Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

You did not want to deem yourself an artist. Not only the lack of visual comprehension of art pieces befuddled you, but the lack of discrepancy between color values was lackluster. The swirls of the color palette you chose were pleasant on the eyes. What could not click was why. 

The emotional force of the color combination when effort put in, however, was not setting. The canvas was prepped with a smooth light grey acrylic beforehand. Applied on the base were thick brushstrokes of navy blue, on top of thin, raised strokes of cornflower blue. Messy orbs of orange and yellow dotted spatially, many times formed against the edges of the light blue strokes. Off-white pencil lines of acrylic roughly edged the orbs.

Glancing away from the canvas in your hands to the board, your professor was, yet again, dabbling on about his weekend plans and inquiring what the other students were up to. Mr. Ramos was a peculiar man. His fascination with art overwhelmed your senses. When focused, noise is the last addition you needed. The onslaught of artistic knowledge and aspiration went one ear out the other. How could one enjoy art this much?

Eventually, Mr. Ramos got back on track with assigning his homework for the week. The textured art piece each student made was to be refined and presented before the class. 

Great. 

Class dismissed, you glumly carried the small canvas with you. Avoiding being shoved by the ongoing crowd, you rushed out the front doors and onto the streets of The Big Apple. Cool air greeted your warm cheeks. Thankfully, this was the last class out of your schedule and for the week. Adjusting the strap of your heavy backpack, you messaged your friend group chat stopping for the evening. 

You snuck into an alleyway unconspiscuously from the public eye. The manhole got hoisted up with all the strength you could muster. It was moved to the side, landing with a soft thud. You entered the hole and climbed down the ladder. You blocked the hole with the cover before making the rest of the way down, keeping in mind not to smash your fingers. 

A few minutes of strolling confidently through the sewer corridors, you arrived at a warm-lit cove. A tunnel you chose followed into a living room, accompanied by old furniture and a projector. Two of your green friends were chilling on the cough. Lazily, they skipped channels to find something of interest, button selected ina rhythmic manner. 

"'Sup?" The largest turtle, Raphael, greeted you with a warm smile. He appeared tired. You assumed he trained not-too long ago. 

"Hello, fellow human friend," Donatello quipped. He raised a hand to signal a wave. His eyes were glued on the screen. "Leo is out bothering Hueso. Angelo is in the kitchen cooking dinner." Yep, training hit hard today. 

Returning the greetings, you made a beeline for Mikey. Michelangelo was just the turtle you needed.

The smell of pizza greeted you. A box turtle, donned with his signature orange bandana, was turned away from you. He was kneeling in front of the oven, peering through the protective glass. 

You sat your bag down beside a chair. You settled your painting down on the kitchen island, face down to hide the atrocity. A grimace graced your lips. You absolutely have no idea what to do with this project. "Hi Mikey." 

The orange-clad turtle stood up, smiling warmly at your presence. Small stars surrounded his face, brightening at the sight of you. "OMG! Long time no see!" He gave you his signature hug, glomping you. Personally, you were not a touchy person. Your friends were the only ones you were comfortable enough to embrace. Mikey, however, held special privileges. You reasoned it was because of his puppy eyes.

Separating, Mikey spotted your work-in-progress. With a gasp, he closed in on the canvas. "May I see?" You sighed, nodding. He gently flipped it and gasped in delight. "This looks great! Reminds me of something Vincent Van Gogh's would have done." He looked at you. "I didn't know you liked to paint!" 

You shook your head. "I don't. It's for an art project for school." You huffed, a strand of hair dangling above your eyes. It swayed away. "It's a mess." Mikey chuckled at your choice of words. 

"Well, have no fear! Your hero is here!" A ding went off from the oven. "First though, dinner is ready. Let's eat." He sent an endearing smile to you. 

The pizza, as per usual, was perfection. The thick yet soft crust with a touch of glazed crispness, along with golden cheese melted onto the savory tomato sauce. Crunchy cuts of bell pepper, pepperoni, hamburger, and an extra sprinkle of cheese blended with one another. Perfection of texture truly was one of many Mikey's strong points with cooking. 

Your artwork was convenientaly covered by your bag in the corner of the kitchen. If any of the other Hamato family members saw your disaster of a project, let alone heard of it from the others, chaos would ensue. Leo would never stop making fun of your disaster of a piece. Donnie would try and be nice about it, but his blunt personality would strongly override his fake comment, and Raph would stumble on his words to not hurt your feelings. Splinter probably would just laugh and tell you good try.

Thankfully, Mikey seemed excited about your work. He was always supportive of any endeavors you do. You wished at times you could support yourself the way he does for you.

Mikey was one of first of the brothers you met a few months prior to today. He had joined Donnie and attended a class with April at her college. She assisted with an intro photography class you need for an elective as a new freshman. Mikey and Donnie had sat in the back of the class, hidden by the computer monitors and prying eyes. You just happened to also sit in the back, normally reading whatever new book your hands could get on.

Jake held her small, tender hand in his. He rubbed lightly onto her knuckles with his thumb. His face was etched with concern, gazing upon her worried expression. She gazed back, brown eyes brimming with tears. 

"Cool! They have Adobe Photoshop!" A young voice spoke, interrupting your silent reading. He appeared excited, clicking on the app. You silently expressed your distaste of the temporary neighbors. Attempting to finish the enthralling conclusion of your book, you refocused on the book in hand. 

A hasty breath, Caroline averted her eyes. Her body trembled. "Jake... I, I'm -" 

"Pregnant!" A somewhat higher-masculine tone of disapproval cut off your voice monologue. Gritting your teeth, you glanced over at the now trio. April had joined the party as well. "Delete that right now!" The tall figure in a violet hoodie reached over to the mouse the student in orange was keeping away. He was laughing full-heartedly, April facpalming at the chaos. 

You caught a glimpse of violet and green on the screen before it was shut off by an exasperated April.

"Shut up, you two! In case you didn't notice, there is a class going on." She met your glowering gaze, sheepishly rubbing her neck. "Sorry about these two hooligans. There uh, homeschooled." The two said hooligans paused their antics, now in attention to their setting. 

You softened up, shaking your head. "No worries, April." 

"Oh, so you know, April! I'm Michelangelo, but you can give me a nickname! Sorry for interrupting your reading." He pulled his stiff-buddy into a side hug. "And this is Donnatello or Donnie." 

Donnie sighed, giving a small wave. "As my highly-energized bother has already stated, I am Donatello, the one and only." You introduced yourself, bookmarking where you left off. You had all evening to finish your book anyway. 

Mikey offered you a piece of orange flavored gum as a token of your newfound friendship after class ended. You were not the type to chew gum, so you pocketed it for later, thabking him either way at the gesture. 

That piece of gum you did eventually chew a few days later, but kept the wrapper. You enjoyed collecting small trinkets and objects of memories. The wrapper was safely folded into a box of things from Mikey, still smelling strong of orange. Each gift was a treasure for you to keep, a makeshift scrapbook with objects. Safely it sat on your desk in your bedroom.

"You ready to work on your homework?" Mikey had grabbed your plate, setting it in the sink. Everyone else had left the kitchen without you noticing. You blinked a couple of times, getting out of your daze. Nodding, you grabbed your school work and bag from the corner of the room.

You assisted with doing the dishes, letting Mikey chat on about his new highscore on his dance game. You, on the other hand, were dwindling in how you spaced out. How were you thinking so intently to of not noticed everyone left? What was even discussed? Deciding you were simply just have not had time to dwell on anything for a while, you finished drying the dishes. You both then headed to his room, painting and bag towed in hand.

The soft orange glow inside his train car bounced off the neon paint spatters that decorated the walls. The room smelled of citrus and cinnamon, very fitting for Mikey. He offered you the orange bean bag chair to sit in, which you gratefully accepted. You pulled out your paint supplies from your bag, setting them in the small wooden table in front of you. Your painting settled in your hands. The colors looked more of a greenish tint and murky under the new lighting. 

How ugly. 

Mikey pulled out some acrylic paints of his own and sat down in the other beanbag chair next to you. He saw your unapproved expression but said nothing of it. "So explain to me this art project of yours."

"We are to do a rendition of one of Vincent Van Gogh's pieces." You sat the painting on the table. "I barely know anything of this artist, and all I recognized was this, 'Starry Night'. Mr. Ramos also said we had to add our own charm to it and present it next week." 

Mikey nodded, humming in thought. "So what do you like about this piece you have done so far." 

You shrugged. "That I got something on the canvas, the bare minimum." 

He chuckled. "What about the colors do you like?" A shrug in response once more. 

"They are similar to what the original painting had?" He chuckled again. Adjusting himself to where your shoulders were touching, he pointed at the blue swirls of the sky. 

"What do you think of the blues?" You scrunched your nose, eyes squinted. They were blue, what else? "Close your eyes and think of things you know are blue." Weirded out by his suggestion, you hesitantly obliged. What good is the color if you can't see it? You shut your eyes firmly. "Easy now. Relax." Releasing pressure, your eyelids relaxed.

All colors were now gone, only the deep void of black. 

Blue. 

The sky is obviously blue. Your hands were placed flat on the table, and the posture straightened. This was unnerving. Mikey was the expert of all art, not you. But you had to try for his sake. And your grades.

Blue raspberry was the first to come to mind. It was blue and also a good artificial flavor. Wait, Leo’s bandana is blue. He matched well with blue raspberry. So maybe something with energy, 90-esque? 

"Something that reminds me of the good days," you murmured. "Full of energy, nostalgia..." 

"Keep going," Mikey encouraged. Eyes still closed, you thought of the ocean your city was by. Cool blue waves crashed against the shoreline, the sound of sea birds and water reviting through. 

"Calm, cool, withholding strong emotions." 

You could hear Mikey smiling at your answer. "Yes! That's it. Color holds feelings, emotions, and answers. It's something you, as an individual, interpret. Your past is influenced by objects of color and has been a part of your life that will come out forefront when you search in the absence of color." Silence for a few moments. 

"Think of green next." 

Green was hard to come by when living in the city. You racked your brain of anything green. When you visit your family out in the countryside of New York, the fields of green with cows munching away, you smile. The leaves rustling away on the trees, holding up homes for all sorts of creatures. 

At home in the city, people walking in Central Park were another idea. Smell of freshly cut grass clipping and all individuals from near and far enjoying the tranquility the park offered.

"Nature, but with life essentially bursting. A sign of spring, rejuvenation. It brings everything together." A hand rested on top of your left hand, soft yet firm hands easing more ideas. The turtles popped up. "And of course, my friends, you guys." Mikey tightened his fingers around your hand. 

"Good, good. Now, how about orange?" Mikey instantly cane to mind. His smile, the way his eyes lit up everytine you saw him. The way his tongue stuck out when making an art piece. How he was a friend to all, who always listened and was the glue to his family. He cared, with all his heart.

He was your best friend, but it always seemed to have been more. His time with you, his way of helping you without a delay. Sneakily, the bubbly youngest held onto your heart strings. Now, they were pulling.

"Citrus, a dash of zest if you will." You paused, feeling your heart pace. You prayed he couldn't feel your pulse or noticed the hitch in your breath. "Playful and innocent, mostly like you." He snorted at your tease.

Your memories with him were tinted with orange, a golden glow of fondness entertwined. "Fond memories of the past. They fill me with warmth." A hand was placed on your right cheek, three digits holding your face like porcelain. You felt your face heated up immensely at the gesture. 

"Anything else?" His breath smelled of orange. Your mind flipped through all your memories of him. A mental scrapbook of all you have been through. It landed at your box of gifts from him, the singular gum wrapper from the beginning of your friendship. 

Fluttering your eyes open, Michelangelo was eye-to-eye with you. His eyes bored into yours, the orange bandana complimenting everything your soul searched for. It took all your willpower to say what your heart yearned for. 

"You."

Seconds of silence followed. The orange lighting of the room, it was the golden memories. All orange. All him. 

Slowly, he leaned in, taking his hands to cup around your cheeks fully. You leaned in return instinctively. His eyes closed. Yours did too. The absence of color, then orange burst in swirls as his lips landed on yours. Warmth flooded through you. Your pink cheeks turned to a dark red, burning to the touch it felt.

As slowly as he engaged the kiss, he pulled away. Eyes fluttering open, the orange dimmed a bit to him. A grin was adorned, but still could not hide his pink blush. He rubbed his thumb on your cheek once more, compassion wrapping you as if in a blanket. 

Colors were not just memories you recall. They are of the present, and the future. They represent and profoundly produce into your life. Orange just happened to be your color.

Chapter Text

It was a boring day, to say the least. Outside, people were bundled up with jackets and hats as they hurried to their next location. You remained in the warmth of your apartment, sitting in the windowsill. You felt the cold air seeping through the cracks of the old sealing of your window. 

A soft, plush blanket covered your feet and legs. The hot tea you brewed earlier had since gone cold in your mug, no longer warming your hands. Having grown up in the Big Apple itself, you are used to the chilly weather. Being out in it, however, was not your cup of tea. 

But puns were.

The sound of intermittent hums broke your people-watching. Snatching it, a familiar called ID illuminated the screen. A toothy-grin, the snapping turtle was adorned with his signature red bandana. You softly smiled at the photo. It was your close friend, Raphael. 

You both met during one of him, and his brothers fights with some crooks in Central Park over a year ago. The crooks weren't after you, thankfully, but you did get caught in the crossfire. In blissful ignorance, you had your earbuds in. Music blared into your ears as you were taking a late evening stroll. In your own world, you had failed to notice your surroundings. So suddenly did muscular arms took hold around your waist, making you yelp in shock. Being lifted into the air, you continued to shout, unable to hear much due to the music still playing. Arms and legs flared in a futile attempt. Moments into your yells, you were then set carefully behind a large oak tree. Heart pounding, you swiveled around to take a good look at the culprit, yanking your earbuds out. 

"What the heck! Who the flip do you think you are -" 

Your brain came up to the speed of the events. The sounds of fighting and metal clashing greeted your senses. Visually, you could not see the fight. Instead, a ginormous green turtle loomed over you. 

The legendary saviors of New York? They were true?

You pulled yourself together, keeping your jaw from dropping to the ground. All your life, you grew up in New York, and once the heroes of New York began to emerge in rumors, you tossed it off as a silly tale. How wrong you were.

The mutant gave a humble smile, cheeks tinted pink. He was huge muscle mass and height wise. How sweet he looked, you would have never guessed this. 

"I'm sorry if I spooked ya. I didn't want ya to get hit by the flames." A strong Brooklyn accent. You also would have never guessed that. Yet, he had a softer tone to his voice despite the slight rasp. "Just be careful and pay attention to ya surroundin'. Keep walkin' down that way -" He directed his attention East of where you stood, "and you'll be safer from here." Without giving you a chance to reply, he departed from you and to the fight at hand. 

Your head spun, still processing all you witnessed. You were taken aback by everything. It wasn't fear that took hold of you but rather curiosity. Intrigued would be the best way to describe the dust of pink on your cheeks and the starry-eye gaze. 

As any sane person would, you stayed back by the tree until the fight finished. Weapons clashed against a tall salamander mutant, which breathed fire as if a dragon. The brute strength of the snapper was unlike anything you ever saw. Four turtles were engaged, individual fighting styles that cohesively operated together, melding into a team of superpowered ninjas. Their various powers lit up the now dark night, putting all of New York City's lights to shame. The bold red of your hero's psionic powers left you nothing but amazed. The salamander eventually was defeated, scampering off in whimpers. Effectively, the brothers prevented the park from catching on fire; only a few patches of grass were singed. 

The team quickly introduced themselves once they caught the eldest catching your gaze. Their personalities popped off one another, making you even more curious about these brothers. Thus began your adventures with the Mad Dogz, thiugh you prefered the title Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

To this day, you weren't a hundred percent sure with the details of what the fight was about, but you had no care to know. What mattered was the four brothers and your paths collided.

Now, if only your heart would collide into a brick wall with how often it quickens with anything related to Raph. It's progressively gotten worse with your already constant daydreaming. You were more than comfortable around him, but dear Lord the nonstop blushing mess you become needed to simmer down. 

Heart pounding, you answered the call. Immediately, Raph greeted you with excitement. 

"Good morning! Raph just wanted to see if ya wanna grab some coffee or whatever and hang out." You could just imagine him excitedly ever-so-slightly bouncing up and down. He had become more stoic over the years, according to his brothers. Part of growing up, they claimed. Yet, you couldn't help but notice his endearing childish quips here and there. If he wasn't a turtle, a bear would have sufficed.

With nothing to do, you were more than happy to oblige. "Of course! You know I can not say no. Is anyone else going?" 

"Nah, they all got their own things today, and April is out working. It just be the two of us." You felt yourself begin to daydream again at his last words. Trying to prevent yourself, you took a quick swig of your bitter cold tea. The liquid went down the wrong way, making you cough at the irritating tingles left from the remnants of your tea. "Ya okay?" His concern over the phone made you feel once again a bit warmer than just from the hacking fit. 

With a cough, you roughly replied, "I'm okay, don't worry." Throat back to mostly normal, you smiled. "Just choked on my tea, is all. What time do you want to meet up?" 

Raph sighed in relief. "I'm up to headin' now if that's alright. I'll come pick ya up!" Agreeing with the time frame, you said your goodbyes and the phone call ended. 

Crap. You are still in your pajamas. You carefully placed your mug into the kitchen sink, making sure it didn't slam on the bottom. Then, you began to scramble around to finding something appropriate to wear. The studio apartment you had was quite spacious for it being only a one room living space, not including the bathroom and closet. Tiny house living videos online saved you with storage and cost, thankfully, too. Various shades of green, pinks, and yellows adorned inside your abode. As a dreamer, soft colors enclose you in peace of mind from the neon lights of New York. Astonishingly, bright neon tones can be too much even for a New Yorker as yourself. 

Slipping on your comfortable wear and hair now tamed, you added on your accessories and makeup to finish the look. As you slipped on your shoes, a knock came over from your front door. Peeking through the peephole, red bandana stood. Snatching your jacket that hung by the door, you opened the entrance and greeted Raph with a warm hello. He had a black leather jacket on of a dull red shirt, his head and face mostly covered with his red bandana and scarf. Black pants and shoes completed his look. His arms were crossed, smirking at you. How can one look so handsome yet so adorable? The colors he wore were bold, yet warm. A sense of protection and comfort you deemed appropriate to him.

You stepped out and locked the door behind you. Raph walked alongside you as you exited your apartment complex. The brisk air greeted you, a small mist from your breath floating up in the air. The wind wasn't blowing, thankfully. Raph made sure to walk alongside you to where he was between the road and you, his arm almost brushing up against yours. Each light brush you wished you could feel without his jacket and yours in the way.

"So how have you been?" A small question Raph always made sure to ask everyone he knew with. You snickered. 

"Raph, I saw you and the others literally last night." You, in fact, did. It was Jupiter Jim movie night, and you made sure to be there for it. You could smell popcorn on your shirt when you went home that evening, no thanks to Leo spilling a bowl all over you after taunting Donnie. 

Raph laughed at your response. "Yeah, ya did. But it's a new day! And ya never know, things can happen in a blink of an eye, ya know?"

You nodded in understanding. "True true. Raph, the Wise has spoken again." Raph rubbed his neck at your tease, quietly denying. You hummed in thought. "I suppose today was okay so far. My tea cooled down way too fast for my liking, but my morning was decent. You already made the day a hundred times better, though, by inviting me." Ignoring your nervousness after saying the phrase out loud, you continued forcing a smile to cover your unsettledness. 

"Aw shucks. Ya are too kind. Good thing we are getting ya something that will stay warmer longer." Eventually, you both arrived at your favorite local cafe. Raph knew your preferred joints and was always more than happy to go along. Of course, you knew his as well, though they were mainly pizza oriented. Raph opened the door for you, which you thanked graciously for. Warm scents of coffee beans and spice enticed you, matching the much more warmer air inside the store. Hot beverages were the best, especially for days such as today. 

Everyone else had the same thought process as you. The line wasn't too painfully long, but it was taking a bit for it to dwindle down. As you both waited, you went on about what drinks you would get. You decided on your usual and Raph, not sure what to get, copied your order. As you went to pay, Raph beat you to it, cash out already to the cafe worker. You wanted to fight it but decided it was best not to. Raph was too stubborn to argue with.

As you waited for your beverages off to the side of the counter, Raph had a far off look, staring towards the streets of New York. 

Perhaps he was uncomfortable with the crowd. 

"Everything okay?" Raph turned to you in a sharp movement. He appeared flustered before a moment, stumbling on his words. 

"Y-yeah! I'm totally fine, m-more than fine!" He waved his hands frantically in front of him. "I'm doing great, like a boss!" His catchphrase did not ease your worries. Before pressing further, your drinks were called out for the taking. You decided to let him talk to you when he was ready for now.

Deciding it was too crowded inside for you guys' liking, you both headed back outside. It was getting slightly warmer out due to it becoming later in the day. The sun made a few attempts to peak out of the grey clouds, rays shining down on you. 

You hummed in delight of your delicious drink, grinning at Raph when he stated how good it was. With his height and build, the cup looked tiny in his hands, even for it being a large size. Personally, for you, it added a gentle factor to him. He was normally so cautious with the world around him, every step seemingly watchful and intricate. Whereas you were clumsy and ignorant of your surroundings. A bit aloof, but mindful of people's emotions.

"Do you ever think of the future?" Raph's question threw you off. You shrugged. 

"I suppose sometimes. I would like to one day have a better paying job." You chuckled at your own comment. Raph didn't chuckle, lips pressed firm. He paused, mind returning into his thoughts. The city sounds of chatter and sounds dimmed down as you focused more into his inquiry. "Well, I wish to one day commit and take action rather than daydream so much." Your finger pads gently tapped on the cup in hand. "I love to imagine scenarios and live in a colorful world, yet I don't actually try and make them come true."

Raph softly smiled at your answer. "That's beautiful." He turned his view to you, heat rising up your neck at his straightfoward perspective.

"How about you?" Raph's smile died away, eyes squinting at the ground. A few paces more down the sidewalk was enough time to answer. "I always strive to protect this city, and most of all, my family. I have been for years now, and there is no desire to stop." He paused, inhaling deeply. "However, I wanna focus more on things I wanna do for myself. It may be silly, but there have been a few things I have wanted that may be seen as impossible by others." 

You tossed your empty cup in a trashcan while passing by, attempting to hide your confused expression at his words. "Like what?" Raph finally looked at you, his amber eyes bearing into your own. He seemed to want to speak, the intensity making your heart want to jump out of your chest. What felt like minutes, he said nothing. 

Before anything else could be said, Raph tore his gaze away. His demeanor further added to your confusion. Your attention went to the storefront Raph aimed his attention towards. A colorful statue of a stuffed bear stood off to the side of the entrance, sporting a deep blue vest. Flyers were plastered on the window, advertising for their new sales and lines of plushes. It was none other than Teddy Bear Town. With a squeal, Raph grabbed your hand and pulled you behind him. 

It was hard to join in his excitement. What was up with his question, let alone his response? Why did he practically stare into your very core? What worried you the most was how he changed the situation within moments. You could not get any read on his emotions.

The bright luminescence of the LED store lights brought you back to the new current situation. Shelves upon shelves of assorted, unstuffed dolls were lined one after the other. There seemed to be no systematic approach to the dolls based on any characteristic. Everything was random and chaotic. 

Raph's eyes were twinkling at the sight. He truly was like a kid at the candy store. Still holding your hand, he pulled you along through the shelves of the store, admiring the merchandise. He released your hand, grabbing and moving items. You had your arms crossed over your chest, attempting to keep your thoughts to yourself. Something was definitely up.

As he continued to look, you saw a deflated plush catch your eye, smooshed behind a cat doll. Grabbing it, you realized it was a green colored turtle. Shiny, little brown buttons as eyes glinted in the light at you. 

"That one is so cute!" He gushed at what you held, little hearts flying. You were taken aback at this total 180 degree mood change. Perhaps all earlier was him venting out his immediate thoughts, and they were nothing more. "Let's do that one!"

You giggled, agreeing. At least he is happy now. Bringing it over to a small machine, you both figured out how to fill the cute thing with stuffing. Raph slipped in a little red heart, scribbling on his name on one side and you the other. 

Filled to the brim and shut close; it was time to pick out an accessory. A plethora of outfits and accessories overwhelmed you. You felt your eyes spinning at the sight. Raph laid a hand on your shoulder, pointing at a rack of small bows, tiny hats, and ribbons. "Let's keep it simple."

The rack had a rainbow of colors and textures to choose from. After trying out an assortment of ideas, you landed on a small red bow to tie around its neck, laying on the side. Stoked, you couldn't help but gush with Raph at the decision. Heading to the checkout, you both discussed name ideas. 

"How about Shelly? Or we can go with Oogway!" Raph shook his head.

"Bubbles is a cute one," he offered. "Ooh, maybe Flash or Tank?" 

"How about Venus?" Raph nodded in agreement at the suggestion. "I like that! Seems fitting." 

Raph once again paid despite your protests. The day starting to now cool down, it was best to start heading back. 

The sun no longer shone through the clouds. It now hid behind the skyscrapers. Shivering slightly at the drop of temperature, you were more than happy at the sight of your complex. You both were quiet when walking back, small, basic chitchat here and there. Something was in the air, and you wanted to know what. 

Not wanting to have the day end, you invited Raph to stay for dinner, to which he agreed. Heating up some leftover pizza, you served the warm food, which Raph was more than happy to eat. Sitting on the couch together, you remained in your own worlds. Pizza long gone, you placed your plate on the coffee table.

A soft, warm little turtle was placed on your lap. Brown orbs gazing up at you, you turned your head to Raphael. He was once again staring, his face matching the color of his bandana. Somehow, he was right up next to you, looking down at you. His arm, no longer with a jacket, was pressed against your arm.

"Earlier, I said I wanted some things that were impossible. What I want most maybe; but I want to at least try." 

He grabbed your hands with his. His hands encaved yours, thumbs rubbing against your hand. Butterflies danced in your stomach in delight, a difference from the usual frantic rhythm.

You. He wants you.

Shyly, you batted your eyelashes. "I want to actually take hold of what I've been dreaming about." You straightened your back, leaning up to him. His eyes widened when you touched your nose with his. "I want you, Raphael." 

He slowly closed the gap, gently pressing his lips onto yours. Eyes closed, the warmth of his lips settled on yours. The waters tested safe, you deepened the kiss, Raph returning. The deep passion, the desire of months of waiting and wanting. The future was now.

You may, for the hundredth time, be a blushing red mess for the rest of your life with Raphael. You no longer mind. After all, red was a good color on you.

Chapter Text

As someone who never says no, you were the perfect lab rat for Donatello. Compared to the Hamato family and friends, you were by far the most timid. A bit of a homebody who wants to curl and doodle away in the comforts of your home, the idea of going on sporadic adventures was not it. Sadly for you, the universe has a strong sense of humor.

"Now, I need you to stay the utmost still for this to work." Various cords of violets and greens lit up from all over your body. The intelligent spined softshell refused to use needles of any kind. His tech was all he needed and nothing more. Stickers stuck all over you, something you would have to scrub off your clothes after. The stickers, however, weren't Donnie’s or Leo's usual medical tape. It was something Mikey gave to you to help add a little fun while hanging with "boring" Donnie; his words not yours. Little rainbow and unicorn stickers smiled up at you almost mockingly.

As someone who never says no, you were the perfect lab rat for Donatello. Compared to the Hamato family and friends, you were by far the most timid. A bit of a homebody who wants to curl and doodle away in the comforts of your home, the idea of going on sporadic adventures was not it. Sadly for you, the universe has a strong sense of humor.

"Don't hold your breath!" He shook his head. "You are getting a bit stiff. Relax, this experiment will work best when you are settled. I need your usual blood flow and oxygen intake for the common factor. My studies will not be accurate when the controlled base study is screwy."

Inhale. Hold. Exhale.

Your shoulders relaxed. You were nervous, not at Donnie’s abilities, but of why he needed specifically and only you. Before getting covered in wires and sitting in a cold metal chair, you inquired Shelldon 2.0 of what Donnie was planning. 

"My memory log was swiped," Shelldon admitted, eyes dimming in sadness. "Otherwise, I would tell you if I knew dudette." This was not comforting.

"Better, much better." On his mother computer, he typed away. Numbers and letters dashed across the screen, aligning his swift movements. As you watched the random jumble fly by on the screen, your mind drifted on how you even got involved in the science wiz's life.

Not originally from the bustling city, it was a leap of faith you were even here. Soon after moving, the turtles saved you from being mugged by a couple of crooks, and you were essentially "adopted" as Michelangelo put. The brothers gushed constantly over you, saying things as "cute", "meek", and "adorable". It was a lot to get adjusted to, especially when you weren't surrounded by compliments and family bonding before such as they were accustomed to. 

Perhaps that was why Donatello stuck out to you from the get-go. He didn't overwhelm you when you first met like the others, just stayed off to the side and played on his phone. His only words to you at the time was "Donatello" when introductions were made. Taking time to get even used to the idea of mutant turtles, along with almost becoming dead-meat to criminals of New York, takes time to comprehend.

You were taken to the lair to recooperate and acknowledge reality. More specifically, you were placed in Donnie’s lab. Leon was more than happy to analyze you for any injuries, cleaning up scratches using alcohol and bandaging anything that needed it. Raph stood by you as you were sitting on a metal countet, asking general questions about you. Mikey was munching away on a few pizza rolls, which he graciously heated up for you all to munch on. Donnie was the only one not directly interacting with you.  

The tech-genius typed away on what you decided to call his "Mother Computer" due to the vast size of technology. You couldn't understand anything he typed.

Even if you wanted to focus, the room seemed to suddenly shift and shrink. Vision becoming blurry, you felt your heart seemingly stop beating. 

No no no no. 

You attempted to focus on your heartbeat, but all senses disintegrated. Your fingertips tingled, becoming static. A sudden shift of weight forced itself upon your shoulders and chest. Tears pooled around your now firmly shut eyelids, threatening to pour out. You were trying everything you could to feel your heartbeat return to normal. Your body to turn normal. Your life to become normal.

"Everyturtle back. Out of the lair, give her space." The three presence of the mutants that surrounded you left. You didn't know what they said. Silence followed.

"I need you to inhale deeply. Listen to me count for eight seconds and keep inhaling until the end." A voice spoke below you. Leaving your eyes closed, you attempted to follow the instructions. Once you sounded your inhale, the voice spoke again. 

"One, two, three.." The masculine voice spoke lowly and slowly, forcing you to focus on the words. It was a struggle, but you managed. "Hold for five, then exhale for six." They counted twice more for you. "You're doing good. Do it again." You did just that for a few rounds. 

Inhale. Hold. Exhale.

Slowly, you felt your heartbeat once more. Quiet, but it was there. The static eventually went away, making you realize you were having a death grip on the table you sat on. Your eyelids felt heavy opening them, but you were surprised by what you saw before you. Donatello was crouched down, elbows on his knees below your form. He was leaning back on his heels, making sure his tall stature didn't impose your space. His strange eyebrows creased slightly towards one another. He appeared concerned. 

"Are you okay?" You gave a small nod. The hot tears were no more, making way for you to cool off from overheating. Your vision had become stable, and no longer did you feel claustrophobic. Violet hues filtered your sight. "Tell me three things you can see." 

You bit your bottom lip. "My shoes, the floor, and you, wearing a violet bandana." You stared back at your shoes, your feet dangling. One of your laces was untied, the aglets clicking against each other.

"Tell me two things you can smell." That one took a bit longer to process. You tried not to sniff loudly.

"I can smell metal, and something like lavender?" 

"Yes, yes, you are correct. The lavender scent calms me, so you will faintly smell it when in here." You will take note of that.

"Now, finally, tell me one thing you can feel." 

"I feel the cool metal of the table." You lightened your grip on the edge, allowing it to chill your hands. 

The end of his mouth curled up in a soft smile, his eyebrows no longer wrinkled. "Take a couple more minutes, and I'll have Mikey get you some water to hydrate. Attacks like what you had take a major toll." He slowly stood up, straightening his back. He wasn't incredibly tall, not overlooking you too much.

He gave a smirk at your relaxed form. "You are fortunate that I, Donatello Hamato, was here to save the day. Something my brothers will greatly envy over and my beloved father to honor me as such." He failed his hands dramatically as he spoke, stars glistening around him.

The instant change in personality threw you for a loop. Oh gosh, was he a theatre kid at one point?

"I am here to protect you, my dear Watson." He had to have definitely been in another lifetime, at least. You couldn't help but softly laugh, amused by him. He was honestly a dork. Now taking a good look, his goggles placed on cricked upon his head gave him a nerdy touch to his offset demeanor. 

His smirk grew at your acknowledgment. "Now that you have laid eyes on such magnificence, AKA me, please, ask away any questions. I am a genius of all, pure ambiguity and wisdom for all who care to hear." 

That started a tight-knit relationship with Donnie

Looking back a couple of months later, you were able to realize Donatello was analyzing you from the get-go. He realized you were anxious, something you yourself at the time didn't know until the panic attack rose.

"Eureka! That is perfect." His excited verbiage pulled you back in the now. He now held a small device, painted in his signature color. His shell was still turned towards you, so your questions were left unanswered of what was going on. "Now that I have that in my records, I am going to perform a test." He walked over to you, device still in hand. 

His brows creased. "Are you okay proceeding further?" You nodded, grinning. "If at any point you feel uncomfortable or need to stop, let me know... please. " You barely caught on to the last word. Nodding again, he smirked. "This is merely to make sure my contraption is working effectively. React naturally as possible to what I am about to show you, my dear Watson." The nickname never did leave you.

A few nanoclicks and a hologram projected from his arm device. The screen showed what resembled flash cards. 

The first card had a baby sloth on it, leaning over from inside a teacup. Instantly, you "aw" at the creature. You were absolutely weak to cute animals. Donnie nodded his head in approval at the reaction. He checked his scanner, reading what you are presuming to be whatever he was tracking.

The flashcard flipped to show the next. It was quite literally a dump you see in New York. Trash, unknown substances, dead rodents, the whole thing. You were grossed out, nose scrunched at the atrocious photo. Donnie did not look up.

"Next." The new card was a recent photo of the Hamato family, April, Casey, and you included. Your reaction was a warm smile. They were your new family, and you could not have it any other way. 

The hologram diminished back into the sleeve. "Excellent!" Pressing a couple of buttons on the device, it gave a little "ding". You heard your phone vibrate and light up a violet screen at the table next to you. The screen went back to black seconds later. He pulled off the cords from you, some stickers remaining. 

"Make sure to keep your phone on your person for the next week no matter you do. This is detrimental. Any questions?" He handed your phone to you. 

"Yeah, what exactly is this for?" Donnie scoffed, waving off your question. 

"You will know soon enough, my dear Watson." Donnie grabbed your hand to help you down. You couldn't help but enjoy his hand on yours. Donnie was not the type to have physical touch with others. So, the simplest touches you couldn't help but revel in. An almost ghostly presence always remained, where he last touched you for a few minutes each time.

Violet flashed, phone signaling with the vibrations.

Donnie suddenly released your hand, almost causing you to fall forward at a lack of support going down the chair. "That is all for now! Go on, go hang out with my brothers or something. I'll see you whenever." Before you could protest, he shoved you out of the lab, slamming the door behind you.

You were completely baffled to put it lightly. Donnie is impulsive in many way, yet this is a totally new degree, even for him. Maybe his lack of sleep finally caught up to him. 

"Everything okay?" Raphael and Michelangelo came from around the corner, confused. Mikey spun around you, checking you out in a brotherly manner. He spun around you like a vulture. "We heard the lab door slam. Donnie hates it when the door is closed roughly."

You looked over your shoulder back at the door. "I am just as confused as you." 

Raphael sighed. "I don't know what to do with him sometimes. He really needs to get a girlfriend or something." Your ears turned red at his comment. Your hand momentarily became purple.

"Next time you come over, you have to do a dance off with us." Mikey winked. "I need to beat Donnie's high score. I feel you can be a good distraction to make him lose." The phone lit yet again. You had no idea what the youngest was going on about and definitely didn't want to become the target of his mischief.

"C’mon, let us get Leo and have him take you home. It's gettin' late, and we know ya got work tomorrow." Raph glared at the box turtle, who in returned smiled sheepishly. Graciously, you accepted their offer. You attempted to ignore the abnormal behavior, if that were possible.

It was now nighttime, the city lights shining through the bedroom window. Your room was of mellow colors to relax your from the chaos of the city. Browns, creams, and soft pinks and violets was your comfort color scheme. The scent of lavender eased some of your rigidness. You laid under your comforter, replaying what the red-ear slider said.

Leon had talked your ear off for a good half-an-hour when he portalled you home. No surprise there. "Sooooo when will we see you next time sweat pea?" His flirts were no surprise either. 

"I work the next couple of days. I'll try to stop by an evening or two before my next days off." 

Leo leaned against his katana. "I thought you would say that. I say come by as much as you can. It would really help a certain brother of mine out a lot." 

"Leonardo, what are you going on about?" You crossed your arms. Him too now? "Really, what is everyone going on about, truly?" 

Leo simply shrugged. "I don't know, my dear Watson." He formed his signature blue portal with a flick of his wrist. Since when did this turtle say that nickname to you? Violet lit up. "I'll come pick you up after work each and every single night! See ya tomorrow!" His voice echoed as he jumped into the vastness of the void. The portal closed behind him.

Your mouth was left open agape. "That dumbass didn't even ask what time I was off tomorrow." Your patience was wearing thin amd fast.

You kept the phone to where you were still touching, following Donnie's orders to a "T". You left a goodnight text message to Donnie before passing out. It kept lighting up violet as you messaged him, and once in a while as you began to fall asleep. Your phone lit up again upon reading his goodnight and morning message when you awoke the next day.

The next few days were packed for you. With work, chores, laundry, dinner, and contacting your family members for chats, it was no wonder the first full day off you were exhausted. To top it off, Leo did, in fact, take you to the lair: Every. Single. Night. You had done what felt like a strict schedule of family time with everyone. You had a dance battle one night, movie night the next. Against your will, you were dragged into building hopping one night, then another night of cooking dinner. Poor April and Casey were super confused why you were there so much. 

Thankfully, Donnie was always there and acting his usual egotistical, somewhat maniac, sassy self. The brothers didn't acting anything out of the ordinary you saw either. 

The cherry ontop was your phone. Random time through your days, even when you least expect it, would light up. At work, the grocery store, taking a walk, even the most mundane tasks it didn't fail to glow. It even woke you up once in the wee hours of the morning. When you went to buy some coffee for Donnie, it lit up nonstop for the whole errand. You were shocked you hadn't chucked it out your apartment window at this rate. And every time the color popped up, for some reason, it reminded you of Donnie, which caused it to flash more.

As a pacifist, you now wondered if it was time to take violent actions.

Eventually a full seven days came around (you messaged Raph to confirm you did, in fact, know what a week was). The fateful day was merciful. You slept in, got a chance to take a long shower, able to eat your own cooking. It was amazing. No one messaged you besides Donnie that day. The purple flashes continued, the only thing irking you. Best of all, you were not stolen away by a portal. As the sun was setting, you heard the sound of a ripple and a flash of blue light. 

Great. 

"Good evening, hot stuff!" Leon had his hand outstretched to you. "I may or may not promise this is the last time you will have to come with me for a while." Gosh, you hope so. Sighing, you took his hand. Instead of him leading you both in, he tossed you into the portal alone. "See ya soon!" 

Blue swirls surrounded you. "Leonardo, you motherf-" You got cut off, collaping onto a cold, hard floor. The portal closed, leaving you ready to wring a certain blue-clad turtle. 

"I believe I'm supposed to be the agitated one towards my simple single-cell brain brothers." Getting on your feet, you blushed in embarrassment at Donnie’s presence. You were in his laboratory. The darn phone in your back pocket glowed violet.

"Anyways, thank you for coming. I know you have been dying to see me." He was right as always. "So, are you wondering what all of this is about, I presume?" He leaned back against a counter.

Aggressively, you shook your head in agreement. "I'm more than happy to always help you out, you know that?" 

Donnie gasped, raising his hand to his heart. "Why, but of course!" 

You squinted at him. "Then, by heaven's grace, Donatello Hamato, you need to tell me what the heck you are testing me for! I'm about to lose my marbles." 

Donnie paused, feigning a shocked expression. "My dear, I'll tell you why." He straighted up and walked towards you. He stopped a mere inch from you, smirking. Your heart banged against your chest. 

So close. 

"I was worried my dumb-foolery brothers would have ruined my plan. Honestly, my own tech betrayed me, and I had to take him out with the very hands that also created him." Oh, that's why Shelldon's memory was wiped. 

"Yet, they all made the point to begin with and I had to know. My science provides sufficient evidence for social cues that they struggled to explain." Now you were completely lost

You felt both hands being grabbed by his. Your phone once more lit up the same purple hue, the darn color that matched his bandana all week long.

Inhale. Hold. Exhale.

"The reason I couldn't tell you is because I needed to without overwhelming you and not embarass you. That and if you didn't like me the way I, uh," he stumbled on his words, "like you, it put significant underlining damage to our existing friendship." 

A small grin formed after the truth was spoken. "And according to my research you wonderfully provided me this last week, asking would have been pointless."

He stared right into you with unwavering confidence. "You are completely oblivious to your feelings towards me." Your eyes widened, frozen.

Inhale. Hold. Exhale.

Oblivious to your own feelings towards Donatello. You felt embarrassed at your painful lack of perspective, yet so giddy at the revelation.

"So, the best way for you to comprehend is by yours truly to demonstrate." His forehead pressed against yours. "If you are one hundred percent okay with that." 

You shakily nodded, bashful at his words. "Hundred percent." Smoothly, he leaned in, pressing his lips against yours. You held your breath, this time consciously. The touches of him on your skin were great; but kissing him? It woken up an emotion you never felt for someone else, a craving for more of this type of feeling. 

It seemed too soon to end the kiss when he pulled back. The phone in your back pocket illuminated bright violets behind you, vibrating a storm. 

"You know, purple is a good color on you. Might have to get matching satin jackets." Giggling, you pulled him into a tight embrace. He stiffened momentarily, not forseeing such a move from you. He then relaxed into the hug. To be blinded by violet, you would do this again.