#TMNT writing

[hitechlatte]

Game On - Rise!Future!Donnie X GN!Reader

All 4-1 Challenge Fanfiction

Prompt: Reader continually uses TERRIBLE pick up lines on your choice of turtle, trying to drop the hint.

(I may been VERY lenient with the prompt, but I hope you enjoy nonetheless)

Warnings: Lots of Swearing

This is based in future timeline, several years after start of Kraang Invasion.

Saw some entries for this and got invested so I wanted to whip something up real quick for it lol.

ALSO WARNING! My fic is SFW and so anyone can read but a lot of the other fics in this contest are not, so just wanted to give peeps a heads up if they look at other entries, which you should if you are of age because they are rad, but warning has been given.

Challenge Hosted by: @turtle-babe83 @thelaundrybitch @leosgirl82 @nittleboo @tmnt-tychou and @post-apocalyptic-daydream

Also stole puns from here: https://thedarkestroast.com/coffee-puns/#Jokes_About_Drinking_Coffee

FIC UNDER KEEP READING

Game On

Clutching tightly to the mug in your hand, your steps echoed in the corridor. It had only been your second day in the NYC safe haven and some lady named Cassandra had already found you a job on base.

And of course, even in the apocalypse, you were still working as a barista.

But at least this way you could be helpful and show your gratitude. If the recon team hadn’t found you hiding in that decrepit Stock & Shop when they did…

Well... You didn’t want to think about what could have been.

As you reached the end of the cave’s offshoot, you found a large metal door built into the natural structure of the tunnel. With a perplexed look, you gazed at the panel towards the right of the entrance and pressed the ‘call’ button.

“What.” A voice curtly snapped.

“Is this uh… Derek? Your brother Mikey said to bring you some coffee.” You told the panel.

“Ah.” The voice spoke back, “And did this brother of mine tell you to play into the role of barista by perpetuating the stereotype that those who handle coffee somehow lose their ability to correctly recall a name? If this is his poor attempt to simulate normalcy when I’m already stressed out, you can inform him I’m not amused.”

Fuck... You groaned in your mind, ecstatic to be making such great first impressions.

“Did you at least get my order right? Or is that part of your performance as well?” The voice continued.

“It’s just a double espresso. It’s kind of hard to fuck that up” You commented.

“Well at least you’re not entirely inept.” The voice groaned, “Bring it to my desk.”

As you harshly cursed at yourself, you could hear the whirls of an engine. To your left, the metal door slid open, showcasing a large cavern filled with machines and wires.

Slowly stepping into the space, your eyes tried their best to take everything in. Machines flickered and buzzed all around you, while monitors stretched across the walls. The large screens lined out routes of the kraang activity and the recon teams. As you walked deeper into the room, you could hear the clattering of a keyboard. 

Following the noise, you could see one of the turtles sitting at a desk with several monitors. Numerous windows were scattered across the screens as he fervently typed away.

“Here’s your double espresso.” You flatly commented.

“Doppio, you mean?” The turtle corrected without looking away from his screen.

You rolled your eyes, “I’m surprised you actually know what it’s called.”

“I, unlike many residing in these halls, have class.” The turtle commented, “Besides, I’m the reason we even have an espresso machine.”

You let out a soft chuckle as you turned to head out of the room. However the turtle spoke up again, stopping you in your tracks.

“Has anyone walked you through how to use your communicator yet?” The turtle asked, his nose still buried in the monitors.

Turning back with a confused look you nodded, “Yeah, I got the rundown.”

“Good. I’m adding your device to a pager. Do whatever your typical duties are unless you receive a ping from me. The kitchen should already know this, but prioritize my orders. If I pass out when I’m supposed to be monitoring missions that will not end well.”

“Is that… uh… healthy?” You inquired.

“No, but what other choice do we have?” The turtle flatly stated as he seemed to read through something on his screen.

“Touche.” You shrugged your shoulders.

You went to take another step towards the exit, but then stopped once more.

“Oh guess I should apologize about the name mix up. What um. What is it actually?”

“It’s Donatello, or maybe I should have you simply refer to me as Donnie or even D. Since that may be easier for your poor mind to remember.” Donnie mocked with a devious tone in his voice.

Two can play this game. You thought.

With a snicker you commented back, “Ah Dennis? Cool. I can remember that.”

You could hear the turtle groan as he turned his chair around to glare at you. He seemed like he was going to chew you out until he saw the grin plastered across your face.

“Oh... You were kidding.” Donnie said, as he roughly rubbed his forehead, “Just go and let me get back to my work.”

“Sure thing, Daniel.” You called back as you made your way out of the room. 

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

Over the next several weeks, the purple turtle seemed to slowly warm up to you. Your quick order drop off with whatever name you chose to call him that day, eventually turned into longer chats. You’d stick around for a bit, asking him how his work was going or to share gossip you’d heard from around the settlement.

One particular morning, you walked with a pep in your step. The prior night's recon team returned with a bunch of fancy coffee grounds from a nearby Whole Foods. You couldn’t help but bask in the smells emanating from Donnie’s mug.

Typing your code into the panel of the lab door, the metal whooshed opened and you swiftly headed to Donnie’s desk.

“Morning Deiphobus. Got a batch of fancy new grounds this morning and I have a feeling you’ll really like them.” You smirked.

“I’m sorry, Deiphobus?” Donnie asked as he turned to you with a grin on his face, “What is this 1250 BCE?”

“I’m running out of names!” You exclaimed, “It’s not my fault you drink like 4 coffees a day. Besides, how is that any worse than Donatello?”

“Donatello is a classic.” The turtle said, puffing out his chest as he turned back to his monitor, “Besides, where did you even find that name?”

“Some Shakespeare book.”

“Someone’s getting desperate.”

“I’m sorry it's not like we still have google and I can look up one of those stupid 3 billion baby name lists.”

“Oh if anything I commend your research.” Donnie snickered, “I’m just surprised you can actually read Shakespeare. I thought baristas were notorious for their illiteracy.”

“You’re awful.”

“Or maybe you’re just jealous you’re not as witty as myself.”

“If anything you’re jealous! I’m hella whitty.” You quickly defended.

“Uh-huh.”

“Oh it’s Game On, asshat.” You laughed, “Just wait, next time you see me you won’t know what hit you.”

A few hours passed when you heard your pager ping again. With a smirk, you whipped up his doppio and proudly made your way over to the lab.

As you reached his desk, you loudly cleared your throat. The noise caused the turtle to turn his chair and meet your gaze.

“Yes?” He asked.

“I, as I’m sure you’re well aware, am incredibly witty.” You said as you held the mug close to your chest.

“Uh-huh.”

“And someone as witty as myself, knows when a schtick has to end. So here is my new proposal.”

Donnie gave you a look of disbelief as he waited.

“Hello there, Donnie.” You began.

“Ah, my actual name. How witty. He said sarcastically.”

“Shush. That’s not it. Let me finish.” You flailed.

The purple turtle rolled his eyes as he leaned his elbow on his desk and propped up his chin.

“I just wanted to say… I made this cup of coffee, espresso-ly for you.”

The purple turtle stared at you, his eyes going wide.

"No." He said.

"Yes." You smirked.

“Oh god please no!” Donnie groaned loudly and buried his face in his desk. 

Your laughing echoed throughout the room as you nearly spilled his drink. Placing the mug down on the desk, you clutched onto your stomach and tried to stifle your laughter.

“Oh- oh that was too perfect. Leo was so right.” You cackled.

“Of course he’s in on this.” Donnie mumbled into the desk.

“Hey, he's the hero of this story. He’s the one who gave me the book.”

Donnie sat up straight and gave you a perplexed look, “Book?”

“Oh yeah, you know that run to the library last week? Leo found a book of ten thousand puns.”

“T-ten- THOUSAND?” Donnie could barely choke out.

“Yep!” You smirked, “And there’s a whole chapter just dedicated to coffee.”

Donnie groaned as he planted his face back down onto the desk.

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

Each pun got progressively worse as you made your way through the list. Occasionally a joke would elicit a slight chuckle from the aloof purple turtle, but the other 90% of the time, he would simply groan or threaten to have you kicked out of base.

However, as the next few days turned into weeks, you began running out of material.

Or well… Material you felt comfortable using.

One section in the coffee chapter was titled Coffee Puns About Love and Romance. Every time you searched for a line to use, you always quickly skipped past that portion of the list. 

But, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Selecting the least aggressive pick up line from the options provided, you made your way over to his lab.

As you reached his desk, you placed the mug down on the surface without a word and sighed harshly.

“Ah, has the day come? Have you finally exhausted that grotesque list?” Donnie chuckled as he turned to you.

“No. But we are scraping the bottom of the barrel now.”

“Oh?”

Shaking out your hands and taking another breath you stared at the turtle. Your lips were reluctant, but you were able to form the words.

“You’re brew-ti-ful.”

His eyes went wide and his face blushed a harsh red.

“Oh god.” He groaned, “Please tell me ‘bottom of the barrel’ doesn’t mean the only puns left are awful pick up lines.”

“I mean I could tell you that, but then I’d be lying.”

Donnie groaned as he roughly slapped his own face.

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

The pick up lines were much more entertaining than you expected. Seeing how madly he’d blush or stammer at your commentary was adorable, and you proudly played your part. For the days you were feeling extra adventurous, you‘d even pair the line with a wink or by blowing him a kiss.

However, when the list of lines was depleted, you did everything you could to keep the game going. On your offtime, you’d sit for hours, trying to concoct more coffee based pick up lines to try on him. You even found yourself practicing in the mirror to make sure you got the words just right.

And as this next chapter of the game continued on, you soon found yourself perplexed.

You don’t know when or how it happened…

But you started meaning what you said. 

To no avail, you kept trying to pinpoint when everything changed. Was it when your generic lines became more personalized? Or was it when your supplemental teasing went from playful winks to gentle fingers tracing the edge of his jaw.

Although you couldn’t find the answer you were looking for, you did know this.

It wasn’t your fault. 

If he didn’t have such vibrant reactions, you wouldn’t have become so obsessed with the game. 

It still would have been just a game. 

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

Late one night, your pager beeped at you. As you tapped on the device you groaned.

“He knows it’s 4am right?”

After slowly trudging out of bed, you lethargically made his drink and headed over to the lab.

Rubbing your eyes, you mistyped your code a few times before finally opening the door.

The turtle was hunched over his desk. The taps of the keys sounded slower than usual.

“Dude, you owe me for making me get my ass out of bed.” You yawned.

“Blame Leo.” Donnie groaned, “The idiot winded up setting off a Kraang patrol unit.”

“Everyone, okay?!” You exclaimed.

“Thankfully.” Donnie sighed, “But I lost some of my search drones. Had to play distraction for a while so they could make an escape. Everything seems calm now, but I want to stay up for a bit longer just to make sure they return safely.”

“That’s good to hear.” You sighed, “Well... here’s your drink.”

“Ahh finally run out of lines?” Donnie groggily mocked as he continued to look at the screen.

His snarky attitude woke something up inside of you. 

Leaning forward, you gently grasped his chin, turning his face to meet yours. His cheeks burned vibrantly as he stared at you. With a devious gaze, your lips curled up slightly. 

“Oh I’m sorry. I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me.” You snickered as your fingers still softly held his chin.

But while you tried to search your mind for the pun you had thought up on the way over, you couldn’t help but continually drop your gaze down to his lips. Silently cursing your tired stupor, you tried to regain focus. 

Donnie just sat there, barely breathing, as you continued to filter through your thoughts. He too, struggled to meet your gaze as his eyes continued to fall upon your lips.

However after a few more breathless moments, the line finally returned to your mind. With a slight blush on your cheeks, you smirked as you spoke.

“Words cannot express how much you mean to me.”

Both of you sat there frozen. Your eyes widened as the words left your lips. 

“Fuck I said it wrong! Sorry it’s late and-” You began to splutter.

But you were cut off by Donnie’s lips crashing into yours.

Game Over.

[donniesexceptionalmind]

"No."

Leo: "Hey, Dee, could you help me?

Me: *ignores request*

Leo: "Seriously, I could need your assistance here?"

Me: *scrolls through my phone*

Leo: *groans* "For the love of - Oh, DEAREST brother Donatello, I, the mighty not-so-genius Leonardo ask for thy help."

Me: *looks up* "Let me think..."

Leo: *hopeful* "Please, it would mean everything to me. I just messed up real bad and -"

Me: "No. Thanks for asking, but given the circumstances I would rather use a sea urchin as a fork."

[lackablazeical]

FORGOT TO ALSO POST THIS LMAOOOOOO

[angelo-the-doctor-of-feelings]

"Group Therapy"

Me as Dr. Feelings: *massaging my temples while trying to endure the twins*

Donnie: "STOOOOP!! STOOOOP!"

Leo: "I WOKE UP THIS MORNING AND-"

Donnie: "STOP TALKING, JUST STOOOOP! STOP EXISTING!!!"

Leo: "BUT I woke up this morning & then I remembered I woke up & that I wake up every morning & that made me aware that I do that every day &.... you know?"

Donnie: *in tears* "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Me to Mikey in thought: 'How do you NOT scream all the time?'

Mikey: ﾟ+.ヽ(≧▽≦)ﾉ.+ﾟ

Eveline: 'Valid question. Let's-'

Leo & Donnie are now both screaming.

Me: *sigh*

[shantechni]

I'm a little late to announce it, but the third and final chapter is finally up on AO3!

[raph-a-roni]

"Staring Contest"

Donnie: "Quitting is not an option."

Leo: "Fine. Can we at least take a break?"

Donnie: "No."

Leo: *whiny* "C'mon, Dee, I REALLY-"

Donnie: "No."

Mikey to me: "What are they doing?"

Me: *sighs* "A staring contest."

[ketchup-no-mustard]

Hi I'm Isaac and I'm best friends with the ninja turtles irl

I write mostly TMNT stuff on Ao3 @ketchup_no_mustard

I also love Adventure Time and many other cartoons!

Feel free to interact I promise I'm nice 👍

[fungalittleweirdo]

WHEN I SEE A COOL WRITER WHO WRITES FOR TMNT TOO AND IS LITERALLY JUST COOL‼️‼️‼️💥💥💥🦅🦅🦅

AUUUU—

hi i’m frankie and like, you’re cool :3c

HI FRANKIE !! NICE TO SEE YOU ON TUMBLR IT'S FUNGAL LITTLE FREAK FROM SHELLSHOCKERS !!! <33 i go by jules btw people just say fungal because it's my name everywhere lolzz

[arcadialarial]

Sneakpeek of Different Views: Chapter One - Introduction

This wasn’t how Leo expected his day to go. All of them could agree.

One moment, they were holding off a fight from the Foot Clan during a mission to retrieve some form of powerful device as Donnie called it. Raph was grumbling about having to sneak up on them and Mikey was cracking one of his jokes about pizza. The next moment during the fight, Mikey had grabbed the crest-like artifact that the Foot Clan was trying to transport. After that, a swirl of colors had popped up from below them, and the turtles found themselves falling through the ground.

Leo wasn't sure if he preferred landing face-first on the ground instead of having a chance to scream, because the minute he was fully aware of himself, his entire body ached and there was a pounding in his head. He heard a groan nearby and was immediately on his feet, despite his aching body, and whirled around to check on his brothers.

"Everyone okay?" he called out as the pounding in his head only increased, and he blinked at the smell of ash and smoke mixed in the night air.

"Peachy." he heard Raph's gruff voice say, the older turtle pushing himself off the ground and wincing, rubbing the side of his head.

Donnie was already on his feet, looking around. "Where are we? The last thing I remember is us being sucked into a portal."

Leo frowned. He remembered that too. His frown deepened as he realized he was missing something, or someone. "Wait, where's Mikey?"

"Right here, dudes." Mikey said, laying down face first on the rooftop. In his grasp was the crest that brought them there, and the minute it left his hands thanks to Donnie taking it, Mikey shot up, a bright grin on his face. "Dude! Where are we?! Is this the future? Are we time-travelers now? Can we meet our future selves?"

"Doubt it. The last thing I remember was the Foot Clan and the portal. There's no way that we're in the future." Raph grunted.

"Well, if we aren't in the future, then we must be in the past." Leo pointed out, frowning. That didn't feel right.

"I don't think we're in the past, Leo. This isn't exactly like the past." Donnie frowned, looking down at the scenery below them . He grimaced, his breath hitching before he shakily continued. "For one, this is definitely the present. .. But not the present that we're familiar with."

"What do you mean, Dee?" Mikey asked, and Leo felt the same dread as Donnie's expression.

"This isn't the New York we're familiar with. It's different. " Donnie pointed to the scene, and Leo followed his finger, his sapphire eyes widening at the sight.

Fanfic: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51670795/chapters/130620412

[i-got-da-rubes]

Posted a new(old) fic. Read it or die. I've got two chapters up.

Summary:

The Foot Clan thrives on determinism, the idea that everything is set before it happens. That the Shredder will rise to rule the clan, and the clan to rule the world. But when things don't go as expected, and Shredder is defeated by one of their own. In the wake of the destruction, Cassandra Jones is left to decide if she can really return to her clan. She learns a new word. Indeterminism. Or, Cassandra screams at the men who were supposed to be her fathers.

[captainsweet]

I keep forgetting about this :sob:

Anyway, random drabbles with edgy titles I didn't feel like changing.

(TW! IMPLIED EMOTIONAL ABUSE AND PARENTIFICATION.)

(IT'S NOT GRAPHIC WHATSOEVER, BUT PLEASE KEEP YOUR COMFORTABILITY IN MIND REGARDLESS.)

These were also made during various stages of being half asleep so sorry if I don't make a single lick of sense lmao

|| Unknown Means to an End || AU: ITERATION LOE || MAIN CHARACTER: Dove ||

There was one thing he always knew no matter what.

He was her little Dove, she loved him, cared for him, saw him as her child for a couple of years. After all, he was a genius, a natural one at that, and he was useful.

Dove was useful, and Mama would love him as long as he'd continue to be.

That was fine though, he loved being with her, he loved the scarf she made him, loved the Dove pins even more. He loved the fact his Mama was considerate enough to get him glasses, considerate enough to let him meet people, to let him play, to let him eat, to let him be happy, to let him exist.

She was so nice to him, allowed him to breathe, to still be around, to let him help his twin brother.

Mama was always so sweet.

She was the reason Dove was alive, that Dove could get his little Mik walking again, that Dove was so happy to simply exist and breathe and be alive. She gave him that luxury, and he shouldn't take it for granted.

So, Dove made himself useful. He would be a good Turtledove for her, and she would give him what he needed to make his family happy.

No more Dad going out for days for food, sometimes coming back empty handed just because he was that worried. No more of his twin staring at them longly as they ran around or simply ate breakfast. No more tears flowing after Leo accidentally broke Raf's arm again.

No more pain, and maybe one day, no more hiding.

But that wasn't now. So all Dove had to do was be a good picture perfect son, and his family would be happy again.

|| There Comes a Time || AU: ITERATION LOE || MAIN CHARACTER: Dove ||

There comes a time where you have to stop holding onto the words of your parents and discover the truth for yourself. A time where you are finally no longer being coddled. A time where you are forced to be just like they were, but better.

And it fucking sucks. Dove can attest to that.

Except this wasn't his father, no, this was his own mother. He dreaded the thought of following in her footsteps, he dreaded it more than the day he lost his Mom, his real one, and he just knew he couldn't do it.

He has a family, people to look after, and he would've left long ago if being in this position didn't give him the chance to save his sibling. His Twin at that, and he'd rather endure this torture and life day by day than have to lose them.

Any of them.

So he stayed silent. He kept to his role of Perfect Son while grieving his Mom, and missing his family. He listened to whatever his Mother requested, gave her what she wanted tenfold and hoped to god it would be enough that she'd stay quiet when he left.

If there's one thing that always stays true, it's that no matter how much of a genius you are as a child, you're still a dumb and naïve kid.

Why would she ever let go of him when she has seen his potential? When she's seen how capable he is? If Dove knew that it mattered, he would've been just as useless as his Mom warned him to be, but he knew he was special, and he was desperate.

It didn't matter. When it came time to go, she had said no. She wanted him to stay, had cried faux tears over a child that was only briefly hers, had whined about losing the only person she had left.

And if there's one thing everyone knows, it's that no matter what, you always have to listen to your Mother.

|| Making Do With What You Have || AU: Robots, Robots, and– Oh! More Robots. (RROMR) || MAIN CHARACTER: Frida ||

She didn’t know what to think when her mother walked in with a little boy. She didn’t even know how to begin to process it when she was told that same little boy was just a robot. A nice little deal someone owed her mother as always.

He was silent, and freaky, and always smiling, and Frida didn't like him. Not at first at least.

If there was one thing clear, it was that he was supposed to replicate someone, but it was not a good job whatsoever. He was supposed to be the leader, he hardly said two words to her, and he seemed to look down on her in a way.

It was only the first time they fought that she realized, that they realized, he wouldn't compare.

It hardly took five moves before he was down, and even less than that the second time. He was made to be talented, but a robot can only compare so much to true years of training and work, even if it's booted in their brain.

That day.. was also when his look completely changed towards her. He didn't talk more, but he practically had stars in his eyes whenever she was around him. It was pathetic, and it showed just how utterly weak he was, how less than, how much better Frida was of a soldier.

And she cared for him.

Not because she wanted to, oh god no, but it was because of how utterly useless he was. He wasn't better than her, he provided no new ideas, no tactics, nothing. He was designed to be a leader, just like her other was, but he couldn't even compare to the turtle before, even if he was probably dead and died as just a baby.

He was a pathetic excuse of a remake and nothing more, but.. Frida could make him better. He was a hunk of metal that didn't matter, but they wouldn't get rid of him. She even got grounded for suggesting so! If that was going to be it, she was going to make him better. Make him worthy of being around her and working for her mother.

To be claimed as her mothers son. To call this robot her other, her brother at that.

He may be an empty shell now, but she would make him oh so much more than ever thought possible.

[donniesexceptionalmind]

Leo: "Everybody seems to experience a mid-life crisis at some point in their life."

Me: "Approximately this happens at the age of fourty and up, which is considered the 'mid-life' of humans."

Leo: "Yeah, well... considering I don't even know when MY mid-life starts, I have made the decision to have an on-going crisis."

Fair enough.

Though I cannot imagine Leo getting any weirder.

[neonleonsmessymindpalace]

I have come up with another prank!!!

We want to keep these pranks wholesome because you four heroes deserve some fun, so I had an idea to prank Raph.

So Raph always works his butt off training right? What if you filled one of the punching bags with something either squishy or messy, so when Raph tries to work harder than he should, he is met with a pleasant/sticky surprise?

Just a small yet funny way to remind the big guy that he works so hard for the fam, and he deserves some fun in return. (Good luck Amigo!)

Wow, this one sounds a bit more difficult to pull off... Raph isn't one that gets pranked easily (even though he seems that way).

But (!) you have asked Neon Leon, the greatest, so I WILL succeed.

Here's what I'm going to do:

Raph is currently on patrol with Mikey (don't come at me, I know Don & I should be too, we will soon), so I have plenty of time to put something inside his punching bags.

Donnie gave me some kind of sticky putty that I'll fill in Raph's bags - I just had to add glitter, muhaha!

His bags need a wash, yuck.

But you can't wash them, soooo...

He needs new ones.

I thought to myself, 'Okay, you might es well put small holes in them'; so when Raph punches them with the right amount of force - BOOM! - Glitter & putty everywhere.

When Raph returns to the lair with Mikey, Mikey prepares dinner (pizza!) & Raph uses the short break to blow off some steam.

Let's see how THIS works out.

(￢∀￢)

(And yes, I already ordered new bags for Raphie.)

[angelo-the-doctor-of-feelings]

Hey, uh… sorry if this is rude or personal or something- But can you talk about any experience you’ve had with a panic attack? like a story of you having one or one of your brothers having one? thanks

Donnie had a full-blown panic attack recently.

Donnie allowed me to share this story with you.

Warnings: food issues, disordered eating (?)

It was a typical morning, Donnie was the first to get up & started brewing coffee in our kitchen.

I'm always the second to great the day - it's my unofficial job to make breakfast, then Raph joins later, drawn in by the lovely smell of food & and lastly our night owl, Leon. I actually doubt he gets proper sleep anyway. He's up until the morning hours & then randomly passes out of exhaustion.

I decided to make pancakes for everyone, Donnie insisted to eat his same food, oatmeal - he always sticks to those when he's having a hard time or when he knows it will get stressful OR when the day had been stressful. I have stopped to ask him for a change in his eating habits since pressure won't do anything & I'm happy he eats. You should know that Donnie's relationship with food is complicated & it has been very troublesome in the past.

We started preparing the food & setting the table.

I decided to make some strawberry yogurt to go with the pancakes when I had the dough ready to bake.

"Hey Donald, could I get some of your yogurt?"

"Sure." He passed me the container without giving me a glance & I noticed he was staring at his bowl.

"Is everything alright?" I asked carefully.

He didn't answer.

I shrugged it off & started baking the pancakes & mixing the yogurt with the chopped strawberries.

I was growing a bit concerned by the minutes passing. Usually, Donnie vocally stims (chirping & soft humming) when he's preparing his food, but on this day, it was different. Donnie didn't make a single noise.

When the pancakes were ready, Raph joined us & finished setting the table.

"Yo, Mike, yo Don!"

Donnie remained silent as he placed his bowl of oatmeal at his place. Raph looked at me puzzled, but all I could do was shrug.

After breakfast was ready to consume, I went to wake Leon, who slept in (again).

Before I left the kitchen, Donnie grabbed my bath robe (it's sooo comfy!) with a tight grip.

His face was blank & he seemed very tense. "Yes, Donnie?"

He struggled to find words, I saw it. This is never a good sign. I raised my hands & wiggled my fingers to signal he could do sign language as well.

Donnie let go & started signing.

"I can't eat."

"What do you mean, you can't eat?" I asked carefully.

"It's the oatmeal."

"What about it?"

Donnie fidgeted with his hands, looking away. I touched his shoulder comfortingly. He had eaten it for three years straight, every single day. What could have been wrong with it now?

"Don't worry, Donnie. You don't have to eat. I am going to wake Leon now, alright?"

My purple brother simply nodded & I left the kitchen.

Only to find Donnie absolutely devastated a few minutes later sitting on the kitchen floor, rocking back & forth while crying.

"Oh my gosh, what happened, Raph?" Leon was still very sleepy, but he was quickly awake when he saw Donnie.

"He smelled at his oats & then just started crying & shaking!" Raph answered.

I sat beside Donnie & tried talking to him, but he couldn't communicate verbally, nor with his hands.

He was hyperventilating.

"Shit."

And then our group dynamics changed as they ways do, when something like this happens:

I fixed my glasses (I usually wear contacts) & got up.

Therapist Dr. Feelings became the leader of the team.

I told Raph to pick Donnie up & carry him to his room & I told Leo to gather Donnie's emergency kit for situations like these from his lab.

Donnie has a plan for every possible situation that we both worked out together.

I could cry every time I have to make Raph carry Donnie when he's having a panic attack or a meltdown. Donnie started screaming & hissing at Raph when he tried to pick him up. When Raph had him in his arms, Donnie started hitting him.

But Raphael is strong & he doesn't mind that. He knows Donnie is not able to think clearly & he's in stress & survival mode.

"He can hit Raph. It's cool. Just not himself."

We put him under his weighted blankets & made his room dark & I turned on his infrared lamp for warmth & comfort.

He instantly calmed down a bit & his hand reached out under the mess of blankets & pillows, Leon had put on him.

I took his hand & I stayed with him for five hours until he whispered:

"I lost my favourite same food today, Mikey."

"What happend?"

"It was weird. All of a sudden, I couldn't stand the smell of it. I couldn't even bring myself to eat it. I felt sick & ready to throw up if I had put some of it in my mouth. I'm afraid, Mikey. What if I lose my other foods, too? What if I can't eat anything anymore? I don't want to go down that spiral again."

And I understood why he had panicked.

He lost his safe food, that literally saved him out of his disordered eating spiral. All of a sudden.

No wonder he panicked.

"We will always be there to help you, Donnie. You don't have to battle your mind alone."

He hasn't touched oats, yogurt & pudding since then. I saw that he tried, but he always got nervous & put them back.

Now Donnie only eats rice cakes & peanut butter, but hey, he eats.

Sometimes, I wish I could take all his struggles away.

[shantechni]

I was busy babysitting, so I haven't made a considerable amount of progress after a week (oof), but here's something.

[raph-a-roni]

Donnie & me are watching Leo & Mikey:

Me: "Soooo, they're still going ahead with this? Despite all the evidence and arguments we gave them?"

Donnie: "Honestly, Raph, I don't know why you are acting suprised. They never listened to any advice before taking action."

Me: "Fair enough. Wanna grab some pizza?"

Donnie: "And let them get caught by papa? Sure."