#but he has every right to be anxious BECAUSE of how messed up Raph is over splinter

[shreddeddescent]

I’m actually reading over my own shit back and asking myself IS big mama a groomer?

No I don’t think she is. That’s not her deal. She’s nice, maybe she’s too nice, and obviously far too rich, but she’s genuinely helping, she’s genuinely good at it. The issue is she’s absolutely got an agenda that no one’s paying attention to. Too much going on to notice. Big mama doesn’t actually do things for free so what’s the real cost? These kids are too traumatized to notice it. Maybe Slash notices it.

It just might really LOOK like she’s a groomer cuz of how much money she has, cuz of how weird her mannerisms are, how overly willing she is to dote on these poor fucking kids even if they can’t pay for her services. She’s clearly rich so that’s too weird. But she found them cuz april knew her, cuz April’s got sooome kind of in with the hidden city, not that she knows it.

That doesn’t mean spending time in her hotel is good for them. That doesn’t mean bad things won’t still happen to them. That doesn’t mean they should trust her fully.

But she’s really good at helping them unpack it all. And they have sooooo much to unpack.

[fishsticksloser]

Hi! Just before i request i want to ask if i Can be 🐺 anon? anyways Can you do the rise turtles with a cat mutant s/o?

Cat!Mutant/Yo'Kai!Reader

RotTMNT x gn!reader

Warnings: fluff, aged up

A/N: Welcome! Sorry for the long wait! A lot of cat research went into this... Whew... I own a cat (he's cute), but I didn't know a lot of this...

Donnie

Due to your species, you have a lot of advantages...

Much like Donnie

You're both incredibly flexible, light, and quiet

He came to your place for a surprise visit once

The sight your your tail out straight and vibrating made him ecstatic

He freaked out one time you fell off a building (long story)

But then he remembered you're a cat

Your feet hurt a little but you landed no problem

One day you started bumping your head against his back

He absolutely stopped everything to give you attention

Later he looked it up and learned you were marking him

He lets you do it all the time now, excited to know that he's yours

His favorite part?

Cuddling with you

Your soft fur was so nice for him, he likes it when you lay on him

Your purring is also very calming for him

If he gets overwhelmed, overstimulated, or has flash backs, he comes to you

The weight of you on top of him, the fur, the warmth, the purring...

You are his safe space

Leo

In love with your pretty fur

Doesn't mind that his clothes are covered

He loves being around you

Some say its weird, but love dude...

You gonna deny that?

He loves messing with your paws, watching your claws retract

He loves how cute your toe beans are

He loves kissing your paws

Leo is obsessed with you

He'd race you constantly, claiming he's "letting you win"

Although... Donnie told him that cats can reach speeds up to 30mph... There's no telling how fast you can actually go

Leo once found you laying on his bed, some of his dirty clothes with you

He found it endearing, especially when you respond with "well... it smells like you..."

Pretends he doesn't get flustered and his mind isn't going a million miles a minute when you rub yourself against him

He stutters and blushes

Claims its nothing, he's just anxious about something else, but really he can't get it out of his head

Mikey

He made you sweets for your birthday one time

You didn't taste anything though... at least nothing sweet

Mikey was distraught, he thought he messed up

Thankfully Donnie told him that cats can't taste sweetness, so it wasn't because of him

He loved taking you to graffiti with him

You could get places he was scared of

Using your tail to balance made the job 1,000 times easier

He also enjoys cleaning the paint out of your fur

It's a nice bonding time for the 2 of you

Was absolutely astonished that you refused to eat something he made

He learned your favorites and made sure to make them whenever you came over

He learned not to make anything citrusy

Mikey loves when you come over for movie nights

He likes when you snuggle up close and purr, he often chirps back

When you start rubbing against him, he is confused at first

He did research... because science sometimes helps, right?

Mikey read that you were marking him and giggles every time you do it now

Raph

Panic... That's what he feels every time you jump of a building

No matter how long you 2 have been together, how many times you've done it

Raph panics

Yes, yes, cats land on their feet, its not that big of deal

But Raph will lecture you every time

You need to stop giving this man a heart attack

He enjoyed sitting in while you groomed yourself (not like that....)

He found it interesting that you took such good care of your fur

Raph also loves it when you let him brush you

He feels like you trust him, especially if you purr while he does it...

He's over the moon

He also loves sparring with you

Raph learned cat body language to prepare for when you would attack when you 2 were just hanging out

He dies every time you bump your head against him

He later learned you were marking him and he blushes every time now

[oleander-nin]

There’s this song that has a tight grip on my soul that I definitely recommend titled ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine, but it lead me to getting a request idea if you’re taking any!

I don’t see a lot of rottmnt!raph x reader’s often so I’d figure I’d request one where reader is staring at the ceiling, daydreaming about something when raph shows up outside the reader’s home while it’s pouring to confess because he was too anxious when he had the opportunity prior that week and they hadn’t talked since. I just really enjoy angst/comfort, haha!

A/N, not important: I'm releasing you from the dungeon/j. On a side note, I am so sorry this took me so long to get to. It's a wonderful idea, and I truly hope I did it some justice(I didn't). I'm so sorry for the wait. Any criticism is welcome, constructive or not. This is supposed to be a gender neutral reader, so if I screwed up somewhere, please tell me.

-Ollie

Tw: My writing, confessions, daydreaming, reminiscing on reader's regret, rainy night, sneaking around while parents are sleeping, feelings of love

Words: 1891

Summary: Raph appears at your window late at night, even the pouring rain unable to keep him from confessing.

The fan buzzed overhead, adding a comforting background noise to my foggy brain. The rain pattered against my window, hitting the roof with the familiar rhythmic drops that made me feel safe. A roll of thunder sounded in the distance, the boom muffled from the walls of my room. I  laid on my side, cuddled up in the plethora of blankets piled on top of me, my mind racing despite the calming atmosphere.

The single lamp I kept on my desk was my only source of light, its warm glow made the entire room feel that much more welcoming, a proper hiding place for a lonely mind. Gosh, why didn’t I just tell him. It would’ve been so easy, and I genuinely think he would’ve said yes. He was so caring while he helped me learn how to knit, showing me the proper way to tension the yarn and move the needles. His presence was kind and warm, and I swear I could’ve just died happy right there and then. I wished more than everything I could’ve told him, told him how happy just being near him made me, told him how his smile lit up the room, or told him how I never wanted to see him cry.

But I didn’t. Instead, I just sat there, listening to his gentle words as he corrected the way I held the needles, or how I twisted the yarn. I was a coward. I pull one of my plushies to my chest for comfort, the bear with the red bandana and pirate attire being my victim. I let out a small laugh, nuzzling my face into the soft material of the plushie. Raph had gotten it for me after I had first seen his favorite Jupiter Jim movie, ‘Jupiter Jim Sails The Seven Galaxies’. It was a sweet gesture that made me fall even more in love with the giant snapper mutant. I couldn’t help but feel a pang in my heart from the fact that I could’ve been cuddling Raph instead of a plushie if I had just told him while we were hanging out last week. It hurt me to know since we hadn’t talked since. I couldn’t help but be mad at myself, knowing it was my fault. I knew I should reach out, but my heart hurt too much to do so.

I wanted Raph to be the one holding me, his arms wrapped around me as we watch a movie, or his comforting presence helping me when he is able to convince me to do reps with him. I wanted to go on a date with him to Hueso’s, or to walk around the Hidden City, arm in arm. I wanted to be with him, to be the one he goes to when he’s upset, or wants to talk about his goals in life. I wanted to be there for him in every way I could, more so than I already was. I wanted to kiss him, to hold him, to love him. I just wanted him to love me too. I didn’t want to mess up if I saw him again, to tell him too early, or not at the right time.

I squeeze the pirate teddy tighter, my lips gently kissing its bandana covered head, pretending it was Raph. Oh how I wished it was. I knew it was stupid, being almost 18 and still pretending my stuffed animals were my crush, pouting over being too scared to face my crush and not reaching out for a week. I knew if anyone saw me right now, I’d never live it down. Not that I couldn’t lie my way out of it though. It was easy enough to just say I really liked this teddy bear. Even if it was mostly because Raph gave it to me.

Tap

I look up towards my window through my dimly lit room, my eyebrows furrowing slightly. That was too loud of a sound to be a raindrop. Was it hailing? I shifted on my bed, fishing around for my phone on my bedside table. I sit up, my legs folded under me as I rest on my knees. I open my phone, pulling up the weather app. Scanning through the temperature and the humidity levels, I saw no mention of a prediction or confirmation of hail. Only the current rain and thunder were being spoken of. 

Tap tap tap

My head turns towards the window as I slide off my bed, slowly inching towards. A couple more taps sound from the window, too precise to be anything but a person. I pull back my curtain slightly, my eyes scanning for whoever was causing the tapping. I prayed it wasn’t some murderer, trying to confirm my presence so they could jump out and kill me.

My eyes widen as a soaked Raph greets me, balancing on the small ledge as he waves. I make quick work of unlocking my window and pushing it open, waving Raph inside. The large turtle mutant fumbles in, trying his best not to scratch the window or the walls with his spiky shell. A small puddle starts to gather at his feet from the water dipping off of him, Raph lifting up a foot like he was surprised. Raph winces apologetically, his hands wiping at his wet shorts to try and dry them off. I shut the window once Raph was inside, keeping the rain from coming into my room anymore than it already had.

“I’ll go get you a towel.” I say quickly, rushing to the bathroom down the hall while Raph stood in my room, trying his best not to get water everywhere. I rustle through the bathroom cabinet, pulling out two towels, one for the floor and one for Raph. I make it back to the room, handing a large beach towel to Raph while I soak up the puddle that was forming under him with the other.

“Sorry ‘bout the water.” Raph mumbles apologetically, carefully drying himself off as to not rip the towel on his spikes. I shake my head, smiling as I finish drying off the puddle before taking the wet towel back to the bathroom. When I return, I’m holding an extra pair of Raph’s signature red shorts, a pair he’s forgotten from previous visits. 

“I meant to bring these over earlier after you left them last time you came over to go swimming in the pool up top. Good thing I forgot.” I say with a small grin, handing the spare clothes to Raph. “Go change into the dry shorts in the bathroom. But try to be quiet, my parents are asleep.” I put my finger over my lips as I tell him to be quiet, and Raph nods, keeping his voice low as he thanks me.

I sit on my bed again, swinging my legs back and forth while waiting for Raph to return. The large turtle makes his way back to my room, now dry and without the towel or his wet shorts. He joins me on my bed, sitting carefully so his shell wouldn’t get caught on the mattress. We both sit in awkward silence for a moment, neither of us sure what to do or say.

Raph ends up breaking the silence first, his voice gentle as he rubs the back of his neck. “Sorry for not reaching out at all recently.” Raph looked genuinely apologetic, as if he had committed some cardinal sin for not texting me during the week, as if I hadn’t done the same thing.

I shake my head, sending Raph a crooked smile. “Nah, it’s all good. I didn’t exactly try either.”

Raph lets out a small huff, laughing softly. “Well, I’m still sorry. So there.” Raph grins, seemingly pleased with himself for apologizing. He pulls me into a side hug, ruffling my hair. “You make any progress on the scar you was makin’?”

I push his hand off my hair, rolling my eyes. “Yeah, it looks like a tangled mess though.” The scarf in question was currently hidden under my bed, too ugly to be seen. Once I was better though, I’d make Raph something. I just needed to practice a bit.

Raph lets out another laugh, his eyes shining brightly. “Oh please, it can’t be that bed. You were doing fine last I saw.”

I shake my head, a bright smile on my face. “You have way too much faith in me, my friend.” I pretend calling him ‘my friend’ didn’t hurt the way it did, pretending it didn't make my heart squeeze painfully. I pretended not to notice the way Raph’s smile faltered at the wording either, neither of us seeming to be able to stand being ‘just friends’. 

I pat my thighs awkwardly, the silence in the room settling like a thick blanket. I clear my throat, moving past the previous statement. “So, what has you here at 2:37 am? I can’t believe Splinter let you out this late.”

Raph seems to sink a little, seeming guilty. My eyes widen as I realize what he did, a snort escaping me. “Raph, you didn’t. I can’t believe you snuck out!”

Raph huffs a bit, a small blush on his cheeks as he tries to defend himself. “It’s not like I’m in any danger! We used to leave the lair all the time this late. I just… Needed to see you.” He admits, fiddling with his fingers while avoiding eye contact.

I look at Raph curiously, my heart beating faster at his words. “What did you need to see me for, Raph?” I ask, trying to stay calm. My brain started racing, millions of reasons coming to my head. 

Raph clears his throat, finally making eye contact with me again. He takes my hands in his, trying his best to stop the twitching in his fingers. I look into his eyes, my heart beating fast as my ears rang slightly. Was this it?

“I wanted to thank you, first of all. I really appreciate you being there for me and my brothers. It’s been… Really nice knowing you were there for me, and that I had someone to turn to. I would also like to apologize again, for not reaching out. I meant to tell you something last week, but chickened out at the last moment. I’m sorry. So, I decided, I need to tell you now.” Raph smiles gently, squeezing my hands lightly. “I like you, (Y/n). More than a friend. I know I’m a giant snapping turtle mutant, but please… Give me a chance. I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

I look at Raph with a dopey smile, my heart beating a mile a minute as my brain tries to catch up. I dumbly nod, all the words I wanted to say stuck in my throat. Raph beams at this, seeminging happy with my non-verbal answer. Raph pulls me into a tight hug, nuzzling his snout into the top of my head. I let out a bubbling laugh, hugging him back while I feel like I’m on cloud nine. Everything was perfect in this moment, and I was convinced nothing could bring me down from this high.

We both froze when we heard the door to my parent’s room click open.

[whoreadsnowadays]

TALK ABOUT HIM TO MEEEEE I WANNA HEAR EVERY THOUGHT FR 🗣🗣🗣

HHHHHHHHHHH OK OK OK OK-

This isn't solely gonna be abt Shatter, bc I genuinely cannot think of much to say that I haven't touched on at least a little in the actual story, and I have so much to say for 2012 Leo in general he's so hhhhh brain worms.

That being said- LEO BREAKING DOWN CRYING IN FRONT OF HIS BROTHERS. IN SHATTER OR NOT. LEO BREAKING DOWN CRYING IN FRONT OF HIS BROTHERS.

And along that line, the turtles in an extreme maybe apocalyptic situation, everyone turns to Leo like "What's the plan? What's going on what do we do?" and because Leo's in front, his back to his brothers, none of them can see the pure terror and horror on his face as he stares forward at the mess they've encountered. The others continue to prod at him, until he snaps, "Just give a second!" And the others can tell just from his voice how terrified he is- LITERALLY JUST- LEO BEING FORCED TO BE VULNERABLE AROUND HIS BROTHERS- that's my shit right there.

And, headcanons now, when he's anxious he hugs himself, rubs his arms, and paces. It gets so bad sometimes that his legs ache for days at a time, but he still has to get that pent up energy out somehow, so he ends up making the pain worse by pacing even more.

And after the leg injury/window thing he's constantly tapping his hands and his good foot, trying to get the same sensation that pacing gave him and always falling short. So every time he goes to pace he has to force himself to just pat any nearby surfaces, trying to resist the urge to get up and move around

Honestly during the farmhouse arc I feel like there isn't any part of that adventure in which he isn't on the verge of a panic attack.

SPEAKING OF PANIC ATTACKS- when he has an attack he has a tendency to hyperventilate to the point that he gets dizzy and almost faints. Usually when he gets the head rush it's like a wake up call, like "Oh you're about to pass out get your breathing under control" but sometimes when it's rly bad n he's panicking too much to fix his breathing, he'll fully collapse and faint. And while it's an incredibly unhealthy way to deal with it, he does always wake up feeling calmer. But that's just because he's too shaken up to really panic anymore.

The first time he works himself up to fainting his brothers all panic simultaneously, only for him to wake up and go "what? I fainted? Weird. Anyway."

ALSO. ADHD. THIS ASSHOLE HAS THE ADHD WITHOUT THE H. His brain is always going a thousand miles a minute, and he's gotten good at sorting through his thoughts quick enough to come up with a quick game plan, but when hes nervous or anxious or just plain scared, he has trouble sorting through everything because it's going too fast for even him

AND FREQUENT HEADACHES. This bitch gets headaches at least once every 2 weeks. Normally they aren't that bad and a nap can make them go away, but occasionally the pain will be bad enough that it has him holed up in his dark room for a whole day.

(Before u continue I must say I love Splinter he's a good character, but I am borderline Splinter bashing for the next three paragraphs)

Daddy Issues off the fucking charts. This bitch is craving validation and reassurance. He loves Splinter, and he knows Splinter loves him, he's shown that multiple times, but his sensei is just so emotionally distant that he doesn't feel entirely comfortable coming to him for reassurance or affection.

AND as an oldest child myself, I can say with confidence that this bitch has the weight of the whole household on his shoulders. Sure Splinter trains them and gives them wisdom and advice and all that, but Leo is the one to force Donnie to bed at 3am, he's the one to make Raph take breaks when training, he's the one that listens to Mikey's rants and hangs his art on the fridge.

Honestly Leo's relationship to Splinter is rly fucking interesting ok? At least the idea of it I have in my head. Leo looks up to and admires Splinter, he wants to be as good of a ninja and a leader as Splinter is. He wants to make his father proud. But also he's scared of Splinter. When anything goes wrong he knows that Splinter will look to him for an explanation, and he knows that if his explanation is less than ideal it'll be his head on the line, no matter who's fault it was. It's always "Leonardo, why were you not watching your brothers? You are their leader. You need to be leading them, keeping them out of trouble." And Leo can't help but feel annoyed as well, because really what's he going to do? Put them all on child leashes? He can't help what they do and it's unfair for Splinter to put the blame on him as well.

[skylarmoon71]

Raphael x Parker Reader- Chapter 16 (TMNT 2014/2016)

“Watch out!!”

You jump to warn them, but the explosion shoves you back. Your body hits the side of the wall and Raph breaks right through the window, rushing over to you.

“(Y/N)!!!”

He catches your arm, right before you go over the ledge. You aren’t moving, and your head is hanging low. He hoists you up, out of danger. As he pulls you into his arms, there isn’t a response, and there’s a notable gash on the right side of your head. The blood is dripping, and he’s praying you’re okay.

“Raph is she alright!” Leo is dealing with his own little crisis, because the blast has not only left you unconscious, but also managed to force Mikey into a tough position. He’s buried under the rubble. Donnie and Leo are trying to clear the path. None of them even saw this coming. It was clearly an ambush.

Apparently the criminals weren’t as stupid as they thought. There was word about an upcoming gang forming. Vincent insisted she wanted to bring in their team, but Leo thought it best that they check it out first. Which proved to be the right call. Who knew how many casualties there would have been if officers had stormed the place.

The rocks are cleared, but Mikey isn’t conscious. Leo grinds his teeth. Both boys move on either side, raising the younger turtle up to his feet. They support him by the shoulders.

“We need to get out of here.”

This whole situation has gone sour. Leo can read the look on Raph’s face. Not only have these scumbags hurt his brother, but they’ve caused you harm as well.

“Don’t worry Raph, we’ll find out who’s behind this.” For now the best approach is looking for an exit. Donnie clicks on his navigator, and before long they head through a back entrance. It’s almost closed off by all the destruction. With slow steps, they make their way out. Leo’s a bit anxious. If they trigger another explosion that would be bad. With the narrow exit of this warehouse, there’s minimum places for shelter. “It’s clear, move.” Donnie orders. So they do.

Raph is a few meters behind, looking every few seconds in hopes that you’ll open your eyes. But nothing changes. As they duck and search for an exit. Leo can feel his anger bubbling. He felt responsible for their predicament. He was supposed to be the leader, their protector.

“It aint your fault. “ While they're waiting to make an escape, Raph looks over. Raph is looking at him. He’s shocked at those words. He thought for sure if anything Raph would blame him. He’s never been shy to question his leadership skills in the past.

“Let’s get through this, then we’ll give those bastards a good beating.”

Leo doesn’t respond at first, but after a moment, he nods. He appreciates Raph’s words.

“You know we will.” he states. This is the first time Leo’s in agreement with his brother’s violent streak.

~~~~

Two hours, no response. Splinter couldn't hide his concern when he saw his boys coming in with two casualties. He'd never stop worrying. After careful instructions on where to place the both of you, all they can really do is wait.

They were all gathered at one point But bow their taking shifts between you and Mikey. Fighting to stay awake.

There's movement.

“Dudes I’m starving, where is the food?” Mikey’s groan makes Donnie perk up, and he’s wearing a lopsided grin. Donnie nearly falls out of his seat to race over. “He’s awake!” Donnie’s scream has gained all their attention, and they come running from different parts of the lair.

They settle around him, smiling and shoving his shoulder playfully. “Got any leftover pizza.” Leo just laughs. “Of course the first thing you think about is food. “

“Good to see ya okay dumbnut.” Raph says.

“Really scared us.” Leo adds.

He finally sits upright, rubbing his head. “Where’s (Y/N).” Raph’s head lowers.

In their rush to ensure the both of you were safe, they raced to the lair. There was no doubt Mikey would recover. He’d been through worse. You on the other hand, they had no clue. As able as you were, you were still human. Donnie assured them that you were simply concussed. After cleaning the wound, they’d set you down on a bed. Leo’s first thought was to get you to a hospital, but in your current attire, that would do more harm than good. So all that’s left is to wait.

“That bad huh.” Mikey mutters. It’s never a good sign when even Mikey sounds serious.

“She’s strong, she’ll pull through.” Leo encourages. It’s more for his own comfort. He’s ridden with guilt. He was careless, and it’s caused not just the safety of his brother’s but also his friend. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to live with himself if you didn’t wake up. His shoulders slump, and before he can dig himself any deeper, Raph smacks his head, hard. He stumbles forward, looking on in disbelief.

“I already told ya to quit it. Aint shit gonna happen if you sit there pouting. She’s strong, she’ll be okay.” Raph knows that given the circumstances, he has to step up. Leo is astonished at the sheer will he sees reflected. It makes him believe the words. So he straightens.

“Thanks Raph, I needed that.” Raph grins. “I’m always available if ya need a bit of motivation.” he says raising his fists. There’s the Raph he knows.

“Please tell me..I didn’t just mess up this brand new suit.” The statement is said from a distance, and Leo is slow to turn. Raph looks on, bewildered. “(Y/N)...” it’s a whisper.

“Hey guys.” you mumble weakly. Leo’s not sure he’s ever smiled so wide.

“I think introductions are in order.” A deeper voice fills in.

You screech, almost jumping five feet in the air.

“THERE'S A FREAKING TALKING RAT IN YOUR HOUSE!!!”

They pause for a moment, and all at once they start laughing. It’s loud and filled with the joy and relief of how well things turned out.

[danzinora-switch]

Typing the Turtles (ROTTMNT) Part 2 - Donatello

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

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

Donnie: INTJ, 5w6

The Architect, the Investigator, the Problem-Solver, the Observer

Firstly, getting into this analysis means that we have to step away from the stereotype that all INTJs are cold, aloof, and unemotional. INTJs, especially Turbulent ones, do express emotion, and we’ve all seen Donnie’s dramatic ‘theatre kid’ side. I’m not going to ignore that. He manages to be both thanks to the INTJ’s tertiary function Introverted Feeling (Fi). Extroverted Feeling (Fe) really allows one to connect and empathize with others’ emotions. Fi, however, is a more internal experience of feelings, and has trouble connecting with others without having been in their shoes. I happen to think Donnie is in a strong Ni-Fi loop, as well, which would make sense because fighting bad guys every day while trying to save the world after discovering a Mystic City which upbends everything you ever knew is pretty stressful. https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2017/06/21/intjs-loop-understanding-ni-fi-loop/

And it’s super interesting that he often expresses his emotions by literally saying them. “Evil laugh! Relishing chuckle! Gasp!” (Mind Meld) and, one of my favorites, he literally says “Sad face emoji” in Many Unhappy Returns.

So while we DO see Donnie experience and display his own emotions, we also DON’T see him all that affected by other people’s emotions. He’s still pretty stoic in Mystic Mayhem after the delivery guy gets mutated, cracking a joke about imitation crab. He’s unaffected by Todd’s puppies in Repo Mantis, and the only one immune to Warren Stone’s sob story in Warren & Hypno Sitting in a Tree. Pizza Pit shows it best when he’s unaffected when Mikey’s favorite pizza place collapses until the same thing happens to him. Fi at work vs Fe.

As for Donnie being a 5w6, keep this core motivation in mind: “[Fives] Want to possess knowledge, to understand the environment, to have everything figured out as a way of defending the self from threats from the environment.” https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-5

Donnie at his Worst: Donnie vs. Witch Town gave us this gem of a line: “Because I’m the science guy! If mystic powers can do everything I can do, but better, then why would you guys even need me?” And while people have pointed out his need to be needed, I argue it’s a little more accurate to say he has a need to belong. His role in the group is the Brainiac, the Science Guy, the Smart One, and so his very identity is tied into fulfilling that role. A 5’s core fear is of being useless, helpless, or incapable. Mystic powers rendering his tech redundant, and thereby him useless, would be a pretty big threat to the security of his role in the group (that 6 wing kicking in). And remember a 5’s core motivation: to understand the environment as a defense. And he still doesn’t understand mystic energy. It’s pretty infuriating, so he’s pretty insufferable about it.

[Note: seeing mystic power as a threat probably didn’t kick in until their fight with Shredder in Many Unhappy Returns. Prior to that, his brothers were still learning how to use their magic weapons, but Donnie already understood his tech well enough to use it effectively (see their first fight against Baron Draxum in the pilot). But against the Shredder… all his tech was useless. Only the hanky, the hanky, was even marginally effective. His brothers’ weapons were now way more capable than anything he had to offer… core 5 fear. And to cope? Learn all you can about your fear/threat. Except he still hasn’t figured it out; we see even in Air Turtle that he calls Draxum for the mystic expertise instead of formulating his own hypothesis].

We’ve seen this insecurity about his place in the group before. In Mind Meld, as his brothers become more like him, his role is challenged. “Hey, you’re trying to get rid of me, that’s what I do to you!” “But, I thought purple was my... my thing.” When he first meets the Purple Dragon he immediately wants to join them because he sees them as tech peers. In Man vs Sewer even though he professes that it’s his day off, he doesn’t react well whenever Leo does ‘his thing’: analyzing the situation and drawing a conclusion. His self-worth seems to be tied to what he has to offer the group, and we hear that even in his song in The Mystic Library about proving himself.

Besides his insecurity, Donnie is practically allergic to blame. (Interestingly enough, he’s more okay with being wrong and others being right sometimes… sure he’ll deflect, but it doesn’t seem to get under his skin the way being at fault does). He will repeatedly deny fault and shift the blame to someone else when something goes wrong. He denies creating AlBearto in Al Be Back, says the incident with the Purple Dragons in The Purple Jacket is entirely April’s fault (she is not amused) and puts the blame for ditching Todd off on his brothers in Todd Scouts. The one time we see him own up his mistakes is in Mind Meld when no one (except Shelldon) is around to see it. “Yup. I beefed up.” This is definitely an area he needs to work on.

Average Donnie: Donnie cares for his brothers, but that doesn’t always get across in the best of ways. Take the episode Donnie’s Gifts, for example. Donnie never actually got a chance to explain how the gifts work, but we can see protective elements in each of them. Raph: please use your head and don’t just blindly rush in! Mikey: ohmygosh that is so dangerous, please be careful and don’t get hurt! Leo: stop poking the bear, Leo, it only makes him angrier! It makes sense that a 5 who has external fears of the world and has their own protective equipment (the Battle Shells) would extend that to his brothers. And Donnie was able to recognize that even though his brothers got the wrong message, he could move past that and call for a group hug. In the Purple Game he is super anxious to make sure his brothers are okay and not mostly hurt. Insane in the Mama Train also reveals the invention of the Panic Button… and who designed that?

Donnie also seeks a lot of validation. He takes pride in his work, and when his work is appreciated he gives that appreciation back tenfold [such as when he shows off the Turtle Tank to his brothers (Fast and Furriest), or when Splinter says he’s proud of him (Turtle-dega Nights: the Ballad of Rat Man)]. The flip side is that when he’s not getting the validation he needs from others he’ll create it himself, which comes off as arrogant and egocentric. See Smart Lair, when Sheldon 1.0 plays messages of Donnie’s self-worth all night, and is programmed to favor him. Or when he takes full credit for defeating a bad guy: the silverfish in Donnie’s Gifts, and scaring Draxum away with his disco ball in Shadow of Evil. When he gets the recognition for all his hard work from the right people, though, it inspires him to do great things. There is danger in getting validation from the wrong people, however, as we saw in Big Mama’s case in Bug Busters.

Donnie at his Best: Donnie’s at his best (and most relaxed) whenever he’s learning or building something. He gets super excited and happy attending April’s school (The Purple Jacket) or going to the library (The Mystic Library) and wants to attend college someday (The Mutant Menace). The INTJ/5 seeks to absorb information and he’s constantly energized by it.

He’s also energized when he can put that information to use, such as when building something. Did Albearto need a total tear-down in War and Pizza? No. But Donnie had fun making him ‘dazzle!’ How did Donnie cope being in the woods in Todd Scouts? By building an impressive tree fort. Donnie’s projects actually relax him, because he’s exercising his strength and capabilities.

This also works for his method of attacks and plans: Know Thine Enemy. He studies Warren Stone in Newsworthy when they meet him and is the only one who remembers he regenerates by Warren & Hypno Sitting in a Tree. Donnie and Mikey are able to successfully scam Repo Mantis in One Man’s Junk because they know how he thinks. Donnie thwarts everything the Purple Dragons do and can bring Shelldon home because he knows how they operate  (The Purple Game, Breaking Purple). He can restore his brothers to their rightful minds in Mind Meld because he knows himself. 

Also: music. The fact that one of his Battle Shells has a music mode (Mascot Melee), that he remembers things in song form (The Mystic Library, Donnie vs Witch Town), and that he likes to dance (Stuck on You) is so pure and adorable.

Donnie Relationships: 

(while Donnie does see his brothers as dum-dums at times, he admits they’re fun and pretty great to have in Mind Meld)

Raph: We really need a Donnie and Raph episode, but even without one there’s some moments we can look at. I already discussed in Raph’s analysis their general similarities. Donnie doesn’t think Raph always has the brightest ideas, but still has soft moments with him such as giving him $20 at the end of Mind Meld, designing the ‘captain’s chair’ of the Turtle Tank to Raph’s lumbar settings, and appreciating Raph’s pirate accent in Snow Day. They are both protective of their brothers, Raph with his fists and Donnie with his tech. It’s interesting that (I believe) they’re the reverse of each other on the Enneagram: Raph is a 6w5, and Donnie a 5w6. So they both understand the risks involved in what they do (mostly: Donnie still ate poison and Raph still goes on ‘smashcapades’). I really want to see a team-up between them.

Leo: I’m all for the Disaster Twins trope, but to me an episode that epitomizes that isn’t one like Lair Games, where they’re at each other’s throats, but Operation Normal. They’ve apparently done the grandma-getup before. They wind up playing as good cop, bad cop in Fast and Furriest. Sure, one’s high-strung, and one’s laid-back, which can get on each others’ nerves, but there’s also a lot of making up. Brotherly betrayal passes back and forth between them, but never crosses a line. And the numerous times they unconsciously mirror each other can be found with a simple search of the Disaster Twins tag. I’m interested to see more episodes where they work together, even in the background, just because they can get up to wild shenanigans.

Mikey: Mikey’s probably the turtle Donnie most gets along with. They’ve had several episode team-ups: Repo Mantis, One Man’s Junk, Turtle-dega Nights: the Ballad of Rat Man, Breaking Purple, etc. Donnie may be the team academic, but Mikey has strong emotional intelligence. They get along pretty easily, making plans together (One Man’s Junk) and protecting each other (we see Donnie protect Mikey in Repo Mantis and Bug Busters, but we see Mikey protect Donnie by pulling him out of the way in Smart Lair). Donnie helps Mikey focus on the goal at hand, and Mikey helps Donnie communicate better with others. They’re a good team with a pretty solid foundation.

Ultimately, Donnie’s an inventive turtle who wants his brothers to be safe but is still wrestling with a lot of insecurities and unhealthy stress levels. I’m excited to see how he grows into real confidence and utilizes his strengths as an integral member of the team.

For more information on the INTJ and Enneagram 5 personality types, click here:

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

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-5-wing-6

https://thoughtcatalog.com/heidi-priebe/2016/01/mbti-and-the-enneagram-2/6/

[zewrit]

Also uhm can I get??? Sad Mikey??? Who is just down for some reason and then his brothers (or maybe just Raph lbr) trying to cheer him up by acting silly or doing something nice???

role fatigue (ao3)Mikey doesn’t want to talk about it; Raph’s not going to let him stay quiet. 

It’snot that he’s never seen Mikey sad before, because of course hehas. They’ve all been sad before, all been miserable and down inthe sewer, and it’s not new,the fact that Mikey’s sad sometime. Raph still remembers waking upto Mikey curled up against his plastron, shoulders tense and facepressed in hard, all miserable and sad like a kicked puppy-dog.

Thething is just- well.

Raphcan’t remember the last time he saw Mikey sad, is all.

Hepicks his brain apart, chases out every memory of letting Mikeyclutch at him like a kid, shuddering with sobs and half-choked words,and all of them is years old. They’re all from before their lifeturned into a hectic mess of fighting and danger and blood crusted inthe cracks of the floor. It’s weird, uncomfortable; not right,because the two of them’s always been close,always been there for each other no matter how much they didn’twant it at the time. He remembers Mikey bandaging his knuckles,talking a mile a minute, their knees together and never oncecommenting on the shine to Raph’s eyes, the way he shudder at eachgentle touch.

ButRaph can’t remember doing that for Mikey.

Notlately, at least.

Worstpart is he hasn’t even realised it. Not until now, at least,standing in the doorway and looking in at the small, hunched up shapeof his bro, and fuck, he hasn’t felt this stupid in a long while.

“Mike,”he pitches his voice low, steps in careful and quiet. His brotherhunches up even tighter, all wire-lines and tension, and Raph’sthroat goes tight, worry and guilt all tangled up together.

“Mikey.”

Hecloses the door behind him; ignores the fact that everything’s darknow, shadows and grey colours, and makes his way to the bed withpracticed steps.

Hedoesn’t bother calling his brother’s name again. Mikey’s allbunched up, all drawn in on himself, and he’s not going to answer.Raph knows this tactic, has seen it before, during that brief periodwhere Mikey tried to push him away, and it’s utter bullshit, justas back then.

Raphdoesn’t so much push Mikey aside as shove him- he sits down in thespace Mikey gives up, ignores his brother’s flailing, and settlesright in. Because fuck as if he’s leaving. Fuck as if he’s justgoing to pretend nothing’s wrong, and fuck Mikey for thinking, evenfor a second,that he can pull that shit.

“I’mnot going to leave,” he says, pointed and sharp. Mikey, stilltangled up in his blanket and still trying to figure out a way tocurl up with Raphael so up in his space, goes still. Goes tense,and Raph wants to smack him over the head.

“...Nothing’s wrong,” says Mikey, like Raph would actuallyfall for that.

Raphhuffs. “Sure, and I’m a double-agent working for Shredder. C’monMikey, it’s me.”

Mikeypeeks out from the blanket. It’s weird, seeing him without hissmile. Seeing his face tugged down into a frown, creased with sadnessand red with tears, and Raph viciously punched down the anger boilingin his gut, the urge to find whoever the fuck made his little brotherlook like this and killthem.

“...Does he pay well?”

Raphaelblinks. Takes a second, still stuck somewhere in the pit of his gut,all protectiveness and anger. Then he snorts.

“No,”he says, and Mikey’s eyes turn up at the corners, and Raph knowsthere’s a smile, there. “I’m only doing it for the reward offucking over Leo.”

Mikeysnorts. He twists down his face, hides it in his blanket, and Raphaelreaches out, lays his hand on the curve of Mikey’s head, and theworry is on his tongue once more.

“Seriouslythough. What’s up?”

Hecan feel the smile leaving Mikey’s face. Can feel it in the wayMike goes all tense, all still and prickly, and Raphael wonders whatpart of this Mikey got from him.What part of this stupid dance he copied from Raph’s own refusal totalk about his feelings, about the things that cut so fucking deep hedon’t think they’ll ever scar right.

Stopit,he thinks at himself. Thisisn’t about you.

“It’snothing,” Mikey says, muffled into his blanket. Raph spreads outhis fingers, pushes down just a bit. Presses i’mhere andcomfortintothe back of Mikey’s head, and his brother huffs.

“Really,”he says, and twists out beneath Raph’s hand; he flips over, craneshis head back to look up at Raph, and there’s this stupid, falsesmile on his face. Like Mikey actually thinksRaphwould fall for it. “Nothing’s up.”

Raphdoesn’t bite down on the urge this time. He smacks the side ofMichaelangelo’s side, a sharp but weak blow, and Mikey yelps,flails out of the way much too late.

“Don’tdo that,” Raph says, flat as can be. “Don’t pretend with me.”

Mikeywhines. He’s turned away from Raph, now, shell to him, and Mikey’srubbing at his shoulder, likely pouting like a brat, and Raph crosseshis arms, waits.

Considers,just briefly, kicking Mikey in the legs.

“It’sjust-” Mikey’s voice is quiet, soft. He inhales, keeps it therefor a while, and then goes slack with the exhale.

“Justa bad day. Really.”

Raphfurrows his brows. Tilts his head, and examines the way his brother’ssitting, the way he’s curling in on himself, just a bit, all sadand miserable, and it’s obvious he doesn’t want to talk aboutwhatever’s nagging him.

AndRaph gets that. He does,but if their places were switched, well. Mikey wouldn’t just lethim get away with that.

“Yousure?” he asks, and reaches over, snags Mikey by the top of hisshell and pulls him back; Mike goes without even a hint of a fight,limp as a noodle, and Raph drops Mikey on the curve of his knee,drapes an arm over his brother’s shoulder.

Mikeylooks up at him. Raph stares down at him, eyebrows raised, and triesreally hard not to shake his brother till he spills.

Mikeylooks away first.

“You...you know how we kinda got roles? Like, you’re the muscles and Leo’sthe leader and Donnie’s the smart guy and-” Raph pats at Mikey’splastron, and there’s a strain, to the edge of Mike’s mouth. Astrain to the way his voice falls, a quiver that shouldn’t bethere, and there’s a sinking feeling in Raphael’s gut.

“And,and, well-” Mikey inhales shakily, doesn’t look at Raph, and hischest rises sharply, hovers there, anxious and shuddery. “I’m thefunny guy, right? I’m the- the jokester, and the one who’s alwayssmiling, and-”

Helaughs, this choked thing that shouldn’t ever be leaving Mikey, alltangled and twisted and bloody, and there’s a shine to his eyes,now. “And sometimes it’s sohard!”

Hecurls his hands up, presses them to his chest, to somewhere above hisheart, and Raph clutches at Mikey’s arm, swallows down on the urgeto say something.

“Sometimesit’s so fuckinghardtosmile and laugh and joke, but I just- I can’t notdoit! Because I know you guys need me there, need me to be happy and,and upbeat, and it’s not that I’m forcing it, not always, and Ilikebeinglike that, I like making jokes and making you guys laugh, but Ijust-!”

Hechokes himself off, eyes wide and wet, and a tear’s sliding downhis cheek, creeping down the side of his head, and Raph raises hisfree hand to thumb it away.

“Sometimesit’s just really hard,” Mikey says, so fragile and quiet, andyoung.

“I’msorry,” Raph says, because he thinks maybe he has to. “I- we-didn’t mean to put that on you.”

Andthey didn’t. They really didn’t,but Mikey’s not wrong; they need him there, their own personallittle sun, joking and bright and something to cling to, becausesometimes they get so caught up in their own problems, their ownshadows, and it feels like they’d drown without Michelangelo.

Mikeysniffs.

“It’snot like you told me to do it,” he says, and Raph huffs, pats athis face.

“Sure,but still. You’re not wrong.”

Theylay there, quiet for a while. Mikey sniffs from time to time, eyesshimmering, and Raph looks out at the bedroom, still and kind ofguilty, because he can’t believe he hadn’t noticed this.

Can’tbelieve he was putting so much pain on his brother without evenrealising it.

“Areyou being stupid?” Mikey asks, voice snotty. Raph snorts.

“Maybe,”he says, and then sighs. “Can’t help it though. I hurt you.”

Mikeyhuffs. Flips over so he can lie on his stomach instead, and punchesthe space above Raph’s heart. It’s awkward and weak and kind ofpathetic, but Raph doesn’t laugh.

“Ilike doing it, though,” Mikey says, steel in his voice. “I likecheeringyou guys up, and I like being happy. So it’s not your fault, okay?”

Raphsighs. Taps his knuckles against Mikey’s head, and doesn’t sayokay.

“Just.Don’t bottle it up, okay? You know what happens when you do that.”

Mikeylaughs. Twists around, out of Raph’s lap, and flips himselfupright. His eyes are red and there’s still something heavy tuggingat his shoulders, but he’s smiling again, crooked as it may be.

Mikeydoesn’t say okay either.

“Videogames?” he asks instead, and Raph snorts, shoves him to the sidewith one foot, and doesn’t even bother answering.

Justgets up, and ignores Mikey’s little offended cry as he opens thedoor, pads out to flip downstairs.

“Lastone gets the second controller!” he throws over his shoulder, andgrins when Mikey’s voice pitches up in accusation, affronted andloud.

“Itwas my idea!” Mikey yells, sounding exactly like he should be, andit’s almost like none of the last few minutes even happened.

[ladylillycrawley]

TMNT “Ghost of a Chance” FF Chapter 25 review

Got another review in the books, YAY ME!! :3 Enjoy guys!

Credit of story: @suthnmeh & @violette-aner

Direct link to GoaC chpt. 25: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11258484/25/TMNT-A-Ghost-of-a-Chance

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-Ok, the chapter starting off with April’s day post ghost intervention? Yessh, talk about a rough… I did feel super bad for her when she talked about the bad events that happened throughout her day. Been there, done that girlfriend.

-Oh boy… The part where she accidentally left her homework and laptop at Donnie’s lab? Worst. Nightmare. Ever.

-Although, I did wonder why the heck Kirby sent angry text and missed calls when he knew she was staying at the lair. But then I remembered that since he’s been super antsy and anxious lately, so I guess it makes sense. 

-April worrying about Donnie from the night before: UGH protective April is my spirit animal right now!

-Casey’s entrance with all them bruises: can you say ‘typical teenage hockey boy’? 

-Casey bringing in alcohol to school… and then agrees to go to the library with April… Boi… I honest to goodness don’t know what to think anymore XD

-“’And then express-date. With ‘Moose’.” He wiggled the backpack again, the liquid contents sloshing quietly. April crossed her arms, and said squarely, ‘No Moose’.” – HAHAAAA yes! OMG I love how she keeps that lovable train wreck in line!

-That part where a piece of eraser got shot into her mouth made me shudder. Literally. That’s so gross.

-Confession.. Since reading this chapter, I actually used Casey’s “What’s your beef” comment… I learned my lesson afterwards. Never using that kind of comment in the heat of a discussion ever again.

-Damn Casey! That comment about April having to chose between normal life vs. kunoichi/psychic life? Low blow bro.

-Actually, I want to elaborate on that last point. So about April choosing between two totally different lives. Who the heck says she has to choose? Can’t she do what she said to Karai in chapter 2 and write out the chapters of her life on her own? Granted, she is only 17 and isn’t technically a legal, autonomous, adult in American laws yet, but still! Why force it? And for Casey to give her an ultimatum like that? Dude, if it was the other way around, I’m sure Casey would feel the same way that April’s feeling at the moment. Not cool. Though he is hurting, that was super uncalled for.

-OOOooooo…. That moment between April and Master Splinter nearly brought me to tears. I am super close to both of my parents and to see this side of Splinter was so sweet and touching. I love how, out of the very few adults present in her life, Splinter seems to be the only constant in her life. He may not be perfect and she does have her dad whom she loves, but I adore how Master Splinter tries to show her that he’ll be her sounding board when she’s ready. And if there’s one thing that April definitely needs in her life at this moment, it’s that.

-“You are Hamato. Whatever happens, know you can always count on your family’ - Oh my heaaaaaaaart!! SO! MANY! FEELS!

-“Michael, put that down!” – Pfft lol love that easter egg you guys threw in there!

-Ouch. Poor April. Getting dropping a showerhead and getting sprayed is no laughing matter. I’m a klutz by nature so I know the feeling.

-Oooooh April finding out about her laptop and then Donnie trying to make her feel better? Cuuuuuuuute!

-April hugging Donnie because of her gilt… I might as well just stop reading/reviewing just so I could read this section over and over again ‘cuz it makes me so happy. So sweet!

-OHMAGAWD then her smooshing her nose against his plastron bit nearly put me in a fangirl coma!

-I love how you guys made Mikey go from jokester bro to ‘no one messes with my unbiological sister’ to ‘lemme feed you’ mode in seconds. It just fits him no matter what TV series or fanfiction story he may be in.

-Sassy Donnie correcting April gives me life. Just saying. 

-“It is too much. I mean, two years ago I was just April, just your regular high-school nobody, and all of a sudden I’m this… Kraang McGuffin with superpowers who’s also a ninja wannabe. And I don’t know which version of me I like least, to be honest.” Ok… Let me stop there for a sec. First off, BRA-VO! That part right there, that’s me every freaking day. No joke, the first time I read this part, I swear I had to read it nearly four extra times because I was like, “I feel like I’m reading my own mind being played out on fanfiction… Weird��. Here’s the thing though, this is why I love April in this story. She’s playing multiple parts, working hard, and doing all of this to the point of it being unbearable, almost debilitating. And I get that. What saddens me a bit about this is that when she continues on to loosely explain herself to Donnie, it seems that she feels that she’s alone in the midst of it all. Which isn’t true, and I do hope that she both realizes it and that she’d heed Splinters advice about remembering that she can count on her family. No matter what. Ugh… such good stuff… Ok, back to the rest of the review!

-[Slow yet meaningful clapping] Thank you Donnie! Way to get that girl back to her right mind by telling her she can’t give up. Yes yes yes!!

-GAH I’m a puddle now… The part where Donnie allows her to look in his mind? And her response? The hand squeeze? Her admiring his hands??? My shipper heart is swelling big time. Bias I may be, these two will be the death of me and I’m ok with that TwT

-Lets be real though, Michelangelo secretly shipping Apritello is just stinking adorable. Like, adorable enough that it could melt both cold hearts and icecaps in my humble opinion.

-No no no no no no no no Raph… I get that you’re just trying to look out for your bro and BFF but… Nooooooo…

**Ok… That chapter had me in all different direction: sad for April, disgruntled about Casey, happy sobbing about Sensei’s words, giddy about Donnie and April lil moment, and peeved that Raph might do what I think he’s going to do… SO GOOD! Great chapter, great interactions, great everything! Nicely done and keep up the fantastic work! I should have the next few review’s up soon!

[darkstrangevirgilanxiboi]

Notes From Someone Who Grew Up With An Autistic Brother

My brother is autistic. And if you've never met anyone with autism , you might be misinformed about how autistic people are. My brother is NOT: * Stupid * Unwilling to learn * Misbehaved * A 'forever child ' My brother is a smart MAN. He's gonna be 22(?!?! I'm crying he's so big now I'm so proud ?) next week on the 13th . Anyway here's some things I want you to know about my brother Josh , his autism , AND HOW IT DOES NOT ALL MAKE HIM A BURDEN OR A PROBLEM OR ANY LESS OF A GREAT PERSON ( if you don't like my brother or autistic folks , fight me ) ( FIGHT ME, I MEAN IT, I'LL SWING ON YA RIGHT NOW DENISE) - Firstly ya gotta know autism is a spectrum and it affects everyone differently so this isn't a go-to post for every autistic person / curious person - Second , autism affects social skills. People with autism are more likely to have social anxiety, have speech impediments , and tend to function poorly in crowds . But!!! If you work really hard to become friends with someone with autism ? They're probably gonna love you for life? My brother is shy as hell but if you are patient and are nice to him and listen to him when he talks he's gonna respect you so much? People tend to interrupt my brother, he stutters a lot when he talks and repeats himself. But if you show enough respect and let him say what he needs to , he'll like that. And once you're friends ? He info dumps so much on you that you forget he's a shy mess in public .( get him going about Power Rangers and he's absolutely adorable he gets so detailed and so pumped ! ) Honestly just be nice enough to spend quiet time getting to know what they like and what makes them comfortable and they'll warm up to you. I remember the first conversation I ever had with my brother was about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I was like five? He was four. Until that day he didn't really talk to me. But it was rainy that morning , mom was still asleep and dad was at work . Josh was in his room watching the show when I wandered in with my cereal bowl in hand. He glanced at me , and quietly goes " Wanna watch ? It's funny! There's a real smart guy who I think you'll like. " And so, I sit down and a few minutes later I'm listening to my brother gush over characters and plot and bad guys and at one point he hugged me and said " Thanks for listenin', mom and dad don't" And from that day on , I tried harder to get to know my brother. He's a sweetheart who loves unusual trivia , mysteries, animals ( no really he's got books on animal trivia ) and watches everything from historical documentaries to fan theories on his favorite shows. HE INTRODUCED ME TO BLEACH, HE GOT ME INTO ANIME YOU GUYS Honestly I've bonded so much with him over shows and characters and I've learned a lot about him by watching his reactions over the years. I have a lot of feelings about Dragon Ball Z and the Ninja Turtles because those two shows were what my brother and I first watched together , and we had such deep chats during commercials . My brother relates to Michelangelo and Raphael the most because he says ' I get Raph, you know? He doesn't know how to ....how to say....how to feel out loud, right? He doesn't know the rules to feelings. And Mikey's lonely because he just wants people to like him for himself but it's hard because the world sees him as wrong even though it's not his fault and he didn't want to be different. I feel like that because people... People look at me like they want me to be this one thing , and I can't be , so they're mad and disappointed. I'm not normal to them , but I...I mean ? I'm normal for me! This is my normal, and everyone is normal in a special way. " During Dragon Ball Z, he suddenly goes : " Do ...do you think people would ... You think if they could see the world the way I do....you think they'd pick having autism? I know everyone without it thinks it's bad, but ... But sometimes I like being autistic. I like the way I notice background noise , or the details on someone's face, or all the ways something feels. I dunno I think maybe I get to know the world a lot better ? " - Emotional difficulty. My brother has trouble expressing and reading emotions , that's true. But he understands them. And he taught me a lot of lessons. My brother gets angry with himself a lot because he can't communicate what he needs, but he tries super hard not to hurt anyone with his anger. He'll throw a tantrum in his room , but he avoids other people until he's calm enough not to just blindly lash out. And when he'd bicker with my sister , and things got physical ( like siblings fights do ) he was always very careful not to hit her. Sometimes he'd lightly slap her arm or hand if she hit him , but he didn't raise a fist to her. And he'd just let her work out her anger and then hug her when she was done. ' I know you weren't upset at me and it's okay to be upset , but don't hurt anyone when you're upset anymore , you don't think right when you're mad. ' - Hyper focusing is a thing and sometimes it's no fun to deal with. Tv portrays it as cute hobbies or interests but it's also times when my brother couldn't sleep because the number of tree branches outside his window changed. It's my brother not being able to relax unless his collection of comfort toys are all on his bed. It's my brother breaking down in tears because his lucky childhood lion stuffed animal was falling apart and he was convinced he wasn't going to have any more good days in his life. ( my grandma mended it it's ok) My brother binges shows all day and doesn't remember to eat sometimes. Hyperfocusing can be cutesy but it can also be very serious . - Hyper Sensitivity is weird because some days ? My brother is fine and doesn't care what he wears or what he eats. But other days he won't wear anything too scratchy , or he won't eat anything too crunchy , or he won't leave the house because the wind is too much. I'm used to it , but to my childhood neighbours my brother seems eccentric and bizarre . - Physical Affection ALWAYS. ASK.FIRST.WITH.AUTISTIC.PEOPLE. I never hug my brother unless I ask him first or he initiates it. If I hugged him without permission , he'd get a panic attack and freeze up. He just doesn't like surprise touch. But once he lets you hug him ? It's the best! He gives such affectionate hugs and honestly for a minute in his arms my depression is cured. Just ask first to grab their hand or tap their shoulder or pat their head. It gives them more control over their environment and it shows you respect them. - Don't try to correct their stims or coping mechanisms. SERIOUSLY I'VE SEEN PEOPLE DO THIS SHIT TO MY BROTHER My brother wrings his hands together and makes noises to relive stress or work off extra energy, and he also talks to himself.( usually an ongoing role play in his head ) A lot of autistic people do things like this. It's called 'stimming'. I don't understand why running his fists against his forehead eases his anxiety when he's upset, but I don't tell him not to do it because that's how his brain tells him to calm down. If you take away their stimming, you take away their normal way of dealing with stress and emotions . Let them stim , maybe try to lessen the damage if it's a harmful stim ( biting fingers, pulling hairs, knocking head against things ) ,but let them stim! And!!! Stims!!! CHANGE!!!! My brother used to say things four times when he was upset because his nickname is four letters ( his full name is Joshua ) and the way he explained it was " if I hear why I'm mad four times it gives me four chances to settle down " He doesn't do that anymore. Now he just repeats the words " It's stupid , I'm stupid for being mad " until he calms down. In public his stimming is different - he'll twist a corner of his shirt in his hands or hum under his breath or nod a lot. When he's super anxious he paces endlessly and can't seem to move fast enough to please himself. Sometimes he'll just run through the house until he's calm. I've seen my own dad tell him not to pace ! It calms him down and it's not hurting anyone let him pace jfc -They don't always tell you but they listen My brother knows the rude things people say about him. He listens to people talking to try and learn how to talk better , and he hears . He hears the insults , the jokes. He knows the math teacher thinks he's a retard. He knows the other kids make fun of his stutter. He sat in the lunchroom and listened to those around him making fun of him. He KNOWS. And he avoids being friends with anyone who'd mock him while he was a mere fifteen feet away. Anyway please be kind to autistic people and their families . But also be looking out for autistic people who don't have good families,whose families are ashamed of their autism.

[goodlucktai]

I'm always down for any TMNT from you. I'd love to read more of your Ghost AU.

currently my fave tmnt au, how did u know?

give up the ghost

x

“We got a ton of good stuff,” Woody says happily from the backseat, panning through images on his complicated-looking camera. He looks up, grinning through a fine layer of hundred-year-old grime, and says, “We had permission to go in that house, right? From the owner?”

“Sure,” Leo says, glancing at him from the passenger side seat. They’re idling at a stop sign, because it’s twelve a.m. on a Wednesday and traffic won’t exist for another six hours; they can pretty much take all the time they want. “We always get permission first. Why?”

“‘Cause I’m thinkin’ we could upload some of this. Maybe make a Youtube channel, or a blog site. You want people to be able to find you, and an online presence is probably the best way to make that happen.”

“We have a Facebook page,” Mikey points out reasonably, eyes on the road as he pulls forward. In the reflection of the rearview mirror, Woody’s grin warms into something fond.

“For someone with a tech genius for a brother you’re a little clueless, Mikester. Trust me on this one?”

And that was never really the question; Woody has been with the club for nearly half a year now, and he hasn’t balked once at any of the things he’s seen. He goes in behind Leo and Mikey with that bulky camcorder on his shoulder, eyes focused forward and hands steady, and Mikey has come to count on his calm presence the same way he counts on Leo.

So it’s easy for Mikey to shrug and say, “‘Course, dude. I give you full creative license.”

“For that, amigo, marry me.”

And butterflies find a home in Mikey’s stomach after that. They live there happily for a handful of minutes, and Mikey is smiling like a dork at the parking lot as he turns into it, until Leo says, “Isn’t that Raph’s car?” and everything immediately sucks.

“Oh, no,” he says, spotting the station wagon. “No, no, no. Leo – “

“We can hide out at my house,” Leo says immediately. His voice is soft with sympathy, even as he adds, “But I think it’s a little too late for that.”

He’s right. Raph is leaning against the hood of his car, arms folded. It’s midnight, and he’s staking out Mikey’s apartment like a verifiable weirdo, and Mikey would rather be anywhere else right now.

Woody sighs with feeling, packing up his camera bag with unnecessary force. “This dude needs a hobby,” he mutters, one of three people in the world who are unequivocally on Mikey’s side. Mikey appreciates the show of solidarity, even though it’s hard to appreciate anything in face of the confrontation he’s in for.

He shifts glumly into park, pulls the keys out of the starter. Dusts himself off half-heartedly because that’s a lost cause, trades a long-suffering look with Leo, and then pops open the driver’s side door.

“Hi, Raph,” he says. “Didn’t expect to see you here. At my house, in the middle of the night.”

Raph gives him a once-over and his mouth tightens. “You got a minute?”

“I have lots of minutes,” Mikey says with forced good cheer. Unfortunately, he doesn’t add. To his friends he says, “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

Neither of them move. “It’s already late,” Leo says, meeting Raph’s heated look with a cool one. “Mind if I sleep over?”

“Same,” Woody pipes up. “Since we all got class in the morning, makes sense to carpool, don’t it?”

Mikey is hopelessly grateful to have them both in his life. On one hand, Raph isn’t someone he needs protecting from – Raph is a good person, and loyal to a fault, and he only comes around like this because he’s worried about Mikey, and trying to do good by the memory of his best friend by taking care of his best friend’s wayward little brother.

On the other hand, every conversation with him after Donnie died has been strained and uncomfortable, and it’s to the point now that just seeing him puts an anxious knot in the pit of Mikey’s stomach.

“Okay,” Mikey says, to all three of them. “Let’s go upstairs, I guess.”

Leo is texting someone on the quiet elevator ride up to Mikey’s floor. Since Mikey knows for a fact that Usagi isn’t awake right now and Karai is visiting her mother for the week, he has a good idea who Leo’s texting, and he’s proven right when he pushes the front door open and Donnie is nowhere to be seen.

Thanks, Leo, he thinks fervently. It’s brutally unfair to bring one of Donnie’s friends into the house without warning him first. The first time Casey dropped by unannounced, Donnie accidentally shorted out the power on the whole floor, and he was sad for days after.

Woody casually sets his bag on the table, right over Donnie’s phone. Mikey’s friends are actual ninjas and he loves them.

Leo shrugs out of his jacket, pretends not to notice the hearty rain of dust that follows the action, and folds it over the back of a kitchen chair. Raph looks equal parts exasperated and incredulous.

“I get it,” he says, “you’re his guard dogs. If I promise I’m not gonna throw a punch, will you let me talk to the kid?”

Mikey’s friends look pointedly at him. Mikey says, “Yeah, that’s. Cool. Leo, Woody, you guys can grab a shower if you want. The half-bath is off Donnie’s room, there’s a shower in there, too. Raphie and me’ll make us all somethin’ to eat real quick.”

For a second, it doesn’t look like they’re gonna move. After an obvious pause they both extract themselves from the room and head down the hall. It’s soft, Mikey only catches it because he’s listening, but they both murmur a greeting as they pass Don’s room and despite everything else that small kindness makes Mikey smile.

“Grilled cheese,” he decides aloud, and Raph dutifully heads to the fridge.

Maybe he’s making a point to be less barbed, but the silence between the two of them is closer to companionable than it has been in a long time. They butter half a loaf of bread, peel open a handful of Provolone cheese slices, and the first sandwich is assembled on the skillet, browned on one side, when Raph finally says, “Your friends don’t like me much.”

Mikey looks at him sideways. “I haven’t said anything to them to make them think – “

“Mikey, c’mon. I know that.” Raph runs a hand through his short hair, weary. “I wouldn’t like me much, either, if I was them. I don’t mean to be an asshole, kid, I’m sorry.”

“You haven’t been,” Mikey says immediately, heart bleeding for him. It’s so complicated between them anymore, but they were close, once. Close enough that Raph cares for him this much, even after everything. It makes Mikey feel small sometimes. “You’re going through something really painful, Raphie, and it’s hard. I get it.” He hesitates, and looks down at the plastic spatula in his hand, and adds, “I know I don’t make it any easier. Is Casey still mad at me?”

“Mikey,” he says it like it hurts. “He’s not mad at you. He never should’ve said what he did back then. He regrets it, he just doesn’t know how to apologize.”

“‘Sorry’ is a good place to start,” Mikey murmurs, getting a new sandwich started. It easier to look at the food than it is to look at Raph when he adds, “It’s okay if he’s mad at me, though.”

“Just stop,” Raph thunders suddenly, slamming a fist on the counter. 

The only reason Mikey doesn’t flinch is because of the company he’s been keeping lately, in a handful of haunted houses and churches across the state. Poltergeists are far more volatile than even Raphael, and with tempers much trickier. Mikey has seen far worse these days. 

Raph looks sorry for his outburst anyway, floundering for a moment before steeling himself and soldiering on. 

“You’re so – understanding. You shouldn’t be. You should be – all messed up, like the rest of us are. You should be grieving. But instead you’re actin’ like nothin’ happened. Like he ain’t gone, and you don’t miss him.”

Mikey’s heart is a solid lump in his chest. The sandwich on the stove is burning, filling the air with an acrid smell. 

“I know it ain’t true,” Raph goes on, softer. “I know that. I just don’t know why you’re actin’ like it, Mikey. It don’t make any sense to me.” 

Movement in the corner of his eye makes Mikey look up. Donnie is standing in the doorway of the kitchen, and his brown eyes are miserable behind his big glasses, and Mikey wishes with his whole heart that he could give his gift away by the hour, lend it to all the people missing people they can’t see anymore. 

“There isn’t really a textbook way to mourn somebody,” Mikey says carefully. “There isn’t a right or wrong way to hurt.”  

Raph doesn’t have an answer for that. The smoke alarm saves them both in the end, filling the strained silence with shrill beeps, and Raph leaves not long after that. 

Woody comes down the hall in a pair of borrowed pajama pants and one of their official club T-shirts, still toweling his hair dry. He gives the scorched grilled cheese a long, knowing look. 

“Raph is still grieving,” Mikey says firmly before Woody has a chance to make his remark. “He’s allowed to be difficult.”

“He’s grieving your brother,” comes the unflinching reply. “He’s not allowed to be difficult at you.”

But that’s not how grief works. It can come up from nothing, the same way love can, and it can be every bit as senseless and impossible and staggering as love can be, too.

No one gets to point at someone else and say “my grief is worse than yours, because my love was different.” No one can be the judge of that. It’s impossible to measure, impossible to make sense of. Mikey wouldn’t even want to try. 

But he doesn’t say any of that. Instead he slides an un-burnt grilled cheese onto a styrofoam plate and hands it over, with an absent, “Your shirt’s on backwards.” 

Woody scoffs but an involuntary flush rises in his cheeks – and despite everything else, Mikey can’t help but smile crookedly at the sight Woody makes, as he tries to turn the shirt around without taking it off. 

A few of those butterflies from earlier must have survived. And they must show on his face or give him away somehow, because Leo takes one look at him as he joins them in the kitchen and rolls his eyes. 

“I’m putting you both up for adoption,” he tells them dryly. 

“Empty threat,” Woody says from somewhere beneath his shirt. “You’d miss us too much.”

“I hate how sure you are of that,” Leo mutters, then reaches over to nudge Mikey’s arm. “Your turn. Shower. And then bed.” 

“Okay, mom,” Mikey says agreeably, and neatly sidesteps the punch Leo aims at his shoulder. Woody snickers, and an animated argument picks up behind Mikey as he heads down the hall. He pauses in the door of Donnie’s room, and says, “Bro?”

Donnie lifts his head to look at him, the only reply Mikey will get without his phone to serve as a communication bridge. 

“Are you okay?” Mikey asks him, feeling small. 

His brother stands and moves at a human pace across the room, and touches Mikey’s shoulder with unsubstantial fingers. His lips move, forming words Mikey can’t hear.

But at the end of it, Donnie smiles. Relieved, leaning into the hand that isn’t really there, Mikey smiles back.   

[spectrumscribe]

... do you have an avengers/marvel au?

I sadly cannot reply that I don’t. will the AU’s ever stop? my intuition says no.

So I made this AU a while back, and only ever spoke to mypartner about it, but well-

Y’all are asking, so here we go.

Now I know you’re all expecting my to name each of the kidsoff as already canon characters in the Marvel universe, but what would thefun be in that?

Basically, I made a whole new branch of origins for thekids, relating to the weapon-X program. The four boys + April were made/raisedas subjects there until they were about thirteen, and April grew powerfulenough to bust them out. The five of them are all artificially created mutants,designed to be future super soldiers. The specific designs of the boys weremore so aimed at becoming black-ops/assassins, while April was designed formass destruction.

Of course, what sort of plan like that doesn’t goawry? Especially when you load up a bunch of severely abused kids with superpowers, and think you can keep them locked up forever.

I lost my notes I made for this AU, but essentially each kidwas given a specialty power, in addition to their base abilities of enhancedstrength/speed/endurance/etc.

And, because I love all my followers, I spent a bunch of time typing up everything I could remember, and then expanded on it to make a semi-coherent response to this ask.

(read more below, because this gets long.)

Leo had something akin to super speed, but itsince he was the prototype of the batch, so to speak, the speed came at aprice. His whole body speeds up when he uses the ability, (mind, heart, lungs,etc), and it’s really taxing to use for long periods of time.Using it too long results in him passing out, and he has the weakest immunesystem out of the five since he burns through calories/energy so quickly. 

If he pushed himself to hard, there’s a good chance he’dcrash from heart failure. Which is why they created more subjects, since thefirst one was a success only in some areas.

Raph was the next one, and he was givensomething close to super strength. He’s crazy strong, and pretty much nearindestructible to most attacks. Of course, draw back to messing so much withhis body chemistry to mesh the foreign DNA of some mutant, is that he’s got anuncontrollable rage mode.

 A super strong, nearly unstoppable ball of rage is nogood if you can’t control him; and once Raph gets past a certain point, noteven the shock collar/ingrained command codes from their handlers can getthrough to him, and he’ll keep going until he burns out. He’s nearindestructible, but not completely. Without the ability to control hisemotions, he’s an easy target if you know how to get past his defenses in afight. Another failure in a number of ways.

Donnie came into the project third, and wasgiven electrical powers. In this story, it’s not really testable to see if hisgenius is innate, or a side effect of his specialty powers, but it’s there andthe scientists use it to their advantage. Donnie has the most implants in himtoo, in his brain and body both, so he can mentally/physically hook himselfinto power grids and computers through his internally generated electricalfield. (He also has the ability to shoot ranged electricity attacks at people,but it has drawbacks that are listed below.)

It’s handy, but tricky to use, since it leaves his bodyunguarded while he goes into the system. Another trick to his powers is thatDonnie both generates his own electricity and draws in ambient energy, and whenhe doesn’t have an outlet to discharge at… well, there’s a lot of boom involved.When an overcharge happens, it knocks Donnie flat on his back until his bodyrecharges to the right levels, and leaves him completely useless until then. Itdoesn’t help either that the way they’ve messed with his brain futzes hischemical balances, plus the added abuse and all that, and has resulted in himbeing a sparky, highly anxious snarl of paranoia. He’s too unstable to beproperly used in the field, and thus, another failure.

Mikey is unfortunately the only one they gotright, out of the specific designs for him and his brothers. Instead of goingfor hyper specialisation, the scientists decided to give Mikey an even mix ofeverything they’d tried (and failed) to create in the other boys. Thus, he isthe perfect super soldier, created from trial and error. Strong, fast, andsmart. 

Best yet, he’s the only one with complete programming. Theysay jump, and he’ll already know exactly how high. It’s quite fucked up, andaround the time they escaped, Mikey was slated for a final procedure that wouldremove his access to his full personality; which would have left him thesoulless killer he’d been designed to be. Had Mikey’s procedure been completed,he would have likely become the most efficient, and terrifying, assassin thatmoney could buy. Very few people or heroes would have stood a chance ofstopping him. That world is very, very lucky they busted out when they did.

April was a different branch of experimentation,seeing as she was designed for widespread destruction and not killing specifictargets. Her abilities are basically of those in TMNT 2012, though with theaddition of telepathic abilities closer in nature to Jean Grey (Gray??) becauseshe may or may not be where they got the DNA from.

April is by far the most powerful mutant the programcreated, and thus the one with the most suppressants put on her. Not enoughsuppressants, it seems, or isolation from the other subjects; since she bondswith the four boys, plus another subject, and plots to escape with them. Whenthey do, it’s because April knocks out every guard and scientist in thefacility, and the boys plus the much older subject named Leatherhead bust outof their containment, and retrieve April as they go.

Now, Leatherheadin this AU was a grown man when he entered the program, following promises thatwere similar to what Deadpool was given. He’s former military too. He ends up asa crocodile mutant too in this AU; basically an advancement of the minormutation he had prior to the program, which had only made his skin tougher andhis teeth a little snaggly.

He’s hecka durable, and can take/deal more than a littledamage, and was basically used as a test dummy for how the five kids wouldreact to social-ish situations. Leatherhead is a kind soul, despite being avery violent person, and essentially tried to act as much of a parental figureas he could for these heavily damaged kids. In turn, Leatherhead is the onlyadult the five of them have ever trusted, and love him quite dearly. (I shouldwrite something for this AU, if only for papadile snuggles with his five kids.)

And from here on out Iproceed to babble a lot about my AU’s plotline, because I can and I feel likesharing it. Prepare for info dumping.

So following them attempting/succeeding to escape, shit goeswrong, and April + Leatherhead get separated from the boys. Since none of themcan risk hanging around, what with military crawling everywhere, they have tocut their losses and hope that they all make it out safely. Around that time,two individual plot lines form for the two groups. The boys end up strugglingto make their way to- somewhere, they don’t know where but anywhere but here- while Leatherhead and April do the same. April’spowers aren’t used to being unsuppressed, and she’s struggling to hold ittogether, and Leatherhead is a highly visible mutant. They go into hiding, andtry to lay low until they can figure things out.

Around that time, they end up picking a hiding place thathappens to be close to a certain plucky puck-head’s home, and because April can’tstay inside all day, she ends upmeeting Casey at a playground. April doesn’t look like a normal kid; dirty,pale, and has a shaved head, but Casey takes to her anyways, because she’s totally metal, and can levitate stuffall around the playground.

He convinces her to let him meet her ‘dad’ (which isbasically what Leatherhead is to her at this point) and it goes… interestingly.After a lot of headache on LH’s part, Casey is accepted into their small groupand makes himself as home. Better to be hanging in April’s sewer home than hisown, since the Jones’ household isn’t exactly a happy one in this AU.

It takes a bit, but once Leatherhead and April figure outwhy Casey has so many bruises all the time, they’re not exactly okay aboutletting him go home. In the end, when LH is anxious to move them again, sinceauthority in the area is getting suspicious of the grocery store break-ins,they offer to take Casey with them. Leatherhead knows he won’t be able toprovide exactly the best for Casey, but he doesn’t want to leave the kid withhis dad anymore.

(Casey’s little sister was born just before the divorce hisparents went through, and he lives alone with his dad. His mom doesn’t know howthings have degraded in the Jones home, and LH isn’t even sure how he’d tellher. He’s a giant crocodile, wanted by the government. There isn’t much he cando other than offer this.)

Casey is very close with LH and April by this point, andwith a choice between staying in an unloving, abusive home, or going with hisawesome mutant friends- it’s not even a hard decision. Casey joins their merryband, and because April has recovered/learned to control her abilities better, theystart heading towards the United States. Following the feeling that April has,saying that that’s where the boys are.

Back to the other half of the story line, the four boys wentthrough a long series of tumultuous adventures before they ended up in America.The smartest move they could make was to get out of the jurisdiction of the Canadiangovernment, and so off they went. It was hard, since they were A) completelynew to being outside, B) hyper paranoid, and rightly so, about someone findingthem as they hitchhiked along train lines, and C) really, really scared aboutwhat they were supposed to do now.

Also, because they have no immune system at all, and no cluehow to feed themselves properly, they got sick on and off as they went. EspeciallyLeo. By the time they reached New York City, Leo was pretty much incoherent andunresponsive; burning up and delirious as anything. It’s basically the scariestthing any of them have ever had to deal with, and none of them know what to do. Medical training wasn’t exactly apriority during their programming, and they can’t exactly go to a hospital; someonewill find them if they do, and they are nevergoing back to the program. It’s a unanimous decision that no matter whathappens, they’d rather die than go back to that.

Thankfully, as they’re fumbling their way through thestreets of New York with a very sick kid, a passing telepath hears the franticdesperation of their thoughts, and decides they should check things out. RachelSummers is with a group of older students from the Jean Grey School for higherlearning, and she and some of the other chaperones break off from the group tofollow the distressed thoughts of the young mutants she’s sensing.

It’s a big mess, trying to corral and convince the fourboys, but after a brief fight and some telepathic communicating, the X-men talkthe boys down, and get them to come back to the school with them. Leo is inneed of some serious medical attention, and it’s either let him possibly die ortrust these adults who have powers like them. (They liken the X-men toLeatherhead, who they miss very deeply, and figure if LH was safe… maybe thesepeople are too?)

After that, it’s a lot of them healing and trying to figureout how to function outside a lab. And, the adults of the school trying to helpthem do that, as bumpy as that journey ends up being. The boys have a lot oftriggers, a lot of trauma, and very little trust in anyone other than eachother. It’s a long, long time before they’re comfortable with anyone at theschool, but they get there slowly.

Sometime later, after trekking across a whole continent tofind them, Leatherhead and his two rambunctious kids (Casey helped draw out April’shumor and mischievousness) manage to arrive at the school, and it’s a verytouching reunion as the groups come together again. The boys were fairlycertain Leatherhead and April were dead, and it’s pretty much the most amazing revelationever to find out that they aren’t. Casey is treated with suspicion for a bit-and with jealousy, because April and Leatherhead were theirs first not Casey’s-but that’s resolved fairly quickly, and the group settles together again.

Somewhere in here, we have Yoshi, a martial arts instructorat the school, (yes he is a giant rat mutant), and Karai, his daughter, who isa bit older than the six kids. (She is a snake mutant, and stubbornly proud ofher early mutation.) As the boys + April become accustomed to the school, Karaibefriends them through steady effort and teasing, and joins their tightly knitsocial group. Somewhere in here as well is Shinigami, probably with the abilityto hypnotise people as well as shapeshift, and she is best friends with Karai.(This is one big found family/friends as family AU, if I’m honest.)

And then they all grow up, adjust to life outside of alaboratory, face all the fuckos who come looking to take them back there, andsomehow figure out how to live as people and not objects. The end and stuff.

….and that’s about it.

I should write one-shots on and off for this thing. I have alot more details to it, like the kids’ individual friendships with staff at theschool, and what their futures as X-men are like. But that is a lot of writingand I won’t do it here.

If anyone’s wondering why I went with the X-men instead ofthe Avengers- basically? While I love the Avengers to pieces, I love the X-menso, so much more. The amount of diversity in that part of the Marvel universeis stunning, and there’s a characterfor everyone. Man? Woman? Neither? Black? White? Asian? Bi-racial/multiracial? Physicallydisabled? Mentally disabled? Gay? Lesbian? Bi? Pan? Asexual? Trans? Religious? Atheist?PSTD? Traumatic background of any kind? Literally all of these things and moreare a part of the X-men comics, and the struggle they face as an unwanted, verysmall race is something I relate deeply with. Not to mention that the defactoleader in any disaster situation is the strongest woman in the room and I don’tmind admitting that I adore that partof things.

The whole of the X-men universe is amazing and so, so amazing,and the series of comics specifically about Wolverine’s school are definitelymy favorite ones. (I have the whole collection, organized and well cared for

Ask me more about this AU if you guys want, I’ve neveractually shared it before, and this was fun!