#also put so much effort into getting the barbie letters over him and putting him in there w out it being obvious

[carcarrot]

[1000dactyls]

usually, when someone thinks of linked universe, they don’t think about katy perry. however, her hit song “last friday night” is actually a perfect linked universe song, as each verse of the song corresponds to a link’s adventure and individual struggles. despite its peppy beat, in this essay i will prove how “last friday night” is actually a song made for linked universe, a legend of zelda au created by tumblr user jojo56830.

the opening segment of “last friday night” corresponds with the link of breath of the wild, nicknamed wild. the singer describes the act of waking up:

There's a stranger in my bed / There's a pounding in my head / Glitter all over the room / Pink flamingos in the pool

wild, who struggles with his failure of defeating ganon 100 years ago in breath of the wild, cannot reconcile his “past self” with who he is. he, too, also wakes up in a bed in a weak state, as he starts the game with only three hearts. the last two lyrics also describe the landscape of breath of the wild, which is strange but wondrous as well.

the next verse corresponds with warriors, the link from hyrule warriors. as the singer continues (warning for mentioned alcohol):

I smell like a minibar / DJ's passed out in the yard / Barbies on the barbecue / This a hickey or a bruise?

the second and third lyric can be interpreted as the many people who arrive from different timelines to warriors’ hyrule, one of the problems he confronts in the war of eras. moreover, the last line also references cia’s obsession with warriors, as while she is an enemy in the game, she is also in love with him. thus it makes sense if she gave him a wound that is either one made from violence or from her obsession with him.

continuing in the song, we get the lyrics:

Pictures of last night ended up online / I'm screwed, oh, well / It's a blacked out blur, but I'm pretty sure it ruled / Damn

this verse goes to sky, as his legacy as the chosen hero—or in this case, “pictures”—end up influencing the rest of the legend of zelda series. he himself feels immense guilt toward the situation, which would align with the “i’m screwed” lyric. the “blacked out blur” also references his tendency to sleep, due to his reoccurring nightmares of the imprisoned, so the chance to sleep properly “rules.”

skipping a section of the chorus, we end up getting to the titular portion of the song:

Last Friday night / Yeah, I think we broke the law / Always say we're gonna stop, whoa / This Friday night, do it all again / But this Friday night, do it all again

this applies to the entire legend of zelda franchise, as the hero must bend the rules sometimes in order to complete his quest: sneaking into gerudo town, kidnapping the princess, etc. moreover, the cycle repeats, despite everyone’s efforts; “this Friday night, do it all again” would imply the beginning of the cycle once more.

now in the second set of verses, the singer talks about the issues they have with recalling the night before:

Trying to connect the dots / Don't know what to tell my boss / Think the city towed my car / Chandelier is on the floor

this verse applies perfectly to twilight, as he struggles to figure out the mystery of the hero’s shade/midna’s identity/why he is in hyrule castle’s dungeon. “don’t know what to tell my boss” can also reference his struggle to confess that he is the wolf to the villagers of ordon, or how to tell time that he is the hero’s shade. the third lyric also references time and twilight’s familial connection through epona: if time is the city and “took” epona, then twilight follows back his origins to lon lon ranch.

continuing on, we also get to the verse which describes the hero of legend’s adventures:

Ripped my favorite party dress / Warrant's out for my arrest / Think I need a ginger ale / That was such an epic fail

legend, who has gone on a fashion adventure in the game “triforce heroes” as well as having different sets of protective tunics, is also the only link who is technically wearing a “dress.” he is also the only one who has a plausible warrant for his arrest, as he kidnaps the princess in a link to the past; he also has a bad relationship with the hyrule knights. “think i need a ginger ale” would describe legend’s averse nature to going on another big quest, given how tired he is of all the ordeals he’s gone through, and “that was such an epic fail” could reference his biggest guilt: Koholint, which he failed to save the inhabitants.

we get another repeat verse in the song at this point. this one describes hyrule, as:

Pictures of last night ended up online / I'm screwed, oh, well / It's a blacked out blur, but I'm pretty sure it ruled / Damn

the first two lyrics describe his dilemma in zelda 2, where if he sheds any blood, ganon’s minions will be able to resurrect him. this is only due to hyrule’s previous adventure, aka “pictures of last night”, and he is “screwed” because of this. further, “blacked out blur” could reference either his origins in zelda 1 (getting the sword from the cave) or waking up the zelda in the second game. not only that, but this verse is also a pun; “pretty sure it ruled” can reference his hero’s title, and that he is also implied to become the future king of hyrule in zelda 2 by fulfilling the prophecy of waking aurora up.

as previously stated, the chorus applies overall to the adventures of link the hero and the continuous reincarnation cycle that occurs throughout the games. now we arrive at the bridge, where the singers chant “T.G.I.F” six times. this is a reference to four, as there are four letters for the four parts of him. moreover, much of four’s adventures revolve putting a stop to someone’s evil schemes, such as vaati. thus the “thank goodness it’s Friday” chant, or “TGIF”, would represent the end of vaati’s shenanigans.

this is the end of individual verses which apply to specific links of linked universe; however, every instance of “Think we kissed, but I forgot” in the chorus is time talking about Malon. the “I forgot” references his past relationship to her in ocarina of time, while the “think we kissed” refers to their current relationship.

so while our minds may not initially jump to Katy Perry when we think of linked universe, we shouldn’t be too hasty to rule her songs out. as “last friday night” has proven to be incredibly applicable to linked universe and describing each link’s individual struggle, thus explaining why it is the perfect song for linked universe.

[funkwhistle]

Barbie Bell

Pairing: Micah Bell x GN!reader

Notes: Micah needs a new shirt and struggles to find a new one - my contribution to Barbie Bell :)

(photo is mine - don’t reupload without credit :)) & this is my last Micah photo I’ve been too lazy to upload them atm XD

Micah had been expecting a parcel for weeks now, from the tailor in Blackwater. His old red shirt, the well-loved one he wore all the time, had finally worn too thin, showing everything under it and was irreversibly stained with blood. Even Miss Grimshaw, under Micah's pleading looks, had tried to scrub it clean, but after wearing it for months he'd decided to order a new one. 

Micah being Micah, he obviously couldn't do anything by halves; no he wanted the exact shirt again, so you and him went hunting around the local tailors trying to find a replacement. But wherever you went he'd find something wrong with an alternative.

“Can't you see, these buttons aren't good enough-”

“No, no, this is not the right red,”

“It's too long and my old one had a nicer collar,” 

You'd even taken the train over to Strawberry to check the general store there, in a last ditch attempt to find it. But whichever tailor you had asked, they all said they didn't have an exact copy of it, yet Micah was adamant he'd find one. While you knew if you told him where he'd be able to find it, he'd run over there, unfortunately the large bounty on his head stopped him from returning from the Blackwater tailors alive. 

So, he'd opted for ordering it, as you often did with your clothes; you hated nothing more than sitting in a tailor, you'd rather have to stitch it to fit you instead. A few weeks ago, the both of you sat by the campfire, measuring him correctly and writing a letter to the Blackwater tailor, signed as a certain Mr Kilgore. When you first went to run one of the tape measures the girls used for sewing across the back of his shoulder, he had tensed up, saying he could guess well enough until Susan yelled across camp that he was an idiot, and suddenly, he didn't mind it, intimidated by the older woman. 

You'd never seen Micah so excited, once the letter had been posted he was positively beaming, buzzing about the prospect of his new shirt. The pair of you had said it needed to be red, and attached an old photo of him wearing the shirt for reference, reassuring him that the tailor just needed to see the style of the shirt, it wouldn't matter if it faded. Once you'd exited the post office, Micah looped his hand in yours, something he never did, walking back through Saint Denis with an unusual skip in his step; even going as far as to buy the both of your food in the salon. 

And here it was, he'd been avidly visiting the post office for weeks since the tailor replied he'd do his best, becoming a nuisance to the station clerk. It was wrapped carefully in brown paper, and you had to stop him from ripping it open in the station itself, he was far too excited. Micah was fidgeting the entire ride back to camp, knowing he would want to try it on right away, so you kept it on your lap, swatting his hands away as you rode. 

“Right, go open it then,” you said when you got to camp, passing him the parcel carefully. His face lit up, and he snatched the parcel from you, disappearing into the house to get changed. 

Micah took a while to change, you anticipated he'd be out quickly, happy with the new shirt, but he didn't; and after nearly twenty minutes you knocked tentatively on the room he was changing in. 

“You alright in there?” you asked, creaking open the door a little to look at him. He was stood on the opposite side of the room, no shirt on, looking down at the opened package on the floor in front of him as he read a note. Hesitantly, you entered the room, shutting the door behind you and walking over to him. As you approached, he looked up at you, looking deflated and upset about something, and you didn't have the chance to look at the contents of the package before he'd pulled you to him and buried his head in the crook of your neck. 

Wrapping your arms comfortingly around him, you hushed him, feeling the side of your neck getting damp from his silent tears of disappointment. Wondering what was so bad, you looked over his shoulder, shuffling, so you could see the ripped parcel on the floor. Spilling out of it was a hot pink shirt, nothing like the red he'd tried to describe. While he was upset, you couldn't contain your laughter, knowing his childish excitement about what it would look like. 

“'m being stupid ain't I?” he said, moving out of your embrace and wiping the tears from his eyes when he saw you looking at him. You shook your head briefly in reassurance. 

“What did the note say?” you asked, reaching to try to grab it from his hands.

“They didn't do the red no more, so he sent the next best. 'm sorry darlin, it's not like me-” he rambled, showing you the note. Clear as day, the tailor had written his apologies, and had given Micah a small discount on the price, and yet Micah — the feared outlaw — was stood here, tears trickling from the corners of his eyes in disappointment. 

“How about ya try it? Can't be that bad, right?” you said, pulling it from the wrapping and holding it up to him. Smiling weakly, he took in from you, pulling it on while you watched. 

You felt awful for him, this was all he'd spoken about for weeks now, and, like a child, had been devastated when it had not lived up to his expectations. And of course, you were sympathetic, but also you'd tried to warn him not to get his hopes up, that nothing is ever perfect, and yet he chose to ignore you still. His hands were almost at the final button, having to take breaks to wipe his eyes or blow his nose.

Once it was on, you stood back and admired hm for a moment. You knew he wouldn't like it, but you thought the pink suited him well, bringing out the life in his cheeks and making his hair seem that little blonder. 

“Well?” you asked, indicating for him to spin. 

“It ain't what I wanted-” he started, spinning willingly for you.

“-but?” you probed further, approaching him and straightening the shirt for him.

“I ain't mad at it,” he shrugged, pressing a light kiss on your forehead. “You reckon the gang'll laugh?” It was your turn to shrug, smiling a little at his concerned look.

“If they do, then they do, nothing you can do 'bout it,” you said, moving closer to him. “But I-” you pressed a kiss on his collarbone, “-think you look-” a kiss placed on his jaw, “goddamed handsome Mr Bell,” a kiss on his lips, which he deepened immediately, grinning madly into the kiss.

“You really think so?” he sounded doubtful as he leant his forehead on yours as your hands ran themselves through the clean fabric. 

“I know so Micah,” you said, “Now shut up and kiss me again,”

Micah was only too happy to oblige, grabbing you by your waist and bruising your lips onto his, making you squeal slightly in shock, not that you were complaining. 

He wore the shirt around camp nearly as much as his old red one, and sure, at first, there had been teasing, asking if he was in fancy dress, but eventually the gang got used to it. In fact, you caught Lenny wearing pink socks a few weeks later, and Hosea began to favour pinker neck ties. And Micah, confiding this in complete secrecy to you, had said he had considered ordering another one, he loved the colour so much. Nothing had made you happier than the first time you saw him wear the shirt on a job, even if it did come back stained again, just the fact that he'd put in the effort because he knew you liked the shirt was enough. 

A/N: Well I shocked myself for getting this done I was not expecting to - let me know if the spelling is off bc guess who proof read vv fast. 

@mallr4ts​ @mister-dude​

[f1fantasy]

F1 drivers as parents ✨

Lewis - Takes the kids camping so he can teach them about nature and the environment. Super supportive and does the right amount of spoiling so he makes them happy but do not ruin them. Going to the park to play with the dogs and drink slushies is a family favorite.

Bottas - Is the kind of dad that has the picture of his baby daughter in the wallet and wants to show everyone ALL THE TIME. Quiet type of dad but so in love with his baby he would do anything for her. Would definitely wear the #1 dad shirt.

Max - Confused stonks all over the place, does not know how to make a baby bottle, burns his hand, spills it on the floor and makes the kid a fruit salad, discovering afterwards that it was the healthiest way out. Calls the mother EVERY TIME to make sure he’s doing things right.

Alex - Young dad material. Masters every single parenting skill without effort, plays with the kids for hours without getting bored and is a pro at putting them to bed. Afterwards cooks dinner and organizes the toys, perfect guy.

Carlos - Gives balls to the kids even before they are one month old. Teaches a two year old girl soccer and succeeds at it. Mini golf is the go to plan for a Sunday afternoon. The kind of dad that plays sports with kids because he genuinely enjoys spending time like that with them and not because he has to. Hot dad.

Lando - As silly as his kids. Weird faces and dances are his way to make them smile. Super focused on work but when he’s home he gives his undivided attention to the children. A bit overly competitive on videogames but now and then lets the kids win so he feels good at parenting.

Seb - DAD MATERIAL. The kind of dad that sits on the floor and let the girls paint his nails and do makeup and still looks really masculine and lovely. Teaches the kids how to eat healthy but sneaks lollipops and chocolate bars for them without the mother seeing it. Could sit a whole day just watching Barbie and pay attention to the movies.

Charles - HOT DAD pt2. Would dress his kids in the cutest clothes, like they had just jumped out of a magazine. Would sign then up for horse riding and piano classes and subtly cry at every recital or competition because he’d be so proud and that’d be so pretty. Would now and then show up in a different car to pick his son at school so the other kids would go “WOOOOOW THAT’S SICK”.

Checo - Mexican daaaaaaad. Loud dad, kinda strict but super in love with his family. So proud of his children, would skip job to watch his son’s soccer match even if he stayed on the bench the whole time. Everything would be a valid reason for icecream and taco night. Support and validation would be his way to show love.

Lance - Super loving and caring. Would raise his kids by talking and explaining everything, never raising his voice, so they would understand the things and make their own decisions. EXTREMELY patient with everything, in an almost supernatural way. Would be so happy to throw family parties and tell some dad jokes. Family man!!!! Popular among the daycare moms because he looks so charming and is so polite, popular among the kids’ friends because he’s extremely good at EVERY SINGLE SPORT and is willing to teach everyone.

Daniel - That dad who plays soccer with his teenager son and his friends, wins and laughs at their faces. Gets the teens beer without the mother knowing and is a big time friend. The kind of dad that kids are proud to say they have. Had some trouble with the mom in the early years because he taught the kids how to cuss, but learned his lesson and has a key role in education, not just the fun part.

Ocon - Goes from “Look, that’s my daughter! You look amazing! Spin, ballerina” with tears of joy in his eyes to “Mess with my kid and I’ll kill you slowly and painfully” in 0.0000007 seconds. Would dress up as Prince Charming in Halloween and take his little girl’s hand on his and go trick or treating proudly. Would love everything about the kid and be so supportive even on the weird phases (do you want to go EMO? Let’s paint this hair purple! Dad’s got your back!)

Pierre - Treats his daughter like a baby even after she gets married. Is kinda confused about the parenting stuff in the beginning but figures it out as it goes. Takes A LOT of pictures of irrelevant stuff because he just cannot believe that a perfect little girl like that is his daughter. Spoils her a little too much but she grows up to be an amazing brave and kind woman, mirroring her dad.

Kvyat - Kind of dad that laughs when the son falls and runs to help if he starts crying. Wants the boy to play hockey or football or rugby but when he decides to play chess he goes to every match and cheers the hell out and screams his lungs out in support. Absolutely hates boybands but would (angrily) wear a Harry Styles headband to take his babygirl to a concert and to see her happy.

Magnussen - Punk dad that scares the shit out of his kids’ friends (and their dads too). Tries to be strict but melts whenever his daughter makes puppy eyes and asks for dessert before dinner. Jealous and overprotective, also scares the shit out of the daughter’s boyfriend, but tries to socialize with him because she asks to.

Grosjean - Silly dad material. Would try cooking some weird baby food because the specialists say it’s good for the growth process. Smiley pancakes for breakfast and would always tie the laces of his kid’s shoes, in a sign of how much pure affection he has in that heart. Extremely thoughtful about the well-being of his kids and how they’re doing in school and with friends. Super focused on not embarrassing the kids but now and then lets a “daddy loves you, munchkin” slip.

Kimi - Hates everything kid-related except his kids. School meetings? Hates. Parents reunion? Hates. Father’s day soccer match? HATES. Is the kind of dad that TRULY loves that ugly ass coffee and watercolor paint drawing just because his daughter made him. Has tons of folders to save every piece of art, letter, video or school project he ever received and now and then goes and look at them to feel happy. Values hardwork so much he watches 5 times the terrible theater play his son is presenting only because he rehearsed for three months.

Gio - Popular among the daughter’s friends because HE CAN BRAID HAIR!!!! Cooks the same pasta 4 times a week because is his son’s favorite. Chill and respectful dad, super likable and actually funny, but in a cool way. Cool dad. Helps his kids with school projects but by actually helping and not by making everything himself.

Nicky - Shows classic music and movies for the kids so they grow up jamming to the 80’s songs he himself grew up listening. Takes them on snowboard vacations and surf trips even though he looks like a boring dad. The family has a whole “just chilling” aura but he invests and values education - be it socially (being polite, resourceful, kind) or academically (focusing on school, college and learning in general).

George - No one doubted he would be a good dad but everyone got surprised when he turned out naturally gifted for it. He’s not too serious but also not too playful, he educates his children well but also has so much fun with them. Really into father and son long term activities, like building a car from scratch or fully remodeling the backyard garden.

[twxntrash]

An excerpt from my novel manuscript

Context of this scene: Phoenix, a mage, and Zoe, a human, both fourteen, have recently become friends after Phoenix saved her from a werewolf mauling. Phoenix hung out at Zoe’s place, Zoe fell asleep and when she woke up Phoenix had already left. This scene is just a text conversation between them afterwards.

She waited a few seconds until the room stopped being blurry, and when it did, she noticed a scrap of paper on the coffee table. Reaching over she picked it up and unfolded it. Getting off the couch, she walked to the wall and switched on the light switch so she could read the note.

Zoe,

You snore. It’s really loud, too. I don’t know if anyone’s ever told you this before, but, it was like I was sitting next to a running lawnmower that had just ran over a broken vacuum cleaner that was also turned on. But, despite the horrid noise, you looked pretty peaceful and I didn’t want to be the jerk to wake you up. (I’ll leave that to the neighbors when they burst down the doors because of the snoring)

I have stuff I have to do. I am here on Archmage duties after all, may have forgotten to mention that it was work reasons that brought me to this nice town, (This is my first mission actually, my first mission on my own! Awesome, right?) so, sorry for ditching you. I took the liberty to mess around in your kitchen a bit before I left. You’re out of hot sauce and salt. I made you dinner, or lunch/breakfast depending on when you wake up. It’s in the microwave. Also, you might want to do yourself a favor and clean out your kitchen, especially the fridge. It’s a nightmare to find anything in it and I’m pretty sure half the stuff in there has expired.

Peace,

Phoenix A. Kahele

P.S. Ramen packets don’t need to be refrigerated you heathen.

 Zoe rolled her eyes as she finished reading the letter, it was so Phoenix, she could practically hear him as she read it. The boy had also scrawled out a rough set of numbers at the bottom left of the page which she assumed was his phone number. Fishing her pockets for her phone, she pulled it out and as she walked into the kitchen, started punching in his digits and sent a text.

Zoe (8:45): Phoenix?

Putting her phone on the counter, Zoe made a beeline to the microwave and opened it up. The smell of roasted chicken worked its way into her nose and down her stomach. If she wasn’t hungry before, her stomach kicked her until she was now. Next to the microwave was a bowl of white rice with a paper towel covering it.

She had to admit, it looked a lot nicer when it was cooked and in a bowl rather than sitting in a sack next to her fridge. Zoe felt happy for the rice. Somebody went through the effort to prepare and cook it. Closing the microwave, she started to nuke the poultry and rice as her phone vibrated.

Unknown Number (8:48): Phoenix here. Who’s this?

Zoe (8:48): It’s the IRS. We’ve come to seize your rundown barn and all the cows you’ve been holding hostage. Your dog, too.

Unknown Number (8:49): You can have the cows and barn, but please leave me the dog.

 Zoe snorted and programmed his number into her phone. The microwave beeped and she grabbed her dinner as another text popped up on her phone.

 Stitch (8:51) Don’t tell me you just woke up. Sleeping too much isn’t good for you.

 Zoe plopped down onto the couch with her food resting on the coffee table in front of her. Positioning herself in front of the T.V., she turned it on and flipped through the channels looking for something good to watch. There was Gordon Ramsey and some reality dating show. She ended up settling on the obviously not going to last fake dating.

 Zoe (8:52) Okay, I won’t tell you.

Zoe (8:53) By the way. Thanks for making me dinner. Why do you know how to cook?

 The chicken tasted like someone had tried to force fuse a chicken and an entire spice rack together. Except, instead of some horrifying tongue destroying amalgamation of flavors, everything worked together wonderfully and the taste ended up something divine. It felt like she was living on saltine crackers up until now.

She didn’t even remember having a spice rack, let alone a chicken to be cooked, like, where did these ingredients come from?

Phoenix was right, she did need to clean out the kitchen.

 Stitch (8:54): Sorry not sorry but your fridge has less real food than the dollar menu of a fast food joint. I did it for the science. I wanted to see if I could make something edible out of that disaster area. I take it I was successful.

Stitch (8:55): Also, I have a pseudo-mom who is married to doing mom-things. Cooking included. I learned a thing or two.

Zoe (8:55): What even is a pseudo-mom??

Zoe (8:56): But not going to lie, I wouldn’t have seen you as a cooking type. You look more like the hikes and fishing type. Or even the video game kind of person.

Stitch (8:56): Do dating sims count?

Zoe (8:57): I change my mind. Feed me to the werewolf. I can’t be associated with you.

 Smiling, she ate and watched as the bland mannequin of a contestant took another beautiful Barbie wannabe woman on a date. Glancing at her phone, she changed Phoenix’s contact name to something a little less Hawaiian cartoon teasing and more for magical aspect teasing.

 Magic Bird (8:57): You’re just jealous that I can talk to women.

Zoe (8:59): Doesn’t count if they got no pulse.

Magic Bird (9:01): That is racist. I’m offended for all the undead out there.

Zoe (9:01): Better get your virtual waifu to make you feel better.

Zoe (9:02): Also. Why’d you leave when I was sleeping? Actually, when did you leave?

 Zoe played with her chicken before chomping down on it. It felt good to be eating something that wasn’t fried, salt encrusted, greasy or tuna. She needed to thank Phoenix for reintroducing her to real food.

She glanced down at her phone as she grabbed a forkful of rice, the typing bubble was pulsing.

 Magic Bird (9:05): Had to meet with someone. Faunus. Didn’t want to be late.

Magic Bird (9:05): About 8

Zoe (9:06): Responsible. I like it. You’ll make for a fine husband one day.

Zoe (9:07): Speaking of meeting up, do you want to hang out some time tomorrow?

  She waited as Phoenix typed, still happily munching on her dinner. It truly was something amazing, she needed to ask him for the recipe one of these days.

 Magic Bird (9:10): Awww you miss me already?

Zoe (9:11): If you can cook like this for me all the time then Hell yeah I miss you and yearn for your overheated company. But, also, I have legit questions and stuff

Magic Bird (9:11): If you like my cooking that much you should try Aella’s

Magic Bird (9:11): she’s the pseudo-mom that taught me how to cook

Magic Bird (9:12): BTW, tomorrow is Monday, right? I have something to do in the morning, but are you free in the afternoon? Or maybe evening if you have school stuff to do.

  Zoe read the text and chuckled a little as she stared at the screen. School stuff? He did know what date it was, right?

 Zoe (9:13): Dude. It’s summer break. I’ve plenty of free time. I’ll head over round 3, meet up at your barn?

Magic Bird (9:14): Right. Summer. School kids don’t have school.

Magic Bird (9:14) But yeah. Think you can stay out of trouble until then?

Zoe (9:15) I wouldn’t bet money on it. But, if I end up in a flaming ditch somewhere, dying a slow and agonizing death, I’ll text you.

Magic Bird (9:16) Dork.

[twilightpony4]

Ola Americano... Turtle?: 16. I Don’t Like This

Jet black walls were trimmed in a once hot pink color that faded with age. The business’ sign was its name in script that resembled mostly of a Barbie font. Underneath it we're rearrangeable letters that spelled out titles in Portuguese. Finding the place was not so hard, but it was a long trek since they had to find their way through the bustling night near the famous Copacabana. Fortunately, the city was very similar to New York with its architecture, thus they were able to travel the best way they knew how. By rooftop. Settled in a more quiet setting, the mutants lurked around the standoff-ish building. With no windows and no easy access to the place alone, they had to settle for the most practical yet revealing way to see through. The door. It was obvious that it was a business for numerous individuals, both rugged and groomed, came through the front doors. The only problem was that there was a good flow of people coming through. Raphael had pointed out that there was indeed a door that was hidden in the dark due to the absence of light around it.

With the ‘ok’, the red brute took out his sai from its back sheath. With its small tip, he jiggled the doorknob as silently as he could. Donatello listened in closely to hear it unlock and nodded when he got it done. With the sai replaced, Leonardo jumped in to open the door for he had a ready and steady hand. His intentions were to just crack the door open. Fortunately, there was a chain lock that only let it go so far in case they accidentally swung it open. He gave a slow sigh after the fact.

The room was dark with ominous, neon lights that lit up in particular spots. The main scheme was a luscious purple followed by some blue and red hues here and there. With the dancing music, it looked like a hangout until they saw that there was a stage to their right. It was reflective, but extremely black. Most of the lights danced around the floor of the stage. Catching glimpses of the light, some skimpily clad women danced together in rhinestones. Leo slowly closed the door up until there was a sliver of space open. As he turned his head away, his innocent eyes were wide with scarring and fear. “Angel didn’t mention this.” He gulped, still trying to get himself together as he sat down beside the door. It just caught him off guard. Raphael, curious to see what got him riled up, leaned over him to crack the door open again. This time, the rest of the mutant gang wanted to peek in as well. Immediately seeing what was going on, they, too, turned around closely and re-shut the door.

“Naw, I’m out.” Raphael shook his head and put his hands up. “Turning around.” A hand stopped him after it snagged him by the hem of his pants. “Stay here.” Leonardo commanded. Raphael scoffed in disbelief. “You’re not serious, Leo.” “I don’t like it at all, but we got to see if he’s in there.” “How?” Donatello chimed in with a shaking voice. Aw, the poor kid. “Time to test how mature you guys can really be.” He said with a newfound confidence. Opening the door some, he tried to scan the dark room. Suddenly, he shut the door. It was almost a slam, which caused the clan to retaliate back at his carelessness. He quieted them with his reasoning. Upon his face, he was severely mortified with widened eyes and a tense posture against the wall. Again? “You know, on second thought, why-don’t-you-two-scope-it-out-first.” His attention was clearly on the two mutant sisters as he spoke breathlessly. Yet another scarring on the honor turtle. “What happened to our fearless leader?” Raphael teased with laughter behind his words. The leader cleaned up his act to roll his eyes. “It’s called ‘respect’.” He snapped back, growling in between.

Pushing past them, Mona tapped them both on the head to stop their bickering. Opening the door, she watched as the boys looked away. Venus just stood by for only one really needed to monitor the scene. The lizard lady sighed out of boredom multiple times. Seeing such a display unsettled her. Ultimately, this was frowned upon where she came up from, but since she also respected that this was how these girls could make some money, she was torn. Sure, some girls enjoyed this work,but she really felt bad for those who had to come to this as a last resort. She could see it on some of the girl’s faces as their expressions gave subtle cues of discomfort. She wished she could intervene on their behalf, but now was not the time. After some minutes, the naked women disappeared and a more modest act began to unfold involving a foreign dancer in traditional cloth. “There’s nothing ‘bad’ going on. You can look.” Mona spoke deadpan to the group. Once again, a little more shyly this time, they all peeked into the room. What they saw was a lot softer. On the stage was a dark skinned, Brazilian woman with short curls. She wore a sky blue rhinestoned brazierre and a long, silky skirt. Her act was belly dancing to Middle Eastern music. The gold accents and chains clinked numerous times as he moved her hips abruptly yet flawlessly. Taking in the show directly was unbelievable. Front row, taking up three seats, were their guys. Cha Ocho, alive, was on one end while another guy sat in the middle. Who could be next to him was none other than the guy they were truly looking for. Dark skinned with a mean mug and a short haircut was the man they were looking for (all thanks to Vincent for sending in a mugshot). Upon being in the front, the dancer paid more attention to them as they sat back and smiled at her. “Yeah, I can hang out with this guy.” Michelangelo slipped out. When he did, there was already a backlash of disapproving looks. He brought his hands up in surrender, but was very calm by closing his eyes and talking smoothly. “I know, I know, ‘Don’t be an idiot’.”

“What’s the plan?” Venus whispered, pulling everybody back out except for Mikey who was too infatuated by what was going on inside. “We bust in and ask Stockman’s friend a couple questions.” Raphael proposed by cracking the knuckles in his fist. A beat down was going to feel good after they did them dirty. “Raph, we can’t go in there.” Leonardo shook his head. “Why the shell not?” Was Leo just being a hypocrite earlier to stay, or what? “Just shake up the place a little bit without anybody catching us.” “No.” He spoke low and firm. “We need more time before the police try to arrive. Its gotta be something a little more subtle than that.” “Someone’s gotta go in.” Donatello reminded. Leonardo understood, but he wasn’t sure how or whom. Meanwhile, Michelangelo was still incognito with his ogling.

“Dang, look at that girl go.” He whispered in amazement. “Mikey!” Donnie whispered harshly. Then, he grabbed him by the shell and pulled him back from the door. “No, for real, she doin’ that belly dancin’ stuff! It’s insane! How her hips do that?” He whispered that last part partially to himself. “Look!” He urged them to see as he pointed. It got the attention of the others. The only one to delay was Leo, who only rolled his eyes and groaned at his childish ways. “Mikey, we don’t wanna…” His voice trailed off just as his eyes once it hit what Michelangelo was talking about. It wasn’t so vulgar of the sorts as the woman dressed in traditionally modern dress and jived with the beat. “wow, that’s pretty cool.” He had to admit as she popped and did a well done shake down. “Her outfit isn't revealing either. She almost looks like a…” Before Michelangelo could finish that thought, his voice trailed off. As if by magic, Venus, Leo, and Donatello all had a similar idea. Slowly, their heads turned towards Mona Lisa. The lizard lady was distracted from their stares for the longest time. Raphael was the first to see what was out of the ordinary as the rest of the group looked on at her. A moment passed until she gave herself a break from the dancing woman. When she looked back, she jumped from their stares. Her hand covered her mouth as she uttered something small.

“Do you need something?” She asked, quite confused and with a raised brow. “You need to go in there, Mona. Pose yourself as a dancer to get his attention.” Leonardo asked of her. The mere thought that he would suggest such a thing surprised her. Then, by the looks on the others’ faces, they were along with it too? Are they serious? “Do I look like a stripper to you?” There was a lot of attitude in her tone. When she asked, her head bounced as she placed her hands on her rocking hip. “You will when you jump on the pole.” The lizard lady glared at the young mutant. He took a step back. “I’m just saying.” “You’ll be fine.” Leo assured. “I’m a mutant.” She fired back. “And human, and you get the upper hand over Venus since she has a shell.” He pointed out. It was true. Mona would have an easier time explaining tail than a giant shell merged to her body if the question arose. “I'm also a minor?” This time, her voice was unsure in a last ditch effort. “But not by that much.” The leader smiled shyly. He was just as unsure as she was. Typical. A sickening feeling in her stomach visited when she took another look inside. Was she really going to do something like that? Putting herself out there like that, all eyes on her, was going to definitely be out of her comfort zone. Then, what was she going to do? Just the sound of the word ‘twerk’ made her cringe and this was a field where it was highlighted. The red clad terrapin took her gently by the arm. He pulled her back away from the door and spoke for her.

“If she doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t need to go.” Raphael argued. It was then Venus had a weird feeling. It started in her face as a current of electricity tickled her nose. The female turtle flared her nostrils briefly, but when it didn’t work, she used her arm to push it down. The feeling subsided some, but it was more comfortable than before. Paying back attention, she saw Donatello reach for Mona Lisa’s hand. Gentle and caring, his pulled it out of Raphael’s grasp. Mona wasn’t the one to be grabbed on, but she was too nervous that she let it happen. Also, who could turn away from those comforting eyes that kept her still?

“Just for a couple minutes so we know where Chapelin and Stockman are.” Donatello encouraged. He gave her hand a slow shake as if it would strengthen his grasp on her. “We’re right behind you.” Then, another hand took her free one. It was Michelangelo this time. She had to admit, behind her concerns, it was pretty cute that  the two youngest were trying to comfort the oldest of the group. “The world depends on this.” Venus spoke from behind Raphael. The combination of large brown and blue eyes followed by her sister’s reasoning was putting her own thoughts into overload. The lizard lady sighed, chewing on her bottom lip afterward. Mona removed her hand from the turtle boys’ grasp. “I’m going through the back.” She turned around bluntly. The lizard with a mission brushed past Raphael whose face contorted into multiple, frustrated scowls towards his team members. However, they were not concerned with him

“Whoa, wait up.” The turtle girl stopped her with a hand to her shoulder. Then, she cocked a brow and looked down on her. Mona’s eyes followed the hand that was outstretched to her. “Sports Bra.” She demanded. Repulsed by what she meant, her sister engulfed her chest in her arms defensively. “Venus!” “Hey, you have to sell it. Deception is the kunoichi’s true power, but those” The turtle girl pointed directly at her chest. “are a woman’s power.” Ugh! D**** social norms! It’ll be harder in the future, but this was a girl who couldn’t wait until a woman didn’t need to be sent out as an object for manipulation. Of course, she was trained for manipulating, but this was one aspect she liked to skip. “Fine.” When she pulled the cuff of her sleeve, the brothers looked away as she wriggled out of the tight contraption. They can tell she was really struggling with her disgruntled grunts. Or was that her being upset that she was actually doing this? “You want a world class stripper?” An unusual amount of confidence and baritone came out of the lizard lady. They were still looking away so they couldn’t see a ‘proud’ yet annoyed Mona Lisa put her arms up in a presenting fashion and walk away. “I’ll give you ‘Kinky Kunoichi’!”

Coming up beside them, the boys relaxed as Venus entered their circle. Mona had disappeared into the back. As promised, Venus looked down at her sister’s sports bra confided in her hand. She stared down on it like some type of trophy to get her sister out of her comfort zone successfully. Upon seeing it, Raphael shook his head and rocked his body. “I don’t like this.” “Just a couple minutes. Besides, Mona is a professional. She’s gonna squeeze information from that guy.” Donnie tried to make him feel somewhat better about the situation. Everyone knew Raphael was just as hard to get out of his comfort zone as the lizard lady. “Right after she gives him a lap dance.” Understandably irritated, the family’s eyes turned to glared at the unapologetic orange masked turtle. Shamelessly, his nose was back in the door and smiling at what he saw. The orange tails of his mask were abruptly pulled on. He forced himself not to utter anything as he was pulled back and up on his knees. Hovering over him, Raphael scowled sternly. “Not helping.” He whispered. Then, he dropped him, in which the bottom rim of his shell dug into his large calves. Pouting, Michelangelo muttered. “Should’ve just let me dress in drag and do the hula.” he offered. Donnie raised his brow in disapproval. “That’s an image no one deserves to see.” He commented. Michelangelo gave him a shrug. “Just trying to help.”