing, and hiking for fun. He's also the family cook! Splinter taught him. He likes to pretend he'd rather be alone but really, he sticks to his family unless he's trying to blow off steam. Because wood turtles estivate, he's sensitive to the heat and has passed out during training in the summer before. He was not happy about that. Raph fights with a wooden jutte and calls Splinter "Oyaji" because he's a rude little shit. He'll also call Leo "aniki" when he's trying to make a point.
Donatello
Donnie's an eastern spiny softshell turtle and 14 years old. He can breathe underwater! But this also means his above-water lungs aren't as strong and he's got asthma. He's autistic and uses his bo staff as a stim half the time and chewing on the ends of his mask the other half of the time. His interests are mainly engineering, insects, and biology, but he's always interested in whatever modern technology Splinter lets him get a hold of. He refuses to wear knee and elbow pads because they squeeze his joints and he doesn't like the sensation of them. He's got a sarcastic side and when he's serious he can get snippy. He would have been the family medic but he saw blood exactly One Time and hit the floor. He's fine when it comes to any blood other than his family's, but god forbid one of his brothers bleed or he's out like a light. He's got little webs between his fingers and toes that help him, he's the best swimmer in the whole fam.
Michelangelo
The babiest baby, a spotted turtle at the age of 13. He's sensitive to temperature and is constantly complaining that it's too hot or too cold, there is no good temperature. He's got ADHD bad and keeps at least two fidget toys in his belt at all times. He's an artist and likes to paint and draw, mostly abstract paintings but he likes to draw things he's seen around the woods or cool machine designs that he asks Donnie to try and make. He's got the URGE to dig during the summers to try and stay cool. He's the most emotionally intelligent and opens up easily about how he's feeling and can usually figure out how his brothers are feeling as well. If he cries it is Everyone's Problem. He doesn't like being treated openly like a child, but he still does things like climb into his brother's beds after nightmares, climb all over them, ask for bites of their food, and generally he just wants to be given Attention and Love at all times. He calls Splinter "Otochan" unless his brothers are calling him, then he switches to "Tosan" like them. He'll occasionally call his brothers "onii-san" but it's when he's trying to be cute and get something. He has nunchucks that he likes to spin when his hands aren't busy.
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the-hot-zone Ā· 4 years ago
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Too Old To Play With Toys: The Sad Truth Behind Sokka's Boomerang
This is Sokkaā€™s boomerang:Ā 
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[ID: a screenshot of Sokkaā€™s boomerang from Avatar: The Last Airbender. It has just been thrown, and itĀ whips through the air in a rapid, whirling motion. End ID.]
And as we all know, it always comes back. This characteristic makes Sokkaā€™s boomerang a returning boomerang, rather than a hunting boomerang. This is an important distinctionĀ to make, and itā€™sĀ where the heart of this headcanon lays. Let me explain.Ā 
Accuracy: Whatā€™s the Difference Between Hunting and Throwing Boomerangs?
There are three types of boomerangs: the hunting boomerang, the returning boomerang, and the cross boomerang. Weā€™re only going to be discussing hunting and throwing boomerangs, but feel free to learn about cross boomerangs and their construction--theyā€™re really cool. As a general note: the following sources and information pertain to Aboriginal Australian cultures. Boomerangs were used elsewhere, but mainly as throwing sticks, not returning boomerangs.
So, hunting boomerangs, also known asĀ throwing sticks or kylies, have this basic shape:
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[ID: a black silhouetteĀ of a hunting boomerang. It is shaped like a skinny tear drop, with a slight curve along its form, and it widens asymmetrically at its ends. End ID.]
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[ID: an overhead shot of three hunting boomerangs. They are carved from glossy, light-brown wood. End ID.]
Artist:Ā Aboriginal Elder, Joe Skeen Snr. Buy here.
The hunting boomerangĀ is straighter, larger, longer, and deadlier than the returning boomerang.Ā ā€œWith it,ā€ states the Britannica, ā€œanimals were maimed and killed, while in warfare it caused serious injuries and death.ā€ This is due to its shape, which allows it to travel in a relatively straight line. With its capability for distance and force, the hunting boomerang is a very powerful tool.Ā 
According toĀ Boomerang: Behind an Australian Icon by Philip Jones, a hunting boomerang can travel around 100 meters. If the boomerang is heavy enough, and the throw forceful enough, large prey, like kangaroos, can be killed. If you want to see a hunting boomerang in action, watch sections of this Youtube video. The range and accuracy of this tool are amazing.Ā 
The returning boomerang, which was used in eastern and western parts of Australia, is very different:
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[ID: a black silhouette of a returning boomerang. It has two arms that widen towards the middle and connect, forming an angled shape, like a triangle with two sides. End ID.]
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[ID: a painted returning boomerang. The base is formed from a smooth, light-colored wood. Designs are painted at the end of its wings, in the middle of its wings, and towards its center. At the center is a stylized turtle. End ID.]
Artist: unknown, but sold by Aboriginal-owned businessĀ Murra Wolka. Website here.Ā 
As you can see, the returning boomerang is shorter, smaller, and angled sharply. The shape of it allows it to trace an elliptical path, thus returning to the thrower. But this property is not without its drawbacks:
ā€œA hunting boomerang needs to fly well and nearly straight to strike prey some 200 metres away. The trouble is that the best-flying boomerangs tend to return, rarely departing beyond fifty metres from the thrower. With the returning form ā€˜there is no certainty of hitting the mark. It may come back too quickly and may hit your own friends standing near you.ā€™ While recognising that the best-flying boomerangs do return, Aborigines defined a technological problem. They needed to strike a compromise between flying ability and hunting requirements...ā€ (Australian Museum).
Now, the returning boomerang could still be used to hunt, but not to kill or maim prey. Its application was craftier:
ā€œWhen hunting ducks, for example, nets were set up at either ends of a creek or river. A boomerang was then thrown out over the ducks which gave them a scare so that they took off up the river and flew directly into the nets. From there they were collected. At other times during the hunting of birds the returning boomerang was thrown horizontally along the ground into a flock, and, as they took off the boomerang would follow them into the air. This may or may not kill the bird and a harder way to huntā€ (murruppi.com).
Still, this wasnā€™t the main application of the returning boomerang.Ā In actuality, it was used as a toy:
ā€œThe returning boomerang was not primarily designed for hunting as it is too light and wouldn't guarantee a kill. Rather, it was designed as a toy for young aboriginal boys. The toy would allow a youngster to practice throwing skills but still make it funā€ (murrippi.com).Ā 
So, Sokkaā€™s boomerang? A plaything.
Letā€™s Bring It Back to ATLA: What Does This Mean?
With the above information, Sokkaā€™s use of his boomerang in canon becomes almost tragic.Ā His boomerang was probably given to him by Hakoda when he was very young. He used it to learn how to throw; one day, when he was older, he would have carved his own throwing stick, and used it to hunt alongside his dad and the other adults of his tribe.Ā 
Instead, Sokkaā€™s boomerang is another aspect of his childhood that was twisted by the war. His boomerang is--should have been--nothing more than a toy. He shouldnā€™t have had to use it to fend off Zuko, attack Azula, and defeat Combustion Man. Regardless, it did become a tool he used to help defeat the Fire Nation, and thatā€™s pretty fitting when it comes to ATLAā€™s ideas of childhood and war: Sokka spent years acting as his tribeā€™s protector; Katara spent longer acting as a mother. Thus, his use of his boomerang throughout the show displays how Sokka was forced into a war-torn world at an incredibly, unfairly young age. As a result, he was forced to adapt in ways that took from him.Ā 
And weā€™ve all seen Sokkaā€™s boomerang in action. Hereā€™s a video of his greatest hits--literally.Ā His accuracy is insane, and he catches his boomerang every time. Heā€™s more than ready to have a hunting boomerang, yet we see him use his returning boomerang throughout the show, and long after he earns his ice dodging mark. Tbh? I think that Sokka didnā€™t want to carve a hunting boomerang without his dad guiding his hands.Ā 
So, you might be wondering, what happens post-war?Ā 
Eventually, I think Sokka retires his returning boomerang and carves his own hunting boomerang, but the shape of it is particular:Ā 
ā€œSome scientists argue that a throwing-stick, commonly used by indigenous hunters around the world, is the precursor of the boomerang... Through trial-and-error the boomerang was refined to a point where the most desirable size, proportions and curvature were established. This refinement brought one serious problem: any improvement in flying resulted in a tendency to return. There is little doubt that indigenous hunters brought this experiment to its ultimate conclusion, by producing the perfect returning boomerangā€ (Australian Museum).
In short, making a good hunting boomerang is hard. Lots of trial and error, and still, hunting boomerangs come in a wide array of shapes. Thus, I headcanon thatĀ Sokka carves his hunting boomerang differently, as compared to the other members of his tribe--itā€™s more curved. This would show that although he's grown up and is in a post-war world, he's changed in some ways that can't be completely undone.Ā 
In other words, Sokka eventually moves on, but the way he throws and uses his boomerang is going to be a little different.
Conclusion
TL;DR: Sokkaā€™s boomerang is a plaything, and this has sad implications. But also? He never should have had one in the first place. Firstly, boomerangs were traditionally made from green hardwood, which I donā€™t believe can be found in the South Pole. I on god canā€™t find any authentic sources for bone or metal boomerangs. To be more accurate and still keep with the trend of throwing weapons, I wouldā€™ve given Sokka a nuqaq and darts or a bola.
Also, as far as I can tell, Sokkaā€™s boomerang is the only aspect of Aboriginal Australian culture Bryke used in ATLA (I canā€™t get a confirmation on Hakodaā€™s name). This is cherry-picking to the max, and it perpetuates the harmful ideas of pan-indigeneity wrt one large, singular culture.Ā 
So, if you enjoyed this, please consider supporting aboriginal artists and charities. You can buy aboriginal art from murrippi.comĀ and Murra Wolka.Ā This article here provides a list of charities as well as active GoFundMeā€™s for families affected by police brutality against Aboriginal Australians. Thank you.
Sources
ā€œHunting Boomerang - Extreme Range - The Aboriginal Karliā€ by Throwsticks Channel
ā€œBoomerang Informationā€œ byĀ Murruppi, Djirrbal/Ngadjonji TribeĀ 
ā€œBoomerangā€ by theĀ Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors for theĀ Encyclopaedia Britannica
ā€œIt Comes Back ... What a Nuisance!ā€œ by Stan Florek for AustralianĀ MuseumĀ 
Boomerang: Behind an Australian Icon by Philip Jones from WikipediaĀ 
Murra WolkaĀ 
Gonna tagĀ @atlacultureā€‹ā€‹ā€‹ because I think this is of your interest. <3
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