#but i loved the fact they they were basically experiencing empty nest syndrome in urban legends

[m00n-d34r3st]

Ok, I love all of mikey's life interest even sara hill, because they all said something about it no matter how it panned out in the end, but with the expection of Wood by a bit is, I 100% always perfer him being with an oc one the basis of when we do see mikey finally give himself some distance from the environment he grew up in which is a goal is some iterations, it kind of a bummed we never really see mikey having anything beyond his established social circle and I feel like it such a waste in storytelling.

I don't want them to disappear, but with the young adult experience, it's normal and healthy for them to start building a new circle and spending a bit more time with them. My idea is kind of im the vain of urban legend and mirage to an extent having towns and cities were mutants and other people that would not fall under the human umbrella can lead civilian lives with Mikey getting a scholarship to go to college in one and meet other people his age that are mix of ocs and recurring characters in the fanchise. I love the idea of playing with the concept of mikey being the one out of all his brothers having a life that is normal in the traditional sense, he going off to college and building his own life and his family unit really dealing with such a change. I mentioned mikey having arcs in the early comic days of moving out or deciding to have living arrangements away from his family and I realized that at it's core is a family experiencing empty nest syndrome, which can be experienced by siblings. And it makes me so sad, because thinking about it while many families at least know and even expect that day to come, in their situation, they didn't have such expection or evne a chance of looking forward to such a day coming, so when Mikey did make that reality they were blindsided in away and left trying to find ways to cope. And I feel like it will be the same song and dance when it comes to finding his soulmate and future spouse, especially with them being an outsider.

For the type of person I think they would be, I love the idea of him being a man that is equally as invested in his career and trade and have the upmost respect for it. He's an ace in his field, but still uses has time for the people in his life and to better his community. Personality wise, I can see him being laced guy that knows how to work hard and play hard. Loves to engage in conversion, especially around the arts and definitely not beating the obssessed with his work vibes, which would match mikey's freak.

The thing is I can see them being a slow burn couple, they likely met during college, but had grown within themselves and with each other and generally had a deep connection that took time to create. They aren't always the bestest of friends, but there would never be a time when the other didn't have some level of respect and understanding. While, they weren't each other's first, it clear when they do finally start to claim each other as romantic soulmates, because the experiences they had together created that for them.

I have a couple more ideas like meeting ans becoming apart of the family but that's what I can think of now.

Mikey and April

They are each other’s stray cats

When Mikey meets April he literally acts in the exact same way he would if she were a frightened kitten. Beats up the thing threatening his creature, scoops her into his arms, and says to his brothers, “Can I keep her?” And then takes her home and gives firm instructions they should get him when she wakes, he’ll be listening to music. Tell me it wouldn’t be the exact same story on Mikey’s part if she had been a cat.

And meanwhile April allows her creatures to approach at their pace, let’s them into her home, bribes them with food (okay food Mikey and Donnie ordered but still), and tries to keep them—especially Mikey—away from fragile items. They are all cats in this show. Except for the, uh, rat. Sorry Master Splinter.

April and Mikey understand each other on a spiritual level. It isn’t very long after they meet that the banter begins, with her pretending to have ruined his comic books and him turning the lights off on her. They have fun and make each other laugh. They’re also very respectful of each other’s boundaries. Like when Mikey comes into her shop during a fight to say hi, when she protests and he realizes, he immediately gives the most sincere apology we’ve heard from him at that point in the show (maybe ever?) and backs right out. Or when Mikey wants to be a superhero and all of his brothers are making fun of him, but April rolls up her sleeves and helps him find an outfit. It takes them very little time to earn each other’s trust, and once they have it they never betray it.

I think the show under utilized their youngest sibling solidarity. Makes sense because Robyn is in one episode, and I don’t think age order is even stated (is Robyn younger in 2003? I’m pretty sure she’s older in Mirage and I like younger sibling April so I’m gonna pretend Robyn’s older). Anyway it would’ve been fun to see April remembering what being the youngest is like and sticking up for Mikey, reasonably or unreasonably. Could’ve been a cool bonding opportunity with Angel, too. But not very plot relevant so makes sense. I guess.

This friendship is so important for Mikey because she really is his first human friend. Donnie and Leo both seemed closer with the Professor (especially Donnie, but Leo is also shown to be trusting of the Shredder and the Utroms so I feel like it’s implied that the human thing isn’t a big deal to him), and Raph is close with Casey before he gets close with April. Mikey is the turtle who would want human friends the most. He shows the most interest in NYC culture and verbally states a desire to be part of the community more than once (the greater good thing). April’s first reaction on meeting them is screaming and fainting, so not great, but things turn around pretty fast and that had to have done a world of good for Mikey’s confidence.

You know how he’s obsessed with monster movies? I don’t think the irony is lost on him. Especially considering how quiet he immediately gets when Don points it out to him during Notes from Underground. The internalization of societal prejudice against him specifically is strong with this one. And in Mikey’s world, at fifteen, “society” irl is pretty much made up of April, Casey, and people who want to kill him. Thank goodness for April and Casey.

Some headcanons:

April is Mikey’s maid of honor just like he was hers

They are the party planning duo. Birthdays with the Splinterson-O’Neil clan are off the charts

They would have so much fun shopping together

April buys all the Turtle Titan merch

Most likely duo to argue about food. Does pineapple go on pizza? Sushi yes or no. How much hot sauce is too much. Why are you adding cilantro I hate cilantro—