#raph's coping mechanism is punching and that's okay

[brightlotusmoon]

A 20 year old headcanon that I'm thrilled to learn others have: the Ninja Turtles as literal cryptids with eldritch forces in their mutations whether they know it or not. Especially 03 and 07.

Donnie: Psychically aware of and linked to anything mechanical, electronic, technological. Stuff just happens around him, things start working. Better wifi signals, cars starting easily.

Mikey: Connects to people, animals, the elements. Cheers up everyone within a mile. Inspires games, creativity, gathering. Attracts animals that need help. Literally brings sunshine if he's there for more than ten minutes.

Leo: Able to manipulate a situation to his advantage, like being completely ignored by nearby humans while he goes shopping, and projecting confident authority so nobody questions him.

Raph: Feeds off the energies and emotions of the city overall, full of physical power that helps rescue or prevent or assist. Can turn combat around by thoroughly reading his opponents and playing off their actions and reactions.

[raph-and-spike]

How They Would React to Reader’s Pet Passing - (genderneutral!reader), Platonic

request? yes/no

Hey. I’m not having a great day. My dog died. Perhaps some words of comfort from the boys would help. How would they react to S/O pet passing (his name was Quill after StarLord from guardians of the Galaxy and the turtles liked him because he was sweet, small, and friendly).

a/n: I wanted to prioritize this request. One of my great friends on here sent me this, and I’d like everyone to send them love and prayers. Losing a pet is never, ever easy. It’s one of the hardest things, in my opinion, that we have to go through in life. Sending so much love, Karilyn xx <3 

warnings: TW: mention of death

As soon as you told them, they were absolutely devastated. [your dog’s name] was an absolute light for the turtles. They wasted no time engulfing you in a group hug.

“I’m so sorry, Y/n,” Leo said, voice cracking.

They wouldn’t leave until they knew that you were okay. Which, obviously wasn’t the case. They knew that this would take a toll on you–and to be quite frank, it was bothering them a lot too–but they were prepared to do whatever they could to help. They offered to listen to you vent about it, and you bet they all offered you a shoulder to cry on. 

As the most affectionate turtle, Mikey was clutching you to his chest, rubbing soothing circles on your back, arm, or knuckles...he just needed to be touching you. His affection was soothing, and you didn't mind his touch. You spent that day sulking, feeling completely numb. The turtles offered for you to stay at the lair for as long as you needed, which you gladly took. 

Every morning, Donnie would check up on you, ensuring that you weren’t getting too depressed. The turtles were worried about your mental health, and it was up to Donnie to recognize any symptoms of depression before it started. It was annoying, hearing him ask things like, “do you have any thoughts about hurting yourself?” nearly everyday, but you knew that he was just concerned about you. 

Mikey began asking you to help him with breakfast, to get you out of bed and give you a small piece of motivation, according to Donnie. 

“Hey,” Mikey whispered, pulling your sheets back, “wanna come make breakfast with me?” 

It was no doubt a fun activity and even on your darkest days, Mikey was able to gain a small smile from you...even if it meant making an absolute fool of himself.

“Did I just see a smile? I’ve missed that smile, Y/n!!”

Later in the week, Leo asked you to join him in meditation.

“I spent almost all of my days meditating after Master Splinter...” he trailed off, not being able to finish the sentence. “It helped me cope with the loss, and I was thinking that maybe it can help you, too.”

You were hesitant at first, but as he left you alone in the dojo to your own thoughts, you found that it made you feel more at peace. It didn’t heal you, of course, and Leo knew that. But, it made the pain more bearable.

Of course, Raph’s coping mechanism wasn’t the healthiest. But, when you were angry at the world, angry at life for taking something that had mattered so much to you, it helped to punch something.

“I know it’s not like meditatin’ or anything, but when yer really mad, or even sad about somethin’, it can help to turn yer emotions into anger and let it out,” he explained, motioning to his punching bag. 

Closing your eyes, focusing on turning your sadness into rage, you began hitting the punching bad, tears rolling down your cheeks as your threw all of your might into the stiff swinging bag in front of you. You were afraid to admit to any of the other turtles that you found Raph’s coping mechanism actually helpful. 

The turtles wouldn’t rest until they knew that you were healing and feeling better. Though this loss was absolutely devastating, they knew that you were a fighter and that even a tragedy such as this couldn’t knock you down completely. They knew that the pain of this loss would only make you a stronger person in the end.

[fanfic-inator795]

Headcanon: How RotTMNT Raph copes with anger

So, it's as clear as day that, while 2018!Raph still gets annoyed and angry (especially at bullies, as with Ghost Bear - and Leo when he pushed too far - in Shell in a Cell, and the cockroach mascot mutants after they destroyed his teddy bear coupon in Mascot Melee), he's a heck of a lot less angry than some of his counterparts *cough 2012 cough*, not really snapping at as brothers as much and his rushing-in attitude when it comes to fighting being more out of determination and protectiveness rather than emotion. However, I'm sure he still has some anger moments and needs ways to cope with them so he doesn't end up hurting people. 

Personally, I agree with the headcanon a lot of people have of Raph being a knitter, and this hobby becoming both a way to help his younger self control his strength and learn concentration skills, as well as a way to help calm himself down. Get him really steamed up about something, and he’ll just storm off to his room and end up knitting two pairs of mittens and a whole scarf before he's ready to properly talk about what's wrong. But, I like to think he has other ways of coping and calming down too - ones that his family is more than happy to help him out with so he doesn't have to resort to hours of isolation either with his knitting needles or a punching bag. 

With Donnie, it's taking a bunch of old and cracked beakers and obsolete gadgets and just smashing them against a wall. Raph’s always a bit hesitant to do this since, even if it's all old and broken and Donnie insists its fine, it’s still his brother’s property. So, Donnie will smash with him so he knows it's okay, and afterwards they'll sweep up together as they talk it out. 

With Mikey, it's stress coloring and bread making. Like with his knitting, it helps Raph to focus on doing something with his hands instead of clenching them into fists. With Mikey there, he adds some much needed background noise, talking about whatever comes to mind and distracting Raph from whatever’s frustrating him. Snacks and hugs afterwards also help. 

With Leo and April, it's racing - with Leo through the tunnels, and April on her bike through an empty Central Park. The non-combat focused exercise and fresh air does wonders for his spirits, and he's allowed to yell and scream as much as he wants during these races, getting his venting out with every step while still having something ahead of him to focus on. Afterwards, there'll be a nice chill sess, usually with pizza and plenty of cool and refreshing drinks, where Raph can either vent more, or just relax with someone by his side as they  enjoy the returning silence. 

Finally, with Splinter, it's wrestling. We already know Raph’s a wrestling fan, and I like to imagine that Baby Raph just loved wrestling with his papa ^v^ naturally it's a bit harder to do now given that Raph is so much bigger than Splinter, but as he proved in Mrs. Cuddles, size certainly isn't slowing him down any. Plus, without any punches or kicks being thrown, Raph is able to loosen up a bit more without worrying about losing control and accidentally hurting his father - who is easily able to keep up with him anyway. I can imagine this coping mechanism coming in when Raph is REALLY upset, when Raph just really needs someone to fight, as well as someone to tell him that everything's gonna be okay. This is what Splinter does, giving out words of encouragement and support and giving his son a healthy way to release his anger, until he's calm enough for a heart-to-heart and some tea. 

But yeah, these are just some of my ideas. I just really like to think that the reason why Raph is a lot more emotionally stable and not as much as a hot head anger ball in the new series is because he's got a supportive and guiding family and lots of healthy and constructive ways to cope with it, and not just because he's the leader now and no longer has anything to be jealous of. 

[brightlotusmoon]

Sorry if you were asked this before do you have a favorite iteration of raph

2003, followed by 1987 and 1990 very closely! I have a very soft spot for 2012 and 2018.

[brightlotusmoon]

I would not wish any companion in the world but you - Chapter 87 - BrightLotusMoon, Sissystinger - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Bay Movies) [Archive of Our Own]

In which Rise Raphael and Bay Mikey have unexpected fun with surprise telekinesis!

Also, later:

-

Churring and then chirping, like a cheetah, Mikey squeezed him. "Bro, it's okay. Just because your idea didn't come through the way you hoped doesn't mean you have to be sorry. It's not a failure, it's just a setback." He blinked. "I should take my own advice."

“You should. It’s good advice.” Raphael rumbled in response.

-

[brightlotusmoon]

we all know that Mikey and Donnie are both obviously autistic and adhd but what would you say to Leo and Raph being autistic and adhd as well? I personally hc all four of them having autism and adhd but I really like your blog and your characterizations of the turtles so what do you think of it?

Oh, they are! I have one huge post going around discussing all the 2003 boys, and another with all the 2012 boys, and how they all slide along those axis points! Each turtle has characteristics of autism and ADHD and there's plenty of discussion about satellite disorders, the processing and sensory disorders that inevitably come with, etc.

In fact, I wouldn't mind opening a new discussion.

I feel better in myself when all four are along that infinity knot.

[brightlotusmoon]

Okay but Raphie finding his inner dramaturge makes perfect sense in every single incarnation. Rob Paulsen got famous off it, for example.

I just find it fascinating when fans think 2003 Raph couldn't be as theatrical as Mike. Like, excuse you, how often did he cosplay? He talked like Batman at Brighton Beach, okay?

For the 2007 film he was voiced by a guy who also did Superman

For 2012 he got voiced by the main character of The Goonies and the sweet gardener who enunciated po-ta-toes and told us there was good in this world for entire generations

We didn't listen to him scream "DAAAMN!" at the Manhattan skyline in 1990 to be told he isn't very theatrical by comparison. Huff.

[brightlotusmoon]

You know...

I'm agreeing with a lot of "all the 2007 Turtles probably had ADHD frankly" headcanons. 2003 Donnie got headcanoned "Asperger's" until I got on Tumblr and yelled "it's all autism, okay, and it implies eugenics so you can't keep it"

-and Mikey is Creative Theater Kid ADHD Autistic who hyperfixates on food and superhero pop culture and social science, you can't change my mind - also hey Leonardo is Introspective Strategic Motherly Brotherly Autistic who fucking loves history and battle strategy - and people ran with it, I'm thrilled.

[brightlotusmoon]

Me, remembering that in the newest chapter of the RP fic I made all the Bay Turtles Autistic and or ADHD:

I must share this on Tumblr!

-

"We're not even certain of reptile neurology regardless," Donnie smiled. "I can't imagine they have migraines for example. We only very recently realized what neurodevelopmental phenomena we all have. Mike with ADHD and Autism, Leo and I autistic, Raph potentially ADHD and an anxiety disorder that may or may not be intermittent explosive disorder."

Raph narrowed his eyes. "It's not that bad."

Don gave him a quiet and level look. "I only interpret data, admittedly with some bias."

Raph just lifted one eyebrow.

-

(Bay Raph's ADHD might be confirmed later anyway as more of a large cluster of related processing disorders depending on where I want to go)

[brightlotusmoon]

Dear TMNT Fandom,

Remind me, please, who here is autistic and writes Imagines and requests? I have a request for anyone who wants to try in their style.

"What if: Mikey has a nervous breakdown in front of Donnie, who figures out Mikey has had depression for a while. Not to mention ADHD RSD and autistic burnout. Autistic ADHD Reader can be involved in whatever capacity."

[brightlotusmoon]

I found the tiniest 2007 Raphael. I can squeeze him when I'm anxious, frustrated, about to melt.

For reference, my wedding and engagement rings, on my ring finger, are size 4 US. My middle finger is 5. Most gloves are too big. My glasses frames are always from the kids section. My left wrist is 5.5 and the right is 5.75 - I'm smol.

Tiny Raphie.

[brightlotusmoon]

Re: TMNT Michelangelo having ADHD in canon and being autistic in fanfics.

I found this comment in an ADHD support group, and it describes Mikey perfectly.

"I can often tell by looking at a person that they have ADHD - that they are empathic, that they have high intuiton and are very "imaginative". Sometimes, a photo will catch it, too!"

More and more people in the fandom headcanon Mikey with ADHD, but they don't have to, it's already canon.

I've been nudging Mikey's Autistic traits for years, because Donnie was stereotyped as an autistic nerd since the late 2000s. In 2012, 2003, and 2016, I like to think Leo is also autistic. Rise Raph, too.

There are many ways to be autistic, not just Donatello.

See. As a spectrum we're a Mobius Strip, an Ouroboros, a color wheel, never a line. No mild or severe, no high or low, just varying traits and presentation.

(The autistic advocate community as a whole prefers " is autistic" to "has autism" since we see it as defining and identifying, how our brains are wired. It falls on the individual to say if they prefer Identity First Language or Person First Language.)

[brightlotusmoon]

"Your dark history is not a hindrance ... grab hold of it."

"...I learned to accept this darkness and use it. So harness your darkness, and be magnificent. All of you."

"When I'm working on my writing, it lets me put my feelings, thoughts, fears, all those things into a different, more tangible form. It's easier to grapple with that way."

"...and both those feelings can exist at the same time."

[brightlotusmoon]

-

"...I just feel out of my depth and kind of helpless,” he shrugged. “This this isn’t some bad guy we can punch, or…or an object to grab, it’s nebulous and it’s inside my brother’s head. It’s inside him, it’s his brain. Raph’s right, how do we fight an enemy like that?”

Sighing, Splinter shook his head and rested his hands on Leo’s shoulders. “First of all, you must stop thinking that there even is an enemy. Disabilities are not a terrible fate, my son. They are part of life. Eventually, most everyone falls ill to a point where it cannot be cured. And a great deal of people acquire permanent disabilities whose syndromes can be well managed all their lives. Many people are born that way. You know this. Life is lived regardless of hindrances. Joy is lived in. We must constantly monitor our perceptions of one another as we grow and move about the world. Every individual has their own feeling of identity. We need to respect how they feel.”

Sitting back but still touching Leo, Splinter smiled softly. “I spoke with Avalyn this morning, while Michelangelo was resting from his seizure. She is quite proud of what and who she is, and I believe she has many things she could teach you.”

Feeling chastised, Leo nodded. Splinter pulled away and folded his hands.

“Michelangelo has always been extremely sensitive and in tune with his environment, and he may be picking up on your doubts. Do not let your concerns cloud your pure love. Help him mitigate his pain, soothe his fears. But do not overwhelm him, do not hover with anxiety that he cannot heal. It’s not your place to try to cure.”

Leo licked his lips, wanting to smack himself. “I mean, there literally is no cure, anyway. Yeah. I feel childish.”

“You have ignorance,” Splinter said. “You lack the information and knowledge. Your own fears caused pain and you stumbled in your quest to understand what’s been happening.”

-

Anyway, I wrote this to vent frustration over abled folks misunderstanding chronic pain and stuff.

[brightlotusmoon]

Bay Mikey, full of dopey brain chemistry after his seizures, makes a random reference to the Arrested Development Good For Her meme and suddenly everyone needs cupcakes.

But they're making him breakfast for dinner right now. Seizure brains need bacon. Cupcakes later.

@remmushound

Mmm, cake.

Mmmm, visual stim. Forever.

[brightlotusmoon]

Question

One of the answers: "...According to the original Eastman/Laird descriptions from the TMNT role-playing game circa 1985 each turtle has strengths and weaknesses as follows:

Leonardo: Leo is by far the most technically skilled fighter due to his constant training. His fighting style is almost flawless in one on one engagements.

Donatello: Donnie is physically the weakest of the four but is by far the smartest. This results in a fighting style that depends on distance and finding an opponent's weaknesses.

Michelangelo: Mikey is literally the most physically talented of the brothers. The comparison drawn was an amateur athlete vs an olympian. This results in a much more relaxed combat style as he has deep reservoirs.

Raphael: Raph is simply the toughest and most deadly of the four. What he lacks is skill, intelligence or athletic prowess is compensated for in sheer power, rage and deadly intent.

So, it literally depends on the situation."