#Sticking them on Raph & Mike to see how they would look as humans

[turtleinsoup]

The twins got their hands on cloaking brooches!

[jadethest0ne]

When the Moon meets the Morning, Chapter 4 - Tales and Titles

Summary:  Raphael is going on missions with Captain Jupiter as he always does when he meets an orange-wearing turtle yokai who feels oddly familiar.

Word Count: 2390

Ratings/Warnings: General Audiences; some minor harrowing moments, but mostly fluff, emotional overload, emotional manipulation, self-deprecation

Notes: Finally getting some backstory in this chapter. I thought I should do more “show don’t tell”, but Mikey is the kind of person to just talk about his feelings. Raph still needs a bit of help in that regard. Big thanks to @undercoverwizardninjaturtle, @fraymotiif, and @frasierverse for helping me workshop this.

Read on AO3 For the RotTMNT Fantasy AU

———-

Woken up from his slumber, Raph hears a creak in the room that they've been given to rest in. It's an old tavern in the mountains, so creaks are natural, but his hunter senses allow him to differentiate the wind-rocking kind of creaks from the ones caused by someone’s movements - they’ve got a certain vibration to it. He lifts open a bleary eyelid just in time to see a green head duck out of the room and into the hallway. Raph waits a few beats before following.

A peek around the corner of the tavern building and he can see Mikey finishing up putting a saddle on Infinity and riding away with her. Raph quickly saddles up Buddy, apologizing for waking him up, and then chases after Mikey. He doesn't have to go too far though as he quickly spots Mikey perched on a rock overlooking the snow covered peaks of the mountains beyond. Infinity is plucking at a patch of somewhat still green grass below between patches of dusted on snow, and Raph leaves Buddy there with her. Infinity makes a friendly chirrup at the aurax and playfully nips at his shaggy hair. Buddy seems to not mind this and takes a few bites of grass himself. If Mikey has heard them at this point he doesn't acknowledge it. Raph climbs up to the rock Mikey is sitting on.

"Do you ever feel lonely, even with other people around?" Mikey asks. The tone is so unlike him. It's so lacking in any of the energy he has displayed since Raph met him. It is somber. Tired. And it fills Raph with sadness and worry for his friend. Raph knows better than to comment on that though.

He sits down next to Mikey and responds cautiously. "I'm... not sure I understand the question, Mike... Can you be alone while around other people?"

"Not alone. Lonely. Like, even if there are people around you, do you ever feel not with them?" He looks at Raph this time. His normally vibrant red-orange eyes look dull, and his brows are upturned in a sad but questioning position.

Raph looks down and tries to seriously consider the question. He doesn't want to potentially make Mikey feel worse by immediately dismissing it. Raph thinks about some of the missions he's been on with Captain Jupiter. Yeah, he's working for the Captain, but sometimes it doesn't feel like he's working with him. So Raph hums and nods. "Yeah, I think I get what you mean."

Mikey looks back up to the sky and explains, "I decided to be a messenger because I wanted to meet other people and make friends, but I'm not sure if it's working all the time. I try to make people happy, but sometimes it's... tiring keeping up with all that. People have so many more emotions than I thought... And sometimes... sometimes I don't know if it's my own feelings or theirs that I'm feeling. It's hard to find myself in all that... noise."

Raph blinks as he realizes something. "You're an empath!"

Mikey chuckles weakly and scratches at his chin while looking away. "Ah, did I not mention that? Sometimes I forget that people don't know."

Raph blinks again. "Is that why you came out here alone? To get away from all that?" he asks. Then he feels a sudden twinge of guilt. "Oh should- should I not be here? I can go, I'll go uh..." He stammers as he tries to get up but Mikey grabs hold of his cape. He holds on with both hands and squeezes it close, like a child with a safety blanket.

"No, no, you can stay. I mean I do usually like camping at night and not staying in towns cuz I learned that that's normally the best way to, er, clear my head? My heart? Uh, you get it." Raph looks away, then back at Mikey, unsure. "Really, Raph, it's okay. Please stay." He pulls Raph's cape tighter ever so slightly.

"O-okay..." Raph sits back down. He feels like he should move the conversation beyond the awkwardness. "So uh, you wanted to meet new people? Are there not a lot of folks where you're from?"

Mikey laughs a bit more genuinely this time. "Practically no one! There's mostly just animals in the Enchanted Forest! Me ‘n Todd would help out any animals that needed to be cared for and we made sure everyone was safe and happy."

That answered a few of Raph's questions. "Is Todd like your dad or something?"

Mikey shakes his head and huffs out a less genuine laugh. "No, he's a friend." His face lights up a bit then. "But he did raise me. He really is the nicest guy!"

"Huh, that's kinda weird that he raised you and is so nice, but he's not your dad."

"Well, is James Jupiter your dad?"

Raph freezes for a moment, before letting out a laugh that sounds more genuine than it is. Raph is vaguely aware now that Mikey can probably sense that. "I guess not. Even though he kind of raised me, too. Him and Red Fox." Raph's warm smile matches his emotions this time at the thought of the red panda yokai who's always been there as a kind of a big sis to him. Mikey smiles with him.

"Red Fox is really cool," Mikey says.

"Yeah, she is."

Mikey then looks at Raph curiously as if he wants to say something. Raph decides to be patient and wait for him to do so.

"Do you... mind it when I talk about you or him?" He squints his eyes as if trying to figure out the answer by just asking the question.

"I..." Raph isn't sure how to respond. "What do you mean?"

"Well, when I talked about you and Captain Jupiter before, it was... Weird... I guess? Like it was like you were happy and not happy at the same time. Should I stop? Like with the story in the tavern?" Mikey starts to fidget with his hands. "Cuz I thought you were really cool and I really did want to talk about you. But you seemed to feel sad about the situation, so I thought maybe telling the story and getting people to recognize you more would make you happier and--"

"Stop." Raph holds up a hand in front of Mikey's face, causing Mikey to clamp his mouth shut in a somewhat puckered position. Wide and confused eyes look up at the snapper.

Raph sighs. "First of all, it ain't your job to make me, or anyone happier, especially if it's making you feel like... This whole situation." He gestures at Mikey and the area around them. Mikey blinks like he's processing the information. Raph waits until Mikey looks back up at him again before he continues. "Second of all... Yeah, I think you're right... My feelings about the missions I'm on are... Complicated..." This time Mikey raises his brow in curiosity. "...But maybe that's my own problem to deal with... And I... actually think you telling the story is helping," he finishes, feeling like he's admitting a big secret, but he doesn't know what. Raph takes a breath. "And if you want, BUT ONLY if you want," he makes sure to grab Mikey's attention and emphasize that last point, "you can keep telling it."

After a second, a huge smile covers Mikey's face and he flaps his hands excitedly. "Really! Cuz it's a fun story! And Red Fox is there, too, and I helped and it'd be a real shame to let that kind of storytelling potential go to waste."

Raph can't help but smile. It's good to see Mikey brighten up again. Then Raph remembers something. "Oh by the way, I was thinking, you could use a hero name for that story…”

A creative spark appears in Mikey's eyes. "Oh? Well I'd be happy to workshop a name with you."

At this, Raph is the one to vibrate eagerly. "Actually, I've got a list of names I've been working on. I've been going with 'Red Angel of Preventing Harm' for a few missions now, but that doesn't seem to be sticking so..."

As the night wears on, Raph excitedly exchanges ideas and stories with his new friend before eventually ushering them both back to the tavern to get some rest before they have to continue their trek the next day.

---

"So we have 'Red Angel of Preventing Harm', 'Red Agent of Purity and Heroics', 'Reptile Against People-Hatred', 'Rad Amphibian Protecting Humanity,'" Mikey rattles off the list of names that he and Raph had come up with last night as the group of yokai continue their trek through the mountains. It's getting chillier as they go, and having a distraction is helpful for combating the cold.

"Turtles are reptiles, dear, not amphibians," Red Fox corrects them.

"I told you that you weren't an amphibian!" Mikey shoots at Raph with a know-it-all grin.

"Aw man, I thought that was a cool one!" Raph pouts.

"Maybe next time you'll listen to the animal expert!" Mikey brags, putting on a mock wounded expression and raising his bottom lip in an airy pout.

Raph chuckles and plays along. "How could I have not listened to you, oh wise turtle-who-is-not-an-amphibian?!”

The two break out into laughter, lightheartedly shoving each other with no real force; Raph in particular taking extra care to hold back in his pushes.

"But really boys, I told you before, that a hero name should be shorter, catchier, more memorable."

"I still think your name should have something to do with your cool eyes when you use your power!"

"You saw his moon eyes!" Red Fox looks at Mikey in surprise, then to Raph in concern. "You must have been really taxing your powers in that fire! You should have told me!"

Raph absently chews on his mask tails and says, "It wasn't so bad, and only at the end." He changes the topic back to Mikey's. "Mikey thought that 'Blood Moon Hunter' would be a cool name.”

“Isn’t ‘Blood Moon Hunter’ too long as well?” Red Fox says.

“Yeah, and I guess, I thought it was kinda too dark,” Raph says.

"Hmm, maybe Moon Hunter? Or Red Moon?" Mikey offers.

"Red is my favorite color," Raph says nodding in approval.

"Ooh! Or what about 'Nightwatcher?' Sounds like a good vigilante name to me!" Mikey says excitedly.

"It still doesn't sound like me though..." Raph says.

"What if you shorten the name you've been using? Instead of the full thing, why not "Red Angel'" Red Fox suggests.

Raph smiles at her. "That could work!"

Red Fox then moves over to Raph, lifting herself up by her tail so she's equal height with Raph and pinches his cheek with a teasing expression. "After all, you are quite the angel, my little Raphie!"

Raph brushes her hand away and groans, but with a smile playing on his lips. "Stop that!!!" Then he takes a heroic pose with his hands on his hips and states, "Besides, I AM a hero and I'll look after people like a guardian angel!"

Mikey claps happily and Red Fox joins him.

Raph's confident stance falters a bit as he scratches the back of his head and blushes. "Heh heh, thanks guys. This was fun."

Mikey then thinks for a second and turns to Raph. "Hey, can I still use the name "Blood Moon Hunter" for something else? There's someone else I know a lot of stories about, but he doesn't really have a name and I think that one still fits."

Raph shrugs and says, "Yeah, why not?"

---

For the next few stops that the trio made, Mikey would tell many different stories from his travels. The dude had loads! Both ones that he experienced and ones that others experienced. Raph thinks some of the stories Mikey heard secondhand were lies or at the very least included heavy exaggerations, but he never seemed to notice or act like it, and Raph didn't want to ruin his, or his listeners' fun. But Mikey always managed to bring up that one mission that Raph did and went with 'Red Angel' like discussed.

Then there were some stories that Mikey talked about that really seemed like tall tales. These were the ones that Mikey used the name "Blood Moon Hunter" for. They were always about a protective heroic figure coming to save him and other people when they needed him most. But it involved some really wild magic, like transfigurations and dimension warping; stuff that seemed to bend reality. Dreamlike. They felt strangely familiar to Raph, however. Maybe they were some folktales or stories he'd heard as a kid. They often played out like that, involving lots of symbolism and stuff. Despite how odd they were, Raph liked these ones the best. They felt familiar, like a bedtime story. And he could envision them really easily, almost as if he had been there. Raph might not have chosen the name for himself, but the Blood Moon Hunter stories that Mikey told were some of his best.

"Dude, you should write some of these stories in books or something! I'm sure folks would love to read them!" Raph says as they are nearing their final stop. The trek was a loop around the mountains, and they were setting up tents a few hours away from the last town. They could drop off their deliveries in the morning and get back to Bedu the day after.

Mikey blushes a bit and looks away shyly. "Aw I don't know. One of the great things about telling stories is specifically who I'm telling them to." Mikey looks up at Raph pointedly and there's almost an air of wistfulness that he catches in the smaller turtle's eyes.

Raph brushes off the feeling that Mikey seems to be trying to tell him something and replies, “Well, if you made books, then you could tell your stories to the entire Kingdom!”

Mikey hums a bit in response, but Raph isn’t sure if it’s a hum of affirmation or not. Mikey is a lot quieter for the rest of the evening. He perks up while cooking though, and rattles off a few more tales for his two companions, but goes to bed earlier than usual.

<–previous   ///   next–>

[chickenscript]

affection and hanging out (rottmnt x reader headcannons)

A/N: had a major block but managed to get this done! i hope it doesn’t read too similarly to anything i’ve posted in the past. it’s been a while since i’ve looked through any of my old stuff (^^;)

and since rise is back in full swing, i really wanted to post something for it. i’ve missed the boys (〃▽〃)

hope you enjoy!

                                                         ----------

Don:

- he's always been a bit detached, and has his own way of expressing his feelings

- affection comes in a few forms with him. As you’ve learned from more than one sleepy time cuddle

- with time, he’s warmed up to you and is able to let loose when you’re hanging out. For the most part. He’s a bit less biting when he has one on one time with you and much more talkative (mainly because you’re the only one so far who actually really listens to him), and that’s usually when you catch glimpses of affection. 

- but, it’s pretty random and the only time you’re certain you’ll see any is when he's hit a slump and all you can think to do is distract him from it

- when you sit with him in his lab during the wee hours, he unconsciously drifts closer to you if you're sitting on or at his desk and he’s milling around, hard at work with some project

- usually, night time is when you hang out the most. Donnie has always been the resident night owl, finding it easier to get things done when his brothers are asleep, and you've also always found yourself able to function better at that time of day too 

- your favorite spot in his room was the mound of bean bag chairs he had set up in front of a massive TV where you would often take full advantage of his gaming systems. If you’re both sitting together, you’re either leaning against the other, or he’ll sometimes drapes himself over you or hold you close in an almost possessive embrace

- often he likes to pull you into his lap, gangly but strong arms wrapped around your middle to hold you there. Giving you the occasional squeeze

- you've noticed he tends to make small, rumbley noises of content in moments like that. He'll sometimes even nuzzle into the side of your neck, maybe nip at you, or bury his snout in your hair, and you can hear more of the purr like warbles. If it’s not purring he’s up to, he’s humming the tune of some song he likes

- you discovered that you can also entice happy rumbles when you gently run finger pads down the sensitive, spinal knobs on the back of his bare shell (the texture of his shell half reminded you of what it felt like to touch a stingray)

- though he'll deny it like everything else- you think this behavior of his is cat like almost. Not to mention really cute

Leo:

- he really enjoys showing you little places around the city that you might not have known about (like cafes or shops he’s been too scared to go in because of his appearance) and sometimes, you’ll both go for a night stroll. His turtle-ness hidden under clothes

- but, if you’re just hanging at the lair, sometimes he's like a pampered, high energy lap dog

- he’s tent times more open about wanting affection than Donatello 

- if you're situated on the couch, he'll zoom over to hop onto the beat up cushions, squeeze in next to you, and get all up in your business

- he’s way more into social media than the rest of the brothers and he’s always trying to coax you onto more platforms. He also does a lot of channel surfing when you’re watching TV and it’s a battle to get the remote from him

- when you’re not at war trying to figure out what to watch (you like to cheat and just pull up Netflix and grab something for you to binge), he takes to nuzzling and purring away unabashedly at you

- the moment you reciprocate however, he admittedly gets flustered. Not that it stops him for long 

- he likes to lay his head on your lap so you can pet his head or play with his mask tails. He also likes to peck the inside of your wrist or your palm

- he's one for carapace scritches as well and that gets him purring like a speed boat

- he also really just likes to listen to you talk. He’ll play with your hand while he’s lounging on your lap and you’re going on some tangent about whatever topic you’ve gotten settled on

- you’ll of course get embarrassed and stop talking once you realize it’s only you who’s been going on and on for a substantial time, but he’ll insist you continue. And it’s one of the few times he actually sounds honest and not teasing or playful. It always manages to shock you

- and when you mention that, he becomes a squirmy, blushy lump that you could just eat right up

Mikey:

- he's affectionate with everyone and doesn't really have an off button

- but you love him for it because he's always there when you need a pick me up snuggle

- he's your go to when the other boys are busy or if you're feeling particularly down, or just plain out of it

- he's perfect cuddle size and loves to just wraps his arms around your middle and rest his head on your shoulder, nuzzling the side of your face. It was like if a teddy bear came to life, full of warmth and bottled up sunshine

- though, he especially likes to lay his head on your sternum when you're both laid out on the couch. Twisting your hair into loops with his finger

- he loves playing with your hair actually, and gives plenty of pecks to your cheeks. When you peck his, he gives the cutest giggles and sometimes chirps in glee

- sometimes you’ll just hold his round little face in your hands (the only thing you could compare it to was what holding the whole world felt like) and he’ll stop come to a stop for once, meeting your eyes with a blisteringly wide stare

- then you’ll boop his nose with yours and he’s off to giggling again

- and when you’re just sitting around without much to do, he asks if he can draw on you. You’ve become a human canvas more times than you can count and you love every piece he’s scrawled on whatever patch of skin your clothes hasn’t covered up 

- he get a really fixed look in his eye while he’s painting, a focus you can compare to Donnie when he’s working on a project. Sure, his tongue doesn’t stick out like his older brother’s, but that concentrated glint showed just how much care and passion he put into what he drew

- you could especially see that in the designs yourself when he was done. And every compliment you’d give was enough for him to spring a hug on you with rosy cheeks

- he was such a baby

Raph:

- you think he just likes the body heat

- of course, being the largest of his brothers, he does needs more of it

- he's always basking the longest under the heating lamp in the morning (on the occasions that you're there at that time, you've seen him laid out for an entire hour or so longer than his more streamlined brothers)

- he's always happy for a hug or something of the sort. And you've noticed that, sometimes, after a long day- he's particularly tuckered out

- so if you sit him down to watch something, odds are he'll nod off. Curled around you like an abbey cat. Or well, a big cat. And, if you’re lucky and get him laughing while he’s drowsy, it sounds more like a chuff rattling deep in his chest that you can feel reverberating in your bones

- you don’t mind being stuck as his personal heat pad at times. You know just where to recline between the spikey terrain on his skin so you’ll be comfortable

- on the flip side, you always like to nap on his wide plastron when you’ve had a long day and get the chance to lounge around with him

- he was the perfect lazy enabler. Not to mention the perfect, turtle shaped bean bag

- when you’re not being two, lethargic losers; you’re either sparring or baking. Two very polar opposites, but Raph loved them both

- you started trying your hand at martial arts when the brothers offered to teach you. They each spar with you, and Raph does the most. Of course, he still has the habit of going easy on you (because of his sheer size and strength), but you always like to show him that he shouldn’t entirely underestimate you

- you’ve got a lot of confidence now that you can fend for yourself in a scuffle, even with the Foot

- while you’re comfortable with your skill, Raph on the other hand is still struggling with his baking

- his main past time, aside from sparring, is knitting. And, as much as he loves it, he wanted to take up baking too. So you and Mike (whom is definitely the cook of the lair), have been helping him get better at it. And get better he has- you already were notorious for floating around the kitchenette to nab samples of Mikey’s food while he’s cooking, but now you’re just as bad when Raph is baking

- you can’t really help it though, you’ve always had a sweet tooth

[ofwarriors]

𝔰𝔲𝔯𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔰𝔢 𝔟𝔦𝔱𝔠𝔥

SUMMARY: In an attempt to get Belphegor to complete a stealth training exercise, Gabriel convinces Belphegor to crash Michael and Zatanna’s date night. TRIGGERS: Depression tw, PTSD tw WRITTEN WITH: @ofhellsbells, @ofgoldenangel, @zztophat

Belphegor: Belphegor was laying on the bed, tired as Hell. They were pretty sure that phrase came from them. They were always so tired, but more so now that they had to be training every week. They never really kept up with what days of the week it was, but now all they paid attention to was training days and not training days. Nearly everyone they talked to had to deal with their complaints about it. Currently, it was Gabriel's turn. They were spending the day together. There was some movie playing on the TV with a pile of snacks between the two of them. Belphegor wasn't paying attention to the movie. “I just don't get why I have to train every week,” they said for what must have been the sixteenth time in the past half hour. They let out a long sigh, rolling over on the bed, so they were on their back, looking up at their brother. “Raph won't help. Zatanna has no reason to help me. Dad knows Cupid can't convince him.” They sighed again. “I wish I could get back at him for all this torture.”

Gabriel: Gabriel had been enjoying his day with sibling it had been awhile since they had this free time especially given Bells new training with Michael, which if Bells constant complaining was anything to go off of that Michael hadn't related one bit in his teaching style. He remembered those times waking up and training with his elder brother and he did not miss it at all. "Its to build your skill, just be lucky I had to train every single day under him in Heaven the man can be dictatorish " He mused before smirking slightly if there was one thing Mikey liked was showing that his teaching was sticking, maybe there was a way to make training fun that Bells wouldn't even think they were doing it to show the other that it wasn't all bad. "And you didn't think to come to me Bells? How hurtfully you know I'm quite good at being an authority on Mikey" He mused before taking a bite out of a chip "How about we do get him back? I have it on good knowledge he is on a date with Zee today....What if we planned little sneak attack on him?"

Belphegor: They scoffed. “That's assuming I have any skills to build off of.” They had plenty of skills, and they weren't actually terrible at combat when they wanted to be. The problem was that people expected more of you once you started doing well at something. Belphegor didn't want to put so much effort in all the time, so they just never put any effort in at all ever. It was easier that way. “You say that like we didn't both grow up being trained by him,” Belphegor pointed out. One of the best parts about the fall was that they thought they would never have to train again. Sadly, that didn't seem to be the case. They managed a laugh. “So he listens to you now? When did that happen?” they joked, pushing at Gabriel's leg playfully. As far as they knew, Michael didn't really listen to anyone. The closest they would have gotten to get him to listen to someone was Raphael, and that was a bust. They were curious if he might've gotten Michael to listen to him more though. They rose a brow at Gabriel's suggestion, sitting up. “Get him back?” they repeated, suddenly a lot more interested. A smirk grew on their face. “I'm listening.”

Gabriel: He chuckled softly looking at his sibling "You have plenty skills, look at all the great inventions you've given humans to properly play you tribute" He teased looking at the other. He  knew what it was like growing skills especially under their elder siblings it was always more once you proved you can handle a concept  and given the others more sloth nature he was sure they were cursing up a storm when they were forced to work. "Yeah but you always screamed and attack him, he hit me in the butt with a sword!" He laughed with the  other rolling his eyes pretending to be hurt "Bells, you know I just puppy dog eye Mikey and I usually get what I want. How else would I not have to work and get things i want?" He teased pushing the other back again before smirking "I knew you'd take to that idea. So what i'm thinking is what if we stalked Zee and Mike on their date and then planned this grand sneak attack on him? you could get your revenge and we could cockblock Mikey a bit" He looked at the other "What do you thing Bells you up for a little recon mission?"  

Belphegor: "Being creative doesn't count towards anything in this family," they pointed out. Most of the things they invented were just to let them relax more anyways. More importantly, it didn't do anything to help them against Michael's training. "Of course I did! Going up against Michael is fucking terrifying. You expect me not to scream? And he still hit me in the ass. Still does," they grumbled. They reached over and grabbed a pillow, whacking Gabriel in the head with it. "Use your puppy dog eyes on that," they laughed. Levi would've loved to have been there to feel Belphegor's jealousy about the fact that Gabriel didn't have to do any work to get what he wanted from Michael, but they were redirecting that jealousy at Michael. "He'll be distracted by the date and by Zatanna, so it'll be easier to sneak up on him," they thought aloud. They were liking this idea more and more. "And if they're eating dinner, we can steal their dinner after we take down Michael." They nodded, assuring themself of how good this plan is. "Okay, but if Zatanna's there, we have to be careful. For one, because she might try to rat us out to Michael if she sees us, and for two, I just don't want her to get caught up in our attack on Michael. So when we attack, I'll go after Michael while you make sure she's out of the crosshairs, and then you join me in taking him down."

Gabriel: "It counts in my book! and I'm family so I just disproved that theory" He replied sticking his tongue out at the other. He still hated training with Michael he'd spent most of his life doing so since the war. He was so lost and alone following Michael was all he could do. "Well You deserve a spanking every now and then" He got out before the pillow hit him in the Head causing him to laugh uncontrollable  "That's it no snacks for you, grounded" He teased shaking his head taking the last piece of chocolate eating it right in front of them. "that he will be, he'll be all lovely dovely  and gross which meas we can take him down and Zee won't interfere if keep her at bay" He mused looking at the other nodding dinner did sound nice "True, or maybe we can taken him down and have them order us dinner!!" He said excitedly as he thought for a moment " Yeah she'd tell on us in a heartbeat, but if we keep the stealth up and attack when they both have their back turned it should work, I can encase Zatanna in a soft bubble while you take down Michael then I'll appear after I'm sure she is okay and safe above our fight" He replied glad to see how happy Bells seems to get about testing out their training when they weren't looking at him he'd shoot a text off to Mike to ensure the angel didn't try to smite them but still keep up the surprise. "Should we go to the restaurant now and stalk them?"

Belphegor: They rolled their eyes. "I don't think that's how things work. If it was, we could count eating candy and sleeping as a skill." Unfortunately, those things weren't going to be considered skills by everyone else. "No, I don't!" they shot back, grabbing the other pillow to hit Gabriel with it. Belphegor gasped. "You can't ground me! This is my house!" They rolled off the bed, popping back up with an armful of snacks. "Jokes on you." They stuck out their tongue. "You think I don't keep extra snacks everywhere? Do you even know me?" They opened one of the bags, empty the whole thing of chips in their mouth. Their cheeks puffed up with their mouth completely full. "There's nothing wrong with being in love with someone," they said between bits of food. While spying on Michael, Belphegor figured they could probably figure out how to act on a date too, and then they could surprise Cupid with all the skills they got in that department on her birthday too. "Do you think they would?" Belphegor asked excitedly, salivating at the thought of dinner even though they were stuffing themself on chips and candy. "That sounds perfect! We'll probably need to see the terrain and how he's positioned before we plan the full attack. Let me just change into something that'll let me maneuver around easier." They ran off to their closet, quickly changing into some better pants and a shirt instead of the pajamas they'd previously been wearing. "Okay, I'm ready now," they said as they returned to Gabriel, practically bouncing in anticipation. "Let's go kick his ass!"

Gabriel: He looked at the other sibling shaking his head "Well we can only acknowledge our own greatness" He mused shaking his head before dodging the next pillow swipe that came his way jumping up "HA, Missed me!" He mused keeping is distance watching the other take the snacks from some hidden compartment on the other side of their bed "You are just a little snake!!! Of course I know you though I didn't know you could unhinge your jaw like that, that could be useful for some recon" He mused looking at  the other eat their treat before nodding his head "Nothing wrong with it, who knows maybe you'll get some ideas for a date of your own." He smirked at his sibling knowing things were slowly heating up between Cupid and Belphegor spending more and more time together. "Yeah I bet they would, after all we'd have worked up an appetite and its only fair, the winner takes the spoils" He mused before nodding his head "yes we need to take in every ensure that they are alone so no one can interfere, then also ensure that Zatanna is away from our fight" He replied before pulling out his phone to shoot a Text to Mikey hey I'm teaching Bells some Stealth stalking skills, Don't go full smiting mode Cool?  He finished quickly sliding his phone back in his pocket not wanting Mike to go full Archangel mode on Bells or they'd never do something like this again. "Okay Perfect!! I know right where they are" He mused taking Bells hand and making them appear a mile away "They  are just up the way I put us back here so we can find a good place to watch them.

Belphegor: "I guess so." They sighed. That didn't used to be the case. Although humans didn't seem to recognize the greatness they offered when they were a full heavenly archangel, many humans worshiped them as a god not long after they had fallen. Many still made deals with them to come up with new inventions, but it wasn't the same anymore. "Then stop moving!" they said, grabbing the third and last pillow on their bed to hit him with it. "Only sometimes," they joked. They winked at him and stuck out their tongue, which they'd changed to a snake's tongue in that moment. "Eating things can be used for recon?" they questioned. "Well, you should probably ask Asmo. He can eat even more than me." It was the subject of his sin after all. "I was already planning that. You're not reading my thoughts, are you?" They questioned, narrowing their eyes at him. "What am I thinking right now?" I need a nap. they thought, but really they knew that Gabriel couldn't read minds. Belphegor was just very predictable in almost all respects. "I hope they have potatoes," Belphegor hummed thoughtfully, thinking about other foods they might want. "How hard cant that be? At least Michael doesn't actually know we're coming this time." In training, he always knew they were coming because he'd told them to do it. That wasn't fair, but this would be. They squeezed Gabriel's hand as he teleported them away.

Belphegor blinked in the bright light when they landed. It was too bright compared to the comfy darkness of their home. They glanced in the direction Gabriel indicated. "Do you see them now?"

MICHAEL: They were just on their way out of the restaurant. He grabbed Zatanna's coat off the coat rack at the entry and helped her into it. "I promise we'll do this more often," he smiled as she shrugged it on. He grabbed his own jacket and put it on as well. He didn't need one but it was best to blend in now that the weather was changing. He felt his phone vibrate and looked down to check it. A look of curious concern crossed his face. Belphegor wouldn't volunteer for stealth training. And why would Michael need to keep himself in check? A look of realization dawned on his face as he slipped the phone back into his coat pocket and put his arm around Zatanna, walking her out of the restaurant. "I think we're going to have some company tonight," he replied as he placed a kiss on the top of her head. He took it as an opportunity to take in his surroundings but he didn't see any signs of Bells or Gabe. "Apparently, not even dinner is sacred," he chuckled. He should've known. Bells felt inconvenienced by training so the best time to train was when it was an inconvenience to Michael. Fair. At least they were training.

ZATANNA: "I'm holding you to it," she smiled as she slipped on her jacket and took the take home box off the counter. They didn't get to do this often. Either his family, her friends, or both their duties to their respective teams and realms, kept them busy for days. Even their last date at the ice skating rink had mostly been a rouse to keep an eye on Belphegor and Cupid. She watched his expressions change as he looked through his phone before putting it in his pocket. "Company?" she groaned as they walked out of the restaurant. He had a look on his face like he half-expected this would happen, and she couldn't blame him. It somehow always happened. "Come on, we can probably take 'em," she joked. "Or, you know, it's not too late to fly to Fiji for the winter." At least they got to have a meal this time so she wouldn't be dealing with whoever it was on an empty stomach. "So, who's third wheeling us this time?"

Gabriel:  He had to admit he enjoyed spending time with Belphegor it was always something so mind numbing and happy without even trying too. He had enjoyed dodging the pillows plus it seemed to make her smile "HA Missed again Poor Bells all out of pillows, we should turn this anger towards our Mikey attack!" He mused smiling softly "that is oddly cool okay any other snake behavior because snakes are quite silent and deadly hone in on those traits and we'll get him" He mused excitedly before shaking his head "Nah, Asmo can be so.... stiff you'd think something crawled up his ass and died" He nodded his head before glaring at his sibling for a moment "Its either food or a nap both those are your go too Bel, so its easy to pick those" He mused before looking at the other and made a note to ask Mikey to buy them dinner too since it was only fair given how well this plan will work. "It will work perfectly and we can get our revenge against him for making us train under horrible circumstances." He mused before noticing the other seemed to adjusted "Do you need some sunglasses? it would work seeing how bright it is?" He asked concerned  before turning his attention to the couple leaving the restaurant "Yeah that's them,  coming out right now, we have to ensure we stay far enough behind  so he can't sense us."

Belphegor: Belphegor laughed. "If you think pillows are all I have, you're sorely mistaken." Their home was a treasure trove of pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, cushions, and other comfy objects. They muttered a spell beneath their breath. Their eyes glowed a light blue, and all of those pillows and other comfy objects in the room rose up before flying towards Gabriel, being drawn to him like metal to magnets. There was no avoiding that, and once Gabriel was completely covered, Belphegor jumped on top of the pile. "If you get too angry, you can't focus on an attack," Belphegor pointed out. Michael had told them that, not that they listened to what he said or anything. Getting revenge was perfectly okay as long as they didn't let their anger cloud their thoughts. "It's not just with snakes, but I guess I can do a lot of snake things." They shrugged and transformed completely into a snake, slithering into the pile with Gabriel and coiling around his arms and torso, so he couldn't escape as they used their tail to tickle his sides. "Hey!" they hissed. "He's not that bad," they said defensively. They were always defensive of their fallen siblings, no matter what they did, right or wrong. They uncurled from Gabriel and turned back into their more human confident form. "Food's the obvious choice. It's not like I need anyone's help to nap." They didn't usually anyways. More recently, the nightmares they had got worse with the more memories they acquired, but they still managed to sleep sometimes. They frowned. "I thought you said he didn't make you train anymore?" they questioned, but it didn't matter in regards to what they were doing now. Belphegor still wanted to get back at Michael. "Sunglasses? No. I just need a second to adjust." They were just used to the darkness of their room, nothing more. Belphegor nodded at Gabriel's advice. "Going on the roofs might be better. If we just run at him, he'll see us too."

MICHAEL: "I appreciate the faith in me," he grinned, his hand moving to hold hers. He knew the year had a lot in store for them. He'd gotten Belphegor to back off on investigating but that didn't mean they were going to be less persistent about it. Not to mention, Zatanna had taken on a lot herself by agreeing to help find a solution to this. On top of that there were also the love curses on his siblings which Cupid was working on. The year was proving to be exhausting already which is why moments to themselves like these were important. He chuckled at her response to the news. "We can definitely take them, but I'm starting to like the idea of Fiji more and more. Maybe that'll be our next date. Whether we come back now..." he grinned lazily, leaning down to kiss her. "That's a toss up." He continued forward toward Zatanna's apartment. His eyes continued to scan their surroundings for any signs of his siblings. "I suspect we'll actually have two additional wheels joining us. It's Gabriel and Belphegor. I got a text from Gabe saying his stealth training with Bells and that I should refrain from going full archangel. When they were kids, I used to have them do this exercise where they would try to sneak up on me without me detecting their presence. Bells was never very good at it though. Screamed like a banshee coming in, so this should be interesting. Let me know if you see them before I do."

ZATANNA: "I always have faith in you," she smiled, lightly elbowing him. "Even if you don't have faith in yourself." He was a good man despite the bad things that he'd done in his past. He was working to make amends and do right by his siblings. If spending time with her was important to him, she knew he would make time. "Ah, yes, the temptation to not come back is always there. We could probably hide out for a few months before they find us," she grinned. It was more than a little tempting sometimes to get away, but they were both entrenched here. They had responsibilities and people counting on them. A vacation of any sort was probably off the table for a while, but that didn't stop her from dreaming. She wasn't surprised when he mentioned the likely date crashers would be Gabriel and Belphegor. "Belphegor willingly doing a training exercise?" She was impressed by Gabriel's skills to get them to go along with this. "I'll keep my eyes open," she nodded. She didn't see or sense either of them at the moment, but that didn't mean they weren't around here somewhere. "If they are following us though, we could just scare them off. They are date crashing," she pointed out. "What's a kiss here and there anyway?" she winked.

Gabriel: Gabriel had to admit hanging out with Belphegor was never boring now matter if they did something or nothing. Hie loved spending time with them even now buried under the comfy objects that came their way. "You fiend!!" He laughed under the comfy fortress that Bells has set upon him. "I'm hardly angry, i just get petty that is one thing I enjoy doing" He mused glad the other pulled him out looking at them "its amazing, one day you'll have to show me all you can do Bells" He mused laughing looking at their sibling in snake form before petting their little head "Ha we should go out like this sometime see the look on everyone faces, plus you wont have to walk with me carrying you." He replied laughing "He isn't that bad, but he certain gives off an air of gentlemen callers of the 19 century " He mused through the giggles of laughter the other brought out of him. He nodded his head "That is quite true, though you hardly need people's help with food either" He mused softly before looking around nodding his head "i don't so much since we came to Earth but I do remember how he used to push me in Heaven" He replied before looking at the other nodding "Okay I've got them if you need them and I think you are right roofs work better, we can follow them without appearing in their line of sight" He mused using his wings to fly them to the roof getting a better visual of Mike and Zee. "How should we do the approach when we do? I know I'm on Zee duty, but how will you sneak attack him?"

Belphegor: "I was talking about my anger," they clarified. Belphegor wasn't a particularly angry person. They were usually just sad more than anything. Anger and wrath were more Aamon's thing, but Belphegor could still build it up too at times, usually with volatile consequences. They'd been angry with Michael before at Lux, but they'd mostly gotten over that. While they might've even seemed like they hated him in training, they didn't really. They just didn't want to do the training, and being forced to do it annoyed them. They wouldn't let anger about that build up to cloud their judgment today. "Hopefully not all at once. That sounds like a lot of work." They sighed, their tongue sticking out as Gabriel petted them. "That does sound nice. I could take a nap like that." They wouldn't even care if anyone was looking at them funny. It would allow them to spend time with Gabriel, sleep, and let Gabriel mess with people. They supported all of his attempts to be a little shit. "I don't need people's help to eat the food, but I might like the help to get the food," they pointed out. Belphegor nodded. That was fair enough. They probably still would've wanted to do this to Michael even if he wasn't making them do training again.

"We'll still have to be careful though. He might still look up." Even if Michael wasn't expecting an attack like now, Belphegor imagined that he was always watching his surroundings. They followed Gabriel up onto the roof, being as quiet as they could with the flutter of their wings. They were luckily still far enough back that Michael probably couldn't have heard them even if they weren't being careful. Now that they had the higher ground, they could see the playing field a little more. They held their hand to their chin as they thought of a good course of action.

"It looks like there's an alley that goes around all these buildings and opens up ahead over there. You'll want to grab Zatanna at the last possible second if we want Michael caught off guard, so we should set up the ambush over there. You'll want to hide around the corner on the ground while I wait on the roof. I'll drop down on him from above once Zatanna is out of the way. Based on their current pace and accounting for an extra ten seconds in case they slow down or pause for anything, it should take them between a minute and thirty-five seconds to a minute and forty-five seconds for them to get there. We should be able to get there faster to make sure we're in position in time to get the drop on them. You won't be able to see them as well as I'll be able to without being seen, so when they're about to be within range of you, I'll do a spell to make a sound in the alley across the street. It might also draw their attention to that area, but it'll really just be a warning for you."

MICHAEL: He smiled at the kind comment. It was probably more than he deserved, but he needed to hear it. "And I you," he placed a kiss upon her temple as they walked. He had an extraordinary amount of faith in the woman beside him, but sometimes he worried she’d taken on too many of his burdens. “With the right spell, you’re probably right. When things calm down, we’ll have to give it a shot,” he grinned. He wasn’t sure if things would ever calm down, but it was a nice goal to work toward. He chuckled at her surprise regarding Bells. They were incredibly vocal about how much they hated training. “I suspect Gabe phrased it as less of a training exercise and more as a way to inconvenience me. Bells jumps at chances to do that. Particularly when I’m making them do something they don’t want to do.” Bells was hard to break through to. Their denial about their own competence and ability ran quite deep, but Michael had enough patience to spare. If Bells was spending their night ruining his night, he at least knew they weren’t investigating further into their possession. A smile brightened his features at Zatanna’s suggestion. He wasn’t sure if it would actually deter Belphegor and Gabriel, but he wasn’t going to decline an invitation like that. “I do like the sound of that,” he grinned and pulled her close. As his lips met hers, he gently maneuvered her so that her back was pressed against the brownstone building up head of them, never once breaking away from the kiss as he did so.

ZATANNA: "Now that is the biggest if and when," she laughed. "I take 50% of the blame there though." She knew she struggled to say no to things which is how she became so drawn into half the things she was in. It had less to do with him and more to do with her own need to fix things. She let out a breathy laugh when he explained his theories as to why Belphegor would willingly train. "It's cute...in a younger sibling way." As much as Belphegor didn't like training, she knew despite themselves they liked spending time with Michael. They'd spent centuries avoiding him and this was their time to rebuild that relationship. "It's also better than them giving you the eternal cold shoulder," she pointed out. It was also better for everyone else that Bells was spending time stalking their date than investigating the void, but that didn't mean Michael and Zatanna couldn't have fun at their expense. It was fair game. Training, after all, was supposed to be difficult. She smiled into the kiss as their lips met. In less than two short strides, she felt her back against the cool brownstone. Her hands interlaced in his hair as she pulled him in closer and deepened the kiss. After a few short minutes, she pulled away giggling and breathless. She pressed her forehead to his, cupping his face as her thumb lightly traced over his lips. "You think they're thoroughly scarred yet?"

Gabriel: Gabriel was beyond happy he'd gotten Belphegor to go along with this plan, it wasn't often they could get them to even like training much less put it to real world use. "Doesn't it though? I think that should be our next outing me just spoiling you and feeding you anything you'd like in snake form while we walk the streets of New York." He mused  knowing the other would like that idea alot plus it was a bonus for him spending time with his sibling doing what they loved.  Listening to the way Bells planned their attack was great, he felt pride within his hear at how well Mike had gone about retraining them once again.

"That's very true unlike humans we have higher senses, Mikey being top warrior his skills are a little more honed but I think we can handle it." He replied moving stealthy over the roofs following them close being but not enough to be seen. This was the perfect plan for revenge and it showed Michael how well Bells was doing giving her a much needed Ego boost when it came to their combat skills.

"That's a perfect plan of action, Bells, it will allow but the ambush and necessary place to ensure Zee doesn't get hurt while we take down Mike." He mused being pulled from his thought to watch Mike and Zee make out rather indecently before shaking his head and grimacing at the scene. "Didn't need to see that" He replied before looking at the alley not that their target was perfectly busy and distracted it was his time to move. "Okay I'm going to head to the Alleyway now, while they are together and distracted you give me that warning and I'll be sure to make things interesting for your attack. Just remember no screaming as you attack it will give your position away." He replied moving to take his spot in the Alleyway to set their plan in motion.

Belphegor: "You can't catch me saying no to something like that," Belphegor grinned. It involved eating and not moving a muscle besides their mouth. Who would say no to that? It would be a lot more relaxed than the mission they were on now. "Plus, unlike in training, he has no idea that we have anything planned." In training, Michael was more prepared for an attack. It added to why Belphegor didn't do well with training. How could they hope to beat someone who always knew they were coming? Besides, because they knew it was training, the stakes weren't there to make them try as much. They knew they could get away with more things specifically because it was training. This was different. They actually felt more optimistic in thinking they had an upper hand.

Belphegor smiled brightly when Gabriel complimented their plan. They didn't get many praises about their decisions in combat, mainly because those decisions weren't usually good, so they weren't used to hearing things like that. They turned back to look at Zatanna and Michael when they saw Gabriel grimace, looking at the scene in confusion. They'd considered that Zatanna and Michael might've paused to kiss in their calculations before because they'd seen the couple do that when they were all ice skating, but this one was going on for a while. It raised a few questions, and while they normally would've asked Cupid about anything related to love, they wanted to know about some of these things for Cupid's sake. As Gabriel went to his spot for the ambush, Belphegor texted Dean the questions they had. Since he had a relationship with his car, they assumed he must've been an expert on love and romance too. They sent several texts back and forth with him while they waited for Zatanna and Michael to finish eating each other's faces, only grumbling to themselves a little. "I'm not gonna scream." They huffed. "This isn't training."

MICHAEL: "Well then we better fix that," he smiled. "Valentines Day is coming up. We might not be able to go to Fiji, but I do have something in mind that's just as fun if we can manage to get away for just a day." He had several things planned, he just needed to solidify the reservations and his schedule. "Ah yes, the eternal cold shoulder," he grimaced. "They're generally not good at holding grudges, but they do excel at avoiding people and things they don't want to see." He knew that Bells was very likely to give him just that once they found out the truth. In the mean time though, all he could do was help the others find a way to free Bells. He just hoped they would be able to find a solution before Bells found out the truth on their own. His worries, fears, and concerns melted for a few fleeting moments when his lips met Zatanna's. Heaven, Hell, and even Earth didn't exist in moments like this. They could pretend they were just carefree lovers. He was willing to lose himself entirely in her kiss and he would have had she not pulled back. Her voice was breathy and her cheeks were flushed as she spoke. It made him smile all the more. "I certainly hope so. If they aren't, they will be if we make it home before they get to me," he chuckled lowly before pressing a kiss to her forehead. Her dazzling smile illuminated the night almost as much as the moon did. The Archangel took the magician's hand once more and began walking the path back to her apartment.

ZATANNA: "I think I can swing that," she smiled. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but surely they could manage a day away from everyone and everything. "What did you have in mind?" she asked curiously although she had a feeling like a proper magician, he wasn't going to reveal any of his secrets. "Do you think they realize they're expanding almost as much energy, if not more, into avoiding you than they would be if they actually met on time to train with you?" she asked. The efforts Bells went through to avoid training with Michael were fairly counterintuitive for a sloth sin and only proved Michael's point further that if Bells wanted to do something they could do it. They weren't as incompetent as they liked to pretend. Zatanna bit her bottom lip and smiled as he pulled away from her and alluded to things he had planned for tonight. "Next time, nice night or not, we're teleporting home," she laughed and took his hand as they began to walk toward the apartment again.  

Gabriel: "Next outing we'll do okay? I get to spoil you and I get your company out of it nothing to do with training or anything but staying a snake and getting feed by me" Gabe replied smiling softly looking at the his sibling there wasn't a thing Gabe wouldn't do for Belphegor he truly loved them with his whole heart. He wanted this day out to be in favor of Bells, enough to build their confidence up as well as have a bit of fun cockblocking Michael. He was finally starting to feel more like himself again as the time went on.

Gabe had to admit he was quite glad he couldn't see Mike and Zatanna make out any more, it was nice that his brother had gotten someone who made him feel complete but his sex life was something he most definitely had no desire to ever see or hear. He waited patiently thinking of the best one to detain Zee when Bells gave the warning sign, surely with them being in public they'd be breaking apart soon to at least attempt make it home before going full out on the sidewalk.

BELPHEGOR: Belphegor nodded approvingly. They were going to look forward to it, assuming that they actually got out of this alive or without Michael telling Lucifer and getting them in trouble that way. Technically, attacking Michael like this was probably breaking that treaty thing, but he deserved it.

Belphegor finished texting Dean around the same time that Zatanna and Michael stopped making out. Belphegor kind of overreacted in their texts to Dean, and it left them in a somewhat bitter mood, which they aimed to turn against Michael. They waited patiently atop the roof, until they got close enough to the alley where Gabriel was. As soon as they were just two steps away, Belphegor used magic to cause a trash can to fall over in the oppostie alleyway, signalling Gabriel that the time was now. Belphegor took a running start and leapt off the roof. They folded in their wings and silently dropped down on top of Michael, hooking their arm around his neck on the way down, so they could pull him backwards and knock him off his feet. They didn't look and just trusted that Gabriel got Zatanna out of the way in time.

MICHAEL: He smiled at her attempts to coax his Valentines Day plans out of him. "And ruin the surprise?" he chuckled. "I would never. I can assure you it's nothing as risque as Zachary's New Years Eve stunt," he promised before chuckling at her comment about Belphegor and the lengths they were going through just to avoid training. "I'm fairly sure they-" the sound of a trash can falling over on the opposite side of the alleyway caught his attention. His body turned in that direction to scan for any threats as he reflexively positioned himself so that Zatanna was behind him and away from any danger that might be lurking on the other side of the alleyway. It was then that he felt them. Belphegor's body collided with his, their arm around his neck pulling him backward and away from Zatanna as Michael came crashing to his feet. His eyes flared golden and his wings jutted out to cradled his fall. However, when he unfurled his wings there was no anger on his face, just amusement. Belphegor had gotten one over on him without a screaming start. "Well, I'll be damned. Where'd you come from?" he grinned.

GABRIEL: Gabe waited in the alleyway knowing his moment would be soon, he just had to wait for bell's signal alerting him to spring into action and keep Zatanna away while they acted out their training session. Zee had always been so understand so he never worried that she'd be mad or upset with them for breaking up their date after all he'd come to love Zatanna much like a sister even before she started dating Mikey. hearing the trash can tip over he moved quickly opening his wings to take flight swooping into to grab Zatanna from behind Michael with ease. Both of them wrapped in his wings for a moment while he moved her out of way of the little fight going on.  "Hello Zee, have a nice dinner?" he asked sweetly before unwrapping them from his wings shooting her a wink. He was proud of Belphegor in their sneaky attack move, It not only showed Michael how well their training was going but it also showed a couple skills he knew they had yet to show off to their warrior brother yet.  

ZATANNA: "Not even a sneak peak?" she asked. "Unfair. I always give you at least three hints," she reminded him. She laughed and shook her head when he mentioned Zach's stunt back at time square. "He means well, at least I think he does. He just has shit timing and can't read a room to save his life." He definitely struggled to read her emotions at least. She startled a bit when she heard the trash can tumble on the other side of the alleyway. Michael was quick to react as he moved in front of her. "Maybe it's just a--" before she could finish her sentence she felt wings around her but they weren't Michael's. Reflexively she tensed up and tried to push away, but the tension eased when she heard Gabriel's voice. "You know, it was going well until a third wheel decide to join," she winked right back. As Gabe unfurled his wings she was able to get a good look at the scene before her. Michael was on the ground, a look of playful pride on his face, and Belphegor was standing in front of him. "Ah, and there's a fourth wheel. We might as well rent a bus," she grinned.

BELPHEGOR: They felt their heart racing as they carried out their attack. They were determined, but also terrified. It wasn't like they'd ever actually gotten one over on Michael before, not that they ever really tried, but there had been every chance that like in other attempts, he would've turned to where they were rushing at him from and stopped them in their tracks. It didn't happen that way this time. They knocked Michael to the ground and just stood over him. Their chest puffed in and out with their breath, but they weren't entirely sure where to go from this point or what to do. They'd never gotten this far before. The smile on Michael's face was also confusing. "Stop smiling. I beat you," they told him. Maybe Michael just didn't know how to process that because he wasn't used to being beaten. "You . . . you have to give us food now."

MICHAEL: "I will offer one hint," he smiled, pulling her closer to him. "It'll be magical. Probably not as magical as you but pretty damn close," he teased as he placed a kiss atop her head. He means well was a phrase Michael heard often when it came to both John and Zachary. "I don't think Zach can even read himself fully let alone read a room," he pointed out. Introspection wasn't something the kid was keen on doing.

As he tumbled to the ground, he reflexively searched his surroundings for Zatanna. He caught sight of Gabriel grabbing her and shielding her from any windfall. That was enough for the Archangel to relax his tensed muscles as he looked up at Belphegor. Bells looked like they'd taken a shot of pure adrenaline and Michael wanted to see how they would react to a little bit of push back. "Stop smiling? Very well." The archangel's eyes flared gold and quick as a flash, he kicked Belphegor's feet out from under them while pushing himself up off the ground. If they wanted food for literally crash landing his date, they were going to have to fight back for it.

GABRIEL: He smirked looking at Zatanna he was glad they could crash their little date it looked rather happy which made Gabe just beam with happiness. "Hey...I thought you liked my company Zee?" He pouted cutely giving her one of his best puppy dog eyes before looking at Michael and Bells, of course their elder brother thought to laugh instead of playing along, really it was like he had to do everything. "Depends on where we are going? I did promise bells food if they bested Mikey, so hold that thought" He mused before waiting for Michael to focus on Bells not noticing his presence behind him Moving to lock him in grand hug that keep his hands tied to his sides "Hey Mikey! having a nice date? also I may have promised that you'd buy us food if we won, so...don't cheap out" He looked at Bells waiting for their next attack.  

ZATANNA: She laughed and shook her head at the corny joke. She knew she wasn't going to get much else out of him. His assessment of Zach wasn't too far off although she suspected Zachary knew how to read his emotions, he just refused to feel the negative ones. Out of sight and out of mind was how he liked to operate.

"I do like your company, but your timing needs a little work," she teased before shaking her head at Gabriel. "Ah, food, the ultimate motivator. Let's see how they do," she winked. She watched Michael kick Belphegor's feet out from under them as he righted himself. Just as he straightened, Gabriel came up behind him to lock Michael up in a hug. It was was like watching two little bear cubs trying to knock out a grizzle bear. "Two against one hardly seems fair, boys," she called out to Gabriel and Belphegor. She made a small gesture with her hand that told Michael to lock his feet steady to the ground. "Wolb kcab," she called out and blew a kiss in Gabriel's direction. A fierce wind knocked Gabriel off of Michael and freed the Archangel, but he wasn't out of the woods yet. There was still Belphegor to contend with.

BELPHEGOR: It wasn't just Michael who wasn't taking this seriously. While they were standing there, they glanced back to see Gabriel and Zatanna casually chatting. It was during that distraction that Michael kicked their feet out from under them. Gabriel finally came to help, and Belphegor rolled over just in time to see Zatanna casting a spell. They stayed low to the ground, so whatever she was doing couldn't do much to them, and they glared in the direction Gabriel had been thrown. Had he actually made sure Zatanna was out of the fight, that wouldn't have happened. Zatanna had claimed that two against one wasn't fair, which might've been true for a normal person, but this was Michael they were up against. They needed as much fighting power as they could get, but now Belphegor was the only one who could do anything since Zatanna took Gabriel out of the fight for a moment. They started to get up, crouching at first before using their wings to launch themself at Michael, tackling him into the building closest to them.

MICHAEL: Just as he stood he felt arms around him. They were Gabriel's. All Michael really had to do was flex his wings in order to get Gabriel off his back, but then he saw Zatanna gesture with her hand. He knew the sign was stand your ground. So he dug himself firmly in place, curious to see where she was about to take this. A small smile crossed his lips as she threw her spell at Gabriel with the flare and grace only a magician could muster. Gods, he loved her. There was no question about that. As soon as Zatanna released her hold on the spell, he saw Belphegor spring up to their feet. There was fight and flare in their eyes which is what the older angel wanted to see. Michael braced himself as Belphegor launched themself at him. A split second later, Belphegor's whole body made contact with his. They were flying through the air, straight through the wall of the closest building. It was an empty warehouse as were most buildings on this block. Michael landed on the floor with the rest of the rubble and Bells landed right on top of him. The archangel was having fun with this covert training but he knew it was best not to show it right now. Motivating Belphegor to fight was an art form. If you pushed too far, you ended up isolating them entirely. He'd gotten enough of a reaction out of Belphegor to know that Bells was capable of putting up a decent fight. "Alright," the archangel panted. "Easy does it, Tiger. Easy does it. You got me..." Michael surrendered. "I concede this round. You get to name the winning prize as long as we don't demolish the rest of this building."

GABRIEL: "My timing is perfect, after all you wanna date the eldest you've gotta experience the pain in the ass baby siblings too Zee!"Gabe chuckled softly replaying back to zatanna before returning his attention to Mikey. Gabe had to admit he wasn't surprised Zatanna joined the party after all she was always willing to indulge them whenever they felt the need to act on their emotions. He also knew he was suppose to restrain her but he also knew she'd escape within a matter of seconds but she'd throw him off Michael without so much as a second thought so he chuckling help but shaking his head "IT'S MICHAEL ITS ALREADY UNFAIR!" He moved to stand up knowing that Bells and Mike's fight would end soon by themselves while he turn to look at Zee "you know Luci often calls you witch, and it got me thinking of that weird little human movie, what is that title...." He pretend to think of the title before he snapped his fingers making Zatanna be encased within a bubble and changing her outfit to a frilly pink dress floating her up about an inch "ahh that's right, Glinda The Good Witch" He smirked right as Bells and Mike seemed to break through a building, using his wings to save himself from any backlash of debris and also glad he'd encased Zee from harm. "Well damn....that was awesome....Got a spell to fix.....All that?" He question the floating women.

ZATANNA: "Oh, but I have experienced them. I'm pretty sure two of them would like me out of the picture completely," she pointed out. "Are you following in their lead?" she joked. She knew Gabriel didn't carry animosity toward her like Uriel and Aamon did. An amused smile crossed her lips as Gabriel lamented that it was unfair she threw him off of Michael because it was Michael. "Ah, come on. I can take him," she winked in Michael's direction just in time to see Belphegor spring up from off the ground and ram into Michael's chest. The two of them went flying through the brick wall of the warehouse. Before she had time to react, Gabriel encased her in a bubble to protect her from the debris. She thought that was the end of that but then her outfit changed to match Glinda the Good Witch. "The audacity," she laughed as she looked at Gabriel. "You know what, I can work this outfit too," she teased. "pop eht elbbub," she poked the bubble after reciting the spell and it popped to release her. Zatanna lifted the frills of the pink dress up so that she could step through the rubble and examine the damage. She peered into the building to see Michael holding up the metaphorical white flag and conceding to Belphegor's victory. She leaned against what was remaining of the wall as she looked at Belphegor and Michael. "So, I take it the losing party is paying for the damages?"

BELPHEGOR: Belphegor was entirely focused in a way they hadn't been in a long time, and for a moment, they felt like they were back in the war. The sound of debris falling around them was like the clatter of swords, but even back then, they hadn't had a focus or drive to fight like this. They were the healer. Belgirel was the fighter, but there were times where they had gone in together. Belphegor hadn't wanted to fight anyone, but Belgirel had reminded them they had to to fight for what was right. At the very most, Belphegor had wanted to fight to protect them. There had been more than a few close calls, and it was in those moments that Belphegor had fought the hardest. Michael hadn't hurt Belgirel directly, at least as far as Belphegor knew, but they felt that same focus to fight him as they did with the other angels who had tried to hurt their twin. That voice in their head told them to keep going until the danger was gone. Go further. Fight harder. Kill them. In this instance, it didn't make sense to do that. Michael was surrendering, something they'd never known him to do, but even if Belphegor had wanted to kill him (They didn't really, despite what that voice told them.), they didn't have the means to go that far. It wasn't like they had their archangel blade on them, and they couldn't hope to take Michael's. Still, they hesitated, fighting not Michael, but the thoughts in their head that told them to keep hitting him. After a long moment, they pulled away. Belphegor stood up and offered Michael a hand to help him up, the same way he always did for them when he knocked them down in training. "Dinner," they told him, answering the question of what the winning prize was. "For me and Gabe," they clarified. Although Gabe hadn't successfully kept Zatanna away from the fight completely, he had made sure she was safe from everything Belphegor did here today, and Belphegor wouldn't leave him out of the winning prize.

MICHAEL: As Michael fell to the ground, he caught a glimpse of Belphegor's eyes. There was a fire and focus in them that he hadn't seen in Belphegor in a very long time. A sharp painful breath escaped the Archangel's lips as he landed on the ground, but the pain wasn't from the landing itself. It was from a memory of something lost. In this moment, Belphegor looked more like Belgirel than anything else. During the war, Belphegor stayed in the fringes of the fight. They preferred to healing and tending to the injured. Belgirel, on the other hand, was more than likely to be seen on the front lines. Michael had seen them in action before...they carried the same fire and passion in their eyes that Bells carried now. That passion was fleeting though for Belphegor. As the rubble settled, the passion subsided to uncertainty, confusion, and hesitation. There was a silent war raging in Belphegor's head. Michael imagined it was a war that raged on in a lot of soldier's heads: mercy or death. In the moments in which Belphegor hesitated, Michael could've fairly easily gained the upper hand and flipped them off of him, but he didn't. He watched Belphegor pull away and make the choice. Mercy. The archangel took the hand his sibling offered and pulled himself up off the ground. "Very well. That sounds fair and doable. To the winner goes the spoils. You two can follow us back to Zatanna's for dinner," he offered. He turned when he heard Zatanna's voice. She was leaning against what was left of the building, but she was now in a frilly pink dress. "What happened to you?" he asked, amusement in his voice. "Ah, yes," he hung his head, but maintained a positive spirit. "It appears we are the losing party tonight, dove. Not only are we paying for the damages but apparently dinner's on us tonight."

GABRIEL: Gabe couldn't help but chuckle at Zatanna's words he enjoyed hanging out with her but knew she'd also needed along time with Mikey which allowed him to spread out and spend more time with his fallen siblings. "Hardly! Ugh can you even imagine me being like Uriel?" He mused teasing back before rolling his eyes "Grosss, I don't want to know about my brothers sexual times, he is like my father at this point" He mused loving how his prank went over well. After all Zee did remind him of the witch from the movie all nice and sweet, helping out the lost girl. He had to admit he was impressed with Belphegor, they had really shown their skill taking down Michael but he had to wonder if using different methods of training them would really work when the Void came out to play. He worried for his sibling more then he ever let people know but today had been such an amazing day so he smirked at zee "awww come on I wanted Mikey to get the full picture bubble and all" He teased her holding out his hand to help her navigate through the debris.  "Bells!! that was amazing! you did such a great job and you won us dinner!" he mused moving to hug Bells to show how proud he was of them. "didn't Bells do amazing Mikey? and this whole plan was their idea too. quite the amazing trick they did."

ZATANNA: She laughed at his reaction. "Eek, gods, I hope not," she teased. From the way Michael described his siblings, Uriel was logic, Gabriel was emotion, Raphael was the middle ground between the two. "Had you shown up maybe an hour later you would've seen more of your brother than you wanted to anyway," she pointed out. "Risky business tailing us, but I gotta say I am impressed. Neither of us heard you coming." She took his hand and navigated through the rubble until she saw Belphegor and Michael. She smiled when Michael asked her what happened to her. "Gabriel happened," she rolled her eyes playfully in response. "Egnahc kcab," she snapped her fingers and changed back into her original outfit before stepping forward to examine the two Archangels. "Dinner and damage control," she whistled and shook her head. The surveillance footage of this was sure to make it to Bruce by tomorrow morning. There would be questions she would need to answer. "You're lucky that I love you." She tugged at his shirt to get him to lean down far enough so she could kiss him. After pulling away, she turned her attention to the collapsed wall. "Bliub em pu pucrettub." One by one the bricks and debris around Michael and Belphegor shot back up and into place, rebuilding the wall that had been torn down. Zatanna dusted off her hands and beamed up at Belphegor. "Fair is fair and Gabe is right. You did a fantastic job with their stealth attack. I definitely didn't hear you coming and neither did the big guy here," she leaned in and whispered (although she knew Michael could hear her) "I'll recover the footage and get it sent to you." She pulled away, making her voice a little louder again. "So, what do you two want for dinner?"

BELPHEGOR: They were still reeling from the fight even now, trying to process the fact that they'd actually won against their older brother. It didn't feel real, even as Michael agreed to their demands. As he moved towards Zatanna, they were still just standing there, only shaken out of their thoughts once Gabriel came over to hug them. They smiled brightly then, matching Gabriel's excitement. "Gabriel came up with the idea to catch you off guard on your date, but I came up with the plan of attack," they clarified. Gabriel had put thought into this attack too, so they didn't want to take all the credit, but it did make them feel good with how proud everyone looked. "Yeah, that was the plan," they confirmed to Zatanna. They hadn't wanted Michael to hear them coming. They'd tried their hardest to make sure of that. "There's footage?" they asked quietly, though their tone was excited. They hadn't considered that there would be footage available, but now they could show it off to everyone in Hell to show them all that they beat Michael. They doubted anyone would've believed it otherwise. "I want steak and potatoes and corn on the cob and buttered noodles and squash and pizza rolls," they listed off, salivating at the thought of all the food they wanted.

MICHAEL: "Gabriel happened, huh," he chuckled as he watched the magician change back into her original outfit. It seemed Gabe was full of ideas tonight. Michael was proud of Gabriel for his ability to talk Belphegor into training, and Bells for their tactical skill in developing a plan of action. "That was definitely impressive," he complimented them. "You two make quite a fierce team together. You'll have to tell us how you did it when we get home," he smiled. It gave Belphegor an opportunity to feel like they were teaching Michael something new. He surveyed the damage which wasn't too bad all things considering, but they were fortunate that no one was in the building. "That I am," he smiled, leaning forward to place a kiss upon the magician's lips. He watched her magic work as the wall of the warehouse repaired itself once more. His features softened as he watched Zatanna interact with his siblings, always playful and always nurturing. "It sounds like dinner's going to dent our pockets more than I dented the wall," he chuckled. "But in the name of sportsmanship, I think we can make it work. Come along then. The sooner we get to the apartment, the sooner you'll get to eat."

GABRIEL:  Gabe smiled looking at Zatanna glad to see she didn't hold any ill will towards their little attack ruining the last bit of her date but he never knew Zee to get super upset about things like that. "Of course not I'm too handsome and sweet to be anything like the fly" He smiled shaking his head "Ewwwww Zee that's like seeing your parents have sex gross. My innocent image of you is forever tainted" He feigned covering his eyes before nodding his head. "Bells said they wanted payback for all the training Mikey put them through so I thought this was be fun. "Don't you like it Mikey, its just like that Wizard of Oz movie we watched last week!" He replied tp Mike before looking at Bells giving him credit for his part of the plan, after all he was willing to let his sibling shine in front of Zee and Mike without any issue. "We should get that footage so you can show everyone how you took down Michael huh?" He whispered to Bells knowing if anything they'd love that idea as he nodded his head agreeing with the choice the other made "OOOH that's sounds amazing, I also want cherry soda and Chocolate cake for dessert please" He mused pulling Belphegor towards them so they could get to Zatanna's place in record time. "Only you would try and use a dad joke on your girlfriend, Mikey."  

ZATANNA: "I hear aging changes people so find me in a couple centuries and we'll see," she teased Gabe. "If that taints your image of me, you should probably not search my name on the internet anytime soon." The Justice League fan art got a little weird sometimes. She'd seen some things she wanted to unsee. "Very funny, maybe I'll bring that costume back for Halloween," she grinned as her outfit changed back to what she'd worn initially for date night. "I know a guy. He can have the footage to us by morning," she assured them. She would have to explain the footage anyway so she might as well get a copy for herself too. She listened to Gabe and Belphegor make their dinner requests. For beings that didn't need to eat, they certainly enjoyed eating. This was starting to sound like a banquet request. "We better start making the orders now," she replied as she pulled out her phone and started entering them in as they began walking back to her apartment. Date nights somehow never went according to plan, but she didn't mind. The look of pride and content on Michael's face as he walked along side his siblings made up for any lost time she had with him. Slowly but surely, he was rebuilding his family.

BELPHEGOR: It was weird to have everyone complimenting them, but especially Michael. It was already hard enough to wrap their head around the fact that they'd beaten him, but the compliments to the efforts they'd made were shocking. Impressive, he'd said. They wished they could have that on a recording almost as much as they wanted the video footage of the fight. It'd be nice to have around to listen to whenever they felt down about themself. They wondered if they could get Zatanna to go into their memories and pull out a recording of Michael saying that. Definitely impressive. Even the Void couldn't do much against a thought that powerfully positive, and it tried. You could never hope to do anything like that ag-- That was definitely impressive. They smiled brightly. "It actually wasn't that hard," they said proudly. As they started to walk back to Zatanna's place, they started to explain their whole plan, ignoring the fact that Michael had said they could do that when they got to Zatanna's place. "I thought it'd be better to go from the roof because it gave us a better view of you without you seeing us, and I thought I could distract you with a noise from the alley while using that to let Gabe know that you guys were in position, so he could move Zatanna out of the way, so I didn't hit her." Making sure she wasn't hurt had been a priority, not just to avoid Michael getting mad, but because they liked Zatanna. She was nice to them, even if they had had a few dreams about violently murdering her, but who didn't have those about their friends from time to time?

MICHAEL: "And a lovely costume it would be," he grinned back at Gabriel and Zatanna. Belphegor's face seemed to light up with an excited sort of enthusiasm. Michael hadn't seen this much life behind their eyes in quite a long time. Belphegor didn't get praise often, but then again, they didn't really try their hand at a lot of things either. Today, they'd proven they were not only capable of sneaking up on Michael, but that they were capable of being strategic when it came to creating a plan of attack. They were also capable of factoring in the collateral like Zatanna and ensuring that she didn't get hurt. Michael wasn't sure what kind of challenges everyone would face when it came to getting rid of the void, but he knew these skills would be crucial for Belphegor to develop. He hoped that at least some of the lessons stuck with them. "Ah, the rooftops, so that's where you were," he chuckled. "That was a good call. I was expecting you to be somewhere across the street. I'm sure Ms. Zatara here appreciates not having to go down for the count like I did." He rubbed his shoulder as if it was sore from the tumble he'd taken before putting an arm around Zatanna and placing a kiss atop her head just as they arrived at her apartment complex. The magician unlocked the door and the archangel grabbed ahold of it, holding it open for everyone to file in. "I imagine you two have worked up an appetite. The food should be here shortly. Make yourselves at home, but please keep your clothes on tonight," he laughed before shutting the door behind him and following everyone up the stairs. / END

[thecomicsnexus]

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #24-26 AUGUST - OCTOBER 1989 BY RICK VEITCH

SYNOPSIS (FROM TURTLEPEDIA)

As the story begins, Master Splinter is training the Turtles. The Sensei is attempting to broaden their spiritual scope, but their warrior's hearts are still too strong to grasp the subtleties of their lessons. The Sensei probes each Turtle, to discern their strengths, weaknesses and phobias. Splinter senses that there is a weak link in their chain, and as he releases them from their training, each student bows before the master... save for Raphael, who has bound off to go swimming. Leonardo apologizes to Splinter for Raphael's behavior, and the Sensei states that perhaps they are not mature enough to grasp the next stage of ninjutsu training. Upon hearing this, the other three Turtles angrily take off in pursuit of Raph. The Master is pleased, as group pressure is one of the lessons of ninjutsu.

Leo, Don and Mike dive into the murky waters and find an underwater cave. As they emerge into the chamber, clubs in hand, they find Raphael bent over something. The three brothers approach their sibling with ill intent when Raph points out that he's found some recently hatched turtle eggs. Everyone's mood lightens as they find dozens of baby turtles swimming around their feet. The guys muse briefly about what it would be like had they remained normal turtles. As Raph investigates the shells, he finds one baby turtle stuck in the sand. When he examines it, he finds that a large leech has attached itself to the young terrapin. Raph is grossed out by the bloodsucking creature and uses a stick to remove it from the baby turtle. The other guys are amused that Raph is afraid of the leech and they attach it to his foot. Raph freaks out and yells at them to get it off of him. Leo, Don and Mike laugh and toss Raph back into the water. The three brothers run off, psyched that they finally "got Raph good!" Raphael emerges from the water and pulls the leech off of his foot. As he's about to squish the parasite, Raph decides that it's not the worm's fault for being what it is and he tosses it back to the ground, telling it to stop picking on poor, defenseless turtles. The discontented Turtle than heads off after his mirthful brothers, warning them that they'll be laughing out of the other side of their faces once he catches them.

The next day the Turtles have resumed their practice with Splinter, but they still fail to grasp the inticracies of his lesson. As the Sensei mentally scans the region, he looks for a sign that the Turtles are opening their minds... but none are able. Raphael, more than any other, struggles. As Splinter views the surroundings, he is alerted to something in the water... a large leech. It is hungry... and has a malignantly cruel and evil presence!

Master Splinter is shocked by his discovery, and involuntarily he jerks away from the vision. The violence of the Sensei's recoil shocks his pupils and sends Raphael into unconsciousness.

The next day the Turtles are lounging around the river without their Master. Leo, Don and Mike are trying to make peace with Raphael, who is angry with them for how they treated him in the cave. The boys spot a large snapping turtle swimming across the creek and are shocked when they see something attack her. The brothers dive into the water and see a very big leech. The parasite seems oddly familiar to the Turtles, and they chase it. The worm takes refuge in a small cave. Raph decides to trap the leech in the hole by blocking the entrance with his shell. Raphael then sends his brothers off to fetch their weapons, so they can dispatch the leech.

Shortly the Turtles return with Splinter. Raphael is unconscious once again, and as his family wonders what's happened now, Raph slumps forward into the water, revealing the much larger leech attached to his back, sucking fluid from the Mutant Turtle. The creature has now grown arms and legs and it rises to meet its attackers. Master Splinter tells his students to stand their ground as he focuses his mind, in attempt to connect with the beast that had disturbed his visions two days earlier... but before the Sensei can make contact, Leonardo chops it into pieces. Raph groggily awakens and Leonardo apologizes to Splinter for reacting. The Sensei tells his student that their current lessons are designed to teach them how to protect themselves with other means than blades, but hopefully the threat has passed.

The next morning the Turtles are once again practicing with Master Splinter. Yet again, Raphael is having trouble focusing his mind on the lessons. The Sensei tries to reach into Raphael's mind, but his own fear and doubt prevent him. Suddenly, Raph breaks ranks and pursues a dragonfly with childish glee. Splinter ends the lesson and Michelangelo asks why all of them must suffer when Raph acts coo-coo... the Master does not answer.

Back at the farm, April and Casey join the Turtles and Splinter for dinner. All eyes are on Raphael as his food is placed before him. Raph smiles innocently and then smashes his hand down on the plate, splattering the room, and everyone in it, with goulash. Raph bursts out laughing as the others glare at him.

As time passes, everyone is dismayed as Raph reverts more and more into a normal turtle. Splinter tells Leo, Don and Mike that the leech is responsible for Raph's condition - that it must have sucked the Mutagen out of Raph's system, and so he's returning to his original form. The Turtles will have to find the leech to save Raph, so the group head down to the river. As the TMNT search the waters, they find nothing. April asks Splinter if they can simply recontaminate Raph with Mutagen, but the Sensei points out that the canister that contained the ooze is empty and there is no way to contact the aliens from the T.C.R.I., so there is no Mutagen to be had.

As the skies darken, Casey announces that they should call it a night. The Turtles argue against it when they're interrupted by a ranger, who thinks our heroes are fishing illegally. Casey nervously points out that they're merely swimming and that his friends are trying out their new "turtle costumes." Raphael then escapes from April's grasp and swims towards the lawman's boat. As Raphael reaches the craft, the ranger reaches down and grabs the Turtle's hand.

"I just need to get ahold of you one last time, heee heee!" the game warden cackles as Raph mews in anguish.

The ranger lets Raph drop back into the water as he stands, revealing his face - it's the leech, now mutated into a bipedal monster!

The Turtles are incredulous and try to reach the creature's vessel, but it starts an outboard motor and zooms upriver, escaping their wrath. April pulls Raph's limp form from the water as Casey discovers the real Fish and Game Warden, every drop of blood sucked from his dead body. Splinter decrees that the beast stole Raphael's Mutagen to grow, but it feeds on human blood. The Sensei then names the creature "Bloodsucker."

With heavy hearts, Leo, Don and Mike recall how they had tortured Raph with the leech mere days ago. The brothers then gear up in grim determination and prepare to hunt down Bloodsucker.

"Bring it back alive and in one piece, Leonardo," Splinter advises, "It is Raphael's only hope."

Leonardo bows before his master and states, "We shall not fail, Sensei."

Casey says that he'll load up the car with "toys" and meet them upriver. As the Turtles prepare to leave, Raph mews helplessly at their feet. Each brother hugs Raphael goodbye, and the TMNT, only three in strength, set off after their enemy. April picks up the tormented Raphael and tells him that he cannot go with his brothers. Raph desperately grasps for his siblings as April kisses him, "Not this time, baby."

Splinter meditates on the shore of the river. The Sensei reaches out to his pupils; not with his mind, but with his heart, as the heart is the link to the infinite. The Master attempts to see the future, but all he finds are faces from the deep past...

Three inner city boys are set to go fishing in the polluted river. As one wonders if it's safe, his companion states, "As long as Officer Mannigan don't catch us it's cool!"

As the boys explore the dank river bed, they discover some ancient Native American carvings of odd faces. One boy frightens another with ghost stories, and says that the authorities are always finding new pictograms in this area. Sure enough, they find a new carving of a turtle. Just then the children hear the put-put-put of an outboard motor and see the game warden approaching in his boat. They take cover and the lawman passes. As the boys breathe a sigh of relief, the warden rises from behind them. Of course, this is no ordinary fish and game officer, but the hideous mutant monster, Bloodsucker! The creature grabs one of the boys and carries him off. Another lad grabs his fishing rod and casts, tripping up the monster and freeing his friend. The kids flee in terror but are quickly set upon by the beast once again. As Bloodsucker laughs and announces his plans to drain them of their vital fluids, several shurikens pound into his flesh. The creature turns to see Leo, Don and Mike, who announce their intention to take Bloodsucker back to Northampton... one way or another.

Bloodsucker tears a tree from the ground and tosses it onto the Turtles, pinning them underwater. The boys run away as the mutant parasite gloats about how it will devour each Turtle in turn and become ever more powerful.

Master Splinter still sits in meditation... he has sensed the Turtles peril and seeks out help. He arrives again at faces from the past, but they merge into the present... to a hand carving images into rock face.

Casey and April are racing down the streets. April is upset with Jones' reckless driving, but Casey assures her that he knows how to handle the local "small town cops" and brags about the hot new gear shifter that he and Raph installed. April isn't impressed and she points out that their goal is to save Raphael, who has gotten quite small and now fits comfortably on her lap. Jones announces that they'll find the slimy bug, as he speeds by a police car. The officer hits his siren and pulls out to pursue the speeding Chevy. Casey grins and prepares to shift the car into overdrive, but the gear shifter breaks off in his hand. We next see Casey pulled over, a pistol pointed at his head through the window, held by a very angry Officer Mannigan. The cop pulls Jones out of the vehicle and cuffs him after finding Casey's "Jason"-styled hockey mask. As Casey demands to know why he's being arrested, the three fishing boys arrive.

The boys tell the policeman about the monster and three giant, weapon-toting turtles, but Mannigan is dubious. April and Casey decide that they have to take action, and Casey runs away and jumps off a bridge, into the water below. Jones hits hard and loses consciousness below its surface, as Mannigan pulls April from the car. The cop asks the boys if Casey has come up yet, and the children announce that he hasn't. Mannigan couldn't care less and he orders the boys to get into his squad car, so he can check out their monster story. As the police car speeds away, the squealing tires propel Raphael off of the bridge onto the rocks below. Fortunately, Raph's shell protects him from the fall and he emerges from it mewing. As Raph spots the ancient face carvings, a figure emerges from the water carrying Casey's limp body. The man picks up Raphael, musing to himself, and then heads upriver, where he intends to speak with the "old man," who apparently knows everything.

Splinter senses that his sons have escaped their peril, and he hears a call...

Mannigan has locked up April and the boys and is calling his boss, Booder, to tell him the lads' story. Booder is not happy about the news and orders the cop to keep the boys under lock and key and to meet him pronto, with his scattergun in hand. As Officer Mannigan prepares to leave, the boys yell at him that he can't leave them alone, as it's illegal. The policeman doesn't care, as Booder's uncle is the local judge. The cop gets into his squad car and leaves his prisoners to their own devices. As April bemoans the behavior of men, one of the boys uses his fishing rod to snag the cell keys.

Casey awakes in a cavern, filled with ancient carvings. As he rises, he's met by Leo, Don, Mike and Raph (who's being held in Leo's hand). The TMNT introduce Jones to Abanak, the last surviving member of the Algonquin Nation. We learn that it was Abanak who pulled all of our heroes to safety, and then the man tells his story.

400 years ago, this area was the home of his people, and the caves they're in now were holy land. All was well and good, until Colonel Booder showed up. Booder brought an army when he arrived, and he killed the Algonquin leaders and lead the people astray. The Colonel then opened factories on the river and polluted the land and water, growing rich and powerful as he destroyed all that the Algonquin people held sacred. Abanak is all that remains of his once prosperous nation, and he lives among the caverns as a "ghost," carving the effigies of his ancestors into the walls of the caves, who appear to him in his dreams. Abanak then states that he has had a dream that he will find his destiny with the help of warrior turtles.

Abanak leads everyone deeper into tunnels, explaining that while most everyone is ignorant of the land's bloody history, the living ancestor of Booder is not. After the government had passed environmental laws that would put the factories out of business, Booder had dug secret sewage pipes to deposit the poisonous waste into the hidden underground caves. The TMNT emerge into a huge cavern and see gigantic pipes pumping bilge into the water. Michaelangelo retches at the smell and Leonardo announces that this is the most disgusting cesspool that he's ever seen. Abanak states, "We used to call it the Well of Pure Souls."

Abanak says that his destiny awaits him up in Booder's "death factories." Leo suggests that Casey should utilize his plumbing skills and plug the septic system, thus causing the pollution to back up into the factories where it originates from. Then Leonardo gives Raph to Jones to guard as the other four heroes ascend ladders attached to the pipes.

At the factory, Booder is yelling at Mannigan. Booder fears that the mutants the boys saw were created by his pollution, and he's deadly afraid that the E.P.A. will discover his secret dumping ground and ruin his business. The cop states that maybe all they saw was the Ghost, who Mannigan had shot with rock salt once. Booder states that he has also seen the Ghost, and that his family has been haunted for seven generations. The crooked businessman than declares that it's time to put an end to the Ghost. Mannigan loads his shotgun and the two set off to find the apparition that troubles them.

As the two men arrive at the main shaft, Booder's armed guard inform him that they've heard voices from below... someone is climbing up! Booder orders them to shoot to kill and takes the shotgun from Mannigan, who tries to tell his boss that it's only loaded with rock salt, but Booder is too crazed to listen.

As Abanak and the Turtles climb, the Native American thinks he hears voices from above. He and Leo move ahead to investigate. As they climb, Leonardo asks Abanak what his people would do if they were given the land back, and the man states that they would clean it up so that all could share in its bounty, as they never considered it to be just "their" land... the river and the land are not things that any man can possess, as they belong to everyone.

As Abanak finishes his statement, he is greeted by an enraged Booder, who fires the shotgun into the Native American's face. Abanak falls and Leonardo calls out to his brothers to catch him. Booder's men then open fire with automatic weapons as Booder announces a ten thousand dollar reward for "each one you bag."

Abanak is hurt, but since the gun was loaded with rock salt, his wounds aren't mortal. Gunfire rains down on the Turtles from above, though, and it is life threatening. Casey yells that he's stopped up the pipe and the waste should back up soon. Leonardo wonders what Raph would do in this situation, and determines that he would simply attack - so the Turtles do just that. The Ninja cover their approach with shurikens and make it to the top, where they whip Booder's henchmen. Booder and Mannigan attempt to flee, but the crooked businessman won't let the cop escape the fight, and he pushes him into the fray. Just then the waste erupts out of the pipe and it hits Booder square in the chest and carries him towards the edge of the main shaft. As the criminal falls, he is caught... by Abanak! The Algonquin pulls Booder to safety, stating that even he doesn't deserve to die in such a manner. Booder is shocked to find that the "Ghost" is an "Indian," and asks what Abanak expects him to do now that he's saved his life, "I should give you back your land, s-shouldn't I?" the crook queries.

"Let's start with a couple of acers!" growls Booder, as he knees Abanak in the groin, "Sucker!"

Booder than escapes to a waiting car, where he flees the factory... only to find Bloodsucker waiting in the backseat to devour him shortly thereafter.

As the factory floods with toxins, the Turtles help Casey carry Abanak to safety. As they get outside, April shows up in Casey's car. Jones is astonished that the vehicle is running, and April proudly displays the gear shift that she's fixed. Everyone piles into the car and they zoom off.

Later we see the three fishing boys as they watch the E.P.A. arriving to clean up the wasted factories. As the boys lament their parents' stupidity for letting things get so bad, they spot the '57 Chevy. April pulls up and the Turtles thank the kids for helping Ms. O'Neil escape. Abanak then hands the boys his hammer and chisel, telling them that his work is done, and asking them to take his place. The boys humbly agree to try.

April then speeds off down the highway as everyone worries about how they'll find Bloodsucker. As April steers the car towards Northampton, Bloodsucker pulls up behind them in Booder's car...

Splinter still meditates - his vision follows the river, all the way to its source, in the wilds of northern Vermont. There he finds a figure, bent with age, shining with a focus all its own, returning the Master's gaze spark for spark.

Splinter meditates, and tracks down Bloodsucker, who is working his way ever further upstream. Splinter is then carried through the swamps and wilderness to where the river is born, where he finds the aged form of The One Who Waits.

Casey and April are working on the Chevy, which has broken down again. Mike announces that they're stuck and Don informs him that Abanak has found a canoe under the brush of the nearby river. The coincidence is hard to grasp, but Abanak says that it's a sign that the Old Man is helping them, and that he saw it in a dream. The boat only carries four, so April and Casey are forced to stay with the car. The pair say that they'll get the vehicle fixed and wait for the Turtles to return. Suddenly everyone notices that Raph is missing, and a frantic search begins. Leonardo spots Raph, who is facing a weasel. Don exclaims that they have to help Raphael, but Leo refuses... for although Raph has been reverted to a pet shop turtle, he's still Raphael. Sure enough, Raph bites the weasel on the neck and the animal flees in pain.

The Turtles and Abanak head up river in the canoe. Abanak tells the boys about the Old Man, who has always been here and knows all. Abanak has seen the Old Man in his dreams and knows that he exists, and that he can help. As our heroes head upstream, Bloodsucker stalks them from the trees above. Suddenly, the canoe overturns and everyone is surprised to find thousands of fish in the stream. As Don rises to his feet, he's amazed to find that the fish have lifted him out of the water and he's riding on their backs!

"I think we're about to go for the ride of our lives!" the brainy terrapin announces.

No sooner has Donatello made his remarks than everyone is hauled upriver on the backs of the fish, water skiing without boat or line. The fish even carry the group up a waterfall! The crew is dropped off by a large, flat stone. Abanak states that this is as far as his dreams have revealed the land to him. He believes that the rock is called the Wisdom Stone, and that they should stand upon it. The Turtles are uneasy, feeling like they could be walking into a trap. Mike spots ornaments in the pine trees, and as he muses whether or not the Old Man celebrates Christmas, the stones speak to him, telling him that they were placed here by druids, long before Christianity existed. Alarmed by the talking ornaments, the TMNT back into defensive position, which places them onto the Wisdom Stone... which bursts brightly with energy.

Splinter's meditation is going badly... countless entities are assaulting him, and the Master senses a trap. As the Sensei tries to focus, all that emerges is a clear image of the Old Man...

The Old Man has appeared on the Wisdom Stone, and he explains that he has lived so long that he is now the river, and it is he. He tells the tale of an ancient, technologically advanced civilization that thrived but destroyed itself during the age of dinosaurs, and how the few that survived swore off technology and embraced the Earth, soon unlocking her deepest secrets. They learned that the rivers were conduits of planetary energy, power lines that helped them gain all knowledge of the physical world. Eventually, the survivors transcended flesh and merged with the rivers, so that there is one for each of the world's waterways... and they're still searching for knowledge, still hungry to learn all that is new.

The Turtles ask the Old Man if he can help Raphael change back, and the ancient one states that he probably could, as he's the one responsible for the regression in the first place, since he is the river and all its creatures. Just then Bloodsucker arrives. The Turtles are upset that the Old Man sent this abomination after Raphael, while the river master muses what is more of an abomination, a mutant leech, or a mutant turtle? Leonardo demands to know why the Old Man orchestrated these events, and the archaic being explains that back when the Turtles first reached his waters and longed to know what their lives would be had they remained normal turtles, he too felt their pangs, as well as his own, to know what they were... for the Turtles were the first mutants that he had ever encountered. The Old Man states that the Turtles were something new to the river, and that he must study them very thoroughly.

Donatello says that they aren't the type who like to be studied and tells the river master to change Raph back and they'll be on their way. The Old Man says that he believes Raphael is happier as he is, and that he thinks all four would be happier if they would return to their natural form. The Turtles get angry and brandish their weapons, which angers the river god... who unleashes great power throughout the entire waterway. The burst of energy also snaps Master Splinter's mind, thus giving control of the Sensei to the Old Man, who uses his newfound ability to mesmerize the Turtles.

While the TMNT stand frozen, Bloodsucker grabs them and prepares to feed on them. Abanak argues for their lives, which only angers the Old Man more. As the ancient one berates Abanak, Raphael bites him on the finger. Bemused, the Old Man tosses Raph into the river.

As Bloodsucker savors the Turtles, Raph swims over and bites him on the toe. The monster raises its leg in bewilderment, causing it to lose its balance, whereby it tumbles over the falls with all four Turtles in tow.

Abanak grows angry and tells the Old Man that he is petty and greedy, just like all the men who have sought control of the river. He lifts Leo's katana and attacks the ancient being, only to be blasted into the trees with a bolt of energy. As the Old Man is distracted by Abanak, Splinter is able to break free of the river master's psychic grasp. Splinter realizes that the power that the river holds is the power of life itself, and then he braces to make his attack.

Cut to the caverns near the city, where we see the fishing boys dutifully carving effigies in the stone. We discover that Officer Mannigan was sentenced to 20 years hard labor, and that it will take that long to clean up the river. The boys sense something and look up, to see a bolt of energy zooming up the river.

Casey and April are still working on the car. As their frustrating task nears completion, Casey feels the ground shake and they rise to see the bolt of lightning careening overhead.

Back at the base of the river, the Old Man catches the full force of Splinter's attack. The river master realizes too late that he'd forgotten about the rat... and Splinter was able to utilize the power of the river to cut off the ancient one's life-giving supply of atoms. The Old Man crawls to the shore.

Leonardo is sitting in the waterfall... he's groggy and having trouble remembering why he's here, when suddenly he's attacked by Bloodsucker. As Leo fights for his life, Michaelangelo arrives to assist him. Donatello joins the fray, but all three are overpowered and tossed aside. However... Raphael clings to the monsters face, and when the beast shakes its head to free itself from Raph's grasp, a portion of its mouth is torn free.

The Old Man struggles on shore to regain control over his failing body. Abanak emerges from the woods, and the ancient river master begs for his assistance. When Abanak states that he's no sorcerer, the Old Man tells him that he has the power, but he was never informed because the ancient one feared that Abanak would use his abilities to usurp the river master. The Old Man reverts to the form of an infant and pleads with Abanak to stop Splinter's attack. Abanak stands silently as he watches the Old Man shrink into nothingness.

Bloodsucker is holding the Turtles' heads underwater, trying to drown them. Leonardo manages to flip the behemoth and free his brothers. As Bloodsucker rises from the depths, he is attacked by a large turtle... Raphael?

Bloodsucker flees behind the falls, the giant turtle biting into his neck. As Mike and Don suggest that they should go in and help Raph, Leonardo refuses.

"This is the way he'd want it." the leader states.

From behind the falls we hear mewing... as a shadowy form begins to emerge from behind the curtain of water. Finally, Raphael bursts into sight, "Mew my arse." he growls.

The brothers embrace in glee, and they ask Raph how he did it. Raphael explains that each time that he bit into the mutant leech's hide, he felt a little better... so he continued to chow down until he'd regained all of his vital fluid back. Leonardo asks what happened to Bloodsucker, and Raph produces a normal leech... now that Bloodsucker himself had been drained, he turned back into his former self. Raph then pretends that he's going to attach the leech to one of his brothers, who all freak out. "Kill it! It's dangerous!" they scream.

Raph explains that it's harmless now and just wants to get back to its normal business, so the Mutant Turtle drops it back into the river. Just then they're confronted by a robed figure they mistake for the Old Man.

However, it turns out to be Abanak, who has assumed the role of river master. Abanak states that both of their quests have come to an end, but the Turtles demand to know who's side he's on, since he lead them into the trap. Abanak replies, "The river's." and then he conjures the fish, which carry the TMNT back to where April and Casey are. The car is finally repaired, but the fish ride isn't stopping! As they pass, the Turtles call out to their friends that they'll see them back in Northampton.

Back in the city, the boys have finished their carvings... of their own faces! They feel that this shows the world that they're serious about their duties, and they plan to protect the river from now on. Suddenly the Turtles go zooming by, and they send Abanak's greetings to the lads and tell them that they'll be contacted by the new river master soon... via their dreams.

Back in Northampton, the Turtles meet Master Splinter. They're jubilant over their victory and excited to celebrate, but the Sensei greets them with cold silence. The four quiet down nervously, and bow to their Master. Master Splinter bows back.

Perhaps they are maturing...

Meanwhile, far upstream, a glowing human embryo is caught in the current. As it struggles to escape its fate, it is swallowed by a common leech... one that possesses a distinct scar on its throat... and a half-remembered taste for the blood of the Mutant Turtle.

REVIEW

Imagine mixing Stephen King with Alan Moore. This story is a clear descendant of both (more about Swamp Thing than Moore himself). Of course, Rick Veitch was no stranger to Swamp Thing at the time, so it is an obvious comparison.

TMNT stories are usually creative and weird, and that’s their strongest feature. But this story feels like a real tale, that while still has a level of weirdness, it is indeed a full-fleshed tale.

As such, this may be the first TMNT story I have read (up to 1989) that feels different. Like a real pro actually driving the ship. It’s an interesting experiment.

I feel like this is one of the best TMNT stories I have ever read, and its place in canon is actually debatable (the guest era stories are usually non-canon, but Eastman himself said that this story fits well in canon).

Veitch’s turtles also look amazing. I am not a big fan of his humans, but here his style fits perfectly.

I understand if the similarities to famous Stephen King stories take you out of the story, but it works for me.

I give this story a score of 10.

[setaripendragon]

There’s a Miracle Right There

So, this is a very old idea that I decided I ought to just finish and throw out there now that I’m back in the Supernatural fandom. Idk if anyone else will care, but I always wanted to give Layla a happy ending, so, that’s what this is. (Virtual cookies to everyone who remembers who Layla is XD)

‘Ugh, how do I even- Uh, our father who art in heaven? This is so stupid I don’t even believe in God what the hell am I doing? Uh, ok, start again. I guess, this goes to anyone who can hear me? I don’t know if- if anyone’s listening – it’d be kind of creepy if you were, actually, god, these are my thoughts, I don’t want anyone else inside my head, goddamnit, focus – or if you douchebags even care but- Ok. There’s this girl. A nice girl. Layla Rourke. And she’s really kind, and sweet and… you know, just a whole round decent human being, which is pretty fucking rare.

‘Anyway, the thing is, she’s got this brain tumour, and she was going to see this- this faith healer, except he wasn’t, his wife had put a reaper on a leash and she was killing people to, I don’t know, transfer their health to the sick people in her husband’s flock, and- The point here is we had to stop her and now Layla’s going to die, and I- I don’t know, I feel like it’s my responsibility to- to at least try and… Ask for a miracle? Aw, hell, this sounds stupid even inside my own head. If you can hear this you probably already knew she was dying and don’t even give a fuck. Well, you know what, fuck you. Who the hell can sit around watching people suffer and just let it happen?

‘I don’t care if you’ve got reasons, or if you’re just an asshole. That girl deserves better. She deserves to have a life before she dies, alright? So- So if you are out there, then… At least help her. Goddamnit what the fuck am I even doing I give up.’

Gabriel snorted. Being away from heaven had muted the babble of prayers in the back of his head, but not so much that he couldn’t hear them if he focused. And that one had come through loud and clear, for all the lack of faith behind it. Maybe Dean Winchester just got faster broadband, courtesy of being the Righteous Man, maybe it was the conviction of his beliefs, regardless of how much actual faith he had, Gabriel didn’t know.

Plus, Gabriel liked listening to the prayers that weren’t sickly with the simpering faith of idiots who didn’t even understand what they were believing in, or talking to. Or the ones that were bitter with false righteousness and superiority. Those were the worst. But the ones that came form people who were just trying to find answers, those were always interesting.

Not that Gabriel ever did anything about them. He couldn’t risk his cover like that. The other angels would be getting those open-ended prayers much louder and clearer than he was. Not that they would get up off their sanctimonious little asses, either, but they’d certainly notice if someone else did their job for them.

Except… maybe they wouldn’t? Just this once. He was bored, anyway. He spent all his time punishing the wicked, and that was fun, but it was also getting a bit tedious. Samey. Dull. Maybe it would be interesting to shake it up a bit, so he wrapped up the trick he was playing on a bunch of businessmen in Japan, and went to find Layla Rourke.

She really was a good person, he discovered. Her faith made Gabriel feel kind of gross, not just because she had no idea how fucked up God and his angels really were, but because it reminded him of everything he used to be. He wasn’t going to heal her right off, because that would be suspicious to the fucks upstairs, so instead, he insinuated himself into her life by masquerading as one of the homeless that visited the soup kitchen she volunteered at, and he watched her.

He maybe played a few tricks on the assholes who harassed the other homeless while he was waiting, but mostly, he just kept an eye on Layla. He could see her getting closer and closer to death, but even though her body was failing her, her soul stayed bright. Gabriel was a little impressed despite himself. Most people weren’t that at peace with their own death, no matter what they liked to pretend to themselves

A couple of weeks, he figured, was long enough.

“This is the part where I say ‘Be not afraid’, right?” Gabriel asked by way of introduction. They were in a church, because he couldn’t resist a little melodrama, and Layla was sitting in one of the pews, alone, seeking solace. She might have made peace with death, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t hurting.

She startled at the sound of his voice, and looked up from her prayer. “Oh, Gabe, I didn’t hear you come in.” She said, breathless with surprise, and then she actually registered what he’s said, and laughed. “Are you saying you’re an angel?” She asked, teasing and friendly.

“Gabe is short for Gabriel.” Gabriel replied with an easy grin, and then beckoned her up to the front of the church. Layla gave him a puzzled look, but did get up and walk over to him.

“What are you doing here?” She asked, more curious than nervous, when she came within touching distance of him. “I didn’t get the feeling you’re particularly religious.” She added gently, because Gabriel had cringed a little at some of the more faithful things she’d said at the soup kitchen.

“Define religious.” He muttered darkly, and then shook the thought off. “I’m here to heal you.” He told her.

Layla stiffened, all the good humour sliding off her face in an instant. She swallowed and looked away. “Please don’t joke about that.” She chided him, still gentle.

“I’m not.” Gabriel replied, and then shrugged, shoving a hand into his pocket to grab a lollipop. He started unwrapping it. “Been a while since I’ve done this sort of thing. Ran away to join the pagans, oh, some couple thousand years ago. Tried not to go throwing my grace around after that, in case Mikey noticed and came to drag me home by my ear.”

Layla stared at him, blinking rapidly. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but stopped, clearly thinking better of whatever she’d been about to say. “You’re… saying you’re the archangel Gabriel?” She asked eventually, clearly dubious.

“That’s me.” Gabriel confirmed, popping the lolly in his mouth and grinning around it.

“I would have thought an angel wouldn’t look so… human.” Layla replied, a weirdly tentative note of challenge in her voice.

“Well, technically, I don’t.” Gabriel replied, a little muffled around his lolly. “Look human, that is. I’m just… wearing one. If you looked on my true form, your eyeballs would burn clear out of your head and your brains would fry. I’m here to heal you, not harm you.”

“Ah.” Layla said, feigning understanding and doing nothing to hide her bewildered amusement.

“Hey,” Gabriel said, plucking the lollipop from his mouth and gesturing vaguely with it, “what have you got to lose from giving it a go, huh? Either I’m nuts, and nothing will happen, or I’m telling the truth, and you walk out of here cured.”

Layla considered him for a moment, then smiled and nodded. “You have a point.” She acknowledged. “What do I have to do?” She asked.

“Just give me your hand.” Gabriel replied, holding out his own, the one not full of lollipop.

To her credit, now that she’d decided to hell with it, Layla didn’t hesitate. She reached out and put her hand in his as easy as you please. Gabriel stuck his lollipop back in his mouth, and covered her knuckles with his newly freed hand, patting it once, and then twice as he reached out with his grace and swept it through her body, putting everything to rights again.

Layla swayed, gasping softly, and suddenly clinging to his hand bruising-tight. “Oh.” She said, shock and wonder in her tone as she focused on him, and then promptly dropped to her knees. Gabriel blinked at her as she rested her forehead on the back of his hand and whispered, “Thank you.”

“While I’m usually all for having a woman on her knees for me, this is just awkward. Get up, please.” Gabriel pleaded.

Layla looked up at him, gaping in incredulous, scandalised amusement. She did get up, but she was still looking at him with wonder. “I’m pretty sure angels aren’t supposed to say things like that.” She told him, voice trembling with laughter that was only half amusement. The other half was definitely edging towards hysteria.

Gabriel shrugged. “What’s Dad going to do? Smite me?”

Layla shook her head. “I never would have imagined an angel could be so… irreverent.”

Gabriel sighed and stuck his hands back in his pockets. He crunched down on the lolly in his mouth, chewed, swallowed, and then made the stick disappear. “We’re not infallible, Layla.” He told her sadly. “I mean, shit, Lucy proved that. But he wasn’t the only one, you know? Mike’s a control-freak and Raph’s a bigoted douchenozzle, and I’m the irresponsible fuck up. We’re-” He snorted. “We’re a lot more human than anyone likes to acknowledge.”

Layla hummed, thoughtful and understanding, but not actually convinced. “There are worse things to be like than humans” She retorted lightly. Gabriel snorted again, and then burst out laughing.

“Yeah. Yeah, you’re right.” He agreed. They stayed standing there for a moment in silence, both of them contemplating the other, before Gabriel decided it was time to clear off. He clapped his hands together. “Right, well! I’ve got places to be, people to seduce, heresies to commit.”

Layla laughed again, but then reached out. “Wait!” She called, so Gabriel paused, looking at her expectantly. For a moment, Layla looked helpless, but then she finally managed to ask; “Why me? I- Not that I’m not grateful, but you said you haven’t done this for a while, so I… I just wondered, why now? Why me?”

Gabriel watched her for a long moment, debating. There were a lot of answers he could give. Because he was bored. Because she deserved it. Because he wanted to prove that he could. Because the end was nigh, so what the hell. Because, because, because. “Because Dean Winchester prayed for you.” He said finally.

Layla blinked. Her mouth opened in silent shock. “Dean?” She asked. Gabriel nodded. “Why…?” She trailed off, but Gabriel understood.

He could tell her that Dean was special, that he was The Righteous Man, that he’d been chosen by God to play an important role. He didn’t want to. Because he didn’t do this because of who Dean is to Heaven and the Host, even if that was why he heard Dean’s prayer as clearly as he had. He came because… “Because he said ‘fuck you’ to a heaven that doesn’t care about good people suffering.”

“That sounds like him.” Layla agreed fondly, and for a moment she looked like she might cry, just from the overload of emotion. “Tell him thank you, from me, if you get the chance.”

“Are you kidding? I’m not mentioning this to anyone.” Gabriel replied, scoffing.

“Ah, yes, you’re in hiding.” Layla remembered, shaking her head at him in amusement. “Well, anyway. Thank you, Gabriel.” She said, leaning in to make sure she could meet his gaze when she said it. On impulse, Gabriel leaned forwards and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Don’t mention it, sweetheart.” He told her, offering her a wink before taking wing.

[camsthisky]

thanks to @taizi for encouraging me to write for this series and also reading this over, you are an absolutely wonderful human being.

ao3

It happens almost too quickly. One moment Don has both feet on the ground, fighting some new wacko mutant trying to blow up the city, and the next? Wacko mutant does something Don can’t really process, and the ground is giving out beneath them.

Wacko mutant gets away. Donnie and his brothers? Yeah, they don’t.

They’re falling, Don realizes almost a second too late. The ground is crumbling before their very eyes. Don stumbles, can’t find his balance, can’t react fast enough. He can’t really see Raph or Leo, but he does see Mikey, and Don’s heart stops.

Mikey isn’t moving. Mikey’s falling, but he isn’t moving.

Don’s diving before he even really thinks about it.

“Now’s not really the time to fall asleep, Michael!” Don yells over the noise of the sewer literally falling all around them. It’s loud, and Don’s voice is barely audible, but it’s not like an unconscious Mikey could have heard him anyways.

Don tries not to think about that.

“Gotcha!” Donnie cries out, just as his fingers wrap around Mikey’s belts. Just as he does, he throws his hand in the air, and looks up. A hand darts out and Don’s grabbing it immediately, recognizing it immediately.

Leo’s got a hold of his hand, and Raph’s got a hold of Leo by his belt and his other hand is hanging onto a pipe sticking out of the broken floor. Raph had saved Leo, Leo had saved Donnie, and Donnie had saved Mikey. And Mikey—is unconscious.

“As much as I’d love to sit here all night,” Leo grunts, and his arms are trembling, and things finally settle around them, “could we please climb back up? Now, please.”

“You guys are too heavy,” Raph tells them grimly. “I don’t think I have the strength to flip all three of you up. Maybe if it were just two, but—not three. Sorry.”

Don eyes the pipe. “Plus, I’m pretty sure your handhold would give out if you tried that,” he says, grim enough that Raph’s looking up at the pipe, too. “Oh, man, why didn’t I wear the battle shell that could fly? I’m such an idiot.”

“You didn’t know, Don,” Raph grunts.

“Besides,” Leo pipes up with a smirk. His arms are still trembling, but he looks a little too confident for Don’s tastes. “What would be the fun in that? Gotta make these nights at least a little hard, right?”

Any other night, maybe Don would agree. He’s always liked a challenge, and his brain is big enough to think of a solution to a lot of their problems, to the point where sometimes it’s just like a puzzle, and he really does like it. But tonight—

Tonight, Don is still holding an unconscious Mikey by his belts, and they’re dangling above a pit in the ground that could be miles deep with no obvious way up.

“Mikey’s down at the bottom, right?” Leo asks, suddenly. “Can he start climbing up?”

“And why’s he so quiet?” Raph wonders. “Is he okay?”

“He’s unconscious,” Donnie tells them.

“What?!” yells Raph. “How’d that happen?!”

“I don’t know!” Don says, starting to grow a little frantic. “I didn’t see it! I just caught him.”

“So what do we do now?” Leo asks, his playful tone turning worried. “Can you climb up while still holding onto Mikey?”

“No,” Don says, swallowing down his annoyance with himself. He’s barely hanging onto Mikey as it is, but if he were to try and shift Mikey up, there’s no guarantee that Don wouldn’t drop him, especially climbing with one hand. “No, I don’t think I can.”

“Well, we gotta do something,” Leo says, before glancing upwards. “Any ideas, Raph?”

Don looks up, too. Because when worst comes to worst, Raph is still their big brother. Their leader. He’s come through for them a lot over the years, and no matter how smart Donnie is, or how optimistic and leaderly Leo can act, Raph is the one they can look up to when things go bad.

Raph’s silent. Thinking, maybe. But they don’t have a lot of time. Don stays quiet anyways.

“Can you wake Mikey up?” Raph wonders after a moment. “If he’s awake, he can hang onto you while you climb up, right Don? Then you’ll have both hands.”

Donnie looks down at Mikey. Back up at Raph. Then he meets Leo’s gaze, who’s giving him the eye-equivalent of a shrug. Leo’s right. It’s worth a shot. And Raph’s right, too. With two arms, Donnie can do a lot more than just hang here.

“Mikey,” Donnie calls. No answer. He tries again. “Mike. Michael. Michelangelo. Time to wake up now, Mikey. Raph will cook you breakfast, or I’m sure Leo will let you draw on his shell again. And maybe, I’ll even let you look at the plans for the drill.” Nothing. Not even a peep. “Oh god, please wake up before we all fall to our deaths.”

“So much faith, Don,” Leo hisses.

“Hey,” Donnie says. “You’re the optimist, not me. I prefer knowing the true reality of our situation instead of tip-toeing around it, and in case you hadn’t noticed, we’re swinging above a gigantic hole in the ground, and Raph is barely hanging on!”

“I am not going to drop you,” Raph grits out.

“You can’t realistically hang there all night,” Donnie argues, hating himself more and more with each word, because he’s just telling the truth, but it’s the truth his brothers probably don’t want to hear. And yet, it’s all Don can do to cope. Look at the situation realistically and try to find a suitable way out.

“I can,” Raph says, eyes glinting, “and if I have to, I will.”

“No one’s letting go, Donnie,” Leo says, just as firm.

“Statistically, if Mikey doesn’t wake up—”

“’M awake,” a voice murmurs from below Donnie.

“Mikey!” Raph yells out happily, Leo just a beat behind him.

“Oh, Michael, you don’t know how much I was hoping to hear your beautiful, beautiful voice,” Don says, internally heaving a gigantic sigh of relief. “Now I can stop talking about how we’re all gonna die.”

“Donnie, seriously,” Leo sighs. “We’re going to be just fine.”

“Alright, I’ll drop it,” Donnie says. And he does.

“Wha’s goin’ on?” Mikey asks, his voice slurring sort of dangerously. Like he might fall back asleep any minute.

“We’re sort of in a pickle,” Leo says. “Could use your help getting out of said pickle, if you’re interested.”

“You okay, Mike?” Raph calls down.

“Think so?” Mikey says, even though he’s still not really moving. Don still has a hold of his belts, and Mikey hasn’t so much as tried to look up to find his brothers, and that’s a little troubling, because if there’s one thing that Donnie knows about Mikey, it’s that Mikey will always, always reach out for his brothers, no matter what.

“Can you move?” Donnie asks. “Because if not, we’re sort of in trouble.”

Mikey’s quiet for a minute. Don watches as Mike’s hand twitches. Then his head. There’s a quiet hiss of pain, but then Mikey’s straightening as well as he can. “Yeah. I can move.”

“Okay,” Donnie says, making a mental note to check Mikey over the moment they’re on solid ground again. “Okay, that’s good. Great. Do you think you could climb up and wrap your arms around my neck?”

Mikey tenses, and then says, “Yeah.”

It takes a long time. Almost too long. But again, Donnie holds his tongue the whole time Mikey tries to climb up Donnie, no matter how much he wants to say something, because it’s obvious Mikey is struggling. Don helps as much as he can, but with one arm, and the way his weight is being pulled down by gravity and Mikey, there isn’t a lot he can do.

Finally, Mikey’s able to wrap both arms around Donnie’s neck and he buries his face into Don’s shoulder. Donnie lets him. “Okay, Mikey, hold on.”

Mikey says nothing. Warning bells are constantly going off in Don’s head by now, so he just grits his teeth and looks up to meet Leo’s grim face.

“Ready?” Don asks. Leo nods. “Here goes.”

With both hands, it’s almost easy to pick his way up and over his brothers to safe ground, even with Mikey’s weight. It takes barely a minute before he’s stepping on Raph’s shoulders, grabbing the ledge of the ground that hadn’t crumbled when the wacko mutant disappeared, and rolling forward (Mikey’s head carefully cradled) and away from the tremulous ground.

Leo and Raph are both there within seconds.

Don drags them a few dozen more feet from the edge, just in case.

That’s when he realizes his next problem.

“Mikey,” Don sighs. “You have to let go. I need to check you over.”

Mikey’s grip only tightens.

Donnie’s not really the best when it comes to hugs, or social interaction in general—no, that’s Mikey’s area of expertise—but this is his little brother, and Don’s not going to not try. He looks to Leo for help, but Leo’s not looking at him.

Great.

“Mike, I really need to check your head. You might have a concussion.”

“’M not letting go,” Mikey tells him, sounding almost teary, and Don’s heart feels like it’s going to break. It’s not often Donnie gets so emotional like this, but hell, his baby brother is hurt. It makes him not want to let go, either, even if hugs are sometimes the hardest things.

(Hugging his brothers isn’t so bad, though, even if he won’t willingly admit that out loud.)

“Mike—”

“If I let go,” Mikey whispers, “I might float away. I don’t want to float away.”

Leo crouches down right next to Mikey, hand on running up and down Mikey’s shell. “Hey, Mikey. Do you really think your big brothers would let you float away? You know us better than that, right?”

One of Raph’s large hands curls around Don’s shoulders, and the other curls around Mikey’s trapping all three brothers in one of his hugs. Don can feel Mikey trembling slightly, so he says, “Mikey, seriously. We’re right here. And if you need to hold onto someone, Raph looks like he’s down to get cuddly.”

“I’m always down for cuddles,” Raph says, as serious as the grave.

Mikey sniffs softly and lets Don gently maneuver him into Raph’s lap. Donnie immediately starts checking Mikey’s vitals, feeling his head for any irregularities (there’s a knot on the back of his skull that Don’s going to need to keep an eye on, especially since Mikey was out for so long), and checking his pupils.

“A concussion for sure,” Donnie sighs. “He needs some painkillers, an ice pack, and some rest.”

“Home,” Raph urges.

“Yeah,” Don agrees, standing up. The rest of his brothers—sans Mikey, who’s still tucked up in Raph’s arms—follow suit. “We should go home.”

“I thought you weren’t supposed to sleep with a concussion,” Leo says, hours later.

Mikey is asleep on the couch, head on Raph’s lap, where Donnie can keep an eye on him. Raph has decided to pass his time knitting, while Donnie has started going over his plans for the drill his brothers have been begging him for.

Leo, on the other hand, has been in and out of the room. Don thinks he’s just restless, but doesn’t want to leave Mikey alone. Don knows the feeling.

“You can,” Donnie says, answering Leo’s question. “Mikey was awake and talking to us, and he was able to move, for the most part, so he’s okay to sleep. We just need to check on him every once in a while.”

Leo’s quiet then. Quieter than Don’s heard him in a while. Usually he’s busy quipping the day away. That, or skateboarding with Mikey. But he’s more serious than Donnie can remember him being for a long time.

He’s staring at Mikey.

“You know he’s going to be okay, right?”

Leo startles, whipping his gaze from Mikey back to Donnie. Then he hunches in on himself. “I know that.”

Raph looks up, then, too. “Mikey bounces back like no one else, Leo. Plus, Donnie gave him the all clear. Just a mild concussion. He’s gonna be okay.”

“Yeah, I heard you the first time, thanks,” Leo mutters. “I do have ears, you know.”

“Then stop moping around,” Raph says. “You’re acting like he’s dying, or something.”

“Well, we almost did, didn’t we?” Leo says, slumping onto the couch on Raph’s other side.

Don pauses in looking over his schematics to stare at his younger brother—not by much, but by enough that it counts. Raph’s the oldest, but Don’s the second oldest, and one of his little brothers is sleeping—hurt—and the other one is hurt in a different way.

Donnie swallows. “Is this about what I said earlier?”

Leo shrugs. “Kinda? You were right, though. Raph wouldn’t have been able to hold on forever, and if Mikey hadn’t woken up, we might have died. Or gotten seriously hurt.”

“Hey, that’s not like you,” Raph says, looking sort of grumpy. “If Mikey hadn’t woken up, one of us would have come up with something. We always do. Besides, Mikey did wake up. So we’re good now.”

They’re not. Don can tell that Leo’s not even a little bit satisfied.

And he kind of gets it, a little bit. Raph’s not usually worried too much about the what-ifs. Not like Don and Leo kind of get stuck on. Mikey’s a lot like Raph, in that way. Neither tend to dwell too much on the past. They’re both more of a focus on the present type of turtle.

On top of that, though—

“There’s something else,” Don says, blinking at Leo. “Come on, Leon. Spill.”

Leo sighs heavily, dramatically. “It’s just—I was sort of useless back there, you know? I mean all of us were to an extent, but me especially.”

Don rolls his eyes. “If you call useless keeping me and Michael from falling to our deaths, then sure. You were useless. Same way Raph was useless as he held onto the pipe. Same way I was useless holding onto Mikey when he couldn’t hold on himself.”

“Donnie’s right,” Raph says. “We saved each other, and we got out of there together. You weren’t useless, and frankly, I resent the fact that you’re sitting there talking about my brother that way. Leonardo ain’t useless in any way, shape, or form. Not if I have anything to say about it.”

Leo cracks a smile.

“Who said Leo’s useless?” comes Mikey’s groggy voice from the couch. He lifts his head up and rubs an eye. “We need to beat someone up?”

Donnie snorts. “Oh no, I think Raph’s got this one, Mikey.”

Mikey blinks up at Raph. “Raphie?”

Raph winks down at his baby brother. “Don’s right. I got this. Go back to sleep, yeah?”

“Yeah,” Mikey says, already halfway there.

Don raises an eyebrow at Leo, challengingly. Leo raises his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay, I get it. You guys think I’m awesome.”

Raph laughs a little, but he doesn’t deny it, and Don only smiles, going back to his schematics. Yeah, Don does think Leo’s awesome, but all of his brothers are pretty awesome, and Donnie would absolutely destroy the world for them.

Not that he’s going to tell them that.

[spectrumscribe]

brothers = den mothers

a rottmnt ficlet, set directly after Repo Mantis. word count 3,510; rating Gen. pure & sweet family fluff, banter, and caretaking. :”)

AO3 link

“Three of hearts?”

“Go fish.”

“Aw, come on. It’s been go fish the past five times.”

“’cause I don’t got your cards, genius. That’s how the game works.”

“I have ten cards in my hands, I’ve asked you about half of their matches- no way you don’t have any.”

“Nope.”

Leo narrows his eyes. Raph avoids them.

“You’re cheating,” Leo exclaims, and lunges forwards to look at Raph’s cards. His brother just catches him with one hand and holds him down, lifting the four cards out of his reach. “Raaaph.”

“Just ‘cause you’re bad at cards don’t mean I’m cheating.”

“Lemme see and then I’ll believe you.”

“No.”

“Then you so are cheating-”

A distant sound of something exploding echoes through the walls, and they both go still. Nothing else explodes after a few beats, and Raph and Leo exchange looks.

“Wanna bet that was a Donnie related explosion?” Leo says.

“I would put good money on that bet,” Raph replies. He lets go of Leo and stands up; dropping his cards on top of the other scattered ones.

Leo glances at the cards as he stands too, and splutters. “Hey- you were cheating!”

“Please, Leo, we got priorities right now.”

Leo scowls at the back of his brother’s shell, but grumbles and follows along. They both grab their weapons as they head to investigate- mildly wary of the chance it’s not a Donnie related explosion (for once), and someone’s somehow found their home and busted in.

“What was that?” Splinter calls as they pass the living room.

“Probably Donnie,” Raph replies offhandedly, “maybe a human militia here to kill us all.”

“Well tell them to keep the explosions down; I can hardly hear my gameshow.”

“Will do, pop,” Leo promises with a wave, and keeps pace with Raph as they leave the lair at a jog. “So what do we do if it’s not Don and Mike?”

“Raph’ll kick their asses back to where they came from, that’s what. You can help, too.”

“Oh, I get to help?” Leo says sarcastically. Their conversation comes to a halt as they do; both of them staring at the collapsed portion of a tunnel wall. What looks like the rear end of an unusual vehicle is stuck through it, covered in dust and stray brick.

Leo sticks the tip of his sword in the stone under his feet, leaning on its handle. “Huh,” he says mildly. “Yeah, no, that’s not supposed to be there.”

“Ey! Wall breakers!” Raph bellows at the vehicle. “Who the hell are you, and what the hell do you want?”

“We really don’t have anything decent to steal, if that’s what you’re here for,” Leo adds, cupping his mouth to get his voice to carry. “Well. Donnie’s lab has some okay stuff. You can have that.”

A disgruntled green and purple head pokes around the corner of the broken wall. “Excuse you,” Donnie says irritably, “we do not offer my lab’s contents to hypothetical robbers, Leo.”

“Hey, guys!” Mikey cheers, popping out next to Donnie. He beams at them, covered in dust and band-aids. “We’re home!”

Raph makes a delighted cry and Leo does much the same. Both their weapons are sheathed as they hurry over and give their siblings welcome home hugs. Ten days apart is a lot longer than they’ve ever done before, and it feels better all-around to be back together.

“Man, I missed you guys,” Raph says, squishing all three of his brothers in a hug. “It’s been totally boring, and I was runnin’ out of ways to cheat cards with Leo.”

Leo gasps and thrashes in the hug, pissed enough that he’s hissing. “I knew it! You’ve been cheating this whole time!”

“Awww, we missed you guys, too,” Mikey says, looking pleased as peach despite being squished against an exasperated Donnie and irate Leo. The goofily happy smiles he and Raph are both wearing prove their relation.

“I’ll concede to having missed you two, too,” Donnie admits, craning an arm to hug Raph back. “Even if you’re all crushing me right now. Raph, if you would.”

Raph lets them down, but not before one more firm hug. “Sorry, just- I’m glad you guys got back safe. You kinda ghosted us bunch of the time. But, you got all your limbs still, and,” he says, glancing at the mostly obscured vehicle his siblings brought home, “came back with some serious booty! This is the surprise you talked about?”

“Sure is,” Mikey chirps, grabbing Leo- the closest brother- and dragging him towards the wrecked wall, “and you’re not gonna believe how cool it is!”

They do not believe how cool it is. The two brothers who’d stayed home also cannot believe they somehow didn’t recognize what the surprise was, even semi-buried under rubble.

Raph and Leo quickly become intensely jealous they missed out on the adventure that led their brothers to not only hang out with puppies all week, but also resulted in them coming into possession of the Jupiter Jim moon buggy.

“I mean, we kind of stole it,” Donnie admits as they’re all fawning over the buggy, “but that was only after Repo tried to back out of the deal. Also we’ll fix the wall later, and considering I’ve only ever driven in controlled environments and not during a high-speed chase in rush hour traffic, this is a decent parking job.”

“He forgot which was the break,” Mikey explains from up on the buggy; draped over the lip of the cockpit, head on his arms.

“I only forgot for a moment.”

“A moment too long, according to the wall,” Leo says with a grin, jerking his thumb at the wrecked structure. Mikey laughs, but it turns into a yawn halfway through.

“And it seriously has all the weapons from Return to the moon 3?” Raph asks, touching some of the oil slick that’d splattered the buggy mid-fight.

“It does,” Mikey confirms, nearly in a mumble, though his smile remains bright. “I bug-zapped a guy an’ everything with ‘em. It was awesome.”

He yawns again after that, long enough his eyes water a little. Mikey settles more comfortably on his arms, eyes hooded as the others keeps talking.

“They’re not too shabby for a movie prop, buuuut…” Donnie rubs his hands together, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “I have full intention to overhaul them all and increase not just their efficiency, but the diversity of attack options and double the firepower output. Maybe triple it. Depends how many compatible parts I can get my hands on in the next twenty-four hours.”

Leo walks around the top of the buggy, nodding in approval. “Awesome, awesome- please tell me you’ll re-do the upholstery inside, too? Old pleather sticks when you sit on it too long.”

“Uh, a-duh?”

“Sweet. Classic fuzzy dice gonna be included?”

“I have some!” Raph offers excitedly.

“Are they the ones that went missing from my room a few months ago?” Donnie questions dryly.

“Maybe.”

Donnie rolls his eyes. “That- figures.” His words are interrupted by a wide yawn, and he gives his slightly bloodshot eyes a rub. “We can start with them as a base for the colors scheme of the interior. Mikey, I’m guessing you’ll want to handle that?” No answer. “…Mikey?”

They all glance over to their youngest sibling.

Mikey’s eyes are shut and his mouth slightly open; soft breaths coming from him as he sleeps.

“Wow,” Leo says, coming over to crouch by Mikey. He gently pokes his brother’s cheek, testing for any chance of wakefulness, and gets nothing. “You know, you’d think he’d be bouncing at the walls right now. This is the coolest thing we’ve ever stolen. Besides my sword, obviously.”

“Eh, give him a break,” Donnie says, stretching his arms above his head and yawning again. “He’s been- been working with about five or less hours of sleep per day. Puppy paradises don’t build themselves, after all. Let ‘im sleep.”

His battle shell extends its spider legs, and Donnie goes scuttling up the sides of the buggy to start poking at machinery. Raph watches him for a moment, and then follows him up. Not for the same reasons, though.

“Alright, c’mere, Mike,” Raph says quietly, scooping up his brother. Mikey starts a little, eyes opening briefly, but then he sees Raph’s familiar red bandana and settles again. He’s asleep a second time around before Raph’s even dropped back onto the ground; tucked in close and held in one arm.

Leo is watching Donnie start pulling apart the engine, taking note of the slight jitter to his brother’s movements and the amount of dust and unbandaged cuts on his limbs. If Mikey has been running on five or less hours of sleep per day, then without a doubt Donnie has been running on even less. And, given how Mikey has medical care to his small injuries and Donnie doesn’t- Leo’s technical twin has only paid any attention the needs of their brother, rather than the both of them equally.

Leo and Raph share a look; Raph having been eyeing their genius sibling with a concerned expression, and holding Mikey a little closer to himself unconsciously.

Raph gestures at Leo, then at Donnie pointedly. Leo nods, moving into position as his big brother does.

“Hey, Donnie,” Leo says, crouching right in front of his twin.

Donnie looks up, goggles down over his eyes and a distracted frown on his face. “What?” he says shortly.

Leo shoves Donnie backwards. His brother tumbles off the buggy with a strangled shriek.

Raph catches Donnie with ease. Their sleep deprived sibling is startled enough he actually stays still for a whole minute; which is enough time for Raph to bundle him up, and start carrying both his little brothers back towards the lair.

Leo hops down, grinning smugly and skipping over to aim that grin at his brother. Donnie scowls, flipping his goggles up to get the full look across.

“I sense that was plotted,” Donnie says.

“Closer to spur of the moment ambush,” Leo corrects. “You know how Raph works.”

“It’s called getting shit done now, not later.”

“Like I should be doing, with the moon buggy-”

“Uh, no?” Leo cuts in. He clicks his tongue. “What you an’ Mikey are gonna be doing is sleeping, obviously. We’ll go patch the wall and haul in the buggy later.”

“I can keep working,” Donnie protests, twisting to get out of Raph’s grip. “I’ve got to assess the engine, and then the undercarriage, and-”

“Quit wigglin’,” Raph snaps mildly. “You’re gonna wake Mike.”

“’m ‘wake already,” Mikey mumbles faintly, but his eyes don’t even open fully. Leo and Raph both stare at Donnie until the guilt of disturbing their youngest brother’s sleep sets in, and Donnie stops protesting. He allows Raph to carry them along without further interruption, and with the last of the fight going out of him, Donnie sags under the weight of his exhaustion.

Raph is more than happy to carry that weight, right back into the safety of their home.

…He’s a little less happy to carry Leo’s, though, as their red striped sibling hops up on Raph’s shell and demands to be carried, too.

“You can’t play favorites with your little brothers, bro,” Leo chides as Raph growls. He sets his chin on Raph’s head, looping his arms around his brother’s neck and making himself comfortable as he hangs there.

“Watch me,” Raph grumbles, but makes no move to dislodge Leo from where he is. Leo smiles to himself all the way back into the lair, hardly even mad anymore that Raph had been cheating all week at cards.

Inside again, they’re met by their dad. Splinter is waiting in the main atrium, hands in his robe’s sleeves and a mild expression on his face.

“So I’m guessing you weren’t worried about the militia of killer humans?” Leo asks dryly.

“There would have been many more explosions if that was what happened,” Splinter sniffs, whiskers twitching. “You, my boys, are many things. But stealth fighters you are not.”

“Thanks, pop,” Donnie says sarcastically, as Mikey quietly, sleepily laughs.

“Purple, Orange. You’re home.”

“Hi, pop,” Mikey says, smiling at their nicknames.

Splinter takes one arm out from his sleeves and extends a claw, crooking it in request that Raph bend down and let him see the exhausted turtles in his arms. His nose twitches as he sniffs, eyes squinted and careful as he examines his sons. Other than being dusty and a little banged up, Donnie and Mikey are perfectly healthy.

“Hm,” Splinter mutters, still casting a dubious eye over the both of them. Then, he nods, expression calmly accepting. “You two have been gone quite a while. Welcome back.”

“Happy to be back,” Donnie replies easily, not minding the scrutiny of his father. It’s comforting, being back in an environment that’s completely and truly safe. Splinter, satisfied with the brief checkup, pats Mikey’s cheek and goes to wander back into the living room.

“Seeya later, pop,” Mikey says, waving. “Love ya.”

“Yes, yes, I love you, too- and remember to fix whatever you blew up!” Splinter scolds over his shoulder, tail flicking irritably as he disappears through the doorway.

“I think he really missed you guys,” Raph says, resuming his trek to their rooms. “He asked like, four whole times if we’d heard from you.”

“Aw, I missed him, too…” Mikey says softly, words trailing off into a yawn. His eyes are heavy as their journey continues, and when he halfway wakes again, Donnie has been dropped off along with Leo and Raph is setting him down on his bed.

“Gear off,” Raph reminds, fingers going for the buckles of Mikey’s weapons holster. Mikey brushes them away, fumbling with them himself.

“I got it, I can do it myself…” The holster comes undone and Raph sets it on the chair by Mikey’s easel and paints. Mikey yawns, but feels awake enough he can manage the remaining steps to get to bed. “Go wrestle Don into bed, Raph,” he says, starting to shove his kneepads off. “I can brush my teeth n’ stuff on my own.”

“You sure?” Raph questions, hovering a little.

Mikey makes shooing motions. Raph goes, but silently promises to swing through again just to check in one last time. A few rooms over, voices are mingling in Donnie’s bedroom; the sources the two turtles flopped over each other on the bed and procrastinating one of them getting to sleep.

Raph knocks on the doorway, drawing their attention. “Ey, Leo. You’re supposed to be helping him into bed, not schooling him on Jupiter Jim lore.”

“Can you blame me?” Leo says haughtily, sprawled across Donnie’s stomach to keep him from wandering back to the buggy. “He mixed up Return to the moon 8 and Return to the moon 10. I couldn’t let that stand!”

“I am more than half asleep right now, Leon. Gimme a break.”

“You might as well have mixed up Lou Jitsu and Bruce Willis, you heathen.”

Raph rolls his eyes at both of them. “Donnie, either you get up and brush your teeth or I’m just kickin’ Leo out right now and turning off the light.”

“Gingivitis is a very serious condition to treat. I’m going right now.” Donnie doesn’t move for a moment, then reaches over and flicks Leo’s skull. “That means you get off of me, Leo.”

“Ow, god, you coulda just said you wanted me to get up.”

“It was strongly implied between the lines.”

They heckle each other a little more, but Leo does eventually roll off Donnie’s stomach. Raph steadies their second eldest sibling as Donnie stands, wobbling a little as low blood pressure puts sparks in his vision. Food will be the next step, after he and Mikey get at least a few hours of sleep.

“I can put that away,” Leo offers, tapping Donnie’s battle shell. Donnie mumbles something of a thank you and a yes please at the same time, unlatching the protective shield from himself and handing it off. He stretches, groaning as his shoulders ache.

“Glad I wore one with solar power options,” Donnie tells Raph, once Leo has headed back to the lab to tuck the battle shell into its charging station. He rolls his shoulders again, grimacing as the extended use of the false shell comes back to bite him. “Though, ugh, I wish it’d been a lighter model, too. I think I’ve got bruising, and not just from dropping wood planks on my foot three fuckin’ times.”

“Klutz,” Raph teases, but then adds, “You want some painkillers?”

“Please. God please.”

When they make it to the bathroom, Mikey is there slowly brushing his teeth; mask and gear all left in his room, leaving him bare and visibly dusty everywhere the equipment hadn’t been. Donnie is equally dirty, but neither of them have the energy or willpower to clean themselves properly at the moment. Baths, like food, will come later.

Mikey mumbles a greeting around his toothpaste and brush, and then makes an annoyed grunt as all three of them crowd around the sink and cabinet. Donnie going for his toothbrush and Raph reaching overhead to rummage in the mirror cabinet for necessary drugs. There’s some squishing and shoving involved, but everyone gets what they need done with minimal grousing or paste spat on each other.

“Hey, Raph?” Mikey asks, stopping in the doorway as he’s leaving.

“Yeah?” his brother answers, still leaning against the wall. He’s holding a waiting cup of water and two Tylenols for Donnie, and also making certain their genius doesn’t try anything ‘smart’ and sneak off to look at the buggy. Donnie knows this is why he keeps being watched by his brothers, and is tolerantly accepting the den mother attitudes.

“Come rub my shell afore I sleep?”

Raph smiles warmly. “Sure. Go get in bed an’ I’ll be there in a minute.”

Mikey rubs his eye, nodding. He disappears as Donnie spits in the sink; the second eldest sibling wiping his mouth and holding out a hand for the painkillers.

Raph drops Donnie off in his room again, just as Leo comes strolling back from his trip to the lab. Raph  leaves them both to their own conversation as Donnie flops onto the bed; Donnie rambling a little about some kinks in his battle shell he’d found through its overtime during the week, and Leo listening from his comfortable sprawl at the foot of the bed. Raph will shoo Leo out of the room again when he comes back through one last time, so Donnie puts a pause on the science for a while and actually sleeps.

Mikey is set up in bed when Raph gets there; his side table lamp the only illumination and a battered but loved comic in his hands, reading it absently while he waits. When he sees Raph, he puts the comic aside and rolls onto his front.

Raph sits on the edge of the mattress, hearing it squeak under his weight as he moves the covers off his brother to expose the patterned shell. Placing his large palm against its cool surface, Raph starts a firm but soothing rub of the scutes. It only takes a few passes for his littlest brother to start a gentle purr; Mikey wholly happy to have the indulgence of a shell rub before bed, especially after a long week of hard work.

“Aight, g’night, Mike,” Raph says after a bit, finishing the rub with a few pats to Mikey’s back.

“G’night,” Mikey says, mostly asleep and face buried in his pillow. Raph reaches over and turns off the lamp, and shuts the door quietly behind himself as he leaves.

Leo is still hanging out in Donnie’s room when Raph comes by, but their brother’s tech and gear are in a pile by the bed and Donnie’s eyes are shut. Leo is just choosing to remain on top of his brother’s feet a while longer, eyes hooded as he himself wonders about a catnap.

He also sincerely missed his brothers, like Raph did, like their brothers missed them. It’s not the time for grilling them on details of the puppy RV and moon buggy shenanigans, but they can spend a few quiet moments with their siblings before they drop into slumber. It sets the undertone of being off kilter, with their pairs having been apart so long, back to rights again.

Still, Leo leaves Donnie’s bed as Raph whispers for him to, and the family genius is left in his dark room to get much needed rest.

“Feel like another game of cards?” Raph asks as they hop back down to the bottom level.

“Not in your god damn dreams, you swindling asshole,” Leo hisses without heat.

Their father’s gameshow plays an ambient soundtrack to the lair as they search for something new to amuse themselves with. Other than their good natured banter and padding feet on the stone floors, there’s no other noise to disturb the turtles sleeping in their beds.

Commission info & Kofi link.

[thelostandforgottenangel]

Christmas Kisses

@devilsnevercry1388

He didn’t know how he was going to get through today; they had left hours ago for patrol with no action what’s so ever the entire night coming home to find the lair decorated brightly.

Mikey had mischievously hung mistletoe up a few days before teasing them lightly every time somebody would step under them but he wasn’t in the mood to deal with this time of year; Christmas was cool and everything but he wasn’t into the cheerful decorations, the expectations, and sappy music. You add in Michelangelo’s energy and his need to over-do the holidays, and well there was going to be more than one chance to kill someone

“What’s all this?”

Leonardo was the first to step further into the den looking around laughing when he saw the sparkly decorations that seemed of cover the room were thoughtfully placed; there were lights hung around the doors and ceiling bringing a glow across the area, a giant tree standing in the middle of the room half decorated with several strands of colorful lights with a small box on the floor next to it that had a few of their throwing stars with wire wrapped around them into a small hook

“MIKEY! Did you do this?”

He shook his head moments before the door in the dojo opened and April was climbing down the ladder with a backpack over her shoulder before they heard a loud giggling

“Hey kid slow down or your gonna-”

“Can’t catch me Case- Shit!”

They looked up in time to see their little sister skidding to a halt waving her arms trying to stay balanced on the edge of the drop before she tumbled over, Raph moved quickly catching her before she could land on the ground seeing her eyes fly up to meet him with a small smile as he landed back on the ground feeling his face heat up when he saw her shirt had been pulled down “Raven what did we tell you about being careful? Did you recently grow a shell that can save you from breaking your back?” she grinned at Leo who moved closer to scold her nuzzling closer to Raph 

“I was in a hurry to get back before you guys. Besides I think I landed that perfectly” the sarcasm in that one statement instantly had Raphael rolling his eyes laughing before she winked up at him; he looked at the others making sure nobody was staring at them setting her down quickly seeing the bag she had dropped on the ground that her was hurrying to gather up the colorful fabric from the floor stuffing them into the paper bag before bolting into the living room.

They watched as she set her stuff on the couch before her and April started finishing with the tree, the guys all retired to their rooms after a few minutes of looking around, Raphael and Casey passed out on the couch watching some show that was playing

~ ~ ~ 

Raphael shifted waking up to the sweetest sounding alarm of Raven’s giggling, looking up to see her and April laughing hysterically snapping a picture of Casey who was passed out next to him on the couch and was now sporting an array of bows on his head with two placed perfectly on his buff chest.

He couldn’t help but smile when the girls realized they had been caught grinning at him before they ran off towards the kitchen hiding as Casey stirred looking around for a moment before getting up to head for the bathroom.

He started to get up when he saw the blanket he had made Raven wrapped around him to keep him warm deciding to sit there for a bit longer until he glanced around seeing they had finished decorating while he was knocked out and an assortment of colorfully wrapped packages under the tree

“Why did ya destroy the lair? We already told Mikey he couldn’t do this kid”

Raven’s face appeared next to him looking a little sad as she glanced around; he didn’t like seeing her upset and instantly softened the look on his face so she might think he was just teasing her “You don’t like it? This is the first year I get to do it for our family Christmas Eve party and I wanted it to be a surprise. Besides I asked dad and he said it was fine as long as I didn’t touch the dojo or the ha’shi... and left your rooms alone”

Leo walked down the stairs looking around smiling when he saw the colorings that were randomly placed around the den “Looks great Raven, you and April really outdone yourselves” the teen beamed as Mikey and Donnie made it down stairs more or less awake and just in time for Casey to walk through the den again causing her brothers to burst into laughter seeing the lair wasn’t the only thing the girls had decorated, April jumped in next to him as he flexed for a final picture before he was removing most of the bows leaving the ones on his chest before she was handing them each a hot chocolate made the way they liked

He had to admit it did look good even if it was slightly over done in his opinion but he couldn’t tell her that, they were all admiring the tree that was now fully decorated other than the angel which Raven needed a lift to reach, he was more than happy to help when she glanced over at him pointing for some assistance, giggling when he tickled her side.

He couldn’t help but notice how happy she seemed to be the rest of the day

She was heading for the kitchen a few hours later before Mikey burst into laughter shoving Raven closer to Leonardo making her trip falling against their older brother as he caught her wrapping his arms around the teen’s waist to steady her “Kiss it up brah. Mistletoe rule says whoever is caught under it has to kiss the girl” the blue masked turtle looked above them with a sour face not to amused with his baby brother’s mischievous antics

“Really! I thought I took all of those down. Where do you keep getting this crap-?”

Raven glanced up at Leonardo who rolled his eyes about to say something more before she tapped him on the shoulder leaning up on the tips of her toes pulling his face down to her giving him a quick kiss on the cheek beaming when Mikey groaned calling them party poopers knowing that would hold him off for a bit while Raven got dinner ready and Raphael got some piece and quiet to get caught up on the football game; but for some reason he was feeling a small bit of anger that Leo got a kiss from the teen before shaking the thought away flipping to the channel the game was on

He was enjoying the quiet and the new aroma of food that filled their home before Raven was leaning over the couch waving a beer in front of his face and setting down a bowl of snacks next to him

“Thanks kid, wanna watch the game with me? It’s getting good” his heart jumped as she gave him one of those grins telling him in a minute when she got done before returning to the kitchen.

He was still hanging onto that smile when it was interrupted as Mikey cornered April and Casey under another patch of mistletoe, it ended in her walking off after Mikey offered to take Casey’s place.

It wasn’t long after that he heard a commotion behind him “Get away!” he turned to see Casey stealing a fast kiss from both Raven and April getting a high pitched squeal from the shocked teen before he was running jumping over the couch ducking as one of the throwing star decorations whizzed past his head sticking into the wooden entertainment center a few inched from Casey’s head as Raven growled crushing the bunch of paper towels in her clenched fist “Jones you ever kiss me again and I’ll beat you black and blue – and next time I won’t miss”

He saw the human man duck down shaking his head “Danm she’s scary” the turtle had started to say something when he caught a glimpse of the small amount of pink that crossed over her cheeks when her eyes met his seeing the nervous look as she walked off before he leaned forward keeping his voice low  growling under his breathwith his warni

“Ya touch 'er again Jones she won’t be the one ta beat ya to death“

Raphael was about to turn back around seeing his words had the human man when he saw Mikey sneaking up behind their little sister who was busy mixing several bowls of what he could only guess was cookie dough and brownie mix hearing her shriek as he snatched her up placing the bowl on the table “Mikey stop... let me down I’ve got food in the oven I have to check”

“I’ll put you down in a minute baby girl”

His younger brother grinned pointing up to yet another bundle of the annoying plant he had strategically placed throughout the place, he had to look away as she smiled shaking her head slowly leaned forward giggling giving him a small kiss on the cheek like she had done to Leonardo hearing Mikey groan “Aww come on babe that’s all your gonna give the turtle of your dreams!”

“Mike – if you wanna eat tonight I have to cook” he sat the teen on the floor sulking away and again he felt that pang of jealousy that another person had gotten a kiss from the beautiful teen before he ever realized the thought was there again, he checked above him making sure there was nothing over his seat before becoming focused on the game once more.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“You’re next Donnie”

he should have known the silence wouldn’t have lasted as another 

“Mikey this is ridiculous. Do you have any idea how many germs are spread in one kiss? A ten-second French kiss can spread 80 million bacteria between mouths”

“Dude it’s not that bad brah. Besides you’re not French kissing anyone since none of you are any fun” they all rolled their eyes trying to ignore Mikey as he walked off heading to his room “All of you are ruining all my fun”

Raven brought a plate of fresh cookies over to the couch where April and Casey had joined Raphael to watch the game looking nervous as Mikey strode into the room looking to see where everyone was waiting until the teen was focused on the play for just a second running up planting a kiss on Raven’s cheek making her fall over the couch landing on the floor when she had become startled.

She laid there for a while looking up at the ceiling seeming absolutely exhausted; her colorful apron covered in flour and chocolate “Raven if you want I can start helping again. You look like you could use a break” she was smiling again trying not to say a word

April leaned forward but the massive turtle was already up kneeling beside her, helping the kid up seeing she was worn out and looked to have not gone to bed yet as she rolled over glaring up at Mikey who bolted for the kitchen

“Mikey, stay out of there! Don’t touch the cookies on the counter - No Mikey!” she was already on her feet jumping over the couch her fingers brushing his shoulder lightly chasing after the youngest turtle before he bolted into the kitchen laughing as he stole a tray of cookies jumping over the table stopping to make sure she was on his heels, she lost her footing tripping over something on the ground before she was tumbling across the concrete suddenly falling down on the floor crying out making them all jump

“Hey you okay” she looked up fast nodding desperately trying to hide her anger

Donnie kneeled down looking at her leg where blood was staining the edge of her pants “It’s just a scratch, I’ll be fine” Mikey grinned when she looked up at him mumbling something under her breath that didn’t reach Raphael’s ears before looking above her and Donatello tapping him on the arm catching his attention

Raphael couldn’t help but see the blush that spread over his genius brothers cheeks as he looked up seeing they were stuck under a patch of the annoying plant looking back at her rambling through his words suddenly

“D-Did you know that mistletoe is relevant to several cultures. It is associated with our Western Christmas as a decoration, under which lovers are expected to kiss. Mistletoe also played an important role in Druidic mythology in the Ritual of Oak and Mistletoe.

In Norse Mythology, Loki tricked the blind god Hodur into murdering Balder with an arrow made of Mistletoe, being the only plant to which Balder was vulnerable too. Some versions of the story have mistletoe becoming a symbol of peace and friendship to compensate for its part in the murder.

Mistletoe was associated with fertility and vitality through the Middle Ages, and by the 18th century it had also become incorporated into Christmas celebrations around the world. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe is from the late 18th century in England where: the serving class of Victorian England is credited with perpetuating the tradition. The tradition dictated that a man was allowed to kiss any woman standing underneath mistletoe, and that bad luck would befall any woman who refused the kiss. One variation on the tradition stated that with each kiss a berry was to be plucked from the mistletoe, and the kissing must stop after all the berries had been removed...”

Raven groaned loudly throwing herself back on the floor "NOW LOOK WHAT YOU DID MIKEY - YOU BROKE DONNIE!!! NOW HIS BRAIN’S GOING TO FRY OUT” 

Donnie had lost most of them close to the beginning of what he had been saying since he was talking so fast, sitting up after a while she leaned forward kissing his cheek silencing him in the middle of his rant before picking herself off the floor with a small grin that looked forced snatching the tray of cookies from her brother punching him in the arm hard enough he actually flinched before she was storming into the kitchen

It had been fun but now he had irritated her even though she was trying so hard to keep a smile on her face; not to mention if Raphael had to watch her kiss one more person he was going to knock the green off Mikey for her

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Raphael can you come help me with something”

Hearing his name made him perk up before he jumped over the couch when the game went to half time hearing the once again cheerful voice beckoning him to her like a bug to a light, he gladly lumbered into the kitchen seeing her brushing the loose strands of hair out of her face turning with a smile blowing on a brownie in her hand lifting herself up on the counter holding it out, he smiled stepping closer taking it from her hand chewing slowly.

He loved the brownies she made for every holiday, birthday, or any special occasion that gave her a reason to cook them “How are they? Made them just for you”

“Awesome as always”

She grinned at him as it crossed his mind that not only did she look dressed up more than usual she smelled really good, he watched her grab another from the plate they were cooling on waving it playfully at him before leaned in giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek and taking it quickly seeming amused by the way her cheeks turned a light rosy color when his tongue brushed her fingers licking off the melted chocolate

He had started to step back before she glanced up smiling grabbing the straps across his chest plate carefully holding him in place with ease “Hey Raph?” his eyes followed hers freezing when he saw what had caught her attention right above them was a huge bundle of mistletoe tied together with a big red bow

“MIKEY YA LIL’-!!!”

His words froze in his mouth as she giggled loudly shaking her head fast “That wasn’t Mikey this time Raph. Why would Mikey have lured you in here with a plate full of your favorite brownies and a pretty girl under that crap just so she could kiss you?”

He looked at her before she leaned over grabbing his hand pulling him closer until they were literally inches apart, his heart thundered away in his chest racing faster than ever “Raphael-” she closed the space between them pressing her lips to his gently holding them against his.

Raphael froze telling himself that couldn’t be happening that it was some torturous dream fucking with his mind but when she pulled back it was all too real; Raven had just kissed him on the lips instead of one of the cheek kisses she was giving everyone else.

She had planted some of that god awful plant in the kitchen then called him to her. It was all too perfect. He had to be dreaming

“Sorry I thought I’d actually give it a try since Mikey has been abusing it today”

There was the look he had wanted to see all night, her deep emerald green eyes were sparkling brightly at him and this time he was pulled towards her, wanting nothing more than to have her soft pink lips pressed firmly against his own once more, his finger went under her chin as one of her tiny hands traced its way up his chest plate “Sorry I had to trick you-” she didn’t see it coming; before she knew what happened his lips were over hers firmly taking her by surprise pulling away for a second not feeling the eyes that were staring at them from the doorway

“I don’t mind one damn bit kid“

She was quick to return to the kiss cupping his cheek in a tiny hand as she lured him back grinning before her lips were pressed on his but this time her tongue brushed over his bottom lip inviting him in; he took the invitation gladly opening his mouth over hers entwining his tongue with hers groaning as it softly brushed over his filling his mouth with the intoxicating sweet taste that was coming from hers, his fingers tangled in her soft hair holding her face gently in his huge hands as the bite of her nails into his shoulders propelled him further, he slid his hands down her body until they were resting on her hips feeling her arms slid around his neck holding him against her loving the way her breast were pushed against his chest.

Slowly he felt her arms tighten around his neck as her fingers brushed over the sensitive skin that connected just under his shell feeling a small nip to his bottom lip that made him pull back before grinning down on her devouring her smooth mouth with his returning the love bite feeling her grip tightening on him as the kiss started to slow becoming even sweeter then he could have ever imagined

There was nothing in the world that could ruin this moment as her body pressed deliciously against his again never wanting that moment to end

“OH MY GOD!!!! Dude that is epic”

“WHAT! Woah way to go Raphie boy”

“Aww”

Aw was right. Aww Fuck!

He opened his eyes to see their entire family standing in the doorway watching them looking between surprised and shocked even though they were all grinning, he was expecting her to push him away or pull back but instead she held tighter even tilting her head to the side making the kiss deeper, one of her hands slid up his neck until it was resting on his skull making goosebumps prickle over his skin as his eyes slid shut again grinning against her lips as she continued to kiss him letting it ended sweetly still holding tight to him long after their lips had parted.

She slowly pulled away grinning brightly up at him looking back over her shoulder when he returned her smile “Brah baby girl finally decided to loosen up and have some fun!”

Raphael glared over at him growling under his breath “Mikey…”

He stopped feeling a soft hand on his chest looking down to a pair of emerald green orbs seeing a playfulness enter her eyes before she shifted looking over her shoulder “That - is how you kiss under the mistletoe Mikey”

Raven bragged proudly as she wrapped an arm around Raphael’s built shoulders and pulled him flush against her body for one last quick peck on the lips giggling as he nuzzled his face against hers.

Raphael still couldn’t believe it.

She kissed him and wasn’t embarrassed to continue even after they had got caught by everyone thanks to his outburst towards Michelangelo.

Splinter had broken it up telling them to disperse but there was a small gleam in his eyes when he looked down at Raven who went back to finishing up dinner seeming even more cheerful then he had ever seen her in his lifetime if that was even possible for the teen.

He stole small looks at her making sure he wasn’t seen by Casey or his brothers smiling like a fool as she went about the lair setting the table up humming happily 

Maybe these holidays wouldn’t be all that bad

[totallytubulargirl]

Tmnt loveboat: Harmony/Michelangelo (chapter 1)

Hello welcome to my own original tmnt storyline! This series has original characters and centers on the turtles meeting their girlfriends and all of the wacky adventures they get themselves into. This is just the first chapter, more to come! Please enjoy !

🍑🍑🍑 Michelangelo sat on his stool and ate his chips, as he looked out of the sewer opening that lead to the street. He had been doing this for months, it made him feel connected to the outside world, like he was a part of regular life. Mikey knew that it would never be that way, but he clung onto the small piece of the world he could have. It was only recently he had started to notice the beautiful mocha-skinned girl who worked across the street. Her black hair, flow-y and large, her beautiful light brown eyes, transparent when the sun hit them. Mikey had seen beautiful women before, but she stirred something inside of him he had never felt. The best part of the day was when she opened her store at 11, and set up everything outside, that’s when he could see her the best. He had gotten a late start today, it was almost 3 pm, but he still relished the opportunity to steal a glance at her. Today she wore an orange top with khaki pants, and golden hoop earrings. Gold bracelets clanged on her slender wrists as she checked someone out at the register. A huge window replaced one of the walls, so Mikey could always see inside the store, and Donnie had some pretty sick binoculars he always took with him on these journeys. Michelangelo watched intently through the binoculars, when suddenly she turned to look directly at him. Michelangelo lowered the binoculars, their eyes met for a second. Mikey’s pastel blue eyes, a vivid contrast from the darkness of the sewers, it was all she could see before he disappeared. He knew he had to, as much as he wanted to crawl out of the sewers and introduce himself. He remembered the way she looked at him, not judgmental but her eyes full of wonder, as he slid down watery pipes around a bend and in front of the door to his home. Leo had told Mikey to stop distracting himself with the thought of human relationships but he couldn’t, he just wanted to be loved. Michelangelo entered the lair, anxiety bubbling in chest from fear of being caught. Donnie entered the kitchen, immediately spotting Mikey near the door. “Hey do you have my binoculars?” He asked. “Uh, yeah.” He looked around for Leo. “Donnie you’ll never guess what happened today!” He exclaimed in a hush toned. “She saw me.” Donnie froze. “WHO saw you?” He furrowed his brow bone. “The girl I told you about!” “How?” He retorted. “I was just chillin’ in the sewers and she turned to look at me!” Mikey said, letting excitement creep into his words. “Ok, so what’re you going to do?” Donnie questioned. Michelangelo slumped, knowing that he really couldn’t do anything. “I don’t know I guess” Sadness replacing the excitement in voice. “Sorry bro.” said don, leaving Mikey to his thoughts. He had to see her again. Mikey began to strategize, as he ran to to Raphaels room. “Raph!” Yelled Mikey. Raphael heard Mikey coming from down the hall, his feet pounding away at the floor. “What?” He yelled back. “Dude you’re never going to believe this!” Michelangelo explained himself again, this time imploring Raphael to run patrol past her building tonight. “Come one dude it’ll just take a few minutes.” He begged. “Please please please please.” Raphael saw the hope in his brother that he tucked away in himself and couldn’t resist. “Sure.” He rolled his eyes. “But you owe me.” Mikey jumped up and down, ready for tonight. 🍑🍑🍑——-(timeskip) Michelangelo stood on the roof, the breeze slightly wafting his orange bandana tails in the air. Raphael slapped Mikey’s shell, playfully. “Is that her?” He asked, pointing at the girl who was locking the door to the shop across the street. “Oh yeah.” He said proudly, as if he was showing off his girlfriend. “Alright then lets go.” Raph replied, as a dark figure followed the girl into an alley. Raphael and Mikey looked at each other, knowing that they had to protect her. They jumped across the roof tops, landing on the roof that curved into the alley. She walked down the alley, unsuspecting of the man behind her. She often used the alley as a shortcut to her favorite restaurant. She lived above her mothers antique shop, but loved visiting the Chinese place behind her building almost every night. She had seen the man follow her into the alley, trying not to assume the worst, but she felt uncomfortable with him behind her, and even worse, she felt like they were being watched. She hadn’t been able to shake the feeling for weeks now. She had begun to think she was just being paranoid, until she saw the glowing blue eyes in the sewers today. Harmony turned around suddenly, pulling a switch blade out of her purse, sticking it out directly in front of her. “Hey leave me alone!” She demanded. “I’m not scared of you.” Michelangelo and Raphael watched in shock at her bravery. The man pulled a gun from his black hoodie. “I don’t think you want to do that sweetie.” He pointed the gun at her face, her bravery unwavering. “Give me your purse.” He grinned, ready to pull the trigger if needed. “No.” She replied defiantly. Mikey’s jaw slacked as he watched from the rooftop. “She’s going to get herself killed.” Commented Raphael. Mikey snapped out of his shock, flipping down the fire escape and into the alley, Raphael following closely behind him. They landed next to each other, in front of the girl. “Get a load of this guy,” said Raph jokingly. “Alright,” Mikey said trying to settle the situation peacefully. “How about you turn around and we forget this ever happened, huh?” He asked, politely. The man looked in horror, screaming before he turned around, dropping his gun in the alley, and ran off. Mikey turned around to talk to harmony, as Raphael picked up the gun and crushed it in his fist. “Hello beautiful lady I’m-” Their eyes met for the first time. She recognized the way his eyes reflected the light and instantly knew who he was. “You’ve been watching me from the sewers.” She interrupted him. “I’d recognize those eyes anywhere.” He smiled. “I guess I’m busted.” He laughed. “I’m Michelangelo, that’s my brother Raphael.” Raphael grunted hello. She thought that was rude but let it take the backseat to her many questions. “Harmony West.” She said breathlessly. “What are you?” She asked as politely as she could. Mikey quickly explained to her the turtles backstory, her eyes glued to him the whole time. “Wow! I can’t wait to meet the rest of you!” Raphael interrupted. “Woah mike, we can’t take her back to the lair.” He said. “Leo will have a cow.” His voice hushed. “Lair?” She laughed. “What are you superheroes?” The pair of turtle brothers looked at each other. “You’re superheroes?” She deadpanned. “Seriously?” “We just save those in need,” piped Michelangelo. “That’s all.” Harmony couldn’t get it through her head. “So you’re mutant ninja turtles,” she paused, collecting her thoughts. “who save people?” She conferred, looking up at Mikey and raph, their faces awaiting her conclusion like they already knew the answer. “Pretty much.” Said raph, spitting to the side. “Come on Raphael you gotta let Mikey take me to the lair!” Mikey smiled as if she had just become his partner in crime. Raphael looked at both of them, conflicted. “Fine Mikey but-” “You owe me!” They finished his sentence together. Mikey ran ahead, harmony grabbing onto his hand as they zoomed past Raphael in excitement. Mikey picked her up, bridal style. “Better grab on baby girl, this ride gets bumpy.” Raphael watched Mikey’s shell disappear into a manhole, rolling his eyes. He was happy for his little brother.

[brightlotusmoon]

Sneak Peak: A long moment of Donnie

I think writing Donnie’s perspective on Mikey remains my favorite. With Raph, there is a massive amount of bromance and emotion and sometimes it’s so overwhelming, but with Donnie it never is. Maybe it’s because my autistic brain is both Don and Mike and it’s easy to find their depths together. With Leo, it’s a lot of self-exploration and attempts to relate with his brothers and doubt and guilt, which is heavy when it comes to Mikey, because Leo keeps missing the point of The Killer Cinnamon Roll, which is what frustrates Donnie, who knows Mikey’s skills and capabilities better than anyone. Which is why I’m slightly diverting from canon and making Donnie a lot more mellow, patient, gentle, and soft, because he knows why Mikey. Here’s the second part of the first ‘Earth And Oxygen” section from “Spirit And Oxygen: Across The Universe” which is going to be a long-ass fic that will wind up needing to have chapters. @mysillylittlesoapbox knows what I mean.

Donatello paces his lab, and remembers.

He looks around at the bareness of his space, but he sees how it is beginning to crowd, gratefully. Courtesy of break-ins at clinics, he now has a small clinic himself. There are two medical beds over there in that corner. There are oxygen tanks and cabinets filled with IV components. A computer to monitor vitals. A small, portable defibrillator. Cupboards containing medicines and treatments that can be used on them and their mutated bodies without rejection. And the one thing they don’t have, an EEG, but for now he’ll need to make do with the device for April and Mikey and Rockwell…and the brand new invention that he and Rockwell and Karai painstakingly created out of love for a brother.

Leatherhead and Slash volunteered to find and steal one of those small EEG machines, but when Leo stiffened and Donnie let out a strangled whine, Raph gently convinced them not to.

Rockwell finally explained how some hospitals were using Japanese-made mobile app based portable ultrasound devices, and that there were ways he could procure one. At the time, the turtles had decided they had already gone too far.

And then, Karai suggested using bits of the Dimension X technology scattered in the lab to create the proper silicone chips and build a device from the ground up.

Hours later, Donnie found himself holding a rudimentary portable terahertz scanner able to act as an ultrasound and CT scanner. It was flat like his tablet, as big as his laptop, and needed to be held over the subject, and very much reminded Leo of some of the scanner devices used in “Space Heroes”. So Donnie decided that Leo would be the test subject. Leo was rather excited.

The screen lit up and flashed as Donnie held his new baby up and moved it from Leo’s head to his toes, making him turn around. The three-dimensional images were perfect, and for the first time he could see his brother’s insides all the way down. Leo seemed the picture of health. His subject preened a bit. Raphael just rolled his eyes and muttered “Wonder Boy.”

But it’s now, and Donnie chews his lower lip, and paces the lab, picking up the tablet, rubbing his fingers along its screen. It’s his last hope. April did her best to scan Mikey’s mind, but she encountered only whiteness, and fog, and then a blue darkness too deep and too intense, suffocating, and Mikey’s slow soft pulse was a pressurized physical presence; the only thing she was certain of was the powerful flare of a miniature sun in the vast distance, and Donnie had to take her word for it that their baby brother was, in fact, still there.

Donnie thinks about the times Mikey would smile at him. The cheerful smiles, the cheeky smiles, the adorable smiles, the prankster smiles, the naïve smiles, the confident smiles, the scary smiles. In battle, Mikey never gives up, and the way his teeth will bare makes Donnie think of a wounded apex predator in a corner, turning into a hurricane full of force and fury and lightning and silence and feared awe. Mikey has always used his role of the cute baby brother to his advantage. Not even Master Splinter really understood; Mikey usually flew under the radar. Donnie kept missing that unless Mikey was directly underfoot.

There are no smiles right now. Donnie knows it’s no one’s fault but he really wants to blame himself. He and Mikey had made a promise to stick with each other, all those months ago, because of their neurodivergent brains. 

He should have figured out the gang members’ motives. He should have calculated. He should have kept an eye on the largest man, the one with the huge knife and the huge crushing hands, the one who seemed to stalk Mikey’s acrobatics until finding a chance to grab his ankle and and swing him, and strike him, and stab him, and crack him…

“I don’t need to hurt you all. Just the little one.”

Shut up, he tells his memory. He hugs the scanner tablet to his chest and runs from the lab as though the memory of that giant man could find him.

In Mikey’s room, Raph is in a chair someone had brought, his arms folded over his plastron. He’s staring at Mikey’s face as though glaring could force consciousness to happen.

Donnie clears his throat.

Raph moves just his eyes. “Oh, is that the scanner thing?” When Don just stands there, Raph grunts and moves the chair back so Donnie has room.

He sits on the bed and checks the IV lines, checks his brother’s steady vitals. Carefully positioning the tablet directly over Mikey’s head, Don turns on the proper application, and with his other hand he cradles the back of Mikey’s head to turn it this way and that. He watches the screen.

It’s there, he sees it, and his heart plummets and his gut turns cold, and his hands begin to tremble just a little. Raph notices before he gets them under control and shoots forward. “What is it? What’s the matter? What’s wrong with him?”

Donnie remains silent. With a finger he traces the section of the right temporal lobe housing the injury he hoped would not be there; the closed head injury and the bleeding head wound had frightened him enough. Between blood gushing from the baby brother’s left leg and a head gash that looked worse than it was, the family was panicking so hard most of the human gang had been taken down with far more brutal force than necessary. Donnie was the first to noticed the breaks and fractures in the left knee, stained by blood, and wound up setting it himself before the others could notice, scooping Mikey into his own arms and rushing home before the others could really see. All the sutures, all the bandages, and the brace were applied under swift, barking orders, because Donnie didn’t want his family to realize.

His family is going to realize.

Fuck, he thinks. I can’t do this anymore.

Mikey’s smile during battle was powerful, edging toward something extreme and feral, and Donnie felt nervous around it. It was frightening because it showed how Mikey could run toward a precipice no one else could see, not even Raph. It would be too easy for Mikey to dance over an edge rimmed with fire and ice. If Mikey applied that behavior, that scary playfulness, to an enemy, no force in the universe could help them.

Damage to the temporal lobe could cause abrupt changes in behavior, and Mikey already had temporal lobe epilepsy.

Sudden aggression was common, and Mikey was cheery and playful, especially in battle.

Combine it all, and Mikey’s smiles would transform.

Placing the device down, Don begins to unwrap the gauze on Mikey’s head. The wound itself is healing, bruise colors staining the light green skin from the right temple to the cheekbone. Donnie grabs the tube of antibiotic ointment and carefully applies some before the fresh bandages. Checking Mikey’s pupils, he notes they are still dilated. Fuck.

“Donnie,” Raph says. “Donnie, what’s the matter? You were shaking. You only shake when it’s really bad. How bad is it?”

Donnie has almost forgotten he was there. He blinks at his older brother, eyes wide. Raph’s sharp green eyes are also huge, pupils like pinpricks. They have that connection, Donnie remembers.

“It…” Don begins, and Raph grabs the tablet.

“W-” Raph frowns deeply. “Donnie, what…what’s this mean? This…this little spot, right here?” and he is pointing at the spot Donnie had found. “That’s, you know, the tempiral lobe, right?”

“Temporal,” he corrects absently, securing the bandages and moving on to the leg.

“But, there’s already damage there!” Raph’s voice is rising, high and stressed, throat closing. Donnie unwraps and looks over the long, ugly gash, which is slowly showing signs of healing, the stitches holding firm. He doesn’t bother checking the knee, but he does reach for the tablet so it can be scanned. Raph grips it tighter.

“Raph, I need my scanner, please, I need to scan his knee–”

And Raph is making a sound high in his throat, like a whine, his lower lip pushed out. Donnie stares at him.

Oh, he realizes.

“It’s going to be all right, Raph.” He switches to a soothing tone. “I swear. Mikey will be okay.”

And Raph gasps, “I don’t believe you.”

Oh, ouch.

Donatello bites his lip and just holds out his hand.

“I’m sorry, Donnie,” and Raph does sound so sorry, hanging his head and handing over the device.

“It’s okay, Raph, it’s fine,” and Donnie smiles, but Raph looks afraid now.

The scan on Mikey’s leg reveals a patella fracture directly across the left knee cap. The crack is wide, the entire knee area swollen and the joint unable to bend. Just as he figured. The good news is that it will heal with proper care; the bad news is that Mikey will be devastated that he can’t do anything athletic for at least a couple of months.

Then again, it does also depend on what the knife damaged.

The scan there reveals less damage than Donnie thought. The knife went two inches in, piercing the quadriceps tendon. Blood loss was substantial, but no major arteries were hit, and Mikey will easily heal. Donnie exhales, and realizes he is sweating. He shuts his eyes tightly and with both hands he presses down on the leg like he did during the battle, knowing that this time there is no blood flow to staunch.

A hand on the back of his head. When he looks up, Raph is staring at him, and Leo and April and Karai are there, staring at him, staring at Mikey, staring at the tablet, their faces drained of color. Donnie suddenly realizes how this must appear. He leaps off the bed, hands up and out.

“It’s okay, he’s okay, he’s just got temporal lobe damage again and a broken kneecap and he’ll be okay in a couple of months, I’ll take care of it.” “It’s…not okay,” Karai murmurs with a hint of shock.

Leo tilts his head. “Donnie…are you all right?”

“I’m fine, why does everyone keep asking me that? I just want to help Mikey be okay!”

And a hoarse, raspy whisper behind him croaks out, “Thanks, Donnie…”

And he whirls around. Mikey’s eyes are open, clouded and dilated but seeing and focused only on him. He can’t help the whoop of joy as he wraps his arms around his only little brother’s shoulders, burying his face in Mikey’s shoulder. “Hey, B-Team buddy.”

“I th-thought…you…h-hated that…” And Mikey’s voice sounds like tears as his arms weakly wrap around Don’s carapace.

“Nope. Not anymore. Welcome back, Mikey. Missed you.”

It isn’t until Leonardo’s arms wrap around him from behind that Donatello finally gives in to stress and exhaustion. He is carefully helped into the bed right next to Mikey, and he throws an arm across Mikey’s plastron, nuzzling his cheek. “Wake me in like six hours.”

Mikey gives a harsh, raw laugh. “Make it ten, dudes.”

The others are lavishing kisses and hugs on him, and it’s April who turns bright, teary eyes on Donnie, with a relieved smile, and says, “If Mikey can’t get out of bed for at least twelve hours, neither can you.”

Donnie is just too tired at this point to argue. As his eyes begin to close, he sees April take the tablet as if it were a treasure, and then he hears Mikey give a soft churring coo, like the beginning of a lullaby. Mikey is almost purring, nuzzling him, and then Donatello is asleep.