Unpause Rise Of The Tmnt - Blog Posts

"days pull you down just like a sinking ship floating is getting harder but tread the water, child, and know that meanwhile rises the moon"

i havent seen anyone talk about the absolutely massive krang mechs in the prison dimension and personally i think we should. they're neat. maybe a little concerning. i couldn't really draw one to scale without taking the focus off of leo in this piece but they're still cool nonetheless <3

Hunter

pspsps @pvtpunsart I have something for ju…

OG beautiful art belongs to @pvtpunsart

Song: Saint Mesa’s “Wolf”

Edit done on CapCut

Rating: Cookies and Cream (16+ please)

Howdy Friends! I updated my "A Little Ninja's Mission" story a wee bit and put it on Archive of our own. Here's the link if you wanna check it out.

Ok so opening tumblr is a gamble because I wasn’t expecting to be SHOT in the feelings first thing in the morning!

Some Sunset Duo hurt/comfort (emphasis on the comfort) <3

Youngest siblings sometimes get unfairly stereotyped as the "spoiled/bratty/annoying little sibling", and I imagine Mikey internalizes this at some point. Part of Mikey's fight for independence is rooted in fear that he's a burden to his brothers, assumption that Raph only cares for him out of obligation, and desire to relieve Raph of some of his "big bro" responsibilities. While Raph did grow up believing he had a crushing amount of obligation as the oldest bro, he loved brotherly physical affection and was hurt when Mikey requested to stop being carried/held/cuddled/etc. The topic comes up during a conversation when they're in their 20s (after Raph starts learning about healthy detachment, which helps him set boundaries and allow others to help/take care of him, too), and the honest conversation helps relieve both of their concerns.

Just a lil headcanon :)

sir…SiR…SIR

Donnie has NO right to look that good in that suit, he’s fabulous your honor n it’s maddening

I figured why this song finally fits, it’s because Donnie can really put the “Disaster” in Disaster Duo 😆🙌🏼💜

Also…eyebrows and dramatic noises to boot

Hewoo Friendo!

Sorry to randomly drop in, but I was listening to a playlist today and the song “We are Number One” from LazyTown of all things came on, and I just stopped and stared at the wall for a moment because I realized that THAT was what your art sounds like to me, specifically your Donnie. I know that sounds so so so weird and I’m sorry for how random it is, but the synesthesia was very persistent and thought you’d be interested in knowing about it. AnYwHizZlE, I hope you know how much I absolutely cherish your art, like it makes me silly grin every time I see it and I desperately want to squish your version of the boys in bear hugs till their eyes bug out like dog toys because they are just so scrunchable you know? You’re art is cool, you are cool and you seem the type of person who I would make the sickest bestie and so I sincerely wish you the best of luck and respectable love to you and your corner of the world today! 🧡🫡

Honestly? A huge compliment; that song is a banger. Here's a DONNIE ROTTEN!!!

I'm happy my art can bring you joy! When I was in high school, I wanted nothing more than to be a serious artist who only made serious top of the line drawings, because that's what I thought I had to progress to if I really liked art, and that really killed my passion to just create what I liked.

I like shenanigans! I love fun, silly drawings with big energy and loud characters, I love colors and shapes and making people laugh!

Thank you for enjoying what I create! I hope you find a mote of sunshine to keep in your pocket today.

Here's the song if anyone is unfortunate enough to have never heard it (or you just want to indulge in some Whimsy)

Hewoo! 👋🏼

I hope you had the most fantastic Christmas this year because I know I did after reading your adorable little one shot about toddler Leo. Most wholesome 🤌🏼✨

And I was wondering if you had any additional thoughts or possible headcannons to add about if Y/N happened to turn into a toddler for a day and how the turtles react? 👀👀👀

No worries if you don’t, just thought I’d ask cuz you got me thinking! Thank you again!

This is super rough, but I think it needs to be. There was a lot more that was supposed to happen, but when I got to the nitty gritty of it, some of it just got taken out. I hope this is to your liking, anon.

Rated M, Rise Leo, post Krang invasion WARNING: Panic Attacks, mention of mental and emotional abuse

When Leon hears the shout, he's already rushing down the corridor. By the time he hears his name, the lab door is opening, and he's making his way to the back. But no matter how fast he runs, no matter how quickly he tries, there is no making it in time. There is no help or fix because when he gets there, he can only notice his brother unsure of how to approach the child on the floor of his chemistry lab. He can only watch and half-hear Donnie swear to oblivion as he tries to figure out how they got here… and what to do.

"I thought you agreed not to store anything this volatile near the sink?"

"Gasp! You had to drink it for it to have any effect!"

"Her skin isn't as tough as ours!"

"I wasn't aware that the keratin levels would change things this greatly!"

Only to realize by the whimper he hears next that he fucked up.

It's so small. It's so goddamn tiny. He knows you to be soft-spoken at best, quiet at worst, but he — he can't have this argument with his brother, not now.

He carefully, deliberately approaches the bundle of clothes you're in. He watches you shift within, trying to hide in plain sight as he asks Donnie to get you some clothes.

"Estrella? Mi…" he starts only to trail off, realizing he can't, that it's inappropriate.

You're a child. You're a kid. You might be the love of his life, but you're no longer…

"Sweetheart?" he tries, hoping that you come out.

You don't. If anything, you flatten to the ground, almost disappearing in that pretty dress of yours. He can only watch you curl into a ball and flinch as he moves your shoes aside to sit in front of the mess. He hopes to coax you with the gentle, kind tone he knows you usually respond to, if only with a little hesitance, but his heart breaks when you whine and back away from his hand. And he's not sure how to deal with the way his brothers stampede in to help, and only Mikey, Mikey gets a positive response.

-xxx-

Donnie promises a fix and locks himself in his lab. He watches his older brother try to interact with you only to realize that it's taking everything out of you to stay put and not cry. And he has to watch you being held by his baby brother, who keeps telling you story after story.

According to what his genius twin figured out, you should be around four or five. You should be able to talk, hold a conversation. It's why Mikey keeps talking to you, keeps telling you stories. He's trying to get a reaction, something out of you. You're not giving him anything back, though. You might as well be mute. And it worries Leo. It scares him. It makes him wonder if you lied about your time with your aunt or if he severely underestimated the damage that was left behind.

He wants to say neither. He's scared it's both, certainly when he can look up from his phone and find your gaze straight on him.

That's another thing. You have not stopped staring. He's not allowed to touch you or be alone with you, but you refuse to let him out of your sight. Each time he tries to leave, you fuss. Hell, one of your most recent attempts led to you nearly hurting yourself since you'd tried to leave the counter, forcing him into action and getting the beginnings of an answer he wishes he didn't have.

Your eyes filled with tears. You looked at him in fear, absolute panic, before you struggled, and he let you go. Leo attempted to make his exit then, seeing that you weren't going to be running around for who knows how long in their ratty old clothes. However, the second he moved, you held on. You clung to his legs and hid your face in his jeans. That was when he knew he couldn't leave you, even if it somehow hurt you.

He hates it. If there's one thing he's been priding himself on, it's the fact that he's been your shield, your shell throughout the entire time he's been with you. He strives to keep you safe, keep you secure in their dangerous world. And yet now… he's become the biggest source of pain, of anguish, and he doesn't know why.

If only you would talk. If only you would say something. He would stop hurting you, eliminate whatever it is of him that hurts you. But removing himself gets you upset, touching you makes you cry, and you won't talk.

Maybe he's blowing this out of proportion. Maybe he's seeing things that don't exist. Maybe he just needs to concentrate on what must happen and leave everything behind.

-xxx-

Leon enlists Casey's help to take you to the store since Mikey can't come along to buy you clothes. He's grateful for the young man's arrival, even if it pains him to watch you hold the latter's hand instead of his own. And he can't help the smile as you all walk in, and curiosity immediately lights your eyes.

He knows this. He recognizes this. He might even say that he'd hoped for this. He remembers your face as you looked through his things, and he's glad to find it well and alive in you, even if you're still behaving extremely well. It even tempts him to speak in hopes that he gets an answer.

"See something you like?"

However, when all he gets is hesitation, he immediately remembers what exactly happened and what might just happen now. Worry sprouts at the forefront of his mind as you refuse to move and even cling to Casey, although you let him go the second he starts agreeing with Leo. And it blooms to annoyance, almost anger when no amount of coaxing, no amount of gentleness gets you to grab anything to wear for yourself.

Is this how they treated you? Did you not get to choose, or were your choices criticized before they were ripped out from under you, and you were told it wasn't okay? Are you doubting your own choices because of it, or letting them choose? Does it matter? Do you even — NO. No. He can't just… but how? How can he make this better? He's not an expert when it comes to children. He doesn't understand any of this.

But he can try, can't he?

He looks at a distressed, unsure Casey, who seems ready to rush into the aisles just to get something. He watches you, stiff and near tears, probably just as frustrated as he is.

"Hey," he voices and sees you turn to him. "Are we doing something wrong?"

And he can't help but smile as you vigorously shake your head, the water in your eyes fading with a few blinks. You might take a step back as he sets a knee down in front of you, but he still smiles, hoping that this… is the start of something.

"Well, in that case, I want you to know that we're letting you choose because we don't know how long this is gonna last, and we don't want you running around in just those clothes, certainly when they might cause you trouble. So… can you help us find clothes for you? Stuff you either need or want to wear?"

It feels like it is when you hesitantly reach for his open hand only to change your mind and head for Casey's the second your fingertips brush his palm. It almost feels like a win when you start bringing them into the aisles, not quite heading for the clothes but heading for something far more important as you point to two bags he picks up only to smile at the content as you look for another bag. Underwear. He puts them in the cart before welcoming the socks with a chuckle and moving on to shoes.

The step back you take worries him a little, but Leo can only breathe as Casey takes over. Since he's closer, he can see you hesitate over the ones that tempt you, and he gets you to try them on. The little scowl when they feel uncomfortable makes Leon snort, but nothing equals the moment when you find your shoes. While there's no real smile on your face, the way you tap along the floor and even spare him a glance tells him everything he needs to know. The little pair ends up in the cart before you all move back to the clothes.

This time, even though you still hesitate, when Casey pulls you into the racks, you follow and you look. Your gaze is everywhere, and your hands touch everything. Case even tries a few times to give you options he thinks you might like, and while Leo worries when you look at the price tag, the thing that makes him realize that this might not be about the price is when you touch the fabric and your face scrunches. You're definitely looking for something specific, and nothing tells him that more than when you stop.

You hesitate before pulling it off the rack. He holds his breath as he watches you trying to decide whether to approach him or not. You eventually do as he swallows, eyes darting around. It's not the most expensive thing, but it's not the cheapest. The garment, the dress, is adorable and reminds him of the clothes you made for yourself. There's… just one problem.

It's white. That white won't last long in the Lair. However, as he's looking around and asking questions, he's realizing there's nothing else like it in the store. There's a reason why you zeroed in on this dress, and he doesn't have it in him to tell you no, not with the courage it took you to even look.

However…

"Considering how long white would last in the Lair, you against modifying it so it lasts longer?"

He blinks and immediately brings up a hand when you jump before giving a small glare at Casey, who looks sufficiently cowed but still insists, earning him a look he's almost too familiar with.

"Grab a few more and then lead the way," is the only reasonable answer and he knows it, just like he knows he'll never forget that smile.

-xxx-

Your laughter is an explosion. It brings a smile to Leo's face and a chuckle to his throat. Your squeals make him lightheaded and joyful, certainly when it's accompanied by both his youngest and oldest brothers' laughter as your face gets streaks of paint on it. After watching you reconcile and try with Raph with a piece of ribbon you've put around one of his teddy bears' neck, it's been nothing short of amazing. It's to the point that Leo has caught himself multiple times with his phone out, recording the moments and wondering what you'd think, if you'd enjoy looking back on this as much as he would.

Because this is the most lively he ever remembers you being. Through all the tickle and pillow fights, he doesn't remember you squealing or your voice carrying so far, even his softshell brother can only wander down in wonder. This is you in your purest form. With the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.

He expects you to crash. You don't. Instead, he gets to watch you dawdle around as dread seemingly sinks into you, and he's reminded of something… highly uncomfortable when your eyes meet and you stop for a moment, gaze almost pleading.

This is not a single fight. This is a war. And the next tide… is tonight.

It takes a moment, but he manages to wrestle you away from his youngest brother. He then has to wrestle with you so that you can have the bed while he settles into a recliner you usually use when you're having a migraine and need to relax. And, when he notices you stay awake for longer than you should, he suggests a tale. One he weaves himself with memories and a bit of imagination until you fall asleep when you nod and your eyes slowly drift close.

One more wave broken before it batters your shore. He hopes he has the energy in him to keep it up.

-xxx-

The dresses that await you in the morning immediately cheer you up. Your enthusiasm as you put on the one you all tie-dyed makes him chuckle as you rush upstairs to show it off to Mikey, who coos and makes you twirl a few times to show it off. And he can't help the half-smile as you insist on helping with breakfast, even if the best you can do is get everyone their drink of choice.

… You're cute. Your smile is the most adorable thing he's ever seen. He wonders if you were ever told, if you were ever –

His eyes widen as you trip. He sees your own do the same before you hit the floor with a crash. He tries not to flinch when the carafe that was once in your hands shatters. But he can only watch you pale and your eyes mist over before you look at both of them in expectation… and terror.

… No…

He moves. One second, he's seated at the island, the next, he's holding you against his chest. He feels you struggle, beat your tiny fists against the hard keratin, but all he can do is look at Mikey who only nods before he leaves with you in his arms. He can only hold you close as he zips his way to the med bay to check for any injuries. And he can only walk his way back to his room when he finds nothing, and your reaction starts changing.

Quiet little sounds climb and climb until it's all he can hear. Tiny fists that beat on his plastron now cling to the robe he puts on all while holding you close. And it's hard not to notice, not feel the damp spot that immediately forms as you sob, near wail through years, nearly a decade of pain that you struggled with.

Now, he gets it. Now, he understands. He wishes he didn't, but he does.

"Leo?"

He lifts his head. He can barely see his oldest brother through the mess that is his vision, but he tries as the latter approaches. And he can only chirp gratefully as he's lifted from the bed into Raph's arms while he tightly holds onto you, trying to soothe you as best he can. He doesn't need to see where he's going, his brother has that covered, he just — he just…

The settling in the TV room feels all too soon and all too late as you hiccup in his arms. He only shifts towards his brother, though, while the latter calls for the rest of the family. Just like he can only breathe when you slowly settle into uneasy sleep and he thanks his brothers for helping.

The tsunami might have hit, but they're not letting you get taken by the wave.

-xxx-

It's not a simple wave. It's a storm. It's a hurricane of incredible proportions that shakes you to the core. And he hates it. He hates it. Not because he wants to stop it, but because it's there in the first place.

From the day Leo first met you, his biggest fear has been ruining you. That he would somehow, some way, destroy the light that he could see within you just by being himself. That fear nearly ate him alive as he concentrated on a light he thought he could only admire, never understand.

Yet now, he does, and he realizes something that makes him bleed.

He could never ruin you.

… No, he could. He could hurt you beyond repair. They all could. The fact that this was caused by your own family is proof that anyone could take what you'd built and destroy it. But he couldn't get himself to. He would never go that far. No one in his family would. Because to snuff out the light… was to destroy the one who gave birth to it.

And he loves you too much to even think he could do that. He loves you so much that he soothes you every night with a story. That he keeps close and, the second you ask for him, he's there, holding you tight and letting you cry. That, by the end of the week and Donnie finally finds a remedy for you, he knows exactly what to do.

He smiles as you come out. He lets you distract yourself with work and conversation that you smile during with that ever soft, recognizable smile. He lets you help, be the tool you think you are. It's only at nightfall, after patrol and telling his brothers what might just happen, that he acts, and it starts with him finding you in their bed and joining you in a way he knows is going to get a response as long as you're awake.

"I'm sorry, Leon. Not tonight."

"I know."

Because he needs you to be for the next step.

"Then what –?"

"You're safe."

He schools his mouth as he feels you freeze.

"… Wha –?"

"You're safe here."

He keeps you in place as you try to shift.

"Leo, what –?"

"You're safe."

"Leo –"

"You're safe with me. With us. We'll always keep you safe. Your future is in my hands, and I'll make sure it's as bright as I can manage. And if your past tries to find you, I will personally take care of it. So you're safe. You're so incredibly safe. I've got you, mi estrella hermosa. Te tengo, amor de mi vida."

"Leo… Leo, don't…"

And something finally, finally clicks into place as he smiles at your trembling tone, delivering the same answer you still barrage him with.

"No."

He lets you shift. He welcomes your face burying itself in the hard keratin of his chest and the quiet sobs. He even welcomes his own tears and his oldest brother lifting both of you out of bed and into the TV Room for a pile up, having waited for his cue.

Because Leo gets it. He finally gets it. And while he can't erase the past, he can make sure it never happens again.

You are his friend. You are his love. You are his mate. You are family. And you will never be alone ever again.

taglist:

@silverwatergalaxy @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @thelaundrybitch @luckycharms1701 @thepinkpanther83

@avery73 @the-cauldron-witch @redsrooftopprincess @iridescentflamingo @ninnosaurus

@milykins @yorshie @justalotoffanfiction @truffle-reblogs @adebauchedsloth

@raphsmuneca @theanonymousninja247

…

Yo También 💙

I love his big chin...

I can’t not tell you the amount of absolute childish glee I get from watching this video 😆

the playlist of songs to which WE may jammy-jam (this is a threat and a promise)

Temi the Speed Boat

@mrabubu I’m so sorry but I couldn’t help it 🤣

Original Comic found here! 🎵Song: Free Bird TOTEM Remix 🎵

by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Baby Temi

PST @mrabubu I have a little something for ju…

First off I just wanted to say that I absolutely A D O R E your Kraangified AU! Like it makes me smile every time I see it. It’s the most darling storyline I’ve had the privilege of reading and watching you develop. Since I adore it so, now it follows me to some degree every where I go. As such, this was sent into my family chat (it’s my niece at the beach) and all I could imagine was baby Temi waddling around like this because of her shell. Hope it makes you laugh just as much as I did🧡

oh to be small enough to be cuddled and cradled like this 🥺🧡❤️🫂

A little G/t Sunset Duo I drew to decompress from school <3 They're watching a movie and Mikey is stimming with Raph's tail :)

On another note, I've closed asks because of my busy IRL schedule, but my DMs are still open for art commissions.

Fanart

Just going through my sketchbook + found my very FIRST fanart of ROTTMNT back in 2020. It's fun to see what’s stayed the same (my love for word play) and what’s changed all these years. Here’s to reminiscing the good ole days.

Jayus’ Jammie Jams

Hewooo folks! Had this song pop up on my shuffle today and I couldn’t help but just imagine this would fit for ROTTMNT Mikey 🤔🧡

Like mans got a LOT love to give just generally and is practically diagnosed with ADHD in every iteration. But could you imagine how intense being the sole focus, dare I say hyperfixation, of one such turtle? He lives to love and to love YOU would give him life. Wrapped up and interwoven in every thought and every action through and through.

“You got me in chains, you got me in chains for your love But, I wouldn't change, no I wouldn't change this love.”

*holds this in my arms oh so very gently*

CW: Depression, beginning of panic

B-Team hurt/comfort (the pages I've finished so far, anyway) </3

Mikey is struggling with depression, and the refusal of physical comfort isn't helping. He tries to keep his depressive episode a secret, but it suddenly dawns on Donnie when he goes to check on the littlest bro (which results in Donnie feeling both incredibly worried and guilty).

Ofc this is fiction, but I do wanna point out that IRL the best response to mental health issues is to remain calm and patient, and to not panic (panic/stress is understandable, but often counterproductive).

Jayus’ Jammie Jams

Hcuehdhsixbhcuwbfhwkdbfjek *sounds of incomprehensible vibing fangirl* The lyrics, just like THE turtle, speak for its SELF, and honey I am ✨Viiiiiiiibing✨

*dramatic snap* Listen to it, darling 😎😘✌🏼🩵

THIS

Papa Leo is my most favourite thing in the world

Being by the ocean today has got me feeling some kind of way. Kinda feeling these vibes 🌊

Pretty Random Turtle Thunks: Sway

Rating: Cookies and Cream (16+ plz and thank you)

Do you ever think about Leo and how he’s the king of Insomnia?

He knows a little something about what it’s like to be haunted. To have your bones ache with the ghosts of weary exhaustion; a feeling that unfortunately more often than not makes one feel more dead than alive.

He understands the drag of having to pry your eyes open for just another day, plaster on a smile that stopped feeling real years ago and then attempt to go at it with only half energy in your cup.

Leo understands the rolling around feelings of restlessness, like the waves of a dyspeptic ocean, never settling.

Never still enough to ever find peace.

So can you imagine when Leo finds out one way or another (as he so often does, clever turtle that he is) that somehow you are plagued with a similar state of mind?

It may be for various reasons: work, family, life, responsibilities etc etc and despite the variety of it all, he probably would get it more than most. For despite all the differences, there is a startling amount of connection, a unique relateablilty if you will, between the two of you, that unconsciously draws him close. It’s because of this connection that his heart just… sinks. Leo may very well be a swashbuckling charismatic pirate for all these years he’s learned to travail against his insomnia seas. But you…

You are no such experienced sailor.

The waters of sleep are relentless in their cruelty in their attempt to escape you. And ever in lucks favor, and that being none at all, you are found hopelessly drifting, never to find your own serenity amongst the ever agitated waves.

Perhaps it is that fabled connection that draws Leo close to you tonight, or the fact that you were starting to look like a pale, drawn out tired sail, more than Leo ever cared to see.

He had seen enough ghosts in his own mirrored reflections. Your eyes did not need the weight of such horrors. They were last place he ever wanted to see haunted.

So with actions trickling from his own well of compassion, Leo wordlessly sweeps you up into the cradle of his arms, even despite your indignant squawk something reminiscent of a seagull’s cry. Not that he minds or even will admit to ever listening to you as he begins to rock you.

Back and forth. Back and forth. Back. And. Forth.

Despite all his bravado, Leo never truly believed he was ever worthy of the title of hero. He would fight everything and everyone, including himself, to prove it to the world, to prove it to you, if he could.

And yet…there was something empowering about the feeling of you in his hold.

The way your eyelashes fluttered slowly shut, the hitches of your breath steadied and the planes of your face smoothed. Leo didn’t feel the need to take on the world, not anymore, not when his whole entire world was now here resting in the security of his arms. And so, much like a boat resting in the embrace of the calmest waves, Leo rocks you in the simplest of sways, humming the softest of tunes as he holds you close against his plastron. Silently praying that the beat of his heart would be the siren’s call that would set the rhythm for which you could finally fall asleep. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back. And. Forth.

…

Do you ever think about Leo and how he’s the king of Insomnia?

-stares at you suspiciously-

Hmm…

…

-approval-

Yes, hi, hello, greeting, salutations! You seem like a nice person. Nice persons are good.

Yes.

Hmm. Must double check.

What does Jazz think?

…

Jazz?

Oh, there he is-

…

Yes, Jazz agrees. Good person.

-pat pat-

Excellent.

Thou hast prevailed through the checking of goodness.

Well done.

We shall be taking our leave now.

-dramatic cape swoosh-

*tilts head curiously at a 45 degree angle*

*blinks again rapidly as I receive headpats with a slow growing crooked grin*

Affection? For me? Oh happy day!

Howdy Friendo and welcome to my crazy little corner of tumblr! Thank you so much for dropping by and for the added smile! I don't get many visitors in my inbox, so it is always a treat Don't be a stranger and know you are appreciated!

ITS A BABEH!!!!

Toddler Leo (One-Shot request)

I can't remember how exactly this came about anymore, but it's here. I would like to give special thanks to @thelaundrybitch for coming up with the idea and then letting me write it. Beware the diabetes.

One-shot, pure fluff, Rise Leo, set in main timeline (AU?)

You're not sure what to think about when you get the messages. You're even less certain when you call after work and the only thing you get is, "Please get down here right this second" and nothing else. However, the thing that worries you the most isn't the fact that Donatello seems to be ordering you around or the fact that your best friend seems to be panicking. That seems par for the course for the Hamatos. No, what worries you is the lack of messages from a certain someone that makes your heart squeeze.

He's gotten good with his timing. Incredible, in fact. He never asked, but nowadays, it feels like the second you get up for lunch at work, there's a message waiting for you. He bugs you with everything and anything, from memes to heartfelt messages that always manage to make you smile, even giggle sometimes. But there was nothing today. Not even the start of the conversation you have to sadly shoot down because someone thought it was a good idea to occupy your lunch with a meeting.

So, it's with a heavy heart and worry on your mind that you step into the lobby of the Lair.

"LEO! DON'T RUN!"

Only to blink as you hear Raph shout, you barely catch a blue streak zip up the stairs, and you flinch as a weight hits your legs, making you look down.

… Is that…? There's — There's no goddamn way.

You watch as the snapping turtle makes it up the stairs only to sigh when he sees you. He, thankfully, doesn't hesitate to approach you, just holds up his hand in greeting, which you return before watching the hulking man sit and make himself as small as possible before speaking in a tone that can only make you smile.

"Leo, you need to let go."

"No!"

"Leo –"

"NO!"

Although… you can't help but blink at the name and the voice you're hearing.

"Leon?"

And the fact that the blue-covered head finally moves to let you see lime green and red…

"Eya."

…

Oh dear god.

You watch as Leo unglues himself from your leg and brings his arms up. You look at Raph in confusion.

“What happened?”

“Donnie. He’s working on a solution.”

“Is this linked to the Empyrean?”

And the snapping turtle’s acquiescence gets cut off by quiet hiccups, making you look down and feel your heart almost shatter.

His eyes are watery. Leo is trying so very hard not to cry but he wants up. And you can’t…

You kneel and open your arms. The intelligent boy picks up on it immediately and, after a blink, rushes into your arms and settles his head into the crook of your neck as you lift his surprising heavy body off the ground.

“It’s the shell,” Raph explains and you believe it. He’s not particularly pudgy although he seems well-fed, but the weight doesn’t match.

Although, considering how fast he settles down in your arms, you’re not sure you mind. No, you don’t mind at all when you feel a tiny rumble against yourself.

Churring. He’s so damn cute.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He refuses to let go of you.

You want to say that you’re surprised with him refusing to let you help with dinner, but if you’re honest…

“Leon, I gotta help your brother.”

“No!”

“You want to eat late?”

Considering his current age, to not expect him to be glued to you would be wishful thinking. Certainly when the second question gets indignant chirping galore Mikey understands and translates.

You were missing all week. It’s his turn.

Not even two and already acting like a drama queen. You want to be angry but the fact that he insists on both staying on your lap during dinner all while eating on his own is too endearing to get mad at. Not to mention that he does seem to somewhat understand boundaries ‘cause he asks for Raph when you talk about getting ready for bed only to stick to you when you’ve showered and changed.

Little glue pot. Who is still incredibly brotherly as he points you to the Lab and has a chirpy argument with Donnie through the intercom about sleeping.

The fact that the softshell actually comes out is a testament to Leo's persuasion, certainly with how proud he looks in your arms. He, unfortunately, loses much of that pride as you get to his room, and not only does he insist that you sleep with him, but he tries climbing over you several times and complains so loudly every time you move him back to where he was, it catches Raph's attention who, thankfully, explains.

It's something you know Leo has been doing for months, now. Whenever you share the same bed, he insists on having an arm around you or sliding halfway atop you. Either way, it leads to the same thing, you wake up with him holding you tightly in his arm while he covers you with himself. At first, you thought it was out of being touch-starved. Now, after everything you read and him still doing it, you're thinking it's a dominance thing. It's neither. In fact, it's something much simpler.

His shell. Doesn't matter if there's damage, his shell and skin are stronger than yours. And he's protective. Extremely so as he tries again while you're distracted with his brother and you still catch him, leading to him trying to nip your fingers and forcing you to gently hit his beak with a "None of that."

He whines, then, rubbing his head against your hand while his eyes fill with tears. You barely notice Raph leaving as you try to reason with him, eventually boiling it down into the simplest fashion you can while putting his hand against his.

He's usually so much bigger. Leo might not be too much taller than you, but he is surprisingly broad despite how agile he is and his hands engulf yours. You can barely see the color of your skin in the lime-green of his, usually.

Not now. Now, your hand makes his disappear. Your skin is all you can see. And light hiccupping is all you can hear as just how helpless he is sinks into you.

He can't protect you. Not right now. That's your job. Until he's back to normal, you and his brothers have to make sure he's safe, happy, and, above all, loved.

You hold him close. Bring him against your chest before placing a pillow underneath him to make sure he's comfortable as he holds onto you. You listen to him churr as you scratch his head and shell while promising him security and protection. And while you're not sure he completely gets it, you know he's understanding some of it as he holds onto your shirt like a lifeline, leaving you to wonder one thing.

Is this… how he wishes he could behave? Or something close?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Something close. Definitely something close from the fact that he wakes you up in the middle of the night with his screaming and crying and he looks like such a mess as you hold him tight against you. You doubt he wants you to hear the hiccupping he's unable to hold back or that wants you to see him as anything but strong. You doubt he enjoys the fact that he woke you up, no matter how little you care, and promise him that it's fine as you take him to the kitchen for a cup of warm milk. And nothing makes that more obvious than you waking up to an already awake Leo whom you can only smile gently at.

"Hey Leon."

Along with the fact that he immediately nuzzles against your hand as you hold it out.

"Did you sleep?”

A nod.

“After we came back from the kitchen?”

A very hesitant nod.

It's harder to lie, to deflect. Not to mention he's trying to lie to you, something you've had more than a hint of him disliking. However, it does tell you how ingrained the habits are and how soon Leo had to learn that sacrificing himself… could be necessary.

You just hope you know the perfect way to return the favor as you send texts to Mikey and Raph before settling into the bed a little more.

"How about we sleep in, then? I just cleared my day."

From the way his eyes light up at the offer before you find yourself tackled by someone half your size, you'd say you're not doing a bad job of it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You wish you were surprised when it turns partially into show-and-tell. You can only chuckle when Leo races through the room to bring you stuff he babbles and chirps about. And you smile fondly when, eventually, he brings over the book you've gotten him and, after triumphantly stating, "Eya book!" he lies with you to look at the images while you read the text aloud. But it's the way he cuddles against you as you speak that has your heart skipping around. Not to mention that he only snuggles closer when you quiet your voice to a hum and let him settle against your chest, breathing deepening by the second.

You know better than to stop. You might have only raised four-year-olds, but you remember their behavior skirting with this one, certainly after a nightmare or an awful day, and you're not about to leave Leo to suffer to his demons. You already can't let him when he's older, how can you now?

You help him settle a little better as he stretches and tries to snuggle closer, likely looking for warmth. You smile as he sleepily chirps.

“I wuv you, Eya.”

But there’s no helping the blink as you hear him whisper against you. No stopping your racing heart and fond smile as you wrap a protective arm around him, murmuring, “I love you, too, Leon."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You jolt as you hear screaming, shouting and tumbling throughout the lair. You notice the lack of weight against you and hear a very familiar three-letter word accompanied with some surprisingly familiar words as well.

“Leo! Get back here!”

“No!”

And you sigh, almost resigned to the mess you’re about to find as you step out, wondering what trouble the little chaos demon has managed to get himself into.

You blink when all you see are color-coded blurs. The blue one turns the corner so sharply, you wonder if you’re still sleeping until another blur, red one this time, does the same thing, reminding you of where you are. You sigh as you make your way up and blink at the absolute mess the lobby is in, recognizing the spots Leo might have thought he was safe before his brother tried to extricate him out of hiding.

Are you surprised that, upon his return to the lobby, he’s taken to the heights this time? Nope. In fact, you just sigh as Raph shouts at Leo who is absolutely refusing to leave his perch in the bar. It’s not until the little menace tries to get away and knocks a bottle off the shelves that they seem to realize how dangerous this is becoming as your heart nearly stops.

Oh no.

You can hear the crying before it starts. You’re still not ready for the chirps that mix with it as Raph realizes he can’t reach Leo, at least not without breaking the bar. However, the distress you see across that tear-streaked face is enough to make you move, thankfully easing Raphael's worry but not quite working on Leo's nerve, even as you step into the bar, round the shattered bottle, and hold yourself under the slider with open arms.

"It's okay, Leon. Come on."

It takes everything for you to stay calm as he cries louder, holding out his tiny hands towards you. You can't reach him. You're not tall enough. But he can jump down.

"Come on, big guy. Just a jump. I got you."

The distressed chirps make you want to cry. You have to keep smiling, though. You have to keep steady. He needs a rock, and you're the only one who can reach him.

"I gotcha. Te tengo, Leonardo. Jump."

He does. You buckle a little under his weight but hold steady as he hiccups before crying while gripping your shirt like a lifeline. You turn around to an apologetic Raph who gingerly points to what Leon has clasped in his right hand and the fact that the latter immediately lets it go to put his arms around your neck doesn't surprise you in the slightest. What does is the cause of the mess.

"A Lou Jitsu action figure?" you ask as you hand it over to the sighing snapper.

"Got it from Dad's room."

… Oh. You smile, even giggle as you half-rock the hiccupping Leon in your arms.

"Did you want to show it to me?"

Only to chuckle as you feel the faintest hint of a nod against your neck. This little rascal.

"Want me to take him off your hands?" Raph suggests and you shake your head.

"I have —! What… happened here?"

Before you can answer, though, the softshell appears in the lobby holding a vial you only hope is the solution to the mess.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You're not surprised when quiet is all that finds you when you slide open the train car door. You almost expect him to pull back the second you lie in the bed next to him, something he does before you put a hand over his.

"You okay?"

However, you're glad when all that finds you instead of the lies he's been spewing as he helped fix the mess he created is silence.

He's not in the mood to lie. Not to you. Yet, he's also not wanting to talk about the past few hours and, honestly, you can't blame him.

"We don't have to –"

"I don't get you."

Although, you're not sure what to make of the remark, blinking at it.

"Leon?"

"I don't understand. I don't… I should have…"

"You didn't."

"Why not?"

"You were a child?"

"Not –"

"If you're about to say excuse, I'm going to get Raph to beat some sense into you. Besides, I raised twins."

He falls quiet, looking unsure. You squeeze his hand, not expecting but still getting one you almost want to laugh at as he brings you in and lays atop you.

Shielding you from the world. Keeping you safe. And, as you feel him freeze over you while you wrap your arms around his neck to bring him closer, so touch-starved he nearly melts over you when you start scratching his nape and the base of his skull.

The churrs are so incredibly deep, you can feel them reverberate through you. It's beautiful.

 "You'd make a wonderful mother."

It's not as heart-racing as his comment, though, your mind wondering if he means it, if he's thinking about it as he kisses and murmurs against your cheek.

"I love you, estrella mía."

You won't know now, though. Not yet. Patience is key and he needs his sleep.

You lean your head against his as you whisper your reply, "I love you, too, Leon."

Taglist:

@silverwatergalaxy @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @luckycharms1701 @thepinkpanther83

@avery73 @the-cauldron-witch @redsrooftopprincess @iridescentflamingo @ninnosaurus

@milykins @yorshie @justalotoffanfiction @truffle-reblogs @adebauchedsloth

Pretty Random Turtle Thunks: Sway

Rating: Cookies and Cream (16+ plz and thank you)

Do you ever think about Leo and how he’s the king of Insomnia?

He knows a little something about what it’s like to be haunted. To have your bones ache with the ghosts of weary exhaustion; a feeling that unfortunately more often than not makes one feel more dead than alive.

He understands the drag of having to pry your eyes open for just another day, plaster on a smile that stopped feeling real years ago and then attempt to go at it with only half energy in your cup.

Leo understands the rolling around feelings of restlessness, like the waves of a dyspeptic ocean, never settling.

Never still enough to ever find peace.

So can you imagine when Leo finds out one way or another (as he so often does, clever turtle that he is) that somehow you are plagued with a similar state of mind?

It may be for various reasons: work, family, life, responsibilities etc etc and despite the variety of it all, he probably would get it more than most. For despite all the differences, there is a startling amount of connection, a unique relateablilty if you will, between the two of you, that unconsciously draws him close. It’s because of this connection that his heart just… sinks. Leo may very well be a swashbuckling charismatic pirate for all these years he’s learned to travail against his insomnia seas. But you…

You are no such experienced sailor.

The waters of sleep are relentless in their cruelty in their attempt to escape you. And ever in lucks favor, and that being none at all, you are found hopelessly drifting, never to find your own serenity amongst the ever agitated waves.

Perhaps it is that fabled connection that draws Leo close to you tonight, or the fact that you were starting to look like a pale, drawn out tired sail, more than Leo ever cared to see.

He had seen enough ghosts in his own mirrored reflections. Your eyes did not need the weight of such horrors. They were last place he ever wanted to see haunted.

So with actions trickling from his own well of compassion, Leo wordlessly sweeps you up into the cradle of his arms, even despite your indignant squawk something reminiscent of a seagull’s cry. Not that he minds or even will admit to ever listening to you as he begins to rock you.

Back and forth. Back and forth. Back. And. Forth.

Despite all his bravado, Leo never truly believed he was ever worthy of the title of hero. He would fight everything and everyone, including himself, to prove it to the world, to prove it to you, if he could.

And yet…there was something empowering about the feeling of you in his hold.

The way your eyelashes fluttered slowly shut, the hitches of your breath steadied and the planes of your face smoothed. Leo didn’t feel the need to take on the world, not anymore, not when his whole entire world was now here resting in the security of his arms. And so, much like a boat resting in the embrace of the calmest waves, Leo rocks you in the simplest of sways, humming the softest of tunes as he holds you close against his plastron. Silently praying that the beat of his heart would be the siren’s call that would set the rhythm for which you could finally fall asleep. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back. And. Forth.

…

Do you ever think about Leo and how he’s the king of Insomnia?

Again just because I can

Just Imagine

Wanted to try something a little different today, a pick your own vibe kind of adventure if you will.

Before reading, please pick one of these song to set the mood of your choosing Rise Raph ❤️🧸:

Bayverse Raph ❣️💪🏼:

“Give me a few days of peace in your arms-I need it terribly. I'm ragged, worn, exhausted. After that I can face the world. “ ~Henry Miller

Just imagine It had been a long day. A long week even, and Raph was was feeling drained.

He glanced at the city that never slept below him as he lurked in the protective shadows from his position on the roof. The pulsing city lights and the intense scents of food vendors, car exhaust and just that oh so “homey” NYC street stench wafted around him like a pungent punch to his senses. Usually he loved sitting up here and watching the hustle bustle of just a normal crazy NYC night, but for whatever reason, it all just seemed like too much today. Everything seemed too much of late.

He let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders dropping with the action, and ran a weary hand down his face.

Raph was tired. Tired of holding it in, holding it back and just tired holding it together when once again the overwhelming feeling of everything felt like it was falling apart. All he wanted was just a little peace and quiet, a warm place to safely break down. Somewhere he could rest before having to pick up all the pieces, face this cold heavy world and do it all over again. Unbidden, your face came to mind as it often did when he was left alone with his musings. Your soft smile, the one that caused that little twinkle and the wrinkles at the corner of your eyes, beckoned to him.

And all at once Raph was hit with a moment of clarity. He didn’t have to hold it all together.

What Raph needed right now was to hold you.

Just imagine His heart thumping at a thundering pace, each beat echoing with your name as Raph raced along the rooftops at a dizzying speed. Raph jumping from building to building, ninja skills fueled by the heady thought of having you in his arms again. Just imagine

Raph finally making it to your building and climbing through his signature window without even a second thought. By muscle memory alone, Raph traced his path through the apartment towards you, not even needing to think. This was home, you were his home.

And he’d always find a way back to you.

Imagine

Raph finding you in the kitchen and without hesitation, stepping up behind you. Gently sliding his arms around your waist, and pulling you back flush up against the rough keratin of his plastron.

Silencing your squeak of surprise by pressing his beak to the nape of your neck underneath your hair where your scent was the most potent. Relishing in said scent, and felt it work it’s magic as his pounding heart rate began to slow.  Tightening his arms around you in a protective embrace. Whether for your security or for his, he didn’t know. What he did know was that he needed you in his arms, right now.

Needing the peace and warm that he could only associate with you when you were close to him like this. Just needing you. Just imagine

Raph slow dancing with you in the lowlight of the kitchen.

Raph turning you to face him, wanting, no needing to see that smile that had been haunting his thoughts that night. A slow almost hesitant finger coming up to stroke the curve of your beginning to pink cheek. An almost relieved sigh when you leaned into his touch with curious eyes. A tenderly aware hand sliding from your waist to the small of your back and pulling you further into his embrace to rest against his chest. Gently rubbing said hand in a slow rhythm up and down the notches of your spine and shoulders as the other hand gently wrapped around yours. Holding it in a soft fist close to his heart as he began to dance with you in his arms.

Well, it wouldn’t be much of a dance per se; your kitchen really wasn’t equipped to hold the giant turtle. So it was more of a small shuffle as Raph gently led you around the perimeter in small circles as he swayed back and forth with you held snug in his arms. There was no snarky trash talk, or signature playful joshing around. Just Raph resting his cheek against the top of your head, his slow breaths puffing against your hair. The sensation would tickle a little bit and make you shiver slightly. The movement would cause Raph to peak down at you with a fond smile quirking the corner of his lips. Prompting him to instinctively pull you closer, making sure to nestle your head under his chin so you could rest over his beating heart. Raph using the beat of said heart to set the rhythm of his sways as he whispers these lyrics in your ear

Rise Raph ❤️🧸:

“When I think of you sometime And I wanna spend some time with you

Just the two of us We can make it if we try Just the two of us”

Bayverse Raph ❣️💪🏼:

“I take your hand, hold it closer to mine Thought love was dead, but now you're changing my mind

My heart's a stereo It beats for you, so listen close”

Imagine

Raph wanting nothing more in this moment than to be soft with you. Going against his baser instincts and just wanting you close. He just likes these small moments where he can let down his guard and drop all the weight of the world and just be soft.

Being soft and gentle because he knows that it makes you feel safe with him.

Churring softly with the feeling of you being close to him because that means he finally feels safe with himself.

Just…Just imagine.

Thanks for the proofread @doreen090 💜

Dedicated to @anobodyinabog and @lotus-sunn

Thinking about y’all lovelies 🧡🫰🏼

A hug from my favorite big guy sounds really nice right now ngl

Random Turtle HC: Raph & Anxiety

*clears throat and approaches microphone before hitting whiteboard with a ruler* A-HEM! Behold my theories peasants!

As we see expresses in the VERY 1st episode of ROTTMNT, the turtles can recognize each others signature scents and can smell fear.

Raph especially is shown briefly through the brothers dialogue to be the most aware and self conscious about said scent to the point of becoming defensive about it.

This leads me to believe that due to both natural biological olfactory senses and increased abilities due to mutation, the turtle brothers (with an advanced ability tipping to Raph due to his size and sensitivity) can actually smell the hormone cortisol.

WebMD defines cortisol as, “Your body’s main stress hormone. It works with certain parts of your brain to control your mood, motivation, and fear.”

Simply put, the turtle boys can literally smell fear.

Now I know you’re asking yourself, “Okaaaaaay cool fun fact I guess, what does that have to do anything with me?”

*takes a step back and adjust glasses with a smirk*

My dear dear fellow tumblr, allow me to share the wonders of mixing fact, madness and media all in one! *sounds of maniacal cackling can be heard*

(I wrote this with the intent to be platonic but it could be romantic if you squint long enough)

•So we've established Raph can smell fear right?

•As a protective big brother who is quite literally in fact “BIG” he knows a thing or two about getting scared

• Especially when it comes to looking out for people he cares about

•Hes been fighting baddies for his family since he was a tot! From keeping away scary dreams at night, from crushed ancient metal zombies to terrifying alien virus monsters, there ain't much he hasn't seen

•So when you join the ranks of the Mad Dogz, you immediately also get a built in prtoector

•Raphs been looking out for the little guys his whole life, what's one more?

•Not to mention you're kinda cute, so he doesn't mind sticking around a little bit closer

•But you're different than most folks, Raph notices. I mean besides the fact that you WILLING want to be friends with 4 mutant turtles of all things.

•No besides your abnormal incredible bravery in looking beyond the status quo to reach out the hand of friendship to these reckless reptiles, Raph noticed that you just kind of…smelled

•Not in a bad way or anything just…you always seemed to have a lingering scent of fear on you

•And Raph would know. Hed recognize that scent anywhere. It's a scent that ghosts every hour of every day for him. Nighttime and being alone especially.

•Raph hates being scared. He's the biggest and the oldest. He's supposed to look after his peeps! And he can't do that if he's frozen with fear all the time!

•So what does he do? Raph faces the problem head on like he always do.

•You get scared a lot. That's understandable, but Raph decides to make it his business that you don't need to be scared when he's around.

•Raph’ll protect ya

•Be prepared to have this turtle subtly (orrer not to much so because although he's a ninja he ain't exactly tactful or subtle) watching you every time you and the gang get all together

•Its not hard. You've always caught his attention for some reason or another. So looking at you is something he does without even realizing it.

•He’s looking for triggers, anything that gets that heart rate of yours spiking and that scent start to waft.

•Fidgeting hands, bouncing knees, shutting down and slinking into your hoodie, nervous chewing, pulling or playing with your hair and pacing, he's got eyes on it all.

•Once a trigger has been spotted, Raph immediately tries to locate the source

•Too many people? Suddenly you find a 6ft something giant turtle behind you, letting you know with his massive presence alone that he got your back. Literally.

•He kinda likes this position because he can see everyone that comes close enough to interact with you and everybody can see him.

•All he's got to do is narrow his eyes a little a give em a flash of that all too familiar snaggle tooth of his if he thinks someone's being mean and he gets his unspoken threat across just fine

•Not to mention you're also close enough to grab if someone he doesn't deem fit for your attention gets a little too close for his liking. But he doesn't say that part out loud.

•Scared of talking? You suddenly feel the cool tip of his massive scaely alligator tail (anatomically correct alligator tail be darned, I'm going with the fandoms HCs for this one) gently wrapping around your ankle as a physical reminder that he's right there here to support you

•Overwhelmed and the world feels like it's closing in on you? Raphs massive size is a natural battering ram that allows him to pass through thick crowds with easy. He's not afraid to help heard you into a quiet little corner away from it all

•Years of practice with Donnie allows him the experience to ask you if you're good with touch.

•If yes, you know you're going to be instantly wrapped into his arms, pulled flushed up against the worn keratin of his plastron. Raph’s always been more of “hands-on experience” kinda of guy anyway.

•Raph gives good hugs. They're firm and tight, padded with the security of arms who have been holding the weight of the world for years.

•He will rest his chin on top of your head, gently guiding your head with the motion ever so slightly so you're somehow perfectly nestled right against his heart.

•It's a loud heart, especially when you're up so close. It's actually his strongest muscle and one he's most proud of. He cares about you, so he reckons he’ll allow you the privilege of getting close to it. In more ways than one.

•Raph doesn't talk much during these special security hugs. He's never really been much good with words anyways. Raph knows sometimes the noise can be too much, but he also knows that the silence can be defeaning. So being a turtle comes with some built in perks that make up a happy medium.

•Hes got a special churr saved for special situations just like this one. It's one of the lowest and deepest ones he's capable of making. More akin to a muted growl more than anything the way it vibrates his chest as you're pressed up against it. You can feel it more than hear it and it just takes a handful of minutes listening to this bad boy before Raph can sense your fear stink slowly dissipating and your natural sweet scent can return.

•Raph can smell fear, and there's something incredibly humbling for this Atlas of a turtle to have the sweet experience of watching that scent drift away whenever he gets the privilege of being close to you like this.

•”You don't need to be scared no more, Sweet Pea. Raph’s got ya. I'm gonna be right here until you're ready to face the world again. Until then, let me just hold ya.”

Dedicated to the one and only @anobodyinabog. Sorry this took so long,but I hope your day gets better Shortcake. Please know you're always looked out for and loved ok? 🧡❤️

Was thinking about this again

@avery73 sorry I know this is random but I just had the craziest feeling that you needed something soft today for whatever reason?

Random Turtle Thunks: Kisses

*adjusts my sunglasses* It'd be softboi hours folks. Tonight I'm thinking about the Rise Boys and their favorite places to kiss you.

*Cookies and Cream Rating: 16+ please*

Raph 🧸♥️:

•Forehead Kisses. Lingering ones right at the tip of your hairline. It's often because its the only place he can reach without having to shift too far down. Often brushing your hair back, cradling your cheek in the palm of his hand and tilting your head back juuuuust a little to get that perfect angle for a small smooch. The type of kisses that are full of tender promises and small wholesome moments where he just longs to be soft with you.

•Your shoulder. Chaste presses of his lips to your skin to the crook of your neck. This young Atlas knows a little something about carrying the weight of the world and often that weight settles on the shoulders. These type of kisses serve as a reminder that he understands the struggle, the weight and promises that you don't have to carry it all by yourself anymore. A somewhat protective kiss, reminding you that nothing can hurt you when you're this close to him. That he's here for you, he’ll never leave you and will forever have your back.

Donnie 🤔🟪

•Your nose. I really don't see Donnie being really big into kissing. Like think about it. Kissing is literally just the process of swapping saliva. How uNsAnItArY. *shudders* “Just where has your mouth been? Did you even brush your teeth?!” That being said, a quick peck to your nose is a simple way to fulfill the “touch of the day” box without having to get unnecessarily close and personal. There is work still to be done after all. Not to mention the cute little face you make when you go slightly crossed-eyed at his affectionate gesture is somewhat endearing. It is a very understandable reaction after all. He too would go speechless at such attention from a genuis like himself.

•Behind the corner of your jaw. Donnie doesn't like kissing. That being said, if he is going to engage in such an act, he's going to want to do it right. Never mind him looking up the most sensitive parts of the human body to make sure he plants his affection in the most effective locations. Nevermind that at all. Besides, kissing here that little bundle of nerves seems to do the trick most adequately.

Leo✨💠

•Your lips. “My Lady, if the kisses are words, c’mere. I’ma give you a speech.” No. Like seriously. I know Leo is considered the “medical expert” of the family, but the amount of times this turtle has given you some serious mouth-to-mouth should be illegal. In all honesty though, it really does mean something special to him. For this smooth talking turtle who always knows just what to say, it’s a way for him to shut up and learn how to put some action behind those words. For once, he wants to show you that he means what he says. Because for all the silliness, it was never a joke, his feeling for you.

•Your knuckles. Leo is a one-stinking suave gentleman when he wants to be, and he's not going to let you forget it. Not to mention it’s an easy, inconspicuous way to keep you close so long your hand is entertained with his. Not that he worries when you're out of reach or anything. The cute little increase of color right there on your cheeks as he presses a slow kiss to each fingertip and between your knuckles is also a nice touch. Just lets this face man know he's on the right track or whatever.

Mikey🎨🧡

•Your cheeks. This bundle of affection will give you some sugar anytime, anywhere without hesitation. You can not stop it. It is inevitable. He's so close to you all the time anyway that it just seems second nature to have his cheek squished against you somewhere. He also just loves getting close enough to see your eyes. They really are like windows to the soul, and you have a soul he wouldn't mind getting lost while exploring. So it makes sense to decorate those “windows” with some “Angel Kisses” (He does put the angel in MichelANGELo after all) You know. Just while he's close to you like this. Never mind the heat from your cheeks underneath his hands as he tries to hold you still for your daily barrage of affection is comforting to his scared hands. Never mind that at all.

•Your tummy. There is something incredibly magical about the way you giggle shriek as you try to writhe away when he kisses your tummy. It’s the kind of laugh that means you are happy and in the present moment with him and currently the furthest away from something that hurt you. He just wants you happy and hearing that laugh heals something inside his heart. He loves the way your tummy its so squishy underneath his kneading hands and he can't help but bury his face in your soft skin. Be warned you will not escape without some raspberry blown kisses. Mikey ain't letting you leave without being properly adored that is both a threat and a promise.

✨ Star Friends ✨

When I found out that @chessman-protocol boy Crit liked Astronomy, let’s just say I was beyond estatic and immediately planned this little comic. Here’s to my boy Vincent doing his best to make friends with folks who share similar interests 😅💙

Funny enough, I didn’t realize I put this in Vincent character’s until I looked at the whole thing, but Vincent very much shares the lack of stranger danger the way I did/ I do to this day. To quote one of my past managers I’m “abnormally friendly” or whatever

I can’t tell you how many times even as a small child (drove my parents nuts) that I saw a cool person with whatever connecting factor and I just straight up walked to them and was like “Ok cool. We’re friends now.” And nobody’s really stopped me? So apparently I have friends now. 😆

Vincent however is just a wholesome baby boy who doesn’t realize he’s actually an intimidating hunk of a turtle and randomly walking up to strangers and not saying anything can be taken the wrong way.

Like I said, he’s trying his best. He wasn’t exactly the most socialized if you can’t tell, but he does love dearly and is certainly a boone of a friend to have once you get past the inevitable social awkwardness. He’s loyal to put because he really doesn’t know better, and I adore him for that. Anyway, dunno if Crit knows any ASL or not, but either way Vincent is just excited to meet somebody else who likes space ✨🌌 💙

Pretty Random Turtle Thunks: Baby Clothes

Scenario: You’ve just handed said Rise Aged Up Turtle a tiny baby outfit. Whether your child, a niece, nephew, sibling or just some infant you saved from the streets, just know there is now an itty bitty baby human within your general vicinity you are now taking care of

*Rating: Milk🥛(aka for anybody)*

Raph🧸❤️: Tears. Just. So. Many. Tears. Makes Niagara Falls look like a trickle. This man is literally loosing it, hand over mouth can’t stop staring at the ridiculously tiny piece of fabric in his hand. It’s barely the size of his fingers.

…Sweet Pizza Supreme in the Sky…

ItS BaReLy ThE sIzE oF hIs FinGeRs.

You find him hunkered down in his room immediately after the news, surrounded by the remains of over a dozen, half started knitting projects, tears still on his face as he tries to fathom the very idea that something can be that small.

He’s been trying to knit the perfect baby blanket, but his anxieties start to take over every time he starts over. He worries the material is gonna itch the baby’s skin. Is the baby gonna suffocate if the stitches are too tight? Will the baby drown in fabric if he makes it too big? Will the baby get too cold if it isn’t big enough? etc etc etc…

You’re gonna have to talk him down a little bit because he’s gonna work himself into a frenzy getting ready for the baby.

Donnie🤔🟪: Just looks at said article of clothing. Looks back up at you, face slightly pinching in confusion, then back at the outfit. Cue a slow curious thumbing of the fabric. Slow blink. Body suddenly freezes. Eyes comically begin to grow wide. (Give him a second, give him a second; he’s computing) Before his head suddenly snaps back up to stare at you and then almost frantically back down at the garment as the realization hits. There’s no outwardly facial reaction, but the tell tale sign is that his hand fumbles for his goggles as suddenly he’s going full inspection mode.

You are more or less not surprised when the article is met with immediate disdain.

Cue Donnie spending hours researching the best materials for baby clothes. They’re going to be 100% organic and made of the softest and most sterile fabrics he can find. And if he can’t find any brands that suit his high class fancy, well he’ll just design a machine to do the job himself. He’s not the founder of Genius Tech for nothing.

This small infant will be associated with HIM of all people and a such deserves nothing but the highest quality. The best of the best for the best. Obviously.

Your child will be the most finely dressed child of the century after being in the hands of Donnie for more than 5 seconds. There will be a fashion show. Period. Being a baby never looked this good. 

Leo✨💠: Realization that slowly unfurls like a blossom in the morning sun. This turtles face is so bright with excitement when it finally clicks that he literally becomes the sun for like solid minute it’s just that big. However that smile immediately folds into that signature cat smirk that warns of nothing but impending deviousness.

Your child is in trouble, for it now lies in the hands of an evil mastermind, hell bent on causing tomfoolery that will last through out the generations to follow.

He’s always wanted to leave a legacy, and he will seize this moment and milk for all its worth. 

All the dad jokes. All of the horrible groan-inducing, eye-rolling, awful puns. All the stupid slapstick, low brow kind of humor are now practically plastered to your child’s clothing. He thinks he’s the funniest person alive and will do everything his power to infect said child with the same vein of humor.

Also, be warned of leaving your child alone with this man, because if left to his devices for too long, you will receive an unfathomable amount of memes and edited baby photos of your child and Leo in hilarious re-enactments scenes.  

Mikey🎨🧡: Pretty sure a missile just went off Because the squeal of excitement that erupted from this turtle was the only warning you got, before you were all but tackled in a hug like a rugby player, pretty much burst not only the sound barrier but your ear drums as well.

There! Is! So! Much! Excitement!

It. Can. Not. Be. CoNtAiNeD!!!!

It’s literally oozing out of him and man practically reverts into a child himself as the foundation of curiosity is exploded, and you are all but drowned in a relentlessly loving sea of questions. He wants to know EVERYTHING. All the time! Because he just - he just -he just can’t wait! All this time to prepare for another little bundle of joy!  It jumpstarts his creative spark in a way you have NEVER seen before. He now spends his time religiously spent in three locations: locked in close and glued to your hip, a culinary cabaret in which you are very much the honored guest who just has to taste test his newest recipe (your taste buds have never been this happy) or in his art studio working on just one more thing for the baby.

He’s designed his own baby clothes, painted more than enough scenes for multiple nurseries to be completely filled, and even written a couple of his own baby adventure comic books that he is just dying to read the awaited little one.

He’s beyond ecstatic at the thought that there’s now something tinier than him that he can help take care of and love. 

Bottom line: Both you and your baby are about to be welcomed into the arms of the most excited and loving family you will ever have the privilege of knowing. Just…good luck trying to get their arms off of you. Because they will never and I mean EVER let either one of you go. That is both their threat and their promise!

Shout out to the besties who proofread @anobodyinabog and @saspas-corner 🧡

As well as the ever incredible @avery73 (hope it’s ok to tag you in this, but I just realized that I lowkey based my turtle thunks after reading yours, and I wanted to give you the credit. Thought you might enjoy?)

✨IMMEDIATE REBLOG✨

I can’t tell you the squee of absolute joy that escaped me when I saw this like DANG SIS!

How in earth did you draw that so fast?!? And capture the mood so perfectly?!

Like I don’t even have the words, so please take my humble keyboard smash as appreciation.

*clears throat*Ahem: hcoencheiamfuwjagdyaodjfo

*comes skidding into your inbox with a pant*

okokokokokok ok

Sorry to bug ya again but Protective Casey vs Leo has been rotating in my head all day and I can’t stop giggling at it.

Hear me out:

So Red Eared Sliders will rapidly tap the face of another turtle that they’re A) Trying to Mate with or B) Trying to assert dominance against

And I can’t get the idea that the turtle part of Leo’s brain yelling at him to fight the smol child (Casey Jr.) who keeps challenging him for the affections of his mate (Ana)

Leo’s like “I’m not about to throw hands with a toddler, I am full grown adult that would never slink to such childish tactics”

And then one day Ana turns around and find Leo and Casey going at it like this

AnYhOo, feel free to tell me to scram but thought this was funny and wanted to share with the class!

I think it says a lot that I myself have been giggling the entire time while drawing this-

LOVE IT DFPISDOPFSDOPF[SDIF

Today on is my brain finally going to let me write, we have scent headcanons. I just got tagged by @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos on a post that I honestly mostly agree with save for one thing.

Donnie would probably create some colognes and perfumes for Genius Built Apparel, but he would not be the maker of them. Who would? Leo. Why?

This.

Praise to StarKiss for seeing and catching this, because this made it incredibly interesting in finding something that would agree with little boy blue's sensitivities, especially when it comes to soap because you better believe Leonardo Hamato would want to smell like something after a shower.

Because what is Leo without his eccentricities?

So, either Leo starts looking for some brands outside of the usual range or he makes his own which I don't think he'd go with, not immediately, at least.

However, knowing Donnie and his desire to get a proper fashion label going, he would struggle in making some nice colognes and perfumes. Struggle, that is, until the day Leo walks in on Donnie working on one and starts critiquing the smell. And while I fully expect Donnie to get upset, he would have to concede after he fixes the formula and it works.

From there, pretty sure Leo helps his twin every time he makes colognes or perfumes. Probably even wears the ones he particularly likes himself. So Leo's scent profile would change pretty regularly, although I'm sure it would keep the same woodsy base.

AKA the Apocalyptic version of “WhY iS iT sPicY?!”

Replica wip! When you're excited to taste the first snowflake of winter, but it's actually just ash from your brother's giant explosion. D:

Sorry I’ve been a little quiet. Been working hard on Replica and dealing with plenty of social obligations but it’s coming along! So excited to finally finish this and get back onto the main storyline though I will miss these boys.

Settled

This is a little somethin somethin inspired after this post by @mrabubu. Happy Really Late Birthday?

ANyHoO please listen to this song to set the mood

”So that's what I want to give them, as many forms of softness as I can.

Because everyone should have a little softness in their lives.

Including you, anon-chan.

And even if it has to be secret, even if it's just between you and four walls, I hope you do find some time to be soft.” ~ @luckycharms1701

Cookies and Cream Rating: 16+ and up please 🙏🏼

Settled

One of the things you don’t think you would ever get used to about living in these underground bunkers was just how cold it could get.

A constant temp of 50 something degrees in the summer. Or well…what used to be called summer. With the Kraang invasion and what not, the stupid aliens messed with your seasons in their attempt to make the Earth atmosphere more like their heralded “Dimension X.”

It wasn’t the only thing the stupid pink buggers had messed with besides the obvious glaring fact that they were attempting mass Earthen genocide and planetary colonization and what not.

No, the Kraang had a nasty habit of being unfairly unpredictable. Which made sense because they were, you know, aLiEnS. Aliens who had no need of following humans preferred sense of having at least SOME semblance of structure. 

That unpredictability was causing its fair share of grief across the entire Resistance. Aliens, you had decided, had certainly lost their “awe factor”  the minute they started to decimate the planet and permanently engrain “Raph Chasms” on every single face you passed.

A heavy disgruntled sigh escaped you at that thought, one face in particular coming to your concerned mind. A face who’s brow was often furrowed with the weight of said Kraang unpredictability.

One face that you had not seen all day even though he had promised to come to bed earlier just once he had finished planning for an upcoming Kraag ambush he was leading. 

He had promised you that. 7. Hours. Ago. 

You hated that that had become his norm of late. Granted, you knew that he had always struggled with insomnia, but usually if you smiled at him just right and caught him sitting down, you could get him to snuggle in close and at least take a nap. 

Now though? You weren’t sure the last time you had even seen him with his eyes closed for more than a minute or two. It was almost to the point that his sleep hours were rivaling Donnie’s due to how miniscule and spaced out they were. It was starting to worry you. Even more so than usual. 

You let out a soft hum of thought at that and shifted your feet in the direction of where you had left him last. Looks like desperate times really did call for desperate measures.

So with a plan of action once again set into play, you just shook your head wearily, tightened the worn blanket around your shoulders as your shield against the chilly bunker air, and marched off to find your stubbornly still awake man.  

After wandering the ever puzzling interlocking halls and bunkers, you finally found him exactly where you had left him: stone faced with that ever deepening Raph Chasm on his brow with his gaze hyper-focused on the paperwork laid out in a heap in front of him.

His hand anxiously rubbed his chin, one that you had absently noticed that he had grown into rather nicely through out the years. While he forever seemed to face each day with his “devil may care” kind of attitude, you could see the way his eyes constantly flicked around. His movements only emphasizing the fact as he seemed more…agitated than usual, lacking that oh so signature lithe agility that always seemed to accompany him. 

You stepped up to the doorway frame, a small frown pursing your lips as you watched him mutter to himself, pacing around the table in thought as though his nerves would never let him settle. Resting your shoulder against the frame of the doorway as a support, you wrapped the blanket more snugly around your shoulders, pulling the fabric in a slowly tightening fist as you watched Leo with an ever deepening “Raph Chasm” of your own. 

Ever vigilante, always watching, ever the ninja lying in wait. It was only in these small private moments when you could see the facade of bravado fall and the religiously clandestine truth finally rise to the surface. 

It was a truth. A statement of unchanging fact that was never to be eroded with time.

Leo never settled.

He really was never one to stay still. A line used from an old videogame you used to play, would often come to mind when you watched him pace like this: “The Endless Spirit of Timeless Unrest” or however it went.

Part of you wondered if this…ansgty unrest… was because he genuinely cared for these missions. Or if it was more of some desperate attempt to try and redeem himself for what he considered was his unforgivable sin.

Yes, Leo never settled. 

Well…at least until now. 

You smirked softly at that thought and adjusted in the doorway, taking a step forward as you softly called out.

“Leo.”

Hm. Nothing.

“Leo.”

Still nada. He had moved at least, this time his hands coming to brace either side of the table as he all but hunched over the strategy plans like some geriatric gargoyle. 

“Leonardo Hamato.”

Interesting. Even the full name had no response. Leo must really have been in the zone if not even the full seven syllables could grasp his attention. This was more serious than you thought. Looks like it was time to pull out the big guns.

“Oh Husband~...”

Leo’s head shot up at the gentle croon of your voice with a speed that you could have sworn would have popped a blood vessel, his eyes immediately zoning in on you in the doorway.

He snapped to attention, immediately stretching to his full height as his body went tense at the perceived danger at the sound of your voice. Your eyes immediately followed the movement, watching as the body of intimidation, the weapon of the “Greatest Ninja in the World” literally rose in front of you.

You would never breathe a word of it, never in a million years, but such a look directed at you from Leo always made you feel like a chicken being circled by a fox.

Something of a dance of death, a toying tease as you awaited with baited breath for the inevitable strike. It was only for a moment, it was always only just for a moment, but it admittedly would make you freeze, have your stomach clenching, at the intense look in his eye.

You knew Leo would never hurt you. Well, at least not until recognition flicked across his gaze. 

He just stared at you with that ever impenetrable gaze before shifting into his more familiar dastardly delicious, one sided, smirk that forever seemed plastered onto his face. Except this time, the smirk was a little bit more sheepish, looking the picture of a naughty child with their hand stuck in the proverbial cookie jar. 

Leo was caught. You knew it. He knew it. And he knew that now you were here, there was no chance of getting out of it. 

So Leo did what Leo always does, turned on that signature “Face Man Charm”  to try and slip out of trouble. In a voice that just happened to be a little bit lower and perchance a hint more sensual than normal, Leo all but purred out, ”Oh hey~ Didn’t see you there. What’s up?”

Your eyebrow quirked up at the sound of the attempted burr in his voice, and you couldn’t help but shake your head with an amused roll of your eyes. Keeping the blanket wrapped snugly around your shoulders, you pushed yourself off from the door frame and sauntered forward till you reached Leo’s side. Placing one hand on your hip, you looked up at him with a soft smirk and quipped off a dry reply, “Obviously. What’s up is you apparently. Do you have any idea how late it is?”

Leo blinked owlishly at you for a moment before he let out a very confident, “Uhhhhh…n-no?” 

The flat look you shot at him at his very convincing reply, had him wincing slightly. Your arms came up to fold exasperatedly around you with a small cock of your hip. Leo’s eyes flicked to your body with the motion, and he wouldn't meet your eye, choosing to instead shoot you another sheepish smile and nervously rub the back of his neck. When he saw that you were not having it, Leo’s smile dropped, and he held both of his hands up placating with a heavy sigh.

“Look, you don’t even need to say anything. I know. I know I promised, I’m sorry Love, but I just really need to have this all hammered out before-”

“Abepbep, let me stop you right there, Cowboy.”  

You didn’t even let Leo finish before you raised a hand to cut him off, pressing your fingers against his lips. The motion obviously surprised Leo, all with the face touching, being a red-eared-slider and what not, effectively shutting him up for the time being. You tried to bite back a smirk at the thought of using Leo’s own biological behaviors against him to assert dominance in the moment, but hey, desperate times called for desperate measures and whatever. 

You looked up at him and slowly shook your head, letting out a sad chuckle as you reached out to gently slide your hand over his cheek, down his arm until you could finally capture his hand. Maintaining eye contact with him, you slowly curled his hand into a fist and held it snugly over yours. Slowly raising it up so you could press a soft kiss to the back of his knuckles, murmuring softly into the cool skin.

“Boy, you are just as bad as Donnie. I figured if you weren’t coming to bed, I’d just bring bed to you instead.”

Now Leo was never one to lose his cool; it was something he was actually rather proud of, keeping his head in the heat of the moment and what not. But there was something about the way that you looked up at him, holding and kissing his hand like that, that got him feeling some kind of way.  

He tried to resist, he really did, but admittedly he was getting kind of tired and he maaaaay or may not be somewhat distracted by the way the blanket looked so invitingly wrapped around you and how his loose shirt was beginning to slip, showing off the delicate and smooth curve of your shoulder.

Leo cleared his throat and quickly turned his head, a muscle thumping in his jaw as he tried to hide the sudden warmth that was heating up his cheeks. He stammered out, his voice soft and apologetic as he lowered his hand with yours.

 “Look, Love, I-I can’t…”

At hearing Leo’s quiet and hesitant denial, your heart sank, and suddenly the bunker just felt that much colder. He really was serious about this, and you didn’t think anything you could say or do in the moment would change his mind. 

You continued to look up at him searchingly, his hand still being held tightly with yours as you watched with growing worry at the way his eyes creased on the side, at the hollowness found there and the furrow further deepening on his brow.

Sure, he wasn’t going to change his mind, but that didn’t mean you were going to let him keep standing on duty like this. Not if you, as a good wife, had anything to say about it. 

Shaking your head with a small huff, you reached up with your one free hand to adjust the slipping blanket, not wanting to let go of Leo with the other now that you had his attention, and took a step back tugging Leo along.

“Oh very well, you can still work, but at least come sit down. It’ll help you get a new angle at least.”

Leo stumbled slightly with the tug, blinking in surprise that you had even gotten him to move. He must have been more tired than the both of you had previously thought. But he just fondly rolled his eyes with a small sigh of his own, reaching behind him to swiftly grab his papers before you dragged him off to who knows where.

“Goodness! So bossy.”

Leo all but chortled to which you respond with a dry chuckle, playfully shooing Leo backwards until his legs hit the back of a couch that had been left in the corner of the room. Without giving him a chance to recalibrate, you all but shove him down onto said couch, and plopped down next to him to prevent any chance of escape. To further ensure your snare, you unwrapped the blanket and gently shifted it until it was resting on top of the both of y’all, effectively nestling y’all under the fabric together. 

You chuckled with a shake of you head as you pulled your legs up onto the couch and turned so you could nestle into Leo’s side with a soft smirk, gently slapping his plastron.

“Maybe, just a little but that's because your stubborn arse won't listen to anything else. Now be a good husband and put your arm around me.”

It was turn for Leo’s eyebrow ridge to raise at the slight demand, and he just chuckled softly, obliging you as he lowered his arm around your shoulders to pull you close to his plastron.

“Yes Mrs. Hamatoooo.” 

You rolled your eyes at the slight whine in his tone with a soft huff and squirmed a little to get more comfortable. To do so, and to just cover all your bases in making sure Leo was NOT going anywhere, you lazily threw your arm over Leo’s waist and snuggled in close. You nuzzled your nose against his plastron with a soft mutter as sleep began to already encroach on the corners of your mind now that you were next to him.

“Well someone has to keep you humble.”

Leo looked down at you in surprise as you wrapped your arm around him, that all too familiar heat beginning to crawl up his cheeks. You really were a little Mrs. Feisty Pants weren't you? Not that he minded or anything. It was honestly one of the things he adored about you, being able to call him out like that and doing so in such a way that always made him feel like a million bucks. Still, he didn’t think he’d ever get used to you actively and consistently reaching out for him like this.

He couldn’t hold back the soft smirk that inched across his face as he saw the sleepy expression cross yours and before he had even realized he had even done it, found himself leaning down to press a soft kiss to your forehead.

“Good, I’d miss it if you ever stopped.”

You let out a small snicker at that, your nose wrinkling at the brush of his lips against your crown and reached up to cover Leo’s face with your hand, playfully pushing him away.

“Shhhhh shhh baby, it’s sleepy time.”

Leo chuckled at your pet name, and you could feel more than hear the rumble against you ear as you all but lean up against his chest. He slowly rubbed a palm up and down your blanket covered arm before leaning to press another absentminded kiss with a soft mumble.

“Naw, it’s time for you to get some sleep, Love. I still have some work to do.”

You let out a small grunt at that, your face scrunching in a small pout as you instinctively tightened your arm around his waist, your hand coming to mirror his as it slowly stroked up and down the side scutes of his plastron.

“Fiiiiiine…just…don’t stay up too late, mkay?”

Leo’s smirked softened at the obvious worry and displeasure in your tone and the feeling of affectionate tenderness grew as he watched your eyelashes flutter against your cheeks as you vainly tried to stay up. His hand continued its slow trek against your arm, and his voice dropped into a sacred whisper, not wanting you to stay up any more than you have to.

“Don’t worry Love, I won't.”

So back to work Leo went. Er…at least tried to. There was just one teeny tiiiiiny itsy bitsy wee little factor that was preventing him from doing so. 

Work. Was not working.

Leo’s brain could be described to something akin to an egg on the summer concrete the way it felt so fried. Nothing was clicking. Even the “new angle” as you so called it, was not helping in the slightest. Shell, he’d be staring at this page for so long that the words had started to swim like little black fish between his eyes. 

A hand came up to slowly drag down the length of Leo’s face accompanied with a most exhausted sigh. Yeah, he wasn’t getting anywhere with this tonight.

As if to emphasize said point, like the Universe itself was trying to grab his attention, Leo’s tympanum was caught by the subtle sound that had begun to escape from your parted lips as you all but lounged against his plastron. Leo blinked in surprise at the feeling of the heavy -laded breath that brushed across his chest before his lips curled up into a soft smirk at said sound. 

A sound that could only be described as a snore. Just a light little thing, more of a exhale of air than an actual sound. But it was the fact that you only snored when you were completely out of it.

Leo chuckled softly at the thought as he placed his paperwork onto the ground next to the couch and with his now free hand, curling a knuckle to gently knock your chin up so as to prevent you from drooling against him. It wouldn't be the first time.

Your face instantly scrunched up into a small frown at the displeasure of having something touch you in your sleep, and you instinctively raised a hand to swat against the unseen foe. Letting out a disgruntled little mumble, you shifted against Leo’s side, curling into him as if to try to hide your face against the intrusion. 

Leo’s smirk softened with fond amusement at your decidedly very grumpy face. You were always just so expressive, even in sleep, and he would never tire from trying to memorize each and every face that you would make. Even if he had to be a little turd at times to do so.

Still, you must have not minded, not really, not if you had continued to stick around like you did. Even going as far to marry this poor sap of a turtle he’d become.

He didn’t understand it, and he supposed that he never really would. Understand the fact that you could drop all walls and just fall asleep so quickly next to him without even a second thought. Mikey had said something in passing once that people only fell asleep in places where they felt safe or secure. And Leo, for the life of him, couldn’t fathom what he had done that made you feel safe enough to do so around him. 

Acting on pure instinct, Leo couldn’t help but reach up from where his hand had rested against your jaw to instead lightly trace between your brows, trying to ease the tension that had formed there with a gentle massage of his thumb. Watching with satisfaction at how with each stroke across your brow and cheek line, your eyelashes fluttered and you all but further slumped into his hand, the tension leaving you with a soft sigh.  

While your brow smoothed, Leo’s own brow furrowed, and his hand went still while cupping your cheek.

How on earth could you feel safe? How could you still reach out for him, still care about him, after everything he had done?

He was the reason that the entire world was in this mess, the reason behind every “Raph Chasm” on the faces of the people who passed by, and why you couldn’t sleep soundly anymore unless he was there. 

You and his brothers had told him repeatedly that what had happened wasn’t his fault, that there were more pieces at play then he could have ever handled. Despite all the reassurances, all the never ending support and dedication, it was in these still quiet moments, Leo found himself being haunted by the shadows of his own consuming demons. 

This was his fault.

All of this was his fault. 

And yet despite this, despite all the destruction and heartache his stupid stupid pride and self ego had caused, you still wanted him. You still could stand to even be in his presence, to still care and call him friend.

Enough so that you had…you wanted…you asked if he wanted…would be willing to create a future with you.

Leo’s breath hitched softly at the thought as he looked down at you, curled up so tightly against him, sleeping peacefully at his side like everything was right in the world now that you were close to him.

The realization that THAT is what you felt about him made his hand begin to tremble slightly against your skin. 

Not wanting the chance of his shaky hand to disturb your slumber, Leo quickly slid his hand from your face, back to cup your shoulder instead, thoughts of any previous failures or work fading away the instant he could feel the warmth of your body through the blanket underneath his hand, grounding him instantly into the present.

Feeling that warmth, that comforting and grounding weight, Leo suddenly decided that while you were close sitting by his side like this, you weren’t close enough.

He wanted more, wanted more of you. 

Moving ever so carefully, only as a well seasoned ninja could, Leo gently wrapped both of his arms around the back of your shoulders as he slowly fell backwards onto the couch, pulling you in tow until you were resting on top of him, laying flush upon his plastron.

The sudden shift of positions had you stirring from sleep, causing you to let out a soft questioning hum as your head blearily raised from Leo’s chest. 

Leo acted instinctively not wanting you to awake and to possibly see the unbidden moisture that had begun to form in his eyes, his hand coming up to cradle the back of your head and gently push it back down to strategically rest against above his heart. 

“Shhh shh, it's just me Love, just me. I’m finally going to get some sleep now. You ok with being my weighted blanket for a little bit eh?” 

Not waiting or really wanting a response, Leo’s hand came up to gently card his fingers through your hair in long smooth strokes, hoping to soothe you back into sleep. He watched with satisfaction as your eyes began to flutter close again and you let out a soft appreciative hum, resting more heavily against him into his hand. He couldn’t help but smirk softly at the feeling. Everybody had their happy spots, he supposed.

Leo could understand why. He knew that you tried your very best to take care of you tresses as best as one could during an alien invasion. But what he didn’t know was what woman magic you wielded here during the apocalypse that still made your hair silky smooth as it was. It was so soft. You were so soft.

His hand absentmindedly ran over the curve of your back and shoulders, always amazed at the slight give of your skin against the pressure of his hand. It made him think of how you were always giving, in every way you could. To him, to the rest of the Resistance, to every single soul who had the privilege of coming into contact with you. Such softness and warmth couldn’t be contained, to the point that it was engraved upon every inch of your delicate frame. 

Being a good-for-nothing ninja turtle, who was created literally to be a weapon, a tool, Leo didnt think he'd ever get the opportunity to be soft with someone with someone like this. Have the chance to take comfort in someone else’s body and presence, or have someone take comfort in the likes of him.

And yet here you were, resting on top of him, locked within the protection of his arms, sleeping as soundly as a babe. 

It surprised him even in the beginning of y’alls relationship. It still surprised him to this day because Leo, didn’t think he deserved anything good. Not ever again.

Leo looked down at you. If it were not for the heat and the comforting weight of you on top of him, he was pretty sure that he was dreaming. But for once, it wasn't a dream. Wasn't just a passing wish. No, you were here. You were really here. And that was all that mattered. 

Cradling you closer with one arm wrapping around your shoulders, Leo pulled you protectively flush up against his plastron. His other hand coming to gently dig his fingers through your hair at the back of your head, cradling you close enough that he could press a soft kiss to the top of your head.

His lips lingering over your skin as he absentmindedly peppered slow kisses on your crown and hair at random intervals whenever the affectionate urge hit, indulging in the tenderness that only comes out in these small moments.

Leo would fight any number of Kraang, plan as many ambushes as needed, and take any and every single chance if it meant he could keep you close like this.

Maybe, just maybe. For this one moment, he could let go. Leo could believe in good things again, he could believe in life, settle down and just appreciate this little tender moment with you.

Special thanks to my Beloved L’appel du Vide and @anobodyinabog for being my beta readers!

As well as a shout out to @firefly-graphics for the beautiful dividers!

Random Turtle Thunks: Incorrect Quotes

Figured it was high time to introduce myself and thought it would be funny to do so by associating things I’ve actually said to the ROTTMNT boys.

Raph🧸❤️: *grabbing you by the shoulders and looking you dead in the eye* I’ve got a big heart ok? That means there’s a LOT of love in it, so you are going to flippin let me love you, IN THE WAY I FEEL YOU DESERVE, or else I’ma start throwing things. Something like a chair…or compliments… I don’t know, haven’t decided yet.

Donnie🤔🟪: *not able to socialize and compliment like a normal person* You have the aUdAcItY to actually be a decent human individual, work hard AND do your job?!

Leo✨💠: *wincing with crooked smile* Oof. I think I pulled a muscle power posing too hard. 

Mikey🎨🧡: *grinning at you with an unsettling gleam in his eye* Yep! We’re friends now. You should have ran when you had the choice. Now you’re just going to have to deal with been appreciated and loved for the rest of your life sucka. Tis both my threat and promise.