#with super cool catchphrases

[rizzblade]

Storm Sunblade being a silly!

Y’know before are the terrible trauma

[istadris]

Between "we don't say "let's-a wait", we say "let's-a go!" " and "You just got-a Luigi'd!", I'm now convinced Luigi is the one who wrote the SMB Plumbing ad, including "it seems the only thing you haven't drained is my bank account".

[mathmusic8]

The Chosen show does such a good job with portraying real struggles from everyday life. We talk a lot about Matthew (for good reason), and I just also want to say that I love Andrew.

As a snarky younger sibling and as someone who struggles with anxiety myself, I really appreciate how Andrew was cast and all the mannerisms he uses—the stuttering, the gasping, the way his desperation feels real—it’s very well done.

I do have one criticism about the show, though, and this might just be a me thing, but I didn't like how they changed that one line in the Sermon on the Mount to something like “Who can add a single hour to his life by being anxious?”

That was pretty jarring to me, mostly because that’s not what Jesus said (unless there’s a cultural euphemism that I’m missing here). He said, in essense, “Who can make themselves a foot taller by being anxious?” (Matthew 6:27) which feels like a pretty different message than talking about lifespan.

I mean, there are lots of things that we do that affect our lifespan, but there aren’t many ways we can just grow a foot taller, especially for adults.

To me, the Savior is emphasizing that we don’t need to worry about things we can’t control. And even with things you can control, remember to seek God first, and then the rest will fall into place better.

Maybe that’s ultimately what the show was trying to say as well, but I disagree with the notion that making choices out of anxiety won't affect our lifespans, because they very much can. If I wasn't an anxious driver, I wouldn't pay near so much attention to the road, and that could lead to serious consequences. And yeah, there's a fine line between being anxious and just being mindful, but we're getting into the weeds here and that's not the intent of this post.

My point is that the original imagery that the Savior used was much simpler, and it resonated with me (an anxious person) a lot better, and I was sad that the writers of The Chosen felt the need to make that change to the sermon.

Still love the show though. Even this one criticism has led me to think a lot about the Sermon on the Mount this week and how it relates to me specifically, which has been super cool

[hella1975]

loveeeeeeee when my one very spoilt flatmate says some shit about how she treats her mum/how she talks to her mum and me and my other flatmate just look at each other for a silent moment and both just go 'no id be dead'

[yes-i-write-fanfiction]

What if the TFA Autobots met 2000 Static Shock?

Basically the bots are having trouble with some human villians/Bang-Babies and Virgil comes to assist them.

With his introduction being the classic "The names Static! I put a shock to your system"⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

-Optimus admires his bravery. Virgil didn't have to become a hero yet he chose to, despite the fact that he could have easily lived a normal life. Feels a bit bad about having to rely on someone so young to help with these super powered humans but also very grateful for the help.

-Ratchet does not think that Virgil should be the one to fight these criminals but respects that the kid wishes to use his powers for good. Can't help but kinda push him Bumblebee's way, wishing that Virgil will be a good influence since he's such a responsible kid.

-Bumblebee thinks Virgil is a cool dude and likes fighting together with him. They would definitely become friends and start hanging out. Also kinda adopts some of his traits as he kinda looks up to Virgil, since he's a hero and wants to be a hero as well. Tries to come up with a catchphrase on his own.

-Bulkhead likes Virgil and admires his confidence and sense of right and wrong. Thinks it's cool that he's a superhero and asks him to show off his powers. Is super bad at remembering to call him by his hero name while wearing the mask though.

-Prowl finds it fascinating how Virgil wields electricity and offers to teach him some cyber-ninja moves that he thinks might fit into his fighting style. Admires his bravery and sense of justice since he himself was a draft dodger before Yoketron took him in.

[aestophobia]

Things I loved about Some Theater Company's production of Ride the Cyclone

-i didn't have super high hopes because it was at this tiny community theater in the middle of nowhere but OH MY GOD IT WAS INCREDIBLE

-the cast came around and told everyone that there was going to be a loud noise at the end so that no one would be too shocked which i thought was very considerate

-before the show started the cast (minus jane) was kind of milling about in character and it was so much fun to watch

-mischa was just on his phone the entire time and at one point before it started noel tried to take it from him and mischa flipped him off

-ocean was dragging constance to see a bunch of posters

-like literally dragging

-mischa and ricky were kind of like bro-ing together it was funny

-ocean and noel were standing in like the exact same stance while bickering with eachother it was so funny

-V I R G I L

-karnak was really cool and funny

-uranium suit was so good omg i got chills at the build yourself a funeral pyre part

-when karnak showed them the other side they all RAN for it

-noel was physically restraining ocean to get her not to go through

-talia was playing in the background during mischa's catchphrase

-i might be wrong but i'm pretty sure when karnak first started controlling them that mischa tried to fight against it

-when jane showed up was just sdjsjms

-jane looked kind of like a ragdoll but had more the posture and mannerisms of a porcelain doll it was really cool

-during her catchphrase she literally had constance in a chokehold and was just kind of like petting her head

-constance started crying

-ricky almost tried to comfort jane after her introduction

-all the girls had bows around their necks and ocean and constance's were black but jane's was red

-"ohmigosh ricky you can speak!!" "that's NOTHING watch this." *little tiny jump*

-mischa was so happy for ricky when he started talking

-"HOW CAN SHE HAVE SPEECH FOR THIS⁉️⁉️" like bro was furious

-during oceans monolog literally no one was paying attention

-like the entire choir (minus jane) just went to the back of the stage and started playing rock paper scissors

-mischa called ocean a bitch in the middle of her speech

-at the end of her speech the choir faked clapped for her and when karnak said she was conceding they started full on applauding

-AAAA WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS

-the cast came out into the audience sometimes

-virgil and karnak were both chilling in the box together (electricity is real😍)

-ocean needed constance's help to get down from the human pyramid

-when karnak revealed that it was a group vote everyone sort of looked away kind of sympathetic and ocean realized she wouldn't win except for noel he looked right at her and started grinning

-it was my cousins BORTHDAY

-jane was literally constantly trying to hug constance

-"noel i love you!!" and he BOLTED like he tried with all his might to run away from her

-ricky quite literally did not have an attention span bro was always staring off into space and paying no attention to anything

-during the nativity scene noel used his tie to mime hanging himself and then constance grabbed him by the tie and YANKED him forward

-"OR we can just go to the manger JOSEPH😡"

-noel tried yet again to take mischa's phone because he wasn't listening to his monolog

-the monique dress was so pretty omg

-and instead of typical heels she had these kick ass heeled boots

-constance and ocean started slow dancing in noels lament

-when noel and mischa started making out the entire audience started cheering it was so funny

-"that was dope yooo!! 😃😃"

-ocean was so annoyed with noel

-ricky was SO engaged with the improve scenario

-he got very excited when constance brought up doing and/or dealing recreational drugs

-mischa called ocean a bitch several more times. both in ukrainian and english

-he was also like constantly flipping people off

-mischa was trying not to cry when karnak told his past☹️

-collective cheering from the audience when mischa took his shirt off

-talia was so beautifully done omg

-i'm pretty sure that there was also a complete separate actress for talia (who also played virgil i believe?)

-talia's dress was so beautiful

-ocean and constance danced together again

-at the end talia left and mischa ended up hugging noel (he was very confused and noel looked absolutely thrilled)

-noel tried one more time to take mischa's phone but this time he let him

-they all had a group hug instead of just noel and mischa hugging

-noel and mischa still had a one on one hug omg

-oh boy space age bachelor man

-"or i could tell you about the time i was a superhero sex god on a cat planet!!" "😨"

-horrified looks from everyone in the room

-sabm was so wonderfully weird

-oh my god the costume change.

-i don't know how i can describe it besides train conductor meets gay sparkles

-like it actually had a hat that looks like the ones train conductors wear

-also you could totally see his dick

-it reminded me of david bowie in the labyrinth

-during his speech afterwards he was like hiding his dick with the conductors hat

-when jane went "my turn!!" constance literally LEPT into mischa's arms like he was holding her bridal style for a hot second

-tbojd was so good omg it was haunting

-everyone gasped when the flying mechanism started

-the new birthday song ☹️☹️☹️

-happy birthday to hmm hmm and noel tried to finish the song before ocean shut him up

-ocean did the whole 1 2 3 thing then trial off and ricky just jumped in with "4!!"

-jane was so happy aaa

-she was soso excited about savannah with the greenest eyes

-when mischa called noel tragic they hugged again they were literally hugging all the time nischa is real

-ohh constance's monolog ☹️☹️

-this one lady kept laughing while i was trying not to sob

-sugar cloud was so amazing and happy and lovely

-the choreography was so silly

-nischa did the synchronized headbanging

-at the end constance thanked them all

-when ocean was deciding who to vote for everybody froze except for her and karnak

-aaa i almost sobbed

-it's not a game/it's just a ride was soso beautiful

-at the very end they all reached out towards the audience it was so incredible

[stardustto-dust]

Why you should vote Abed Nadir in the 2023 autism swag summit

I've seen people do this for other polls and it is vital that Abed Nadir from the 2009-2015 NBC comedy Community wins this one.

Vote him round one here.

Does he fit the first part of the statement? Yes, Abed is canonically autistic.

When he realised autistic fans related to him, creator Dan Harmon did as much research as he possibly could into autism as to not let those fans down.

While doing said research, Harmon realised himself was likely on the spectrum. Meaning that Abed is a canon autistic character created by an autistic person. How often does that happen?

Due to the above facts, he is a very well researched and developed autistic character, with both traits more commonly shown in the media, such as blunted affect and difficulties reading faces and less commonly shown traits, such as hyperempathy and sensory issues.

From the time Abed first appeared on screen to the present day, there have been many blog posts, magazine articles and even scholarly articles written about how good rep he is. I have seen him on many a neurodiversity advocacy Instagram account. (If you want me to link some I will!)

OK, we have established the autism. What about the swag? Well, first of all, as Donald Glover summarised it "Abed fucks". There is a whole episode dedicated to his friends trying to get him a girlfriend and worrying about his self-esteem and in the end it turns out he gets plenty of girls and, as he says, he has "self-esteem falling out (his) butthole." He also gets guys hitting on him. And how can we mention Abed without his boyfriend soulmate best friend Troy. who canonically wants to have his "gentle and mysterious" "other half"'s children. In short, bisexual king.

Of course, swag is not limited to just sexual and romantic prowess, as the amount of aroace people I know with limitless swag testifies to. Swag can also be measured by commitment to the bit, for example. And, boy, is Abed known for his commitment to the bit.

Abed is Batman, Han Solo and Jesus. He is a mafia boss. He is a cartoon man discovering the meaning of Christmas. He is the narrator and the cameraman. Like, not metaphorically or in archetype. He realises a need for these characters in the story and becomes them.

[GIF- Abed as Batman, applying lip balm, possessing undeniable amounts of swag]

9. "How does he realise the need for the these things in the story?" you may ask. Well, his special interest is film and TV. He is a filmmaker. Thus, he frames his life in terms of genre, often seeming aware of the fact he is in a sitcom. However, this often changes, and, the show branches off into completely different genres, which Abed points out. These shifts in genre explore character dynamics and also are super awesome. Abed is so genre-aware, he changes the entire genre of the show. That is swag.

10. The Community fandom here on Tumblr.com, and throughout the web, is quite small. It will make us very happy. Plus, for the first time in 8 years, there likely will be new Abed content this year, due to the release of the movie. (Due to one of Abed's many catchphrases "Six seasons and a movie!")

11. Please please please please I love him so much and i am very cool you should listen to me please please please.

So yeah, that's it! If you have anything to add, please do!

Click below for some Abed gifs.

[GIF- "Evil Abed" (Abed with a goatee and sunglasses) walking through his college being evil. He hangs up someone's payphone call, pops a girls balloon with his cigarette and then dumps said cigarette into a woman's coffee]

[GIF- Two gifs. One is of Troy, topless, leaning out of an airvent. He looks down and says "I love you". Next is of Abed, looking up at him. He says "I know", before being grabbed by a zombie in a kilt]

[GIF- Abed, wearing sunglasses, saying "movie reference". Jeff is there too and also wearing sunglasses]

[GIF- Abed saying "Cool. Cool cool cool"]

Ok there are so many more GIFs I want to put but I kinda have work soon lol. You get the gist, he is amazing. Vote Abed!

[darkforestdreams]

"Lunar's SECRET PLAN" Episode! (Me Gushing Over an LAES Episode)

MY GOD, I ADORED today's episode of the Lunar and Earth show. Dazzle being a helpful bean, Sun being a big brother (no pun intended), Earth being a goofball, Lunar being a lit--UH, I mean, fun-sized trickster grump, GIANTS IN THE DAYCARE--I LOVE IT!

And I thought Lunar and Earth helping Sun with his goose magic was funny! Earth's "sibling dynamic" line is so true. It's practically her catchphrase by now, but I sure ain't complainin'! :D

Lunar actually did fool me the first time he did the thing when they were by the ball pit. I didn't even realize he did it again before it became obvious. I'm around 5' 2'' years so I can relate to Lunar's frustration, but if we're small then WE ARE GOING TO BE PROUD OF IT, DAMMIT! And he DID have a bit of a sense of humor about it, mimicking the Jaws theme when in the ball pit after Earth pointed out that only the top of his head was visible.

And MY GOD, Sun/Happy Boy was SUCH a butt of a big brother. XD It was freaking funny how merciless he was with the teasing. I mean, he started it around less than one minute into the video! Maybe he was a bit mean, but he was genuinely apologetic when he thought he went too far.

It was nice that Sun was having a good day, joking and laughing. I mean, he was ACTUALLY laughing, not just wheezing or huffing a few times. I'm super proud of him. His problems and trauma aren't over, but he's still come a long way.

NOW FOR EARTH: I LOVE Earth's sense of humor. I love how hammy and silly she is, first was the whole "L-L-L-L-LUNAAAR~!" from the last laes lore episode, then today it was her "I have been learning PROOOGRAMMING!"

I wish I was half as confident as she is about putting the energy into the silliness. It's in my range of humor, and sometimes I can be hammy in front of others but I can also backtrack. I just get worried people think it's stupid instead of silly and that I'm being stupid. I just need people who I trust to really know me, I guess.

ANYWAY! BACK TO THE FUN STUFF!

I thought of a good nickname for Lunar: BLUEBERRY MOONCAKE!

If you don't know what a mooncake is... it's banned in several countries so that's understandable.

Finally Dazzle--sweet baby girl. She went from throwing a toy in Lunar's face because it was funny to offering to find that FREAKIN' DONUT THING, WHICH COULD'E BEEN LITERALLY ANYWHERE IN THAT WAREHOUSE-SIZED ROOM. She's definitely learning stuff from Sun, and he already trusts her enough to let her find it on her own. Yes he goes to help her at the end BUT YOU CAN'T DENY HOW CUTE THEIR BOND IS!

And now... quoting this genuinely wonderful exchange:

Lunar: I don't even know how I can hear you right now.

Earth: It's because I'm YELLING~!

Lunar: ...FAIR ENOUGH!

Earth: DID I HURT YOUR FEELINGS!?

Lunar: NO!

Earth: SO WE'RE COOL!?

Lunar: YEP~!

Earth: OKAY~!

[gusherbug]

IT'S TIME FOR SUPORG'S ROLE CALL CORNER!!!

THE ORGANIZATION'S VERY OWN "DOVE* FROM ABOVE", THE SECOND IN COMMAND....

CUPID'S COMET!

(lore dump sorry)

POPULARITY POLL RANKING: #4 OUT OF #■■■■

THE CATCHPHRASE WE KNOW AND LOVE: "My name is Cupid's Comet, and you will address me as such."

THE SUPER COOL POWERS: PYROKINESIS, BEING A LARGE DOVE*, EXTRATERRESTRIAL COMMUNICATION, SPEAKS JUPITERIAN**

THE SUPER SAD BACKSTORY: SEE "SUPER LEGAL DISCLAIMER"

THE SUPER LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The...Ah. Ok, yeah, of course. Of course I have to-

*Disclaimer: For all intents and purposes, the use of the phrase "Dove From Above" to describe Cupid's Comet is a metaphor and not a distinct declaration of her species or her planet of origin. For more information, children can go online to learn more...about. Pretty much anything they want. Let 'em go nuts. Whatever. I've been watching this viewer count for like, holy shit, three hours? Three hours. And it's still at one viewer because it's counting me.

**Disclaimer: Man, I've been reading this shit for that long? There's no way anyone's even checking if I'm reading it, right? Why do I have to be the one doing the little kid's show? For Cupid of all people? She doesn't even have a catchphrase, she just gets mad if you shorten her name, it's so robotic. What kind of punishment even is-Ugh, yeah, actually I don't really care. I'm gonna go find someone's desk fern and eat it.

Deering-Do out.

VIEWERS: 2

[thatsastepladder]

More postmortem thoughts on Krakoa era X-Men and why, exactly, it was a divisive era with fans and why it turned out the way it did.

First things first, I think we need to define why people like X-Men stories - or, at least, why I, personally, like X-Men stories or any story for that matter. To paraphrase Jim Carville, "It's the characters, stupid."

Ignoring the Lee/Roth/Thomas years because Silver Age X-Men was a miserable failure of a comic book with a few glimpses of greatness when Neal Adams was on the title, let's turn our attentions to the true foundational texts of the X-Men: Chris Claremont's legendary tenure on the book.

Claremont's run was characterized by many things - exceptionally verbose dialogue, a litany of personal catchphrases, lots of fetish fuel content - but I want to focus on the thing that, above all, made X-Men a success. That, of course, being Claremont's character work.

What made X-Men (and its sister titles at DC, New Teen Titans and Legion of Super-Heroes) a success was the focus on interpersonal character drama mixed with superhero action. In the grand Marvel tradition, we got to know these characters in the good times (Kitty Pryde adopts a pet alien dragon!) and the bad (Kitty Pryde's parents are getting a divorce!). Logan and Scott and Ororo and Kitty and Kurt and Piotr and etc felt like real people because of the amount of time we, as readers, got to spend with them, seeing their internal monologues, their dynamics with each other, their personal demons, etc.

So fast-forward thirty years post-Claremont to Krakoa. The X-line is flagging and has been for years - for reasons largely self-inflicted by Marvel editorial at that - and so they bring in Jonathan Hickman to fix things. And he does. House of X/Powers of X is an immediate sales success, and Krakoa posits an exciting new status quo for the X-Men.

Except there's one issue. X-Men at its best is a character-driven book, and Hickman is very much not a character writer. His forte is large-scale science fiction stories that all tell the same story. What Tom King is to "war veteran struggles with PTSD", Hickman is to "great men build something great and it all comes crashing down because of their hubris." And Hickman can and will mold existing characters to better fit into that rubric.

This - the transformation of the X-Men from a superhero soap opera into a high-concept sci-fi story about Dominions and mutants vs. machines and Moira X - was where I think things went wrong. Krakoa, with some finessing, is a solid premise - but the real meat of it is in character dynamics that we didn't get.

Okay, Sinister is on the Quiet Council, cool. How does Cyclops feel about that? The Morlocks are all resurrected- but their killers have been granted a clean slate. Is Callisto going to let that stand? Rockslide died and came back wrong, and we never got to see Anole's reaction to it.

That's the Krakoa I would have wanted to see. Keep some of the big, grand plot elements - Orchis is absolutely implausible the way Hickman presented it, but maybe a scaled-back version? - but focus on character dynamics and drama on the island itself. (Rather than having a pirate book, a magic/Arthurian legend book, a space book, etc. Use the primary X-Men titles to explore those areas rather than bastardizing Kitty Pryde into some vulgar pirate captain.)

[janetbrown711]

Why Am I Like This?

Mikey gets really bored one day and decides to play with Raph's shiny new toy, despite being told several times not to, and breaks it.

Raph does not take this well.

Ao3 Link

Mikey was bored.

And not just regular, every day bored, nonono. This boredom was the mind-numbing and annoying type– the type that left you paralyzed and unable to think of anything to do, but Mikey had to do something.

He could practice with his nunchucks, but ever since he was downgraded to foam instead of wood, it just felt like a joke. Sure, he liked whirling it around, but Master Splinter always said this was supposed to be for self-defense, not fun, so playing around was strictly forbidden.

He could just reread his comics again, but while Splinter had gone for a scavenge recently, he didn’t bring Mikey anything of interest, other than those finger skateboard things. He’d already played with that thing to death, so that was also a total “no-go”.

Now, he could try and hang out with Leo or Raph or Donnie, but Donnie was busy trying to find a way to recharge lightbulbs, Leo was watching the second season of Space Heroes for the bajillionth time, and Raph was doing one-on-one practice with Splinter, so that wasn’t happening.

Mikey groaned, flopping his head into his pillow for the billionth time. “If only Leo liked a different, cooler show,” he sighed dramatically, before sitting up.

On the topic of “different” and “cooler”, Raph had been given a super special super cool still-in-box action figure of Aspara-Gus from Fantastic Four Food Groups. Mikey would’ve totally claimed it for himself, but he hadn’t heard Splinter call for him until Leo knocked on his door. From what the box claimed, it was supposed to light up and say up to six catchphrases! Mikey had been sooooo jealous, but Raph said he couldn’t play with it.

Wait– no. What he specifically said was, “Mikey, if you touch my Aspara-Gus, I’ll turn you into a pulp.” Classic Raph.

But– like… it wasn’t like he’d know. He was busy training with Master Splinter! Plus, he heard Raph open it up earlier, so it was practically begging to be played with!

Mikey grinned, hopping off his bed and bolting to Raph’s room, before opening his door all ninja-like and finding the bright green action figure sitting right on his bed next to a broken red car toy that was missing two doors.

Mikey practically had stars in his eyes as he admired the nearly mint condition of the doll, with its see-through green sparkly plastic and smooth edges. He giggled with excitement before pressing the little green button on its side.

“Eat your vegetables, kids!”

Mikey’s face felt flat and he tried again.

“You’re no match for the power of vitamin K!”

“Man, why does Raph even like that stupid comic,” Mikey muttered and gave it one last try.

“It’s Aspara-Gus to the res–” the phrase was cut off by a sudden, ear-piercing shriek.

“ACK!” Mikey immediately covered his ears, before getting the idea to try and smother it with Raph’s pillow. That it didn’t work well enough, the sound still splitting his skull. Out of desperation and panic, he sat on top of the pillow, which finally muted it enough so the pain stopped.

“Whew, that’s a relief,” Mikey wiped off non-existent sweat from his forehead. The ten-year-old continued sitting on the pillow until the faint ringing finally stopped, and he got off, picking up the figure again and–

Uh oh.

Apparently, sitting on pillows over action figures could cause their arms to break off. Who knew?

“Well… at least the toy was busted anyway…?” Mikey laughed nervously. He knew that totally wasn't gonna be good enough for Raph, though, and he'd totally flip when he found out.

“Okay, well– maybe I can fix it! Yeah! I just gotta pop that bad boy back on; it’ll be good as new,” Mikey picked up the action figure and arm and tried reconnecting the broken pieces, but alas, it wasn’t a simple “pop off”. Instead, the hinge had cracked into two and without both pieces being together and stable, there was no point attempting to reattach it.

Shin splints, he was totally screwed.

“Yeah, yeah, be right there, Leo,” Mikey heard Raph call from not too far, causing him to panic and hide the evidence under his brother’s pillow before booking into his room where he caught his breath. Once that was all in control, he put on his coolest, most calm-est and collected-est face he could manage and walked super, duper casually to the pit and sat next to Leo, catching only a casual and cool glance at Raph.

“Oh hey, Mikey! Whatcha been up to,” His eldest brother smiled.

“Ohhh, you knowww,” Mikey tried to wave him off, fidgeting with his knee pads anxiously.

“Oh, well, I was just waiting for Raph to start the new episode of Space Heroes, since it's his favorite and all,” Leo gave him a weird glance before turning back to the TV. “It’s the one where the Dr. Mindstrong goes back to his home planet and meets up with his–”

Leo rambled on for a little bit, which Mikey usually liked listening to, but right now he was way too on edge. He just kept glancing back to the hallway to their bedrooms and waiting for his inevitable doom.

“–smiles! He actually does! But Raph just likes it for the fight scene at the end, I dunno. What do you think?” Leo asked Mikey, who quickly tried to act like he had been paying attention.

“My favorite episode is still the one where the dude grows a beard and the vampires,” Mikey decided to say.

Leo laughed. “That’s my favorite too.”

“What can I say? I have imbeccable taste,” Mikey grinned nice and wide.

“It’s impeccable, Mikey,” Leo laughed more, which Mikey joined in to cover the fact he said that by mistake.

However, the laughter couldn’t last long, as there was a ground-shaking slam and angry stomping into the living-area as Raphael–

Oh frick–

“MIKEY!!!” Raph shouted, face almost as red as his mask.

“Eep! Save me, Leo!” Mikey jumped and ducked behind his eldest brother.

“Wha–? Raph, what did Mikey do?” Leo looked around all confused.

“Oh, I’ll tell you what the little punk did,” Raph growled, only getting closer and closer. “He broke my brand new Aspara-Gus!!!”

Leo gasped, turning to his brother. “You– you didn’t actually…?”

“I-it was an accident, I swear! I-I was just–” Mikey tried to defend himself, but didn’t get a chance as Raph practically tackled him and the two started wrestling.

“It was brand new, Mikey! Right outta the box and I told you–I told you you weren’t allowed to touch it!” Raph shouted at him, despite being inches away.

“It was already broken, man! I-It made a high-pitched screechy noise– I was trying to fix it!” Mikey pleaded tearfully, trying to kick his brother off of him, landing a hit right in the plastron that winded him.

Mikey would’ve scuttled away, but Raph managed to grip his arm tight and twisted it until Mikey was on his knees begging for him to stop.

“I always tell you not to touch my stuff! And you always do! Are you deaf or just a stupid, dumb little idiot?!” Raph growled and twisted tighter.

“I’m sorry, okay?! I-I didn’t mean to–! I just–”

“GOD– you just always do this! You’re just– you’re just so stupid and annoying and useless– why do we even keep you around when all you do is break our stuff–”

“Yame!” the commanding voice of Master Splinter rang from the dojo, and Raph instantly let go of Mikey’s arm, though kicked his shell and he fell completely to the ground. “What is the meaning of this?!”

“Mikey broke the brand new Aspara-Gus action figure you got me! And I specifically told ‘im he couldn’t play with it!” Raph accused.

“Michelangelo, is this true?” Splinter looked at him, eyebrows all down and serious like.

“I-I– I didn't mean to–”

“He never listens to me or anyone, Master Splinter! I told him not to! He's such a screw-up!” Raph interrupted him.

“Raphael– a word,” Splinter narrowed his eyes on his elder brother.

“What?! Me?! But it was Mikey wh–!”

“No ‘but's. Now.” He ordered, and Raph stormed angrily back into the dojo.

However, Splinter wasn’t finished, and gave Mikey a look too.

“We will talk later, Michelangelo,” He sighed heavily and followed the steps of his furious child.

Mikey knew he was already crying, but he wanted to cry even more now.

“Mikey… why did you break his Aspara-Gus?” Leo asked.

“I didn't mean to! I-I don't wanna be a screw-up! I-I don't wanna be me!” Mikey shouted.

Leo winced. “Mikey, you aren't a screw-up.”

“Yeah, you just don't know how to listen,” Donnie piped up near his “lab”.

“Donnie,” Leo whisper-yelled and gave the purple turtle a look.

“What?! I'm just trying to–”

“Yeah, well, just let me–”

“You're always the one to–”

“Well, maybe if you were actually ni–”

Mikey couldn't stand all this fighting. He needed to get out here– and not to his room; Splinter or Leo would find him there, and they'd tell him he messed up, and blah blah blah he was a big stupid screw up– which he already knew! He just– he didn't need to hear it. He didn't need any of this–

If he wanted to get away unnoticed, he needed to go now.

Mikey glanced around, seeing Leo and Donnie still arguing, and no sign of Raph and Splinter leaving the dojo any time soon. And so, using all the super quiet super ninja skills he knew, he made his way to the water and lowered himself down until he was completely and silently submerged. Calmly and carefully, Mikey fought the urge to cry even underwater, and swam far, far, far, far away.

So far away, in fact, that when Mikey finally emerged for air, he realized he didn't have a clue where he was.

“This is fine, this is a-okay,” Mikey told himself, finally pulling himself out of the water and onto the cold concrete path. He rolled onto his shell, exhaustion suddenly hitting him all at once.

“This… This is super fine. I wanted air, and now I’m getting it,” He sniffled a little, a dull pain in his chest growing sharper.

Raph thinks he’s useless. And annoying. And a screw-up.

Mikey doesn’t mean to. He loves his brothers and dad! He doesn’t mean to always be so distracted or impulsive or whatever. He swore he tried. He tried so, so, so hard to be good.

But he wasn’t. Again, and again, and again, Mikey wasn’t good. He broke things. He went too far. He didn’t pay attention. He didn’t listen.

His brothers could do all those with ease, even Raph. That had to mean something, right?

Of course it did. It meant Michelangelo was bad. He wasn’t really trying his best to be good because if he were, then he’d be good already. It wasn’t hard for his brothers, but it was hard for Mikey because Mikey was bad.

The tears were quick to return as Mikey picked himself up and started walking further into unknown parts of the sewers. He didn’t care if he was getting lost, he deserved it. He was a bad kid, just like Raph said, and they’d be better off without him.

They’d be better off without him.

.o0o.

Raph was angry.

He sat on his knees in the dojo, filled with rage, hot and heavy in his face and chest. It made his breathing heavy and fists curl in his lap as his head just swirled and swirled and swirled until–

“Raphael. I understand Michelangelo made you very upset by breaking your toy, and I’m very sorry that happened, but calling your brother a ‘screw-up’ will not go back and fix things,” Splinter said as he kneeled right in front of him.

Raph’s fists tightened. “I-I– it was brand new, Master Splinter– We never get new things a-and I just– I was so excited,” he confessed, his voice wavering.

Splinter smiled sadly. “I know, my son, I know. I am sorry I cannot provide such things more often, and I’m sorry Michelangelo broke it. I’m sure he feels absolutely terrible about it.”

A lump formed in Raph’s throat as he kept his eyes low and focused on his father’s knees. “But– he just– he doesn’t stop, a-and– and it just– it makes me so mad…”

Splinter nodded slowly. “Your anger is understandable, my son. Nobody likes to have their things destroyed, but that is not an excuse to make your brother feel worthless.”

Raph sniffled. “I– I didn’t… I didn’t actually mean to– I just– I get so mad,” he whispered, tears beginning to stream down his face right before he felt Master Splinter take him into his arms and hold him close.

“I know you are not a mean boy, Raphael. You have a very good heart that gets blinded by very strong and powerful emotions,” Splinter assured, wiping some of his tears away.

“I just– I-I can’t fight it– it’s like I can’t stop myself, I just– I want to hurt him, I want to hurt him so bad,” Raph wept into his father’s sleeve.

“But you don’t now, do you?” Splinter asked.

Raph shook his head. “I don’ wan’ him to hate me…”

His father laughed a little. “Michelangelo doesn’t hate you– I don't even believe he can. You know, you two have much more in common than you think.”

“But I can hate him. I-I can hate him a lot– does that make me bad?” Raph sniffled again.

“You don’t actually hate him, Raphael. If you did, you would not feel remorse for your actions,” His father assured, rubbing soothing circles on Raph’s shell.

Raph didn’t know what to say, looking back at the ground and resting his head on his father’s shoulder.

“Anger is an emotion that occurs in all living creatures, even myself. You are not wrong for feeling upset that something precious to you was harmed, but there are more productive ways to problem-solve than breaking your brother’s arm,” Splinter chuckled a little.

“... Like what?” Raph ventured to ask.

“Well… there is always breathing and meditation–”

“But it’s so boringgggg,” Raph interrupted.

Splinter laughed. “I know it is hard, but allowing yourself to feel and understand your emotions can help you rid yourself of all this confusion in your young mind,” he stroked the top of Raph’s head for emphasis.

“I-I guess…” Raph looked at his hands.

“Or perhaps you can try going to your room to separate yourself from the situation until you feel more in control of yourself. You could do things like draw or read comics or even scream into a pillow until you feel all better,” Splinter then suggested, which didn’t sound too bad, all things considered.

“I guess I can try that,” Raph shrugged a little, smiling a little when he heard his dad sigh a bit in relief.

“You are a good son, Raphael...”

“Thank you, Master Splinter,” Raph said, still not quite looking at him.

“... Which is why I know that you’ll apologize to Michelangelo as soon as possible, no?” Splinter asked, and Raph tensed a bit.

“I– yeah… I should…” he bit his lip and Splinter hugged him a little tighter before setting him down.

“Good,” He smiled at Raph softly, which Raph managed to return before they both stood and went to the dojo doors, where Splinter opened to find Leo and Donnie arguing about something by themselves.

“Leonardo, Donatello– where is Michelangelo?” Splinter looked left and right as he stepped out in the living space.

Leo stopped arguing and looked around. “I– wasn’t he right here?” he asked Donnie.

“I thought so?” His purple brother shrugged.

The confusion made a knot tie in Raph’s stomach, especially when he saw how it made Splinter’s eyebrows grow close and wrinkly before he shook his head.

“Perhaps he has just gone to rest in his room. I’ll go check on him,” Splinter patted Raph’s head before speed walking to the bedrooms.

Raph could feel his brother’s eyes, the second Splinter was gone, which only made the knot tighten. “You got a problem?”

Donnie backed up. “Me? No. We just– umm…”

Leo wasn’t as much of a scaredy-cat, though, looking at Raph and asking, “Are you okay?”

Raph rolled his eyes. “M’fine, it was just a stupid toy.”

“Of your favorite comic book character,” Donnie pointed out.

“Yeah…” Raph kicked the ground a bit. “But I– I went too far, like always…”

Leo smiled a little. “I’m sure Mikey’ll forgive you.”

Raph stayed quiet.

Splinter came back in not too long, looking around frantically as his eyebrows just got more and more scrunched together with worry.

“Master Splinter?” Leo spoke up. “What’s wrong?”

“I–” Their father stopped himself, taking a deep breath. “Is there anywhere around the lair your brother could possibly be hiding?”

Leo, Donnie and Raph all looked at each other nervously.

Donnie was the first to suggest, “Maybe he’s in the bathroom?”

Splinter shook his head. “I’ve already checked there. Anywhere else?”

Leo bit his cheek. “Maybe under his bed?”

Their father shook his head again.

Donnie suddenly snapped his fingers. “He likes hiding in the kitchen cupboards sometimes!”

Splinter sighed heavily. “I’m afraid I have already checked there as well.”

The knot in Raph’s stomach tightened. “S-so he’s…?”

“I will go out to find him. You three stay here. I will be back soon,” Splinter decided, finally stepping down into the pit, where they hugged him tight.

“Is Mikey gonna be okay, Master Splinter?” Leo asked.

“Of course, my son,” Splinter assured, patting the eldest brother’s head, but Raph could tell he was lying by the tension in his hands.

The hug broke, and the turtles watched as Splinter went to the turnstiles, but stopped right before he would’ve disappeared into the endless tunnel systems.

“I will be back soon, my sons, do not worry. Stay safe,” He smiled at each of them (especially Raph) before he turned and disappeared into the darkness.

Leo and Donnie both hesitated, but sat back on the couch, meanwhile Raph couldn’t help but pace around the pit.

“Why would Mikey just run off like that? He’s never done that before,” Leo looked at Donnie.

“I don’t know, it’s really not like him. He's always been so afraid of the outside, it doesn't make sense,” Donnie shrugged, but Raph just rolled his eyes.

“You two have got to stop pretending this isn’t allmy fault,” He snipped, and both brother’s eyes turned to him.

Leo stood. “Raph–”

“Stop!!!” Raph shouted. “I hurt him! Because of a stupid toy! And called him useless and a screw-up a-and–” Raph internally cursed himself as he felt tears start to form in the corners of his eyes once more.

“Splinter will find him, Raph. It’ll be okay,” Leo smiled and tried placing a hand on his shoulder, but Raph brushed it off.

“I'm gonna go look for ‘im,” He announced, making his way to the water entrance.

“Raaaaaaph, Master Splinter said we need to stay here,” Donnie whined, looking around nervously.

Raph huffed and rolled his eyes. “Think of it this way: Master Splinter is going north, and I'm going south. One of us'll find him eventually.”

“You're leaving out east and west,” Donnie looked unconvinced.

“Whatever. If you two wanna do that, be my guest. I'm going out,” Raph went to jump, but Leo suddenly grabbed his arm.

“Raph, Splinter doesn't need us running away right now,” Leo pleaded, and Raph snagged his arm away.

“Stay here then, for all I care. We'll see who really finds Mikey,” He glared before diving in and swimming away.

.o0o.

Mikey was cold.

Of course, he usually was after swimming around and stuff, but there were also a lot more grates outside the lair than inside.

He wished he could reach them. That he could stick his fingers through and feel the fresh night– or catch a cigarette butt, more likely.

Then again, who needed to reach for cigarette butts when they could just fall on your head?

Mikey had dusted off five butts before he just decided to keep moving past the grates.

Probably the smartest thing he did all day.

Mikey sighed and hugged his arms. He had no idea where he was anymore, and there was still a voice in his head telling how stupid he was for getting himself lost, but he was just so tired of it. He already knew he was an idiot, no need for reminders.

Besides, it was his goal, right? He wanted to run away so he'd stop ruining everything for his brothers and Splinter.

He was a screw-up. This plan probably wouldn't work, and he'd get his dad worried to death about him because he was a stupid crybaby.

… He wished he could go back. He didn't actually want to run away. He missed his brothers– he missed his Papa– he was so, so cold.

The answer for the chilly temperature suddenly appeared when after Mikey rounded a corner, he saw a massive stormwater outlet that–

Woah…

A bitter, cold breeze stung through, but Mikey didn't care, approaching the view of the sparkling lights of the city off of… a river? The ocean? Whatever it was, it was a lot of water and Mikey was mesmerized. Trees were also visible, though most were missing their leaves since it was late November. Mikey didn't mind that, though, as it was still one of the prettiest things he had ever seen.

He didn't deserve such a pretty thing. He'd probably ruin it somehow. Maybe he'd blurt something out, and it would make all the animals scared or angry, and then they'd try to attack him. Or maybe a human would find him, and then he'd get experimented on, like in alien comics.

Mikey's head ached, and so despite his want to leave, he decided to sit there and rest awhile.

He got roughly five seconds of peace before his stomach growled painfully.

“Man, all that swimming really got me hungry, eh?” He joked to no one, hoping it would make it hurt less.

It didn't.

The ten-year-old closed his eyes, trying not to imagine how worried Splinter would be and the lecture he’d get for being all stupid and impulsive despite being told many, many times to just use his stupid head.

Another gust of cold wind blew by, causing Mikey to shudder. He wished he had a blanket or something with him, but then again it would’ve gotten totally soaked, and he would’ve ruined a perfectly nice blanket that Master Splinter worked so hard to get for them.

He would do just about anything in the world to swap brains with Donnie, or Leo, or even Raph.

His brothers were the coolest people in the world, even if they could be a bit mean. Leo was so nice and always picked up any moves Splinter taught the fastest. Donnie was super good at math and stuff and was always working on super sciencey stuff that had Mikey convinced he should win an award or something. And sure, Raph had his anger issues, but he could fight the best out of all four of them, and Mikey wished he could be half as cool as him.

But he wasn’t. He was just stupid, annoying, useless, little screw-up Mikey who couldn’t listen or sit still or focus or remember anything.

… He wasn’t surprised when he noticed himself crying.

He opened his eyes again, surprised to find a beetle crawling up one of the pipes of the outlet.

“Hi, Mr. Beetle. I’m Michelangelo,” he joked, holding out a finger that the bug didn’t climb onto.

“Ah, you don’t wanna be my friend? It’s okay, I wouldn’t be my friend either,” He smiled as he felt tears start to rush.

“S-see– I’m a big jerk. I break my brother’s toys, a-and I don’t sit still or stop makin’ annoying noises, even when they ask all nicely,” the ten-year-old wiped his eyes and sniffled. “Master Splinter says it isn’t my fault– b-but I know he’s just being nice. Raph’s right, I’m just a big screw-up and a jerk, too.”

The beetle twitched its wings a little, making Mikey laugh a little again.

“I’m probably annoying you right now, too. I bet you got a family nearby, and I’m keeping you away from ‘em. M’sorry, Mr. Beetle,” Mikey’s lower lip trembled as his stomach rumbled yet again.

“Say, you– uh… wouldn’t have some food on you, would you?” he joked, but the beetle flew away, causing the boy to break into sobs.

“M’so sorry, Raph,” he whispered to himself, hugging his knees to his chest. “I don’t mean to be bad. I just can’t stop. I know I’m a failure, I just– I wanna be good so bad, but I can’t, I just can’t.”

He let himself break into sobs as more wind rushed by, causing Mikey to instinctively curl tighter as he felt himself start to shut down into sleep– which was weird because it wouldn’t be bedtime for three more hours.

Maybe it was just all the crying like a baby he was doing. He was weak like that.

“M’sorry I don’t listen, Papa– I really wanted to, b-but I can’t– I’m not good like them. I know you tried– m’so, so sorry,” He sobbed further, fully leaning into the circle so he faced the bars.

The sky looked so pretty as snowflakes began to fall, making Mikey feel like he was almost in a snow globe.

Mikey took a long breath, feeling sleep slowly but surely overcome him as all he could focus on was the glittering skylights, his hunger, and how he already missed his family more than anything.

“I’ll go back soon, I just gotta–” Mikey yawned– “take a little nap first…”

Mikey yawned, curling tighter as with this rush of air he fell into a deep, deep, deep sleep.

.o0o.

Raph was getting nervous.

Looking for Mikey was harder than he had expected, but his guilt kept him moving on despite the ever-growing feeling he was starting to get lost…

“You owe Mikey to find him, Raph. Just keep moving,” He told himself just as bits and pieces of a sandwich that had been dropped fell on his head.

“Man, I hate being in the sewers alone,” Raph muttered, wiping the mayo-soaked lettuce bits and a tomato off his head while also avoiding stepping on a broken phone and what looked like a (thankfully) squashed cockroach. Of course, this was entirely his own fault, but this was a good thing; he was taking responsibility for his actions, just like Master Splinter always told him he should. And he was!

Sure, it was also against Splinter’s direct instructions not to leave their lair, but it was also following his instructions to apologize to Mikey as soon as possible! Yes, yes, truly the most flawless logic turtle-kind had ever known.

Raph was just glad Donnie wasn’t here to rub that in.

The boy walked for what felt like forever, when he noticed a sudden temperature drop that had him shuddering and rubbing his arms.

“Jeez– someone got an evil snow cone machine going wild?” He grumbled, referencing one of his comics.

As he got closer, he realized he could hear wind blowing fiercely from what had to be more than just the regular sewer grate. As he turned the corner, he could see that yep, it was a stormwater outlet and–

“MIKEY-!” Raph cried, rushing to his brother’s side, startled to find him asleep.

“Mikey?! Mikey, wake up! What’s wrong with you?” Raph asked, panicking more and more by the second.

“Ughhh… Raph?” Mikey mumbled, barely cracking an eye open.

“Why are you so tired? You hate bedtime!” Raph pointed out, before shaking his head. “Sorry, I’m not– Look, I came here to say–”

“M’tired… talk soon,” Mikey clicked his tongue weakly before his eyes closed again.

“What?! Mikey, you jerk wad! I was apologizing!” Raph growled and shook his brother, but it did nothing to wake him.

Alarms triggered in his head as he tried shaking his brother again, but nothing happened.

“M-Mikey…? Mikey, you’re okay, right?” Raph looked around for any signs of danger or trouble, but couldn’t find anything other than the picturesque night sky and snowfall.

“Woah…” Raph momentarily forgot his panic to admire it, since Master Splinter not only said they were super banned from going outside, but they were double banned from snow because they could accidentally trigger hibern–

Oh no.

“Shoot– Mikey! You know we’re not allowed to–” Raph kicked himself mentally as he realized he was already falling through on his promise. “Look– you’re gonna be okay, okay, Mikey? I just gotta– um…” Raph looked around for anything that would be remotely warm but was just met with moss covered walls, and was it just him or were there suddenly a lot more bugs around here than there were before?

However, he figured just getting his brother away from the drain would get him warmer, and so stood up and tried slinking Mikey on his back as much as possible.

“It’s okay Mikey, I’ll get you back safe and warm in the lair, I promise,” Raph bit his cheek as he struggled readjusting his brother on his shell before starting to walk off.

It certainly wasn’t easy though. While Raph was older and a little bigger, it wasn't enough to make this a breeze. Plus, Mikey wasn’t even trying to support himself since he was all tired and stuff. To make up for it, Raph had to take big, long steps that didn’t always mesh well with the algae, garbage and bug-covered sewers.

However, he promptly halted when he finally reached the remnants of that sandwich that got dropped on his head, which now had a humongous pile of cockroaches on it.

“Gross gross gross gross–” Raph gagged, taking a frantic step back and almost dropping Mikey in the process. He looked around nervously to see if there was some other way he could get to the lair, but that rapidly proved itself to be a waste, as more and more disgusting pests were gathering by the second, and no amount of will power summoned an alternate path.

“M-Master Splinter? Can you hear me?” Raph called, desperate to get out of here already.

He looked at the bugs again and took another instinctive step back. “D-Dad, I really, really hate bugs, I don’t wanna do this,” he felt tears threaten to fall, which just made him more angry at himself. He was trying to save Mikey from accidentally falling asleep for the next three months, he did not need to be acting like a baby!

“Okay, Raph, y-you got this– you can save Mikey, I believe in you,” He told himself, taking a careful and calculated step forward, and a wave of nausea hit that made him want to turn and puke.

But he couldn't! He was a turtle on a mission here! He couldn’t get sick on Mikey now– especially because the drain wasn't too far and that grate was channeling pretty strong winds– If Raph stayed for too long then he’d get all sleepy too and Master Splinter would be double disappointed.

“Alright, guess I’ll just…” Raph mentally prepared himself, stepping one foot at a time at a very slow pace– until the fourth step, where he definitely stepped on a bug, and he completely froze. His instincts were completely useless as he felt two more try to crawl on his leg, causing him to instantly book it as fast as he could.

“Ew ew ew ew ew ew ew ew ew–” He kept whispering to himself before he suddenly slipped on the mossy floor and he and Mikey fell into the sewer water.

He completely lost all contact with his brother as he fumbled around in the current, and it took a solid minute before he could get his head clear and broke for the surface.

“MIKEY!” He called, looking around for his brother, but not finding him.

He dove back underwater with urgency and found his little brother beginning to sink. With a grunt of determination, Raph swam with all his might to grab his arms and drag his still cold body to the surface.

“R-Raph?” Mikey croaked between coughs.

“MIKEY!” Raph hugged his brother tight. “Mikey, it’s okay! We’ll be back home soon, I promise,” he assured, and Mikey chuckled weakly.

“You really do care, you big sap,” His little brother smiled weakly.

“Shut up or I'll let you drown,” Raph tried acting tough again, but Mikey's exhaustion made him hard to threaten. “Whatever. Just wrap your arms around my neck, I’ll swim us both home,” Raph grunted, and Mikey thankfully did as he was told.

It took a frustratingly long time to get back to the lair– so long that Mikey had already fallen back asleep by the time Raph recognized his surroundings. It made him nervous, but Raph wasn't going to crack now that he was so close.

“Alright, Mikey, just under here real quick,” Raph glanced at the wall that mostly separated their lair from the sewer system before dunking his brother under and quickly pulling him up on the other side with minimal bonking.

“We made it, Mikey! C’mon– we gotta tell Leo and Donnie so we can–” Raph looked up and found Splinter standing right at the edge of the pool, with Leo and Donnie standing nervously behind him.

“H-hi dad,” Raph looked down at his murky reflection.

“Raphael, I specifically told you–” Splinter was about to reprimand, but his eyes landed on Mikey and worry immediately overrode his anger.

“Bring him over,” Splinter ordered Raph, and of course he obeyed. He watched as Splinter took his youngest brother in his arms and set him down on the couch, placing an ear on his chest.

“His heart is slow. Raphael, what happened? Was there a fight? Was he injured at all?” His father asked. Raph shook his head, getting out of the water and joining Leo and Donnie as spectators.

Splinter frowned, placing a hand on Mikey’s forehead and flinching. “Donatello, warm up a heat pack from your lab.”

“Hai, sensei,” Donnie said, and he was gone in a flash.

Leo looked at Donnie for only a moment before his eyes went right back to Mikey. “Is he gonna be okay, dad?”

Splinter nodded slowly. “He should be okay, he’s just a little cold, is all.”

“Oh! I can get him his blanket!” Leo immediately offered.

“Good idea, Leonardo,” Splinter approved, and before he knew it, Leo was gone too, leaving Raph alone with his dad.

Raph’s heart was pounding in his chest, as he was pretty sure Splinter knew just as well as he did this was all his fault, and he wondered what kind of grounding he’d get this time.

His anxiety certainly wasn’t helped when Splinter suddenly asked, “How did this happen, Raphael?”

Raph gulped. “I found ‘im by a stormwater drain, asleep. I think he was watching the snow or something and just kinda passed out, so...”

“I see,” his father replied, stroking Mikey’s head and taking off his soaked orange mask. “I should have known he would have gone to the water; he’s always been so afraid of subway cars,” he laughed a little sadly.

“It’s not your fault, dad, it’s–” Raph frowned as Leo ran in with the blanket.

“Found it, Master Splinter!” Leo called before handing it to their father all nice and folded.

“Thank you, Leonardo,” Splinter nodded in approval before unfolding it and draping it on the still-napping Mikey.

“Is there anything else I can do?” Leo asked in that eager way he always did.

“No, we do not want to overwhelm him or his body. We just want enough to wake him up at his own pace,” Splinter explained, and Leo nodded, taking a step back to join Raph.

A moment after that, Donnie emerged too with the practically steaming bag of dry rice, which Splinter thanked him too before placing it on his forehead.

“There. That should do it for now,” Splinter nodded to himself, stroking Mikey’s left arm a bit before finally allowing himself to sit on the couch next to him.

Nobody said anything for a while, most everyone’s eyes focused on Mikey except Raph, who kept watching his father. He was waiting to receive his scolding for running away and almost getting Mikey knocked out for months. However, the more he stared, the more it seemed like it wasn't going to happen, and after a couple minutes, Raph couldn’t take it anymore.

“Master Splinter, I’m real sorry I ran away, but I knew it was all my fault– I mean, you know how much I hurt him and his arm– so it was totally my fault! I had to make it right, and I knew that if I didn’t find him, you would, so I figured it really wouldn’t hurt! Plus, you told me I needed to apologize to him as soon as possible, so technically I wasn’t really disobeying you– but I know I really was, and–”

“Raphael,” Splinter cut off his rambles with a soft look. “I am not mad at you. If anything, I am relieved you found him because if it were not for you, I do not think his condition would be fixed so easily.”

“You don’t… know that, though,” Raph kicked the ground.

Donnie raised an eyebrow. “Of course he knows that. Hibernation takes several hours to fully take hold in a turtle, and if Master Splinter had spent all night looking for Mikey he would have certainly been too late and Mikey would spend the next several months practically asleep.”

“Donnie!” Leo punched his arm.

“What? It’s just science!” Donnie defended his rather blunt word choice.

“It’s alright, Leonardo, Donatello is correct,” Their father assured, looking again at Raph. “What you did was very risky, and not something I want to become a habit… but you did very well, Raphael.”

“Not really, Master Splinter. When we ran into a ton of cockroaches, I totally freaked out and dropped Mikey into the water,” Raph confessed and Donnie laughed a little, getting him a quick glare that shut him right up.

“Ahh, but don’t you see? When faced between your fears or bringing your brother to safety, you chose very bravely,” Splinter placed a hand on Raph’s shoulder.

“Thank you, sensei,” Raph bowed and Splinter chuckled and stroked the top of his head a little.

Right then there was a little cough, followed by a groan, followed by a– “Raph? Papa? What’s goin’ on?” from Mikey.

“You are back home, my son,” Splinter quickly turned his attention to his youngest, holding his hand. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired n’ warm,” Mikey yawned.

Splinter smiled a little. “Of course. It is rather late, after all, so the four of you should go to bed.”

“Aww man, but I just slept a bunch,” Mikey whined.

“You need to gather your strength, my son. Do not worry, I will carry you to bed this one time,” Splinter teased Mikey a little since he was always asking to be carried. It seemed to work since Mikey immediately stopped protesting, and he was whisked away.

“You had Master Splinter really worried, you know,” Leo spoke up.

Raph rolled his eyes. “You heard him, I did something right for once.”

“You know what I mean, Raph. If you wanted to find him yourself, you should’ve at least tried to tell him before you left,” Leo crossed his arms.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. If you ever get lost in the sewers, I won’t come looking for you,” Raph pushed Leo away and headed to his room, hearing Leo sigh dramatically and choosing to ignore it as the door slammed closed behind him.

His broken action figure was still on his bed, but instead of angering Raph, it just made him feel… disappointed. Sure, it was partly due to the fact he had been so excited about it just earlier today, but now it was more like he was disappointed how angry he’d gotten. It was just some cheap plastic with a broken voice box, after all. It wasn’t worth making Mikey run away and almost freeze himself into hibernation.

Besides, he’d definitely still play with it. Sure, he would now be missing an arm, but most everyone’s toys were broken in some capacity, so maybe now the other toys wouldn’t get jealous. Not that toys could get jealous, but– whatever. Raph was exhausted.

And so, Raph set his newly broken Aspara-Gus up on the shelf, alongside his much older broken red car, and flopped onto his bed to try and think about sleep.

.o0o.

Mikey was as snug as a bug in a rug after his father tucked him nice and tight into his bed, making him feel like the specialist and also the stupidest kid in the whole world.

“Papa… I’m sorry I ran away. I wasn’t thinkin’, which I know I do a lot,” he looked away as Splinter checked his temperature with a thermometer.

“Don’t worry, Michelangelo, I am just grateful you are alright,” Splinter smiled kinda sadly.

“Still… I didn’t wanna scare you, I just– I always mess up, a-and I really don’t mean to! I try to stop, I really do, Papa, but I just can’t,” Mikey confessed, face red with shame.

The thermometer beeped, but Splinter didn’t even look at it before setting it aside and removing the heat pack from his forehead.

“You are a good son and brother, Michelangelo. Your weaknesses do not erasure your kind smile or your cuddly disposition or your humor. We are all very grateful you are a part of this family, and everyone– including Raphael– missed you terribly in your absence,” Splinter stroked Mikey’s cheek with his thumb.

“I know, but I still break things and don’t listen and stuff, which is still bad of me,” Mikey looked away.

“But that does not make you bad, Michelangelo,” Splinter said with certainty. “Everyone in this sewer has flaws– even myself.”

“Even you?” Mikey gawked.

Splinter chuckled and nodded. “I am not always the most rational mind and can be swift to punishment, but that does not mean I am cruel and unjust. It just means I have something to be aware of and work on.”

“Oooh… cool,” Mikey smiled a little at the thought of him and his papa having something in common.

Splinter laughed more. “It is getting late, my son. Be sure to rest up.”

The rat was going to go, but Mikey grabbed his hand. “Do you have to goooooooooo?” He asked, putting on his best puppy dog eyes.

Splinter hummed happily and kissed his son’s head. “Maybe tomorrow night. I suspect someone else will want to talk to you tonight.”

“Who?” Mikey tilted his head.

“You’ll see,” Splinter patted his shoulder before turning out his light, causing Mikey’s glow-in-the-dark stars to shine. “Sweet dreams, Michelangelo.”

“G’night Papa!” Mikey gave a wide grin before Splinter nodded and closed the door.

Man, Mikey really was tired. But also not. He certainly wasn’t as tired as he’d felt by the stormwater drain, but all that swimming and walking and being all toasty definitely was doing a number on him.

However, before he could decide if he wanted to fall asleep or not, there was a knock at his door.

“Uh… come in?” Mikey said, unsure of who it could be, and startled when he saw it was Raph.

“Hi…” His older brother looked at the ground before he stepped in and closed the door behind him.

There was an awkward moment whether neither brother really knew what to say or how to say it. Instead, they both just looked around Mikey's disaster of a room, avoiding eye contact.

After a bit of this, Raph decided to break the silence with a, “I’m sorry I made you run away, Mikey. And for calling you a screw-up, and useless, and a punk, and a stupid, dumb idiot.”

Mikey laughed a little. “It’s okay, Raph. I already know I am.”

“No! You’re not useless! I said that just because I was mad,” Raph sat on Mikey’s bed urgently. “You’re like– the funniest brother and you give good hugs, which is nice when you want ‘em. That's totally useful!”

Mikey looked away. “You don’t gotta say that to me, Raph. I know I’m the weakest and the least patient and most distracted or whatever, I just gotta deal with it.”

“You know I’d save you if you ran away again, right? And that I– I don’t mean to always hurt you, right?” Raph asked, nervously picking at his nails.

“Aww, you big softie,” Mikey teased a little, and Raph rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, yeah– I’m apologizing here, so do you wanna accept it or not?” He scoffed.

“I’m sorry I broke your toy, Raph. It started making this really loud noise and I panicked,” Mikey explained himself first.

Raph scoffed a bit. “Figures something had to be wrong with it… but still, I shouldn’t have hurt you like that.”

“I shouldn’t’ve broken your toy and run away, so I accept your apology,” Mikey gave his brother a crooked smile. “You accept mine?”

Raph laughed a little. “Yeah, you big baby,” he punched his brother’s arm a little, making Mikey laugh.

“Thanks for saving my life too, by the way. I could kinda hear you and I know it was pretty scary, so… yeah, thanks. You aren’t as angry as you think you are,” Mikey placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder.

Raph seemed a little shook by this, but he eventually just chuckled and shook his head. “Wasn’t a hard decision. Without you, this place is a total dump.”

“Still. Thanks,” Mikey tried to get through his thick skull.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Raph tried to keep playing it off, shaking Mikey’s arm off of him. Raph started to go, but Mikey grabbed his hand on impulse.

“Uh… yeah?” Raph looked at him confused, and Mikey cursed himself a bit.

“Sorry–! I just– um…” Mikey let go and started fidgeting with his blanket. “I was just wondering if you’d wanna– you know… sleepover?”

His elder brother paused, clearly debating it, making Mikey instantly feel bad.

“You don’t have to, though! It was a stupid idea, I mean– we aren’t five anymore, so you can say n–”

“Sure, why not?” Raph shrugged all nonchalantly, and Mikey felt relief flood his body.

“Cool!” Mikey beamed, scooting aside to make room for his older brother, whom he immediately cuddled against the moment he was settled.

“Jeez, Mikey– you ever heard of personal space?” Raph quipped, but Mikey knew he didn’t mean it. If he had, he would’ve pushed him away or moved off the bed.

But nope, Raph stayed right next to Mikey for the entire night, and Mikey wouldn’t have had it any other way.

[hyperfixated-on-musicals]

I want to rant about my babygirl uwu 'he hasn't done anything wrong' cinnamon roll bisexual boy for a moment.

Just look at him.

He's my soft adorable little guy :3

*steals his jacket* It looks so cool!

He also has a dagger which is so bloody cool like gimme that I'm jealous! I wanna be Romeo.

Oh no...

I don't know whether I wanna be him or date him. The gender envy goes hard though.

I relate to Romeo a lot especially in this song. I just wanna live my life but other people keep trying to tell me what to do. So, you know what, I'm just gonna do things my way because living isn't forever.

Things Romeo and I have in common

Bi

No upper body strength

More of a lover than a fighter

Broken

Hated by a lot of people

Terrible family

A lot of feelings

Romeo: I have no upper body strength.

Me: Same, Romeo, same.

Romeo: I'm a mess...

Me: You're not a mess. You're a hot mess. You're still a little messy but at least you're hot!

Romeo: You think I'm hot?

Me: *realises what I just said* Uh... fuck, I mean... I WANT TO CUT YOU UP INTO LITTLE STARS!

Romeo: *stunned* Like with a knife?!

Me: I think it's supposed to be a metaphor but I have absolutely no clue what it means...

Romeo: Me neither. Wanna be friends? Everyone seems to hate me right now even though I came back from the dead.

Me: From the dead? That's super dope!

Romeo: You say that too?! That's my catchphrase!

Me: Really? Yeah, let's be friends. *smiles*

End scene

Self insert go brrr

[pixelatedraindrops]

So, with Yakou being the main caretaker when anyone/everyone else gets sick surely he has to get sick at some point too right (especially with how much he smokes) ? How cute would a "the ENTIRE NDA takes care of the chief while he's sick" be?

YEEEEEESSS IT’S SO WHOLESOME!! 🥰💕

Tbh You’re not the only one that has suggested this to me! I do think the idea is super cute! I just have a personal preference of what characters I prefer to whump or see as the sickie/whumpee and I rarely do it w older men.

But I think if Yakou was ill, naturally Yuma would be the first to find out. Then he’d go tell the rest of the detectives and they’d all do their part to care for him. (essentially hiwthi but its Yakou who’s ill this time lol)

Halara would (like in every single scenario I see of them as the caretaker) would go get the medicine as well as other necessities. I kinda head canon Halara as the type who prefers to get the more important stuff in a situation like this.

Desuhiko would try to find warm things in his disguise bag, such as a warm scarf or maybe a little shawl for him to wear. Then he’d write him a song to cheer him up.

Vivia would sit with him and talk to him, maybe read a book to him. I feel like they’d have a very meaningful conversation with each-other. Maybe he’d help cool his fever off too~ (I headcannon Vivia to be surprisingly good at caring for others, just not himself but I think that’s intentional given his catchphrase)

Yuma would probably try to make him a warm drink. Although Yuma cannot cook food, the game does hint at him being able to at least brew coffee (as told in many gumshoe gabs when he offers some to the detectives) and he’d likely try talking with him as well c:

And Fubuki would make and give him something warm to eat. Be it Soup, Porridge or Ramen c: She’d also talk to him, possibly about adventure stories as they always helped her feel better if she was ill.

Yakou couldn’t have bern more grateful to have such kind people watching over him. Although they’re all goofy troublemakers, they all have hearts of good inside.

Thats just what I can come up either way at the top of my head c: Thanks for the ask!!

[why485]

Heartcatch has gotten really good the past few episode. Some random notes:

Erika is so funny. She's super expressive, extremely straightforward, and always in peoples' business. I love her.

One of the things that sold me on Heartcatch was how cartoonish and animated it is, and oh boy does it live up to that.

Erika and her sister's relationship is so good. They're both so different from each other, and it creates a kinda sad tension between them because they both want what the other has.

That scene with Tsubomi's parents focusing on their careers over her, being raised by her grandmother because they're never home, and Tsubomi eventually reaching a breaking point from all this... that one really got me.

I don't like the heart seed animation. I don't know the what the animators were thinking.

I really love gags when they acknowledge the transformation animations or the formula in general, like Marine taking a few episodes to figure out a cool catchphrase.

Each episode usually deals with somebody's private problems and insecurities, and presents a way to deal with it. I like it a lot. It's more "real" than some of the other seasons I've seen.

Contrasting with the currently airing Wonderful, it's really nice to have the cool fights back.

So yeah, I'm all aboard on Heartcatch now. I thought the first 2 episodes were really strong, but then it had a string of just kinda okay episodes for a while. The last handful of episodes though, it feels like they're really hitting their stride and have been doing what this show does best.

Next episode is finally going to be about the awesome looking Dark Cure (?) from the opening and I'm actually really excited about that.

[turtlesundaes]

MARCH FOR RAPH DAYS TEN, ELEVEN AND TWELVE !!!!

Completely copied and pasted from my notes so you guys can have some cringe ramblings :>

———

SO… WE ALL REMEMBER MARCH FOR RAPH…

And I sort of got grounded…ish..

So instead of actually doing the prompts like we’d normally do- (drawing, writing, etc.) -we will rant about the topic instead because depression sucks but I still really want to do this !!! :>

I will be letting my mind wander so I will probably get off topic but I try my best.

Also some of these might become actual fanfics (???)

And it will all be posted within the same five minutes because why not.

DAY 10. Bowling with Casey

I did start drawing this one and it was gonna b a bunch of Raph and Cassandra doodles bc I had done Casey jr. for day six but generally they would be SO chaotic.

I totally see Raph having to explain what bowling even is to Cass at first (bc yk I don’t see her knowing much bc of being in the foot clan that is literally just a cult with ninja skills- I do see her knowing hockey tho from her childhood bc I don’t think she was born into the cult but just been in it from a super young age like six or something? yk what I mean??) but once she gets it she will absolutely demolish!!!

Like as in the bowling ball won’t even touch the floor because she throws it just perfectly.

When I think of Raph bowling I instantly think of him using baby rails and it TAKES ME. But I do think he would be decent at it, not the best in the family but also not the worst. (no baby rails required)

They would be super loud the whole time though, like, 100% would be kicked out b4 they finish the game so every turn matters bc they go off whatever score they had before getting kicked out.

They would yell a bunch of catchphrases and trash talk basically but Cass probably would curse very loudly out of habit and that’s like, the main reason for them getting kicked out.

Raph wouldn’t mind the getting kicked out part (cause I totally see them doing this on the regular so he’s used to it) but the cursing will be only a slight annoyance. (Just cause of how LOUD Cass would be not anything against the girl honestly he just gets embarrassed)

I see Raph using curse words but ONLY when he’s alone with Cass just cause it feels normal with her but even then it’s still a rarity.

They would totally travel from place to place after getting kicked out though, then tally the points from every place and loser hosts the next outing.

DAY 11. Favorite novel

In cannon his favorite novel is obviously Jupiter Jim or something but I’ve seen so many people saying Percy Jackson and I find that hilarious.

I never read much Percy Jackson (my brother is trying very hard to get me to and I probably will… soon enough-) I did read the first book, the sun and the star, saw some of the movie aaaaand I think like two episodes of the new series ???

But as we know the guys LOVE sci-fi so the whole gist of Percy Jackson isn’t too far off from Raph’s liking me thinks.

But personally I think Raph would ADORE the Wings of Fire series (if we’re gonna get all projecting here, as per usual /pos)

Like think about it !!! Cool mystical creatures, mystery, cool diverse magic AND THE LORE ?!?!?! Also the fact that’s theirs like sixteen books (???) not Including the many spin-offs and side stories- (I have no idea what the average number is for a large series so that’s a lot for me :^) oh! And the graphic novels!!

He would so relate to Clay and think his fireproof scales are so cool. I see so many similarities. He would match his brothers with the MC’s (Mikey with Sunny, Donnie with Starflight, Leo with Tsunami) ((I am so not saying this bc I’ve done it myself-)) GOSH HE WOULD TOTALLY MAKE FAN FICTION AND HAVE LITTLE NOTEBOOKS DEDICATED TO HIS HEADCANNONS AAAAAAAAAAHHH !!!1!!1!1!!!111!

In conclusion he would be a huge geek about it all (he would rope Mikey in bc YALL-) and Mikey would make them cool cardboard wings. The end :]

DAY 12. Stir Crazy

I realllllllllyyyyyyy wanted to draw this one with Mikey and Raph in the kitchen but alas.. 😔

But yes Raph can coooook!!! 🔥🔥🔥

Not actually though. What I see in my very good vision is Raph helping Mikey out in the kitchen. Specifically, stirring.

I’d think that after the invasion Raphs motor skills in general would need improvement. This is not based on anything actually scientific I just have a ✨feeling✨ that after his whole kraang-ified ordeal he would have trouble with knowing he was in control (as most have headcannoned yes, but I like to think of mine as slightly different :p) his arm and eye and insert other places he was kraang-ified that I don’t remember here, would be significantly impacted from this worse than his not kraang infected side.

Like he would have a lazy eye, his arm would twitch/spasm and/or that whole side of his body would get pins and needles or just go numb at times.

But even then it would take a long and I mean LONG time for him to even get to that point. Before that it’s going to be even worse, like, being temporarily paralyzed and/or he would have to learn how to move that side of his body all over again.

This gives us Leo and Raph learning to move again bonding, your welcome.

But I’m not that evil to actually make him forever paralyzed, even if it was just the arm. (I’m too much of a wuss 😔)

The other side of his body would also take time to move again but that’s like a few hours compared to the months of work Raphs gonna have to put into his other side.

I don’t care that he bounces back immediately in the movie that is going to be labeled adrenaline. Also that one scene where Mikey and Donnie get thrown and Leo’s all like “go for them!! 🥺” and Raph falls on his side for a second and his arm is limp before running to them.

That split second scene is basically the whole reason why this headcannon exists.

BUT BACK TO THE PROMPT !!! :D

During healing Raph would do motor skill practice with Mikey aka baking cause Raph loves to lick the batter of the spoon when their done and stirring helps his arm. He would also flip pancakes maybe but I don’t see him doing anything like measurements cause it’s Mikey’s whole thing to cook but he helps keep the place clean :]

———

Anywizle, my apologies for missing a few days and coming back with a messy rant- but it was fun so who cares!

So buh-bye! Have a good night and/or day! It may be possibly impossible but possibly I will see you tomorrow!

:>

[berrypass-de-murdler]

2 - 30 A^2 + B^2 = Murder!

What is this title 😭

Random irratino angst to transition to a hilariously bad episode-

DON'T READ THE EPISODES WITHOUT READING THE BOOKS!!

It’s Irratino’s LEAST favorite time - convention time!! 

LOGICO: Time for YOU to learn some REAL maths! IRRATINO: NOOOOOO

It’s difficult, but Logico manages to drag him there. Principal Applegreen is there, which sort of makes sense, but Brownstone and Aureolin are also there, which makes less sense. It’s a long, droning presentation, as one could guess. Logico points and giggles with excitement at the new mathematical developments, while Irratino is stuck melting away in his chair, praying for it to end. He finally gets a moment to breathe during intermission.

IRRATINO: I can’t believe this. All of that felt like sand going directly into my brain, and it’s only HALF OVER? LOGICO: I found that first segment INTRIGUING. It’s incredible how everything can be so precise!

After a quick eat, they head back. The presenter is… alive? JUST kidding they’re super dead.

LOGICO: OHHHH!!! >:( IRRATINO: YAYYYY

Real profesh, Tino. It turns out the three suspects are also the only other people who joined the convention, unsurprising. 

PRINCIPAL: Great. Now I’m being accused of murder by my WORST STUDENT. LOGICO: You weren’t my teacher! PRINCIPAL: Not everything is about you, Deductive.  AUREOLIN: This motherfucker really kicked me out of school. I’m literally only a magician because of him! PRINCIPAL: See? So disrespectful, yet you owe me so much. AUREOLIN: DO YOU THINK THIS IS WHAT I WANTED TO DO WITH MY LIFE

This is escalating so fast! Brownstone takes a break from the fighting to try to solve a riddle on the wall. Logico ignores everything, but then does a double take and runs over.

LOGICO: What the fuck? You’re supposed to be dead! BROWNSTONE: Cool, thanks. LOGICO: I MEANT YOU WERE DEAD!!! BROWNSTONE: Uh… no. LOGICO: You died, and your twin brother became Manservant Brownstone. Am I wrong?? BROWNSTONE: Yea. I’m not dead. LOGICO: WHAT IS HAPPENING

While Logico does… that, Irratino takes statements.

BROWNSTONE: Amazing Aureolin was in the bathroom. PRINCIPAL: ‘Amazing’ Aureolin brought a protractor. AUREOLIN: GET OFF MY BACK!!!

She yeets her drawing compass and it sticks into the wall. That exposed the Principal’s lie pretty quickly!

PRINCIPAL: There is no proof she didn’t ALSO bring a protractor. Ever thought of someone carrying two items?

My god he’s obnoxious. Logico has to debate with him, while Irratino approaches Aureolin. 

AUREOLIN: Go away… IRRATINO: I’m not here to be an ass.

He sits down next to her.

AUREOLIN: I don’t even care about maths… I only came here to show up that dumb Principal. He’s the reason I couldn’t graduate. IRRATINO: Do you like doing magic? AUREOLIN: I mean… yeah, it’s grown on me. But I don’t feel like I’m making a difference to anyone. IRRATINO: Well… could I see a trick?

Auree reluctantly pulls the compass out of the wall. She delicately balances it on her hand, and slaps the top of it! Irratino winces as it looks like it jabs straight through her hand. But she’s unharmed. Irratino claps, and Bunni does a small smile.

Looks like Logico won the debate. Principal Applegreen runs over to a 3D printer and tries to print out a knife, but some humans pop up and drag the man away! He’s so stressed, his single blond hair tuft falls clean off, and could easily be mistaken for a dead rodent on the floor. But no one’s gonna touch that.

PRINCIPAL: This whole convention gets an F-plus, from MEEEEEE- LOGICO: A, you used that same dumbass catchphrase before. B, if you really MEANT it, it would just be an F! An F-plus is a BETTER grade! IRRATINO: And C, that’s another murder in our book! [laughs] What a dumb teacher. LOGICO: So I never got an explanation about Brownstone. IRRATINO: What Brownstone?

Brownstone is gone! Logico wonders if this has to do with the Iron Tsar. He smacks himself. Drakonia is in the past! And hopefully, so is this episode…

The end!

I had a dream that because they were working on a Star Wars horror movie together, Tangerine was revealed to be Eminence's kid.

Ultimately decided will not be canon

God I'm tired. Hopefully next episode is better than this.

The power of Goat Lord compels you!

See you next time murdlers!