#leoaskgame

So, a few weeks ago, there was a TMNT Mikey Ask game going around and it was so much fun answering those questions! It didn't seem right that the other brothers didn't have one so I thought I'd start with my second favorite turtle, Leonardo!

So, reblog, tag your mutuals (and favorote Leo-lovers, looking at you @emeraldhonour) and if you're up to questions, tell your friends to send them! Use #LeoAskGame with your answers!

I'm always open for questions and Leo is my second favorite turtle!

THE LEO ASK GAME

Question I: What is your favorite version of Leonardo and why?

Question 2: How did you first fall in love with Leonardo?

Question 3: What are some of your headcanons about Leonardo?

Question 4: What are some of your favorite Leo-centric episodes/movies and why?

Question 5: Any Leo headcanons you don't accept?

Question 6: How would you "fix" your least favorite versions of Leo?

Question 7: Do you own any Leo-merch?

Question 8: What is your favorite brother to pair with Leo and why?

Question 9: Any unpopular opinions about Leonardo?

Question I0: Favorite "new approach/trait" that you've seen done with Leo?

Question II: Favorite fanfics/art about Leo that you've either done or found?

Question 12: Have your opinions on Leo changed over time? Which ones?

Question 13: Favorite dynamic outside of his brothers?

Question 14: What do you hope gets explored with Leo in the future?

Question 15: Have you created your own version of Leo? Tell us about them!

Hello! Thank you for the ask :)

Question 13: Favorite dynamic outside of his brothers?

We don't tend to see it very much, but I adore platonic Leo and April!

Something about them being the two responsible, "older" siblings, and sharing a kinship over their shared understanding of wrangling the others 😅

Also, I just melt when they step in to protect each other.

One of the TMNT Summer Shorts produced by Nickelodeon - "We Strike Hard & Fade Away Into the Night" - has this, and I am here for it! The part at the start especially, where Leo pulls April out of the train car as they call to one another - chef's kiss!

(Also, April is rocking that side shave).

For the Leo ask game, please :)

Question 2: How did you first fall in love with Leonardo?

Question 12: Have your opinions on Leo changed over time? Which ones?

Question 14: What do you hope gets explored with Leo in the future?

Thanks for the ask! :D

2: What first got me with Leo was the bathtub scene in the 1990 movie when he was watching over Raph and then made amends with him when he woke up. I've always loved caretaker type characters, loyalty and tenderness and forgiveness and prioritizing family, and he showed all of that in those scenes <3

12: Not so much opinions but tastes, I guess? I like '07 Leo and Rise Leo a little less than I used to and surprisingly Bayverse Leo doesn't bother me quiteee as much as he used to, thanks to a few fanworks that had interesting takes on him and his choices.

Hiya! Thank you for the ask 💚

It's funny to me how side-shuffling-hyperfixations and catbowserauthor chose Raph and Mikey respectively, because I'm here to round out the set by choosing Donnie XD

I feel like Leo & Donnie are a largely underrated duo in most versions (outside of Rise's Disaster Twins).

They're the two "serious" Turtles, so they don't tend to be as loud and chaotic - and therefore fun to watch - as other duos.

But I love their dynamic!

I love how they nearly always have each other's corner. I love how you can just tell how much these 2 are kindred spirits. I love how at ease they are with each other, and how much they implicitly trust each other.

They're the problem solvers of the group. They're the introverts. They're the deep thinkers. They're the Heads to Raph & Mikey's Hearts.

I feel like any time spent with these 2 would just be super chill and relaxing (that is, if you find Don's welding or Leo’s katas relaxing 😅).

Thanks for the question!

I adore pairing Leo and Mikey together. They are so different in so many wats but I think they balance one another out beautifully.

I find that Leo really respects Mikey, moreso than the rest of their family sometimes, and when they're paired together, you can really see how much Leo trusts and believes in his brother.

I find that a lot of Mikey's showboating, especially 03 Mikey, disappears when it's just them because Mikey doesn't feel like he has to compete for attention.

I think you'll see Mikey's best side come out around Leo. The side that doesn't feel like it has to put on an act because who he is will be enough

On the other side, Leo knows that Mikey for the most part trusts his judgement and isn't going to challenge him. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. And I think it helps Leo to relax, to embrace that wee bit of chaos that Mikey embodies. And to learn to use that chaos.

But ultimately I love that when it's just these two, they communicate so well. I think Mikey can let out some of his creative side because Leo will listen to him. Leo finds himself considering different angles he hadn't considered before.

I also just love the oldest brother-little brother dynamic. They're both so protective of one another in their own ways. And they genuinely each want to please the other.

Ultimately, it boils down to such complete and utter trust in each other and I adore that.

Sorry this took so long. I wanted ti be detailed!

Question I: What is your favorite version of Leonardo and why?

I've always been pretty tied between 2003 Leo and 1987 Leo as my favorites. So, I'll answer for both of them.

1987 Leonardo was first introduction to the character and he has so many of the traits that I love in a Leo: honor, a strong sense of right and wrong, a desire to protect and just the right amount of goofballness.

He's a book nerd and it totally shows. I love that he is well-read and him being so unabashedly in love with books just makes me squeal.

He also had the perfectionism that all Leos seem to possess, leading him to become obsessive. His brothers act like they're well used to this so I feel this Leo can let himself get sucked into things. Usually with good intentions but to his detriment. We see a few times that he would train until his body gave out if his brothers let him.

His genuine love for his clan's history also gives him this introspection I adore. He definitely romantized "old Japan" but he's so infatuated with it (and actually does learn accuracy from fantasy when given the chance) that you're willing to forgive him for it.

And despite the shackles of being a 80s cartoon, this Leo was still insanely skilled but he didn't flaunt it, something I really appreciate.

And if we wanna talk about Mama Nardos, pretty sure this one started the trend. It's not that he doesn't trust his brothers but he loves them so damn much that he doesn't trust everyone else.

This Leo is a Boy Scout and it's one reason I adore him.

Then we have 2003 Leo and I likewise adore this boy but for very different reasons!

I don't think his character development is any surprise to people but I really adore it. When I first saw it, I definitely appreciated it but rewatching it as an adult just hits on a different level. And in a way that sort of breaks my heart.

Watch Leo from Season 1. He leads because his brotjers turn ro him but he's still a teen. He jokes around, he does crazy stuff with his brothers. He might gripe about them breaking the rules but he's right there with them. He has this light and joy in his eyes that lets you know he wants to enjoy life, no matter what poor choices it might throw at him.

Now look at Season 5 or Season 4 Leo. He's measured, calculated. He's looking at the world no longer as opportunity but as a threat. Something he has to assess and be ready for. He still smiles, still has joy but its much more restrained. He's on alert, ready to act in a minute.

The light has dulled; it's not gone but the way he looks at the world has been permanently altered. He can't just see it as simple curiosity because he knows the danger. He knows danger lies in wait. And he has taken it upon himself to claim responsibility for his family's safety.

This isn't a fair thing he's doing to himself. He's still a kid. But Leo views himself as leader, as guide and that means protector. It's one way he and Raph are so alike.

Leo has such a strong bond with his family and I adore him for that. They are his entire world and while it's so unfair he puts so much pressure on himself, the fact he cares so deeply that they're safe and more importantly happy--it just melts my heart.

Seeing him regain his happiness--and form a new outlook on life in Season 4 is so utterly satisfying. It's not the same as before; that is gone. But he's taken all that trauma he's lived through and turned it into stepping stones. Easily one of the best arcs on trauma I've seen done.

Question 5: Any Leo headcanons you don't accept?

Hmmm....while I definitely like the idea that Leo is a disaster in the kitchen, I do think he can make rice and noodle dishes well. Especially traditional ramen. So, while there is not a lot he can cook, what he can cook, he's really good at. So, he IS a terrible cook but I think Donnie is a worse one.

2003 Leo can speak Japanese very well but writing it...not so much.

87 Leo can write, read, and speak it fluently--being the only one of his brothers that speaks with a proper accent.

I personally see Leo as aroace but I know a lot of people head-canon him as gay or bi. I'm not against those either but to me, he's completely asexual.

Question 9: Any unpopular opinions about Leonardo?

Always hard to tell if opinions are inpopular or not but here we go! Couple of these probably fall into headcanon territory:

I think him and Raph clash because they see so much of themselves in the other. They're extremely similar, they just express it in different ways. So, in my mind, Leo also has a bad temper, maybe even more-so than Raph at times. But Raph expresses his physically. Leo uses words which in some ways is worse.

I view Leo as the eldest brother, by at least several weeks, more in some scenarios. I know for the people that consider them quadruplets, this might be unpopular.

I feel Splinter has done Leo a big disservice (how much of one depends on the incarnation) by all the pressure he puts on him. It's made him responsible, yes but it's also made him have severe eldest-daughter syndrome and he'll be dealing with that the rest of his life.

Question II: Favorite fanfics/art about Leo that you've either done or found?

Ooo...any of mine are going to share page time with Mikey. But I think Trade Offs was fun to do. It's mainly Mikey POV but I got to play with their dynamic which was fun.

Some great ones I've found:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/59146909

A great follow up to Batman Vs the TMNT. A simple roadtrip home is going to send Leo's blood pressure through the roof.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/69614921

A much needed follow up to the 87 "Leonardo Lightens Up." They deal with the emotional fallout of trying ti change their brother and it's so awesome.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/57617686/chapters/146613604

The fear fungus from 2012 in the 2003 universe. It's as awesome as it sounds.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55175404/chapters/139926340

Beautiful expansion on 03 Leo reuniting with his family!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63839743

Question 3: What are some of your headcanons about Leonardo?

Question 4: What are some of your favorite Leo-centric episodes/movies and why?

Question 6: How would you "fix" your least favorite versions of Leo?

Thanks for asking (and for making this game in the first place!)

3: This isn't all of my headcanons and I've definitely talked about most of them before but this is a nice spot to compile them in one place (If you see me projecting, no, you don't lol)

Introvert (hence relying on meditation so much; it's time to recharge)

Ambidextrous or trying to train himself to be

Aroace

OCD

Best singer of the four

Recovers the slowest from illness (which undoubtedly frustrates him to no end)

Some favorite flavors include any kind of chocolate + hazelnut combo, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, anise/black licorice/black jelly beans and the like. High spice tolerance, average sour tolerance

Enjoys photography and scrapbooking, as I've mentioned before with this evidence. He'd probably enjoy origami too

Likes wind chimes <3 If they lived above ground he'd probably start collecting them, they're soothing and aesthetically pleasing

Every version of Leo has a fear of heights in my heart and I agree with emeraldhonour that he never fully overcame it; he's just trained himself to push through it anyway

The poor guy loses his stoicism and gets all weepy and emotional when he's on meds like heavy-duty cough syrup or painkillers

Weak spots for physical affection are his neck and shoulders (and gentle finger strokes down the bridge of his beak but he doesn't really remember that one cause Splinter used it most when he was a baby and it conks him out fast XD)

His love language is quality time, especially when he's been explicitly invited/sought out for x activity or it's one-on-one bonding

4: The Shredder Strikes Back, Tales of Leo and his scenes in The Monster Hunter are a given; it's such an important part of his character development, seeing how he processes his first major defeat - not to mention kinda setting the stage/giving us a sampler taste of how he ends up going down the tubes after Exodus. He was well on his way down the self-blame and shame spiral until Raph came to the barn and helped him get out of his funk. Then later we get to see how a major defeat aftermath would go if he kept spiraling and comforting intervention were shut down and out.

Leonardo, the Renaissance Turtle was great too. We all Know deep down Leonardo wrestles with self-doubt and anxiety and uncertainty in his leadership that he copes with/hides with classic gallant heroism but it was interesting to see it more overtly, questioning and comparing himself to the others when he didn't have them behind him, and sweet to see April step up to encourage him through it.

And a smaller scene that most people don't talk about because I don't know many who enjoy the third 90s movie but I liked the part where he gave CPR to the boy after he was rescued from the fire and earned the village's respect. Just another show of the classic good determined caretaker Leonardo we know and love ^^

6: This is totally subjective and as such would be a totally subjective "fix" that others may not agree with - and may even think it undermines the point, whoops. Because it seems necessary for the sake of character development and maturing and such but a lot of Rise Leo's antics just rub me the wrong way :'D Like I know they're supposed to, I see what they were going for, especially when he's suddenly deemed leader and he's acting out.

But maybe instead of having him act out with all that flashy one-man-show arrogance, I'd have him come across more compressed by the burden of the role, to the point that the flashy façade coping mechanism he's fallen back on before has stopped working. And maybe he'd become the one-man-show by getting irritably impulsive because of how stressful it is to manage everything rather than the false-arrogance impulsive, like "I don't want to be in this position, let's just get xyz over with ASAP, I'll do it myself" type of deal, which would still cause the team tension and frustration without being as grating imo.

Leo and Raph all day every day!

I did a big emotional spiel about their dynamic with a bunch of moments between them that I love in 2003 (the best version of their bond in my opinion!) I won't rehash the whole thing here but basically it boils down to how they back each other up and balance each other out as Sword & Shield Duo.

They both feel so deeply about everything - fiercely protective and loyal, strong stances about right and wrong. Even if they don't always go about enforcing those stances the same way, they question each other to make sure they know where they stand and keep their priorities straight. Iron sharpens iron; they keep each other sharp.

And ultimately they know they have the same goal at heart: protecting those they care about. Even when they disagree, they'll be there to back each other up when it matters most. And when they do agree, they'll be there for each other even - maybe especially - in the small things. One of the moments I pointed out in that other post which sums up their shared priorities so well is a small one but that's what makes it more impactful in my mind.

Leo: And even if the Shredder’s still out there, no matter what he throws at us, no matter how he messes with our lives, nothing he does will change the most important thing: that we're family. Mikey: [laughing at him] Leo, that was off the charts in the sap-o-meter! You’ve been watching way too many after-school specials, bro! Raph: Just eat your s’mores and keep quiet, Mikey. Leo’s got a point.

It's a low stakes domestic campfire scene where brotherly teasing could probably slide like no big deal - but Leo's saying it so earnestly and wholeheartedly, he really means it, and Raph agrees. He wouldn't have said it in the same words but that's what is at his core too, The Family TM, and he doesn't let Leo get heckled for expressing it. He immediately jumps in to cut off Mikey's teasing and backs him up in his typical firmer, blunter way that he has a point.