Busybee

How Vern became

“The Falcon”

Headcannon about Vern Fenwick since he plays in both 2014 and 2016 TMNT films. Even though he did not take down Shredder the turtles knew they couldn’t show they’re faces. So here’s how I think it all started leveling for Vern in his strange way of becoming famous.

At the end of the first movie, the turtles are still trying to stay hidden. They saved New York, but if the public found out four giant mutant turtles existed, their lives would change overnight. Leo, especially, would see anonymity as protecting both his family and Splinter.

So someone had to become the public hero.

Vern was already there. He had been helping April throughout the investigation, and unlike the turtles, he could actually stand in front of cameras.

In 2016 we hear Vern say “Raph give me a break. You’re the one who told me to take credit for bringing down Shredder in the first place.”

Which we see from the beginning until the end when the truth is revealed that it was actually the turtles that took shredder down, Vern is an awkward guy. 2014 pretty much every time he’s around April he’s stuttering or he’s trying to be that troth on coffee. That is until he gets used to the fame and being a big shot which is why the turtles spit ball him during the Knicks game.

From the turtles' perspective, especially Leo's, it wasn't about letting Vern steal their glory. It was a practical decision. As long as the city believed ordinary people had defeated Shredder, the turtles could continue protecting New York without becoming the center of public attention.

The key is that Vern never claims to be a superhero with powers.

Two days after Shredder's apparent death, the NYPD holds a packed press conference. Chief steps up to the podium:

"Today we'd like to recognize an individual whose actions assisted in bringing down the criminal organization known as the Foot Clan."

Vern almost chokes, "...Me?"

He walks to the podium on shaky legs. Every camera in New York turns toward him. Questions fly immediately,

"Were you afraid?" "What was Shredder like?" "How did you stop him?"

Vern glances toward April she gives him the smallest nod. So he tells the truth...mostly.

"I wasn't trying to be a hero. I was trying to help." People love that answer.

One late-night talk show host starts joking. "So...you're kind of New York's guardian bird." Another laughs

"The Falcon!"

The audience erupts in laughter and clapping and the name sticks overnight. Vern hates it. Then people start shouting it on the street. "Hey, Falcon!"

Kids ask for selfies, cute girls wave at him. The city adopts it before he has any say.

Of course, Vern is still...Vern.

After months of interviews, awards, and being recognized everywhere, a little ego creeps in. Not because he's malicious, but because people keep treating him like a hero. One night, he walks into the lair carrying a box of pizzas.

Mikey points at a magazine tucked under Vern's arm. "...Is that...you?"

Vern glances down the cover reads: “NEW YORK'S FALCON” He shrugs, trying to play it cool. "...It's just a magazine."

Raphael smirks, "You framed it?"

"I did not frame it."

Donnie clears his throat, "...It's in a protective plastic sleeve."

"...That came from the publisher."

Leo chuckles quietly cuz Vern is really trying to help and keep it cool.

TMNT BAYVERSE YOUNGER HUMAN SIBLING SENERIO

Thank you for giving me a second chance, I accidentally deleted the drift I was using the first time you asked.

The Bayverse Turtles with a human sibling…

The plus to having an extra sibling is things like more play time, someone else to share things with, another companion to have growing up. Diversity would become a grey area instead of just black and white like human and mutants, it would just be their siblings in their eyes. Which is heart warming. More culture exposure and more relations between humans and turtles early on in their lives.

But the down side is even though there is another kid around; a human sibling is not the same as a mutant. Splinter said so in the 2014 film “The brothers excelled at a wondrous rate.” once he started training them. As we saw in the flashback scene it didn’t take long for them to learn, then get faster at their teachings. That’s fantastic for them, but that would be hard for a human child to keep up with. It’s just the development differences in both kids. Mutation strengthens in dramatic forms, while the human sibling is also growing like the turtles are, but at the normal human growth rate.

The turtles are maybe eight years old, and their human sibling is six. Leo is practicing his balance by walking across pipes, Donnie is figuring out how to swing from one platform to another, Raph is turning everything into a competition, Mikey is somehow making it into a game.

And the human sibling is standing there thinking; “How.”

Seeing their older brothers parkour like levels in a game meanwhile tiny human down below climbing up not very safe pipes. “You’re too fast! Wait for me.”

Raph climbing up on a pipe Donnie just leaped up on, “Common shrimp, gotta keep up with the big dogs.”

Mikey keeping pace behind tiny human just to be supportive. “Up and over. Right foot, left foot, one foot in front of the other.”

It might take longer before they all reach the top but they can. It’s just different strengths is all and there is nothing wrong with it.

Because Leo’s instinct is to train and improve. He’d want his sibling included.

“Again. Try again. You almost had it.”

But eventually Splinter would have to explain:

“Your sibling is not meant to follow your path in the same way. You were changed by the mutagen. They were not.”

Leo would probably become less focused on making them keep up and more focused on teaching them how to work with what they have.

Raph would probably pretend he doesn’t care, but he’d notice immediately.

If the human sibling falls behind during one of their “adventures,” Raph is absolutely the one who would complain.

“Slow down, idiots.”

Everyone would look at him because he’s the one who usually runs ahead.

“What? I’m not saying I care. I’m saying you guys are making too much noise.”

Meanwhile, he’s already walking back to make sure they’re okay.

Donnie would understand the difference logically. He’d probably be the first to explain the physical gap.

“Their muscle development, reflexes, and coordination are within normal human ranges. Ours are not.”

Then he’d immediately start inventing ways to help. Not to make them a mutant, but to help them navigate the world they live in. Better climbing gear, safety equipment, training designed for human ability.

Mikey would probably be the most patient because Mikey understands what it feels like to be underestimated.

He wouldn’t care that they’re slower. He’d just adapt. The turtles are flipping across pipes? Mikey is walking beside them instead. The turtles are racing? Mikey is cheering them on. The human sibling trips while trying to copy them? Mikey is laughing, but not at them.

“Dude, that was awesome. You only fell like three times.”

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But I definitely think this would be something cute to witness especially with differences in strength, mindset, and how each are raised. It would be cute to have seen another kid blend in with the brothers. Instead of Karai situation there would have been another human/family member that was also a ninja just like them. But for good.

Watching the two movies long enough now I’ve seen the little details that Michael Bay has put on each turtle and in their living space. Very interesting how many little details you can fit on one single character.

The First Swords

Around eleven or twelve, Splinter gave Leo his first two katanas that he used in every sense. For practice, for play like when cutting pizza, making his mistakes early as he should before getting the real blades. Even after earning real katanas, one of those practice swords still sits on a shelf in the dojo, too worn to train with but too meaningful to throw away.

Learning The Wraps

When Leo first began wrapping his hands and forearms, they were always uneven and came loose during training. He would quietly unwrap them and start over until he could tie them perfectly. By adulthood, wrapping his gear had become a ritual something he could do almost without thinking before every patrol.

His First Leadership Journal

I truly believe this turtle has a journal he keeps quotes inside from Splinter, the many books he reads that are important and motivational, not only that but the little message on the inside either the front or the back of the book says “Protect them first.” He always puts his brothers first no matter what happens.

The Shoulder Guard

Raphael hated wearing armor when he was younger. After one too many bruised shoulders from sparring and patrols, Donnie pieced together a crude shoulder guard from old sports pads and scrap metal. Raph complained about the weight constantly, but after realizing he wasn't getting hurt nearly as often, he never took it off. And eventually we see that evolved shoulder pad in 2016.

The Dock Chain

One rainy night as a teenager, Raphael found a length of heavy chain tangled around an abandoned piling near the docks. He hauled it home simply because he thought it looked useful. It became a climbing tool, a training weight, and eventually a story to tell in a pile of work out gear.

The Repaired Sai

One of Raphael's sai has a handle reinforced beneath its leather wrap. It cracked during an early patrol when he blocked a hard strike. Donnie offered to replace it, but Raphael refused. To him, a repaired weapon had more character than a brand-new one. I’d like to think that’s the extra he keeps in his shell.

The Swim Goggles

Before the high-tech goggles, Donnie wore an old pair of children's swim goggles he found washed into the sewer. Like what we see in 2014 when he was a kid. They fogged constantly, leaked around the edges, and looked ridiculous but they sparked an obsession with improving everything he wore. Every version after that became more advanced.

The Backpack

Donnie's backpack started with nothing more than a screwdriver and a flashlight. Every time one of his brothers asked if he had something useful, another tool found its way inside. Years later, the backpack had become so overloaded that only Donnie knew where anything was.

The Shelf of "Useful Junk"

One corner of Donnie's workspace is stacked with broken radios, old circuit boards, cracked drones, and loose motors. To everyone else it's a pile of junk. To Donnie, every single piece is waiting for the right project.

The First Sunglasses

Michelangelo found his first pair of sunglasses floating through a storm drain after heavy rain. One lens was scratched, and they were much too big, but he wore them proudly anyway. Ever since then, sunglasses became part of who he was.

The Bracelet Collection

Almost every bracelet and necklace Mikey owns has a story. A colorful bead from Chinatown. A pendant discovered during patrol. A braided bracelet April tied around his wrist one afternoon as a joke. He keeps them all because every one reminds him of a good memory.

The Pizza Magnet

As a kid, Mikey found a tiny pizza-shaped refrigerator magnet. Instead of putting it on the fridge, he stuck it to a metal pipe beside his bed. It stayed there for years, becoming one of those little things that quietly made the lair feel like home.

The Meditation Mat

Long before the brothers were old enough to meditate with him, Splinter wove his own simple mat from old rope and fabric scraps. It became his place for reflection, prayer, and quiet thought, eventually wearing thin from decades of faithful use.

His Sons

In the clip in 2014 when he puts all the boys to bed, I love it so much all because he’s just trying to take care of these four babies sleepy. Also a bunch of respect to him for learning all that in such a random time because rats in general are smart.

The Old Couch

The couch in the living room came from an apartment renovation years earlier. The brothers spent nearly an entire night dragging it through maintenance tunnels. By the time they got it home, they were exhausted, filthy, and laughing too hard to care that one armrest had fallen off.

The Television

The television barely worked when Donnie found it sitting beside a dumpster. Over several weeks he repaired it piece by piece using scavenged electronics. The first movie the family watched together on it turned into an argument over who got to pick, but none of them ever forgot that night.

The Punching Bag

Raphael's first punching bag was nothing more than an old duffel bag stuffed with worn-out clothes. He destroyed it in less than a month. Every replacement became stronger, until Donnie finally built one sturdy enough to survive Raphael's training sessions.

The Kitchen Table

The large table where the family gathers wasn't built all at once. It started as a plain workbench that Splinter must have dragged when the boys were just tots. They had to have somewhere to eat. But as the boys got older then over the years it was repaired, replaced, and salvaged and made new. By the time of the 2016 film, it had become the heart of the lair—a place where they ate, argued, planned missions, celebrated victories, and simply enjoyed being a family.

Something nice for America’s 250th Birthday. The boys love their home, and they love the celebration even more.

Characters include: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, April and Casey.

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The sun had disappeared nearly an hour ago, leaving New York glowing in red, white, and blue lights from every direction. Inside the lair, Michelangelo had somehow decorated half the living room. Paper stars hung crookedly from pipes. A tiny American flag had been taped onto one of Donnie's monitors. Another sat tucked into a pizza box.

Raphael looked around with a deadpan expression,

"I leave for twenty minutes..."

He looked up at a string of lights wrapped around a support beam.

"...and suddenly we live in a party store."

Michelangelo threw both arms into the air.

"It's called atmosphere."

Donatello didn't even look up from the wiring he was adjusting.

"Actually, it's called a fire hazard."

Mikey slowly looked toward the blinking lights.

"...Is it?"

Donnie sighed

"...Not anymore."

He clipped one final wire

"There."

The lights stopped flickering. Leonardo stepped out from the hallway carrying a stack of paper plates.

"I thought we agreed no fireworks."

Mikey held up both hands innocently

"Those aren't fireworks."

A beat…

"They're festive lights."

A knock echoed through one of the maintenance doors leading into the subway access. Raph immediately stood one hand rested near his sai.

Leo gave a small nod

"I'll get it."

Moments later, the door opened again. April stepped inside first, carrying two grocery bags. Casey followed with three pizza boxes balanced against one shoulder and a cooler hanging from the other hand.

The second Mikey saw them his entire face lit up

"YOU BROUGHT FOOD!"

April laughed

"I knew that would be your first concern."

"It should be everyone's first concern."

Casey set the pizza boxes down.

"I also brought burgers."

Mikey froze

"...Wait."

His eyes slowly widened

"Burgers..."

He looked at the pizza

"...And pizza?"

Casey nodded once

"Figured with it being a holiday."

Mikey pointed dramatically toward Casey.

"I take back every mean thing I've ever said."

Raph walked over, opening one of the boxes.

"You've definitely never said anything nice."

"I said I take it back."

April began unpacking everything she'd brought, potato salad, corn on the cob, watermelon, brownies she'd picked up from a neighborhood bakery. Nothing fancy. Just things that reminded her of Fourth of July cookouts growing up.

Donnie looked at the spread

"...This is significantly more food than six people require."

Mikey was already reaching for his third burger

"I disagree."

After dinner, they climbed the fire escape to the roof of April's apartment. It wasn't the tallest building in Manhattan. It didn't need to be. From there, they could see bursts of color blooming across the skyline in every direction.

Not one big fireworks show, dozens, Brooklyn, Queens, The Hudson. Even tiny neighborhood displays lighting up rooftops miles away.

Mikey leaned both elbows on the ledge. His eyes reflected the colors exploding overhead.

"...Whoa..."

For once...he didn't have another joke. Raph settled against a brick wall, arms folded.

"...Not bad."

Casey glanced sideways

"That's high praise."

"...Don't push it."

Donnie had brought a pair of modified binoculars. Not because he needed them. Because he'd adjusted the lenses to reduce the brightness. He quietly passed them to April.

"The red spectrum is particularly impressive tonight."

April smiled

"You really made fireworks scientifically better."

"I optimized the viewing experience."

Leo stood near the edge of the roof, not watching for danger for once this month. Just…watching. The city looked different tonight, families gathered on balconies, children pointing toward the sky, boats sitting along the river.

For one evening... New York looked peaceful.

April stepped beside him.

"It's nice."

Leo nodded

"...It's good to see everyone celebrating."

"You ever wish you could?"

She immediately regretted asking. Leo was quiet for several seconds. Another firework bloomed overhead. Gold this time.

"I used to."

He smiled faintly

"But..."

He looked back toward his brothers.

Mikey was trying to convince Casey that sparklers could probably be improved with nunchucks, Raph had already told him no, three times. Donnie was explaining why that was an objectively terrible engineering decision.

"...I think this is enough."

April followed his gaze

A smile slowly spread across her face

"...Yeah, it is."

Another firework echoed across the city Mikey suddenly pointed toward the sky.

"THAT ONE LOOKED LIKE PIZZA!"

Casey looked up

"...That looked absolutely nothing like pizza."

"It was pizza-shaped in my heart."

Raph groaned the rooftop erupted in laughter. Even Leo laughed quietly this time. For one night, they weren't hiding from the city below they were simply watching it celebrate. Not from the middle of the crowd... but together.

FOURTH OF JULY HEADCANNONS

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Leonardo

Leonardo would appreciate what the holiday represents more than the celebration itself. The idea of people gathering peacefully with family, feeling safe enough to celebrate late into the night, reminds him why he and his brothers protect New York. Watching the city enjoy itself without knowing they're being quietly watched over would be enough for him. He wouldn't envy the crowds as much as he'd appreciate seeing the results of their work.

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Raphael

Raphael wouldn't care much about the history or traditions, but he'd appreciate having an excuse to relax without feeling guilty. Good food, being around his family, and hearing laughter instead of alarms would be enough. He'd complain about the noise of the fireworks, joke that they sound like explosions anyway, but secretly enjoy sitting on a rooftop watching them while pretending he isn't paying attention.

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Donatello

Donatello would be fascinated by the engineering behind fireworks, the logistics of citywide celebrations, and the technology that makes such a massive event happen safely. At the same time, he'd appreciate the rare opportunity to spend an evening with his family without someone needing his inventions to save the world. It would be one of the few nights he'd willingly put most of his projects aside.

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Michelangelo

Michelangelo would love nearly everything about the holiday. The food, the decorations, the music drifting through the city, and especially the fireworks. More than anything, he'd love the excitement in the air. Even from a secluded rooftop, he'd soak up every bit of it, treating the whole evening like one giant party and happily making memories with the people he cares about.

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April O'Neil

For April, the Fourth of July would be less about fireworks and more about making sure the turtles get to experience traditions they would otherwise miss. She'd enjoy putting together a simple meal, bringing dessert, or finding a quiet rooftop where everyone could watch the city celebrate together. Seeing the brothers relax, laugh, and simply be themselves would make the holiday feel worthwhile.

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Casey Jones

Casey would appreciate the straightforward parts of the holiday: grilling if he could, eating too much, watching fireworks, and spending time with people he considers family. He's not overly sentimental, but he'd quietly value nights where nobody has to fight, nobody is getting hurt, and everyone can just enjoy each other's company. To him, that's what freedom should feel like.

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Splinter

ARM WRESTLE

Just boys being boys and as accurate as I can make it. Includes Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, April, Casey and Vern.

———————————————————————————————

Raphael vs Leonardo

The lair goes quiet Casey grins,

"Oh, this I gotta see."

Raph cracks his knuckles while Leo simply sits down and places his elbow on the table.

"Ready?"

"Always."

"Three... two... one!"

Their hands don't move the table creaks. Donnie slowly slides his laptop out of the way.

"...Structural integrity is becoming a concern."

After nearly thirty seconds Leo's arm begins to drift making Raph smirk,

"You feelin' that?"

Leo smiles back

"A little."

With one final push

THUNK!

Leo's hand hits the table Raph throws both fists into the air.

"YES!"

Leo rubs his wrist and chuckles

"I'll get you next time."

Winner: Raphael

Time: 34 seconds

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Raphael vs Donatello

Raph looks almost offended

"This ain't fair."

Donnie adjusts his goggles

"I agree."

"Then why are we doing this?"

"For science."

"Three... two... one!"

Raphael wins immediately by Donnie's hand slams the table before he even has time to brace.

"...Data collected."

Winner: Raphael

Time: 2 seconds

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Raphael vs Michelangelo

Mikey bounces into the chair

"I've been training."

"You have?"

"...No." he even chuckled like ‘uh oh’

"Go."

Raph barely pushes, Mikey’s arm folds like a lawn chair. He flops dramatically onto the floor.

"I've been betrayed by my own muscles."

Winner: Raphael

Time: 1.5 seconds

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Leonardo vs Donatello

Donnie sighs

"I know how this ends."

Leo nods

"So do I."

They begin Leo steadily pushes, Donnie actually lasts longer than expected because he's using technique.

Eventually

THUNK

Donnie shrugs

"Expected."

Winner: Leonardo

Time: 9 seconds

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Leonardo vs Michelangelo

Mikey grins

"I'm using positive thinking."

Leo smiles

"I admire the confidence."

Three seconds later

THUNK

Mikey blinks

"...I thought harder than that."

Winner: Leonardo

Time: 3 seconds

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Donatello vs Michelangelo

Everyone leans in cuz this one actually looks competitive. They strain, their arms wobble, back and forth, back and forth.

Finally Michelangelo lets out a yell before Donnie's arm hits the table.

Donnie stares

"...Interesting."

Mikey jumps onto the couch

"I HAVE THE POWER!"

Donnie quietly mutters,

"I skipped arm day."

Winner: Michelangelo

Time: 11 seconds

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Raphael vs Casey

Casey rolls up his sleeve

"I can take him."

April quietly says,

"...No, you can't."

Casey ignores her the match begins and nothing happens because Raph isn't trying.

"...You done?"

Casey grits his teeth

"...No."

Raphael uses one finger

THUNK

The room erupts in laughter Casey points

"You used one finger!"

"I know."

Winner: Raphael

Time: 6 seconds

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Leonardo vs Casey

Casey looks at Leo

"...At least you're nicer."

Leo smiles politely

"I am."

They begin Leo beats him very gently in a gentleman fashion.

Casey nods

"...Yeah, that's about what I expected."

Winner: Leonardo

Time: 8 seconds

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Donatello vs Casey

Casey smirks

"I've got this one."

Donnie raises an eyebrow

"Oh?"

Because reality says otherwise

They lock hands Casey actually gains an inch

Raph yells,

"Don't embarrass us, Don!"

Donnie sighs

"Oh, fine."

He stops holding back Casey's hand slowly goes down.

"...I spoke too soon."

Winner: Donatello

Time: 14 seconds

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Michelangelo vs Casey

Mikey sticks out his hand

"Best two out of three?"

"Sure."

Round one

Casey wins. But only because he rushed the crap out of the push.

Mikey gasps dramatically

"I wasn't ready!"

Round two Mikey actually tries and Casey's hand slams into the table.

Round three they're laughing so hard they almost can't start but Mikey ends up wining again and he runs around the lair.

"I AM UNSTOPPABLE!"

Winner: Michelangelo

Series: 2–1

Total time: About 1 minute

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April vs Vern

The turtles gather around

Vern flexes like it’s impressive

"I've been working out."

April smiles

"Okay."

Ten seconds neither is moving much but Vern starts breathing harder, April quietly pushes. Played him with patience.

THUNK.

Vern stares at his hand

"...I think the table was uneven."

Casey laughs so hard he nearly falls off the couch

Winner: April

Time: 15 seconds

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Casey vs Vern

Vern points at Casey

"I want a rematch against somebody."

Casey sits down

"This'll be quick."

Three…Two. One.

THUNK.

Vern sighs

"...I'm sensing a pattern."

Michelangelo pats him on the shoulder

"You've got great personality."

Winner: Casey

Time: 4 seconds

Y’know what turtle person? Agree! And now I have combined the knowledge of 2016 turtle knowledge plus pet turtle facts and now here I am again. So thank you for inspiring me.

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Sunbathing

I think all four would enjoy it, though none of them would call it "sunbathing." They still have those reptile instincts even if they don’t express them in dramatic ways.

After a night patrol, they might end up on a secluded rooftop just before sunrise.

Michelangelo stretches out on his shell.

"This is the life."

Raphael grunts, already lying flat.

"Five minutes."

Leonardo sits with his back against a rooftop vent, eyes closed, simply enjoying the warmth.

Donatello has a tablet in his lap, pretending to work while quietly soaking up the sun.

April climbs through the rooftop door carrying coffee.

"...You've been up here for an hour, haven't you?"

Leo opens one eye.

"...Maybe."

She laughs.

"I thought turtles liked the water."

Mikey answers without moving.

"We can like two things."

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Favorite Sunbathing Positions

Leo:

• Sits upright against a wall or ventilation unit.

• Back straight, arms resting loosely on knees or crossed.

• Always positioned where he can see entrances.

Leo doesn’t fully “relax” unless he can still monitor the environment. Even sunbathing has a security mindset. He is relaxing but it’s not like Mikey completely lay out exposed relaxing.

Raph

• Flat on his shell or back.

• Arms crossed over chest or flopped out.

• Legs slightly spread like he just dropped there.

Raph uses sunlight like recovery therapy. He really does just flops down and doesn’t move even if Mikey is being annoying. It’s giving big croc vibes cuz you do not wanna disturb his peace.

Donnie

• Half-sitting, half-leaning against a structure.

• Laptop/tablet propped on knees.

• Solar charging gear or small prototype device nearby.

• Sometimes goggles up, sometimes still wearing them.

He moves his lab out to where he is relaxing for his own convenience. He enjoys his warm light but the tinkering brain won’t slow for that long.

Mikey

• Starfish pose on his shell or stomach.

• Arms fully out like he’s melting into the roof.

• Pizza nearby if possible (non-negotiable)

• Sunglasses if he can find them.

Mikey sunbathes like it’s a vacation resort. He does not care, if something goes wrong Leo will say something. He rotates himself too, “Gotta even out the glow.”

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Tanning with April

Not in the traditional "everyone's out sunbathing at a crowded beach" sense—but most definitely a private rooftop. And by private I mean April’s place.

April has a towel spread out. She's reading a book with sunglasses on. The turtles are scattered around the rooftop.

Michelangelo is completely stretched out.

"April."

"Hm?"

"Am I darker than yesterday?"

She peeks over her sunglasses.

"...Mikey..."

"What?"

"...You're green."

He thinks about that.

"...Good point."

Raphael snorts.

Donnie doesn't even look up from his tablet.

"Pigmentation doesn't work like that."

Mikey sighs dramatically.

"There go my dreams."

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Warm water

Especially if we are just talking about bath water, as one would know warm water for ever pet turtles make happy turtles.

Warm water would help relax sore muscles after training or fighting.

If the lair has access to hot showers, I imagine they take advantage of them.

Raphael especially would probably stand under hot water longer after a rough mission, easing aches and bruises.

Donnie might joke that the hot water bill is "Raph's greatest enemy."

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If I had to rank them:

Michelangelo – Loves any excuse to relax in the sun.

Raphael – Acts like he doesn't care, but secretly enjoys just lying in the warmth after training.

Leonardo – Appreciates the quiet and warmth but won't stay long if there's work to do.

SCENT SENSITIVITY HEADCANNONS

I had a thought to many after writing my previous ‘Natural Smell’ that’s about what the turtles would really smell like with and without cologne. This one here is what they can smell since they are turtles.

🌸 Strong perfume or cologne

Probably the biggest one.

If someone sprayed on several pumps of perfume or cologne, the turtles would likely notice it from much farther away than a human could. Up close, it might be unpleasant or even give them a headache.

Michelangelo might jokingly say something like:

"Whoa! Easy on the perfume!"

Donatello would probably be the first to complain because he'd notice the individual chemicals.

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🧴 Body sprays

Think of heavy body sprays or locker-room amounts of deodorant.

A cloud of that in a confined space like the lair?

They'd probably all wave it away.

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🧽 Cleaning chemicals

Bleach.

Ammonia.

Industrial cleaners.

These would be especially harsh underground where there's less fresh airflow. And I did wonder about this myself I time or two since I myself don’t like the smell, I wonder how much more unpleasant it would be for them. Because! They are animals and animals can smell wayyyy better than people can.

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🚬 Smoke

Whether it's cigarette smoke, burning plastic, or thick campfire smoke, they'd likely smell it long before humans would and find it irritating.

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⛽ Gasoline and fuel

Gas stations.

Vehicle exhaust.

Fuel spills.

These odors would be very strong to them and easy to track. Which points me back to the thought process on why they are so good at tracking in the first place. But not because it’s all animal behavior or scent related, I just mean they are better at tracking.

That and because Donnie’s genius with his tracking and Raph with his instincts.

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🌶️ Strong spices

Not necessarily unpleasant, but intense.

Cooking things like:

• Garlic

• Onions

• Hot peppers

• Curry

• Vinegar

would probably fill the entire lair with scent from their perspective.

Michelangelo might love it because "Pizza's almost ready!"

Raphael would just complain that he's hungry.

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🗑️ Rotting garbage

Ironically, while they live in the sewer, fresh sewage isn't necessarily the worst smell because they're accustomed to it.

Rotting food left out for days, spoiled meat, or mold would likely stand out much more because those are biologically important odors to detect.

—————————————————————

🐶 Animals

Dogs, cats, horses, and other animals would each have very distinct scents.

The turtles could probably identify what animal had been somewhere even after it was gone.

—————————————————————

🩸 Blood

They'd notice the smell of blood quickly, especially in enclosed spaces.

Not because they're predators in a horror sense, but because blood has a very distinctive metallic scent that many animals can detect.

What wouldn't bother them as much?

Things they've lived around for years become "background noise."

That includes:

• Damp concrete.

• Flowing sewer water.

• Wet earth.

• Rusty pipes.

• Mild mildew.

Their own natural scent and each other's.

They'd probably stop consciously noticing those unless something changed.

Funny contrast

Imagine April wearing an extra-strong vanilla perfume.

To another human:

"Oh, that's nice."

To the turtles:

"April entered the subway three minutes ago, she's carrying coffee, used vanilla perfume, washed her hair this morning, and she's coming from the east tunnel."

Their noses would likely make them excellent trackers, but it also means very strong artificial fragrances would be much more intense for them than for the average person. Literally because they are turtles.

April O'Neil

April is a field reporter, so she isn't always polished by the end of the day, but she clearly takes care of herself.

Most days she'd smell:

• Fresh shampoo.

• Clean laundry.

• A light floral or citrus body wash.

• Maybe a subtle perfume that's noticeable only when you're close.

After a day chasing leads through warehouses or the sewer with the turtles, she'd pick up:

• Dust.

• Sweat.

• A little sewer moisture.

• Still mostly like herself underneath it all.

The turtles would probably associate her scent with "clean" because it's so different from the environment they live in.

Casey Jones

He'd realistically smell like:

• Laundry detergent.

• Leather from gloves or gear.

• Deodorant.

• Sweat after working or fighting.

• A faint masculine body wash.

If he wears any fragrance, it'd likely be something simple rather than expensive or overpowering—just enough that people notice he's clean.

After a fight, all bets are off. He'd mostly smell like:

• Sweat.

• Dust.

• Asphalt.

Whatever environment he just came from.

Vern Fenwick

Vern is image-conscious and enjoys being seen as the hero.

He'd probably smell the most intentionally groomed out of the three.

• Hair product.

• Fresh cologne (maybe a little more than necessary).

• Crisp dress shirts.

• Clean soap.

He strikes me as someone who checks his appearance before leaving the house and wants to make a good impression.

NATURAL SMELL

Because I think too much about the BAYVERSE TURTLES I specifically asked myself what they actually might smell like. Not being weird! Just what they actually smell like and not just what we pick just because we like them.

How do they naturally smell?

They probably don't smell good by human standards, but not necessarily because they're turtles.

Think of a combination of:

• Damp concrete.

• Freshwater and algae.

• Old pipes.

• Wet fabric.

• Leather gear that's been used for years.

• A faint reptilian/musky scent.

If they've just come back from a mission through the sewers, that smell would be noticeably stronger.

However, they're also shown caring about themselves and their home. Their lair isn't pristine, but it's organized enough that they're clearly not living in complete filth.

Do they bathe?

Almost certainly.

The lair has running water and plumbing. It's hard to imagine Splinter letting them go weeks without washing.

A realistic routine would probably be:

• Shower after patrols.

• Wash off sewer grime before relaxing.

• Clean shells and gear regularly.

That alone would remove most of the "sewer smell.”

Could they use deodorant?

Yes.

There's nothing stopping them.

In fact, it makes sense they'd use stick deodorant if April ever brought them some or they bought it themselves during supply runs.

It wouldn't completely eliminate their natural scent, but it would help with sweat, especially because they train constantly.

Cologne?

Probably—but differently for each turtle.

Heavy cologne would actually be a bad idea during stealth missions because strong fragrances make you easier to detect.

If any of them wore something, it'd likely be very light.

My guesses:

• Leonardo: Maybe a subtle clean scent if he ever uses one. Nothing flashy.

• Raphael: Probably doesn't bother most days unless someone nags him.

• Donatello: More interested in hygiene than fragrance. He'd probably use unscented products because strong scents could bother him while working with electronics.

• Michelangelo: Absolutely the one most likely to experiment with body spray or cheap cologne because he thinks it smells cool.

Do humans notice?

Yes.

April has known them long enough she'd probably stop noticing unless they've just crawled out of a sewer tunnel.

Someone meeting them for the first time would probably think:

"...Why does it smell damp in here?"

rather than,

"They smell like garbage."

Would Splinter encourage hygiene?

Absolutely.

• Splinter teaches discipline.

• That likely extends to:

• Washing after training.

• Keeping weapons clean.

• Maintaining gear.

• Taking care of themselves.

Good hygiene fits his philosophy of respecting yourself and your environment.

Most realistic conclusion

The "they constantly reek like raw sewage" idea is probably exaggerated in fan works.

A more accurate headcanon is:

• After a patrol, they smell like damp tunnels, wet concrete, leather, and a mild reptilian musk.

• After a shower, they're mostly clean but still have a faint unique reptile scent humans would notice up close.

A SHOULDER TO LEAN ON

This is just about reactions to April or any friend of theirs that’s willing to sit that close.

—————————————————————

Leonardo

Leo goes still for half a second. Not uncomfortable just alert.

He’s used to: Keeping distance, being the responsible one, watching how humans react. So when she sits close?

He studies it.

Quietly.

He won’t move away—but he also won’t lean in.

What he does feel:

Respect

And cautious appreciation

If she stays there long enough, he relaxes slightly but he’ll always be aware of it.

—————————————————————

Raphael

Raph reacts the strongest—internally. Externally? He might scoff, shift a little, act like it doesn’t matter.

But the truth is:

He’s not used to gentle contact that isn’t aggressive

He expects people to flinch from him

So when she doesn’t?

It throws him off.

He might mutter something like: “You’re real comfortable, huh?” But he doesn’t move away. And if she stays? He settles.

That’s big for him.

—————————————————————

Donatello

Donnie short-circuits a little. Not dramatically—but: His posture stiffens, his brain is suddenly very aware of proximity.

He’s thinking:

Is this okay?

Does she realize how close she is? Should I move? Would that offend her? But he’s kind of… touched by it.

Not romantically—just emotionally.

Because it means:

She’s comfortable around him

If she casually brushes his arm or leans slightly?

He freezes for a second then very carefully doesn’t move at all so he doesn’t mess it up.

—————————————————————

Michelangelo

Mikey notices immediately and loves it.

But even he tones it down a little.

He’s used to being: The fun one the approachable one, this is different. This is quiet trust.

He might grin, glance at his brothers like “you seeing this?”

But instead of making a joke right away, he: Stays still for a second. Lets the moment exist

Then eventually:

“Okay, just so we’re clear… this means you like me the most, right?”

“Who is most likely to sneak out for a girl?”

Short answer? Michelangelo first, Raphael second, Donatello maybe, Leonardo last.

But it’s less about who would and more about why they would.

—————————————————————

Michelangelo — Driven by Feeling in the Moment

Mikey is the most likely by a mile. If he’s interested in a girl, he follows the feeling immediately. He’s impulsive, curious, and doesn’t overthink consequences in the moment. Sneaking out wouldn’t even feel like a big rule-break to him — more like “I’ll be back before anyone notices.” It’s not about disrespect, it’s just how he’s wired: heart first, brain later.

Mikey doesn’t need a big, dramatic reason.

What pushes him:

He misses her and gets bored/lonely

A conversation that ends too soon

Realizing he likes her and wanting more time

The simple thought: “I could go see her right now…”

He doesn’t sit with that thought long. He just… goes.

—————————————————————

Raphael — Driven by Intensity & Protectiveness

Raphael is next, but for a totally different reason. He wouldn’t sneak out just for a casual crush — it would have to matter. If he’s genuinely into a girl, or feels protective of her, he’d absolutely break rules to see her. His version of sneaking out is more intense, more deliberate. He knows he’s not supposed to… he just decides he doesn’t care.

Raph needs a reason that feels important.

What pushes him:

Someone upset her or disrespected her

He thinks she might be in trouble

Jealousy or fear of losing her

She pulls away emotionally and he doesn’t understand why

His mindset is more like: “I’m going. End of discussion.”

—————————————————————

Donatello — Driven by Emotional Risk vs Reward

Donnie is tricky. He wouldn’t normally sneak out — rules, safety, logic, all of that matters to him. But if he really liked someone (and especially if there’s already an emotional bond), he might bend his own rules. Not recklessly like Mikey or defiantly like Raph — more like carefully planned, minimized-risk sneaking out. He’d justify it to himself the whole time.

Donnie is the one who debates himself the longest.

What pushes him:

A deep conversation that lingers in his mind

Realizing she trusts him specifically

Missing her in a quiet, persistent way

Knowing she’d never ask him to come, even if she wanted him there

His thought process:

“This is a bad idea… but not going feels worse.”

—————————————————————

Leonardo — Driven by Internal Conflict (Almost Never Action) is the least likely. It’s not that he wouldn’t feel interest — he absolutely would — but responsibility wins almost every time. He’d struggle with it internally instead of acting on it. If he ever did sneak out, it would mean the situation is serious and he’s already been pushed way past his comfort zone.

Leo’s barrier isn’t lack of feeling—it’s discipline.

What pushes him (if anything):

He believes she genuinely needs him

A situation where not going feels like failure

A breaking point where responsibility and emotion collide

His mindset:

“I shouldn’t… but if I don’t, I’m letting her down.”

The “Absolutely Not” Habits

Stuff they don’t even talk about just react to.

—————————————————————

🍕 Food Crimes

Michelangelo

Eats pizza that’s been sitting out way too long

“It’s still good” (it is NOT still good)

Will sniff something once and decide it’s safe

Reaction:

Leo: “Put it down.”

Donnie: “That is a biohazard.”

Raph: physically removes it

—————————————————————

Raphael

Eats fast. Too fast. No chewing awareness

Will absolutely eat something straight out of the fridge with no plate

Reaction:

Mikey: “BRO breathe??”

Donnie: looks away

Leo: “Sit down and eat like a person.”

—————————————————————

🧪 Lab & Hygiene… Situations

Donatello

Forgets food/drinks in the lab

Cups. Containers. Unknown substances.

“I was going to throw that out” (he was not)

Reaction:

Raph: “What IS that??”

Mikey: gagging instantly

Leo: “We are cleaning this. Now.”

—————————————————————

🥊 Post-Training Reality

Raphael

Walks in sweaty, drops gear anywhere

Sits down like it’s fine

Reaction:

Mikey: “NO—NO—GO SHOWER—”

Donnie: physically relocates equipment

Leo: “You’re not sitting there like that.”

—————————————————————

😬 The “Why Would You Do That” Moments

Mikey again (because of course)

Licks fingers mid-conversation double-dips without thinking, will absolutely offer food after doing that.

Reaction:

Everyone: immediate rejection

Raph: “I’m not eating that.”

Leo: “You’ve lost food privileges.”

Donnie (unintentionally gross)

Gets so focused he forgets basic things like: eating properly, sleeping, cleaning up

Then suddenly:

drinks something questionable doesn’t notice

Reaction:

Mikey: “HOW ARE YOU ALIVE—”

Raph: “That’s disgusting.”

Leo: concerned disappointment

—————————————————————

🤢 Younger vs Now

When they were younger. Way worse. More chaos, less awareness. More “eh, it’s fine”

Now? Slightly better. More self-aware. Still… not great

The Unspoken Rule

If something crosses the line? They don’t argue.

TMNT BAYVERSE X Talenti Flavors

Gelato, Sorbet, Dessert

I love Talenti gelato ok? I discovered it by TikTok last year of 2025 and ever since I have been a fan these:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Batter

• Cookies and Cream

Both are the gelato layers but they are addicting. Trust me! And if you don’t like those then there is actual sorbet, gelatos, bakery selection, mini bars. I just know those two are amazing.

Anyway- these are my flavor head-cannons based on what I think suits 2016 turtles.

—————————————————————

Leonardo

• Vanella Fudge Gelato layers

• Snickerdoodle Cookie Gelato layers

• Italian Tiramisu Gelato layers

•Lemon sorbet or strawberry

For being a leader he needs a break and something nice and simple. No the layers of gelato aren’t simple but spooning it is very easy.

His break time, vanilla. The blue eyes tell me he’s vanilla. Also he’s good about his fruits.

—————————————————————

Raph

• Chocolate Fudge Brownie Gelato layers

• Snickerdoodle Gelato layers

• Vanilla Fudge Gelato layers

• Italian Tiramisu Gelato layers

• Alphono Mango Sorbet

I don’t have another reason to defend all the chocolate options besides the fact that vanilla always has a chocolate. Leo and Raph, vanilla and chocolate. Y’know?

Plus he did call April’s wasabi peas rabbit food so that was my hint to his junk food field.

But the mango is just because he’s very fit and doesn’t always need something just for sweetness.

—————————————————————

Donnie

• Salted Caramel Truffle Gelato layers

• Coffee Cookie Crumble Gelato layers

• Chocolate Fudge Brownie Gelato layers

• Italian Tiramisu Gelato layers

• Zesty Lemon Sorbet

The coffee one is obvious based on his coffee said addiction. I could see him being classy with a salted caramel, fudge maybe if he feels out there.

He likes Wild Berry pop-tarts so yes I think his taste can be sweet.

Donnie literally screamed in the 2014 “Tiramisu for everybody!!!” Also I love the idea he purposefully experiments with taste for his own sake.

—————————————————————

Mikey

• Confetti Cookie Gelato layers

• Strawberry Shortcake Gelato layers

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Batter layers

• Italian Tiramisu Gelato layers

Cannot convince me he’s the most wild with the flavors. 2012 version of him was making everything I know Mikey has an iron stomach and I love it. He’s trying all the crazy flavors and I’ll sit with him too.

I personally favor the Cookie Batter one because let me tell you when it’s soft enough to scoop and you flip that sucker on its side. OOHHH! Perfect bite.

—————————————————————

April

• Strawberry Shortcake Gelato layers

• Cookies and Cream Gelato layers

• Roman Raspberry Sorbet

• Alphonso Mango sorbet

• Summer Strawberry sorbet

Girl is a girl. If it’s the gelato she’s got a good snack that’s flavor and relaxing, but the sorbet I believe is a better fit for her. It’s fruit based, not as fat, very clean. And a lot of flavor.

But she offers to share hers of the body wanna taste.

—————————————————————

Casey

Dude likes rockey road.

• Chocolate Fudge Brownie Gelato layer

• Cookies and Cream Gelato layer

• Peanut Butter Vanilla Fudge Gelato layer

He likes his bold flavor as well. A “that one” he doesn’t care until he bites it and he does like it.

—————————————————————

Splinter

• Italian Tiramisu Gelato layers

• Vanella Fudge Gelato layers

• Raspberry or Strawberry sorbet

He’s hard to judge this on. Not positive on the Gelato layers at all but if he did have any taste is maybe simple but I know he would be sampling off his sons. I think he’ll enjoy the fruit sorbets instead by far.

Rewatching Stranger Things again because Season 5 has finished. I just wanna say this is where I first started liking Steve, and only because he’s so relatable in this scene. It’s both parts funny as is honestly how I might even react.

He actually showed up to apologize to Jonathan without Nancy. Without knowing she was even there so that shows he really did try to do better.

Though he did run away he came back swinging. A bat! He came back scared but he still didn’t coward away. I admire it.

And he won the fight!

The turtles are reptiles.

Their skin is thicker, scaled, and keratinized differently than human skin.

Human pimples happen because: Hair follicles, sebaceous oil glands, trapped bacteria. Reptile skin doesn’t work like that. They don’t have the same oil gland system.

So classic acne = basically not a thing for them.

So could they ever get skin irritation?

Of course!

Now I do remember the episode form the 2012 TMNT show where Mikey did get shell acne but it’s because he directly put *sprinkled* mutagen on his own skin and that’s what it was so bad. But that’s not how it actually works for them anyway.

And they don’t have hair fall or skin loss, they get scale irritation, scratches from training, occasional clogging pores but their pores are not ours.

Reptiles form my understanding have visible pores on their legs or at least beardeddragons do. But their mutation let them heal fast.

Their immune systems are so strong I mean remember Raph’s cracked shell in 2014? Ya he was only taking a cat nap then he got up. They are much stronger.

I’m placing this in Season 3 “The Mall Rats” episode right when Steve’s claims he can just “Y’know, sneak up behind him knock him out, take his keys. It’s easy.” and Dustin burns Steve with “Bro OK, just be honest with me. Have you ever actually…won a fight?”

—————————————————————

The bell over the door jingles.

Steve is halfway through complaining under his breath about his hat when Dustin lights up.

“—OH MY GOD.”

Steve winces. “Dustin, inside voice—”

Dustin is already leaning over the counter.

“She reads the dragon books.”

Steve blinks. “The— what?”

That’s when he looks up.

And there she is.

Hair down, all those natural toggle blonde catching the mall light like it doesn’t even have to try. Dark top, light bottoms. Mascara, but not heavy. Calm. Unbothered. Holding a folded bill like she’s already decided what she wants.

She freezes.

Just for half a second.

Because Steve Harrington is standing behind the counter in a sailor uniform.

A sailor uniform.

Hat and all.

They just stare at each other.

“…Hi,” she says finally.

Steve’s brain completely shorts out.

“—Hi.”

Robin, polishing a scoop, looks between them.

“Ohhh. This is interesting.”

Darci turns to Dustin first, like that’s safer.

“Hey. You got taller.”

Dustin beams. “I know.”

Then she nods politely at Robin.

“Hi.”

Robin grins. “Hey. Welcome to Scoops Ahoy, where dreams go to melt.”

Darci blinks. “You—” she gestures vaguely at Steve, clearly rebooting “—work here?”

Steve rubs the back of his neck.

“Yeah. Uh. Temporary. Court-ordered.”

*He immediately grimaces.*

“—I mean mall-ordered.”

Her mouth twitches. Not a smile. But close.

“I didn’t know,” she says. “You look… different.”

Robin snorts. “That’s one word for it.”

Steve straightens defensively.

“It’s a uniform.”

“Mmhmm,” Robin says. “A statement uniform.”

Darci looks at the menu like it’s suddenly very serious.

“Do you have… anything without coffee?”

Steve relaxes instantly.

“Oh. Yeah. Tons. We have, uh—” he gestures “—basically pure sugar.”

She nods approvingly.

“Good.”

Dustin squints. “You don’t like coffee?”

“Nope.”

Steve points at her, triumphant.

“See? Normal.”

Robin raises an eyebrow.

“Steve, you drink coffee like it’s medicine.”

“It is medicine.”

Darci glances back at Steve.

“You okay?”

He pauses.

Actually pauses.

Then shrugs. “Yeah. Better, I think.”

She nods once, satisfied.

“I’ll take… whatever has the most cookies in it.”

Robin grabs a scoop.

“Coming right up. No caffeine, no judgment.”

As Robin turns away, Steve lowers his voice.

“You didn’t know I worked here?”

She shakes her head.

“I don’t really come to the mall.”

“…Why are you here now?”

She glances at Dustin.

“He begged.”

Dustin throws his hands up. “I needed morale support!”

Steve huffs a laugh before he can stop himself.

It’s easy. Too easy.

Robin slides the ice cream across.

“On the house.”

Darci blinks. “You don’t have to—”

“I know,” Robin says brightly. “But I want to.”

Darci hesitates, then accepts it.

“…Thank you.”

She turns to leave, then pauses.

Looks back at Steve.

“You pull it off,” she says.

“The hat, I mean.”

Steve’s ears turn red.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

She nods at Dustin, gives Robin a small smile, and walks away like she didn’t just knock Steve Harrington completely off balance.

Robin watches her go.

Then, slowly:

“Steve.”

“Yeah?”

“If you say one weird thing right now, I will end you.”

Steve exhales, staring after her.

“…She doesn’t even like coffee.”

Robin smirks.

“Oh, you’re done.”

—————————————————————

Scoops Ahoy — five minutes later

The bell jingles again as Darci leaves.

Steve watches the door like it might explain something if he stares long enough.

Robin waits.

Counts three scoops in her head.

Then:

“So.”

Steve doesn’t look at her.

“…So.”

Robin leans both elbows on the counter.

“Who. Was. That.”

Steve clears his throat.

“She’s just— she’s from school.”

Robin tilts her head.

“Steve. I know ‘from school.’ That was not ‘from school.’ That was history.”

Dustin pipes up from his cone.

“She’s smart. And nice. And she helped me with math once.”

Robin snaps her fingers.

“SEE? Endorsed by a child. That’s huge.”

Steve finally looks at Robin.

“It’s not like that.”

Robin smiles.

The kind that means it absolutely is.

“Oh? Because from where I’m standing, you just:

forgot how to speak

defended her beverage preferences

and turned the exact shade of a ripe tomato”

Steve groans.

“I did not.”

Robin raises an eyebrow.

“Steve Harrington. You have dated exactly one girl who didn’t like coffee, and that was—”

Steve cuts her off.

“Okay, no. Stop. This isn’t— she’s not—”

“What?” Robin presses. “Not Nancy?”

That lands.

Steve exhales and leans back against the freezer.

“…She helped me. Last year. With school.”

Robin softens a fraction.

“Oh.”

“Didn’t make a big deal out of it,” he adds quickly.

“Didn’t try to—” he gestures vaguely “—be anything.”

Robin studies him.

“So she’s the kind that doesn’t need you.”

Steve shrugs.

“I guess.”

Robin grins.

“Yeah. That’s the kind you notice too late.”

Steve frowns.

“I noticed.”

Robin snorts.

“Sure you did. Sailor Boy.”

Dustin slurps his ice cream.

“She comes back sometimes. Only if she has money.”

Robin lights up.

“WAIT. She’s a repeat customer?”

Steve blinks.

“…She is?”