...hey welcome

Welcome to all my republishes, sorry Tmnt is legit my fav thing on this ap rn so She/They 22

[dood-itsradical]

I NEED TO STOP COMPARING MY FANFICS WITH OTHERS'.

I NEED TO STOP FEELING SAD ABOUT NOT GETTING ENOUGH ATTENTION.

I NEED TO KEEP MAKING FANFICS FOR MYSELF AND FOR FUN.

I NEED TO EMBRACE THE CRINGE.

[st4rry-aid]

turtles pat each other’s faces when courting each other so just imagine tmnts doing that to their crush

as a side note: red eared sliders sometimes instead gently stroke their intended mates face! leo is 1000% touchy and holds ur cheeks when he kisses you.

michaelangelo probably pats your cheeks to the beat of his favorite song.

donnie, on the other hand, either pokes your face like he’s trying to test the squishiness of your cheeks or drumming his fingers softly over them, especially when he’s boredly waiting for something to load.

raph is gentle and quick, just pat-pat-pat! all over your face, a gentle reminder youre his. he gives you a closed eye smile and turns back to his training.

[lazygirlfanfic0-0]

Sometimes you just gotta get rid of all your offloaded apps knowing that you will indeed not go back to them and that you should not keep them ‘just in case’

[ricospriteart]

[badpunktakes]

stop trying to convince people that taylor swift is punk. it's not happening

[the-haiku-bot]

stop trying to convince

people that taylor swift is

punk. it’s not happening

Beep boop! I look for accidental haiku posts. Sometimes I mess up.

[lazygirlfanfic0-0]

Undressed Song Fic - Raph X Reader

Okay, I guess I'm on a Sombr kick because I was listening to my music and heard Undressed and realized it was a great follow up for the first fic, I will link it here lol

This ones a bit longer (3.8k words) and also not edited or reviewed- I find that I like spewing out my silly little stories.

Characters are aged up, early 20's - could be any version of Raph tbh but mostly the ones pre-rottmnt.

No warnings except for language & angst - if you've heard the song and read the last fic then you know why.

If I find a Sombr song that's about reconciling or being in a happy relationship this may get a part three but also maybe not \_(^-^')_/

You had a dream, you wanted better, you were sick of all the holes in your sweater

It had only been a couple of weeks since you ended your situationship with Raph, and he was going off the deep end. At first, he seemed fine, unbothered, stoic, his usual routine unchanged by the loss. His punches packed their usual punch, his blunt words didn’t lose their edge, and if he did have any issues, they were kept inside under his thick shell. That could only last so long.

You looked to me and wondered whether, I was the lamppost to which you were tethered

The conversation of that night played over and over in his head, the way you looked so nervous to talk to him, the way his gut knew you’d want to stop seeing him, that you had come to your senses and realized he was too much of a freak to ever stay with.

I'm lookin' at you, and you're lookin' at me, But the glimmer in your eyes is sayin' you wanna leave

Then you dropped the bomb, “I can’t keep hooking up with you.” Although there was certainly more you said after that, it didn’t quite click at the time. The words stuck in Raph’s head like an unforgiving earworm out to ruin his psyche.

“I can’t keep hooking up with you.” 

“With You.”

“You.”

You wanted more than just casual hookups, more than just late night meetings and hidden affection, yet Raph didn’t comprehend that part; he only heard that you wanted to stop the good thing the two of you had going.

You say you don't mean what you're sayin' to me, But the glimmer in your eyes is telling me other things

So he did the only thing he knew how to do, deflect and avoid. “I- I’m not… I’m not ready for something like that.” These words were not the ones he wanted out of his mouth, but it seemed his brain took over, saving him from any hurt that would come from the situation.

I'm lookin' at you, and you're lookin' at me, But the glimmer in your eyes is sayin' you wanna leave

And you left. Just like that. No argument, no pleading, not even trying to go back to how things were. You had seemed done regardless of the answer he gave.

His brothers took notice immediately, the usual softer and calmer Raphael that they had become accustomed to was gone. They hadn’t seen this side of him since they were kids. Once realizing that a certain human hadn’t been by the past week, it tipped them off.

“You good, Raph?” Mikey, ever the peacekeeper, was the first to try and get the big guy to spill. “M’ fine, why’re you askin’?” He replied gruffly, ignoring the small urge to spill everything to his little brother right then and there. “Just seem a little out of it, that’s all.” Mikey gave him a small shrug, maneuvering around him to get to the fridge. “I mean, you didn’t even react when I replaced your sais with forks… You just tossed them into the wall and found where I hid them.” “Wasn’t worth gettin' worked up so early in the mornin’.” He grumbled out, nothing had seemed worth getting worked up for when he had so many things plaguing his thoughts- scratch that when it was mostly you, plaguing his thoughts. 

I don't wanna get undressed, For a new person all over again

He recalled the first night he crashed at your place, how you welcomed him in with open arms. You had been so eager to see the softer side of him, to break down his walls and carve a place for you inside. The way you seemed to comfort him immediately, the feel of your nails against his shell lulling him to sleep, the way that same action would forever in his mind remind him of lying in each other's arms, breathless and content.

I don't wanna kiss someone else's neck, And have to pretend it's yours instead

At first, he hit up a couple of old flings. Girls he had fooled around with a couple of times before you, ones that he inadvertently stopped talking to once you two had started being intimate.

“You’ve learned some things since the last time I saw you.” Mona seemed to praise him as she lay beside him, her chest rising and falling. “It hasn’t been that long.” Raph scoffed, trying to recall the last time he had seen Mona Lisa. “You may not think so, Raphael,” Mona stretched out, her tail resting over Raph’s leg. “But we haven’t spent the night together since…” She paused to think, her fingertips idly wandering over his arms. “I’d say it’s almost been a year.” Her hands made their way to his shell, tracing patterns over the grooves. Turning, he seemed shocked, not just by her words, but by the fact that she wasn’t you.

After that, he had given up on trying to replace what you had with someone else.

I took the train to see my mother I look across the track to see you with another

“Hey, Raph.” Donnie’s voice came through Raph’s open doorway as he knocked on the frame. “April, Casey, and (Y/n) are coming over tonight. Leo sent me to grab you so we could clean up.” Raph knew that wasn’t the whole truth. Donnie was too acutely aware of when any of them were having an issue, and he was no exception. “Fine.” He grunted out, ignoring the way Donnie opened his mouth to say more. “I’ll be out in a minute.” “Sure.” Donnie hesitated, lingering in the doorway for a moment as he seemingly went through different scenarios in his head for how to approach his brother. “It’ll be nice.” He gave Raph a small nod. “To have all of our friends together again.” “Yeah, real nice,” Raph grunted as he got out of the beanbag and followed Donnie to the main living area. Leo and Mikey were already taking care of leftover pizza boxes and the odd scrap of clothing that happened to make its way down there. Grabbing a broom, Raph began to help, grateful for a simple distraction to figure out how he was supposed to act seeing you again.

“Hey, guys! Wow, it looks great in here.” April’s voice was the one to pull Raph out of his cleaning, now armed with a mop rather than a broom. The linoleum floor that their Sensei had requested was now much cleaner than before. “We brought the ‘Za.” Casey lifted the boxes in his hand, leading the way to the kitchen. “And dessert!” It was you. You carried in a large platter that looked to have some sort of giant cookie on it. “Aw yeah! Nothing beats pizza night with pizza dessert!” Mikey was the first to greet you, eagerly taking the platter from your hands. “I thought you said you wouldn’t be able to find one?”

Raph watched as your cheeks took on that familiar red flush. Not as intense as when he would cause it, instead it was faint, gentle.

“Well, I wasn’t able to find one, so I baked this last night and decorated it this morning.” You explained, earning impressed looks from his brothers.

Of course, they were impressed; they didn’t know that you baked on the side. That any time Raph visited your apartment, it smelled like a patisserie and had the warmth of a freshly used oven. They didn’t know you as he did. Why would you be giving your talented work to them?

“Very cool, hopefully it tastes as good as it looks.” Leo’s voice broke his train of thought. He watched as his brothers peered over the dessert and how that faint red flush stuck to your cheeks. “Hopefully it does, I didn’t get a chance to taste it since I didn’t have any dough leftover.” Your voice was just as melodic as before. Raph watched with a scowl as he analyzed your body language; you were open, smiling, seemingly at peace with yourself. How come you weren’t hurting the same way he was? How come after one week, you were fine? There's nothin' worse than seein' your lover, Moving on while you still suffer “Aye, you good man? You look like you’re trying to take out my friend over there.” Casey stepped directly into his line of sight, causing him to realize that he was glaring. “‘M fine, it’s nothin’.” He huffed, realizing that was the closest he’d been to being angry the whole week. “C’mon man, I may not be your brother, but I know you better than that.” Casey brought a hand to Raph’s shell pushing him towards the garage. “Let’s talk, just real quick.”

Raph grunted and begrudgingly followed Casey, unaware of how you let out a small breath as soon as his back was turned.

“What’s eating you, man?” Casey settled himself on the turtlecycle, swaying with the balance of the bike. “You can’t tell anyone,” Raph said, feeling his throat go dry at what he was about to admit. “No duh, man. Spill.” “Seriously, Case, not to April, not to my brothers, no one.” Raph looked at Casey almost expectantly, a look that truly caught the young man off guard. “Promise, man!” He raised his hands, trying to convey his honest intentions. “What, did you kill someone or something?” “No, that’s not-“ Raphael seemed frustrated, but ran a hand over his face before sitting in one of the many rolling chairs that littered the garage. “(Y/n) and I had been hooking up for a while…” Raph didn’t miss the audible gasp that came out of Casey’s mouth, but continued anyway. “They wanted somethin’ serious, but…” Raph stood, trying to figure out how to convey the words in his head. “I- I just screwed it up, and now I can’t get ‘em out of my head! They’re everywhere- in my dreams, my memories- hell, I even hit up Mona and the whole time- the whole time I was thinkin’ of em.” Casey looked like a fish out of water, mouth wide and gaping as he processed all the information his red-clad friend just dumped on him. “Quit lookin’ at me like that- I know I fucked up, but now? Now they seem fine, like nothing happened, unaffected that they weaseled their way into my life and now I can’t function without 'em!” Raph thrusted his fist into the wall, shaking some of the frames that hung. The sting of pain was almost grounding as he finally got his thoughts out. Laughter was the first thing Raph heard outside of the ringing of his ears. “You’re whipped.” He glared at Casey as he got off the turtlecycle. “I’m sorry, bud, but you are down so bad. I mean, going at it with Mona and only thinking of (Y/n)? You are whipped like cream.” Casey chortled again before approaching Raph slowly, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “How good was it?” “Oh, shut up man- I don’t even know why I told you.” Raph practically growled, shoving his hand off his shoulder. “Oh, come on! If you’re down this bad, it must’ve been mind-blowing.” Casey chuckled, grabbing Raph’s shoulder again, only to be met with an electric green glare. If looks could kill… “Okay, okay, serious- serious Casey time.” He removed his hand and dusted himself off. “Serious Cassidy time.” “Your full name is Cassidy?” Raph snorted before quickly being shushed by Casey. “How long were you two hooking up for?” He asked, no teasing, no joking, he was being true to his word. “According to Mona, I hadn’t hit her up for almost a year, so…” “Almost an entire year of hookups?” Casey asked, sitting in Raph’s abandoned rolling chair, watching as he nodded. “And what went wrong? You said they wanted something more serious, so what stopped that?” Raph contemplated telling a lie, making it seem like it wasn’t entirely his fault, but nothing came to mind on how to spin this. “I did.” He murmured, shame flooding his being as he leaned against a workbench. “I stopped it- I thought… I thought they wanted to end things, not go further, and I- I panicked and said I wasn’t ready.” He admitted resting his head in his hands. “So you told them you weren’t ready,” Casey repeated as he hummed in thought. “That’s not as bad as I thought it would be…” Raph shot him a glare from behind his fingers. “Just saying.” Casey shrugged, “That’s really not that bad, you weren’t ready, and now you are, why don’t you just tell them?” “You didn’t see them.” Raph sighed, rolling his neck slightly. “They looked the same coming in, like nothing affected them after their confession.” He spoke softly; his usual brash words seemed… fragile, hopeless.

Meanwhile, you were in the kitchen, helping the guys arrange pizza boxes and gather plates, napkins, and drinks.

“So, any updates on that booty call douche you were having issues with?” Mikey asked as he set out cups and ice for the sodas you had brought in. You gasped, shoving Mikey away. “Shut up, Mikey! That’s so not cool to bring it up like that.” Mikey chuckled a bit as April sent you a knowing look. “C’mon (Y/n), did you confront the guy?” Mikey asked, way too interested in your personal life. Groaning, you set down the cups in your hand. “Ugh. Yes, I told the guy what I wanted, and he didn’t want the same thing.” You answered, ignoring the pit in your stomach that had opened up as soon as you walked into the sewers. “Dudette… I’m sorry.” Mikey looked genuinely apologetic for once, and you realized you must not have been hiding your emotions as well as you thought you were. “It’s no big deal.” You answered, steeling your feelings as you poured yourself a drink. “She was crying for days, took a lot of ice cream to get her back on her feet,” April whispered to Mikey, whose face seemed to fall at the thought. “April!” You nearly choked on your drink before shooting her a glare. “Not cool.” “It’s okay, Angelcakes!” Mikey reassured you with a small side hug. “We’ll have such a good time tonight, you won’t even think about that loser.” Mikey always knew how to get you to smile and seemed insistent on keeping one on your face throughout the night. It was Casey who broke the small bubble of relief you had as Raph approached with him. “What loser?” He picked up a slice of pizza and started chowing down. “Don’t-“ “The loser that broke (Y/n)’s heart,” Mikey stated matter-of-factually, interrupting your nearly non-existent warning. “Jeez, Mikey, go ahead and tell everyone why don’t you?” You smacked the arm that was still around your waist, causing the turtle to wince. “It was-“ You were ready to defend yourself, but noticed how Casey seemingly choked on his mouthful of pizza and how Raph’s usual intense eyes seemed dimmed. “Nothing…” You finished averting your gaze and taking a sip from your cup. “Casey, you okay?” April patted Casey on the back as Mikey took notice of his brother’s absent gaze. “I know, Raph, that guy was a total douche for letting someone like (Y/n) get away, I told ‘em that whoever they were, they’re totally missing out on a killer person like (Y/n).” Mikey slung an arm around Raph, but his gaze never left you, or more like your cup as he couldn’t bring himself to meet your eyes. I'm lookin' at you, and you're lookin' at me, But the glimmer in your eyes is sayin' you wanna leave “Seriously, guys its not a big deal, can we just drop it?” You passed your cup to Casey, who couldn’t stop coughing. Deciding to put space between the two of you and help Donnie with whatever music selection he was working on.

Raph stood rooted in his spot, Mikey’s arm still around his shoulders… Obviously, you hadn’t told them who you were seeing; Mikey was living proof of that, but that loser… that loser was him. You thought he was a loser. You say you don't mean what you're sayin' to me, But the glimmer in your eyes is tellin' me other things The night was different. After the initial shock of Raph coming to terms with his feelings, only to learn how you thought of him, it was tense. Everyone had just assumed it was because you were having a rough time with this so-called fling, but only Casey and Donnie knew that Raph was having the same rough time. “It’s getting late, I think I’m gonna head out.” You stood from your spot between Mikey and Donnie, the former hoping to lift your spirits, and the latter knowing you needed a buffer from Raph. “Boo, you sure you don’t want to hang around any longer?” April asked from her spot next to Casey. He squirmed a bit, as if to signal Raph for something. “I’d love to Ayps, but I got that thing tomorrow.” You suddenly felt guilty as both you and April knew you had a coffee date the next morning, one that she had set up for you. “Oh, right… It’ll go great, he’s really a nice guy.” She gave her usual cheery smile, but little did she know she was lighting the fuse of a short stick of dynamite one spot away from her. “I’ll walk you out.” Raph stood almost immediately; his darkening demeanor didn’t go unnoticed by his brothers, but it also warned like a threat, ‘don’t get in my way’. I don't wanna get undressed, For a new person all over again You walked beside Raph out of the lair, he was currently trying to calm himself down to have a civil conversation with you, and the clenching of his fists wasn’t the only thing that gave it away.

The walk through the sewer was stifling. Raph seemed to still be gathering his thoughts, and you? You were just aiming to get out of here without breaking down into tears. You hadn’t even wanted the date, but April insisted on setting you up with someone who was looking for a relationship. Once you finally caved, she nearly cheered over the phone and sent the guy’s picture.

He was handsome, an objectively nice-looking dude. It took everything in you not to start bawling again when you saw bright green eyes looking back at you through the screen. You didn’t want to go through with it, you even contemplated calling it off, but April was insistent that you’d like the guy. I don't wanna kiss someone else's neck, And have to pretend it's yours instead, And I don't wanna learn another scent “This is far enough. I know the way out of here.” You managed to clear your throat as you came across the straight shot to the surface. Raph stopped a few steps ahead of you before turning around. “Look, I know you know the way out, that’s not why I offered.” “You didn’t offer.” You shot back, not wanting to be caught in whatever apology or grand gesture he had planned. A small grunt escaped Raph’s lips as he heard that tone- a tone that had once lit a fire in him, something that he knew would be a challenge, something fun. “I guess it’s not somethin’ a loser does.” “I didn’t say that.” You had to keep your voice from quivering, knowing that he probably was just there to boast about how he was fine without you. “You didn’t have to.” His usually playful tone when you argued was gone, replaced by one laced with disdain. “So this new guy, he a loser too?” I don't want the children of another man, To have the eyes of the girl that I won't forget, I won't forget You felt your face flush, not with the usual flutter that came with it. No, this time it was out of anger. “I don’t need to tell you that. I don’t know why you feel entitled to that information.” “I don’t feel entitled to anything-“ Raph raised his voice, but you didn’t flinch. “You do!” You had matched his volume. He had never heard you yell before. Scold? Yeah, plenty of times. A warning tone? That too. Scream? Not often, but when it did happen? That was inflicted by him. But to actually yell at him?

“You feel like, because I wanted to further our relationship, you’re entitled to any details of my personal life!” Your eyes burned passionately as you raised a finger to point at him. “But you said NO!” You pressed your finger against his plasteron, any residual sadness you had was like gasoline, lit by the flame of anger he sparked in you. “You are the one who wasn’t ready, and I respected that. I gave you space, but now that I’m trying to pick up the pieces of what you broke, you suddenly feel the need to stake your claim? You have no claim!” You heard your words echo back at you, but you didn’t care. I don't wanna get undressed, For a new person all over again “I ain’t tryin to stake my claim!” He yelled back, unwilling to just sit there and take these accusations from you. “Just listen, will ya?!” “No.” Your answer surprised not only Raph but yourself as well. “No?” He asked, the surprise easily being taken over by the frustration of not being able to plead his case. “Whadya mean no?” “I mean,” It was like your body had taken control of itself, like you were a backseat passenger to your movements and words. “No. I don’t want to hear what you have to say, I don’t want to talk, I didn’t even want to come tonight because I can’t think of you without wanting to cry my eyes out!” You cursed yourself for saying that, letting him have that vulnerable piece of knowledge over you. “So, No. Raphael, I will not ‘just listen’.” Your legs moved automatically, walking down the straight shot to the exit of the sewers, even though your heart was dying to hear what he had to say.

“(Y/n)!” Raph’s voice echoed through the tunnels. How was he supposed to make this right if you wouldn’t give him the chance to? I don't wanna kiss someone else's neck, And have to pretend it's yours instead “Raph, where’ve you been?” Mikey asked as he walked back into the lair, his eyes red and raw. “Just needed a minute,” Raph grunted out, his voice hoarse. “Raph…” Casey stopped the instant he saw the wetness around his mask; this hadn’t gone the way they hoped. “I’m goin’ to bed.” He grumbled out, moving quickly before anyone else could see.

I don't wanna get undressed, For a new person all over again

Couple of thoughts here at the end, this was WAY longer than the first and also I have the headcanon that Casey's dad was really into the 'Wild West' so he named him after Butch Cassidy but liked Casey as a nickname. ALSO I try my best to write gender neutral, but I do slip up on occasion, so sorry about that :/

[sweeneydino]

They’re the rats… rat dads.

[lazygirlfanfic0-0]

Okay, so first off, I am NOT an artist. I have no formal training/courses or really know anything about art at all. With that out of the way I started watching the 2003 TMNT series, just about through the first season and I thought it’d be fun to try and draw an OC in the style cause I really like the animation style of these types of shows, eg. X-Men, Thundercats, Batman the Animated Series, stuff like that, so here’s what I ended up with.

Took me like three or four days of constantly referencing April and Casey’s character designs and replicating what I could but uh yeah here it is lol Her names Nex, no last name given and no real backstory, just liked the idea of trying to draw a character.

If you read this far thanks! I used my iPad, Apple Pencil, and the app sketchbook :)

[lee-onardo-davinci-jr]

The sillies but if they were in a skateboarding magazine cover! 🐢

(Ver without the cover art on it)

[lazygirlfanfic0-0]

Back to Friends Song Fic - Raph X Reader

Hello! I've been meaning to write more and figured I'd post it to tumblr and see if anyone reads it lol.

I heard this song and it made me want to write one of the og song fics I had read in middle school.

Characters are aged up, early 20's - could be any version of Raph tbh but mostly the ones pre-rottmnt.

No warnings except for angst - if you've heard the song you know why.

Touch my body tender 'cause the feeling makes me weak. You lay on Raph’s chest as he breathed in and out slowly, listening to the soft inhales and exhales that he produced in his sleep. It had almost become a routine: you had a bad day, he had a bad day, someone needed cheering up, and you happened to find that happiness in each other. Kicking off the covers, I see the ceiling while you’re looking down at me. Once again, you were still awake, enjoying his body heat and deep in thought about what you two were. It had always been casual, friends just taking care of one another, until it hadn’t. You found yourself searching to be in his embrace, to smell his scent, and to feel the ease after a tough day. It was moments like these that kept your heart in a vice, unwilling to believe it was solely stress relief. But like all good things, it didn’t last forever. His phone rang, interrupting the bliss and waking him from the slumber. “Hello?” His voice was gravelly- as if he had been sleeping through the night. “Yeah. Yeah I'll head out. No, I'm nowhere.” That statement wasn’t uncommon, but it didn’t hurt any less, especially when he nudged you off of him and sat up, phone still in his hand. Getting up, you redressed, knowing that the serenity of the moment had passed, and it was once again time for a quick goodbye and being left to your own devices. “Thanks again, I’ll text you, okay?” His voice broke you away from your thoughts. You nodded, waving your hand as he left the room, taking the comfortable atmosphere with him.

How can we go back to being friends when we just shared a bed? “Hey, you guys have met (Y/n) right?” April had brought the guys to your study session in the park, noting that Donnie would be able to help if you had any questions. “A few times,” Leo said, shaking your hand politely, the other boys nodded and waved. It wouldn’t be an issue if it weren’t for the fact that not even 24 hours ago, you had had the red one in your bed. “Nice to see you all again.” You waved with a small nod of your own, not missing the way Raph looked completely uninterested and almost bored. How can you look at me and pretend I’m someone you’ve never met? “Thanks for all the help Donnie.” You were packing up your textbooks alongside April as the group of you prepared to go get a late dinner. “It was nice to have someone who actually knows what they’re talking about explain a topic.” The comment made April snicker, thinking back to some of your less knowledgeable professors. “No problem, it’s nice knowing what they’re teaching at the university, even if it's a bit outdated.” Donnie smiled. “Mikey didn’t make the order too complicated, did he?” You and April were tasked with getting the pizza, then the boys would meet you at the lair. Your gaze naturally drifted to Raph; he was on his phone as Mikey chattered in his ear about something or another. His usual peaceful, sleepy demeanor you saw was replaced by his typical unamused, annoyed look. You studied his face, the way his electric green eyes flit across the small screen. The way his alluring green skin contrasted with the red of his mask, drawing you back to those eyes, those eyes you were just dying to have even glance your way. It was last December, you were layin’ on my chest. Your mind drifted to the first time Raph had fallen asleep at your apartment. It was a particularly late night and he had a nasty argument with Leo, leading him to you. It had only been a couple of times since you started hooking up, but this time he seemed exhausted- you felt a pang of guilt knowing he’d have to navigate back to the lair in his tired state and offered him a shared space in your bed for the night. “You sure I ain’t puttin’ you out? I ain't exactly a small guest.” His voice dripped with exhaustion as he lay beside you, flush from your previous activities still present in your face and his breathing. “It’s no big deal, really.” You insisted, deciding to prove it, you opened your arms and motioned for him to come closer, bringing his head to your chest. “I wouldn’t want you going out tonight anyway, apparently it’s supposed to rain.” He tensed at the sudden contact with your chest, but you felt him ease into it after a moment. Lazily scratching patterns into his shell, you glanced down and saw that his eyes had shut. I still remember I was scared to take a breath, didn’t want you to move your head. “Earth to (Y/n), we need to go?” April’s voice brought you back to your senses; you had spaced out and not heard the last of her and Donnie's conversation. “Sorry! Yeah, yeah lets go.” You nodded, shaking your head a bit as Donnie and his brothers left for the lair. “What’s occupying your mind tonight?” April asked, eying you skeptically. “Just… thinking I guess.” You said softly, remembering the way Raph barely acknowledged you all night. How can we go back to being friends when we just shared a bed?

“April… what does it mean when you’re with a guy, but he doesn’t tell his friends about you?” You asked, knowing the answer, but not quite believing your own thoughts. “Oh, (Y/n)…” April said with a pitying tone. “Sounds like you’re just a booty call.” You swallowed slowly, but it didn’t help as your mouth turned to a desert. “Who is it? Don’t tell me it’s Derek from our Intro to Humanities class. I know he's cute, but he’s a douche.” “No, no, it’s not Derek. No one from school.” You admitted as the two of you descended into the lair, Mikey waiting at the bottom to help navigate the sewers and carry the pizza. “Then who is it?” She asked before Mikey grabbed the boxes. “Who’s what?” He asked, watching as you hopped off the ladder. “No one, Mikey, it’s nothing.” You said before being quickly cut off by April. “She’s being strung along as a booty call by some douche.” She explained, and Mikey gasped, looking between you two. “No way! You’re a hot commodity (Y/n)- you shouldn’t let some douche string you along. No dick can be that good.” He led the way to the lair, pizza boxes steady in his hands. “Nobody is leading me along!” You defended yourself; however, the little voice in the back of your mind screamed that they were right. You walked into the lair and waved to Raph, who was reading a magazine on the beanbag in the corner. He glanced up, but returned to the text in his hand. How can you look at me and pretend I’m someone you’ve never met? “Foods here!” Mikey called out. The boys came into the kitchen, eagerly grabbing their slices. You sat at the table, picking at the slice while drafting up a text to send to Raph, knowing you couldn’t handle the emotional whiplash. “You good?” Raph’s voice drifted into your ears. Snapping your gaze to meet his, you looked around, noticing the kitchen was empty. “Everyone’s headin' into the living room to watch a movie.” Swallowing your nerves, you willed yourself to tell him, admit that you wanted something more, something other than just pick-me-ups. “Raph, I can’t do this.” “Can’t go watch a movie with your friends?” He asked, quirking a brow, or at least where a brow would have been. You stared into his eyes, trying to find the strength to end it. Was it worth it? Worth never hearing him call your name in that sultry voice again? Worth losing the fondness of the countless nights spent together? Worth not only losing a sneaky link, but probably a friend as well. The devil in your eyes won’t deny the lies you’ve sold. “I can’t keep hooking up with you-“ You began, watching as he tensed and glanced over his shoulder, ensuring no wandering ears. “I want an actual relationship, but if you’re not okay with that, then…” I’m holding on too tight while you let go, this is casual. “I-“ Raph looked uncomfortable, as if this conversation caught him by surprise. “I’m not… I’m not ready for something like that.” He admitted with a small grimace. Your heart crashed at your feet, pieces cutting into you as they flew across the floor. Shattered and empty, you gave him a small nod. “I understand.” Standing from your chair, you tossed your empty paper plate into the trash, allowing for more space between the two of you. “It was nice while it lasted.” Raph gave a solemn nod, whether in agreement or acknowledgment, you weren't sure; regardless, he watched as you left. Giving April a hasty excuse and waving to the rest of the guys, you slipped out of the lair and walked back to your apartment. How can we go back to being friends when we just shared a bed? How can you look at me and pretend I’m someone you’ve never met? I’m someone you’ve never met.

[ceramic-raven]

Me stalking accounts and spam liking and reblogging posts from authors/artist I like, hoping they don't think I'm weird

[imagination-phantom]

If you love Alex Brightman as much as I do you get it. lol

lol I’m so sorry but not at the same time Adam.

I know Alex is 5,6 Adam’s just giant and an a ass hole when he’s jealous so he calls Beej short. lol

[key-dot-dee]

sisters and bikes

[ipostwhatiwant1202]

The boys get into a fight at thanksgiving...

(i just love this scene from friends okay? sue me). (i also changed the scenario a tad).

Raph: yeah, about the whole telling my dad about the pot thing...i think i'm just gonna write him a letter

Vern: you had your chance. splinter, raph smoked pot with casey!

Splinter: what?

Raph: oh you are such a tattletale! *looks at mikey and then splinter* that mailman vern got fired, he didn't steal his playboys, mikey did!

Vern&Splinter: *slow blink*

Mikey: yeah well hurricane gloria didn't break april's patio swing, leo did!

April: *rapid blinking*

Leo: donnie's been paying april to do his laundry all year!

Donnie: APRIL AND CASEY ARE LIVING TOGETHER.

Splinter: *slowly looks at april and casey*

April: i love jacques costeau...?

Vern: *eyes widen* ah man! i wasn't supposed to put beef in the trifle!

Casey: I WANNA GOOOOOOOO *tugging april's arm*

Splinter: that's a lot of information to get in 30 seconds... *rubbing temples*

[beaft]

googling shit like "why do i feel bad after hanging out with my friends" and all of the answers are either "you need better friends" (i don't; my friends are wonderful) or "your social battery is drained, you need to rest and regain your energy levels" (i don't; i've got tons of energy, it's just manifesting as over-the-top neurotic mania). why is this even happening. it's like some stupid toll i have to pay as a punishment for enjoying myself too much

[beaft]

I actually, genuinely think social event aftercare would fix me. I need someone to put me to bed and say "you were fun today and no one hated you"

[starbitten13]

[ebonydraygon]

#theres a thing called 'larp drop' thats essentially this#esp since when having a great time you might be more inclined to disregard your limits and ignore discomfort#(and forget to eat/drink if its larp whoops)#and then once you have a moment to yourself it all comes crashing in#source: once forgot to eat at larp and had a sobbing fit in my car that ended the instant i bit into a chicken nugget - @queerfarmgremlin

[troublepunk-ldn]

this is also true of festivals, conventions, pride parades, concerts, and any situation where you have a lot of fun with other people!

[smokedrac2004]

[heartonmyshell]

rottmnt raph deserves more love so my request is a rottmnt raphael x female reader! raph and reader are friends but she is much closer to donnie thanks to their love for books and videogames and the fact that she is pretty smart. they are always playfully teasing each other and almost always together just the two of them and raph is starting to get jealous even though he doesn’t understand why. leo is the one who notices it and he confronts raph and tells him that he has an obvious crush on reader and he should try to get closer to her or even ask her out instead of seething in silence and ruining the vibes in the room. but since leo knows that raph is both still in denial and a chicken when it comes to feelings, and that he most likely will not follow his advices, he decides to take the situation in his own hands. leo goes to donnie and pester him with questions about the reader and their relationship until donnie gives up and tells leo that the reader has had the biggest crush on raph since the first time that they met and honestly he is quite tired of hearing her lust and simp after him without doing nothing about it. so they start planning a way to force raph and reader to be alone and create the right atmosphere for them to confess to each other. they succeed and raph ends up kissing her and asking her on a first date! thank you so much, i love the way you write!

ps: i read all the chapters of sun killer and omg i can’t wait for the next one, i love the story so much! you also have amazing music taste period.

A/N: Firstly, I agree; Rise Raph definitely deserves more love! 🩷 Second, thank you so much for the lovely compliments! They mean a lot to me 😊

I hope you enjoy this story, anon! 🫶

Mission Accomplished (fluff)

❤️ ROTTMNT Raphael/Female Reader ❤️

CWs: Fluff, very mild angst, jealous Raph, mutual pining, oblivious idiots in love, meddling brothers, matchmaking shenanigans, first kiss. All characters are aged-up.

Colorful explosions detonate across the screen as you focus on your current mission of utterly annihilating your purple-clad opponent.

“Ha! Your timing is slipping, Don Tron,” you yell, sidestepping his attack. A grin splits your face as you input a complex chain of moves, ready to press your advantage with your ultimate combo. “Get ready to get wrecked!”

Your character, Azure Striker, unleashes her move. Jagged bolts of blue lightning fill the screen, culminating in a massive eruption graphic centered squarely on Donnie’s avatar, Techno-Titan. The triumphant fanfare blares from the speakers as Azure Striker poses before there’s a slow-motion replay of Techno-Titan getting absolutely demolished.

You lean back in your chair, stretching your arms above your head. “Oooh, that felt good,” you crow, glancing over at Donnie.

He lets out a long, drawn-out sigh as his fingers finally release their death grip on the controller. “Seriously? The infinite lightning juggle again?” His voice is a mixture of exasperation and grudging respect.

“Face it—you zigged when you should have zagged,” you counter. “So predictable.”

“Predictable? I baited you into that corner! You just got lucky with the input read.”

“Luck is just preparation meeting opportunity, my friend,” you say sagely, navigating the victory screen prompts. The scoreboard pops up, showing your decisive win streak for the evening. “And I am always prepared to strike.”

Donnie snorts, but a small smile plays on his lips. “Yeah, yeah, whatever, Azure ‘Prepared’ Striker. That just means my glorious comeback will be even more satisfying.” He goes back to the character select screen and highlights Techno-Titan’s purple icon. “Best two out of three?”

Your grin widens as you select Azure Striker without hesitation. “You’re on. But don’t cry when lightning strikes twice.”

He lets out a groan at your pun as the game loads the neon-drenched cyberpunk arena where the two of you will have yet another match. As the ‘READY?’ prompt appears, you prepare to make good on your taunt by beating him for the fourth time in a row in Cosmic Combat Chaos VII.

You’re so engrossed in the playful back-and-forth, the comfortable rhythm you and Donnie fall into when spending time together, that you don’t notice the presence lingering on the other side of the communal area of the lair.

But Raph notices. He always does when you and Donnie are like this. Which, lately, seems to be all the time.

He stands there, arms cross tightly over his plastron. He watches your easy laughter, the way you bump Donnie’s shoulder when you finally win the round, the way Donnie just rolls his eyes fondly. How you lean conspiratorially towards him to point out a flaw in his defense strategy. Watches Donnie respond with a technical explanation that somehow makes you laugh again.

A low growl rumbles in Raph’s chest, something tight and uncomfortable twisting in his gut. He doesn’t get it. Why does this bother him so much? You’re his friend too, right? So why does watching you hang out with Donnie, just Donnie, make his fists clench? Why does it feel like someone has shoved a hot needle into his ribs, a feeling of being on the outside, looking in—

—even though he’s standing right here.

Why does it feel like … like he’s missing out on something important? He doesn’t understand the possessive spike that jabs at him when Donnie makes you genuinely laugh, or the hollow feeling when you get deep into a conversation about some book Raph’s never even heard of. He just knows he doesn’t like it. Not one bit.

He shakes his head, trying to dislodge the feeling as he pads towards the dojo, needing to hit something. A lot. And hard. To let the familiar impact against the punching bag drown out the confusing static in his head.

A bit later, Leo finds him there. He leans casually against the doorframe, that signature smirk already in place. “Whoa there, big guy,” he drawls. “What’s got your shell in a twist? Or should I say, who?”

Raph freezes mid-swing, the momentum dying. He slowly turns, his face already flushed, brow furrowed. “What are you even talkin’ about, Leo? Nothin’s got my shell twisted. Just workin’ out some energy.”

Leo pushes off the frame, strolling into the training area. “Riiight. ‘Energy.’ The kind that mysteriously flares up every time she and Donnie do their nerd thing?” He stops a few feet from Raph. “You’re not exactly subtle, you know.”

“I am NOT jealous!” Raph explodes, the words coming out louder and harsher than intended. He gestures emphatically with a fist. “She’s my friend! Donnie’s my brother! Why would I be jealous?” But even as he says it, the lie feels thin and brittle.

“Okay, fine, you’re not jealous,” Leo concedes with exaggerated patience. “You just glower and radiate doom whenever she’s within five feet of Donnie. Totally normal friend behavior.” He waits a beat. “Seriously, Raph. You like her. A lot. Why don’t you, I don’t know, talk to her? Ask her out? Anything besides standing nearby looking like you wanna punch a hole through the space-time continuum?”

Raph freezes. Ask you out? The thought sends a jolt of panic through him. What would he even say? What if you laughed? What if you said no? What if you only saw him as the big, dumb muscle? It’s safer this way.

Even if ‘this way’ involves feeling miserable whenever you’re near Donnie.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he mutters, finally turning away from the punching bag, refusing to meet Leo’s gaze. He brushes past his brother. “Just drop it.”

Leo watches him, the smirk finally fading into something resembling exasperation mixed with pity. “Suit yourself, hermano. But stewing in it isn’t helping anyone, least of all you.” He watches Raph leave and thinks, considering what to do next. Then, a mischievous glint sparks in his eyes, an idea forming. “If you won’t fix this … guess I’ll have to.”

Leo finds Donnie in his lab, soldering something intricate. You’d headed off to the convenience store to grab more snacks earlier, promising to bring Donnie back something that wasn’t pure sugar.

“Donnie! Dee! Donatello!” Leo slides dramatically into the lab. “We need to have a little chat.”

Donnie sighs, not looking up from his project. “If this is about re-calibrating the toaster to achieve optimal crispiness levels again, the answer is no.”

Leo huffs and flops onto one of the lab’s rolling chairs, spinning once before stopping himself with a foot on the floor. “Nope, this is way juicier. It’s about you. And our guest. Specifically, your thing with her.”

Donnie finally glances up, brows knitting. “Thing? What thing? We play games. We talk. She appreciates my intellectual discourse—unlike some people.”

Leo points a finger, grinning. “Exactly! You like her.”

Donnie immediately fumbles the soldering tool, barely catching it before it hits the floor. “What?! No—I mean—I respect her. She’s cool. Smart. Sharp sense of humor. But that doesn’t mean I like her, like her. And even if I had feelings, she’s not exactly … available.”

Leo tilts his head. “What makes you think that?”

Donnie pushes his goggles up, setting the soldering tool down with deliberate care. “It’s obvious even to me she likes Raph.”

“Wait,” Leo says, grinning. “She likes him back?!”

“Likes him back?” Donnie repeats, before pinching the bridge of nose. “I’ve known for weeks. Probably longer.” He exhales slowly. “I have received detailed analyzes of his musculature during training sessions. I have endured exhaustive hypothetical scenarios regarding potential romantic encounters. Listened to her sigh dreamily over his protective instincts more times than I can count. They are both infuriatingly inert.”

A slow, positively wicked grin spreads across Leo’s face. Oh, this is perfect. Raph likes you. Donnie says you like Raph. This whole situation is a tangled mess of oblivious pining. “Maybe what this situation needs is a little … catalyst. A nudge. To get things moving.”

Donnie narrows his eyes at his twin. “Nardo, what are you plotting?”

Leo leans forward, conspiratorially lowering his voice even though they’re alone in the lab. “Operation: Get the Big Guy the Girl! Or Operation: Stop Raph From Moping Around Like A Sad Puppy.” He shrugs. “Title’s a work in progress.”

Donnie pinches the bridge of his nose again. “Meddling in complex interpersonal emotional dynamics is statistically likely to result in catastrophic failure. Variables include Raph’s emotional density, her potential reaction to perceived manipulation, and the inherent awkwardness of forced proximity …”

“Pfft, details!” Leo waves a dismissive hand. “Look, they both like each other. You said it yourself! They’re just … stuck. We just need to create the perfect storm.”

“Perfect storm?” Donnie raises a skeptical brow. “You intend to manufacture meteorological phenomena to facilitate romantic confessions?”

“No, Donnie, a metaphorical perfect storm,” Leo clarifies, rolling his eyes. “The perfect setting. The perfect mood. Just the two of them. No distractions.” He pointedly looks around the lab, then back at Donnie. “Meaning us.”

Donnie taps a finger against his chin, the gears visibly turning. “Eliminate external stimuli … Isolate the subjects … Create a controlled environment conducive to emotional vulnerability …” A slow, calculating smile touches his lips, mirroring Leo’s mischievous one. “The hypothesis is sound.”

“Yes! See? You get it!” Leo pumps a fist. “So, what’s the plan? Fake mission? Accidental lockdown?”

“Overly complicated,” Donnie muses. “Subtlety is key. We need a scenario that feels natural yet provides ample opportunity for unguarded conversation. Perhaps a rooftop observation task?”

Leo snaps his fingers. “Ooh, I like it! Romantic city lights, feeling of seclusion. Very prime confession real estate.”

“Precisely,” Donnie agrees. “We can fabricate some low-level reconnaissance. Or—”

You return to the lair, bag filled with snacks in one hand, a drink in the other. You glance around, not seeing Donnie in the communal area anymore. So you head towards the lab, seeing the lights on and hearing voices coming from inside.

Leo leaves just as you make it to the entrance, giving you a friendly wave before he disappears elsewhere in the lair. “Okay, brought the goods!” you announce cheerfully as you enter. “Got your weird seaweed chips, and look, they had that ridiculously sour candy Raph likes!” You put the bag on a relatively clear spot on one of Donnie’s workbenches. “What were you guys chatting about?”

Donnie startles slightly, whipping his head around to face you. His eyes dart momentarily towards the doorway where Leo just vanished before settling back on you. “Ah! Yes! Snacks! Excellent procurement,” he says, maybe a little too loudly, focusing intently on the bag you placed down. He picks up the seaweed chips. “And Leo? Oh, just … the usual.” He waves a hand dismissively, already turning back to his workbench, busying himself by organizing wires that didn’t seem to need tidying.

You raise an eyebrow slightly but decide not to press further as you grab the brightly colored package from the bag. The cartoon mascot on the front looks like it’s imploding from sourness. You figured you’d track Raph down and give him his candy early. Just as you’re about to ask Donnie where he is, Leo reappears back in the lab doorway, this time with Mikey trailing behind him.

“Change of plans! Me and Miguel are heading topside. Got a lead on some weird energy fluctuations down by the docks. Sounds … electrifying.” He winks, clearly proud of his pun.

Mikey nods vigorously. “And dangerous.”

Leo slings an arm around Mikey’s shoulder. “Whatever it is, it sounds like it needs a specialist’s touch. You know, scanners, tricorders, fancy gizmos. Your department.”

Donnie sighs dramatically, though you don’t know this is all part of a plan the twins concocted. “Seriously? Energy fluctuations? Must I be dragged away from my work for every errant power surge?” He glances at his console, then back at Leo. “Fine. But if this turns out to be faulty wiring in a streetlamp again, you owe me seventeen uninterrupted hours of lab time.”

“Deal!” Leo says quickly, already herding Donnie towards the door.

“Aw, man,” you pipe up, slumping slightly. “But tonight was supposed to be movie night.” The initial excitement of your gaming victory and snack run fades, replaced by a wave of disappointment. The five of you hanging out, watching cheesy movies, was something you’d been looking forward to all day.

Leo pauses, offering a sympathetic (and slightly smug, though you don’t catch it) look. “Sorry, chica. Duty calls! Raincheck?”

Mikey adds, “We’ll be back super-fast! Probably.”

Donnie gives you a quick, almost apologetic glance before being pulled away, Leo practically shoving him out of the lab.

“Okay. Well, uh, be careful, guys,” you call out as they leave.

You’re then left in the sudden quiet. Disappointment about movie night still lingers. But then—it hits you. Donnie’s gone. Leo’s gone. Mikey’s gone. Which leaves … Your eyes widen as you look over at the bag of sour candy still sitting on Donnie’s workbench.

Just you. And Raph.

For movie night.

Suddenly, the disappointment evaporates. A nervous flutter starts in your stomach, a warmth spreading through your chest, your mind racing. Just you and Raph? Watching a movie? Alone? Would he even want to? Okay, you tell yourself. This could work. This could be … nice. Really nice, actually.

Grabbing the sour candy and your own snacks, you practically bounce out of the lab, your mission suddenly shifting from ‘shared movie night’ to ‘potential low-key hang-out with the giant turtle who makes your heart do stupid backflips’.

Now, where’s Raph?

You find Raph exactly where you expect him—in the dojo. But he’s not training. Rather, he’s sitting cross-legged against the wall, looking somewhere between zoned out and brooding. He doesn’t notice you at first.

So you do what anyone in your situation would: lob the sour candy at his chest.

It hits him with a soft thwack, bouncing and landing in his lap. He startles, looking up. Then his expression shifts from confusion to surprise to something softer—warmer—when he sees it’s you.

“I, uh, brought back up.” You hold up your own snacks, trying to sound casual, even though your pulse is anything but. “Movie night’s still on. Kind of. The others bailed, so I guess it’s just us.”

His eyes flick from the candy in his lap to your hopeful expression, and for a second, he doesn’t say anything. Just looks at you. And then—

“Yeah?” he says, voice a little rougher than usual. “Just us?”

You nod, maybe a little too eagerly. “If you’re not too busy being a broody lone wolf or whatever.”

He huffs a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck, standing up slowly. “Nah. Was just … thinkin’. But, uh—yeah. Movie night sounds good.”

The awkward air that follows is heavy, but not in a bad way. You walk side-by-side back to the communal area. For a moment, neither of you speaks. You’re trying not to overthink every step, every breath, every glance you might catch from him in your peripheral vision.

You wonder if he can hear how fast your heart’s beating.

You flop onto the couch first, placing the snacks and your drink on the coffee table. Raph hesitates just a moment before sitting beside you. Not close enough to touch, but not far, either. Just close enough that you feel it. Since you got the movie ready earlier, you turn on the projector and lean back into the cushions as the screen flickers to life.

It’s the movie the five of you were supposed to watch together. Something cheesy and action-packed, full of bad one-liners and over-the-top explosions. But now, it’s just you and Raph. And he’s so aware of you next to him.

And you’re so aware of him trying not to look at you too much.

During the movie, your knees bump once—then again—and neither of you moves away. And about halfway through, Raph speaks. Almost too quietly to hear over the explosions on the screen.

“… I’m glad it’s just us.”

You look at him, your breath catching. “Yeah?”

He nods, eyes fixed on the screen like it’s the most interesting thing he’s ever seen. “I mean, I like when we all hang out. But tonight … this is nice.”

Your heart stumbles over itself, and you lean just a little closer, emboldened. “Yeah. It is.”

Another pause.

Then he finally looks at you—really looks at you—and says, voice low and uncertain, “Hey, can I tell you somethin’ kinda dumb?”

You smile. “I don’t think anything you say could be dumb.”

He grunts softly, like he doesn’t believe that, but he takes a breath, anyway. “I like you. A lot.” He pauses. “I’ve been tryin’ to say it for so long, but … but I didn’t wanna mess up what we already got.”

You blink, the warmth in your chest exploding into something bright and golden. “For the record … I like you too. A lot.”

His eyes widen, and for a split second, he looks like he just short-circuited. And then he smiles. This soft, genuine, Raph smile—like you just handed him the universe. You lean your head gently against his shoulder, and he shifts slightly to lean into you, cautious but firm, as if afraid you’ll disappear if he moves too fast.

On the screen, there’s another explosion.

But the real fireworks come when Raph, his heart thundering a rhythm against his plastron that you can almost feel, finally turns fully towards you. The flashing colors from the movie screen dance across his features, but all you can focus on are his eyes. Intense, vulnerable, and searching yours.

He lifts a hand, big and calloused, and gently—so gently—tucks a stray strand of hair behind your ear. His knuckles brush your cheek, and the touch sends a delightful shiver racing down your spine. “So,” he starts, his voice huskier now, “is this for real?”

You nod, unable to trust your voice for a moment, a radiant, joyful smile spreading across your face. Words feel inadequate for the soaring feeling in your chest.

That silent confirmation seems to be all the encouragement he needs. He leans in slowly, giving you every chance to pull away. But you don’t. You can’t. You don’t want to.

You meet him halfway, your eyes fluttering closed as your worlds tilt, colliding in the best possible way. His lips meet yours, hesitant at first. You lean into him, a soft sigh escaping you. The kiss deepens, slow and sweet and full of all the things you’ve both been too scared to say.

When you finally break apart, both a little breathless, he rests his forehead against yours. A wide, almost disbelieving grin stretches across his face, and his eyes remain closed as if he is savoring the moment. “Wow,” he breathes out, the single word laden with emotion.

You giggle. “Wow is right.”

He pulls back just enough to look into your eyes again, his own shining. “So, uh,” he clears his throat, a faint blush dusting his cheeks, making him look so endearing. He scratches the back of his neck, that classic Raph gesture when he’s nervous but pushing through. “Since … since this is, y’know, real and all … I was wonderin’ if maybe … you’d wanna go on a date? With me? Like an actual one. Just us?”

The words are out, a hopeful, slightly clumsy tumble, and you can’t stop the beaming smile that spreads across your face. “A date?” you echo softly, your voice laced with playful surprise. “With the mighty Raphael Hamato? Are you sure you can handle it?”

His blush deepens, but he grins. “Pretty sure I’m the one who should be askin’ you that.”

“In that case,” you say, your voice full of warmth and certainty, “I would absolutely love to go on a date with you.”

His grin widens even more, if it’s even possible. “Awesome!” he exclaims, then visibly reigns himself in a little, though the excitement is still clear on his face. “I, uh … I’ll think of somewhere good for us to go.”

You snuggle back against his side, feeling his arm coil around you, pulling you closer this time. The movie continues to play, the hero spouting another terrible one-liner, but neither of you is really watching anymore. Eventually, the overly dramatic finale comes and goes.

“Next time,” Raph says, “I’m pickin’ the movie. Somethin’ with fewer explosions and more reasons to cuddle.”

You smirk. “Deal.”

Again, the two of you kiss. And somewhere, not too far away, a trio of turtle brothers high-five in the shadows.

Mission very much accomplished.