raphsmuneca

[raphsmuneca]

Leo is Leo (A Rise analysis and a reconnection to the larger TMNT franchise)

So… I've talked about the fact that Leo is a strategist. I've talked about how Leo looks like a chaotic mess because he feels useless compared to his brothers. Now, let's talk about how it all comes together in order to satisfy a desire that every other Leo deals with.

Control.

There's one advantage that the Rise series gave us, and that's the fact that the characters are similar to their other counterparts, all while being vastly different. The best proof of that resides with Donnie and his autism, who came along to explain the behavior of other Donnies to the point that a lot of us went, "Oh! That explains this behavior." However, there is proof throughout the series that the Rise counterparts are still the same characters. They still share the same genes. They're just expressed differently because of different circumstances.

All Leonardos before and after Rise have been the eldest, the leader. All of them live with the anxiety that one of their moves might fail, that the entire situation will fall apart in front of them and they'll be left holding the blame. That leaves them with a simple back-and-forth: If my team isn't working together, then I'm a failure. If I can't get my larger-than-life brothers to work together, then I'm the one to blame.

You want to know what that leads to? Self-esteem and control issues.

Rise Leonardo is not the eldest. He is not the leader. But he's still responsible, aware of the populace's reaction to them and, like I said before, knows his brothers inside and out if you go the medic route. He's keenly aware of how little he contributes in any situation since he plays backup to his brothers and how little they listen to him because he's the voice of reason none of them want to listen to.

And what does that lead to? That's right. Self-esteem and control issues.

Only I'm sure you can already tell the difference. He can't blame his brothers. He can't use his brothers as a crutch for his problems. He's not the leader. He's got no control over them. The only thing he can control is the situation… and himself.

Have you noticed how rarely Leo loses control throughout Rise? How much he smiles or acts either like a doofus or in a nonchalant manner, you barely notice them? What if I told you that it's on purpose? And that we have had the answer since the beginning?

Yeah. That's right. He pulled the wool over our eyes since the very beginning. The self-esteem and control issues that all Leonardos have, Rise internalized them. He became a master manipulator and chessmaster because he wasn't in charge. Because the only thing he could do was manipulate and lie.

It's still Leo. It's still our blue boy. It's just expressing itself differently.

taglist:

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@raphsmuneca @theanonymousninja247 @leosgirl82

[raphsmuneca]

Turtle Shenanigans - Meeting Raphael

Well my Turtledoves,

We've landed in the field of shenanigans once again.

I really just can't help myself.

➡️ Aged-up, adult turts

TW: Raphael being a bumbling idiot over a pretty girl.

And we wonder why Raph never lets Laundry write for him 😅

These shenanigans are brought to you by a story that begins with Leonardo.

Because, of course it does.

Are we surprised?

Meeting Raphael

You are good friends with Casey Jones, who thinks you'd be a perfect match for one of his close friends. Since you trust him (mostly), you agree to let him set you up on a blind date.

He's vague about said blind date, but tells you he will deliver you to this friend of his this weekend.

Oh, and his friend's name is Leonardo, Leo for short.

You don't get told if there are any stipulations as to what you should be wearing, so you decide to put on a cute little *red* dress.

Your favorite one, as a matter of fact.

And when you walk into the lair with Casey, your face nearly splits in two when you realize Casey's good friends are the vigilantes of New York.

At this point, Red is giving Leo shit about going on a blind date - especially when it's been set up by Casey Jo-

The hulking turtleman just stops mid-sentence.

Gawking

Mouth gaping like an idiot.

He recovers quickly enough, then quickly whispers, "Let me pretend I'm you," to his brother.

You walk right up to Red, all smiles with some pep in your step and a bit of a sashay to your hips, reach up and grab one of the tails to his mask that's hanging down over his shoulder in the front.

You bite your lip and give it a bit of a tug, and say, "Love the color.”

Man just about busts a nut on the spot.

Leo's like, "Yeah, I'm out.”

Leaves poor red a stuttering, stumbling mess of unintelligible incoherencies.

Looking up at him with the sweetest voice you can muster, you ask, "Are you Leo?" Trying to help the poor guy out.

And he's just like "No, I've got a boner."

Horrified and realizing what he's just said, he yells, "A BONER!"

Leo is fucking dying laughing and Red finally gets out, "BROTHER! I'M HIS BROTHER!”

Mike comes around the corner while eating some cookies, and all nonchalant, he asks, "Who's got a boner?”

Which has Leo doubled over and wheezing.

Splinter shuffles in and gently scolds a reminder, "Raphael, my son, that is not something we talk about in front of ladies." As he starts to shuffle away, he throws over his shoulder, "But if you are going to bone her..."

Red is absolutely mortified and yells back, "DAD, NO.”

Poor guy has his hand over his face. He's sooo embarrassed, and now he's trying to apologize.

And you're trying not to lose your shit because this whole fucking thing is hilarious beyond belief.

As you're gazing up at this poor guy, he's still a bumbling idiot, but he's hot as hell... and honestly, you wouldn't mind letting him bone you.

So, you offer him your name and smile up at him sweetly. With a huff of frustration because nothing is coming out of his face the way he needs it to, in order to redeem himself, he looks down at you and just wants to melt at that smile you're giving him.

Because despite him being a hot mess, you're still standing there looking gorgeous. And like every wet dream he's ever had. That fucking dress man.

So, he tries a new tactic. Dropping his hand to take yours, he introduces himself, "I'm Ralph."

Now, Mike - who is still standing there eating his cookies like he's watching the best drama ever created - just blows fucking cookie crumbs from his face like mount Vesuvius.

And you can hear Don from his lab absolutely cackling like a maniacal hyena.

Leo comes over and puts his arm around Red and says, "Yep. Wreck it Ralph," through some barely contained laughter and walks away shaking in hysterics.

It finally catches up to Red - what he's said - and he just hangs his head.

You, however, have decided to take pity on the hot-ass turtleman.

As you take in his asshole brothers laughing at his expense (even though it IS absolutely hysterical), you get a sly grin.

Looking back up at him, you grab his hand and say, "I'd let you wreck me, Ralph."

You can hear a pin drop as the record screeches to a stop.

Red's eyes nearly exit his skull. His brother's jaws are on the floor somewhere. And from the living room, you hear Splinter...

"Bring her to dinner first!”

Please don't steal my work. Reblogging for others to enjoy is highly encouraged, though🤩

~tags~

@leosgirl82 @atomicdaydream @wynndigogh @limitedsympathy @scholastic-dragon

@the-cauldron-witch @sophiacloud28 @avery73 @tmnt-tychou @thepinkpanther83

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@iheartchv @t-annuki @fyreball66 @misty-angerose @meowph-132

@thomariealtsstuff @peachesdabunny @the-dying-star @so-called-yokai @shakeyourtrees

@adebauchedsloth @iridescentflamingo @snackugaki @raisin-shell @celeste-clearwater-06

@fluffytriceratops @ahhhhhhhhhfuck

[raphsmuneca]

A Shot In The Dark - Chapter 45

When everything I touch will break Loving you is my escape

Love is hot, and love is cold I've been bought, and I've been sold Love is rock, and love is roll I just want someone to hold

Special thanks to @theanonymousninja247 for the first song!

taglist:

@silverwatergalaxy @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @thelaundrybitch @luckycharms1701 @thepinkpanther83

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

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

@raphsmuneca @theanonymousninja247

[raphsmuneca]

A Shot in the Dark - Chapter 44

Don't know what I'd do without you

And that's why you're not here in my arms

I'm so scared to lose what we already have

Askin' for everything that I want

Special thanks to @thelaundrybitch for the song!

taglist:

@silverwatergalaxy @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @thelaundrybitch @luckycharms1701 @thepinkpanther83

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

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

@raphsmuneca @theanonymousninja247

[raphsmuneca]

strawberries should be the size of apples

[raphsmuneca]

A Shot in the Dark - Chapter 43 by Sophia Cloud

taglist:

@silverwatergalaxy @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @thelaundrybitch @luckycharms1701 @thepinkpanther83

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

@raphsmuneca @theanonymousninja247

[raphsmuneca]

🐈 #17816

[raphsmuneca]

My boys!!! 🫶

[raphsmuneca]

A Shot In The Dark - Chapter 41

Let me see the sunshine

Special thanks to @thelaundrybitch for the song!

Taglist:

@silverwatergalaxy @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @thelaundrybitch @luckycharms1701 @thepinkpanther83

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

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@raphsmuneca @theanonymousninja247

[raphsmuneca]

@happymoonangel 🧡🧡🧡

Bayverse WIP Excerpt

Bayverse stuff because I realized I posted something for all the turtles save for Mikey. I feel bad.

Excerpt, Bayverse Mikey, bonding

She's so busy.

Four days into staying with them and he's barely seen her without someone around or doing something. She's always cooking, always working with Donnie, always training with either Raph or Leo. And while the others seem to be trying to make sure they don't ruffle her feathers, he's seeing exhaustion starting to line her body more and more as they leave for patrol, and he hates it. He absolutely loathes it.

"Pizza's fine for tonight."

And that's why, when she talks about dinner, he finally decides to butt in.

He doesn’t like seeing her upset. He doesn't like the fact that she goes quiet as they work on breakfast — cooking's a blast, he should do it more often. But he can see the shadows under her eyes and it's starting to bother him.

"By the way, I'm calling dibs on your afternoon."

"But –"

"Dibs."

So, for once in his life, he's going to take a little of what he's been seeing Leo do and try to apply it.

Won't stick, but at least it gets her out of the lair and away from his brothers for a bit, even if it means he's gotta anger Leo by grabbing her and taking off on his skateboard.

"Michelangelo!"

Along with upsetting her once he puts her down, flinching under the look.

"I called dibs."

"And I was talking to your brother about it! You know Leo!"

"Yeah, well. Mr. Fearless Leader is being overprotective, if you ask me," he says, spinning his skateboard under his hand.

"Mikey."

"Not to mention passive. I mean, how has he not noticed when he already did it twice?" he ignores her objection while grabbing his board to put it slide it onto his shell, deciding to continue when she doesn’t respond, "Not because I'm not around that I don't notice you being all over the place, you know. Other than when you pass out on the couch, have you taken a break?"

"I meditate."

He scowls, "Fat lot of good that's doing you. You looked more tired coming out of that session than going in."

"How would you know?"

Good old brittle defense, "Cooking sesh aren't just because I wanna help, you know?"

Which he hates seeing cave in, but he knows it to be necessary as she takes a slight step back, hands going behind her back in guilt.

"I didn't… I'm sorry, Michelangelo."

"It's fine. Just… someone's gotta do something and my brothers ain't doing it."

"Fair," she breathes before speaking up, "So, what did you have in mind?"

"You still owe me a movie, but I guess we can do that next time. Walk? I can show you what I found."

"Unless we plan a movie night, I don't think that'll happen, Mikey."

"There's one every month. Only thing is who gets to choose the movie."

"Every month?" she asks, making him nod.

"Yeah. Once a month we take a break from patrol and stay home. Family thing. I think this month's at the end of this week, actually."

"Who's choice?"

"Mine. But I can make it yours. Did you have an idea?"

"I think I might. What do you guys like watching?"

"Leo loves period stuff, Raph's big into action movies, Donnie likes documentaries, and Dad likes Eastern movies."

"What about you?"

"As long as it can capture my attention for more than five minutes, it's a winner."

She chuckles, "Something tells me that's not as simple as it sounds."

"Just from listening to my brothers' groans? Nah."

"I think I might have something, then. As long as you guys are alright with slight gore and weird visuals."

"Weird visuals?"

"It's animated, so some of the expressions are really exaggerated. But the story's interesting."

"… I don't think we've watched anything animated."

"You up for it, then?"

"Yeah. Yeah, sounds fun."

"I'll ask April to snag it from home, then. Do you guys have a DVD player?"

He snorts, "Wait until you see the setup, pretty girl. You won't wonder about that then."

She giggles, "Fair enough." Before coming to a stop along the tracks, "I'm sorry I worried you, Mikey."

And he tries waving it off, "Just remember to take a break every once in a while. It says something when Leo and Donnie catch more of a break than you do."

"You think so?"

"They get lunch and dinner. You don't."

"… Fair enough."

Before walking back to her, not liking the way she's holding onto her arm and not looking his way.

He might not know the full details, but he can tell she's got it rough. No one breaks their back to support another unless they know somebody else will, or they're looking for something. And from the way Stella reacts, she's in the latter camp.

"Hey Stella?"

"Hm?"

"I know the rest of my brothers are stingy about it, but... You're family, okay? You don't need to show us you're useful."

She smiles, "I know. Hamato-san said the same thing."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," she echoes, "Said something about Leo and I being fated to meet."

"Well, I don't know about fate, but I do know that I'm glad to have you around. I feel a bit more useful now thanks to all those cooking lessons, so much so that I was hoping to ask you if we could trade off. I cook some, you cook some. And, well, if nothing else, you're making us happy, and that's enough all on its own, I would think."

"… Is that the reason you took my afternoon?"

He waves his hand in a so-so motion, rubbing the back of his head, "Kind of. I really think you need a break, and the fact that I wanted to ask you if I could try cooking lunch on my own tomorrow was secondary."

"Tomorrow's lunch?"

"Yeah. I think I got a good idea on how to get everything done. If you want, though, you can stick around and give me advice."

"I was planning on using the pressure cooker for tomorrow's lunch, actually."

… Oh.

"Pressure cooker?"

"The tall pot that's right next to the slow cooker. The pork shoulder has already been thawing in the fridge for a day, now."

He brings his hands in front of himself in a stop motion, "Is that the only thing that's new?"

"Yes."

"Can you give me instructions on how to use it?"

"More than."

"Then you sit at the island and tell me what needs to be done and I'll do it. How's that sound?"

"If the fact that you've been able to keep up with me during the chicken stew is any indication, I think you'll be more than able to."

"Really?"

She nods with a smile, "Really. The only thing is the pressure cooker since it's something you don't know, but with how you get in the kitchen, you should be fine."

And joy bubbles up to the surface as he grabs her and twirls her around. There's a gasp before giggles come pouring out while he settles her on his shoulder, and he pulls out his skateboard while keeping a hand on her.

"Let me down, Mikey."

"Nah. I got something I want to show you."

"Wouldn't it be easier in a fireman's carry?"

"And have you missing the show? No way. You get the VIP seat, pretty girl," he replies as he rolls his shoulder, getting a giggle and something warm laying itself on his temple. He looks up and blinks as he catches sight of her smile. Of something soft in her eyes that makes him grin in turn.

"Thank you, Mikey." Before he chirps, almost embarrassing himself if not for the gentle chuckle she gives at it.

taglist:

@silverwatergalaxy @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @thelaundrybitch @luckycharms1701 @thepinkpanther83

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

@raphsmuneca @theanonymousninja247

[raphsmuneca]

@raisin-shell Mood! Thankfully some of us are still here and as thirsty as ever!!! 🤤

@happymoonangel

🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼💙❤️💜🧡

Maybe… just maybe we all grew out of a phase. I won’t say grow up because it was never about being grown. It was about escape. What, where, why we were escaping was irrelevant. Whatever that phase was…. Holy fuck it was good. I know the Bayverse fandom is very slim and it literally hurts to watch it crumble but I was one of the fortunate ones who got to see it in the height of its glory days. To my Bayverse peeps, I love you all so very much.

[raphsmuneca]

A Shot in the Dark - Chapter 40

'Cause the stars are on your side.

Special thanks to @its-a-me-emmabee for the second song of this chapter.

Taglist:

@silverwatergalaxy @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @thelaundrybitch @luckycharms1701 @thepinkpanther83

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

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

@raphsmuneca @theanonymousninja247

[raphsmuneca]

I don't give two flying flips about Canon, Splinter is alive, Splinter will live forever. Give these turtley boys their papa!

[raphsmuneca]

A Shot in the Dark - Chapter 39

My thoughts were clouded at the time Or did I think at all?

Taglist:

@silverwatergalaxy @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @thelaundrybitch @luckycharms1701 @thepinkpanther83

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

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@raphsmuneca @theanonymousninja247

[raphsmuneca]

“Gimme some of that pie.” - Leo

[raphsmuneca]

😂

MIKEY: If Raph were a plushie

MIKEY:

Y/N: lol 😆

LEO: Spot on 😅🤣

DONNIE: 😅🤣😂😂😂😂...oh, now I've got to pee.

RAPH: I hate all yous-guys.

[raphsmuneca]

Raph does his monkey flip and lands directly in front of me.

“You see me?”

“Uh…Yea.”

“Want me to bring it?”

“Bring what, Raph?”

“You know…my game.” He comes in a little closer.

“Oh please.”

I initiated this exchange thinking I had the upper hand because I thought he wouldn’t be so open and willing to a game of flirting, and now he was outmaneuvering me. What possessed me to flirt with him in the first place? Then I looked at him and it all came back. He was absolutely irresistible.

“Leave me alone.” To divert my attention, I focus on a paper crane suspended from a pipe. It was his creation, crafted specifically for me. His occasional displays of affection were sweet. He was getting real good at this.

“Look at you… so thick. I like em’ juicy and ready for the pickin.”

“Highlighting my physical imperfections will not garner you approval.” I was quietly suffering, dissatisfied with my own body, as he stood before me, radiating an aura of smugness.

“Like I said, juicy.”

“Excuse me?”

“Quit acting like you’re not enjoying this.”

I was, but I refuse to lower my guard, so I got all up in his face. Something about him made danger seem appealing.

“How would you know?”

He briefly paused, and then, unexpectedly, grasped my chin, bringing me close enough to feel the warmth of his breath on my cheeks, and, in a playful gesture, lightly licked my lips with the tip of his tongue. He licked my lips! I was taken aback, and stunned into silence.

“Damn, that was tasty.”

“You brute! You almost ate my face!”

“Always embellishing. I merely desired a taste.”

“Well that was non-consensual, you meat head.”

To avoid revealing my true emotions, I altered my stance. My lips involuntarily curled upwards as I moistened them, reminiscent of Orange Crush. A faint smile followed.

“Wait, are you smiling?”

“NO!” Damn he was good!

“Sweetness, I'm just getting started. Soon enough I’ll have you calling out my name.”

“Oh please, Raph.”

“Exactly...just like that.”

“You’re a pig.”

“No, I’m a turtle and turtles love to bite baby.”

With that, he winked at me and made his exit, leaving me baffled and wondering at the same time. I want him so bad!

I really suck at this game….

@the-cauldron-witch @ninnosaurus @thelaundrybitch @iridescentflamingo @ferox-imagines @sophiacloud28 @milykins @adebauchedsloth @justalotoffanfiction @thepinkpanther83 @dilucsflame33 @foxflamewarrior @m1dnyt3-w0lf @eveandtheturtles @inspiredwriter @replicasey @akari180 @iheartchv @leosgirl82 @fyreball66 @moonlightflower21 @happymoonangel @imthegreenfairy86